Rajasthan

Appearance

Mining Sector in Rajasthan ​

  • Rajasthan is the first state to conduct a pre-embedded auction of eight major mineral blocks in the country.
  • Khan Evam Khanij Adhiniyam 1957: Categorizes minerals into Major (Central Government responsibility) and Minor (State Government responsibility, generally building materials).
  • Rajasthan Economic Survey 2024-25:
    • 81 types of minerals available in Rajasthan.
    • 58 types of minerals produced in Rajasthan (22 Major, 36 Minor).
  • Rajasthan New Mineral Policy 2024:
    • Launched: December 4, 2024.
    • Duration: Until March 31, 2029, or until a new policy is introduced.
    • Target: Increase produced minerals from 58 to 70 types by 2047.
    • Target: Allot 50 Major Mineral Blocks by 2029-30.
    • GDP Contribution (Mineral Sector in Rajasthan):
      • Current: 3.4%
      • Target: 5% by 2029-30.
      • Target: 8% by 2047.
    • Employment Target (Mineral Sector in Rajasthan):
      • 50 lakh by 2029-30.
      • 1 crore by 2047.
  • Rajasthan is the first state to implement the "pre-embedded" scheme (pre-preparing all NOCs before auction).
  • Eight Major Mineral blocks were allocated in Jodhpur for Limestone, which was recently classified as a Major Mineral. Rajasthan is the first state to allocate 8 Major Mineral blocks simultaneously.

Fairs and Festivals ​

  • Kolayat Camel Fair: Organized in Bikaner, Rajasthan.
    • Kolayat Lake: Located in Bikaner, known as "Marusthal ka Sundar Maru Udyan" (Beautiful Desert Garden).
    • Kapil Muni Ashram: Located on the banks of Kolayat Lake.
    • The fair is held annually on Kartik Purnima.
  • Pushkar (Ajmer): Recently hosted a camel race.

Conferences and Representation ​

  • National Urban Conclave 2025: Held at Yashobhoomi Convention Center in New Delhi.
    • Rajasthan was represented by Jabbar Singh Kharra.
    • Udaipur, Rajasthan, was honored at this conclave.
  • 56th GST Council Meeting: Held in New Delhi, Rajasthan was represented by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma.
  • 55th GST Council Meeting: Held in Jaisalmer.

Scientific Discoveries ​

  • New Fungus Species Discovery: Scientists from Rajasthan University (Jaipur) discovered two new fungus species for the first time.
    • Rajasthan University (Jaipur):
      • Established: January 8, 1947.
      • Original Name: Rajputana University.
      • Land donated by: Man Singh II.
      • Journal: The Economist.
      • Current Vice-Chancellor (VC): Alpana Kateja (first permanent female VC).
      • First female VC: Kanta Ahuja.
    • The Botany Department of Rajasthan University discovered two new fungus species, Opgrapha and Qulela, in the snowy Himalayan region.
  • Other Universities and Initiatives:
    • Jai Narain Vyas University (Jodhpur, established 1962): Has study centers including Veer Teja Ji, Tribal Studies, and Sant Kheteshwar Maharaj.
    • Mohanlal Sukhadia University (Udaipur): Its VC is Sunita Mishra (first female VC), and it hosts the Sant Pipa Study Center.
    • Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University (Ajmer): Hosted the State-level Van Mahotsav program in July 2025 (as stated in the lecture) and distributed the Amrita Devi Bishnoi Awards. A larger State-level Van Mahotsav program was also held at Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Sanskrit University (Jaipur).

Border Security and Technology ​

  • Border Security Force (BSF) and IIT Jodhpur MOU: BSF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with IIT Jodhpur to strengthen India's border security and surveillance systems.
    • The agreement aims to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology for border surveillance.
    • BSF Details:
      • Established: December 1, 1965.
      • Conducts Operation Sard Hawa annually in January to enhance vigilance on the international border.
      • Maintains the Tanot Mata Temple in Jaisalmer.
      • Rajasthan Frontier (BSF Headquarters): Jodhpur. Inspector General (IG): M.L. Garg.
      • Dog Training Center: Located in Bikaner.
    • Other Technical Institutions:
      • MBM University (Jodhpur): Rajasthan's third technical university. Developed blockchain technology for home voting. Created ink from smoke.
      • IIIT Kota: Indian Institute of Information Technology Kota.
      • MNIT Jaipur: Malviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur.

Infrastructure Development ​

  • New Railway Line Survey: The Central Railway Ministry approved a survey for a new railway line between Devgarh Madariya and Marwar Junction in Rajasthan.
    • Railway Budget 2025-26 for Rajasthan: An allocation of ₹9960 crore was announced.
    • The new line aims to connect important locations such as Todgarh Sanctuary, Khamli Ghat, Devgarh, and Rawali.

Sports and Awards ​

  • Karate & Kobudo Japanese Weapon Training Camp (Japan): Mahendra Gehlot from Rajasthan was awarded a Black Belt at this international training camp.

Revision of Recent Current Affairs ​

  • National Unity Day Parade: Led by Suman Nala, a female officer from Rajasthan.
  • Raj Rishi Adarsh Vatika Abhiyan: Launched by Brahmakumari Sansthan, Sirohi, to promote self-reliance among farmers.
  • First Government Cosmetic Laser Institute: To be established at SMS Hospital, Udaipur (as stated in the lecture).
  • Best Spice Center 2024-25: Awarded to Mandor Krishi Anusandhan Kendra, Jodhpur, under the All India Coordinated Spices Research Project.
  • National Education Policy 2020: The biography of folk deity Tejaji has been included in the primary class curriculum in Rajasthan.