Rajasthan

Appearance

Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) Appointments ​

  • On September 24, 2025, new members were appointed to the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC).
  • Appointed Members:
    • Hemant Priyadarshi
    • Ashok Kumar Kalwar
    • Sushil Kumar Bisu
  • Historical Context of RPSC:
    • At the time of Rajasthan's formation, there were three Public Service Commissions in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Bikaner.
    • The Rajasthan Public Service Commission Ordinance was enacted on August 20, 1949.
    • RPSC was established on December 22, 1949.
    • Initially, it had 1 Chairman and 2 members.
    • First Chairman: S. K. Ghosh.
    • Appointments are made by the Governor.
    • RPSC is a constitutional body, with provisions in Articles 315-323 of Part 14 of the Indian Constitution.
    • Term of office: 6 years or until the age of 62 years.
  • Current Structure:
    • Recently, the number of RPSC members was increased from 7 to 10 (excluding the Chairman).
    • Current Chairman: Utkal Ranjan Sahoo.

World's First Ayurveda Centre of Excellence ​

  • The world's first Ayurveda Centre of Excellence will be developed in Jaipur.
  • It will be established at the National Institute of Ayurveda (Rashtriya Ayurveda Sansthan) in Jaipur.
  • The center will conduct research and testing of 80 Ayurvedic medicines.
  • Background on AYUSH:
    • AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
    • The AYUSH Ministry was established on November 9, 2014.
    • Ayurveda Day is celebrated on September 23 (the 10th Ayurveda Day was observed in 2025).
  • Other Initiatives in Rajasthan:
    • National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur: Established on November 13, 2020.
    • Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Ayurveda University, Jodhpur: Hosts the International Centre of Excellence in Panchakarma.

State-Level Amrita Haat ​

  • The State-Level Amrita Haat is being organized from September 21 to 30, 2025.
  • Purpose: To provide a platform for women's self-help groups (SHGs) to sell their products and promote women's empowerment.
  • Organizer: Women Empowerment Department.
  • Initiation: The Amrita Haat concept was launched in 2004-05.
  • Inauguration: Dr. Manju Bagmar inaugurated the event.
  • Venue: Jawahar Kala Kendra (JKK), Jaipur.
  • Jawahar Kala Kendra:
    • Established in 1993.
    • Architect: Charles Correa.
    • Recently hosted the Surtaal Mahotsav in September 2025, inaugurated by Diya Kumari.
  • Example of SHG impact: The Jijibai Women's Group from Dhunda village, Barmer, produces and sells millet biscuits.

Amendments to the Free Uniform Scheme ​

  • The Mukhyamantri Nishulk Uniform Vitaran Yojana (Chief Minister Free Uniform Distribution Scheme), launched on November 29, 2022, has undergone amendments.
  • Original Provisions: Students from Class 1 to 8 received two free uniforms and ₹200 for stitching.
  • Amendments by Rajasthan School Education Council (RSESC), Jaipur:
    • The stitching allowance for General and OBC students (Class 1-8) has been discontinued.
    • Girls from Class 9 to 12 have been excluded from the scheme.
    • The stitching allowance for remaining eligible students (girls from Class 1-8, and SC, ST, BPL category students) has been increased from ₹200 to ₹600.
  • Background of RSESC: Formed on March 9, 2020, by merging Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, and Shikshak Shiksha into the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
  • Related Scheme: Pannadhay Bal Gopal Yojana:
    • Originally Mukhyamantri Bal Gopal Yojana, also launched on November 29, 2022.
    • Purpose: Milk distribution to students from Class 1 to 8.
    • Distribution: 150 ml for Class 1-5, and 200 ml for Class 6-8, provided 6 days a week.

National Atal Award ​

  • Pandit Suresh Mishra from Rajasthan was honored with the Rashtriya Atal Award.
  • The award ceremony took place at the Prime Minister's Museum in New Delhi.
  • A total of 38 individuals across India received this award.
  • Note: Dr. Mannalal Rawat, MP from Udaipur, recently received the Sansad Ratna Award (not the National Atal Award).

Gender Equality Index (GEI) Report 2023-24 ​

  • According to the Central Government's Gender Parity Index (GPI) for 2023-24 in higher secondary education (10+2), Rajasthan's GPI stood at 0.96.
  • Interpretation of GPI:
    • A GPI of 1.0 indicates gender equality in enrollment.
    • A GPI less than 1.0 indicates that girls' enrollment is lower than boys' (e.g., 0.96 means 96 girls enrolled for every 100 boys).
  • Rajasthan is among the three states with a lower GPI in higher education.

19th State Senior Wushu Championship 2025 ​

  • The 19th State Senior Wushu Championship 2025 was held in Kuchaman.
  • Best Male Player: Manas Thapiyal.
  • Best Female Player: Mehak Sharma.