TLDR;
This YouTube transcript provides a comprehensive overview of current affairs related to Rajasthan, India. It covers various topics, including appointments, sports achievements, environmental initiatives, policy changes, and cultural events. The speaker emphasises the importance of focusing on Rajasthan-specific current affairs for state-level exams and highlights key individuals, locations, and policies that have been in the news recently.
- Recent appointments in Rajasthan's universities and government departments.
- Rajasthan's recognition as a Ramsar site and efforts to promote tourism.
- Initiatives to improve governance, promote investment, and empower marginalised communities.
Introduction to Current Affairs [0:01]
The speaker outlines the approach to studying current affairs, dividing it into Rajasthan, India, and International sections, with a separate focus on Science & Technology and Sports. They mention that the Rajasthan current affairs section will now include sports-related news due to the increasing number of questions related to Rajasthan in sports. The speaker also notes the increased emphasis on Rajasthan-related questions in recent exams and the revised syllabus for the RAS exam.
Recent Appointments in Rajasthan [0:59]
The discussion highlights recent appointments, including those of Kulgurus (Vice-Chancellors) in universities. Professor Madan Mohan Jha has been appointed as the Kulguru of the Sanskrit University in Jaipur, named Jagatguru Ramanandacharya Rajasthan Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya. Dr. Rajendra Babu Dubey has been appointed as the Kulguru of the Agriculture University in Bikaner, named Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University. Sunil Sharma has been appointed as the State Information Commissioner. Raghavendra Kachhwal, previously a District and Sessions Judge in Rajsamand, has been appointed as the Principal Secretary of the Law and Legal Affairs Department.
Achievements of Manasvi Agarwal [8:42]
Manasvi Agarwal from Udaipur has scaled Mount Vinson Massif, the highest peak in Antarctica, and hoisted the Indian flag. The peak is 4,892 metres high. This achievement makes her the first woman from Rajasthan to achieve this feat.
Rajasthan's Ramsar Sites [11:32]
Siliserh Lake in Alwar has been declared a Ramsar site, joining Keoladeo National Park (1981) and Sambhar Lake (1990). In 2025, Khichan and Menar were also declared Ramsar sites on 5 June. Siliserh Lake was built by Maharaja Vinay Singh for his queen Sheela and is known as the "Nandan Kanan of Rajasthan". Khichan is known for the Demoiselle crane (Kurja) bird, and Menar is known for its Barood ki Holi tradition.
Name Change of Raj Bhavan and Other Initiatives [17:34]
The Raj Bhavan, the Governor's residence, has been renamed Lok Bhavan to reflect a more democratic ethos. The Lokayukta Secretariat has unveiled its logo with the motto "Nyayo Neeti Ch Shashanam" (Justice is the policy of governance). Sawai Madhopur village in Pali district has been selected as a smart village under a project by CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) and CBRI (Central Building Research Institute), Roorkee, with the goal of achieving a developed India by 2047.
Gagron Fort Painting Competition and Panch Gaurav Scheme [22:36]
A painting competition involving 5,000 students was held at Gagron Fort, Jhalawar, earning a place in the World Book of Records, London. Gagron Fort has been selected as a tourist destination under the Panch Gaurav scheme, which promotes five unique aspects of each district. For Jhalawar, these include orange production, teak species, Kota stone products, Gagron Fort as a tourist site, and basketball as a sport.
Rajasthan Police Academy Recognition [26:14]
The Rajasthan Police Academy (RPA) has been recognised as an "Institute of Excellence" by the Capacity Building Commission (CBC). It is the first state police academy in the country to receive this honour. The RPA was also the first to start teaching the new criminal laws.
Rajasthan Film Tourism Promotion Policy [33:46]
The Rajasthan Film Tourism Promotion Policy was launched on 24 December in Mandawa to promote film shooting in the state. Key provisions include no fees for shooting at government locations for up to five days, subsidies for films that win international or national awards, and a requirement for subsidised films to credit the Rajasthan government and tourism department. The policy also includes the launch of an online portal and directory for filmmakers. Financial assistance will be provided to students from Rajasthan studying at the National School of Drama (Delhi) and the Film and Television Institute of India (Pune).
Rajasthan Tourism Policy 2025 [49:43]
The Rajasthan Tourism Policy 2025, launched on 3 December, aims to promote tourism by encouraging private sector investment, improving infrastructure, and enhancing connectivity between tourist destinations. The policy will be reviewed every two years. A state-level committee under the Rajasthan Tourism Board and a Policy Implementation Unit (PIU) will oversee its implementation.
Rajasthan Honour of Dead Body Act, 2023 [54:44]
The Rajasthan government has implemented the Rajasthan Honour of Dead Body Act, 2023, with new rules added on 4 December 2025, to ensure respect for the deceased. The act stipulates penalties for withholding a dead body, ranging from one year's imprisonment for failing to take possession of a body to up to 10 years for tampering with a body.
Rajasthan Public Trust Act [58:37]
The Rajasthan Public Trust Act, based on the central government's Jan Vishwas Act 2023, amends 11 state laws to decriminalise minor offences, reducing unnecessary burdens on citizens and businesses. This includes changes to the Rajasthan Forest Act 1953, the Rajasthan State Aid to Industries Act 1961, and the Jaipur Water Supply and Sewerage Board Act 2018.
Non-Resident Rajasthani (NRR) Policy [1:07:11]
The state government has introduced a Non-Resident Rajasthani (NRR) policy to engage the diaspora in the state's development. This policy was launched at the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit. The Rajasthan Foundation will serve as the nodal agency. Six key initiatives have been identified: Apna Vidyalaya, Arogya Bandhan, Apni Anganwadi, Apni Virasat, Hariyalo Pradesh, and Pashu Sarthi. The policy is built on five strategic pillars: Accelerate, Bridge, Celebrate, Drive, and Ensure.
Incentives for Non-Resident Rajasthanis [1:14:17]
The government will offer various incentives to NRRs, including the Matribhumi Samman (Motherland Honour), a special NRR card, single-window clearance for investments, a dedicated investment fund, and a Rajasthan Mandap centre in Jaipur.
Trade Promotion Policy [1:14:47]
The Rajasthan Trade Promotion Policy aims to boost trade by supporting small businesses through e-commerce and large businesses through logistics networks. The policy targets over 10.5 lakh retail stores and MSMEs. The Department of Industries and Trade will be the nodal agency. The policy is effective until 31 March 2029.
Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Policy [1:18:17]
The Transit Oriented Development (TOD) policy aims to reduce congestion around metro and railway stations by creating transit zones. These zones will be implemented in areas with high footfall (over 5,000 passengers per hour) and will extend up to 800 metres around selected stations.
Digitisation of Voter Lists and Other Initiatives [1:21:31]
Rajasthan has achieved 100% digitisation of its voter lists. The Sabha Saar initiative, an AI-based system for recording and transcribing gram sabha meetings, is being implemented in 1,500 gram panchayats. The City Accelerator Programme, under the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, aims to promote renewable energy in 100 cities across India, including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Ajmer.
Karma Bhoomi to Motherland Campaign [1:30:48]
The Karma Bhoomi to Motherland campaign encourages NRRs to contribute to water conservation efforts in Rajasthan through the "Catch the Rain" initiative. The goal is to recharge 45,000 water bodies in four years.
Pravasi Rajasthan Divas and Other Initiatives for NRRs [1:35:32]
The first Pravasi Rajasthan Divas (Non-Resident Rajasthani Day) was celebrated on 10 December. A new department for NRRs will be established, and the Rajasthan Foundation will be expanded. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth ₹1 lakh crore was signed with NRRs, including a plan by Vedanta Group to establish the country's largest fertiliser factory in Rajasthan.
Pandit Madhukar Gaud Sarthak Sahitya Samman [1:54:08]
Sangram Singh Soda has been awarded the Pandit Madhukar Gaud Sarthak Sahitya Samman for his contributions to Rajasthani literature.
Shilp Guru and Hastshilp Awards [1:55:51]
The Shilp Guru and Hastshilp awards for 2023 and 2024 were presented. The Hastshilp awards for 2023 were given to Dhapa Devi and Kavita Choudhary for carpet making, Pawan Kumar Kumawat for jewellery, and Roshan Chhipa for artistic textiles. The Hastshilp awards for 2024 were given to Motilal Vani for metal craft, Gayatri Rani for meenakari on flute, and Anil Kumar Prajapat for terracotta. Kamlesh Sharma received the Shilp Guru award for Tarakashi work in 2024.
International Women's Courage Award [2:00:29]
Kriti Bharti, who runs the Saarthi Trust, has been awarded the International Women's Courage Award for her work in preventing child marriages in rural Rajasthan.
19th National Scout Guide Jamboree [2:10:20]
Rajasthan Scouts and Guides secured the first position at the 19th National Scout Guide Jamboree held in Lucknow.
SMC Mentor Award [2:12:08]
Professor Neelima Gupta, HOD of Chemistry at Rajasthan University, has been awarded the SMC (Society for Material Chemistry) Mentor Award.
National IIMMM President Appreciation Award [2:13:18]
Virendra Singh Rathore, RTO, has been awarded the National IIMMM (Indian Institute of Material Management) President Appreciation Award for his work in road safety.
National Divyangjan Empowerment Award [2:14:52]
Deepali Sharma, a deaf artist, has been awarded the National Divyangjan Empowerment Award for her paintings.
IGBC Fellowship Award [2:15:33]
Dheerendra Madan of Mahima Group has been awarded the IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) Fellowship Award for promoting green building practices.
IAPC Gold Medal for Nurses [2:16:37]
Meenu Yadav, a nursing officer at AIIMS Jodhpur, has been awarded the IAPC (Indian Association of Palliative Care) Gold Medal for Nurses.
High-Tech Cyber Fusion Centre [2:31:13]
Rajasthan has established five high-tech cyber fusion centres to combat cybercrime in Bhiwadi, Alwar, Khairthal-Tijara, Deeg, and Sawai Madhopur.
Harimau Shakti Exercise [2:35:06]
The fifth edition of the Harimau Shakti exercise, a joint military exercise between India and Malaysia, was held at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Bikaner.
Apoorva App [2:36:49]
Dr. Apoorva Tak of Mahaveer Cancer Hospital has developed the Apoorva App to improve communication between doctors and cancer patients.
Legal Officer Portal [2:38:25]
The Law and Legal Affairs Department has launched the Legal Officer Portal to manage employee data and correspondence.
World's First Ayurveda Excellence Centre [2:39:50]
The world's first Ayurveda Excellence Centre will be established at the National Ayurveda Institute in Jaipur.
Mining Sector in Rajasthan [2:42:31]
Rajasthan holds the second rank in the mining sector and in major mineral block auctions. It holds the first rank in pre-embedded mineral block auctions. Rare earth minerals are found in Siwana, Jalore, and Nagaur, while potash is found in Ganganagar and Hanumangarh, and tungsten in Nagaur.
Innovation Day Startup Conclave [2:47:27]
An Innovation Day Startup Conclave was held on 12 December at the Rajasthan International Centre. Key announcements included the launch of an ABGC-XR policy, the establishment of a cyber security simulation lab, and the addition of 294 B2C services on the e-Mitra portal.
Centre of Excellence for Climate Change [2:49:21]
A Centre of Excellence for Climate Change will be established in Jagatpura, with IIT Jodhpur as the knowledge partner.
Sports Achievements [2:50:08]
- Ojswini Saraswat: A golfer from Jaipur, won a gold medal at the Delhi Golf Club Ladies Open.
- Sanskar Saraswat: A badminton player from Jodhpur, won the Super 100 title in Guwahati.
- Vanshika Grewal: From Rajasthan University, won a bronze medal in boxing at the Khelo India University Games.
- Samyak Singhal: A member of the Indian basketball team that won a bronze medal at the Special Olympics Unified Basketball tournament in Puerto Rico.
- Rohit Kumawat: Won a silver medal in archery at an event in Hyderabad.
- Tulip Oja: Won a gold medal in taekwondo at an event in Hyderabad.
- Gautam Parikh: Won a silver and a bronze medal in para-shooting.
- Sarika Yadav: Won a bronze medal in long jump at the All India Civil Services Athletics Competition.
- Khwaish Sharma: Won a silver medal in rifle shooting at the Khelo India University Games.
- Yogya Singh: Won a silver and a bronze medal in swimming at the Khelo India University Games.
- Gaurav Sahu: Won a gold medal in powerlifting.
- Manisha: Won a bronze medal in powerlifting.
- Chandni Prajapat: Won a bronze medal in powerlifting.
Born to Win Multi-Sport Tournament [3:12:32]
The Bharat Tibbat Samanvay Sangh organised the "Born to Win" multi-sport tournament in Jaipur with the slogan "Bharat ki Mitti, Bharat ki Jeet" (India's soil, India's victory).
37th Federation Cup Handball Championship [3:15:32]
Rajasthan lost to Punjab in the final of the 37th Federation Cup Handball Championship held in Lucknow.
Civil Services Challenger Trophy [3:16:14]
The Account Services team won the Civil Services Challenger Trophy, defeating the IAS team in the final and the RAS team in the semi-final. The Account Services women's team also won gold medals in badminton and tennis.
68th National Shooting Championship [3:17:38]
At the 68th National Shooting Championship in Bhopal, Lavanya Kavar won seven medals (one gold, two bronze, and four silver), and Shikha Choudhary won six medals (three gold, two bronze, and one silver).