Current Affairs

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