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

Divyanshu Pandey
January 31, 2023
2538

In Defence current affairs for January 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 January 2023

Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha Assumes Command Of IAF’S WAC

Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha assumed command of the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command on 01 January 2023.
The Air Marshal is a graduate of the National Defence Academy, Pune and was commissioned into the IAF as a fighter pilot in Jun 1985.
He is an alumnus of the prestigious Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. An experienced fighter pilot, Category ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor, Fighter Striker Leader, Instrument Rating Instructor & Examiner, Air Marshal Sinha has more than 4500 hours of flying experience.
The Air Officer is a recipient of ‘The Vishist Seva Medal’ and ‘Ati Vishist Seva Medal.
Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha succeeds Air Marshal S Prabhakaran who superannuated on 31 December 2022 after putting in more than 39 years of distinguished service in the IAF.

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DRDO Celebrates Its 65^th Foundation Day

Floral tributes paid at the bust of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam at DRDO Hq in New Delhi to mark the 65^th Foundation Day of the Organisation, which is celebrated on 1st January every year.
It was formed in 1958 from the amalgamation of the Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army and the Directorate of Technical Development & Production (DTDP) with the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).
DRDO is a network of more than 50 laboratories which are deeply engaged in developing defence technologies covering various disciplines, like aeronautics, armaments, electronics, combat vehicles, engineering systems etc.
The DRDO Chairman stated that several systems developed by DRDO have been delivered, inducted or handed over to the users. These include three firing units of Medium Range Surface to Air Missile for IAF, Shakti EW system, InfraRed Signature Suppression System for ships, Brake Parachutes for Su-30 fighter aircrafts, Commanders Thermal Imaging Sight with Laser Range Finders for T-90 Tank, Dhwani Automated Sonar Trainer, four types of Radiation Contamination Monitoring Systems, MIG-29 Aircrew Helmet and Pressure Breathing Oxygen Masks etc.
Dr Kamat added that the Acceptance of Necessity (AON) has also been accorded by the Defence Procurement Boards and Defence Acquisitions Council for induction of several DRDO developed systems. Some of the notable systems include: Sarang ESM system, Light Tank, Tactical Advance Range Augmentation (TARA) kit, Long Range Guided Bomb (LRGB)-Gaurav, Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR), Air surveillance radar for NGMV, Low Level Transportable Radar (LLTR) -Ashwini, New Generation Anti-radiation Missile (NGARM), Pralay, Guided Extended Range Rocket Ammunition for Pinaka, Self-Propelled Mine Burier, Infantry Combat Vehicle-Command, Anti-Personnel Fragmentation Mine ‘Ulk’, Infantry Floating Foot Bridge, Bridge Laying Tank (BLT) T-72 and ACADA.
The DRDO Chairman added that Authority Holding Sealed Particulars (AHSP) of Army version of Akash Weapon System have been handed over to Missile Systems Quality Assurance Agency. Several major systems have either been completed or are in the final stages of user evaluation. These include Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Third Generation Helicopter Launch Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘Helina’, NAMIS (Tracked) and ‘Nag’ Anti-Tank Guided Missile, Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile, Medium Range Surface to Air Missile, Mechanical Mine Layer (self-propelled), 84 mm Anti-Thermal/Anti-Laser Smoke Grenade, HEPF and RHE (Enhanced) Rocket Ammunition for Pinaka MRLS, 125 mm FSAPDS, Air Defence Fire Control Radar ‘Atulya’, Weapon Locating Radar for Mountains, V/UHF Manpack Software Defined Radio, P-16 Heavy Drop System, Portable Diver Detection Sonar System, Advanced Light Weight Torpedo, and Sea Water Purification Kit for Gaganyan Mission.
Dr Kamat stated that several systems are also undergoing developmental trials. These include Electronic Warfare Systems for Naval platforms under the programme Samudrika, Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence Interceptor AD-1 Missile, extended range version of BrahMos from Su-30 aircraft, Very Short Range Air Defence System, Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Short Range, Agni Prime, Vertical Launch-Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM), Akash-New Generation, Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM), Enhanced Range Pinaka Rocket System, High speed expendable Aerial Target ‘Abhyas’, Small Turbo Fan Engine, Kaveri Dry Engine WhAP-CBRN, Shatrughat and EW Systems for Plains and Desert Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar ‘Uttam’, Advanced Light Towed Array Sonar among others.

Indian Navy Signs Agreement For Autonomous Armed Boat Swarms

In a major developement, the Indian Navy has inked an agreement with Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt. Ltd for acquiring armed autonomous boat swarms under the ‘SPRINT’ initiative, which aims to promote development and usage of indigenous defence technologies by domestic companies.
The task of development of this technology is one of the 75 challenges that have been introduced by the Indian Navy under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav last year.
The initiative was unveiled by PM Modi during Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) seminar ‘Swavlamban’ in New Delhi in July 2022. SPRINT Challenges aim to boost the usage of indigenous technology in Indian Navy.
In an effort to fulfil the dream of achieving ‘Atmanirbharta’ in Defence and as part of India’s ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations, NIIO, in conjunction with the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), aims to induct at least 75 new indigenous technologies/products into the Indian Navy. This collaborative initiative has been named SPRINT {Supporting Pole-Vaulting in R&D through Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), NIIO and Technology Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC)}.
“We have to work to continuously increase the number of indigenous technologies. Your goal should be that when India celebrates 100 years of its independence, at that time our Navy should be at an unprecedented height”, PM Modi has said while launching the initiative.
Earlier, in March 2022, the Indian Navy had also signed an MoU for knowledge partnership with BharatShakti.in, and the Society for Indigenous Defence Manufacturing (SIDM), as a significant step towards encouraging innovation among young minds and encouraging self-reliance in defence in the country.

Captain Shiva Chauhan Becomes The 1^st Women Officer To Be Operationally Deployed In Siachen

Captain Shiva Chauhan from the Corps of Engineers has been posted at a frontline post in Siachen Glacier, in first such operational deployment of a woman Army officer at the world’s highest battlefield.
The officer was posted at the Kumar post, located at an altitude of around 15,600 feet in Siachen, for a three-month stint after she underwent rigorous training. The training included endurance training, ice wall climbing, avalanche and crevasse rescue and survival drills.
The Siachen glacier lies in the Karakoram Range. It is 75 km (47 miles) long, which makes it the second longest nonpolar glacier in the world, after Fedchenko Glacier in Tajikistan.

Strategic Significance of Siachen Glacier

The Siachen Glacier is the highest battleground on earth, where India and Pakistan have fought intermittently since 1984. The Glacier is of strategic significance for India namely;
The Glacier guards the routes which lead to Leh, the capital of Ladakh.
Secondly the Saltoro Ridge overlooks the area of Gilgit–Baltistan of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.
Thirdly, it overlooks and dominates the Shaksgam Valley, which was illegally ceded to China by Pakistan.
Fourthly, it is close to the Karakoram Pass through which the Karakoram Highway passes connecting Gilgit-Baltistan to Xinjiang Province of China.
Due to its strategic significance both countries maintain a permanent military presence in the region at a height of over 6,000 metres (20,000 feet).
More than 2,000 soldiers have died in this inhospitable terrain, mostly due to weather extremes and the natural hazards of mountain warfare.

Sikh Soldiers In Indian Army Soon To Get Specialised Ballistic Helmets

Indian army troops belonging to the Sikh community will now soon be receiving ballistic helmets, designed especially for them to wear on their turbans. Army officials are describing this procurement as the first such order for the Sikh soldiers.
The Indian Army is planning to purchase as many as 12,730 ballistic helmets under emergency procurement using the fast track mode.
The Ministry Of Defence will buy two types of helmets including 8,911 large helmets and 3,819 extra-large helmets which will be procured with the condition that their content must include majorly indigenous design as mentioned in the official document of the ministry.
Sources said that since more than 10% of Indian Army troops are Sikh, the government will procure more helmets in the near future after analysis and review. Sikh soldiers serve in the Sikh, Jakli, Para and Punjab regiments of the Army among others.
Punjab has the second highest number of soldiers in the Army among all states and Union Territories in the country. Around 90,000 Army personnel are from Punjab.
A company had last year invented helmets specially for Sikh soldiers. According to reports, the helmet is the first-of-its-kind across the world as till date Sikh soldiers were unable to use helmets that could be worn over the turban comfortably. This exposed them to injuries, leading to death in some instances.

India Deploys Its “Largest Single Unit Of UN Women Peacekeepers”

India will deploy a platoon of women peacekeepers to UN Mission in Sudan. This will be India’s largest single unit of women Peacekeepers in a UN Mission since it deployed the first-ever all-women contingent in Liberia in 2007.
The Indian contingent, comprising two officers and 25 Other Ranks, will form part of an Engagement platoon and specialize in Community outreach, though they will be performing extensive security-related tasks as well.
As of October 31, 2022, India is the second largest contributor to UN peacekeeping missions with 5,887 troops and personnel deployed across 12 missions, after Bangladesh (7,017).

What is the U.N. Peacekeeping mission?

The U.N. Peacekeeping mission is a joint effort between the Department of Peace Operations and the Department of Operational Support and aims to assist host countries to transition from situations of conflict to peace.
The U.N. began its Peacekeeping efforts in 1948 when it deployed military observers to West Asia. The Peacekeeping mission’s role was to monitor the Armistice Agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbours.
U.N. Peacekeepers provide security as well as political and peacebuilding support to conflict-ridden countries.

Successful TRAINING LAUNCH OF SRBM, Prithvi-II

A successful training launch of a Short-Range Ballistic Missile, Prithvi-II was carried out on January 10, 2023, from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. A well-established system, Prithvi-II missile, has been an integral part of India’s nuclear deterrence.
The missile struck its target with high accuracy. The user training launch successfully validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile.
Prithvi is a tactical surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation of India under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program. It is deployed by India’s Strategic Forces Command.
Accuracy: 50 m CEP (Prithvi I, Prithvi II); <10 m CEP (Prithvi II upgrade); 25 m CEP (Prithvi III)
Engine: Single-stage liquid rocket (Prithvi I, Prithvi II), Two-stage solid rocket (Prithvi III)
Guidance system: Strap-down inertial navigation system
In service: 1994 (Prithvi I)
Launch platform: 8 x 8 Tata transporter erector launcher

DAC Approves AON For Three Capital Acquisition Proposals

A meeting of Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), held on January 10, 2023 under the chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for three capital acquisition proposals, amounting to Rs 4,276 crore. All the three proposals – two of the Indian Army and one of the Indian Navy – are under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category.
The DAC accorded AoN for procurement of HELINA Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, launchers and associated support equipment which will be integrated to the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). This missile is an essential part of the weaponisation of ALH for countering enemy threat. Its induction will strengthen the offensive capability of the Indian Army.
The DAC also accorded AoN for procurement of VSHORAD (IR Homing) missile system under design and development by DRDO. In view of the recent developments along the Northern borders there is a need to focus on effective Air Defence (AD) weapon systems which are man portable and can be deployed quickly in rugged terrain and maritime domain. Procurement of VSHORAD, as a robust and quickly deployable system, will strengthen the Air Defence capabilities.
Further, the DAC granted approval for procurement of Brahmos Launcher and Fire Control System (FCS) for the Shivalik class of ships & Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) for Indian Navy. With their induction, these ships would have enhanced capability of carrying out maritime strike operations, interdicting and destroying enemy’s warships and merchant vessels.

Indian Army To Hold Mega Exercise With African Countries In March

The Indian Army will hold a mega multilateral exercise with militaries of around 40 African countries in March with an aim to significantly expand two-way military engagement. The Army is planning to hold a conclave of chiefs of armies of the participating nations on the sidelines of the military drills in Pune.
Another official said around 40 countries are participating in the mega exercise that will witness major military drills.
In the last few years, India has been focusing on ramping up overall defence and strategic ties with the African continent amid China’s growing attempts to expand its influence over the countries.
In the last few years, India has been focusing on ramping up overall defence and strategic ties with the African continent amid China’s growing attempts to expand its influence over the countries.
To a separate question, Gen Pande said about 45 per cent of the Indian Army’s equipment falls under the vintage category while 41 per cent comes under current technology.
He said some 12 to 15 per cent are state-of-the-art.
“By 2030, because of our modernisation plan, we will reach a figure of 35 per cent current technology and 44 per cent state of the art,” he said.
Listing new initiatives, Gen Pande said the Indian Army has launched standardised mixed martial arts (MMA) programme for its soldiers.
When asked if there was any impact on military movement because of cracks developed in Uttarakhand’s Joshimath, he said some troops were relocated but asserted that there was no impact on operational matters.

ICGS Kamala Devi Commissioned By ICG VS Pathania

The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Kamala Devi was commissioned on Tuesday by the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) VS Pathania, DG Coast at FOJ (Garden Reach).
Notably, Kamala Devi is 48.9 meters long and 7.5 meters wide with a displacement of 308 tons. The ship is capable of achieving a maximum speed of 34 knots, powered with the MTU 4000 series Engine and propelled by three 71S type three Kamewa waterjet of Rolls Royce.
This ship is capable of undertaking multiple tasks including surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue operations, and medical evacuation. The ship is also equipped with a 30 mm 2A42 Medak Gun and a 12.7mm SRCG (Stabilized Remote Controlled Gun).
Indian Coast Guard Ship Kamla Devi has been named in honour of Ms Kamladevi Chattopadhyay, an esteemed Indian social reformer and freedom activist. She is always remembered for her contribution towards Indian Independence movement for being the driving force behind the renaissance of Indian Handicrafts &handlooms. She is the first lady in India to stand in elections from Madras Constituency that pioneered the path for the women in India.
In 1974, she was awarded the Sangeet Natak Academy Fellowship, the highest honour conferred by the Sangeet Natak Academy, India’s national Academy of Music, Dance & Drama. She was conferred with Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan by Government of India in 1955 and 1987 respectively. She is known as Hatkargha Maa for her works in handloom sector.

COMMISSIONING OF FIFTH KALVARI CLASS SUBMARINE ‘VAGIR’

Indian Navy’s fifth stealth Scorpene class Submarine INS Vagir was commissioned into the Indian Navy today, 23 Jan 2023 at the Naval Dockyard Mumbai in the presence of Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, the Chief Guest for the ceremony. Six Scorpene Class submarines are being built in India by the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Mumbai, under collaboration with M/s Naval Group, France. INS Vagir would form part of the Western Naval Command’s Submarine fleet and would be another potent part of the Command’s arsenal.
Vagir was launched on 12 Nov 20, under Project 75 (P75) and was delivered to Indian Navy on 20 Dec 22 post completion of sea trials. Vagir has the distinction of having the lowest build time among all indigenously manufactured submarines till date.
Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command VAdm AB Singh, Chairman & Managing Director, MDL VAdm Narayan Prasad (Retd) and other senior civil & military officials of Ministry of Defence were present during the commissioning ceremony. The crew of the erstwhile ‘Vagir’, a Russian origin Foxtrot Class Submarine which was decommissioned in 2001 were special invitees for the ceremony and the then commissioning Commanding Officer RAdm K Raja Menon (Retd) was also present.
The Scorpene Submarines are extremely potent platforms, they have advanced stealth features and are also equipped with both long range guided torpedoes as well as anti-ship missiles. These submarine have a state of the art SONAR suite and sensor suite permitting outstanding operational capabilities.

DRDO’s Fuel Cell-based Air Independent Propulsion System To Soon Be Fitted Onboard INS Kalvari

In a major boost to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Fuel Cell-based Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system of DRDO’s Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) will soon be fitted onboard INS Kalvari. An agreement was signed between senior officials of NMRL and Naval Group France in Mumbai on January 23, 2023 to extend cooperation to enter into the detailed design phase for integration of indigenous AIP in the Kalvari class submarines. As part of the agreement, Naval Group France will certify the AIP design for integration in the submarines.
The AIP has a force multiplier effect on lethality of a diesel electric submarine as it enhances the submerged endurance by several folds. It has merits in performance compared to other technologies and is unique as the hydrogen is generated onboard. This technology has been successfully developed by NMRL with the support of Indian industry partners. The technology has now reached the stage of maturity for industrialisation.
It is worth mentioning that the land-based prototype of the NMRL’s AIP has been tested successfully. This new endeavour will be a significant step towards the detailed design certification of the energy module, which will be performed by NMRL along with Indian industry and design of the platforms impacted by the integration of the indigenous AIP inside the Indian submarine by Naval Group. These actions will seamlessly lead the way to start of localisation and industrialization of AIP including the hull fabrication by the Indian industry for future fitment on-board the submarines.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman & CEO at Naval Group France Mr Pierre Eric Pommellet said, they are proud to cooperate with Indian stakeholders to safely integrate the AIP in the Kalvari class submarines, which have been built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. This is a natural extension of strategic bilateral cooperation shared between India and France in the field of underwater defence & deterrence and in line with Naval Group’s continued commitment towards the Government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ policy.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has complimented DRDO, Indian Navy and MDL for taking Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative forward in underwater domain. Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat also congratulated NMRL, Indian Navy, MDL and Naval Group France for this strategic partnership.

Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar-2023

For the year 2023, Odisha State Disaster Management Authority and Lunglei Fire Station, Mizoram, both in the Institutional category, have been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar-2023 for their excellent work in Disaster Management.
The Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has instituted an annual award known as Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar to recognize and honour the invaluable contribution and selfless service rendered by individuals and organizations in India in the field of disaster management.
The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 51 lahks and a certificate in the case of an institution and Rs. 5 lahks and a certificate in the case of an individual.

Following Is A Summary Of The Outstanding Work Of The Winners Of 2023 Award

Odisha State Disaster Management Authority was established in 1999 in the aftermath of the Super Cyclone. OSDMA embarked on multiple initiatives including raising of the Odisha Disaster Response Action Force Multi-hazard Early Warning Service framework, and a cutting-edge technology-enabled web/smartphone-based platform called “SATARK” (System for Assessing, Tracking, and Alerting Disaster Risk Information based on Dynamic Risk Knowledge).
Lunglei Fire Station, Mizoram, responded efficiently and effectively to a massive forest fire reported on 24 April 2021 in the uninhabited forest areas surrounding Lunglei town and spread to more than 10 village council areas. Lunglei Fire Station personnel assisted by local civilians worked continuously for more than 32 hours during which they motivated and provided on-the-spot training to residents.

PM Names 21 Largest Islands In Andaman And Nicobar After 21 Indian Heroes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi named the 21 largest unnamed islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands after Param Vir Chakra awardees in a ceremony on Monday on the occasion of Parakram Diwas.
The largest unnamed island was named after the first Param Vir Chakra awardee, Major Somnath Sharma, who lost his life in action on November 3, 1947, while fighting Pakistani infiltrators near Srinagar Airport.
The second largest unnamed island will be named after the second Param Vir Chakra awardee, Subedar and Hony Captain (then Lance Naik) Karam Singh. He earned his Param Vir Chakra in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947 where battles were fought for control of the Tithwal sector.
The PMO said the move comes as part of efforts by the Prime Minister to provide due respect to the real-life heroes of the country.
The 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees, after whom the islands will be named are as follows, Major Somnath Sharma; Subedar and Hony Captain (then Lance Naik) Karam Singh, MM; 2nd Lt. Rama Raghoba Rane; Nayak Jadunath Singh; Company Havildar Major Piru Singh; Capt GS Salaria; Lieutenant Colonel (then Major) Dhan Singh Thapa; Subedar Joginder Singh; Major Shaitan Singh; CQMH. Abdul Hamid; Lt Col Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore; Lance Naik Albert Ekka; Major Hoshiar Singh; 2nd Lt. Arun Khetrapal; Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon; Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran; Naib Subedar Bana Singh; Captain Vikram Batra; Lt Manoj Kumar Pandey; Subedar Major (then RifleMan) Sanjay Kumar; and Subedar Major Retd (Hony Captain) Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav.

Exercise TARKASH 2023

NSG and US Special Operations Forces (SOF) train together to share expertise in urban counter-terrorism, combat shooting, and long-range marksmanship during the ongoing Joint Exercise at Chennai.
The National Security Guard, commonly known as Black Cats, is a counter-terrorism unit of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It was founded on 16 October 1984, following Operation Blue Star, for combating terrorist activities and protect states against internal disturbances.
Jurisdiction: India
Abbreviation: NSG
Headquarters: New Delhi
Agency executive: M A Ganapathy IPS, DG of NSG

‘Take a bow’: Over 1,000 Indian Peacekeepers Awarded UN Medals For Outstanding Service In South Sudan

Over 1,000 Indian peacekeepers, including five female Army personnel, have been honoured with UN medals for their vital work in the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Captain Karishma Kathayat, an engineer, was one of them. Like Major Chattha, she hails from a military family. “It is a great feeling to contribute to a better standard of living for people. We are here to serve. We take great pride in our engineering work,” she said.
According to the UN, the Indian contingent serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) may be best known for its efforts to build and repair critical infrastructure, but protecting civilians is of course also a vital and sometimes dangerous part of their mandate.
Deadly violence in Adhidiang and Kodok, where some 11,000 displaced persons are still gathered adjacent to an UNMISS military base, has caused untold suffering and injuries.
Since September last year, Indian medical staff have performed critical emergency surgeries that have saved the lives of five children.
IAF has been providing aerial support to troops from CRPF deployed in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected states since 2009.
The choppers are used to insert and evacuate troops during Naxal-operations and have been suitably equipped to operate in dense forests and can operate from temporary helipads there.
The Mi-17 V-5 helicopters have on-board weather radar along with the state-of-the-art autopilot and latest night vision devices.

Captain Surbhi Jakhmola, 1^st Woman Officer Posted On Foreign Assignment At BRO

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) builds and maintains road networks along India’s borders and in friendly neighbouring countries. Captain Surbhi Jakhmola of the Indian Army’s 117 Engineer Regiment will be the first woman officer to be posted on a foreign assignment at the BRO.
The officer will be sent to Bhutan as part of Project Dantak. The BRO is an executive road construction force in India that supports the Indian armed forces.
The BRO’s deployment comes just days after the Indian Air Force deployed woman fighter pilot squadron leader Avani Chaturvedi to Japan for the exercise Veer Guardian 2023, which will take place from January 16 to 26 at the Hyakuri Air Base.
According to government data presented last month in Lok Sabha, the percentage of women officers in the Indian armed forces is as follows: The Indian Air Force has the highest proportion of women officers, accounting for 13.69%, followed by the Indian Navy at six per cent and the Indian Army at 3.97 per cent.

Indian Army Day 2023

Indian army day 2023 is celebrated on 15th January 2023 and it marks the 75th anniversary of Indian army day. Every year on January 15, India celebrates its Army Day. The Indian Army conducted Army Day parade at Bengaluru and other related events for the first time outside Delhi to connect to the people of the country.
It is the day on which Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa (then a Lieutenant General) took over as the first Commander in Chief of the Indian Army from the last British Commander in Chief of India, General Francis Bucher in the year 1949.
Originally, the Indian army was formed under the British rule on April 1, 1895 and was called as British Indian Army. After India got its independence in the year 1947, it was only on January 15, 1949, that the country got its first Indian chief. Lt Gen K M Carriappa took over as commanderinchief of the Indian Army in 1949 from General Francis Butcher, the last British commanderinchief ofIndia. The transfer of power from the British to India signifies an important moment in Indian history and is celebrated as Army Day. This day also honors the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the country.
All Army Command headquarters celebrate Army Day to honor the soldiers of the country, who live for the protection of its independence and dignity and give their lives for it. Grand celebrations take place all across the country on this day. The main Army Day parade is conducted in Cariappa Parade ground in Delhi cantonment where salute is given to the fighters of the country. Military hardware, different contingents and a combat display are part of the parade. Gallantry awards and Sena medals are also awarded to the soldiers for their bravery on this day.
The Indian Army is one of the most powerful militaries of the world, competing with superpowers like the US, Russia and China. The motto of the Indian Army is ‘service before self’ and its mission is to ensure national security and national unity, defend the nation from external aggression and internal threats, and maintain peace and security within its borders. Salute to the brave soldiers, who risk and sacrifice their lives to protect us. Even the Prime Minister of India Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1965 had given the slogan like “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”.

Indian Army’s Training To Now Include ‘Mixed Martial Arts’

Along with fundamental skills like firing, physical endurance and battlecraft, Army soldiers will now also learn a form of `mixed martial arts’ as well. The 12-lakh force has launched a ‘unique and standardized’ unarmed combat drill called the Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR).
The first batch of 99 instructors for AMAR has successfully undergone five weeks of training at the Army Institute of Physical Training at Pune. “There will be an initial pool of 700 such instructors, who in turn will teach at the officers’ training academies and different regimental centres for jawans’.
The AMAR programme was announced by General Manoj Pande in the run-up to the Army Day on January 15, who said it will help soldiers not just physically, but also mentally.
But such a programme in the era of long standoff weapons, smart bombs, drones, electronic warfare and hypersonic missiles? While the Army did not link AMAR to heightened tensions along the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control, it comes in the backdrop of frequent violent physical clashes between Indian and Chinese troops, with the latter often armed with nail-studded rods, spiked clubs and batons in what resembles medieval combat.
“Soldiers need to be prepared across all basic skills of war-fighting, which can often throw up surprises and challenges. These include non-kinetic means like hand-to-hand combat situations in conventional, non-conventional and military operations other than war,” another officer said.
Boxing and wrestling are prominent sports in the Army, while some regiments also have their own version of martial arts. “Some Madras Regiment soldiers, for instance, are adept in the ancient martial art of Kerala called Kalaripayattu. Similarly, Sikh troops have Gatka and Gorkha regiments have their Khukri drills. But there is no fixed training programme as such,” he said.

Veterans’ Day Celebrated All Across The Nation

The Indian Armed Forces celebrated the 7^th Armed Forces Veterans’ Day on 14 January 2023. Veterans’ Day is celebrated in recognition of the services rendered by the First Commander-in-Chief of Indian Armed Forces, Field Marshal KM Cariappa, OBE who retired on this day in 1953.
The celebrations also witnessed the release of SAMMAAN magazine, a yearly journal published by Directorate of Indian Army Veterans covering informative articles and various topics of interest to the veteran community. The Indian Air Force also released the VAYU SEMVEDNA magazine on the occasion.
The Armed Forces Veterans’ Day is being commemorated since 14 Jan 2017 to reaffirm the camaraderie between the retired, the serving and the nation on this day takes a moment to reflect, remember & honour the heroes who made the supreme sacrifice and selflessly served the nation.

Startup firm IG Drones Develops India’s First 5G-enabled Drone, Skyhawk

Startup firm IG Drones, which was born out of the Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology campus in Odisha’s Sambalpur has developed a 5G-enabled drone that is capable of vertical take-off and landing. As it’s a VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing), it can be operated from any terrain without the need for a conventional runway.
The drone named Skyhawk can be used in defence and medical applications, among other sectors. The drone can carry a 10 kg payload and has an endurance of around five hours.
With Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) providing 5G services in the country, these drones can be controlled with much more precision and can be controlled from the command centre directly rather than being on the field.
With the addition of Artificial intelligence and thermal imaging capabilities, the drones can be used in monitoring border intrusion and also during regular patrolling by the defence forces.
It is IP67 rated and can be controlled via a combination of NavIC + GPS navigational satellites which remain connected in the upper range of 50 to 60 in case of failsafe activation.
The drone is also capable of operating through satellites in case an internet link is not available.

BSF Ex-DG Pankaj Kumar Singh Appointed Deputy NSA

Retired Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF) Pankaj Kumar Singh has been appointed as the Deputy National Security Adviser in National Security Council Secretariat for a period of two years.
As per a National Security Council of Secretariat order issued on January 15, Singh a 1988-batch Indian Police Service officer of the Rajasthan cadre has been appointed on a re-employment contract, for a period of two years with effect from the date of assumption of charge of the post, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
When Singh took charge of the BSF on August 31, 2021, he had created a history of a son and a father holding the top post of a paramilitary force during their services. His father and retired IPS officer of the 1959 batch, Prakash Singh, had also headed the BSF from June 1993 to January 1994.

India Remains In Fourth Place In The Annual Global Firepower Ranking 2023

India is ranked 4th out of 145 countries considered for the annual GFP review in 2023. The country has a PwrIndx* score of 0.1025 (a score of 0.0000 is regarded as ‘perfect’). The Global Firepower Index is based on fifty distinct factors ranging from geography to logistical capability. Manpower, land forces, airpower, natural resources, naval forces, logistics, and finances are also included.
China, India’s main rival in the region, remains in third place, while Pakistan, which was in ninth place in 2022 after falling to 15^th in 2021, remains in seventh place.
Trainer fleet, aircraft fleet strength, helicopter fleet, attack fleets, rocket projectors, tank strength, towed artillery, aircraft carriers, naval fleet strength, destroyers, submarines, coastal patrol craft, frigates, mine warfare craft, coastal patrol craft, and tanker fleets are the factors considered under equipment.

Position Country Score

1 United States 0.0712

2 Russia 0.0714

3 China 0.0722

4 India 0.1025

5 United Kingdom 0.1435

6 South Korea 0.1505

7 Pakistan 0.1694

8 Japan 0.1711

9 France 0.1848

10 Italy 0.1973

NDRF Celebrated 18^th Raising Day

Living up to its motto of ‘Saving Lives and Beyond’ during any natural disaster in the country, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is celebrating its 18^th raising day, January 19. The Force, since its formation, has played a crucial role in disaster management and dealing with its threats.
The NDRF was formed in 2006 under the Disaster Management Act. The Force was constituted for the purpose of specialized response to natural and man-made disasters. Calamities like the Orissa Super Cyclone in 1999, the Gujarat Earthquake of 2001 and the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004 brought to light the need for a comprehensive disaster management plan.
The unique Force, functioning across the country under the Ministry of Home Affairs, consists of 15 battalions from the BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB and Assam Rifles. With a strength of 1,149 personnel, each battalion has 18 self-contained specialist search and rescue teams of 45 personnel including engineers, technicians, electricians, dog squads and medical and paramedics. The Force, since its inception, has continued to win the hearts of the citizens of India by showcasing its professionalism and humanity in dealing with disastrous crisis situations.

IAF Held Exercise Pralay Along LAC In Northeast

The Indian Air Force carried out Exercise Pralay involving all its major air bases in the northeast including the recently moved drone squadrons in the northeast amid the ongoing standoff with China, informed officials.
This is the second such command-level exercise carried out by the IAF in recent months.
The exercise also comes at a time when the Indian Air Force has deployed and activated the S-400 air defence squadron in the area which can take on any enemy aircraft or missile from a distance of up to 400 km.
According to officials, the exercise saw major combat assets of the Air Force including the Rafale and Su-30 fighter jets activated along with the transport and other aircraft.
The IAF recently moved a squadron of drones from other bases to the northeast to augment its capabilities of monitoring adversary activities along the Sikkim and the Siliguri Corridor sector.
The IAF’s Eastern Command in Shillong has the entire northeast air space to look after along the China border and frequently scrambles its fighters the moment the Chinese try to fly too close to the LAC or move in a direction towards Indian locations there.

Amphibious Exercise AMPHEX 2023

The largest biennial Tri-Services amphibious exercise – AMPHEX 2023 – involving the Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), and the Indian Navy, was conducted near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh from January 17 to January 22. The joint operations conducted during the exercise saw the participation of a large number of troops from the Indian Army, amphibious warships from the Indian Navy, and aircraft from the IAF. AMPHEX 2023 included complex activities in all domains that demonstrated a high level of preparedness and coordination among the three services to undertake the full spectrum of amphibious operations.
The Indian Army has also obtained the Intellectual Property Right (IPR) of the design and camouflage pattern of its newly introduced Camouflage Pattern Dress. The improved combat uniform was unveiled by the Chief of Army Staff during Army Day.
The copyright of the design is with the Indian Army for 10 years and it is extendable by another five years. This has been done to prevent unauthorised vendors from manufacturing and selling combat pattern dress in the open market. As per orders, these uniforms can only be sold in the Unit Run Canteens of the Indian Army. Due to the IPR, the Indian Army now possesses exclusive rights to the design and can file a legal suit against any design infringement and unauthorised reproduction of the design.

Ex Cyclone I Concluded

The joint exercise between Indian Army & Egyptian Army culminated after intense validation training. The exercise was successful in sharing best practices b/w Special Forces of both Nations.
The first joint exercise between the special forces of the Indian and the Egyptian Army, ‘Exercise Cyclone – I’ started on 14 January at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, said the Ministry of Defence.
The exercise aimed to bolster defence cooperation between the two countries and focus on sharing professional skills and interoperability of special forces in desert terrain while undertaking counter-terrorism, reconnaissance, raids and other special forces in desert terrain while undertaking counter-terrorism, reconnaissance, raids and other special operations.
The 14-day-long exercise was carried out in the deserts of Rajasthan engaging both the contingents to advance special forces skills such as Sniping, Combat Free Fall, Reconnaissance, Surveillance & Target Designation, sharing of information on weapons, equipment, innovations, tactics, techniques & procedures.
The participants also undertook joint planning and drills for Special Forces operations in a mechanized warfare setting as well as surgical strikes on terrorist camps/hideouts to include sniping of High-Value Targets.
India and Egypt, two of the world’s oldest civilizations, have enjoyed a history of close contact from ancient times. With a population of around 110 million, a location that straddles Africa and Asia, and a capital that hosts the League of Arab States, Egypt is a pivotal player in development.
It is also a country with which India enjoyed an exceptionally close relationship since immediately after its Independence. This is only natural, as the two countries were cofounders of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in the 1950s.

DRDO Tests HSTDV from Kalam Island off Odisha Coast

India has successfully flight tests Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle from Kalam Island off Odisha coast. Developed by DRDO , the technology will help produce long-range cruise missiles upon which DRDO plans to develop weaponized version of Hypersonic weapons.
HSTDV is an unmanned scramjet demonstration aircraft that can achieve a velocity greater than five times the speed of sound or Mach-5 or 6115 KM per hour. In the successful mission on Monday, the test flight achieved a speed 6-times greater than the speed of sound or Mach-6.
Hypersonic weapons are basically of two types. One, hypersonic cruise missiles that are powered by high-speed, air-breathing engines or “scramjets” during their entire flight. And two, hypersonic glide vehicles that are launched atop ballistic missiles before gliding to their targets at speeds over Mach 5.
Hypersonic weapons pose a challenge to the current missile and air defence systems due to their enormous speed and manoeuvrability, both vertically and horizontally, as well as low altitudes of flight.
The Indian armed forces already have the conventional ramjet-powered BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, which fly at Mach 2.8 speed, developed jointly with Russia. Their strike range has been enhanced from the original 290-km to 450-km now. But while ramjet engines operate well at supersonic speeds around Mach 3, their efficiency drops at hypersonic speeds.

124^th Birth Anniversary Of Field Marshal KM Cariappa

Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa OBE was the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. He led Indian forces on the Western Front during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947. He was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949.
He is one of only two Indian Army officers to hold the Five-star rank of Field Marshal; the other being Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.
Born: 28 January 1899, Shanivarasanthe
Died: 15 May 1993, Bengaluru
Awards: General Service Medal 1947, 1939–1945 Star, MORE
Full name: Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa
Education: The Daly College (1919), Royal College of Defence Studies, Presidency College Chennai
Spouse: Muthu Machia (m. 1937–1945)
Children: K. C. Cariappa, Nalini Cariappa

Martial Arts Expert, Dan Yashpal Singh Kalsi Chosen as Karate Examiner For ITBP

Delhi NCR-based martial arts expert, 7th Dan Karateka, Yashpal Singh Kalsi has been chosen as the Karate examiner for the Combat Wing of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Force at the end of a gruelling 6-month course in Uttarakhand where the soldiers learnt the use of Karate as a source of mental strength, physical agility and supreme self-defence. ITBP is a specialized Armed Police Force of the Nation that trains its personnel in various disciplines including mountaineering and skiing apart from intensive tactical training, thereby creating a distinctive image of the Force.
Yashpal Singh Kalsi is one of the most illustrious names in Karate in India. A Black-belt 7th Dan, Kalsi has vast experience in martial arts overseeing large championships and building world-class sporting events including the Shroff family’s Matrix MMA, Super Fight League and many more.
“It is with great pride that we announce the appointment of Yashpal Singh Kalsi as a Karate Examiner for the Indian Tibet Border Police force. We are confident that Kalsi’s wealth of knowledge and experience will greatly benefit the ITBP and we extend our congratulations to him on this appointment. Kalsi’s dedication to the discipline of Karate and his commitment to excellence make him the perfect candidate for this role. We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on the ITBP and the wider Karate community,” said Deputy Commandant, Purohit, who supervised the exercise.
“There is no greater pride for a martial artist than to help the forces of their country. I have made it my life’s mission to spread the teachings of Karate and helping to train the next generation of ITBP Jawans is an honour for me, and everyone at Sanshinkan,” said Yashpal Kalsi.
Yashpal Singh Kalsi is currently the National Commissioner of All India Mixed Martial Arts Association. He is also the Head Coach at India’s leading martial arts institute – Sanshinkan MMA, Gurgaon – where he has coached several international champions and has himself won a bronze at the U.S. Open, amongst his many accomplishments.

Veer Guardian 2023: Air Exercise Concludes

India and Japan have concluded their maiden air exercise from January 12-26. This is the first time that the Indian Air Force and Japanese Air Self Defense Forces will be exercising together. The exercise, Veer Guardian 2023, took place at Hyakuri Air Base, Japan.
The Indian side will be led by Sukhoi-30MKI Squadron Leader Avni Chaturvedi. This was reportedly the first time that a female fighter pilot was leading the Indian fighter squadron in a bilateral exercise with a foreign partner. The Indian contingent saw participation of four Su-30 MKI, two C-17, and one IL-78 aircraft, whereas the Japanese side was represented by four F-2s (a Japanese development of the U.S.-built F-16 fighter) and four F-15 aircraft.
The deployment of Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft to Japan has allowed Tokyo to thoroughly examine the capabilities and technologies of Russian-origin combat jets while also deepening Japan’s military relationship with India.
According to Janes, the Tactical Fighter Training Group provides various air-combat training to JASDF units.

Republic Day Parade: Egyptian Army Contingent Leads March On Kartavya Path

With India celebrating its 74th Republic Day today, a military contingent from Egypt marched towards the saluting dais on the Kartavya Path for the first time. The Egyptian army contingent participated in India’s 74th Republic Day parade in the presence of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Egyptian military contingent led by Colonel Mahmoud Mohamed Abdel Fattah El Kharasawy consisting of 144 soldiers represented the main branches of the Egyptian armed forces. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attended the parade as the chief guest. It is for the first time that an Egyptian leader has been invited on India’s Republic Day.
The Egyptian forces have considered it an honour and privilege to participate in India’s Republic Day parade. The Egyptian contingent carries the legacy of one of the oldest regular armies known to humanity.
Notably, the history of the Egyptian army goes back to 3200 BC when King Narmer unified Egypt. The old Kingdom was considered to be the height of Egyptian civilisation. The modern Egyptian army was established during the rule of Muhammad Ali Pasha who is widely considered the founder of modern Egypt. He formed an army with soldiers mainly conscripted of modern Egypt.

Exercise Topchi 2023

Indigenously manufactured weapon systems were the highlight of the Indian Army’s ‘Exercise Topchi’, an annual firepower demonstration and training exercise conducted at the School of Artillery in Devlali here on Sunday.
The mega event took place under the stewardship of Lt Gen S Harimohan Iyer, AVSM, Commandant School of Artillery and Col Commandant Regiment of Artillery.
This edition of “Exercise Topchi” showcased the integrated employment of firepower and surveillance assets to include guns, mortars, rockets, drones, and aviation assets.
In line with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, the highlight of the exercise was display and firing by indigenously manufactured artillery equipment viz K-9 Vajra, Dhanush, Indian field gun (IFG)/ light field gun (LFG) system and Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers.
The event was witnessed by student officers of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Defence Services Technical Staff Course, Pune, Nepal Army Command & Staff College and civil administration officers.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

Parakram Diwas Is Observed On
22 January
23 January
24 January
26 January

ANSWER: B

__1^st Woman Fighter Pilot Lead Air Exercise With Japan In Veer Guardian Exercise 2023.
Flying Lt. Shivangi Singh
Squadron Leader Avni Chaturvedi
Squadron Leader Bhavna Kanth
None

ANSWER: B

Indian Navy Has Inked An Agreement With __ For Acquiring Armed Autonomous Boat Swarms.
Cosmos
JAXA
Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt. Ltd
DRDO

ANSWER: C

___Assumes Command Of IAF’s Western Air Command.
Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha
Air Marshal S Prabhakaran
Air Marshal Mohan Singh
None

ANSWER: A

DRDO Celebrates Its __ Foundation Day On 2022.
65^th
66^th
67^th
68^th

ANSWER: A

The 17^th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention Is Being Organized In
Mumbai
Kochi
Chennai
Indore

ANSWER: D

The Theme Of This ‘PBD’ 2023 Convention Is
Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrit Kaal
Connect
Always Ahead on right path
None of the above

ANSWER: A

Keel Laying Of The Two Warships (Yard 3033 & Yard 3036) of the (ASW SWC) Project Under Construction By
GRSE
MDL
HSL
CSL

ANSWER: A

14^th Aero India Show 2023 Will Be Held In
New Delhi
Kolkata
Bengaluru
Noida

ANSWER: C

__Of The Corps Of Engineers Is The First Female Army Officer To Be Sent To A Frontline Post In Siachen Glacier.
Captain Shivangi Chauhan
Captain Shiva Chauhan
Captain Shiva Singh
Captain Avani Chaturvedi

ANSWER: C

__Has Announced The Launch Of Low Smoke Superior Kerosene Oil For The Indian Army In Jammu.
DRDO
NASA
IOCL
BPCL

ANSWER: D

Village Defence Committees Belongs To
Delhi
J&K
Chandigarh
Puducherry

ANSWER: B

The Theme of India’s G20 Presidency Is
21st Centuary
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
Make In India
Save Earth

ANSWER: B

Successful Training Launch Of SRBM Prithvi-II Was Carried Out From The
Integrated Test Range, Chandipur
Marina Beach, Chennai
Jihu Beach, Mumbai
Kutchh, Gujrat

ANSWER: A

Ship Kamala Devi Is Commissioned In
IAF
ICG
Indian Navy
None of the above

ANSWER: B

Armed Forces Veterans Day Is Observed Every Year On
14 January
15 January
23 January
None of the above

ANSWER: A

Which Woman Officer of the Indian Army the first woman officer to be posted on a foreign assignment at the BRO?
Captain Karishma
Captain Surbhi Jakhmola
Captain Bhavani Singh
Captain Surbhi Jalota

ANSWER: B