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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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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Ahmedabad - The Federation of Indian Associations of USA (FIA NY–NJ–CT–NE), the largest and premier grassroots nonprofit organization representing the Indian community across eight states on the East Coast of the United States, successfully concluded its 'Joy of Giving' wheelchair donation drive dedicated to supporting differently-abled children in Ahmedabad.

The humanitarian initiative took place on Monday, December 29, 2025at Apang Manav Mandal, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Through this meaningful effort, 100 wheelchairs were donated to children in need in Ahmedabad, marking the beginning of FIA's larger commitment to donate 500 wheelchairs across India. The remaining 400 wheelchairs will be distributed in other states, helping enhance mobility, independence, and dignity for differently-abled children nationwide. The ceremony was graced by the presence of FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya, alongside distinguished donors and organizational leadership.

The 'Joy of Giving' initiative, valued at 20 lac Rupees, was made possible through the generous support of Sreekanth Akkapalli, FIA President 2026, the Vaidya Family, and distinguished donors, including FIA Board Member Kenny Desai, FIA Board Member Anil Bansal, FIA Vice President Priti Ray Patel, and Saurin Parikh, FIA President 2025.

Carried out under the powerful message 'Because Every Child Deserves to Move Forward', the program underscored the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunities for children with physical challenges.

Reflecting on the initiative, FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya shared, "Our visit to Apang Manav Mandal has been truly transformative. The resilience of these exceptional students has taught us invaluable lessons about courage and perseverance. FIA pledges to continue such humanitarian drives, ensuring we remain steadfast partners in building a more inclusive society."

Kshitish Madanmohan, Managing Trustee and President of Apang Manav Mandal, expressed his heartfelt gratitude, stating, "We are deeply honored to partner with FIA for this noble cause. The generosity demonstrated by FIA and its donors will transform the lives of our children," while inviting the guests for 'Deep Pragatya', a traditional lamp lighting ceremony.

Dr. Kamal C Shah, General Secretary of Apang Manav Mandal, delivered a vote of thanks, expressing profound appreciation. "On behalf of Apang Manav Mandal and the children whose lives will be forever changed, we extend our deepest gratitude to FIA, Ankur Vaidya, and all the distinguished donors who made this initiative possible."

This initiative aligns with FIA's 2026 theme 'Harmony in Heritage', which celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the Indian diaspora. Throughout the year, FIA hosts events including Dance Pe Chance, International Women's Day, Bihar Day, Odisha Foundation Day, Gujarat-Maharashtra Day, International Yoga Day, India Day Parade with Flag Hoisting at Times Square, Bharat Beyond Borders Grand Gala at Cipriani Wall Street, and the Diwali Soup Kitchen.

Established in 1970, the Federation of Indian Associations has earned official recognition in the United States Congressional Record, been honored with India's prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, and holds two Guinness World Records.

Ahmedabad, December 28: Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted on Sunday that a political party cannot expect to secure votes if it opposes everything that appeals to the public. Taking a jibe at Rahul Gandhi, Shah remarked that explaining this simple logic to the Congress leader was beyond his capacity, noting that even Congress leaders had failed in this regard.

Addressing a gathering at a village near Ahmedabad, Shah referred to a recent debate in the Lok Sabha where the Leader of the Opposition asked him why his party faces defeat in every election. The Home Minister suggested that instead of asking him, Gandhi should have directed this question to the people. As per agency report, Shah advised the Congress leader not to get tired of losing, predicting that the Congress party is destined to lose the upcoming assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

He further claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi would emerge victorious in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Elaborating on the reasons behind the ruling party's success, Shah stated that people are connected to their principles. He pointed out that the Congress party had opposed various initiatives including the Ram Temple, surgical strikes against terrorists, the abrogation of Article 370, the Uniform Civil Code, the law against triple talaq, and the campaign to remove Bangladeshi infiltrators.

Shah questioned how one could expect votes while opposing the choices of the people. He reiterated that making Rahul Gandhi understand this simple reasoning was a task beyond his ability, especially since his own party leaders had been unsuccessful in doing so.

During the event held at Navi Vanjar, the Home Minister handed over land ownership certificates to 173 residents. These beneficiaries were originally from Vanjar village situated on the banks of the Sabarmati river but were resettled in Navi Vanjar after losing their homes and land in the devastating floods of 1973. Shah noted that while these individuals were relocated during the Congress regime, they had not received land ownership rights even after the passage of 50 years. On this occasion, Shah also inaugurated the Western Trunk Line, a drainage network designed to manage sewage for approximately 1.5 million residents living in newly developed areas such as Shela, South Bopal, Shantipura, and Thaltej.

Ahmedabad, December 25. Gujarat Assembly Deputy Speaker Jethabhai Bharwad resigned from his position on Thursday, citing his preoccupations and other responsibilities. The details regarding his decision to step down were shared through a press release issued by the state government.

The senior leader submitted his resignation to Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary at the latter's official residence in Gandhinagar. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the state unit president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Jagdish Vishwakarma, were present when the resignation was handed over. The release further stated that the Speaker has accepted the resignation, as per agency report.

Bharwad, who is seventy-five years old and also known as Jethabhai Ahir, has been elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly six times from the Shehra constituency in the Panchmahal district. The senior BJP legislator was first elected as the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly in September 2021 and was subsequently re-elected to the post following the assembly elections in 2022.

Art Magnum & Kanoria Centre for Arts cordially invites you to  presents 'Vibrant Hues', in the city of Ahmedabad which is considered as vivacious in its history and culture, prominently known for its rich heritage and urbanization. Not forgetting to mention that the city is also the center for enormous economic activities.

Certain places hold great value in making the diverse collections seem more energetic. Talking of different styles, mediums and genres, we evidently witness all of them in the showcased artworks by the Masters, Senior Contemporary artists and the emerging ones.

Achuthan Kudallur, Akkitham Narayanan, A. Rajeswara Rao, Bhupen Khakhar, Francis Newton Souza, Ganesh Haloi, G Reghu, Haren Thakur, Hemavathy Guha, Himnti Sen, Jamini Roy, Jagdish Swaminathan, Jaya Ganguly, Jeram Patel, Jogen Chowdhury, Kavin Mehta, K G Subramanyan, Mainaz Bano, Mukhtar Ahmed Sardar, Prabhakar Kolte, P R Daroz, Ram Kumar, Rekha Hebbar Rao, Nandalal Bose, Sailoz Mookherjea, Sohan Qadri.

The composition and the expression by each of these artists, depicts the thought process and the outburst of their inner most contemplation and feelings. This concoction presentation by various artists, show the darker and more serious sides. They walk us through some selfless satire, while the others create some interesting debatable dialogues. Holistically one can observe the creative excellence though for a few its experimenting and exploring of forms and practice new ways of capturing moments with meaning on their canvases, paper, through sculptures.

Come to the world of mesmerizing creative inspiration. Introspect on the beauty of expression & emotions via the Vibrant
VIBRANT HUES

Curated by KIRAN K. MOHAN

Chief Guest

MADHU BANTHIA (Chairperson, FICCI FLO)

12th-21st December 2025

4:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Weekdays)

12:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Weekends)

Urmila Kailash Black Box, Kanoria Centre for Arts, Opp. Gujarat University, University Road, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009

Achuthan Kudallur | Akkitham Narayanan I A. Rajeswara Rao I Bhupen Khakhar F. N. Souza. I Ganesh Haloi I G Reghu I Haren Thakur I Hemavathy Guha I Himnti Sen Jamini Roy I Jagdish Swaminathan I Jaya Ganguly I Jeram Patel Jogen Chowdhury Kavin Mehta IK G Subramanyan | Mainaz Bano I Mukhtar Ahmed Sardar Sailoz Mookherjea I Prabhakar Kolte I PR Daroz I Ram Kumar | Rekha Hebbar Rao | Nandalal Bose l Sohan Qadri

Ahmedabad, November 23. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel directed a last-minute change in the venue of his scheduled public event in Jamnagar to ensure that a family could solemnize their daughter's wedding without any disruption. Officials provided this information on Sunday regarding the humanitarian gesture shown by the state leadership.

A family residing in Jamnagar had booked the City Town Hall for the wedding of Sanjana Parmar on November 23. While preparations for the ceremony were already underway, the family learned that the Chief Minister was scheduled to visit the city on November 24 and hold a public programme at the same venue. As per agency report, security arrangements for the Chief Minister's visit had already commenced, causing anxiety within the family that restricted access around the Town Hall, police deployment, and activities related to the official event might affect the wedding ceremony.

According to the family, their concerns were conveyed to the Chief Minister's Office, prompting an immediate response from the state leader. Officials stated that Patel instructed his team to instantly shift the programme to another location, emphasizing that the family's concern should be regarded as their own concern.

Brijesh Parmar, the uncle of the bride, mentioned that the Chief Minister personally contacted the family. He recounted that Patel told them not to worry at all and to proceed with the wedding at the Town Hall as planned, assuring them that the official event venue would be changed. Parmar noted that finding a new location during the busy wedding season would have been nearly impossible and the intervention lifted a huge burden off the family, allowing them to finally sleep peacefully after receiving the call. Local officials confirmed the relocation of the Chief Minister's programme without delay, and the wedding was solemnized as per the schedule.

Ahmedabad, Nov 9 – The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has busted a suspected terror syndicate and arrested three individuals, including a doctor who allegedly planned to manufacture the highly lethal chemical poison ricin. The accused doctor reportedly has links to the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP).

As per agency report, the arrested individuals have been identified as Dr Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed, Azad Suleman Shaikh, and Mohammad Suhail Mohammad Saleem. Investigations revealed that they had conducted reconnaissance of several sensitive locations in Lucknow, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, allegedly as part of a larger terror conspiracy.

According to Gujarat ATS Deputy Inspector General Sunil Joshi, Dr Saiyed, who studied medicine in China, was highly radicalized and had begun collecting funds and recruiting individuals for large-scale terrorist activities. He was also found to be in contact with his handler, identified as Abu Khadija, an Afghan national linked to ISKP, who reportedly facilitated the transfer of weapons from Pakistan through drones.

Acting on a tip-off, ATS officials arrested Dr Saiyed on November 7 near Adalaj in Gandhinagar district. The team recovered two Glock pistols, one Beretta pistol, 30 cartridges, and four litres of castor oil from his possession. Saiyed had allegedly initiated research to produce ricin, a highly toxic poison derived from the by-product of castor seed processing. He had already procured necessary equipment and raw materials and begun the initial chemical process.

ATS officials said that Saiyed, along with Shaikh and Saleem, was planning to use the poison for a major terror attack and had arrived in Gujarat to exchange weapons. During interrogation, Saiyed confessed that he had been plotting terror activities and had stored weapons collected from a remote location in Kalol, Gandhinagar district.

The ATS later arrested Shaikh and Saleem, both residents of Uttar Pradesh, from Banaskantha district. They allegedly procured weapons from Hanumangarh in Rajasthan and supplied them to Saiyed. Three mobile phones and two laptops were also seized from their possession.

Investigations so far have revealed that the trio had been scouting sensitive locations for nearly a year. While no local sleeper cell has been identified yet, officials are probing possible links to both domestic and international terror networks. The ATS is coordinating with central and state agencies to trace other individuals connected to the network.

A case has been registered against all three accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Indian Penal Code, and the Arms Act. A court has remanded Dr Saiyed to ATS custody until November 17, while the other two accused were produced before court on Sunday.

Ahmedabad, October 28 The Gujarat government has appointed senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer M. K. Das as the new Chief Secretary of the state. He will take charge on October 31, succeeding Pankaj Joshi, who is set to retire on the same day.

As per agency report, Das, a 1990-batch IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre, is currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel at the state secretariat in Gandhinagar.

An official notification issued by the Gujarat government stated that M. K. Das, presently Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, is transferred and appointed as Chief Secretary of the Government of Gujarat with effect from October 31.

Das has previously held several key administrative positions in the state and is regarded as an experienced officer known for his efficiency and administrative acumen. His appointment comes at a crucial time as the state focuses on accelerating governance and development initiatives under the current administration.

Mumbai, October 1 – The 70th Filmfare Awards will be hosted in Ahmedabad with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, filmmaker Karan Johar and actor Maniesh Paul coming together as co-hosts. The trio promises an evening filled with laughter, memories and unforgettable moments as the prestigious ceremony celebrates the finest cinematic achievements of 2024 while also honoring Filmfare’s seven-decade-long legacy.

As per agency report, Shah Rukh Khan expressed his excitement, recalling his journey with the iconic Black Lady trophy. He described his return as a co-host in this landmark year as a deeply special experience and promised a night full of joy, nostalgia and a heartfelt celebration of cinema.

Karan Johar highlighted the cultural importance of Filmfare, describing it not just as an award but as a legacy that has helped shape the narrative of Indian cinema for generations. Having attended and hosted several editions since 2000, Johar said he was delighted to be part of this milestone celebration marking 70 golden years.

Maniesh Paul also shared his enthusiasm, calling Filmfare an emotion that every cinema lover relates to. He said that hosting alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar on such a historic night would be an exhilarating experience and one of the most memorable ceremonies yet.

The 70th Filmfare Awards will take place on October 11 at the EKA Arena near Kankaria Lake in Ahmedabad, promising a grand celebration of Indian cinema’s enduring legacy.

Bhavnagar, August 3 — Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Sunday that India's first bullet train service between Mumbai and Ahmedabad is set to launch soon, significantly reducing travel time between the two cities to just 2 hours and 7 minutes.

Speaking at Bhavnagar Terminus, where he flagged off the Ayodhya Express, Rewa-Pune Express, and Jabalpur-Raipur Express digitally, the minister highlighted the rapid progress of the high-speed rail project. The event also saw the participation of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, who jointly inaugurated the train services.

Vaishnaw stated, “The first bullet train from Mumbai to Ahmedabad will begin operations very soon. Work on the project is progressing rapidly, and once operational, the journey between Mumbai and Ahmedabad will take only 2 hours and 7 minutes.”

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train will cover a total distance of 508 kilometers, connecting Maharashtra and Gujarat. Starting from Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai, the train will run at a speed of 320 km/h and stop at key stations including Vapi, Surat, Anand, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar, July 31: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is currently on a two-day visit to Gujarat, where he explored the iconic Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad on Thursday morning. Taking a morning jog at the scenic site, Abdullah later described the riverfront as one of the most beautiful places he has ever run through and expressed admiration for the striking Atal Bridge.

Omar Abdullah shared several photos from his morning run on social media platform X, capturing his experience on the riverfront promenade. As per agency report, he noted that during his visit to Ahmedabad for a tourism-related event, he took the opportunity to run along the famed riverfront, joining many other morning walkers and joggers.

In his post, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister wrote that it was a joy to share the vibrant space with fellow joggers and to run past the magnificent Atal Pedestrian Bridge, highlighting the architectural appeal and active public usage of the riverfront.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also shared an update on social media following a meeting with Omar Abdullah in Gandhinagar on Wednesday. He mentioned that the Jammu and Kashmir CM would also be visiting the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar during his tour.

According to the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister's Office, Omar Abdullah was accompanied by his advisor Nasir Sogami during the meeting with CM Bhupendra Patel. The two leaders reportedly discussed enhancing interstate cooperation, promoting tourism, and exchanging best practices for inclusive development.

In a statement, Omar Abdullah remarked that a large number of tourists from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and West Bengal prefer visiting Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that his visit to Gandhinagar was connected to a major tourism event and expressed hope that more tourists from Gujarat would resume travel to the region in the near future.