State PCS - Rajasthan (RAS)

• 21 Feb 2026

Rajasthan Economic Review 2025-26

Why in News?

The Rajasthan Economic Review 2025–26, released alongside the State Budget, serves as the definitive document for the state's macroeconomic performance. This year's report is pivotal as it formalizes the "Viksit Rajasthan @2047" roadmap, transitioning from traditional departmental reporting to 13 thematic chapters focused on outcomes.

Key Points:

• Macro-Economic Aggregates: According to provisional data, the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is placed amongst the leading states in terms of size and growth, reinforcing its role in the broader national economic framework.
• GSDP Growth: The Gross State Domestic Product at current prices is estimated at ₹18.75 lakh crore, a growth of 10.24% over the previous year.
• Per Capita Income (PCI):
  • Current Prices: ₹2,02,349 (Crossed the ₹2 lakh milestone).
  • Constant Prices: ₹1,03,189.
• Inflation (CPI): Rajasthan’s inflation remained stable at 4.8%, slightly below the national average, attributed to efficient supply-chain management in the agriculture sector.
• Fiscal Deficit: Managed at 4.3% of GSDP, reflecting a commitment to the revised FRBM (Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management) targets while maintaining high capital expenditure.
• Tax Revenue: Significant increase in State GST (SGST) collections due to the "Mission Digitization" of tax compliance.
• Sectoral Composition of GSVA:The structural shift in the economy is evident in the Gross State Value Added (GSVA) at current prices:
  • Services (47.7%): The services sector contributes the largest share to the state’s GSVA, driven by tourism, hospitality, financial services, IT-enabled services and logistics.
    • Tourism remains a growth engine, leveraging Rajasthan’s cultural heritage and connectivity improvements.
    • The dominant sector, fueled by a post-pandemic surge in tourism and the "FinTech" initiatives in Jaipur and Jodhpur.
  • Industry (26.5%): Industrial sector performance has strengthened, supported by MSMEs, investment in industrial parks and the implementation of industrial promotion policies.
    • Rajasthan has been focusing on expanding its manufacturing base, renewable energy industries and downstream sectors, leveraging its strategic location and resource endowments.
    • Driven by the MSME Policy 2024 and Rajasthan’s lead in stone, cement, and hydrocarbon production.
  • Agriculture (25.7%): Agriculture remains a significant contributor, both in terms of employment and value addition, though its share in the GSVA has moderated compared to services.
    • Despite its lower share compared to Services, it employs over 60% of the population. Foodgrain production reached 283.98 lakh MT.
    • The agricultural sector continues to be the backbone for rural livelihoods, even as diversification into allied activities such as horticulture, animal husbandry and fisheries gains traction under state schemes.
• Key Pillars of "Viksit Rajasthan @2047":The Review highlights strategic focus areas like-
  • Energy Transition: Rajasthan leads India in Renewable Energy with an installed capacity exceeding 31,500 MW. The review emphasizes the "Green Hydrogen Policy" and the PM-KUSUM scheme.
  • Infrastructure: Focus on the 9 Greenfield Expressways and the completion of the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) phases to solve water scarcity in 13 districts.
  • The Gig Economy: Rajasthan is the first state to implement the Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act, now covering 2% of the total workforce.
  • Agriculture 2.0: Emphasis on Natural Farming (1 lakh hectares) and the "Rajasthan Millets Promotion Mission" to capitalize on the state's status as the "Millet Bowl of India."
• Social Sector & Human Development:Rajasthan faces the dual challenge of job creation and enhancing the quality of employment opportunities, particularly for youth in urban and rural areas.
  • Labour: State schemes such as the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) have been instrumental in promoting self-employment and micro-enterprise development. 
  • Education: Expansion of Mahatma Gandhi English Medium Schools and the integration of vocational training in 1,500+ secondary schools.
  • Health: The Ayushman Bharat-MGRBY remains a flagship, providing health cover to 1.36 crore families with a focus on reducing "Out of Pocket Expenditure" (OOPE).
  • Women Empowerment: The Lakhpati Didi scheme has successfully integrated women into Self-Help Groups (SHGs), contributing to a rise in the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) to 42%.

First Indigenous Cadet Training Ship ‘Krishna’ Launched in Chennai

Why in News?

The Indian Navy launched its first indigenously designed and built Cadet Training Ship (CTS) ‘Krishna’ at the L&T Shipyard in Kattupalli, Chennai in February 2026.

Key Points:

• First Indigenous CTS: ‘Krishna’ is the first of three Cadet Training Ships being constructed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for the Indian Navy under a contract signed with the Ministry of Defence.
  • Krishna’ is a fully equipped sail training and motorised vessel capable of accommodating 150 cadets and officers for training purposes.
  • The ship is named after the Krishna River, one of India’s longest rivers. 
• Launch Ceremony: The Cadet Training Ship was launched by Anupama Chauhan, the spouse of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan.
• Strategic Importance: Enhances India’s blue-water naval capabilities by producing well-trained officers familiar with modern naval operations and life at sea.
  • The ship features modern navigation, communication, and safety systems, providing cadets hands-on experience with state-of-the-art maritime technology.
• Design and Build: The vessel has been indigenously designed and built and is expected to be delivered to the Indian Navy by the end of 2026.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: The project reinforces the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by promoting indigenous defence shipbuilding capabilities.

Read More: Krishna River, Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat

European Union Opens First ‘Legal Gateway’ Office in India

Why in News?

The European Union (EU) inaugurated its first European Legal Gateway Office in New Delhi, marking a significant step in facilitating legal and transparent mobility for Indian students, researchers, and professionals—especially in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector—between India and EU Member States.

Key Points:

• First‑of‑Its‑Kind Office: The European Legal Gateway Office in India is the first such facility opened by the EU in a partner country. 
  • It serves as a one‑stop hub to provide clear, reliable information on legal mobility pathways for work, study, and research opportunities across all 27 EU Member States.
• Focus: The initiative aims to support Indian ICT students, professionals, and researchers by guiding them on eligibility criteria, skill and qualification requirements, and opportunities available across the EU. 
  • This is part of broader cooperation under the EU‑India Strategic Agenda adopted at the 16th EU–India Summit.
• Operational Structure: The Legal Gateway Office will function through three interconnected components:
  • A Gateway Office in India
  • A Support Office in the EU
  • A digital tool acting as a central information hub on mobility and visa pathways.
• Strategic Significance: The initiative is expected to deepen India–EU cooperation on migration and mobility, strengthen ties in education and employment, and create mutually beneficial opportunities for both regions’ talent and economies.
• Economic & Skills: The office reflects recognition of India’s large and skilled workforce—particularly in digital, scientific, and emerging technologies—and its contribution to global talent pools, while supporting EU employers and institutions to engage with Indian talent.

Read More: European Union, Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Kerala Declares Tidal Flooding a ‘State-Specific Disaster’

Why in News?

In a pioneering move for climate-sensitive policy, the Kerala government recently declared tidal flooding (sea incursion during high tides) as a State-Specific Disaster. 

Key Points:

• Tidal Flooding Definition: Also known as 'Sunny Day Flooding' or 'Nuisance Flooding,' it occurs when sea levels rise above the local threshold during high tides, even in the absence of storms or heavy rainfall.
• The Kerala Context: In districts like Ernakulam (Kochi), Alappuzha, and Thrissur, seawater enters homes and shops twice a day through the backwaters and drainage systems, leading to chronic waterlogging.
• Why the "Disaster" Tag?: Historically, disaster relief was reserved for "sudden-onset" events like cyclones or landslides. Kerala’s shift is based on several critical factors:
  • Frequency and Intensity: Due to Climate Change and Sea Level Rise (SLR), high tides are reaching further inland. 
    • What was once a minor inconvenience is now a daily threat to life and property.
  • The "Slow-Onset" Crisis: Unlike a tsunami, tidal flooding is a slow-onset disaster. Over time, it destroys foundations of houses, ruins furniture, and renders agricultural land saline.
  • Filling the Policy Gap: Under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, standard relief funds could not be used for "regular" tidal events. 
    • By declaring it state-specific, the government can now offer financial aid for house repairs and livelihood loss.
• Significance for Disaster Management: It moves the definition away from "sudden trauma" to "cumulative loss," aligning with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
  • Precedent for Coastal India: Other vulnerable states (Odisha, West Bengal) may follow suit as rising sea levels threaten the entire 7,500 km Indian coastline.

Read More: Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction