Rajasthan Daily Current Affairs: 18/07/2026
Verified Editorial
Source: BharathPulse Exclusive
⚡ Key Takeaways
- Rajasthan has introduced the New Industrial Development Policy 2026 focusing on the semiconductor and talent economy, while also scrapping the long-standing two-child norm for local body elections.
- Additionally, massive infrastructure projects including the HPCL refinery expansion and the Raj-UNNATI monitoring tool have been highlighted.
Rajasthan Schemes & Policies in News 🏛️
The Rajasthan Cabinet has officially approved the New Industrial Development Policy 2026. This policy marks a strategic shift towards a 'Talent Economy', specifically prioritizing high-tech sectors like semiconductor manufacturing, data centers, and advanced logistics. Additionally, the government has simplified the Social Security Pension process by allowing home-based life certificates for elderly pensioners, ensuring ease of governance and accessibility.
Exam-Oriented Current Affairs & Key Facts 📝
- Polity & Governance: The Rajasthan Cabinet has scrapped the 30-year-old 'Two-Child Norm' that restricted individuals with more than two children from contesting local body and civic polls. This rule was originally implemented in the 1990s.
- Economy & Infrastructure: A massive investment package of ₹1.74 lakh crore has been cleared for various projects, including the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery (HRRL) in Pachpadra, Barmer. The refinery project cost has been revised to ₹79,459 crore.
- Science & Technology: The government approved dedicated policies for Aerospace, Defence, and Semiconductor industries to attract global investment and boost local manufacturing.
- Project Monitoring: The Raj-UNNATI initiative was lauded by the Cabinet Secretary for its efficiency in real-time project tracking and implementation.
One-Liner Revision Notes ⚡
- Rajasthan Industrial Development Policy 2026 focuses on Semiconductors, Data Centres, and Logistics.
- The Cabinet approved the allotment of 1,678 hectares of land for industrial purposes.
- The restriction preventing parents with more than two children from contesting local body elections is now removed.
- HPCL Rajasthan Refinery's revised budget is finalized at ₹79,459 crore.
- Raj-UNNATI is the state's digital platform for real-time monitoring of major infrastructure projects.
- The state is set to introduce 'Disturbed Areas' legislation similar to the Gujarat model.
- A revenue intelligence revamp has been cleared to enhance the state's tax monitoring capabilities.
- A new property transfer Bill was cleared to simplify real estate transactions.
MCQs from Current Affairs ❓
Q1: What is the primary focus of the Rajasthan Industrial Development Policy 2026?
- A) Traditional Handicrafts
- B) Talent Economy and Semiconductors
- C) Agriculture Export
- D) Tourism Development
View Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The 2026 policy specifically targets high-growth areas like the Talent Economy, semiconductor chips, data centers, and logistics.
Q2: The HPCL Rajasthan Refinery (HRRL) is located in which district?
- A) Jodhpur
- B) Bikaner
- C) Barmer
- D) Jaisalmer
View Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The HRRL is located in Pachpadra, Barmer district, and its cost was recently revised by the cabinet to ₹79,459 crore.
Q3: Which long-standing poll eligibility rule was recently scrapped by the Rajasthan Cabinet?
- A) Minimum educational qualification
- B) The Two-Child Norm
- C) Property ownership requirement
- D) Age limit of 25 years
View Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Rajasthan government has removed the restriction that previously prevented parents with more than two children from contesting municipal and panchayat elections.
Q4: Raj-UNNATI is a Rajasthan government initiative for which of the following?
- A) Forest Conservation
- B) Project Monitoring
- C) Women Empowerment
- D) Animal Husbandry
View Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Raj-UNNATI is a project monitoring platform designed to track the progress and implementation of state infrastructure projects efficiently.
Q5: How many hectares of land were recently approved for industrial development by the state cabinet?
- A) 500 hectares
- B) 1,000 hectares
- C) 1,678 hectares
- D) 3,000 hectares
View Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Cabinet approved the allotment of 1,678 hectares of land specifically for developing new industrial parks and logistics hubs.
