PM Modi Turns 76: Rahul Gandhi, Yogi, Amit Shah, Vijay And Others Extend Birthday Wishes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 76 on September 17, 2026, with political leaders across the country extending birthday greetings.President Droupadi Murmu, Home Minister Amit Shah, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla highlighted different aspects of Modis political journey and governance.Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar also extended birthday wishes to the Prime Minister.Modis birthday comes as the BJP marks 25 years since he first took charge of a government as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001.
Aastha Spintex gets GEDA approval for solar installation
The GEDA registration was issued under the Gujarat Integrated Renewable Energy Policy - 2025 for the industrial/commercial category
Sanand Sports Utsav Launched By Saina Nehwal
Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal inaugurated the Khele Sanand Sports Utsav, an 18-day event aimed at promoting sports among 25,000 students across 105 villages in Sanand taluka, Gujarat. The initiative by Vijayi Bharat Foundation features various sports and age categories, with a focus on grassroots sports development.
Helping Divyangs visualise self-reliance is PM Modis big contribution: Padma Shri Kanubhai Tailor
Digital Desk | Surat, Sep 17 (IANS) Padma Shri and noted social worker Kanubhai Hasmukhbhai Tailor on Thursday greeted the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday and credited him for instilling a new sense of belief and confidence among the specially-abled people towards achieving their own livelihood and also self-reliance. Wishing Prime Minister Narendra Modi a long life, the 72-year-old Kanubhai Tailor described him as a 'Krishna avatar.' He said that under PM Modi's leadership, the government and society have significantly changed their attitude towards disabled people, with the focus now shifting towards making them self-reliant rather than merely providing them with assistance. Kanubhai Tailor, speaking to IANS, said that before Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, most government and social assistance for disabled people was limited to food or financial aid. Prime Minister Modi changed this approach and emphasised making disabled people self-reliant through skills and employment. Kanubhai Hasmukhbhai said the idea should not be merely to give a disabled person a 'rotla' (bread), but to teach them how to make roti or bhakri (bread) so that they can earn a livelihood and support themselves and their families. He said this approach has boosted the self-confidence of disabled people and strengthened their dignity and respect in society. He said that in the past, a disabled child was often considered helpless or a burden on the family. Today, disabled people who earn through jobs or self-employment are contributing to their families' financial responsibilities. He cited this as an example of the change in self-respect among disabled people. He explained that the construction of an old-age home for disabled people in Bharuch, inaugurated on the occasion of Prime Minister Modi's birthday, is in its final stages, with around five per cent of the work remaining. Approximately Rs 28 crore has been spent on the project so far. He expressed hope that the old-age home would be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Its foundation stone was laid by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. His aim is to create a centre where disabled elderly people can live with dignity and have access to essential facilities. The government is also conducting programmes to assist disabled elderly people who lack adequate food and care. There are plans to provide government assistance to approximately 200 disabled people. Kanubhai Tailor stated that on the Prime Minister's birthday, his organisation will provide wheelchairs to 76 disabled people. His school also provides meals to children, while several social events are being organised to mark the Prime Minister's birthday. He said disabled people should be freed from the predicament of begging on footpaths or living at railway stations and should instead be given opportunities to live a life of dignity and self-reliance. Kanubhai described the Prime Minister's policies as an effort in this direction. Expressing his personal feelings for the Prime Minister, Kanubhai Tailor said that although he has no political connection, in his 72 years of life, he has never seen a person as dedicated as PM Narendra Modi. He prayed to God that the Prime Minister would live a long life and continue serving the nation for many years. Kanubhai said that it is also society's responsibility to promote a mindset that fosters respect and self-confidence among disabled people. Referring to the Prime Minister's long public life, from Chief Minister of Gujarat to Prime Minister of the country, he said that the shift in policy thinking in the field of disability welfare is particularly important to him. He emphasised that efforts should continue to make disabled individuals capable and respected members of society rather than treating them as objects of pity.
HM Shah flags off Vadnagar to Varanasi bike yatra on PM Modis 76th birthday
Digital Desk | Vadnagar, Sep 17 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday flagged off the Vadnagar to Varanasi bike rally from Prime Minister Narendra Modis birthplace in Gujarat, launching a multi-state journey that will carry the message of his 25 years in public life to villages along the route. The rally was flagged off from Vadnagar as part of the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) month-long 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan', being organised from September 17 to October 17 to mark PM Modis 76th birthday and his 25 years in public life. A parallel Varanasi to Vadnagar ride was also flagged off from PM Modis parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh. Addressing the gathering before the flag-off, HM Shah said the Vadnagar-Varanasi journey would connect PM Modis birthplace with his karmabhoomi and take the message of his work to people across the country. The Vadnagar leg will pass through seven states. Around 300 bikers would leave Vadnagar, while another 300 would travel from Varanasi, taking the total number of participants in the two groups to 600. The riders will cover villages along the route and highlight PM Modis 25 years of public service, he said. The Home Minister said the journey would begin from the premises of the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple in Vadnagar and proceed towards Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi. The BJP had earlier announced that the two simultaneous journeys would culminate on October 7, the date on which PM Modi became Gujarat chief minister in 2001. The wider campaign has been planned as a nationwide outreach programme, with activities including service initiatives, public programmes and events highlighting PM Modis political journey. The bike campaign said the twin routes would together cover about 40,000 km, passing through 193 districts and 1,159 villages, with the wider network spanning 10 states. At the Vadnagar event, HM Shah said the purpose of the ride was to take account of PM Modis work beyond cities and reach people in villages. He said the campaign is also intended to familiarise younger generations with PM Modis political journey. Today is Modi jis birthday, but October 7 is the day on which he will complete 25 years as the chief minister of the state and the Prime Minister of the country, Shah said. The flag-off followed a programme at Vadnagar that included a Maha Aarti at Sharmishtha Lake, a foot march and the launch of a cleanliness campaign. HM Shah had earlier offered prayers at the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple and wished PM Modi a long and healthy life. The Seva Sankalp Abhiyan is being conducted across the country during the month-long period, with BJP units organising various public-service and outreach activities.
Prime Minister Modis Childhood Friend Remembers Their Early Days Together
On PM Modis birthday, childhood friend Dawlat Khan Pathan reminisces about their shared experiences in Gujarat. Prime Minister Modis Childhood Friend Remembers Their Early Days Together
Veteran actor Anant Nag received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024. He dedicated this significant national honour to the people of Karnataka. Nag credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for improving the award selection process. The actor expressed surprise at receiving this esteemed recognition after a long career. The award ceremony is scheduled for September 22, 2026, in Kevadia, Gujarat.
Fake Passport Case: Gujarat ATS Arrests Gujarat Mahila Congress President
Gujarat Titans Celebrate PM Modi
Gujarat Titans honor PM Modis 76th birthday by sharing memories from their visit to Vadnagar, his birthplace, highlighting the citys significance. Gujarat Titans Celebrate PM Modis Birthday with Nostalgic Video from Vadnagar
Video | The Making Of The Modi Doctrine: From Gujarat To Global Diplomacy - NDTV
'Something special in Gujarat soil: Titans recalls Vadnagar visit on PM Modis birthday
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) Gujarat Titans on Thursday marked Prime Minister Narendra Modis 76th birthday by sharing a video from the IPL franchises visit to Vadnagar last year, taking a look back at a trip that connected the team with the town where the Prime Minister was born. The Titans shared glimpses of their visit to Vadnagar on social media, highlighting the towns history and its connection with PM Modi.In the video, the IPL franchise looked back at its 2025 visit to the Gujarat town and recalled the significance of Vadnagar, where PM Modi was born on September 17, 1950. There is something special in the soil of Gujarat. And to experience this, lets go to a small city in Gujarat, Varnagar. The same city where our countrys Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, was born, the Titans said in the video. Our Gujarat Titans had also come here. At that time, we did not know that one day these memories would become so special, the franchise added. During their Vadnagar visit, the Titans players explored the Vadnagar Archaeological Experiential Museum, which showcases the towns archaeological and cultural history. Another important stop for the team was Prerna Sankul, an experiential learning centre aimed at connecting students and educators with science, culture and values. The visit also had a personal connection to the Prime Minister, as the centre is associated with his early schooling years. The video ended with a birthday message for PM Modi, saying, Happy 76th birthday, Narendra Modi. PM Modi was born in Vadnagar in 1950, three years after India gained independence, making him the first prime minister of the country to have been born in independent India. He is also the longest-serving prime minister from a non-Congress party. October will mark 25 years of PM Modis public service. He began his political journey with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and has led the Bharatiya Janata Party to victory in three consecutive general elections.
Digital Desk | Vadnagar, Sep 17 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that no political leader in independent India has completed 25 years tenure, serving as the head of state government and the Union government, while highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modis political journey during an event in Vadnagar, his birthplace. Addressing the launch of the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' at Sharmishtha Lake, Shah said the campaign is being organised to take the message of PM Modis 25 years in public life to people across the country. A Vadnagar-to-Varanasi service yatra was also flagged off as part of the programme, linking PM Modis birthplace with his parliamentary constituency and political karmabhoomi. The campaign is being held from September 17 to October 7 to mark PM Modis birthday and his 25 years in public life. Since the country became independent till today, no politician has made a record of serving for 25 years as the head of a state and as the head of the country, Shah said. He described PM Modi as the only leader to have continuously received electoral mandates and public support through this period. Shah said the significance of the 25-year milestone would be marked on October 7, when PM Modi would complete 25 years since first becoming chief minister of Gujarat and subsequently serving as prime minister. He said the BJP and its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners had decided to take the occasion to people across the country. The Home Minister said the Vadnagar-Varanasi journey would carry the message of PM Modis 25 years of work through villages across seven states. According to Shah, about 300 bikers would travel from Vadnagar and another 300 from Varanasi, taking the total number of riders to 600. The journey would connect Hatkeshwar Mahadev in Vadnagar with Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, he noted. Shah said the campaign is not merely intended to mark a birthday but to introduce PM Modis life and public career to younger generations. He also sought to contrast the situation he said prevailed before PM Modi became prime minister with the political and economic conditions he attributed to the subsequent period. Referring to his own travels across the country between 2010 and 2013, Shah said there had been deep disappointment among people, with corruption cases being reported, concerns over internal security and questions over external security. When Modi ji became prime minister in 2014, and in 2026, 140 crore Indians are moving forward with enthusiasm, resolve and hope that by 2047 India will be foremost in the world, he said, describing the change in public confidence as a major achievement. Shah said that when PM Modi entered the Union government, there was policy paralysis, which he claimed was replaced by clearer policies. He linked this to Indias subsequent economic growth and said the country had moved from what he termed the Fragile Five to becoming the worlds fastest-growing major economy. He listed the Goods and Services Tax, the Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile system and direct benefit transfers among the measures introduced under PM Modis government. He also referred to banking reforms, foreign direct investment and production-linked incentives, saying these had contributed to manufacturing growth. Shah cited infrastructure expansion as another area of change, pointing to roads, railways, airports, ports and digital infrastructure. The number of airports had increased from 75 to 150 and referred to PM Gati Shakti as an effort to coordinate infrastructure projects through technology and time-bound implementation, he said. He also mentioned Digital India and Startup India, saying they had opened opportunities for young people, while improved connectivity in border areas had contributed to national security. On national security and law, Shah cited the abrogation of Article 370, the abolition of triple talaq, the introduction of the Citizenship Amendment Act and the new criminal codes. He also referred to the governments stated objective of making 'India free of Naxalism', peace agreements in the North-East, and military operations including the surgical strikes, air strikes and Operation Sindoor. Shah said women had received greater opportunities in the armed forces, police, science, start-ups, drones and sports. He also referred to Eklavya schools, PM Janman and Vibrant Villages in the context of tribal welfare. He mentioned the construction of the new Parliament building and installation of the Sengol as measures he said had strengthened ational consciousness. He also referred to Chandrayaan, Aditya-L1 and the naming of the Shiv Shakti Point, along with One Rank One Pension and the creation of the Chief of Defence Staff. Turning to PM Modis years as Gujarat chief minister, Shah cited the states 24-hour electricity supply to villages, agricultural development, the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana and Sagarkhedu development scheme, industrial development, Vibrant Gujarat and initiatives in education. He said providing round-the-clock electricity had effects beyond household convenience. This is not only a question of convenience. As soon as electricity arrived, business arrived. As soon as electricity arrived, education arrived. As soon as electricity arrived, health arrived. As soon as electricity arrived, infrastructure arrived, he said. Shah said the Vanbandhu and Sagarkhedu schemes had been intended to make development sarvasparshi and sarvasamaveshi by extending it to tribal communities and villages along the coast. The Gujarat model subsequently formed the basis of the political mandate PM Modi received in 2014, he added.
Tata Electronics to sign 16 pacts at SEMICON India, says CEO Thakur
Tata Electronics will be signing 16 agreements at the SEMICON India conference with players across Europe, Japan, Singapore, and India, CEO Randhir Thakur said on Thursday, adding that the company's 'fab' in Dholera, Gujarat and the packaging facility in Assam are on track to meet scheduled commitments made to the government. Terming chips and semiconductors as an industry of the future, Thakur said India is ready to write the next chapter of the semiconductor story. Five years ago, India Semiconductor Mission was formed. Today, there are 12 factories which are under different stages of completion, and we are already exporting Made in India chips to customers globally, he said, outlining India's growing prowess in the global chip-making ecosystem. The government is in perfect sync with the semiconductor industry, bringing conducive policies that are building the foundational layer of a vibrant ecosystem and removing the barriers, he said, addressing the inaugural session of ..
'No one can accuse him of corruption: HM Shah on PM Modis public life
Digital Desk | Vadnagar, Sep 17 (IANS) Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, on Thursday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modis political opponents could not accuse him of corruption, as he highlighted what he described as his clean public life, during a birthday event in Vadnagar. Addressing a gathering at Sharmishtha Lake during the launch of the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan', HM Shah said PM Modi had spent 25 years in public life without facing allegations of corruption from his opponents. He also linked what he described as PM Modis personal integrity to the absence of a visible political family network around him. For 25 years of public life, there has not been a single stain on his kurta. Even his opponents, even those in the Opposition, cannot accuse Modi ji of corruption, HM Shah said. He compared PM Modis political career to a lotus, saying that despite operating in a difficult political environment, he had maintained a clean record. Shahs remarks formed part of a broader account of PM Modis personal life, political career and years in government as the Prime Minister turned 76 on Thursday. The 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' has been launched to mark his birthday and 25 years in public life, with the campaign scheduled to continue until October 7. The event in Vadnagar included a Maha Aarti at Sharmishtha Lake, a march to Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple, the launch of the Vadnagar-to-Varanasi service journey and a cleanliness campaign. A bike yatra linking PM Modis birthplace with Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency, was among the central activities of the programme. I have worked with PM Modi closely from his organisational years in Gujarat through his tenure as chief minister and subsequently as prime minister, he said. Shah also pointed to PM Modis personal simplicity and family background. He said that despite 25 years in public office, there was little public knowledge of PM Modis relatives. Modi jis family is known to the entire country, because Modi ji has considered India his family, Shah said, adding that PM Modi regarded the countrys people as his family. The Home Minister also used the occasion to contrast PM Modis public life with what he said were earlier practices surrounding public awards and recognition. He said that when he had been in Delhi from 2010 to 2013, Padma Awards had often involved recommendations from influential circles. The awards have subsequently come to recognise people working for communities across different states and regions, he said. Shah ended his address by saying that PM Modis life could be summed up in two words Bharat First. He had dedicated himself to the welfare of the country and its people, he added.
Precision Wires commences trial production of copper cathodes at Gujarat units
Precision Wires India said that it has commenced some trial production of copper cathodes at its copper refining/recycling plant located at Zaroli, Gujarat.
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 17 (IANS) Makhanlal Sarkar, one of the most senior and early workers of the BJP in West Bengal, on Thursday extended birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and praised him for overcoming challenges on both the international and domestic fronts while continuing to move forward. Speaking to IANS, Sarkar conveyed birthday greetings to the Prime Minister and also hailed the work he has undertaken during his long political career. There will certainly be greetings, especially for the work he has been doing. I sincerely extend my greetings to him for the way he has overcome one challenge after another, whether in the international arena or in dealing with internal challenges, and has continued to move forward, Sarkar said. Reflecting on Prime Minister Modis political journey, Sarkar noted his long tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister as well as his years as Prime Minister. He also referred to the possibility of Modi contesting the 2029 elections. PM Modis political career has been very long. He was the Chief Minister of Gujarat for 13 years. As Prime Minister, he is completing 12 years. I do not know whether he will contest the elections in 2029. If he does, it will be beneficial for India, he said. Sarkar also recalled the message he had earlier conveyed to Prime Minister Modi regarding the development of West Bengal and the six demands for Sonar Bangla that had been raised by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. The message I had given to Modi ji was about the six demands for Sonar Bangla that Suvendu Adhikari had spoken about. If Modi ji takes responsibility for the industrial development of Bengal, he will fulfil the dream of Sonar Bangla within three years. Through this message of greetings, I am once again reminding him of that, Sarkar said. I hope to fulfil the dream of Syama Prasad Mookerjee. That will be my appeal. I wish him a long life. May he remain healthy and continue to work for the country. These are my greetings to him, he added. At the age of 98, Sarkar continues to be remembered as one of the early grassroots figures associated with the nationalist movement in post-Independence India and the growth of the BJPs organisational base in West Bengal. Earlier in May, during the swearing-in ceremony of Suvendu Adhikari as the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Prime Minister Modi had met Sarkar. He greeted Makhanlal Sarkar, presented him with a shawl and took his blessings. Following the meeting, PM Modi shared photographs with the veteran BJP worker and described him as a motivating figure, saying that Sarkar continued to inspire people from different walks of life to join the party. He had said, Today, as the first-ever BJP Government takes oath in West Bengal, it is natural for all of us to remember Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee and his everlasting contribution to the nation and West Bengal in particular. No stone will be left unturned to fulfil his vision. During the swearing-in ceremony in Kolkata, I had the opportunity to meet Shri Makhanlal Sarkar Ji. A devout nationalist, he worked with Dr Mookerjee and was even arrested in Jammu and Kashmir while accompanying him. He dedicated his life to our party, expanding its base across West Bengal, inspiring people from all walks of life to join the party. We, in the BJP, are proud that we have such motivating figures who have worked among the people and strengthened our party, he had said. In 1952, Sarkar was arrested in Kashmir while accompanying Syama Prasad Mookerjee during the movement to hoist the Indian Tricolour there. After the formation of the BJP in 1980, he became the organisational coordinator for West Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri, and Darjeeling districts. Within just one year, he helped enrol nearly 10,000 members. From 1981 onward, he served continuously for seven years as district president, an exceptional achievement at a time when BJP leaders generally could not remain in the same organisational position for more than two years.
PM Modi Turns 76: BJP Appeals To People To Light
Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 76 on Thursday, September 17, with the BJP marking his birthday through a series of programmes across the country, including the lighting of more than 88 lakh earthen lamps in Gujarat. BJP president Nitin Nabin appealed
Micron to scale up semiconductor assembly, testing in India next year
India's semiconductor policy push has given the industry a strong foundation it didn't have, and the nation has moved from vision to execution now, Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said on Thursday, as he announced the company's plan to scale up chip assembly and testing facility here by multifold next year. For decades, people have talked about India's semiconductor potential. I have been in many of those conversations. Potential does not ship products. What I see in India today is execution, Mehrotra said, speaking at the SEMICON India 2026 inaugural. Micron has been here for seven years, he said, adding that the country employs more than 7,000 people in India directly and its work supports tens of thousands more jobs across the value chain. Earlier this year, we began commercial production at Sanand, Gujarat. It is the first semiconductor assembly and test facility here in India and the first project under the India semiconductor mission...finished DRAM and NAND products are now ...
What Is GIFT Nifty and How Does It Predict Markets?
GIFT Nifty is a futures contract linked to Indias Nifty index and traded on NSE International Exchange, or NSE IX, at GIFT City in Gujarat. It gives global market participants a way to take positions on Indian equities in US dollars. Since it trades for long hours that extend beyond the regular Indian cash market session, it is often watched closely before the domestic market opens. For this reason, traders and market watchers often use it as a pre-open reference, especially after major global events or sharp overnight moves. It is not a guarantee. The Nifty 50 is a 50-stock benchmark index of the National Stock Exchange of India. It covers key sectors of the economy and is widely used for benchmarking, index funds, and derivatives. GIFT Nifty tracks market expectations around this index through futures trading, so its movement can offer an early signal of how Indian shares may open. What Is GIFT Nifty? GIFT Nifty emerged from the NSE IX-SGX GIFT Connect, which became fully operational on July 3, 2023. Under the arrangement, international participants can trade Nifty-linked contracts through the GIFT City framework. The contracts are traded and settled in US dollars on NSE IX. Trading takes place across an extended session that reaches into the next calendar day. This long trading window allows GIFT Nifty to react to events that occur after Indian stock exchanges close. How Does GIFT Nifty Indicate the Market Opening? GIFT Nifty does not predict the market with certainty. It reflects futures prices formed by market participants before the Indian cash market opens. The process can be understood in four steps. 1. Global events occur: Overnight developments can affect market expectations. These may include moves in US or Asian markets, crude oil prices, currency changes, central bank decisions, inflation data, company news, or geopolitical events. 2. Traders react in GIFT Nifty: Because GIFT Nifty is open during a wide trading window, participants can adjust their futures positions as fresh information arrives. 3. The futures price moves: If sentiment turns positive, GIFT Nifty may trade above the previous Nifty close. If sentiment weakens, it may trade below that level. 4. Indian markets open: When NSE opens, traders compare the Nifty opening level with the indication seen in GIFT Nifty. A positive GIFT Nifty can point toward a positive opening, while a negative reading can suggest a negative start. For example, assume Nifty closed at 24,000 and GIFT Nifty is trading near 24,120 before the opening bell. The 120-point gap may indicate positive opening sentiment. It does not mean Nifty will open at exactly 24,120. Why Can GIFT Nifty and Nifty Open Differently? Several factors can create a gap between the indication and the actual opening. Futures prices include expectations about the future value of the underlying index. They do not always match the spot index point for point. Fresh news can arrive between the time a reader checks GIFT Nifty and the market opening. Domestic orders placed before opening can change demand and supply. Institutional activity can also affect the opening price. Currency moves, global index futures, commodities, and Asian market trends can shift quickly. Because of these factors, GIFT Nifty should be treated as an indicator rather than a guaranteed forecast. What Should Readers Check Along With GIFT Nifty? A single indicator may not explain the full market setup. Readers can review GIFT Nifty along with US market closes, Asian indices, crude oil, the rupee, bond yields, and major economic or corporate announcements. It is also useful to compare the current GIFT Nifty level with the previous Nifty close. The point difference gives a simple view of the expected opening gap. However, the direction can change before trading starts. GIFT Nifty vs Nifty 50 The two terms are related but serve different purposes. Nifty 50 is the underlying stock market index. GIFT Nifty is a derivatives contract linked to Nifty and traded at NSE IX in GIFT City. Nifty reflects the value of its constituent stocks during market hours, while GIFT Nifty reflects futures-market expectations across an extended trading period. Conclusion GIFT Nifty is widely tracked as an early indicator of Indian market sentiment. Its long trading hours allow it to respond to global developments before the domestic session begins. A rise can suggest a positive opening and a fall can indicate a weak opening, but neither signal is certain. Checking GIFT Nifty with global and domestic cues can provide a clearer view of the likely market start.
Syrma SGS Technology Ltd leads gainers in 'A' group
Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd, Yatharth Hospital & Trauma Care Services Ltd, Tega Industries Ltd and HBL Engineering Ltd are among the other gainers in the BSE's 'A' group today, 17 September 2026.
Example of sacrifice, unwavering resolve: Amit Shah greets PM Modi on 76th birthday
New Delhi, Sep 17: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday extended birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, praising his 25 years of public service and describing his political journey as an example of sacrifice, national service and unwavering resolve. Calling the prime minister a symbol of tireless hard work, sacrifice and foresight, Shah said, The life of Modi ji, who has made karma his sadhana and national service the aim of his life, is an epic tale of penance, sacrifice and unwavering resolve. Born on September 17, 1950, in Gujarat's Vadnagar, Modi turned 76 on Thursday. His journey, filled with service and dedication, is an inspiration for millions of countrymen, Shah said on X. I pray to God that he remains long-lived and healthy, and under his leadership, the country continues to scale new heights of progress and moves forward towards achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047, Shah said. His journey from an ordinary volunteer to chief minister and then to the prime ministers chair is a testament to the fact that when the goal of life is national service, even the most difficult resolutions can be fulfilled, Shah said. He worked viewing power not as an end in itself, but as a means for the welfare of the poor and nation-building, Shah said. The home minister also said that workers like him are fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Modi in every role he has undertaken. The greatest characteristic of Shri Modi's leadership is that the last person in society has always been at the centre of his governance, he said. When a mother stands at the threshold of her pucca house and gives her blessings, or a sister shares how the Ayushman card saved her family, that's when the true meaning of these schemes becomes clear, Shah said in a series of posts on X. Liberation from triple talaq and the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam have given women new confidence, while Startup India, Skill India and the New Education Policy have opened doors of opportunity for the youth, Shah said. This change in the lives of crores of people is Shri Modi's greatest asset In regions where the word development was never even mentioned, world-class infrastructure stands tall today under the leadership of Modi ji, he said. Shah cited the world's highest railway arch bridge, the Chenab Railway Bridge in Kashmir; a network of roads and bridges in the Northeast; Vande Bharat trains and semiconductor unit as symbols of a New India. The India that was once called part of the Fragile Five is today, under Modi ji's leadership, among the world's fastest-growing major economies, and our passport is now viewed with respect, he said. The highest honours bestowed upon the prime minister by 36 countries are, in truth, an honour for all Indians, he added. Under Modi jis leadership, the country for the first time witnessed the policy of 'zero tolerance' against terrorism being implemented on the ground, Shah said. Citing the end of Article 370, surgical strikes, air strikes and Operation Sindoor, the home minister said these decisions have shown the world that India no longer just condemns, but delivers decisive response. Naxalism has been eradicated, decades-old disputes in the Northeast have been resolved through peace accords, and the borders are secure. A secure India is the first prerequisite for a prosperous India; Modi ji has proven this, he said.
PM Modi birthday: Union ministers praise leadership, Viksit Bharat vision
PM Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Gujarat's Vadnagar. He has served as the Prime Minister since May 26, 2014 - currently in his third term. He is the longest-serving continuously elected Prime Minister of the country. PM Modi is the Member of Parliament from Varanasi
From niche to nationwide, smaller regional cinemas find their moment
Smaller regional markets like Malayalam, Gujarati, and Marathi are thriving post-pandemic, with films achieving record earnings. Audiences now favour authentic storytelling, aided by social media and expanded distribution, making regional cinema a significant player in the theatrical landscape.
The Gujarat High Court on Wednesday examined the legal basis of proceedings that had culminated in a Central Information Commission direction concerning disclosure of information relating to Prime Minister Narendra Modis educational degree, with the Gujarat University urging the Court to impose costs on Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal. A Division Bench comprising Chief [] The post PM Modi degree row: Gujarat High Court questions validity of CIC direction, Gujarat University seeks costs from Arvind Kejriwal appeared first on India Legal .
Praveg receives LoA from Tourism Corporation of Gujarat
The total value of the contract is Rs 12.99 crore plus applicable GST.
GACL Recruitment 2026 (Short Notice) - Apply Online for Officer, Executive Trainee Posts
Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals (GACL) has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for Officer and Executive Trainee posts. The online application process is open until 27 September 2026. Eligible candidates can apply through the official website, gacl.com
Under PM Modi's leadership, India moving with confidence towards 'Viksit Bharat': Union Ministers
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) Union Ministers on Thursday extended warm birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and praised his leadership, while acknowledging India's growth and the pace of its journey towards achieving the resolve of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. PM Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Gujarat's Vadnagar. He has served as the Prime Minister since May 26, 2014 -- currently in his third term. He is the longest-serving continuously elected Prime Minister of the country. PM Modi is the Member of Parliament from Varanasi. He was the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014. This year also marks his 25 years in public life. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, taking to X, said, Warm wishes and greetings to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on his birthday. Under his leadership, India is moving with confidence towards achieving the goal of 'Viksit Bharat'. From physical infrastructure to digital connectivity, from the welfare of the poor to innovation and entrepreneurship, the Defence Minister said that India has made historic and remarkable strides across every sphere. Ease of living has improved, opportunities have expanded, and the dignity of every individual has been strengthened, he said. He has placed good governance and public service at the centre of the countrys development journey, making administration more transparent, accountable and citizen-centric, he added. Under his leadership, Singh said that India's civilisational values and rich cultural heritage have received renewed recognition and respect on the global stage. India today is moving forward with a renewed sense of purpose, drawing strength from its civilisational roots. I pray for his good health, long life, and continued strength and energy in the service of the nation, he added. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda also extended heartfelt birthday greetings to the world's most popular politician, the architect of the vision for a Developed India, the inspiration for millions of youth, PM Modi. Under your leadership, the resolve for a 'Viksit Bharat' has today become the aspiration of the people. The new India is firmly establishing its interests and capabilities on the global stage. The 7.8 per cent GDP growth and India's leading role in the BRICS Summit held in New Delhi present a picture of a strong, self-confident, and decisive India before the world. Your dedication, discipline, and commitment to serving Mother India and the welfare of the nation serve as an inspiration to us all, he said. I pray to God that He grants you excellent health, long life, and boundless energy for the service of the nation. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, taking to social media, wished the Prime Minister and said, Join the nation and the world in wishing Prime Minister Narendra Modi all success, good health and many more years in the service of our people. You continue to inspire globally through your ideas and achievements. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also extended warm birthday greetings to PM Modi and said, In these turbulent times, you are steering our country steadily towards Vikasit Bharat. At every step, you have put the nation first. For every spent from the exchequer, youve ensured that public good is served. I pray that you live a long and healthy life as you continue serving Maa Bharati. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari wished the Prime Minister on his birthday and lauded him for irelessly working for over five decades, with the motto of Nation First for the welfare of the countrymen. May fear, hunger, and corruption be completely eradicated from the country under your leadership; may India become self-reliant, and may we reclaim our position as the world's guru -- such are my wishes. I pray to God for your excellent health and long life, he said in a post on X.
Established new benchmarks of good governance: Prez Murmu extends birthday wishes to PM Modi
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday extended birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that over the past 25 years, during his tenure as Chief Minister and Prime Minister, he has established several new benchmarks of good governance and imparted unprecedented momentum and a new direction to inclusive development. President Murmu took to social media 'X' and said, Heartfelt birthday greetings and best wishes to the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. Over the past 25 years, during your tenure as Chief Minister and Prime Minister, you have established many new benchmarks of good governance and imparted unprecedented momentum and a new direction to inclusive development. While advancing on the path of modern progress with a sense of cultural pride, our countrymen are realising the harmony between heritage and development. I pray to God for your excellent health and long life, so that you may continue to relentlessly advance your campaign of public service and nation-building, the President said. PM Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, in present-day Gujarat. PM Modi was born three years after India's Independence in 1947, making him the first Prime Minister of the country to have been born in independent India. He grew up in a modest family and helped at his family's tea stall during his childhood. He became an RSS pracharak in Ahmedabad in 1972, beginning a period of full-time organisational work. During the Emergency of 1975-77, he participated in activities associated with the movement opposing the Emergency and seeking the restoration of democracy. He completed a master's degree in political science from Gujarat University. PM Modi began working as the BJP's General Secretary in Gujarat in 1987, marking his formal rise within the party organisation. One of his first major assignments in the BJP involved the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation election, where the party recorded its first victory in the civic body. In the 1990 Gujarat Assembly election, the BJP emerged as the state's second-largest party behind the Congress. The BJP won 121 seats in the Gujarat Assembly in the 1995 election, when PM Modi was working in the party's organisational structure. He became a BJP national secretary in 1995 and was given responsibility for the party's activities in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. He subsequently became the BJP's General Secretary (Organisation), one of the party's senior organisational positions. He played an organisational role in the BJP's preparations for the 1998 Lok Sabha election, when the BJP emerged as the largest constituent of the government formed under Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He became the Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001, and went on to serve in the post for more than 12 years. He contested the 2014 Lok Sabha election from both Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and Vadodara in Gujarat. He won both seats in the 2014 election and subsequently retained Varanasi. The BJP won 282 Lok Sabha seats in the 2014 general election, giving the party a majority on its own. He was sworn in as Prime Minister on May 26, 2014, with then President Pranab Mukherjee administering the oath at Rashtrapati Bhavan. PM Modi contested Varanasi again in the 2019 Lok Sabha election and won the seat for a second consecutive time. The BJP won 303 Lok Sabha seats in the 2019 general election. PM Modi contested the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency for the third consecutive general election in 2024. PM Modi won Varanasi in the 2024 election and retained the constituency for a third consecutive term. The BJP won 240 Lok Sabha seats in the 2024 general election, below the 272 seats required for a majority on its own. PM Modi subsequently took oath as Prime Minister for a third consecutive term.
From Gujarat CM to PM: How much did Narendra Modi's salary increase? By what percentage?
What was Narendra Modi's salary when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat, and what was it after becoming Prime Minister? Learn the full details of PM Modi's salary increase and the percentage increase.PM Modi Salary Hike: How much has PM Narendra Modi's salary increased over the years...
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) BJP National President Nitin Nabin on Thursday wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday and said that under his leadership, the country is moving forward on the path of development and self-reliance, while also advancing on the international stage. PM Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Gujarat's Vadnagar. He has served as the Prime Minister since May 26, 2014 -- currently in his third term. He is the longest-serving continuously elected Prime Minister of the country. He is the Member of Parliament from Varanasi. Taking to X, Nabin said, Heartfelt birthday wishes to the esteemed Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the synonym of national service and dedication, the leader of 140 crore fellow countrymen. With the resolve of 'Nation First', your journey has been an inspiring saga of service, good governance, and public welfare. This journey is not of any one individual, but also of the collective dream of the countrymen, which you have given direction through your actions and penance, he said. Under your guidance, India is forging new dimensions of development and self-reliance and is continuously advancing on the global stage with its new identity and strength, the BJP chief said. I pray to God that He grants you excellent health, long life, and the continuous strength for national service, Nabin added. Meanwhile, Nabin will undertake a two-day visit to Indore and Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, starting Thursday and will participate in the 'Aashirvad Ka Diya' (Aashirwad Ka Diya, Pradhansevak ke Naam) campaign launched by the party to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday. The visit comes amid BJP's preparations to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's completion of 25 years in public service and his birthday under the party's nationwide 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan'. The 'Swamitva Scheme' event in Indore is one of the key highlights of his visit to the state. Nabin will also light 'Aashirvad Ka Diya' at Ujjain's Ram Ghat, leading the celebrations to mark Prime Minister Modi's birthday and kick off celebrations of his 25 years of public service. As part of the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan', the BJP chief will light the 'Aashirvad Ka Diya' at the banks of the Shipra River, amid a large-scale devotional programme.
At 76, PM Narendra Modis journey runs from a Gujarat town to the world stage
Narendra Modi Biography: Prime Minister Narendra Modi turns seventy-six on September seventeenth. His political journey began in Vadnagar and led him to national leadership. Modi served as Gujarat's chief minister for over a decade. He became India's prime minister in two thousand fourteen. Modi now holds the record for India's longest-serving elected prime minister.
His journey filled with service, dedication: HM Shah's warm birthday greetings to PM Modi
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday extended warm birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that his journey is filled with service and dedication, and his life is an inspiration for many. PM Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Gujarat's Vadnagar. He has served as the Prime Minister since May 26, 2014 -- currently in his third term. He is the longest-serving continuously elected Prime Minister of the country. He is the Member of Parliament from Varanasi. He was the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014. In a post on X, HM Shah said, Heartfelt birthday wishes to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the symbol of tireless hard work, sacrifice, and foresight. The life of Modi ji, who has made karma his sadhana and national service the aim of his life, is an epic tale of penance, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve. His journey, filled with service and dedication, is an inspiration for millions of countrymen, he said. I pray to God that he remains long-lived and healthy, and under his leadership, the country continues to scale new heights of progress and moves forward towards achieving the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Home Minister added. Meanwhile, HM Shah will visit Gujarat's Vadnagar on Thursday to flag off the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s 'Vadnagar to Varanasi' Seva Sankalp Bike Yatra as part of a nationwide campaign marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday and 25 years in public life. Union Minister Shah will flag off the yatra at 9:30 a.m. from Vadnagar (Gujarat), PM Modi's birthplace, where he will also participate in a series of programmes during the day. The parallel 'Varanasi to Vadnagar' yatra will begin at the same time from Varanasi, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu among those expected to attend the launch there. The twin bike yatras are the main feature of the BJP's 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan', which begins on Thursday. The party has said the two yatras will together cover about 40,000 km, passing through 193 districts and around 1,159 villages in 10 states. Around 1,000 young people are expected to participate, with 500 travelling from Vadnagar towards Varanasi and another 500 travelling in the opposite direction. The yatras are scheduled to conclude on October 7, when PM Modi completes 25 years in public life. In Vadnagar, Amit Shah's programme will begin at 8:15 a.m. with a Maha Aarti at Sharmishtha Lake, a padayatra, the flag-off preparations for the Vadnagar-Varanasi Seva Yatra and the launch of a cleanliness campaign at the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple.
A major 'Seva Sankalp' campaign will be launched on Thursday from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, to mark his 76th birthday . The campaign will feature a large motorcycle journey in which around 500 bikers on 250 motorcycles will travel from Kashi to Vadnagar -- PM Modi's birthplace in Gujarat. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will flag off the bike journey in Kashi.
Vadnagar-Varanasi bike yatra to be held today to mark PM Modi's birthday; HM Shah to flag off rally
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Sep 17 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Gujarat's Vadnagar on Thursday to flag off the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s 'Vadnagar to Varanasi' Seva Sankalp Bike Yatra as part of a nationwide campaign marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday and 25 years in public life. Union Minister Shah will flag off the yatra at 9:30 a.m. from Vadnagar (Gujarat), PM Modi's birthplace, where he will also participate in a series of programmes during the day. The parallel 'Varanasi to Vadnagar' yatra will begin at the same time from Varanasi, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu among those expected to attend the launch there. The twin bike yatras are the main feature of the BJP's 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan', which begins on Thursday. The party has said the two yatras will together cover about 40,000 km, passing through 193 districts and around 1,159 villages in 10 states. Around 1,000 young people are expected to participate, with 500 travelling from Vadnagar towards Varanasi and another 500 travelling in the opposite direction. The yatras are scheduled to conclude on October 7, when PM Modi completes 25 years in public life. In Vadnagar, Amit Shah's programme will begin at 8:15 a.m. with a Maha Aarti at Sharmishtha Lake, a padayatra, the flag-off preparations for the Vadnagar-Varanasi Seva Yatra and the launch of a cleanliness campaign at the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, State BJP President Jagdish Vishwakarma, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and other party leaders are expected to be present. The BJP's Gujarat unit said the campaign would include tree plantation, cleanliness drives, the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign, the TB Mukt Bharat campaign and water-conservation awareness activities. The yatras will also include interactions with beneficiaries of government schemes, young people and beneficiaries of women's empowerment programmes, besides felicitations for sanitation workers. Four preparatory sub-yatras have already been travelling towards Vadnagar from different parts of Gujarat since September 13. They began from Somnath in Saurashtra, Shamlaji in north Gujarat, Pavagadh in central Gujarat and Unai Mataji in south Gujarat. Party leaders said water collected from rivers, lakes, wells and other water sources along the routes would be taken to Vadnagar in a 'Jal Kalash Rath'. At Vadnagar, water from Sharmishtha Lake will be added to the collection before a Jalabhishek at the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple. The Jal Kalash will subsequently travel towards Varanasi, with additional water collected along the route for a Jalabhishek at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Water from the Narmada, Sabarmati, Mahi, Gomti, Vishwamitri, Tapi, Banas, Shetrunji, Aji and Pamba rivers would form part of the collection, they said. After the Vadnagar programme, Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Ahmedabad. At 5:15 p.m., he will offer prayers at the Shri Jagannath Temple in the Jamalpur area, followed by an appearance at the 'Aashirwad No Deewo' programme at the Kankaria Lake premises at 5:45 p.m. He is scheduled to attend the Ganesh Mahotsav organised by the Sardar Patel Seva Dal at Sardar Patel Chowk in Vastrapur at 7 p.m. The BJP's nationwide campaign is being held alongside other programmes planned across states to mark PM Modi's birthday on Thursday and his completion of 25 years as the head of government.
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday extended birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and praised his leadership for improving India's global standing and driving development across various sectors of society. PM Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Gujarat's Vadnagar. He has served as the Prime Minister since May 26, 2014 -- currently in his third term. He is the longest-serving continuously elected Prime Minister of the country. PM Modi is the Member of Parliament from Varanasi. He was the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014. This year also marks his 25 years in public life. Taking to X, the Vice President said, Heartiest birthday greetings to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shriman Narendra Modi Ji. Under your steadfast and visionary leadership, Bharat is shining as a bright spot in the world and among the fastest-growing major economies. Over 25 crore Indians have come out of extreme poverty. A transformative digital revolution has empowered millions, and every sector-from space, technology, and healthcare to infrastructure and manufacturing has witnessed remarkable growth, he added. VP Radhakrishnan further praised the Prime Minister for referencing backward districts as 'Aspirational Districts', border villages as 'Vibrant and First Villages', and North-East as 'Ashtalakshmi', and said that this reflects a forward-looking approach that has transformed geographical marginalisation into empowerment, enabling active participation of people of various quarters in our journey towards Viksit Bharat. Over the past year, the Vice President mentioned that he travelled across the country and witnessed firsthand how these transformative changes are reaching even the remotest parts of our country. The spirit of progress, aspiration, and renewed enthusiasm visible across our nation reflects the confidence of our collective developmental journey. I pray for your good health, happiness, and continued strength as you lead the Motherland towards the realisation of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, he added. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also took to social media and wished PM Modi on his birthday. Heartfelt birthday greetings and best wishes to the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. Under your leadership, India is forging a new identity on the global stage with confidence today. The nation is continuously scaling new heights in the realms of development, self-reliance, innovation, digital progress, infrastructure expansion, and public welfare, Birla said in a post on X. He also lauded PM Modi's 25 years in public life and said that this time has been proven immensely fruitful in upholding democratic values and uplifting the vulnerable and underprivileged sections of society. Your dedicated and active life, devoted to the nation's progress, inspires millions of citizens to work ceaselessly towards the goal of a developed India. I pray to the Almighty to grant you excellent health, a long life, and the continued strength to serve the nation, the Lok Sabha Speaker added.
BJP to launch 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' today to mark PM Modi's 25 years of public service
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will begin its special month-long campaign titled 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan'on Thursday, to mark the completion of 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public life and service. September 17 marks PM Modi's birthday, while October will mark the completion of 25 years of his public service. Earlier on September 9, BJP National President Nitin Nabin, addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, announced that PM Modi will complete 25 years of public service on October 7, and to mark this occasion, the BJP will conduct a special month-long campaign, 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan'. Prime Minister Modi's journey of service began on October 7, 2001, when he assumed office as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Over the past 25 years, he has worked continuously, guided by the mantra of public service to national service, Nabin said. The BJP observes Prime Minister Modi's birthday as 'Seva Diwas' (Day of Service). In this spirit, a month-long 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' will be organised this year from September 17 to October 17. It is the BJP's responsibility to take the message of public service to as many people in society as possible. Through this campaign, Prime Minister Modi's work spanning 25 years of public life -- encompassing service, development, and nation-building -- will be highlighted to the public, Nabin said. The Prime Minister's 25-year journey of service should be viewed not merely as a series of political achievements, but as an unwavering commitment to serving the people and the nation, the BJP chief said, while calling upon party workers and the general public to join the campaign. On this occasion, Nabin will launch the party's month-long 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' from Ujjain, the city of Mahakal, along with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and State BJP President Hemant Khandelwal. The BJP's nationwide campaign is expected to include a range of public outreach and service-oriented programmes during the month.
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28 sittings a year, J&K leads in legislative time: Speaker
Srinagar, Sept 16: Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Wednesday defended the duration of the forthcoming Autumn Session, rejecting criticism from Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma that a short sitting reflected a lack of legislative accountability. Rather said Jammu and Kashmir has an average of 28 Assembly sittings a year against the national average of 24, arguing that the Union Territory compares favourably with other legislatures in terms of annual sitting days. The Leader of Opposition should introspect before making statements like that. Jammu and Kashmir has an average of 28 sittings per year against the national average of just 24, Rather toldmedia personsduring an interaction ahead of the Autumn Session. The session is scheduled to be held in Srinagar from September 21 to September 30. Sharma had demanded a month-long session, alleging that the Government was avoiding adequate legislative scrutiny and failing to provide sufficient time for raising public issues. The Speaker said the Autumn Session in J&K had traditionally been relatively short and cited examples from other States to counter the Opposition's criticism. Assam had a one-day session, Rajasthan had a two-day session, and Gujarat, Delhi and Goa had three-day sessions, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh had five-day sessions. These are all BJP-ruled States, he said. He also referred to the period when the BJP was part of the Government in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the Autumn Session had been short during those years as well. In 2015, the Autumn Session was from October 4 to October 10 while in 2017, it was held in July for only four days, Rather said. The Speaker's remarks came a day after Sharma accused the Government of undermining legislative accountability and called for a longer session to enable members to raise issues concerning the public. Rather, however, maintained that the number of sitting days alone should not be viewed as the sole measure of legislative performance, stressing the importance of the quality of debate and the functioning of the House. He also made an appeal to the media to give greater prominence to substantive legislative work rather than disruptions and uproar inside the Assembly. The Presiding Officers will certainly try to bring them under controlthat is indeed their responsibility. However, your responsibility is even greater. Those who create uproar and show no respect for the rules, please write less about them, he said. Rather urged journalists to focus more on the quality of speeches and the legislative performance of members. Give more coverage to whichever member delivers a good performance. That will help us conduct the House in a civilised and orderly manner, he said. The Speaker said excessive coverage of disruptions could encourage other members to resort to similar tactics for publicity. Generally, it is seen that those who create a ruckus receive the most coverage. The consequence of this is that the number of rabble-rousers continues to grow day by day, he said. Rather said new members could get the impression that shouting slogans and creating disruptions was an effective way of attracting media attention, and urged the press to instead highlight members who respect parliamentary rules and contribute substantively to proceedings. The exchange between the Speaker and the Opposition comes ahead of the September 21 opening of the Autumn Session, with the duration and functioning of the House emerging as an early point of political contention.
Puducherry, Sep 16: The villagers were avoiding the bus. Narendra Modi, then Chief Minister of Gujarat, wanted to know why. They told him they were waiting for the express bus. It cost more, but made fewer stops and got them to their destination faster. For K Kailashnathan, the senior bureaucrat who was with Modi that day, the episode became one of the clearest examples of how the Chief Minister looked at an ordinary interaction and drew a larger policy question from it. People want speed. They don't care about spending extra money if they have speed, Kailashnathan recalled Modi telling him. Nearly two decades later, Kailashnathan, who worked in the Gujarat Chief Ministers Office for 18 years and remained Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister until 2024, remembers the incident as an insight into the way Modi approached governance: start with what people experience on the ground, identify what they value, and then look for a way to build it into policy. The Puducherry Lieutenant Governor was speaking to a group of journalists from Jammu and Kashmir in Puducherry ahead of Prime Minister Modis birthday on September 17. Kailashnathan, a 1979-batch IAS officer, worked as Principal Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary to the Gujarat Chief Minister from 2006 to 2013 and then continued as Chief Principal Secretary from 2013 to June 2024. His official profile also records his association with Gujarats drinking-water grid, urban development, ports and the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam. The bus episode, he said, stayed with him because it was not about a major project or a government scheme but about time. The villagers were willing to pay more to reach their destination sooner. For Kailashnathan, Modi saw in that exchange something larger about public expectations, that people were not merely looking for a service, but wanted it to be faster and more efficient. That way of thinking, he said, was visible in several of the decisions taken during Modis years as Gujarat Chief Minister. Kailashnathan recalled Modis emphasis on connectivity, particularly in rural Gujarat. The idea, he said, was not limited to building major highways between cities. Roads also had to connect farmers to the places where their produce was collected, processed and sold. He cited roads developed to connect villages and farming areas to dairy centres. Milk, he said, could spoil before reaching the dairy because of poor road connectivity and the time taken to transport it. The answer was to bring the road closer to the point of production. Kailashnathan recalled Modi referring to such roads as part of a wider approach to connectivity, including Kisan Path and Pragati Path. The underlying idea, he said, was that infrastructure had to be designed around how people actually used it. Kailashnathan also recalled what he described as a major change in Gujarats drinking-water landscape during Modis tenure. When Modi became Chief Minister, he said, around 85 per cent of Gujarats drinking water came from groundwater. By the time he left office, Kailashnathan said, the proportion had effectively been reversed, with around 85 per cent coming from surface-water sources. The change involved the expansion of the states water network and pipelines, he said, including long-distance pipelines reaching villages in remote areas. Some of those pipelines, he recalled, stretched for nearly 200 kilometres, including towards villages along the Pakistan border. Kailashnathans own official profile records his association with the establishment of Gujarats drinking-water pipeline grid. For the bureaucrat, the water network was another example of the approach he associated with Modi: take a problem that appears local and build infrastructure at a scale that addresses it across a larger area. The same approach, Kailashnathan recalled, was visible in Gujarats electricity reforms. Agricultural and household consumers were initially being supplied through the same feeder system. The arrangement created problems because the needs of farmers and households were different. Agricultural supply was scheduled for a limited number of hours, while households also faced interruptions. Kailashnathan said officials and experts were initially sceptical when the idea of separating the two systems was discussed. Modi, he recalled, did not abandon the proposal because officials said it would be difficult. Instead, a pilot was taken up in one area. Once the experiment worked, the model was expanded. The separation of agricultural and residential feeders later became associated with Gujarats Jyotigram approach, which sought to provide more reliable power to rural households while maintaining scheduled supply for agriculture. For Kailashnathan, the episode illustrated another characteristic he saw in Modis style: when a proposal appeared difficult on paper, test it on the ground before deciding that it could not be done. LG Pondicherry said there was also Kutch. He recalled Modi telling him that the largely arid region could change dramatically. At one point, he told me Kutch will become the Kashmir of Gujarat, Kailashnathan recalled. At the time, he said, the idea appeared difficult to imagine. Kutch was known for its desert landscape and harsh conditions. Modi, according to Kailashnathan, saw the region differently as a place where infrastructure, industry, energy and connectivity could create a new economic geography. Kailashnathan pointed to the subsequent growth of the Kutch region, including its ports, industrial activity and renewable-energy projects, as examples of how that vision was pursued. He also recalled Modi speaking of the regions natural resources and economic potential. Investment was another area where Kailashnathan said Modis approach changed over time. He recalled the first investment pitch in Gujarat being worth around Rs 1,200 crore. The investment summits that followed grew to a vastly larger scale, with commitments running into lakhs of crores. The Gujarat government has held the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit every two years since 2003 as a platform for attracting investment; official Gujarat records describe the summit as an effort to showcase the states investment potential and accelerate domestic and foreign investment. Kailashnathans recollection was less about the figures than about the change in scale.What began as an effort to persuade investors to look at Gujarat, he said, eventually became a much larger exercise in projecting the state as an investment destination.Away from roads, water, electricity and investment, Kailashnathan also remembers Modis personal routine. He recalled once being asked to conduct a security audit of the Chief Ministers residence. Modi told him to do it when he was away on tour. On one occasion when Modi was travelling, Kailashnathan said, he entered the Chief Ministers personal room. What he found surprised him. There was a small prayer space, a computer with internet access, a table and chair and basic arrangements for meals. There was little else, he recalled. It was not the room of someone who, in Kailashnathans telling, spent much time accumulating personal belongings. He also recalled Modis limited sleeping hours, saying he had seen him function on around three-and-a-half hours of sleep. These details, Kailashnathan said, formed part of what he saw during years of working alongside Modi, the public administrator and the person behind the office. Kailashnathan does not describe the Modi he worked with through a single policy or project. Instead, his recollections return repeatedly to the same pattern: a bus stop in a tribal area, a farmer trying to get milk to a dairy, a village without reliable power, a pipeline carrying water across long distances, an apparently impossible pilot project and a dry region that was being imagined differently. I spent 26 years with Modi and found him totally different from others. He has the will to do things and the confidence that he can do it, he added.
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The Gujarat government is intensifying efforts against private entities misusing government names and symbols, ensuring compliance with the 1950 Act. Gujarat Government Cracks Down on Misuse of Government Names by Private Entities
Food truck to give surplus food a second serving
New Delhi [India], September 16: The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, in collaboration with Infineon Technologies, today inaugurated the NIELIT-Infineon Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Semiconductor Manufacturing at NIELIT, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
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Who Will Teach?: Abhijeet Dipke Flags Teacher Shortage, School Gaps In Tribal Areas
CJP activist Abhijeet Dipke has launched the Adivasi School Thik Karo campaign, focusing on the condition of schools and educational facilities in tribal areas. The campaign team plans to visit schools across Maharashtra, including Gadchiroli, as well as Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha, Gujarat and other states. Dipke has raised concerns over infrastructure, teacher vacancies, student deaths, medical access and Eklavya Model Residential Schools. He has also questioned teachers being deployed for election duties. Dipke says the campaigns objective is simple: document ground realities, improve schools and uplift marginalised tribal communities.
Opposition Parties Criticize UPI Charge as a Digital Setback in Gujarat
Opposition in Gujarat condemns new UPI charges, warning of financial burden on merchants and consumers. Opposition Parties Criticize UPI Charge as a Digital Setback in Gujarat
Govt looks at expanding use of steel from ship recycling
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 16 (IANS) A joint meeting was held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Steel and Heavy Industries Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, on expanding the usage of steel obtained from recycling of ships. The discussions were held focusing on expanding the application of recycled ship steel to additional sectors, with a view to enhancing value generation from ship recycling and reinforcing Indias position as the worlds leading ship recycling hub, an official statement said. The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB), and the Ship Recycling Industries Association (SRIA), to examine the existing regulatory framework and explore avenues for usage of secondary steel obtained from ship recycling. The meeting underscored the governments commitment to promote circular economy practices, support domestic steel manufacturing, and ensure that Indias ship recycling industry continues to set global benchmarks in sustainability and efficiency, the statement said. Ship recycling holds strategic importance for India across environmental, economic, and industrial dimensions. From a resource perspective, ship recycling contributes significantly to domestic availability of ferrous scrap, reducing dependence on imported raw materials and strengthening supply security for steel and allied industries. Recycled steel requires substantially lower energy compared to primary steel production and results in reduced greenhouse gas emissions, directly supporting Indias sustainability and decarbonisation objectives. Economically, the sector generates large-scale employment and sustains a wide ecosystem of ancillary industries including transport, re-rolling mills, equipment suppliers and waste management services. Ship recycling also complements national initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat by linking end-of-life ship management with domestic manufacturing and industrial growth. Environmentally, regulated ship recycling prevents unsafe disposal of end-of-life ships, mitigates marine and coastal pollution risks and ensures responsible handling of hazardous materials under strict regulatory supervision. India is among the leading ship recycling nations globally. The Alang-Sosiya ship recycling cluster in Gujarat forms the backbone of the countrys recycling capacity and is the largest ship recycling hub in the world. The cluster accounts for approximately 97 per cent of Indias ship recycling activity, making it the central pillar of the national ship recycling ecosystem.
Silver Lord Ram Statue, Gold-Plated Art Among Items At PM Mementos e-Auction
The collection has been sourced from different parts of the country, with larger representations from states including West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Assam, Bihar and Odisha.
Gujarat Intensifies Food Safety Campaign Following Hostel Food Poisoning Incident
Gujarats food safety initiative inspects 386 hostels after food poisoning in Surat, with 194 samples sent for testing. Gujarat Intensifies Food Safety Campaign Following Hostel Food Poisoning Incident
'Want Afghanistan To Win One World Cup By The Time I Am In The Team,' Says Rashid Khan
Arun Jaitley Stadium: There is a particular kind of calm about Rashid Khan these days. The leg-spinner who once seemed to exist purely as a wicket-taking force of nature is now at his warm and affable self on the eve of the third T20I against India, a game which Afghanistan have to win to avoid a 3-0 series defeat. On Tuesday night at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where Afghanistan faltered yet again, Rashid was the exception for the designated hosts: 28 with the bat, and 3-36 with the ball. The runs, in particular, were not an accident, so as were the three boundaries he hit off Arshdeep Singh in the 18th over (with the inside-out loft over cover for six being the standout). They were the product of a shift that began the day he walked into the Gujarat Titans dressing room in the IPL and was told he was no longer merely a bowler who could swing a bat. I have always wanted to bat; I started playing cricket by batting. I always wanted to bat. For a team, 20-25 runs are very important, and I wanted to do that for my team, especially in T20s. So how can I do that? Earlier, I didn't get that much batting. But since I came to Gujarat Titans, I have been getting more batting in the net sessions. Ashish (Nehra) bhai told me that I will play as a batter too and not just as a bowler. So, I focused more on batting. By working on and improving my batting, when I make runs in the match, I automatically get more confidence. It comes from confidence, and when that goes high, the practice and hard work pay off, Rashid told IANS in an exclusive interaction facilitated by Red Bull on Wednesday. The technical work and success in batting have been made possible by someone who is not someone who appears in the headlines. Naeem Amin, who Rashid met during his time at Gujarat Titans, is the man the premier leg-spinner calls first when something feels off. Amin, who also trained India stars Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya before they were in England, was quick to message Rashid after Tuesdays game was over. He has helped me a lot. To be honest, all my improved batting has been done by Naeem Amin. Not just in batting, but also in bowling. I always talk with him. Last night, when the match was over, he messaged me, saying that I had a lot of fun. But what I enjoyed the most was when you hit a six over mid-off against Arshdeep - that was the best effort for me. To be honest, before we came here, I had done 3-4 sessions with him. We were working on how to play straight, how to hit a straight six, and not hit cross-bat. He was very happy that I hit a straight six. He helped me a lot. My go-to person is Naeem Amin. I go to him and ask him what I did wrong and what I can do better. If Afghanistan's arrival as a side capable of beating anyone has a starting point, Rashid places it squarely at the 2023 ODI World Cup in India - the tournament where the underdog tag stopped being an excuse and started being a weapon. It also has a New Delhi connection they beat the then-reigning champions England and sent their loyal supporters back home in euphoria. Exactly, everything started from here. In the 2023 World Cup, we defeated England, then we defeated Sri Lanka and Pakistan -- we defeated big teams. Australia was also close, but it was an innings Maxwell played and changed the game. In the 2024 World Cup, we defeated New Zealand, then we defeated Australia and reached the semifinal, recalls Rashid. The list has only grown since. But Rashid is wary of a team that celebrates upsets rather than expects results, and he keeps returning to the same word. In the Champions Trophy, we defeated England in Pakistan. It was a great achievement for us in the last 3-4 years. That's when our cricket reached another level. Now, it's a tough challenge for us to maintain consistency. We want to do it again and again -- we don't just do it once, and that's it. That is because when you do it again and again, that's when you show consistency. It's a big challenge for us. It was a tough match for us against South Africa in the T20 World Cup; we played in a double super-over, and we didn't win the match. I think it's a positive thing that we played well and performed well. We will try to do better. We will try to find a way to defeat big teams again and again. When there is pressure, we will control ourselves and focus on our skills. The one subject on which Rashid's fluency briefly deserts him is the T20I captaincy role, which he held till Afghanistan exited this years T20 World Cup at the group stage. When that captaincy was taken from him and given to Ibrahim Zadran, Rashid let out a laugh. Le li (it was taken). I mean, I don't understand. Whatever happens, it will be for the good. We don't know what the future holds for us. For me, it was my destiny to lead Afghanistan to this much. It was the same for Jonathan Trott. It was his destiny. I always wanted to lead the team and do well. But there are some things that you can't control. You have to accept, as a player, that you have to move on and play for the country. I know it's not there, but hopefully, Ibrahim is a good young guy. We all know how skilful he is. Hopefully, he can lead the team and win more matches in Afghanistan. For a cricketer whose career was briefly affected by back surgery after the 2023 ODI World Cup and extensive pain management after that, the most significant scoreline of 2026 is no complaints, no pain, no management plans. To achieve that, red-ball cricket, Rashids favourite format, has been put on the back burner. It's been sabse zabardast (very fantastic). I want every year to be like this one only 2026. I want to perform well and try to do well. So far, it's great in both formats, T20 and ODIs. The biggest thing is that my back supports me a lot. It helps me a lot, and I don't get any complaints from my back. So, I'm so happy about that. That turnaround, he says, owes a great deal to a few days in Austria at Red Bull's High Performance Centre in Salzburg, Australia, where the diagnosis was less about treatment for the back. Yes, it was very important. I was struggling a lot with my back. Then, I went to Red Bull's High Performance Centre in Austria. I wanted to do a full-body check-up to see where I could do better and the areas where my back was having problems. Even after the surgery, I was getting pain little by little. The 2-3 days that I spent there were very big days for me because I did a check-up of my whole body and found out my strengths and weaknesses. I was so impressed with it that I wanted to go again. Inshallah, I will go there for 2-3 weeks for training only. It was a good experience where I clearly got an idea of my body. We did a full-body check-up, and then for half a day, we sat with the physiotherapists and discussed the areas that needed to be improved by showing them on the screen. That really helped me and gave me a clear picture of where I do better. It's simple for me. Apart from the recovery, the nutrition aspect has been super simple for Rashid, whose favourite food is Dal Makhani. It's simple for me. I don't exercise too much, don't do much extra dieting, or eat everything, and I try to keep it simple. I am not strict - like, I don't have a weight machine with me, and I eat too much or too little, and I try to eat only what is good for myself and my health, as if you become rigid, then the guy becomes mentally affected. Sometimes, I feel like I want to eat biryani today and then have it once a week. I mean, too many restrictions are also not fine like no biryani at all. But I try to eat as much healthy food as possible. We all know what is healthy and what is not. You don't ask anyone about that. The more you eat healthy food, the less unhealthy stuff you eat, and your diet automatically goes as per that. I don't focus much on high-protein things. Whatever the body wishes to eat, I do that to give it sukoon (peace). If the body is happy, then you are also happy. Ask him what has changed most in the last 12 months and the answer has nothing to do with cricket. Rashid's son, Azlan, has rewired how quickly he can leave a bad day behind and, going by his own admission, that has had a startling effect on his wicket column. Before he was born, my mind wouldn't get fresh quickly. But now when I see his face or video-call him, my whole body relaxes. He is also a lucky charm for me. Since he came to the ground for the first match in England, I took five wickets. Then, in 3 matches, he came to Ireland, and I took 12 scalps. He is a lucky charm. He woke up during last night's match and watched it when I picked three wickets. He was sleeping in the previous match, and that's why my performance was not good. He is my happiness. He is my lucky charm. It's a different feeling. With a younger group now coming through, Rashid and his contemporaries find themselves in the role of custodians - telling the newcomers not just where Afghanistan cricket is, but what it cost to get here. We do talk to them. But we have put in a lot of effort, practised a lot, and given a lot of qurbani (sacrifices). All of it was done by the senior players, and I think this stage is the result of that. It's not like we got some things for free. We have put in a lot of effort. It's a matter of where we started to where we are now like from starting by playing against small teams to beating big sides. We do talk about it, but how to bring consistency in that and defeat them constantly and always bring in good performances. Home, for this team, is largely an idea sustained across hotel rooms in other countries, including playing away games. Rashid's squad packs it the only way it can - in small, edible, and familiar things. It's difficult to take so many things from Afghanistan with us. We don't spend much time in Afghanistan. But people's love and prayers are always with us, wherever we go. We can't take anything else with us, apart from their love and prayers. But we do carry the most famous dry fruits in Afghanistan to bring that home-like feeling. Like we eat dry fruits and have green tea in Afghanistan. We do the same around it so that we get back that feeling. Hopefully one day we can play an international match in Afghanistan - in Kabul and other cities. It's going to be a dream. New Delhi, meanwhile, is a city he knows well enough to have a favourite haunt he can no longer visit in peace Mazaar, a popular Afghan cuisine serving restaurant in Lajpat Nagar, a place where the diaspora is supremely active, apart from Bhogal in Jangpura. It's very difficult to go to Lajpat Nagar now. Before, it was fun going there no one would recognise us, and we would go to easily eat food and have fun. But it's difficult now, though at the same time, it's good the food comes from there, and we eat in the hotel. But it's still good. For all the records, franchise titles and wickets in every league on planet Earth, Rashid's definition of a career well spent will come down to a single, unclaimed piece of silverware an ICC title. Afghanistan came within touching distance of it in the 2024 Mens T20 World Cup, when they entered the semi-finals. It's very difficult to go to Lajpat Nagar now. Before, it was fun going there no one would recognise us, and we would go to easily eat food and have fun. But it's difficult now, though at the same time, it's good the food comes from there, and we eat in the hotel. But it's still good. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories But the most important thing is that I want Afghanistan to win one World Cup by the time I am there in the team. I think this will be a big achievement for me. I hope that before I retire, I have this in the book that yes, we won the championship or a World Cup, whether it is T20 or ODI, he signed off. Article Source: IANS
WPL 2027 To Begin On January 14, Auction On October 28 In Kochi
WPL Player Auction: The fifth edition of the Womens Premier League (WPL) will be played from January 14 to February 7, 2027, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announcing the key dates for the upcoming season on Wednesday. The first major deadline on the road to the new campaign will be the player retention deadline on September 28, giving the five franchises an opportunity to decide which members of their existing squads they want to retain. The next stage of squad-building will take place at the WPL Player Auction on October 28. The auction will be held at the Grand Hyatt Kochi, where franchises will seek to fill gaps and finalise their combinations for the fifth season. The 2027 tournament will follow the 2026 edition, in which Royal Challengers Bengaluru claimed their second WPL title by defeating Delhi Capitals in the final. The league continues to feature five franchises, RCB, DC, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz, and provides a platform for both established international players and emerging Indian talent. The retention window will be particularly significant as franchises assess their squads ahead of the auction. With the five teams required to build balanced combinations across batting, bowling and all-round options, decisions made in September will shape their approach in Kochi a month later. The 2027 tournament will follow the 2026 edition, in which Royal Challengers Bengaluru claimed their second WPL title by defeating Delhi Capitals in the final. The league continues to feature five franchises, RCB, DC, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz, and provides a platform for both established international players and emerging Indian talent. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories With the dates now confirmed, the immediate focus shifts to the franchises and their retention plans. Once those decisions are made by September 28, attention will turn to Kochi, where the October 28 auction will provide the next major step towards assembling the squads for the 2027 season. Article Source: IANS
Former member of Patidar stir held for fake passport
Harikesh Patel, a former member of the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), has been arrested by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) for allegedly obtaining a second passport using forged documents. Patel had previously surrendered his original passport in connection with an ED money laundering case. He reportedly used the fraudulently obtained passport for international travel.
With Bullet train nearing track tests, Gujarat stations emerge as heritage-driven multimodal hubs
Gujarat ATS Arrests Congress Leaders Son in Fake Passport Case
The Gujarat ATS has arrested Harikesh Patel, son of Congress leader Geetaben Patel, for allegedly obtaining a fake passport. Gujarat ATS Arrests Congress Leaders Son in Fake Passport Case
In a delightful online reveal, London chef Jake Dryan showcased his authentic thepla recipe, an exquisite Gujarati flatbread celebrated for its soft texture and distinctive flavor. The culinary community responded with enthusiasm, showering praise on his skill and requesting additional Indian recipes. Thepla's versatility makes it a cherished dish, often paired with a variety of accompaniments that elevate any meal experience.
Check facts before raising fingers: Rahim Rather hits back at LoP over Assembly session
Srinagar, Sep 16: Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Abdul Raheem Rather on Wednesday hit back at Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma over his criticism on the duration of the upcoming Autumn session. Addressing media persons during a meeting convened ahead of the upcoming Autumn session of the House, Speaker asked the LoP Sunil Sharma to check facts before raising fingers saying that J&Ks record of Assembly sittings was better than the national average. He said the 10-day session, comprising seven working days, was planned in accordance with the business before the House and there was no purpose in extending it unnecessarily. The Speaker said the Autumn session was traditionally shorter and would deal with government business, including legislative work, besides private members business. It won't serve any purpose to have a long session. We have to keep it as per the business, Rather said. Taking on the Opposition over its criticism of the session's duration, Rather cited figures from different state legislatures and said J&K has an average of 28 Assembly sittings against a national average of 24. Our position is best when we compare our position with other legislatures. J&K is performing better in terms of holding sittings, he said. Rather said the Constitution required that the gap between two sessions should not exceed six months and alleged that some legislatures held sittings largely to fulfil this constitutional requirement. He specifically referred to Assam, governed by the BJP, and said the state had convened a one-day Autumn session. Ask the LoP about Assam which is governed by BJP. Sunil Sharma (our LoP) served as the BJP's election in-charge for the state. He should answer this, Rather added. The Speaker also said that as compared to the sessions, as per the figures, of other states including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Goa J&K's Assembly has performed favourably with legislatures elsewhere. He said Gujarat, after its Assembly was adjourned in March, met again in September for three days, while Rajasthan had two sittings, Uttar Pradesh four, Madhya Pradesh five, Punjab six and Goa five. My request to the LoP is to check facts before raising fingers, Rather said. He also referred to the duration of Autumn sessions held under previous governments, saying the J&K Assembly, when the erstwhile state had greater legislative powers, held its 2015 Autumn session from October 3 to 10. In 2017, he said, the Autumn session lasted four days, from July 4 to 8. The present LoP was part of the decision-making process at the time. We are now holding the session for 10 days and opposition (LoP) says we are making a joke of it, Rather said. The Speaker said the length of an Assembly session should be determined by the volume of business and not merely extended to increase the number of days. He also pointed to the expenditure involved in convening the House. Speaker of the Legislative Assembly called upon the media to exercise greater caution and responsibility while reporting the proceedings of the legislature. The media is a respected section of society and Journalists act as an important bridge between the government and the people, he said. Rather said the media had the responsibility of communicating government policies, programmes and performance to the public while honestly conveying people's problems and aspirations to the government as well. On media coverage of the Assembly proceedings, Speaker urged the journalists to prefer quality of legislative proceedings over disruptions and noisy scenes. Prefer quality over noise. Make performance primary so that the legislators should realise that adherence to rules, law and meaningful participation in the House will attract greater media attention than disorderly conduct, he said. He said excessive focus on ruckus could tempt other members, particularly younger legislators, to resort to similar behaviour for attention. Legislators should feel that sensible behaviour in the House will invite more coverage, he added. The Speaker also cautioned journalists to report Assembly proceedings with due care and avoid any reach of privilege. He also assured the media of smooth arrangement saying that efforts would be made to address inconveniences faced by journalists during previous sessions. The Autumn session of the J&K Legislative Assembly is scheduled to commence on September 21, 2026.
The Supreme Court has directed the Gujarat High Court to register a suo motu case. This action aims to identify victims of a 2022 industrial accident at Bharat Rasayan Ltd. Compensation funds are currently held by the apex court registry for disbursement. The National Green Tribunal previously imposed environmental compensation on the PSU. This amount is designated for restoration measures around the affected plant.
Fake investment firm, WhatsApp groups used to dupe Gujarat man of Rs 1.46 crore; two held
Digital Desk | Valsad, Sep 16 (IANS) Two more persons have been arrested in connection with an alleged cyber fraud in which a Valsad resident in Gujarat was duped of Rs 1.46 crore through a fake investment platform and WhatsApp groups promising high returns from share-market trading, police said on Wednesday. The arrests of Bhargav Solanki and Mehul Kachhua were made by the Valsad Cyber Crime Police following an investigation into the fraud. Police said Rs 18.70 lakh of the allegedly defrauded amount had been credited to Kachhua's bank account. The case was registered at the Valsad Cyber Crime Police Station under Sections 336(2), 336(3), 338, 340(2), 316(2), 319(2), 318(4) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, as amended in 2008. According to the police, the accused allegedly operated WhatsApp groups named B125-Wealthy Vision VIP Circle and 460-Wealthy Vision VIP Circle. The complainant, Khushru Dali Petigara, was allegedly lured with the promise of making higher profits through bulk buying and selling of shares through institutional trading. The accused allegedly created a false identity for a company called WealthyIN Broking Private Limited and induced the complainant to transfer Rs 1,46,75,000 into bank accounts. A trading application allegedly showed profits accruing on the investment. When the complainant attempted to withdraw the purported profits, he was allegedly asked to pay a further 15 per cent commission. He was told that the commission would be deducted from his balance. It was at this stage, police said, that the complainant realised he had been cheated and approached the cybercrime police. The investigation initially led to the arrest of Narendra Mali, whose bank account had allegedly received part of the proceeds. During interrogation, police said, Mali disclosed that he had withdrawn the money from his bank account and handed it over to Bhargav Solanki, Tinkesh Padhiyar and Mehul Kachhua, all associated with Malgarh in Deesa, Banaskantha district. Police said repeated searches were conducted in Deesa (Gujarat) and Rajasthan for the three men, but they could not initially be traced. Investigators subsequently analysed their bank accounts, mobile phone details, the phone records of their relatives, social media activity and information obtained through human sources. The investigation indicated that Solanki and Kachhua had been seen several times in Rajasthan and Malgarh, police said. Local sources were then activated, and investigators received information that the two would return to their homes in Malgarh on September 12 to celebrate Bhadarva Beej. Acting on the information, the cybercrime team apprehended Solanki and Kachhua and initiated legal proceedings against them. Police said Rs 53,97,797 had already been returned to the complainant after the complaint was lodged. The police contacted the 1930 cyber fraud helpline after obtaining details of the complainant's bank accounts and initiated steps to recover the funds. The police advisory accompanying the case urged people to exercise caution while responding to investment offers circulated through WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook and Instagram or through unknown links. It warned against offers promising daily profit, guaranteed returns, double money and VIP Trading Group memberships. Police also advised people not to download trading or investment applications at the request of unknown persons or share OTPs, UPI PINs, passwords, bank details or trading account information. Investors were advised to verify the SEBI registration and authorisation of companies, brokers and advisers before investing.
Gujarat NEET UG 2026 Round 2 Seat Allotment Result Out - Check Allotment Online at medadmgujarat.org
ACPUGMEC has released the Gujarat NEET UG 2026 Round 2 seat allotment result at medadmgujarat.org. Check how to download the rank-wise and institute-wise allotment PDF.
Low-pressure system to bring extremely heavy rainfall in Gujarat: IMD
A low-pressure system over southwest Rajasthan and adjoining areas is likely to bring extremely heavy rain to Saurashtra-Kutch, while monsoon withdrawal may begin around September 19
Centre to encourage fishers to harness high-value fisheries resources
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 16 (IANS) In a bid to promote deep-sea fishing by encouraging fishers to harness high-value fisheries resources, the government is set to organise a national workshop on promotion of deep-sea fishing and interaction with access pass and letter of authorisation (LoA) holders in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, an official statement said on Wednesday. The deliberations are expected to serve as a significant platform for strengthening Indias deep-sea fishing ecosystem by bringing together policymakers, technical experts, financial institutions, industry stakeholders, cooperatives, and fishers for focused deliberations. The Gujarat event on Thursday will provide a platform to fishers to understand on-ground challenges and gather stakeholder suggestions for further strengthening the sector. The discussions and recommendations emerging from the workshop will help identify practical solutions to on-ground challenges, improve access to technology, skills, finance, and markets, and facilitate greater participation of fishers in deep-sea fishing, the statement added. The event will be attended by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and others. The workshop comes at a time when the marine fisheries potential within Indias EEZ is estimated at 58.6 lakh MT, supporting the livelihoods of approximately 50 lakh fishers and contributing significantly to food security, nutrition, employment, income generation and export revenues. India is presently among the leading fisheries and aquaculture producing countries globally and exported seafood valued at around Rs 73,890 crore during FY 2025-26. Most fishing activities are concentrated within 4050 nautical miles of the coast, while deeper waters and areas beyond national jurisdiction offer substantial opportunities for harvesting high-value species, particularly tuna and tuna-like resources. The Department of Fisheries has given special thrust to strengthening fisheries farmer producer organisations (FFPO) and fisheries cooperatives while also focusing on digitisation of the fisheries sector through various initiatives. The workshop will feature focused technical sessions covering the entire deep-sea fishing value chain, from resource potential and vessel modernisation to skill development, financing, processing, value addition and access to export markets.
Experts from IITs, NITs to be part of Mantra panel
Nearly 4,400 Ganesh mandaps registered in city, tally set to touch 8k
23 days on, cops yet to crack woman techies murder case
School owner alleges cheating in Bhimpor plot deal
Thief who spun stories of wifes illness to sell bikes held
16-year-old girl leaves home after parents stop her from attending birthday party
Police to question Google over 500K fake Gmail IDs linked to bomb hoax
Gujarat police will question Google over safeguards after uncovering 513,847 fake Gmail accounts used in a network sending hoax bomb threats
Sitavan Gir Gaushala donates 76 Gir cows to needy women in Gujarat
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Ashwini Vaishnaw Inaugurates 4 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals In Gujarat, Lays Foundation For Fifth
Gujarat: GUJCTOC invoked against three members of notorious Babu Kaliya gang in Ahmedabad
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Sep 15 (IANS) The Ahmedabad City Police have invoked the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Act (GUJCTOC) against three alleged members of the Babu Kaliya gang after an investigation into a recent arms case found links to a wider network accused of involvement in offences including attempted murder, illegal arms dealings, narcotics and intimidation. The action follows the registration of a case at Vejalpur police station under Sections 109(1) and 54 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and Sections 25(1-B) and 27(1) of the Arms Act. During the investigation, police said they found that the accused had allegedly formed an organised gang and were involved in criminal activities in different parts of Ahmedabad. According to the Zone-7 police, examination of the criminal records of the accused showed that about 14 serious offences had been registered against members of the group at Vejalpur, Vatva, Danilimda and the Crime Branch (DCB). These cases relate to alleged illegal possession and sale of firearms, attempts to murder, deadly attacks, narcotics and threats. Police said the accused had continued their activities for about a decade despite preventive action under PASA and the CrPC and conditional bail orders by the court. Following a proposal submitted by the Vejalpur police inspector and approved by the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut, Sections 3(1)(2), 3(2) and 3(4) of the GUJCTOC Act, 2015, were added to the case. The further investigation is being conducted by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, N-Division, S M Patel. Mujahid Ali alias Babu Kaliya Sakirali Aashiqali Nai, 33, is in judicial custody, while police have obtained two days remand from the court for further investigation. Wasim alias Demo Usman Abdulgafar Shaikh, 26, is also in judicial custody, while 23-year-old Rozankhan alias Shezan Wahidkhan Pathan has been declared wanted. During further questioning, police said Mujahid Ali disclosed his alleged involvement in two earlier murder cases. He was acquitted in a murder case registered at Vejalpur in 2018, while he was named as an accused in a 2023 murder case at Bavla police station in Mehsana district in connection with allegedly supplying an arms weapon. Police said his questioning is continuing to determine whether he was involved in any other offences. The records cited by police show a long list of cases against Mujahid Ali. They include a 2017 DCB case under the Arms Act; several Vejalpur and DCB cases registered between 2022 and 2025 involving the IPC, BNS and Arms Act; a 2025 Danilimda case under Sections 8(C), 20(B) and 29 of the NDPS Act; a 2025 Vatva case involving alleged attempt to murder and offences under the Arms Act; and the 2018 Vejalpur murder case under Sections 302 and 120B of the IPC and the Arms Act. The 2023 Bavla case relates to Section 302 of the IPC and provisions of the Arms Act and the Gujarat Police Act. Wasim is named in three cases listed by the police, including two Vejalpur cases from 2025 and the 2026 case that led to the latest investigation. Rozankhan is also named in three Vejalpur cases, including two registered in 2025 and 2026 and the latest 2026 case. Further investigation is ongoing.
80 per cent of Malayalis benefited from Modi govt: Kerala BJP
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 15 (IANS) Claiming that around 80 per cent of Malayalis have benefited from various initiatives of the Narendra Modi government, the BJP on Tuesday announced an extensive month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan in Kerala from September 17 to October 17 to mark 25 years of Modis public service. State BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the campaign would focus on taking the message of service-oriented politics directly to the people. The party plans to reach at least 50 lakh people across Kerala during the month-long programme. BJP state general secretary S. Suresh said the reach of the Modi governments welfare and development initiatives in Kerala was extensive, with around 80 per cent of Malayalis having benefited from one or more of its schemes. He said the scale of the governments outreach could be gauged from schemes covering welfare, banking, digital payments and even Covid vaccination. The BJP will organise programmes at nearly 20,000 booths across the state. Around 2,000 party representatives will conduct ward-level audits to identify beneficiaries of Central government schemes and assess their reach. Special camps will also be held to identify eligible people who have not received scheme benefits and help them access them. The campaign is being organised to mark 25 years since Modi became Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001. According to the BJP, his tenure in Gujarat demonstrated an approach of turning crises into opportunities and placing development at the centre of governance. The party will also highlight what it describes as Indias major advances in infrastructure and the economy since Modi became Prime Minister in 2014. As part of the campaign, beneficiaries of Central schemes will participate in Vikas Ke Liye Deepam, lighting lamps at their homes to express solidarity with PM Modi. Drawing and speech competitions on Swapna Bharat will be held for school students from September 17 to October 7, while Anganwadi Utsav will be organised from September 25 to October 7. Blood donation and medical camps will be held from September 25 to October 2. The BJPs help desks, launched a year ago, will coordinate the activities. Seva Samarpan Month will be observed officially in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Palakkad and Thrippunithura municipalities and BJP ruled panchayats. On October 7, Vikas Jyothi Yatras will be held from 30 BJP organisational district centres across Kerala, culminating in public meetings attended by party workers and beneficiaries of Central government schemes. Chandrasekhar said the campaign was aimed at conveying the message that public service should be the foundation of politics and sharing with people the journey of Modis 25 years in public life.
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