State

Bhiwadi, the industrial hub of Rajasthan located on the outskirts of Delhi-NCR, has once again plunged into a severe air pollution crisis, virtually turning into a gas chamber. According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 344 on Friday morning, placing the city firmly in the ‘Very Poor’ category. With Delhi and the entire NCR already under GRAP-4 restrictions, the deteriorating air quality has had a direct and alarming impact on public health in Bhiwadi. Residents are struggling to breathe, and hospitals are witnessing a sharp surge in patients suffering from respiratory distress. Hospitals Overwhelmed, Every Third Patient Has Breathing Issues Local health officials report that more than 1,000 patients are visiting h...

Just days before the close of a distinguished administrative career, one of Rajasthan’s most experienced and senior IAS officers has found himself at the centre of a major controversy. Subodh Agrawal, a 1988-batch IAS officer and widely regarded as the seniormost bureaucrat in the state, was preparing to retire on December 31, 2025—with barely 300 hours left for a life of calm after decades of public service. Instead, his final days in service have been overshadowed by serious allegations linked to the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam. In a significant development, the Rajasthan government has granted permission to prosecute Subodh Agrawal and several other senior officials in connection with the alleged irregularities in the ambitious drinking water scheme. The timing of the decision—so c...

Kota, Rajasthan: The 79-ton bell at Chambal River Front, designed to be India’s largest single-piece casting bell, has remained trapped in its mold for two years, sparking renewed political and administrative debate. Despite being cast from 13 different metals and completed in size over two years ago, the bell has yet to be removed from its mold. Minister Labels the Bell a ‘Ruin’During a visit to the Chambal River Front, UDH Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra described the bell as a structure that may remain a “ruin” due to the lack of available technical experts to remove it. The minister also referred to the River Front project as a “white elephant”, citing monthly maintenance costs of approximately ₹1.5 crore and the search for new revenue sources. Engineers’ Vision: ‘Om’ ResonanceEngin...