Notes:
Gujarat accounts for almost 75 percent of salt production in the country and is the largest salt producing state in the country. Maharashtra, West Bengal, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh are also involved in salt production. Thoothukudi is the major salt producer in Tamil Nadu. Mandi in Himachal Pradesh is the only source of rock salt in India.

Notes:
Switchgrass is the perennial tall grass found predominantly in North America and Mexico. Its height varies from 5 ft to 12 ft, and the diameter of its stem at ground level is about 20 inches. It can grow in poor-quality soil, with low requirement of fertilisers, and can tolerate hostile conditions, including floods and drought. The grass has main roots that penetrate into the soil, and temporary fine roots, which enable it to conserve the soil in which it grows, and make it nutritionally rich. Hence Switchgrass has been grown traditionally for soil conservation and to serve as fodder. Since the 1990s, interest in this plant has increased because it generates a lot of biomass, which can be used for producing fibre, ethanol, electricity, and other chemicals.

Notes:
The Rajasthan government has decided to hold convention on preserving heritage properties & promoting heritage tourism in Bharatpur on September 13-14, 2018. Organised by the Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA), the convention on ‘Revitalising India as a Heritage Destination’ will witness national and international experts speak on preservation of heritage buildings, museums and promoting lesser-known destinations. The convention will strive to preserve heritage properties from decay while promoting heritage tourism in the in-bound tourism market. It will also bring to the forefront ‘battlefield tourism’, which aims to recreate the grand battles of Rajasthan. Similarly, role of next generation heritage owners and spousal participation in property management will also be discussed.

Notes:
On September 30, the Madhya Pradesh government has announced to set up a Ministry for Cows at a function in Khajuraho in Chhattarpur district to take care of cattle in a better way. It was attended by Digambar Jain monk Vidhyasagarji Maharaj. The cow ministry will replace the existing Madhya Pradesh Gaupalan Evam Pashudhan Samvardhan Board (MPGEPSB) because it (board) has limitations. If Madhya Pradesh implements the decision, it will become the 2nd Indian state after Rajasthan to get a cow ministry. Earlier, the MP government opened the India’s first cow sanctuary under the board in September 2017 at Agar Malwa district. The sanctuary is spread over 472 hectares, with a capacity for housing 6,000 cows. The Board also runs 600 cow shelters across the state where there are roughly 1.4 lakh bovines. The state is slated for assembly polls later this year along with Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and possibly Telangana.

Notes:
The new patrons of paintings came up with Rajasthan and Pahari kingdom schools. These were the schools that illustrated manuscripts, album miniatures, portraits, and various other paintings made their way all over the India.

Notes:
Rajasthan’s State bird may be extinct soon. Only 50 Great Indian Bustards left in the wild, no action on plan to save them. No progress has been made on the proposal for establishing a captive breeding centre.

Notes:
The Pushkar Fair, also called the Pushkar Camel Fair or locally as Kartik Mela or Pushkar ka Mela is an annual multi-day livestock fair and cultural fete held in the town of Pushkar. It is famous for its camel trading event.

Notes:
Gangaur is a festival celebrated in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most revered festivals all over Maharashtra. Durga Puja is the largest festival of Bengalis as well as of West Bengal.

Notes:
The historic walled city of Jaipur in Rajasthan has recently declared UNESCO World Heritage site at the ongoing 43rd Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee at Baku, Azerbaijan. The city was founded in 1727 AD under the patronage of Sawai Jai Singh II. It is known for its iconic architectural legacy and vibrant culture, and serves as the capital city of the culturally-rich state of Rajasthan. In town planning, it shows an interchange of ancient Hindu, Mughal and contemporary Western ideas that resulted in the form of the city. In addition, Jaipur City is an exceptional example of a late medieval trade town in South Asia and defined new concepts for a thriving trade and commercial hub. Additionally, the city is associated with living traditions in the form of crafts that have national and international recognition.