18 – 24 July 2021 Weekly Defence Current Affairs And Updates [DOWNLOAD PDF]

WEEKLY DEFENCE UPDATES 18 – 24 JULY 2021

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flags-in Indian Army Skiing Expedition, ARMEX-21, in New Delhi

• Army Skiing Expedition is conducted in Himalayan mountain ranges and was flagged off at Karakoram Pass in Ladakh on March 10, 2021, and culminated at Malari in Uttarakhand on July 06, 2021, covering 1,660 kms in 119 days.
• During the expedition, the team travelled through several passes of 5,000-6,500m, glaciers, valleys and rivers. The team also interacted with the local population of the far-flung areas.
• The team gathered information about several hitherto unchartered areas along international boundary.
• ​​​Raksha Mantri commended the courage, dedication and spirit of the Armed Forces. Safety & security of the country is in safe hands, says RM.

INS Tabar Arrives at St Petersburg, Russia on Goodwill Visit and to participate in the 325^th Russian Navy Day celebrations

• Commanded by Captain Mahesh Mangipudi and has a complement of over 300 personnel, this frigate is equipped with a versatile range of weapons and sensors.
• During the Russian Navy Day Parade on 25 Jul 21, INS Tabar will join the column of ships that will be reviewed by the President of Russian Federation.

DRDO conducts two successful flight tests of Akash-NG

• It was tested on July 21, 2021, and then again on July 23, 2021, at ITR Chandipur, Odisha.
• This is capable of intercepting high speed & agile aerial threats and is a force multiplier to the defence capabilities of Indian Air Force.

About Akash-NG:

• It is a new variant of the Akash missile that can strike targets at around 60 km and fly at a speed of up to Mach 2.5.
• Developed by DRDL, it is being produced by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
• The missile is reportedly cheaper and more accurate than US’ Patriot missiles due to its solid-fuel technology and high-tech radars.

DRDO Successfully Flight Tests Indigenously Developed MPATGM for Minimum Range

• Man-Portable Antitank Guided Missile (MPATGM) was launched from a man-portable launcher integrated with a thermal site on July 21, 2021.
• The missile is incorporated with state-of-the-art Miniaturized Infrared Imaging Seeker along with advanced avionics.

Do not forget:

• In June 2021, a new generation nuclear capable ballistic missile Agni-P (Prime) was successfully test-fired by the DRDO.
• In February 2021 India also successfully test-fired indigenously-developed anti-tank guided missile systems ‘Helina’ and ‘Dhruvastra’.

Last blast of Sela Tunnel’s escape tube conducted by DG Border Roads through video conferencing

• It was conducted by Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry through video conferencing from New Delhi on July 22, 2021.
• On completion, Sela Tunnel will be the longest bi-lane road tunnel in the world at an altitude above 13,000 feet.
• This unique tunnel constructed using the latest New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), is much below the snow line allowing all weather travel without the challenges of snow clearance.
• Prime Minister Modi had laid the foundation stone of Sela Tunnel on February 09, 2019, to provide all weather connectivity to Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh through the Balipara-Charduar-Tawang Road.
• The construction of the tunnel started on April 01, 2019.
• First blast took place on October 31, 2019.
• The excavation pace increase has resulted in the breaking down of the escape tube of the 1,555 meters tunnel on July 22, 2021, much ahead of schedule.

PASSEX with Royal Navy Carrier Strike Group – 21

• The maiden exercise between Indian Navy and the Royal Navy’s latest Aircraft Carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth (conducted on 21 to 22 Jul 21) included participation of CSG-21 comprising Type 23 Frigates and an Astute-class submarine in addition to the other surface combatants.
• Indian Navy was represented by IN Ships Satpura, Ranvir, Jyoti, Kavaratti, Kulish and a submarine. Anti-Submarine Warfare capable Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft P8I also participated in the exercise.
• Regular IN-RN interactions over the years have augmented their professional content, interoperability and adaptability in the ever-changing security scenarios.

Air Warriors of IAF Representing the Nation in Tokyo Olympics 2021

• Sgt Shivpal Singh of IAF Athletics team qualified for Tokyo Olympics 2021 in Javelin throw event after an effort of 85.47 meters in ACNW League at South Africa on 25 Jan 20. Prior to this, Sgt Shivpal Singh, being a member of IAF Athletics team, created history by winning Gold medal in Javelin throw event covering 83.33 Meters in Military World Games held at Wuhan, China in Oct 2019.
• Sgt Noah Nirmal Tom of the IAF Athletics team qualified for Olympics 2021 at Tokyo as member of Indian 4X400 m mixed relay team by virtue of his performance in IAFF World championship 2019.
• JWO Deepak Kumar of the IAF Shooting team qualified for Olympics 2021 at Tokyo in 10 Mtr Air Rifle event by winning Bronze medal at 14th Asian Shooting championship held at Doha, Qatar in Nov 2019.
• Cpl Alex Antony of IAF Athletics team qualified for Olympics 2021 in 4X400 m Mixed relay. The air warrior participated in Senior Inter State Athletics Championship held at Patiala from 25 Jun to 29 Jun 21 and Indian Grand prix-IV held at Patiala on 21 Jun 21.
• MWO Ashok Kumar has been selected by United World Wrestling (UWW) as a Referee to officiate in the Wrestling Competition of the Tokyo Olympics Games. He is the first Indian Referee who would be officiating in back-to-back Olympic Games.

New Drone Rules 2021 – 20 Points You Should Know

1. Once approved and notified, the Drone Rules, 2021 will replace existing ‘UAS Rules 2021’.
2. Number of forms reduced from 25 to 6.
3. Fee reduced to nominal levels. No linkage with the size of the drone. 
4. Safety features like ‘No permission – no take-off’ (NPNT), real-time tracking beacon, geo-fencing etc. to be notified in future.
5. Digital sky platform shall be developed as a business-friendly single-window online system.
6. Interactive airspace map with green, yellow, and red zones will be displayed on the digital sky platform.
7. No flight permission required upto 400 feet in green zones and upto 200 feet in the area between 8 and 12 km from the airport perimeter.
8. No pilot licence required for micro drones (for non-commercial use), nano drone & for R&D organisations.
9. No restriction on drone operations by foreign-owned companies registered in India.
10. Import of drones and drone components to be regulated by DGFT.  
11. No security clearance required before any registration or licence issuance. 
12. No requirement of certificate of airworthiness, unique identification number, prior permission and remote pilot licence for R&D entities.  
13. Coverage of drones under Drone Rules, 2021 increased from 300 kg to 500 kg.
14. All drone training and testing to be carried out by an authorised drone school.  DGCA shall prescribe training requirements, oversee drone schools and provide pilot licenses online.
15. Issuance of Certificate of Airworthiness delegated to Quality Council of India and certification entities authorised by it.  
16. Manufacturer may generate their drone’s unique identification number on the digital sky platform through the self-certification route.
17. Standard operating procedures (SOP) and training procedure manuals (TPM) will be prescribed by DGCA.
18. Maximum penalty under Drone Rules, 2021 reduced to INR 1 lakh.  This shall not apply to penalties in respect of violation of other laws.
19. Drone corridors will be developed for cargo deliveries. 
20. Drone promotion council to be set up to facilitate a business-friendly regulatory regime.

ACM RKS Bhadauria Visited College of Air Warfare

• He addressed officers undergoing the 45^th Higher Air Command Course.
• CAS spoke of the security situation, developments in indigenization, need for enhancing jointness & steps taken to enable strategic autonomy.

Lt. Gen. C P Mohanty, VCOAS, on Two-day Visit to Bengaluru

• On 22 July 2021, the Vice Chief interacted with indigenous defence manufacturers.
• On 23 July, the VCOAS interacted with the representatives of DPSUs such as BEL and ISRO and witnessed various demonstrations on the Akash Missile System, Tactical Communication and encryption devices and satellite communication equipment.
• The regional heads of Larsen and Toubro (L&T) briefed the Vice Chief on unmanned ground systems, avionics and CBRN systems.
• Focus was also on niche technologies in the domains of missiles, AI, UAVs , robotics, unmanned ground systems and avionics.

Over 600 Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) Recruits Graduate as Soldiers

• The Recruit Course Serial number 125, on having completed one year of strenuous training were attested on July 19 at a glittering parade at the Bana Singh Parade Ground of JAK LI RC.
• Parade was reviewed by Brig Sumesh Seth, Commandant JAK LI Regimental Centre.

J&K Light Infantry Regiment:

• Garrison/HQ: Awantipora, J&K.
• Motto: Balidanam Vir Lakshanam (Sacrifice is a characteristic of the Brave)
• War Cry: Bharat Mata Ki Jai.
• Colonel of the Regiment: Lt Gen MK Das, SM**, VSM
• Current Commander: Brig Sumesh Seth.

Vice Admiral Vinay Badhwar, Chief Hydrographer to Govt. of India, Receives Alexander Dalrymple Award

• He received the prestigious award from the British High Commissioner, Mr Alex Ellis at a presentation ceremony held at the High Commissioner’s residence at New Delhi.
• He was awarded this in recognition of his unparalleled dedication, professionalism and leadership in the disciplines of hydrography and nautical cartography, not only as the Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India but throughout the Indian Ocean region.

About Alexander Dalrymple Award:

• The recipients of the award are selected by the chief Committee of the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) for his or her efforts in raising the standards of hydrography, cartography, and navigation around the world.

About Alexander Dalrymple:

• A Scottish geographer and the first Hydrographer of the British Admiralty.
• Main proponent of the theory that there existed a vast undiscovered continent in the South Pacific, Terra Australis Incognita.
• Produced thousands of nautical charts, mapping a remarkable number of seas and oceans for the first time, and contributing significantly to the safety of shipping.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

• Army Skiing Expedition is conducted in Himalayan mountain ranges and was flagged off at which Pass in Ladakh on March 10, 2021?
• Zanskar
• Karakoram
• Pir Panjal
• Siwaliks

ANSWER: B

• ARMEX-21 culminated at ____ on July 06, 2021, covering 1,660 kms.
• Malari in Uttarakhand
• Gulmarg, Kashmir
• Salooni, Himachal Pradesh
• Khardung La, Ladakh

ANSWER: A

• Duration of ARMEX-21:
• 119 days
• 120 days
• 121 days
• 122 days

ANSWER: A

• INS Tabar arrived at which port of Russia to participate in 325^th Russian Navy Day celebrations?
• Severomorsk
• Beringovsky
• St Petersburg
• Alexandrovsk

ANSWER: C

• Russian Navy Day:
• 25 July
• 25 June
• 15 August
• 01 August

ANSWER: A

• INS Tabar Current Commander:
• Captain Gaurav Mehta
• Captain Mahesh Mangipudi
• Captain A N Pramod
• Captain Hari Krishnan

ANSWER: B

• Motto of INS Tabar:
• Guts and Glory
• Anything, Anywhere
• Ever Onward
• Determination, Pride, Bravery

ANSWER: A

• On completion, which Tunnel will be the longest bi-lane road tunnel in the world at an altitude above 13,000 feet?
• Atal Tunnel
• Sela tunnel
• Rohtang Tunnel
• Manali Tunnel

ANSWER: B

• Prime Minister Modi had laid the foundation stone of Sela Tunnel on Feb 09, 2019, to provide all weather connectivity to which city of Arunachal Pradesh?
• Tawang
• Namsai
• Chowkham
• Bomdila

ANSWER: A

• Speed of Akash-NG missile:
• Mach 1.5
• Mach 2.5
• Mach 3.5
• Mach 4.5

ANSWER: B

• Developed by DRDL, Akash-NG is being produced by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and:
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
• Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
• Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
• Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)

ANSWER: A

• One of the outstanding features of Akash-NG is that:
• It is reportedly cheaper and more accurate than US’ Patriot missiles due to its solid-fuel technology and high-tech radars.
• It can be launched underwater with Mach 2 due to its torpedo-type propulsion injection technology.
• Both A and B.
• Neither A nor B.

ANSWER: A

• Which of these is not correct regarding recent PASSEX between Indian and British Navies in Indian Ocean?
• Indian Navy was represented by IN ships Satpura, Ranvir, Jyoti, Kavaratti, and Kulish.
• No submarine from India participated.
• Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft P8I participated.
• This exercise increases IN-RN interaction in IOR.

ANSWER: B

• Which IAF airman has been selected by United World Wrestling (UWW) as a Referee to officiate in the Wrestling Competition of the Tokyo Olympics Games?
• Sgt Shivpal Singh
• MWO Ashok Kumar
• Cpl Alex Antony
• JWO Deepak Kumar

ANSWER: B

• Among the following IAF personnel who have been shortlisted for Tokyo Olympics 2021, who is not an athlete or who is not participating in Athletics?
• Sgt Noah Nirmal Tom
• Sgt Shivpal Singh
• Cpl Alex Antony
• JWO Deepak Kumar

ANSWER: D

• Which of these Indian Navy personnel has become the first Indian athlete in 33 years to seal a berth in the 400m Hurdles event in Olympics after PT Usha’s debacle in the same event back in the 1988 Seoul Olympics?
• PO Madari Pillyalil Jabir
• PO Tajinderpal Singh Toor
• Seaman RP Muhammad Anas Yahiya
• None of the above

ANSWER: A

• Which of these is correct regarding Petty Officer Tajinderpal Singh Toor?
• He is a part of the 26-member athletics contingent for India at the Tokyo Olympics.
• He initially started with cricket in his school days, but eventually shifted to shotput.
• He won his first major title with the silver medal in the Asian Athletics Championship in 2017.
• All are correct.

ANSWER: D

• Sgt Shivpal Singh of IAF Athletics team qualified for Tokyo Olympics 2021 in which event?
• Javelin throw
• Discus throw
• Hammer throw
• Shotput 

ANSWER: A

• According to New Drone Rules 2021, an interactive airspace map with which zones will be displayed on the digital sky platform for better airspace management?
• Blue, green, and yellow zones
• Blue, green, and red zones
• Blue, yellow, and red zones
• Green, yellow, and red zones

ANSWER: D

• Which of these is not correct regarding New Drone Rules 2021?
• No restriction on drone operations by foreign-owned companies registered in India.
• Import of drones and drone components to be regulated by DGFT.  
• Enhanced security clearance required before any registration or licence issuance. 
• No requirement of certificate of airworthiness for R&D bodies.

ANSWER: C

• College of Air Warfare is located at:
• Jabalpur
• Kanpur
• Secunderabad
• Bengaluru

ANSWER: C

• Motto of College of Air Warfare:
• United We Prepare
• United We Stand
• Strength and Valour
• Power and Dominance

ANSWER: A

• J&K Light Infantry Regimental Centre is located at:
• Jabalpur
• Awantipora
• Durgapur
• Srinagar

ANSWER: B

• Colonel of the Regiment of J&K Light Infantry:
• Lt Gen MK Das
• Lt Gen Surinder Singh
• Lt Gen Cherish Mathson
• Lt Gen K J S Dhillon

ANSWER: A

• Alexander Dalrymple Award is an award given to a notable:
• Petroleum Engineer
• Offshore Engineer
• Hydrographer
• Naval Architect

ANSWER: C

• Alexander Dalrymple Award is given by:
• United States Hydrographic Office
• France Hydrographic Office
• European Union Hydrographic Office
• United Kingdom Hydrographic Office

ANSWER: D

• Chief Hydrographer to Govt. of India
• Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain
• Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani
• Vice Admiral Vinay Badhwar
• Vice Admiral SV Bhokare

ANSWER: C

• Which of these can be described as the activity of a Hydrographer?
• He/she studies the physical features of the navigable portion of the Earth’s surface and adjoining coastal areas.
• He/she designs, builds, and maintains ships, from aircraft carriers to submarines and from sailboats to tankers.
• He/she finds economical and environmentally safe ways to extract oil and gas from natural reservoirs beneath the seabed.
• All the above.

ANSWER: A

• Which of these is not correct regarding Alexander Dalrymple?
• He was a Scottish geographer.
• He is the first Hydrographer of the British Admiralty.
• He first propounded theory that there existed a vast undiscovered continent in the South Pacific.
• He discovered Australia.

ANSWER: D

• Director General Border Roads (DGBR):
• Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry
• Kuldiep Singh IPS
• Subodh Kumar Jaiswal IPS
• Lt Gen Pradeep Chandran Nair

ANSWER: A

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