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Nirma University Team Robocon Wins National Championship

Nirma University’s team has clinched the first prize in the National Robocon Championship held in New Delhi. Team Nirma Robocon emerged victorious after outshining 46 teams that had advanced to the competition’s final stage. This victory marks their 11th title in the prestigious contest.

The championship, organized by Doordarshan and IIT Delhi, showcased the best of robotics engineering talent from across the nation. As national winners, Team Nirma Robocon will now represent India at the international Robocon event in Vietnam, where they aim to bring further laurels to their university and country.

Officials lauded the team’s consistent excellence and dedication, highlighting their significant achievement in a highly competitive field. The students and faculty members of Nirma University celebrated this remarkable success, which underscores the institution’s commitment to fostering innovation and technical expertise.

More about Robocon 2024 – Nirma University Viewpoint

Dr. R N Patel, Director of School of Engineering, Dr. Mihir Chauhan, and Dr. Akash Mecwan, faculty mentors, were present to cheer and support the team. Ridham Patel, Captain of Team Nirma Robocon, expressed his gratitude, saying, “The championship provided us with excellent exposure and experience, made possible by IIT Delhi, Prasar Bharti, and the support from Nirma University.”

The journey to the championship was intense and highly competitive. Out of 69 teams, 46 advanced to the final round, where Team Nirma exhibited exceptional skill, creativity, and teamwork, emerging victorious. As national champions, they will now represent India as Team India at the International Robocon Competition in August in Vietnam. This international platform will allow them to showcase their innovative solutions and compete against the best teams globally.

Robocon, short for Robotic Contest, challenges university teams to design and build robots to complete specific tasks. This year’s theme, “Harvest Day,” focuses on rice cultivation stages, promoting efficient cultivation for a warm and prosperous life. The theme draws inspiration from Vietnam’s traditional terraced fields, symbolizing sustenance and prosperity.

Winning the National Robocon competition for the 11th time is a testament to Team Nirma Robocon’s dedication, expertise, and consistent performance. Their remarkable journey includes representing India in international championships across Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and China. The upcoming event in August 2024 in Vietnam will be crucial.

Team Nirma Robocon, a student-led team from Nirma University, is dedicated to excellence in robotics and innovation. Their success inspires young innovators and robotics enthusiasts nationwide. The team is now gearing up for the international stage, aiming to bring more accolades to India.

 
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It rains in Ahmedabad, as IMD forecasts very heavy rain over next 5 days

Ahmedabad is experiencing significant rainfall today, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting very heavy rain over the next five days. The city witnessed showers, providing much-needed relief from the summer heat.

According to the IMD, the weather conditions are expected to intensify, with heavy downpours likely to continue. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather reports and take necessary precautions. Authorities are on high alert to manage potential waterlogging and other rain-related issues.

Stay tuned for more updates and ensure safety during this rainy period.

rain in chandkheda

Flood like situation in roads – Photo of New C G Road, Chandkheda, Ahmedabad.

 
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Ahmedabad Faces Surge in Cholera Cases Amid Monsoon Season

As the monsoon season unfolds, Ahmedabad is witnessing a significant rise in cholera cases. According to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), the city has reported 129 cases by July 6, a three-year high compared to 35 cases in 2022 and 95 in 2023, reflecting a 36% increase over the previous year.

The outbreak has predominantly affected the South Zone and East Zone, accounting for 77.5% of the cases. Amraiwadi is the worst-hit locality with 22 cases, followed by Lambha with 17, Indrapuri with 13, and Vatva and Ramol with 11 each. In the western areas, Ranip and Navrangpura have reported two cases each.

Health officials attribute the cholera outbreak to contaminated water or food, with water contamination posing a larger threat due to potential pipeline breakages. Illegal water connections and the use of borewells or shallow wells have exacerbated the situation. A senior official noted, “It is quite possible that the break in pipeline may have led to mixing of sewage water.”

The AMC has been proactive in identifying and repairing pipeline breakages, addressing around 60 instances in the past six months. Officials emphasized the importance of water purification methods to prevent waterborne diseases.

The cholera outbreak extends beyond Ahmedabad, affecting eight districts across Gujarat, including Gandhinagar and Anand. A recent high-level review meeting was held to assess the situation and develop region-specific strategies to mitigate further spread.

As the city grapples with this health crisis, the AMC continues to urge residents to use safe water sources and adopt preventive measures to curb the outbreak.

 
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Palitana – World’s first city where non-veg is illegal

Palitana Achieves Historic Milestone as World’s First Fully Vegetarian City

Palitana, a city in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district, has officially become the world’s first fully vegetarian city. This landmark achievement marks a significant step in the global vegetarian movement. The declaration underscores Palitana’s commitment to a cruelty-free lifestyle, aligning with the values and beliefs of its predominantly Jain population.

 
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AMC Declares Certain Pockets as Slums for Redevelopment under Gujarat Slum Act: Here is the List

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has designated several areas as slums for redevelopment under the Gujarat Slum Act. This initiative aims to improve living conditions and provide a healthier environment for the residents of these identified slum areas. The designated slum areas include:

  1. Narayan Patel Ni Chali (Town Planning Scheme No.30, Asarwa-North Extension)
  2. Khadavali Chali (Town Planning Scheme No.30, Asarwa-North Extension)
  3. Suryanagar (Town Planning Scheme No.37, Sector-5, Danilimda-North)
  4. Parvatiben Ni Chali (Town Planning Scheme No.3, Ellisbridge, Dariyapur-Kazipur Section)
  5. Shantipura/Shantinagar (Town Planning Scheme No.3, Ellisbridge, Dariyapur-Kazipur Section)
  6. Bhagubhai Ni Chali (Town Planning Scheme No.3, Ellisbridge, Dariyapur-Kazipur Section)
  7. Ramlal No Khado (Town Planning Scheme No.3, Ellisbridge, Dariyapur-Kazipur Section)
  8. Shaktinagar Na Chhapra/Thakorvas (Town Planning Scheme No.3, Ellisbridge, Dariyapur-Kazipur Section)
  9. Kajimiya No Tekaro (Town Planning Scheme No.3, Ellisbridge, Dariyapur-Kazipur Section)
  10. Thakorvas (Town Planning Scheme No.3, Ellisbridge, Dariyapur-Kazipur Section)
  11. Laxmi Shankar Ni Chali (Town Planning Scheme No.3, Ellisbridge, Dariyapur-Kazipur Section)
  12. Kaluram Laxmi Shankar Ni Chali (Town Planning Scheme No.3, Ellisbridge, Dariyapur-Kazipur Section)
  13. Thanaji Hiraji Ni Chali (Town Planning Scheme No.1, Jamalpur)
  14. Keshvaninagar (Town Planning Scheme No.94, Shahwadi)
  15. Parikshitnagar (Town Planning Scheme No.28, Nava Vadaj)

This step is part of a broader effort to enhance living conditions and ensure a healthier environment for the residents of these identified slum areas. Through redevelopment, AMC aims to provide better housing, sanitation, and infrastructure, improving the quality of life for the residents.

 
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Building collapsed in Surat. Many feared trapped

6-Storey Building Collapses In Gujarat; 15 Injured, Many Feared Trapped

Six-Storey Building Collapses in Surat’s Sachin Pali Village; Several Feared Trapped

Surat: A six-storey building in Sachin Pali village, Surat, collapsed today, leaving several people feared trapped under the debris. The incident has resulted in injuries to at least fifteen individuals, according to officials on the scene.

The police and fire department officials have promptly arrived at the location and are actively conducting a rescue operation. Visuals from the site depict rescue teams working tirelessly through massive chunks of concrete in search of those still trapped beneath the rubble.

Authorities have reported that the building was in a dilapidated condition and succumbed to the recent heavy rains that have battered the area over the past few days. The incessant downpours likely exacerbated the structural weaknesses of the already unstable building, leading to its collapse.

Emergency services are on high alert, and additional support is being mobilized to aid the ongoing rescue efforts. The situation remains critical, and the priority is to safely extricate those trapped and provide immediate medical assistance to the injured.

Further updates will be provided as the rescue operation progresses and more information becomes available.

 
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Shivani Raja from Diu Wins Leicester East Seat in UK General Election

In a historic turn of events, Shivani Raja, a candidate of Gujarati origin from Diu, has secured a resounding victory in the Leicester East constituency during the recent UK General Election. Her win marks a significant milestone for the Indian diaspora in the UK and adds a new dimension to the representation of ethnic minorities in British politics.

Shivani Raja, representing the Labour Party, garnered substantial support from the local community, culminating in a decisive win over her opponents. Her campaign focused on key issues such as improving local healthcare services, increasing educational opportunities, and advocating for social justice and equality.

Raja’s victory is celebrated not only within the bounds of Leicester East but also by the broader Indian community, both in the UK and back home in India. Born and raised in Diu, Shivani’s journey to the British Parliament is seen as an inspiring story of perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of public service.

In her victory speech, Raja expressed deep gratitude to her supporters and pledged to work tirelessly for the betterment of her constituency. “This win is not just mine; it belongs to every resident of Leicester East who believed in our vision for a better future. Together, we will strive to make our community stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous,” she stated.

The newly elected MP also highlighted her commitment to fostering stronger ties between the UK and India, leveraging her unique background and experiences to bridge cultural and political gaps.

Shivani Raja’s election to Parliament comes at a time when the UK is navigating complex political landscapes and grappling with significant social and economic challenges. Her fresh perspective and dedication to public service are expected to bring a positive impact on her constituency and contribute to the broader discourse on diversity and inclusion in British politics.

As celebrations continue among her supporters, Raja’s win is a reminder of the power of representation and the importance of diverse voices in shaping the future of the UK.

Image Credit: x.com/ShivaniRaja_LE

 
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Amit Shah Inaugurates New Cooperative Bank Building in Kheda, Highlights Importance of Cooperative Movement

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the 76th Annual General Meeting of Kheda District Central Cooperative Bank (KDCC) in Nadiad, Gujarat, via video conference. He inaugurated the new Sardar Patel Sahkar Bhavan, built at a cost of ₹18.7 crore. Shah praised the cooperative movement’s impact, citing Amul’s origins in Kheda as a model of “Prosperity through Cooperation.”

Highlighting the bank’s growth, Shah noted that it now boasts a 36,000-square-foot building and modern banking facilities like e-banking and tablet banking. He emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening the cooperative sector through initiatives like “Cooperation Amongst Cooperatives” and urged citizens to support District Cooperative Banks.

The event underscored the significance of cooperative institutions in India’s economic framework and the ongoing efforts to revitalize them for future sustainability.

Image Source: pib.gov.in

 
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Indian Railways Prepares to Launch High-Speed Vande Bharat Train for Diwali

Now travel Ahmedabad-Mumbai in just 4.45 hours.

Indian Railways is gearing up to offer frequent travelers a Diwali gift with the introduction of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express, set to run at an impressive speed of 160 km/h. If inspections proceed as planned, the travel time between these two major cities will be reduced to just 4 hours and 45 minutes from the current 5 hours and 25 minutes, according to top sources in Western Railway (WR).

Currently, Vande Bharat trains on this busy route operate at 130 km/h. This upgrade is part of Mission Raftar, focusing on the Mumbai-Vadodara-Delhi corridor, with a key connection at Ahmedabad via Vadodara.

The first technical inspection in April showed promising results, prompting a second inspection scheduled for July. This upcoming evaluation will assess the journey’s smoothness at the increased speed of 160 km/h, according to sources in the Ahmedabad division of Western Railway.

This initiative marks a significant step in enhancing travel efficiency on one of India’s busiest routes, offering passengers a faster, more convenient travel option just in time for the festive season.

 
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Fintech Institute to Launch at GIFT City; Foreign University Courses Begin Next Month

Gandhinagar: Tapan Ray, CEO and Managing Director of GIFT City, announced today the development of a Fintech Institute at GIFT City. Speaking at an event in the state capital, Ray emphasized the connection between GIFT and technology, highlighting that “Gujarat International Finance Tec-City” inherently supports both deep tech and fintech.

He noted the importance of a continuous supply of talent for maximizing the benefits of technologies like artificial intelligence, stating that GIFT City is committed to this goal. “Every state is setting up AI missions, but success depends on a steady talent pipeline, which we are focusing on,” Ray said.

In the short term, local universities will soon offer courses aligned with GIFT’s initiatives. Additionally, the Fintech Institute, inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision for fintech innovation and research, will be launched. This international institute will focus on skill development, startups, and research, with support from the Asian Development Bank. Partnerships with key institutes in Gujarat and India are already underway, and AI will be an integral part of the curriculum.

Ray also mentioned that foreign university campuses are set to open in the IFSC area, focusing on STEM fields, including fintech, AI, data science, and cybersecurity. The first courses are scheduled to begin next month, with more universities expressing interest in establishing campuses at GIFT City.