Gandhinagar — The draft electoral roll for the Special Summary Revision (SIR) 2025 in Gujarat is set to be published on December 19, the Chief Electoral Officer’s office announced. The publication will mark a key step in finalising voter lists ahead of future elections.

The draft roll will include citizens who have registered as new voters as well as updates to existing entries, providing an opportunity for eligible voters to verify their details and ensure accurate representation. After publication, the electoral office will open a period for inspection and claims, allowing voters to raise corrections, additions, or objections if necessary.

Local citizens and political stakeholders are advised to check the draft list once published and approach the designated electoral offices or online portals to resolve any discrepancies. The final roll will be prepared following this verification process, ensuring that Gujarat’s electoral database is up to date and inclusive.

Gandhinagar — The Gujarat government has disbursed more than ₹5,330.43 crore in direct financial assistance to 17.92 lakh farmers affected by unseasonal and heavy rains, officials said on Wednesday. The funds were transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts under the state’s historic agricultural relief package announced earlier this year.

The relief forms part of a larger ₹10,000-crore agricultural support package aimed at mitigating crop losses caused by erratic weather. So far, more than 30.71 lakh farmers applied for aid online, of which 26.60 lakh applications have been approved. To date, ₹6,890.98 crore in online bills have been prepared, with remaining payments expected to be processed soon.

The state government has also focused on strengthening support through market-price crop procurement, with record-high registration this year for crops such as peanuts, soybeans, lentils, and pulses. Efforts include operating over 317 procurement centres in 114 talukas to help farmers sell at Minimum Support Prices (MSP).

Officials say the rapid disbursement reflects the government’s commitment to supporting farmers impacted by weather-related losses and boosting rural livelihoods across Gujarat.

Gandhinagar – The 53rd Lions International ISAME Forum 2025 was inaugurated in Gandhinagar on Tuesday by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The three-day global event is being held under the auspices of the International Association of Lions Clubs, bringing together more than 4,000 participants from ISAME member countries—spanning India, South Asia, and the Middle East—as well as representatives from the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Addressing the gathering, CM Patel highlighted that hosting the forum in Gujarat reflects the state’s commitment to leadership, cooperation, and international goodwill. He said the event in the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel embodies the Indian ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family. The Chief Minister also underscored Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of human-centric development, global collaboration, and using soft power to benefit humanity.

CM Patel expressed confidence that the forum would serve as a vibrant platform for motivation, innovation, and stronger service initiatives aimed at uplifting vulnerable communities. He noted that the event provides a timely opportunity to review the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals alongside Lions’ core service programmes and chart future action plans.

Lauding Lions International as a “lighthouse of service and leadership,” the Chief Minister highlighted the organisation’s global reach, with over 49,000 clubs across more than 200 countries and regions working collectively under the motto “We Serve.”

The forum also offered Gujarat an occasion to present itself as a model of socio-economic progress, strong infrastructure, and investment potential to the international community. Dignitaries present at the inauguration included Forum Chairman Pravin Chhajed, Lions International President A. P. Singh, senior BAPS saint Brahmavihari Swami, and other distinguished members of the Lions fraternity.

Source & Image Credit: CMO Gujarat

Gandhinagar – The Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) has emerged as a vital support system for critically ill patients across Gujarat, providing significant financial aid to cancer sufferers over the past four years. According to official data, the fund disbursed more than ₹31.55 crore to assist 2,106 cancer patients between 2021 and 2025.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the CMRF has been strengthened to ensure that economically weaker and vulnerable patients can access life-saving treatments without financial barriers. The assistance has helped patients battling various forms of cancer, including 450 blood cancer cases that required complex treatments such as bone marrow transplants, and 1,656 others undergoing treatment for different cancer types.

The relief fund also extends support for other serious medical conditions and high-cost procedures, including heart, kidney, liver, and lung transplants. Eligible patients, whose annual income falls below ₹4 lakh (₹6 lakh for senior citizens), can apply with medical reports, treatment cost estimates, and residence certificates. After verification by the Revenue Department, assistance is approved by the CMRF committee and directly transferred to hospitals or patient accounts to avoid delays in treatment.

Major medical institutions across the state, including leading cancer care centres in Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Surat, have played a key role in providing treatment under the CMRF framework, helping bring critical care within reach for many families facing financial hardship.

Ahmedabad — The Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) has approved a proposal to construct a new service road running parallel to the Ring Road in a bid to reduce persistent traffic congestion near Vaishnodevi Circle on the Sarkhej–Gandhinagar (SG) Highway.

The proposal will be included in the revised Khodiyar Town Planning (TP) Scheme 60, which is set to be forwarded to the Gujarat state government for final approval. The decision was taken during AUDA’s 309th board meeting held on Tuesday.

In addition to the service road plan, the board reviewed multiple other TP schemes aimed at boosting urban development in areas including Sanand, Muthiya–Bilasiya–Enasan, Sarkhej–Okaf–Fatehwadi–Sanathal, Kathwada–Bhuwaldi–Singarva, Sanathal and Mahemdavad. These schemes include provisions for improved public amenities.

AUDA also revised its plot leasing policy, now allowing open plots (excluding gardens) to be leased for one year without subleasing. Existing leases will continue until the end of their current terms.

The proposed service road is expected to improve traffic flow on one of Ahmedabad’s busiest corridors, which has seen rapid commercial and residential growth in recent years. Expert consultations and traffic management planning will continue as part of the detailed implementation process.

Multiple schools in Ahmedabad received threatening emails on Wednesday afternoon, triggering panic and heightened security measures across the city. The emails warned of a bomb blast and reportedly contained pro-Khalistan slogans.

A tweet by OpIndia.com:

Joint police commissioner of Ahmedabad Crime Branch, Sharad Singhal, stated, “Police teams are at the respective schools”. The schools on the receiving end of these emails were Maharaja Agrasen School, Zydus School for Excellence, and Zebra School.

Sources say the following schools received the threat:

1. Zebar School, Thaltej
2. Maharaja Agrasen School, Gurukul Road
3. DAV International, Makarba
4. Nirman School, Vastrapur
5. Zydus School, Vejalpur
6. CBSE Divine Child School, Adalaj
7. Aavishkar School, Kalol
8. James and Genesis, Khoraj-Khodiyar
9. Ahmedabad International School, Vastrapur
10. Udgam School, Thaltej
11. DPS Bopal
12. Tulip International School Bopal

As a precautionary measure, multiple schools announced closing the school early today. Parents were notified for early dispersal.

A massive fire broke out on the second floor of Palladium Business Hub on Tuesday afternoon, triggering panic in the area. The incident was reported at around 4:00 pm, following which the building’s fire alarm system was immediately activated.

Fire and emergency services rushed to the spot, with nearly five to six fire engines and an expert fire engineer deployed to bring the blaze under control. The fire originated at Blueberry Thai Spa, located on the second floor of the commercial complex.

As a precautionary measure, the building’s main electricity supply was shut down, and fire extinguishers were used promptly to contain the flames. Thanks to the swift response by emergency teams and building management, the fire was controlled in time.

A gas Cycliner was also removed by the fire engine experts from the site.

No injuries or casualties have been reported so far. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, and further investigation is underway.

In a landmark economic milestone, Gujarat has recorded its per capita income at ₹ 3,00,957 — the first time the state has ever crossed the ₹3 lakh mark.

According to official data, the rise reflects strong labour productivity, broad-based economic participation, and rapid growth across sectors.

With a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of ₹ 24.62 lakh crore in 2023–24, Gujarat has now cemented its position among India’s top five largest state economies.

Analysts say this achievement underscores the state’s consistent performance over the past decade — marked by balanced growth in manufacturing, services, agriculture and allied sectors.

This is being hailed as yet another example of Gujarat’s emergence as a leading growth engine in India’s economy.

Ahmedabad, Gujarat: In a historic moment for India and a proud milestone for Gujarat, Ahmedabad has officially been awarded the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games (CWG 2030). The announcement was confirmed during the Commonwealth Games General Assembly held in Glasgow, where all 74 member nations unanimously ratified the decision.

This marks the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games, making Ahmedabad’s selection even more significant on the global sports stage.

A Historic Win for India

India last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010 (New Delhi).
After 20 years, the Games will once again return to India—this time to a city rapidly transforming into a global sports, infrastructure, and cultural destination.

With world-class facilities such as:

• Narendra Modi Stadium – the world’s largest cricket stadium
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave – a multi-sports mega complex
• Ahmedabad Urban Development Corridor projects
• Improved connectivity via bullet train, metro, and expressways

Ahmedabad is well-positioned to deliver a modern and memorable international sports event.

🏅 A Mega Sporting Event With Global Participation

The 2030 Games are expected to feature 15–17 sports, attracting:

• Thousands of athletes
• Officials from across the Commonwealth
• Global sports audiences
• International media coverage
• Tourism and economic activity across Gujarat

This event will highlight India’s capabilities in hosting world-class sporting competitions.

🚀 Boost for Gujarat’s Global Image

For Gujarat, CWG 2030 presents a transformative opportunity:

• Acceleration of urban development projects
• Increased global visibility
• Boost in tourism and hospitality
• Employment generation across sectors
• Strengthening of sports culture and athletic ecosystem

Ahmedabad’s selection reinforces Gujarat’s vision of becoming a leading global hub for sports, innovation, and international events.

🗣️ National Leaders Applaud the Achievement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders across India extended congratulations, calling it a moment of pride for every Indian and a big boost for India’s sporting ambitions.

State officials also highlighted how the Games will support Gujarat’s development blueprint for the next decade.

🎉 A Proud Moment for Gujarat

The official confirmation of Ahmedabad as the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games marks a defining moment in the state’s history. Gujarat is gearing up to welcome the world, celebrate athletic excellence, and showcase its spirit, culture, and modern infrastructure on a global platform.

As preparations begin, excitement is rising—not just in Ahmedabad, but across India.

Stay tuned on Gujarat360.com for continuous updates on CWG 2030 venues, preparations, events, and developments.

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with the tail number VT-ANB, took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, heading for London Gatwick. Just half a minute into the flight, at an altitude of about 625 feet, the plane lost stability, veered off course, and tragically crashed into a student hostel at the B.J. Medical College complex in Meghaninagar. The impact created a massive fireball.

This blog writes about the incident and the events that followed thereafter.

Death Toll & Nationalities

There were 242 people on board, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Only one person survived: British-Indian national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who was seated in 11A. Sadly, both the flight crew—Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with over 8,200 hours of experience, and First Officer Clive Kunder, with around 1,100 hours—lost their lives. On the ground, at least 38 residents were killed, and over 60 were injured.

In total, the fatalities amount to approximately 279, which includes 241 from the flight and over 38 on the ground.

Passenger nationalities on board included: –

• 169 Indian
• 53 British
• 7 Portuguese
• 1 Canadian

What We Know So Far

The black boxes were recovered shortly after the crash by the AAIB. Rescue operations wrapped up in about four hours, with around 98 ambulances and more than 100 firefighters on the scene. A “green corridor” was established to transport victims to Civil Hospital. Initially, only 32 victims were identified through DNA, as the process was complicated by severe body damage.

The aircraft, delivered in 2013, had flown to Australia just days before this incident. This marked the first fatal crash of a Boeing 787 in history.

Among the many lives lost in the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI‑171 was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, a respected leader who served the state from 2016 to 2021. Rupani was reportedly traveling to London to visit his wife and daughter when the aircraft went down. His identity was confirmed through DNA testing, and his remains were handed over to his family. In honor of his legacy, the Gujarat government declared a one-day state mourning on June 16, 2025, with flags flown at half-mast and all official events suspended. A state funeral was held in his hometown of Rajkot, attended by top dignitaries including Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Known for his quiet demeanor and humble approach to governance, Rupani’s sudden demise has left a profound void in Gujarat’s political landscape and sparked an outpouring of grief across the nation.

Pilot’s Experience & Final Moments

Captain Sabharwal was a seasoned pilot with over 8,200 flight hours and had also served as an instructor. First Officer Kunder, with about 1,100 hours, was relatively new to the role.

The crew issued a distress signal, a “Mayday,” as the aircraft struggled to maintain lift and stability. Reports indicate that Captain Sabharwal had plans to retire soon to spend time with his father, making this tragic flight his last.

Survivor’s Account (Seat 11A)

Survivor’s Account (Seat 11A) Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40 years old, had a miraculous escape and vividly remembers the chaos at seat 11A near an emergency exit.

He recounted hearing a “loud noise” followed by the cabin tilting sharply. His section broke away from the fuselage, and he managed to escape through a shattered exit, feeling disoriented and suffering from burns.

Eyewitnesses & Public Reaction

A 17-year-old named Aryan caught the crash on video while filming what he thought were just routine takeoffs.

Ravi Thakor, a cook from Hositan, lost family members in the tragedy and is holding onto hope for a “second miracle.”

Heartbreaking stories emerged about Hardik Avaiya and Vibhooti Patel, a newly-engaged couple from Leicester, as well as Pooja and Harshit Patel, both of whom tragically lost their lives.

Human Stories

“I realized I was alive,” Ramesh said, reflecting on his escape. “We had just gotten engaged… and just days later, they were gone,” remembered the Leicester couple, known for their kindness and community spirit.

Investigation & Next Steps

Investigative agencies from India’s AAIB, the UK’s AAIB, and the US NTSB are working together on the case. Preliminary inspections have led the DGCA to ground similar 787s for checks on engine systems, flaps, and fuel parameters. A timeline for the release of findings is expected, with the accident panel set to publish an interim report in about three months.

Final Thoughts & Prayers

The Ahmedabad crash stands as India’s deadliest aviation disaster in nearly three decades and marks the first fatal incident involving a Boeing 787. With 279 lives lost—both onboard and on the ground—it has sent shockwaves through the industry, families, and the nation. In the midst of sorrow and mourning, it’s crucial that investigations uncover the answers needed to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. May the victims rest in peace, and may their stories serve as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the pressing need for safety above all else.