State PCS - Rajasthan (RAS)

• 12 Aug 2025

Rajasthan's First Sex-Sorted Semen Lab for Cattle

Why in News? 

Rajasthan's first sex-sorted semen lab for cattle was inaugurated by Dairy Minister Joraram Kumawat on 11th August 2025 at Bassi, Jaipur, and aims to enhance livestock quality, breed improvement, and milk production in the state. 

Key Points 

• Operation: The lab will operate under the Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation (RCDF) with support from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), based in Anand, Gujarat. 
  • A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by RCDF, Rajasthan Livestock Development Board (RLDB), and NDDB Dairy Services (NDS) for the management and operation of the Bassi Semen Station. 
  • The MoU aims to enhance the production and supply of both conventional and sex-sorted semen doses for artificial insemination in Rajasthan. 
• Purpose & Impact: The lab aims to enhance cattle genetics for improved milk production in the region by providing livestock farmers with affordable, high-quality semen doses for artificial insemination.  
• Production and Pricing: The annual production capacity is 10 lakh doses of semen, with varying pricing based on sex-sorted, indigenous conventional, and imported breed semen, and extra doses may be sold to other agencies at market rates. 
• Significance:  The Bassi Semen Station is set to become a key resource in Rajasthan, not only for semen production but also as an educational and support center for livestock farmers, driving forward both the economic and environmental goals of the dairy industry in the region. 

BSF Launches 'Operation Alert'

Why in News? 

The Border Security Force (BSF) has launched a week-long security operation called 'Operation Alert' along the Indo-Pak border in Rajasthan.  

Key Points 

• About: The operation will run between 11th August 2025 to 17th August 2025 and is aimed at strengthening security and preventing any infiltration attempts ahead of India's Independence Day. 
• Objectives: 
  • Strengthen surveillance to prevent infiltration and smuggling, especially in the sensitive areas adjoining Sriganganagar and Bikaner. 
  • Respond to intelligence reports suggesting potential disturbances orchestrated by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) leaders in Pakistan. 
  • Focus on preventing narcotic smuggling via drones, particularly in areas prone to such activities. 
• Personnel Involved: BSF soldiers and officers from all branches are participating in the operation, with additional soldiers deployed to sensitive areas. 
  • The BSF will also conduct outreach programs with border residents to increase awareness and cooperation. 

Aravali Green Development Project

Why in News? 

The Rajasthan government has launched the Aravali Green Development Project aimed at ecological restoration and desertification control across 3,700 hectares in 19 districts along the Aravali range.  

Key Points 

• About: The Rs 250 crore project, spanning five years, aims to restore the Aravali ecosystem, combat land degradation and desertification, with the first year focused on plantation and the following year on maintenance. 
  • The project is aligned with the Aravali Green Wall Project, which aims for massive plantations across the Aravalis, from Delhi to Ahmedabad. 
• Geographical Focus: The project spans 19 districts from Alwar to Sirohi, covering approximately 550 kilometers (80% of the Aravali range in Rajasthan). 
• Monitoring and Oversight: The project will be monitored by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change using indicators like flora and fauna recovery, groundwater level changes, and microclimatic shifts. 
• Project Goals: 
  • Restoration of the deteriorating Aravali ecosystem. 
  • Prevention of sandstorms from the Thar Desert reaching the National Capital Region (NCR) serving as an ecological defense mechanism for North India. 
  • Combat soil erosion, desertification, and the adverse impacts of deforestation. 
  • Helps in improving biodiversity, groundwater recharge, and long-term ecological sustainability. 
• Plantation Strategy: 
  • Indigenous and climate-resilient species, including Khejri (state tree), Babool, Dhak, Neem, Ber, and native grasses like Sevan and Dhaman for soil stabilization. 
  • Species chosen for their adaptability to varying climates (dry zones in Sikar to humid areas in Dungarpur and Sirohi). 
  • Plantation will occur exclusively on forest land, avoiding areas with human habitation or encroachments. 
  • Long-term sustainability is emphasized with careful maintenance to ensure the survival of saplings in arid zones like Jaipur and Sikar.