PV Sindhu and Venkata Datta Sai to exchange vows at this palatial Udaipur resort?

Indian badminton star PV Sindhu will marry Hyderabad-based businessman Venkata Datta Sai on December 22, 2024, in an intimate ceremony at Rajasthans luxurious Raffles Udaipur Resort. The couple announced their engagement on December 14 with a joyful Instagram post showcasing their rings and radiant smiles, capturing the special moment.

Delhi-Mumbai Expressway faces another delay, full completion now expected in...

The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is partially operational. The first section, connecting Sohna in Haryana to Dausa in Rajasthan, was opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2023.

IIT-JEE aspirant from Bihar allegedly dies by suicide in Rajasthan's Kota, fan in room had anti-hanging device

The boy, hailing from Vaishali district in Bihar, was found hanging in his hostel room on Friday. He had been residing at Welcome Prime Hostel for the past eight months to pursue his studies.

RPSC Senior Teacher 2024 exam dates announced, admit cards to release on Dec 25: Check complete schedule here

RPSC Senior Teacher 2024 exam date: The Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) announced the Senior Teacher (Sanskrit Education) Competitive Exam 2024 dates. The exam will be held from December 28th to 31st, 2024, with two shifts daily. Admit cards will be available from December 25th on rpsc.rajasthan.gov.in. Candidates can also check their exam district details on the website.

Car flips 8 times on Rajasthan highway, passengers escape unhurt in shocking video

The SUV, which had five passengers on board, was speeding on the highway when the driver seemingly lost control while navigating a turn.

Tamil Nadu supports proposal to reduce the GST rate on gene therapy

State Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu emphasised the view of Tamil Nadu at the GST council meeting held in Jaisalmar, Rajasthan

Love-all start: Sindhu-Sai set for match close to heart

HYDERABAD: There is always a sprinkling of condiments to add flavour to a celebrity marriage. The brouhaha it generates is sometimes bewildering. When P V Sindhu announced her engagement and marriage to a Hyderabad entrepreneur, interest grew as date of marriage neared, especially surrounding the identity of her to-be-husband Venkata Datta Sai. As Udaipur gets decked up for the marriage on Sunday, Sindhu would be ready for a different match. Something close to her heart and soul. As the two went about inviting guests, the man who stole Sindhus heart was in the limelight as well. Sai is a Hyderabad-based IT professional and Executive Director at Posidex Technologies. His father G T Venkateshwar Rao is the managing director at the same company. The two families are friends and have known each other for a long time, Sindhus father P V Ramana told this newspaper over the phone from Udaipur. He explained that the pre-and-post wedding dates have been finalised keeping in mind the next season. He is an avid sports follower and an active supporter. Who doesnt follow sports these days? asked Ramana. Sais career has been equally dynamic and has a sporting touch too. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance and a Masters degree in Data Science and Machine Learning from the International Institute of Information Technology, Bengaluru. Sai began at JSW as an intern and later worked as an in-house consultant (2018-19). He then became the managing director of Sour Apple Asset Management while also contributing to Posidex since December 2019. Sai also managed the Delhi IPL team. Reflecting on the experience, Sai writes: My BBA in finance and economics pales in comparison to managing an IPL team... Match, court, love the words Sindhu would have grown up hearing will now be part of her life when she ties the knot in a royal wedding apparently with Rajasthani flavour in Udaipur the venue of many a high-profile destination weddings. A reception is slated in Hyderabad a couple of days later.

Mein pleads for alternative funding mechanism in Arunachal

ITANAGAR, Dec 21: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has requested the Centre for alternative funding mechanisms to the state to harness the benefits of both financial assistance and technical expertise. Attending the pre-Budget consultative meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan on Friday, Mein who also holds the []

Thankfully, it was not taken up: Omar on proposed GST hike on Kashmiri Shawl

Jaisalmer: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah clarified that the proposed GST hike for the Kashmir Shawl was not taken up during the 55th meeting of the GST council. The 55th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council was held in Jaisalmer of Rajasthan on Saturday. The meeting was chaired by Finance []

Debtors sell girl for Rs 3 lakh to recover money from dad

Gujarat police arrested three loan sharks. The accused abducted a seven-year-old girl. They sold the girl in Rajasthan. The girl's father owed them money. He could not repay the inflated debt. The loan sharks forced him to sign blank papers. Police are searching for the girl. They are investigating the use of the blank papers.

Rajasthani Association Tamil Nadu launches Rajasthani-Tamil Seva Awards

The award, carrying a cash prize of Rs.2 lakh, a trophy, and a citation, will be presented on March 16 to individuals and organisations making significant contributions to Tamil Nadus welfare and progress

Rajasthan tanker explosion: Toll hits 13 as 2 more die during treatment

A deadly LPG tanker explosion in Jaipur, India, following a collision with a truck, claimed 13 lives, including two more on Saturday. Eleven people died on Friday, with four initially unidentified. Twenty-six remain hospitalized, several critically injured with severe burns and lung damage from the toxic fumes. Doctors are battling to stabilize the survivors.

CM pledges to protect Kashmirs Pashmina shawl from GST hike

Jaisalmer, Dec 21: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah expressed his commitment to safeguarding the regions iconic Pashmina shawl industry during the 55th meeting of the GST Council held in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan on Saturday. Omar while speaking to reporters after the meeting said the primary concern of his administration was to prevent any potential [] The post CM pledges to protect Kashmirs Pashmina shawl from GST hike appeared first on Northlines .

Bukhari urges GST Council to reject 28% hike on textiles

Srinagar, Dec 21: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) president Altaf Bukhari made a fervent appeal to the GST Council, which convened its 55th meeting in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan under the leadership of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to reject the proposed GST hike of up to 28% on textiles. Highlighting the potential impact of the []

Excise officials, police out to trap drug peddlers and NY revellers

Hyderabad: Around 40 SIT teams formed by the state excise police, armed with 500 new drug detection kits, will maintain strict vigil on drug consumers, trafficking of banned substances and high-level sale across the state on New Year eve. The SIT teams are likely to make surprise checks in all areas under the GHMC jurisdiction till December 31. As part of this drive, they have been conducting checks on those coming from Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. They are also conducting regular checks in trains coming from Rajasthan, Delhi, Punjab and Haryana, sources in the excise department said. Strong cases will be registered against all those consuming NDPS drugs and non-duty paid liquor in private or public parties, said V. B. Kamalasan Reddy, director of enforcement prohibition and excise, TG. He said that they will be conducting narco tests on suspects using a special drug detection kit box, which will be the first time the TG excise department will be using such narco kits. Apart from this, the excise department is maintaining surveillance on vehicle movements to trap those transporting non-duty paid liquor and drugs from other states.

Bhatti seeks Centres nod for 1% cess on B2B deals

Hyderabad: Finance minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka urged the Centre to permit to levy one per cent cess on B2B transactions in the state under GST to meet the expenses for rehabilitation and reconstruction due to recent floods. He pointed out that neighbouring Andhra Pradesh also made a similar request. On the recommendation of the GST council, the matter has been referred to a group of ministers (GoM), in which Telangana has also been included. Taking part in the 55th meeting of the council chaired by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitaraman at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, Bhatti Vikramarka proposed to set up a committee of officers. It was immediately constituted by the council to examine the issue of applicable rate of tax on delivery services by delivery partners, including the restaurant services, through electronic commerce operators. The officers of Telangana have also been included in the committee. It was proposed that aviation turbine fuel (ATF) be brought under the tax net of GST. It is being taxed by the states under the relevant State VAT Acts. Telangana has opposed the proposal, as the states presently have very limited sources of generation of revenue. Further, the ATF is derived from crude oil, which is presently taxed under VAT. Therefore, Bhatti Vikramarka requested the council to maintain the status quo on the issue, which was supported by several other states and agreed by the council.

Former Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje's meeting with PM Modi sparks speculation over national role

JAIPUR: Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Rajes meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi has sparked intense political speculation in the state. After the meeting on Friday, Radha Mohan Das Agarwal, Rajasthan BJP in-charge, shared a photo of the interaction on social media with a caption reading: Many, many good wishes and congratulations. @VasundharaBJP https://t.co/cjWWjqEClB Dr.Radha Mohan Das Agrawal (@AgrawalRMD) December 20, 2024 This has fueled rumours that Raje may be considered for a prominent national role, possibly as the BJPs national president - a topic that has been circulating for weeks. The meeting, which took place in Parliament and lasted around 20 to 25 minutes, focused on Rajasthan's political and developmental situation. According to reports, PM Modi sought Raje's feedback, and she shared her views on the progress made under the Bhajan Lal government while raising concerns over certain organisational matters. Sources suggest that Raje specifically mentioned issues in Baran-Jhalawar, criticising the government's perceived indifference to development projects in the region. She also noted that while she is treated with respect in meetings with the Chief Minister, tangible progress on pending issues remains slow. Raje reportedly clarified that she is not seeking any position but wants to see effective governance to ensure the BJP's success in the 2028 elections. PM Modi assured her that the developmental concerns would be addressed and encouraged her to stay aligned with the party's organisational efforts. The political buzz around Raje has grown stronger after PM Modi recently praised her contributions during a celebration marking the first anniversary of the Bhajan Lal government. He credited her with advancing the legacy of good governance initiated by Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and highlighted that the current government is building upon the solid foundation she laid. Raje's meeting with PM Modi, along with the praise she received, has led to widespread speculation about her potential return to the national stage - a move that could significantly influence the BJPs strategy in Rajasthan and beyond.

Thankfully, It Was Not Taken Up: CM Omar Abdullah On Proposed GST Hike On Kashmir Shawl

Jaisalmer, Dec 21: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah clarified that the proposed GST hike for the Kashmir Shawl was not taken up during the 55th meeting of the GST council. The 55th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council was held in Jaisalmer of Rajasthan on Saturday. The meeting was chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Coming as a relief for the artisans of the J&K, Omar Abdullah told reporters here after the meeting, Some things [] The post Thankfully, It Was Not Taken Up: CM Omar Abdullah On Proposed GST Hike On Kashmir Shawl appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

GST Council agrees to maintain status quo on taxing ATF by States: Bhatti

Hyderabad: Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council agreed to maintain the status quo on taxing Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) under VAT, according to Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu on Saturday. Bhatti, who was also the Finance Minister, attended the 55th meeting of the GST Council meeting chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan on Saturday. It was proposed in the meeting that Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) be brought under the tax net of GST. It is being taxed by the States under the relevant State VAT Acts. The Deputy Chief Minister opposed the proposal, as the States presently have very limited sources of generation of revenue. Further, the ATF is derived from crude oil, which is presently taxed under VAT. Therefore, he requested the Council to maintain the status quo on the issue, which was supported by several other States. This was agreed by the Council. The issue of the applicable rate of tax on delivery services by delivery partners, including the restaurant services, through electronic commerce operators was discussed in detail in the meeting. In view of the fact that these are intricate issues of taxation, and to ensure fairness in implementation etc., the Deputy Chief Minister suggested that the matter should be studied in further detail. Therefore, he proposed to set up a Committee of Officers to examine the issue, and to take a decision based on its report. The Council has accordingly constituted a Committee of Officers, of which the Officers of Telangana are also included, to examine the matter and to submit a report. On the issue of closure of Group of Ministers (GoM) on analysis of GST revenue constituted in the year 2019, Bhatti informed the Council that Telangana was in favour of recommending continuation of the Group of Ministers, by suitable reconstitution of the GoM as study of State wise and sector wise revenue is invaluable for taking informed policy decisions. Council agreed to the proposal put forth by the Deputy Chief Minister. On the subject of recovery of excess ad-hoc IGST apportionment made in earlier years, the Committee of Officers (CoO) presented different options for recovery of the same. Bhatti informed the Council that the ad-hoc apportionment was done to States as per base rate of revenues for the FY 2015-16, but over time negative balances have accrued in IGST due to which recovery is proposed from States. However, recovery is proposed based on revenues of the latest period which is not aligned with the formula of earlier distribution. The Deputy Chief Minister requested the Council that the recovery of excess ad-hoc apportionment done till now may be made based on the base rate of revenues for the FY 2015-16 which the Council agreed. He requested that the recoveries, if any, should be made only in the next financial year in order to prevent fiscal hardships to States at the fag end of the financial year. During the meeting, Andhra Pradesh made a request to permit them to levy one per cent cess on B2B transactions in the State under GST to meet the expenses for re-construction and rehabilitation due to recent floods. Bhatti also stated that Telangana also suffered extensive damages to the same calamity and requested for a similar arrangement to be extended to Telangana. On the recommendation of the GST Council, the matter has been referred to a Group of Ministers (GoM), in which Telangana has also been included.

BIMARU states turn the tables as MF AUMs in smaller states grow faster

The mutual fund AUM in the four states of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have grown higher than that of the industry in the last one year, with Uttar Pradesh overtaking Tamil Nadu for the sixth position in the overall ranking

Nirmala Sitharaman chairs 55th GST Council meeting in Jaisalmer

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is chairing the 55th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council which is underway in Jaisalmer of Rajasthan on Saturday. The participants in the meeting include the Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, Chief Ministers of Goa, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalaya and Odisha. The Deputy Chief []

Indias forest and tree cover increased to 25.17 per cent in 2023

India's total forest and tree cover has increased to 25.17 per cent in 2023 from 24.62 per cent as per the latest India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023. The forest cover has minimally increased, compared to tree cover in the country. Meanwhile, first-time trees grown under agroforestry have also been covered. The ISFR 2023 report recorded forest cover and tree cover was 25.17 per cent. The total forest cover was 7,15,342.61 sq km which is 21.76 per cent of the geographical area of the country and the tree cover is 3.41 per cent of the geographical area of the country. With these two, total forest and tree covers are 8,27,356.95 sq km. The scrub area covers 43,622 sq km (1.33 per cent) and the non-forest area covers 24,16,489 sq. km (73.50 per cent). States that added forests and tree covers are Chhattisgarh, UP, Odisha, Rajasthan and Jharkhand and states which reduced its forest and tree covers are MP, Karnataka, Nagaland, Bihar and Tripura. The latest 18th biennial assessment ISFR of Indias forests by the Forest Survey of India was delayed by over a year. It was supposed to be released by last year. The report estimates of growing stock, the extent of trees outside forests, mangrove cover, bamboo resources, and assessment of forest carbon stock. According to the ISFR 2021 report recorded forest cover and tree cover was 24.62 per cent. The total forest cover was 7,13,789 sq km which is 21.71 per cent of the geographical area of the country. Tree cover is 2.91 per cent of the geographical area of the country.

India's green cover increased by 1,445 sq km from 2021 to 2023: Govt report

India's green cover expanded. Forest and tree cover grew by 1,445 sq km, now covering 25.17% of the nation. Forest cover increased by 156 sq km. Tree cover rose by 1,289 sq km. Madhya Pradesh has the most forest cover. Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan saw significant gains.

RPSC Senior Teacher 2024 exam: Admit card will be released on this day, check dates of examination

The Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) will announce exam district details for the Senior Teacher (Sanskrit Edu.) Comp Exam 2024 on December 21st. Admit cards will be available for download from December 25th. The written exam is scheduled for December 28th-31st, 2024, in two shifts. Subjects include Social Science, Hindi, G.K, Educational Psychology, Science, Mathematics, Sanskrit, and English.

Indias forest, tree cover increased to 25.17 per cent in 2023

NEW DELHI: India's total forest and tree cover has increased to 25.17% in 2023 from 24.62% as per the latest India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023. The forest cover has minimally increased compared to tree cover in the country. Meanwhile, first-time trees grown under agroforestry have also been covered. The ISFR 2023 report recorded forest cover and tree cover was 25.17%. The total forest cover was 7,15,342.61 sq km which is 21.76% of the geographical area of the country and the tree cover is 3.41% of the geographical area of the country. With these two, total forest and tree covers are 8,27,356.95 sq km. The scrub area covers 43,622 sq km (1.33%) and the non-forest area covers 24,16,489 sq. km (73.50%). States which added forests and tree covers are Chhattisgarh, UP, Odisha, Rajasthan and Jharkhand and states which reduced their forest and tree covers are MP, Karnataka, Nagaland, Bihar and Tripura. The latest 18th biennial assessment ISFR of Indias forests by the Forest Survey of India was delayed by over a year. It was supposed to be released by last year. The report estimates growing stock, the extent of trees outside forests, mangrove cover, bamboo resources, and assessment of forest carbon stock. According to the ISFR 2021 report recorded forest cover and tree cover was 24.62%. The total forest cover was 7,13,789 sq km which is 21.71% of the geographical area of the country. The Tree cover is 2.91% of the geographical area of the country.

Shades of Zaheer Khan: Sachin Tendulkar impressed with young village girl's bowling, watch viral video

A video of 5th grader Sushila Meena's impressive bowling action, reminiscent of Zaheer Khan's style, went viral after Sachin Tendulkar shared it. The Rajasthan girl's natural talent caught the attention of cricket fans and the Pratapgarh District Cricket Association, who offered support and training. The video sparked discussions about untapped grassroots talent.

Jaipur LPG tanker crash: Death toll rises to 14; five bodies yet to be identified

JAIPUR: The death toll in the LPG tanker accident on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway rose to 14 on Saturday, an official said here. He said more than 30 people who suffered burn injuries in the massive crash are undergoing treatment. Five charred bodies were received yesterday. Eight others have died. Total 14 deaths have been reported so far. Twenty-seven patients are admitted to SMS hospital and undergoing treatment. Seven are on ventilator support, Dr Sushil Bhati, Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital Superintendent, said. He added that the body of one more victim was taken to another hospital. Five bodies are yet to be identified, Bhati said. A truck hit the LPG tanker on the highway in the Bhankrota area in the early hours of Friday, sparking a massive fire that engulfed more than 35 vehicles. Rajasthan Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar said on Friday that the condition of about half of the injured was very critical. Most of the people injured in the accident are admitted to the 'Burn Unit' of the SMS Hospital here.

Jaipur: Death toll in LPG tanker collision rises to 14, more than 30 people undergoing treatment

Rajasthan Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar said on Friday that the condition of about half of the injured was very critical. Most of the people injured in the accident are admitted to the 'Burn Unit' of the SMS Hospital here.

Minister Keshav seeks Central aid for river-linking projects in Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA: Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav has urged the Centre to give priority to river linking projects in Andhra Pradesh in the Union Budget 2025-26. Participating in a meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Rajasthan as part of the exercise to prepare the Union Budget for the next fiscal, he said nearly 2,000 TMC of Godavari flood water flows into the sea annually. On the other side, Rayalaseema region experiences low and erratic rainfall, and is perennially affected by drought. The AP government has envisioned to link Krishna, Penna and Vamsadhara to take the surplus water through a series of canals and reservoirs to the drought-prone and backward districts of Rayalaseema and South-Coastal districts, he explained. Mentioning that the Centre recently announced support to link 11 rivers in Rajasthan to transform it into a water-surplus region, Keshav urged the Centre to provide financial assistance to the river linking project of AP in the Union Budget 2025-26 on similar lines. He requested the Centre to adopt 90:10 funding pattern for all the Centrally Sponsored Schemes in Purvodaya States and provide viability gap funding for different PPP projects such as development of road infrastructure, airports, ports and metro rail projects in Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. He sought sanction of five Textile Clusters for AP keeping in view the huge number of weavers in the State.

Rajasthan: Death toll in Jaipur tanker truck collision rises to 14, confirms DCP

The death toll in the tanker truck collision on Bhankrota Ajmer Road in Jaipur on Saturday rose to 14, as confirmed by DCP West Jaipur, Amit Kumar. The Friday accident, which resulted in a massive fire, involved a truck loaded with chemicals colliding with a tanker carrying LPG and other vehicles. Prior to DCP Kumars []

Jaipur highway tanker collision death toll reaches 14, over 28 injured

A tanker truck carrying LPG collided with another truck on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway in Rajasthan, India, resulting in a massive fire that killed 14 people and injured 28 others. The ensuing blaze destroyed 37 vehicles. Prime Minister Modi announced compensation for the victims and their families. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.

Thick fog blankets Delhi; IMD warns of harsh cold in North India

A thick fog enveloped Delhi on Saturday, reducing visibility and intensifying the ongoing cold wave. The minimum temperature dipped to 7.6C, with the maximum likely to reach 23C. Air quality in the national capital remained near the 'severe' category, with Anand Vihar recording an AQI of 414. The IMD predicts an extended cold wave for much of North India, with severe conditions in Himachal Pradesh and parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu. Light snowfall is anticipated in higher reaches later in the week.

Meghalaya seeks Rs 1.5 Lakh crore from Centre for developmental needs

Guwahati: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has urged the Centre to allocate over Rs 1.5 lakh crore to address the states critical development needs. Sangma submitted a memorandum to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during pre-budget consultations in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The proposed allocation aims to enhance infrastructure, promote digital services, support rural livelihoods, and [] The post Meghalaya seeks Rs 1.5 Lakh crore from Centre for developmental needs appeared first on NorthEast Now .

Tamil Nadu shares wish list with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at pre-budget meet

CHENNAI: Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu on Friday put forth the state governments wish list to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at a pre-budget meeting chaired by her at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. He requested the GOI to include many new railway projects, reiterated the demand for relief assistance for Rs 6,675 crore for areas hit by Cyclone Fengal, funds for the Metro Rail project and Samagra Shiksha Abhiyaan. Underscoring the need for new railway lines in industrial areas to catalyse industrial development in the state, Thennarasu requested that the following railway projects in Tamil Nadu should be included in the upcoming budget: Fourth line between Tambaram and Chengalpattu; Tiruppattur Krishnagiri Hosur New line; Madurai Thoothukudi via Aruppukkottai (143.5 Kms); Minjur Tiruvallur Sriperumpudur Oragadam Singaperumalkoil Maduranthagam; semi-high speed railway corridor to connect Chennai Salem Coimbatore with extensions like Salem-Hosur Bengaluru and Coimbatore Ernakulam. Thennarasu also sought approvals for metro rail projects for Madurai and Coimbatore apart from Rs 10,000 crore for metro rail phase-2 in the current year and Rs 16,000 crore in the ensuing year. He also reiterated the states demand for disbursal of Rs 2,152 crore towards Samagra Shiksha Abhiyaan. Referring to the havoc played by Cyclone Fengal, the minister said, The funds under the State Disaster Response Fund are inadequate to meet the immediate relief and long-term restoration needs. So, the GOI should release Rs 6,675 crore under NDRF to meet the temporary and permanent relief and restoration requirements in the aftermath of Cyclone Fengal. He said an elevated road between Tambaram and Chengalpattu (NH-32) and from Chengalpattu to Tindivanam should be included in the budget.

GST hike on shawl proposed, J&K artisans worried

SRINAGAR: The proposed GST hike from 12 to 28 percent on Kashmir shawls valued over Rs 10,000 has caused anxiety among J&K artisans and dealers. The Group of Ministers on rate rationalisation led by Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Samrat Chaudhary has recommended raising taxes on textile products including Kashmiri shawls and crewel items from 12 per cent to 28 per cent for items priced above Rs 10,000. This proposal is set to be discussed during the 55th GST council meeting at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan on December 21. The move has caused concern in the Valley. An artisan, Ghulam Ahmed said the artisans toil very hard to make shawls and other items. It takes a lot of toll on our health. If the government increases the GST, then we are in for a doom. Who will buy our items when inflation is already high. It will snatch our livelihood, he said. Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Javid Ahmad Tenga said implications of the GST hike is concerning as Kashmiri shawl is not a luxury item. This handicrafts sector provides direct and indirect employment to over 3 lakh artisans, with many being from marginalised communities. The proposed GST hike threatens the handicraft industry, he said. National Conference leader and MLA Tanvir Sadiq said the Kashmiri shawls and crewels are the backbone of Kashmirs cultural heritage. PDP leader and former minister Naeem Akhtar termed the tax increase as a severe blow to the already struggling handicraft sector. Kashmiri shawl weavers create masterpieces admired globally. The proposed taxation is nothing less than an assault on their heritage and a threat to their survival.

10-acre Kalagram along Ganga for Mahakumbh

NEW DELHI: For the Mahakumbh at Prayagraj, a culture village, called Kalagram, will be set up on over 10 acres at Daraganj along the banks of the Ganga and it will have demarcated spaces for seven zonal cultural centres (ZCC), officials said. The marked areas are named aangans (courtyards), where the ministry of culture plans to showcase art and crafts from all member states and union territories (UT). Exhibitions on the theme of Kumbha, including an immersive display, food court, and activity areas will also be put up at the venue. The ambience creation of Kalagram will be done by an expert private agency in collaboration with artists of ZCCs and Lalit Kala Akademi. The participating ZCCs are located in Patiala (Punjab), Nagpur (Maharashtra), Udaipur (Rajasthan), Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), Kolkata (West Bengal), Dimapur (Nagaland), and Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu). According to the officials, diverse art installations, including cultural, educational, and commercial exhibits, are also planned for an engaging visitor experience. Union tourism culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat earlier told this newspaper that a cultural extravaganza, showcasing the vibrant and colourful customs, arts and crafts of the states, is planned at Mahakumbh starting January in Prayagraj. After the consultation with the Uttar Pradesh government, the ministry has got prime space allocated close to the main Mahakumbh Mela venue so that more visitors can witness the festivities, Shekhawat said. The authorities have also planned to place an installation on the proposed Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum at the venue. One of the highlights at Kalagram will be a Ganga pandal with capacity of 10,000 audiences by the Mela Authority. This will be the main arena, where celebrity performances will be held everyday. Additionally, three pandals with a space for 4,000 people will be erected at Jhunsi, Nagvasuki and Areil. There will also be another amphitheatre of 1,000 capacity at Kalagram, where Snageet Natak Akademi awardees artists, National School of Drama productions and ZCC ensembles will be organised, an official said. Apart from this, 20 stages will also be built throughout the city. They will be handed over to the UP culture department and the ministry of culture, the official added. Meanwhile, the Indian Railways is gearing up to redefine the Mahakumbh experience with an innovative Gram Tent City initiative in Prayagraj. The Mahakumbh, scheduled from January 14 to February 2025, is set to blend spirituality with modernity, providing a unique experience for millions of pilgrims. The Mahakumbh Gram Tent City plan, launched by IRCTC, aims to deliver a seamless and memorable experience for visitors.

8 dead, over 35 injured in fire after LPG tanker crash

JAIPUR, Dec 20: An LPG tanker collided with a truck on Friday, sparking a massive fireball that turned a stretch of the Jaipur-Ajmer highway into an inferno in which at least eight people were killed and nearly 40 vehicles engulfed in flames. Of the about 35 people injured, nearly half are very critical, Rajasthan Health []

FM holds pre-budget consultations with CMs, DyCMs, FMs of States/UTs

Good platform for discussions on tax reforms: Omar Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU/JAIPUR, Dec 20: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today held pre-budget consultations with representatives of States and Union Territories with Legislature including Jammu and Kashmir for the forthcoming 2024-25 budget at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, CMs of Goa, Haryana, Meghalaya and Odisha, Deputy CMs of five States, Finance Ministers of States/UTs, Secretaries [] The post FM holds pre-budget consultations with CMs, DyCMs, FMs of States/UTs appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Odisha seeks special package from Centre to develop tourism sector

Bhubaneswar: Stating that about Rs 10,000 crore of investment was needed to create world-class tourism infrastructure in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Friday urged the Centre to announce a special package for it. He made the demand at the pre-budget consultation meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. We need []

Video: Bird's-Eye View Of Devastation After Jaipur Accident That Killed 12

Visuals have emerged giving a bird's-eye view of the devastation wrought by the collision between a truck, gas tanker and several other vehicles in Rajasthan. At least 12 people were killed and 40 injured, 28 of whom are critical.

Omar Abdullah Shares Insights on GST Reforms During Jaisalmer Meeting

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, attending the Goods and Services Tax (GST) meeting in Rajasthans Jaisalmer, praised the platform for facilitating important discussions on tax reforms and pre-budget consultations. Speaking to reporters, Abdullah emphasised the significance of the GST Councils work, describing it as a valuable opportunity for stakeholders. This gave people [] The post Omar Abdullah Shares Insights on GST Reforms During Jaisalmer Meeting appeared first on Kashmir Life .

Over 2,000 stalls at Numaish this year

Hyderabad: The 84th edition of the All India Industrial Exhibition, popular among Hyderabadis as Numaish, will begin from January 1 with over 2,000 stalls likely to be set up for visitors. Numaish will be held in Nampally Exhibition Grounds till February 15 and sellers from Kashmir, Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Punjab, Rajasthan and other parts of India will set up stalls. Compared to last year, significant upgrades have been made at the venue this year, an official said. Walkways have been improved to accommodate wheelchair users, women, and senior citizens. A new firefighting system has been installed. The exhibition will be open from 4 pm to 10.30 pm on weekdays, and will be extended until 11 pm on weekends and public holidays. Visitors can witness a wide range of handicrafts, handlooms and industrial products, showcasing Indias rich artistry and craftsmanship. Registrations for the stalls have closed, and preparations are in full swing. All states in India are participating with their unique offerings such as Lucknowi and Ashimvi crafts. Right now, we are setting up stalls, and we are expecting to finish the setup by December 27-28, said an official. Organisers are prioritising visitors safety by installing fire safety protocols and keeping ambulances on standby. We are giving special attention to safety and security to make sure no untoward incident occurs at the exhibition, the official added. Public amenities, including mobile toilets and help centres will be set up in the exhibition to ensure a comfortable experience.

SOGI Seeks GST Relief for Online Gaming

New Delhi: Real money gaming firms-backed Skill Online Games Institute (SOGI) has demanded that the government levy 28 per cent GST on platform fees instead of on deposit for gaming companies in India, to prevent offshore platforms from taking advantage of significant tax arbitrage. The demand comes ahead of the 55th meeting of the GST Council in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan on Saturday. The online gaming industry is in a nascent stage and the government and industry need to work together to harness the full positives of this industry for the economy and country. The SOGI has approached the Indian government to put forward its recommendations that will allow India to harness the full potential of this huge industry for creating jobs and contributing to its GDP while simultaneously mitigating negative aspects such as addiction, said Amrit Kiran Singh, president of SOGI.

Toll in Jaipur tanker crash goes up to 11

Rajasthan Medical and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar ensured that all appropriate arrangements were made for the speedy treatment of the injured at SMS Hospital

Watch: Sachin mighty impressed with village girl's bowling

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar shared a video showcasing the impressive bowling action of Sushila Meena, a young talent from rural Rajasthan. Tendulkar likened her smooth left-arm pace to that of Zaheer Khan, sparking widespread praise and highlighting the untapped potential in India's grassroots cricket. This recognition could open doors to a brighter future for young talents like Sushila.

55th GST Council Meeting: Date, Time, What To Expect And How To Watch Press Conference Live

The 55th GST Council meeting will be held on Saturday, Dec. 21 in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Here are the key details.

PM condoles loss of lives in Jaipur accident; announces ex-gratia for next of kin of deceased

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday condoled the loss of lives in the horrific accident on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway in Rajasthan and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund and Rs 50,000 each to the injured.

Photos: Fire accident in Jaipur

Jaipur: A LPG tanker collided with multiple vehicles on Friday, leading to a massive fireball that turned a stretch of the Jaipur-Ajmer highway into an inferno, killing at least eight people and engulfing more than 30 vehicles in flames. Of the about 35 people injured, nearly half are very critical, Rajasthan Health Minister Gajendra Singh Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Saw Blast, Jumped Out Of Car: Man Narrowly Escapes Jaipur Fire That Killed 9

A deadly collision involving a CNG tanker and several vehicles turned a stretch of the Jaipur-Ajmer highway in Rajasthan into an inferno on Friday morning, killing at least nine people.

Shree Cement to invest Rs 800 cr to set up cement plant in Bihar

Shree Cement, based in Rajasthan, will invest Rs 800 crore to set up a cement plant in North-East Bihar with an annual capacity of 2 million tonnes. The company signed an MoU with the Bihar government during the Bihar Business Connect 2024 summit.

7 dead, over 35 injured in fire after gas tanker collides with other vehicles on Jaipur highway

Rajasthan : Jaipur, A deadly collision involving a gas tanker and multiple vehicles turned a stretch of the Jaipur-Ajmer highway here into an inferno on Friday morning, killing seven people, injuring more than 35 and engulfing over 30 vehicles in flames as thick black smoke filled the sky. Eyewitnesses reported spotting the flames from nearly a kilometre away as ambulances and fire brigade vehicles rushed towards the crash zone. A school van driver on his way to pick up [] The post 7 dead, over 35 injured in fire after gas tanker collides with other vehicles on Jaipur highway appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Saw A Man Burning: Eyewitness Recalls Jaipur Fire Horror That Killed 8

A deadly collision involving a CNG tanker and several vehicles turned a stretch of the Jaipur-Ajmer highway in Rajasthan into an inferno on Friday morning, killing at least eight people.

Eight dead, over 35 injured in fire after gas tanker collides with other vehicles on Jaipur highway

Jaipur: A LPG tanker collided with multiple vehicles Friday, leading to a massive fireball that turned a stretch of the Jaipur-Ajmer highway into an inferno, killing at least eight people and engulfing more than 30 vehicles in flames. Of the about 35 people injured, nearly half are very critical, Rajasthan Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar []

Jaipur News Today | Jaipur Explosion: 4 Killed, Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma Visits Accident Site

| Jaipur: 4 Killed in Massive Explosive After Accident-Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma Visits Accident Spot Tragedy strikes Jaipur as a massive explosion claims 4 lives. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visits the accident site to assess the situation. News18 reporters Bhawani bring you live updates from the ground. n18oc_india News18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube

Chemical Laden Truck Catches Fire on Jaipur-Ajmer Highway, 5 Dead

Jaipur, Five people were burnt alive and 37 injured in a major fire incident on the Jaipur-Ajmer national highway here on Friday morning after a truck loaded with a chemical collided with some other vehicles, police said. They said around 30 trucks and other vehicles were gutted in the fire. Five people have died and 37 are injured, Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph told PTI. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited the SMS Hospital, where the injured are admitted, and spoke to doctors there. He issued directions to ensure proper treatment of those injured. Sharma also visited the site of the accident. In a post in Hindi on X, the chief minister said, Deeply saddened to hear the news of casualties in the gas tanker fire incident on the Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway. As soon as the information about the incident was received, I went to the SMS Hospital and directed the doctors there to provide immediate necessary medical facilities and take proper care of the injured. Rescue work by the administration is underway, he added. SHO of Bhankrota Manish Gupta said, It was very difficult to control the fire. Fire brigade teams were not able to reach the burning vehicles. There were three petrol pumps in the affected area but fortunately, they are safe. More than 25 ambulances reached the spot and shifted the victims to the hospital. A nearly 300-metre stretch of the highway was affected by the accident. Traffic movement was stopped, leading to a long queue of vehicles.

CPI urges CM Naidu to cancel 7000 MW SECI deal over alleged Adani bribery claims

VIJAYAWADA: CPI State secretary K Ramakrishna, along with assistant secretary M Nageswara Rao, met Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday, and urged him to cancel the agreement for 7000 MW with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). According to the press release issued by CPI, the Chief Minister had told the CPI leaders that the government would take a legal opinion on how to proceed with the consequences that might arise and the burden that the government might have to bear if the SECI deal was cancelled. In the representation to the Chief Minister, Ramakrishna stated that when it was clear from the reports of intelligence agencies in the USA that Adani Group bribed former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy with Rs 1,750 crore for the energy agreement, and the latter accepted it, the government needs to take action to ensure transparency and justice to the people of the State. He said the energy sector was pushed into the doldrums in the last five years under the YSRCP regime, which translated into a Rs 32,166 crore burden on power consumers. As solar energy is produced in Rajasthan for use in AP, that State gets Rs 8,000 crore in tax revenue and 14,000 jobs, but AP stands to lose due to the pact, he said.

Gang Involved In Rs 10 Crore Cyber Fraud Scam Busted In Rajasthan, 2 Arrested

In a major breakthrough under Operation Anti-Virus, the police in Rajasthan on Thursday uncovered a cyber fraud gang involved in scams worth over Rs 10 crore across 16 states.

Winter breaks for schools announced: Check dates and other details for key states

Winter is coming. Schools across India are closing for winter break. Delhi schools will close from January 1st to 15th. Punjab and Haryana schools also have scheduled breaks. Winter vacations vary for different classes in Jammu and Kashmir. Rajasthan and Bihar have shorter breaks. Temperatures are dropping in Maharashtra, but Mumbai and other regions will remain relatively stable.

Rajasthan: Major accident and fire on Jaipur-Ajmer road leaves four dead, 40 vehicles burnt

A major accident and fire occurred in Jaipurs Bhankrota area early today on the main Ajmer Road. Four people have died, and nearly 40 vehicles, including trucks and trolleys, were burnt. The fire started due to multiple vehicle collisions near a petrol pump. Authorities are working to put out the fire. Amit Kumar, Superintendent of []

KPI Green Energy shares rally 5% after signing MoU with Rajasthan govt

In another development, the company has fixed Friday, January 3, 2025, as the 'record date' for determining the eligibility of shareholders entitled to the issuance of bonus equity shares in the proportion of one equity share of Rs 5 each for every two existing equity shares of Rs 5 each, subject to shareholder approval, which will be obtained through postal ballot.

INTERVIEW | Life made me a rebel

Thrissur-native Poly Varghese is Keralas own icon in Hindustani music. Yet, he feels the state doesnt recognise his art. A product of Kerala Kalamandalam, 54-year-old Pauly started as a mridangam player and later became a Mohan veena exponent. Poly was among Grammy awardee Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatts first students. He took his music to stages across India and abroad, and forged bonds with global musicians. TNIE caught up with this Chennai-based maverick musician, who recently visited the state for the Swaryagna festival in Thiruvananthapuram. Excerpts from the interaction Lets start with some basics. Could you please tell us a bit about how Mohan veena differs from veena? See, veena basically refers to a string instrument. However, people usually refer to Saraswati veena when they say veena. There are many types Samudra veena, Rudra veena, etc. In Mohan veena, we can play five different string instruments such as sarangi, sarod, santoor, sitar, and Hawaiian guitar. My guru Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatts veena has 19-21 strings. I have added two more to play Dhrupad music. How did your guru develop Mohan Veena? My guru comes from a family with a 600-year legacy. He was a sitar player. Once a foreigner went to him with a guitar. Guruji wondered about the range of possibilities with a sitar-guitar combo. So he used his genius by adding taraf to the guitar. The instrument was later named after him as Mohan Veena. How did you get interested in music, and how did this journey begin? My beginning! My musical journey commenced at the age of eight. I started learning mridangam, and started as a Carnatic musician. I studied mridangam at Kalamandalam. But I often used to listen to Hindustani music, right from an early age. Did your family have any sort of musical legacy? No. This is something that just happened to me. Thrissur Christians are known for their business acumen I do not seem to possess such a knack for money matters. Thats why I am idly roaming around! So, what initially spurred your music journey? There was a Bhagavathar near my home. He was my fathers friend. Whenever I went to his place, I would hear him sing. His house was near the church. Also, at home, there was an old Murphy radio. Film songs would be aired from Thrissur, but they would air Carnatic music from Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram stations. This was a big problem. My sister would want to listen to film songs, and I wanted Carnatic. One day, Ammachi [ mother] was so vexed with our argument that she threw the radio! My whole world was classical music. I cannot enjoy film music even today. My family was settled in the Thriprayar part of the Thrissur district. From there, I went to academies and sabhas where music programmes were held. My father was supportive. I joined Kalamandalam after completing Class 10, without giving a second thought. When I was at Kalamandalam, I used to go to my ashans house where there was a TV. On the national network, at times, Guruji [Vishwa Mohan Bhat], who was not that famous then, would appear. I used to wonder what he played. I wrote letters to Guruji, but never received a reply. After graduating from Kalamandalam, I headed to Shantiniketan, where I met Guruji. I went with him to Rajasthan. From then, my life was at Gurujis house. I gradually stopped playing mridangam. Its been almost 30 years. It is believed that the philosophy of Indian classical music is dictated by the notion that it is from the divine I want to break such notions. I do not see any divinity. You may disagree with me. If this is divine, every occupation is. We, too, are like scavengers. Music, to me, is an art that emerges from a space of mental strife and social conflict. How can you label divinity to it? Are you trying to imply that art or talent is something that anyone can have? This [Mohan veena] was an unfamiliar instrument for me. I constantly practise this instrument. Even for a scavenger or a mason, in the beginning, it would be challenging. The skill is imparted to them by a mentor. The same goes for me; this is something I learned from a guru. This, to me, is more about activism than divinity. Isnt passion what separates art and, say, masonry? There is just a slight difference. Masonry and scavenging are livelihoods, but music isnt a livelihood for me. Doesnt art uphold a certain kind of creativity? A mason building a new structure is akin to me playing an instrument. So, if Poly Varghese decides to be a mason, he could? Poly Varghese cant be a mason, though I have done similar jobs. During my life in Kolkata, I had worked as a painter. But I cannot do it full-time. I am tuned in the way of art, but a mason is not tuned so. I cannot be a full-time construction worker because my taste doesnt work out like that. I am from a conventional Christian family. The songs I listened to while growing up were gospel music, Christian hymns. My relatives are big gold merchants in Thrissur. If I were in Thrissur town, then I too would have been a gold merchant or an entrepreneur. I cannot be a business person; I am not meant for it. Even today, I cannot commercialise my music. How do you people back home know you? When people in Thrissur organise programmes and approach advertisers for it, some businessmen, especially jewellers, wonder if there is an artist named Poly Varghese. They assume it is some keyboard player. I used to be known as Kalamandalam Poly, and that was a big hurdle. So I just removed the Kalamandalam tag. I have received a lot of laurels and honours. I even got it from Thailands Bangkok Universitys Sangeeta Ratnakara. But I do not like to hold on to all that. Some people attach Pandit to my name. I do not want to attach any titles. Are there any issues you faced as a classical musician due to your Christian identity? It affected me in Kerala. How? In Kerala, I only had three or four performances. They do not call me for any sabhas. Why do Stephen Devassys keyboard concerts get sold out? Because it is the keyboard. Let him do a Carnatic kacheri, will it sell as much? Kalamandalam Poly could have been a new brand You need to live in my shoes, and then judge. T M Krishna and I are close friends. I was living in Chennai for a while. When Krishna started getting involved in social causes linked to music, conversations began to erupt. But before Krishna came on board, I was there in Chennai for 17 years. I have played Mohan Veena on the streets and gullies of Chennai. During that time, there was a movement to get rid of LTTE in Sri Lanka. It was a political issue. Linked to that, many of us played musical instruments and were imprisoned. But no discourses happened. Why? Because T M Krishna comes from a background of privilege, and I dont. You mean caste privilege? Krishna is someone who does not hold casteist values. But caste flows as an undercurrent without even his awareness. You know how? [ TM] Krishna was thrown out of the sabha circle. I was also expelled. However, Malayalis have accepted Krishna; he is invited to literature fests and is popular in the socio-political circuit here. If Poly Varghese speaks out, that will not be the case. Even Krishna has told me that my name is a hindrance. During my mridangam days, Devarajan Master once told me that I should be known by a different name, and suggested Prasad Varadhan. I told the Master that I had a strong political stance, and that I could not change my father and mother. Are you a believer? I am not. The word belief itself is dangerous. If you start to believe something, there is something wrong with you. That means you are impeding your search, you are losing yourself to a particular subject. You said there was a problem with the Kalamandalam tag. But there have been revered artists such as Kalamandalam Hyder Ali I know what all Hyder Ali ashan had to endure. When I was studying at Kalamandalam, there was a Kathakali teachers who ridiculed me, asking on my face: What music will be there in a Nasrani (Christian)? I was so upset. Later, Hyder Ali ashan comforted me. He also taught there, but he was not even appointed as a permanent teacher there. There was also one Kalamandalam John, who was not made permanent. Do you believe in guruthwam (reverence to Guru)? It is just a fancy word. Guruthwam means the gurus blessings. They can teach you letters, words, and grammar, but art cannot be taught that easily. Artists are rebels, radical in nature. Are you saying an artist must be a rebel? No, but an artist naturally becomes a rebel due to circumstances. Experimentations in art lead an artist to go against rules. If you want to be a rebel, you must be a breaker of rules naturally or ideologically, like T R Mahalingam or Bismillah Khan. Are you a rebellious artist? Life made me a rebel, thanks to the frictions and denials I have experienced. What segregations or denials did you face as a mridangam artist? I have faced several incidents, including being shut out of stage performances due to my Christian faith. I was once made to leave the stage without performing on a reality show. Once my mridangam was thrown away from the stage at a temple I was not allowed to perform in temples. Is this segregation issue only in Kerala? Yes. I am basically a Malayali musician, but have you seen me perform in any kacheri in Kerala? Maybe four or five times. In north India, however, they were bothered only by the fact that I am a south Indian. However, as I have gained an identity, I no longer face such issues. Keralas cultural activism is superficial What hurdles does a south Indian Hindustani musician face in the north? The north-south divide is stark in my field. The famous vocalist from Karnataka, Bhimsen Joshi, also experienced it. But because of his legendary stature, he could not be avoided by the north Indian groups. Once, I was omitted from the line-up for the Konark festival in Odisha due to uproar from some quarters. Imagine my plight! But now, I do not face much discrimination. I have a Jazz Blues band with members from the US and Australia. Doing so, has opened my musical boundaries beyond Mohan Veena. We always prop up Indian classical music on a pedestal. There is not much to be gained from that in my opinion. We must transcend such musical categorisations. Music is universal. Why do you think you have not got due recognition in Kerala? One, Kerala is a consumer society. Discussions are mostly on gains/losses. Second, I am a south Indian who plays north Indian music. Also, organisations here, even the ruling Left government, are not interested in the arts. The art they know is limited to Stephen Devassy, Rimi Tomy film-oriented. Had Yesudas not sung for films, would we know him? Thats it. You worked on a film I composed for Kala Varkey, which came out in 2003. The film did not do very well. Then came Jeevamshamayi. For that, I came from Bengal. I was very interested in Baul music at that time. They wanted to recreate a similar music for the movie (breaks into a Baul song of Lalon Fakir, an 18th-century Baul/Sufi singer). How did you stumble across Baul music? Growing up, I had been familiar with Rabindra Sangeet. But I came to know of Baul only during my time at Shantiniketan. I saw several performances there and it greatly influenced me. I wanted to learn. Another aspect of Baul music that deeply influenced me was the singers ability to craft spontaneous songs that reflected their rebellious spirit. This experience sparked a desire within me to learn Bengali. I also wanted to read Rabindranath Tagores Gitanjali in its original form. I also had a great passion for playing traditional instruments like the ektara, gomukh, and dotara. What languages are you fluent in? Tamil, Bengali, Hindi, English, Malayalam, Urdu, Odiya, Marathi. I have done a drama in Marathi. Having been exposed to the cultural scenes of many states, how do you perceive the cultural scene of Kerala in comparison? I dont perceive Keralas cultural scene as being particularly profound. The cultural activism in Kerala seems somewhat superficial. Could the relative absence of such groups in Kerala be attributed to the states unique socio-cultural context, making them less relevant? The left wings shift away from cultural norms in Kerala has indeed had a significant impact. It appears that they have abandoned cultural activism. They are focused on electoral politics alone. The term activism appears repeatedly in your conversation. Do you believe it is essential for an artist to be an activist? I believe that art is not something that falls from the sky, nor is it something that is taught by a teacher. Art comes from the way you live your life. If you listen to the songs of the people around you, if you engage with others regularly, if you watch dramas, you will be affected by the problems in society. Even Nadanpattu exists as a response, right? Artists react through their songs. An artist needs people to listen to him when he sings. They receive energy from him, and he receives energy from them. An artist cant live isolated in a palace, do PR work, and move around in a Benz. What about the concept of purity in art? What remains here that is untarnished? Purity is something rooted in the Brahminical context. Does that concept still exist? Caste consciousness exists within you, even if youre unaware of it. You express it in various ways Can a fair-skinned man accept a dark-skinned wife? Even in movies, dont they lighten the complexion of dark-skinned heroines? I am experiencing it even in Australia. Are songs by Black people ever truly celebrated? Are the art forms of Black communities ever discussed on major global platforms? How long has it been since a Black artist won a Grammy Award or Oscar? Its talent that earns one honour, not colour, right? I need social acceptance. I dont think people who come to listen to me are here just for my music. I dont believe there is such an exemplary society here. Havent we moved beyond caste, at least in the realm of culture? Let me ask you a question. If you wanted to get married, would you marry a Dalit? Do you feel love for a Dalit? Love is also influenced by caste. Love is not activism Love is totally a vibrant, rebellious activism. Octavia Paz had said the world changes when two people kiss. Shouldnt an artists activism be more about music, rather than an agitation? To play well is my activism. This is my way of life. The show of culture isnt. But if you mean playing well is sticking to the conventions of purity, you might be disappointed. What is being discussed through my art are the social and political and personal issues. Arent there good artists who arent in activism mode? It is just that they dont speak. T M Krishna is a great artist and a rebel. But equally great is Sanjay Subramaniam, who doesnt show much rebellion Sanjay Subrmaniam was the one who opposed the grant of award for T M Krishna, taking a Hindutva stance. Ranjini-Gayatri, Anuradha Sriram, Trichur Brothers all did so. Ones politics will be revealed in ones music. Kabir Das, too, responded to social aspects, but never denied transcendental quality of art. Kabirs Rama is not the Rama of the masses. Ustad All Rakha, Bismillah Khan, Zakir Hussain none questioned arts divinity. Its my personal choice. I will totally deny arts facets that are not rooted in social activism. Cant music exist for the sake of experience, without activism? Thats unlikely, at least for me. Are you primarily an activist, then? Yes, I see myself as an activist, with art as my tool. Okay, lets end on a melodious note. Which is your favourite raga? Its difficult, but I can play a folk song in Khamas raga (plays his version of Oh Mridule). This is a film song I dont mind playing film songs. By the way, did you guys find me rude? Im a nave fellow (laughs, and plays Bhoopali and Mohanam ragas). TNIE Team: Cithara Paul, Anil S, Aparna Nair, Parvana K B, Varsha Somaraj, Vincent Pulickal (photos), Pranav V P (video)

5 dead, 37 injured in fire after truck carrying chemical collides with other vehicles in Jaipur

JAIPUR: Five people were burnt alive and 37 injured in a major fire incident on the Jaipur-Ajmer national highway here on Friday morning after a truck loaded with a chemical collided with some other vehicles, police said. They said around 30 trucks and other vehicles were gutted in the fire. Five people have died and 37 are injured, Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph told PTI. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited the SMS hospital, where the injured were admitted, and spoke to doctors. He issued directions to officials and doctors to ensure proper treatment and other arrangements. SHO of Bhankrota Manish Gupta said, It was very difficult to control the fire. Fire brigade teams were not able to reach the burning vehicles.There were three petrol pumps in the affected area but fortunately, they are safe. More than 25 ambulances reached the spot and shifted the victims to the hospital. A nearly 300-metre stretch of the highway was affected by the accident. Traffic movement was stopped, leading to a long queue of vehicles. #WATCH | Jaipur, Rajasthan | 4 dead and several injured in a major accident and fire incident in the Bhankrota area. A fire broke out due to the collision of many vehicles one after the other. Efforts are being made to douse the fire. pic.twitter.com/3WHwok5u8W ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2024

Several Feared Dead, Many Vehicles Damaged Due To Fire Outside Jaipur Petrol Pump

Several people are feared dead in a massive fire after a truck collided with another truck in Rajasthan's Jaipur on Friday morning.

Doctors of a lesser State: A long wait for permanent registrations in Andhra Pradesh

While their counterparts from States like Telangana and Rajasthan have begun practising or joined PG courses in India after receiving permanent registrations (PRs), the FMGs belonging to the COVID-19 batches in Andhra Pradesh continue to wait for their PRs even after six months. The foreign medicos patience wears thin with the State officials insisting on a certificate verification process to rule out fake candidates as per the latest NMC advisory. Worried that they might not be eligible for the soon-approaching NEET-PG counselling, the FMGs seek government intervention in ensuring that their PRs are issued and that they dont lose an academic year over rules that seem to vary from State to State, writes Nellore Sravani

Two youth from Rajasthan held for burglary in Sowcarpet

Soldier from Koraput killed in Rajasthan

Telangana HC Roads Rajasthani snacks, famous for jalebis, jhangris

Hyderabad: On the bustling Telangana High Court road in the Old city, one is greeted by the sweet aroma of freshly prepared snacks that include jalebis and jhangris, samosa, kachori, dhokla and khara. Popular are the mouth-watering jalebis and jhangris that earned repute for their taste in the city in the past 50-odd years. It Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Odisha CM embarks on 5-day official visit to Rajasthan, Delhi

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Thursday embarked on a five-day visit to New Delhi and Rajasthan during which he will attend several official meetings, CMO sources said. Majhi who left Bhubaneswar Thursday evening will reach the national capital and spend night there before going to Jaipur in Rajasthan Friday. During his stay in []

Chenab Times Foundation Urges J&K Government Action as Rajasthan Advances Local Language Education

JAMMU, Dec 19 Rajasthan is set to begin teaching in local languages in preschool classes across nine districts from the next academic session, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Education Minister Madan Dilawar announced on Wednesday. This initiative by Rajasthan State Council of Educational Research and Training (RSCERT) aims to bridge [] The post Chenab Times Foundation Urges J&K Government Action as Rajasthan Advances Local Language Education appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .

KPI Green Energy Sets Jan. 3 As Record Date For Bonus Issue

KPI Green has also signed an MoU with the Rajasthan government for the development of hybrid, solar and wind power projects in Jaisalmer.

REET 2025: RBSE introduces fifth option and negative marking under new OMR rules

The Board of Secondary Education Rajasthan (RBSE) has introduced major changes to REET 2025, including a fifth option in the question paper and negative marking. Candidates must choose an option for every question, as unanswered or incorrect responses will result in a mark deduction. Registrations are open until January 15, 2025, with exams scheduled for February 27, 2025.

Cold wave grips the nation; temperatures drop from North to South

Dense fog and cold wave conditions swept across India, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka. Temperatures plummeted to as low as 5 degrees Celsius in some regions, prompting people to gather around bonfires for warmth. Visibility significantly decreased, impacting travel. The IMD predicts these conditions to persist for the next few days.

Chandigarh Diary | Khattar top contender for BJP chief post

As JP Nadda prepares to step down as BJP president, a senior party leader has hinted that the new chief will be elected by the end of February next year. Manohar Lal Khattar, the former Haryana CM and current Union Minister of Power, Urban Affairs and Housing, is seen as one of the top contenders for the position. He is known to be close to PM Narendra Modi and has been travelling extensively across the state to increase his visibility across the spectrum, sources said. Other leaders contending for the role are former Madhya Pradesh CM and union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, ex-Rajasthan CM Vasunadhara Raje and BJP general secretary Sunil Bansal. Farmers agitation 2.0 gets two new faces The ongoing farmers agitation, referred to as 2.0, has seen emergence of two new leaders as prominent figures in the movement. While Jagjit Singh Dallewal represents the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha is being led by Sarvan Singh Pandher. Both organisations have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was halted by security forces. Dallewal has been on a hunger strike, which has now entered its third week, at Khanauri. Deadline for vacating bungalow extended The BJP government has extended the deadline for former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda to vacate the official residence he has occupied as the LoP in the previous assembly in Chandigarh. BJP minister Vipul Goel is reportedly eyeing Hoodas bungalow, which he has been occupying since 2019. Hooda had sought fifteen days to vacate the house. Meanwhile, the Congress high command has been postponing the move to hold a Congress Legislature Party meeting to elect its leader, who would also serve as the LoP. Additionally, the flat of former DyCM and JJP leader Dushyant Chautala has been locked by the state government dept. Harpreet Bajwa Our correspondent in Chandigarh hsbajwa73@gmail.com

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

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

Bengal in Santosh Trophy QF, J&K hold Manipur to 1-1 draw

HYDERABAD, Dec 18: Bengal secured themselves a spot in the quarter-finals of the 78th Senior National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2024-25, with a 2-0 win against Rajasthan, while Jammu & Kashmir held Manipur to a 1-1 draw in Group A at the Deccan Arena on Wednesday, The 32-time champions are now on nine points from three matches. Manipur are on seven from three, and Jammu & Kashmir earned their first point this season in the final rounds. Bengal [] The post Bengal in Santosh Trophy QF, J&K hold Manipur to 1-1 draw appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Fraudster Arrested In Rajasthan In Rs 56 Lakh Cyber Scam Case

The Kota City Cyber Police in Rajasthan on Wednesday arrested a 22-year-old youth Sohail Khan in connection with a cyber fraud case amounting to Rs 56 lakh, an official said.

Holiday rush: Most top-end hotels sold out for the year end despite rise in overseas travel

Indian leisure destinations are experiencing a surge in year-end holiday bookings, with increased occupancies and higher room tariffs compared to last year. Luxury hotels in Rajasthan, including those owned by IHCL, are nearing full capacity, while Goa and other popular locations are also seeing strong demand and increased average daily rates.

Santosh Trophy: Bengal beat Rajasthan, secure QF spot

West Bengal beat Rajasthan 2-0 to secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the 78th Senior National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

RSMSSB Junior Accountant final result announced, check direct link here

The Rajasthan Subordinate Service Selection Board (RSMSSB) has declared the Junior Accountant recruitment results. Candidates can check and download their results in PDF format from the official website, rssb.rajasthan.gov.in. Candidates can check the direct link and other important details here.

Supreme Court directs constitution of committee for preservation of sacred groves in Rajasthan

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Union of India and the State of Rajasthan to set up a five-member Committee, to be headed by a retired Rajasthan High Court judge, for the protection and preservation of the sacred groves of Rajasthan. The Bench of Justice BR Gavai, Justice SVN Bhatti and Justice Sandeep Mehta [] The post Supreme Court directs constitution of committee for preservation of sacred groves in Rajasthan appeared first on India Legal .

IMD Issues Severe Cold Wave Warnings For These States Till Dec. 22

The met department in its press release on Wednesday predicted a cold wave to severe cold wave in Punjab, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh till Dec. 22.

Rajasthan govt to replace Urdu terms in policing with Hindi words

Jaipur: Mukadma (case), Mulzim (accused), Ilzam (allegation), Ittila (information), Chashmdeed (eyewitness) and many such terms may not be a part of policing vocabulary in Rajasthan for long, with the BJP government in the state issuing direction to replace them with appropriate Hindi words. The state police headquarters started the exercise following a letter by Minister []

This Rajasthani Korme Ka Paratha Will Change the Way You Look at Breakfast

Moong dal parathas are hearty and wholesome. This Rajasthani version takes this ingredient to the next level, making a dish you'll want to have every day.

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

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

Two Soldiers Killed, One Injured During Training Exercise In Rajasthan's Bikaner

5 celeb approved wedding destinations in India to look for your big day!

Even after moving to Hollywood, Priyanka Chopra chose to get married in India. Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal decided to marry here on the land of Maharajas. Whats stopping you from choosing India over other countries to have a dream destination wedding? Those glittery lights, breathtaking venues and stunning photographs that you keep scrolling on Instagram, can be a reality for you. And you dont have to cross oceans for that, just a few kilometers away is your dream wedding destination. Check out these 5 most beautiful destinations this wedding season which have been chosen by these famous celebrities The Umaid Bhawan palace, Jaipur This historic place is built with grand yellow sandstones in the year 1928. The place sparks royalty and grandeur. Spread across 26-acre area of gardens, the place is one of the largest private residences in the world. It features Art Deco and Renaissance design, two swimming pools, the Jiva Grande Spa, the Trophy bar and mini bar, yoga studio, gyms, plus tennis courts. There is a unique champagne museum walk that acquaints guests with the collection of Victorian and Edwardian antiques while champagne in hand. Rajasthani meals are served along with the food from Indian and Continental cuisine. The place is just a 15-minute drive from the Jodhpur Airport and major star attractions are just a few kms away from here. The Umaid Bhawan palace was the wedding destination of Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas in 2018. PCs wedding majorly began the trend of weddings at the palace. The wedding cost was Rs 3 crore which is equivalent to the hotels three months revenue. Your wedding can indeed be the next royal affair if held at the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Approximate stay cost INR 40,000 INR 1,00,000 The Six Senses fort, Barwara at Sawai Madhopur The 14 th century fort has been turned into an all- suite resort and is now preserved alike. The Chauth ka Barwara temple, the Aravalli hills and lake are prominent views from the fort. To mention a few, the fort features two original palaces and two temples within the premises. There is a Spa and fitness center, aerial yoga pavilion, hydrotherapy area, swimming pool and all day dining experience. Indian food, Mediterranean crudo, and pan Asian food. The lounge bar at the Rajawat room serves classic cocktails. For weddings, the Barwara Royal ballroom is a major attraction. The interior is designed with contemporary Rajasthan style, that has the Shekhawati art, latticework, embroidered furnishings and state of the art technology. Also, it is a 3-hour drive from Jaipur and six hours from Delhi. The fort is only 30 minutes away from the Ranthambore National Park famous for its wild tigers. The much awaited wedding of 2021, Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaifs took place at the Six Senses fort. For your big day, you can look forward to this fort wearing that royal matki silk lehenga in red just like Katrina. Stay costs INR 46,000 INR 1,70,000 Suryagarh Palace, Jaisalmer The royal majestic Suryagarh fort is a really mesmerizing place for weddings. The Rajasthani architectural style hotel features typically ancient craft, wide courtyards, heritage art, handcrafted furnishings, vivid explorations with fine dining experience. It also has spa, indoor pool, fitness center and much more. Star attractions include Rait, which is the first desert spa of the region, The Legend of Marwar that offers fine delicacies from Rajasthan, Indian and International cuisines at Nosh restaurant, Wine and cocktails at Draksh lounge It is mere 16.3 kms away from the Jaisalmer Airport, and near to tourist spots like Patwon ki Haveli and Nathmalji ki Haveli. In 2023, the Shershah co- actors, Siddharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani exchanged vows at the Suryagarh Palace. Just like Kiara you can also say a yes to that Delhi ka seedha sadha ladka and get married in the royal garden of the Suryagarh fort. The stay can cost INR 20,000 INR 1,60,000 The Mansion house, Alibaug The Mansion house can be a perfect place for a peaceful wedding at the Sahyadris amidst all the chaos of the city. Situated in Alibaug, it is a beach resort in the lap of nature. If someone is looking a place apart from Goa, it is Alibaugs mansion house. It is just 20 minutes away from Mumbai, a boat or ferry can drive you there. Also, the Sasawane Beach is a walk away from the Mansion house. Spacious rooms, surrounded by all the greenery, the serene sound of winds nearby makes it an ideal location for a far- far wedding. Key attractions are The Sky deck room, the Palm court room, the Cabana Cove room. Indulge in the perfect combination of food and beverages, and enjoy the in room dining experience. It is well equipped with in room spa, swimming pool, fitness centre, spacious garden and volleyball court too. Actor Varun Dhawan and Fashion designer Natasha Dalal tied the knot at the Mansion house in Alibaug. Your wedding festivities can kickstart in Mumbai itself with the amazing cruise ride. The stay cost varies according to the request of the guests. The Oberoi Sukhvilas Spa resort, Chandigarh In the foothills of Himalayas, offering the scenic location of the Siswan forest lies the Oberoi Sukhvilas Spa resort in Pallanpur, Chandigarh. The place is nothing less than a paradise, with fountains, gardens and the classic architecture. To be noted, it was listed in the Worlds greatest places by the Time magazine in the year 2018. Spacious rooms, serene views, unmatchable culinary along with the luxury of a private pool, rejuvenating spa experience, all complimented with an attentive car. The warm hospitality makes to an unforgettable experience here. In 2021, celebrity couple Rajkumar Rao and Patalekha got married at the Oberoi. Approximate stay cost INR 30,000 INR 2,00,000 Apart from these, there are some other wedding destinations to consider. These are The Deogarh Mahal, Mewar Rajasthan The Raffles, Udaipur The Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad Aman-i-Khas, near the Ranthambore National Park & Tiger reserve, Rajasthan Hilton Goa resort, Candolim Goa With this, we end up with our section on Celebrity approved wedding destinations in India. So if your wedding is on the cards, consider these awesome locations before you fix the place. While Rajasthan is already the Crme de la crme venue for destination weddings, the other spots are no less. Choose the best for your big day!

Allahabad HC judge appears before SC collegium over remarks on UCC at VHP function

NEW DELHI: Allahabad High Court judge Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, who stirred controversy with his statement at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) event, appeared before the Supreme Court collegium on Tuesday to present his side of the issue. Taking note of media reports on December 10, the top court sought a report from the Allahabad HC on the issue. Justice Yadav was asked to appear before the collegium and explain himself after the controversial statement, sources said. Headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sannjiv Khanna, the collegium asked Justice Yadav to clarify his position before any any action could be taken against him. The SC expressed strong disapproval of his speech and called for details from the Allahabad High Court regarding the matter. While directing the Allahabad HC to furnish details over the matter, the SC took cognisance of Justice Yadavs reported speech. In its official statement, the apex court noted, The Supreme Court has taken note of the newspaper reports of a speech given by Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, a sitting judge of the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad. The details and particulars have been called from the HC and the matter is under consideration. An anguished SC said the details and particulars have been called from the Allahabad HC. The matter is under consideration, it added. While attending the VHP event, the judge had said the main aim of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is to promote social harmony, gender equality and secularism. In a related development, Prashant Bhushan, a lawyer and convenor of the NGO, Campaign for Judicial accountability and Reforms (CJAR), wrote a letter to the CJI Khanna seeking an in-house enquiry into Justice Yadavs conduct. Echoing similar concern, senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, also called for the impeachment of Justice Yadav, Judge of the Allahabad High Court, for his controversial speech on Sunday. Also in top court Jal Jeevan scheme case: Middleman gets bail The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted bail to a middleman arrested in connection with a money-laundering case linked to the alleged irregularities in Rajasthans Jal Jeevan Mission scheme. While granting the reprieve to Sanjay Badaya, a bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan asked the Enforcement Directorate whether the then minister of the department concerned, on whose behalf the accused allegedly received money, was made an accused in the case. The ED counsel replied in the negative and said an investigation is underway.

PM promises tap water to all homes

JAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (PKC-ERCP) in Jaipur. The ceremony for the project also marked the completion of one year of the Bhajanlal Sharma-led BJP government in Rajasthan. During the event, the agreement between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh for the ambitious project was unveiled. The Central government has designated the ERCP as a national project and committed to bear 90% of the total project cost. The remaining 10% will be shared equally by the Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh governments. As part of the foundation-laying ceremony, Modi poured water from replicas of the Parvati, Kalisindh, and Chambal rivers into a pot, named the Ram Setu Kalash. He announced that Rajasthan would benefit significantly from the agreement, with tap water expecting to reach 100% of the states households. He noted that the water ministry is overseeing the initiative. Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 24 infrastructure projects worth over Rs 46,300 crore, spanning sectors such as electricity, water, roads, and railways. In his address, Modi attacked the previous Congress government in the state and held it responsible for delays in the ERCP project. Instead of resolving the issue, Congress kept fueling water disputes between states. People will certainly question Congress about why they failed to finalise the ERCP agreement, he said. The PM praised former CM Vasundhara Raje, acknowledging her role in initiating the ERCP during her second term and highlighted her efforts in drafting the framework for connecting the Parvati, Kalisindh, and Chambal rivers. Recalling Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Jaswant Singh, Modi said, When I was chief minister, both leaders came to Gujarat to discuss providing Narmada water to Rajasthan. Because of that initiative, districts like Churu, Jhunjhunu, Hanumangarh, Jalore, and Barmer are now benefitting from Narmada water. Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav stated that the 20-year-old water dispute between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh has been resolved. He described the ERCP as a boon for both states. Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma echoed this sentiment, terming the event historic. The Congress, however, dismissed the event as a political stunt. The Congress claims that due to political animosity, the BJP kept the ERCP on hold in five years of the Ashok Gehlot government. Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasara accused the Central government of misleading the people on the ERCP. Gehlot also alleged that the BJP had compromised Rajasthans interests. The PKC-ERCP is directly linked to a population of 3.45 crore across 21 districts in Rajasthan. These districts include Jaipur, Kota, Jhalawar, Baran, Bundi, Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Tonk, Dausa, Karauli, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur, Gangapur City, Beawar, Kekri, Dudu, Kotputli-Behror, Khairthal-Tijara, Deeg, and Jaipur Rural. The project aims to alleviate water crisis in eastern Rajasthan, providing drinking water to households and irrigation water to farmers, thereby benefiting both urban and rural populations in the region.

PM: Rajasthan-MP canal model for states hit by water rows

People in Madhya Pradesh lost 130 per cent more money due to digital arrest in 2024 compared to 2023

BHOPAL:Money lost due to digital arrest -- the rising phenomenon of cyber fraudsters posing as enforcement agencies sleuths to extort money from targets -- has increased by more than 130 per cent within a year in Madhya Pradesh. The alarming statistics were shared by the state government on the second day of the ongoing winter session of the Vidhan Sabha in Bhopal on Tuesday. Responding to Congress MLA Pratap Grewals question about the cases of digital arrest and online fraud in the state during the years 2023 and 2024, the CM and home minister Dr Mohan Yadav, in the written reply submitted that a total 26 cases of digital arrest were reported in the state in 2024 in which the cyber fraudsters extorted more than Rs 12.60 crore, which was 130 per cent more than a single case in entire 2023 which saw the lone complaint lose Rs 96,968 in Bhopal. While just one case was reported (in Bhopal) during 2023, no arrests were made in that case in 2023. In 2024, as many as 26 cases (registered under the IT Act) of digital arrest have so far been reported during 2024, which involved more than Rs 12.60 crore extortion from the victims in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur and Vidisha. Caught in a virtual web: The rise of 'digital arrest' scams in India As many 38 accused have so far been arrested in the 26 cases of digital arrest in 2024 and just 72.38 lakh (which is a mere 5.74%) of the whopping Rs 12.60 crore plus sum (extorted by the fraudsters) has been returned to the victims. The CMs written reply revealed that among the 38 accused arrested in the 26 cases of digital arrest in 2024, most hailed from Rajasthan, followed by Bihar, Gujarat, Kerala and Jammu and Kashmir. According to informed sources, the arrested men could actually be those whose accounts (mule accounts) have been used to park the money extorted from the victims. In his written reply, the CM told the house that cyber fraudsters duped people in Madhya Pradesh of more than Rs 150 crore in 2023 and 2024, nine per cent of more than 12.61 crore of which pertained to digital arrest extortion money. The remaining 137 crore plus represented the sum lost by the states people to various online frauds. A total of 444 cases of online fraud were reported in the state in 2023 in which the victims lost more than Rs 44.26 crore. Out of this sum, more than Rs 8.71 crore (which was around 20% of the money lost) was recovered by the MP police and returned to the victims of online fraud in 2023. In the current year, while the cases of online fraud registered under the IT Act increased to 521 (which was 17% more than the 444 cases reported in 2023), the money lost by the victims to online fraud zoomed by a massive 111% to Rs 93.60 crore compared to the Rs 44.26 crore plus lost in 2023. While the total sum lost due to online fraud was 111% more in 2024 compared to 2023, the recovery of fraud money and its return to the victims in 2024 was Rs 8.54 crore plus, which was just 9% of the money lost due to online fraud in 2024. The recovery of online fraud money by the state police and its return to the victims in 2024 stood at Rs 8.54 lakh-plus, which was Rs 17.12 lakh or 2% less than the corresponding figure of 2023. Also, while 237 accused of online fraud were arrested in 2023, the corresponding number fell slightly to 234 in 2024. A city/district-wise break-up of the online fraud and digital arrest cases in 2023 and 2024 revealed that maximum of 184 and 141 cases were reported in the states money/commercial capital Indore in 2023 and 2024 respectively, followed by the states political and administrative capital Bhopal with 53 and 77 cases respectively.