Tata Motors has signed an agreement to buy Ford Motor’s manufacturing unit in India’s western Gujarat state for Rs 7.26 billion rupees ($91.5 million).

The agreement signed between the Indian automaker's subsidiary Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd and Ford India Pvt Ltd (FIPL) includes land and buildings, vehicle manufacturing plant along with machinery and equipment, and also covers all the employees, pegged at 1,400, in Sanand.

On Sunday, the two companies signed a unit transfer agreement (UTA), Tata Motors said in a statement.

“With our manufacturing capacity nearing saturation, this acquisition is timely and a win-win for all stakeholders,” it said.

Ford’s manufacturing unit is near the existing manufacturing plant of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited. The Indian automaker said that the acquisition of the Sanand plant will unlock a manufacturing capacity of 300,000 units per year that could increase to 420,000.

Watch |&nbsp;Tata motors to buy Ford's India plant

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tata-motors-to-buy-fords-india-plant-504725/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It added that Ford India will continue to operate its powertrain manufacturing facility by leasing back the land and buildings of the powertrain manufacturing plant from Tata Passenger Electric Mobility on mutually agreed terms.

Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Limited, in a statement said, "The agreement with FIPL signed today is beneficial to all stakeholders and reflects Tata Motors' strong aspiration to further strengthen its market position in the Passenger Vehicles segment and to continue to build on its leadership position in the Electric Vehicle segment. It will accelerate the growth and development of the Indian auto industry by taking a progressive step forward towards building a future-ready Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) Bharat".&nbsp;

Last year, Ford stopped production in the country after failing to make a dent in the Indian passenger vehicle market despite having a presence for over two decades. It had captured less than 2 per cent of the vehicle market.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Tata Motors has signed an agreement to buy Ford Motor’s manufacturing unit in India’s western Gujarat state for Rs 7.26 billion rupees ($91.5 million). The agreement signed between the Indian automaker's subsidiary Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd and Ford India Pvt Ltd (FIPL) includes land and buildings, vehicle manufacturing plant along with machinery and equipment, and also covers all the employees, pegged at 1,400, in Sanand.

Tata Motors has signed an agreement to buy Ford Motor’s manufacturing unit in India’s western Gujarat state for Rs 7.26 billion rupees ($91.5 million). The agreement signed between the Indian automaker's subsidiary Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd and Ford India Pvt Ltd (FIPL) includes land and buildings, vehicle manufacturing plant along with machinery and equipment, and also covers all the employees, pegged at 1,400, in Sanand. On Sunday, the two companies signed a unit transfer agreement (UTA), Tata Motors said in a statement. “With our manufacturing capacity nearing saturation, this acquisition is timely and a win-win for all stakeholders,” it said. Ford’s manufacturing unit is near the existing manufacturing plant of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited. The Indian automaker said that the acquisition of the Sanand plant will unlock a manufacturing capacity of 300,000 units per year that could increase to 420,000. Watch | Tata motors to buy Ford's India plant It added that Ford India will continue to operate its powertrain manufacturing facility by leasing back the land and buildings of the powertrain manufacturing plant from Tata Passenger Electric Mobility on mutually agreed terms. Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Limited, in a statement said, "The agreement with FIPL signed today is beneficial to all stakeholders and reflects Tata Motors' strong aspiration to further strengthen its market position in the Passenger Vehicles segment and to continue to build on its leadership position in the Electric Vehicle segment. It will accelerate the growth and development of the Indian auto industry by taking a progressive step forward towards building a future-ready Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) Bharat". Last year, Ford stopped production in the country after failing to make a dent in the Indian passenger vehicle market despite having a presence for over two decades. It had captured less than 2 per cent of the vehicle market. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Tata Motors to acquire Ford’s Indian manufacturing plant for over $91 million

Indian cops have busted a fake IPL tournament in the western state of Gujarat. The organisers paid farmers to dress up as players and duped Russian punters into placing bets. Mariam Wardak tells you how this elaborate cricketing con was exposed.

South Asia Diary | Indian cops bust fake IPL tournament

Over the past week or so, news had&nbsp;been circulating about fake IPL being conducted in Gujarat. Now, the culprit behind the fake IPL racket has finally been nabbed. As per the Gujarat police, the mastermind behind the fake IPL is a Russian and not an Indian.&nbsp;

As per a report in the Times of India, a Russian named Efimov is behind the whole scam.&nbsp;Till now, it was believed that Asif Mohammed and Ashok Chaudhary were behind the racket, however, a new twist came into the picture as a Russian citizen&nbsp;by the name of 'Efimov' had plotted the whole scam.&nbsp;It was confirmed via the sleuths of Gujarat's Mehsana police.

For the unversed, the fake IPL-like&nbsp;league&nbsp;was not only conducted&nbsp;in Molipur but also in other places such as&nbsp;Meerut,&nbsp;Pune, and Jalandhar. A Mehsana police officer said, "The scrutiny of Telegram chats of the accused persons has revealed that Efimov is the mastermind. Asif Mohammed and Ashok Chaudhary were working for Efimov, and they planned the fake IPL in Molipur and other places. Asif is a Pakistani citizen while Ashok is an Indian."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wi-t20is-no-virat-kohli-and-jasprit-bumrah-as-r-ashwin-kl-rahul-return-in-rohit-sharma-led-squad-497285">WI T20Is: No Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah as R Ashwin, KL Rahul return in Rohit Sharma-led squad</a>

After a&nbsp;probe commenced with regard to the fake cricket league, a similar racket came into the scene after being reported&nbsp;by Hapur police in Meerut (in Uttar Pradesh). As per the Mehsana SOG sources, it was revealed that the gang focused on conducting matches&nbsp;to ensure the regular cash inflow from Russian punters who frequent pubs in Tver, Voronezh and Moscow.

"Shoeb Davda, one of the accused who was caught from Molipur, had lived in Russia for eight months. He had returned to India only recently. Mohammed and Chaudhary had instructed him to organize a T20 cricket tournament to accept bets. It is he who had suggested that the matches be held in Molipur since it was an ideal location to pull off the con," pointed out a police officer.

"They held at least 20 matches in Meerut. In case of any suspicion that their match venue was under scanner, they would leave the venue and choose another. Some matches were also played in Pune and Jalandhar. We are investigating them,"&nbsp;the officer further added.

Over the past week or so, news had been circulating about fake IPL being conducted in Gujarat. Now, the culprit behind the fake IPL racket has finally been nabbed.

Over the past week or so, news had been circulating about fake IPL being conducted in Gujarat. Now, the culprit behind the fake IPL racket has finally been nabbed. As per the Gujarat police, the mastermind behind the fake IPL is a Russian and not an Indian. As per a report in the Times of India, a Russian named Efimov is behind the whole scam. Till now, it was believed that Asif Mohammed and Ashok Chaudhary were behind the racket, however, a new twist came into the picture as a Russian citizen by the name of 'Efimov' had plotted the whole scam. It was confirmed via the sleuths of Gujarat's Mehsana police. For the unversed, the fake IPL-like league was not only conducted in Molipur but also in other places such as Meerut, Pune, and Jalandhar. A Mehsana police officer said, "The scrutiny of Telegram chats of the accused persons has revealed that Efimov is the mastermind. Asif Mohammed and Ashok Chaudhary were working for Efimov, and they planned the fake IPL in Molipur and other places. Asif is a Pakistani citizen while Ashok is an Indian." ALSO READ | WI T20Is: No Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah as R Ashwin, KL Rahul return in Rohit Sharma-led squad After a probe commenced with regard to the fake cricket league, a similar racket came into the scene after being reported by Hapur police in Meerut (in Uttar Pradesh). As per the Mehsana SOG sources, it was revealed that the gang focused on conducting matches to ensure the regular cash inflow from Russian punters who frequent pubs in Tver, Voronezh and Moscow. "Shoeb Davda, one of the accused who was caught from Molipur, had lived in Russia for eight months. He had returned to India only recently. Mohammed and Chaudhary had instructed him to organize a T20 cricket tournament to accept bets. It is he who had suggested that the matches be held in Molipur since it was an ideal location to pull off the con," pointed out a police officer. "They held at least 20 matches in Meerut. In case of any suspicion that their match venue was under scanner, they would leave the venue and choose another. Some matches were also played in Pune and Jalandhar. We are investigating them," the officer further added.

Mastermind behind fake IPL matches in Gujarat nabbed: Report

The political crisis is continuing in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. On June 22 morning, Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, along with 33 party MLAs and seven independent MLAs who were staying at the Le Meridien hotel in Surat, flew from Surat International Airport to Guwahati, Assam. This follows allegations of cross-voting in Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) elections, in which the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won five seats, handing the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance government led by Shiv Sena a huge setback.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Shiv Sena each won two seats, while Congress won one of the ten seats in the Legislative Council that were up for election on Monday.

Shinde, along with a few other Shiv Sena MLAs, stayed at the Le Meridien hotel in Surat after the MLC elections.

In Surat, a Shiv Sena group led by Milind Narvekar and Ravindra Phatak, close aides to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, met with Shinde and other party MPs.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut acknowledged on Tuesday that some Shiv Sena MLAs and Eknath Shinde were currently "not approachable," despite allegations that efforts were being undertaken to topple the MVA government. Shiv Sena MLAs were in Surat, he claimed, and they were not permitted to leave.

In the midst of the controversy, Shinde tweeted a veiled jab at the Shiv Sena for teaming up with the Congress and the NCP to establish the state government, "We are Balasaheb's staunch Shiv Sainiks ... Balasaheb has taught us Hindutva. We have never and will never cheat for power regarding Balasaheb's thoughts and Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Saheb's teachings." Shinde has also dropped "Shiv Sena" from his Twitter bio.&nbsp;

After the Shiv Sena split from the BJP in 2014, he was appointed Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. Shinde was nominated to the MVA government's cabinet as a minister.

But he has been feeling marginalised since the MVA government was formed, according to sources. Shrikant Shinde, his son, is a Lok Sabha member from Kalyan. In the midst of this, Shiv Sena representatives met with Maharashtra Assembly Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal and presented him a letter requesting that Eknath Shinde be removed from his position as Shiv Sena Legislative Party Leader and replaced by Ajay Chaudhary.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra BJP head Chandrakant Patil said that the state government is now "technically" in "minority" due to the departure of Eknath Shinde and other Shiv Sena MLAs.

He stated that the BJP was currently in a "wait and watch" mode, and that neither the BJP nor Shinde had made any proposals on government formation.

"BJP got support from independents and small political parties for Rajya Sabha and MLC elections. As per our information, Eknath Shinde and 35 MLAs have gone. This means technically state government is in minority but practically it will take some time for the government to be in minority," he said.&nbsp;

"It's too early to say anything, we are currently waiting and keeping an eye on the situation. So far, there has not been any proposal regarding government formation neither from the BJP nor from Eknath Shinde but anything can happen in politics at any time," the BJP leader added.&nbsp;

The BJP and the Shiv Sena used to be allies until 2019, when they split over the question of the chief ministerial office after contesting the Maharashtra Assembly elections jointly. Following days of political gridlock and high-octane drama, the Shiv Sena, along with the Congress and the NCP, created the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance government, led by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The political crisis is continuing in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. On June 22 morning, Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, along with 33 party MLAs and seven independent MLAs who were staying at the Le Meridien hotel in Surat, flew from Surat International Airport to Guwahati, Assam.

The political crisis is continuing in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. On June 22 morning, Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, along with 33 party MLAs and seven independent MLAs who were staying at the Le Meridien hotel in Surat, flew from Surat International Airport to Guwahati, Assam. This follows allegations of cross-voting in Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) elections, in which the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won five seats, handing the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance government led by Shiv Sena a huge setback. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Shiv Sena each won two seats, while Congress won one of the ten seats in the Legislative Council that were up for election on Monday. Shinde, along with a few other Shiv Sena MLAs, stayed at the Le Meridien hotel in Surat after the MLC elections. In Surat, a Shiv Sena group led by Milind Narvekar and Ravindra Phatak, close aides to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, met with Shinde and other party MPs. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut acknowledged on Tuesday that some Shiv Sena MLAs and Eknath Shinde were currently "not approachable," despite allegations that efforts were being undertaken to topple the MVA government. Shiv Sena MLAs were in Surat, he claimed, and they were not permitted to leave. In the midst of the controversy, Shinde tweeted a veiled jab at the Shiv Sena for teaming up with the Congress and the NCP to establish the state government, "We are Balasaheb's staunch Shiv Sainiks ... Balasaheb has taught us Hindutva. We have never and will never cheat for power regarding Balasaheb's thoughts and Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Saheb's teachings." Shinde has also dropped "Shiv Sena" from his Twitter bio. After the Shiv Sena split from the BJP in 2014, he was appointed Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. Shinde was nominated to the MVA government's cabinet as a minister. But he has been feeling marginalised since the MVA government was formed, according to sources. Shrikant Shinde, his son, is a Lok Sabha member from Kalyan. In the midst of this, Shiv Sena representatives met with Maharashtra Assembly Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal and presented him a letter requesting that Eknath Shinde be removed from his position as Shiv Sena Legislative Party Leader and replaced by Ajay Chaudhary. Meanwhile, Maharashtra BJP head Chandrakant Patil said that the state government is now "technically" in "minority" due to the departure of Eknath Shinde and other Shiv Sena MLAs. He stated that the BJP was currently in a "wait and watch" mode, and that neither the BJP nor Shinde had made any proposals on government formation. "BJP got support from independents and small political parties for Rajya Sabha and MLC elections. As per our information, Eknath Shinde and 35 MLAs have gone. This means technically state government is in minority but practically it will take some time for the government to be in minority," he said. "It's too early to say anything, we are currently waiting and keeping an eye on the situation. So far, there has not been any proposal regarding government formation neither from the BJP nor from Eknath Shinde but anything can happen in politics at any time," the BJP leader added. The BJP and the Shiv Sena used to be allies until 2019, when they split over the question of the chief ministerial office after contesting the Maharashtra Assembly elections jointly. Following days of political gridlock and high-octane drama, the Shiv Sena, along with the Congress and the NCP, created the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance government, led by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Maharashtra political crisis: Eknath Shinde with 33 Sena MLAs, 7 Independents leaves Gujarat for Assam

The Department of Posts has for the first time delivered mail using a drone as part of a pilot project in Gujarat's Kutch district, covering a distance of 46 km in 25 minutes, officials said on Sunday.

The mail was sent by the drone from Habay village in Bhuj taluka to Ner village in Bhachau taluka of Kutch district by the postal department under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Communications, a release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) in Ahmedabad said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-tries-his-hand-at-flying-a-surveillance-drone-in-new-delhi-watch-482623">PM Narendra Modi tries his hand at flying a surveillance drone in New Delhi - WATCH</a>

"With the success of this pilot project, it will now be possible to make postal deliveries by drone in future," it said.

"Keeping pace with modern technology, the Indian Postal Department has successfully tested for the first time in the country's postal history a pilot project to deliver mail with the help of drone technology in Kutch district of Gujarat," the PIB said.

As per the release, it took 25 minutes for the parcel to reach the destination located 46 km from the originating point.

It was a medical parcel, as per the information shared on Twitter by Union Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Chauhan.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Drones are transforming modern warfare

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-drones-are-transforming-modern-warfare-394786/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The pilot project specifically studied the cost of delivery by drones and the geographical location between the two centres, as well as possible coordination among staff during the delivery process, including possible roadblocks, the release said.

If the experiment is commercially successful, the postal parcel delivery services will be faster, it added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/residents-of-this-indian-city-will-soon-have-made-in-india-drones-deliver-their-grocery-476854">Residents of this Indian city will soon have made-in-India drones deliver their grocery</a>

Chauhan in a tweet on Saturday said, "As the country celebrated the #DroneMahotsav2022, the Department of Posts successfully conducted a pilot test for delivery of parcels through drones in Kutch, Gujarat. The Drone successfully delivered the medicine parcel covering an aerial distance of 46 Km in 30 mins."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
As the country celebrated the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DroneMahotsav2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DroneMahotsav2022</a>, the Department of Posts, successfully conducted a pilot test for delivery of parcels through drones in Kutch, Gujarat. 
 
The Drone successfully delivered the medicine parcel covering an aerial distance of 46 Km in 30 mins. <a href="https://t.co/vTC2DTuoD4">pic.twitter.com/vTC2DTuoD4</a>
— Devusinh Chauhan (@devusinh) <a href="https://twitter.com/devusinh/status/1530441594838454272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the "Bharat Drone Mahotsav 2022", the country's biggest drone festival, where he said the use of drones will rise in sectors such as agriculture, sports, defence and disaster management.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The Department of Posts has for the first time delivered mail using a drone as part of a pilot project in Gujarat's Kutch district, covering a distance of 46 km in 25 minutes, officials said on Sunday.

The Department of Posts has for the first time delivered mail using a drone as part of a pilot project in Gujarat's Kutch district, covering a distance of 46 km in 25 minutes, officials said on Sunday. The mail was sent by the drone from Habay village in Bhuj taluka to Ner village in Bhachau taluka of Kutch district by the postal department under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Communications, a release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) in Ahmedabad said. Also read | PM Narendra Modi tries his hand at flying a surveillance drone in New Delhi - WATCH "With the success of this pilot project, it will now be possible to make postal deliveries by drone in future," it said. "Keeping pace with modern technology, the Indian Postal Department has successfully tested for the first time in the country's postal history a pilot project to deliver mail with the help of drone technology in Kutch district of Gujarat," the PIB said. As per the release, it took 25 minutes for the parcel to reach the destination located 46 km from the originating point. It was a medical parcel, as per the information shared on Twitter by Union Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Chauhan. Watch | Gravitas: Drones are transforming modern warfare The pilot project specifically studied the cost of delivery by drones and the geographical location between the two centres, as well as possible coordination among staff during the delivery process, including possible roadblocks, the release said. If the experiment is commercially successful, the postal parcel delivery services will be faster, it added. Also read | Residents of this Indian city will soon have made-in-India drones deliver their grocery Chauhan in a tweet on Saturday said, "As the country celebrated the #DroneMahotsav2022, the Department of Posts successfully conducted a pilot test for delivery of parcels through drones in Kutch, Gujarat. The Drone successfully delivered the medicine parcel covering an aerial distance of 46 Km in 30 mins." As the country celebrated the #DroneMahotsav2022, the Department of Posts, successfully conducted a pilot test for delivery of parcels through drones in Kutch, Gujarat. The Drone successfully delivered the medicine parcel covering an aerial distance of 46 Km in 30 mins. pic.twitter.com/vTC2DTuoD4 — Devusinh Chauhan (@devusinh) May 28, 2022 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the "Bharat Drone Mahotsav 2022", the country's biggest drone festival, where he said the use of drones will rise in sectors such as agriculture, sports, defence and disaster management. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

For 1st time, India Post delivers mail using drone in Gujarat under pilot project

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that in his eight years in the prime ministerial office, he has done nothing that would make Indians hang their heads in shame. He was speaking in his home state Gujarat's Rajkot district.

"I have spared no effort in my service to the nation in the last eight years. I have neither allowed, nor personally done any such work that will make you or even a single person of India hang head in shame," he said.

"In the last eight years, we have made honest attempts to build the kind of India that Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel dreamt about," he added.

During this period, the government has worked for the uplift of the poor, the prime minister said.

"We served the country's poor through various pro-poor schemes and tried to make their lives better," he said, adding that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government opened the food grain stocks for the poor and also vaccinated each and every citizen.

Assembly elections are due in Gujarat this year. In his speech, PM Modi said that Gujarat had not seen development and growth before 2001. PM Modi said his government abides by Mahatma Gandhi's ideology of Swadeshi and was implementing policies accordingly.

The Prime Minister inaugurated the 200-bed K.D. Parvadia hospital at Atkot in Rajkot district of Saurashtra region. The superspeciality hospital is developed with an investment of Rs 40 crore. The facility was established by the Leuva Patidar leader, BJP`s Bharat Boghra and his family. Boghra is vice president of BJP`s Gujarat unit.

Without naming the Congress rule, he criticised that in past, industrial development was limited between Vapi and Vadodara and pharma sector remained in just one or two districts. He added that the previous governments never focused on expanding trade, businesses and industries, which his government did.

(With agency inputs)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that in his eight years in the prime ministerial office, he has done nothing that would make Indians hang their heads in shame.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that in his eight years in the prime ministerial office, he has done nothing that would make Indians hang their heads in shame. He was speaking in his home state Gujarat's Rajkot district. "I have spared no effort in my service to the nation in the last eight years. I have neither allowed, nor personally done any such work that will make you or even a single person of India hang head in shame," he said. "In the last eight years, we have made honest attempts to build the kind of India that Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel dreamt about," he added. During this period, the government has worked for the uplift of the poor, the prime minister said. "We served the country's poor through various pro-poor schemes and tried to make their lives better," he said, adding that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government opened the food grain stocks for the poor and also vaccinated each and every citizen. Assembly elections are due in Gujarat this year. In his speech, PM Modi said that Gujarat had not seen development and growth before 2001. PM Modi said his government abides by Mahatma Gandhi's ideology of Swadeshi and was implementing policies accordingly. The Prime Minister inaugurated the 200-bed K.D. Parvadia hospital at Atkot in Rajkot district of Saurashtra region. The superspeciality hospital is developed with an investment of Rs 40 crore. The facility was established by the Leuva Patidar leader, BJP`s Bharat Boghra and his family. Boghra is vice president of BJP`s Gujarat unit. Without naming the Congress rule, he criticised that in past, industrial development was limited between Vapi and Vadodara and pharma sector remained in just one or two districts. He added that the previous governments never focused on expanding trade, businesses and industries, which his government did. (With agency inputs) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Haven't done anything that would make Indians hang heads in shame, says PM Narendra Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifts a wooden carved box with the traditional Rogan painting on it to the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his meeting with him at the sidelines of the QUAD Summit in Tokyo, Japan.

The Rogan painting is usually done on a dark coloured cloth to make the intense colours stand out. The thick and shiny paint is prepared by boiling castor oil (extracted from hand-pounded castor seeds) for a few days and then adding vegetable pigment and a binding agent to it. The pastes are stored in earthen pots with water to prevent them from drying up.

A kalam or an iron rod is used to paint half the design on the cloth with the support of the fingers of the left hand, and then it is impressed on the other half of the cloth by pressing the two sides of the cloth together.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-former-japanese-pm-shinzo-abe-speaks-to-wion-on-china-taiwan-relations-481891">Exclusive | Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe speaks to WION on China-Taiwan relations</a>

This traditional Gujarati art form is practised by Hindu and Muslim Khatri communities of Gujarat. It has been practised for over a hundred years, but the art nearly died&nbsp;out in the 20th century, and now only a single-family in Nirona, Kachchh is carrying forward the tradition.

Gravitas: Exclusive: Shinzo Abe backs strong India-Japan ties

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-exclusive-shinzo-abe-backs-strong-india-japan-ties-481945/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

They are popular as inexpensive substitutes for embroidered textiles. Usually, skirts, dresses, bedsheets, cushion covers, curtains and table cloths are painted with this technique. Either geometrical motifs or motifs inspired by nature like the tree-of-life are generally preferred.

PM Narendra Modi gifted two Rogan paintings including a tree-of-life to the then United States President Barak Obama during his visit to the White House, official workplace and the residence of the United States President, in 2014.

At the meeting, the two leaders appreciated the growing economic ties between India and Japan and agreed to further enhance ties by focusing on bilateral security and defence cooperation, including in the area of defence manufacturing.

(With inputs from ANI) 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifts a wooden carved box with the traditional Rogan painting on it to the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his meeting with him at the sidelines of the QUAD Summit in Tokyo, Japan.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifts a wooden carved box with the traditional Rogan painting on it to the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his meeting with him at the sidelines of the QUAD Summit in Tokyo, Japan. The Rogan painting is usually done on a dark coloured cloth to make the intense colours stand out. The thick and shiny paint is prepared by boiling castor oil (extracted from hand-pounded castor seeds) for a few days and then adding vegetable pigment and a binding agent to it. The pastes are stored in earthen pots with water to prevent them from drying up. A kalam or an iron rod is used to paint half the design on the cloth with the support of the fingers of the left hand, and then it is impressed on the other half of the cloth by pressing the two sides of the cloth together. Exclusive | Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe speaks to WION on China-Taiwan relations This traditional Gujarati art form is practised by Hindu and Muslim Khatri communities of Gujarat. It has been practised for over a hundred years, but the art nearly died out in the 20th century, and now only a single-family in Nirona, Kachchh is carrying forward the tradition. Gravitas: Exclusive: Shinzo Abe backs strong India-Japan ties They are popular as inexpensive substitutes for embroidered textiles. Usually, skirts, dresses, bedsheets, cushion covers, curtains and table cloths are painted with this technique. Either geometrical motifs or motifs inspired by nature like the tree-of-life are generally preferred. PM Narendra Modi gifted two Rogan paintings including a tree-of-life to the then United States President Barak Obama during his visit to the White House, official workplace and the residence of the United States President, in 2014. At the meeting, the two leaders appreciated the growing economic ties between India and Japan and agreed to further enhance ties by focusing on bilateral security and defence cooperation, including in the area of defence manufacturing. (With inputs from ANI) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian PM Modi gifts carved wooden box with rogan painting to Japan's PM Fumio Kishida

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifts a wooden carved box with the traditional Rogan painting on it to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his meeting with him at the sidelines of the QUAD Summit in Tokyo, Japan.

&nbsp;

The Rogan painting is usually done on a dark coloured cloth to make the intense colours stand out. The thick and shiny paint is prepared by boiling castor oil (extracted from hand-pounded castor seeds) for a few days and then adding vegetable pigment and a binding agent to it. The pastes are stored in earthen pots with water to prevent them from drying up.

&nbsp;

A kalam or an iron rod is used to paint half the design cloth with the support of the fingers of the left hand, and then it is impressed on the other half of the cloth by pressing the two sides of the cloth together.

&nbsp;

This traditional Gujarati art form is practised by Hindu and Muslim Khatri communities of Gujarat. It has been practised for over a hundred years, but the art nearly dies out in the 20th century, and now only a single-family in Nirona, Kachchh is carrying forward the tradition.

&nbsp;

They are popular as inexpensive substitutes for embroidered textiles. Usually, skirts, dresses, bedsheets, cushion covers, curtains and table cloths are painted with this technique. Either geometrical motifs or motifs inspired by nature like the tree-of-life are generally preferred.

&nbsp;

PM Narendra Modi gifted two Rogan paintings including a tree-of-life to the then United States President Barak Obama during his visit to the White House, official workplace and the residence of the United States President, in 2014.

&nbsp;

At the meeting, the two leaders appreciated the growing economic ties between India and Japan, and agreed to further enhance ties by focusing on bilateral security and defence cooperation, including in the area of defence manufacturing.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifts a wooden carved box with the traditional Rogan painting on it to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his meeting with him at the sidelines of the QUAD Summit in Tokyo, Japan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifts a wooden carved box with the traditional Rogan painting on it to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his meeting with him at the sidelines of the QUAD Summit in Tokyo, Japan. The Rogan painting is usually done on a dark coloured cloth to make the intense colours stand out. The thick and shiny paint is prepared by boiling castor oil (extracted from hand-pounded castor seeds) for a few days and then adding vegetable pigment and a binding agent to it. The pastes are stored in earthen pots with water to prevent them from drying up. A kalam or an iron rod is used to paint half the design cloth with the support of the fingers of the left hand, and then it is impressed on the other half of the cloth by pressing the two sides of the cloth together. This traditional Gujarati art form is practised by Hindu and Muslim Khatri communities of Gujarat. It has been practised for over a hundred years, but the art nearly dies out in the 20th century, and now only a single-family in Nirona, Kachchh is carrying forward the tradition. They are popular as inexpensive substitutes for embroidered textiles. Usually, skirts, dresses, bedsheets, cushion covers, curtains and table cloths are painted with this technique. Either geometrical motifs or motifs inspired by nature like the tree-of-life are generally preferred. PM Narendra Modi gifted two Rogan paintings including a tree-of-life to the then United States President Barak Obama during his visit to the White House, official workplace and the residence of the United States President, in 2014. At the meeting, the two leaders appreciated the growing economic ties between India and Japan, and agreed to further enhance ties by focusing on bilateral security and defence cooperation, including in the area of defence manufacturing. (With inputs from ANI)

PM Modi gifts rogan painted, carved wooden box to Japanese PM

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi became emotional while speaking to an aspiring doctor and her visually challenged father at the Utkarsh Samaroh virtual event in Gujarat's Bharuch on Thursday.

Both of his daughters, according to their father, Ayub Patel, were beneficiaries of the government scheme and were able to study thanks to the scholarship money supplied by the government.

While talking with the sight impaired Ayub Patel, the Prime Minister inquired about his daughter's ambition. He stated that one of his daughters is in class 8, the other in class 12, and the third in class 1.

"The government will take care of the youngest one’s education till class 8. The other two also get a scholarship", he said.

He went on to say that his older daughter aspires to be a doctor in the future. When questioned, the daughter stated that she had always wanted to be a doctor due to her father's medical issues.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | While talking to Ayub Patel, one of the beneficiaries of govt schemes in Gujarat during an event, PM Modi gets emotional after hearing about his daughter's dream of becoming a doctor &amp; said, "Let me know if you need any help to fulfill the dream of your daughters" <a href="https://t.co/YuuVpcXPiy">pic.twitter.com/YuuVpcXPiy</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1524628964219944960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"I have seen my father in trouble," the daughter replied, crying. She sat down because she couldn't control her tears.

When PM Modi saw the small child crying, he couldn't control his emotions and kept a tearful silence throughout the interview. He praised the young girl's bravery and sensitivity.

PM Modi told the girl, "Your kindness is your power."

Meanwhile, Patel told PM Modi about how his eyesight had been impaired while in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

"When I went to Saudi Arabia, I used some eye drops. Doctors claim there is no cure for glaucoma right now," he remarked.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi became emotional while speaking to an aspiring doctor and her visually challenged father at the Utkarsh Samaroh virtual event in Gujarat's Bharuch on Thursday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi became emotional while speaking to an aspiring doctor and her visually challenged father at the Utkarsh Samaroh virtual event in Gujarat's Bharuch on Thursday. Both of his daughters, according to their father, Ayub Patel, were beneficiaries of the government scheme and were able to study thanks to the scholarship money supplied by the government. While talking with the sight impaired Ayub Patel, the Prime Minister inquired about his daughter's ambition. He stated that one of his daughters is in class 8, the other in class 12, and the third in class 1. "The government will take care of the youngest one’s education till class 8. The other two also get a scholarship", he said. He went on to say that his older daughter aspires to be a doctor in the future. When questioned, the daughter stated that she had always wanted to be a doctor due to her father's medical issues. #WATCH | While talking to Ayub Patel, one of the beneficiaries of govt schemes in Gujarat during an event, PM Modi gets emotional after hearing about his daughter's dream of becoming a doctor & said, "Let me know if you need any help to fulfill the dream of your daughters" pic.twitter.com/YuuVpcXPiy — ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2022 × "I have seen my father in trouble," the daughter replied, crying. She sat down because she couldn't control her tears. When PM Modi saw the small child crying, he couldn't control his emotions and kept a tearful silence throughout the interview. He praised the young girl's bravery and sensitivity. PM Modi told the girl, "Your kindness is your power." Meanwhile, Patel told PM Modi about how his eyesight had been impaired while in Saudi Arabia. "When I went to Saudi Arabia, I used some eye drops. Doctors claim there is no cure for glaucoma right now," he remarked.

Watch | This Gujarati girl made Indian PM cry. Read why.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed readiness to offer more visas to Indians in return for a free trade agreement, reported Reuters.

"I have always been in favour of talented people coming to this country," Johnson told reporters on the plane on his way to India.

"We are short to the tune of hundreds of thousands of people in our economy and we need to have a progressive approach and we will,” he added.

Johnson arrived in Ahmedabad city in western Gujarat state on Thursday, kick-starting his two-day visit to India. His visit comes in the backdrop of domestic political turmoil over the 'Partygate' scandal, Russia-Ukraine war and the situation in the Indo-Pacific.

According to reports, the British prime minister is expected to announce a raft of commercial agreements.

The UK High Commission Thursday said on that British and Indian businesses will confirm more than 1 billion pounds in new investments and export deals in areas ranging from software engineering to health, creating almost 11,000 jobs across the UK.

“As I arrive in India today, I see vast possibilities for what our two great nations can achieve together. From next-generation 5G telecoms and AI to new partnerships in health research and renewable energy —the UK and India are leading the world," Johnson was quoted as saying by the high commission.

"Our powerhouse partnership is delivering jobs, growth and opportunities for our people, and it will only go from strength to strength in the coming years," he said.

Johnson will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday after concluding his engagements in Gujarat on Thursday.

The British prime minister will visit a new factory being opened by a top British firm in Gujarat, as well as a biotechnology university working in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh.

In a statement, the high commission said Johnson will use his visit to India to "boost our collaboration with one of the world's fastest-growing economies, slashing trade barriers for UK businesses and driving jobs and growth at home".

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Boris Johnson to visit India amid Partygate row

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-boris-johnson-to-visit-india-amid-partygate-row-472530/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed readiness to offer more visas to Indians in return for a free trade agreement, reported Reuters. "I have always been in favour of talented people coming to this country," Johnson told reporters on the plane on his way to India.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed readiness to offer more visas to Indians in return for a free trade agreement, reported Reuters. "I have always been in favour of talented people coming to this country," Johnson told reporters on the plane on his way to India. "We are short to the tune of hundreds of thousands of people in our economy and we need to have a progressive approach and we will,” he added. Johnson arrived in Ahmedabad city in western Gujarat state on Thursday, kick-starting his two-day visit to India. His visit comes in the backdrop of domestic political turmoil over the 'Partygate' scandal, Russia-Ukraine war and the situation in the Indo-Pacific. According to reports, the British prime minister is expected to announce a raft of commercial agreements. The UK High Commission Thursday said on that British and Indian businesses will confirm more than 1 billion pounds in new investments and export deals in areas ranging from software engineering to health, creating almost 11,000 jobs across the UK. “As I arrive in India today, I see vast possibilities for what our two great nations can achieve together. From next-generation 5G telecoms and AI to new partnerships in health research and renewable energy —the UK and India are leading the world," Johnson was quoted as saying by the high commission. "Our powerhouse partnership is delivering jobs, growth and opportunities for our people, and it will only go from strength to strength in the coming years," he said. Johnson will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday after concluding his engagements in Gujarat on Thursday. The British prime minister will visit a new factory being opened by a top British firm in Gujarat, as well as a biotechnology university working in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh. In a statement, the high commission said Johnson will use his visit to India to "boost our collaboration with one of the world's fastest-growing economies, slashing trade barriers for UK businesses and driving jobs and growth at home". Watch | Gravitas: Boris Johnson to visit India amid Partygate row (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Johnson indicates more visas to Indians in return for free trade deal

UK PM Boris Johnson has landed in Ahmedabad on Thursday morning for a two-day visit and is currently in Sabarmati Ashram. Boris John son has kickstarted hist two-day visit to India and later travel to New Delhi to meet Indian PM Narendra Modi.

British PM Boris Johnson arrives in India for his 2-day visit, heads to Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat

In the future, waste steel may prove to be a more durable and cost-effective way of constructing roads.

A road has been built utilising discarded steel in Surat's Hazira industrial region, which is the first such use case in India.

ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, in collaboration with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR India), the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), and the government think tank Niti Aayog, has developed India's first-ever "steel slag road."

Steel slag roads are constructed in Hazira, Surat, using 100% processed steel slag that aggregates in all layers of bituminous roadways.

"We are happy to facilitate a roadmap for the National Highway development. It's a proud moment to be a part of this prestigious project that uses 100 per cent processed steel slags in all layers," the company said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
India's first ever 'steel slag road' was laid by <a href="https://twitter.com/AMNSIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AMNSIndia</a> in collaboration with <a href="https://twitter.com/CSIR_IND?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CSIR_IND</a>. We are happy to facilitate a roadmap for the National Highway development. It's a proud moment to be a part of this prestigious project that uses 100% processed steel slags in all layers <a href="https://t.co/oSZLVIsqTT">pic.twitter.com/oSZLVIsqTT</a>
— ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (@AMNSIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AMNSIndia/status/1503606207591772161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Steelslag?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Steelslag</a> road built with 100 % processed steel slag aggregates in all layers of bituminous roads at Hazira, Surat in collaboration of <a href="https://twitter.com/CSIRCRRI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CSIRCRRI</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/AMNSIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AMNSIndia</a> under the R&amp;D study sponsored by <a href="https://twitter.com/SteelMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SteelMinIndia</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/NITIAayog?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NITIAayog</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/tatasteel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TATASTEEL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jswsteel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jswsteel</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RinlVsp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RinlVsp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NHAI_Official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NHAI_Official</a><a href="https://twitter.com/CSIR_IND?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CSIR_IND</a> <a href="https://t.co/dNHxxdnAZA">pic.twitter.com/dNHxxdnAZA</a>
— CSIR CRRI (@CSIRCRRI) <a href="https://twitter.com/CSIRCRRI/status/1506202352507785218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Steel slag's importance

For numerous reasons, the steel industry is concerned about the disposal of metallurgical and metal-processing waste.

Steel slag, which is classified as a waste item, is another issue.

Landfills are particularly detrimental for the environment when it comes to metallurgical and metal-processing waste.

Processed steel slag aggregate has a lot of promise as a natural building material substitute.

Steel industries will be given a methodology for crushing steel slag into appropriate aggregate sizes.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the future, waste steel may prove to be a more durable and cost-effective way of constructing roads. A road has been built utilising discarded steel in Surat's Hazira industrial region, which is the first such use case in India.

In the future, waste steel may prove to be a more durable and cost-effective way of constructing roads. A road has been built utilising discarded steel in Surat's Hazira industrial region, which is the first such use case in India. ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, in collaboration with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR India), the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), and the government think tank Niti Aayog, has developed India's first-ever "steel slag road." Steel slag roads are constructed in Hazira, Surat, using 100% processed steel slag that aggregates in all layers of bituminous roadways. "We are happy to facilitate a roadmap for the National Highway development. It's a proud moment to be a part of this prestigious project that uses 100 per cent processed steel slags in all layers," the company said. India's first ever 'steel slag road' was laid by @AMNSIndia in collaboration with @CSIR_IND. We are happy to facilitate a roadmap for the National Highway development. It's a proud moment to be a part of this prestigious project that uses 100% processed steel slags in all layers pic.twitter.com/oSZLVIsqTT — ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (@AMNSIndia) March 15, 2022 × #Steelslag road built with 100 % processed steel slag aggregates in all layers of bituminous roads at Hazira, Surat in collaboration of @CSIRCRRI & @AMNSIndia under the R&D study sponsored by @SteelMinIndia. @NITIAayog @TATASTEEL @jswsteel @RinlVsp @NHAI_Official@CSIR_IND pic.twitter.com/dNHxxdnAZA — CSIR CRRI (@CSIRCRRI) March 22, 2022 × Steel slag's importance For numerous reasons, the steel industry is concerned about the disposal of metallurgical and metal-processing waste. Steel slag, which is classified as a waste item, is another issue. Landfills are particularly detrimental for the environment when it comes to metallurgical and metal-processing waste. Processed steel slag aggregate has a lot of promise as a natural building material substitute. Steel industries will be given a methodology for crushing steel slag into appropriate aggregate sizes. (With inputs from agencies)

India's diamond city gets the country's first 'steel road'.Details here

The Gujarat government on Monday informed the state Assembly that a little less than 300 lions, lionesses and cubs have died in the last two years of natural and unnatural causes in and around the Gir sanctuary. 
 
 
Replying to questions of various Congress MLAs, Minister of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Kiritsinh Rana, informed the House that a total of 283 lions in Gir, which is the only abode for Asiatic lions in the world, died till December 2021. 
 
During the same period, more than 300 leopards have also died in the state, Rana said. 
 
The minister further informed that 63 lions died of natural causes while five died unnaturally, 57 lionesses died natural deaths while 16 died unnaturally.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/second-india-africa-defence-dialogue-on-march-12-in-gujarat-457218">Second India-Africa defence dialogue on March 12 in Gujarat</a> 
 
Out of the 142 lion cubs which died, 134 died naturally while eight died of unnatural causes. 
 
Replying to a question on what steps have been taken by the government to curb the unnatural deaths of the big cats, the minister said that patrolling is being carried out day and night by the forest department officials. 
 
Joint patrolling is also being carried out in collaboration with the Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited (PGVCL). 
 
As per the 2020 Lion Census, with a 29 per cent rise in population from the previous Census conducted in 2015, there are 674 Asiatic lions in Gujarat.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/stunning-images-from-underwater-lion-dance-at-malaysian-aquarium-days-before-chinese-new-year-446478">Stunning images from underwater lion dance at Malaysian aquarium days before Chinese New Year</a> 
 
The state has a total of 206 lions, 309 lionesses, 130 cubs and 29 other unidentified big cats. 
 
Replying to a question by Congress MLA Virji Thummar, Rana informed the House that during the same period, Gujarat saw deaths of 333 leopards, including 242 adults and 91 cubs. Out of that, over 27 per cent or 90 deaths were due to unnatural causes, including that of 23 cubs. 
 
The opposition Congress alleged that the Gir National Park has 376 open wells which have turned into death traps for the animals.

The Gujarat government on Monday informed the state Assembly that a little less than 300 lions, lionesses and cubs have died in the last two years of natural and unnatural causes in and around the Gir sanctuary.

The Gujarat government on Monday informed the state Assembly that a little less than 300 lions, lionesses and cubs have died in the last two years of natural and unnatural causes in and around the Gir sanctuary. Replying to questions of various Congress MLAs, Minister of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Kiritsinh Rana, informed the House that a total of 283 lions in Gir, which is the only abode for Asiatic lions in the world, died till December 2021. During the same period, more than 300 leopards have also died in the state, Rana said. The minister further informed that 63 lions died of natural causes while five died unnaturally, 57 lionesses died natural deaths while 16 died unnaturally. Also read | Second India-Africa defence dialogue on March 12 in Gujarat Out of the 142 lion cubs which died, 134 died naturally while eight died of unnatural causes. Replying to a question on what steps have been taken by the government to curb the unnatural deaths of the big cats, the minister said that patrolling is being carried out day and night by the forest department officials. Joint patrolling is also being carried out in collaboration with the Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited (PGVCL). As per the 2020 Lion Census, with a 29 per cent rise in population from the previous Census conducted in 2015, there are 674 Asiatic lions in Gujarat. Also read | Stunning images from underwater lion dance at Malaysian aquarium days before Chinese New Year The state has a total of 206 lions, 309 lionesses, 130 cubs and 29 other unidentified big cats. Replying to a question by Congress MLA Virji Thummar, Rana informed the House that during the same period, Gujarat saw deaths of 333 leopards, including 242 adults and 91 cubs. Out of that, over 27 per cent or 90 deaths were due to unnatural causes, including that of 23 cubs. The opposition Congress alleged that the Gir National Park has 376 open wells which have turned into death traps for the animals.

Nearly 300 lions died in India's Gujarat in 2 years, govt tells assembly

The IPL 2022 mega auction was a star-studded event, which took place on February 12 and 13 in Bengaluru. The ten franchises went on a buying spree and added quite a few big names to strengthen their respective squads for the upcoming IPL 15 edition, set to be held in India in March-May.&nbsp;

Talking about the Gujarat Titans (GT), the newly-formed IPL franchise along with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), they also added some big names in their roster ahead of the 15th edition of the cash-rich league. After adding the likes of all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Rashid Khan along with opener Shubman Gill, as&nbsp;their three initial picks, the GT franchise did a good job in their maiden IPL auction.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kolkata-knight-riders-complete-squad-for-ipl-2022-shreyas-iyer-joins-galaxy-of-knights-cummins-returns-453041">Kolkata Knight Riders complete squad for IPL 2022: Shreyas Iyer joins Galaxy of Knights, Cummins returns</a>

The Gujarat franchise have roped in the likes of&nbsp;Lockie Ferguson, Jason Roy, David Miller Mohammed Shami, Rahul Tewatia, Alzarri Joseph, etc., along with investing in a host of inexperienced as well as some uncapped players --&nbsp;&nbsp;Gurkeerat Singh, Yash Dayal, Darshan Nalkande.&nbsp;

Among the whole squad, Hardik, Rashid, Jason Roy, Md Shami, Gill remain one of their biggest stars and signings. Towards the fag end of the mega auction, the think-tank also added two good wicketkeeper-batters in Wriddhiman Saha and Matthew Wade.&nbsp;

It is safe to say that Gujarat didn't spend a lot on various players, and bought them for a cheaper price, they would be satisfied with their first outing at the auction as they now have a host of all-rounders (Vijay Shankar,&nbsp;Dominic Drakes and Jayant Yadav) and good international pacers in their mix.&nbsp;

At the mega auction, their biggest signings were NZ pacer Ferguson (INR 100 million) and ex-Rajasthan Royals' (RR) all-rounder Rahul Tewatia (INR 90 million). Overall, Hardik and Rashid remain the most expensive players for the Gujarat franchise (both coming in at INR 150 million).

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/royal-challengers-bangalore-complete-squad-for-ipl-2022-faf-du-plessis-to-captain-pace-heavy-line-up-453152">Royal Challengers Bangalore complete squad for IPL 2022: Faf du Plessis to captain pace-heavy line-up?</a>

Complete squad of Gujarat Titans for IPL 2022:

Jason Roy,&nbsp;Abhinav Sadarangani, David Miller, Wriddhiman Saha, Matthew Wade, Mohammed Shami, Lockie Ferguson, Noor Ahmad, R Sai Kishore, Yash Dayal,&nbsp;Alzarri Joseph, Pradeep Sangwan, Varun Aaron, Rahul Tewatia, Dominic Drakes, Jayant Yadav, Vijay Shankar, Darshan Nalkande, Gurkeerat Singh Mann,&nbsp;Sai Sudarshan

Squad strength: 23 (15 - India, 8 - overseas)

The IPL 2022 mega auction was a star-studded event, which took place on February 12 and 13 in Bengaluru. The ten franchises went on a buying spree and added quite a few big names to strengthen their respective squads for the upcoming IPL 15 edition, set to be held in India in March-May.

The IPL 2022 mega auction was a star-studded event, which took place on February 12 and 13 in Bengaluru. The ten franchises went on a buying spree and added quite a few big names to strengthen their respective squads for the upcoming IPL 15 edition, set to be held in India in March-May. Talking about the Gujarat Titans (GT), the newly-formed IPL franchise along with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), they also added some big names in their roster ahead of the 15th edition of the cash-rich league. After adding the likes of all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Rashid Khan along with opener Shubman Gill, as their three initial picks, the GT franchise did a good job in their maiden IPL auction. ALSO READ | Kolkata Knight Riders complete squad for IPL 2022: Shreyas Iyer joins Galaxy of Knights, Cummins returns The Gujarat franchise have roped in the likes of Lockie Ferguson, Jason Roy, David Miller Mohammed Shami, Rahul Tewatia, Alzarri Joseph, etc., along with investing in a host of inexperienced as well as some uncapped players -- Gurkeerat Singh, Yash Dayal, Darshan Nalkande. Among the whole squad, Hardik, Rashid, Jason Roy, Md Shami, Gill remain one of their biggest stars and signings. Towards the fag end of the mega auction, the think-tank also added two good wicketkeeper-batters in Wriddhiman Saha and Matthew Wade. It is safe to say that Gujarat didn't spend a lot on various players, and bought them for a cheaper price, they would be satisfied with their first outing at the auction as they now have a host of all-rounders (Vijay Shankar, Dominic Drakes and Jayant Yadav) and good international pacers in their mix. At the mega auction, their biggest signings were NZ pacer Ferguson (INR 100 million) and ex-Rajasthan Royals' (RR) all-rounder Rahul Tewatia (INR 90 million). Overall, Hardik and Rashid remain the most expensive players for the Gujarat franchise (both coming in at INR 150 million). ALSO READ | Royal Challengers Bangalore complete squad for IPL 2022: Faf du Plessis to captain pace-heavy line-up? Complete squad of Gujarat Titans for IPL 2022: Jason Roy, Abhinav Sadarangani, David Miller, Wriddhiman Saha, Matthew Wade, Mohammed Shami, Lockie Ferguson, Noor Ahmad, R Sai Kishore, Yash Dayal, Alzarri Joseph, Pradeep Sangwan, Varun Aaron, Rahul Tewatia, Dominic Drakes, Jayant Yadav, Vijay Shankar, Darshan Nalkande, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Sai Sudarshan Squad strength: 23 (15 - India, 8 - overseas)

Gujarat Titans Complete squad for IPL 2022: Hardik Pandya-led line-up filled with all-rounders, star pacers

India's Border Security Force (BSF) has seized eleven Pakistani fishing boats in creek area along the Indo-Pak maritime border near Kutch district of Gujarat on Thursday.

BSF seizes 11 Pakistani fishing boats in creek near Kutch

India has launched a massive search operation for Pakistani fishermen in the western state of Gujarat.

The operation has been underway in the Kutch region of the state for over 30 hours. Three special units of commandos, the creek crocodile commandos have been air-dropped in the Bhuj region for the task.

The three commando units have been air-dropped from three different directions. Reports say their progress is being slowed by the geography of the area. It is apparently a marshy mangrove area with high tidal waters.

However, combing operations are still underway. The border security forces had seized eleven Pakistani fishing boats in a creek area near Kutch.

According to BSF officials, eight Pakistani boats were spotted during routine aerial surveillance. Reports claimed the intruders sensed the situation and jumped off from their boats to escape.

BSF officials immediately launched search operations in over 300 square kilometres near the Indo-Pakistan border. The operation comes just a day after Pakistan arrested 36 Indian fishermen and six boats for allegedly fishing in Pakistan's exclusive economic zone.

(With inputs from Agencies)

India has launched a massive search operation for Pakistani fishermen in the western state of Gujarat. The operation has been underway in the Kutch region of the state for over 30 hours.

India has launched a massive search operation for Pakistani fishermen in the western state of Gujarat. The operation has been underway in the Kutch region of the state for over 30 hours. Three special units of commandos, the creek crocodile commandos have been air-dropped in the Bhuj region for the task. The three commando units have been air-dropped from three different directions. Reports say their progress is being slowed by the geography of the area. It is apparently a marshy mangrove area with high tidal waters. However, combing operations are still underway. The border security forces had seized eleven Pakistani fishing boats in a creek area near Kutch. According to BSF officials, eight Pakistani boats were spotted during routine aerial surveillance. Reports claimed the intruders sensed the situation and jumped off from their boats to escape. BSF officials immediately launched search operations in over 300 square kilometres near the Indo-Pakistan border. The operation comes just a day after Pakistan arrested 36 Indian fishermen and six boats for allegedly fishing in Pakistan's exclusive economic zone. (With inputs from Agencies)

India launches search operation to track Pak fishermen in Gujarat

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains keen on hosting the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in India this year. The Indian cricket board has been making all the efforts to stage the league in the country and is continuously assessing the COVID-19 situation in India. With the number of cases going down across many states, the BCCI is optimistic about conducting the full season in India this year.

IPL had to be moved to the UAE completely in the year 2020 owing to the coronavirus pandemic. Last year, the tournament kick-started in India and the first phase of matches were played in the country before a COVID-19 outbreak across the camps of several teams forced BCCI to postpone the season and conduct the second phase of the league in the UAE once again.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19, BCCI has reportedly decided to host the entire league stage of IPL 2022 in Maharashtra. As per a report in the Times of India, BCCI is keen on conducting the league stage matches across four venues in the state, followed by the playoffs in Gujarat. The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune are likely to be the four venues to host the IPL 2022 league stage.

The playoff matches will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. There are going to be a total of 70 matches in the IPL 2022 league stage after the introduction of two new teams - Lucknow Super Giant and the Ahmedabad franchise this year.

"As of now, the Board is mulling organising the league stage in Maharashtra, and the playoffs in Ahmedabad," a source was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mikyo-dorji-first-player-from-bhutan-to-register-for-ipl-auction-reveals-ms-dhonis-message-for-him-watch-448714">Mikyo Dorji, first player from Bhutan to register for IPL auction, reveals Dhoni's message for him - WATCH</a>

The BCCI is also planning to allow 25 per cent crowd at the venues for the matches in IPL 2022. A final call on whether or not to allow&nbsp;fans to attend matches will be taken at a later stage considering the COVID-19 situation in the country. The state government authorities are also keen on having crowds at the stadiums for this year's IPL.

"If the number of positive cases aren’t high around that time, the state government authorities are likely to allow around 25% capacity crowds for this year’s IPL,” a Maharashtra government politician said.

The IPL 2022 mega auction is all set to be conducted in Bengaluru on&nbsp;February 12 and 13 where hundreds of top players from across the globe will go under the hammer. IPL 2022 is likely to get underway from the final week of March or the first week of April.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains keen on hosting the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in India this year. The Indian cricket board has been making all the efforts to stage the league in the country and is continuously assessing the COVID-19 situation in India.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains keen on hosting the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in India this year. The Indian cricket board has been making all the efforts to stage the league in the country and is continuously assessing the COVID-19 situation in India. With the number of cases going down across many states, the BCCI is optimistic about conducting the full season in India this year. IPL had to be moved to the UAE completely in the year 2020 owing to the coronavirus pandemic. Last year, the tournament kick-started in India and the first phase of matches were played in the country before a COVID-19 outbreak across the camps of several teams forced BCCI to postpone the season and conduct the second phase of the league in the UAE once again. To reduce the risk of COVID-19, BCCI has reportedly decided to host the entire league stage of IPL 2022 in Maharashtra. As per a report in the Times of India, BCCI is keen on conducting the league stage matches across four venues in the state, followed by the playoffs in Gujarat. The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune are likely to be the four venues to host the IPL 2022 league stage. The playoff matches will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. There are going to be a total of 70 matches in the IPL 2022 league stage after the introduction of two new teams - Lucknow Super Giant and the Ahmedabad franchise this year. "As of now, the Board is mulling organising the league stage in Maharashtra, and the playoffs in Ahmedabad," a source was quoted as saying by the Times of India. Also Read: Mikyo Dorji, first player from Bhutan to register for IPL auction, reveals Dhoni's message for him - WATCH The BCCI is also planning to allow 25 per cent crowd at the venues for the matches in IPL 2022. A final call on whether or not to allow fans to attend matches will be taken at a later stage considering the COVID-19 situation in the country. The state government authorities are also keen on having crowds at the stadiums for this year's IPL. "If the number of positive cases aren’t high around that time, the state government authorities are likely to allow around 25% capacity crowds for this year’s IPL,” a Maharashtra government politician said. The IPL 2022 mega auction is all set to be conducted in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13 where hundreds of top players from across the globe will go under the hammer. IPL 2022 is likely to get underway from the final week of March or the first week of April.

BCCI set to host IPL 2022 in Maharashtra and Gujarat; 25 percent crowd likely - Report

A family of four Indians, including a baby, froze to death as they were allegedly trying to cross the US-Canada border illegally in a sub-zero temperature.&nbsp;

As per a report by The Indian Express, the family is believed to be from a small village in the Gandhinagar region, which is in the eastern state of Gujarat. The report added that another seven people have been detained by US authorities.

It should be noted that there is no official statement on the identities of the people who died. Meanwhile, Gandhinagar District Collector Kuldeep Arya was quoted by the media outlet as saying: "This is an unfortunate incident which we got to know only through the media and there is no official communication yet."

"In case there is any communication from the MEA (Ministry of External Affairs), we will facilitate at our level," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/has-third-wave-of-coronavirus-peaked-in-india-find-several-answers-446836">Has third wave of coronavirus peaked in India? Find several answers</a>

Responding to the incident, India's Minister of External Affairs of India S Jaishankar on January 21 said, "Shocked by the report that 4 Indian nationals, including an infant have lost their lives at the Canada-US border. Have asked our Ambassadors in the US and Canada to urgently respond to the situation."

On the other hand, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Jan 21 said that his government is doing all it can to stop people-smuggling across the US border.

"It was an absolutely mind-blowing story. It's so tragic to see a family die like that, victims of human traffickers&nbsp;and of people who took advantage of their desire to build a better life," Trudeau told a news conference.&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;US&nbsp;authorities have charged a US&nbsp;man with human trafficking after the incident was reported in the province of Manitoba, a few yards north of the frontier with Minnesota.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
An unfortunate and tragic incident. We are in touch with US authorities on their ongoing investigation. A consular team from <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainChicago?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainChicago</a> is travelling today to Minnesota to coordinate and provide any assistance required <a href="https://t.co/syyA59EoB2">https://t.co/syyA59EoB2</a>
— Taranjit Singh Sandhu (@SandhuTaranjitS) <a href="https://twitter.com/SandhuTaranjitS/status/1484554228081299456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

A family of four Indians, including a baby, froze to death as they were allegedly trying to cross the US-Canada border illegally in a sub-zero temperature. As per a report by The Indian Express, the family is believed to be from a small village in the Gandhinagar region, which is in the eastern state of Gujarat.

A family of four Indians, including a baby, froze to death as they were allegedly trying to cross the US-Canada border illegally in a sub-zero temperature. As per a report by The Indian Express, the family is believed to be from a small village in the Gandhinagar region, which is in the eastern state of Gujarat. The report added that another seven people have been detained by US authorities. It should be noted that there is no official statement on the identities of the people who died. Meanwhile, Gandhinagar District Collector Kuldeep Arya was quoted by the media outlet as saying: "This is an unfortunate incident which we got to know only through the media and there is no official communication yet." "In case there is any communication from the MEA (Ministry of External Affairs), we will facilitate at our level," he added. ALSO READ | Has third wave of coronavirus peaked in India? Find several answers Responding to the incident, India's Minister of External Affairs of India S Jaishankar on January 21 said, "Shocked by the report that 4 Indian nationals, including an infant have lost their lives at the Canada-US border. Have asked our Ambassadors in the US and Canada to urgently respond to the situation." On the other hand, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Jan 21 said that his government is doing all it can to stop people-smuggling across the US border. "It was an absolutely mind-blowing story. It's so tragic to see a family die like that, victims of human traffickers and of people who took advantage of their desire to build a better life," Trudeau told a news conference. Meanwhile, US authorities have charged a US man with human trafficking after the incident was reported in the province of Manitoba, a few yards north of the frontier with Minnesota. An unfortunate and tragic incident. We are in touch with US authorities on their ongoing investigation. A consular team from @IndiainChicago is travelling today to Minnesota to coordinate and provide any assistance required https://t.co/syyA59EoB2 — Taranjit Singh Sandhu (@SandhuTaranjitS) January 21, 2022 ×

Indians killed in freezing temperature at US-Canada border reportedly from village in Gujarat

The Indian coast guard apprehended a Pakistani boat in Indian waters of the western Gujarat coast. According to a tweet put out by the state defence spokesperson ICG ship Ankit apprehended Pakistani 'Yaseen' with 10 crew members in Arabian Sea on 08th January.

Indian coast guard ship apprehends Pak boat in Indian waters

The Indian coast guard has seized 77 kg of heroin from a Pakistani fishing boat off the coast of Gujarat. The seized drugs were worth approximately $ 4 billion.

India: Pakistani fishing boat carrying drug apprehended off Gujarat coast

Five labourers were killed and 16 other workers injured, some of them critically, after a huge explosion followed by fire occurred in a chemical unit in Gujarat's Panchmahal district on Thursday, officials said.

The blast took place around 10 am at the chemical manufacturing plant of Gujarat Fluorochemicals Limited (GFL), situated near Ranjitnagar village in Ghoghamba taluka, said Panchmahal district collector Sujal Mayatra.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-women-ice-hockey-development-camp-started-at-drass-in-minus-19-degree-temperatures-437388" hreflang="en">First women ice hockey dev camp started at Drass in minus 19 degree temp</a>

Of the 16 workers injured in the mishap, 14 received minor injuries, while two suffered over 50 per cent burns, Mayatra said, adding that all of them were referred to different hospitals for treatment and they are out of danger.

"A huge explosion followed by fire occurred at the chemical manufacturing plant of GFL. We have recovered five dead bodies from the blast site during our search and rescue operation after the fire was doused. The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) also contacted us and gave necessary instructions," the collector added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-government-clears-proposal-to-raise-marriage-age-of-women-from-18-to-21-same-as-men-437247" hreflang="en">Indian government clears proposal to raise marriage age of women from 18 to 21</a>

On being alerted, the firefighters rushed to the spot and Mayatra as well as district SP Leena Patil also reached the site.

After the fire came under control, search teams initially found two bodies from under the rubble. Later during the day, the bodies of three more victims were recovered when the entire area was scanned, Mayatra said.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel immediately contacted the collector upon learning about the incident and instructed him to make necessary arrangements for the treatment of the injured and to expedite search and rescue operation, a statement by the CMO said.

Five labourers were killed and 16 other workers injured, some of them critically, after a huge explosion followed by fire occurred in a chemical unit in Gujarat's Panchmahal district on Thursday, officials said.

Five labourers were killed and 16 other workers injured, some of them critically, after a huge explosion followed by fire occurred in a chemical unit in Gujarat's Panchmahal district on Thursday, officials said. The blast took place around 10 am at the chemical manufacturing plant of Gujarat Fluorochemicals Limited (GFL), situated near Ranjitnagar village in Ghoghamba taluka, said Panchmahal district collector Sujal Mayatra. Also read | First women ice hockey dev camp started at Drass in minus 19 degree temp Of the 16 workers injured in the mishap, 14 received minor injuries, while two suffered over 50 per cent burns, Mayatra said, adding that all of them were referred to different hospitals for treatment and they are out of danger. "A huge explosion followed by fire occurred at the chemical manufacturing plant of GFL. We have recovered five dead bodies from the blast site during our search and rescue operation after the fire was doused. The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) also contacted us and gave necessary instructions," the collector added. Also read | Indian government clears proposal to raise marriage age of women from 18 to 21 On being alerted, the firefighters rushed to the spot and Mayatra as well as district SP Leena Patil also reached the site. After the fire came under control, search teams initially found two bodies from under the rubble. Later during the day, the bodies of three more victims were recovered when the entire area was scanned, Mayatra said. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel immediately contacted the collector upon learning about the incident and instructed him to make necessary arrangements for the treatment of the injured and to expedite search and rescue operation, a statement by the CMO said.

Five labourers killed, 16 injured in blast, fire at chemical factory in Gujarat

A speeding bus going to Surat crashed into a toll booth of Songadh in Tapi district of Gujarat state in India on Thursday morning.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Speeding Travel bus rammed into Mandal toll plaza, 15 injured . <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Accident?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Accident</a><a href="https://t.co/MkaQv1CNQF">pic.twitter.com/MkaQv1CNQF</a>
— My Vadodara (@MyVadodara) <a href="https://twitter.com/MyVadodara/status/1458712053921705987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

At least 15 people were injured&nbsp;in the mishap. It included three employees of the plaza. Four of the injured are in critical condition. All of the victims have been admitted to different hospitals in Songadh. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-cases-rise-in-indias-jammu-and-kashmir-srinagar-emerges-as-hotspot-428473" hreflang="en">Covid cases rise in India's Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar emerges as hotspot</a>

The incident was caught on CCTV cameras at the toll booth. The bus seems to have been carrying attendees of a wedding party. &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the Songadh police, the bus was coming from Maharashtra. Around 40 people were travelling in the bus. At around 11 am, the driver was not able to control the vehicle and crashed it into the toll booth at high speed. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rush-save-his-life-at-any-cost-lady-cop-lifts-unconscious-man-takes-him-to-safety-amid-chennai-rains-428466" hreflang="en">'Rush, save his life at any cost': Lady cop lifts unconscious man, takes him to safety, amid Chennai rains</a>

It went straight into the cabin, where a female cashier was sitting. A woman and a male employee, who were standing near the cabin, were also injured. &nbsp;&nbsp;

After the collision, the cabin of the toll booth was completely destroyed. The machines kept there were also damaged. After the mishap, there was also a long jam at the toll booth. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A speeding bus going to Surat crashed into a toll booth of Songadh in Tapi district of Gujarat state in India on Thursday morning. Speeding Travel bus rammed into Mandal toll plaza, 15 injured .

A speeding bus going to Surat crashed into a toll booth of Songadh in Tapi district of Gujarat state in India on Thursday morning. Speeding Travel bus rammed into Mandal toll plaza, 15 injured . #Gujarat #Accidentpic.twitter.com/MkaQv1CNQF — My Vadodara (@MyVadodara) November 11, 2021 × At least 15 people were injured in the mishap. It included three employees of the plaza. Four of the injured are in critical condition. All of the victims have been admitted to different hospitals in Songadh. Also Read: Covid cases rise in India's Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar emerges as hotspot The incident was caught on CCTV cameras at the toll booth. The bus seems to have been carrying attendees of a wedding party. According to the Songadh police, the bus was coming from Maharashtra. Around 40 people were travelling in the bus. At around 11 am, the driver was not able to control the vehicle and crashed it into the toll booth at high speed. Also Read: 'Rush, save his life at any cost': Lady cop lifts unconscious man, takes him to safety, amid Chennai rains It went straight into the cabin, where a female cashier was sitting. A woman and a male employee, who were standing near the cabin, were also injured. After the collision, the cabin of the toll booth was completely destroyed. The machines kept there were also damaged. After the mishap, there was also a long jam at the toll booth. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Speeding bus crashes into toll booth in India’s Gujarat, injures 15

At the UN, President Joe Biden declared that the US is opening an era of relentless diplomacy in Afghanistan. But, countries in South Asia are facing the consequences. Today, India seizes $2.7 billion of heroin from Afghanistan in Gujarat. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas US Edition: India seizes $2.7 billion of heroin from Afghanistan in Gujarat

gujarat

Gujarat, News on Gujarat, stories on Gujarat, articles on Gujarat, Gujarat stories at Wion, Gujarat news, Gujarat latest news