RPSC Monthly Current Affairs: August 2024 | Monthly Current Affairs RPSC - RPSC RAS (Rajasthan) PDF Download

Modernisation of Police Force in Rajasthan

Recently, a conference in Rajasthan highlighted the need to modernize the police force to keep up with the evolving times.

Key Points

• The two-day conference, themed ‘Policing with excellence: The way forward’, focused on discussions about new criminal laws, advancements in artificial intelligence technologies, and the importance of cyber security.
• The Rajasthan government took significant steps by appointing an anti-gangster task force and a special investigation team to address the recruitment exam paper leak cases, demonstrating a strong commitment to strengthening law and order in the state.
• Police officers presented various topics during the conference, including challenges related to the dark web, cryptocurrency, inter and intra-State criminal gangs, cheating in competitive exams, crimes against women and children, road safety and traffic management, narcotics, and smuggling.
• Discussions also covered digital forensics and other emerging issues in law enforcement.

Rajasthan's Initiative to Attract Medical Tourists

Boosting Medical Tourism

• Rajasthan is set to launch the 'Heal in Rajasthan' policy to boost medical tourism by attracting international visitors.
• Focus Areas : The policy aims to emphasize wellness, rejuvenation, and traditional medicine treatments, with a goal of making Jaipur and other cities leading destinations for medical tourism.
• Committee Formation : A medical value travel committee has been formed to create this policy, comprising representatives from various departments and organizations.
• Stakeholder Collaboration : The Medical and Health Department of Rajasthan is working with private hospitals, tour operators, and other stakeholders to gather suggestions for the policy.

Budget Allocation

• In the 2024 budget, Rajasthan allocated 8.26% to the health sector, aiming to position the state as a model in healthcare.
• Goals : The focus is on creating investment and employment opportunities and fostering growth in related industries such as pharmaceuticals and hospitality.

Collaboration with CII

• The Medical and Health Department will work closely with the Bureau of Investment Promotion (BIP) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to establish top-tier medical facilities.
• Purpose : The aim is to attract patients from other states and abroad seeking medical treatment.

Role of Bureau of Investment Promotion (BIP)

• The BIP is a government agency in Rajasthan that promotes investment and facilitates single-window clearances.
• Objective : Its main goal is to support investors and promote investment in the state.

About the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

• CII is a non-government, not-for-profit organization founded in 1895 and headquartered in New Delhi.
• Mission : It aims to create and sustain a conducive environment for India's development by partnering with industry, government, and civil society through advisory and consultative processes.

Rajasthan Government Lifts Ban on RSS for Employees

• Lifting the Ban : The Rajasthan government has recently lifted the ban on government employees participating in activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
• Historical Context : This ban had been in place since 1972, and the recent circular officially removes this 52-year-old restriction on government officials.
• Previous Restrictions : Previously, government employees were prohibited from joining 17 organizations, including the RSS, and faced disciplinary action for participating in their activities.
• Current Permissions : Now, government employees in Rajasthan are allowed to join RSS shakhas (morning assemblies) and engage in all other activities organized by the RSS.
• National Trend : The lifting of this ban in Rajasthan follows similar actions by other states like Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, and aligns with the Centre's decision in July 2024 to allow government officials to participate in RSS activities.

About the RSS

• Founding and Purpose : The RSS is a Hindu nationalist volunteer organization founded in 1925 in Nagpur by Dr. K.B. Hedgewar. It was established in response to perceived threats to Hindu culture and society during British colonial rule.
• Ideology and Goals : The RSS promotes the idea of Hindutva, emphasizing Hindu cultural and national identity. It advocates for India as fundamentally a Hindu nation and aims to unite people under a common national identity.
• Social Service Activities : The organization engages in various social service activities such as education, healthcare, and disaster relief, promoting the concept of "Seva" (service) among its members.

Indigenous Millet Cultivation Initiative

The initiative focuses on the cultivation of indigenous millet varieties using natural farming methods.

• Recently, a Millet Cultivation Initiative in the Jhadol block of Udaipur district has sparked renewed interest in millet farming among a new generation of farmers. This initiative not only offers livelihood incentives but also emphasizes natural farming practices.
• The pilot project aims to revive millet varieties such as finger millet, proso millet, foxtail millet, and kodo millet to improve local livelihoods and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Farmers in Jhadol have experienced crop losses after shifting to chemically intensive farming methods and replacing traditional crop diversification, like multi-cropping, with fast-paying commercial mono-cropping.
• The identified millet varieties, locally known as kuri, batti, kodra, cheena, samlai, and maal, were previously considered minor millets. In Udaipur district, Anganwadi centres have started incorporating millet-based recipes for children as a nutritional supplement. Seva Mandir, a voluntary group based in Udaipur, initiated the project to encourage grassroots cultivation of minor millets. Following the success of the millet intervention, Seva Mandir is developing a framework for market access involving 1,000 farmers.

PM Visit to Rajasthan

High Court

Recently, the Prime Minister visited Rajasthan, where he was the chief guest at the concluding ceremony of the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Rajasthan High Court, held at the High Court Campus in Jodhpur.

• The state judiciary of Rajasthan comprises a high court and subordinate courts. The high courts in India were established in 1862 in Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras.
• The Constitution of India provides for a high court in each state, but the Parliament can declare a common high court for two or more states. The number of judges in a high court is determined by the President of India, not by Parliament.

Appointment of High Court Judges

• Article 217 of the Constitution states that a High Court Judge shall be appointed by the President of India.
• The Chief Justice of India (CJI), the Governor of the State, and the President are involved in the appointment process.
• The Chief Justice of the High Court is consulted when appointing a Judge other than the Chief Justice.

Tanot Temple Introduces Online Pass System for Tourists

The Tanot-Bablian tourism circuit, located at the India-Pakistan international border in the Jaisalmer district, has recently implemented an online pass system to facilitate domestic tourists wishing to visit the area. This initiative is managed by the Border Security Force (BSF) and developed by the Tanot Mata Trust.

Tanot Mata Mandir

• The Shri Tanot Mata Mandir is an ancient Hindu temple in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district, dedicated to Tanot Rai, a form of the goddess Hinglaj Mata.
• The temple complex is part of a tourism project funded by the central government, which has allocated ₹ 17.67 crore for its development.

Border Security Force (BSF)

• The BSF, established in 1965 after the 1965 India-Pakistan war, is one of the seven Central Armed Police Forces in India.
• It operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is responsible for guarding the borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
• The BSF is involved in various operations, including anti-Naxal activities and duties in the Sundarbans delta and the Arabian Sea.
• It also contributes to UN peacekeeping missions by sending trained personnel.

Online Pass System

• The online pass system allows visitors to observe border guarding activities, fostering a sense of pride and patriotism.
• Tourists interested in visiting must fill out an online form with personal details and identification.

Central Armed Police Forces

• In addition to the BSF, other Central Armed Police Forces include the Assam Rifles, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Central Industrial Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, National Security Guards, and Sashastra Seema Bal.
• The BSF is the largest of these forces, with 2.65 lakh personnel, and plays a crucial role in national security along the borders and in collaboration with the Indian Army.

Rajasthan on High Alert Amid Bharat Bandh

Rajasthan is on high alert following a Bharat Bandh organized by the Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti. The protest is in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling on the ‘creamy layer’ within Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

• The Supreme Court ruled that states are constitutionally allowed to sub-classify SCs and STs based on varying levels of backwardness. This means states can now exclude the creamy layer within SCs and STs from reservation benefits.
• The ‘creamy layer’ principle, previously applied only to OBCs, is now extended to SCs and STs. This ruling aims to provide better support for the most disadvantaged groups within these communities.

Constitutionality of Organising a Bandh, Hartal, or Similar Protests

• Article 19(1)(c) of the Indian Constitution gives citizens the fundamental right to form associations or unions. Article 19 restricts the state’s power in relation to the rights of its citizens, particularly the right to freedom of speech and expression. 
• Article 19(1)(a) grants citizens the right to freedom of speech and expression, which includes expressing opinions, beliefs, and convictions through various means. 
• Demonstrations, as visible representations of ideas, are protected under freedom of speech, provided they are non-violent and orderly. Strikes are not included within the scope of freedom of speech. Article 19 does not explicitly grant citizens the fundamental right to organise hartals, bandhs, or chakkajams.

Transfer of Rajasthan Power Project to Apraava Energy

REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL), a subsidiary of REC Limited, has transferred the Rajasthan IV-A Power Transmission project to Apraava Energy Private Limited (AEPL). This project aims to facilitate the evacuation of power from the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Zone Phase IV, encompassing the Jaisalmer and Barmer complexes.

Project Details:

• Project Scope: The project includes the construction of a 765/400 kV pooling station, a 400/220 kV pooling station, and the laying of 184.56 kilometers of 400 kV transmission line.
• Timeline: The project is expected to be completed within two years.
• Capacity Addition: It will significantly enhance the region’s power transmission capacity.
• Impact: The project will support Rajasthan’s renewable energy objectives and is part of the broader goal to achieve 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
• Development Model: The project will be developed on a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) basis, which is a type of project management model where the actual investor delegates the building, operation, and maintenance of a project to another company for a limited time.

Significance: This handover marks a significant step in enhancing power transmission infrastructure in Rajasthan and supports the state’s transition to renewable energy.

Rajasthan Investor Summit 2024:

• Event Overview: The Rajasthan Investor Summit 2024 is scheduled to take place in Jaipur from December 9 to 11, 2024.
• Background: The summit was officially announced on August 1, 2024, and the state government has already received commitments for investments exceeding Rs 5.40 trillion.
• Concerns: Trade associations and industry chambers have raised concerns that frequent occurrences of such summits may divert attention and resources from the industries department’s other responsibilities. Organizing these events requires extensive planning and preparation throughout the year.
• Commitment: The All Rajasthan Trade and Industry Association (ARTIA) is dedicated to ensuring the success of the upcoming investor summit.

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Overview

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR) is located in the eastern part of Rajasthan, within the Karauli and Sawai Madhopur districts. It lies at the junction of the Aravali and Vindhya hill ranges. 

• The reserve includes the Ranthambore National Park, as well as the Sawai Mansingh and Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuaries. The area is named after the Ranthambore fort, which has a history of over 1000 years and is believed to have been built in 944 AD by a Chauhan ruler. The fort is strategically located atop a 700-foot hill within the park.
• Historical Significance: The Ranthambore fort, from which the forests derive their name, is said to have a rich history of over 1000 years. It is strategically located atop a 700-foot tall hill within the park and is believed to have been built in 944 AD by a Chauhan ruler.
• Conservation Efforts: The reserve is part of the Project Tiger initiative, which aims to conserve the Bengal tiger, and represents the north-western limit of the Bengal tiger’s distribution range. It is an outstanding example of conservation efforts in India.
• Landscape and Connectivity: The reserve consists of fragmented forest patches, ravines, river streams, and agricultural land. It is connected to the Kuno-Palpur Landscape in Madhya Pradesh through parts of the Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary, the ravine habitats of the Chambal River, and forest patches in Sheopur. The tributaries of the Chambal River provide easy passage for tigers moving towards the Kuno National Park.
• Vegetation: The vegetation in the reserve includes grasslands on plateaus and dense forests along seasonal streams. The predominant forest type is tropical dry deciduous, with the dhak tree (Butea monosperma) being the most common. This tree, also known as the Flame of the Forest, is capable of withstanding long periods of drought and adds color to the dry summers with its flowering.
• Wildlife: The reserve is rich in wildlife, with tigers at the apex of the food chain. Other animals found in the reserve include leopards, rhesus macaques, caracals, blackbuck, striped hyenas, common or Hanuman langurs, jackals, jungle cats, black-naped hares, and chinkaras.

Other Protected Areas in Rajasthan: In addition to the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan is home to several other protected areas, including:

• Sariska National Park, Alwar
• Desert National Park, Jaisalmer
• Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur
• Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Udaipur
• National Chambal Sanctuary (on the tri-junction of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh)

Rajasthan’s First Aviation Academy

Inauguration of Flight Training Academy

• Recently, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan inaugurated the state’s first flight training academy at Kishangarh airport in the Ajmer district.
• The establishment of this academy is expected to boost economic activities in Kishangarh, which has become a significant business center due to its marble and granite industry.

Enhancement of Air Connectivity and Tourism

• The improvement in air connectivity within the state is anticipated to facilitate tourism as well.
• The Central government had approved the development of 21 greenfield airports across the country and has been working to increase the number of air passengers and promote regional connectivity by upgrading under-serviced air routes.

UDAN Scheme

• More than 1.41 crore domestic passengers have benefited from the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme, which aims to enhance regional airport development and regional connectivity.
• The scheme, launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is part of the National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016, and is applicable for a period of 10 years.

Objectives of the UDAN Scheme

• To improve air connectivity to remote and regional areas of India.
• To promote the development of remote areas and enhance trade, commerce, and tourism.
• To make air travel accessible to the general public at affordable rates.
• To create employment opportunities in the aviation sector.

Electricity for Farmers in Rajasthan

Renewable Energy

• The Rajasthan government has made new agreements to promote renewable energy, which will provide farmers with daytime electricity for irrigation.
• These initiatives aim to ensure uninterrupted daytime electricity supply to agricultural users by 2027.

KUSUM-C Scheme

• A letter of intent for 4,386 Megawatts projects under the PM-KUSUM Scheme and a memorandum of understanding for two gas-based power plants in Jaipur were signed.
• In 2020, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) introduced feeder level solarization under Component-C of the PM-KUSUM Scheme.
• This involves solarizing agriculture feeders to lower costs through the installation of grid-connected solar power plants.

PM-KUSUM

• The PM-KUSUM scheme, launched in 2019, aims to transform the agricultural sector by promoting solar energy solutions.
• It operates on a demand-driven approach, with the goal of adding 30.8 GW of solar power capacity by March 31, 2026.

Objectives of PM-KUSUM:

• De-dieselisation of the Farm Sector : Reducing diesel dependence by encouraging solar-powered pumps and other renewable sources, lowering irrigation costs and boosting farmers’ income.
• Water and Energy Security for Farmers : Enhancing security through solar pumps and community irrigation projects.
• Curbing Environmental Pollution : Mitigating pollution by promoting clean solar energy.

Rajasthan’s New Policy on Pumped Storage Projects

Renewable Energy

• The Rajasthan government is set to introduce a new policy on pumped storage projects as part of its initiative to promote renewable energy.
• Chief Minister emphasizes that the state will soon achieve self-reliance in the energy sector by strengthening renewable sources.
• Eight potential locations have been identified in Rajasthan for pumped storage projects with a total capacity of 7,100 Megawatts.
• These projects will supply electricity to grids dependent on solar, wind, and hybrid energy.

Renewable Energy Policies

• The work on pumped storage projects aligns with the provisions of Rajasthan’s renewable energy policy of 2019 and the renewable energy policy of 2023.
• Rajasthan has received approval to initiate its first independent pumped storage project with a capacity of 1,800 MW in the Shahbad area of Baran district, within the Kuno river basin.

Kuno River and National Park

• The Kuno River, a tributary of the Chambal River, flows through the Vindhya mountain range in Madhya Pradesh, originating from this range.
• It is approximately 180 km long and drains into the Chambal River at the MP-Rajasthan border in Morena district.
• The Kuno River is an essential water source for the Kuno National Park, supporting its diverse flora and fauna.

India to Host 'Tarang Shakti' International Air Exercise

Overview of 'Tarang Shakti'

• India is set to host 'Tarang Shakti,' an international air exercise, in two phases across Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan.
• This will be the largest air exercise ever conducted in India, with invitations extended to 51 countries.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) has confirmed participation from ten countries with their assets and 18 countries as observers.

Phase One: Sulur, Tamil Nadu (August 6 to August 14)

• Participating countries with their assets include:
• France
• Germany
• Spain
• United Kingdom

Phase Two: Jodhpur, Rajasthan (September 1 to 14)

• Participating countries with their assets include:
• Australia
• Bangladesh
• Greece
• Singapore
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• United States of America (USA)

Indian Air Force Participation

• Aircraft involved from the Indian Air Force include:
• F-18, A-18, C-130, F-16, A-10, KC-130, KC-135

Objectives

• The exercise aims to enhance military cooperation among participating nations and support India's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

Rajasthan Schools to Celebrate Article 370 Abrogation and Vir Savarkar Jayanti

The Rajasthan Secondary Education Department has announced the celebration of Vir Savarkar Jayanti and Swarna Mukut Mastak Diwas in schools to commemorate the abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. Vir Savarkar Jayanti will be observed on May 28, and Swarna Mukut Mastak Diwas will be celebrated on August 5 during the ongoing academic year.

Other Notable Celebrations in Rajasthan Schools

• In addition to Vir Savarkar Jayanti and Swarna Mukut Mastak Diwas, schools in Rajasthan will also celebrate other significant dates, including:
• Subhash Chandra Bose Diwas (Desh Prem Diwas) on January 23
• Matr Pitr Diwas on February 14
• Surya Namaskar Diwas on February 4

Article 370: Background and Significance

• Article 370 was added to the Indian Constitution on October 17, 1949, as a temporary provision exempting Jammu and Kashmir from certain provisions of the Constitution.
• It allowed Jammu and Kashmir to draft its own Constitution and limited the Indian Parliament's legislative powers in the state.
• Article 370 was introduced into the draft Constitution by N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar as Article 306 A.
• The Article empowered the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir to recommend which articles of the Indian Constitution should apply to the state.
• Article 35A, derived from Article 370, was introduced in 1954, empowering the Jammu and Kashmir legislature to define permanent residents and their special rights and privileges.
• On August 5, 2019, the President of India exercised powers under Article 370 to issue the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019, modifying Article 370 itself.