Current Affairs March 2024

Retired IAS officers Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu have been appointed as Election Commissioners.

The posts of the two Election Commissioners were vacant after the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey and the resignation of Arun Goel.

Prior to this appointment, the Election Commission had only one Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Rajiv Kumar.

Q: Who among the following have been recently appointed as an Election Commissioner in India?

A) Umesh Sinha and Gyanesh Kumar
B) Sukhbir Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar
C) Sunil Arora and Sukhbir Sandhu
D) Sushil Chandra and Rajiv Kumar

Ans : B) Sukhbir Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar

The Ministry of Defence has signed two contracts worth 8,073 crore rupees with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the acquisition of 34 Advanced Light Helicopters on 13 March 2024.

1. A deal has been finalized to acquire 25 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) for the Indian Army and 9 ALH for maritime purposes for the Indian Coast Guard.
2. The procurement falls under the “buy Indian-indigenously designed, developed and manufactured” category.
3. The ALHs designated for the Indian Army are intended for tasks including search and rescue, troop transportation, internal cargo, and casualty evacuation operations.
4. The ALHs designated for maritime roles are tailored for operations such as maritime surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue missions, as well as cargo and personnel transportation.

Q: What is the purpose of the 25 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) procured for the Indian Army?

a) Maritime surveillance
b) Troop transportation
c) Cargo transportation
d) Passenger transportation

Ans : b) Troop transportation

On March 12, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi observed the “Bharat Shakti” exercise held in Pokhran. This exercise showcased the capabilities of indigenously manufactured defense weapons as part of the “atma nirbharta” (self-reliance) campaign. The demonstration highlighted the integrated firepower and maneuvering capabilities of the Army, Navy, and Air Force at the Pokhran field firing range.

During the exercise, the indigenous prowess of the three services was demonstrated through a variety of weaponry. The skies reverberated with the sounds of the LCA Tejas and ALH Mk-IV helicopters, showcasing the aerial capabilities. On the ground, main battle tanks such as the Arjun and K-9 Vajra, as well as artillery gun systems like the Dhanush and Sharang, dominated the firing ranges, demonstrating the ground-based firepower.

Q: What is Exercise Bharat Shakti held in Pokhran on 12 March 2024? 

A) A yoga and meditation event held annually in India.
B) A military exercise showcasing indigenous defense capabilities.
C) A cultural festival celebrating India’s rich heritage.
D) A scientific expedition to Antarctica.

Answer: B) A military exercise showcasing indigenous defense capabilities.

On March 12, 2024, Union Minister for Civil Aviation and Steel, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, inaugurated Fly91, a regional airline. The Minister flagged off its maiden flight between Manohar International Airport (MOPA) in Goa and the Agatti Islands, Lakshadweep.

Fly91’s scheduled flights are set to commence from March 18, 2024. Initially, the airline will operate routes between Manohar International Airport, Goa, and cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jalgaon, Agatti, Pune, and Nanded. Subsequently, additional connections will be established from Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune to Sindhudurg, Jalgaon, Nanded, and Goa. These new routes aim to enhance connectivity across the nation, boost tourism, facilitate trade, and provide passengers with an affordable, safe, and hassle-free travel experience.

Q: What is Fly91?

• A) A new regional airline
• B) A popular tourist destination
• C) A type of bird
• D) A fictional superhero

Answer: A) A new regional airline

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), a paramilitary force, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the assets and infrastructure of our nation. On March 10, every year, the CISF commemorates its establishment with CISF Raising Day.

This year Celebration to marks the 55th anniversary of CISF will take place at RTC Bhilai on March 12th, 2024. Hon’ble MoS (Home) Nityanand Rai to be Chief Guest.

History of CISF:

• The need for specialized security forces in critical sectors led to the establishment of the CISF.
• Under the CISF Act, 1968, the force was formed to address these growing security needs.
• Initially, the CISF had only three battalions and 2,800 personnel. Over time, it has grown to become one of the largest and strongest security forces in India, with 165,000 personnel.
• The CISF’s primary responsibilities include safeguarding government infrastructure projects, industrial establishments, and public sector undertakings.

Q: When is CISF Raising Day celebrated annually?

a) March 12th
b) March 10th
c) March 15th
d) March 20th

Ans : b) March 10th

INS Jatayu, a new naval base, was commissioned at Minicoy Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago on March 6, 2024.

• Minicoy Island is strategically important due to its location in the Arabian Sea and its position along vital sea lines of communication.
• The commissioning of INS Jatayu strengthens India’s naval presence in the Lakshadweep region and enhances operational capabilities.
• The naval base extends India’s operational reach, surveillance capabilities, and contributes to comprehensive development by improving connectivity between the islands and the mainland.
• The commissioning ceremony was attended by Admiral R Hari Kumar (Chief of Naval Staff), Shri Praful K Patel (Hon’ble Administrator of Lakshadweep), and Vice Admiral V Srinivas (Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command).

Q: What is INS Jatayu?

a) A new aircraft carrier commissioned by the Indian Navy
b) A naval base commissioned at Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep
c) A submarine deployed in the Indian Ocean
d) A missile destroyer inducted into the Indian Navy

Ans : b) A naval base commissioned at Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep