State PCS - Rajasthan (RAS)

• 18 Oct 2025

Sanganeri-Printed Blanket Covers

Why in News? 

In an effort to enhance passenger comfort and promote traditional Indian crafts, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched a pilot project introducing Sanganeri-printed covers for train blankets.  

• Alongside the blanket project, the Minister also inaugurated upgraded platforms and passenger amenities at 65 small and medium-sized stations under the North Western Railway zone, with a total investment of ₹100 crore. 

Key Points 

• About: The pilot initiative was unveiled at Jaipur’s Khatipura Railway Station and marks a step toward improving the overall passenger experience on Indian Railways. 
• Implementation: The project will initially be implemented in AC coaches of the Jaipur-Asrava Superfast Express (12981) on a trial basis. 
• Objective: The initiative aims to improve hygiene and passenger satisfaction by providing blankets with washable printed covers, similar to home-use models. 
• Design Considerations: The Sanganeri-printed covers have been designed for durability, ease of washing, and long-lasting prints. 
• Cultural Integration: Beyond Sanganeri prints, the Railways plans to showcase traditional textile designs from various states, thereby promoting India’s cultural diversity through rail services.

Sanganeri-Print

• Origin and Tradition: Sanganeri is a small village in Jaipur, Rajasthan renowned for its centuries-old tradition of hand block printing, passed down through generations. 
• Design Characteristics: The craft is distinguished by its intricate floral motifs and delicate detailing, reflecting a deep artistic heritage. 
• Inspiration and Aesthetics: Sanganeri prints draw inspiration from nature and Mughal architecture, resulting in elegant, harmonious, and richly patterned designs made with natural dyes. 

UN Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) Chiefs Conclave 2025

Why in News? 

The United Nations Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) Chiefs Conclave 2025, hosted by the Indian Army from 14th to 16th October 2025, brought together senior military leaders from 32 nations that play a key role in global UN peacekeeping operations. 

Key Points 

• About: The conclave is attended by senior military officials from 32 nations, including Algeria, Armenia, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Ghana, India, Italy, Kenya, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Poland, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Uruguay, and Vietnam.  
  • The event also features defence exhibitions aimed at building shared capacities for peacekeeping missions. 
• Objectives: The UNTCC serves as a vital forum to address operational challenges, evolving threats, interoperability, inclusivity in decision-making, and the role of technology and training in strengthening UN peacekeeping.  
  • India, one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping, has convened this high-level forum to discuss best practices, share insights, and build mutual understanding for future peacekeeping. 
• Technology Demonstration: The chiefs witnessed a demonstration of integrated, new-age military technology by the Indian Army, showcasing various indigenous military equipment.  
• 4C Formula for UN Peacekeeping: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh proposed a guiding principle of enhanced Consultation, Cooperation, Coordination, and Capacity Building (4C) to address emerging challenges in peacekeeping.  
  • He noted that the Centre for UN Peacekeeping in New Delhi has trained participants from over 90 countries, contributing significantly to the development of interoperability among peacekeepers.

United Nations Peacekeeping (UNPK) 

• The first UNPK mission, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO), was established in May 1948 to monitor the Armistice Agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbours with a small team of military observers.  
• They are deployed by the UN Security Council to support ceasefires and peace agreements and are called Blue Helmets due to the light blue colour symbolising peace on the UN flag.  
• Currently, over 61,000 military and police peacekeepers from 119 countries and more than 7,000 civilian personnel serve in 11 UN Peacekeeping Missions.