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New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Political slugfest erupts in Rajasthan after 9,350 goats sent to Gulf for Eid
JAIPUR: A fresh controversy has erupted in Rajasthan just around the occasion of Eid ul Azha (Bakrid), as 9,350 goats have been exported from the state to Gulf countries via air cargo — a first for the desert state. Goats, belonging to the Shekhawati, Sirohi, and Bikaneri breeds, have been sent for ritual sacrifice, triggering a heated political exchange between the ruling BJP and the Opposition. Animal Husbandry and Devasthan Minister Zoraram Kumawat expressed concern over the export. 'Eid ul Azha may be important for any religion, but in our culture, animal sacrifice is not acceptable. These animals are not just livestock; they are a source of livelihood for breeders and contribute to Rajasthan's GDP,' Kumawat said. When asked if the government plans to restrict goat sacrifice during Bakrid, the minister clarified, 'There is no such plan at the moment. But killing animals is wrong.' His remarks invited a sharp rebuttal from Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully, who accused the BJP of communal bias and double standards. 'The BJP only sees goats during Bakrid but remains silent on cow protection and beef exports. India is the world's top beef exporter today, but BJP leaders don't talk about that,' the Congress leader said. Taking a jibe at Kumawat, Jully added, 'The minister is a good man, but he has been misinformed. If he had seen the actual data, he wouldn't have made such a statement.' The Leader of Opposition also alleged that the BJP is once again trying to stoke religious sentiments. 'They use cows and goats as tools to divide communities. First ban beef exports, then talk about goats,' he said. The issue has quickly gained traction on social media, with religious and cultural organisations weighing in. Some criticized the government for allowing the export, while others condemned the political narrative being built around the festival. Each of the cargo flights to the Gulf transported between 450 and 950 goats, with individual shipments weighing between 500 kg to 15,000 kg. The first consignment departed on May 1, marking the beginning of this year's export activities. The increasing frequency of direct flights from Jaipur to Gulf destinations is positioning the city as a pivotal hub for the export of sacrificial goats.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
To examine norms on export of goats to Middle East, says min
1 2 Jaipur: Devasthan and animal husbandry minister, Joraram Kumawat, Friday expressed strong disapproval over the export of goats from the state for Eid al-Adha (Bakrid) celebrations in Gulf countries. Around 9,350 goats, primarily from the Shekhawati, Sirohi, and Bikaner breeds, were airlifted from Jaipur to meet the sacrificial demands of the festival abroad recently. Kumawat said his department will examine the central govt guidelines governing the export of goats to other countries, as this issue came to light for the first time. "If the guidelines permit such exports, they must be carried out strictly as per the rules. If any rules were violated, appropriate action will be taken," said Kumawat. Minister Kumawat emphasised that such practices are contrary to India's cultural ethos. "Our culture operates on the principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'—the world is one family. We revere cows as mothers and worship elements of nature, including animals, birds, fire, water, mountains, and stones. In this context, the killing of any living being, even a goat, is not acceptable in our Sanatan tradition," he said. Echoing his concerns, social justice minister Avinash Gehlot said that animal sacrifice is not permissible within the broader Indian cultural framework. "It could be done in an environment-friendlier manner," said Gehlot. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Rajasthan Pilgrimage Scheme: Rajasthan Launches First Heritage-Themed AC Train for Senior Pilgrims, ET TravelWorld
Advt Advt Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Download ETTravelWorld App Get Realtime updates Save your favourite articles Scan to download App Under the Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme of the Devasthan Department, the first AC train, beautifully designed with Rajasthan's rich heritage, will depart for Rameswaram on train is scheduled to leave from Durgapura Railway Station, carrying 776 pilgrims from six districts. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma will flag off the train in the presence of the Cabinet Minister of Devasthan Department, Joraram Kumawat, said is the first time an AC train is being deployed under the scheme to ensure enhanced comfort for the elderly passengers. The special train is beautifully decorated, with each coach showcasing Rajasthan's rich heritage -- featuring images of temples, forts, folk dances, festivals like Teej, and even the churches of Goa, as Goa has been newly included in this year's itinerary, said Kumawat while speaking to to officials, 450 pilgrims are from Jaipur and Dausa, 150 from Sikar, Alwar, and Jhunjhunu, and 176 from Bharatpur. Pilgrims from Bharatpur will board at Sawai return journey is scheduled for the night of June 12. Special arrangements have been made for cleanliness, decorations, and clear displays to provide information on pilgrimage sites and to promote Rajasthan tourism Minister Kumawat added that this train is part of the remaining 7,200 pilgrims under the 2024-25 AC train, although part of the 2025-26 budget scheme, has been introduced now for the first time to accommodate these travellers."Passengers are going by AC train for the first time. Complete comfort and aesthetic appeal have been ensured. The application process for 50,000 pilgrims will begin soon," Cabinet Minister Joraram Kumawat told IANS.A total of 14 coaches have been added to the specially designed AC train departing for Rameswaram under the Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme. Saffron has been chosen as the theme colour, symbolising the golden spiritual aura of the coach is uniquely dedicated to showcasing Rajasthan's proud contribution to the Indian Army, prominently featuring visuals of the Jaisalmer War Museum, Tanot Border, and Mahajan -- the largest firing range on the continent. The pantry car offers a flavourful experience of Rajasthan, serving traditional delicacies such as Kair-Sangri, Bajra Roti, Rabri, Lassi, and Kulfi to senior the first time, an exclusive mobile app has been developed to provide detailed pilgrimage-related information to travellers, enhancing convenience and train embarks on an eight-day pilgrimage, during which pilgrims will visit sacred sites including Ramnath Swami Jyotirling, Dhanushkodi, Brahmakund, and Meenakshi Temple in coach offers passengers a visual journey through Rajasthan's heritage -- showcasing forts, palaces, temples, folk dances, musical instruments, wildlife, and traditional festivals, making the train itself a moving museum of the state's cultural richness.
Hans India
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Provocation from Pakistan will get strong response: Rajasthan Minister
Jaipur: Joraram Kumawat, Cabinet Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy, and Devasthan Department and Minister-in-Charge of Barmer district, conducted a detailed visit to several border villages on Tuesday to assess the prevailing situation and review security arrangements. Addressing the media, Kumawat stated, 'The border remains peaceful, but any provocation from across the border will receive a strong response.' He affirmed that the situation is under constant surveillance under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that all three branches of the armed forces are united in countering Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. During his visit, Kumawat also met families of soldiers serving in the Indian Army, praising their courage and dedication. He highlighted India's growing self-reliance and technological strength in defence, noting that the effectiveness of indigenous weapons has gained global recognition. Referring to the recent tense situation, the Minister noted that despite blackouts and air raid sirens, not a single family abandoned their homes in the border villages. 'Villagers remained fearless, sitting outside their homes even during moments of tension. Their bravery is commendable,' he said. Minister Kumawat visited Jasai, Sedwa, Deepla, Khara, and Paru villages, where he interacted with locals and listened to their concerns. He held a strategic review meeting with Colonel Vikramjit Singh and Colonel Shivaji Warghade at Jasai Military Station to evaluate the security preparedness along the India-Pakistan border. Bhilwara MP Damodar Agarwal, BJP State Minister Ajit Mundan, District Minister Devi Lal Kumawat, Anantaram Bishnoi, and Army officials were also present during the meeting. In Khara village, Minister Kumawat commended the resilience of the residents amid recent tensions between India and Pakistan. He assured the villagers of comprehensive support from the administration during emergencies. Local leaders, including Sarpanch Chetanram and villagers Devi Singh and Revant Singh, expressed their gratitude for the government's ongoing assistance. Emphasising solidarity, he stated, 'The state government stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of border areas.' Kumawat also met the families of the youth of the region serving in the army. He said that India is now self-reliant and technically strong. The world has seen the capability of Made in India weapons. He also said that for the last several days, there were war-like situations between the two countries, due to which there was a lot of tension on both sides. Despite the blackout and air raid sirens, the people of the villages settled on the Pakistan border adjoining Barmer fought bravely, and no family left the border village. After a comprehensive five-hour tour of the border villages and review of the situation in Balotra and Barmer districts, Minister Kumawat concluded his two-day visit and returned to Jaipur.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
AI emerges as key tool in managing grid variability for RTC clean energy supply
New Delhi: India's energy sector is undergoing a structural shift as the country targets 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. As power demand surges from growing industrialisation, electrification of mobility, and data centre expansion, hybrid and round-the-clock (RTC) renewable energy systems are being prioritised for their ability to deliver continuous clean power. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a central pillar in this transition, enabling developers to manage grid variability, optimise dispatch, and maintain supply reliability. Hybrid clean energy systems—combining solar, wind and battery storage—are complex by design. Managing the dynamic interaction between intermittent generation and fluctuating demand requires predictive tools and adaptive control systems. AI platforms such as BrightNight's PowerAlpha are being deployed across the project lifecycle to bridge this gap. Forecasting and Predictability in Renewable Projects AI-based forecasting tools use weather data, satellite imaging, and historical trends to predict solar irradiance, wind velocity and demand profiles with greater precision. These inputs support better design of integrated energy systems and enable accurate power scheduling. According to BrightNight, improved forecasting helps meet dispatch commitments, avoids penalties and enhances grid compliance. 'AI is not just a value-add—it is becoming a necessity in the evolving world of hybrid and round-the-clock renewable energy projects,' said Sunil Kumawat, Vice President, Engineering at BrightNight India. 'We are stepping into the intelligent age—where AI and energy are not just connected, but co-dependent.' Smart Dispatch and Energy Management At the heart of RTC operations lies the ability to dispatch clean energy consistently. BrightNight's PowerAlpha platform uses machine learning algorithms to manage generation assets based on real-time price signals, demand curves, and weather variability. The software coordinates solar, wind and battery assets to ensure delivery during peak periods, such as evening hours when solar dips and demand spikes. This capability is especially critical for utilities and large industrial consumers entering into RTC renewable Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to ensure energy reliability. Optimising Storage Utilisation Storage is a key enabler of RTC power. AI platforms manage battery charging and discharging to ensure optimal usage, longer lifecycle, and enhanced grid integration. By factoring in time-of-day pricing, forecasted generation, and grid stability needs, storage systems can perform peak shaving, ramp support and frequency regulation. 'AI algorithms optimise charging and discharging cycles based on demand patterns, renewable generation forecasts, and grid tariffs. This not only maximises battery life and efficiency but also enhances revenue through smart participation in ancillary service markets,' Kumawat added. Predictive Maintenance and Asset Health AI is also transforming asset maintenance in large-scale renewable installations. Sensor data from wind turbines and solar panels is analysed in real-time to detect early signs of wear or malfunction. Predictive maintenance schedules are then generated to minimise downtime and avoid catastrophic failures. This is particularly effective for assets spread across vast geographies, where physical inspection and reactive repairs can be time-consuming and cost-intensive. Siting and Resource Mapping with Geospatial AI The use of AI in geospatial planning is helping project developers identify optimal sites for hybrid energy systems . BrightNight's tools analyse terrain data, weather patterns, and grid connectivity to support site selection. The improved siting process reduces project risks, accelerates timelines and supports project bankability during financial closure. Grid Flexibility and Market Integration With growing participation in short-term and real-time power markets, AI-enabled tools are supporting intelligent bidding strategies. Real-time market signals, price forecasts and grid constraints are continuously assessed to schedule dispatch. Grid flexibility is enhanced by AI's ability to autonomously manage intermittency and coordinate with system operators. This supports dynamic balancing of renewable supply and system demand, particularly in states with high renewable penetration. BrightNight's PowerAlpha Platform BrightNight describes itself as the first AI-native enterprise in the energy sector. Its proprietary PowerAlpha platform is designed to support project design, development, and real-time operations using cognitive automation and big data. The company is deploying the platform across its hybrid and RTC energy assets in India. With India's renewable energy capacity at over 125 GW and storage systems gaining policy focus, such platforms are expected to scale further. 'The synergy between AI and clean power isn't theoretical. It's already here—and it's shaping the next chapter of sustainable progress,' Kumawat said. Energy Demand and the Role of AI AI itself is a power-intensive technology. Data centres supporting AI applications can consume as much electricity as 100,000 homes. The dual role of AI—as both a driver of energy demand and an enabler of smarter energy usage—makes it central to the clean energy transition. India's rising electricity consumption from digitalisation, mobility and urbanisation will require power systems that are flexible, intelligent and resilient. Hybrid clean energy systems backed by AI will be integral to this roadmap. The way ahead India's journey to a net-zero future hinges not only on deploying renewable assets but also on managing them efficiently. AI offers the tools to address intermittency, reduce curtailment, optimise storage and enable cost-effective power delivery. As policy evolves to support hybrid and RTC models, the integration of AI will become foundational in the clean energy infrastructure of tomorrow.
