April 2024

The Indian Air Force is conducting its largest exercise, ‘Gagan Shakti,’ at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer district from April 1, 2024, to April 10, 2024.

1. Major fighter aircraft and modern helicopters of the Air Force are showcasing their striking capabilities during the exercise.
2. The Indian Army is providing logistics support for the exercise, facilitating the movement of approximately 10,000 IAF personnel and ammunition across India.
3. The exercise aims to validate the Operational Rail Mobilisation Plan aspects of the Indian Air Force.
4. ‘Gagan Shakti’ is being conducted at various locations nationwide, including the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer.
5. Fighter planes and helicopters such as Tejas, Rafale, Sukhoi 30, Jaguar, Globemaster, Chinook, Apache, and Prachanda are participating in the exercise.
6. The previous ‘Gagan Shakti’ exercise was held in 2018, during which the IAF completed over 11,000 sorties across two phases of air maneuvers.

Q: What is the name of the Indian Air Force’s largest exercise conducted at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer district?

a) Operation Skybolt
b) Exercise Thunderbolt
c) Exercise Gagan Shakti
d) Operation Desert Storm

Ans : c) Exercise Gagan Shakti

India firmly rejects China’s persistent attempts at renaming places in Arunachal Pradesh. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) asserts on 2nd April 2024, that the northeastern state will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. Despite China’s senseless efforts to assign invented names, the reality remains unchanged: Arunachal Pradesh is, has been, and will continue to be an integral part of our nation.

Recently, the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs released a fourth list of standardized geographical names in Zangnan, which is the Chinese name for Arunachal Pradesh. However, India stands firm in rejecting these attempts, emphasizing that no renaming will alter the state’s status within our borders.

This latest development comes in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, where he inaugurated the Sela Tunnel at an altitude of 13,000 feet. Despite China’s claims, India consistently upholds its sovereignty over the region, dismissing China’s assertions as ludicrous.

Q: What is the Chinese name for Arunachal Pradesh?

a) Zangnan
b) Xizang
c) Beijing
d) Shanghai

Ans : a) Zangnan

The Katchatheevu Island row has resurfaced, sparking controversy and debate.

1. Background:
   • Katchatheevu Island is a disputed area situated in the Palk Strait, between India and Sri Lanka.
   • In 1974, the Indira Gandhi-led Congress government ceded Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka through an agreement.
   • The island covers 1.9 square kilometers and lies approximately 20 kilometers from the Indian shore.
   • It is located in the middle of the ocean, equidistant from both countries, and is about 33 kilometers away from the Indian coast.
   • The island hosts a single structure: a church named St. Anthony, built by the British in the 20th century. Pastors from both India and Sri Lanka oversee its administration.
2. Historical Context:
   • Katchatheevu Island emerged from a volcanic eruption in the 14th century.
   • It was initially occupied by the Jaffna Kingdom of Sri Lanka during the medieval period.
   • Later, control shifted to the Ramnad Zamindari in the 17th century.
   • Due to its abundant fish resources, both India and Sri Lanka claimed the island to regulate fishing activities in 1921.
   • A survey declared Katchatheevu as part of Sri Lanka, but India continued to assert its ownership.
3. The Controversial Agreement:
   • In 1974, under the Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi accepted Katchatheevu as Sri Lankan territory.
   • The move aimed to strengthen India’s relations with Sri Lanka.
   • However, this decision has remained contentious, with recent political discussions reigniting the debate.
   • Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticized the Congress for giving away Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka.
   • The DMK government in Tamil Nadu consistently urges for the island’s return to India.

What is the name of disputed Island situated in the Palk Strait, between India and Sri Lanka?

A) Andaman Islands
B) Katchatheevu Island
C) Lakshadweep
D) Maldives

Answer: B) Katchatheevu Island