Rajasthan

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International Relations: Climate Policy Updates ​

  • COP 28 Outcomes (Dubai):
    • Key Agreement: Transitioning away from fossil fuels, marking the first time such language was included in a final COP text.
    • Loss and Damage Fund: Officially operationalized.
      • Initial Status: Managed by the World Bank on an interim basis.
      • Initial Pledges: Exceeded $700 million upon launch (including contributions from the EU, UAE, and the US).
    • Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA): Framework established, focusing on setting clear targets for enhancing resilience to climate change impacts.

National Economy and Monetary Policy ​

  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Policy Review:

    • Repo Rate: Maintained unchanged at 6.5% for the sixth consecutive policy meeting.
    • Stance: Focus remains on the "withdrawal of accommodation" to ensure inflation aligns with the target.
    • Inflation Forecast (CPI): Projected average for FY 24-25 is 5.2%.

  • Economic Indicators:

IndicatorCurrent StatusPrevious QuarterDriver
Retail Inflation (CPI)5.55%4.87%Volatility in food prices (mainly vegetables and pulses).
Industrial Output (IIP)11.7% Y-o-Y5.8% Y-o-YStrong performance in manufacturing and infrastructure sectors.
  • Government Initiatives:
    • National Digital Skill Mission 2.0: Launched to integrate advanced technologies (AI, IoT) into vocational training curricula across states.

Science and Technology Development ​

  • Space Missions (NASA & ISRO):

    • Artemis III (NASA): Mission date delayed from late 2025 to September 2026, citing necessary safety checks and hardware development delays for the Starship Human Landing System.
    • Gaganyaan (ISRO): Successfully completed the final series of tests on the Crew Module Escape System (CMES), validating crew safety protocols during launch abort scenarios.

  • Defense Technology:

    • Agni-V Ballistic Missile: Successfully flight-tested with Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.
      • Significance: Allows a single missile to deliver multiple warheads to different targets simultaneously, significantly enhancing deterrence capability.