January 2024

Three panels of judges assessed the performance of Marching Contingents from the three Services, Marching Contingents from Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)/other auxiliary forces, and tableaux from various States/Union Territories and Ministries/Departments for the Republic Day Parade.

1. Best Marching Contingent among CAPF/other auxiliary forces: Delhi Police Women Marching Contingent.
2. Best Marching Contingent among the three services: Sikh Regiment Contingent.
3. Best three Tableaux (States/UTs):
   • First: Odisha (Woman Empowerment in Viksit Bharat)
   • Second: Gujarat (Dhordo: A Global Icon Of Gujarat’s Border Tourism)
   • Third: Tamil Nadu (Kudavolai System in ancient Tamil Nadu – Mother of Democracy)
4. Best Tableau (Ministries/Departments): Ministry of Culture – (Bharat: Mother of Democracy)
5. Special Prize: Central Public Works Department (Central Vista -Viksit Bharat Ka Pratibimb)
6. Special memento awarded to ‘Vande Bharatam’ – Dance Group.

Q.: Which contingent won the award for the Best Marching Contingent among CAPF/other auxiliary forces?

a) Sikh Regiment Contingent
b) Delhi Police Women Marching Contingent
c) Gujarat Border Security Force Contingent
d) Tamil Nadu Naval Contingent

Ans : b) Delhi Police Women Marching Contingent

• India and Saudi Arabia commence joint military exercise SADA TANSEEQ in Rajasthan from January 29 to February 10, 2024.
• 45 personnel from each country participate in the exercise which focuses on counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
• The exercise aims to train troops for joint operations in semi-desert terrain and share best practices.
• It will also enhance the level of defense cooperation and foster bilateral relations between the two countries.

Q: Which two countries participated in the joint military exercise SADA TANSEEQ in January 2024 in Rajasthan?

• a) India and China
• b) India and Pakistan
• c) India and Saudi Arabia
• d) India and Nepal

Ans : c) India and Saudi Arabia

On January 29, 2024, the ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony marked the culmination of the 75th Republic Day celebrations at Vijay Chowk, New Delhi. The musical performance featured bands from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Delhi Police, and the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF). Dignitaries in attendance included President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan.

The ceremony commenced with the arrival of President Droupadi Murmu in the traditional ‘buggy,’ reintroduced in this year’s Republic Day parade after a 40-year hiatus. The Raisina Hills echoed with captivating Indian tunes played by military and paramilitary bands.

The Beating Retreat ceremony’s origins date back to the early 1950s when Major Roberts of the Indian Army developed this unique display by massed bands. It is held on the evening of January 29, three days after Republic Day, at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi.

Q: ‘Beating the Retreat’ is held every year at which location?

A. Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi
B. Red Fort, Delhi
C. India Gate, New Delhi
D. Vijay Chowk, New Delhi

Ans : D. Vijay Chowk, New Delhi

Q: Who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces mentioned in the passage?

• A. Chief of Defence Staff
• B. President of India
• C. Prime Minister
• D. Vice President

Ans : B. President of India