State PCS - Rajasthan (RAS)

• 13 Feb 2026

Ram Jalsetu Link Project in Rajasthan

Why in News? 

The Rajasthan Government is developing a major aqueduct across the Chambal River under the Ram Jalsetu Link Project, integrated with the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP). 

Key Points: 

• Project: The aqueduct is being built under the Ram Jal Setu Link Project ( Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project). 
  • It is an integrated river-linking initiative aimed at transferring water from the Chambal basin to Banas, Parbati, Banganga, and other sub-basins in Rajasthan to ensure water security. 
• Purpose: The aqueduct will enable water transfer from the Navnera Barrage on the Kalisindh River to the Mej River and further to reservoirs like Bisalpur and Isarda, strengthening drinking water supply and irrigation in eastern Rajasthan. 
• Design and Scale: 
  • Total length: about 2.3 kilometres. 
  • Estimated cost: around ₹2,330 crore. 
  • Construction began in May 2025 with a target completion by June 2028. 
  • The structure will also serve as a road link connecting nearby communities. 
• Geographical Extent: The aqueduct spans between Pipalda Samel village in Kota district and Guhata village in Bundi district, crossing the Chambal River without disturbing its ecology. 
• Significance: The aqueduct is a key component of the Ram Jal Setu initiative, reflecting the state government’s focus on long-term water security and resource optimisation in a water-scarce region. 

Read More:  Chambal River 

Delhi Launches 'Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana'

Why in News? 

The Delhi Government has launched a new social welfare scheme called the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana to strengthen girls’ education by providing structured financial support from birth through higher education. 

Key Points: 

• Launch: The Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana was announced by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and will take effect from 1 April 2026. 
  • Replacing and upgrading the older Ladli Scheme that was launched in 2008 but faced implementation challenges. 
• Objective: The scheme’s primary purpose is to prevent girls from dropping out of school and to promote their educational continuity, financial security, and empowerment.  
  • It aims to support girls from economically weaker households across key educational milestones through phased bank deposits. 
• Financial Structure: Under the programme, financial assistance will be deposited in phased instalments linked to major educational milestones — starting from birth and continuing through graduation or diploma courses.  
  • The cumulative amount deposited will earn interest and is designed to grow to over ₹1 lakh at maturity in the beneficiary’s bank account. 
  • Girls who are already beneficiaries under the previous Ladli Scheme will continue to receive entitlements while new beneficiaries will be enrolled under the revamped Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana. 
• Eligibility Criteria: To qualify, the girl child must be born in Delhi, and her family must have resided in Delhi for at least three years with an annual income not exceeding ₹1.20 lakh.  
  • Up to two girl children per family are eligible to be covered under the scheme.  
• Direct Transfers: The payments will be credited directly to the beneficiary’s Aadhaar‑linked bank account through a fully digital application and disbursement process, ensuring transparency and ease of access.  

Read More: Aadhaar 

World Radio Day 2026

Why in News?

World Radio Day is an international observance, celebrated annually on 13 February, to recognise radio as a powerful medium for communication, access to information, and cultural diversity. 

Key Points: 

• Official Theme: “Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a tool, not a voice.” 
• Purpose of Theme: The official theme, "Radio and Artificial Intelligence," explores how emerging technologies can support broadcasters without replacing them: 
• Acknowledgement: It honours the founding of United Nations Radio in 1946 and acknowledges the role of radio in building inclusive societies and reaching diverse audiences worldwide.  
• Adoption: The observance was proclaimed by UNESCO in 2011 and later adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. 
• World Radio Day Conclave 2026: Akashvani Raipur (Chhattisgarh), in collaboration with UNESCO, hosted a major conclave in Chhattisgarh to deliberate on AI's role in preserving human-centric communication. 
• Significance: World Radio Day celebrates the enduring relevance of radio in a rapidly evolving media environment

Read More: UNESCO