State

Ajmer/Jaipur: In view of the annual Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti at Ajmer, the North Western Railway has announced five pairs of special trains to ease travel for pilgrims. These special trains will operate from various parts of the country, particularly from South India, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, directly to Ajmer, offering much-needed relief during the Urs, as well as during the Christmas and New Year travel rush. Millions of Pilgrims ExpectedAjmer, home to the world-famous Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Dargah, witnesses millions of pilgrims arriving daily during the Urs. These special trains will not only facilitate the smooth movement of devotees but also provide convenience to travelers during the festive season. Shashi Kiran, Chief Public Relations Officer of North Western Railway, ...

Bhiwadi, the industrial hub of Rajasthan located on the outskirts of Delhi-NCR, has once again plunged into a severe air pollution crisis, virtually turning into a gas chamber. According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 344 on Friday morning, placing the city firmly in the ‘Very Poor’ category. With Delhi and the entire NCR already under GRAP-4 restrictions, the deteriorating air quality has had a direct and alarming impact on public health in Bhiwadi. Residents are struggling to breathe, and hospitals are witnessing a sharp surge in patients suffering from respiratory distress. Hospitals Overwhelmed, Every Third Patient Has Breathing Issues Local health officials report that more than 1,000 patients are visiting h...

Just days before the close of a distinguished administrative career, one of Rajasthan’s most experienced and senior IAS officers has found himself at the centre of a major controversy. Subodh Agrawal, a 1988-batch IAS officer and widely regarded as the seniormost bureaucrat in the state, was preparing to retire on December 31, 2025—with barely 300 hours left for a life of calm after decades of public service. Instead, his final days in service have been overshadowed by serious allegations linked to the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam. In a significant development, the Rajasthan government has granted permission to prosecute Subodh Agrawal and several other senior officials in connection with the alleged irregularities in the ambitious drinking water scheme. The timing of the decision—so c...