State PCS - Rajasthan (RAS)

• 26 Jul 2025

Indian Air Force (IAF) Major Air Exercise in Rajasthan

Why in News? 

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is conducting a major air exercise in the border districts of Rajasthan, testing its operational readiness and strategic capabilities.

Key Points 

• Duration: Three days (23rd July 2025- 25th July 2025) 
• Location: (Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Jodhpur)- In Rajasthan near Pakistan border 
• Purpose: Testing operational readiness and conducting strategic drills 
• Civilian Airspace Restrictions: A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued. 
  • It results in restricting civilian air traffic, allowing the IAF to conduct operations involving drones, missiles, and other combat aircraft without interference.  
• Aircraft Involved: During the exercise, fighter jets such as Rafale, Sukhoi-30, Mirage 2000, and Jaguar are conducting both day and night sorties. 
  • The drills focus on engaging aerial targets and executing precise ground attacks.  
  • The exercise involves coordinated operations from key airbases in Jodhpur and Uttarlai in Barmer, with sorties being flown over the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer.  
• Strategic Significance: The exercise highlights India’s preparedness and capability to respond swiftly to any hostile activity in the region.

Study on Raptor Ecology in Desert National Park

Why in News? 

A research initiative focusing on raptor ecology has been launched in the Desert National Park (DNP) and its surrounding areas.  

Key Points 

• About: This study aims to assess the status and local ecology of breeding raptors in the region. The project, initiated by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), started on 21 July 2025, and is set to continue until July 2027. 
  • The study will focus on the movement and breeding patterns of raptors, with an emphasis on understanding their spatial ecology and conservation needs. 
• Methodology: As part of the project, two vultures, a Tawny Eagle and a juvenile Egyptian Vulture, have already been fitted with GPS transmitters and backpack harnesses and released. 
  • The study also includes collection of biological samples from six individuals each of Red-headed Vulture, White-rumped Vulture, Indian Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Tawny Eagle, and Laggar Falcon.  
• Legal Framework: The study has been approved under Section 12(A) of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, ensuring that it aligns with legal and ethical standards. 
  • Section 12(A) authorizes the Chief Wild Life Warden to grant, upon application and via a written order, permits to individuals or institutions to conduct scientific research on wildlife. 
• Significance: 
  • Conservation Efforts: To generate vital data that will help inform conservation strategies for these threatened raptor species. 
  • Raptor Protection: The findings from the study are expected to contribute to the development of measures to safeguard the raptor species and their habitat, particularly in the Thar Desert. 

Raptor Species 

• About: A raptor is a bird of prey. A bird of prey is a carnivore (meat eater) that kills and eats mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, rodents as well as other birds. 
  • All raptors have a hooked beak, strong feet with sharp talons, keen eyesight, and a carnivorous diet. 
• Population: Indonesia has the most raptor species, followed by Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. 
• Examples: Owls, vultures, hawks, falcons, eagles, kites, buteos, accipiters, harriers, and osprey. 
• Conservation Efforts: 
  • The Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia is also known as Raptors MoU. 
    • It is an agreement under Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).  
    • It is not legally binding. 
    • India is a signatory to Raptors MoU. 
  • India is also a part of the SAVE (Saving Asia’s Vultures from Extinction) consortium. 
  • For the conservation of vultures, India has launched a Vulture Action Plan 2020-25. 
  • The Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre in Pinjore (Haryana) is the world’s largest facility within the state’s Bir Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary for the breeding and conservation of Indian vulture species.

Desert National Park 

• Geography and Location: It covers 3,162 km² area across Jaisalmer and Barmer districts of Rajasthan.  
  • It lies in the Thar Desert, a hot and arid region with very low rainfall (<100mm) and features sand dunes, rocky areas, and sandy plains. 
• Vegetation and Flora: It is characterized by sparse vegetation, including thorny bushes, grasslands, and dunes. Notable tree species like Khejri (Prosopis cineraria) and various Acacia species support the region's ecosystem. 
• Fauna and Biodiversity: The park is home to 60 mammal species, 51 reptile species, and 100 bird species.  
• Endemic and endangered species include the Great Indian Bustard, Desert Fox, and the Laungwala Toad-headed Agama. It also hosts migrant birds like the Houbara Bustard.

Rajasthan Government's Initiative for SC Community

Why in News? 

The Rajasthan government has launched a scheme to offer free rail travel to five historical sites linked to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for Scheduled Caste (SC) residents of Rajasthan, inspired by the 'Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme.' 

Key Points 

• About: This initiative aims to honor Dr. Ambedkar's legacy by facilitating visits to historical sites linked to his life and work. 
• Sites Covered Related to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: 
  • Ambedkar’s Birthplace (Mhow, Madhya Pradesh): Bhim Janmabhoomi, a memorial inaugurated on Ambedkar’s 100th birth anniversary, attracts millions of visitors annually, especially on Ambedkar Jayanti (14 April), serving as a hub for social equality and remembrance. 
  • Deeksha Bhoomi (Nagpur, Maharashtra): This site marks Dr. Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism on 14 October 1956, with over 400,000 followers. It features one of Asia’s largest stupas and hosts the Dhammachakra Pravartan Din celebration, drawing millions of attendees each year. 
  • Mahaparinirvana Bhoomi (Delhi/Alipur Road): The place where Dr. Ambedkar attained “Mahaparinirvana” on 6 December 1956. The memorial, designed to resemble the Indian Constitution, combines modern and Buddhist architectural elements, symbolizing his legacy. 
  • Chaitya Bhoomi (Mumbai, Maharashtra): Dr. Ambedkar’s cremation site, a symbol of hope and unity for marginalized communities. It serves as a central gathering point for Ambedkarite and Neo-Buddhist movements. 
  • Indu Mill Memorial (Mumbai): The former Indu Mill site in Dadar is being developed into a grand memorial, featuring a 350ft bronze statue and Buddhist-inspired architecture, symbolizing Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy and providing an educational landmark. 
• Scheme Benefits: All expenses related to travel, accommodation, and food will be borne by the state government. 
• Application Process: Applicants will undergo a review process conducted by a district-level committee. 
• Selection Process: If applicants exceed available slots, selection will be made via a computerized lottery or another transparent method, with results published on the official departmental website and information portal. 
• Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be Rajasthan residents from the SC community, non-income taxpayers, hold a Jan Aadhar card, and not suffer from contagious diseases (e.g., COVID-19, TB).