Gujarat - Loktej English

75 Years of Somnath Temple Renovation: PM Modi Attends Amrit Mahotsav

Loktej English Team — Mon, 11 May 2026 16:25:32 +0530

On May 11, a grand event named 'Somnath Amrit Mahotsav' was organized to commemorate the historic occasion of the 75th anniversary of the renovation of the Somnath Temple, the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended this glorious celebration.

This festival marks the 75th anniversary of the consecration and inauguration of the temple, which was reconstructed by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of independent India, on May 11, 1951. On this occasion, the Prime Minister emphasized the nation's progress and the revival of cultural pride.

During the event, he performed worship of Lord Mahadev in the sanctum sanctorum of the Somnath Temple with full rituals. He participated in special religious ceremonies organized by the temple trust and prayed for the welfare of the people through water offerings. The Prime Minister greeted the devotees present in the temple complex and recalled the historical significance of this sacred site.

Senior officials of the temple trust and several dignitaries were also present, creating a divine and devotional atmosphere. In his address, the Prime Minister stated that the Somnath Temple is a living symbol of India's unwavering faith and the power of reconstruction. He expressed pride that a temple which has faced numerous attempts of destruction in history now inspires the new generation with its grandeur.

Through the Amrit Mahotsav, future generations are being introduced to India's spiritual glory and the contributions of Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Sardar Patel. The temple complex has been specially decorated with lights and flowers as part of the festival, attracting the attention of devotees.

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Somnath Swabhimaan Parv: PM Modi to Visit Somnath on May 11, Participate in Historic Ceremony

Loktej English Team — Sat, 09 May 2026 18:37:51 +0530

The history of the Somnath temple, regarded as an eternal symbol of faith, courage, and Indian civilization, is once again in the spotlight. The 'Somnath Swabhimaan Parv' is being organized this year to commemorate 1,000 years since the first attack on the temple and the 75th anniversary of its reopening after reconstruction.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive at the Somnath temple on May 11. Located in Prabhas Patan on the Saurashtra coast of Gujarat, the Somnath temple is considered the first and most sacred among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. This temple, described in the Shiva Purana, is a major center for the worship of Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, and Shakti.

The Dwadash Jyotirlinga Stotra also places Somnath at the top, reflecting its supreme identity in India's spiritual and cultural heritage. The history of the Somnath temple is a remarkable tale of struggle and reconstruction. The first major attack on this temple occurred in 1026.

Subsequently, from the 11th to the 18th century, the temple was destroyed and looted multiple times, but each time devotees and kings rebuilt it. In the 12th century, King Kumarpal oversaw the temple's reconstruction. Later, the king of Junagadh and the Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore also gave the Somnath temple a new identity.

After independence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the Iron Man of India, visited the ruins of Somnath in 1947 and resolved to reconstruct it, believing that its rebuilding would restore India's cultural confidence. Following this, the current temple was constructed in the Kailash Mahameru Prasad architectural style with public participation and national resolve. On May 11, 1951, India's first President, Rajendra Prasad, reopened the temple.

Today, 75 years later, Somnath remains a symbol of India's faith, pride, and spiritual strength. The story of Somnath is not limited to the temple itself but also includes the heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect it, notably Veer Hamirji Gohil, who is believed to have died defending the temple during the attack by Zafar Khan in 1299. The 'Somnath Swabhimaan Parv' is a celebration of India's unwavering faith and cultural renaissance.

This event serves as a reminder of the first attack in 1026 while also conveying the message of India's cultural rebirth through the reopening of the temple in 1951. Prime Minister Modi, who is also the president of the Somnath Trust, has described the temple as a symbol of India's 'invincible spirit.' He announced that special prayers will be held at Somnath for the next 1,000 days under the mantra of 'both development and heritage.' The Prime Minister has also urged people to visit Somnath during this historic period. In January 2026, Prime Minister Modi participated in the Somnath Swabhimaan Parv, during which the Omkar mantra was chanted for 72 hours, and special prayers were conducted for the prosperity of the nation.

A grand valor procession with 108 horses was also held in Prabhas Patan, dedicated to the warriors who protected the temple. A special train was launched on April 30, 2026, under the 'Chalo Chalen Somnath' campaign from Safdarjung Railway Station in Delhi, with over 1,300 devotees participating. The journey reached Somnath on May 1, where rituals, cultural programs, and a light and sound show were organized.

This magnificent temple, located by the Arabian Sea, is adorned with a 150-foot high spire topped with a 10-ton kalash. The temple complex features 1,666 golden kalash and 14,200 flags, enhancing its grandeur. Every year, 9.2 to 9.7 million devotees visit for darshan.

The Somnath Trust is not limited to religious activities but also plays a significant role in education, health, women's empowerment, and environmental conservation. The Trust runs computer education, sewing, digital literacy, and employment training programs for rural youth and women. Initiatives like 'School on Wheels' are bringing digital education to villages.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trust provided assistance of ₹8.73 crore during the first wave and ₹2.21 crore during the second wave, along with a contribution of ₹1 crore to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. It also worked on establishing oxygen plants, providing medical assistance, and delivering rations to needy families. Somnath was declared a 'Clean Iconic Place' in 2018.

Here, vermicompost is made from temple flowers, power blocks are created from plastic waste, and approximately 3 million liters of water are recycled each month. A Miyawaki forest with 7,200 trees absorbs about 93,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide annually. In the field of women's empowerment, Somnath has become a model, with 262 women among the 906 employees of the temple trust.

Women play significant roles in everything from Bilva forest management to prasad distribution and food service. A total of 363 women have been directly employed, earning an annual income of approximately ₹9 crore.

The Gujarati blockbuster Lalo will premiere on Sony Max on May 17

Loktej English Team — Fri, 08 May 2026 16:03:13 +0530

Sony Max has announced the television premiere of Lalo, a film that has earned over 100 crore rupees worldwide, setting new box office records and receiving excellent reviews. This film has established a unique cultural identity and is set to win the hearts of audiences across the country on May 17 at 1 PM.

Lalo has garnered significant praise from viewers as an outstanding film, showcasing a powerful story, excellent acting, and deep cultural insights. In theaters, the film not only achieved remarkable earnings but also became a topic of discussion among various communities, successfully securing a special place among the most beloved Gujarati films in recent times. The film's theme related to devotion and its emotional story touched the hearts of the audience, making it a major hit and a favorite among critics.

The film tells the story of Lalji Dhansukh Parmar, an ordinary rickshaw driver who gets trapped in a farmhouse, where he confronts problems related to his past, guided by Lord Krishna. His journey of self-discovery and transformation has already inspired millions and is now ready to reach even more viewers through television. Karan Joshi plays the role of Lalji, alongside Reeva Rach, Shruhad Goswami as Lord Krishna, and Mishti Kadecha.

Directed by Ankit Sakhia, the film weaves together themes of devotion, drama, and change into a touching narrative. Shruhad Goswami shared that playing the role of Krishna in Lalo was a journey where he closely felt both the depth of devotion and the strength of humanity. The film's tremendous success has demonstrated how deeply the audience connects with its essence.

Now, as Sony Max brings Lalo into homes across the country, it seems that the guidance of Lord Krishna and the message of hope will reach even more people. From theaters to television, this story continues its special journey.

Surat: Grand Inauguration of 'Girl Empowerment Mission 2026' at NTPC Jhankor-Gandhar

Loktej English Team — Fri, 08 May 2026 12:31:13 +0530

The grand inauguration ceremony of the 'Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM) 2026' was held at NTPC Jhankor-Gandhar on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. This initiative is considered a significant step towards empowering girls in rural areas through education, self-confidence, and life skills, preparing them for the future.

The program commenced with the traditional lighting of lamps. Selected GEM girls from previous years shared their experiences, and their inspiring stories infused enthusiasm and confidence in the new participants. A puppet show was also organized for the entertainment and encouragement of the girls.

While addressing the ceremony, Rautela mentioned that every child has immense talent that can be nurtured with the right environment and opportunities. He stated that this month-long residential workshop serves as a platform for girls to discover themselves and recognize their abilities and interests. He emphasized that mere bookish knowledge is not enough; life skills, self-confidence, and courage are equally essential for success.

He inspired the girls by saying that circumstances do not define their identity, but their self-confidence is their true identity. Rautela acknowledged that feeling scared at the beginning is natural, but with continuous effort and determination, every challenge can be overcome. He described this initiative not just as a CSR activity but as a true commitment of NTPC to society.

He also appealed to parents to provide full support and freedom to the girls during the workshop. The 'Girl Empowerment Mission 2026' is not just a training program but a powerful platform to make daughters self-reliant, confident, and capable citizens. It is noteworthy that under the Government of India's 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' scheme, NTPC initiated this initiative in 2021 with the Vindhyachal, Singrauli, and Rihand projects.

Since 2021, the Jhankor-Gandhar project has also been continuously working towards the empowerment of daughters by joining this mission. This year, 27 girls took part in the workshop, taking their first strong step towards a bright future. So far, more than 125 girls from villages around NTPC Jhankor have received training through this program, moving forward with confidence and new energy.

Under this mission, a month-long residential workshop is organized for girls aged 10 to 12 years in the 5th grade from villages around the project area. This workshop focuses on the overall development of girls through academic strengthening in subjects like Hindi, English, and Mathematics, as well as activities such as sports, drawing, arts and crafts, and self-defense.

The top four girls who perform excellently in the program are provided free education up to 12th grade at Bal Bharati Public School, Jhankor, with all expenses covered by NTPC. This initiative is also instilling confidence in daughters to realize their dreams along with education.

Surat: ₹1349 Crore Subsidy to 11,000 Industrialists via 'One Click

Loktej English Team — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:53:16 +0530

The state government has provided significant relief to the industrial sector by issuing a subsidy of ₹1349 crore to over 11,000 industrialists through the 'One Click' system ahead of the 'Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference'. During a visit to Surat, Home State Minister Harsh Sanghvi transferred this amount directly to the beneficiaries' accounts in just a few seconds.

The subsidy distribution included various sectors, with ₹299.75 crore allocated to 7,495 units in the MSME sector, ₹538.76 crore to 3,423 beneficiaries in the textile sector, and ₹510.99 crore to 111 beneficiaries in large industries. During a review meeting, Minister Harsh Sanghvi urged industrialists to adopt a positive outlook, emphasizing the importance of focusing on solutions rather than pointing out minor shortcomings. He stated that the government and industries together can attract more investment to the state.

Meanwhile, a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a 'Deep Sea Discharge Project' will also be signed during the 'Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference' in Surat. This project, costing approximately ₹5,000 to ₹6,000 crore, will involve discharging treated water from 7 to 8 treatment plants into the sea, located 8 to 10 kilometers away. The project will be funded 80% by the government and 20% by industries.

To promote environmental protection, the use of 'tertiary treated water' in industries will be encouraged, which will save drinking water and make more water available for domestic and agricultural use. Nikhil Madras, President of the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), welcomed this initiative, noting the tremendous enthusiasm among local industrialists. This conference will serve as an important platform for direct dialogue between industries and the government.

Meanwhile, Jitubhai Vakharia, President of the South Gujarat Textile Processors Association (SGTPA), stated that the convergence of Gujarat Day and the Vibrant Summit will give new momentum to the state's industrial development. He mentioned that the support from the government, pending subsidy payments, and approvals for new projects indicate a bright future for industries in South Gujarat. According to the industrial sector, the proposed 'Deep Sea Discharge Project' will prove to be a game-changer for Surat's industry and will play a crucial role in both environmental protection and water management.

BJP Dominates Gujarat Local Body Elections, Captures All 15 Municipal Corporations; Strong Hold in Rural Areas

Loktej English Team — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:20:56 +0530

The local body elections in Gujarat have indicated the political direction of the state, where the ruling BJP has recorded a sweeping victory from urban to rural areas, leaving the opposition behind. The results of the extensive local body elections in Gujarat have once again proven the strong organizational grip of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The BJP has achieved victory in all 15 municipal corporations of the state, establishing complete dominance in urban politics. According to the latest figures from the Election Commission, the party has secured more than half of the total seats in the municipal corporations, with a clean sweep in Morbi municipal corporation, capturing all 52 seats. This major electoral exercise, held on April 26, included voting for 15 municipal corporations, 84 municipalities, 34 district panchayats, and 260 taluka panchayats.

Over 4.18 crore voters participated in this election, which is considered a significant indicator of the political atmosphere ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The BJP's performance in rural areas has also been impressive. Out of a total of 1,090 seats in 34 district panchayats, the BJP won 568 seats, while Congress had to settle for 77 seats, and other parties secured 30 seats.

In the 260 taluka panchayats, the BJP maintained its influence by winning 2,397 out of 5,234 seats, while Congress received 591 seats and others got 329 seats. In Surat municipal corporation, the BJP won 115 out of 120 seats, nearly sidelining the opposition. The Aam Aadmi Party, which had performed notably in the previous elections, was reduced to just four seats this time, while Congress managed to secure only one seat.

The result from the Dahgam municipality was also noteworthy, where the BJP's 23-year-old candidate Rishi Deepakkumar Amin won from ward number 5, earning the distinction of being the youngest elected representative. In terms of voter turnout, 55.1% was recorded in the municipal corporations, while 65.53% in municipalities, 66.64% in district panchayats, and 67.26% in taluka panchayats. The newly formed Gandhidham municipal corporation saw the lowest turnout at 46.03%, while Vapi recorded the highest at 72.29%.

In Ahmedabad municipal corporation, 51.81% of voters exercised their franchise. A notable aspect of these elections was that nine new municipal corporations, including Navsari, Gandhidham, Morbi, Vapi, Anand, Nadiad, Mehsana, Porbandar, and Surendranagar, held voting for the first time. Additionally, several districts underwent delimitation and ward reorganization under revised OBC reservation criteria, which influenced the electoral equations.

There was a direct contest among the BJP, Congress, and Aam Aadmi Party, along with the presence of smaller parties and independent candidates in various regions. The entire election was conducted peacefully through EVMs at thousands of centers, marking it as a successful administrative exercise.

Surat: BJP's historic victory in municipal elections, winning 115 out of 120 seats, AAP 4 and Congress 1 seat

Loktej English Team — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:20:06 +0530

Surat. In the Surat municipal elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has once again demonstrated a historic performance by winning 115 out of 120 seats.

This overwhelming majority has further strengthened the BJP's dominance in the city's politics. Under the guidance of senior leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat state president Jagdish Vishwakarma, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Patil, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi, and Minister Praful Panseriya, the party achieved this significant success.

During the elections, workers reached out to voters door-to-door despite the intense heat, informing them about government schemes and development works. With this victory, the BJP has waved its flag in all 30 wards of the Surat municipal corporation. In the local body elections held in Gujarat, the BJP has also gained an edge over Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Following the election results, a political situation has emerged in Surat where there appears to be no effective opposition in the municipal corporation. According to the rules, a minimum of 10 percent of seats is required to attain the status of opposition leader, but this time no opposition party reached that figure. A similar situation was observed in 1995 when the BJP won 98 out of 99 seats, nearly eliminating the opposition.

In subsequent years, Congress and then AAP made a strong presence in some elections, but this time both parties proved weak. Several prominent opposition leaders faced defeat in the elections, including AAP's General Secretary Manoj Sorathia. After the results were announced, the victorious BJP candidates celebrated their win with a victory rally in the city.

With this overwhelming mandate, the BJP will now have a one-sided rule in the Surat municipal corporation. For the first time since 1995, there will be no official opposition in the Surat municipal elections. The BJP has secured power for the seventh consecutive time with a historic performance, winning 115 seats and breaking all previous records, while the opposition has nearly vanished.

According to the election results, AAP had to settle for just 4 seats, while Congress managed to win only 1 seat after a long time. With this result, there will be no official opposition in the Surat municipal corporation for the first time since 1995, as at least 7 seats are required to attain opposition status. Political analysts suggest that in this election, voters rejected party switching and the rhetoric of leaders.

AAP suffered significant losses, especially when many of its elected corporators from the previous term joined the BJP, leading to increased public dissatisfaction and weakening the party's support base. Although AAP's rallies attracted crowds, this support did not translate into votes. In contrast, the BJP's 'silent voting' strategy and strong organizational structure proved decisive in the election.

Now, the BJP will have unilateral rule in the municipal corporation, with all administrative decisions remaining in its hands. Discussions have already begun regarding the accountability and transparency of the ruling party in the Surat municipal corporation, which has a budget of approximately 11,000 crores, in the absence of an opposition. These results clearly indicate that the people of Surat have maintained their trust in the BJP on development issues, while opposition parties need to reconsider their strategies.

After five years, Congress has opened its account, while AAP has been reduced to 4 seats. In the municipal elections held in Surat, the BJP has once again proven its dominance with a historic victory, winning 115 out of 120 seats and achieving a massive majority. The election results show that the opposition is completely fragmented.

The BJP's strong strategy and organizational capability were clearly visible in this election. Meanwhile, the Indian National Congress has succeeded in opening its account after a long time, while AAP has been reduced to just 4 seats. It is noteworthy that in the last municipal elections, AAP had won 27 seats, emerging as a strong opposition, while Congress did not open its account.

At that time, the BJP had won 93 seats. In this election, the BJP has improved its performance and nearly eliminated the opposition. The election results clearly show that the BJP's booth-level network, micro-planning, and voter outreach campaign were highly effective.

The page committee model and active participation of workers had a direct impact on voter turnout and election results. It is significant that the BJP has held control over the Surat municipal corporation for nearly 30 years.

With this massive victory, the party has once again strengthened its dominance in the municipal power. The weak performance of opposition parties has further solidified the BJP's grip on the city's politics.

India’s First Geothermal Project Inaugurated at ONGC’s Ankleshwar Asset

Bhatu Patil — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:07:47 +0530

Ankleshwar, Gujarat: In a significant step towards clean and sustainable energy transition, India’s first geothermal project, developed by retrofitting unproductive oil and gas wells, was inaugurated at the Ankleshwar Asset of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).

The pioneering project marks a milestone in India’s efforts to harness alternative energy sources by utilizing existing hydrocarbons infrastructure for renewable applications, thereby enhancing asset efficiency and reducing carbon footprint.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries from ONGC and academia and representative from MNRE,GOI. Shri J. N. Sukanandan, General Manager (GGM-AM), Ankleshwar Asset, presided over the event and highlighted the importance of innovation-led sustainability initiatives within ONGC. He emphasized that the project reflects ONGC’s commitment to repurposing legacy oil and gas assets to support the country’s clean energy goals.

Shri Prashant Singh, General Manager (GGM) and Head – New Energy, ONGC, underscored the strategic relevance of geothermal energy in ONGC’s diversified energy portfolio. He stated that the project serves as a technology demonstrator and could pave the way for similar deployments across ONGC’s mature fields in the future.

The technical and academic perspective was provided by Prof. Rajesh R. Nair from IIT Madras, who elaborated on the scientific principles behind geothermal energy extraction using abandoned or non-commercial wells. He appreciated ONGC’s collaborative approach with academic institutions and its leadership in advancing indigenous energy technologies.

The project showcases a novel model of sustainable development by converting underutilized wells into productive geothermal energy sources, aligning with India’s broader objectives of energy security, decarbonization, and circular economy.

With this initiative, ONGC reinforces its role as an energy major driving innovation beyond conventional hydrocarbons, while contributing to India’s transition towards a greener and more resilient energy future.

Surat: India's Growing Market a Global Power, Industry Backbone of the Country's Progress - Mansukh Mandaviya

Loktej English Team — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:31:02 +0530

In a significant discussion on the current industrial situation organized by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry on April 23, 2026, Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister of Labour, Employment, Youth Affairs and Sports, stated that India's market has become extremely important for the world amid current global conditions, and no country wants to deteriorate its relations with India amidst the ongoing Middle East tensions. He emphasized that the role of industrialists has always been crucial in the country's progress.

He mentioned that the country cannot advance without traders and industry, both before and after independence, and that those who create wealth should be respected. The minister noted that the Indian government is working towards balanced development, leading to continuous growth in employment, trade, and income. He highlighted that the country's GDP is consistently increasing, with India experiencing economic growth rates of 7 to 8 percent, which is higher than major global economies.

He also mentioned that after the implementation of GST and reduction in rates, government revenue has increased, now generating approximately 2 lakh crore rupees monthly. In the infrastructure sector, the government is investing 12 lakh crore rupees, resulting in the construction of 31 kilometers of highways and 15 kilometers of railway lines daily, along with the addition of nearly 100 new airports in the last decade. During the meeting, representatives from various industrial organizations in the city raised trade and industry-related issues before the minister.

Ashish Gujarati presented on industry-friendly policies for renewable energy and GST refunds. In response, the minister assured the promotion of skill development and industry-based training. Pramod Chaudhary from the textile industry raised demands for housing, health, and education facilities for migrant workers.

The minister indicated a positive initiative in this direction, discussing the development of facilities through industry and government partnership. Manish Kapadia, the chamber's group chairman, requested a multi-game stadium and Ro-Ro ferry service, while Linesh Shah, chairman of the aviation committee, presented on the possibilities of international flights from Surat. The minister assured coordination with the relevant ministries.

K.B. Pipliya demanded strict action on food adulteration, to which the minister assured strict enforcement of laws. Soyel Savani raised the need for awareness regarding labor laws, suggesting the organization of workshops.

Nikhil Madras, president of the chamber of commerce, delivered the welcome address. Ashok Jirawala, vice president of the chamber, thanked the participants for joining the discussion. Dinesh Navadia, former president of the chamber, delivered the keynote address.

Bijal Zariwala, honorary minister of the chamber, conducted the entire discussion. Former president Vijay Mevawala, honorary treasurer CA Mitish Modi, former president CA P.M.

Shah, group chairman Nirav Mandalewala, members of the managing committee, and representatives from various industrial organizations were present at the discussion. This meeting is considered significant in strengthening the dialogue between industry and government.

Top 10 Private Engineering Colleges in Gujarat 2026

Loktej English Team — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:23:23 +0530

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], April 21:In Gujarat, among universities offering a wide range of courses, a few private engineering colleges have gained immense popularity for various reasons. Some of these factors include modern infrastructure, industry-oriented curriculum, and strong placement support. These top 10 engineering colleges in Gujarat 2026 have played a crucial role in shaping the next generation of engineers.

Top private engineering colleges in Gujarat focus on quality education, practical training, and career readiness. They offer specialized engineering programs and integrate technology-driven learning methods. Institutions like

C.U. Shah University offer more than just engineering programs. With courses in computer engineering and integrating technology-driven learning methods. With courses in computer science such as BCA, BSc IT, MSc IT, pharmacy, nursing, management, law, and sciences, students benefit from a multidisciplinary environment. The university is widely recognized across regions such as Surendranagar, Botad, Limbdi, Dhrangadhra, Muli, Halvad, Viramgam, Kutch, Morbi, Jamnagar, Wankaner, Thangadh, and Dhandhuka for its main campus and dedicated nursing campus.

Top 10 private engineering colleges in Gujarat that stand out:

C U Shah College of engineering and technology wadhwan C.U. Shah University: Offering students courses and degrees across diploma, UG, PG, and PhD levels. It holds recognition and approval from esteemed regulatory and statutory bodies, including UGC, AICTE, PCI, NCTE, BCI, MHRD, INC, GNC and the Government of Gujarat. The comprehensive engineering college offers 80+ courses with modern labs, infrastructure, and expert faculty, making it a top choice in engineering in Gujarat.

Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU), Gandhinagar: This top engineering college is recognized for excellence in petroleum and energy engineering and features strong industry links.

Marwadi University, Rajkot: This is another reputable name in the world of engineering education in Gujarat. It is known for robust placements and modern infrastructure.

Parul University, Vadodara: This is a top choice for varied engineering courses and disciplines with good placements.

Institute of Technology, Nirma University, Ahmedabad: This is a top-ranked private institution with high-quality BTech programs.

Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology (DA-IICT), Gandhinagar: This is one of the most premier institutes specializing in ICT and technology. It is a leading institute in education, research, innovation and more.

Ganpat University, Mehsana: This offers specialized programs in AI, data science, and computer science, among other top engineering disciplines.

Atmiya University, Rajkot: This is known for specialised technical education, especially in engineering disciplines, which helps students build highly employable careers in industry.

LJ Institute of Engineering and Technology (LJIET), Ahmedabad: Known for practical training and strong industry connections.

Silver Oak University, Ahmedabad: This engineering university is known for its extensive technical programs and campus recruitment.

A top private engineering college like C.U. Shah University offers a strong foundation for students aiming to build successful careers in technology and innovation.

Significant Changes in Match Dates and Venues for GT and CSK Due to Elections in Gujarat

Loktej English Team — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:59:56 +0530

The BCCI has made a major decision to change the schedule of two matches between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) during IPL 2026. As per the board, this step was taken in light of security arrangements due to the municipal elections taking place on April 26 in various parts of Gujarat and Ahmedabad.

The BCCI clarified that providing adequate police force and resources at the stadium due to the elections was a challenge, making it necessary to revise the schedule. According to the new schedule, the match originally set for April 26 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will now be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) in Chennai at 3:30 PM. Conversely, the evening match proposed for May 21 in Chennai has now been moved to Ahmedabad.

This change will require fans to adjust their travel plans for matches at their favorite teams' home grounds. Voting will also take place on the same day in several other cities, including Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot. The Chennai Super Kings are currently struggling in the ongoing IPL 2026 season, having won only one of the four matches played so far, placing them ninth in the points table.

Meanwhile, the Gujarat Titans are in a slightly better position, holding the sixth spot with two wins and two losses from four matches. This schedule change may impact the preparations of both teams, as they will now need to strategize anew according to their home conditions.

72 fishermen from Valsad and Navsari stranded amid Iran-US tensions return safely to their homeland

Loktej English Team — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 20:14:52 +0530

72 fishermen from Valsad and Navsari districts, stranded amid escalating war-like conditions between Iran and the US, have returned safely to their homeland. With the efforts of the Indian government, all the fishermen were first brought to Chennai Airport, from where they were transported to the Valsad Circuit House by two buses.

Upon their arrival in Valsad on Monday morning, the fishermen received a grand welcome. Gujarat government cabinet minister Kanubhai Desai, MLA Bharatbhai Patel, district collector Bhavya Verma, and several officials were present during the event. As soon as they returned home, the fishermen raised slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and became emotional upon reuniting with their families.

According to reports, these fishermen had gone to Iran for employment and had been stranded there since February 28 due to war-like conditions. As the situation worsened, they made a video pleading for help, prompting the administration to take action. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the efforts of External Affairs Minister S.

Jaishankar, discussions were held with the Iranian government to ensure their safe return. Fisherman Rajeshbhai Patel mentioned that during the bombing, their boat's GPS system had failed, and they were forced to stay in a room in fear for a month. With the airport closed, there was no hope of returning, but with the help of the Indian government, they were safely evacuated.

After arriving in India from Iran, Union Minister Piyush Goyal also welcomed them at Chennai Airport. This successful rescue operation not only demonstrates the government's promptness but also exemplifies its commitment to citizens in times of crisis.