Newly ordained Ajmer bishop celebrates mass at native parish
Byju's Learning App Delisted From Google Playstore Due To Non-Payment To Vendor
An email sent to Think and Learn's Insolvency Resolution Professional (IRP) Shailendra Ajmera did not elicit any reply.
Rajasthan Board 12th Result 2025 Out, RBSE 12th , , at rajresults.nic.in
The Board of Secondary Education, Ajmer (BSER) has officially announced the RBSE 12th Result 2025 on May 22, 2025 at the official website https://rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in/, http://rajresults.nic.in/. About 8,93,616 candidates who have appeared for the 12th Exam 2025 for Science, Commerce, Arts stream, can now check the Rajasthan Board 12th Result 2025. Scroll down to [] The post Rajasthan Board 12th Result 2025 Out, RBSE 12th , , at rajresults.nic.in appeared first on Testbook Blog .
From Data to Driveways: Naman Ajmera Is Quietly Re-engineering Shared Electric Mobility
Naman Ajmera's data-driven rise at Envoy Mobility mirrors the EV sector's growth, as he transforms analytics into scalable, real-world solutions for shared electric mobility.
Delhi High Court stays CAGs audit of Ajmer Sharif Dargah
The petitioner contested a notice dated March 15, 2024, issued by the Ministry of Minority Affairs concerning the audit of the Anjumans of Khadims at Dargah Khwaja Saheb in Ajmer
Traders, varsities boycott Turkiye over support to Pakistan
Turkish apples are also off the shelves in Alwars fruit markets as traders in Rajasthan joined the chorus to boycott products. Earlier, marble traders in Ajmer had refused to import stones from Turkiye
Vande Bharat train maintenance: Golden Rock Workshop technical teams visit various facilities
Personnel visited the workshops at Matunga in Mumbai, Ajmer, and Charbagh in Lucknow to knowthe process in the maintenance of coaches and the existing infrastructure
Four die, seven injured in massive fire at hotel in Ajmer
A woman saved the life of her three-year-old son by tossing him from a window to a man standing in the lane
Ajmer hotel fire: 4 dead, guests jump from windows, woman throws child to escape flames, watch!
Four Dead in Hotel Fire in Ajmer, Guests Jump to Escape
Fire breaks out at five-storey hotel in Diggi Bazaar; short circuit suspected as cause
Massive Fire At Ajmer Hotel, Frantic Guests Jump From Windows To Escape Blaze | Video
Four people were killed after a fire broke out at a hotel in Diggi Bazaar area of Rajasthan's Ajmer on Thursday, officials said.
Four dead in Ajmer hotel fire; guests jump from windows to escape blaze
JAIPUR: Four people were killed after a fire broke out at a hotel in Diggi Bazaar area of Rajasthan's Ajmer on Thursday, officials said. Some of the guests at the five-storey hotel saved their lives by jumping from the windows. Fire incident occurred at a hotel in Diggi Bazaar area today morning. Police team is on the spot. Four people, including two men, a woman and a child, have died due to suffocation and burn injuries, JLN Medical College Principal Dr Anil Samaria said. Additional SP Himanshu Jangid said the narrow approach road to the hotel is hampering rescue work. The fire was apparently caused by a short circuit. A guest at the hotel said there was a sound of a blast after which he, along with his wife, ran out. A woman threw her child in my lap from a window. She also tried to jump off the building but we stopped her, Mangila Kalosia, who was staying at the hotel, said. He said a man also jumped from a window and sustained head injuries. Rajasthan: A major fire at Naaz Hotel in Ajmer's Diggi Bazaar claimed four lives and injured five, including a child. Caused by a suspected short circuit, the blaze triggered panic among guests. Rescue efforts were hampered by narrow lanes, with fire brigade and police personnel pic.twitter.com/bqghSnggkw IANS (@ians_india) May 1, 2025
Massive fire breaks out in Ajmer factory - in video
Sex Assault, Blackmail: Bhopal Case Draws Parallels To 1992 Ajmer Scandal
Some victims recounted being raped inside moving vehicles and threatened with weapons, while others were forced into drug addiction to break their resistance.
Four new laws passed in Rajasthan after Governors approval
The Rajasthan government passed four bills during the recent budget session. The decisions came into immediate effect after the bills, tabled in the assembly last month, received approval from Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde. The bills passed are the Rajasthan Democracy Fighter Honor Bill 2024, Rajasthan University Laws Amendment Bill 2025, Rajasthan Laws Amendment Act 2025, Rajasthan Laws Repeal Act. Rajasthan Democracy Fighter Honor Bill 2024 Under this new law, democracy fighters will get a monthly pension of Rs 20,000. Along with this, a medical allowance of Rs 4,000 and a free travel facility will be available in roadways buses. This facility will also be available to their dependents. At present, there are 1,140 democracy fighters or their dependents in Rajasthan. After the death of a democracy fighter, their spouse will continue to get these facilities for life. They will also be invited to national festivals. The BJP government has implemented this again after it was stopped by the Congress government in 2019. Rajasthan University Laws Amendment Bill 2025 In the 33 state universities of the state, the name of the Vice Chancellor has now been changed to 'Kulguru' and the name of the Pro-Vice Chancellor has been changed to 'Prati-Kulguru'. The government argues that the Guru does the work of character building of the students, and the word Vice Chancellor gives a sense of administrative ownership. Rajasthan Laws Amendment Act 2025 Under the Rajasthan Laws Amendment Act 2025, judges will not be appointed now in the Municipal Improvement Trustees and Authorities of Rajasthan. A bill has been passed to eliminate the requirement of judges in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Udaipur and Ajmer Development Authorities. This bill was brought after the interim decision of the Supreme Court. This will have no effect on the powers of the authorities, and the state government will be able to determine uniform service conditions. Rajasthan Laws Repeal Act Under this law, 45 obsolete and old laws of Rajasthan have been abolished. Most of these are related to the Panchayati Raj department, which are no longer useful. The government says that this will simplify administrative processes and eliminate unnecessary complexities. Apart from this, a new update in Food Security Scheme, names of 17 lakh ineligible people have been removed while 19 lakh new ones added.
Heard On The Street: Dealers Spot Action In Ajmera Realty, Havells, Infosys, IndusInd Bank And More
NDTV Profit picked up these signals from deal room chatter during Tuesday's trade.
Rajasthan likley to sizzle at 45-46 deg C as Met predicts heatwave from April 14
JAIPUR: A fresh spell of heatwave is expected to hit the border areas of western Rajasthan from April 14, with its intensity and spread likely to peak on April 15 and 16, the meteorological department said. It said a severe heatwave is likely in parts of Jodhpur, Bikaner and the Shekhawati region on April 16, where maximum temperatures in border districts many touch 45 to 46 degrees Celsius. According to the department, from Sunday, the weather is expected to remain dry across the state with temperatures likely to rise by three to four degrees Celsius in Jaisalmer by April 15. The mercury is likely to reach 44 to 45 degree Celsius in Jaiselmar by April 15, the weather office said. Meanwhile, it has predicted thunderstorm and rain in isolated parts of Jaipur, Bharatpur, Ajmer and Kota divisions on Saturday, while only sporadic rainfall is likely in Jodhpur and Bikaner division. The maximum temperature on Friday was recorded in Kota at 42.5 degrees Celsius, which was 3.7 notches above normal, while Sangaria of Hanumangarh logged the lowest minimum temperature at 15.7 degree Celsius, it added. In the last 24 hours parts of the state received light rain accompanied by thundershowers. The highest rainfall of 29 mm was logged in Bahadurpur of Alwar, while several other places registered rainfall between 4.5 mm and 8 mm, the Met said. Khinvsar of Nagaur recorded 20 mm of rainfall, followed by 15 mm in Bhopalsagar of Chittorgarh, 14 mm in Deeg and 12.4 mm in Alwar, it said. The department said that 11 mm of rainfall each was registered in Mandawar and Kishangarh Bas of Alwar and 10 mm each was logged in Luni of Jodhpur and Bhadra of Hanumangarh.
Ajmera Realty Q4 Update: Sales Dip 13% To Rs 250 Crore
During the 2024-25 fiscal, the company's sale bookings grew 6% to Rs 1,080 crore from Rs 1,017 crore in the preceding year.
Waqf (Amendment) Act will not be implemented in West Bengal: CM Mamata Banerjee
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said the Waqf (Amendment) Act will not be implemented in the state. Addressing a programme of the Jain community in Kolkata, Banerjee said she will protect the minority people and their property. I know you are aggrieved because of the enactment of the Waqf Act. Have faith, nothing will happen in Bengal by which one can divide and rule. You send out a message that all have to stay together, she said. Banerjee, also the Trinamool Congress supremo, appealed to the people not to pay heed to those who provoke them to launch a political movement. Apparently referring to the violence over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Murshidabad district on Tuesday, she said, See the situation in the bordering areas of Bangladesh.This (Waqf Bill) should have not been passed now. We have 33 per cent of minorities in Bengal. What will I do with them? The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on April 3, and by the Rajya Sabha in the early hours of the next day after marathon debates in both Houses of Parliament. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Bill on Saturday. History says that Bengal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India all were together. Partition took place later. And those are living here, it's our job to give them protection, she said. Banerjee said that if people are together, they can conquer the world. Some people will provoke you to assemble and launch a movement. I will appeal to all of you not to do it. Please remember when Didi (Banerjee) is here, she will protect you and your property. Let us have trust in each other, the chief minister said. At the Jain community programme, Banerjee said she visits places of all religions and will continue to do so. Even if you shoot me dead, you will not be able to separate me from (that) unity.Every religion, caste, creed. All of them pray for humanity and we love them, she said. Banerjee said she goes to Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Jain and Buddhist temples, gurudwara, church and Guru Ravidas temple. In Rajasthan, I visited Ajmer Sharif as well as Brahma Temple in Pushkar, she said.
The Centre introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill , 2024, in Parliament on Wednesday, triggering a heated clash between the Modi-led government and the Oppositions INDIA bloc. While the government is keen to pass the bill, the Opposition strongly opposed it, calling it unconstitutional. With 293 MPs, the NDA comfortably exceeds the required simple majority of 272 votes. The vote on the bill is expected later tonight. Ahead of the bills introduction, both the ruling BJP and the Congress party issued whips to ensure the presence of their MPs during the crucial debate and vote in the Lok Sabha. Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Janata Dal (United), Shiv Sena and LJP (Ram Vilas) - the four biggest constituents of the NDA after the BJP - also issued whips to their MPs asking them to support the government stand. Though BJP allies like the TDP, JD(U) and Chirag Paswan-led LJP (Ram Vilas) had expressed reservations over some aspects of the bill, they have become more agreeable after the parliamentary committee adopted a few of their suggestions, official sources have said. The contentious bill was first introduced in Parliament last year amid uproar from the Opposition and was subsequently sent to a Joint Committee of Parliament, headed by BJP MP Jagadambika Pal, for scrutiny. The panel accepted 14 changes suggested by NDA MPs but rejected all 44 proposed by the Opposition members. On February 13, the House panel submitted its report, which was approved by the Union Cabinet on February 19. However, Opposition MPs in the panel raised concerns over their proposed amendments being dismissed and claimed their dissent notes were removed from the report without their knowledge. Political Debate in Lok Sabha Union Home Minister Amit Shah , defending the bill, asserted that fear is being spread that the Waqf bill interferes in religious matters, calling it a false narrative driven by vote bank politics. He emphasised that non-Muslims in Waqf councils and boards are included purely for administrative purposes, ensuring properties are managed according to their stated aims. Shah also underlined that Waqf is a charitable institution where a person donates property for social, religious, or public welfare purposes without the right to reclaim it. Participating in the debate, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav claimed that the bill was aimed at polarisation and would damage Indias secular image. He alleged that the BJP introduced the bill to manage its diminishing vote bank and warned that it could backfire on the party. Yadav further claimed that the bill was a diversion tactic to shift focus from land capture by China. Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks in the Lok Sabha during the Budget session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi reiterated that the INDIA bloc would oppose the bill, calling it an attack on the Constitutions basic structure . Launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led government in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after the bill was tabled, Gogoi accused the government of attempting to defame and disenfranchise minorities and staging what he described as a 4D assault on the Constitution - diluting the Constitution, defaming minorities, disenfranchising them, and dividing Indian society. He accused the government of attempting to dilute Waqf provisions, disenfranchise minorities, and divide Indian society. Initiating the debate, Gogoi also accused the government of misleading Parliament by referencing past discussions on the matter. Hitting back, former Union minister and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad defended the bill, arguing that numerous Waqf properties were being looted and misused. He insisted that the government had the authority to regulate Waqf matters and claimed that Gogoi failed to present a complete picture of constitutional provisions on the subject. BJP MP Jagadambika Pal, who chaired the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the bill, stated that the amendments would benefit poor and Pasmanda (backward) Muslims. Meanwhile, the CPI(M) announced its opposition to the bill and confirmed that its MPs would vote against it. The partys stance comes amid protests from the Catholic Church, which criticised Kerala MPs for their position on the bill. Easy for family parties, we have 13 crore members: Amit Shah hits back at Akhilesh's BJP president election jibe What is the Waqf (Amendment) Bill? The government argues that the bill aims to address inefficiencies in the existing Waqf Act by introducing administrative reforms and technology-driven improvements. A statement issued by the government in September 2024 highlighted key changes, including updating the definition of Waqf, streamlining the property registration process, and increasing the role of technology in managing Waqf records. These reforms, the government claims, will modernise the Waqf system and improve governance and transparency. However, since its introduction, the bill has faced widespread criticism, particularly from Muslim organisations. Religious and legal experts told TNIE that the bill targets Muslims and fuels Islamophobia. They argue that amendments, including the removal of the 'Waqf by user' provision, undermine the essence of Waqf. SQR Ilyas, spokesperson for the AIMPLB, criticised the lack of consultation with community leaders or stakeholders, calling it a major shift in law without proper engagement. Professor G Mohan Gopal, former director of the National Judicial Academy, described the bill as a violation of minority rights, saying it weakens the Muslim community and promotes Islamophobia. People stage a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, in Ajmer, Rajasthan, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Key controversial provisions One of the most debated provisions in the bill is the proposal to allow a non-Muslim to become the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a Waqf board. This has raised concerns among Muslim leaders, who argue that it could interfere with the religious and cultural integrity of Waqf management. Additionally, the bill mandates that at least two non-Muslim members be appointed to each states Waqf board by the respective state governments. Another contentious change grants the District Collector the power to determine whether a disputed property is Waqf or government-owned. The Opposition and Muslim organisations warn that this could lead to arbitrary decisions and misappropriation of Waqf properties. The bill also seeks to abolish the Waqf by user concept, which allows properties used as Waqf to retain their status even if not formally registered. Critics argue that this change could leave many Waqf properties vulnerable to legal challenges. Perhaps the most significant and controversial measure is the requirement that all Waqf properties be registered in a central database within six months of the laws commencement. (With inputs from Agencies) HIGHLIGHTS | Waqf Bill debate in LS: Claim that bill interferes in Muslim affairs is fear-mongering for vote bank : Shah
Security scare at Ajmer dargah
Rajasthan: Police detain youth for entering Ajmer Dargah with sword
Jaipur: A young man caused panic at the Dargah of Khwaja Garib Nawaz in Rajasthan on Tuesday when he entered the premises carrying a sword. The sight of him walking with the weapons alarmed the pilgrims, leading to chaos. Seizing an opportunity, another young man managed to snatch the swords from him, sustaining an injury Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Gas leak at illegal chemical factory in residential area kills three including owner in Rajasthan
JAIPUR: Three people died and over 50 others fell sick as toxic gas leaked from a tanker parked at a chemical factory in Beawar district of Rajasthan, an official said. He said the factory owner and two others have died. District collector Mahendra Khadgawat said nitric acid leak at an illegally operated factory in a residential area in Badiya locality led to 53 people falling sick late on Monday night. The situation was controlled in time, he said. According to Superintendent of Police Shyam Singh, several people in the vicinity fell sick and were admitted to different hospitals following after inhaling the gas. He said factory owner Sunil Singhal (47) died on Monday night, while local residents Dayaram (52) and Narendra Solanki (40) died on Tuesday. Another official also said people in the area were admitted to a local hospital after they complained of breathing problems, heaviness in chest and vomiting. VIDEO | Beawar, Rajasthan: Nitrogen gas leak in an acid factory kills at least three, over 60 people hospitalised. SDM Divyansh Singh says, Investigation is underway. A joint team will be formed to conduct a survey of such factories in Beawar and take actions against those pic.twitter.com/ySiVMcX17M Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 1, 2025 Two persons, who are in a critical condition, are undergoing treatment at JLN hospital in Ajmer. The official said people in the area around the factory has been evacuated. Collector Khadgawat has ordered formation of a committee of officials from Nagar Parishad, revenue department and police to survey factories operating without permit in the district.
Lamborghini driver who hit two pedestrians in Noida gets bail
NOIDA: A district court on Monday granted bail to a man accused of hitting two pedestrians with his Lamborghini sports car in Noida. Deepak Kumar, a resident of Ajmer in Rajasthan, was arrested on Sunday following the accident near an under-construction building in Sector 94 here, police said. The two labourers have been identified as Dijen Ravidas and Rambhu Kumar, both hailing from Chhattisgarh. They were admitted to a private hospital and have been operated upon, police said. The accused's advocate, Mayank Pachori, told reporters, The court has granted bail as the offence was available. The bail was granted without conditions. He said the accident happened when Kumar was out on a test drive of the vehicle. Kumar, a car dealer in Noida, was booked under section 281 (rash or negligent driving) and 125(B) (endangering life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bhupendra Singh, in-charge of the Sector 126 Police Station, said. A purported video surfaced online on Sunday, showing that after the accident, a man was heard asking the accused if he knew how many people died there. To this, the accused asked the locals koi mar gaya idhar? (did anyone die here?) and came out of the car. The injured labourers said the car came towards them at a very high speed giving them no time to escape. I have injuries on my legs and hands my whole body is paining, said one of the injured labourers. During questioning on Sunday, Kumar told police that the accident had happened due to a fault in the vehicle. The car is registered in Puducherry. What we know about YouTuber Mridul Tiwari whose Lamborghini was involved in a crash in Noida
What we know about YouTuber Mridul Tiwari whose Lamborghini was involved in a crash in Noida
The Lamborghini involved in a crash in Noida on Sunday evening leaving two labourers injured belongs to a YouTuber Mridul Tiwari. A car dealer was taking a test drive for the purpose of buying the luxury car from Tiwari when the accident occurred. The driver has been arrested and the injured are now recovering at a hospital, according to the NDTV . The car driver has been identified as Deepak, a resident of Ajmer and the car is registered with the Puducherry registration. He has been arrested and the car has been seized, news agency PTI quoted Bhupendra Singh, In-charge at Sector 126 Police Station as saying. A purported video surfaced online showing that after the accident, the accused came out of his car and asked the locals koi mar gaya idhar? (did anyone die here?). In the video, a man was also heard asking the accused if he knew how many people died here. Following this, someone in the video could be heard saying, police ko bulao (call the police). Who is Mridul Tiwari? Mridul Tiwari, in his early twenties, is a resident of Noida. He is a popular YouTuber and a social media influencer, who according to the Republic , owns multiple luxury cars and SUVs. Apart from Lamborghini, he owns multiple other luxury cars like the Porsche 718 Boxter, and recently purchased new Mahindra Scorpio N, the report said. His YouTube channel is called 'The MriDul'. He has 240 videos on his channel and over 1.8 crore subscribers. He launched his YouTube channel in 2018 and was quick to surpass 100k subscribers in less than a year. By March 2020, he hit over a million subscribers. This milestone earned him the coveted silver and golden play buttons from YouTube. Recently, he was also featured in YouTube's Top 10 Indian YouTube Creators list. Mridul's popularity extends beyond YouTube, with a following of over 3.5 million on Instagram and several million followers on Facebook, Republic report said.
Ajmer Dargah Chief Gives Thumbs Up To Waqf Amendment Bill, Calls It 'Crucial Reform'; Rijiju Reacts
Ajmer Sharif Dargah chief Salman Chishty has lauded the Waqf Amendment Bill and said that it seeks to create a more transparent system to better serve the Muslim community.
'Did anyone die?' asks Lamborghini driver after hitting two pedestrians in Noida, arrested
Two laborers from Chhattisgarh were injured after being hit by a Lamborghini on a footpath in Noida's Sector 94. The car driver, Deepak from Ajmer, alleged a vehicle fault caused the accident. He has been arrested and the car seized while the victims are out of danger, suffering leg fractures.
'Did anyone die here?': Lamborghini hits two pedestrians on Noida footpath, one held
NOIDA: A Lamborghini hit two pedestrians on a footpath adjacent to an under-construction building in sector 94 here on Sunday, police said. The injured, labourers from Chhatisgarh were rushed to a nearby hospital and are said to be out of danger. They have fractured their legs, police said. A purported video surfaced online showing that after the accident, the accused came out of his car and asked the locals koi mar gaya idhar? (did anyone die here?). In the video, a man was also heard asking the accused if he knew how many people died here. Following this, someone in the video could be heard saying, police ko bulao (call the police). Bhupendra Singh, In-charge at Sector 126 Police Station told PTI , In the car accident two labourers were injured and they were from Chhattisgarh. They are out of danger and have fractures in their legs. The accident happened adjacent to an under-construction building, he said. The car driver has been identified as Deepak, a resident of Ajmer and the car is registered with the Puducherry registration. He has been arrested and the car has been seized, he added. During questioning he told the police that the accident happened due to a fault. Further investigation is underway, Singh said.
Ajmer Dargah welcomes Saugat-e-Modi campaign for underprivileged Muslims
Jaipur: Haji Salman Chishti, Chairman of the Chishti Foundation, has welcomed the Saugat-e-Modi campaign, an initiative launched by the BJP Minority Morcha. Under this campaign, special kits will be distributed to 32 lakh underprivileged Muslims across India ahead of Eid, ensuring they can celebrate the festival without hardship. The campaign was inaugurated on Tuesday in Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
CBI arrests senior GM of Power Grid Corporation of India for bribery
Uday Kumar, posted in Rajasthan's Ajmer, was arrested on Thursday along with Suman Singh of KEC International in Sikar where both had agreed to meet for alleged exchange of the bribe amount, said CBI
SEBI Imposes Rs 40 Lakh Fine On Eight Entities For Disingenuous Trades On BSE
SEBI levied a fine of Rs 5 lakh each Utkal Automotive Pvt Ltd, Mrinal Verma, Sanjoy Kumar Gupta and Family, Meenu Ajmera, Advent Commosales, Manish Kumar Kanodia HUF, Nisha Pandey, and Viswaroop Marketing,
Punctuality on track as Vaishnaw tears into Opposition
NEW DELHI: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday dismissed Opposition allegations regarding train punctuality, informing the Lok Sabha that 32 railway divisions have achieved over 90% punctuality while 17 out of 68 divisions maintain more than 80% punctuality. The Bhavnagar rail division under Western Railway holds the top position for punctuality, maintaining a rate of over 99.6%. Following closely are the Madurai division at 99.2%, Ratlam at 98.9%, Bikaner at 98.1%, Sealdah at 98%, Rajkot at 97.7%, Ajmer at 97.1%, and Jodhpur at 96.1%. Other divisions among the 32 that have surpassed 90% punctuality include Kota and Guntur, both with 95.7%, Ahmedabad at 95.1%, Bangalore and Alipur Duar at 94.4%, Guntakal at 94.3%, Mumbai Central at 92.9%, and Trivandrum at 91.3%, among others. The Vijayawada rail division, with 89.5% punctuality, leads the 17 divisions that have achieved over 80% punctuality. It is followed by Firozpur division at 89.2%, Sonpur at 88.6%, Agra at 88.3%, Rangiya at 88.3%, Malda at 88.1%, Nagpur at 87.8%, Ranchi at 87.7%, Bhusaval at 87.4%, and Samastipur at 86.7%. He said over 13,000 passenger trains are currently in operation, including 4,111 mail and express trains, 3,313 passenger trains, and 5,774 suburban trains. Vaishnaw stated 17,330 trains were operated during the Mahakumbh period. Additionally, 1,107 special trains were arranged to accommodate the Holi rush. The number of Holi special trains has consistently increased, from 604 in 2023-24 to 1,107 in 2024-25.
Rajasthan Woman Jumps From Hospital Building After Son Dies, Injured: Cops
A 40-year-old woman jumped from the second floor of a hospital in Rajasthan's Ajmer district on Sunday after being shocked by the death of her son, police said.
Waqf Bill: A direct attack on India's secular structure, say religious and legal experts
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill proposed by the BJP-led Union government in August last year is set to be tabled again in the Parliament in the coming days in the second leg of the Budget Session. The bill, which sailed through a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), evading all the changes and suggestions proposed by the Opposition MPs, is expected to spark fierce protests both inside and outside the Parliament. Announcing a protest against the bill on March 17, the leaders of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), which represents different organisations within the Muslim community, said in a press meet , The Muslim community views this Waqf Amendment Bill as a direct attack on the community. It is evident that the BJPs politics thrive on communal polarisation and the strategy of 'divide and rule.' However, its allied parties must decide how far they are willing to align with this divisive agenda. Introducing the bill in Parliament on August 8, 2024, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju had claimed, With this bill, there is no interference in the freedom of any religious body....Forget about taking anyones rights, this bill has been brought to give rights to those who never got them.... However, Muslim organizations and legal experts feel that a closer look at the new amendments hints at a careful intrusion into the religious freedom of Muslims and therefore challenges the very structure of secularism. Let's dig in. What are the 2024 Amendments aimed at? According to the government, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 aims to amend the 1995 Act with the goal of enhancing the regulation and management of waqf properties across India. One of its key provisions is the mandatory inclusion of non-Muslims in the management of Waqf affairs, particularly within the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards. The bill seeks to remove the 'waqf by user' provision, which allows a property to be treated as Waqf based on its long-term use for religious or charitable purposes, even without formal documentation. The bill also prevents a Muslim from giving Waqf before completing five years since embracing Islam. Other key provisions of the bill include replacing the Survey Commissioner with the Collector, who will now have the authority to conduct surveys of waqf properties. Additionally, the bill grants the Collector the power to seize properties from the waqf board if they are in dispute with the government, and to determine the ownership of such properties. The bill curbs the power of waqf tribunals and introduces provisions for appealing its orders to the High Court within 90 days. It also removes the Muslim law expert from the tribunal panel. The bill emphasizes the use of technology to streamline the registration of waqf properties and establishes separate waqf boards for minority sections within Muslims, such as the Aghakhani and Bohra communities. Waqf - a distinct form of charity Explaining 'Waqf' in the context of the proposed amendments, a September release by the PIB states that it (Waqf) refers to properties dedicated exclusively for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law, and any other use or sale of the property is prohibited. Waqf means that the ownership of the property is now taken away from the person making Waqf and transferred and detained by Allah. Waqif is a person who creates a Waqf for the beneficiary. As waqf properties are bestowed upon Allah, in the absence of a physically tangible entity, a mutawalli is appointed by the waqif, or by a competent authority, to manage or administer a Waqf. Once designated as Waqf, the ownership is transferred from the person making the waqf (waqif) to Allah, making it irrevocable, explains the PIB release. According to Muslim scholars, the history of Waqf as a distinct and structured form of charity can be traced back to an advice given by Prophet Muhammed to his companion and the second caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, when asked about a piece of fertile land he owned in Khyber. The prophet advised Umar to preserve the land and make its yields useful for others. According to scholars, this became the basis of the definition of Waqf. Waqf law does not mandate Muslims to be its founders and beneficiaries and is not limited to just mosques, madrasas and graveyards. It could be anything that the person thinks will be useful for the society he is living in, considering it is allowed under the Islamic law, says Professor Abdulla Kottappalli, a notable scholar in waqf studies and Assistant Professor at the Centre for Indo-Arab Culture in Jamia Milia Islamia. An interesting story by explorer and scholar Ibn Battuta, in his book Rihla , paints a clear picture of the multidimensionality of the concept of Waqf. Battuta narrates the story of a Syrian merchant who happens to see children working in hotels, often being beaten up by the owners for carelessly handling Chinese pottery which was widely in use at the time. The merchant, according to Battuta, gives some of his property as Waqf, asking the owners to avail the damages from it and refrain from beating the children. In India, several institutions including schools, hospitals and universities were established using waqf funds and on waqf lands. History of Waqf boards The idea of waqf boards, as government-appointed supervisory bodies to oversee the functioning of waqf properties, emerged in the British era. Following the 1857 rebellion, the British decided to stay away from the responsibility of taking care of Hindu and Muslim religious structures and the respective communities were legally given the charge through the Religious Endowments Act of 1863. The British regime's decision of granting community autonomy over religious structures, according to Abdullah, was led by their idea of secularism, which required the state to refrain from interfering in religious matters. This idea of secularism was later adopted by India as one of its core constitutional values. The waqf boards came into existence post independence through the Waqf Act 1995 . According to the law, the waqf boards in each state will be headed by a chairperson and consists of one or two members elected from theelectoral colleges of a the state's Muslim parliamentarians, MLAs and Bar Council members. In case of non-availability of the above mentioned categories, the members can also be appointed from among Islamic scholars, social workers and other persons of eminence. The law also pushes for two of the members to be women, which has been in practice across various state waqf boards. Notably, the waqf board does not hold ownership rights over any of the waqf properties. It is only in charge of supervising the functioning of the properties and cannot benefit from it. The 1955 law authorises the state government to suspend or dissolve a committee or members if they are found unfit for the job or involved in corruption. Waqf Tribunals Tribunals in India are quasi-judicial bodies that were set up with the intention of reducing the burden of other courts and ensuring faster delivery of justice. Apart from waqf tribunals, there are corporate tribunals, like the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) which are entrusted to resolve disputes related to Indian companies. The waqf tribunals have been established according to section 83 of the 1995 Waqf Act, which allows state governments to constitute as many Tribunals as it may think fit, for the determination of any dispute, question or other matter relating to a Waqf or Waqf property. The three-member Tribunal consists of (1) a Judge of the rank equivalent to a Class-1, District, Sessions, or Civil Judge as Chairman, (2) a state officer equal to an Additional District Magistrate, and (iii) an expert in Muslim law and jurisprudence. The law grants the tribunal the power of a civil court and notes that its decision will be legally binding and final. However, like the decision of any other lower court, the decision of the Waqf Tribunal can be challenged in the higher courts. A High Court may, on its own motion or on the application of the Board or any person aggrieved, call for and examine the records relating to any dispute, question or other matter which has been determined by the Tribunal for the purpose of satisfying itself as to the correctness, legality or propriety of such determination and may confirm, reverse or modify such determination or pass such other order as it may think fit, the 1995 Act notes. 'Targeting Muslims, enhancing Islamophobia' For the first time, the government is making serious amendments to an important law concerning the faith of Muslims with zero consultations with the community leaders or stakeholders, said SQR Ilyas, spokesperson for the AIMPLB. The government had claimed that the amendments were intended at uplifting the backward sections within the community and ensuring transparency. But none of the provisions in the proposed bill is intended for this purpose. The entire bill has been designed in such a way so as to facilitate the government to usurp the Waqf properties, Illyas said stressing that around five crore Muslims have submitted their disapproval via emails against the bill. Commenting on the amendment that prevents a Muslim from giving waqf before completing five years after embracing Islam, Ilyas said, This is against the shariah. According to Islam, any practising or non-practising Muslims can give Waqf. Why would the government prevent a person who has recently embraced Islam from exercising his religion? It is illogical. The attempt to target aqf property is a violation of minority rights. It is a part of the overall strategy to weaken the Muslim community and enhance Islamophobia, said Prof. G Mohan Gopal, former director of the National Judicial Academy of the Supreme Court of India. Gopal highlighted the singling out of Waqf properties, when every other religion's right to community autonomy remains untouched. Devaswom Boards, which oversee the secular governance of public temples in Kerala can statutorily have only Hindus as members. The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Amendment Bill violates this norm by inserting non-Muslims into Waqf Boards which manage private property dedicated by Muslims as an inherent part of the practice of their religion while leaving undisturbed the prohibition against non-Hindus managing Hindu endowments and public temples, Gopal said. Interference with Waqf by non Muslims, against the teachings of Islam constitute a serious violation of the fundamental right of Muslims to practice their religion, he added. Gopal alleged that the hostile singling out of Islam is a constitutionally malafide action on the part of the government. It is inspired by the stated goal of the ruling partys ideology of converting India into a Hindu Rashtra. It has no Constitutional legitimacy, he stressed. According to Abdulla Kottapalli, the Bill is not just anti-Muslim but also challenges the very structure of Indian secularism. India has long followed a non-interventionist policy in the management of religious trusts, which is a crucial aspect of Indian secularism. If the Union Government imposes a Waqf regulatory mechanism without proper consultation and consent from the Muslim community, it would constitute an infringement of this long-standing secular tradition. Such an approach could undermine the legitimacy of the Waqf Board system among Muslims, he remarked. Calling the bill disastrous, former Maharashtra minister and Rajya Sabha MP Fauzia Khan noted that contrary to the claims of the government, the amendments are not intended at aiding the Waqf Boards. Instead of aiding the board to overcome its challenges, the government is snatching away everything from the Muslim community. Its like killing the patient, instead of treating them, she said. The whole law is going to be disastrous for the Muslim community, they will be losing their religious lands and other properties donated by their forefathers for the upliftment of the community, she added. Dr Khan emphasised that amendments like the removal of the 'waqf by user' provision are challenging the very spirit of Waqf. A large amount of properties under the Waqf are 'waqf by user.' Many properties do not have documentation. For instance the Taj Mahal, or the Ajmer Dargah. How can you bring documents for these? The new amendment is a big threat to the actual spirit of Waqf, she said. Illyas expressed concern that this amendment will affect the ongoing disputes regarding the ownership of mosques including Gyanvapi and Sambhal. It is a very serious issue. In UP itself, more than 70 percent mosques will be affected by the removal of this provision, he said. Noting that the removal of 'waqf by user' provision will result in large amounts of land transfer from the hands of the Muslim community, Gopal said; The blanket removal of user rights solely of Muslims is anti-constitutional and should be struck down. Even though the right to property is no longer a fundamental right, it is still a constitutional right. It is not possible to sweep away existing property rights in an arbitrary manner. Apart from the draconian amendments, concerns were also raised regarding the manner in which the bill was passed through the JPC, with opposition members raising serious allegations against the JPC chairman and BJP MP Jagdambika Pal. Commenting on the alleged sabotaging of JPC proceedings, Dr Fauzia Khan called it a death blow to democracy. If this is how we are going to function in parliament, then it is setting a dangerous precedent. Tomorrow, any party with a majority can just crush the voices of the minority and finish off the later, she said. The Waqf Bill wil be tabled in the Lok Sabha in the coming days. Apart from a heated debate and a legal battle, the bill will also be a determining factor in the upcoming Bihar elections which is crucial for the NDA ally JDU headed by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. If Nitish Kumar and his party go ahead with their support for the Bill, they will not get any support from the Muslim community for the upcoming elections. Our position is very clear. If this Bill is passed, we will consider it a direct attack on the community. Its consequences will have to borne by the two allies too. This is a matter of faith for the Muslim community, the AIMPLB has warned. With multiple players at stake, it remains to be seen how the Narendra Modi-led government will decide on the issue, which is of utmost importance to Indian Muslims.
Member of erstwhile royal family Arvind Singh Mewar passes away
JAIPUR: Arvind Singh Mewar, the member of the erstwhile royal family of Mewar and the chairman of the HRH group of hotels died early Sunday in Udaipur after prolonged illness, family sources said. Mewar (81), a descendant of Rajput king Maharana Pratap, had been ill for a long time and was receiving treatment at his residence in Udaipur's City Palace. He is survived by his wife, Vijayraj Kumari, son Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, and daughters Bhargavi Kumari Mewar and Padmaja Kumari Parmar. His funeral will take place on Monday. As a mark of respect, the Udaipur City Palace will be closed for tourists on Sunday and Monday. He was the younger son of Bhagwant Singh Mewar and Sushila Kumari. His elder brother, Mahendra Singh Mewar, died in November last year. Arvind Singh Mewar was educated at the prestigious Mayo College, Ajmer and pursued hotel management courses in the UK and US. He received training in various international hotels. He lived and worked in Chicago for many years before building the HRH group of hotels as a professionally-managed corporate organisation. An avid cricketer, Mewar made his Ranji Trophy debut as Rajasthan's captain in 1945-46 and enjoyed a successful career spanning nearly two decades. In the 1970s, he also played polo before retiring from the sport due to health reasons. To showcase his commitment to professional polo in the UK, he instituted 'The Udaipur Cup' at the Cambridge and Newmarket Polo Club. In Udaipur, Mewar Polo was formed as a polo team with professional players who had been handpicked and specially trained for Indian tournaments. The Mewar Polo team lifted the prestigious President's Cup defeating the 61st Cavalry players in 1991. He was also an avid pilot and has done solo flights across India in a microlite aircraft. Mewar was the Chairman and Managing Trustee of the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation, Udaipur and also headed other trusts. Since the death of his father, Bhagwat Singh Mewar, there have been conflicts and issues between his descendants regarding the leadership of the house of Mewar and a property dispute. Bhagwant Singh willed his property through a trust to Arvind, named him his successor, and disinherited his eldest son, Mahendra Singh Mewar, because he had filed a lawsuit against him. After the death of his father in 1984, Arvind assumed the leadership of the house. At the same time, Mahendra Singh Mewar, being the elder son, was coronated as the titular head of the family. Mahendra Singh Mewar died in November last year and his son Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, also a BJP MLA, was made the titular head of the family. A controversy erupted when Vishvaraj Singh was not allowed to enter the City Palace of Udaipur by his cousin brother and Arvind Singh Mewar's son Lakshyaraj Singh to complete the rituals. However, the deadlock ended later after Vishwaraj Singh was allowed to enter the city Palace to visit 'dhuni' (sacred fire) to offer prayers to the deity.
Cricket Fans Pray For India's Victory In The Champions Trophy Final The Ajmer Sharif Dargah | N18S
Cricket fans from Rajasthan pray for India's victory in the Champions Trophy final clash against New Zealand at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah n18oc_shorts News18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube
Womens Day: Sufiya Khan, the runner who has conquered vast distances and heights
For Ajmer-born woman Sufiya Sufi Khan, creating Guinness Book records has become an annual affair. She has so far created five records and although she is now in her late 30s, she is showing no signs of slowing down. She belongs to that rare breed of ultramarathon runners who have the courage, determination and stamina Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
ED searches multiple states in 'illegal' foreign remittances case
The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids across multiple states in connection to a money laundering probe involving illegal remittances from India through shell companies. The case, originating from a Customs complaint in Jaipur, targeted premises in Jaipur, Udaipur, Ajmer, Mumbai, Surat, and Noida, implicating several businessmen and associated individuals.
Parag Agrawal was born in Rajasthan's Ajmer. His father was a senior official in the Indian Department of Atomic Energy and his mother is a retired economics professor.
Ajmer observes bandh in protest against Bijaynagar rape-blackmail case
Jaipur: Ajmer remained closed on Saturday in protest against the Bijaynagar rape-blackmail case, following a call for a bandh by the Sarva Hindu Samaj community. Members of various Hindu organisations took to the streets in groups, urging shopkeepers to shut their businesses. Some bandh supporters deflated the tires of vehicles on the road, while a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Canadas new immigration rules: What are the reforms and how do they impact migrants and aspirants
Canada has long been a popular destination for international students, especially from India, and workers and visitors, thanks to its strong economy, world-class education system, and high standard of living. However, in recent years, Canada's immigration and visa policies have become increasingly stringent. These changes reflect the government's efforts to reduce illegal migration to the country, tighten border security, and ensure that visa holders comply with the intended purpose of their visit. Below is an explainer of Canadas new immigration regulations and the new challenges for the immigrants, especially Indian students: Visitor Visa and Entry to Canada Although Canadas immigration process begins with obtaining a visitor visa, student visa or work permit, which grants an individual permission to travel to Canada, with the reforms that gives more powers to visa and immigration officials, the primary travel document do not guarantee entry into the country. Once you arrive at a Canadian port of entry, an immigration officer will ask you several questions to verify your purpose of travel. The questions may include the ones like; What is the purpose of your visit?, How long do you plan to stay?, and Where will you be staying during your visit?. Though these are the routine questions addressed in the primary visa application, the goal of the queries after the arrival is to ensure that you are fully abiding by the terms of your visa. And any variation in your answers the immigration officers can revoke your visa and even deport immediately after reaching the port. These officers did not have the power to revoke visa traditionally. have the power to revoke a visa upon arrival, Prashant Ajmera, an Immigration lawyer, explains that recent changes in the regulations now give these officers the authority to cancel a visa at the point of entry if they suspect the visa holder is not complying with the rules. This could happen if a visitor is deemed to be overstaying, engaging in unauthorized employment, or otherwise violating the terms of their visa. For example, if a visitor visa holder returns to Canada after an extended stay in their home country and is found to be working illegally or violating other conditions of their visa, the officer may revoke their visa and send them back home. This can be particularly problematic for students. Ajmera highlights that if a student who has been studying in Canada returns home after a long stay, then comes back to Canada after an extended holiday, they may be questioned about their activities while abroad. If the officer determines that the student has been working full-time or engaging in activities outside the scope of their visa, they could face deportation. Ajmera further emphasises that if someone is not a regular studentfor example, a student who is not attending classes full-time but is instead working illegally they are at greater risk of having their visa revoked. In such cases, the officer may question whether the person is truly a student or simply using the student visa as a means to enter the country for other purposes. Hence, Ajmera advises that it is important for individuals to be aware of the rules surrounding their visas and to avoid any activities that may appear suspicious to immigration authorities. The Canadian government has also been making significant investments in border security. According to a January notification by Canadian government, it has allocated $1.3 billion to strengthen its border security measures. This includes increasing the number of border security personnel, utilising advanced surveillance technologies, and deploying drones and helicopters to monitor and enforce immigration laws. These efforts have been aimed at reducing illegal border crossings and ensuring the security of the countrys immigration system. For example, the introduction of an additional protocol in partnership with the US has led to a significant drop in illegal asylum claims. Since the protocols implementation in March 2023, the number of asylum claims has dropped from an average of 165 per day to just 12 per day by December 2024. In addition to border security measures, Canada has also implemented partial visa requirements for nationals of certain countries, such as Mexican nationals, to curb the high number of asylum claims from these regions. This policy has successfully reduced asylum claims from Mexican citizens by 97%. The Canadian government has also taken steps to eliminate the practice of flagpoling, where temporary residents would leave and re-enter Canada to obtain immigration services. This practice was found to strain border security resources and slow down cross-border traffic. After eliminating flagpoling, Canada observed an immediate 86% reduction in this practice, saving thousands of hours of work for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. International students have been significantly affected by these regulatory changes. Ajmera stresses that students must be particularly cautious in adhering to the conditions of their visas, as violations can lead to serious consequences. One common violation is working beyond the allowed number of hours or working without authorization. Ajmera warns, If youre working in cash or not maintaining full-time enrollment, youre at risk. Students who are caught violating these rules could face deportation, even if they have been in Canada for a long time. Withdrawal of Student Direct Stream (SDS) Ajmera also points to the cancellation of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) as another significant change that has impacted international students. The SDS programme, which was designed to expedite the processing of study permits for students from certain countries, including India, China, and the Philippines, has now been closed. This has made it harder for students to get their study permits approved quickly, creating uncertainty for prospective students who were hoping to enter Canada without delays. Changes in Border Security and Immigration Measures The Canadian government has also increased scrutiny of educational institutions to ensure that they are legitimate and that they are not being exploited by fraudulent agents. Ajmera highlights how some agents in India have been known to sell fake admission letters to students, often promising them easy entry into Canada through subpar institutions. These agents sometimes partner with schools offering diploma or certificate courses at remote campuses that lack the facilities students expect. Ajmera explains that while these institutions are technically licensed, they often offer poor-quality education are exploited by fraudsters. As a result, the Canadian government has started verifying the status of educational institutions more rigorously to prevent such exploitation. In response to these issues, Canadian immigration officials have begun cracking down on fraudulent practices, ensuring that only genuine educational institutions are allowed to accept international students. This has been part of the broader effort to address systemic issues in Canadas immigration system and make sure that the process is fair for all applicants. International Students and Changing Regulations Real-life experiences from international students further illustrate the challenges posed by these changing regulations. Jewel Jacob, a 22-year-old student from India, reflects on the increasing difficulty of obtaining a visa to Canada: Many people are entering here as illegal immigrants. I personally think it's not the best for a student who completed his 12th or degree to come to Canada right now. Aishwarya, a student and also a part-time worker as a front-line cook with a proper work permit, expresses her gratitude for her ability to work legally, while acknowledging the difficulties faced by other students: There are so many people who work on cash... she says adding that, I had a friend who got deported because she was working illegally on cash in a restaurant. Another student who doesn't want to be identified, and currently in her final year of a business degree, talks about the uncertainty caused by the cancellation of the Student Direct Stream and the anxiety surrounding study permit extensions. These experiences highlight the growing concerns of international students as they navigate the increasingly complex immigration landscape in Canada. As Prashant Ajmera warns, Its crucial to maintain full-time enrollment, comply with the conditions of your visa, and ensure youre following the regulations to avoid any issues. For international students, it is now more important than ever to stay informed about the latest immigration regulations and ensure that they adhere to all the necessary requirements to avoid any complications with their visa status. Canadas immigration and visa regulations are evolving rapidly, and prospective immigrants especially students must stay vigilant to avoid falling foul of the increasingly stringent rules. By adhering to the conditions of their visas, students can continue to enjoy the benefits of studying and working in Canada without facing unnecessary risks or complications.
Byju Raveendran seeks probe into alleged EY-Glas Trust collusion
Byju Raveendran, CEO of Byju's, has called for an investigation into claims of collusion and fraud by Glas Trust, EY, and former resolution professional Pankaj Srivastava. This follows viral whistleblower allegations and the National Company Law Tribunal's approval of Shailendra Ajmera as the new resolution professional.
NCLT Appoints Shailendra Ajmera As Resolution Professional For Byju's
The order was confirmed in the open court and a detailed order is awaited.
Delhi CM Swearing-In On February 20: Check Traffic Advisory, Diversions And Routes To Avoid
Delhi CM Swearing-In Traffic Advisory: The restrictions will also be in place from Ranjeet Singh flyover to Turkman Gate and Ajmeri Gate to roundabout Kamla Market. Check complete traffic advisory in Delhi for February 20
Police arrest seven as minors blackmailed, sexually exploited in Rajasthan's Beawar
JAIPUR: Four to five minor girls have been sexually exploited in Vijay Nagar town in Rajasthans Beawar district, according to sources. According to the local police, a group of miscreants trapped and blackmailed girls from a private school, subjecting them to rape and allegedly even tried to force them into conversion. The Beawar police have arrested seven culprits and detained two other offenders who are themselves minors in this sordid case. Family members of the victims complained to the police and shared details that a gang was behind this heinous racket. The criminals targeted a girl by assaulting and blackmailing her and coerced her into befriending other schoolgirls and systematically entrapping multiple victims. The minor girls were lured through gifts of Chinese mobile phones and were even forced to make their underage friends chat with the offenders who would sexually exploit them. The victims on Monday revealed that the culprits, all labourers and belonging to one community, had taken obscene photos and videos of the girls and were blackmailing them. The victims have also alleged that the criminals were even pressurising them to recite Kalma, keep Rozas or fasts, and adopt Islam. The case in the Vijay Nagar police station area has sparked public outrage with angry residents surrounding the local police station, demanding strong and swift action. As people gheraoed the police station, demanding the arrest of the accused, additional cops were summoned from four nearby police stations. The situation in the town remains tense as public anger is mounting. The accused have been identified as Rihan Mohammad (20), Sohail Mansuri (19), Shoaib (20), Arman Pathan (19), and Sahil Qureshi (19) who are all from Vijaynagar and close by areas. Two juvenile offenders have also been detained by the local police. The incident has triggered a political storm, drawing comparisons to a similar case in Ajmer 33 years ago, where schoolgirls were victimized through vulgar pictures and then subjected to rape and blackmail. Authorities are under pressure to act decisively as investigations unfold.
BYJUS CoC Proposes Shailendra Ajmera As New Insolvency Resolution Professional
After months of drama surrounding BYJUS the then insolvency resolution professional (IRP) Pankaj Srivastava, the edtech companys committee of creditors
High-level committee begins probe into New Delhi railway station stampede that killed 18 people
NEW DELHI: The tragic stampede at New Delhi railway station on Saturday, which claimed the lives of 18 passengers , including five children, has raised serious concerns about the railways' crowd management during peak travel times. Despite Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's continuous monitoring of live CCTV feeds from a war room at the ministry, ground officials failed to anticipate or control the overwhelming rush of passengers. The sharp surge in ticket sales for the February 15 journey, with 1,500 tickets sold within an hour, should have been an early warning. However, railway officials did not take preventive measures. A high-level meeting on safety was reportedly held at the ministry level on the day of the stampede, yet the chaos at the station remained unchecked. With the weekend coinciding with the Mahakumbh, large numbers of pilgrims had travelled to New Delhi, and last-minute announcements of special trains from other stations only added to the confusion. As passengers moved in a frantic scramble from platform 14 to platform 16, a stampede ensued. A railway staff member at the station confirmed, In the mad rush, passengers moved from platform 14 to platform 16 in a frantic scramble, ultimately leading to the stampede. Eyewitnesses recall Saturday night horror at New Delhi Railway Station post stampede What has shocked many is the silence from the railways regarding the casualties. The official death toll was not released until Sunday afternoon. Railway officials dodged crucial questions about who authorised the overcrowding, why the Railway Protection Force (RPF) was inadequately deployed, and why contingency plans were not put into action despite the evident surge in demand. On Sunday, frustrated passengers at the station demanded answers. How could such an incident happen despite live monitoring from the ministry? Were there failures in communication or in anticipating crowd behaviour? Why were contingency plans not implemented when ticket sales soared? By Sunday morning, crowds surged again at platforms 14 and 15 with the arrival of trains from Prayagraj and other locations between 10:45 am and 11:30 am, making it difficult for passengers to exit. This newspaper witnessed the chaotic scenes as pilgrims returning from Mahakumbh struggled to leave the station, all while being under the heavy glare of media cameras. On the footbridge near platforms 14 and 15 towards the Ajmeri side of the station, visibly panicked elderly passengers, especially women, were seen moving through the packed crowd. Many who had travelled for the Mahakumbh noted that while the crowd management at the event was well-organised, the conditions on trains and at the station were unbearable. Congress slams Modi government over New Delhi railway station stampede Devendra Singh Gujjar, a passenger from Delhi who had returned from Prayagraj by the Shiv Ganga Express, remarked, We never faced any problems while taking dips at Mahakumbh, but inside the trains, the crowd was overwhelming. Even going to attend natures call was difficult for elderly passengers. Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora visited the RPF office at New Delhi station to discuss the stampede. However, even after the tragedy, the deployment of RPF personnel remained inadequate until Sunday afternoon. Only two officersa man and a womanwere seen attempting to manage the massive crowd single-handedly. The Ministry of Railways has now constituted a two-member panel to probe the incident. Dileep Kumar, Executive Director (Information & Publicity), confirmed that Narsingh Deo, Principal Chief Commercial Manager of Northern Railway, and Pankaj Gangwar, Principal Chief Security Commissioner of Northern Railway, would lead the investigation. Meanwhile, railway authorities have begun reviewing CCTV footage from the station to understand the sequence of events. Eyewitnesses present at the station during the tragedy stated that they had never seen such an overwhelming crowd in the past 20 years. A senior railway official admitted that the sheer number of passengers on Saturday had not been anticipated. Northern Railway's Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Himanshu Upadhyay, explained, At the time of the incident, the Patna-bound Magadh Express was stationed at platform 14, while the New Delhi-Jammu Uttar Sampark Kranti Express was at platform 15. Some people who were coming down from the footbridge towards platforms 14 and 15 using the stairs slipped and fell on others. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has continued to monitor the situation closely. On Sunday, he reviewed the developments with officials and also met with Home Minister Amit Shah. However, as investigations proceed, the key question remainscould this tragedy have been prevented?
Video: Indian billionaire Gautam Adani visits Ajmer Sharif Dargah
New Delhi/Ajmer: Indian billionaire and chairman of Adani Group, Gautam Adani, has visited the Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan along with his family members. Taking to social media platform X, he wrote: Prayers for blessings and safety for all. He also posted pictures of his visit to the dargah. He was accompanied by his wife Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Gautam Adani offers 'chadar' at Ajmer dargah
A special vegetarian langar was also prepared and served on behalf of the Adani family to hundreds of people at the shrine
Gautam Adani, His Wife Offer 'Chadar' At Ajmer Sharif Dargah
Adani Group Chairperson Gautam Adani, accompanied by his wife, Priti Adani, visited Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan.
Teen abducted, trafficked 9 mths ago reunited with kin as man posts 'wedding' pics online
A wedding photo posted online helped police rescue a 17-year-old girl from Mainpuri who was abducted, trafficked, and sold multiple times before ending up in Ajmer. The girl was subjected to rape and abuse for months. The accused have been arrested, and legal action is underway.
JAIPUR: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the North-Western Railway (NWR) is set to deploy psychologists to help employees cope with increasing work pressure and stress. This move makes NWR the first railway zone in the country to introduce such a program. Under the initiative, psychologists will interact with employees and provide counselling sessions every 15 days. According to railway sources, nearly 12,000 posts are currently vacant in the NWR, including 230 vacancies in the headquarters alone. This acute shortage of staff has significantly increased the workload on existing employees. Over the past two years, around 62 officers and employees from various departmentsincluding personnel, operations, commercial, and accountshave opted for voluntary retirement (VRS) due to stress. To counter this growing issue, psychologists are being appointed to assist officers and employees in managing their mental well-being. APO/T Amritlal Meena of the Railway Headquarters has issued an order regarding the deployment of psychologists. As per the order, psychologists will be stationed at key locations, including the headquarters in Jaipur, the DRM offices in Ajmer, Bikaner, and Jodhpur, as well as the Ajmer Workshop. These professionals will be hired on a contract basis. Notably, this initiative is being implemented on the recommendation of General Manager Amitabh. Instead of abolishing existing vacant Level-5 posts, these positions will be reallocated for the appointment of psychologists. Employees Union General Secretary Mukesh Mathur has praised the move, stating that the NWR is setting a precedent by prioritizing employee mental health. The decision to introduce psychologists comes in the wake of the recent suicide of Chief OS Narsilal Meena. According to railway sources, Meena had been struggling with work pressure and the inability to take leave for a long time. However, railway authorities have not officially confirmed any direct link between work stress and his death. Speaking on the matter, the Chief Public Relations Officer of Northern Railway Shashi said, Workload will always be there, but employees should not feel stressed in the office environment. If any employee is facing personal issues affecting their mental health, counsellors will help address them. We will begin this initiative from the headquarters and four divisions, gradually expanding further. Employees from all departments will be mapped and counselled in batches. He further assured that the recruitment process for vacant positions is ongoing and that efforts are being made to fill them as soon as possible. For the first time, we are introducing psychologists and counselors at the headquarters and division levels. They will regularly interact with railway employees to identify any psychological issues or mental health concerns. The goal is to provide appropriate solutions to help employees overcome stress, anxiety, and depression. The official added, While workload cannot be eliminated, we want to ensure that employees do not feel overwhelmed due to work or personal issues. The North-Western Railway already has a positive work environment, and we aim to make it even more supportive and stress-free. With this initiative, the NWR is taking a progressive step toward addressing employee well-being, setting an example for other railway zones across the country.
Police pick up 20 suspected drug users in city
Shillong, Feb 5: The police of Cantonment Beat House on Wednesday detained 20 suspected drug users, who were found loitering and obstructing the footpath along the GS Road near Ajmera and Boucher Road. East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said that after preparing their profiles and considering their condition, they have been bound [] The post Police pick up 20 suspected drug users in city appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Hindu Sena supports Diwans demand to declare Ajmer Dargah a Jain pilgrimage site
Jaipur: The Hindu Sena said on Wednesday that they supported the Ajmer Dargah Diwan Syed Zainul Abedin Ali Khans demand to declare the historic shrine as a Jain pilgrimage site At least he (Diwan) has acknowledged that this is a Jain pilgrimage site. He has also accepted that Jain temples once stood here, said Vishnu Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Rajasthan man saves mother, but loses grandfather in Maha Kumbh stampede
During a stampede at the Maha Kumbh, Vishambar Singh from Dholpur, Rajasthan, managed to pull his mother to safety but couldn't save his 71-year-old grandfather, Kishan Baldev, who was trampled. The family had traveled to the Kumbh for blessings, but Baldev, a farmer, was declared dead at the hospital. His body was returned after post-mortem, and his last rites were performed. A woman from Ajmer district was also killed in the stampede.
