Rajasthan

Jalore, Rajasthan: The recent controversy over a purported “arbitrary order” by a local Panchayat in Jalore banning women from using smartphones appears to have been resolved. Amid mounting public opposition and widespread reactions on social media, the Panchayat leaders and village heads (Panch-Patels) announced the complete withdrawal of the controversial proposal. Video Sparks Outrage Over the past few days, a video from a meeting of the Chaudhary community Panchayat covering 15 villages in the Sundha Patti region went viral on social media. In the footage, Panchayat members were seen discussing a ban on women’s smartphone usage. The video immediately drew criticism, with many labeling it an attack on women’s personal freedoms and a reflection of outdated thinking. The issue quick...

In a remarkable display of discipline and public awareness, Bikaner police constable Bastiram has been wearing a helmet while cycling for the past eight years, sending a strong message about road safety. His commitment stems from a tragic incident in 2018 that deeply impacted him. Bastiram, posted as a driver in the CID CB Bikaner range, cycles about 15 kilometers daily to reach his duty station. While on his rides, he not only follows the rules himself but also educates fellow two-wheeler riders about the life-saving importance of helmets. He emphasizes that even though many young riders see helmets as cumbersome, this simple precaution can prevent fatal accidents. The turning point for Bastiram came in 2018 when he witnessed a young man riding without a helmet. Losing balance, the ...

JAIPUR: Devotees planning a New Year pilgrimage to the world-famous Tirupati Balaji Temple have a reason to rejoice. The North Western Railway has announced a new weekly special train service connecting Tirupati and Hisar, providing direct rail connectivity to several districts of Rajasthan, including the Shekhawati region. According to Shashi Kiran, Chief Public Relations Officer of North Western Railway, the new service will not only make religious journeys more convenient but will also strengthen trade, employment, and travel links with major cities in South India. The announcement is being hailed as a special gift for Rajasthan residents this New Year. Train Schedule Tirupati to Hisar (Train No. 07717): Weekly special from 31 Dec 2025 to 11 Feb 2026 (7 trips). Departure from ...

JALORE/JAIPUR: A recent directive issued by a village panchayat in Jalore district, Rajasthan, banning daughters-in-law and daughters from using smartphones with cameras, has sparked widespread debate. While the decision, set to take effect from January 26, has faced strong opposition, senior IPS officer Rahul Prakash has weighed in, offering nuanced support for limiting smartphone usage—but condemning gender-based restrictions. The Panchayat Order and Its RationaleThe order, issued collectively by the panchayat members of 15 villages, restricts camera-enabled smartphones for women. Panchayat head Sujanaram Chaudhary defended the move, stating that when women in the household possess smartphones, children tend to spend excessive time on screens, potentially harming their eyesight. The d...

Baran, Rajasthan: In a remarkable display of cultural unity and religious harmony, the village of Piplod in Baran district has been celebrating Christmas together for the past 104 years. Every year on December 25, the entire village comes together to observe the festival of the birth of Jesus Christ. The celebrations include a two-day fair and five days of religious, cultural, and sports events, attracting visitors from across India and even abroad. The Only Church in Ataru TehsilAccording to Rev. Eric Masih of the Jungle Mangal Mandli CNI Church, Piplod village is located about 25 kilometers from Baran district headquarters in Ataru Tehsil. It is the only village in the tehsil with a church. Around 200 Christian families reside here. Founded in 1904Father Eric explains that the vill...

Kota, Rajasthan: A tragic accident occurred on Wednesday near the Chechat Interchange on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, claiming the lives of two women and leaving two others critically injured. The victims were traveling in a car returning from a pilgrimage to Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. According to reports, a high-speed container truck lost control and overturned onto the car near the toll plaza. The women, who were sisters-in-law, Sudha Rana from Noida and Shivani Bhandari, were seated in the rear of the vehicle and died instantly. The driver, Arjun Singh, stated that the car was moving at around 30 km/h when the container collided from behind, causing it to topple onto the car. The injured, Shivani Bhandari’s husband Kuldeep Bhandari and Sudha Rana’s son Vardhaman Rana, were r...

Jalore, Rajasthan: A controversial decision by a local panchayat in Jalore district has sparked statewide debate. The panchayat, associated with a social organization, has prohibited women in 15 villages from using smartphones with cameras starting January 26. The order also bans carrying smartphones to public events, neighbors’ homes, and social gatherings, allowing only basic keypad phones. Legal Perspective:Senior advocate Subhash Dixit emphasized that smartphone usage is a personal right, and no panchayat or community body can restrict women’s private life, communication, or freedom of expression. “Women are equal citizens under the Constitution. No panchayat can decide which phone we use. This order directly violates women’s freedom, dignity, and rights,” he said. Constitutional...

In the annals of Indian history, King Surajmal of Bharatpur holds a prominent place as one of the most formidable Hindu rulers of the 18th century. Known as the “Plato of Rajasthan” and often called Rajasthan’s Chanakya, Surajmal combined brilliant diplomacy, strategic foresight, and military prowess to expand his kingdom and defeat the mighty Mughals. Early Life and Reign Surajmal, a Jat king, ruled Bharatpur from 1745 to 1763. His exceptional skills in statecraft, diplomacy, and military strategy earned him the nickname “Jat Afalatoon”, a reference to his unmatched wisdom and courage. Surajmal could anticipate threats, decide when to form alliances, when to wage wars, and when to negotiate treaties, ensuring his kingdom’s dominance. He was also known for distributing loot and resou...