Rajasthan

Ajmer/Jaipur: In view of the annual Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti at Ajmer, the North Western Railway has announced five pairs of special trains to ease travel for pilgrims. These special trains will operate from various parts of the country, particularly from South India, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, directly to Ajmer, offering much-needed relief during the Urs, as well as during the Christmas and New Year travel rush. Millions of Pilgrims ExpectedAjmer, home to the world-famous Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Dargah, witnesses millions of pilgrims arriving daily during the Urs. These special trains will not only facilitate the smooth movement of devotees but also provide convenience to travelers during the festive season. Shashi Kiran, Chief Public Relations Officer of North Western Railway, ...

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...

Renowned Rajasthan cadre IPS officer Dinesh MN, famously known as the ‘Real Singham,’ is likely to join the central government soon. A 1995-batch officer, Dinesh MN has earned acclaim for taking decisive action against notorious criminals and gangsters in Rajasthan, including his significant role in high-profile cases such as the Anandpal encounter. Criminals Fear His NameSenior IPS officer Dinesh MN has long been a figure that criminals dread. Throughout his postings, he has personally led operations against hardened criminals, often going into the field with police teams to ensure offenders are brought to justice. While serving as SP in Sawai Madhopur, his team carried out the encounter of dreaded dacoit Ram Singh. Seven Years in Jail, Returned StrongerDuring his tenure as SP in Ud...

Jaipur: The Rajasthan High Court has rejected the petition seeking to lift the ban on student union elections in the state. While acknowledging that student union elections are a democratic right, the court clarified that they cannot take precedence over the fundamental right to education. Justice Sameer Jain, during the hearing, directed the state government to frame a clear policy regarding the conduct of such elections. Petition Rejected, But Student Leaders Optimistic Although the court did not lift the ban, student leaders expressed satisfaction with the High Court’s decision. Niraj Khichad, a prominent student leader, stated that he welcomes the court’s directive to the government to formulate a policy. He expressed hope that any future policy would protect students’ democratic...

Barmer, Rajasthan: A seemingly simple love marriage in Barmer’s Gudamalani area has escalated into a violent family feud, leaving two people seriously injured. Police have arrested seven individuals, and separate cases have been registered on complaints from both sides. The incident occurred in Jiwanion Ki Dhani, where 25-year-old Shravan Singh married a local girl about two and a half years ago, against her family’s wishes. Tensions between the two families had been simmering ever since. On Friday, the conflict turned violent. According to reports, Shravan Singh’s elder brother, Uk Singh, went to the fields to inspect crops when the girl’s uncle, Dharm Singh, along with his associates, attacked him. Uk Singh was slashed with a knife, resulting in a severe injury to his nose. Upon...

Udaipur: The longstanding property dispute within the former Mewar royal family has resurfaced, intensifying tensions among the descendants of Maharana Pratap. The latest conflict arises over the will of Arvind Singh Mewar, bringing renewed legal battles between his children, Laxyaraj Singh Mewar and Padmaja Kumari Parmar. Historical Context of the Dispute The property disputes in the Mewar family date back decades. Initially, conflicts arose among the three children of Bhagwat Singh Mewar over inheritance and wills. After his death in 1984, disagreements escalated, culminating in a 37-year legal battle. In 2020, the Udaipur District Court ordered the division of the contested properties into four shares. Until the verdict, most assets remained under Arvind Singh Mewar, while the oth...