Surathkal police arrest four on charges of cheating people of crores in lucky scheme scams
While New Shine Enterprises had allegedly cheated 4.2 crore; under Royal Scheme and Green Light Lucky Scheme people were cheated of over 10 crore
2 dead, 2 critical after toxic gas leak in company in Gujarat's Khambhat
AHMEDABAD: An industrial disaster rocked a company in Sokhda, Khambhat, Gujarat, after two workers died and two others were critically injured following a toxic gas leak inside the company's Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) tank. The incident unfolded when 27-year-old Kishan Baraiya entered the tank around 9.30 pm to clear a blockage. Moments later, he lost consciousness, overcome by the poisonous fumes. 63-year-old Arvind Babubhai, attempting a rescue, also collapsed inside the tank. Both men died. As panic set in, Rameshbhai Bhoi (39) and Kishan Padhiyar descended in quick succession to rescue their co-workers, but were also exposed to the gas. Rameshbhai managed to escape, while Kishan Padhiyar had to be pulled out unconscious. Both are now battling for their lives in the ICU. Families of the deceased wept and protested outside Cardiac Care Hospital, alleging severe negligence by the company. Dharmendrabhai Solanki, a relative of a deceased worker, said, Our son was hired for factory work but was forced into sewer cleaning. Company isnt giving us answers. We demand justice. Survivor Rameshbhai Bhoi said that there was no safety equipment. They said the tank is cleaned only once, so no gear was given. Usually, outsiders do this work. When questioned, Company Director Jignesh Patel admitted about lapses, claiming, It wasnt a chemical gas, it might be water tank gas. I dont have more information. He called it a very sad incident. This fatal leak comes after a similar gas tragedy in Mangrol, Surat, just two months ago, where two people died.
Trump's tariffs set to hit Tirupur garment makers, Surat diamond polishers severely
Indian MSMEs, particularly in Tirupur's garment industry and Surat's diamond sector, brace for impact as the US imposes higher tariffs, potentially reaching 50% on August 27. Crisil reports textiles, gems, jewellery, and seafood industries, heavily reliant on MSMEs, will be most affected.
MSMEs in textiles, diamonds and chemicals to be most hit by US tariffs: CRISIL Intelligence
A CRISIL Intelligence report indicates that increased US tariffs will significantly impact India's MSME sector, responsible for 45% of exports. Textiles, gems, jewellery, and chemicals are expected to be the hardest hit, with MSMEs holding substantial shares in these sectors. Surat's diamond exports will face challenges, while the steel sector is likely to experience minimal impact.
Heavy rains hit operations at Mumbai airport; eight flights diverted
Heavy rains disrupted operations at Mumbai airport, leading to flight diversions and delays. Eight flights, including those from IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India, were redirected to nearby airports like Surat and Ahmedabad. Airlines advised passengers to check flight status due to persistent rain and potential delays, while low-visibility procedures were implemented as a precaution.
Second illegal mephedrone factory busted on Bhopals outskirts in major DRI operation
BHOPAL: Are the outskirts of Madhya Pradesh's capital turning into a fertile ground for the illegal manufacturing of synthetic drugs? A major drug cartel, reportedly operated by an overseas handler with key operatives active across multiple states, has been busted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) with the arrest of seven individuals from four different states. At the centre of the cartel was an illicit Mephedrone drug manufacturing unit operating from Jagdishpur (Islampur) village, on the outskirts of Bhopal. The factory, which was busted on Saturday, is the second illegal synthetic drug manufacturing unit to be dismantled in the vicinity of the MP capital within ten months. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the DRI, working in coordination with police forces from multiple states, including Mumbai and Surat, raided the clandestine Mephedrone manufacturing facility as part of a focused and coordinated operation code-named Operation Crystal Break. The operation commenced on Saturday with the search of the illegal factory located in Jagdishpur (Islamnagar) village of Huzur Tehsil in Bhopal district. It led to the seizure of 61.20 kg of liquid Mephedrone, valued at 92 crore in the illicit market. Additionally, 541.53 kg of raw materials were recovered, including Methylene Dichloride, Acetone, Monomethylamine (MMA), Hydrochloric Acid (HCL), and 2-Bromo, along with a full set of drug-processing equipment, according to an official statement from the DRI released on Monday. The secluded factory had been deliberately concealed from all sides to avoid detection. Two individuals, including the chemist responsible for producing the Mephedrone, were arrested on-site while engaged in the illegal manufacturing process. The initial raid was swiftly followed by operations in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, which helped unearth the full extent of the inter-state drug cartel. A key operative was arrested in Basti district, eastern Uttar Pradesh, responsible for overseeing the supply of raw materials from Bhiwandi (Mumbai) to Bhopal. Two suppliers who had illegally provided the chemicals were apprehended in Mumbai, along with a logistics handler responsible for transporting the raw materials to the Bhopal facility. Preliminary investigations revealed that funding for the cartels operations was being routed through hawala channels from Surat and Mumbai to Bhopal. A close associate of the cartel managing the funds transfer was also apprehended in Surat. All seven arrested individuals have confessed to their respective roles in the illicit Mephedrone manufacturing racket, allegedly operating under instructions from an overseas kingpin involved in coordinating the synthetic drug trade across India. Mephedrone, a psychotropic substance listed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, is considered a serious threat to public health due to its psychoactive properties and effects similar to those of cocaine and amphetamines. This is the sixth clandestine Mephedrone factory dismantled by the DRI in the past year across India and the second such facility uncovered by central agencies in Bhopals outskirts in the last ten months. In October 2024, the largest illegal synthetic drug factory in the country was busted in the Bagroda Industrial Area near Bhopal, during a joint operation by the Gujarat Police Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Delhi. That raid led to the seizure of 907.09 kg of Mephedrone (in both solid and liquid forms), reportedly worth 1,814 crore in the international market. The facility had the capacity to produce 25 kg of Mephedrone daily, with an estimated street value of around 50 crore per day.
Heavy rains in Mumbai; flight ops hit, schools & colleges shut as IMD issues red alert
MUMBAI, Aug 18: The IMD issued a red alert, predicting extremely heavy rains at isolated places in Mumbai and neighbouring areas on Monday, prompting the city civic body to declare a holiday for all schools and colleges, officials said. A Mumbai airport spokesperson said nine flights conducted go arounds before finally landing, while one flight was diverted to Surat (in Gujarat) till 12 noon due to the heavy rains. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) appealed to residents to step out [] The post Heavy rains in Mumbai; flight ops hit, schools & colleges shut as IMD issues red alert appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Delhi zoo receives otters from Surat after two decades of wait
Fugitive Aman Pandey, who escaped from Deoria jail in 2022, nabbed in Surat: Uttar Pradesh STF tracks him down; used false identity to evade arrest MSN
Known for her fantastical furniture seen at restraunts such as Papas and Subko in Mumbai, Shah describes Sheds 10-year journey
Illegal betting app: ED freezes Rs 110 crore worth bank funds; seizes 1,200 credit cards
NEW DELHI: Funds worth Rs 110 crore kept in mule bank accounts have been frozen and 1,200 mule credit cards were seized following recent searches against the Indian operations of a Cyprus-based illegal online betting platform named Parimatch, the Enforcement Directorate said on Thursday. Parimatch app, as per the federal probe agency, gained visibility in the country through aggressive marketing, including sponsorship of sports tournaments and partnerships with well-known celebrities. It is alleged to have cheated investors luring them with high returns and generating more than Rs 3,000 crore in a year. They also set up Indian entities to run surrogate advertisements under the names 'Parimatch Sports' and 'Parimatch News'. Payments to these agencies were made via foreign inward remittances, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said in a statement. The agency had conducted searches at 17 locations in Mumbai, Noida, Jaipur, Surat, Madurai, Kanpur and Hyderabad on August 12 as part of a case registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against the operations of Parimatch. The ED case stems from an FIR filed by the cyber police station of Mumbai Police against parimatch.com for duping users through online betting. The agency said funds worth about Rs 110 crore kept in various bank accounts belonging to persons/entities used as mule accounts (bank accounts used for money laundering and similar criminal activities) and/or for layering purposes were frozen. More than 1,200 mule credit cards, found in a single premises during the searches, have also been seized, it said. Describing the alleged modus operandi deployed by the betting platform, the ED said it routed users' fund through mule accounts using different strategies across the country. In one case, it said, funds deposited by users into mule accounts were withdrawn in cash in a specific locality in Tamil Nadu. This cash was handed over to hawala operators, who used it to recharge virtual wallets of a UK-based company. These wallets were used to buy cryptocurrency in the name of mule crypto accounts, which were actually operated by Parimatch agents, it alleged. In western India, the ED said, Parimatch engaged services of domestic money transfer (DMT) agents. Funds collected in mule accounts controlled by these DMT agents were sent to Parimatch agents through payments made by mule credit cards. The ED said it found that payment companies whose application for payment aggregator licences were rejected by the RBI offered their services to Parimatch in garb of technology service providers (TSPs) and offered their API (application programming interface) to facilitate user fund collections. These TSPs offered the API to Parimatch agents who onboarded mule accounts opened in the name of e-commerce companies and payment solution provider companies for collection of funds from users, the ED probe found. The money so collected through UPI transfers was layered and transferred out in the garb of e-commerce refunds, chargebacks, vendor payments etc effectively concealing the actual flow and purpose of funds, it said.
Aman Pandey, who escaped from Deoria district jail in December 2022 while facing rape and kidnapping charges, was apprehended in Surat, Gujarat, by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force. Pandey exploited a visitor mix-up to walk out of the jail unnoticed. He had been evading authorities, moving between multiple cities before settling in Surat under a false identity.
Safin excelled academically, scoring 92% in both his 10th and 12th board exams. He pursued a B.Tech degree from Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat, with the help of his relatives. Check here to know more about him.
Fugitive who escaped from Deoria jail in 2022 held from Surat
Surat CA Accused Of Usurping Client's Business In Rs 18 Crore Fraud
Surat police registered a corporate fraud case filed by businessman Vijay Shah against his CA, Kailash Chandra Lohia and Lohia's relatives, amounting to Rs 18.73 crore
Sujal Pradeep Saraf topped the ICMAI CMA June 2025 Intermediate exam, announced today. The exam saw 26,974 candidates in Group-I with a 10.62% pass rate, and 15,333 in Group-II with 30.42% passing. The top 10 ranks include candidates from Surat, Noida, Bhilai, and more. Final exam pass rates ranged from 16.20% to 24.85%, reflecting mixed results compared to December 2024.
ICMAI CMA toppers 2025: Hans Amresh secures first rank in June Final exam, check list of top 10 here
The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) has announced the CMA June 2025 Intermediate and Final exam toppers, with Hans Amresh from Surat securing the first rank. The top 10 list features candidates from cities including Mumbai, Jaipur, Faridabad, and Bangalore, reflecting wide geographic representation and notable female participation in this years merit rankings.
Ahmedabad Diary | Secret BJP-Congress deal in Amul Dairy power play?
A hush-hush pact is reportedly shaping the upcoming Amul Dairy polls in Anand, set to be declared any time after the August 12 voter list. According to sources, a Surat-based industrialist close to state BJP chief CR Patil brokered a secret meeting between BJP and Congress leaders, sealing a 75 seat split with BJP claiming the chairman post and Congress the vice-chair. The formula mirrors 2020, but BJP is wary after the High Court scrapped its extra government-appointed directors last time. Meanwhile, ex-Amul chairman and now BJP MLA Ramsinh Parmars disgruntled loyalists are said to be plotting to undercut BJP candidates in Kheda and Mahisagar. Police rejig fuels talk of political undercurrents Visavadars police postings have triggered a storm in Gujarat, with four officers shuffled in just three months, fuelling talk of political undercurrents. After the June 23, 2025 election results, Visavadar PI Y.B. Rana was shunted to leave reserve and Bhesan PI R.B. Gadhvi moved to SOG within days. Replacements came, but B Division PI A.B. Gohil never joined, leaving Visavadars charge to rotate among PSIs. The latest Mendardas woman PSI S.M. Sumra, who earlier clashed with the AAP MLA during a cheap-grain brawl has now taken charge, sparking buzz over the political overtones of her appointment. Gambling racket sparks BJP public showdown Gujarats law-and-order row has exploded, with BJP MLA Arvind Ladani taking on his own police force. While the MoS for Home Affairs praised the cops, Ladani alleged gambling dens in Manavadar and Bantwa bring run under police patronage, paying `70,000`80,000 monthly instalments. He claimed that the youth are being ruined and innocents tortured to boost crime statistics. On August 9, he led a dharna at Manavadar police station, demanding a probe. Police hit back, saying a fugitive from a recent Bantwa raid misled him. Three arrests were made, 12 escaped. The clash has laid bare a rift within the ruling partys ranks. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com
Thiruvananthapuram seventh safest city in India, 149th globally
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thiruvananthapuram has secured the 7th position among the safest cities in the country according to the Numbeo Safety Index 2025. Globally, it stands 149th with a safety index score of 61.1 and a crime index of 38.9. The Numbeo Safety Index is a crowdsourced, real-time assessment of how safe people feel in their countries and cities. It ranks cities based on public perceptions of safety in daily life, covering both daytime and nighttime experiences. It evaluates personal safety concerns such as risks of mugging, robbery, car theft, physical attacks and harassment in public places. The index also factors in discrimination based on skin colour, ethnicity, gender, or religion, alongside property crimes like vandalism and burglary, and violent crimes such as assault and homicide. A higher safety index score indicates a city is safer with lower crime rates and more effective law enforcement. Thiruvananthapurams position ahead of large metro cities like Chennai and Pune highlights the citys relative security and improved public safety. The capitals position reflects the impact of higher detection rates, swift responses to complaints and active citizen participation. Mangaluru top in India, Abu Dhabi safest: Index The control room camera systems are functioning effectively. The citys population is largely law-abiding, which naturally keeps crime rates low. Most incidents are reported from the outskirts, where commercial activity is higher. Anti-social elements are under constant surveillance, and preventive measures, including KAAPA, are being implemented effectively. The higher density of police stations compared to the population is another advantage. Above all, our continuous effort to reduce response time is a major factor in maintaining safety. Our focus will be to further reduce crime and make the city even safer, said city police commissioner Thomson Jose. Leading the list among Indian cities is Mangaluru in Karnataka with a safety index of 74.2. Other top cities include Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Surat, Jaipur, and Navi Mumbai. Several cities in the Middle East have earned global recognition for their safety, with five of them being ranked among the worlds top 10 safest cities. Leading the list is Abu Dhabi, holding the top spot as the safest city globally for the ninth consecutive year. India was positioned 67th among the worlds safest countries, achieving an index score of 55.8.
SURAT HOSTED A LARGEST WOMEN-LED KAWAR YATRA UNDER BLESSINGS of OMGURU
Surat's Largest Women-Led Kanwar Yatra under the blessings of Omguru is held every year.
Repair works begin on Surathkal-Nanthoor stretch of NH 66
The works would be taken up during off-peak hours, that is, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and also at night
India's first bullet train will cover a distance of 508 kilometres between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Starting from the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai, it will connect key cities in Gujarat including Vapi, Surat, Anand, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad.
Gujarats employment engine stalls: MSME shutdowns, zero PMEGP uptake in key districts
AHMEDABAD: The Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) has virtually failed in Gujarat, with not a single application from key districts like Surat and Navsari in 202425. A sharp 60 per cent decline in applications over five years, coupled with the closure of 7,269 small and medium enterprises, has left over 33,000 people jobless, exposing the Gujarat governments failure in translating employment promises into reality. In a damning indicator of policy failure, Gujarat has witnessed a breakdown in the implementation of the PMEGP, particularly in major districts like Surat and Navsari, which recorded zero applications for the scheme in 202425. This shocking data has emerged from a central government reply in the Rajya Sabha to Gujarat MP Narhari Amin, laying bare the states crumbling employment generation apparatus. The collapse is not isolated. PMEGP applications have plummeted from 19,654 in 202021 to just 7,793 in 202425, a drop of over 60 per cent, clearly revealing that Gujarats youth are losing faith in the scheme. Even in tribal districts where the scheme was meant to be a lifeline, the numbers are alarming: only seven applications in Dang and Mahisagar, 16 in Chhota Udepur, and just two in Narmada. Despite the states aggressive advertising campaigns and repeated tall claims on employment, this dramatic fall in applications underscores a deeper issue: a complete disconnect between government rhetoric and ground-level impact. Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Dr. Hiren Banker minced no words, calling the scheme employment generation in name only and slamming the state for its failure to extend any real benefits to job-seeking youth. But the crisis runs far deeper than just dwindling application numbers. In response to a question by Congress President and Rajya Sabha MP Mallikarjun Kharge, the government revealed alarming data on the state of Gujarats small and medium enterprises (SMEs) long considered the backbone of its economy. Over the past five years, 7,269 MSMEs have shut down, leading to the loss of 33,361 jobs. The pace of closures has surged drastically from just 67 units in 202021 to a staggering 3,329 in 202425 alone, resulting in 14,746 job losses in a single year. Gujarat misses top skill rankings, youth bear the brunt of job crisis This trend clearly illustrates that self-employment is no longer a viable option for Gujarats youth, thanks to administrative apathy, lack of guidance, and an indifferent attitude from both the state and central governments. Even banks are tightening approvals; only 2,733 loans were sanctioned in 202425, down from 4,265 in 202021. Whats worse, the decline has affected both urban and rural regions, revealing that the schemes failure is systemic, not localised. Despite the PMEGPs intent to encourage grassroots entrepreneurship, the lack of proper support, handholding, and follow-through has rendered the scheme ineffective across the state. The Gujarat Congress spokesperson Dr. Banker demanded an immediate overhaul of the state's MSME policy, urging the BJP government to move beyond flashy advertisements and take real, corrective action in the public interest. Until then, Gujarats youth will continue to face a bleak future betrayed by promises, trapped in unemployment, and increasingly forced to migrate in search of opportunity.
Maitri: In Surat, Two Freedom Fighters Built A Home That Still Unites Their Families
The bungalow 'Maitri' in Surat symbolizes an 80-year-old friendship between Gunwant and Bipin Desai. Their families continue this bond across four generations.
Surats Maitri bungalow stands as 80-year-old symbol of friendship passed through generations
In Surat's Bhatar, 'Maitri' bungalow embodies an enduring friendship. Bipin Desai and Gunwant Desai, friends since 1940, fought for independence together. They became business partners. Their bond fostered unity across generations. Their families live together at Maitri. They share responsibilities and festivities. Their unity is a legacy. Their friendship, built on faith, proves stronger than blood.
Bullet train corridor work in Gujarat on fast track, to be completed by 2027
NEW DELHI: The railways has accelerated work on the bullet train corridor between Vapi and Sabarmati in Gujarat, aiming to complete it by December 2027. A target has also been set to finish the entire projectfrom Maharashtra to the Sabarmati sectionby December 2029. The country will also be heading to Lok Sabha elections the same year. According to a recent update shared with the Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Railways, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project, spanning 508 km, is currently under execution with technical and financial aid from Japan. The bullet train route will pass through Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, with 12 stations planned at Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Billimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad, and Sabarmati. Construction work at these stations is progressing at full pace. The railways added that the total estimated cost of the project now stands at `1,08,000 crore, with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) funding 81%. The remaining 19% is being financed through equity contributions from the Ministry of Railways (50%), and the governments of Maharashtra and Gujarat (25% each). As of 30 June 2025, a cumulative expenditure of Rs 78,839 crore has been incurred on the project. The Railways acknowledged that delays in land acquisition in Maharashtra had affected the project timeline up until 2021, but all civil contracts have now been awarded. Out of a total 28 tender packages, 24 tender packages have been awarded. Till now, 392 km of pier construction, 329 km of girder casting and 308 km of girder launching have been completed. The work of the under-sea tunnel (21 km approx.) has also started, railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently informed Parliament. He further added saying that detailed project reports (DPRs) are being prepared by National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), to meet growing passenger demands, and to expand High Speed Rail (HSR) network in India beyond the MAHSR corridor. Vaishnaw also said that the MAHSR project involves an affordable fare-structure keeping in mind the socio-economic conditions of clientele.
Crater-ridden NH 66 on Surathkal-Nanthoor stretch drives motorists into tizzy
Top layer of carriageways has almost worn out on New Mangauru Port stretch between Baikampady and Kuloor Bridge
Surat Man Poisons Children, Takes Own Life Over Wife's Suspected Affair
A man named Alpeshbhai in Surat poisoned his two children and died by suicide over suspicions of his wife's affair. His wife and her alleged lover have been arrested.
International travels script Indias aviation growth story
NEW DELHI: The desire for international travel among Indians is triggering aviation boom, says the Airports Authority of India. And smaller airports, compared to those in capital cities, have picked up patronage. The AAI Air Traffic Data for the first three quarters of this financial year shows nearly two crore flyers went abroad this year, marking a 7% rise in international travel. The overall passenger growth stands at 5.6% with 105.15 million flyers taking to the skies in April-June 2025 over the 99.54 million of April-June 2024. The domestic growth figure is 5.3% with 85.32 million travelling this quarter as compared to 81 million in the corresponding period last year. As expected, following the Pahalgam attack and air spaceclosure, Srinagar airport has taken a massive hit. Bhopals Raja Bhoj airport, whose international destinations cover West Asia and South East Asia, has recorded an 80% growth figure over the past year, the maximum among all airports in the country. It is followed by Pune airport, which has recorded a 76.7% growth, and Bagdogra with 72.4% growth. Coimbatore, Surat, Mangaluru, and Guwahati have all recorded growth figures of over 33%. The hubs of international travel, IGIA and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport are inching along with a 3% (52,40,482 passengers) and 4.5% (38,96,278) increase, respectively, in international patronage. Post the opening of the second terminal, the growth of Bengalurus Kempegowda International Airport appears unstoppable with 17,33,432 international travellers. It has recorded the maximum surge among the big airports.
Gujarat woman dies by suicide after poisoning seven-year-old son; financial woes suspected
AHMEDABAD: A 34-year-old woman in Gujarats Surat allegedly died by suicide after feeding her seven-year-old son poison-laced milk before consuming it herself. While the child survived and is undergoing treatment, the woman died during medical care on Thursday. Police suspect financial distress may have driven the act. According to police, the incident occurred under the jurisdiction of the Laskana police station. On the morning of July 30, the woman, originally from Dedkani village in Amreli and currently residing in Surats Laskana area, left home with her son, citing a hospital visit for his fever. When the two did not return by evening, the family began searching for them. Around 9 pm, after receiving distress messages from the woman stating she had consumed poison, her friends alerted the family. The mother and child were found near a temple she was unconscious, and the boy was sitting beside her. Both were rushed to a nearby private hospital. During transit, the boy began vomiting. When asked what had happened, he reportedly told relatives that his mother had given him poison before taking it herself. Doctors administered emergency treatment and later shifted the woman to Surat Civil Hospital, where she died during treatment on the morning of July 31. The child remains under care at the private hospital. Surat DCP Alok Kumar confirmed that the woman had consumed a poisonous substance called Selfoss and had mixed the same in her sons milk. The case is being investigated as attempted murder and accidental death. Postmortem proceedings are underway, and statements from the family are being recorded. The woman had experienced personal turmoil in recent years. Her first husband died in an accident in 2020. A second marriage ended unsuccessfully, after which she returned to live with her father in the Laskana area of Surat. Though the exact reason behind the drastic act remains unclear, police suspect financial hardship may have been a trigger. Laskana police continue to investigate to establish the full sequence of events and the underlying motive. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)
Lumpy Virus Resurfaces in Gujarat, 300 Cattle Infected Across Eight Districts
AHMEDABAD: The dreaded Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) has once again raised its head in Gujarat, infecting nearly 300 cattle across eight districts in just 15 days, reigniting fears among cattle breeders and authorities alike. With memories of the devastating 2022 outbreak still fresh, when over 6,000 cattle perished, the fresh surge has triggered renewed concern among cattle breeders. While the state government claims the situation is under control in half of the affected regions, active measures like mass vaccination drives and awareness campaigns are being rapidly executed to halt its spread. Fresh cases have emerged from Tapi, Navsari, Surat, Sabarkantha, Morbi, and Dwarka, prompting urgent intervention from the Animal Husbandry Department, which has launched an aggressive vaccination drive in the affected zones. In response, over 5 lakh cattle have already been vaccinated to contain the spread. Amid rising anxiety in rural belts, Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel offered some relief, stating that 250 of the 300 infected cattle have recovered, while eight deaths have been recorded so far. He added that the outbreak is now under control in four out of the eight districts. He was speaking at a one-day technical seminar on Animal Health in a Changing World: Innovation, Disease Prevention and Animal Welfare. Officials have also appealed to cattle breeders in the vulnerable regions to ensure swift vaccination and maintain biosecurity measures to prevent further escalation. The current surge draws haunting parallels to Gujarats 2022 LSD outbreak, which devastated livestock populations, claiming the lives of over 6,000 bovines, nearly 1,000 cattle, and 1,500 other animals across multiple districts including Kutch, Jamnagar, and Rajkot. That outbreak, marked by fever, skin nodules, and reduced milk yield, had crippled the rural dairy economy and exposed gaps in veterinary preparedness. In a proactive move, the state also convened a one-day state-level seminar today, aiming to review containment strategies, vaccine logistics, and inter-departmental coordination to ensure a repeat of 2022 is averted.
AHMEDABAD: Jammu & Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah, attending a travel fair organised at Gandhinagar on July 31 appealed for greater tourist footfall from Gujarat. He credited Gujarat, Maharashtra, and West Bengal for driving tourism to the Valley over the last 30 years. Speaking to the media at Ahmedabad airport ahead of a tourism fair, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, If you look at the last 3035 years, the maximum number of tourists to J&K have come from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. My team and I are here to promote J&K tourism, and we sincerely hope to welcome a large number of visitors from Gujarat in the coming season. On the recent Pahalgam terror attack, Abdullah added, We cannot rule out an intelligence and security failure; someone is accountable for what happened. Though the accused has been neutralised, the lack of clarity and responsibility on the security lapse is concerning. Pahalgam attack: UNSC report flags LeT-TRF link, boosts Indias case on Pakistan-backed terror In one of the deadliest extremist strikes in Jammu and Kashmir in recent decades, 26 tourists, including several from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, were gunned down in a brutal ambush at Pahalgam, a scenic hotspot often dubbed the Mini Switzerland of India. Among the victims were Shailesh Kalthia from Surat and Yatish Parmar from Bhavnagar, along with his young son Smit Parmar. The attack not only shattered lives but also dealt a crippling blow to Kashmir's tourism economy. Panic spread swiftly across Gujarat, with many families abruptly cancelling their scheduled trips to the valley. Even seasoned tourists who visited Kashmir annually chose to stay away this time, triggering a sharp nosedive in footfall and revenues. Tourism, which contributes nearly 7-8% to J&Ks GDP, is the lifeline of the regions economy, employing over 2.5 lakh people directly. More than 1,500 houseboats on Srinagars iconic Dal Lake and countless hotels, guides, drivers, and small businesses depend solely on tourist inflow. Jammu and Kashmir tourism departmentholds road show to woo tourists in city The annual tourism industry, currently valued at 12,000 crore, had been projected to soar to 25,00030,000 crore by 2030. But the terror strike marked the beginning of a dark phase, unravelling years of growth. This disruption hit just as Kashmir had started experiencing a boom in tourism post-COVID. From 34 lakh visitors in 2020, the numbers had surged to 1.13 crore in 2021, 1.88 crore in 2022, 2.11 crore in 2023, and 2.36 crore in 2024 including over 65,000 foreign tourists. Now, in a strategic move to rebuild trust and revive inflows, Omar Abdullah is making a direct outreach aimed at reconnecting with the Gujarati tourist base that once played a pivotal role in driving valley tourism. Poor road defeats Jammu and Kashmirtourism goals
Mumbai-Delhi Expressway, Indias Longest, To Be Ready By Year-End: Why Its The Path To Easy Commute
Except a small section around Surat, the entire Delhi-Mumbai expressway can be expected by year-end, a senior official from the MoRTH told News18
Gujarat HC dismisses plea challenging state UCC panel over no minority representation
AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition challenging the composition of a state-appointed five-member committee, formed to assess the need for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state, on the ground that it did not include any member from minority communities. A bench of Justice Niral S Mehta dismissed the plea moved by Surat-resident Abdul Vahab Sopariwala. Dismissed, the court said while pronouncing the judgement. A detailed order is awaited. On February 4 this year, state Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the formation of the committee to assess the necessity of the UCC and also to draft a bill for it. Challenging its composition of the panel, the petitioner argued that it does not have members from religious minorities, adding that inclusion of such stakeholders was crucial to ensure that diversity of opinions and practices is considered. The committee set up to examine the need for the UCC in Gujarat does not have a single scholar from minority communities, the petition said. Without appropriate representation from every community and relevant stakeholders, this committee violates the fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 14 (right to equality), 15 (prohibition of discrimination), and 25 (right to freedom of religion) of the Constitution of India, it added. The petitioner said he had made a representation to the chief minister on March 16 before approaching the high court. The plea had made a prayer to the high court to direct the respondent government to reform the committee with fresh members, who are the known persons of subjective law and effective parties of the said code. It also sought a direction to the government to engage in a consultative process involving all religious and cultural communities before any move to impose a UCC. The constitutional, legal and cultural framework demands that the personal laws of various communities, which are integral to their identities, be respected and preserved, it added. It also said that no notification was issued for the formation of the committee to examine the need of the UCC in Gujarat. The committee is chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai. It has retired IAS officer C L Meena, advocate R C Kodekar, former vice-chancellor of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University Dakshesh Thakar and social activist Geetaben Shroff as its members.
Retired forest official from Gujarat's Rajkot duped of Rs 8.93 lakh in digital arrest scam
AHMEDABAD: In a cyber fraud mirroring the recent Rs 19 crore scam in Gandhinagar, a retired forest head clerk from Gujarats Rajkot, has fallen prey to a digital arrest con and lost Rs 8.93 lakh. Posing as officials from TRAI and Maharashtra Cyber Crime, the scammers extorted money from the elderly man by threatening him with criminal charges and arrest. The victim, a former Forest Head Clerk at Bahumali Bhavan, lives near Patidar Chowk in Rajkot. On November 28, 2024, he received a call from a woman identifying herself as Diya Sharma from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). She claimed that two Jio SIM cards linked to his number were being misused and needed to be deactivated immediately. Minutes later, a second call came, this time from someone posing as Inspector Mohit Handa from the Maharashtra Cyber Crime Cell. The caller alleged that an HDFC Bank account had been opened using the victims Aadhaar-linked SIM, through which Rs 68 lakh had been fraudulently transacted. The scammer claimed the money belonged to a woman who had since died by suicide and that an arrest warrant had been issued against the retired clerk. As the victim hesitated, the imposter escalated the pressure. Through a video call, he showed a man in police uniform seated at what appeared to be a police station and claimed the only way to avoid arrest was to provide a security bond of Rs 2 lakh. Terrified, the retired official agreed to cooperate. The accused then shared a WhatsApp link during the video call. Following the instructions, the victim unknowingly transferred Rs 8.93 lakh via UPI in multiple transactions to different bank accounts. Realising he had been duped, the victim immediately contacted the cybercrime helpline 1930 and filed a complaint with the Rajkot City Cyber Crime Police Station. The police have launched an investigation using phone numbers, video call metadata, and other digital traces. The FIR names multiple unknown account holders under charges of cheating and breach of trust. Investigators believe the fraud is linked to a larger inter-state racket exploiting fear and authority to extort money under the guise of digital arrests. Recently, a woman doctor in Gujarat was digitally trapped and defrauded of Rs 19 crore by cybercriminals who pressured her over months with threats and surveillance. The fraudsters made her transfer money into 35 accounts, even taking a loan against her gold. Realising the scam too late, she alerted her family, prompting a CID Cyber Crime probe on July 16. One suspect has been arrested in Surat; a massive manhunt is on for the rest of the syndicate. With similar high-stake scams emerging across Gujarat, police have issued fresh advisories urging citizens to remain vigilant against fake officials and to never share sensitive information or make payments under threat.
Surat Woman Attacked By Husband With Hammer, Gang-Raped By His Friends And Thrown Into River
The husband allegedly attacked her with stick and hammer and gang-raped her with his friends in Surat.
VinFast Inaugurates First India Showroom In Surat As EV Market Gears Up
VinFast aims to launch 35 dealerships by year-end across more than 27 Indian cities,
NEW DELHI: While preparations are underway to bid adieu to the last squadron of MiG aircraft on 19 September at Chandigarh this year, anxieties persist regarding the falling number of combat squadrons and, more significantly, the slow pace of production of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) intended to replace these longest-serving fighter jets. The jets of the Number 23 Squadron, MiG-21, will be flying for the last time. Inducted into the IAF in 1963, the MiG-21 was initially acquired for the role of a high-altitude interceptor. It was later retasked for ground attack. The USSR had designed it to counter aircraft such as the American U-2 spy plane. The first induction of the Russian-origin single-engine MiG-21 fighters took place in 1963, with different versions joining the IAF subsequently. As of now, the IAF continues to operate one squadron of the MiG-21 Bison at Suratgarh. A squadron in the IAF comprises 1618 aircraft. However, an element of anxiety persists within the combat fraternity of the Air Force: following the retirement of the 23 Squadron, the IAFs combat squadron strength will fall to its lowest ever29 squadronsagainst the sanctioned strength of 42. It is a logical move as there is a shift in aerial combatfrom close combat to acquisition and attack with missiles, which initially ranged a few kilometres but now exceed 100 kms, said a fighter pilot, adding, The war now includes electronic warfare and has progressed to an informatised format. The move was long due and aligns with existing plans, as the aircraft has long lived its age. The Pakistan Air Force, which inducted the F-104 long back, no longer operates that aircraft, said a source. The concern, however, is not the retirement of the MiGs itself; it is the absence of a clear and timely replacement. The delays in induction of indigenously manufactured Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, said the source. Overall, the Indian Air Force operated 24 fighter squadrons and four training units of MiG-21s. The IAF flew over 850 MiG-21s over six decadesa scale unmatched by most air forces. The aircraft, often nicknamed the Flying Coffin, saw approximately 300 losses in accidents. Interestingly, the birth of Tejas is closely linked with the MiGs phase-out. It is due to delays in the LCA project that the IAF took time in retiring the MiG-21s and replacing them with the indigenously developed Tejas, the source explained. The LCA was conceived in the late 1980s to replace the MiG-21s. After decades of delays due to production issues, the IAF now possesses 40 of the initial lot of Tejas aircraft. Last year, the IAF signed a 48,000-crore deal for 83 Tejas Mk1A fighters. As The New Indian Express reported earlier, the IAF is keen to induct close to 100 LCA Tejas Mk-1A fighters. Once this order is fulfilled over the stipulated 15 years, the IAF will have 40 LCA, over 180 LCA Mk-1A, and at least 120 LCA Mk-2 aircraft. The first Tejas aircraft flew in 200117 years after the programme was initiated. The actual induction started 15 years later, in 2016. The first indigenous LCA was inducted in July 2016. The first IAF squadron to receive the Tejas was No. 45 Squadron, the Flying Daggers, which was earlier a MiG-21 Bis squadron. Tejas Mk1A is the newer and improved version of Indias single-engine, 4.5-generation delta wing multirole combat aircraft, designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency. The delays in Tejas deliveries have caused anxiety, culminating in a no confidence remark from the IAF Chief in February. The delay in the delivery of Tejas fighter aircraft by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) led to the comment by Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh. While inspecting an aircraft at Aero India 2025, Singh was heard telling HAL officials, I can only tell you what our requirements and our worries are... At the moment, I am just not confident of HAL, which is a very wrong thing to happen. The video was captured and posted by the defence news channel NationalDefence. However, HAL officials have expressed confidence in delivering 12 Tejas fighters in this financial year. The Air Chief highlighted that the force has yet to receive all 40 Tejas Mk1 jets ordered in 2010. The Indian Air Force currently operates only 36 Tejas Mk1 jets, with four deliveries still pending. Since the 1960s, MiGs have touched the lives of every IAF pilot, directly or indirectly. As September approaches, the feeling of melancholy among them is only natural.
International air travel sees 5 per cent surge in May 2025; Domestic traffic also grow
NEW DELHI: Air passenger traffic in the country continues its growth trajectory month-on-month, with a 3 per cent increase in overall passengers in May 2025 compared to May 2024. Data released by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) reveals a higher demand for international travel, with a 5% increase recorded during the same period. The Air Traffic Report for May, made public by AAI, reveals that 6.76 million passengers flew abroad compared to 6.44 million last year. They form part of the 35.38 million who travelled in May 2025, compared to 34.34 million in May 2024. Air Traffic Movements (flight arrivals and departures) recorded a 5.9 per cent increase, with 2.78 crore movements in May this year compared to 2.63 crore in May last year. A total of 67,62,343 people opted to fly abroad in May 2025, versus 64,41,392 during the same month last year. Relatively smaller airports, compared to the top five, are showing a significant surge in demand for international travel. Goa recorded a nearly 300 per cent surge in international flyers, with 26,211 passengers in May 2025 compared to May 2024. In terms of percentage, Pune followed with a high growth of 85 per cent (34,388 flyers) during the same period. Coimbatore Airport, with 28,809 flyers, registered a 48.4 per cent increase in patronage over the previous year. Mangaluru and Surat saw a 35.1 per cent increase, with 62,159 and 18,790 flyers respectively in May this year. Similarly, Kannur Airport, with 1,00,993 international flyers, and Nagpur, with 10,471 flyers, each recorded a 20.7 per cent increase over their previous figures. The boom in international travel from Bengalurus Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) continued, with 6,05,742 flyers in May this year, up by a significant 25 per cent over the same month last year. In comparison, other major airports like Mumbai (13,42,584 flyers) and Delhi (17,04,549 flyers) recorded single-digit growths of 2.6 per cent and 1.2 per cent, respectively, over their May 2024 figures. Hyderabad recorded a healthy 11.2 per cent increase with 4,52,243 flyers. Domestic front data On the domestic front as well, relatively smaller airports showed strong growth in May 2025 over May 2024. Jharsuguda recorded 40,808 flyers (a 92.2% increase), Jabalpur 46,924 flyers (90.3%), Gorakhpur 1,00,404 flyers (87.5%), Shivamogga 14,104 flyers (80.6%), Agra 22,521 flyers (77.2%), Kanpur 35,720 flyers (58%), Tirupati 1,06,200 flyers (a 53.7% increase), Rajahmundry 54,963 flyers (50.5%), Tiruchirappalli 74,343 flyers (46.5%), Kannur 46,923 flyers (49.6%), Patna 4,07,993 flyers (34.6%), and Bhuj 18,861 flyers (30.8%).
Trucker kills friend to fake his own death for insurance, loan waiver in Gujarat
AHMEDABAD: In a chilling case, straight out of a crime thriller in Gujarats Surat district, Sachin area police have cracked what initially looked like a hit-and-run accident but was a cold-blooded murder plotted for insurance money and debt relief. A debt-ridden truck owner, inspired by a TV serial, crushed a friend under his truck to fake his death, in a plan to vanish and start afresh with his wife in another city. On July 14, police discovered the disfigured body of a pedestrian, later identified as Shivkumar alias Maharaj Ramnarayan Mishra on Surat's Saniya-Khambhasla road. With the victims face mangled beyond recognition, the case was initially filed as an accidental death. Police relied on clothing and a mobile phone found on the body to determine the identity and began scanning CCTV footage to trace the vehicle involved. Yet, there was no sign of an accident near the scene. Instead, a tip led police to suspect foul play after locals recalled seeing the supposed deceased with another man on a moped before the accident. When officers visited Shivs home, his wife Meenadevi's eerie calm and a question about his 2 lakh LIC insurance payout instantly raised suspicion. She showed no grief and casually asked if the claim could be processed, triggering a deeper inquiry. Tracking one missing SIM card from Shivs phone and matching it with the trucks GPS, police noticed that Shiv had travelled to Kadodara-Bardoli Road on the day of the incident. At a petrol pump near Sarvottam Hotel, a sequence of Shivs movements was uncovered from fueling up to driving towards Saniya-Khambhasla road, where the murder was executed. As CCTV trails and mobile location data converged, police traced Shiv to Pune. To their shock, the dead man was alive. He was arrested along with his friend Monu Gautam. During interrogation, Shiv confessed to the crime. Facing a 2 lakh debt and loan EMIs for a second truck, he plotted to fake his death and get insurance money. His victim: a 10-year-old acquaintance, Deviprasad Shivprasad Pal, lived alone. Shiv lured his friend on his moped to a petrol station, forced him to consume liquor until he turned unconscious. He then dressed him in his clothes and planted his phone and wallet in his friend's pockets. He then drove to the secluded Saniya-Khambhasla road, laid the friend's body under the rear tire, and crushed his face by rolling the truck over him two to three times to obliterate any chance of identification. After the killing, Shiv abandoned the truck and took a rickshaw to Udhna station. He loitered with a platform ticket, then used a 30 BRTS bus pass to travel the city and avoid CCTV tracking. From Bhestan, he bought a basic phone, activated his second SIM, and called Monu in Pune. Later, through a conference call with his wife, he revealed the staged death plan, instructing her to claim the body and insurance while he fled to Pune by luxury bus. Sachin police, led by ACP Niravsinh Gohil, arrested Shiv, Meenadevi, and Monu. The trio has been remanded until July 25. Shivs heinous act of crushing a friend to impersonate a corpse has sent shockwaves across Gujarat. What was once seen as a tragic accident is now etched as a chilling reminder of how debt and desperation, when mixed with criminal intent, can turn monstrous.
Infra, roads raising night temps in cities by 3-4 degrees, Delhi vulnerable to floods: Report
A World Bank report reveals that Indian cities experience significantly higher night-time temperatures than rural areas due to infrastructure. Lucknow faces a 5C difference, while Chennai and Surat see 3-4C increases. The report projects a rise in heat waves and pluvial flooding, potentially causing billions in annual losses by 2030, especially impacting densely populated areas.
A Gujarati couple was apprehended at Surat International Airport for attempting to smuggle 28 kilograms of gold paste from Dubai. The gold, concealed under their clothing, was discovered due to suspicious behavior noticed by a CISF officer. Authorities estimate the haul could yield over 20 kilograms of pure gold, marking it as the airport's largest smuggling attempt.
Ahmedabad Customs Seizes Nearly 25 Kg Gold At Surat Airport
Based on concentration levels of the paste, officials estimate the pure gold yield to be over 20 kg, he said.
A World Bank report indicates Indian cities need significant investment. This investment is for resilient, low-carbon infrastructure by 2050. Cities face rising climate risks like floods and heatwaves. Economic losses could surge without action. Delhi, Chennai, Surat, and Lucknow are most vulnerable. The report urges fiscal changes and private capital to bridge the infrastructure gap.
Indian cities will need over $2.4 trillion by 2050 to tackle climate risks: World Bank Report
A World Bank report warns that Indian cities face rising climate risks. Floods and heatwaves threaten economic growth. Investments of over 2.4 trillion US dollars are needed by 2050 for resilient infrastructure. Cities like Delhi, Chennai, Surat, and Lucknow are particularly vulnerable. Heat-related deaths could surge. The report urges increased private sector investment and stronger urban local bodies.
Smuggling bid foiled at Surat airport; 28 kg gold seized from Dubai-returned passengers
NEW DELHI: In a breakthrough, the CISF vigilance team at Surat airport foiled a large-scale gold smuggling attempt, seizing 28 kg of gold paste (believed to contain around 23 kg of pure gold) from two Dubai-returned passengers. The swift and alert response by the security personnel thwarted a potential smuggling operation worth crores. Surat airport witnessed high drama late on July 20, after the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) vigilance team cracked a major gold smuggling attempt. The male and female passengers had arrived on Air India Express flight IX-174 from Dubai around 10 pm. During routine surveillance in the arrival area, CISF personnel noticed the duo behaving suspiciously. The team immediately detained them for a thorough check. Acting swiftly, CISF officers, in coordination with customs officials, initiated a detailed search of their luggage and personal belongings. What followed was a shocking discovery: nearly 28 kg of gold paste concealed ingeniously on their bodies. Officials estimate that around 23 kg of it is pure gold. The entire operation stands as a testament to the CISFs vigilance and efficiency in cracking down on smuggling operations at Indian airports. Their timely intervention not only prevented a high-value crime but also exposed the increasingly creative tactics adopted by smugglers. Customs authorities have now launched a detailed investigation to trace the origin, route, and end network of the seized gold, raising concerns about the scale of such international smuggling operations through regional airports.
Couple returning from Dubai held at Surat airport with 20kg gold paste
Surat: A couple coming from Dubai were apprehended by the CISF and Customs at the Surat airport for allegedly smuggling in over 20 kg of gold paste by concealing it under their clothes, officials said. The incident took place around 10 pm on July 20. The couple were first noticed by a plainclothes official of 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 .
Dubai returned couple held at Surat airport with over 20 kg of gold hidden under clothes
SURAT: A couple arriving from Dubai was apprehended at Surat airport on July 20 for allegedly smuggling over 20 kg of gold concealed in paste form under their clothes, officials said. The incident occurred around 10 pm when a plainclothes officer from the Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF) intelligence unit noticed the duo behaving suspiciously after deboarding an Air India flight. Their unnatural gait and visible bulges around the abdomen raised suspicion, a senior CISF official said. The officer alerted Customs personnel, who subsequently intercepted the coupleboth Gujarat residentsand carried out a thorough physical check. The man was dressed in a shirt and trousers, while the woman wore a salwar suit. Officials discovered 28 kg of gold paste strapped around their midsections and upper torsos16 kg on the woman and 12 kg on the man. Based on concentration levels, officials estimate the net gold content to exceed 20 kg. This is possibly the biggest gold seizure in the history of Surat airport, said an official involved in the investigation. The operation, officials noted, underscored the effectiveness of behavioural profiling and the seamless coordination between CISF and Customs.
Mercedes Stunt Fails At Surat's Dumas Beach, Car Gets Stuck In Sand | Watch
Authorities have not yet stated whether any action will be taken against those involved in the incident.
I suddenly began hearing: Surat woman regains hearing after 20 years following dental implants
After nearly two decades of silence, Jaibunnisha M from Surat experienced a miraculous return of hearing following extensive dental implant procedures. Initially scheduled for cochlear implant surgery, her hearing spontaneously improved, surprising both her family and medical team.
Benefits never reached poor under RJD-Congress rule, alleges PM Modi at Bihar rally
PATNA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged people to save Bihar from the ad intentions of the RJD and Congress, accusing both parties of doing politics in the name of the poor, backwards, Dalits and Adivasis over the years. What to speak of giving equal rights to the poor, backwards, Dalits and Adivasis, they cannot give even respect to the people outside their families, Modi commented in a public rally in Bihar Motihari, while obliquely targeting RJD chief Lalu Prasad after a portrait of Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar was placed near his feet by one of his supporters during his birthday celebrations. Avoiding responding to the allegations being made by RJD and its allies about the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of the election rolls in Bihar, Modi said that RJD had put the brakes on the development of Bihar as even benefits were not reaching the poor when RJD and Congress were in power. He said that UPA released only around Rs 2 lakh crore when it was in power at the centre as it was taking revenge against Bihars NDA government headed by Nitish Kumar and the state itself. PM said, I stopped this old politics as the central assistance to Bihar increased manifold after the formation of the NDA government at the Centre in 2014. PM Modi said that NDA government at the centre provided more funds to Bihar for its development than that of the previous UPA government led by Congress. He also listed mis-governance during the previous RJD-Congress government in the state. We (NDA) have provided pucca houses to people in Bihar more than population of Norway, Singapore and New Zealand, he pointed out. Highlighting the achievements of the NDA government, PM Modi said that tremendous results have been coming out of women empowerment as over 20 lakh women have become lakhpati Didis in Bihar alone. He lauded by efforts made by Nitish Kumar for women empowerment through Jeevika Didis and their self-help groups. PM Modi said that Bihar had to be made a developed state if the eastern India had to be taken forward on the path of growth. Today, development work is happening in Bihar so fast because there is a government working for Bihar at the centre and in the state, he remarked. Our resolve is that in the coming times, Motihari should be known in the east just like Mumbai is in western India. Just like there are opportunities in Gurugram, Gaya should also have similar opportunities. Like Pune, there should be industrial development in Patna. Like Surat, Santhal Pargana should also develop. Like Jaipur, new records of tourism should be made in Jalpaiguri and Jajpur. Like Bangalore, the people of Birbhum should also progress, he added. PM Modi thanked Nitish for taking initiatives for the welfare of youths. Nitish Kumars government is giving jobs to youths in support of the Centre, he said, adding that Mudra Loan scheme was being strengthened to provide loans to make youths self-reliant. PM Modis visit to Motihari, district headquarters of East Champaran, is the 53rd tour to Bihar since 2014 and third in one and a half months. Earlier, PM Modi laid foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth over Rs.7,200 crore.
It's pouring in many parts of India, but at the Sarthana Nature Park in Surat, this tiger and leopards are trying to beat the heat.
Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Lucknow named top 3 clean cities
Ahmedabad has been named the cleanest big city in the latest Swachh Survekshan, while Indore, Surat, and Navi Mumbai were recognized for exceptional sanitation efforts in a new 'Super Swachh League Cities' category.
Indore named cleanest city for 8th year in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 awards with Indore retaining the title of India's cleanest city for the eighth time in a row. Surat stood second and Navi Mumbai third in the Central government's annual ...
Surat teen dies by suicide after harassment by minor; incident sparks community tension
AHMEDABAD: In a case from Surats Katargam area, a 19-year-old tuition teacher, Nenu Vavadia, died by suicide after alleged sustained harassment, threats, and extortion by a minor boy and his father. The incident, which unfolded on the evening of July 16, has now spiralled into a two-community flashpoint, pitting two prominent groups against each other, with police arrests, political demands, and social media firestorms intensifying the fallout. According to the FIR lodged on Tuesday, the victims father alleged that a minor boy who used to drop his niece at the tuition class where Nenu taught, began stalking and harassing her. The complaint states the minor allegedly pressured her repeatedly to enter into a relationship, abused her over the phone, and even demanded a ransom of Rs 30,000. When the girl's father confronted the boys father, he allegedly sided with his son, verbally abused Nenus father, and failed to intervene. On Wednesday, Singanpore police detained the minor and arrested his father, both of whom have been booked under charges related to abetment of suicide, extortion, and harassment. The father was produced before court and remanded to one-day custody, while the minor remains under questioning. Preliminary investigations reveal that the boy had allegedly been persistently following Nenu to and from her tuition classes, using vulgar language and threats to mentally torture her. In a statement to the local media, Nenus father said, My daughter was abused and threatened repeatedly. Despite informing the boys father, he supported his son and even abused me. My daughter was so mentally tortured that she saw no way out but to end her life. As the police tightened their case, the incident ignited sharp tension between two communities. The accused father and son belong to Gujarats influential Rabari (cattle rearers) community, while the deceased girl is from the Patidar community. Social media platforms exploded with viral messages and chat screenshots allegedly exchanged between the victim and the accused. While some groups are portraying the messages to defend the accused, others led by the girls father have circulated counter messages demanding strict legal action. Amid mounting tensions, the Patidar community publicly urged the Chief Minister of Gujarat to ensure an impartial probe. Patidar leader Mathur Savani said, Weve written to the Chief Minister, demanding action against the police for any negligence and seeking justice for a young girl who took her life due to unchecked social harassment, he said. As the investigation deepens, what began as a tragic suicide has now turned into a case entwined with harassment, alleged extortion, community fault lines, and demands for administrative accountability. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)
Cleanliness Survey: Indore retains top ranking for 8th consecutive time
New Delhi, July 17 Indore has once again clinched the title of Indias cleanest city, marking its eighth consecutive win in the governments annual Swachh Survekshan rankings. Surat and Navi Mumbai followed closely, securing the second and third spots, respectively. The 2025 rankings, announced on Thursday, also saw Noida top the category for cities [] The post Cleanliness Survey: Indore retains top ranking for 8th consecutive time appeared first on Northlines .
Cleanliness survey: Indore retains top ranking for 8th time
Surat, Navi Mumbai came second and third respectively
Indore Declared India's Cleanest City For Eighth Time In A Row
Indore bagged the cleanest city of India title for the eighth time in a row, while Surat was ranked second in the Central government's annual cleanliness survey, the results of which were announced today.
7 members of gang linked to Chhota Shakeel held for kidnapping dealer
Mumbai: The Mumbai Police crime branch has arrested seven members of an international gang allegedly linked to underworld don Chhota Shakeel, in connection with the kidnapping and assault of a drug dealer and his associate for extortion, officials said on Wednesday. The drug dealer, identified as Sajid Electricwala from Surat, had been held captive by 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 .
The data breach was noticed on June 9
After 12-year exile, 29 Tribal families to return home in Gujarat
The Kodarvi families had migrated to Palanpur and Surat over a decade ago, leaving behind their homes, land, and memories
Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders bid to boost shipbuilding capabilities; 10 acres to be reclaimed
Indias shipbuilding capabilities, having strategic effect, are up for a boost, state-owned Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) planning to reclaim a huge chunk of land close to the main complex in Mumbai. Confirming the development, a senior official of the dockyard said, In addition to the 15 acres of land acquired earlier by us in MDLs neighborhood, we plan to reclaim 10 acres more. and, this will be in line with consistent efforts being made to strengthen the shipbuilding capabilities of the country, said the officer. Reclamation is the process of creating land by transforming water bodies. There is a planned investment between Rs 40005000 crore aimed at sprucing up the infrastructure, and it will include establishing two more basins, the officer added. The last major infrastructure added to MDL was the Kanhoji Angre wet basin, capable of berthing two frigates and two submarines for outfitting. Going by the significance of the strategic outcomes of the indigenous shipbuilding, it will fructify into significant capability development, once complimented with further accrual of the shipbuilding capability enhancement of other shipyards. This is to match the Chinese shipbuilding capability, which has made the Chinese PLA Navy operating the worlds fleet of over 370 ships, surpassing that of the US. Meanwhile, the MDL is augmenting an overall increase in the throughput. A land parcel of approx. 15 acres was acquired on 29 Years Lease Term from Mumbai Port Authority (MPA), wef 01.04.2024, in order to decongest the existing Shipyard space. This land parcel is adjacent to the MDL perimeter on the southern side. The total cost of acquisition is approximately Rs 354 crore. As per the Ministry of Defence, this 15 acre would be developed for simultaneous construction and outfitting of new builds & repairs/refits of various types of vessels. The new infrastructure will give adequate bandwidth to the shipyard for simultaneous execution of various projects. Another 37 acres at the Nhava Sheva Port was acquired at the cost of approx. Rs 3,000 cr. These two areas, the official said, would be making MDL future-proof with respect to the infrastructure constraints. At present, the Deadweight Tonnage (DWT) is 40 kilotonnes (40,000 metric tons). With the Infrastructure as planned in MDLs neighbourhood once raised, it will go up to 80 DWT. Once Nhava Shipyard starts, then we oversee a total of 200,000 DWT., the sources added. DWT is the maximum weight a ship can carry. At present, MDL has a capacity to construct 11 submarines and 10 warships simultaneously at the existing premises. The future construction requirements are expected to be commensurate with the future platforms, which are likely to be larger in dimensions with a deeper draft. The MDL is expected to ink twin submarine building projects, The New Indian Express reported earlier, estimated to cost over Rs 1.06 lakh crore, involving the Project 75-India and an add-on project which the MDL completed in January this year. These projects are expected to boost Indian Navy's underwater combat capabilities, indigenously. Mazagon Dockyard to finalise two submarine projects this financial year A total of 61 warships and submarines are being constructed in India, another tranche of allocation, again for indigenous construction of 17 warships and 9 submarines, is awaited go-ahead in near future. ( For details, read TNIE s July 7 edition .) Going by the Indian Navys plans to be a 175 capital ship navy and taking the geopolitical situation into account, MDL, along with the other defence and private shipyards, is expected to play a significant role. India's strategic defence shipbuilder Mazagon Dockyard has planned a major infrastructure up-gradation. The two investments will give a cumulative up-gradation from the current ship tonnage construction weight to around 200,000 tonnes. The current capacity of the MDL is simultaneous construction of 11 submarines and 10 larger warships of the level of near 150 meters long destroyers. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is celebrating its 250th Foundation Day on May 14, 2024. The Mazagon Dockyard was established in 1774 and the Government of India took it over in 1960. So far, 806 vessels have been constructed, with 214 platforms constructed for other countries. It also includes 31 Capital Warships, 8 Submarines manufactured for the Indian Navy.
An Indian Air Force Jaguar Trainer aircraft crashed in Rajasthan's Churu. The unfortunate incident led to the death of two pilots. A local eyewitness reported the pilots tried to avoid civilian areas. Authorities have initiated a court of inquiry to investigate the crash. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed his condolences. The aircraft had departed from Suratgarh air base.
Gujarats crumbling bridges: How many more deaths will it take?
AHMEDABAD: Yet another bridge collapse in Gujarat has jolted the state, exposing deep-rooted negligence and crumbling infrastructure. The 40 year-old Gambhira Bridge in Vadodara district fell apart early Wednesday, dragging multiple vehicles into the Mahisagar River. While the government rushes to give reassurances, a haunting question persistshow many tragedies will it take before accountability replaces apathy? Gambhira Bridge Collapse: 9 Dead, 9 Rescued The Gambhira Bridge, connecting Central Gujarat to Saurashtra via Padra taluka in Vadodara district, collapsed early Wednesday morning in Mujpur Nazir. The bridge, known to be in a dilapidated condition for years, finally gave way dragging down two trucks, a pickup van, an auto-rickshaw, and an Eco car into the swollen Mahisagar River. Rescue teams pulled out nine bodies, while nine others were rescued alive. The bridge had shown warning signs of structural decay, yet no action was taken to shut it down or carry out urgent repairs. Public Fury Grows: Who Will Be Held Responsible? The tragedy has sparked public outrage. Citizens are questioning why the bridge was not closed despite its poor condition. Why are officials always reactive instead of proactive? Time and again, bridges across Gujarat have collapsed, and yet, the cycle of negligence, empty promises, and lack of accountability continues. Assurances after each disaster have failed to turn into meaningful reforms or penalties for those responsible. Gujarats Shameful Bridge Collapse Timeline Hatkeshwar Bridge, Ahmedabad : Built to Last 100 Years, Failed in 5. Constructed in 2017 at a cost of Rs 40 crore, the Hatkeshwar Bridge was deemed structurally unsound in under four years. Shockingly, AMC floated a tender to demolish a bridge that was supposed to last a century. Mumtapura Bridge, Ahmedabad : On December 21, 2021, a section of the Mumtapura Bridge caved in, raising serious questions about the project company. Thankfully, the collapse didnt claim lives, but it intensified the fear surrounding Gujarat's infrastructure. Halvad Bridge, Morbi New But Unreliable: A bridge connecting New Koiba to Old Koiba collapsed on August 26, 2024just a year after it was built. Heavy rains washed away the structure, exposing poor construction quality. Morbi Suspension Bridge : Gujarats Darkest Day. On October 30, 2022, a British-era suspension bridge over the Machhu River collapsed, killing 141 people. The bridge had reopened just four days prior after repairs. It was designed for 125 people but had over 500 on it. Metro Flyover, Surat : Cracked Before Inauguration A section of the metro flyover in Saroli, Surat, Cracked even before being inaugurated. Cracks in the slab were ignored until it was too late. The bridge gave way during metro construction work. Ambedkar Bridge, Mehsana : Repeated Pleas Ignored Despite repeated requests for repair, the Ambedkar Bridge connecting Mehsana-Visnagar ring roads One part sunk on February 14 2024. Built in 2014, it had structural issues that were never addressed. Habiasar Bridge, Chotila : Heavy Rains Take It Down A bridge near Habiasar village in Surendranagar district collapsed during heavy rain. It connected over five villages. Luckily, the road was closed to traffic at the time. Under-Construction Flyover, Palanpur : Girder Collapse Kills One On October 23, 2023, two girders of an under-construction overbridge near the Palanpur RTO Circle broke. A rickshaw driver lost his life, and two others were injured. Bamangam-Parij Bridge, Kheda : Old Warnings, Zero Action The bridge connecting Baman and Parij collapsed on October 4, 2023. Villagers had raised alarms about its condition long ago. No one was on the bridge at the time, narrowly avoiding tragedy. Dhandhusar Bridge, Junagadh : 1975 Construction Falls Apart A part of the 45-year-old Dhandhusar bridge over the Uben River collapsed in 2023. Local connectivity took a major hit, forcing people into long detours and hardship. Rajkots Madhapar Chowk Pier Collapse Workers Injured On January 25, 2022, a pier under construction at Madhapar Chowk caved in, injuring two workers. The incident happened during concrete capping work. Janada Bridge, Botad Built in Lakhs, Collapsed in Three Years In Botads Janada village, a bridge over the Patlia River collapsed during monsoon 2023. Built just three years ago, it couldnt withstand seasonal rains. Khari River Bridge, Mehsana Bypass One part sunk in 2020 A bridge constructed over the Khari River on the Mehsana Bypass, built at a cost of crores, crumbled in just six years. The 2020 sunk was one of the early warnings of the ongoing infrastructure crisis. Other Notable Incidents : Singhrot, Vadodara (2023) Another bridge collapse with public uproar. Nandelav Bridge, Bharuch (June 2022) Under-construction bridge collapsed; people miraculously survived. Ajidem Intersection, Rajkot (2020) Bridge collapse with no casualties. Satodak Village, Rajkot (2019) Fatal structural failure. Peapok Flyover, Surat (2019) Yet another collapse highlighting contractor failure. Conclusion: Decay, Death, and Denial The recurring collapse of bridgeswhether newly built or agedreveals a systemic failure in Gujarat's infrastructure governance. Contractors cut corners, tenders are mishandled, warnings go unheeded, and officials continue to pass the buck. Behind every collapsed structure is a trail of ignored complaints, wasted taxpayer money, and shattered families. Unless real accountability is enforced and urgent structural audits conducted, Gambhira will not be the last bridge to falland Gujarat will keep mourning preventable deaths.
Jaguar fighter jet crashes near Churu in Rajasthan: Defence officials
The aircraft had taken off from SuratGarh base and crashed in an agriculture field in Bhanoda village; pilots fate unknown
Jeweller shot dead, bystander injured by armed robbers in Surat
While three of the robbers managed to escape, one was caught by residents after a brief chase
More than half of the new visa applications came from tier-2 and tier-3 cities across India.
Bee Swarm Disrupts IndiGo Flight Ops At Surat Airport, Delays Take-Off By 1 Hour
Firefighters used high-pressure water jets to remove the swarm, allowing ground handling crews to safely proceed with loading and final checks.
Surat-Jaipur Flight Delayed By 1 Hour. Reason: Swarm Of Bees On Cargo Door
In a bizarre incident, an IndiGo flight from Surat to Jaipur was delayed by over an hour as a swarm of bees sat near the aircraft's open luggage door
Surat Jeweller Shot Dead During Robbery Attempt At His Store, 1 Arrested
Armed robbers shot dead a jeweller and injured another person while looting valuables from a jewellery showroom in Gujarat's Surat city, police said on Tuesday.
Opposition slams Eknath Shinde for 'Jai Gujarat' remark; calls it surrender of Maharashtra pride
MUMBAI: Amid the ongoing controversy over Marathi versus Hindi , Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday fuelled another row by ending his speech with 'Jai Gujarat' in the presence of Union Minister Amit Shah in Pune. Before concluding with 'Jai Gujarat', Shinde did say 'Jai Maharashtra'. Lauding the efforts of Union Minister Amit Shah, Shinde ended his speech with the sequence: Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra, Jai Gujarat. The Opposition slammed Shinde for allegedly surrendering Marathi and Maharashtra pride before the Gujarati BJP leadership and accused him of showing a slave mentality. They alleged that Shinde is working as a slave of the BJP and that his 'Jai Gujarat' slogan reflects this mindset. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended Shinde saying, the slogan was not against Maharashtra. He added that Uddhav Thackeray himself had said 'Jai Gujarat' during an event in Gujarat, and pointed out, Gujarat is not in Pakistan. There should not be hatred against any community or state. However, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut lashed out saying, Amit Shahs duplicate Shiv Sena has revealed its real face with Eknath Shindes 'Jai Gujarat' slogan. Raut said Shindes Shiv Sena is now Shahs Sena. How can this person (Shinde) remain in Maharashtras cabinet? He should be sacked immediately for insulting the sentiments of Marathi people and Maharashtra, Raut demanded. Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam also criticised Shinde, saying that as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, he should not have said 'Jai Gujarat'. Maharashtra Congress President Harshavardhan Sapkal said Maharashtra is the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs self-respect. He reminded that Shivaji Maharaj had once invaded Surat for Swarajya, but today, in his state, people like Eknath Shinde have mortgaged Maharashtra's pride to Gujarat. Only a person who is helpless for power can give the slogan of 'Jai Gujarat' at a programme in Maharashtra. But a self-respecting Marathi person will never tolerate this, Sapkal said. Taking a dig at Shindes statement, Sapkal added, It is understandable for Shinde, who broke Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sena and gave the party and its symbol to the owner of Gujarat who made him the Chief Minister. He now openly praises Modi and Shah. But it is not good to be so helpless as to say 'Jai Gujarat' just to please his Gujarati bosses. Eknath Shinde shamefully lowered the honour of Maharashtra in the name of being a 'loyal' soldier of Amit Shah. It was seen once again that there are many such 'models' sitting in the Maharashtra government. Has Shinde forgotten that he is not from Gujarat but the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra? Sapkal asked, demanding that Shinde resign for insulting Maharashtra. Sapkal also alleged that Shinde is working to fill the coffers of Gujarat by selling off Mumbai and Maharashtra. He said that in the last 11 years, industries, institutions, corporate offices and crores worth of investments have been shifted from Maharashtra to Gujarat because of Fadnavis and Shinde. Big projects like Vedanta-Foxconn, which would have provided employment to lakhs of youth in Maharashtra, were sent to Gujarat. Farmers in Maharashtra are committing suicide, the youth are jobless, women are unsafe, malnutrition has increased, but these helpless people in power are busy enslaving Gujarat. Such traitors of Maharashtra have no right to remain in power, Sapkal alleged. Responding to the criticism, BJP leaders said, Just because Shinde said 'Jai Gujarat', it does not mean that Shinde loves Gujarat more than Maharashtra. Such parochial thinking does not behove Marathi manoos.
BJP infighting exposes illegal dairy operations, corruption in Gujarat
AHMEDABAD: A storm is brewing across Gujarats powerful cooperative dairy sector, as internal rifts within the BJP have begun spilling out in the form of infighting, corruption, and violent altercations at top dairies. From Baroda to Mehsana to Surat, one scandal after another is laying bare the deep-rooted political and financial rot within the states milk cooperatives. The latest flashpoint is Surats Sumul Dairy, where a fierce power tussle between Chairman Mansingh Patel and Vice Chairman Raju Pathak has exploded over allegations that milk from Maharashtra was being illegally sourced, mixed, and sold through local co-operative societies. According to dairy sources, the issue, which started over fines imposed on milk importers, escalated when Pathak allegedly tried to assault the MD during a heated board discussion. Sumul Dairy Director Jayesh Patel (Delad) told The New Indian Express , Investigations revealed that 25 co-operative societies across Surat and Tapi districts were caught red-handed sourcing milk from Maharashtra, storing it in chilling plants, and funneling it into Sumul Dairy through unregistered centres. Sumul had imposed a fine of Rs 3.25 crore on these milk firms. Now, with the Congress entering the battlefield, the issue has snowballed into a full-blown political controversy. Surat Congress leader Darshan Nayak has accused the Sumul board of corruption, written to the Chief Minister, and demanded action against notified societies involved in mixing cold, imported milk with local warm supplies. Hes also called for an immediate quality audit and board dismissal, citing earlier allegations of crores-worth corruption in Sumul Dairy. When The New Indian Express reached out to Sumul Vice Chairman Raju Pathak for a comment, he curtly replied, I am busy, and declined to say anything further. The BJP high command has taken note. Sources confirm that the party leadership has summoned Sumuls chairman and vice chairman to Gandhinagar. Orders have been issued to audit the rogue societies and take legal action against those found violating milk sourcing norms. The milk auditor has been tasked with investigating chilling plants and purchase centres operating outside the legal framework. This turmoil in Sumul follows on the heels of two other explosive incidents in Gujarats dairy network: In Baroda Dairy, BJP MLA Ketan Inamdar found a financial fraud where milk was being deposited in the names of deceased members. He wrote to top officials, including the Chief Minister and Cooperation Minister, triggering an internal probe and prompting the MD, Ajay Joshi, to resign. Meanwhile, in Mehsanas Dudhsagar Dairy, a board meeting on 27 June turned violent when Vice Chairman Yogesh Patel accused Chairman Ashok Chaudhary of slapping him during a heated discussion over expired milk powder stock. The following day, Patel revealed that large quantities of spoiled powder were lying at the dairys Charada godown, forcing the chairman to face the media. Sources claim the root of this clash lies in a power struggle between two BJP heavyweights in Mehsana, allegedly backed by a state minister and a top BJP organisational leader. Across Gujarat, cooperative dairies once seen as engines of rural prosperity are now marred by corruption, factional politics, and violent infighting, reflecting the deepening cracks within the BJPs own ranks. As the state government scrambles to control the damage, the credibility of the dairy sector and the ruling party's grip over it is under severe scrutiny.
Want A Dog? Youll Need 10 Neighbours And A President To Say Yes First
Surat now requires residents to get consent from 10 neighbours and the society head to keep a dog, triggering protests from animal lovers
CRPF jawan caught in Surat with 22 kg ganja, blames debt from brothers cancer treatment
AHMEDABAD: Surat police apprehended a serving CRPF constable with over 22 kg of ganja, allegedly smuggled from Odisha. The accused, Seemanchal Chetan Nahak, a resident of Ganjam district in Odisha and currently posted in Delhi's CRPF unit, was caught red-handed by Varachha police during a surveillance operation acting on a tip-off. Surat City DCP Alok Kumar stated, Police intercepted Nahak and discovered ganja concealed in his trolley and handbag. A total of 22.258 kg of the banned substance, along with a mobile phone and other valuables worth Rs 2.27 lakh, were seized. Police recovered an identity card confirming that Nahak has been serving in the CRPF since 2015, with previous postings in Pulwama, Kashmir, and most recently at Rohini Jail, Delhi. He had reportedly been transferred to Assam but failed to report for duty. The Home Department is currently verifying the details of his service record. During interrogation, Nahak confessed to purchasing the ganja in Odisha for Rs 8,000 per kg and travelling to Surat to deliver it to a customer who ultimately did not appear. He admitted financial distress had driven him to the illegal trade. His brothers cancer treatment had left him with debts totalling Rs 15 lakh. Of his Rs 46,000 monthly salary, Rs 26,000 went towards home loan EMIs, leaving him unable to cover rent and basic expenses. According to police sources, Nahak had previously used his CRPF identity card to smuggle ganja by train, succeeding once. Emboldened by that success, he made a second attempt while on personal leave. He was reportedly en route to Ambaji for his sons head-shaving ceremony and took a detour to Surat to cash in by selling the ganja in Udhana. Police have now launched a broader investigation to trace Nahaks supply network and identify the intended buyer in Surat. Authorities have also sought a full service history and background verification from the Home Department as part of the inquiry into this serious breach of trust and discipline.
Surats rescue failure leaves heart patient stranded in flooded street for 30 minutes
AHMEDABAD: Flood-hit Limbayat in Gujarats Surat turned into a crisis zone as locals remained trapped in waterlogged societies for the third straight day. Amid the chaos, 65-year-old Rahman Bhai suffered a chest pain emergency, but there was no rescue boat at the scene. With no immediate help from the fire department, it took a staggering 30 minutes to carry him on a stretcher through waist-deep water to an ambulance. He was rushed to Smimmer Hospital, where treatment is currently underway. The flood not only paralysed rescue response, but nearly cost a life. Surat city has plunged into a flood crisis just days into the monsoon, with torrential rains between 22 and 24 June leaving several areas waterlogged and civic systems overwhelmed. From 6 am on 23 June to noon on 24 June alone, the city recorded a staggering 17 inches of rainfall. Continuous downpour across the district caused the Tapi River and local creeks to swell, flooding key areas like Seemada, Parvat Patiya, Sarthana, Godadara, Bhatar, Limbayat and Saniya Hemad. In Parvat Patiya, knee-deep water stretched across 1 to 1.5 km of road, bringing traffic and pedestrian movement to a halt. Locals, desperate to get to work or run errands, resorted to hiring pedal rickshaws for as much as Rs 100 just to navigate the flooded roads. Meanwhile, numerous vehicles attempting to cross waterlogged streets were left stranded, worsening the chaos. Surat reels under 13 inches of rain in 24 hours; one youth missing after creek surge In one alarming case in Mithi Bay, a patient in urgent need of medical attention was delayed by 30 minutes due to the unavailability of rescue boats. The delay in reaching a 108 ambulance highlighted a major lapse in emergency preparedness. The incident underscored the dangerous lack of medical and transport infrastructure during waterlogged conditions, putting lives at risk. Frustration is mounting among residents, particularly as drainage systems have completely failed in the worst-hit zones. Locals are furious that even after a site visit by the Municipal Commissioner, the situation has shown no signs of improvement. Residents allege a total collapse of the civic response and accuse the administration of negligence in handling flood relief. Surat Police, meanwhile, are working to maintain law and order. DCP Bhagirath Gadhvi confirmed that rising water levels in the upper catchments have pushed more water into Surats creeks, leading to further inundation. He said police are on the ground, spreading awareness, urging residents not to leave home unnecessarily, and coordinating with locals in flood-hit areas. As floodwaters remain stagnant in several societies for the second consecutive day, the Surtis, already weary of rising waters, are now grappling with broken promises and a paralysed system. The monsoon has just begun, but the city's resilience is already under severe test.
ED raids in Gujarat, Maharashtra in 100-cr cyber fraud case
ED raids were conducted in Surat and Ahmedabad in Gujarat and in Mumbai by the Ahmedabad zonal office of the federal probe agency under the provisions of the PMLA
Probe Agency Raids In Gujarat, Maharashtra In Rs 100 Crore Fraud Case
The Enforcement Directorate raids in Surat and Ahmedabad in Gujarat and in Mumbai in Rs 100 crore cyber fraud case. Accused was involved in fake USDT trading (crypto currency), digital arrests, threatening innocent individuals.
MoRTH to frame IRC guidelines after adopting new-age machines for faster highway construction
NEW DELHI: After the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) decided to adopt Automated and Intelligent Machine-aided Construction (AIMC) for highway development to ensure timely project completion, it announced that Indian Roads Congress (IRC) guidelines will be prepared based on feedback from contractors and concessionaires. The ministry has already sanctioned atleast 16 projects, where innovative machines will be used. According to the officials, Cabinet approval is awaited for 10 projects envisaged for implementation of AIMC system. With a significant growth in the national highways network including a significant increase in Greenfield and Brownfield highways with high embankments requiring a significant amount of earthwork and proper compaction in the last one decade, it has been felt appropriate to induct AIMC in highway construction, said officials. The decision to formally adopt the system was taken after evaluation of efficacy in a pilot; Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway Project, where in GPS-aided Motor Grader, Intelligent Compactor and Stringless Paver were used. The ministry also took into consideration the feedback from stakeholders and international guidelines and specifications. The ministry has also sought feedback on adoption of AIMC to formulate IRC guidelines, added officials. Officials added that the ministry would facilitate the concessionaire or contractor with the required license for the radio frequency range from the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) for the use of machines. The list of projects, which are already sanctioned, includes Western Bypass Gwalior (29 kms), 6-lane Greenfield Ludhiana Bypass (25 kms), Deoghar Bypass (49 kms), Shillong-Silchar Corridor (167 kms), Vrindavan Bypass (15 kms) and Patna-Arrah-Sasaram (125 kms) in Bihar. The projects which have been submitted for the Cabinet approval are Satellite Township Ring Road of Bengaluru (STRR) Karnataka (144 kms), BadveI Nellore Corridor (108 kms) in Andhra Pradesh, 4-lane access controlled Sirhind-Sehna section of NH-205AG (107 kms) in Punjab, and Nashik-Ahmednagar- Solapur-Akkalkot segment of the Surat-Chennai Expressway (374 kms). The ministry, in December, sought feedback from roads construction agencies, public work departments in states and union territories and other stakeholders on the proposal for adoption of the construction facilitated by innovatory. The benefits of AIMC are expected high adherence to design specification, improved rideability, performance durability and longevity and reduced wastage as well. The technology-driven construction also increases productivity, helps in real-time documentation, brings better transparency and minimises human interventions.
Congress leader Supriya Shrinate criticized BJP's Gujarat Smart City model as heavy rain caused severe flooding in Surat. Over 400 mm of rain in 36 hours submerged roads and homes, disrupting daily life. The IMD has issued warnings for continued rainfall in Gujarat and Rajasthan, with an orange alert for eastern Rajasthan.
Surat reels under 13 inches of rain in 24 hours; one youth missing after creek surge
AHMEDABAD: Torrential rains battered South and Central Gujarat since early morning, leaving streets waterlogged and chaos unfolding across cities. A red alert has been issued in 11 districts till 4 pm as the weather threat deepens. In Surat Bay, three youths were swept away, two were rescued by the fire brigade, while one remains missing. The Meteorological Department has predicted another week of intense rainfall, compounding the crisis. With coastal winds expected to blow at 4050 kmph, fishermen have been strictly warned against venturing into the sea. Gujarat has been drenched in just nine days since the monsoon entered on 15 June, and the fury shows no signs of letting up. Surat city has been pounded by 13 inches of rain in the past 24 hours, the highest recorded in the state, while the entire district logged an average of 6 inches, marking it as the wettest region in Gujarat. Kamrej taluka alone received a staggering 11 inches, followed by 8 inches in Palsana. Dolvan (Tapi), Borsad (Anand), and Olpad (Surat) each recorded 5 inches, while Choryasi (Surat), Vyara (Tapi), Mandvi and Mangrol (Surat), Khambhat (Anand), Halol (Panchmahal), Navsari, and Bharuch talukas received 3 inches each. The rain impact extended widely, over 2 inches fell in 18 talukas, over 1 inch in 40 talukas, and even 96 talukas saw measurable precipitation under 1 inch. In total, rainfall was reported in 170 talukas across 31 districts in the last 24 hours, pushing the states seasonal average rainfall past 21% by 6 am on 24 June. Amid this relentless downpour, tragedy struck Surat citys Puna-Kumbharia area this morning, where three youths were caught in a sudden creek surge. Two were rescued by fire brigade teams, but an 18-year-old is still missing. Search operations are underway on a war footing. The Meteorological Department has issued an extreme rainfall warning for today and predicts widespread rain across both regions of Gujarat for the next seven days. Ashok Kumar Das from the Meteorological Department says, According to todays forecast, widespread rainfall is expected across both regions of Gujarat over the next seven days. An extreme rainfall warning has been issued for today specifically for the Gujarat region...
Heavy Rains Flood Surat, Over 100 mm Rainfall Paralyses Low-Lying Areas
According to the IMD weather forecast, several parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan are expected to experience rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms until June 27.
PHOTOS: Surat goes under water after 100 mm of rains
Various parts of Surat were flooded after incessant rainfall in the region. Over 100 mm of rain has blocked roads and led to waterlogging in several low-lying areas.
Ahmedabad plane crash: DNA matches confirmed for 251 victims, 245 bodies handed over to families
AHMEDABAD: In a recent development following the Ahmedabad plane crash, Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi announced that DNA samples of 251 deceased victims have been successfully matched. Thus far, the mortal remains of 245 individuals have been handed over to their grieving families, with the remaining six to be returned in the coming days. Dr Joshi, addressing the media, shared that the 245 bodies released include 176 Indian nationals, 49 British citizens, 7 Portuguese nationals, one Canadian, and 12 non-passengers. The extensive identification process marks a critical step towards closure for hundreds of devastated families. Ahmedabad plane crash: Crew member's mortal remains reach Manipur, thousands pay tributes Providing a district-wise breakdown, Dr Joshi stated that bodies have been returned to families from the following regions: Ahmedabad (70), Vadodara (24), Anand (26), Udaipur (7), Kheda (11), Mehsana (7), Surat (12), Bharuch (7), Gandhinagar (7), Diu (14), Gir Somnath (5), Rajkot (3), Patan (3), Junagadh (1), Amreli (2), Bhavnagar (1), Botad (1), Mahisagar (1), Aravalli (2), Palanpur (1), Jamnagar (2), Dwarka (2), Sabarkantha (1), Modasa (1), Khambhat (2), Nadiad (1), Patna (1), Mumbai (10), Pune (1), Maharashtra (2), Rajasthan (2), Jodhpur (1), London (10), and Manipur (1). He emphasised that the DNA matching process is both highly sensitive and bound by strict legal protocols. Every identification has been carried out with the utmost precision and care. Agencies such as Forensic Science University, alongside the local administration, health departments, and various state and central authorities, are working tirelessly to ensure that the mortal remains are returned with dignity and respect. This coordinated and relentless effort underscores the authorities commitment to providing a measure of solace and closure in the wake of an immense tragedy.
Vizag Yoga Event Creates New Guinness World Record With 3 Lakh Attendees
The event was held on a 28-km stretch from RK Beach to Bhogapuram. It broke the record set in 2023 by Surat by hosting a yoga session with 1.47 lakh participants at one location.
ASHA worker duped by cyber fraudsters; fakes own abduction after lottery scam in MP
BHOPAL:An ASHA worker in Madhya Pradeshs Jabalpur district suffered mental trauma and financial loss after cyber fraudsters lured her with a fake lottery, manipulated her with arrest threats, and pushed her to fake her own kidnapping. In March 2025, Jabalpur-resident 36-year-old Pushpalata Jharia got a call from a foreign VPN number, where the caller informed her about having won gold, diamond and a lottery prize worth Rs 10 lakh. To get the prize, she was first asked to deposit some money online, and then the fraudsters started contacting her regularly. A few days later, the fraudsters said that the person assigned to deliver the lottery prize had been arrested. Since her Aadhaar card copy was with him, they warned, she could also face arrest soon. Caught between fear and greed, the woman, whose husband does small jobs and the couple have two children, sent four lakh rupees online. When the relatives came to know about such a big transaction, they questioned the woman, but the fraudsters had cautioned her that if she told anyone, the reward would be cancelled, which made her remain silent. On April 23, she went to her parents home. Two days later she left saying that she was going to Bargi, but then went missing. Her family lodged a missing report with the local police on May 4. Swayed by the fraudsters, the woman kept wandering from Jabalpur to Mumbai, then Surat and finally to Delhi. She spent the nights at railway stations, ate free food, and kept sending more money to the fraudsters by working wherever possible. Her ordeal worsened when the fraudsters instructed her to fake her own kidnapping. She recorded a video in tears and sent it to them, which they forwarded to her husband on June 1, demanding Rs 2 lakh as ransom. They threatened that failure to pay would result in her being killed and her body dismembered and dumped in a forest. Worried about her daughter's life, her mother filed a habeas corpus petition in the Madhya Pradesh High Court. On the court's direction, the police deployed four teams for the search. During this time, the woman's phone was stolen, but she called her relatives from someone else's phone, which gave her location in Greater Noida. On Monday (June 16), the police team recovered her safely from there. Though reunited with her family after a month and a half, the woman remains mentally disturbed, experiencing dizziness, trembling, and delusional belief that the fraudsters are innocent and will still reward her. Police have initiated her counselling and launched a search for the cyber criminals. The victim's sister-in-law, Asha Jharia, while recounting what happened over the last few months, said, when she was constantly asking for money from relatives and villagers, we asked her why she needed money. She said that she is helping a relative. Once she even sent money from my daughter's phone. We explained many times that when there is no money in your own house, then why are you helping others, but she was not ready to accept. Pushpalatas college-going daughter, Poonam, said, My mother got a call in March, in which a reward was promised, which included gold and diamond jewellery and cash. In return, she was asked for five lakh rupees. Slowly, mother kept giving money. Later, one day, a message came about kidnapping, which scared all of us. We contacted the police. The last call came early this month, saying that 'Weve left your mother in Delhi, go and pick her up.' Since then, the calls have stopped. Shes back home, but still thinks that she will get the reward. According to Circle SP (Bargi-Jabalpur), A Mishra, under whose supervision the case is being investigated, four to five police teams had been deployed to trace the woman. Wherever the call came from, our team reached there, but in each case, the woman had borrowed a phone from an unknown person to make the call, he said. The investigation later revealed that those whose phones were used were innocent and had merely offered help. Mishra added that the situation worsened when the fraudsters sent a video of the womans fake kidnapping to her family, which was traced to a foreign IP address. This country is not cooperating with us these days, he said. The case took a more disturbing turn when threatening audio messages with abusive language began to arrive, warning that the woman would be killed. When we recovered her in Delhi, she was sitting alone. We are counselling her because she still has not come out of the delusion. She believes she has not been conned and that she will still get the reward, he added.
Ahmedabad plane crash: 223 DNA matches confirmed, 204 bodies handed over to families
AHMEDABAD: DNA samples of 223 victims of the Air India plane crash have been successfully matched, and 204 bodies have been handed over to families as of 11:50 am on June 20, according to Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi. The Civil Hospital authorities have intensified the efforts to identify and return the remaining bodies. Meanwhile, two patients under treatment at the Civil Hospital succumbed to their injuries. Their bodies have been handed over to their families, bringing the total count of bodies handed over to 204 from the Civil Hospital alone. Breaking down the identification further, Dr Joshi confirmed that the 223 matched victims comprise 168 Indian nationals, 7 Portuguese, 36 British citizens, 1 Canadian, and 11 non-passengers - local residents who were tragically caught in the crash zone. Several international, domestic Air India flights cancelled due to operational reasons Logistics have played a critical role in the aftermath, with 15 bodies airlifted and 189 transported by road, according to Dr Joshi. The mortal remains have been sent to various Indian states and several foreign countries. Ahmedabad received the highest number, with 58 bodies, followed by Vadodara (21), Surat (11), Udaipur (7), Mumbai (9), Diu (14), and Kheda (11). Others were sent to Mehsana (6), Gandhinagar (6), Rajkot (3), Jamnagar (2), Patan (2), Dwarka (2), Aravalli (2), and London (2). Single bodies were transported to locations including Botad, Jodhpur, Anand, Palanpur, Maharashtra, Junagadh, Amreli, Gir Somnath, Mahisagar, Bhavnagar, Patna, Nadiad, Sabarkantha, Nagaland, and Modasa. Madurai-bound Indigo flight returns after mid-air 'snag,' say officials
Bengaluru doctor threatens to crash Air India flight after clash with crew over baggage
An Ayurvedic doctor, Vyas Hiral Mohanbhai, was arrested for disruptive behavior on an Air India flight from Bengaluru to Surat. She allegedly threatened to crash the plane after a dispute over baggage placement near the crew cabin. The incident caused a two-hour delay and a security scare.
Ahmedabad Diary | Government aid yet to reach Air India crash victims
After 241 of the 242 passengers onboard the AI171, en route to the London Gatwick, and the entire crew perished in the Ahmedabad air tragedy, compensation has begun trickling in. The Tata Group pledged Rs 1 crore per bereaved family, while Air India announced Rs 25 lakh each. Several others also died at the crash site. However, neither the Centre, nor Gujarat government has offered any relief so far. Slamming the silence, Congress leader Amit Chavda demanded both governments jointly grant Rs 1 crore per bereaved family, stressing that empathy must guide action in times of tragedy. BJP, AAP candidates fail to cast votes in bypoll Polling was held on Thursday for the Visavadar by-election, with BJPs Kirit Patel, Congress Nitin Ranpariya, and AAPs Gopal Italia in the fray. Ironically, only Congress candidate Ranpariya cast his own vote at the Bhesan BRC Bhavan on Thursday morning. BJPs Patel and AAPs Italia were unable to do so, as Patel is registered in Junagadh and Italia in Surat. Their absence from the Visavadar voter list barred them from supporting their own names on the ballot. As the poliing day draws to a close, focus now shifts to the turnout, and the symbolic weight of the missing votes. 13 IAS officers shifted in major bureaucratic rejig In a significant administrative shake-up, the Gujarat government has transferred 13 IAS officers and 9 Deputy Section Officers just a few days back. IAS officer Ashwini Kumar has been shifted from Urban Development to take charge as Principal Secretary, Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities. In another key swap, IAS M Thennarasan moves from Sports to head the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department. Rameshchand Meena has been handed additional charge as Principal Secretary, Ports and Transport. Meanwhile, IAS Milind Shivaram Torawane, formerly MD of GSPC, Gandhinagar, takes over as Principal Secretary, Panchayat and Rural Development. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com
Bengaluru: Doctor booked for creating ruckus on Surat-bound flight
Over 1,000 evacuated as Gujarat lashed by heavy rain; nine dams overflow, power, roads hit
AHMEDABAD: Gujarat was battered by widespread rains, with 160 talukas across 27 districts receiving an average of 21.24 mm rainfall, even as 91 talukas remained completely dry, highlighting the uneven spread of the monsoon. Among the worst-hit were South Gujarats Ahwa in Dang with 250 mm and Kaprada in Valsad with 241 mm, triggering rapid water accumulation across low-lying areas. As a result, nine dams have reached full capacity while 15 others have been placed on high alert due to dangerously rising water levels. As a precaution, 1,060 people have been relocated729 in Bhavnagar, 134 in Surendranagar, 117 in Botad, and 80 in Amreli. So far, 182 people have been rescued by disaster response teams24 in Botad, 89 in Bhavnagar, and 69 in Amreli. The state has deployed 33 teams, including 13 from NDRF and 20 from SDRF, to tackle emergencies. In the last 24 hours, Gujarat has witnessed intense monsoon activity, with 160 talukas across 27 districts receiving an average rainfall of 21.24 mm, while 91 talukas remained dry. Ahwa in Dang district topped the rainfall chart with 250 mm, closely followed by Kaprada in Valsad (241 mm), Waghai (196 mm), Subir (180 mm), and Dharampur (168 mm). Zone-wise, Kutch registered 84.80 mm, North Gujarat 58.59 mm, Central Gujarat 101.38 mm, Saurashtra 150.45 mm, and South Gujarat 133.96 mmbringing the statewide average rainfall to 113.63 mm, which is 12.87% of the season's quota. The deluge has left a critical mark on Gujarats dam levels. Out of 206 dams, nine are filled to capacity, 25 are between 70100%, 22 between 5070%, 57 between 2550%, and 93 have dipped below 25%. Alarming figures show 15 dams on high alert, 10 on alert, and nine above the warning level. Sardar Sarovar Dam continues to swell, receiving 16,914 cusecs of inflow per hour while discharging 23,844 cusecs into the Narmada Canal. The current water level stands at 392.22 feet51.31% of its total capacity. Critical dams under high alert include Dhatarwadi and Surajwadi in Amreli, Rojki, Bagad, Ranghola, and Shetrunji in Bhavnagar, Bhimdad in Botad, and Kalaghogha in Kutch, among others. Power infrastructure has been battered13,285 villages faced outages, of which 13,209 have been restored. Of the 17,005 damaged electricity poles, 16,031 are repaired; 974 remain pending. Power restoration work is still underway on 1,085 feeders, while 44 of 912 transformers await repair. Road infrastructure has not been spared either. Six state highways, one national highway, 21 other roads, and 136 panchayat roads were damaged. So far, 3 state highways and 8 roads have been reopened, but the rest remain shut. Looking ahead, IMD has issued a yellow alert for June 2021 in Tapi, Dang, Navsari, and Valsad. June 22 brings a yellow alert for Bharuch, Narmada, Surat, and others, with an orange alert for Navsari and Valsad. On June 23, Banaskantha and Sabarkantha are under orange alert, while 11 districts face a yellow alert. Six districts remain under yellow alert for June 24, as monsoon intensity continues.
