The Centre has approved the translocation as part of preparations for the proposed cheetah project in Kutch. Forest officials said the current prey population in Banni is not sufficient to sustain large predators. To address this, species such as chital and sambar have already been introduced, and efforts are now focused on increasing the population of blackbucks, a preferred prey species of cheetahs.

The Central and Gujarat governments are jointly developing India’s first captive breeding and conservation centre for cheetahs in the Banni grasslands.

Dheeraj Mittal, Conservator of Forests, Kutch Circle, said approval has been received from the Centre for the relocation. He noted that many blackbucks in Bhavnagar live outside protected areas and are increasingly affected by human activities. Relocating them to Banni would not only provide a safer habitat for the animals but also help strengthen the ecosystem being developed for cheetahs.

It is leant that, the first group of three cheetahs is expected to arrive in Banni during the monsoon season. The big cats are currently undergoing quarantine and isolation procedures at a dedicated facility in Kuno National Park.  DeshGujarat

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According to data from the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), rainfall was reported in 63 talukas across Gujarat. Balasinor in Mahisagar district recorded the highest rainfall in the state at 147 mm (5.79 inches).

As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rainfall exceeding 64.5 mm in 24 hours is classified as heavy rainfall. Based on this criterion, Balasinor in Mahisagar, Bhiloda and Dhansura in Aravalli district, and Satlasana in Mehsana district witnessed heavy rain during the period.

Among the areas that received moderate rainfall were Galteshwar (57 mm), Kapadvanj (55 mm), Desar (53 mm), Ghoghamba (52 mm), Jambughoda (51 mm), and Kadana (49 mm). Sathamba in Aravalli recorded 35 mm of rainfall, while Bayad received 33 mm and Kathlal in Kheda district recorded 32 mm. Godhra in Panchmahal and Meghraj in Aravalli received 28 mm each, which also falls under the moderate rainfall category.

Other parts of the state received lighter showers. Palanpur in Banaskantha recorded 23 mm of rainfall, Umreth in Anand 19 mm, and Devgadh Baria in Dahod 11 mm. Meanwhile, Borsad in Anand, Kalol in Gandhinagar, Nanapondha in Valsad, Navsari, and Mendarda in Junagadh recorded just 1 mm of rainfall each.

According to the IMD, the rainfall activity is being influenced by a western disturbance and an associated cyclonic circulation over north Pakistan and adjoining areas at 3.1 km above mean sea level. A trough aloft in the middle tropospheric levels, with its axis at 5.8 km above mean sea level roughly along longitude 72°E to the north of latitude 32°N, also persists and is contributing to the prevailing weather conditions. DeshGujarat

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According to officials, exports from Gujarat’s SEZs have grown by nearly 67% over the past 12 years. The state now contributes around 21% of the country’s total SEZ exports, reinforcing its position as one of India’s leading export hubs.

The achievements were highlighted during an outreach programme on “12 Years of Achievements and Progress of SEZs of Gujarat and Vision for the Future”, attended by representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, the Gujarat government, SEZ authorities and industry stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, said India’s overall exports have almost doubled over the past decade, rising from about $441 billion to a record $863 billion in FY 2025-26.

Meanwhile, Kandla Special Economic Zone (KASEZ) Zonal Development Commissioner Dnyaneshwar B. Patil pointed out that investments in Gujarat’s SEZs have increased from ₹1,22,654 crore in 2014-15 to ₹2,28,624 crore in 2025-26. During the same period, employment generated by SEZs rose from 63,475 to more than 2.22 lakh jobs.

Gujarat Industries Commissioner Swaroop P. said the state has recently introduced the Viksit Gujarat Industrial Policy 2026, which identifies 21 priority sectors and offers a flexible “Choose Your Incentive” framework to attract investment and support industrial growth. DeshGujarat

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Addressing a press conference at Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan, Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee Media Coordinator and spokesperson Hemang Rawal said the state government is launching the State Curriculum Framework and highlighting the implementation of the new education policy and curriculum reforms. “But the biggest question is that when lakhs of students in the state do not even have textbooks available for studying, what is the real meaning of such a framework?” he questioned.

Rawal said the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) was announced in 2023, giving the state government sufficient time to prepare the new curriculum, textbooks and related systems. Despite this, he claimed that even more than 10 days after schools reopened on June 6, many students, particularly those in Classes 9 and 11, have not received their free textbooks.

Gujarat Congress Questions Delay in Textbook Supply to Govt Schoolshttps://t.co/WWhyXStKNc
(In video, Education Minister Dr. Pradyuman Vaja replies to media queries on the same) pic.twitter.com/U8scFRRuao

— DeshGujarat (@DeshGujarat) June 18, 2026

Citing textbook distribution data available up to June 16, 2026, Rawal alleged that books had been dispatched on only 15 of the state’s 208 distribution routes, while 193 routes were yet to receive supplies. He further claimed that books were unavailable at more than 400 distribution centres across Gujarat.

According to Rawal, the shortage is disrupting studies and making it difficult for teachers to complete the syllabus on time.

The Congress leader also claimed that, according to sources in the Gujarat State School Textbook Board, printing of some free textbooks has not yet been completed.

The Congress demanded that the Gujarat government, Education Department and Gujarat State School Textbook Board clarify the reasons for the delay, explain why distribution has been completed on only 15 routes, and disclose whether printing of all free textbooks has been completed.

“We demand that the Gujarat government intervene immediately and complete the distribution of all the remaining textbooks on a war footing, conduct a transparent investigation into the entire matter, and hold those responsible accountable for this injustice done to the future of the students,” Rawal said. DeshGujarat

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The project has been approved under Indian Railways’ ongoing programme for capacity augmentation through doubling, tripling and other network enhancement works. The doubling of this strategically important section will strengthen rail connectivity in the Kutch region and support the anticipated growth in both passenger and freight traffic.

Capacity Enhancement on a Growing Traffic Corridor

The Adipur-Bhuj section, presently a single-line route on the Gandhidham-Naliya corridor, is expected to witness substantial growth in traffic due to several railway infrastructure projects already under execution in the region. These include the Bhuj-Naliya Gauge Conversion, extension of the Naliya-Vayor line, and new railway lines connecting Naliya-Jakhau, Vayor-Lakhpat, and Deshalpar-Luna.

With these projects nearing completion, significant additional passenger and freight traffic is expected to be routed through the Bhuj-Adipur section. The doubling project has therefore been sanctioned to ensure adequate capacity, improve operational efficiency and cater to future traffic demand.

Improved Passenger and Freight Operations

The project is expected to facilitate the operation of two additional passenger train services in each direction every day, improving travel convenience and connectivity for passengers across the region.

The doubled line will also support movement of an additional 12 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) of freight traffic, strengthening logistics and industrial connectivity in western Gujarat.

Supporting Future Growth and Operational Efficiency

The current line capacity utilisation of the section is projected to increase from the present level to 123% by 2029-30, highlighting the need for timely capacity augmentation. The doubling work will help decongest the route, reduce operational constraints and improve reliability of train operations. The project is also expected to generate additional revenue for Indian Railways through increased passenger and freight movement while supporting economic development in the Kutch region.

With the sanction of this project, Indian Railways continues its commitment towards creating future-ready infrastructure, improving connectivity and enhancing the capacity of the national rail network to meet growing transportation needs. DeshGujarat

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Localities such as Bopal, Shela and Shilaj witnessed brief showers, while parts of SG Road also received light rain. Cool breezes through the evening added to the pleasant weather conditions.

The city’s maximum temperature was recorded at 39.8°C, which was 1.6 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature stood at 26°C, 1.4 degrees below normal. Relative humidity was measured at 66% in the morning and 39% in the evening. The observatory recorded only a trace of rainfall.

Across Gujarat, temperatures remained below the 40°C mark on Wednesday, providing relief from the intense heat seen in recent weeks. Ahmedabad was the hottest city in the state at 39.8°C, followed by Bhavnagar at 39.4°C and Rajkot and Surendranagar at 39.3°C each. Kandla and Deesa recorded 38.5°C each, while Vadodara registered 38.4°C and Gandhinagar 38°C. Coastal centres remained relatively cooler, with Dwarka at 33.4°C, Veraval at 33.6°C, Diu at 34.4°C and Surat at 35.5°C. Notably, no weather station in Gujarat recorded a maximum temperature of 40°C or above during the day.

Meanwhile, the northern limit of the southwest monsoon continues to pass through Harnai and Solapur in Maharashtra. According to meteorologists, conditions are becoming favourable for the monsoon to advance further in the coming days.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a maximum temperature of around 40°C for Ahmedabad on Thursday. The IMD also said there is unlikely to be any significant change in maximum temperatures across Gujarat over the next few days. DeshGujarat

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According to hospital authorities, the video has come to their notice and an investigation has been initiated to ascertain the circumstances under which the incident took place.

Three People Seen Offering Namaz in Vadodara's SSG Hospital OPD; Probe Ordered After Video Goes Viralhttps://t.co/5VSAtWymeZ pic.twitter.com/oCNdoAx0rT

— DeshGujarat (@DeshGujarat) June 17, 2026

In the viral video, three individuals can be seen offering namaz in the OPD area of SSG Hospital. Hospital Superintendent Dr. Ranjan Iyer said the matter is being looked into. Preliminary findings suggest that the individuals seen in the video may be relatives of patients. It is also suspected that the incident occurred during a holiday or non-operational period in the OPD. No security personnel are visible at the location in the video.

The incident has drawn attention as similar videos from Vadodara had sparked controversy in the past. Around three years ago, a video showing a young man and a young woman offering namaz near the gate of the Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya on the campus of the Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) had gone viral, triggering a public debate.

In another incident from the same period, a video of a female student from the Faculty of Science’s Botany Department offering namaz on the university campus had also surfaced on social media.

The hospital administration is currently examining the latest video, and further details are expected once the inquiry is completed. DeshGujarat

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Currently, only a single track is available from Asarwa to other states via Himmatnagar, due to which trains often have to wait at stations, resulting in delays for passengers. To address this issue, an additional track is proposed on the Himmatnagar–Prantij–Talod–Dahegam–Asarwa route, which is expected to significantly enhance railway capacity in North Gujarat.

Meanwhile, work on a modern railway station at Himmatnagar under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is also in progress. Keeping future transportation needs in mind, representations have been made to the Railway Minister seeking new train services on the Mumbai–Khedbrahma, Mumbai–Surat and Ahmedabad–Himmatnagar–Udaipur routes.

In another news, following a representation made by the Sabarkantha MP, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the opening of an Army canteen in Himmatnagar. The facility is expected to benefit more than 20,000 retired armed forces personnel from Sabarkantha and Aravalli districts. At present, many of them have to travel to Ahmedabad or Gandhinagar to purchase goods from defence canteens. The new facility will make these products available locally.

Road Projects Worth Crores Approved

Several road infrastructure projects worth hundreds of crores of rupees have also been approved by the Central Government to strengthen connectivity in the region.

• National Highway 58: Rs 355.40 crore has been allocated for the Vijaynagar–Khokhra road project.
• National Highway 168: A project worth Rs 1,050 crore has been approved for the Mehsana–Visnagar–Idar–Bhiloda–Shamlaji corridor.
• Other Roads: The Badoli–Bhiloda–Shamlaji road will be upgraded at a cost of Rs 121 crore, while additional works worth over Rs 8 crore will be undertaken under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.

With the completion of these projects, transportation infrastructure in Sabarkantha and neighbouring areas is expected to improve significantly, providing a boost to connectivity and economic activity. DeshGujarat

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According to the ACB, the complainant had applied to the Sapar Sub Division PGVCL office to increase the electricity load for his guest house and obtain a new electricity connection. However, no action was taken on the application for a long time. Deputy Engineer Rushi Dineshchandra Parmar allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 1 lakh for installing a new transformer (TC), fitting a meter and providing the connection.

Following negotiations with the complainant, the accused Deputy Engineer allegedly reduced the bribe amount to Rs 80,000. Since the complainant did not want to pay the bribe, he approached the ACB. Based on the complaint, the ACB laid a trap.

During the trap, Assistant Lineman Manojbhai Dungaram Prajapati met the complainant on behalf of Deputy Engineer Rushi Parmar and allegedly accepted the bribe amount of Rs 80,000. The ACB team then caught him red-handed. Subsequently, Deputy Engineer Rushi Parmar, who was present at the office, was also apprehended. DeshGujarat

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As a follow-up to the recent high-level meeting between Chief Secretary M.K. Das and senior HUDCO officials regarding the provision of adequate financial resources for infrastructure projects being implemented by various state government departments, HUDCO will extend long-term financing of Rs. 1 lakh crore to support these development initiatives across Gujarat.

The funding will be utilised for the implementation of key projects across the state, including Gujarat Metro Rail Phases 2 and 3, expressways, sports infrastructure, and the creation of world-class modern infrastructure in Dholera.

Additionally, the state government signed another MoU with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad.

Under this MoU, IIM Ahmedabad will undertake pre-feasibility studies, feasibility assessments, preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), and impact evaluations for various projects envisioned under the Viksit Gujarat 2047 initiative to facilitate their effective implementation.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who was present at the MoU signing ceremony, expressed confidence that the partnership would provide fresh impetus to infrastructure development, urban transformation and inclusive economic growth across the state.

The MoU between the state government and HUDCO was signed and exchanged by HUDCO Chairman and Managing Director Shri Sanjay Kulshrestha on behalf of HUDCO and Shri Sandeep Kumar, Secretary (Economic Affairs), Finance Department, on behalf of the Government of Gujarat.

The MoU with IIM Ahmedabad was signed by Prof. Sandip Chakrabarti, Chairperson, Public Systems Group, IIM Ahmedabad, representing the institute. DeshGujarat

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Recently, the Railway Board approved the train numbering ahead of its introduction. The new Sabarmati–Lalgarh Express will operate as Train No. 19407/19408. Along with the train numbers, the Railway Board has also announced the route, timetable and composition of the train.

Key Details

Train No. 19407 (Sabarmati to Lalgarh):
The train will depart from Sabarmati at 17:55 hrs and reach Lalgarh at 08:10 hrs the next day. En route, it will reach Bhildi at 20:50 hrs and Bikaner at 07:30 hrs.

Train No. 19408 (Lalgarh to Sabarmati):
The train will depart from Lalgarh at 21:05 hrs and reach Sabarmati at 11:30 hrs the next day. En route, it will reach Bikaner at 21:25 hrs and Bhildi at 08:45 hrs.

The train will operate daily and connect several important cities and towns in Gujarat and Rajasthan. It will halt at Mehsana, Patan, Bhildi, Dhanera, Raniwara, Marwar Bhinmal, Modran, Jalore, Mokalsar, Samdari, Luni, Jodhpur, Gotan, Merta Road, Nagaur, Nokha and Bikaner.

Further details regarding commercial halts and booking are expected to be announced later. Reservations will be available through the IRCTC website and railway reservation counters.

Train Structure and Facilities

The train will run with 23 modern LHB coaches. Its operation has been integrated with the rake link of the Sabarmati–Delhi Ashram Express.

The Railways is expected to start the service at the earliest. If required, a special train may also be operated initially before the regular service begins. Passengers are expected to benefit from the new direct rail connectivity between Gujarat and Rajasthan. DeshGujarat

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