Ahmedabad. The Ahmedabad Advertising Welfare Circle Association (AACA) organized the 'Media Advantage 2026' talk show as part of the 35th Advertising Festival.

The event featured extensive discussions on the changing role of media and its significance in brand growth. Renowned media experts from across the country shared their insights on the strengths of various media platforms and their effective use. Experts emphasized that a strong integrated media strategy is essential for creating real impact and identity for brands.

Basant Rathore from Jagran Group stated that print media remains the most influential medium for building brand credibility and reputation. Yatish Maharshi from Radio Mirchi highlighted the crucial role of radio in maintaining balance in the current multimedia environment. Manoj Jagyasi from Bharat 24 News mentioned that traditional and digital media complement each other, while television still has the widest reach in India.

Jayesh Yagnik from Moms Outdoor described outdoor media as a pure advertising medium, noting that digital outdoor is more innovative and impactful. Dr. Kushal Sanghvi from Commerce-UK remarked that digital media is no longer limited to awareness but has transformed into connected commerce, where every touchpoint can become a potential transaction.

The entire session was moderated by Dr. Santosh Patra from Mika Institute, who noted that each media platform has its unique strengths, and the role of media planners and advertising agencies is to create demand for brands through the synergy of all these mediums. On this occasion, AACA President Mr.

Manish Gandhi announced a coffee table book showcasing AACA's 35-year journey and the progress of the advertising sector in Gujarat. The event saw a significant presence of major advertisers and agencies from Gujarat and received an enthusiastic response.

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Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], April 11: JG University has announced the opening of admissions for the academic year 2026–27 for its School of Management, introducing a distinctive academic pathway for students aspiring to build careers in civil services and public leadership. The university has launched BBA (Hons), and iMBA programs in Public Administration, uniquely designed with an embedded UPSC and GPSC preparation curriculum.

With India witnessing an increasing number of aspirants preparing for civil services, the need for structured and early academic preparation has become more important than ever. Each year, over one million candidates appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, while state-level examinations such as the GPSC continue to attract thousands of aspirants across Gujarat. Recognizing this growing demand, JG University has developed an innovative program that integrates competitive exam preparation with a comprehensive management education.

The curriculum has been carefully designed to bridge the gap between traditional academic learning and competitive examination readiness. By embedding UPSC and GPSC-oriented subjects within a management degree, the program allows students to build a strong foundation in public administration, governance, policy-making, ethics, economics, and analytical thinking from the early stages of their academic journey.

Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Achyut Dani, Director General and Provost of JG University, said, “At JG University, we believe that education must empower students to contribute meaningfully to society and the nation. By integrating UPSC and GPSC preparation within our management programs, we aim to provide a strong academic foundation while nurturing the leadership, analytical abilities, and civic understanding required for careers in civil services. Our objective is to create an ecosystem where students can simultaneously pursue a professional degree and prepare for one of India’s most respected career paths.”

India’s governance and public administration ecosystem is undergoing rapid transformation driven by digital governance, policy innovation, and citizen-centric administration. With initiatives such as Digital India and administrative reforms, the country increasingly requires professionals who understand both management principles and public systems. Careers in services such as IAS, IPS, IRS, and IFS remain among the most prestigious, offering opportunities to drive policy impact and societal change.

Through this initiative, the School of Management at JG University aims to nurture future administrators, policy leaders, and public sector professionals by combining academic rigor, competitive exam orientation, and practical exposure to governance frameworks.

Admissions for the 2026–27 academic session are now open. Interested students can apply through the university’s official website www.jguni.in or contact +91 7567 7567 58 / 59 for further details.

With this new program, JG University continues to strengthen its commitment to academic innovation and nation-building by preparing the next generation of leaders for India’s evolving governance landscape.

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Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], April 10: Indira Motion Pictures and November Films announced upcoming Gujarati film “DHARPAKAD” along with its release date. The movie is set to release in theatres on May 15, 2026.

“Unknown Calling… Will you Accept or Decline? Your Fear Is Their Weapon.” – setting the tone for a gripping narrative, DHARPAKAD promises to deliver a thrilling and contemporary cinematic experience.

Directed by Anish Shah, the film stars Malhar Thakar and Shruhad Goswami in lead roles. It is produced by Raahul Badal, Jay Shah, and Anish Shah under Indira Motion Pictures and November Films. Positioned as a modern thriller, DHARPAKAD explores a storyline rooted in today’s technology-driven world, offering audiences an engaging and fast-paced story.

With this announcement, the film brings a fresh genre to Gujarati cinema. Malhar Thakar will be seen in a more intense and serious role, adding to the anticipation around the project.

DHARPAKAD is expected to build strong buzz in the coming months as audiences look forward to its release.

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New Delhi [India], April 09: In a noteworthy milestone for Indian cinema, the short film ‘Innovatio’ has proudly clinched the ‘Silver Award in the Super Short Film’ category at the prestigious Paris Film Awards (France). This accolade emphasises the film’s compelling narrative amid a highly competitive global landscape, particularly in a category that emphasises precision, brevity, and originality.

Director of Photography Darshan Venkat, with cinematography by Sriram and choreography by Ganesh, ‘Innovatio’ showcases the talents of a dedicated crew, including sound engineer Amresh and writer-director Sukanya Basu Mallik. Produced under the ‘Clips and Pages’ banner, the film features a talented ensemble cast, including Jeeva, Gokul, Srivatsan, Ganesh, Pavithra, and Nandhini, all of whom contribute to a cohesive cinematic experience. Editing, handled by Jeeva, along with Cassate Band Recordz and post-production by Sakthi D and SFX Echt Media Works and Studios, plays a crucial role in shaping the film’s pacing and storytelling—a key element in the super short format, where every frame carries significant narrative weight. The film’s makeup artists, Humairah and Priya, further enhance its visual appeal.

The success of ‘Innovatio’ is not confined to the international stage. The film has also been awarded the ‘Best Indian Short Film’ at the Tamizhagam International Film Festival in Chennai, echoing its positive reception among domestic audiences and critics alike. This dual recognition reflects the film’s ability to resonate across different cultural landscapes while maintaining a unique creative voice.

‘Innovatio’ is distinguished by its conceptual clarity and effective execution, exemplifying the growing trend of micro-cinema. Filmmakers are increasingly exploring compact storytelling formats without sacrificing thematic depth. Even in its brief duration, the film showcases an acute understanding of visual economy and emotional resonance—qualities essential to contemporary short filmmaking.

The project benefited from the support of Dhevi Illam and Chennai Podcast as venue partners, highlighting the collaborative ecosystem that fosters independent filmmaking in Chennai. Such partnerships play an instrumental role in providing platforms for emerging filmmakers to bring their visions to life and exhibit their work.

With its recognition at the Paris Film Awards, ‘Innovatio’ joins an expanding group of Indian short films receiving international attention, indicating a significant shift in global interest toward regional and independent cinema from India. This achievement not only marks a milestone for the creative team behind the film but also underscores the potential of super short films as a compelling storytelling medium in today’s rapidly evolving cinematic landscape.

Actor Srivatsan said he appreciated the film’s core idea—highlighting the sacrifices of soldiers’ families within a 5-minute format—and added that working with the team was enjoyable, especially playing a soldier.

Sukanya expresses, “Bringing together so many talented professionals and accomplishing this in a new state, where I’m unfamiliar with the language—along with this being my first time making a short film professionally—was genuinely challenging. However, now that it has received recognition for its value, I am truly pleased.” We extend our congratulations to her and her team and look forward to many more shorts and other projects under her direction.

https://youtu.be/dMTtX86EnXw?si=OCTJfzrLCm6Zgu9r

https://www.instagram.com/sukanyaspen/ Use this backlink

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The Indian Railways has approved an optical fiber cable backbone project worth Rs 398.36 crore to strengthen communication infrastructure in the Western Railway. It was reported that under this project, the installation of 4 × 48 optical fiber cable (OFC) backbone in the Ahmedabad and Ratlam divisions has been approved, with a total cost of Rs 398.36 crore.

According to the Railways, this project has been approved under an umbrella work named 'Long-Term Evolution (LTE) Communication Backbone with Kavach Arrangement on Remaining Routes of Indian Railways (Umbrella Work 2024–25)'. A total of Rs 27,693 crore has been approved for this umbrella work under the 'Work Program 2024–25 (PH-33)'. Additionally, a sub-umbrella work costing Rs 2,800 crore has also been approved for the Western Railway, under which this project has been initiated.

The Railways stated that under this project, 2 × 48 fiber OFC cables will be laid over a scope of 1929 route kilometers (RKM) in the Western Railway, including 1456 RKM in the Ahmedabad division and 473 RKM in the Ratlam division. This significant enhancement in the communication backbone is expected to increase the capacity, reliability, and efficiency of railway communication systems.

It will also support modern signaling systems, including the implementation of 'Kavach', enabling uninterrupted data transmission across the entire network. According to the Railways, this initiative is another step towards the modernization of Indian Railways, enhancing safety and facilitating digital transformation, ensuring better operational efficiency and service delivery for passengers and freight operations.

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India’s only geared electric motorcycle maker responds to ground realities with a limited-period offer across showrooms in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], March 25: MATTER, India’s pioneering electric mobility company and the only Indian manufacturer to produce a geared electric motorcycle, today announced a flat ₹40,000 off on its flagship product, the Matter AERA. The limited-period offer is valid across all MATTER showrooms in Ahmedabad through March 31, 2026.

The announcement comes as fuel queues have re-emerged across several Indian cities, reigniting concerns around supply reliability and price volatility. MATTER said the offer is a direct response to the disruption currently being experienced by everyday commuters and reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to accelerating India’s transition to energy-independent mobility. The Matter AERA is the first and only geared electric motorcycle to be designed, engineered, and manufactured in India. Built on a fully vertically integrated platform, the AERA features a proprietary multi-speed gearbox, a liquid-cooled motor, and an in-house developed battery management system — purpose-built to deliver the performance and riding familiarity of a conventional motorcycle, without dependence on fuel infrastructure.

Commenting on the announcement, Mohal Lalbhai, Founder and Group CEO of MATTER, said, “These are our people — standing in line, in the heat, worried about something as fundamental as getting to work. That should not be anyone’s reality in 2026. We have spent years building a solution for exactly this situation. The Matter AERA is the only geared electric motorcycle made in India, and it was built for this country and this moment. When you ride one, fuel prices and queues simply cease to be your concern. We are making it easier to make that shift today — because this moment calls for action.”

MATTER operates on a fully vertically integrated model, developing its core technologies entirely in-house. The company said the initiative is consistent with its broader mission of reducing India’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and enabling a more resilient, self-reliant national mobility ecosystem.

About MATTER

MATTER is an India-based electric mobility company focused on reimagining the future of motorcycling. Founded in 2019 by Mohal Lalbhai, the company is built on the belief that motorcycles—comprising most of the India’s two-wheeler market—require a distinct approach to electrification. MATTER operates on a vertically integrated model, designing and manufacturing its core technologies in-house, including motors, battery systems and its proprietary Hypershift manual gearbox. Its flagship product, the Matter AERA, is positioned as the world’s first geared electric motorcycle, combining traditional riding performance with electric efficiency. Headquartered in Ahmedabad, MATTER is also advancing towards AI-defined vehicles, viewing motorcycles as connected, continuously evolving systems.

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Special Women’s Day campaign valid till 15th March 2026 exclusively for women shoppers.

Ahmedabad, March 2026: Celebrating the spirit, strength and achievements of women, Palladium Ahmedabad has launched a special retail campaign titled “In Celebration of Her”, offering an exciting shopping reward exclusively for women shoppers. The limited-period initiative aims to make Women’s Day celebrations even more special by rewarding women with attractive gifts while they shop at the city’s most premium retail destination.

As part of the campaign, women shoppers who spend ₹7,500 or more at participating stores at Palladium Ahmedabad will receive complimentary gifts worth ₹1,500. The exclusive offer is available only for women shoppers and will remain valid until 15th March 2026.

Through this initiative, Palladium Ahmedabad invites women across the city to indulge in a memorable shopping experience while enjoying special rewards designed exclusively for them. The campaign celebrates women by encouraging them to treat themselves and enjoy a vibrant retail atmosphere featuring some of the finest national and international brands under one roof.

Known for curating engaging experiences for its patrons, Palladium Ahmedabad continues to bring unique shopping festivals and celebrations that resonate with the spirit of the city. With the “In Celebration of Her” campaign, the mall aims to honour women and add joy to their shopping journeys during the Women’s Day season.

Women shoppers can simply shop across stores at Palladium Ahmedabad, present their shopping bills at the designated redemption counter, and claim their special gifts, subject to the offer terms and conditions.

The management of Palladium Ahmedabad encourages women across Ahmedabad to make the most of this exciting opportunity and celebrate themselves with style, fashion and rewards.

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Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], March 09: The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has named the Jodhpur Community Hall, located in the Jodhpur Ward of the South-West Zone, as “Dr. Mukulbhai Shah Community Hall” in honour of former Mayor Late Dr. Mukulbhai Ishwarlal Shah. On this occasion, the e-inauguration of the community hall was carried out under the auspices of the Hon’ble Mayor of Ahmedabad, Mrs. Pratibhaben Rakeshkumar Jain.

The event was attended by several dignitaries including Hon’ble State President and MLA from Nikol Ahmedabad, Mr. Jagdish Vishwakarma, and Gujarat’s Minister of State for Urban Development and Urban Housing, Mrs. Darshanaben Vaghela.

Late Dr. Mukulbhai Ishwarlal Shah was a distinguished personality who made significant contributions to the development of Ahmedabad city and public life. He was elected twice as a councillor from the Gandhigram Ward in the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and later served as Deputy Mayor and Mayor, playing an important role in the city’s development. He also held key responsibilities in various committees, including the Standing Committee.

During his 12-year tenure as a municipal councillor, he earned the distinction of being one of the youngest leaders in the history of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to serve as Deputy Mayor (1988 and 1989), Standing Committee Chairman (1990), and later as Mayor (1991 and 1992). Through these roles, he made notable contributions to the city’s governance and development.

Apart from his contributions to public life, Dr. Shah also rendered significant service in the field of medicine. He served as a professor at NHL Medical College for nearly 39 years, mentoring numerous doctors and contributing to the development of skilled medical professionals for society. In recognition of his invaluable contributions to the city and society, the Jodhpur Community Hall has been named “Dr. Mukulbhai Shah Community Hall.”

On the occasion, Dr. Dipti Shah, wife of Late Dr. Mukulbhai Ishwarlal Shah, said “Public service for Dr. Mukulbhai Shah was not merely a responsibility, but a commitment to bring positive change in people’s lives. He dedicated his entire life to the development of the city and service to society. The decision by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to name this community hall after him is a moment of immense pride and deep emotion for our family. I sincerely thank the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and the citizens of the city for this honour.”

During the event, dignitaries present paid tribute to Late Dr. Mukulbhai Shah and remembered his valuable contributions to the city’s development and social service. The Dr. Mukulbhai Shah Community Hall will serve as an important centre for social, cultural and community activities for the citizens of Ahmedabad.

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Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], March 07:  The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has paid tribute to former Kalupur MLA Late Bhupendrabhai Sevakram Khatri (Patni), popularly known as Bhupendra Khatri, by naming a road in the Kalupur area in his memory. The stretch of road from Haja Patel ni Pol (Calico Dome) to N.C. Bodiwala College has officially been named ‘Late Bhupendrabhai Sevakram Khatri (Patni) Marg’.

A special ceremony was organized on the occasion, which was attended by Hon’ble Mayor of Ahmedabad Smt. Pratibha Ben Rakeshkumar Jain, Hon’ble Member of Parliament Shri Dineshbhai Makwana, Hon’ble MLA Shri Kaushikbhai Jain, along with several other dignitaries. The new name board of the road was formally unveiled in their presence.

Late Bhupendrabhai Sevakram Khatri (Patni) made significant contributions to the development of society and the local area during his public life. Due to his dedicated service and close connection with the people, he was widely respected and highly popular among residents of the Kalupur constituency. In recognition of his contributions toward the city’s development and public welfare, the road has been dedicated in his name.

A large number of local residents and community leaders were present during the program and expressed their gratitude to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation for taking this initiative. The naming of the road created a sense of pride and emotional connection among the people of the area.

On this occasion, Mr. Jvalit Khatri, son of Late Bhupendrabhai Sevakram Khatri, expressed his emotions and said,“Today is a moment of great pride and emotion for our family. My father dedicated his entire life to social service and the welfare of people. The naming of this road in his honor is not only a matter of pride for our family but also for the entire community. I sincerely thank the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, the Hon’ble Mayor, public representatives, and the citizens of the city for recognizing and honoring my father’s contributions in such a meaningful way. This honor inspires us to continue walking on the path shown by him and to contribute more towards society.”

Through such initiatives, the tradition of honoring leaders who have contributed to public life in the city is being further strengthened. Naming the road after Late Bhupendrabhai Sevakram Khatri (Patni) is considered an important step toward ensuring that his work and values are remembered by future generations.

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