State PCS - Rajasthan (RAS)

• 28 Jul 2025

Exercise Bold Kurukshetra 2025

Why in News? 

The 14th edition of the India–Singapore Joint Military Exercise, Exercise Bold Kurukshetra 2025, commenced on 27th July 2025 in Jodhpur (Rajasthan) and will continue until 4th August 2025. 

Key Points 

• About: The military exercise involves the participation of the 42 Singapore Armoured Regiment of the 4 Singapore Armoured Brigade and the Indian Army’s Mechanised Infantry Regiment. 
• Objective and Structure: Its primary aim is to validate operational procedures for mechanized warfare, ensuring the armies of both nations enhance their interoperability and joint training capabilities.  
  • The exercise includes a Table Top Exercise, a Computer-Based Wargame, and will conclude with an equipment display by the Indian Army. 
• Leadership: The Indian contingent will be led by Colonel Arjun Ganapathi, Commanding Officer of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, while Lieutenant Colonel Khiew Zhi Yoong, Battalion Commander of the 42 Singapore Armoured Regiment, will lead the Singaporean side.  
• Significance: The exercise will consolidate the strong defence ties between India and Singapore and foster greater mutual understanding and collaboration at both tactical and strategic levels.

Mission Hariyalo Rajasthan

Why in News? 

The Chief Minister launched a statewide green drive, declaring the goal to plant 50 crore trees in five years under the Mission Hariyalo Rajasthan. 

Key Points 

• About: The Mission Hariyalo Rajasthan was launched on 7th August 2024 on the occasion of  Hariyali Teej. This initiative aims to make Rajasthan greener, enhancing the state’s environmental health and overall prosperity. 
• Targets: The campaign draws inspiration from the Prime Minister's initiative 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam', launched last year on World Environment Day (5th June).  
  • 2.5 crore saplings are set to be planted on Hariyali Teej, following last year's record of over seven crore saplings. 
• Urban Forest Initiative: The Chief Minister also announced the creation of 22 Urban Forests (Nagar Vans) across Rajasthan with central government support, and plans for 18 more have already been submitted. 
  • These green spaces aim to improve air quality and provide natural havens in densely populated urban areas. 
• Other Conservation Efforts:  
  • The state is also implementing the "One District One Species" program to promote native plant species, fostering biodiversity across Rajasthan.  
  • Under the Aravalli Green Development Project, ₹250 crore is being invested in 19 Aravalli districts for soil development and plantation efforts.  
  • Special attention is also being given to desert districts such as Barmer and Jaisalmer to combat desertification. 
• Traditional Reverence for Nature: Rajasthan's legacy of environmental stewardship, inspired by Amrita Devi's 18th-century sacrifice with her daughters to protect trees, continues to motivate the present generation's efforts to preserve nature.