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Gehlot vs Bhajanlal: Political storm erupts on social media amid accusations, AI remarks

JAIPUR: A major political storm has erupted in Rajasthan, with Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and former CM Ashok Gehlot at the centre of a heated exchange. The row, which has played out on social media platform X, stems from Gehlots recent remarks on artificial intelligence (AI) and Sharmas accusations regarding his predecessors absence from the assembly. During his visit to Bikaner for a Kisan Sammelan under the Rajasthan Diwas Festival, Sharma launched a scathing attack on Gehlot, accusing him of neglecting the assembly while remaining active on social media. Gehlot has not attended the assembly even once, but he continues to stay in the headlines through X, Sharma said. He further added, Politics is not just about tweeting, but about connecting with people, understanding their issues, and resolving them. The Chief Minister also challenged Gehlot to review his own tenure, questioning what significant work had been done for the people of Rajasthan during his five-year rule. (AI) , AI AI Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) March 25, 2025 Gehlot swiftly responded on X, hitting back by referencing an old tweet from Sharma. He pointed out that two and a half years ago, Sharma had protested against the Congress government, demanding millet procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP). Gehlot reminded him that the BJP had now been in power for nearly one and a half years and had promised millet procurement at MSP in its election manifesto. When will the procurement actually begin? Gehlot asked, sharing Sharmas old tweet, where he had participated in the protest against the then Congress-led government. Political analysts believe the controversy is linked to Gehlots recent tweet praising AI. In his post, he highlighted AI as a powerful tool for expanding knowledge and providing unbiased information. His remarks were seen as a possible reference to Xs AI-powered tool, Grok, which has been a subject of debate, especially after some of its responses related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly unsettled BJP supporters. Known for his strategic political remarks, Gehlots statement appeared to have struck a nerve, prompting Sharmas criticism. This is not the first time political leaders in Rajasthan have engaged in a digital battle. Observers recall a similar Twitter spat between former Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathore and Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasara, which remained a hot topic in the states political circles. The latest clash between Sharma and Gehlot only adds to the ongoing trend of political rivalries playing out on social media.

The New Indian Express 26 Mar 2025 10:06 pm

Bikanervala to expand business in UK

Bikanervala partners with The Montana Group to expand into the UK, marking a strategic move to globally promote Indian culinary heritage. The launch of a new outlet in Sri Ganganagar underscores its commitment to blending tradition with innovation, and the company plans to open 25 more outlets between 2025 and 2026.

The Economic Times 21 Mar 2025 2:19 pm

Bikaner Businessman, Wife, Daughter Found Dead In Suspected Mass Suicide

Businessman Nitin Khatri (50) was found hanging from the ceiling, while the bodies of his wife Rajni (45) and daughter Jessica (18) were lying on the floor.

NDTV 21 Mar 2025 11:01 am

Six of a family killed as truck topples on car at Bikaner

BIKANER: Six persons of a family were killed when a speeding truck lost control and toppled onto a car near Deshnok in Bikaner in the late hours of Wednesday. The deceased has been identified as Ashok (45), Moolchand (45); Pappuram (55), Shyam Sundar (60), Dwarka Prasad (45), and Karniram (50). Among them, Moolchand and Pappuram were brothers, as were Shyam Sundar and Dwarka Prasad.All are residents of Nokha in Bikaner and were returning from a wedding ceremony. According to the police, the truck en route from Nokha to Bikaner overturned after the driver lost control of the vehicle and fell onto the car that was passing by. The impact was catastrophic, completely crushing the vehicle and trapping its occupants for nearly 30 minutes. Upon information, emergency response teams rushed to the scene and lifted the truck using a JCB machine deployed and rescued the victims. Four of the injured were immediately taken to Deshnok CHC, while two were transported to PBM Hospital in Bikaner. On reaching the hospital, the doctors declared all six people dead. Bikaner Range IG Om Prakash Paswan said that an investigation is on following the tragic accident. Following the accident, traffic on the overbridge remained disrupted until late at night.

The New Indian Express 20 Mar 2025 11:41 am

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.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2025 8:50 am

NCW to open pre-marital counselling centres in nine states to guide couples for happy marriage

NEW DELHI: To guide the younger generation on leading a happy married life, the National Commission for Women (NCW) will set up as many as 21 pre-marital counselling (PMC) centres across nine states. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said on Friday that these centres, which will be launched on International Womens Day on March 8, will provide expert guidance on the social, psychological, and behavioural aspects of marriage to the soon-to-be married couple. The aim is to guide the younger generation on how to have a happy marriage, she told the media. These centers, named Tere Mere Sapne will help individuals and families navigate matrimonial relationships with greater awareness and support from expert counselors and psychologists. Strong marriages are built on understanding and communication. These centers will help young couples and their families address concerns openly, ensuring healthier and more informed relationships, she further said. The NCW chief said that the Tere Mere Sapne centres will be set up near marriage registration offices. The initiative is being launched following extensive consultations with over 100 experts from across the country. We held consultations in Pune, where experts discussed what should be included in the PMC programme. We also conducted 'training of trainers' for counsellors to identify key topics that need to be covered, she said. These centres will be established in Rajasthan's Bikaner, Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal, Maharashtra's Nashik, Latur, and Mumbai, and Gujarat, Odisha, Kerala, and Faridabad in Uttar Pradesh. We plan to have such centres in every district of the country. Each centre will require a space of 150-200 square feet and will be staffed by trained counsellors, she said. Rahatkar said she has also urged district collectors to support the initiative by putting up hoardings and banners, and distributing brochures in universities, offices, and marriage registration venues. We have prepared well, but as we move forward, new issues will emerge. We plan to engage with colleges and create social media platforms to reach a wider audience, she said. The initiative will be launched in collaboration with the Akhil Bharatiya Abhivakta Parishad, a lawyers' body. The NCW will host an event on March 8-9 in Chhatarpur to honour over 1,200 women advocates. On the occasion of International Women's Day, on Saturday, the NCW will also organise a special exhibition in Parliament to honour 15 women who played a pivotal role in the drafting of the Constitution.

The New Indian Express 7 Mar 2025 10:11 pm

Arrested smuggler escapes in Rajasthan police van, caught 7 hours later

A man suspected of drug smuggling tricked police in Bikaner, Rajasthan into leaving their vehicle, which he then stole and drove away. He was later recaptured after a seven-hour search involving nearly 200 villagers. The suspect and his accomplice abandoned a vehicle carrying 1,500 kg of poppy husk during the chase.

The Times of India 28 Feb 2025 1:38 am

There is art in geometry in Neerja Peters Secrets of Form exhibition at Bikaner House Delhi

Neerja Chandna Peters Rupa Bheda , an exhibition based on geometry and its symbolism by Neerja Chandna Peters at Bikaner House, is a harmonious journey of lines, colour and light

The Hindu 21 Feb 2025 2:25 pm

Video: Gold medalist female powerlifter dies as 270-kg barbell falls on neck

Jaipur: A gold-medallist female power-lifter in the Junior National Games died when a 270-kg rod fell on her neck during practice in Rajasthans Bikaner district, police said on Wednesday, February 19. Female power-lifter Yashtika Acharya, 17, died while practising in the gym. The neck of the gold medallist player broke when a 270-kg rod fell 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 .

The Siasat Daily 20 Feb 2025 4:15 pm

Teen Rajasthan powerlifter dies in tragic gym accident as 270 kg barbell falls on her neck while training

JAIPUR: In a terrible tragedy, Yashtika Acharya, a 17-year-old powerlifter, lost her life while lifting weights at a gym in Rajasthan's Bikaner district. Acharya, a gold medalist, was attempting a squat with approximately 270 kg when she lost her balance, causing the barbell to fall on her neck. Despite immediate first aid and being rushed to the hospital, doctors declared her dead on arrival. According to reports, Acharya was undergoing her regular training session in a gym located near her home. Her trainer was present at the time and also sustained injuries in the accident. Eyewitnesses stated that before attempting the lift, her trainer counted down, saying, One... two... three, before instructing her to lift. However, as soon as she attempted the squat, the entire weight shifted onto her neck, and she was unable to stabilize. She collapsed under the pressure, leading to the fatal accident. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media and the young athletes untimely demises has left viewers in mourning. In the viral video, Yashtika's trainer can be seen standing behind her, guiding her through the lift. Other gym members were also present, observing her attempt. As she exerted full force to lift the 270 kg weight, she suddenly lost balance, and the barbell fell onto her shoulders, breaking her neck bone and causing her to fall unconscious. Yashtika was a rising star in powerlifting, having recently won a gold medal in the equipped category and a silver medal in the classic category at the 33rd National Bench Press Championship held in Goa. Her father, Aishwarya Acharya, 50, is a contractor. The gym where she was practicing had only been operational for a few months. Naya Shahar Police Station in-charge Vikram Tiwari stated that the family has not registered a case. While the police have conducted a post-mortem examination, no FIR has been filed. However, an internal investigation is underway. The tragic accident has sparked discussions on gym safety protocols and the importance of proper supervision during high-risk weightlifting exercises.

The New Indian Express 20 Feb 2025 12:15 pm

Gold medallist female power-lifter dies after 270-kg rod falls on neck in Bikaner

Female power-lifter Yashtika Acharya (17) died while practising in the gym.

Deccan Chronicle 19 Feb 2025 11:04 pm

270kg Rod Falls On Powerlifter During Training, Gold Medallist Athlete Dies

A Junior National Games gold medallist power-lifter diedin Rajasthan's Bikaner district, police said on Wednesday, aftera 270kg rod fell on her neck during practice

NDTV 19 Feb 2025 6:59 pm

Gold medallist power-lifter dies after 270-kg rod falls on neck during practice in Bikaner

JAIPUR: A gold-medallist female power-lifter in the Junior National Games died when a 270-kg rod fell on her neck during practice in Rajasthan's Bikaner district, police said on Wednesday. Female powerlifter Yashtika Acharya (17) died while practising in the gym. The neck of the gold medallist player broke when a 270-kg rod fell on her on Tuesday, Naya Shahar SHO Vikram Tiwari said. He said immediately after the accident, she was taken to the hospital where doctors declared her dead. Tiwari said the accident happened when the trainer was making Yashtika lift weights in the gym. The trainer also suffered minor injuries in the mishap. The SHO said the family has not registered any case in this regard. After the post-mortem, the body was handed over to the family on Wednesday.

The New Indian Express 19 Feb 2025 5:37 pm

Gold-medallist powerlifter Yashtika Acharya dies in Bikaner gym after heavy weightlifting rod slips during training

A tragic accident occurred in Bikaner, Rajasthan, when 17-year-old gold-medallist power-lifter Yashtika Acharya died after a 270-kg rod fell on her neck during practice. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she was declared dead. The incident resulted in minor injuries for her trainer, and the family has not registered any case.

The Economic Times 19 Feb 2025 5:12 pm

Three Girls Drown in School Water Tank in Rajasthans Bikaner

Tragic accident occurs while playing; straps on tank break, leading to fatal fall.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Feb 2025 3:54 pm

Replace Urdu with Sanskrit, another school in Rajasthan told

A senior secondary school in Bikaner, Rajasthan, has received orders to replace Urdu with Sanskrit as a third language due to low enrollment in Urdu classes. The decision follows a similar directive to a school in Jaipur, sparking controversy and allegations about fake degrees among Urdu teachers.

The Times of India 18 Feb 2025 3:38 am

Why Did The District Court Issue A Contempt Notice Against Bikaner Royals?

The former royal family of Bikaner is in a legal battle over property. The court issued contempt notices to four royals, including BJP MLA Siddhi Kumari, for obstructing the inventory of the properties

News18 13 Feb 2025 7:31 pm

In a first, NWR set to deploy psychologists to help employees cope with increasing work pressure and stress

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.

The New Indian Express 10 Feb 2025 11:34 pm

Strengthening border security: India to build 1,450 km of asphalt roads along the Indo-Pak border

In a significant step towards enhancing border security, the central government has approved the construction of 1,450 kilometres of asphalt roads along the Indo-Pak border in Rajasthan and Punjab. This initiative, with an estimated budget of 4,500 crore, aims to improve mobility for Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and curb cross-border smuggling activities. The road network will be built adjacent to the zero-line fencing, covering key border districts such as Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Sriganganagar in Rajasthan, as well as several areas in Punjab. BSF Inspector General ML Garg said that Rajasthan alone will see the construction of 1,096 km of roads, while the remaining 354 km will be laid in Punjab. The project is expected to commence within a month. Currently, BSF soldiers face difficulties patrolling the border due to shifting sand dunes and rough terrain. The new roads will enable them to move efficiently on foot, as well as in vehicles such as jeeps and gypsies. Faster vehicular movement will also reduce response time between border outposts. The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) initially proposed the project in 2021, which later received approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs. While construction work has already begun in Punjab, the project in Rajasthan will commence from Barmer and extend through Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Sriganganagar. The road infrastructure is expected to significantly curb smuggling, particularly the transportation of heroin and other narcotics. The presence of well-constructed roads will make it more challenging for smugglers to use underground tunnels for illicit activities.

The New Indian Express 9 Feb 2025 8:30 pm

The stories and silence in artist Amitabh Senguptas masterpieces at Delhis Bikaner House

Odyssey by Amitabh Sengupta showcased at Bikaner House, Delhi, reflects the diversity and depth of his artistic brilliance and his understanding essence of time and space

The Hindu 7 Feb 2025 4:54 pm

Rajasthan court holds state liable for mans death in bullfight; orders Rs 33 lakh compensation

JAIPUR: In a significant ruling, the district court in Bikaner has held the state government accountable for the death of a man caused by a bullfight and ordered compensation of 33.22 lakh to the victims family. The case dates back to May 21, 2018, when 40-year-old Asharam Suthar, a resident of Kesardesar Jatan village, was on his way home. As he passed through a street, two fighting bulls collided with him, resulting in fatal injuries. His family subsequently filed a compensation claim, which led to the court's decision. In its ruling, the court held both the Gram Panchayat and the Rajasthan government responsible for negligence. It stated, Ensuring the safety of citizens and managing stray animals is the duty of the authorities. Proper arrangements should have been made to relocate such animals to shelters or implement government schemes to prevent such incidents. Their failure to do so resulted in Asarams untimely death. Breakdown of Compensation The court ordered the defendants to jointly or separately pay 33,22,600 to the deceaseds heirs, allocated as follows: 32,52,600 as compensation for loss of life. 40,000 for emotional loss to the wife. 15,000 for funeral expenses. 15,000 for loss of estate. Income and Dependency Calculation According to the court, Asharams annual income from carpentry and agriculture was estimated at 2,89,117, averaging 24,093 per month. Considering his six dependentshis wife, three children, and parentsa deduction of 6,023 for personal expenses was applied, leaving 18,070 as the dependent family's financial loss. Based on this, the total compensation amount was determined. This landmark verdict could set a precedent for similar cases where individuals have lost their lives, suffered disabilities, or incurred major losses due to stray animal attacks.

The New Indian Express 6 Feb 2025 12:42 pm

Scottish Couple's Traditional Indian Wedding At Bikaner Camel Festival Goes Viral; Watch

The wedding took place at the camel festival last month. A Scottish couple is going viral on social media for their Indian style traditional wedding in Rajasthan's Bikaner.

mashable 6 Feb 2025 12:01 pm

IMD warns of rain, hailstorm in parts of Rajasthan

Jaipur: The India Meteorological Department has forecast rain and hailstorms in around 15 districts of Rajasthan on Friday. A Western Disturbance will be active in the districts of the Bikaner division late Friday evening, bringing light rain, the weather office said. Bikaner, Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Nagaur, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Alwar, Jaipur, Bharatpur, Dausa, Dholpur, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, 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 .

The Siasat Daily 10 Jan 2025 11:06 am

Sub Inspector exam paper leak case: 9 more trainee SIs suspended in Rajasthan

JAIPUR:In a significant development in the Sub Inspector 2021 paper leak case, nine more trainee Sub-Inspectors (SIs) have been suspended, bringing the total number of suspended officers to 20. The SOG has arrested 45 trainee SIs in connection with the paper leak case. Of these, 25 accused have been granted bail. The suspensions follow a series of actions initiated by the authorities. On December 31, 2024, the Police Headquarters issued orders for field training for trainee SIs. However, these orders were seen as an attempt to facilitate the appointment of the accused officers. The new suspension orders have effectively reversed the situation. On Sunday, Bikaner Range Inspector General (IG) Omprakash suspended eight trainee SIs, including Karanpal Godara, Jairam, Manish Beniwal, Shravan Kumar, Manisha, Ankita Godara, Manju Vishnoi, and Manju Devi. Of these, Manju Vishnoi was allotted Bikaner, Manju Devi Hanumangarh, and the rest were assigned to Sri Ganganagar district. Additionally, Ajmer Range IG Omprakash suspended one trainee SI, Subhash Vishnoi. This follows the suspension of 11 trainee SIs from the Jaipur and Udaipur ranges on January 3, 2025. All the suspended officers had been sent to their respective districts on December 31, 2024, despite being under investigation. According to the Rajasthan Civil Service (Classification, Control, and Appeal) Rules, 1958, any government employee taken into police custody for more than 48 hours is subject to suspension. The current actions are based on this regulation, as all the accused had been in custody. Six individuals who were selected in the recruitment process but did not join have also been arrested. In May, the Police Headquarters directed all districts and ranges to initiate departmental action against the accused.The Police Headquarters decision to send the accused SIs for field training has been legally challenged in the High Court. A hearing on this matter is scheduled for January 6, 2025. Meanwhile, BJP Minister Kirodi Lal Meena, who had been vocal about cancelling the Sub Inspector-2021 recruitment process, has recently refrained from making further statements. On Sunday, he met BJP state president Madan Rathore at the partys state office but avoided questions regarding the recruitments cancellation. When asked if the governments recent actions, including the suspension of SIs on bail, were influenced by his protests, Meena declined to comment. His sudden silence has sparked speculation about possible instructions from the partys central leadership to avoid conflicting with the governments stance. Notably, Meena recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. On December 30, 2024, Meena had publicly demanded the cancellation of the recruitment process and criticized the SOGs handling of the investigation. As the High Court prepares to hear the case, the outcome could have significant implications for the accused officers and the future of the recruitment process. The evolving political and legal landscape surrounding the Sub Inspector-2021 paper leak case continues to draw attention, with further developments anticipated in the coming days.

The New Indian Express 5 Jan 2025 9:28 pm

Setback for Bikaner MLA in fight of Rajasthan ex-royals over control of trusts

The devasthan department's commissioner in Udaipur has ruled against Siddhi Kumari, a BJP MLA, in favor of Rajyashree Kumari and other trustees in a trust management dispute. Siddhi Kumari was accused of misusing her position to control trusts established by Bikaner's last maharaja, Dr. Karni Singh.

The Times of India 3 Jan 2025 1:55 am

IndiGo Launches Bikaner as 90th destination in 6E network

Bikaner will be the 5th destination that IndiGo connects within Rajasthan after Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur.

Deccan Chronicle 2 Jan 2025 3:02 pm

Several Trains Rescheduled

Hyderabad : The schedule of certain trains from the city have been altered to facilitate track works between Ratangarh and Molisar on the Bikaner-Sadulapur section of North Western Railway. Train 2273 from Secunderabad to Hisar, commencing on January 28: Partially cancelled between Bikaner and Hisar. Train 07053 from Kacheguda to Bikaner, commencing January 18 and 25: Diverted via Jaipur, Phulera and Merta Road. Additional stoppages at Phulera, Makrana and Degana. Train 07054 Bikaner to Kacheguda, commencing January 21 and 28: Diverted via Merta Road, Phulera and Jaipur. Additional stoppages at Degana, Makrana and Phulera.

Deccan Chronicle 31 Dec 2024 11:35 pm

Massive protests sweep Rajasthan as Bhajan Lal government abolishes nine newly-formed districts

JAIPUR: Rajasthan is witnessing widespread protests following the Bhajan Lal government's controversial decision to abolish nine of the 17 districts established during the Gehlot administration. Citizens across these nine districts are voicing their dissent, with warnings of intensified agitation if the government fails to reverse its decision. Meanwhile two days after the cabinet decision over this move the Bhajanlal government in Rajasthan has issued the formal notification for scrapping nine districts and three divisional headquarters which were created by the former Congress government led by Ashok Gehlot in 2023. Under the notification, any changes in the districts were possible only till December 31 and with the formal notification being issued possibilities of any further change in the number of districts being changed are unlikely to be changed. Massive protests have surfaced across the districts. In Sanchore, protesters blocked roads, leading to the closure of private schools on January 7. Local Congress leaders have gone as far as threatening self-immolation to demand the restoration of the districts. The unrest has extended to the BJPs own ranks, as the president of Anupgarhs city board and several officials resigned in protest. Meanwhile, the Bikaner-Sriganganagar National Highway No. 911 was blocked for over two hours on Sunday, causing significant disruption. The Sangharsh Samiti has announced an indefinite closure of Anupgarhs markets until their demands are met, along with a prolonged sit-in outside the collectorate. Similarly, protests are escalating in Neemkathana, where agitators have threatened to disrupt train services. A massive demonstration, led by Neemkathana MLA Suresh Modi, took place at the Collectorate. The Vyapar Mahasangh has also declared an indefinite shutdown of Neemkathanas markets, which have remained closed since Monday morning. Adding to the controversy, a statement by BJP state president Madan Rathore has gone viral on social media. Initially remarking, Once new districts are created, who can end them? Rathore later defended the governments decision, claiming that the districts were created by the Gehlot administration merely to please MLAs and secure a fragile government majority. He asserted that even Gehlot would not have retained these districts had he returned to power. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and other senior Congress leaders have strongly condemned the decision. Gehlot labelled the BJP governments rationale for abolishing the districts as unjust. He vowed to visit the abolished districts to connect with affected citizens, emphasising that his administration not only announced the districts but also allocated resources, appointed officers, and created new opportunities for government jobs. He warned that rolling back these districts would reduce IAS and RAS cadre posts, limiting career advancement for government employees. Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasara has announced a state-wide protest starting January 1 if the districts are not reinstated. With emotions running high and political leaders exchanging fiery statements, the situation in Rajasthan remains tense. With the government issuing the notification and clarifying its determination to scrap nine new districts and the popular agitations in the nine districts with opposition criticising the move the row over dissolving nine districts is likely to intensify in the nine districts.

The New Indian Express 30 Dec 2024 10:51 pm

Acme Solar Subsidiary Receives Rs 1,988-Crore Term Loan For 300 MW Hybrid Project

The solar project will be developed in Bikaner, Rajasthan, while the wind facility will be made in Bhuj, Gujarat.

Bloomberg Quint 26 Dec 2024 5:41 pm

Acme Solar Holdings secures Rs 1,988 cr loan from PFC to develop 300 MW hybrid project

NEW DELHI, Dec 26: Acme Solar Holdings on Thursday said it has raised Rs 1,988 crore from state-owned Power Finance Corporation (PFC) to fund a 300 MW hybrid project awarded to the company through a SECI auction. The project will be located in high-resource potential areas, with solar capacity to be developed in Bikaner, Rajasthan, and wind sites in Bhuj, Gujarat, Acme Solar Holdings said in a statement. ACME Renewtech Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Acme Solar Holdings, has [] The post Acme Solar Holdings secures Rs 1,988 cr loan from PFC to develop 300 MW hybrid project appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 26 Dec 2024 3:39 pm

Five miraculously escape as car flips eight times on Bikaner Road

A shocking accident on Bikaner Road left five individuals unscathed after their SUV flipped over eight times. The incident occurred when the driver lost control of the speeding vehicle while navigating a turn, causing it to tumble several times before landing upside down in front of a car showroom. The dramatic crash, which left onlookers stunned, was captured on CCTV footage. The video shows the SUV flipping repeatedly before it came to a halt, with part of the vehicle engulfed in flames. In a miraculous turn of events, all five occupants of the SUV emerged from the wreckage without any injuries. The driver was the first to jump out, followed by the four passengers. Remarkably, instead of seeking medical attention or addressing the damage, the group calmly walked into a nearby car showroom and asked for tea. Authorities are investigating the incident, but the occupants escape from the crash remains nothing short of miraculous.

Deccan Chronicle 22 Dec 2024 3:21 pm

Third Soldier Injured In Bikaner's Mahajan Field Firing Incident Dies

A third soldier succumbed to injuries sustained in Bikaner's Mahajan field firing range incident, officials said on Thursday.

NDTV 20 Dec 2024 7:31 am

Meet Indian billionaire who studied till class 8, later built Rs 19621 crore company, his net worth is Rs...

His company is based in Rajasthan's Bikaner and sells famous bhujia, namkeen, packaged sweets, papad and other snacks.

DNA India 19 Dec 2024 6:19 am

2 jawans killed in tank explosion during drill

Two Army jawans were killed and one critically injured when an explosive charger attached to a tank exploded during a routine firing exercise in Bikaner on Wednesday. On Dec 15, a havildar lost his life during a similar exercise at the same firing range.

The Times of India 19 Dec 2024 5:21 am

Two soldiers killed in Bikaner while loading ammunition in tank during training

JAIPUR: Two soldiers were killed and one injured in Bikaner's Mahajan field firing range while loading ammunition in a tank during a training exercise on Wednesday, the second fatal incident in the range this week. The charger exploded while they were loading the ammunition, said Defence spokesperson Lt Col Amitabh Sharma. Two soldiers have died in the incident and one is injured, he said. Local police officials rushed to the spot as soon as information about the blast came in. Three soldiers were practising with the tank. Ashutosh Mishra and Jitendra died in the explosion. The injured soldier has been taken to Chandigarh in a helicopter, Circle Officer Lunkaransar (Bikaner) Narendra Kumar Poonia said. While Mishra was from Deoria in Uttar Pradesh, Jitendra came from Dausa in Rajasthan. Their bodies were taken to the Suratgarh military station. On Sunday, gunner Chandra Prakash Patel died when he was hooking a gun with the gun towing vehicle. The vehicle suddenly slipped backwards. Patel was fatally injured.

The New Indian Express 18 Dec 2024 4:49 pm

Two soldiers killed in Bikaner tank training accident

Jaipur: Two soldiers were killed and one injured in Bikaner's Mahajan field firing range while loading ammunition in a tank during a training exercise on Wednesday, a defence spokesperson said. The charger exploded while the soldiers were loading the ammunition, he said. Two Army soldiers have died in the incident and one is injured, he said. Local police officials rushed to the spot as soon as information about the blast came in. There were three soldiers who were practising with the tank. Ashutosh Mishra and Jitendra died in the explosion. The injured soldier has been taken to Chandigarh in a helicopter, Circle Officer Lunkaransar (Bikaner) Narendra Kumar Poonia said.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Dec 2024 4:02 pm

PM Modi Attends 'Ek Varsh-Parinaam Utkarsh' Programme in Jaipur, Inaugurates Major Projects

Jaipur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 'Ek Varsh-Parinaam Utkarsh' Programme, in Jaipur today, December 17, marking the first anniversary of the BJP-Government in Rajasthan. He also laid the foundation stone for 24 major projects estimated at over Rs 46,300 crore. These projects span across the sectors like Energy, Road, Railway, and Water, aimed at boosting infrastructure and development in the state. Addressing the 'Ek Varsh-Parinaam Utkarsh' program, which marked the completion of one year of the BJP government in Rajasthan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the growing trust of the people in the BJP's government. He noted the party's recent victories in the Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly elections, as well as the Lok Sabha election. PM Modi praised the accomplishments of the BJP government in Rajasthan, led by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, and emphasized that the BJP's double-engine government is becoming synonymous with good governance. This milestone event celebrated the government's achievements over the past year, demonstrating its commitment to the state's development. During his visit to Rajasthan, PM Modi also launched several projects, including the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024, which aimed to attract investments and promote economic growth in the state. The inauguration included nine projects worth over Rs 11,000 crore, consisting of seven central government projects and two state government initiatives. Additionally, PM Modi laid the foundation for 15 projects valued at more than Rs 35,300 crore, which included nine central government projects and six state projects. Some of the key projects inaugurated during the event included the Navnera Barrage, Smart Electricity Transmission Network, Railway electrification projects in Rajasthan, and a major bridge over the Mej River as part of the Delhi-Vadodara Green Field Alignment (NH-148N). These projects are expected to enhance transportation, meet energy needs, and promote sustainable energy in line with the Prime Ministers vision for green energy. PM Modi also laid the foundation for the construction of two major barrages: Ramgarh Barrage and Mahalpur Barrage. These will help transfer water from the Navnera Barrage to Bisalpur Dam and Isarda Dam via an aqueduct on the Chambal River, at a cost of over Rs 9,400 crore. Further emphasizing his commitment to renewable energy, the Prime Minister laid the foundation for rooftop solar plants on government office buildings. He also initiated the development of a 2000 MW solar park, along with two 1000 MW solar park phases in Poogal (Bikaner). Other projects included the construction of drinking water transmission lines from Saipau (Dholpur) to various towns, as well as railway infrastructure upgrades such as the Luni-Samdari-Bhildi Double Line and the Jaipur-Sawai Madhopur Double Line. The event highlighted PM Modi's focus on enhancing Rajasthan's infrastructure, promoting green energy, and improving water supply and transportation for the state.

News Track 17 Dec 2024 3:11 pm

After Udaipur, Legal Feud Surfaces Between Erstwhile Royal Families Of Rajasthan's Bikaner

A property dispute has arisen between BJP MLA Siddhi Kumari and international shooter Rajyashree Kumari, both part of a royal family.

News18 28 Nov 2024 10:11 pm

Ex-royals of Bikaner fight over assets, 2 FIRs filed

The Times of India 28 Nov 2024 5:35 am

Rajasthan Sees Another 'Royal' Rumble, Assets Worth Billions At Stake

As a property dispute within the erstwhile royal family of Udaipur escalates, a similar controversy has surfaced in Rajasthan's Bikaner where police cases have been registered against each other.

NDTV 27 Nov 2024 9:29 pm