Demonstration
Showing solidarity with environmentalists as well as wild life conservation activists, a group of about 50 volunteers of the Surat unit of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) staged protests outside the Kinnary Cinema on Ring Road, where a film starring Salman Khan is being screened. At around 6:45 pm, a group of activists resorted to slogan shouting and urged people not to watch the movie of the film star, who is currently being interrogated for allegedly killing endangered species of animals. The police had to intervene and ensure that the activists did not resort to violence in and around the cinema house.

CASA relief
The Churches Auxillary for Social Action (CASA) has till date distributed cash and relief material worth Rs 25 lakhs to more than 4000 families affected by floods. According to a statement issued on Thursday, the relief work, spread over two phases, covered almost all badly affected and low lying areas of the city.

Vehicle numbers
The Regional Transport Office (RTO), in a release issued on Thursday, has said that with the current registration series GJ 5 AD nearing exhaustion, a new series was being launched with numbers from O1 to 9999. Those interested in having a number of their choice should apply before October 26. In case, there are more takers, the highest bidder would be given the number.

Ban on arms
Additional District magistrate V D Asari, in a statement issued here has banned the use of licenced weapons, holding of meetings and rallies and making inflammatory speeches for a fortnight beginning October 17. The ban has been imposed to ensure that no untoward incident happens during the forthcoming festive season.

Scholarships
As part of their Community Development Programme, Essar Steel Ltd distributed scholarships to bright students from Hazira, who obtained minimum 60 per cent marks in the std X and XII board examinations, and diploma (engineering) examinations. The function was held at Navjagruti Vidya Vihar High School, Hazira on October 11. Deputy general manager (HR) V L Rajguru spoke on the occasion. School principal Ishwarbhai Patel and deputy manager (HR) R P Pathak were among those who were present.

Vipassana course
Vadodara: A Ten-day Vipassana course organised by the Vadodara Vipassana Samiti recently concluded in the city. The course, conducted by Acharya Jayantibhai Thakkar from Gandhidham, Kutch, was attended by 54 individuals, including 15 women and 39 men.