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

Red Alert in Jaipur

The weather office in Jaipur has issued a red alert due to the forecast of temperatures soaring above 49 degrees Celsius in various regions of Rajasthan. This alert stresses the need for "extreme care for vulnerable individuals" during this extreme heat.

Key Points

• India Meteorological Department (IMD) : The IMD has indicated that severe heatwave conditions will persist over the next few days, particularly in the Jodhpur and Bikaner divisions, as well as the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan.
• Bikaner District Administration : In response to the intense heat, the Bikaner district administration has initiated measures to provide some relief by sprinkling water on roads in various areas of the city.
• State Government Actions : The state government has also taken steps to ensure an uninterrupted supply of drinking water by cancelling the leave of officers and employees in the Water Department.

India Meteorological Department (IMD)

• About: The IMD is the National Meteorological Service of India and the primary government agency responsible for meteorology and related subjects. It operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.
• Objectives: To take meteorological observations and provide current and forecast meteorological information for activities like agriculture, irrigation, shipping, aviation, and offshore oil exploration. To warn against severe weather events such as tropical cyclones, dust storms, heavy rains, and heat waves that can cause harm to life and property. To provide meteorological statistics for agriculture, water resource management, industries, and other national activities. To conduct and promote research in meteorology and related fields.

Auction of Mine Blocks in Rajasthan

The Rajasthan government is working to speed up the process of defining areas for the auction of minor and major mining blocks in the state. This is part of an effort to combat illegal mining activities by preparing and selling off various mining sites.

Drilling for Mineral Exploration

• The government plans to conduct drilling for mineral exploration and analyze reports to address illegal mining of valuable minerals.
• This initiative aims to increase revenue and create job opportunities in the state by making valuable minerals available for legal extraction.

Water Harvesting System

• Officials have been instructed to develop a water harvesting system in the offices and areas of the mineral department.
• The government also emphasized the need for efficient operation of the e-filing system in department offices to reduce processing times.

Mineral Wealth of Rajasthan

• Rajasthan is one of the richest states in India in terms of mineral availability and variety, producing over 57 different minerals.
• The mines department generated a revenue of over Rs 7,490 crores during the fiscal year 2023-2024.

Monitoring and Planning

• The mines department has outlined a plan for daily monitoring and preparation of a roadmap for exploration, drilling, and auctioning of mining blocks.
• This includes making an auction calendar and ensuring efficient revenue collection.

Understanding Illegal Mining

• Illegal mining refers to the extraction of minerals, ores, or other valuable resources from land or water bodies without the necessary permits, licenses, or regulatory approvals from government authorities.
• It often involves violations of environmental, labor, and safety standards.

Legal Framework for Mining in India

• The Constitution of India grants state governments ownership of minerals within their boundaries, while the central government owns minerals in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of India.
• The Mines & Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act of 1957 provides the framework for mining regulations.
• State governments have the authority to frame policies and legislation related to minor minerals, while major minerals are regulated by the Ministry of Mines in the Union Government.

Recent Developments

• The Supreme Court recently halted all mining activities around the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan to protect the Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH).
• The court emphasized the need for a closure plan and compliance with its orders by the Rajasthan government.

Sariska Tiger Reserve

• Located in the Aravali hills of Alwar District, Sariska Tiger Reserve was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and later designated as a tiger reserve in 1978 as part of India’s Project Tiger.
• The Reserve is known for its rich flora and fauna, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, leopards, Nilgai, Sambar, and chital.
• It also features historical sites such as the Kankarwadi fort and the Pandupole temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

Rajasthan Mine Collapse

Hindustan Copper Limited

• Recently, all 15 officials who were trapped in a mine in Rajasthan were rescued on May 15, 2024.
• The incident occurred at the Kolihan mine when a cage carrying the officials down the mine shaft collapsed due to a snapped rope.
• Rescue efforts continued through the night, and all 14 survivors were transported to a hospital in Jaipur for treatment.
• The Kolihan Mine, owned by Hindustan Copper Limited, comprises mechanized underground copper mines in Rajasthan.
• The mined ore is processed at the Khetri Copper Complex’s concentrator plant.
• Located in the Neem Ka Thana district, the Kolihan mine is part of the Khetri Copper Belt’s northern tip, spanning 162.23 hectares.

Khetri Copper Complex

• Khetri is positioned at the foothills of the Aravalli Range, known for its copper mineralization, which gives rise to an 80 km long metallogenetic province from Singhana in the north to Raghunathgarh in the south, commonly referred to as the Khetri Copper Belt.
• This belt consists of tightly folded Proterozoic metasediments resting over basement gneisses and is part of the North Delhi fold belt.
• Notable deposits within the belt include: Khetri, Kolihan, Banwas, Chandmari, Dhani Basri, and Baniwali Ki Dhani (all located in Neem Ka Thana, Rajasthan).
• Additional deposits in the region are found at Dholamala, Akwali, Muradpura - Pacheri (in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan), and Devtalai (in Bhilwara, Rajasthan).

Prohibition of Deployment of Teachers for Non-Educational Work

• Teachers cannot be deployed for non-educational work, except for the decennial census, elections to local authorities, state legislatures, parliament, and disaster relief.

Appointment of Teachers

• Teachers can only be appointed if they meet the necessary entry and academic qualifications.

Prohibitions in Education

• Physical punishment and mental harassment of children are strictly prohibited.
• Screening procedures for the admission of children are not allowed.
• Capitation fees are banned.
• Teachers are not allowed to provide private tuition.
• Schools cannot operate without proper recognition.

Focus on Child-Friendly Learning

• The emphasis is on creating a learning environment that is free from fear, trauma, and anxiety, promoting child-friendly and child-centered learning.

Semal Trees

• Disappearance in South Rajasthan: Semal trees are diminishing in south Rajasthan, leading to a series of negative impacts on both forests and local communities.
• Illegal Cutting and Sale: Large amounts of semal wood are being cut down in southern Rajasthan, particularly in areas inhabited by the Bhil and Garasia tribes, and sold in places like Udaipur, violating various laws including the Rajasthan Forest Act, 1953.
• Ecological Importance: Semal trees, also known as the silk cotton tree or Bombax Ceiba, are crucial for maintaining forest ecosystems. They provide habitat for rock bees, whose nests are protected by the tree’s spikes from sloth bears.
• Nutritional and Ecological Roles: Tribal communities rely on the tree’s reddish root for food during the monsoon season. Additionally, the larvae of the moth Bucculatrix crateracma feed on the tree’s leaves, playing a role in the local food web.
• Nesting Materials: The golden-crowned sparrow uses the cotton-like substance from semal seeds to line its nests, showcasing the tree’s role in supporting bird species.
• Nutritional Source for Wildlife: Various species, including Dysdercus bugs, Indian crested porcupines, and Hanuman langurs, feed on the nectar of semal flowers, highlighting the tree’s importance in the diet of local wildlife.
• Cultural Significance: The Garasia tribe believes they are descendants of semal trees, emphasizing the tree’s cultural importance. The Kathodi tribe uses its wood to make musical instruments, while the Bhil tribe uses it for making utensils, reflecting the tree’s utility in local traditions.

Overview of Semal Trees

• Common Names: Silk cotton tree, Bombax Ceiba
• Characteristics: Large, fast-growing tree known for its spiky red flowers and fluffy seed pods.
• Traditional Uses: Cotton-like substance from seed pods used for stuffing pillows and mattresses.
• Ornamental Value: Grown for its decorative appeal in parks and gardens.

Indian Crested Porcupine

• Scientific Name: Hystrix indica
• Geographic Range: Found in southeast and central Asia, and parts of the Middle East, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Israel, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.
• Behavior: Nocturnal, foraging for about 7 hours each night. They live in natural caves or burrows they excavate themselves. Predators include large cats, wolves, hyenas, and humans.
• Conservation Status: IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC); Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule IV.

IMD Forecasts New Heatwave in Rajasthan

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a new heatwave in northwest India, specifically in West Rajasthan, West Uttar Pradesh, and South Haryana. Heatwave Conditions in Various States

• Heatwave is also expected at isolated places in:
• Punjab
• Haryana
• Chandigarh
• Delhi
• West Uttar Pradesh
• East Uttar Pradesh
• West Rajasthan
• East Rajasthan

Impact on Lok Sabha Elections

• During the fourth phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, the Election Commission of India noted that the weather forecast for the polling day in the Parliamentary Constituencies is expected to be normal to below normal temperatures, without heatwave conditions.

About IMD

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) was established in 1875 and is the National Meteorological Service of India.
• IMD is the principal government agency responsible for meteorology and related subjects and operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.
• The department is headquartered in New Delhi.
• IMD is also one of the six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres recognized by the World Meteorological Organization.

Increase in Electricity Consumption in Rajasthan

Rising Temperatures and Electricity Usage

• As temperatures rise in Rajasthan, there is a corresponding increase in electricity consumption, raising concerns for the state’s power sector.
• To meet this growing demand, Rajasthan is compelled to purchase electricity from other states at higher costs.

Potential for Power Shortages

• With the ongoing rise in temperatures across India, there is a risk of power shortages for consumers if the energy department fails to make adequate arrangements.
• Such shortages could significantly impact industrial output.

Electricity Consumption Trends

• In April 2023, electricity consumption in Rajasthan exceeded 2,450 lakh units.
• This figure increased to over 2,700 lakh units in April 2024 and further rose to 2,900 lakh units in the first week of May 2024.
• Expectations indicate an 8-10% increase in electricity consumption for 2024.

Power Generation Capacity in Rajasthan

• Rajasthan has a total power generation capacity of over 24,000 megawatts (Mw).
• Approximately 58% of this capacity is from coal-fired power plants, while around 10-12% is generated by solar plants.

Rajasthan’s Digital Healthcare Access System

The Rajasthan government is preparing to launch a new integrated health management system aimed at digitizing healthcare access. This initiative will enhance health services by introducing electronic health records and streamlining procedures through a single window system.

The project is expected to be completed promptly, with full coordination among the concerned departments and agencies to ensure its success.

Features of the New Online System

• Electronic Health Records: Patients will have access to their health records electronically, facilitating better healthcare management.
• Digi-Health Locker: A digital health locker will be available for storing health-related documents securely.
• Queue Management: Patients will be freed from long queues, making healthcare access more convenient.
• Unified Digital Survey: A unified digital survey will be implemented for better health data collection.
• KPI-Based Dashboard: Key performance indicators will be used to monitor and improve health services.
• Telemedicine ICU: A telemedicine intensive care unit will be part of the system for remote healthcare services.
• Geotagging-Based Hospital Map: A geotagged map of hospitals will be available for easy navigation.
• Single Window Procedures: Health-related licenses and no-objection certificates will be processed through a single window system.

Agencies Involved

• The implementation of the new system involves various agencies, including the National Health Mission, Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation, State Health Insurance Agency, and the Department of Information Technology.

National Health Mission (NHM)

• The NHM was launched by the Government of India in 2013, incorporating the National Rural Health Mission (2005) and the National Urban Health Mission (2013).
• Its primary focus is on Health System Strengthening in both rural and urban areas, addressing Reproductive-Maternal-Neonatal-Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A), and Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases.
• The mission aims for universal access to equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare services that are responsive to people’s needs.

Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation (RMSCL)

• RMSCL was established on May 4, 2011, as a Public Limited Company under The Companies Act, 1956.
• It serves as a centralized procurement agency for generic medicines, surgical materials, and medical equipment for various departments, including Medical, Health and Family Welfare, and Medical Education.

World Migration Report, 2024

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) recently published the World Migration Report 2024, highlighting major changes in global migration trends. The report indicates a record number of displaced individuals and a significant rise in international remittances.

Key Findings:

• There are approximately 281 million international migrants worldwide.
• The number of displaced persons due to various factors has reached 117 million, the highest in modern history.
• In India, internal migration is strongly influenced by climate impacts, particularly from states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
• India has the largest population of international migrants, with 18 million residing in countries such as the UAE, USA, and Saudi Arabia.
• In 2022, India was the top destination for remittances, receiving over USD 111 billion, becoming the first country to exceed the USD 100 billion mark.

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

• IOM was founded in 1951 as the Provisional Intergovernmental Committee for the Movement of Migrants from Europe (PICMME) in response to post-World War II disruptions.
• Over the years, it underwent several name changes, reflecting its expanding role in migration: from PICMME to the Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration (ICEM) in 1952, to the Intergovernmental Committee for Migration (ICM) in 1980, and finally to the International Organisation for Migration in 1989.
• In 2016, IOM became a related organization of the United Nations.
• IOM now has 175 Member States and 8 Observer States. India joined IOM as a Member State on June 18, 2008. The organization’s headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland.

Scam in Rajasthan's Jal Jeevan Mission

Background

• The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a First Information Report (FIR) regarding a scam in the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme in Rajasthan.
• Jaipur-based contractors allegedly used fake completion certificates from Indian Railway Construction International Limited (IRCON) to secure tenders from the state's Public Health Engineering Department.

CBI's Role

• The CBI is India's premier investigating agency, functioning under the Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances.
• It assists the Central Vigilance Commission and Lokpal and coordinates investigations on behalf of Interpol member countries.
• The agency has a high conviction rate of 65 to 70%.

What is an FIR?

• An FIR is a written document prepared by the police when they receive information about a cognizable offence.
• It is not defined in the Indian Penal Code or the Code of Criminal Procedure but is known as First Information Report in police regulations.

Elements of an FIR

• The information must relate to a cognizable offence.
• It should be given in writing or orally to the head of the police station.
• It must be written down and signed by the informant, and its key points should be recorded in a daily diary.

Current Situation

• Rajasthan currently relies on solar energy for 12-14% of its power consumption.
• The state has significant solar energy potential, with an assessed capacity of 142 GW.
• As of December 2023, Rajasthan had over 15,195 MW of aggregate solar capacity, with 1,296 MW commissioned in 2023-24.

Future Goals

• The government aims to increase solar energy reliance to over 40% by 2030.
• Plans include promoting rooftop solar plants and solar production centres in both the government and private sectors.
• These initiatives aim to reduce dependence on coal-based power plants.

PM Suryaghar Yojana

• The scheme aims to install subsidised rooftop solar systems in 500,000 houses in Rajasthan.
• Rooftop solar panels, part of this initiative, are photovoltaic panels installed on building roofs, connected to the main power supply unit.

Benefits of Rooftop Solar Systems

• Cost Savings: Rooftop solar systems reduce the amount of electricity purchased from the grid, leading to lower electricity bills for consumers.
• Exporting Surplus Energy: Excess solar energy generated can be exported back to the grid, subject to metering regulations.
• Financial Incentives: Consumers may receive monetary compensation for surplus energy exported, in accordance with current regulations.

Rajasthan CM Honors Central Civil Services Candidates

• Recent Event: The Chief Minister of Rajasthan recently honored candidates from the state who were selected for the Central Civil Services after passing the 2023 Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination.
• Ceremony Details: During a function in Jaipur, the Chief Minister welcomed the young officers by adorning them with turbans and shawls and presenting them with mementos.
• Call to Action: The Chief Minister urged the young officers to serve with integrity and commitment in their appointed positions.

Topics Discussed by Young Officers

• Women’s Empowerment: Strategies and initiatives to promote women’s empowerment in Rajasthan were discussed.
• Education System Improvement: Ideas for enhancing the education system in the state were shared.
• Tourism Promotion: Suggestions for boosting tourism in Rajasthan were presented.
• Swachh Survekshan Ranking: The young officers discussed ways to improve Rajasthan’s ranking in the Swachh Survekshan, a cleanliness survey conducted by the central government.

Swachh Survekshan 2023 Overview

• Introduction: Swachh Survekshan (SS) was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in 2016 to enhance urban sanitation and encourage citizen participation. It has become the world’s largest urban sanitation survey.
• Focus Areas for 2023: The 2023 edition emphasizes:
• Source segregation of waste.
• Increasing waste processing capacity to match waste generation.
• Reducing waste sent to dumpsites.
• Phased reduction of plastic use and processing plastic waste.
• Promoting waste-to-wonder parks and zero waste events.
• New Indicators: SS 2023 introduces indicators for:
• Waste processing and reduction.
• Open urination (yellow spots) and open spitting (red spots) issues.
• Cleaning back lanes in residential and commercial areas.

Cheetah Incident in Rajasthan

A cheetah from Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh was captured in Rajasthan after wandering approximately 50 kilometers into the state.

• Incident Details: The cheetah was found in Karauli, Rajasthan, and was tranquilized by forest department officials. It was safely returned to Kuno National Park the same evening.
• Possible Route: Officials believe the cheetah may have followed a route along the Chambal River, which flows through both Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Chambal River:

• The Chambal River is known for being one of India’s most pollution-free rivers.
• It is approximately 960 kilometers long, originating from the Singar Chouri peak in the Vindhya mountains in Madhya Pradesh.
• The river flows northward through Madhya Pradesh and then northeast through Rajasthan before entering Uttar Pradesh and joining the Yamuna River in Etawah District.
• The river basin is bounded by the Vindhyan mountain ranges and the Aravalli hills.
• Tributaries and Dams: The main tributaries of the Chambal River include the Banas, Kali Sindh, and Parbati rivers. Significant dams and projects along the river include the Gandhi Sagar Dam, Rana Pratap Sagar Dam, Jawahar Sagar Dam, and Kota Barrage.
• National Chambal Sanctuary: This sanctuary, located along the Chambal River at the tri-junction of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, is known for its critically endangered species such as the gharial, red-crowned roof turtle, and the endangered Ganges river dolphin.

Child Marriages in Rajasthan

The Rajasthan High Court has instructed the state government to prevent child marriages and hold village heads and panchayat members accountable if such marriages occur.

Akshay Tritiya

• The court's directive came before the festival on May 10, 2024, when child marriages are often performed in Rajasthan.

Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006

• The court, during a hearing on a petition by Just Rights for Children Alliance, noted the ongoing prevalence of child marriages in the state despite the Act.
• Under Section 11 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006, Sarpanch and Panch will be held responsible if they negligently fail to prevent child marriages from being solemnised.

Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Rules 1996

• According to these rules, Sarpanch is obligated to prevent child marriages.

Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006

• This Act replaced the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929, and defines a child as a male under 21 years and a female under 18 years.

Dhanalakshmi Scheme

• Aims to eliminate child marriage by providing insurance coverage for medical expenses and promoting the education of girl children.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)

• Focuses on empowering girls through education, health, and protection, while discouraging child marriage.

Illegal Mining in the Aravalli Range

Recently, The Supreme Court verbally stated that in the in Rajasthan should be stopped. According to the court’s amicus curiae (impartial adviser), the Rajasthan government tried to deceive the court by recognizing only mountains that were at least 100 meters high as belonging to the Aravalli Range, while not including shorter hills in the range.

Gangetic Plains

• Aravalli is the only geographical feature that stops dry winds from coming to the that come from Afghanistan and Pakistan.
• Aravalli is a natural barrier. Losing it will transform our weather into the arid, dry climate.

Aravalli Range

• The Aravallis of Northwestern India, one of the oldest fold mountains of the world, now form residual mountains with an elevation of 300m. to 900m. They stretch for a distance of 800 km. from Himmatnagar in Gujarat to Delhi, spanning Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi, the 692 kilometre (km).
• The mountains are divided into two main ranges – the Sambhar Sirohi Range and the Sambhar Khetri Range in Rajasthan, where their extension is about 560 km.
• These are fold mountains of which rocks are formed primarily of folded crust, when two convergent plates move towards each other by the process called orogenic movement.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

• ASI, under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organisation for the archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
• Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958 governs the functioning of ASI.
• It administers more than 3650 ancient monuments, archaeological sites and remains of national importance.
• Its activities include carrying out surveys of antiquarian remains, exploration and excavation of archaeological sites, conservation and maintenance of protected monuments etc.

Vivekananda Scholarship

The Vivekananda Scholarship for Academic Excellence in Rajasthan is being scaled back. This scholarship was initially set up by the previous government as the Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence.

• Under the new changes, students with an annual family income exceeding Rs 8 lakh will be required to contribute towards their tuition fees starting from the next academic year.
• The scholarship used to cover the full tuition fees for 500 deserving students from various income groups, including 300 scholarships for students studying abroad and 200 for those enrolling in the top 50 institutes in India.
• Although the higher education department proposed that students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds should pay 10% of the tuition fee, this suggestion was declined by the finance department.
• Instead, students from higher income brackets, with family earnings ranging from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 25 lakh, and those exceeding Rs 25 lakh, will now have to pay 15% and 30% of the tuition fee, respectively.

National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)

• The NIRF is a methodology used to rank institutions across India based on various criteria. It was approved by the Ministry of Education and launched on September 29, 2015. 
• This initiative marked the government's first effort to rank Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the country.

Parameters for NIRF Ranking

• The weightage assigned to each parameter varies depending on the category of the institution.

QS World University Rankings

• These rankings are published annually by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) and assess the performance and quality of universities worldwide.
• The evaluation considers indicators such as academic reputation, faculty-student ratio, employer reputation, sustainability, employment outcomes, international research network, citations per faculty, international faculty ratio, and international student ratio.
• QS also provides rankings by subject, region, student city, business school, and sustainability.

Green Lynx Spider

A new species of Green Lynx Spider, scientifically named Peucetia chhaparajnirvin, has been discovered in the Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary located in Rajasthan.

Discovery Details

• The spider was identified during fieldwork conducted by Nirmala Kumari in the Churu district of Rajasthan.
• Specimens of this newly discovered species have been preserved in the entomology laboratory at the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
• The identification and description of the species took place in the Spider Research Lab at JD Patil Sangludkar Mahavidyalaya, Daryapur, situated in the Amravati district of Maharashtra.

Habitat and Characteristics

• Vachellia Nilotica : The Green Lynx Spider is typically found on the green leaves of the Vachellia nilotica tree, commonly known as the babul tree.
• Camouflage and Hunting : Their green coloration helps them blend into their surroundings, making it easier to ambush prey. Their long legs enable swift movement, aiding in hunting.

Behavior and Diet

• Nocturnal Predators : These spiders are active at night and primarily feed on small insects.
• Prey Items : They are known to prey on various types of moths and their larvae, including bollworm moths, leafworm moths, and looper moths.

Ecological Significance

• Pest Control : Green Lynx Spiders play a crucial role in controlling insect populations that can damage plants and disrupt forest ecosystems.
• Insect Predators : They are significant predators of insects found in low shrubs and herbaceous plants, contributing to the balance of the ecosystem.

Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location : Situated on the border of the Great Indian Thar Desert in Rajasthan.
• Notable Wildlife : The sanctuary is renowned for being home to the graceful Blackbuck antelope.
• History : Tal Chhapar was designated as a sanctuary in 1966 and was previously a hunting reserve for the royal family of Bikaner.
• Geography : The term “Tal” refers to flat land in Rajasthani, describing the sanctuary's nearly flat terrain characterized by open grasslands interspersed with Acacia and Prosopis trees, resembling a typical Savanna ecosystem.

Investors’ Summit 2024

The Rajasthan government has plans to host a three-day Investors’ Summit in December 2024, with the intention of organizing these summits annually to accelerate industrialization in the state.

• However, there are concerns within the business sector that the regular occurrence of such events could divert attention, effort, and funds away from the industries department’s other responsibilities. Organizing these summits requires extensive planning and preparation throughout the year.
• The primary focus should be on creating an industry-friendly environment through rigorous engagement in various aspects such as policymaking, infrastructure development, administration, monitoring, and dispute resolution. Additionally, developing an attractive industrial policy to lure investments from other states is crucial.

Great Indian Travel Bazaar

The Rajasthan tourism department is set to host the 13th Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) in Jaipur from May 5th to 7th, 2024, aiming to promote tourism in the state. This event is being organized in collaboration with the Centre’s tourism ministry and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

• During the event, Rajasthan will showcase its rich cultural heritage through various events highlighting its art, history, and tourism offerings. A special ‘Wed in India Expo’ will be held on the first day to encourage both domestic and international tourists to consider Rajasthan as a wedding destination.
• The subsequent days will focus on business-to-business meetings with foreign tour operators, offering them opportunities to explore Rajasthan. According to the All Wedding Industries Federation in Rajasthan, the state hosts 1.5 to 2 million weddings annually. With collective efforts from the tourism industry and the state government, there is potential to increase destination weddings by 5-10%, creating numerous employment opportunities and generating revenue for the government. This would also benefit the hotels and tourism sector significantly.

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)

• FICCI, established in 1927, is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization and India’s largest and oldest apex business body. Its history is intertwined with India’s independence struggle, industrialization, and growth as a global economy.

Introduction of Digital Water Distribution System in Rajasthan

A new digital water distribution system has been launched in the Sriganganagar district of Rajasthan to improve the supply of water for agricultural fields. This system, developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) in Jaipur, aims to provide farmers with real-time information about the water reaching their fields, reducing human error associated with the manual system.

Enhancing Transparency and Efficiency

• The digital platform will enhance transparency in the distribution of water from the Gang Canal and Indira Gandhi Canal to farmers in the district, addressing issues related to water availability.
• Water user association heads will input farmer information into the portal only once, after which farmers will automatically receive their irrigation turn slips online.

Potential for Expansion

• The online 'barabandi' (fixed turn) system has the potential to be expanded and implemented as an equitable water distribution system for farmers in other districts of Rajasthan as well.

Role of the National Informatics Centre (NIC)

• NIC's Role: The NIC provides network infrastructure and e-Governance support to the Central Government, State Governments, and Union Territory Administrations.
• ICT Infrastructure: NIC has established a nationwide information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and has developed various digital solutions to support government functions at different levels.
• Last-Mile Delivery: NIC's efforts have facilitated the last-mile delivery of government services to citizens, ensuring efficient governance.
• Ministry Oversight: NIC operates under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
• Establishment: NIC was established in 1976 and is headquartered in New Delhi.