KP Group to invest over 5,000 crore in 10 GWh battery cell manufacturing
Gujarat-based renewable energy firm plans to commission the first phase by March 2028, while expanding its battery storage business across Africa and Europe after 2030
Book Reveals Sonias Love for Gujarati Food, Dal-Chawal
In her new memoir, she recalls how Indian cuisine became an integral part of her life.
Amul hikes milk prices across India: Check new rates for Taaza and Gold variants
Consumers buying Amul milk across India will have to pay more from November 12, 2026, as the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) has announced a hike in the prices of its fresh packaged milk variants. The increase will range from around 3.3% to 5.5%, depending on the type of milk.
Sonia Gandhi Loves Gujarati, Bengali Food, Can't Go A Day Without This Dish
Sonia Gandhi shared her fondness for food a day after her memoir 'Belonging: A Journey Of Love' came out, which also makes several references to how food always played an important role in her life.
Man opens fire on father, brother over property dispute in Maha's Thane, injures both seriously
Digital Desk | Thane, Nov 11 (IANS) A man allegedly opened fire on his father and brother following a property dispute in Gurvali village of Kalyan taluka in Maharashtra's Thane district, seriously injuring both, police said. The accused, identified as Kalpesh Shelar, allegedly fired at his father, Balaram Shelar, and brother, Bharat Shelar. According to reports, Balaram sustained a gunshot injury to his stomach, while Bharat was shot in the shoulder. Both were rushed to a private hospital for immediate medical attention and are currently undergoing treatment. Their condition is stated to be serious. Following information about the incident, police took prompt action and arrested Kalpesh Shelar. The Titwala police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the firing. The incident has caused a stir in Gurvali village and adjoining areas, with the alleged involvement of a son in an attack on his own father and brother over a property dispute triggering shock among local residents. In a similar incident reported earlier, on October 19, a 25-year-old man was arrested from Gujarat's Bharuch for allegedly murdering his 59-year-old father following a dispute over money to purchase a car in Maharashtra's Palghar district. The accused, identified as Mukesh Parmar, allegedly slit his father Mohanlal Parmar's throat with a grinder during an argument over money. The father and son were living together, while Mohanlal's wife was away at their native village. After committing the murder, Mukesh fled the scene. When relatives failed to contact Mohanlal over the phone, they sent an acquaintance to check on him. The person discovered his body and alerted the Palghar police. Earlier in June, another shocking incident was reported from Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where a man allegedly stabbed his 82-year-old father to death after losing a property dispute case against him in court. The victim, Jafar Qamaruddin Sayyed Patel, had fought a two-year legal battle to evict his son, Abdul Rehman Abdul Jafar, from his house over alleged abusive behaviour. Jafar Patel, a retired Water Resources Department employee, had reportedly faced repeated quarrels and alleged assaults by his son, who works as a medical representative.
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) India on Wednesday congratulated Sri Lanka for successfully hosting the inaugural BIMSTEC Health Ministers' Meeting in Colombo, stressing that the meeting marks an important milestone in strengthening regional cooperation in the health sector. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the approval of the Revised Plan of Action (2026-2030) further reinforces collective commitment to regional health cooperation. Congratulations to Sri Lanka for successfully hosting the First BIMSTEC Health Ministers Meeting in Colombo on 11 November 2026. The meeting marks an important milestone in strengthening regional cooperation in the health sector. India is pleased that all Member States have agreed to establish the BIMSTEC Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, India, the MEA stated on X. This initiative will promote traditional medicine and strengthen preventive healthcare across the region. The approval of the Revised Plan of Action (20262030) further reinforces our collective commitment to regional health cooperation, the statement added. Earlier in the day, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J P Nadda addressed the inaugural BIMSTEC Health Ministers' Meeting and reaffirmed India's readiness to share its expertise and best practices in healthcare with BIMSTEC member nations. Nadda highlighted India's progress towards Universal Health Coverage through Ayushman Bharat, strengthened public health infrastructure, and digital healthcare initiatives. Union Health Minister Shri JP Nadda addressed the inaugural BIMSTEC Health Ministers Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka, highlighting Indias progress towards Universal Health Coverage through Ayushman Bharat, strengthened public health infrastructure and digital healthcare initiatives, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a post on X. Emphasising regional solidarity, the Minister called for enhanced cooperation in health security, pandemic preparedness, One Health and traditional medicine, while reaffirming Indias readiness to share its expertise and best practices with BIMSTEC member nations, it added. During the meeting, Nadda highlighted Indias commitment to hosting the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Traditional Medicine in Gujarat's Jamnagar to promote joint research, capacity building and knowledge exchange. Guided by PM Shri Narendra Modi Jis vision of One Earth, One Family, One Future, India remains committed to building a healthier, more inclusive and resilient BIMSTEC region, he said, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Nadda arrived in Colombo on Tuesday to participate in the first BIMSTEC Health Ministers' Meeting and was received by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha. Upon arrival in Colombo, Nadda said that he was looking forward to engaging with his counterparts from BIMSTEC member nations to strengthen regional health cooperation, advance shared public health priorities and foster greater collaboration in healthcare.
Hindutva worker targets mosque with firecrackers in Gujarat
Gujarat: A staunch Hindutva supporter in Gujarat was seen targeting a mosque during Diwali by bursting firecrackers aimed at the minarets. A video of the incident in Gujarats Navsari city surfaced on social media on Wednesday, November 11. The video featuring the Hindutva worker, identified as Nilesh Kundal, was shared with provocative background music with Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Gujarat Energy Signs LNG Supply Agreement with ADNOC for Up to 4 Million Tonnes - Machine Maker
Gujarat Central University Makes History, Appoints First Woman Vice-Chancellor in 17 Years
Professor Vijita Singh Agrawal has taken charge as Gujarat Central University's first woman Vice-Chancellor in its 17-year history after nearly a year of waiting.
Ashoka Buildcon zooms on bagging LoA from NHAI for project in Gujarat
Mumbai, November 11 (Udaipur Kiran): Ashoka Buildcon is currently trading at Rs. 116.69, up by 13.69 points or 13.29% from its previous closing of Rs. 103.00 on the Ashoka Buildcon zooms on bagging LoA from NHAI for project in Gujarat
Hardik's Arrival An 'important Step' Towards IPL Title: PBKS CEO Menon
PBKS CEO Menon: Punjab Kings (PBKS) CEO Satish Menon on Wednesday described the signing of premier seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya as an important step in the franchises bid to win the Indian Premier League (IPL) title. On Wednesday, the BCCI formally announced that Pandya joined the franchise from Mumbai Indians (MI) in a trade deal that sent left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh to the five-time champions ahead of the 2027 IPL season. The trade had been in the making for nearly a week. PBKS is yet to win an IPL title with their best-ever result being securing a runners-up finish in 2014 and 2025 seasons. We are delighted to welcome Hardik to the Punjab Kings family. He is a proven match-winner who brings tremendous experience, confidence and a winning mentality. His ability to change the course of a game with both bat and ball makes him a valuable addition to our squad. As we enter the 20th season of the IPL, our focus remains on building a team capable of competing at the highest level and bringing the trophy home to Punjab. Hardiks arrival is an important step in that direction, Menon said in a statement on Wednesday. The numbers support the faith of PBKS in him. Since making his IPL debut in 2015, Pandya has played 162 matches, scoring 2,955 runs and picked up 82 wickets. Pandya first arrived at MI as a raw youngster in 2015 and developed into one of the leading all-rounders in the cricketing world in the shortest format. Pandya played a major role in four of MIs title-winning campaigns in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, before leaving for Gujarat Titans (GT), whom he led to IPL 2022 win. In 2024, Pandya moved back to MI from GT via a trade deal and took over as their captain, which didnt give the desired results in terms of winning championships. Pandyas move to PBKS comes with a pay rise, as his fee goes up to INR 18 crore from the INR 16.35 crore he earned at MI. Arshdeep moves across on his current fee of INR 18 crore. Bringing in Hardik came at a price, though, as PBKS had to give up on Arshdeep, who made his IPL debut for the franchise in 2019. Since then, he claimed 111 wickets in 96 matches for the franchise. In that time he became one of the teams main weapons with the ball and is now the leading wicket-taker for India in mens T20Is. Arshdeep has been an integral part of Punjab Kings for many years, and this is also an emotional moment for us. We have seen him grow into one of the finest fast bowlers in the country, and we are incredibly proud of his journey. Since then, he claimed 111 wickets in 96 matches for the franchise. In that time he became one of the teams main weapons with the ball and is now the leading wicket-taker for India in mens T20Is. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
BHEL shares up 3.5% on Power Grid order for Gujarat synchronous condensers
BHEL has received a Notification of Award from Power Grid Corporation of India, for setting up two synchronous condensers of +300/-200 MVAR capacity at Kalyanpur in Gujarat
MI To Take considered Approach On Captaincy After Trading Hardik For Arshdeep
Indian Premier League: Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) said they will take their time to pick a new captain for the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL) season after trading their last two seasons' captain, Hardik Pandya, to Punjab Kings on Wednesday and bringing in left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh in return. The swap leaves the five-time champions without a leader for the first time since Hardik took charge in 2024. Though the chatter in cricketing circles has been about Rohit Sharma possibly returning to the leadership role, with Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah as other contenders, MI have made it clear that they will not rush into a decision. As Mumbai Indians look ahead to the upcoming season, the franchise will take a considered approach to evaluating its captaincy options. An announcement regarding the teams captaincy will be made at the appropriate time, said the side in its statement. That wording puts the leadership question at the centre of MIs plans for the upcoming retention deadline on November 17 and subsequent auction planning ahead of the mini-auction happening in Goa on December 16. The MI dressing room is set to look quite different from the one Hardik led. Hardiks exit marks the end of a long and eventful association with MI. He first arrived at MI as a raw youngster in 2015 and developed into one of the leading all-rounders in the cricketing world in the shortest format. He played a major role in four of MIs title-winning campaigns before leaving, and returned from Gujarat Titans (GT), whom he led to the IPL 2022 win, in 2024 to take over as captain. MI owner Akash Ambani paid tribute to a departing Pandya. Hardik has shared some very special moments with Mumbai Indians. We have seen him grow as a cricketer, make his mark on the world stage and then return to lead the team. His contribution, his energy and the competitive spirit he brings to the field have been valuable to Mumbai Indians. I have great respect for him, both as a cricketer and as a person, and wish him nothing but the very best for everything that lies ahead, he said. Pandyas move to PBKS comes with a pay rise, as his fee goes up to INR 18 crore from the INR 16.35 crore he earned at MI. Arshdeep moves across on his current fee of INR 18 crore. In 162 IPL matches, Pandya has amassed 2,955 runs at a strike rate of 146.28 and picked up 82 wickets. For Arshdeep, the switch ends his eight-season stint at PBKS, the franchise where he made his IPL debut in 2019. The left-arm pacer leaves as their highest wicket-taker of all time with 111 scalps in 96 games. He claimed 21 wickets in the 2025 edition and added 14 more in 2026. Arshdeep also holds the record for the most wickets by an Indian bowler in mens T20Is. Arshdeeps arrival gives MI one of Indias leading fast bowlers in T20Is, who can pair up well with ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to share the new ball. Arshdeep is also a reliable death-overs bowler and is expected to make the MI fast-bowling attack sharper and more versatile. For Arshdeep, the switch ends his eight-season stint at PBKS, the franchise where he made his IPL debut in 2019. The left-arm pacer leaves as their highest wicket-taker of all time with 111 scalps in 96 games. He claimed 21 wickets in the 2025 edition and added 14 more in 2026. Arshdeep also holds the record for the most wickets by an Indian bowler in mens T20Is. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India weighs replacing old wind turbines to boost capacity by 50% without acquiring land
India is exploring a plan to replace ageing, smaller wind turbines with larger, more efficient machines to increase generation at existing sites without acquiring additional land. The Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association estimates that 5-8 GW of old wind capacity could be repowered immediately, potentially raising capacity at these sites by nearly 50%. The initiative is being discussed with states including Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka as India seeks to accelerate wind power deployment and meet its clean energy targets.
MI And PBKS Complete Marquee Trade Deal Of Hardik And Arshdeep
Indian Premier League: In a major player trade ahead of the Indian Premier League 2027, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) have completed the swap of Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh. MI captain Hardik Pandya will move to PBKS, while Indias leading wicket-taker in T20I Arshdeep will join the five-time champions. Pandya will join PBKS at a fee of Rs 18 crore, up from his existing fee of Rs 16.35 crore, while Arshdeep will join MI at his existing fee of Rs 18 crore. Besdies PBKS, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have also been in the running to acquire the premier seam-bowling all-rounder. IANS had reported that PBKS had edged ahead of others in the race to secure the services of Hardik with MI ahead of the November 17 retention deadline as the paperwork was completed for the trade deal last week. Pandyas trade brought the curtain down on his second stint with MI, a franchise with which he won four IPL titles. Having first joined MI in 2015, Pandya developed into one of the leagues most impactful all-rounders, contributing with both bat and ball during the teams title-winning campaigns in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. After seven seasons with MI, Pandya moved to Gujarat Titans (GT) ahead of IPL 2022 and made an immediate impact as captain, leading the franchise to the title in its debut season. GT also reached the final in 2023 before Pandya returned to MI in 2024 and took over the captaincy. Across 162 IPL matches, he has scored 2,955 runs at a strike rate of 146.28 and claimed 82 wickets, underlining his value as a proven match-winner. Arshdeep, meanwhile, moves to MI after eight seasons with PBKS, the franchise where he made his IPL debut in 2019 and established himself as one of the competitions leading left-arm fast bowlers. With 111 wickets in 96 IPL matches, he is PBKS all-time leading wicket-taker. Arshdeeps ability to make early breakthroughs with the new ball and deliver under pressure in the death overs has made him a key component of Punjabs bowling attack. Arshdeep, meanwhile, moves to MI after eight seasons with PBKS, the franchise where he made his IPL debut in 2019 and established himself as one of the competitions leading left-arm fast bowlers. With 111 wickets in 96 IPL matches, he is PBKS all-time leading wicket-taker. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Tempo Traveller skids near Gund, Ganderbal, tourists injured
Ganderbal, Nov 10: Several tourists sustained injuries after a Tempo Traveller bearing registration number DL1VC 5231, carrying a group of visitors, skidded off the Srinagar-Sonamarg national highway near the Sumbal area of Gund in central Kashmirs Ganderbal district on Tuesday evening. According to officials, the vehicle was en route to Srinagar from the popular tourist destination of Sonamarg when the driver lost control near a sharp bend near Gund. The vehicle veered off the road and came to a halt along the adjacent embankment. Upon receiving news of the mishap, local residents, police and ambulances immediately rushed to the scene to assist in the initial rescue efforts. Teams from the local police station and emergency medical services arrived shortly after to extract the passengers from the vehicle. All injured individuals were evacuated to the nearby PHC Gund, from where the seriously injured were referred to Srinagar hospitals for further emergency medical attention. List of Injured Persons: Sharda Bi, W/o Ramesh Bhai, Age: 58 years, R/o Ahmedabad, Gujarat-Head Trauma. Contact: 992526799 Ramesh Bhai, S/o Bovin Bi, Age: 59 years, R/o Ahmedabad, Gujarat-Head Trauma. Daysha, S/o Subash Chandra, Age: 42 years, R/o Surat, Gujarat-Head Trauma. Shobha, W/o Rajesh Kumar, Age: 50 years, R/o Ahmedabad, Gujarat-Head Trauma. Rajesh Kumar, S/o DerubiPatil, R/o Ahmedabad, Gujarat -Head Trauma. Swarnadyyti Ghosh, W/o Surat Ghosh, Age: 24 years, Female, R/o West Bengal-Trauma to Hip. Mala Ghosh, W/o Surjeet Ghosh, Age: 48 years, Female, R/o Murshidabad, West Bengal. Surjeet Ghosh, S/o Late Krishna Dulal Ghosh, Age: 61 years, R/o West Bengal-Trauma to Left Side of Chest. Contact: 9474925815 Mukesh Bhai, S/o Lakshman Bhai, R/o Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Kala Ben, W/o Mukesh Bhai, R/o Gujarat. Jagdesh, S/o Amreet Singh, R/o Gurdaspur, Punjab-Driver. Rohan Bhai, S/o Mukesh Bhai, R/o Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
SMVD Katra-Sabarmati Express temporarily augmented with extra coaches
Jammu, Nov 10:Jammu Railway Division of the Northern Railway, in view of the increasing rush of passengers and long waiting list during the festival season, has decided to temporarily augment the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Sabarmati Express, from today, November 10, 2026. Under this augmentation plan, additional coaches of third AC and sleeper class have been temporarily attached to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra - Sabarmati Express (train number 19224) from November 10 to 14, 2026. This will provide better facilities to passengers travelling to Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat, said Raghvender Singh, Public Relations Inspector (PRI), Jammu Railway Division. He said that with the augmentation through these additional coaches, more berths and seats would be available to passengers, making their journey more convenient and comfortable. Passengers have been asked to use Railway Reservation Centres, the official website of IRCTC or the mobile app for ticket booking in these additional coaches.
Twelve Injured, Questions Unanswered
The crash near Sumbal Bala is more than a frightening interruption to a tourist journey. A Tempo Traveller skidded off the road on Tuesday evening, injuring at least 12 people from Gujarat, West Bengal and Punjab. The injured were first taken to PHC Gund; several were later referred to SKIMS Soura for specialised care. Their safe recovery is the immediate concern. The wider concern is why a road used by residents and visitors continues to expose passengers to such risk. The available details do not establish what caused the vehicle to skid. That is precisely why the police investigation must be more than a formal entry in a case register. It should establish the circumstances of the crash and examine the relevant factorsroad condition, visibility, vehicle fitness, speed and driver conductwithout presuming blame before evidence is gathered. Cognisance is only a beginning. The public deserves to know what the inquiry finds and what action follows. The incident also tests the emergency response system. PHC Gund provided initial treatment, and some injured passengers were referred to Srinagar. That pathway may have been necessary, but it raises a practical question: can local facilities consistently stabilise multiple casualties while arranging prompt onward transport? Authorities should review the response, identify any delay or resource gap, and make improvements where evidence points to them. In an accident involving a dozen people, readiness is not an abstract administrative issue; it can shape the first critical hours of care. Tourism is often discussed through arrivals, bookings and revenue. Yet visitors encounter Kashmir through its roads as much as its landscapes. When a vehicle carrying families from several states leaves the road, confidence depends not on reassurance but on visible safeguards: road maintenance, clear warnings at hazardous stretches, responsible driving and timely medical care. Residents deserve those protections every day; visitors should not have to rely on luck. No single crash, on the facts currently available, proves a systemic failure. But it does demand scrutiny, especially on routes carrying tourist traffic through difficult terrain. Authorities should inspect the stretch near Sumbal Bala, publish the findings of the investigation and act on any identified defect or lapse. Transport operators, too, must ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and drivers fit for the journey. Twelve people were injured; the consequences could have been worse. Treating the incident as routine would be the greater failure. A road becomes safer not through condolences or promises, but through transparent investigation and corrective action before another vehicle skids off it.
Geothermal Energy: A New Chapter in Indias Clean Energy Journey
Puga valley, a place located at 14,000 feet above sea level in southeastern Ladakhs Chanthang is known for its hot springs and underground heat reserves. This place is completely redefining the geothermal story of the country. In July 2026, the ONGC Energy Centre commissioned the country's first two geothermal wells in the Puga valley. For a nation of 1.4 billion people that has long looked to the sun and wind for its renewable ambitions, the heat of the Earth itself is now entering daily conversations. The two wells, each 1,000 metres deep, will support reservoir evaluation. They also pave the way for India's first one-megawatt demonstration geothermal power project, marking the country's entry into geothermal power generation. Though the scale is modest, what it implies is more important. The concept of Geothermal Energy India is moving from resource assessment to field demonstration, and Puga valley is where that shift becomes visible. Geothermal energy is steady, low-carbon and not affected by weather. Unlike solar and wind, it is available throughout the year. This matters for a large, densely populated country that wants to add reliable, home-grown sources to its renewable energy mix. That is why regions like Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh become important. Science states why the Earth's interior is hot because it is driven by the radioactive decay of elements like uranium, thorium and potassium, along with residual heat from the planet's formation. In geologically active regions, faults and fractures let hot material travel closer to the surface, creating reservoirs of hot water and steam trapped within permeable rock. Deep wells bring these resources up. The steam drives a turbine connected to a generator, a process resembling conventional thermal power, except that naturally occurring underground heat replaces fuel combustion. The used water is condensed and reinjected into the reservoir, supporting replenishment and continued production. Importance of Puga What makes Ladakh's milestone critical is the policy framework behind it. In September 2025, the government notified the National Policy on Geothermal Energy. The policy aims to establish geothermal energy as a major renewable pillar enabling systematic exploration and deployment of the country's resources. While prioritising research, drilling, reservoir management and direct-use applications, and supports Ground Source Heat Pumps for heating and cooling. A clear regulatory framework encourages both public and private sector participation. It facilitates repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells, builds toward a national geothermal data repository, and supports pilot projects and Centres of Excellence. Alongside this, MNRE is implementing the Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development Programme through research institutions and industry partners, aiming at indigenous, cost-effective technologies. Internationally, geothermal energy has been identified as a key area of cooperation with Australia and Iceland, and as a focus area in an MoU with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Future The Geological Survey of India has mapped 381 hot springs and identified 10 geothermal provinces, from the Himalayan province to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the West Coast and the South Indian Cratonic regions. India's theoretical geothermal prospect stands at nearly 10.6 GW, and 42 sites have been recognised as promising for power generation and direct heat use. Technology could widen this further. Enhanced Geothermal Systems and Advanced Geothermal Systems will expand exploration opportunities, so suitable projects can arise anywhere geothermal resources exist. Inactive oil and gas wells could be repurposed, subject to technical and operational feasibility, building on existing drilling expertise, well data and infrastructure. Beyond electricity, geothermal heat supports district heating, agriculture, aquaculture, and space heating and cooling. Possibilities include geo-tourism too. For a high-altitude region like Ladakh, such direct uses are worth watching closely. Other projects are already adding experience. Gujarats Gandhinagar has demonstrated electricity generation of 50 to 90 kilowatts from fluid at 70 to 80C. Ankleshwar in Gujarat is evaluating retrofitted oil and gas wells, Tawang in Anuranchal Pradesh is studying five geothermal sites, Hyderabad is developing a geothermal cooling system, and a pilot study is modelling shallow systems with Borehole Heat Exchangers. An honest account must note that commercial-scale power generation is yet to be established. What exists today is a foundation: expanding well fields, demonstration activities and research initiatives strengthening the ecosystem. The world offers proof of concept, with global installed capacity reaching 15.67 GW by the end of 2025, led by Indonesia, the US, the Philippines, Trkiye and New Zealand, together holding around 67%. India, by comparison, is only at the starting line. The government's larger purpose is clear. India is driving towards Net Zero by 2070, and the policy seeks to make geothermal energy a key part of the nation's renewable energy story. The aim is energy security and sustainable growth, through a steady, indigenous pillar of the energy transition. From the cold, thin air of Puga Valley, that aim feels both distant and tangible. The wells are only 1,000 metres deep, and the demonstration plant is only one megawatt. But every large energy system begins with a first well. If policy, research, partnerships and patient field work continue to align, the heat beneath Ladakh may help power the journey to 2070. (COURTESY - PIB SRINAGAR)
Chennai to host 2029 Asian Athletics Championships, fourth time India to stage event
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) Chennai has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2029 Asian Athletics Championships, marking the fourth time that India will stage the continental event after previously hosting it in New Delhi, Pune and Bhubaneswar. The Asian Athletics Association announced the decision in a statement on Tuesday, saying the award was subject to the presentation of letters of guarantee from the government. Subject to presentation of letters of guarantee from the Govt, Asian Athletics Association is pleased to award the 2029 Asian Athletics Championships to Chennai, Tamil Nadu, the statement read. C. Latha, chairman of the Tamil Nadu Athletics Association (TNAA), said the championships are likely to be held in August. Speaking from Tokyo after attending the Asian Athletics Federation Council meeting on Tuesday, Latha said Chennais infrastructure and facilities were highlighted during the presentation made by the state. We made our presentation (the online presentation was made by Meghanatha Reddy, Member Secretary of SDAT) and highlighted the legacy of the Nehru Stadium in hosting international meets and the availability of the practice facility at the Nehru B ground. We also stressed that Chennai has an international airport and good hotels close to the venue. The State Government will, in any case, relay the main athletics track soon, Latha said. C.K. Valson, a member of the Competition Commission for Asian Athletics, had inspected the Nehru Stadium last week and was reportedly satisfied with the main track and practice ground. Valson was happy with the infrastructure. He told us to make arrangements for VIP lounges, modify the seating arrangements and install LED screens. All that remains is for the State Government to send a letter to the president of the Asia Athletics Federation confirming that it will bear the entire cost of hosting the meet, Latha added. India last hosted the Asian Athletics Championships in 2017 in Bhubaneswar, having previously staged the competition in New Delhi in 1989 and Pune in 2013. The award to Chennai adds to India's upcoming international athletics calendar. The country is also set to host the Asian Relays Championships in Chandigarh in 2027, followed by the Asian Indoor Championships and the World Indoor Championships in Odisha in 2028. Gujarat is also in contention to host the Under-20 World Championships in 2028.
Srinagar, Nov 10: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said he spoke with senior officials, Director SKIMS and Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal regarding the unfortunate road accident at Sumbal Bala, Ganderbal. In a post on X, LG Manoj Sinha said: I spoke with senior officials, Director, SKIMS, and the Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal regarding the unfortunate road accident at Sumbal Bala, Ganderbal. 8 injured tourists from Gujarat and West Bengal have been referred to SKIMS. I have directed the officials and the Director, SKIMS to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured. Praying for their speedy recovery. Meanwhile, Health Minister Sakina Itoo expressed deep concern over the unfortunate road accident in Ganderbal. I have spoken to the Director, SKIMS, and directed that the injured, particularly those referred to SKIMS Soura, receive the best possible medical care and attention. Their well-being is our priority. Praying for their speedy recovery. May Allah(SWT ) grant them Shifa, Health Minister Sakina Itoo said on X. Pertinently, 18 were injured and 8 critical were shifted to SKIMS Soura after Tempo Traveller met with an accident at Sumbal Bala Gund Ganderbal on Tuesday evening.
18 tourists injured in road accident in J&K's Ganderbal, 6 reportedly in critical condition
Digital Desk | Srinagar, Nov 10 (IANS) Eighteen tourists were injured on Tuesday when a vehicle carrying them from Kashmir's Sonamarg tourist resort to Srinagar skidded off the road and plunged into a 60-feet deep gorge near Gund in Ganderbal district. Local residents and police personnel rushed to the spot to evacuate the injured. Emergency arrangements were mobilised from different parts of the area as all the occupants required medical attention. Ambulances were called from several health facilities, including Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Sonamarg, Gund and Ganiwan. The injured were initially shifted to PHC Gund, where they received first aid and preliminary medical treatment. The injured were later shifted to Srinagar city for treatment. Reports said that six of the injured tourists had been admitted to hospital in Srinagar in a critical condition. Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Kangan Rajesh Raina confirmed the accident, saying that 18 people, including the driver, had sustained injuries. A list of injured persons identified 12 occupants, including the driver. The list included tourists from Ahmedabad and Surat in Gujarat, Murshidabad and other parts of West Bengal, and Gurdaspur in Punjab. Among those named were Sharda Bi, 58, and Ramesh Bhai, 59, from Ahmedabad; Daysha, 42, from Surat; Shobha, 50, and Rajesh Kumar from Ahmedabad; and Swarnadyyti Ghosh, 24, Mala Ghosh, 48, and Surjeet Ghosh, 61, from West Bengal. Mukesh Bhai, Kala Ben and Rohan Bhai, all from Gujarat, were also included in the list. Jagdesh, a resident of Gurdaspur in Punjab, was identified as the driver of the Tempo Traveller. The injury details available in the list mention head trauma suffered by Sharda Bi, Ramesh Bhai, Daysha, Shobha and Rajesh Kumar. Swarnadyyti Ghosh sustained trauma to the hip, while Surjeet Ghosh suffered an injury to the left side of his chest. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on social media platform X on Tuesday evening said, I spoke with senior officials, SKIMS Director, and the Ganderbal Deputy Commissioner regarding the unfortunate road accident at Sumbal Bala in Ganderbal. Eight injured tourists from Gujarat and West Bengal have been referred to SKIMS. I have directed the officials and the SKIMS Director to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured. Praying for their speedy recovery. Despite biting cold especially in mornings and evenings, scores of tourists especially from West Bengal and Gujarat are these days visiting the Valley. Although winter tourism is yet to start, the autumn fag end tourism is going on in the Valley these days with tour and travel operators, hoteliers, taxi operators and others connected directly or indirectly with tourism doing some business during the otherwise lean tourist season in the Valley.
12 Injured as Tempo Traveller Skids Off Road in Ganderbal
Ganderbal, Nov 10 : At least 12 persons, including tourists from Gujarat, West Bengal and Punjab, were injured after a Tempo Traveller skidded off the road near Gund area of central Kashmirs Ganderbal district on Tuesday evening, officials said. An official told the news agencyKashmir News Observer (KNO) that the vehicle skidded off the road near Sumbal Bala on the SSG Road, resulting in injuries to at least 12 occupants. He said the injured were shifted to Primary Health Centre (PHC) Gund, where they were provided emergency medical treatment before several of them were referred to SKIMS Soura, Srinagar, for specialised treatment. The injured were identified as Sharda Bi, wife of Ramesh Bhai, and Ramesh Bhai, son of Bovin Bi, both residents of Ahmedabad, Gujarat; Daysha, son of Subash Chandra, a resident of Surat, Gujarat; Shobha, wife of Rajesh Kumar, and Rajesh Kumar, son of Derubi Patil, both residents of Ahmedabad. Others include Swarnadyyti Ghosh, wife of Surjeet Ghosh, a resident of West Bengal; Mala Ghosh, wife of Surjeet Ghosh, a resident of Murshidabad, West Bengal; Surjeet Ghosh, son of Late Krishna Dulal Ghosh, also from West Bengal; Mukesh Bhai, his wife Kala Ben, and their son Rohan Bhai, all residents of Gujarat; and Jagdesh, son of Amreet Singh, a resident of Gurdaspur, Punjab. Meanwhile, police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated further investigation.(KNO)
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 10 (IANS) Congress veteran Sonia Gandhi's much-awaited memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, which hit bookstores on Tuesday, has attracted attention for its personal revelations about the Nehru-Gandhi family and her political journey. However, the book has also come under scrutiny after readers spotted at least three apparent factual inaccuracies relating to important political and historical events. Discrepancies in different chapters have raised questions about the accuracy of some historical references. The first apparent error concerns the anti-corruption movement led by social activist Anna Hazare, which posed a major challenge to the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. In Chapter 33, page 461, Sonia places the emergence of Hazare and the India Against Corruption movement in 2012. In 2012 a well-known activist from Maharashtra, Baburao 'Anna' (Marathi for 'father' or 'elder brother') Hazare, emerged as the figurehead of a movement that titled itself 'India Against Corruption', the memoir states. However, the movement gained national prominence in 2011, particularly after Hazare began an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on April 5 that year, demanding a stronger anti-corruption law through the Jan Lokpal Bill. The campaign also brought together prominent figures, including Arvind Kejriwal, Kiran Bedi and Baba Ramdev, although their positions and demands differed. Another discrepancy appears in Chapter 24, page 338, concerning the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The RSS, founded in 1921, dreamed of a 'Hindu nation' that would replace constitutional ideals of equality, pluralism, and secularism with second-class citizenship for Muslims, Christians, and other religious minorities in India, Sonia writes. The organisation was actually founded on September 27, 1925, in Nagpur by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, a doctor by profession. It subsequently grew into one of India's most influential ideological and organisational movements. The third error concerns veteran Congress leader Ahmed Patel, Sonia's political secretary and one of her closest political confidants. In Chapter 29, page 401, she writes: He came to wield considerable influence across the political spectrum but could be unforgiving towards those who crossed him. He remained my political secretary till, sadly, he fell victim to the Covid epidemic in 2022, leaving a vacuum in the party and an absence I felt personally. Patel died on November 25, 2020, not 2022, following multiple organ failure after Covid-19 complications. He was treated at Medanta Hospital, where his condition deteriorated, and he was admitted to the intensive care unit. His body was later taken to his ancestral village in Gujarat for burial. These three apparent errors have added an unexpected factual controversy to the release of Sonia Gandhi's memoir.
Gujarat Welcomes Vikram Samvat 2083 with Festive Spirit and Devotion
Gujarats temples overflowed with devotees as the state celebrated Vikram Samvat 2083 with traditional rituals and vibrant festivities. Gujarat Welcomes Vikram Samvat 2083 with Festive Spirit and Devotion
'Congress anxious due to shrinking vote bank': NDA hits out at Ashok Gehlot's 2029 LS polls remark
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 10 (IANS) The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Tuesday lashed out at senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot over his remarks that if the NDA comes to power at the Centre in 2029, democratic elections may never take place again in India, saying that the grand old party is anxious due to its shrinking vote bank. Gehlot made the remarks on Monday, adding that the proposed delimitation exercise is a greater concern than the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Speaking to IANS, BJP National Spokesperson Prem Shukla cited late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's election being declared null and void by the Allahabad High Court in 1975, which was followed by the imposition of the Emergency. Mr Gehlot, Indira Gandhi, under whose shadow you entered politics, imposed the Emergency to remain in power after the Allahabad High Court ruled that she had won the election through unfair means. If any party in this country has committed the crime of cancelling elections, it is your Congress party. The BJP is a party that strengthens constitutional democracy, he said. Moreover, he asked the Congress leader not to spread umours. BJP MLA Ram Kadam said: We are repeatedly stating that the Congress party cannot compete against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2029. Even if they contest, they cannot sustain or win. It is precisely this fear and dread within their leaders that is driving them to try and spread misconceptions. Now, this very statement of ours has been validated by former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot ji himself, he remarked. Giving examples of BJP-led governments in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, Shiv Sena spokesperson Anand Dubey said: Elections are still taking place, right? He claimed that the Congress leader is facing anxiety because the party's vote bank is gradually shrinking further and further. You are unable to win elections; your leader Rahul (Gandhi) ji has lost more than 100 elections. While people set records for winning, records are being set for losing here. Don't panic over thisdrink some water, take a deep breath, and practise yoga. Gehlot Sahab, you are a very senior leader, and you have also been a magician. Show some magic!, Dubey said, taking a jibe at the former CM. Adding to the criticism, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal said that the generation of Congress leaders represented by Ashok Gehlot has witnessed the erosion of democracy within the Congress and seen how democracy was suppressed in the country. They have also seen how the Congress government introduced laws according to its own wishes, he told IANS.
Over a Dozen Injured in Road Accident on SSG Road
SRINAGAR: At least a dozen tourists from Gujarat, West Bengal and Punjab were injured after a Tempo Traveller skidded off the road near Sumbal Bala on the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) Road in Ganderbal district on Tuesday evening. According to sources, the vehicle was travelling from Sonamarg towards Srinagar when the accident occurred near Gund. The injured []
Gund, Nov 10: At least 18 tourists sustained injuries after a Tempo Traveller met with an accident at Sumbal Bala on SSG Road in Ganderbal district on Tuesday. Officials told GNS that following the accident, all the injured were immediately transported to PHC Gund for emergency medical assessment and resuscitation. After evaluation and triage by attending medical officers, eight patients were formally referred to SKIMS Soura, Srinagar for specialized secondary and tertiary treatment. Other injured with minor injuries remain admitted and under observation at PHC Gund. Patients referred to SKIMS Soura are Sharda Rani, wife of Ramesh Ji, 58 years, from Ahmedabad, Gujarat; Ramesh Ji, son of Bavan Bai, 52 years, from Ahmedabad, Gujarat; Jayesh, son of Subash Chander, 42 years, from Surat, Gujarat; Shobhna Patel, wife of Rajesh Kumar Patel, 50 years, from Ahmedabad, Gujarat; Rajesh Kumar, son of Devubhai Patel, from Ahmedabad, Gujarat; Swapnadyuti Ghosh, daughter of Surajit Ghosh, 24 years, from Murshidabad, West Bengal; Mala Ghosh, wife of Surajit Ghosh, 48 years, from Murshidabad, West Bengal; and Surajit Ghosh, son of Late Krishna Dulal, 61 years, from West Bengal.
'Absence I felt personally': Sonia Gandhi on ex-secretary Ahmed Patel's death
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 10 (IANS) Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, in her memoir 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', remembered her closest political advisers, late Ahmed Patel, saying that his death left a vacuum in the party and an absence that she personally felt. However, Sonia Gandhi got Patel's death year wrong in her book, released on Tuesday, mentioning it as 2022, instead of 2020, when he died due to Covid-related complications. He (Ahmed Patel) remained my political secretary till sadly he fell victim to the Covid epidemic in 2022, leaving a vacuum in the party and an absence I felt personally, she wrote about Patel. Ahmed Patel, also the Congress' former Treasurer, had tested positive for the Covid-19 on October 1, 2020 and had been admitted to the ICU of Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon on November 15. He died 10 days later, on November 25. However, the book wrongly mentions Ahmed Patel's death year as 2022. Ahmed Patel, AP as he was called in the party, was believed to be part of every key decision made by Sonia Gandhi. He was the Rajya Sabha member from Gujarat and had also advised former Prime Minister late Rajiv Gandhi. As a Youth Congress leader, Patel was chosen at 28 by late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to contest the Lok Sabha elections in 1977 from Bharuch in Gujarat. Patel reportedly refused to join the government and preferred to remain behind the scenes, advising Sonia Gandhi on alliances, political strategy and party crises. A loyal party colleague, approachable day and night, he (Ahmed Patel) came to play an important role as a troubleshooter, ready to listen patiently to disgruntled colleagues. Deeply religious but secular to the core in his politics, he kept a low profile while functioning as a coordinator between our party and our allies, the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson said in her memoir. While mourning Patel's death in 2020, Sonia Gandhi wrote she lost an irreplaceable comrade, faithful colleague and friend. Meanwhile, Congress leaders, on Tuesday, welcomed the veteran leader's memoir, describing it as an important literary work and saying that it offers insights into her personal and political journey.
Gujarat: Temple crowds, Gheraiya dances mark beginning of Vikram Samvat 2083
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Nov 10 (IANS) Long queues of devotees, traditional tribal dances and elaborate food offerings at temples marked the beginning of 'Vikram Samvat 2083' across Gujarat on Tuesday, as people welcomed the Gujarati New Year with religious fervour and celebrations rooted in local customs. From the Somnath and Ambaji temples to shrines in Ahmedabad, Unjha, Patan and Jamnagar, large numbers of devotees gathered from early morning to offer prayers and seek blessings on Bestu Varas, the first day of the Gujarati calendar. In Ahmedabad, the Bhadrakali Temple witnessed a heavy rush of devotees, with queues stretching up to 1.5 km as people waited for darshan. The temple was among the prominent religious sites in the city to see large gatherings on the occasion. At the Somnath Temple in Gir Somnath district, devotees from across India and abroad attended the first morning aarti of Somnath Mahadev, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The temple premises echoed with chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' and 'Jai Somnath' as devotees prayed for the well-being and prosperity of their families, world peace and the welfare of all. The New Year sunrise and the special adornment of the deity added to the celebrations at the pilgrimage site. At Ambaji Temple in Banaskantha district, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, the shrine was decorated with colourful flowers and lights for Bestu Varas. During the Mangala Aarti, devotees performed garba at Chachar Chowk to the chants of 'Bol Mari Ambe, Jai Jai Ambe'. Special aartis were also held at the Ambikeshwar Mahadev and Siddhivinayak temples, while an Annakut offering was scheduled for the afternoon. In Unjha, the Shri Umiya Mataji Temple, regarded as the clan deity of the Kadva Patidar community, witnessed long queues of devotees. Pilgrims, including groups who had travelled on foot, arrived to offer prayers amid chants of 'Jai Maa Umiya'. The Umiya Mataji Sansthan made arrangements for accommodation, food and darshan, with facilities at Mansarovar Vishranti Griha, Uma Bhavan and Pathikashram. Parking and security arrangements were also made with the assistance of the local administration and volunteers. In Patan, the Kalika Mataji Temple, the presiding deity's shrine in the historic town, was decorated with a special Aagi adornment. A traditional fair also began on the occasion, with celebrations scheduled to continue from Kartak Sud Ekam to Poonam. An Annakut offering was organised at Ramji Temple in the town. In Jamnagar, devotees began arriving early at the Bala Hanuman Temple to seek blessings and witness the special adornment of Lord Ram and Hanumanji. The temple is known for its uninterrupted Ramdhun, which has continued since 1964 and earned it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. At the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Atladara, Vadodara, an elaborate Annakut Mahotsav was organised to mark the beginning of the New Year. Following the annual tradition, the celebrations began with an offering of food to the deities after Govardhan Puja. More than 1,200 varieties of dishes were arranged before the idols as part of the Annakut. In Valsad district, the New Year celebrations offered a glimpse of the traditional culture of tribal communities in Dharampur and Kaprada talukas. Instead of modern festivities, residents welcomed the occasion through age-old customs, traditional attire and Gheraiya dances. The beats of drums and folk performances brought the two tribal talukas alive with celebrations. In Mahisagar district, devotees visited temples across Lunawada from early morning to offer prayers and seek blessings. People also exchanged New Year greetings, marking the occasion with religious observances and community celebrations. The celebrations also saw political and administrative leaders extending greetings across the state. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel began the day by offering prayers at Panchdev Temple in Gandhinagar and later visited Trimandir in Adalaj and Maa Bhadrakali Temple in Ahmedabad. He prayed for the happiness, peace and prosperity of citizens and the continued development of Gujarat. Patel also called on Governor Acharya Devvrat at Lok Bhavan in Gandhinagar to extend New Year greetings. In Ahmedabad, he met prominent citizens, public representatives and residents at the Annexe Circuit House in Shahibaug before visiting the Police Officers' Mess at Dafnala to exchange greetings with senior police officers and their families. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, State Police Chief G.S. Malik, senior police officers and their family members were present at the Police Officers' Mess. The Chief Minister also exchanged greetings with citizens, serving and retired senior bureaucrats, MLAs and other representatives at the Ministers' Residential Complex in Gandhinagar. In his New Year message, Patel urged people to work collectively towards building a developed and drug-free Gujarat, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed and drug-free India. He also called for promoting social harmony, supporting local artisans and small industries, and strengthening the 'Vocal for Local' initiative. Across Gujarat, the beginning of Vikram Samvat 2083 was thus marked by a combination of religious observances, community gatherings and traditional cultural celebrations, with temples and pilgrimage centres witnessing large numbers of visitors throughout the day.
'Haunted by misery on meeting victims': Sonia Gandhi recounts horrors of 2002 Gujarat riots
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 10 (IANS) Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has revisited the horrors of the 2002 Gujarat riots, recalling that she was haunted by misery upon meeting the victims and blamed the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi-led state administration for failing to respond. In her memoir Belonging: A Journey of Love, released on Tuesday, the then-Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha described travelling to Ahmedabad as part of an all-party parliamentary delegation, visiting relief camps housing survivors, and witnessing the physical and emotional devastation inflicted on families caught in the violence. When I was leader of the opposition in Parliament, I met the victims of many tragedies, and each time I was haunted by the misery I had witnessed. In 2002 the state of Gujarat was ravaged by communal riots; much of the carnage was televised live with the advent of cable TV and shook the country with its fearsome images. The riots were triggered when four coaches of the Sabarmati Express were set on fire and fifty-nine pilgrims died. The train was returning to the state capital Ahmedabad from Ayodhya carrying Hindu kar sevaks-volunteers for the Ram temple, she wrote in her book. Gandhi also recalled watching television reports of the violence with disbelief and horror, while attempting to reach Congress colleagues in Gujarat who were calling for assistance. The cause of the fire remains disputed, but the turmoil that followed spread to many parts of the state, and the victims were overwhelmingly Muslims. We watched the live reports in horror, and tried to get help to our colleagues in Gujarat who were calling us in desperation, but the administration failed to respond, she added. The riots were said to have been fuelled by a fanatical fringe of the BJP and RSS, the Bajrang Dal. The chief minister of the state at the time was Narendra Modi, Gandhi wrote in her memoir. She further recounted her experience of meeting the survivors of the massacre at relief camps in Gujarat. After the meeting, we were herded into a bus 'for security reasons', then taken to some of the relief camps housing the survivors of the massacre. It was in one of the camps crowded by traumatised men, women, and children squatting in a makeshift hall that the most wrenching moment came for me, she said. The Congress leader recalled that inside that camp, a child appeared physically weakened, with a gaunt face and a dazed expression. The father held her up before the visiting politicians and pleaded with them to look at what had happened to his daughter. Here, this is my child-take a look at her, take a good look. The rakshasas (demons) raped her again and again, he told the delegation, as per Gandhi's account. The man then broke down, asking the visitors what he could possibly do to help his daughter and pleading for someone to intervene. According to Gandhi's memoir, the man then said: Main kya karun, kya karun? Kuch karo, kuch karo. We were shattered. I stood in a state of stupor, gripped by horror and unable to speak or react beyond a few mumbled words of sympathy, she expressed. The Congress leader said that then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was widely expected to dismiss Chief Minister Modi, but it's said that pressure from within his party compelled him to desist. There was an international outcry, and the governments of the US, UK, and some European countries declared in 2005 that they would not grant the Gujarat chief minister a visa. Twelve years later, they would all felicitate him when he became prime minister of India, Gandhi wrote.
Father Kills Daughter Over Love Affair
A man in Anand, Gujarat, was arrested for allegedly strangling his 21-year-old daughter because he disapproved of her inter-caste relationship. The incident occurred on November 9, and the father initially tried to pass it off as a suicide, but a post-mortem confirmed strangulation.
The demons raped her again and again, Sonia recalls horrors of 2002 Gujarat riots in memoir
In her memoir, Sonia Gandhi wrote about her experience when she visited relief camps in a riot-ravaged Ahmedabad with an all-party delegation
Satellite Images Capture Thick Smog Over Northern India 2 Days After Diwali
The only parts of India which appear to not be enveloped by the grey cover are the western states such as Rajasthan and Gujarat, and the northeastern states.
India's economic transformation is more than a manufacturing story
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 10 (IANS) An assessment of Narendra Modi's 25 years in public office, published by The Economist in October, raised a familiar criticism. India has grown rapidly but has failed to achieve the structural transformation necessary to become a major manufacturing economy. The Economists comparison with China's Fujian province, particularly the movement of workers out of agriculture, risks measuring India's economic transformation too narrowly, overlooking changes in productive capabilities, infrastructure, technology and the country's position in a fragmenting global economy. Comparing India, a genuine democracy, to Chinas authoritarianism and state-driven development is both misleading and disingenuous. Admittedly, India's manufacturing share of GDP remains around 16 per cent, and the movement of labour out of agriculture has been slower than in some East Asian economies. But the conclusion that industrial transformation has barely begun is difficult to reconcile with recent production data. The Annual Survey of Industries for 202425 recorded manufacturing gross value-added growth of 9.59 per cent, employment growth of 7.19 per cent and an increase of more than 14 lakh workers in manufacturing. Employment in the sector reached approximately 2.10 crore. For all the talk about Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), Indias numbers compare favourably with South Korea, Japan, Vietnam and Germany. Indias 10-year GFCF averages about 29 per cent, while South Korea average about 31 per cent, Japan 25 per cent, and Vietnam about 28 per cent. Electronics production increased from Rs 1.9 lakh crore in 201415 to Rs 11.3 lakh crore in 202425, while exports rose from Rs 38,000 crore to Rs 3.27 lakh crore. Mobile manufacturing has expanded considerably. The sector has created an estimated 25 lakh jobs over the decade. The challenge is now to deepen domestic component manufacturing, reduce import dependence and move towards higher-value activities rather than remain concentrated in assembly. These figures do not establish that India has achieved labour-intensive industrialisation, but they indicate an expanding production base. Employment requires a differentiated assessment. The Periodic Labour Force Survey shows that the worker-population ratio for those aged 15 and above increased from 46.8 per cent in 201718 to 58.2 per cent in 202324, while the unemployment rate declined from 6 per cent to 3.2 per cent. Female workforce participation has also increased. These indicators do not obscure the problem of youth unemployment, underemployment or the prevalence of informal and low-productivity work. But they complicate any assessment of India's growth as simply jobless. Infrastructure is another important aspect of the transformation. The expansion of national highways, airports, railway connectivity and digital payment systems has changed the economic geography of the country. UPI is a substantial part of India's digital public infrastructure, reducing transaction costs and widening access to formal financial services. These investments create the foundations for industrial productivity, market integration and private investment. Their economic returns extend beyond the immediate expenditure on construction. Foreign investment must be assessed against global conditions. UNCTAD's World Investment Report 2026 recorded a 6 per cent increase in global FDI to $1.6 trillion in 2025, but the recovery was uneven. Investment into developed economies increased by 11 per cent, compared with just 2 per cent for developing economies. Against this background, India's inflows rose 44 per cent to approximately $39 billion. This is meaningful growth, although India's share of global investment must grow substantially to boost manufacturing. Defence manufacturing adds another dimension. India's defence production reached a record Rs 1.78 lakh crore in FY202526, almost four times its 201314 level. Defence exports rose to Rs 38,424 crore, an increase of 62.66 per cent over the previous year. The private sector accounted for approximately 45 per cent of exports. Missiles, naval systems, ammunition, radar, electronics and aerospace production are contributing to a wider industrial ecosystem. The expansion of domestic production is developing capabilities in precision engineering, materials, electronics and software with applications beyond defence. The growing relationship with Japan is important in this context, moving beyond infrastructure financing and conventional financial investment towards defence technology, economic security and industrial cooperation. Cooperation in semiconductors, rare-earth processing, telecommunications and naval engineering illustrates how economic partnerships are increasingly intertwined with security considerations. This is relevant as both countries seek more resilient supply chains amidst intensifying USChina rivalry. The comparison between Gujarat and Fujian is also misleading. It places an Indian state operating within a federal, democratic economy alongside a Chinese province that benefited from China's authoritarian, state-directed export-industrialisation model. More importantly, comparing per capita incomes expressed in US dollars without establishing a common basis of measurement, purchasingpower adjustments and comparable real growth rates tells us little about the respective development trajectories. RBI data show that Gujarat's real per capita income increased fourfold between 200304 and 202425, at constant prices. The appropriate question is not why Gujarat failed to become Fujian, but what structural constraints distinguish India's development model from China's. None of this means India has comprehensively resolved its structural weaknesses. But India's economic transformation cannot be judged exclusively by whether it has replicated China's manufacturing-led development model. Geopolitical competition, trade weaponisation and supply-chain vulnerabilities are influencing corporate investment decisions globally. India's opportunity lies in becoming vital production and technology partner as companies diversify their manufacturing networks. Its large domestic market, improving infrastructure and expanding trade relationships provide advantages, but regulatory predictability, and supplier ecosystem depth remain essential. The important question is whether India is building the productive, technological and institutional capabilities required to occupy a larger position in the global economy. Its progress in electronics, infrastructure, digital systems, defence manufacturing and strategic industrial partnerships suggests that this transformation is under way. Data suggest a democracy undergoing a more complex transformation than The Economists assessments indicate. India might not have achieved all the industrial depth required of a major manufacturing power, but neither is its economic structure standing still.
EPFO CBT meeting on Nov 19 may discuss hike in minimum EPS pension to Rs 3,000
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 10 (IANS) The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to convene its 240th Central Board of Trustees (CBT) meeting on November 19 in the national capital, with pensioners and salaried employees closely watching developments amid reports that the government may consider raising the minimum monthly pension under the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000. The meeting, which was initially planned to be held in Gir, Gujarat, has been shifted to EPFO's headquarters in the national capital. According to a communication sent to CBT members, the meeting will commence at 10:15 a.m. on November 19. Speculation around a possible pension hike has gained momentum following reports that the Labour Ministry, after consultations with the Finance Ministry, has arrived at a decision to increase the minimum EPS pension to Rs 3,000 per month. However, neither the Ministry of Labour and Employment nor the Finance Ministry has officially confirmed the proposal. As a result, pensioners will have to wait for a formal announcement before any increase can be considered final. The minimum monthly pension under EPS has remained unchanged at Rs 1,000 since September 2014. The revision was approved by the CBT in February 2014, announced in the Union Budget for 2014-15, and formally notified by the government in August that year. Over the years, employee unions and pensioners' organisations have repeatedly sought a substantial increase in the minimum pension amount, arguing that the current payout is inadequate to meet the rising cost of living. Several groups have demanded that the minimum monthly pension be raised to Rs 7,500, citing inflation, healthcare expenses, and the financial needs of retired workers. The Employees' Pension Scheme is a social security programme administered by EPFO for workers in the organised sector. It is financed through a portion of the employer's contribution to the Employees' Provident Fund. Under the existing framework, 8.33 per cent of the employer's contribution is allocated to the pension scheme, subject to applicable wage ceilings. Pension benefits under EPS are determined based on an employee's pensionable salary and length of eligible service. While the scheme prescribes a minimum pension, there is no fixed upper limit on the amount payable, with the final pension varying according to an individual's contribution history and service tenure.
Sonia Gandhi Gets Her Advisor Ahmed Patel's Death Year Wrong In Memoir
Ahmed Patel, AP as he was called in the party, was the Rajya Sabha member from Gujarat and had also advised former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Take A Good Look: Sonia Gandhi's Most Harrowing 2002 Gujarat Riots Memory
Sonia Gandhi, who was then the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, described travelling to Ahmedabad as part of an all-party parliamentary delegation, visiting relief camps housing survivors and witnessing the physical and emotional devastation inflicted on families caught in the violence.
Gujarat Leaders Extend New Year Greetings to Amit Shah on Bestu Varas
Gujarats CM and Deputy CM visited Amit Shah to celebrate Bestu Varas, exchanging New Year wishes and discussing development projects. Gujarat Leaders Extend New Year Greetings to Amit Shah on Bestu Varas
Indian Air Force to Conduct Major Disaster Relief Exercise in Gujarat
The Indian Air Force will lead a significant humanitarian aid and disaster relief exercise in Jamnagar, Gujarat, from November 17 to 19. Indian Air Force to Conduct Major Disaster Relief Exercise in Gujarat
Will 12 teams play in the IPL? Discussions are underway to add two new teams.
Two new teams were added for IPL 2022 in the form of Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans, taking the total number of teams to 10. Now, the addition of two more new teams is being considered.IPL TrophyAll 10 teams are preparing their retention lists ahead of the IPL 2027 auction, the...
EPFO has shifted the venue of its 240th CBT meeting on 19 November from Gujarat to New Delhi. The meeting comes amid media reports suggesting a possible increase in the minimum EPS pension from 1,000 to 3,000.
CM Patel begins 'Vikram Samvat 2083' with temple visits, calls for drug-free Gujarat
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Nov 10 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday called for a collective resolve to build a developed and 'drug-free Gujarat', aligning the state's goals with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed and 'drug-free India', as he extended New Year greetings on the first day of Vikram Samvat 2083. CM Patel began the Gujarati New Year by offering prayers at Panchdev Temple in Gandhinagar, where he prayed for the happiness, prosperity and good health of citizens. He interacted with devotees at the temple and extended his greetings to them. The Chief Minister later visited Trimandir in Adalaj, where he offered prayers to Simandhar Swami and other deities and paid his respects to Pujya Niruma and Dada Bhagwan. He prayed for the welfare, good health and prosperity of people and the continued progress of Gujarat. The Chief Minister also met devotees and followers of the Dada Bhagwan family and exchanged New Year greetings with them. CM Patel met people at the Community Centre in the Chief Minister's residence complex in Gandhinagar, where he exchanged Gujarati New Year wishes. I extend my heartfelt New Year wishes to everyone on the beginning of Vikram Samvat 2083. I have prayed to God for everyone's good health and for their lives to move forward with happiness, peace and prosperity. With the Prime Minister's vision of a developed India and a drug-free India, I hope we all work together towards a developed Gujarat and a drug-free Gujarat, CM Patel said. In a message posted on the social media platform X, the Chief Minister extended New Year greetings to Gujaratis living in the state as well as those residing elsewhere in India and abroad. He also called for strengthening mutual affection, social harmony and hard work to take Gujarat to new heights of development. CM Patel urged citizens to work together towards the goal of 'Viksit Gujarat to Viksit Bharat' and emphasised the importance of supporting local artisans and small industries under the 'Vocal for Local' initiative. He called for ensuring that prosperity reaches the most remote sections of society and for citizens to contribute actively to building an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Gandhinagar Mayor Rupsinh Thakor, MLA Rita Patel, City Organisation President Ashish Dave, Standing Committee Chairman Mahendra and other office-bearers were also present during the prayers at Panchdev Temple.
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan Extends Greetings for Gujarati New Year and Govardhan Puja
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan offers heartfelt wishes for Gujarati New Year and Govardhan Puja, emphasizing joy and unity. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan Extends Greetings for Gujarati New Year and Govardhan Puja
Gujarat government establishes the Gujarat Export Promotion Council (GEPC) under CM Bhupendra Patel to help MSMEs, startups and local manufacturers access global markets and boost exports.
Gujarat Celebrates New Year with Enthusiasm as Temples Overflow with Devotees
Gujarat is celebrating the New Year with vibrant festivities as devotees flock to temples for blessings and celebrations. Gujarat Celebrates New Year with Enthusiasm as Temples Overflow with Devotees
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel offers prayers at Panchdev Temple to mark Vikram Samvat New Year
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Amit Shah celebrates Gujarati New Year with visitors at his residence, exchanges festive greetings
Ahmedabad Union Home Minister Amit Shah celebrated the Gujarati New Year at his residence in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, where people The post Amit Shah celebrates Gujarati New Year with visitors at his residence, exchanges festive greetings appeared first on Bilkul Online .
Heartfelt wishes: Union Home Minister Amit Shah extends greetings on Gujarat New Year - ANI News
In January 2017, Chirag Munjan received the India Responsible Tourism Award for being Best in Cultural Immersion at the India Responsible Tourism Summit.
Ayushman Bharat Scheme Enables Gujarat Families To Access Free Medical Treatment Without Debt - NDTV
PM Modi and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel extend Gujarati New Year wishes
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Amit Shah inaugurates, launches projects worth Rs 1,400 crore in Ahmedabad
New Delhi, Nov 9: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth around Rs 1,400 crore in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries. Of the total projects, around Rs 1,024 crore are being undertaken by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, while works worth approximately Rs 400 crore are being implemented through the Gujarat Governments Roads and Buildings Department and the Centre. Addressing a gathering, Amit Shah said the redevelopment of Ramapir No Tekro would provide permanent homes and improved facilities to residents. Once completed, the project would benefit more than 55,000 people by providing access to healthcare, education, recreation and social security facilities. He also referred to the commencement of work on the four-km ISKCON overbridge, a rainwater drainage pump house in Bopal-Ghuma and the inauguration of the Jalasapur Water Treatment Plant. Shah said development works worth Rs 25,000 crore had been completed in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency over the past seven years. On the drug menace, the Home Minister urged citizens, teachers and parents to join the campaign against drug abuse. He said the Centre had set a target of making India drug-free by December 31, 2029, while Gujarat should achieve the goal by December 31, 2028. He announced that a control room would become operational from December 1, with a mechanism to ensure action within three hours of receiving information about drug-related activities. Amit Shah said people could report drug sales or consumption through helpline 1033, assuring that callers identities would remain confidential. He also urged families not to hesitate in seeking treatment for youngsters battling addiction.
May your lives overflow with health, joy and enthusiasm: PM Modi extends Gujarati New Year wishes
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 10 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended Gujarati New Year greetings to people, wishing them happiness, peace, prosperity and good health on the auspicious occasion. In a message posted on X in Gujarati, the Prime Minister expressed hope that the new year would bring fresh hopes and opportunities into people's lives. Happy New Year!!! May this auspicious beginning of the new year bring new hopes of happiness, peace, prosperity, and well-being into all your lives. May your lives overflow with excellent health, joy, and enthusiasmthese are my heartfelt wishes! PM Modi posted on X. The BJP's Gujarat unit also extended greetings to people on the occasion through its official X handle. Heartfelt New Year wishes to all proud Gujaratis...! May the new year, with new energy, new strength, new capabilities and new resolutions, open new doors to happiness, prosperity and success in everyones lives, the party said. Gujarati New Year, popularly known as Bestu Varas or Nutan Varsh, is being celebrated on Tuesday, November 10, marking the beginning of Vikram Samvat 2083 according to the traditional Gujarati calendar. The occasion holds special cultural and religious significance for the Gujarati community. People celebrate the beginning of the new year by offering prayers, visiting temples, organising family gatherings, preparing festive meals and exchanging greetings with friends and relatives. The day also symbolises fresh beginnings, renewed resolutions and hopes for prosperity in the year ahead. Meanwhile, Gujarat has also witnessed a series of development and public welfare initiatives. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Monday inaugurated an advanced library in Jodhpur Ward and an Urban Primary Health Centre in the Gota-Science City area of Ahmedabad. The newly inaugurated health centre is expected to provide healthcare services to around 80,000 people across 17 surrounding areas, including nearly 46,700 residents of slum settlements. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was present at both inauguration ceremonies. In another major announcement, HM Shah set December 31, 2028, as the deadline for making Gujarat drug-free, stating that the state should achieve the target ahead of the Centre's nationwide deadline of December 31, 2029. Addressing a public gathering in Ahmedabad, HM Shah announced that a dedicated helpline, 1033, would become operational in Gujarat from December 1, enabling citizens to anonymously report the sale and consumption of drugs.
Here are 100+ Happy Gujarati New Year 2026 wishes, WhatsApp messages, greetings, quotes and status updates that you can share with your family and friends.
Amit Shah calls for Gujarat to be drug-free by December 2028, launches 1033 helpline
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Smriti Mandhana To Lead Defending Champions Maharashtra In Senior Womens T20 Super League
Gujarat College Cricket Ground: India skipper Smriti Mandhana will captain defending champions Maharashtra in the Super League stage of the Senior Womens T20 Trophy, with Tejal Hasabnis named as her vice-captain in a 16-member squad announced by the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) on Monday. Smriti was unavailable for the league stage of the competition due to her leading India to white-ball series wins over Zimbabwe at home last month. After taking a short break post the completion of the series against Zimbabwe, Smriti will be back to state duties and help Maharashtra retain the title they won last season. Experienced campaigners such as Devika Vaidya, Anuja Patil, Mukta Magre and Gautami Naik are present, while the specialist wicketkeepers are Shivali Shinde and Damini Bankar. The eight sides that made the Super League have been divided into two groups of four. Maharashtra have been drawn in Group B alongside Andhra, Railways and Mumbai, while Karnataka, Baroda, Vidarbha and Delhi form Group A. All matches of the Super League stage will be held in Ahmedabad, with the Gujarat College Cricket Ground A and Ground B of the Narendra Modi Stadium as the venues. Maharashtra will commence their Super League campaign against Andhra in the 9 a.m. fixture at the Gujarat College Cricket Ground A on November 14. They will then face heavyweights Railways at the Narendra Modi Stadium Ground B at 11 a.m. on November 16. But undoubtedly the most keenly awaited clash for Maharashtra will be against Mumbai at the Gujarat College Cricket Ground A at 1.30 p.m. on November 18. Mumbai, who are expected to be led by India batter Jemimah Rodrigues, start their campaign against Railways on November 14 and play Andhra on November 16 before meeting Maharashtra. With each team playing only three games, the margin for error is thin. Only the two group toppers will progress, and they will square off in the final to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium Ground B on November 20. Mumbai, who are expected to be led by India batter Jemimah Rodrigues, start their campaign against Railways on November 14 and play Andhra on November 16 before meeting Maharashtra. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Gujarat families avoid medical debt as 'Ayushman Bharat' covers costs
Digital Desk | Rajkot, Nov 9 (IANS) Two families in Gujarat have been able to avoid substantial medical expenses through the 'Ayushman Bharat' scheme, which covered the cost of surgeries and treatment that they said would otherwise have forced them to borrow money at interest. Jayantibhai Vadakia, a resident of Dharampur village in Chotila taluka, was suffering from kidney stones in both kidneys. His family's financial condition did not allow him to bear the cost of the operations. He subsequently underwent surgeries on both kidneys free of cost at Doshi Hospital in Rajkot district using his Ayushman Bharat card. The hospital also provided him with travel assistance of Rs 300 on two occasions. Recalling his experience, Vadakia said that without the health insurance card, he would have been forced to borrow money at interest to pay for the operations and could have fallen into debt. If we did not have the Ayushman card, we would have had to borrow money at interest for the operations. However, because of this scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our treatment was completely free. The facilities here are very good. This scheme is very helpful for poor and middle-class families, he said. In another case, the scheme helped a family meet the medical expenses of treating a tumour near the urinary bladder of Laxmanbhai. His son, Kanabhai, said doctors had estimated the cost of the operation and treatment at around Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000, which was covered through the Ayushman card. Kanabhai said his family would otherwise have had to borrow the money or take a loan at interest to meet the expenses. My father underwent a urinary bladder surgery. The cost of the operation and treatment was around Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000, which was covered through the Ayushman card. Without the card, we would have had to arrange the money either by borrowing or taking a loan at interest. This scheme is very helpful for small and poor families. The government has done good work for people from weaker sections, he said. Both beneficiaries said the scheme had helped their families access medical treatment without having to bear expenses that were beyond their financial means. Under the Ayushman BharatPradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana-Mukhyamantri Amrutam (PMJAY-MA) scheme in Gujarat, eligible families are entitled to cashless medical treatment worth up to Rs 10 lakh annually. The state government doubled the coverage from Rs five lakh to Rs 10 lakh in July 2023. The scheme covers secondary and tertiary hospitalisation at empanelled government and private hospitals. It also provides coverage for pre-existing conditions from the first day, without restrictions on family size or age.
Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi graces Diwali and New Year Sneh Milan Samaroh in Surat
A Diwali and New Year Sneh Milan Samaroh to mark the beginning of Vikram Samvat 2083 was organised at Maharaja Agrasen Bhawan in Surat in the presence of Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi. On this occasion, Sanghavi extended heartfelt Diwali and New Year greetings to the people of Gujarat and the dedicated Karmayogis who remain away from their families and continue to serve the public with commitment even during festivals. According to an official release from the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the Deputy Chief Minister called upon citizens to use the
Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi attends Diwali and New Year Sneh Milan in Surat
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Gujarat: Dispute over firecrackers turns violent on Diwali night; seven held
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Nov 9 (IANS) Four people have been arrested and three minors detained after a dispute over bursting firecrackers escalated into a clash between two groups outside Empire Skyview Apartments on Science City Road in Ahmedabad on Diwali night, police said on Monday. An FIR has been registered against 14 named persons and other unidentified individuals under charges of rioting and attempt to murder in connection with the incident. ACP (N Division) S. M. Patel said the clash took place on Sunday night between some outsiders and residents following a dispute over bursting firecrackers in the Science City area. Yesterday was Diwali night, and during the night, regarding the bursting of firecrackers in the Science City area, a clash and attack broke out between some outsiders and residents. Regarding this incident of attack, an FIR has been registered invoking sections on rioting and attempt to murder. The FIR has been filed against 14 named individuals and other unknown persons. Out of these, four accused have been arrested, three minors have been detained, and efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining accused, Patel said. According to the complaint, the dispute had reportedly begun on November 6, when some youths were bursting firecrackers near the apartment complex. Residents had objected after some firecrackers allegedly landed near them. The disagreement was subsequently resolved, but tensions resurfaced on Diwali night when the same group was reportedly bursting crackers near the residential complex again. The situation escalated after a firecracker rocket allegedly landed among residents celebrating outside the apartment complex. An argument followed, after which a group of around 20 to 25 people allegedly arrived at the spot carrying sticks and clubs and attacked the residents. The incident left around five people injured. According to reports, one of the injured persons sustained a serious head injury and received 12 stitches at Sola Civil Hospital before being shifted to a private hospital for further treatment. During the altercation, a resident, identified in reports as Rakesh Patel, allegedly fired two to three rounds into the air from his licensed pistol in an attempt to stop the attack. The group subsequently fled the spot. Police reached the spot after receiving information about the clash and initiated an investigation. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the remaining accused. The investigation is also examining the sequence of events leading to the confrontation and the alleged involvement of the individuals named in the FIR.
Gujarat Logs 366 Diwali Fires, Up From Daily Average of 55: 108 EMS Data
State minister Jitu Vaghani was among those who reported about fire incidents, officials said.
Ahead of the festive season and the New Year, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah presented Ahmedabad residents with several development projects to improve public convenience and quality of life. He inaugurated and laid foundation stones for around 30 public welfare projects worth over
With over 2.62 lakh startups, India ranks among worlds top 3
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 9 (IANS) The National Entrepreneurship Day, observed on November 9, highlights the growing role of entrepreneurship in India as the country has become the worlds third-largest startup ecosystem with over 2.62 lakh government-recognised startups that are creating employment and expanding opportunities for youth, according to an official statement issued on Monday. The government has recognised over 55,200 startups during FY 2025-26- the highest number of startups recognised in a single year since 2016. The shift from job seekers to job creators reflects Indias growing entrepreneurial spirit, the statement said. Startups have been able to create more than 25 lakh jobs up to October 2026. The number of startups recognised increased by 51.6 per cent year-on-year in FY 2025-26 compared to FY 2024-25, while direct jobs created rose by 36.1 per cent during the same period, according to the statement. Besides, more than 1.07 lakh recognised startups have at least one woman director or partner, accounting for around 48 per cent of total recognised startups as on March 2026. Recognising the importance of entrepreneurship in Indias development journey, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship was established on November 9, 2014 and the day is observed as National Entrepreneurship Day. Government initiatives such as Startup India, Fund of Funds for Startups, CGSS, SISFS, Atal Innovation Mission, and the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) support innovation, access to finance, mentorship and enterprise creation. Nearly half of recognised startups originate from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, alongside expanding rural entrepreneurship, which reflects the inclusive economic growth that is taking place in the country. India has made significant strides in building a supportive environment for aspiring entrepreneurs. This progress holds particular significance for a nation where nearly 65 per cent of the population is under 35. Recognising the potential of this demographic dividend, the government has undertaken a range of initiatives to empower young Indians across fields including entrepreneurship. Notably, startups are present across all States and Union Territories. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Gujarat have emerged as leading regions in terms of the number of recognised startups and direct employment generation as on March 31, 2026. Through the governments policy support and innovation-focused initiatives, easier access to finance, and digital platforms, entrepreneurship continues to expand across India.
HM Amit Shah showed how vision can resolve public issues: Gujarat CM
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Nov 9 (IANS) Describing the development projects launched in Ahmedabad on Monday as an example of how vision and planning can address public grievances, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said Union Home Minister Amit Shah had demonstrated how large-scale infrastructure initiatives could provide lasting solutions to civic problems. Speaking at a public programme attended by Shah, Patel referred to the stormwater pumping station project in Bopal-Ghuma, saying it marked the beginning of work towards a permanent solution to the waterlogging problem that affected the area during the previous monsoon. This year, there was a problem of waterlogging. Amitbhai had promised a permanent solution, and work on that project is beginning today. Amit Shah has shown what kind of large-scale planning is possible when there is a vision to resolve people's problems, Patel said. The Chief Minister was referring to the proposed stormwater pumping station in the Bopal-Ghuma area, for which the foundation stone was laid as part of the development programme. The project is estimated to cost Rs 23.95 crore. Shah had earlier said that he had assured residents of Bopal-Ghuma that arrangements would be made to prevent their homes from being flooded even if the area received 25 inches of rainfall, before he returned to seek votes in 2029. He recalled that 21 inches of rain in a single spell during the previous monsoon had caused water to enter several houses. Patel said the development programme, involving projects worth more than Rs 1,400 crore, was an example of celebrating development alongside the Diwali festival. The occasion reflected the tradition initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of marking development achievements as a celebration, he added. Referring to the inauguration of the ISKCON-Sanand Elevated Corridor, Patel said residents had been waiting for the flyover connecting Karnavati Club Junction towards Sanand. The project would ease traffic congestion and make daily commuting easier for lakhs of people, he said. The 4.03-km-long, six-lane elevated corridor, constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 464 crore, connects ISKCON Junction to Sanand Flyover on the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway. Patel also listed housing projects, sewage treatment plants, gardens and libraries among the public infrastructure initiatives being taken up in Ahmedabad. He referred to the launch of the SMILE project, supported by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, as part of the effort to make Ahmedabad a eggar-free city. Highlighting the importance of security for development, Patel praised the Centre's approach to internal security under PM Modi and HM Shah. He referred to the removal of Article 370, the introduction of new criminal laws and the government's efforts against Naxalism, saying national security and peace are essential for development. He also endorsed the Centre's 'zero-tolerance approach' towards drugs, saying, HM Shah continued to guide and encourage the state in its campaign against narcotics as part of the broader goal of a drug-free India. The PM Modi-led government had focused on four key areas housing, livelihood, food and healthcare to improve the living conditions of poor and middle-class families in urban and rural areas, he asserted. Referring to a recent World Bank report, he claimed that nearly 50 crore people in India had moved out of poverty over the past 12 years. He attributed the improvement to the government's focus on housing, employment and welfare measures.
Atharva Taide To Lead Vidarbha In Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Yash Rathod Included
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Left-handed batter Atharva Taide will captain Vidarbha in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after the Vidarbha Cricket Associations (VCA) senior selection committee named a 17-member squad for the tournament on Monday. Vidarbha, who havent won the premier T20 competition so far, will play their Elite Group D matches in Kolkata from November 14 to 26, with three of their seven league games scheduled to be staged at the Eden Gardens. The Elite Group D also features Mumbai, Gujarat, Hyderabad, Odisha, Goa, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh, thus making it one of the more competitive pools in the tournament. Usman Ghani will continue as head coach, with Sebastian Antony as the assistant coach in charge of fielding. Left-handed batter Yash Rathod, who is currently with the India A team for the red-ball games against New Zealand A, has also been included. Left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Harsh Dubey is unavailable due to his being named in the India A squad for the ACC Rising Stars Mens Asia Cup, to be held in Doha from November 19-29. Other prominent squad members include Aman Mokhade, Danish Malewar, Shubham Dubey, Nachiket Bhute, Praful Hinge, Darshan Nalkande and Saurabh Dubey. Vidarbha will begin their campaign against Goa on November 14, before facing Odisha two days later. The side will play its next two games at the Eden Gardens - against Hyderabad on November 18 and facing heavyweights Mumbai on November 20. Vidarbha next face Gujarat on November 22, before taking on Uttarakhand on November 24. Their league stage commitments will end with a meeting against Chhattisgarh on November 26. The clash against Mumbai, led by T20 World Cup-winning skipper Suryakumar Yadav, is likely to be the standout game of Vidarbhas group stage campaign. The side will play its next two games at the Eden Gardens - against Hyderabad on November 18 and facing heavyweights Mumbai on November 20. Vidarbha next face Gujarat on November 22, before taking on Uttarakhand on November 24. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Suryakumar Yadav Appointed As Mumbai Captain For Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav has been named as Mumbais captain for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) announced on Monday. The MCA said Suryakumar will be bringing his vast international experience, leadership and explosive batting prowess to the team. Suryakumar was not considered for the first phase of Mumbais Ranji Trophy campaign, but his standing in white-ball cricket, including leading India to retain their Mens T20 World Cup title earlier this year, made him a strong contender to lead the side once again. The squad features a blend of experienced international and domestic players along with promising young talent, reflecting Mumbai's continued commitment to excellence and nurturing the next generation of cricketers, added the MCA. Suryakumar has been playing for MIG Cricket Club in the MCA Presidents Cup. It is always a matter of immense pride to represent Mumbai. I am honoured to lead this talented group in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Mumbai has a rich cricketing legacy and a winning culture, and we will look to uphold those traditions. We have a good mix of experienced players and exciting young talent, and I am confident that the team will come together, play with intensity and give its best in every match. Our aim is to go all the way and bring the trophy home, Suryakumar said in a statement by the MCA. Suryakumar takes over at a time when Mumbai are without several key players. All-rounders Tanush Kotian and Suryansh Shedge will miss the tournament after being named in the India A squad for the Rising Stars Asia Cup, to be played in Doha from November 19-29. Shreyas Iyer is currently on national duty for Indias ODI series against New Zealand, while Ranji Trophy captain Siddhesh Lad is sitting out of the competition. Placed in Elite Group D, Mumbai will play all their league matches in Kolkata. Their first game is against Hyderabad on November 14 before taking on Gujarat on November 16 and Goa on November 18. Mumbai will then meet Vidarbha on November 20, before facing Chhattisgarh on November 22 and taking on Odisha on November 24. Their league stage campaign ends against Uttarakhand on November 26. Shreyas Iyer is currently on national duty for Indias ODI series against New Zealand, while Ranji Trophy captain Siddhesh Lad is sitting out of the competition. Placed in Elite Group D, Mumbai will play all their league matches in Kolkata. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Gujarat records over 13 pc rise in medical emergencies during Diwali; trauma cases see sharp spike
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Nov 9 (IANS) Emergency medical service calls in Gujarat increased by 13.12 per cent during Diwali this year, with the 108 ambulance service recording 5,934 emergencies compared with 5,246 on normal days. Vehicular trauma cases witnessed a particularly sharp rise, increasing by 87.49 per cent, while non-vehicular trauma cases went up by 75.17 per cent. According to the emergency response data, the number of vehicular trauma cases rose from 646 on normal days to 1,212 during Diwali. Non-vehicular trauma emergencies increased from 595 to 1,043, indicating a substantial rise in both categories of injury-related calls during the festival. Pregnancy-related emergencies remained the largest category in the normal-day comparison, although calls declined marginally from 1,194 to 1,151, a fall of 3.58 per cent. Emergencies categorised as unknown problems increased from 610 to 661, registering an 8.39 per cent rise. Among other medical emergencies, calls related to abdominal pain declined from 673 to 528, a decrease of 21.50 per cent. Breathing-related emergencies fell from 448 to 383, while cardiac emergencies declined from 313 to 285, down 14.56 per cent and 8.82 per cent, respectively. High-fever cases recorded the largest decline among the listed medical categories, falling from 303 on normal days to 209 during Diwali, a reduction of 31.09 per cent. Convulsion and fits-related emergencies decreased from 137 to 124, while stroke and paralysis cases fell from 48 to 40. In contrast, poisoning and toxicology-related emergencies increased from 124 to 131, a rise of 5.28 per cent. Diabetic emergencies also increased by 26.19 per cent, from 84 to 106. Calls classified under other emergencies declined from 70 to 61, a fall of 13.21 per cent. The 108 service also recorded 62 burn-related emergencies during Diwali. Ahmedabad accounted for the highest number with 13 cases, followed by Surat with 12. Kachchh and Rajkot reported five cases each, while Gandhinagar and Vadodara recorded four each. Anand, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Narmada, Tapi and Valsad reported two burn emergencies each. Banaskantha, Botad, Kheda, Mehsana, Morbi, Porbandar and Surendranagar recorded one case each. The data showed that trauma-related emergencies were the main categories to witness increases during the festival, while several medical categories, including high fever, abdominal pain, breathing problems and cardiac emergencies, recorded fewer calls than on normal days
Gujarat: HM Amit Shah inaugurates library, urban health centre
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Nov 9 (IANS) Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Monday inaugurated an advanced library in Jodhpur Ward and an Urban Primary Health Centre in the Gota-Science City area of Ahmedabad, with the latter expected to provide healthcare services to around 80,000 people across 17 surrounding areas, including nearly 46,700 residents of slum settlements. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was present at both inauguration ceremonies. The library, named the Knowledge Hub, has been constructed near Tapas Bungalows in Jodhpur Ward under the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's South-West Zone at an estimated cost of Rs 15.60 crore. The facility has been developed under the civic body's 2024-25 budget to provide students and young people with access to educational resources and a modern learning environment. The Knowledge Hub aims to facilitate learning and research in science and technology, while also helping students develop skills and explore creative activities such as writing and drawing. It is intended to provide a safe space where students can access information on different subjects, work on academic projects and exchange knowledge. The inauguration was attended by Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot, Jodhpur MLA Babubhai Patel, Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani, Deputy Mayor Anju Shah, Standing Committee Chairman Kamlesh Patel, Municipal Ruling Party Leader Jashu Thakor and other public representatives. At Gota's Science City area, Shah inaugurated a two-storey Urban Primary Health Centre equipped with around 20 rooms. The facility will cater to residents of 17 surrounding areas, with an estimated 80,000 beneficiaries, including approximately 46,700 people living in slum settlements. The centre will have around 40 trained healthcare professionals and provide general outpatient services, minor emergency care, dog-bite vaccination, screening for non-communicable diseases, paediatric and geriatric consultations, and treatment for eye and skin-related ailments. It will also offer treatment for common illnesses such as cold, cough, fever, diarrhoea and vomiting, besides services for diabetes and high blood pressure. Special nutritional supplements for children, pregnant women and senior citizens, along with physiotherapy facilities, will also be available. The health centre is equipped to conduct 21 types of laboratory tests, bringing diagnostic services closer to residents. School health screening services will also be provided. The facility will additionally offer assistance with birth and death registration. The two inaugurations were part of a wider development programme in Ahmedabad during Shah's visit, which included 30 civic and infrastructure projects worth Rs 1,024 crore being inaugurated or taken up for foundation laying. These included housing, water supply, renewable energy, education and healthcare initiatives. Among the projects announced earlier was the establishment of urban health centres in Gota and Chandlodia at a combined cost of Rs 9.19 crore. The initiatives are part of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's efforts to expand civic amenities and improve access to education and primary healthcare amid the city's growing population.
Bhavika Ahire, Anaadi Tagde To Lead India U19 Sides In Home Tri-series With Nepal
U19 T20 Tri: Wicketkeeper-batter Bhavika Ahire and seam-bowling all-rounder Anaadi Tagde will captain India U19 A and India U19 B respectively in the upcoming T20 Tri-Series featuring Nepal U19, said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday. The tournament will be played at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru from November 10 to 22. The tri-series is a vital part of Indias preparations for the 2027 ICC U19 Womens T20 World Cup, which Bangladesh and Nepal will co-host early next year. India have won the 2023 and 2025 editions of the global competition and are aiming for a three-peat in 2027. Under Bhavikas leadership, India had won the U19 T20 and one-day series over Sri Lanka U19 in Chennai and Puducherry held earlier this year. Bhavika, a member of the Indian team that won the 2025 U19 World Cup alongside Ishwari Awarare, whos in the B team, will have promising Mumbai batter Ira Jadhav as her vice-captain, while Shambhavi Rajput is the second wicketkeeper in the U19 A squad. For the B side, Uma Kashvi, the youngest player signed in the Womens Premier League (WPL) when Delhi Capitals got her services for Rs 10 lakh, has been named vice-captain. Rachita Hatwar and Shreya S. Chawan are the two wicketkeepers in the U19 B team, which also features hard-hitting opener Deeya Yadav and batting all-rounder Samaira Raghav, who earned a WPL contract with Gujarat Giants. All players are coming off featuring in the U19 womens T20 Challenger Trophy, held in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. Anaadi, Ira, and Nanadhana Sridharan, who are in the A team, were the stand-by players for the triumphant 2025 campaign. The tri-series follows a double round-robin format, with each team playing the other two twice before the top two sides meet in the final. India U19 A and India U19 B face each other in the opening match on Tuesday. India U19 B then play against Nepal U19 on November 12, and India U19 A meet Nepal on November 14. The second round starts on November 16 with another clash between the two Indian sides. India U19 B take on Nepal again on November 18, and India U19 A play Nepal in the last league game on November 20. The final is scheduled to be played on November 22. India U19 A squad: Bhavika Ahire (captain, wicketkeeper), Tanishka Sharma, Riya Bhati, Ira Jadhav (vice-captain), Nidhi Mahto, Ipsita Mondal, Purva Siwach, Mehek Narwase, Shambhavi Rajput (wicketkeeper), Maitri Maniar, Julie Kumari, Gauri Goyal, Nandhana Sridharan, Preeti Kapoor, and Grisha Kataria. The second round starts on November 16 with another clash between the two Indian sides. India U19 B take on Nepal again on November 18, and India U19 A play Nepal in the last league game on November 20. The final is scheduled to be played on November 22. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Gujarat must be drug-free by 2028, a year ahead of national target: HM Amit Shah
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Nov 9 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday set a December 31, 2028 deadline for making Gujarat drug-free, saying the state should not wait until the Centre's target of eliminating drug abuse in the country by December 31, 2029. Addressing a public gathering in Ahmedabad, Shah announced that a dedicated helpline, 1033, would become operational in Gujarat from December 1, allowing citizens to anonymously report the sale and consumption of drugs. He said the identity of informants would be kept confidential and the state government would ensure action on information received through the helpline within three hours. India has to become drug-free by December 31, 2029. But Gujarat should not wait until 2029. We have to take responsibility for making Gujarat drug-free before December 31, 2028, Shah said. He appealed to residents to report instances of drug sales in their neighbourhoods and warned those involved in the trade of strict action and imprisonment. Shah said the Union Home Ministry had begun coordinated efforts with the Gujarat Home Department to strengthen the campaign against drugs. A joint meeting held on Kali Chaudas discussed the implementation of three new criminal laws and modernisation of the Home Department, besides measures to make Gujarat drug-free, he added. The minister stressed that the fight could not be won by the Centre and state governments alone and required active participation from citizens, teachers and parents. Referring to the role of schools, Shah said teachers should remain alert to behavioural changes among students, including red eyes, frequent drowsiness and an inability to concentrate. Teachers should inform parents and encourage them to get children assessed if they notice such signs, he asserted. He also urged parents to closely monitor their adolescent children and remain attentive to changes in their behaviour. Shah said drug addiction was damaging the physical and mental health of young people, affecting their ability to think, listen, concentrate and make decisions. He also alleged that money generated through the drug trade was being used to promote terrorism in the country. Calling for a comprehensive response, he said rehabilitation and treatment facilities would also be required for those who had become addicted. He urged families not to hesitate to seek medical help for their children because of social stigma. There is no need to feel ashamed. If someone suffers from malaria or tuberculosis, they go to a hospital for treatment. Why should treatment for drug addiction be any different? If we feel ashamed today, we may lose our children tomorrow, he said. Shah assured families that the identity of children undergoing treatment would not be disclosed. He said the government was working on arrangements to help people overcome addiction alongside action against those involved in drug trafficking. He said a control room for the '1033' helpline would be established in Gujarat before December 1. The number would be toll-free, and citizens could provide information without revealing their identities. Appealing to Ahmedabad residents and people across Gujarat not to remain silent spectators, Shah said: The government would not compromise in its action against the drug trade, but public cooperation was essential to make the campaign successful. He urged citizens to work towards making Ahmedabad and Gujarat drug-free before the country achieved the larger target of a drug-free India.
Amit Shah: PM Modi and I come from Gujarat, it must become drug-free before 2029
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched 1,400 crore projects in Ahmedabad and announced a December 2028 deadline for a drug-free Gujarat.
86-year-old NRI donates 19cr for Karamsad healthcare facility
Standing committee maintains its stand in Nasir Nagar house allotment
Absconding Accused In MP Cop Murder Case Nabbed
An absconding suspect, Manish Jaiswal, has been arrested from Gujarat in connection with the killing of Khategaon SHO Dilip Puri during an anti-liquor operation in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district earlier this month. This arrest brings the total number of arrests in the case to six, shedding more light on the illicit liquor syndicate involved.
Student loses 95,000 in HOT Wave app fraud
Chef Aanal Kotak to Put India on the Global Culinary Map at the 10th World Tapas Championship
NewsVoir Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], November 9: India's rich food heritage is set to take centre stage internationally as Chef Aanal Kotak, Celebrity Chef, Entrepreneur and Co-founder of TSK Hospitality LLP, prepares to represent the country at the 10th World Tapas Championship (Concurso Mundial de Tapas), scheduled from November 9
Man killed in dispute over bursting crackers
Surat fire services attends one call every 14 minutes
Letting Arshdeep Go Won't Fix PBKS' Bowling Woes: Aakash Chopra
Give Nehal Wadhera: Former India opener Aakash Chopra has said that releasing Arshdeep Singh would do nothing to strengthen the bowling department of Punjab Kings, which he called the franchises weaker department heading into IPL 2027. IANS reported on November 3 that with PBKS being front runners to get Hardik Pandyas services, Arshdeep would move to Mumbai Indians (MI) as part of the trade deal. Arshdeep has been PBKS since IPL 2019 and his wicket-taking exploits with them paved his way into the Indian team. If you have made up your mind to let go of Arshdeep, then youre not addressing that problem. Youre not strengthening that department. Arshdeep Singh, all said and done, took 21 wickets in 17 matches in 2025 at an economy of 8.9. This year, he was expensive, no doubt, but he still took 14 wickets in 14 matches, with an economy over 10. But these days, when 200 is the norm, 10 is still acceptable. So, to be able to let him go, there should be enough quality bowlers to replace him as well and bowling is still their weaker suit, Chopra said on JioStar. He also felt that if PBKS are looking to bolster their fast bowling stocks, then 2022 champions Gujarat Titans will be the ideal side, considering they have a large pool of fast bowlers. They should get in conversation with Gujarat Titans, actually. Give Nehal Wadhera or Shashank Singh or Suryansh Shedge, one of these middle-order, lower-middle-order batters which GT want, and take a fast bowler from them. Theyve got a plethora of them, a factory of fast bowlers. Maybe an Ashok Sharma or even a Gurnoor Brar; theyve got plenty to actually dispense with. Punjab can let go of a couple of these middle-order batters, which not all teams have the luxury of. He also felt that if PBKS are looking to bolster their fast bowling stocks, then 2022 champions Gujarat Titans will be the ideal side, considering they have a large pool of fast bowlers. They should get in conversation with Gujarat Titans, actually. Give Nehal Wadhera or Shashank Singh or Suryansh Shedge, one of these middle-order, lower-middle-order batters which GT want, and take a fast bowler from them. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Amit Shah sets 2028 deadline for drug-free Gujarat, urges citizens to report narcotics sales
The Union Home Minister said Gujarat should be drug-free by December 31, 2028, a year ahead of the national deadline, and announced a State control room from December 1
Amit Shah Sets 2028 Deadline For Drug-Free Gujarat, 2029 For India
Urges Citizens To Report Drug Abuse And Sales Through Dedicated Helplines
Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat shine as residential rooftop solar nears 20 GW
Under the PMSG: MBY, the pan-India installed residential rooftop capacity stood at 19,189 megawatts (MW), covering 65,26,461 households last month.
Gujarat Energys PNG sales in Morbi drop nearly 90% to 1 mmscmd in five months
Natural gas volumes have fallen to 1 mmscmd from a peak of 8.5 mmscmd as propane supply improves, prompting the company to pursue competitive LNG sourcing to win back industrial customers.
