In Current Affairs for 18 November 2025, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Defence Current Affairs 18 November 2025
India to Host Colombo Security Conclave
- India will host the NSA-led Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) on Wednesday and Thursday here for the first time, eyeing to strengthen its role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.
- The CSC comprises India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius and Bangladesh. Interestingly, Bangladesh NSA Khalilur Rahman will participate in the CSC meet here despite lukewarm ties.
- The Colombo Security Conclave was established in 2020, when India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives agreed to expand the scope of their trilateral meeting on maritime cooperation. Mauritius joined the conclave at the fifth meeting of the grouping in Male in March 2022.
- Background and Formation
- The CSC traces its origin to the Trilateral Maritime Security Cooperation established in 2011 between India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. This cooperation focused on improving maritime surveillance, sharing information, and addressing non-traditional security threats.
- In 2020–21, the framework was expanded and formally named the Colombo Security Conclave to address a wider range of security issues. Mauritius later joined as a new member, while Bangladesh and Seychelles participate as observers.
•
- Members and Observers
- Member Countries
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Observer States
- Bangladesh
- Seychelles
- The expansion reflects the growing importance of the Indian Ocean Region and the shared responsibility of regional nations to safeguard maritime interests.
•
- Objectives of the Colombo Security Conclave
- CSC aims to strengthen regional collaboration across multiple security domains. Its objectives include:
- 1. Enhancing Maritime Safety and Security
- Coordinating naval surveillance
- Combating maritime crimes such as piracy and illegal fishing
- Ensuring safe and secure Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs)
- 2. Counterterrorism and Radicalisation Prevention
- Sharing intelligence on terror networks
- Strengthening cooperation on counter-radicalisation programs
- 3. Cyber Security and Data Protection
- Developing joint cyber response mechanisms
- Training and capacity-building for cyber defence
- 4. Combating Narcotics and Organized Crime
- Increasing cooperation in tracking narcotics routes
- Joint operations to dismantle trafficking networks
- 5. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
- Improving preparedness for natural disasters
- Coordinated response during emergencies in the Indian Ocean Region
•
- Structure and Working Mechanism
- The CSC works through National Security Advisors (NSA)-level meetings, working groups, and joint exercises. The three main working groups are:
- Maritime Security Working Group – Led by Sri Lanka
- Counterterrorism Working Group – Led by India
- Cyber Security Working Group – Led by Maldives
- Each group conducts regular consultations, tabletop exercises, and practical training programs.
•
- Key CSC Exercises and Initiatives
- 1. CSC Focused Operation
- Joint patrolling by member countries to curb illegal maritime activities, ensure ocean safety, and enhance coordination.
- 2. Cyber Drill Series
- Regular cybersecurity exercises designed to assess readiness against cyberattacks and promote information sharing.
- 3. Joint Maritime Exercises
- Integrated naval drills help improve interoperability and demonstrate commitment to collective maritime security.
- 4. Information Fusion and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) Cooperation
- The CSC partners with India’s IFC-IOR (Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region) for real-time information exchange on maritime threats.
•
- Importance of the Colombo Security Conclave
- The CSC plays a strategic role in strengthening India’s neighbourhood-first and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. Key significance includes:
- Strengthening Regional Security
- Enhances collective capabilities to address challenges such as terrorism, smuggling, piracy, and cyber threats.
- Promoting Maritime Stability in the IOR
- Ensures safety of vital shipping lanes that carry major global trade.
- Countering Extra-Regional Influences
- Creates a cooperative security framework led by Indian Ocean nations, reducing dependency on external powers.
- Boosting Bilateral and Multilateral Ties
- Deepens trust among member countries and encourages long-term defence partnerships.
Trump Signals Approval for F-35 Sale to Saudi Arabia
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated his support for selling F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, even as certain sections within the administration expressed caution. The primary concern revolves around the risk of advanced U.S. defence technology potentially reaching China, given Riyadh’s expanding ties with Beijing.
The statement comes just ahead of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington, marking his first trip to the United States in over seven years. The visit is expected to feature a major announcement on Saudi investments in U.S. artificial intelligence infrastructure. Additionally, both nations may unveil a new framework for cooperation in the civil nuclear energy sector, according to senior officials familiar with the discussions.
U.S. officials have long remained wary that cutting-edge aircraft like the F-35 could be compromised through technology leakage or cyber intrusions, similar to concerns that earlier halted a proposed sale to the United Arab Emirates. Multiple officials involved in security deliberations have suggested that Saudi Arabia’s strategic proximity to China adds to the apprehension, underscoring the sensitive nature of the proposed deal.
‘Jishnu’ Precision Strike System Showcased at IITF 2025
At the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025 in New Delhi, the Department of Defence Production showcased India’s rapidly advancing defence manufacturing capabilities. A major highlight of the pavilion was the display curated by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), featuring an extensive range of homegrown missile and precision-strike systems.
Among the standout exhibits was the Jishnu precision-guided missile, designed specifically for deployment from tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Developed jointly by BDL and DRDO, the Jishnu is a compact, high-speed munition built for quick-reaction missions in close-quarters or urban environments. With an effective range of 1.5 km and a flight time of just nine seconds, the system offers rapid engagement capability with minimal exposure to enemy defences. Its fast, low-profile trajectory enhances survivability for both the launching UAV and the munition itself.
The BDL pavilion also featured the ULPGM (Ultra-Light Precision Guided Munition) and a suite of smart weapons engineered for drone-based operations. This comes at a time when India is expanding its focus on miniature precision systems, including recent trials of a 30-kW laser weapon capable of neutralizing fixed-wing aircraft, missiles, and drone swarms—a major milestone achieved for the first time in April 2025.
Paras Defence Wins ₹72 Crore DRDO Contract
In a boost to India’s indigenous undersea surveillance capabilities, Paras Defence and Space Technologies Limited has secured a ₹71.68 crore contract from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Under the agreement, the company will supply two advanced Optronic Periscopes designed for modern submarine applications.
These periscopes integrate electro-optic sensors with precision imaging systems, enabling submarines to conduct surface monitoring, target identification, and situational assessment while remaining discreet. The technology strengthens stealth operations—an essential requirement for future-ready submarines in complex maritime environments.
The order, placed through a domestic government agency, is scheduled to be completed between August and September 2026. The company has clarified that the contract is independent of any related-party transactions, underscoring the transparency of the procurement process.
Review Questions
- India will host the NSA-led Colombo Security Conclave for the first time with
participation from which observer country?
A. Seychelles
B. Bangladesh
C. Oman
D. Indonesia
ANSWER: B - Which country leads the Counterterrorism Working Group under the Colombo
Security Conclave (CSC)?
A. Sri Lanka
B. Maldives
C. Mauritius
D. India
ANSWER: D - What major concern has been raised regarding the sale of F-35 fighter jets to
Saudi Arabia?
A. High operational costs
B. Possible transfer of technology to China
C. Pilot training limitations
D. Limited runway infrastructure
ANSWER: B - What is the effective range of the Jishnu drone-delivered precision-guided
missile displayed at IITF 2025?
A. 500 meters
B. 1.5 kilometres
C. 5 kilometres
D. 10 kilometres
ANSWER: B - Paras Defence’s new ₹71.68 crore contract from DRDO involves the supply of
which submarine-related equipment?
A. Torpedo Launch Tubes
B. Hull-Mounted Sonar
C. Optronic Periscopes
D. Air Independent Propulsion Units
ANSWER: C - What is ‘Mission 500’ related to in the India-US partnership?
A. A long-term trade agreement
B. A space exploration project
C. A 10-year framework for major defence partnership
D. A nuclear energy collaboration
ANSWER: C - Range of Scalp Missile Is
A. 250 kilometers
B. 260 kilometers
C. 270 kilometers
D. 280 kilometers
ANSWER: A - INS IMPHAL Is A
A. Helicopter
B. Machine Gun
C. UAV
D. Destroyer
ANSWER: D - ‘Ex KOMODO’ Hosted By
A. Qatar
B. Oman
C. UAE
D. Indonesia
ANSWER: D - Zaporizhzhia Plant Is Located On Bank Of
A. Moskva River
B. Volga River
C. Dnieper River
D. Thames River
ANSWER: C - Yuan Wang 5 Is A
A. Indian Fighter Jet
B. Chinese Spy Ship
C. Korean Submarine
D. None
ANSWER: B - Motto of CISF Is
A. Protection and Security
B. Duty unto Death
C. We Protect
D. Service Before Self
ANSWER: A - INS Imphal Manufactured By
A. CSL
B. MDL
C. HSL
D. None of the above
ANSWER: B - INS Nishank Is A
A. Destroyer
B. OPV
C. Submarine
D. Veer class corvette
ANSWER: D - INS Shivaji Is An Indian Naval Station Located In
A. Nagpur
B. Nashik
C. Pune
D. Lonavala
ANSWER: D - Ex Samudra Shakti Is Held B/W India &
A. Italy
B. Indonesia
C. Sri Lanka
D. None
ANSWER: B - NIMAS Stands For
A. National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports
B. National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Source
C. National Indus of Mountaineering and Allied Sports
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A - DIPR Stands For
A. Defence Institute of Psychological Research
B. Disaster Institute of Psychological Research
C. Defence Institute of Psychological Rate
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A - MORONI Is The Capital Of
A. COMOROS
B. Qatar
C. UAE
D. CROATIA
ANSWER: A - “Blind Beauty” Book Is Written By
A. Boris Pasternak
B. Habib Tanveer
C. Jawaharlal Nehru
D. J.K. Galbraith
ANSWER: A
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