Monthly Defence Current Affairs May 2024

In Defence Current Affairs for Monthly DCA May 2024, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Daily Defence Current Affairs.

Monthly Defence Current Affairs May 2024

Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi Takes Charge As 26^th Navy Chief

• Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, on Tuesday took charge as the 26^th Navy chief after R Hari Kumar retired from service. Dinesh K Tripathi, earlier served as the director-general of naval operations and the flag officer commanding-in-chief of the Western Naval Command.
• Prior to taking over as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, VAdm Dinesh K Tripathi served as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command.
• An alumnus of Sainik School Rewa and National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, he was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1985.
• Born on May 15, 1964, Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi was commissioned into the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy on July 01, 1985. A Communication and Electronic Warfare specialist, he has had a long and distinguished service spanning nearly 39 years.
• VAdm DK Tripathi has commanded Indian Naval Ships Vinash, Kirch and Trishul. He has also held various important operational and staff appointments which include Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet; Director of Naval Operations; Principal Director, Network Centric Operations and Principal Director, Naval Plans at New Delhi.

6^th Barge of LSAM 16 Series Built By Private Firm Launched

• The sixth barge of the LSAM 16 (Yard 130) series, built by a private firm, was launched in Maharashtra’s Thane on Monday, the officials said.
• The barge will help the Navy in facilitating transportation of articles, ammunition to ships, the officials added.
• “The launch of ‘Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge, LSAM 20 (Yard 130)’, 6th Barge of 11 x ACTCM Barge Project, built by MSME Shipyard, Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane for Indian Navy, was undertaken on April 29 at Suryadipta Project Pvt. Ltd.,” the Ministry of Defence said.
• The launching Ceremony was presided over by Madhusudan Bhui, INAS, GM NAD (Karanja).
• The contract for building 11 x ACTCM barge was signed between Ministry of Defence and Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane on March 5, 2021.

SMART Successfully Flight-tested By DRDO

• Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo system was successfully flight-tested at around 0830 hrs on May 01, 2024 from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. SMART is a next-generation missile-based light-weight torpedo delivery system, designed and developed by the DRDO.
• This canister-based missile system consists of several advanced sub-systems, namely two-stage solid propulsion system, electromechanical actuator system, precision inertial navigation system etc. The system carries advanced light-weight torpedo as payload along with parachute-based release system.
• Engine Missile: Two-stage solid rocket
• Torpedo: Electric
• Propellant: Solid fuel + silver zinc battery
• Operational range : 643 km (400 mi) + 20 km (12 mi)
• Guidance system

Mid-course: Inertial navigation system with mid-course update via datalink

Terminal: Acoustic homing (active/passive)

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan Assumes Charge As VCONS

• Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, AVSM, VSM assumes charge as Vice Chief of Naval Staff on 01 May 2024. On assuming charge, the Flag Officer paid homage to Bravehearts that made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation by placing a floral wreath at the National War Memorial.
• The Flag Officer was Commissioned into the Indian Navy on 01 Jul 87 and is a specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare. He is an alumnus of the NDA, Khadakwasla; the Joint Services Command and Staff College, Shrivenham, UK; the College of Naval Warfare, Karanja; and the USA Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, USA.

IAF Takes Delivery of second C295 Transport Aircraft

• The IAF on Friday received delivery of the second of the 56 C295 aircraft, which are set to replace its ageing Avro-748 fleet, the officials said.
• In September 2021, India formalised the acquisition of 56 Airbus C295 aircraft to replace the legacy Avro fleet of the IAF at a cost of Rs 21,935 crore.
• In a statement, Airbus Defence and Space said that of the total 56 aircraft ordered by the Indian customer, 16 will be produced by Airbus in Seville, Spain.
• The remaining 40 C295s of the IAF order will be manufactured and assembled–in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)–at a Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Gujarat’s Vadodara.

India’s First Indigenous Bomber UAV Unveiled In Bengaluru

• India has marked a significant milestone in its defence and aerospace capabilities with the unveiling of the FWD-200B, the country’s first indigenous bomber unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), during a ceremony in Bangalore.
• The UAV, developed by Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace Technologies, is a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) combat vehicle designed and manufactured entirely within India.
• The FWD-200B stands out for its cost-efficiency and indigenous development, highlighting India’s move towards self-reliance in strategic defence equipment. It boasts a payload capacity of 100 kgs, capable of carrying both optical surveillance payloads and precision air-strike weapons.
• The UAV can operate at a maximum speed of 370 kmph (200 knots), with an endurance of 12-20 hours and a ground control station range of 200 km.
• This achievement is particularly notable as it comes after years of efforts and is a significant reduction in cost compared to imported alternatives. While an imported US Predator drone might cost around ₹ 250 crore, the FWD-200B is priced at just ₹25 crore — a tenth of the cost.

65^th Raising Day of Border Roads Organisation

• Today marks the 65^th Raising Day of BRO a pioneer in border area infrastructure development. With a steadfast commitment to meeting the strategic needs of the Indian Armed Forces, BRO has played a pivotal role in fortifying the nation’s defence.
• The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) was formed on May 7, 1960, with the primary goal of developing infrastructure in remote areas of India’s north and northeastern states.
• BRO will be celebrating its 65h Raising Day on May 07, 2024, at all its detachments across the country. Project Dantak has been instrumental in developing infrastructure and providing connectivity in remote areas of Bhutan.
• Significance of BRO during Peace
• Contribute to the socioeconomic development of border states
• Developing the infrastructure of operational roads for the staff

ICG inks MoU With Private Sector For Indigenous Marine Grade Steel

• ICG and Jindal Steel & Power (JSP), on May 07, 2024, signed a MoU in New Delhi for the supply of indigenous marine grade steel to enhance the indigenous content in shipbuilding.
• Through this partnership, both entities have committed to foster indigenisation, enhance capabilities to produce and use these items in the Nation’s interest.
• The MoU underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing complex security challenges, emphasising the need for collaboration between government agencies and the private sector.
• Several key benefits including quality, grades and dimensions along with the designated steel plants to manufacture the product are stipulated in the MoU as an assurance to the shipbuilding yards for a timely supply of marine-grade steel for the ICG.

AWPO Summit 2024

• The Army Welfare Placement Organisation organised the AWPO Summit 2024 in Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. The Summit witnessed convergence of notable personalities from various sectors to include veteran entrepreneurs, veterans leading in the field of businesses and industry, corporate entities, representatives from government and social sector.
• The aim of the Summit was to bring together different stakeholders on a common platform, to bridge the gap between requirements of enterprise and core competencies possessed by the veterans.
• While the demand for a skilled and experienced workforce exists at the industry end, a disciplined human resource pool of veterans with adequate experience and unique skill sets exit from active service each year.

Contract of CRN-91 Guns BW of Medak & ICG

• Ordnance Factory Medak entered into a contract with the Indian Coast Guard for the Supply of 10 CRN-91 Guns. The contract was formally handed over by Deputy Inspector General of Coast Guard Bhibhuti Ranjan to OFM General Manager P Babji, at Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi.
  • This Close Range Naval (CRN) Gun is a Naval Version of the 30 mm automatic gun installed on a ship and gyro stabilised. It is directed by an electro-optic fire control system (FCS) for day and night use mounted on an improvised cupola. It can also be remotely operated.
  • The CRN-91 is a naval version of the Medak gun that is licence manufactured by OFB Medak for fitment on the BMP-2 Sarath. The original design is that of the 2A42 Shipunov gun of 30×165 mm calibre. It has a maximum rate of fire of 500 rds/min and a sustained rate of 200 to 300 rds/min.

Features

Day System

• Magnification: 6X
  • Field of view at least: 10°
  • Periscope height: 221 mm

Night system

• Magnification at least: 5.5X
  • Field of view at least: 6°40′
  • Periscope height: 248 mm
  • It serves onboard various OPVs, Pollution Control Vessels and other smaller ships in the Indian Coast Guard. Recently the Landing Craft Utility MK-IV being commissioned into the Navy also features this gun.

MNS Celebrates International Nurses Day, 2024

• International Nurses Day 2024 was celebrated on 11 May 2024 at Ayurvigyan Auditorium, Army Hospital (R & R). Maj Gen Kanwarjit Singh, Offg Commandant Army Hospital (R&R) attended the occasion as the Chief Guest. Maj Gen Sheena P D. Principal Matron welcomed the gathering.
• International Nurses Day is celebrated across the world every year on the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale to mark the contributions of nurses towards society.
• The International Council of Nurses has declared the theme for this year as ‘Our Nurses Our Future, The Economic Power of Care’ and the theme was unveiled by Maj Gen I D Flora, Addl DGMNS.

Chabahar: A Step Towards Connectivity

• India on Monday signed a 10-year contract to operate the strategic Iranian port of Chabahar that will help it expand trade with Central Asia.
• Chabahar is a deep-water port located in the Sistan-Baluchistan province of Iran. It is the closest Iranian port to India, and is located in the open sea, providing easy and secure access for large cargo ships. The Port has provided the much-needed sea-access to landlocked countries of the region, including Afghanistan, and emerged as a commercial transit hub.
• Under the agreement, India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) committed to investing $370 million to enhance the port’s infrastructure.
• This includes acquiring strategic equipment and expanding the transport facilities, essential for transforming Chabahar into a dynamic regional hub for trade transit.
• Why it matters
• Chabahar port’s strategic location on Iran’s southeastern coast, close to the Pakistani border, positions it as a pivotal gateway for India’s trade ambitions, enabling direct access to Central Asia.
• Located on the Gulf of Oman near the Iran-Pakistan border, it offers India a crucial trade route bypassing Pakistan.
• This is particularly beneficial for trade with landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan.
• The agreement leverages the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a 7,200-kilometer-long network connecting India, Iran, Russia, and Europe.
• Bypassing Pakistan allows India to diversify its trade routes and reduce dependence on its neighbor.

MDL Celebrates 250^th Foundation Day

• Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is celebrating its 250th Foundation Day on May 14, 2024. To mark the day, a series of events were organised in Mumbai, presided over by Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane.
• These included the inauguration of adjacent land acquired from Mumbai Port Authority (MPA); launch of a prototype of indigenous midget submarine; commissioning of Solar Electric Hybrid boat & Fuel Cell Electric Ferry; release of MDL’s Commemorative Coin; and a day-long technical seminar.

Indian Army Introduces Hexacopter Drone Mounted with Machine Gun

• The Indian Army has taken a monumental leap forward with the introduction of its latest innovation: a hexacopter drone armed with a machine gun. This cutting-edge technology, developed under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, heralds a new era in tactical operations and promises to revolutionize soldier safety and bolster the nation’s security apparatus.
• Sirin Hexadrones made by Ikran Aerospace and Technologies Pvt Ltd were put through their paces alongside newly inducted weapons during integrated small arms firing, witnessed by the esteemed General Officer Commanding Vajra Corps of the Western Command, Indian Army.
• Powered by environmentally friendly EV electric propulsion, the Hexa drone operates quietly and efficiently. It also features a substantial payload capacity, enhancing its versatility for uses ranging from aerial photography and surveillance to industrial inspections.

IAF Tests BHISHM Portable Hospital For Airdrop In Agra

• The IAF on Tuesday tested BHISHM portable cubes at Agra for airdrops from the aircraft. This is the first time the Indian Air Force tested this portable hospital. This test was performed so that the portable hospital can be deployed to cater to emergencies anywhere.
• BHISHM portable cubes are a part of the broader initiative named “Project BHISHM” – Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri, which is tailored to treat up to 200 casualties, emphasising rapid response and comprehensive care.
• The whole unit contains 72 easily transportable components that can be conveniently carried by hand, cycle, or even drone, providing unmatched flexibility. In the face of mass casualty incidents (MCIs), where requirements range from basic aid to advanced medical and surgical care, the Aid Cube stands out with its ability to be deployed within an astonishing 12 minutes.

Japan, US Sign Agreement To Develop Hypersonic Missile Interceptor

• Japan and the United States are planning to develop interceptors to shoot down hypersonic missiles by the 2030s under a contract signed by the two countries on Wednesday.
• The plan, which will reportedly cost more than $3 billion, was first announced in August when the nations’ leaders met at a summit with South Korea in Camp David outside Washington.
• The Japanese government has already included 75 billion yen ($480 million) in its 2024 budget for development of the interceptors.
• Hypersonic missiles fly at more than five times the speed of sound and have irregular trajectories, making them difficult to intercept.

Indian Army Sets Up One Of World’s Highest Tank Repair Facilities Near China Border

• With over 500 of its tanks and infantry combat vehicles deployed in Eastern Ladakh, the Indian Army has created a record of sorts by setting up two of world’s highest tank repair facilities in that area to support its operations there.
• The Indian Army has set up two armoured vehicle maintenance and repair facilities near the China border in Nyoma and the DBO Sector in that region to at altitudes of over 14,500 feet in the area, which is the world’s highest battlefield for tanks and infantry combat vehicles along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh.
• A large number of tanks and BMP combat vehicles, along with Indian-made armoured vehicles like the Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles, have been deployed in Eastern Ladakh after the stand-off between India and China started in April-May 2020, post-Chinese aggression there.
• The Indian Army has been creating infrastructure in a big way for housing its tanks, including the T-90 and T-72, the BMPs and the K-9Vajra self-propelled Howitzers, in the high-altitude areas where temperatures are extremely low in winter.

Neeraj Chopra Returns With Gold At Federation Cup

• Reigning Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra finished on top and won the gold medal in the men’s javelin final of the Federation Cup, marking his return after three years in the event, at the Kalinga Stadium.
• Neeraj with his best attempt of 82.27m on the fourth attempt took the lead from DP Manu, who won the silver medal with the best throw of 82.06m on the first attempt. Uttam Patil won the bronze medal with a best throw of 78.39m.
• Meanwhile, Asian Games medalist Kishore Kumar Jena finished in fifth position with his best throw of 75.25m.

Ex TARKASH-2024

• Three weeks Joint Exercise TARKASH 2024 between NSG & US(SOF) culminated at Kolkata. The two Special Forces have enhanced interoperability & shared best practices during the exercise.
• The seventh edition of the Indo-U.S. joint counter terrorism exercise” Tarkash”, between the elite National Security Guard (NSG) and the U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) commenced on April 22.
• “The three-week exercise encompassed intense training and mock drills in urban counter terrorism scenarios. The primary objective of the bilateral exercise is to build functional relations and enhance interoperability between the two special forces in conducting coordinated counter terror operations in urban counter terrorism contingencies. The exercise is also aimed at improving bilateral cooperation between India and the U.S. in matters relating to combating terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations,” a statement said.
• The NSG and the SOF conduct regular exchanges in various aspects of the counter terrorist operations, as part of bilateral mutual counter terrorism capacity building initiatives and mechanism.

BEML Secures Rs 250 crore Order

• BEML Limited has secured an order from Northern Coal Fields Limited (NCL) for the supply of 28 units of BH100 Rear Dump Trucks. The total value of the order is Rs 250 crore. The BH100 Rear Dump Truck is engineered to transport payloads of up to 100 tonnes, specifically designed for the efficient handling of overburden and coal in heavy-duty mining operations.
• This order marks a significant milestone in the BEML’s continued partnership with NCL, reflecting the trust and reliance on the Defence Public Sector Undertaking’s heavy-duty mining equipment. The dumpers will be maintained under a Guaranteed Spare Parts contract for a period of five years, ensuring uninterrupted service and operational efficiency.
• The BEML BH100 Rear Dump Truck is renowned for its robust design, advanced features, and operational efficiency. Engineered for fuel efficiency, it helps reduce operational costs while maintaining high performance levels.

Philippines To Buy 5 Japan-made Coast Guard Ships In $400 Mn Deal

• The Philippines has agreed to buy five coast guard patrol ships from Japan in a deal worth more than $400 million, Manila said, as the Southeast Asian country faces growing Chinese pressure in the South China Sea.
• Japan will loan the Philippines 64.38 billion yen ($413 million) to buy the five 97-metre Multi-Role Response Vessels and pay for the “development of the required support facilities”, the foreign ministry said in a statement.
• “This will support the PCG in improving its capabilities for maritime operations particularly in addressing transnational crimes,” the statement said, referring to the Philippine Coast Guard.
• Philippine Coast Guard boats have also been fired on with water cannons by the China Coast Guard, with the latest incident happening on April 30 near the China-controlled Scarborough Shoal.

Indo-Russian Joint Venture Handed Over 27,000 Ak-203 Assault Rifles

• The Indian Army has started receiving the Russian AK-203 assault rifles after the deal with Russia saw back-to-back delays, partly due to the war in Ukraine and payment delays. As many as 27,000 rifles have been handed over to the Army so far by the Indo-Russian joint venture established at Korwa in Uttar Pradesh.
• “Everything is on track after initial delays, and 27,000 rifles have been given to the Army. Another 8,000 will be handed over in the next two weeks. Indigenisation level achieved is around 25%,” an official in the know said.
• Cartridge: 7.62×39mm
• Caliber: 7.62x39mm
• Action: Gas-operated, rotating bolt
• Rate of fire: ~700 rounds/min
• Muzzle velocity: 715 m/s (2,346 ft/s)
• Effective firing range: 400–800 m

Visa-free Travel Agreement Between India, Russia Likely By End Of 2024

• Russia and India are holding talks, aiming to initiate a bilateral agreement facilitating travel ease. Scheduled to commence in June, these discussions mark a significant step towards strengthening tourism ties between Moscow and New Delhi, with plans to introduce visa-free group tourist exchanges.
• Kondratyev stressed that the intent of this initiative is to replicate the success of visa-free tourist exchanges which are already operational with China and Iran. Notably, Russia and China initiated their visa-free group tourist exchange on August 1 of the preceding year, followed by a similar initiative with Iran on the same date.
• Talks between Russia and India are still underway, and the two nations will begin consultations on a bilateral agreement to ease travel in June. After the finalisation, Russia and India will collectively launch visa-free group tourist exchanges, reported PTI, referring to the Russian minister.

Defence Ministry points gun at Godrej’s housing project in Mumbai

• The Defence Ministry has objected to a Godrej Properties’ residential venture in Mumbai and demanded that work be suspended on the project, which has an estimated revenue potential of Rs 7,000 crore. The ministry has said the project is too close to the Kandivali complex of the Central Ordnance Depot (COD).
• The Godrej Reserve project is being built on an 18.6-acre land parcel. The developer has already launched about 1.91 million sq ft and had got bookings.
• Taking a grim view, the COD authorities have shot off a missive to the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to immediately issue a ‘Stop Work Notice’ to GPL for its upcoming luxury building project on Akurli Road, barely a from the Kandivali East railway station in north-west Mumbai suburb.
• In a letter the BMC dated May 15 — accessed by IANS — the COD top brass has pointed out that the GPL’s Godrej Reserve project plot is located at a distance of around 250 metres — or within the restricted 500 metres zone — from the boundary wall of the sensitive military establishment.

Exercise Cyber Suraksha – 2024

• CDS Gen Anil Chauhan attended ‘Exercise Cyber Suraksha – 2024’, on May 22, 2024, and underscored the importance of strengthening India’s cyber defence capabilities.
• The comprehensive cyber defence exercise is being conducted by Defence Cyber Agency from 20 – 24 May 2024. It aims to further develop Cyber Defence Capability of all Cyber security organisations and promote synergy amongst all stakeholders.
• Exercise Cyber Suraksha – 2024 aims to empower participants by enhancing their cyber defence skills, techniques and capabilities; share best practices, and work towards a unified and robust cyber defence posture. It will promote jointmanship and synergy in planning and preparation of a a Cyber Defence Framework. The event reaffirms the commitment of the Indian Armed Forces to safeguarding national security in the increasingly important cyber domain.

One-month Extension In Service of General Manoj Pande

• The Appointments Committee of Cabinet, on May 26, 2024, approved the extension in service of COAS General Manoj C Pande for a period of one month, beyond his normal age of superannuation (May 31, 2024), i.e. up to June 30, 2024, under Rule 16 A (4) of the Army Rules 1954.
• He was appointed as the COAS on April 30, 2022. He was commissioned in December 1982 in the Corps of Engineers (The Bombay Sappers). He held the appointment of Vice Chief of the Army Staff before taking over as the COAS.
• The date is significant as well because it is the day the two senior-most generals believed to be in the running for the top post also retire. Army vice chief Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, thus far widely seen as the frontrunner for the top job, is currently the senior-most officer in service after Pande followed by Southern Army commander Lieutenant General AK Singh.
• Both Dwivedi and Singh will retire on June 30. They were commissioned into the army in December 1984.
• To be sure, a top officer can be appointed service chief even if he is retiring on the same day as the outgoing chief.
• The move comes at a time when it was widely expected that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government would name the country’s next army chief before Pande’s retirement.

Indian Navy Initiates Preparatory Actions In Wake of Cyclone ‘Remal’

• The Indian Navy has initiated preparatory actions, following existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), to mount a credible Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) response in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal.
• Coast on the intervening night of May 26 and 27. The situation is being closely monitored at Naval Headquarters, with comprehensive preparatory actions being undertaken by the Headquarters of Eastern Naval Command.
• Cyclone Remal was named by Oman following the standard convention for naming tropical cyclones in the region. In Arabic, Remal means sand.

DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat Gets One-year Extension

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on Monday granted an extension of one year to Dr Samir V. Kamat, who is the Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• With approval, Dr Samir Kamat will hold charge of DRDO till May 31, 2025. Earlier, in a move that has taken forces by surprise, the Government, approved a one-month service extension to Indian Army chief Gen Manoj Pande up to June 30.
• The development comes at a time when the government is going ahead with implementing the recommendations made by a nine-member panel to restructure the organisation to improve its functioning.
• The panel, headed by former principal scientific advisor to the government K VijayRaghavan, was set up last year. It submitted its recommendations to overhaul DRDO in January 2024. Kamat heading an internal committee to implement the recommendations by the VijayRaghavan-led panel to make the organisation leaner and more efficient.
• High-priority military projects taken up by DRDO have been riddled with a raft of problems including time and cost overruns, irregular closure, and have even been declared successful despite non-achievement of key objectives, the national auditor said in a report in 2022.

Indian Army Receives First Hydrogen Bus

• Displaying a firm resolve towards finding green and sustainable transport solutions, the Indian Army has collaborated with IOCL for demonstration trials of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus technology. The Indian Army is known for its commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship.
• MoU was signed between the Indian Army and the IOCL in presence of General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) and Mr. Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Chairman of Indian Oil.
• Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology offers a clean and efficient alternative by converting Hydrogen gas into electricity through an electro-chemical process. The process leaves water vapour as the only by product, thus ensuring zero emission.
• The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus has a seating capacity of 37 passengers. It promises an impressive mileage of 250-300 km on a full 30 kg onboard tank of Hydrogen fuel.

IIT Kanpur, DRDO Jointly Inaugurate Centre Of Excellence In Defence Technologies

• The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation, has established a DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA CoE) on its campus for interdisciplinary research in next-generation defence technologies.
• This is in line with the DIA CoEs set up by DRDO in key academic institutions in the country, through which it is building an ecosystem to facilitate technology development in the academic environment through experienced faculty and bright scholars, in conjunction with the efforts of the different scientists from DRDO laboratories.
• The new centre will spearhead focused research initially in identified research and development verticals, including printing on flexible substrates to build devices and systems based on thin films for strategic applications.

Rudram-II Air-to-surface Missile Successfully Test

• DRDO successfully flight-tested the Rudram -II air-to-surface missile from Su-30 MK-I platform of the Indian Air Force (IAF) off the coast of Odisha at around 1130 hours on May 29, 2024.
• The flight-test met all the trial objectives, validating the propulsion system and control & guidance algorithm. The performance of the missile has been validated from the flight data captured by range tracking instruments like electro-optical systems, radar and telemetry stations deployed by Integrated Test Range, Chandipur at various locations, including the on-board ship.
• The Rudram is a series of supersonic and hypersonic air-to-surface ground attack and anti-radiation missiles in development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation of India.
• The RudraM-II is an indigenously developed air-to-surface anti-radiation missile. With a range of 300 kilometres, a speed of up to Mach 5.5 and a 200 kilogramme payload, the missile is expected to play a vital role in strengthening India’s air security and defence preparedness and act as a ‘force multiplier’

76^TH International Day Of Un Peacekeepers

• The Indian Army commemorated the 76th International Day of United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers, on 29 May 2024, by paying homage to the fallen comrades by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial, New Delhi.
• An Indian peacekeeper deployed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who helped establish networks for local people to voice their security and humanitarian concerns, is the winner of the 2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, the UN announced.
• Major Radhika Sen served in eastern DRC with the UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, from March 2023 to April 2024 as the Commander of the Engagement Platoon for the Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion.Major Sen facilitated English classes for children, and health, gender and vocational training for displaced and marginalized adults. Her efforts directly inspired women’s solidarity, providing safe spaces for open dialogue.Major Sen is the second Indian peacekeeper to receive the award, following Major Suman Gawani, a co-recipient for 2019.
• Other past honourees were from Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, Niger, South Africa and Zimbabwe.Radhika Sen served with the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) from March 2023 to April 2024 as the Commander of MONUSCO’s engagement platoon for the Indian rapid deployment battalion (INDRDB).
• Major Radhika Sen joined the Indian Army eight years ago. She graduated with a degree in biotechnology engineering and was pursuing her Master’s degree at IIT Bombay when she decided to join the armed forces.

Multiple Choice Questions of DCA

1. Where was the medical camp conducted by the ICG in collaboration with AIIMS New Delhi and the UT administration?
   A. Maharashtra
   B. Thane
   C. Lakshadweep
   D. New Delhi
   ANSWER: C
2. Where was the sixth barge of the LSAM 16 series launched?
   A. New Delhi
   B. Thane, Maharashtra
   C. Manekshaw Centre
   D. Lakshadweep
   ANSWER: B
3. Current Indian Navy Chief Is
   A. V R Chaudhary
   B. Manoj Pande
   C. Admiral R Hari Kumar
   D. Admiral Dinesh k Tripathi
   ANSWER: D
4. “Why Bharat Matters“ Book Written By
   A. S Jaishankar
   B. V R Chaudhary
   C. Manoj Pande
   D. Admiral R Hari Kumar (Retd.)
   ANSWER: A
5. Who assumed charge as the Vice Chief of Naval Staff on May 01, 2024?
   A. Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan
   B. Vice Admiral AK Hussain
   C. General K Sundarji
   D. Vice Admiral Arun Prakash
   ANSWER: A
6. What was successfully flight-tested on May 01, 2024, off the coast of Odisha?
   A. Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system
   B. Air-launched medium-range ballistic missile
   C. Agni Missile
   D. Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk1A
   ANSWER: A
7. How many C295 aircraft has the Indian Air Force (IAF) received delivery of so far?
   A. 10
   B. 20
   C. 30
   D. 2
   ANSWER: D
8. Where was the keel laying ceremony of the first NGOPV (ex-GSL) held?
   A. New Delhi
   B. Goa
   C. Uttar Pradesh
   D. Ladakh
   ANSWER: B
9. Which country has agreed to boost its security cooperation with the United States, Japan, and the Philippines in response to China’s actions in the South
   China Sea?
   A. India
   B. Australia
   C. China
   D. New Zeland
   ANSWER: B
10. Where was the sixth edition of Commandants’ Conclave held?
    A. Military Institute of Technology, Pune
    B. Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala
    C. Defence Services Staff College, Wellington
    D. National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla
    ANSWER: A
11. Which organization celebrated its 65th Raising Day on May 07, 2024?
    A. Indian Air Force (IAF)
    B. Indian Navy
    C. Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
    D. Indian Army
    ANSWER: C
12. What was the focus of the second consultations between the EU and India held in New Delhi?
    A. Economic cooperation
    B. Security and defence
    C. Cultural exchange
    D. Environmental issues
    ANSWER: B
13. Where was the AWPO Summit 2024 organized?
    A. Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi
    B. Mumbai Convention Center
    C. Kolkata Exhibition Hall
    D. Bengaluru Technology Park
    ANSWER: A
14. Which organization signed a MoU with JSP for the supply of indigenous
    marine grade steel?
    A. Indian Navy
    B. Indian Army
    C. Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
    D. Ordnance Factory Medak
    ANSWER: D
15. How many CRN-91 Guns were included in the contract between Ordnance Factory Medak and the ICG?
    A. 5
    B. 10
    C. 15
    D. 20
    ANSWER: B
16. When was International Nurses Day 2024 celebrated?
    A. May 10
    B. May 11
    C. May 12
    D. May 13
    ANSWER: B
17. What is the theme declared by the International Council of Nurses for
    International Nurses Day 2024?
    A. Celebrating Nursing Heroes
    B. Our Nurses Our Future, The Economic Power of Care
    C. Nursing: A Global Impact
    D. Healthcare Workers Unite
    ANSWER: B
18. What was the purpose of the Indian Air Force’s test of BHISHM portable cubes
    at Agra?
    A. To test a new fighter jet.
    B. To assess air quality in urban areas.
    C. To evaluate the effectiveness of a portable hospital for emergencies.
    D. To demonstrate the use of drones for medical deliveries.
    ANSWER: C
19. What does the Indian Army’s latest innovation, a hexacopter drone armed
    with a machine gun, represent?
    A. A breakthrough in space technology.
    B. A step towards enhancing border security.
    C. A new method for agricultural surveillance.
    D. Development in renewable energy sources.
    ANSWER: B
20. What event is Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) celebrating on May
    14, 2024?
    A. Launching a new warship
    B. Completing a major infrastructure project
    C. Celebrating its 250th Foundation Day
    D. Introducing a new research institute
    ANSWER: C
21. The __ edition of Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ 2024.
    A. 4th
    B. 5th
    C. 6th
    D. 7th
    ANSWER: B
22. What record did the Indian Army set up in Eastern Ladakh?
    A. Highest number of troops deployed.
    B. Highest tank repair facilities
    C. Longest operation duration
    D. Largest military exercise
    ANSWER: B
23. Which country initiated a new USD 1 billion arms deal for Israel?
    A. China
    B. India
    C. Russia
    D. United States
    ANSWER: D
24. Which country has agreed to buy five coast guard patrol ships from Japan?
    A. Indonesia
    B. Vietnam
    C. Malaysia
    D. The Philippines
    ANSWER: D
25. Where was the 2nd edition of the India – Australia – Indonesia Trilateral Maritime Security Workshop conducted?
    A. Jakarta, Indonesia
    B. Sydney, Australia
    C. New Delhi, India
    D. Kochi, India
    ANSWER: D
26. How many AK-203 assault rifles have been handed over to the Indian Army?
    A. 10,000
    B. 15,000
    C. 27,000
    D. 35,000
    ANSWER: C
27. Which subsidiary of Alphabet is spearheading the drone manufacturing
    operations in Tamil Nadu for export to countries like the US and Australia?
    A. Google X
    B. Wing LLC
    C. Waymo
    D. DeepMind
    ANSWER: B
28. Army Airborne Training School Is Located At
    A. Agra
    B. Mumbai
    C. Pune
    D. Nagpur
    ANSWER: A
29. Which organization has the Indian Army collaborated with for demonstration
    trials of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus technology?
    A. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
    B. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)
    C. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
    D. Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL)
    ANSWER: C
30. An Indian peacekeeper deployed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
    (DRC) won which award for helping establish networks for local people to
    voice their security and humanitarian concerns?
    A. Nobel Peace Prize
    B. United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award
    C. Param Vir Chakra
    D. International Humanitarian Award
    ANSWER: B

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