1. Two Held by Vejalpur Police as Fake Call Centre Racket Busted
The Vejalpur police on Thursday, 4 October, arrested two people in connection with running a call centre that promised pre-approved loans and payday loans to American citizens.
Following a tip-off about a person running a call centre from within a car which was parked on the street near the society, the police reached at the location of the said car, searched it and rounded up Vivek Singh Chauhan, a businessman and resident of Vejalpur from Desai Park Society road on Thursday during the routine Navratri patrolling. The police found that the windows of the car were rolled down while the car itself had no number plate.
The police later found some information about pre-offered loans involving call centres and details of American citizens on checking Chauhan's mobile phone. Further investigations also revealed that Chauhan had managed to get the data from the White Pages, an online directory to store data.
(Source: DNA)
2. Gujarat Govt Relaxes Permission Norms for New MSMEs
The state government on Thursday, 3 October decided to give relaxation in getting permits to set up new Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The decision was taken following a cabinet meeting in Gandhinagar.
As per a release, MSME units in the state who wish to set up a new business in the state will be given relaxation from getting the approvals for up to three years. However, the units will have to get the necessary approvals within six months once the three-year as the deadline comes to an end.
The state said that the decision was part of the government's push towards improving the ease of doing business environment for MSMEs that contribute substantially towards employment generation. The state will also set up nodal agencies for investment felicitation in the MSME sector both at the state and district levels.
(Source: DNA)
3. Ahmedabad Auto Drivers Observe Strike Over Hefty Traffic Fines
Around 2.20 lakh autorickshaw drivers in Ahmedabad city of Gujarat observed a 12-hour long strike on Thursday to register their protest against several issues, including the hike in penalty for traffic violations under the new Motor Vehicle Act.
While the 12-hour long strike ended at 6:00 pm, union leaders held a meeting with government officials in Gandhinagar to make representation on their demands and seek assurance for their resolution.
After the meeting, Ashok Punjabi, president, Gujarat Auto Rickshaw Drivers Action Committee, said auto drivers would go on an indefinite strike if the government fails to find an amicable solution in the next ten days.
"Penalties collected under the new Motor Vehicle Act are atrocious. Poor auto drivers can not afford to pay such hefty fines as most of them are living below poverty line and already finding it hard to make both ends meet.
(Source: Business Standard)
4. Swachh Bharat: Littering Plunges at Ahmedabad Railway Station in Last Four Years
People have become more aware and stopped littering at the city station and in trains. The Ahmedabad railway division data shows that the collection of cleanliness fine has come down in the past four years due to public awareness.
In 2016-17, a total of 8966 cases were lodged and a total of Rs 9.2 lakh worth fine was collected. While in 2017-18, there has been a decrease in the fine mop-up by 49% in which only 4495 cases were lodged and a total of Rs 4.7 lakh worth of fine was collected.
Meanwhile, the 2018-19 year saw 40% of the decrease in cases, where only 2654 cases were lodged and a total of Rs 3.2 lakh worth of fine was collected. There was a 16% decrease seen in 2019 (till August) year, wherein 2217 cases were lodged and a total of Rs 2.4 lakh worth of fine was collected by officials.
(Source: DNA)
5. State Gets International Level Snake Bite Centre
The Gujarat government on Thursday announced setting up of an international-level snakebite research centre at tribal-dominated Dharampur town in Valsad district.
Apart from conducting research, the facility will also serve as a venom collection centre to cater to pharmaceutical companies, Gujarat Forest Minister Ganpat Vasava said in Gandhinagar after attending a one-day workshop on snakebite mitigation.
(Source: Ahmedabad Mirror)
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