The knowledge of defence current affairs is crucial for aspirants preparing for exams like the National Defence Academy (NDA), Combined Defence Services (CDS), Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), as well as the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interviews. Here are some reasons why defence current affairs are important:
Relevance to Examinations:
- Syllabus Inclusion: Defence current affairs are an integral part of the syllabus for exams like NDA, CDS, and AFCAT, often featured in the General Awareness or Current Affairs section.
- Question Weightage: These exams often include multiple questions based on current events related to defense and national security, making it a scoring area if prepared well.
Application in Interviews:
- SSB Interviews: In-depth knowledge in this area can prove beneficial during SSB interviews, where candidates are tested for their awareness and interest in defense-related issues.
- Group Discussions: Defense topics frequently come up in group discussions and knowing the facts can help you stand out.
- Personal Interviews: Current defense strategies, policies, and international relations are common topics in personal interviews.
Building a Defence Mindset:
- Awareness: A clear understanding of current defense news helps in developing a mindset aligned with defense strategies, something that is highly desirable for a candidate seeking a career in defense services.
- Strategic Understanding: Knowing about joint military exercises, defense agreements, or advancements in military technology can provide a strategic understanding of India’s position globally.
- Contextual Understanding: Current affairs provide context for the operations and exercises that the armed forces are involved in, making you better prepared for the roles you might assume in the future.
Conversation and Communication:
- Enhanced Communication: A strong grasp of current defense matters can help you communicate more effectively with your superiors and peers, showcasing your awareness and keen interest in your chosen field.
- Networking: Understanding the latest trends and developments in defense can be a good conversation starter and can help in networking within defense circles.
In summary, having a thorough knowledge of defense current affairs is not just essential for clearing the exams but is also crucial for excelling in the interviews and group discussions that follow. Furthermore, it provides a solid foundation for your career in defense services.
Defence Current Affair MCQs
- What do ‘Nistar’ and ‘Nipun’ refer to, recently released by the Indian Navy?
- [A] Submarines
- [B] Diving Support Vessels
- [C] Patrol craft
- [D] Pollution control vessels
Correct Answer: B [Diving Support Vessels]
Explanation:
The Indian Navy recently commissioned two indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessels, Nistar and Nipun, in Visakhapatnam. Manufactured by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd, these vessels feature complex diving support systems and are equipped with a Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) for advanced deep-sea diving and submarine rescue operations.
- Which organization recently flight-tested the ‘Very-Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile’?
- [A] HAL
- [B] ISRO
- [C] DRDO
- [D] BEL
Correct Answer: C [DRDO]
Explanation:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted test flights of the Very-Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile. These tests took place at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) indigenously designed and developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad.
- What is the name of India’s first indigenously developed light combat helicopters (LCH)?
- [A] Pratabh
- [B] Prachand
- [C] Prakash
- [D] Vikas
Correct Answer: B [Prachand]
Explanation:
The Indian Air Force inducted its first batch of indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopters, named Prachand. Manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), these helicopters are equipped to fire various missiles and other weaponry. They have been specifically designed for high-altitude deployment and were formally introduced at a ceremony in Jodhpur.
- With which country did the Indian Navy sign an agreement on White Shipping Information Exchange?
- [A] USA
- [B] Japan
- [C] France
- [D] New Zealand
Correct Answer: D [New Zealand]
Explanation:
The Indian Navy entered into an agreement on White Shipping Information Exchange with the Royal New Zealand Navy. The memorandum aims to enhance maritime transparency and was signed during a visit to New Zealand by Indian Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar.
- In which city will a new transport aircraft manufacturing facility for the Indian Air Force be located?
- [A] Hyderabad
- [B] Vadodara
- [C] Gandhi Nagar
- [D] Bengaluru
Correct Answer: B [Vadodara]
Explanation:
The government announced plans to establish a transport aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara. The facility will produce 40 of the 56 C-295MW transport aircraft being procured from Airbus Defence and Space SA. This is the first instance where the C-295 aircraft will be manufactured outside of Europe, in a partnership with a Tata consortium led by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).
- In which state or Union Territory was the Border Roads Organisation’s (BRO) first Carbon Neutral Habitat inaugurated?
- [A] Sikkim
- [B] Ladakh
- [C] Uttarakhand
- [D] Himachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: B [Ladakh]
Explanation:
The Union Defence Minister inaugurated 75 infrastructure projects by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) across six states and two Union Territories. Included in these was the BRO’s first Carbon Neutral Habitat at an elevation of 19,000 feet, located in the Hanle village of Ladakh.
- Where was the ‘Army Commanders’ Conference’ hosted?
- [A] New Delhi
- [B] Assam
- [C] Maharashtra
- [D] Gujarat
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]
Explanation:
The Army Commanders’ Conference was held in New Delhi. This biannual apex-level event serves as a platform for high-level discussions on current and emerging security issues, as well as administrative aspects, to shape the future direction of the Indian Army.
- From which state did the Indian Navy initiate the nationwide Defense Exercise ‘Sea Vigil-22’?
- [A] Andhra Pradesh
- [B] Odisha
- [C] Goa
- [D] West Bengal
Correct Answer: B [Odisha]
Explanation:
The Indian Navy initiated the nationwide Coastal Defense Exercise ‘Sea Vigil-22’ from the Paradip port in Odisha. This third edition of the exercise spans two days and aims to enhance maritime security. It is conducted in coordination with the Coast Guard and other relevant ministries.
- Which start-up company established India’s first-ever private launchpad?
- [A] Skyroot
- [B] Pixxel
- [C] Agnikul
- [D] Dhruv
Correct Answer: C [Agnikul]
Explanation:
Chennai-based space-tech start-up Agnikul has established India’s first private launchpad. The facility was inaugurated at the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota by S. Somanath, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
- ‘Ex Garuda Shakti’ is a bilateral exercise between India and which country?
- [A] Singapore
- [B] Sri Lanka
- [C] Indonesia
- [D] France
Correct Answer: C [Indonesia]
Explanation:
‘Ex Garuda Shakti’ is a bilateral military exercise between India and Indonesia. This exercise is one of several international military exercises involving India and aims to enhance interoperability between the armed forces of both countries.
Q. From which state did the Indian Navy initiate the nationwide Defense Exercise ‘Sea Vigil-22’?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] Goa
[D] West Bengal
Answer: B [Odisha]
Explanation:
The Indian Navy commenced the third edition of its nationwide coastal defense exercise, ‘Sea Vigil-22,’ from Paradip port in Odisha. Conducted over two days, the exercise aims to enhance maritime security and involves coordination with the Coast Guard and other relevant ministries.
Q. ‘YUDH ABHYAS 22’ is a defense exercise conducted between India and which country?
[A] Australia
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] USA
[D] France
Answer: C [USA]
Explanation:
The 18th edition of ‘Yudh Abhyas,’ an India-US joint military exercise, is scheduled to take place in Uttarakhand. This annual exercise focuses on sharing best practices and tactics between the two nations’ armies and also includes Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
Q. Which organization developed the Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) Agni-3?
[A] ISRO
[B] DRDO
[C] BEL
[D] HAL
Answer: B [DRDO]
Explanation:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed Agni-3, an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile. This two-stage, solid-propellant missile is part of India’s strategic arsenal and falls under the oversight of the Strategic Forces Command.
Q. ‘Harimau Shakti -2022’ is a bilateral military exercise between India and which country?
[A] Australia
[B] Malaysia
[C] Singapore
[D] UAE
Answer: B [Malaysia]
Explanation:
The Indian and Malaysian armies are participating in the joint military exercise ‘Harimau Shakti-2022,’ taking place at Pulai Klang in Malaysia. This annual event has been organized since 2012 and aims to improve military cooperation between the two countries.
Q. Which nuclear-capable ballistic missile’s trials were recently conducted successfully by India?
[A] Agni V
[B] Rudra V
[C] Dhruv V
[D] Akash
Answer: A [Agni V]
Explanation:
India successfully carried out night trials of its nuclear-capable ballistic missile, Agni V. The missile was launched from Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha, marking its ninth successful flight.
Q. Where has the Indian Army deployed its first-ever 3D printed houses for soldiers?
[A] Leh
[B] Ahmedabad
[C] Jaisalmer
[D] Tawang
Answer: B [Ahmedabad]
Explanation:
The Indian Army has provided its first 3D printed houses for soldiers at the Ahmedabad Cantt. Built in collaboration with MiCoB Pvt Ltd, these structures are not only cost-effective but can also be constructed quickly.
Q. Which organization is responsible for building the K9-Vajra tracked self-propelled howitzers?
[A] DRDO
[B] HAL
[C] Larsen & Toubro
[D] BHEL
Answer: C [Larsen & Toubro]
Explanation:
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is building the K9-Vajra tracked self-propelled howitzers in India, using technology transferred from South Korean defense company Hanwha Defense. The Indian Ministry of Defence is procuring additional units of these howitzers.
Q. Which Armed Force initiated the ‘SPRINT Challenges’ to encourage indigenous technology use?
[A] Indian Army
[B] Indian Navy
[C] Indian Air Force
[D] Indian Coast Guard
Answer: B [Indian Navy]
Explanation:
The Indian Navy launched the ‘SPRINT Challenges’ to stimulate the adoption of indigenous technology. Under this initiative, a contract was recently signed with Sagar Defence Engineering for acquiring armed autonomous boat swarms.
Q. Which institution received ‘iWeld’ software from IIT-Kharagpur for detecting welding defects?
[A] ISRO
[B] DRDO
[C] GRSE
[D] BARC
Answer: C [GRSE]
Explanation:
IIT-Kharagpur handed over ‘iWeld’ software to Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE). The software uses artificial intelligence to identify welding defects from radiography images, boasting an accuracy rate of over 93%.
Q. Who is the new Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force?
[A] Air Marshal AP Singh
[B] Air Marshal VR Chaudhari
[C] Air Marshal Sandeep Singh
[D] Air Marshal HS Arora
Answer: A [Air Marshal AP Singh]
Explanation:
Air Marshal AP Singh has taken over as the new Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force. Commissioned into the IAF’s fighter stream in 1984, he has amassed over 5,000
