Debate held
The Vidyut Board Vidyalaya, Vadodara, organised a cultural function recently on the occasion of Gauri Vrat. A release here said a debate and cultural shows were attended by a large number of people, including students and teachers. Later, awards were presented to the participants. Social worker Agunaben Bhatt urged students to nurture nationalist feelings and preserve the country's culture and tradition.

Chess tourney
The Sixth Open Baroda Chess Tournament will be held at Shree Sayaji Balwadi, Ghantiada, Ghadiali Pole, on August 15. Those interested can register their names at Madhu Copy Centre, opp Chittekhan Gali, Gandigate Road, or Raju Copy Centre, 17 Indraprasth Complex, Wagodia Road.

DC directive
Surat: District electoral officer and Collector Sangeeta Singh has directed that loudspeakers be used only between 6 am and 10 pm. Use of loudspeakers outside these hours will require special permission. Besides, as part of the electoral code of conduct, anyone seeking to use loudspeakers will have to provide the registration number and make of vehicles to be used to mount loudspeakers, the police station area where they were to be used and other details. Violators will attract legal action under Section 131 of the Bombay Police Act, 1951, a collectorate release said.

Rainfall forecast
The meteorology department has forecast heavy rainfall in the city and all parts of South Gujarat in the next 24 hours. District Collector Sangeeta Singh has directed all mamlatdars, taluka development officers and deputy collectors to monitor the situation and remain in constant touch with the flood control room.

Kargil van
As a mark of tribute to soldiers who laid down their lives at Kargil, Nizar tribals planted 400 saplings on a school ground, which has been named `Kargil Shahid Van'.