The first-ever Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference will begin in Mehsana in North Gujarat today. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will inaugurate the conference. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will be present at the inaugural session. The conference will focus on sectors including dairy and food processing, agriculture and agro-based industries, automobile components, engineering, renewable energy, and tourism. The initiative launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 aims to take the success of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit to every region of the state.

Akashvani correspondent reports that the two-day conference will feature 33 seminars, roundtable discussions, B2B and B2G meetings, and an MSME Conclave. Over 13,000 participants, including more than 200 international delegates, have registered for the event. Partner countries – Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and the Netherlands -along with global organisations such as JETRO, World Bank, ICBC, and the Russian Federation will take part in the event. A major attraction is the Regional Exhibition, spread over 18,000 square metres, showcasing North Gujarat’s industrial products – from agro produce like cumin, fennel, and isabgol to dairy products and auto components. The Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet will bring international buyers from 40 countries, offering export opportunities to local entrepreneurs. Delegates will also visit key industrial and heritage sites such as Maruti Suzuki, Banas Dairy, Dudh Sagar Dairy, and the Modhera Solar Park, besides cultural destinations like Rani-ki-Vav and Vadnagar. Mehsana conference will highlight North Gujarat’s industrial strengths, while connecting local enterprises with global investors and markets.

California has officially recognised the Diwali festival as a state holiday. It has now become the third state in the United States of America, after Pennsylvania and Connecticut, which declare Diwali as a state holiday.

Governor of California Gavin Newsom signed the bill introduced by Assembly member Ash Kalra, granting paid time off to state employees and allowing schools to observe the festival. Community leaders hailed the move as a milestone that honours the contributions of Indian Americans to the state’s economy, government, and society.

India is set to host the 8th Session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly from 27th to 30th October at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event will bring the global community together to deepen cooperation and accelerate solar adoption for a brighter and sustainable future. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Minister of New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said that during the event, the member countries will review progress, address challenges, and align actions toward one vision – affordable solar energy for all.

He said, India has achieved 50 per cent of its total installed electricity generation capacity from non-fossil fuel sources five years ago, ahead of its target. He said, India is the 3rd world largest Solar Producer and world 2nd largest market for renewable energy growth. Mr Joshi said that more than 20 lakh households have already been benefiting from solar power on their rooftop under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Yojana.

Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, inaugurated the country's first commercial electric truck battery swapping and charging station at the Delhi International Cargo Terminal Private Limited in Panchi Gujran village, Sonipat.

Speaking at the occasion, Gadkari urged transporters to transition from diesel and petrol to electric and biofuel alternatives, highlighting the benefits of reducing transportation costs. "Whatever I say, I do it with full conviction," he said, emphasising India's push toward alternative fuels and a diesel-free future.

Gadkari stated that India is rapidly transitioning towards alternative fuels, and the future will be a time of diesel-free transportation.

The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved four railway projects worth 24 thousand 634 crore rupees. These projects include Bhusaval – Wardha 3rd and 4th line, Gondia – Dongargarh 4th line, Vadodara – Ratlam 3rd and 4th line and Itarsi – Bhopal – Bina 4th line. The four multitracking projects will cover 18 Districts in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh, increasing the existing network of Indian Railways by about 894 kilometres.

Briefing media after the cabinet meeting in New Delhi today, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the project will enhance connectivity to approximately three thousand 633 villages, which have a population of over 85 lakh and two Aspirational Districts. Mr Vaishnaw said the increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways.

Netflix India has partnered with the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) to support students in India for AVGC-XR (animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality).

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed at the FICCI FRAMES 2025 event.

“Under this MoU, Netflix will leverage the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity to offer scholarships to select students identified in collaboration with IICT. The Netflix Fund for Creative Equity is a dedicated effort to create opportunities for underrepresented talent in the media and entertainment sector. To strengthen this partnership, Netflix will also participate in three of IICT’s national councils — the R&D (research and development) Council, the Academic Council, and the Industry Development Council — bringing together leading voices from academia, industry, and policy to help shape India’s AVGC-XR ecosystem,” the combined release stated.

The legendary BS Chandrasekhar and Brian Lara on Tuesday won the Lifetime Achievement awards while India's Sanju Samson and Varun Chakravarthy claimed the men's T20I batter and bowler of the year honours during the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards here.

Former India captain Rohit Sharma won a special memento for winning the 2025 Champions Trophy as captain while Shreyas Iyer was given a memento for scoring most runs by an Indian player in the 50-over competition.

England's Joe Root, who is now the second highest run-scorer in Test cricket, won the men's international cricketer of the year award.

The Dehradun Lit Fest’s curtain raiser at Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, marked the beginning of its seventh edition. DDLF, a three-day celebration of literature, cinema, and societal issues, is scheduled to take place from November 14 to 16.

The founder of the festival, Samraant Virmani, said, “Each year, our goal is to foster engaging conversations across diverse themes.”

The evening featured a conversation among Vikram Sampath, author of books including Tipu Sultan; Sandeep Singh Chauhan, a veteran in business strategy and digital transformation; and Aditi Maheshwari.

The UP International Trade Show 2025 in Greater Noida was a resounding success. Following this, the UP International Trade Show Swadeshi Mela 2025 will be organized to promote indigenous products. The Swadeshi Mela will be held from October 9th to 18th at Noida Haat, Sector 33A.

This event will provide a common platform for local entrepreneurship, handicrafts, handlooms, agricultural products, and startup innovations. This information was provided by Deputy Commissioner of Industries Anil Kumar. The UP International Trade Show Swadeshi Mela 2025 is being organized under the leadership of Gautam Buddha Nagar District Magistrate Medha Rupam, following the orders of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Marking a major milestone in India’s maritime and energy sectors, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday received the country’s third Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) – Shivalik – under the Indian flag at Visakhapatnam Port. The event underscores India’s growing maritime self-reliance and aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

Built in South Korea and named after the Himalayan range, Shivalik is an 82,000 CBM state-of-the-art LPG carrier with advanced safety, temperature control, and operational systems. The vessel completed its maiden voyage carrying over 46,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) – a mix of propane and butane – from Ruwais, UAE, to Visakhapatnam, for discharge operations with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL).

Welcoming the vessel, Sonowal said, “The arrival of Shivalik under our national flag is not just a fleet expansion — it is a statement of confidence in India’s maritime resurgence under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership. It symbolises the resilience, capability, and Atmanirbharta that will power Bharat toward Viksit Bharat 2047.”