Votes will be cast for 89 assembly seats in the Indian state of Gujarat tomorrow, on Thursday (December 1). Since 1995, the BJP has held on to power in Gujarat, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to keep his party's winning ways in his own state going.

Gujarat Elections 2022: Check full list of BJP, Congress and AAP candidates, their constituencies

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to address four public rallies in his home state of Gujarat which will soon go to polls to select representatives in state assembly. PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is ruling the state for last 27 years. However, the state elections are seen as a prestige issue for the PM.</p>

<p>He will address rallies in Kutch's Anjar, Jamnagar`s Gordhanpur, Bhavnagar`s Palitana, Jamnagar`s Gordhanpar and Rajkot today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"PM Modi is coming again and we expect huge gatherings and people love to see him and listen. We expect to win all seats in Rajkot district," Rajkot BJP president Kamlesh Mirani told ANI.</p>

<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be conducting election rallies as well. He will address the electorate in for locations:&nbsp;Kheralu, Savli, Bhiloda and Naranpura.</p>

<p>The party has fielded political heavyweights from its ranks. Chief Minister of Assam, Hemanta Biswa Sarma, will also be campaigning. &nbsp;Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Bhai Patel. Union Ministers Smriti Irani, and Purusottam Rupala as well as many senior BJP leaders will hold public meetings and road shows at various places</p>

<p>Mallikarjun Kharge, president of the opposition Congress party is also due to hold a rally in Ahmedabad. To bolster its ranks, the Congress has also called Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to campaign for the party. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has added another element to the election. Though the party lacks a strong leader who has mass appeal across the state, road-shows held by Kejriwal are seeing people turning up in good numbers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier on November 28, during PM Modi`s address at a public rally in Gujarat`s Surat he accused the Congress party of being "well-wishers of terrorists" and questioning the Batla House encounter in 2008, which was an act of terrorism.</p>

<p>PM Modi said that the Batla house encounter was an act of terrorism but Congress leaders had questioned it.</p>

<p>"The new generation of Gujarat has not seen the serial bomb blasts of Ahmedabad and Surat. I want to caution them of those who are well-wishers of terrorists. Batla house encounter was an act of terrorism but Congress leaders had questioned it," he said.</p>

<p>The Assembly elections in Gujarat are scheduled to be held in two phases on December 1 and December 5, whose results will be declared on December 8.In the 2017 Gujarat polls, the BJP won 99 seats out of a total of 182 seats. The party has been in power for the last 27 years.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to address four public rallies in his home state of Gujarat which will soon go to polls to select representatives in state assembly.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to address four public rallies in his home state of Gujarat which will soon go to polls to select representatives in state assembly. PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is ruling the state for last 27 years. However, the state elections are seen as a prestige issue for the PM. He will address rallies in Kutch's Anjar, Jamnagar`s Gordhanpur, Bhavnagar`s Palitana, Jamnagar`s Gordhanpar and Rajkot today. "PM Modi is coming again and we expect huge gatherings and people love to see him and listen. We expect to win all seats in Rajkot district," Rajkot BJP president Kamlesh Mirani told ANI. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be conducting election rallies as well. He will address the electorate in for locations: Kheralu, Savli, Bhiloda and Naranpura. The party has fielded political heavyweights from its ranks. Chief Minister of Assam, Hemanta Biswa Sarma, will also be campaigning. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Bhai Patel. Union Ministers Smriti Irani, and Purusottam Rupala as well as many senior BJP leaders will hold public meetings and road shows at various places Mallikarjun Kharge, president of the opposition Congress party is also due to hold a rally in Ahmedabad. To bolster its ranks, the Congress has also called Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to campaign for the party. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has added another element to the election. Though the party lacks a strong leader who has mass appeal across the state, road-shows held by Kejriwal are seeing people turning up in good numbers. Earlier on November 28, during PM Modi`s address at a public rally in Gujarat`s Surat he accused the Congress party of being "well-wishers of terrorists" and questioning the Batla House encounter in 2008, which was an act of terrorism. PM Modi said that the Batla house encounter was an act of terrorism but Congress leaders had questioned it. "The new generation of Gujarat has not seen the serial bomb blasts of Ahmedabad and Surat. I want to caution them of those who are well-wishers of terrorists. Batla house encounter was an act of terrorism but Congress leaders had questioned it," he said. The Assembly elections in Gujarat are scheduled to be held in two phases on December 1 and December 5, whose results will be declared on December 8.In the 2017 Gujarat polls, the BJP won 99 seats out of a total of 182 seats. The party has been in power for the last 27 years. (With inputs from agencies) 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 ×

Gujarat Assembly Election 2022: PM Modi to address rallies across state today

<p>The rescue operation for the Morbi cable bridge collapse in Gujarat is still underway as the officials are yet to retrieve two bodies of the missing since the incident occurred on October 31.</p>

<p>So far, 134 have been declared dead even as instances of loopholes and mismanagement on the part of the company that repaired the 150-year-old bridge have come to the fore.</p>

<p>The last body was found on Monday, and since then, rescue teams have been scrambling to find the missing ones in the Machchu river. At least 40 boats have been pressed into service and a specialised machine to remove the hyacinth weeds from the dirty water has been dispatched, yet their efforts did not yield any result.</p>

<p>As rescue officials face the mammoth task to locate the missing, they are now looking to drain large volumes of water from the 10-kilometre stretch of the river.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India: CCTV footage captures the moment Gujarat bridge collapsed</strong></p>

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<p>According to the Hindustan Times newspaper, Gujarat’s irrigation department has set up two large pumps on the bank of the river to remove water. In the last 48 hours, at least 700,000 litres of water have been drained.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/node/530540" hreflang="en">Morbi bridge collapse ‘will of God’, says arrested manager of Oreva company</a></p>

<p>“We have deployed two pumps of 50 horsepower each. They are pumping out around 12,000 litres of water every minute,” Hindustan Times quoted Prasanna Kumar, the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) commandant overseeing the search operations as saying.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/node/530153" hreflang="en">Morbi toll rises to 135, hospital renovation ahead of PM's visit invites ire</a></p>

<p>The rescue mission takes inspiration from the 2018 Thailand cave rescue operation where hundreds of thousands of litres were removed from the cave and surrounding hills every hour to save the 12 trapped children and their soccer coach.</p>

<p>That operation had also spawned a film '13 Lives', and a mini-series, 'Thai Cave Rescue'.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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The rescue operation for the Morbi cable bridge collapse in Gujarat is still underway as the officials are yet to retrieve two bodies of the missing since the incident occurred on October 31.

The rescue operation for the Morbi cable bridge collapse in Gujarat is still underway as the officials are yet to retrieve two bodies of the missing since the incident occurred on October 31. So far, 134 have been declared dead even as instances of loopholes and mismanagement on the part of the company that repaired the 150-year-old bridge have come to the fore. The last body was found on Monday, and since then, rescue teams have been scrambling to find the missing ones in the Machchu river. At least 40 boats have been pressed into service and a specialised machine to remove the hyacinth weeds from the dirty water has been dispatched, yet their efforts did not yield any result. As rescue officials face the mammoth task to locate the missing, they are now looking to drain large volumes of water from the 10-kilometre stretch of the river. Watch | India: CCTV footage captures the moment Gujarat bridge collapsed According to the Hindustan Times newspaper, Gujarat’s irrigation department has set up two large pumps on the bank of the river to remove water. In the last 48 hours, at least 700,000 litres of water have been drained. Also read | Morbi bridge collapse ‘will of God’, says arrested manager of Oreva company “We have deployed two pumps of 50 horsepower each. They are pumping out around 12,000 litres of water every minute,” Hindustan Times quoted Prasanna Kumar, the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) commandant overseeing the search operations as saying. Also read | Morbi toll rises to 135, hospital renovation ahead of PM's visit invites ire The rescue mission takes inspiration from the 2018 Thailand cave rescue operation where hundreds of thousands of litres were removed from the cave and surrounding hills every hour to save the 12 trapped children and their soccer coach. That operation had also spawned a film '13 Lives', and a mini-series, 'Thai Cave Rescue'. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Morbi bridge collapse: Inspired by Thailand cave rescue ops, officials drain river to find missing bodies

<p>The case of the cable bridge collapse in the Morbi district of Gujarat that killed 135 reached a local court on Tuesday after the investigating officer sought a 10-day demand for four of the nine arrested.</p>

<p>During the hearing, one of the arrested Deepak Parekh, a manager of the Oreva company—which was given the repairing contract—reportedly told the magistrate that the incident took place because it was "the will of God".</p>

<p>“It was the will of God that such an unfortunate event happened," Parekh told Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) MJ Khan, the Indian Express newspaper reported.</p>

<p>The 150-year-old cable bridge collapsed on October 30 claiming 135 lives. The bridge was under renovation for the last seven months and had been reopened to the public on October 26.</p>

<p>After the incident, nine officials of the Gujarat-based Oreva group were arrested on October 31.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;CCTV footage captures the moment Gujarat bridge collapsed</strong></p>

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<p>In the court, Deputy Superintendent of Police P A Zala, the officer investigating the case, informed that the cable of the bridge was "rusted" and had not been replaced by the company.</p>

<p>He said that the bridge was opened on October 26 without getting government approval or quality testing.</p>

<p>"As part of maintenance and repair, only the platform was changed. The bridge was on a cable and no oiling or greasing of the cable was done. From where the cable broke, the cable was rusted. Had the cable been repaired, the incident would not have happened," the police officer said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/node/530153" hreflang="en">Morbi toll rises to 135, hospital renovation ahead of PM's visit invites ire</a></p>

<p>The bridge was reopened to the public on October 26 without government approval or quality testing. "As part of maintenance and repair, only the platform was changed. The bridge was on a cable and no oiling or greasing of the cable was done. From where the cable broke, the cable was rusted. Had the cable been repaired, the incident would not have happened," the police officer said.</p>

<p>CJM Khan has remanded four of the accused —two managers of the OREVA Group and two sub-contractors who had repaired the bridge —in police custody till Saturday.</p>

<p>The five other arrested men, including security guards and ticket booking clerks, were also given remand for judicial custody as police did not seek their custody, prosecutor H S Panchal said.</p>

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The case of the cable bridge collapse in the Morbi district of Gujarat that killed 135 reached a local court on Tuesday after the investigating officer sought a 10-day demand for four of the nine arrested.

The case of the cable bridge collapse in the Morbi district of Gujarat that killed 135 reached a local court on Tuesday after the investigating officer sought a 10-day demand for four of the nine arrested. During the hearing, one of the arrested Deepak Parekh, a manager of the Oreva company—which was given the repairing contract—reportedly told the magistrate that the incident took place because it was "the will of God". “It was the will of God that such an unfortunate event happened," Parekh told Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) MJ Khan, the Indian Express newspaper reported. The 150-year-old cable bridge collapsed on October 30 claiming 135 lives. The bridge was under renovation for the last seven months and had been reopened to the public on October 26. After the incident, nine officials of the Gujarat-based Oreva group were arrested on October 31. Watch | CCTV footage captures the moment Gujarat bridge collapsed In the court, Deputy Superintendent of Police P A Zala, the officer investigating the case, informed that the cable of the bridge was "rusted" and had not been replaced by the company. He said that the bridge was opened on October 26 without getting government approval or quality testing. "As part of maintenance and repair, only the platform was changed. The bridge was on a cable and no oiling or greasing of the cable was done. From where the cable broke, the cable was rusted. Had the cable been repaired, the incident would not have happened," the police officer said. Also read | Morbi toll rises to 135, hospital renovation ahead of PM's visit invites ire The bridge was reopened to the public on October 26 without government approval or quality testing. "As part of maintenance and repair, only the platform was changed. The bridge was on a cable and no oiling or greasing of the cable was done. From where the cable broke, the cable was rusted. Had the cable been repaired, the incident would not have happened," the police officer said. CJM Khan has remanded four of the accused —two managers of the OREVA Group and two sub-contractors who had repaired the bridge —in police custody till Saturday. The five other arrested men, including security guards and ticket booking clerks, were also given remand for judicial custody as police did not seek their custody, prosecutor H S Panchal said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Morbi bridge collapse ‘will of God’, says arrested manager of Oreva company

<p>A day after the tragic bridge collapse incident in the western Indian state of Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit the town of Morbi. In other news, the accused who attacked US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband with a hammer said he&nbsp;wanted to hold the Democratic leader hostage and “break her kneecaps”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on headlines to read more:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-morbi-bridge-collapse-nine-detained-for-negligence-death-toll-rises-to-134-529984"><strong>India PM Modi to visit Morbi today following bridge collapse that killed 134</strong></a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a review meeting Monday&nbsp;to discuss the collapse of the bridge that took lives of 134 people. He is&nbsp;due to visit the small industrial town of Morbi today.</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/11/01/307604-untitled-design-85.png" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paul-pelosis-attacker-charged-wanted-to-break-nancy-pelosis-kneecaps-530075"><strong>Paul Pelosi's attacker charged, wanted to break Nancy Pelosi's kneecaps</strong></a></p>

<p>The accused who attacked US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband with a hammer was charged Monday. A police complain details what he told the police about the attack. He reportedly wanted to hold the Democratic leader hostage and “break her kneecaps”.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>After suspending its involvement in a deal mediated by Turkey and the UN that had permitted Ukraine to resume grain exports, Russia declared on Monday that shipping through a Black Sea security corridor was "unacceptable."</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/11/01/307572-givn23kwhnjwjjsx5vbsap6afu.jpg" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50-countries-at-un-condemn-china-for-xinjiang-human-rights-violations-530081"><strong>50 countries at UN condemn China for Xinjiang human rights violations</strong></a></p>

<p>Condemning China for “severe and systematic” human rights violations in the Xinjiang region, 50 countries signed a statement during a UN debate calling for ''urgent attention'' the atrocities against the Uyghurs.</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/11/01/307607-xin.png" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-do-coalitions-fail-in-israel-will-benjamin-netanyahu-make-a-comeback-530073"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Why do coalitions fail in Israel? Will Benjamin Netanyahu make a comeback?</strong></a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israelis are all set to vote for the fifth time in four years. Every elections has unmasked how complex politics has become in Israel.</p>

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A day after the tragic bridge collapse incident in the western Indian state of Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit the town of Morbi. In other news, the accused who attacked US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband with a hammer said he wanted to hold the Democratic leader hostage and “break her kneecaps”.

A day after the tragic bridge collapse incident in the western Indian state of Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit the town of Morbi. In other news, the accused who attacked US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband with a hammer said he wanted to hold the Democratic leader hostage and “break her kneecaps”. Click on headlines to read more: India PM Modi to visit Morbi today following bridge collapse that killed 134 Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a review meeting Monday to discuss the collapse of the bridge that took lives of 134 people. He is due to visit the small industrial town of Morbi today. Paul Pelosi's attacker charged, wanted to break Nancy Pelosi's kneecaps The accused who attacked US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband with a hammer was charged Monday. A police complain details what he told the police about the attack. He reportedly wanted to hold the Democratic leader hostage and “break her kneecaps”. Movement of ships in Black Sea corridor is 'unacceptable', says Russia After suspending its involvement in a deal mediated by Turkey and the UN that had permitted Ukraine to resume grain exports, Russia declared on Monday that shipping through a Black Sea security corridor was "unacceptable." 50 countries at UN condemn China for Xinjiang human rights violations Condemning China for “severe and systematic” human rights violations in the Xinjiang region, 50 countries signed a statement during a UN debate calling for ''urgent attention'' the atrocities against the Uyghurs. WATCH | Why do coalitions fail in Israel? Will Benjamin Netanyahu make a comeback? Israelis are all set to vote for the fifth time in four years. Every elections has unmasked how complex politics has become in Israel. ×

Morning news brief: PM Modi to visit Morbi, Paul Pelosi's attacker charged and more

Earlier this month, the Government of India declared a village in the Western state of Gujarat as the first village to run entirely on solar energy all the time.

WION Climate Summit: India's first fully solar-powered village 'transforming' residents' lives

<p>On Monday, the local police arrested at least nine people and launched a criminal investigation into the suspension bridge collapse which took place in the Indian state of Gujarat's Morbi town. The death toll from the incident that took place late Sunday rose to 135, making it one of the deadliest accidents in the country over the last decade or so.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a review meeting Monday&nbsp;to discuss the situation and is&nbsp;due to visit the small industrial town in his home state on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The bridge was constructed over a century ago in 1877 and had re-opened after extensive repairs and renovations. Reports indicate that at least nine unnamed people who were responsible for the renovation, maintenance and management of the bridge have been detained. This comes after a private operator had carried out the work and the bridge was opened without any fitness certificate, said the local officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-bidge-collapse-live-updates-132-kiiled-pm-modi-pained-by-loss-announces-ex-gratia-529766">Gujarat cable bridge collapse LIVE updates: PM Narendra Modi to visit Morbi on Tuesday as toll rises to 134</a></p>

<p>At a press conference, Ashok Yadav, Inspector-general of Rajkot range, said, “Among the nine people arrested, two are managers of Oreva company, two ticket clerks along with two contractors and three security guards for negligence.”<br />
<br />
He added, “We registered an FIR against negligence under sections 304, 308 and 104,” while the police and administration had “responded swiftly.” &nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, 134 people have been killed and more than 100 people have been injured. The camera CCTV footage of the moments before the bridge collapsed shows a group of young men taking photos and rocking the bridge from side to side after which the cables holding the bridge snapped and the people tumbled into the river. The bridge was about 10 metres above the Machchhu River in the centre of Morbi town.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 400,000 ($4,856) to the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 ($600) for the injured.</p>

<p>The Indian Prime Minister has cancelled his roadshow in the poll-bound state scheduled to be held in Gujarat’s city Ahmedabad, 300 kilometres from the site of the accident, said Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sources.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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On Monday, the local police arrested at least nine people and launched a criminal investigation into the suspension bridge collapse which took place in the Indian state of Gujarat's Morbi town.

On Monday, the local police arrested at least nine people and launched a criminal investigation into the suspension bridge collapse which took place in the Indian state of Gujarat's Morbi town. The death toll from the incident that took place late Sunday rose to 135, making it one of the deadliest accidents in the country over the last decade or so. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a review meeting Monday to discuss the situation and is due to visit the small industrial town in his home state on Tuesday. The bridge was constructed over a century ago in 1877 and had re-opened after extensive repairs and renovations. Reports indicate that at least nine unnamed people who were responsible for the renovation, maintenance and management of the bridge have been detained. This comes after a private operator had carried out the work and the bridge was opened without any fitness certificate, said the local officials. ALSO READ: Gujarat cable bridge collapse LIVE updates: PM Narendra Modi to visit Morbi on Tuesday as toll rises to 134 At a press conference, Ashok Yadav, Inspector-general of Rajkot range, said, “Among the nine people arrested, two are managers of Oreva company, two ticket clerks along with two contractors and three security guards for negligence.” He added, “We registered an FIR against negligence under sections 304, 308 and 104,” while the police and administration had “responded swiftly.” So far, 134 people have been killed and more than 100 people have been injured. The camera CCTV footage of the moments before the bridge collapsed shows a group of young men taking photos and rocking the bridge from side to side after which the cables holding the bridge snapped and the people tumbled into the river. The bridge was about 10 metres above the Machchhu River in the centre of Morbi town. × The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 400,000 ($4,856) to the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 ($600) for the injured. The Indian Prime Minister has cancelled his roadshow in the poll-bound state scheduled to be held in Gujarat’s city Ahmedabad, 300 kilometres from the site of the accident, said Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sources. (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.

Morbi bridge collapse: 9 detained as death toll rises to 135

At least 134 people were killed and over 100 injured after a hanging bridge collapse in the western state of Gujarat. According to authorities over 500 people were celebrating a festival near the bridge at the time of the incident.

India: CCTV footage captures the moment Gujarat bridge collapsed

<p>The death toll in the cable bridge collapse in Morbi district of western Gujarat state has increased to 132&nbsp;while around 177 people have been rescued so far till Monday morning.</p>

<p>Officials are still searching for people as a joint team of army, navy, air force and fire brigade teams have been dispatched to conduct search operations.&nbsp; Six boats, six ambulances and two rescue vans have been sent to Morbi from the Rajkot fire brigade department.</p>

<p>The collapse happened on Sunday evening when a huge crowd&nbsp;had gathered on the bridge in&nbsp;the Machchhu river, which is&nbsp;around 300 km from the state capital Ahmedabad. It is&nbsp;considered a local picnic spot.</p>

<p>However, some reports claimed that the area had no electricity which was proving an impediment in the rescue operation.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Gujarat | Early morning visuals from the accident site in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Morbi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Morbi</a> where more than 100 people have lost their lives after a cable bridge collapsed.<br />
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Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi is also present at the spot. <a href="https://t.co/TxtzWySFGT">pic.twitter.com/TxtzWySFGT</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1586894930525716480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gujarat's home minister Harsh Sanghavi has said that a case has been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against the management team of the Morbi bridge after the incident.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Several people feared to be injured after a cable bridge collapsed in the Machchhu river in Gujarat's Morbi area today. Further details awaited. <a href="https://t.co/hHZnnHm47L">pic.twitter.com/hHZnnHm47L</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1586718654624067584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel took to Twitter to state he was reaching the accident spot soon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am leaving for Morbi by canceling all my upcoming events today. Direct monitoring of the situation and necessary coordination with the system will be achieved by reaching the site in person," tweeted Patel.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="gu">મારા આગળના આજના તમામ કાર્યક્રમો હાલ રદ કરીને મોરબી જવા રવાના થઈ રહ્યો છું. સ્થળ પર રૂબરૂ પહોંચીને પરિસ્થિતિનું સીધુ મોનિટરિંગ તથા તંત્ર સાથે જરૂરી સંકલન સાધીશ.</p>
— Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bhupendrapbjp/status/1586734664592478209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Expressing his condolences, the CM announced&nbsp;a cash help of $4900 (Rs 4 lakh) for the families of the deceased and $600 for the injured.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="gu">મોરબીની દુર્ઘટનામાં જીવ ગુમાવનાર નાગરિકોના પરિવારજનો પ્રત્યે સંવેદના વ્યક્ત કરું છું. રાજ્ય સરકાર પ્રત્યેક મૃતકના પરિવારજનને ચાર લાખ રૂપિયા અને ઇજાગ્રસ્તોને ૫૦,૦૦૦ રૂપિયાની સહાય આપશે.</p>
— Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bhupendrapbjp/status/1586731282578694144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-one-dead-several-trapped-in-a-landslide-at-a-power-project-site-in-kishtwar-529458"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;India: Three dead, several trapped in two landslides at a power project site in Kishtwar</strong></a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office informed that the PM had spoken to the Gujarat CM about the mishap and told him to depute rescue teams on the spot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"PM @narendramodi spoke to Gujarat CM @Bhupendrapbjp and other officials regarding the mishap in Morbi. He has sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue ops. He has asked that the situation be closely and continuously monitored, and extend all possible help to those affected."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> spoke to Gujarat CM <a href="https://twitter.com/Bhupendrapbjp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Bhupendrapbjp</a> and other officials regarding the mishap in Morbi. He has sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue ops. He has asked that the situation be closely and continuously monitored, and extend all possible help to those affected.</p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1586719858833723394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-six-people-including-two-pilots-die-in-a-helicoper-crash-in-kedarnath-526359"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;India: Six people, including two pilots die in a helicopter crash in Kedarnath</strong></a></p>

<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his condolences and informed that National Disaster Response Force&nbsp;was reaching the spot.</p>

<p>"I am deeply saddened by the accident in Morbi. I have spoken to Harsh Sanghvi, Minister of State for Home and other officials of Gujarat in this matter. Local administration is engaged in relief work with full readiness, NDRF is also reaching the spot soon. The administration has been directed to provide immediate treatment to the injured," tweeted Shah.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">मोरबी में हुए हादसे से अत्यंत दुखी हूँ। इस विषय में मैंने गुजरात के गृह राज्य मंत्री हर्ष संघवी व अन्य अधिकारियों से बात की है। स्थानीय प्रशासन पूरी तत्परता से राहत कार्य में लगा है, NDRF भी शीघ्र घटनास्थल पर पहुँच रही है। प्रशासन को घायलों को तुरंत उपचार देने के निर्देश दिए हैं।</p>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1586728368309166080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Mohanbhai Kalyanji Kundariya, the BJP MP from Rajkot claimed that 60 bodies had been recovered so far. He added that machines were being used to pump out water and find the bodies underneath.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Morbi cable bridge collapse | Search &amp; Rescue operation underway.<br />
<br />
The rescue operation is still underway. Indian Army had reached here around 3 at night. We are trying to recover the bodies. Teams of NDRF are also carrying out rescue operations: Major Gaurav, Indian Army <a href="https://t.co/StD0Y8xOir">pic.twitter.com/StD0Y8xOir</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1586886659635032064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The 15-year-old bridge was only opened on October 26 for Gujarati new year&nbsp;after six months of renovation at an estimated cost of $243,000.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The death toll in the cable bridge collapse in Morbi district of western Gujarat state has increased to 132 while around 177 people have been rescued so far till Monday morning.

The death toll in the cable bridge collapse in Morbi district of western Gujarat state has increased to 132 while around 177 people have been rescued so far till Monday morning. Officials are still searching for people as a joint team of army, navy, air force and fire brigade teams have been dispatched to conduct search operations. Six boats, six ambulances and two rescue vans have been sent to Morbi from the Rajkot fire brigade department. The collapse happened on Sunday evening when a huge crowd had gathered on the bridge in the Machchhu river, which is around 300 km from the state capital Ahmedabad. It is considered a local picnic spot. However, some reports claimed that the area had no electricity which was proving an impediment in the rescue operation. Gujarat | Early morning visuals from the accident site in #Morbi where more than 100 people have lost their lives after a cable bridge collapsed. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi is also present at the spot. pic.twitter.com/TxtzWySFGT — ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2022 × Gujarat's home minister Harsh Sanghavi has said that a case has been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against the management team of the Morbi bridge after the incident. #WATCH | Several people feared to be injured after a cable bridge collapsed in the Machchhu river in Gujarat's Morbi area today. Further details awaited. pic.twitter.com/hHZnnHm47L — ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2022 × Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel took to Twitter to state he was reaching the accident spot soon. "I am leaving for Morbi by canceling all my upcoming events today. Direct monitoring of the situation and necessary coordination with the system will be achieved by reaching the site in person," tweeted Patel. મારા આગળના આજના તમામ કાર્યક્રમો હાલ રદ કરીને મોરબી જવા રવાના થઈ રહ્યો છું. સ્થળ પર રૂબરૂ પહોંચીને પરિસ્થિતિનું સીધુ મોનિટરિંગ તથા તંત્ર સાથે જરૂરી સંકલન સાધીશ. — Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) October 30, 2022 × Expressing his condolences, the CM announced a cash help of $4900 (Rs 4 lakh) for the families of the deceased and $600 for the injured. મોરબીની દુર્ઘટનામાં જીવ ગુમાવનાર નાગરિકોના પરિવારજનો પ્રત્યે સંવેદના વ્યક્ત કરું છું. રાજ્ય સરકાર પ્રત્યેક મૃતકના પરિવારજનને ચાર લાખ રૂપિયા અને ઇજાગ્રસ્તોને ૫૦,૦૦૦ રૂપિયાની સહાય આપશે. — Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) October 30, 2022 × Read more: India: Three dead, several trapped in two landslides at a power project site in Kishtwar Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office informed that the PM had spoken to the Gujarat CM about the mishap and told him to depute rescue teams on the spot. "PM @narendramodi spoke to Gujarat CM @Bhupendrapbjp and other officials regarding the mishap in Morbi. He has sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue ops. He has asked that the situation be closely and continuously monitored, and extend all possible help to those affected." PM @narendramodi spoke to Gujarat CM @Bhupendrapbjp and other officials regarding the mishap in Morbi. He has sought urgent mobilisation of teams for rescue ops. He has asked that the situation be closely and continuously monitored, and extend all possible help to those affected. — PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 30, 2022 × Read more: India: Six people, including two pilots die in a helicopter crash in Kedarnath Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his condolences and informed that National Disaster Response Force was reaching the spot. "I am deeply saddened by the accident in Morbi. I have spoken to Harsh Sanghvi, Minister of State for Home and other officials of Gujarat in this matter. Local administration is engaged in relief work with full readiness, NDRF is also reaching the spot soon. The administration has been directed to provide immediate treatment to the injured," tweeted Shah. मोरबी में हुए हादसे से अत्यंत दुखी हूँ। इस विषय में मैंने गुजरात के गृह राज्य मंत्री हर्ष संघवी व अन्य अधिकारियों से बात की है। स्थानीय प्रशासन पूरी तत्परता से राहत कार्य में लगा है, NDRF भी शीघ्र घटनास्थल पर पहुँच रही है। प्रशासन को घायलों को तुरंत उपचार देने के निर्देश दिए हैं। — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 30, 2022 × Mohanbhai Kalyanji Kundariya, the BJP MP from Rajkot claimed that 60 bodies had been recovered so far. He added that machines were being used to pump out water and find the bodies underneath. Morbi cable bridge collapse | Search & Rescue operation underway. The rescue operation is still underway. Indian Army had reached here around 3 at night. We are trying to recover the bodies. Teams of NDRF are also carrying out rescue operations: Major Gaurav, Indian Army pic.twitter.com/StD0Y8xOir — ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2022 × The 15-year-old bridge was only opened on October 26 for Gujarati new year after six months of renovation at an estimated cost of $243,000. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Gujarat's bridge collapse death toll rises to 132, 177 rescued so far

At least 122 people were killed and over 100 injured after a hanging bridge collapse in the western state of Gujarat. According to authorities over 500 people were celebrating a festival near the bridge at the time of the incident.

India bridge collapse: At least 122 killed and over 100 injured in Gujarat

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidCMJuAyDX4sZa" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Ahead of the assembly polls in the Western Indian state of Gujarat, the ruling BJP government is mulling a strategy to implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Reportedly, the state government will be forming a high-level committee under a retired high court or supreme court judge to look into the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement was made by the minister of state for home&nbsp;Harsh Sanghavi after a cabinet meeting in the capital city of Gandhinagar.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and union home minister Amit Shah, CM Bhupendra Patel has taken a historic decision in the cabinet meeting today — of forming a committee for implementing the Uniform Civil Code in the state," said&nbsp;Sanghavi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-bridge-collapse-at-least-122-killed-and-over-100-injured-in-gujarat-529735">India bridge collapse: At least 122 killed and over 100 injured in Gujarat</a></p>

<p>Later, Sanghavi took to Twitter to state, "A high level committee will be formed to implement the "Uniform Civil Code" in Gujarat."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">गुजरात में "यूनिफॉर्म सिविल कोड" को लागू करने की दिशा में उच्चस्तरीय कमेटी का गठन किया जाएगा।<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCCInGujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCCInGujarat</a></p>
— Harsh Sanghavi (@sanghaviharsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanghaviharsh/status/1586309055596810240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="gu">રાજ્યમાં સમાન સીવીલ કોડ (Uniform Civil Code)ની આવશ્યકતા ચકાસવા તથા આ કોડ માટેનો મુસદ્દો તૈયાર કરવા સુપ્રિમ કોર્ટ/હાઇકોર્ટના નિવૃત્ત ન્યાયાધીશશ્રીની અધ્યક્ષતામાં ઉચ્ચકક્ષાની સમિતિની રચના કરવાનો મહત્વપૂર્ણ નિર્ણય આજે રાજ્ય મંત્રીમંડળની બેઠકમાં લેવામાં આવ્યો છે.</p>
— Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bhupendrapbjp/status/1586304479686950913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/time-to-honour-commitment-on-uniform-civil-code-276864"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;Time to honour commitment on Uniform Civil Code</strong></a></p>

<p>As reported extensively by WION, UCC has been an ideological and political promise by the BJP for a long time. In the BJP’s 2019 general election manifesto, the party committed itself to implementing UCC on a country level.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, despite being in power for more than eight years now, the Narendra Modi government is yet to take a rather decisive step on the issue.</p>

<p><strong>Not the first time BJP has made such an announcement</strong></p>

<p>However, those privy to the matter understand that BJP has a knack of using UCC as a poll plank and sweep the votes ahead of crucial assembly elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this year, prior to the Uttarakhand state election, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami made a similar announcement, informing about constituting a committee to look into the implementation of UCC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This committee will prepare a draft of the uniform civil code for the people of Uttarakhand. This UCC will be for equal laws on subjects like marriage, divorce, land, property and inheritance for people of all religions."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-uniform-civil-code-is-india-ready-485356" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | Gravitas Plus: Uniform Civil Code: Is India ready?</strong></a></p>

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<p>UCC and its implementation finds a mention in India's Constitution under the Directive Principles of State Policy.</p>

<p>"The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India,” states Article 44 of the Constitution.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, UCC is an&nbsp;exhaustive set of common laws for all religions governing personal matters like marriage, divorce, adoption, succession, and others. It aims at ensuring equality among all religions.</p>

<p>However, a significant portion of the population, mostly Muslims are against UCC as it might interfere with the Muslim Personal Law, more colloquially known as Shariat.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ahead of the assembly polls in the Western Indian state of Gujarat, the ruling BJP government is mulling a strategy to implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Reportedly, the state government will be forming a high-level committee under a retired high court or supreme court judge to look into the matter.

Ahead of the assembly polls in the Western Indian state of Gujarat, the ruling BJP government is mulling a strategy to implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Reportedly, the state government will be forming a high-level committee under a retired high court or supreme court judge to look into the matter. The announcement was made by the minister of state for home Harsh Sanghavi after a cabinet meeting in the capital city of Gandhinagar. “Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and union home minister Amit Shah, CM Bhupendra Patel has taken a historic decision in the cabinet meeting today — of forming a committee for implementing the Uniform Civil Code in the state," said Sanghavi. Also watch: India bridge collapse: At least 122 killed and over 100 injured in Gujarat Later, Sanghavi took to Twitter to state, "A high level committee will be formed to implement the "Uniform Civil Code" in Gujarat." गुजरात में "यूनिफॉर्म सिविल कोड" को लागू करने की दिशा में उच्चस्तरीय कमेटी का गठन किया जाएगा।#UCCInGujarat — Harsh Sanghavi (@sanghaviharsh) October 29, 2022 × રાજ્યમાં સમાન સીવીલ કોડ (Uniform Civil Code)ની આવશ્યકતા ચકાસવા તથા આ કોડ માટેનો મુસદ્દો તૈયાર કરવા સુપ્રિમ કોર્ટ/હાઇકોર્ટના નિવૃત્ત ન્યાયાધીશશ્રીની અધ્યક્ષતામાં ઉચ્ચકક્ષાની સમિતિની રચના કરવાનો મહત્વપૂર્ણ નિર્ણય આજે રાજ્ય મંત્રીમંડળની બેઠકમાં લેવામાં આવ્યો છે. — Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) October 29, 2022 × Read more: Time to honour commitment on Uniform Civil Code As reported extensively by WION, UCC has been an ideological and political promise by the BJP for a long time. In the BJP’s 2019 general election manifesto, the party committed itself to implementing UCC on a country level. However, despite being in power for more than eight years now, the Narendra Modi government is yet to take a rather decisive step on the issue. Not the first time BJP has made such an announcement However, those privy to the matter understand that BJP has a knack of using UCC as a poll plank and sweep the votes ahead of crucial assembly elections. Earlier this year, prior to the Uttarakhand state election, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami made a similar announcement, informing about constituting a committee to look into the implementation of UCC. “This committee will prepare a draft of the uniform civil code for the people of Uttarakhand. This UCC will be for equal laws on subjects like marriage, divorce, land, property and inheritance for people of all religions." WATCH | Gravitas Plus: Uniform Civil Code: Is India ready? × UCC and its implementation finds a mention in India's Constitution under the Directive Principles of State Policy. "The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India,” states Article 44 of the Constitution. Notably, UCC is an exhaustive set of common laws for all religions governing personal matters like marriage, divorce, adoption, succession, and others. It aims at ensuring equality among all religions. However, a significant portion of the population, mostly Muslims are against UCC as it might interfere with the Muslim Personal Law, more colloquially known as Shariat. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE: WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ahead of Gujarat assembly elections, BJP government attempts to introduce UCC

<p>A consortium led by Tata Group and Airbus will be manufacturing the C-295 transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force in Vadodara city of western Gujarat state, in a major boost to the Make in India policy.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for the manducating facility on Sunday.</p>

<p>Announcing the project, which is worth Rs 220 billion, the defence ministry on Thursday said that this is the first time that a military plane will be manufactured in India by a private company.</p>

<p>"For the first time, the C-295 aircraft will be manufactured outside of Europe,” Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar told reporters.</p>

<p>The conception of a manufacturing facility in Vadodara is the result of an agreement signed by India with Airbus Defence and Space to procure 56 C295 transport aircraft in a bid to replace the ageing Avro-748 planes for the IAF.</p>

<p>Under the deal, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in ‘fly-away’ condition from its final assembly line in Seville, Spain, within four years, while the subsequent 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) in India.</p>

<p>"The first 16 fly-away aircraft are scheduled to be received between September 2023 and August 2025. The first Made-in-India aircraft is expected in September 2026," Kumar said, speaking from Kerala through video conference.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that the plan’s components will be 96 per cent indigenous, barring the engine of the aircraft. "96 per cent of the work that Airbus does at its facility in Spain will be done in India."</p>

<p>Tata Consortium has identified more than 125 in-country MSME suppliers spread over seven states, Kumar said, adding that it will generate employment in the aerospace industry in the country.</p>

<p>The new facility is expected to generate 600 highly skilled jobs directly, over 3,000 indirect jobs and an additional 3,000 medium skill employment opportunities with more than 4 million man hours of work within the aerospace and defence sector, the defence ministry said.</p>

<p>Nearly 240 engineers will be trained at the Airbus facility in Spain for the project, it added.</p>

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A consortium led by Tata Group and Airbus will be manufacturing the C-295 transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force in Vadodara city of western Gujarat state, in a major boost to the Make in India policy.

A consortium led by Tata Group and Airbus will be manufacturing the C-295 transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force in Vadodara city of western Gujarat state, in a major boost to the Make in India policy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for the manducating facility on Sunday. Announcing the project, which is worth Rs 220 billion, the defence ministry on Thursday said that this is the first time that a military plane will be manufactured in India by a private company. "For the first time, the C-295 aircraft will be manufactured outside of Europe,” Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar told reporters. The conception of a manufacturing facility in Vadodara is the result of an agreement signed by India with Airbus Defence and Space to procure 56 C295 transport aircraft in a bid to replace the ageing Avro-748 planes for the IAF. Under the deal, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in ‘fly-away’ condition from its final assembly line in Seville, Spain, within four years, while the subsequent 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) in India. "The first 16 fly-away aircraft are scheduled to be received between September 2023 and August 2025. The first Made-in-India aircraft is expected in September 2026," Kumar said, speaking from Kerala through video conference. He said that the plan’s components will be 96 per cent indigenous, barring the engine of the aircraft. "96 per cent of the work that Airbus does at its facility in Spain will be done in India." Tata Consortium has identified more than 125 in-country MSME suppliers spread over seven states, Kumar said, adding that it will generate employment in the aerospace industry in the country. The new facility is expected to generate 600 highly skilled jobs directly, over 3,000 indirect jobs and an additional 3,000 medium skill employment opportunities with more than 4 million man hours of work within the aerospace and defence sector, the defence ministry said. Nearly 240 engineers will be trained at the Airbus facility in Spain for the project, it added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

C-295 aircraft for IAF to be made in India’s Gujarat state under Tata-Airbus joint venture

<p>As many as 13 African defence ministers will be travelling to India to participate in the India-Africa Defence Dialogue that will take place on October 18 on the sidelines of the 12th DefExpo in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh will be addressing the dialogue.</p>

<p>The dialogue, the first of which took place in Lucknow in 2020, aims to increase India-Africa defence engagement, with India pitting itself as the potential defence procurement market for African countries.</p>

<p>The 13 countries who will represent at the defence ministers level are Angola, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Central African Republic, Mauritania, Madagascar, Botswana, Gambia, Ghana, Cabo Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe and South Africa.</p>

<p>A release by the Indian defence ministry said that the meet “will explore new areas of convergence for mutual engagement, including in areas like capacity building, training, cyber security, maritime security and counter-terrorism". &nbsp;</p>

<p>All in all, 37 African countries will be participating at the meet, seven at deputy ministerial level, and the rest 19 at top officials' level.</p>

<p>At the deputy ministers level, countries such as Liberia, South Sudan, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Malawi, Eswatini and Uganda will participate.</p>

<p>Whereas countries at the official levels participating at the meet are Egypt, Eswatini, Morocco, Comoros, Congo, Niger, Kenya, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Mali, Guinea, Seychelles, Somalia, Uganda and Zambia.</p>

<p>India has been increasing its defence engagement with the continent in several ways, with focus on New Delhi being the sole destination for the defence requirement needs of Africa, especially on equipment.</p>

<p>Egypt has expressed interest in India's Tejas light combat aircraft. This year saw a key visit by Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh to the country with a key focus on developing military cooperation, joint training, defence co-production and maintenance of equipment.</p>

<p>India sees Egypt as a hub for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) for Tejas aircraft for the larger African continent.</p>

<p>Under the security cooperation, India has increased its efforts like setting up of Defence Academies and Colleges and deployment of training teams in several African countries.</p>

<p>It has been associated with the establishment of defence institutions in Nigeria, Ethiopia and Tanzania and in the past, Indian training teams have worked with their counterparts in Botswana, Lesotho, Zambia, Uganda, and Namibia.</p>

<p>In 2019, during the visit of Singh to Mozambique, two Indian-made fast interceptor boats (FIBs) were handed to the Mozambican Navy. The boats are being used by the East African country for coastal surveillance.</p>

<p>New Delhi has had growing maritime security cooperation centered around Mauritius and Seychelles, something that is being extended to coastal African nations as well.</p>

<p>Goodwill visits by naval ships and defence training programmes are now a regular part of India’s defence cooperation with African nations.</p>


As many as 13 African defence ministers will be travelling to India to participate in the India-Africa Defence Dialogue that will take place on October 18 on the sidelines of the 12th DefExpo in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

As many as 13 African defence ministers will be travelling to India to participate in the India-Africa Defence Dialogue that will take place on October 18 on the sidelines of the 12th DefExpo in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh will be addressing the dialogue. The dialogue, the first of which took place in Lucknow in 2020, aims to increase India-Africa defence engagement, with India pitting itself as the potential defence procurement market for African countries. The 13 countries who will represent at the defence ministers level are Angola, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Central African Republic, Mauritania, Madagascar, Botswana, Gambia, Ghana, Cabo Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe and South Africa. A release by the Indian defence ministry said that the meet “will explore new areas of convergence for mutual engagement, including in areas like capacity building, training, cyber security, maritime security and counter-terrorism". All in all, 37 African countries will be participating at the meet, seven at deputy ministerial level, and the rest 19 at top officials' level. At the deputy ministers level, countries such as Liberia, South Sudan, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Malawi, Eswatini and Uganda will participate. Whereas countries at the official levels participating at the meet are Egypt, Eswatini, Morocco, Comoros, Congo, Niger, Kenya, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Mali, Guinea, Seychelles, Somalia, Uganda and Zambia. India has been increasing its defence engagement with the continent in several ways, with focus on New Delhi being the sole destination for the defence requirement needs of Africa, especially on equipment. Egypt has expressed interest in India's Tejas light combat aircraft. This year saw a key visit by Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh to the country with a key focus on developing military cooperation, joint training, defence co-production and maintenance of equipment. India sees Egypt as a hub for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) for Tejas aircraft for the larger African continent. Under the security cooperation, India has increased its efforts like setting up of Defence Academies and Colleges and deployment of training teams in several African countries. It has been associated with the establishment of defence institutions in Nigeria, Ethiopia and Tanzania and in the past, Indian training teams have worked with their counterparts in Botswana, Lesotho, Zambia, Uganda, and Namibia. In 2019, during the visit of Singh to Mozambique, two Indian-made fast interceptor boats (FIBs) were handed to the Mozambican Navy. The boats are being used by the East African country for coastal surveillance. New Delhi has had growing maritime security cooperation centered around Mauritius and Seychelles, something that is being extended to coastal African nations as well. Goodwill visits by naval ships and defence training programmes are now a regular part of India’s defence cooperation with African nations.

African defence ministers to attend India-Africa Defence Dialogue in Gujarat next week

<p>On Friday, India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) unit in the country’s financial capital Mumbai seized 60 kilogrammes of high-quality mephedrone (MD) which is reportedly worth at least Rs 120 crore ($1.2 billion), said officers involved in the seizure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, the officials also busted an entire syndicate and detained at least six people. Among those arrested were the kingpin of the cartel, his key associate, and a former Air India pilot, said reports. The Naval Intelligence Unit first gave information about suspicious activities involving a few people in the Indian state of Gujarat’s Jamnagar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Subsequently, the NCB Mumbai unit team led by zonal director Amit Ghawate coordinated with the authorities in Gujarat for close monitoring of the suspects, said a media report. On October 3, they conducted the first raid in Jamnagar and seized 10 kg&nbsp;of MD and arrested four key people, said NCB Deputy Director General Sanjay Singh. They were later identified as S G Mahida, S M Chowdhury and Muthu P D, from Mumbai and Bhaskar V was arrested from Gujarat.</p>

<p>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-what-is-black-cocaine-drug-seized-in-india-521631">Explained: What is ‘black cocaine’, drug seized in India?</a></p>

<p>According to NCB officials, Mahida was an Air India pilot from 2016 to 2018. Muthu had been arrested earlier in 2001 with 350 kg of Mandrax, but has been out on bail since 2008, reported the local media. Following interrogation and further investigation, the police found major drug linkages and associates who were operating from Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday, the NCB recovered 50 more kg&nbsp;of MD in a godown located at SB Path, Fort, Mumbai, said a statement by the officials. Subsequently, they also arrested the kingpin M I Ali and M F Chisty from Mumbai. Further investigation led the NCB to conclude that the substances found in Gujarat and Mumbai are the same, said a media report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>MD is a stimulant drug which is more commonly known as Meow Meow or M-Cat in the market and is classified as a New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), said media reports.</p>

<p><br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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On Friday, India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) unit in the country’s financial capital Mumbai seized 60 kilogrammes of high-quality mephedrone (MD) which is reportedly worth at least Rs 120 crore ($1.

On Friday, India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) unit in the country’s financial capital Mumbai seized 60 kilogrammes of high-quality mephedrone (MD) which is reportedly worth at least Rs 120 crore ($1.2 billion), said officers involved in the seizure. Furthermore, the officials also busted an entire syndicate and detained at least six people. Among those arrested were the kingpin of the cartel, his key associate, and a former Air India pilot, said reports. The Naval Intelligence Unit first gave information about suspicious activities involving a few people in the Indian state of Gujarat’s Jamnagar. Subsequently, the NCB Mumbai unit team led by zonal director Amit Ghawate coordinated with the authorities in Gujarat for close monitoring of the suspects, said a media report. On October 3, they conducted the first raid in Jamnagar and seized 10 kg of MD and arrested four key people, said NCB Deputy Director General Sanjay Singh. They were later identified as S G Mahida, S M Chowdhury and Muthu P D, from Mumbai and Bhaskar V was arrested from Gujarat. ALSO READ: Explained: What is ‘black cocaine’, drug seized in India? According to NCB officials, Mahida was an Air India pilot from 2016 to 2018. Muthu had been arrested earlier in 2001 with 350 kg of Mandrax, but has been out on bail since 2008, reported the local media. Following interrogation and further investigation, the police found major drug linkages and associates who were operating from Mumbai. On Thursday, the NCB recovered 50 more kg of MD in a godown located at SB Path, Fort, Mumbai, said a statement by the officials. Subsequently, they also arrested the kingpin M I Ali and M F Chisty from Mumbai. Further investigation led the NCB to conclude that the substances found in Gujarat and Mumbai are the same, said a media report. MD is a stimulant drug which is more commonly known as Meow Meow or M-Cat in the market and is classified as a New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), said media reports. (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.

India: Drugs worth $1.2 billion seized from two cities, former pilot among six arrested

<p>How do you draw attention to the fact that the government promised you aid but never delivered it? The answer to that is "do something that can grab eyeballs".&nbsp;That's exactly what some organisations have done in India's western state of Gujarat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tired of waiting for promised government aid, charitable organisations that operate cattle shelters in Gujarat, have released thousands of cows onto government offices. Videos of the incident have now gone viral.</p>

<p>Watch them here:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">10,000 Cows Released on the Roads of Gujarat's Banaskanth in Protest Against BJP.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2022</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cow</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJP</a> <a href="https://t.co/sfmZ8BI41G">pic.twitter.com/sfmZ8BI41G</a></p>
— Knowledge Flow (@knowledgeflow1) <a href="https://twitter.com/knowledgeflow1/status/1574623887580545026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP govt in Gujarat promised 500cr budget for cow shelter homes but allegedly, did not release even a pie..<br />
<br />
In massive protest, cow shelter homes trustees released cows against the government’s failure to give funds<br />
<br />
Now compare this with funds released for minority benefits <a href="https://t.co/4BovBh1ua0">pic.twitter.com/4BovBh1ua0</a></p>
— Ritu #सत्यसाधक (@RituRathaur) <a href="https://twitter.com/RituRathaur/status/1574048489511981057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to reports, cattle have recently taken over roadways, local courts, and government structures in several districts of Gujarat.</p>

<p>BBC reports that the Gujarat state government's budget for this year included $61 million (INR 5 billion) for the upkeep of cow shelters and ageing animals. However, shelter managers claim that they are yet to receive any aid.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-netizens-are-in-awe-of-this-200-year-old-jackfruit-tree-in-tamil-nadu-520122" hreflang="en">Watch: Netizens are in awe of this 200-year-old jackfruit tree in Tamil Nadu</a></strong></p>

<p>They said that they feel "cheated" and that in spite of making numerous official petitions, no solutions had been provided.</p>

<p>According to The Indian Express, about 1,750 charitable trust-run cowsheds that house more than 450,000 cattle, participated in the protest.</p>

<p>"BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand are providing support. Even Congress-ruled Rajasthan is offering 50 rupees for one cow. So why has Gujarat failed to support cows?" the publication quoted Vipul Mali, general secretary of the Gujarat Gau Seva Sangh, which operates cow shelters for sick livestock, as saying.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/week-after-3-million-lottery-win-keralite-says-hes-surrounded-by-people-asking-for-money-519832" hreflang="en">Week after $3 million lottery win, Indian man says he's surrounded by people asking for money</a></strong></p>

<p>The minister for animal husbandry in Gujarat acknowledged that "administrative tangles" were to blame for the delay in aid and pledged to find a "positive solution" in a day or two.</p>

<p>Protesters have now of warned a larger agitation if their demands are not met by the end of the month.</p>

<p>The protest comes as India reels under the effects of lumpy skin disease. According to government figures, the disease has killed more than 5,800 cattle in Gujarat, and it is anticipated that another 170,000 have been infected.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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How do you draw attention to the fact that the government promised you aid but never delivered it? The answer to that is "do something that can grab eyeballs". That's exactly what some organisations have done in India's western state of Gujarat.

How do you draw attention to the fact that the government promised you aid but never delivered it? The answer to that is "do something that can grab eyeballs". That's exactly what some organisations have done in India's western state of Gujarat. Tired of waiting for promised government aid, charitable organisations that operate cattle shelters in Gujarat, have released thousands of cows onto government offices. Videos of the incident have now gone viral. Watch them here: 10,000 Cows Released on the Roads of Gujarat's Banaskanth in Protest Against BJP.#GujaratElection2022 #cow #BJP pic.twitter.com/sfmZ8BI41G — Knowledge Flow (@knowledgeflow1) September 27, 2022 × BJP govt in Gujarat promised 500cr budget for cow shelter homes but allegedly, did not release even a pie.. In massive protest, cow shelter homes trustees released cows against the government’s failure to give funds Now compare this with funds released for minority benefits pic.twitter.com/4BovBh1ua0 — Ritu #सत्यसाधक (@RituRathaur) September 25, 2022 × According to reports, cattle have recently taken over roadways, local courts, and government structures in several districts of Gujarat. BBC reports that the Gujarat state government's budget for this year included $61 million (INR 5 billion) for the upkeep of cow shelters and ageing animals. However, shelter managers claim that they are yet to receive any aid. Also read | Watch: Netizens are in awe of this 200-year-old jackfruit tree in Tamil Nadu They said that they feel "cheated" and that in spite of making numerous official petitions, no solutions had been provided. According to The Indian Express, about 1,750 charitable trust-run cowsheds that house more than 450,000 cattle, participated in the protest. "BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand are providing support. Even Congress-ruled Rajasthan is offering 50 rupees for one cow. So why has Gujarat failed to support cows?" the publication quoted Vipul Mali, general secretary of the Gujarat Gau Seva Sangh, which operates cow shelters for sick livestock, as saying. Also read | Week after $3 million lottery win, Indian man says he's surrounded by people asking for money The minister for animal husbandry in Gujarat acknowledged that "administrative tangles" were to blame for the delay in aid and pledged to find a "positive solution" in a day or two. Protesters have now of warned a larger agitation if their demands are not met by the end of the month. The protest comes as India reels under the effects of lumpy skin disease. According to government figures, the disease has killed more than 5,800 cattle in Gujarat, and it is anticipated that another 170,000 have been infected. (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.

Watch | In a bizarre protest, shelters in India's Gujarat let loose thousands of cows on government offices

The Vedanta Group and Foxconn, a Taiwanese electronic manufacturing powerhouse, have announced plans to establish a massive semiconductor manufacturing facility in Gujarat, India.

Vedanta-Foxconn to set up semi-conductor units in Gujarat

India's Vedanta joins hands with electronics manufacturer Foxcon to set up a semiconductor manufacturer unit in India's western state of Gujarat. The project comes as a big push to India's self-reliance pledge.

Big push to self-reliance pledge: India finally makes entry into chip market

<p dir="ltr">The Gujarat government has decided to free the 11 men convicted of gang rape in the Bilkis Bano case, as well as multiple charges of murder. On instructions from the Gujarat administration, the 11 men sentenced to life in prison walked out of the Godhra sub-jail on August 15. The release of the 11 convicts in the 2002 gang <meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-footballer-benjamin-mendy-labeled-predator-as-rape-trial-starts-507205">rape</a>&nbsp;case prompted widespread indignation among Gujarat's opposition parties, given the sensitive nature of the case. What you need to know about Bilkis Bano and what happened in 2002 is detailed here.</p>

<p><strong>Who is Bilkis Bano?</strong></p>

<p>Bilkis Bano was one of the numerous <meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-enduring-are-fatwas-or-religious-edicts-507272#what-is-a-fatwa-and-who-issues-them-507267">Muslim</a>&nbsp;residents of Gujarat who sought to flee the state during the 2002 Gujarat riots. Bilkis Bano was attempting to flee her village in 2002, when violence in Gujarat was at an all-time high, with her baby daughter and 15 members of her family.</p>

<p>Bano, who was five months&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-bipasha-basu-and-karan-singh-grover-confirm-their-pregnancy-with-new-photo-shoot-507364">pregnant</a> at the time, was hiding in a field with several other family members and her three-year-old daughter on March 3 when they were attacked by a mob of 20-30 men with sickles, swords, and clubs.</p>

<p>Due to the awful nature of the crime&nbsp;and the indignation that ensued, the Supreme Court ordered a CBI investigation, and 11 of Bilkis Bano's assailants were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the heinous act.</p>

<p><strong>Why did the Gujarat government release Bilkis Bano's rapists?</strong></p>

<p>According to an official, the 11 men convicted in the Bilkis Bano gang rape case years after the 2002 Gujarat riots had been in jail for almost 14 years but were prematurely freed by the Gujarat government under the remission program.</p>

<p>These inmates had served more than 15 years in prison when one of them petitioned the Supreme Court for their early release. Sujal Mayatra, the collector of Panchmahals, presided over the panel that investigated the inmates' premature release.</p>

<p>"A committee formed a few months back took a unanimous decision in favor of remission of all the 11 convicts in the case. The recommendation was sent to the state government, and yesterday we received the orders for their release,” Mayatra said, as per PTI reports.</p>

<p>Human rights lawyer Shamshad Pathan alleged on Monday night that a vast number of inmates who committed less serious crimes than those charged in the Bilkis case remain imprisoned with no chance of release.</p>


The Gujarat government has decided to free the 11 men convicted of gang rape in the Bilkis Bano case, as well as multiple charges of murder. On instructions from the Gujarat administration, the 11 men sentenced to life in prison walked out of the Godhra sub-jail on August 15.

The Gujarat government has decided to free the 11 men convicted of gang rape in the Bilkis Bano case, as well as multiple charges of murder. On instructions from the Gujarat administration, the 11 men sentenced to life in prison walked out of the Godhra sub-jail on August 15. The release of the 11 convicts in the 2002 gang rape case prompted widespread indignation among Gujarat's opposition parties, given the sensitive nature of the case. What you need to know about Bilkis Bano and what happened in 2002 is detailed here. Who is Bilkis Bano? Bilkis Bano was one of the numerous Muslim residents of Gujarat who sought to flee the state during the 2002 Gujarat riots. Bilkis Bano was attempting to flee her village in 2002, when violence in Gujarat was at an all-time high, with her baby daughter and 15 members of her family. Bano, who was five months pregnant at the time, was hiding in a field with several other family members and her three-year-old daughter on March 3 when they were attacked by a mob of 20-30 men with sickles, swords, and clubs. Due to the awful nature of the crime and the indignation that ensued, the Supreme Court ordered a CBI investigation, and 11 of Bilkis Bano's assailants were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the heinous act. Why did the Gujarat government release Bilkis Bano's rapists? According to an official, the 11 men convicted in the Bilkis Bano gang rape case years after the 2002 Gujarat riots had been in jail for almost 14 years but were prematurely freed by the Gujarat government under the remission program. These inmates had served more than 15 years in prison when one of them petitioned the Supreme Court for their early release. Sujal Mayatra, the collector of Panchmahals, presided over the panel that investigated the inmates' premature release. "A committee formed a few months back took a unanimous decision in favor of remission of all the 11 convicts in the case. The recommendation was sent to the state government, and yesterday we received the orders for their release,” Mayatra said, as per PTI reports. Human rights lawyer Shamshad Pathan alleged on Monday night that a vast number of inmates who committed less serious crimes than those charged in the Bilkis case remain imprisoned with no chance of release.

Who is Bilkis Bano? All you need to know

<p>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).</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>On Sunday, the two companies signed a unit transfer agreement (UTA), Tata Motors said in a statement.</p>

<p>“With our manufacturing capacity nearing saturation, this acquisition is timely and a win-win for all stakeholders,” it said.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Tata motors to buy Ford's India plant</strong></p>

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<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

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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

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><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"><strong>WI T20Is: No Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah as R Ashwin, KL Rahul return in Rohit Sharma-led squad</strong></a></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Shinde, along with a few other Shiv Sena MLAs, stayed at the Le Meridien hotel in Surat after the MLC elections.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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;</p>

<p>"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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>"With the success of this pilot project, it will now be possible to make postal deliveries by drone in future," it said.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>As per the release, it took 25 minutes for the parcel to reach the destination located 46 km from the originating point.</p>

<p>It was a medical parcel, as per the information shared on Twitter by Union Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Chauhan.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Drones are transforming modern warfare</strong></p>

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<p>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.</p>

<p>If the experiment is commercially successful, the postal parcel delivery services will be faster, it added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/residents-of-this-indian-city-will-soon-have-made-in-india-drones-deliver-their-grocery-476854"><strong>Residents of this Indian city will soon have made-in-India drones deliver their grocery</strong></a></p>

<p>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."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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.<br />
<br />
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></p>
— Devusinh Chauhan (@devusinh) <a href="https://twitter.com/devusinh/status/1530441594838454272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>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;</p>

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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

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>During this period, the government has worked for the uplift of the poor, the prime minister said.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><em>(With agency inputs)</em></p>

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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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-former-japanese-pm-shinzo-abe-speaks-to-wion-on-china-taiwan-relations-481891"><strong>Exclusive | Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe speaks to WION on China-Taiwan relations</strong></a></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>Gravitas: Exclusive: Shinzo Abe backs strong India-Japan ties</strong></p>

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<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)</em><br />
<br />
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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

<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-b2be79de-7fff-1cc6-2823-4e527aed6acf">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.</b></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-b2be79de-7fff-1cc6-2823-4e527aed6acf">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.</b></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-b2be79de-7fff-1cc6-2823-4e527aed6acf">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.</b></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-b2be79de-7fff-1cc6-2823-4e527aed6acf">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.</b></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-b2be79de-7fff-1cc6-2823-4e527aed6acf">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.</b></p>

<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-4d64ad45-7fff-7d46-0bfb-714981a56b3a">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.</b></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-4d64ad45-7fff-7d46-0bfb-714981a56b3a">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.</b></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-4d64ad45-7fff-7d46-0bfb-714981a56b3a">(With inputs from ANI)</b></p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"The government will take care of the youngest one’s education till class 8. The other two also get a scholarship", he said.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><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></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1524628964219944960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I have seen my father in trouble," the daughter replied, crying. She sat down because she couldn't control her tears.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>PM Modi told the girl, "Your kindness is your power."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Patel told PM Modi about how his eyesight had been impaired while in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When I went to Saudi Arabia, I used some eye drops. Doctors claim there is no cure for glaucoma right now," he remarked.</p>


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.

<p>UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed readiness to offer more visas to Indians in return for a free trade agreement, reported Reuters.</p>

<p>"I have always been in favour of talented people coming to this country," Johnson told reporters on the plane on his way to India.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>According to reports, the British prime minister is expected to announce a raft of commercial agreements.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>Johnson will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday after concluding his engagements in Gujarat on Thursday.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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".</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Boris Johnson to visit India amid Partygate row</strong></p>

<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>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


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

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="34">In the future, waste steel may prove to be a more durable and cost-effective way of constructing roads.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="35">A road has been built utilising discarded steel in Surat's Hazira industrial region, which is the first such use case in India.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="36">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."</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="37">Steel slag roads are constructed in Hazira, Surat, using 100% processed steel slag that aggregates in all layers of bituminous roadways.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="38">"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.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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></p>
— ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (@AMNSIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AMNSIndia/status/1503606207591772161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><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></p>
— CSIR CRRI (@CSIRCRRI) <a href="https://twitter.com/CSIRCRRI/status/1506202352507785218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Steel slag's importance</strong></p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="40">For numerous reasons, the steel industry is concerned about the disposal of metallurgical and metal-processing waste.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="41">Steel slag, which is classified as a waste item, is another issue.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="42">Landfills are particularly detrimental for the environment when it comes to metallurgical and metal-processing waste.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="43">Processed steel slag aggregate has a lot of promise as a natural building material substitute.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="44">Steel industries will be given a methodology for crushing steel slag into appropriate aggregate sizes.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="45"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


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

<p>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.<br />
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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.<br />
<br />
During the same period, more than 300 leopards have also died in the state, Rana said.<br />
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The minister further informed that 63 lions died of natural causes while five died unnaturally, 57 lionesses died natural deaths while 16 died unnaturally.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong><br />
<br />
Out of the 142 lion cubs which died, 134 died naturally while eight died of unnatural causes.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Joint patrolling is also being carried out in collaboration with the Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited (PGVCL).<br />
<br />
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.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong><br />
<br />
The state has a total of 206 lions, 309 lionesses, 130 cubs and 29 other unidentified big cats.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
The opposition Congress alleged that the Gir National Park has 376 open wells which have turned into death traps for the animals.</p>


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

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