Latest news with #RajyavardhanRathore
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Two IAF pilots killed as Jaguar jet crashes in Rajasthan's Churu
IAF jet crash By Ashok Singh Shekhawat JHUNJHUNU: Two Indian Air Force pilots were killed after a Jaguar trainer aircraft crashed during a routine training mission near Bhanuda village in Rajasthan's Churu district on Wednesday afternoon, reports Ashok Singh Shekhawat. The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the crash - the third such accident involving the twin-engine bomber since March. The twin-seater aircraft, which took off from Suratgarh airbase near Sriganganagar, went down around 12.40pm with a loud explosion, sparking fear and panic among local residents. In a post on X, the IAF confirmed that both pilots - whose identities have not been made public so far - sustained fatal injuries in the accident. The IAF remains the only air force where the jet is still in service. A lthough IAF did not name the deceased pilots, Rajasthan cabinet minister Rajyavardhan Rathore condoled on X the deaths of Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh. The wreckage of the fighter jet was scattered across an agricultural field, with no reported damage to civilian property. The area was later cordoned off by security forces. Churu SP Jai Yadav stated that efforts were underway to collect the scattered debris. As per database of Aviation Safety network, at least 12 Jaguars have crashed in the last decade. Yet, the vintage jet developed in 1960s and inducted into IAF in 1979 is expected to remain in service till around 2040. Emergency response teams, fire services and ambulances quickly reached the scene. IAF officers were airlifted to the crash site and a military investigation team began to collect the debris. Rajaldesar SHO Kamlesh confirmed the discovery of human remains near crash site. District officials were overseeing the situation at crash site. Rajasthan governor Haribhau Bagde, CM Bhajan Lal Sharma and former CM Ashok Gehlot expressed condolences over the tragic deaths. In April, a Jaguar trainer aircraft had crashed in Gujarat's Jamnagar, killing one of the two pilots. On March 7, a Jaguar on a routine sortie had crashed in Ambala due to a technical snag, but the pilot had managed to eject safely.
The Hindu
11-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Even America cannot control Trump, says Rajyavardhan Rathore
Rajasthan Cabinet Minister, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Jhotwara, Col. (Retd.) Rajyavardhan Rathore on Wednesday (June 11, 2025) said that even America had failed to control its President Donald Trump. Mr. Rathore was speaking at an event in Bikaner organised to mark 11 years of the BJP government at the Centre. He made the statement in response to a question on the manner of deportation of Indian students from the U.S. A video of an Indian student handcuffed and pinned to the floor at an airport in the U.S. before he was deported to India has sparked outrage on social media. 'Our External Affairs Ministry is continuously speaking to other countries as part of our international diplomacy,' Col. Rathore said, adding that the External Affairs Minister had been to America very recently. 'Jis rashtrapati ki aap baat kar rahe hain, usko America hi nahi control kar paaya. Toh Bharat toh baatcheet kar hi raha hai (the President you're referring to... even America couldn't control him. So of course, India is engaging in dialogue),' he added. Mr. Rathore is the second BJP leader to criticise the U.S. President in the recent past. Prior to him, actor and BJP MP from Mandi Kangana Ranaut had criticised Mr. Trump over his statement on opposing Apple Inc.'s expansion in India. Ms. Ranaut later deleted her post, reportedly after receiving a directive from the BJP's national president, J.P. Nadda.
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Fitness for all: PM Narendra Modi's vision of a fitter Rajasthan takes shape, says Col Rajyavardhan Rathore after inaugurating 23 open gymnasiums in Jaipur
1 2 3 Jaipur: In a bold step towards building a healthier and more active community, cabinet minister for youth and sports, Col Rajyavardhan Rathore, has launched a unique initiative in his assembly constituency of Jhotwara and in Jaipur — open gymnasiums at 23 different locations. Designed for "Fitness for All", these open-air gyms are already becoming community hotspots for young athletes, working professionals, and senior citizens. A decorated Olympian and former Army officer, Col Rajyavardhan knows first-hand the power of physical fitness. But his vision goes beyond personal discipline. "Fitness isn't just about building muscle; it's about building a motivated, confident society. And that begins at the grassroots," he says. The open gyms are equipped with basic workout stations — from pull-up bars and ellipticals to leg presses and rowing machines — all free and accessible 24/7. Strategically located in parks and community grounds, these gyms are especially targeted at youth and children who may not otherwise afford private fitness facilities. "Every child has the right to dream big, and physical fitness is the first step towards discipline and excellence — be it in sports or life," says Col Rajyavardhan. He also believes these gyms will help channel the energies of the youth into constructive activities and serve as an early steppingstone for those aspiring to join professional sports or the armed forces. The initiative has struck a chord. From school kids practicing chin-ups to elderly citizens doing light cardio together in the morning, the spirit of fitness is catching on. As Col Rajyavardhan sums it up, "A fit Rajasthan is a strong Rajasthan. This is just the beginning." With this grassroots initiative, Jhotwara isn't just lifting weights - it's lifting community spirit.
India Gazette
23-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"He keeps raising questions on the armed forces", BJP's Rajyavardhan Rathore slams Rahul Gandhi
Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], May 23 (ANI): Rajyavardhan Rathore, Cabinet Minister at the Industry and Commerce and Sports department in Rajasthan, has criticised Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his comments on the armed forces. Rathore said, 'Sadly, he keeps raising questions on the armed forces... Just to come to power, he is harming the country by speaking the language of the enemies...'. This statement comes after Rahul Gandhi's renewed criticism earlier this week of External Affairs Minister Jaishankar. The Congress leader questioned the minister's silence on the number of Indian Air Force aircraft lost during Operation Sindoor, insisting that the nation 'deserves the truth.' Adding to his statement, the Rajasthan Sports Minister said that some members of the ruling party have even gone abroad and spoken about the country in a manner that is detrimental to its interests. He expressed concern that the government does not seem to understand the implications of its actions and words, which are being showcased by Pakistan. Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey on Friday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of hypocrisy for questioning Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar. Dubey referenced a 1991 Indo-Pak military transparency pact signed during a Congress-backed government to highlight what he called Congress's longstanding alignment with a 'Pakistani vote bank.' Praveen Khandelwal of the BJP has also criticised Rahul Gandhi on May 22, stating,' It is a difficult time for the country, yet the Congress leaders are constantly attacking and tweeting about armed forces'. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 as a retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. It targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), resulting in the deaths of over 100 terrorists. In response, Pakistan shelled border areas and carried out drone attacks, prompting India to conduct airstrikes on 11 Pakistani airbases. Both countries agreed to cease hostilities on May 10. (ANI)
