Jaipur, May 9: A bomb-like object was discovered in a residential area of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan on Friday, triggering a massive security operation.

The explosive was found in the Jogi Colony of Kishanghat around 10 a.m., following which Army personnel swiftly evacuated the entire area. The bomb was safely removed by the Army team, preventing a potential disaster.

The situation in Jaisalmer remains tense, with the police enforcing a city-wide blockade. Heavily armed personnel have been deployed, and checks are being carried out on all incoming and outgoing vehicles.

Entry is being allowed only after thorough document verification, and all suspicious activity is under close surveillance.

In light of the high alert, blackouts were observed across six districts on Thursday night, including Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar, and Pali. Airports in the border districts have been completely shut down, with airspace appearing deserted as all routine flights have been diverted. The affected airports include Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Kishangarh.

Railway services have also been severely impacted. In Jaisalmer, train number 12468 (Jaipur-Jaisalmer), which departed on May 8, operated only up to Bikaner and was partially cancelled between Bikaner and Jaisalmer. Similarly, train number 12467 (Jaisalmer-Jaipur), scheduled for May 9, is now operating from Bikaner instead of Jaisalmer, with partial cancellation on the Jaisalmer-Bikaner route.

In Barmer, four trains scheduled for May 9 have been cancelled entirely. These include train numbers 14895 (Bhagat Ki Kothi-Barmer), 14896 (Barmer-Bhagat Ki Kothi), 04880 (Munabao-Barmer), and 54881 (Barmer-Munabao). The state is also on high alert following two recent attempted attacks by Pakistan.

On the night of May 7-8, missiles were fired at Indian airbases in Uttarlai, Nal, and Phalodi, which were intercepted mid-air by India’s advanced S-400 air defence system. The second attempt occurred around 9 p.m. on May 8, when swarm drones targeted military bases in Jaisalmer and Pokaran. These drones were also neutralised before causing any damage.

In response to these threats, the Rajasthan government has ordered the closure of schools and colleges in Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Sri Ganganagar until further notice. Coaching institutes in Sri Ganganagar have also been shut down.

Fireworks have been banned in Bikaner and Sri Ganganagar, while drone flying has been prohibited in Kota until July 7 and is already banned in Bikaner.

To bolster administrative readiness, nine Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) officers have been deployed to critical border areas to assist with disaster response and maintain law and order.

New Delhi, May 9: In the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Mohibbullah Nadvi on Friday lauded the Indian Armed Forces for their strong and decisive response to Pakistan’s aggression following Operation Sindoor.

The Indian forces responded to unprovoked attacks from Pakistan firmly, gaining widespread support and admiration from across the nation. Terming the response as a “moment of pride for the entire nation”, Nadvi emphasised the bravery and unity of the Indian people.

Speaking to IANS, Nadvi said, “It is a moment of pride for the whole country. We are all proud of our military, which is courageously giving a befitting reply to the enemy. Today, the entire nation stands united. Clearly, such action should have been taken a long time ago in response to Pakistan’s shameful behaviour. Though delayed, this step was necessary.”

He strongly remarked that India would not rest until Pakistan’s terror infrastructure is dismantled completely.

“Until the terror factories in Pakistan are completely shut down, and until our armed forces achieve their objectives, we must remain firm. Today, we are proud that all political parties, all religions, and every Indian citizen are standing together. We salute the bravery of our soldiers,” he added.

Nadvi’s remarks come at a time when international concern is mounting over the possibility of an escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Addressing comments made by US Vice President J.D. Vance, who expressed hope that a nuclear war would be avoided, Nadvi responded firmly.

“Of course, no one wants a nuclear war. But for over 50 years, India has endured pain in Kashmir that no one else, not even the US, Russia, or any global power, can truly understand. We have warned Pakistan many times to abandon its path of terrorism. They did not listen, and now they are facing the consequences of their actions,” Nadvi stated.

As tensions continue to rise, calls for international intervention to pressure Pakistan into dismantling terror networks have intensified.

Mumbai : Mumbai citizens have been hit by inflation ahead of the BMC elections. The fare hike for BEST buses has been approved. An additional fare of twice the fare will be implemented from today, which will now mean that BEST passengers will have to pay an additional fare, which will affect the pockets of the passengers. The BEST administration has decided to implement the new fare from May 9. The fare has been increased for distances of 5, 10, and 20 kilometers.

The fare for a distance of 5 kilometers has been doubled. The fare for a distance of 5 kilometers has been increased from Rs 6 to Rs 12. No concession has been given in the fare for a 12-year-old child. The daily pass was previously Rs 60, but now the new fare has been increased to Rs 75. The monthly pass is from Rs 900 to Rs 1,800. The facility of Chalo Bus Pass has been provided for children of the Municipal Corporation. The increase in bus fares and tickets in Mumbai has put a burden on the pockets of the citizens. Shared taxis and auto rickshaws are also operated in Mumbai city and its suburbs, but due to the fare, many passengers are unable to pay for these shared means of transport and travel by buses.