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Rs. 80 Crore Gold and Luxury Watches Seized from Locked Gujarat Flat

March 19, 2025, 4:42 pm

While there is ongoing scrutiny of Kannada actor Ranya Rao’s gold smuggling case, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted a search at an Ahmedabad-based flat in Gujarat on March 17. The search found 88 kilograms of gold bars and 19.66 kilograms of studded ornaments.

The search, which was carried out jointly with officers of the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), was conducted at a residential flat in the Paldi locality.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Finance, “The search resulted in the seizure of 87.92 kilograms of gold bars worth approximately Rs. 80 crores. Most of the said gold bars have foreign markings, suggesting that these were smuggled into India.”

Apart from this, officials also seized 19.66 kilograms of diamond-studded jewelry and other semi-precious or precious stones.

Luxury Watches and Cash Also Recovered

The raid also revealed 11 luxury watches worth top brands such as Patek Philippe, Jacob & Co, and Franck Muller. The worth of the watches and jewelry seized is being valued at present.

Also, investigators found Rs. 1.37 crore in cash within the flat.

Emphasizing the importance of the operation, the statement further said, “The search is a significant setback to illegal activity and reflects DRI’s resolve to fight economic crimes, and protect the country’s integrity and sovereignty.”

Ranya Rao’s Gold Smuggling Case

This seizure follows the scandal of actress Ranya Rao. On March 3, officials of DRI arrested her at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport when she had come back from Dubai with 14 kg of gold bars valued at Rs. 12.56 crores.

Besides, during a joint operation with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on March 7, DRI confiscated 29.954 kg of hashish oil worth ₹33 crore from a ship destined for the Maldives.

DRI had received information regarding a tug boat towing a huge barge carrying rock boulders. The ship, which had sailed from Tuticorin Old Port in Tamil Nadu, was found to be operated by a smuggling gang that secretly loaded huge amounts of hashish oil mid-sea.

On the basis of this intelligence, the ICG had intercepted the boat near the coast of Kanyakumari and escorted it back to Tuticorin New Port, as per ANI. Officials also apprehended the man who had been loading the drugs, his partner, and a crew member who had been sharing the location of the vessel with the gang.

Investigations into all these cases are currently underway.

Brazilian Woman Ditches Family To Marry Indian Man Younger Than Her Son!

November 2, 2024, 12:24 pm

In a tale that transcends boundaries, 51-year-old Rosie Naid Shikera from Brazil has traveled halfway around the world to be with 30-year-old Pawan Goyal from Bhind, Chhattisgarh, India.

Rosie first encountered Pawan during her trip to Kutch, India, last year. Despite facing initial challenges such as a significant age gap and language barriers, the duo quickly developed a friendship that evolved into a profound romantic connection. Their ability to engage and maintain their relationship through social media was vital in overcoming these obstacles, allowing them to strengthen their bond over time.

The couple’s relationship has encountered various hurdles, particularly their 21-year age difference and the communication issues arising from their distinct native languages. Nevertheless, Rosie and Pawan have demonstrated their capability to bridge these divides.

Rosie Decides To Leave Brazil

Rosie’s choice to leave her established life in Brazil was no easy task. She had a solid foundation there, including a husband and a 32-year-old son. However, driven by her love for Pawan, she courageously decided to embark on a new life in India.

Currently living with Pawan’s family in Delhi, the couple has formally announced their intention to marry. This was made official when they presented their wedding invitation to the local District Collector.

Rosie has expressed her wish to settle permanently in India after their wedding. Her decision reflects a deep commitment to this new chapter in her life, highlighting how love can motivate individuals to undertake significant transformations.

Earlier in 2023, another touching story surfaced involving Christen Liebert, a Swedish woman who wed Pawan Kumar from Uttar Pradesh after connecting with him on Facebook. Their relationship, cultivated over ten years through online interactions, culminated in a heartfelt ceremony that celebrated their intercultural love.

PM Modi Celebrates Diwali with BSF Jawans In Gujarat’s Kutch | SEE PICS

October 31, 2024, 2:15 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with Border Security Force (BSF) jawans stationed in Gujarat’s Kutch, maintaining his tradition of honoring the armed forces during the festival. On Thursday, October 31, Modi visited the BSF outpost along the western border, engaging with soldiers and exchanging Diwali greetings.

See Here:

PM Modi celebrates Diwali with Jawans in Kutch

PM Modi

Since assuming office in 2014, PM Modi has established a tradition of celebrating Diwali with military personnel across various locations in the country. Each year, he visits military facilities, where he interacts with troops and partakes in the festivities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates Diwali with jawans in Kachchh, Gujarat. pic.twitter.com/u59xqH1QYf

— ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2024

This story is still developing, and further details are expected soon.

Has Modi’s 23 Years Rule Truly Transformed India and Gujarat Through Bold Reforms?

October 7, 2024, 7:18 am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated 23 years in public office on Monday, a period marked by numerous ambitious reforms and initiatives. His tenure has been credited with transformative changes both in Gujarat and across India, particularly in the areas of economic reform, infrastructure, sanitation, and environmental conservation.

From Gujarat CM to India’s PM: A Legacy of Bold Initiatives

Modi’s political journey spans three terms as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and two terms as the Prime Minister of India (now in his third). Throughout his leadership, Modi has driven numerous bold policies and reimagined India’s role on the global stage. His focus on citizen involvement in governance, called Jan Bhagidari, has been key to these reforms, ensuring that development becomes a mass movement, or Jan Andolan.

Transforming Gujarat: The Foundation of Modi’s Leadership

During his time as Gujarat’s CM, Modi tackled significant issues such as water scarcity and power shortages. His governance model, known as the Gujarat Model, prioritized infrastructure, investor-friendly policies, and efficient governance. This model laid the groundwork for his national agenda when he became Prime Minister.

One of the standout achievements in Gujarat was the Sujalam Sufalam Yojana, a water management program that addressed the state’s water issues, turning it from water-scarce to water-surplus. This initiative later inspired the Jal Jeevan Mission, a national project aiming to provide tap water to all rural households by 2024. Similarly, Gujarat’s Jyotigram Yojana, which provided 24-hour electricity to villages, set the stage for the national Saubhagya Scheme.

National-Level Reforms and Digital Push

As Prime Minister, Modi, now 74 years old, has driven numerous reforms to promote self-reliance, rural development, and digital transformation. One of the most significant reforms was the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017, which simplified India’s tax system. Modi also launched Make in India in 2014 to make India a global manufacturing hub, although the results have been mixed.

In response to the economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Modi introduced the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes to boost domestic manufacturing. These measures contributed to India’s economic growth, with record highs in GDP and foreign direct investment.

Modi’s Digital India initiative has expanded internet access across the country and revolutionized digital payments with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Additionally, the PM Jan Dhan Yojana opened over 533 million bank accounts, improving financial inclusion and lifting millions out of poverty.

Focus on Sanitation and Rural Development

Modi’s push for sanitation reform began with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), inspired by Gujarat’s Nirmal Gujarat initiative. Under this program, over 116 million toilets have been built across India, and the government has declared all Indian villages open defecation-free.

Rural development initiatives like PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi and the Jal Jeevan Mission have made significant strides in improving the lives of millions of farmers and rural households.

Preserving Heritage While Pushing Development

Modi’s governance philosophy of Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi (Development as well as Heritage) has balanced modern development with cultural preservation. This is evident in projects like the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor restoration and the construction of the Ram Mandir.

Environmental conservation has also been a focus, with initiatives like Van Mahotsav and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, promoting tree planting across the nation.

Slogans That Reflect Modi’s Vision

Throughout his time in office, Modi has used powerful slogans to encapsulate his vision. His calls for “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” (Everyone’s support, development, trust, and effort) and “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” are central to his approach. He envisions India as a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, when the country marks 100 years of independence.

Modi’s journey from Gujarat CM to a transformative national leader has been marked by a relentless focus on reform, modernization, and citizen engagement, with a long-term vision for India’s future as a global leader.

Diamond Industry Crisis In Surat: Workers Hit Hard By Job Cuts

August 12, 2024, 1:51 pm

The Surat diamond industry, India’s largest Diamond Industry hub, is grappling with a severe economic crisis that has taken a heavy toll on its workforce. The crisis has been exacerbated by global conflicts and declining demand for polished diamonds. Since its launch on July 15, a suicide helpline established by the Diamond Workers Union Gujarat (DWUG) has received over 1,600 calls, averaging more than 50 calls a day. A significant portion of these calls come from workers who have lost their jobs.

The Surat diamond industry, which supports more than one million livelihoods, has been hit hard by international events, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. The impact on the industry has been devastating, with over 62 diamond polishers reported to have died by suicide in the past 16 months due to job losses and salary cuts.

One of the distressing cases highlighted is that of Jaysukh Koradiya, a 52-year-old worker who lost his job when his factory shut down two months ago. Koradiya, who had accumulated debt of ₹3.2 lakh for his daughter’s wedding, sought help from the helpline after struggling to make ends meet. Similarly, Rajesh Savaliya, who was physically challenged, lost his managerial job and later a lower-paying job, leaving him unable to pay his children’s school fees.

Another case involved Sanjay Patel, a 40-year-old who, after losing his job, faced severe financial distress. Patel’s house was seized by the bank, and he had to move into a rented home. Patel had accumulated over ₹5 lakh in debt, and his dire situation led him to seek help from the DWUG.

The crisis has also led to tragic outcomes. Just two days after the helpline launched, diamond polisher Sagar Makwana, 21, died by suicide following a significant salary cut. His family has since expressed their grief and the impact of the economic downturn on their lives.

In response to the crisis, the DWUG has been actively involved in providing support. Over 150 calls to the helpline were from parents struggling to pay school fees. Through efforts by DWUG, prominent businessman Laljibhai Patel donated over ₹4 lakh to help 35 children with their educational expenses.

The industry’s struggles are also reflected in broader market trends. Major diamond manufacturers, like De Beers, have reported reductions in rough diamond production due to high inventory levels. Kiran Gems, one of the largest manufacturers, announced a 10-day production halt to manage unsold stock.

Efforts to mitigate the impact include appeals to factory owners to avoid layoffs and explore alternative solutions such as reduced working hours. The US sanctions on Russian diamonds and the G7 ban have further strained the industry, which had previously relied heavily on Russian diamonds.

However, recent changes in the Union Budget 2024-25 offer some relief. The government’s decision to exempt the diamond sector from the 2 percent equalisation levy on rough diamond sales could help ease the financial burden on the industry. This exemption is expected to facilitate more direct trading between foreign mining companies and Indian diamond manufacturers.

The DWUG continues to support affected workers, with ten workers recently reinstated in their factories due to union intervention. The situation remains dire, but ongoing efforts aim to provide much-needed relief to the struggling diamond workers of Surat.

Why The World’s Largest Diamond Firm In Surat Sent 50,000 Workers On A 10-Day Leave

August 7, 2024, 6:55 pm

Kiran Gems, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of polished diamonds, has announced an unprecedented 10-day vacation for its 50,000 employees from August 17 to 27. The diamond firm of Surat in Gujarat will be unusually quiet during this period, reflecting the dramatic drop in global demand for polished diamonds, exacerbated by ongoing economic turbulence and geopolitical tensions.

What Led to This Drastic Measure?

Kiran Gems’ chairman, Vallabhbhai Lakhani, emphasized the necessity of this break, a first in the company’s history. “We’ve declared this holiday to control diamond production,” Lakhani told The Indian Express, highlighting the industry’s ongoing struggles.

The Industry’s Tough Times

According to Lakhani, the diamond industry is experiencing a “bad patch.” He explained, “The price of polished diamonds has gone down globally, making it difficult for diamond manufacturers to sustain their businesses. If the supply is controlled, the demand will grow, benefiting the industry.”

Despite the tough times, Lakhani assured that all workers would receive their salaries during this period, although certain amounts would be withheld, as reported by PTI. Kiran Gems, employing over 50,000 polishers, faces significant challenges, with De Beers reporting a 15 percent drop in rough diamond production in the second quarter of the 2024 fiscal year compared to the first quarter.

How is the Local Industry Affected?

Jagdish Khunt, president of the Surat Diamond Association, echoed Lakhani’s views, noting that the recession has severely impacted the local diamond industry, which processes nearly 90 percent of the world’s diamonds. “This is the first time Kiran Gems has declared such a vacation for employees. Though no other diamond firm has taken such a step, it is a reality that the recession has reduced the sale of polished diamonds,” said Khunt. He added, “In 2022, our diamond industry’s turnover was nearly Rs. 2,25,000 crore, which has now decreased to nearly Rs. 1,50,000 crore. So, we have been negative for the last two years.”

What Are the Global Factors at Play?

Khunt explained that since 95 percent of India’s polished diamonds are exported, global factors invariably impact sales. The Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Palestine conflict are major contributors to the slump in global demand. Russia’s Alrosa, a diamond-mining enterprise partially owned by the Russian state, supplies approximately 30 percent of the world’s rough diamonds, with India sourcing about 60 percent of its roughs for polishing from Alrosa. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Biden administration imposed sanctions on Alrosa, disrupting the overall rough diamond supply.

The United States, being the largest market for India-processed diamonds, saw several major American companies refusing to purchase goods of Russian origin, further impacting Surat’s diamond industries, leading to downsized operations and thousands of job losses.

What Are the Future Prospects?

Last year, the EU and G7 countries, which purchase 70 percent of the world’s diamonds, initiated a ban on Russian-origin diamonds via third countries, with its first phase beginning in early March. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed this concern, stating, “Our effort is to delay, soften it, and best of all, not let this happen at all. For us, this has become a priority issue, and we will try to find a solution in the coming days.”

Khunt emphasized that these international sanctions and conflicts have forced Surat’s industry to adapt and struggle amidst these global challenges. As the diamond firm navigates these turbulent times, the hope remains for a revival in demand and stabilization of the market.

Gujarat Plans To Ask For Bigger Narmada Water Share After December

July 23, 2024, 11:02 am

Gujarat is preparing to request a larger share of the Narmada River’s waters from Madhya Pradesh. This request comes as the 45-year water allocation period is set to end on December 12. Gujarat wants more water due to rising demands for agriculture and industry, according to two officials from the state.

Background of Water Allocation

In December 1979, the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal (NWDT) allocated river waters to four states: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. At that time:
– Gujarat requested 22.02 Million Acre Feet (MAF) of water, including 20.73 MAF for irrigation to cover 126.26 lakh hectares of land.
– Madhya Pradesh initially asked for 24.079 MAF, including 23.279 MAF for irrigation and 0.80 MAF for drinking water and industry.

The final allocation was different from these requests:
– Madhya Pradesh got 18.25 MAF
– Gujarat received 9 MAF
– Rajasthan was allocated 0.50 MAF
– Maharashtra received 0.25 MAF

This distribution was based on factors like the catchment area, water scarcity, and the contribution to the river’s flow.

Gujarat’s Current Situation and Request

A Gujarat government official explained that Madhya Pradesh has been using less than 10 MAF of its allocated water on average. For example, in 2022-23, Gujarat used 9.21 MAF out of its 11.27 MAF allocation, while Madhya Pradesh used only 8.84 MAF of its 22.85 MAF share. In 2020-21, Madhya Pradesh used 9.39 MAF out of 24.61 MAF.

Gujarat’s officials argue that since they have been fully using or even exceeding their water allocation, they need an additional 8-9 MAF. They plan to present this demand to the tribunal after the December deadline.

Challenges and Considerations

Before making this request, Gujarat must also address issues like flood management, especially after heavy rains in Madhya Pradesh in September 2023 led to the opening of several dam gates.

Importance of the Sardar Sarovar Dam

The Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat is a key part of water management for all four states. It is India’s third-highest concrete dam and the second-largest globally in terms of concrete volume for gravity dams. The dam’s height was increased to 110.64 meters in June 2004 when Narendra Modi was Gujarat’s chief minister. Later, as Prime Minister, Modi expedited approvals to complete the dam.

In 2017, the Narmada Control Authority (NCA), established in 1980, allowed the sluice gates to be closed, allowing the dam to reach its full height of 138.68 meters. Modi inaugurated the completed dam later that year.

Future of Water Allocation

The upcoming negotiations for redistributing Narmada River waters will be crucial for future water management strategies in the region. This reallocation will affect agriculture, industry, and overall development in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra for many years to come.

Key Points

1. Gujarat’s Request: Gujarat wants more water from the Narmada River due to growing needs for farming and industry.
2. Historical Allocation: In 1979, the NWDT divided the river’s water among Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.
3. Current Use: Gujarat has been using all its allocated water, while Madhya Pradesh has used less than half of its share.
4. Future Negotiations: After December, Gujarat will formally ask for more water. These talks will impact water management for years.
5. Sardar Sarovar Dam: This important dam helps manage water for the four states and has been a major project since 1961.

Surat Building Collapse: 7 Dead, Many Feared Trapped | Key Details

July 7, 2024, 9:27 am

Seven people have died, and several others have been trapped for over 12 hours following the collapse of a multi-storey building in Surat’s Sachin area, Gujarat, on Saturday. The region has experienced heavy rain for several days. While a woman was rescued shortly after the collapse, three other bodies were recovered by night, according to Surat police commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot.

Surat Building Collapse: Key Details

1. The building collapsed around 3 PM on Saturday in Surat’s Sachin area, trapping several residents under the debris.

2. Police and fire brigade teams arrived at the scene immediately after the incident. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the fire department are carrying out rescue operations, as stated by the police.

3. By Sunday, seven bodies had been retrieved from the debris, while some individuals remained trapped. Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot, who was at the scene overseeing the rescue operation, confirmed that “the voices of trapped persons were heard at the beginning of the rescue efforts.”

4. A woman was successfully rescued from under the debris.

5. Out of the 30 flats in the building, four to five were occupied, with the rest being empty, according to officials cited by ANI. Many residents were at work, and those sleeping were trapped. The building was constructed in 2016-17.

In another incident in Gujarat earlier this year, four workers were injured after a section of an under-construction medical college building in Morbi town collapsed in March. One laborer was rescued after being trapped in the debris for seven hours. This incident occurred around 8 PM on March 9, while workers were working on roof filling on the first floor of the new building.

IMD Issues Rain Alert For Delhi Today: Gujarat Hit By Heavy Rain

July 2, 2024, 8:20 am

Gujarat witnessed heavy rain for the second consecutive day, with Kalyanpur taluka in Devbhumi Dwarka district recording 174 millimetres of rain in a 12-hour period ending at 6 pm, according to news agency PTI. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘red alert’ for several districts in Gujarat till Tuesday, June 2, forecasting extremely heavy showers in areas including Surat, Navsari, Valsad, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Junagadh, Dwarka, and Kutch.

The weather department predicts continued heavy to very heavy rain across various regions in Gujarat until July 3, citing the influence of two cyclonic circulations over northern and southern parts of the state.

In contrast, Delhi remains on an “orange” alert from July 2 to July 3, with forecasts of moderate to heavy rain expected during this period. Despite the alert on Monday, Delhi did not record any rainfall.

Meanwhile, in Assam, the flood situation worsened with over 6.44 lakh people affected across 19 districts. The Brahmaputra river has surpassed its highest flood level at Nematighat in Jorhat district, prompting serious concerns. Eight rivers in Assam are flowing above the danger mark, inundating several cities and causing significant distress.

WATCH THE POST:

The past two days have seen some respite from the downpours in Delhi and NCR (National Capital Region). However, weather experts predict a resurgence in rain activity. likely intensify rainfall over Delhi starting from July 2nd. #Skymet #WeatherUpdate #DelhiNCR #Rain #DelhgiRain…

— Skymet (@SkymetWeather) July 1, 2024

In response to the flood situation in Kalibor, authorities have imposed speed restrictions on vehicles to mitigate risks to marooned animals and potential accidents due to flooded roads.

Looking ahead, IMD’s latest weather forecast anticipates widespread rainfall over Northwest and Central India, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan, West Madhya Pradesh, and other regions from July 1 to July 5.

Additionally, coastal areas of Karnataka and northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya are expected to experience heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in the coming days, as per IMD’s predictions.

Surat police adopts AI to check cyber crimes

February 4, 2024, 4:31 pm

The Surat police force has embraced Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to equip its personnel in countering cybercrime and meeting the cybersecurity needs of the public, as confirmed by a senior officer. According to Additional Commissioner of Police (ACP) Sharad Singhal, “AI is the new hot topic in this generation. It has been used for the first time by the Surat Cyber Cell to protect the citizens of Gujarat from cybercrime. A chatbot has been created that will communicate with the victims in their chosen language.”

Emphasizing the advantages of artificial intelligence for cybercrime victims, the ACP highlighted, “Victims of cybercrime will be able to use the ‘Find My Police Station’ feature to locate their nearest police station. This public interface will work like a helpline, which will communicate with the victims regardless of time.” The adoption of AI is expected to enhance the efficiency of police operations, allowing them to track the number of cases in specific areas, thus identifying the concentration and nature of cybercrimes in the city.

The official also pointed out that AI will play a crucial role in training police officers to combat cybercrime gangs engaged in activities such as phishing, stalking, and sextortion. In a similar vein, the Punjab Police recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar to establish an in-house Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Lab, marking a significant step in leveraging advanced technologies for law enforcement.

Hansal Mehta starts filming for ‘Gandhi’ in Gujrat

January 19, 2024, 5:46 pm

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta is prepared to produce the eagerly awaited biopic, Gandhi. Filming has commenced, with the team commencing its first schedule in Gujarat. Production company Applause Entertainment informed fans on Instagram of the news and shared stills from the sets.

Sharing the photos, they wrote, “Capturing history in the making!#Gandhi filming now.”
This epic series, capturing the life and times of the Mahatma, is set to be an international production shot across various Indian and foreign locations.
Directed by Hansal Mehta and starring Pratik Gandhi, the multi-season series is produced by Applause Entertainment in association with Applause Productions. Get ready for an immersive journey into an incredible life.
Hansal and Pratik have previously collaborated on the super hit show Scam 1992.
They are excited to see them collaborate on this new series.

Gujarat: 2 People dead and 2 injured in valsad’s pharma company blast

February 28, 2023, 8:27 am

On Monday night two people were killed, and two others injured after a sudden explosion in a Pharma company followed by a massive fire in Gujarat’s Valsad district. As per the reports, it was a sudden blast happened in Van Petrochem Pharma Company in Sarigam GIDC Chemical Zone of Valsad district. A part of the building caved in during the incident. The injured persons were instantly rushed to a neighbouring hospital.
Fire tenders also were pressed into the service after receiving information about the incident. However, the firefighters could not use water to douse the fire, as they were unaware of the chemical, that engineered the blast before the blaze.

SC to consider listing of review plea of Bilkis Bano case relating to remission of 11 convicts

December 12, 2022, 6:43 pm

The Supreme Court announced that it would take into account an early listing of a petition from the victim (Bilkis Bano) seeking review of its earlier verdict asking the Gujarat government to take into account the petition for the release of 11 defendants in the gang rape case involving Bilkis Bano.

A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, and Justices PS Narasimha and Dipankar Datta Sai said, “It will come up by circulation. I will have it posted early. There is a date, I will check.”

The review plea has not yet been listed, and a tentative date of December 5 has been indicated, according to counsel Shobha Gupta, who informed the bench of this.

According to protocol, review petitions against rulings by the highest courts are decided in chambers by the judges who participated in the ruling under review.

She filed a review petition in opposition to the Supreme Court’s decision from May allowing the Gujarat government to implement the 1992 remission Rules.

In addition to submitting a review petition, Bano also pleaded against the early release of 11 criminal defendants who had gang-raped and killed Bano’s family members during the 2002 Godhra riots.

On December 13, the matter is scheduled to be heard by a bench comprising Justices Ajay Rastogi and Bela Trivedi.

Bano claimed that despite being the victim of the crime, she was unaware of any early release or remission process that had been started.

According to the argument, Gujarat’s remission order utterly disregards the requirements of the law as they have been constantly stated.

Prior to this, some PILs had been submitted asking for instructions to withdraw the remission given to 11 inmates.

The National Federation of Indian Women, whose general secretary is Annie Raja, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), represented by Subhashini Ali, the journalist Revati Laul, the professor and social activist Roop Rekha Verma, and the TMC MP Mahua Moitra, filed the arguments.

In their affidavit, the Gujarat government supported the remission of fines given to convicts by noting that they had served a total of 14 years in prison and that their “behaviour was found to be good.”

The State government claimed that it had taken into account the cases of all 11 convicts in accordance with the 1992 policy, and that remission had been granted on August 10, 2022. The Central government had also given its approval for the convicts’ early release.

It is important to remember that the remission was not given in accordance with the circular governing the grant of remission to inmates in honour of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,” as it has been stated.

The affidavit has stated, “State government considered all the opinions and decided to release 11 prisoners since they have completed 14 years and above in prisons and their behaviour was found to be good.”

The petitioners who filed the PIL contesting the ruling had their locus standi called into question by the government, which claimed they were unrelated to the case.

The arguments stated that they were contesting the order of the Gujarati government’s competent authority, which permitted 11 people who had been charged with a series of terrible crimes to be released on August 15, 2022 as a result of remission being granted to them.

Remission in this horrible instance would go completely against the public interest, shock the public conscience, as well as the victim’s interests (her family has made public declarations expressing concern for her safety), petitions noted.

CM Biswa slams Kharge’s tea remarks

November 28, 2022, 7:03 pm

Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of Assam, stated on Monday that dogs are valued more highly in the Congress party than people.

Sarma responded to Mallikarjun Kharge’s tea remark. Kharge sparked a debate earlier on Sunday with his remark about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. When speaking to a crowd during a public gathering in Dediapada, Gujarat’s tribal-dominated Narmada district, Kharge said, “A person like you (PM Modi) claims to be poor. I am also poor, I am one of the untouchables. People drank your tea, nobody would’ve had my tea.”
“Then you say that you are poor, and somebody abuses you. If you say it for sympathy, then people have become smarter now. If you lie once or twice, people will hear it, but how many times will you lie? He’s the leader of lies..,” Kharge added.
Earlier on Monday, Sarma told ANI, “Mallikarjun Kharge said, no one has tea with me. So maybe Rahul Gandhi doesn’t have tea with Kharge ji and Congress follows such practices. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi should tweet a backdated picture in which he could be seen having tea with Mallikarjun Kharge.”
“What I feel is that dogs have a higher value in the Congress party in comparison to humans. So Mallikarjun Kharge’s comment that no one has tea with me may be partially correct,” Sarma added.

In Ahmedabad, the state’s capital and an election-bound state, Sarma spoke at a press conference.

The BJP has traditionally considered Gujarat to be a bastion, and the party has set its eyes on winning a seventh term in office.

The BJP won 99 out of the total 182 seats in the 2017 Assembly elections. For the past 27 years, the party has controlled the state.

The AAP, which recently swept to power in Punjab, will present it with a tough electoral battle as it looks to establish a significant political presence there.

The Congress also aspires to defeat the BJP by running the strongest campaign possible.

On December 8, the votes for Gujarat will be tallied.

Gujarat Assembly polls: UP BJP team to begin campaigning today

November 18, 2022, 12:49 pm

Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, and other organisational BJP officials will begin holding public rallies in Gujarat on Friday as the state heads toward election day.

Deputy Chief Ministers Brijesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya, as well as party leader and CM of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath, will hold public rallies in Gujarat as part of the BJP’s campaign for 82 of the 89 seats up for election in the first round of the Gujarat Assembly elections. While Keshav Prasad Maurya will hold public meetings in Surat’s Mahua Vidhansabha and Deputy CM Maurya will also hold workers’ meetings in Gujarat for a few days, Deputy CM Brijesh Pathak will hold public meetings in five districts of Gujarat today.

CM Yogi Adityanath, the star campaigner for the BJP, will run the election campaign and hold rallies in 3 constituencies.

In order to support BJP candidates Jitendra Bhai Somani from Wakaner in Morbi and Bhai Vasava from Jhagadia in Bharuch, Yogi Adityanath will hold rallies in the Gujarati districts of Morbi, Bharuch, and Surat. In Surat’s Chaurasi assembly, Yogi will hold his third rally in support of BJP candidate Sandeep Bhai Desai.

For 182 assembly seats in Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, elections will be conducted on December 1 and December 5.

In Gujarat, the BJP has held power for the past 27 years. A triangular contest is being witnessed in this assembly election in Gujarat.

With the arrival of the Aam Aadmi Party, the battle between the BJP and the Congress in Gujarat has become even more fierce.

During the assembly election campaign in Himachal Pradesh, CM Yogi spoke at rallies. Yogi Adityanath spoke at meetings for 35 seats in 29 Gujarat districts during the most recent election in 2017, 20 of which were won by BJP candidates.

Elections in Gujarat could signal generational shift for BJP

November 11, 2022, 1:49 pm

A number of important factors were taken into account prior to the release of the list of candidates for the upcoming Gujarat Assembly elections. These included public favorability, the candidates’ work on the ground, their viability, and instilling young blood.

The initial list, which was made public on Thursday at the party headquarters in Delhi, included 160 names out of 182. Compared to the 2017 assembly elections, there was a clear effort to include younger candidates. Out of the 160 candidates the BJP has announced, 11 are under the age of 40, and 53 of the candidates on the list are under the age of 50.

“The average age of the candidates, which earlier in 2017 was at 60 years, has now been brought down to the 50s,” a source said. What wasn’t possible in 2017 is now happening in 2022.

Vijay Rupani, a former chief minister, and Nitin Patel, a former deputy chief minister, are among the senior party leaders among the former ministers who didn’t find their names on the list because they had already written to the party leadership expressing their desire not to run in the upcoming elections.

Gujarat will experience a three-way race for the first time, with the much-discussed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as one of the contenders.

“People would understand that the AAP has put in quite a bit of effort to balance the caste equations and also focus on young faces. The fact is that BJP has been the ruling party in Gujarat for the longest. People have seen and voted for the same faces for years. It is thereby important to cut off any anti-incumbency, if any, and for the party to instil young blood. And look at Gujarat 10 years down the line,” a BJP functionary told ANI.
“This is a party where an ordinary party worker with a humble background went on to become the prime minister of the country, and the message that needs to go to the youth is very simple. If they work hard and bring in new energy, they will be rewarded with a chance to prove themselves,” another BJP leader said.

Up to 17 turncoats, including Hardik Patel and Alpesh Thakor, have been put on the ballot with consideration given to their caste equation and winnable positions.

Hardik Patel has been recalled from his hometown of Viramgam, and Alpesh Thakore from Gandhinagar. We saw that the two were active and that Thakor won by a huge margin. If they are in our party and in a position to get a win for us, why would they be made to sit out?” A senior leader said.

The BJP has used popularity and local presence as important criteria when allocating tickets for the upcoming assembly elections. The party’s fortunes have been greatly impacted by urban seats. Urban areas have made a concerted effort to restore their image of leadership.

Gujarat Assembly elections: BJP announces initial list of 160 candidates, CM Bhupendra Patel to run in Ghatlodia district

November 10, 2022, 11:54 am

The initial list of 160 candidates for the Gujarat Assembly elections was made public by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday.

Bhupendra Patel, the chief minister, will run for office in the Ghatlodia district. The candidates’ identities were revealed during a joint press conference that was addressed by Union Ministers Mansukh Mandviya and Bhupender Yadav and State BJP Chief CR Paatil.

Rivaba Jadeja, the cricketer Ravindra Jadeja’s wife, received a ticket and will run for office in the Jamnagar North district.

Hardik Patel, a former Congress leader who switched to the BJP, will run for office in the Viramgam district.

Harsh Sanghavi, the minister of the interior for Gujarat, will run for office in the Majura district.

Notably, the BJP held its Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting on Wednesday at its headquarters under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. National president JP Nadda, Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav, the former chief minister of Karnataka, BS Yediyurappa, and others arrived at the party headquarters for the meeting.

Vijay Rupani, the former chief minister of Gujarat, and three other BJP officials quickly declared that they would not run in the state’s upcoming assembly elections in order to make room for the fresh faces.

Rupani was in office as Gujarat’s chief minister from August 2016 until September 2021. He now represents Rajkot West as an MLA.

On Tuesday night, the BJP core group met at Nadda’s house to discuss the upcoming elections in Gujarat.

The BJP is running for reelection in Gujarat, where the state has long been their stronghold.

Gujarat will hold elections on December 1 and December 5.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is making attempts to perform well in the elections while Congress is attempting to unseat the BJP.

Gujrat assembly polls: AAP names Isudan Gadhvi as CM candidate

November 4, 2022, 2:58 pm

Isudan Gadhvi, the party’s national joint general secretary, was named by the Aam Aadmi Party as its candidate for chief minister in the upcoming Gujarat Assembly elections on Friday.

Gadhvi also serves on the National Executive Committee of the AAP. Following a crowdsourcing campaign in which state residents could voice their opinions on a phone number and email address shared by the party until 5 p.m. on November 3, the party made this announcement.

Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi and the national convenor of the AAP, started the campaign on October 29 by urging the public to choose a candidate for chief minister.

The AAP had held a poll ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections, and Bhagwant Mann had come out on top.

Mann eventually rose to the position of the state’s chief minister.

The Gujarat Assembly elections will take place on the dates that the Election Commission stated earlier on Thursday.

On December 1 and 5, there will be two separate rounds of voting. On December 8, which also happens to be the day of the announcement of the results for Himachal Pradesh, the votes will be counted.

Gujarat Assembly elections to be held on December 1, 5; counting on December 8

November 3, 2022, 1:05 pm

Rajiv Kumar, chief election commissioner on Thursday announced the dates of Gujrat Assembly Elections. The polls will be held in two phases on December 1 and 5 with the counting of ballots on December 8.

“First phase of assembly elections in Gujarat is to be held on December 1 and the second phase on December 5, with the counting of votes to be done on December 8,” he said. The CEC informed the public that as many as 3,24,422 people would be first-time voters in the state.
“I am happy to inform you that 3,24,422 new voters will vote for the first time this time in the Gujarat Assembly elections. The total number of polling stations is 51,782. At least 50 percent of the polling stations set up in the state will have webcasting arrangements,” Kumar said.
“For a better voting experience, 1274 polling stations will be managed entirely by women and security staff. The Public Works Department will welcome voters at 182 polling stations. For the first time, 33 polling stations will be set up and managed by the youngest polling staff,” he added.

Congress MP Francisco Sardinha asks to ‘Stop Bharat Jodo’

October 17, 2022, 4:17 pm

Francisco Sardinha, a Congress member, asserted on Monday that the Congress is the “only party” capable of defeating the BJP and that Rahul Gandhi should abandon the Bharat Jodo Yatra and travel to Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh to campaign there for the Assembly elections.

“I want Rahul Gandhi to stop the Bharat Jodo Yatra and go to Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat to awaken the public so that they vote for the only party that can defeat BJP. The only party that can be an opposition to the BJP is Congress,” said Congress MP Francisco Sardinha after casting his vote for the next president of Congress.

Assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh will be held on November 12, according to a statement issued by the Election Commission on Friday, and the results will be tallied on December 8, according to a statement issued by the Election Commission on Friday.

Elections for Gujarat’s 182-seat Assembly will take place later this year.

This assertion was made by Sardinha, a former chief minister of Goa, after he had cast his ballot. He also claimed that there was no point in running for office if one already knew they would lose.

“Shashi Tharoor is my colleague. If I had to meet I would have requested him for it because I knew everybody would be for Mallikarjun, so what is the point when you know that you are 100 per cent going to lose, you just want to show that you contested,” Sardinha said adding that he was sure of veteran leader Mallikarjun Kharge’s victory for the party’s president post.
“Nothing new, there have been elections earlier, unopposed. Madam Sonia ji was the president, Rahul ji was the president, and now there are elections and I am sure Mallikarjun ji will be the new president of the Congress,” he said further.

The day of the presidential election is observed as a “rest day” for the 3,500-kilometer yatra from Kanniyakumari to Kashmir.

Party leaders Shashi Tharoor and Mallikarjun Kharge are competing head-to-head for the position of Congress’ next president.

Shashi Tharoor, a Congress leader from Thiruvananthapuram, who will face Mallikarjun Kharge, a seasoned party member, for the position of Congress president on Monday, claimed that regardless of the result, the party’s revival had already begun and that the party’s future was in the hands of its members.

Although he realised the chances were against him, Tharoor claimed he was convinced he would win the poll.

Meanwhile, Kharge said, “It is part of our internal election. Whatever we say to each other is on a friendly note. Together, we have to build the party. (Shashi) Tharoor telephoned me and wished me luck, and I also said the same.”

It is not the first time a non-Gandhi leader has run for the party’s presidency after independence; roughly 22 years ago, Jitendra Prasad faced off against Sonia Gandhi for the position, which she ultimately won and held for 20 years.

Sonia Gandhi has been the party’s president for the most time, having done so from 1998 to 2017 and since 2019.

No Gandhi family member is running for president this time around.

Polls are being taken to choose the party’s national president for the sixth time in its roughly 137-year history. Rahul Gandhi won without opposition as the party’s president in the 2017 elections.

PMJAY-MA Yojana Ayushman cards to be distributed in Gujarat

October 17, 2022, 11:55 am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the distribution of PMJAY-MA Yojana Ayushman cards in Gujarat on Monday with the goal of offering coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for primary, secondary, and tertiary care hospitalisation, without any cap on family size and age.

At 4 PM, the distribution will take place by video conference. Gujarat integrated the MA/MAV Yojana with the AB-PM-JAY scheme in 2019 and gave it the name PMJAY-MA Yojana. As a result, beneficiaries of both the MA/MAV and AB-PMJAY programmes are now eligible for co-branded PMJAY-MA cards.

During the program, the Prime Minister will officially launch the distribution of these cards, and 50 lakh printed, colourful Ayushman cards will be delivered to every beneficiary in Gujarat at their door by National Health Authority-empanelled organisations following e-KYC of beneficiaries.

The “Mukhyamantri Amrutam (MA)” scheme was launched in 2012 by the Prime Minister, who was also the Chief Minister of Gujarat, to shield the poor from the exorbitant expenditures of disease and medical care.

The “MA” Yojana was expanded in 2014 to include households with an annual income cap of Rs. 4 lakh. Later, this plan was expanded to include a number of other groups. The programme was renamed Mukhyamantri Amrutam Vatsalya (MAV) Yojana.

Gujarat combined the MA/MAV Yojana with the AB-PM-JAY programme in 2019 and gave it the moniker PMJAY-MA Yojana, making the beneficiaries of both programmes eligible for co-branded PMJAY-MA cards.

Gujarat: PM Modi touts “double-engine” growth as he dedicates an airport

October 10, 2022, 5:40 pm

PM Narendra Modi laid the cornerstone for a new airport in the Gujarat city of Bharuch on Monday. As he underlined the city’s progress, he predicted that the “double engine” administration now in place in the state will give growth a new impetus.

“After doing so much business and getting business from the country and abroad, now when the airport is being founded, the development is about to get a new momentum and a new flight. And when there is a double-engine government of Narendra-Bhupendra, then the airport work will also be completed faster,” said PM Modi.

He expressed happiness over the construction of the airport and said, “I am happy to announce that now, along with industrial development, Bharuch will also be home to an international airport. This airport will play an important role in increasing exports from Gujarat.”

He emphasised that since Bharuch will have its own airport, it won’t be necessary to rely on those in other cities.

“Bharuch won’t need to depend on Baroda or Surat airport. Now Bharuch will have its own airport. So, today, the foundation stone is being laid to build a new airport at Ankleshwar,” he said.

PM Modi also noted that his home state has now got its first drug park. “Today Gujarat has got the first bulk drug park, and that too in Bharuch. Several plants related to the chemical sector have also been inaugurated today,” he said.

In his speech, PM Modi spoke to the late SP Supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and emphasised their friendship.

“Mulayam Singh Yadav ji’s demise is a huge loss for the nation. I had a special relationship with him. When the BJP declared me as the PM candidate in 2014, I spoke to all opposition leaders. He gave me his blessings in the form of his advice, which has stayed with me even today,” he added.

In Amod, a town in the Bharuch district, Prime Minister Modi dedicated and laid the cornerstone for projects totaling more than Rs 8,000 crore.

PM Modi laid the cornerstone of a bulk pharmaceuticals park at Jambusar as a next step toward making India “Aatmanirbhar” (self-reliant) in the pharmaceutical industry. Bulk pharmaceuticals made up more than 60% of all pharmaceutical imports in 2021–2022.

Kejriwal attacked in Gujrat, man hurled bottle

October 2, 2022, 5:41 pm

Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi, was assaulted during a visit to Gujarat, which is nearing election time. At a Rajkot public protest, a bottle was thrown at the leader of the AAP.

#BREAKING | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal attacked in Gujarat's Rajkot, an empty water bottle was hurled at him at an event. Watch here –https://t.co/2rijHpuhUV pic.twitter.com/iU9zCW6sga
— Republic (@republic) October 2, 2022

When Kejriwal arrived in Rajkot to attend a Garba festival, an unidentified man threw a water bottle at him. He did not, however, receive a bottle strike.

While Kejriwal was in Rajkot visiting a temple, a bottle was thrown at him.

The AAP hasn’t yet complained about this, though. Additionally, as of right now, neither the AAP nor the officials have made any statements. Arvind Kejriwal is in Gujarat for two days.

Security guards beat food delivery boy with belt over parking disputes

September 20, 2022, 2:57 pm

A security guard of a residential community in Thaltej, Ahmedabad, is accused of beating a 21-year-old pizza delivery boy with a belt over a parking issue.

According to reports, authorities identified the victim as Nilesh Senma, a resident of Bodakdev who had been employed for the previous 1.5 years by a pizza restaurant in Thaltej.

Senma claimed that on Monday, at approximately 1.15 pm, he arrived at the society in Thaltej to deliver a pizza and parked his motorcycle in the space next to the guard’s cabin.

“When I returned, I found another scooter parked in front of my vehicle, making it tough for me to take out my motorcycle to leave the society,” said the pizza delivery agent, as reported.

Senma further told police, “When I requested the guards to help remove the scooter, one of the guards began pulling out his belt and started flogging me with it. He hit my head and I started bleeding.”

According to reports, Senma was taken to the Sola Civil hospital for treatment after the security officer dialled 108 ambulance, and a medico-legal lawsuit was later filed there, according to reports.

Hotel owner in Surat detained for serving beef to patrons, butcher absconding

September 16, 2022, 5:59 pm

A restaurant owner in Surat, Gujarat, was detained for serving beef to customers that had ordered non-vegetarian food in his hotel. The Hindu organisations informed the authorities as soon as they learned about the restaurant owner’s conduct.

Police raided the restaurant based on the information and found 60 kg of beef stored in the refrigerator. The restaurant owner was detained after a case was filed against him at the Lalgate police station in Surat.

Three members of Surat-based Hindu organisations were informed that a non-vegetarian restaurant serving the Hodibangla neighbourhood sold beef. They looked into the situation, verified the accuracy of the information, and then reported everything to the Lalgate police station.

When authorities searched the hotel on September 11, they found 60 kg of beef that had been stored in six bags in the refrigerator. After that, authorities summoned a veterinarian to the scene, collected samples in his presence, and transported them to the Forensic Scientific Laboratory for analysis.

Sarfraz Mohammad Wazir Khan, the owner of the eatery, was detained under the Gujarat Animal Protection Amendment Act after Lalgate police station received the FSL report on September 14, which indicated that the material was beef.

In the meantime, Ansar, the butcher who gave him the steak, has been listed as absconding. Further investigation is underway.

ATS recovers 225kg of mephedrone worth ₹1,125cr, 6 detained in Gujrat

August 18, 2022, 1:07 pm

In a significant drug bust, Gujarat’s anti-terrorist squad (ATS) officials detained six people in connection with the seizure of 225kg of mephedrone worth Rs 1,125crore during a Tuesday raid at a plant that was still under construction outside of Vadodara.

Sunil Joshi, superintendent of police, Gujarat ATS, said, “Acting on a specific tip-off, a team of the Gujarat ATS raided a factory-cum-warehouse on Tuesday morning. We have seized 225 kilogrammes of mephedrone, worth 1,125 crore, in the international market.”

Joshi claims that the narcotics were produced at a chemical factory in Saykha GIDC in the Bharuch district before being processed at the facility that is now under construction in Savli taluka of the Vadodara district, where the raid was carried out.

According to the SP, Mahesh Vaishnav, who lives in Surat, and Piyush Patel, who lives in Vadodara, are the owners of the factory there.

The police declared that Rakesh Makani, Vijay Vasoya, and Dilip Vaghasia are the owners of the plant.

All five plant owners have been jailed, including one, Dinesh Dhruv, who organised talks between Vaishnaw and Makani, said Joshi.

The officer claims that Vaishnaw approached the Saykhya plant’s proprietors early this year with the idea of producing mephedrone at the factory.

Joshi said, “Vaishnav brought liquid mephedrone from Bharuch to his facility in Savli… He confessed to supplying about 15kg of mephedrone to one Dinesh Dhruv and two others from Mumbai and a similar quantity to a person from Rajasthan. The remaining quantity has been seized by the ATS.”