Defence Current Affairs 01 August 2026

In Defence Current Affairs for 01 August 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be...

In Defence Current Affairs for 01 August 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 01 August 2026

Indian Navy Receives Indigenous Diving Support Vessel ‘Nipun’

The Indian Navy achieved another milestone in indigenous naval capability with the delivery of ‘Nipun’, the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV), by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) at Visakhapatnam on 30 July 2026. Designed and built in accordance with the standards of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), the vessel significantly enhances the Navy’s underwater rescue and diving operations while promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Background

The name ‘Nipun’, derived from Sanskrit, means “skilled, capable, and proficient.” The vessel has been specially designed to conduct deep-sea diving missions, underwater salvage operations, and submarine rescue tasks, making it a valuable addition to the Indian Navy’s fleet.

Key Features

  • Equipped with advanced Deep Sea Saturation Diving systems.
  • Includes a side diving stage for underwater operations.
  • Fitted with Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for diver monitoring and underwater salvage.
  • Serves as the Mother Ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), enabling the rescue of personnel trapped inside submarines.
  • Built with approximately 75% indigenous content, supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Significance

The induction of Nipun strengthens India’s underwater rescue capability, enhances submarine safety, and reflects the growing strength of the country’s indigenous shipbuilding industry.

Key Points

  • Vessel: Nipun
  • Type: Diving Support Vessel (DSV)
  • Builder: Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL)
  • Delivered On: 30 July 2026
  • Location: Visakhapatnam
  • Indigenous Content: Around 75%
image 13

Indian Army Launches Indigenous Xtreme Weather Grade Diesel

Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth launched the Indigenous Xtreme Weather Grade (XWG) Diesel in New Delhi. Developed jointly by the Indian Army and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), the specialised fuel is designed to improve the performance of military vehicles operating in extremely cold environments.

Background

Conventional diesel tends to become thick at very low temperatures, leading to clogged fuel filters and reduced engine performance in snow-bound and high-altitude regions. The newly developed XWG Diesel addresses this challenge by maintaining its flow properties even under extreme climatic conditions.

Key Features

  • Operates efficiently at temperatures as low as –42°C.
  • Developed jointly by the Indian Army and Oil Marketing Companies.
  • Fully compliant with BS-VI emission standards.
  • Meets IS 1460:2025 specifications.
  • Can be used in existing military vehicles without engine modification.
  • Suitable for both defence and civilian use in high-altitude regions.

Significance

The indigenous fuel will improve the mobility and operational readiness of armed forces deployed in difficult terrains while supporting India’s efforts towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat and indigenous defence technologies.

Key Points

  • Fuel: Xtreme Weather Grade (XWG) Diesel
  • Launched By: General Dhiraj Seth
  • Operational Temperature: Up to –42°C
  • Standards: BS-VI, IS 1460:2025
  • Use: Military and civilian vehicles in extreme weather
image 7

Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja Appointed DGAFMS

The Government of India has appointed Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja, SM, VSM & Bar, as the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) with effect from 31 August 2026. He will succeed Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin upon her retirement.

Background

Air Marshal Thareja has been serving as the Director General Medical Services (Air) and brings decades of experience in military healthcare. He is an alumnus of the prestigious Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, and was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in December 1986.

About AFMC

The Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) is one of India’s premier military medical institutions.

  • Established: 1 May 1948
  • Location: Pune, Maharashtra
  • Managed By: Indian Armed Forces
  • Motto: Sarve Santu Niramayah (“Let all be healthy”)

Significance

The appointment ensures continuity in the leadership of the Armed Forces Medical Services and strengthens the military healthcare system responsible for serving personnel of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Key Points

  • Appointed Officer: Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja
  • New Position: DGAFMS
  • Effective From: 31 August 2026
  • Successor To: Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin
  • Alma Mater: AFMC, Pune
image 4

Air Marshal A. K. Bharti Retires from the Indian Air Force

Air Marshal A. K. Bharti, who served as the Deputy Chief of Air Staff, retired from the Indian Air Force (IAF) after a distinguished career. He was widely recognised for his role as Director General Air Operations (DGAO) during Operation Sindoor and for representing the Armed Forces during important tri-service media briefings.

Background

During Operation Sindoor, Air Marshal Bharti played a key operational role and regularly addressed the media alongside senior officers from the Army and Navy. The operation was launched following the Pahalgam terror attack, with the Indian Armed Forces conducting precision strikes against terrorist infrastructure.

Before his retirement, Air Marshal Bharti paid tribute to the nation’s fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.

Significance

His retirement marks the conclusion of a distinguished military career marked by leadership, operational excellence, and significant contributions to India’s air power and national security.

Key Points

  • Officer: Air Marshal A. K. Bharti
  • Last Appointment: Deputy Chief of Air Staff
  • Former Role: Director General Air Operations
  • Associated Operation: Operation Sindoor
  • Tribute: National War Memorial, New Delhi
image 2

India and Germany Move Closer to Project-75I Submarine Agreement

India and Germany are expected to finalise the Project-75I submarine agreement, one of the country’s largest naval defence projects. The proposed deal, valued at around ₹90,000 crore (approximately €8 billion), aims to strengthen the Indian Navy’s underwater warfare capabilities through the construction of six advanced conventional submarines in India.

Background

The project is expected to be implemented through a partnership between Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) of India. The submarines will incorporate advanced Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology to improve endurance and stealth.

Key Features

  • Construction of six next-generation conventional submarines.
  • Partnership between TKMS and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders.
  • Based on the Type 214 submarine design.
  • Equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology.
  • AIP enables submarines to remain underwater for longer durations without surfacing.
  • Strengthens indigenous shipbuilding and technology transfer.

Significance

The Project-75I programme will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s underwater combat capability while promoting indigenous manufacturing, advanced technology transfer, and long-term maritime security under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Key Points

  • Project: Project-75I
  • Estimated Value: ₹90,000 crore (Approx. €8 billion)
  • Partner Companies: TKMS and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
  • Number of Submarines: Six
  • Technology: Air Independent Propulsion (AIP)
  • Objective: Strengthen India’s conventional submarine fleet
image

Review Questions

  1. The second Indigenous Diving Support Vessel (DSV) delivered to the Indian Navy
    on 30 July 2026 is named:
    A) Nistar
    B) Nirbhik
    C) Nipun
    D) Nishant
    Answer: C) Nipun
  2. The Indigenous Xtreme Weather Grade (XWG) Diesel launched by the Indian Army
    remains operational at temperatures as low as:
    A) –20°C
    B) –30°C
    C) –35°C
    D) –42°C
    Answer: D) –42°C
  3. Who has been appointed as the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services
    (DGAFMS) with effect from 31 August 2026?
    A) Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh
    B) Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin
    C) Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja
    D) Lt Gen Daljit Singh
    Answer: C) Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja
  4. Air Marshal A. K. Bharti, who retired from the Indian Air Force, served as the
    Director General Air Operations (DGAO) during:
    A) Operation Meghdoot
    B) Operation Vijay
    C) Operation Trident
    D) Operation Sindoor
    Answer: D) Operation Sindoor
  5. Under the proposed Project-75I, India plans to construct how many next
    generation conventional submarines?
    A) Four
    B) Five
    C) Six
    D) Eight
    Answer: C) Six
  6. The Project-75I submarine programme is expected to be executed through a
    partnership between Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and:
    A) Naval Group (France)
    B) Saab Kockums (Sweden)
    C) Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan)
    D) ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), Germany
    Answer: D) ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), Germany
  7. Chinook Chopper Manufactured By
    A. Airbus
    B. Lockheed Martin
    C. Boeing
    D. HAL
    ANSWER: C
  8. Army War College Is In
    A. Mhow
    B. New Delhi
    C. Noida
    D. Nagpur
    ANSWER: A
  9. SFDR Stands For
    A. Solid Fuel Ductile Ramjet
    B. Solid Fuel Ducted Ram
    C. Solid Fuel Ducted Rocket
    D. Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet
    ANSWER: D
  10. Allocation of Funds to Which Security Forces Is High?
    A. Indo- China Border
    B. Indo-Myanmar Border
    C. Indo- Bangladesh Border
    D. None of these
    ANSWER: A
  11. Wing Commander Rank of IAF Is Equivalent to __ Rank of the Indian Navy.
    A. Commander
    B. Lieutenant
    C. Admiral
    D. Captain
    ANSWER: A
  12. FSSAI Stands For
    A. Food Safety and Standards Authority of Iran
    B. Food Safety and Stand Authority of India
    C. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
    D. None of the above
    ANSWER: C
  13. Ilyushin Il-38 Is A
    A. Maritime patrol Aircraft
    B. Ship
    C. Tank
    D. Anti Tank Missile
    ANSWER: A
  14. The Chief of Naval Staff Is A
    A. One Star Admiral
    B. Two Star Admiral
    C. Three Star Admiral
    D. Four Star Admiral
    ANSWER: D
  15. Ex ‘BLUE FLAG’ conducted b/w India &
    A. Qatar
    B. Oman
    C. UAE
    D. Israel
    ANSWER: D
  16. President’s Bodyguard Motto Is
    A. Jai Hind
    B. Sarvda Shaktishali
    C. Bharat Mata Ki Jai
    D. Rashtra Pratham
    ANSWER: C
  17. Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering Is At
    A. Imphal
    B. Mhow
    C. Secunderabad
    D. Vairengte
    ANSWER: C
  18. ‘Translating Myself and Others’ Book Written By
    A. Jhumpa Lahiri
    B. Dr. Prabhleen Singh
    C. Chetan Bhagat
    D. Nirupama Rao
    ANSWER: A
  19. Muscat Is the Capital Of
    A. Oman
    B. Qatar
    C. UAE
    D. Maldives
    ANSWER: A
  20. Where Is the Hq of The Southern Western Air Command of the IAF?
    A. Gandhinagar
    B. Vishakhapatnam
    C. Pune
    D. Mumbai
    ANSWER: A

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Divyanshu Pandey

Senior Lecturer General Studies, SSBCrackExams, Cleared CDS 4 times, NDA 2 times, Ex- N.C.C. cadet, SSB Expert. Passionate Teacher, Trained defence aspirants for their SSB Interview, BSc in PCM expertise in Geography, Indian Polity, Current Affairs and Defence affairs. Writing Article and Travelling solo.

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