PIB Summary- 18th June, 2024 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

Global Wind Day

Context

Recently, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) organised ‘Global Wind Day’ on the 15th June 2024 with the theme of “Pawan Urja: Powering the Future of India”.

Key points

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) recently celebrated ‘Global Wind Day’ on June 15, 2024, under the theme “Pawan Urja: Powering the Future of India.”
• The event was focused on acknowledging the achievements of the Indian Wind Sector and exploring strategies to enhance wind energy adoption in the country.
• As of May 2024, India has achieved a cumulative installed wind power capacity of 46.4 GW, making it the 4th largest in the world, following China, the US, and Germany.
• Wind energy plays a vital role in India’s goals to reach 50% of its electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel-based sources (500 GW renewable energy capacity) by 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2070.
• Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are the leading states in wind-energy production in India.

Exercise Red Flag 2024

Context

An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent participated in Exercise Red Flag 2024 conducted at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska of the United States Air Force, from 04 Jun to 14 Jun 24.

About

• The second edition of Ex Red Flag 2024, an advanced aerial combat training exercise held four times annually by the US Air Force, took place recently.
• Participants included the Indian Air Force, Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), Royal Air Force (RAF) of the United Kingdom, Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF), German Luftwaffe, and the US Air Force (USAF).
• Red Flag is an air combat exercise featuring realistic combat scenarios, dividing forces into Red Force (simulating Air Defence with USAF Aggressor Squadron’s F-16 and F-15 aircraft) and Blue Force (simulating Offensive Composite elements).
• This year marked the debut of the Indian Air Force’s Rafale aircraft in the exercise, operating alongside RSAF and USAF F-16s, F-15s, and A-10s.
• The missions included Beyond Visual Range combat exercises in Large Force Engagements, focusing on Offensive Counter Air and Air Defence roles.