Rajasthan

Jaipur: Along with the winter chill, air pollution is worsening across Rajasthan, and Jaipur is now facing alarming air quality levels. In several areas of the city, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has crossed 150, raising health concerns for residents. Following Delhi, where outdoor air has become increasingly difficult to breathe, Jaipur is now grappling with elevated PM2.5 and PM10 levels. AQI measures the concentration of pollutants in the air, and a level above 100 is considered harmful to health. In parts of Jaipur, the AQI has surged to 150 and beyond. Pollution HotspotsThe highest pollution was recorded in the Mansarovar area, with an average AQI of 191. Sitapura RICO reported a level of 165, while Adarsh Nagar crossed 150, reaching 158. Murli Pura recorded 118, and near the Poli...

In a landmark move to strengthen the genetic base of tigers in Rajasthan, the state forest department has translocated a tigress from Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh to the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve in Bundi. The initiative aims to promote cross-breeding, reduce the risk of inbreeding, and develop a healthier and more resilient tiger population in the state’s forests. India’s First Inter-State Tiger Translocation India currently has 58 tiger reserves, six of which are located in Rajasthan. However, reserves such as Ranthambore, Sariska, Mukundra, and Ramgarh Vishdhari have largely been home to tigers belonging to the same family lineage, primarily translocated earlier from Ranthambore. This has led to a narrowing of the genetic pool. Keeping this in mind, the Ramgarh V...

In a major setback for IPL cricketer Yash Dayal, a special POCSO court in Jaipur has once again rejected his anticipatory bail application in a case involving allegations of sexual assault on a minor. The court cited the serious nature of the charges and refused to grant any relief to the accused. The order was passed by Special POCSO Court No. 3 (Metropolitan First), Jaipur, presided over by Judge Alka Bansal, after hearing detailed arguments from both the prosecution and the defence. The court made it clear that allegations of rape involving a minor fall under grave offences, making the accused ineligible for anticipatory bail at this stage. Defence Arguments Rejected During the hearing, counsel for Yash Dayal argued that a similar case had earlier been registered against the cr...

Jaipur, Rajasthan:The movement to protect the Aravalli mountain range in Rajasthan is set to intensify as prominent student leader Nirmal Chaudhary has announced a 1,000-kilometre foot march starting December 24. The march will begin from Mount Abu and aims to mobilise public opinion against what activists describe as the dilution of the legal definition of the Aravallis. The announcement comes amid widespread protests across districts including Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Barmer, and Alwar, following a recent Supreme Court verdict based on a report submitted by the central government. The decision has drawn strong criticism from the Congress and several civil society groups, who accuse the Centre of weakening environmental safeguards. Who Is Nirmal Chaudhary? Nirmal Chaudhary is a well-kno...

Chittorgarh, Rajasthan: The famed Sanwaliya Seth Temple in Mewar has once again set new records in faith and donations this December. The temple’s monthly treasury count revealed a total collection of ₹29.32 crore, including nearly 1786 grams of gold and over 100 kilograms of silver. This remarkable contribution not only reflects the deep devotion of the devotees but also marks a significant increase compared to last year. Treasury Count Conducted in Four Rounds The temple administration conducted the traditional treasury count starting December 18. The process was completed in four rounds: Round 1 (18 Dec): ₹12.10 crore Round 2 (19 Dec): ₹4.73 crore Round 3 (20 Dec): ₹5.47 crore Round 4 (22 Dec): ₹49.84 lakh In addition to the treasury, donations received via the te...

Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan: In a sensational case of spiritual fraud, Jhunjhunu police have arrested a fake tantric who cheated a family of over ₹10 lakh by claiming to perform rituals to ward off evil spirits. The accused, who presented himself as a ‘Bengali Baba,’ was later identified as a 43-year-old Shivkant from Mahendragarh, Haryana. According to police, the accused first gained access to the victim’s house under the pretext of selling utensils. He then claimed that a family member was possessed by evil spirits and that special tantric rituals were required. Over several months, he repeatedly extorted approximately ₹10,10,840 from the family in installments, using fear and superstition as leverage. Multi-State Hunt Ends in Madhya Pradesh Following the complaint, the Meharda police...

Kota, Rajasthan: Breakfast lovers beware! The Food Safety Department has raised serious concerns over adulterated poha being sold in Kota, potentially endangering public health. In a major operation, authorities seized 33.5 quintals of poha suspected of being chemically treated to enhance its whiteness. According to the department, the market rate for poha ranges between ₹48–50 per kilogram, but a batch of “Amritbhog” poha from Bihar was being sold at just ₹36 per kilogram. Suspicious of adulteration, the Food Safety team conducted inspections at two locations in Kota. They seized 58 sacks (each 30 kg) of poha from a firm on Sabzimandi Road and an additional 54 sacks from a wholesale distributor in the Kathunipol area. The seized sacks lacked essential information such as manufacturer d...

Long before modern intelligence agencies existed, Mughal emperors had developed an extensive and sophisticated spy network to maintain control over their vast empire and keep a close watch on regional Hindu rulers. Historical records reveal that even without a formal Intelligence Bureau, the Mughals received instant updates about the smallest movements in Rajput courts and beyond. Direct Reports to the Emperor The Mughal intelligence system was headed by the Mir Bakshi, the military chief, who appointed spies and reporters. These officers were powerful enough to report directly to the emperor, ensuring that information about corruption, rebellion, or unrest in the provinces reached Delhi or Agra immediately. Five Layers of Mughal Espionage According to Dr. Wasim Rashid, Assista...

Jaipur, Rajasthan: Political tensions in Rajasthan have escalated over the Aravalli mountain range following the Supreme Court’s new definition of the region. Congress has been targeting the BJP over mining issues, and in response, Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav sharply criticized former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, accusing him of three major falsehoods regarding Aravalli mining activities. During an interview with a private news channel, Minister Yadav claimed that Gehlot misrepresented facts about Aravalli mining during his tenure. The three alleged lies, according to Yadav, are: Supreme Court Petition Misrepresentation: Gehlot claimed that a 2010 petition filed in the Supreme Court was dismissed, which Yadav refuted, stating that the decision was never rejected and t...

A fresh political controversy has erupted in Rajasthan after serious questions were raised over the purchase of floor mats for government schools at an allegedly inflated cost. The issue centers around BJP MLA Virendra Singh Kanawat from Masuda (Beawar district), who is facing sharp criticism from former Congress MLA Rakesh Pareek over the procurement of khadi durries (woven floor mats) costing ₹12,500 per piece. The matter has gained traction on social media following the circulation of an official recommendation letter issued by the sitting MLA, granting financial and administrative approval for the purchase of khadi floor mats for government schools in Masuda and Bhimay blocks. The opposition has termed the purchase “highly irregular” and has alleged misuse of public funds. 160 Ma...