National

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

1. The 75th Republic Day was celebrated on January 26, 2024, with President Droupadi Murmu leading the celebrations at Kartavya Path in New Delhi.
2. French President Emmanuel Macron was the Chief Guest at the parade, highlighting India’s cultural diversity, unity, military strength, and growing Nari Shakti.
3. The ceremony began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying tributes at the National War Memorial, followed by the traditional unfurling of the National Flag and the National Anthem.
4. The parade, based on the themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka,’ involved around 13 thousand Special Guests, encouraging Jan Bhagidari.
5. The arrival of the Indian and French Presidents was marked by a traditional buggy procession by the President’s Bodyguard.
6. The parade featured the first-ever participation of women artists playing Indian musical instruments and an all-women Tri-Service contingent.
7. Various military equipment, including Tank T-90 Bhishma, NAG Missile System, and others, showcased India’s military prowess.
8. Tableaux from 16 States, Union Territories, and nine Ministries depicted the country’s rich cultural diversity and creativity.

Q: Who was the Chief Guest at the Republic Day parade in 2024?

A) Narendra Modi
B) Droupadi Murmu
C) Emmanuel Macron
D) Virat Kohli

Ans : C) Emmanuel Macron

Q: What were the twin themes of the Republic Day parade in 2024?

A) Unity in Diversity and Military Strength
B) Viksit Bharat and Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka
C) Cultural Heritage and Economic Progress
D) Nari Shakti and Global Diplomacy

Ans : B) Viksit Bharat and Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka

The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted Exercise Desert Knight with the French Air and Space Force (FASF) and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force over the Arabian Sea on 23rd January 2024.

1. The IAF contingent included Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar, AWACS, C-130-J, and Air to Air Refueller aircraft.
2. The French participation featured Rafale fighter aircraft and a Multi-Role Tanker Transport, while the UAE Air Force fielded the F-16.
3. The primary focus of Exercise Desert Knight was on enhancing synergy and interoperability among the three Air Forces.

Q: Which countries participated in Exercise Desert Knight alongside the Indian Air Force in January 2024?

a. France and USA
b. France and UAE
c. USA and UAE
d. France and China

Ans : b. France and UAE

Former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor.

Who was Karpoori Thakur?

Born in a poor barber family in Bihar, Thakur rose from humble beginnings to become a towering figure in Indian politics. He championed the cause of the backward classes, farmers, and the underprivileged throughout his career. As Chief Minister of Bihar (1970-71, 1977-79), he implemented groundbreaking initiatives for land reforms, education, and poverty alleviation. He is famously remembered for abolishing the zamindari system, introducing free education for girls, and promoting social equality through affirmative action policies.

Why was he awarded the Bharat Ratna?

He was a symbol of hope and inspiration for millions of disadvantaged people across India. His unwavering commitment to social justice, his relentless fight against oppression, and his genuine empathy for the suffering masses earned him the affectionate title of “Jan Nayak”, or “People’s Leader.”

Q: Karpoori Thakur belonged to which state in India?

(a) Punjab
(b) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Bihar

Ans : (d) Bihar

Q: What was a major initiative implemented by Karpoori Thakur during his Chief Ministership?

(a) Nationalization of banks
(b) Green Revolution
(c) Abolition of the zamindari system
(d) Introduction of Panchayati Raj

Ans : (c) Abolition of the zamindari system

President Droupadi Murmu awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, 2024 to 19 exceptional children in New Delhi on January 22, 2024.

• The awardees were selected from all regions of the country and recognized for their outstanding achievements in Art and Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Social Service, and Sports.
• Among the 19 awardees, there are nine boys and ten girls representing 18 States and Union Territories, including two Aspirational Districts.
• The age group of the awardees ranges from 5 to 18 years.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to interact with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awardees on January 23.
• The awardees will also participate in the Republic Day parade on January 26.

Q: Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is awarded in which of the following categories?

a. Educational Excellence, Scientific Achievement, and Leadership
b. Art and Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Social Service, and Sports
c. Academic Achievements and Technological Advancements
d. Environmental Conservation and Community Development

Ans : b. Art and Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Social Service, and Sports

The Ministry of Education in India has issued new guidelines for the regulation of coaching centers, including a controversial clause barring students below the age of 16 from enrolling.

Key features of the new guidelines:

• Minimum Enrolment Age: No coaching center can enroll students below 16 years old.
• Prohibited Practices: Misleading promises of guaranteed ranks or good marks are banned.
• Tutor Qualifications: Tutors must be graduates or possess equivalent qualifications.
• Transparency and Accountability: Registration, renewal, and cancellation procedures are outlined for coaching centers.

Q: What is the minimum age for students to enroll in coaching centers according to the new guidelines?

A) 14 years
B) 15 years
C) 16 years
D) 18 years

Ans : C) 16 years

• Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is a nationwide campaign by the Indian government to promote and monitor flagship central schemes.
• The campaign focuses on schemes like Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala Yojana, PM Suraksha Bima, PM SVANidhi, etc.
• Its goal is to raise awareness through extensive outreach activities, covering Gram Panchayats, Nagar Panchayats, and Urban Local Bodies.
• The initiative is part of the government’s efforts to empower rural communities through various schemes and activities.
• It is the largest-ever outreach initiative, reaching 2.60 lakh Gram Panchayats and 4000+ urban local bodies by January 25, 2024.
• The campaign has garnered significant support from people nationwide, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce its continuation beyond February 5.

Q: What is the primary objective of Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra?

a. To promote tourism
b. To conduct political rallies
c. To create awareness and ensure public participation in development and welfare schemes
d. To organize cultural festivals

Ans : c. To create awareness and ensure public participation in development and welfare schemes

• The Wings India 2024 event commenced on January 18, 2024, at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad.
• Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia formally inaugurated the event, which was organized by the Airports Authority of India in collaboration with the Ministry and FICCI.
• Wings India is considered one of the biggest civil aviation shows in Asia.
• The event features new-generation aircraft displays, allied aviation services, auxiliary unit industries, and advancements in the tourism sector.
• It is a four-day event aimed at bringing together stakeholders and participants from the global aviation industry to promote collaboration, showcase innovations, and explore business opportunities.
• The main theme of the biennial event is ‘Connecting India with the World in Amritkal,’ focusing on strategies and strategic frameworks for the future of the country’s aviation sector.
• Discussions at the event aim to chart out actions aligning with national aspirations, fostering connectivity, growth, and innovation in aviation up to the year 2047.
• Approximately 1500 delegates from over 100 countries, five thousand business representatives, and over one lakh visitors are expected to participate.
• The event will host about 500 Business to Business meetings.
• The Boeing 777-9 and Airbus A350, the latest widebody aircraft, will be displayed for the first time at the Wings India air show in Hyderabad.
• The Boeing 777-9 flight test aircraft is on static display for the first two days, while the Airbus A350 is expected to begin commercial operations from January 22nd, initially for domestic operations.

Q: Where did the Wings India 2024 event held in January 2024?

a. Mumbai Airport
b. Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad
c. Palam Airport, New Delhi
d. Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi

Ans: b. Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad

• Crown Prince Frederik X became the new King of Denmark on January 14, 2024.
• He succeeded his mother, Queen Margrethe II, who formally abdicated after 52 years as the monarch.
• Tens of thousands of Danes gathered in Copenhagen to witness the historic succession in freezing temperatures.
• Queen Margrethe II, at 83 years old, is the first Danish monarch to voluntarily relinquish the throne in nearly 900 years.
• The abdication was formalized when Queen Margrethe signed the declaration during a meeting of the Council of State at Parliament at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen.
• The new King, his Australian-born wife Mary (now Queen Consort), and their 18-year-old eldest son, Crown Prince Christian, were present at the meeting.
• Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen proclaimed 55-year-old Frederik as the new king from the balcony of the Palace.
• Queen Consort Mary, an Australian-born commoner, is the first commoner to become Queen of Denmark.

Q: Who succeeded Queen Margrethe II as the new King of Denmark on January 14, 2024?

• A) Crown Prince Christian
• B) Prince Frederik X
• C) King Christian IX
• D) Prince Mette Frederiksen

Ans : B) Prince Frederik X

• DRDO conducts successful flight-test of New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile on January 12, 2024, at ITR Chandipur.
• Test targets high-speed unmanned aerial target at very low altitude was successfully intercepted and destroyed during the flight test.
• Validation of complete AKASH-NG weapon system, including missile, Radio Frequency Seeker, Launcher, Multi-Function Radar, and Command, Control, and Communication system.
• AKASH-NG is a state-of-the-art missile system capable of intercepting high-speed, agile aerial threats.
• Successful flight test opens the way for user trials of the AKASH-NG system.
• Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh commends DRDO, IAF, PSUs, and Industry for the successful test.
• Development of AKASH-NG system expected to enhance the country’s air defence capabilities.

Q: What is the primary capability of the AKASH-NG missile system?

• A. Submarine warfare
• B. Anti-tank warfare
• C. Interception of high-speed, agile aerial threats
• D. Long-range artillery attacks

Ans : C. Interception of high-speed, agile aerial threats

Q: Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, is located in which state?

A. Maharashtra
B. Odisha
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Gujarat

Ans : B. Odisha

• PM Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s longest bridge, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri – Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, on January 12, 2024.
• The 21.8 km bridge is the longest sea bridge in India and a significant infrastructure project for Mumbai.
• The 6-lane bridge, 16.5 km over the sea and 5.5 km over land, is the longest sea and overall bridge in India.
• Dignitaries present at the inauguration included Governor Ramesh Bais, CM Eknath Shinde, and Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.
• PM Modi laid the foundation stone for Atal Setu in December 2016.
• Atal Setu aims to enhance connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, reducing travel time between Sewri and Nhava Sheva from 2 hours to 20 minutes.
• It shortens routes from Mumbai to Pune, Goa, and South India, improving connectivity to Mumbai and Navi Mumbai International Airports, Mumbai Port, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.
• Executed by MMRDA on an EPC basis with a total cost of over Rs 17,840 crore; Japan International Cooperation Agency provided a loan of approximately 30,755 million yen.

Q: What is the name of India’s longest bridge ?

• A. Rajiv Gandhi Setu
• B. Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri – Nhava Sheva Atal Setu
• C. Indira Gandhi Bridge
• D. Sardar Patel Crossing

Ans : B. Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri – Nhava Sheva Atal Setu

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 10th edition of the ‘Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 on January 10, 2024, at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar.
• President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, participated as the Chief Guest, symbolizing deepening ties between India and the UAE.
• India-UAE partnership was highlighted, particularly in the renewable energy sector, innovative healthcare, and substantial investments in India’s port infrastructure.
• The theme of this year’s summit is ‘Gateway to the Future,’ focusing on shared efforts for a bright 21st-century future.

Q: Who participated as the Chief Guest in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024?

a. President of the Nepal
b. President of the United States
c. Prime Minister of Israel
d. President of the United Arab Emirates

Ans : President of the United Arab Emirates

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show on 9 Jan 2024 in Gandhinagar.
• The event was attended by the President of Mozambique Filipe Nyusi, President of Timor Leste José Ramos-Horta, and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel.
• PM Modi is set to inaugurate the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar on 10 Jan 2024.
• The Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show, covering an area of two lakh square meters, is India’s largest-ever Global Trade Show.
• 100 countries are participating as visiting countries, and 33 countries are joining as partners in the five-day trade show.
• Over 1,000 exhibitors from 20 countries, including Australia, South Korea, Singapore, UAE, UK, Germany, and Norway, are present.
• The trade show focuses on emerging sectors such as electric vehicles, green hydrogen, renewable energy, semiconductors, and cybersecurity.

Q: Presidents from which two countries were present at the inauguration of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show?

a. Mozambique and Maldives
b. Mozambique and Timor Leste
c. Mozambique and UAE
d. Germany and UAE

Ans : b. Mozambique and Timor Leste

• AIIMS New Delhi has established the country’s first smart lab in its OPD block.
• The smart lab offers comprehensive laboratory testing services, covering hematology, biochemistry, coagulation, serology, endocrinology, and various immunoassays.
• Dr. Sudip Kumar Datta, Additional Professor of Laboratory Medicine at AIIMS Delhi, mentioned that the smart lab provides test reports for 90 percent of samples on the same day they are received.
• The initiative is a technological advancement, operating as a completely paperless facility.
• The integration of various testing services under one roof is a notable feature of the smart lab.

Q: Which institute has initiated the country’s first smart lab in its OPD block?

a. PGI Chandigarh
b. AIIMS New Delhi
c. Apollo Hospitals
d. Fortis Healthcare

Ans : b. AIIMS New Delhi

1. 45 girls from the North East are participating in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp 2024.
2. The girls, aged 13 to 15, will showcase the rich cultural heritage of the North East.
3. This marks the first time a band of girls from the North East is participating in the camp.
4. The NCC Republic Day Camp has a total of 2,274 cadets, including 907 girls, from across the country.
5. The month-long camp aims to expose cadets to the rich traditions of the nation and strengthen their value system.
6. There are 122 cadets from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, as well as 177 from the North East.
7. Cadets and officers from 25 friendly countries under the Youth Exchange Programme (YEP) are also participating.
8. The Director General of NCC, Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, highlighted the camp’s goal of promoting national integration and unity in diversity through cultural exchange programs.

Q: What is the full form of NCC?

a. National Cadet Council
b. National Cadet Corps
c. North Cultural Convention
d. National Cadre Committee

Ans : b. National Cadet Corps

Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. B.R. Kamboj, received the M.S. Swaminathan Award for his contributions in agronomy.

1. The award was presented by Thawar Chand Gehlot, the Governor of Karnataka, at the International Conference on ‘One Health One World’ in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
2. Prof. B.R. Kamboj was selected for the award by a special committee recognizing his achievements in education, research, technology development, and extension in agricultural science.
3. The Vice Chancellor is well-informed about farmers’ common problems, needs, and socio-economic conditions, and his agricultural recommendations have proven highly advantageous for farmers.
4. Prof. Kamboj has authored around 300 research papers and articles in national and international journals, books, and technical magazines.

Q: Who received the M.S. Swaminathan Award in 2024?

a) Prof. B.R. Kamboj
b) Thawar Chand Gehlot
c) Chaudhary Charan Singh
d) Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia

answer: a) Prof. B.R. Kamboj

Joint Military Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone 2024’ between India and UAE scheduled from January 2 to January 15 in Rajasthan.

• Objective: Enhance interoperability through learning and sharing best practices in urban operations.
• India and UAE have strong bonds based on cultural, religious, and economic ties.
• Potential areas of bilateral cooperation in defense: production and development of defense equipment, joint exercises, sharing strategic information, technical cooperation (Intermediate Jet Trainer).
• First-ever India-UAE Joint Air Forces exercise occurred in September 2008 at Al-Dhafra base in Abu Dhabi.

Q: What is the name of the Joint Military Exercise conducted between India and UAE in Rajasthan in January 2024?

a) Desert Storm 2024
b) Desert Thunder 2024
c) Desert Cyclone 2024
d) Desert Mirage 2024

Correct Answer: c) Desert Cyclone 2024