Rajasthan

Rajasthan Current Affairs - August 6, 2025

Water Projects & Infrastructure

Isarda Dausa Drinking Water Project:
- Foundation stone laid at Dungarpur village, Dausa, on August 4, 2025.
- Part of the Ram Jal Setu Link Project.
- Ram Jal Setu Link Project:
  - A joint venture: Rajasthan (5%), Madhya Pradesh (5%), Central Government (90%).
  - Foundation stone laid on December 17, 2024, at Dadia village, Jaipur, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  - Connects Chambal tributaries: Parvan, Parvati, Kunnu, and Kul rivers.
  - Aims to irrigate 2.80 lakh hectares in Rajasthan.
  - Benefits 17 districts in Rajasthan: Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar, Sawai Madhopur, Karauli, Dholpur, Bharatpur, Deeg, Jaipur, Dausa, Alwar, Kotputli-Behror, Khairthal-Tijara, Tonk, Ajmer, Beawar.
  - Benefits 13 districts in Madhya Pradesh.
- Isarda Dam is on the Banas River in Sawai Madhopur.
- The project will provide clean drinking water to approximately 6.27 lakh people.
Related Village Developments:
- Dhunda Village: Jiji Bai Mahila Samooh produces millet biscuits.
- Devmali Village (Beawar): Awarded 'Best Tourism Village'.
- Andhi Village (Jaipur): Declared 'Zero Waste Free Village'.

Agriculture & Research

Natural Farming Training:
- The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) approved Agricultural University, Jodhpur, to teach farmers new methods of natural farming.
- ICAR Director: Mangilal Jat.
- ICAR Institutes in Rajasthan:
  - Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Jodhpur
  - National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Tabiji, Ajmer
  - National Research Centre on Camel, Johadbeer, Bikaner
  - Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Tonk
  - Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Sevar, Bharatpur
  - Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bichhwal, Bikaner
- Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF):
  - Initiated in Rajasthan in 2015-16 in Tonk, Banswara, and Sirohi, later expanded to 15 districts.
  - Four pillars: Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, Mulching, Waapasa.
- Agricultural University, Jodhpur:
  - Publishes the 'Marudhara' magazine.
  - Developed 'Rajgira 0.2' (a nutritious grain variety, dedicated by PM Modi) and 'JC-1' / 'Jodhpur Jeera One' (cumin variety).
Other Agricultural Universities:
- Swami Keshwanand Agricultural University: Rajasthan's first agricultural university.
- Shri Narendra Karan Agricultural University: Rajasthan's second veterinary university.

Art, Culture & Tourism

Gauri Festival Display:
- Rajasthan's Gauri Festival was showcased at the Art Gallery of the India International Center in New Delhi.
- Gauri Festival/Dance:
  - Primarily performed by the Bhil tribe in the Udaipur division (Mewar region).
  - A 40-day long ritual, celebrated from Bhadrapad to Ashwin Shukla Ekadashi.
  - Depicts the mythological story of Lord Shiva and Bhasmasur.
- Rajasthan International Centre (RIC) in Jaipur is modeled after the India International Centre, New Delhi.
Other Festivals (organized by Rajasthan Tourism Department):
- Meera Mahotsav: Held in Chittorgarh and Merta (Chittorgarh is prominent).
- Kite Festival: Held in Jaipur and Barmer.
- Thar Mahotsav: Held in Barmer.

Archaeological Discoveries

Harappan Settlement Remains:
- Discovered in Ratadiyari Dairy, Ramgarh, Jaisalmer.
- Estimated to be approximately 4500 years old.
- Findings include: clay-coated bowls, pots, conch bangles, and a furnace.
- The site is believed to have a connection to the Saraswati River, similar to Kalibangan.
Other Significant Archaeological Sites:
- Kalibangan (Hanumangarh):
  - An Indus Valley Civilization site.
  - Referred to as the "third capital of Indus Valley Civilization" by historian Dashrath Sharma.
  - Located on the banks of the Saraswati River.
  - Discovered by Amalanand Ghosh.
  - Excavation led by B.B. Lal and B.K. Thapar.
- Ahar Civilization (Udaipur):
  - Known by nicknames 'Tamravati' and 'Dhulkot'.
  - Located on the Ahar River.
  - Discovered by Akshay Kirti Vyas.
  - Excavation led by Ratan Chandra Agarwal.
- Ganeshwar Civilization (Sikar):
  - Located on the Katli River.
  - A Copper Age civilization.
  - Known as the "mother of Copper Age civilizations."
  - Discovered by Ratan Chandra Agarwal.

Awards & Recognitions

Miss Ocean 2025: Title won by Parul Singh.
Other Beauty Pageant Winners:
- Seena Parasher: Miss Universe Rajasthan 2025.
- Nandini Gupta: Represented India in Miss World 2025.
Global Sustainability Leadership Award: Awarded to Dr. Sohan Choudhary in Brisbane, Australia.

International Representation

30th Youth Assembly in New York: India's representation will be led by Dr. Surbhi Sankhla, from Jodhpur.

Sports

British Iris Para Badminton International Tournament:
- Krishna Nagar: Won a bronze medal.
  - From Jaipur.
  - Category: SH6.
  - Won Gold in Tokyo Paralympics.
  - Awarded Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2022.
Other Notable Para-Athletes:
- Avani Lekhara:
  - Para-shooter (Category SH1).
  - Three Paralympic medals:
    - Tokyo Paralympics: Gold (10m Air Rifle) and Bronze (50m Air Rifle).
    - Paris Paralympics: Gold (10m Air Rifle).
  - Awards: Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2021), Padma Shri (2022).
- Mona Agarwal:
  - Para-shooter (Category SH1).
  - Won Bronze in 10m Air Rifle at Paris Paralympics.
  - Awarded Arjuna Award in 2024.
Akshay Bora (from Jodhpur): Won the Formula Regional Championship by Alpine Race 2 in Italy.

Revision (August 5, 2025 - Key Points)

Mukhyamantri Sanraksha Bandhan Anganwadi Baheno ka Samman Karyakram: Held at Birla Auditorium, Jaipur.
World Elephant Day: Special program held at Hathi Gaon, Jaipur.
Tourism Department Initiative: 'Tourism For All' promotes district-wise Eco-Adventure Tourism.
MakeMyTrip Travel Portal: Included 4 Rajasthan places in its list of 28 best Indian cities to visit in August.
Central Industry Promotion and Internal Trade (DPIIT): Statements on promoting startups were affirmed as correct.