SEBI Cracks Down on Pump‑and‑Dump Scams—₹1,860 Cr in Fines.

Investigative Journalist
Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Sprouts News
Unmesh Gujarathi is an Indian investigative journalist and media professional with over 28 years of experience in print and digital journalism. He is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sprouts News, an independent investigative publication headquartered in Mumbai, established in 2020.
Throughout his career, he has held editorial positions at leading media organisations, including:
DNA (Daily News & Analysis)
The Times Group
The Free Press Journal
Saamana
Dabang Dunia
Lokmat
His reporting has focused on investigative journalism, governance accountability, public policy, corruption, crime reporting and the Right to Information (RTI) framework in India.
As Editor-in-Chief of Sprouts News, he oversees:
Investigative direction
Editorial standards and verification protocols
Legal compliance and ethical review
Newsroom operations and accountability processes
Education & Academic Background
Unmesh Gujarathi holds:
Master of Commerce (M.Com)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Degree in Journalism
His academic background supports his reporting in areas related to governance, financial systems, public administration and regulatory matters.
Published Works & Contributions
In addition to newsroom leadership, he is the author of more than 12 books in Marathi and English. His published works cover topics including:
The RTI Act and transparency mechanisms
Political leadership, including writings on Balasaheb Thackeray
Career guidance
Investigative journalism practices
He has contributed to national dailies and digital media platforms, focusing on evidence-based reporting and public-interest journalism.
Editorial Approach
Unmesh Gujarathi’s reporting methodology emphasises:
Documentary verification
Multi-source validation
Legal awareness in investigative reporting
Public-interest accountability
Under his leadership, Sprouts News has published investigative reports related to governance, regulatory oversight and institutional transparency.
Professional Contact
Editor-in-Chief
Sprouts News
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Phone: +91 9322755098
Email: unmeshgujarathi@gmail.com
Portfolio: www.unmeshgujarathi.com
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Assam’s flood situation is showing signs of improvement, but the crisis remains severe. More than 6.5 lakh people are affected, 810 villages remain underwater and the death toll has reached 66.

Four more deaths have pushed Assam’s flood toll to 66, while over 6.54 lakh people remain affected across six districts despite a gradual improvement in flood conditions.
The Assam flood death toll has risen to 66 after four additional fatalities were reported, while 6.54 lakh people remain affected across six districts. Sivasagar is the worst-hit, followed by Charaideo and Jorhat. ASDMA data shows 810 villages remain submerged and nearly 34,971 hectares of cropland are inundated. Authorities are operating 274 relief camps and distribution centres, with 18,902 displaced people receiving shelter and assistance as floodwaters gradually recede.
Assam Flood Death Toll Rises to 66 as Over 6.5 Lakh People Remain Affected Across Six Districts
The death toll from this year’s deluge has increased to 66. At the same time, more than 6.54 lakh people are still affected in six districts, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority said on Thursday, adding that the flood situation in the state has marginally improved.
The flood situation in Assam improved marginally on Saturday, but the problem remains, with 6,54,800 people in six districts still affected. Four more people died in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll in the floods this year to 66, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said.
The latest deaths were reported from Sivasagar and Charaideo districts. Three people died in Sivasagar and one in Charaideo, ASDMA said. Floodwaters are slowly going down in some of the areas hit, but humanitarian challenges are still huge, and officials are watching the situation.
Assam flood situation shows gradual improvement across affected districts
Gujarat Floods Hit Valsad, Navsari as Massive Rescue Effort Expands.
More than 40,500 people have been evacuated as severe flooding sweeps through Gujarat. With extreme rainfall hitting several districts, rescue teams are racing to reach vulnerable communities.

More than 40,500 people have been evacuated and 6,367 rescued as severe monsoon flooding hits Gujarat, prompting large-scale deployment of NDRF, SDRF, Army and Coast Guard teams.
Gujarat floods have forced more than 40,500 people to evacuate after intense monsoon rainfall inundated parts of south and central Gujarat. Authorities say 6,367 people have been rescued, with NDRF, SDRF, Army and Coast Guard teams deployed across affected districts. Valsad and Navsari account for a large share of evacuations, while nearly 2,000 people remain in government relief camps. The state has announced ₹40 crore for cash assistance and household relief as emergency teams continue monitoring rainfall, rivers and vulnerable areas.
Over 40,500 Evacuated as Gujarat Floods Trigger Massive Rescue Operation Across the State
More than 40,500 people have been evacuated as relentless monsoon rains have caused widespread flooding in Gujarat, with rescue teams continuing operations in some of the worst-affected districts.
Gujarat floods have displaced more than 40,500 people as relentless monsoon rains battered the State for a third consecutive day, inundating large parts of south and central Gujarat. Rescue agencies have ramped up operations as rivers overflow and transport networks remain severely disrupted.
The Gujarat government said that 6,367 people have been rescued while thousands have been shifted to safer locations across affected districts. Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the Indian Coast Guard have been deployed in flood-hit areas to assist in rescue and relief operations.
The State government has also announced an allocation of ₹40 crore for cash assistance and household relief to flood-hit families. Heavy rains continue to lash several districts and authorities are keeping a close watch on rainfall and river levels.
Devendra Fadnavis Birthday Marks Focus on Jobs, Skills and Entrepreneurship.
On Devendra Fadnavis' birthday, Maharashtra reaffirmed its commitment to employment generation, skill development and entrepreneurship as the government highlighted initiatives to prepare industry-ready youth across the state.

On Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' birthday, Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha highlighted Maharashtra's continued focus on employment generation, industry-ready youth, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Devendra Fadnavis' birthday was marked by a renewed emphasis on Maharashtra's employment and skill development agenda as Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha reaffirmed the government's commitment to creating industry-ready talent. He said the state is aligning workforce development with growing investments, industrial expansion and entrepreneurship opportunities under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The government aims to strengthen employability through practical skills, innovation and entrepreneurship while supporting Maharashtra's position as a leading destination for business, investment and economic growth.
Devendra Fadnavis Birthday: Mangal Prabhat Lodha Highlights Maharashtra’s Push for Jobs, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
On the occasion of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ birthday, Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to employment generation, skill development and entrepreneurship, citing major investments, training initiatives and job creation programmes.
Devendra Fadnavis’ employment-focused development vision received renewed emphasis on his birthday as Maharashtra’s Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department announced stronger efforts to prepare industry-ready youth across the state. Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha said the department would continue strengthening workforce development to match the state’s expanding investment landscape.
According to Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Maharashtra has placed industrial growth, investment and employment generation among its highest priorities under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He said every new employment opportunity created in the state should be supported by a skilled workforce capable of meeting industry requirements.
Lodha stated that the department is reinforcing its commitment to skill development, employment generation, entrepreneurship and innovation while marking the Chief Minister’s birthday. He said the government’s objective extends beyond creating jobs to ensuring young people possess the practical skills required by modern industries.
Mumbai Airport Duty-Free Nicotine Pouch Sales Face Bombay High Court Scrutiny.
The Bombay High Court is examining whether India's drug laws apply to nicotine pouches sold at Mumbai Airport duty-free outlets following a CDSCO investigation and regulatory action.

The Bombay High Court is hearing a legal challenge after regulatory authorities questioned the sale of imported nicotine pouches at Mumbai International Airport's duty-free outlets.
The Adani Duty-Free Nicotine Pouch Case has reached the Bombay High Court after regulatory authorities questioned the sale of imported nicotine pouches at Mumbai International Airport's duty-free outlets. Following inspections by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), officials directed Mumbai Travel Retail to discontinue sales until required approvals are obtained. The Adani-led joint venture has denied wrongdoing and argued that the Drugs and Cosmetics Act does not apply to duty-free shops or nicotine pouches. The matter remains pending before the court.
Adani Duty-Free Nicotine Pouch Case: Mumbai Airport Sales Face Regulatory Scrutiny as Bombay High Court Hears Challenge
An investigation into nicotine pouch sales at Mumbai International Airport’s duty-free shops has triggered regulatory scrutiny, with the Adani-led operator challenging the applicability of India’s drug laws before the Bombay High Court.
Mumbai Airport duty-free nicotine pouch sales have come under regulatory scrutiny after an official investigation found imported nicotine pouches were allegedly sold without mandatory approvals, prompting legal proceedings that could influence future regulation of duty-free retail across India.
According to investigation documents reviewed by Sprouts News, duty-free outlets operated by Mumbai Travel Retail, a joint venture led by Gautam Adani’s business group with Dubai-based Flemingo, allegedly sold nicotine pouches despite regulatory concerns over the products.
The Adani-led venture has denied any wrongdoing. Court records indicate the company has requested the Bombay High Court to declare that provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act do not apply to duty-free shops or nicotine pouches.















