Gujarat

In a significant academic development, Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU), Vadodara, has incorporated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s book Jyoti Punj and Hindutva thinker Veer Savarkar’s autobiography Inside the Enemy Camp into its new BA (English) minor course. The course, launched under the National Education Policy 2020, aims to foster nationalism and cultural awareness among students. Course Focus and StructureTitled Analysis and Understanding of Non-Fiction Writings on India, the course also includes selected works of Sri Aurobindo, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, Swami Vivekananda, and episodes from PM Modi’s radio program Mann Ki Baat. The course integrates English studies with India’s intellectual and cultural heritage. Dr. Hitesh D. Ravia, Head of the English Department, said th...

Ahmedabad: Even as the Gujarat Assembly elections are nearly two years away, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has begun laying the groundwork for 2027. Following recent political and administrative reshuffles, the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has undergone a significant restructuring ahead of the New Year, a move widely seen as strengthening Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s governance apparatus. The changes come soon after the appointment of M.K. Das as the new Chief Secretary of Gujarat. A 1990-batch IAS officer and the senior-most bureaucrat of the Gujarat cadre, Das has put in place what is being described as his own handpicked team in the CMO. Political observers believe this team will play a crucial role over the next two years, leading up to the Assembly elections schedul...

Devotees climbing the 3,800 steps of the famous Palitana Jain Temple in Gujarat were thrown into panic when a lion suddenly appeared on the temple steps. The incident occurred on the Shatrunjaya hills, a renowned pilgrimage site that attracts thousands of devotees from across the world. As pilgrims slowly ascended the steep stone steps, a lion emerged from the surrounding bushes and began pacing on the main staircase, causing chaos among the crowd. Despite the commotion, some devotees continued chanting prayers, showcasing their faith even in the face of danger. The 11th-century temple complex on Shatrunjaya hills comprises over 3,000 Jain temples, constructed over a span of 900 years. Every year, more than 500,000 pilgrims undertake the strenuous climb to seek blessings at this sacr...

In a major political development ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray are set to formally announce their alliance today. The two cousins, who are coming together after nearly two decades, will address a joint press conference at 12 noon at Hotel Blue Sea in Mumbai. The alliance is expected to significantly alter the political equations not only in Mumbai but also across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Along with the BMC, the Thackeray brothers are likely to contest several other municipal corporation elections together. Seat-Sharing Formula According to sources, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) will contest around 150 seats, while Raj Thackeray’...

Surat, Gujarat: A controversy has erupted in Surat after industrialist Deepak Izardar blocked a public road to set off fireworks for his son’s birthday. Following widespread criticism, Izardar defended his actions, claiming that as a celebrity, he is being unfairly targeted. The incident has sparked calls on social media for strict action by Surat police. The Incident Deepak Izardar, a prominent industrialist from Dumas village, Surat, celebrated his son’s birthday by setting off fireworks on a public road, with his bodyguards and security personnel present. A video of the event went viral, leading to public outrage and debates over the perception that the wealthy enjoy “separate laws.” When a driver in a white car honked for passage, Izardar reportedly reacted angrily. He later t...

Ahmedabad:In a significant policy relaxation ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities, the Gujarat government has further eased liquor consumption rules in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), making it easier for tourists, non-resident Indians, and foreign nationals to consume alcohol. The move is seen as part of the state’s broader strategy to position GIFT City as a global financial and business hub. According to a new government notification, non-residents of Gujarat and foreign citizens can now consume alcohol in GIFT City without requiring an individual permit. In addition, companies operating within GIFT City are now allowed to host parties for up to 25 guests, provided the invitees are from outside Gujarat or are foreign nationals. Major Relief for Emplo...

In a bizarre accident in Vadodara, Gujarat, a high-speed vehicle struck a young man riding a moped, causing him to fly towards the edge of a bridge. Miraculously, his shirt got caught on a streetlight pole on the bridge, preventing a potentially fatal fall. Passersby quickly rushed to his aid and pulled him to safety. Details of the Accident The incident took place on the Nandesari Bridge. The 20-year-old youth, identified as Siddhraj Singh Mahida from Adas village in Anand district, was hit by an unknown vehicle while riding his moped. The impact threw him onto the bridge wall, and his shirt became entangled with a streetlight pole, leaving him dangling roughly 20 feet above the ground. Bystanders immediately sprang into action, holding onto him and safely lifting him to the brid...

A student from Gujarat, currently in Ukrainian custody, has made an urgent appeal to the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for assistance in securing his safe return. The young man revealed that he was forced to join the Russian army and had previously been falsely implicated in a drug-related case. SOS from UkraineThe student, Sahil Mohammad Hussain, hailing from Morbi district in Gujarat, shared the video through Ukrainian authorities. He explained that he had gone to Russia on a student visa, where he was pursuing his studies and working part-time at a courier firm. Sahil revealed that to clear a fabricated drug case against him, he was coerced into joining the Russian military. After completing 15 days of training, he was sent to the frontline, where he ultimately s...

After the completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Gujarat, the Election Commission has released the draft voter list, revealing a sharp decline in the total number of registered voters in the state. In a development that has drawn nationwide attention, Gujarat has witnessed the deletion of more than 73 lakh voters, surpassing the number of names removed in Bihar and West Bengal, where the process had triggered major political controversy. According to official data, the total number of voters in Gujarat has dropped from 5.08 crore to 4.34 crore, with 73.73 lakh names deleted during the SIR process. Notably, unlike Bihar and Bengal—where the revision sparked protests and political uproar—the exercise in Gujarat was completed largely peacefully. The Ele...

Ahmedabad/Jammu: Sarah Rizvi, Gujarat cadre IPS officer and the first Muslim woman from the state to achieve this distinction, has had her inter-state deputation extended by two more years by the Government of India. Currently, she is serving at the Jammu & Kashmir Police Headquarters as DIG (Administration), handling critical responsibilities in the region. Career Milestones Sarah Rizvi, a 2008 batch IPS officer, originally belongs to the Gujarat cadre. She was deputed to Jammu & Kashmir in October 2022 and has since held several important positions, including DIG Udhampur-Riasi, DIG Jammu (IR), and additional charge of DIG Jammu Armed. Her deputation, initially granted for three years, has now been extended for an additional two years. Historic Achievement Sarah Rizvi...