In a significant step towards making technology more inclusive, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Sunday, distributed specially designed Artificial Intelligence (AI) glasses to differently-abled beneficiaries during the Rajbhasha Conference in Gandhinagar. The initiative, launched in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of empowering “Divyangjan” (persons with disabilities), aims to make education, information, and daily communication more accessible for the visually impaired.

PM Modi has often underlined that the term “Divyang” is not just a word but a mark of respect and dignity for persons with disabilities. The AI-enabled glasses come equipped with an in-built camera that scans printed text and instantly converts it into audio output, allowing visually impaired users to read and listen to documents, books, and other material with ease. Beneficiaries said the device has the potential to transform their lives by bridging the gap between access to knowledge and their physical limitations.

One of the recipients, Jenil Parekh, expressed gratitude while sharing his experience. “With these AI glasses, we get multiple benefits. They will help us in reading and learning. The in-built camera scans text, clicks photos, and reads them aloud on our mobile phones. This will be very useful for people like us who are blind,” he told IANS.

The Home Minister stressed that such technological interventions not only make education and professional opportunities more accessible but also instill confidence among Divyangjans to lead self-reliant lives. He further urged people to come forward and donate AI glasses to visually impaired individuals, calling it an act of service that can change lives.

Notably, larger goal of the project is to ensure that technology becomes an enabler for inclusivity. By harnessing AI, the Union government hopes to eliminate barriers faced by differently-abled communities and integrate them more fully into mainstream society. This initiative is seen as a milestone in using innovation for social empowerment, offering a glimpse into how India’s tech-driven welfare measures can create lasting impact.

-IANS

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Calling it a true example of “Make in India, Make for the World,” Maruti Suzuki Chairman R.C. Bhargava on Tuesday said the company’s Gujarat plant is being developed into a global hub as Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first batch of the company’s electric SUV, ‘e-Vitara’, and inaugurated India’s first lithium-ion battery cell plant at Hansalpur here.

Speaking to reporters, Bhargava said the Prime Minister’s encouragement has infused fresh energy into the company. “Today is a truly proud and historic occasion for us as PM Modi has inaugurated two landmark steps for India’s future,” he said.

The Prime Minister flagged off the company’s first electric SUV, ‘e-Vitara’, and also inaugurated the lithium-ion battery plant at Hansalpur, Gujarat. The plant rolls out 7.5 lakh cars every year. He highlighted that the e-Vitara will not only serve Indian customers but will also be exported to more than 100 countries.

“The e-Vitara will not only serve Indian customers but also be exported worldwide. Gujarat will emerge as a global manufacturing hub under the Make in India, Make for the World vision,” Bhargava added. Maruti Suzuki’s Senior Executive Officer Rahul Bharti echoed the sentiment, calling the moment a major milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance.

“We are building advanced battery electric vehicles for over 100 global markets. At the same time, our subsidiary TDSG Lithium-Ion Battery Gujarat Private Limited has achieved deep localisation — moving from battery packs to cells and now electrode manufacturing,” Bharti said. He added that watching young engineering students and skilled associates at the Hansalpur plant demonstrate their work before the Prime Minister was an emotional and proud moment for the company.

The company also confirmed that the e-Vitara will be manufactured exclusively in Gujarat as part of a single-location global production strategy. The SUV will be launched in several markets in the coming financial year, though pricing and exact launch timelines are yet to be disclosed.

-IANS

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Ahmedabad is reeling from the shock of a class 8 Muslim student stabbing to death a class 10 Hindu student at Seventh-Day Adventist School in the city.

According to reports, blood-soaked Nayan was lying in the school compound for more than 20 minutes, but the school management did not even bother to call an ambulance.

Early Wednesday morning, a large crowd of community members gathered outside the school, leading to protests that escalated into vandalism on the school premises. Reports indicate that some school staff were also assaulted during the demonstrations.

Police deployed a significant force to restore order, and clashes were reported between protesters and law enforcement. The accused student has been taken into custody, and authorities are proceeding under juvenile laws.

In the wake of the tragedy, parents and Hindu organizations have filed complaints against the school’s principal and management, seeking accountability for the incident.

Alleged screenshots of the stabber’s chat going viral on social media reveal he showed no remorse for his actions. India Today shared these screenshots as below:

Friend: Bhai, did you do something today?

Accused: Yes.

Friend: Did you stab someone?

Accused: Who told you?

Friend: Please call for a minute.

Accused: No, no. I am with my brother. He doesn’t know what happened today.

Friend: He (the victim) has died.

The accused then asked his friend how he had come to know about the incident. The friend replied that he had met a mutual acquaintance on the road, who had informed him about it.

Accused: Tell him (the common friend) that I killed him. He knows me, tell him right now.

Friend: What actually happened?

Accused: Arrey, he (the victim) asked me, “Who are you and what will you do?” etc.

Friend: ***** You can’t stab someone to death for this. You could have just beaten him up, not killed him.

Accused: Whatever happened has happened now.

Friend: Take care of yourself. Go underground for some time. Delete these chats.

Accused: Ok.

Negligence?

The victim’s family accused the school administration of gross negligence. They alleged that no ambulance was arranged and that the boy was left lying unconscious in a pool of blood until his relatives arrived. The family said they were forced to take him to hospital in an autorickshaw and claimed he might have survived had medical help been provided in time.

The boy’s grandfather alleged that despite serious injuries, the school authorities failed to act. He also accused the school’s security of being lax, claiming that students managed to bring in a weapon unchecked. He further alleged that the victim, who came from a vegetarian family, had earlier been deceived into consuming meat by fellow students.

Grandfather’s Statement

Speaking to OpIndia, the victim’s grandfather said, “A few days earlier, a Muslim student had quarrelled with my grandson while he was coming down the stairs after school, but later they made amends by apologising. Yesterday afternoon (around the time the school closed on the day of the incident), a group of Muslim boys with their faces covered attacked my grandson with a knife. How that boy entered school with a knife? That boy is in 8th standard, and my grandson is in 10th. The boy who stabbed was caught last night by police in Shah Alam area. We have requested the police that school will not reopen till we get justice.”

Ahmedabad’s Seventh Day School Horror: Class 8 Muslim student stabs Class 10 Hindu student to death, Grandfather speaks to OpIndia. pic.twitter.com/I4oGEWUmKn

— OpIndia.com (@OpIndia_com) August 20, 2025

He also stated that the victim and his entire family were vegetarians, yet some Muslim students used to bring mutton to the school and mislead his grandson into eating it by claiming it was paneer.

Arrests

So far, two people have been arrested, and an FIR has been filed. Police have called in a forensic team to examine if bloodstains were tampered with at the scene. CCTV footage is being reviewed, and statements of nine staff and security personnel have been recorded. The District Education Officer has issued a notice to the school seeking a full report.

Several parents have since alleged that Tuesday’s stabbing was not an isolated incident. They claimed that past cases of violence and drug use involving students were ignored by the school. One parent alleged that her son was assaulted two months ago, but no disciplinary action was taken.

(With inputs from OpIndia)

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A 15-year-old Class 10 student was stabbed to death by a Class 9 student at Seventh-Day Adventist School in Ahmedabad on Tuesday night. The victim, who belonged to the Sindhi community, was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

The accused, a student from the ninth grade, belongs to the Muslim community. The incident has sparked widespread outrage among the victim’s family, members of the Sindhi community, Hindu organizations, and activists from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

Alleged screenshots of the stabber’s chat going viral on social media reveal he showed no remorse for his actions.

Musef blatantly says, “Haan Maine chaku mara tha” in chats with his friend. pic.twitter.com/KMJpl6BnKp

— BHK (@BHKslams) August 20, 2025

According to reports, blood-soaked Nayan was lying in the school compound for more than 20 minutes but the school management did not even bother to call an ambulance.

Early Wednesday morning, a large crowd of community members gathered outside the school, leading to protests that escalated into vandalism on the school premises. Reports indicate that some school staff were also assaulted during the demonstrations.

Police deployed a significant force to restore order, and clashes were reported between protesters and law enforcement. The accused student has been taken into custody, and authorities are proceeding under juvenile laws.

In the wake of the tragedy, parents and Hindu organizations have filed complaints against the school’s principal and management, seeking accountability for the incident.

Police have launched a detailed investigation into the case, and further updates are awaited.

(With inputs from India Today)

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Gujarat has taken the lead in optimising technology usage for faster and efficient judicial procedures, said a report.

With close coordination between police, jails, and the judiciary, the state government has facilitated the production of prisoners before the court through video conferencing, making the process easy and less cumbersome.

This approach has led to significant progress in presenting a large number of prisoners from state jails before the courts through the video conferencing (VC) system, thereby saving manpower, time, and resources of the police department.

The process of producing prisoners before the courts through video conferencing got firmed up after a decision was taken in 2022 to install about 1,100 video conferencing (VC) units across the courts. Of these, 23 software-based VC systems were allocated specifically to jails.

At present, 83 video conferencing systems are operational in jails across Gujarat. According to data from the Gujarat Prisons Department, adopting this system has shown positive results. Between January and June 2024, 40,633 prisoners (29 per cent) were produced before the courts through video conferencing by all jails under the department’s jurisdiction.

This number increased to 53,672 prisoners (41 per cent) during the same period in 2025, reflecting growing usage and subsequent success of the system. The effective implementation of this system has saved manpower, time, and resources for the police department.

It has also allowed the redeployment of personnel earlier assigned to custody duties, thus improving overall departmental efficiency. This system has played a key role in accelerating the judicial process, ensuring timely justice for victims and fair punishment for criminals. With Gujarat leading others in using video conferencing for court hearings, this reflects the state government’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary system through the use of technology.

–IANS

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Several videos being circulated on the social media platform X claiming to show attacks by Pakistani forces have been debunked by the Press Information Bureau (PIB). In the latest, videos claiming to show Pakistani attacks on Hazira Port in Gujarat and a drone attack in Jalandhar have been termed fraudulent.

PIB said the video is an unrelated video “confirmed to depict an oil tanker explosion”. The video is dated July 7, 2021, said PIB on its Fact Check handle on X. The footage actually captures an oil tanker explosion that occurred on July 7, 2021, and Pakistan is falsely propagating it as its attack on the port. PIB fact-checkers confirmed that the video in question is not related to the ongoing military situation.

The video gained traction on social media, being reposted by several unauthenticated accounts, and claimed to show an explosion and destruction allegedly caused by a Pakistani strike. But the misleading content was promptly flagged by PIB’s fact-checking team, which is actively monitoring online narratives surrounding the conflict.

The PIB’s fact-checking unit, early Friday morning, swiftly debunked another widely circulating video on social media claiming to show the aftermath of a drone attack in Jalandhar. In a post on X, PIB fact-check clarified that the video is unrelated and depicts a farm fire.

PIB’s tweet stated, “Drone Attack in Jalandhar. This drone strike video from #Jalandhar is widely circulating on social media#PIBFactCheck This is an unrelated video of a farm fire. The video has the time 7:39 PM, while the drone attack began later.”

After India launched its most expansive cross-border strikes on terror bases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan, a flood of misinformation and false propaganda is being peddled from across the border by its influencers, media, as well as government-sponsored social media handles. Several such videos have already been exposed by the team of the PIB since India’s military action against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir began on May 7.

PIB has urged citizens to exercise caution and verify information before sharing it online. “In times of heightened national security, misinformation can lead to unnecessary panic and confusion. Always rely on official sources for updates,” a PIB spokesperson stated. The government has reiterated that disinformation campaigns, especially those involving doctored or unrelated media, pose a threat not only to public understanding but also to national morale.

The government officials have repeatedly told social media users that spreading false information, knowingly or unknowingly, may invite legal consequences under India’s cyber laws. As ‘Operation Sindoor’ continues to unfold further with Indian Air Force strikes against Pakistan’s air defence system, the PIB and the Indian Armed Forces continue to stress the importance of verified information.

–IANS

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The post Gujarat Port Fire, Jalandhar Drone Strike: Busting Pakistan’s Disinformation Campaigns And Claims appeared first on The Commune.

National Dolphin Day is celebrated across India on April 14, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the ecological importance of dolphins, their conservation, and the protection of their natural habitats.

This year, the spotlight is on the western coast of the country, where Gujarat – home to India’s longest coastline – has emerged as a significant hub for dolphin conservation. With its 1,600 km-long coastline, Gujarat has a rich marine biodiversity. In the latest Dolphin Census conducted by the Gujarat Forest Department, approximately 680 dolphins were recorded across a 4,087 sq. km marine stretch – a promising outcome of sustained conservation efforts, as per government data shared today.

The coastal expanse from Kutch to Bhavnagar has been identified as a thriving habitat for dolphins. The Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary located in the southern part of the Gulf of Kutch, between Okha and Navlakhi, recorded the highest dolphin population: 498 dolphins in 1,384 sq. km. The northern Gulf of Kutch saw 168 dolphins in 1,821 sq. km, while 10 were spotted in Bhavnagar and 4 in Morbi.

Experts highlight that dolphins are top predators in the marine food chain and play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Their presence is often an indicator of a healthy ocean ecosystem.

Conservationists also credit coastal fishing communities, particularly from Kutch to Bhavnagar, for their growing awareness and cooperation in dolphin protection. Among the species sighted along Gujarat’s coast, the Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin is the most prominent. Recognised by its distinctive hump and elongated dorsal fin, this dolphin species is known for its acrobatic displays and friendly nature.

Found in shallow waters near estuaries, these dolphins feed primarily on fish, crabs, and shrimp. India officially declared the dolphin as its National Aquatic Animal in October 2009, with the Ganga Dolphin symbolising the purity of the Ganges River. Known for their intelligence and playfulness, dolphins continue to capture the imagination of tourists and researchers alike.

–IANS

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Under the provisions of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Gujarat has officially granted Indian citizenship to 56 Pakistani nationals who have lived in the state for over two decades. Gujarat’s State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi ceremoniously handed over the citizenship certificates during an event in Ahmedabad on 11 December 2024.

Sanghavi congratulated the recipients and expressed heartfelt wishes, saying, “Smile, now you are citizens of this great country, India.” His words brought immense relief and joy to the new citizens, many of whom had awaited this moment for years.

Hisha Kumari’s Remarkable Journey

One of the most inspiring stories among the recipients was that of Hisha Kumari. Born in Pakistan in 1998, she moved to India with her family in 2013, seeking freedom and a better future. Her perseverance and determination stand as a testament to her resilience.

Hisha continued her education in India, completing her schooling and gaining admission to a medical college in Ajmer in 2017. Having recently completed her medical studies, she is now set to embark on her career as a doctor.

Expressing her gratitude upon receiving her citizenship, Hisha said, “I am grateful to the country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for restoring my identity. With this citizenship, I can now apply anywhere.” She proudly displayed her certificate, marking the culmination of years of effort and hope.

Streamlining the Citizenship Process

State Home Minister Sanghavi highlighted the government’s commitment to simplifying the citizenship process for deserving individuals. “Earlier, these people had to endure a lengthy process in Delhi. Now, we have ensured their issues are resolved locally,” he explained.

The event underscored the Modi government’s focus on granting citizenship to persecuted minorities from neighboring countries under the CAA. From 2017 to March 2024, 1,167 Pakistani citizens were granted Indian citizenship. With these 56 individuals, the total has now risen to 1,222.

Gujarat’s Proactive Role

In Gujarat alone, over 50 Pakistani Hindus received citizenship certificates in the last six months, demonstrating the state’s proactive approach to addressing the concerns of persecuted minorities.

For the 56 individuals, obtaining Indian citizenship marks the end of a long and arduous journey and the start of a new chapter filled with opportunities and hope. This legal recognition enables them to fully integrate into Indian society, pursue their dreams, and build a secure future.

(With Inputs From Organiser)

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The News Minute (TNM) has launched a partisan tirade, accusing the Modi government of unfairly redirecting investments to Gujarat at the expense of other states. With allegations rooted in anonymous sources and barren of credible data, TNM claims come across as yet another hit job aimed at undermining Gujarat for its legitimate economic progress. Far from an exposé, this narrative reeks of political bias and desperation, especially with Maharashtra elections around the corner.

A deeper analysis by The Commune Mag dismantles TNM conjectures, exposing their lack of substance and factual inaccuracies.

TNM Report On Gujarat Hijacking Investments

As India aims to become a global economic powerhouse, Gujarat has emerged as a leading destination for major projects, including the Micron semiconductor plant, the Tata-Airbus facility, and numerous infrastructure investments. However, this influx has sparked allegations that the Modi government is channeling investments disproportionately to Gujarat, at the expense of states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Maharashtra and the one leading the pack is none other than TNM, a leftist mouthpiece.

TNM scribe Pooja Prasanna allegedly spoke to political leaders and industry insiders from these states who allege that federal incentives, fast-tracked approvals, and “helicopter diplomacy” redirect investments to Gujarat, creating an economic imbalance. Are these allegations founded, or is Gujarat’s success the result of strategic, criteria-based planning? Is this yet another TNM hitjob now that the Maharashtra elections are just around the corner?

First of all, the article that they promised would “expose” this disturbing truth is behind a paywall. Second, the video that was published alongside the article is full of gas as expected – with no credible source or numbers and data, just speculation after speculation for 10 whole minutes.

After going through the video, we decided to list out their allegations and counter them factually.

Allegation 1: Shifting Projects Away From Other States

According to “opposition leaders” TNM spoke to, multiple high-value projects originally destined for Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Maharashtra have been redirected to Gujarat. They claim that initiatives such as the Micron plant, initially slated for Telangana, and the Tata-Airbus project initially planned for Maharashtra, were rerouted under pressure from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

What’s The Truth?

The federal government’s investment strategy encourages competitive readiness. Projects are awarded to states based on various factors, including accessibility to resources, logistical advantages, and infrastructure suitability. Gujarat’s success in securing these projects reflects its infrastructure preparedness, rather than political favoritism. Similar high-profile investments continue to flow into other states where conditions align with the requirements of PLI (Production-Linked Incentive) and other competitive, criteria-based frameworks. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, for example, remain leaders in sectors like manufacturing, technology, and aerospace.

With regard to the shift of Tata Tata-Airbus project to Gujarat, a white paper from Maharashtra’s Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) revealed that the then MVA government had not signed any formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for land acquisition for the Tata-Airbus project.

Allegation 2: Exclusive Incentives For Gujarat’s GIFT City And Dholera

TNM argues that the Central Government granted GIFT City (India’s first International Financial Services Centre) in Gujarat exclusive benefits, such as extensive tax exemptions and currency transaction flexibilities that were initially meant for Mumbai. They also allege that Dholera, another industrial hub in Gujarat, receives state-of-the-art infrastructure support and that both hubs attract disproportionate central assistance.

What Is The Truth?

GIFT City and Dholera are part of a broader “Industrial Corridor” strategy to boost economic growth through specialized hubs across the country. Originally proposed in the early 2000s, Gujarat was chosen for the development of GIFT City over Mumbai primarily due to a combination of strategic factors, including the state’s pro-business policies, availability of land, and a focused vision for creating a world-class financial hub. In 2004, when the proposal for an International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) was under consideration, Mumbai faced regulatory challenges, with the Reserve Bank of India rejecting the idea. Meanwhile, Gujarat, with its strong industrial base and support for business initiatives, positioned itself as a more attractive location for such an ambitious project. The Gujarat government offered land at a more favorable rate and introduced favorable incentives, making it easier to create a greenfield financial hub like GIFT City.

Additionally, GIFT City was conceived as an autonomous, modern urban area, designed to attract global financial firms with its ease of doing business, tax benefits, and infrastructure, a vision that resonated well with the state’s long-term economic goals. This strategic alignment with Gujarat’s broader development agenda, along with its proactive government policies, allowed GIFT City to take off, positioning it as India’s sole greenfield IFSC, while Mumbai’s natural business ecosystem remained hampered by existing regulatory and infrastructural constraints.

Allegation 3: Pressure Through “Helicopter Diplomacy”

TNM alleged that in 2022, a US semiconductor company, initially planning to invest heavily in Chennai, allegedly found itself subjected to unexpected pressure. After a meeting with the Commerce Minister in New Delhi, the company’s officials were allegedly “whisked away” by helicopter to Gujarat, allegedly to convince them to shift their investment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state. This ‘helicopter diplomacy,’ they claim is just one example of what political leaders from opposition-ruled states have called the Modi government’s heavy-handed tactics to divert investments from other regions to Gujarat. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin claimed that a ₹6,000 crore investment intended for his state was coerced into relocating to Gujarat, while Telangana’s former IT Minister KTR and Karnataka’s IT Minister Priyank Kharge both accused the Union government of pressuring multinational companies to move their projects to Gujarat, citing influence from the Prime Minister’s Office.

What Is The Truth?

Encouraging investors to consider strategic hubs is part of the Central Government’s broader foreign investment outreach. This approach is not exclusive to Gujarat; many states actively market their investment zones and offer unique incentives to attract global companies. The government’s outreach to foreign investors emphasizes India as a whole, with regional hubs offering competitive policies to create an attractive investment environment. Investors’ final decisions largely rest on each state’s readiness and alignment with project needs.

The allegation of “whisking away in a helicopter” is just that – an allegation. The article does not provide proof of these incidents and does not provide proper sources – they state anonymous sources who are either opposition party leaders or some random anonymous person.

It is also not clear which company is exactly in question. Based on news reports, Vedanta-Foxconn signed an MoU in 2022 to invest  1.54 trillion rupees. It was reported that Gujarat pipped Maharashtra to win the deal.

However, while crying foul for TN, TNM did not look at the other deal that was inked with the state. In 2023, TN signed an agreement with Foxconn to build a mobile component manufacturing facility in Kancheepuram with a ₹1,600 crore investment, creating 6,000 jobs.

TNM also doesn’t mention 2 semiconductor companies which moved out of Telangana to TN

Corning International Corporation and Kaynes Semicon both shifted operations from Telangana to other states. Corning moved its Gorilla glass facility to Tamil Nadu in January 2024, while Kaynes relocated its semiconductor unit in March 2024 to Gujarat, despite initial agreements with Telangana. Both companies cited evolving ecosystems and growing opportunities in their new locations.

Allegation 4: Undermining Federal Principles By Favouring BJP-Ruled States

Some opposition leaders assert that the Modi government is systematically favoring BJP-ruled states. They argue that recent PLI-enabled projects, as well as critical infrastructure investments, have disproportionately benefited Gujarat and other BJP-led regions like Uttar Pradesh, sidelining opposition-ruled states.

What Is The Truth?

The allocation of federal projects and investments follows a competitive, structured model in which states are encouraged to create investment-friendly policies. For instance, Karnataka and Telangana, both opposition-led, remain hubs for technology and manufacturing, and they continue to receive high-profile investments. The Modi government has also launched region-specific initiatives like the Northeast Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS) to bring investment to previously underserved states, underscoring a national approach that includes diverse regions in India’s growth story.

Allegation 5: Tilting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Towards Gujarat

Some critics argue that Gujarat receives a disproportionately large share of FDI compared to other states, citing the Modi government’s promotion of Gujarat-based hubs during international visits. They allege that Gujarat’s prominence in FDI flows undermines other states’ attractiveness to global investors.

What Is The Truth?

FDI trends reflect investor confidence, often based on factors like ease of doing business, infrastructure, and local government policies. Gujarat’s readiness to meet these expectations makes it a competitive location, yet it does not dominate FDI inflows across all sectors. States like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka remain FDI magnets for industries such as IT, automotive, and finance. The government’s national outreach emphasizes India’s advantages as a whole, with individual states competing based on their respective strengths.

Allegation 6: Regional Economic Imbalance And Impact On Jobs

TNM video argues that steering investments disproportionately to Gujarat stunts economic growth and job creation in other regions, with Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, for instance, missing out on major projects. Critics say that this strategy could deter future investments and diminish states’ economic reputations.

What Is The Truth?

The government’s industrial development model prioritizes regional investment hubs in line with each state’s core strengths. Maharashtra continues to attract significant FDI in sectors like automotive and aerospace, while Tamil Nadu remains a powerhouse in electronics manufacturing. Each state has unique strengths, and the federal government’s role is to foster regional competitiveness rather than enforce a single economic center. The allocation of projects is a balanced endeavor that positions states to leverage their distinct advantages.

TNM very nicely turns a blind eye to the “huge” number of MoUs signed since 2021 by their favourite Chief Minister MK Stalin – be it in Dubai, Japan, Spain, and more recently in the US which promised a big number of jobs. Did they forget the Investor Summit that took place in January 2024?

History

The allegations of favouritism toward Gujarat ignore the context and history of how states attract investments based on governance, incentives, and local policies. When Tata’s Singur plant faced political resistance in West Bengal, Gujarat seized the opportunity to host the project, even though Narendra Modi was merely the state’s Chief Minister and the UPA held power at the centre.

This is a prime example of a state capitalizing on opportunities without federal intervention. Similarly, investors prioritize stable governance, ease of doing business, and competitive policies over political alignment. Gujarat, for instance, established a semiconductor policy in 2022, well before other states like Tamil Nadu introduced theirs, and firms gravitate towards states with consistent policies and incentives.

Moreover, when major companies have withdrawn from Tamil Nadu or Kerala, it has often been due to local opposition or resistance—such as Vedanta’s Sterlite plant being pushed out by protests. In contrast, Taiwan companies and other major firms are currently thriving in Tamil Nadu, demonstrating that each state’s success in attracting or losing investments hinges on local conditions rather than federal nudging. 

TNM does not acknowledge that Tamil Nadu has a history of protests which led to shut down of factories like that of Sterlite in Thoothukudi, or the Kudankulam nuclear power plant, and alleged “fire incidents” at Foxlink and Pegatron plants that led to brief operational halts in the past, with Foxlink’s facility lacking functional fire safety equipment. States like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka also have a history of labour unrest at the Wistron and Foxconn plants which has affected production in India in recent years. Take the recent labour unrest at the Samsung Chennai plant, spearheaded by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) which turned into a headache for the DMK government. 

With such history, why would any straight-thinking corporate house want to invest in such states?

TNM video and the article focus on allegations that investments are being systematically redirected to Gujarat and overlook examples that illustrate investments continuing to flow into other states, including those not governed by the BJP. For instance, Corning International Corporation’s decision to relocate its Gorilla Glass manufacturing facility to Tamil Nadu in early 2024 is a significant counterpoint. Initially planned for Telangana, this ₹1,000 crore investment—now in partnership with Bharat Innovative Glass Technologies Private Limited (BIGTECH)—has shifted to Pillaipakkam, Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, promising employment to 840 people.

This example undercuts TNM propaganda of a one-directional flow of investments exclusively towards Gujarat. Economic diversity across states also reveals that investment flows are far from Gujarat-centric. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka continue to lead in technology and manufacturing sectors, while Telangana’s financial district remains a top destination despite challenges. States attract investments based on competitive factors like manpower availability, infrastructure, incentives, and land policies. FDI flows to multiple regions are driven by local advantages, not central government biases, as shown by the investments signed under Tamil Nadu’s industrial policies and the investments streaming into Karnataka. This pattern suggests that investor decisions are driven by a combination of state policies, stability, and infrastructure readiness, not political favoritism.

Additionally, it is more profitable to establish an industry away from the south as per the below infographic.

Setting up an #industry is least profitable in the South states due to scarce availability of raw materials, ores, coal to generate power/buy power. For 70 years we have done blunders after blunders. #TamilNadu is the least #profitable large state in India. #Factory #industrial pic.twitter.com/ccAV0L3kUp

— A P D (@nandighosha) November 6, 2024

Strategic Investment Or Favoritism?

The debate surrounding Gujarat’s role in India’s investment landscape highlights the complexities of a competitive economic model. While Gujarat’s success may appear to favour a single state, a closer analysis shows that criteria-based incentives and nationwide competitiveness shape the Modi government’s investment strategy. States with established infrastructures, investor-friendly policies, and industrial ecosystems continue to thrive, regardless of political alignment.

This balanced approach strengthens India’s federal structure by encouraging states to create favorable conditions for investment, ensuring that India’s economic growth is inclusive and sustainable. In a global economy where investors seek predictability and efficiency, India’s regional hubs provide a varied and robust investment landscape that supports a diversified, balanced growth trajectory.

The News Minute’s piece is not an exposé—it’s a desperate and poorly executed smear campaign. By relying on unverified sources, politically motivated narratives, and hollow allegations, TNM has just shown that it is ‘The Wire’ of the South employed for partisan propaganda.

The Commune could just as easily assert that a prominent Opposition party commissioned the News Minute’s entire hit job—but unlike TNM, we value evidence over conjecture. Wild accusations and whispered narratives from “friendly politicians” or shadowy “anonymous sources” don’t constitute proof. If TNM wants to be taken seriously (not many do), it must rise above the gutter of partisan spin and present verifiable facts. Until then, TNM reports remain nothing more than a paid narrative masquerading as journalism.

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The post Debunking TNM’s Claims Of Investment Bias Towards Gujarat – A Comprehensive Analysis Of India’s State-Wise Industrial Development appeared first on The Commune.

Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) Managing Director Jayen S Mehta said on Monday that the dairy co-operative was poised to debut in the European market with its popular Amul products by the end of this month. “The company will launch the products in Spain first and then look at expanding to other countries in Europe,” Mehta said at the 57th Convocation of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) here.

Amul launched its fresh milk in the US in May 2024. The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) partnered with the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) to launch the milk. The milk is available in one-gallon and half-gallon packs in cities like Chicago, Dallas, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The four milk variants are Amul Taaza, Amul Gold, Amul Shakti, and Amul Slim n Trim. Amul products in Canada include cheese, frozen snacks, beverages, and ice cream.

In 2022-23, Amul’s export revenue touched Rs 72,000 crores (USD 9 billion). As the Chief Guest at the IIFT function, the GCMMF Managing Director urged the graduating students to explore rewarding careers in international business and trade.

He highlighted the remarkable achievements of Indian companies in reaching new global markets. He underscored how international business expertise could position students to be at the forefront of India’s expanding global footprint. He shared insights into how Amul and other leading Indian brands are strengthening India’s presence on the world stage, creating opportunities for talented professionals in trade and commerce.

Dr Mehta’s address also underscored the significance of cooperatives in strengthening India’s rural economy and ultimately empowering farmers, highlighting the pivotal role cooperatives play in fostering economic resilience at the grassroots level. He also urged the graduates to prioritise human values and uphold strong ethical principles in their professional lives. Additionally, he reminded them to pay attention to their personal health and well-being, recognising that a balanced and healthy lifestyle is essential for long-term success and fulfilment.

–IANS

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The post Amul Poised To Debut In European Market This Month appeared first on The Commune.