Gujarat

Special prayers and rituals have been initiated at the Somnath Temple in Gujarat for the health and swift recovery of Captain Smit Machhar. Priests and Vedic scholars organized a Mahamrityunjay jaap and grand worship ceremony, citing his Gujarat connection. Across the country and worldwide, people continue to offer prayers for the recovery of the pilot following his brave actions.

In a joint maritime operation, the Indian Coast Guard and the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad neutralised a major transnational narcotics smuggling attempt in the Arabian Sea, west of Lakshadweep. The high seas operation led to the seizure of approximately 526 kilograms of high-grade contraband comprising heroin, valued at over 3,000 crore rupees in international markets. Five Pakistani nationals operating the intercepted dhow were apprehended. The vessel's crew and the seized contraband were escorted under armed guard to Mumbai for joint interrogation and comprehensive multi-agency legal proceedings.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual interaction with Seva Yatris who are undertaking an extensive bike rally covering over 35,000 kilometres in ten groups. The rally connects the Prime Minister's birthplace in Vadnagar, Gujarat, to his parliamentary constituency in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. During the interaction, participants traveling through districts including Lalitpur, Sagar, and Jhansi shared their field experiences, noting local public sentiment around development initiatives like the Ken-Betwa river linking project in Bundelkhand, women empowerment schemes, and rural transformation. The participants recounted their interactions with citizens, school students, and beneficiaries across various states. Prime Minister Modi encouraged the volunteers to actively document their observations, maintain service commitments, promote national awareness among communities along their route, and contribute towards the vision of building a developed nation.

This special broadcast covers key national developments, beginning with the public outcry and security concerns in Delhi following the gang rape of a 17-year-old girl at Astha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Mandir. The report examines infrastructure and civic lapses at the DDA-managed park, including non-functional streetlights and the absence of CCTV surveillance. It also details the subsequent police encounter near Lady Shri Ram (LSR) College, the suspension of offline classes, and massive student protests demanding enhanced street safety and police patrolling. In political news, the bulletin focuses on reported internal divisions within the Election Commission of India, where Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi raised objections regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, prompting opposition demands for inquiries. Additionally, the coverage tracks continuing protests in Dholka, Gujarat against industrial chemical waste discharge, Supreme Court rulings on election appointments, and campus developments at IIT Bombay.

Villagers from five villages in Dholka near Ahmedabad have been protesting for over a month against severe industrial pollution. Residents of Bethawara, Thrasad, Nesta, Paldi, and Ambali accuse nearby factories of dumping chemical-laced waste into local drains, linking it to rising cancer cases and skin infections. Villagers claim that despite appealing for 15 years to local bodies, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board, and the state government, no action has been taken. The protesters plan to escalate their agitation with a Chakka Jam on roads and highways.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked his 76th birthday, completing 25 years in public life as an elected leader. Taking office as Prime Minister in May 2014 after serving as Gujarat Chief Minister, his administration oversaw significant economic and policy transformations. India's economy expanded from tenth to fifth largest globally, supported by initiatives including the Goods and Services Tax, the JAM trinity, Unified Payments Interface, and production-linked incentives. Social welfare delivery expanded through direct benefit transfers alongside schemes such as PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Ayushman Bharat. In infrastructure, the government rolled out Vande Bharat trains, expanded airports under the UDAN scheme, and developed the PM GatiShakti platform. On foreign policy, India hosted the G20 presidency, advanced space exploration through the Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan missions, and deepened ties across the Global South. Entering his third term, the administration addresses domestic coalition management, youth employment, and global trade dynamics while pursuing the Viksit Bharat framework.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 76, marking 25 years in public life and his tenure as the longest-serving elected prime minister. From his 2014 victory where the BJP secured 282 seats and the NDA won 336 seats, Modi pledged the Gujarat development model for the country under the vision of 'Bharat ki vijay. Achhe din aane wale hain.' Over his tenure, India expanded from the tenth to the fifth largest global economy. Significant policy reforms include the Goods and Services Tax, the JAM trinity, UPI, and the PM Jan Dhan Yojana bringing over 50 crore citizens into formal banking. Welfare initiatives like PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Ayushman Bharat alongside infrastructure drives like PM Gati Shakti, UDAN, and Vande Bharat trains spurred modernisation. Internationally, India showcased vaccine diplomacy, hosted the G20 presidency, and engaged at BRICS. Advances in space research include Chandrayaan and preparations for Gaganyaan with astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla.

The US House of Representatives has passed the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, authorising tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian energy, including India and China.

A special broadcast reviews the political journey of the Prime Minister from selling tea at Vadnagar railway station in Gujarat to leading the nation for over twelve consecutive years. The report outlines major governance initiatives undertaken during this tenure, including Jan Dhan, Swachh Bharat, UPI, and Ayushman Bharat. It further highlights the roadmap focused on self-reliance through Atmanirbhar Bharat, alongside long-term national development goals set for Viksit Bharat by 2047.

In an interview with India Today, Bharatiya Janata Party National General Secretary and former Union Minister Smriti Irani reflected on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years of public service in governance. Discussing his leadership and policy initiatives, she highlighted key achievements such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Mission Mangalam, Ujjwala Yojana, and Vaccine Maitri during the COVID-19 pandemic. Irani emphasized Modi's commitment to women's empowerment, pointing out the landmark 33% parliamentary and legislative reservation for women. She remarked, "The greatest strength, what I perceive it to be of the Prime Minister is that he's so focused on achieving national goals," noting his work ethic centered around Seva, Sambad, and Samanvaya, and his determination in steering the country toward Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Varanasi marked the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with grand celebrations along the banks of the Ganga. Scores of earthen lamps were lit at Namo Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, and Assi Ghat, resembling a Deepotsav. Students and local residents gathered to participate in the lamp lighting ceremonies alongside the special Ganga Aarti. The occasion also witnessed a bike rally under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan heading from Varanasi to Gujarat. Political leaders, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, took part in events displaying NDA strength ahead of upcoming elections.

Nationwide celebrations marked the Prime Minister's birthday, spanning events across Gujarat, New Delhi, Varanasi, and several states. In the national capital, the fifth edition of the SemiconIndia event was launched to coincide with the occasion. Across the country, the Bharatiya Janata Party commenced a month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan focusing on public service initiatives, including blood donation drives, cleanliness campaigns, and welfare outreach. Several political leaders and NDA allies participated in commemorative programmes, flagging off bike rallies from Vadnagar to Varanasi and conducting special prayers for the Prime Minister's long life and health. Citizens were urged to participate in the evening 'Ashirwad ka Diya' initiative by lighting lamps in homes and public spaces. Key state-level welfare announcements, including the second phase of the Deendayal Lado Lakshmi scheme, were launched to support women's financial empowerment. Leaders highlighted the collective national vision of achieving a developed nation status by 2047, praising the Prime Minister's decisive governance and long public service journey.

Across the country, celebrations are underway to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday, spanning Delhi, Gujarat, and his parliamentary constituency Varanasi. Key events include the launch of the fifth edition of the SemiCon India event in the national capital and the commencement of the month-long Seva Abhiyan focused on public service activities. In Varanasi, NDA allies including Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Chirag Paswan are participating in celebrations, alongside a bike yatra flagged off by Rajnath Singh and the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister. Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah is flagging off a bike yatra from Vadnagar to Varanasi and joining cleanliness and Aashirwad Ka Diya events, marking 25 years of the Prime Minister's public service.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi turns 76, celebrations and public service programmes are taking place across India, from Delhi to Gujarat and his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi. The Prime Minister is launching the fifth edition of the SEMICON India event in the national capital, while the Bharatiya Janata Party has initiated the month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan and urged citizens to light an Ashirwad ka Diya. Key political leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National Democratic Alliance allies, participate in major events such as the Vadnagar to Varanasi bike yatra and cleanliness drives. The broadcast highlights Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years in public life since assuming office as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001, tracing landmark governance milestones from welfare schemes and Make in India to digital infrastructure expansion and the Viksit Bharat 2047 roadmap.

An 81-year-old man, Asgarali Vora, who studied with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at BN School in Vadnagar, Gujarat, has recovered his disputed property after seeking the Prime Minister's intervention. Vora had purchased approximately 2,800 square metres of land in the Mira-Bhayander area in 1989. In 2011, the names of two developers, including a firm owned by a BJP MLA, appeared on the land records, which Vora alleged was done through forgery. Following police complaints and legal battles, Vora met Prime Minister Modi on 8th September to demand an inquiry. Following the meeting, Seven Eleven Construction confirmed they settled the issue with the Vora family and agreed to hand back the land.

An 81-year-old schoolmate of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Asgarali Vora, has reclaimed his land in Mumbai's Bhayander after seeking the Prime Minister's intervention. Vora, who studied with Modi at BN School in Vadnagar, Gujarat, had purchased 2,810 square metres of land in 1989. The plot was taken over in 2011 by construction firms linked to BJP MLA Narendra Mehta. Following years of court cases and complaints yielding little progress, Vora met Prime Minister Modi on 8 September requesting an inquiry. Days after the meeting, the construction company confirmed the matter was settled and returned the prime property to Vora.

Chinese President Xi Jinping visits New Delhi on September 12 to participate in the BRICS Summit, marking his first trip to India in seven years. The multilateral gathering features key bilateral engagements involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Xi, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on India-China border negotiations, trade relations, economic cooperation, and global diplomacy. Alongside summit coverage, this special report examines registered unrecognized political parties across Gujarat, Delhi, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh that collected substantial donations while operating from residential sites and locked offices without contesting elections. Former Chief Election Commissioner Dr S.Y. Quraishi and transparency activist Anjali Bhardwaj analyze statutory income tax exemptions, regulatory loopholes, and Election Commission oversight, while also addressing widespread voter list deletions flagged during the Special Intensive Revision in Delhi and Karnataka.

Chinese President Xi Jinping visits New Delhi on September 12 to participate in the BRICS Summit, marking his first trip to India in seven years. The multilateral gathering features key bilateral engagements involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Xi, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on India-China border negotiations, trade relations, economic cooperation, and global diplomacy. Alongside summit coverage, this special report examines registered unrecognized political parties across Gujarat, Delhi, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh that collected substantial donations while operating from residential sites and locked offices without contesting elections. Former Chief Election Commissioner Dr S.Y. Quraishi and transparency activist Anjali Bhardwaj analyze statutory income tax exemptions, regulatory loopholes, and Election Commission oversight, while also addressing widespread voter list deletions flagged during the Special Intensive Revision in Delhi and Karnataka.

A debate examines the funding and functioning of registered unrecognised political parties across India, raising questions over alleged money laundering, hawala transactions, and tax evasion through poll donations. Former Chief Election Commissioner Dr S.Y. Quraishi pointed out that while registration remains simple, the Election Commission of India lacks statutory powers to de-register political parties following a Supreme Court ruling, making actions like de-listing ineffective. Transparency activist Anjali Bhardwaj questioned the silence of central enforcement agencies, including the Income Tax Department, the Enforcement Directorate, the Central Bureau of Investigation, and the Lokpal, despite significant donations flowing into unrecognised parties that often become untraceable. The discussion highlighted concerns regarding audit compliance, 100 percent income tax exemptions on political contributions, non-implementation of the Central Information Commission order bringing parties under the Right to Information Act, and the need for stricter accountability mechanisms.

An India Today special investigation reveals that registered unrecognised political parties in Gujarat collected over two thousand crore rupees in donations between 2019 and 2024, based on data analyzed by the Association for Democratic Reforms. Ground checks across Gujarat, Delhi, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh showed that several of these parties exist primarily on paper. The Bharatiya National Janata Dal received 957.44 crore rupees, while The New India United Party secured over 600 crore rupees, though its registered Ahmedabad office was locked without any signboard. The Satyavadi Rakshak Party, which collected over 330 crore rupees in 2023-24, fielded just one candidate in Vadodara who finished last, operating from a locked flat in Anand. Similarly, the Aam Janmat Party collected over 220 crore rupees while its registered office remained shut, and Saurashtra Janata Paksha received over 200 crore rupees. ADR noted that 90 percent of donations come from individuals and large donors despite poor electoral participation and minimal vote shares.