In Current Affairs for 16 January 2026, 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 16 January 2026
European Forces Deploy to Greenland Amid Arctic Tensions
Several European nations have begun deploying military personnel to Greenland, underlining their collective support for Denmark at a time of growing strategic competition in the Arctic. The move comes as officials from Denmark and Greenland hold discussions with U.S. representatives, during which clear differences emerged regarding the island’s future.
Denmark has confirmed plans to strengthen its defence footprint in Greenland, coinciding with diplomatic engagements in Washington. Countries such as France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands have either already sent small contingents or announced their intention to do so in the coming days.
European leaders have described the deployments as symbolic but politically significant, aimed at demonstrating unity and reinforcing the message that NATO, as a collective force, is capable of maintaining Arctic security without any unilateral intervention. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that French military elements were already on their way, with a small group of mountain infantry troops participating in exercises in Nuuk.
Indian Defence Company Wins Major Anti-Drone Contracts
An Indian defence technology firm has secured new orders from both the Indian Army and the Indian Navy for its domestically developed anti-drone system, marking a significant boost for indigenous defence manufacturing.
The system, known as the IG T-Shul Pulse Anti-Drone System, is designed to be lightweight, portable, and quickly deployable. It is intended for use by frontline units, base security teams, and for safeguarding critical strategic installations. According to the company, the system can disrupt hostile drones within a range of up to two kilometres under optimal conditions.
Based in Noida, the firm specialises in advanced unmanned aerial systems, short-range missile technologies, and counter-UAS solutions. The T-Shul Pulse operates as a handheld electronic warfare jammer, capable of neutralising aerial threats in active combat and high-risk operational environments.
Japan and Philippines Strengthen Military Cooperation
Japan and the Philippines have formalised a key defence logistics agreement, the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), as regional tensions continue to rise in the Indo-Pacific. The pact allows both countries to exchange essential supplies such as fuel, food, ammunition, and other logistical support during joint military exercises without tax barriers.
The agreement was signed in Manila by Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro. Beyond military cooperation, Japan also announced additional security and economic assistance for the Philippines, including funding for coastal security infrastructure and improved internet connectivity in vulnerable southern regions.
This pact builds on earlier defence cooperation, including the Reciprocal Access Agreement that enables larger joint exercises and troop deployments. Negotiations are also ongoing for a separate framework to protect the sharing of classified defence information, reflecting deeper strategic alignment between the two nations.
Arab Nations Step In to Prevent U.S.–Iran Escalation
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Egypt have engaged in urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent a potential military confrontation between the United States and Iran. The initiative followed concerns over a possible U.S. strike in response to Iran’s actions against protesters, which regional leaders feared could destabilise the wider Middle East.
According to a Gulf official, these countries warned Washington that any military action would carry serious security and economic consequences, including repercussions for U.S. interests. At the same time, Iran was cautioned against retaliatory strikes on U.S. assets in the Gulf, which could further damage its regional relationships.
Although U.S. President Donald Trump later indicated that an attack was being postponed as the situation inside Iran appeared to ease, reports suggest that several Gulf states actively lobbied Washington to avoid escalation.
Rafale Fighter Jets Set to Be Manufactured in India
India is on the verge of a landmark defence manufacturing agreement with France that would see Rafale fighter jets produced domestically for the first time. Under the proposed deal, valued at around ₹3.25 lakh crore, the Indian Air Force is expected to acquire 114 Rafale aircraft.
While 18 jets would be delivered directly from France in fly-away condition, the remaining 96 would be manufactured in India. The project aims to significantly increase local content, with indigenisation levels targeted between 60 and 80 per cent—far higher than earlier estimates.
Key components such as the fuselage are expected to be produced at facilities operated by Tata Advanced Systems in Hyderabad, while final assembly is planned at the Dassault Reliance Aerospace plant in Nagpur. This facility could eventually serve as a global secondary production hub, supporting both Indian requirements and international demand.
The initiative is expected to strengthen India’s aerospace ecosystem, reduce reliance on foreign supply chains, and facilitate advanced technology transfer. Building on earlier Rafale acquisitions for both the Air Force and Navy, the deal could make India the largest Rafale operator outside France, further deepening Indo-French strategic defence ties.
Review Questions
- Why did several European countries deploy troops to Greenland?
A. To establish permanent military bases
B. To support Denmark and show European unity
C. To replace U.S. forces in the Arctic
D. To conduct independent combat operations
ANSWER: B - What is the primary function of the IG T-Shul Pulse Anti-Drone System?
A. Launching surface-to-air missiles
B. Detecting underwater drones
C. Jamming and neutralising hostile drones
D. Guiding combat aircraft
ANSWER: C - The Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) signed between Japan
and the Philippines mainly allows for:
A. Joint nuclear deterrence operations
B. Exchange of military personnel on permanent basis
C. Tax-free sharing of logistical supplies during exercises
D. Sale of advanced fighter jets
ANSWER: C - Which four Arab countries were involved in diplomatic efforts to prevent
escalation between the U.S. and Iran?
A. UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan
B. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Egypt
C. Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen
D. Turkey, Iran, Qatar, Egypt
ANSWER: B - Under the proposed Rafale deal, how many fighter jets are planned to be
manufactured in India?
A. 36
B. 72
C. 96
D. 114
ANSWER: C - The Headquarters and Secretariat of the SAARC Is In
A. Kathmandu
B. Dhaka
C. New Delhi
D. None
ANSWER: A - Air Vice-Marshal Rank of the IAF Is Equivalent to Which Rank Of Indian Navy?
A. Rear Admiral
B. Vice Admiral
C. Captain
D. Colonel
ANSWER: A - “Merciless Criticism And Independent Thinking Are The Two Necessary Traits
Of Revolutionary Thinking.” Said By Whom
A. Bhagat Singh
B. Rabindranath Tagore
C. Chandrasekhar Azad
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A - World’s longest Atal tunnel above 10,000 feet, at Rohtang built by___
A. MHA
B. BRO
C. NHAI
D. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
ANSWER: B - EX Naseem Al Bahr Held B/W India &
A. Sri Lanka
B. Qatar
C. Oman
D. Saudi Arabia
ANSWER: C - The Port Duqm is in
A. Yemen
B. Iran
C. Iraq
D. Oman
ANSWER: D - Regimental Centre Of THE BRIGADE OF THE GUARDS
A. Kamptee, Maharashtra
B. Ahmednagar, Maharashtra
C. Delhi Cantonment
D. Fatehgarh, Uttar Pradesh
ANSWER: A - Western Air Command (WAC) Is In
A. Mumbai
B. New Delhi
C. Chennai
D. Panaji
ANSWER: B - ’Bolo Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ Is The War Cry Of___
A. RAJPUT REGIMENT
B. RAJPUTANA RIFLES
C. THE BRIGADE OF THE GUARDS
D. MECHANISED INFANTRY REGIMENT
ANSWER: D - Range of K-9 Vajra Howitzer Is
A. 40km
B. 38km
C. 20km
D. 55km
ANSWER: B - “Glimpses of World History” Book Is Written By
A. J L Nehru
B. Mahatma Gandhi
C. Lala Lajpat Rai
D. Pranab Mukerjee
ANSWER: A - Which country doesn’t share a land boundary with Ukraine?
A. Moldova
B. Belarus
C. Poland
D. Serbia
ANSWER: D - Black Hawk Helicopter Manufactured By
A. Airbus
B. Lockheed Martin
C. Dassault
D. Boeing
ANSWER: B - Varunastra Is A
A. Destroyer
B. Helicopter
C. Anti-submarine torpedo
D. Sniper Rifle
ANSWER: C - ‘Seema Bhawani’ Is The Name Of Which Team Of BSF?
A. Camel Contingent
B. Creek Crocodile
C. All-women Biker Team
D. All-women Creek Crocodile
ANSWER: C
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