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

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

Divyanshu Pandey
May 31, 2023
4,950

In the Monthly Defence current affairs for May 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 May 2023

Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan Takes Commander-In-Chief, CINCAN

Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan has taken over as the 17^th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) on 01 May 2023.
The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is the only Joint-services Command in India and serves as a model for the country’s planned theaterisation of Army, Navy, and Air Force capabilities.
Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan is a distinguished alumnus of the NDA Khadakwasla, having been commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF in 1986.
With over 3200 accident-free fighter flying hours on various variants of MIG-21 and Kiran aircraft, he is an accomplished fighter combat leader.

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Raksha Mantri Hands Over A Fast Patrol Vessel & A Landing Craft Assault Ship To Maldives

On the second day of his 3-day visit to the Maldives, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh handed over a Fast Patrol Vessel and a Landing Craft Assault ship to the Maldives National Defence Forces on May 02, 2023.
The Fast Patrol Vessel, capable of coastal and offshore surveillance at high speeds, was commissioned as the MNDF Coast Guard ship Huravee. President of Maldives Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Defence Minister Ms Mariya Ahmed Didi were present on the occasion.
On climate change, the Raksha Mantri said, it has a huge impact on the maritime environment and its effects can pose challenges for taking forward national and regional aspirations.

DRDO & Indian Navy Conducts Successful Maiden Test Trial Of Air Droppable Container -150 in Goa

DRDO and Indian Navy conducted the successful maiden test trial of ‘Air Droppable Container -150 (ADC) from IL 38SD aircraft off the coast of Goa.
ADC-150 is an indigenously designed and developed Air Droppable Container with 150 kg payload capacity. The trial was conducted to enhance the naval operational logistics capabilities by providing quick response to meet the requirement of critical engineering stores to ships, which are deployed more than 2,000 km from the coast.
It reduces the requirement for ships to come close to the coast to collect spares and stores. 3 DRDO laboratories, Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam; Aerial Delivery Research & Development Establishment, Agra and Aeronautical Development Establishment, Bengaluru have been involved in the development of ADC-150 container.

Indian Navy Develops Indigenously Designed ‘Rakshak’ To Combat Marine Emergencies

The Indian Navy has built ‘Rakshak’ as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, an indigenous facility that will allow submarine crews to be trained for damage control under tough, realistic conditions that the force may experience on board.
‘Rakshak’ is a main damage control and fire fighting training facility which is a unique facility established for gaining submarines in damage control. Two simulators and a fire fighting simulator are available at the damage control facility, the damage control simulator is primarily designed to replicate various flooding scenarios in a limited setting.
The firefighting simulator is intended to train personnel to fight fires on submarines in a realistic environment, particularly in difficult confined spaces.

Buland Bharat Exercise 2023

An integrated surveillance and firepower training Exercise BULAND BHARAT was conducted in the recently operationalised longest High-Altitude Artillery Ranges of Eastern Theatre.
Exercise BULAND BHARAT involved the synergised application of surveillance and firepower capabilities of the Artillery and the Infantry in close coordination with Special Forces, Aviation and Central Armed Police Forces deployed in West Kameng and Tawang districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

Ajeya Warrior 2023: India, UK Carry Out Casualty Evacuation’ Practice

India and the United Kingdom carried out ‘Casualty Evacuation’ and ‘Establishing Communication’ practices during the ongoing Joint Military Training ‘Ajeya Warrior’ in the UK.
The bilateral exercise is being held at Salisbury Plains, United Kingdom till May 11, according to the statement released by Defence Ministry.
Ajeya Warrior is a biennial training event with the United Kingdom conducted alternatively in the United Kingdom and India, the last edition was held at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand in October 2021.

TACTICAL RESCUE OPERATION FROM SUDAN BY IAF C-17

In the midnight hours of 03 – 04 May 23, an Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft airborne from Hindan, flew through the night to land in the early morning hours at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The aircraft refuelled at Jeddah to undertake a nonstop flight from Jeddah, via war torn Sudan and back to India. The aircraft took excess fuel from Jeddah to avoid a situation of non-availability of fuel and refueling delays in Sudan.
The mission was one of a kind, with the aircraft carrying 192 passengers, mostly ladies, children and elderly persons, who either were NRIs, foreign nationals or OCIs (Overseas Citizens of India). These people could not be taken to Jeddah, and hence were required to be flown directly to India in a nonstop flight by the heavy jet.

Raksha Mantri Approves Posting Of Women Officers Of The T.A

In a major development, Ministry of Defence, Department of Military Affairs, has approved amendment to existing cadre management provisions for Women Officers of the Territorial Army (TA).
Territorial Army had commenced the Commissioning of Women Officers in TA in 2019. Thus far these Woman Officers were able to serve Ecological Task Force Units, TA Oil sector units and TA Railway Engineer Regiment.
Women Officers of the Territorial Army will now be posted with Engineer Regiments of the Territorial Army serving along the LOC and as staff officers at TA Group Headquarters/ Directorate General of Territorial Army at New Delhi, as per organizational requirement.

Defence Ministry To Organize All-Women Republic Day Parade In 2024

The Union Ministry of Defence intends to boost the involvement of women in next year’s Republic Day parade, as the defence services have recently opened up additional pathways and senior command responsibilities for them while also preparing them for leadership roles.
In March, the Defence Ministry informed the military services and other government ministries and departments involved in the parade that the marching contingents, band, and tableaux would be made up entirely of women.
For the first time this year, the military services have taken significant steps to promote gender equality, including assigning women to command positions, preparing them for future leadership roles, and allowing them to join the artillery unit.

BRO 64^th Raising Day

BRO celebrated its 64^th Raising Day on May 7 with great zeal and enthusiasm at all its locations spread across the country. BRO, the leading road construction agency in India, executes road construction and maintenance works along the Northern and Western frontiers primarily to meet the strategic requirements of the Armed Forces.
BRO has constructed over 61,218 km of roads, over 915 bridges, four tunnels, and 19 airfields along India’s borders and in friendly foreign countries, including Bhutan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.
The organisation is known for its engineering marvels such as the Atal Tunnel at Rohtang, which is the World’s Longest Highway Tunnel above 10,000 feet, the world’s highest motorable road over Umling La at 19024 ft and maintaining 10 out of the 13 highest passes in the world.

Indian Navy Decommissioned INS Magar After 36 Years Of Service

INS Magar, the oldest Landing Ship Tank (Large) of the Indian Navy, was decommissioned after 36 years of service at a Naval base in Kochi.
INS Magar was launched on 16 Nov 1984 by Meera Tahiliani and commissioned on 18 Jul 1987 at Garden Reach Shipyard and Engineers Limited, Kolkata by late Admiral RH Tahiliani.

Heritage Centre of IAF Inaugurated

Rajnath Singh inaugurated the IAF Heritage Centre in Chandigarh on May 08, 2023. The Centre, an embodiment of IAF’s rich history and legacy, houses a collection of artefacts, murals and 3D dioramas, showcasing the evolution of the force since its inception. It displays the heroic deeds of the IAF and the country’s technological progress in aircraft/equipment.
One of the highlights of the Centre is the array of simulators that allows visitors to replicate the thrill of flying iconic aircraft in the IAF’s inventory and gives them a chance to get a taste of what it feels to be a pilot.

IAF Receives First Batch Of Indigenous VTOL Loitering Munition

The air force has received its first indigenously designed and developed loitering munitions. These are capable of operating from all kinds of terrain and high-altitude areas and can take down targets at a range of over 50 km, without exposing any personnel to risk.
Developed by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), the autonomous system is designed for Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) and has successfully demonstrated its capability to carry out precision strikes during trials and tests.

Russia To ‘Develop’ Its Military Facilities In Kyrgyzstan

Russia will “develop” its military installations in Central Asian ally Kyrgyzstan, the Kremlin said, following talks between the two countries leaders in Moscow.
Kyrgyzstan, a majority-Muslim country of nearly seven million people, hosts a Russian military base made up of an airfield, a naval installation on Lake Issyk-Kul and several other sites.
Russia and Kyrgyzstan, an ex-Soviet republic, are linked through a Moscow-led military alliance, the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO).

Common Uniform For Brigadiers And Above Rank Officers In Army

The Army has decided that brigadiers and above rank officers will have a common uniform from August 1 irrespective of their parent cadre and appointment, military sources said.
The decision was taken after detailed deliberations during the recently concluded Army Commanders Conference and extensive consultations with all stakeholders.
The headgear, shoulder rank badges, gorget patches, belts and shoes of senior officers will be standardised as part of the decision, the sources said.
There will be no change to the uniform worn by Colonels and below-rank officers.
“In order to promote and strengthen common identity and approach in service matters amongst senior leadership, beyond the boundaries of regimentation, the Indian Army has decided to adopt a common uniform for brigadier and above rank officers,” said a source.

Department of Defence Production Waives Off Quality Assurance Charges

In a significant move to promote reforms and bring ease of doing business, Department of Defence Production has waived off Quality Assurance (QA) charges levied by the QA Agencies under its administrative control for the stores meant for exports.
This industry-friendly initiative would make defence products cost-competitive in the global market.
The Ministry of Defence provides proof/testing facilities to the industry for their products through its various Proof/Testing establishments to make Indian Defence Products more competitive in the international market.

INS Garuda Celebrates 70^th anniversary

INS Garuda, the premier Naval Air Station of the Southern Naval Command in Kerala’s Kochi completed 70 years of glorious service to the Indian Navy.
Commissioned on 11 May 1953, it is the oldest Naval Air Station which has been associated with the beginning of Naval aviation. Home to the first amphibious aircraft of the Indian Navy, the Sealander’s, it has grown into a full-fledged air base operating some of the finest air assets of the Indian Navy.
Also known as the ‘Cradle of Naval Aviation’, it has the unique distinction of operating the oldest as well as the latest aircraft available in the inventory of the Indian Navy.
On 11 May 1953, Naval Air Station INS Venduruthy II was formally commissioned as INS Garuda. Minister of Defence Organisation Mahavir Tyagi performed the commissioning ceremony.

Pokhran Tests, 25 Years Completed

May 11 mark 25 years of series of nuclear tests that were conducted in Pokhran in 1998. The tests included both underground and aboveground detonations, marked a significant milestone in India’s nuclear program.
A team of scientists under PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee had conducted five nuclear tests on May 11 and 13 in 1998. India’s second round of nuclear tests, codenamed “Operation Shakti”.
The tests were hailed as a triumph of Indian science and technology, but also sparked widespread controversy and condemnation from the global community, leading to a period of diplomatic isolation and economic sanctions for India.
May 11 is being celebrated as National Technology Day to acknowledge the contribution of scientists and engineers in the development of the country.
For 2023, the theme is ‘School to Startups-Igniting Young Minds to Innovate.’

India’s Newest Guided-Missile Destroyer Fires BrahMos

On 14.05.2023 the Indian Navy successfully test-launched a BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from its frontline guided missile ship INS Mormugao.
The officer also praised INS Mormugao for striking the “bullseye” with her first BrahMos supersonic cruise missile launch. It is the Indian Navy’s most recent guided-missile destroyer.
The latest guided-missile destroyer, INS Mormugao, successfully struck ‘Bulls Eye’ during her first Brahmos Supersonic cruise missile firing. The ship and her lethal armament, both indigenous, are yet another stunning example of Aatmanirbharta and the Indian Navy’s maritime power.
INS Mormugao is a Vishakhapatnam-Class Stealth Guided Missile Destroyer of the Indian Navy and is a second ship of the class. It was built at Mazagaon Dock Limited was launched on September 17, 2016, and got commissioned on 18^th December 2022.

Exercise Samudra Shakti – 23

INS Kavaratti, indigenously designed & built ASW Corvette, arrived at Batam, Indonesia to participate in the 4^th edition of India-Indonesia Bilateral exercise Samudra Shakti-23 from 14-19 May 23.
An Indian Navy Dornier Maritime Patrol aircraft and Chetak helicopter is also participating.
The Indonesian Navy will be represented by KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda, CN 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and AS565 Panther Helicopter.
Samudra Shakti -23 will showcase the high level of interoperability between the two navies and their shared commitment towards peace and stability in the region.
Other Exercise
Ex KOMODO
Ex GARUDA SHAKTI

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Takes Over As DCAS

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit took over as the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, he was Commissioned in the fighter stream on 06 December 1986. He is a graduate of the Staff Course, Bangladesh and National Defence College, New Delhi.
Air Marshal Dixit commanded a Mirage 2000 Squadron, a frontline fighter base in the Western sector, as well as a premier fighter training base. He has earlier served as Principal Director Air Staff Requirement, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Projects) & Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans) at Air Headquarters.

“IAF’S LOGISTICS SEMINAR-LOGISEM 23 HELD”

National Logistics Management Seminar, LOGISEM – 23, on the theme ‘Leverage Emerging Global Supply Chain to Enhance Logistics Capabilities While Absorbing Disruptions’, was held on 16 May 2023 at AF Auditorium, New Delhi. Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari inaugurated the Seminar and delivered the key-note address.
The Seminar provided an ideal platform for the exchange of ideas b/w civil and military logisticians and is expected to assist IAF to tailor its supply-chain needs based on modern technologies and global trends. The Seminar was also live streamed pan-IAF.
During the Seminar, prominent Speakers, over three sessions, deliberated & discussed issues related to the theme of the Seminar. The discussions ranged from future prospects of domestic aviation industry, modern trends in supply chain management & warehousing, and public procurement initiatives through GeM. The Seminar provided an ideal platform for the exchange of ideas between civil and military logisticians and is expected to assist IAF to tailor its supply-chain needs based on modern technologies and global trends. The Seminar was also live streamed pan-IAF.

Safran Group Opens Unit In Kerala

French defence major Safran Group on Wednesday opened a unit and began operations here, in a development that is expected to invigorate the state’s efforts to become the nation’s hub in the aerospace sector. Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeev inaugurated the test centre for products set up near Technopark. aerospace and defence
Safran provides services in the fields of satellite communication and satellite tracking, along with manufacturing critical machinery for fighter aircraft, rockets and missiles.
Safran also aims to produce 50 per cent of the products required by India’s space agency ISRO, the minister said, adding that it will give strength to Kerala’s efforts to become the nation’s hub in the aerospace sector.

INAS 312 Squadron Clocks 40,000 Hours Of Operations: Navy

INAS 312 squadron operating P8I aircraft, based at Tamil Nadu’s Arakkonam has clocked 40,000 hours, completing a decade of diverse naval operations. The first P8I had landed at INS Rajali on May 15, 2013, with Capt H S Jhajj as the first Commanding Officer, they said.
“INAS 312, popularly known as ‘Albatross’ has been at the forefront of all naval operations. P8I over the last 10 years has spearheaded operations in all three dimensions – air, surface and sub-surface. The Squadron has been rendering yeoman service, safeguarding national interests being the first responder in the Indian Ocean Region”.

Defence Production Crosses Rs 1 Lakh Crore Mark For The First Time Ever

As a result of the consistent efforts of Ministry of Defence, the value of defence production in Financial Year (FY) 2022-23 has crossed the figure of Rs one lakh crore for the first time ever.
The value currently stands at Rs 1,06,800 crore and it will go further up once the data is received from the remaining private defence industries. The current value of defence production in FY 2022-23 is a rise of more than 12 % over FY 2021-22, when the figure was Rs 95,000 crore.
The Government is continuously working with defence industries and their associations to remove the challenges faced by them and promote defence production in the country.

Exercise Samudra Shakti-23 Concludes

The 4^th edition of the Indo-Indonesia bilateral Exercise Samudra Shakti-23 concluded in the South China Sea.
The sea phase held from 17-19 May 2023 witnessed the participation of ASW corvette INS Kavaratti with integral Chetak helicopter and a Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The Indonesian Navy assets included KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda with integral helicopter Panther and a CN 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
The sea phase was preceded by a fruitful harbour phase which saw professional interactions, tabletop exercises and sports exchanges.
The successful completion of Exercise Samudra Shakti-23 illustrated the strong partnership between India and Indonesia and reaffirmed the commitment of both navies to promote peace and stability in the region through cooperative engagements.

India Launches ‘Operation Karuna’

India launched “Operation Karuna” to provide humanitarian assistance for people in Myanmar, which is affected by Cyclone Mocha, and three ships carrying relief material reached Yangon.
Meanwhile, Indian Naval Ships Shivalik, Kamorta and Savitri were the first Naval ships to arrive at Yangon with relief material.
Mocha made landfall with winds of up to 195 km (120 miles) per hour, downing power pylons and smashing wooden fishing boats to splinters, reported Dhaka Tribune.

Exercise ‘Tiger Shark 40’

The Joint Bangladesh-US Naval drill Exercise ‘Tiger Shark 40’ started at BNS Nirvik in Chattogram.
Special Forces of Bangladesh Army and Navy and US Special Forces participated in this training exercise held under the management of Commodore Swords Command.
Some of the representatives of the US Embassy in Bangladesh also participated in the event. Among others, the Armed Forces Department, Army, Navy and other officials of the Chittagong Naval Region and invited guests were present in the exercise.

Exercise: Al Mohed-Al Hindi 2023

The INS TARKASH, the flagship frigate of the Indian Western Naval Fleet, and the INS SUBHADRA, an offshore patrol vessel, arrived at Port Al-Jubail, marking an important milestone in the growing defence cooperation between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The arrival of these ships marks the start of the harbour phase of the second edition of the two countries’ naval exercise, designated as ‘AL-MOHED AL-HINDI 2023.’ This year, a maritime patrol aircraft will take part in the naval drill. The first version of the exercise was completed successfully in 2021.
‘AL-MOHED AL-HINDI 2023,’ which began on 21st May, is a series of exercises undertaken by the two allied navies on land and at sea. The Indian ships were greeted warmly by officials from the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, Border Guards, and the Indian Embassy upon their arrival at Jubail port, emphasising the two countries’ friendly relations.

INS Mormugao Test Fires Missile

Indian Navy’s latest indigenous guided missile destroyer INS Mormugao successfully carried out the engagement of a sea-skimming supersonic target. This maiden endeavour showcases IN’s Future Proof Combat Readiness & commitment towards Aatma Nirbhar Bharat.
Builder: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
Launched: 17 September 2016
Length: 163 m
Displacement: 7,400 t
Aircraft carried: 2 × HAL Dhruv (or) Sea King Mk. 42B
Commissioned: 18 December 2022

Neeraj Chopra Becomes World No. 1 In World Athletics Men’s Javelin Throw

Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra became the world number one for the first time in his career in the latest men’s javelin throw rankings issued by the World Athletics. Chopra topped the charts with 1455 points, 22 ahead of Grenada’s reigning world champion Anderson Peters (1433).
The 25-year-old Chopra rose to world number two on August 30 last year but was stuck behind Peters since then.
Neeraj, the Indian national record holder in men’s javelin throw, competed in the season-opening Doha Diamond League on May 5 and finished first with a throw of 88.67m.

MRSAM Successfully Test-fired From Navy’s INS Mormugao

The Indian Navy has successfully test-fired a Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) from its frontline guided missile destroyer INS Mormugao, officials said on Tuesday. It successfully carried out the engagement of a “sea-skimming supersonic target“.
Sea skimming is a technique that many anti-ship missiles and some fighter or strike aircraft use to avoid radar or infrared detection.
INS Mormugao is the second ship of the Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided-missile destroyers of the Indian Navy. She was built at Mazagon Dock Limited and was launched on 17 September 2016. The ship was commissioned on 18 December 2022.

FLAGGING IN OF INSV TARINI

In yet another historic event in the maritime calendar of India, INSV Tarini touched the Indian shores as she entered Goa harbour and secured alongside the INS Mandovi jetty on successful completion of a 17000nm trans-ocean inter-continental voyage, after 188 days.
The six-member crew was received at the jetty by Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, Smt Smriti Irani, Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff.
The ‘Flag In’ ceremony commenced with a magnificent display of yachting skills by young and promising yachtsman of the Navy Boys Sports Company. This was followed by a marvellous flypast by versatile naval aviation platforms such as the Chetak, Kamov 31, Hawks, IL 38, Dornier and MiG 29K aircraft.

DRDO – Academia Conclave

Rajnath Singh has said that technologically advanced military is crucial to protect the interests of the nation. Inaugurating a two-day DRDO- Academia conclave in New Delhi on 25 May 2023. He stressed that for a country like India, it becomes vital to have such military as it faces double threat on borders.
Theme of the conclave “DRDO-Academia Partnership – Opportunities & Challenges”, Rajnath Singh said, it is dire need that DRDO and Academia work in partnership with each other to find solutions to the challenges being faced by us in the 21^st century.
A report by NITI Aayog in 2022 showed that India had one of the lowest expenditures in R&D in the world. Many media reports have also shown the lack of quality research done by higher education institutes in India is a major reason why India’s education sector is lagging behind foreign universities.
This partnership may be a silver lining to academicians should they be allowed to take full advantage of the infrastructure and funds.

Russia Signs Deal To Deploy Tactical Nuclear Weapons In Belarus

Russia and Belarus signed a deal on Thursday to formalise the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear missiles on Belarusian territory, a step Moscow said was driven by rising tensions with the West.
“In the context of an extremely sharp escalation of threats on the western borders of Russia and Belarus, a decision was made to take countermeasures in the military-nuclear sphere,” TASS news agency.
Iskander-M missiles, which can carry conventional or nuclear warheads, had been handed to the Belarusian armed forces, and some Su-25 aircraft had been converted for the possible use of nuclear weapons.

Indian Army, IAF Conduct Joint Exercise Along Western Borders

Indian Army’s Shatrujeet Brigade and the Western Command conducted a joint exercise with the Indian Air Force along the western border, officials said on Thursday.
The joint exercise was carried out to deploy paratroopers with new-generation weapon systems in support of mechanised forces deep inside enemy territory to facilitate and enhance the operational reach of their own forces.
C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster and AN-32 aircraft were used to insert troops and specialised equipment into designated areas in the obstacle-ridden terrain with clinical precision, an official statement here said.
And The Sapta Shakti Command of Indian Army conducted exercise ‘Sudarshan Shakti 2023’ along the Western borders in Rajasthan and Punjab from May 22 to 25.
Exercise ‘Sudarshan Shakti 2023’ was designed to validate operational plans in a network-centric environment. The elements of combat power, combat support and logistic support were exercised in a synergised application under all domains of enemy threat including Grey Zone Warfare.

Indian Navy After MiG-29K Makes Maiden Night Landing on INS Vikrant

The MiG-29K fighter aircraft undertook a ‘maiden’ night landing on indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
The Navy said that this challenging accomplishment, within three months of the maiden day landing demonstrates the resolve, skill and professionalism of the Indian Navy, Vikrant crew and Naval Pilots.
The night landing of the Russian-origin MiG-29K took place on May 24 night when the ship was sailing in the Arabian Sea.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also congratulated the Indian Navy for the successful maiden night landing trials of MiG-29K on INS Vikrant.

75^th International Day Of UN Peacekeepers

The Indian Army commemorated the 75^th International Day of UN Peacekeepers, by paying homage to the fallen comrades by laying wreaths at National War Memorial, New Delhi by the COAS, VCOAS and representatives from Navy and IAF, MEA and United Nations.
This is the day when in 1948 the first UN peacekeeping mission, “UN Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO)” began operations in Palestine.
India has a rich legacy of contribution to UN Peacekeeping operations and is one of the largest contributors of troops. It has contributed approximately 2,75,000 troops to peacekeeping missions so far, with around 5,900 troops currently deployed in 12 UN Missions.

India launches, Successfully Puts Its First 2^nd Gen Navigation Satellite Into Orbit

In yet another feat, India has successfully put into orbit the first of its 2^nd generation navigation satellite, NVS-01. After a flight of about 19 minutes, the NVS-O1 satellite was injected into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
The three-staged GSLV rocket standing 51.7 m tall and weighing 420 tonnes lifted off from a launch pad at Sriharikota at around 10.42 am.
The 2,232 kg NVS-01 satellite, which is a part of the Indian satellite navigation system NavIC or originally called the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, was carried by Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle. NavIC is an Indian ‘GPS’ – Global Positioning System.
The Indian satellite navigation system NavIC consists of nine satellites – seven in orbit and two as substitutes. The NVS series of satellites will sustain and augment the NavIC with enhanced features.

Multinational WMD-Interception Naval Drill

A Japanese warship was set to arrive in South Korea on Monday to participate in a multinational naval drill this week aimed at preventing the trafficking of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), according to officials.
Japan’s JS Hamagiri destroyer is scheduled to arrive in the southeastern port city of Busan later in the day to participate in the Eastern Endeavor 23 exercise Wednesday in the international waters southeast of South Korea’s Jeju Island.
South Korea, the U.S., Australia, Japan, Canada and Singapore will join the exercise led by the South Korean Navy’s Maritime Task Flotilla Seven. The exercise will be held a day after a high-level forum of the Proliferation Security Initiative.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

Who Has Taken Over As The 17^th Commander-in-Chief Of The Andaman and Nicobar Command?
AIR MARSHAL NARMDESHWAR TIWARI
Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan
Air Marshal Sandeep Singh
None

ANSWER: B