Rajasthan Current Affairs – January 2026

At a glance

the top events

The most important events of this page, and how many news items each topic holds.

Top events

1. The first Kota-Hadoti Travel Mart 2026 was held on the banks of the Chambal river and was inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. It showed Hadoti's wildlife sanctuaries, Chambal river trips, old forts and cultural heritage to tourism businesses across India.
2. The Hadoti Travel Mart was organised by the Hotel Federation of Rajasthan, with support from the state Tourism Department and the Union Tourism Ministry. It was the first big effort to present Hadoti as one shared tourism brand.
3. The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) announced that Jaipur will host a regional AI Impact Conference in January 2026, as a preparatory forum before the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
4. The Maheshwari Global Convention and Expo 2026 was held in Jodhpur and addressed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He praised the community's role in the freedom struggle, trade, industry and job creation.
5. Nagauri Ashwagandha, grown in Nagaur district of the Marwar region, received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The GI shows its special quality and its link with the area.
6. With Nagauri Ashwagandha, Rajasthan now has 22 GI-tagged products. The list includes Bikaneri Bhujia, Makrana Marble and Kota Doria.
7. The Union Environment Ministry (MoEFCC) declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, covering about 243 sq km and around 94 villages in Udaipur, Pali and Rajsamand districts of the Aravalli range.
8. NITI Aayog released three reports on the circular economy, covering end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), used tyres, and e-waste with lithium-ion batteries, at the IMRC 2026 (International Material Recycling Conference) in Jaipur.
9. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reviewed the annual air pollution control action plans (AAP) of Rajasthan districts that fall in the National Capital Region. CAQM is a statutory body set up under the CAQM Act, 2021.
10. 14 Jan — A Regional Labour and Employment Conference was held in Jaipur on 14–15 January 2026. It was one of six regional consultations across the country, attended by labour and industry secretaries of north-western states and Union Territories.

News by topic

Government & States

5 one-liners

Economy & Banking

11 one-liners

Science, Defence & Environment

11 one-liners

Sports, Days & Culture

5 one-liners

Government & States

5 one-liners

Policy · laws · schemes · states.

National

• The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reviewed the annual air pollution control action plans (AAP) of Rajasthan districts that fall in the National Capital Region. CAQM is a statutory body set up under the CAQM Act, 2021.
• CAQM told NCR districts of Rajasthan to improve coordination, take preventive steps and strengthen real-time monitoring and reporting. The review also aligns with the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
• 14 Jan — A Regional Labour and Employment Conference was held in Jaipur on 14–15 January 2026. It was one of six regional consultations across the country, attended by labour and industry secretaries of north-western states and Union Territories.
• 14 Jan — The Jaipur labour conference discussed smooth implementation of the four new Labour Codes, web-based inspections and social security for all. The four codes merge 29 old labour laws.
• 14 Jan — Linking the e-Shram portal with other government databases was also discussed in Jaipur, so that unorganised-sector workers can receive benefits without a break.

Economy & Banking

11 one-liners

RBI · markets · trade · reports.

Economy & Banking

• It was noted at the Jodhpur convention that India is now the fourth-largest economy in the world, up from fifth, and is preparing to reach the third position.
• Nagauri Ashwagandha, grown in Nagaur district of the Marwar region, received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The GI shows its special quality and its link with the area.
• GI tags are granted by the Government of India through the Geographical Indications Registry of the Commerce Ministry, which works under the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM).
• The GI tag protects the name and guarantees quality, so Nagaur farmers can link directly with Ayurvedic and pharmaceutical companies. Only consignments with the GI certificate can be sold abroad as Nagauri Ashwagandha, which should boost exports.
• With Nagauri Ashwagandha, Rajasthan now has 22 GI-tagged products. The list includes Bikaneri Bhujia, Makrana Marble and Kota Doria.
• Bamanwas Kankar panchayat in Kotputli-Behror district became the first fully organic-certified panchayat in Rajasthan and in north-western India. It was certified under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
• The organic shift in Bamanwas Kankar was started by local people, especially women farmers, worried about poor soil, falling groundwater and the health effects of chemical farming. The organisation COFED gave technical and market support.
• Farmers of Bamanwas Kankar pledged to give up synthetic fertilisers and chemical pesticides. The panchayat joins organic farming, animal husbandry and environmental care and is a model for other villages.
• A Chintan Shivir (brainstorming camp) on the Indian wool sector was held at Avikanagar, Tonk, by the Central Wool Development Board under the Textiles Ministry, with ICAR's Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSWRI).
• The wool camp aimed to cut India's dependence on imported fine wool. It discussed strengthening the wool value chain, sustainable sheep rearing, research, marketing, branding, exports and more Common Facility Centres (CFCs).
• Key suggestions at Avikanagar were centres of excellence for wool branding and quality, better processing facilities and technology, and closer links among farmers, small industries and big industries. An exhibition of sheep breeds, woollen clothes and technical textiles was held.

Science, Defence & Environment

11 one-liners

Space · tech · forces · ecology.

Science & Technology

• The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) announced that Jaipur will host a regional AI Impact Conference in January 2026, as a preparatory forum before the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
• The AI Impact Conference in Jaipur is built on three themes, People, Planet and Progress, and on the seven pillars of the IndiaAI Mission. Its aim is to encourage the adoption of AI and new ideas.
• The Jaipur AI conference will focus on AI in government services, ethical rules for AI use, and digital twin technology in city planning. It also aims to make Rajasthan a regional hub of AI innovation.

Environment & Ecology

• The Union Environment Ministry (MoEFCC) declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, covering about 243 sq km and around 94 villages in Udaipur, Pali and Rajsamand districts of the Aravalli range.
• The Kumbhalgarh ESZ notification was issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. It creates a buffer between the forest and people living around it, to protect biodiversity and wildlife habitat.
• In the Kumbhalgarh ESZ, big mining projects, polluting industries, brick kilns and large resorts or hotels are banned or allowed only under strict conditions. Farming, horticulture, rainwater harvesting and eco-friendly tourism may be allowed.
• Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary is home to wildlife such as nilgai, chinkara, Indian pangolin and jungle cat, which adds to the importance of the eco-sensitive zone.
• NITI Aayog released three reports on the circular economy, covering end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), used tyres, and e-waste with lithium-ion batteries, at the IMRC 2026 (International Material Recycling Conference) in Jaipur.
• IMRC 2026 was organised by the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI), India's largest recycling industry body. The reports stress stronger Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules and better use of resources in large waste sectors.
• The reports note that rising sales of electric vehicles are increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries, so proper disposal at end of life is vital. This links to the Viksit Bharat 2047 goal of low-waste, low-carbon growth.
• The CAQM review aims to reduce PM2.5 (particles up to 2.5 micrometres) and PM10 (up to 10 micrometres). It looks at vehicle smoke, industry, construction and road dust, and burning of crop residue or waste.

Sports, Days & Culture

5 one-liners

Results · important days · heritage.

Art, Culture & Tourism

• The first Kota-Hadoti Travel Mart 2026 was held on the banks of the Chambal river and was inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. It showed Hadoti's wildlife sanctuaries, Chambal river trips, old forts and cultural heritage to tourism businesses across India.
• The Hadoti Travel Mart was organised by the Hotel Federation of Rajasthan, with support from the state Tourism Department and the Union Tourism Ministry. It was the first big effort to present Hadoti as one shared tourism brand.
• Hadoti has four districts: Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar and Baran. The Travel Mart was centred on these four districts.
• The Maheshwari Global Convention and Expo 2026 was held in Jodhpur and addressed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He praised the community's role in the freedom struggle, trade, industry and job creation.
• At the Maheshwari convention in Jodhpur, the message was to adopt swadeshi goods and promote one's own language (swabhasha), in the spirit of a self-reliant India. It also stressed how organised communities help national unity.

Quick quiz

test yourself

Practice questions on this period. Tap an option to check your answer.

Fill in the blank: one-liner flashcards

The first _____ was held on the banks of the Chambal river and was inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. It showed Hadoti's wildlife sanctuaries, Chambal river trips, old forts and cultural heritage to tourism businesses across India.

Kota-Hadoti Travel Mart 2026

The Hadoti Travel Mart was organised by the _____, with support from the state Tourism Department and the Union Tourism Ministry. It was the first big effort to present Hadoti as one shared tourism brand.

Hotel Federation of Rajasthan

The Ministry of Electronics and IT (_____) announced that Jaipur will host a regional AI Impact Conference in January 2026, as a preparatory forum before the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

MeitY

The Maheshwari Global Convention and Expo 2026_____Jodhpur and addressed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He praised the community's role in the freedom struggle, trade, industry and job creation.

was held in

_____, grown in Nagaur district of the Marwar region, received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The GI shows its special quality and its link with the area.

Nagauri Ashwagandha

With Nagauri Ashwagandha, Rajasthan now has _____. The list includes Bikaneri Bhujia, Makrana Marble and Kota Doria.

22 GI-tagged products

_____ panchayat in Kotputli-Behror district became the first fully organic-certified panchayat in Rajasthan and in north-western India. It was certified under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).

Bamanwas Kankar

A _____ (brainstorming camp) on the Indian wool sector was held at Avikanagar, Tonk, by the Central Wool Development Board under the Textiles Ministry, with ICAR's Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSWRI).

Chintan Shivir

The Union Environment Ministry (_____) declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, covering about 243 sq km and around 94 villages in Udaipur, Pali and Rajsamand districts of the Aravalli range.

MoEFCC

_____ released three reports on the circular economy, covering end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), used tyres, and e-waste with lithium-ion batteries, at the IMRC 2026 (International Material Recycling Conference) in Jaipur.

NITI Aayog

MCQs

1. On the banks of which river was the Kota-Hadoti Travel Mart 2026 held?

   1. Chambal
   2. Banas
   3. Luni
   4. Mahi
   Show answer

   Answer: Chambal — The Travel Mart was held on the banks of the Chambal river at Kota.

2. Which organisation signed an MoU with the state Tourism Department at the Hadoti Travel Mart?

   1. FICCI
   2. Hotel Federation of Rajasthan
   3. CII Rajasthan
   4. RIICO
   Show answer

   Answer: Hotel Federation of Rajasthan — The Tourism Department and the Hotel Federation of Rajasthan signed the MoU to promote tourism in Hadoti.

3. Which ministry announced that Jaipur would host a regional AI Impact Conference?

   1. Ministry of Education
   2. NITI Aayog
   3. Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY)
   4. Ministry of Science and Technology
   Show answer

   Answer: Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) — MeitY announced the regional conference before the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

4. How many old labour laws were merged into the four new Labour Codes?

   1. 19
   2. 29
   3. 44
   4. 52
   Show answer

   Answer: 29 — Twenty-nine old labour laws were combined into four codes.

5. Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary's eco-sensitive zone covers about how many square kilometres?

   1. 143
   2. 243
   3. 343
   4. 443
   Show answer

   Answer: 243 — The ESZ covers about 243 sq km and around 94 villages.

6. Who inaugurated the Kota-Hadoti Travel Mart 2026?

   1. Governor of Rajasthan
   2. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma
   3. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
   4. Union Tourism Minister
   Show answer

   Answer: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla — Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the Travel Mart.

7. Nagauri Ashwagandha received a GI tag. In which district is it grown?

   1. Jodhpur
   2. Nagaur
   3. Barmer
   4. Churu
   Show answer

   Answer: Nagaur — Nagauri Ashwagandha is grown in Nagaur district of the Marwar region.

8. The AI Impact Conference is based on which three themes?

   1. Peace, Prosperity, Progress
   2. People, Planet, Progress
   3. Policy, Power, People
   4. Planning, Production, Profit
   Show answer

   Answer: People, Planet, Progress — The three themes are People, Planet and Progress, with the seven pillars of the IndiaAI Mission.

9. The Regional Labour and Employment Conference of January 2026 in Jaipur was one of how many regional consultations?

   1. Four
   2. Five
   3. Eight
   4. Six
   Show answer

   Answer: Six — It was one of six regional consultations held across the country.

10. The Kumbhalgarh eco-sensitive zone spreads over which three districts?

    1. Jodhpur, Pali, Sirohi
    2. Chittorgarh, Bhilwara, Ajmer
    3. Udaipur, Pali, Rajsamand
    4. Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jalore
    Show answer

    Answer: Udaipur, Pali, Rajsamand — Kumbhalgarh lies in the Aravalli range across Udaipur, Pali and Rajsamand.

11. Which of the following districts is NOT part of Hadoti?

    1. Kota
    2. Bundi
    3. Baran
    4. Tonk
    Show answer

    Answer: Tonk — Hadoti has four districts: Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar and Baran. Tonk is not one of them.

12. After Nagauri Ashwagandha, how many GI-tagged products does Rajasthan have?

    1. 18
    2. 20
    3. 25
    4. 22
    Show answer

    Answer: 22 — The total of GI-tagged products in Rajasthan rose to 22.