Current Affairs February 2024

Government Policies & Schemes

February 2024 saw several major government policy announcements and schemes in Rajasthan. The revised Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Eastern Rajasthan Canal Link Project (PKC-ERCP) agreement was signed between Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and the Central Ministry of Jal Shakti, and approved by the Supreme Court. The project is now part of the central river-linking scheme, with 90% funding from the Centre. It aims to provide irrigation and drinking water to 5.60 lakh hectares across 13 districts each in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Rajasthan will benefit with irrigation for 2.80 lakh hectares, water for 25 lakh farmer families, and drinking water for 40% of the state's population. The ERCP, announced in the 2017-18 state budget, focuses on utilizing surplus water from southern rivers for the southeast districts till 2051. The Rajasthan government also announced an increase in PM Kisan Samman Nidhi financial assistance from Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000 per family annually. The Mission Olympic 2028 scheme, announced in the 2024-25 budget, will provide world-class sports facilities to 50 talented youths, establish a sports excellence center in Jaipur, distribute free sports kits to 10 lakh students, build 500 playgrounds in rural areas, and set up a sports university in Jodhpur. The government mandated Surya Namaskar practice in all schools, achieving a world record with over 1.33 crore participants on 15 February. The Prerna School initiative aims to develop life and technical skills among students, inspired by Gujarat's Mehsana district. ⭐ Exam Important Facts: • PKC-ERCP project is now part of the central river-linking scheme with Supreme Court approval. • PM Kisan Samman Nidhi assistance increased to Rs 8,000 per family. • Focus on the scope and benefits of PKC-ERCP and ERCP projects. • Remember budget announcements and their impact on sports and agriculture.

• PKC-ERCP agreement signed between Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Central Ministry of Jal Shakti; Supreme Court approved.
• Project included in central river-linking scheme; 90% funding by Centre.
• ERCP to provide irrigation and drinking water to 13 districts each in Rajasthan and MP.
• PM Kisan Samman Nidhi increased from Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000 per family annually.
• Mission Olympic 2028 announced in budget 2024-25; sports excellence center in Jaipur.
• Surya Namaskar made mandatory in all schools; world record on 15 February with 1.33 crore participants.
• Prerna School initiative launched, inspired by Gujarat's Mehsana.

Appointments & Administrative Changes

February 2024 witnessed several key appointments and administrative changes in Rajasthan. Rajendra Prasad Gupta was appointed as the State Advocate General under Article 165, making him the highest legal officer in the state, responsible for advising the government and representing it in court. The Advocate General can participate in legislative sessions and committees but does not have voting rights. Justice Manindra Mohan Srivastava was sworn in as the 42nd Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court by Governor Kalraj Mishra on 6 February 2024, replacing Augustine George Masih. Srivastava took the oath in Hindi. The Rajasthan government formed a task force to identify new expressway routes. Six RIICO industrial areas were renamed as Shri Ram Janaki Industrial Area, following Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma's announcement. The state also saw the appointment of Rajendra Prasad Gupta as Advocate General and the inauguration of several new initiatives and institutions. ⭐ Exam Important Facts: • Justice Manindra Mohan Srivastava is the 42nd Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court. • Rajendra Prasad Gupta is the new Advocate General of Rajasthan. • Remember names and dates of key appointments. • Know the constitutional provisions for Advocate General.

• Rajendra Prasad Gupta appointed State Advocate General under Article 165.
• Justice Manindra Mohan Srivastava sworn in as 42nd Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court on 6 February 2024.
• Six RIICO industrial areas renamed as Shri Ram Janaki Industrial Area.
• Task force formed to identify new expressway routes.
• Advocate General can participate in legislative sessions and committees, without voting rights.