bikaner News

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: 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

Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur Marks Its First Anniversary with a Landmark Year of Sustainability, Culture, and Growth

Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur celebrates its first anniversary after a landmark year defined by sustainability, cultural engagement, and steady growth. The debut of Anantara in India has set a new benchmark for responsible luxury, blending Thai-inspired elegance with the heritage of Rajasthan to create one of Jaipurs most distinctive new addresses. Anantara Jaipur Facade A major sustainability milestone this year was the commissioning of a 1.25 MW off-site solar PV plant in Bikaner. Through a Wheeling & Banking model, the plant now supplies the hotel with renewable energy. Additional green initiatives include a No Bin Day programme, batch cooking to reduce food waste, exclusive use of cage-free eggs and responsible seafood, 24-hour composting, real-time energy optimisation via a Building Management System, and regular energy audits. The hotels zero-discharge sewage treatment plant, water-efficient metering, and digital transformation across departments further reinforce its commitment to resource-conscious operations. Anantara Jaipur Leaders Deepening cultural engagement, the property has supported local artisans, performers, and craftspeople, offering workshops and marketplace opportunities for puppet artists, potters, lakh-chudi makers, and henna specialists. Collaborations with village schools on hygiene awareness and career counselling continue to strengthen community bonds. Bringing the Anantara experience to India was a thrilling challenge , says Vimal Verma, General Manager . Our vision was to create a destination rooted in Rajasthani heritage and global in spirit, and its reception in the first year has been immensely rewarding . Over the past year, the hotel has hosted major events, including the Great Indian Travel Bazaar inaugural dinner, the Rajasthan Royals, and global corporates solidifying its position as a premier venue for luxury gatherings. As one of Jaipurs emerging dining destinations, the hotels signature venues - Amrit Mahal, Rajputana Chowk, and the Amber Fortinspired Sheesh Mahal - continue to garner attention. Entering its second year, the hotel will debut new immersive dining journeys and a flagship global cuisine restaurant under its Designer Dining expansion. The Anantara Spa has also enhanced its wellness offerings with advanced facials and restorative therapies, reinforcing the hotels commitment to excellence across every touchpoint. This commitment extends behind the scenes as well, reflected in an impressive Employee Satisfaction score of 97%. Under its Artisans as Ambassadors initiative, the hotel is gearing up for a new series of workshops and artist-led experiences that celebrate Jaipurs living traditions and craftsmanship. Guests will be invited to immerse themselves in creative sessions such as a Bagru Block Printing walk-through, Thread by Thread: A Carpet Weaving Tour, a Blue Pottery Experience, and a Miniature Painting Workshop - each designed to deepen cultural appreciation and connect visitors with the citys artistic soul. To mark the anniversary, guests booking from 15 November31 December 2025 for stays between 1 January31 March 2026 will receive INR 5,000 hotel credit, with Minor DISCOVERY members enjoying up to 10% additional savings. As Anantaras debut property in India, Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur reflects Minor Hotels global sustainability vision - celebrating community, culture, and conscious luxury in every detail. www.anantara.com/en/jewel-bagh-jaipur/offers/1st-anniversary-offer About Minor Hotels Minor Hotels is a global leader in the hospitality industry with over 640* hotels, resorts and branded residences across 59 countries. The group crafts innovative and insightful experiences through its hotel brands including Anantara, Elewana Collection, The Wolseley Hotels, Tivoli, Minor Reserve Collection, NH Collection, nhow, Avani, Colbert Collection, NH, Oaks, and iStay, as well as a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars, travel experiences, and spa and wellness brands. With over four decades of expertise, Minor Hotels builds stronger brands, fosters lasting partnerships, and drives business success by always focusing on what matters most to our guests, team members and partners. Minor Hotels is a proud member of theGlobal Hotel Alliance (GHA)and recognises its guests through one unified loyalty programme,Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY. YouTube . *Property count includes operating properties as well as committed developments through ownership, joint ventures, signed leases and management agreements.

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.

Soldier Killed By Railway Staff After Dispute Over Blankets, Sheets; Human Rights Commission Vows Action

After the train reached Bikaner, a murder case was registered under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

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.

15 Die as Tempo Traveller Rams Stationary Truck in Rajasthan's Phalodi

According to police, the victims were residents of the Sursagar area in Jodhpur and were returning from the Kolayat temple in Bikaner after offering prayers at the Kapil Muni Ashram

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.

Anta bypoll candidate yet to be announced amid debate over ex-CM Vasundhara's role in Rajasthan BJP

JAIPUR: Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharmas credibility faces a new test in the upcoming Anta Assembly by-election, even as former CM Vasundhara Rajes sudden resurgence has added fresh intrigue to Rajasthans political landscape. Sources confirm that CM Sharma and state BJP President Madan Rathod met Raje at her residence on Friday to discuss the partys strategy for the Anta bypoll. The Anta Assembly seat falls within the Jhalawar-Baran Lok Sabha constituency, represented by Rajes son and 5-time MP, Dushyant Singh. The Congress has fielded senior leader Pramod Jain Bhaya from Anta. Within BJP circles, former minister Prabhulal Saini is being considered as a frontrunner to be the partys candidate. However, reports suggest that Saini, once close to Raje, no longer shares a cordial relationship with her - adding another layer of complexity to the BJPs internal decision-making. Although the BJP secured five of the seven Assembly seats in the by-elections held after the Lok Sabha polls 2024, helping CM Bhajanlal Sharma avoid political embarrassment, the Anta bypoll has emerged as a crucial challenge for his political skills. The Hadoti region is widely regarded as Rajes stronghold, and her influence there remains significant. The BJPs delay in announcing its candidate for Anta is being interpreted as a move to seek Rajes approval before finalising the name. Rajes recent public appearances have further reignited speculation about her political role. Her interaction with Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasara in Bikaner - during a condolence visit for the late Rameshwar Dudi - sparked headlines. Soon after, her supporters in Churu raised slogans saying, We want a Chief Minister like Vasundhara Raje. Raje didn't opposed the slogan, drawing mixed reactions from political observers. Though she was sidelined within the BJP after the Assembly elections of 2023, Raje has returned to prominence following her warm exchange with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a recent public event - an encounter that fueled talk of her political comeback. The timing of these developments is significant. CM Bhajanlal Sharma, is now completing two years in power. In several BJP-ruled states, the party has previously changed Chief Ministers ahead of elections - a pattern that analysts believe could potentially repeat in Rajasthan. Critics say that Sharma is yet to make a strong political impression, while two time CM Rajes name is reportedly being discussed within party circles - with the support of RSS - for the post of BJP National President. However, given Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shahs familiarity with Rajes aggressive political style, many believe the top leadership may hesitate in entrusting her with such a powerful position. At the same time, experts point out that sidelining Raje once again could prove politically risky. Having maintained a calculated silence since being overlooked for the Chief Ministers post, Rajes growing assertiveness suggests she may not easily accept marginalisation twice. This has raised a crucial question within BJP circles: if not the presidency, what significant role or responsibility might the partys central leadership offer Raje in return? With major organisational changes expected in the BJP after the Bihar Assembly elections, Rajes increased activity is fuelling widespread speculation. Whether her resurgence continues beyond the Anta bypoll or fades after the contest remains to be seen.

Karwa Chauth Rajasthan Moonrise Time Today: Check timings for Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Alwar and other cities

Karwa Chauth is a traditional festival where married women in Rajasthan and across India observe a daylong fast for their husbands' long life and well-being. Cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur celebrate it with love and devotion. Check moon rise timings for these cities here:

Businessman shot dead in gym in Rajasthans Kuchaman

JAIPUR: Panic gripped Rajasthans Kuchaman town on Tuesday morning after a local businessman was shot dead while exercising in a gymnasium, police said. The incident occurred around 5:20 am at a gym located on Station Road, when an unidentified assailant opened fire at Ramesh Rulania (40) from close range and fled the scene. Rulania was the owner of a bike showroom and a hotel in the city. CCTV footage shows the suspect entering the premises moments before the shooting, said Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nemi Chand Kharia. Rulania was rushed to a nearby hospital by other gym members, where doctors declared him dead. Initial investigation suggests the killing may be linked to an extortion threat Rulania had reportedly received days earlier from the Rohit Godara gang, which is active in western Rajasthan, including the DidwanaKuchaman region. Several other businessmen in the area have reportedly received similar threats in recent times, police officials added. Police are scanning CCTV footage from nearby areas to help identify the suspect and establish the motive. Rawatram Swami alias Rohit Godara, a notorious gangster from Lunkaransar in Bikaner district, is believed to be behind several high-profile killings. He was named as the mastermind in the December 2022 murder of gangster Raju Thehat in Sikar, and has also claimed responsibility for the May 2022 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and the December 2023 assassination of Karni Sena chief Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi. Police are continuing their investigation and have launched a search operation to trace the accused.

MiG-21: Jairam Ramesh recalls how Nehru withstood pressure from US, UK to choose Soviet jet

NEW DELHI: With the MiG-21 fighter jet retired from service, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Friday recalled that India and the USSR signed the MiG-21 pact in 1962 despite intense pressure from the US and UK, as the then PM Jawaharlal Nehru and defence minister V K Krishna Menon held firm. The legendary Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 fighter jets, the backbone of the Indian Air Force's combat fleet for more than six decades, streaked through Indian skies for the last time on Friday -- its final adieu etched in history and public memory. The country's first supersonic fighter and interceptor aircraft were retired on Friday at the decommissioning event in Chandigarh, where it was first inducted. In a post on X, Ramesh said, It was on August 22, 1962, that India and the USSR signed the MiG-21 pact. The agreement paved the way for deeper Indo-Soviet cooperation in the defence sector. In 1987, India's foremost strategic affairs guru K Subrahmanyam wrote that V K Krishna Menon had virtually forced the choice of MiG-21 on the Indian Air Force, but that in retrospect 'Mr.Menon was right in doing so', Ramesh said. It was the Soviet acceptance of India's conditions for local manufacture by HAL and technology transfer that had influenced the choice of the Soviet aircraft over its competitors from the UK, US, France, and Sweden, he said. There had been intense pressure from the US and UK, especially, but both Nehru and Menon held firm, Ramesh said. The MiG-21 fighter aircraft has been retired from service today. It was on Aug 22, 1962, that India and the USSR signed the MiG-21 pact. The agreement paved the way for deeper Indo-Soviet cooperation in the defence sector. In 1987, India's foremost strategic affairs guru K. Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) September 26, 2025 'MiG-21 gave IAF wings it never had before': Veteran pilots hail fighter jet's legacy Goodbye MiG-21: IAF bids aideu to legendary fighter jet after six decades The culmination of MiG-21 operations took place with a ceremonial flypast and decommissioning event, marking the closure of a historic chapter in India's air power. MiG-21 jets, belonging to number 23 Squadron, took part in the flypast ceremony and were given a water cannon salute. The MiG-21 jets made their last operational flights at the Nal Air Force Station in Rajasthan's Bikaner, a month ahead of the formal retirement ceremony. As part of the symbolic farewell, Air Chief Marshal Singh had also flown solo sorties of the MiG-21 from Nal on August 18-19.

Entire nation celebrating GST festival: Modi in Rajasthan

JAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged people to adopt Swadeshi in their buying-selling culture to strengthen local industries and make India self-reliant. For me, Swadeshi means that no matter which country the brand is from, it should be made in India. It should be made by the youth of the country and should have the fragrance of my countrys soil, Modi said, addressing a rally in Rajasthans Banswara. We have another goal: a self-reliant India. It is very important that we do not depend on anyone else. We must make Swadeshi our pride. Adopting it should not be limited to purchasing goods. This will strengthen local industries, increase employment, and contribute to the countrys economic progress, he said, urging traders and shopkeepers to display signs declaring, The goods sold here are Swadeshi. Modi also highlighted the benefits of GST reforms, saying the new standards have freed people from the hassles of tolls and taxes. During the Congress rule, there was only loot. Under the BJP government, there is only savings. That is why the entire country is celebrating the GST Savings Festival, he said, adding that household expenses have reduced in a big way due to the GST reforms. During the event, the PM laid the foundation for and inaugurated several projects in the fields of renewable energy, water supply, power, road, and infrastructure worth over Rs 1.08 lakh crore. Among the most significant is the Mahi-Banswara nuclear power project, a 2,800 MW facility to be built at a cost of Rs 42,000 crore in Banswara. In addition, the PM laid the foundation stone for a 590 MW renewable energy project in Bikaner and a 15.5 GW power transmission line in Jaisalmer, Barmer, Sirohi, Nagaur, and Bikaner. PM Modi also flagged off trains from Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Udaipur, including Vande Bharat Express. The PM also hit out at the previous Congress government in Rajasthan, saying the state became an epicentre of paper leaks during its rule. The Jal Jeevan Mission was sacrificed due to corruption, atrocities against women were at their peak, and rapists were protected, he said. N-power plant among Rs 1.08L cr projects launched During the event, the PM laid the foundation for and inaugurated several projects in the fields of renewable energy, water supply, power, road, and infrastructure worth over Rs 1.08 lakh crore. Among the most significant is the Mahi-Banswara nuclear power project, a 2,800 MW facility to be built at a cost of Rs 42,000 crore in Banswara. The Prime Minister also flagged off trains from Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Udaipur.

PM Modi inaugurates slew of projects in Rajasthan including Banswara nuclear plant, flags off three trains

PM Modi flagged off three trains during his visit. The new trains are: Vande Bharat Express Train between Bikaner & Delhi Cantt, Vande Bharat Express Train between Jodhpur and Delhi Cantt, and Udaipur City Chandigarh Express.

New Vande Bharat Trains To Rajasthan Begin This Weekend: Delhi To Bikaner In Just Over 6 Hours

Another Vande Bharat train from Jodhpur to Delhi Cantt will start from Saturday and will operate for six days a week covering the journey in eight hours and 10 minutes.

Watch: CJI BR Gavai enjoys camel ride in Bikaner; joined by law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal

Ramani Mylavarapus Roots to Rivers Opens At Bikaner House

The Hyderabad artists solo show spans feminist photo-performances rooted in community, memory, and resilience

ED searches locations in Bikaner in money laundering probe against religious preacher

Sadeeque Khan, head of Jamiat Ahle Hadees, is accused of suspicious financial transactions running into crores of rupees

Bikaner student alleges being forced into Russian army, sent to frontline; family urges govt intervention

JAIPUR: A medical student from Bikaner has alleged that he was forced to fight in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The youth, identified as Ajay, son of Mahavir Godara from Arjunsar village in Lunkaransar, had left for Russia in November last year to pursue medical studies. But now he has released a video in which he has made this claim and revealed other details. In the video, Ajay is seen in military fatigues, stating that he was tricked into joining the Russian army and then sent to the frontline. He says that he had gone abroad in search of education and career opportunities but is now trapped in a life-threatening situation. Ajay has alleged that him along with other youths were promised three months of training, but instead, within just four days, they were deployed at the border. We are in Ukraine right now. What they told us is very different from what is happening, he said. He further recounted that missiles fired from the Ukrainian side killed one of his four companions, while two others managed to flee. Ajay claimed that instead of being given kitchen duties, as initially assured, he was pushed into combat zones. According to him, around 15 Indian youths were with him, and four have already lost their lives. Ajay also named other IndiansSandeep, Vijay, and Ankitwhose lives are at risk, and he has appealed to the Indian government to intervene urgently. Following the release of the video, Ajays family has sought immediate action from authorities. His brother has already approached Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi. Lunkaransar MLA and state cabinet minister Sumit Godara has also taken up the issue with Meghwal. Ajays father, Mahavir Godara, expressed deep concern, saying, My son went to Russia on a study visa on 28 November 2024. He was lured into army recruitment with promises of some other job. We have had no contact with him for the past 15 days. I urge the Indian government to bring him back safely. The family confirmed that they have contacted the Ministry of External Affairs but are yet to receive any firm assurance. Congress General Secretary Dr Rajendra Mund has written to Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, urging him to take immediate steps for Ajays rescue. According to Ajays family, several other Indian students, including youths from Haryana, who had gone to Russia for higher studies, are also stuck in similar circumstances. They allege that many of them have also been forced to serve at the frontlines of the conflict.

Serentica Renewables to acquire Norway-based Statkrafts Indian solar business

NEW DELHI, Sept 15: KKR-backed Serentica Renewables on Monday said it has inked pacts with Norway-based Statkraft to acquire their solar power generation business in India. Statkrafts Indian solar business comprises 445 MWp operational solar plant at Bikaner and 1 GWp of development assets across Rajasthan, a joint statement said. The portfolio is strategically located in resource-rich states and is currently supplying power on a merchant basis. These assets will be transitioned to serve Serenticas commercial and industrial customers [] The post Serentica Renewables to acquire Norway-based Statkrafts Indian solar business appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

FIR Filed Against Sanjay Leela Bhansali in Bikaner

Complainant alleges fraud, misbehaviour, breach of trust during Love & War production.

Parts of Rajasthan get heavy showers, two killed in rain-related incidents

JAIPUR: Two people were killed after being struck by lightning and another person was swept away by strong currents of a river as many parts of Rajasthan, including state capital Jaipur, received rains, officials said. According to Met department, Jalore on Sunday recorded the highest rainfall at 118.5 mm during the day, followed by Pilani with 51.2 mm, Sangaria in Hanumangarh with 24 mm, Lunkaransar in Bikaner with 23.5 mm and Vanasthali in Tonk with 21 mm. Several districts, including Jaipur, Hanumangarh, Sri Ganganagar, Sawai Madhopur and Dausa, received light to moderate rainfall on Sunday. In Sawai Madhopur, a girl died and seven others were injured after lightning struck a house on Saturday. Another youth was killed in Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh after being struck by lightning on Sunday, while in Dausa's Sikandra, a woman and a girl sustained burn injuries in a similar incident. Uttarakhand reels under heavy rains as highways blocked, swollen rivers submerge towns In Sirohi district, five youths who had entered the Banas river to take bath were swept away by the strong current. Four of them were rescued safely, while one remained missing, police said. A department official said a circulation system is currently lying over northwest Rajasthan while the monsoon trough line is passing through its normal position and remains active. The monsoon will remain active over parts of eastern Rajasthan for the next five to six days and moderate to heavy rainfall is likely in most areas and heavy rains at isolated places. Western Rajasthan, particularly Jodhpur and Bikaner divisions, may also receive moderate to heavy rainfall at several places over the next two to three days, the official said. 11, including 5 children, dead as heavy rains trigger cloudburst, landslide in J&K | Video

Artist Neeraj Guptas Makrana marble sculpture at Bikaner House sparks dialogue

Neeraj Guptas king-size sculpture in Makrana marble displayed at Bikaner House is an engaging piece of public art that enriches the sculptural landscape

Om Birla urges swift relief as heavy rains wreak havoc across Rajasthan

JAIPUR: As heavy rains and flood-like conditions persist in several parts of Rajasthan, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday said that providing maximum relief to the affected people should be the administrations top priority. Chairing a review meeting on relief and disaster management with officials of Kota and Bundi districts at the Collectorate auditorium, Birla issued strict directions that no negligence or lapses in the survey of damage would be tolerated. The Speaker who is the Lok sabha MP from Kota asserted, I have personally visited the affected areas and seen the situation. Many families have lost everything. Relief must be provided with both speed and sensitivity. Birla directed officials to conduct damage assessments of houses, livestock, and crops with complete honesty and ensure that all eligible families receive assistance as per the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms. He also instructed that affected families should not be asked to produce house leases while applying for relief, as no such provision exists in the guidelines. Special care should be taken so that families whose houses have been damaged get maximum help, including compensation for loss of utensils and clothes, he said. The Agriculture Department reported that soybean and urad crops have suffered extensive losses due to excessive rainfall. Birla asked officials to prioritize compensation for small and marginal farmers and ordered that road repairs be started immediately, along with checking the drainage system and restoring electricity and water supply in affected areas. Rajasthan has witnessed continuous heavy rainfall over the past few days, leading to severe disruption of normal life. According to the Meteorological Department, very heavy rains were recorded in Kota, Jaipur, Bharatpur division, Shekhawati region, Bikaner, and parts of Ajmer division. An orange alert has been issued for Chittorgarh, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, Rajsamand, Sikar, Jalore, and Pali, while a red alert has been sounded in Sirohi and Udaipur districts.

Charu Asopa reunites with ex-husband Rajeev Sen in Bikaner, shares emotional video of daughter Ziaana: Watch

Both Charu and Rajeev have had a series of mudslinging and their divorce was also a lot bitter. Rajeev who stays in Mumbai, had been missing his daughter and seems to have decided to go and meet her at Bikaner.

IAF to bid farewell to iconic MiG-21 on September 26; Air Chief pays tribute with solo sortie

JAIPUR: The iconic MiG-21 fighter aircraft, once hailed as the pride of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and a trusted guardian of Indias skies for over six decades, is set to retire from operational service on 26 September 2025. Ahead of this historic farewell, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh paid a personal tribute to the jet by flying a solo sortie from the Nal Airbase in Bikaner. The gesture carried deep emotional significance for Singh, who had taken the first operational flight of his career in a MiG-21 back in 1985. The MiG-21 has been the backbone of the Indian Air Force since the 1960s. Fast, agile and simple in design, it holds a special place in the heart of every pilot who has flown it, he said after the flight. According to IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Jaideep Singh, the MiG-21 entered service in 1963, with the No. 28 Squadron based in Chandigarh becoming the first to operate it. As Indias first supersonic fighter, the squadron earned the title The First Supersonics. The MiG-21 went on to script history in multiple wars. It played a key role in the 1965 war and was pivotal in the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict, where it executed decisive strikes. On 14 December 1971, MiG-21s bombed the Governor's House in Dhaka, forcing the Governors resignation the next day. Within 48 hours, Pakistan surrendered, and 93,000 Pakistani soldiers laid down arms before the Indian Army. That was a turning point in the war, and the MiG-21s role was historic, the spokesperson said. Wing Commander Jaideep Singh, who has himself flown the aircraft, recalled: From shooting down F-104 Starfighters in 1971 to challenging F-16s in recent years, the MiG-21s legacy is unmatched. It has been flown by generations of Indian pilots. We will miss this iconic fighter deeply. Globally recognised as the longest-serving supersonic jet, the MiG-21 not only provided a shield of security to India but also laid the foundation for many battlefield victories. Its legacy, however, is also marked by tragedy. With technology upgrades lagging over the decades, the aircraft became prone to accidents. According to estimates, the IAF lost more than 200 pilots in nearly 400 MiG-21 crashes. Despite this, the aircraft remains a symbol of courage, resilience, and national pride.

IAF workhorse MiG-21 makes final sorties at Nal; Farewell in Chandigarh on September 26

The Indian Air Force bid farewell to its MiG-21 fighter jets at Bikaner. Air Chief Marshal A P Singh flew the final sorties. The MiG-21 served for 62 years and played a key role in wars. It will be replaced by Tejas, Rafales, and Su-30s. A formal retirement ceremony will be held in Chandigarh.

Heavy rain likely in parts of Rajasthan in coming days

Parts of Kota, Ajmer, Jaipur, Bharatpur and Bikaner divisions are likely to experience light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder