India

Vadodara, March 30 (IANS) A fire broke out at a company in Manjusar, Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation, Vadodara district, on Sunday.

The fire erupted at Torrecid India Private Limited, which manufactures tile powder.

Thick plumes of smoke rising from the site could be seen from a significant distance, triggering panic in the area.

Multiple fire accidents have been reported in industrial units across Vadodara during the final days of March.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, and speculation is rife regarding possible reasons behind the increasing number of such incidents.

As soon as the fire broke out, the Fire Department was alerted, and emergency response teams rushed to the spot. Initially, four fire tenders were deployed to douse the flames and prevent the fire from spreading further.

Firefighters worked tirelessly to bring the situation under control. So far, there have been no reports of casualties, but the extent of damage to the facility is yet to be determined. Authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the fire.

In recent weeks, several factories and industrial units in Vadodara have experienced similar fire outbreaks, yet no concrete reasons have been identified for the sudden spike in such cases. With rising temperatures and increasing industrial activities, experts emphasise the need for strict safety protocols and fire audits to prevent further incidents.

The Fire Department has urged industrial units to take necessary precautions, ensuring their firefighting systems are in place and functional. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while ensuring that all necessary safety measures are implemented to prevent further accidents.

Gujarat has witnessed industrial fire incidents over the past year, raising significant concerns about industrial safety and emergency preparedness in the region.

In January, several industrial fires occurred within 24 hours in Vapi, Jambusar, and Borsara GIDC in Surat's Mangrol.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 30 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed concern over the growing issue of textile waste, calling it a major global challenge, and praised efforts being made in India to tackle this environmental threat.

Addressing the 120th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat,' PM Modi said, "Textile waste has become a major cause of worry for the whole world. Nowadays, the trend of getting rid of old clothes as soon as possible and buying new ones is increasing all over the world. Have you ever thought about what happens to the old clothes that you stop wearing? This becomes textile waste."

He noted that extensive research has been conducted on the subject, revealing that less than one per cent of textile waste worldwide is recycled into new clothing.

"India is the third-largest producer of textile waste in the world. This means that we also face a huge challenge. But I am happy that many commendable efforts are being undertaken in our country to deal with this challenge. Many Indian start-ups have started working on textile recovery facilities," he added.

PM Modi highlighted that several organisations are focusing on empowering ragpickers while young entrepreneurs are contributing to sustainable fashion by recycling old clothes and footwear for distribution to the needy.

He noted that various decorative items, handbags, stationery, and toys are now being made from textile waste, with 'circular fashion brands' gaining popularity.

"New rental platforms are coming up, where designer clothes are available for rent. Some organisations even collect old clothes, make them reusable, and distribute them to the poor," he said.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that certain cities in India are becoming known for their efforts in textile waste management.

"Panipat in Haryana is emerging as a global hub for textile recycling. Bengaluru is also creating a distinct identity for itself with innovative tech solutions. More than half of the textile waste is collected here, which is an example for our other cities as well," he stated.

He further praised Tirupur in Tamil Nadu for its efforts in textile waste management through wastewater treatment and renewable energy initiatives.

--IANS

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Hyderabad/Amaravati, March 30 (IANS) Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on Sunday celebrated Telugu New Year Ugadi with gaiety and traditional enthusiasm.

People in both the Telugu states offered special prayers, decorated the entrances of their houses and shops with strings of mango leaves, tasted the traditional festival food and heard 'panchangnam' to usher in the New Year.

The Chief Ministers of the two states attended the main official celebrations in their respective state capitals, where 'agma' pundits read the 'panchangnam' or the forecast of the coming year.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka attended the official function at Ravindra Bharati.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched the celebrations in Vijayawada. Ministers and senior officials attended the celebrations.

The chief ministers and their Cabinet colleagues tasted 'Ugadi pacchadi', a mixture of neem buds, raw mango, tamarind juice, pepper, jaggery, and salt, which is a necessary part of the celebratory dishes. The mixture symbolises various hues of life.

Cultural programmes marked the main official celebrations. The state governments also presented awards to some individuals for their services in different walks of life.

Chief Ministers and governors of both states wished that Ugadi, this year named "Sri Vishwavasu", will bring peace and prosperity for Telugu-speaking people.

Chief Minister Reddy wished that people be blessed with good fortune and their aspirations be fulfilled in the new Telugu year, along with bringing harmony, bountiful rains, and cheers in the farmers' lives with abundant crops.

Revanth Reddy hoped that Telangana would register robust growth in all sectors and stand as a role model for the country in the implementation of welfare schemes.

The CM called on everyone to celebrate Ugadi with joy and gaiety and to promote the significance of the Telangana culture and traditions.

CM Naidu wished the Telugu people around the world. He wished that the festival bring happiness and prosperity to them.

"I sincerely wish everyone achieves significant progress in line with your aspirations. Wishing that the year of Vishwavasu will fill the Telugu people with happiness and bring all success. I extend my best wishes to everyone on the occasion of Ugadi."

Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma participated in the Ugadi celebrations at Raj Bhavan. He wished happiness and prosperity to all Telugu people. He stated that Ugadi is a festival that reflects Telugu culture and fosters unity among Telugu-speaking communities worldwide.

In his address, the Governor encouraged people to embrace the New Year with dedication, commitment, and hard work. He emphasised the importance of selfless service and noble deeds in building a better future.

Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer greeted the people of the state and the Telugu people living across the world.

"Ugadi is a Festival of joy, and I hope the New Year brings new cheer and a bright future for all," he said.

--IANS

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Chennai, March 30 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has strongly condemned the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) recent decision to allow banks to increase charges for ATM withdrawals beyond the monthly free limit -- from Rs 21 to Rs 23 per transaction -- effective May 1.

Taking to social media on Sunday, CM Stalin criticised the Centre’s digitisation initiatives, calling them an “institutionalised extraction” from the poor.

He said that while the Centre initially encouraged citizens to open bank accounts, it later introduced demonetisation and promoted the Digital India campaign.

“What followed were charges on digital transactions, penalties for low balances, and now this hike in ATM withdrawal charges,” he noted.

CM Stalin warned that such measures would force people to withdraw more money than they need, especially hurting the poor and economically vulnerable groups.

“This move undermines the very goals of financial inclusion,” he said.

The Chief Minister pointed out that the increase in ATM charges would particularly affect beneficiaries of welfare schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which is already facing a funding crunch, and those receiving cash transfers under Tamil Nadu’s Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam.

“This is not digitisation. It is institutionalised extraction. The poor swipe, the rich smile,” CM Stalin remarked.

Until now, banks have been permitted to charge customers Rs 21 per transaction after they exhaust their monthly limit of five free ATM withdrawals from their own bank’s ATMs. Under the revised rules, customers will be charged up to Rs 23 per withdrawal beyond this limit.

According to the RBI circular issued on Friday, customers are allowed five free ATM transactions per month (including both financial and non-financial transactions) from their own bank’s ATMs. Additionally, they are entitled to free ATM transactions at other banks: three in metro cities and five in non-metro areas. The new charges will also apply, with necessary modifications, to cash recycler machines, except for cash deposit transactions, the RBI added.

Critics say the increase in withdrawal fees, though seemingly small, disproportionately impacts lower-income individuals who rely on ATMs for accessing government benefits and daily financial needs.

CM Stalin’s remarks have reignited the debate on whether the digital banking push is inadvertently widening the financial divide rather than bridging it.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 30 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday underscored the importance of fitness in daily life and praised initiatives like the Fit India Carnival and International Yoga Day, stating that they have not only inspired Indians but also the world.

Addressing the 120th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Modi lauded the participants of the Khelo India Para Games, emphasising their dedication and passion.

"We will now talk about adding wings to your zeal… About displaying passion despite challenges. In the Khelo India Para Games that concluded a few days ago, the players once again surprised everyone with their dedication and talent. This time, more players participated in these games than earlier. This shows how popular Para Sports is becoming. I congratulate all the players participating in the Khelo India Para Games for their sterling efforts," he said.

He extended best wishes to Haryana, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh for securing the first, second, and third positions, respectively, and highlighted that differently-abled players set 18 national records, 12 of which were achieved by women athletes.

PM Modi read out a letter from Arm wrestler Joby Mathew, who won a gold medal in this year's Khelo India Para Games. Mathew wrote, "Winning a medal is very special, but the struggle is not limited to just standing on the podium. We fight a battle every day. Life tests us in many ways… very few people understand our struggle. Despite this, we move forward with courage. We work towards fulfilling our dreams. We believe that we are no less than anyone else."

Acknowledging Mathew's resilience, PM Modi responded, "Great! Joby Mathew, you have written an amazing, wonderful letter. Thank you for this letter. I want to tell Joby Mathew and all our differently-abled friends that your efforts are a great inspiration for us."

He also praised the Fit India Carnival, organised in Delhi for the first time, as an "innovative idea."

"About 25,000 people from different fields participated in it. All of them had the same goal - to stay fit and spread awareness about fitness. People involved in this event got information related to their health as well as nutrition. I urge you to organise such carnivals in your area as well. MY-Bharat can be of great help to you in this initiative," he added.

PM Modi pointed out how India's indigenous games are gaining recognition in popular culture, citing rapper Hanumankind's song 'Run It Up'.

"Our traditional Martial Arts like Kalaripayattu, Gatka, and Thang-Ta have been included in it. I congratulate Hanumankind that due to his efforts, people of the world are getting to know about our traditional Martial Arts," he said.

Speaking about the role of fitness in modern life, he noted, "Count of the number of steps taken in a day, count of the number of calories eaten in a day, count of the number of calories burnt… amidst all these counts, another countdown is about to begin. The countdown to International Yoga Day. Now, less than 100 days are left for Yoga Day. If you have not yet included yoga in your life, do it now… it is not too late yet."

Recalling the first International Yoga Day on June 21, 2015, he described it as a "grand festival of yoga" that has grown in significance over the years. "Yoga is a priceless gift from India to humanity. It is going to be very useful for the future generation," he stated.

He revealed that the theme for Yoga Day 2025 is 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health', symbolising a commitment to global well-being through yoga.

"It is a matter of pride for all of us that today, curiosity about our yoga and traditional medicine is rising all over the world. A large number of youth are adopting yoga and Ayurveda as an excellent medium for wellness," he said.

Highlighting the global acceptance of Ayurveda, PM Modi shared an example from Chile, where Ayurveda is gaining rapid popularity.

"Last year, during my visit to Brazil, I met the President of Chile. We had a lot of discussions about the popularity of Ayurveda. I have come to know about a team named Somos India. In Spanish, it means, 'We are India'."

"This team has been promoting yoga and Ayurveda for almost a decade. Their focus is on treatment as well as educational programmes. They are also getting information related to Yoga and Ayurveda translated into Spanish. If we talk about last year alone, about 9,000 people participated in their myriad events and courses. I congratulate all the people associated with this team for their efforts," he concluded.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 30 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday underscored the importance of fitness in daily life and praised initiatives like the Fit India Carnival and International Yoga Day, stating that they have not only inspired Indians but also the world.

Addressing the 120th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Modi lauded the participants of the Khelo India Para Games, emphasising their dedication and passion.

"We will now talk about adding wings to your zeal… About displaying passion despite challenges. In the Khelo India Para Games that concluded a few days ago, the players once again surprised everyone with their dedication and talent. This time, more players participated in these games than earlier. This shows how popular Para Sports is becoming. I congratulate all the players participating in the Khelo India Para Games for their sterling efforts," he said.

He extended best wishes to Haryana, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh for securing the first, second, and third positions, respectively, and highlighted that differently-abled players set 18 national records, 12 of which were achieved by women athletes.

PM Modi read out a letter from Arm wrestler Joby Mathew, who won a gold medal in this year's Khelo India Para Games. Mathew wrote, "Winning a medal is very special, but the struggle is not limited to just standing on the podium. We fight a battle every day. Life tests us in many ways… very few people understand our struggle. Despite this, we move forward with courage. We work towards fulfilling our dreams. We believe that we are no less than anyone else."

Acknowledging Mathew's resilience, PM Modi responded, "Great! Joby Mathew, you have written an amazing, wonderful letter. Thank you for this letter. I want to tell Joby Mathew and all our differently-abled friends that your efforts are a great inspiration for us."

He also praised the Fit India Carnival, organised in Delhi for the first time, as an "innovative idea."

"About 25,000 people from different fields participated in it. All of them had the same goal - to stay fit and spread awareness about fitness. People involved in this event got information related to their health as well as nutrition. I urge you to organise such carnivals in your area as well. MY-Bharat can be of great help to you in this initiative," he added.

PM Modi pointed out how India's indigenous games are gaining recognition in popular culture, citing rapper Hanumankind's song 'Run It Up'.

"Our traditional Martial Arts like Kalaripayattu, Gatka, and Thang-Ta have been included in it. I congratulate Hanumankind that due to his efforts, people of the world are getting to know about our traditional Martial Arts," he said.

Speaking about the role of fitness in modern life, he noted, "Count of the number of steps taken in a day, count of the number of calories eaten in a day, count of the number of calories burnt… amidst all these counts, another countdown is about to begin. The countdown to International Yoga Day. Now, less than 100 days are left for Yoga Day. If you have not yet included yoga in your life, do it now… it is not too late yet."

Recalling the first International Yoga Day on June 21, 2015, he described it as a "grand festival of yoga" that has grown in significance over the years. "Yoga is a priceless gift from India to humanity. It is going to be very useful for the future generation," he stated.

He revealed that the theme for Yoga Day 2025 is 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health', symbolising a commitment to global well-being through yoga.

"It is a matter of pride for all of us that today, curiosity about our yoga and traditional medicine is rising all over the world. A large number of youth are adopting yoga and Ayurveda as an excellent medium for wellness," he said.

Highlighting the global acceptance of Ayurveda, PM Modi shared an example from Chile, where Ayurveda is gaining rapid popularity.

"Last year, during my visit to Brazil, I met the President of Chile. We had a lot of discussions about the popularity of Ayurveda. I have come to know about a team named Somos India. In Spanish, it means, 'We are India'."

"This team has been promoting yoga and Ayurveda for almost a decade. Their focus is on treatment as well as educational programmes. They are also getting information related to Yoga and Ayurveda translated into Spanish. If we talk about last year alone, about 9,000 people participated in their myriad events and courses. I congratulate all the people associated with this team for their efforts," he concluded.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 30 (IANS) Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a probe into the alleged financial irregularities at Assam Cooperative Apex Bank.

The letter, dated March 20, was posted by Gogoi on his X handle on Sunday. “I have written a letter to the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji about the need for an inquiry into the financial irregularities at Assam Cooperative Apex Bank because the state government is busy arresting and intimidating the Assamese media,” wrote Gogoi on X.

In the letter, he has cited the arrest of senior journalist, saying that “the unfolding developments raise serious questions about the functioning of the bank, the misuse of legal provisions, and suppression of press freedom in Assam”.

Gogoi says in the letter that on March 25, 2025, the journalist was covering a protest outside the Assam State Co-operative Apex Bank and was detained by police.

The Congress leader says that the Chief Minister of Assam serves as the Director and that BJP MLA Shri Biswajit Phukan is the Chairman. “The grounds of his arrest initially included false accusations of caste-based abuse, which were debunked when the Magistrate found no evidence of such allegations in the informant's statement. Despite being granted bail, he was re-arrested the next day under exaggerated charges of robbery and trespassing into the bank to steal confidential documents. These actions strongly indicate an attempt to silence a journalist reporting on alleged irregularities,” the letter reads.

Gogoi claims in the letter that media reports suggest that the bank has been operating without a formal contract with any IT vendor since June 2024, raising serious security and operational concerns.

“Banking infrastructure costs allegedly surged from Rs 28 crores in 2018 to nearly Rs 150 crores in 2025, with Rs 14 crores allegedly funnelled to KPMG under suspicious circumstances. A complaint was reportedly submitted to the Central Vigilance Commission on January 30, but the state government has remained unresponsive. In a March 3 directive, the Assam government's Cooperation Department instructed the Registrar of Cooperative Societies to investigate the allegations and submit a report within 15 days. However, protestors dismissed this as a mere formality, alleging that the government was shielding those involved,” Gogoi says in the letter.

"Given these disturbing developments, I urge you to initiate an independent inquiry into the Assam State Co-operative Apex Bank, including a financial audit and review of governance. Additionally, the misuse of police powers in the arbitrary arrest of journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder must be investigated to ensure accountability. It is also imperative to safeguard press freedom and prevent the wrongful targeting of journalists reporting on matters of public interest. The issue extends beyond one journalist – it strikes at the core of our democracy, the transparency of financial institutions, and the protection of constitutional rights. Your immediate intervention is crucial to ensure justice, hold those responsible accountable, and restore public institutions," the letter mentions.

--IANS

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Bhopal, March 30 (IANS) In a tragic incident, a 'Divyang' (differently-abled person) was charred to death in Itarsi town of Narmadapuram district (formerly known as Hoshangabad) in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday.

Rajput, who had lost his legs, was unable to escape when his home caught fire, resulting in him being trapped and ultimately losing his life.

Itarsi is a prominent Railway junction in Madhya Pradesh.

Itarsi police station in-charge Gaurav Singh Bundela told IANS that the fire broke out between 3.30 and 4.00 a.m. in the Nehruganj area.

Preliminary investigations indicate that a short circuit may have sparked the fire in Rajput's kuchcha house.

Within minutes, the flames spread rapidly to two nearby houses in the locality. Although the occupants of surrounding houses, including his family, managed to escape, Rajput couldn't be evacuated to safety as the fire quickly engulfed the room where he was sleeping.

On call, the emergency teams responded quickly with approximately 20 fire brigade vehicles from Itarsi, Hoshangabad, and the Ordnance Factory reaching the spot to control the fire, the police officer said.

Despite their efforts, it took more than three hours to bring the fire completely under control.

The rapid spread of flames caused extensive damage to neighbouring properties, including the houses of advocate Ravi Savadkar and Ajay Gangrade, reducing all household goods to ashes and marking a severe material loss.

"No other human life was lost in the incident, nor anyone injured, as all of the occupants escaped timely," the officer said.

The victim Rajput, as his family told the police, was sleeping. Rajput cried for help, but before his wife and two daughters could reach, the fire engulfed his room.

The body of the victim has been sent for post-mortem, and further investigation has been initiated to ascertain the exact cause of the fire, the police officer said.

This is the second fatal fire incident in Madhya Pradesh in recent times, following an earlier incident in Singrauli where a bus cleaner lost his life when a fire, reportedly started by a mosquito repellent coil, engulfed a bus parked next to it.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 30 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday emphasised the importance of staying connected to one's roots, stating that "when one remains connected to roots, no matter how big the storm, it cannot uproot them."

Reflecting on his recent visit to Mauritius, he lauded the Indian diaspora for preserving their heritage across generations.

Addressing the 120th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Modi spoke about messages he received on MyGov and the NaMo App, sharing unique insights into Indian culture and traditions. "This time, I want to share with you a message that caught my attention," he said.

"Atharva Kapoor from Varanasi, Aaryash Leekha, and Atrey Maan from Mumbai have written about their feelings on my recent visit to Mauritius. They have written that they greatly enjoyed the performance of 'Geet Gawai' during this visit. I have felt similar sentiments in many letters received from eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. What I felt during the wonderful performance of Geet Gawai in Mauritius was truly amazing," he said.

Recalling the historical journey of Indian indentured labourers, PM Modi said, "Just imagine, about 200 years ago, many people from India went to Mauritius as indentured labourers. Nobody knew what would happen next. But with the passage of time, they settled there. They carved a niche identity for themselves in Mauritius. They preserved their heritage and remained connected to their roots."

He gave another example, mentioning his visit to Guyana, where he witnessed a Chowtaal performance.

To illustrate the cultural continuity of Indian traditions abroad, PM Modi played an audio of 'Phagwa Chowtaal' from Fiji.

"You must be wondering that this must be about some part of our country. But you will be surprised to know that it is related to Fiji. This is the very popular 'Phagwa Chowtaal' of Fiji. This song and music fill everyone with fervour," he noted.

He also shared an audio clip of 'Chowtaal' from Suriname, highlighting its significance.

"The countrymen watching this program on TV can see the President of Suriname and my friend Chan Santokhi Ji enjoying it. This tradition of coming together and singing is also very popular in Trinidad and Tobago. In all these countries, people read Ramayan a lot. Phagwa is very popular here, and all Indian festivals are celebrated with full enthusiasm. Many of their songs are in Bhojpuri, Awadhi, or a mixed language; at times, Braj and Maithili are also used. All those who preserve our traditions in these countries deserve appreciation," he said.

Acknowledging organisations dedicated to conserving Indian heritage worldwide, PM Modi lauded the efforts of the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society.

"This organisation, engaged in preserving Indian dance, music, and culture, has completed its glorious 75 years. In the program related to this occasion, the President of Singapore, Shriman Tharman Shanmugaratnam Ji, was the Guest of Honour. He praised the efforts of this organisation. I extend my best wishes to this team," he added.

--IANS

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Ahmedabad, March 30 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light scattered rainfall across several parts of Gujarat in the coming days, providing temporary relief from rising temperatures.

According to the latest IMD bulletin, light showers are expected to begin on March 31, primarily affecting the districts of Narmada and Tapi.

The rainfall activity is set to intensify slightly on April 1, covering a broader region. Districts, including Chhota Udepur, Narmada, Surat, Tapi, Dang, Navsari, Valsad, Bhavnagar, Amreli, along with the Union Territories of Daman and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, are likely to witness light rainfall.

By April 2, the spell is expected to extend further, impacting Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Kheda, Mahisagar, Panchmahal, Dahod, Anand, Vadodara, Chhota Udepur, Bharuch, Narmada, Surat, Tapi, Dang, Navsari, Valsad, Bhavnagar, Amreli, Botad, Gir Somnath, along with Daman and Dadra & Nagar Haveli.

On April 3, rainfall is forecast to persist in Narmada and Tapi, potentially marking the end of this wet spell.

The IMD has advised residents, particularly farmers, to stay updated with local weather forecasts, as these light showers could impact harvesting schedules and agricultural activities.

Meanwhile, urban centers might experience brief relief from the prevailing heat. While this rainfall is not expected to be heavy, residents are urged to take necessary precautions, especially in regions prone to temporary waterlogging or sudden weather changes.

Gujarat is experiencing high temperatures, with Ahmedabad currently at 32 degrees Celsius under sunny conditions.

The heat is expected to intensify over the coming days, with maximum temperatures reaching 42 degrees Celsius in some regions.

The forecast for Ahmedabad predicts extreme heat throughout the week, with temperatures peaking at 40-42 degrees Celsius from March 31 to April 5.

Surat and other major cities are also facing similar conditions, with temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius.

The IMD has warned that prolonged outdoor exposure could be hazardous, urging residents to stay hydrated and avoid peak heat hours.

Despite the scorching temperatures, the IMD has forecasted light scattered rainfall in parts of Gujarat, including Narmada, Tapi, Surat, and Bhavnagar, between March 31 and April 3, which might bring brief relief.

However, overall, the region remains under a heatwave-like condition, and precautionary measures are advised.

--IANS

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