Current Affairs - October 3, 2025
Mining Sector
- Pre-Embedded Model: Rajasthan became the first state in the country to implement the Pre-Embedded Model for mining.
- This model ensures necessary NOCs (No Objection Certificates) are secured by the mining department before the allocation of mine leases.
- Nodal Agency: Rajasthan State Minerals Exploration Trust (RSMET), established in September 2020.
- First Phase: Five minerals are included in this model.
- Context on Rajasthan's Mineral Wealth:
- Known as the "museum of minerals" (as per Economic Review 2024-25).
- 81 types of minerals available, 58 types produced.
- Mineral Policy (December 4, 2024): Aims to increase mineral production from 58 to 70 by 2047 and achieve an 8% contribution to GDP from minerals.
- Rare Earth Metals: Discovered in Bhatikheda (Balotra/Barmer).
Animal Husbandry
- Camel Export & Transportation Ban Lifted: The Rajasthan government lifted the 11-year-old ban on the export and transportation of camels.
- Camel Status: Declared State Animal on June 30, 2014 (notification on September 19, 2014).
- Rajasthan Camel Act 2015: Previously prohibited camel slaughter and export/transportation outside Rajasthan to conserve its population.
- Amendment 2025: The ban was lifted due to the declining market value of camels within the state, affecting breeders.
- Camel Research Centre: Located at Johad Beed, Bikaner (established July 5, 1984; recognized as research center September 20, 1995).
- Cultural Significance: Pabuji is considered the deity of camels and is credited with bringing camels to Rajasthan. The 'Phad' of Pabuji is recited to cure 'Sarra' disease in camels.
Festivals and Events
- Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF): The 19th edition of RIFF is being held in Jodhpur.
- Dates: October 2-6, 2025.
- Venues: Commencing at Veer Durgadas Park in Masuria Hills, with main events at Mehrangarh Fort.
- Other Festivals (2025/2026):
- International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards: Held for the first time in Rajasthan (Jaipur) in March 2025.
- Rajasthan International Film Festival: February 1-5, 2025, Jodhpur.
- Rajasthan Film Festival: September 19-20, 2025, Jaipur.
- Jaipur Film Festival: August 18-19, 2025, Jaipur (next edition in January 2026).
- Kota Dussehra Mela in World Records: The Kota Dussehra Mela has been listed in the Asia Book of World Records and India Book of World Records.
- History: The Mela began in 1723, initiated by Maharao Durjan Singh Hada.
- 2025 Record: A 233-foot-tall effigy of Ravana was erected, the tallest ever, leading to its world record inclusion.
- Chief Guest: Om Birla. (The effigy reportedly did not burn completely).
Air Connectivity
- Regional Air Connectivity Scheme (RCS): The Rajasthan government has proposed to connect Sirohi, Sikar, Sawai Madhopur, Bhilwara, and Sri Ganganagar by air services.
Innovations and Awards
- New Rice Technology Patent: Amit Soni (from Rajasthan) and Dr. Ankur Ojha (from Haryana) were granted a patent for a new rice technology at the World Food India 2025 event, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
- Innovation: They developed a "coarse rice" ("मोटा चावल") variety that is as nutritious as millets (e.g., Bajra) and is expected to be 20% cheaper. It's a mix of rice and millet flour.
- Name: "Component Rice Accurated Millets."
Sports
- ISSF World Championship (Egypt): Manini Kaushik from Rajasthan has been included in the Indian team for the World Championship in Egypt.
- Sport: 50m Rifle.
- Other Noteworthy Athletes:
- Mona Agarwal: Para Shooting (SH1 category). Won a bronze medal in the 10m Air Rifle event at the Paris Para Olympics. Awarded the Arjuna Award in 2024.
- Avani Lekhara: Para Shooting (SH1 category).
- Tokyo Para Olympics: Gold in 10m Air Rifle, Bronze in 50m Air Rifle.
- Paris Para Olympics: Gold in 10m Air Rifle.
- Awards: Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2021), Padma Shri (2022).
Quick Revision (Previously Covered Current Affairs)
- 64th National Lalit Kala Akademi Award: Honored individuals (A & B options in the lecture, specific names not transcribed).
- Smart City Rooftop Farming Project: Launched in Jaipur Municipal Corporation.
- Digital Shala Swasthya Parikshan (Gold Score A-Award): Awarded to the Education Department of Rajasthan.
- Pravasi Rajasthani Meet 2025: Organized in Hyderabad.
- New Bee Species Discovery: Sandeep Hooda discovered two new bee species in Namdapha National Park.
- NCRB Report 2023: Rajasthan ranked first in corruption-related cases.
- World Para Athletics Championship 2025: Sundar Singh Gurjar (Rajasthan) won a medal in the F46 Javelin Throw category.