Rajasthan

Barmer: In a swift move, the Barmer district administration has revoked a district-level award previously conferred on Dinesh Manju, following revelations of his involvement in a deepfake video scandal targeting Bayana MLA Dr. Ritu Banawat. The decision was taken under the directives of District Collector Tina Dabi, based on a detailed report submitted by the Superintendent of Police. The controversy erupted after Dr. Banawat publicly expressed her outrage, highlighting that Manju—against whom she had filed an FIR for tarnishing her image through a deepfake video—was ironically being honored by the administration on Republic Day. Her allegations quickly sparked public debate and raised serious questions over the award selection process, drawing widespread attention on social media. R...

Jodhpur: Fearless and dedicated, ACP Chhavi Sharma of Rajasthan Police has emerged as the face of one of the state’s most high-profile investigations — the mysterious death of Sadhvi Prem Baisa. Currently serving as Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) West, Jodhpur, Sharma has garnered widespread attention for her professional approach and unwavering commitment to justice. Early Career and Making a Mark in AjmerChhavi Sharma began her policing career in 2019 as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP). Her first posting was at Ajmer North Circle, where she quickly established a reputation for efficiency and strict law enforcement. From navigating Ajmer’s narrow lanes to handling major crime scenes, Sharma proved her mettle and earned respect within the force. Transition to Jodhpur a...

The sudden and mysterious death of Sadhvi Prem Baisa, a young spiritual leader from Rajasthan, has left the nation in shock. Revered by her followers as the “Modern Meera,” the 25-year-old sadhvi’s passing has raised serious questions after her death allegedly occurred following an injection, followed by a cryptic Instagram post believed to be a suicide note. Born around 2000–2001 in Chhoti Dhanari village of Jodhpur district—now known as Krishna Nagar—Prem Baisa belonged to a Rathore Rajput family. Her father, Devisingh Rathore, was not only her parent but also her spiritual guide. From an early age, she displayed deep inclination toward devotion and spiritual practices rather than material comforts. While most girls her age pursued careers and worldly ambitions, Prem Baisa immersed...

Jaipur: In the aftermath of the tragic suicide of 9-year-old Amayra, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has submitted a scathing 170-page affidavit in the Rajasthan High Court, highlighting systemic failures at Neerja Modi School, Jaipur. The board stated unequivocally that the school’s claims of child safety were mere façades, and Amayra’s death was the result of a severely negligent system. Safety Committees Existed Only on Paper According to CBSE, the school’s anti-bullying and POCSO committees were “paper entities” that failed to act. Amayra had endured bullying for over 18 months. Despite her parents submitting written complaints on four separate occasions, the committees remained inactive. On November 1, 2025, overwhelmed by harassment, Amayra tragically jumped fro...

Jaipur, Rajasthan: Today, Diya Kumari, the Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan and a scion of the Jaipur royal family, celebrates her birthday. Leaving behind the comforts of royal palaces, she chose the challenging path of politics, carving a niche for herself in the state’s political landscape. Since entering politics in 2013, Diya Kumari has flown the flag of victory from Sawai Madhopur to Rajsamand, and now Vidyadhar Nagar, becoming not just a leader, but a symbol of empowerment for half of Rajasthan’s population. Royal Heritage Meets Modern Vision:The only child of former Jaipur Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh and Padmini Devi, Diya Kumari received education both in India and London. Her deep appreciation for art and culture has always kept her connected to the public. In 2013, a turni...

Jaipur: In a surprising revelation, the Rajasthan government disclosed in the state Assembly that revenue from a 20% surcharge on alcohol over the past two years has played a major role in supporting gaushalas and cattle protection programs across the state. While the liquor surcharge generated ₹1,380.7 crore, the government spent an even larger amount — ₹2,340 crore — on cow shelters and bovine welfare initiatives. Revenue from liquor: Numbers in perspectiveResponding to a question from Congress MLA Rafeeq Khan, the government reported that in FY 2023-24 and 2024-25, the 20% “cow protection” surcharge on alcohol sales generated total revenue of ₹1,380.7 crore — ₹631.04 crore in 2023-24 and ₹749.66 crore in 2024-25, reflecting an increase of approximately ₹118 crore year-on-year. Exp...

Jaipur: The Rajasthan Legislative Assembly’s budget session has recently been making headlines less for policy debates and more for heated arguments and controversial remarks. On Thursday, a tense situation arose when senior Congress MLA Rajendra Pareek lashed out at BJP legislators, using words that the ruling party called “improper and unhealthy”. Incident in the HouseThe episode began as Harimohan Sharma, Congress MLA from Bundi, was addressing the House. During his speech, several BJP legislators repeatedly interrupted him with interjections and objections. Frustrated by the disruptions, Rajendra Pareek, senior MLA from Sikar, addressed the Speaker, saying:"Mr. Speaker, clear their seats. They’re picking at them. This is a house of disease. These people stand up every two minutes." ...

Jaipur: The Congress party has announced a major reshuffle of district presidents in Rajasthan as part of its ‘Sangathan Sarjan’ (Organizational Revamp) campaign, aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots structure ahead of the 2028 elections. Among the most talked-about appointments is Sunil Sharma, who has been named the new Jaipur City Congress President. From controversy to leadershipSunil Sharma, who had previously faced backlash during the Lok Sabha elections due to his alleged involvement in the ‘Jaipur Dialogue’ controversy, had ultimately lost his ticket amid protests both within and outside the party. His new appointment as city president is being viewed as a reward for his loyalty and dedication to the party organization. New appointments across RajasthanApart from Jai...

Jodhpur: The health of Sonam Wangchuk, who has been imprisoned in Jodhpur Central Jail under the National Security Act (NSA) since September 2025, has come under scrutiny. His wife, Geetanjali Wangchuk, has approached the Supreme Court, raising concerns that her husband is suffering from serious gastrointestinal problems due to contaminated water in the prison. Supreme Court orders expert medical examinationDuring a prompt hearing on the petition, the Supreme Court recognized the seriousness of Wangchuk’s condition and directed that he be examined by a specialist doctor, particularly a gastroenterologist, to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment. Arguments presented in courtSenior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Geetanjali Wangchuk, informed the court that the quality of water p...