March and April 2021 Monthly Defence Current Affairs And Updates [DOWNLOAD PDF]

SECTION A – MILITARY EXERCISES NATO Military Exercise “DEFENDER – Europe 21” It is an annual US-led multinational exercise, and it focuses on deterring aggression. This is launched in Albania...

Hemanth Kasturi
May 3, 2021
12,674
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SECTION A – MILITARY EXERCISES

NATO Military Exercise “DEFENDER – Europe 21”

It is an annual US-led multinational exercise, and it focuses on deterring aggression.
This is launched in Albania by NATO. More than 28,000 troops of the US and its allies are participating. More than 26 countries are to conduct simultaneous operations in more than thirty training areas from Black sea, Balkan regions to Baltics and Africa.

NATO

NATO is North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. It is an intergovernmental military alliance between thirty North American and European countries.
In 1947, France and UK signed the “Treaty of Dunkirk” (This was the inception of NATO). It was a military alliance between the countries.
It was signed in the event of possible attack by Germany or Soviet Union in the post-World War II conditions. The US, Canada, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Portugal and Iceland joined the treaty in 1949.
The first NATO military exercise was held in 1952.
Soviet Union signed the Warsaw pact to counter NATO.

Warsaw Pact

The Warsaw Pact was signed after the integration of West Germany into the NATO. It was signed in 1955. It was signed in Warsaw, Poland.
It was signed between the Soviet Union and the seven other countries in the central and eastern Europe.
There were no military dealings between them like that of NATO. However, conflicts were fought on ideological basis and also in proxy wars.
The largest military engagement of Warsaw pact was the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968. Albania and Romania did not participate in the invasion. Later Albania withdrew from the pact. (Albania joined NATO in 2009).
The other countries of Warsaw Pact that participated in the invasion were Poland, Soviet Union, Hungary, East Germany and Bulgaria.

Indo-US Joint Special Forces Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR 21

Location: Special Forces Training School located at Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.
Aim: Countering threats of international terrorism through mutual training and jointness.
In 2019, this exercise took place in Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Seattle (US), while in 2018, it took place in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. This exercise first happened in 2010.
‘Vajra Prahar’ is a Special Forces joint training exercise conducted alternately in India and the US to share the best practices and experiences in areas such as joint mission planning and operational tactics as also to improve interoperability between the Special Forces of both nations, according to an official release.
Bilateral military exercises and defence exchanges are an important facet of deepening bilateral defence cooperation between friendly countries.
During such events, the armies of participating nations jointly train, plan and execute a series of operations for neutralisation of threats of varied nature with a common aim of countering threats of international terrorism through mutual training and jointness, the release said.

Indo-UAE Exercise Desert Flag-VI

Date & Location: 04 March to 27 March 21 at Air Force Base Al Dhafra, UAE.
IAF participated in the exercise for the first time, fielding Su-30MKI fighter aircraft.
UAE, USA, France, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain apart from India participated with aerial assets. Jordan, Greece, Qatar, Egypt and South Korea participated as observer forces.
The objectives for the exercise were to expose coalition participating forces to large force employment, sharpen tactical capabilities, and enhance interoperability along with fostering closer relations between the participating forces. The aim for the participating crew and specialist observers was to expose them to operational environment in scenarios requiring multinational forces working together. Timely and seamless induction and de-induction was facilitated by IAF C-17 Globe master aircraft.
During the exercise IAF flew Large Force Engagement (LFE) missions in near realistic environment involving many aircraft of varied types. IAF successfully undertook all the planned missions, both by day and night, without any mission abort. All possible assistance was provided by UAE Air Force ensuring that all planned activities were completed in time.

Operation ‘Visphotak Mukt Bandargah’

Authority: Army Southern Command, Pune
What happened: Disposal of 1,600 metric tonnes of unexploded ordnance that had possibly been collected inadvertently by some factories and steel scrapyards over the past few years at multiple locations in Mumbai, Gujarat, Kanpur, Jaipur and Jodhpur.
Aim: To ensure a safe and secure environment in civil society.

Indian & French Navy Bilateral Exercise ‘VARUNA-2021’

Dates: 25th to 27th April 2021.
Indian assets: INS Kolkata, INS Tarkash, INS Talwar, INS Deepak, Seaking 42B and Chetak integral helicopters, a Kalvari class submarine and P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
French assets: Aircraft Carrier FNS Charles-de-Gaulle with Rafale-M fighter, E2C Hawkeye aircrafts and helicopters Caïman M and Dauphin embarked, Destroyer FNS Chevalier Paul, Multi-mission frigate FNS Provence with a Caïman M helicopter, FNS Var.

Indo Kyrgyz Joint Special Forces Exercise “Khanjar”

Dates: 16 Apr 2021 to 30 Apr 2021 (2 weeks) [8th edition]
Location: Special Forces Brigade of National Guards of Kyrgyz Republic in Bishkek.
Initiated first in 2011, the two-week-long exercise Khanjar focusses on high-altitude, mountains and counter-extremism.
In 2018, India and Kyrgyzstan signed four agreements, including one to boost defence cooperation and hold annual joint military exercises.
The two countries had agreed to expeditiously consider signing an agreement on “combating international terrorism and other crimes”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a visit in 2018 to emphasise the need to combat terrorism and extremism, a threat without borders.

Multilatéral maritime Exercise ‘La Pérouse’

Dates: 05 Apr 2021 to 07 Apr 2021 (3 days)
Location: Eastern Indian Ocean Region.
Participating navies: India, France (lead), Australia (RAN), Japan (JMSDF), US.
This exercised witnessed complex and advanced naval operations including surface warfare, anti-air warfare and air defence exercises, weapon firing exercises, cross deck flying operations, tactical maneuvers and seamanship evolutions such as replenishment at sea.
Indian assets: INS Satpura, INS Kiltan, Boeing P8I maritime patrol aircraft.
French assets: FNS Tonnerre, an amphibious assault ship and frigate FNS Surcouf.
US assets: Amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset.
Australian assets: HMAS Anzac, a frigate and tanker HMAS Sirius.
Japanese assets: Destroyer ship JMSDF Akebono.
In addition to the ships, integral helicopters embarked onboard ships also participated in the exercise.

Multinational Exercise ‘Shantir Ogroshena 2021’

Meaning: Front Runner of the Peace.
Date: 04 Apr 2021 to 12 Apr 2021 (9 days).
Location: Bangabandhu Senanibas (BBS), Bangladesh.
Participating nations: Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India.
Theme: Robust Peace Keeping Operations.
Observers: USA, UK, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Singapore.

Indo-Uzbek Joint Exercise Dustlik-II

Dates: 10 Mar 2021 to 19 Mar 2021.
Location: Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia, Ranikhet, India.
Indian assets: Rezang La Battalion of 13 Kumaon.
Uzbek assets: 45 personnel soldiers.
Aim: Counter-terrorist operations and military cooperation.

Indian Navy Deploys Oxygen Express to Island Territories

No.	Date	Ship	Location	Supplies
1.	25 Apr 21	INS Sharda, Kochi	Kavaratti, Lakshadweep	35 Oxygen cylinders, Rapid Antigen Detection Test (RADT) kits, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), masks and other items
2.	25 Apr 21	INS Dweeprakshak, Kavaratti.	Kadmat island	A Naval contingent comprising one doctor, two Medical Assistants and one additional sailor

HQSNC has also reserved ten beds including ICU facilities for patients from Lakshadweep at INHS Sanjeevani, Kochi.
Naval Air Station INS Garuda has also been placed on alert.
Air Evacuation Pods developed indigenously by Naval Aircraft Yard, Kochi.

Operation Sankalp: Passage Exercise with Bahrain Navy

Operation Sankalp, was initiated on June 19, 2019, after the attacks on the merchant ships in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
The Indian Navy on March 17, 2021, undertook the Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Royal Bahrain Naval Force Corvette Al Muharraq under Operation Sankalp in the Persian Gulf.

India & Madagascar in PASSEX

The INS Shardul and Malagasy Navy ship MNS Trozona carried out a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) on 24 March 2021.
Adhering to covid19 protocols, the port call was conducted in “a non-contact format and a virtual conference with officials of Madagascar Armed Forces was held on 23 March.
Both discussed interoperability and security.

India & Saudi Arabia in PASSEX

The Indian Navy said that INS Talwar with Royal Saudi Naval Force Ship HMS Khalid carried out a maritime drill on April 6 in the Persian Gulf .
The short passage exercise could be a prelude to a full-fledged joint drill by the two navies later.
The Force said that INS Talwar is deployed for Operation Sankalp in the Gulf Region and had arrived at Jubail Port, Saudi Arabia on April 3.

SECTION B – INTERNATIONAL MILITARY AFFAIRS

Indian Navy Dispatched its DRSV to Support Search and Rescue of Missing Indonesian Submarine

Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) was dispatched on 22 Apr 2021 to assist Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Laut (TNI AL) in search and rescue efforts for the Indonesian Submarine KRI Nanggala which was reported missing on 21 Apr 21.
It was in the middle of a torpedo drill in waters north of Bali and had fired a live SUT torpedo before it went missing. On 24 April, debris from the submarine was found on the surface, and the Indonesian Navy declared Nanggala sunk. The next day, scans positively identified the remains of Nanggala, and the loss of all 53 crew members on board was confirmed.

INS Shardul went to Port Louis for Mauritius National Day Celebrations

INS Shardul, a ship of the First Training Squadron of the Indian Navy visited Port Louis, Mauritius from 10 to 13 March 2021 as part of an overseas deployment to Southern Indian Ocean nations.
The ship undertook EEZ surveillance of Mauritius, in coordination with Mauritian National Coast Guard as part of the deployment and participated in the celebrations on 12 March 2021 during the port call.

INS Sumedha & INS Kulish Visited Historic Port City of Mongla, Bangladesh on 8^th – 10^th March 2021

This was to commemorate the ongoing Swarnim Vijay Varsh and reiterating the historic Indo-Bangladeshi friendship. This is the first time that any Indian Naval Ship is visiting the port of Mongla in Bangladesh and the visit is aimed at paying homage to the Bangladeshi and Indian combatants and citizens who laid down their lives during the Liberation War of 1971.

7^th Indian & Bangladesh Naval Staff Talks

Conducted from 23 to 25 Mar 21 at New Delhi.
BN delegation was led by Rear Adm Mohd. Mozammel Haque, Commander Chattogram Naval Area.
Rear Adm J Singh, ACNS, led the delegation from IN.
Issues relating to joint cooperative efforts like Coordinated Patrol along International Maritime Boundary Line, bilateral exercise BONGOSAGAR, conduct of Naval Training and Hydrography were discussed.

Project DANTAK completes 60 years in Bhutan

Project DANTAK was established on April 24, 1961, as a result of the leadership of His Majesty the Third King and then PM J L Nehru.
Identifying the utmost importance of connectivity in spurring the socio-economic development and growth of Bhutan, DANTAK was tasked to construct motorable roads in the Kingdom.
Construction of Paro Airport, Yonphula Airfield, Thimphu – Trashigang Highway, Telecommunication & Hydro Power Infrastructure, Sherubtse College, Kanglung and India House Estate are all a part of this project.
Indian Ambassador to Bhutan Smt Ruchira Kamboj laid a floral wreath at the DANTAK Memorial.

INS Sarvekshak in Mauritius

The ship visited Port Louis, Mauritius and commenced the hydrographic survey of ‘Deep sea area off Port Louis’.
INS Sarvekshak, a specialised survey ship is fitted with state-of-the-art survey equipment like Deep Sea Multi-Beam Echo Sounder, Side Scan Sonars and a fully automated digital surveying and processing system.
INS Sarvekshak has undertaken various foreign cooperation surveys over the last few years in Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania and Kenya.

Indian Army trains 200 Nigerian Army personnel in guerrilla warfare for three months

The Indian Army officials said four members of its mobile training team (IA-MTT) conducted counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations training for 200 soldiers of the Nigerian Army’s infantry and special forces.
They said this training was conducted between January 22 and April 18 at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI).

SECTION C – INDIAN MILITARY REVIEWS

Mission Sagar – IV

‘Mission Sagar’, builds on the excellent relations existing between the two countries and deployment also resonates the vision of our Prime Minister of Security and Growth for All in the Region ‘SAGAR’ and highlights the importance accorded by India to relations with the countries of the IOR.

No.	Date	Ship	Location	Supplies
1.	22 Mar 21	INS Jalashwa	Port Ehoala, Madagascar	1,000 Metric Tonnes of rice and 100,000 Hydroxychloroquine tablets
2.	14 Mar 21	INS Jalashwa	Port Anjouan, Comoros	1,000 Metric Tonnes of rice

DRDO lab develops light weight Bullet Proof Jacket

Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE), Kanpur has developed light weight Bullet Proof Jacket (BPJ) weighing 9 kg. The Front Hard Armour Panel (FHAP) jacket was tested at Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh and it met BIS standards.
The importance of this vital development lies in the fact that each gram of BPJ weight reduction is crucial in enhancing soldier comfort while ensuring the survivability. This technology reduces the weight of the medium sized BPJ from 10.4 to 9.0 kilogrammes. Very specific materials and processing technologies have been developed in the laboratories for the purpose.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO scientists and Industry for developing the light weight BPJ to make the soldiers more comfortable. Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) Dr G Satheesh Reddy congratulated the DMSRDE team for the development.

DRDO develops single crystal blades for helicopter engines application

Defence Metallurgical Research laboratory (DMRL) is developing 5 sets (300 numbers) of single-crystal high-pressure turbine- HPT blades. They will be developed with the use of a nickel-based superalloy.
DRDO has also supplied 60 number of crystal blades to HAL.
To achieve this, state-of-the-art Single Crystal Blades having complex shape and geometry, manufactured out of Nickel based superalloys capable of withstanding high temperatures of operation are used. Very few countries in the world such as USA, UK, France and Russia have the capability to design and manufacture such Single Crystal (SX) components.
The DMRL undertook this task based on its expertise gained during the development of such a technology for an aero-engine project earlier. Complete vacuum investment casting process to realise the blades, including die design, wax pattering, ceramic moulding, actual casting of components non-destructive evaluation (NDE), heat treatment and dimensional measurement, has been established at DMRL.
Special ceramic composition had to be formulated for making strong ceramic moulds which can withstand metallostatic pressure of liquid CMSX-4 alloy at 1500°C and above during casting operation. The challenge of maintaining the required temperature gradient has also been overcome by optimising the casting parameters. A multi-step vacuum solutionising heat treatment schedule for complex CMSX-4 superalloy to achieve the required microstructure and mechanical properties has also been established.Further, a stringent non-destructive evaluation (NDE) methodology for the blades along with the technique for determining their crystallographic orientations has been developed.

LCA Tejas Oxygen Technology For Covid Patients

The Medical Oxygen Plant (MOP) technology, developed by DRDO for On‐Board Oxygen Generation for LCA, Tejas by DEBEL, DRDO will now help in fighting the current crisis of oxygen for COVID-19 patients. The oxygen plant is designed for a capacity of 1,000 litres per minute (LPM). The system can cater to 190 patients at a flow rate of 5 LPM and charge 195 cylinders per day.
The DRDO has initiated fabrication of 380 numbers of Medical Oxygen Plants with release of Supply Orders for 332 numbers on M/s Tata Advanced Systems Limited, Bengaluru and 48 numbers on M/s Trident Pneumatics Pvt. Ltd., Coimbatore with a target of producing 125 plants per month under PM CARES Fund. With this it is expected that 500 Medical Oxygen Plants will be installed within three months.

Vaishali Hiwase – First Woman to be Appointed as a Commanding Officer in BRO

BRO India feels proud to announce the First Woman Officer EE (civ) Vaishali S Hiwase for taking over as Officer Commanding of a Road Construction Company that is responsible to provide connectivity of an Indo-China Border Road.
With two air-maintained detachments located at 10,000 feet and above, the road goes through some formidable passes and treacherous terrain of hard rock with vertical cliffs.

Lt Gen Ajai Singh, AVSM – Next Commander In Chief Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN)

The General has the distinction of Director General, Military Training and a history volunteering to serve in Kargil and Siachen, in addition to Kashmir valley and LAC-Sikkim.
Lt Gen Manoj Pande, who is presently the CINCAN, will take charge as the Eastern Army commander on June 1, 2021.
The CINCAN reports directly to the Chief of Defence Staff (India) (CDS) in New Delhi.

DRDO Develops SpO2 Based Supplemental Oxygen Delivery System for High Altitude Soldiers

Developed by Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL), Bengaluru of DRDO, the system delivers supplemental oxygen based on the SpO2 (Blood Oxygen Saturation) levels and prevents the person from sinking into a state of Hypoxia.
The system reads SpO2 levels of the subject from a wrist-worn pulse oximeter module through wireless interface and controls a proportional solenoid valve to regulate the oxygen supply to the subject.

Defence Minister Directs DRDO to Set Up COVID-19 Hospitals Across the Nation

Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar also issued instructions that during the current surge of coronavirus cases, 67 Cantt Board Hospitals across India be advised to ensure medical service to patients both Cantt residents and non-residents.
Construction of COVID-19 care hospital at Awadh Shilp Gram in Lucknow is on way. DRDO has set up a facility in New Delhi with all basic facilities free of charge.

IAF Chief RKS Bhadauria Flagged Off Six Rafale Jets from Merignac-Bordeaux Airbase In France

Marking the continuity of growing bilateral defence cooperation with the French Air and Space Force, Air Chief Marshal left for France an official visit from 19-23 Apr that enhanced potential avenues for strengthening the interaction between the two Air Forces.
IAF and FASF engage in the bilateral air exercise series ‘Garuda’, as well as hop exercises, the last being Ex Desert Knight 21 held at Air Force Station Jodhpur in January 2021.

Air Force Commanders’ Conference 2021

DM Shri Rajnath Singh addressed this Conference on 15 Apr 21 at Air Headquarters.
The RM congratulated IAF for ensuring a timely and befitting response to the sudden developments in Eastern Ladakh. He also appreciated the role played by the IAF in assisting other Govt agencies in combating Wuhan virus pandemic.
Referring to changing international geopolitics, he observed that the perceptible shift of focus from Trans-Atlantic to Trans-Pacific has become more obvious in the recent past. Changing dimensions of war would now include advanced technologies, asymmetric capabilities and info-dominance. Conference concluded on 16 Apr 21.

DRDO Develops Advanced Chaff Technology to Safeguard Naval Ships from Missile Attack

Defence Laboratory Jodhpur (DLJ), a DRDO laboratory, has indigenously developed three variants of this critical technology namely Short-Range Chaff Rocket (SRCR), Medium-Range Chaff Rocket (MRCR) and Long-Range Chaff Rocket (LRCR).
Chaff is a passive expendable electronic countermeasure technology used worldwide to protect naval ships from enemy’s radar and Radio Frequency (RF) missile seekers.

100 Women Military Police Soldiers Set to Join Army

The first batch of “100 Women Military Police Soldiers” are set to join the Indian Army as Lance Naiks this month. They underwent final few weeks of their 61 Weeks rigorous Military training at Corps of Military Police (CMP) at Bengaluru.
Between 19 and 22 years of age, this batch comprises the top 100 selectees out of two lakh applicants across the country, explained Lt-Colonel Julee, who is in-charge of the training of the cadets.

Indian Army Formally Closes Down Military Farms

After 132 years of glorious service to the nation, curtains were drawn on this organisation.
Military Farms were set up with sole requirement of supplying hygienic cow’s milk to troops billeted in various garrisons across British India.
After independence Military Farms flourished with 30,000 heads of cattle in 130 Military Farms all over India in varied Agroclimatic conditions.

SSC Officers Can Use Their Ranks After Retirement

This decision of the Government will not only remove dissatisfaction and discontentment among the retired SSC officers, but will serve as a big boost to the young aspirants. In addition, this decision will act as morale booster for the existing SSC officers.
The SSC officers form the backbone of the support cadre of the Army. They serve for a period of 10-14 years to make up the deficiency of young officers in units.

Indian Army Decommissions 130 mm Self Propelled M-46 Catapult Guns & 160 mm Tampella Mortars

These were decommissioned on 16 Mar 2021 at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges.
The decommissioning firing was attended by Lieutenant General K Ravi Prasad, Director General Artillery and other senior officers.
The 130mm Catapult, with a range of more than 27 km, was a successful merger of two existing weapon systems: Vijayanta tanks and 130mm M-46 guns. This hybrid platform was a response to the need for a mobile artillery gun system to support strike formations on the Western borders, after the 1965 and 1971 wars. The guns were inducted in 1981 and were employed successfully during several operations.
The 160mm Tampella mortars, with a range of 9.6 km, were inducted after the 1962 war with China to fulfill the need for a weapon system to clear high crests of the Northern borders. Originally an import from the Israeli Defence Forces, this mortar was successfully deployed on the Line of Control in the Leepa valley and the Hajipir Bowl and played a crucial part in maintaining the sanctity of the Line of Control. The mortars also played a significant part in the 1999 Kargil war.

Indian Navy Deploys Women Officers on Warships

Two women are posted on the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya while two other are deployed on the tanker ship INS Shakti.
The Indian Navy has the highest percentage of women in its workforce among the three services at 6.5 per cent, according to details provided by the government in Rajya Sabha.
The navy had last deployed women on Indian Naval Ship (INS) Jyoti in 1997.
Women are employed as officers in Indian Navy since 1992 wherein only three avenues were available to Women viz. Law, Education and Logistics. However, over a period of time, number of other avenues has been opened for Women induction as follows:

Year	Avenue Available
1992	Law, Education, Logistics
2001	Naval Constructor Cadre
2008	Observer Specialisation (Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft)
2016	Pilots (Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft)
2017	Naval Armament Inspectorate
2019	Sports and Musician Cadres, and Lateral Induction into Provost Specialisation

Combined Commanders Conference 2021

Dates: 04 Mar 2021 to 06 Mar 2021.
Location: Kevadia, Gujarat.
Two Vivechana sessions were held over in the presence of the Defence Minister and deliberated over a wide range of issues, some of them held behind closed doors.
PM Narendra Modi, NSA Ajit Doval, CDS General Bipin Rawat and the three services chiefs were the main participants.

Rear Admiral S Venkat Raman Takes Charge of Naval War College, Goa

The Admiral took charge of the Navy’s Apex Training Institution from Rear Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, AVSM, NM. The Naval War College conducts training for senior officers, including foreign participants, on defence planning, strategic and operational subjects, with a view to promote a culture of strategic and operational thinking.

Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh takes over as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, ENC

Commissioned on 01 Jul 1983, V Adm Ajendra Bahadur Singh is an alumnus of the prestigious NDA Khadakwasla.
A Navigation and Direction Specialist, Vice Admiral AB Singh has held various Operational Staff and Command Appointments in his career spanning over 38 years.
He has commanded INS Veer, INS Vindhyagiri, INS Trishul and INS Viraat (Aircraft Carrier). He has rich operational experience of Op Pawan in Sri Lanka and Op Parakram.

NCC launches Aazadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav to commemorate 75 years of India’s independence.

Launched 75 weeks before 15 August 2022 on 12 March 2021, the NCC has taken upon itself to launch a nationwide action plan to promote one social activity every month commencing from March 2021.
NCC cadets paid respect to statues of 75 prominent national icons in 75 cities all over the country.
Motto of NCC: Unity and Discipline.
In keeping with the five pillars of Freedom Struggle, Ideas at 75, Achievements at 75, Actions at 75 and Resolves at 75 as guiding force for urging the youth to take the responsibility for fulfilling the Nation’s efforts in showcasing the achievements of our national heroes, the National Cadet Corps today maintained and paid respect to statues of 75 prominent national icons in 75 cities all over the country for the month of March 2021. The cadets spread awareness about the contributions of these personalities through awareness lectures, nukkad nataks, poetry recitals and displayed their achievements through posters and banners.
During the coming months, the National Cadet Corps will promote Social Service and Community Development activities through various innovative means throughout the nation as a run up to 75 years of India’s Independence to be celebrated on 15 August 2022.
The National Cadet Corps, a premier uniformed youth organization of the country, has contributed significantly in nation building since its inception. It has transformed the lives of millions of youth by shaping their character and showing them the path of ‘Unity and Discipline’, the motto of NCC. The corps has made notable and praiseworthy contributions in spreading awareness amongst the masses on important issues like water conservation, environment protection, digital awareness and Swachhta Abhiyan.

SECTION D – SPECIAL INDUCTIONS AND ACQUISITIONS

INAS 323 Commissioned as the First Unit of Indigenously Built ALH MK III Helicopters at INS Hansa

It is commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik and Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar, Flag Officer Commanding – in – Chief of Western Naval Command, at INS Hansa, Goa on 19 Apr 21.
ALH Mk III is a multirole helicopter with Shakti engine manufactured by HAL. It has an all-glass cockpit and will be used for Search and Rescue, Special Operations and Coastal Surveillance.

INLCU L58 Commissioned into the Indian Navy

Indian Naval Landing Craft Utility (LCU) L58 (indigenously designed and built by GRSE, Kolkata), the eighth and last ship of the Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Mark IV Class, was commissioned into the Indian Navy at Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands on March 18, 2021.
It is an amphibious ship which can carry 160 troops. With a displacement of 900 tons, the ship can carry various types of combat vehicles such as Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), BMPs, Armoured Vehicles, trucks, etc.

INS Karanj Commissioned into Indian Navy

Scorpene-class submarine INS Karanj was commissioned into the Indian Navy in Mumbai on 10 Mar 2021. At present, out of 42 ships and submarines on order, 40 are being constructed in Indian shipyards.
The state-of- the-art technology utilised for construction of the Scorpene class submarines has ensured superior stealth features such as advanced acoustic silencing techniques, low radiated noise levels, hydro-dynamically optimized shape and the ability to launch a crippling attack on the enemy using precision guided weapons.

Commandant’s Motivation Award of NDA

The National Defence Academy has instituted a trophy presented by Rajputana Rifles in the memory of Late Lieutenant Ummer Fayaz.
The rolling trophy is presented to a Cadet displaying “Outstanding Improvement in Performance” during training.
Born on 08 June 1994, Lieutenant Ummer Fayaz was a son of a farmer, Shri Fayaz Ahmed Parrey and Smt Jameela from Sudsona village in Kulgam district in J & K. Lt Ummer had studied from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Anantnag and always aspired to become an officer in the Army. After passing his class 12 he cleared the NDA exam and went on to the prestigious NDA to pursue his dream of becoming an Army officer. After the training at NDA, he went to IMA Dehradun for the next phase of training. He was a keen sportsman and excelled in sports during his training period, especially hockey.
Lt Ummer was commissioned on 10 Dec 2016 into 2 Raj Rif of the famed Rajputana Rifles Regiment, a regiment known for its valiant soldiers and numerous battle honours. As a first assignment after his training, he joined the unit that was deployed in the Akhnoor sector of J & K.
During 2017, Lt Ummer’s unit was operating in the Akhnoor sector of J & K. By May 2017, Lt Ummer had completed nearly four months in the unit and had honed his field craft skills. As a young energetic officer of the unit, Lt Ummer had endeared himself to his seniors and juniors as well with his soldierly skills and affable nature. In early May 2017, Lt Ummer went to his home town on leave to attend one of the family members’ wedding. The wedding of his uncle’s daughter happened to be at Batapura near Behibag in Shopian district of J & K.
In an unfortunate and dastardly act, the militants kidnapped Lt Ummer from there and later brutally killed him. His bullet-ridden body was later recovered from Harmain village in Shopian district of J & K. Lt Ummer as an Army officer was the pride of the family and was the source of inspiration for many young people of his village. He was serving as a role model for many youngsters and was responsible for many youths from nearby villages joining the army. This probably had irked the militants and was the reason for his kidnapping and subsequent killing. The precious life of a dedicated and committed soldier was lost in this reprehensible and dastardly action by militants. Lt Ummer Fayaz was a valiant soldier and a fine officer, who laid down his life in the service of the nation following the finest traditions of the Army.

SECTION E – ANNIVERSARIES

INAS 330 Harpoons Celebrates Golden Jubilee

The sqn was commissioned on 17 Apr 1971 & received baptism by fire when Indo-Pak war broke out in Dec 1971. The squadron was initially equipped with Seaking Mk 42 ASW helicopters & is presently operating the Mk 42B variant.
The Sqn has won the ‘Best Frontline Sqn’ & ‘Best Naval Air Sqn’ award on numerous occasions. The unbridled commitment of the squadron is captured in its motto – ‘Any sea, Any mission, Any deck’.

INAS 310 “The Cobras” Celebrates Diamond Jubilee

Commissioned at Hyéres, France on 21 Mar 1961, this maritime reconnaissance squadron of the Indian Navy holds the distinction of being the most decorated unit of the Indian Navy. It is now based in Goa.
In the last one year, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, flying across the length and breadth of the nation, the aircraft of the squadron have delivered critical medical supplies, COVID test kits and transported medical teams and samples, clocking close to 1000 sorties.

Army War College, Mhow Celebrates Golden Jubilee

The Army War College with its proud distinctive identity stands by the inscribed motto ‘Yuddhaya Krit Nischaya’ which means ‘Into Battle With Resolve’.
Since 1971, the College has evolved into a magnificent and vibrant cradle of learning and development of military leadership for Indian and friendly nations’ armed forces.
A Special Sainik Sammelan for all ranks and defence civilian employees was addressed by Lt Gen VS Sreenivas, Commandant, AWC.

10 March 2021 – 52^nd CISF Raising Day

It was established in 1969 under an act of Parliament, “Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1968″. CISF has 12 reserve battalions, 8 training institutes, and 63 other formations.
CISF provides security covers to the strategic establishment, including the Department of Space, the Department of Atomic Energy, the Airports, the Delhi Metro, the ports, the historical monuments, etc.

03 April 2021 – 256^th Raising Day of Army Medical Corps

The AMC has excellence centres across the country with state-of-the-art equipment providing quality patient care.
In the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the Army Medical Corps is actively involved and has established screening, isolation and treatment facilities for Armed Forces personnel. Motto: Sarve Santu Niramaya.

05 April 2021 – National Maritime Day

National Maritime Day is celebrated every year on 5th April to commemorate the maiden voyage of the first Indian flag merchant vessel ‘S.S LOYALTY’ from Mumbai to London, on April 5th, 1919.
2021 Theme: ‘Sustainable Shipping beyond Covid-19’.
At present, 90% of India’s international trade in terms of volume and 77% in terms of value is moved by sea.

SECTION F – MISSILE TESTS

DRDO Conducts Maiden Trial of Python-5 AAM from Tejas

Trials were also aimed to validate enhanced capability of already integrated Derby Beyond Visual Range (BVR) AAM on Tejas. The test firing at Goa completed a series of missile trials to validate its performance under extremely challenging scenarios.
The missiles were fired from Tejas aircraft of Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) flown by Indian Air Force (IAF) Test pilots belonging to National Flight Test Centre (NFTC).

SECTION G – FUTURE PLANS

New Inventions by DRDO

During the past 3 years, 79 projects amounting to Rs. 8201 Crores directly pertaining to development of new defence equipments i.e. Cruise Missile, Anti-Ship Missile, Surface-to-Air Missile, Air-to-Air Missile, Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket, Mounted Gun System, Ammunitions, Electronic Warfare System, Radars, Torpedoes, High Endurance Autonomous Underwater Vehicle etc. have been undertaken.

No.	System	Timelines
1.	ASTRA Missile	2021
2.	Anti-Drone System	2021
3.	SATCOM Devices	2021
4.	QRSAM	2022
5.	ADFCR	2022
6.	Helina	2022
7.	ADTCR	2022
8.	Guided Bomb	2022
9.	NAG	2022
10.	NGARM	2023
11.	SAAW	2023

Mobile Integrated Network Terminal (MINT) for Indian Army Under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan

The system is envisaged as a lightweight, portable, state of art integrated communication solution with satellite backhaul and wireless access system to support voice, video and data.
A total of 11 firms have been issued with the Project Sanction Order on 12 March 2021 for development of prototype.
The Contract will subsequently be placed with one of the firms on successful development of prototype as per provisions of Buy (Indian-IDDM) of DAP 2020.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

Operation ‘Visphotak Mukt Bandargah’ was conducted by:
Army Southern Command
Western Naval Command
Army Northern Command
South-Western Command of IAF

ANSWER: A

Which among these ships did not participate in Indo-French Exercise Varuna – 21?
INS Kolkata
INS Tarkash
INS Talwar
INS Kalvari

ANSWER: D

Defence Laboratory Jodhpur (DLJ), a DRDO laboratory, has indigenously developed three variants of Advanced Chaff Technology. What is this used for?
To destroy armoured tanks of ground-based armies.
To protect naval ships from enemy’s radar and RF missile seekers.
To create a local GPS for the existing military aircraft.
To provide internet communication to naval submarines.

ANSWER: B

The Military Exercise Khanjar is conducted between:
Pakistan and Afghanistan
India and Afghanistan
India and Kyrgyzstan
India and Kazakhstan

ANSWER: C

The number of countries that had participated in the Multilatéral maritime Exercise ‘La Pérouse’:
Seven
Five
Sixteen
Ten

ANSWER: B

Medical Oxygen Plant (MOP) technology, developed by DRDO for On‐Board Oxygen Generation for which aircraft is now helping COVID-19 patients?
Rafale
Tejas
Sukhoi
Dornier

ANSWER: B

First Woman to be Appointed as a Commanding Officer in BRO
Vaishali Hiwase
Punita Arora
Madhuri Kanitkar
Shanti Tigga

ANSWER: A

Between 10 – 13 March 2021, which Indian Naval ship went to Port Louis for Mauritius’ National Day Celebrations and for EEZ surveillance?
INS Shakti
INS Sindhughosh
INS Shardul
INS Satpura

ANSWER: C

Combined Commanders Conference 2021 was held at
New Delhi
Chennai
Kochi
Kevadia

ANSWER: D

Air Force Commanders’ Conference 2021 was held at
New Delhi
Chennai
Kochi
Kevadia

ANSWER: A

Which Scorpene-class submarine was commissioned into the Indian Navy in Mumbai on 10 Mar 2021?
INS Karanj
INS Khanderi
INS Kalvari
INS Vagsheer

ANSWER: A

Match the following:

Naval Air Squadron	Nick Name
INAS 310	Harriers
INAS 330	Harpoons
INAS 323	Cobras

A-2, B-1, C-3
A-3, B-1, C-2
A-2, B-3, C-1
A-1, B-2, C-3

ANSWER: C

Python-5 is a
New version of Python software
Project developed by CDAC
An Air-to-air missile
Both A and B

ANSWER: C

Motto of Army War College, Mhow is
Yogakshemam Vahamyaham
Yudhaya Krit Nishchaya
Veerta aur Vivek
Sarvada Shaktishali

ANSWER: B

CISF celebrates its Raising Day on:
10 April
10 March
15 April
15 March

ANSWER: B

National Maritime Day
05 April
06 April
07 April
08 April

ANSWER: A

Raising Day of Army Medical Corps
05 April
04 April
03 April
02 April

ANSWER: C

Which lab of DRDO has developed light weight Bullet Proof Jacket weighing 9 kilograms?
Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE)
Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE)
Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE)
Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES)

ANSWER: B