Manish Godha

Rajasthan will deploy an AI-powered dashboard, drones, thermal cameras and satellite monitoring to curb illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Sanctuary following Supreme Court directives. The state will also introduce QR-based public reporting, joint enforcement teams and stricter accountability measures to protect the sanctuary's fragile ecosystem.

Rajasthan is facing a drought-like situation as rainfall remains 11% below normal, with 18 of 41 districts recording deficits. The state's reservoirs are also under pressure, with 251 of 693 dams empty and overall storage at 48.15% of capacity. With IMD forecasting below-normal rainfall in August-September, concerns over drinking water, irrigation and agriculture are growing.

Rajasthan has become the first Indian state to execute an exploration licence for Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and associated minerals. The state signed an agreement with CMPDI for the 207.63 sq km Navatala-Devigarh block in Balotra and Jodhpur districts. The move is expected to boost exploration of critical minerals vital for EVs, defence, renewable energy and high-tech industries.

The Centre has declined the demand to declare Rajasthan's Mangarh Dham a national monument, citing extensive modern construction at the site. The Culture Ministry said the location does not retain the archaeological authenticity required under the AMASR Act.

Students of a Jaipur school for hearing-impaired children staged a three-hour protest over alleged poor food, sanitation issues, shortage of sign language teachers and other grievances. Officials intervened and communicated with students through sign language and written messages. The Education Department relieved the principal, a teacher and a fourth-class employee while ordering an inquiry.

The Rajput Karni Sena's protest against UGC Equality Committee regulations has intensified in Rajasthan after a Jaipur lathi charge and the alleged death of a protester. The group has issued a seven-day ultimatum for further agitation, while the BJP government faces political pressure ahead of upcoming panchayat and local body elections.

The Tenth BRICS Industry Ministers' Meeting concluded in Jaipur with the adoption of a Joint Declaration under India's BRICS Chairship 2026. Ministers discussed industrial cooperation, innovation and sustainability through the PartNIR framework. Key outcomes included SME cooperation, photovoltaic industry collaboration, startup growth initiatives and improved transport and logistics planning.

Rajasthan has implemented the Code on Wages Rules, 2026, introducing a scientific, skill-based minimum wage system with DA linked to CPI and revised twice a year. The rules cap work at 48 hours weekly, mandate rest breaks and weekly holidays, and strengthen wage documentation. New Industrial Relations Rules also digitize labour compliance and grievance redressal.

A theft case involving alleged stolen robotic technology, secret coding and sensitive equipment has been registered in Jaipur. Police named four accused after a company alleged that LiDAR sensors, UAV parts, camera modules and confidential data linked to defence robotics were taken and shared. The investigation is underway, with police examining recovered digital evidence.

Rajasthan has proposed tourism projects worth around Rs 306 crore to develop Tribal and Maharana Pratap Tourist Circuits in the southern tribal belt. The initiative will promote heritage sites, tribal traditions, religious destinations and local crafts across districts including Udaipur, Dungarpur and Banswara while creating employment opportunities and preserving cultural identity.