Sunday, April 5

Rajasthan

Rajasthan Cabinet Allows Candidates With More Than Two Children to Contest Panchayat Elections
Politics, Rajasthan, State

Rajasthan Cabinet Allows Candidates With More Than Two Children to Contest Panchayat Elections

Jaipur, Rajasthan: In a significant policy shift, the Bhajanlal Sharma-led cabinet of Rajasthan has decided to allow candidates with more than two children to contest local body and panchayat elections. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday and marks a reversal of a three-decade-old restriction imposed by the previous Bhairon Singh Shekhawat government. Earlier, the Shekhawat administration had prohibited individuals with more than two children from contesting elections as part of population control measures. With the new amendment, the eligibility criteria for contesting elections have been broadened, providing more citizens the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. Legal AmendmentsThe cabinet approved changes to Section 19 of the Rajasthan Pan...
Great Indian Bustard Population in Jaisalmer Surges from 128 to 198, Marking a Major Conservation Success
Rajasthan, State

Great Indian Bustard Population in Jaisalmer Surges from 128 to 198, Marking a Major Conservation Success

A remarkable conservation milestone has been achieved for the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), the state bird of Rajasthan. According to the latest nationwide scientific survey conducted between April 7–17, 2025, the number of GIBs in the Jaisalmer region has increased from 128 in 2017 to 198. Experts say this significant rise, despite persistent threats such as high-voltage power lines, is a testament to the success of dedicated protection efforts. The survey, spanning nearly 22,000 square kilometers around Jaisalmer, involved over 200 scientists, volunteers, and forest officials operating in more than 50 specialized teams over 10 days. Using modern scientific methods, the team confirmed that targeted policies, technology, and teamwork can help revive species on the brink of extinction. ...
Dholpur Patwari Caught Taking ₹50,000 Bribe in ACB Trap
Rajasthan, State

Dholpur Patwari Caught Taking ₹50,000 Bribe in ACB Trap

Dholpur, Rajasthan: In a major anti-corruption operation, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) caught Patwari Virendra Sharma red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹50,000. The arrest comes under the state government’s strict “Zero Tolerance” policy against corruption, spearheaded by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. Bribe Linked to Land Name Transfer The incident revolves around a land name transfer case. A local farmer approached Sharma to get his rightful land transfer processed. Instead of performing his duties, the patwari demanded a hefty bribe. Refusing to comply, the farmer reported the matter to the ACB headquarters, triggering a well-coordinated sting operation. ACB’s Precise Trap Under the supervision of DIG Dr. Rameshwar Singh and led on-site by DSP Gyan Chand Meena, the...
Holi Travel Alert: Six Special Trains to Rajasthan to Ease Festive Rush
Rajasthan, State

Holi Travel Alert: Six Special Trains to Rajasthan to Ease Festive Rush

Jaipur, 25 February 2026: With Holi around the corner, Indian Railways has announced the operation of six special trains to Rajasthan to manage the expected surge of passengers. The additional services will run on routes from Mumbai, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, ensuring smoother travel during the festive period. Special Train Schedule for RajasthanNorth Western Railway has confirmed that the following trains will operate during Holi: Train NumberRoute09633 / 09634Rewari – Ringas – Rewari09637 / 09638Rewari – Ringas – Rewari09733 / 09734Jaipur – Bhiwani – Jaipur04212 / 04211Sultanpur – Lucknow – Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Mumbai04226 / 04225Varanasi – Lucknow – Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Mumbai04829 / 04830Jodhpur – Lucknow – Gorakhpur Extended Operations for Key RoutesThe Rewar...
Bus Operators Clash Amid Strike in Jaipur, Pilgrims to Khatu Shyam Face Double Fares
Rajasthan, State

Bus Operators Clash Amid Strike in Jaipur, Pilgrims to Khatu Shyam Face Double Fares

Jaipur, 25 February 2026: Rajasthan’s private bus strike entered its second day on Wednesday, bringing the state’s road transport system to a near standstill. Approximately 35,000 sleeper, state carriage, and local transport buses remained off the roads, leaving commuters stranded and the government struggling to resolve the deadlock. Violence at Durgapura Bus StandTensions escalated at Jaipur’s Durgapura bus stand on Wednesday morning when striking operators clashed with rival bus operators. Some private buses had begun operating despite the strike, prompting the protesting operators to forcibly stop them. The dispute quickly turned chaotic, with attempts to make passengers disembark from buses. Striking operators warned that unless their demands are met, not a single private bus will ...
Rajasthan Bus Strike Enters Second Day; 25 Lakh Passengers Stranded, Khatu Shyam Devotees Worst Hit
Rajasthan, State

Rajasthan Bus Strike Enters Second Day; 25 Lakh Passengers Stranded, Khatu Shyam Devotees Worst Hit

Jaipur: Rajasthan continues to reel under severe transport disruption as the indefinite strike by private bus operators entered its second day on Tuesday, leaving nearly 2.5 million passengers stranded across the state. A second round of talks between the operators and the Transport Commissioner ended without resolution, further deepening the crisis. With nearly 30,000 private buses off the roads, the state’s transport system has nearly collapsed. Only about 3,300 Rajasthan Roadways buses are operating, struggling to handle the overwhelming rush of passengers who previously relied on nearly 35,000 daily bus services. Deadlock Intensifies Over New Demand The dispute has now escalated beyond policy issues into a confrontation over officials. Bus operators have placed a new condition...
Controversy Erupts Over Maharaja-Maharani College Land in Jaipur: BJP Leader Questions Own Government
Rajasthan, State

Controversy Erupts Over Maharaja-Maharani College Land in Jaipur: BJP Leader Questions Own Government

Jaipur, Rajasthan: A political storm has erupted in Rajasthan over the transfer of the valuable land belonging to Maharaja and Maharani Colleges to the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) and the municipal corporation. The move, which is tied to the historic legacy of Rajasthan University, has drawn sharp criticism from both opposition and senior members of the ruling BJP. BJP Veteran Raises Concerns In a surprising turn, it was senior BJP MLA and former minister Kalicharan Saraf who openly questioned the legality of the transfer in the state assembly. Saraf criticized his own government, calling the transfer of approximately 48 bighas of Maharaja College land and 30 bighas of Maharani College land to the JDA “completely illegal.” Opposition Joins the Fray The opposition quickly...
Baran Police Raid Seizes 231,000 kg of Explosives, Prevents Potential Disaster
Rajasthan, State

Baran Police Raid Seizes 231,000 kg of Explosives, Prevents Potential Disaster

Baran, Rajasthan: In a major law enforcement operation, Baran police have seized over 2.31 lakh kilograms of explosives and hundreds of firecrackers from illegal warehouses, averting what could have been a catastrophic disaster. The raids, conducted over three days, targeted the ‘RD Brothers’ firecracker depots in Mandola and are being described as the largest action of its kind in the district’s history. Massive Seizure in Residential Area Following the devastating Bhivadi factory blast earlier this month, authorities in Rajasthan tightened oversight on illegal explosive and firecracker factories. Acting on a tip-off on February 20, Baran SP Abhishek Andasu led a raid in Mandola, where warehouses were storing nearly double the licensed amount of explosives. The firm was licensed to ...
Rajasthan Private Bus Strike Brings Transport to a Halt; 25 Lakh Passengers Affected
Rajasthan, State

Rajasthan Private Bus Strike Brings Transport to a Halt; 25 Lakh Passengers Affected

Jaipur, Rajasthan: The private bus sector in Rajasthan has come to a standstill as 30,000 private buses launched an indefinite strike late Monday night, protesting alleged arbitrary actions and policies of the RTO and DTO. The strike has severely disrupted daily commuting, leaving nearly 25 lakh passengers stranded, particularly in rural areas where alternatives to private buses are limited. Failed Talks with Government A delegation of bus operators met officials at the Chief Minister’s office under the leadership of Secretary Akhil Arora. Senior operators including Praveen Agrawal and Satyanarayan participated in the talks. However, the first round of discussions ended without resolution. Following the government’s firm stance, bus operators in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharasht...
Class 12 Student Kidnapped from Classroom in Barmer, Brutally Assaulted; Nails Torn Out, Teeth Broken
Rajasthan, State

Class 12 Student Kidnapped from Classroom in Barmer, Brutally Assaulted; Nails Torn Out, Teeth Broken

Barmer: In a shocking daylight crime that has sent tremors across Rajasthan, a Class 12 student was allegedly kidnapped from his classroom just minutes before his board examination and subjected to brutal torture in Barmer district. The incident occurred in Jaisar village on Monday morning at a government senior secondary school, moments before the Political Science board exam was scheduled to begin at 8:30 am. According to eyewitnesses, at around 8:05 am, four men arrived in a camper vehicle, stormed into the school campus, and forcibly entered the classroom. Dragged 100 Metres from Classroom The accused allegedly grabbed the student in front of teachers and classmates. When staff members attempted to intervene, they were threatened with dire consequences. The assailants reported...