Current Affairs for Government Job Preparation - February 2024

Key Events and Updates for Government Job Preparation in India, February 2024

As you navigate your journey towards securing crucial roles within the Indian administration, it's essential to stay informed of recent developments across various sectors. In this brief overview, I aim to highlight some critical events, economic updates, and notable announcements from both domestic and global arenas during the month of February 2024.

Important Events

• Union Budget 2024: On February 1st, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled her third budget before Parliament. The Union Budget introduced several measures aimed at bolstering India's economic growth while maintaining fiscal prudence.
• New National Education Policy Launch: A revised version of the National Education Policy was unveiled by Prime Minster Narendra Modi on February 1st. This significant policy document aims to reform education in India and align with new challenges of the modern era.
• National Water Grid Project: The Ministry of Jal Shakti announced plans to construct a National Water Grid, which will connect water sources from different parts of the country to ensure equitable distribution of resources.

Economic Updates

• GDP Growth Projections Update: According to the RBI's projections released in February, India is projected to grow at a rate of 6% in FY2024, up from its earlier forecast of 5.8%.
• Inflation Rate Decline: In January 2024, consumer price inflation decreased to 3.9%, compared to 4.6% recorded in December 2023.
• Positive GST Collections: Goods and Services Tax collections increased to Rs.1.2 trillion in January 2024 – a record high collection in a single month.

National News

• India-US Collaboration Boosted: During US President Joe Biden's visit to New Delhi in late February, bilateral ties between the two nations were strengthened, with major agreements signed across defense, energy, climate change, and other domains. These strategic partnerships have significant implications for employment opportunities in these areas.
• Women Empowerment Initiative: On International Women's Day, March 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 'Shaktimann Ki Bharat,' a program aimed at empowering women through skill development initiatives in rural regions.
• Nagaland Peace Accord: Amid ongoing talks regarding peace accords, discussions related to Nagaland continued throughout the month of February, with key players seeking solutions that could lead to lasting peace and stability in the region.

Appointments & Resignations

• Chairman of SEBI Replaced: Ajay Tyagi stepped down as Chairman of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in early February 2024; Madhabi Puri Buch succeeded him in the position.
• RBI Deputy Governor Resigned: Michael Debabrata Patra resigned from his post as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India in mid-February 2024.
• Tamil Nadu CM Change: MK Stalin took over as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after Edappadi Palaniswamy handed over leadership following the AIADMK party's defeat in the state election held in April 2021.

During your preparatory efforts, remember that staying abreast of such information can give you an edge when attempting competitive examinations like UPSC Civil Service Exams. Engaging with reputable media outlets and publications allows you access to timely data, positioning yourself as a well-informed candidate capable of addressing contemporary issues with confidence.