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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.

 
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Rajkot Airport Canopy Falls

A canopy at the passenger pickup and drop area outside the Rajkot airport terminal in Gujarat has collapsed amid heavy rains. The incident comes a day after a similar incident at the Delhi airport killed a person and injured six.

According to initial reports, there were no injuries or casualties.

Meanwhile, Gujarat is experiencing heavy rainfall as the southwest monsoon progresses. With forecasts of heavy to very heavy rain in certain areas, seven teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed across the districts of Kutch, Rajkot, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Narmada, and Valsad.

Photo: PTI

 
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Ahmedabad Airport to Add 3 New E-Gates, Reducing Entry Time Significantly

Ahmedabad: If you are a DigiYatra user, taking a flight from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) airport in Ahmedabad will soon be much quicker. The airport is set to launch three new e-gates at the entrance of the domestic terminal, Terminal 1. This addition brings the total number of e-gates at the airport to four, allowing passengers to check in swiftly using DigiYatra.

The SVPI airport introduced its first e-gate a few months ago, receiving positive feedback from travelers. According to airport sources, around 20% of the 14,000 daily departing passengers currently use DigiYatra. The new e-gates are expected to encourage even more passengers to utilize this platform.

With the installation of these gates at Terminal 1, domestic travelers can reduce their check-in time from an average of one and a half hours to just 15 minutes. DigiYatra’s biometric-based boarding process eliminates the need for physical document checks, streamlining the entire check-in experience.

 
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Ahmedabad Welcomes First Monsoon Drizzles

Ahmedabad, June 24, 2024 — The city of Ahmedabad experienced its first monsoon drizzles on Monday night, bringing much-needed relief to residents after weeks of scorching summer heat. The light rain began around 9 PM and continued intermittently throughout the night, providing a refreshing break from the relentless temperatures that have been hovering around the mid-40s (Celsius).

The arrival of the monsoon rains marks a significant shift in the weather pattern, eagerly awaited by both the city’s inhabitants and local farmers. The rains are expected to bring down temperatures and improve air quality, which had deteriorated during the peak summer months.

Residents were seen enjoying the cool breeze and the pleasant weather, with many taking to social media to share their excitement and relief. “Finally, the monsoon is here! The city feels alive again,” tweeted one local resident.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has assured citizens that they are prepared for the monsoon season, with measures in place to address potential waterlogging and other rain-related issues. “Our teams are on standby to ensure that the city remains safe and functional during the monsoon,” an AMC spokesperson said.

Meteorologists predict that more rain is on the way, with heavy showers expected later in the week. The monsoon season in Ahmedabad typically lasts until September, bringing much-needed water to the region and replenishing local reservoirs.

As the city welcomes the monsoon season, the first drizzles on Monday night have set the stage for what promises to be a period of rejuvenation and relief for Ahmedabad and its residents.

 
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41 fall ill as Anand town in the grip of cholera

Anand town is experiencing a cholera outbreak, with 41 suspected cases reported. The Anand district collectorate declared the town and a 10km surrounding area as a “cholera-affected” zone under the Epidemic Diseases Act. Four out of the 41 suspected patients have tested positive for cholera. Chief district medical officer Dr. Dipak Parmar stated that in a population of 19,450, 41 cases of diarrhoea and vomiting emerged, with four confirmed as cholera. Health officials have formed 25 teams for health checks, distributed 967 chlorine tablets, and 102 ORS packets, and conducted chlorine tests and water sample analyses, identifying four cholera-positive samples.

 
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Rajkot Airport Relocation to Hirasar: Skyscraper Construction Gets Green Light

Rajkot: With Rajkot airport’s relocation to Hirasar, obtaining an NOC from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for high-rise buildings in Rajkot is no longer necessary. This change enables the construction of skyscrapers in the city. Previously, the airport’s central location restricted building heights to 50-55 meters (approximately 14 storeys).

The Rajkot Builder Association (RBA) confirmed that developers no longer need AAI’s NOC for new building plans near the old airport. This decision follows the civil aviation ministry’s official gazette renaming Hirasar airport as Rajkot airport. The removal of the height restriction allows approvals for buildings up to 50 stories, provided they comply with land area norms as per TP regulations.

Key Developments:

  • NOC Requirement Removed: No AAI NOC needed for high-rise buildings.
  • Height Restrictions Lifted: Buildings up to 50 stories can be approved.
  • Streamlined Process: Easier development plan approvals.
  • Ministry Gazette Update: Hirasar airport renamed Rajkot airport.

RBA Vice-President Dhruvik Talalviya highlighted that this change will streamline processes and promote development in western Rajkot. This development marks a significant shift in the city’s construction landscape, paving the way for modern skyscrapers and enhancing urban growth.

 
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Amit Shah to Launch Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme at IGI Airport

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to inaugurate the ‘Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme’ (FTI-TTP) at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Saturday. This initiative aims to expedite the immigration process for registered trusted travellers, eliminating the need for human intervention or queuing.

Under the FTI-TTP, eligible individuals can apply online, providing their biometrics (fingerprint and facial image) and other required information. Upon verification and approval, these travellers will be charged a fee and can bypass standard immigration queues through designated lanes.

Modeled after the US Customs and Border Protection’s trusted traveller program, the FTI-TTP is designed for Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders. It seeks to enhance travel convenience and efficiency, reflecting the government’s commitment to modernizing travel protocols.

Fees for the program are set at Rs. 2,000 for Indian adults, Rs. 1,000 for minors, and $100 for OCI cardholders. The registration is valid for up to five years or until the passport’s validity expires. However, any false information or unprocessable biometrics will result in application rejection.

Key Details of Fast Track Immigration:

  • Launch Date: Saturday 22, June 2024
  • Location: IGI Airport, Delhi
  • Eligibility: Indian nationals and OCI cardholders
  • Application: Online with biometric submission
  • Fees: Rs. 2,000 (Indian adults), Rs. 1,000 (minors), $100 (OCI cardholders)
  • Validity: Maximum of five years or until passport expiration

This program marks a significant step towards streamlining the immigration process and enhancing the travel experience for frequent travellers.