Jaipur News
View News by News Source
Rajasthan: Drunk drags cop for 500m on truck bonnet in Jaipur; driver arrested
Army Subedar dies of heart attack
Excelsior Correspondent RAMBAN, Dec 3: An Army Subedar posted with the 23 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) in Nachlana area here today died after suffering a heart attack. Official sources informed that Subedar Ram Singh Gurjar, a resident of Jaipur, Rajasthan, complained of severe chest pain while on duty. He was immediately shifted to District Hospital Ramban, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. SSP Ramban, Arun Gupta informed that Police has taken cognisance of the incident. The post Army Subedar dies of heart attack appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Rajasthan HC slams government for neglecting unsafe schools ahead of Pravasi Rajasthan event
JAIPUR: Just before the much-hyped Pravasi Rajasthan programme, the High Court has delivered an embarrassing jolt to the Rajasthan government. The court has sharply criticised the state for failing to prepare a clear roadmap for repairing dilapidated school buildings. The HC has also questioned why funds are being spent on grand events and beautification drives while unsafe schools continue to endanger school children. During the hearing, the Rajasthan High Court expressed strong displeasure over the repeated delays, remarking that despite the urgent need, the government has failed to prioritise school repairs. The bench warned that if funds are not allocated soon, it may order a halt to all other non-essential expenditures. A division bench of Justice Mahendra Kumar Goyal and Justice Ashok Kumar Jain is hearing suo motu proceedings and multiple PILs filed after the Jhalawar school disaster. When Advocate General Rajendra Prasad sought additional time to present a roadmap, the bench responded sharply: We have been listening to you for four months. How much more time do you need? The court has directed the government to submit a detailed plan by Friday at 10.30 am, failing which the Education Secretary will have to appear in person or through a Vice-Chancellor-level officer. During the hearing, the state government informed the court that it is raising funds from the Centre and other sources to improve school infrastructure. In response, the court orally remarked that the government seems to have sufficient funds for festivals, events, and beautification projects, and therefore the excuse of lack of funds for schools would not be accepted. The court further observed, Sometimes you say the funds will come from the Centre, sometimes from the DMFT. You claim you do not have money, yet the situation never changes. This is merely passing time. Repeatedly asking for more time shows the governments seriousness. The bench also noted that no government representative appeared during the previous hearing, calling it a clear reflection of the governments intent. If a special bench has been formed, there must be some seriousness in the matter, the court said. Earlier, during the November 6 hearing, the High Court had strongly criticised the states functioning, saying the government talks about Vision 2047 yet lacks planning for the next day when it comes to school safety. The state had informed the court that nearly 86,000 classrooms across Rajasthan are damaged but failed to explain how or when these classrooms would be repaired. The issue has been under close judicial scrutiny since the July 25 Piplodi school tragedy in Jhalawar, where the ceiling of a classroom collapsed, killing seven children and injuring 35 others. Two judges of the High Court had taken suo motu cognizance of the incident. Following this, the Chief Justice constituted a special bench to hear all related matters. At a previous hearing, the court had even returned the governments renovation roadmap, calling it incomplete. The High Courts latest remarks have intensified public debate across the state, especially at a time when government schools continue to deteriorate even as the administration prepares for high-profile events and festivals.
When Shakti recalled his experiences with gay designers in the glam world
Actor Shakti Kapoor shared insights into his role as a fashion designer in 'Mumbai Can Dance Saala'. He reflected on his evolving career, noting a shift from negative roles to more substantial characters. Kapoor also recounted an incident involving smoking at Jaipur Airport and the subsequent fine he paid. His experiences highlight a diverse career journey in Bollywood.
The Rajasthan Staff Selection Board (RSSB) has released the final result for the Animal Attendant Pashu Parichar Direct Recruitment-2023. A total of 5,778 candidates have been selected, including 5,146 from non-scheduled areas (NSA) and 632 from scheduled areas (SA). The result, including category-wise cut-offs, is available on the official RSSB website. Candidates can download the PDF to check final selections, roll numbers, and NSA and SA cut-offs. The Animal Husbandry Department, Jaipur will proceed with appointments.
Woman, Boyfriend Burnt Alive By Her Dead Husband's Relatives In Jaipur
A woman, who was allegedly set on fire along with her partner by her family in Jaipur's Dudu area, has also succumbed to her burns.
SpiceJet flight makes emergency landing in Jaipur after suspected hydraulic issue
NEW DELHI: A total of 189 passengers on board a Spicejet flight from Mumbai to Jaipur had a scare midair due to a suspected malfunctioning of a hydraulic gear in the flight. The cockpit crew of SG 649 alerted the Jaipur International Airport they were approaching and an emergency was declared to give it priority landing. After the flight landed safely, investigations revealed that it was a bird hit incident. Airport sources told this reporter that they received a call around 4.35 pm stating that there was a technical problem in the hydraulic system of the approaching flight and it wanted a priority landing. A full scale emergency was declared at the airport. All other flight operations were held over to give priority landing to the aircraft. We followed all the emergency protocols with the fire engines, medical teams, security teams all put on high alert to handle any eventuality. The aircraft landed at 4.50 pm and it was a safe landing, the source added. The emergency at the airport was lifted after the smooth landing, he added. Another source said, On investigations, animal remains were found in the aircraft. We understood it was a bird hit incident. He added, When the flight is in air, the pilot would not know the exact problem. He felt there was an issue and reported it to us. Spicejet has not issued any official statement on the incident.
Ahmedabad Airport to allow imports, exports of jewellery parcels through personal carriage
Ahmedabad Airport now facilitates the import and export of gems and jewellery parcels for personal carriage. This new provision extends to other major airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade, an arm of the commerce ministry, announced this development. This move simplifies international trade for individuals carrying precious items.
JAIPUR: Licensed Khadims will soon be the only ones allowed to conduct pilgrimages at the world-famous Ajmer Dargah of Khwaja Garib Nawaz. Acting on the instructions of the Central Government, the Dargah Committee has, for the first time in 75 years, initiated the licensing process for Khadims. On Monday, the government-appointed Dargah Nazim Mohammad Bilal Khan issued an official advertisement announcing that applications for Licensed Khadims will be accepted until January 5, 2026. However, the move has sparked sharp opposition. The Anjuman Committee at the Dargah has termed the decision as an attack on tradition and warned that 10,000 Khadim families and millions of followers from across India and abroad will protest against this move. Objections have also resurfaced regarding the installation of CCTV cameras inside the shrine. The Nazim had attempted to hold consultations before rolling out the licensing system. Two meetings were scheduled on November 24 and 27, but Khadim representatives did not attend either, after which the Committee proceeded unilaterally with the application process. The Khadims of Ajmer Sharif Dargah are a community of hereditary caretakers who belong to the Sayyid lineage. They have been the traditional caretakers of the shrine of the Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti since medieval times, and their primary role is to assist pilgrims who visit the Dargah for spiritual solace and blessings. The decision has triggered unrest ahead of the Urs beginning December 16. Anjuman Yadgare Sufiyan, the principal Khadim organisation, has strongly opposed the move. Its secretary, Syed Sarwar Chishti, said during a press conference, This is our centuries-old ancestral and religious right. Since the Mughal era, Khadims have been performing their duties without any licence. The Dargah Committee cannot dare to take away this right. Warning of massive agitation, Chishti added, If the Committee continues this process, 10,000 Khadim families will gather inside the dargah complex. Millions of Khwajas devotees from across the country and the world will stand with us. We will not tolerate this. He further accused the Committee of repeatedly hurting the sentiments of the Khadim community, citing the dispute over CCTV installation. According to him, the Ministry of Minority Affairs does not spend on the Dargahs upkeep, while the salaries of government staff posted there are borne by the shrine itself. He also questioned the appointment of the Nazim, calling the committee non-existent and its orders arbitrary. We will seek to have this decision repealed. These unilateral decrees will not last long, he said. At the shrine, tensions between the Committee and the Khadim community are running high, and the issue could escalate into a major movement at any moment. Maintaining peace at the Dargah has once again emerged as a significant challenge. On the other hand, Dargah Nazim Mohammad Bilal Khan maintains that the licensing process is fully compliant with legal and administrative directives. This is being done strictly according to the rules of the Central Government and the orders of the court. No ones interests are being harmed, he said. He clarified that the system applies only to the Khadim community of Syed Zadgan and Sheikh Zadgan associated with the Dargah. The licensing framework, he said, is being implemented in accordance with Supreme Court and High Court orders, instructions from the Central and State Governments, district-level reports, and the Dargah Security Audit. Section 11(F) of the Dargah Khawaja Saheb Act, 1955 defines duties, identification norms, procedures, facilities, and measures for the welfare of pilgrimsprovisions that form the basis of this initiative. It is notable that since the formation of the Dargah Committee in 1956, three administrators and 37 Nazims have completed their terms, but none implemented a licensing system until now.
ISIs WhatsApp Spy With Operation Sindoor Link Arrested in Rajasthan
Jaipur: Rajasthan Polices CID Intelligence Wing has arrested a Punjab resident, Prakash Singh alias Badal (34), for allegedly spying for Pakistans ISI after he was detained near a military area in Sri Ganganagar while gathering sensitive information. Inspector General of Police (Intelligence) Prafulla Kumar said Singh, a native of Ferozepur, had been in continuous contact [] The post ISIs WhatsApp Spy With Operation Sindoor Link Arrested in Rajasthan appeared first on Northlines .
Operational issues disrupt six IndiGo services at Chennai airport
CHENNAI: Flight operations at Chennai airport were partially disrupted on Tuesday, with six IndiGo services cancelled due to operational reasons, according to Chennai Airport sources. Flight 6E0705 from Kochi, was withdrawn from schedule shortly before its planned service to Chennai. Departures were more significantly affected, with five flights scrubbed through the morning peak from Chennai. Services to Guwahati (6E6312, 5:30 am), Bhubaneswar (6E0288, 5:50 am), Jaipur (6E6213, 6:45 am), Mumbai (6E6746, 7:15 am) and Kochi (6E0704, 9:20 am) were cancelled. Airport officials said the disruptions were isolated to IndiGo and were not linked to weather or infrastructure constraints. Normal operations continued on other routes.
Six flights cancelled at Chennai airport citing operational reasons
Flights to destinations including Guwahati, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Kochi andMumbai, were cancelled by the airlines due to operational reasons, AAI said
Jaipur Diary | Education depts circular triggers fresh buzz
The state education department and minister Madan Dilawar cant seem to stay away from controversy. The latest storm erupted over a circular directing schools to celebrate Shaurya Diwas on December 6, the day Babri Masjid was demolished in 1992. The order went viral within minutes. As Muslim organisations and opposition parties joined the uproar, department officials rushed to disown the circular, claiming it had never been authorised. From dictating uniforms for female teachers to tweaking history lessons, Dilawar has long faced accusations of saffronising education and this unsigned, withdrawn order has only added more fuel to the fire. Ex-dySP post on money collection stirs row The state police have landed in controversy after ex-Dungarpur DySP Hanumant Singh Bhatis social media post claiming senior officials collected up to Rs 5 lakh from police officers to impress the DGP before his district visit, went viral. A leaked chat allegedly showing ASP Ashok Meena asking for Rs 30,000 from each police station for the August 25 visit added fuel to the fire. By afternoon, Bhati said his account had been hacked. By evening, he called it a misunderstanding and claimed that the amount had budgetary approval. Despite his clarification, social media is buzzing that Bhatis post has exposed the police departments inner workings. Emergence of Congs third power centre Rajasthan Congress, already split into two factions, is now abuzz with talk of a third power centrestate president Govind Singh Dotasara. The latest list of 45 district presidents is dominated by his loyalists, further boosting his clout. Dotasaras stature has grown since Congress won 11 Lok Sabha seats in 2024, a sharp turnaround from its defeats in 2014 and 2019. But his rise has reportedly made senior leaders uneasy, with whispers of tension between Ashok Gehlot and Dotasara adding to the intrigue. As Congress heads toward the next Assembly polls, many wonder how the party will manage this power struggle. Rajesh Asnani Our correspondent in Jaipur rajesh.asnani@newindianexpress.com
Tere Ishk Mein Team Celebrates Strong Opening with Roaring Reception at Jaipurs Rajmandir Cinema
After minting 50.95 crores on its first opening weekend, Director Aanand L Rai, Dhanush, and Kriti Sanon celebrates audience love at Jaipurs iconic single-screen Rajmandir.
Jaipur Wax Museum Starts Work On Wax Statue Of Cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur
Cricket Team Captain Harmanpreet Kaur: Marking a historic moment for womens cricket, the Jaipur Wax Museum has initiated the creation of a life-sized wax statue of Indian Womens Cricket Team Captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Harmanpreet is set to become the first woman cricketer in the world to have her own wax figure, a distinction that underscores her extraordinary impact on the sport. A dedicated team from the museum recently met Harmanpreet to take her exact body measurements and capture high-quality photographs and videos, which will serve as essential references for sculpting the statue. The museum officials shared that Harmanpreet was extremely humble, patient, and cooperative during the detailed session, offering every assistance needed to ensure the wax figure achieves accuracy and realism. Museum Curator and Founder Anoop Srivastava said Harmanpreet was visibly enthusiastic about the project and expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Jaipur Wax Museum for selecting her for this honour. She also conveyed that she would attend the inauguration ceremony of her wax figure along with her family. Srivastava added that Harmanpreet showed a keen interest in understanding the step-by-step process behind wax figure creation, asking insightful questions and appreciating the craftsmanship involved. During her visit, she also admired the breathtaking Sheesh Mahal, one of the museums signature attractions. Srivastava further emphasised that the Jaipur Wax Museum follows a unique policy of showcasing figures of inspiring icons who influence society positively, rather than focusing primarily on Bollywood celebrities. He stated that Harmanpreet Kaurs journey from a small-town girl to the captain of Indias womens cricket team is a source of immense inspiration for young girls and sports enthusiasts across the nation. The Jaipur Wax Museum already houses wax figures of celebrated sports personalities such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, M.S. Dhoni, Saina Nehwal, and Sandeep Singh. Harmanpreets addition will further strengthen the museums collection of icons who have transformed Indian sports on the global stage. The Jaipur Wax Museum already houses wax figures of celebrated sports personalities such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, M.S. Dhoni, Saina Nehwal, and Sandeep Singh. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Harmanpreet Kaurs upcoming wax statue is expected to draw significant attention and admiration from visitors once unveiled. Article Source: IANS
Discover a surprisingly verdant oasis in Rajasthan, featuring manicured gardens, serene ponds, and a 300-year-old Shiva temple. This luxury resort offers quiet indulgence with rooms opening to private courtyards, exceptional dining, and engaging cultural experiences, providing a peaceful escape from the everyday.
Arjun Awardee Rajat Chauhan Ties Knot With Fellow Archer Swati Dudhwal In Jaipur
Arjun Awardee Rajat Chauhan: Arjun Award-winning compound archer Rajat Chauhan married fellow archer Swati Dudhwal in Jaipur. Both have won multiple medals for Rajasthan and India, bringing pride to the state and the country through their achievements in archery. The wedding celebrations were conducted with traditional splendour. The couple's wedding procession included several renowned archers, making the occasion even more memorable. A galaxy of archery stars, including Olympians Deepika Kumari, Atanu Das, Tarundeep Rai, and champions Rahul Banerjee, Jayanta Talukdar, Ojas Deotale, Aditi Swami, Prathamesh Fuge, and Prathamesh Jawkar and others gathered to celebrate the couple's union. Chauhan, who is Deputy Superintendent of Police in Rajasthan, has won championships, including an Asian Games silver medal and an individual silver at the world championships, along with two gold, two silver, and three bronze medals at the World Cup stage. Earlier this year, Chuahan, along with Aman Saini and Abhishek Verma, achieved two wins out of two at the Archery World Cups this season, securing a 232-230 victory over France in the final of the men's team compound event. At the 38th National Games in February, Chuahan demonstrated impressive skill, emerging victorious in the men's individual event. Swati, meanwhile, secured gold at the World Archery University Championships and bronze at the World Archery Youth Championships and Asian Grand Prix Circuit. In May this year, Swati won the bronze medal in the senior category at the Khelo India Womens National Ranking Archery Tournament held in Bhopal. Meanwhile, Chauhan's Olympic dream is coming true as compound archery is set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. He even got a tattoo of the iconic five Olympic rings on his right arm in 2016. The first-ever Olympic medal for compound archers will be awarded at the 2028 Olympic Games, following the International Olympic Committees announcement that the compound mixed team event will be added to the archery programme in Los Angeles. The compound mixed team event joins the existing five recurve categories mens and womens individual, mens and womens team, and mixed team on the programme, increasing the total number of archery medals to six. The first-ever Olympic medal for compound archers will be awarded at the 2028 Olympic Games, following the International Olympic Committees announcement that the compound mixed team event will be added to the archery programme in Los Angeles. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Archery was reintroduced to the Olympic programme in 1972 with recurve mens and womens individual events. Team competitions were added in 1988, and a fifth archery medal, the recurve mixed team, made its debut at Tokyo 2020. The inclusion of the mixed team format for compound archery ensures that gender equality and athlete quotas are maintained in LA. Article Source: IANS
Third BLO dies in Rajasthan, family blames excessive work pressure
Days after a BLO died by suicide in Jaipur, the suspicious death of another Booth Level Officer has shaken Rajasthan. A young BLO in his early 40s from Dholpur district has died under suspicious circumstances, and his family has alleged that excessive work pressure led to his death. Anuj Garg (42), the BLO of Part Number 158 of the Gaushala sector in Dholpur city, collapsed in Pratap Vihar Colony on Saturday night while uploading Special Intensive Review (SIR) forms. The incident occurred in the Pratap Vihar Colony of the Nihalganj area in Dholpur. The deceased's sister, Vandana Garg, claimed that he had been under immense pressure due to SIR work and had been working until 2 am every night. On the night of the incident, around 1 am, Anuj was uploading voter-related form data when his health suddenly deteriorated. He asked for tea, but before he could drink even a sip, he fell unconscious, she said. The family immediately took him to the district hospital, where doctors declared him dead. According to them, the excessive workload caused severe mental stress, which led to the sudden deterioration in his health. According to Anujs colleagues, he had completed more than 80% of the SIR work allotted to him and was striving to reach 100%. Due to this, he was continuously under mental and physical stress. Anuj Garg was posted as a teacher at the Government Higher Secondary School, Bara. He was appointed in 2012. He leaves behind his wife Sangeeta, two sons, Harshit Garg (9) and Devansh (2). Experts say the pressure of work on more than 5.32 lakh Booth Level Officers (BLOs), who are knocking on the doors of over 510 million voters in 12 states across the country, is intensifying each day. Politics over this issue is also heating up in the country after over two dozen deaths in 25 days, which includes three BLOs in Rajasthan. SIR: BLO dies by suicide in UP's Moradabad, final note blames work pressure
BLO dies while uploading SIR data in Rajasthan's Dholpur
A 42-year-old booth-level officer, Anuj Garg, collapsed and died at his home in Jaipur. He was uploading voter data late Saturday night. His family alleges he was working under extreme pressure due to a heavy workload. Doctors declared him dead on arrival at the district hospital. Police are investigating the incident.
Rajasthan: Unidentified miscreants set ablaze car workshop in Jhunjhunu, 18 vehicles gutted
JAIPUR: Eighteen cars were gutted after unidentified miscreants allegedly set ablaze a car workshop in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district, police said on Sunday. According to the police, a land dispute between the workshop owner and another group may have been the cause of the incident. The incident occurred on the Churu Bypass Road on Saturday night, triggering explosions from fuel tanks and sending a thick plume of smoke billowing into a large area. Residents rushed out of their homes as fire tenders, police teams, and a large crowd gathered at the spot. Car workshop owner Nasir said he had closed the premises in the evening and returned home. At night, neighbours called to say flames were rising from the workshop. When I reached, everything was on fire... All the cars were engulfed, and explosions occurred one after another, he said. The fuel inside the vehicles intensified the blaze as multiple tanks burst, police said, adding that three fire tenders took around 90 minutes and five rounds to bring the flames under control. Kotwali Station House Officer Shrawan Kumar said a case has been registered and efforts are on to trace the accused. A forensic science lab team has collected evidence from the spot, he added. Preliminary investigation revealed an ongoing land dispute between Nasir and another group, including a man identified as Anil Kumawat. Tensions between the two sides had escalated in recent months, the officer said.
HC directs govt to encourage ride-hailing apps to have 15 pc women drivers
Jaipur: The Rajasthan High Court has directed the state government to encourage app-based ride-hailing platforms to have at least 15 per cent women drivers within six months. It also directed raising the target to 25 per cent over the next two to three years. The court order also said that platforms must offer women passengers 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 .
Millions of poor losing right to vote: Sachin Pilot raises alarm over SIR
Jaipur: Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Saturday accused the Election Commission of acting with unprecedented haste and creating widespread fear during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), alleging that voter deletions, especially of the poor, Dalits, tribals, and the uneducated, were happening on a massive scale. Speaking in Jaipur and Tonk, Pilot said the ECs 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 .
Strengthening Young Minds : The Urgent Need for Emotional Safety in Schools and Homes
Meenu Gupta mguptadps@gmail.com The recent suicides of school-going children- including the deeply painful case from a Jaipur school and the Delhi Metro incident have left the nation shaken and questioning. These tragedies are not isolated events, they are warnings that our children are silently drowning under pressures they cannot name and emotions they cannot navigate. At an age when they should be laughing, exploring, and learning fearlessly, many children today are battling invisible wounds. It is time we acknowledge a [] The post Strengthening Young Minds : The Urgent Need for Emotional Safety in Schools and Homes appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Karnataka rift rumours: Gehlot asserts Congress under Kharge & Rahul is united
Jaipur: Amid persistent speculations of a rift within the Congress government in Karnataka, former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday asserted that the party remains united under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. His remarks came on a day when Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Rajasthan HC orders 15 per cent female drivers on ride apps, issues 35 directives to curb cybercrime
JAIPUR: The Rajasthan High Court has directed the state government to substantially increase the number of women drivers on app-based ride-booking platforms, ordering that at least 15% of all such drivers must be women within the next six months, with the target rising to 25% over the following two to three years. The court also stated that ride-hailing apps should give women passengers the option to choose a woman driver as their first preference. The directive is part of a comprehensive set of 35 instructions issued by Justice Ravi Chirania, who described cybercrime as an unstoppable and rapidly escalating threat. The court has asked the government to establish a Rajasthan Cyber Crime Control Centre, similar to the Union governments Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). It noted that although the post of Director General, Cyber Crimes, was created in 2024, the state still does not have an adequate system to investigate or respond to cyber-related offences. The order came while the court was hearing bail pleas of two men from Gujarat, accused of posing as law-enforcement officers and cheating an elderly couple of 2.02 crore earlier this year. Both are currently lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail, and their bail applications were rejected. Among the major directives, the High Court instructed telecom authorities to introduce strict verification before issuing a fourth SIM card to any individual. It also asked the government to monitor dead or inactive bank accounts closely and to redo their KYC through physical verification. Banks and financial institutions have also been told to suspend or deny internet banking services to accounts flagged as suspicious or to those that have recorded less than 50,000 in annual transactions over the past three years. The court further ordered that all gig workers operating in Rajasthan be brought under a formal registration system with the office of the Director General, Cyber Crimes. From 1 February next year, gig workers will be required to wear a uniform or follow a dress code, carrying a QR-coded ID card, which they must present whenever demanded by authorities or customers. The court also made it mandatory for all gig workers to be registered with the state Transport Department and to operate using commercial number plates. Additionally, the sale and purchase of second-hand digital devices will come under tighter scrutiny, and schools have been asked to implement a clear standard operating procedure regarding mobile phone usage for students up to Class 9 or those below 16 years of age.
From Jaipur to Kochi, how tier-2 and 3 cities are fast emerging as the new GCC battleground
India's Global Capability Centre (GCC) ecosystem is expanding beyond major metros into tier-2 cities like Jaipur and Kochi. This shift is driven by rising costs and talent competition in tier-1 hubs, offering scalable operations at lower expenses. While fresh graduates are available, experienced professionals still favor established metro ecosystems.
A wedding guest's video highlighting a Rs 37.40 lakh bill for a four-hour event in Jaipur has ignited discussions about grand Indian weddings. India is currently experiencing its peak wedding season, with millions of marriages planned. This period is expected to significantly boost the economy.
Cyber fraudsters cite terror links to target senior citizens
BHOPAL: Senior citizens in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are facing a new and highly unsettling cyber-fraud tactic, with criminals impersonating anti-terror investigators, placing victims under a so-called digital arrest, and extorting huge sums by falsely accusing them of involvement in terror funding. In Bhopal, the fear triggered by such calls has already claimed a life. Sixty-eight-year-old advocate Shiv Kumar Verma recently died by suicide at his home. A suicide note, purportedly penned by him, revealed the possibility of him being targeted by cyber fraudsters by threatening stringent action against him for funding the April 22 Pahalgam attack. According to investigators, the note and subsequent probe by Jahangirabad police suggested that fraudsters, possibly posing as anti-terror sleuths, had told him that his HDFC Bank account was being used for terror funding. With no one else at home and terrified of being labelled anti-national, Verma hanged himself. Police say it is the first suicide in Bhopal linked to digital arrest. At least five to seven similar incidents have surfaced in the city involving the elderly over the past 10 days. In Bhopals Kohfiza area, another elderly advocate received calls from men posing as anti-terror cops, but unlike Verma, he realised in time that the callers were fraudsters trying to con him. Others, however, were not so fortunate. A retired bank manager lost `68 lakhhis entire savingsafter being kept under digital arrest by callers who claimed to be investigating terror-related offences. A retired government servant lost around `8 lakh, and an elderly housewife has also reported being targeted in a similar manner. A cyber cell officer confirmed the modus operandi. Earlier, such fraudsters posing as cops or sleuths of investigation agencies extorted money from elderlies by triggering fear of their details having been used for money laundering, narcotics smuggling and human trafficking. But with sustained education and awareness about the menace of digital arrest, the cyber thugs novel modus operandi is creating fear of involvement in terror-related, particularly terror funding cases. Rajasthan has also reported similar incidents. In two to three cases in Jaipur and Udaipur, fraudsters have targeted the elderly by linking them to the Delhi blast case, said Shantanu Singh, SP (State CybercrimeJaipur). In Indore, police say the targeting is systematic. Additional DCP (Crime) Rajesh Dandotiya said, These gangs work in multi layers, one of those layers comprises men and women, who scan the social media activity of senior citizens. The fraudsters zero in on the victims and put them under a digital arrest.
JDA notice to Shiva temple sparks controversy, enforcement officer suspended
JAIPUR: The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) has suspended Enforcement Officer Arun Kumar Poonia following a controversy over an encroachment notice issued to a Lord Shiva temple in Vaishali Nagar. JDA Secretary Nishant Jain issued the suspension order on Friday, stating that Poonia will receive allowances as per service rules during the suspension period and that his headquarters has been fixed at the office of the ADGP (Personnel), Jaipur. The dispute began during a road-widening drive in the Vaishali Nagar area, where the JDA team pasted encroachment notices on several shops and houses. In the same exercise, the Lord Shiva Temple located on Gandhi Path was also declared an illegal construction. The notice, issued on November 21, was addressed not to an individual, committee, or caretaker but directly to the Lord Shiva Temple, directing that a reply be submitted within seven days. According to the survey report of JDA Zone 7, the temples boundary wall extends 1.59 meters inside the proposed road alignment, categorizing it as an encroachment. The notice warned that if no response or documentary proof was submitted within the stipulated time, the authority would initiate unilateral action to remove the encroachment. Will Lord Shiva come to present documents?: JDA notice to temple triggers public anger in Jaipur Residents, however, strongly objected. They asserted that the temple is not an unauthorized structure but was constructed by the JDA itself years ago along with the adjoining park. Even the boundary wall, they claimed, was built by the authoritys own agency. Calling the same structure an encroachment now, they argued, was completely unjustified and insensitive. Local residents said that issuing such a notice to a religious site hurts public sentiments and that the administration should act with greater caution and empathy. As protests intensified in the area, the Chief Ministers Office (CMO) intervened, reviewing preliminary facts and ordering the suspension of the enforcement officer, holding him accountable for the controversy. In its statement, the CMO said the officers conduct reflected serious and deliberate negligence in government work and showed a clear departure from expected administrative behavior, indicating arbitrariness. Meanwhile, officials in JDAs enforcement wing maintained that the action was part of compliance with High Court directions arising from a pending petition. The Deputy Commissioner of Zone 7, tasked with surveying structures along Gandhi Path for the widening project, reportedly found that the temples boundary wall intruded into the proposed road width and listed it as encroachment. The incident has triggered sharp public reactions, raising questions about administrative discretion, sensitivity toward religious structures, and accountability within government agencies.
JAIPUR : Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde has accepted the resignation of Mohanlal Sukhadiya University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sunita Mishra, who recently courted controversy after referring to Mughal ruler Aurangzeb as an efficient administrator. Her remark triggered strong reactions across Udaipur, leading to widespread student protests and a series of formal complaints. The controversy began on 12 September during an international conference on Roadmap for a Developed India held at a local college. Speaking in a historical context, Prof. Mishra described Maharana Pratap, Prithviraj Chauhan and Akbar as good rulers, and referred to Aurangzeb as an efficient administrator. The comments drew immediate backlash. Several student organisations launched protests, and MLA Vishvaraj Singh, a descendant of the former Mewar royal family, also expressed sharp displeasure over her statement. Amid mounting pressure, Prof. Mishra initially refrained from resigning and instead proceeded on leave on 23 September. She still had eight months and nine days left in her tenure. Appointed on 6 August 2023, her term was scheduled to continue until 6 August 2026. However, her resignation has now been formally accepted by the Governor. In addition to the student protests, multiple complaints were filed against Prof. Mishra. Taking these seriously, the state government constituted an inquiry committee chaired by the Udaipur Divisional Commissioner. The committee examined the allegations and submitted its report to the government. Meanwhile, the states Technical Advisor, B. P. Saraswat, also criticised her remarks. Eventually, Prof. Mishra stepped down from the post of Vice-Chancellor. Her resignation has reopened a broader debate: should historical discourse remain rooted in documented facts, or be shaped by public sentiment and contemporary sensitivities? With the position now vacant, Mohanlal Sukhadiya University may get a new Vice-Chancellor within the next three months. A search committee will be formed on the Governors instructions. The committee will invite applications from academicians with at least 10 years of professorial experience, shortlist the candidates and send five names to the Governor. Governor Bagde will then recommend one name, which will be approved by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. This time, it is widely expected that the university may appoint an academic from Mewar or Rajasthan as its next Vice-Chancellor.
Delhi inflation rate lower than other metros: Government report
NEW DELHI: The inflation rate in Delhi remained substantially lower than in other metro cities and the national average last year, especially in the fuel and light group, according to a government report. The report prepared by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics of the Delhi government, however, showed that the inflation rate rose in the food & beverages and housing sectors. The report assessed the Consumer Price Index (Industrial Workers IW) between Delhi and 14 other metros. These were Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Indore, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Varanasi, Amritsar and Lucknow. The report said that during 2024-25, CPI (IW), Kolkata, recorded the highest increase (3.6 per cent) while it was (3.4 per cent) at the All India level, followed by Mumbai (3.0 per cent), Delhi (1.8 per cent), and no change was observed in the case of Chennai. Among the selected cities assessed by the report, Delhi had the third lowest Consumer Price Index (IW) for the 2024 calendar year and the fifth lowest Consumer Price Index (IW) for the financial year 2024-25 out of the selected 15 major cities, while Lucknow and Chandigarh had the maximum Consumer Price Index (IW). A Consumer Price Index (CPI) is designed to measure changes over time in the general level of retail prices of selected goods and services that households purchase for consumption. In 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024, Delhi had lower inflation rates than All India. However, in 2022, Delhi had a higher inflation rate than All India. Last year, the inflation rate in Delhi was 1.7 per cent, and at the national level, it was 3.8 per cent. Inflation in Delhi, as measured by the CPI (IW), has ranged from 1.7 per cent to 8 per cent from 2020 to 2024. The price rise was recorded at 1.7 per cent in 2024, compared to 3.7 per cent in 2023. In the food and beverages group, an inflation rate of 5.6 per cent was observed in 2024, compared with 4.6 per cent in 2023. In the paan, supari, tobacco and intoxicant group, no variation was recorded in 2024, whereas the inflation rate was 3.7 per cent in 2023. However, the report observed that the inflation rate stood at 1.3 per cent in 2024, down from 5.1 per cent the previous year. In the housing group, an inflation rate of 3.1 per cent was observed in 2024, compared with 2.2 per cent in 2023. In the fuel and light group, a negative inflation rate of 20.1 per cent was observed in 2024, compared with 3.7 per cent in 2023. The miscellaneous group consists of items falling under the categories of medicines, medical services, education services, stationery, recreation, transport and communication, personal care effects, household requisites and other services -- hair cutting, tailoring, etc. In the miscellaneous group, Delhi recorded an inflation rate of 0.1 per cent, compared with 3.5 per cent in 2023.
Will Lord Shiva come to present temple papers?
JAIPUR: An encroachment notice sent by the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) to a Shiva temple has sparked anger in local residents, as it was sent directly to the temple rather than its management committee. Who will respond to the notice on behalf of the temple, and who will submit the documents? asked Indu Gurnani, a resident of Jaipurs Vaishali Nagar, where the temple is located. The notice, pasted on the temple wall on November 21, demands a response within seven days. The temples boundary wall extends 1.59 metres inside an area where a road will be widened. The notice warns that if no supporting documents are submitted, the encroachment will be removed. Residents say the JDA had built the temple and its agency constructed the boundary wall. Calling the same structure an encroachment now is unjustified. Moreover, will Lord Shiva appear with documents on November 28, as the notice was not served to temple managers? asked a devotee. A JDA official said that as part of standard procedure, a notice is placed wherever encroachment is observed.
Will Lord Shiva come to present documents?: JDA notice to temple triggers public anger in Jaipur
JAIPUR: A notice sent by the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) to a popular Shiva temple is causing quite a stir in the capital of Rajasthan. As part of its road-widening initiative, the JDA issued an encroachment notice to the Shiv Mandir. The notice, issued on November 21st, demanded a response within seven days which angered local residents because the notice was sent directly to the Shiv Mandir, rather than to any manager or management body of the temple. The temple is located in the posh Vaishali Nagar locality of the Pink City. According to the survey report of JDA Zone 7, the temples boundary wall extends 1.59 metres inside the proposed road line, qualifying as encroachment. The notice warns that if no reply or supporting documents are submitted within the deadline, unilateral action will be taken to remove the encroachment. Residents, however, are furious, claiming that the temple is not an illegal structure but was built by the JDA itself years ago, along with the adjoining park. The boundary wall, they say, was constructed by the authoritys own agency. Calling the same structure an encroachment now, they argue, is completely unjustified. The controversy escalated further because the notice was addressed directly to the Shiv Mandir instead of any manager, trust, priest, or management committee. Locals say the JDA pasted the notice on the wall without informing anyone associated with the temple. The uproar comes on a day when nearly 70 homeowners and shopkeepers on Gandhi Path also received encroachment notices under the road-widening drive. But it was the temple notice that went viral, sparking a wave of outrage on social media. Hashtags such as #SaveShivMandir and #JDAvsBhagwan began trending, with many users asking sarcastically whether Lord Shiva will appear with documents on November 28 or if his devotees must negotiate with the JDA. Local resident Indu Gurnani, speaking to The New Indian Express, questioned the procedure. Who will respond on behalf of the temple and who will submit the documents? she asked. Devotees insist the notice should have been issued to the trust or committee responsible for management. Issuing it in the name of the temple is not right, Gurnani said, adding that the action has hurt religious sentiments and that the JDA should apologise immediately. A senior JDA official, requesting anonymity, said the notice is part of standard procedure and is placed wherever encroachment is observed. He added that relief could be considered if the temples management presents valid documents. But residents dismiss this explanation, arguing that asking for documents now is meaningless when the JDA itself built the temple. Under JDA norms, failure to submit a reply within seven days allows the site to be treated as an encroachment, after which enforcement action may follow. The enforcement officer who issued the notice could not be reached for comment.
RAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the All India Conference of Director Generals/Inspector Generals of police on 29-30 November at the Indian Institute of Management, Nava Raipur. The three-day conference, scheduled to commence from November 28 (Friday) aims to review the progress achieved in addressing key policing challenges so far and to outline a forward-looking roadmap for building a Surakshit Bharat in alignment with the national vision of Viksit Bharat. Held under the overarching theme Viksit Bharat: Security Dimensions, the conference will host detailed deliberations on key security issues such as left-wing extremism, counter terrorism, disaster management, womens safety, and the use of forensic science and artificial intelligence in policing. The PM will also confer the Presidents Police Medals for Distinguished Service. According to the senior officials, the M1 and M11 sections of the newly constructed Speaker House in Naya Raipur have been designated as the vital nerve centre, serving as the stay for the PM Modi and union home minister Amit Shah. The conference will be attended by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Ministers of State (Home Affairs), DGPs of States/UTs and Heads of Central Police Organisations. The conference will be a vital interactive platform for senior police officials and security administrators from across the country to engage in open and meaningful exchanges on a wide range of national security issues. It also facilitates the discussion of operational, infrastructural, and welfare-related challenges faced by the Police forces, along with the formulation and sharing of professional practices in addressing crime, maintaining law and order, and responding to internal security threats. PM Modi has consistently taken a keen interest in such annual conferences, encouraging candid discussions and fostering an environment where fresh ideas on policing can emerge. Business sessions, break-out interactions and thematic dining table discussions offer participants an opportunity to share their perspectives directly with the Prime Minister on critical internal security and policy matters. Since 2014, the format of the DGP/IG Conference has undergone continuous upgradation under the PMs guidance, including hosting it at diverse locations across the country. The conference has so far been held in Guwahati (Assam), Rann of Kutch (Gujarat), Hyderabad (Telangana), Tekanpur (Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh), Statue of Unity (Kevadiya, Gujarat), Pune (Maharashtra), Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), New Delhi and Jaipur (Rajasthan) and Bhubaneswar (Odisha). Continuing this tradition, the 60th Conference is being organized this year in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
Pakistani intruder held in Rajasthans Barmer
JAIPUR, Nov 27: A Pakistani intruder was caught hiding inside a cattle shed near the International Border in Rajasthans Barmer district, police said on Thursday. Barmer SP Narendra Singh Meena said the man, who identified himself as as Hindal (24), a resident of Nayatala village in Mithi area of Pakistan, is suspected to have crossed the border fencing under the cover of darkness and reached nearly 200 metres inside Indian territory. He was found hiding in a cow shed [] The post Pakistani intruder held in Rajasthans Barmer appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Passengers fume as Indigo flights face long delays, airline cites 'operational reasons'
NEW DELHI: Indigo flights across the country suffered extensive delays from Wednesday evening into the night, with the airline repeatedly citing operational reasons. While Indigo also mentioned air-traffic congestion at Mumbai and Delhi, officials at Delhi airport completely denied any such congestion. Passengers, meanwhile, alleged that the non-availability of pilots for certain flights was among the key causes. Multiple attempts to obtain an official response from Indigo yielded no result. However, the airlines official handle on X kept replying to passengers that every delay was due to operational reasons. The worst affected routes included the DelhiChandigarh sector, where flights were delayed in both directions. Deepak Dhiman, a passenger, posted, Indigo flight 6E 2195 from Chandigarh to Delhi is delayed by 6 hours. Pilot is not available to fire the engine. Passengers are forced to wait for the pilot. No one knows when this flight will take off. An hour later, he updated that the pilot had arrived and the plane was being refuelled. Rajeev Chawla, another irate passenger, questioned the airline, Do you have a sense of responsibility? Flight from Delhi to Chandigarh (6E 2196) was to depart at 2.55 pm. Now it will depart at 8 pm. Is it fair to harass customers for a 45-min flight for five hours? Passenger Anandika Khajuria appealed to the aviation regulator DGCA and the Civil Aviation Minister to look into what operational issues were causing such lengthy delays. Although Indigo attributed the delays to congestion at Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport, multiple airport sources, including the official spokesperson, denied any such congestion. In the south, the Bengaluru to Coimbatore service (6E 914) departed at 8.20 pm instead of 4.45 pm. Passenger Mayank Jha posted, Flight 6E 914 was supposed to take off at 4.45 pm. Delayed to 7.15 pm and delayed further because the First Officer hasnt even arrived. Who is accountable for this level of mismanagement? The Chennai to Jaipur flight (6E 6381), scheduled to depart at 8.50 pm, was postponed repeatedly before finally being rescheduled to 1 am on 27 November. Flyer Vijay Mathur listed four different delay announcements: from 8.50 pm to 9.20 pm; then to 10.50 pm; then to 12.50 am; and finally to 1 am. The Chandigarh to Mumbai flight (6E 5019) was delayed by nearly seven hours. Scheduled to take off at 3.55 pm, it was eventually slated for departure at 10.45 pm. Passenger Apurva Parekh wrote, Delays of 6 hours and no clarity. These guys have no clue how to handle passengers. Very bad customer service and support. Indigo responded that the delay was due to operational reasons and said the team was doing its best to get the aircraft airborne. Another flyer on the same service, Kumar Gaurav, demanded clarity on the delay. The Mumbai to Bengaluru flight (6E 5074) was delayed thrice, contributing to nearly two hours of waiting time. The delay was attributed to the late arrival of the incoming aircraft (6E 5073). Passenger Pramod Modi posted, 6E 5073 delayed by almost three hours but still such poor gate management that no one in ground staff is able to decide the boarding gate Indigo did not issue any official statement on the disruptions. One user even defended the airline, arguing that the delayed flights formed only a small portion of its total operations. A day earlier, on Tuesday, more than 100 passengers on the Pune to Delhi flight (6E 2285) were delayed by over three hours after one of the pilots refused to fly, stating his duty hours had ended, according to reports from Pune. Violation of Flight Duty Time Limitations is taken seriously by the aviation regulator. If you want, I can also polish the headline further or give 23 alternate options.
Kashmir: Vehicle Skids on Road, Driver Critically Injured
SRINAGAR: A driver was injured on Wednesday late evening when a truck skidded off the Sonamarg Gumri road near Cherwan Kangan and collided with the roadside wall. Officials identified the injured driver as Krishan Kumar Yadav, son of Suraj Bhan, a native of Jaipur, Rajasthan. He was shifted to SDH Kangan for initial treatment and []
The CBI has busted a bribery racket at the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal in Jaipur, arresting a judicial member, an advocate, and an appellant. Officials recovered over 1 crore in cash along with documents, uncovering an organised network that was allegedly settling appeals in exchange for money. Further investigation is currently underway.
'Sadly, It's Working In...': Google Meet Outage Triggers Meme Storm Among Office-Goers On X
Google Meet suffered a major outage, with users in Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Madurai, Bengaluru, and Chennai reporting access and server issues.
Marwari Catalysts startups secure strategic funding across emerging sectors from SIG Tattva (Home to Hindware), GVFL, Antler, 35North, Vitalis Capital, IPV & Malpani Venture. 50cr raised by Marwari Catalysts portfolio startups MCats Accelerator and Venture Studio continue to drive investor confidence in founders across healthcare, sustainability, AI, and consumer brands a positive signal for Indias evolving startup landscape. Funding Across High-Impact Sectors The raise spans a diverse set of emerging industries, each addressing pressing challenges and opportunities in Indias heartland: Affordable Fertility Care (Elara IVF) designed for aspirational Tier II markets. Fintech-Enabled B2B E-Commerce Platform for Building Materials (Mad Over Building). Insurtech (Inka) redefining insurance access for Indias underserved communities through digital innovation and simplicity. Healthtech (Sarathi Healthcare) elderly care platform enhancing dignified, last-mile access to healthcare and assisted living. Consumer Brands (TURMS) intelligent wear engineered with advanced fabric technology, designed for comfort, performance, and the Indian lifestyle. Mobility & Logistics (DOCO) overcoming non-metro transport and supply-chain gaps. More details will be announced soon. Investors include angel investors, family offices, impact funds, and corporate innovation teams signalling broad cross-sector confidence in the MCats approach. This is also a strong validation that family offices and HNIs are increasingly interested in the venture studio model. Founders Perspective This is not just capitalits validation , said Sushil Sharma , Founder of Marwari Catalysts Group. These startups are solving real problems, building for real India, and showing that innovation isnt confined to geography . A Larger Shift in the Ecosystem This consolidated raise reflects a wider shift in investor mindsetfrom chasing valuations in metros to backing sustainable, scalable ventures emerging from Indias smaller cities. For MCats, it reaffirms its mission to bridge the gap between opportunity and origin, ensuring talented founders are discovered, funded, and scaled. About Marwari Catalysts Marwari Catalysts Group (MCats) is one of Indias fastest-growing startup ecosystem player (Accelerator and Venture Studio), with mentors with skin in the game supporting 100+ early-stage ventures across 20+ cities backed by SEBI-approved CAT-I AIF. MCats provide capital, mentorship, and global market access to founders. Its portfolio has already created 5,000+ jobs while driving inclusion through 35% women-led startups and successfully done 11+ exits. We are headquartered in Jodhpur with regional offices in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Jaipur. Welcome to MCats Family!
This 181-kilometer expressway will begin at NH-48 and NH-448 in Kishangarh and end at Paniyala (NH-148B) in Kotputli. Read here to know details.
Ethiopia volcano ash plumes: DGCA issues advisory; asks airlines to avoid affected region
India's aviation regulator has advised airlines to avoid flight paths and altitudes affected by volcanic ash from Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi eruption. Airports are inspecting runways for contamination, with flight disruptions anticipated as ash plumes move eastward towards Delhi and Jaipur.
Dharmendras political journey in Rajasthan: How the star forged an enduring bond with Bikaner
JAIPUR: As India grieves the loss of Dharmendra, one of its most beloved film stars, in Bikaner, the sorrow runs differently. For many here, he was not just the He-Man of Hindi cinema but a former representative who once stepped into Parliament on their mandate at the start of the 21st century. Dharmendra entered active politics in 2004, contesting the Lok Sabha elections from the Bikaner constituency on a BJP ticket. He made the move during the partys India Shining campaign and, along with actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha, met senior BJP leader L.K. Advani before entering the fray. In that election, the Congress had fielded senior leader Rameshwar Dudi. With no strong alternative to take on Dudi, the BJP turned to Dharmendra in the Jat belt of Rajasthan politics. The contest that followed was intense. Dharmendras sons and famous actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, campaigned extensively in Bikaner, and the actor won the seat with a decisive margin of 57,000 votes. Despite the decisive victory, Dharmendras nature never aligned with the rough edges of politics. After completing a five-year term, he walked away from electoral life, later explaining that politics was not the place for him. He never returned to contest another election. Political observers recall that Dharmendra refrained from making personal attacks during his campaign. Remarkably, he never mentioned Rameshwar Dudi by name while canvassing. Whenever asked about his opponents strength, Dharmendra would say simply, Rameshwar is like my younger brother. However, his absence from Bikaner in the first year of his term sparked a public row. Some residents put up posters declaring him missing, a move that deeply affected the actor-turned-MP. Dharmendra soon returned to the constituency, met people on the ground, and began actively utilising his MP quota. Dharmendra: The hero who could break both bones and hearts effortlessly Throughout his tenure, he approved funds for community groups, organisations, and institutions whenever requests were made. While he was Member of Parliament from Bikaner, a dispute occurred between the farmers and the state government over the purchase of peanuts. His own party was in power, but Dharmendra stood up for the farmers' rights and even offered to help them with the crop purchase using his own money. What style he carried, what a way with words, he wasn't just an actor. His personality carried a Sufi-like touch , there was a philosophical touch to his words and thoughts. Recalls Veteran Journalist Narayan Bareth who interviewed him while he was Bikaner MP. Even today, several places in Bikaner display boards bearing his name, marking projects supported through his MP quota. Most of these allocations were processed on the recommendations of BJP leader Satyaprakash Acharya and his personal secretary, Kamal Vyas. Dharmendra may have contested from Bikaner only once, but the citys affection for him long predates his political career. The news of his death comes barely a month after the passing of his 2004 rival, Rameshwar Dudi, who succumbed to a prolonged illness -- bringing an unexpected, poignant symmetry to their intertwined political chapters. Dharmendra never forgot his humble roots, had deep emotional bond with ancestral village in Punjab
No, This Video Doesnt Show a Gen-Z Protest Against Vote Theft in Jaipur
The video shows a torch light rally taken out by a politician's supporters in memory of victims of an accident.
Father of the deceased student said that 22 days have passed since the incident. He said that, despite the seriousness of the matter, the investigation has remained extremely slow, adding to the family's anguish.
2 Killed As Speeding Dumper Rams Motorcycle In Jaipur
Two men were killed after their motorcycle was hit by a speeding dumper truck near the Transport Nagar tunnel here on Sunday morning, police said.
Donald Trump Jr attends high-profile royal wedding in Udaipur
JAIPUR: US Presidents son and businessman Donald Trump Jr. attended a grand, multi-day royal wedding in Udaipur, Rajasthan, where celebrations for Netra Mantenadaughter of US-based billionaire Rama Raju Mantenaand Vamsi Gadiraju are being held from November 21 to 24. The guest list resembled a Hollywood red-carpet premiere, with international celebrities joining Indias top film stars. The presence of Donald Trump Jr., Justin Bieber, and Jennifer Lopez, along with several global personalities and Bollywood celebrities, turned the event into one of the most high-profile weddings the city has seen. Among the prominent Indian attendees were Jacqueline Fernandez, Kriti Sanon, Sofia Choudhury, Janhvi Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, and Varun Dhawan. Friday evening festivities featured a full-fledged Bollywood night, where actors performed energetic dance numbers. Varun Dhawan, Ranveer Singh, Kriti Sanon, and Jacqueline Fernandez entertained guests with their performances to popular desi songs. Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson also danced to Bollywood tracks, even sharing the stage with Ranveer Singh during the festivities. Producer-director Karan Johar added to the evenings sparkle by hosting an interactive talk show with the bride and groom. Amid the wedding celebrations, Donald Trump Jr. paid a special courtesy visit to Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, a member of the former royal family of Mewar and a descendant of Maharana Pratap. The meeting took place at the Udaipur City Palace, where Dr. Mewar welcomed Trump Jr. and Raju Ramalinga Mantena in traditional Mewar style. They discussed the regions history, cultural legacy, and contemporary global issues. During the interaction, Trump Jr. expressed admiration for the valor and legacy of Mewars legendary rulers Maharana Kumbha, Maharana Sanga, and Maharana Pratap. Dr. Mewar presented him and Mantena with traditional Mewar emblems, which Trump Jr. described as special and memorable. On Friday, Donald Trump Jr. and his girlfriend Bettina Anderson arrived in Udaipur from Jamnagar. A day earlier, the couple had visited the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, before flying to the lake city to join the celebrations. Bride's father Raju Mantena also drew attention to his remarkable personal journey. Born in India in 1960, Mantena grew up in a modest background and earned his B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Hyderabad. He later moved to the United States to study Clinical Pharmacy at the University of Maryland a shift that ultimately paved his path to becoming a billionaire. In the early 2000s, when cancer medicines in the US had become prohibitively expensive even for the middle class, Mantena identified a critical gap. In 2005, he founded OncoScripts, a specialty pharmacy providing affordable cancer treatments a breakthrough that marked the first major success of his entrepreneurial career.
School Pressure, Social Media Fueling Distress Among Students, Say Psychiatrists
Amid reports of suicide cases among school-going children in Delhi, Rewa, and Jaipur, mental health experts on Saturday urged parents to recognise signs of suicidality in adolescents.
IM operative Shadab Beg back under scanner after new links to Faridabad University emerge
LUCKNOW: Indian Mujahideen operative Mirza Shadab Beg of Azamgarh, wanted in connection with several serial blasts across the country, is once again under the scrutiny of probe agencies following new intelligence inputs linking him to Al Falah University in Faridabad. According to UP ATS sources, Beg completed his BTech in Electronics and Instrumentation from Al Falah University around 2007. Investigators suspect he came in contact with extremist networks during his student years and later used his technical training to support bomb-making activities and arrange logistics for the Indian Mujahideen. Records show that Beg was a key accused in the 2007 Gorakhpur blast and the serial bombings in Jaipur and Ahmedabad in 2008. Officials say he was part of core IM modules responsible for reconnaissance, procurement of explosives and the supply of critical components such as detonators and metal bearings used in the attacks. Property linked to Beg has been seized in Uttar Pradesh after his name surfaced in connection with Al Falah University. He has remained on central agencies most-wanted lists for years. Back home, his family claims that Beg, who left 18 years ago, never returned, and they only received occasional information about his movements after he went missing. Intelligence inputs suggest he went underground soon after the 2008 blasts to evade crackdowns on IM operatives. Agencies now believe he has been absconding for nearly two decades, making him one of the longest-surviving fugitives associated with the outfit. Sources also claim that Beg visited Afghanistan in 2019. Investigators are probing the support channels that helped him leave India and exploring his suspected links with regional extremist groups. The recent Delhi terror blast has intensified scrutiny of Al Falah University, with security agencies reviewing old student records and networks to determine whether Beg attempted to recruit others on campus. Sources said efforts are under way to trace Beg and dismantle any remaining networks linked to him.
Another BLO Dies By Suicide In Bengal, Family Alleges SIR Work-Related Stress; Note Recovered
Rinku Tarafdar, a BLO in West Bengal, was found dead amid SIR workload stress. Similar suicides occurred in Jalpaiguri, Jaipur, and Kannur. Mamata Banerjee urged suspension of SIR.
NEW DELHI: As outrage over student suicides intensifies, experts are calling for reforms to create mentally healthy schools while angry parents' associations are demanding government takeover of institutions linked to such cases. In all, the focus is on systematic changes to prevent further loss of young lives. On Tuesday, a Class-10 student of the St Columba's School in New Delhi, who once dreamt of becoming he next Shah Rukh Khan, took a fatal step and jumped off the platform of the overground Rajendra Place Metro station following months of alleged harassment by his teachers. While the tragic incident has sparked nationwide debate, with some blaming schools and others siding with parents, mental health expert Neha Kirpal cautions that such polarisation is misplaced. She emphasises that suicidality is everyones responsibility -- encompassing teachers, parents, caregivers, staff, and the wider community -- and no one can absolve themselves of it. PTAs and school associations need to collaborate to address suicidality systemically and preventively. Suicidal thoughts rarely emerge and act out suddenly; they progress through multiple phases, often overlooked due to myths or assumptions. The public narrative of sudden shock often absolves society of responsibility, even though warning signs usually exist. It is crucial to recognise these signs early and respond in a safe, supportive manner for the child, Kirpal, co-founder of Amaha Health and India Mental Health Alliance, told PTI. There has been a spate of such tragic incidents in recent weeks. Apart from the Delhi case, a 17-year-old Class-11 student in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa died by suicide after alleging that a male teacher physically assaulted her. Earlier this month, a nine-year-old girl in Jaipur jumped off the fourth floor of her private school building. The Class-4 student allegedly faced relentless bullying in her school for several months, including verbal abuse from her classmates. Experts highlight a growing trend of suicidality among schoolchildren, pointing out that India accounts for one-third of the global suicide burden, and suicide is now the leading cause of death among youth aged 15-29. But Kirpal, who is also the co-author of the book 'Homecoming: Mental Health Journeys of Resilience, Healing and Wholeness', urged all stakeholders, including the media, to go beyond reporting the graphic details of individual incidents. She stressed that the priority must be to address systemic gaps in preparedness, mental health support, and institutional response. One of her key suggestions: a legislation mandating mentally healthy schools -- evaluated on standardised criteria for staffing, training, resourcing, and policy. There are global initiatives known as mentally healthy schools, which assess whether a school meets key standards across areas such as staff training, counsellor availability, and resource allocation to qualify as a mentally healthy institution. Currently, our school system faces a significant policy and implementation deficit, with too few counsellors, inadequate training, limited budgets, and an absence of structured mental health frameworks, explained Kirpal, pushing for changes that support not only students, but teachers' mental health as well. Adding to this, clinical psychologist Jayanti Dutta highlighted the hostile environment many students face, where teachers, themselves under pressure, often fail to address bullying or harassment. All these schools have counsellors and clinical psychologists but they often dont intervene. Most teachers dont bother... Theyre under pressure and have no time. Administrations, too, ignore what is happening with the teachers, creating a very bad atmosphere in these schools, she observed. Dutta warned that children often cannot confide in even their parents, leading to a loss of trust in adults -- a factor she described as the most damaging in a childs mental health journey. Frustrated with a system that leaves children and their parents to bear the brunt, Aparajitha Gautam, president of the Delhi Parents' Association, did not mince words in holding schools directly accountable. She pointed to the deep-rooted failures within schools, describing them as commercialised, insensitive, and defensive. I know for a fact that in these schools, childrens complaints often go unheard, with principals sometimes dismissing concerns by blaming the child. Many such schools maintain counsellors only on paper, while anti-bullying committees and PTAs remain largely hidden or inactive, she said. Gautam called for criminal action against school managements, immediate cancellation of school recognition, and government takeover, warning that without strict laws and enforcement, little will change. If schools know that ignoring complaints or harassing children could result in licence cancellation, things will improve, she added. In the case of the Delhi boy's suicide, four staff members of St Columba's School, including the headmistress, have been suspended after an FIR was filed in connection with the alleged mental harassment of the Class-10 student.
Established under a strategic collaboration between Starbucks Coffee Company & Tata Starbucks, the FSP aims to empower 10,000 Indian coffee farmers by 2030 Starbucks will open its 500th coffeehouse in India this week in Delhi NCR a Starbucks Reserve location offering a premium and immersive coffee experience Reaffirming its long-term commitment to India, and its plans to deepen its coffee leadership in the market, Starbucks Coffee Company today announced the establishment of a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP). In collaboration with Tata Starbucks Private Limited, the FSP will connect local agronomists and farmers to global farming best practices through open-source agronomy. Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Starbucks re-affirm coffee leadership and announce a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) to strengthen the coffee value chain from Bean to Cup Strengthening Indias coffee value chain from bean to cup Starbucks Coffee Trading Company, SARL (SCTC), Starbucks global procurement and trading subsidiary, will collaborate closely with Tata Starbucks to empower 10,000 farmers by 2030. The FSP based in Karnataka will combine Tata Starbucks deep local knowledge, Indias coffee-growing heritage, and decades of Starbucks global agronomy expertise. It will support farmers from Indias key coffee growing states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala to strengthen connections with Starbucks global network, drive innovation, and share best practices in farming and sustainability to ensure a sustainable future for India coffee. The FSP will set up technical model farms in partnership with farmers in India, incorporating global learnings, to embed best practices in coffee agronomy and test sustainable solutions. The FSP in India will serve as a hub for testing new varietals, provide knowledge on innovative farming techniques aligned to Indian practices and conditions, and share insights about other agroforestry initiatives to improve coffee quality, productivity and climate resiliency. The goal is to build upon traditional methods to help farmers improve both the quality of their crops and their profitability. The FSP will work closely with existing centers of excellence within the Starbucks global network. This includes partnering with Farmer Support Centers (FSC) in coffee-growing regions around the world, where agronomists collaborate directly with farmers on research, and learning from existing model farms within Starbucks supply chain. This network includes FSCs in the APAC region in North Sumatra, Indonesia and Yunnan, China and Hacienda Alsacia in Costa Rica, Starbucks first company-operated coffee farm and headquarters to the Starbucks Costa Rica Farmer Support Center and Starbucks Global Research and Development team. Through the FSP, Indian farmers will also benefit from Starbucks 2026 global digital training tools, which will offer detailed online modules on agronomy, coffee quality, and C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) practices to foster ethical sourcing and ultimately enhance productivity and sustainability. It will also educate farmers about Regen-Ag (regenerative agriculture) practices and methods to reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints, and contribute to agroforestry and social development initiatives. The FSP will develop projects across the key Starbucks commitments of unlocking coffee productivity, increasing farm profitability and building climate resiliency over the next 5 years. To build capability and strengthen Indias entire coffee value chain, Tata Starbucks will also donate one million high-yield variety Arabica seedlings to farmers over the next five years. During his visit to India this week, Brian Niccol, chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks said, India is one of our fastest-growing markets. Were partnering with Tata to shape the future of coffee in India, including supporting farmers, empowering communities, and delivering the highest quality offerings to our customers. Its a long-term commitment to build a stronger, more sustainable coffee ecosystem that benefits everyone, from bean to cup . Sunil D'Souza, Managing Director & CEO at Tata Consumer Products said, Through the past decade, together, Tata Consumer Products and Starbucks, have helped shape Indias thriving coffee culture and industry. With this new initiative, we are pleased to pair Starbucks global agronomy expertise with Tatas footprint in India to drive tangible impact and pave the way for the future of responsible coffee farming in India . Re-affirming Starbucks coffee leadership through differentiated and elevated experiences Since its inception in 2012 as a joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Consumer Products, Tata Starbucks has been dedicated to delivering the unique Starbucks Experience to customers in India. This has set the stage for Indias ever evolving and dynamic coffee culture. This week, Tata Starbucks will celebrate the opening of its 500th coffeehouse in India, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey and reaffirming its long-term commitment to the market. As one of Starbucks fastest-growing international markets, India remains central to the companys plans for strategic and sustainable expansion, with continued focus on job creation and meaningful development opportunities for its partners (employees). The 500th coffeehouse will be the second location to offer a Starbucks Reserve coffee experience in Delhi NCR, engaging coffee enthusiasts with an immersive experience that showcases Starbucks coffee craft, heritage, and storytelling. The coffeehouse and its Starbucks Reserve experience underscore Tata Starbucks commitment to elevating Indias coffee craftsmanship through elevated store design, handcrafted beverages, and locally inspired innovations. As part of the global strategy to make Starbucks a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather to enjoy the finest coffee handcrafted by skilled baristas, Tata Starbucks will continue to focus on creating a differentiated and elevated coffee forward experience in India. It invites customers to experience the full flavor profile it offers - serving the worlds finest coffee and elevated offerings in a welcoming coffeehouse environment that has made it a beloved part of Indias coffee landscape. Sushant Dash, chief executive officer of Tata Starbucks said, As the largest specialty coffee player in India, we are proud to bring the Farmer Support Partnership in collaboration with SCTC, a meaningful step toward strengthening Indias coffee-growing community and securing the future of high-quality Arabica. Our commitment to India extends beyond growth, to investing in farmers, partners (employees) and customers to continue building a vibrant coffee culture. We will continue to serve the finest Arabica coffee from India and around the world, brought to life through the warm, welcoming third place experience that defines Starbucks . About Starbucks Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 40,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at about.starbucks.com or starbucks.com . About Tata Starbucks Private Limited Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with Tata Consumer Products Limited and currently operates more than 497 stores in India across 81 cities, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Alibaug, Amritsar, Anand, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhatinda, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Faridabad, Gandhinagar, Ghaziabad, Goa, Guntur, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Gwalior Haridwar, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Indore, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Lonavala, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Meerut, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Mysore, Nagpur, Nashik, New Delhi, Noida, Pathankot, Patiala, Pondicherry, Pune, Raipur, Siliguri, Sonipat, Surat, Thrissur, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Vadodara, Vapi, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Varanasi and Vizag are cities in India. through a network of over 4,437 passionate partners (employees). Starbucks stores are operated by the joint venture, Tata Starbucks Private Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee - A TATA Alliance.
45-Year-Old Man Crushed To Death At Gurugram Toll Booth After Stepping Out Over FASTag Issue
A man was killed after being run over and dragged by a dumper truck at Kherki Daula toll plaza on the DelhiJaipur Expressway. Police are searching for the truck driver.
Aneesha selected for Khelo India University Games
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 21: Cluster University of Jammu announced that Aneesha Sharma, an exceptionally talented shooter, has been selected to represent the University at the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) in the 10m Air Rifle event, to be held in Jaipur from November 24 to 28. A special felicitation ceremony was held, where Aneesha was congratulated by Prof. K. S. Chandrasekhar, Vice Chancellor, in the presence of Prof. D. S. Manhas, Dean Students Welfare, Dr. Vinod Bakshi, Director [] The post Aneesha selected for Khelo India University Games appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
'Bullied, Approached Teacher Twice': Report Flags Grave Lapses In Jaipur Schoolgirl Suicide Case
CBSEs inquiry into the death of a Class 6 student at a Jaipur school has found serious lapses and the school's failure to act despite the child seeking help twice.
Girl Who Jumped To Death At Jaipur School Was Bullied For 18 Months: Report
A Class 4 student who died by suicide by jumping from the fourth floor of a prestigious school in Jaipur was bullied for 18 months and was told ad words but her class teacher repeatedly dismissed her and her parents complaints on the matter.
Don Jr visits Agra, to attend star-studded wedding in Udaipur
LUCKNOW / JAIPUR: Donald Trump Jr, son of US President Donald Trump, on Thursday visited the Taj Mahal in Agra. A group of 126 special guests from nearly 40 countries accompanied him during the tour of the 17th-century marvel. In view of the high-profile visit, the authorities had tightened security and spruced up the arrangements. According to sources, around 200 police personnel were deployed across key locations in the city and the security detail included officers of ACP and ADC rank. This is Trump Jrs second visit to India. In February 2018, he had toured New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Kolkata. From Agra, Trump Jr will travel to Udaipur in Rajasthan to attend a high-profile wedding. Sources said he will reach Udaipur on Friday evening and will stay there till Monday. Sources said Trump Jr will be staying at The Leela Palace. The multi-day celebrations, from November 21 to 24, are for the wedding of Netra Mantena, daughter of US-based billionaire Rama Raju Mantena, and Vamsi Gadiraju. The main ceremony is on November 23 at the iconic Jag Mandir Palace, set on an island in Lake Pichola. The guest list includes Hollywood stars Jennifer Lopez and Justin Bieber, who are expected to perform at the event. Internationally acclaimed South African DJ and song writer Black Coffee is also set to perform at the gala wedding. From Bollywood, Hrithik Roshan, Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, Kriti Sanon, Jacqueline Fernandez, Vaani Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor, and Karan Johar are expected. Event management firm Wizcraft, known for organising the IIFA Awards in Jaipur earlier this year, is overseeing the wedding arrangements.
Uber partners with NGO Sulabh to direct drivers in nine cities to cleaner toilets
The partnership is in place in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Lucknow and Kolkata.
The Hindu Young World Quiz in Jaipur on November 25
IRCTC announces `Dazzling Dubai` tour for January 2026, check details
The 4 nights and 5 days package will take more than 150 passengers from cities such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Indore, Delhi, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore, an official statement said
Vote Chor Gaddi Chhor.. returns in Jaipur: Rajasthan Youth Congress protests against SIR, vote theft
Punjab police to seek custody of Anmol Bishnoi after NIA interrogation
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab police will be seeking custody of deported gangster Anmol Bishnoi after the National Investigation Agency has completed interrogating him, a senior state police official said on condition of anonymity. The Punjab Police will move to court and seek his custody to break the criminal nexus being run in the state, the source added. As per state police records, Anmol is named as an accused in 16 FIRs registered across Punjab between October 2012 and July 2025, including charges of murder, extortion, robbery, attempt to murder, and Arms Act in Punjab. Anmol Bishnoi has been deported from the United States and was arrested by the National Investigation Agency(NIA) for his alleged key role in the murder of Punjabi singer Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, popularly known as Sidhu Moosewal. Several questions remain unanswered despite a charge sheet being filed in the Sidhu Moosewala case, sources said. Anmols interrogation, they believe, will be crucial in filling these gaps and uncovering the full extent of the conspiracy. He is accused of being a key conspirator in the murder of Sidhu, as he provided logistical support and weapons to the assailants who shot the singer dead at his native village in Mansa on May 29, 2022. Anmol is a key conspirator along with Goldy Brar and Lawrence Bishnoi. We will bring him on a production warrant, he added. In 2012, the first case was registered on Anmol at Abohar City Police Station on charges of attempt to murder, voluntary causing grievous injury, acts with intention and arms act. Then two years later, he was booked at the Sadar Police Station at Abohar on charges of trespass, theft, and Arms Act. Anmol hails from Dutarawali village in the Fazilka district of Punjab. Most of the FIRs are registered against him in Abohar and Fazilka. Sources said that on June 15, 2022, Punjab Police shared the first input with the Intelligence Bureau that Anmol fled to Dubai between November 19 and November 20, 2021, from Jaipur using a fake passport in the name of Bhanu Pratap, a resident of Sector 82, Faridabad, Haryana, with the fathers name mentioned as Rakesh. In reality, his father is Lovinder Bishnoi, and he is a resident of Dutranwali village in Fazilka. Afterwards, a case was later registered at the Punjab State Crime Police Station, Mohali, against him on charges of forgery, forgery of public records, using a forged document, criminal conspiracy, extortion, and under sections of the Passports Act for obtaining a passport by furnishing fake particulars. Later, a court issued his open warrants in this case, said sources. On June 24, 2022, the Bureau of Immigration issued a look-out circular for Anmol on the request of Punjab Police and on July 20, the same year state home department wrote to the Ministry of Home Affairs requesting the initiation of the process for the arrest and deportation. Sources said that the NIA yesterday arrested him in a case registered in 2022 to investigate an alleged nexus between criminal gangs in India and Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), a designated terrorist organisation, to raise funds, recruit youths and carry out terror strikes in the country.
Jaipurs Homegrown Coffee Movement Brewing Beyond The Caf
Born from travel and refined through experimentation, Coffee Sutra is Jaipurs own 360-degree coffee story. Dushyant Singh reveals how Coffee Sutra is rewriting the citys coffee culture
Recently, the PM has been sporting a remarkable Indian watch. The advocate of Atmanirbhar Bharat has been promoting Indian craftsmanship by wearing the timepiece from the Jaipur Watch Company.
SC seeks Rajasthan government's reply on plea challenging anti-conversion law
JAIPUR: In a significant move, the Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Rajasthan government on the controversial Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2025. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta passed the order after hearing the petition filed by the Jaipur Catholic Welfare Society and sought a response from the Rajasthan government within four weeks. The law, which, according to the government, is intended to curb alleged illegal religious conversions in the state, came into effect in October this year. In its petition, the Jaipur Catholic Welfare Society stated that the law is constitutionally flawed and contradicted existing SC judgments. It also asserted that the state legislature exceeded its authority in enacting the law. The law contains several stringent and problematic provisions, including the clause stating that if a mass conversion is carried out on a property, the premises will be liable to demolition and confiscation by the administration. The legislation also explicitly includes marriage conducted for religious conversion within the definition of illegal conversion. If an individual marries another by offering false promises, allurements or misleading information with the intent to convert them --regardless of whether the intent arose before or after the marriage-- it constitutes a punishable offence under the law. Such marriages can also be declared void by the court, a clause that has been linked to cases branded as love jihad. The law makes all related offences non-bailable, significantly increasing the difficulty of obtaining bail. Even voluntary conversion now requires a lengthy process of prior state approval: an application must be filed with the District Collector or ADM 90 days in advance, followed by a public notice displayed at their office. Objections can be filed within two months, and the conversion is permitted only after the objections are heard and resolved. The law prescribes severe penalties for violations. Illegal conversion is punishable with 7 to 14 years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5 lakh. Conversion of vulnerable individuals --such as minors, women, disabled persons, and SC/ST individuals-- attracts 10 to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10 lakh. Mass conversions carry a minimum sentence of 20 years, which may extend to life imprisonment, along with a fine of Rs 25 lakh. Using foreign or illegal funding for conversion results in 10 to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 20 lakh. Even failing to inform the Collector about a conversion carries 7 to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 3 lakh. Repeat offenders face life imprisonment and heavy fines.
Epic VF 7 Road Trip Shows Indian Drivers What EV Future Could Look Like
A Vietnamese creators epic crossing from Asia toward Africa is giving India an early glimpse of how the VinFast VF 7 could change ordinary road travel by demonstrating how a straightforward electric car can carry itself across long distances with steady ease. India has only recently welcomed the VF 7, but local reviews already show favorable feedback Early one October morning in Hanoi, automotive YouTuber Nguyen Thanh Hai, known to his followers as Hai Kar, packed his VinFast VF 7 and began an extraordinary journey. His plan is to drive from Vietnam to Africa, passing through thirty countries across Asia and Europe before reaching Morocco. The trip, expected to take several months, covers about fifty thousand kilometers. It is one of the first attempts by a Vietnamese driver to cross continents in a made in Vietnam electric car. A car built for adaptation Hais VF 7 is a standard production vehicle. Before setting off, he fitted a roof rack, rally tires and a tow cable, then added a few essentials such as charging adapters, a small generator and translation tools for unfamiliar regions. His car can travel more than four hundred kilometers on a full charge and has enough power to manage highways and mountain roads. A few weeks into the journey, he is now somewhere in China, heading west. The VF 7 already attracts attention at home in Vietnam among long distance drivers. Owners who have traveled from Hanoi to Ca Mau praise its solid handling, smooth ride and consistent performance across varied terrain. Fast charging from near empty to seventy percent takes about half an hour, which turns long trips into a sequence of short breaks rather than slow, painful stops. What makes Hais trip remarkable is how ordinary the car is. It was designed for daily life such as commuting, errands and short weekends, yet it is handling a route that stretches from Asia to Africa. Indias early look at the VF 7 India has only recently welcomed the VF 7, but local reviews already show favorable feedback. One buyer in Lucknow, who is 64, cancelled his booking with another brand after realising the VF 7 simply felt better inside (1) . Plus, both the vehicle and battery warranty is generous at 10 years or 2 lakh kilometres. He took delivery in Jaipur and drove the car home to Lucknow, and during that stretch he found the VF 7 steady at speed and easy to place when overtaking, while city crawling felt calm and predictable. "I am satisfied with the car", he said after crossing the one thousand kilometre mark, addng that he gave it " 9.5 out of 10 ." The VF7 arrives just as Indias charging network begins to expand for a larger EV audience. VinFast is preparing its own ecosystem alongside this, supported by partners in each key area, such as myTVS (authorised service centres), Global Assure (roadside assistance), and banks like SBI (financing for both customers and dealers). Together these pieces form a full EV ecosystem that covers finance, home and public charging, service coverage, and the other tools needed for day to day use. What this means for Indian drivers Once more chargers appear along the major national highways, long distance EV journeys will be much easier. A normal India trip such as Bengaluru to Goa or Delhi to Nainital could eventually feel as simple as Hai Kar recharging his VF 7 on his road to Africa. Drivers will stop for chai or lunch while the car picks up enough range to continue. Hais journey continues to unfold across continents. Each update he posts is another tiny demonstration of how electric travel keeps expanding its reach. And for Indian drivers watching Hai Kars trip from afar, it hints at a future where a quiet, clean road trip from one state to another becomes an ordinary weekend plan rather than a brave experiment. About VinFast VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam's largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast's product lineup includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. The company is rapidly expanding its global distribution network and manufacturing capabilities with facilities in Vietnam, India, and planned operations in the United States. The company's Thoothukudi facility in Tamil Nadu represents a $500 million investment and will produce 150,000 vehicles annually when fully operational, creating approximately 3,500 direct jobs. vinfastauto.in . www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IWEgZqXzOE
Not Delhi, Agra or Jaipur: Foreign tourist calls this Indian city the most well-designed
A foreign traveler's praise for Chandigarh has gone viral. He described the city as very clean and modern, urging tourists to visit. He highlighted its efficient planning, lack of traffic, and blend of Punjabi and Haryanvi culture. The traveler enjoyed boating on Sukhna Lake and appreciated the city's green spaces. His positive perspective resonated with many Indians online.
Rajasthan law against conversion: SC seeks government's stand
The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Centre and Rajasthan government regarding a plea challenging the state's anti-conversion law. Filed by 'The Jaipur Catholic Welfare Society', the petition argues the law unfairly targets minority communities and creates a chilling effect. The court will hear the case alongside similar petitions against other states' laws.
Inside Mirove, Jaipurs Thoughtful In-Between Space For Food And Pause
The food at Mirove mirrors the space itselfcomforting yet gently surprising. Its mixed cuisine. We have divided the menu into two partsLocal and Global, explained Sonali.
Body of MBBS student found dead in Russia brought back to Rajasthan; family suspects foul play
JAIPUR: Ending an agonizing 11-day wait for the family, the body of Ajit Chaudhary, an MBBS student from Laxmangarh in Rajasthan's Alwar district, arrived in India from Russia on Monday morning. A medical board conducted a re-postmortem soon after the body reached Alwar, and the funeral was finally conducted. Ajits body arrived at Delhi airport at around 4:05 AM and was taken to Alwar District Hospital by 9 AM. Although a post-mortem had already been conducted in Russia, the family requested another examination. For this, a group of doctors was formed. Ajits father, Dharm Singh, a farmer, said his son was studying MBBS at Bashkir State Medical University in Russia and was in his third year. The family last spoke to him on 19 October, after which he suddenly went untraceable. A friend had called him, after which he disappeared. Later, we were told that Ajits clothes and shoes were found on the riverbank. His body was found 18 days later on November 6, Dharm Singh said. The grieving father further added, His mother was dying waiting for her son. Alleging negligence by both the administration and the government, Ajit's family bid him a tearful farewell and reiterated their demand for an impartial investigation into the circumstances of his death. Ajits uncle, Bhom Singh, expressed strong suspicion regarding the circumstances. He questioned why another student, Jeet Kasana, informed the family of the disappearance when the college had the familys contact details. He also raised doubts about why the body was found without clothes, saying, Why would someone committing suicide remove his clothes? He added that Ajit had asked for money shortly before 19 October and had reportedly argued with another student. We dont believe our son committed suicide; we suspect it is murder, he said. The family has already spent around Rs 29 lakh on Ajits education. Ajit had travelled to Russia in October last year to pursue MBBS at Bashkir State University in the Ufa region. His family had arranged the funds for his education by selling three acres of agricultural land. Since recieving the news about his death, Ajit's family had been struggling to bring the body home. Frustrated by the delay, relatives and locals last week staged a shutdown in Laxmangarh, demanding swift action from the government to expedite the repatriation.
Striped Hyenas Arriving In Jambu Zoo
JAMMU, Nov 17: The striped hyenas, three in number, will be the new addition in Jambu Zoo. These bone-crushing animals are being brought from Nahargarh Biological Park, Jaipur in exchange of two Himalayan Black Bears as per the Animal Collection Plan of the Jambu Zoo approved by the Central Zoo Authority. The hyena will reach Jammu on November 18 and will be open for the public from November 20, 2025. The free ranging Striped Hyena is the only native hyena [] The post Striped Hyenas Arriving In Jambu Zoo appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
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.
Jaipur BLO Dies by Suicide, Note Accuses Officials Of Harassment
Mukesh Jangid, a Booth Level Officer in Jaipur, died by suicide at Bindayka railway crossing, leaving a note alleging harassment by officials.
Ameer ameer ho raha, gareeb gareeb ho rahe hai: RSS Chief flags rising inequality at Jaipur event
Rajasthan: Six killed, 14 injured as tempo carrying pilgrims collides with trailer
JAIPUR, Nov 16: Six people were killed, and 14 others injured when a tempo carrying pilgrims collided with a trailer loaded with grain sacks on the Jodhpur-Balesar stretch of National Highway 125 early Sunday, police said. The accident took place near the Khari Beri village in the Jodhpur district. The tempo, carrying around 20 pilgrims from Gujarats Banaskantha and Dhansura areas and heading to Ramdeora, was hit by the speeding trailer coming from the opposite direction, Balesar SHO Moolsingh [] The post Rajasthan: Six killed, 14 injured as tempo carrying pilgrims collides with trailer appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
ED freezes over 100 'mule' accounts, seizes Rs 70 lakh cash in cocaine trafficking case
The ED covered five premises in Delhi-NCR and Jaipur during the searches. The seized party drug was estimated to be worth Rs 900 crore by the NCB and five persons were arrested by the central anti-narcotics agency. The searches indicated an online betting and gambling network being operated through mobile-based applications.
Six killed, 14 injured as tempo carrying pilgrims collides with trailer in Rajasthan
JAIPUR: Six people were killed, and 14 others injured when a tempo carrying pilgrims collided with a trailer loaded with grain sacks on the Jodhpur-Balesar stretch of National Highway 125 early Sunday, police said. The accident took place near the Khari Beri village in the Jodhpur district. The tempo, carrying around 20 pilgrims from Gujarat's Banaskantha and Dhansura areas and heading to Ramdeora, was hit by the speeding trailer coming from the opposite direction, Balesar SHO Moolsingh Bhati said. Three women died on the spot, apart from three others. Their bodies have been kept at the Balesar hospital mortuary. The 14 injured people were rushed to the hospital, from where they were referred to the MDM Hospital in Jodhpur, Bhati said. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway, the SHO added.
17-day-old infant killed in alleged human sacrifice in Jodhpur; four women detained
JAIPUR: A horrifying case of the alleged human sacrifice of a 17-day-old infant has emerged from Jodhpur, where four women, reportedly the childs aunts, have been accused of killing the newborn. A disturbing video circulating on social media shows a woman holding the baby in her lap while chanting, as several others sit nearby, seemingly participating in what appears to be a tantric ritual. According to reports, Suman, a resident of Sansiyon Ki Dhani Gujrawas, had returned to her parents home for the delivery about a month and a half ago. Her husband, Poonamram, said she gave birth to their son, identified as Pratyuksh, 17 days ago. On Friday night, while Suman was in the bathroom, her four sisters allegedly killed the infant. The childs father alleged that his sisters-in-law, frustrated at not being able to marry, killed the baby due to superstitious beliefs. He claimed the women first broke the infants limbs, then trampled and strangled him, even pulling out his hair. Recalling the moment he learned of his sons death, the father said: My wife informed me at 3:30 a.m. She said, My sisters have killed your child. At first, I thought the child may have fallen during a fight. Later, I learned they had broken his hands and legs and suffocated him. The accused aunts were jealous of their sister, who already had two children and was settled in her family. All four are unmarried. The father has demanded strict action against the accused. Police have detained all four women for questioning and are investigating the case from the perspective of witchcraft and alleged human sacrifice. The incident has once again raised concerns about rising cases of infant killings in Rajasthan. Recently, the state was shocked by another case in Churu, where a woman allegedly strangled her newborn just two hours after birth. To prevent anyone from hearing the babys cries, the child was first suffocated and then strangled. The crime came to light following the newborns postmortem report, after which the womans elder sister filed a murder case at Kotwali police station.
'World Turning To India To Seek Answers To Its Mounting Problems': RSS Chief Bhagwat
Mohan Bhagwat at Deendayal Smriti Lecture in Jaipur said the world looks to India for solutions, highlighting Integral Humanism, Sanatan thought, global inequality.
IndiGo, Akasa Air to commence flight operations from Navi Mumbai airport on December 25
IndiGo said it will connect the future-ready airport to ten cities across India including Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, North Goa (Mopa), Jaipur, Nagpur, Cochin, and Mangalore, starting December 25
Congress stuns BJP in Anta bypoll as Pramod Jain Bhaya secures fourth Assembly entry
JAIPUR: In a major setback for the ruling BJP in Rajasthan, the Anta Assembly by-election delivered a decisive victory to veteran Congress leader Pramod Jain Bhaya, who has now entered the Assembly for the fourth time. Bhaya secured 69,462 votes, defeating BJP candidate Morpal Suman, who received 53,868 votes. Independent candidate Naresh Meena finished a close third with 53,740 votes. The result is being widely viewed as a morale booster for the Congress as the party looks ahead to the 2028 Assembly elections. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot congratulated Bhaya and used the occasion to criticise the BJP government. In a social media post, he wrote, I express my heartfelt gratitude to all voters for giving Congress victory in the Anta by-election and extend my heartfelt congratulations to newly elected MLA Pramod Jain Bhaya. Congress leaders claimed that the mandate reaffirms public confidence in the leadership of party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi. The outcome has also been interpreted as a major setback for Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and former chief minister Vasundhara Raje, as Anta is considered one of Rajes key influence areas. Adding to the significance, her son and JhalawarBaran MP Dushyant Singh served as the election observer, and Anta falls within his Lok Sabha constituency. Both Bhajanlal and Raje had collectively campaigned for the partys candidate, Morpal Suman. The by-election was seen as a major test for the states BJP government. Treating it as a prestige battle, the BJP fielded its top leadership, including CM Sharma, former CM Raje and several senior leaders, but the campaign strategy failed to deliver. Morpal Suman, considered a close associate of Raje, could not secure a win. The BJPs delay in announcing its candidate had brought speculation that the contest might be smoother for the party. However, the final verdict proved otherwise, triggering internal questions within the BJP about strategy, timing and leadership messaging. The counting process spanned 20 rounds, at the end of which Bhaya emerged victorious with a margin of 15,594 votes. State Congress president Madan Rathod admitted the party faces larger organisational challenges, saying, As the state president, I have the biggest responsibility, so I take responsibility for this defeat. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Home Affairs Jawahar Singh Bedham accused the Congress of influencing voters through money power, appeasement, and inducements. Independent candidate Naresh Meena, who attracted significant attention during the campaign, once again failed to convert momentum into victory. His displeasure was evident soon after the results. Meena received support from RLP chief and Jat leader Hanuman Beniwal, independent MLA Rajendra Gudha and AAPs Sanjay Singh, prompting expectations that this contest could strengthen the Third Front in Rajasthan. Instead, the outcome has weakened such prospects. Anta went to a by-election for the first time after BJP MLA Kanwarlal Meena lost his seat following his conviction in a criminal case. Although the BJP formed the government in 2023, Kanwarlal Meena had not been inducted into the Cabinet. The constituency recorded an impressive 80.21% voter turnout. Of the 2,28,264 registered voters, 1,83,099 cast their ballots 96,141 men, 86,955 women and three voters from the others category. The outcome is being widely viewed as a morale booster for the Congress as it looks ahead to the 2028 Assembly elections.
Rajasthan: Congresss Pramod Jain Bhaya wins Anta bypoll
Jaipur: Congress candidate Pramod Jain Bhaya won the Anta assembly bypoll in Rajasthan with 69,571 votes, defeating his nearest rival and BJP nominee Morpal Suman by a margin of 15,612 votes, according to the Election Commission. Suman got 53,959 votes, beating Independent candidate and Congress rebel Naresh Meena, who was initially in second place, by 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 .
Anil Ambani Offers to Appear Virtually Before ED in FEMA Case
New Delhi, Nov 14: Reliance Group chairman Anil Ambani has offered to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) through virtual means after being summoned under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) for Friday. A spokesperson for the 66-year-old businessman said Ambani has assured full cooperation in the ongoing probe concerning the Jaipur-Reengus Highway Project, where [] The post Anil Ambani Offers to Appear Virtually Before ED in FEMA Case appeared first on Northlines .
EC colluded with BJP in Bihar; cash payments continued despite model code, alleges Ashok Gehlot
JAIPUR: Accusing the Election Commission of colluding with the ruling party in Bihar, senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Friday claimed that cash and benefits -- including Rs 10,000 to women -- were distributed to voters despite the model code of conduct being in force in the then poll-bound state. The former chief minister of Rajasthan termed the trends of the Bihar assembly election results disappointing and said pension payments and cash transfers continued unabated during the campaign period. The assembly results are disappointing. It seems to me that the payments of Rs 10,000 to women were continuing even when the election campaign was on; such a thing never happens, Gehlot told reporters here. He said that during the assembly elections in Rajasthan in 2023, the distribution of mobile phones under a scheme and pension disbursements were immediately halted the moment the code came into effect. In Bihar, the Election Commission remained a mute spectator. Why did it not stop this? It did not intervene at all, he alleged. When you do not ensure fair elections, when booth capturing or dishonesty takes place, and the Election Commission takes no action, that is vote theft. There was clear collusion with the ruling party, Gehlot said. He claimed that the BJP had amassed money power, which posed a threat to democracy, adding that the country needs Congress and its ideology. Speaking about the Anta bypoll , Gehlot said that the Congress candidate was heading towards a victory.
Anil Ambani Offers Virtual Appearance Before ED in 15-Year-Old FEMA Case
Reliance Group chairman assures full cooperation in probe linked to Jaipur-Reengus Highway project, emphasizing he was never involved in day-to-day operations
ED searches in Delhi-NCR, Jaipur in cocaine trafficking case
Enforcement Directorate launched searches across Delhi-NCR and Jaipur Friday in a major money laundering probe linked to an over 80 kg cocaine seizure. The operation targets at least five locations as part of an investigation into a Rs 900 crore drug haul from last year. Hawala operators were previously arrested in connection with the party drug intended for Australia.
ED Busts International Narcotics Network; 82.5 kg Cocaine Recovered
Enforcement Directorate seized 82.53 kg cocaine in Delhi-NCR and Jaipur, targeting an international narcotics network.
Congress leader Bhanwar Jitendra Singh faces court case over alleged custody of MF Husain painting
JAIPUR: Assam Congress in-charge and former Minister of State for Home Affairs Bhanwar Jitendra Singh is set to face trial in Delhis Rouse Avenue Court for allegedly failing to return a painting by renowned artist Maqbool Fida Husain (M.F. Husain). According to the complaint, Singh, a member of Alwars erstwhile royal family, had borrowed the artwork from then Congress MP Prabha Thakur in 2014. Despite repeated requests from Thakur and her family, the painting was allegedly never returned. Prabha Thakurs son, Rohit Singh, has filed a petition in court over the matter. The court accepted the petition on November 11, 2025 and scheduled the hearing for November 25. Rohit Singh alleged that the former Union Minister had offered to give the family miniature Bundi paintings in exchange for the Husain artwork. However, despite several written and verbal reminders from his mother, the painting was never returned. The petitioner informed the court that he and his mother had purchased the M.F. Husain painting from Saatchi Gallery, Mumbai, in 2013 for Rs 2.25 lakh. He further claimed that the artworks current market value exceeds Rs 1 crore. Earlier, Rohit Singh had approached the Magistrate Court in March, but the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate dismissed the complaint, ruling that no case of fraud or criminal breach of trust had been established. However, the Special Judge later set aside that order, observing that the painting had been handed over to Bhanwar Jitendra Singh in April 2014 merely for viewing and possible purchase, not as a gift. Bhanwar Jitendra Singh, a senior Congress leader considered close to the Gandhi family, has previously served as a two-time MLA from the Alwar City Assembly constituency and was elected MP from Alwar in 2009. He later lost two consecutive Lok Sabha elections, and the party did not field him from Alwar in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Anandpal encounter: Revision court rules police acted in self-defence
JAIPUR: The Jodhpur District and Sessions (Revision) Court on Thursday overturned the ACJM (CBI Cases) court's order that had initiated murder charges against seven police officers, including Churu SP Rahul Barhat in the infamous Anandpal Singh encounter case. The court observed that the officers were performing their duty and that the encounter took place in self-defence. It further noted that deceased gangster Anandpal Singh fired first using an automatic weapon, seriously injuring a member of the police team. In its order, the court relied on the findings of the CBIs scientific and forensic investigation, which confirmed that Anandpal himself opened fire and that Commando Sohan Singh was injured by his bullet. The court held that the magistrate had ignored this crucial fact while taking cognizance of murder charges. Senior advocates Vineet Jain, Rahul Chaudhary, and Umeshkant Vyas represented the police in the review petition, arguing that the officers acted strictly within the line of duty. The court agreed, noting that the allegations made years later by Anandpals family lacked evidence and were contradicted by the CBI report. The incident dates back to June 24, 2017, when police surrounded Anandpal Singh at a farmhouse in Malasar village, Churu district. Anandpal, Rajasthans most wanted criminal at the time, was facing multiple cases of murder, robbery, and extortion. Acting on leads from his arrested brother Rupinder Pal Singh and associate Devendra Singh, the Special Operations Group (SOG) and Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC) teams tracked him down to the farmhouse. Police officials stated that Anandpal was asked to surrender but instead opened indiscriminate fire with an AK-47. In the ensuing exchange, Anandpal was killed, while Commando Sohan Singh and then-Inspector Suryaveer Singh Rathore sustained serious injuries. Anandpals family had long claimed that the encounter was fake, alleging he was killed after surrendering. In July 2024, the ACJM court had taken cognizance of murder and ordered the registration of a case against seven police officers, including then Churu SP Rahul Barhat, DSP Vidya Prakash, and other SOG and RAC personnel. However, the revision court noted that firing took place from both sides and that holding only the police accountable was beyond the facts. Citing Supreme Court precedents, the court remarked that policemen who risk their lives in the line of duty should not face prosecution without conclusive evidence. Anandpals family is reportedly considering an appeal before the High Court.
