Current Affairs – 20 March,2024
- Discovery: Scientists have discovered the Noctis Volcano on Mars, standing at 29,600 feet tall and stretching 450 kilometers wide.
- Location: The volcano is located just south of Mars’ equator, in the Eastern Noctis Labyrinthus, west of the Valles Marineris canyon system.
- Detection Challenges: Its presence was previously undetected due to erosion and challenges in spotting it against the Martian landscape.
- Significance: The Noctis Volcano’s size and history suggest insights into Mars’ geologic and potential biologic past, with implications for astrobiology.
- Future Exploration: Future exploration of this region could unveil more secrets about Mars’ past and the possibility of life beyond Earth.
Current Affairs – 20 March,2024
- The Indian Army’s Aviation Corps raised its first squadron of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, forming the 451 Aviation Squadron in Jodhpur.
- The squadron was formally raised in the presence of Lt Gen A. K. Suri, Director General Army Aviation, with plans to receive the first batch of three Apaches in May and another three in July.
- India and the US signed a contract for the acquisition of six Apaches for the Indian Army during US President Donald Trump’s visit to New Delhi in 2020.
- The Apache is replacing the existing fleet of Mi-35 choppers for assault and anti-armour operations, equipped with advanced communications, navigation, sensor, and weapon systems.
Current Affairs – 20 March,2024
- Objective: Enhancing Indian Army’s communication infrastructure.
- Technologies: Researching and evaluating 6G, AI, machine learning, quantum computing for defense.
- Operational Structure: Led by a Colonel-rank officer from the Corps of Signals.
- Focus Areas: Wired and wireless systems, electronic exchanges, mobile communications, SDR, EW systems, 5G and 6G networks, Quantum Technologies, AI, and Machine Learning.
- Importance: Ensures the Indian Army’s readiness in the digital domain and strategic advantage in modern warfare.
Current Affairs – 20 March,2024
- T.M. Krishna, a renowned Carnatic vocalist and activist, was awarded the prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi Award by the Madras Music Academy.
- He is known for challenging conventional ideas about caste and gender politics in Carnatic music and using music as a tool for social reform.
- Krishna has highlighted the non-inclusive nature of the art form and the December Music Season, advocating for the inclusion of various art forms and breaking down caste elitism.
- He started a music festival in Uroor-Olcott Kuppam and organized a ‘Nadaswaram and Thavil Festival’ to promote inclusivity.
Current Affairs – 20 March,2024
- Tiger Triumph-24: India and the United States are conducting a joint tri-service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise from March 18 to 31, 2024, on the Eastern Seaboard to enhance disaster response capabilities and strengthen bilateral ties.
- Participants: The exercise involves Indian Navy ships, aircraft, and personnel, including Army and Air Force elements, as well as a Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT). The US is represented by Navy ships, troops from the Marine Corps, and the Army.
- Phases: Tiger Triumph-24 unfolds in two phases: the Harbour Phase (March 18-25) for training visits, exchanges, sports events, and social interactions, and the Sea Phase (March 25-31) for Maritime, Amphibious, and HADR operations.