Southwest Monsoon Causes Heavy Rainfall in Rajasthan | Rajasthan | 23 Jun 2025
Why in News?
Rajasthan has come under the influence of the active southwest monsoon, resulting in widespread and intense rainfall across various parts of the State.
- Niwai in the Tonk district recorded the highest rainfall in the State, measuring 165 mm.
Key Points
Rainfall Distribution in Rajasthan
- Rainfall Patterns:
- Rajasthan shows a marked variation in rainfall distribution across different regions.
- The mean annual rainfall in East Rajasthan is about 64.9 cm.
- In West Rajasthan, it drops to around 32.7 cm.
- The eastern part of Rajasthan receives considerably more rainfall than the west, with the southwest monsoon accounting for about 91% of the state’s total annual rainfall.
- Western Rajasthan is dominated by arid and semi-arid conditions, with the northwest being the driest.
- Jaisalmer is Identified as the driest district, with an annual rainfall of less than 100 mm.
- Southern Rajasthan: Records the highest rainfall in the state, particularly in districts like Jhalawar and Banswara.
- Jhalawar records the highest average annual rainfall among all districts in Rajasthan.
- Aravalli Range Influence: The western slopes of the Aravalli Range, such as Pali and Jalore districts, receive more rainfall than other parts of western Rajasthan.
- Seasonal Variation:
- Monsoon Season (June to September): Accounts for about 90% of the total annual rainfall.
- Cold Weather Season (January and February): Receives minor rainfall due to local weather conditions.
- Post-Monsoon Season: Contributes a small fraction to the overall annual rainfall.
Southwest Monsoon
- About: The rainfall received from the southwest monsoon is seasonal and occurs mainly between June and September every year.
- Factors Influencing its Formation:
- Differential Heating and Cooling: Land heats up faster than water, creating a low-pressure zone over India and high pressure over surrounding seas.
- Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ): A low-pressure belt where northeast and southeast trade winds converge.
- High-Pressure Area East of Madagascar: Located around 20°S in the Indian Ocean.
- Tibetan Plateau Heating: Intense summer heating creates strong upward air currents and a low-pressure zone at high altitudes.
- Jet Streams: Westerly Jet Stream moves north of the Himalayas in summer.
- Southern Oscillation (SO): Periodic reversal of air pressure between the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean affects monsoon patterns.
- Mechanism and Onset of Southwest Monsoon:
- ITCZ Movement: Shifts north with the Sun’s movement
- Wind Direction: Southeast trade winds cross the equator, deflect due to the Coriolis force, and blow as southwest monsoon winds.
- Monsoon Trough: In July, ITCZ reaches 20°–25°N, located over the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
- Two Main Branches: Arabian Sea Branch and Bay of Bengal Branch.
- Breaks in Monsoon: Rainfall is not continuous; dry spells (breaks) occur due to shifts in the monsoon trough.
Padhai with AI | Rajasthan | 23 Jun 2025
Why in News?
The AI-based educational programme “Padhai with AI” has brought about a remarkable improvement in the academic results of government schools in the Tonk district, Rajasthan.
Key Points
- About: The programme is called Padhai with AI, which translates to “Study with AI”.
- The initiative integrates digital learning and artificial intelligence through a dedicated web portal designed for students’ self-paced learning.
- The web portal offers remedial practice, drill exercises, and personalised learning to help students solve textbook questions, practise similar problems, and strengthen weak areas.
- Its aim is to help students understand and practise subjects that they find difficult, with a strong focus on mathematics.
- Implementation Strategy: Initiated by the Tonk Collector to address poor maths performance, the AI-based programme was implemented in 351 schools of Tonk District with a three-month action plan for Class 10 targeting the 2025 session.
- Impact and Outcomes: Tonk’s overall pass percentage exceeded the State average, demonstrating the success of the AI-based learning programme.
Other Digital Initiative of Rajasthan for Education
- AI-Enabled Assessments: Rajasthan has shifted from traditional exams to AI-powered, competency-based evaluations aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- Oral Reading Fluency (ORF) tests conducted for 26+ lakh students using voice recognition.
- Common Evaluation Test (CET) standardized for Classes 9–12.
- Infrastructure & Digital Learning Expansion: ₹225 crore allocated for improving school infrastructure.
- Emphasis on digital classrooms, smart boards, and online learning platforms.
- Integration of vocational training and career counselling through digital means.
- Skill Development & Career Readiness: Launch of Vishwakarma Skill Institute and Centre for Advanced Skilling and Career Counselling.
- Modernization of 36 ITIs and establishment of new polytechnic colleges.