Couple from Gujarat drowns as boat capsizes in Harangi backwaters
Odisha CM highlights Kudumi heritage, reaffirms commitment to communitys development
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Nov 13 (IANS) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday lauded the Kudumi communitys ancient traditions, hard work and love for nature, and assured it of the state governments firm commitment to its economic, social and cultural development. CM Majhi made the remarks while addressing a mega cultural programme of the Kudumi community, National Bandana Parab-2026, organised in Mayurbhanj district on Friday. On the auspicious occasion, the Chief Minister extended his warm greetings and congratulations to all members of the Kudumi community. He reaffirmed the government's firm commitment to the social, economic, educational and cultural development of the Kudumi community as part of the State's inclusive development model. Speaking on the occasion, Majhi said, Bandana is not merely a festival but a living poem of the deep bond between nature, the soil, cattle wealth and human relationships. This symbol of nature worship, reverence for agrarian culture and devotion to the soil is the very soul of our culture. He further said the Kudumi community are son of the soil, and their dedication and hard work in making the land fertile and productive offered valuable lessons for society. The unique way in which this community worships nature as a mother and lives in harmony with trees and plants, hills, rivers and streams, and the animal kingdom offers a guiding example for the entire human society, Majhi noted. Praising the bond between the Santhal and Kudumi communities in the Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj regions, the Chief Minister said brotherhood has always occupied a place of prominence in tribal culture. Recalling his childhood days growing up alongside Kudumi families in his village, he shared fond memories of visiting Dhenguan, a traditional community procession or ritual associated with the Bandana festival and enjoying traditional pithas (rice cakes). He also acknowledged the significant role played by members of the Kudumi community as his associates in the political sphere. The Chief Minister highlighted the Kudumi communitys history and social contributions, noting that it is spread across Odisha, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Maharashtra. He said Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar emerged as the principal settlements of the community after the formation of the separate Odisha province, while Baripada came to be known as the unofficial capital of Odisha's Kudumi community. Describing the Kudumis as self-respecting, loyal and patriotic, he said the community believes in overcoming challenges through hard work and has made its mark in agriculture, trade and other professions. He also referred to the community's long-standing demands for ST status and inclusion of Kudumali in the Constitutions Eighth Schedule.
Wildlife, amusement rides and puppet shows: Where Gujaratis went this Diwali vacation
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Nov 13 (IANS) From amusement rides and zoo visits in Ahmedabad to wildlife attractions in Vadodara and traditional puppet shows promoting environmental conservation in Gandhinagar, Gujarat's public recreation spaces have drawn large crowds during the Diwali vacation, with families turning to parks and nature destinations for their festive outings. Ahmedabad's Kankaria Lakefront recorded 1,57,690 visitors in just three days between November 9 and 11, while Vadodara's historic Sayajibaug Zoo received 19,040 visitors over six days, generating revenue of Rs 12.95 lakh. Meanwhile, Gandhinagar's Indroda Nature Park has attracted more than 12,000 visitors during the ongoing vacation, with the authorities using the increased footfall to spread awareness about environmental protection. At Kankaria, November 10 recorded the highest single-day footfall, with 67,097 visitors, followed by 62,021 on November 11. Another 28,572 people visited the lakefront on November 9, taking the three-day total to over 1.57 lakh. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) had decided to keep Kankaria open on November 9, despite it being a Monday, to accommodate visitors during the school holidays. The lakefront normally remains closed on Mondays for maintenance and cleaning. The decision was part of a special arrangement to allow families to make use of its recreational facilities during the vacation. The zoo, Balvatika, nocturnal zoo, Atal Express toy train, butterfly park and amusement rides have been among the major attractions for children and families. The civic administration has also made arrangements for cleanliness, security and traffic management amid the rush. In Vadodara, Sayajibaug, also known as Kamati Baug, has witnessed a steady increase in visitors since the beginning of the festive period. The zoo recorded 697 visitors on November 6, earning Rs 50,660, followed by 877 visitors and Rs 62,180 in revenue on November 7. On November 8, the footfall increased to 1,791, generating Rs 1.22 lakh. The numbers rose sharply over the following three days. The zoo received 4,023 visitors on November 9, generating Rs 2.66 lakh, and 5,419 visitors on November 10, bringing in Rs 3.77 lakh. November 11 recorded the highest footfall, with 6,233 visitors and revenue of Rs 4.17 lakh in a single day. The six-day cumulative figures stood at 19,040 visitors and Rs 12,95,940 in revenue. The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) said families and children from the city as well as neighbouring districts had visited the zoo to see the animals. Separately, the entire Sayajibaug garden received approximately 28,000 to 30,000 visitors daily during the festive period. Around 5,000 people enjoyed rides on the toy train with their families and visited the zoo, while approximately 900 people used the electric cars. The 45-hectare Sayajibaug, established by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1879, is among Vadodara's prominent green and recreational spaces. It houses a zoo, museums, a planetarium and a toy train, besides its gardens and open spaces. While the two urban attractions have drawn crowds through recreation and wildlife, Indroda Nature Park in Gandhinagar has added an environmental awareness component to its Diwali vacation activities. More than 12,000 visitors have visited the park so far during the holidays. Taking the opportunity to reach a larger audience, the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation has organised traditional Rajasthani 'Kathputli' puppet shows to communicate messages about tree plantation, cleanliness and environmental conservation. The performances use traditional folk art as an entertaining medium to explain the importance of protecting nature, with children emerging as a key audience. Two shows are being held every afternoon until November 15. The park has also scheduled a series of eco-activities until November 24, including dry-leaf painting, stone painting, thread painting and pottery-related activities, allowing visitors to engage in creative pursuits while learning about the environment. The contrasting attractions reflect the varied ways in which families are spending the festive break across the state, from amusement facilities and wildlife viewing to activities centred on nature and conservation. With the vacation continuing, the authorities at these destinations are expecting further visitor movement in the coming days.
Gujarat man dies in hunting trip firing; four held for swapping gun to mislead police
Digital Desk | Bhuj, Nov 13 (IANS) Four men have been arrested for allegedly replacing a licensed firearm used in a fatal shooting during a hunting trip in Kutch with an illegal country-made gun in an attempt to mislead police and conceal evidence, the West Kutch police said on Friday. Six other accused are yet to be arrested. The incident occurred in the Payarka area of Bhuj taluka on the night of November 3, when Kadar Hasam Jat sustained a gunshot injury to his head and died. His death was reported as an accidental death at Mankuva police station on November 4. However, as the circumstances appeared suspicious, the Special Operations Group (SOG) and Local Crime Branch (LCB) were assigned to investigate. According to the police, Kadar had gone hunting with Isha Husein Jat, Altaf Ramju Jat and Juma alias Rashid Umar Jat, all from Bhuj taluka. Isha had brought a gun and cartridges for hunting. During the trip, his finger allegedly touched the trigger accidentally, causing the weapon to fire. The bullet struck Kadar, who was standing in front of him, in the head, causing fatal injuries. The three men took Kadar to a farm belonging to a person identified as Navinbhai. Isha then informed Adam Ibhla Jat, his paternal aunt's son, who arrived at the farm and confirmed that Kadar had died. Altaf and Juma subsequently left the spot, police said. During the investigation, SOG Assistant Sub-Inspectors Narendra Singh Jhala and Raghuvir Singh Jadeja received information about the circumstances of the shooting. Police first questioned Altaf and Juma, who allegedly disclosed details of the hunting trip. Further questioning of Isha led investigators to uncover an alleged conspiracy to conceal the use of the licensed firearm. Police said Isha had obtained a licensed gun belonging to Juma Musa Jat through Adam for the hunting trip. After Kadar's death, Isha and Adam allegedly contacted seven other men and called them to the farm. The group allegedly decided to hide Juma Musa Jat's licensed firearm to prevent its seizure and the cancellation of its licence. Juma Musa Jat then contacted his friend Jakab Daud Jat, a resident of Tankanasar in Bhuj taluka, and obtained an illegal country-made gun from him. The licensed firearm was allegedly removed and concealed, while the country-made gun was placed at the location to be presented as the weapon used in the incident if a police case was registered. The accused planned to create false evidence and provide misleading information to the investigating officer to divert the investigation, police said. The four arrested accused have been identified as Isha Husein Jat, a resident of Pirwali; Adam Ibhla Jat of Kodki; Juma Musa Jat, currently residing in Kodki and originally from Pirwali; and Jakab Daud Jat of Tankanasar. The six accused yet to be arrested are Umar Jakab Jat of Sumrasar (Jat), Haji Sidhik Mamad Jat of Pirwali, Juma Kasam Jat of Navavas in Pirwali, Sidhik Daud Jat of Sumrasar (Jat), Ibrahim Hajisidhik Jat of Navavas in Pirwali, and Imran Daud Jat of Maina Pad. All locations are in Bhuj taluka. The police seized six mobile phones, one firearm allegedly used in the incident and 17 cartridges. The four arrested accused and the seized articles were handed over to Mankuva police station for further legal action. Police said Jakab Daud Jat has three previous cases registered against him at Mankuva police station. These include a 2022 case under the Arms Act and Gujarat Police Act, another 2022 case under Sections 323, 325 and 506(2) of the Indian Penal Code, and a 2023 case under Sections 114, 294(b), 323, 324 and 506(2) of the IPC, along with Section 135 of the Gujarat Police Act.
Indian Ambassador, Cyprus Energy Minister discuss forthcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit
Digital Desk | Nicosia, Nov 13 (IANS) Indias High Commissioner to Cyprus, Manish, held a bilateral meeting with Cyprus Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Michael Damianos, in Nicosia, discussing the ministers proposed visit to India for the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, the High Commission of India in Cyprus said on Friday. High Commissioner Mr. Manish held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Michael Damianos, Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Cyprus, in Nicosia on 12 November, the High Commission posted on X. The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is scheduled to be held in Gandhinagar from January 10 to 12, 2027. The Summit would give Cypriot businesses an opportunity to engage with financial institutions at GIFT City and explore partnerships with Indian companies in fintech, renewable energy and energy storage, the High Commission said. The two sides also discussed the IndiaEU Free Trade Agreement and its potential to expand trade and investment between India and Cyprus. High Commissioner informed him about the upcoming event on 18 December India - Cyprus Economic Dialogue to be held in Nicosia and invited him to join the event as keynote speaker. The event will review the opportunities for Indian and Cypriot businesses in the context of India EU FTA, it said. The two sides exchanged views on the energy sector in the context of Cyprus membership of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), and Indias readiness to support and provide technical assistance in storage solution and grid capacity. On ISA proposal Cyprus agreed to establish Regional Centre of Excellence called STAR-C in solar energy sector. Discussion also focussed on implementation of this project in Cyprus, the High Commission added. Last month, an Indian defence delegation led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh visited Cyprus, during which both sides underlined the untapped potential for further expansion in the ongoing defence and defence industrial cooperation. Earlier in October, High Commissioner Manish met Irene Piki, Deputy Minister to the President of Cyprus, to review progress on the India-Cyprus strategic agenda after Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides State Visit to India in May. Discussions focused on expanding trade and investment, advancing cooperation in shipping and technology and strengthening tourism, connectivity and infrastructure links. Participation of Cypriot business delegations in key business events in India was discussed as a practical avenue for building new commercial partnerships, the High Commission had posted on X.
PM Modi takes dig at Opposition over
'In the interest of devotees': Gujarat Dy CM on PM Modi postponing Ambaji visit amid festive rush
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Nov 13 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has postponed his scheduled visit to Ambaji temple on November 14, coinciding with Labh Pancham, to ensure that devotees visiting the shrine do not face any inconvenience amid the anticipated rush, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said on Friday. Explaining the decision, Sanghavi said PM Modi had personally decided to defer his visit after considering the large number of devotees arriving at the temple over the past two to three days and the possibility of a further increase in footfall on Labh Pancham. Respected PM Modi ji is a great devotee of Maa Amba. He was scheduled to visit Ambaji tomorrow on the occasion of Labh Pancham. However, considering the large number of devotees visiting the temple over the past two-three days, the crowd may increase further on Labh Pancham, Sanghavi said. He said the Prime Minister had directed the state government to ensure that devotees were not inconvenienced, choosing to visit the temple on another occasion instead. To ensure that devotees do not face any inconvenience on Labh Pancham, he himself took an immediate decision in their interest, saying that he would come for darshan on a special occasion later, but the state government should make arrangements so that not a single devotee faces any difficulty, Sanghavi said. He has postponed his visit to Ambaji in the interest of the people, so that everyone's wishes are fulfilled, and devotees can begin their New Year by offering prayers at the feet of Maa Amba. Modi ji will visit again in the coming days to seek the blessings of Maa Amba, he added. The Prime Minister was scheduled to visit the famous Ambaji temple in Banaskantha district on Saturday to offer prayers and perform rituals on Labh Pancham, an auspicious occasion associated with new beginnings. The temple, one of the 51 revered Shakti Peeths, attracts devotees from Gujarat and neighbouring states. The proposed visit had prompted preparations by the district administration and security agencies, with arrangements being reviewed to facilitate the Prime Minister's visit alongside the regular movement of pilgrims. On Thursday, Sanghavi visited Ambaji and reviewed the preparations, saying the arrangements were being made to ensure ordinary devotees could have smooth and timely darshan. However, with a substantial number of pilgrims already visiting the shrine during the Diwali holiday period and more expected on Labh Pancham, the Prime Minister's temple programme was postponed. The Banaskantha Collector's office had also issued a notice on Thursday stating that the programme scheduled for November 14 had been postponed for administrative reasons. PM Modi is expected to arrive at Ahmedabad airport on Friday evening and travel to Gandhinagar, where he will stay overnight at Lok Bhavan. Following the change in the itinerary, he is expected to return to Delhi on Saturday morning instead of travelling to Ambaji. Earlier on Friday, Sanghavi visited the Jain pilgrimage centre of Shri Ghantakarna Mahavir Temple in Mahudi, Gandhinagar district and offered prayers. He prayed for Gujarat's continued progress, peace and prosperity, and the well-being of its people. Mansa MLA J.S. Patel and other officials were also present.
Bhubaneswar Caretaker Murder Case: Looted Gold Worth Rs 10 Lakh Recovered from Friend
The Commissionerate Police have cracked the chilling murder of 76-year-old Kunjalata Nanda in the Buddhanagar area, arresting the prime accusedher caretakerall the way from Vadodara, Gujarat, nine days after the crime. The accused, identified as Balaram Maharana alias Balia, allegedly confessed to brutally murdering the elderly woman on November 3 with the sole intention of [] The post Bhubaneswar Caretaker Murder Case: Looted Gold Worth Rs 10 Lakh Recovered from Friends House appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
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Second Arrest In Bhubaneswar Murder
Police in Bhubaneswar have arrested a second person, Sabita Sethi, in connection with the murder of 76-year-old Kunjalata Nanda. Sethi was arrested in Puri, and gold ornaments and other valuables stolen from the victim's house were recovered from her possession. The primary suspect, caretaker Balbhadra Maharana, was arrested earlier in Gujarat, and his interrogation led to Sethi's arrest.
KPI Green Energy clocks 24 pc drop in Q2 net profit
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 13 (IANS) Indian renewable energy company, KPI Green Energy Limited, on Friday reported over 24 per cent drop in its second quarter of the current financial year (Q2 FY27). The Surat-headquartered firm's consolidated net profit dropped 24.4 per cent year over year to Rs 82.4 crore from Rs 109 crore in the same time last financial year (Q2 FY26), according to its stock exchange filing. EBITDA jumped 19.1 per cent to Rs 269 crore from Rs 226 crore, while revenue grew 14.7 per cent YoY to Rs 727 crore from Rs 634 crore. The EBITDA margin increased from 35.6 per cent in the same period previous year to 36.9 per cent, as per its regulatory filing. During Thursday's trading session, the company's shares were trading at Rs 321.15, down 3.12 per cent, or Rs 10.35. The stock has had a positive return of 6.54 per cent, or Rs 19.70, during the past five days. However, KPI Green Energy was down 1.71 per cent, or Rs 5.60, in just one month, making it nearly flat. The shares were down 26.46 per cent, or Rs 113.25, during the previous six months. The company's shares were down 33.71 per cent, or Rs 163.95, on a year-to-date (YTD) basis. The company's shares fell by 32.38 per cent, or Rs 152.85, in the past year. It is a renewable energy vertical of the KP Group founded in 2008 and headquartered in Surat, Gujarat. The group is founded by Dr. Faruk G. Patel and is listed on both the BSE and NSE. It develops, builds, owns, and operates its own solar, wind, and hybrid power facilities, selling generated power through long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and the open market under its flagship 'Solarism' brand. According to the data, the firm operates large-scale installations across Gujarat (such as Bharuch, Khavda, Jarsad, Sudi, and Bhungar) alongside recent wind and solar project expansions and acquisitions.
The Election Commission has released draft voter lists for 13 states and 3 UTs, including Gujarat. Check your name and submit corrections by December 11, 2026. Final list on January 4, 2027.
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 13 (IANS) Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief, Raj Thackeray, on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of attempting to manufacture regional and linguistic conflict in Mumbai ahead of Chhath Puja to reap political dividends in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. In a strongly-worded statement, Thackeray urged the Marathi populace and his party cadrethe Maharashtra Sainiksto exercise strategic restraint and refrain from falling into what he described as a rap laid by the BJP. Thackerays remarks come amid heightened political tension in Mumbai following controversies over Bhojpuri songs being played over public announcement systems at several railway stations, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Wadala. While MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) workers objected to the broadcasts, Thackeray alleged the episode was part of a broader, orchestrated campaign on social media to frame the festival as a cultural invasion and provoke a backlash. The BJP remains frustrated because the conflict they so desire has failed to materialise, Thackeray stated, claiming the partys traditional divide and rule playbook was losing traction. He accused the BJP of routinely polarising communities along religious lines ahead of Lok Sabha polls, stoking caste tensions before state elections, and manufacturing regional frictionsuch as the kabutarkhana (pigeon-feeding) disputeduring civic polls. Drawing parallels to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs guerrilla warfare tactics, the MNS chief advised his supporters not to react impulsively on a battlefield of their choosing. Do not take our restraint as a sign of cowardice, Thackeray warned, adding that his party would choose the time and manner of its response. He also addressed North Indian and Gujarati residents in Mumbai directly, cautioning them against being used as political pawns while reiterating that Maharashtra belongs to the Marathas. Beyond the Chhath Puja row, Thackeray broadened his offensive against the Centre and state leadership, alleging crony capitalism and environmental degradation. He accused the government of selling off Maharashtra piece by piece to a favoured industrialist, alleging that forest lands and parts of the Sahyadri mountain range were being handed over while society remained unvigilant. Thackeray also questioned the impartiality of the Election Commission and claimed that youth-led Gen Z unrest signaled the beginning of the BJPs political decline at both the Centre and state levels. Concluding his message, he challenged the BJP to move past divisive politics and urged Marathi citizens to remain alert and united.
Sonia Gandhi news: Sonia Gandhi discussed her journey of adapting to Indian cuisine after moving to India. Initially overwhelmed by variety and spices, she gradually developed a love for various dishes. She shared her favorite foods, including kebabs, tandoori chicken, and Gujarati khandvi. Sonia reflected on how food fostered bonds in her life, especially her relationship with Rajiv Gandhi.
The incident came to light after doctors suspected foul play and a post-mortem examination revealed the girl had died due to ligature strangulation.
Police Issue Warning On Diwali Cash Scam
Gujarat police have issued a warning about a widespread cyber scam exploiting the Diwali festival. Fraudsters are circulating fake messages claiming Prime Minister Narendra Modi is offering Rs 8,000 cash assistance, luring users to click malicious links. These links lead to WhatsApp account hacking and the theft of banking information through the download of harmful APK files. Authorities advise verifying schemes only through official channels and exercising caution with unknown links and downloads.
'I Am Made For This Stage - How Late Bloomer Nazma Khan Manifested Her Way To The Top
Inter Zonal T20 Trophy: Nazma Khans cricketing career has been one of slow, stubborn blooming. She spent six years warming the bench in Delhis age-group sides, drifted through two other states in search of regular game time, and only truly announced herself in the Delhi set-up in her late 20s. At 30, she was still waiting for a Womens Premier League (WPL) call after not finding any takers in the last two auctions. On October 28, as the WPL 2027 mini-auction played out in Kochi, Nazma was with Delhi for the Senior Womens T20 Trophy league stage when her name came, but found no interest from five franchises, even as she got a net bowling request from Gujarat Giants (GG). Actually, I saw a little bit of the starting half. After that, we had a team meeting, so I couldn't see after that. I saw it when my name came on the screen for the first time. Then after that, someone didnt raise the paddle up and I was a little disappointed. So I went back to my room. After that, I didn't see the auction. I was disappointed and I went to my room. I started talking to one of my sirs. I told him, 'Sir, I am feeling very disappointed.' So then sir was motivating me. He said, 'Koi ni Nazma. Part of life hai. Part of journey hai (No worries Nazma, it's a part of life and journey).' Ups and downs will keep happening. You have to keep going. I said yes sir. Then all of a sudden, I got a text from GG about net bowling. I was a little surprised along with the feeling of disappointment. Then I told my sir that I got a message for net bowling. Sir said, 'Haan kar do (You say yes to them).' I replied to them that I am available for net bowling, recalled Nazma to IANS, in a select virtual interaction. But in the accelerated round, Delhi Capitals signed her for Rs 10 lakh, and Nazma was overwhelmed. Then all of a sudden, the bell started ringing in my room. The room started knocking loudly. When I went there, my mates told me that my name came up. For a while, I couldn't believe that my name came up. I was surprised - it is such a feeling that at that time, I can say that I was feeling-less. I didn't know how to express this feeling. But then I started crying. I was very happy about this. Then I told my sir that finally, my name came up, she added. Jemimah Rodrigues, India batter and Delhi Capitals skipper, opened her Instagram to welcome her new team-mate, but found a message Nazma had sent nearly a year ago. I know you won't even see this message but one day i'll going to share the same platform with you and will be doing batting with you and will going to make our team win and i'll make you open your instagram to show you this message, it read. Jemimah posted a screenshot on her story: Opened Instagram just now to text Nazma and stumbled upon a message from her a year ago. One year later, the manifestation is real. Welcome to the family. DC reshared it with the caption, Reminder that manifestation works. Keep trying. Never stop believing. It will all work out in the end. Nazma had sent that message after watching Jemimah's unbeaten 127 help eventual champions India chase down 339 against Australia in the 2025 ODI World Cup semi-final. That match was so inspiring for me. Actually, I watched the whole match sitting there. The way Jemi managed the team and played a responsible inning in such a pressure situation. Australia is the best team till now and I felt the most connection when she was not able to perform in all the league matches and out of runs and little bit out of confidence. But when I saw that match, I felt that I have to do the same for my team (like how Jemimah did). Like I bat in the middle order and lower order and I feel that a player who gets the game in favour of her team and finishes the game well. So I had a feeling that I have to do something like this because I could connect with my role for that particular time period. When India won that match, I posted a story immediately on social media. I don't usually stay active on social media and then I posted a story about Jemi. Then I messaged that I also want to play on this stage. I also want to play among these players. I also want to win matches for my team and I know that I am made for this stage. So, I messaged (her) with this intention that no matter what, I will also play on this stage. One day, I will play among these players and I will also win matches for my team by playing the finishers role, she explained. The pair have since chatted and met as opponents during the Delhi-Mumbai clash in Pune. If the wait was long, the bloom has been emphatic. Nazma was the leading wicket-taker as Delhi won last seasons Senior Women's One Day Trophy, taking 24 scalps at 15.62, and topped the Inter Zonal T20 Trophy charts with 12 wickets for North Zone. With the bat, she made 106 runs at a strike rate of 120.5 in the last Senior Women's T20 Trophy and 267, including an unbeaten 126, in the 2024/25 one-day season. In August this year, Nazmas 12 wickets earned her the Purple Cap as North Delhi Strikers won the women's Delhi Premier League (DPL). Nazmas sporting roots go back to a father who played kabaddi and cricket in college. Growing up in Delhi, Nazma cycled, played football, trained with boxers and was the only girl in her block who played with the boys. After a summer camp at the National Stadium, she began as a medium-pacer at the RPCA Academy before switching to left-arm spin. Cricket scholarships carried her through her graduation and a master's degree at Gargi College. Nazma also starred in the all-India university final win over Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) in Mysuru. When neighbours asked if she earned anything, her parents simply said she played - their only condition was that she never break their trust. The road from there was anything but smooth. A move to Nagaland, as a pure batter at her father's insistence, brought her U23 and senior debut and a knock of 121 that was then the state's highest score, before a guest player registration dispute cost her a season. After a year with Uttarakhand, Nazma returned to Delhi, only to be kept out by an accident and selection calls. But watching Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah go about their business from the dugout taught her how games unfold, and Nazma gradually forced her way into the playing eleven. The inaugural women's DPL in 2024 was the turning point for Nazma. Playing in broadcast matches for the first time, with WPL scouts keeping a close watch, Nazma won the head coach's trust and places in both Delhi white-ball sides. Along the way, she has leaned on a chain of coaches, none more than Mayank Raghav, a former Ranji Trophy batter who hit 228 on debut for Manipur in 2018/19. His six-hitting clips on Instagram prompted her to send him a direct message. My cricket journey started with RPCA Academy. There, Surjeet sir and Ajay sir were present and from the start, they have always supported me a lot. Then, when I started playing my board matches, I met Dishant Yagnik sir. He was the mentor in my cricket journey. He helped me improve a lot in terms of my skills, which helped me in my batting. Then, for the past 3 years, I have been following him. I get irritated because I keep asking him the same thing repetitively. So, he has supported me a lot. Then, when my journey in DPL began, one day, I saw a video of Mayank Raghav sir of six-hitting on Instagram. Then, after DPL, I understood that, 'Nazma, thoda chakke maarna seekhna hoga (I will have to learn about how to hit sixes).' Actually, I was only able to work on video calls with Dishant Yagnik sir. So, I wanted an individual person to work with me in Delhi. When I saw his video on Instagram of six-hitting, I texted him. I texted him in my first season. I told him that I also want to learn six-hitting from him and how effortlessly you do it. When I sent him some of my videos, he told me that I was doing well. He gave me a time to meet him, wherein I met him and then, we started our sessions, she said. Raghav, who was visibly emotional on Instagram after her WPL selection, has been a huge blessing for Nazma. The most important thing is that Mayank sir is a person who gives me so much time. He puts so much effort into me. Mentally, he gives me an everyday perspective on things. Like, how a game is played. I have learnt from him how cricket actually is. I have never seen such a passionate person in my life who feels about cricket in that way. When I listen to him, see him in person, learn from him how he bats effortlessly I see it all. For the past 2-3 years, he has been working with me and I feel that if he wasn't my in-person mentor, I don't know if I would have been able to reach here. He knows me inside out and explains everything to me. But he never makes me feel that I am not the best. He always tells me that I am just about to do it and you will do it. When my auction was going on, I was talking to Mayank sir and told him that my name didn't appear. But even then, he was motivating me. I always share everything about me - even the smallest of details - and my day-to-day life with him. If I am worried about anything, whether it is cricket or off-cricket, I talk to him and feel very relaxed. I felt that I should have a mentor like him. He is a very positive person. I have started being a little positive with him. Before that, I didn't understand so much about myself. But when I started understanding about myself, he started explaining the importance of this platform to me. He told me that these days will be very valuable and you don't know when these days will come and go. So, live every day along with playing. When we were talking that day (after the WPL selection happened), it was a very emotional moment because I know that he has been a very good player in his life. He played Ranji Trophy and made 200 runs in his debut match. Sir has told me all the stories of his journey. It is very inspiring for me that I told him that I will play and fulfill your dream of playing for India. I told him that I just don't want to play. I want to stay there consistently and dominate. So, it was a very emotional moment for sir as well, elaborated Nazma. Nazma draws inspiration from Ellyse Perry's all-round commitment and keeps no pre-match rituals. At home, whenever she brings a trophy or medal back, her mother gives her a peck, then to the silverware, and places it beside the Quran Sharif. Relatives who once frowned at her wearing shorts now congratulate her, and many want their daughters to follow her path. Seeing her parents build their lives from scratch has left her with an immense sense of responsibility towards them. Nazma hopes to become an idol rather than follow one, and at 30 insists contribution, not age, is what counts in cricket. After quickly thanking well-wishers so that her silence wasn't mistaken for ego, Nazma handed her Instagram handling duties to her manager. Doing well for Delhi is Nazmas immediate priority, with the Super League stage of the Senior Womens T20 Trophy starting in Ahmedabad on Saturday. Bigger stages and brighter lights await Nazma in the months ahead. For now, she and those who have stood by her all these years can savour seeing the hard work and dedication finally pay off. Nazmas climb to the top was 12 years in the making, but it feels like this late bloomers story has only just begun. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
'I love Gujarati food': Sonia Gandhi on her favourite Indian dishes
During a heartwarming chat with Priyanka Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi reminisced about her journey with Indian cuisine. Initially overwhelmed by the array of spices, Sonia gradually found joy in staple dishes like dal chawal and flavorful kebabs. This culinary evolution not only reflects her adaptation but also underscores the importance of food in connecting her to her late husband, Rajiv Gandhi, making dal chawal a comforting reminder of home.
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Nov 13 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Karnataka and Gujarat on Friday which will conclude on Saturday where he will inaugurate and dedicate to the nation various development projects as well participate in cultural and educational programme and also offer prayers at a temple in his home state, an official statement from the Prime Minister's Office said. At around 10:45 a.m. on Friday, Prime Minister Modi will begin his Karnataka visit by participating in Golden Jubilee celebrations of Prashanti Kutiram, the residential headquarters campus of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA), according to a press statement released on Thursday. He will also address a large gathering on the occasion. Later at around 12:45 p.m., the Prime Minister will flag off and undertake a metro ride from Tavarekere to IIM Bangalore Metro station. At around 1:15 p.m., Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone, inaugurate and dedicate to the nation various development projects worth more than Rs 15,600 crore in Bengaluru. On this occasion, he will lay the foundation stone of the Golden Jubilee Administrative Block and launch the S-VYASA Off-Campus at Kerala's state capital Thiruvananthapuram. He will also address a large gathering on the occasion. Thereafter, Prime Minister will travel to Mysuru where, at around 3:30 p.m., the Prime Minister will inaugurate COSMOS-Mysuru Planetarium as well as address the gathering on the occasion. Being held from November 13 to 23 on the theme 'Towards Viksit Bharat 2047', the Golden Jubilee celebration marks five decades of institution-building and service. Established in 1975, Prashanti Kutiram was founded with the objective of integrating modern science with India's spiritual wisdom. It is home to S-VYASA, which was declared a Deemed-to-be University in 2002 and is dedicated to education and research in Yoga. The programme will also commemorate the birth centenary of Hongasandra Venkataramaiah Sheshadri Ji, a distinguished thinker, writer and organiser born in Bengaluru in 1926. He joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in 1946 and served as its Sarkaryavah (General Secretary) from 1987 to 2000. He was among the visionaries behind S-VYASA and his inspiration and guidance played an important role in shaping the growth of Prashanti Kutiram and advancing the institution's mission over the decades. The Prime Minister will inaugurate, dedicate to the nation, lay the foundation stone and flag off various development projects worth over Rs 15,600 crore in Bengaluru. These projects span key sectors including urban mobility, power transmission, renewable energy, petroleum infrastructure, waste management and railways. On Saturday, Prime Minister Modi will perform Darshan and Pooja at Ambaji temple in Gujarat's Banaskantha. Ambaji Temple is one of the 51 revered Shakti Peethas. He will inaugurate Bengaluru Metro's Pink Line from Kalena Agrahara to Tavarekere, developed at a cost of around Rs 3,470 crore. The new stretch will enhance urban connectivity, ease daily commuting, reduce travel time and strengthen public transport facilities in Bengaluru. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Transmission Scheme for Integration of Renewable Energy Zones (Phase-II) in Koppal-II and Gadag-II, developed at an investment of around Rs 4,450 crore. The transmission system will facilitate the evacuation of around 2 GW of renewable energy potential from the Koppal and Gadag regions of Karnataka for onward transmission and distribution to beneficiaries across the grid. PM Modi will also inaugurate the Transmission Scheme for the Solar Energy Zone in Bidar, developed at an investment of around Rs 1,370 crore. The project involves the establishment of a Bidar Pooling Station and will facilitate the evacuation of 2.5 GW of solar power from the region. The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the Transmission Scheme for Integration of Davanagere/Chitradurga and Ballari Renewable Energy Zones, at an investment of more than Rs 3,450 crore. He will also lay the foundation stone of the Transmission System Strengthening project for Integration of Additional Renewable Energy Potential at Davanagere and Ballari, at an investment of more than Rs 1,100 crore. Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation India's largest underground LPG storage cavern in Mangaluru, constructed at a cost of more than Rs 850 crore. With a storage capacity of 80,000 metric tonnes, the facility will significantly strengthen India's LPG storage infrastructure. The project also includes a 9.4 km LPG pipeline connecting New Mangalore Port to the main terminal, facilitating efficient transportation and storage of LPG. The Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation the Devangonthi Marketing Terminal of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) in Bengaluru. Built at an investment of Rs 330 crore, the state-of-the-art facility will strengthen petroleum product storage and distribution infrastructure in Karnataka. He will lay the foundation stone of GAIL's Compressed Biogas Plant at Haralakunte in Bengaluru. The plant will process around 300 tonnes of municipal solid waste daily to produce 12.6 tonnes of clean Compressed Biogas (CBG). The project will promote scientific waste management, reduce dependence on conventional fuels and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. The Prime Minister will inaugurate four redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme -- Chamarajanagar, Chikkamagaluru, Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road. The redeveloped stations will offer improved passenger amenities and serve as city centres, promoting local commercial activities and tourism in the region. Prime Minister Modi will dedicate to the nation the 45 km Bagalkot-Wandal railway line doubling section, forming part of the 284 km Gadag-Hotgi Doubling Project. The section will improve passenger and freight movement, support local trade and facilitate coal supply to the Kudgi NTPC plant. He will also dedicate to the nation the electrification of the 55-km Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Road Ghat railway section. Passing through one of India's most challenging railway terrains, the project marks a significant engineering achievement. With its completion, the entire Bengaluru-Mangaluru rail route is now fully electrified. The Prime Minister will flag off the Bengaluru-Mangaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express, providing faster and modern rail connectivity between Bengaluru, Coastal Karnataka and Goa. The service will connect key destinations including Hassan, Sakleshpur, Mangaluru, Udupi, Murdeshwar, Gokarna and Karwar before reaching Madgaon, benefiting passengers and boosting tourism in the region. He will inaugurate the COSMOS-Mysuru Planetarium, marking a significant advancement in planetarium technology and astronomy education in the country. Built by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), COSMOS-Mysuru is the first LED Dome planetarium in India. Envisaged as an astronomy education and training centre, it is located on the campus of the University of Mysore at the foothills of Chamundi Hills. The state-of-the-art facility features a 15-metre tilted dome comprising around 6,150 panels with 4.2 crore individual LEDs. Unlike conventional planetariums that use projectors to display images on a passive dome, its LED panels can be controlled in real time, offering an immersive visual experience and new possibilities for astronomy education. The Sky Theatre will showcase professionally produced astronomy programmes, along with an in-house film exploring the connection between the history of Mysuru and astronomy. The shows will be available in Kannada, English and Hindi. The centre will also house exhibition halls, a museum featuring astronomy models and artefacts, a lecture hall, a training centre and interactive outdoor exhibits. The centre's activities will complement the Indian Institute of Astrophysics' research, operation of multi-wavelength telescope facilities across India and in space, development of future astronomical facilities and national-level outreach programmes.
Snowfall draws tourists to Gulmarg, Sonamarg
Srinagar, Nov 12: Fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of Gulmarg and Sonamarg has brought cheer to tourists, with visitors from different parts of the country flocking to the popular destinations to experience the first glimpse of winter in Kashmir. As snow blanketed the upper reaches of the two tourist destinations, visitors were seen enjoying the snow-covered landscapes, capturing photographs and videos and making the most of the seasonal spectacle. In Gulmarg, a large number of tourists headed towards the upper phases of the world-famous Gondola to witness the snowfall. For many visitors, the experience was particularly special as they witnessed snowfall for the first time, turning their Kashmir trip into a memorable experience. Harsh Mehta, a tourist from Surat in Gujarat, said visiting Kashmir had been a long-cherished dream for his family and witnessing snowfall in Gulmarg had made the trip even more special. We have come to Kashmir for the first time. We had been waiting for this moment for years. When we heard that snowfall was taking place in the higher reaches of Gulmarg, we immediately booked Gondola tickets and reached the second phase with our parents and children, he said. Mehta said the family enjoyed the snow, tried local activities and captured photographs and videos to share with relatives and friends back home. His wife, Mohi Mehta, said the family's experience was made more special by the sight of golden Chinar leaves falling during autumn. Watching the falling Chinar leaves during autumn was an unforgettable experience. We had always seen these scenes on television and dreamed of witnessing them in real life. Now, both our dreams of experiencing snowfall and watching the Chinar leaves fall have come true, she said. She also praised the hospitality and culture of Kashmir, saying the family would encourage people in Gujarat to visit the Valley. Meanwhile, Sonamarg in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district also witnessed a fresh influx of tourists following the season's first snowfall, with visitors enjoying the snow-covered surroundings. Musa Bhagwan, a tourist from Maharashtra, said he was delighted to experience snowfall and appreciated the hospitality of local residents and the facilities available in the area. He said he had been staying in the region for the past two days. Jaydeep Solanki from Vadodara, Gujarat, described the snowfall as his first such experience and praised the natural beauty of Sonamarg and the warmth of its people. Another visitor, Adnan Bhagwan from Solapur, Maharashtra, said he was visiting Sonamarg for the first time and was delighted by the fresh snowfall, scenic surroundings and hospitality of local residents. The tourists encouraged people from across the country to visit Kashmir and experience its natural beauty. The fresh snowfall is expected to add to the appeal of the two destinations during the winter season, raising hopes among tourism stakeholders, hoteliers, transporters and local businesses dependent on tourist arrivals.
Owaisi- Chandrashekhar Azad Join Hands For UP 2027 | Top News Of The Day: 12th November 2026
Top developments from November 12, 2026: Asaduddin Owaisi and Chandrashekhar Azad join hands ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, forming the Samajik Parivartan Morcha, with Azad named as the alliance's chief ministerial face. The bulletin also covers the postponement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Gujarat visit, the proposed BJPAkali Dal alliance in Punjab, a human skull found near Dharmasthala, and a fire at the Shillong Literary Fest that gutted four food stalls. Other major stories include pollution-control measures in Gurugram, Jensen Huang's reported resignation from Nvidia, a shooting near Washington's Logan Circle that left one person dead and four injured, and US-Russia talks on Ukraine.
Sam Pitroda thanks PM Modi for Diwali greetings, reciprocates warm wishes (Lead)
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 13 (IANS) Indian Overseas Congress Chairperson Sam Pitroda on Thursday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for extending Diwali and Gujarati New Year greetings to him and his wife, Anjana, reciprocally wishing the Prime Minister good health for the year ahead. Responding to the Prime Minister's message on social media platform X, Pitroda wrote: Thank you very much for the greetings, Narendra Bhai. We reciprocate the same and wish you healthy years ahead. Sam and Anjana. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi had shared a video clip of Pitroda's interview with IANS on his official X handle and extended festive wishes to the veteran Congress leader. Happy Diwali and Nutan Varsh Abhinandan to you Sam Bhai and to Anjana Ben. Praying for a joyful and healthy year ahead. Jai Jagannath! the Prime Minister posted. The warm exchange on social media came hours after Pitroda, a close aide to Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and a vocal critic of the BJP-led government, described Modi as a Gujarati friend whom he deeply respects at a personal level. He is a Gujarati friend. I respect him as a person. My wife and I have met him. He has been very warm, kind, loving and caring at a personal level. Of course, he is a good orator and hard-working, and we get along well, Pitroda told IANS. During the interview, Pitroda drew a sharp distinction between his political disagreements with the Prime Minister's ideology and their cordial personal equation, recalling that he had visited Modi's residence in Gujarat on several occasions. I may have issues with his views of the world. I may have issues with his ideology. But that's a separate issue; that's not against the individual. It's against the idea, Pitroda said, adding that he could disagree with Modi politically while still sitting down to share a meal and a laugh with him.
Prime Minister Modis Visit to Gujarats Ambaji Temple Canceled Amid Final Preparations
Prime Minister Modis planned visit to Ambaji Temple in Gujarat has been canceled, though his Karnataka itinerary remains unchanged. Prime Minister Modis Visit to Gujarats Ambaji Temple Canceled Amid Final Preparations
Gujarat government completes high-level investment mission to Qatar, Oman and UAE
The News Mill
The Government of Gujarat successfully concluded a high-level investment outreach mission to Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 25th to 31st October, 2026, reinforcing the State's strategic engagement with the Gulf region and advancing preparations for the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) 2027. The mission showcased Gujarat's strengths as a preferred destination for global investment, trade, innovation, manufacturing, and financial services. The delegation was led by Lochan Sehra, Secretary, Labour, Skill Development
Some people carry Constitution in pockets, democracy as 'personal property': PM Modi
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS) Making a scathing attack on main Opposition Congress and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the previous Congress-led government of selectively invoking the Constitution while claiming ownership over democratic values. Nowadays, some people pull out the Constitution as if it is tucked away in their pockets and democracy is their personal property, PM Modi said, alleging that such leaders remain intoxicated by power. Recalling his tenure as the Gujarat Chief Minister, the Prime Minister claimed that a government-affiliated institution named after a former Prime Minister had once ranked Gujarat as the country's best-performing state. However, he alleged that the then Central government intervened and directed the organisation to seek prior approval before publishing such reports. The government told them, 'This will not do. You must obtain our approval before publishing any such report, PM Modi said. Questioning the Opposition's commitment to democratic principles, the Prime Minister said, These are the very people who now lecture us on democracy. He also criticised what he described as the lingering mindset of some opposition leaders, saying their attachment to power remained evident even after leaving office. Even when they (opposition leaders) are not in power, they behave this way. It is a strange kind of intoxication with power, the Prime Minister said. Shifting focus to agriculture, PM Modi said that reducing the financial burden on farmers continues to be a key priority for the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government. He highlighted the Centre's substantial spending on fertiliser subsidies, saying that nearly Rs 16 lakh crore has been allocated to ensure affordable fertilisers for cultivators. He noted that while a bag of urea costs around Rs 3,000 in international markets, it is made available to Indian farmers for less than Rs 300. Highlighting progress in the farm and allied sectors, PM Modi said India has emerged as the world's largest milk producer as a result of the White Revolution. He added that over the past decade, milk production has increased by 70 per cent, egg production by 90 per cent and honey production from around 80,000 tonnes to 1.5 lakh tonnes. The Prime Minister also said that India is now the second-largest producer of wheat, cotton, vegetables and fish globally. These achievements, he added, underscore the contribution, resilience and productivity of Indian farmers. Emphasising the importance of allied agricultural activities, PM Modi said that horticulture production has also registered significant growth, rising from about 280 million tonnes to more than 350 million tonnes, alongside the sharp increase in honey output. He added that these gains reflect the growing strength and diversification of India's agricultural economy. He noted that agricultural scientists are developing equipment that reduces the cost of cultivation and makes tasks such as sowing and harvesting easier. The Union government's larger objective, PM Modi said, is to transform 'annadatas' (food providers) into 'krishi udyamis' (agricultural entrepreneurs). Work is already underway to promote value addition at the source of production so that farmers can earn more from their produce, the Prime Minister added.
Hardik Pandya has been making headlines over the last month as the IPL 2027 retention deadline nears. On Wednesday, Pandya was roped in by Punjab Kings from Mumbai Indians
Odisha woman murder: Caretaker arrested in Gujarat after week-long manhunt
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Nov 12 (IANS) The Commissionerate Police has cracked the sensational murder case of a 76-year-old elderly woman in the Laxmisagar area of the city with the arrest of her caretaker from Gujarat after a week-long, multi-state operation, police commissioner S Dev Datta Singh said on Thursday. The accused was identified as Balabhadra Maharana alias Balia (40), a native of Tangi in Khordha district, who was residing at Titipa under Krushnaprasad police limits in Puri district. He was working as a caretaker at the residence of the deceased, Kunjalata Nanda, in the Laxmisagar area of Bhubaneswar for over five months after the death of her husband. Addressing the media, the Police Commissioner said the accused murdered the elderly woman for financial gain and fled the spot after breaking open an almirah and disconnecting CCTV cameras installed inside the house. Singh also stated that preliminary investigation revealed that accused Maharana first attempted to strangle the septuagenarian and subsequently inflicted fatal injuries on the back of her head when she resisted. The incident came to light on the morning of November 4 when tenants residing in the same building alerted Nandas daughter, Samahita Nanda, after the elderly woman didnt respond to their calls and her room was found locked from the inside. Upon being informed, police officials arrived at the spot, forcibly opened the grill door, and found Nanda in a pool of blood near the dining table with severe assault injuries on her head. She was immediately rushed to Capital Hospital, where the doctors declared her dead. Based on a complaint lodged by her son-in-law, the Laxmisagar police registered a case (777/26) under Section 311 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). According to the Commissionerate police, Maharana was hired through one of his relatives, Bidyadhara Maharana, who has worked as a domestic help for Nandas elder son, currently residing in the USA. After committing the crime, the accused was deliberately evading arrest and was frequently changing his location and moving from one State to another. The police stated that the accused had visited Kolkata, Raipur, Panipat, Surat and other cities during this period. A special team led by Laxmisagar police station traced him to Ahmedabad and subsequently moved to Surat following intelligence. With the assistance of Gujarat Police, the team intercepted a Delhi-bound bus in Vadodara district and apprehended Maharana. Police have seized Rs 20,600 in cash, a gold locket, a gold finger ring, a pair of earrings, two mobile phones, a SIM card, and a diary from his possession. The police said the accused has been brought to Bhubaneswar on transit remand, and further interrogation is underway to recover the remaining stolen valuables and the deceased's scooty, which he used to flee the house.
'Sam Bhai...Gujarati Friend': PM Modi-Sam Pitroda's X Exchange Goes Viral
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Diwali and Gujarati New Year greetings to Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda have drawn attention, particularly given their political differences during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign.Addressing Pitroda as 'Sam Bhai', Modi also shared a video in which the Congress leader described him as a Gujarati friend and spoke about their warm personal relationship. Pitroda said that despite their political differences, they had no personal issues.The exchange comes after Modi had strongly criticised Pitroda over his controversial remarks comparing the physical appearances of Indians from different regions. Meanwhile, Modi also responded to an X user, Mihir Jha, who asked the Prime Minister to extend Diwali wishes to him as well.
Gujarat: Cybercriminals use PM Modis name in fake Diwali aid scam
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Nov 12 (IANS) The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch has warned citizens against a fake message circulating on social media claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is offering Rs 8,000 in cash assistance for the Diwali festival, saying the fraudulent links are being used to hack WhatsApp and Telegram accounts and steal banking information. According to the Cyber Crime Cell, fraudsters are sending messages claiming that all Indian citizens are eligible for the cash benefit. The messages contain suspicious links which direct users to fake websites and are designed to compromise their social media accounts and mobile phones. The fake website tells users that their mobile number has been selected for an Rs 8,000 reward and asks them to share the message with five WhatsApp groups or 20 friends on WhatsApp or Telegram. This is intended to spread the malicious link to a larger number of people. In the next step, users are asked to enter their mobile number to claim the reward. The website then displays an eight-digit 'Connection Code', which victims are instructed to enter under the 'Linked Devices' option in their WhatsApp settings. Once the code is entered, hackers gain control of the victim's WhatsApp account, the Cyber Crime Branch said. The fraudsters are also attempting to gain access to Telegram accounts using the same method. In another stage of the fraud, victims are persuaded to download and install malicious Android application package (.apk) files on the pretext of receiving the reward through PhonePe or withdrawing the cash benefit. Once installed, these applications can give hackers access to SMS messages, one-time passwords (OTPs), banking applications and other data stored on the mobile phone, potentially allowing them to withdraw money from victims' bank accounts. The Cyber Crime Branch clarified that the government is not offering any Rs 8,000 cash assistance through such links and urged citizens not to forward the messages or click on links received from unknown sources. It also cautioned people against entering any code under WhatsApp's Settings > Linked Devices at the request of an unknown person or website. Those who have unknowingly linked an unauthorised device have been advised to log it out immediately. For Telegram users, the branch recommended enabling Two-Step Verification through Settings > Privacy and Security, checking 'Active Sessions' and removing unfamiliar devices. It also advised users never to share their login codes with anyone. The police further warned against downloading .apk files from websites or links outside the Google Play Store. If a mobile phone displays a 'File might be harmful' warning during a download, users should cancel the process immediately. Citizens who fall victim to such fraud or find their social media accounts hacked have been asked to report the matter immediately by calling the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or filing a complaint on the official website.
Meet 98-Year-Old Prabhavati Nani, Who Turned Homemade Gujarati Recipes Into A Thriving Venture
What began with a single khandvi order at 91 grew into Nanis Nashta, a home-based venture serving more than 200 families.
Gujarats tribal districts to get 'Johar Cafes'; over 18,000 to receive land rights
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Nov 12 (IANS) More than 18,000 tribal beneficiaries in Gujarat will receive land ownership documents carrying 7/12 land records this year, while the state government will launch 14 Johar Cafes to promote local tribal cuisine and products as part of week-long celebrations marking the 151st birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The celebrations, to be held from November 12 to 18 as part of 'National Tribal Pride Day', will also see the setting up of Shabari Booths at weekly markets in the state's 14 tribal districts. The booths will provide information about government schemes and facilitate the sale of natural farming products and food items. Announcing the programmes at a press conference in Gandhinagar on Thursday, Tribal Development Minister Naresh Patel said: The distribution of land ownership documents is aimed at fulfilling a demand of the tribal community. The state will also inaugurate or lay foundation stones for development projects worth more than Rs 2,300 crore on November 15, in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and other ministers. The 14 Johar Cafes will be established to promote local food and products in tribal districts, while the Shabari Booths will serve as information points for government welfare schemes and platforms for marketing natural farming produce. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had accorded historical recognition to the contribution of tribal revolutionaries by declaring November 15 as Tribal Pride Day, he said. He referred to Birsa Munda's struggle against British rule for the protection of water, forests and land, which he led at the age of 25. The state government will also install statues of Birsa Munda in the 14 tribal districts and municipal areas where no such statues currently exist. Major roads connecting taluka and district headquarters, traffic circles and hostels for tribal students will also be named after him. Highlighting the government's tribal development initiatives, Patel said: The budget of the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana, launched in 2007 with an allocation of Rs 15,000 crore, had increased to Rs two lakh crore. Tribal students are now pursuing higher education in medical and engineering institutions and IITs. Ganpat Vasava, state president of the BJP's Tribal Morcha, said the celebrations were being organised under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the state party organisation to take Birsa Munda's message of Our Land, Our Rule to people across Gujarat. The week-long programme will cover 55 Assembly constituencies in 14 tribal districts, all 34 districts and 17 municipal corporations. The programme began on November 12 with press conferences at the state, district and municipal corporation levels. On November 13, youth meetings will be held in 55 Assembly constituencies in tribal areas, with around 500 participants expected at each meeting. The gatherings will focus on Birsa Munda's life and contribution. On November 14, cleanliness drives will be organised from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Birsa Munda's statues and surrounding areas. Local saints, religious leaders and heads of religious institutions will subsequently be felicitated between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. At 6 p.m., his history will be read out in more than 4,500 tribal gram panchayats, followed by special aartis prepared in 12 to 13 tribal languages and the lighting of lamps in households. Public meetings will be held on November 15 in 14 tribal districts, 20 non-tribal districts and 17 municipal corporations in the presence of the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and Cabinet members. The programme on November 16 will include a conference of retired officials, doctors, engineers, lawyers and prominent members of the tribal community. Traditional sports competitions will be organised across 55 Assembly constituencies on November 17, followed by women's meetings on November 18, with around 500 tribal women expected to participate in each constituency.
Jal Shakti Ministry to accept citizen feedback on Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 2.0
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS) The Jal Shakti Ministry has extended till November 30 the deadline for receiving public feedback on water conservation, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and storage works reported on the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 2.0 Portal, an official said on Thursday. By collecting feedback, the Ministry aims to strengthen community ownership of water conservation structures and further advance the nationwide movement towards sustainable water management and water security, the official said in a statement. The Citizen Feedback Portal has been open to the public since January 26, providing citizens across the country an opportunity to share their feedback on water conservation, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and storage works reported under the JSJB 2.0 initiative. The extension will enable citizens to continue providing feedback on the artificial recharge and storage structures created under the initiative, the statement said. The second phase of JSJB has marked a significant milestone in advancing the nationwide water conservation movement envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 6 September 2024 at Surat, Gujarat, to transform water conservation into a true Jan Andolan through active public participation. As of May 31, 2026, more than 1.5 crore rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, water conservation and storage structures have been reported across the country under the initiative, it said. The Citizen Feedback mechanism on the JSJB 2.0 Portal seeks to further strengthen Jan Bhagidari by enabling citizens to provide feedback on the reported works. Through their valuable inputs, citizens can help identify maintenance requirements, monitor the functionality of structures and contribute to improving their long-term effectiveness, the statement said. Feedback from citizens will also support the verification and assessment of assets reported under the initiative. Since recognition is provided to Districts, States/UTs and other stakeholders based on the number of artificial recharge and storage works completed under the initiative, citizen participation in feedback is particularly significant, the statement said. The mechanism is expected to enhance the quality and credibility of reporting, promote transparency in implementation, and encourage Districts and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to ensure proper maintenance and sustained functionality of the structures created.
Gujarat: Festive rush pushes GSRTC's digital ticket bookings to record 1.46 lakh in a day
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Nov 12 (IANS) The Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) has recorded its highest-ever single-day digital ticket bookings on Bhai Beej, with 1,46,875 seats reserved on November 11, generating digital revenue of Rs 3.55 crore. Of the total bookings, 99,402 seats were reserved through the GSRTC mobile application alone, which also generated Rs 2.27 crore in revenue. The corporation's total revenue for the day crossed Rs 13 crore, according to an official statement issued on Thursday.With this achievement, GSRTC retained its position as the country's leading State Transport Undertaking (STU) in digital ticket bookings and revenue for the seventh consecutive year. The record was set during the festive rush on Bhai Beej, when a large number of passengers travelled across Gujarat. The figures reflected the growing use of its digital ticketing services, particularly its mobile application, officials said. GSRTC's digital ticketing figures have increased considerably over the years. In 2019, the corporation recorded 74,368 seat bookings, generating revenue of Rs 1.53 crore. The number rose to 1,14,880 bookings, with revenue of Rs 2.10 crore, in 2022. In 2023, bookings increased to 1,32,177 seats and revenue to Rs 2.97 crore, followed by 1,41,468 seats and Rs 3.15 crore in 2024. In 2025, the corporation recorded 1,33,043 bookings, generating Rs 3.19 crore. The latest figures surpassed all previous single-day records for both digital bookings and revenue. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi congratulated GSRTC employees, including drivers, conductors and mechanics, on the achievement. He also acknowledged the efforts of employees who remained on duty during the festive season, away from their families, to manage passenger movement. Despite being away from their families during the festive season, ST drivers and conductors have worked with dedication to ensure passengers reach their destinations safely and on time, Sanghavi said. The corporation said it would continue to focus on providing passengers with modern, convenient and transparent services, while thanking commuters for their trust in its digital ticketing facilities.
Media plays key role in keeping our democracy vibrant: PM Modi
NEW DELHI: Gala hi pakad liya unhone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday while recalling how a womens brigade of journalists in 2001 got whiff of him becoming Gujarat chief minister and caught hold of him to demand sweets. Addressing journalists at a Diwali Milan programme organised by the BJP, the prime minister lauded []
After being called a Gujarati friend, PM Modi extends festival greetings to Sam Pitroda
The Indian Overseas Congress chief said he and his wife met Mr. Modi in the past and the Prime Minister had been very warm towards them.
From press releases to Insta reels: PM Modi says media plays key role in keeping democracy vibrant
The PM recalled a womens brigade of journalists who got a whiff of him becoming the Gujarat CM in 2001
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Diwali and Gujarati New Year greetings to Congress leader Sam Pitroda, in an unexpected exchange that brought a brief moment of warmth amid their political differences. Happy Diwali and Nutan Varsh Abhinandan to you Sam Bhai and to Anjana Ben. Praying for a joyful and healthy year ahead. Jai Jagannath! []
'Gujarati friend': PM Modi extends festive greetings to Sam 'Bhai' Pitroda, wife
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended Diwali and Gujarati New Year greetings to Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda after the latter referred to him as a Gujarati friend and termed him very kind and hardworking during an interview with IANS. In a post on X, PM Modi said: Happy Diwali and Nutan Varsh Abhinandan to you Sam Bhai and to Anjana Ben. Praying for a joyful and healthy year ahead. Jai Jagannath!, he added. Earlier, Pitroda described Prime Minister Modi as a good orator who is very warm, kind, loving and caring, while adding that he has no personal issues with the Prime Minister. Pitroda's surprising remarks came in response to a question about Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi once describing PM Modi as a ig orator. Asked for his opinion of the Prime Minister, Pitroda, in an exclusive interview with IANS, said that he espects him (PM Modi) as a person and thinks that he is hardworking. He (PM Modi) is a Gujarati friend. I respect him as a person. I met him. My wife and I met him. He's been very warm, very kind, very loving, caring at a personal level. Of course, he's a good orator, hardworking, okay. We get along well, Pitroda told IANS. We have no personal issues. I have nothing against Mr Modi as a Gujarati leader, friend, and well-wisher. He's very warm to me. No issues about that. I appreciate that, he further said. The Congress leader said that the issues he has with PM Modi are based on ideologies and not on a personal level. And equally on my side, you know, I've been to his house in Gujarat several times. But I may have issues with his views of the world. I may have issues with his ideology. But that's a separate issue; that's not against the individual. It's against the idea. And these are two separate things. You know, I can disagree with Mr Modi, and I can also have dinner with him and have a laugh. So I have no issues, he added.
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Hardik led Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in their debut season, but his return to Mumbai Indians did not produce the same results.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Diwali Milan programme at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi on Thursday, where he interacted with journalists and spoke about his long association with the media. Recalling his early days in the BJP, Modi shared an incident from the 1990s when a group of journalists unexpectedly entered his room at the party office and told him he was going to become Gujarat Chief Minister.
'Sam Bhai' Pitroda Gets Diwali Wish From His 'Gujarati Friend' PM Modi
PM Modi's surprise wish came after Sam Pitroda called the PM his Gujarati friend and said he had no issues with him at an individual level.
PM Modi Wishes Sam Pitroda On Diwali After Congress Leader Calls Him 'Gujarati Friend'
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted Indian Overseas Congress president Sam Pitroda and his wife Anjana through festive greetings after his positive remarks about him during a recent interview. Sam Pitroda termed PM Modi as a loving, kind and
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Sam Pitroda praises PM Modi, receives Diwali wishes; X user's cheeky request gets a reply
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Diwali and Gujarati New Year greetings to Congress leader Sam Pitroda after the latter spoke warmly about their personal equation. The exchange took an amusing turn when an X user asked for festive wishes too, prompting a response from the Prime Minister.
Mohammed Kaif Recalls Hardik Pandya's Blunder As He Leaves Mumbai Indians For Punjab Kings
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Thiruvananthapuram Corporation looks to Gujarat for urban makeover
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 12 (IANS) In a significant political and developmental move, the BJP-led Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has turned to Ahmedabad in Gujarat to draw up a roadmap for the development of Kerala's state capital, seeking to bring in what it sees as the Gujarat model of urban governance. The proposed partnership between Thiruvananthapuram and Ahmedabad, which will function as twin cities, comes after the BJP ended nearly 45 years of CPI(M)-led LDF rule in the Corporation and took charge for the first time, with V.V. Rajesh becoming Mayor in December last year. The initiative is aimed at drawing on Ahmedabad's experience in urban administration, waste management, infrastructure development and resource mobilisation. The state government has given its approval for the cooperation framework, and the Corporation is seeking the Council's approval for taking the initiative forward. The two civic bodies will cooperate in waste management, road development, technology transfer and raising funds for major infrastructure projects. The proposal to explore municipal bonds to mobilise resources is one of the significant aspects of the initiative. Ahmedabad has used this financing model to fund major urban development projects. The immediate focus will be on cleaning and rejuvenating five major water bodies in the capital Parvathy Puthanar, Karamana River, Amayizhanchan Thodu, Killiyar and Akkulam Lake. The Corporation also plans to draw on Ahmedabad's experience in scientific waste processing, including the setting up of treatment plants and waste-to-energy facilities. Cooperation will also cover traffic management, road infrastructure, e-governance and administrative practices. Officials from both cities are expected to exchange technical expertise and take part in training programmes. The partnership follows Mayor Rajesh's visit to Ahmedabad, where he studied its urban development initiatives, including the Sabarmati riverfront, waste management facilities and infrastructure projects. An eight member delegation led by him also held discussions with Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot and senior officials. A twin-city MoU was also signed. For the BJP, the initiative also offers an opportunity to demonstrate its development model in Kerala's capital, where it has made its first major breakthrough in urban governance. Whether the Ahmedabad experience can be successfully adapted to Thiruvananthapuram will depend on funding, implementation and the cooperation of all stakeholders.
Zee Studios new leadership to expand its movie content slate across languages
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Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], November 12: Rajesh Power Services Limited (RAJESH) BSE: 544291, ISIN: INE0VN801010, one of the leading specialized EPC Contractors in Power Transmission & Distribution, has announced its Unaudited
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Committee approves 69,000-cr, Indias biggest 1150 kV transmission project
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Tata Power seeks cost-linked Mundra tariff pacts with 4 more states
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PM Modi very kind, warm, hardworking: Sam Pitroda (IANS Exclusive)
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS) Indian Overseas Congress Chief Sam Pitroda has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a good orator who is very warm, kind, loving and caring, while adding that he has no personal issues with the Prime Minister. Pitroda's surprising remarks came in response to a question about Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi once describing PM Modi as a ig orator. When asked for his opinion of the Prime Minister, Pitroda, in an exclusive interview with IANS, said that he espects him (PM Modi) as a person and thinks that he is hardworking. He (PM Modi) is a Gujarati friend. I respect him as a person. I met him. My wife and I met him. He's been very warm, very kind, very loving, caring at a personal level. Of course, he's a good orator, hardworking, okay. We get along well, Pitroda told IANS. We have no personal issues. I have nothing against Mr Modi as a Gujarati leader, friend, and well-wisher. He's very warm to me. No issues about that. I appreciate that, he further said. The Congress leader said that the issues he has with PM Modi are based on ideologies and not on a personal level. And equally on my side, you know, I've been to his house in Gujarat several times. But I may have issues with his views of the world. I may have issues with his ideology. But that's a separate issue; that's not against the individual. It's against the idea. And these are two separate things. You know, I can disagree with Mr Modi, and I can also have dinner with him and have a laugh. So I have no issues, he added. In 2018, Sonia Gandhi had said that she agreed that PM Modi is a ig orator. Modi takes pride in his ability to deliver good speeches. I completely agree that he is a good orator and speaks like an actor... But the country is surprised that wherever he goes, he speaks wrong, she had reportedly said.
Amish Shah, Pia Dandiya join centrist New Democratic Coalition
Amish Shah and Pia Dandiya have recently joined the New Democrat Coalition, increasing its membership to 142. The New Democrat Coalition, which is the largest ideological group in the Democratic Party, welcomed 40 new members this week. Shah is a physician with roots in Gujarat, while Dandiya has a background in education and policy leadership.
Amul, Mother Dairy milk prices to go up by Rs 2-4 per litre from today
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS) Consumers will have to pay more for milk from Thursday as leading dairy brands Amul and Mother Dairy announced a price increase of Rs 2-4 per litre across their liquid milk variants, citing a rise in input and operational costs. Both companies attributed the revision to increasing expenses related to fodder, cattle feed, packaging and transportation, which have added to the overall cost of milk production and distribution. In a statement, the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets dairy products under the Amul brand, announced a 4-5 per cent increase in the prices of fresh pouch milk across major variants and pack sizes nationwide. According to the co-operative, the price of its largest-selling Amul Taaza toned milk has been increased by Rs 2 per litre, while Amul Gold milk will now cost Rs 4 more per litre. This marks the second revision in Amul's milk prices this year, following the previous hike announced in May. Explaining the latest increase, GCMMF said, The price of our largest-selling Amul Taaza toned milk with 3 per cent milk fat has been increased by only Rs 2 per litre (3.3 per cent increase) and Amul Gold Milk with 6 per cent milk fat by Rs 4 per litre (5.5 per cent rise). Separately, Mother Dairy announced a similar increase of Rs 2-4 per litre across its liquid milk variants from Thursday. The company said uneven monsoon conditions in many regions have pushed green and dry fodder prices up by as much as 20 per cent, while cattle feed costs have risen around 10 per cent over the last year, increasing production costs for dairy farmers. Mother Dairy is revising the consumer prices of its liquid milk variants in the range of Rs. 2 - 4 per litre, effective November 12, 2026, the company stated. A spokesperson for Mother Dairy said persistent inflationary pressures have also driven packaging, transportation and other operational costs higher by up to 25 per cent. Uneven monsoon conditions in several parts of the country have impacted fodder availability green and dry fodder prices have increased by up to 20 per cent, while cattle feed prices have risen by around 10 per cent over the past year adding to the cost of milk production for dairy farmers, it added. Additionally, persistent inflationary pressures have driven up packaging, transportation and other operational costs by up to 25 per cent. This sustained increase in input and operational costs has necessitated the present revision in consumer milk prices, Mother Dairy spokesperson added.
Amul raises milk prices by Rs 2-4 per litre effective today
New Delhi, Nov 11:Dairy major GCMMF, which sells products under the Amul brand, has raised milk prices by Rs 2-4 per litre effective Thursday, citing a sharp increase in input costs. In a statement on Wednesday, Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) said it has increased prices of fresh pouch milk by 4-5 per cent in major milk variants/packs across India effective November 12, 2026. The price of our largest-selling Amul Taaza toned milk with 3 per cent milk fat has been increased by only Rs 2 per litre (3.3 per cent increase) and Amul Gold Milk with 6 per cent milk fat by Rs 4 per litre (5.5 per cent rise), GCMMF said. It had last raised rates in May this year. The price is being hiked due to a steep rise in input costs of milk production and processing, it said. GCMMF pointed out that there has been a significant increase in the cost of green and dry fodder, cattle feed ingredients like oil cake, maize and molasses, milk packaging film and fuel during the year. In the current challenging environmental circumstances due to low and uneven rainfall in Gujarat, as well as many parts of India, we are constrained to increase the consumer price of milk to pay better prices to our producers and support them in these difficult times, the co-operative said. GCMMF said its member unions have increased farmers procurement price by 4-5 per cent in the last one year, and a similar revision will further support our farmers. It highlighted that 80 per cent of the revenue collected from consumers through the Amul co-operative structure is returned to 36 lakh milk producers. A major portion of the increase in milk retail prices will go back to milk producers, and they will continue to be encouraged to increase milk production, GCMMF said.
Adani Group, Codelco sign pact for copper exploration project
Codelco has signed an agreement with Adani Group's Kutch Copper Limited to develop the Kaburkaala copper exploration project in the country's northern Antofagasta region. Adani will finance the project, which could help secure long-term copper supplies for its Mundra smelting complex in Gujarat. The partnership comes as India looks to strengthen its overseas copper sourcing amid rising domestic demand and dependence on imports.
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Tata Electronics in talks to raise $2 bn
Mumbai: Tata Group's semiconductor business is in initial discussions with domestic and international banks to raise up to $2 billion through multiple loan tranches to fund its expansion plans, according to people familiar with the discussions.The first tranche is likely to be up to $800 million, with initial pricing discussions around SOFR plus 180 basis points. The talks are at an early stage, with the final size, pricing and lender participation yet to be firmed up. The loan could be priced at around 6%, assuming SOFR remains at around 3.9%.Also Read: Life insurers post 26 pc growth in new business premiums to Rs 42,914 crore in OctoberA Tata spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.135747359Tata Electronics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, has signed a definitive agreement with Taiwan-based Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) for its proposed semiconductor fabrication plant in Dholera, Gujarat. The agreement will enable Tata Electronics to bring semiconductor manufacturing technology and expertise to India and cater to global customers, the company said.Also Read: When every bank has an app, what actually makes digital banking different?The plant is being developed with a planned capacity of 50,000 wafer starts per month, with PSMC serving as its technology partner, India Ratings said in a report.The project, estimated to cost 91,000 crore, will manufacture 12-inch wafers using technology nodes ranging from 28 nm to 110 nm for applications such as power management chips and microcontrollers. It will be funded through equity, long-term debt and capital subsidies from the central and Gujarat governments under their respective semiconductor incentive schemes, the rating agency said.Tata Electronics' liquidity is supported by unencumbered cash balances of 2,845 crore at the end of FY25, up from 1,485 crore a year earlier, timely equity infusions and its ability to raise working capital limits and long-term debt. The company had debt repayment obligations of 1,297 crore in FY27 towards term loans and external commercial borrowings as of September 30, 2025, the rating agency said.
Caretaker held in Gujarat for 76-year-olds murder
Babri, Godhra, 1984 Riots: 5 Biggest Flashpoints In Sonia Gandhi's Memoir
Sonia Gandhi's autobiography, Belonging: A Journey of Love, has triggered a fresh political confrontation between the BJP and the Congress. The book revisits several contentious chapters of India's political history, including the 1984 anti-Sikh violence, the Babri Masjid demolition, the 1975 Emergency and the 2002 Gujarat riots. It also makes striking revelations about former Prime Minister Pranab Mukherjee's reported ambitions to become Prime Minister and raises questions about the Bofors controversy. While the BJP has accused Sonia Gandhi of selectively presenting history and shielding the Gandhi family's political legacy, the Congress has defended the memoir as her personal account. From historical controversies to unanswered political questions, we examine the five major flashpoints that have turned Sonia Gandhi's autobiography into a political battleground.
Amit Shah was meeting visitors and exchanging greetings when his grandson came up and began tugging at his hand. Smiling at the little one's insistence, Shah held his hand and walked with him from the stage towards the staircase before returning to greet people.
Gujarat: Ahmedabad-Sanand win top spot in Swachh Survekshans Clean City Pair category
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Nov 11 (IANS) Ahmedabad and Sanand have secured the first position nationally in the Clean City Pair category of the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2025-26, with Ahmedabad recognised as the mentor city and Sanand as the mentee city for their joint efforts to improve urban cleanliness. Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot received the award from the President Droupadi Murmu at a national award ceremony held in New Delhi on Wednesday. State Ministers Kanu Desai and Urban Development Minister Darshana Vaghela were also present. The Mentor-Mentee City category was introduced this year under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban to encourage better-performing urban local bodies to share technical expertise and operational practices with other cities. Under the initiative, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) provided technical knowledge, guidance and support to Sanand Municipality to strengthen its cleanliness-related operations. As a mentor city, Ahmedabad also extended guidance to other urban local bodies in Gujarat, including Ranavav, Wankaner, Salaya and Mundra-Baroi, besides Sanand. The assistance covered waste segregation, wastewater management, solid waste management and the welfare of sanitation workers. The national ranking was based on the performance of Ahmedabad and Sanand against the prescribed parameters of the Swachh Survekshan. Their joint efforts and initiatives in the cleanliness sector earned them the top position in the Clean City Pair category. The award ceremony was attended by Ahmedabad Deputy Mayor Anju Shah, Standing Committee Chairman Kamlesh Patel, ruling party leader Jashu Thakor, whip Atul Mishra, Deputy Municipal Commissioner of the Solid Waste Management Department, Amritesh Aurangabadkar, department director Dr Vijay Mistry and committee chairman Deepak Panchal, among other elected representatives and officials. The recognition adds to Ahmedabad's record in national cleanliness assessments and acknowledges its role in sharing expertise with smaller urban local bodies. The AMC said the achievement was the result of the collective efforts of its elected representatives, officials, sanitation workers and citizens.
Caretaker Arrested In Odisha Murder-Robbery
Gujarat Police have arrested Balbhadra Ramcharan Maharana, a 40-year-old man, in Surat for the murder of 76-year-old Kunjalata Nanda during a robbery at her Bhubaneswar residence. Maharana, who was Nanda's caretaker, had been absconding since the November 3 incident and was planning to flee to Delhi when apprehended.
KP Group to invest over 5,000 crore in 10 GWh battery cell manufacturing
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Book Reveals Sonias Love for Gujarati Food, Dal-Chawal
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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.
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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.
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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.
From his debut IPL deal of Rs 10 lakh in 2015 to becoming a Rs 18 crore player, Pandya's salary journey reflects his rise as a key all-rounder and successful captain. He has represented Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans, winning IPL titles with both franchises.
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 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
atQor Named Finalist for the 2026 Microsoft Partner of the Year Award for - Agents
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], November 11: atQor today announced it has been named a finalist for the Business Transformation - Agents 2026 Microsoft Partner of the Year Award. The company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.
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.
