Inter-state gang targeting Char Dham pilgrims busted, key accused arrested
Digital Desk | Chamoli, Sep 12 (IANS) The Chamoli Police in Uttarakhand have invoked the Gangsters Act against an organised inter-state gang allegedly involved in pickpocketing and cheating pilgrims during the ongoing Char Dham Yatra, with the gang leader arrested from Devprayag. The accused, identified as 26-year-old Sunil Kumar, a native of Bharatpur in Rajasthan and currently residing in Punjab's Bathinda was arrested on September 11 following sustained technical surveillance and ground-level intelligence gathering. According to the police, the gang took advantage of the heavy rush of devotees during the Char Dham Yatra and systematically targeted pilgrims. The investigation revealed that the accused were not part of an ordinary or loosely connected group but were operating as an organised inter-state criminal gang. A case was registered at Kotwali Shri Badrinath on April 27, 2026, under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). As the investigation progressed, police established links between the accused and a wider organised network involved in targeting pilgrims. Police had earlier arrested four members of the gang. They were identified as Krishna Kumar, 28, a resident of Punjab's Bathinda; Diya, 25, a resident of Mor Mandi in Bathinda; Sunil Kumar, 26, a native of Rajasthan's Bharatpur and currently residing in Bathinda; and Lalit Kumar, 31, a resident of Rajasthan's Alwar. During interrogation, police uncovered details of the gang's activities and found that its members had allegedly targeted pilgrims not only in the Badrinath Dham area but also in Kedarnath Dham. A separate case in connection with similar incidents has also been registered at Sonprayag police station. According to the police, the findings in both cases established the organised and inter-state nature of the gang's criminal activities. Chamoli Police subsequently prepared a detailed gang chart and obtained approval from the District Magistrate before initiating action under the Gangsters Act against the gang and its members. Police teams maintained continuous surveillance on the suspects and combined technical inputs with information collected on the ground. The coordinated investigation eventually helped them trace the gang leader. Based on technical surveillance, Sunil Kumar was arrested from Devprayag on September 11. Police said the action is an important step towards ensuring the safety of pilgrims during the Char Dham Yatra and curbing organised criminal activities targeting devotees.
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Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 12 (IANS) A fresh controversy has emerged over the alleged recovery of a mobile phone from Baljeet Yadav, former MLA from Rajasthans Behror, while he is lodged in Jaipur Central Jail. Yadav has denied having any connection with the phone and has begun an indefinite hunger strike inside the jail. According to his allegations, the FIR registered against him on September 9 after the mobile recovery is false and politically motivated. He has also questioned the circumstances under which the mobile phone was allegedly recovered. Sandeep Yadav, the outgoing Sarpanch representative of Tasing village in Behror and a spokesperson for Team Baljeet Yadav, reportedly met the former MLA in jail. According to Sandeep Yadav, Baljeet Yadav told him that he was neither personally searched nor was his barrack inspected when the mobile phone was allegedly recovered. Yadav has alleged that the case was registered under political pressure with the intention of damaging his reputation. Following the meeting, Sandeep Yadav submitted a letter to the Rajasthan Director General of Police (DGP), seeking an impartial investigation and a detailed examination of CCTV footage from the day of the alleged incident. According to Baljeet Yadav's account, on September 9, the day the mobile phone was allegedly recovered, he was with prison doctor Dr Karan for a blood pressure and blood sugar check. Yadav further claimed that the phone was found abandoned in a public toilet near the alley behind Ward No. 5 of the jail and that he had no connection with it. He has alleged that the jail administration implicated him despite there being no search or seizure from his possession. These allegations have not been independently established. Acting on Yadav's instructions, Sandeep Yadav reportedly sent a letter to the Rajasthan DGP in Jaipur on Friday. The letter seeks examination of CCTV footage. CCTV recordings from across the Jaipur Central Jail complex, the route to the hospital and the area around the toilet should be secured and provided to the investigating officer, he said. The second demand is verification of Yadav's whereabouts. The footage should be examined to establish whether Baljeet Yadav was with Dr Karan at the hospital when the alleged recovery took place, it added. The third demand was that the statements should be recorded from prisoners who were present near the hospital and Kanha Garden around the relevant time. The letter also seeks an impartial investigation into FIR No. 0191/2026, which Yadav's supporters allege was registered out of political vendetta. The issue has also created a stir within the Jaipur Central Jail administration after Baljeet Yadav reportedly informed authorities that he was beginning an indefinite hunger strike. Yadav has previously used unconventional forms of protest, including running while dressed in black and undertaking fasts. According to Sandeep Yadav, the former MLA has said he will continue his fast until an impartial investigation into the case begins and action is taken against those responsible, if wrongdoing is established. The controversy comes amid heightened political activity in Rajasthan ahead of the results of the 2026 civic body elections. Yadav's supporters in Behror and Alwar have expressed anger over the case and maintain that he has been targeted for raising issues concerning the public and unemployed youth. The focus is now on the Rajasthan Police and jail authorities. Whether CCTV footage from the relevant locations will be examined, and what it may establish about the circumstances surrounding the mobile phone recovery, could be crucial to the investigation. At present, the allegations made by Baljeet Yadav and his supporters remain claims, and the matter is subject to investigation.
7 cops booked in Rajasthan's Bharatpur for assaulting minor refusing to pay Rs 10,000 per month
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 12 (IANS) A case has been registered against seven policemen in Rajasthan's Bharatpur following allegations that a 16-year-old boy was assaulted, threatened with a country-made pistol and allegedly framed in a false illegal-arms case after refusing to pay Rs 10,000 per month. The accused include five personnel associated with the District Special Team (DST), an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) posted at Mathura Gate police station, and another police officer. The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the law, including the POCSO Act, based on a complaint filed by the minor's aunt. According to the complaint, the minor was allegedly subjected to repeated demands for Rs 10,000 per month after he started a rental car business in Bharatpur. When the victim stopped making the alleged payments, the accused reportedly threatened to implicate him in a false case. The minor's aunt said in her complaint that the boy's father died shortly after his birth and that she subsequently brought him to Bharatpur, where she took responsibility for his education and upbringing. According to the complaint, the minor started a rental car business in Bharatpur in December last year. Shortly afterward, a DST Constable identified as Dashrath allegedly visited his office and demanded Rs 10,000 per month. The family alleges that, out of fear, the minor paid the amount for three consecutive months. The business was later shut down due to financial losses. However, according to the complaint, the alleged demand for money continued even after the business had closed. When the minor refused to pay, Constable Dashrath allegedly threatened to implicate him in a false criminal case. According to the complaint, the minor had travelled to Khatu Shyam Ji with friends on August 19. While returning to Bharatpur on August 21, his car reportedly developed a flat tyre at around 9 a.m. The minor allegedly stopped near a shop for tea when two DST personnel, identified in the complaint as Ankit and Manveer, arrived. They allegedly told him that Constable Dashrath had called him and took him away. The complaint alleges that Dashrath was present at the DST office, where the minor was allegedly assaulted with belts, kicks and punches. Constable Hariom is also accused of standing on the minor's legs during the alleged assault. The complaint also alleges that ASI Shivlal arrived at the DST office around 5 p.m. along with two other policemen. The minor was allegedly blindfolded and taken to an isolated location. According to the complaint, a country-made pistol, or katta, was taken from a bag and placed against the minor's leg. The policemen allegedly threatened to shoot him if he did not make a video statement according to their instructions. The complaint also alleges that the weapon was subsequently placed inside the minor's trousers before the personnel staged a search and recorded a video showing an alleged recovery of the pistol. Following the alleged recovery, an illegal-arms case was registered against the minor on August 21. After learning that the minor had been booked in the arms case, his family reportedly reached the police station and secured his bail. When the minor returned home, family members allegedly noticed severe injury marks on his body. They subsequently approached the court seeking action against the police personnel. Advocate Paramveer Sogarwal, representing the complainant side, said an application was filed before the court on August 26. The court subsequently summoned Mathura Gate police station Station House Officer (SHO) Harlal Meena and directed that an FIR be registered. Following the court's direction, an FIR was registered at Mathura Gate police station on Friday against seven policemen. Mathura Gate SHO Harlal Meena said the FIR was registered on the basis of a complaint submitted by the minor's aunt. The accused named in the case include Dashrath, Ankit, Satyveer, Hariom and Abhimanyu, along with Mathura Gate ASI Shivlal and another officer. The investigation has been entrusted to Hemendra Chaudhary, SHO of Atal Band police station. The allegations against the police personnel are subject to investigation. The exact circumstances surrounding the alleged assault, extortion demand and recovery of the country-made pistol will be established during the investigation.
Rajasthan civic polls: Re-poll ordered in Ward 62 of Jaipur as 110 deleted voters cast ballots
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 12 (IANS) The State Election Commission, Rajasthan, has directed that a re-poll be conducted at the polling station located at Government Upper Primary School (Room No. 4), Tila Wala, Sanganer, under Part No. 23 of Ward 62 of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation. According to the Commission, an incident occurred during polling on Saturday, in which 110 voters whose names appeared in the list of deleted entries cast their votes at the polling station. After examining reports submitted by the District Election Officer and the Returning Officer, the Commission concluded that the fairness of the election process had been compromised. In view of the circumstances, the Commission has ordered a fresh poll on September 13, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., under Rule 55 of the Rajasthan Municipalities (Election) Rules, 1994. The Commission has directed the concerned officials to provide written information about the date, time, and venue of the re-poll to all contesting candidates and their election agents. They have also been instructed to ensure wide publicity of the re-poll arrangements in the concerned area. Only voters who are duly authorised to vote will be permitted to cast their ballots during the re-poll. For voter identification, indelible ink will be applied to the middle finger of the left hand. The mark will be made from the base of the nail to the first joint of the finger. The Commission has further clarified that, if required, fresh ballot papers and tendered ballot papers for use in connection with the EVMs may be printed. The EVMs used during the original polling on September 11 will be sealed and kept in safe custody. Earlier, elections were conducted in a total of 309 urban local bodies across the two phases on September 9 and 11 in Rajasthan. The combined voter turnout was recorded at 72.95 per cent. The election results are scheduled to be declared after counting of votes on September 14.
Mathura labourer dies in college wall collapse, family protests with body
Digital Desk | Mathura, Sep 12 (IANS) Family members of a labourer who died during repair work at a college in Uttar Pradeshs Mathura staged a protest outside the institution on Saturday. While holding a dharna, they placed the body at the main gate and demanded compensation and action against those responsible. According to Mathura Police, several labourers were carrying out plastering work at the National Inter College in Govardhan around 11:30 a.m. The repair work was undertaken by the Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA). During the work, a wall above the college gate suddenly collapsed, injuring two labourers. They were identified as Lal Singh, a resident of Ading town under Govardhan police station, and Pankaj, a resident of Talfara village under Deeg police station in Rajasthan. Pankaj, who was seriously injured in the incident, was immediately referred to SN Medical College in Agra for treatment. However, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Following his death, the family staged a protest with his body at the colleges main gate, demanding compensation and action. Local resident Kailash told IANS that Pankajs family did not even have a house and depended on his daily wages for survival. Pankajs family has no home. He used to work as a daily-wage labourer to support his family. They live in a hut by the roadside. He leaves behind two children. The government should provide compensation and a job to support the family, Kailash said. Pankajs wife also appealed to the government for Rs 20 lakh in compensation, a job and a house. I live on the roadside, and after my husbands death, I have no one left to support me, she said. In a similar incident recently in Uttar Pradeshs Mainpuri district, 26-year-old Ashish Kumar, a resident of Nagla Kaith in the Kotwali area, was working as a painter along with other labourers at a house in Khargajit Nagar. While applying putty to a wall, Ashishs hand came into contact with a cut in an electrical cable, resulting in an electric shock that caused his death. The following day, Ashishs family members placed his body on Devi Bypass Road and blocked traffic. They refused to proceed with the cremation until the house owner was arrested. The City Circle Officer and the city Kotwal reached the spot and tried to pacify the protesting family members.
Star-studded field set for second edition of Archery Premier League
Digital Desk | Hyderabad, Sep 12 (IANS) The Archery Premier League (APL) is set for a bigger second season, with 36 of Indias leading archers set to compete alongside 12 international stars from 10 countries in Hyderabad from October 8 to 18. The expanded field brings together Olympic medallists, world champions, World Cup winners and some of the biggest names in the sport, adding further international flavour to the six-franchise competition. Four-time Olympian Deepika Kumari and World Championship silver medallist Atanu Das headline Indias recurve contingent, with reigning Asian champion Dhiraj Bommadevara also part of the field. The compound section features multi-time World Cup and Asian Games champion Jyothi Surekha Vennam, former World No. 1 Abhishek Verma and former World Champion Ojas Pravin Deotale. The international contingent is led by Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion Mete Gazoz of Trkiye, Paris 2024 bronze medallist Casey Kaufhold of the United States, Brazils World No. 1 Marcus DAlmeida and Great Britains World No. 2 Ella Gibson. Dutch compound star Mike Schloesser, a former World Champion and four-time World Cup Final winner, will also compete. The league will also feature all 12 members of Indias Asian Games-bound archery squad, giving the APL added relevance ahead of the countrys campaign in Aichi-Nagoya later this month. Anil Kamineni, Director, Archery Premier League, said, Following an incredible response to our inaugural season, we are ready to deliver an even bigger Season 2. Having the worlds top international archers join our league transforms the APL into a truly global spectacle, while continuing to give our Indian archers an invaluable competitive platform to test themselves directly against the best in the world. The Indian roster, selected on the basis of World Archery and national rankings, combines established performers with emerging talent. Of the 36 Indian archers, 21 featured in the inaugural season, while 15 will make their APL debut. Among those entering the league for the first time are World Championships silver medallist Rajat Chauhan, World Cup stage gold medallist Ridhi, World University Games gold medallist Kushal Dalal and junior national champion Kirti Sharma. The second season will retain one of the leagues most distinctive features its 15-second shot clock. Five seconds quicker than the standard Olympic timing, the format is designed to place greater emphasis on speed, decision-making and composure under pressure. Initiated by the Archery Association of India with the support of the Government of Telangana, the league will feature six mixed-gender franchise teams competing across the Recurve and Compound categories. The 11-day tournament will be held at Peoples Plaza on Hyderabads Necklace Road, with matches scheduled from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm each evening. Rajputana Royals won the inaugural edition, which also generated significant digital engagement among younger audiences. With a deeper international field and a mix of established Indian stars and emerging talent, the second edition will aim to build on the leagues debut while providing Indian archers with regular exposure to elite global competition. APL Season 2 squads: Compound Men India: Rishabh Yadav, Kushal Dalal, Sahil Rajesh Jadhav, Abhishek Verma, Thirumuru Ganesh Mani Ratnam, Ojas Pravin Deotale, Shivshankar Sakharam Landkar, Aman Saini, Rajat Chauhan. Compound Men Foreign: Mike Schloesser (Netherlands), Mathias Fullerton (Denmark), Nico Wiener (Austria). Compound Women India: Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Parneet Kaur, Madhura Dhamangaonkar, Taniparthi Chikitha, Prithika Pradeep, Jasveer Kaur, Swati Dudhwal, Raj Kaur, Avneet Kaur. Compound Women Foreign: Andrea Maya Becerra Arizaga (Mexico), Ella Gibson (Great Britain), Alejandra Usquiano (Colombia). Recurve Men India: Bommadevara Dhiraj, Neeraj Chauhan, Yashdeep Bhoge, Atanu Das, Mrinal Chauhan, Rohit Kumar, Pawan, Abhyuday Amol Pakhale, Juyel Sarkar. Recurve Men Foreign: Marcus DAlmeida (Brazil), Matias Grande (Mexico), Mete Gazoz (Trkiye). Recurve Women India: Deepika Kumari, Kirti Sharma, Kumkum Anil Mohod, Ankita Bhakat, Sangeeta, Simranjeet Kaur, Ridhi, Kondapavuluri Yuktha Sri, Gatha Anandrao Khadake. Recurve Women Foreign: Casey Kaufhold (USA), Alejandra Valencia Trujillo (Mexico), Elia Canales (Spain). Teams: Chero Archers of Jharkhand, Chola Chiefs of Tamil Nadu, Kakatiya Knights of Telangana, Mighty Marathas of Maharashtra, PrithviRaj Yodhas of Delhi and Rajputana Royals of Rajasthan.
Govt calls for greater synergy between Centre and states to boost BOCW welfare delivery
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 12 (IANS) The two-day Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) conference here provided a platform for states and UTs to share their experiences and practices and to discuss measures for strengthening welfare, skilling, employment and service delivery mechanisms for these workers, it was announced on Saturday. Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, Secretary, Labour & Employment, elaborated upon the current challenges and opportunities in the BOCW sector. Strengthening the skill ecosystem and placing dignity of labour at the centre of policy and programme design, is critical to building a more responsive, inclusive and resilient labour ecosystem, he added. The Secretary highlighted the need to address information and accessibility asymmetries in the labour market and strengthen mechanisms that facilitate better linkages between jobseekers and employers. He also underlined that the mobility of workers, both interstate and international, should be duly considered while designing social security and welfare schemes, and called for greater attention to occupational health, physical safety and other workplace concerns of construction workers. He also encouraged greater exchange of experiences and more frequent virtual engagements between the Centre and States for sustained collaboration and mutual learning. Looking ahead, the Secretary outlined key pathways for strengthening the BOCW welfare ecosystem, including consolidation of the diverse measures being undertaken and greater use of actuarial analysis to support sustainable welfare interventions. The second day featured presentations by various states/UTs, highlighting their initiatives and best practices aimed at strengthening welfare and service delivery for Building and Other Construction Workers. Uttar Pradesh presented its work on Skill Development of Building Workers, while Rajasthan shared its experience with Digital Labour Chowks. Bihar highlighted the Shram Seva Suvidha Kendras, and Assam presented the Nirman Sakhi Portal. The Conference also held a dedicated session on Skilling and Employment, including a presentation on skilling by the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and a presentation on India's employment growth story by the Ministry of Labour & Employment, followed by discussions.
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Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS) Delhi-NCR is likely to witness continued rainfall on Saturday as monsoon activity remains active over the region, coinciding with the start of the BRICS Summit in the national Capital. The weather conditions assume significance as New Delhi hosts the two-day BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam. The national Capital has been making final preparations for the high-profile gathering, which will bring together leaders and representatives of 11 major emerging and developing economies. The participating countries are Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, India, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE. The theme of Indias Chairship 2026 is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.' According to the latest weather forecast, rainfall is expected to continue over Delhi for the next few days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has advised residents to remain updated about changing weather conditions, particularly during spells of intense rain, thunderstorms and lightning. Rainfall could also affect traffic movement and daily commuting in the Delhi-NCR region, especially during periods of heavy showers. People travelling to work or other destinations have been advised to take weather conditions into account while planning their journeys. The southwest monsoon remains active over several parts of the country. The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall across around 20 states on Saturday, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan. In Rajasthan, several areas are expected to experience rain accompanied by thunderstorms. The weather department has issued warnings for thunderstorms and lightning in both East Rajasthan and West Rajasthan for September 12. Odisha is also likely to receive rain and thunderstorms, with yellow warnings issued for several districts. The IMD has warned that some parts of the state could record heavy to very heavy rainfall through September 13. Bihar is expected to experience widespread monsoon activity, with rain, thunderstorms and strong winds likely in different parts of the state. Some areas could also receive heavy showers. Haryana is likely to see rain and thunderstorms as monsoon activity continues over northern India. The latest forecast suggests that some parts of the state could receive heavier rainfall along with thunderstorms. In Himachal Pradesh, several areas are likely to remain under unsettled weather conditions, with rain and thunderstorms forecast for Saturday. The IMD has issued rainfall-related warnings for multiple districts. Uttarakhand is also expected to receive fairly widespread rainfall and thunderstorms. The state is likely to remain under an enhanced spell of monsoon activity through September 14. Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remained in the satisfactory category, according to monitoring data from various stations across the city. The recorded AQI levels included NSUT Jaffarpur (83), Punjabi Bagh (117), Shadipur (71), Mandir Marg (76), Pusa (98), Chandni Chowk (73), Commonwealth Sports Complex (82), NSIT Dwarka (113), JNU (66), Burari Crossing (86), North Campus, DU (104), IIT Delhi (82), Anand Vihar (83), Mundka (105), Rohini (114), Patparganj (79) and Nehru Nagar (115).
Rajasthans urban local body elections saw a 70.01% voter turnout, with Kota experiencing the lowest participation at 57.02%. Rajasthan Urban Local Body Elections: 70.01% Voter Turnout in Second Phase, Kota Records Lowest at 57.02%
Rajasthan Urban Local Body Elections See 70.68% Voter Turnout in Second Phase
Rajasthans urban local body elections recorded a 70.68% turnout in the second phase, with overall voting at 72.95%. Rajasthan Urban Local Body Elections See 70.68% Voter Turnout in Second Phase
High Voter Turnout in Rajasthan Local Elections Signals Trust in Development, Says Madan Rathore
High voter turnout in Rajasthans local elections reflects public trust in development, claims BJP leader Madan Rathore. High Voter Turnout in Rajasthan Local Elections Signals Trust in Development, Says Madan Rathore
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Marengo Asia Hospitals has raised Rs 400 crore from LeapFrog Investments to expand its hospital network, with plans to more than double capacity to over 4,000 beds within two years. Backed by Samara Capital and Godrej and Havells family offices, Marengo operates five hospitals across the NCR, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Rajasthan Police arrest man from UP's Faizabad in Rs 3.81 crore online trading fraud
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 12 (IANS) Acting on the directives of Rajasthan Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Kumar Sharma to prevent cybercrimes and take effective action against cybercriminals, the Rajasthan Police Cyber Crime Branch has arrested a man from Faizabad (Ayodhya), Uttar Pradesh, in connection with a multi-crore online trading fraud. The arrest was made by the Central Cyber Crime Police Station, Jaipur. The accused has been identified as Alok, a resident of Faizabad (Ayodhya), Uttar Pradesh. DGP (Cyber Crime) VK Singh said that, according to a complaint filed on October 5, 2025, the complainant had been searching on Google for information related to online trading and investment. During the search, the complainant came across an online trading platform called 'CMC Forex' / 'CMC Global CS'. The accused allegedly contacted the complainant through Telegram while posing as representatives of the company's India-based customer care or management team. They lured the complainant with promises of high returns from online trading and induced him to transfer a total of Rs 3,81,37,677 into various bank accounts. During the investigation, police found that the cyber fraudsters had created a website and fake online trading platform resembling 'CMC', a reputed foreign trading company. The accused allegedly claimed to be associated with the company's India-based customer care and management teams. They continuously provided trading-related instructions to the complainant through Telegram and encouraged him to invest in different companies. Initially, to gain the complainant's confidence, a portion of the money invested in small amounts was returned. This convinced the complainant that the platform was genuine and prompted him to invest larger sums. The accused allegedly directed the complainant to deposit money into multiple bank accounts. At the same time, the fake trading account showed steadily increasing profits against the investments. As a result, the complainant was led to believe that profits worth crores of rupees had accumulated in the account. When the complainant attempted to withdraw the money, the cyber fraudsters allegedly demanded additional payments on various pretexts, including income tax, currency exchange fees, security deposits and margin guarantees. Even after each payment, new conditions and charges were allegedly imposed, with the complainant repeatedly pressured to make further deposits. Despite the payments, the crores of rupees displayed in the fake trading account were never actually made available for withdrawal. During the investigation, police examined bank records and followed the money trail. A beneficiary bank account linked to 'Shiv Bakers and Fast Food' was identified. Police found that Rs 20 lakh of the money allegedly obtained through the fraud had been deposited into this account. Investigators are now tracing the subsequent movement of the money and working to identify other individuals associated with the cyber fraud network. Based on bank records and technical analysis, police identified Alok, a resident of Faizabad (Ayodhya), Uttar Pradesh. The investigation allegedly established his involvement in connection with the beneficiary bank account used to receive proceeds of the cyber fraud. According to police, the bank account and financial channels provided by the accused were used to receive the defrauded money and facilitate further transactions. Alok has been arrested, and further investigation is underway. Police are conducting detailed technical analysis of CDRs, CAFs and IPDRs, along with the money trail from the banking transactions. Investigators are collecting information about the accounts into which the defrauded funds were deposited, the subsequent movement of the money and the identities of other individuals linked to the network. The operation was conducted by a team constituted under the direction of Shantanu Kumar Singh, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Cyber Crime). The team was led by Gajendra Sharma, Station House Officer (SHO) and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) at the Central Cyber Crime Police Station, Jaipur, Rajasthan. The team included Police Inspector Radheshyam, Constables Manoj Samota and Krishna Yadav, and Constable-Driver Sube Singh.
Rajasthan civic polls: Second phase ends at 70.68 pc voting, overall voter turnout is 72.95 pc
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 11 (IANS) Voting for the second phase of the Rajasthan local body elections concluded on Friday across 147 urban local bodies, recording an overall voting percentage of 70.68 per cent. Overall, the voter turnout was 72.95 per cent in two phases, according to election department data. The second phase covered 147 local bodies, including six municipal corporations, 20 municipalities and 121 municipal councils. A total of 4,774 polling stations were set up for the second phase. According to the data, 87,63,595 voters were eligible to cast their ballots in the second phase. Of these, 61,93,865 voters exercised their franchise. Highest voting was recorded in Balotra's Dhorimanna which was 91.59 per cent, while lowest polling was reported at Sirohi which was 62.03 per cent. The second phase followed polling held on September 9 across 162 urban local bodies. The first phase recorded a turnout of 74.76 per cent, according to the election data. Across the two phases, elections were conducted in a total of 309 urban local bodies. The combined voter turnout was recorded at 72.95 per cent. The election department had made extensive arrangements for polling across the constituencies, with polling stations established across the urban local bodies covered in the second phase. The first phase of polling on September 9 covered 162 urban local bodies, including four municipal corporations, 21 municipalities and 137 municipal councils. Meanwhile in last civic elections, the total polling per cent was 70.31 per cent. The second phase brought the polling process for the state's 2026 urban local body elections to a close. The election results are scheduled to be declared after counting of votes on September 14.
Jaipur civic polls: 'UCC rollback' slogans raised before Raj Dy CM Diya Kumari
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 11 (IANS) During the second phase of local elections in Rajasthan, the situation became politically charged when some people raised slogans demanding the rollback of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in front of Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari outside a polling station in Jaipur. As voting for the Jaipur Municipal Corporation elections continued on Friday, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari visited several polling stations in Jaipur during the voting process. Her visit to a polling booth in the Vidyadhar Nagar Assembly constituency however drew objections from Congress workers, who accused her of attempting to influence voters. Congress workers alleged that Diya Kumari's visit to polling booths while voting was underway was inappropriate and could amount to an attempt to influence the electoral process. They questioned whether a senior political leader should visit polling stations on polling day. Security personnel present at the spot intervened to prevent the situation from escalating. Complaints were also raised by several voters who arrived at polling stations only to find that their names were missing from the electoral rolls. Some residents alleged that the names of a large number of voters had been omitted from the lists and blamed negligence on the part of Booth Level Officers (BLOs). The affected voters expressed their frustration and questioned how they could exercise their franchise if their names were not included in the voter list. The issue was raised in the presence of the Deputy Chief Minister, with residents seeking answers from the administration. The situation became more politically charged when some people outside the polling station raised slogans demanding the rollback of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The slogans were raised in front of Diya Kumari as political activity continued around the polling station. The incident added another dimension to the tensions surrounding the voting process in Jaipur. The Congress' objections over the Deputy Chief Minister's visit, complaints regarding missing names from the electoral rolls and the slogans demanding UCC rollback contributed to a politically charged atmosphere at the polling station. Voting for the Jaipur Municipal Corporation elections however continued across the city, with voters exercising their franchise in the ongoing urban local body polls.
Raj local body polls marred by EVM snag, 57% voting till 3 pm
The second and final phase of urban local body elections in Rajasthan was marked by EVM-related glitches and voter issues, with a 57.38 per cent turnout recorded by 3 pm. Prominent leaders like Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, and former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot cast their votes, while several incidents of disputes and alleged bogus voting were reported across various polling stations.
Weather Tomorrow: Residents can expect heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across various regions. The Delhi-NCR and Rajasthan areas are likely to face persistent rain and storms, while Odisha and Bihar prepare for intense rainfall and gusty winds. Northern states, including Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab, will also experience unsettled weather patterns throughout the day.
Rajasthan Extends Swami Vivekanand Scholarship Deadline: Last Chance to Apply by Sept 14
Rajasthan has extended the Swami Vivekanand Scholarship application window to September 14, 2026. Learn how to apply via the SSO portal, check eligibility criteria, and prepare your documents for this academic excellence scheme.
Mirpur Chaturmas: A Unique Journey of Silence, Meditation and Inner Peace
Mirpur (Uttarakhand) [India], September 11: Away from everyday stress, the 1,300-year-old Shri Hamirpura Parshwanath Jain Tirth in Rajasthan's Sirohi district has emerged as a unique centre of spiritual practice. The ongoing 'Nij Mein Nivas-Mirpur Chaturmas' has brought together devotees who have taken a vow of silence and voluntarily given up the use of mobile phones. The 50-day spiritual retreat, which began on July 28, will continue until September 16.
Manav Suthar equals 131-year-old record during County Championship clash vs Glamorgan
Star India spinner Manav Suthar has entered an exclusive chapter of first-class cricket after producing a remarkable spell of control for Warwickshire against Glamorgan in the County Championship. The 26-year-old Rajasthan left-arm spinner finished the...
Heavy rain lashes parts of Delhi-NCR, red alert issued ahead of BRICS Summit
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 11 (IANS) Several parts of the national capital received rain on Friday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting more spells of showers, thunderstorms, and lightning in Delhi over the coming hours and also issuing a red alert for the city. The IMD had predicted light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in northern Delhi, with moderate to heavy showers expected in several other parts of the capital. The latest spell of rain comes just a day before the BRICS Leaders Summit is scheduled to begin in New Delhi. The Met Department has forecast further rainfall during the two-day summit, which will be held on September 12 and 13. For Saturday, September 12, the IMD has forecast one or two spells of very light to light rain at several places from early morning to the forenoon, along with thunderstorms and lightning. Another spell of light to moderate rain is likely from evening through the night. The rainfall is also expected to bring some relief from the prevailing heat. Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 36.6 degrees Celsius on Thursday, while the maximum temperature is likely to remain below 33 degrees Celsius from Saturday. According to meteorologists, the prevailing weather conditions are linked to the movement of the monsoon axis over the region. The axis is expected to shift southward, while easterly winds are likely to become dominant from Friday. These conditions may result in intermittent spells of moderate rain across parts of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, and Rajasthan over the weekend. However, the rainfall is expected to remain largely localised, with only around 30-40 per cent coverage, indicating that several areas across the plains may remain dry. The weather conditions are particularly significant as Delhi prepares to host the BRICS Leaders Summit on September 12 and 13. The summit will bring several world leaders and delegations to the capital, with events scheduled at Bharat Mandapam. Saturdays programme includes a closed-door leaders session, the Bharat Innovates Exhibition, a family photograph, a tree-planting ceremony and a gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The main open session will be held on Sunday, followed by the release of the New Delhi Declaration.
Rajasthan Runner's High-Altitude Marathon Success
Suraj Meena, a non-Ladakhi runner, achieved a significant feat by finishing second in the 122km Silk Route Ultra Ladakh Marathon, clocking 12 hours and 35 minutes. He highlighted the extreme difficulty of high-altitude running for outsiders and shared his unique training and travel methods, including cycling to the event.
From Kachoris To Kebabs: India's Culinary Showcase For BRICS Leaders
As world leaders arrive for the BRICS Summit, Delhi's top hotels are serving a curated taste of India, featuring regional delicacies from Kashmiri walnuts and Rajasthani kachoris to galouti kebabs, millet treats and innovative culinary creations.
Rajasthan civic polls: EVM glitches disrupt voting at some booths in final phase
Polling began at 7 a.m. for 147 urban local bodies, with more than 87 lakh eligible voters
Rajasthan civic polls: Polling staffer touches Ashok Gehlots feet; BJP files complaint
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 11 (IANS) A controversy erupted during the second phase of Rajasthans civic elections on Friday after a member of the polling staff allegedly touched the feet of former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot at a voting booth in Jodhpur. Gehlot had arrived at Vardhaman Jain School in Mahamandir to cast his vote in Ward No. 82 when the incident reportedly took place. A video of the incident later surfaced, prompting a political dispute over the conduct of the polling staff. The BJP has objected to the incident and raised questions over the impartiality of the polling staff. Saurabh Saraswat, state convenor of the BJP Rajasthan legal cell, submitted a complaint to the District Election Officer in Jodhpur and the State Election Commission, seeking action against the polling staffer concerned. The BJP argued that election officials and polling personnel are expected to maintain political neutrality while performing election duties. According to the party, such conduct towards a prominent political leader could raise questions about the fairness and impartiality of the electoral process. The BJP said that the incident could create doubts among voters regarding the neutrality of the polling process. The party has demanded that authorities examine the matter and take appropriate action if any election rules have been violated. Election personnel are required to perform their duties impartially and without displaying political preference. The conduct of polling staff is therefore particularly important during the voting process, officials said. The incident triggered a debate over whether the polling staffer's conduct amounts to a violation of election rules. The election code is intended to ensure a free, fair and peaceful electoral process. Political parties and candidates are prohibited from using improper means to influence voters, while government and election machinery is expected to remain neutral, the BJP said. However, whether the polling employee's act of touching Gehlot's feet constitutes an actual violation of the applicable election rules will have to be determined by the competent election authorities after examining the incident and the circumstances in which it occurred. The controversy comes as Rajasthan's civic elections enter the crucial voting phase, with political parties closely monitoring polling-related incidents across the state.
India crossed 80 lakh HPV vaccinations: Ministry of Health
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 11 (IANS) The Union Ministry of Health on Friday announced that India has crossed 80 lakh Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations, marking an important milestone against HPV infection and HPV-associated cancers. In a post on X, the Health Ministry said: India has crossed 80 lakh HPV vaccinations, marking another important milestone in strengthening preventive healthcare and advancing protection against HPV infection and HPV-associated cancers. With every vaccination, India takes another step towards a healthier, cancer-free future for its daughters, it added. The nationwide HPV vaccination campaign for girls aged 14 years and above was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Rajasthan's Ajmer in February. The initiative aims to eradicate cervical cancer among women in India. By expanding access to the HPV vaccine, the programme is expected to protect millions of girls across the country from developing life-threatening cancers in the future. Earlier this year, Indian-American radiation oncologist Dattatreyudu Nori said HPV vaccination could give India a decisive advantage in its fight against cervical cancer and help eliminate the disease in the coming years. Now, with the HPV vaccination, we have an upper hand, and in few years, we'll be able to eliminate cancer of the cervix from India, Nori said in an interview with IANS. The 2026 Padma Bhushan awardee described cervical cancer as preventable, detectable and curable, making the continued loss of lives particularly distressing for doctors working in oncology. Cancer of the cervix is preventable, is detectable, is treatable and curable, he said. Nori said about 200 women die of cervical cancer every day in India. He welcomed the introduction of free HPV vaccination for girls, saying it could substantially strengthen prevention efforts. He also praised the changes he said had taken place in Indias healthcare sector over the past 12 years, particularly in cancer prevention and treatment. A lot of significant positive changes have happened in healthcare, he said. Nori also cited the establishment of the National Cancer Institute and the expansion of cancer treatment facilities among the important steps taken during this period.
Non-Ladakhi Suraj Meena's Ultra Marathon Triumph
Suraj Meena, a non-Ladakhi marathoner from Rajasthan, achieved a remarkable feat by finishing second in the 122km Silk Route Ultra Ladakh Marathon. He completed the challenging high-altitude race in 12 hours and 35 minutes, setting a new record for non-Ladakhis and highlighting the extreme difficulty of running in such conditions. Meena also cycled 2,400km from Jaipur to Ladakh to participate.
Rajasthan Runner's Remarkable Ladakh Ultra Marathon Feat
Suraj Meena, a non-Ladakhi marathoner from Rajasthan, achieved a remarkable second-place finish in the 122km Silk Route Ultra Ladakh Marathon, clocking 12 hours and 35 minutes. This performance set a new record for non-Ladakhis in the event, significantly beating the previous best. Meena highlighted the extreme difficulty of high-altitude running for those not acclimatised and shared his unique training approach, which included cycling 2,400km from Jaipur to Ladakh.
Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma votes, urges public to join urban polls
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Rain Alert: Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, UP and Bihar Brace for Wet Weather as Monsoon Strengthens Again
The monsoon is showing signs of renewed activity across several parts of India, bringing another spell of wet weather to regions including Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan. A developing low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to influence weather conditions across eastern...
Rajasthan DGP Rajeev Kumar Sharma votes in peaceful municipal polls
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Raj urban polls: Om Birla casts vote in Kota, appeals to voters for maximum turnout
Digital Desk | Kota, Sep 11 (IANS) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday cast his vote at a polling booth in Shakti Nagar and appealed to people across Rajasthan to exercise their franchise in large numbers in the ongoing civic elections, saying greater public participation would strengthen democracy and make institutions more accountable. Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Birla said voters play a crucial role in strengthening and empowering democracy by exercising their right to vote. In a democracy, voters strengthen and empower democracy by casting their votes. I believe that the greater the public participation in a democracy, the stronger and more empowered democracy becomes, making institutions more accountable to the people, he said. Birla urged voters across the state to participate actively in the ongoing urban local body elections. Therefore, I appeal to the people across the state to vote in maximum numbers and participate actively. This will strengthen and empower our democracy, ensuring that this institution also remains accountable to the public, he said. Meanwhile, polling for the second phase of the Rajasthan urban local body elections began at 7 a.m. on Friday and will continue until 6 p.m. across 147 urban local bodies. The second phase covers six municipal corporations, 20 municipal councils and 121 municipalities, with a total of 8,760,884 voters eligible to exercise their franchise. Polling is being conducted at 9,758 polling stations spread across 4,852 wards, with the electoral fate of 18,266 candidates at stake. With the completion of polling in the second phase, elections for all 309 urban local bodies in Rajasthan will be concluded. Counting of votes will begin at 8 a.m. on September 14. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has also appealed to voters to participate in the second phase in large numbers and exercise their democratic right. Urging people to turn out in large numbers, CM Sharma said every vote would strengthen the foundation for urban development, better civic amenities and a brighter future. He also appealed to first-time voters to participate enthusiastically and encourage their families, friends and acquaintances to cast their votes. Earlier, the Rajasthan Election Commission released the final voter turnout figures for the first phase of the Rajasthan urban body elections, held on Wednesday across 162 urban local bodies, including four municipal corporations. The final turnout stood at 76.41 per cent. The Arnod Municipality in Pratapgarh recorded the highest turnout at 91.98 per cent, while the Bhilwara Municipal Corporation recorded the lowest at 63.84 per cent. The Commission had initially estimated the overall turnout at 76.04 per cent. Following revisions, the final figure was updated to 76.41 per cent. The turnout in the Chittorgarh Municipal Council was also revised from the initial estimate of 61.49 per cent to 68.15 per cent.
Value of every vote is high: Leaders urge strong turnout in Rajasthan civic polls
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 11 (IANS) With polling underway across 147 urban local bodies in Rajasthan on Friday in the second phase of elections and more than 87 lakh voters eligible to exercise their franchise, political leaders are calling for greater voter participation. Polling began at 7 a.m. and will continue until 6 p.m. across six municipal corporations, 24 municipal councils and 117 municipalities. The elections are being closely watched as voters choose representatives for local bodies, with issues such as cleanliness, electricity, civic infrastructure and ward-level development emerging as key concerns among residents. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, after casting his vote, said voting was not merely a constitutional right but also a responsibility essential for a healthy democratic process. Voting is not just a right; it is also a duty. For the maturity of democracy, having a healthy and free voting process is absolutely essential, Shekhawat said. He said he came to vote along with his family and expressed confidence after observing the initial response from voters. Shekhawat also highlighted the role of young voters, saying Indias large youth population makes their participation particularly important in the democratic process. India is a country of youth. Being a nation of youth, the role of young people in this grand festival of democracy is extremely important, he said. The Union Minister said the participation of young people in elections has increased over the years and that they are getting increasingly aware of the importance of choosing candidates who can contribute to the development of their city, state and country. State Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore also stressed the importance of voter awareness and turnout. He said a voter gets the opportunity to decide the direction of governance only once every five years in local body elections and urged citizens to exercise their franchise. It is a very good thing if the voting percentage is high and voters have become aware. The value of a vote is very high, Rathore said. Education Minister Madan Dilawar said enthusiasm among voters was encouraging, pointing to long queues at polling stations. He said voter awareness was crucial to strengthening democracy and noted that people were participating in the elections with enthusiasm. There is an atmosphere of excitement, joy and passion, Dilawar said, referring to the voter turnout. BJP MLA Anita Bhadel, after casting her vote, said she thanked the polling personnel for ensuring voting began on time at 7 a.m. She appealed to voters to keep aside other engagements and prioritise voting. Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani also cast his vote at a polling station in Ward No. 4 in Ajmer. He linked the elections to the broader debate over conducting elections simultaneously. Devnani backed the concept of One State, One Election, saying simultaneous elections could reduce the repeated imposition of the Model Code of Conduct, which he said sometimes affected the pace of development work. He also urged residents to participate in the urban festival of democracy and cast their votes. Meanwhile, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot criticised the BJP-led state government over its performance. Speaking in Jodhpur, Gehlot alleged that the government machinery was not functioning properly and claimed that development work had suffered over the past two-and-a-half years. Gehlot said the situation was serious and called upon people to play an active role in addressing issues affecting the state. While political leaders traded views over governance and the significance of the polls, voters focused largely on immediate civic concerns affecting their neighbourhoods. One voter said residents wanted whoever was elected to pay attention to the development of their colony and ward, particularly cleanliness and other basic amenities. The voter said elected representatives should remain accessible throughout their term rather than returning to seek votes only after five years. Another voter, casting a vote in a municipal council election for the first time, said she was excited to participate and wanted a candidate with a clean image who could address issues related to cleanliness, electricity and overall development of the ward. Bharatpur District Election Officer Kamar Chaudhary also appealed to voters to turn out in large numbers. She said past experience showed that people often participated enthusiastically in municipal and panchayat elections because candidates personally reached out to voters. Chaudhary said citizens frequently complain about civic issues but must also fulfil their own responsibility by voting and choosing their representatives.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat votes in Rajasthan local polls
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Rajasthan deputy CM Diya Kumari credits PM Modi for strengthening India
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Rajasthan local body polls: Second phase voting underway, 18,266 candidates are in fray
Voting for the second phase of Rajasthan's urban local body elections underway on Friday, with more than 87 lakh voters eligible to exercise their franchise. The voting for 147 urban local bodies -- six municipal corporations, 24 municipal councils and 117 municipalities -- will continue till 6 pm. A total of 18,266 candidates are in the fray in the second phase of the elections. According to State Election Commission data, 87,60,884 voters are eligible to cast their votes at 9,758 polling booths for 4,774 wards in the second phase.
Rajasthan deputy CM urges Jaipur voters to join civic polls amid BRICS
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Former Rajasthan CM Gehlot votes as civic polls begin across six municipal corporations
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Rajasthan urban polls: Voting begins in 147 civic bodies in second phase
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 11 (IANS) Voting for the second phase of the Rajasthan urban body elections began at 7 a.m. on Friday in 147 civic bodies and will continue until 6 p.m. The urban local bodies also include Jaipur, comprising six municipal corporations, 20 municipal councils and 121 municipalities. A total of 8,760,884 voters are eligible to exercise their franchise at 9,758 polling stations across 4,852 wards, with the electoral fate of 18,266 candidates at stake. With the conclusion of polling in the second phase, elections for all 309 urban local bodies in Rajasthan will be completed. Counting of votes will begin at 8 a.m. on September 14. The second phase covers 147 urban local bodies, including six municipal corporations, 20 municipal councils and 121 municipalities. Polling is being conducted at 9,758 polling stations across 4,852 wards, with 8,760,884 registered voters eligible to cast their ballots. A total of 18,266 candidates are in the fray. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has appealed to voters across the state to participate in the second phase and exercise their franchise. Urging people to turn out in large numbers, CM Sharma said every vote would strengthen the foundation for urban development, better civic amenities and a brighter future. He also appealed to first-time voters to participate enthusiastically and encourage their families, friends and acquaintances to vote. Chief Minister Sharma is scheduled to cast his vote at the Navodaya Teacher Training College (Getor) polling booth in Jagatpura, while Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari is scheduled to vote at Booth No. 10 in Ward 141. In Kota, Education Minister Madan Dilawar arrived at his polling station around 10 minutes before voting began. He cast his vote at Polling Station No. 2 in Ward 52. The State Election Commission has directed officials to ensure adequate arrangements for drinking water and shaded areas at polling stations for the convenience of voters. For the first time, elections are being held in 40 newly constituted urban local bodies. In the urban body elections conducted between 2019 and 2021 across 107 urban local bodies, 5,012,642 of 7,378,611 registered voters exercised their franchise across 4,027 wards, recording a voter turnout of 67.93 per cent. Earlier, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Kota each had two municipal bodies. The State Election Commission has set a target of 86 per cent voter turnout for the 2026 urban body elections. The Rajasthan State Election Commission has provided an online facility for voters to check their names and other details in the electoral roll. Voters can use the Search Voter option on the Commission's website and enter details such as district, urban body, name, father's or husband's name and age. They can also search using their Voter ID/EPIC number after selecting the relevant district. The State Election Commission has released the final voter turnout figures for the first phase of the Rajasthan urban body elections, held on Wednesday across 162 urban local bodies, including four municipal corporations. The final turnout stood at 76.41 per cent. The Arnod Municipality in Pratapgarh recorded the highest turnout at 91.98 per cent, while the Bhilwara Municipal Corporation recorded the lowest at 63.84 per cent. The Commission had initially estimated the overall turnout at 76.04 per cent. Following revisions, the final figure was updated to 76.41 per cent. The turnout in the Chittorgarh Municipal Council was also revised from the initial estimate of 61.49 per cent to 68.15 per cent.
Rajasthan Government Intensifies Efforts to Combat Lumpy Skin Disease in Livestock
Rajasthans Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma emphasizes vaccination and monitoring to control lumpy skin disease in livestock. Rajasthan Government Intensifies Efforts to Combat Lumpy Skin Disease in Livestock
'Healthy competition' helps Tanya Chaudhary set national record in hammer throw
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 11 (IANS) A healthy competition with fellow trainee Anushka Yadav proved beneficial for Tanya Chaudhary of Uttar Pradesh as he set the national record in women's hammer throw in the Indian Athletics Series Final in New Delhi. It was like the fulfilment of a dream for Tanya, and the fact that she set a new mark just before the upcoming Asian Games was like icing on the cake as the 22-year-old took the spotlight on the opening day of the meet on Thursday. Day One of the prize-money meet saw two national records being set in the hammer throw, with Tanya achieving the feat that she has been chasing for the past three years. Tanya achieved her quest by improving the national record in the womens hammer throw as she hurled the iron ball to a distance of 68.35m, improving the national record of 65.25m, which was set by Sarita Singh in 2017. My previous personal best is 63.91m. I have done 65m-plus two or three times (at the inter-university level), but those were not official. Now, I am able to do it (break the national record). It is a new beginning, she said. Normally, I used to be nervous. But I was focused on my technique today. Tanya, who trains along with Anushka at the same ground at Bhagpat in Uttar Pradesh under different coaches, said the healthy competition helped her move forward. We both are from the same ground. So, there is healthy competition between us. So, it is good for both of us to move forward. Though Tanya could not breach the Asian Games qualifying mark, she has made it to the team for the mega event in Aichi-Nagoya in Japan and is looking forward to continuing the momentum in Japan. It was because of injury. Now I feel I will do better. I had multiple injuries at the same time: a hamstring injury and a stress injury in the femur bone. The injuries were going on since January. In the men's section, Delhis Nirbhay Choudhary recorded a throw of 71.02m, which was better than the previous national record of 70.73m set by Neeraj Kumar in 2016. The other major attraction for Indian athletics fans was the successful return to action by Avinash Sable in the men's 3000m steeplechase. Sable, representing Maharashtra, won the steeplechase in a time of 8 minutes 32.39 seconds in his first race in the distance in more than a year. Spotlight was also on 400m runners as the top six finishers in the mens race clocked below 46 seconds. Top three in the womens 400m race also dipped below 53 seconds. I will do better and win a medal at the Japan Asian Games, said Vishal TK, winner of the gold medal and national 400m record holder, in the post-race interaction. Maharashtras promising sprinter Harita Bhadra, winner of the womens 100m dash, said the Indian Athletics Series Final was good preparation for the Asian Games. It was a good experience for me to race in the 100m dash with the top sprinters, Harita added. Odishas Animesh Kujur won both the 100m and 200m dash in the mens section. Results: Men: 100m: Animesh Kujur (Odisha) 10.21 seconds, Gurindervir Singh (Punjab) 10.32 seconds, Rushiprasad Desai (Maharashtra) 10.33 seconds. 200m: Animesh Kujur (Odisha) 20.59 secs, Jishnu Prasad (Kerala) 20.63 secs, Abhay Singh (Madhya Pradesh) 21.04 secs. 400m: Vishal TK (Tamil Nadu) 45.36 seconds, Jay Kumar (Uttar Pradesh) 45.50 seconds, Manu TS (Kerala) 45.68 seconds. 800m: Mohammed Afsal (Kerala) 1:46.40 secs, Prakash Gadade (Maharashtra) 1:46.56 secs, Krishan Kumar (Haryana) 1:46.73 secs. 1500m: Rahul Baloda (Rajasthan) 3:39.89 secs, Yoonus Shah (Uttar Pradesh) 3:40.37 secs, Sunil Dawar (Madhya Pradesh) 3:43.68 secs. 110m hurdles: Krishik M (Karnataka) 13.65 secs, Muhammed Lazan (Kerala) 13.84 secs, Manav R (Tamil Nadu) 13.85 secs. 400m hurdles: Santhosh Kumar (Tamil Nadu) 50.08 secs, Ruchit Mori (Gujarat) 50.61 secs, Subhas Das (West Bengal) 50.73 secs. 3,000m steeplechase: Avinash Sable (Maharashtra) 3:32.39. Shubham Bhandare (Maharashtra) 8:50.31, Vikash Dalal (Haryana) 8:50.43. Shot put: Tajinderpal Singh Toor (Punjab) 20.64m, Samardeep Singh Gill (Madhya Pradesh) 19.59m, Karanveer Singh (Punjab) 19.51m. Hammer throw: Nirbhay Choudhary (Delhi) 71.02m (NR, previous best 70.73m), Damneet Singh (Punjab) 68.12m, Ashish Jakhar (Haryana) 67.51m. Javelin throw: Rohit Yadav (Uttar Pradesh) 81.10m, Manoj Kumar (Tamil Nadu) 80.73m, Yashvir Singh (Rajasthan) 80.40m. Pole vault: Dev Kumar Meena (Madhya Pradesh) 5.40m, Reegan G (Tamil Nadu) 5.30m, Ramratan (Rajasthan) 5.10m. High jump: Aadarsh Ram (Tamil Nadu) 2.18m, Aaditya R (Madhya Pradesh) 2.15m, Basant (Rajasthan) 2.15m. Long jump: Mohd Atta Sazid (Haryana) 8.01m, Arya S (Karnataka)7.90m, Sarun Payasingh (Odisha) 7.61m. Triple jump: Karthik Unnikrishnan (Kerala) 16.43m, Gailey Venister (Tamil Nadu) 16.04m, Vishal Bahadur (Jharkhand) 15.85m. Women 100m: Harita Bhadra (Maharashtra) 11.22 seconds, Abinaya Rajarajan (Tamil Nadu) 11.31 seconds, Giridhrani R (Tamil Nadu) 11.35 seconds. 400m: Aishwarya Mishra (Maharashtra) 52.51 secs, Prachi (Uttar Pradesh) 52.75 secs, Poovamma MR (Karnataka) 52.76 secs. 800m: Lili Das (Uttarakhand) 2:03.41 secs, Pooja (Haryana) 2:04.02 secs, Gowthami J (Tamil Nadu) 2:05.63 secs. 1500m: Thota Sankeertana (Chhattisgarh) 4:37.95, Nikita Sharma (Himachal Pradesh) 4:38.62 secs, Pragati (Haryana) 4:39.88 secs. 100m hurdles: Nandhini Kongan (Tamil Nadu) 13.30 seconds, Anjali C (Kerala) 13.33 secs, Pragyan Prashanti (Odisha) 13.37 secs. 400m hurdles: Anu Raghavan (Kerala) 57.23 secs, Sinchal Kaveramma (Karnataka) 59.91 secs, Tanu Chaudhary (Uttar Pradesh) 1:01.47 secs. 3,000m steeplechase: Praul Chaudhary (Uttar Pradesh) 9:22.49, Prachi Devkar (Maharashtra) 10:28.35, Susmita Tigga (Odisha) 10:33.94. Pole vault: Nitika (Madhya Pradesh) 4.10m, Baranica Elangovan (Tamil Nadu) 4.10m, Karthika V (Tamil Nadu) 4.10m. High jump: Pooja Singh (Haryana) 1.81m, Reet Rathor (Uttar Pradesh) 1.81m, Supriya SB (Karnataka) 1.78m. Triple jump: Lasha Ilango (Tamil Nadu) 13.76m, Niharika Vashisht (Punjab) 13.24m, Bhairabi Roy (West Bengal) 13.06m. Long jump: Ancy Sojan (Kerala) 6.76m, Shaili Singh (Uttar Pradesh) 6.65m, Bhavani Yadav (Andhra Pradesh) 6.42m. Hammer throw: Tanya Chaudhary (Uttar Pradesh) 68.35m (NR, previous best 65.25m), Anushka Yadav (Uttar Pradesh) 66.34m, Kulvinder Kaur (Rajasthan) 59.13m. Shot put: Manpreet Kaur (Haryana) 17.19m, Krishna Jayashankar (Tamil Nadu) 16.61m, Srishti Vig (Delhi) 15.99m. Discus throw: Seema Kaliramana (Haryana) 56.52m, Priya (Haryana) 54.82m, Nidhi Rani (Haryana) 54.16m. Javelin throw: Annu Rani (Uttar Pradesh) 57.50m, Rashmi K (Andhra Pradesh) 57.22m, Uma Choudhary (Rajasthan) 52.89m. Prize money: Total cash awards: R 65 lakh. 1st: R 1 lakh, 2nd: R 50,000, 3rd: R 25,000, 4th: R 20,000, 5th: R 15,000, 6th: R 10,000.
Odisha Police traces 101 missing children in 17 states under 'Operation Anweshan'
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Sep 10 (IANS) The Odisha Police has rescued 101 missing Odia children in 17 states under its Operation Anweshan campaign, conducted between August 28 and September 8, said Shyni S, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) of Crime Against Women and Children Wing (CAW & CW), on Thursday. The special drive was executed by the CAW & CW of Odisha Police in collaboration with the state Women and Child Development (W&CD) Department, with a focus on tracing missing children outside the state. As part of the operation, as many as 17 specialised teams were deployed to several states and Union Territories where Odia children are frequently found. These states include Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, New Delhi, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. The police teams conducted field-level searches, verified the leads, and coordinated with the local authorities as well as various Child Care Institutions (CCIs) during the operation. According to the CAW & CW, the 101 traced children comprise 54 boys and 47 girls. The youngest among those rescued was a three-month-old infant found institutionalised alongside her minor mother, while the child institutionalised for the longest duration had spent more than five years away from home. The Odisha Police also noted that out of the total traced children, 83 (46 boys and 37 girls) were found lodged in Child Care Institutions, while seven others, including six boys and one girl, were rescued from commercial labour sites. Another 11 children, consisting of two boys and nine girls, were traced against missing person cases already registered in Odisha. West Bengal accounted for the highest number of recoveries with 30 children, followed by Karnataka with 11, and Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu with 10 each. All the traced children have either returned or are in the process of being repatriated to Odisha for their formal reintegration and rehabilitation. Mrinalini Darswal, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Odisha W&CD Department, proactively supported the efforts of police in this campaign, while the legal-cum-Probation Officers from the department provided necessary support during the campaign.
Major Action Against Illegal Drug Warehouse in Bhiwadi, Five Samples Fail Quality Tests
Rajasthans drug control agency seizes drugs from an illegal warehouse in Bhiwadi, with five out of 18 samples failing quality tests. Major Action Against Illegal Drug Warehouse in Bhiwadi, Five Samples Fail Quality Tests
Gujarat: Three held over mule accounts linked to Rs 1.24 crore cyber fraud
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Sep 10 (IANS) Gujarat Police's Cyber Centre of Excellence (CCoE) has arrested three people from Valsad for allegedly opening savings bank accounts in their own names and handing over the account details and banking kits to associates involved in cyber fraud, with the accounts linked to transactions involving more than Rs 1.24 crore. The arrests were made after the CCOE team conducted a raid at Udwada in Valsad based on confidential information. Police said the accused allegedly acted as part of a pre-planned conspiracy to facilitate the movement of money obtained through different forms of cyber fraud. According to police, the accused opened savings accounts in their own names for financial gain and provided the account details and banking kits to associates who were allegedly involved in cyber offences. The accounts were subsequently used to receive and transfer money obtained through fraud committed against people in Gujarat and other states. A check of the bank accounts allegedly used in the offences on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCCRP) found three cyber fraud complaints one each from Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan. The complaints together involve an alleged fraud amount of Rs 1,24,79,156. The accused have been identified as Bhavesh Patel, Dipeshkumar Patel and Abhaykumar Nayak. Police said Bhavesh Patel allegedly opened a savings account in his own name and provided the bank account kit to co-accused persons. Dipeshkumar Patel allegedly assisted in opening a savings bank account, while Nayak allegedly obtained a savings bank account kit from co-accused persons and forwarded it for further use. The accounts were allegedly used in cases involving task fraud, investment fraud and online job fraud. Three mobile phones were also seized from the accused, police said. Police cautioned people against sharing their bank account details with others in return for commissions or other financial benefits, noting that account holders can be held responsible for money received in their accounts. The CCOE also appealed to victims of sextortion, morphed photographs, nude video calls or other forms of cybercrime to contact the Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or their nearest Cyber Crime Police Station without fear or hesitation. Police said the identity of complainants would be kept confidential in sensitive cases.
Pilanis twin civic bodies head to polls again, a rare split in Rajasthan
Five of 18 medicine samples seized from illegal Bhiwadi warehouse found substandard
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 10 (IANS) The Rajasthan Drug Control Commissionerate has initiated further action after quality test reports revealed that five of the 18 medicine samples seized from an unlicensed medicine warehouse in Bhiwadi were substandard, Principal Secretary (Medical and Health) Gayatri Rathore said here on Thursday. Rathore said approximately 1,500 cartons of medicines and other materials worth Rs 4 crore were seized during the operation, which was conducted on the basis of confidential information. In compliance with court orders, the seized material has been placed in the custody of the Drug Control Officer. During the operation, medicines manufactured and marketed by various companies were found at the premises, and 18 samples were collected for quality testing. The Drug Control Commissionerate has ordered detailed investigations by the respective manufacturing units. Drug Control Commissioner Avichal Chaturvedi said that, acting on the Commissionerate's directions, inspection teams have been dispatched to the concerned manufacturing units. The teams will conduct a detailed scrutiny of manufacturing records, raw materials, quality-control records, batch production records, and documents relating to the distribution and supply chain of the concerned batches. The inspections will also verify whether the manufacturing, quality testing, storage and distribution of the medicines were carried out in accordance with prescribed standards and regulatory requirements. Chaturvedi said that necessary action under the law and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act will be taken on the basis of the findings of the investigation. He emphasised that no negligence would be tolerated in matters concerning the quality of medicines and public health, nor in cases involving unlicensed pharmaceutical trade. Action in accordance with the law will be ensured against the concerned individuals, institutions and other parties, based on the facts established during the investigation, he said. He emphasised that no negligence would be tolerated in matters concerning the quality of medicines and public health, nor in cases involving unlicensed pharmaceutical trade.
SC issues notice on plea challenging pension, perks for former UP MLAs, MLCs
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 10 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Thursday issued notice in a plea filed by Lok Prahari challenging provisions of the Uttar Pradesh law providing salary, allowances, pension, and other benefits to serving and former members of the state legislature. A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued notice to the Uttar Pradesh government, the Principal Secretaries of the Vidhan Sabha and the Vidhan Parishad on a petition filed by Lok Prahari through its General Secretary, S.N. Shukla, who appeared in person. The matter has been tentatively listed for October 9. The plea challenges various provisions of the Uttar Pradesh State Legislature (Members' Emoluments and Pension) Act, 1980, including those relating to constituency allowance, railway coupons, journey allowances, daily allowance, loans to members and pensionary benefits available to former MLAs and MLCs and their families. Lok Prahari has contended that Article 195 of the Constitution empowers a state legislature to provide salaries and allowances to its members, but does not expressly mention pension or post-retirement benefits. The petition seeks, among other reliefs, a direction to stop payment of pension and family pension to former MLAs and MLCs and their spouses, recovery of expenditure incurred under the allegedly illegal provisions, and establishment of an independent mechanism to recommend revision of salaries and allowances. Earlier, the Allahabad High Court, in its judgment delivered on May 13, had dismissed the PIL, holding that the impugned provisions fell within the legislative competence of the state legislature and did not violate any constitutional limitation. A Division Bench of Justices Rajan Roy and Abdhesh Kumar Chaudhary had observed that Article 195, read with Entry 38 of List II of the Seventh Schedule, empowered the state legislature to provide various allowances to its members. The High Court also relied on the Supreme Court's 2018 judgment in Lok Prahari v. Union of India, which had dealt with similar challenges concerning pension and other benefits for Members of Parliament. The Allahabad High Court observed that the Supreme Court had held that the expression allowances in Entry 73 of List I was wide enough to cover pension and other benefits for MPs and former MPs. It further rejected the argument that pension could be granted only to government employees, referring to the Supreme Court's observation that there are several categories of state payments described as pensions, including old-age, widow, and disability pensions. The High Court also took note of similar rulings of the Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan High Courts upholding pensionary benefits for legislators. It held that the quantum of pension and allowances was essentially a matter of legislative policy and that courts could not interfere merely because they disagreed with the policy underlying such benefits. The determination of the quantum of benefits lies within the exclusive domain of the Legislature, the Allahabad High Court had said, adding that judicial review in such matters was limited to cases involving manifest arbitrariness, unreasonableness or a clear constitutional violation. Holding that the challenge was essentially rooted in a policy disagreement rather than a demonstrable constitutional infirmity, the High Court had dismissed the PIL.
Over 87.6 lakh voters to vote in Rajasthan civic polls final phase
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Weather Tomorrow: Several areas across the country should prepare for heavy rain and thunderstorms. While Delhi-NCR might experience partly cloudy skies with a chance of light rain, regions in Bihar and Odisha are anticipated to face cloudy conditions and potential thunderstorms. In contrast, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh will endure warm weather with sporadic showers.
India Powerhouse Of T20 Cricket; Great To Share Learnings From IPL In ETPL, Says Vikram Rathour
European T20 Premier League: Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour believes the influx of Indian expertise will significantly elevate the profile of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), while adding that developing local European talent around the year will be vital for the league's long-term sustainability. Rathour is currently serving as the head coach of Dublin Guardians, co-owned by former India captain and head coach Rahul Dravid, in the inaugural edition of the ETPL, where the Ravichandran Ashwin-led side is in fifth spot after getting their first win of the competition. It will definitely help because India has been the powerhouse of cricket, or let's say T20 cricket as well, with IPL being managed in India. So, it is great to have people from India coming to these parts of the world and sharing their experiences and what they have learned from working in the IPL or other leagues. So, that is a great thing, Rathour told IANS during a select virtual interaction organised by the tournament on Thursday. Both Dravid and Rathour worked closely during their tenure with the Indian team as head coach and batting coach respectively. Speaking about the shared philosophy within the franchise, Rathour stated that the objective extends beyond short-term match outcomes. About Rahul, of course, the good thing is that he has been on this side for long enough to understand how this game goes. So, it is great to have him as a co-owner of the team I have to deal with. So, I don't think I need to explain anything to him, because he basically knows how this game goes. We haven't had a great start as far as the results were concerned in this league. But again, having Rahul there has been really good. He has supported the team. The vision for him, for me, or for the franchise is to develop cricket and cricketers in Europe, especially in Ireland, and that is a long-term vision. So, results are definitely important, but the vision is bigger than the results, and that is how we are looking at it. So far, I think we have been extremely happy with the team we have picked and the local talent we have been able to bring on. So, we can retain them and keep working with them like Rahul wants to, and that is the vision, I think. That it needs to be not only for one month, but throughout the year, there needs to be some kind of continuity and some kind of connection with all these players where we can support them to practice and get better. That thinking has got the thumbs-up from Rathour, whos also the lead assistant coach of the IPL 2008 winners, Rajasthan Royals. That vision works for me as well as a coach, because that is one thing I want to do, that I want to coach basically. I want to improve as a coach. So far, it has been really good again. The atmosphere in the team and the whole group has been really, really good, even though we didn't win. So, yesterday was our first win and first one on the board - let's see how it goes from here. Rathour noted that Dravid has been exceptionally supportive despite the Guardians enduring a tough start to their campaign. Dravid's approach, full of empathy, stems from his deep understanding of team dynamics gained through his previous coaching roles, while having a cricket nut in captain-cum-mentor Ashwin has been fantastic, given his vast knowledge of global players and conditions. Analysing Europe's potential as the next big frontier for franchise cricket, Rathour asserted that leagues which rely on strong local participation have a far higher chance of survival compared to those composed entirely of overseas players. It can be potentially, yes. I agree with that because there's a lot of excitement in the local community. See, I always believe that for any league to work, it's your domestic talent that drives that league. We can already see it in ETPL - that, like in our team itself, we have six guys from Ireland and two from other European nations - one from Scotland, one from the Netherlands. So, this kind of mix really helps because that's the local talent which is driving the team. There are some leagues being played in the world where everybody is from outside, actually. So, it's harder for those kinds of leagues to survive, I feel. That's my personal opinion. It can be potentially, yes. I agree with that because there's a lot of excitement in the local community. See, I always believe that for any league to work, it's your domestic talent that drives that league. We can already see it in ETPL - that, like in our team itself, we have six guys from Ireland and two from other European nations - one from Scotland, one from the Netherlands. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories So, that makes it unique because it's again a great venue. It's a great place in the world to be in. So, if this league carries on and does well, I think a lot of players will want to come for this experience from all over the world, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Rajasthan govt to set up 39 food parks to boost agro, food processing
Rajasthan plans 39 food parks, with land allocated at 35 locations, to boost agro-processing, farmer incomes and value addition across the state
Sonaselection India IPO opens on September 17 at Rs 94-99 per share
Sonaselection India will launch its IPO on September 17 at Rs 94-99 per share, targeting around Rs 141.6 crore. The Rajasthan-based fabric maker will use proceeds to repay borrowings, buy machinery and fund corporate purposes before NSE-BSE listing.
1,550 packets of dairy products, 7 kg expired food products destroyed at Zepto store in Jaipur
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 10 (IANS) As part of 'Shuddh Aahar Milawat Par Vaar' (Pure Food War on Adulteration) campaign being conducted across Rajasthan on Thursday by the Food Safety and Drug Control Department, a central team of the department conducted a surprise inspection at a Zepto dark store in Jaipur's Jagatpura. During the inspection, officials found several lapses related to the storage temperature, hygiene and condition of food products. Around 1,550 packets of dairy products, 100 kg of damaged food items and 7 kg of expired food products were destroyed on the spot. Acting on the instructions of Principal Secretary (Medical and Health) Gayatri Rathore and under the guidance of Commissioner (Food Safety and Drug Control) Avichal Chaturvedi, a central team from the Jaipur headquarters inspected the warehouse of M/s J.D.S. Marketing, located in A-Block at Ramnagaria Vistar in Jagatpura. The inspection was conducted in the presence of Joint Commissioner Vijay Prakash Sharma. During the inspection, the team found that the prescribed temperature conditions required for the safe storage of dairy products in the cold room and deep freezer were not being maintained. The temperature recorded at the facility ranged between 6 and 14C. In view of the storage conditions, around 1,550 packets of milk, curd and buttermilk, including products of brands such as Saras and Amul, were destroyed on-site. The inspection team also found around 100 kg of damaged food products stored in the warehouse without the mandatory 'Not for Sale' markings. These products were destroyed at the site. In addition, around 7 kg of expired food products, including muesli, candy and bhujia, were found among products intended for sale. The expired products were seized and destroyed on-site by the department. The inspection also revealed serious sanitation-related shortcomings at the facility. Traces of spit containing paan masala and zarda were found around the dark store and cold room, while dirt and spit marks were observed on the walls. Several iron racks used for storing food products were also found to be broken, dirty and rusted. The officials directed the store management to take immediate corrective measures and ensure proper food storage, temperature control and sanitation. To assess the quality and safety of food products, the central team collected samples of Pintola peanut butter and honey in the presence of store manager Kailash Chand Meena. The samples have been sent to the State Central Food Laboratory for analysis. If the laboratory reports indicate adulteration or establish that the products do not conform to the prescribed standards, legal action will be taken against the concerned firm under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act. Joint Commissioner Vijay Prakash Sharma issued a notice to the dark store operator and directed immediate improvements in food storage, temperature control and sanitation systems. According to officials, around 500 orders are delivered daily from the facility. The Food Safety and Drug Control Department has reiterated that compliance with food safety and hygiene standards is mandatory for all stores and warehouses involved in the online supply and delivery of food products. The department said strict action will be taken against establishments found violating prescribed food safety standards and that enforcement drives will continue across Rajasthan under the 'Shuddh Aahar Milawat Par Vaar' campaign.
Raj civic polls: Notice issued to Cong leader over his remarks on transgender candidate
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 10 (IANS) Political tensions have intensified in Lalsot in Rajasthan's Dausa district, after former state Minister and Congress leader Parsadi Lal Meena allegedly made controversial remarks about a transgender candidate during the ongoing municipal council election campaign. Taking cognisance of a statement circulating on social media, Returning Officer Vijendra Kumar Meena has issued a notice to Meena for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct. The former minister has been directed to appear in person and submit an explanation. The notice states that failure to respond within the stipulated time could lead to unilateral action. Election Officer Vijendra Kumar Meena said the notice has been served and that the response will be examined before further action is taken as per the rules. During a public meeting held in support of the Congress candidate for Ward 1, Parsadi Lal Meena reportedly referred to Meenu Kinnar, the BJP candidate from Ward 34, and said that if she won the election, it would be a blot on Lalsot and that the ward would become known as a Kinnar ward. Appealing to voters not to elect Meenu, he reportedly said that the role of members of the transgender community was to serve people and offer blessings rather than contest elections. He also appealed to Meenu Kinnar to withdraw from the electoral contest. Ward 34 has emerged as a key point of discussion in the Lalsot municipal elections after the BJP fielded Meenu Kinnar as its candidate. Her entry into the electoral race has turned the ward into one of the closely watched contests in the town. Reacting to the remarks, Meenu Kinnar released a video in which she asked, What is my fault in being born a Kinnar? She said that she is also a human being and that contesting elections is a right available to everyone. Appealing to Parsadi Lal Meena with folded hands, she urged him not to make such remarks. She added that the transgender community and residents of the locality are like her family. Lalsot MLA Ramvilas Meena condemned the former ministers statement. He said the BJP had fielded Meenu Bua-ji, whom he described as a respected and dedicated member of the transgender community, as its candidate for the Lalsot Municipal Council election. The MLA alleged that frustration over the election could be behind the former ministers remarks and said it was deeply shameful to use derogatory language against Meenu and the residents of the ward who had chosen to support her.
A viral X post details a Bihar couple's search for their two missing sons. The parents disguised themselves as beggars and traveled across several Indian states. They left their jobs and normal lives to search for the children for months. The elder son was reportedly found in Bikaner, Rajasthan, after following clues. The younger son was later located in Howrah, West Bengal, reuniting the family.
'Not A Gangster Song': Rapperiya Balam Says Mirzapur Film Makers Have 'Insulted' Maharana Pratap
This song has been misused. It is an insult to the entire country, an insult to Rajasthan, and an insult to Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap ji, Rapperiya Balam told NDTV
'Mirzapur The Movie' faces flak over song on Maharana Pratap
Senior BJP leader Rajendra Rathore has formally objected to the use of a song dedicated to Maharana Pratap in Mirzapur The Movie, demanding its removal from the Central Board of Film Certification. Rathore argues that using the historical song in a scene with criminal characters disrespects Maharana Pratap and hurts public sentiments. The song's composer, Rapperiya Balam, also claims it was used without his permission and that its placement glorifies villains, insulting Rajasthan and Maharana Pratap.
Shoorveer in Mirzapur: Rajasthan BJP leader seeks songs removal over Maharana Pratap link
Remove Shoorveer song from Mirzapur The Movie: Rajasthan BJP leader writes to censor board
He also urged the board to ensure that songs, symbols and references associated with historical personalities are not used in a manner that could hurt public sentiments.
The first phase of Rajasthans local body elections saw a 76.41% turnout, with Arnod leading at 91.98%. Phase two voting is set for tomorrow. Rajasthan Local Body Elections: Arnod Records Highest Voter Turnout in Phase One, Phase Two Voting Tomorrow
CURAJ Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline for Sports Manager, Consultant and More Posts
Central University of Rajasthan (CURAJ) has published the Recruitment 2026 notification for 3 vacancies, including Sports Manager, Store In-Charge, and Consultant (Store) posts. Eligible candidates can submit their offline applications up to 10 October 2026. The prescribed application form and detailed notification are available on the official website, CURAJ.
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 10 (IANS) The second phase of polling for Rajasthans Urban Local Body elections will be held on Friday, as the State Election Commission moves ahead with the next phase of the polls being conducted under the 'One State, One Election' initiative. The first phase of polling, held on September 9, was completed peacefully across 162 Urban Local Bodies, with an overall voter turnout of 76.41 per cent. The elections to 309 Urban Local Bodies in Rajasthan, including 10 Municipal Corporations, 47 Municipal Councils and 252 Municipalities, are being conducted in two phases. A total of 5,393 wards went to polls in the first phase. Of the 57,52,280 registered voters, 43,95,488 voters exercised their franchise, resulting in a voter turnout of 76.41 per cent. The first phase covered 4 Municipal Corporations, 27 Municipal Councils and 131 Municipalities. A total of 7,683 polling booths were established for the first phase, with 20,623 candidates in the electoral contest. The State Election Commission said polling for the member posts in all 162 Urban Local Bodies was conducted peacefully. The highest voter turnout in the first phase was recorded in Arnod Nagar Palika of Pratapgarh, where polling percentage reached 91.98 per cent. The high turnout reflected strong voter participation in the Urban Local Body elections. The lowest voter turnout was recorded in Bhilwara Nagar Nigam. The Municipal Corporation has 70 wards and a total of 2,96,682 registered voters. Of these, 1,89,390 voters cast their votes, resulting in a turnout of 63.84 per cent. The first phase also included 73 newly constituted Urban Local Bodies, where elections were being held for the first time. The remaining 89 Urban Local Bodies had witnessed general elections previously. In the last general elections held in these 89 bodies, voter turnout stood at 74.76 per cent. The 76.41 per cent turnout recorded in the first phase of the 2026 elections is higher than the turnout recorded in the previous general elections in these 89 Urban Local Bodies. With the first phase completed, attention now turns to the second and final phase of polling on September 11. The State Election Commission has completed preparations for the second phase, with polling arrangements being put in place across the Urban Local Bodies going to the polls. The elections form part of the statewide exercise to conduct Urban Local Body polls under the 'One State, One Election' framework. The Commission has reiterated its focus on ensuring that polling is conducted peacefully, transparently and in an orderly manner. Following completion of polling in both phases, the electoral process will proceed towards the counting of votes and subsequent stages of the Urban Local Body elections as per the notified schedule.
Raj civic polls: BJP expels seven more rebel leaders for six years; number goes to 48
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 10 (IANS) The BJP has expelled seven more rebel candidates who are contesting as Independents against the partys official nominees in the Rajasthan civic body elections. The leaders have been removed from the partys primary membership for six years. The latest action includes five rebels from the Ajmer Municipal Corporation and one each from the Jaitaran and Mundwa municipalities. The BJP had earlier expelled 41 leaders on September 7, taking the total number of leaders expelled so far to 48. BJP State General Secretary Shravan Singh Bagdi issued the expulsion order, stating that the leaders were contesting as Independents against the partys official candidates. The party termed the move an act of indiscipline and said the action was taken under the instructions of State President Madan Rathore. From the Ajmer Municipal Corporation, Arun Sharma (Ward 38), Neetu Mishra (Ward 41), Seema Goswami (Ward 52), Ruby Jain (Ward 74) and Dharmendra Singh Chauhan Pancham (Ward 75) have been expelled for six years. Several of those expelled have previously held party or elected positions. Seema Goswami is a former district president of the Ajmer City Mahila Morcha, while Arun Sharma is a former Mandal president. Rakesh Solanki, a former councillor contesting from Ward 17 of Jaitaran Municipality, has also been expelled from the party. The BJP has also taken action against Lakshmi Narayan Mundel, former state secretary of the Kisan Morcha, who is contesting from Ward 8 of Mundwa Municipality in Nagaur district. The BJP has maintained that contesting against an official party candidate, supporting a rebel candidate or otherwise working against the partys authorised nominees constitutes anti-organisational activity and gross indiscipline. Before the latest action, the BJP had expelled 41 office-bearers and party workers from its primary membership for six years. The action was taken against leaders who contested as Independents against official candidates, supported rebel candidates or fielded family members against party nominees. The largest number of expulsions in the earlier list came from Jaipur, where 26 leaders and party workers were removed from the party. The BJPs successive expulsion orders underline the party leaderships effort to enforce discipline during the Rajasthan civic body elections and prevent rebel candidates from affecting the prospects of its official nominees.
Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati sworn in as Chief Justice of J&K, Ladakh HC
Srinagar, Sep 09: Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati wason Wednesday sworn in as the new Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakhat a ceremony held at the SKUAST-Kashmir campus in Shuhama, Ganderbal. The oath of office was administered to Justice Bhati by Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, whois also holdingthe additional charge of Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, National Conference president and former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, Speaker of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather, members of the Council of Ministers, judges of the HighCourt, senior civil administration officialsand police officers. With theassumption of office, Justice Bhati has taken charge of the common High Court serving the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. His appointment comes at a significant juncture in the judicial administration of the two Union Territories, which continue to share a common High Court following the reorganisation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The ceremony brought together the top leadership of the Union Territories, the judiciary and the civil and police administration, marking the formal beginning of Justice Bhatis tenure as head of the High Court. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena congratulated Justice Bhati on his appointment and extended his best wishes for a successful tenure ahead. Justice Bhati succeeds as the head of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh after serving as a judge of the Rajasthan High Court. His elevation tothe position ofChief Justice places him at the helm of the judicial institution responsible for adjudicating cases from both Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The High Court continues to play a central role in matters concerning constitutional rights, civil and criminal cases, public interest litigation and other legal disputes arising across the two Union Territories. The appointment and swearing-in also assumes importance in the context of the evolving administrative and judicial framework of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh after the reorganisation of the erstwhile state in 2019. The presence of senior political leaders, judges and top officials at the ceremony underlined the importance attached to the transition and the role of the judiciary in ensuring access to justice and upholding the rule of law in the two Union Territories. Justice Bhati will now preside over the functioning of the High Court and oversee its judicial and administrative responsibilities during his tenure as Chief Justice.
Petrol Price Today: Rajasthan Fuel Rate at 113.46, Check the 10-Day Price Trend Before Refuelling
Petrol prices remain an important concern for motorists as fluctuations in the international energy market continue to influence fuel costs. With geopolitical tensions in the Middle East affecting global crude oil markets, consumers are closely watching petrol and diesel rates to understand how chan...
Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with a severe crisis of educated unemployment. The worst affected are the youth, many of whom are slipping into depression for want of timely job opportunities. Through this Op-Ed, I wish to bring some genuine concerns to the notice of the Honble Lieutenant Governor-led UT Administration. Since Jammu and Kashmir is a Union Territory, the youth have more expectations from the Raj Bhavan than anywhere else. The issue of age limit in JKAS As per SRO 103 of 2018, which governs the J&K Combined Competitive Examination, the upper age limit for Open Merit (OM) candidates is 32 years, 34 years for reserved and in-service candidates, and 35 years for physically challenged candidates. This is arguably the lowest upper age limit for any State Civil Services Examination in the country. For comparison, the upper age limit is 42 years in Haryana, 40 years in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, and 37 years in Punjab. The UT Government itself gave one-time relaxation up to 37 years in the past, which shows the need for a permanent solution. Recently, in February 2026, the Government informed the Legislative Assembly that the proposal to enhance the upper age limit is under examination. To end this annual distress and uncertainty, there is a need for a permanent solution under Article 309 of the Constitution. I humbly request the LG Administration to enhance the upper age limit for JKAS (OM) to 40 years, at par with other states. An officer selected at 40 will be more mature, knowledgeable and dedicated. While his service tenure will be shorter, his commitment to the system will be far greater. Need for yearly recruitment in education sector The problem is more acute for science stream students. In J&K, there is virtually no private sector for them. The only viable career option is in the education sector as 10+2 Lecturer or Assistant Professor. However, these posts are advertised almost once in ten years. By the time they are advertised, a student who completed post-graduation between 2016 and 2020 has already become overage and cannot even compete. This is how an entire generation has become overage without getting a single fair chance. As per Article 320 of the Constitution and Section 93 of the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, JKPSC is mandated to conduct recruitment. The General Administration Department has also instructed all departments to refer vacancies to PSC/SSB by January 15 every year, but the instruction is not being followed in letter and spirit. The JKPSC should adopt a yearly recruitment calendar on the directions of the LG Administration. Even if there are only two vacancies in a subject, the posts of Lecturer and Assistant Professor should be advertised every year. This will give hope to the youth, keep them engaged with academics, help the UT get quality academicians and protect youth from depression. Need to Amend SRO 481 At present, under the J&K School Education (Gazetted) Service Recruitment Rules, 2010 issued vide SRO 481, posts of Headmaster, Zonal Education Officer (ZEO), Principal and Chief Education Officer (CEO) are filled 100% by promotion. This has resulted in a culture of in-charge arrangements, with hundreds of schools and zones remaining headless for years. The LG Administration should amend SRO 481 and earmark at least 25% quota for direct recruitment through JKPSC for these posts. This would involve no financial burden but will help create a dedicated and qualified J&K Education Service cadre for the largest department of J&K, besides creating employment opportunities for highly qualified youth. These reforms involve no additional financial burden on the exchequer, but they will go a long way in securing the future of thousands of educated youth in Jammu and Kashmir. I humbly request the Honble Lieutenant Governor to kindly consider these suggestions in the larger interest of the educated youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
Srinagar, Sep 9:Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati was sworn in as the 39th Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at a solemn function held at SKUAST, Srinagar, on Wednesday. The oath of office was administered to Justice Bhati by Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh with additional charge of Jammu and Kashmir. The proceedings were conducted by Shashanka Ala, Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, Ladakh, while the Warrant of Appointment of the Chief Justice was read out by M K Sharma, Registrar General, High Court of J&K and Ladakh. The occasion was graced by the Chief Minister of J&K, Judges of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh along with their spouses, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Advisor to Chief Minister of J&K, Chairperson J&K Waqf Board, State Election Commissioner, former Chief Justices and Judges of the High Court and a distinguished gathering representing the judiciary, Bar, civil and police administration, and academia. A large number of sitting and former Chief Justices and Judges from several High Courts across the country, particularly from Rajasthan besides the High Courts of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Allahabad, attended the event. The presence of Justice Nupur Bhati, Judge of the Rajasthan High Court and spouse of the Chief Justice, his parents, close relatives and other family members added special significance to the occasion. Among other dignitaries present were the Chief Secretary, J&K; Director General of Police of J&K; Commissioners Secretaries to Government of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Vice Chancellors of universities; Members of the Central Administrative Tribunal besides Executive Members of the Kashmir Advocates Association and the J&K High Court Bar Association, Jammu; Law Officers of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh; Judicial Officers, and officers of the High Court Registry. A sizeable representation of senior advocates, government advocates and other members of the Bar from Rajasthan besides staff members and other distinguished guests, also attended the event. The Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, issued the notification regarding the appointment of Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati as Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on September 5, 2026. Born on September 21, 1970, Justice Bhati enrolled as an Advocate in 1992 and practised primarily before the Rajasthan High Court at Jodhpur, acquiring extensive experience in diverse areas of law. These included constitutional and writ jurisdiction, service matters, public interest litigation, election, revenue, mining, education, Panchayati Raj, family and criminal law. Before his elevation as a Judge of the Rajasthan High Court on November 16, 2016, Justice Bhati served as Additional Advocate General for the State of Rajasthan from October 13, 2008 to December 29, 2008, and again from January 6, 2014. During his distinguished career at the Bar, Justice Bhati was elected as Member of the Bar Council of Rajasthan for the period 2009-2015. He also served as President of the Rajasthan High Court Lawyers Association from 2011 to 2013 and as General Secretary of the Rajasthan High Court Advocates Association in 2001. Justice Bhati holds BA, LLB and LLM in Mercantile Law besides a PhD. He served as Visiting Faculty at the Faculty of Law, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, for 19 years from 1997 to 2016 and as Visiting Faculty at National Law University, Jodhpur, for one year. He is also a Member of the Executive Committee of the Rajasthan Chapter of the Indian Law Institute.
Rajasthans CM Bhajanlal Sharma announces government efforts to tackle Love Jihad and improve state infrastructure during a campaign rally. Rajasthan Government Claims Success in Combating Love Jihad Issues, Says Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma
NGT directs Rajasthan to impose fines on illegal scrap furnaces
Northern Coalfields ramps up coal production after rains ease
Northern Coalfields Limited has boosted coal output and deliveries significantly. This increase follows the easing of monsoon rains, aiding supply chains. Power plants in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan are now receiving more coal. NCL has produced over fifty-one million tonnes of coal this year. Approximately eighty-seven percent of these supplies are directed to the power sector.
Peaceful Voting in Rajasthans Khairthal-Tijara Municipal Elections
The Khairthal-Tijara municipal elections in Rajasthan saw a voter turnout of 80.25%, with peaceful polling reported across three councils. Peaceful Voting in Rajasthans Khairthal-Tijara Municipal Elections
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 9 (IANS) Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday stated that one should refrain from engaging in linguistic politics while asserting that equal importance is given to non-Marathi speakers in the state. His reaction comes after the state government mandated working knowledge of Marathi for all auto-rickshaw, taxi, and app-based cab drivers, while granting them a one-year extension to learn the language. Speaking exclusively to IANS, Sarnaik emphasised that the language should be taught to the drivers with affection and not by using violence. Trying to achieve results through violence, intimidation, or brandishing sticks will only intimidate poor people and drive them away, while upsetting 98 per cent of the population. One shouldn't engage in linguistic politics; rather, we should love, respect, and elevate Marathi identity. No one in this country has the right to force people through coercion, and we strongly oppose such methods. He said that 20,000 auto-rickshaw drivers across Borivali and Dahisar were felicitated after they learned the Marathi language and that another event will be held on September 12 to facilitate 7000 others. While acknowledging that Marathi, Hindi, and English are equally spoken in the state, the Maharashtra Minister said: If someone communicates with me in Hindi, I converse with them in the same language. We can frame rules for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers; however, we cannot force an actor, a cricketer, or a random passerby to speak in Marathi. We can only request them to do so. In my constituency itself, about 50 per cent are Hindi-speaking people; I share the same bond with them as with Marathis. Despite being Marathi leaders, we have created the 'Uttar Bharatiya Bhawan' and even Maithili Samaj Bhawan and Rajasthani Samaj Bhawan, he said while stressing equal importance for all communities in the state. He clarified that the issue of speaking in Marathi was raised not just for the language, but for the state's identity and Marathi culture. However, he maintained: I don't work for Hindi-speaking or Marathi-speaking votes; rather, I go to my constituency taking up the matter of development. Asserting that Maharashtra's vote bank doesn't belong to any particular party, Sarnaik stated: Marathi voters are distributed across all parties. They are in Congress, in BJP, in Shiv Sena, in the UBT faction, in MNS, and in different factions of RPI as well. Sarnaik also spoke about the controversy over a viral video from a recent 'Dahi Handi' event in Mumbai. The row erupted after the Minister asked actor Sanjay Dutt to speak in Marathi while attending a Dahi Handi event, to which the latter had replied: I spent six years in Yerwada Jail, yet I could not learn Marathi. Several guests, including Suniel Shetty, Sanjay Dutt, Suryakumar Yadav, and singer Badshah, attended the event. All of them spoke in Marathi. Sanjay Dutt greeted the audience in Marathi. Afterwards, he jokingly told me, 'Pratap Bhai, I can only speak this much Marathi. I spent years in jail but couldn't learn Marathi, yet you managed to make me speak it today.' That should have been a matter of pride. But only the part where he said he couldn't learn Marathi despite being in jail went viral. Nobody highlighted Suniel Shetty saying that to live and work in Mumbai, one must learn Marathi because it's a beautiful language. No one highlighted Suryakumar Yadav speaking in Marathi or Badshah singing a song in Marathi. Instead of focusing on those positive moments, only the clip of Sanjay Dutt talking about his jail time and how I made him speak Marathi was highlighted, the minister claimed.
Ongoing Investigation into Sexual Assault Case of Toddler in Kota, Rajasthan
Police in Kota are examining DNA samples and CCTV footage in the case of a three-year-old girl allegedly sexually assaulted. Ongoing Investigation into Sexual Assault Case of Toddler in Kota, Rajasthan
Freed Rajasthan from 'Love Jihad', says CM Bhajan Lal Sharma (Ld)
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 9 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said on Wednesday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government had worked to get rid of the problem of love jihad in the state, including Jaipur, and highlighted the state government's measures against forced religious conversions. He also noted that the state government had brought the Disturbed Area Bill to prevent what he described as forced migration and assured people that there was no need to fear. Chief Minister Sharma made the remarks while conducting a grand roadshow from Sanganeri Gate to Tripolia Gate in Jaipur in support of BJP candidates on the last day of campaigning for the Municipal Corporation elections. The Chief Minister said that incidents that he described as love jihad had taken place during the previous Ashok Gehlot-led state government and claimed that the present BJP government had brought legislation against religious conversions. Referring to the Disturbed Area Bill, Chief Minister Sharma said it had been brought to prevent forced migration in areas within the walled city and to protect residents. He added that the people should not be afraid and warned that anyone causing trouble to the common people would face legal action and could be sent to jail. The Chief Minister said the previous Ashok Gehlot-led state government had created two municipal corporations each in Jaipur, Jodhpur and Kota, which he alleged was done on the basis of appeasement. He said the present BJP government had restored the one city-one corporation system in all three cities. Taking a jibe at Congress leaders, Chief Minister Sharma said they (Congress leaders) had earlier claimed that the BJP would not be able to implement One State, One Election. He added that the ongoing local body elections showed that the state government was successfully carrying forward the electoral process. Chief Minister Sharma said that Rajasthan had been progressing continuously over the past two-and-a-half years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He added that several projects that had remained pending for decades were now being taken forward. Highlighting water projects, the Chief Minister said the state government had taken steps to strengthen water availability across the state through the Ramjal Setu Link Project and the Yamuna Water Agreement. He noted that Rs 5,500 crore had been provided for the Indira Gandhi Canal and Ganganahar projects. He also highlighted the Rs 10,500-crore Dewas Project, Rs 4,500-crore Som-Kamla-Amba project, Rs 4,500-crore Mahi Dam Project and Rs 2,500-crore Brahmani River Project. The Chief Minister said that Rajasthan was moving towards becoming a power-surplus state. He claimed that electricity generation had increased from 3,900 MW during the previous Congress government to 12,000 MW during the first two-and-a-half years of the present BJP government. Commenting on employment, Chief Minister Sharma said that 1,89,000 appointment letters had been issued during the current BJP government's tenure, recruitment for 1,22,000 posts was underway and vacancies for another 70,000 posts had been created. He alleged that paper leaks had taken place during the previous Congress government and said more than 600 people allegedly linked to paper-leak cases had been sent to jail after the BJP government came to power in Rajasthan. He claimed that around 450 examinations had been conducted during the present BJP government's tenure without a single paper leak. The Chief Minister also accused the Congress of repeatedly misleading people over the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) and the Yamuna water agreement. Referring to the Jaipur Metro, Chief Minister Sharma said the previous Congress government had developed around five km of Metro connectivity, while the present BJP government had taken the network beyond 41 km. He norted that further expansion would strengthen Jaipur's traffic and public transport system. The Chief Minister assured party workers and public representatives that issues raised by them would be addressed, saying the current BJP government remained connected with the people and regularly listened to their concerns. He said that with BJP-led civic bodies and panchayats forming the riple-engine government alongside the state and Central governments, local governance would be strengthened and development would accelerate. Chief Minister Sharma added that this would help realise the vision of a developed Jaipur, a developed Rajasthan and a developed India. He appealed to voters to support BJP candidates in the urban local body elections across Rajasthan. The Chief Minister began the roadshow after offering prayers at the Hanuman Ji Temple at Sanganeri Gate. Officials of the Jaipur Trade Board welcomed him during the programme. State BJP President Madan Rathore, National General Secretary Harish Dwivedi, National Minister Rohan Gupta, BJP MP Manju Sharma, District President Amit Goyal, BJP MLAs Kalicharan Saraf, Balmukund Acharya and Gopal Sharma, former State President Ashok Parnami, along with other party leaders, office-bearers and workers, participated in the roadshow.
Centre to roll out new law to protect farmers from fake seeds
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 9 (IANS) The Centre is preparing to introduce a new Seed Act aimed at protecting the countrys farmers from the losses caused by fake and substandard seeds by incorporating more stringent punishment for culprits indulging in malpractices, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday. The proposed Seed Act is expected to provide for more stringent legal action against companies and traders involved in the sale of fake, adulterated or substandard seeds, including heavy penalties and imprisonment, it said. Before finalising the proposed legislation, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will hold a high-level consultation with senior leaders of major farmer organisations from across the country on Thursday at Krishi Bhawan in the national capital. The consultation, convened by the minister, is aimed at incorporating farmers ground-level suggestions and concerns directly into the draft seed legislation. The government intends to build a robust and effective regulatory framework to curb the activities of seed mafias and protect farmers from fraudulent and poor-quality seeds, the statement said. Poor-quality seeds can wipe out months of a farmers hard-earned income and years of effort and labour. The governments stated position is that the new law must ensure the highest standards of seed quality and a transparent, end-to-end traceability system, while also safeguarding farmers rights over traditional seeds. The consultation on Thursday will bring farmer representatives together from across the country. Senior leadership of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, various factions of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), the All India Kisan Coordination Committee (AIKCC), the Kisan Mahapanchayat, the Bharatiya Krishak Samaj, the Gaon Kisan Unnayan, and the Society for Independent Farmers Association (SIFA) will participate in the meeting. Ground-level farmer representatives from several states will also put forward their views before the Union Agriculture Minister. These include representatives of the Karnataka Raitha Sangha, the Telangana Raitha Sangha, Maharashtras Shetkari Organisation, Gujarats Khedut Samaj, the National Kisan Progressive Association from Rajasthan and Bihar, Tamil Nadus Vivasayigal Sangam, Jharkhands Pragatisheel Krishi Manch, and a farmers organisation from Kottayam in Kerala, among others. The consultation, being held ahead of the upcoming Parliament session, is expected to mark a significant step towards creating a stronger regulatory framework and protecting Indian agriculture from the persistent threat of fake and substandard seeds, the statement added.
Weather Tomorrow: Areas such as Bihar and Odisha are particularly warned of heavy precipitation, while Delhi-NCR and Rajasthan will experience warmer, dry conditions. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand might face scattered rain and thunderstorms across multiple districts.
Kota child molestation case: DNA samples, CCTV footage examined to identify suspect
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 9 (IANS) Police are examining DNA samples, forensic evidence and CCTV footage in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of a three-year-old girl in Rajasthan's Kota, as investigators work to identify the suspected accused. The child's young age has made it difficult for her to provide details of the incident, prompting police to rely on scientific and other corroborative evidence. A highly sensitive case involving the alleged sexual abuse of a three-year-old girl has come to light in Kota district. Following a complaint by the child's family, police have registered a case under the POCSO Act and other relevant sections and launched an investigation. Given the child's young age, she is reportedly unable to clearly describe what happened. Investigators are therefore relying on medical examination findings, DNA samples, CCTV footage and other forensic evidence to identify the suspected accused. The alleged incident came to light after the family took the child to a paediatrician when she fell ill. During the examination, the doctor noticed pain and swelling around the child's waist and genital area and suspected possible sexual assault. The doctor subsequently informed the family, following which they approached the police. A formal complaint was then registered and an investigation was initiated. Kota City Superintendent of Police Tejaswini Gautam said that a case has been registered under the POCSO Act and other applicable provisions. The investigation is being conducted under the supervision of Mukesh Sankhla, Additional Superintendent of Police of the Women's Harassment Investigation Cell. According to the family, the child generally stays at home and attends only a play school located near their residence. Based on this information, police have collected DNA samples from certain male staff members of the school as well as other relevant individuals. An FSL (Forensic Science Laboratory) team has also examined the relevant location and collected evidence as part of the investigation. Police are examining the forensic evidence and DNA samples to determine whether they match any of the individuals under suspicion. CCTV footage from the area is also being reviewed to establish the child's movements and identify anyone who may have come into contact with her. The investigation is ongoing, and police are yet to confirm the identity of the accused. Further details are expected once the forensic and other evidence is analysed.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved its verdict in the long-standing dispute between the Shwetambar and Digambar sects of the Jain community concerning the management and administration of the historic Mahaveer Ji Jain Temple in Rajasthan. A Bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice K Vinod Chandran concluded the hearing and directed the parties to [] The post Supreme Court reserves verdict in Shwetambar-Digambar dispute over Mahaveer Ji Jain temple management appeared first on India Legal .
EVM glitches, 'fake' voting complaints during Rajasthan civic polls; turnout crosses 50% by 1 pm
EVM glitches disrupted polling at several places in Rajasthan on Wednesday. Voters lined up to elect councillors in the first phase of urban local body elections. 50.38% turnout was recorded till 1 pm by officials. Complaints of alleged fake voting also emerged from various districts. Polling began at 7 am and will continue until 6 pm.
Every fourth Jan Dhan account inactive, reflects failure of Modi govt's policies: Gehlot
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot stated that many Jan Dhan Yojana accounts remain inactive. He alleged that flawed government policies are increasing poverty across the nation. Gehlot pointed to 5.72 crore accounts holding no money as evidence. He mentioned that the gap between the rich and poor is widening significantly. Gehlot urged the central government to address this growing inequality.
Download Your Rajasthan SET 2026 Admit Card Now
The Rajasthan State Eligibility Test (SET) 2026 admit cards are now available for download. Candidates can access their hall tickets through the Rajasthan State Recruitment Portal or the SSO ID portal. This article provides detailed instructions on how to download the admit card using two different methods. Additionally, it outlines the exam schedule, including the date and subjects covered. Stay informed and ensure you have your admit card ready for the upcoming exam.
Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati sworn in as Chief Justice of J&K and Ladakh HC
Digital Desk | Srinagar, Sep 9 (IANS) Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court on Wednesday, with Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena administering the oath of office at the Shalimar Auditorium of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Kashmir. Vinai Kumar Saxena, who is discharging the functions of the J&K Lieutenant Governor during the leave of Manoj Sinha, administered the oath to Justice Bhati. The ceremony began with the rendition of the national song, followed by the National Anthem. The Registrar General of the High Court read out the President's warrant of appointment before the oath was administered. Justice Bhati and the Lieutenant Governor subsequently signed the oath roll, after which the warrant of appointment was formally handed over to the new Chief Justice. The function concluded with the national song and the National Anthem. Among those present on the occasion were Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather, senior judges of the High Court, Cabinet ministers, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, and other senior civil and police officials. Born on September 21, 1970, Justice Bhati served as a judge of the Rajasthan High Court before his elevation as Chief Justice of the J&K and Ladakh High Court. He holds degrees in law, including an LL.M. in Mercantile Law and a Ph.D. focusing on public employment and the role of the Supreme Court of India. Justice Bhati enrolled as an advocate in 1992 and practised for nearly 25 years before the Rajasthan High Court, handling matters relating to writ jurisdiction, criminal law, public interest litigation and revenue law. During his legal career, he served as Additional Advocate General for Rajasthan and was Standing Counsel for the Indian Railways for 16 years. He was appointed an Additional Judge of the Rajasthan High Court on November 16, 2016, and became a permanent judge on March 16, 2018.
Ashok Gehlot predicts Congress win in Rajasthan civic polls
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