IAF Celebrates 94th Anniversary with 'Wings Over Ganges' Show

Why in the News?

The Indian Air Force (**IAF**) celebrated its **94th anniversary** with the historic **"Wings Over Ganges"** aerial display conducted at **Namo Ghat in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh**, from October 22 to October 25, 2026.

Key Features / Major Points:

- Landmark Location: Marks the first-ever IAF air display conducted directly over the sacred Ganga River.

- Chief Guests: The finale on October 25, 2026, was attended by Prime Minister **Narendra Modi**, Defence Minister **Rajnath Singh**, UP Governor **Anandiben Patel**, and Chief Minister **Yogi Adityanath**.

- Fighter Aircraft Participating: Rafale, Su-30MKI, MiG-29, Mirage 2000, Jaguar, and the indigenous **Tejas**.

- Helicopters & Transports: Featured the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) **Prachand**, ALH Sarang, Chinook, C-295, IL-76, IL-78, and AN-32.

- Display Teams & Formations: The **Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team** and **Sarang Helicopter Display Team** performed precision maneuvers. Highlights included the multi-aircraft Prachand formation and the iconic 'Trishul formation'.

Static GK Facts:

- Establishment of IAF: Founded on **October 8, 1932** (celebrated annually as Air Force Day on Oct 8).

- IAF Motto: **"Touch the Sky with Glory"** (*Nabhah Sprusam Deeptam*), derived from the 11th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita.

- Chief of the Air Staff (CAS): Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh (A.P. Singh).

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: Where did the Indian Air Force host its 94th anniversary aerial display titled "Wings Over Ganges"?

A: Namo Ghat, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)

Q: Which air show holds the distinction of being the first-ever IAF flight display over the Ganga River?

A: Wings Over Ganges

Q: On which date was the Indian Air Force officially established?

A: October 8, 1932

Q: What is the official motto of the Indian Air Force?

A: "Nabhah Sprusam Deeptam" (Touch the Sky with Glory)

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