Rajasthan State PCS

• 10 Jun 2024

Earthquake in Sikar

Why in News?

According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), recently a 3.9 magnitude earthquake occurred in Rajasthan's Sikar city.

Key Points

• The earthquake occurred at a depth of 5km, at 27.41 N latitude and 75.06 E longitude.
• National Centre for Seismology (NCS):
  • This is the agency responsible for monitoring and reporting the seismic activity in India and its neighbourhood.
  • It operates a network of seismological observatories across the country, and provides real-time data and information on earthquakes and tsunamis.
  • It also maintains a website and a mobile app, called BhooKamp, to provide earthquake alerts and updates to the public.

Hike in Kisan Samman Nidhi Assistance to Farmers

Why in News?

The Rajasthan government announced an increase in the annual honorarium paid to farmers under the Union government’s Kisan Samman Nidhi.

• The amount given to each farm household has been enhanced from ₹6,000 to ₹8,000 per year.

Key Points

• Overall, 5.7 million farmers in Rajasthan are receiving assistance through the Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019.
• The state's interim budget has allocated Rs. 1,400 crore to increase the financial aid.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

• About:
  • It was launched on 24^th February, 2019 to supplement financial needs of land holding farmers.
• Financial Benefits:
  • Financial benefit of Rs 6000/- per year in three equal installments, every four months is transferred into the bank accounts of farmers’ families across the country through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
• Scope of the Scheme:
  • The scheme was initially meant for Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs) having landholding upto 2 hectares but scope of the scheme was extended to cover all landholding farmers.
• Funding and Implementation:
  • It is a Central Sector Scheme with 100% funding from the Government of India.
  • It is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• Objectives:
  • To supplement the financial needs of the Small and Marginal Farmers in procuring various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields, commensurate with the anticipated farm income at the end of each crop cycle.
  • To protect them from falling in the clutches of moneylenders for meeting such expenses and ensure their continuance in the farming activities.
• PM-KISAN Mobile App:
  • It was developed and designed by the National Informatics Centre in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
• Physical Verification Module:
  • A mandatory physical verification of 5% beneficiary every year is being done as per the provisions laid down in the scheme.

Development of Maharana Pratap Tourist Circuit

Why in News?

Rajasthan Chief Minister announced a Rs100 crore investment to develop the Maharana Pratap Tourist Circuit during the inauguration of Maharana Pratap Jayanti celebrations in Udaipur.

Key Points

• He emphasized the global significance of the 16^th century king as a source of inspiration for youth worldwide.
  • The Chief Minister emphasized Maharana Pratap's exceptional bravery, courage, and patriotism, extending beyond his legacy.
• The Rajasthan government is also working to implement people-friendly innovations in medical science and AI-based technologies to improve health facilities for locals and tourists.

Maharana Pratap

• Rana Pratap Singh, also known as Maharana Pratap, was born on 9^th May 1540 in Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan.
  • He was the 13th King of Mewar and was the eldest son of Udai Singh II
  • Maharana Udai Singh II ruled the kingdom of Mewar, with his capital at Chittor.
    • Udai Singh II was also a founder of the city of Udaipur (Rajasthan).
• Battle of Haldighati:
  • The Battle of Haldighati was fought in 1576 between Rana Pratap Singh of Mewar and Raja Man Singh of Amber who was the general of the Mughal emperor Akbar.
  • Maharana Pratap fought a brave war but was defeated by Mughal forces.
  • It is said that Maharana Pratap’s loyal horse named Chetak, gave up his life as the Maharana was leaving the battlefield.
• Reconquest:
  • After 1579, the Mughal pressure relaxed over Mewar and Pratap recovered Western Mewar including Kumbhalgarh, Udaipur and Gogunda.
  • During this period, he also built a new capital, Chavand, near modern Dungarpur.
• Death:
  • He died on 19^th January 1597. He was succeeded by his son Amar Singh, who submitted in 1614 to Emperor Jahāngīr, son of Akbar.