Gujarat

Gujarat is a state situated on the western coast of India, bordered by Rajasthan to the north, Madhya Pradesh to the east, Maharashtra to the south, and the Arabian Sea to the west. With Gandhinagar as its capital and Ahmedabad as its largest city, Gujarat is known for its economic growth, vibrant culture, and historical legacy. The state has a diverse economy, with major industries in textiles, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, diamond processing, and renewable energy.

Historically, Gujarat has been an important trade and cultural center since the time of the Indus Valley Civilization. It has witnessed rule by various dynasties, including the Maurya, Gupta, Chalukya, and the Sultanate of Gujarat. The state also played a crucial role in India’s independence movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, who was born in Porbandar, Gujarat.

Economically, Gujarat stands out for its strong industrial base, robust infrastructure, and leading position in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power. Cities like Surat, known for diamond cutting, and Vadodara, known for engineering industries, contribute significantly to its economy. Gujarat is also known for its agriculture, with crops like cotton, groundnuts, and sugarcane being major contributors.

Politically, Gujarat has been a key stronghold for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with Narendra Modi serving as the Chief Minister from 2001 to 2014 before becoming the Prime Minister of India. The current Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel, assumed office on 13 September 2021, continuing the BJP's leadership in the state.

In July 2024, BOOM fact-checked a viral video claiming to show tourists being swept away in a flood in Gujarat.

BOOM found that the video was actually from an incident in October 2023 in Ecuador's Napo province, debunking the false association with Gujarat.