National Current Affairs

DRDO’s DMSRDE in Kanpur has developed the lightest Bullet Proof Jacket in India for defense against 7.62 x 54 R API ammunition, meeting Level 6 of BIS 17051 standards.

1. The jacket passed successful testing at TBRL, Chandigarh, complying with BIS 17051-2018.
2. It incorporates a new design approach, utilizing novel materials and processes.
3. The front Hard Armour Panel (HAP) can withstand multiple hits (06 shots) of 7.62 x 54 R API Sniper rounds in both ICW and Standalone configurations.
4. The front HAP is ergonomically designed, comprising a monolithic ceramic plate with a polymer backing, enhancing wearability and comfort during operations.
5. The areal density of the ICW Hard Armour Panel (HAP) is less than 40 kg/m2, while the standalone HAP is less than 43 kg/m2.

Q: Where was the recently developed Lightest Bullet Proof Jacket successfully tested?

a) DRDO Headquarters, New Delhi
b) IIT Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
c) TBRL, Chandigarh
d) ISRO, Bengaluru

Ans : c) TBRL, Chandigarh

President Droupadi Murmu presented the Padma Awards at the Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on April 22, 2024.

1. Padma Vibhushan was conferred on former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Bharatnatyam dancer Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, and Bindeshwar Pathak posthumously.
2. Actor Mithun Chakraborty and singer Usha Uthup received the Padma Bhushan award.
3. Other recipients of the Padma Bhushan include philanthropist Dr. Sitaram Jindal, cardiologist Dr. Tejas Madhusudan Patel, and former Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik.
4. The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, conferred in three categories – Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, for exceptional and distinguished service.

Q: Which award was conferred posthumously to Bindeshwar Pathak?

a) Padma Bhushan
b) Padma Shri
c) Padma Vibhushan
d) None of the above

Ans : c) Padma Vibhushan

Q: Which category of the Padma Awards is considered one of the highest civilian Awards of the country?

a) Padma Shri
b) Padma Bhushan
c) Padma Vibhushan
d) None of the above

Ans : c) Padma Vibhushan

Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi has been appointed as the next Chief of the Indian Navy. He will succeed Admiral R Hari Kumar who is retiring on 30th April 2024.

Previously, Mr Tripathi has served as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command.

He is Communication and Electronic Warfare specialist and served on frontline warships of the Navy as Signal Communication Officer and Electronic Warfare Officer.

He commanded the Indian naval ships Vinash, Kirch and Trishul.

Vice Admiral Tripathi is a recipient of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and the Nausena Medal for devotion to duty.

Q: Who has been appointed as the next Chief of the Indian Navy in April 2024 ?

a) Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi
b) Admiral R Hari Kumar
c) Vice Admiral Vinod Kumar Singh
d) Rear Admiral Anil Chawla

Correct Answer: a) Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight test of an Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile on April 18, 2024 at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha.

1. The test flight was monitored from an Indian Air Force Su-30-Mk-I aircraft.
2. The successful test demonstrated the reliable performance of the indigenous propulsion system developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment.
3. The missile is equipped with advanced avionics and software for improved performance and reliability.
4. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO for the successful test, emphasizing the significance of indigenous long-range subsonic cruise missiles with indigenous propulsion.
5. Chairman of DRDO, Dr. Samir V Kamat, praised the entire DRDO team for the successful launch of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile.

Q: What was highlighted as a major achievement in the successful test of Cruise Missile on April 18, 2024 at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha ?

a) Advanced avionics technology
b) Indigenous propulsion system
c) Collaboration with international partners
d) Use of nuclear propulsion

Correct Answer: b) Indigenous propulsion system

Q: Who is the chairman of DRDO?

a) Rajnath Singh
b) Samir V Kamat
c) Narendra Modi
d) Bipin Rawat

Correct Answer: b) Samir V Kamat

India is gearing up for the world’s largest democratic exercise with the commencement of voting for the 18th Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies in four states, marking the start of the General Elections 2024.

1. The first phase of polling, scheduled for April 19, 2024, will cover 102 Parliamentary Constituencies and 92 Assembly Constituencies across 21 States/UTs, with over 18 lakh polling officials deployed across 1.87 lakh polling stations.
2. In first phase approximately 16.63 crore voters, including first-time voters and young voters aged between 20-29 years, are expected to participate in this election, with a total of 1625 candidates contesting, including 134 females.
3. The Election Commission has deployed various resources such as helicopters, special trains, and vehicles to facilitate smooth polling and ensure security across the country.
4. The remaining six phases of polling will continue until June 1, with the counting of votes scheduled for June 4, shaping the future of India as it celebrates the spirit of democracy.

Q: What is the primary focus of the General Elections 2024 in India?

a) Electing the President
b) Voting for the Lok Sabha members
c) Selecting state governors
d) Choosing municipal representatives

Ans : b) Voting for the Lok Sabha members

Indian team has secured 2 Silver and 2 Bronze medals in the 13th European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO) 2024 held in Tskaltubo, Georgia from April 11 – 17, 2024.

Gunjan Agarwal of Gurgaon and Sanjana Philo Chacko of Thiruvananthapuram won Silver medals while Larissa from Hissar and Pune’s Saee Patil won Bronze medals. All four contestants secured medals at EGMO.

Q: Who among the following won a Silver medal at the 13th European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO) 2024?

a) Gunjan Agarwal and Saee Patil
b) Larissa and Sanjana Philo Chacko
c) Gunjan Agarwal and Sanjana Philo Chacko
d) Saee Patil and Sanjana Philo Chacko

Ans : c) Gunjan Agarwal and Sanjana Philo Chacko

The UPSC announced the results of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) on April 16, 2024.

• Aditya Srivastava secured the first position, followed by Animesh Pradhan in second place and Donuru Ananya Reddy in third.
• Notable achievements by women were highlighted, with two women among the top five candidates.
• A total of 1016 candidates have been recommended for various services, with 664 men and 352 women.
• The selected candidates include 347 from the General category, 115 from the Economic Weaker Section, 303 from Other Backward Caste, 165 from Scheduled Caste, and 86 from Scheduled Tribes.

Q: Who secured the first position in the Civil Services Examination, 2023?

a) Animesh Pradhan
b) Aditya Srivastava
c) Donuru Ananya Reddy
d) P K Sidharth Ramkumar

Ans : b) Aditya Srivastava

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted trials of the of indigenous Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Weapon System at the Pokhran Field Firing Range (PFFR), Rajasthan on April 13, 2024. These trials included assessing the missile’s performance, warhead capability, and the overall effectiveness of the system.

• The MPATGM system, which includes the missile itself, the Man Portable Launcher, the Target Acquisition System (TAS), and the Fire Control Unit (FCU), was developed indigenously by DRDO.
• The trials demonstrated the system’s capability to meet the requirements outlined in the General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR) of the Indian Army. Additionally, the penetration trials of the Tandem Warhead System were successful, confirming its ability to defeat modern armor-protected Main Battle Tanks (MBTs).
• The MPATGM system features day/night and top attack capabilities, along with a dual-mode seeker functionality, enhancing its effectiveness in tank warfare.

The successful development and demonstrations mark the readiness of the system for final user evaluation trials, paving the way for its induction into the Indian Army.

Q: Where were the trials of the indigenous Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Weapon System conducted?

a) Chandipur Integrated Test Range (ITR)
b) ISRO, Bengaluru
c) Pokhran Field Firing Range (PFFR), Rajasthan
d) DRDO Hyderabad

Ans: c) Pokhran Field Firing Range (PFFR), Rajasthan

The fifth edition of the ‘Dustlik’ Joint Military Exercise between India and Uzbekistan will be from 15 April to 28 April 2024 in Termez District, Uzbekistan.

• The exercise aims to enhance collaboration and future military interactions between the Indian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan.
• The previous edition of the exercise was held in February 2023 at the Foreign Training Node, Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand, focusing on sharing best practices in subconventional operations under UN mandates.
• Each side had forty-five soldiers participating, fostering positive relations between the armies of both nations.
• The Indian Army contingent included troops from an infantry battalion from the Garhwal Rifles Regiment.
• The first edition of the exercise took place in Uzbekistan in November 2019.

Q: The fifth edition of which Joint Military Exercise held between India and Uzbekistan from 15 April to 28 April 2024 in Termez District, Uzbekistan?

a) Dustlik Joint Military Exercise
b) Surya Kiran Joint Military Exercise
c) Varuna Joint Military Exercise
d) Malabar Joint Military Exercise

Correct answer: a) Dustlik Joint Military Exercise

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), located in New Delhi, India, has recently emerged as the highest-ranked Indian university in the World University Rankings list.

Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), London-based higher education analytics firm released World University Rankings recently :

JNU has secured the 20th position globally in the field of development studies

JNU emerged as the country’s top-ranked university in the subjects of Geography, History, Modern Languages, Politics & International Relations, Anthropology, English Language & Literature, and Linguistics.

Q: What position did JNU secure globally in the field of development studies according to the QS World University Rankings?

a) 10th
b) 20th
c) 30th
d) 40th

Ans : b) 20th

Q: In which subjects did JNU emerge as the top-ranked university in India?

a) Physics, Chemistry, Biology
b) Economics, Mathematics, Computer Science
c) Geography, History, Modern Languages
d) Engineering, Medicine, Law

Ans : c) Geography, History, Modern Languages

Parivartan Chintan: A Tri-Service Conference held in New Delhi on April 8, 2024, aimed at fostering new ideas, initiatives, and reforms for Jointness and Integration efforts.

Chaired by Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, the conference brought together heads of all Tri-Services Institutions, the Department of Military Affairs, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, and the three Services.

Discussions involved officers from diverse service backgrounds, contributing their understanding and experience to recommend measures for achieving the desired “Joint and Integrated” end state swiftly.

The Indian Armed Forces are undergoing transformative changes to prepare for future wars, with initiatives promoting Jointness and Integration amid modifications in structures to facilitate Tri-Service multi-domain operations.

Q: What was the main objective of the Parivartan Chintan Tri-Service Conference held on April 8, 2024?

a) Review ongoing military operations
b) Generate new ideas and reforms for Jointness and Integration efforts
c) Discuss budget allocations for the armed forces
d) Address internal conflicts within the military

Ans : b) Generate new ideas and reforms for Jointness and Integration efforts

Q: Who is the Chief of Defence Staff of India?

a) General Bipin Rawat
b) Admiral Karambir Singh
c) Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria
d) General Anil Chauhan

Ans : d) General Anil Chauhan

1. Successful test flight of the next-generation ballistic missile Agni-Prime conducted by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on April 3, 2024, from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
2. Test met all trial objectives, confirming reliable performance, with data captured by various range sensors including Downrange ships.
3. Launch took place in the presence of high-ranking officials including Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Strategic Forces Command, and senior officials from DRDO and the Indian Army.
4. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, SFC, and Armed Forces, highlighting the missile’s potential as a force multiplier.
5. Previous successful test of Agni Prime occurred in June the previous year, also from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island.

Q: Where was the test flight of Agni-Prime conducted by SFC and DRDO in April 2024?

a) Pokharan, Rajsthan
b) ISRO SHAR Center
c) Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island
d) Chandipur Test Range

Ans : c) Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island

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