Rajasthan High Court extends Asarams interim bail
JODHPUR, Aug 11: The Jodhpur bench of the Rajasthan High court on Monday extended till August 29, the interim bail granted to jailed self-styled godman Asaram, who is serving life term for raping a minor disciple at his gurukul. Asarams bail period was set to expire on August 12. A division bench of Justices Dinesh Mehta and Vineet Kumar Mathur allowed the bail extension after perusing his medical reports. The relief came after a recent extension of his interim [] The post Rajasthan High Court extends Asarams interim bail appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Trump tariff a blow to gems, jewellery, handicraft
JAIPUR: The Trump administrations decision to impose a 25% tariff on select imports from India has sparked panic among exporters in Rajasthan, particularly those trading with the United States. With America accounting for over Rs 17,000 crore of Rajasthans total exports worth Rs 85,000 crore, the move is expected to severely impact key sectors such as gems and jewellery, handicrafts, and textiles. The most significant impact will be likely on exports of handicrafts worth Rs 5,000 crore, gems and jewellery worth Rs 7,000-8,000 crore, and garments and textiles worth Rs 1,500 crore to the US. Until now, only textiles attracted a tariff of 5.5%. However, if a uniform 25% tariff is enforced across these categories, exporters fear losing a significant share in the American market. Gems, jewellery sector at risk Previously, this trade faced a modest 5.5% duty. Now, the 25% tariff set to come into effect from August 7 poses a serious threat. Speaking to this newspaper, Naveen Jain, Jeweller and proprietor of Lord Krishna International, said, Every year, Rajasthan exports gems and jewellery worth Rs 7,0008,000 crore to the US. So far, the tariff was 5.5%. With the jump to 25% from August 7, it will be extremely challenging for Indian exporters to remain competitive. Sanjay Kala, former president of the Jewellers Association and Managing Director of Kinu Baba Gems India Pvt Ltd, echoed the concerns. This 25% tariff by the US is a massive challenge for Rajasthans gems-jewellery, handicrafts and textile sectors. Exports worth over Rs 17,000 crore will be directly affected. Our products will lose their competitive edge globally, leading to a fall in exports and risking the livelihoods of lakhs of artisans and entrepreneurs. Kala further emphasised the need for immediate government intervention. This will have severe economic and social consequences. With such a steep duty in our biggest export market, losses are inevitable. The Centre must initiate strong diplomatic talks with the US and announce special relief schemes to support exporters, ensure continuity in production, and protect employment. He added, We must also diversify our export strategy by tapping into other global markets. Our industry has overcome many challenges before, and with government support and collective resilience, we will navigate this as well. Treaty with Terroristan, penalty for India Jaipur and Jodhpur at the centre of impact Region-wise, Jaipur alone exports around Rs 5,000 crore worth of gems and jewellery to the US every year. The recent increase in US import duty from 5.5% to 15.5% had already dealt a blow to Jaipurs exports. Now, with a proposed 25% duty, the situation is expected to worsen further. Ashok Maheshwari, convener of the Jaipur Handicraft Exporters Association (JAS), confirmed the damage already visible from the earlier hike. Jaipurs exports were hit even after the last tariff hike. If the duty isnt rolled back now, small and medium exporters will face major setbacks. Jodhpur, known for its vibrant handicraft industry, exports around Rs 2,500 crore worth of products to the US annually. Exporters fear that American buyers may now turn to Turkey and Mexico, where import duties are only around 10%, or rely more heavily on China, whose domestic subsidies and competitive pricing create additional challenges. Dr Bharat Dinesh, president of the Jodhpur Handicraft Exporters Association, warned, Indias handicraft sector holds a special place in global trade. This tariff decision will be disastrous for thousands of artisans and small businesses. The central government must treat this as a priority and begin high-level talks with the US administration immediately. Call for policy-level intervention Rajiv Arora, president of the Federation of Rajasthan Exporters, also voiced deep concern. To stay competitive globally, especially after this tariff hike, the government must bolster production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes and offer targeted relief packages for affected exporters. As trade tensions escalate, Rajasthans export-driven sectors are bracing for a turbulent period. Without swift diplomatic and policy-level intervention, the states trade ties with the US may suffer lasting damage.
JAIPUR: A family based in the United States was allegedly preparing to sell ancient remains believed to be the bones of Lord Buddha through a major international auction house, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat revealed on Saturday. The announcement was made during a public hearing at his residence in Jodhpur. The relics, once taken out of the country during British rule, were recently traced to a family in the United States that was allegedly preparing to sell them through an international auction house. Speaking at a public hearing at his residence in Jodhpur, Shekhawat said that the relics had appeared in a Sothebys catalogue earlier this year, triggering swift intervention by the Indian government. We stopped the auction and informed them that the Government of India wanted to claim and officially receive the relics, he said. The sacred remains were originally discovered in 1898 during British-led excavations at Piprahwa in the Kapilvastu region, present-day Uttar Pradesh. They were found inside a stone casket believed to belong to the Shakya clanLord Buddhas own family. The casket contained a crystal container with ashes said to be of Buddha, along with belongings of his nephew and other kin. British officer William Peppe, who led the excavation, took possession of a large portion of the relics, some of which later made their way overseas. On Wednesday, Shekhawat personally received the relics at Delhi airport. After 127 years, the bones of Lord Buddha have returned to their rightful land, he stated, adding that the moment was of immense spiritual and cultural significance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also welcomed the return of the relics. Earlier in a statement, he said, These sacred relics highlight Indias close association with Bhagwan Buddha and his noble teachings. It also illustrates our commitment to preserving and protecting different aspects of our glorious culture. When they appeared in an international auction earlier this year, we worked to ensure they returned home. The return was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC). The IBC confirmed that it played a key role in facilitating the process and ensuring the relics were brought back to India with dignity. The ashes of Lord Buddha were divided into eight parts after his Parinirvana. One part was given to the Shakya clan, who enshrined it in Piprahwa. What we have now received is part of that sacred legacy, Shekhawat added. The relics are expected to be placed in a national museum or a prominent Buddhist site, though official confirmation on this is awaited.
Jodhpur police cremated Muslim youth despite missing report, family learns truth after DNA test
JAIPUR: Jodhpur police are facing backlash for allegedly cremating, instead of burying, the body of a 20-year-old Muslim youth, Ismail, despite a missing persons report being filed days earlier. The body, found in Gulab Sagar, was labelled unclaimed and cremated, a violation of Islamic burial practices. It was only after a DNA test that the body was confirmed to be Ismails, leaving the family devastated and angry. Ismail, who lived in Chimanpura Gali-4, went missing on 17 June. His family reported his disappearance to the Sadar Bazar police station on 20 June. Just a day later, on 21 June, the body of a young man was recovered from Gulab Sagar and placed in the mortuary at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, falling under the jurisdiction of the nearby Sadar Kotwali police station. Despite the fact that Sadar Bazar and Sadar Kotwali police stations operate from the same premises, they allegedly failed to coordinate. On 25 June, the Sadar Kotwali police treated the body as unidentified and cremated it. It was not until 26 June that Ismails sister-in-law came across visuals and information about the body recovered from the reservoir. Suspicious that it could be her missing relative, she informed the family. They contacted the Sojati Gate police and demanded verification. A DNA test was ordered. The following day, on 27 June, Ismails mother, Malka, provided a blood sample. The results from the Forensic Science Laboratory later confirmed that the cremated body was indeed Ismail's. On receiving the confirmation, Malka broke down, grieving not only her sons death but also the denial of religious burial rites. She accused the police of both carelessness and deep insensitivity. He should have been buried, not cremated, she said, struggling to hold back tears. Assistant Sub-Inspector Nemichand from Sadar Bazar police station acknowledged that the body was badly decomposed when found, making identification difficult. It was considered unclaimed at the time. After we were informed of the missing report, we proceeded with DNA testing, he said. This is not the first time such a mistake has allegedly occurred in Rajasthan. A similar incident was reported in 2019 in Bhiwadi, Alwar, where police cremated the body of a Muslim youth before confirming his identity. That event had triggered protests by the Meo community, with community leader Sher Mohammad accusing the police of serious insensitivity. The latest Jodhpur incident has reignited concerns about police protocol in handling unidentified bodies. It has raised questions about accountability, coordination between departments, and the respect of religious practices, especially when families have already reported someone missing. The case has drawn strong reactions from locals, who are demanding clear procedures and strict action to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Schools shut as heavy rains lash Rajasthan, 30 districts on alert
JAIPUR: Rajasthan continues to reel under intense monsoon activity as heavy rains batter multiple regions, prompting widespread disruption and precautionary measures. Jaipur saw heavy showers since morning, causing waterlogging in several parts of the city. Notably, areas around government residences, including those of Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant and DGP Rajeev Sharma, were flooded. The Hadoti region was badly hit, with connectivity also severely disrupted. In Kota and surrounding Hadoti region, the spell of rain persisted on Tuesday as well, filling up dams, anicuts, and ponds. Waterfalls have begun flowing from the surrounding hills, and low-lying areas are flooded. Many rural roads are submerged, causing significant traffic disruptions, and standing crops are beginning to rot in waterlogged fields. Kota city recorded 15 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, with intermittent rain continuing through the day after a wet night. In Tonk and Sawai Madhopur, several areas are submerged. Rajasthans connectivity with Madhya Pradesh has been severely affected: Parvati river overflowed in Etawah (Kota), flooding a new bridge on the Etawah-Khatoli road. As a result, State Highway-70 (KotaGwaliorSheopur) is closed to traffic. Augaad culvert on NH-552 in Bodal, about 12 km from Sawai Madhopur, was washed away, severing the Sawai MadhopurSheopur (MP) route. In Sawai Madhopur, houses are filled with water up to five feet, and railway tracks are submerged, affecting train services. Morel Dam overflows again The Morel Dam in Lalsot (Dausa), considered Asias largest kachha (earthen) dam, has overflowed with water reaching 1.5 feet above its crest. This is the second consecutive year the dam has reached capacity. The situation is being closely monitored by local authorities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange and Yellow alert for several districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next three days, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday. According to the forecast, 18 districts in Jaipur, Ajmer, and Bharatpur divisions are expected to witness heavy rainfall in the next 48 hours. Some parts of the Bikaner division may also receive moderate to heavy showers. School holidays announced in several districts In light of the continuing downpour and the expected intensity of rain, local administrations have declared school and Anganwadi closures in several districts as a precautionary measure: Jaisalmer: Over 1650 schools closed till 31st July. Baran: Schools closed till August 2 Kota: Till August 1 Ajmer and Udaipur: July 30 and 31 Bhilwara: Closed on Wednesday Authorities have urged residents to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow advisories, as life and property could be affected due to waterlogging, flooding, and road damage. Rainfall alerts 30 July Alerts: Orange Alert: Ajmer, Alwar, Dausa, Jaipur, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, Tonk Yellow Alert: Bharatpur, Bhilwara, Bundi, Chittorgarh, Dholpur, Jhunjhunu, Rajsamand, Sikar, Sirohi, Udaipur, Bikaner, Hanumangarh, Churu, Jodhpur, Nagaur, Pali, Sri Ganganagar 31 July Alerts: Orange Alert: Ajmer, Tonk Yellow Alert: Bhilwara, Bundi, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Sikar, Bikaner, Churu, Nagaur, Pali, Sri Ganganagar
India-Singapore joint military exercise from July 27-August 4 in Jodhpur
India and Singapore will conduct a joint military exercise in Jodhpur. The exercise, named Bold Kurukshetra, aims to improve interoperability between the two armies. It will focus on joint training capabilities under a UN mandate. The exercise will involve tabletop exercises and computer-based wargames. It will strengthen defence cooperation between India and Singapore.
New weather system triggers heavy rains in Rajasthan; Dausa witness 158 mm rainfall
JAIPUR: Several regions in Rajasthan experienced heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours due to the influence of a new weather system, the Meteorological Department said on Saturday. Heavy to very heavy rains are likely to persist in many areas across the state in the coming days, the weather office said in its forecast. A depression formed over eastern India, centred around Jharkhand and its surrounding regions on Saturday, is expected to move forward within the next 24 hours. As a result of this weather system, some places in eastern Rajasthan recorded heavy to very heavy rainfall recently, with Dausa experiencing the highest rainfall of 158 mm. There is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rain in parts of the Kota and Udaipur divisions, while heavy rain is likely in the Ajmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Bharatpur divisions on Saturday. From July 27 to 28, some areas in southeastern and eastern Rajasthan are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, with this pattern continuing in eastern Rajasthan on July 29 and 30. Additionally, the Jodhpur and Bikaner divisions are likely to see an increase in rainfall activities over the next four to five days, including moderate to heavy rain in some areas.
Jagdeep Dhankar, who recently stepped down from the post of Vice President of India, had represented Salman Khan and got him bail when the Jodhpur police arrested him in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case.
Why The Apache Attack Helicopter Is A Big Shot In The Arm For Indian Army
15 months after a squadron was raised in Jodhpur to house the world's most feared attack helicopter, the Indian Army today took delivery of the first three of six Boeing-built AH-64E Apache helicopters.
Three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, part of a Rs 5,691 crore deal with the US, have arrived at Hindon Air Force Station, enhancing the Indian Army's offensive capabilities. These anks in the air will be stationed in Jodhpur, where the Army raised its first Apache squadron. The remaining three Apaches are expected by the end of 2025.
AIIMS Jodhpur Project Coordinator Recruitment 2025 Walk in
All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur (AIIMS Jodhpur) Recruitment 2025 for 01 posts of Project Coordinator. Candidates with BDS, MBBS Can attend the walkin.The Walk-in on 02-08-2025. For detailed information please visit AIIMS Jodhpur official website, aiimsjodhpur.edu.in.
IAF to conduct major exercise in Rajasthan from July 23; NOTAM issued
According to sources, the Indian Air Force is set to carry out a major military exercise in Rajasthan, covering areas from Barmer to Jodhpur
Jai Narain Vyas University (JNVU), Jodhpur has opened the examination application process for UG and PG NEP 2025 2nd and 4th semester students. The deadline to apply is 24 July 2025 via the official portal, jnvuiums.in. Both regular and self-study students must carefully select their SKILL and DSE PAPERS, as no changes will be allowed after submission. Applications for due papers are to be filled along with main exam forms.
Jai Narain Vyas University (JNVU), Jodhpur has declared the MA Hindi and MA History odd semester results for the academic session 2024-25 on its official website, jnvuiums.in. The results include first and third semester examinations conducted under the NEP2020 framework. Students can access and download their results by selecting the relevant course and semester, and entering their roll number. All four results were officially released on July 19, 2025.
12 IAS, 91 IPS officers transferred in major bureaucratic reshuffle in Rajasthan
The Rajasthan government executed a significant bureaucratic reshuffle, transferring 12 IAS, 91 IPS, and 142 RAS officers. Key changes included the replacement of the Jodhpur Police Commissioner and the shifting of Range IGs in Kota, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Ajmer, and Bharatpur. Superintendents of Police in 30 districts were also affected by this large-scale administrative overhaul.
Daily Express Train To Jodhpur Starts Today
Serving both reserved and unreserved passengers, the new service will benefit people from central and north-western states residing in and around Hyderabad: Reports
New KachegudaJodhpur Express to Be Inaugurated on July 19
The train will comprise 22 coaches, including 7 sleeper coaches, 3 third AC coaches, 2 second AC coaches, 4 general coaches, a luggage coach, and a specially designed compartment for differently-abled passengers.
Direct train to Jodhpur on alternate route likely
Meet woman who chose IFS over IAS even after securing AIR 13 in UPSC exam,sheisfrom...
Despite securing an impressive AIR 13 in the UPSC exam at just 21, Jodhpur's Vidushi chose the Indian Foreign Service over IAS, fulfilling her grandparents' dream through self-study.
Plea for direct train from Hyderabad to Jodhpur
Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada Among Fastest-growing Non-metro Hubs
Healthcare and pharma companies like Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Laurus Labs Ltd, Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd and Sun Pharma are creating opportunities in Vishakhapatnam and Vadodara, while HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank are accelerating the growth of financial services in Raipur, Agra and Jodhpur.
Four die in Himachal, five in Rajasthan's Kota as rain plays havoc
NEW DELHI: Four people died in Himachal Pradesh as rain continues to wreak havoc in the state, while five were swept away in Rajasthan's Kota at a barrage after a heavy downpour caused the authorities to release water from a reservoir. In Himachal, more than 200 roads are out of bounds for vehicular traffic, a majority of them in Mandi, while a flash flood warning has been issued for 12 districts in Jharkhand. An individual each drowned in Kullu and Kangra districts, one died after being bitten by a snake in Bilaspur, while one was killed after falling from a height, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said. Since the onset of monsoon on June 20, 61 people have died in the state in rain-related incidents. In Rajasthan, Khatauli in Kota district recorded 198 mm of rain over 24 hours, the highest in the state. Five youths were swept away in the Chambal River Monday afternoon after the water level suddenly rose following the release of water from 12 gates of the Kota Barrage. The identity of the five missing youths is yet to be confirmed, as the rescued individual is not in a condition to provide detailed information at this stage, Digod Police Station SHO Purshottam Mehta said. Due to continuous rainfall in the region, the authorities opened all 12 gates of the Kota Barrage at 11.30 am on Monday, releasing approximately 2.2692 lakh cusecs of water downstream, said Nisha Sharma, Junior Engineer at Kota Barrage. A met department official said that a circulation system over Madhya Pradesh has intensified into a low-pressure area. Due to the system, parts of Kota, Ajmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur divisions have seen heavy rain since yesterday. Delhi got a decent drizzle towards the evening, lifting the heavy humid pall it had sweltered under during the day. According to IMD data, Lodhi Road recorded the highest cumulative rainfall at 18.5 mm till 8.30 am on Monday. Pragati Maidan received 24.3 mm of rain, Ayanagar, 15.5 mm, Safdarjung, 15.8 mm, and Palam, 8.5 mm. In Himachal Pradesh, 208 roads, including 157 in the disaster-hit Mandi district, are closed for vehicular traffic, while 745 water supply schemes and 139 power distribution transformers were affected. The local Met office has issued an Orange alert of heavy to very heavy rain in Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur on Monday, and Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur on Tuesday. It issued a Yellow alert, meaning heavy rain, for at least three of the 12 districts till Friday. In Odisha, the weather department forecasted heavy rainfall in 19 of the 30 districts, as a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a well-marked system. The India Meteorological Department cautioned fishermen not to venture into the sea for the next 24 hours in the north Bay of Bengal, as squally winds, blowing at 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, were likely to prevail along and off north Odisha. A red warning was issued for extremely heavy rain, above 20 centimetres, in Mayurbhanj, Keonhar and Sundargarh. Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore were predicted to receive 12 cm to 20 cm of rain. The remaining districts were forecasted to witness 7-11 cm of precipitation. Kolkata is likely to experience spells of light to moderate rain or thundershowers over the next 24 hours. Light to moderate rain is likely across South Bengal districts, as a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal is set to intensify into a low-pressure area within the next 24 hours, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre here. In Jharkhand, a flash flood warning was issued for Bokaro, East Singhbhum, Garhwa, Gumla, Khunti, Latehar, Lohardaga, Palamu, Ranchi, Saraikela, Simdega, and West Singhbhum districts till 11.30 am on Tuesday. Surface runoff and inundation may occur in some low-lying areas, the IMD said. A Red alert was sounded for heavy to extremely heavy rain in Saraikela-Kharswan, East Singhbhum, and West Singhbhum districts, and an Orange alert for Gumla, Khunti, and Simdega districts till 8.30 am on Tuesday. The weather office has issued a Yellow alert for heavy rain in Ranchi, Lohardaga, Ramgarh, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Jamtara, Hazaribag, Giridih, Koderma, and Deoghar till 8.30 am tomorrow. Ranchi Meteorological Centre Deputy Director Abhishek Anand said the state is likely to experience widespread rainfall till July 17 under the influence of a depression and monsoon trough.
AIIMS Jodhpur Research Associate Recruitment 2025 Walk in for 1 Posts
All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur (AIIMS Jodhpur) Recruitment 2025 for 1 posts of Research Associate. Candidates with B.Sc, M.Sc Can attend the walkin.The Walk-in on 19-07-2025. For detailed information please visit AIIMS Jodhpur official website, aiimsjodhpur.edu.in.
JAIPUR: Flight Lieutenant Rishiraj Singh Deora (23), who lost his life in the Jaguar fighter jet crash in Churu , was cremated with full military honours in his native village of Khiwandi, Sumerpur (Pali). The solemn ceremony was attended by senior officials, villagers, ex-servicemen, and school children -- some dressed in army uniforms -- chanting slogans like Jab tak suraj chand rahega, Rishiraj ka naam rahega . Before the cremation, the grieving family expressed anguish over the use of ageing fighter jets for training purposes. Why are such old planes given to new and promising pilots? they questioned. These children have a bright future ahead, but we are losing them to outdated machines. The Jaguar fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed on July 9 at 12:40 pm in Churus Rajaldesar area. Both pilotsWing Commander Lokendra Singh Sindhu (44), a resident of Rohtak (Haryana), and Flight Lieutenant Rishiraj Singh Deorawere martyred in the incident. Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft appeared to be swaying mid-air before crashing into a tree and dragging over 100 meters before catching fire. The explosion was so powerful, it felt like a bomb had gone off, said one villager. There was panic in the area, and people rushed to the crash site as police and administration were alerted. It is believed that the pilots veered the aircraft away from residential areas, possibly sacrificing their own lives to prevent civilian casualties. Due to this, they may not have had time to eject. The black box of the aircraft is yet to be recovered, and a search operation is ongoing. The Indian Air Force has ordered a Court of Inquiry to determine the cause of the crash. Rishiraj Singh Deora hailed from a modest yet proud family in Pali district. His father, Jaswant Singh, runs a hotel business, while his mother, Bhanwar Kanwar, is a homemaker. His younger brother, Yuvraj Singh, is studying in Class 12 in Jodhpur. The news of his martyrdom has left the family devastated. On Thursday, Rishiraj's mortal remains reached Jodhpur airport, where Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat paid floral tributes and offered condolences to the bereaved family. The body was then airlifted to Sirohi and transported by road to his village. At the Sirohi airstrip, several dignitaries paid their last respects, including SP Anil Kumar Beniwal, DSP Mukesh Chaudhary, MP Lumbaram Chaudhary, BJP District President Dr Raksha Bhandari, the Sub-Divisional Officer, and local ex-servicemen. As the martyr's final journey passed through the village, residents lined the roads to bid him farewell. Children waving the tricolour declared their desire to serve the nation, inspired by the sacrifice of Rishiraj Singh Deora.
Mortal remains of Flt Lt Rishi Raj Singh, who died in Jaguar crash, consigned to flames in Pali
The mortal remains of Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh, who died in a crash of a Jaguar fighter plane during a routine sortie near Churu in Rajasthan, were consigned to flames at his ancestral village in the state's Pali district on Thursday evening amid full military honours and slogans. Twenty-three-year-old Singh was one of the two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots who were killed in the crash on Wednesday. He was flying with Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu, who hailed from Kheri Sadh village in Haryana's Rohtak. Singh's mortal remains first reached Jodhpur Air Force station from Suratgarh on Thursday afternoon. Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat offered floral tributes at the Air Force station. From Jodhpur, the mortal remains were taken to Sirohi by a helicopter and then to his village by road, where the entire Khivandi village including family members, relatives, Air Force officers and administrative officials gathered in solemn grief to receive him for the final rites. For the inconsolable mother and father, it was hard to believe their eyes that the son, for whom they had been searching a suitable match and dreaming of seeing him on horseback in his 'barat' (wedding procession), now lay motionless on the pyre amid the flames. Those present called it the most cruel joke of the Almighty. As the news of Singh's martyrdom spread, relatives and villagers began assembling at his village house from Wednesday to console the parents, who are yet to come to terms with the rudest shock. He was the pride of our family. With his career firmly in place, we had begun preparing for the next chapter of his life, hoping to see him married within a year or two. But now, everything has come to an end, said his uncle Hitpal Singh. Holding age-old fighter planes responsible for the loss of pilots, he questioned why such old machines are being allowed to be operated at the cost of Indian pilots. He termed the loss both personal as well as national. According to a family member Pratap Singh, Rishi Raj Singh was fascinated by fighter planes from childhood and always wanted to become a fighter pilot. He was brilliant in studies and after completing his schooling from Jodhpur, he appeared in the entrance examination for NDA. After selection, he went on to join NDA in Pune and chose the Air Force to realise his dream to become a flyer, he said. Rishi Raj Singh is survived by his father Jaswant Singh, a hotelier; his mother Bhanwar Kanwar, a homemaker; and his younger brother Yuvraj Singh, who is pursuing his senior secondary education in Jodhpur. IAF pilot Lokendra Singh Sindhu killed in Rajasthan jet crash had become a father a month ago
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's Father Passes Away, Condolences Pour In
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's father, Daulal Vaishnaw, passed away at AIIMS Jodhpur on Tuesday. He had been critically ill.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's father dies in Jodhpur
He had been critically ill for the past few days and was under treatment at AIIMS Jodhpur
Apache AH-64E Helicopters to boost army power
India is all set to enhance its combat capabilities as the first batch of Apache AH-64E attack helicopters is expected to arrive by the end of July. These advanced helicopters, part of a $600 million deal signed with the U.S. in 2020, will join the Army Aviation Corps' Apache squadron in Jodhpur, raised in March 2024. The post Apache AH-64E Helicopters to boost army power appeared first on Fusion - WeRIndia .
Jodhpur BSNL Officer Dies Of Silent Heart Attack In Office Chair
Lilkaran Charan, a 42-year-old SDO at BSNL in Jodhpur, died of a heart attack at work, shocking colleagues and highlighting rising heart disease risks among middle-aged workers
JAIPUR: Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for observing Samvidhan Hatya Diwas across the country to mark the anniversary of the Emergency, alleging that the saffron party had illegally toppled governments in Congress-ruled states. Speaking to the media in Jodhpur, Gehlot alleged that senior BJP leaders including Union Home Minister Amit Shah had conspired to topple his government and had engaged in horse-trading by distributing huge sums of money to MLAs. Amit Shah, Dharmendra Pradhan and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in the Narendra Modi government conspired to topple the Rajasthan government, but failed. Ours was the only government in the country that they could not overthrow, Gehlot said. He further stated, They changed governments in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra, but could not do so in Rajasthan. These people tried to break our party and distributed money to MLAs. I have proof of this. The situation they created is this in line with the Constitution? Today, these people are celebrating Constitution Day. Referring to the scale of the alleged horse-trading, the former Chief Minister said, You cant imagine how much money was distributed to buy MLAs in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. Some claim Rs 25 crore, others Rs 35 crore, and some Rs 50 crore. In the case of Maharashtra, one can only imagine the sums. Where is the country headed? How can democracy survive like this? BJP undermining Constitution, democracy: Ashok Gehlot Gehlots remarks have triggered varied interpretations within political circles. Some experts speculate Gehlot's statements are indirectly aimed at his former deputy and political rival within the party, Sachin Pilot. Pilot had staged a rebellion and shifted to Manesar with supporting MLAs during Gehlots tenure. Since then, Gehlot has consistently accused both the BJP and Pilot of plotting to topple his government. Pilot has recently become active in state politics and held a show of strength on the 25th death anniversary of his father, Rajesh Pilot an event attended by Gehlot himself. In the wake of these developments, many are drawing different meanings from Gehlots latest statement. Gehlot has been making headline-grabbing remarks over the past two days. On Wednesday, he claimed that a terrible conspiracy was underway to remove Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma from office, allegedly by some within the BJP. Responding sharply to this, CM Sharma said, Those who have never felt the pain of the common man cant understand the pain of others. Taking a jibe at the former CM, Sharma added, How can someone who has never suffered, understand the struggles of others? Gehlot warns of conspiracy to remove Rajasthan CM, sparks political storm
Gehlot warns of conspiracy to remove Rajasthan CM, sparks political storm
JAIPUR: Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot made a sensational claim on Wednesday, alleging that a conspiracy is underway to remove the states current Chief Minister, Bhajanlal Sharma. Speaking to reporters at the Circuit House during his Jodhpur visit, Gehlot warned that if BJP leaders fail to remain vigilant, they will have to bear the consequences. Gehlot alleged that all is not well within the state BJP claiming that elements within the ruling party are plotting to oust Sharma. People have made their plans, but Bhajanlal Sharma doesnt seem to understand this. We are not making any accusation against him after all, he has only been in office for a year and a half. What is the point of changing the Chief Minister repeatedly? he said. The veteran Congress leader emphasized that Bhajanlal had been elevated to the post as a first-time MLA, calling it an unprecedented opportunity. This is a big thing. Maintain this position what is the benefit of replacing the CM again and again? he added. Gehlot also accused the BJP government of ignoring the states deteriorating conditions. People are suffering, and if the government conducted public hearings, it would understand their plight, he said. Launching a sharp attack, Gehlot claimed that sycophants have surrounded the CM, praising him falsely and misleading him. Referring to the BJPs repeated mention of the Emergency, Gehlot said, The BJP tries to gain mileage from the Emergency, but in 1980, after the Emergency, Congress came back with a huge majority. The BJPs attempt to use that issue will not succeed. This statement has stirred a fresh wave of political tension in Rajasthan. Recently, CM Bhajanlal Sharma countered the ongoing attacks from Ashok Gehlot, calling him a social media expert who tries to confuse the public. He should first review the situation during his own tenure. The Congress gave slogans but achieved nothing on the ground. Let the people compare and decide which government worked better, Sharma said. The CM went a step further, openly challenging the Congress leaders for a public debate. In response, Leader of the Opposition Tikaram Julie accepted the challenge and asked the CM to fix the time and venue for an open discussion.
Scam to manipulate NEET UG scores busted by CBI; 2 held in Maharashtra
NEW DELHI: The CBI has registered an FIR against a medical student for allegedly appearing as a proxy for a candidate in the NEET-UG 2023 examination, leading to the persons admission to the MBBS course. The accused Vikash, resident of Rajasthans Jalore district, allegedly appeared for Praveen Godara of Jodhpur, also named in the FIR, in the NEET-UG held on May 7, 2023, at the Kendriya Vidyalaya in Sector 12, Dwarka, in Delhi, sources said. Sources said Vikash, a second-year MBBS student at Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar Medical College in Sirohi, allegedly copied Godaras signature and handwriting on the NEET attendance and answer sheets. Godara then went on to qualify for the examination securing a seat in the MBBS course at the Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Noida. Meanwhile, in another case the CBI has uncovered a NEET UG 2025 marks manipulation scandal and arrested two individuals, including a doctor, for their alleged involvement. In the FIR, the agency said Dr Sandeep Jawahar Shah, along with another individual posing as a National Testing Agency official, manipulated NEET-UG 2025 scores to help ineligible candidates gain admission to government medical colleges in exchange for Rs 90 lakh per aspirant. Shah met with candidates parents at a hotel in Parel to collect payments. On June 9, the CBI used dummy parents and independent witnesses to verify the allegations against the two accused. During this operation, the fee for manipulating the marks was negotiated, the FIR read.
J&K-Born IAS Officer Qummer ul Zaman Appointed DC Bharatpur In Rajasthan
Jammu, Jun 23: IAS officer Qummer ul Zaman Choudhary, a native of Jammu and Kashmir and a 2014 batch officer, has been appointed as the District Collector of Bharatpur in Rajasthan. Zaman has previously served in key roles including Joint Secretary in the Public Health Engineering Department, Commissioner of the Jodhpur Development Authority, and District Magistrate of Dausa. The post J&K-Born IAS Officer Qummer ul Zaman Appointed DC Bharatpur In Rajasthan appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Ahmedabad plane crash: DNA matches confirmed for 251 victims, 245 bodies handed over to families
AHMEDABAD: In a recent development following the Ahmedabad plane crash, Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi announced that DNA samples of 251 deceased victims have been successfully matched. Thus far, the mortal remains of 245 individuals have been handed over to their grieving families, with the remaining six to be returned in the coming days. Dr Joshi, addressing the media, shared that the 245 bodies released include 176 Indian nationals, 49 British citizens, 7 Portuguese nationals, one Canadian, and 12 non-passengers. The extensive identification process marks a critical step towards closure for hundreds of devastated families. Ahmedabad plane crash: Crew member's mortal remains reach Manipur, thousands pay tributes Providing a district-wise breakdown, Dr Joshi stated that bodies have been returned to families from the following regions: Ahmedabad (70), Vadodara (24), Anand (26), Udaipur (7), Kheda (11), Mehsana (7), Surat (12), Bharuch (7), Gandhinagar (7), Diu (14), Gir Somnath (5), Rajkot (3), Patan (3), Junagadh (1), Amreli (2), Bhavnagar (1), Botad (1), Mahisagar (1), Aravalli (2), Palanpur (1), Jamnagar (2), Dwarka (2), Sabarkantha (1), Modasa (1), Khambhat (2), Nadiad (1), Patna (1), Mumbai (10), Pune (1), Maharashtra (2), Rajasthan (2), Jodhpur (1), London (10), and Manipur (1). He emphasised that the DNA matching process is both highly sensitive and bound by strict legal protocols. Every identification has been carried out with the utmost precision and care. Agencies such as Forensic Science University, alongside the local administration, health departments, and various state and central authorities, are working tirelessly to ensure that the mortal remains are returned with dignity and respect. This coordinated and relentless effort underscores the authorities commitment to providing a measure of solace and closure in the wake of an immense tragedy.
Police detain NSUI Student Leader, Congress MLA during exam, spark political outrage in Rajasthan
JAIPUR: The President of the Rajasthan University Students' Union, Nirmal Chaudhary, and Sangaria MLA Abhimanyu Poonia were detained by the police on Saturday while appearing for a philosophy examination at the university. According to eyewitnesses, plainclothes officers had been stationed across the campus since morning and took both leaders into custody as soon as the exam began. The detention caused a huge stir on campus, with some students raising slogans and creating a commotion. The situation calmed down after the police left with Chaudhary. However, DCP East Tejaswini Gautam clarified that Abhimanyu Poonia was not detained. He voluntarily entered the police vehicle to support Nirmal Chaudhary, she said. Gautam stated that Chaudhary had been wanted in connection with a 2022 scuffle involving then CI Gandhinagar Nemichand and ACP Mukesh Chaudhary, which left Nemichand with a fractured hand and Mukesh Chaudhary with a head injury. A case was registered against several student leaders, and after a thorough investigation, Chaudhary was taken into custody. The police did not detain MLA Abhimanyu Poonia. He joined Nirmal in the car voluntarily and later went to his residence from the Gandhinagar police station, added DCP Gautam. MLA Abhimanyu Poonia, however, asserted, Nirmal Chaudhary and I were taken from the exam hall as if we were criminals. I have been released, but Nirmal is still in police custody. The behaviour of the plainclothes officers was akin to hooliganism. Nirmal, a former student union president, had recently staged a protest at SMS Hospital demanding an inquiry into the death by suicide of Jodhpur doctor Rakesh Vishnoi. There too, he had a heated argument with police officials. Poonia added, This kind of police action against a student is absolutely wrong. Arresting Nirmal over an old case while he was appearing for an exam created chaos in the examination hall and violated democratic norms. The Congress party has strongly condemned the police action. MLA Abhimanyu Poonia, Mukesh Bhakar, Ram Niwas Gavadia, former MLA Indraj Gurjar, and Anil Chopra met Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph on Saturday afternoon and termed the arrest as unlawful. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot tweeted, Detaining Youth Congress state president and MLA Abhimanyu Poonia and Nirmal Chaudhary during an examination is unjust and a breach of democracy. The BJP government refused to listen to the family of Dr. Rakesh Vishnoi, and when these public representatives spoke out for justice, a case was registered against them. Public representatives have every right to raise their voice for the public interest. The state government should release them immediately. Similarly, former Deputy CM Sachin Pilot added, If the police, administration, and government act out of a sense of revenge, we will oppose it strongly. The government aims to send a message that it will target those who raise their voice, which is unacceptable. Suppressing dissent through state machinery is completely wrong.
Ahmedabad plane crash: 223 DNA matches confirmed, 204 bodies handed over to families
AHMEDABAD: DNA samples of 223 victims of the Air India plane crash have been successfully matched, and 204 bodies have been handed over to families as of 11:50 am on June 20, according to Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi. The Civil Hospital authorities have intensified the efforts to identify and return the remaining bodies. Meanwhile, two patients under treatment at the Civil Hospital succumbed to their injuries. Their bodies have been handed over to their families, bringing the total count of bodies handed over to 204 from the Civil Hospital alone. Breaking down the identification further, Dr Joshi confirmed that the 223 matched victims comprise 168 Indian nationals, 7 Portuguese, 36 British citizens, 1 Canadian, and 11 non-passengers - local residents who were tragically caught in the crash zone. Several international, domestic Air India flights cancelled due to operational reasons Logistics have played a critical role in the aftermath, with 15 bodies airlifted and 189 transported by road, according to Dr Joshi. The mortal remains have been sent to various Indian states and several foreign countries. Ahmedabad received the highest number, with 58 bodies, followed by Vadodara (21), Surat (11), Udaipur (7), Mumbai (9), Diu (14), and Kheda (11). Others were sent to Mehsana (6), Gandhinagar (6), Rajkot (3), Jamnagar (2), Patan (2), Dwarka (2), Aravalli (2), and London (2). Single bodies were transported to locations including Botad, Jodhpur, Anand, Palanpur, Maharashtra, Junagadh, Amreli, Gir Somnath, Mahisagar, Bhavnagar, Patna, Nadiad, Sabarkantha, Nagaland, and Modasa. Madurai-bound Indigo flight returns after mid-air 'snag,' say officials
Watch: Man in Jodhpur hides from police by dressing up as woman; arrested
Jodhpur police apprehended Daya Shankar, a wanted criminal, who attempted to evade capture by disguising himself as a woman. He was found wearing a saree, petticoat, and blouse. Social media was flooded with visuals of his arrest, showing him trying to conceal his face as police escorted him to the station, sparking varied reactions from online users.
Ahmedabad plane crash: 190 DNA matches confirmed, 157 bodies handed over
AHMEDABAD: Six days after the devastating Ahmedabad plane crash, the sole survivor Vishwas Kumar has been discharged from the hospital in stable condition, confirmed Dr. Rakesh Joshi, Civil Hospital Superintendent. Kumar's family, who had flown in from the UK, was present at his side. The body of Kumar's brother, who was killed in the crash, was handed over to the family at 2 am on the same day, and a funeral was held for him in Diu. As of now, DNA samples of 190 deceased individuals have been successfully matched. In a detailed briefing, Dr. Joshi stated that 157 bodies have already been handed over to their respective families, with the identification and release process still underway for the remaining. He noted that five families are expected to collect the bodies of their loved ones soon, while the hospital remains in contact with 10 families. Meanwhile, 15 families are waiting for DNA matches of additional relatives, and the identification process is ongoing for three others. Dr. Joshi also revealed a detailed breakdown of the nationalities among the deceased whose bodies have been identified: 123 Indian nationals, 27 British citizens, 4 Portuguese nationals, 1 Canadian citizen, and 4 non-passengers. In terms of geographical distribution, he reported that the bodies handed over include: Ahmedabad (48), Vadodara (18), Kheda (10), Anand (11), Gandhinagar (6), Surat (6), Mehsana (5), Udaipur (6), Bharuch (5), Gir Somnath (5), Diu (12), Mahisagar (1), Bhavnagar (1), Patan (1), Botad (1), Aravalli (2), Jodhpur (1), Junagadh (1), Amreli (1), Rajkot (2), Nadiad (1), Dwarka (2), Sabarkantha (1), Mumbai (7), London (2), Patna (1), and Maharashtra (2).
Air India crash in Ahmedabad could be the worst involving a single aircraft in India
The crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad on Thursday could be the worst ever accident involving a single aircraft in India. There were 242 people on board the flight, while more casualties are likely on the ground as the plane crashed into a hostel for medical students. The only plane accident in India with more casualties was the mid-air collision of two aircraft over Charkhi Dadri in Haryana, around 100 km from Delhi, in 1996 in which 349 people died. That crash involved the collision of a Saudia flight from Delhi to Dhahran in Saudi Arabia and a Kazakhstan Airlines flight from Chimkent in Kazakhstan to Delhi. LIVE | Air India flight to London crashes near Ahmedabad airport during takeoff; all 242 passengers presumed dead The previous worst crash involving a single aircraft in India took place on New Year's Day in 1978 when an Air India flight crashed into the Arabian Sea just off the coast of Bombay less than two minutes after take-off. All 213 people on board that flight, which was headed to Dubai, died. The aircraft was a Boeing-747 named Emperor Ashoka. The worst ever crash involving an Air India plane was in 1985 when a flight from Canada to India was blown up over the Atlantic Ocean after a bomb was planted on board by Khalistani terrorists. All 329 people on board were killed. Here is a timeline of the major air accidents in India since 1990: August 7, 2020 Air India Express Flight IX-1344 Kozhikode In Keralas biggest plane accident, an Air India Express aircraft carrying 190 people on board, including crew, from Dubai to Calicut airport skidded off the table-top runway while landing in bad weather, fell 35 feet onto a road below and split into two. Operating under the Vande Bharat Mission to repatriate Indians stranded abroad due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Boeing 737-800 aircraft was flying from Dubai to Kozhikode (Calicut). Such runways, which are located on hilltops, create the optical illusion of being at the same level as the plains below when a pilot comes in for a landing. The crash claimed 21 lives, including both pilots, and left more than 100 injured, some critically. May 22, 2010 Air India Express Flight IX-81 - Mangalore Air India Express Flight IX-812 crashed on May 22, 2010, at Mangalore International Airport, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India. The flight, a Boeing 737-800, was operating from Dubai to Mangalore with 166 people onboard, including many Indian expatriates returning home. The 2-year-old aircraft had crashed outside Mangalore airport in Karnataka on May 22, killing 158 people when it burst into flames after overshooting a table-top runway and plunged into a nearby forest.The crash resulted in 158 fatalities, with only 8 survivors, most of whom were seated in the front section of the aircraft. The investigation found that the pilot overshot the table-top runway at Mangalore and tried to pull up the plane but it was too late. November 10, 2009 An ATR-72 passenger plane, operated by Kingfisher Airlines, was damaged when it skidded off the runway on landing at Mumbai-Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM), India. Flight IT4124 operated on a scheduled domestic flight from Bhavnagar Airport (BHU) to Mumbai. Maintenance on main runway 27 at Mumbai effected operations at the airport between certain times. October 29, 2008 King Air C-90 aircraft owned and operated by Govt of Punjab was operating Positioning flight from Chandigarh to Ludhiana on 29.10.08 with two cockpit crew on board. The flight en-route up to overhead Ludhiana was uneventful. The crew located the runway late due prevailing Low visibility. They were not comfortable with the approach and made a go around; a non-standard go-around due to low visibility. In the anxiety to not to loose the sight of the field they descended in three orbits in the vicinity of the airfield on the west side of R/w 12, perhaps to land after making the short circuit from the right. However they lost the control and impacted with the ground in the steep left bank. Aircraft got destroyed in the crash due to the impact and post impact fire. Both the occupant on board died due to fire and collapsing aircraft structure. Air India crash near Ahmedabad airport: What we know so far March 19, 2008 The Premier 1 corporate jet aircraft took off normally from Jodhpur (JDH), India. The flight en-route up to approach to land at Udaipur (UDR) was uneventful. After clearance to land at Udaipur the pilot selected the flaps-10; the flap didnt respond and Flaps-Fail message flashed. The pilot decided to go for a flap-less landing and carried out the check list for Flaps Up approach & landing. The approach speed of the aircraft was probably high and it could not be brought to the assigned limit for flap less landing. The pilot continued approach at high speed. From about 25 feet height, the aircraft had a sort of free fall and impacted the runway. It rolled for about 150 feet with heavy breaking on both the wheels; which caused heavy rubber deposits on the runway and subsequent tyre burst. The aircraft veered to right and hit the boundary wall before it stopped. September 8, 2007 Vulcanair P68C aircraft VT-JOY operated by M/s Joy Alukkas Traders (I)pvt Ltd, Cochin operating flight from Bangalore Airport to Cochin on 08.9.2007 after refueling at Bangalore. Its took-off from Bangalore airport runway 27 at approx 1514 Hrs normally. At about1520 Hrs IST the aircraft wanted to return back due technical. However it could not make it as it was losing the engine power very fast. Subsequently Radar contact with the aircraft was lost and the aircraft crashed onto the lakebed of Gawdanapalya Lake, about 5NM Southwest of Bangalore airport. All the persons onboard received fatal injuries. There was no evidence of fire. Aircraft was completely destroyed. July 1, 2007 ATR 72-212A aircraft VT -JCE operated by M/s Jet Airways was operating schedule flight sectors DelhiBhopalIndoreDelhi on 1.7.2007. The flight up-till approach to land at Indore was normal. On coming to the runway the aircraft touched down moderately hard and bounced high. The Pilots were perhaps determined to salvage the abnormal situation and added Power to the Engines with intention to cushion the sink-rate and settle the runway. On the contrary, aircraft came hard on the RWY and bounced once again. This got followed with a series of bounces in succession. While bouncing the aircraft migrated from the runway and finally came to full halt on right side close to airport boundary wall. There was no fire in the accident. March 11, 2006 Low-cost carrier Air Deccan's flight from Coimbatore was involved in a mishap when it skidded off the runway after landing at the Bangalore airport.The brand new ATR-72 plane with a compliment of 40 passengers and four crew members damaged its landing gear -- nose wheel and undercarriage-- and slipped out of the runway. April 17, 2004 The aircraft owned and operated by M/s Agni Aerosports Adventure Academy,Bangalore was scheduled for a flight from Jakkur airport to Nadirgul on 7.4.2004. The aircraft took off at about 1115 Hrs with four persons on board including pilot in command. Film actress Ms. Soundarya was also on board the aircraft. After attaining a height of about 150 ft after takes off, the aircraft took a steep left turn, stalled and hit the ground. A few minutes later, the aircraft caught fire and all the occupants received fatal injuries. The aircraft got destroyed due impact and post impact fire. Ahmedabad Air India plane crash: Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani feared to be among passengers September 30, 2001 (Charter Flight) King Air C 90 aircraft VT-EFF owned by Birla Global Finance Ltd. and operated by M/s Jindal Strips Ltd., New Dehli took off from Delhi on 30.09.2001 at 1241 hrs with six passengers and two crewmembers on board. The aircraft was bound to Kanpur. En route it reported Aligarh as estimated. Short of next reporting point KADAS the aircraft was about 10 miles right of track for which the permission was obtained and the pilot requested for direct routing to Kanpur. Captain was advised by ATC Lucknow, to co-ordinate with Gwalior and Agra for traffic information. Thereafter, the aircraft lost the contact with the ATC and crashed. All the persons on board received fatal injuries. The aircraft got destroyed due fire. July 17, 2000 Boeing 737 aircraft VT-EGD, owned by Indian Airlines Ltd. and operated by Airlines Allied Services Ltd. took off from NSCBI Airport Kolkata at 0615 hrs on 17.07.2000 for Patna Lucknow - Delhi. The aircraft was under the command of Capt. Sohan Pal and there were 58 persons, including six crewmembers, on board. At approx 0713 hrs, the aircraft informed Patna ATC, estimated arrival time at Patna at 0736 hrs. The aircraft informed Patna ATC at 0732 hrs that it would like to do a 360-degree due to being high on approach. The ATC informed the aircraft to report final for R/W 25 after carrying out a 360-degree turn and the pilot acknowledged the same. This was the last communication recorded between the aircraft and the ATC. During the approach, for R/W 25 at Patna, the aircraft turned steeply to the left, losing height, and collided with the tree in the approach funnel and crashed in the GardaniBagh area near Patna Airport. The aircraft was totally destroyed due impact with the ground and post impact fire. July 30, 1998 Indian Airlines DO-228 aircraft VT-EJW was involved in an accident at KochiAerodrome on 30-7-98. The aircraft was scheduled to operate from Kochi toThiruvananthapuram. Aircraft took off from runway 17 of Kochi Aerodrome. After attaining a height of about 400 ft. it was seen pitching up steeply to a near vertical attitude and thereafter appeared to perform a manoeuvre similar to a stall turn to the right and crashed on the roof top of the Component Repair Shop (CRS) building of the Naval Aircraft Yard, Kochi. After the impact the aircraft caught fire and was completely destroyed. All persons on board received fatal injuries. Three persons working in CRS also received fatal and six other persons received minor injuries. November 12, 1996 A Saudi Arabian Boeing 747 aircraft and Kazakhastna IL-76 aircraft collided in mid-air about 40 miles west of Delhi on 12th November, 1996. All the 312 occupants of Saudi Boeing 747 and 37 occupants of Kazakhstan IL-76 aircraft lost their lives. The Saudi Boeing 747 aircraft was on a scheduled passenger flight from Delhi to Dahran and the Kazakhastan aircraft was operating a non-scheduled flight from Chimkent, Kazakhastan to Delhi. After takeoff from Delhi, Delhi Approach had instructed the Saudi Boeing 747 aircraft to climb and maintain FL-140 (14,000 feet). The Kazakhastan aircraft had been instructed by Delhi Approach to descend and maintain FL-150 (15,000 feet). Suddenly at 1840 hours the blips of the two aircraft disappeared from the radar screen, as the two aircraft had collided. There was no casualty on the ground. The wreckage of Saudi Boeing 747 aircraft fell near village Dhani in Bhiwani District of Haryana and that of Kazakhastan IL-76 aircraft was lying near village Birohar in Rohtak District. Standing crops at the site of accident were damaged due to fire, impact and rescue operations. Ahmedabad airport resumes operations after brief shutdown following Air India flight crash July 11, 1996 Archana Airways L-410 aircraft VT-ETC was operating flight on Delhi-Shimla-Bhunter- Delhi sector on 11.07.96. The flight upto Shimla was unenventful. The aircraft took-off from Shimla with 9 persons including three flight crew members. At 0855 hrs. aircraft hit and crashed into a hill and caught fire near Kanda village. The Aircraft was totally destroyed and all the persons on board received fatal injuries and three persons on ground have also suffered injuries. May 18, 1996 Archana Airways L-410 aircraft VT-ETB was operating a scheduled flight from Delhi to Kanpur civil aerodrome on 18.05.96. The flight from Delhi to Kanpur was uneventful. The aircraft took-off from Delhi with 19 persons including three light crew. During landing, the aircraft touched down late and could not be stopped within the available runway length and went beyond the runway. The aircraft hit the boundary wall of the airport and came to halt. The aircraft sustained major damages. There was no fire and no injury to persons on board the aircraft. December 2, 1995 Indian Airlines B-737 aircraft VT-ECS was operating flight IC-492 of 2.12.95 under the command of Capt. Adil Mistry with co-pilot Sandeep Marwah and four cabin crew. The flight upto Jaipur was uneventful. Aircraft took-off from Jaipur with 98+4 passengers. Aircraft landed at Delhi at 1253 hrs. After landing the aircraft could not be stopped within the available runway length and went beyond the runway into kutcha. The aircraft was substantially damaged. There was minor fire. Six passengers received minor injuries. July 1, 1995 East West F-27 aircraft was engaged in a training flight at Baroda airport on 1.7.1995. The aircraft was under the command of an Examiner pilot with the trainee pilot on right hand seat. The first touch and go exercise was uneventful. During the second exercise, immediately on touchdown the left main landing gear failed at its shock strut outer cylinder and the inner cylinder with the main wheel assembly attached to it got liberated. The aircraft continued moving forward with the remaining portion of left shock strut contacting the runway followed by the left engine propellers and fuselage bottom and finally came to rest on the runway left side strip. There was no fire and no injury to persons on board the aircraft. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. December 17, 1994 Indian Airlines A-320 aircraft VT-EPM was operating a scheduled flight from Madras to Hyderabad on 17.12.1994. The aircraft was under the command of Capt. C.J. Bhoopal with Capt. Sree Nair as First Officer. In all there were 144 persons on board the aircraft. After reaching over Hyderabad airfield, the aircraft did normal descent and was cleared for VOR DME approach for Runway 09. Aftertouchdown when the aircraft was rolling, it was hit by an unauthorised outsider on moped, who was attempting to cross the runway. The aircraft continued rolling with normal braking. The moped rider died on the spot and his body was ragmented into pieces and scattered all over the runway. Aircraft sustained slight damage. November 15, 1993 Indian Airlines Airbus A-300 aircraft VT-EDV was operating scheduled flight IC-440 (Madras- Hyderabad sector) on 15.11.1993. There were a total of 262 persons were on board the aircraft including 247+3 passengers and 12 crew members. The aircraft could not land at Hyderabad due to low visibility and carried out a missed approach. After the missed approach, the aircraft reported Flap Problem and was holding overhead at Hyderabad during which the flight crew enquired visibility at nearby Air Force airfields which was also low. The aircraft then diverted to Madras. Due to flaps problem, the crew had to maintain low speed and low altitude as a result of which it experienced fuel shortage and sought permission from Madras control for landing at Tirupati. However, the aircraft could not reach even Tirupati airport and executed forced landing in an open paddy field about 14 nautical miles from Tirupati airport. The aircraft dragged on the soft paddy field before coming to final stop. There was no fire. Passenger evacuation was carried out by means of escape slides. All the persons on board escaped unhurt except four who received minor injuries. April 26, 1993 Indian Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft VT-ECQ was operating scheduled flight IC-491 from Delhi- Jaipur-Udaipur-Aurangabad-Bombay on 26.4.1993. The flight from Delhi to Aurangabad was uneventful. The aircraft took-off from Aurangabad with 118 persons on board. Aircraft lifted up almost at the end of runway and impacted heavily with a lorry carrying pressed cotton bales running from North to South on a highway at a distance of about 410 feet from the end of runway. The aircraft left main landing gear, left engine bottom cowling and thrust reverser impacted the left side of the truck at a height of nearly seven feet from the level of the road. Thereafter the aircraft hit the high tension electric wires nearly 3 kms North-East of the runway and hit the ground. In all 55 persons received fatal injuries. The aircraft was destroyed due to post impact fire. January 9, 1993 On 9th January, 1993 TU-154 aircraft No. 85533 wet leased by Indian Airlines from Uzbekistan Airways was operating flight IC-840 from Hyderabad to Delhi. The aircraft was being flown by Uzbeki operating crew and there were 165 persons on board including the crew. The aircraft touched down slightly outside the right edge of the runway, collided with some fixed installations on the ground, got airborne once again and finally touched down on kutcha ground on the right side of the runway. At this stage the right wing and the tail of the aircraft broke away and it came to rest in an inverted position. During the process, the aircraft caught fire and was destroyed. Most occupants of the aircraft escaped unhurt. Six persons suffered either limb fracture or other serious injuries while 45 persons suffered injuries of a minor nature. Boeing stock tumbles over 7% in pre-market following Air India crash September 4, 1992 Indian Airlines B-737 aircraft VT-EGJ was operating scheduled flight IC-493 (Udaipur-Bombay sector) on 4.9.92. During take-off roll, the aircraft hit an Aerodrome Attendant (Chowkidar) on the runway centerline, who received fatal injuries. The aircraft continued with the take-off roll, got airborne and subsequently landed uneventfully at its destination Bombay. January 10, 1992 Air Lanka B-737 aircraft was engaged in a Scheduled International Passenger flight from Colombo to Madras on 10.1.1992. During landing on Runway 07 at Madras airport, the right landing gear attachment failed and right engine bottom contacting runway surface immediately on touchdown. The aircraft started swerving towards the right of runway center line as it moved forward on its wheels with right engine cowling and bottom rubbing the runway surface. The aircraft finally came to stop with its nose wheel and failed right main landing gear entering the grassy side strip soon after crossing the Delta taxiway. The fire emanating from the right engine was extinguished by the Safety Services and the crew and passengers evacuated the aircraft through the left side exit doors by means of the slide chutes. August 16, 1991 Indian Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft VT-EFL while operating flight IC-257 (Calcutta-Imphal) on 16.8.91 crashed about 20 nautical miles from the Imphal airport. The aircraft had earlier taken off from Calcutta at 0615 hrs UTC and it lost contact with Imphal airport at 0716 hrs UTC at approximately 5000 feet on ILS. The aircraft was under the command of Capt. Shekhar Haldar with Capt. D.B. Roychoudhary as First Officer. There were a total of 68+1 persons on board the aircraft including crewmembers. All the 69 persons died in the accident. The aircraft was completely destroyed. May 7, 1990 Air India Boeing 747 aircraft VT-EBO was operating flight AI-132 (London-Delhi-Bombay). During landing at Delhi Airport, on 7.5.1990, its left outboard engine (No. 1 Engine) partially separated from its wing attachment and consequently left wing caught fire which was quickly extinguished by the Airport Safety Services. The passengers were safely evacuated through slide chutes. The left wing of the aircraft was substantially damaged. February 14, 1990 Indian Airlines Airbus A-320 aircraft VT-EPN was operating Bombay-Bangalore sector on 14.2.1990. The aircraft took off from Bombay at 11:58 hours. There were 146 persons on board which included the two cockpit crew, five cabin crew, and four infants. The flight from Bombay to Bangalore was uneventful. During the final approach to Runway 09 at Bangalore the aircraft first contacted ground within the boundary of the Karnataka Golf Association approximately 2300 ft. prior to the beginning of Runway 09. The aircraft went up into the air for a very short duration after which it again contacted the ground on all three gears and then hit an embankment at the boundary of the golf course. The aircraft finally came to rest outside the boundary wall of the airport. The aircraft was destroyed due to impact and fire. In all 92 persons on board including two pilots and two cabin crew died in the accident.
2 Girls Die In Separate Incidents In Jodhpur After Mistaking Pesticide For Water
Two minor girls in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, died after mistakenly drinking pesticide from unmarked bottles in separate homes, highlighting the dangers of unsafe storage
Utkal Ranjan Sahoo Is New Chairman Of Rajasthan Public Service Commission
Mr Sahoo began his service in Rajasthan as Jodhpur ASP in 1991.
Rajasthan makes mark on bird conservation as 2 wetlands get international laurel
JAIPUR: On the occasion of World Environment Day, Rajasthan has achieved a major milestone in environmental conservation. Menar village in Udaipur district and Khinchan village in the Phalodi tehsil of Jodhpur have been designated as internationally significant Ramsar sites. With this recognition, the number of Ramsar sites in Rajasthan has increased to four. Menar, popularly known as the Bird Village, holds a special significance for bird lovers and environmentalists. The dedicated efforts of the local community in conserving avian biodiversity have now received global recognition. Similarly, Khinchan is renowned for its rich biodiversity and the annual arrival of migratory birds, particularly the Demoiselle Cranes (locally known as Kurjan). The designation as Ramsar sites is expected to boost eco-tourism in both villages. This development will not only create new employment opportunities for local youth but will also ensure the conservation of ponds and lakes. Improved wetland management will help prevent pollution, control illegal encroachments, and enhance infrastructure for tourists. Plans are underway to promote homestays and other tourism-related ventures likely to increase influx of domestic and international tourists. Previously, only Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Bharatpur and Sambhar Lake in Jaipur had Ramsar site status in the state. Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav shared the news on social media on Wednesday. He said with the inclusion of Menar and Khinchan, India now has a total of 91 Ramsar sites. This, he emphasised, reflects the countrys growing commitment to environmental conservation and public participation in safeguarding natural resources. To qualify for Ramsar designation, a wetland must host at least 20,000 birds or 1% of the global population of any bird species annually.
Govt has nothing to hide: Minister
JODHPUR, June 1: With opposition parties demanding a special Parliament session in light of Operation Sindoor, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Sunday asserted that the Government has nothing to hide and they will have ample opportunity to ask questions during the Monsoon Session, which is a few weeks away. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The BJP leader, however, expressed doubts about whether the opposition parties intended to seek answers and pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi [] The post Govt has nothing to hide: Minister appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Nothing to hide: Shekhawat rejects call for special session, says Monsoon House will offer answers
JODHPUR: With opposition parties demanding a special Parliament session in light of Operation Sindoor, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Sunday asserted that the government has nothing to hide and they will have ample opportunity to ask questions during the Monsoon Session, which is a few weeks away. The BJP leader, however, expressed doubts about whether the opposition parties intended to seek answers and pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken extensively in recent days on key national issues, including Operation Sindoor, that they have been raising. The Congress on Sunday demanded the immediate convening of a special session of Parliament to discuss the military and foreign policy strategy in the wake of remarks by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan. The Congress also asked that the government take all parties and the nation into confidence and discuss India's defence preparedness and strategy after Operation Sindoor. Speaking to the media on Sunday, Union Culture and Tourism Shekhawat pointed out that India's parliamentary system already has well-established procedures for members to raise issues in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and seek answers. The Monsoon Session is about to start in the next 20-25 days, everyone will get an opportunity to raise their issues, Shekhawat said. He emphasised that the government is willing to resolve any confusion or concerns raised by the opposition and there is nothing to hide. In my view, the opposition should first decide what exactly they want to hear from the prime minister. If their intention is truly to seek answers, then over the past three days, the prime minister has already spoken in detail from three different parts of the country on the current state of the nation, Operation Sindoor, and all the key issues the opposition has been raising, Shekhawat said. Referring to Operation Sindoor, the BJP leader noted that the global community has been deeply impressed by India's courage and strength displayed during the operation. He took a swipe at the opposition parties, saying when they run out of substantive matters, they often resort to sensational topics to grab attention. In the last three days alone, the prime minister has addressed key national concerns, including Operation Sindoor, in great detail. These are the very matters the opposition claims it wants answers on, Shekhawat added. On the arrest of the personal secretary to former Congress minister Saleh Mohammad on charges of espionage, Shekhawat called the situation unfortunate. He stressed that a comprehensive investigation should be conducted into the matter. Be it a former minister or someone else, when it comes to national security, there must be a thorough and fair investigation. Every association and link of such persons must be scrutinised. Such anti-national activities cannot go unpunished, he said.
Delhi govt proposes 5-fold increase in financial assistance to students pursuing handloom training
The Delhi government plans to significantly increase financial aid for students at the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, Jodhpur. The state stipend may rise from Rs 400 to Rs 2,000 per month. The educational book and tour allowance could increase from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 per year. These changes are likely to take effect from the 2025-26 academic session.
413 Pakistani drone attacks foiled on Western Border after Operation Sindoor, says BSF IG Garg
JAIPUR:In retaliation for Operation Sindoor launched by the Indian Armed Forces, Pakistan launched 413 drones and several Chinese-made missiles into Indian territory along the western border, but all efforts were thwarted by India's robust air defence system. India displayed its defence prowess as the BSF, Army and Air Force successfully foiled each threat and not a single Indian soldier was harmed, thanks to the efficient performance of India's air defence system. Addressing a press conference in Jodhpur on Monday, BSF Rajasthan Frontier IG MGarg said Pakistan had launched the attack with full preparation and tried to target several sensitive locations, including the Phalodi airbase in Rajasthan, but all efforts were neutralised. Not only did it (Pak) send drones and missiles, but also moved Army units and tanks close to the border. However, Indian forces were already on high alert to deal with the offensive, he said. IG Garg revealed that Pakistan carried out a total of 413 drone attacks across the border districts of Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Sriganganagar. All drones were intercepted and shot down mid-air by Indias air defence system, he stated. The Indian forces responded with precise timing and wherever necessary. Thanks to this timely response and prior preparedness using modern technology, not a single civilian casualty was reported along the western border. While a wall of someones house collapsed and another house suffered minor damage, the overall impact was minimal due to our advance planning and use of cutting-edge resources, he added. The IG also confirmed that Pakistans missiles were armed and potentially lethal, but none succeeded in breaching Indian territory. Before they could touch Indian soil, our anti-missile systems destroyed them mid-air. What landed on the ground was only debris or empty shells, he clarified. Responding to questions about developments across the border during Operation Sindoor, IG Garg said, Pakistan had deployed its army along its side of the border, but our soldiers did not retreat even an inch. Both countries have now announced a ceasefire, but Operation Sindoor has not ended it has only been temporarily suspended. He emphasized that the BSF remains fully prepared for ground combat. BSF has always been at the frontline. Even during Operation Sindoor, while Pakistan evacuated many villages, we didnt need to evacuate even one. Our jawans stood firm, and so did the people of our border villages shoulder to shoulder with the nation. Highlighting the role of women in the forces, IG Garg praised the women personnel of BSFs Seema Bhavani unit. Everyone was ready to help each other. The courage and commitment displayed by our women soldiers proved that India's women's power is second to none. They stood guard on the border with the same passion and bravery as the men, 24 hours a day. Their dedication is truly commendable.
Radico Khaitan Unveils Two New Premium Whiskies: TRIKL And Morpheus
Radico Khaitan, a leading name in the Indian spirits industry, has announced the launch of two new premium whiskies: TRIKL Indian Single Malt and Morpheus Super Premium Whisky. These additions further expand Radico's diverse portfolio, which includes well-known brands such as Rampur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer. TRIKL Indian Single Malt is crafted to reflect India's rich cultural heritage. This whisky is inspired by ancient wisdom and represents a journey through time past, present, and future. TRIKL is designed for those who appreciate the depth and complexity of a finely crafted single malt, the company said in its social media post https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7331744683859091456 Morpheus Super Premium Whisky is a blend of imported Scotch malts and Indian grain spirits, aged in Bourbon barrels. This whisky is characterised by its fruity floral notes and smooth, intense flavor. Morpheus aims to cater to the ambitious and discerning whisky enthusiasts, the post further read. Radico Khaitan has established itself as a pioneer in the Indian spirits market, with a legacy of creating high-quality brands. Rampur is celebrated for its single malts, Jodhpur for its premium gins, and Jaisalmer for its craft spirits. These new whiskies are expected to attract both connoisseurs and casual drinkers, offering a taste of India's heritage and craftsmanship. Earlier in March the company told NDTV Profit that it plans to launch three new luxury products soon in India as it looks to enhance portfolio in the country's booming premium market. Premiumisation is a trend that is here to stay, Chief Financial Officer Dilip Banthiya told NDTV Profit . We are going to launch two new luxury products in six months in India. Another super premium whiskey is also in pipeline, he said, without divulging more details on the new launches. Radico Khaitan Plans Three New Luxury Launches, Expects Premiumisation Trend To Stay . Read more on Business by NDTV Profit.
PM Modi unveils 18 modernised railway stations under Amrit Bharat plan in Gujarat
ALLAHABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday virtually inaugurated 18 redeveloped railway stations in Gujarat, marking a major milestone under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Under the scheme, over 1,300 stations across India are being transformed into modern transit hubs. The 18 stations, revamped at a combined cost of Rs 164 crore, are part of a sweeping overhaul of 87 railway stations across the state, with a total investment of Rs 6,303 crore. Driving this infrastructure push is Gujarats nearly complete railway electrification, with 97 per cent of its routes now electrified, positioning the state as a frontrunner in rail modernisation. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who presided over the inauguration of the redeveloped Limbdi station, hailed the Prime Ministers leadership for catalysing a new era in Indias transport landscape. Since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, infrastructure development has been a national priority - not just for citizens, but also for our armed forces. The modernisation of railways reflects his bold vision and unwavering commitment to nation-building, said CM Patel. The 18 newly inaugurated stations in Gujarat include Shihor Junction, Utran, Dakor, Derol, Hapa, Jamjodhpur, Jamwanthali, Kanalus Junction, Karamsad, Kosamba Junction, Limbdi, Mahuva, Mithapur, Morbi, Okha, Palitana, Rajula Junction, and Samakhiali. Each has been upgraded with cutting-edge amenities, improved connectivity, and enhanced passenger comfort - transforming them into modern gateways for millions. Railway Minister Vaishnaw says redevelopment of 500 more stations to be completed by 2027 Underscoring Gujarats rapid infrastructure advancement, the Chief Minister revealed that since 2014, the state has electrified 3,144 kilometres of railway lines, pushing total electrification to 97 per cent - a figure that outpaces national averages. This is the result of development-driven governance, where intent meets execution, he asserted. The CM also spotlighted the Rs 17,155 crore allocation for Gujarat in the 2025-26 railway budget, calling it a seismic jump - 29 times higher than the average allocation between 2009 and 2014. Gujarat today runs four Vande Bharat trains, connecting key routes with unmatched speed and comfort, said Patel. Whether its the daily commuter or the global traveller headed to the Statue of Unity Ekta Nagar, railway services are being reimagined to serve every segment. As part of the nationwide rollout, PM Modi also unveiled 103 redeveloped stations under the Amrit Bharat Yojana from Bikaner. Simultaneously, Chief Minister Patel toured the newly revamped Limbdi station, receiving a detailed briefing on its upgraded infrastructure and world-class amenities. These redeveloped stations are not just buildings - they are symbols of a new India on the move, the CM concluded. Sindoor turned into 'barood', destroyed nine terror hideouts in 22 minutes: PM Modi
A young girl, dressed in uniform, recited the ancient Sanskrit hymn, Shiv Tandav Stotram, with unwavering energy and clarity, leaving the audience in awe.
Heatwave intensifies in Rajasthan, Pilani sizzles at 46.6 deg C
Rajasthan is experiencing a severe heatwave, with Pilani reaching a scorching 46.4 degrees Celsius. The Meteorological Center forecasts that the heatwave will intensify across Bikaner, Jodhpur, and parts of Shekhawati for the next several days. While strong winds are expected in border regions, some areas may see thunderstorms and light rain in the coming days.
Qutub Minar lights up in Tricolour as India unites under 'Ek Desh Ek Dhadkan' campaign
NEW DELHI: In a poignant gesture of unity and remembrance, Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat visited Qutub Minar on 14 May 2025, where a special projection mapping of the Tiranga was showcased. He also paid tribute, lauding the armed forces and saluting the nationalistic spirit ignited by the courage and valour of the nations unsung heroes and bravehearts. In a tribute to the undying spirit of patriotism and to honour the bravehearts of the nation, the Ministry of Culture has launched a powerful and binding initiative Ek Desh Ek Dhadkan (One Nation, One Heartbeat). Designed to unify the nation in a shared rhythm of national pride, the campaign has already begun to resonate strongly with citizens across India. The slogan #EkDeshEkDhadkan (#OneNationOneHeartbeat) is being widely adopted across digital platforms, amplifying the spirit of unity, patriotic fervour and reverence for the Tiranga. This embodies the collective sentiment of a grateful nation. We salute the valour and sacrifice of our unsung heroes and bravehearts. Officials said that over the past 48 hours, all 43 institutions under the aegis of the ministry have shown cohesive and enthusiastic participation. The participation is expressed with saluting the armed forces and bravehearts along with the spirit of Tiranga which binds us together. All institutions have changed their display pictures (DPs) to the Tiranga, said officials. , , ! #TirangaYatra #SindoorYatra #EkDeshEkDhadkan pic.twitter.com/PITUQ3ap0C Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (@gssjodhpur) May 14, 2025 The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has illuminated its prominent monuments in the Tricolour. Many other cultural institutions such as Victoria Memorial (West Bengal), Salarjung Museum (Andhra Pradesh), National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) Delhi, and Regional Science Centre, Lucknow have joined the campaign. The National Archives of India has also joined in, lighting up its iconic building. Under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), more than 60 heritage monuments across the country have been lit up with the Tricolour, including the Red Fort, Qila Rai Pithora, Safdarjung Tomb, and Purana Qila in Delhi. Other monuments include Kumbhalgarh, Chittorgarh, and Fort Ghanta in Rajasthan, Gulab Badi (Uttar Pradesh), Udaygiri Caves (Odisha), Ashokan Column (Bihar), Rahatgarh Fort (Madhya Pradesh), and Fort Ballarpur (Maharashtra). Institutions and organisations under the ministry are initiating programmes such as special storytelling sessions, painting tributes, special exhibitions, musical tributes, quizzes, badge and wristband distribution, and Tiranga Rallies with mass participation to collectively celebrate with people this moment of glory for all Indians, said officials.
JAIPUR: The Rajasthan government has challenged the acquittal of Bollywood actors Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam, and Sonali Bendre in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case, in which superstar Salman Khan was convicted in 2018. The matter was heard on Friday in the Rajasthan High Court, where a plea for leave to appeal was taken up. Justice Manoj Kumar Garg directed that the case be listed along with other related matters. According to Advocate Mahipal Vishnoi, the incident occurred on 1 October 1998, during the shooting of the film Hum Saath-Saath Hain in Kankani village near Jodhpur. It was alleged that the actors, led by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, had hunted blackbucks, a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act. On 5 April 2018, the trial court convicted actor Salman Khan and sentenced him to five years in prison. However, co-accused Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam, Sonali Bendre, and a local man, Dushyant Singh, were acquitted due to lack of evidence and were given the benefit of the doubt. In its petition, the state government has sought permission to transfer related matters and include Salman Khan's conviction as part of the broader appealover seven years after the verdict was delivered in a Jodhpur court. The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for 28 July, when all related cases will be heard together. Following his conviction in April 2018, Salman Khan was sent to Jodhpur Central Jail. However, on 7 April 2018, the District and Sessions Court granted him conditional bail on a surety of Rs 50,000, and he was released the same day. Currently, he remains out on bail, while the case continues to be pending before the High Court. In 1998, a total of five cases were registered against actor Salman Khan and his co-stars, including Sonali Bendre, Tabu, Saif Ali Khan, Satish Shah, and some locals of Jodhpur, for allegedly hunting two blackbucks and one chinkara during the shooting of the film Hum Saath-Saath Hain. Salman Khan gets relief in Blackbuck poaching case, pens note of thanks for fans In the Kankani Village case, on 5 April 2018, Salman Khan was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison. He was sent to Jodhpur Central Jail. However, on 7 April 2018, the District and Sessions Court granted him conditional bail on a surety of Rs 50,000, and he was released the same day. He is currently out on bail, and the matter remains pending in the Rajasthan High Court. In the Ghoda Farmhouse case, the CJM Court in Jodhpur sentenced Salman Khan to five years in prison on 10 April 2006. He challenged the verdict in the High Court, which acquitted him on 25 July 2016. The Rajasthan government appealed the acquittal in the Supreme Court, where the matter is still pending. In the Bhavad Village case, on 17 February 2006, the CJM Court convicted Salman Khan and sentenced him to one year in prison. The High Court later acquitted him. The state government filed an appeal in the Supreme Court, and the case is still under consideration. In the Arms Act case, on 18 January 2017, Salman Khan was acquitted in a case filed under the Arms Act. The state government challenged the acquittal in the High Court, and the matter is still pending. In all these multiple cases, the other actors and actresses have so far escaped any conviction or penalties. But with the Rajasthan government once again pleading in court, troubles for the Bollywood stars could mount, nearly 27 years after the alleged poaching scandals! Court dismisses plea against Salman Khan for 'false affidavit' in Arms Act case
Rajasthan: Illegal Bangladeshi immigrants taken to West Bengal for deportation
Jodhpur: A first batch of 148 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants rounded up by police in Rajasthan under a special drive were sent to West Bengal on Wednesday by a special flight to continue with the deportation process, police sources said. According to sources, 1,008 infiltrators have been detained in the exercise so far in 17 districts 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 .
Airlines asked to resume normal operations at 32 shut airports from May 15
NEW DELHI: Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Tuesday night expressed optimism that airlines would resume their normal operations to the 32 closed airports from May 15. He released a statement to this effect after holding a review meeting with top officials and representatives of all airlines in New Delhi. The Minister said, With the NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) ending on 15th May, I suggested that airlines resume their normal schedules from the 15th across all 32 airports for which the NOTAM was issued. All airlines responded positively to this suggestion. A Ministry source said, At present, partial operations are taking place. The full-fledged operations will resume from May 15. This was the outcome after the meeting held on Tuesday. The NOTAM to close 32 airports in the North and Western India upto May 15 (5.29 am) was issued by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on May 9 as a precautionary step after the launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7 . A revised NOTAM by AAI said the airports would open for commercial operations from Monday (May 12) but leading airlines like Indigo and Air India had publicly stated they would not operate flights to specific airports on Monday and Tuesday (May 13). This was on account of unconfirmed reports of drone attacks by Pakistan at a few cities. Indigo operated a flight from Delhi to Amritsar but it had to turn back due to a sudden blackout imposed in Amritsar. Airport Closures and Flight Cancellations body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 20px; } h2 { color: #d32f2f; /* A bold red color */ text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px; } table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; box-shadow: 0 0 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); } th, td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 12px 15px; text-align: left; } th { background-color: #c62828; /* A deep red */ color: white; } tr:nth-child(even) { background-color: #f2f2f2; } tr:nth-child(odd) { background-color: #fafafa; } tr:hover { background-color: #f1f1f1; } .bold { font-weight: bold; } Airport Closures and Flight Cancellations Airport Location Status Ambala Haryana Closed Hindon UP Closed Naliya Gujarat Closed Sarsawa UP Closed Uttarlai Rajasthan Closed Srinagar Jammu & Kashmir Closed Awantipur Jammu & Kashmir Closed Jammu Jammu & Kashmir Closed Amritsar Punjab Closed Chandigarh Punjab Closed Ludhiana Punjab Closed Patiala Punjab Closed Bhatinda Punjab Closed Adampur Punjab Closed Halwara Punjab Closed Pathankot Punjab Closed Bhuntar Himachal Pradesh Closed Shimla Himachal Pradesh Closed Kangra-Gaggal Himachal Pradesh Closed Kishangarh Rajasthan Closed Thoise Ladakh Closed Leh Ladakh Closed Mundra Gujarat Closed Jamnagar Gujarat Closed Hirasar Gujarat Closed Porbandar Gujarat Closed Keshod Gujarat Closed Kandla Gujarat Closed Bhuj Gujarat Closed Jaisalmer Rajasthan Closed Jodhpur Rajasthan Closed Bikaner Rajasthan Closed Air India Announcement: In view of the latest developments and keeping your safety in mind, flights to and from Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot are cancelled for Tuesday, 13th May. Indigo Announcement: All flights to and from Amritsar, Jammu, Leh, Rajkot, Srinagar, and Chandigarh are cancelled for Tuesday (May 13). Responses from other airlines are awaited.
Rajasthan: Barmer youth found dead in Pali after 40 months in India, Pakistan jails
JAIPUR: The body of a 24-year-old Gemararam Meghwal, who had spent over two years imprisoned in Pakistan, was found hanging in a factory in Pali district on Monday. Gemararam, a resident of Barmer district, had crossed into Pakistan in 2021 under unusual circumstances. According to police and local sources, he was reportedly in a relationship with a minor girl from his neighbourhood. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he had gone to Jodhpur to work as a labourer. On returning to his village, instead of going home, he visited the girls house. When her family discovered this, he fled toward the border and is believed to have illegally crossed into Pakistan by jumping over the barbed wire fence. Soon after, Pakistani Rangers apprehended him and lodged him in Karachi jail. Back home, his family filed a missing person's report at the Bijrad police station after searching for him for 810 days. His father, Jugataram, reportedly fell severely ill following the incident and later passed away, devastated by his sons disappearance. On February 14, 2023, after diplomatic efforts by Indias Ministry of External Affairs, Gemararam was released from the Pakistani jail and repatriated through the Wagah border. However, his legal troubles didnt end there. After his return, the minor girls family filed a case against him under the POCSO Act and for rape. He was arrested again and lodged in Balotra jail, where he remained for 12 months. In total, he spent nearly 40 months behind bars in both India and Pakistan. Following his release, Gemararam began working as a coal miner in an iron factory in Jadan town, Pali. According to police, he had been employed there for about a year and lived in shared accommodation with his brother and maternal uncle. On Monday afternoon, his body was found hanging in an empty room of the factory. Coming to know about this, his brother and uncle immediately informed the police. After the post-mortem was conducted on Tuesday morning, police handed over the body to his family, who returned with it to Barmer. Preliminary investigations suggest suicide, but the exact reason remains unknown. Police have launched a detailed probe into the matter. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)
AHMEDABAD: Gujarat government employees get relief as the ceasefire between India and Pakistan brings a return to normalcy. Following the May 10 truce, the revoked leave was officially reinstated. However, despite the easing of hostilities, flights to Bhuj and Rajkot were cancelled on Tuesday, with airlines citing continued security concerns. The airlines are actively monitoring developments and has pledged to keep passengers updated. Notably, drone activity was detected near the Kutch border last night, fueling continued vigilance. On May 12, eight airports in GujaratBhuj, Kandla, Keshod, Jamnagar, Naliya, Mundra, Hirasar (Rajkot), and Porbandarresumed operations after being shut down amid security concerns. However, just a day later, airlines reversed course. On May 13, flights to Rajkot were cancelled, followed by Air India's broader suspension of services to Bhuj, Jamnagar, and Rajkot. This wave of cancellations wasnt isolatedflights to key strategic locations like Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, and Chandigarh were also grounded, signalling continued unease despite reopened runways. Air India, in its statement, said, In view of the latest developments and keeping your safety in mind, flights to and from Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot are cancelled for Tuesday, 13th May. In light of the latest developments and with your safety as our utmost priority, flights to and from Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Leh, Srinagar, and Rajkot are cancelled for 13th May 2025. said Indigo in its statement Meanwhile, on the evening of May 12, Pakistan escalated tensions by deploying drones across multiple frontstargeting Gujarats Kutch district, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjabs Amritsar, Rajasthans Barmer, reportedly. This calculated provocation came despite ceasefire announcements, exposing persistent volatility
Flight disruptions continue amid India-Pak tensions
New Delhi: Air India and IndiGo have announced the cancellation of flights to and from several key cities near the India-Pakistan border for Tuesday. Air India confirmed the cancellation of two-way flight operations to and from Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot. IndiGo similarly suspended services to and from Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, 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 .
Air India, IndiGo announce flight cancellations to seven cities amid security concerns
IndiGo and Air India have suspended flight operations to multiple cities in northern and western India for May 13, citing precautionary airspace restrictions and heightened security measures amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Air India has cancelled round-trip flights to and from Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot. Sharing the update on X (formerly Twitter), the airline stated, In view of the latest developments and keeping your safety in mind, flights to and from Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot are cancelled for Tuesday, 13th May. We are monitoring the situation and will keep you updated. #TravelAdvisory In view of the latest developments and keeping your safety in mind, flights to and from Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot are cancelled for Tuesday, 13th May. We are monitoring the situation and will keep you updated. For more Air India (@airindia) May 12, 2025 IndiGo has also announced the cancellation of all flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, and Rajkot until 11:59 PM on Saturday. In a statement, IndiGo said, We understand how this may disrupt your travel plans and regret the inconvenience caused. Our teams are actively monitoring the situation and will promptly keep you informed of any further updates. #6ETravelUpdate pic.twitter.com/KnJYNZgOhF IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) May 12, 2025 On Monday evening, an IndiGo flight en route to Amritsar returned to Delhi after precautionary blackout measures were implemented in Amritsar. The Airports Authority of India had on Monday resumed operations at the 32 airports that were temporarily closed in the wake of the recent military standoff between India and Pakistan . The suspension of civil flight services, which began on May 9, affected several key airports in northern and western India, including Srinagar and Amritsar. The temporary closure was initiated following heightened tensions along the border, and flight operations remained suspended until May 15. Flight services resume at 32 key airports closed amid India-Pakistan tensions
Air India Announces Flight Cancellations at 8 Locations for Today
The airlines announced the cancellation of two-way flight operations to and from Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot for Tuesday
Air India Announces Flight Cancellations For Today Amid India-Pak Tensions
Air India on Tuesday announced the cancellation of two-way flight operations to and from Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot for Tuesday.
2016 Pic of Crashed Fighter Jet From Jodhpur Falsely Linked to Operation Sindoor
This photo shows a plane crash that happened in Jodhpur, Rajasthan in 2016.
Centre issues NOTAM, closes at least 24 airports for civilian flights until May 15
Most of these airports are in north, west and central India and includes prominent airports such as Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Rajkot
India Pakistan Tensions: Blackout, multiple aerial threats in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Barmer, Sri Ganganagar
Multiple aerial threats in Jaisalmer, intercepted
For the second consecutive night, aerial threats from Pakistan were intercepted in Jaisalmer. This prompted a red alert and blackouts in several border districts. Indian air defence systems destroyed the drones mid-air. Sirens sounded in Pokaran, followed by a complete blackout. Blackouts were also enforced in Jodhpur, Barmer, Sriganganagar and Phalodi. Pakistan allegedly targeted five military bases in Rajasthan yesterday.
India-Pakistan Conflict: Multiple Aerial Threats In Jaisalmer
The blackout in Jodhpur, originally scheduled to begin at midnight, was implemented immediately.
Centre extends closure of 24 airports for civilian flights till May 15
NEW DELHI: At least 24 airports in northern and western parts of the country, including Srinagar and Chandigarh, have been shut for civilian flights till May 15, sources said on Friday. Earlier, these airports were closed for civilian flights till May 10 in view of the military conflict between India and Pakistan. Airlines on Friday said that their flights have been cancelled due to the temporary closure of airports till May 15. The sources said at least 24 airports have been closed for civilian flights till 05:29 hours of May 15. The airports include Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishengarh, Patiala, Shimla, Dharamsala, and Bathinda. Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Leh, Bikaner, Pathankot, Jammu, Jamnagar, and Bhuj are among the other airports that have been temporarily closed for civilian flights. Following a notification from aviation authorities on continued closure of multiple airports in India, Air India flights to and from the following stations -- Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar and Rajkot -- are being cancelled till 0529 hrs IST on 15 May, the airline said in a post on X. Air India also said customers holding valid tickets for travel during this period will be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or a full refund for cancellations. In a post on X, IndiGo said in accordance with the latest directives from the relevant authorities, all flights to and from 10 destinations will remain cancelled until 0529 hours on May 15 due to temporary airport closures. The airports are Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Bikaner, Rajkot, Jodhpur and Kishangarh. These precautionary measures have been instituted with your safety and security as our highest priority, the airline said. The military conflict between India and Pakistan has intensified. Under Operation Sindoor, armed forces had carried out strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Wednesday in retaliation against the Pahalgam terror attack that had killed at least 26 people last month.
Authorities put in place enhanced security measures at airports; operations normal
NEW DELHI: Enhanced security measures have been put in place at airports across the country, and some flights have been impacted, while airlines have advised passengers to reach airports well in advance before their scheduled flight departures. DIAL, the operator of the country's largest and busiest airport IGIA in the national capital, on Friday said operations are normal. Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan , the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has made secondary ladder point checking compulsory for all flights, banned visitors at terminal buildings of airports and enhanced overall security. Airline officials said flight operations are normal. With security being stepped up at the airports, airlines have asked passengers to reach the airport three hours before the departure of domestic flights in the wake of stepping up of checks and other security measures at the airports. Delhi airport operations remain normal. However, due to evolving airspace conditions and heightened security measures, some flight schedules and security processing timings may be impacted, DIAL said in a post on X. Passenger Advisory issued at 12:52 Hours #DelhiAirport #PassengerAdvisory #DELAdvisory pic.twitter.com/tN2wBcvZV7 Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) May 9, 2025 Mumbai airport operator MIAL, in a post on X said that in view of enhanced security measures, passengers may experience longer wait times at the airport. We recommend arriving well in advance to ensure a smooth travel experience, it added. In view of enhanced security measures, passengers may experience longer wait times at the airport. We recommend arriving well in advance to ensure a smooth travel experience. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. #CSMIA #MumbaiAirport #PassengerAdvisory pic.twitter.com/UsHaR4ezDq Mumbai Airport (@CSMIA_Official) May 9, 2025 Around 27 airports in various parts of the country are closed in the wake of Operation Sindoor , under which armed forces carried out strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir on Wednesday in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that had killed at least 26 people last month. Due to the current situation, all flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Kishangarh and Rajkot are cancelled until 2359 hrs till 10 May 2025, IndiGo said in a post on X. The airline is offering a change/ cancellation fee waiver for bookings made on or before May 8 for flights to and from these 10 airports. We are monitoring this closely and are in continuous coordination with all authorities, it said. #6ETravelAdvisory : Your safety is paramount. Flights to/from the following cities are cancelled until 2359 hrs on 10th May. We are here to help you travel with ease. Check flight status here https://t.co/ll3K8PwtRV . To rebook or claim a refund, visit https://t.co/51Q3oUe0lP . pic.twitter.com/v5BSdX3dDo IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) May 9, 2025 DIAL also advised passengers to be prepared for additional time at security checkpoints and cooperate with airline and security staff for smooth processing. Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) operates the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). On Thursday, at least 90 flights to and from the Delhi airport were cancelled. In view of the recent attack in Pahalgam and subsequent surcharged security scenario, it is necessary to enhance security measures at all the civil aviation installations like airports, airstrips, airfields, air force stations, helipads, flying schools, aviation training institutes so that no untoward incident takes place in the country, BCAS said in an advisory on Thursday. Delhi airport sees cancellation of 138 domestic, international flights on Friday As part of stepping up security arrangements, the agency has made Secondary Ladder Point Checking (SLPC) compulsory for all flights at all airports. Generally, it refers to checking passengers and their hand baggage just before boarding a flight. This is in addition to the primary security checks. Besides, the entry of visitors to the terminal building of the airports and the sale of visitor entry tickets have been banned. Meanwhile, Mumbai Air Traffic Control (ATC) has experienced a surge in traffic, after international flights were rerouted due to the closure of Pakistani airspace since last month. Apart from handling Europe, North and South America-bound flights originating from Mumbai, the ATC is now also handling aircraft flying towards these regions from Northern India, according to sources.
Rajasthan remains on edge after drone attacks; blackout to be enforced in all border districts
JAIPUR: The border regions of western Rajasthan remain on the edge since Thursday night, amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions. A strict blackout was imposed in border districts like Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner and Sriganganagar and an air of deep uncertainty prevails in the desert zone bordering Pakistan. In Rajasthan, sirens went off and black out was enforced from 9 pm on Thursday under which the power of the entire city was cut off. Just 10 minutes later, the sound of continuous explosions started resonating around the city. In the darkness, flashes of light were seen in the sky along with loud explosions, which created panic in the entire city. These explosions were heard intermittently till late in the night. The movement of the army also increased late at night and many people who had kept the lights on in their homes switched on also got scared on hearing the sound of explosions, and switched off all their lights. Sources said that Pakistan had launched an attack through a total of 56 drone attacks in Jaisalmer-Sriganganagar which was foiled by the Indian Air Defense System. So far there is no information about any casualties or loss of life and property. Shortly after the blasts, the sky cleared due to rain. After the attempted drone-missile attack in Jaisalmer, the entire Barmer district was blacked out and a red alert has been issued in Barmer. Bunker construction has also been intensifed in the border areas. Apart from this, all schools, colleges have also been closed till further orders in all border districts of Rajasthan. Examinations have been postponed. Except soldiers, nobody is being allowed to go to even tourist spots in the border areas. The number of watch towers and bunkers is also being increased to keep an eye on drone activities. Uneasy calm in J&K as India-Pakistan tensions escalate, border residents move to safer places A drone was found in Ghadsana area during BSF patrolling near the Sri Ganganagar border. On information about a drone being found in a village in Ghadsana area, Border Security Force officers and police reached the spot. However, the police have refused to reveal anything about the drone. Jodhpur city also remained on high alert from Thursday night and a blackout was imposed in the entire city from 9.30 pm to 4 am. The administration had appealed to the general public to keep the lights of their houses completely off so that in case of any emergency, the enemy does not get a chance to trace the location. During this time, Jodhpur police vehicles continued to patrol the city. Wherever the lights were found burning, they were immediately turned off. In major areas of the city, people voluntarily switched off the lights and cooperated with the administration. In view of the high alert, all examinations of Jai Narayan Vyas University and Maulana Azad University have been postponed till further orders. The administration has also kept health services on alert. Complete arrangements of medicines, generators, ambulances and medical staff are being made in the hospitals. Leave of all government employees has been cancelled. Apart from the failed drone attacks on the front airbase of Rajasthan, Pakistan had sent drones on other targets. Out of these, five drones reached the Tanot area of Jaisalmer. According to BSF sources, these drones did not have payload i.e. weapons. They probably came for reconnaissance. With border tensions escalating, people remain tense even in the capital city of Jaipur. However, the way the Indian Army attacked Pakistan with drones and missiles through Operation Sindoor on Tuesday has brought some relief to the family of Neeraj Udhwani of Jaipur who lost his life in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.The family is shattered since that tragic incident and his mother's eyes still keep searching for her son. His wife is also in a state of shock, according to his elder brother Kishore who says the tragic loss of Neeraj keeps breaking us every moment. Gujarat on Alert: CM Patel tightens border security, cancels health leaves, ramps up emergency stocks Neeraj's elder brother Kishore Udhwani says 'Operation Sindoor' has brought us some relief, but the one who has gone will not come back. Our only hope is that such attacks do not happen again. Whatever we saw on TV has brought peace to our hearts. There are unconfirmed reports of a Pakistani fighter plane being shot down in the Pokhran Field Firing Range and the pilot of the plane being captured. However, no official confirmation has been made about this. The train running between Barmer to Munabao and Bhagat Ki Kothi to Munabao has been cancelled on Friday. Due to the drone attacks, the railways cancelled the Jaipur-Jaisalmer train on Thursday and the Jaisalmer-Jaipur train on Friday between Bikaner and Jaisalmer. It operated only from Jaipur to Bikaner. Amid Pakistan's attempt to attack military bases in Rajasthan, the railways have also taken a big decision and has cancelled the operation of many trains today. As a result, trains going towards Barmer and Jaisalmer will be affected. North Western Railway CPRO Shashi Kiran said that 4 trains have been completely cancelled amid blackout and emergency situation on the border. Whereas, 2 trains will be partially cancelled. Apart from this, 5 trains have been rescheduled and 3 trains have been regulated. Apart from the central agencies, Rajasthan Police and Rajasthan government agencies are keeping an eye. The CM himself is monitoring every activity. A blackout will be enforced for the entire night in most border areas till further orders. The public is giving full support. Rajnath Singh reviews security situation with CDS, three service chiefs
How Jodhpur Lived Through 1965 And 1971 Wars In 'L' And 'U' Trenches
Veterans recall past India-Pakistan wars where civilian courage became a key defence, turning fear into resilience amid intense attacks and bombing raids
CHANDIGARH: A blackout was enforced in several districts including Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Mohali in Punjab and Union Territory of Chandigarh, on Thursday evening, officials said. The move comes amid escalating tension between India and Pakistan. In Pathankot district, some locals claimed they heard an explosion-like sound. However, there was no official confirmation in this regard. Air raid warning sirens have been activated in Pathankot where the blackout was enforced around 8.30 pm. Authorities have appealed to people to keep their lights switched off and stay at home. However, the district authorities said there was no need to panic. The deputy commissioners of six border districts Amritsar, Taran Taran, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Pathankot had earlier ordered a complete ban on the use of fireworks in their respective jurisdictions. Tensions escalated after Indian armed forces early Wednesday carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base in Muridke, in retaliation for the terror attack in Pahalgam . #WATCH | A complete blackout has been enforced in Amritsar in Punjab (Visuals deferred by an unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/go2rsovpTr ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2025 India thwarts Pakistani attack on Jammu and surrounding areas, no casualties reported Rajasthan on red alert The administrations of Rajasthan's border districts have sounded a red alert with a blackout in several cities, in view of the rising tensions along the Line of Control. In Sriganganagar, police have asked the citizens to remain inside their homes and switch off lights. There is a red alert. Everybody stay in their homes and turn off all lights, Sriganganagar Police said on microblogging site X. In a statement, District Collector Dr Manju too appealed people to switch off lights run with inverters and generators. In Barmer, siren sounded for the fifth time in the day -- at the railway station, main market and district collectorate. Sirens sounded in Jaisalmer city as well. People switched off lights as the city echoed with explosion sounds, which were possibly drone attacks by Pakistan in Jaisalmer-Pokhran, according to sources. Bikaner witnessed a complete blackout, which is set to continue until further orders. District Magistrate Namrata Vrishni issued orders for blackout in Bikaner tehsil as well. In Jodhpur too, the blackout is implemented with immediate effect on the instructions of the district collector. All citizens are requested to immediately switch off all types of light sources and ensure complete compliance with the instructions, Jodhpur District Magistrate Gaurav Agarwal said. Amid recent developments, the Phalodi administration has announced several measures to meet any emergency amid the possibilities of a cross-border strike at a local airbase. All hospitals have been directed to ensure uninterrupted power, and ensure ample provisions of water, and fuel. Shops and hotels have been ordered to shut by 10 pm. District Collector Harji Lal Atal has urged the general public to support the government orders. Leaves of all government employees have been cancelled, and they have been called back to duty. According to Atal, orders have been made to reserve around 450 beds across 26 hospitals in the district. Also, provisions have been made to secure sufficient blood stock in the district hospital's blood bank, keep the ICUs ready, ensure ambulance and oxygen cylinder readiness, and cancel all staff leave with instructions to remain stationed at the district headquarters. Hospitals have also been instructed to keep generators ready for power backup, he said. Emergency shelters have been set up in around 25 buildings in Phalodi and Bap, and several buildings on the IGNP premises.
CHANDIGARH: A blackout was enforced in several districts including Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Mohali in Punjab and Union Territory of Chandigarh, on Thursday evening, officials said. The move comes amid escalating tension between India and Pakistan. In Pathankot district, some locals claimed they heard an explosion-like sound. However, there was no official confirmation in this regard. Air raid warning sirens have been activated in Pathankot where the blackout was enforced around 8.30 pm. Authorities have appealed to people to keep their lights switched off and stay at home. However, the district authorities said there was no need to panic. The deputy commissioners of six border districts Amritsar, Taran Taran, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Pathankot had earlier ordered a complete ban on the use of fireworks in their respective jurisdictions. Tensions escalated after Indian armed forces early Wednesday carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base in Muridke, in retaliation for the terror attack in Pahalgam . #WATCH | A complete blackout has been enforced in Amritsar in Punjab (Visuals deferred by an unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/go2rsovpTr ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2025 India hits Lahore after thwarted attack on Jammu Rajasthan on red alert The administrations of Rajasthan's border districts have sounded a red alert with a blackout in several cities, in view of the rising tensions along the Line of Control. In Sriganganagar, police have asked the citizens to remain inside their homes and switch off lights. There is a red alert. Everybody stay in their homes and turn off all lights, Sriganganagar Police said on microblogging site X. In a statement, District Collector Dr Manju too appealed people to switch off lights run with inverters and generators. In Barmer, siren sounded for the fifth time in the day -- at the railway station, main market and district collectorate. Sirens sounded in Jaisalmer city as well. People switched off lights as the city echoed with explosion sounds, which were possibly drone attacks by Pakistan in Jaisalmer-Pokhran, according to sources. Bikaner witnessed a complete blackout, which is set to continue until further orders. District Magistrate Namrata Vrishni issued orders for blackout in Bikaner tehsil as well. In Jodhpur too, the blackout is implemented with immediate effect on the instructions of the district collector. All citizens are requested to immediately switch off all types of light sources and ensure complete compliance with the instructions, Jodhpur District Magistrate Gaurav Agarwal said. Amid recent developments, the Phalodi administration has announced several measures to meet any emergency amid the possibilities of a cross-border strike at a local airbase. All hospitals have been directed to ensure uninterrupted power, and ensure ample provisions of water, and fuel. Shops and hotels have been ordered to shut by 10 pm. District Collector Harji Lal Atal has urged the general public to support the government orders. Leaves of all government employees have been cancelled, and they have been called back to duty. According to Atal, orders have been made to reserve around 450 beds across 26 hospitals in the district. Also, provisions have been made to secure sufficient blood stock in the district hospital's blood bank, keep the ICUs ready, ensure ambulance and oxygen cylinder readiness, and cancel all staff leave with instructions to remain stationed at the district headquarters. Hospitals have also been instructed to keep generators ready for power backup, he said. Emergency shelters have been set up in around 25 buildings in Phalodi and Bap, and several buildings on the IGNP premises.
Explained: Operation Sindoor aftermath and how it has impacted flights in India
Following Operation Sindoor and heightened security concerns, India's air travel sector has been hit. The closure of 30 airports across several states has left hundreds of flights cancelled and thousands of travellers stranded or scrambling for alternatives. Here's a breakdown of the current situation. What triggered the disruption? The disruption stems from the closure of operations at several civilian airports many of which double as military airfields after India conducted precision strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in the wee hours of May 7. Operation Sindoor: Nine strikes, 25 minutes of chaos for Pakistan Fearing potential retaliation post these strikes, the Indian government suspended operations at critical airports in the North, Northwest, and Central regions of the country. Which airports are affected? The closure impacts airports in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and the Delhi NCR region. Notable airports shut down include: J&K & Ladakh : Leh, Thoise, Srinagar, Jammu Punjab : Amritsar, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Halwara, Chandigarh. Himachal Pradesh : Dharamshala, Shimla, Bhuntar, Gaggal Rajasthan : Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Kishangarh, Bikaner Gujarat : Bhuj, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Mundra, Kandla, Keshod Others : Hindon (Delhi NCR), Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) Airlines expect the disruption to last at least until 5:29 AM on May 10, though airport sources hint it may continue longer. How are airlines responding? Major airlines have rolled out large-scale cancellations and advisories: IndiGo has suspended 165 daily flights, including those from Amritsar, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Gwalior, Jammu, Jodhpur, Leh, and Srinagar. Air India has cancelled flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot. SpiceJet has stopped operations in Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Dharamshala, Kandla, and Amritsar. Akasa Air has cancelled flights from Srinagar. Passengers holding tickets for these routes have been offered full refunds. Impact on flyers Travellers are experiencing severe stress due to abrupt cancellations, particularly those with connecting flights. Entire itineraries are being disrupted when the primary leg of the journey is cancelled, as seen in multiple cases. R Sushmita, travelling from Himachal to Nagpur via Chandigarh and Delhi, had to reroute by train to Delhi due to a cancelled Air India flight. Fortunately, Air India issued a fresh ticket at no extra cost. Piyush Sawarkar, stuck in Leh with his family, tweeted for help after his Indigo flight to Mumbai was cancelled. Like many others, he received a standard airline response requesting his PNR via direct message. Social media platforms of airlines have been flooded with similar distress calls, and many passengers are still awaiting clarity and rebooking options. A necessary safety measure According to Captain CS Randhawa, President of the Federation of Indian Pilots Association, while the inconvenience is considerable, the move was necessary from a national security perspective. The government wants flyers to stay safe. Closure of air force bases wont impact the public directly since civilian aircraft dont usually operate there, he said. However, international carriers are significantly affected. To avoid Pakistani airspace, flights from the Gulf to Delhi are forced to take detours. For instance, British Airways, Air France, and KLM from Delhi are heading towards Mumbai and then rerouting through Turkey, with longer flight paths and additional operational costs, he explained. Whats next? The situation remains fluid. Airlines and airport authorities are monitoring developments, but flyers should be prepared for ongoing disruptions beyond May 10. Travellers are advised to stay updated through official airline channels and plan alternate routes where possible.
Operation Sindoor: 250 flights cancelled, 16 airports shut for now
NEW DELHI: Hours after India conducted precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in PoK and Pakistan, at least 250 flights to and from Delhi airport were cancelled on Wednesday. Ten minutes after the strike concluded, the flight tracking platform Flightradar24 released images showing most flights diverting out of Pakistani airspace. An airport source said that 16 airports in India, spread across the five states of J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Punjab, were closed for civilian operations. The source said, As of now, we have been told the closure is indefinite and further opening dates will be notified later. Air India subsequently announced that two international flights to the Amritsar International Airport, one from Birmingham and another from Gatwick, were being diverted to Delhi. In a statement, it added that Air India has cancelled all its flights to and from the following stations Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot until May 10. Indigo said, Due to government notification on airspace restrictions, over 165 IndiGo flights from multiple airports (Amritsar, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Gwalior, Jammu, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Leh, Rajkot, and Srinagar) are cancelled until 5.29 am on 10 May 2025. Spicejet also announced the cancellation of its flights to and from Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Dharmashala, Kandla and Amritsar for the same deadline. At the same time, Akasa Air cancelled its flights to and from Srinagar. A Thai Airways flight from Frankfurt to Bangkok (TG-921) was diverted to Dubai.
21 airports in northern parts of India shut until May 9
The airports impacted include those at Jammu and Srinagar in J&K and Leh; Amritsar and Chandigarh airports in Punjab; Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh; Jodhpur, Bikaner and Kishangarh in Rajasthan; Bhuj, Jamnagar, Rajkot in Gujarat; Hindon in Uttar Pradesh and Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh
Gujarat on high alert as India-Pakistan tensions escalate; four airports shut, security tightened
AHMEDABAD: Gujarat was thrust into high alert following Indias air strike on Pakistan, triggering sweeping security measures and major disruptions across the state. In a decisive move, Rajkot International Airport was ordered shut for three days, while operations at Bhuj, Keshod, Kandla, and Jamnagar airports were suspended to fortify security near sensitive zones. Ripple effects spread quickly, and Ahmedabad Airport cancelled all outbound flights to Bhuj, Jamnagar, and Rajkot, tightening the noose on regional air traffic. Ground security intensified sharply as border areas witnessed ramped-up checks by security forces, adding to the tense atmosphere. At Keshod Airport, authorities extended the shutdown until May 10, halting the three weekly flights that typically serviced the region, and clearing the runway exclusively for Navy and Air Force operations. Bhuj and Kandla airports followed suit, announcing a complete closure for the next three days; notably, Bhuj Airport shuttered first, soon prompting Kandlas suspension as a precautionary step. National carriers scrambled to respond: Air India announced on X that it was cancelling flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot until 5:29 PM on May 10, offering passengers a one-time rescheduling waiver or full refunds. Local authorities confirmed the turmoil, the Bhuj Airport spokesperson revealed that all eight daily flights, including two to Mumbai, one to Delhi, and one to Ahmedabad, were axed. Meanwhile, although Kandla airport remained open initially, it too eventually ceased operations. The domino effect reached Rajkot, where all 11 daily flights operated by IndiGo and Air India were cancelled on May 7, stranding more than 3,200 passengers1,500 incoming and 1,700 outgoingcausing widespread travel chaos. The cancellations hit routes to Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, and Bangalore, paralysing regional connectivity. Heightened vigilance extended to the coastline as well, with the SOG Marine Police and Marine Task Force Commandos intensifying boat patrols and security sweeps along Jamnagars coastal belt. Amid the growing disruption, Ahmedabad Airport issued an urgent advisory, warning passengers of potential flight delays and cancellations, and urging them to verify flight statuses before heading to the airport.
Over 200 flights cancelled; 18 airports temporarily closed following Operation Sindoor
NEW DELHI: More than 200 flights have been cancelled and at least 18 airports, including Srinagar, have been temporarily shut for operations amid restrictions in the wake of the armed forces launching missile attacks on terror targets in Pakistan on Wednesday morning. Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and a few foreign airlines have cancelled their services to and from various airports. Sources said that at least 18 airports in the northern and western parts of the country have been temporarily shut. These airports include Srinagar, Leh, Jammu, Amritsar, Pathankot, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Shimla, Dharamshala and Jamnagar, they added. According to one of the sources, more than 200 flights to and from various airports have been cancelled by airlines. IndiGo said it has cancelled more than 165 flights from various domestic airports, including Amritsar and Srinagar, till early morning of May 10 due to airspace restrictions. Air India flights to and from the following stations, Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot, are being cancelled till 0529 hrs IST on 10 May following a notification from aviation authorities on the closure of these airports, the airline said. #6ETravelAdvisory : Following aviation directives, flights to/from these cities remain cancelled until 10 May, 0529 hrs. Please check your flight status here https://t.co/ll3K8PwtRV . For rebooking or refunds, visit https://t.co/51Q3oUe0lP . We are heretosupportyou! pic.twitter.com/sLHHzIZ99w IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) May 7, 2025 In a post on X, the airline also said passengers holding valid tickets for travel during this period will be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or a full refund for cancellations. Due to government notification on airspace restrictions, over 165 IndiGo flights from multiple airports (Amritsar, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Gwalior, Jammu, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Leh, Rajkot, and Srinagar) are cancelled until 0529 hrs. IST of 10 May 2025, IndiGo said in a statement. The airline also said that passengers whose flights are affected can reschedule the booking on the next available flight or opt to cancel their bookings at no additional cost, and a full refund will be processed. IndiGo operates around 2,200 flights daily. In an update on X, SpiceJet said airports in parts of northern India, including Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar are closed until further notice. Departures, arrivals, and consequential flights may be impacted. The affected passengers can opt for a full refund or an alternate flight as per availability, it added. At least 35 flights to and from the Delhi airport, the country's largest and busiest airport, have been cancelled since 12 am, one of the sources said. The source said that 23 domestic departures and eight arrivals were cancelled. Pakistan closes airspace for 48 hrs after India's Operation Sindoor Besides, four international departures were cancelled. Foreign carriers, including American Airlines, cancelled some of their services from the Delhi airport. Due to notification from the airport authorities, flights to and from Amritsar, Gwalior, Jammu, Srinagar and Hindon are cancelled till 05. 30 hrs on 10th May 2025. Important Travel Update: Due to ongoing situation, our flights to and from Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Kangra, Kandla & Amritsar are cancelled for 7th May25. Please visit our website or log into our mobile app to check your flight status before leaving for airport. #flyspicejet pic.twitter.com/0WyF6PSDw4 SpiceJet (@flyspicejet) May 7, 2025 Akasa Air, in a post on X, said that due to the prevailing situation in the region, all its flights to and from Srinagar have been cancelled. Regional carrier Star Air said its flights to/from Nanded, Hindon, Adampur, Kishangarh and Bhuj stand cancelled for the day. Kindly note, due to changing airspace conditions some flights have been impacted at Delhi Airport, DIAL said in a post on X. Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) operates the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). Meanwhile, Qatar Airways, in a post on X, said it has temporarily suspended flights to Pakistan due to Pakistani airspace closure. In retaliation against the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian armed forces, under Operation Sindoor, on early Wednesday, carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base in Muridke. LIVE | Operation Sindoor: India says 'exercised right to dismantle terror'; NSA Doval briefs global counterparts
Indian airlines issue fresh advisories, more flights cancelled till May 10
New Delhi: Domestic carriers issued fresh advisories for air travellers on Wednesday as they cancelled more flights till May 10 following a notification from aviation authorities, asking passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. Air India said that its flights to and from the following destinations Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, 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 .
One killed, nine injured as unidentified aircraft crashes in village near Punjab's Bathinda
CHANDIGARH: One civilian killed and nine others injured as an unidentified aircraft caught fire and crashed in Aklian Kalan village of Bathinda district in Punjab. The deceased has been identified as Govind a farm labourer hailing from Charkhi Dadri in Haryana, sources said. The aircraft crashed around 2 am in harvested wheat fields, approximately 500 meters from the nearest residential area. There was no information about the pilot till this report was filed. After the crash, public approached the burning wreckage and discovered Govind and the other injured. As per eyewitnesses, several farm labourers were at the local grain market late Tuesday night when they noticed an aircraft flying unusually low. The eyewitnesses further added that they woke up to the loud sound of a crashing aircraft, which immediately caught fire. As aircraft was spotted which was in flames people rushed to rescue the pilots. As the villagers were rushing towards the plane, it exploded and several of them were hurt, said a local. Defence personnel and police teams cordoned off the crash site and fire tenders plunged into action at the scene. The district administration is tight-lipped about the identity of the plane stating that any comment on the incident will be issued only by the defence authorities. Senior officials of the district administration reached the crash site and also police have been stationed at the hospital. The injured Govind was immediately rushed to the public health centre in Goniana, where he was declared dead on arrival. While the other injured were taken to Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Civil Hospital, from where at least one was referred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bathinda. Meanwhile all schools will remain closed in five border districts of Ferozepur, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Amritsar and Pathankot of the state in the wake of tension between India and Pakistan. The Ferozepur Deputy Commissioner had issued an order that all schools in the district will remain closed on Wednesday. In Pathankot, all schools will remain shut for 72 hours. Meanwhile the flight operations from Chandigarh, Amritsar and Dharamsala airports suspended. Further, Air India announced that all flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Chandigarh, Jamnagar and Rajkot have been cancelled for May 7 till 12 noon, pending updates from authorities. Ministry of Home Affairs, bureau of immigration closes Kartarpur Corridor till further orders. 150 pilgrims , who had gathered at the Integrated check post today morning , were asked to return home after being made to wait for 90 minutes. In retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack , Indian armed forces early Wednesday carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base in Muridke. The military strikes were carried out under 'Operation Sindoor', two weeks after the massacre of 26 civilians at Pahalgam of Jammu and Kashmir.
Flights cancelled, airports shut after India strikes Pak
Several Indian airlines have cancelled flights and some airports in northern India have been closed due to military strikes on terror targets in Pakistan. Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India Express and Akasa Air have all cancelled flights to and from various destinations, including Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner and Jodhpur.
India strikes Pakistan: Amid rising India-Pakistan border tensions, Punjab and Rajasthan shut schools in border districts. This follows the Indian armed forces' strikes on terror camps. Rajasthan declares high alert, closing Bikaner and Jodhpur airports. Uttar Pradesh issues red alert, launching Operation Sindoor. Punjab closes schools in Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, and Gurdaspur. Rajasthan shuts schools in Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, and Barmer.
Indian airlines cancel flights to and from various cities
NEW DELHI: Indian airlines have cancelled their flights to and from various cities, including Jammu and Srinagar, amid airspace restrictions in the wake of Indian armed forces carrying out missile strikes on terror targets in Pakistan. Air India said that in view of the prevailing situation, the airline has cancelled all its flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot till noon. Two international flights en route to Amritsar are being diverted to Delhi. We regret the inconvenience caused due to this unforeseen disruption, the airline said in a post on X. 3 civilians killed in indiscriminate firing by Pakistan army across LoC, IB According to SpiceJet, due to the ongoing situation, airports in parts of northern India, including Dharamshala (DHM), Leh (IXL), Jammu (IXJ), Srinagar (SXR), and Amritsar (ATQ), are closed until further notice. Departures, arrivals, and consequential flights may be impacted, the airline said in a post on X. IndiGo said that due to changing airspace conditions in the region, flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh and Dharamshala are impacted. Indian armed forces early Wednesday carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including Jaish-e-Mohamad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base Muridke.
Operation Sindoor: Indian Airlines Cancel Flights To And From Various Cities
New Delhi, May 7: Indian airlines have cancelled their flights to and from various cities, including Jammu and Srinagar, amid airspace restrictions in the wake of Indian armed forces carrying out missile strikes on terror targets in Pakistan. Air India said that in view of the prevailing situation, the airline has cancelled all its flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot till noon. Two international flights en route to Amritsar are being diverted [] The post Operation Sindoor: Indian Airlines Cancel Flights To And From Various Cities appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Scratched my chest Jodhpur Dalit nurse dies by suicide after assault, police inaction
Hyderabad: A 26-year-old Dalit nurse died by suicide on May 2, after allegedly being molested, assaulted, and humiliated by her upper-caste neighbours in Rajasthans Jodhpur district. The young woman was the eldest of five siblings and worked as a nurse. Her suicide has triggered protests and outrage. Dispute over water The incident occurred on April 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 .
Sariska Tiger Reserve: A maharani recognised
An upcoming memorial to a tigress for singularly repopulating the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan is a first of its kind, but it also raises questions about proper conservation efforts. Rakhee Roytalukdar reports Rajasthan is synonymous with Rajmatas (Queen mothers), whose beauty, enduring grace and intellect have charmed generations for long. Be it Rajmata Gayatri Devi of Jaipur, Rajmata Krishna Kumari of Jodhpur, Rajmata Sushila Kumari of Bikaner and others. These queens broke barriers, opened schools for girls and stood [] The post Sariska Tiger Reserve: A maharani recognised appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
New train to Jodhpur from Chennai flagged off
Relief for mother as infant Pakistani daughter allowed to stay amid deportation orders
JAIPUR: In a significant relief for an Indian mother, one-and-a-half-year-old Adarshni, a Pakistani citizen by birth, has been granted special permission to remain in India with her mother, Bhaur Rashmi. The decision comes in the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam , which led the Indian government to issue an order mandating that all Pakistani citizens on short-term visas leave the country within 48 hours. This sudden directive placed Rashmi and her daughter in a deeply distressing situation. Rashmi, an Indian citizen by birth, had married Dhanpat Singh Sodha, a resident of Amarkot in Pakistan, three years ago. However, she never acquired Pakistani citizenship and continues to hold an Indian passport. Their daughter, Adarshni, born in Pakistan, is officially recognised as a Pakistani national. On April 3, 2025, Rashmi travelled to her parental home in Jaitsar in Rajasthan with her daughter. But following the government's deportation orders, Adarshni was suddenly prohibited from remaining in India, raising the alarming possibility that the toddler might be sent back to Pakistan alone. After urgent appeals and persistent efforts by the family, senior officials in the central government have finally intervened. Special permission has been granted for Adarshni to stay in India with her mother, lifting the immediate threat of separation and allowing the family to remain united. Sri Ganganagar Superintendent of Police, Gaurav Yadav, confirmed to the media that, as per instructions from higher authorities, the girl's family was informed of the required procedures. Following compliance, the girl is now safely residing with her mother in India. Meanwhile, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has issued updated guidelines offering relief to Pakistani nationals residing in India on Long-Term Visas (LTVs). Under the revised directive, LTV holders are not required to leave the country, providing significant respite to many who are legally settled in India. In the last 7 days alone, more than 362 Pakistani nationals in Rajasthan have had their LTVs approved and formally registered. Officials also clarified that people whose LTV applications are still pending or under consideration are exempt from deportation for the time being. Notably, Pakistani Muslim women married to Indian citizens and residing in India on LTVs are also not being asked to return under the new rules. A large number of Pakistani refugees, particularly Hindus, have settled in Rajasthans border districts such as Jaisalmer, Barmer, and especially Jodhpur. Cross-border marriages are common in these areas, often leading to complex situations where families are split, with some members living in India and others either stuck in or being asked to return to Pakistan. In at least three to four documented cases, mothers and children hold citizenship from different countries, typically a result of birth circumstances, creating emotional and bureaucratic challenges. Many of these families continue to live in uncertainty, awaiting either a resolution or more comprehensive reforms to address their cross-border realities.
Former Indian Mujahideen operative arrested in Jharkhand for resuming terror activities with HuT
RANCHI: The Jharkhand Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), which is probing the states Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT) module, has arrested a former Indian Mujahideen (IM) operative who rejoined terror activities after spending a decade behind bars. The suspect, identified as Ammar Yashar (33), was arrested from Shamsher Nagar under Shamshar Bhuli OP in Dhanbad. According to police sources, the ATS also seized a mobile phone and several banned documents from his possession. He was produced in court on Thursday and subsequently sent to jail. After being released from prison in 2024, Yashar allegedly resumed involvement in terrorist activities. This time, he was reportedly engaged in anti-national activities through his association with Hizb ut Tahrir, said DGP Anurag Gupta. According to ATS officials, Yashar was earlier associated with the banned terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen and was arrested by Jodhpur Police in 2014. He was released in May last year after spending 10 years in jail. Following his release, he re-established contact with HuT operatives, including his associate Ayan Javed. Three cases have been lodged against Yashar, all in Jodhpur and Jaipur in Rajasthan. Information about Yashars renewed involvement came to light during the interrogation of Ayan Javed, a HuT member earlier remanded to ATS custody. Javed reportedly revealed several details that led to the seizure of suspicious documents from Yashar, linking him to the banned group. In a broader crackdown on terror networks, the Jharkhand ATS on Saturday arrested four more individuals from Dhanbad for alleged links to banned organisations Hizb ut-Tahrir and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). Those arrested were identified as Gulfam Hasan (21), Aayan Javed (21), Md Shahzad Alam (20), and Shabnam Parveen (20), the wife of Aayan Javed. During the raids, the ATS recovered two pistols, 12 bullets, multiple books and documents linked to banned outfits, along with over half a dozen mobile phones and laptops. Hizb ut-Tahrir, founded in Jerusalem in 1953, was banned by the Indian government under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on 10 October 2024. The organisations stated aim is to establish a global Islamic Caliphate and overthrow democratically elected governments through radicalisation and extremist activities.
CHANDIGARH/BHOPAL/JAIPUR/RAIPUR: The stalemate over visa cancellations post-Pahalgam attack ended on Tuesday, with 70 Pakistan national women possessing long-term visas and No Obligation to Return to India (NORI) certificates permitted to cross over into India at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at the Attari border. Initially, the Centre revoked all visas issued to Pakistan nationals visiting India. As a result, spouses of Indian citizens with Pakistani passports faced an emotional situation; those currently visiting or residing in India had to return to Pakistan, leaving their children behind if the latter were Indian citizens. Indian nationals currently visiting Pakistan could return to India but not with their children if the latter held Pakistan passports. However, the Centre revised the visa guidelines allowing those on Long-Term Visas to stay in the country. So, on Tuesday, Pakistani immigration authorities allowed women holding Pakistani passports and married to Indian nationals and having NORI certificates and long-term visas to cross over to India, sources said. In total, 240 people from Pakistan, including more than 70 NORI visa holders, entered India, and 140 people from India returned to Pakistan via the Attari border. Saba Kiran, a Pakistani national married in India, bids goodbye to her daughter as she is being deported to her country through the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at the Attari-Wagah border, near Amritsar, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Vignettes from Attari Family members waiting at the border post were relieved after the decision. Dr Vikram Udasi, from Jalgaon, Maharashtra, had been waiting at the Attari border since April 25 to receive his wife Priya, a Pakistani national, and child Ahan, who were in Pakistan visiting family. They were reunited after both crossed over. Finally, after the long wait, I have met my wife and child, and now we are returning to our home town. She has been on a Long-Term Visa for the past eight years, which is valid until 2026, he said. A Pakistan national, and his family members wait to cross over to their country Rishi Kumar from Kolhapur in Maharashtra, was equally happy. He was waiting for his wife and children at the Attari border for the last few days. His wife hails from Balochistan, a Pakistani national, while her two children are Indians. The three went to Pakistan to visit family. She was ultimately allowed to return to India along with her children. Edge of uncertainty In Madhya Pradesh, the fate of nine children with Pakistani passports and short-term visas hangs in balance. The state government has sought the Centres advice on nine children born to Pakistani fathers and Indian mothers, who are now with their mothers. The kids are between one year and 11 years of age. Four, aged between four and seven, are with their mother in their maternal home Indore, three others in Jabalpur and two in Bhopal. Komal, right, from Rajasthan gets emotional as her brother and sister-in-law leave for their home country Pakistan through Attari-Wagah border check-post following curbs imposed in the wake of Pahalgam terror attack, near Amritsar, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. In the Jabalpur case, the mother brought the children on short-term visas last month because of financial difficulties, as their father was unemployed in Pakistan. There were 14 Pakistani nationals in MP, including the nine children with their Indian mothers in Indore, Bhopal and Jabalpur. Also, a young man (from the Sindhi community) was on a short-term visa in Bhopal. He had applied for a long-term visa just a few hours before the Centre ordered the revoking of 14 categories of visas and asked those Pakistani nationals to leave India by April 27. Weve sought the central governments advice and guidance in all these cases of the 10 Pakistani nationals, including the nine kids, a senior state police officer told this newspaper on Tuesday. Pakistani woman gets emotional while leaving for Pakistan as her husband is barred. Three of the 14 Pakistani nationals who had to leave the country by April 27 have already left and crossed the international border into Pakistan. In the case of a six-year-old kid, a Pakistani national, who had come with the Indian mother to the maternal grandparents place in Indore, the matter of both going to Pakistan is reportedly being looked into by the Foreigners Registration Office in Delhi. The Centre revoked the 14 categories of visas on April 25 in the wake of the ghastly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, and Pakistan nationals who were in India on such visas were asked to leave the country by April 27. In a communication to all state governments, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), however, added that the order would not apply to Long-Term Visa (LTV) holders besides diplomatic and official visa holders Pakistani nationals. Who stay, who dont In Rajasthan, security agencies have deported 129 of the 400 Pakistani nationals residing in the state. According to official sources, 109 individuals were sent back by April 27, and an additional 20 were deported on April 28. However, several others currently remain untraceable, and efforts are underway to locate them. In a parallel development, after the Centre said in an updated directive that Long-Term Visa holders are not required to leave the country, 362 Pakistan nationals in Rajasthan have had their LTVs approved and formally registered in the last three days. Officials clarified that applicants whose LTV cases are pending or under consideration are exempt from deportation. Radha, right, a Pakistani national who was living in Jammu & Kashmir, with her relative as she is being deported to her country through the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at the Attari-Wagah border, near Amritsar, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Notably, Pakistani Muslim women married to Indian citizens and residing in India on LTVs are also not being asked to return to Pakistan under the revised rules. A significant number of Pakistani refugees, especially Hindus, have settled in the border districts of Rajasthan, including Jaisalmer, Barmer, and particularly Jodhpur. In many cases, families have been split due to cross-border marriageswhere one half of the family is in India while the other remains in Pakistan or faces pressure to return. In at least three to four reported instances, mothers hold passports from one country, while their children have obtained citizenship in another, typically due to birth circumstances. These families now face the emotional and logistical burden of separation until new regulations are introduced or the situation stabilises. Fate of a few In Chhattisgarh, the Raigarh police have arrested two Pakistani citizens who acquired Indian voter identity cards through fraudulent means and by providing fake information. The district police said Iftekhar Sheikh (29) and Armish Sheikh (25) are brother and sister. The duo stayed in the Kodatarai area of Raigarh district, about 230 km east of Raipur. Additional SP (Raigarh) told this newspaper, Their father, Yakub Sheikh, is Indian and stays in Raigarh. He married a Pakistani woman who died during the Covid-19 pandemic. The two children were born in Pakistan but were raised and schooled in India. appu Kumar, a Pakistani national who was living in Jammu & Kashmir, shows a copy of his identification card as he is being deported to his country through the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at the Attari-Wagah border, near Amritsar, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Both are here on valid Long-Term Visas, and, at present, they cant be deported. But they furnished wrong information and procured Indian voter ID cards, following which a case has been registered against them. The police had launched a drive to ensure no Pakistan nationals were found staying illegally in the district, and both the Pakistan nationals were traced during the intensive verification campaign, said Jutemill police station in-charge Prashant Rao. The police have registered the case against both under sections 199, 200 (false statement made in declaration), 419 (cheating by impersonation), 467 (forgery of valuable security, will), 468 (forgery to cheat) and 34 (common intention) of the IPC. Fate of nine children in MP hangs on the edge In Madhya Pradesh, the fate of nine children with Pakistani passports and short-term visas hangs in balance. The state government has sought the Centres advice on nine children born to Pakistani fathers and Indian mothers, who are now with their mothers. The kids are between one year and 11 years of age. Four, aged between four and seven, are with their mother in their maternal home Indore. 362 Pak nationals in Raj get LTVs approved in 3 days After the Union government said in an updated directive that Long-Term Visa holders are not required to leave the country, 362 Pakistan nationals in Rajasthan have had their Long-Term Visas approved and formally registered in the last three days. Officials clarified that applicants whose LTV cases are pending or under consideration are exempt from deportation.
129 Pakistani nationals deported from Rajasthan, search underway for missing individuals
JAIPUR: Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, security agencies have deported 129 of the 400 Pakistani nationals residing in Rajasthan. According to official sources, 109 individuals were sent back by April 27, and an additional 20 were deported on April 28. However, several others are currently untraceable, and efforts are going on to locate them. In a parallel development, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has issued new guidelines offering relief to Pakistani nationals living in India on Long Term Visas (LTVs). As per the updated directive, LTV holders are not required to leave the country, providing significant respite to many individuals residing in India legally. Over the past three days, 362 Pakistani nationals in Rajasthan have had their LTVs approved and formally registered. Officials have clarified that applicants whose LTV cases are pending or under consideration are also exempt from deportation. Notably, Pakistani Muslim women married to Indian citizens and residing in India on LTVs are also not being asked to return to Pakistan under the revised rules. A significant number of Pakistani refugees, especially Hindus, have settled in the border districts of Rajasthan, including Jaisalmer, Barmer, and particularly Jodhpur. In many cases, families have been split due to cross-border marriageswhere one half of the family is in India while the other remains in Pakistan or faces pressure to return. In at least three to four reported instances, mothers hold passports from one country, while their children have obtained citizenship in another, typically due to birth circumstances. These families now face the emotional and logistical burden of separation until new regulations are introduced or the situation stabilizes.