Monthly Defence Current Affairs And Updates April 2023 [DOWNLOAD PDF]

Divyanshu Pandey
May 2, 2023
2235

In the Monthly Defence current affairs for April 2023, we are going to see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be very helpful 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.

Monthly Defence Current Affairs April 2023

Defence Ministry Signs Multiple Deals Worth Over Rs 36,400 Crore

In a major boost to ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in Defence, the government signed multiple deals worth over Rs 36, 400 crores, giving more firepower to the Army, the Navy and the Indian Air Force.
Bharat Dynamics Limited signed a deal for supplying two regiments of upgraded versions of the Akash air defence missile systems to the Indian Army.
The deal for the third and fourth regiments of the missile system has been signed with BDL and would cost over Rs 6000 crore.
Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry also signed a deal with Indian shipyards for the acquisition of 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels and six Next Generation Missile Vessels at Rs 19,600 crore.
The contract for the acquisition of 11 OPVs under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category was signed with Goa Shipyard Ltd and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata at a total cost of Rs 9,781 crore.
Of the 11 ships, seven will be indigenously designed, developed and manufactured by GSL and four by GRSE. The delivery of the ships is scheduled to commence in September 2026.
The contract for the acquisition of six next-generation missile vessels (NGMVs) was signed with Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) at a cost of Rs 9,805 crore. The delivery of ships is scheduled to commence in March 2027.
Besides, the Defence Ministry also signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited for the procurement of 13 Lynx-U2 Fire Control Systems for the Indian Navy at a total cost of over Rs 1,700 crore under Buy {Indian – IDMM (Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)} category.
The Lynx-U2 System is a Naval Gun Fire Control System designed and developed indigenously. It is capable of accurately tracking and engaging targets amidst sea clutter as well as air/surface targets.
The 4th generation, completely indigenous systems, will be installed on New Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels to be built indigenously at GRSE and GSL.
Another over Rs 9,100 crore deal for procurement of an improved Akash Weapon System and 12 Weapon Locating Radars, WLR Swathi (Plains) for the Indian Army was also signed by the ministry.
“The contract for procurement of improved Akash Weapon System (AWS) for 3rd & 4th Regiments of Army Air Defence, comprising live Missiles & Launchers with upgrades, Ground Support Equipment, Vehicles and Infrastructure was signed with Bharat Dynamics Limited, worth over Rs 8,160 crore.
The contract for WLR Swathi (Plains) was signed with BEL at a cost of over Rs 990 crore. It is an indigenously designed WLR that is capable of locating guns, mortars and rockets firing its own troops, thereby facilitating their destruction through Counter Bombardment by its own firepower resources.
This will enable troops to carry out their operational tasks without any interference from the enemy and also provide them safety against enemy fire.
Induction is planned to be completed in 24 months.

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Saudi Arabia To Become SCO Dialogue Partner

The cabinet of Saudi Arabia’s government has approved a memorandum granting the country the status of a dialogue partner in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
SCO is a permanent intergovernmental international organization.
It’s a Eurasian political, economic and military organization aiming to maintain peace, security and stability in the region.
It was created in 2001.
The SCO Charter was signed in 2002 and entered into force in 2003.
Members:
Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan and Iran.
Official language:
The official working language of the SCO Secretariat is Russian and Chinese.

ITBP Wins 13^th All India Police Commando Competition

The ITBP has won the 13^th edition of the All-India Police Commando Competition (AIPCC) 2023 organized by the National Security Guard (NSG).
A total of 24 top commando teams from the Central Armed Police Forces and State Police Forces participated in the competition that started on March 21.
Besides guarding the India-China borders in the toughest climatic and terrain conditions since 1962, the ITBP has a distinguished history of producing some of the best commandos in the country.
The Force had provided commandos for the security of the 1982 Asian Games, followed by the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 1983 and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) 1983 Meeting in New Delhi.

Saudi Arabia Okays Cooperation Agreement With R&AW

Saudi Arabia’s cabinet has approved a cooperation agreement between Riyadh’s security agency and India’s Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) for combating terrorist crimes and their financing. According to the Saudi Gazette, the Saudi Cabinet, was chaired by King Salman at Al-Salam Palace.
The cabinet decision came a day after India’s new Ambassador to Riyadh Suhel Ajaz Khan presented his credentials to Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Interior, in Riyadh.
The Research and Analysis Wing is the foreign intelligence agency of India. The agency’s primary function is gathering foreign intelligence, counter-terrorism, counter-proliferation, advising Indian policymakers, and advancing India’s foreign strategic interests.
Headquarters: New Delhi
Founded: 21 September 1968
Office holder: Samant Goel (Director of Intelligence Agency)

Vice Adm Sanjay Jasjit Singh Assumes Charge As VCONS

Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, AVSM, NM assumed the appointment of the Vice Chief of Naval Staff on 01 Apr 2023. On assumption, VAdm Sanjay Jasjit Singh paid homage to the Bravehearts at the National War Memorial.
VAdm Sanjay Jasjit Singh is a graduate of the National Defence Academy, Pune, and was commissioned in 1986 in the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy. In his career spanning 37 years.
Prior to taking over as the Vice Chief of Naval Staff, he was Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations).

Vice Adm Atul Anand Takes Over As DGNO

Vice Admiral Atul Anand, AVSM, VSM assumed charge as the Director General Naval Operations on 01 Apr 23.
He was commissioned on 01 January 1988 into the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy. He is an alumnus of the NDA (71st Course, Delta Squadron) the DSSC, Mirpur (Bangladesh) and the National Defence College, New Delhi.
A recipient of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal, he has held several key appointments in his naval career including the command of torpedo recovery vessel IN TRV A72, missile boat INS Chatak, corvette INS Khukri and the destroyer INS Mumbai. He also served as the Navigating Officer of IN ships Sharda, Ranvijay and Jyoti, and was the Direction Officer of the Sea Harrier squadron INAS 300 and the Executive Officer of the destroyer INS Del.

PM Inaugurated the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of CBI On 3^rd April

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on 3rd April at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
During the programme, an Investiture Ceremony for recipients of the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and Gold Medal for Best Investigating Officers of CBI was held wherein the PM conferred medals to the awardees.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the premier investigating agency of India. It operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
Motto: Industry, Impartiality, Integrity उद्यमिता, निष्पक्षता, सत्यनिष्ठा
Agency executive: Subodh Kumar Jaiswal, Director General
Employees: Sanctioned: 7274, Actual: 6391

ISRO Successfully Conducts The Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission

ISRO successfully conducted the RLV LEX. The test was conducted at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR), Chitradurga, Karnataka in the early hours on April 2, 2023.
The RLV took off at 7:10 am IST by a Chinook Helicopter of the IAF as an underslung load and flew to a height of 4.5 km (above MSL).
Once the predetermined pillbox parameters were attained, based on the RLV’s Mission Management Computer command, the RLV was released in mid-air, at a down range of 4.6 km.
RLV is essentially a space plane with a low lift-to-drag ratio requiring an approach at high glide angles that necessitated a landing at high velocities of 350 kmph.

SLINEX 2023

Keeping up the high tempo of bilateral and mutual cooperation in the maritime domain, the 10^th Edition of the annual Indian Navy and Sri Lanka Navy bilateral maritime Exercise SLINEX-2023 started on Monday in Colombo.
Deputy High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Vinod Jacob took part in the opening of the annual bilateral naval exercise ‘SLINEX2023.’
Indian Navy is being represented by INS Kiltan, an indigenous Kamorta class ASW corvette, and INS Savitri, an OPV, whereas SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Sagara are representing the Sri Lanka Navy.
SLINEX-2023 aims to enhance interoperability, improve mutual understanding and exchange best practices/ procedures in multi-faceted Maritime operations between both Navies.

Two Defence Corridors Set Up To Attract Rs 20,00-cr Investment: Govt

The central government has set up two DICs in order to attract total investment worth Rs 20,000 crore by the year 2024-25 for defence industries, develop the domestic supply chain and strengthen the defence manufacturing ecosystem in the country, informed the Ministry of Defence.
An investment of Rs 2,445 crore has been made and 1,611 hectares of land have been acquired so far for the development of UPDIC. Further, in Tamil Nadu, arrangements have been made through MoUs etc with 53 industries for a potential investment of Rs 11,794 crore.
Investment worth Rs 3,894 crore has been made and 910 Hectares of land have been acquired so far for the development of TNDIC. The DICs have been established to develop a holistic defence manufacturing ecosystem which is a progressive and ongoing process, said the Ministry of Defence.

Tata’s Tejas Networks Gets Order From BSNL

Tejas Networks Limited has received an order worth Rs 696 crore from Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) for the upgradation of its all-India IP-MPLS based Access and Aggregation Network (MAAN).
Tejas Networks, part of the Tata Group, designs and manufactures wireless networking products for telecommunications service providers, defence and government entities in over 75 countries.
As a part of this contract, Tejas Networks will supply, install and commission over 13,000 of its ‘TJ1400 series of next-generation access and aggregation routers.
At the time of writing this report, Tejas Networks’ shares were over five per cent higher at Rs 610.

Project SWASTIK

Launching a major rescue operation, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has rescued 22 tourists who were trapped in a sudden avalanche on the Jawaharlal Nehru Marg in East Sikkim.
Seven tourists were killed as a massive avalanche hit East Sikkim’s Nathu La area on Tuesday (4 April) morning, burying their vehicles under the snow.
The Border Roads Organisation is a road construction executive force in India that provides support to and is now a part of the Indian Armed Forces. BRO develops and maintains road networks in India’s border areas and friendly neighbouring countries.
Founded: 7 May 1960
Headquarters: New Delhi
Founder: Jawaharlal Nehru
Jurisdiction: India
Director General: Lt. Gen. Rajeev Chaudhary
Parent organization: Ministry of Defence
Subsidiary: Dantak

India To Carry Out Maiden Firing Of S-400 Air “Soon”

Having already operationalised the first two squadrons of the long-range air defence system, the Indian Air Force is going to carry out the maiden firing of the S-400 missiles soon.
The air defence missile system had a different range of missiles which can shoot down fast-moving fighter jets or cruise missiles at a maximum range of 400 km.
India has signed a deal worth over Rs 35,000 crore to acquire dove squadrons of the S-400 air defence missiles from Russia over three years and deliveries of all units are expected to get over by the next financial year.
The S-400 is believed to be a game changer by the Indian Air Force, which has strengthened itself in terms of air defence capabilities in a big way in the last few years with the arrival of the indigenous MR-SAM and Akash missile systems along with the Israeli Spyder quick reactions surface to air missile systems.

7^th India-Japan Defence Policy Dialogue

The 7^th India-Japan Defence Policy Dialogue, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Vice Minister of Defense for International Affairs Mr Oka Masami, was held in New Delhi on April 05, 2023.
The Defence Ministry said both countries appreciated the growing cooperation between the Services through Staff talks and exercises.
India and Japan reiterated their commitment towards a strong defence partnership and agreed to find opportunities to further enhance bilateral cooperation. The Defence Policy Dialogue is an institutionalised mechanism between India and Japan to discuss bilateral defence cooperation.

Centre Extends Emergency Procurement Powers Of Defence Forces

With a majority of defence forces’ tenders to buy weapon systems under emergency acquisition powers yet to be concluded, the Defence Ministry has extended the window by another six months to acquire equipment under the fast track procedures.
The emergency procurement powers were given to the defence forces in August last year for six months to buy more equipment for strengthening their preparedness along the China border.
The forces have around 300 proposals for weapon systems, spares and other equipment of which a majority are yet to be concluded, they said.
The powers, which were first granted to defence forces post-Uri surgical strikes in 2016 during heightened tensions with Pakistan, have been helpful in tackling the military standoff with China going on since May 2020.

EX-KAVACH 2023

Andaman & Nicobar Command conducted a Large-scale Joint military EX-KAVACH involving assets of the Army, Navy, Air Force & Coast Guard on April 5.
During the military exercise, naval warships, Army amphibious troops, and various types of Indian Air Force aircraft were used.
The drill also included the airborne deployment of marine commandos from the Navy and para commandos from the Indian Army, as well as naval gunfire support, amphibious landing forces, and follow-up operations.
During the exercise, joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations were also carried out.
This joint-services exercise aimed to fine-tune joint war-fighting capabilities & operational synergy.
Using Jaguar transport and marine strike aircraft, the IAF demonstrated its firepower. The practice also included members of the ICG. In real-world war situations where the armed forces would have to stop or launch an offensive against the enemy troops.
The previous exercise, known as AMPHEX-21, was held in 2021. It was held in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from January 21 to 25, 2021. Even during the exercise, all three services were present.

Exercise Prasthan 2023

A coordinated multi-agency exercise named Prasthan to evaluate contingency measures for the Offshore Development Area off Mumbai was held on 06 Apr 23.
Headquarters: Mumbai
FOC-in-C: Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, AVSM, NM
Branch: Indian Navy

First Batch Of Agniveers Board INS Vikramaditya For Naval Defence Training

The first batch of Agniveers, including women candidates, boarded the INS Vikramaditya for their training on the vessel. Aboard the INS Vikramaditya, they will prepare mentally and physically for a life at sea.
INS Vikramaditya is an Indian Navy aircraft carrier that was commissioned in November 2013. Originally built by the Soviet Navy’s Admiral Gorshkov, the ship was extensively refurbished and modernized in Russia before being transferred to India in 2013.
The first batch of Agniveers under the Indian Navy passed out on March 28. A total of 2,585 Agniveers (first batch), including 272 women, passed out the portals of INS Chilka in Odisha in a first-of-its-kind ceremony.
Length: 284 m
Construction started: 17 February 1978
Launched: 1 April 1982
Draft: 10 m
Builder: Sevmash

EXERCISE COPE INDIA 2023

Exercise Cope India 23, a bilateral Air Exercise between the IAF and the United States Air Force is being held at Air Force Stations Arjan Singh (Panagarh), Kalaikunda and Agra. The exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding between the two Air Forces and share their best practices.
The first phase of the exercise has commenced today. This phase of the exercise will focus on air mobility and will involve the transport of aircraft and Special Forces assets from both the Air Forces. Both sides will field the C-130J and C-17 aircraft, with the USAF operating an MC-130J, as well.
The exercise also includes the presence of Japanese Air Self Defence Force aircrew, who will participate in the capacity of observers.

INS Vikrant Gets Back Its Original 1961 Bell

The bell installed on the first INS Vikrant which was part of the Indian Navy from 1961 for 36 years, has now been returned to the country’s latest and first ‘Made-in-India’ aircraft carrier of the same name commissioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year.
The bell was on the first INS Vikrant in 1961 after India bought a British-origin aircraft carrier HMS Hercules and gave it an Indian name.
The bell was returned to the INS Vikrant by retired Vice Chief of Navy Vice Admiral SN Ghormade on March 22 last month.
The traditional bell has been part of a glorious history as it was there on the warship when it played a crucial role in bombarding Pakistan in 1971 and blockading the Karachi harbour.

International Conference on Defence Finance & Economics

Rajnath Singh inaugurated the three-day International Conference on Defence Finance & Economics in New Delhi on April 12, 2023. The conference, organised by MOD (Finance), provides a platform for eminent policymakers, academics and government officials from within the country and abroad to share their insights and experiences on Defence Finance and Economics.
Delegates from the USA, UK, Japan, Australia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Kenya participate in the conference.
To foster dialogue and collaboration among the participants and contribute to the country’s defence readiness with optimum financial resources and effective implementation of the Defence Budget.
Current challenges and opportunities in the areas of Defence Finance and Economics, such as how to allocate and use resources efficiently & effectively and how to manage logistics in a cost-conscious way.

EXERCISE COPE INDIA 2023

The next phase of Exercise Cope India 23 commenced at Air Force Station Kalaikunda on 13 April 2023. This segment of the exercise will witness the participation of B1B bombers of the United States Air Force (USAF).
F-15 fighter aircraft of the USAF will also join the exercise subsequently. The IAF element will include the Su-30 MKI, Rafale, Tejas and Jaguar fighter aircraft.
The exercise will be supported by aerial refuellers, an Airborne Warning and Control System and Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft of the IAF. The exercise will conclude on 24 April 2023.

Exercise RPREX-2023

Regional Pollution Response Exercise RPREX-2023 coordinated by ICG Region (East) concluded at Kakinada. The two-day exercise aimed at assessing the Pollution response efficiency of the region, comprised of a simulated oil spill from a crude oil tanker off Kakinada.
The Indian Coast Guard is a maritime law enforcement and search and rescue agency of India with jurisdiction over its territorial waters including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone. It was formally established on 1 February 1977 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India.
Founded: 1 February 1977
Headquarters: Indian Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi
Employees: 13,842 sanctioned strength (2018–19)
Abbreviation: ICG
Planes: 67 aircraft
Constituting instrument: The Coast Guard Act, 1978
Parent agency: Ministry of Defence

Army, IAF Carry Out Mega Exercise In Eastern Sector

The strategic forces of the Indian Army and the Air Force carried out a multi-domain exercise in the Eastern sector amid the lingering border row in eastern Ladakh, people familiar with the matter.
The exercise was aimed at validating joint plans for strategic airlift of specialised forces employing IAF’s fixed and rotary wing platforms by landing and dropping in designated areas.
“The exercise also demonstrated speed, agility and lethality of the specialised troops showcasing their ability to rapidly deploy into a hostile environment,” said one of the people cited above.

Exercise Orion 2023

An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent arrived in France, to participate in Exercise Orion at Mont-de-Marsan, an Air Force base of the French Air and Space Force (FASF).
The exercise was conducted from 17 April to 05 May 2023, with the IAF Contingent comprising four Rafale, two C-17, two ll-78 aircraft and 165 air warriors. This would be the first overseas exercise for the IAF’s Rafale aircraft.
Besides the IAF and the FASF, Air Forces from Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain and the United States of America would also be flying in this multilateral exercise. Participation in this exercise would further enrich the employment philosophy of the Indian Air Force, by imbibing the best practices from other Air Forces.

Turkey’s First Aircraft Carrier to Host World’s First Mainly Unmanned Air Wing

The Turkish Navy has received the TCG Anadolu, its first aircraft carrier, which is expected to house the world’s first air wing made primarily of unmanned aircraft.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said the vessel would host many manned and unmanned aerial vehicles, with the TB3 from the Bayraktar family being the latest prototype tested on the carrier’s flight deck.
The TCG Anadolu is based on Spain’s flagship, the Juan Carlos I, with a displacement of 27,436 tons and a top speed of about 21 knots.

Raksha Mantri Addresses Army Commanders’ Conference

The first Army Commanders’ Conference of the year 2023, commenced in a hybrid format on 17 April 2023. During the event, Indian Army’s apex leadership is comprehensively deliberating upon all aspects of existing security scenarios, the situation along the borders and in the hinterland and challenges for the present security apparatus.
The Hon’ble Raksha Mantri released the second edition of the Indian Army UN Journal titled ‘Blue Helmet Odessey- Changing Contours of Peacekeeping Operations in the 20th Century” which is a compilation of inputs from missions and perspectives by senior military leaders and diplomats and a commemorative postal stamp on the occasion of 75 years of Indian Army.

Air Marshal Sandeep Singh appointed Military Advisor to National Security Council

Former Air Force vice chief and ace fighter pilot, Air Marshal Sandeep Singh, has been appointed the new Military Advisor to National Security Council.
The officer is expected to take over his new appointment on April 24.
He succeeds General Anil Chauhan, who was appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff in October, last year.
The NSC of India is an executive government agency tasked with advising the Prime Minister’s Office on matters of national security and strategic interest. It was established by the former Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee on 19 November 1998, with Brajesh Mishra as the first National Security Advisor.
Besides the NSA, CDS, the Deputy NSA, the Ministers of Defence, External Affairs, Home, and Finance of the Government of India, and the Vice Chairman of the NITI Aayog are members of the National Security Council.

IAF Participated In Ex INIOCHOS-23 In Greece

IAF participating in Exercise INIOCHOS-23, a multi-national air exercise hosted by the Hellenic Air Force, the air force of Greece.
The exercise was conducted at the Andravida Air Base in Greece from April 24, 2023, to May 4, 2023. The Indian Air Force will be participating with four Su-30 MKI and two C-17 aircraft.
The objective of the exercise is to enhance international cooperation, synergy and interoperability among the participating Air Forces.
The exercise will be conducted in a realistic combat scenario involving multiple types of air and surface assets. It will also enable the participating contingents to engage in professional interactions, providing valuable insight into each other’s best practices.

Ex Sagar Kavach 2023

Coastal Security Ex Sagar Kavach conducted off Kerala & Mahe fm 18-19Apr under the aegis of FOCINC SNC, designated as CINC Coastal Defence(South). Aimed at evaluating threats fm sea & preparedness of Coastal Security mechanism, real-time threats/contingencies were simulated.
It is a half-yearly exercise held with the objective to check coastal security mechanisms and validate standard operating procedures.
The exercise is conducted and coordinated by ICG with the active participation of all stakeholders including the Indian Navy, Coastal Police/ State Police, Intelligence Bureau, Customs, CISF department of Port, Department of Fisheries, DG of Lighthouses and Lightships and Kadalora Jagiratha Samithi.
The exercise covers the entire Kerala and Mahé coast (590 km). Fishermen play an important role in coastal security. During exercise, fishermen are advised to intimate any unknown vessel, operating close to the coast, to the Indian Coast Guard.

CDS Gen. ANIL Chauhan Attends IAF Commanders’ Conference

The CDS Anil Chauhan attended the IAF Commanders’ Conference (AFCC) at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhavan), where he was briefed about the operational readiness of the IAF.
CDS highlighted the need to chart a clear path towards fleet sustenance, while simultaneously taking steps towards increasing indigenisation. He also discussed the contours of enhancing integration amongst the three services and the benefits that would accrue from the same.
The theme of this year’s three-day AFCC which began on 19 April 2023 is ‘Beyond Boundaries: Robust Foundation”. The Conference which is held every year, involves discussions on the year gone by and the progress made on the path planned for the future.

IAF’s First Woman Gallantry Awardee Deepika Misra Receives Vayu Sena Medal

In a first, Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari conferred the first gallantry medal to a woman officer at the investiture ceremony, held here in the national capital.
A total of 58 personnel received gallantry awards from the IAF chief of which 57 are from the IAF and the remainder from the Indian army.
Wing Commander Deepika Misra received her Vayu Seva Medal for gallantry from the IAF chief at the ceremony. She had helped in saving 47 lives during floods in Madhya Pradesh in 2021.

Solar Industries to supply UAV ‘Nagastra’ to Indian Army

Solar Industries Nagpur said it has bagged an order to supply an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) ‘Nagastra’ to the Indian Army, beating competitors from Israel and Poland.
A Solar Industries official said with the government’s initiative to bring Atmanirbharta into ammunition and defence systems, the first indigenous Loiter Munition, Nagastra-1, has been designed and developed by Economics Explosives Ltd, a 100 % subsidiary of Solar Industries Nagpur, in association with Z-Motion, Bangalore.
A model of ‘Nagastra -1’ loitering munition was recently displayed in the Army Commanders conference held in New Delhi.
The company said that Nagastra -1 having an indigenous content of more than 75 per cent has many world-class features.
It said that in a ‘Kamikaze mode,’ it can neutralise any hostile threat with GPS-enabled precision strike with an accuracy of 2 m. The fixed-wing electric UAV has an endurance of 60 min with a man-in-loop range of 15 km and an autonomous mode range of 30 km.

44 SQN, “Strategic Airlift” IAF Celebrated Diamond Jubilee

44 Squadron of the IAF is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee this year at Chandigarh. The rich and glorious history of the Sqn is a kaleidoscope of military history and military diplomacy of modern-day India and is filled with tales of fortitude, courage, daring, devotion and professionalism which encapsulates all that IAF stands for.
The Squadron was raised on 06 Apr 1961 and equipped with the AN-12 aircraft. It operated the AN-12 till 1985. In March 1985, it brought the IL-76 aircraft into India, which was formally inducted into IAF on 16 Jun 1985.
The aircraft continues to be in service. The Diamond Jubilee celebrations due in 2021 had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The harbinger of strategic airlift in the IAF, the Squadron has been a part of all major military and HADR initiatives in the recent history of the nation, which not only saw the IAF, and the nation evolve from a tactical to a strategic force, but also enhanced the military might of the sister Services.
The Squadron has stayed true to its motto of ‘ISHTAM YATNEN SADHYET’ which means ‘ACHIEVE GOALS THROUGH PERSEVERANCE’.
In 1985 the Squadron was renamed the ‘MIGHTY JETS’.

DRDO & Indian Navy Conduct Successful Trial of BMD Interceptor

DRDO and Indian Navy successfully conducted a maiden flight trial of a sea-based endo-atmospheric interceptor missile off the coast of Odisha in the Bay of Bengal on April 21, 2023.
The purpose of the trial was to engage and neutralize a hostile ballistic missile threat thereby elevating India into the elite club of Nations having Naval BMD capability.

Two C-130J Aircraft, INS Sumedha Positioned To Evacuate Citizens From Sudan (Op. Kaveri)

Two IAF C-130J have been positioned in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah and INS Sumedha has reached Port Sudan, the MEA said. The MEA said that contingency plans are in place, but movement on the ground depends on the security situation.
Meanwhile, Indian nationals are among 66 people from “friendly and brotherly countries” evacuated by Saudi Arabia from violence-torn Sudan. The evacuation came days after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his Saudi Arabia counterpart.

Ex “AJEYA WARRIOR – 2023”

The 7^th edition of the joint military exercise “AJEYA WARRIOR-23” is currently underway at Salisbury Plains in the United Kingdom from 27 April to 11 May 2023.
This biennial training event with the United Kingdom alternates between the United Kingdom and India, and the last edition was held in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand in October 2021.
The exercise features soldiers from the 2 Royal Gorkha Rifles from the UK and soldiers from the BIHAR Regiment of the Indian Army. The Indian Army contingent arrived at Brize Norton on 26 April 2023 via an IAF C-17 aircraft, bringing indigenous weapons and equipment.
The primary objective of the exercise is to enhance positive military relations, learn from each other’s best practices, and promote the ability to operate together in undertaking company-level sub-conventional operations in urban and semi-urban environments under UN mandate.
The exercise also aims to develop inter-operability, camaraderie, bonhomie, and friendship between the two armies.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

R&AW Hq Is In
New Delhi
Riyadh
Bengaluru
Chennai

ANSWER: A

__Signed A Deal For Supplying Upgraded Version Of The Akash Air Defence Missile Systems.
BEL
BDL
HAL
GSL

ANSWER: B

11 Next Generation OPVs & 6 Next Generation Missile Vessels Will Be Manufactured By
GSL
GRSE
HAL
Both a & b

ANSWER: D

The Indian Coast Guard Held A Regional Search And Rescue Exercise In
Chennai
Puri
Kakinada
Mumbai

ANSWER: C

Which Of The Following Ex Is/Are Not Conducted B/w Australia & Bharat?
Bison
Austra Hind
Malabar
Sea Dragon

ANSWER: D

Who Assumes CHARGE AS VICE CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF?
Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh
Vice Adm Atul Anand
Vice Admiral Suraj Berry
None

ANSWER: A

The CBI Was Established By A Resolution Of The MHA, GOI dated__.
1^st April 1963
2^nd April 1963
3^rd April 1963
4^th April 1963

ANSWER: A

RLV LEX Stands For
Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Land Mission
Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Missile
Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission
None

ANSWER: C

The RLV Took Off IST By A __Helicopter Of The IAF.
Chinook
Rudra
ALH MK III
None of the above

ANSWER: A

Who Is The Most Admirable Leader In The World?
Joe Biden
Vladimir Putin
Narendra Modi
Shehbaz Sharif

ANSWER: C

Ex ‘SLINEX ’ Conducted b/w India &
Qatar
Sri Lanka
UAE
Maldives

ANSWER: B

Which Edition Of SLINEX Is 2023 Conducted?
9th
10th
11th
12th

ANSWER: B

Ex SLINEX 2023 Is Conducted At
Chennai
Kochi
Colombo
Goa

ANSWER: C

India & US To Kick Off Major Air Combat Exercise At
New York
Chennai
Kochi
Kalaikunda

ANSWER: D

Tejas Networks Limited Has Received An Order Worth Rs 696 crore From
DRDO
Israel Aerospace Industries
BSNL
Reliance

ANSWER: C

Multi-agency Exercise Prasthan 2023 Held At
Mumbai
Kochi
Chennai
Pune

ANSWER: A

Coco Islands Is Located At
Bharat
Sri Lanka
Maldives
Myanmar

ANSWER: D

Cabinet Clears Rs 2,600-crore LIGO-India; Observatory To Come Up In Which Indian State?
U.P.
M.P.
M.H.
H.P.

ANSWER: C

Matsu Islands Is In
China
Taiwan
Britain
Japan

ANSWER: A

The 1^st Phase Of India-USA Bilateral Air Ex-Cope India 23 was Held At
Kalaikunda and Agra
Chennai and Agra
Pune and Mumbai
None

ANSWER: A

‘Vibrant Village’ Programme Launched By Amit Shah In
Andhra Pradesh
Kerala
Arunachala Pradesh
M.H.

ANSWER: C

Exercise RPREX-2023 Conducted By
IAF
ICG
BSF
Indian Navy

ANSWER: B

In Which Country Is The Exercise ‘Orion-23’ Being Organized?
France
Russia
Australia
Egypt

ANSWER: A

Where Was The Joint Military Exercise “KAVACH” Recently Organized?
Lakshadweep
Thiruvananthapuram
Andaman and Nicobar
Shillong

ANSWER: C

Big Bang Boom Solutions Sets Up Naval Research and Development Center In
New Delhi
Chennai
Pune
Noida

ANSWER: B

Who Is The First Woman Officer Of The IAF To Be Awarded The Vayu Sena Medal?
Wing Commander Sangeeta Chowdhary
Wing Commander Vaishali Negi
Wing Commander Bhavna Kanth
Wing Commander Deepika Misra

ANSWER: D