Gujarat Invites Rajasthan Leaders to Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2027
Gujarat invites Rajasthans Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2027, set for January. Gujarat Invites Rajasthan Leaders to Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2027
Delivery boy swaps garments worth 4L with cheaper varieties, cops launch probe
SMC launches food safety drive ahead of Chandi Padva
Gujarat: BJP weighs names for Gandhinagar mayor, standing committee chairman posts
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 23 (IANS) The BJPs Gujarat unit is holding discussions on key civic appointments following its victory in the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) elections, with the selection of the new mayor and standing committee chairman among the posts under consideration, according to party officials. The partys state election committee met in Gandhinagar on Friday in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and state BJP president Jagdish Vishwakarma. The meeting comes after the BJP retained control of the state capitals civic body, winning 38 of the 44 seats in the elections on October 11. The Congress won five seats, while an Independent candidate secured one. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had won one seat in the previous election, failed to open its account this time. The mayors post in the GMC is reserved for a member of the Other Backward Classes (OBC). Four names Kanaiyalal Desai, Mahesh Chaudhary, Dharmendra Nai and Rupsinhji Thakor have emerged as possible contenders, according to reports. The party is also considering appointments to the deputy mayors post, the standing committee chairmanship and the ruling party leadership in the corporation. The standing committee chairmans post is among the key positions in the civic body, given the committees role in examining municipal proposals and financial matters. Mahendra Patel and Mehul Patel were among the names being discussed for the post, although there was no official confirmation of the final selection. The BJPs selection process follows the conclusion of elections to the GMC and two other local bodies, Okha and Thara. The party won 33 of 36 seats in Okha and 19 of 24 in Thara, retaining control of both municipalities. Party leaders confirmed the presence of Patel, Vishwakarma and other key leaders at the state election committee meeting but did not specify the agenda or announce any appointments. The names of the new civic office-bearers should therefore be treated as pending until the party makes a formal announcement.
Enjoy The New Gujarati Music Video For 'Tame Chho Mari Jaan' By Shital Thakor
Enjoy the latest Gujarati song 'Tame Chho Mari Jaan' sung by 'Shital Thakor'. The music for this romantic track has been composed by 'Ajay Vagheshwari', with lyrics penned by 'Rajvinder Singh', who has also composed the song. The music video features 'Amit Shah' and 'Hina Suthar' and has been directed by 'Rajvinder Singh'. Don't miss the opportunity to watch the latest Gujarati video song 'Tame Chho Mari Jaan' and immerse yourself in its romantic melody. For more Gujarati songs, be sure to visit the music videos section of Gujarati ETimes. Experience the musical prowess of 'Shital Thakor', new Gujarati songs of 2026, latest Gujarati video songs, Gujarati love songs and music by 'Ajay Vagheshwari' and 'Rajvinder Singh'.
Scotland eyes research and financial links with Gujarat during First Ministers GIFT City
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 23 (IANS) Scotlands First Minister John Swinney visited Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) and Gujarat Biotechnology University in Gandhinagar on Friday, exploring opportunities to deepen cooperation in financial services, education, scientific research and clean energy. Swinney, who is leading an 11-member Scottish delegation on a visit to Gujarat from October 22 to 25, reviewed GIFT Citys financial services and investment ecosystem before meeting students and faculty at Gujarat Biotechnology University. Discussions also covered collaboration between the university and the University of Edinburgh, of which Swinney is an alumnus. At GIFT City, the delegation was briefed on the development of the financial and business hub and its infrastructure, including an underground utility tunnel network designed to reduce repeated road excavation for maintenance and upgrades. The system brings together electricity cables, drinking water pipelines, district cooling pipelines, automated solid waste pipelines and communication and automation cables. Sewage lines, stormwater drainage and gas pipelines are kept in separate corridors for safety. The network is monitored round the clock through a central control room using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) technology. The system alerts maintenance teams to technical problems, allowing repairs to be undertaken while minimising disruption to traffic and public spaces. GIFT City plans to develop 16 km of utility tunnels. Of this, 5.5 km is operational, while construction of another 5.5 km is under way. The remaining section is planned for completion in phases. New buildings are connected to the network through their basements, allowing utilities to be integrated into the citys infrastructure. The delegation also examined GIFT Citys range of financial services, investment opportunities and export-related activities. Swinney praised the technology used in the utility tunnels, according to the state governments account of the visit. At Gujarat Biotechnology University, Swinney interacted with students and discussed opportunities for cooperation in education, research and life sciences, including the partnership with the University of Edinburgh. He shared experiences from his time at the Scottish university. Swinney said, The delegations visit reflected Scotlands commitment to strengthening economic, educational and cultural ties with India. He emphasised the importance of exchanging research expertise between universities, particularly in tackling complex global challenges such as cancer. Academic and research partnerships could help enrich scientific work and establish a stronger foundation for future relations between the two countries, he said. Sports and clean energy also featured in the discussions. Referring to Glasgows experience of hosting the Commonwealth Games, Swinney said: The Games scheduled to be held in Gujarat in 2030 could create another link between Scotland and India through culture and sport. He also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in clean energy and wind power, pointing to Gujarats extensive coastline in the context of efforts to address climate change. Professor Rakesh Rawal, Director-in-Charge of Gujarat Biotechnology University, who is also its Dean (Academics) and Head of Medical Biotechnology, attended the university visit. Steve Hickling, British Deputy High Commissioner for Gujarat and Rajasthan, was also present, along with John Webster, the First Ministers principal private secretary, and Ross Ingebritsen, senior special adviser, head of communications and official spokesperson for the Scottish Government. The delegations four-day visit is focused on Gujarats development initiatives and potential areas for investment and bilateral cooperation.
Amid protests by the Congress, the standing committee of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) in Gujarat on Friday approved a proposal to allot 500 square metres of the land, out of the total 978-square metre,...
Gujarat govt transfers 17 IAS officers; appoints new collectors
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 23 (IANS) The Gujarat government on Friday transferred 17 IAS officers in a major administrative reshuffle, appointing new collectors for Mehsana, Anand and Vav-Tharad, and reassigning district development officers across several districts. The General Administration Department (GAD) issued the notification on October 23, with changes spanning the Revenue, Home, Education, Rural Development, Industries and Mines, and Sports departments. The reshuffle also includes changes in senior officers additional charges and appointments to key administrative institutions. G.T. Pandya, Additional Secretary in the Education Department, has been appointed Director of Information, Gandhinagar. Alok Kumar Pandey, Secretary in the Tribal Development Department, will take additional charge as Commissioner of Relief and ex-officio Secretary in the Revenue Department, relieving Gaurangbhai Makwana of the responsibility. Makwana, who is Managing Director of Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Ltd (UGVCL), Mehsana, has been given additional charge of Managing Director of INDEXT-B, Gandhinagar. S.K. Prajapati, Collector of Mehsana, has been transferred as Additional Rural Development Commissioner in Gandhinagar, taking over the post for which V.K. Jadav held additional charge. Harshit Pruthwiraj Gosavi, Additional Secretary in the Home Department handling Law and Order, will replace Prajapati as Mehsana Collector. Praveen Chaudhary, Collector of Anand, has been moved to the Industries and Mines Department for appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the special projects covering the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) and Mandal-Bechraji SIR. The move relieves Kuldeep Arya of the additional charge of the post. Utsav Gautam, District Development Officer (DDO) of Kutch-Bhuj, will replace Chaudhary as Anand Collector. M.J. Dave, DDO of Banaskantha-Palanpur, has been appointed Collector of Vav-Tharad, relieving Kalpesh Kumar Sharma of the additional charge. Sachin Kumar, DDO of Chhotaudepur, has been transferred to Gandhinagar as Deputy Secretary in the Home Department for Law and Order, succeeding Gosavi. Four officers serving as Project Administrators under the Tribal Area Sub Plan have also been assigned district development responsibilities. Vandana Meena, currently posted in Mahisagar, will become DDO of Valsad, while Rajesh Kumar Mourya, serving in Songadh in Tapi district, has been appointed DDO of Amreli. Swapnil Mahadeo Sisle, Project Administrator in Vansada, Navsari district, will take over as DDO of Tapi. Omkar Rajendra Shinde, currently posted in Chhotaudepur, will replace Sachin Kumar as the districts DDO. The movement of DDOs has also led to a change in Kutch-Bhuj, where Atirag Chaplot, currently DDO of Valsad, will replace Utsav Gautam. Ram Niwas Bugalia, DDO of Tapi, will move to Banaskantha-Palanpur, succeeding M.J. Dave, who has been appointed Collector of Vav-Tharad. In changes involving training institutions, C.C. Kotak, Deputy Director General of the Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA), Ahmedabad, has been transferred for appointment as Special Director at the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), Ahmedabad. The appointment relieves V.N. Shah of the additional charge of the post. B.N. Patel, Executive Director of Gujarat Gas Ltd., Gandhinagar, has been transferred for appointment as Director General of the Sports Authority of Gujarat. Rajesh Kumar Mouryas appointment as DDO of Amreli will also end K.J. Jadejas additional charge of the post. The notification further relieves V.K. Jadav of the additional charge of Additional Rural Development Commissioner, Kalpesh Kumar Sharma of the additional charge of Collector of Vav-Tharad, and Kuldeep Arya of the additional charge of chief executive officer for the Dholera and Mandal-Bechraji SIR projects.
Experience The New Gujarati Music Video 'Mari Jaanu Khoi Betho' by Rohit Thakor
Get ready to be swept away by the latest gujarati track 'Mari Jaanu Khoi Betho' beautifully sung by Rohit Thakor. This captivating track feature mesmerizing music given by Hardik Rathod and beautiful lyrics are penned by Sandip Talpada. Don't miss the chance to witness Rohit Thakor's performance in the captivating gujarati video track 'Mari Jaanu Khoi Betho'. Dive into a world of musical excellence by exploring more gujarati tracks in the music videos section of gujarati Etimes. Discover the incredible vocal talents of Rohit Thakor. Indulge in the latest gujarati video tracks of 2026, groove to the soulful compositions by Hardik Rathod, immerse in the gujarati music video tracks.
After Yusuf Pathan, Land Sought For Indian Spinner Radha Yadav In Vadodara For Cricket Academy
Days after the Gujarat government proposed to hand over a civic plot to former cricketer Yusuf Pathan, a former Vadodara corporator has sought land for Indian spinner Radha Yadav to set up a cricket academy
Satellite lights, Google searches cut state growth estimation errors by up to 62%: RBI study
RBI study indicates that combining night-time light data with Google search trends can improve state economic growth estimates. Researchers tested their model in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, showing significant reductions in forecasting errors. This framework could help provide timely economic insights, as state data is often delayed. Night-time illumination proved to be a strong predictor of Gross State Value Added growth.
Gujarat to send delegation to Scotland to study offshore energy expertise ahead of CWG 2030
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 23 (IANS) Gujarat will send a delegation to Scotland to study its expertise in offshore energy, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said on Friday after the state government signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the Scottish Government to strengthen cooperation in renewable energy, sports, education, trade and investment. The agreements were signed in Gandhinagar in the presence of Patel and Scotland's First Minister John Swinney, who was accompanied by a delegation. The two sides exchanged copies of the MoUs during a meeting aimed at expanding economic ties, promoting people-to-people connections and identifying areas for collaboration in sustainable development and innovation. Gujarat, which has the longest coastline among Indian states, has significant potential for offshore energy, Patel said. He described the state as a leader in renewable energy in India and said cooperation with Scotland could provide further momentum to its efforts in the sector. Swinney expressed confidence that the agreements would create new opportunities in culture, sports, renewable energy and life sciences. He also expressed interest in sharing Scotland's experience in offshore energy with Gujarat. The agreements come as Gujarat prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The state is expected to explore Scotland's experience of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, including preparations for major sporting events, infrastructure development and the promotion of physical activity and fitness. The MoUs provide a framework for cooperation in trade and investment, entrepreneurship, research, education, skill development, energy and sustainability. They also envisage the exchange of knowledge, expertise and best practices, along with partnerships between businesses, universities, colleges and other institutions in the two regions. Chief Secretary M K Das welcomed the Scottish delegation and outlined opportunities for collaboration in sports, renewable energy, economic partnerships and cultural exchange. The agreements would help connect businesses, institutions and experts to support the transition towards a more sustainable economy and create opportunities for innovation, professional development and institutional partnerships, he said. Das added that academic and research collaboration could strengthen links between educational institutions in Gujarat and Scotland and encourage exchanges involving students, researchers and teachers. The agreements also seek to build long-term relationships through cooperation in culture, heritage and creative industries. Executive Additional Chief Secretary of the Industries Department, Rajeev Topno, thanked the participants and expressed confidence that the agreements would encourage dialogue, trust and partnerships in education, skill development, sports and energy. The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sanjeev Kumar; principal secretaries of the Urban Development and Education departments; Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Vikrant Pandey; and senior officials from various departments.
Gujarat Farmers Sell Over 32 Million Quintals of Produce via E-NAM, Generating
Gujarat farmers have utilized the E-NAM platform to sell over 32 million quintals of produce, earning 12,740 crore in revenue. Gujarat Farmers Sell Over 32 Million Quintals of Produce via E-NAM, Generating 12,740 Crore in Revenue
Aakash Ganga - Official Trailer
Watch the Official Trailer from gujarati movie 'Aakash Ganga' starring Aakash Bhil and Moni Patel. 'Aakash Ganga' movie is directed by Kishor B. Goti. To know more about 'Aakash Ganga' Trailer watch the video. Check out the latest gujarati Trailers, new movie Trailers, trending gujarati movie Trailer, and more at ETimes - Times of India Entertainment.
'Anti-Suicide Fans' In Student Hostels? Gujarat University's Move Triggers Mental Health Debate
Each fan costs around Rs 1,500 and uses a spring-loaded mechanism that cuts power when excessive weight is detected, according to the university.
Threat to shut factory over pollution, then Rs 40,000 demand: Gujarat cop caught in ACB trap
Digital Desk | Anand, Oct 23 (IANS) A police inspector posted at Anklav police station in Gujarats Anand district was caught by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on October 22 while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 40,000 from a factory owner after threatening to shut down the unit over alleged pollution, according to the ACB. The accused, Rajdeepsinh Vanar, a Class-II police inspector, had allegedly demanded a 1.5-tonne air conditioner from the complainant. When the complainant refused to provide it, the inspector allegedly demanded Rs 40,000 instead. According to the ACBs complaint details, the inspector had summoned the complainant to the police station and threatened to shut down his factory, alleging that it was causing pollution. The inspector made the demand for the air conditioner during this interaction and subsequently asked the complainant to pay Rs 40,000, officials said. Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant, identified by the ACB as a vigilant citizen, approached the Anand ACB police station and lodged a complaint. The bureau subsequently arranged a trap on the basis of the complaint. During the operation on October 22, the accused allegedly engaged in a conversation with the complainant and accepted Rs 40,000 from him in his chamber at Anklav police station. The ACB team caught him at the spot, and the entire alleged bribe amount of Rs 40,000 was recovered, the complaint details stated. The case concerns the alleged misuse of official position by a public servant to obtain an undue advantage by threatening action against a factory. The ACBs account states that the inspectors conduct amounted to criminal misconduct. The trap was led by R N Virani, police inspector at the Anand ACB police station, along with his team. The ACB operation was carried out following the complaint by the citizen, who had declined to meet the alleged demand. The bureau frequently conducted such traps against officials who demand bribes.
Gujarat Dy CM to hold talks with South Korean firms on investment in technology, textiles
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 23 (IANS) Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi will hold a series of meetings with South Korean companies in Seoul on Friday to explore investment and industrial collaboration in sectors ranging from advanced technology and artificial intelligence to textiles, biotechnology, electronics and food processing. The high-level delegation, which is visiting South Korea as part of efforts to attract investment under the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit initiative, is scheduled to hold around 10 one-to-one meetings and roundtable discussions with industry leaders. A business seminar and dinner with members of the Korean industrial community will conclude the day's engagements. The delegation will begin its programme with a breakfast meeting with Jejeong Lee, chairman and chief executive officer of the Advanced Technology Centre Association (ATCA), and leading researchers to discuss potential cooperation in advanced technology. Sanghavi is also scheduled to meet Huh Sung, president and CEO of Kolon Industries, which operates in the chemical and textile sectors, and Stephen Kim, CEO of DeltaX, a company working in artificial intelligence and battery energy storage system (BESS) solutions. The deputy chief minister will visit the headquarters of LS Electric for discussions with its chairman, Ja-Gyun Koo, on investment opportunities in the electronics sector. The delegation will also meet senior executives of Seoul Viosys, a company specialising in advanced technology, and hold discussions with JT Corporation on industrial cooperation. Textile manufacturing will be another focus of the visit. Sanghavi is scheduled to visit the headquarters of Youngone Corporation, a leading South Korean textile company, and meet its chairman, Sung Ki-Hak, to discuss opportunities for expansion in the sector. The delegation will also hold a roundtable with the chief executives of biotechnology companies UMTR, Plantner and Bereum to explore potential areas of cooperation. In the food and confectionery sector, a meeting is planned with Cho Kyung-woon, global business head of Lotte Wellfood, to discuss expansion opportunities. The programme includes a visit to the headquarters of Cosmax, a global manufacturer of beauty and healthcare products, where the delegation will meet the company's vice-chairman. A separate roundtable with South Korean start-ups is scheduled to focus on innovation and the development of Gujarat's start-up ecosystem. The delegation will also meet representatives of leading Korean law firms to discuss regulatory requirements and measures to facilitate investment. The day's engagements will conclude with a business seminar and dinner organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ICCK), where the delegation is expected to hold discussions with Korean entrepreneurs on industrial partnerships and investment opportunities in Gujarat. The visit is aimed at strengthening economic ties between Gujarat and South Korea and identifying potential areas for investment and collaboration across multiple industries.
Yashvi Navratri 3.0 Draws Garba Enthusiasts in Surat
Surat (Gujarat) [India], October 23: This years Navratri turned out to be a memorable and spiritually uplifting celebration for the people of Surat. The ten-day grand Garba festival, Yashvi Navratri
Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) in Surat has installed 354 specially designed anti-suicide fans in its hostels. The fans feature a spring-loaded mechanism that releases under excessive weight, making them a new safety addition to the university's student accommodation.
Asian Para Games: Navdeep, Rakeshbhai secure bronze medals in Javelin throw F40/F41 and 200m T37
Digital Desk | Nagoya, Oct 23 (IANS) Indias Paralympic gold medallist Navdeep Singh won the bronze medal in the Mens Javelin Throw F40/F41 event at the Asian Para Games with a best effort of 42.55 metres, while para-athlete Rakeshbhai Bhatt clinched bronze in the Men's 200m T37 on Friday. Navdeep, who won gold at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, finished third in the final after recording his best throw on his second attempt. His remaining four attempts were fouls. Irans Beit Sadegh clinched the gold medal with a throw of 45.78 metres, while Indonesias Ansyari took silver with a personal best of 43.55 metres. The bronze adds to an impressive international career for Navdeep, who has established himself among Indias leading para-athletes through consistent performances at major competitions. The athlete from Panipat, Haryana, rose to prominence with his gold medal-winning performance at the Paris Paralympics in 2024. He had finished fourth at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021 and also secured fourth place at the 2022 Asian Para Games, held in 2023. Navdeep has also enjoyed success at the World Para Athletics Championships, winning silver in 2025 and bronze in 2024. He finished fourth at the 2023 edition of the championships and won gold at the U20 World Para Athletics Championships in 2019. His other international achievements include gold medals at the Desert Challenge Cup in the United States in 2022 and the Fazza Grand Prix in Dubai in 2021. He also won gold at the Indian Open in 2023 and 2026. Rakeshbhai, who was making his debut in the Para-Asian Games, started off the men's 200m T37 well but was pushed back by Saudi Arabia's Ali Alnakhli, who won gold in 23.32 seconds, setting an Asian Para Games record, and Indonesia's Saptoyogo Purnomo took silver in 23.45 seconds in the later stages. He finished the race in 23.64 seconds to bag a bronze medal. Hailing from a village in Gujarat, Rakesh began his journey in para-sports with the ambition of developing his abilities as a competitive sprinter. His involvement in athletics has provided him with an opportunity to pursue his sporting aspirations and progress towards higher levels of competition.
Major Administrative Reshuffle in Gujarat: 22 Deputy Collectors Transferred with Immediate Effect
In a major administrative reshuffle, the Gujarat government has transferred 22 Deputy Collectors as Deputy District Election Officers ahead of elections.
AM/NS Indias Hazira Blast Furnace Reaches Historic 30 Million Tonne Mark
30 million tonnes of hot metal from a single blast furnace equivalent to weight of 3,000 Eiffel Towers underscores Haziras contribution to Indias steelmaking journey Surat (Gujarat) [India],
Terra Clean seeks land aggregation bids for 300 MW Gujarat solar - Solarbytes
Adani Total Gas hikes CNG prices by 4.45/kg amid rising procurement costs
Adani Total Gas Ltd, a city gas distributor supplying CNG and piped natural gas across cities in states, including Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, has raised Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices by Rs 4.45 per kg, citing higher procurement costs driven by surging international Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) prices, reduced domestic gas availability and upstream supply curtailments. CNG at ATGL outlets in Ahmedabad now costs Rs 98.47 per kg, while it is priced at Rs 102.60 per kg in Faridabad, Haryana and Rs 100 per kg in Jalandhar, according to information on the company website. The revision comes as global spot LNG prices have risen to around USD 30 per Million British Thermal Units (MMBtu), from USD 10-12 in February 2026, increasing the cost of imported gas, the company said in a media statement. ATGL also cited reduced availability of New Well Gas (NWG) from domestic fields of state-owned companies like ONGC and lower supplies of High-Pressure, High-Temperature (HPHT) gas following a ..
GPSSB Village Panchayat Secretary Final Result 2026 Out - Download District Allotment List PDF
GPSSB Village Panchayat Secretary Final Result 2026 has been released on 22 October by the Gujarat Panchayat Service Selection Board under Advertisement No. 14/2025-26. The PwBD Special Recruitment Drive final selection and district allotment list contains 85 candidate entries, including four pending recommendations
Trom Industries Wins Rs. 4.81 Crore Solar Rooftop Order from GEDA
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], October 22: Trom Industries Limited (NSE: TROM | INE0SYV01018), a solar EPC and clean energy solutions company, has received a purchase order worth 4.81 crore from Gujarat
Gujarat Police Lokrakshak Cadre Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 3,000 Posts
GPRB Recruitment 2026 short notice released for 3,000 Lokrakshak Cadre Posts. Apply online at the official GPRB careers portal.
Income Tax Department Chartered Accountant Recruitment 2026
Income Tax Department Gujarat has released the official notification for the post of Chartered Accountants for Special Audit. The last date to apply online is 20 November 2026. Candidates can apply through the official website, incometaxgujarat.gov.in.
The EPFO board may discuss raising the Employees Pension Scheme minimum monthly pension at its meeting in Gujarat on 19 November. This comes amid demand from unions and pensioners, who have sought increase from 1,000/month to 7,500 month.
India Batter Sabbineni Meghana Announces Retirement From All Forms Of Cricket
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Indian women's team top-order batter Sabbineni Meghana has announced her retirement from all the forms of cricket on Friday. A solid top-order batter Meghana, born in Andhra Pradesh, represented Railways in the domestic circuit. She made her international debut in a WODI series against New Zealand in 2022. Meghana represented India in three ODIs and 17 T20Is. She was then part of the Indian team that won silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. However, she has since failed to break into the T20 setup and missed out on subsequent ICC events. Stepping onto the field for the very first time with a bat in hand to wear a jersey on world stage has been nothing short of a dream come true. As I announce my retirement from all formats of cricket as a player, my heart is overflowing with gratitude. The field has been my second home, teaching me resilience, humility, and giving me memories and friendships that I will carry for a lifetime, Meghana wrote in a social media post. To my family, who stood by me through every peak and valley, thank you for your endless sacrifices. To my coaches, teammates, support staff, thank you for pushing me to be my best and sharing the dressing room with me. And to the fans, your cheers under the floodlights fuelled every single stride I took, she wrote. Meghana was signed by the Gujarat Giants in the inaugural edition of the WPL and moved to Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2024. She was part of the RCB squad that lifted the trophy in 2024. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the BCCI, the Andhra Cricket Association, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Giants, and RSPB for their constant support, guidance, and backing throughout my career. Thank you for giving me the platform and opportunities to pursue my passion at the highest level, Meghana added. Meghana was signed by the Gujarat Giants in the inaugural edition of the WPL and moved to Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2024. She was part of the RCB squad that lifted the trophy in 2024. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi will hold high-level meetings with leading South Korean companies in Seoul on Friday to attract investments and strengthen industrial partnerships under the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit initiative, as per a statement by Industries
VNSGU CRS Project Fellow Recruitment 2026
Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) has invited applications by email for the post of CRS Project Fellow. Applications can be sent till 20 November 2026. For complete details, candidates can visit vnsgu.ac.in.
Gujarat govt invites Rajasthan industry to invest, collaborate at VGGS 2027
The Gujarat government on Thursday invited Rajasthan
EoDB, economic growth & human capabilities
Indias modern economic trajectory presents a compelling developmental paradox. Over the past few decades, the nation has evolved from a state-controlled post-colonial economy into a global technological and industrial powerhouse. Yet, as observed by analyst Edward Luce in his works In Spite of the Gods, this remarkable ascent coexists with deep structural inequities, a formidable bureaucratic apparatus, and enduring developmental challenges. To understand this dynamic, we must look beyond aggregate Gross Domestic Product(GDP) figures and examine the intricate interplay between state-led planning, democratic pluralism, and human capabilities. This national tension is also mirrored vividly at the regional level in Jammu and Kashmir, especially when evaluating legislative efforts like the recent Ease of Doing Business reforms against critical local economic realities. A central question in regional development is whether economic growth should be pursued as an end in itself or as a means to expand human freedoms. Early post-independence policies relied on heavy state planning and the restrictive License Raj, which resulted in sluggish national growth. Sweeping economic reforms in 1991 unleashed market dynamism, lifting millions out of poverty and positioning India as a leader in information technology and services. However, as economist Amartya Sen argues, true development requires expanding human capabilities, such as health, education, and social well-being, rather than merely growing national income. While corporate sectors thrive globally, many citizens remain limited by inadequate public schooling, healthcare deficits, and malnutrition. Furthermore, targeted tracking by the Future of India Foundation through its YouthPOWER analytical initiative highlights deep structural vulnerabilities in human capabilities. Their economic research demonstrates that the share of Indian women in active work fell by almost half between 2004-05 and 2017-18, and subsequent workforce recoveries have been primarily driven by older women returning to low-paying, informal agricultural labour rather than secure, salaried employment. At a regional governance level, administrative reforms must constantly wrestle with this dichotomy regarding how to accelerate economic velocity without compromising the broader human and social safety framework. The tension between human capability and rapid industrial growth is vividly illustrated by contrasting internal state models. The Kerala model prioritizes public action, universal healthcare, and foundational education, resulting in high social indicators like near-universal literacy and low infant mortality, even during periods of slower per capita income growth. Conversely, the Gujarat model focuses heavily on market-led industrialization and infrastructure development, generating high gross domestic product growth rates and economic dynamism, though often lagging in human development metrics and equity issues. This regional divide highlights a crucial lesson, an economy cannot sustain its rise if it neglects foundational human capabilities, because a workforce lacking basic health and education cannot adapt effectively to a shifting global landscape. In Jammu and Kashmir, the legislative push toward an Ease of Doing Business framework brings these structural debates into sharp focus. Examining the recent legislative framework, economist and former J&K Finance Minister Dr. Haseeb Drabu has noted that the structural design of such investment-facilitation policies often leans heavily toward an uncalibrated speed structure while ignoring local ownership realities and structural market failures. Because regional industry is overwhelmingly micro-based, with micro-enterprises accounting for the vast majority of industrial employment and investment, blanket regulatory easing or rigid paper blueprints like Master Plans risk bypassing local economic safeguards and ecological vulnerabilities unless they incorporate specific size-based tools and local protections. Policymakers face a difficult fiscal balancing act regarding how to fund essential public goods without discouraging private investment. To bridge this gap, modern governance requires expanding the formal tax net rather than over burdening existing industries, shifting inefficient subsidies toward universal healthcare and education, and ensuring lagging regions receive adequate central support and autonomy. Within the framework of Jammu and Kashmirs legislative efforts, the challenge lies in balancing procedural efficiency with substantive planning controls. Relying purely on fiscal incentives and top-down regulatory shortcuts and not building structural depth leads to failure in delivering sustainable economic transformation. Unlike authoritarian models of industrialization, India and its constituent regions achieve these economic shifts within the framework of a vibrant, vocal democracy. Balancing the aspirations of corporate capital and investment facilitation with the livelihood security of an enfranchised local population remains an unprecedented historical feat. To achieve a true balance, legislative iterations of the Ease of Doing Business bill can be deliberately structured to protect local enterprises and ecosystems while attracting capital. Policymakers can introduce tiered compliance frameworks that exempt micro and small enterprises from burdensome red tape while maintaining rigorous oversight for large-scale industrial projects. Additionally, embedding mandatory local skill-development quotas, ecological impact safeguards, and localized credit access directly into the legislative framework would ensure that corporate investments actively nurture human capabilities rather than bypass them. Sustainable regional progress in Jammu and Kashmir cannot be measured by commercial hubs or macro-level investment inflows alone, but by actively cultivating the substantive freedoms and well-being of ordinary citizens. In a region marked by delicate ecological balances and unique socioeconomic vulnerabilities, real capability expansion means ensuring that local youth, artisans, small-scale entrepreneurs, and marginalized workforces possess the health, modern vocational training, and institutional safety nets required to exercise genuine agency. Economic growth, regulatory reform, and social justice are not competing choices. In a sensitive Himalayan polity like Jammu and Kashmir, they must function as mutually reinforcing pillars where legislative acts expand human capabilities and empower local communities. The author is an entrepreneur managing infrastructure and agricultural ventures in Kashmir. He is also a fellow of the Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN)
Navratri leaves 35,000kg plastic waste on Pavagadh
CA Inter exam: City lad ranks 3rd in India
Parents protest at shift change at Piplod school
3 students from city make it to AIR list
Streetlights burn bright during day amid power crisis
Three dead in accident in Dahod
8-year-old girl raped in Sachin GIDC, accused held within hours
Husband, 4 relatives booked for abetment after womans suicide
Italy's Pirelli and India's Balkrishna Industries float JV to make tyres
Pirelli has partnered with Balkrishna Industries to manufacture up to 8 lakh tyres annually in Gujarat. This production is expected to commence in the next financial year, according to the company's joint managing director. Initially, Balkrishna Industries will produce tyres under an off-take arrangement for Pirelli at the new facility. There are plans for a 50:50 joint venture to produce passenger car tyres under both brands.
Road caves in during creek bridge construction
Angry Over Sister's Affair, Gujarat Man Poisons Teen, Stages It As Suicide
Ashok Bhagabhai Thakor was lured to a farm shed, poisoned with spiked liquor, and strangled to death in a planned murder.
Tensions In Gujarat's Songadh As Social Media Post Leads To Violence During Navratri
Gujarat's School Entry Rules Invoke Child Sexual Abuse Law Against Violators
The fresh circular mandates that any external individual must secure prior written authorisation from school principals before stepping onto campus grounds, recording video, or conducting interviews with students and teachers.
Gujarat CM Patel inaugurates 'Kathiyawad Bhavan' in Gandhinagar; donors
The inauguration of 'Kathiyawad Bhavan' of the Kathi Darbar Education Trust and the Donors
EPFO board may consider a hike in minimum pension at November 19 meeting
EPFO's Central Board of Trustees is likely to discuss raising the minimum monthly pension under EPS at its November 19 meeting in Gujarat, amid longstanding demands from pensioners and trade unions.
Gujarat invites Rajasthans business community to explore investment opportunities, fostering youth engagement and economic collaboration. Rajasthans Entrepreneurship and Gujarats Innovation: A Pathway to Opportunities for Youth, Says Minister Bawaliya
The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2027 roadshow in Chennai focused on investment, technology partnerships, and industrial collaboration. Gujarats Vibrant Global Summit 2027 Roadshow Highlights Investment and Industrial Collaboration in Chennai
Gujarat courts Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan industry ahead of Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2027
The 11th edition of VGGS is scheduled for January 10-12, 2027, at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar
Bharatiya Janata Partys IT Cell used an altered image of an Indian Muslim citizen to allege that Pakistanis were supporting the anti-CEC protests in the United Kingdom alongside influencer Dhruv Rathee. An image of Saddam Hussein, a native of Gujarat, holding a Pakistani flag made rounds on social media, amplified by the right-wing ecosystem. Saddam 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 .
Gujarats Vibrant Summit Boosts Industrial Growth in Rajasthan
The Vibrant Gujarat initiative is attracting significant investments in various sectors, enhancing Rajasthans industrial landscape. Gujarats Vibrant Summit Boosts Industrial Growth in Rajasthan
Tiger Shroff firing incident: 4 accused sent to Police custody till Oct 26
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 22 (IANS) The four accused, including two women, arrested in connection with the Tiger Shroff firing case were produced before a magistrate's court on Thursday. The court has now sent the suspects to Police custody till Oct 26. The Delhi Polices Special Cell, NDR unit, arrested four accused in the firing incident on October 20. The four suspects arrested have been identified as Kunal, 21, and Sumit, 19, from Sonipat (Haryana), Radha, 23, from Sitapur (Uttar Pradesh), and Babita, 23, from Azamgarh (Uttar Pradesh). If the reports are to be believed, the accused fled to Surat in Gujarat after the incident and boarded a Jaipur-bound train from there. The suspects reportedly planned to go to New Delhi and eventually escape to Nepal from there. However, they were arrested by Mumbai Police in Kota, Rajasthan, before they reached Delhi. Meanwhile, the police sources also claimed that the accused practised shooting before the attack. The reports also suggest that a misfire took place while they were testing the weapon in their hotel room in Mumbai's Andheri area. The Mumbai Police sources further revealed that the accused disclosed during the interrogation the location where they had test-fired the weapon. The weapons were reportedly test-fired as the accused wanted to ensure that the firearm was functioning properly before carrying out the attack on Tiger. Both the suspects are believed to have successfully fired the weapon during the practice session. It was also revealed during the investigation that a misfire occurred while the accused were testing the gun in their hotel room in Andheri. Sources claim that one of the bullets was fired onto the bed during the incident. However, the shot failed to raise any suspicion among hotel staff or anyone else in the hotel.
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 22 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Thursday said that he has failed to understand the reasons behind opposition parties' criticism of India hosting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Mumbai. He also listed past instances when leaders have met foreign leaders outside Delhi. I didn't get that. They don't like Mumbai? I mean, they have something against Mumbai? I think it is a great city, it is our financial capital. It is our Bollywood capital. It has got so much going for it. Maybe Mumbai doesn't like them... I have no idea why they have this reservation, said EAM Jaishankar while speaking at the NDTV World Summit. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had last week taken a swipe at the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Rubio's meeting EAM Jaishankar in Mumbai, terming it as summoning. EAM Jaishankar then went on to list a few examples when India has hosted visiting foreign leaders outside Delhi. If going out of Delhi to meet a foreign leader or a foreign counterpart is summoning, I can give you a lot of examples. Mrs (Indira) Gandhi went to Shimla to meet Bhutto. Was she summoned? Salman Khurshid went to Jaipur to meet a Pakistan PM. Was he summoned? he asked. We are adults, let's have an adult conversation. Let's leave, you know, said EAM Jaishankar amid a round of applause from the gathering at the venue. EAM Jaishankar hosted counterparts from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States in Mumbai on October 19-20 and also attended the celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the US as a Guest of Honour. Last week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had also dismissed any criticism about the choice of Mumbai as a venue for EAM Jaishankar's bilateral engagements. It has been the practice for the last decade or so that we have hosted foreign dignitaries outside Delhi. To just give you some examples, Prime Minister hosted the Prime Minister of Spain in Baroda. He hosted Chancellor Merz in Ahmedabad. Prime Minister of Mauritius was hosted by him in Varanasi, and the External Affairs Minister hosted the SCO Foreign Ministers Meeting in Goa. He hosted the Foreign Minister of Botswana in Kevadia in Gujarat, and the External Affairs Minister also hosted the Heart of Asia Conference in Amritsar. So, that was just to give you a few examples of the meetings of leaders, of dignitaries that have happened outside of Delhi, stated MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday. /as
Renuka Ruled Out Of ODIs Against Zimbabwe; Jintimani Named As Her Replacement
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia: India pacer Renuka Singh Thakur has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, with the selectors drafting in seam-bowling all-rounder Jintimani Kalita as her replacement. Renuka was a part of India's squad that won the ODI World Cup last year at home. But Renuka didnt get to play in Indias Asia Cup triumph in Dubai and the Asian Games gold medal win in Japan, despite being a part of the squad. The BCCI said Renuka, who last played an ODI game against Australia in Hobart earlier this year, was still working on building up the bowling volume of sending down ten overs, which is needed for playing the 50-over format, at its Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, and would not be available for the series. She is still building up the bowling volume required for the 50-over format at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Jintimani, who was part of the just-concluded T20I series in Raipur, has travelled with the team to Baroda, where the ODI series will be played from tomorrow, said BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia in a statement on Thursday. Jintimani, who was retained by Gujarat Giants ahead of the 2027 Womens Premier League (WPL), will join the Indian ODI fast bowling group featuring Kranti Gaud, Nandni Sharma and Sayali Satghare. The spin department wears a strong look, with vice-captain Deepti Sharma, Sree Charani and Vaishnavi Sharma among the options available to the Indian team management. The series will also mark the first ODI series India will play since Smriti Mandhanas appointment as the sides new all-format skipper. Zimbabwe will face a formidable challenge against the reigning ODI world champions at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. All three matches will begin at 2 pm IST, with the first ODI on Friday, the second match on Sunday and the final game on Wednesday. The spin department wears a strong look, with vice-captain Deepti Sharma, Sree Charani and Vaishnavi Sharma among the options available to the Indian team management. The series will also mark the first ODI series India will play since Smriti Mandhanas appointment as the sides new all-format skipper. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Gujarat air ambulance service nears 100 missions, saves lives with rapid medical transfers
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Delhi plans to develop the Yamuna riverfront in two phases, modelled on Gujarat's Sabarmati Riverfront, with parks, cycle tracks, walking paths and sports grounds. The government expects visible improvements in river cleanliness in about 2.5 years.
After Delhi Protests, SIR Rules Change State by State: What Voters Need to Know I TOI Special
Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is becoming more accessible in several states, with authorities easing documentation requirements and simplifying verification procedures. From Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh to Delhi and Maharashtra, voters are being offered alternatives to tracing family links in older electoral rolls. Booth-Level Officers are visiting homes, collecting documents, assisting applicants and identifying eligible voters left out during revision. Delhi has resolved around 25 lakh of its 33 lakh SIR notices as of October 16, while other states are conducting enrolment drives and special camps. However, eligibility checks remain in place, with Electoral Registration Officers scrutinising applications and supporting evidence before approving inclusion in the electoral rolls.
Gujarats new guidelines require visitors to obtain principals written approval, register their details and seek permission for recording school activities.
NFSU Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026
National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) Recruitment 2026 for the post of Sr. Project Associate will be conducted through a Walk-in Interview. Eligible candidates can attend the interview on 30 October 2026 at CoE Food Forensic and Forensic Pharmacy, National Forensic Sciences University, Sector 9, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. For complete details, candidates can visit nfsu.ac.in.
Scenic Roads Showcase Dholaviras Natural Beauty
Winding roads, vast landscapes and breathtaking views a scenic journey through Dholavira in Gujarats Kutch district offers a glimpse of the regions raw natural beauty.
Elderly woman pulled stretcher alone at Gujarat hospital - Brut
Sanjay Raut Calls for Nationwide Drug-Free Campaign Starting from Gujarat
Sanjay Raut urges a nationwide drug-free campaign, responding to Amit Shahs Punjab deadline for 2029. Sanjay Raut Calls for Nationwide Drug-Free Campaign Starting from Gujarat
Gujarat air ambulance completes 98 missions, including 50 organ transfers since 2022
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Vivaan Dave clinches double gold at Gujarat State Table Tennis Championships
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 22 (IANS) Fourteen-year-old table tennis player Vivaan Dave, who is part of Adani Sportslines Garv Hai athlete roster, clinched titles in the Under-17 and Under-19 categories at the Gujarat State Table Tennis Championships 2026, held in Gandhidham from October 16 to 20, adding another milestone to his growing career. Competing against older opponents, Vivaan demonstrated his ability to perform beyond his age group to secure the double gold. He was previously ranked No. 2 in India in the Under-15 category and has continued to build on his performances across domestic and international competitions. Earlier this year, Vivaan won gold in the Under-17 category at the UTT National Ranking Table Tennis Championship in Kanpur. On the international circuit, he secured silver in the Under-15 category at the WTT Youth Contender in Ulaanbaatar before claiming bronze in the same category at the WTT Youth Contender in Tashkent. His achievements also include a double-gold performance at the UTT 87th Inter-State Sub-Junior and Cadet National Table Tennis Championships in 2025, where he won the Under-15 individual and team titles. Having started playing table tennis at the age of five, Vivaan has set his sights on representing India at the Olympics and winning gold for the country. Through its Garv Hai initiative, Adani Sportsline supports his development by providing table tennis kits and equipment and facilitating travel to competitions, enabling him to focus on training and performance. He has been associated with the initiative since August 1, 2026. Reflecting on his latest achievement and the support he has received, Vivaan said, Winning gold in both the U17 and U19 categories at the state championships is a proud moment for me. I was playing against older and more experienced players, so every match was a good test and I learned a lot from it. I started playing table tennis when I was five, and my dream has always been to play for India at the Olympics and win a gold medal for my country. Adani Sportsline has helped me with sourcing my kit, equipment and facilitating my travel, this allows me to focus completely on my training and performance, Vivaan will next compete at the WTT Youth Contender Chennai, scheduled from October 23 to 26, before turning his attention to the National Ranking Table Tennis Championship in Punjab later this year.
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal questions HM Amit Shah over drug menace in BJP-ruled states
Arvind Kejriwal criticised Amit Shah for the ongoing drug issues in BJP-ruled states like Bihar and Gujarat. Shah had expressed his sadness over the drug situation in Punjab during his recent visit. He criticised the Aam Aadmi Party government for failing to address the drug trade effectively. Shah also visited families affected by drug-related incidents while making assurances about future actions.
Gujarat minister, leaders pray at temple; service-oriented activities planned on HM Shahs birthday
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Oct 22 (IANS) On Amit Shahs birthday, Gujarat Minister Pravin Mali on Thursday offered prayers at Shri Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple in Gandhinagar for the Union Home Ministers long and healthy life. Mali said service-oriented activities have been organised across the country to mark the birthday of the senior BJP leader. City unit chief Ashish Dave joined Mali to offer prayers at the Shri Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple, located within the Swaminarayan Temple complex in Sector 2. Speaking to IANS, Mali said, Events have been planned in the entire nation on the occasion of Amit Shahs birthday. In Gandhinagar, all party workers and leaders went to the Gaushala, served the cows, and offered prayers to Mahadev for Amit Shah jis long life. All party workers and leaders took part in offering the prayers equally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended warm birthday greetings to HM Shah and praised his efforts in strengthening India's internal security, eliminating Maoism and making efforts to eradicate the drug menace from society. Taking to X, PM Modi said, Warm birthday greetings to Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji. His administrative understanding has ensured India's internal security systems become more effective. Particularly noteworthy are the successes in eliminating the menace of Maoism and in furthering our dream of a society free from drugs, he said. I pray that he is blessed with a long and healthy life in service of the people, the Prime Minister added. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Andhra Pradesh Minister for Human Resources Development and Information Technology Nara Lokesh also extended birthday greetings to HM Shah, praising his commitment to national security and the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat'. CM Yogi praised HM Shah as a skilled strategist, while hailing his unparalleled contribution in strengthening the internal security of the nation. Your unparalleled contribution in making internal security impregnable, giving a new direction to the cooperation sector, and building a strong and secure India is invaluable, he said. I pray to Lord Shri Ram for your excellent health, long life, and a glorious life, the UP Chief Minister added. HM Shah was born to Gujarati parents in 1964 in Mumbai. He is considered one of the BJP's chief strategists and a close confidant of PM Modi. His political career has been marked by several key milestones, including the abrogation of Article 370, the enforcement of major internal security reforms, and a focus on cooperative federalism.
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel leads service activities at Sola Civil Hospital on Amit Shah
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Vivaan Dave wins two golds at Gujarat state table tennis 2026
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Gujarat schools told to tighten entry rules, restrict photography and protect students personal data
Gujarat govt cites Somnath's religious significance to defend non-veg ban
The right to business cannot override the religious, historical and cultural character of a pilgrimage destination, the Gujarat government has told the High Court while defending the ban on non-vegetarian food around the famous Somnath Temple. The Gujarat HC was on Wednesday hearing a plea challenging a state notification banning sale and storage of non-vegetarian food within a 500-metre radius of the Somnath Temple, a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Gir Somnath district. Defending the ban, the government told a bench of Justice Nisha M Thakor that Somnath cannot be viewed merely as a commercial town, ignoring its extraordinary religious, historical and spiritual significance to millions of Hindus across the country. The right to carry on business cannot be stretched into a right to disregard the religious, historical and cultural character of a pilgrimage destination, it said. Government pleader GH Virk argued that no one can claim an absolute fundamental right to sell
Business rights can't disregard sanctity of pilgrimage site: Gujarat government to HC on non-veg ban
Six restaurant owners have challenged the blanket ban imposed by the Gujarat Government two months ago on the sale of non-vegetarian food within a 500-metre periphery of the temple
PM Modi extends birthday wishes to HM Shah, praises his effective security system, anti-drug push
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 22 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended warm birthday greetings to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and praised his efforts in strengthening India's internal security, eliminating Maoism and making efforts to eradicate the drug menace from society. Taking to X, PM Modi said, Warm birthday greetings to Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji. His administrative understanding has ensured India's internal security systems become more effective. Particularly noteworthy are the successes in eliminating the menace of Maoism and in furthering our dream of a society free from drugs, he said. I pray that he is blessed with a long and healthy life in service of the people, the Prime Minister added. HM Shah was born to Gujarati parents in 1964 in Mumbai. He is considered one of the BJP's chief strategists and a close confidant of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His political career has been marked by several key milestones, including the abrogation of Article 370, the enforcement of major internal security reforms, and a focus on cooperative federalism. At the age of 16, Amit Shah joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and started participating in the RSS' student wing, Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP). In 1989, Amit Shah was given his first organisational assignment when he was made the secretary of the BJP Ahmedabad. This marked a significant milestone in his political journey. In 1997, he contested his first election during the Gujarat Assembly polls from the Sarkhej constituency. He served as MLA for Sarkhej and Naranpura for his first term from 1997 to 2017. In 2002, he was made a Minister in the Gujarat Cabinet. In 2014, he was made the National President of BJP. A member of parliament for Gujarat's Gandhinagar, HM Shah has served as the 31st Minister of Home Affairs since 2019, the longest-serving holder of the office in the country's history. He has also been the first Minister of Cooperation since July 2021.
The United Nations designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The objective is to raise awareness about the role of women farmers. Generally, our higher education institutions in Jammu and Kashmir organize seminars, rallies, and other activities to mark important national and international days. However, to the best of my knowledge, no such celebrations have taken place so far in connection with this initiative. Chancellor of the universities Mr Manoj Sinha, has described campuses as hubs of ideas where every lecture becomes a doorway. Faculty members and students need to spend time in the countryside to experience the challenges and rewards of harvesting in Kashmir. Chairman Mao Zedong famously spoke of his education at the university of green forests. This article is a modest attempt to understand some of the issues concerning women farmers and their evolving identity. Definitional issues Women farmers are individuals engaged in agricultural activities such as crop cultivation, livestock management, horticulture, fisheries, food processing, and other farm-related operations. Their work extends from land preparation to harvesting, storage, processing, and marketing. The state of Maharashtra has taken a commendable step by introducing legislation that recognizes women farmers through an activity-based definition independent of land ownership. The Women Farmers Empowerment Bill, passed by Maharashtra in July 2026, grants women independent recognition as farmers irrespective of whether they own agricultural land. This legislation represents a significant shift from recognizing the owner of agricultural land to recognizing the person who actually cultivates it. Maharashtra has shown the way for other states in the Indian Union to follow. Earlier, the National Policy for Farmers, based on the recommendations of the National Commission on Farmers, had also broadened the definition of a farmer. The commission was chaired by the eminent agricultural scientist Dr. M. S. Swaminathan. The perception that only men can be farmers must therefore be abandoned. In 2025, agriculture employed approximately 110 million women and 127 million men, indicating that the gender gap in agricultural employment had narrowed considerably. There is an urgent need to remove loopholes in policymaking and institutional practices so that women are recognized as farmers in their own right. This would enable them to benefit from various welfare schemes offered by the Union and state governments in keeping with the spirit of the Indian Constitution. Founding mothers of the Indian republic In recent years, several noteworthy works on the Indian Constitution have questioned the use of the term Founding Fathers, a phrase rooted in the American tradition of recognizing a group of eminent men. These writings seek to bring greater visibility to the women who played noticeable roles in framing the Indian Constitution. A new book, Founding Mothers of the Indian Republic: Gender Politics of the Framing of the Constitution, by Achyut Chetan, sheds light on the contributions of Indian women who participated in the constitution-making process. It is heartening to note that Amrit Kaur, a member of the Constituent Assembly, emphasized the concept of constructive citizenship. Her approach sought to move beyond identifying and regulating women primarily as members of particular religious communities and instead recognize them as citizens of the new nation, enjoying equal legal status with men. Similarly, Dakshayani Velayudhan, the only Dalit woman in the Constituent Assembly, envisioned an educational role for the state in transforming a caste-ridden society into an independent and egalitarian Indian republic. Constitutional provisions Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws. In the context of gender equality, this principle supports womens claims to equal treatment, dignity, and protection against discrimination. Article 15 prohibits discrimination on specified grounds, including sex, while Articles 15(3) and 15(4) empower the state to make special provisions for women and children and for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes and other constitutionally specified groups. Article 19(1)(g) guarantees citizens the right to practise any profession or carry on any occupation, trade, or business, subject to reasonable restrictions permitted by the Constitution. Article 42 directs the state to make provisions for securing just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief, thereby laying an important foundation for a just and equitable social order. Various state governments and Union Territories have introduced measures intended to strengthen womens participation in national development. The constitutional framework provides important guarantees and protections for women across different sections of society. Women farmers in Indian states The newly enacted Maharashtra legislation broadens the definition of a woman farmer to include women residents engaged in agriculture for at least one agricultural season in a year, irrespective of the nature of their landholding. The proposed Women Farmer Certificate explicitly recognizes categories such as landless cultivators, landless livestock rearers, agricultural labourers, plantation workers, and pastoralists. In principle, this creates a pathway through which women who do not own land can gain access to government welfare schemes and agricultural credit. In Kerala, women farmers play an important role in the agricultural economy and environmental sustainability through grassroots collectives. The Kudumbashree collective farming initiative organizes neighbourhood groups into Joint Liability Groups to cultivate fallow land. Meghalaya offers another interesting example. Approximately 48 per cent of women reportedly own land, a proportion higher than the national average. In some communities, the inheritance of family property by the youngest daughter reflects the states distinctive matrilineal traditions. These examples demonstrate that institutional recognition, collective organization, and property rights can strengthen womens participation in agriculture. The J&K Experience In May 2018, the then Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, announced a zero-stamp-duty policy for properties registered in the names of female family members. The initiative reflected the progressive spirit of the 1944 Naya Kashmir programme. However, the measure was short-lived and was revoked in 2019. It is worth noting that asset ownership in Jammu and Kashmir remains largely dominated by men. In terms of land ownership, only 23 per cent of women in the region reportedly hold property in their names, compared with 73 per cent of men. Despite these constraints, women farmers in Jammu and Kashmir are increasingly demonstrating their capabilities and emerging as a distinct and important category of agricultural entrepreneurs. Zainab Wani, a Kashmir-based freelance journalist, has brought several success stories to public attention under the theme Farm Heroines of Kashmir. She writes about how Kashmiri women such as Shaziya, Gulshana, and Tahira are transforming the Valleys agricultural landscape through determination, innovation, and a willingness to create employment opportunities where few previously existed. Shaziya, who holds LLB and LLM degrees and comes from a village in the Shopian area, oversees a dynamic agro-enterprise that functions more like an integrated ecosystem than a conventional farm. Her model emphasizes sustainability and avoids the use of fertilizers. Her work has been recognized by a zonal body of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Similarly, Gulshana, from Pulwama, has established a dairy farm and demonstrated how dedication and hard work can provide a model for others to emulate. She reportedly supplies more than 150,000 litres of milk annually. She has benefited from the National Livestock Mission, which, among other objectives, seeks to improve feed and breed quality across India. In Kulgam, Tahira, a young woman without land of her own, has demonstrated that even a small shed-sized space can become an important source of income through mushroom cultivation, potentially providing employment throughout the year. These encouraging stories demonstrate the potential of women farmers to transform local economies. The Jammu and Kashmir government must build on this momentum by taking further measures to support and empower them. The Way Forward The Jammu and Kashmir government should consider enacting a Women Farmers Empowerment Act along the lines of Maharashtras initiative. Globally, women continue to face substantial legal and institutional barriers to land ownership and inheritance. In India, women constitute a significant proportion of the agricultural workforce and self-employed agricultural workers, yet their ownership of agricultural land has historically remained disproportionately low. Anil Agarwal, chairman of Vedanta Limited, has argued that economies grow faster when women are empowered. The Jammu and Kashmir government could draw inspiration from Gujarats experience with women-operated Amul milk parlours in villages, adapting the model to local conditions and opportunities. Block Development Officers, working in partnership with Gram Sabhas and other local institutions, could invite women recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization as Women Heroes in Agrifood to share their experiences. Such interactions could inspire local women farmers and help disseminate effective agricultural practices. More than a hundred women around the world have received recognition through initiatives celebrating their pioneering contributions to agrifood systems. Women farmers should also receive childcare support to reduce their unpaid care burden and enable them to devote more time and energy to agricultural work. Through initiatives such as the Namo Drone Didi programme, women can be trained in drone operations, precision agriculture, and smart irrigation. Such skills could help improve productivity, reduce costs, and create new employment opportunities in rural areas. Jammu and Kashmir also faces an administrative challenge: its government machinery has relatively limited staffing in some critical service-delivery roles, while several institutions lack the technical expertise needed to implement complex development programmes effectively. The government must therefore rethink the role of the developmental state, ensuring that effective public services and ease of doing business extend to the village level. The author is a Kashmir-based political scientist.
Amit Shah hails security personnel for restoring peace in J&K
New Delhi, Oct 21:Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Wednesday hailed the security personnel for restoring peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Paying tribute to the police personnel, who were killed in the line of duty, at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day, Shah said, Significant success has been achieved in curbing terrorism in Kashmir. Addressing the ceremony, he said, We have assembled at the National Police Memorial to pay homage to the brave police personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation from independence to the present day. The Home Minister said that nearly eight decades after independence, India stands today in a position of honour and respect in the world. The foundation of this achievement lies in the sacrifices of our brave personnel. No one can even imagine where we would stand today if these personnel had not made the supreme sacrifice to safeguard the countrys internal security and protect its borders, he said. Shah said that 2026 was an extremely significant year for the Indian police. On March 31, 2026, the country achieved freedom from Naxalism, which had plagued India for decades. From 1981 to March 2026, the country endured numerous hardships due to Naxalism. During this period, many brave security personnel and innocent civilians lost their lives. More than 3600 security personnel were killed, and nearly 13,700 innocent civilians also lost their lives, he said. The Home Minister said he wanted to convey to the families of the slain personnel that as the country moves forward on the path of development after overcoming this five-decade-old problem, the sacrifices of these 3600 personnel form the foundation of this progress. Addressing the families of the slain security personnel, he said that while their loss could never be compensated, the entire nation of 1.4 billion citizens remains grateful for the dedication and sacrifice of their families. Recalling the history of Police Commemoration Day, Shah said that on October 21, 1959, in the remote and inhospitable Hot Springs region of Ladakh, 10 CRPF personnel were killed while resisting an attack by Chinese troops. A study of the Hot Springs incident makes it clear that when the battle was decided in the high-altitude mountains, the outcome was almost certain. Yet, these immortal heroes remained steadfast in their resolve that not even an inch of the countrys land should fall into foreign hands, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Since then, October 21 has been observed every year as Police Commemoration Day, he said. The Home Minister said that the National Police Memorial, where they were gathered, was inaugurated in 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in honour of police personnel who had lost lives in the line of duty. The objective behind establishing the memorial was to inspire future generations of police personnel to remain committed to their responsibilities and be prepared to make the supreme sacrifice while performing their duties, he said. Shah said that the memorial had also become a place of reverence for citizens from across the country. Grateful citizens visit the site to pay tribute to 36,852 police personnel and express the nation's gratitude for their service and sacrifice, he said. The Home Minister said that among all government services, police service was one of the most challenging. Every citizen in the country celebrates festivals such as Raksha Bandhan, Holi, Diwali, and Eid, but police personnel often have no holidays to celebrate these occasions, he said. Shah said that while people celebrate festivals with their families, police personnel remain on duty, safeguarding internal security, managing traffic and ensuring public safety. They devote the prime years of ones life to the nation while staying away from ones family is a great service to the country, he said. The Home Minister said that there were numerous examples across the country of police personnel demonstrating extraordinary patience, restraint, discipline, courage, and dedication, thereby strengthening the nations internal security. He said that police personnel constitute both the first and the last line of defence for internal security. Shah expressed his special gratitude to all personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) deployed along the borders and entrusted with security responsibilities within the country. Staying away from their families, these personnel remain vigilant and strengthen the nations internal security on every occasion, whether during elections, festivals, protests or border security duties. They remain constantly on duty to ensure the smooth functioning of the country. Whether it is safeguarding democracy or ensuring the smooth conduct of democratic processes, it is impossible to imagine these tasks being accomplished without the Central Armed Police Forces, he said. The Home Minister said that India had succeeded in eliminating electoral violence in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, but electoral violence had continued in West Bengal for a long time. He said that during the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections, security personnel achieved a significant success by ensuring that the elections were completed without a single fatality. In doing so, the Central Armed Police Forces had established a new benchmark, Shah said. He said that the entire country now recognises that electoral violence had been brought to an end in the nation. The Home Minister said that over the past few years, the country had faced several challenges, three of which had persisted for decades. He said that peace had now been established in all three major hotspots Kashmir, the North-East, and the areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism. An environment conducive to development has emerged in these regions, and they are now ready to compete with the rest of the country in terms of development, Shah said. Following several agreements and the surrender of arms by thousands of people, the entire North-East has moved forward on the path of peace. He said that police and Central Armed Police Forces personnel had achieved a major breakthrough in completely eliminating the five-decade-old Naxal problem, which had spread across several states. The Home Minister specifically thanked the CRPF and its CoBRA Battalion for their contribution to the elimination of Naxalism and praised the bravery of the Chhattisgarh Police. He said that the country had not yet become completely free of problems and that several challenges remain. Shah said that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had set a target to free the country from the drug menace by December 31, 2029, through a concerted fight against drugs over the remaining part of 2026 and the next three years 2027, 2028 and 2029. He described this as a very important goal for the nation. The Home Minister said that drug abuse and trafficking undermine the future of coming generations, place an unnecessary burden on the economy, and often provide financial support to organisations with anti-national intentions. He called upon police forces across the country to wholeheartedly join the efforts to implement the roadmap for a Nasha Mukt Bharat, formulated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and work towards safeguarding future generations. On this occasion, Shah flagged off a nationwide motorcycle rally organised around the message 'Fight against Drugs.' It included around 90 riders from various states and Union Territories (Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi), Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF, CISF, BSF, SSB, ITBP and NSG), and certain central police organisations (RPF, NDRF and NIA). The rally is part of a nationwide campaign organised around the message 'Fight against Drugs', in which motorcycle riders from all states, Union Territories and Central Forces across the country will reach Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, to participate in the Ekta Parade-2026. The Police Commemoration Day ceremony was attended by Members of Parliament Krishna Prasad Tenneti and Rajiv Kumar; Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan; Director of the Intelligence Bureau Mahesh Dixit; Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Shatrujeet Kapoor; the Directors General of other Central Armed Police Forces; and several senior officers.
Ekta Diwas parade in Guj on Oct 31 to mark end of Maoist menace
This year's Ekta Diwas parade in Kevadia, Gujarat, will feature around 2,000 artists from 126 Naxal-affected districts and celebrate the significant achievement of ending armed Naxalism in the country. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the annual event on October 31, which also commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary. The celebrations will include cultural performances, innovative tableaux, and will honour security forces while promoting tourism to the Statue of Unity.
Gujarat Government Increases Travel Allowance for Village Workers Amid Rising Responsibilities
The Gujarat government raises the travel allowance for village workers to support their growing responsibilities in rural areas. Gujarat Government Increases Travel Allowance for Village Workers Amid Rising Responsibilities
Gujarat Makes Solar Energy Adoption Affordable for Families
Gujarat government announces subsidies for solar panel installation, reducing costs for families to as low as 5%. Gujarat Makes Solar Energy Adoption Affordable for Families
Cheered in Chhota Udepur, but Vadodara shuts stage to Muslim who played Lakshmana for 14 years
MSUs new disability centre to bring academic, health support under one roof
DPS to refund or adjust 15k security deposits
Revenge killing during Navratri: 4 held for stabbing man to death
Councillor seeks probe into Yusuf Pathan plot gift
