Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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General Manoj Pande, India’s Army Chief, inaugurated a high-tech IT Laboratory at the Uzbek Academy of Armed Forces during his visit from April 15-18 to Uzbekistan. This milestone in defense cooperation stems from a commitment made in 2018. Initially proposed during a Defense Ministers’ meeting, the project gained traction in 2019 through funding from India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Valued at Rs 8.5 crore, the lab boasts cutting-edge technology, including cybersecurity, hardware programming, and virtual reality facilities.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from Chandipur, Odisha. All subsystems performed well, monitored by range sensors and a Su-30-Mk-I aircraft. The missile showcased precise navigation, flying close to the sea surface. The test affirmed the reliability of the indigenous propulsion system by GTRE, Bengaluru. Developed by ADE, equipped with advanced avionics, the ITCM is a technology demonstrator with an upgraded seeker and small turbofan engine.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is testing DURGA-2, a prototype of its Directionally Unrestricted Ray Gun Array. This system utilizes lasers, microwaves, or particle beams to damage or destroy targets, offering advantages over conventional munitions. It operates at the speed of light, unaffected by gravity or atmospheric drag, and boasts precision and customizable effects. Its implementation could revolutionize warfare, joining other countries like Russia, France, Germany, the UK, Israel, and China in possessing similar technology.

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The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel INSV Tarini completed a significant transoceanic journey, led by two female officers, culminating in its return to Goa after nearly two months. During the expedition, the crew engaged with Mauritian officials and collaborated with the Mauritius Coast Guard, bolstering bilateral relations. This achievement underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment in maritime roles. Next, the crew is gearing up for Sagar Parikrama-IV, a global circumnavigation expedition set for September 2024 aboard INSV Tarini.

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The Indian Navy recently showcased twin carrier operations with its two aircraft carriers: INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. India operates these carriers, with INS Vikrant being the first aircraft carrier purchased from the UK, active since the 1960s. INS Viraat, India’s second carrier, was originally HMS Hermes. INS Vikramaditya, formerly Russia’s Admiral Gorshkov, joined the Indian Navy in 2013, marking India’s third carrier.

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India protests China’s construction in Shaksgam Valley, deemed illegal. The valley is part of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. It is a disputed territory claimed by India but controlled by Pakistan and ceded to China in 1963 by Pakistan. Article 6 of the agreement stipulates renegotiation after Kashmir dispute settlement. It borders Xinjiang, POK, and Siachen Glacier. The Karakoram highway, built in the 1970s, resulted from the agreement between China and Pakistan.

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India will acquire MQ-9B Predator drones from the US, deploying them in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. Developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, it’s a high-altitude, long-endurance armed UAV. Used by the US for surveillance and airstrikes, it has two variants: SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian. The latter has been utilized by the Indian Navy since 2020.

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Russia’s Defence Ministry announced drills involving tactical nuclear weapons, designed for battlefield use with yields as low as 1 kiloton. Unlike strategic weapons, their quantity isn’t disclosed. These weapons, like artillery ammo or short-range missile warheads, can be discreetly transported and delivered by various means. They’ve never been restricted by arms control agreements. The Hiroshima bomb was 15 kilotons. These drills signal Russia’s readiness to employ tactical nuclear options in combat scenarios.

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Joint military Exercise Shakti, a biennial event between Indian and French forces, occurred at Umroi, Meghalaya, from May 13-26, 2024. Attended by French Ambassador Thierry Mathou, Brigadier Mayur Shekatkar, and dignitaries, it focuses on joint planning and strategy development for war scenarios. Shakti, alternating between India and France, aims to enhance cooperation, understanding, and interoperability while sharing combat experiences in countering terrorism.

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INS Kiltan arrived at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam on 12 May 24, strengthening ties between India and Vietnam. The visit, part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet deployment, emphasizes professional, social, and community exchanges. Kiltan, an ASW corvette, symbolizes India’s naval prowess and was built domestically. The visit culminates in a Maritime Partnership Exercise, enhancing interoperability between the two navies and reflecting their shared values.