(Utkarsh Patel)

In the context of escalating tensions resembling a conflict between the United States and Iran, India’s decision not to assume an active mediatory role is both appropriate and pragmatic. This decision aligns with the core principles of India’s foreign policy and diplomacy, which prioritize national economic interests above all. In the current global environment, as India moves toward becoming a developed nation, it is wise to prioritize national interests rather than getting involved in the disputes of other countries.

The foundation of India’s foreign policy lies in ‘strategic autonomy’ and ‘multi-alignment.’ Under this approach, India maintains balanced relations with all major powers without coming under the influence of any single nation. India’s ties with the United States have reached unprecedented levels, especially in trade, technology, and security sectors. According to 2025–26 data, bilateral trade exceeds $190 billion, with significant contributions from IT services, pharmaceuticals, and energy. On the other hand, India also maintains important energy-related ties with Iran. The Chabahar Port project provides India access to Central Asia and Afghanistan, facilitating trade and connectivity. Had India actively mediated in the U.S.-Iran conflict, it could have strained relations with both sides. By remaining neutral, India has safeguarded its economic and trade stability.

When a nation is progressing rapidly, getting entangled in foreign conflicts can be detrimental. Under the current government, India’s economy is moving swiftly toward becoming the world’s third-largest. GDP growth is above 7%, foreign direct investment (FDI) is increasing, and the manufacturing sector is strengthening through initiatives like ‘Make in India.’ In such a scenario, active involvement in geopolitical conflicts could disrupt economic goals. Taking sides could impact oil imports, leading to inflation and industrial losses. Therefore, prioritizing national interest is the right approach. This strategy also helped India remain neutral during the Russia-Ukraine crisis, benefiting from discounted oil imports.

Working towards global peace and humanity is an integral part of India’s national policy. In the long run, this approach will prove beneficial. By upholding the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ India advocated for developing nations at the G20. This policy has earned India global respect and opened new avenues for trade and investment. Actively contributing to global peace while not becoming a party to conflicts is the ideal balanced approach that will strengthen India economically.

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s global acceptance plays a key role in this equation. His personal rapport with world leaders has helped India secure a leading position in strategic forums such as QUAD, I2U2, and IMEC. Engagements with the U.S. have enhanced technology transfer and investments, while ties with Middle Eastern nations have created new opportunities in energy and logistics. This diplomacy ensures that India is not dependent on any one bloc but stands as an independent and strong global partner.

It can be clearly stated that India’s neutrality on the U.S.-Iran issue is not a weakness but a reflection of its mature foreign policy. This approach keeps the nation firmly on its path of economic progress, contributes to global peace, and safeguards humanitarian values. As India advances toward its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, such pragmatic and interest-driven foreign policy will be key to achieving success. This approach will also ensure India’s global respect and economic prosperity.

(The writer is a prominent businessman, social worker and founder of khabarchhe.com)

(Utkarsh Patel)

In Gujarat’s textile industry, Rachna Group of Surat is a leading name. The journey that began in 1980 through the efforts of Jayprakash Agarwal (JP) has today transformed into a remarkable success story. His textile-related companies now generate turnovers worth crores, export to more than thirty countries, and provide employment to thousands of families. This achievement is the result of his hard work, foresight, and commitment to quality.

Jayprakash Agarwal’s life is not defined by business success alone. His heart beats equally for social service. He believes that success is meaningful only when it is shared with society, and he actively lives this philosophy through his contributions.

He is a major donor in areas such as education, healthcare, old-age homes, cow protection, religious trusts, women’s safety, and tribal welfare. Beyond financial support, he also dedicates his time as a trustee. Whenever there is a call for public service by the government, he is among the first to contribute. In Surat, he has also extended full support—physically, mentally, and financially—to police and security-related initiatives. In matters concerning the textile industry, he stays away from conflicts and consistently works toward constructive solutions.

He holds deep admiration for Narendra Modi and actively participates in every service initiative inspired by his calls.

Jayprakash Agarwal’s life sends a powerful message to the youth: true success lies not in earning profits, but in giving back to society. Having achieved prosperity in Surat, he has done everything possible to repay the city. He truly deserves to be called a “Nagar Sheth” of Surat—someone whose hands are always open in service to others.

(The writer is a prominent businessman, social worker and founder of khabarchhe.com)

(Utkarsh Patel)

Surat, a city known as the textile capital of India, has produced many successful entrepreneurs who have earned global recognition through hard work and vision. Among such inspiring personalities, Kamalbhai Tulsiyan (Kamal Vijay Ramchandra Tulsiyan) stands out. He is not only a successful textile industrialist but also a social worker, an able guide in the banking sector, and a strong voice for the industry. His life shows that true success comes when business is combined with service to the society.

Kamalbhai started his career from very humble and challenging beginnings. In the Pandesara GIDC area of Surat, he established J. R. Dyeing & Printing Mills Pvt. Ltd., which is now considered one of the oldest and most trusted saree manufacturing and processing companies in the country. His company has become a symbol of quality and reliability in dyeing, printing, and texturizing. He has also focused on modernizing the industry by adopting eco-friendly technologies and taking continuous steps for the welfare of workers. Today, he runs the business along with his family members.

His personality becomes even more impressive through his commitment to social service. He is actively serving as the Chairman of The Sutex Co-operative Bank Ltd., which provides financial support to Surat’s textile industry and small and medium traders. Under his leadership, the bank has contributed significantly through education loans, business loans, and various social initiatives.

Kamalbhai has also served as the President of the Pandesara Industrial Cooperative Society, where he worked to protect the interests of textile units. His contributions to organizations like the Southern Gujarat Textile Processors Association (SGTPA) and Surat Mega Textile Processing Park Association have been valuable for industry growth. As a patron and managing committee member of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SGCCI), he has always spoken boldly for the rights and concerns of traders.

One of his most notable qualities is that he never avoids challenges. During difficult times such as the 1994 plague and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he played an important role in supporting workers, protecting the industry, and helping society. By coordinating with the government and local administration, he provided financial and emotional support to many families. Such efforts truly define him as a social leader beyond being an industrialist.

Even at the age of around 74, Kamalbhai continues to maintain an active daily routine like a young entrepreneur. He is known for his straightforward nature and never hesitates to speak openly about industry issues, whether in front of politicians or senior officials. He lives a simple life and treats his workers like family members. He strongly believes in environmental protection and the use of modern technology to ensure sustainable growth in the textile sector. His involvement in social activities related to education, healthcare, and industry is remarkable.

Kamalbhai Tulsiyan’s work teaches us that success is not just for personal gain but for the benefit of society. He truly believes that real success lies in moving forward together with everyone. His life reflects the idea that “success means growing together.” Personalities like him continue to inspire young entrepreneurs in Surat and beyond.

(The writer is a prominent businessman, social worker and founder of khabarchhe.com)

Surat: In a significant initiative aimed at safeguarding the health and developmental future of vulnerable children, Swarsangya Charitable Trust, in collaboration with Nirmal Hospital, organized a Free Child Health and Development Camp under the Poshan Sangam (C-MAM) initiative implemented by the Surat Municipal Corporation.

The camp focused on children identified as Severely Acute Malnourished (SAM) and Moderately Acute Malnourished (MAM). Free services included CBC tests, paediatric examinations, nutrition counselling, and hearing screening.

Medical experts emphasized that malnutrition affects not only body weight but also brain development, immunity, speech, and learning ability. Health statistics indicate that up to 60 percent of childhood hearing loss is preventable if detected early. By integrating hearing screening into the nutrition programme, Swarsangya Charitable Trust ensured a holistic approach toward child welfare.

Nirmal Hospital provided medical infrastructure and specialist support to ensure professional execution of the camp.
The initiative highlighted the importance of early detection and preventive healthcare.

Mumbai: The United States government reaffirmed its commitment to a strong, results-oriented energy partnership with India during India Energy Week (IEW) 2026, held January 27-30 in Goa. Acting Consul General Mike Schreuder led a U.S. delegation in engagements focused on expanding energy trade, strengthening infrastructure, and advancing technology cooperation-highlighting the growing economic and strategic importance of U.S.-India energy ties.

"The United States and India are building an energy partnership that delivers real benefits for our people," Acting Consul General Schreuder said. "Our cooperation is centered on action-expanding reliable American energy exports, promoting transparent and market-driven growth, and supporting affordable, dependable energy supplies. These efforts strengthen energy security, support economic growth, and create opportunities."

During the week, the U.S. delegation met with Indian national oil companies and industry leaders to discuss increasing imports of American hydrocarbons and civil nuclear energy technologies. The United States currently supplies approximately 10 percent of India's liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) demand, and discussions explored opportunities to expand long-term contracts for U.S. crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG). U.S. energy exports offer India a reliable and flexible supply option to meet its growing demand while supporting American jobs and production. As India seeks to expand civil nuclear power, U.S. companies offer a global track record of success.

The United States and India also underscored the role of innovation in building a secure energy future. Both countries are investing in advanced technologies, including smart grids and next-generation energy systems for a more resilient and reliable energy network.

The U.S. Consulate General Mumbai remains committed to advancing U.S.-India energy cooperation through continued engagement, increased trade and investment, and the promotion of practical, forward-looking solutions that support prosperity and energy security for both nations.

A few years ago, after witnessing the rapid prosperity of Surat, a senior political leader from Saurashtra brought together land mafias and formed a gang that came to be known as the Mahakal Group. The sudden raid by the Income Tax Department’s DDI wing on the mastermind of this Mahakal Group in Surat has sent shockwaves.

Earlier, the government had neutralized several associates of this gang. However, questions are now being raised: Does the Mahakal gang still exist, or is this the final blow against it? Will all its remaining members now be completely eliminated?

As land prices in Surat skyrocketed, a senior political leader from Saurashtra formed a gang of around 30 people nearly five years ago. According to a report published by *Divya Bhaskar*, the gang included 10 land mafias, 4 journalists, 2 gangsters, along with politicians, lawyers, and chartered accountants. The gang created immense terror in Surat, leaving industrialists deeply distressed.

Eventually, the matter reached the Prime Minister, following which strict action was taken. Over time, the gang dispersed, but some individuals continued operating independently and reportedly received backing from powerful quarters. It is said that some associates of the gang attempted to reassert themselves.

The main accused had purchased six luxury cars. During the IT raids, approximately ₹1.3 crore in cash, luxury vehicles, and several important documents were seized. The IT team conducted raids at multiple locations starting Wednesday morning. Following these raids, panic has spread among other associates of the Mahakal Group. Gradually, more information about them is emerging, and details of their alleged scams are expected to surface further in the coming days.

Surat: In a remarkable breakthrough showcasing the future of law enforcement, the Dahod district police unit—located in what is often described as Gujarat’s most remote and tribal region—has successfully leveraged AI-powered drone surveillance to detect and destroy concealed narcotic plantations. The operation resulted in seizures valued at nearly Rs 1.9 crore, marking a historic first for India.

This is the first-ever instance in the country where AI-integrated drones have been deployed to uncover drug cultivation—an achievement even major technology-driven metro cities have not yet matched.

Until recently, identifying drug cultivation hidden deep within forests and hill regions posed major challenges. Conventional drone cameras provided images that were often inconclusive, with cannabis plants appearing similar to okra, toor, or even saptaparni from the sky.

To overcome this, the Dahod police developed and refined a system that uses Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithms to distinguish cannabis from other vegetation. Using free yet reliable online platforms (similar to plant-species recognition tools used by botanists), police teams created bespoke software to scan drone images.

When drones fly over farmlands or jungle patches, the AI system highlights suspected cannabis plantations in yellow, filtering out other foliage. After a year of fine-tuning, the system now operates with 80% accuracy. Since its deployment in 2024, it has successfully identified eight hidden marijuana plantations.

Superintendent of Police Rajdeepsinh Zala credited his team’s persistence:

 “Earlier, officers had to physically approach suspicious fields, often risking exposure. AI has changed everything.”

Local Tribal Youth at the Forefront of High-Tech Policing

A striking dimension of this achievement is who is operating the technology. Many of the constables running drone systems come from local tribal families—now trained, empowered, and deployed in cutting-edge policing.

Their success, officers say, symbolizes a transformation where “the world’s best technology is now being used by the sons of our soil.”

Harsh Sanghavi Hails Dahod’s Innovation

Reacting to the development, Gujarat’s Home and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi praised the Dahod police for proving that technology-led policing is not limited to major cities.

In his recent address on modern policing, Sanghavi said:

“Gujarat is building a model where technology becomes the backbone of safety. Even our remotest districts are showing India how artificial intelligence can protect society. Dahod’s achievement demonstrates that when innovation meets dedication, policing becomes smarter, faster, and more just.”

He reaffirmed that the state is committed to AI-enabled policing, drones for surveillance, and skill-building for police personnel across districts.

A Boost to India’s AI Mission

This ground-level innovation aligns with India’s broader push for an inclusive, responsible, and innovation-led AI ecosystem. As part of these efforts, the IndiaAI Mission under MeitY, in partnership with the Government of Gujarat and IIT Gandhinagar, is hosting a Regional Pre-Summit Event on December 11, 2025, at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar.

On Sunday, Former U.S. President Joe Biden's office announced that he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. The diagnosis, characterized by a Gleason score of 9, shows a high-grade cancer that can spread quickly.

Joe's son died due to cancer and his wife also took treatment of it. So, it is a personal battle for him.

In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Biden expressed gratitude for the global outpouring of support, stating, "Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places."

https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1924427587582828753

Biden's commitment to combating cancer has been a defining aspect of his public service. The loss of his son, Beau Biden, to brain cancer in 2015 profoundly influenced his dedication to the cause. This personal tragedy propelled him to spearhead the "Cancer Moonshot" initiative during his vice presidency, aiming to accelerate cancer research and improve patient outcomes.

As president, Biden reignited the Cancer Moonshot with ambitious goals: to reduce the cancer death rate by at least 50% over the next 25 years and to enhance the experience of those living with and surviving cancer.

Biden's recent diagnosis adds a deeply personal dimension to his longstanding crusade against cancer. He has also faced cancer attacks in the past two times. His resilience and continued advocacy serve as an inspiration to many, reinforcing his belief that unity and determination can drive progress in the face of adversity.