State PCS - Rajasthan (RAS)

• 02 Mar 2026

Rajasthan Reclaims Ancient Nomenclature for Key Tourist Hubs

Why in News?

In a major move to restore historical identity and shed colonial legacies, the Rajasthan State Government officially renamed three key towns: Mount Abu, Kaman, and Jahazpur.

Key Points:

• Cultural Restoration: The decision announced in the State Assembly, aligns with the broader national trend of "decolonisation" and cultural reclamation.
• Mount Abu — Renamed Abu Raj: Located in Sirohi district, Mount Abu is Rajasthan’s sole hill station, known for its cooler climate, scenic landscapes and architectural heritage — including the world-famous Dilwara Jain temples. 
  • The new name Abu Raj is intended to reflect the region’s historical identity, suggested to be rooted in ancient references to Arbuda and signifying a regal or sovereign legacy.
• Kaman — Renamed Kamvan: Situated in Bharatpur district, Kaman lies within the Braj cultural region and is mentioned in Hindu scriptures such as the Bhagavata Purana and Skanda Purana. 
  • The revised name Kamvan restores reference to the ancient Kamavan, a mythological forest associated with the early life of Lord Krishna.
• Jahazpur — Renamed Yagyapur: In Bhilwara district, Jahazpur has historical links to Vedic traditions and fire rituals (yagya). 
  • By adopting Yagyapur, the government seeks to foreground the town’s spiritual heritage and Vedic cultural roots.
• Significance:The renaming fits into a larger national context where states revisit place-names to strengthen regional pride, linguistic roots and cultural memory. 

Iran Appointed Ayatollah Alireza Arafi as Interim Supreme Leader

Why in News?

Following the reported death of Ali Khamenei in a joint United States-Israeli airstrike, the Islamic Republic of Iran has appointed Ayatollah Alireza Arafi as a key member of the interim Leadership Council, effectively positioning him as the acting Supreme Leader during the transitional period.

Key Points:

• Leadership Council: Under Article 111 of the Iranian Constitution, a three-member interim body now governs the Islamic Republic. 
  • It includes Arafi alongside the President and the Chief Justice, ensuring continuity of authority amid the unprecedented leadership vacuum.
• Role and Authority: The interim Leadership Council assumes the constitutional duties of the Supreme Leader until a permanent successor is chosen by the Assembly of Experts.
  • The Supreme Leader in Iran is the highest authority, overseeing the armed forces, judiciary, state broadcasting, and key policy decisions.
• Background of Arafi: He is a senior Shia cleric and has held key positions in Iran’s religious establishment, including membership in both the Guardian Council and the Assembly of Experts. 
  • He has also led major seminaries in Qom.
  • Qom is Iran’s principal centre of Shia Islamic scholarship, and Arafi’s association with its seminaries strengthens his clerical standing.
• Continuity of Governance: The interim council ensures that executive, military, and judicial authority remains uninterrupted during the transition period.
• Significance: Alireza Arafi’s appointment to the interim leadership council is a key moment in Iran’s political transition, highlighting constitutional procedures for leadership succession amid heightened regional tensions.

Read More: Iran-Israel Conflict