State PCS - Rajasthan (RAS)

• 06 Oct 2025

Rajasthan Launches ‘Aapni Bus-Rajasthan Roadways’ Initiative

Why in News? 

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma inaugurated the ‘Aapni Bus-Rajasthan Roadways’ initiative on  5th October 2025, marking a significant step towards improving rural transport connectivity and passenger amenities in Rajasthan.

Key Points

• About: The initiative is part of the state budget’s commitment to upgrade transport infrastructure, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. 
  • Earlier, these routes were operated under the ‘Public Transport Service’, which has now been rebranded as ‘Aapni Bus-Rajasthan Roadways’ for better visibility and integration. 
  • The buses will be managed by private operators under RSRTC’s supervision, ensuring professional service delivery and maintenance standards. 
• Coverage: The service will operate across 169 gram panchayats to strengthen last-mile connectivity by ensuring affordable, safe, and reliable transport for rural and small-town areas. 
• Operational Framework: The model operates on a revenue-sharing arrangement wherein private operators pay ₹5–7 per kilometre to the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC), while passengers are charged a fixed fare of ₹1.5 per kilometre. 
  • Free travel concessions will continue for women, senior citizens, and government-sponsored beneficiaries. 
  • All buses are equipped with GPS, panic buttons, and real-time tracking systems to enhance safety and transparency. 
• Significance: The initiative enhances rural connectivity by improving access to healthcare, education, and markets, generates local employment, integrates digital governance with smart tracking for transparency, and improves passenger comfort and trust through better safety and catering facilities. 

Rajasthan’s First Namo Biodiversity Park

Why in News? 

Rajasthan’s first ‘Namo Biodiversity Park’, also known as ‘Namo Van’, was inaugurated at Pratap Bandh, Alwar, by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav.

Key Points 

• About: Namo Van is a new eco-friendly park initiative launched across major Indian cities, as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nationwide push to increase green spaces and promote urban sustainability. 
• Green Infrastructure: The park is envisioned as a green lung for Alwar, enhancing local greenery and improving air quality. 
• Public Awareness: It aims to promote environmental awareness and encourage citizens to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles. 
• Community Participation: Designed to foster public involvement in conservation, aligning with India’s climate action and biodiversity goals. 
• Sustainability Focus: The initiative marks a key milestone in Rajasthan’s green development and supports India’s commitment to environmental sustainability. 
• Significance: The park represents a step forward in integrating urban ecological planning with public participation, reflecting India’s broader efforts under the National Biodiversity Action Plan and Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative. 

PM Pays Tribute to Shyamji Krishna Varma

Why in News? 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Shyamji Krishna Varma on his birth anniversary, highlighting his unwavering dedication to India’s freedom struggle and urging the youth to emulate his fearless spirit and commitment to justice. 

Key Points 

• He was an Indian revolutionary, patriot, lawyer, and journalist, born on 4^th October 1857, in Mandvi, Gujarat.   
• In London, he established the Indian Home Rule Society in 1905, which aimed to inspire young Indians to engage in revolutionary activities against British rule.  
• He founded 'India House' as a hostel and meeting place for Indian students in London. 
• He also launched 'The Indian Sociologist,' a journal which aimed to inspire young Indians to engage in revolutionary activities against British rule. 
• He was the first President of the Bombay Arya Samaj and influenced Veer Savarkar.  
• In response to British criticism, Varma transitioned from England to Paris and subsequently settled in Geneva during World War I, where he remained until his death on 30^th March 1930. 
• He had wished for his ashes to be brought back to a free India,  a wish realised in August 2003 by then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. 
  • A memorial called Kranti Teerth dedicated to him was built and inaugurated in 2010 near Mandvi.