MP News: One Dead, Over Dozen Critical After Prasad Causes Food Poisoning In Jabalpur
Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh): One died and over a dozen were hospitalised after suspected food poisoning caused by sweets served as prasad at a religious event in Jabalpur on Monday. A case of suspected food poisoning has come to light in Bhedaghat area of Jabalpur, creating panic among local residents. According to information, pistachio barfi distributed as prasad after a religious programme is believed to be the cause of the incident. After eating the sweets, several people complained of vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, and weakness. So far, 19 people have fallen ill due to suspected food poisoning. One youth, identified as Indrapal Patel, a resident of Bhedaghat, died during treatment. The condition of 18 others is said to be stable, and they are currently undergoing treatment at different hospitals. Doctors are closely monitoring their health. The sweets were reportedly purchased from Bikaner Sweets, located at Bhedaghat Chowk. After the religious event, the pistachio barfi was distributed among devotees as prasad. Within a short time of consumption, many people started feeling unwell, following which they were rushed to nearby hospitals. On receiving information about the incident, the food department reached the shop and collected samples of the suspected sweets. These samples have been sent to a laboratory for testing. Officials said that further action against the sweet shop will be taken after the test report is received. If the sweets are found to be unsafe or contaminated, strict action will be initiated as per rules. MP News: Advocates Killing; 3 Shooters Arrested After Shootout Meanwhile, Bhedaghat police have also started an investigation into the matter. Police are recording statements of the shop staff, organisers of the religious event, and affected people to find out how the incident occurred. They are also trying to determine whether there was any lapse in food safety or storage. MP News: Month After Womans Death, 2 Arrested For Rape & Murder In Jabalpur Local residents have expressed concern over food safety, especially during religious functions where prasad is distributed to a large number of people. Health officials have advised people to avoid consuming leftover sweets from the event and to seek medical help immediately if they feel unwell.
Rajasthan Govt Orders Probe Into 10 Private Universities Over Fraud Complaints
Jaipur: Following complaints of fraudulent degrees and irregularities, the Rajasthan government has ordered an investigation into 10 private universities in the state. Responding to a question in the state assembly regarding action into the alleged irregularities of private universities of the state, the deputy chief minister and minister for higher education, Dr. Prem Chand Bairwa, said that out of the 53 private universities under the control of the department, orders have been given to investigate 10 private universities after receiving complaints of irregularities against them. These include OPJS University Churu, Singhania University Jhunjhunu, Sunrise University Alwar, Shridhar University Jhunjhunu, Mewar University Chittorgarh, Madhav University Sirohi, Raffles University Alwar, Nirvana University Jaipur, University of Technology Jaipur, and Jagdish Jhabarmal Tibrewala University Jhunjhunu. He said out of these 10 universities, following complaints of fraud, the department has liquidated OPJS University, Churu, on January 7, 2026, appointing the Divisional Commissioner, Bikaner, as its administrator. The Special Operation Group of the police had received complaints against officials of OPJS University Churu, Sunrise University Alwar, and Singhania University Jhunjhunu. Shri JJT University Jhunjhunu and Mewar University Chittorgarh regarding awarding backdated mark sheets/degrees of various courses. Rajasthan High Court Upholds 58-Year Marriage, Says Minor Quarrels Not Grounds For Divorce Also Watch: Taking action on this, 16 officials and brokers of OPJS and Mewar universities have been arrested and sent to jail while the investigation against others is underway, said Bairwa. He said that the process to establish a regulatory commission to control private higher education institutions in the state and prevent irregularities is underway. A draft of this will soon be prepared and submitted to the Law Department for review.
Celebrated filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali announced his next cinematic venture, Jai Somanth, on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri on Sunday (February 15). The announcement was made through a special video shared on social media, marking the spiritual festival with a film reveal. Bhansali revealed the title of the new project and announced that Jai Somanth will be directed by filmmaker Ketan Mehta, known for backing distinctive and culturally rooted cinema. The title suggests mythological and historical undertones, possibly linked to Lord Shiva. While further details about the cast and storyline are yet to be disclosed, the announcement has already generated excitement among cinema lovers, given Bhansalis reputation for mounting grand and visually rich projects. FIR Filed Against Sanjay Leela Bhansali, 2 Others In Bikaner Over Love & War Production Dispute: Report Along with the announcement video, the makers wrote, A temple can be broken, not the faith. Sanjay Leela Bhansali presents - 'JAI SOMNATH'. Directed by Ketan Mehta. In cinemas worldwide, 2027. Take a look at the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bhansali Productions (@bhansaliproductions) Bhansali, known for his larger-than-life storytelling and opulent filmmaking style, is backing the project as a producer, entrusting the directorial reins to Mehta. The collaboration between the two filmmakers has piqued interest, as both are known for their strong narrative sensibilities and visually compelling cinema. As of now, no additional information regarding the films production timeline or casting has been shared. It is to be noted that Bhansali is also gearing up for the release of Love And War, starring Vicky Kaushal, Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor. The film's release date has not been announced yet. Love & War On-Set Pics Leaked: Ranbir Kapoor & Alia Bhatt's Looks Spark Online Reactions, Netizens Say 'Wig Look So Disconnected' Ketan Mehta films Some of the veteran filmmaker's notable works include Bhavni Bhavai, Holi, Maya Memsaab, Mirch Masala, Rang Rasiya, Mangal Pandey: The Rising, Manjhi: The Mountain Man and Sardar. His films often blend storytelling with political and social commentary and highlights resistance, identity, and human dignity.
Rajasthan Bans Khejri Tree Felling After 11-Day Protest
Jaipur: Following the 11- day-long agitation by saints and the Bishnoi community in Bikaner, the Rajasthan government enforced a strict ban on the felling of Khejri trees (Prosopis cineraria) across the state, particularly in western regions like Bikaner and Jaisalmer. The community has called off its agitation after a circular issued by the government regarding the ban and assurance of the introduction of Tree Protection Act in the ongoing budget session of the assembly. Minister of State K.K. Bishnoi, BJP State Vice President Biharilal Bishnoi and Animal Welfare Board Chairman Jaswant Singh Bishnoi reached Bikaner late on Thursday night and handed over an official order issued by the Revenue Department to all district collectors stating a complete ban on the cutting of Khejri trees across Rajasthan until a comprehensive tree protection law is enacted. , pic.twitter.com/0LG3aaFBjv Biharilal Bishnoi (@biharibishnoi) February 13, 2026 The minister said, It was already declared by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on the floor of the House that the government will enact the Kejri Protection Act soon. Now, we have issued orders to all district collectors and divisional commissioners across the state to ensure the illegal felling of Khejri and take appropriate action against the people found involved in the felling activities. Rajasthan Govt Hints At Scrapping Right To Health Act, Sparks Uproar In Assembly Also Watch: Following the announcement, Swami Sachchidanand, who was leading the agitation, declared the suspension of the protest and announced that the Mahapadav would remain suspended until the law is enacted. Khejri has been the state tree of Rajasthan since 1983, with existing protections under the Rajasthan Tenancy Act, 1955, and the Rajasthan Forest Act, 1953. The agitation was triggered following the alleged widespread felling of this tree for solar power plants coming to Western Rajasthan. The Bishnoi community, which was leading the agitation, is known for its love and devotion to the environment.
Rajasthan assures no illegal Khejri felling; protest called off
A protest in Bikaner demanding protection for the Khejri tree has concluded. The Rajasthan government has promised to enact a special law safeguarding the state tree. Protesters were assured no Khejri trees will be felled illegally. The government plans to introduce legislation soon, addressing ecological and cultural concerns. This marks a victory for the collective struggle of the people.
Rajasthan Budget 2026-27: Rs 6,800 cr for tap water, Rs 3,000 cr for solar parks
Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari presented the 2026-27 state budget. Funds are allocated for providing tap water to rural and urban areas. It highlights that new solar parks will be built in Bikaner and Jaisalmer at Rs 2,950 crore. The budget also includes provisions for interest-free loans for youth and road development.
Bikaner Protests: 'Wont Let Khejri Trees Be Sacrificed in the Name of Progress'
The Bishnoi community has long embraced a simple and sustainable way of life, writes a protester.
The enduring power of Satish Gujrals art
Bikaner House presents 'Gujral Within: An Introspection,' a striking centenary exhibition unveiling the unseen paintings and sculptures of Satish Gujral from his last twenty years.
JK Cement Ltd. Marks a New Milestone with Bhoomi Poojan of its Upcoming Bikaner Grinding Unit
JK Cement Ltd. , one of Indias leading cement manufacturers, today marked an important milestone in its growth journey with the Bhoomi Poojan ceremony of its upcoming grinding unit in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The Bikaner facility will be JK Cements 20th manufacturing plant across its grey and white cement businesses and will have an initial production capacity of 2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). Bhoomi Poojan of JK Cement's Upcoming Bikaner Grinding Unit The Bhoomi Poojan was led by Mr. Madhavkrishna Singhania, Joint Managing Director & CEO, JK Cement, along with senior members of the companys leadership team. Over 200 strategic channel partners also participated in the ceremony, reflecting the strong partnerships that underpin JK Cements expansion in the region. Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Raghavpat Singhania, Managing Director, JK Cement , said, The Bhoomi Poojan of our Bikaner grinding unit marks a significant step in JK Cements long-term growth strategy. Rajasthan continues to be an important market for us, and this project reinforces our commitment to expanding manufacturing capabilities closer to demand centres. Beyond strengthening our operational footprint, the Bikaner plant will contribute meaningfully to regional development, employment generation, and the overall industrial ecosystem . Spread across 100 acres and strategically located on the JaipurBikaner highway, the upcoming grinding unit will play a critical role in strengthening JK Cements presence in Rajasthan. Its location will enable efficient and seamless distribution across the state, allowing the company to service customer demand with significantly reduced lead times, with deliveries possible within 24 hours to most locations. Sharing his views on the expansion, Mr. Madhavkrishna Singhania, Joint Managing Director & CEO, JK Cement , added, " The Bikaner grinding unit is a strategic investment aimed at deepening our reach in Rajasthan, a market witnessing strong growth driven by housing and infrastructure development. With this facility, we will be better positioned to serve our customers faster, more efficiently, and at scale. The project aligns closely with our vision of becoming the most preferred cement brand for home builders by delivering consistent quality, superior service, and long-term value . Construction of the Bikaner grinding unit is scheduled to commence in February 2026, with commercial production expected to begin by March 2027. JK Cement has invested approximately 500 crore in the project. Once operational, the facility is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment opportunities and encourage the development of ancillary industries in the surrounding region, thereby boosting the local economy. The Bikaner unit underscores JK Cements continued focus on capacity expansion in high-growth markets while supporting sustainable infrastructure development and long-term economic progress. About JK Cement Ltd. JK Cement Ltd. is among Indias top manufacturers of Grey and White Cement, and home-building solutions globally. For over five decades, JKCement has contributed to Indias infrastructure through product quality, customer focus, and technology leadership, beginning with its flagship grey cement unit in Nimbahera, Rajasthan, in May 1975. The Companys Grey Cement capacity is 31.26 MTPA, making it a leading manufacturer with a strong presence across 15 states, especially in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. With a total White Cement and Wall Putty Capacity of 3.05 MTPA, JK White Cement is sold in 36 countries around the globe. The Company has a strong international presence with two subsidiaries, JK Cement Works Fujairah FZC and JK White Cement (Africa) Ltd. In 2023, JKCement launched JKMaxx Paints, offering wall, wood, and metal finishes. In the same year, JKCement expanded into construction chemicals with JK Profix, a waterproofing line, and also entered the Ready-Mix Concrete segment with JK Super Concrete, serving Delhi NCR and set for nationwide growth. www.jkcement.com .
Watch: A Korean teachers 20-year journey to master Indian miniature art
Bridging the cultural divide between South Korea and India through the sacred Guru-Shishya parampara, art teacher Baesang Won has spent two decades visiting Bikaner to study under the renowned master Mahavir Swami.
Class 12 Student Kidnapped, Gang-Raped Inside Moving Car In Rajasthan
A Class 12 girl student was allegedly kidnapped and gang-raped inside a moving car in Rajasthan's Bikaner district, police said on Monday.
GRP officer who was probing train gold theft arrested for alleged involvement in robbery
Gaya GRP Station House Officer Rajesh Kumar Singh was arrested on Wednesday in connection with a gold robbery from the HowrahBikaner Express last November. Singh was part of the investigation team probing the theft of gold worth approximately Rs. 1.44 crore. Police are now searching for other absconding personnel involved in the conspiracy.
Who Is Raihan Vadra, Priyanka Gandhi's Son Who Is Now Engaged
In July 2021, Raihan held his first solo exhibition, Dark Perception, at Bikaner House in New Delhi. The show explored how darkness can alter perception and allow creative freedom, drawing directly from his experience of vision loss.
Wrong blood transfusion at Bikaner hospital prompts inquiry
According to hospital sources, the patient was admitted due to severe anaemia and was undergoing blood transfusion when a unit of an incompatible blood group was allegedly transfused
Rajasthan faces academic turmoil as five university vice-chancellors ousted amid protests
JAIPUR: A major controversy has erupted in Rajasthan after the removal or forced resignation of five university vice-chancellors under the tenure of Governor Haribhau Bagde, who serves as Chancellor of state universities. The actions follow multiple inquiries into alleged financial irregularities, administrative misuse and contentious public remarks, but the departures have also been linked to sustained pressure from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Senior officials in the states higher education sector said most of the ousters came after persistent protests by the ABVP. While administrative inquiries cited financial mismanagement and misuse of power, the vice-chancellors and several political observers claimed that the removals were driven by organised campaigns by the ABVP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Four vice-chancellors were removed by the Governor, while another resigned under similar pressure. Those removed in recent months include the vice-chancellors of Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner; Agricultural University, Jodhpur; Shri Karan Narendra Agricultural University, Jobner (Jaipur); and Brij University. The vice-chancellor of Mohanlal Sukhadia University (MLSU) in Udaipur stepped down after intense protests. The developments have sparked criticism from academics and opposition leaders, who say political pressure is undermining institutional autonomy and weakening higher education governance in the state. At Maharaja Surajmal Brij University in Bharatpur, Ramesh Chandra was removed as VC by the Governor following an inquiry into alleged arbitrary decisions and financial loss to the institution. Chandra, however, maintained that not a single allegation was proven and claimed the removal was orchestrated by the ABVP and the RSS prant pracharak. He said the ABVP had been protesting for 1.5 years before his ouster. In Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Prof. Sunita Mishra faced massive protests after she reportedly called Mughal emperor Aurangzeb a great administrator in September 2025. ABVP activists vandalised the university administrative block during the agitation, and demands for her resignation were echoed by the BJP and Karni Sena before she eventually stepped down. The turmoil comes at a time when Rajasthans state-funded universities are battling a deep financial crisis. In a virtual meeting with Chief Secretary V. Srinivas last Saturday, vice-chancellors outlined their distressing financial situation, with some institutions struggling to meet even basic operational requirements. Jai Narain Vyas University in Jodhpur has reportedly taken loans to pay salaries, while two Udaipur-based universities Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT) and Mohanlal Sukhadia University are contemplating selling portions of their land to remain functional. Rajasthan has 29 state-funded universities, including 17 under the higher education department and six under the agriculture department. At the meeting, VCs warned that without immediate government support, several institutions may soon be forced to shut down. Those present told the media that universities were unable to cover basic expenses. More than 60% of teaching and non-teaching posts are vacant, retired employees are awaiting arrears, and institutions cannot afford routine maintenance, one vice-chancellor said.
4 killed, 27 injured in bus-truck collision on Jaipur-Bikaner National Highway
Jaipur: Four people were killed and 27 others injured after a bus collided head-on with a truck on Jaipur-Bikaner National Highway in the Sikar district of Rajasthan on Tuesday night. The sleeper bus was travelling from Bikaner towards Jaipur when they rammed into each other. Also ReadTN: 5 including 4 Ayyappa devotees from AP killed 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 .
Four killed, 27 injured in bus-truck collision on Jaipur-Bikaner National Highway
JAIPUR: Four people were killed and 27 others injured after a bus collided head-on with a truck on Jaipur-?Bikaner National Highway in the Sikar district of Rajasthan on Tuesday night. The sleeper bus was travelling from Bikaner towards Jaipur when they rammed into each other. The police said that four persons died in the accident, adding that 15 injured were admitted to the Sikar district hospital while 13 were given primary treatment at Fatehgarh. One critically injured person referred from the Sikar district hospital to SMS Hospital in Jaipur died during treatment, the police said. The group of passengers was returning Gujarat after visiting Jammu and Kashmir when the accident occurred, the police added.
Severe cold grips north India; IMD warns of cold wave, fog across multiple states
NEW DELHI: Cold conditions prevailed across north India on Sunday, with the Amarnath yatra base camp being the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir at minus 4.3 degrees Celsius and parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan reporting minimum temperatures between three and seven degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said cold wave conditions were very likely to prevail in isolated pockets over Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha on Monday and Tuesday. In Delhi, the minimum temperature was recorded at eight degrees, up from 6.8 degrees a day ago and yet 1.6 notches below normal. The maximum temperature was 24.7 degrees Celsius, 0.1 notch below normal, while the relative humidity was 92 per cent in the morning. For Monday, the weather department forecast a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 25 degrees Celsius, with mist expected. Pollution levels in Delhi remained in the very poor category on Sunday, prolonging the spell of toxic air that has hung over its residents for several weeks now. The city logged a 24-hour average AQI of 308. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between 0 and 50 is classified good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor and 401 and 500 severe. Further in the north, the night temperatures in Kashmir rose by several degrees but stayed below the freezing point, officials said. The Pahalgam resort in south Kashmir, which serves as the base camp for the annual Amarnath yatra, was the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir as the minimum settled at a low of minus 4.3 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Srinagar -- the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir -- settled at minus 0.9 degrees Celsius, a rise of 3.2 degrees compared to the previous night. The gateway town to the valley, Qazigund, recorded a low of minus one degree Celsius, while the minimum settled at minus 0.8 degree Celsius in north Kashmir's Kupwara, and 1.1 degrees Celsius in south Kashmir's Kokernag, according to officials. The meteorological department said the weather would remain generally cloudy but dry on Sunday, and a brief spell of light snowfall at isolated places in the higher reaches of north and central Kashmir is likely on December 8. In Himachal Pradesh, The IMD predicted dense fog in parts of the state until Wednesday. A yellow alert for dense fog was also issued in parts of the reservoir area of the Bhakra dam in Bilaspur district and over some parts of the Balh valley in Mandi district during early morning till Monday. In Punjab, Faridkot remained the coldest place, with the minimum temperature settling at 4.4 degrees Celsius, while in Haryana, Narnaul saw the lowest temperature at 4.6 degrees Celsius, according to the local meteorological department. Chandigarh, the common capital of the two states, recorded a minimum temperature of 8.2 degrees Celsius. In Punjab, Bathinda and Gurdaspur recorded a minimum temperature of 4.6 degrees Celsius, while Ferozepur recorded 6 degrees, Amritsar 6.1 degrees, Ludhiana 6.8 degrees, and Patiala 8.9 degrees. In Haryana, Bhiwani recorded a low of six degrees, Hisar 6.2 degrees, Sirsa 6.6 degrees, Karnal seven degrees, Rohtak 7.8 degrees, and Ambala 9.8 degrees. Rajasthan, similarly, reeled under intense cold, the Meteorological Centre here said. Fatehpur in the Sikar district continued to record the lowest minimum temperature, albeit at 3.5 degrees Celsius, slightly up from 2.3 degrees a day ago. According to the weather department, Lunkaransar (Bikaner) recorded a low of 5 degrees Celsius, followed by Dausa at 6 degrees, Churu at 6.3 degrees, Vanasthali (Tonk) at 6.4 degrees and Jhunjhunu at 7.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday morning. The department said a fresh but weak western disturbance is likely to cause partly cloudy skies in some parts of the state over the next few days. Under its influence, the minimum temperature is expected to rise by two to three degrees Celsius, providing relief from the cold wave, it said. Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, eight districts recorded minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, the IMD said, noting a cold wave in parts of the state. Gumla recorded the lowest temperature in the state at 3.5 degrees Celsius up from three degrees Celsius while Khunti logged five degrees Celsius, the IMD weather bulletin stated. The minimum temperature in Jharkhand's capital, Ranchi, was 7.5 degrees Celsius, while Daltonganj recorded 6.5 degrees and Jamshedpur recorded 9.6 degrees Celsius. Deputy Director of the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, Abhishek Anand, said, North-westerly winds prevailing in the lower tropospheric levels over Jharkhand have caused the drop in mercury. Dry weather conditions are likely to prevail across the state over the next five days.The minimum temperature may rise by 2-3 degrees Celsius during the next 72 hours, he added. In West Bengal, the mercury dipped below the 10-degree mark for the first time this winter in the state's plains with Sriniketan in Birbhum districts recording a minimum temperature of 9.8 degrees Celsius on Sunday, the IMD said. Its forecast for West Bengal suggested dry weather across all districts of West Bengal for the next week, with shallow to moderate fog likely in the northern districts. Darjeeling was the coldest in the hills at 6.2 degrees Celsius, while the other Himalayan tourist town of Kalimpong was warmer at 10.5 degrees Celsius. The other places which recorded low night temperatures are Alipurduar (11 degrees), Kalyani (11.4 degrees), Purulia (11.4 degrees) and Panagarh (11.9 degrees). Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 15.2 degrees Celsius, the IMD said, forecasting mist in the morning on Monday. IMD further predicted dense fog conditions in isolated pockets of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura between December 8 and 12. It was also very likely in parts of west Madhya Pradesh on Monday and in Odisha until Tuesday. In west India, a gradual fall by two to three degrees over the next three-four days is expected, and no significant change is anticipated thereafter, the IMD said.
Central Govt makes U-turn, cancels Gang Canal anniversary celebration fearing backlash in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: With Punjab Assembly elections just 14 months away and fearing political backlash, the BJP-led Union Government made a U-turn by cancelling the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Gang Canal, which had been scheduled for today at Hussainiwala in Ferozepur. The canal carries water from Punjab to parts of Rajasthan, and the event was considered politically sensitive. This marks the fourth reversal in a little over a month by the Centre in order to avoid further controversy. Sources said Union Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, the Member of Parliament from Bikaner, had landed at Amritsar International Airport on Thursday evening en route to Ferozepur. However, he did not leave the terminal and instead boarded a return flight after reportedly being asked to return. According to sources, the decision was taken because holding the event risked unrest, with farmers and political parties preparing protests against the celebrations. Senior Punjab BJP leaders had also alerted the central leadership that proceeding with the event could turn sour for the party in the state. Already the intelligence agencies had warned that Meghwals visit might lead to protests once news of the function became public late yesterday, said an official. Punjab BJP leader Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi, formerly with the Congress, had been organising the event at Hussainiwala in Ferozepur district, where the canal originates. For many Punjabis, the mention of the Gang Canal reopens a century-old wound. Sources said top state leaders of the saffron party had instructed the central leadership that the state unit should not be associated with the event. The party has nothing to do with this program, as the interests of the state are paramount, it was an individual event organised by Rana Sodhi. We told the central leadership how this can backfire for the party in the state, and thus the minister was then accordingly instructed by the centre to return. We are grateful that the centre understood the sensitivity of the issue well in time, as the Gang Canal is a contentious issue in Punjab due to water sharing concern, said a senior party leader on condition of anonymity. Despite repeated attempts, Rana Sodhi was not available for comment. Senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa had already condemned the BJP for its insensitive and politically provocative decision to celebrate the centenary of the Gang Canal from Punjab's soil. The BJP has once again demonstrated its disconnect from Punjab's history and the emotions of its people, he said. Bajwa reminded that the Gang Canal was constructed by the British in the early 20th century, primarily to appease the Maharaja of Bikaner, whose loyalty to the British Crown was rewarded through generous allocations of Punjab's river waters. To organise a celebratory event on Punjab's land is nothing short of reopening these painful wounds, he said. Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said, Punjabs water crisis cannot be papered over with staged events and speeches. The BJP is glorifying a canal that historically drained Punjabs waters, while our fields remain parched. We are not against acknowledging history, but against hypocrisy. First, safeguard Punjabs water rights, fix the canal system, stop water theft, and ensure clean water for every farmer only then celebrate. The Gang Canal project, inaugurated on December 5, 1925 and named after Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, was built to address famine and irrigation issues in the Bikaner region. Stretching 1,398 kilometers including distributaries, the canal runs along the northeastern Indo-Pak border and remains a vital water source for both regions. This is not the first reversal by the Union Government in the recent past. Earlier, it withdrew the notification regarding the Panjab University senate and syndicate polls, clarified that no final decision had been taken on the proposed bill to include Chandigarh under Article 240 (which would allow the President to appoint a separate Lieutenant Governor for the Union Territory), and rejected the Haryana governments proposal to construct a separate Assembly building in Chandigarh.
ED arrests educational trust chief in Rajasthan for 'money laundering, radicalisation'
NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Mohammed Sadeeque, former President of Alfurkan Educational Trust in Rajasthans Bikaner, on Thursday for money laundering linked to forced religious conversions and radicalisation activities, the agency said. The federal investigations allegedly reveal systematic diversion of public donations, extensive cash-based criminal operations and suspicious foreign associations and conduct indicative of radicalisation. The arrest of Mohammed Sadeeque marks a significant step in dismantling a network of shadow financial operations, suspected radical influences and unlawful activities operating under the guise of charitable and religious work, the agency claimed. Following the arrest, the court granted ED custody of Sadeeque for three days for further investigation. The agency initiated a probe based on two cases registered by Rajasthan Police and credible information wherein it is alleged that Sadeeque was involved in radicalisation activities, Dawah activity and forced religious conversions, association with various overseas radical outfits and suspicious high-value financial transactions routed through his and his family members bank accounts, running into crores of rupees. The police FIRs and chargesheets also mention charges of attempt to murder and use of illegal arms by Sadeeque. The federal agency, during probe, found that Sadeeque formed Alfurkan Educational Trust, which manages Masjid-e-Ayesha and routinely collected sizeable public donations for and through this trust, primarily in cash, with no financial record keeping. The donations collected for religious, social and charitable use were allegedly retained entirely in cash by Sadeeque under his sole, undocumented control. The probe indicates that these unaccounted cash collections became the primary source of funds that he diverted for personal use and deployed to finance a range of illegal activities, including those of undertaking frequent foreign visits and meeting banned and radical outfits overseas and promoting his radical agenda, the agency said. Examination of his foreign travels shows that Sadeeque undertook multiple visits to Bangladesh, Nepal, Qatar and Oman using unverified cash funds, without any lawful financial trail. During his visit to Bangladesh, he worked closely with Md. Salim alias Saurabh Vaidya, later arrested by the Madhya Pradesh ATS for alleged links with the proscribed organisation Hizb-ut-Tahrir, the agency said. Further probe established that Sadeeque had no legitimate or consistent source of income for several years and subsisted on unlawful cash-based operations, including gambling, illicit liquor trade and suspected dealings in illegal country-made firearms. The link between these criminal activities and the misappropriated donations is reinforced by the recovery of three country-made weapons and live cartridges from him and his associates in a case already charge-sheeted by the local police. The faade of religious and charitable work was thus consciously used by Sadeeque to conceal deeper networks of unaccounted, clandestine and criminal operations, the agency said. During probe, the agency further said, it also found that Sadeeque met members of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB/JuM) and maintained contact with them even after returning to India. He was also encouraged by JMB-linked individuals to travel to Nepal for further meetings and allegedly intended to travel onwards to Syria to access conflict zones, but was intercepted by immigration authorities. The probe also examined a widely circulated video in which an inflammatory speech is attributed to him which was made with the deliberate intention of provoking communal sentiments, the agency added that he was involved in burning of foreign country's flag at public gatherings and then mobilising cash donations by orchestrating such activities.
Dharmendras political journey in Rajasthan: How the star forged an enduring bond with Bikaner
JAIPUR: As India grieves the loss of Dharmendra, one of its most beloved film stars, in Bikaner, the sorrow runs differently. For many here, he was not just the He-Man of Hindi cinema but a former representative who once stepped into Parliament on their mandate at the start of the 21st century. Dharmendra entered active politics in 2004, contesting the Lok Sabha elections from the Bikaner constituency on a BJP ticket. He made the move during the partys India Shining campaign and, along with actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha, met senior BJP leader L.K. Advani before entering the fray. In that election, the Congress had fielded senior leader Rameshwar Dudi. With no strong alternative to take on Dudi, the BJP turned to Dharmendra in the Jat belt of Rajasthan politics. The contest that followed was intense. Dharmendras sons and famous actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, campaigned extensively in Bikaner, and the actor won the seat with a decisive margin of 57,000 votes. Despite the decisive victory, Dharmendras nature never aligned with the rough edges of politics. After completing a five-year term, he walked away from electoral life, later explaining that politics was not the place for him. He never returned to contest another election. Political observers recall that Dharmendra refrained from making personal attacks during his campaign. Remarkably, he never mentioned Rameshwar Dudi by name while canvassing. Whenever asked about his opponents strength, Dharmendra would say simply, Rameshwar is like my younger brother. However, his absence from Bikaner in the first year of his term sparked a public row. Some residents put up posters declaring him missing, a move that deeply affected the actor-turned-MP. Dharmendra soon returned to the constituency, met people on the ground, and began actively utilising his MP quota. Dharmendra: The hero who could break both bones and hearts effortlessly Throughout his tenure, he approved funds for community groups, organisations, and institutions whenever requests were made. While he was Member of Parliament from Bikaner, a dispute occurred between the farmers and the state government over the purchase of peanuts. His own party was in power, but Dharmendra stood up for the farmers' rights and even offered to help them with the crop purchase using his own money. What style he carried, what a way with words, he wasn't just an actor. His personality carried a Sufi-like touch , there was a philosophical touch to his words and thoughts. Recalls Veteran Journalist Narayan Bareth who interviewed him while he was Bikaner MP. Even today, several places in Bikaner display boards bearing his name, marking projects supported through his MP quota. Most of these allocations were processed on the recommendations of BJP leader Satyaprakash Acharya and his personal secretary, Kamal Vyas. Dharmendra may have contested from Bikaner only once, but the citys affection for him long predates his political career. The news of his death comes barely a month after the passing of his 2004 rival, Rameshwar Dudi, who succumbed to a prolonged illness -- bringing an unexpected, poignant symmetry to their intertwined political chapters. Dharmendra never forgot his humble roots, had deep emotional bond with ancestral village in Punjab
Dharmendras Political Journey: From Bollywood Stardom to Bikaner MP
The veteran actors brief but eventful stint in politics saw early electoral success, public scrutiny, and lasting reflections on fame, duty and disenchantment
Fuel thieves at Mahajan range in Rajasthan's Bikaner could be shot, army issues strict warning
JAIPUR: Amid rising incidents of petrol and diesel theft from army vehicles, the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Bikaner district has issued a strict warning that those caught stealing fuel from military vehicles could be shot. The orderan unusually severe stepcomes after several large-scale thefts were reported over the past few days, triggering serious security concerns. According to officials, armed security has been increased at night to monitor suspicious movement around the range. Local accountability has been fixed for any incident, and the use of weapons has been permitted if necessary. The directive was issued after villagers were named in previous theft cases, putting both army units and local police on alert. In a letter circulated to nearby villages and police stations, the Range Commandant stated: Sentries deployed at night will be armed. They may use their weapons in the event of an untoward incident. Sarpanches are requested to inform their village residents. If an incident occurs, the individual will be held responsible; the Mahajan Field Firing Range will not be accountable. Army officials believe that some individuals sneak in during the night and siphon fuel from parked trucks and other military vehicles. Officers said this is likely the first time the Army has formally mentioned the use of firearms against alleged fuel thieves. Villages placed on special alert The decision was taken during a review meeting chaired by Lieutenant Colonel Ajay Grewal, ADM Commandant of the Mahajan Field Firing Range. Villages around the North, East, West, and South Campsincluding Mahajan, Lunkaransar, Chhatargarh, and Rajiasarhave been placed on a special security alert. Sarpanches have been instructed to caution residents and report suspicious activities immediately. The army has also ordered Panchayat-level awareness drives, warning that village representatives will be held personally responsible if thefts continue. Villagers say the order has become a major talking point and people have begun keeping vigil at night. Written notices have been sent to Mahajan, Lunkaransar, Chhatargarh, and Rajiasar police stations, directing them to increase patrolling and surveillance. Mahajan Police Station Officer Ramkesh Meena said, We received the letter and have formed a special team. Pamphlets are being distributed in every village to inform the public. Lunkaransar police officials confirmed that joint patrolling around the range has already begun. Police suspect the thefts are carried out under the cover of darkness, with fuel being siphoned from army vehicles. The Mahajan Field Firing Range is one of the Indian Armys largest and most sensitive training grounds. Repeated fuel theftsamounting to dozens of litres in the past monthhave begun disrupting training operations. Lieutenant Colonel Grewal said, Our priority is the security of the range. This can only be ensured with local cooperation.
Vivek Oberoi reveals terrifying near-death accident on the set of road
Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi has shared a shocking memory from the sets of his 2002 thriller Road, calling it one of the closest brushes with death he has ever experienced. The actor recalled that the team was travelling from Bikaner to Jaisalmer for a shoot when the accident happened. It was late at night, and 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 .
This exhibition in Delhi captures the artists intimate dialogue with colour and freedom
Neena Singhs Echoes of Becoming at Delhis Bikaner House brings together 50 acrylic works on canvas and paper, exploring Nnature, introspection, and the rhythm of emergence and transformation
Dharmendra's political journey: Why did the legendary actor quit politics just after five years?
Veteran actor Dharmendra is recovering in Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital after being admitted. His daughter Esha Deol confirmed he is stable and under observation, refuting death rumors. The 'Sholay' star previously served as a BJP MP from Bikaner, though he later expressed regret about his political career. He also campaigned for his sun Sunny in 2019.
Echoes of Becoming: Neena Singh Unveils Her New Series at Bikaner House
Bikaner House, New Delhi, presents Echoes of Becoming, the fourteenth solo exhibition of contemporary artist Neena Singh, showcasing her latest body of abstract works that explore transformation, continuity, and the quiet yet powerful act of creation. On view from 8 to 17 November 2025, the exhibition brings together canvases that move between gesture and stillness, revealing the pulse of an inner world constantly evolving. Echoes of Becoming: Neena Singh Unveils Her New Series at Bikaner House A Practice Rooted in Transformation For more than two decades, Neena Singh has approached painting as an existential inquiry, a way of understanding what it means to live, feel, and become. Her new works build on this lifelong pursuit. There is a compelling need within me to create something out of nothing, to turn silence, emptiness, or even uncertainty into form and energy, she says. Each canvas reflects this urge toward renewal: a gesture of resilience, a way of asserting presence, and a reminder that becoming is a continuous, unfolding process. A Language of Colour, Breath, and Motion Colour remains at the centre of Singhs artistic vocabulary. It expands and contracts like breath, sometimes intense and overwhelming, sometimes whisper-soft and translucent. Her shifting hues recall the atmospheric power of Turners great works, where form dissolves into light and sensation. Yet Singhs abstraction is distinctly contemporary: it resists conclusion, refuses to settle, and invites viewers to linger in the thresholds of experience. As artist and critic Aditya Shirke notes, Singhs canvases hold the sensation of something in motion a shifting field that refuses to be pinned down. These are not representations but enactments, spaces of flux where time feels elastic, stretched between memory and emergence. A Journey of Faith, Intuition, and Inner Necessity Singh describes her practice as an inner necessity, a way of being that rises above reason. Her works echo the spontaneity of expressionism while remaining grounded in a deep intellectual richness shaped by her background in sociology, psychology, and decades of introspection. According to art historian Dr. Pheroza J. Godrej , Singhs paintings are invitations to explore themes of rejuvenation and the unseen forces shaping our world. The interplay of colour, light, and spontaneity creates emotional landscapes that feel both expansive and intimate, artworks that breathe, shift, and speak in their own voice. Echoes of the Artists Inner and Outer Worlds The exhibition also reflects Singhs personal journey, growing up in small-town North India, navigating the constraints of patriarchy, and discovering art as a space of freedom and transcendence. Her works are instinct-driven, stripped of cerebral weight, and rooted in a belief that art can reveal another world, even if only for a moment. Rahul Kumar, former Editor (Arts), STIR, writes, Her paintings are not simply objects; they are a sustained practice of life itself, always luminous, always in motion, reminding us that nothing is final. Everything is becoming. Delhi: A Homecoming Presenting Echoes of Becoming in Delhi marks a symbolic return for the artist. Singh studied at Jawaharlal Nehru University , has deep family roots in the city, and holds enduring personal memories here. Bringing my work to Delhi feels like coming home, to a place that has shaped me profoundly, she says. In many ways, this exhibition is both a continuation and a culmination, a circle completed and reopened. About the Artist Neena Singh is a self-taught artist with fourteen solo shows and numerous group exhibitions in India and abroad. She holds an MPhil and Doctorate from JNU, New Delhi, and previously served in the Indian Revenue Service for 34 years.Her works have received international acclaim and feature in prestigious collections such as Lalit Kala Akademi and RPG Art Foundation. In 2023, she received the Woman Art Award in Berlin , and in 2024, the Artistic Excellence Award by The Global Art Centre, Mumbai. Exhibition Details Title: Echoes of Becoming Artist: Neena Singh Dates: 8 17 November 2025 Venue: Main Art Gallery, Bikaner House, India Gate, New Delhi Timings: 11 AM 7 PM (Open to Public) Visitors are invited to experience a collection of paintings that are not fixed statements, but living, breathing spaces, luminous, rhythmic, and always in motion.
After the train reached Bikaner, a murder case was registered under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Neena Singh Presents "Echoes of Becoming" at Bikaner House, New Delhi
Acclaimed contemporary artist Neena Singh presents her latest solo exhibition, Echoes of Becoming , opening on 9th November 2025 at the Main Hall, Bikaner House , New Delhi, and on view till 17th November 2025 . Neena Singh In Echoes of Becoming, Neena Singh explores abstraction as a language of transformationan introspective process where the tangible and intangible coalesce. Her works embody a sense of quiet evolution, revealing the subtle interplay between colour, texture, and rhythm as metaphors for consciousness and emotion. Each canvas unfolds as a meditative space, inviting viewers to witness the act of becoming as both a personal and collective experience. Echoes of Becoming is an inward reflection on transformation, a journey that moves through stillness into expression, shares Neena Singh . Each work carries traces of emotion, memory, and time, converging into visual form . Curator Rahul Bhattacharya adds, Neenas works are layered meditations on the idea of change they hold a quiet power that draws the viewer into a state of contemplation. This exhibition, situated in the cultural heart of Delhi, celebrates her ability to turn silence into visual rhythm . The exhibition unfolds as a sensory dialogue, where texture becomes language and space becomes emotion. Singhs use of layered surfaces and subtle tonal shifts transforms each canvas into a living entity pulsating with depth and stillness in equal measure. By situating the exhibition at Bikaner House, the artist re-engages with the city that has continually informed her visual journey, allowing viewers to experience her evolving dialogue with abstraction in a new light. Exhibition Details Exhibition: Echoes of Becoming Artist: Neena Singh On View: 9th 17th November 2025 Venue: Bikaner House, New Delhi Timings: 11 AM 7 PM About the Artist Neena Singh is an Indian contemporary artist whose practice delves into abstraction as a means of introspection and transformation. Her work embodies the harmony between silence and expression, balancing emotion and materiality through a deeply intuitive process. Over the years, her art has been exhibited widely across India and internationally, and continues to find resonance for its meditative sensibility and timeless aesthetic.
Gujarat soldier stabbed to death on train; family demands justice
AHMEDABAD: Army jawan Jigneshbhai Chaudhary from Vadgam, Banaskantha, was stabbed to death by a coach attendant during his journey home for leave. Family members are demanding death penalty for the accused and a thorough investigation to expose others possibly involved. Jigneshbhai Chaudhary served in the Indian Army for 12 years. After completing his duty in Udhampur, Jammu, the soldier had boarded the Jammu Tawi Sabarmati Express from Ferozepur Cantt on Sunday, heading home for leave. An argument broke out between Jigneshbhai and the trains coach attendant, Zubair Memon, reportedly over a request for a bed sheet. The verbal spat turned fatal when, later that night, after the train departed from the station, Memon returned armed with a knife, attacked the soldier inside the coach, and stabbed him to death. As the news reached authorities, the GRP and RPF swung into action, detaining the accused attendant. His body was sent to PBM Hospital in Bikaner for post-mortem. By Wednesday morning, the mortal remains of Martyr Jignesh Chaudhary arrived at Chhapi and were carried in a grand funeral procession to Moti Gidasan. Thousands lined the roads, waving the Tricolour and chanting patriotic slogans. Jigneshbhais brother Jethabhai Chaudhary said, My brother came home on leave and was killed by a deranged person on a train. We demand justice from the Prime Minister and Home Minister. Bring the accused to Gujarat and hang him. Relative Harjibhai Chaudhary voiced public concern, saying, If an army man is not safe in an AC coach, what about ordinary passengers? We demand that everyone linked to this murder be caught immediately.
Punjabi singer Teji Kahlon shot in Canada; Rohit Godara Gang claims responsibility
CHANDIGARH: Punjabi singer Teji Kahlon was shot in Canada, and members of gangster Rohit Godaras crew have taken responsibility for the attack. In a post on Facebook, men identified as Mahender Saran Dilana, Rahul Rinau and Vicky Phalwan, reportedly associated with gangster Rohit Godara claimed credit for the attack on Kahlon in Canada. They alleged Kahlon was targeted for supplying arms and money to rival gangs and for acting as their informant. We carried out the shooting in Canada on Teji Kahlon. He was shot in the stomach. If he understands, fine. If not, next time we will finish him. The post also warned others, including businessmen, builders and financial intermediaries against assisting rival gangs, threatening they would meet similar fates. Let me make it clear, if anyone, even by mistake, supports our enemies or helps them in any way, we will not spare their families. We will destroy them. This is a warning to all brothers, businessmen, builders, hawala operators, and whoever else. If anyone helps, they will be our enemy. This is just the beginning. Watch what happens next, the post read. The message concluded by saying that anyone who assists their enemies will automatically be considered an enemy of the Rohit Godara gang. Canadian authorities are investigating the attack. Recently, Hari Boxer, a close aide of Lawrence Bishnoi, was shot at in the United States, and gangster Rohit Godara had claimed responsibility for that attack. In a purported Facebook post, Godara reportedly said he and Goldy Brar orchestrated the shooting in California, during which one of Boxers associates died on the spot and another was shot and hospitalized. Rohit Godara, also known as Rawatram Swami, is a notorious gangster from Lunkaransar in Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Woman trainee judge robbed near Bikaner Collectors residence
JAIPUR: A brazen robbery targeting a female trainee judge near the District Collectors residence in Bikaner, Rajasthan, has shattered the citys sense of security. The attack occurred on Tuesday evening in an area widely considered one of Bikaner's most protected zones. The incident has triggered widespread outrage and renewed intense debate over the deteriorating law and order situation across the state. According to Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Saurabh Tiwari, the victim, trainee judge Pooja Janagal, was riding her two-wheeler from Vyas Colony toward the Public Park. She was targeted by two miscreants near the promenade adjacent to Museum Circle. The assailants allegedly snatched her gold chain, causing her to lose balance and be thrown from the scooter. She sustained facial injuries, the police confirmed. The perpetrators immediately fled the scene after the snatching. Local residents promptly provided assistance, transporting Janagal to PBM Hospital, where she received medical treatment. Police personnel subsequently visited the site and initiated the examination of footage from nearby CCTV cameras in an effort to trace the accused. ASP Saurabh Tiwari said that a search operation is currently underway and affirmed that the culprits would be apprehended shortly. The incident has intensified concerns across legal and civil circles, particularly as it occurs amid nationwide debates concerning the safety of judicial officers, concerns recently heightened following the reported shoe-hurling incident targeting the Chief Justice.
