Ahmedabad, July 7. The Gujarat High Court has upheld the death sentences given to 38 convicts by a special court in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial bomb blast case in a historic ruling.

The court also upheld the life sentences for 11 other terrorists. This decision has finally brought justice to the victims and their families after a long wait of 18 years. The High Court, showing sensitivity towards the victims, directed the government to provide compensation of 10 lakh rupees each to the families of the 56 deceased and 1 lakh rupees each to over 200 injured.

The horrific terrorist attack occurred on July 26, 2008, when 21 bomb blasts took place in various areas of the city, busy markets, and the civil hospital within just 70 minutes. The terrorists used tiffin boxes placed on bicycles to carry out these cowardly attacks. The terrorist organization 'Indian Mujahideen' claimed responsibility for this attack.

The investigation revealed that this attack was a conspiracy to take revenge for the 2002 riots, which shocked the entire nation. A total of 78 individuals were accused in this case, and a lengthy legal hearing lasted for 14 years in the special court. In February 2022, the special court sentenced 38 out of 49 convicts to death, which was an unprecedented decision in Indian judicial history.

All the convicts challenged this decision in the High Court, which has now been dismissed. The High Court's strict stance sends a clear message that India's judiciary is extremely tough against terrorism and that the guilty will not be spared under any circumstances for their actions.

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The Gujarat government has transferred senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer and Surat city Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot (Batch-1997) to the position of Police Commissioner of Ahmedabad city. The Home Department has issued an official order regarding this.

According to the order, Anupam Singh Gehlot has been appointed to the vacant cadre position of Ahmedabad city. For this, the ex-cadre position of Ahmedabad Police Commissioner has been reorganized, downgrading it from the Director General of Police (DGP) grade to the cadre position of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) grade. The notification issued by the Home Department states that this order has been issued in the name of the Governor of Gujarat.

The order is signed by Sanjeev Kumar, Principal Secretary of the Home Department of the state government. Anupam Singh Gehlot played a significant role in maintaining law and order, crime control, and successfully managing various major events during his tenure as Surat Police Commissioner.

He will now take on his new responsibilities as Police Commissioner of Ahmedabad city. It is likely that a separate order regarding the appointment of a new Police Commissioner for Surat will be issued by the government.

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Varanasi, June 28. Passengers traveling between Varanasi and Ahmedabad are set to receive a significant gift soon as the railway is preparing to launch a new train between the two cities.

The proposed train will operate between Varanasi station and Sabarmati station in Ahmedabad. The new train is expected to boost trade, education, tourism, employment, and family visits between Purvanchal and Gujarat. According to railway sources, currently, the Sabarmati-Ahmedabad Express (19490/19489) operates once a week on Saturdays from Varanasi to Ahmedabad.

The train number 20964 coming from Sabarmati to Varanasi runs every Saturday, while the return train number 22970 arrives in Varanasi from Ahmedabad on Mondays. Additionally, train number 19168 departs from Sabarmati to Varanasi on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, while the Banaras Express operates four days a week. Railway officials have accelerated preparations for the operation of the new train.

The proposed route will include Varanasi, Prayagraj, Govindpur (Kanpur), Agra, Jaipur, and Ajmer, reaching Sabarmati (Ahmedabad). Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has also shared information regarding this matter. It is reported that the demand for this train has been made by MPs from Kanpur and Agra, along with other public representatives.

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The Gujarat government has made a historic decision for former Agniveers, providing them with 20 percent reservation in direct recruitment for state jobs. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced this significant decision on the social media platform 'X'.

The government has decided to grant 20 percent reservation to former Agniveers in Class-3 category direct recruitment across various departments of the state government. Former Agniveers will be exempted from the physical efficiency test and will also receive a relaxation of up to 3 years in the maximum age limit. Guidelines have also been issued to provide a relaxation of up to 5 years in the maximum age limit for the first batch of Agniveers.

These decisions will benefit recruitment for positions such as Armed Police Sub-Inspector, Armed Police Constable, S.R.P. Platoon Commander, and Police Constable. Additionally, former Agniveers will also receive this benefit for direct recruitment in the Jail Department for Jailor Group-2 and Jail Constable, as well as in the Forest and Environment Department for Forest Guard Class-3 and Forest Watcher Class-3 categories. The office of the Information Commissioner of the Gujarat government also posted on the social media platform 'X', highlighting Chief Minister Bhupendra Bhai Patel's important decision for former Agniveers.

They will benefit from 20 percent reservation in direct recruitment for positions in the Armed Wing Department of the state police force, S.R.P., Jail Department, and Forest Guard and Forest Ranger (Class-3) positions. The decision includes exemption from the physical efficiency test and a relaxation of up to 3 years in the maximum age limit for these recruitments. Furthermore, the Chief Minister has also directed that a relaxation of up to 5 years in the maximum age limit be provided for the first batch of Agniveers.

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DROOU unveils lifetime-free AI insurance management app for insurance agents in India

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], May 26: Ahmedabad-based startup DROOU officially launched its AI-powered insurance management app for insurance agents and advisors during a grand live event titled “AI for Insurance Agents – LIVE Show” held at AMA, Ahmedabad. More than 200 insurance advisors, agents, and industry professionals attended the launch event, making it one of Gujarat’s notable technology launches focused on the insurance and InsurTech sector.

Positioned as a next-generation AI insurance management app in India, DROOU has been developed specifically for Indian insurance professionals looking to automate daily operations, improve customer servicing, and manage policy renewals efficiently. The platform combines AI-powered automation, insurance CRM capabilities, renewal tracking, and customer insights into a single digital ecosystem for advisors.

India’s insurance industry is currently witnessing rapid expansion, driven by increasing digital adoption, rising financial awareness, and government-backed insurance penetration initiatives. According to industry estimates, India’s insurance market is expected to surpass USD 220 billion by 2027, while the country’s InsurTech ecosystem is projected to grow at over 30% CAGR in the coming years. Simultaneously, AI adoption across financial services is helping businesses improve efficiency, automate operations, and deliver faster customer service — especially in sectors like insurance where agents handle large volumes of policy documents, renewals, and customer communication daily.

As digital transformation accelerates across the insurance ecosystem, the demand for solutions such as an insurance agent app in India, insurance renewal reminder app in India, and AI-enabled insurance CRM in India is rising significantly among independent advisors and agencies.

Built specifically for Indian insurance professionals, DROOU allows advisors to upload policy documents directly into the platform, which then generates AI-powered summaries, customer insights, renewal reminders, policy details, and actionable business intelligence. The platform acts as an integrated insurance CRM solution designed to significantly reduce manual work, improve advisor productivity, and streamline policy management operations.

The biggest announcement of the evening was the launch of Ziva, DROOU’s entry-level AI plan offered completely free for life. Positioned as a free insurance management app for agents in India, the initiative has been introduced to help independent agents, first-generation advisors, and small insurance professionals adopt AI technology without financial barriers.

Speaking at the launch, Hemant Darji, Chief Product Officer of DROOU, who brings over 15 years of experience across insurance and technology sectors, said “India’s insurance advisor ecosystem is growing rapidly, but most agents still spend countless hours managing policy files, renewals, and manual processes. DROOU was built to solve these real operational challenges through AI. Our goal is simple — give advisors their time back so they can focus on serving customers and growing their business.”

Industry experts at the event also discussed how artificial intelligence is expected to become a major growth driver for India’s insurance ecosystem over the next decade. With increasing customer expectations, growing policy volumes, and rising digital adoption, AI-based automation is emerging as a key solution for improving efficiency, reducing response time, and enhancing customer engagement for advisors and agencies alike.

The event additionally introduced KDJ – Kaun Dega Javaab, an engaging insurance knowledge game where participants answer industry-related questions within 30 seconds. The initiative was designed to improve product knowledge and encourage learning in an interactive format.

Several attendees registered on the DROOU platform during the launch event itself, reflecting strong interest from the insurance advisor community toward AI-led business solutions and digital insurance workflow automation tools.

With Ahmedabad emerging as a growing startup and technology hub, DROOU’s launch highlights Gujarat’s increasing contribution to India’s rapidly evolving AI, SaaS, and fintech ecosystem. Gujarat has witnessed significant growth in technology startups over the last few years, with AI-driven business platforms and fintech innovations becoming key focus areas for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

The company also confirmed plans to take the “AI for Insurance Agents – LIVE Show” to multiple cities across India in the coming months as part of its nationwide expansion strategy, further strengthening DROOU’s vision of becoming one of India’s leading AI-powered platforms for insurance professionals. 

For more information, visit: www.droou.ai

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Ahmedabad. Renowned English language trainer, author, and educator Yashwant Vyas was honored with the 'Mahasamman Award 2026' for his outstanding contribution to English language training and education.

The award was presented by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on May 22, 2026, at a grand ceremony held at Hotel Healock in Ahmedabad. The event was organized by ZEE 24 Kalak. Yashwant Vyas has been empowering students and youth through English language teaching, spoken English training, and academic writing for several years.

His contributions as a trainer and author are highly regarded in the education sector. On this occasion, he expressed his gratitude by gifting his acclaimed book 'My Own English Grammar' to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

After receiving the award, Yashwant Vyas stated that this award is extremely inspiring for him, and he will continue to work in the field of education and language awareness in the future. The ceremony was attended by several educators, social leaders, and dignitaries from various fields in Gujarat.

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A tragic road accident occurred near Moraiya Bridge in Sanand Taluka on the Bavla-Sarkhej highway on May 18. A Swift car traveling from Salangpur to Visnagar crashed into a truck container on the road.

The accident was so severe that the car was completely destroyed, resulting in the tragic death of two individuals on the spot, while three others were seriously injured. According to eyewitnesses, people nearby rushed to the scene as soon as they heard the sound of the collision. Upon receiving the information, a 108 ambulance and police team arrived at the site.

The injured were admitted in a bloodied condition to a private hospital in Ahmedabad, where they are receiving treatment. The injured have been identified as Kashish Prajapati (24, resident of Vijapur), Vedashi Patel (24, resident of Patan), and Vivek Darji (23, resident of Mahesana). The bodies of both deceased individuals have been sent to the civil hospital for post-mortem.

Following the accident, long queues of vehicles formed on the Bavla-Sarkhej highway, affecting traffic. The Changodar police team arrived at the scene and cleared the damaged vehicles from the road to restore normal traffic.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the accident occurred due to the driver losing control of the vehicle. The police have registered a case and initiated further investigation.

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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.