Page 35 - Gujarat

Covid sub-variant JN.1: Insacog says 196 cases detected in country

A total of 196 cases of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 have been detected in the country so far, with Odisha joining the list of states that have detected the presence of the variant, according to the INSACOG's data updated on Monday. Ten states and Union territories have so far detected the presence of the JN.1 sub-variant of the virus. These states are Kerala (83), Goa (51), Gujarat (34), Karnataka (eight), Maharashtra (seven), Rajasthan (five), Tamil Nadu (four), Telangana (two) Odisha (one) and Delhi (one), according to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). The INSACOG's data showed 179 Covid cases recorded in the country in December had the presence of JN.1, while 17 such cases were detected in November. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a separate "variant of interest" given its rapidly-increasing spread, but said it poses a "low" global public health risk. The JN.1 sub-variant of the coronavirus was previously classified as a variant of ..

Gujarat dairy sector booming as 3.6 mn farmers get Rs 200 cr: Officials

Gujarat's focus on animal husbandry has contributed significantly to the prosperity of the state's people as 36 lakh milk producers collectively receive Rs 200 crore daily from the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), officials said. The dairy sector in the state has grown to Rs 1 lakh crore, they said. The upcoming 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, to be held in Gandhinagar between January 10 and 12, will provide a platform for the government to showcase the state's exponential growth in agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has said. As per a statement issued by the government, the agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry sectors in the state are experiencing significant growth through a combination of natural farming and advanced technologies, contributing to the circular economy of Gujarat and advancing its global reputation in the dairy sector. "The upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024 will showc

Cadila Pharma CMD booked for alleged rape, assault on Bulgarian woman

In its order dated December 22, the HC had directed the chief judicial magistrate to pass an order of investigation by a competent police official into the complaint

Pro-industry policies have helped Gujarat attract investment: Officials

Gujarat's industry-friendly policies have played a key role in attracting investments across sectors and underscore the state government's commitment to drive India's economic growth, officials said. Like the previous nine Vibrant Gujarat Global Summits held over the last two decades, the 10th edition of the summit, to be organised in Gandhinagar between January 10 and 12, 2024, will serve as a platform to showcase the state's commitment to promote business-friendly policies, they said. The state aims to support the Centre's vision of 'Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) Bharat' through 'Atmanirbhar Gujarat,' and measures announced to attract businesses are aimed towards the same, the officials said. They credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for economic development behind the state's progressive policies. "The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit has played a key role in attracting an impressive USD 55 billion in foreign investments over the past two decades. It has contributed to more

Gujarat govt issues guidelines for liquor law exemption rules in GIFT City

The rules further state that Recommending Officers will have to prepare a list of employees desiring to get LAP and send the list to the Authorised Officer

At least 28 countries plan to participate in Vibrant Gujarat summit: Govt

As many as 28 countries and 14 organisations have so far confirmed to be partners for the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) 2024, the state government said on Saturday. The 10th edition of VGGS, based on the 'Gateway to the Future' theme, will be organised in Gandhinagar from January 10 to 12. The countries that agreed to join as partners are Australia, Bangladesh, Czech Republic, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Malta, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Singapore, Tanzania, Thailand, the UAE, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Ghana, and Vietnam, stated an official release. The partner organisations include the American Chamber of Commerce in India (AMCHAM India) EPIC India-University of Chicago, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), Indo-African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, International Solar Alliance, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Korea Trade and Investment Agency, among

Police questions passengers of Nicaragua-bound flight sent back by France

At least 20 passengers from Gujarat who were on the Nicaragua-bound flight which was sent back mid-route from France have been quizzed by police in a bid to unearth a suspected illegal immigration network operating from the state, a senior official has said. The Nicaragua-bound aircraft, an Airbus A340 carrying 276 passengers, was grounded in France for four days over suspected human trafficking. It landed in Mumbai in the early hours of December 26. According to a senior state Crime Investigation Department (CID) official, those passengers included at least 60 from Gujarat, who have already reached their respective native places in the state. They are being questioned by the department to find out whether they had any plans to cross into the United States of America illegally after reaching Latin America, the official said on Friday. "They were sent back from France. There was a rumour they had planned to enter the US illegally after landing in Nicaragua. In their statements, they

Stock market investor base surges, UP upends Gujarat from the 2nd position

UP surpassed Gujarat to take the second position in 2023 by adding 33.8 per cent of new stock market investors

Govt 'very hopeful' of Tesla setting up plant in state: Guj Minister

Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel on Thursday said his government was "very hopeful" that Elon Musk-led Tesla will choose the state to set up a plant and informed communication was on with the firm in this regard. Patel was responding to queries based on news reports suggesting that the US-based electric vehicle maker was planning to set up a manufacturing plant in Gujarat. "The state government is very hopeful of Tesla coming to Gujarat. Even Elon Musk is looking at Gujarat as his first choice. Gujarat is in his mind ever since he began a survey in India to find a suitable location to set up the plant," said Patel, who is health minister and spokesperson of the state government. "Perhaps, very soon, an official announcement will be made in this regard (Tesla's entry. Let us hope Tesla comes to Gujarat. We will definitely welcome it and provide all necessary support, just like we gave Tata, Ford and Suzuki in the past," Patel told reporters in Gandhinagar. Patel said communication .

157 cases of Covid sub-variant JN.1 detected; highest from Kerala: Insacog

A total of 157 cases of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 have been detected in the country, with Kerala reporting the highest number of 78, followed by Gujarat at 34, according to the INSACOG's data updated on Thursday. Several states have been reporting an uptick in the number of Covid cases over the last few weeks and nine states and Union territories have so far detected the presence of the JN.1 sub-variant of the virus. These states are -- Kerala (78), Gujarat (34), Goa (18), Karnataka (eight), Maharashtra (seven), Rajasthan (five), Tamil Nadu (four), Telangana (two) and Delhi (one), according to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). The INSACOG's data showed 141 Covid cases recorded in the country in December had the presence of JN.1, while 16 such cases were detected in November. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a separate "variant of interest" given its rapidly-increasing spread, but said it poses a "low" global public health risk. The JN.1

Liquor permits on health ground in Gujarat go up by 58% in 3 years

The number of people holding liquor permits on health ground in Gujarat has gone up by 58 per cent in three years, as per figures of the state prohibition and excise department. As against 27,452 liquor permit holders in November 2020, Gujarat now has 43,470 permit holders, according to the data. Being the state in which Mahatma Gandhi was born, the manufacture, storage, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages have been banned in Gujarat since its formation. The state's population is estimated to be around 6.7 crore. A senior official from the prohibition department said apart from the people who have been given permits on health ground, foreign nationals and people from other states are given the permit for a maximum period of one week during their visit to Gujarat. The data revealed that Ahmedabad district was on top of the list with 13,456 liquor permits, followed by Surat (9,238), Rajkot (4,502), Vadodara (2,743), Jamnagar (2,039), Gandhinagar (1,851) and Porbandar (1,700)

Bomb blast threat to RBI: Mumbai police apprehend three men from Gujarat

The Mumbai police's crime branch on Wednesday apprehended three men from Vadodara in Gujarat in connection with a threat mail to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) about bomb blasts at multiple locations here, an official said. During the probe conducted so far, the police found that the accused persons sent the threat mail to play mischief, he said. "The threat email was sent to the RBI here mentioning that 11 bombs were planted at different locations in the city, including the RBI's new office building, HDFC House in Churchgate, and ICICI Tower in Bandra Kurla Complex," the official said. A first information report (FIR) was registered at Mata Ramabai Ambedkar (MRA) Marg police Station in South Mumbai against an unidentified person, and the crime branch of the Mumbai police was roped to conduct a probe, he said. Based on the technical inputs, the crime branch team apprehended Mohammed Arshil Mohammed Iqbal Topala (27) from Vadodara, he said. Topala had created the email id to send

Gujarat police begin questioning of passengers sent back from France

To unearth a suspected illegal immigration network, the police have begun questioning some Gujarat residents who reached their native places on Wednesday, days after their plane was grounded in France over suspected human trafficking, an official said. The Nicaragua-bound aircraft, an Airbus A340, carrying 276 passengers, mostly Indians, was grounded in France for four days over suspected human trafficking. It landed in Mumbai in the wee hours on Tuesday. According to a senior official of the state Crime Investigation Department (CID), those passengers included at least 21 from Gujarat. We have learnt that 21 passengers were from Gujarat and some of them have reached their respective places in the state. Our teams are in the field right now and we have already begun their questioning, Superintendent of Police, CID (Crime), Sanjay Kharat said. The police will try to find out how the passengers were contacted for possible illegal immigration into America, how they were supposed to go

LIC board clears proposal to setup branch office in Gujarat's GIFT City

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) on Tuesday said its board has approved a proposal to set up a branch office in the International Financial Services Centre, GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The board on Tuesday approved the proposal to set up a branch office at IFSC, LIC said in a regulatory filing. LIC's presence in the Gujarat International Finance Tec (GIFT) City-International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) will enable the company to expand its global business. At present, GIFT IFSC is the maiden international financial services centre in India. In an interview with PTI last month, LIC Chairman Siddhartha Mohanty had said "this will enhance our foreign operations". LIC has presence in 14 countries through branch offices, subsidiaries and joint ventures. The Corporation directly operates through its branch offices in Fiji (Suva and Lautoka), Mauritius (Port Louis) and United Kingdom (Watford). Besides, it has subsidiaries in Life Insurance Corporation (International

Gujarat Maritime Board attracts investment proposal of Rs 1.50 trillion

The Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) has attracted investment proposals of Rs 1.50 lakh crore by inking investment intentions with over 200 entities ahead of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) 2024, a top official said on Tuesday. GMB, a state government agency for port development, inked more than 140 Investment Intention Forms (IIFs) and about 50 strategic partnership MoUs, he said. The cumulative proposed investment amounts to Rs 1.5 lakh crore, with 90,000 employment opportunities in the run-up to the 10th edition of the Summit to be held in Gandhinagar from January 10-12, said GMB vice chairman and CEO Rajkumar Beniwal. Addressing media persons, Beniwal said GMB will host a seminar on port-led city development in Gujarat on January 11 under the 10th edition of VGGS. "The seminar is designed to explore, discuss, and promote the transformative potential of port-led development in the urban system," he said. He said the upcoming seminar aims to enhance understanding of the ...

Gujarat's semiconductor policy setting stage in technology world: CM Patel

The 'Gujarat Semiconductor Policy' will help realise the state's commitment for a self-reliant India and Gujarat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has said. The policy is setting the stage for a future in the world of technology and manufacturing, and helping Gujarat transform itself into a semiconductor powerhouse, he said. According to the state government, chip maker Micron Technology's decision to set up a USD 2.75-billion plant at Sanand near Ahmedabad indicates that Gujarat's dedicated semiconductor policy is bearing fruit and attracting global players. Under the policy, the state government will set up 'Dholera Semicon City' near Ahmedabad where eligible projects will be given subsidies for setting up manufacturing units, it said ahead of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) to be held in Gandhinagar next month. The summit is a forum for business networking, knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships for inclusive growth and sustainable development. In June this year, t

Merchant ship attacked two days ago by 'drone' arrives outside Mumbai port

The cargo of the ship is planned to be transferred to another ship and a joint investigation is being carried out by the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, Intelligence agencies and other officials

Gujarat industrial policy aims to make state global biz hub: Stakeholders

The Gujarat government's industrial policy, launched in August 2020 with an aim to provide Rs 40,000 crore in subsidies to industries over five years, is a reflection of its commitment to make the state a global business destination, stakeholders have said. The policy, valid for a period of five years since its launch, promises an average annual outlay of Rs 8,000 crore, indicating substantial support for industries, they said ahead of the 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit to be held from January 10-12, 2024, in Gandhinagar. The summit is a forum for business networking, knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships for inclusive growth and sustainable development. The state's industrial policy has been well on target to achieve its mission to promote entrepreneurship and innovation by inclusive and balanced regional development, world-class infrastructure, and initiatives aimed at easing the business environment and export competitiveness. This is a reflection of th

India's Olympic bid: Gujarat's Sardar Patel complex to be venue, says Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday expressed hope the 2036 Olympics will be held in the Sardar Patel complex coming up close to the imposing Narendra Modi cricket stadium here. In October, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said during an event in Mumbai that the country would submit a bid to host the Olympics that year. The Gujarat government has engaged the services of some of the finest firms to create sports infrastructure to ensure it can host the event. Speaking at the inauguration of the Sansad Khel Pratiyogita, a sports event organised in his Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency, Shah said Modi had asked all MPs to promote sports in their areas. "This competition will last for one-and-half months. I will join you after the finals. Sports brings out sportsmanship in us. It is important to lose with grace and have a winning habit. Those who play badly in sports or politics are said to be lacking in sportsmanship," Shah said. Gujarat has the world's biggest cricket arena in t

Navy begins probe into attack on merchant vessel off India's west coast

The Indian Navy has launched an investigation into a suspected drone strike on a Mangalore-bound cargo vessel off India's west coast in the Arabian sea even as the merchant ship is on its way to Mumbai, officials familiar with the matter said on Sunday. The Navy and the Indian Coast Guard swung into action by deploying their assets including a warship and maritime patrol aircraft on Saturday soon after the UK Maritime Trade Operations, or UKMTO, reported the drone "attack" on MV Chem Pluto that has around 20 Indian crew members. There was no report of any casualty in the incident. The Liberian flagged vessel is now on its way to Mumbai and Indian Coast Guard ship ICGS Vikram is providing security to it, the officials said. The Navy has launched an investigation into the incident including into the origin of the strike, said an official on the condition of anonymity as the matter is sensitive in nature. The vessel, carrying crude oil to the New Mangalore port from the Al Jubail po