Current Affairs 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

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