Defence exams are rigorous assessments designed to select candidates who possess the skills, knowledge, and awareness required to safeguard a nation's security. Among the various components that make up these exams, the significance of staying updated with current affairs cannot be overstated. One of the reasons current affairs hold immense importance in defence exams is their direct link to real-world events. By keeping track of current affairs, candidates equip themselves with the necessary contextual understanding to make informed decisions in the line of duty. The importance of current affairs in defence exams cannot be overstressed. Aspiring candidates must recognize that staying informed about the world around them is not just a test requirement but a fundamental aspect of their future roles in the defence forces. Therefore Defence Guru brings you this article with all the important current affairs for the month of January 2024. Embracing current affairs is an essential component of the defence exam preparation and will not only enhance a candidate's performance in exams but also contribute to their effectiveness as future defenders of the nation. Read the complete article thoroughly to stay updated with the latest current affairs from your defence exam point of view-
1. Indian Navy Introduces New Design for Admirals' Epaulettes Inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj-
The Indian Navy unveiled a new design for Admirals' epaulettes, drawing inspiration from the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The unveiling of the epaulettes, a shoulder piece worn to show the rank of an officer, came three-and-a-half weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an announcement on it. The force stated that the golden button reiterates "our resolve to do away with Ghulami ki Maansikta (slave mentality)". The octagon represents the eight cardinal directions, indicative of an all-round long-term vision.
2. DRDO conducts successful flight test of New Generation AKASH missile-
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight test of the New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. The flight test was conducted against a high-speed unmanned aerial target at a very low altitude. During the flight test, the target was successfully intercepted by the weapon system and destroyed. It has validated the functioning of the complete weapon system consisting of the missile with indigenously developed Radio Frequency Seeker, Launcher, Multi-Function Radar and Command, Control and communication system.
3. India’s domestic air passenger traffic to touch 300 million by 2030: Civil Aviation Minister-
Air passenger traffic, which was 60 million in 2014 grew to 145 million pre-Covid and it further went up to 153 million in 2023. He stated despite the projected growth of 300 million by 2030, India will be one of the most underpenetrated markets across the top 20 markets in the world. Domestic passenger traffic in the last 10 years grew at a CAGR of 15.3 per cent while international traffic grew at 6.1 per cent. India is the third-largest domestic civil aviation market and the seventh-largest international civil aviation market. If both are combined, India is the fifth-largest civil aviation market in the world. The minister stated that India has become the largest purchaser of aircraft in the world after the United States and China. He expects that India’s fleet will go up from 713 to more than 2,000 in the next decade. He noted that the country, which had 400 aircraft in 2013-14, has grown its fleet to 713
4. North Atlantic Treaty Organisation to conduct largest military exercises since the Cold War, involving 90,000 troops-
Steadfast Defender 2024 is set to be the largest North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) military exercise since the Cold War, involving around 90,000 troops. The exercises will extend until May and will include more than 50 ships, such as aircraft carriers and destroyers, along with over 80 fighter jets, helicopters, and drones. The deployment encompasses at least 1,100 combat vehicles, including 133 tanks and 533 infantry fighting vehicles. Steadfast Defender 2024 will demonstrate NATO's ability to rapidly deploy forces from North America and other parts of the alliance to strengthen the defence of Europe. Troops taking part in the exercise, which will include bringing personnel to Europe as well as simulating exercises on the ground, will come from NATO countries and Sweden, which is expected to join the alliance soon. During the second part of the Steadfast Defender exercise, special attention will be paid to the deployment of NATO's quick reaction force to Poland on the eastern flank of the alliance. Notably, the last exercises of comparable size were Reforger in 1988 during the Cold War, involving 125,000 participants, and Trident Juncture in 2018 with 50,000 participants.
5. Padma Awards 2024: India's second-highest civilian honour-
The Union government released the list of winners of the Padma Awards 2024, the nation's second-highest civilian honour. The prestigious awards, conferred by the Government of India, recognize exceptional contributions in various fields. These awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of higher order) and Padma Shri (distinguished service). The award seeks to recognize achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines where an element of public service is involved. The tableau presented by the Ministry of Culture has won the first prize at the Republic Day Parade of 2024. The tableau of the Ministry of Culture has secured the first prize at the Republic Day Parade 2024. The tableau, a stunning blend of tradition and innovation, captivated audiences with its masterful use of the anamorphic technique alongside a rich display of Bharat's cultural heritage - often hailed as the mother of democracy. The Ministry of Culture in a statement said that it takes immense pride in this achievement, showcasing its commitment to preserving and celebrating the diverse tapestry of India. The Ministry added that this victory is not just a recognition of the creativity but a testament to the richness of Bharat's cultural legacy.
6. Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-
The Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya was opened to the general public on January 23. Thousands of devotees and pilgrims visited the grand temple daily for 'darshan' of Lord Ram Lalla. The 'pran pratishtha' ceremony of the temple took place on January 22 in an event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other VVIP guests. The Ram temple holds immense importance for millions of devotees and followers of Hinduism who believe that it's situated at the birthplace of Lord Ram. The 51-inch tall Ram Lalla idol was consecrated, which has been crafted by Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj. The idol also contains carvings of all ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, Hindu Gods like Lord Hanuman and other major Hindu religious symbols. According to the website of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the 'darshan' of Lord Ram Lalla can be done. The free passes for the "aarti" can be obtained offline and online.
7. Jaisalmer to Host Desert Festival 2024 from February 22 to 24-
The Desert Festival 2024 is scheduled to take place in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, from February 22 to 24, with the theme "Back to the Desert." The festival will kick off with a procession starting from Lakshminath temple. A notable focus for this year's festival is to provide ample space for local artists to showcase their talents. Preparations for the event have commenced, marked by a meeting chaired by district collector Pratap Singh. The meeting involved stakeholders such as citizens, hoteliers, tourism operators, and artists, seeking their suggestions and involvement in the festival.
8. ‘Gole Mela’ Festival at Jagannath Temple, Udhampur, J&K-
In Jammu and Kashmir, a Popular Festival known as ‘Gole Mela’ was organized at Jagannath temple in Udhampur. A large number of devotees assembled and paid obeisance at Jagannath temple. Gole Mela is organized twice every year. Devotees believe that from today the night time starts decreasing and day time starts increasing day by day. Moreover, two ancient temples are dedicated to Lord Jagannatha across India. One is situated in Puri, Orissa and other in Udhampur District of Jammu and Kashmir.
9. Andhra Pradesh begins caste census-
The YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government in Andhra Pradesh launched a comprehensive caste census to enumerate all the castes in the state. A special phone app has been designed by the government to conduct the census, expected to be completed in another 20 days to one month. Andhra Pradesh has become the second state in the country, after Bihar, to launch such a caste census. More than 700 caste groups are available on the mobile application for the public to choose theirs. The ‘No caste’ option has also been provided.
10. Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan to unveil 125-ft statue of Ambedkar in Vijayawada-
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy will unveil a 125-foot statue of Dr B. R. Ambedkar at Swaraj Maidan. The statue, constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 404 crore, stands on an 81-foot pedestal, making it 206 feet. It is named as the ‘Statute of Social Justice’ and Swaraj Maidan will be named after Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. The state government has stated that it is the tallest non-religious statue project in the country. The project has a park with Dr B. R. Ambedkar experience centre, a convention centre with a seating capacity of 2,000, a food court, a play area for children, water bodies, a musical fountain and long walking paths, officials informed.
11. Ram Temple: UP govt to start helicopter services from six districts to Ayodhya-
The Uttar Pradesh government plans to initiate helicopter services to Ayodhya from six districts in the state by the end of January. As per the release, chief minister Yogi Adityanath will inaugurate the helicopter service. The initiative is set to introduce an aerial darshan of Ayodhya city and the Ram temple for devotees. This aerial tour will cover prominent tourist destinations, including Ram Mandir, Hanumangarhi, and Saryu Ghat. Services are set to commence from Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Mathura, and Agra. The helicopter ride can accommodate up to five devotees, with a weight limit of 400 kg, and devotees are allowed to carry a maximum of 5 kg of luggage.
12. India's Longest Sea Bridge To Be Inaugurated By PM Modi-
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) or Atal Setu, the longest sea bridge in India is set to be inaugurated by the prime minister Narendra Modi. The bridge has been named after former prime minister and late BJP veteran Atal Bihari Vajpayee. 21.8 km in length and having six lanes, the bridge has been constructed at a whopping cost of ₹18,000 crore. The bridge originates from Sewri in Mumbai and ends at Nhava Sheva in Urantaluka in Raigad district. It is expected to boost economic development in Navi Mumbai and other nearby areas. It has shortened the distance between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai to just 20 minutes which earlier took 2 hours.
13. Jharkhand govt reduces qualifying age for old-age pension to 50-
Jharkhand Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren announced that the qualifying age for old-age pension for tribals and Dalits has been reduced from 60 years to 50 years. The government has taken this decision because the death rate among tribals is high and they do not get jobs after 60 years. Meanwhile, in September 2023 the Jharkhand government decided to add the transgender community under its universal pension scheme in a move to provide social security and bring them into the mainstream of society. According to the Department of Women, child development and social security (WCDSS), transgenders would need to get a certificate from the deputy commissioner’s office to avail the benefits of the pension scheme.
14. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy Launches "Abhaya Hastam" for Congress' Six Guarantees Implementation in 100 Days-
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy kickstarted “Abhaya Hastam”, a programme to implement the six guarantees as promised by Congress before the elections, and the government was committed to implementing all the promises within 100 days. Under this, a special campaign 'Praja Palana' (People’s governance) was launched across the state on 28 December 2023. The program, aimed at receiving applications from eligible beneficiaries of various schemes promised under Abhay Hastam, will end on January 6, 2024. The state government has also launched the format of the “Praja Palana” applications, the program logo, and other materials.
15. Shri Amit Shah launched a book, 'A Promised Nation Hon'ble Shri Narendra Modi- the Maker of New India'-
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah launched a book titled, 'A Promised Nation Hon'ble Shri Narendra Modi- the Maker of New India', written on the life and works of PM Modi in Braille script in New Delhi. Shri Amit Shah said that PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji in the last 10 years has revived our civilizational values and cultural ethos to build the edifice of a new Bharat. In this path, Modi Ji has awakened the world to Bharat's inner self. Launched the book 'A Promised Nation Hon'ble Shri Narendra Modi- the Maker of New India' written on the life and works of Modi Ji in Braille script. The book will help people with visual impairment to know about the life journey of Modi Ji and the transformation he has ushered in.
16. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates all-girls Sainik school in Mathura-
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated India’s first all-girl Sainik School at Vrindavan in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh. Samvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School has been opened under the initiative of opening 100 new Sainik Schools in partnership mode with NGOs/private/state government schools in all states/union territories. Training at the CBSE-affiliated school will be given by ex-servicemen. It has a strength of around 870 students. The main objective behind opening 100 new Sainik Schools is to provide quality education to the students in tune with the National Education Policy (NEP).
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