Rajasthan Current Affairs - December 15, 2025
State Level Road Safety Campaign
- Dates: December 11-25, 2025.
- Launch: December 13, 2025, from Amar Jawan Jyoti, Jaipur.
- Related Initiatives in Rajasthan:
- Road Safety Institute: Established at HCM RIPA, Jaipur.
- Budget 2025-26: Aimed to make three National Highways accident-free:
- NH-21 (Jaipur-Dausa)
- NH-48 (Jaipur-Delhi) - Implemented a lane system.
- NH-52 (Jaipur-Kota)
- Rajasthan Road Safety Bill: Passed in 2022.
- Six E Formula: Adopted for road safety.
- Road Safety Action Plan: First state to develop such a plan, supported by the World Bank.
- Phases: 2025-2027, 2027-2030, 2030-2033.
- Sushma Sadak Suraksha Marg: Initiative launched.
International Women of Courage Award 2025
- Recipient: Dr. Kriti Bharti (Jodhpur).
- Event: 15th International Human Rights Summit & Awards 2025 in New Delhi.
- Reason: Her work through the Sarathi Foundation in child marriage annulment, having facilitated 52 annulments, earning a mention in the World Book.
- Other Noteworthy Awards/Personalities:
- Dr. Sarojini Naidu Nightingale Award 2025: Siddhi Somani Johri.
- Balochi Dastar (Balochistan's highest civilian award): Parvati Jangid (Jodhpur), also known as "Sister of Soldier."
- Ruma Devi (Barmer): Brand Ambassador of Rajeevika; created fabric from Aak (calotropis) flowers.
MGNREGA Scheme Updates
- New Name: "Pujya Bapu Gramin Rojgar Yojana" (effective December 12).
- Background:
- NREGA Act: 2005.
- NREGA Launch: February 2, 2006 (100 days employment, started in 200 districts).
- Renamed to MGNREGA: October 2, 2009.
- Key Provisions (current):
- Employment Days in Rajasthan: 125 days (100 days + 25 additional days on demand).
- Additional Days for Specific Tribes: 50 additional days (total 150) for Sahariya and Kathodi tribes, and specially-abled individuals.
- Minimum Wage: ₹240.
- Employment Guarantee: Employment must be provided within 15 days of application.
- Unemployment Allowance: If employment is not provided within 15 days, 25% of the wage is given as an allowance for the first 30 days.
- Work Location: Within a 5 km radius. If work is provided beyond 5 km, an additional 10% of the wage is paid.
- Women Participation: 1/3 of beneficiaries must be women.
Green Hydrogen and Zinc Battery Technology
- Developer: IIT Jodhpur.
- Innovations:
- Technology to produce cheap green hydrogen directly from seawater.
- Development of super-safe zinc batteries (as an alternative to expensive lithium batteries).
- Green Hydrogen Energy Context in Rajasthan:
- Rajasthan Green Hydrogen Energy Policy: September 29, 2023.
- Policy Target: 2000 KTPA (Kilotonnes Per Annum) production by 2030.
- Hydro Energy Plants in Rajasthan:
- First unit: Shahbad, Baran.
- Second unit: Brahmani River, Chittorgarh.
- North India's Hydro Energy Hub: IIT Jodhpur.
- Lithium Reserves: Found at Degana, Nagaur.
Jaipur Tiger Festival
- Dates: December 11-14, 2025.
- Venue: Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur.
- Jawahar Kala Kendra: Established in 1993, designed by architect Charles Correa.
- Tiger Reserves in Rajasthan:
- Ranthambore (first tiger project) - Features a 'Machhli' (tigress) memorial.
- Sariska - Features a 'Rajmata' (tigress) memorial.
- Mukundra Hills.
- Ramgarh Vishdhari (Bundi).
- Dholpur-Karauli - Currently facing opposition for its establishment due to impacts on local agriculture and red stone mining.
Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Panorama
- Location: Ajmer.
- Related to Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati: Founder of Arya Samaj.
- Statue in Ajmer: "Statue of Truth" (Pratima).
- Other Notable Statues in Rajasthan:
- Statue of Belief (Vishwas Swaroopam): Lord Shiva, Nathdwara, Rajsamand. World's tallest Shiva statue (369 ft), architect Naresh Kumawat.
- Statue of Peace: Pali.
Ojwini Saraswat
- Association: Young player from Jaipur.
- Sport: Golf.
- Achievement: Recently won her 10th National Award.
Recent News/Updates (from review session)
- Ramgarh Site Status: Siliserh Lake, Alwar.
- Ancient Civilization Remains: Found in Rampura village, Jhunjhunu.
- Khetri Heritage Day: Celebrated on December 12.
- Transit Oriented Development Policy: First time implemented in Rajasthan by the Urban Development Department.
- 6th National Para-Shooting Championship (New Delhi): Gold medal won by Sushil Kumar Meena (Rajasthan).