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PM Modi invites tourists to visit Gujarat’s Rann Utsav for lifetime experience

He recalled that Kutch experienced a devastating super cyclone in 1999 and celebrated the remarkable transformation of the region in the 21st century, describing it as an unprecedented turnaround in history.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged everyone to experience Gujarat’s Kutch during the ongoing Rann Utsav, emphasising that it will be an unforgettable journey.

“Kutch is calling! Come explore the stunning White Rann, its rich culture, and the warm hospitality of the Kutch community during the Rann Utsav,” the Prime Minister expressed in a post on X. This festival, which runs until March 2025, promises to be a memorable event.

Kutch is renowned for its vibrant culture, unique wildlife sanctuary, and expansive salt desert. In a more detailed LinkedIn post, PM Modi described the vast salt desert shimmering under the moonlight, offering a unique and surreal experience. He also highlighted the region’s flourishing arts and crafts.

Most importantly, he noted that Kutch is home to incredibly welcoming people who take pride in their heritage and are eager to connect with visitors. In his post, PM Modi extended a “personal invitation” to dynamic professionals and their families to visit Kutch and immerse themselves in the Rann Utsav.

The festivities began on December 1 and will continue until February 28, while the Rann Utsav tent city will remain open until the end of March. PM Modi assured his audience that Rann Utsav will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. He mentioned that for those seeking rest and relaxation, Kutch is the perfect destination, while those interested in exploring history and culture will find plenty to discover.

“Engage with our ancient heritage by visiting Dholavira, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience nature at the Vijay Vilas Palace or Kala Dungar. The ‘Road to Heaven’, nestled among white salt flats, is one of the most breathtaking roads in India,” PM Modi listed, highlighting various attractions.

He also commended the craftsmanship of Kutchi artisans. The Prime Minister pointed out that Smriti Van, a tribute to the victims of the 2001 earthquake, has been recognized as “the world’s most beautiful museum,” receiving the Prix Versailles 2024 World Title for “Interiors” from UNESCO.

“This museum exemplifies how the human spirit can adapt and flourish even in the face of adversity,” he stated. Kutch had previously been overlooked and faced numerous challenges, being bordered by the Registan Desert on one side and Pakistan on the other.

PM Modi took over as Gujarat’s Chief Minister shortly after the earthquake and remained in that role until becoming Prime Minister in 2014. He recalled that Kutch experienced a devastating super cyclone in 1999 and celebrated the remarkable transformation of the region in the 21st century, describing it as an unprecedented turnaround in history.

“Together, we worked towards the comprehensive development of Kutch, focusing on disaster-resistant infrastructure and creating livelihoods that retained the local youth, enabling them to find work without leaving their homes,” he explained. Once a land of perpetual drought, Kutch has now gained recognition for its agriculture, with its fruits, including mangoes, reaching international markets.

“In 2005, the Rann Utsav was established to realize the untapped tourism potential of Kutch, and it has since evolved into a vibrant tourism hub,” he continued. Rann Utsav has also garnered multiple awards both domestically and internationally.

Dhordo, the village that hosts the annual Rann Utsav celebrations, was honored as the 2023 Best Tourism Village by the United Nations World Tourism Organization for its commitment to cultural preservation, sustainable tourism, and rural development.

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

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Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

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India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

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Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

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Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

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Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

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