Rajasthan Current Affairs - December 3, 2024

Mineral Discoveries in Rajasthan

• Banswara: Discovery of the state's only graphite belt, specifically in the Dukwara area (between Ganoda and Ghatol). Graphite is categorized as a Critical Mineral.
  • Other recent discoveries:
    • Karoli: Iron ore deposits.
    • Balotra (Siwana, Bhati village): Rare Earth Metals.
    • Nagaur (Degana): Lithium deposits.
    • Bikaner, Churu, Hanumangarh: Potash deposits.
    • Banswara (Ghatol block, Kakariya area): Gold deposits.

Renaming of Raj Bhavan

• Rajasthan's Raj Bhavan has been renamed to Lok Bhavan.
• This change was directed by the central government's Home Ministry, affecting eight states and one Union Territory.
• The notification for Rajasthan's renaming was issued by Governor Haribhau Bagde.
• The change is effective from December 1, 2025.
• Other related initiatives in Rajasthan:
  • The term "Mahamahim" (His Excellency) for the Governor has been replaced with "Rajyapal" (Governor), a change initiated by Kalraj Mishra.
  • The tradition of the Governor sitting on a high chair has been stopped.
  • The "Guard of Honor" tradition for the Governor has been discontinued.

Revolutionary Music Excellence Award

• Anup Srivastava was honored with the Revolutionary Music Excellence Award in Jaipur.
• Anup Srivastava is the founder of the Jaipur Wax Museum.
• New wax statues planned/installed at Jaipur Wax Museum:
  • Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain, Indian Women's Cricket Team).
  • Sawai Bhawani Singh.
  • Mirza Raja Jai Singh (installed on Rajasthan Day, March 30, 2025).
• Rajasthan Day is celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada.

Pink City National Literature Drama Festival

• The first-ever three-day Pink City National Literature Drama Festival is being organized in Jaipur.
• Dates: December 12-14, 2025.
• Organizers: Pink City Press Club and Rajasthan Sahitya Akademi.
• Related Festivals in Rajasthan:
  • International Film Festival, Jaipur (March 2025) - First time in Rajasthan.
  • Rajasthan Film Festival, Jaipur (September 2025).
  • Rajasthan International Film Festival, Jodhpur (February 2025).
  • Rajasthan Folk Film Festival, Jodhpur (October 2025).
  • Jaipur International Film Festival, Jaipur (January 2025).
  • Kolkata Film Festival 2025: Premiered "Bura Na Mano Holi Hai" (Director: Tanmay Singh from Rajasthan).
  • Jaipur Literature Festival: World's largest literature festival, held in Jaipur.

Gharial Conservation Program

• The Forest and Environment Department of Rajasthan is implementing the Rearing Fast Track Head Starting program for Gharial conservation.
• The conservation efforts will be carried out at Palighat, Sawai Madhopur.
• This initiative was part of Budget 2025-26.
• Related event: The "Jago Aur Jagao" (Awaken and Awaken) foot march began from Madhav Ghat, Kota, on the banks of the Patli River.

Rajmata Krishna Kumari Lifetime Achievement Award

• The Rajmata Krishna Kumari Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented in the Sports field.
• It is specifically designed for senior citizens (60+ years old) who are athletes.
• Other significant sports awards/news in Rajasthan:
  • Cricket Awards:
    • Mathuradas Mathur Award (Men):
      • Senior Category: Mahipal Lamror
      • Junior Category: Kartik Sharma
      • Sub-Junior Category: Yatharth Bhardwaj
    • Sundarkant Joshi Award (Women):
      • Senior Category: Kaushalya Chaudhary
      • Junior Category: Maina Siyol
      • Sub-Junior Category: Dhriti Mathur
      • Lifetime Achievement Award: Sonia Bijawat
  • Women's Premier League (WPL) Auction:
    • Happy Khechar (Jhunjhunu, former U-19 Rajasthan team captain) was bought by Gujarat Giants.
    • Suman Meena (Jhunjhunu) was bought by UP Warriors.

Asian Equestrian Championship

• At the Asian Equestrian Championship held in Pattaya, India won a silver medal.
• Divya Kirti Singh from Rajasthan was a member of the silver-winning Indian team.
• Her sport is Equestrian Dressage.
• Other team members included Gaurav Pundir and Shruti Bora.

Rajasthan Dose (Quick Current Affairs)

• Dr. Sangeeta Arya resigned from her position as a member of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission.
• The "Jago Jago Ekta Pad Yatra" was inaugurated from Madhav Ghat.
• A Defense Hub will be constructed in Jaipur.
• Garnet deposits were discovered in Bhilwara district.
• IIT Jodhpur scientists achieved a breakthrough in understanding the centrosome (cell's control center).
• The Ankut Mahotsav held at Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple was registered in the Oxford Book of World Records.
• Poshika Gupta from Rajasthan won a bronze medal at the 34th All India G.V. Mavalankar Shooting Championship in Gujarat.