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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.

 
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CM Arvind Kejriwal gets bail

News Update:

The #DelhiHighCourt halted the release of #Delhi CM #ArvindKejriwal from jail by staying a trial court’s order granting him bail in the excise policy case, dealing a setback to #AAP and changing the course of the ongoing legal dispute yet again.

Arvind Kejriwal Bail Live Updates: ‘Trial court order will not be given effect’; Delhi HC halts release of Arvind Kejriwal

News:

Delhi court GRANTS BAIL to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief is likely to come out of jail tomorrow, as the bail order has to reach the jail first.

His lawyer told the Delhi court that the ED’s entire case against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief rested on statements given by those who turned approver in the case.

 
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Mumbai-Ahmedabad Vande Bharat and Shatabdi Trains to Achieve 160 kmph Speed

Under the Mission Raftaar initiative, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Vande Bharat and Shatabdi Express trains are set to increase their speeds to 160 kmph. This enhancement is part of the Indian Railways’ broader strategy to improve travel times and efficiency on major routes. The speed upgrade will significantly reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, providing a faster and more comfortable journey for passengers. The project aligns with ongoing efforts to modernize the rail network and enhance the overall passenger experience.

 
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Lulu Mall Ahmedabad Makes Top Bid of Rs. 519.41 Crore for Chandkheda Plot in AMC’s E-Auction

Ahmedabad: Lulu International has successfully secured a 66,168 square meter commercial plot from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) at a cost of Rs. 519.41 crore. This acquisition follows Lulu’s top bid during AMC’s e-auction.

The strategically located plot, near the existing Balaji Agora Mall, is positioned on the Sardar Patel Ring Road with close proximity to Chandkheda, Motera, Koba Circle, and the Narmada Canal. Lulu plans to develop a large mall on this site.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based Lulu International Shopping Malls Pvt. Ltd. emerged as the highest bidder, offering Rs. 78,500 per square meter during the e-auction held on Tuesday, June 18.

The plot falls under Town Planning (TP) scheme number 76/B (Chandkheda), with final plot numbers 381+382+383+391+396.

Three parties participated in the online auction, with an upset price set at Rs. 76,000 per square meter. Lulu’s winning bid of Rs. 78,500 per square meter brings the total value of the plot to Rs. 519.41 crore, which is Rs. 16.54 crore more than its original valuation of Rs. 502.88 crore.

The AMC is currently in the process of auctioning 22 plots, aiming to generate a total revenue of Rs. 2,250.96 crore.

 
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Teacher recruiter jobs: Gujarat govt decides to recruit 7,500 teachers

The Gujarat government announced a major recruitment drive to fill vacant positions in secondary and higher secondary schools. Following protests by qualified candidates, the government will recruit 7,500 permanent teachers who have cleared the Teacher Aptitude Test (TAT). This aims to address the teacher shortage within the next three months.

The recruitment process will prioritize candidates who have passed the TAT, a mandatory requirement for teaching in these schools. Additionally, the state plans to conduct the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) soon to fill vacancies for primary school teachers.

“7,500 teachers will be permanently recruited in the secondary and higher secondary government and grant-in-aid schools in the next three months,” said Rishikesh Patel.