Exercise Red Flag 2024
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Why in News:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully participated in Exercise Red Flag 2024 held in Alaska in June.
Key Highlights:
- Participants: IAF, Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), Royal Air Force (RAF) of the UK, Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF), German Luftwaffe, and US Air Force (USAF).
- IAF Aircraft: Rafale aircraft with aircrew, technicians, engineers, controllers, and experts.
- Missions: Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat exercises, Offensive Counter Air, and Air Defence roles.
- Achievements: Over 100 sorties flown, active involvement of IAF crew in mission planning and leadership.
About Exercise Red Flag 2024:
- Exercise Red Flag 2024 took place over a two week period, in Alaska focusing on aerial combat training. Its goal was to bring aircrew from countries and simulate challenging scenarios.
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) joined the exercise with Rafale fighter jets, C 17 Globemaster transport planes and IL 78 air refuelers with the aim of enhancing cooperation and readiness for combat, across nations.
- Tenure/Timeline: Held four times a year.
Miscellaneous Points:
- Despite challenging weather and sub-zero temperatures, the IAF maintenance crew ensured the serviceability of all aircraft.
- The IAF contingent will also participate in exercises with the Air Forces of Greece and Egypt before returning to India.
Deep Sea Mission
Why in News:
India is set to become the sixth country to have its own Deep Sea Mission, with the first stage of harbor trials planned for September 2024.
Key Highlights:
- Development: Led by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) with collaboration from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
- Technology: Development of 'Matsyayaan 6000,' capable of reaching 6000m depth, and 'Titanium Hull' for extreme pressure endurance.
- Stages: First stage of harbor trials by September 2024, subsequent trials to be completed by 2026.
- Features: Focus on mineral exploration, ocean sciences, exploration of marine flora and fauna, and conservation of marine biodiversity.
- Capabilities: Includes the development of 'Self-Floatation' technology for emergency conditions, enabling submersion for 72 hours.
- Economic Impact: Potential significant contribution to the Indian economy through exploration and exploitation of rare earth metals and polymetallic nodules in the Indian seabed.
About Deep Sea Mission:
India’s Deep Sea Mission, scheduled for a 2024 launch is geared towards sending a team of three scientists to delve 5,000 meters into the sea to investigate concealed mineral reserves. This expedition will signify India’s voyage into the deep sea following its manned space missions, in 2023. The mission forms part of an initiative to foster a blue economy and support individuals whose livelihoods rely on the ocean.
National Mission for Mentoring (NMM) and National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST)
Why in News:
The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) conducted a five-day virtual orientation program on NMM and NPST for over 1 lakh teachers from PM SHRI schools across India in June.
Key Highlights:
- Event: Five-day virtual orientation program from June 10-14, 2024.
- Participants: Teachers from 29 States/UTs/KVS/NVS, covering more than 1 lakh teachers.
- Sessions: Two-hour daily sessions focusing on NMM and NPST.
- Inclusion: Sign language interpreters were engaged for inclusivity.
- Presenters: Prof. Pankaj Arora, Chairperson, NCTE, and Ms. Kesang Y. Sherpa, Member Secretary, NCTE.
- NMM Presentation: Detailed explanation, technical demonstration of the NMM portal for mentors and mentees, and ongoing support provided by NCTE.
- NPST Presentation: Enhanced understanding of performance expectations, three core standards, teacher levels, and NPST framework from the NPST Guiding Document.
About National Mission for Mentoring (NMM) and National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST):
The National Mission for Mentoring (NMM) under India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is focused on creating a network of individuals who can provide both guidance and personal support to teachers across the country. As a part of this program the NCTE intends to elevate the count of mentor teachers from 60, to 1,000.
The National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) outline the criteria for teacher’s knowledge, performance expectations and career progression in order to enhance teaching effectiveness in the era. These standards cover aspects such, as values, professional expertise, competency, teaching practices and professional growth.
