RPSC Monthly Current Affairs: July 2025 | Monthly Current Affairs RPSC - RPSC RAS (Rajasthan) PDF Download

Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) – National Project Status

Why in News?
In July 2025, the Union Government announced that the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) would be granted the status of a National Project, ensuring central funding support.

Key Points

• The project aims to supply drinking and irrigation water to 13 districts of eastern Rajasthan including Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar, Baran, Sawai Madhopur, Karauli, Dholpur, Bharatpur, Alwar, Jaipur, Ajmer, Tonk and Dausa.
• It will utilize surplus water from the Chambal and its tributaries (Kalisindh, Parvati) to drought-prone areas.
• Once complete, ERCP will benefit nearly 41% of Rajasthan’s population.

Background Information

• ERCP was conceived in 2017 and has been a long-pending demand of Rajasthan.
• With national project status, 90% of funding will now be borne by the Centre, reducing the financial burden on the state.
• Water scarcity is a major challenge in eastern and southern Rajasthan, making this project strategically important.

Desertification Control Measures – Thar Desert

Why in News?
In July 2025, Rajasthan launched a special Desertification Control Programme to tackle land degradation in the Thar Desert region.

Key Points

• The programme aims to plant over 10 crore trees across Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner and Jodhpur districts over the next five years.
• Soil-binding grass species like sewan and dhaman are being promoted.
• The initiative will be implemented jointly by the Rajasthan Forest Department, CAZRI (Jodhpur), and local panchayats.

Background Information

• Nearly 60% of Rajasthan’s land area faces desertification and land degradation threats.
• The Thar Desert is among the most densely populated deserts of the world.
• The initiative is aligned with India’s commitment to the UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification) to achieve land degradation neutrality by 2030.

Keoladeo National Park – UNESCO Eco-Tourism Award

Why in News?
In July 2025, Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur) received the UNESCO Eco-Tourism Excellence Award for successful community-based conservation and sustainable tourism practices.

Key Points

• Local communities were involved in eco-tourism initiatives such as bird-watching tours, homestays, and handicraft sales.
• Revenue generated is being shared with local panchayats, improving livelihoods.
• UNESCO praised the park’s role in balancing tourism with habitat protection for migratory birds.

Background Information

• Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for migratory Siberian cranes and is also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
• It is one of the most important wintering grounds for migratory waterfowl in South Asia.

Jaipur Metro Expansion

Why in News?
The Rajasthan Government approved the Phase II expansion of Jaipur Metro in July 2025.

Key Points

• The new route will extend from Sitapura Industrial Area to Ambabari, covering around 23 km.
• Estimated project cost: ₹8,900 crore.
• The project will be funded through a mix of state budgetary support, central assistance, and international development loans.
• Once completed, it will connect key industrial, residential, and tourist areas of Jaipur.

Background Information

• Jaipur Metro became operational in 2015, making Jaipur the sixth Indian city with a metro rail system.
• With this expansion, Jaipur Metro will play a bigger role in reducing urban congestion and pollution.

UNESCO Intangible Heritage Nomination – Jaipur Gulaal Gota Festival

Why in News?
In July 2025, Rajasthan nominated the Jaipur Gulaal Gota Festival for inclusion in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Key Points

• Gulaal Gota is a unique Holi tradition where participants throw colorful water-filled lac balls at each other.
• The craft of making these lac balls is exclusive to Jaipur artisans and is centuries old.
• The nomination aims to preserve both the cultural practice and the endangered lac-work craft.

Background Information

• Jaipur is already recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage City (2019).
• Rajasthan’s previous intangible cultural heritage recognitions include Kalbelia dance and Kutchi embroidery (shared tradition).

Pushkar Fair to Go Fully Digital

Why in News?
The Rajasthan Government announced that the Pushkar Fair 2025 will be organised with complete digital ticketing and livestock trade registration systems.

Key Points

• QR-based entry passes will replace traditional paper tickets for tourists.
• Livestock traders will use digital kiosks for online registration and price tracking of camels and cattle.
• The government expects a record increase in foreign tourist arrivals in November 2025.

Background Information

• Pushkar Fair, held annually in Ajmer district, is one of the largest livestock fairs in Asia. It is also famous for its cultural events, hot air balloon rides, and pilgrimage to the Pushkar Lake and Brahma Temple.
• The move towards digitalisation aims to modernise tourism infrastructure while preserving Rajasthan’s traditional fairs.

Restoration of Kumbhalgarh Fort

Why in News?
In July 2025, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) announced the second phase of restoration works at Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Rajsamand district.

Key Points

• Restoration includes conservation of the fort’s walls, watchtowers, and stepwells.
• The ASI is also digitising manuscripts and inscriptions found at the site.
• Drone-based 3D mapping is being used to preserve the structural details of the fort.

Background Information

• Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by Rana Kumbha in the 15th century.
• It is famous for having the second-longest continuous wall in the world (after the Great Wall of China).
• It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 as part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan group.

Agriculture – Bajra and Moong Cultivation Drive

Why in News?
In July 2025, the Rajasthan Government launched a special initiative to promote Bajra (pearl millet) and Moong (green gram) cultivation in arid districts.

Key Points

• Target districts: Nagaur, Barmer, Jalore, Churu, and Sikar.
• Farmers were given subsidised seeds and micro-irrigation kits.
• The initiative aims to increase Rajasthan’s share in national production of pulses and millets.

Background Information

• Rajasthan is India’s largest producer of Bajra (Pearl Millet).
• Millets have gained renewed importance after the UN declared 2023 the International Year of Millets.
• Rajasthan is also a leading producer of Moong, making this scheme vital for both food security and farmer incomes.