State PCS - Rajasthan (RAS)

• 29 Sep 2025

Child Marriages Decline in Rajasthan

Why in News?

Rajasthan, once regarded as a child marriage hotspot, has witnessed a dramatic decline, with cases falling by 67% among boys and 66% among girls, according to a study released at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Key Points

• About: 
  • The study titled “Tipping Point to Zero: Evidence Towards a Child Marriage Free India” was conducted between 2022 and 2024 in five states by Just Rights for Children (JRC), a network of over 250 child protection NGOs, in collaboration with the Rajasthan Directorate of Child Rights. The initiative was also supported by the Government of India and various civil society organisations.
  • The report highlights that awareness campaigns were the most effective tool for reducing child marriages, with 99% of respondents in Rajasthan identifying them as crucial. 
  • It also notes that 82% of respondents considered arrests and prosecutions as the second most impactful factor in deterring the practice. 
  • Despite these improvements, the study underscores that poor financial conditions (91%), cultural and traditional practices (45%), and the belief that early marriage ensures “purity” (45%) remain persistent drivers of child marriage.
• Recommendations of the Report: The report calls for stricter enforcement of child marriage laws, better reporting mechanisms, compulsory marriage registration, and village-level awareness regarding the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat portal. 
  • It also recommends declaring a National Day Against Child Marriage to mobilise collective action across the country.

Child Marriage

• About: UNICEF categorises child marriage as a human rights violation due to its adverse impacts on the development of both girls and boys.
  • Sustainable Development Goal 5.3 states that Child marriage elimination is pivotal in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5, aiming for gender equality and empowerment of women and girls by 2030.
  • According to the UN, 1 in 5 young women worldwide (19%) were married in childhood in 2022.
• Legislative Framework: India enacted the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act in 2006, establishing the legal age for marriage at 21 for men and 18 for women.
  • Section 16 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act allows State Governments to appoint 'Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPO)' for specific areas.
  • CMPOs are responsible for preventing child marriages, collecting evidence for prosecutions, counselling against promoting or aiding such marriages, raising awareness about their harmful effects, and sensitising communities.

Birth Anniversary of Bhagat Singh

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to revolutionary Bhagat Singh on his birth anniversary, praising his courage as a great source of inspiration.

Key Points

• Birth: Bhagat Singh was born on  28th September, 1907, in Banga, Punjab, British India (now in Pakistan). He came from a Sikh family actively involved in anti-colonial activities; his father, Kishan Singh, and uncle, Ajit Singh, were prominent freedom fighters. 
• Early Life: Witnessed the Jallianwala Bagh massacre at the age of 12, which instilled a deep sense of patriotism and a vow to fight for India’s freedom. 
• Education: Joined the National College, Lahore, founded by Lala Lajpat Rai, which emphasised the Swadeshi Movement and provided a platform for revolutionary ideas. 
• Revolutionary Organisations: Bhagat Singh became a member of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) in 1924, later renaming it the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) in 1928. 
  • Naujawan Bharat Sabha was founded by Bhagat Singh in 1926, aimed at mobilising youth for the freedom struggle. 
• Major Actions: Involved in the assassination of police officer J.P. Saunders in 1928 (Lahore Conspiracy Case) as retaliation for Lala Lajpat Rai’s death due to police brutality. 
  • Threw a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly on 18th April 1929, with B.K. Dutt to protest against repressive British laws. 
• Arrest and Trial: Arrested in 1929 for the bomb incident and later charged with murder in the Lahore Conspiracy Case. He was tried, convicted, and sentenced to death. 
  • Executed on 23rd March 1931, along with fellow revolutionaries Sukhdev and Rajguru, in Lahore. Bhagat Singh is affectionately known as Shahid-e-Azam, the greatest of martyrs. 
• Literary Contributions: Authored significant works, including Why I Am an Atheist, The Jail Notebook and Other Writings, and several political manifestos advocating for socialism and revolution. 
  • In his early work, Vishwa Prem (Universal Love), Singh proclaimed the importance of equality. He envisioned a world free of hunger and war, where humanity transcends boundaries of race and nationality. 
• Ideologies: Advocated Marxist and socialist ideologies, emphasising rationalism, equality, and justice. Critiqued organised religion, viewing it as a form of mental and physical slavery. 
• Legacy: Celebrated as a national hero and martyr; his birth anniversary and the date of his execution are observed annually to honour his contributions to India's freedom struggle. 
  • Every year, 23rd March is observed as Martyrs’ Day as a tribute to freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru.

India Wins Asia Cup

Why in News?

India beat Pakistan by 5 wickets in the Asia Cup 2025 final at Dubai to clinch their ninth title, staying unbeaten with three wins against Pakistan in the tournament.

Key Points

• Asia Cup Records:
  • India: 9 titles (most by any team).
  • Sri Lanka: 6 titles.
  • Pakistan: 2 titles.
• Player Of The Match: Tilak Varma
• Player Of The Series: Abhishek Sharma
• Asia Cup Format: Alternates between ODI and T20I formats.
  • This is India’s second consecutive title after winning the Asia Cup 2023 (ODI format).