Grand Opening with Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Carnival Parade

Starting from 26th July to 17th August 2025, the first day of the Saputara Monsoon Festival will witness a spectacular ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ Carnival Parade. A total of 354 artists from 13 Indian states will participate in this grand parade showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage.

The opening ceremony will be graced by Tourism Minister Mulubhai Bera, Tribal Affairs Minister Kunvarji Halpati, and other dignitaries. The carnival will feature folk dances such as:

• Lavani and Dhangari Gaja from Maharashtra
• Bhangra from Punjab
• Kalbelia from Rajasthan
• Chhau from West Bengal
• Bihu from Assam
• Badhaai from Madhya Pradesh
• Gussadi from Telangana
• Pujakunitha from Karnataka
• Nati from Himachal Pradesh
• Dhamal from Haryana
• Dangi, Rathwa, Sidi Dhamal, Talwar Raas, Garba, Bavan Beda, and other vibrant dances from Gujarat

Additionally, colorful carnival props like Ladakh masks, Snow Lion, Giant Puppets, Jumping Kawadi, Traditional Face Masks and a special tableau of Operation Sindoor will add grandeur to the celebration.

Weekly Highlights Featuring Popular Artists and Cultural Showcases

Throughout the 23-day Saputara Monsoon Festival, every weekend will host exciting cultural programs:

• First week is dedicated to ‘Tribal Heritage Week’ with tribal art, craft exhibitions, food stalls, selfie zones, and cultural performances.
• Gujarat’s Geeta Rabari, Parth Oza, Raag Mehta, and Kerala’s Thekkan Kadu Attam Musical Band will set the stage on fire with their live performances.
• Emerging local artists and college bands will also get a platform to perform during the festival.

Special Attractions:

• Mini Marathon on 15th August
• Sunday on Cycle events
• Dahi Handi celebration on Janmashtami
• Rain Dance, Forest Trail, Traditional Games, and Theme Pavilions
• Grand Tableaux Parade across Saputara town

Saputara Monsoon Festival: A Blend of Culture, Nature, and Employment

Following the grand traditions of Kutch Rann Utsav, Navratri Festival, International Kite Festival, and Kankaria Carnival, the Saputara Monsoon Festival has become a key highlight of Gujarat Tourism. This annual event not only showcases India’s vibrant culture but also promotes eco-tourism, tribal heritage, and generates local employment opportunities.

Tourists from across India can enjoy tribal cuisine, traditional dances, and picturesque monsoon views at Saputara while contributing to the local economy.

How to Participate in Saputara Monsoon Festival 2025?

To participate in various activities or register for events, scan the QR code below and get all details about schedules, performances, and contests. Gujarat Tourism warmly invites everyone to experience the unmatched energy of Saputara Monsoon Festival 2025.

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DGCA Orders Comprehensive Safety Inspection

In the wake of this catastrophic accident, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation regulatory body, has ordered a comprehensive safety inspection of all Air India Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The primary aim is to review the technical integrity and safety compliance of these aircraft. Special attention will be given to planes equipped with General Electric’s GEnx engines, the same type used on the ill-fated AI171.

Details of the Crash

Flight AI171, registered as VT-ANB, was scheduled to fly from Ahmedabad to London. Approximately 30 seconds after takeoff, the aircraft collided with the hostel block of B.J. Medical College. The crash killed all 241 occupants, including 230 passengers and 11 crew members. Additionally, over 28 people lost their lives on the ground. This tragedy marks the first total loss and the most severe accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Investigation and Global Response

Recognizing the severity of the crash, the Indian government has assembled a high-level investigation team. The probe includes participation from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), and the US-based National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Both flight data recorders (black boxes) and a digital video recorder (DVR) have been recovered and are expected to provide critical insights into the cause of the accident.

DGCA’s Previous Actions on Air India

This is not the first time DGCA has raised concerns about Air India’s safety practices. In 2023, a DGCA audit revealed significant irregularities in the airline’s internal safety reports, with 13 falsified cases identified. As a result, Air India’s Head of Flight Safety was suspended for one month.

The Way Forward

Following DGCA’s latest directive, Air India must conduct detailed technical checks on its entire fleet of Dreamliners. The inspections will cover engine health, flap and slat configurations, as well as noise and vibration monitoring during flight. Additionally, the airline is expected to enhance its training and internal safety oversight mechanisms to reinforce aviation safety culture.

Conclusion

The crash of AI171 has sent shockwaves through the Indian aviation sector. The DGCA’s order for a full-scale safety inspection is a much-needed step toward restoring public confidence and preventing future tragedies. However, it is equally critical for Air India to reevaluate and strengthen its internal systems and safety protocols to ensure passenger safety remains the top priority.

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Ahmedabad, India – June 12, 2025 – A devastating tragedy struck Ahmedabad today as Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed in a residential area just minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The catastrophic incident has resulted in the confirmed deaths of 241 people on board, including 229 passengers and 12 crew members, with only one survivor reported. Casualties on the ground are also significant, with the plane impacting the residential quarters of BJ Medical College, claiming the lives of at least five medical students and injuring dozens more.

The flight, carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian, departed Ahmedabad at approximately 1:38 PM local time. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying unusually low before it abruptly descended, crashing into the Meghaninagar area and erupting into a massive fireball. The sheer force of the impact and the subsequent blaze, fueled by over 1 lakh liters of fuel on board, left most of the victims’ remains charred beyond recognition.

Emergency services, including fire brigades, ambulances, NDRF teams, and Indian Army relief columns, immediately rushed to the site to undertake extensive search and rescue operations. Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu promptly arrived in Ahmedabad to oversee the relief efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound grief, calling the incident “heartbreaking beyond words.”

Among the confirmed fatalities is former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The sole survivor, identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, was found in seat 11A and is currently receiving treatment for multiple injuries. His survival is being hailed as a miracle amidst the widespread devastation.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a formal investigation into the crash. Initial reports indicate that the pilots issued a “mayday” call to Air Traffic Control (ATC) shortly after takeoff, but subsequent attempts to communicate with the aircraft received no response. CCTV footage from the airport shows the aircraft briefly gaining altitude before a sharp descent and explosion. This marks the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a model previously lauded for its safety record.

Authorities are now focusing on the arduous task of victim identification, which will largely rely on DNA testing due to the severity of the burns. Families of the deceased have been urged to provide DNA samples to assist in this process, with results expected within 72 hours. Air India has activated an emergency response center and established support teams for affected families.

The global community has extended its condolences, with leaders from the UK, US, Russia, Italy, and the UN Secretary-General expressing their sympathies and offering support. The British Airline Pilots’ Association has called for a “full, thorough investigation” to determine the cause of the tragedy and prevent future incidents.

The Ahmedabad airport temporarily suspended all flight operations following the crash but has since resumed services. Indian Railways has also deployed Vande Bharat trains to assist in transporting stranded passengers. The incident has cast a pall of sorrow over Ahmedabad and the entire nation, as the scale of this aviation disaster becomes painfully clear.

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Apart from Dalal and Kumbhani, eight other contenders were initially in the fray for the Surat Lok Sabha seat. Bahujan Samaj Party’s (BSP) Pyarelal Bharati was the last candidate to withdraw from the contest.

CR Patil, BJP Gujarat chief, congratulated Dalal and shared on social media, “Congratulations and best wishes to Mukesh Dalal, candidate for Surat Lok Sabha seat, for being elected unopposed.”

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also extended his congratulations to Dalal, referring to his pre-poll victory as the “beginning of historic victory” for the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections 2024.

“This is the beginning of the historic victory of the BJP in the whole of India, including Gujarat in the Lok Sabha polls. This is a clear indication of lotus blossoming with BJP’s resounding victory in all 26 seats in Gujarat…” Patel wrote in a post on social media.

The cancellation of Kumbhani’s nomination came after the election officer found “fake signatures of people who signed as witnesses” on his nomination papers. The Collector’s cancelation order highlighted the use of forged signatures on the nomination form of Kumbhani and his dummy candidate Suresh Padshala.

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Details of the Incident:

The ill-fated excursion involved 60 students and four teachers from New Sunrise School. Despite the boat having a designated capacity for 16 passengers, it was carrying 34 occupants at the time of the incident — 30 students and four teachers. Tragically, 12 children lost their lives in the incident, highlighting the severe consequences of overloading.

Boating Facility and Negligence Allegations:

The boating facility, known as Lake Zone, operates under a Public Private Partnership contract with the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC). Run by Kotia Projects, the facility now faces serious allegations of negligence. The private company has been charged under IPC Sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 308 (attempt to culpable homicide), and 337 (rash or negligent act endangering human life).

Investigations and Arrests:

In response to the tragic incident, the Vadodara police have formed a high-level probe panel to examine the allegations of negligence. A Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Joint Commissioner of Police Manoj Ninama, has been constituted to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Three arrests have already been made, including two boatmen and an employee of the Lake Zone facility.

Government Inquiry and Call for Accountability:

The state home department has ordered a comprehensive inquiry, placing the Vadodara District Magistrate at the helm. The investigation aims to determine the cause of the incident, evaluate the circumstances leading to the tragedy, and scrutinize any potential negligence or carelessness from local administration, contractors, or others involved. The government has requested a detailed inquiry report within 10 days.

The Vadodara boat tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the importance of adhering to safety measures during recreational activities, especially involving children. As investigations proceed, accountability will be a key focus to ensure justice for the victims and their families. The incident has sparked a call for a reevaluation of safety standards at recreational facilities, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.

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Unlike the unfortunate incident that befell one of the Titanic vessels in the Atlantic Ocean, the submarine tourism facility off Bet Dwarka is anticipated to be operational before Diwali 2024. This extraordinary venture will allow tourists to embark on a submarine dive, reaching depths of 100 meters below the sea to immerse themselves in the mesmerizing marine life surrounding the island. Adding to the allure, the site is believed to harbor a submerged city, a creation attributed to Lord Krishna in Hindu mythology.

The submarine itself is designed to weigh around 35 tonnes and boasts a passenger capacity of 30 individuals. For an optimal viewing experience, 24 tourists will be accommodated in two rows, with strategically placed window seats offering a captivating perspective of the underwater world.

The official announcement of this groundbreaking project is expected at the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. Saurabh Pardhi, the managing director of Gujarat Tourism, has expressed optimism about the venture, noting its potential to significantly boost tourism in the city. Dwarka, already a popular destination due to its religious significance, particularly as home to the revered Dwarkadhish Temple, is poised to attract a new wave of visitors with this innovative submarine tourism initiative.

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Monsoon has left in Rajkot yet.. and now there is a problem for the people of Rajkot. In Rajkot, due to less rain in monsoon, the water has reached the bottom in 3 demos. The situation has arisen that if the water in Aji 1 dam is not released soon, then the water in this dam has increased only till November 15. While Nyari 1 Dam has the same amount of water till March 2024 and Bhadar 1 Dam till 31 August 2024. It has been demanded that 2400 million cubic feet of water be released from Narmada before there is a water shortage. RMC Commissioner Anand Patel has written a letter to the state government demanding water.

Dams of Rajkot Taliya Jhatak
Aaji 1 Dam – 24.57 feet water
Nyari 1 Dam – 23.78 feet water
Bhadar 1 Dam – 32.70 feet water

In Aaji Dam of Rajkot, water quantity is available only till 15th November.. So it has been demanded to release water through ‘Sauni’ scheme.. 1800 MCFT in Aaji 1 Dam and 600 MCFT in Nyari 1 Dam is being seen.

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Gujarat was the first state in the country to create a comprehensive “Women’s Dignity Policy” for the inclusive development of women. Through this policy women got more opportunities economically and socially. Women’s skills increased. Employment opportunities for women also increased through NGOs and cooperatives. Gujarat has 50 percent reservation for women in local bodies. There is 33 percent reservation for women in all government posts, including the police. The benefits of government welfare schemes should reach the women of the state; For this, the then Chief Minister Narendrabhai Modi started the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2001. Women’s public representation should be promoted; For this the “Samaras Mahila Gram Panchayat” scheme was implemented. Under which additional grant of Rs.3 lakh for the first time, Rs.5.75 lakh for the second time and Rs.8 lakh for the third time to the first Samaras Mahila Gram Panchayat. Announced to give.

A water committee was formed in each village to harness the expertise of women in village water management. In which women members were given compulsory place. Many such schemes were implemented with foresight.

More than 65 percent of women are employed in animal husbandry business in Gujarat. Empowerment of women in animal husbandry; For this, women’s milk cooperative groups were formed in the state. 300 square meters of land was given on rent for 15 years at a token rate of Rs 1 to women milk cooperative groups for setting up milk houses. For the empowerment of tribal women in the state, women were given seats in forest management boards. Today more than five lakh women are contributing to forest development. Women in the state should receive self-employment training, vocational training and home industry training; For this, Women Economic Development Corporation was started. Mission Mangalam was started for economic empowerment of women. Due to which women’s skills are strengthened Sakhi Mandals were formed for women empowerment in the state. Today there are 2.52 lakh Sakhi Mandals functioning in the state.

300 square meters of land was given on rent for 15 years at a token rate of Rs 1 to women milk cooperative groups for setting up milk houses. For the empowerment of tribal women in the state, women were given seats in forest management boards. Today more than five lakh women are contributing to forest development. Women in the state should receive self-employment training, vocational training and home industry training; For this, Women Economic Development Corporation was started. Mission Mangalam was started for economic empowerment of women. Due to which women’s skills are strengthened Sakhi Mandals were formed for women empowerment in the state. Today there are 2.52 lakh Sakhi Mandals functioning in the state. To enable women to become property owners, the process was made completely free if the property registry was done in the name of a woman.

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The “Maa” and “Maa-Vatsalya” schemes launched by the Chief Minister became the largest health protection scheme in the world today. This scheme stands for Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
Today, PMJAY-MA card holders in Gujarat have annual Rs. Up to 10 lakhs are getting free health treatment. Malnutrition was a formidable challenge in Gujarat. There were thousands of children who did not even see their first birthday. There were also thousands of children who were motherless from birth. Then, under the leadership of Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat started a big fight against malnutrition. Rations were started to deliver nutritious food to pregnant women, lactating mothers and children at their homes.

Due to the well-planned efforts, the delivery percentage in the hospital reached 99.5%. Monitoring started from Nutrition Tracker dashboard. Anganwadis were provided with instruments for measuring height and weight

Nutritious food was delivered in Anganwadis. Distribution of milk bags was started in schools. Iron tablets were started for girls. In the end, Gujarat won this war against malnutrition. So that there was a big reduction in maternal and child mortality. A special ‘Doodh Sanjeevani Yojana’ was launched to eradicate malnutrition in tribal areas. In which children are provided with flavored milk three days a week at school itself.

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In the year 2014, Narendrabhai took charge of the country. And a double engine government came into operation in Gujarat.. Within two weeks of becoming Prime Minister, Narmada Dam was given permission to raise it to its full height.. Gujarat got the country’s first bullet train, the work of which is progressing rapidly. Railway University was established in Vadodara, Gujarat under Sector Specific Education. The first greenfield airport became operational in Rajkot. Gujarat Forensic Science University and Defense Power University got national status.. State’s first AIIMS Hospital is functioning in Rajkot. World’s largest hydroelectric renewable energy park inaugurated in Kutch. So the foundation stone of the world’s first CNG terminal port was laid in Bhavnagar

Gujarat’s development model is an example for the country

The journey of development started under the skillful leadership of Narendrabhai is not limited to Gujarat only.. Be it roads or railways.. Industry or education.. Tourism or power sector.. How can Gujarat reach the pinnacle of success if it has a leader like Narendrabhai. Showed.

The world’s tallest statue of Sardar Patel, a symbol of unity, was established in Gujarat and railway connectivity was established to reach it. Two Vande Bharat Express trains were started for Gujarat. First phase of Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project launched.. Taranga Hill-Ambaji-Abu Road Railway Line Project got approval.. Foundation stone of India’s first International Financial Services Center Authority Headquarters laid at GIFT City.. India International Bullion Exchange launched at GIFT City.. State Five districts got gift of medical college.

Inauguration of Electric Locomotive Machine Production Unit at Dahod. Under the ‘Bharatmala Project’ of the Government of India, more than 1000 kilometers of roads will be constructed in Gujarat. A total of 6 cities namely Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Gandhinagar and Dahod were selected from Gujarat under the Smart City Mission. Inauguration of ISRO’s In-Space Center in Ahmedabad.. Constructed Atal Tower Bridge on the Sabarmati Riverfront. So to showcase India’s rich and diverse maritime heritage Rs. National Maritime Museum Heritage Complex is being built at a cost of 3500 crores. Also, the modern form of Vidya Review Center has proved to be a similar model for other states of the country.

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