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

Rajasthan’s New Governor

Recently, Droupadi Murmu appointed the veteran leader Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde as the new of Rajasthan.

Key Points

• Article 153 to Article 162: The appointment, powers, and responsibilities of the Governor are outlined in these articles of the Indian Constitution.
• Role of the Governor: The Governor's role is similar to that of the President of India but at the state level.
• Executive Head: The Governor acts as the executive head of the state, mirroring the President's role at the national level.
• Constitutional Head: The Governor is the constitutional head of the state, bound by the advice of the council of ministers.
• Link Between Union and State: The Governor serves as a crucial link between the Union Government and the State Government.
• About:RSS is a Hindu nationalist volunteer organisation founded in 1925 in Nagpur by Dr. K.B. Hedgewar in response to perceived threats to Hindu culture and society, particularly during British colonial rule. It aims to promote the idea of Hindutva, which emphasises Hindu cultural and national identity. 
• Pre-Independence Era: The organization played a significant role in social and cultural mobilisation among Hindus. It focused on community service, education, and the promotion of Hindu values. 
• Post-Independence: After India’s independence in 1947, the RSS faced scrutiny, especially after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by Nathuram Godse in 1948. The organisation was banned for a short period but was later reinstated. 
• Vinayak Damodar Savarkar: The central ideology of the RSS, articulated by , promotes the idea that India is fundamentally a Hindu nation.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)

• Indian Culture and Heritage: The RSS focuses on the significance of Indian culture and heritage, aiming to bring people together under a shared national identity.
• Social Service Activities: The organization is involved in various social service activities such as education, healthcare, and disaster relief. It promotes the concept of “Seva” (service) among its members.

HUDCO MoU with Rajasthan

Recently, the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) Ltd signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Rajasthan government regarding financial assistance for housing and urban infrastructure projects.

• MoU Details: The MoU is a preliminary agreement to provide financial assistance for housing and urban infrastructure projects in Rajasthan, with a potential funding of up to Rs 1,00,000 crore over the next 5 years, subject to mutually agreed terms and conditions.
• Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO): HUDCO is a public sector company under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, focusing on building assets for the nation with the motto of “Profitability with Social Justice.”
• Low-Income Groups (LIG): HUDCO emphasizes addressing the housing needs of the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Low-Income Groups (LIG).

Tribal Communities Solutions to Global Challenges

United Nations

• Indigenous Tribal Communities: The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, highlighted the solutions and policy involvement of indigenous tribal communities in Rajasthan to address global challenges.
• Traditional Practices: A State representative discussed how the traditional practices of tribal communities in Rajasthan have contributed to the preservation of their rich natural heritage.

U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

• Forum Theme: The forum was held under the auspices of the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), with the theme ‘Reinforcing the 2030 agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: The effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions’.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A ministerial declaration adopted at the forum called for renewed efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

Indigenous Communities and Biodiversity

• Contributions to Biodiversity: Experts at the forum emphasized the importance of recognizing indigenous communities for their contributions to biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Global Involvement: They advocated for the global involvement of these communities in strategy formulation, highlighting that their traditional practices provide essential insights for sustainable development.
• Traditional Practices: The forum highlighted that the traditional practices of indigenous communities, rooted in reverence for nature and community-centric approaches, could promote sustainability and resilience.

Principles of Swaraj

• Self-Sufficiency: Inspired by the principles of swaraj (sovereignty), the tribal communities’ lifestyle and cultural values have fostered self-sufficiency, reduced reliance on external sources, and improved agricultural practices.
• Food and Nutrition Security: These practices ensure food, nutrition, and livelihood security for their families.
• Best Practices: The best practices of tribals highlighted at the forum included the production of local seeds, use of animals in agriculture, checking soil erosion through mixed cropping, and the use of uncultivated food for nutritional security.

Demand for a New Tribal State in India

Recently, tribal communities in Rajasthan have started a movement to create a new state called 'Bhil Pradesh'. This proposed state would be formed by merging 49 districts from Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, there is a request to include 12 districts from the old Rajasthan into this new state.

• The Bhil community, one of the largest tribal groups in India, is at the forefront of this demand. They are known for their archery skills and deep knowledge of local geography. Traditionally, the Bhil people were experts in guerrilla warfare, but today most of them work as farmers and agricultural laborers. They are also skilled sculptors.
• The demand for Bhil Pradesh was highlighted during a huge rally organized by thirty-five organizations, including Adivasi Parivar, the largest group in the Bhil community. The rally took place at Mangarh Dham in Banswara, Rajasthan, and attracted tribal people from Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra as well.
• The Bhil community is known for their traditional dress, with women wearing saris and heavy silver and brass ornaments, while men wear long frocks and pyjamas. The demand for Bhil Pradesh reflects the community's desire for greater autonomy and recognition of their cultural heritage.

Rajasthan Citizenship Camps for Minority

The Rajasthan government is set to hold special camps aimed at granting Indian citizenship to minority refugees hailing from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Simplification of Citizenship Process

• The procedures for awarding Indian citizenship to minority refugees from these countries have been made simpler.
• District collectors now have the authority to issue citizenship certificates.

Citizenship Statistics

• Since 2016, a total of 2,329 individuals have been granted citizenship in Rajasthan.
• Currently, there are 1,566 pending applications, with 300 cases awaiting Intelligence Bureau reports.

Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019

• The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019 aims to modify the Citizenship Act of 1955.
• The CAA grants citizenship based on religion to six non-Muslim communities (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians) from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India before December 31, 2014.

Exemptions Under CAA

• The CAA exempts members of these six communities from legal action under the Foreigners Act of 1946 and the Passport Act of 1920.
• These Acts impose penalties for illegal entry into India and for staying in the country on expired visas and permits.

Rajasthan Tribal Movement

Preservation of Indigenous Seed Varieties

• In the tribal-dominated areas of southern Rajasthan, a popular movement is underway to safeguard indigenous seed varieties that are at risk of extinction.
• This initiative aims to promote and enhance crop diversity and climate resilience by preserving these traditional seeds.

Beej Utsavs: Celebrating Traditional Seeds

• Thousands of tribal individuals from approximately 1,000 villages and hamlets participated in a series of Beej Utsavs, or seed festivals, in the tribal belt located at the junction of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.
• These seed festivals showcased traditional seeds and included interactive sessions highlighting their properties and importance.
• Participants were encouraged to protect their rich biodiversity heritage through age-old farming practices passed down through generations.

Resistance to Multinational Influence

• Indigenous seeds are a vital legacy upheld by tribal communities, especially in the face of growing influence from multinational companies in the agriculture sector.

Role of Tribal Rights Groups

• Vaagdhara, a voluntary organization based in Banswara, spearheaded the Beej Utsav events.
• Other tribal rights groups, including Krishi Evum Adivasi Swaraj Sangathan, Gram Swaraj Samooh, Saksham Samooh, and Baal Swaraj, facilitated these events.

Sajjangarh Biological Park

Sajjangarh Biological Park in Udaipur, Rajasthan, is set to enhance its appeal by introducing a lion safari, supported by a budget of Rs 3.45 crore. The park, established in 2015 and covering 26 hectares, will feature a holding and display area for lions, capable of housing up to eight lions.

• This initiative is part of an animal exchange program with Sakkarbaug Zoological Park in Junagadh, Gujarat. As part of the exchange, Sajjangarh Biological Park will send various animals, including foxes, jackals, and wild cats, to Sakkarbaug Zoo. The Central Zoo Authority approved the transfer of lions in February 2024 to boost tourism in Udaipur.
• In addition to the lion safari, Sajjangarh Biological Park plans to expand its facilities to include a reptile section, a nocturnal animals’ section, and a leopard rescue center.
• Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Udaipur, Rajasthan. It is part of the Sajjangarh Palace, also known as the Monsoon Palace, which was built in 1884. The palace is named after Maharana Sajjan Singh, a ruler of the Mewar dynasty. The sanctuary is known for its diverse wildlife, including chitals, panthers, hares, blue bulls (Nilgais), jackals, wild boars, hyenas, and sambar.

Rajasthan's Vision for Power and Energy Self-Reliance

• The Rajasthan government is on a mission to achieve self-reliance in the power and energy sector by producing 30 gigawatts (GW) of solar power by the end of FY25.
• In March 2024, an agreement was signed between the Rajasthan government and Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited (NLC) to establish a joint venture for a 1,000 megawatt (MW) solar power plant and a 125 MW lignite-based power plant in Bikaner with an investment exceeding Rs 7,000 crore.
• The state government has also approved land for four major solar projects, aiming to position Rajasthan as a leader in energy self-sufficiency.
• These projects include three solar parks in Bikaner, totaling 2,450 MW, and a 500 MW project in Phalodi.
• Additionally, the state is enhancing the PM-KUSUM scheme to install solar pumps in over 50,000 farms, generating 200 MW of electricity and promoting renewable energy sources.
• The PM-KUSUM scheme, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in February 2019, aims to provide financial and water security by supporting the installation of off-grid solar pumps in rural areas.
• The government has expanded the scheme's scope in the 2020-21 budget, planning to assist 20 lakh farmers in installing standalone solar pumps and another 15 lakh farmers in solarizing their grid-connected pump sets.
• This initiative allows farmers to set up solar power generation capacity on their barren lands and sell the excess to the grid, reducing dependence on traditional power sources.

Rajasthan Budget 2024

Recently, Rajasthan’s state finance minister Diya Kumari has unveiled the comprehensive Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25.

• Under Jal Jeevan Mission Projects, Rs 20,370 crores will be allotted for six projects covering 5,846 villages.
• Rs 5,180 crores for projects in 185 urban settlements over the next two years, under the Amrut 2.0 Projects.
• Rs 187 crores for small projects, including the construction of service reservoirs and pipelines in Ajmer.
• Generation target increased to 33,600 MW.
• Lok Parivahan Sewa will be implemented to improve rural connectivity.
• PM Suryaghar Yojana 208,000 homes to receive connections within two years; to create model solar villages; 2.5 million smart meters to be installed to prevent electricity leakage.
• Modern shelters and charging stations in major cities; 300 electric buses to enhance public transport.
• Rs 60,000 crores for new road projects, including bypasses, state highways, and infrastructure enhancements; Rs 9,000 crores for road repairs, railway bridges, underpasses, and beautification projects.
• New Export Promotion Policy, 2024.
• Introduction of New Industrial Policy 2024 and a greenfield expressways
• Nine with a total length of over 2750 km will be constructed.
• solid waste processing plants Radio- Frequency Identification (RFID) technology
• A budget of Rs 650 crores has been allocated for setting up 71 in cities, 131 legacy waste management centers, and for implementing vehicle tracking systems and to improve waste collection management.
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Heritage site.
• A budget of Rs 100 crore has been allocated for the Jaipur Walled City Heritage Development Plan, which is intended to preserve monuments and the
• “One District One Product” initiative Under the , a new policy will be introduced. Annually, a budget of Rs 100 crore will be allocated for this purpose.
• “Vocal for Local” scheme. To promote local products, incentives will be provided under the

Rajasthan: First State to Adopt Road Safety Action Plan

Rajasthan is set to become the first state in India to implement a 10-year road safety action plan aimed at reducing road accidents by 50% by 2030.

• The plan will focus on raising public awareness about road safety and encouraging compliance with safety regulations.
• The World Bank will assist the Rajasthan government in developing this action plan by integrating global best practices.
• The action plan will be rolled out in three phases: 2025-2027, 2027-2030, and 2030-2033.
• Emphasis will be placed on various aspects of road safety, including speed limits, safe following distances, traffic signals, road barriers, pedestrian safety, and the use of seatbelts, helmets, and vehicle insurance.

Initiatives Related to Road Safety

• Global Initiatives:
• Brasilia Declaration on Road Safety (2015): India is a signatory to this declaration aimed at improving road safety globally.
• Development Goal 3.6: Countries aim to halve road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030.
• Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030: UN resolution targeting a 50% reduction in road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030.
• Stockholm Declaration: Emphasizes a holistic approach to road safety, aligning with the Global Plan.
• International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP): A charity focused on saving lives through safer roads.

Initiatives by the Rajasthan Government to Boost Tourism

• Formation of a Tourism Board: The Rajasthan government is in the process of establishing a tourism board aimed at enhancing the role of the tourism sector in the state’s economic development. This initiative comes in the wake of significant growth in the tourism sector, which now contributes 14% to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
• Industry Status for Tourism Units: Over 1,200 tourism units in Rajasthan are currently benefiting from industry status, which offers various advantages to promote and facilitate their operations.
• Inclusion of International Tour Operators: Plans are underway to include international tour operators in the upcoming tourism mart, with the goal of increasing foreign tourist inflow to the state.

Rajasthan's New Draft Township Policy

The Rajasthan government has introduced a new draft township policy and building by-laws, seeking input from the public and stakeholders.

• Under the proposed policy, developers will be responsible for maintaining sold units in their townships for seven years. Townships can only be built in designated areas where authorities ensure the availability of essential amenities like water and electricity.
• The new building by-laws stipulate that tall buildings cannot be constructed on small plots within housing schemes and colonies in cities.

Key Highlights:

• Only eight-storey buildings can be erected on plots ranging from 500 to 750 square meters.
• The construction of green or eco-friendly buildings is mandatory on plots exceeding 2,500 square meters in urban areas.
• In group housing and multi-residential units, one car parking space must be allocated for each unit.