NATIONAL NEWS

India Launches 'Operation Brahma' for Myanmar Earthquake Relief

• India initiated 'Operation Brahma' to assist Myanmar and Thailand after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28.

• The Indian Army’s 50 (I) Para Brigade deployed a special rescue unit to Myanmar.

• Two C-17 aircraft carried 118 Army Field Hospital personnel, including women & child care specialists, and 60 tonnes of relief supplies.

• NDRF teams rescued 170 monks trapped in Myanmar’s ‘U Hla Thein’ monastery.

• Rescue operations extended to Sky Villa, with relief materials for 2,000 monks lacking basic facilities.

• Indian Navy ships—Satpura, Savitri, INS Karmukh, and LCU 52—are delivering aid to Yangon.

• India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km border, strengthening their strategic and historical ties.

DEFENCE

Indian Air Force Joins Multinational Exercise INIOCHOS-25 in Greece

• India is participating in Exercise INIOCHOS-25, a 12-day multinational air drill hosted by Greece’s Hellenic Air Force from March 31 to April 11, 2025.

• 15 countries, including Greece, India, Israel, Italy, France, Poland, Qatar, UAE, USA, Spain, and Montenegro, are part of the exercise.

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent includes Su-30 MKI fighter jets, IL-78 refuelers, and C-17 transport aircraft.

• Aims to enhance international cooperation and interoperability among air forces.

• IAF’s participation strengthens India’s global defense ties and reinforces strategic partnerships.

• INIOCHOS is a biennial air exercise, bringing together multiple nations for advanced aerial combat training.

India-Russia Naval Exercise ‘Indra-2025’ Strengthens Maritime Ties

• The 14th edition of the India-Russia naval exercise ‘Indra’ is being held from March 28 to April 2, 2025, in Chennai.

• Recognized as a symbol of strong maritime cooperation between the two nations.

• Conducted in two phases:

• o Harbour Phase (March 28-30, Chennai): Includes an opening ceremony, expert exchanges (SMEEs), reciprocal visits, and sports events.
• o Sea Phase (March 31-April 2, Bay of Bengal): Features advanced naval drills, live weapon firings, tactical maneuvers, and anti-air operations.

• Participating vessels include Russian ships Pechanga, Rezkiy, and Aldar Tsydenzhapov and Indian ships INS Rana and INS Kuthar, along with P-8I maritime patrol aircraft.

• Aims to enhance interoperability, strengthen naval ties, and exchange best operational practices.

AWARDS

Masaki Kashiwara Wins 2024 Abel Prize for Mathematics

• Japanese mathematician Masaki Kashiwara has been awarded the prestigious Abel Prize for his groundbreaking work in algebraic analysis and representation theory.

• He is the first Japanese recipient of this highest honor in mathematics.

• Developed algebraic tools to tackle complex problems like differential equations.

• Known for connecting different branches of mathematics and advancing interdisciplinary research.

• Worked alongside French mathematician Pierre Schapira in the field of microlocal analysis.

• The Abel Prize, named after Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel (1802-1829), is awarded by the Norwegian government.

• The prize includes a cash award of 7.5 million kroner ($714,000).

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

SpaceX's Fram2 Mission Ventures into Uncharted Polar Orbit

• On March 31, SpaceX achieved a major milestone with the launch of the Fram2 mission, a groundbreaking commercial spaceflight.

• The mission follows a unique polar orbit, sending four private astronauts to an unexplored trajectory.

• Fram2 launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket using Crew Dragon capsule ‘Resilience’.

• The launch, originally set for late 2024, took place at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

• Maltese investor and Bitcoin mining entrepreneur Chun Wang leads the mission, making history in space travel.

• The crew embarks on a 3-5 day journey, conducting 22 scientific experiments on spaceflight and microgravity effects on the human body.

• The mission aims to expand knowledge of human health in space and pave the way for future exploration.

RANKING AND INDEX

UNESCO Report titled: "Education and Nutrition: Learn to Eat Well"

• UNESCO Report released during the Nutrition Development Summit (March 27-28, 2024) in France.

• Calls for wider access to school meals and better nutritional quality.

• In 2024, nearly half of primary students worldwide received school meals, but their nutritional value is a concern.

• 27% of school meals lack input from nutritionists.

• Among 187 countries, only 93 have regulations for school meal standards; even fewer control food sold in cafeterias and vending machines.

• Studies show school meals boost enrollment (9%) and attendance (8%) while improving learning outcomes.

• Fortified organic pearl millet in Maharashtra, India, enhanced memory and attention in students.

• UNESCO promotes fresh, locally sourced food and urges food education in school curricula.

• By 2025, UNESCO will introduce tools, a guide, and training programs to support school nutrition policies.