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

Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project

Recently, the governments of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP).

Key Points

• The MoU will facilitate the provision of drinking water and irrigation in 13 districts of Rajasthan and significantly improve the economic conditions of the region.
• The ERCP, a major initiative for drinking and irrigation water, was proposed by the Rajasthan government in the 2017-18 budget as a lasting solution to water scarcity in 13 eastern districts.
• The districts targeted include Jhalawar, Baran, Kota, Bundi, Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Tonk, Jaipur, Dausa, Karauli, Alwar, Bharatpur, and Dholpur.
• The project aims to capture excess water during the rainy season from rivers in Southern Rajasthan, such as the Chambal and its tributaries (Kunnu, Parvati, Kalisindh), and supply this water to the water-scarce southeastern districts.
• The ERCP is designed to meet the drinking and industrial water needs of southern and southeastern Rajasthan for humans, livestock, and industries until 2051.

Chambal River

• Origin: The Chambal River begins at the Singar Chouri peak in the northern Vindhya mountains in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
• Course: It flows northward in Madhya Pradesh for about 346 km, then changes to a north-easterly direction for 225 km through Rajasthan.
• Uttar Pradesh: The river enters Uttar Pradesh, flowing for approximately 32 km before merging with the Yamuna River in Etawah District.
• Characteristics: The Chambal is a rainfed river, with its basin bordered by the Vindhyan ranges and the Aravallis. The river and its tributaries drain the Malwa region of northwestern Madhya Pradesh.
• Hadauti Plateau: This plateau, located in Rajasthan's upper Chambal catchment, is southeast of the Mewar Plains.

Tributaries

Banas, Kali Sindh, Sipra, Parbati, etc.

Main Power Projects/Dams

• Gandhi Sagar Dam
• Rana Pratap Sagar Dam
• Jawahar Sagar Dam
• Kota Barrage

National Chambal Sanctuary

The National Chambal Sanctuary is situated along the Chambal River, at the confluence of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. This sanctuary is renowned for its population of critically endangered species such as the gharial (a type of crocodile), the red-crowned roof turtle, and the endangered Ganges river dolphin.

Rajasthan to Start Prerana Schools

The Rajasthan government is set to establish Prerana schools, drawing inspiration from the successful model in Gujarat's Mehsana district.

• The aim is to provide students with exposure through interactions with diverse peers, learning about technological advancements, and acquiring essential life skills.
• Initiated by the Ministry of Education, the Prerana programme offers a unique and inspiring experiential learning opportunity, fostering leadership qualities in participants.
• Currently implemented in a vernacular school in Gujarat, Prerana is a week-long residential programme for selected students in Classes IX to XII, blending heritage with innovation using advanced technology.
• Each week, 20 chosen students, including 10 boys and 10 girls from various parts of the country, attend the programme, with a curriculum developed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) .

Rajasthan Government Appoints Rajendra Prasad Gupta as Advocate General

On February 3, 2024, the Rajasthan government designated Rajendra Prasad Gupta, a senior advocate of the Rajasthan High Court, as the Advocate General of the state.

• Gupta previously served as the Additional Advocate General (AAG) from January 2014 to January 2019 and has been practicing in the Jaipur Bench of the High Court since 1985.
• In addition to his legal career, he is an academic member of the National Law University in Jodhpur and holds a CA qualification along with an LLB degree.
• The appointment followed a High Court petition addressing the delay in selecting the Advocate General.

Role of the Advocate General

• The Advocate General of a state is responsible for providing legal advice to the State Government on matters referred by the Governor.
• This position is constitutionally mandated under Article 165 of the Indian Constitution and the Advocate General acts as the highest law officer in the state.
• The Governor appoints the Advocate General, who must be qualified to be a High Court Judge.
• The Advocate General represents the state in court cases and has the right to participate in the sessions of both Houses of the State legislature, although they do not have voting rights.

Additional Advocate General (AAG)

• An Additional Advocate General (AAG) assists the Advocate General (AG) of a state or union territory in India.
• The AAG is appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the AG and performs duties such as representing the state in court, providing legal opinions, and drafting pleadings as assigned by the AG.

Rajasthan Artisans' Craft at UAE's First Hindu Temple

Artisans from the villages of Makrana in Rajasthan are filled with pride as their craftsmanship is showcased in Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple, which is set to be inaugurated. The temple, being constructed by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, is located on a 27-acre site in Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba, along the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway.

• The temple's exterior features stunning marble carvings against a backdrop of sandstone, created from over 25,000 pieces of stone by skilled artisans from Rajasthan and Gujarat. A significant amount of pink sandstone was transported from northern Rajasthan to Abu Dhabi for this project.
• Architectural elements of the temple include:
  • Two ghumats (domes)
  • Seven shikhars (spires) representing the seven emirates of the UAE
  • Twelve samrans (dome-like structures)
  • 402 intricately carved pillars
• Within each shikhar, detailed carvings depict stories from ancient Indian texts such as the Ramayana, Shiv Purana, Bhagavatam, and Mahabharata, as well as tales of various deities including Lord Jagannath, Lord Swaminarayan, Lord Venkateshwara, and Lord Ayyappa.
• The 'Dome of Harmony' is a unique feature that represents the harmony of the five natural elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space. Additionally, the camel, symbolizing persistence, commitment, and endurance, has been intricately carved into the temple's structures, drawing inspiration from the UAE's landscape.

Pink Sandstone

Sandstone is a type of sedimentary rock primarily composed of sand grains ranging in size from 2 mm to 120 mm, with various compositions. The sand may consist of grains of quartz, feldspar, and other detrital minerals, held together by an interstitial cementing material. The pink hue of sandstone is mainly due to the presence of iron oxide minerals.

Like other varieties of sandstone, pink sandstone is predominantly made up of sand grains, which can include quartz, feldspar, and other minerals. The cementing material that binds these grains together can be calcite, silica, or iron oxide. Pink sandstone is commonly found in India, particularly in regions such as Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.

• Rajasthan: Dholpur is known for its Dholpur Pink Sandstone; Jodhpur produces Jodhpur Pink Sandstone.
• Gujarat: Bhuj is renowned for Bhuj Pink Sandstone.
• Madhya Pradesh: Shivpuri yields Shivpuri Pink Sandstone.

Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha

• The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha is a Hindu sect within the Swaminarayan tradition.
• It was established in 1905 by Yagnapurushdas, who believed that Swaminarayan's presence on earth continues through a lineage of gurus, starting with Gunatitanand Swami.

Rajasthan Government's Initiative for Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

The Rajasthan cabinet, represented by minister Kanhiya Lal Choudhary, announced plans to introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the state assembly.

• The UCC Bill aims to create uniform laws governing marriage, divorce, and property inheritance, with the intention of prohibiting practices such as polygamy and religiously sanctioned divorce.
• Similar to Uttarakhand's approach, the Rajasthan UCC Bill will exempt the tribal community, addressing their concerns about the inviolability of their customs and practices.

Understanding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

• The UCC is outlined in Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, part of the Directive Principles of State Policy.
• While these principles are not legally enforceable, they guide the state in policy-making.
• Supporters view the UCC as a means to foster national integration and gender justice, while critics see it as a potential threat to religious freedom and diversity.
• Goa is the only Indian state with a UCC, known as the Goa Civil Code, which was retained after the state was freed from Portuguese rule in 1961.
• Recently, Uttarakhand has also proposed a UCC bill in its state assembly.
• In the rest of India, different personal laws based on religious or community identity govern family matters.

Rajasthan Forms Task Force to Identify New Expressways

• The Rajasthan government has recently established a task force to identify potential new expressways aimed at connecting more cities to the road network for efficient traffic movement. The proposed expressways are expected to enhance the seamless transportation of people and goods, as well as boost tourism and economic development along the routes within the state.
• The task force is expected to submit its report to the state government within six months, after assessing the feasibility of constructing new expressways. During its evaluation, the task force will seek the input of subject experts to ensure a comprehensive analysis.

'Kisan Sathi' Portal: Streamlining Agricultural Schemes in Rajasthan

• The 'Kisan Sathi' portal in Rajasthan is revolutionizing the agricultural sector by acting as a single-window platform for farmers, thanks to the integration of Information Technology (IT). This portal simplifies the application process for various government schemes and allows farmers to monitor the benefits available to them.
• According to the State Agriculture Commissioner, over 12 lakh farmers have already benefited from the portal, which provides access to schemes related to agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and agricultural marketing. The paperless approach of the portal has expedited procedures and enhanced transparency within the system.
• Since its launch in 2021, the Kisan Sathi portal has facilitated direct benefit transfers totaling ₹1,600 crore to approximately three lakh farmers. Additionally, licenses for selling seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides are being issued in large numbers through online verification. The portal was introduced to promote "ease of doing farming" and has brought significant positive changes for the farming community.
• Mobile applications developed for farmers are also creating new opportunities by connecting them with buyers of agricultural produce. These apps offer services such as registration of sellers, distribution of seed mini-kits, registrations for bio-farming, and online submission of seed and fertilizer samples.

Vayu Shakti 2024

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to conduct Exercise Vayu Shakti on February 17, 2024, at the Pokhran Air to Ground Range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. This triennial exercise aims to demonstrate the IAF's capability for full-spectrum operations, both day and night. It will feature a wide array of aircraft, including frontline fighters like the Rafale, Su-30MKIs, Mirage 2000, and MiG-29s, as well as transport aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Exercise Vayu Shakti

• The exercise will showcase the firepower of various aircraft as they engage in precision strikes on designated targets using missiles and bombs.
• In preparation for this exercise, the IAF has been conducting various training activities to ensure readiness and coordination among different units.
• Following Vayu Shakti, the IAF plans to conduct Exercise Gaganshakti, a pan-India-level exercise aimed at demonstrating air dominance across the Indian territory, including the Indian Ocean Region.

Overview of Key Aircraft

Rafale

• Type: Twin-engine multirole fighter aircraft.
• Capabilities: Air supremacy, interdiction, aerial reconnaissance, ground support, in-depth strike, anti-ship strike, and nuclear deterrence missions.

Sukhoi Su-30MKI

• Type: Twin-engine, two-seat multirole fighter aircraft.
• Developed by: Russia’s Sukhoi, built under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) in India.
• Capabilities: Air superiority, ground attack, electronic warfare, and maritime strike missions.

Tejas

• Type: Multi-role light fighter aircraft.
• Developed by: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in India.
• Upcoming: The first Mk-1A Tejas is scheduled for delivery to the IAF in March 2024.

MIG 29s

• MIG 29s are advanced fighter aircraft known for their versatility and combat capabilities. Originally developed by Soviet Russia in the 1970s, these twin-engine, multirole jets have undergone significant upgrades since their inception.

Projects to Enhance Indian Railways Network

Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister, approved six projects proposed by the Ministry of Railways. These projects will be fully funded by the Central Government and aim to expand the Indian Railways network.

• The projects will cover 18 districts across 6 states : Rajasthan, Assam, Telangana, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Nagaland.

• The initiatives are expected to generate employment opportunities for local residents.

• Multi-tracking proposals included in the projects will improve operations and reduce congestion on some of the busiest sections of Indian Railways.

• These projects align with the Prime Minister’s vision of a self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat) by fostering comprehensive development in the regions, thereby enhancing employment and self-employment prospects.

• The projects are a result of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity, which emphasizes integrated planning for seamless movement of people, goods, and services.

• The approved routes will facilitate the transportation of various commodities, including food grains, fertilizers, coal, cement, steel, and petroleum products.

• Railways, being an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient mode of transport, will contribute to climate goals, reduce logistics costs, lower oil imports, and decrease carbon dioxide emissions.

PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan

• Launched in October 2021, the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan aims at coordinated planning and execution of infrastructure projects to reduce logistics costs.
• Gati Shakti is a digital platform that integrates development projects from 16 ministries, including railways and roadways, for effective planning and implementation.
• The Gati Shakti scheme replaced the earlier Rs 110 lakh crore National Infrastructure Pipeline announced in 2019.

Rajasthan Interim Budget

• Recently, the interim budget for Rajasthan was presented by Finance Minister Diya Kumari, who is also one of the Deputy Chief Ministers of the state.
• The budget includes provisions for establishing and upgrading schools, colleges, and hospitals in Assembly constituencies, with an allocation of ₹1,000 crore.
• A new pension scheme called CM Vishwakarma Pension for laborers and street vendors was also announced.
• The Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan-2 was introduced to create 5 lakh water harvesting structures in 20,000 villages over the next four years, with a budget of Rs 11,200 crore.
• The interim budget also proposed the recruitment of 70,000 posts in various departments to fill vacancies and provide employment opportunities.

Interim Budget

• An Interim Budget is presented by a government during a transitional period or its final year in office before general elections.
• Its purpose is to ensure continuity in government expenditure and essential services until a new government can present a comprehensive budget.

Vote on Account

• A vote on account, as per Article 116 of the Indian Constitution, is an advance grant for the central government to meet short-term expenditure needs from the Consolidated Fund of India.
• This grant typically lasts for a few months until the new financial year begins.

Rajasthan Government Unveils Mission Olympics 2028

In the interim budget for 2024-25, Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister, Diya Kumari, introduced Mission Olympics 2028. This initiative aims to provide world-class sports facilities to 50 talented youths who will be groomed for Olympic-level competition.

Key Features of Mission Olympics 2028:

• Acceleration Center: Selected youths will have access to an acceleration center in Jaipur, along with an acceleration coach, to enhance their training for the Olympics.
• Centre of Excellence for Sports: The government has allocated Rs. 100 crore to establish a Centre of Excellence for Sports in Jaipur. This center will offer state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment for various sports disciplines.

Vision for Sports in Rajasthan:

• Mission Olympics 2028 is part of the state government's broader vision to promote sports and physical education in Rajasthan.
• The initiative reflects the government's commitment to creating a conducive environment for sports and encouraging youth to pursue their athletic dreams.

Additional Initiatives Announced:

• Free Sports Kits: Provision of free sports kits to 10 lakh students.
• Playground Construction: Construction of 500 playgrounds in rural areas.
• Sports University: Establishment of a Sports University in Jodhpur.

These initiatives aim to further enhance the sports infrastructure and opportunities for youth in Rajasthan.

Rajasthan's Zero Tolerance Policy Against Corruption

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma emphasized the government's commitment to a "zero tolerance" policy against corruption and negligence in public interest works.

Key Points:

• Public Interest: Works related to public interest will be closely monitored, and any instances of corruption or negligence will be dealt with severely.
• Public Hearings: District-level officers are instructed to hold regular public hearings for at least one hour to address complaints, making it easier for citizens to voice their concerns without traveling to the capital.
• Monitoring and Feedback: Complaints will be monitored regularly, and feedback will be taken to ensure prompt disposal of issues.
• Review of Services: The status of essential services such as electricity, drinking water supply, medical facilities, and the progress of various missions and programs will be regularly reviewed.

Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra:

• Nationwide Campaign: This campaign aims to raise awareness and achieve saturation of Government of India schemes across all Gram Panchayats, Nagar Panchayats, and Urban Local Bodies.
• Whole of Government Approach: The campaign involves active participation from various Ministries/Departments of the Government of India, State Governments, and Central Government Organizations and Institutions.

Evangelists Arrested in Rajasthan for Alleged Mass Conversion Attempt

Recently, an incident occurred in Rajasthan where two evangelists were arrested and eight others were detained for allegedly attempting to convert hundreds of people to Christianity by offering them money and healing.

• The incident took place in Bharatpur, where the evangelists had organized a large-scale program with 450-500 people.
• The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) claimed that the evangelists used objectionable language against Hindu gods and misled people.
• The police arrested two of the evangelists, identified and booked them under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for promoting enmity, outraging religious feelings, and causing hurt.
• The police also detained eight other individuals under preventive measures of section 151 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and later released them on bail.

Preventive Detention

• Preventive detention refers to the detention of a person without trial and conviction by a court. Its purpose is not to punish a person for a past offense but to prevent them from committing an offense in the near future. The detention of a person cannot exceed three months unless an advisory board reports sufficient cause for extended detention.
• Article 22 of the Constitution grants protection to persons who are arrested or detained. It has two parts: the first part deals with cases of ordinary law, while the second part deals with cases of preventive detention law.

Freedom of Religion

Freedom of religion in India is a fundamental right guaranteed by Articles 25 to 28 of the Constitution.

• Article 25 : Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion.
• Article 26 : Freedom to manage religious affairs.
• Article 27 : Freedom as to payment of taxes for the promotion of any religion.
• Article 28 : Freedom as to attendance at religious instruction or religious worship in certain educational institutions.

Panel Constituted in Rajasthan

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has promised a probe into the alleged corruption under the previous government. A Cabinet sub-committee has been constituted to review decisions and schemes of the previous administration in Rajasthan and recommend whether they should be continued. Free mobile phones for women, distribution of ration kits, and formation of new districts are among the matters to be reviewed. The government has also ordered a probe into question paper leaks during the previous government.

Legal and Regulatory Frameworks for Fighting Corruption in India

Legal Framework:

• Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988: This Act prescribes penalties for corruption by public servants and those involved in abetting corruption.
• Amendment of 2018: This amendment criminalized both bribe-taking by public servants and bribe-giving by any person.
• Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002: This Act aims to prevent money laundering and prohibits the use of ‘proceeds of crime’ in India.
• Companies Act, 2013: This Act provides for corporate governance and prevention of corruption and fraud in the corporate sector. The term ‘fraud’ is broadly defined and is a criminal offence under this Act.
• Indian Penal Code, 1860: This code includes provisions that cover bribery and fraud matters, such as criminal breach of trust and cheating.
• Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988: This Act prohibits claiming property acquired in the name of another person as one’s own.

Regulatory Framework:

• Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013: This Act provides for the establishment of a Lokpal at the centre and Lokayuktas at the state level to inquire into allegations of corruption against certain public functionaries.
• Central Vigilance Commission: This Commission oversees vigilance administration and advises the executive on matters relating to corruption.

Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 1952

• Enhancement of Punishment: The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act in 1952 increased the punishment under Section 165 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) from two years to three years.

Amendments in 1964

• Expansion of 'Public Servant' Definition: In 1964, the definition of 'Public Servant' under the IPC was broadened.
• Broadened Definition of 'Criminal Misconduct': The definition of 'criminal misconduct' was also expanded.
• New Offence Introduced: Possession of assets by a public servant that are disproportionate to their known sources of income was made an offence.

PM Launches Development Projects in Rajasthan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched and laid the foundation for various development projects worth over Rs 17,000 crore in Rajasthan through video conferencing.

• This initiative is part of the 'Viksit Bharat Viksit Rajasthan' programme and includes important sectors such as roads, railways, solar energy, power transmission, drinking water, and petroleum & natural gas.
• During the event, the Prime Minister highlighted the crucial role of these development projects in ensuring rapid progress in essential areas like rail, road, electricity, and water for the advancement of Rajasthan. He also pointed out the significant allocation of Rs 11 trillion in the 2024 Union Budget for infrastructure development.
• Highway Infrastructure: Inauguration of national highway projects exceeding Rs 5,000 crore, enhancing connectivity in districts like Kota, Udaipur, Tonk, Sawai Madhopur, Boondi, Ajmer, Bhilwara, and Chittorgarh. These roads will improve links with Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
• Railway Projects: Foundation stone laid for eight railway projects worth around Rs 2,300 crore.
• Power Transmission: Dedication of power transmission projects exceeding Rs 2,100 crore to the nation.
• PM Surya Ghar Yojna: Initiative aimed at providing free electricity and facilitating solar panel installations in households, particularly benefiting the middle and lower-middle-class segments.
• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Foundation stone laid for multiple projects under JJM worth approximately Rs 2,400 crore.

PM Surya Ghar Yojna

The PM Surya Ghar Yojna is an innovative government program focused on installing rooftop solar power systems in one crore households across India.

• Concept of Rooftop Solar Panels: These are photovoltaic panels placed on the roof of a building, connected to the main power supply unit. They help reduce the reliance on grid electricity, leading to lower electricity costs for consumers.
• Exporting Surplus Solar Power: Households generating surplus solar power can export it to the grid, receiving monetary benefits for the excess power as per existing regulations.

Foundation Stone Laid for Solar Power Plant in Rajasthan by PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently laid the foundation stone for a 300 MW solar power project in Barsingsar, Rajasthan, undertaken by NLC India Ltd. NLC India, a Navratna company under the coal ministry, is investing approximately Rs 1,756 crore in this project, which is expected to be operational by September 2024.

Strategic Location and Benefits

• The solar project is situated near the existing Barsingsar Thermal Power Station, facilitating power evacuation through the current network and sharing of infrastructure facilities.
• This initiative aims to provide green and affordable energy to the region while creating significant employment opportunities for the local youth.

Understanding Navratna Companies

• Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) in India are categorized into Maharatna, Navratna, and Miniratna based on their financial performance and autonomy.
• As of 2023, there are 13 Maharatna, 16 Navratna, and 68 Miniratna CPSEs.
• Navratna Companies enjoy greater financial freedom, allowing them to invest up to Rs 1,000 crore without government approval.
• To achieve Navratna status, a company must first be a Miniratna and score 60 or more out of 100 on specific performance criteria.
• This status was introduced in 1997 to enhance the competitiveness of CPSEs in the global market.

Surya Namaskar Now Mandatory in All Rajasthan Schools

The Rajasthan state government has made Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) mandatory for all government and private schools in the state. This practice will be conducted for 10 minutes during morning prayer meetings or assemblies. The decision was announced by the education minister during an event organized by the education department on the occasion of Surya Saptami.

• Surya Saptami, also known as Ratha Saptami, is an annual Hindu festival dedicated to Surya, the sun god. It is observed on the seventh day (Saptami) of the Hindu month Magha and marks the birth of Surya. This festival signifies the change of season to spring and the beginning of the harvesting season.
• During the Surya Saptami event, a record 1.33 crore people across Rajasthan performed Surya Namaskar, and this achievement has been submitted to the World Book of Records in London.

Financial Options for Funding of Road Infrastructure in Rajasthan

The Rajasthan government is exploring innovative financial options, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), to secure increased funding for road infrastructure expansion.

• Rajasthan ranks seventh in state highways and second in national highways in India.
• The Rajasthan State Highways Authority is adopting new measures for better connectivity and innovative investment and financing models.
• A workshop on “Financing models for road infrastructure development” was held by the Public Works Department (PWD) and India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) Projects.
• IIFCL, a public sector infrastructure finance institution, has funded about 21% of India’s national highway capacity, covering nearly 30,000 km of roads.
• The state government aims to strengthen its road network in collaboration with IIFCL Projects, aligning it with the standards of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

Public-Private Partnership Model

A Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is a collaborative arrangement between the government and the private sector for the provision of public assets and services. In a PPP, private sector entities invest in and manage projects for a specified period, while the government retains overall responsibility for service delivery.

• Benefits of PPPs:
  • PPPs can alleviate government borrowing constraints in developing countries and bring in private sector expertise for large-scale projects.
  • They combine private sector technology and innovation with public sector incentives to ensure timely and budget-compliant project completion.
• Risk Allocation: There is a clear allocation of risks between the public entity and the private sector in a PPP.
• Competitive Bidding: Private entities are selected through open competitive bidding and receive performance-linked payments.
• Not Privatization: PPPs do not amount to privatization, as the government retains full responsibility for service provision.

India-Japan: Dharma Guardian

The fifth edition of the joint military exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ between Indian and Japanese land forces commenced recently at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan.

• Overview: The two-week drill is an annual exercise conducted alternately in India and Japan.
• Objectives: The aim of the exercise is to foster military cooperation and enhance combined capabilities to execute joint operations in semi-urban environments under the United Nations Charter.
• Focus Areas: The event would focus on a high degree of physical fitness, joint planning, joint tactical drills, and the basics of special arms skills.
• Indian Army Representation: The Indian Army is represented by a battalion from the Rajputana Rifles, the oldest rifle regiment of the Indian Army.
• Historical Background: The Rajputana Rifles was originally part of the British Indian Army and was transferred to the Indian Army in 1947. Since independence, the regiment has been involved in several conflicts and UN missions.

Charter of the United Nations

The Charter of the United Nations is the founding document of the UN, signed on 26th June 1945, in San Francisco, and came into force on 24th October 1945.

• Powers and Actions: The UN can take action on various issues due to its unique international character and the powers vested in its Charter, considered an international treaty.

The UN Charter is a legal document that governs the actions of UN Member States. The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the main judicial body of the United Nations, operates under its Statute, which is an integral part of the UN Charter.

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

• The Rajasthan government has directed water engineers to conduct quality testing and monitor the situation at the grassroots level to implement the Centre’s Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) effectively.
• The JJM aims to provide safe drinking water through tap connections to all rural households by the end of 2024, with a target of supplying 55 liters of water per person, per day, to households in water-scarce areas.
• In Rajasthan, action plans to achieve JJM targets are based on factors such as water availability, rainfall patterns, drought conditions, groundwater levels, water harvesting, water-borne diseases, and the overall water resources situation in each village.
• The state government is training members of village-level committees on scheme operations, water conservation, efficient drinking water use, and bank account management.
• District and village action plans, approved by Gram Sabhas, are crucial in addressing the water needs of different areas.