State PCS - Rajasthan (RAS)

• 13 Aug 2025

Country's First Drone-Based Cloud Seeding Experiment

Why in News?

The state agriculture department of Rajasthan launched the first-ever drone-based cloud seeding experiment to address the water crisis in the region and revive the Ramgarh Lake.  

Key Points

• Objective: The experiment aims to trigger rainfall by dispersing specialized chemicals into rain clouds, potentially benefiting agricultural activities in the region.  
  • This 60-day pilot project aims to promote water droplet formation in clouds to tackle the area's water shortage, as part of a larger, ongoing effort to address regional water scarcity. 
• Technology Used: The cloud seeding process is powered by an AI-driven platform called Hydro Trace, which uses real-time data, satellite imaging, and sensor networks to target the right clouds at the right time accurately. 
• Approvals: The technology received approvals from multiple bodies, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the India Meteorological Department, district authorities, and the agriculture department. 

Cloud Seeding 

• It is a weather modification technique that enhances precipitation by dispersing chemicals like silver iodide, potassium iodide, or dry ice into clouds, serving as nuclei for water droplet formation, leading to rainfall.   
• It can help combat air pollution, especially during periods of high Air Quality Index (AQI) readings.   
• Cloud seeding may increase water availability and result in economic, environmental, and human health benefits. 

 

Lesser Florican Conservation Crisis

Why in News? 

The unchecked release of stray dogs from Nasirabad and Ajmer into the forested expanse of Arwar Conservation Reserve has emerged as a grave threat to the Lesser Florican. 

Key Points 

• Decline in Population: The Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indicus), once common in Rajasthan’s monsoon grasslands, has experienced a catastrophic 97% decline. 
  • In the year 2025, only one male was spotted in the breeding grounds of Ajmer, Kekri, and Shahpura, a sharp decrease from 39 in 2020. 
  • A landscape survey by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) highlighted the species' dwindling numbers, with the lone male observed near Bandanwara. 

Lesser Florican (Sypheotides Indicus) 

• It is one of three bustard species endemic to India, the others being the Bengal florican (Critically Endangered) and the Great Indian Bustard (Critically Endangered). 
• It is the smallest of the bustard family and is renowned for its spectacular leaping breeding display. 
• In the local language, the bird is known as ‘tanmor’ or ‘kharmor’, derived from the root word ‘mor’ for peacock. 
• It is mainly observed in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. 
• Conservation status: 
  • IUCN Status: Critically Endangered 
  • Wildlife Protection Act,1972: Schedule I 
  • CITES: Appendix II

HIV-AIDS Awareness on International Youth Day

Why in News? 

On International Youth Day (12^th Aug 2025), the Rajasthan State AIDS Control Society organized a state-level program in Jaipur, launching an intensified Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign to promote HIV-AIDS awareness among youth across the state.  

International Youth Day (IYD) 

• Established by: UN General Assembly in 1999 
  • Initial Proposal: 1991 by young participants at World Youth Forum, Vienna 
  • Official Resolution: World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, Lisbon (1998) 
• First Celebrated: 12th August 2000 
• 2025 Theme: "Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond" 
  • With over 65% of SDG targets linked to local governance, youth engagement is a necessity. 
• Objectives: 
  • Draw attention to youth issues worldwide 
  • Promote youth engagement in sustainable development 
  • Celebrate youth contributions to society. 

AIDS 

• AIDS is a chronic, life-threatening condition caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which attacks the immune system, targeting CD4 cells (white blood cells, vital for the immune system).  
  • It spreads through unprotected sex, infected blood, and sharing needles.  
  • While there is no cure, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress the virus and help restore CD4 cells.  
• The Global AIDS Update 2023 highlights a decline in new infections, aiming to eliminate AIDS by 2030.  
  • In India, over 2.5 million people live with HIV, with a 44% reduction in new infections since 2010.

National Youth Day 

• India celebrates the National Youth Day, on 12th January every year on the occasion of Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary. 
  • Since 1984, the nation has marked the day by urging the youth to live up to the values, principles and beliefs that Vivekananda embraced. 
  • Swami Vivekananda's born on 12th January 1863, Kolkata. 
• Swami Vivekananda is considered one of the great Indian monks who enlightened the Western world about Hinduism. 
  • As a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, he pushed for national integration in colonial India and is credited with reviving Hinduism in the nation.