Page 4 - Rajasthan

OIL ramps up crude production from Rajasthan's Thar amid energy crisis

Amid heightened geopolitical tensions and uncertainty in global oil markets, Oil India Ltd has significantly ramped up crude production from Rajasthan's Thar desert, achieving a record output of 1,202 barrels per day from the Jodhpur sandstone formation, officials said. The state-run company has increased production by around 70 per cent compared to last year's 705 barrels per day, marking a major milestone in efforts to boost domestic output and strengthen energy security. Officials said the crude oil produced in the Baghewala field in Jaisalmer is transported by tankers to Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) facilities in Mehsana, Gujarat, from where it is sent via pipeline to the Koyali refinery operated by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL). In the financial year 2025-26, Oil India's Rajasthan field recorded an annual production of 43,773 metric tonnes of crude oil, up from 32,787 metric tonnes in the previous year, reflecting strong growth driven by technological advancements

West Asia conflict disrupts snack exports from Bikaner, shipments disrupted

The ongoing conflict in West Asia has started to impact exporters in the Bikaner region, with shipments of popular food items, such as bhujia, papad and spices to Gulf and European countries facing severe disruptions, traders said. Bikaner, known for its namkeen industry, exports large quantities of snacks, spices and other products to countries in the Gulf region and Europe. However, exporters said, the war has led to delays, rising freight costs and container shortages, affecting exports and imports. Ashish Agarwal, a namkeen trader associated with the Bhikharam group, said escalating input and logistics costs are hurting the industry. "Freight charges have increased sharply due to the war, and raw material prices are also rising. The cost of edible oil has gone up by around 20 per cent in the last one month, which is directly impacting production," he said. Exporters said container movement has slowed significantly, with shipments that earlier took around 30 days now taking up

Hundreds fall ill after suspected water contamination in Jaipur locality

Hundreds of residents of the Sushilpura area here have fallen ill over the last week, allegedly due to sewage contamination of the drinking water supply, sparking a health scare. Several residents have reported similar symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea, and fever, with children and the elderly among the worst affected. Locals claim the crisis has impacted nearly every household, forcing many to rely on water tankers or buy packaged drinking water. Pooran Mal Kumawat, a resident, said his family has been unwell for several days. "We have all been suffering from diarrhoea and weakness. My wife even had to take injections," he said. Another resident, Janki Saini, said the situation has become increasingly difficult. "All three of my children are suffering from stomach pain and fever, and we are arranging water from outside," she said. Jagdish Sahu, who has spent thousands of rupees on medical treatment so far, highlighted the financial burden caused by the ..

Rajasthan govt adds 2 more districts to farm power supply project

Dausa and Karauli added as state pushes for universal daytime farm power by 2027

Rajasthan mines department revenue reaches ₹9,620 crore for FY26

Rajasthan mining revenue crosses ₹9,620 crore, with focus on boosting exploration, auctions and curbing illegal mining to drive growth

Marble waste site in Ajmer draws visitors, experts flag health hazard

Endless white plains glowing under the sun, no pine trees, no chill in the air, yet the scenery looks straight out of a winter postcard. Many confuse it for Bolivia's Salt Flats, snow-clad Gulmarg or even scenic Switzerland. This picturesque location, which has become a popular reel destination, is Asia's largest marble waste dumping yard in Kishangarh in Ajmer district of arid Rajasthan. The dumping site, where over 700 tankers carrying around 22 lakh litres of marble slurry are emptied every day, attracts at least 5,000 visitors on a daily basis, with the footfall going up to 20,000 on weekends and holidays. Due to its pristine white appearance, the dumping yard, spread over 350 acres, has also become a popular destination for pre-wedding and commercial shoots. Environmentalists and health experts, however, have flagged it as not just a health hazard but also a pollution hotspot. Scientific studies conducted by the Central University of Rajasthan have flagged it as a "toxic touri

Rajasthan introduces industrial park policy 2026 to boost jobs, investment

The Rajasthan government has introduced the "Industrial Park Promotion Policy-2026" to boost investment, infrastructure and generate employment, officials said on Wednesday. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, the policy aims to develop world-class industrial parks and position the state as a reliable and future-ready industrial destination. According to an official statement, the policy seeks to strengthen the industrial ecosystem in line with national initiatives such as 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', while promoting balanced regional development. The policy envisages the development of industrial parks through four models, including fully private development, hybrid land-sharing arrangements and public-private partnership (PPP) mode. A minimum area of 50 acres and at least 10 industrial units have been made mandatory for private parks. "The policy will help create a conducive environment for industrial investment, leading to job creation and econo

Unseasonal rains damage Rabi crops in Rajasthan, farmers worried

Unseasonal rains and hailstorms across Rajasthan have severely damaged Rabi crops, leaving farmers anxious as losses mount and compensation processes begin

Rajasthan witnesses Eid protests against US, Israel over Iran attacks

Protests against attacks on Iran marked Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations in various parts of Rajasthan on Saturday as members of the Shia and Sunni communities staged demonstrations in Jaipur and other districts. In Jaipur's Amber area, women and children from both communities took out a march, raising slogans against the US and Israel and expressing grief over reported deaths in Iran. Protesters gathered near Amer Fort carrying placards, alleging that their religious leader had been killed and their festive occasion had turned into mourning. At Subhash Chowk too, members of the Shia community held placards and staged a demonstration. Similar protests were reported from Sikar and Ajmer, where people offered Eid prayers wearing black bands as a mark of protest. Black flags were also put up at some mosques, and slogans were raised against the US and Israel. In Ajmer, Imam-e-Juma Maulana Syed Taqi Jafar said the community was observing mourning over the reported death of Iran's Supreme Leade

Rajasthan discoms get relief as Centre agencies cut loan interest rates

Loan rate cuts by Power Finance Corporation and Rural Electrification Corporation ease debt pressure on Rajasthan discoms, freeing funds for power infrastructure

HMSI to invest ₹1,500 crore on new production line at Tapukara plant

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India on Thursday said it will invest around Rs 1,500 crore to set up a third production line at its Tapukara-based manufacturing plant in Rajasthan. The new production line is expected to begin operations in 2028 with an annual capacity of 6.7 lakh units, taking the total capacity of the factory to 2.01 million units per year. It will also generate employment opportunities for over 2,000 people, further contributing to development of the region. "India is entering a new phase of mobility transformation, and HMSI is committed to leading this journey with responsibility and purpose. Strengthening our production ecosystem at Tapukara is an important step towards building greater resilience, flexibility, and future readiness across our supply chain," Honda Motorcycle & Scooter (HMSI) India President & CEO Tsutsumu Otani said in a statement. The expansion will help the company respond more effectively to market demand and continue delivering value ...

Rajasthan to begin mustard, gram procurement at MSP from March 25

RAJFED to begin MSP procurement of mustard and gram from late March as Rajasthan gears up for the rabi marketing season

Rajasthan govt directs officials to ensure uninterrupted power in summer

Rajasthan has stepped up preparations for peak summer power demand, focusing on supply security, solar capacity and battery energy storage systems

Hindustan Zinc signs MoU with CMR Green to set up zinc alloy unit

The manufacturing facility will be set up at Zinc Park in Rajasthan and will produce zinc alloys used in sectors such as automotive, infrastructure, die-casting and consumer goods

Rajasthan govt to lease JDA's vacant plots and spaces for short durations

Commercial activities include site offices, maintenance storage, exhibitions, car washing, stone and marble sales, game zones, circuses, and other activities

Rajasthan govt to set up ₹2,000 crore fund for school infrastructure

Rajasthan to create ₹2,000-crore school infrastructure fund, build 1,500 classrooms and AI labs in 1,000 schools as part of wider Budget push on education, jobs, and rural infrastructure

Japan in talks with India to jointly explore rare earths in Rajasthan

Following on a preliminary pact on critical minerals that Japan and India signed last year, Tokyo has expressed interest in the Rajasthan deposits and plans to send experts to the site

Rajasthan govt streamlines ODOP, MSME approvals to ease doing business

Rajasthan streamlines ODOP and MSME approvals, delegates powers to district GMs and shifts fully online to speed up clearances and boost ease of doing business

Rajasthan allocates ₹30 crore to promote small entrepreneur exports

Rajasthan govt will provide ₹30 crore in financial support to small entrepreneurs to participate in domestic and international fairs under MSME, Export Promotion, and One District One Product schemes

Action against private buses increased during Apr-Dec 2025: Rajasthan govt

Rajasthan has recorded a sharp rise in enforcement action against private buses and commercial vehicle operators during April to December 2025 compared to the corresponding period in 2024, according to data tabled in the state assembly. The figures were provided in reply to an unstarred question raised by BJP MLA Devendra Joshi. The legislator asked for the past three years' data on how many private bus operators and supervisory personnel have been found negligent in relation to such incidents. He further questioned regarding the action taken against the concerned transport officials for negligence in discharging their supervisory responsibilities. He asked for district-wise statistical details be tabled in the House. The government gave comprehensive data from April to December for the year 2024-2025. In the 2025 Jaisalmer bus fire incident, the transport department suspended two employees for negligence in registration and initiated departmental action, while in another bus fire