Current Affairs - Rajasthan

Temples and Archaeology

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will renovate the Bhand Devara Temple in Bara.
  • Bhand Devara Temple is also known as "Rajasthan's Mini Khajuraho" and "Hadoti's Khajuraho."
  • It belongs to the Gurjar Pratihar style (Panchayatan style) and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• For context (other significant temples):
  • Kiradu Temples (Hataat Gaon, Barmer): Known as "Rajasthan's Khajuraho," Gurjar Pratihar style, dedicated to Lord Shiva (prominent Someshwar Temple).
  • Ganga Temple (Bharatpur): Construction took approximately 90 years, exhibits Rajput, Mughal, and Dravidian architectural styles.
  • Ambika Mata Temple (Jagat, Salumber - previously Udaipur): Known as "Mewar's Khajuraho," built by Allat.

Education and Technology

• IIT Jodhpur:
  • The 11th convocation ceremony of IIT Jodhpur was held, with CM Bhajan Lal Sharma as the chief guest.
  • Established in 2008.
  • Hosts Centers of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Renewable Energy, and Army (in collaboration with DRDO).
  • Has developed drones (e.g., Garud-like, air and water capable).
  • Developed alternatives to lithium batteries and technologies for water purification and cooling nuclear plants using air moisture.
  • Established a "Things of Innovation Hub."
• Future Educational Institutes:
  • Rajasthan Institute of Technology (RIT) will be established on the lines of IITs.
  • Rajasthan Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) will be established on the lines of AIIMS.
  • The first RIMS will be set up in Jaipur at Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS).
• State Level Talent Search Examination:
  • The Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) will conduct the State Level Talent Search Examination on June 29, 2025.
  • The exam is for students of classes 10th and 12th.
  • RBSE was established on December 4, 1957, under the RBSE Act 1957, initially in Jaipur, then shifted to Ajmer in 1961. It comprises 36 members (1 Chairman + 35 members, with 2 nominated by the Assembly Speaker).
• Educational Agreements with Foreign Institutions:
  • The University Grants Commission (UGC) released a list of 235 institutions (government and non-government) allowed to sign educational agreements with foreign institutions.
  • Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University, Kota (Rajasthan's first Open University), is the only state university from Rajasthan included in this list.
• For context (other universities):
  • Mohanlal Sukhadia University (Udaipur): Established in 1962, it is Rajasthan's first university to feature a Constitution Park. Its Vice-Chancellor is Sunita Mishra, the first female VC of the university. It also houses a Sant Peepa Study Center.

Governance and Administration

• IAS Officer in CAG Working Group:
  • Rajasthan IAS officer Sandeep Verma has been included in the Multi-stakeholders Working Group of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).
• Other Notable Officers:
  • Lalit K Pawar: Invited by NITI Aayog for innovation in tourism, served as RPSC Chairman, and was part of the committee for new districts.
  • Hiralal Samariya: Resides in Deeg and serves as the Chief Information Commissioner of India.
• Jodhpur MLA's Schemes:
  • On June 26, 2025, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma launched two innovative schemes by Jodhpur City MLA Atul Bhansali:
    • Vidhayak Uchch Shiksha Ka Saathi (MLA is a Partner in Higher Education): Aims to develop basic infrastructure in 7 selected government schools in the constituency to match private schools.
    • Matri Van: Sets a target of 5 lakh tree plantations.

Sports

• National Taekwondo Competition:
  • In the National Taekwondo Competition held in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan's Devansh Raj Chaudhary won a bronze medal in the Under 65 kg weight category.
• For context (Forest Survey Institute):
  • The Indian Forest Conservation Act was passed in 1980.
  • The Indian Forest Survey Institute (FSI) was established on June 1, 1981, with its headquarters in Dehradun.
  • FSI has regional offices in Shimla, Kolkata, Nagpur, and Bengaluru.
• National Senior Blind Powerlifting Championship:
  • The Rajasthan team won three medals at the 9th National Senior Blind Powerlifting Championship held in Karnataka.

Other Important Developments

• Tourism air service is starting in the state, expected to boost tourism.

Recent News/Updates (from Revision Section)

• NITI Aayog invited IAS officer Lalit K Pawar for innovation in the tourism sector.
• Dr. Neeraj Sarsat (dentist) received a Hall of Fame award at an event in Goa.
• The Rajasthan Bhama Samman event will be held in Jaipur.
• Harit Bharat Expo 2025 will be organized in Rajasthan from July 25 to 27, 2025.
• The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) signed an MoU with Malaysia for Polyurethane coating technology on pipelines.