Karwa Chauth is a traditional festival where married women in Rajasthan and across India observe a daylong fast for their husbands' long life and well-being. Cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur celebrate it with love and devotion. Check moon rise timings for these cities here:
Businessman shot dead in gym in Rajasthans Kuchaman
JAIPUR: Panic gripped Rajasthans Kuchaman town on Tuesday morning after a local businessman was shot dead while exercising in a gymnasium, police said. The incident occurred around 5:20 am at a gym located on Station Road, when an unidentified assailant opened fire at Ramesh Rulania (40) from close range and fled the scene. Rulania was the owner of a bike showroom and a hotel in the city. CCTV footage shows the suspect entering the premises moments before the shooting, said Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nemi Chand Kharia. Rulania was rushed to a nearby hospital by other gym members, where doctors declared him dead. Initial investigation suggests the killing may be linked to an extortion threat Rulania had reportedly received days earlier from the Rohit Godara gang, which is active in western Rajasthan, including the DidwanaKuchaman region. Several other businessmen in the area have reportedly received similar threats in recent times, police officials added. Police are scanning CCTV footage from nearby areas to help identify the suspect and establish the motive. Rawatram Swami alias Rohit Godara, a notorious gangster from Lunkaransar in Bikaner district, is believed to be behind several high-profile killings. He was named as the mastermind in the December 2022 murder of gangster Raju Thehat in Sikar, and has also claimed responsibility for the May 2022 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and the December 2023 assassination of Karni Sena chief Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi. Police are continuing their investigation and have launched a search operation to trace the accused.
MiG-21: Jairam Ramesh recalls how Nehru withstood pressure from US, UK to choose Soviet jet
NEW DELHI: With the MiG-21 fighter jet retired from service, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Friday recalled that India and the USSR signed the MiG-21 pact in 1962 despite intense pressure from the US and UK, as the then PM Jawaharlal Nehru and defence minister V K Krishna Menon held firm. The legendary Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 fighter jets, the backbone of the Indian Air Force's combat fleet for more than six decades, streaked through Indian skies for the last time on Friday -- its final adieu etched in history and public memory. The country's first supersonic fighter and interceptor aircraft were retired on Friday at the decommissioning event in Chandigarh, where it was first inducted. In a post on X, Ramesh said, It was on August 22, 1962, that India and the USSR signed the MiG-21 pact. The agreement paved the way for deeper Indo-Soviet cooperation in the defence sector. In 1987, India's foremost strategic affairs guru K Subrahmanyam wrote that V K Krishna Menon had virtually forced the choice of MiG-21 on the Indian Air Force, but that in retrospect 'Mr.Menon was right in doing so', Ramesh said. It was the Soviet acceptance of India's conditions for local manufacture by HAL and technology transfer that had influenced the choice of the Soviet aircraft over its competitors from the UK, US, France, and Sweden, he said. There had been intense pressure from the US and UK, especially, but both Nehru and Menon held firm, Ramesh said. The MiG-21 fighter aircraft has been retired from service today. It was on Aug 22, 1962, that India and the USSR signed the MiG-21 pact. The agreement paved the way for deeper Indo-Soviet cooperation in the defence sector. In 1987, India's foremost strategic affairs guru K. Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) September 26, 2025 'MiG-21 gave IAF wings it never had before': Veteran pilots hail fighter jet's legacy Goodbye MiG-21: IAF bids aideu to legendary fighter jet after six decades The culmination of MiG-21 operations took place with a ceremonial flypast and decommissioning event, marking the closure of a historic chapter in India's air power. MiG-21 jets, belonging to number 23 Squadron, took part in the flypast ceremony and were given a water cannon salute. The MiG-21 jets made their last operational flights at the Nal Air Force Station in Rajasthan's Bikaner, a month ahead of the formal retirement ceremony. As part of the symbolic farewell, Air Chief Marshal Singh had also flown solo sorties of the MiG-21 from Nal on August 18-19.
MiG-21 flies through Indian skies for last time, Rajnath Singh terms it 'national pride'
CHANDIGARH: The legendary Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 fighter jets, the the backbone of the Indian Air Force's combat fleet for more than six decades, streaked through Indian skies for the last time on Friday -- its final adieu threaded through history and many a remembrance. The sun shone bright, the skies were cloudless and a brilliant blue, providing a picture perfect setting for the elaborate farewell to the Russian origin warhorse that was inducted into the IAF in the 1960s. Describing the MiG-21 as a mighty machine and a national pride , Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said there is deep attachment to the aircraft that shaped our confidence. MiG-21 is not only an aircraft or machine but also proof of deep India-Russia ties, the minister said. The history of military aviation is incredible. The MiG 21 added many proud moments in our military aviation journey, Singh told the gathering. There has been no fighter jet in the history of global military aviation made in such big numbers, the minister said. More than 11,500 MiG 21 aircraft were made. Of them, 850 fighter jets remained part of the IAF, he added. This number is the testimony of this aircraft's popularity, credibility and multi-dimensional capability, Singh said while pointing out that its contribution was not been limited to one incident or a war. He also recalled its role in the 1971 war with Pakistan, the 1999 Kargil conflict as well as the 2019 Balakot air strikes. 'MiG-21 gave IAF wings it never had before': Veteran pilots hail fighter jet's legacy Besides him, former IAF chiefs A Y Tipnis, S P Tyagi and B S Dhanoa, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India's first man on the International Space Station, and scores of veterans, many who had piloted the aircraft, were present on the occasion. Air Chief Marshal A P Singh flew the sortie of the MiG-21 Bison aircraft with call sign Badal 3. Dilbagh Singh, who became the IAF chief in 1981, led the first MiG-21 Squadron here in 1963. The culmination of MiG-21 operations took place with a ceremonial flypast and decommissioning event, marking the closure of a historic chapter in India's air power. The country's first supersonic fighter and interceptor aircraft were retired at the decommissioning event in Chandigarh, where it was first inducted. The ceremony began with the arrival of the minister, the chief guest at the occasion, followed by a spectacular display by IAF's elite skydiving team 'Akash Ganga', which skydived from a height of 8,000 feet. This was followed by a majestic flypast of the MiG-21 aircraft accompanied by precision of the air warrior drill team and an aerial salute. The fighter pilots flew MiG-21s in the three-aircraft Badal formation and the four-aircraft Panther formation roared over the skies one final time. The Surya Kiran aerobatic team also enthralled the audience with their breathtaking manoeuvres. MiG-21 jets, belonging to number 23 Squadron, took part in the flypast ceremony, and were given a water cannon salute. The Jaguar and the Tejas aircrafts also took part in the ceremony. Tejas is a single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft capable of operating in high-threat air environments.It has been designed to undertake air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike roles. After its first induction, the IAF procured over 870 MiG-21s to boost its overall combat prowess. The aircraft has also had a troubled safety record and involved in multiple crashes in the last six decades. The ageing fleet prompted some to describe the aircraft as legacy coffins. The MiG-21 jets made their last operational flights at the Nal Air Force Station in Rajasthan's Bikaner, a month ahead of the formal retirement ceremony. As part of the symbolic farewell, Air Chief Marshal Singh had also flown solo sorties of the MiG-21 from Nal on August 18-19.
Entire nation celebrating GST festival: Modi in Rajasthan
JAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged people to adopt Swadeshi in their buying-selling culture to strengthen local industries and make India self-reliant. For me, Swadeshi means that no matter which country the brand is from, it should be made in India. It should be made by the youth of the country and should have the fragrance of my countrys soil, Modi said, addressing a rally in Rajasthans Banswara. We have another goal: a self-reliant India. It is very important that we do not depend on anyone else. We must make Swadeshi our pride. Adopting it should not be limited to purchasing goods. This will strengthen local industries, increase employment, and contribute to the countrys economic progress, he said, urging traders and shopkeepers to display signs declaring, The goods sold here are Swadeshi. Modi also highlighted the benefits of GST reforms, saying the new standards have freed people from the hassles of tolls and taxes. During the Congress rule, there was only loot. Under the BJP government, there is only savings. That is why the entire country is celebrating the GST Savings Festival, he said, adding that household expenses have reduced in a big way due to the GST reforms. During the event, the PM laid the foundation for and inaugurated several projects in the fields of renewable energy, water supply, power, road, and infrastructure worth over Rs 1.08 lakh crore. Among the most significant is the Mahi-Banswara nuclear power project, a 2,800 MW facility to be built at a cost of Rs 42,000 crore in Banswara. In addition, the PM laid the foundation stone for a 590 MW renewable energy project in Bikaner and a 15.5 GW power transmission line in Jaisalmer, Barmer, Sirohi, Nagaur, and Bikaner. PM Modi also flagged off trains from Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Udaipur, including Vande Bharat Express. The PM also hit out at the previous Congress government in Rajasthan, saying the state became an epicentre of paper leaks during its rule. The Jal Jeevan Mission was sacrificed due to corruption, atrocities against women were at their peak, and rapists were protected, he said. N-power plant among Rs 1.08L cr projects launched During the event, the PM laid the foundation for and inaugurated several projects in the fields of renewable energy, water supply, power, road, and infrastructure worth over Rs 1.08 lakh crore. Among the most significant is the Mahi-Banswara nuclear power project, a 2,800 MW facility to be built at a cost of Rs 42,000 crore in Banswara. The Prime Minister also flagged off trains from Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Udaipur.
PM Modi flagged off three trains during his visit. The new trains are: Vande Bharat Express Train between Bikaner & Delhi Cantt, Vande Bharat Express Train between Jodhpur and Delhi Cantt, and Udaipur City Chandigarh Express.
Watch: CJI BR Gavai enjoys camel ride in Bikaner; joined by law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal
Ramani Mylavarapus Roots to Rivers Opens At Bikaner House
The Hyderabad artists solo show spans feminist photo-performances rooted in community, memory, and resilience
ED searches locations in Bikaner in money laundering probe against religious preacher
Sadeeque Khan, head of Jamiat Ahle Hadees, is accused of suspicious financial transactions running into crores of rupees
JAIPUR: A medical student from Bikaner has alleged that he was forced to fight in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The youth, identified as Ajay, son of Mahavir Godara from Arjunsar village in Lunkaransar, had left for Russia in November last year to pursue medical studies. But now he has released a video in which he has made this claim and revealed other details. In the video, Ajay is seen in military fatigues, stating that he was tricked into joining the Russian army and then sent to the frontline. He says that he had gone abroad in search of education and career opportunities but is now trapped in a life-threatening situation. Ajay has alleged that him along with other youths were promised three months of training, but instead, within just four days, they were deployed at the border. We are in Ukraine right now. What they told us is very different from what is happening, he said. He further recounted that missiles fired from the Ukrainian side killed one of his four companions, while two others managed to flee. Ajay claimed that instead of being given kitchen duties, as initially assured, he was pushed into combat zones. According to him, around 15 Indian youths were with him, and four have already lost their lives. Ajay also named other IndiansSandeep, Vijay, and Ankitwhose lives are at risk, and he has appealed to the Indian government to intervene urgently. Following the release of the video, Ajays family has sought immediate action from authorities. His brother has already approached Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi. Lunkaransar MLA and state cabinet minister Sumit Godara has also taken up the issue with Meghwal. Ajays father, Mahavir Godara, expressed deep concern, saying, My son went to Russia on a study visa on 28 November 2024. He was lured into army recruitment with promises of some other job. We have had no contact with him for the past 15 days. I urge the Indian government to bring him back safely. The family confirmed that they have contacted the Ministry of External Affairs but are yet to receive any firm assurance. Congress General Secretary Dr Rajendra Mund has written to Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, urging him to take immediate steps for Ajays rescue. According to Ajays family, several other Indian students, including youths from Haryana, who had gone to Russia for higher studies, are also stuck in similar circumstances. They allege that many of them have also been forced to serve at the frontlines of the conflict.
Serentica Renewables to acquire Norway-based Statkrafts Indian solar business
NEW DELHI, Sept 15: KKR-backed Serentica Renewables on Monday said it has inked pacts with Norway-based Statkraft to acquire their solar power generation business in India. Statkrafts Indian solar business comprises 445 MWp operational solar plant at Bikaner and 1 GWp of development assets across Rajasthan, a joint statement said. The portfolio is strategically located in resource-rich states and is currently supplying power on a merchant basis. These assets will be transitioned to serve Serenticas commercial and industrial customers [] The post Serentica Renewables to acquire Norway-based Statkrafts Indian solar business appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Lawyers strike in Rajasthan over possibility of third High Court bench in Bikaner
JAIPUR: Judicial proceedings across Rajasthan came to a standstill on Friday as lawyers observed a statewide strike against the possible establishment of a third High Court bench in Bikaner. Hearings in the Jaipur and Jodhpur benches, as well as in subordinate courts, remained suspended. The protest was triggered by recent remarks from Union Law Minister and MP from Bikaner, Arjunram Meghwal, who hinted at progress on the issue. Meghwal noted that Chief Justice of India Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai is expected to visit Bikaner on September 2021, describing the visit as not an ordinary matter he is coming only if some progress has been made. In the same interaction, Meghwal initially responded yes when asked about the possibility of a bench in Bikaner, but immediately changed the subject, saying, We will know only when he comes. The video of his comments went viral on social media, sparking intense debate among the legal fraternity. Reacting to this, representatives of the Rajasthan High Court Bar Association (Jaipur), Jodhpur Bar Association, District Advocates Association, and other bar bodies convened an emergency meeting on Thursday. They unanimously resolved to stay away from judicial work for a day in protest. Ramit Pareek, general secretary of the Jaipur High Court Bar Association, said the ministers statement had created confusion and apprehension among lawyers. Association president Ratnaram Tholia cautioned that if the government did not roll back the move, the agitation would intensify. If this decision is not withdrawn, we may even have to consider an indefinite boycott, he warned. According to the advocates, dividing the principal bench would adversely affect judicial efficiency and cause inconvenience to the general public. They urged the government to reconsider the proposal in the interest of both the judiciary and litigants. With Fridays strike followed by the weekend holiday (second Saturday and Sunday), courts are now set to resume normal functioning only from Monday.
FIR Filed Against Sanjay Leela Bhansali in Bikaner
Complainant alleges fraud, misbehaviour, breach of trust during Love & War production.
Parts of Rajasthan get heavy showers, two killed in rain-related incidents
JAIPUR: Two people were killed after being struck by lightning and another person was swept away by strong currents of a river as many parts of Rajasthan, including state capital Jaipur, received rains, officials said. According to Met department, Jalore on Sunday recorded the highest rainfall at 118.5 mm during the day, followed by Pilani with 51.2 mm, Sangaria in Hanumangarh with 24 mm, Lunkaransar in Bikaner with 23.5 mm and Vanasthali in Tonk with 21 mm. Several districts, including Jaipur, Hanumangarh, Sri Ganganagar, Sawai Madhopur and Dausa, received light to moderate rainfall on Sunday. In Sawai Madhopur, a girl died and seven others were injured after lightning struck a house on Saturday. Another youth was killed in Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh after being struck by lightning on Sunday, while in Dausa's Sikandra, a woman and a girl sustained burn injuries in a similar incident. Uttarakhand reels under heavy rains as highways blocked, swollen rivers submerge towns In Sirohi district, five youths who had entered the Banas river to take bath were swept away by the strong current. Four of them were rescued safely, while one remained missing, police said. A department official said a circulation system is currently lying over northwest Rajasthan while the monsoon trough line is passing through its normal position and remains active. The monsoon will remain active over parts of eastern Rajasthan for the next five to six days and moderate to heavy rainfall is likely in most areas and heavy rains at isolated places. Western Rajasthan, particularly Jodhpur and Bikaner divisions, may also receive moderate to heavy rainfall at several places over the next two to three days, the official said. 11, including 5 children, dead as heavy rains trigger cloudburst, landslide in J&K | Video
Om Birla urges swift relief as heavy rains wreak havoc across Rajasthan
JAIPUR: As heavy rains and flood-like conditions persist in several parts of Rajasthan, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday said that providing maximum relief to the affected people should be the administrations top priority. Chairing a review meeting on relief and disaster management with officials of Kota and Bundi districts at the Collectorate auditorium, Birla issued strict directions that no negligence or lapses in the survey of damage would be tolerated. The Speaker who is the Lok sabha MP from Kota asserted, I have personally visited the affected areas and seen the situation. Many families have lost everything. Relief must be provided with both speed and sensitivity. Birla directed officials to conduct damage assessments of houses, livestock, and crops with complete honesty and ensure that all eligible families receive assistance as per the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms. He also instructed that affected families should not be asked to produce house leases while applying for relief, as no such provision exists in the guidelines. Special care should be taken so that families whose houses have been damaged get maximum help, including compensation for loss of utensils and clothes, he said. The Agriculture Department reported that soybean and urad crops have suffered extensive losses due to excessive rainfall. Birla asked officials to prioritize compensation for small and marginal farmers and ordered that road repairs be started immediately, along with checking the drainage system and restoring electricity and water supply in affected areas. Rajasthan has witnessed continuous heavy rainfall over the past few days, leading to severe disruption of normal life. According to the Meteorological Department, very heavy rains were recorded in Kota, Jaipur, Bharatpur division, Shekhawati region, Bikaner, and parts of Ajmer division. An orange alert has been issued for Chittorgarh, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, Rajsamand, Sikar, Jalore, and Pali, while a red alert has been sounded in Sirohi and Udaipur districts.
Both Charu and Rajeev have had a series of mudslinging and their divorce was also a lot bitter. Rajeev who stays in Mumbai, had been missing his daughter and seems to have decided to go and meet her at Bikaner.
IAF to bid farewell to iconic MiG-21 on September 26; Air Chief pays tribute with solo sortie
JAIPUR: The iconic MiG-21 fighter aircraft, once hailed as the pride of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and a trusted guardian of Indias skies for over six decades, is set to retire from operational service on 26 September 2025. Ahead of this historic farewell, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh paid a personal tribute to the jet by flying a solo sortie from the Nal Airbase in Bikaner. The gesture carried deep emotional significance for Singh, who had taken the first operational flight of his career in a MiG-21 back in 1985. The MiG-21 has been the backbone of the Indian Air Force since the 1960s. Fast, agile and simple in design, it holds a special place in the heart of every pilot who has flown it, he said after the flight. According to IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Jaideep Singh, the MiG-21 entered service in 1963, with the No. 28 Squadron based in Chandigarh becoming the first to operate it. As Indias first supersonic fighter, the squadron earned the title The First Supersonics. The MiG-21 went on to script history in multiple wars. It played a key role in the 1965 war and was pivotal in the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict, where it executed decisive strikes. On 14 December 1971, MiG-21s bombed the Governor's House in Dhaka, forcing the Governors resignation the next day. Within 48 hours, Pakistan surrendered, and 93,000 Pakistani soldiers laid down arms before the Indian Army. That was a turning point in the war, and the MiG-21s role was historic, the spokesperson said. Wing Commander Jaideep Singh, who has himself flown the aircraft, recalled: From shooting down F-104 Starfighters in 1971 to challenging F-16s in recent years, the MiG-21s legacy is unmatched. It has been flown by generations of Indian pilots. We will miss this iconic fighter deeply. Globally recognised as the longest-serving supersonic jet, the MiG-21 not only provided a shield of security to India but also laid the foundation for many battlefield victories. Its legacy, however, is also marked by tragedy. With technology upgrades lagging over the decades, the aircraft became prone to accidents. According to estimates, the IAF lost more than 200 pilots in nearly 400 MiG-21 crashes. Despite this, the aircraft remains a symbol of courage, resilience, and national pride.
IAF workhorse MiG-21 makes final sorties at Nal; Farewell in Chandigarh on September 26
The Indian Air Force bid farewell to its MiG-21 fighter jets at Bikaner. Air Chief Marshal A P Singh flew the final sorties. The MiG-21 served for 62 years and played a key role in wars. It will be replaced by Tejas, Rafales, and Su-30s. A formal retirement ceremony will be held in Chandigarh.
Heavy rain likely in parts of Rajasthan in coming days
Parts of Kota, Ajmer, Jaipur, Bharatpur and Bikaner divisions are likely to experience light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder
NEW DELHI: Jaipur traders staged a strong protest against United States President Donald Trumps decision to impose steep additional tariffs on Indian goods in Rajapark's main square. Vendors from the citys main market carried placards condemning the US and Trump, announcing a complete boycott of American products. In a symbolic act, they allegedly burned an effigy of Trump along with US-made goods, even setting fire to US dollar notes. The Trump administrations revised tariff policy has delivered a heavy blow to Rajasthans exporters. The move imposes an immediate 25% duty, with an additional 25% levy on the way, a combined 50% hit on key export sectors like gems and jewellery, handicrafts, and textiles, where Rajasthan holds a dominant share. Ravi Nayyar, President of Rajapark Vyaapar Mandal, said, Jaipurs business organisations have asked all citizens to boycott US products, and we want to give a strong message that because of the arrogance of US President Donald Trump, irrational tariffs have been imposed on us. With 17,000 crore of the states annual exports dependent on the US market, exporters warn this reliance is turning into a liability. Finding new markets will take time, and the immediate risk is to the livelihoods of nearly seven lakh artisans and workers employed in US-focused export units. Industry bodies have urged the government to roll out urgent support measures. Navinit Jhalani, coordinator of the Rajasthan Handicrafts Exporters Joint Forum, said uncertainty has gripped both US buyers and local exporters. We have only 21 days, until 28 August, to ship goods to the US without the additional 25% penalty, he explained. With Raksha Bandhan and Independence Day holidays, meeting this deadline is near impossible. Orders ready after this date are being put on hold by American buyers. US tariffs on Indian oil imports from Russia a 'big blow' to Moscow: Trump Jaipur, Indias gems and jewellery powerhouse, is staring at deep losses. Import duties had already risen from 5.5% to 15.5% earlier this year; the new hike will push many exporters to the brink. Sanjay Kala, former president of the Jewellers Association, said the US accounts for Rs 11,000Rs 12,000 crore of Rajasthans Rs 17,500 crore gems and jewellery exports, most from Jaipur. Around 1.5 lakh people work in this sector in Jaipur, and up to 95% may feel the impact, he warned. Kala noted that while India now faces a 50% tariff, competitors like Turkey, Vietnam, Thailand, and the UAE enjoy lower rates of 1020 per cent, making Indian products uncompetitive. Some manufacturers are already considering shifting production abroad, he said. Jodhpur, a leading exporter of wooden furniture and metal handicrafts, sends Rs 2,500 crore worth of goods to the US annually, more than half its total exports. The tariff hike threatens the livelihood of nearly one lakh artisans and workers. With competitors like Turkey and Mexico facing just 10% tariffs, our products could be priced out of the market, said Dr Bharat Dinesh, president of the Jodhpur Handicraft Exporters Association. The Centre must act fast to safeguard MSMEs and open talks with the US. Trumps 50 per cent tariff threat puts Indias gem and jewellery exports at risk: GJEPC chief Kirit Bhansali Bikaners famed wool industry, with 250 units producing 11.5 lakh kg of yarn daily, faces a severe blow. This yarn is used in carpets exported worldwide, especially to the US via Bhadohi. The 50% tariff threatens to snap this supply chain, impacting about one lakh people directly or indirectly linked to the sector. Udaipurs quartz industry, which supplies 4045% of Rajasthans exports to the US in this category, will suffer as buyers turn to cheaper suppliers in Vietnam, Turkey, and Brazil. The citys marble exporters, already hit by a slowdown, now face uncertainty over shipments worth Rs 100 crore annually. Kota stone and sandstone exports worth Rs 200 crore annually could lose buyers to other markets as US costs rise. The Hadoti regions coriander, dairy products, chemicals, and de-oiled cake exports are also at risk, potentially affecting Rs 250 crore in trade. Rajiv Arora, president of the Federation of Rajasthan Exporters, urged the Centre to expand production-linked incentive schemes and provide targeted relief for affected sectors. If we dont act fast, the economic and social fallout could be severe, he said.
Four charred to death in collision involving heavy vehicles, car in Gujarat
MORBI: Four persons, among them two children, were charred to death in a collision involving two heavy vehicles and a car on a highway in Gujarat's Morbi district, police said on Friday. The accident occurred on a national highway near Haripar village around 11 pm on Thursday, an official said. Superintendent of Police Rahul Tripathi said a container entered the road from the wrong side and overturned, causing a collision between a truck and a car, which caught fire. Prima facie, a major fire broke out in a car after it collided with a truck going alongside. The truck also caught fire in the collision. Four people died of burn injuries, he said. The deceased included two students travelling in the car and two occupants of the truck, the official said. Students from a boarding school in Junagadh were travelling to their home towns in Kutch district, Tripathi said. Seven others suffered minor injuries and were rescued by the fire department personnel and shifted to a private hospital, an official from the Morbi fire department said. Rudra Gujaria (15), Jamin Babariya (17), both car passengers, and one Shivram Nai, a resident of Bikaner in Rajasthan, were among the deceased, while the identity of another victim is yet to be ascertained, an official from Maliya Miyana police station said. The bodies were shifted to Rajkot for post-mortem, and a probe was underway, police said.
Schools shut as heavy rains lash Rajasthan, 30 districts on alert
JAIPUR: Rajasthan continues to reel under intense monsoon activity as heavy rains batter multiple regions, prompting widespread disruption and precautionary measures. Jaipur saw heavy showers since morning, causing waterlogging in several parts of the city. Notably, areas around government residences, including those of Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant and DGP Rajeev Sharma, were flooded. The Hadoti region was badly hit, with connectivity also severely disrupted. In Kota and surrounding Hadoti region, the spell of rain persisted on Tuesday as well, filling up dams, anicuts, and ponds. Waterfalls have begun flowing from the surrounding hills, and low-lying areas are flooded. Many rural roads are submerged, causing significant traffic disruptions, and standing crops are beginning to rot in waterlogged fields. Kota city recorded 15 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, with intermittent rain continuing through the day after a wet night. In Tonk and Sawai Madhopur, several areas are submerged. Rajasthans connectivity with Madhya Pradesh has been severely affected: Parvati river overflowed in Etawah (Kota), flooding a new bridge on the Etawah-Khatoli road. As a result, State Highway-70 (KotaGwaliorSheopur) is closed to traffic. Augaad culvert on NH-552 in Bodal, about 12 km from Sawai Madhopur, was washed away, severing the Sawai MadhopurSheopur (MP) route. In Sawai Madhopur, houses are filled with water up to five feet, and railway tracks are submerged, affecting train services. Morel Dam overflows again The Morel Dam in Lalsot (Dausa), considered Asias largest kachha (earthen) dam, has overflowed with water reaching 1.5 feet above its crest. This is the second consecutive year the dam has reached capacity. The situation is being closely monitored by local authorities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange and Yellow alert for several districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next three days, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday. According to the forecast, 18 districts in Jaipur, Ajmer, and Bharatpur divisions are expected to witness heavy rainfall in the next 48 hours. Some parts of the Bikaner division may also receive moderate to heavy showers. School holidays announced in several districts In light of the continuing downpour and the expected intensity of rain, local administrations have declared school and Anganwadi closures in several districts as a precautionary measure: Jaisalmer: Over 1650 schools closed till 31st July. Baran: Schools closed till August 2 Kota: Till August 1 Ajmer and Udaipur: July 30 and 31 Bhilwara: Closed on Wednesday Authorities have urged residents to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow advisories, as life and property could be affected due to waterlogging, flooding, and road damage. Rainfall alerts 30 July Alerts: Orange Alert: Ajmer, Alwar, Dausa, Jaipur, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, Tonk Yellow Alert: Bharatpur, Bhilwara, Bundi, Chittorgarh, Dholpur, Jhunjhunu, Rajsamand, Sikar, Sirohi, Udaipur, Bikaner, Hanumangarh, Churu, Jodhpur, Nagaur, Pali, Sri Ganganagar 31 July Alerts: Orange Alert: Ajmer, Tonk Yellow Alert: Bhilwara, Bundi, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Sikar, Bikaner, Churu, Nagaur, Pali, Sri Ganganagar
Five killed, four injured in car collision in Bikaner
BIKANER: Five men were killed and four injured in a collision between two cars on a highway in Bikaner district of Rajasthan, police said Tuesday morning. The deceased has been identified as Manoj Jakhar, Karan, Surendra Kumar, Dinesh and Madan Saran. The accident occurred near the Sikhwal area on Monday night. Police said the impact of the collision was so severe that one or two of the injured were thrown out of the cars through shattered windows. The rescue team had to cut out through the wreckage to retrieve one body trapped inside. All five bodies have been sent to the district hospital mortuary, while the injured are undergoing treatment, officials said.
12 IAS, 91 IPS officers transferred in major bureaucratic reshuffle in Rajasthan
The Rajasthan government executed a significant bureaucratic reshuffle, transferring 12 IAS, 91 IPS, and 142 RAS officers. Key changes included the replacement of the Jodhpur Police Commissioner and the shifting of Range IGs in Kota, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Ajmer, and Bharatpur. Superintendents of Police in 30 districts were also affected by this large-scale administrative overhaul.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken over the construction of two key expressways in Rajasthan, the Jaipur-to-Pachpadra and Bikaner-to-Kotputli highways.
Now reservation charts at 9 pm for next day 5 am-2 pm trains; 8 hours in advance for others
NEW DELHI: The railways will prepare seat reservation charts at 9 pm for trains starting journeys between 5 am and 2 pm the next day, while for the rest, the list will be prepared eight hours in advance. Since 2015, the first reservation charts have been prepared at least four hours before the scheduled departure of the train after the Railway Ministry, for the first time, framed norms in this matter. According to the ministry, the latest change has been made for passenger convenience. For the trains with departure between 05:00 hours and 14:00 hours, the first reservation chart will be prepared preferably by 21:00 of the previous day, the Railway Board directed all zones in a July 2 circular. For the trains with departure between 14:00 and 23:59 and 00:00 and 5:00, the first reservation chart will be prepared preferably eight hours in advance, the circular added. The circular instructed the zones to issue necessary instructions to all concerned accordingly, but did not mention any definite date of its implementation, nor did it mention any change in the preparation of the second reservation chart. Once the chart is ready eight hours before the train's departure, if seats/berths still remain vacant, passengers can book these under current booking facilities. The second chart is prepared 30 minutes to five minutes before the train's departure, and this is mainly for passengers opting for tickets under the current booking, a railway official said. Prior to 2015, there was no fixed time schedule for chart preparation, and zones were following varying norms. The Railway Board decided to standardise it to facilitate passengers to plan their journey well in time, an official said. Asked the reason for increasing the time gap between chart preparation and the train's departure, officials said that although there was no feedback from the passengers to enhance the time gap, it was felt by the ministry to provide more time to passengers to plan their journey. The Railway Board had also run a pilot project in the Bikaner Rail Division for preparing a reservation chart 24 hours in advance, and based on that experience, an eight-hour gap was finalised. If you know eight hours before whether your ticket is confirmed or not, it will remove uncertainty and help you plan your travel properly, officials said, adding that once a ticket is confirmed, passengers will lose a substantial chunk of the ticket amount as a penalty in case of cancellation. According to the cancellation policy, if a confirmed ticket is cancelled between 48 and 12 hours before departure, passengers will get back 25 per cent of the ticket amount. Seats or berths falling vacant due to cancellation will be filled up through the current booking system, an official said.
Built in 1942 by Raja Mahesh Singh, the palace reflects royal architecture with a touch of colonial influence. It was constructed on the model of Bikaner's Lalgarh Palace by the Gauravanshi royal descendants from Bengal, who had settled in the region during the 19th century.
NLC India Secures Letter Of Award From NTPC For Hybrid Power Project
'The project would be developed in Bikaner, Rajasthan for 300 MW and Bhuj, Gujarat for 150 MW,' NLC India.
ED may chargesheet Robert Vadra soon
The Enforcement Directorate is set to file a chargesheet in money laundering cases against Robert Vadra. These cases involve land deals in Haryana and Bikaner, and links to Sanjay Bhandari. The agency will seek court cognisance to begin trials. Properties acquired with illicit funds may be confiscated. Vadra denies the accusations, calling them a political witch hunt.
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurates Indias largest automobile Gatishakti Cargo Terminal in Manesar
CHANDIGARH: The Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the countrys largest automobile cargo terminal, the Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal at Maruti Suzukis Manesar facility in Haryana. The terminal is expected to significantly enhance freight capacity and industrial logistics. It is connected to Patli railway station via a ten-kilometre dedicated rail corridor, a component of the 121.7-kilometre Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor developed by the Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (HRIDC). Vaishnaw noted that 108 Multimodal Cargo terminals are now ready and will soon be in service. Spread over 46 acres inside the MSIL Manesar facility, the railway siding features a fully electrified corridor having four full-length tracks for rakes and one track for engine escape, totalling 8.2 kilometres of track length. The siding also includes a two-floor station building, a dedicated pathway for guards and drivers along the tracks, advanced electronic train interlocking and many more. Models manufactured at MSILs Gurugram and Manesar facilities will be dispatched to 17 hubs from this railway siding serving 380 cities across India. Port locations of Mundra and Pipavav, used by the company for exports, will also be served. The railway siding will have a dispatch capability of 450,000 vehicles at full capacity. Speaking at the inauguration of the railway siding facility at Maruti Plant in Manesar, Haryana, Ashwini Vaishnav said that to upgrade passenger trains, 16 and 20-coach Main Line EMU trains will be manufactured. Till now, MEMUs were manufactured with 8 or 12 coaches. This project will be implemented in a new factory being started in Kazipet, Telangana. This will provide great relief for short-distance travel. The number of Amrit Bharat Express trains will soon increase by six more as 50 more trains are under making. Also, Vande Bharat trains are being extended to new routes, he said. Vaishnav said, NaMo Bharat trains have received a great response from the passengers. Now, 50 new AC passenger trains will be added. Earlier, two trains started between Ahmedabad-Bhuj and Patna-Jaynagar. In total, 150 new passenger trains will come into service. So far, the work of 1300 Amrit Bharat stations has been approved. Out of these, 103 stations have been completed recently, and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated them from Bikaner. Now, 100 more such stations will be completed by December 2025, and 500 more stations will be constructed by 2026. Vaishnaw said that to prevent misuse of bots in Tatkal ticket booking, only KYC-verified passengers will get the facility of online booking from July 1 and an ID will also be mandatory on window booking. He added that India now ranks second in the world in both freight and passenger traffic. Last year, 7.2 billion passengers travelled by rail and 1617 million tonnes of goods were carried. The freight corridor is now fully operational and about 400 freight trains are running on it every day, he said. Vaishnaw further said that the Bikaner Division has started publishing the chart 24 hours in advance (it was four hours in advance, earlier) as an innovative initiative. It reduced uncertainty among the passengers and facilitated them in making better plans. He said that the Indian Railways has witnessed an unprecedented transformation in the last 11 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He added that before 2014, Railways remained a victim of neglect for decades, with an annual investment of only Rs 25,000 to 30,000 crores. However, now the investment has increased to Rs 2.5 lakh crores, which is accelerating the development of railway infrastructure and facilities. Vaishnaw said, Legacy problems prevailing in Railways over the years are now being eliminated one by one. Stations, trains, toilets, tracks, cleanliness, technology -- every sector has been improved comprehensively. New facilities are being provided to passengers and integrated development is being given priority in collaboration with the industry. Haryana Chief Minister Nayan Singh Saini highlighted that today, Haryana has become one of Indias leading automobile manufacturing hubs, producing nearly 50 per cent of all cars made in the country. The development of an internal railway yard by the Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation at Maruti underscores the States commitment to 'Ease of Doing Business' and infrastructure development, he said. Reaffirming the vision to emerge as a logistics hub, the State has partnered with various industry bodies and educational institutions to enhance workforce skills across Haryana, he added. Saini said that the project is an outstanding example of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visionary Gati Shakti initiative more than a scheme, it represents a revolution and a commitment to transform Indias approach to infrastructure development. He further shared that the PM Gati Shakti platform brings together key sectors such as railways, roads, ports, airports, waterways, and logistics under one integrated vision. The railway siding at Maruti Suzuki is an example of it, allowing cars manufactured at the plant to be directly loaded onto cargo trains and shipped to destinations across India. Speaking on the occasion, Hisashi Takeuchi, MD and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, The project underscores our strong commitment to Indias Net Zero emissions target 2070. It will contribute to avoiding 175,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions, saving 60 million litres of fuel annually at full capacity, and reducing road congestion. Lowering carbon emissions remains a top priority at Maruti Suzuki, and we aim to achieve this by increasing the share of vehicle dispatches through railways to 35 per cent by FY 2030-31.
Air India flight crash: Doctor couple and their three kids, newly-married woman among dead
JAIPUR: The horrific Ahmedabad plane crash brought grief to Rajasthan as 11 passengers from the state were confirmed to be among the dead. Five of them were residents of Banswara, four were from Udaipur, one woman was from Balotra, and another was from Bikaner's Sridungargarh. Shockingly, five of the victims were children. One of the most heart-wrenching stories was of an entire family originally from Banswara. Dr Pratik Joshi and Dr Kamini Joshi, both formerly associated with the Udaipur Medical College, were traveling to London with their three children when the crash occurred. Dr Pratik had shifted to London in 2016, while Dr Kamini was reportedly planning to resign from the college and join him abroad. Their three kids included twin sons, Nakul and Pradyut. The accident has devastated both their families in Banswara and Dr Kamini's colleagues at the Udaipur medical college. Miracle survivor, 59 seconds of horror and Mayday call: What we know so far about Air India crash Another victim, 24-year-old Khushboo Kanwar, hailed from Araba Dudawata village in Balotra district. Married only in January this year, she was traveling to London for the first time to join her husband, Dr Vipul Singh Rajpurohit, who works there. Her sudden demise has plunged the entire village in shock and mourning. Four passengers from Udaipur district were also among the dead. These include Varardi Chandra Menaria from Rudera village and Prakash Chand Menaria from Rohida village. Both worked as cooks in London and were traveling back together. Varardi Chandra had returned from London a month ago, and this trip was to return to his job. His wife and son Deepak had accompanied him to Ahmedabad to see him off. Shagun Modi and Shubh Modi, children of local marble businessman Pinku Modi, were also from Udaipur. Both were studying in London. Udaipur District Collector Namit Mehta visited their residence in Saheli Nagar to offer his condolences. Their relative Sanjeev Modi immediately left for Ahmedabad upon hearing of the tragedy. In Bikaner's Sridungargarh, another tragic tale unfolded with news of the death of Shiv Parihar, grandson of former MLA Kishna Ram Nai. Shiv, who was running a business in London, had recently helped his father Abhinav Parihar to open a trading office in Ahmedabad just five days ago. He was heading to London to bring his wife and child back so they could settle down permanently in India. Air India crash in Ahmedabad is the worst involving a single aircraft in India
Even America cannot control Trump, says Rajyavardhan Rathore
The Rajasthan Cabinet Minister was speaking at an event in Bikaner organised to mark 11 years of the BJP government at the Centre
