rajasthan News

Pharma company making illegal psychotropic drugs busted in Rajasthan, three arrested

AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has busted a major interstate narcotics racket in Rajasthans Bhiwadi, seizing 22 kg of illegal substances and arresting three key accused, marking the second big drug crackdown in a single month. The trail of the investigation led straight into a pharmaceutical factory hiding a narcotics assembly line in the neighbouring state. What looked like a routine industrial unit in Bhiwadis Rocco Eyal area was, in reality, a covert hub manufacturing banned psychotropic drugs for the black market. The operation began quietly, with a tip-off that the company APL Pharma was illegally producing drugs like Azazolam and feeding the supply chain through a key distributor, Sunny Yadav. The information appeared sensitive and explosive, an ATS officer said, so we cross-verified every detail using technical surveillance and human intelligence before moving in. Under the supervision of senior ATS officials and the leadership of the Deputy Superintendent of Police, a dedicated team meticulously mapped the network. Names emerged, links connected, and patterns repeated, pointing to a well-oiled racket rather than a one-off crime. On December 28, the ATS, along with a special unit of the Rajasthan Police, stormed the APL Pharma premises. Inside, officers found a fully functional illegal manufacturing unit. The seizure was massive and alarming -- 22 kilograms of psychotropic substances, including 5 kg of Alprazolam, 17 kg of a combination of Prozepam and Temazepam known for high abuse potential. Three men were taken into custody at the site -- Anshul Shastri (40) from Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Maurya (41) from Takora, Rajasthan, and Krishna Yadav (33), also from Takora. Investigators revealed that Anshul Shastri owned a firm supplying raw materials used to manufacture the illegal drug Azolamide. He allegedly partnered with Akhilesh Maurya to plan and execute large-scale production. This was not experimentation, an officer noted, adding, It was organised manufacturing with clear intent to supply. The drugs were produced at APL Pharma and allegedly sold across various regions, including parts of Maharashtra, through distributors like Sunny Yadav. Money trails, buyer networks, and additional collaborators are now under the scanner, with the ATS convinced that the racket has been operational for a long time. All three accused have been booked under Sections 8 and 22 of the NDPS Act at Vishwa Bhawan Phase-3, UIT Sector-3, Rajasthan. Officials say further arrests are likely as financial records and call data are analysed. Significantly, this is the ATSs second major narcotics bust in December. Earlier this month, a methamphetamine factory in Jodhpur was dismantled, leading to the arrest of six accused and the seizure of 40 kg of drugs and chemicals.

Welcome SC order on Aravallis, formation of new panel to study issue: Union Environment Minister

NEW DELHI: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to stay its order accepting a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges, and said the government stands committed to its protection and restoration. The apex court kept in abeyance the directions in its November 20 verdict that had accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges recommended by a committee of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC). It also proposed to constitute a high-powered committee comprising domain experts to undertake an exhaustive and holistic examination of the issue. I welcome the Supreme Court directions introducing a stay on its order concerning the Aravalli range, and the formation of a new committee to study issues. We stand committed to extending all assistance sought from MOEFCC in the protection and restoration of the Aravalli range, Yadav said in a post on X. As things stand, a complete ban on mining stays with regard to new mining leases or renewal of old mining leases, he added. The top court on November 20 accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges and banned the grant of fresh mining leases inside its areas spanning Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat until experts' reports are out. The apex court had accepted the recommendations of a committee of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on the definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges to protect the world's oldest mountain system. The committee had recommended that Aravalli Hill be defined as any landform in designated Aravalli districts with an elevation of 100 metres or more above its local relief, and an Aravalli Range will be a collection of two or more such hills within 500 metres of each other.

RR's Captaincy Will Likely Be Between Riyan And Jadeja: Uthappa

Indian Premier League: Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa believes that leadership will be the defining factor for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) success in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. The franchise emerged with a formidable squad, bolstered by key trades and acquisitions such as Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, following the IPL 2026 mini-auction. However, the captaincy remains an unanswered question, with the team trading their Sanju Samson, who led them till 2025, to the Chennai Super Kings. Speaking to JioStar, the former India batter lauded RR's bowling arsenal, noting the advantage of having around 10 fast bowlers for varied options. The advantage Rajasthan Royals have is the fact that they have 10 fast bowlers, offering a lot of options. If they bowl in the right areas at SMS Stadium, Jaipur, they can be very successful. With spinners like Bishnoi and Jadeja, support from Shimron Hetmyer and Donovan Ferreira, and depth in the batting order with Dhruv Jurel and Riyan Parag, they now have a well-rounded team, Uthappa said. On the teams captaincy, he added, The only question is leadership. My feeling is the captaincy will likely be between Riyan Parag and Ravindra Jadeja, while Jaiswal might need to wait a bit longer. Speaking to JioStar, the former India batter lauded RR's bowling arsenal, noting the advantage of having around 10 fast bowlers for varied options. The advantage Rajasthan Royals have is the fact that they have 10 fast bowlers, offering a lot of options. If they bowl in the right areas at SMS Stadium, Jaipur, they can be very successful. With spinners like Bishnoi and Jadeja, support from Shimron Hetmyer and Donovan Ferreira, and depth in the batting order with Dhruv Jurel and Riyan Parag, they now have a well-rounded team, Uthappa said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score When you look at this lineup, the captaincy will be the most decisive factor. If you want to replicate the kind of personality Sanju Samson brought to Rajasthan Royals, Dhruv Jurel is probably the closest match. Beyond that, the squad is strong, with talented youngsters, proven players, and all-rounders. The fitness of key players like Jofra Archer at the start of the IPL is also crucial. Ultimately, the management needs to identify and communicate who the captain will be, Kumble asserted. Article Source: IANS

Supreme Court stays November 20 verdict, to revisit definition of Aravalli hills and ranges

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed its November 20, 2025 judgment that had limited the definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges to landforms rising at least 100 metres above the local terrain. The apex court has decided to revisit the contentious issue and proposed the formation of a high-powered expert committee to examine questions relating to the hills elevation, ecological significance, and permissible mining in the region. The matter is being heard in a suo motu case titled IN RE: DEFINITION OF ARAVALLI HILLS AND RANGES AND ANCILLARY ISSUES by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices J K Maheshwari and A G Masih. The court has issued notices to the Centre, state governments, and other stakeholders, and listed the matter for further hearing on January 21, 2026. The November 20 ruling had accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges based on recommendations from a Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) committee. According to that definition, an Aravalli Hill is any landform in designated Aravalli districts with an elevation of 100 metres or more above local relief, while an Aravalli Range is a collection of two or more such hills within 500 metres of each other. The court had also banned the grant of fresh mining leases in these areas until the submission of expert reports. The Aravalli Hills and Ranges, stretching from Delhi through Haryana and Rajasthan to Gujarat, are among Indias oldest geological formations. Historically recognised across 37 districts, they serve as a natural barrier against northern desertification and play a critical role in biodiversity conservation and groundwater recharge. The development signals a potential relook at the earlier judgment, highlighting the ecological, developmental, and legal debates surrounding one of the countrys most important mountain systems.

Border 2: Ghar Kab Aaoge Teaser Out Now

The full song will be launched on 2nd January 2026, at a grand launch event at Longewala-Tanot, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, marking a key milestone in Border 2s journey to cinemas.

Jaiswal Might Need to Wait a Bit Longer: Robin Uthappa on RR Captaincy

Robin Uthappa, Anil Kumble, and Head Coach Rajasthan Royals, Kumar Sangakkara, broke down how the franchise has reshaped its squad and leadership structure

Real estate development opened up by Rajasthan's double-engine govt to hurt Aravallis more: Congress

The Congress party has accused the double-engine government of opening up real estate development in Rajasthan's Aravallis, claiming it will further devastate the ecosystem. This move, they allege, is being made against the Forest Survey of India's recommendations, as the Supreme Court prepares to hear the matter.

School holidays 2025: Cold wave forces closures in UP, Bihar, Jharkhand and Himachal Pradesh, and other states

A severe cold wave has disrupted normal school schedules across several North Indian states. According to media reports, Uttar Pradesh has ordered the closure of all schools until January 1, 2026, while Bihar and Jharkhand have announced temporary closures with revised timings in some areas. Heavy snowfall has extended winter holidays in Himachal Pradesh. Rajasthan continues scheduled winter vacations, while schools in South and East India remain open with normal classes.

Organ donation pledges go up, but Kerala far behind top states

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Organ donation pledges in Kerala rose in 2025, crossing the 10,000-mark with around 6,000 new commitments in the year. The whopping 161% surge also improved the states national ranking from 13 to 10. However, Kerala remains far behind states such as Maharashtra and Rajasthan, which registered nearly one lakh pledges each, underscoring a gap between its reputation as a health pioneer and actual performance. Experts caution that the improvement is built on a low baseline; for a state that has long projected itself as a leader in public health, the numbers remain modest. They argue that sustained awareness campaigns, particularly among youth organisations, are essential if Kerala is to match its stature in the national health index. The revival of pledges comes after years of stagnation and controversy surrounding the cadaver donation programme. In 2024, Kerala recorded just 11 donations, a six-year low, while only 3,000 individuals registered through the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) platform by December. This year, pledges have coincided with a rise in donations. The state recorded 22 cadaver donations, highest in nine years. Officials at the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplantation Organisation (K-SOTTO) said pledging of organs picked up pace in the last 3-4 months, with Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kollam leading Aadhaar-based registrations. The increase in organ donation pledges is a reflection of the change in public attitude towards the programme, said Dr Noble Gracious, the K-SOTTO executive director. He noted that pledges were made from people across the state. And while the 30-45 age group led in 2024, this year the 18-30 age group took the lead. Families, once hesitant, have also begun honouring pledges as was seen in the case of A R Aneesh, a 38-year-old assistant prison officer from Thiruvananthapuram, whose family donated nine organs, including his heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas, hand and corneas, in October.

Aravalli move to finish small hills, worsen NCR air: Jairam to minister

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the hearing on the definition of the Aravalli hills, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh wrote to Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Sunday, saying that the governments move will lead to fragmentation and undermining of the geographical and ecological integrity of the entire mountain range. Posing four specific questions to the government, Ramesh pointed out in the letter that there are understandably widespread concerns regarding the redefinition of the Aravalli Hills, which restrict them to landforms with an elevation of 100 metres or more. In this connection, please permit me to raise four specific questions for your consideration. Is it not a fact that the definition of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges in Rajasthan, since 2012, has been based on a report of the Forest Survey of India (FSI) of August 28, 2010, that said the following: All such areas having a slope of three degrees or more shall be delineated as hills, along with a uniform 100-metre-wide buffer added to the downhill side to account for possible expansion corresponding to a 20-metre hill height, equivalent to the contour interval of 20 metres. Flat areas, tabletops, depressions and valleys falling within these delineated regions shall also be included as part of the hills, Ramesh posed. He also asked whether it was not a fact that the FSI, in a communication to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change dated September 20, 2025, had stated that the smaller hill formations of the Aravallis serve as natural barriers against desertification by stopping heavier sand particles-thus protecting Delhi and neighbouring plains from sandstorms. Because the protective effect of a barrier against windblown sand scales directly with its height, even modest hills of 10 to 30 metres act as strong natural windbreaks. Is it not a fact that the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) constituted by the Supreme Court had, in its report of November 7, 2025, concluded that 164 mining leases in Rajasthan were inside the Aravalli Hills and Ranges as defined by the then-prevailing FSI definition? Ramesh asked.

An annual attraction on the deserts of Rajasthan

Festive fairs, sacred temples and desert adventures define a day in Pushkar that draws travellers year after year.

Vijay Hazare Trophy: Jaiswal To Join Mumbai Squad Ahead Of Goa Clash, Confirms MCA Secretary

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Super: Indias left-handed opener Yashasvi Jaiswal is set to link up with the Mumbai squad ahead of their Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) clash against Goa on December 31, confirmed Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) Secretary Unmesh Khanvilkar. Jaiswal, who turns 24 on Sunday, missed Mumbais opening two matches in Jaipur due to his recovery from acute gastroenteritis. Yashaswi will play in the game against Goa, which is the one happening on December 31. He will be joining the team either on 29th evening or 30th morning, Khanvilkar told IANS on Sunday. Earlier this month, Jaiswal was hospitalised with stomach cramps after Mumbais final Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Super League fixture against Rajasthan, with tests confirming acute gastroenteritis and doctors advising a weeks rest. With veteran India opener Rohit Sharma opening the batting for Mumbai in the first two matches of the competition, Jaiswal is now set to come into the team in his place, starting from the game against Goa, set to be played at the Anantam Ground on New Years Eve. Jaiswal is expected to feature in more matches for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, though his availability will hinge on Indias squad selection for the three-game ODI series against New Zealand, which begins in Vadodara on January 11. With veteran India opener Rohit Sharma opening the batting for Mumbai in the first two matches of the competition, Jaiswal is now set to come into the team in his place, starting from the game against Goa, set to be played at the Anantam Ground on New Years Eve. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Mumbai, led by Indias seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur, has enjoyed a great start to their 2025/26 Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign. They defeated Sikkim by eight wickets in their first Elite Group C clash, before registering a 51-run win over Uttarakhand. Mumbai will next face Chhattisgarh in round three of the competition at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground on Monday. Article Source: IANS

Rajasthan government launches 'e-Swasthya Samvad' platform to strengthen governance in medical education

Rajasthan has launched 'e-Swasthya Samvad', a digital platform to enhance governance and transparency in medical education. This initiative, directed by the Chief Minister and Medical Education Minister, aims to improve health services through technology. The platform will facilitate bi-weekly video conferences connecting all stakeholders for faster decision-making and effective program implementation.

Gujarat Titans Bet On Holder Is Interesting, His Six-hitting Abilities Have Improved, Says Pathan

Indian Premier League: Former India left-arm pacer Irfan Pathan said Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 champions Gujarat Titans (GT) have shown immense faith in West Indies fast bowling all-rounder Jason Holder, noting that his improved six-hitting ability alongside his new-ball bowling will benefit the side in the 2026 season. Holder has been a familiar face in the Indian Premier League, having previously represented Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants, and Rajasthan Royals. In the auction held in Abu Dhabi, GT aggressively pursued Holder and eventually got him for Rs 7 crore after a prolonged tussle with CSK. Their bet on Jason Holder is interesting. He is an amazing bowler with the new ball, but his batting has improved, especially his six-hitting abilities. GT has put a lot of faith in that. Their main strength is their top three batters: Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler. How they use Washington Sundar will be important, as his batting has gotten better, too. The role of Glenn Phillips, or whoever plays at number four or five, will also be very big, said Pathan on JioStar. Ex-India opener Abhinav Mukund explained the reasoning behind GT's preference for left-arm pacers and all-rounders like Holder in making their IPL 2026 squad. Gujarat Titans love fast bowlers, especially left-arm pacers like Prithviraj Yarra and Luke Wood. Ashok Sharma had a great Syed Mushtaq Ali season. How they use Washington Sundar will be important, as his batting has gotten better, too. The role of Glenn Phillips, or whoever plays at number four or five, will also be very big, said Pathan on JioStar. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So maybe if Glenn Phillips is fit, he plays in the middle order, and Jason Holder finishes. Overall, they still look like a brilliant side. They have the best young Indian talent. I don't know who will control them on the bench. Good luck to Parthiv Patel and Ashish Nehra, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Tharoor calls for discipline, backs Digvijaya amid RSS praise row; Khera draws hard ideological line

Amid the political row triggered by senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singhs remarks praising the organisational strength of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Thiruvananthapuram MP and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday came out in support of Singh, stressing the need for discipline and internal reforms within the Congress. Tharoor said discipline was essential for any political party and that the Congress, with its long history, had much to learn from its own past. We have a history of 140 years, and we can learn a lot from it. We can learn from ourselves, too. Discipline is very important in any party, he said. Emphasising organisational strengthening as a shared objective, Tharoor added, Even I want our organisation to strengthen. There should be discipline in our organisation. Digvijaya Singh can speak for himself. Backing Singhs broader argument, Tharoor said the Congress must focus on improving internal discipline and organisational strength to face political challenges more effectively. Asked whether he had spoken to Singh after the controversy, Tharoor said conversations between them were natural. We are friends, and having a conversation is natural. The organisation must be strengthened, there is no question about it, he said. Delhi: On Congress leader Digvijaya Singh praising an RSS photo, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, I also want our organization to become stronger and more resilient from within. But Digvijaya Singh himself can say this too, you can ask him directly... pic.twitter.com/neEHyQ2DTl IANS (@ians_india) December 28, 2025 Singh had triggered the controversy on Saturday after sharing a 1995 photograph showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi seated on the floor near senior BJP leader L K Advani. In his post, Singh said the image reflected how grassroots workers in the RSS and the BJP could rise to top positions, describing it as the power of organisation. Though he later clarified that he remained a strong opponent of the RSS and the BJP, the post drew sharp reactions within the party. In contrast to Tharoors remarks, Congress Media and Publicity Department chairman Pawan Khera took a hard line against Singhs comments, saying there was nothing to learn from the RSS. Taking a sharp swipe, Khera linked the RSS to Nathuram Godse, who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi. Theres nothing to learn from the RSS. What can an organisation known for Godse teach an organisation founded by Gandhi? Khera said, underlining the ideological divide within the party over Singhs remarks. Congress leader Sachin Pilot also reiterated on Sunday that the opposition party is united, but everyone has the right to their own opinion, in response to Digvijaya Singh's remarks. Speaking to the media, the former Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister shared his stance on the Digvijay Singh matter regarding the RSS and PM Modi. He dispelled rumours of an internal ideological rift within the Congress. To explain the situation, he said, Congress party is united. The country needs a strong opposition. Our intention is to strengthen the organisation. In our party, we have the right to speak about our thoughts. He added that Digvijaya Singh said what he wanted, but the encompassing goal of every Congress member is to strengthen the opposition leaders. He said whatever he had to, and after that, he also gave his clarification. All the Congress leaders have only one goal to strengthen Kharge and Rahul ji, added Pilot. Digvijay's RSS praise: Remark open dissent to Rahul Gandhi, says BJP

Opinion: Opinion | Congress Meltdown: In Digvijay Singh's 'RSS' Post, A Reckoning For Rahul

From the row between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar in Karnataka, to the sidelining of leaders like Shashi Tharoor and Manish Tewari, to replacing the leadership in Rajasthan, Gandhi can no longer continue evading responsibility.

Aravalli definition row: Supreme Court to hear suo motu case on December 29

Environmentalists have warned that the revised definition could open up vast stretches of the ancient mountain range across Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat to mining activities

Save Aravalli, Save Life drive gains currency in Rajasthan

JAIPUR: The Congress on Saturday intensified its agitation across all districts in Rajasthan over the exclusion of hills below 100 metres from the Aravalli range across all districts. Under the banner of Save Aravalli Save Life, state Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra and Leader of Opposition Tikaram Juli participated in a major protest organised by the Alwar district party committee. In Jaipur, Congress leaders and workers marched from the PCC headquarters to Shaheed Smarak, raising slogans against the Centre and the state government. On Friday, the NSUI and Youth Congress organised protest marches joined by Congress general secretary Sachin Pilot. The agitation has gained momentum across the state, drawing participation from thousands. Protesters say excluding hills below 100 metres could lead to severe and irreversible environmental damage. Addressing the gathering, Juli alleged that a deliberate conspiracy was underway to destroy the Aravalli range. He warned that while affluent sections might escape the consequences, local communities would be left to face environmental devastation. The Congress will continue its struggle until the Aravallis receive complete protection, he added. In Jaipur, city Congress submitted a memorandum to the Police Commissioner addressed to the President. Protests in several districts turned confrontational. In Dausa, Congress workers attempted to force their way into a locked Dak Bungalow meeting hall. In Ajmer, tensions escalated when police objected to the use of a DJ system during the march, leading to clashes. Similar confrontations were reported from Dholpur. In Tonk, Deputy CM Premchand Bairwa defended the governments position. The Aravalli range is a national heritage. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Union ministers have made it clear that the Aravallis are already protected and reserved. No harm will be allowed. Attempts to politicise the issue are unacceptable, he said. Activists demanded stronger legal safeguards, emphasising that the Aravalli range is not merely a chain of hills but a vital ecological shield that sustains groundwater, biodiversity, and life across Rajasthan. The Centre and the state governments were accused of colluding with mining mafia to facilitate environmental destruction.

How Rajasthan HC Order On Land For Airbase Paves Way To Secure Chickens Neck

The Indian Air Force facility will be set up near Lalgarh Jatan in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar district, a strategic location about 40 km from the India-Pakistan border.

SC takes suo motu cognisance of row over definition of Aravalli range, hearing on Monday

NEW DELHI: Amidst the severe apprehension over the redefinition of Aravalli hills, the Supreme Court has on Saturday took suo motu cognisance of the matter and decided to hear it on December 29, Monday. The matter is to be heard by a three-judge bench of the apex court, headed by the CJI Surya Kant and Justices J K Maheshwari and Augustine George Masih on December 29, Monday. The matter was listed as, Case | In Re: Definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges and ancillary issues, in the top court for hearing on Monday. The apex court took the matter on suo motu basis, after major protest by the public, environmentalists, civil society members and others expressing their apprehensions about the revised definition of the Aravalli hills. They worried that the change may lead to indiscriminate illegal mining and impact groundwater level among others. Socio-environmental activist and lawyer Hitendra Gandhi wrote a letter to CJI Kant, seeking review of 100 Metre test rule pertaining to Aravalli issue. Gandhi also wrote a letter to the President of India in this regard. Low ridges, water recharge areas have to be protected. 100 Metre rule risks excluding large ecologically integral parts that may not meet numerical height threshold but remain functionally critical, the letter of Gandhi said. Rajasthan Dy CM accuses Congress of politicising Aravalli redefinition row as protests continue across state In its judgment on November this year, the bench led by the then Chief Justice BR Gavai (Now retired) accepted the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) committee's recommended operational definition for the Aravali Hills and Ranges in the context of mining. The Supreme Court had in its verdict emphasised that uncontrolled mining here poses a great threat to the ecology of the nation and directed uniform criteria to safeguard them. Their conservation is thus vital for ecological stability, cultural heritage, and sustainable development. The court had earlier directed the Centre to prepare a comprehensive Management Plan for Sustainable Mining before any new mining activity is permitted in the ecologically fragile region. It is to be noted that Aravalli Hills are among Indias oldest geological formations, stretching from Delhi through Haryana, Rajasthan, and into Gujarat. Historically, they have been recognised across 37 districts by state governments, with their ecological role noted as a natural barrier against northern desertification and a protector of biodiversity and water recharge.

'Insightful discussions on governance and reforms': PM Modi on second day of chief secretaries' meet

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held wide-ranging discussions on good governance and the ongoing process of electoral reforms across the country during the second day of the National Conference of Chief Secretaries in New Delhi. Chairing the conference, the Prime Minister reviewed presentations on key agenda items and engaged with chief secretaries to understand their perspectives and long-term visions on welfare schemes and policies aligned with the national goal of achieving Viksit Bharat through sustained development, while strengthening cooperative federalism between the Centre and the States. After the session, the Prime Minister shared a post on X, stating, Had insightful discussions on various issues relating to governance and reforms during the National Conference of Chief Secretaries being held in Delhi. The conference is significant as chief secretaries from all Indian states and Union Territories have come together with the Cabinet Secretary for detailed deliberations. On the first day, despite the cold winter conditions, the chief secretaries undertook a train journey with the Cabinet Secretary to gain first-hand experience of the rapid rail transport system. On Saturday, Prime Minister Modi chaired the sessions and continued participating in detailed deliberations and presentations focused on five key agenda areas. The fifth edition of the Chief Secretaries Conference is themed Human Capital for Viksit Bharat with major discussions covering early childhood education, schooling, skilling, higher education, sports, and extracurricular activities. According to an official statement from the Prime Ministers Office, special sessions are also being held on deregulation at the state level, the use of technology in governance, Agri-Stack, One State One World-Class Tourist Destination, Atmanirbhar Bharat and Swadeshi initiatives, as well as planning for a future beyond Left Wing Extremism. Among those attending the conference are Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit and Rajasthan Chief Secretary V. Srinivas. Pratyaya Amrit is widely credited in Bihar for driving major improvements in the power sector and other areas during his earlier assignments. Known as a tough and result-oriented administrator, he oversaw record progress in electrification as CMD of the state electricity department and played a key role in improving bridges and other infrastructure during his tenure at BRPNL. Rajasthan Chief Secretary V. Srinivas is also regarded as a firm and effective administrator. He is credited with introducing several innovative and people-centric initiatives, both during his tenure as Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training at the Centre and in his current role in Rajasthan. The Saturday sessions were also attended by the Prime Ministers Principal Secretary, Dr P. K. Mishra, along with other senior central government officials, who outlined the objectives of the conference. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to chair the proceedings again on Sunday and conclude the conference with his address.

Rajasthan Dy CM accuses Congress of politicising Aravalli redefinition row as protests continue across state

JAIPUR: Under the banner of 'Save AravalliSave Life', large-scale protests were organised by Congress across Rajasthan on Saturday, highlighting growing political and public concern over the future of one of the worlds oldest mountain ranges. On Friday, the NSUI and Youth Congress organised protest marches joined by Congress General Secretary Sachin Pilot, followed by large-scale demonstrations led by the state Congress committee on Saturday. Protesters warned that excluding hills below 100 metres could lead to severe and irreversible environmental damage. State Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra and Leader of the Opposition Tikaram Juli participated in a major protest organised by the Alwar District Congress Committee. Addressing the gathering, Tikaram Juli alleged that a deliberate conspiracy was underway to destroy the Aravalli range. He warned that while affluent sections might escape the consequences, local communities would be left to face environmental devastation. As part of the Alwar Save Aravalli Campaign, a massive demonstration took place at Kati Ghati, where hundreds of Congress workers climbed the Aravalli hills holding flags bearing the message Save Aravalli. Youth participation stood out, with several young activists shaving their heads and writing Save Aravalli on their scalps as a symbolic pledge to protect the mountain range. In Jaipur, Congress leaders and workers marched from the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) headquarters to Shaheed Smarak, raising slogans against the Centre and the State government. The city edition of Congress submitted a memorandum to the Police Commissioner addressed to the President of India. However, protests in several districts turned confrontational: In Dausa, Congress workers attempted to force their way into a locked Dak Bungalow meeting hall; in Ajmer, tensions escalated when police objected to the use of a DJ system during the march, leading to clashes; similar confrontations were reported from Dholpur as well. Deputy Chief Minister Premchand Bairwa defended the governments position: The Aravalli range is a national heritage. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Union Ministers have made it clear that the Aravallis are already protected and reserved. No harm will be allowed. Attempts to politicise the issue are unacceptable. Activists demanded stronger legal safeguards, emphasising that the Aravalli range is not merely a chain of hills but a vital ecological shield that sustains groundwater, biodiversity, and life across Rajasthan. The BJP government at the national and state levels were accused of colluding with mining mafias to facilitate environmental destruction. Recently, the Supreme Court accepted the Environment Ministrys definition that considers only hills above 100 metres as mountains. This effectively removes nearly 90 percent of the Aravalli rangemuch of which lies between 30 and 80 metresfrom the protected mountain category. While the Central Government has directed that no new mining leases be issued before scientific mapping, environmental experts remain concerned about the future of the lower-height Aravallis. The central question persists: if these hills are no longer legally classified as mountains, how will one of the worlds oldest mountain ranges be protected from mining and exploitation?

Will not allow any tampering with Aravallis natural form: Rajasthan CM

Jaipur: Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Saturday said the Aravalli mountain range is an invaluable natural heritage of the state and asserted that his government will not allow any tampering with its natural form. Chairing a review meeting of the forest, environment and mining departments at the chief ministers residence, he directed officials to 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 .

Cold wave, dense fog grip north and east India

Large parts of north and eastern India continued to reel under intense cold and dense fog on Saturday, disrupting normal life and prompting weather warnings across several states. Sub-zero temperatures were recorded in Kashmir, while parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Jharkhand and West Bengal reported cold day or cold wave conditions, according to the India Meteorological Department. In Uttar Pradesh, dense to very dense fog prevailed across many districts, with daytime temperatures remaining well below normal. Gorakhpur recorded a maximum of 13.2 degrees Celsius, 7.4 degrees below average, while Prayagraj saw a high of 16.8 degrees Celsius, down by over six degrees. Varanasi, Bareilly, Etawah, Bahraich and Barabanki also reported daytime temperatures four to six degrees below normal. Minimum temperatures in the state ranged between 6 and 11 degrees Celsius, with Etawah recording a low of 6.2 degrees. In Lucknow, the maximum temperature stood at 18 degrees Celsius, while high humidity levels contributed to gloomy conditions. The weather department forecast dense fog during late night and morning hours, with dry weather likely to continue. Rajasthan also witnessed cold and dry conditions, with fog reported at isolated places in the Udaipur and Kota divisions. Karauli was the coldest location in the state, recording a minimum temperature of 3.1 degrees Celsius. Jaipur registered a low of 9.6 degrees, while Barmer recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 29 degrees Celsius. The weather is expected to remain cold and dry in the coming days. Punjab and Haryana remained in the grip of intense cold, with dense fog enveloping several areas. In Punjab, Ballowal Saunkhri in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district was the coldest at 4.4 degrees Celsius. Gurugram recorded the lowest temperature in Haryana at 4.9 degrees Celsius. Chandigarh recorded a minimum temperature of 6.9 degrees Celsius. Dense fog also covered the national capital on Saturday morning, while air quality remained in the very poor category. The overall Air Quality Index stood at 355 at 9 am, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board. Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 7.8 degrees Celsius, with foggy conditions likely to persist through the day. Cold weather conditions prevailed across West Bengal as well, with Darjeeling emerging as the coldest place in the state at 5.8 degrees Celsius. In the plains, Alipurduar recorded a minimum of 8 degrees Celsius. Shallow to moderate fog is likely to continue over parts of the state over the next few days, the IMD said. In Jammu and Kashmir, night temperatures dipped below freezing at most places due to clear skies. Srinagar recorded a low of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius, while Sonamarg was the coldest place in the Union Territory at minus 5.8 degrees. The weather office has forecast generally dry conditions till December 29, with the possibility of rain and snowfall around New Years Eve. Jharkhand also witnessed cold wave conditions, with the mercury dropping below 10 degrees Celsius in several districts. Gumla recorded the lowest temperature at 3.6 degrees Celsius. The IMD issued a yellow alert for cold wave conditions in six districts, warning that the cold spell is likely to persist till Sunday morning. Amid the severe cold, at least four members of a family, including three children, died of suffocation in Bihars Saran district after a fire was lit in a closed room to keep warm. Two others were found unconscious and were admitted to hospital. Police said the incident occurred early Saturday morning in the Bhagwan Bazar area. A forensic investigation has been initiated, and the case is being probed from all angles. (With inputs from PTI)

Razed Hills, Blinded Locals & Deaths: The Human Cost Of Illegal Mining In Aravallis

From blinded villagers to drying wells, illegal mining in the Aravallis is hollowing out hills and human lives in Rajasthans Jugrawar village

Six cops injured in stone pelting; WhatsApp, social media services suspended for 24 hours in Rajasthan's Chomu

A police team that reached the spot to manage the situation was allegedly attacked by rioters, who pelted stones, injuring half a dozen policemen. All the injured personnel were admitted to a local hospital, where their condition is reported to be stable. To control the situation, police resorted to a lathi-charge and fired tear gas shells. Since morning, the entire area has been converted into a high-security zone, with heavy police deployment.

RPSC announces 2026 exam schedule for Deputy Commandant, Lecturer, and Assistant Director posts; check here

The Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC), Ajmer, has released the 2026 examination schedule for multiple posts, including Deputy Commandant, Lecturer, and Assistant Director positions. Key exams cover departments such as Home, AYUSH, Energy, Public Health Engineering, and Agriculture. Notable dates include January 11 for Deputy Commandant, February 1 for Assistant Electrical Inspector, and October 1316 for Assistant Director and Senior Scientific Officer. Reserved exams are planned at the end of the year. Candidates should check official updates for detailed schedules.

Injuries On Body, Undergarments Missing: Woman On Rape By Udaipur CEO

The gang rape of a woman IT firm manager in a car in Rajasthan's Udaipur has led to shocking revelations. The incident took place on December 20.

Court summons Salman Khan in 'misleading' pan masala ad case

A consumer court in Rajasthan's Kota has summoned Bollywood actor Salman Khan over a complaint related to a misleading pan masala advertisement.

Suraj Sharma sweeps senior and junior 25m rapid fire pistol national titles

Rajasthan's Bhavesh Shekhawat rounded off the podium, claiming bronze with a total of 24 hits

34 years after termination, SC reinstates hotel worker; directs employer to give 50 per cent back wages

NEW DELHI: More than three decades after he was terminated from his job at the Jaipur Ashoka hotel over allegations of misconduct, the Supreme Court on Friday reinstated and restored the partial back wages of Dinesh Chandra Sharma, who unfortunately did not live to see the verdict that followed years of legal fight. The case was fought in the top court by Sharma's legal heirs after his death. Pronouncing the verdict, a two-judge benchof the apex court, headed by Justice Manoj Misra and comprising Justice Ujjal Bhuyan said, A person may do odd jobs to survive but that cannot be a ground to deny back wages, particularly when termination of his service is by way of punishment. Because punishment, as a matter of course, visits a person with stigma which hampers re-employment. Anemployer cannot avoid liability for back wages merely because the workman did not initially plead that he was unemployed during the intervening period, the court said. The apex court passed the order, after hearing an appeal filed by the legal representatives of late Sharma, who had joined the Rajasthan unit of Bhartiya Paryatan Vikas Nigam Limited in 1978 as a room attendant. His services were terminated in July 1991 on charges of misconduct -- which were found to be unproven years later. Sharma approached the labour court against his termination in March 2015. The court in December the same year found the company's action to be unfair anddirected his reinstatement with continuity of service and full back wages. Following the labour court verdict, the company management moved the Rajasthan High Cour, which modified the order by reducing the back wages to 50%. The top court justified that the HC's approach of awarding half the back wages balanced both fairness and practicality, especially since the hotel where Sharma worked, the Jaipur Ashoka, had since been transferred to the Rajasthan government. The top court thereby restored the single-judge's 2018 order granting Sharma 50% of his back wages, with continuity of service and full retiral benefits amounting to Rs 33,68,326.

Baghpat Khap bans smartphones & shorts for children, cites Rajasthan example

Nagesh Trophy: Maharashtra Beat Rajasthan; Karnataka Thrashed Kerala In League Matches

National T20 Cricket Tournament: Maharashtra defeated Rajasthan while Karnataka dominated Kerala in crucial league matches of the 8th edition of the Nagesh Trophy -- Men's National T20 Cricket Tournament for Blind 2025 at the Railway Sports Ground in Hubali on Friday. Both matches highlighted exceptional skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship, underscoring the growing talent and competitive spirit in Indian blind cricket. In an exciting league encounter, Maharashtra defeated Rajasthan by three wickets. Batting first, Rajasthan posted 158/8 in 20 overs, with Vishanu Bhiya (44) and Rohitas Pareek (25) providing key contributions. In response, Maharashtra chased down the target in 19.5 overs -- their chase anchored by a brilliant 76-run innings from B3 Anil Belsare, who was named Player of the Match. Parmeshwar (29) also played a pivotal role, while competitive bowling from Swapnil Dilip Wagh and Amol Karche kept the contest thrilling. In the second match of the day, Karnataka thrashed Kerala by 174 runs in Hubli. In a commanding performance, Karnataka posted a massive 320/2 in 20 overs, with Sunil Ramesh (186 off 78 balls) and Bhaskar B2 (59 off 34 balls) leading the charge. Gudadappa added 38 runs, helping set a daunting target. Kerala could only manage 146/7 in 20 overs, despite Ahad B3 (49)* and Arjun P (31). Karnatakas disciplined bowling, led by Lokesha B2 (1/5) and B1-Basappa Waddagolu (1/8.5), dismantled the chase. Sunil Ramesh was named Player of the Match for his outstanding innings. Nagesh Trophy is Indias premier national-level T20 cricket tournament for visually impaired (blind) mens teams. It brings together state and union territory teams from across the country to compete in a structured T20 format under the auspices of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), with support from organisations like the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled. Gudadappa added 38 runs, helping set a daunting target. Kerala could only manage 146/7 in 20 overs, despite Ahad B3 (49)* and Arjun P (31). Karnatakas disciplined bowling, led by Lokesha B2 (1/5) and B1-Basappa Waddagolu (1/8.5), dismantled the chase. Sunil Ramesh was named Player of the Match for his outstanding innings. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Nagesh Trophy is named in honour of the late S. P. Nagesh, founder president of CABI and a champion for blind cricket development in India. The first edition of the tournament was held in 201819, and has continued annually with increasing participation and competitiveness. Teams from multiple states and union territories compete each year in round-robin league matches followed by knockouts and finals. Andhra Pradesh are the defending champion of the tournament, winning the title by beating Delhi in the finals last year. Article Source: IANS

Vijay Hazare Trophy: Padikkal, Karun Centuries Help Karnataka Register Easy Win Over Kerala

Vijay Hazare Trophy: Centuries from Devdutt Padikkal and Karun Nair helped defending champions Karnataka cruise to an eight-wicket victory over neighbours Kerala in their Elite Group A match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Ahmedabad on Friday. Padikkal and Nair shared a match-winning 223-run partnership off 234 balls for the second wicket as Karnataka chased down Kerala's 284/7 with 10 balls to spare. Karnataka, who defeated Jharkhand in their tournament opener, elected to field and restricted Kerala after they stumbled to 49 for three. Baba Aparajith (71 off 62) and wicketkeeper Mohammed Azharuddeen (84 off 58) led the recovery with substantial contributions. Left-arm pacer Abhilash Shetty claimed 3-59, while leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal took 2-61. Karnataka lost captain Mayank Agarwal early in the chase before Padikkal and Nair took control and guided Karnataka to their second consecutive victory. In another clash, Madhya Pradesh defeated Tamil Nadu by two wickets in a tense encounter. B Sai Sudharsan (51) and captain Narayan Jagadeesan (55) provided a solid start with a 115-run opening stand, before Mohammed Ali (57) and Sunny Sandhu (43) helped Tamil Nadu reach 280 in 49.3 overs. For MP, left-arm spinner Kumar Kartikeya finished with 3-62. Yash Dubey (92 off 109) and wicketkeeper Himanshu Mantri (90 off 94) responded in MPs chase with a crucial 178-run partnership for the second wicket as they completed the chase with four balls remaining. Jharkhand recovered from their opening loss to Karnataka to defeat Rajasthan by 73 runs. Opener Shikhar Mohan's 129 off 118 balls and Anukul Roy's brisk 52 off 43 deliveries powered Jharkhand to 301. Despite Karan Lamba's century (102), Rajasthan were dismissed for 228. Tripura registered their first win of the tournament with a dominant seven-wicket victory over Puducherry, who were bundled out for just 150, with Swapnil Singh taking a three-fer. Captain Udiyan Bose (53) and Vijay Shankar (47 not out) guided Tripura home in 32.3 overs. Brief scores: Kerala 284/7 in 50 overs (Mohammed Azharuddeen 84, Baba Aparajith 71; Abhilash Shetty 3/59) lost to Karnataka 285/2 in 48.2 overs (Karun Nair 130 not out, Devdutt Padikkal 124) by eight wickets Tamil Nadu 280 all out in 49.3 overs (Mohammed Ali 57, Narayan Jagadeesan 55; Kumar Kartikeya 3/62) lost to Madhya Pradesh 283/8 in 49.2 overs (Yash Dubey 92, Himanshu Mantri 90; Govinth Ganesh 4-54) by two wickets Kerala 284/7 in 50 overs (Mohammed Azharuddeen 84, Baba Aparajith 71; Abhilash Shetty 3/59) lost to Karnataka 285/2 in 48.2 overs (Karun Nair 130 not out, Devdutt Padikkal 124) by eight wickets Also Read: Live Cricket Score Puducherry 150 all out in 41.3 overs (Jayant Yadav 51; Viki Saha 3-23) lost to Tripura 151/3 in 32.3 overs (Udiyan Bose 53, Vijay Shankar 47 not out; Sagar Udeshi 2-16) by seven wickets Article Source: IANS

Youth Congress to hold 'Aravalli Satyagraha Yatra' from January 7-20

The Yatra will begin in Gujarat and pass through Rajasthan and Haryana before concluding in Delhi

Congress intensifies campaign against Aravalli redefinition, Sachin Pilot joins NSUI protest in Jaipur

JAIPUR: Despite the Centre's assurance that no new mining leases will be granted in the Aravalli range, the political controversy over the protection of the ancient mountain system continues to intensify in Rajasthan. On Friday, the National Students Union of India (NSUI) organised a protest march in Jaipur as part of its campaign to save the Aravallis. The march was attended by Congress National General Secretary Sachin Pilot and NSUI state president Vinod Jakhar. Sachin Pilots son, Arhaan Pilot, also took part in the rally, marking his first appearance at a political protest. The Congress will continue its campaign on Saturday by holding a public awareness march in Alwar led by AICC General Secretary Bhanwar Jitendra Singh, Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra, Leader of the Opposition Tikaram Jully, and AICC media coordinator Pawan Khera. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has also been consistently raising this critical issue on social media. Earlier, on Wednesday, a petition was submitted to the Presidents Secretariat in the name of President Droupadi Murmu opposing the definition that considers only hills with an elevation of 100 metres or more as part of the Aravalli mountain range. The petition demanded that the definition be revised on the basis of ecological and environmental considerations. The petition was filed by Charmesh Sharma, former director of the Rajasthan Seed Corporation and a Congress leader from Bundi, who has been vocal on Aravalli conservation. A complaint has also been filed with the National Human Rights Commission on the same issue. Row over Aravalli redefinition intensifies in Rajasthan even as Centre announces mining ban Congress sources say that while the party has staged protests on issues such as changes related to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGA) and the National Herald case, they have not generated a widespread public response. In contrast, they claim there is huge public concern over the Supreme Courts decision related to the Aravalli range, with several social and environmental organisations openly expressing opposition. They argue that Rajasthan remains central to the issue, as nearly 90 percent of the Aravalli range passes through the state. According to departmental sources, the Aravalli hills extend over more than 50,000 square kilometres across 20 districts of Rajasthan. Of this, only about 8,000 to 10,000 square kilometres fall under areas with an elevation of 100 metres or more. Officials said the exact extent of the Aravalli range will be determined only after the preparation of the Master Plan for Sustainable Management (MPSM) by the Union Ministry of Environment. The Congress has indicated that protests may intensify in the coming days. Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra recently said the party is preparing a strategy to hold demonstrations at district, block, and state levels in 19 districts of the state. Political observers also suggest the party may consider coordinated movements in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi, where the Aravalli range extends. The issue has put the BJP on the defensive, with senior leaders largely avoiding detailed public responses. While Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has defended the governments position, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has assured that no harm will come to the Aravalli range. Opposition leaders, however, claim these assurances have yet to address public concerns.

Rajasthan CM hits back at Gehlot over Aravalli remarks, says no tampering will be allowed

Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma alleged that it was during Congress regimes that extensive mining activity took place in the Aravalli area and questioned who had altered the definition of the mountain range in 2002-03 and 2009-10

Why a Rajasthani Panchayat Wants to Ban Women from Using Smartphones

After protests and criticism on social media, the panchayat has withdrawn the order, stating it was a 'suggestion'.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Rajasthan Royals star batter, gets Bal Puraskar from President Droupadi Murmu

On the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas, Vaibhav Suryavanshi gets honoured by President Droupadi Murmu in the sports category.

Tension in Rajasthan's Chomu after stones pelted at police over mosque railing issue; four cops injured

Tension in Rajasthan's Chomu after stones pelted at police over mosque railing issue; cops injured

According to police officials, at least six policemen were injured in the violence and have been admitted to a nearby hospital. Most of the injured personnel sustained head injuries, though their condition is reported to be stable. Several police vehicles were also damaged during the stone-pelting.

CEO among three held for gangrape of woman IT firm manager in Udaipur

JAIPUR: Three people, including the CEO of a private IT company, have been arrested for alleged gangrape of a female manager of the company after a birthday party in Rajasthan's Udaipur, police said on Friday. According to police, the accused CEO, Jitesh Sisodia, had organised a party on his birthday last Saturday, in which the manager was also a guest. The other accused in the case were a female executive head of the company and her husband Gaurav Sirohi of Meerut. All the three accused were arrested on Thursday and produced before a court, which remanded them to four-day police custody. The accused were arrested following the registration of a case at Sukher police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. They were produced before a court on Thursday and sent on four-day police remand, Udaipur Superintendent of Police Yogesh Goyal said. According to the woman's complaint, she was left alone as other guests gradually left after the party. The female executive head then offered to drop her home and took the woman in her car, in which Sisodia and Sirohi were also seated. On the way, they bought something resembling cigarettes from a shop and offered it to the woman. She allegedly lost consciousness after consuming it. She woke up the next morning to realise that she was sexually assaulted, the complaint said. Based on the woman manager's complaint, a case was registered, and the three accused were detained and arrested after interrogation, police said. The woman's medical examination was done and statements were recorded, and the case was handed over to Additional Superintendent of Police Madhuri Verma, they added.

India-UK ties in 2025 shaped by trade pact, migration shifts and shared crises

As the year comes to a close, IndiaUK relations saw a renewed push that went well beyond trade and investment, marked by a series of political, economic and people-to-people developments. The most significant milestone was the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement finally reaching fruition. Alongside it, the ambitious IndiaUK Vision 2035 roadmap also took shape, signalling a broader effort to reset and deepen bilateral ties over the next decade. FTA negotiations dominated headlines for much of the year, with both sides determined to take the deal across the line. The agreement was formally signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the UK in July. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, marking his own first year in office, extended a notably warm welcome to Modi at his countryside residence, Chequers, near London, where the two leaders met over cups of chai. We have agreed a landmark deal with India, one of the fastest growing economies in the world, Starmer said, as he accepted Modis reciprocal invitation to lead what he described as the biggest British trade delegation to India ever during a visit planned for October. According to analysis by the UK Department for Business and Trade, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade by more than 25 billion pounds, up from the current 44.1 billion pounds, once it comes into force following ratification by the UK Parliament. This process is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026. India is a growing force on the world stage, on track to have the third largest economy by 2028, Starmer told the House of Commons after his Mumbai visit. Starmer calls India-UK FTA best secured; UK bets big on education, aviation Beyond trade, both governments repeatedly highlighted the ambitious and future-focused IndiaUK Vision 2035, a 10-year roadmap that sets out strategic goals for sustained cooperation across sectors ranging from innovation and defence to education and climate action. One area set to see tangible outcomes from the New Year is higher education. At least nine British universities are finalising plans for overseas campuses in India, reflecting growing demand for UK-linked education options closer to home. These developments have also been viewed as a partial counterbalance to the UK governments increasingly strict immigration policies. According to the latest Home Office data, around 45,000 Indians on study visas and 22,000 professionals on work-related visas left the UK this year, contributing significantly to the downward trend in net migration. Immigration is expected to remain a sensitive issue in 2026, particularly with tougher rules doubling the wait for permanent residency to 10 years for most applicants, a move that could accelerate the exodus of Indian nationals. Another less welcome trend was the growing number of wealthy individuals leaving Britain amid a high-tax environment. Rajasthan-born steel magnate Lakshmi N Mittal, founder of ArcelorMittal and ranked eighth on The Sunday Times Rich List with an estimated fortune of 15.4 billion pounds, was among several super-rich figures reported to be relocating to lower-tax destinations such as Dubai. These moves followed a year of major tax changes under Chancellor Rachel Reeves, including the abolition of the long-standing non-dom status, which had allowed overseas nationals to reduce their UK tax liabilities. Pillar of global stability: India, UK deepen ties with trade push The year also marked the end of an era for the Indian diaspora in Britain, with the passing of several prominent figures. These included hotelier Joginder Sanger, aged 82, and Hinduja Group co-chairman G P Hinduja, aged 85. Caparo Group founder Lord Swraj Paul, 94, and economist Lord Meghnad Desai, 85, both long-serving members of the House of Lords, also died during the year. Tributes poured in from across the IndiaUK corridor, recognising their contributions to business, philanthropy and public life, as well as their enduring role in strengthening bilateral ties. These themes were echoed at a special IndiaUK relations event hosted by the UKs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London. At the same event, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy expressed condolences over the Delhi car blast in November. That month also saw both countries come together to underline their shared commitment to counter terrorism through a Human Cost of Terrorism exhibition hosted by the High Commission of India in London. This sense of shared concern had earlier been reflected in the UKs response to the Pahalgam attack in Kashmir in April, followed by calls for a swift, diplomatic path forward after India launched Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps across Pakistan. UK Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer noted the deeply personal aspect of the conflict for Britains large Indian diaspora. That community was also directly affected by one of the years darkest tragedies: the Air India crash involving a London Gatwick-bound flight that crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12. All but one of the 242 passengers and crew were killed. Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor from seat 11A of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, later returned to his home in Leicester and spoke publicly about his struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder following the loss of his brother, who was also on board. Investigations into the crash are ongoing in India, with UK aviation authorities granted expert status due to the presence of 53 British nationals on the flight. Meanwhile, long-running legal battles continued in UK courts as several fugitive economic offenders sought by India fought extradition. Vijay Mallya remains out on bail, while diamond merchant Nirav Modis appeal to reopen his extradition case from a London prison was adjourned until March. Arms consultant Sanjay Bhandari won a High Court appeal against extradition on human rights grounds and was discharged from bail. In a separate move, the UK government imposed sanctions on British Sikh businessman Gurpreet Singh Rehal and a group linked to him, marking the first use of the countrys Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime to disrupt funding networks associated with the pro-Khalistan militant group Babbar Khalsa. Taken together, the year reflected a complex IndiaUK relationship, marked by historic agreements and shared grief, growing economic ambition alongside tightening borders, and a diaspora whose experiences continue to shape the ties between the two countries. (With inputs from PTI) UN at 80: Marked by wars, waning authority, Trump tensions and Indias push for a 'greater role'

Attacks on Christians contradict PMs message of harmony: Gehlot

Jaipur: Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday expressed concern over the reported attacks and disruptions in prayer gatherings of the Christian community in different parts of the country, saying such incidents were worrying and condemnable. In a post on X, Gehlot said that while the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was visiting a church 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 .

J&K Para Judokas bag 35 medals, win two overall trophies

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 25: Jammu and Kashmirs visually impaired Para Judokas delivered a historic and record-breaking performance at the 14th Para (Visually Impaired) Judo National Championship held at Shri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, from December 19 to 23. The J&K contingent won an impressive 35 medals, including 13 gold, 13 silver and 9 bronze, and also secured two Overall winner trophies, bringing immense pride to the Union Territory. Adding to the achievement, Riya Devi, Aliya Kousar and Anshuman Sharma were [] The post J&K Para Judokas bag 35 medals, win two overall trophies appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Rajasthan village elders withdraw controversial smartphone ban on women

Jodhpur: The village elders in Rajasthans Jalore district have withdrawn the ban imposed on women using smartphones after the decision faced opposition in several places. A meeting of the panchas (village elders) was convened on Thursday in Gazipur village, where they unanimously decided to withdraw the ban. They said the decision kept children in mind, 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 .

Row over Aravalli redefinition intensifies in Rajasthan even as Centre announces mining ban

JAIPUR: Row over redefining the Aravalli range continues to escalate in Rajasthan despite the Centre's assurance that no new mining leases will be granted in the Aravallis. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma termed the Centres decision historic. Former CM Ashok Gehlot responded that there is nothing new in the announcement. In a post on X, CM Sharma accused the Congress of protecting the illegal mining mafia for decades and alleged that the party was misleading the public by spreading lies and confusion. He urged the Congress to introspect and abandon what he called negative politics. Countering this, Gehlot questioned the contradiction between the Centres statements and the actions of the Rajasthan government. He pointed out that Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has repeatedly stated that no mining - above or below 100 metres - would be allowed in the Aravalli range until the Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) is finalised. Gehlot alleged that the BJP-led Rajasthan government has auctioned 50 new mining leases in the Aravalli region, allegedly in violation of Supreme Court directions. Meanwhile state Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra and Leader of the Opposition Tikaram Jully have also intensified their attack on the government. Dotasra announced protests at the district, block, and state levels across 19 districts, with Congress frontal organisations joining the campaign. The NSUI will hold a march on Friday under the Save Aravalli, Save Life campaign, in which former deputy chief minister and Congress national general secretary Sachin Pilot is scheduled to participate. The controversy has further deepened following media reports highlighting discrepancies between the Centres claims and official documents. According to these reports Bhupendra Yadav recently stated that after the revised definition of the Aravalli range, only 277.9 square kilometres would be eligible for mining. In sharp contrast, documents linked to the Central Empowered Committees (CEC) 2024 report present a different picture. A note attached to the CEC report states that the existing mining area in the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan alone stands at 2,339 square kilometres, a fact recorded in paragraph B of the report. The same document refers to the Rajasthan governments draft Vision Document2047, which proposes expanding the mining area from 2,339 to 4,000 square kilometres to promote responsible mining and accelerate economic development. Responding to the allegations, Bhupendra Yadav in a media interview said that misinformation was being spread about the Aravalli range. According to the union minister, a scientific management plan will first be prepared and evaluated by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), with sustainability as the key criterion for any future decisions. Yadav further said that the Aravalli issue has been pending before the Supreme Court since the Congress governments tenure, with illegal mining being the core concern. The fact that illegal mining was taking place shows there was no uniform identification of the Aravallis at the district level and no consensus on what constituted the Aravallis, he said. As the two sides remain unbending, resolving the Aravalli row seems quite elusive.

Ban on women using smartphones in Rajasthan withdrawn; elders say prohibition kept children in mind

The ban was imposed following the suggestions that women should not use smartphones, a Chaudhary community member said, adding that no one was bound to follow the decision.

Rajasthan considering reintroduction of educational criteria for panchayat, local body polls

The provision for compulsory education for candidates was introduced in the State in 2015 during the tenure of the then Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje; the Congress had strongly opposed the move

Bajrang Dal creates ruckus over Christmas celebrations at pvt school in Rajasthan

Jaipur: The principal of a private school in Rajasthans Nagaur district alleged on Thursday that a group of people claiming to be Bajrang Dal members threatened children and staff over Christmas celebrations at the institue. Upon receiving information from the school owner, the police reached the spot and detained three persons, police said. Nearly 40 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 .

ED Searches 11 Locations Across 5 States In Industrialist S P Oswals Digital Arrest Case

NEW DELHI, Dec 25: The Enforcement Directorate has searched 11 locations across five states in connection with an anti-money laundering case in a digital arrest scam in which Ludhiana-based industrialist S P Oswal lost more than Rs 7 crore, officials said on Thursday. The searches were conducted on Monday at 11 locations in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Assam under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Various incriminating documents and digital devices were recovered and [] The post ED Searches 11 Locations Across 5 States In Industrialist S P Oswals Digital Arrest Case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

North India gripped by severe cold wave; Rajasthans Fatehpur coldest at 1.6C

An intense cold wave continued to grip Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, with Rajasthans Fatehpur in Sikar district emerging as the coldest place at 1.6 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department.

India's first high-speed railway test track to be complete by THIS month, trains to test at 220 kmph speed; Here's all you need to know

Indian Railways is set to complete its first dedicated high-speed train test track by March 2026. Built by RDSO in Rajasthan at a cost of ?967 crore, the 64-km facility will allow rolling stock testing at speeds of up to 220 kmph, boosting railway research and innovation.

Udaipur IT employee alleges sexual assault by CEO, senior female executive, husband in moving car

JAIPUR: A shocking case of alleged gang rape in a moving car has come to light in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The victim, a manager at a private IT company, has accused her companys CEO, a senior female executive, and the executives husband of sexually assaulting her. The incident allegedly occurred on the night of December 20, while the complaint was lodged at the Sukher police station on December 23. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation. According to the FIR, the incident took place after a birthday and New Years party organised for the companys CEO at a hotel in Udaipur. The victim stated that she reached the hotel around 9 pm, where employees were dancing and consuming alcohol. The CEO, the female executive head, and her husband were also present at the party. The gathering reportedly continued until around 1.30 am. The victim said that she began feeling unwell late at night, following which arrangements were made to drop her home. She alleged that the female executive head offered to drop her, and around 1.45 am, they left the hotel in the victims car. The executive heads husband and the companys CEO were also present in the vehicle. The woman alleged that during the journey, the accused stopped at a shop, purchased an intoxicating substance, and forced her to consume it. She subsequently lost consciousness. In her statement, the victim claimed that she was sexually assaulted in the moving car. When she partially regained consciousness, she saw the companys CEO assaulting her. The victim further stated that despite her repeated pleas, the three accused dropped her home around 5 am. After regaining full consciousness in the morning, she noticed that her earrings, socks, and undergarments were missing. She also reported severe injuries to her private parts, hand-like marks on her back, and unbearable pain throughout her body. The woman informed the police that the cars dashcam recorded both audio and video of the entire incident. The footage allegedly shows the presence and involvement of the companys CEO, the female executive head, and her husband. Police officials confirmed that a case has been registered and the investigation is underway. The dashcam footage is being examined, and the matter is being probed from all angles. The investigation has been handed over to Additional Superintendent of Police Madhuri Verma.

Aravalli Bachao Andolan launched with 1000-km rally from Mount Abu

A 1,000-km foot march has begun in Jaipur to raise awareness about the Aravalli mountain range. Youth leader Nirmal Choudhary initiated the march from Mount Abu. Speakers highlighted the Aravallis' crucial role in Rajasthan's environment and water security. Concerns were raised about potential desertification and environmental crises if the mountains are destroyed.

Centre imposes 'complete ban' on new mining leases in Aravalli range amid row over redefinition

NEW DELHI: The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has issued directives to the states for a complete ban on granting any new mining leases in the Aravalli Range. This measure aims to protect the range from unregulated mining activities. The Ministry has also instructed the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to identify additional areas or zones within the entire Aravalli Range where mining should be prohibited, beyond those currently restricted by the Centre, based on ecological, geological, and landscape-level considerations. Furthermore, the ICFRE has been tasked with preparing a comprehensive, science-based Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) for the entire Aravalli region. The Centre has described the 'total ban' as a significant step towards the conservation and protection of the entire Aravalli Range, which stretches from Delhi to Gujarat by preventing illegal mining. This statement follows reports indicating that the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) contradicts recommendations from a government-headed committee regarding the definition of the Aravallis. The CEC was established by the Supreme Court in May 2002 and reconstituted in December 2023 to provide the Court with advice on environmental and forestry matters. Aravallis need care beyond mining rules Additionally, these reports claim that government institutions, such as the Forest Survey of India and the Supreme Court's own amicus curiae, opposed the new definition of the Aravallis. The controversy arose when the apex court accepted the recommendations of a committee chaired by the Environment Ministry Secretary, which included representatives from Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi, as well as technical experts. This committee proposed that any landform rising more than 100 meters above local relief should be treated as part of the Aravalli hills. The new definition exposes the Aravalli range to increased vulnerability from mining and other activities. It is reported that all states agreed to adopt this long-standing Rajasthan definition, along with additional safeguards to ensure it is objective and transparent. Why is govt pushing through 'fatally flawed' redefinition of Aravallis, asks Congress

Cases Pile Up As Aravalli Mining Curbs Fail To Halt Violations In Rajasthan

Illegal mining continues in the Aravalli range in Rajasthan, with official data revealing large-scale violations despite repeated political promises to protect one of India's oldest mountain systems.

No Tampering With Aravallis, Breath Of Rajasthan: Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma At NDTV Conclave

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said today that the Aravalli mountains are the reath of the state, and the current government will not tolerate any interference with this natural heritage.

In a remarkable feat, Gujarat crosses five lakh rooftop solar system installations mark

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat has scripted a major renewable energy milestone by installing more than five lakh rooftop solar systems, generating a combined capacity of 1,879 megawatts, firmly placing the State at the forefront of Indias clean energy transition. Achieved under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojna, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the feat reinforces Gujarats dominance in rooftop solar adoption and will take centre stage at the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Renewable Conference (VGRC) in Rajkot. The achievement doesnt stand alone. Gujarat has so far installed over 11 lakh rooftop solar systems cumulatively across schemes, a figure that underlines the states long-term, policy-driven push towards renewable energy leadership. From vision to execution, Gujarat continues to set the national benchmark. This surge reflects the Prime Ministers renewable energy roadmap and the hands-on governance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, whose citizen-centric policies have converted solar power from an ambition into a household reality. SCCL to set up solar, thermal power plants in Rajasthan As a result, Gujarat today retains the No. 1 position in rooftop solar installations in India. Significantly, the State has already achieved 50 per cent of its target of 10 lakh residential rooftop solar installations, a goal set for March 2027, marking a decisive halfway milestone in its clean energy journey. Financial accessibility has played a crucial role, with residential consumers availing Rs 3,778 crore in subsidies, easing the cost burden and accelerating adoption. To remove procedural hurdles, the Gujarat government rolled out a series of consumer-friendly reforms. These include 2,950 assistance for regulatory charges for systems up to 6 kW, waiver of network strengthening charges, and exemption from mandatory net metering agreements. There is no load limit for residential solar systems; surplus electricity can be sold to the grid, and no banking charges are levied on households, making solar both simple and rewarding. Telangana mulls German solar tech to strengthen power sector, aid farmers The subsidy structure further sweetens the deal: 30,000 per kW for systems up to 2 kW, 18,000 per kW for systems between 2 and 3 kW, and a maximum subsidy of 78,000 for installations above 3 kW. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the era now belongs to solar, wind, hybrid energy and green hydrogen, adding that Gujarat had anticipated this transition well in advance. He noted that the State now contributes a significant share to Indias renewable capacity, with rooftop solar emerging as its strongest pillar made possible under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. From January 10, the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot will spotlight real-life rooftop solar success stories, homes slashing power bills and communities feeding surplus electricity back into the grid. Together, they tell one story: how PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna is not just lighting homes, but reshaping Gujarats energy future. Australia to offer hours of free solar power

Mustard acreage rises 4% to 84.67 lakh hectares as crop condition remains normal

Mustard cultivation has increased by 4 percent nationwide. Major states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and West Bengal show expansion. Crop conditions are generally normal. Early season rains caused some issues but recovery is evident. Favorable weather and soil moisture are supporting growth. Pest levels remain low across most regions.

'Mirzapur: The Film' begins shooting in Rajasthan, Ali Fazal shares BTS video

The film is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release in 2026

Rajasthan doubles poll spending limits, tightens campaign rules ahead of local body elections

JAIPUR : The Rajasthan State Election Commission has begun preparations for the upcoming local body elections by issuing two separate notifications for Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies, announcing a major revision in campaign expenditure limits while simultaneously tightening rules on campaigning. In a significant decision, the commission has doubled the election expenditure limits for candidates contesting posts from sarpanch to district council member, and has also substantially increased the spending caps for municipal elections. According to the notification, sarpanch candidates can now spend up to 1 lakh on their campaigns, compared to the earlier limit of 50,000. The expenditure ceiling for Panchayat Samiti members has been raised from 75,000 to 1.5 lakh, while candidates contesting district council member posts will now be allowed to spend up to 3 lakh instead of 1.5 lakh. For urban local body elections, the commission has increased the expenditure limit for municipal corporation councillors from 2.5 lakh to 3.5 lakh. In the case of Nagar Parishad councillors, the cap has been raised from 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh, while municipal council members can now spend up to 2 lakh, double the earlier limit of 1 lakh. Thackeray brothers seal alliance for BMC polls, warn Marathi voters against division Along with revising expenditure limits, the commission has imposed clear restrictions on the use of vehicles during campaigning. A sarpanch candidate will be permitted to use only one vehicle, Panchayat Samiti members up to two vehicles, and district council members up to three vehicles. Similarly, municipal corporation councillor candidates can use a maximum of three vehicles, Nagar Parishad councillors two vehicles, and municipal council members only one vehicle during the campaign period. The commission has strictly prohibited the use of large vehicles such as buses, trucks, minibuses and matadors, as well as animal-drawn vehicles including horse carts, bullock carts and camel carts, for election campaigning in both rural and urban areas. The order also places firm curbs on the use of loudspeakers. Candidates will not be allowed to use loudspeakers at their election offices, nor can they be used within a 100-metre radius of hospitals, schools and religious places. Loudspeakers will be permitted only between 6 am and 10 pm, and that too with prior permission from the magistrate. Magistrate approval will also be mandatory for organising any public rally during the campaign. The State Election Commission said the measures are aimed at ensuring a level playing field, curbing excessive expenditure and maintaining public order during the election process.

Education dept in Rajasthan's Sriganganagar warns schools against forcing students to dress as Santa

Rajasthan's Sriganganagar education department has issued a stern warning to private schools, prohibiting them from forcing students to dress as Santa Claus for Christmas. The order, citing parental consent and sensitivity towards 'Veer Bal Diwas', emphasizes that schools will face action if students or parents are pressured into participating in such activities.

Fact-Check: Is This Video From a Save Aravalli Protest in Rajasthan? No!

The video is from a wrestling tournament held on 30 August in Rajasthan, predating the 'Save Aravalli' protests.

RSSB AAYUSH admit card 2025 released at rssb.rajasthan.gov.in: Direct link to download here

The Rajasthan Staff Selection Board has released the RSSB AAYUSH admit card 2025 on its official website, rssb.rajasthan.gov.in. Registered candidates can download the hall ticket using their login credentials. The Ayush Officer written examination is scheduled for December 26, 2025, and the admit card carries key exam-day details and mandatory instructions.

Bhopal Diary | MP may have open jails for women inmates

Madhya Pradesh is likely to have open jails for women inmates. If the state clears the jail departments proposal, the eight existing open jails will house women inmates too. Presently the eight open jails house only men. Sources said 10% of the existing open jails capacity may be earmarked for female inmates. In MP, women prisoners form 4% of inmates in all jails. Currently, only Maharashtra and Rajasthan have open jails for women. An open jail is a minimum-security correctional facility without bars, walls, or armed guards, relying on inmates trust and self-discipline for rehabilitation. It allows prisoners to live with families and work in the community. Row over wedding of MLAs son inside temple First-time BJP MLA from Indore, Golu Shukla, continues to be in news due to his sons. Despite ban on devotees entry into the sanctum sanctorum of Khajrana Ganesh Temple since the pandemic, the MLAs newly wed elder son Anjanesh and daughter-in-law Simran exchanged garlands on camera within the garbha griha of the 18th century temple. Controversy related to his sons and temples isnt new. In July, his younger son Rudraksha had forcibly entered the sanctum sanctorum of Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, threatening the priest. In April, Rudraksh along with aides had created a ruckus at the hill-top Chamunda Mata temple in Dewas past midnight. Gurukuls to impart edu on Sanskrit, Veda & cows School education department plans to open Adi Shankaracharya Gurukul schools in Rajgarh and Narsinghpur districts, to impart integrated learning in Sanskrit-Vedas-Yogas and introduce education on cows. The two gurukuls will be modelled on the lines of the central government-owned Sandipani school functional in Indore and Ujjain. Based on the success of the two gurukuls in Rajgarh and Narsinghpu, the Adi Shankaracharya Gurukul model will be replicated across the state. The department also plans to hold book fairs in every block to provide textbooks to school children, including of private schools, at the lowest possible rates. Anuraag Singh Our correspondent in Madhya Pradesh singhanuraag.jaurno@gmail.com

Man of the moment: K Gowtham speaks following his retirement announcement

The hall at the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) in the city briefly fell silent before it was filled with camera flashes and the sharp rhythm of shutter clicks. Standing under the lights, with KSCA president and former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad by his side, and in the presence of his close friends and family members on Monday, all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham announced his retirement from competitive cricket. As the noise of the press conference faded and the evening light settled, Gowtham, looking calmer and perhaps a little lighter than he was minutes before, sat down to reflect. Inside the hall, though emotions lingered, clarity began to take shape. Retirement does break hearts and it was emotional for me as well. But there are things Im genuinely looking forward to, especially spending a lot more time with my family, he says. As he looks back, theres one feeling that remains unshakable, the moment he wore Team India colours. Every cricketer dreams of playing for their country. I was fortunate to be one of those. At that moment, you just want to freeze time and hold on to it forever, he reflects with sparkle in his eyes. Even as he steps away from the pitch, Gowtham isnt stepping away from cricket. Instead, he will be staying within the system, mentoring, contributing and nudging the next generation forward. Cricket has given me everything. If there is an opportunity, I want to be around the game, he shares. Gowtham during his stint with CSK Starting with Rajasthan Royals, the 37-year-old ruled the Indian Premier League (IPL) and went on to be a part of league biggies, including Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kings XI Punjab. He became the most expensive uncapped player in the history of IPL back in 2021, when he was signed by CSK for a whopping `9.25 crore. CSK is also the one who instantly softens his tone. Choosing one is tough from the IPL teams. But, I would say CSK felt more like a family. Fun, surprises, ups and downs, just like a real family, he admits. Yet the format that leaves the deepest imprint on his heart is the long, quiet burn of red-ball cricket, which, he thinks, he has contributed towards quite decently and will also miss the most. Perhaps that explains the emotional resilience that shaped his journey, as he speaks about the low points and sporadic opportunities during his IPL appearances ,My life has been a lot more failure than success. But that made me mentally strong. It taught me to control only what I can. I lived by that, he reveals. The boy who walked into the academy at 13 never really left; he only grew up with the game. He smiles, remembering Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh as his childhood heroes, adding that he was nicknamed Bhajii for imitating Singhs style. I was a ball boy then. I was fortunate enough to bowl to Sachin during a series against Australia at Chinnaswamy. He was busy then, obviously. He is serious when he prepares and we would be fooling around. When I started bowling, he said, Arey Bhajji, tumhara competitor agaya! (Hey Bhajji, here comes your competitor!). With the retirement, Gowtham isnt saying goodbye, hes simply turning a page, toward family, mentorship and a quieter yet deeper connection with the game, with his future plan being to keep contributing to the game. And in that lies the grace of his next innings.

Rajasthan district schools forcing kids to dress as Santa to face action

An official order in Rajasthan's Sriganganagar district has cautioned private schools against compelling students to dress as Santa Claus for Christmas. The order cited the area's predominantly Sanatan population and the lack of justification for such programs, following a complaint from a Hindu nationalist group. The state education minister's office clarified the decision was local.

A Must-Visit Cultural Experience This Season!

If there is one cultural destination in South India that deserves a place on every traveller’s calendar this season, it is the 13th Sargaalaya International Arts & Crafts Festival (SIACF). From December 23, 2025, to January 11, 2026, Sargaalaya Kerala Arts & Crafts Village transforms into a living, breathing celebration of art, heritage, flavour, and community—an experience that is as inspiring as it is unforgettable.   13th Sargaalaya International Arts & Crafts Festival (SIACF) begins from December 23, 2025, to January 11, 2026   Recognised as South India’s premier crafts festival, SIACF 2025 is expected to welcome o ver two lakh visitors, making it not just an exhibition, but a cultural phenomenon. Organised by Sargaalaya Kerala Arts & Crafts Village and managed by the legendary Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS Ltd.) , the festival continues to set benchmarks in responsible tourism and cultural excellence.   Where the World’s Crafts Come Together What makes SIACF truly extraordinary is its global soul rooted in Indian tradition. The 2025 edition brings together nearly 200 master artisans from 18+ Indian states, alongside celebrated craft practitioners from Belarus, Egypt, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Russia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Taiwan.   Walking through SIACF feels like travelling across continents—each stall revealing a story, a heritage, and a human touch that no machine can replicate. For anyone who values authenticity, craftsmanship, and cultural depth, this is an experience that simply cannot be missed.   An Immersive Festival, Not Just an Exhibition SIACF 2025 is thoughtfully curated to offer far more than shopping. Visitors are invited to explore beautifully designed Handloom and Craft Theme Arenas, with special emphasis on Geographical Indication (GI)–tagged products, making it a rare opportunity to witness India’s protected craft legacies under one roof.   With over 100 exhibition and trade stalls, including works by National and State Award–winning artisans, the festival offers an unparalleled chance to engage directly with creators and take home pieces of living heritage.   Adding depth to the experience are the Tourism Expo and Tourism Talk Shows, where ideas, innovation, and the future of creative tourism come together—making SIACF equally compelling for professionals, students, and cultural thinkers.   Fashion, Flowers, Food & Festivity From elegance on the ramp to colour in full bloom, SIACF 2025 celebrates lifestyle in its most artistic form. Handloom Fashion Shows and Children’s Fashion Shows bring textiles to life, while the Flower Show adds a visual spectacle that delights all ages.   No visit to SIACF is complete without indulging in the much-loved Kerala Food Festival—a culinary journey through authentic local delicacies, enriched with regional flavours from states like Rajasthan. Daily live cultural performances by renowned artists ensure that every evening at Sargaalaya feels festive, soulful, and memorable.   For those who enjoy leisure amidst nature, pedal and motor boating along the serene Moorad River offers a refreshing pause—making the festival a perfect blend of culture, relaxation, and adventure.   A Festival That Makes a Difference Beyond its beauty and scale, SIACF stands out for its purpose. As a flagship rural tourism initiative, the festival plays a crucial role in empowering artisans, sustaining endangered crafts, and contributing meaningfully to the local economy.   This vision is strengthened by the support of the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, NABARD, the Ministry of Textiles (through the Development Commissioners of Handicrafts and Handlooms), and the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, Kannur—ensuring that every visit directly supports livelihoods and cultural continuity.   The Perfect Family & Travel Recommendation Whether you are a culture enthusiast, a conscious shopper, a family looking for a meaningful holiday outing, or a traveller seeking authentic Kerala experiences, SIACF 2025 is an unmissable recommendation. It is rare to find a destination that seamlessly brings together craft, cuisine, learning, entertainment, and nature—yet Sargaalaya does so effortlessly.   “Sargaalaya is not just a craft village; it is a celebration of human creativity and shared heritage,” says Team Sargaalaya . “Every visit helps preserve living traditions while empowering rural communities through responsible tourism.”   About Sargaalaya Kerala Arts & Crafts Village Set across 20 acres in Iringal, Kozhikode, Sargaalaya Kerala Arts & Crafts Village is a flagship initiative of the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, established in 2011. Developed on a Responsible Tourism model, it provides a permanent creative home for over 100 master artisans and features 27+ eco-friendly cottages, live craft demonstrations, and cultural spaces.   Recipient of the National Tourism Award for Best Rural Tourism Project, Sargaalaya is widely regarded as one of Kerala’s most enriching cultural destinations.   Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village: Towards a Global Cultural and Experiential Destination Sargaalaya Kerala Arts and Crafts Village at Iringal, near Vatakara in Kozhikode district, is envisioned to be developed as a globally benchmarked cultural, experiential, and interpretative destination for Malabar. The proposed development reimagines Sargaalaya not merely as a craft village, but as an integrated cultural institution that interprets regional heritage, nurtures creativity, produces knowledge, and anchors a wider tourism ecosystem across North Kerala. The focus is on creating a living cultural landscape where heritage, contemporary practice, tourism, and community livelihoods intersect.   The development places strong emphasis on immersive visitor engagement through interactive craft zones, daily demonstrations, curated workshops, and guided interpretation. Craft spaces will be reconfigured to allow larger visitor participation, supported by a central craft emporium and dedicated workshops that enable skill development, innovation, residencies, and fair market access for artisans. These interventions ensure that crafts remain dynamic, living practices rather than static displays.   At the heart of the project is the Cultural Experience and Interpretation Centre, conceived as the primary narrative anchor for Malabar. Through curated exhibitions, multimedia installations, immersive digital environments, and interactive archives, the centre will present Malabar’s maritime history, social reform movements, resistance traditions, ecological knowledge, and cultural pluralism, offering visitors a coherent entry point into the region’s layered cultural landscapes.   A series of thematic developments will structure the expanded Sargaalaya ecosystem. The Literature City will position Malabar as a living literary landscape through writers’ retreats, multilingual libraries, translation and publishing labs, literary residencies, and immersive experiences linking literature with place, memory, and social history. The Kalari Village, rooted in the martial traditions of Kadathanad, will integrate training, performance, research, wellness, and interpretation through traditional arenas, therapy centres, and an interactive martial arts museum.   The project places strong emphasis on the documentation and preservation of performing arts, supported by digital archives, performance-capture studios, and immersive experience centres for art forms such as Theyyam, Kathakali, Kalaripayattu, and Mappila songs. A Living Heritage Programme will support artists through apprenticeships, fellowships, residencies, and contemporary collaborations, ensuring continuity alongside creative evolution.   Sargaalaya is envisioned as a year-round cultural destination with robust performance infrastructure, including open-air amphitheatres, indoor auditoriums, flexible venues, and artist residency facilities. Regular performances, curated weekend programmes, and four large-scale annual cultural productions will ensure sustained activation. A flagship attraction, Malabar Symphony, is proposed as a large-scale light-and-sound hybrid immersive storytelling experience narrating Malabar’s maritime history, resistance movements, ecological consciousness, and cultural evolution. Conceived as a thirty-five-minute production staged twice daily, Malabar Symphony is proposed to be developed in collaboration with leading national and international artists, with concept and direction by Revathy, screenplay and narrative by Shankar Ramakrishnan, music composition by A.R. Rahman, sound design by Resul Pookkutty, technical direction by Alphons, theatre direction by Royston Abel, animation and visual effects by Aravind, and voice performances by distinguished artists including Mammootty, Manju Warrier, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Anoop Menon, Sayonara Philip, and Prithviraj Sukumaran.   A dedicated Children’s Cultural and Experiential Zone will offer play-based learning rooted in Malabar’s cultural narratives and ecological contexts, integrating creative activity spaces, nature-linked exploration, and water-based learning experiences. Complementing this are structured workshops and creative learning programmes across crafts, music, theatre, movement, painting, and visual arts, catering to students, artists, tourists, and cultural professionals.   The development adopts a hub-and-spoke tourism model, positioning Sargaalaya as the central orientation and interpretation hub for integrated cultural, riverine, coastal, literary, martial, and culinary circuits across Malabar. River-based journeys and water experiences will function as experiential corridors, foregrounding ecology, heritage, and local livelihoods.   The ecosystem further includes curated food tourism and culinary experiences, including festivals and a floating restaurant rooted in Malabar cuisine; a handloom, design, and retail zone supporting innovation and contemporary applications of traditional textiles; a vibrant flea market strengthening the informal cultural economy; and facilities for social, cultural, and community events, conferences, exhibitions, destination weddings, and themed cultural ceremonies.   To enable deeper immersion, the project proposes on-site accommodation and stay facilities designed in harmony with the landscape and local architectural traditions, supporting multi-day cultural tourism, artist residencies, research stays, and family travel. Through this integrated approach, the upcoming phase of Sargaalaya positions culture as core infrastructure for development, envisioning a globally relevant model for experiential, responsible, and knowledge-driven cultural tourism that interprets Malabar for contemporary and international audiences.   www.sargaalaya.in Sargaalaya – Kerala Arts & Crafts Village Iringal   About ULCCS Ltd. Founded in 1925 by social reformer Vagbhatananda Guru, the Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society Ltd. (ULCCS) is among India’s most respected worker cooperatives. With 18,000+ employees, 7,500+ completed projects, and global recognition—including a World No. 2 ranking in the Industry & Utilities sector by the World Cooperative Monitor for 3 years—ULCCS stands as a UN-recognised model for ethical, inclusive, and quality-driven development.   If you are looking for one unforgettable cultural recommendation this season, SIACF 2025 at Sargaalaya is it.

Ten-day SARAS exhibition in Coimbatore showcases women self-help groups products

The exhibition features 172 stalls, including 10 from States such as Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Bihar, Puducherry, and Kerala

Barmer Collector Tina Dabi breaks silence after students 'detained' for calling IAS officer 'reel star'

Rajasthan's Barmer collector Tina Dabi is in the news again and this time over a controversy. Some college students in the district have alleged that they were held for calling the district collector, Tina Dabi, a eel star. However, IAS officer Tina Dabi squashed these claims.

Three Rajasthan collectorates get threat emails, probe underway

The collectorates in Ajmer, Dholpur and Barmer received threatening emails at around 11.45 am, prompting authorities to immediately evacuate the premises as a precautionary measure

Rajasthan Congress Announces Aravalli Bachao Agitation in 19 Districts

Dotasra claimed that a report submitted by the Centre in the Supreme Court showed preparations to devastate nearly 90 per cent of the Aravalli land in the name of mining

Rajasthan RBSE 2026 Exams: Class 5, 8 Time Table Released, Details Here

Rajasthan RBSE Time Table 2026: The Class 8 examination will begin from February 19 and Class 5 from February 20, 2026

Rajasthan Pre DElEd 2026 registration underway: Direct link, steps to apply before deadline here

The Rajasthan Pre D.El.Ed 2026 application window is now open for the two-year Diploma in Elementary Education program, with the deadline set for December 31, 2025. Conducted by VMOU, Kota, the exam assesses candidates in mental ability, Rajasthan general awareness, teaching aptitude, and language proficiency. Eligibility requires 10+2 with specific marks and an age limit of 18-28 years.

Rajasthan Protest: Students Detained For Calling IAS Officer Tina Dabi Reel Star? She Says

A student protest over an examination fee hike in Rajasthans Barmer district turned tense after remarks targeting district collector Tina Dabi.

7 incredible animals that call Aravallis their home and where to spot them

Aravalli is among the oldest mountain ranges on the planet. It stretches across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi. Beyond its historical and geological significance, the range is an ecological treasure.

RBSE time table 2026 released for classes 5, 8: Check subject wise Rajasthan board schedule here

The Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) has released the Class 5 and Class 8 board exam timetables for 2026. Examinations are scheduled from February 19 to March 5, with a single shift daily from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. The detailed subject-wise schedules for both classes are now available.

Congress slams Modi govt on Aravalli issue, asks why 'hell-bent' on redefining mountain range

The Congress on Tuesday accused the Modi government of undermining the ecological integrity of the Aravalli mountain range, questioning why it was hell-bent on redefining the ancient hills and who stood to benefit from the move. In a post on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the Aravallis are part of Indias natural heritage and require restoration and strong protection, not dilution through technical redefinitions. The Aravallis have great ecological value. Why is the Modi government determined to redefine them? To what end, and for whose benefit? Ramesh asked, adding that recommendations of professional bodies such as the Forest Survey of India were being ignored. Referring to recent clarifications by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ramesh said they raised more doubts. While the minister has stated that mining is permitted in only 0.19 per cent of the 1.44 lakh sq km identified Aravalli area, Ramesh argued that the figure was misleading. He claimed the calculation wrongly uses the total land area of 34 Aravalli districts across four states as the base, instead of the actual area covered by the Aravalli hills within those districts. If the correct denominator is used, 0.19 per cent would turn out to be a significant under-estimate, he said. , 1. 1.44 0.19% 68,000 pic.twitter.com/940PpJwZJo Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) December 23, 2025 Ramesh further claimed that in 15 of the 34 districts where data is available, the Aravallis account for about 33 per cent of the total land area, and warned that the revised definition could exclude large hilly tracts from protection. With local elevation profiles as the baseline, many hills over 100 metres high may lose protection. In the Delhi-NCR, this could open up large parts of the Aravallis to real estate development, worsening environmental stress, he said. He also expressed concern that redefining and fragmenting the Aravallis, an interconnected ecosystem, would damage its ecological value, citing similar impacts seen elsewhere. On Monday, Yadav accused the Congress of spreading misinformation, asserting that mining is legally allowed in only 0.19 per cent of the Aravalli region and that the Narendra Modi government remains fully committed to protecting and restoring the range. He alleged that the Congress had allowed rampant illegal mining in Rajasthan during its tenure. In November 2025, the Supreme Court accepted a uniform legal definition of the Aravalli Hills and Aravalli Range based on the recommendations of an Environment Ministry-led committee. Under the definition, an Aravalli Hill is a landform rising at least 100 metres above the surrounding terrain, while an Aravalli Range consists of two or more such hills located within 500 metres of each other.

Replacing MGNREGA is 'historic mistake': Sachin Pilot

BENGALURU : AICC general secretary Sachin Pilot on Monday termed the central government replacing the rural employment law MGNREGA, as a historic mistake and a systematic attack on the livelihood chances of those amongst us, who have the least. The former Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister also accused the ruling BJP at the Centre of constantly fueling political vendetta by falsely framing Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case. The government of India has made a historic mistake. For the first time in history, since we got independence, a scheme or programme launched after the name of the father of the nation has been changed. The government has single handedly destroyed the only financial safety net rural India had through an erstwhile programme called MGNREGA, Pilot said. Speaking to reporters here, he said, MGNREGA has been repealed without any discussion with state governments, stakeholders, civil society. The parliament was used to display the rute force of the majority, to push through legislation. The new legislation is a systematic attack on the livelihood chances of those amongst us who have the least, he said, adding that Look at the bill that was passed. Earlier (MGNREGA) was a demand driven scheme. Now it is overly centralised. The government of India will decide what works have to be done at what point. While we (through MGNREGA) had empowered the Gram Sabhas. The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, that replaced the rural employment law Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), was cleared by the Parliament, amid strong objections by the opposition to the emoval of Mahatma Gandhi's name from it. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Bill on December 21, with which it is now an Act. Noting that the ratio earlier was 90 per cent funds were given by the Government of India and 10 per cent by the state governments, the former union minister said, by making it 60:40 the entire burden of the rural expenditure on livelihood has been pushed on the state government. The replacement of MGNREGA is a solid example of how this government worked against the interest of those who are the most marginalised, he alleged. The civil society and all stakeholders have universally condemned this move. This was unwarranted and the Congress party has taken a very strong view on how to oppose this. The Congress Working Committee is meeting on December 27 in New Delhi. We will discuss how to take this forward. The INDI Alliance bloc stands united on this issue. We will put all the pressure possible to make sure the government rolls back this bill, he added. Accusing the BJP of fueling political vendetta since it came to power in 2014, by falsely framing Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul in the National Herald case, Pilot said, the court has said that it will not take cognisance of the case that was filed by the ED. The court order makes it clear that the case was politically motivated. We stand vindicated, he said. A court in Delhi recently refused to take cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate's money laundering charge against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul, and five others in the National Herald case. Modi, Shah must resign: Kharge on court refusal to take cognisance of ED complaint in National Herald case

Sachin Pilot calls govts replacing of MGNREGA historic mistake

Bengaluru: AICC general secretary Sachin Pilot has termed the central government replacing the rural employment act MGNREGA, as a historic mistake and a systematic attack on the livelihood chances of those amongst us, who have the least. The former Rajasthan deputy chief minister also accused the ruling BJP at the Centre of constantly fueling political 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 .

Centre Conspiring to Sell Aravallis to Benefit Mining Interests: Gehlot

He also questioned the intent of both the Centre and the BJP-led Rajasthan government over attempts made this year to alter the protected status of Sariska

Minister should clarify number of hills in Aravalli Range per new definition, urges Aravalli Virasat Jan Abhiyaan

The Environment Ministry should hold immediate consultations with rural and urban people living in every block of every Aravalli district in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Haryana, said the coalition group

Agitation intensifies against SC ruling on Aravalli definition in Rajasthan, ex-CM Gehlot alleges systemic attack

JAIPUR: Environmentalists and social organisations staged demonstrations against the Supreme Courts acceptance of the Union Environment Ministrys definition of the Aravalli mountains in several cities of Rajasthan on Monday. Meanwhile, a political war of words has erupted between former chief minister Ashok Gehlot and Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. Protests were held in Udaipur, Jodhpur, Sikar, Alwar and Ajmer, with police action reported at some places. Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully described the Aravallis as the lungs of Rajasthan and warned that the agitation would intensify if the decision was not reversed. Responding to the protests, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma accused the Congress of spreading misinformation, saying, Former CM Ashok Gehlot is misleading the public on the Aravalli issue. The state government is fully committed to protecting the Aravalli range, and no decision will be allowed that causes harm to Rajasthans environment. The BJP further intensified its attack, with former Leader of the Opposition Rajendra Rathore alleging that Gehlot was misinterpreting the Supreme Court order for political gains. Rathore said the 100-metre criterion was finalised during the Congress regime in 2003. Centre will draw up new conservation plan for Aravalli, says Environment Minister amid row over SC order Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav also sought to clarify the Centres stand , stating, The Aravalli range will remain protected. Hills and slopes above 100 metres continue to be under protection, mining is completely banned in the NCR, and limited mining is permitted in only 0.19 per cent of the area. Twenty wildlife sanctuaries and four tiger reserves in the Aravallis are fully secure. Yadav added that the government is committed to keeping the Aravallis green and to strengthen protection standards in the range. The Aravalli range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, and we are fully committed to ensuring that it remains green. At the same time, it is important to establish clear and uniform standards for its protection, MinisterYadav said in an interview. The 100-metre criterion refers to the entire mountain structure, from the peak down to the ground level where its permanent base is located. In the absence of a clear definition earlier, there were irregularities in the grant of mining permits in the Aravalli region, he said. Gehlot, however, strongly rebutted the Centres claims. In a statement issued onMonday night, Gehlot said, The claims being made by the Union environment minister are completely misleading and far from the truth. He argued that the 100-metre definition should not be viewed in isolation and alleged that recent decisions point towards a systematic weakening of environmental safeguards. Gehlot also alleged that attempts to alter the Critical Tiger Habitat in Sariska and the September 5, 2023 notification bringing the Supreme Court-monitored Central Empowered Committee under the Environment Ministry reflect the governments intent to open protected areas to mining interests. With protests spreading and political rhetoric escalating, the controversy over the Aravalli definition is expected to intensify in the coming days. SC ruling on Aravalli definition sparks opposition in Rajasthan, former CM Gehlot warns of ecological disaster

Won't allow tampering with Aravallis, no mining will be permitted: Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has stated that his government will not permit any damage to the Aravalli mountain range. He emphasized a strong commitment to conservation, criticizing symbolic protests as insufficient. Sharma asserted that real action and strong willpower are necessary for protection. He assured that no mining would be allowed in the Aravallis.

Centre will draw up new conservation plan for Aravalli, says Environment Minister amid row over SC order

Following the controversy surrounding the recent Supreme Court order regarding the new definition of the Aravalli hills based on a 100-metre criterion, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav said the directive aims to restrict illegal mining. He added that the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) will develop a detailed, district-wise conservation plan for the Aravalli region in accordance with the Supreme Court's order. The Supreme Court order pertains to mining and cannot be interpreted for other purposes such as residential development or restriction of agricultural lands, Yadav clarified to reporters in Delhi on Monday. He accused opposition leaders of spreading misinformation and claimed that the previous Congress-led government initiated illegal mining in the Aravalli areas. The Union government has announced a freeze on new mining leases in the region, as mandated by the Supreme Court. This freeze is part of a framework established by the court to provide stronger protections for the mountain system and to ensure that no new mining leases will be granted until a comprehensive management plan is finalized. The ICFRE will be tasked with preparing a district-wise plan for the 37 districts where the Aravalli hills are located. The court has allowed mining under exceptional conditions. If permitted under exceptional and scientifically justified circumstances, the order includes a thorough analysis of cumulative environmental impact, which encompasses detailed post-mining restoration and rehabilitation, explained Yadav. Additionally, mining may be allowed in the case of strategic minerals and needs related to atomic energy. Yadav also provided details on the current mining areas in the Aravalli hills. There are currently 217 square kms under mining out of a total of 1,47,577 square kms in the Aravalli region, which is less than 2%, he stated. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has reopened the judgement after some petitioners appealed for a review in light of recent controversies, which may put 90% of the Aravalli region at risk of mining. Earlier, in the wake of the controversy regarding the 100-metre criterion, the government clarified that the definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges has been standardized across states under the Supreme Court's direction. This standardization aims to eliminate ambiguity and prevent the misuse of practices that allowed mining to occur dangerously close to the bases of the hills. In response to longstanding cases concerning illegal mining in the Aravallis, the Supreme Court constituted a committee in May 2024 to recommend a uniform definition, as different states had been using inconsistent criteria for granting mining permissions. This committee, chaired by the Environment Ministry Secretary and comprising representatives from Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi, along with technical experts, found that only Rajasthan had an officially established definition, which has been in place since 2006. According to this definition, landforms that rise 100 metres or more above local relief are classified as hills, and mining is prohibited within the lowest bounding contour that encloses such hills, regardless of the height or slope of the landforms inside the contour. It has been agreed that all states will adopt this long-standing definition from Rajasthan, along with additional safeguards to enhance objectivity and transparency.

Govt Fully Committed To Protecting Aravallis, Cong Spreading Lies: Bhupender Yadav

NEW DELHI, Dec 22: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday accused the Congress of spreading misinformation and lies on the issue of the new definition of the Aravallis and stressed that mining can be carried out legally in only 0.19 per cent of the area covered by the mountain range. At a press briefing, he said the Narendra Modi government remains fully committed to protecting and restoring the Aravallis. The Congress, which allowed rampant illegal mining in Rajasthan during [] The post Govt Fully Committed To Protecting Aravallis, Cong Spreading Lies: Bhupender Yadav appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Govt 'fully committed' to protecting Aravallis, Cong spreading lies: Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav

NEW DELHI: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday accused the Congress of spreading misinformation and lies on the issue of the new definition of the Aravallis and stressed that mining can be carried out legally in only 0.19 per cent of the area covered by the mountain range. At a press briefing, he said the Narendra Modi government remains fully committed to protecting and restoring the Aravallis. The Congress, which allowed rampant illegal mining in Rajasthan during its tenure, is spreading confusion, misinformation and lies about the issue, the minister alleged. The new definition, approved by the Supreme Court on the recommendation of the Environment Ministry, aims to curb illegal mining and allow sustainable mining legally, and that too only after a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) is prepared by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), he said. The ICFRE will identify areas where mining can be permitted only under exceptional and scientifically justified circumstances, sources said. The study will also determine ecologically sensitive, conservation-critical and restoration-priority areas within the Aravalli landscape where mining will be strictly prohibited. Yadav said that legally approved mining currently covers only a very small fraction of the Aravalli region, amounting to about 0.19 per cent of the total geographical area of 37 Aravalli districts in Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat. Delhi, which has five Aravalli districts, does not permit any mining. According to the Supreme Court's directions, he said, no new mining leases will be granted in the Aravalli region until a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining is prepared for the entire landscape by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education. Existing mines may continue operations only if they strictly comply with sustainable mining norms laid down by the committee. In November 2025, the Supreme Court accepted a uniform legal definition of what constitutes the Aravalli Hills and Aravalli Range on the recommendation of a committee led by the Environment Ministry. Under this definition, an Aravalli Hill is a landform with an elevation of at least 100 metres above its local surrounding terrain and an Aravalli Range is a cluster of two or more such hills within 500 metres of each other. Critics, including environmentalists and some scientists, argue that many ecologically important parts of the Aravalli system do not meet the 100-metre threshold (e.g., low ridges, slopes, foothills and recharge areas), yet are important for groundwater recharge, biodiversity support, climate moderation and soil stability. They warn that areas excluded under the new definition could be opened for mining, construction and commercial activities, weakening long-standing protections and ecological continuity across the range. The redefinition has triggered protests, from Rajasthan to Haryana, and social media campaigns. The Centre has rejected the charge that the new definition weakens environmental safeguards. It has said that most of the Aravalli region (over 90 per cent) remains protected and the new definition does not relax mining controls. Yadav on Sunday said the Aravali range includes all landforms which exist within 500 metres of two adjoining hills of a height of 100 metres or more. All landforms existing within this 500-metre zone, irrespective of their height and slopes, are excluded for the purposes of grant of mining leases, he said.

Did you know? Theres another Jaipur just 245 km from Hyderabad

When someone says Jaipur, the mind instantly travels to royal palaces, pink-hued streets, and desert sunsets. But heres a lesser-known surprise. You dont have to travel all the way to Rajasthan to find a Jaipur. Tucked away in Telangana is a small town that shares the same name, quietly existing far from the tourist spotlight. 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 .

eNAM 2.0 teething troubles likely to be fixed by mid-Jan: Agri secy Devesh Chaturvedi

NEW DELHI, Dec 22: The National Agriculture Market (eNAM) 2.0 launched on a pilot basis in Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan in November is facing teething problems, which are likely to be fixed by mid-January, agriculture secretary Devesh Chaturvedi said. New professionals are being roped in to address the technical glitches, Chaturvedi said. We are having teething problems. We are improving it. We hope that by mid-January, we will launch it on a full scale, Chaturvedi told PTI. [] The post eNAM 2.0 teething troubles likely to be fixed by mid-Jan: Agri secy Devesh Chaturvedi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .