Gujarat principal dies of heart attack after weeks of relentless BLO workload
AHMEADBAD: A 50-year-old school principal and Booth Level Officer (BLO) in Gujarat died of a heart attack after weeks of exhausting electoral roll duties. His family claims he was under severe work stress, riding nearly 100 km daily and working late into the night to complete voter list entries. Police and district education officials have taken note, while the school suspended classes in mourning. A shockwave has rippled through Kapadvanj taluka of Gujarat after 50-year-old school principal and BLO Rameshbhai Ratilal Parmar died suddenly, his family alleges the death was directly linked to relentless workload, long-distance travel and crushing electoral roll responsibilities. Rameshbhai, who headed Navapura Primary School and lived in Jambudi village, had spent the last fortnight juggling the responsibilities of principal and BLO, a combination that demanded daily bike travel of nearly 94 km, late-night data entry and constant pressure to meet deadlines. On Tuesday night, exhausted after completing work on the voter list revision, he returned home but refused dinner, telling his daughters simply to sleep as he continued battling fatigue. His daughter Shilpa Parmar, speaking with a trembling voice, detailed his punishing routine. For the last fifteen days, because of BLO duty, my father was travelling more than 94 km every day. He used to leave at dawn, finish his work at Navapura and return by 6.30 or 7 pm. Yesterday too he reached home on time. He had tea and then went to my uncles house because our home has no network. He entered voter data till late night, she said, linking each task to the weight building over him. She added that he came home around 11.30 pm, exhausted but determined. My sister and I were studying. He told us to sleep. When I asked if he had eaten, he said no and went to bed. He always woke up at 5 am. But today he didnt. We tried waking him, but he didnt move. He passed away because of the workload of BLO duty. Rameshbhais cousin Narendrabhai confirmed the crushing workload, saying the teacher worked until late at his house due to poor network and had been burdened by heavy voter list duties for ten days. By dawn, the strain had claimed him. When he failed to wake up, the family rushed him to a private hospital in Bayad in their own car, but the doctor declared him dead on arrival, citing a heart attack. Kheda District Primary Education Officer Paresh Vaghela called the teachers sudden death sad and shocking, saying initial reports indicate a heart attack. As investigators gather more information, Rameshbhais death stands as a stark reminder of how excessive administrative pressure can push dedicated public servants beyond human limits, leaving behind unanswered questions and a grieving village.
Five held after Gujarat Forest Department seize leopard skin in Valsad
The operation was carried out jointly by Wildlife SOS, the Gujarat Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) and the Gujarat Forest Department after they received a confidential tip-off
Gujarat farmer dies by suicide after digital arrest scam by fake ATS officer
AHMEADABAD: A 65-year-old farmer from Gujarats Vadodara district died by suicide after being trapped in a terrifying digital arrest scam by cyber fraudsters posing as Delhi Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) officers. The scammers subjected him to a day-long barrage of threats over a fabricated Rs 40-crore fraud case, leaving his family shattered and demanding strict police action as Dabhoi police launch a full investigation. A chilling and possibly first-of-its-kind case of a farmer driven to suicide after being trapped in a digital arrest scam has jolted the Kayavarohan area of Vadodara district. The victim, 65-year-old Atulbhai Hirabhai Patel, a resident of Kaka Ramna Phalia, was allegedly hunted, harassed and psychologically crushed by fraudsters who posed as Delhi ATS officers and claimed he was embroiled in a 40-crore bank fraud investigation. The nightmare began when cyber criminals allegedly called Atulbhai repeatedly, warning him that the Anti-Terrorist Squad was watching him and probing his alleged involvement in a massive financial crime. The callers, switching between WhatsApp voice and video calls every few minutes, allegedly declared him digitally arrested, instructing him not to leave the house and to remain constantly available. Fear reportedly consumed him. Pressure mounted. Silence tightened. And by Monday at 5 am, the farmer swallowed poison. The family, who sensed something was wrong but could not persuade him to speak, said the threats had completely shattered him. Our uncle is no longer with us today he was restless for three days, said his nephew Ansh Patel, holding back emotion as he recounted the final hours. We kept asking him what happened; friends asked too but he told no one anything. He was terrified. At 5 am he consumed the poison. We rushed him to the hospital. He died the next morning. Linking their suspicion with the evidence on his phone, relatives dialled the number that had allegedly been tormenting Atulbhai. Shockingly, the man on the other end allegedly sent an ID card claiming he was Inspector Gaurav Grover of ATS Delhi, further confirming the scale of the scam. The WhatsApp profile, the family says, displayed two flags and a symbol with 3C in the middle, adding to the suspicion of a large, organised cyber-crime network. Ansh, who also received threatening calls from the same fraudsters, said the intimidation was relentless. These cyber crooks were calling every five minutes threatening not to leave the house. My uncle told me alone, Delhi Police are calling me. He was so scared he was under digital arrest for a whole day. With the village plunged into mourning and the incident sending shockwaves across the region, the family has vowed to pursue justice. We will file an FIR. We want the strictest action. Cybercrime is increasing I appeal to people, dont lose your life the way my uncle did, Ansh said. Dabhoi police have begun an investigation, examining the digital trail, phone data and WhatsApp identifiers tied to the suspected cyber-fraud network. Officers say preliminary evidence suggests a highly coordinated scam allegedly designed to mentally imprison victims through fear of law enforcement. As Kayavarohan mourns its elderly farmer, the case stands as a grim reminder of how digital extortion can push even the most grounded individuals into fatal despair, exposing the urgent need for cyber-crime awareness and swift police action.
'Laalo': Highest-grossing Gujarati movie arriving in Hindi
The Gujarati film Laalo - Krishna Sada Sahaayate is getting a Hindi dubbed version, per Bollywood Hungama.
Theatre pioneer who is known world over in terms of grassroots storytelling and preservation of culture.
Supreme Court directs Centre to prepare sustainable mining plan for Aravalli Range
The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the Central government to prepare a comprehensive Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) applicable across the Aravalli hill system, which spanned across the States of Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat, along with the national capital. The Bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, Justice K Vinod Chandran and Justice [] The post Supreme Court directs Centre to prepare sustainable mining plan for Aravalli Range appeared first on India Legal .
ACME Solar Holdings commissions additional 16MW of Gujarat wind power project
ACME Solar Holdings has commissioned an additional 16 MW of its wind power project in Surendaranagar, Gujarat. This brings the project's operational capacity to 44 MW. The company's total operational capacity now stands at 2,934 MW. The project, financed by PFC, will sell power under a 25-year PPA. Officials confirmed the commissioning.
Kolkata woman duped of Rs 78 lakh in phone call fraud, 3 Gujarat men arrested
KOLKATA, Nov 19: Three persons were arrested from Gujarat for allegedly defrauding an elderly woman of Kolkata of over Rs 78 lakh after convincing her that a parcel in her name contained illegal drugs, police said on Wednesday. The suspects were nabbed from different parts of Gujarat by the Cyber Crime Wing of the Kolkata Police, they said. Deepanwita Dhar, a resident of Kolkatas Maniktala, received an automated call on March 9, 2024, informing her that a parcel in her [] The post Kolkata woman duped of Rs 78 lakh in phone call fraud, 3 Gujarat men arrested appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Two labourers killed as speeding SUV hits them
Drunk garbage van driver hits two men, parked vehicle in Vadodara
2 jail cops among 4 booked for kidnapping, extortion
MNS objects to Gujarati signboard at Mumbai eatery
Vadodara misses Unesco creative city tag
Over 49 lakh Gujarat farmers to receive 986 crore under PM-KISAN
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani distributed approval letters for agricultural assistance schemes worth over 11.68 lakh
Ranji Trophy: Gujarat And Saurashtra Emerge Victorious, Rinku And Dhull Hit Centuries In Draws
Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy: Gujarat and Saurashtra registered outright wins on the last day of 2025/26 Ranji Trophy round five, while India left-handed batter Rinku Singh and Yash Dhull struck big centuries in drawn encounters for Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, respectively. At Abhimanyu Cricket Academy in Dehradun, Gujarat defeated Uttarakhand by 146 runs, with Vishal Jayswal claiming four wickets and Siddharth Desai picking three scalps. Aarav Mahajan top-scored for Uttarakhand in the second innings with 60, but despite a promising start, the middle order faltered and crashed to a loss. Saurashtra defeated Goa by an innings and 47 runs in their Ranji Trophy fixture at the Niranjan Shah Stadium Ground C in Rajkot. Left-arm spinner Parth Bhut was named Player of the Match for finishing with a match haul of nine wickets two scalps in the first innings and seven wickets in the second innings to dismiss Goa for 180 after enforcing the follow-on. At Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science Ground, Coimbatore, Rinku hit a commanding 176 to steer Uttar Pradesh to getting three points via a crucial first-innings lead over Tamil Nadu in their Elite Group A clash. Resuming from his overnight score of 98, Rinku got his ninth first-class century in the morning session before converting it into a 247-ball effort laced with 17 fours and six sixes. He also stitched vital partnerships with Shivam Sharma (53) and Kartik Yadav (59) to keep UP in contention for taking the lead. Though he eventually fell to P Vidyuth in the 143rd over, Aaqib Khan and Kunal Tyagi held their nerve to secure a slender but valuable five-run lead that gave them three points. After UP were bowled out for 460, TN made 103/2, but got only one point. While B. Sachin was out after reaching his fifty, N. Jagadeesan was dismissed for 44. Their dismissals made the way for both teams to shake hands and settle for a draw. With the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy coming up, TN will now have M. Venkataramana taking over as head coach from M. Senthilnathan. At Madan Paliwal Miraj Sports Centre in Rajsamand, skipper Dhull stood tall for Delhi after being made to follow on by Rajasthan. Dhull hit a majestic 189 off 242 balls, laced with 27 fours and two sixes, as he helped Delhi to stave off an innings defeat and escape with one point. At Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani, Assam produced a gritty rearguard effort to deny Bengal six points in their Group C clash by batting out 120.4 overs to secure a draw. Despite making 200 in the first innings, Assam showed remarkable resistance, with Denish Das (73), Sumit Ghadigaonkar (48), and Sibsankar Roy (52) hitting crucial knocks while Abdul Kuraishi remained unbeaten on 23 off 68 deliveries in the final session, as Assams last batting pair survived 44 balls. At Madan Paliwal Miraj Sports Centre in Rajsamand, skipper Dhull stood tall for Delhi after being made to follow on by Rajasthan. Dhull hit a majestic 189 off 242 balls, laced with 27 fours and two sixes, as he helped Delhi to stave off an innings defeat and escape with one point. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The resistance denied Kerala their first win of the season, with last years runners-up collecting three points from the drawn encounter. Sachin Baby and B. Aparajith struck centuries in a 176-run partnership that led to Kerala declaring at 314/5. Kerala looked on course for a win, but Pandey and Kartikeya ensured MP survived being bowled out by reaching 167/8 in 69 overs. Article Source: IANS
NTPC Renewable starts 75.50 MW commercial supply from Khavda-I solar project
NTPC Renewable Energy has started supplying electricity from a portion of its Khavda-I solar project in Gujarat. This marks a significant step for the company's renewable energy expansion. The total installed capacity of the NTPC group now stands at 84,924 MW. NTPC has also set ambitious targets for its future generation capacity.
In 11 days, Gujarat purchases 1,177 cr groundnut crop on MSP
With over 9.31 lakh farmers registered, this effort is part of a bigger plan to invest Rs 15,000 crore in various Kharif crops this season
29,000 'Aspirational Toilets' to be built across States under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0
NEW DELHI: Under its flagship Swachh Bharat MissionUrban (SBM-U) 2.0, the Centre is encouraging all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to expand public toilet (PT) infrastructure at tourist destinations, high-footfall areas, and religious sites to meet growing sanitation needs. It has also been recommended that these facilities be classified as Aspirational Toilets. So far, 29,000 Aspirational Toilet seats have been approved under SBM-U 2.0. The mission aims to significantly enhance the user experience of public toilet services, supported by innovative models and solutions designed to ensure their long-term sustainability, said officials of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The aspirational toilets include smart features, user-friendly designs, accessible-inclusive infrastructure,gender-neutral, child-friendly facilities and environmentally sustainable technologies. Across the nation, aspirational toilets were inaugurated on Wednesday on the occasion of World Toilet Day. Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh (5,131), Maharashtra (4,385) and Tamil Nadu (3,562) have the maximum number of Aspirational toilets. On the occasion, Sulabh International and World Toilet Organisation kick-started the three-day World Toilet summit with global stakeholders to accelerate sustainable sanitation, in which Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal and Union Minister for Jal Shakti CR Patil were present. Speaking on the occasion, Manohar Lal called for global cooperation on swachhata and sustainability. Across India and around the world, better and cleaner toilet systems are being put in place. In our country too, mindsets are changing and must change. After all, cleanliness is not judged by a tidy home or bedroom, but by the condition of ones toilet, he said. He also stressed the need for wastewater treatment, reuse, cleaner toilets, and faster behavioural change. He further underscored early sanitation habits in children and the importance of waste-to-wealth and circularity under SBM-U. Marking World Toilet Day, the ministry also launched Toilet Paas Hai & Main Saaf Hi Achha Hoon - a year-long advocacy drive to champion responsible toilet use. It is aimed at promoting responsible toilet use and hygiene habits across communities. A range of advisories and training resources has also been released to strengthen urban sanitation efforts, including specialised training modules.
Western India heritage to take centre stage at Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav in Hyderabad
The nine-day festival will showcase traditions from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Goa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
Gujarat State Forest and Environment Minister hails return of long-extinct tiger to forest
The settling of the tiger has prompted State Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia to announce that Gujarat has become the abode of three big cats- the lion, leopard, and tiger
Surat cyber cell busts CFOs Rs 9 crore job scam hidden behind corporate facade
AHMEDABAD: Surat Cyber Cell has uncovered one of Gujarats most meticulously engineered cyber-fraud operations, masterminded by a highly educated, white-collar criminal. The accused, Nitesh Govani, a B.Sc. Mathematics graduate and Chief Finance Officer at a reputed Pune-based firm, created a corporate maze so convincing that more than 1,200 people were duped and Rs 9 crore siphoned off. A respectable profile masking a criminal mind On paper, Govani appeared to be the model urban professional: a strong academic background, excellent command over statistics, a Rs 65,000 monthly salary, and a 20% stake in his company. Yet behind this faade, he was driven by greed and an ambition for crores, not a modest monthly income. His criminal behaviour was not new. In 2021, he had been arrested in Ahmedabad for a similar data-entry scam, extorting victims by accusing them of violating digital contracts. A six-month stint in Sabarmati Jail became, according to investigators, a crime research lab in his head rather than a place of reform. A fraud blueprint conceived behind bars Upon release, Govani resolved not to abandon fraud but to refine it. His plan: build a scam that looked entirely legal from the outside. While continuing his job in Pune, he envisioned a more professional and layered scheme, one far harder to detect. Buying a loss-making company to appear legitimate Bank regulations required a company to be at least a year old for subscription-based deductions. To bypass this, Govani purchased a struggling Surat-based firm, Global Index, from its original owner, Sanket Mangrola. This shell company became the anchor of his deception. In 2024, he created a paper-only Dubai entity named Connecting All India, and launched another firm, White Solver, to lure jobseekers with data-entry roles offering Rs 20 per app download. The perfect trap: digital contracts + legal threats The fraud worked by interlinking three companies: White Solver offered the jobs. Global Index acted as an HR consultancy issuing contracts. Connecting All India was presented as the platform provider. Victims were persuaded to e-sign digital contracts, which Govani later weaponised to accuse them of breaches, threatening legal action to extort money. He kept the entire structure clean on paper, filing GST, paying taxes, and keeping documents immaculate. In a calculated move, he even sold Global Index on paper to an individual named Satyendra Pal, ensuring that if investigators traced the company, it would not lead back to him. Yet he continued to operate all login IDs, passwords, and financial mechanisms secretly. Police crack the code The elaborate faade collapsed when the Surat Cyber Cell began probing suspicious call-centre operations. As digital trails converged, the same name, Nitesh Govani, surfaced repeatedly behind multiple companies, transactions, and locations. DCP Bishakha Jain, who led the investigation, stated: He created a network of multiple companies only to make his fraud appear legal. White Solver offered jobs, Global Index managed HR contracts, and Connecting All India was shown as the app company. On paper he had sold Global Index, but we found that Nitesh himself operated all login IDs, passwords, and financial controls. Every document looked lawful, making this one of the most sophisticated cyber-fraud structures we have seen. She added: He exploited peoples desperation for work and loans, trapped them through digital signatures, and extorted money by instilling legal fear. Altogether, he cheated more than 1,200 citizens and siphoned over Rs 9 crore. The end of the mathematical fraud Govani sought not only to extort money but also to inflate the valuation of his bogus Dubai company by amassing vast amounts of user data. However, his mathematical precision and corporate camouflage ultimately collapsed under the weight of forensic cyber investigation. With his arrest, Surat Cyber Cell has exposed how an educated CFO turned his degree, his job title, and corporate sophistication into tools to exploit thousands of innocent people, until the carefully crafted illusion finally crumbled.
Tiger returns to Gujarat after decades, marks historic nine-month stay in Ratanmahal sanctuary
AHMEDABAD: A wild tiger has made a return to Gujarat after several decades, establishing a permanent presence in Dahods Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary for nine consecutive months, the longest tiger stay recorded in the states modern history. The Forest Department has called the development a breakthrough for Gujarats ecosystem, while Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia hailed it as a historic moment that places Gujarat among the rare Indian states hosting lions, leopards and tigers together. The four-year-old male tiger, first sighted in February 2025, has been captured repeatedly on camera traps, each instance confirming what was once unthinkable: the apex predator has claimed a home in Gujarats rugged border landscape. Ratanmahal, which straddles the GujaratMadhya Pradesh boundary with nearly 70% lying within Gujarat, has now become the centre of one of Indias most significant wildlife developments in recent years. Officials clarified that the tiger was not brought under any translocation programme; instead, it wandered naturally from Madhya Pradesh, driven by the expanding tiger population there and attracted by suitable habitat across the border. The landscape linkage proved vital. Unlike the tiger that reached Mahisagar district in 2019 only to die within 20 days due to inadequate prey availability, this big cat has found sufficient food, water and habitat conditions to survive, and settle. Forest officers say the tigers stability indicates a deeper ecological transformation. Ratanmahals prey base, water sources and vegetation have improved to the extent that a tiger, the ultimate indicator of a healthy forest, now considers it viable long-term territory. Continuous monitoring teams are tracking its movement, prey interactions and territorial behaviour using advanced surveillance tools. Environment and Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia, celebrating the development as a landmark in Gujarats conservation journey, offered a detailed assessment. The tiger has now made Gujarat, the land of the Asiatic lion, its home, he said. For nine months it has lived in the Ratanmahal Sanctuary of Dahod, and this is a proud moment for the state. Gujarat has now become the only place in India where all three big cats, the Asiatic lion, the Indian leopard and now the tiger, live together in the same natural landscape, he added. Explaining the behaviour and ecology of the newcomer, Modhwadia said, A tiger usually travels alone, while the lion moves in families. Earlier, such tigers would come and go, but this one seems to have settled. We have made arrangements for food and water. It is under continuous surveillance, and we are working on the technical aspects required for its long-term conservation. His comments reflected both triumph and caution, triumph because Gujarat has regained a species once thought lost, and caution because managing lions, leopards and tigers within overlapping corridors poses unprecedented challenges. With a recent video of the tiger going viral on social media, the Forest Department now faces the delicate task of protecting an apex predator while ensuring safety and balance around human settlements near the sanctuary. But one message is unmistakable: the tiger has returned to Gujarat, and this time, it seems determined to stay.
Demonetisation-Like Long Queues Seen Outside Bank In Gujarat's Mehsana, Here's Why
Mehsana saw huge queues at Urban Cooperative Bank as residents rushed for new Rs 10 notes and coins, following RBI's directive to ease shortage of small-denomination currency
Kangana Ranaut enjoys wild safari in Gujarat, shares photos
Kangana Ranaut is currently vacationing in Gujarat and took to Instagram to share a few glimpses of her exploring wildlife during the lion safari at Gir National Park
How Ten Days Of Hard Grind In Mumbai Helped Simon Harmer To Bamboozle India At Eden Gardens
Cricket South Africa: Nearly a decade after his Test career suffered a setback on Indian soil, Simon Harmer returned to pick 8-51 - the best figures by a South African spinner in India, and play a key role in the side's famous 30-run win inside three days at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. While picking four-fers in both innings, Harmer captivated all with his control and varying speeds to bamboozle the Indian batters. When Harmer mentioned that Mumbai-based coach Umesh Patwal was behind his turnaround in Tests in the press conference after picking the first of his two four-wicket hauls in Kolkata, the latters phone started ringing immediately. I never doubted this. I knew from the time he played Tests against Pakistan, he was going to be amazing. Once I heard the news (of his four-for in the first innings), I would normally go and watch it at night. But that day I started getting calls after he mentioned me in the press conference. So I had to go and see him bowl via streaming. He's amazing and has great control. What we had spoken about a few years back, he's almost there now, Patwal said in a free-wheeling chat with IANS. The seeds of Harmer having an outing to remember in Kolkata were sowed nine years ago in India, through an intense 10-day workshop in Mumbai where he unlearnt all things spin bowling and rebuilt his game from scratch under Patwals guidance. Harmer had first met Patwal in May 2015 during a Cricket South Africa (CSA) spin camp in India, where the latter was Director of Cricket at Global Cricket School. But after picking only five wickets in two Tests in India, Harmer was overlooked for series against England and New Zealand, leaving his international career at a crossroads. In September 2016, Harmer flew to Mumbai for a 10-day intensive spin bowling training at Patwal's iThinkSportz Academy. Patwal, who worked as Afghanistan's batting coach and also coached Nepal, recalled that Harmer's frustration for the first two days stemmed not from learning new techniques, but from the need to discard long-held beliefs. The first two days were more difficult for him because he had to unlearn whatever he had done while playing Tests, because the theory and the concept which I bring is not very conventional and orthodox. For him to accept that took two days, which were very frustrating and was reduced to tears. Frustration starts when you know that you are good at something and you can do it. His frustration was knowing that this is something which can take me to the next level. So why is it taking time for me to accept that? he said. Patwal's coaching philosophy challenges traditional spin bowling techniques at every turn. The first lesson was about grip - Patwal realized Harmer was using his palm too much and gripping the ball too hard. He made him use the thumb more instead. The theory was simple - using much of your thumb on the ball is helpful as more surface area on the ball equals more revolutions. Another lesson Harmer learnt from Patwal was that gripping the ball too tightly often reduces an off-spinners control and effectiveness. Instead, a relaxed hand and lighter grip allows bowlers to generate more revolutions, similar to how a batter needs loose arms to swing freely. It's like while driving the car, people are told not to hold the steering of the car tightly, as it affects one's manoeuvrability. It's a cycle - one, two, three, and four. Usually, it is not pivoting, not going on the toe as often and like finish is not the most important part and not to use the thumb. Everything was opposite - so you have to use the thumb. You have to be on your whole feet when you are delivering the ball. You need to go more forward than pivoting or twisting and more about being relaxed than actually worrying about the finish. So if you look at all the sentences which I have used, nothing is in the traditional coaching style, he said. Apart from their sessions happening from 7am to 7pm for ten days without a break, Patwal ensured chats with Harmer had leadership development and perspectives on life. We would start from morning have breakfast together and discuss what are the things that took him so much time to understand. Then we went into the session for 3-4 hours and after that, sit down for lunch again. We would talk about not just bowling discussion on personal life characteristics also happened. It was about what leaders and best cricketers do, who are the topmost performers and why they are match winners. All these things matter more - then you come back and do the skill work again because at this age, you don't teach them. Instead, you make them understand why that skill is so important for him to understand what is bowling - the spin, turn, bounce and pace. We would have dinner together and then we would go back to our respective places. That's how we had those long days - not just cricket, but talking about lifes perspectives too, he explained. Harmer also explored Mahavir Nagar, where he would indulge in eating vada pav, chicken tikka masala and Gujarati cuisine. He also visited two local schools and interacted with players and children there. Central to Patwal's coaching was also instilling leadership qualities and seeing Harmers mindset shift from personal statistics to match-winning contributions. It's not about just developing a bowler. I think it's more about leadership qualities and he does have a lot of that. It really helped him because if you say that you want to be the best without being a leader, you cannot be the best. So we needed to explore that part. We spoke about how he can be the best bowler without not being a leader. For us, a leader means you don't have to lead the team - you have to lead yourself first and that's the best thing about him. He actually has that leadership quality and when he walked up to Bavuma and said that I still want to play for South Africa, it shows that he is someone who can break all the boundaries. So that personality of his is amazing - he's a person who just respects everyone around him as well, he said. That philosophy has stayed with Harmer throughout his resurgence in Tests. His words from Kolkata after getting Player of the Match award - I am not a statsman, I am a win-man, left Patwal delighted. I got a message from him for his man of the match award. He puts me as Umesh bhai and his message was, 'Umesh bhai, thank you'. I mean, it's just amazing. I remember that's what we spoke in those 10 days in Mumbai. When you are bowling, it's not about you taking wickets - it's about winning matches and that's been his biggest asset. It makes me really happy that we have stuck to the same thing done from those 10 days. The relationship between Patwal and Harmer extended beyond those initial 10 days. They had follow-up sessions in Abu Dhabi, where Essex had a pre-season camp, and Chelmsford, England. He called me to Abu Dhabi and put me in a seven-star hotel, so that shows the big heart he has. While the Essex team were training in a couple of nets, me and him were training individually, and we had a couple of sessions till Covid-19 arrived. Then I was in England for one couple of days. So he called me to Chelmsford where we did one session with white ball as well. Currently serving as head coach of the Assam U23 men's team in Vadodara, Patwal won't be able to meet Harmer in Guwahati, the venue for the second Test starting on Saturday, due to his current and few more commitments. But he signed off by explaining what young cricketers can learn from Harmer's journey of rebuilding his game to thriving due to the lessons learnt from those ten days in Mumbai. It's about trusting your belief. There is no such thing like you have to bowl the same way. If Simon Harmer is bowling one way, it's not that you have to bowl like him. You need to understand what's his strength and that belief is something which you can take from Simon Harmer. Just as a bowler you can take anything from him. Currently serving as head coach of the Assam U23 men's team in Vadodara, Patwal won't be able to meet Harmer in Guwahati, the venue for the second Test starting on Saturday, due to his current and few more commitments. But he signed off by explaining what young cricketers can learn from Harmer's journey of rebuilding his game to thriving due to the lessons learnt from those ten days in Mumbai. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score They should think about trying to win matches for their state or country and not just think about playing games. That's the biggest thing one can take from Simon Harmer, as a player, and a person for all the youngsters - not just go to play for themselves, but win games. Article Source: IANS
Cyber-slavery mastermind arrested in Gujarat
NEW DELHI: India is set to witness the inaugural run of its first bullet train in August 2027, operating between Surat and Vapi in Gujarat. The initial stretch will cover 100 km and will gradually be expanded to the full 508 km route once the high-speed rail corridor between Sabarmati (Ahmedabad) and Mumbai is completed by 2029, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Tuesday. Speaking to the media after launching the rationalisation of bulk cement rates and the policy for bulk cement terminals at Rail Bhawan, Vaishnaw said, A significant milestone is that the bullet train will cover the distance between Ahmedabad and Mumbai in just 1 hour 58 minutes upon the completion of the high-speed rail corridor. The inaugural run in August 2027 will cover 100 km between Surat and Vapi. On the 508 km corridor, trains will run at speeds of up to 320 kmph, completing the full route in 1 hour 58 minutes with four stops. The bullet train will cover the distance between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in 1 hour 58 minutes with four stops. However, if it halts at all 12 stations, the total journey time will be 2 hours 17 minutes, Vaishnaw said, adding that the entire network will be ready by December 2029. Asked whether the inaugural run would feature a Japanese-built or an indigenous train, the minister did not specify but reiterated the deadline: We will cover the first 100 km in August 2027. He noted that PM Narendra Modi, during a recent review in Surat, was satisfied with the pace of work. PM Modi said that whatever innovations we have made in this project should be applied elsewherenot only in railways and other high-speed projects but in various sectors, he added. Vaishnaw said the bullet train project has been complex, with several design challenges, but Indian Railways has addressed them through multiple innovations. The Shinkansen model, known for reliability and suitability for Indian conditions, is likely to be used. The minister also announced the introduction of specialised containers for transporting bulk cement to prevent dust pollution.
'Laalo' BO day 40: The film crosses Rs 58.25 crore mark
The Gujarati devotional drama 'Laalo Krishna Sada Sahaayate' has achieved a remarkable box office milestone, entering its 40th day with strong audience footfall. Directed by Ankit Sakhiya, the film has become a major blockbuster, nearing the Rs 60 crore mark with its compelling narrative and cultural resonance.
Ricin Terror Plot Accused Ahmed Saiyed Injured In Scuffle At Gujarat's Sabarmati Central Jail
Dr Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed, the main accused in the alleged Ricin terror plot, has been injured in a scuffle with inmates inside the Sabarmati Central Jail in Gujarat.
Gujarat police partners with indigenous app MapmyIndia for real-time traffic alerts, road safety
Gujarat police partners with indigenous app MapmyIndia for real-time traffic alerts, boost road safety
VMC seeks housing societies support to boost cleanliness
Two parked cars charred in Sayajigunj
MD worth 1.76L seized in Machhipith, man arrested
Town that shaped Sardar to train healthcare professionals in bioethics
Cracks down on illegal cattle shades after accident kills youth
GSV, DRDO ink pact for defence R&D
Doctor Arrested For Ricin Terror Plot Injured After Fight In Gujarat Jail
Ricin terror plot suspect Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed, arrested recently by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), was injured in a fight with three undertrial inmates inside the high-security Sabarmati Central Prison in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.
Gujarat cops arrest 'the ghost', key accused behind trafficking over 500 victims to Myanmar, Cambodia Deccan Herald
Terror case accused assaulted by fellow inmates inside Sabarmati Central Jail
AHMEDABAD: Dr Ahmed Mohyuddin Syed, accused in a terror case, was brutally assaulted inside Sabarmati Central Jail after an early-morning confrontation with three undertrial inmates. The clash left him with severe eye and facial injuries, triggering a formal FIR and a high-level internal probe. The incident has brought the jail under fresh scrutiny over the security of high-risk prisoners. The incident unfolded around 7 am, when a confrontation between Dr Ahmed Mohyuddin Syed and three inmates suddenly spiraled into a full-blown assault. Syed collapsed with injuries to his eye, face, and multiple body parts. Prison staff rushed him to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital for urgent treatment. The accused, identified as three undertrials lodged in the same barrack, allegedly attacked Syed using a belt or strap. Speaking in sharp detail to TNIE , Gaurav Agrawal, SP of Sabarmati Central Jail, said: We have registered an FIR following the assault on Dr. Ahmed inside the jail ... The reason behind the confrontation is still unclear. Our team is questioning inmates, and further investigation against the three named individuals is underway. On November 9, Gujarat ATS had captured three persons from Gandhinagar and Banaskantha, uncovering a terrifying trail of radicalisation and preparations for a major terror strike. Dr. Ahmed Mohyuddin, a medical graduate from China, had alleged links with Pakistan-based handlers and was reportedly experimenting with cyanide to create lethal poison. Investigators claimed that he aimed to raise funds to launch a large-scale terror attack in Gujarat or elsewhere in India, all under the ideological influence of ISKP (Islamic StateKhorasan Province). Two other accused Azad Suleman Sheikh and Mohammad Suhail from Uttar Pradesh had earlier sourced arms from Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, and hidden them in a graveyard near Kalol, Gandhinagar. The ATS recovered three foreign-made pistols, 30 live cartridges, and 4 liters of castor oil, believed to be part of early-stage poison manufacturing.
Nuvoco Vistas to buy Vadraj Energy for Rs 200 crore to secure captive power
Nuvoco Vistas Corp is acquiring Vadraj Energy (Gujarat) for Rs 200 crore from JSW Cement and Alpha Alternatives Holdings to secure captive power for its cement operations. The deal, expected to close in 10 days, involves Nuvoco purchasing a 100% stake in Vadraj's holding company.
19 injured as ST bus hits stationary truck on NH-48 near Vadodara
Hyderabad doctor arrested by Gujarat ATS beaten up in Sabarmati jail
Ahmedabad: Ricin terror plot suspect Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed, arrested recently by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), was injured in a scuffle with three undertrial inmates inside the high-security Sabarmati Central Prison in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, said an official. Following the scuffle, the prison administration has asked the local police to register an FIR in connection Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
JeM planning Delhi-like blast in J&K: Intelligence sources
NEW DELHI: Latest intelligence inputs have suggested that Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) is planning a recent Delhi and 2019-Pulwama-like high-intensity Vehicle-Bound IED (VB-IED) blast in Kashmir Valley, sources said on Tuesday. In the view of the alert, an advisory has been sent to the J&K police and the civil administration to keep high vigil across the Union Territory, as JeM operatives, who have acquired the skill of exploding bombs in a moving car, which they used in the recent Delhis Red Fort blast and also during Pulwama terror attack against a CFPF convoy in 2019. Sharing details of a highly classified intelligence input, which has been sent to all the security formations in Jammu & Kashmir, sources said that the JeM is suspected of planning another VB-IED blast in the UT, particularly in South Kashmir. They said that the latest input is in continuity with earlier alerts, which had suggested that elements from across the western borders with active support from Pakistans ISI have been preparing coordinated attacks in Delhi, Jammu, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradeshs Ayodhya, and Gujarat. Security apparatus are of the view that the prevailing situation demanded immediate and intense vigilance, particularly with respect to abandoned or unfamiliar vehicles, which have been repeatedly linked to the attack methodology witnessed in the recent blast. Personnel deployed at Nakas (checkpoints) and Road Opening Parties (ROPs) have been instructed to treat such vehicles with maximum suspicion, the sources said, adding that instructions have been passed on to seniors to brief their personnel to keep maximum vigil, particularly with regard to abandoned items or suspicious vehicles in their respective jurisdictions. They said that the leadership in the J&K security architecture has also been asked to ensure increased vigil during the movement of forces in the UT to avoid any Pulwama-like incident. A VB-IED-type blast is basically executed using a moving vehicle, and Kashmir had seen such an incident in the past, when in 2019 terrorists hit an explosive-laden Maruti EECO car into a bus carrying CRPF personnel in a convoy in Pulwama, killing 40 jawans. In Delhi too, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is investigating the Red Fort Blast case, has termed it a VB-IED attack. Notably, the heightened alert follows a major breakthrough by the NIA in its probe into the Delhi blast, which killed 13 people and injured several. In a detailed press release issued on November 16, the NIA confirmed that the explosion was triggered using a vehicle-bound IED and announced the arrest of Amir Rashid Ali, a resident of Samboora, Pampore (J&K), who allegedly conspired with the suicide bomber, Umar Un Nabi. Senior security officials confirmed that the NIAs revelation that the Red Fort blast was a VB-IED-type attack has further reinforced our ongoing threat profile, especially the intelligence pointing to JeMs plans for a similar strike in in Kashmir and other parts of the country.
India launches updated action plan to combat rising antimicrobial resistance
NEW DELHI: Marking the start of the WHOs World AMR Awareness Week (1824 November), India has launched an updated National Action Plan to address the countrys rapidly growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis. The Centre emphasised that AMR, which threatens critical medical procedures and long-term treatments, demands urgent and collective action. Union Health Minister JP Nadda, while unveiling the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR 2.0), said AMR poses significant risks, particularly in surgical procedures, cancer treatment and other essential healthcare interventions. He added that the overuse and misuse of antibiotics has unfortunately become common practice, underscoring the urgency for corrective measures. The NAP-AMR 2.0 is a significant step in tackling AMR through a One Health approach. With participation from over 20 ministries and clear timelines and budgets, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to protecting public health, the ministry said in a statement. The second version of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (202529) addresses gaps identified in the first NAP-AMR and strengthens efforts to create public awareness and private sector participation, among other areas. Nadda noted that Indias AMR journey began in 2010 with initial discussions, followed by the launch of the first NAP-AMR in 2017. Stressing the key strategies to be implemented under NAP-AMR 2.0, he highlighted the importance of increasing awareness, education and training. He said there is a requirement for enhancing laboratory capacity and infection control in healthcare facilities, emphasising the need for regular stakeholder meetings to resolve challenges promptly. At the launch, Dr A.K. Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, said the updated plan is a timely initiative for generating a more coherent and coordinated response to AMR, noting that it was being released appropriately on the first day of the WHOs AMR awareness campaign. He added that India is one of the pioneers in driving this effort globally and described AMR as like a pandemic affecting many developing countries, particularly in Asia and Africa. He highlighted several steps taken by India to counter AMR. Kerala and Gujarat, he said, are the first states to ban over-the-counter sales of antibiotics. Some antimicrobials and pesticides have also been banned for use in crops. The India AMR Innovation Hub was established involving both national and international stakeholders to build a novel technology platform. It has helped in mobilising resources, bringing out innovation and enhancing collaboration between multiple stakeholders, he added. The development of NAP-AMR 2.0 began in 2022 through a series of stakeholder consultations involving the human health sector, research institutions, professional associations, civil society organisations, and the environment and animal husbandry sectors. This process was followed by high-level meetings at NITI Aayog with representatives from more than 20 ministries and departments. Each stakeholder ministry or department developed its own action plan with defined goals and timelines. The updated NAP-AMR includes specific action plans for each key stakeholder ministry or department, complete with timelines and budgets to allow effective monitoring of progress. It also establishes well-defined mechanisms for coordination and collaboration within and across sectors. Each stakeholder is expected to develop an implementation roadmap ensuring the engagement of the private sector, technical institutions, professional groups, industry, cooperatives, NGOs, international partners and other relevant organisations, the ministry said.
ECI working on 'sinister design' to 'destroy' democracy, Opposition parties through SIR: Congress
The SIR is underway in Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep
Inland port to be developed at Rajasthan's Jalore
Rajasthan will develop an inland port in Jalore district, directly linking the state to the Arabian Sea via Gujarat's Kandla Port. This Rs 10,000 crore project, supported by the Centre, will utilize a 262-km waterway to boost trade, industrial development, and logistics. The initiative aims to facilitate cargo movement and is expected to create over 50,000 employment opportunities.
ICA recognises ULCCS, a Kerala cooperative society, as global cooperative cultural heritage site
KOCHI: The Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS), Keralas century-old labour cooperative famed for its transformative role in community-led development, has been honoured as a Global Cooperative Cultural Heritage Site by the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA). The announcement, made at the iconic Itamaraty Palace in BrasliaBrazils Ministry of Foreign Affairs, designed by Oscar Niemeyerplaces ULCCS among 31 globally significant sites that capture the spirit and legacy of the cooperative movement. ULCCS shares the distinction with the Dr Verghese Kurien Museum of Amul in Anand, Gujarat, making India one of the few countries with two entries on the inaugural list. These 31 founding sites span 25 countries, including landmarks such as the birthplace of modern cooperation in Rochdale (UK), the Federation of Southern Cooperatives (USA), Moshi Co-operative University (Tanzania), and the ILO Cooperative and Social and Solidarity Economy Unit (Switzerland). Unveiled alongside the announcement was the worlds first Cooperative Cultural Heritage Platform and Global Map, a digital window into how cooperatives have shaped culture, livelihoods, education, and social progress across generations. ULCCS is featured on the platforms dedicated page, introducing global audiences to its unique legacy from rural Malabar. Cooperatives are not only enterprises; they are bearers of culture, history, and identity, said Ariel Guarco, ICA President. With this global map, we celebrate cooperation as humanitys shared heritage, he said in a release. Brazilian cooperative leader Mrcio Lopes de Freitas called the sites living classrooms of solidarity, while NCDC Managing Director Pankaj Bansal highlighted Indias technical partnership in developing the platform. The ceremony in Braslia saw participation from high-level dignitaries, including Ambassador Maria Laura de Rocha and UNESCO representatives. A century of labour-led transformation Founded in 1925, ULCCS has grown into one of the worlds largest and most diversified labour cooperatives, employing over 18,000 people and recording an annual turnover of Rs 2,334 crore. Recognised globally for its ethical labour practices and engineering excellence, the cooperative was ranked the worlds second-largest in the Industry and Utilities category by the World Cooperative Monitor for three consecutive years. From building Keralas major infrastructure to creating the worlds only labour-owned IT park (UL Cyberpark), ULCCS has diversified into technology, education, crafts, agriculture, housing, disaster management, and moresetting a global benchmark for labour-driven development. A growing global movement The ICAs new heritage initiative opens nominations worldwide, guided by a Charter that prioritises authenticity, community participation, sustainability, and cultural significance. Recognised sites will be awarded the ICACCH Label. Looking ahead, the ICA plans to launch the Intangible Cooperative Heritage List in 2026, spotlighting oral traditions, rituals, and practices that embody cooperative culture. With ULCCS now on the global map, Keralas cooperative legacy steps onto the world stagerooted in solidarity, powered by workers, and recognised as a living cultural treasure.g cultural rights and decent work.
Nirma Groups Nuvoco Vistas acquires Gujarat-based Vadraj Energy in Rs 200 crore deal
In a strategic move, Nuvoco Vistas Corporation, the cement division of Nirma Group, has finalized an all-cash acquisition of Vadraj Energy, located in Gujarat, for Rs 200 crore. Nuvoco is eager to incorporate Vadraj's power plants into its operations, a decision that promises to optimize energy usage across its cement facilities.
Gujarat: Newborn, doctor among 4 killed as ambulance catches fire in Modasa
A newborn, a doctor and two others were charred to death after an ambulance caught fire on the Modasa-Dhansura road early Tuesday. The infant was being shifted to Ahmedabad for treatment when the blaze erupted. Three others, including the driver, sustained burn injuries
Gujarat: Newborn, Doctor Among 4 Killed as Ambulance Catches Fire
The blaze erupted in the ambulance on Modasa-Dhansura road when the one-day-old boy, who was sick after birth, was being taken to a private hospital in Ahmedabad
Nuvoco Vistas acquires Vadraj Energy from JSW Cement & Alpha Alternatives
NEW DELHI, Nov 18: Nuvoco Vistas Corporation, the cement business of Nirma Group, on Tuesday announced the acquisition of Gujarat-based Vadraj Energy in a Rs 200-crore deal from JSW Cement Ltd and Alpha Alternatives Holdings. It has executed Securities Purchase Agreement for acquisition of 100 per cent of securities of Algebra Endeavour Private Ltd (the holding company of Vadraj Energy (Gujarat), said Nuvoco Vistas, the countrys fifth largest cement market in a regulatory update. Vadraj Energy (Gujarat), a wholly [] The post Nuvoco Vistas acquires Vadraj Energy from JSW Cement & Alpha Alternatives appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Newborn, doctor among 4 killed as ambulance catches fire in Gujarat
In the CCTV footage released by police, the ambulance can be seen slowing down near a petrol pump after the driver realised about fire on its rear side.
Newborn, doctor among four killed as ambulance catches fire in Gujarat
MODASA: A newborn baby, a doctor and two other persons were charred to death when an ambulance they were travelling in caught fire near Modasa town in Gujarat's Arvalli district in the wee hours of Tuesday, police said. The blaze erupted in the ambulance on Modasa-Dhansura road at around 1 am when the one-day-old boy, who was sick after birth, was being taken to a private hospital in Ahmedabad from a Modasa-based hospital for further treatment, police inspector DB Vala said. The child, his father, identified as Jignesh Mochi (38), doctor Shantilal Rentia (30), from Ahmedabad, and nurse Bhuriben Manat (23), a native of Arvalli, were killed, he said. Three others, Mochi's two relatives and the private ambulance driver, suffered burn injuries and were admitted to a nearby hospital, the official said. Jignesh Mochi was a native of neighbouring Mahisagar district and his newborn child was under treatment at a private hospital in Modasa after birth. When he was being taken to another private hospital, the ambulance caught fire on its way due to some unknown reason, Vala said. In the CCTV footage released by police, the ambulance can be seen slowing down near a petrol pump after the driver realised about fire on its rear side. While the driver and two of Mochi's relatives, who were on the front seat, escaped with injuries, the infant, his father, along with the doctor and a nurse, who were on the back side of the vehicle, were charred to death in the blaze, Vala said. Though the local fire brigade rushed to the spot after being alerted, the four victims could not be saved, he said. The injured persons have been identified as driver Ankit Thakor and Jignesh Mochi's relatives - Gaurang Mochi and Gitaben Mochi. District Superintendent of Police Manoharsinh Jadeja said forensic experts have been called in to investigate the incident and find out the causes that led to the tragedy.
Gujarat HC rejects bail of cop accused in MICA students death, cost imposed of 5,000 GujaratSamachar English
Gujarat: Forest officer strangles wife and two children, hides bodies in pit following dispute Deccan Herald
39-Year-Old Labourer Beaten To Death By Colleague In Mumbai: Cops
A 39-year-old worker hailing from Gujarat was beaten to death allegedly by his colleague at a private steel company in south Mumbai in the wee hours of Monday, police said.
Baroda teen fast-tracks from selling veggies to playing for U-19 India A
Babies in safe hands, mothers write exam at peace
Kashmiri student found dead had blockages in heart
Gujarat horror: Man strangles wife for jobless jibe; arrested
A man in Vadodara allegedly strangled his wife late Sunday night. The couple frequently argued about his unemployment. During a heated argument, the wife reportedly taunted him about his joblessness. The man then lost his temper and attacked her. Police have registered a murder complaint and arrested the accused.
Monday was citys coldest Nov day in 15 years
21-year-old defies two critical conditions, walks out of ICU after 5 months
PM Modi to Donate 100 Gujarat Cows to Prasanthi Nilayam For Farmers
The PM would have darshan of the Sai Baba Maha Samadhi and take part in birth centenary celebrations of the baba at the Satya Sai Hill View stadium
'Special revision' of electoral rolls to commence in poll-bound Assam soon
GUWAHATI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday ordered Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls in Assam which is expected to go to elections in March or April next year. The Commission has directed a Special Revision u/s 21 of the Representation of the Peoples Act 1950 with reference to 01.01.2026 as the qualifying date in the State of Assam, the Commission instructed Assams Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). The SR stands between the annual special summary revision and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, officials said. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was away in London on Monday, posted on X, The Govt of Assam welcomes the Election Commission of Indias decision to undertake a Special Revision of the electoral roll with 01.01.2026 as the qualifying date. He was confident the exercise would help ensure clean, updated and accurate electoral rolls for all eligible citizens. Assam will extend full cooperation to the @ECISVEEP to complete the revision in a transparent and time-bound manner, he further wrote. The ECI said Electoral Registration Officer of each Assembly segment would be responsible for ensuring that no eligible citizen is left out while at the same time, no ineligible person is included in the electoral roll. Any person is entitled to be an elector and on application to be registered in the electoral roll for that constituency if that person is a citizen of India, not less than 18 years of age as on 01.02.2020, ordinary resident of the constituency, not disqualified under any law, and not of unsound mind, the ECI instructions to the Assam CEO read. The Commission had last month ordered the SIR for 12 states and Union Territories Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Puducherry, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and West Bengal will go to elections in 2026. As Assam is also going to polls next year, its exclusions from the SIR raised questions. However, the ECI clarified that separate provisions of the Citizenship Act apply in Assam where the Supreme Court-monitored exercise to verify citizenship was about to be concluded.
Ricin terror plot: Gujarat cops raid house of terrorist in UP, recover ISIS flag - MSN
Ricin terror plot: Gujarat cops raid house of terrorist in UP, recover ISIS flag MSN
Gujarat Forest Officer Murders Wife And 2 Children, Dumps Bodies In Pit
The mysterious disappearance of a forest officer's wife and two children in Gujarat has turned out to be a cold-blooded murder, leading to the arrest of her husband, who allegedly dumped the bodies in a pit near his residence in Bhavnagar.
Gujarat witnesses five farmers' suicides in a month as unseasonal rains shatter Saurashtra region
AHMEDABAD: With 42-year-old farmer, Shailesh Devjibhai Savaliya, from Junagadh turning out to be the fifth farmer to die by suicide in just one month, Gujarats Saurashtra is reeling under a grim wave of agrarian despair. Unseasonal rains, failed crops, and crushing debt have triggered a chain of tragedies, exposing the widening cracks in the States rural crisis despite government relief claims. Savaliya's suicide tightens the noose of fear that already hangs heavy over the countryside. It comes as a chilling reminder that the agrarian crisis is no longer a distant concern but a relentless, daily reality. Savaliya, a father of two, survived with his ten-and-a-half bigha farmland. He had sown groundnut, onion and tur, hoping for a harvest that could help him repay debts and push his family through another year. Drowning in debt and terrified of the hunger and humiliation awaiting his family, following unseasonal rains, Savaliya walked to his field and consumed poison, an act that echoed the silent scream of thousands battling similar torment. His brother, Prafulbhai Devjibhai Savaliya, broke down talking about the pain behind the tragedy. Shaileshbhai was shattered. He hid much of his suffering, but we saw the stress killing him every day. He felt cornered, hopeless. Out of sheer despair, he went to the field and drank poison he believed there was no path ahead for him, he said. Visavadar police rushed to the spot, registering a case and launching an investigation based on family statements. Preliminary findings pointed to financial collapse caused by crop failure, a pattern now becoming terrifyingly repetitive across Gujarat. Shaileshbhais death has intensified panic among farmers already gasping under erratic weather and rising liabilities, triggering urgent questions about the states preparedness to confront the spiralling agrarian crisis. Saurashtra had recorded four farmer suicides, each driven by the driven by deadly combination of unseasonal rains, damaged crops and unforgiving debt. 1. Rajkot: 50-year-old Dilipbhai Virdiya (Ardoi village, Kotdasangani taluka). He consumed poison late Saturday night in his farmland. His son Utsav said, He was tense for 1520 days after the unseasonal rains. We lost around Rs 10 lakh. Dilipbhai had taken loans to sow cumin, onion and groundnut across 28 bighas, including land borrowed and land owned. Last years marriage expenses for his daughter had already pushed him into a tight spot. Unseasonal rains crushed his hope, village sarpanch Narshi Gajera confirmed. 2. Rajkot: Danabhai Ramjibhai Jadav (Rahamiya village, Vinchiya taluka) Danabhai died by hanging at home. His family said he had cultivated groundnut and tur on 14 bighas, but unexpected monsoon patterns left him buried under losses. Vinchiya Police have begun probing, but villagers say that his death was caused by broken promises and brutal weather. 3. Gir Somnath: Ghafar Musa Unad (Revad village, Una taluka) On November 3, he tied an electric wire around his waist and jumped into a well. His groundnut crop on nine bighas had rotted due to unseasonal rain. He had taken a Rs 2 lakh loan and the responsibility of marrying off two daughters. He saw no escape ahead, a relative said. 4. Dwarka: 37-year-old Karsanbhai Vavnotia (Bhanvad taluka) His seeds were bought after taking a gold loan, and the rains wiped out everything. Family members said he had been 'mentally broken' ever since the crop failed, unable to bear the blow of both debt and disappointment. These back-to-back deaths expose a harsh truth: Gujarats farmers are collapsing faster than relief can reach them. Even though the State recently announced a Rs 10,000-crore loan relief package, ground reports reveal a stark gap; many farmers havent received compensation, crop insurance or financial help, forcing them to depend on moneylenders and pushing them into despair.
23-year-old woman strangled to death by husband in Gujarat
A 23-year-old woman, Misba Sheikh, was strangled to death by her husband inside their rented home in Vadodaras Tandalja area. The couple has a six-month-old baby. Police arrested the husband, Qasim Shabbirbhai Sheikh, within hours and launched a detailed probe into the domestic-violence-driven murder. According to the police, the couples constant disputes over childcare and Qasims unemployment had created mounting tension in the household. Investigators revealed that Qasim claimed Misba often scolded him for not working and accused her of beating the infant, remarks that allegedly provoked his fatal rage. Qasim told the police, She kept telling me I had no right to advise her because I didnt earn. She taunted me repeatedly, and when she began beating the baby again, I lost control. I strangled her in anger. As soon as the murder was reported, teams from JP Road Police Station rushed to the scene, securing the premises and shifting Misbas body to Gotri Hospital for a postmortem. The husband was detained within hours, with police citing strong evidence and a clear confession. Vadodara SP A.V. Katkad, detailing the swift action, said, The moment we received the information, our team reached the spot without delay. We have arrested the accused husband who strangulated his wife. Further investigation is underway to establish the full chain of events and ensure justice. His detailed statement underscored the gravity of the domestic dispute that turned deadly. Meanwhile, Misbas maternal uncle, Shabbir Hussain Abul Karim Dewan, devastated by the news, told police and media that the family had only maintained phone contact with the young couple. We were informed by the police about the incident. They had a daughter, just six months old. A fight escalated into murder. We want justice for Misba, he said, emphasising the shock of a seemingly normal family life collapsing overnight. The JP Road Police have now registered a murder case and initiated further technical and forensic analysis to strengthen the prosecution, as the six-month-old baby remains at the centre of a shattered family and a brutal crime.
KPI Green wins 696 crore contract for 200 MW solar project
KPI Green Energy has secured a significant Rs 696.50 crore contract with SJVN Ltd to develop a 200 MW solar power project in Khavda, Gujarat. This agreement encompasses supply, EPC, and a three-year Operation & Maintenance contract, highlighting KPI Green's comprehensive capabilities in large-scale renewable energy projects.
India's Inox Green loses grid access for 300 MW wind project as regulator backs revocation
Inox Green Energy Services has lost grid connectivity for its 300 megawatt wind project in Gujarat. The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission upheld the disconnection due to the company's failure to complete the project on time. Bank guarantees were encashed. This highlights challenges in India's clean energy sector, including land acquisition and transmission infrastructure.
How to Apply for Gujarat Liquor E-Permit Online : Step-by-Step Guide for Visitors & Tourists DeshGujarat
Dharampur Chintan Shibir participants to travel by Vande Bharat and Tejas Express - DeshGujarat
Dharampur Chintan Shibir participants to travel by Vande Bharat and Tejas Express DeshGujarat
Tiger Residing in Ratanmahal Forest of Gujarat for Nine Months - DeshGujarat
Tiger Residing in Ratanmahal Forest of Gujarat for Nine Months DeshGujarat
Ahmedabad Diary | Rude jolt for BJP in municipal elections
The BJP has suffered a jolt in Dahods Devgadh Baria Municipality, where independents, Congress members and BJPs own suspended councillors united to snatch power. Suspended BJP member Neel Soni defeated BJPs Dharmesh Kalal to claim the presidents post after a no-confidence revolt shattered the ruling camp. Analysts call it BJPs growing factional fire, not just dissent. Soni won with a 16-vote bloc cutting across party lines, accusing Kalal of nepotism and zero development. Kalal denied wrongdoing but failed to stop the November 10 election despite a High Court plea. The upset signals a sharp crack in BJPs local grip. State Congress to hold 60-day Jan Akrosh Yatra Congress has opened a fresh front against the BJP government ahead of Gujarats local body polls, by launching a 60-day, statewide Jan Akrosh Yatra. After the Somnath-to-Dwarka farmers march, the party will now storm five zones, covering 1,100 km from Vav-Tharad starting November 21. Public meetings across seven districts and 40 talukas will spotlight anger over farmers distress, youth unemployment, womens safety and inflation. State Congress chief Amit Chavda slammed the BJPs three-decade rule as British-style governance that filled state coffers but emptied peoples hopes. The mobilisation signals Congress aggressive pitch. BJP MLA stirs row with anti-Congress remarks With panchayat elections nearing, Padra BJP MLA Chaitanya Singh Jhala ignited a political storm at the Mobha Snehamilan event. Attacking Congress as being loud liars, he claimed Padras development was stalled for years because of them from the highway project to drinking water supply. Jhala went further, alleging Rohingya migrants were living in Padra and snatching citizens rights, adding that such people must be traced and sent back to Bangladesh. He said BJP governments at every level were delivering work on the ground, while Congress survived only on false credit-taking. His fiery remarks have intensified the heat in Vadodara. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com
Gujarat: Hackers steal maternity ward CCTV videos in India cybercrime racket - BBC
Gujarat: Hackers steal maternity ward CCTV videos in India cybercrime racket BBC
Winter nip spreads across Gujarat - Ahmedabad Mirror
Winter nip spreads across Gujarat Ahmedabad Mirror
Empty cartridge found in passengers bag at airport
19th GSET conducted with 81% attendance
Modi Interacts with MumbaiAhmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor Team
One of Indias most ambitious infrastructure projects, MAHSR spans approximately 508 km, covering 352 km in Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and 156 km in Maharashtra.
PM Modi Visits Under-Construction Surat Bullet Train Station In Gujarat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday visited the under-construction Bullet Train Station at Surat in Gujarat on Saturday and reviewed the progress of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor.
25-year-old Kashmiri student found dead in PG room in Vadodara
108 spiral surya namaskars performed for first time at Patai Raja Fort
Four held for derogatory FB post against Borsad MLA
Madhya Pradesh Min Inder Singh Parmar apologises for terming Raja Ram Mohan Roy a 'British Agent'
BHOPAL: Enthused by the landslide poll win in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Friday evening said that the victory set the groundwork for a similar performance in neighbouring West Bengal. Just a day later, Inder Singh Parmar, a minister of the BJP regime in Madhya Pradesh, has triggered political controversy by terming Raja Ram Mohan Roy a British Agent. Roy, a 17th and 18th century social reformer, is highly respected across Bengal and is widely considered the Father of the Bengal Renaissance. Addressing the Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas program to mark the birth anniversary of legendary tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda in native Agar Malwa district on Saturday, the minister claimed that Roy acted as a British agent, who worked to divide Indian society on caste lines. Britishers were working at changing the religious faith and identities of people in India through promotion of English education. It was in that direction that many Indians had been turned into social reformers by the British, one of whom was Raja Ram Mohan Roy, a British agent. He worked to divide Indian society along caste lines, Parmar said. Adding in the same vein, the MP higher education minister said, it was tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, who broke the vicious cycle of religious conversion and saved the tribal society. Reacting sharply to the ministers controversial remark on Roy, the state Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta termed the development as shameful. The minister seems to have a deep understanding of history. He needs to also tell whether Roys role in abolition of Sati too was part of British brokerage. Those who once were themselves the agents of the British are now terming social reformers as British agents, Gupta said, mocking the minister. With his statements having triggered a political storm, the MP minister (who reportedly has a strong RSS background), apologised for his remarks on Sunday morning. I am sorry and sad for what I said about the great social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy. I have deep regard for him, I mistakenly made the statement. This isnt the first time that the present higher education minister and former school education minister of the BJP-ruled state has hit the headlines with his controversial statements. In September 2024, while addressing the annual convocation of the Barkatullah University in Bhopal, the same minister had kicked up a row by claiming that the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama didnt discover the sea route to India, but merely followed an Indian sea merchant Chandan into India. He also claimed that it wasnt Christopher Columbus, but Indian sailor Vasulun, who couldve actually discovered America. Parmar hadnt stopped there, but said that while its written that the first Olympic Games were held around 2800 years back which meant that stadiums and spirit of sports started from there only. But past archaeological excavations in Gujarats Rann of Kutch have unearthed the remains of two big stadiums which were 5500 years old. This means that our ancestors knew in detail about sports and built big stadiums thousands of years before the modern Olympic Games started.
PM Modi urges creation of Blue Book of learnings during visit to Bullet Train project in Gujarat
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited the under-construction Bullet Train Station in Surat, Gujarat, where he reviewed the progress of the MumbaiAhmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor. During the visit, he interacted with the team working on Indias first Bullet Train project and enquired about the pace of work, including adherence to speed and timetable targets. Workers allegedly assured him that the project was progressing smoothly without any difficulties. An engineer from Kerala shared her experience of working at the Noise Barrier Factory in Navsari, Gujarat, where robotic units are being deployed to weld rebar cages. Modi asked her how she personally perceived the experience of building Indias first Bullet Train, and what the team shared with their families about this historic achievement. She expressed pride in contributing to the nations first Bullet Train, describing it as a dream project and a proud moment for her family. Reflecting on the spirit of national service, the Prime Minister emphasised that when the feeling arises of working for the nation and contributing something new, it becomes a source of immense motivation. He drew a parallel with Indias space journey, recalling how the scientists who launched the countrys first satellite must have felt, and how today hundreds of satellites are being launched. Another employee, Shruti from Bengaluru, serving as Lead Engineering Manager, explained the rigorous design and engineering control processes. She highlighted that at every stage of execution, her team evaluates pros and cons, identifies solutions, and explores alternatives to ensure flawless implementation. Prime Minister Modi remarked that if the experiences gained here are recorded and compiled like a Blue Book, the country can move decisively towards large-scale implementation of Bullet Trains. He emphasised that India must avoid repeated experimentation and instead replicate the learnings from existing models. The Prime Minister highlighted that replication will only be meaningful if there is a clear understanding of why certain actions were taken; otherwise, he cautioned, replication may occur without purpose or direction. He suggested that maintaining such records could benefit future students and contribute to nation-building. We will dedicate our lives here and leave behind something valuable for the country, the Prime Minister affirmed. During an interaction, an employee expressed his commitment in heartfelt words through a poem, to which the Prime Minister lauded his dedication and responded with appreciation. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was present during the visit. The Prime Minister visited the Surat station to review the progress of the MumbaiAhmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR), one of Indias most ambitious infrastructure projects symbolising the nations leap into high-speed connectivity. The MAHSR spans approximately 508 kilometres, covering 352 km in Gujarat and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and 156 km in Maharashtra. The corridor will connect major cities including Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, Vapi, Boisar, Virar, Thane and Mumbai, marking a transformative step in Indias transport infrastructure. Built with advanced engineering techniques on a par with international standards, the project features 465 km, about 85% of the route, on viaducts, ensuring minimal land disturbance and enhanced safety. So far, 326 km of viaduct work has been completed, and 17 out of 25 river bridges have already been constructed. Upon completion, the Bullet Train will reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to nearly two hours, revolutionising inter-city travel by making it faster, easier and more comfortable. The project is expected to boost business, tourism and economic activity along the entire corridor, catalysing regional development. The SuratBilimora section, covering around 47 km, is in an advanced stage of completion, with civil works and track-bed laying fully completed. The design of the Surat station draws inspiration from the citys world-renowned diamond industry, reflecting both elegance and functionality. The station has been designed with a strong focus on passenger comfort, featuring spacious waiting lounges, restrooms and retail outlets. It will also offer seamless multi-modal connectivity with the Surat Metro, city buses and the Indian Railways network.
PM Modi Visits Bullet Train Station In Gujarat, Interacts With Team Behind Ambitious Project
PM Modi visited the under-construction Bullet Train Station in Gujarat's Surat and reviewed the progress of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor.
Woman, 2 Children Found Dead In Gujarat, Husband Suspected: Cops
The bodies of a Gujarat forest official's wife and their two children were recovered in Bhavnagar on Sunday ten days after they went missing, police said.
PM Narendra Modi visits under-construction bullet train station in Gujarats Surat - Newsonair
PM Narendra Modi visits under-construction bullet train station in Gujarats Surat Newsonair
Gujarat Woman Killed By Fiance After Fight Over Saree Moments Before Marriage
According to the police, an argument broke out between the two over a saree and money shortly before the ceremony.
