Vimal Bhatia
Jaisalmer
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For over 24 years been reporting from border town of Jaisalmer for @TimesofIndia @aajtak @Indiatoday
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Articles by Vimal Bhatia
Rajasthan couple found dead at home under suspicious circumstances Original
JHUNJHUNU: A couple was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Ward 23 of Bisau town in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district, police said. The wife, Kausar, was found dead inside a room of their house, while her husband, Rahim, was found hanging. The incident came to light at around 9am when family members discovered the bodies and alerted the police. A police team, including the Bisau police station circle inspector, reached the spot and inspected the scene.
GIB rewilding faces setback as desert fox kills captive-bred bird in Jaisalmer Original
Jaisalmer: A programme for the experimental release of captive-bred Great Indian Bustards (GIBs) into the wild suffered a setback Sunday after a desert fox killed a six-month-old male bird in Jaisalmer’s Desert National Park. The bird, released just last Wednesday, was at a natural watering hole at the time of the attack, forest officials said.
GIB rewilding project faces setback as desert fox kills captive-bred bird
Jaisalmer: The experimental release of captive-bred Great Indian Bustards (GIBs) into the wild in Jaisalmer has suffered a setback after a desert fox killed a six-month-old male bird in Desert National Park Sunday. The bird, released last Wednesday, was drinking water at a gajlar, a natural water point, when the fox attacked it.
Congress to launch nationwide protests against delimitation bill: Gehlot
JAISALMER: Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot Monday said the Congress would launch protests across the country against the proposed delimitation bill, alleging the Centre was trying to push through far-reaching changes without taking the opposition into confidence. He demanded that the govt convene an all-party meeting before moving ahead with the legislation, calling delimitation a matter that impacts the foundations of representative democracy.
Rajasthan panchayat polls: 200km constituency in Jaisalmer poses challenge for candidates
JAISALMER: The upcoming Panchayati Raj elections in Jaisalmer district present an unusual challenge, with geography emerging as a major factor in campaigning. Following the latest delimitation exercise, Block No. 1 (Shahgarh) of Khuhri Panchayat Samiti has potentially emerged as one of Rajasthan’s largest panchayat samiti wards, stretching nearly 200km from one end to the other. The distance between Ghotau village in the block and Gangu Ki Beri hamlet near Rahu Ke Paar is around 200km.
Indian Army conducts Exercise Akhand Prahar-II in Jaisalmer to boost combat readiness
JAISALMER: Building on the success of Exercise Akhand Prahar-I, the Indian Army ’s Black Mace Brigade and Battle Axe Division conducted Exercise Akhand Prahar-II in the desert sector, demonstrating enhanced combat readiness through technology-enabled combined arms operations. The exercise focused on strengthening operational effectiveness by integrating New Generation Equipment (NGEs) and Force Multipliers (FMs).
Army revives two ponds in Thar to help wildlife tide over water scarcity
Jaisalmer: The Indian Army has restored two neglected ponds in western Rajasthan ’s Thar Desert to improve water availability for wildlife amid severe water scarcity. The initiative was undertaken by Konark Corps under the Army’s Southern Command, in collaboration with an engineer regiment, as temperatures in the region approached 50 degrees Celsius this year, drying up natural water sources.
Magisterial inquiry ordered into death of land fraud accused in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer: A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the death of a 68-year-old man who died at Jodhpur’s Mathuradas Mathur Hospital Wednesday after falling ill in police custody in Jaisalmer. Naresh Kumar , a Himachal Pradesh resident, was arrested in a land fraud case involving a retired Army captain. The post-mortem was conducted Thursday after Kumar’s family arrived from Himachal Pradesh. A judicial inquiry has been initiated to examine the circumstances of his death.
Jaisalmer: Class IX student found dead in water tank near school; father alleges murder
Jaisalmer: A 15-year-old Class IX student was found dead in a water tank at an agricultural farm about 200 metres from his school in Dechu Wednesday, police said Thursday. Shravan Singh, a resident of Delasar village in Jaisalmer district, studied at Sunrise Public School on Pilwa Road in Dechu. His father, Gambhir Singh, has lodged a complaint alleging murder.
Jaisalmer’s Sam dunes shut to tourists after sunset, night camel safaris banned
Jaisalmer: The forest department has restricted tourist access to the Sam Sand Dunes after sunset and banned laser lights at nighttime cultural events in the Sam and Kanoi areas of Jaisalmer’s Desert National Park to protect wildlife and the fragile desert ecosystem. The restrictions also prohibit camel safaris, sightseeing, and other tourism activities in designated dune areas after sunset. The department has warned of action against violators.
RDX, IED and foreign-made pistols drone-dropped in Rajasthan near Pakistan border; 2 Punjab men held
JAISALMER: In a major joint operation along the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar district, the Border Security Force ( BSF ) and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) have recovered two foreign-made pistols, an improvised explosive device (IED), ammunition and suspected explosives, including a potentially significant quantity of RDX. The consignment was allegedly dropped by a drone from the Pakistani side. Two men from Punjab have been detained in connection with the recovery.
‘Goddess of bombs’: Tanot Mata temple in Jaisalmer witnesses a massive Navratri turnout Original
JAISALMER: For generations of troops guarding India’s western frontier, Tanot Mata is more than a deity. Revered as the ‘Goddess of Bombs’, the presiding deity of the Tanot Mata Temple near the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district holds a special place in the faith of security personnel, rooted in accounts of unexploded bombs during the 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan wars.
Gadisar Lake faces drought-like crisis, threatens Jaisalmer tourism
Jaisalmer: Jaisalmer’s iconic Gadisar Lake is on the verge of drying up for the first time since the 2002-03 drought, with deficient monsoon rainfall and persistent Oct heat exposing large stretches of its bed ahead of the crucial winter tourism season. Jaisalmer Municipal Council has proposed digging four tubewells at a cost of over Rs 60 lakh to replenish the historic reservoir.
Barmer admin seeks govt nod for setting up fodder depots in drought-hit parts
Time's Impact Jaisalmer : Following media reports on drought-like conditions and acute fodder shortage in Barmer and Jaisalmer due to deficient rainfall, the Barmer district administration Thursday sent proposals to the state govt to open fodder depots in affected areas. The move is aimed at providing subsidised fodder to livestock owners in villages where poor rainfall has deepened distress and threatened animal upkeep.
Captive-bred Godawans take first safe steps back into the wild
Jaisalmer: In a major step for the conservation of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, two captive-bred birds released experimentally into the wild at Desert National Park in Jaisalmer continue to be safe and healthy, giving India’s first such rewilding pilot an encouraging start. The two Great Indian Bustards, Rajasthan ’s state bird and locally known as Godawan, were released Sunday from a fenced closure at GIB Conservation Breeding Centre at Sudasari in Desert National Park.
First in India: Captive-bred great Indian bustards released into wild in Jaisalmer Original
JAISALMER: In a first in the country, two captive-bred male Great Indian Bustards (GIBs) were released into the wild in Jaisalmer’s Desert National Park on Sunday, marking a historic milestone in India’s efforts to bring the critically endangered species back from the brink of extinction. Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav initiated the landmark release during Wildlife Week 2026 at Sudasari.
Fake de-addiction centres in Raj, Guj used to divert 3.5 lakh Buprenorphine tablets: Barmer police
Jaisalmer: A Barmer police probe into an alleged Buprenorphine diversion racket has revealed that around 3.5 lakh tablets were supplied in the name of a de-addiction centre in Jaisalmer that investigators found did not exist, with a hotel operating at the stated address. A police team led by Sadar SHO Devichand Dhaka reached Jaisalmer Thursday with one of the accused to verify the address of Jagruti De-addiction Centre. Police found no centre or patients there.
Historic Flight: First captive-bred GIBs to be released into DNP Sunday
JAISALMER: Rajasthan is set to mark a major conservation milestone Sunday, with the planned release of two captive-bred Great Indian Bustards (GIB), locally known as the Godawan, into Desert National Park (DNP) under Project GIB Rewilding.
Jaisalmer doda poppy smuggling case: 6 get 10-year jail term, Rs 20,000 fine after 9 years
JAISALMER: The Pokaran additional district and sessions court has convicted six accused in a nine-year-old doda poppy smuggling case and sentenced each of them to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 20,000. The court, presided over by Judge Dr Mahendra Kumar Goyal, also ordered the seizure and auction of the Bolero Camper used in the smuggling.
Raj GIB conservation project wins Best Project Award at Eco Warrior Awards 2026
Jaisalmer: The Thar’s battle to save the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, or Godawan, from extinction received a major national recognition, with Rajasthan’s GIB Conservation Project winning the Special Projects/Best Project Award at the 4th Eco Warrior Awards 2026 in New Delhi on Tuesday evening.
Exercise Jai se Vijay’: Army Helicopters Turn NH-911 into Military Runway Near Pak Border Mission Ready Original
A strategically important stretch of National Highway-911 near Dantour in Rajasthan, close to the India-Pakistan International Border, was transformed into a temporary military runway on Tuesday as the Indian Army conducted ‘Exercise Jai se Vijay’, demonstrating its operational preparedness, mobility and ability to rapidly adapt to changing battlefield requirements.
Tarang Shakti 2026 takes off: IAF, 7 nations join mega air drill
JAISALMER: The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Sunday commenced the operational phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, a day after the exercise’s inaugural ceremony. Being conducted from September 26 to October 12 under the theme “Power in Partnership”, the multilateral air exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability, sharing operational expertise and strengthening cooperation among participating air forces.
India’s first regional Pearl Millet research centre becomes operational in Rajasthan’s Gudamalani Balotra district Original
JAISALMER: Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary on Sunday inaugurated the administrative and laboratory building of the Regional Pearl Millet Research Centre of the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) at Gudamalani in Balotra district, marking a major step towards strengthening millet research in western Rajasthan.
Jaisalmer woman allegedly set ablaze by in-laws dies in Jodhpur, 3 detained
Jaisalmer: A 32-year-old married woman succumbed to her burn injuries Thursday after allegedly being set ablaze by her husband and in-laws in Jaisalmer district early in the week. The crime was committed in Korwa village, located under Jaisalmer’s Khuhdi police station area. According to police, the woman identified as Heena Bhil, suffered severe burns covering nearly 90% of her body.
Jaisalmer woman 'set ablaze by husband, in-laws' dies during treatment Original
JAISALMER: A married woman who was allegedly set ablaze after petrol was poured over her by her husband and other members of her in-laws' family in Jaisalmer district died during treatment in Jodhpur on Thursday. The incident took place in Korwa village under the Khuhdi police station area on Wednesday. Following a complaint by the woman's family, police have detained three accused, including her husband.
6 cloth shops gutted at Jaisalmer's Nachna market; fire tender rushed from 90km away
JAISALMER: A massive fire broke out at the Nachna bus stand market in Jaisalmer district late Wednesday night, engulfing six cloth shops and destroying lakhs of rupees worth of clothes and other goods. The fire spread rapidly through the half-a-dozen wooden cabins, triggering panic among shopkeepers and local residents. As the flames intensified, villagers and shopkeepers immediately joined efforts to douse the fire. On receiving information, the police and civil administration reached the spot.
From Thar to Aravallis: 188 ecologists warn of varied ecological impacts in Rajasthan as ‘super’ El Niño looms
JAISALMER: As a potentially strong El Niño develops over the Pacific, ecologists have called for closer monitoring of Rajasthan’s diverse landscapes, warning that changing rainfall patterns and rising temperatures could produce sharply different ecological impacts across the state. The call comes amid a highly uneven monsoon in Rajasthan.
India, US armies conduct integrated firepower drills at Mahajan range
Jaisalmer: The roar of rocket launchers, artillery guns and attack helicopters reverberated across the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan , where Indian and US Army troops are finetuning advanced firepower and battlefield interoperability through integrated drills during Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026. The 22nd edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, a joint bilateral military training program between the Indian Army and the US Army, will run from Sept 9 to Sept 28.
IAF’s Tarang Shakti to bring 40 nations to Rajasthan desert
Jaisalmer: Indian Air Force will host its largest multinational air combat exercise, Tarang Shakti-2026, in the western desert region of Rajasthan near the international border with Pakistan from Sept 26 to Oct 12. More than 40 countries are expected to participate in the second edition of the exercise, which will bring together air forces from across the world for high-end tactical manoeuvres, joint operations and combat training.
Rare female caracal radio-collared released into wild in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer
JAISALMER: In a significant wildlife conservation effort, the Rajasthan Forest Department, with the support of experts from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), on Sunday evening successfully released a rare female caracal back into its natural habitat in Jaisalmer after treatment and recovery. The endangered Schedule I wild cat was fitted with a radio collar before being released.
Border district, foreign money: ED uncovers 'conversion funding' from Belgium in Jaisalmer
JAISALMER: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered the alleged misuse of around Rs 510 crore in foreign donations received from a Belgium-based organisation for activities related to religious propagation and alleged conversion among vulnerable sections of society in Jaisalmer. The ED's Jaipur Zonal Office conducted searches on Saturday at two premises in Jaisalmer under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, based on intelligence about the alleged diversion of foreign funds.
21-year-old Kirti Gosaiwal becomes Raj’s youngest municipal chairperson
Jaisalmer: 21-year-old Kirti Gosaiwal has been elected unopposed as the first chairperson of the newly formed Dhorimanna Municipality in Balotra district, becoming Rajasthan ’s youngest municipal chairperson. Dhorimanna sub-divisional magistrate Badrinarayan Vishnoi Friday declared Gosaiwal elected unopposed and handed her the certificate of election. The Dhorimanna Municipality has 20 wards, of which BJP won 14, Congress three, and independents three.
IAF gives Rs 27.16 lakh for 2024 crash-hit hostels
Jaisalmer: The Indian Air Force has provided Rs 27.16 lakh in compensation for damage to the Bhil Samaj Hostel and Meghwal Samaj Hostel in Jaisalmer after a fighter aircraft crashed during a rehearsal for the Vayu Shakti-2024 exercise in March 2024.
BJP wins majorities in Jaisalmer, Barmer, Balotra civic polls
Jaisalmer: BJP is set to form boards in most urban local bodies across Jaisalmer, Barmer and Balotra districts after winning clear majorities in several civic bodies in Monday’s counting. In Barmer Municipal Council, BJP won 29 of 55 wards and is set to end its 15-year political exile from the board. Two of five independents have already extended support to the party. With the chairperson’s post unreserved, Kailash Kotdia, Gautam Jain and Gangavishan are among the contenders.
Dronathon-2026: IAF showcases indigenous drones, counter-UAS systems at Rajasthan's Pokhran range Original
JAISALMER: After Operation Sindoor , the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer once again became a showcase for evolving warfare technology as the Indian Air Force on Monday commenced its first-ever Dronathon-2026, featuring demonstrations of advanced indigenous unmanned and counter-unmanned systems. The three-day exercise, being held from September 14 to 16, has brought together around 60 Indian companies under the banner of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
BJP to contest all 117 Punjab assembly seats alone, Satish Poonia says ‘no alliance’
JAISALMER: The BJP will contest all 117 Assembly seats in Punjab on its own in the upcoming elections, party national general secretary and Punjab in-charge Satish Poonia said on Sunday. Speaking to reporters in Barmer, Poonia said the BJP would not be part of any alliance and would enter the electoral battle independently. During his one-day visit to Barmer, Poonia targeted the Aam Aadmi Party government over Punjab’s law and order situation and the drug menace.
Drone-dropped heroin, opium worth Rs 30 crore seized near India-Pakistan border in Sri Ganganagar
JAISALMER: Police, with the help of villagers, foiled an attempted cross-border drug smuggling operation near the India-Pakistan border in Sri Ganganagar district late on Saturday night, recovering a consignment of narcotics worth around Rs 30 crore allegedly dropped by a drone from the Pakistan side. The consignment, found in a large packet containing 12 smaller packets, comprised 5.615kg of heroin and 508 grams of opium.
MI tip-off leads to suspected ambergris seizure worth Rs 70 lakh in Bikaner, 3 detained
BIKANER: A joint team of CID-CB and Kotegate police, acting on a tip-off from Military Intelligence (MI), seized around 650 grams of suspected ambergris, allegedly valued at nearly Rs 70 lakh, near the railway station in Bikaner on Saturday, police said. Three persons, including two minors, have been detained in connection with the seizure.
Pokhran to showcase India’s drone warfare push after Operation Sindoor Original
JAISALMER: The Pokhran Range in Jaisalmer, which witnessed the changing face of warfare during Operation Sindoor, is set to become a testing ground for emerging war technologies once again. The Indian Air Force is conducting its first Dronathon-2026 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, from September 14 to 16, in line with the national objective of Atmanirbhar Bharat and to enhance the IAF’s operational capabilities in the unmanned domain.
Dronathon-2026: IAF brings drones, swarm tech and counter-drone systems to Pokhran
JAISALMER: Aligning with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat , the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to organise Dronathon-2026, a major three-day event aimed at showcasing India’s growing capabilities in unmanned aerial systems and counter-unmanned aerial systems at the Pokhran range in Jaisalmer from September 14 to 16.
India-Japan air exercise 'Veer Guardian-2026' to begin in Jodhpur on September 9
JAISALMER: The bilateral air exercise ‘Veer Guardian-2026’ between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) is set to commence on Wednesday, September 9, at Air Force Station Jodhpur and adjoining areas. The exercise will continue until September 22, 2026. Officials said the Indian Air Force will participate with a diverse mix of frontline combat aircraft, including the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale.
8.2kg opium worth Rs 85 lakh recovered from pit under ber tree in Rajasthan Original
JAISALMER: The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking in Barmer, recovering 8.202kg of opium concealed underground beneath a ber tree in a field. The seizure, made on Monday, was the agency’s second major operation in Barmer within two days. The seized contraband, comprising 7.186kg of opium latex and 1.016 kg of manufactured opium, has an estimated international value of around Rs 85 lakh.
In Balotra ,mother and her two young children drowned in tank ,all dead
This e-mail originated from outside of Times Of India And TimesGroup. Exercise caution before you click on any link or open attachments. A tragic incident in Balotra, mother and her two young children drowned in tank Jaisalmer | Vimal Bhatia In a tragic incident on Wednesday evening in the Gida police station area of Balotra district, a mother and her two young children drowned in a water tank. The incident took place in Nimba Ki Dhani village.
24_Jai_VB_Vayu shakti rehearsal roars at pokhran
Status: Not Approved HEAD: 24_Jai_VB_Vayu shakti rehearsal roars at pokhran Byline: Vimal Bhatia ### Title Vayu shakti rehearsal roars at pokhran, Tejas absent as drills intensify Jaisalmer, Vimal Bhatia The Pokaran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer witnessed a full dress rehearsal for Vayu Shakti 2026 on Tuesday, ahead of the main event scheduled for 27 February.
In Balotra ,mother and her two young children drowned in tank ,all dead
This e-mail originated from outside of Times Of India And TimesGroup. Exercise caution before you click on any link or open attachments. A tragic incident in Balotra, mother and her two young children drowned in tank Jaisalmer | Vimal Bhatia In a tragic incident on Wednesday evening in the Gida police station area of Balotra district, a mother and her two young children drowned in a water tank. The incident took place in Nimba Ki Dhani village.
India-Japan ‘Veer Guardian 26’ to bring Japanese F-2A fighters to Jodhpur for the first time
JAISALMER: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to undertake an intense bilateral air-combat exercise with Japan in western Rajasthan, with the second edition of the India-Japan bilateral fighter exercise ‘Veer Guardian 26’ scheduled to be held at Air Force Station Jodhpur from September 11 to 22, 2026. The exercise assumes particular significance as it will mark the first time Japanese fighter aircraft will operate from an Indian air base for a joint exercise.
Against the odds, Barmer turns desert highways green; wins national award
JAISALMER: The Forest Division Barmer has secured the third position at the national level in the prestigious NHAI Green Highways Excellence Awards 2026 for its exemplary plantation and maintenance work along National Highways NH-925 and NH-925A in the harsh desert terrain of western Rajasthan. The award assumes significance as the plantations were developed under extremely challenging desert conditions, including high temperatures, water scarcity, sandy soil and difficult terrain.
IAF successfully tests indigenous Khagantak-243 long-range glide bomb in Rajasthan
JAISALMER: The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted the drop of an indigenously designed & developed Long Range Glide Bomb (Khagantak-243). In a significant boost to India’s indigenous precision-strike capability, the IAF has successfully conducted the first flight trial of the Khagantak-243 long-range glide bomb, dropping the weapon from a Su-30MKI fighter at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan on Wednesday.
'ISI handlers used Indian SIM cards to target India': Suspected Pak spy arrested in Rajasthan Original
JAISALMER: In a major counter-intelligence breakthrough operation, Sri Ganganagar Police, in coordination with the CID Intelligence, have arrested 45-year-old, a suspected Pakistani spy of working for Pakistan-based ISI handlers, allegedly involved in anti-national activities. He is accused of sending eight Indian citizens SIM cards to Pakistan-based handlers of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) across the border.
Across border, empty wrists: Raksha Bandhan brings sorrow for Pakistani sisters married in Rajasthan
JAISALMER: For hundreds of women from Pakistan who married into families in Rajasthan’s border districts, Raksha Bandhan is no longer a festival of celebration but a painful reminder of a border that keeps them away from their brothers. With India-Pakistan relations strained and cross-border movement restricted, women living in Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jodhpur and neighbouring areas are once again unable to travel to Pakistan to tie Rakhi on their brothers’ wrists.
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