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Defence Current Affairs 20 January 2026

In Current Affairs for 20 January 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial...

In Current Affairs for 20 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 20 January 2026

Centre Set to Roll Out ‘Coastal Vibrant Villages’ Programme

The Union government is preparing to introduce a new initiative titled the ‘Coastal Vibrant Villages’ Programme, aimed at strengthening engagement with communities residing along India’s extensive coastline of nearly 6,500 kilometres. The programme is envisioned on similar lines to the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP), which focuses on villages located along India’s northern land borders.

The upcoming coastal initiative seeks to promote development, security awareness, and community participation in strategically important coastal regions. The announcement was hinted at by CISF Director General Praveer Ranjan during a press briefing organised to publicise the second edition of the CISF Coastal Cyclothon, scheduled to begin on January 28.

According to Ranjan, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) plans to adopt 52 coastal villages under this programme, contributing to local development while strengthening coastal security frameworks. India currently has over 230 seaports, including 78 designated EXIM ports handling import and export activities. CISF already provides security to 12 major ports and one minor port.

The DG also revealed plans to designate CISF as the Recommended Security Organisation (RSO) for ports, enabling it to conduct comprehensive security assessments, planning, and training of private port security personnel. Additionally, the government intends to establish a Bureau of Port Security (BOPS) in the near future.

To support these expanded responsibilities, CISF proposes the creation of a dedicated port security vertical, which will require an additional 10,000–12,000 personnel, subject to government approval.

Mistral Solutions Secures ₹100 Crore Defence Radar Contract

Mistral Solutions, a subsidiary of AXISCADES Technologies Limited, has secured a major ₹100 crore contract under India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem. Headquartered in Bengaluru, AXISCADES operates across aerospace, defence, electronics, semiconductors, and AI-driven technologies.

The contract is linked to the Low-Level Transportable Radar (LLTR) Ashwini project, a flagship initiative aimed at developing a mobile radar system capable of detecting low-flying aerial threats. Awarded through DRDO in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the agreement involves supplying advanced signal and data processing units, along with essential spares, over a two-year delivery timeline.

These processing units act as the operational core of the LLTR Ashwini radar, enabling real-time tracking of drones, aircraft, and missiles, even in complex and cluttered environments. Mistral Solutions’ expertise in high-reliability defence electronics positions it as a key contributor to this strategic programme.

The deal aligns with the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, which mandates a minimum 50% indigenous content in defence procurement. Notably, the 2025–26 defence budget, exceeding ₹6 lakh crore, places strong emphasis on domestically developed systems.

From a strategic perspective, LLTR Ashwini radars significantly enhance India’s air defence readiness, especially along sensitive areas like the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC), complementing advanced systems such as Arudhra and Ashwini-3D radars.

Jaishankar Criticises ‘Selective Targeting’ of India in Global Trade

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has voiced strong concerns over what he described as the selective and unfair targeting of India in global economic and geopolitical dealings. Speaking on January 19, 2026, during talks with Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski, Jaishankar underlined that such targeting goes beyond tariffs to include sanctions, export controls, and other indirect pressures.

He noted that these measures increasingly influence India’s trade and investment decisions, forcing the country to prioritise reliable partnerships over purely cost-based efficiency. Jaishankar specifically highlighted energy sanctions and pressure surrounding India’s import of Russian oil, calling out Western double standards that disrupt global energy markets.

The minister also urged Poland to adopt a zero-tolerance stance on terrorism, cautioning against any actions that could indirectly support terrorist networks in India’s neighbourhood. His remarks appeared to respond to a previous joint statement by Poland and Pakistan that referenced Kashmir and terrorism.

Jaishankar further criticised European countries for selectively targeting India in discussions related to the Ukraine conflict, calling such approaches unjustified. Despite these differences, India-Poland relations remain strong. Poland is among India’s largest Central European trading partners, with bilateral trade touching $7 billion, marking nearly 200% growth over the past decade.

Indian investments in Poland exceed $3 billion, and Poland has expressed support for the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement, expected to be finalised during the India-EU Summit in New Delhi on January 27.

Trump Invites India to Join Gaza ‘Board of Peace’

US President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to India to join a proposed ‘Board of Peace’, aimed at supervising governance and reconstruction efforts in post-war Gaza. The initiative forms part of Trump’s 20-point peace plan, unveiled on January 15, and envisions a multi-layered structure comprising a main board chaired by Trump, a Palestinian technocratic committee, and an advisory executive board.

India’s inclusion is viewed as significant, given its balanced diplomatic relations with both Israel and Palestine. India maintains a strategic partnership with Israel while consistently supporting Palestine through humanitarian assistance. New Delhi was among the first to send relief supplies to Gaza via Egypt following the outbreak of the conflict.

Pakistan has also reportedly received an invitation; however, Israel has conveyed reservations regarding Pakistan’s participation. Israel’s envoy to India previously stated that Islamabad would be unacceptable for any future role in Gaza’s governance.

International reactions to Trump’s initiative have been cautious. While Hungary openly supported the proposal, many governments expressed concerns—privately—that the plan could undermine the authority and role of the United Nations in conflict resolution. Reports suggest invitations were sent to around 60 countries.

Tensions further escalated after Israel publicly criticised the formation of a Gaza executive committee announced on January 16, 2026, which reportedly lacked official Israeli representation. Jerusalem described the move as uncoordinated and contrary to its policy, marking a rare public disagreement between Israel and the US during the fragile post-ceasefire phase.

Review Questions

  1. The proposed ‘Coastal Vibrant Villages’ Programme is primarily aimed at:
    A. Developing tourism infrastructure along beaches
    B. Strengthening engagement with coastal communities
    C. Modernising shipbuilding yards
    D. Expanding naval bases
    ANSWER: B
  2. Under the Coastal Vibrant Villages initiative, how many coastal villages are
    proposed to be adopted by CISF?
    A. 25
    B. 40
    C. 52
    D. 78
    ANSWER: C
  3. Mistral Solutions secured a ₹100 crore contract related to which defence
    project?
    A. Akash Missile System
    B. Arudhra Radar
    C. LLTR Ashwini Radar
    D. Barak-8 Missile
    ANSWER: C
  4. S. Jaishankar criticised “selective targeting” of India during discussions with
    which country’s Deputy Prime Minister?
    A. Germany
    B. France
    C. Poland
    D. Italy
    ANSWER: C
  5. Why is India considered suitable for participation in the proposed Gaza ‘Board
    of Peace’?
    A. India is a permanent UNSC member
    B. India has military bases in West Asia
    C. India maintains relations with both Israel and Palestine
    D. India proposed the peace plan
    ANSWER: C
  6. How many submarines built under Project 75?
    A. Four
    B. Five
    C. Six
    D. Seven
    ANSWER: C
  7. Which company is involved in the construction of Project 17 Alpha frigates?
    A. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers
    B. Hindustan Shipyard Limited
    C. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
    D. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
    ANSWER: D
  8. How many ships are planned under Project 17 Alpha frigates?
    A. Three
    B. Seven
    C. Five
    D. Six
    ANSWER: B
  9. What is the naming convention for the ships under Project 17 Alpha frigates?
    A. Named after Indian cities
    B. Named after Indian rivers
    C. Named after Indian hill ranges
    D. Named after Indian states
    ANSWER: C
  10. How many warships are planned under the P-15B (Visakhapatnam Class)
    destroyer program?
    A. Two
    B. Three
    C. Four
    D. Five
    ANSWER: C
  11. What is the primary purpose of a Destroyer in naval warfare?
    A. Coast defense
    B. Long-range operations
    C. Anti-submarine warfare
    D. Anti-aircraft defense
    ANSWER: D
  12. Which ship is the fourth submarine under Project 75?
    A. INS Kalvari
    B. INS Khanderi
    C. INS Karanj
    D. INS Vela
    ANSWER: D
  13. When was INS Khanderi, the second submarine under Project 75, deployed?
    A. 2015
    B. 2017
    C. 2019
    D. 2021
    ANSWER: C
  14. Pangong Tso lake Is Located In
    A. Kashmir
    B. Ladakh
    C. Odisha
    D. Kochi
    ANSWER: B
  15. Priyadarshini Is A Fast Patrol Vessel Of
    A. ICG
    B. IAF
    C. Indian Navy
    D. BSF
    ANSWER: A
  16. Which Port Is Located In the Western Coast of India?
    A. Kandla
    B. Kolkata
    C. Mangalore
    D. Visakhapatnam
    ANSWER: A
  17. AAI Stands For
    A. Airport Author of India
    B. Air Authority of India
    C. Airport Authority of India
    D. None of the above
    ANSWER: C
  18. India Purchased Boeing 737 from
    A. USA
    B. Sweden
    C. France
    D. None of the above
    ANSWER: A
  19. Indian Army Flag Consist Colours of___ Colours.
    A. Gold, Red And Black
    B. Gold, Red And Blue
    C. Gold, Rose Black And Black
    D. Green, Red And Black
    ANSWER: A
  20. Operation Talwar Was Conducted In
    A. 1978
    B. 1988
    C. 1998
    D. 1999
    ANSWER: D
DCA 20 January 2026Download

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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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