Monthly Defence Current Affairs May 2025

In Monthly Defence Current Affairs May 2025, 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 2025

Government Revamps National Security Advisory Board

• The Union government has revamped the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). Alok Joshi, a former Chief of the RAW has been appointed as the head of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). Six more members have also been inducted on the board.
• The members include Former Western Air Commander Air Marshal P.M. Sinha, former Southern Army Commander Lieutenant General A.K. Singh, and Rear Admiral Monty Khanna, all retired military officers.
• Rajiv Ranjan Verma and Manmohan Singh are the two retired members of the Indian Police Service. B Venkatesh Varma is a retired IFS officer in the seven-member board.
• This development follows the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 civilians dead, including one Nepalese national, and injured several others.
• In response to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) at his residence. The CCS reviewed the situation and discussed the country’s preparedness and strategic response. Sources revealed that cross-border linkages to the attack were presented during the briefing. The attack comes at a time when the Union Territory has been witnessing peaceful elections and signs of economic progress.

Appointment of CISC

• Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumed the appointment of Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) at Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff in New Delhi on May 01, 2025.
• He succeeds Lt Gen JP Mathew who superannuated on April 30, 2025.
• In a distinguished career spanning close to four decades, the Air Marshal has held a variety of Command, Staff & Instructional appointments, and has been conferred with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal & Vayu Sena Medal for his services.

Appointment of Indian Army’s Northern Command

• Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma assumed the appointment of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Northern Command.
• A highly decorated officer, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma is an alumnus of NDA, Khadakwasla, Indian Military Academy, Dehradun and Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He was commissioned into the MADRAS Regiment in December 1987. He is qualified on Higher Command Course and has also attended course at National Defence College, New Delhi.
• The General Officer has a rich operational experience. He commanded an Infantry Battalion, Brigade and Division along the Line of Control and has Commanded a Strike Corps in the Western Sector.

US Approves $131 Million Military Hardware Supply To India

• The United States has formally approved the supply of critical military hardware and logistic support assets to India, valued at approximately $131 million.
• This move, cleared by the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) under the Pentagon, reflects the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations and aligns with broader US foreign policy objectives in the Indo-Pacific region.
• The DSCA has delivered the required certification for the proposed military supplies and notified the US Congress, a standard procedure for foreign military sales.
• The proposed military package is routed through the “foreign military sale” mechanism and is directly linked to the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) program, a key initiative under the Quad framework involving the US, India, Australia, and Japan.
• The principal contractor for the supply is Hawkeye 360, based in Herndon, Virginia, a company specialising in space-based radio frequency data analytics for maritime domain awareness.

New Vice Chief of The Air Staff

• Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari PVSM AVSM VM took charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, IAF on 02 May 25.
• The Air Marshal completed his schooling at RIMC in Dehradun before joining the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasala, He passed out from NDA in Jun 1985 with the President’s Gold Medal.
• Air Marshal SP Dharkar retired as Vice Chief of the Air Staff on 30 April 2025, on superannuation from the Indian Air Force (IAF), after completion of 40 years of illustrious service to the nation.

China occupies Bagram air base in Afghanistan: President Trump

• US President Donald Trump has claimed that China now occupies the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, which was vacated by America in 2021.
• The US vacated Bagram, its biggest airfield in the country, in July 2021.
• “…But we were going to keep Bagram, the big Air Force base, which is one hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons. That’s what they do. They make their nuclear missiles and one hour away from Bagram, and I said you can’t give up Bagram,” Trump said while addressing the 2025 National Day of Prayer at the White House Thursday.
• “They gave up Bagram, and right now, China occupies Bagram. So sad, so crazy. One of the biggest air bases in the world, among the strongest and longest runways anywhere in the world, one hour away from where China makes its nuclear missiles,” Trump said.
• Bagram Airfield is located in Afghanistan’s Parwan Province, approximately 11 kilometres southeast of the city of Charikar and 47 kilometres north of Kabul. The airfield has an 11,800-foot runway capable of serving bomber and large cargo aircraft.

India Hands Over Coast Guard Ship ‘Huravee’ To Maldives

• Indian Navy’s frontline Guided Missile Destroyer, INS Kochi, arrived in Maldives capital, Male, along with Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF) CGS Huravee on Monday, which underwent Normal Refit at Naval Dockyard in Mumbai from December last year to April 2025.
• Navy PRO, Kochi noted, “INS Kochi’s visit highlights the strong maritime links between India and the Maldives and emphasises the Indian Navy’s commitment to security, peace and freedom of navigation in the region. In keeping with the two nations’ friendly relations, Maldivian authorities warmly welcomed the ship.”
• As part of the ship’s visit, captain Mahesh C Moudgil, commanding officer, INS Kochi, called on major general Ibrahim Hilmy, chief of defence force, MNDF and brigadier general Mohammed Saleem, commandant, Coast Guard MNDF.
• During the ship’s stay in harbour, bilateral meetings, cross-deck visits and sports fixtures have been planned between the Indian Navy and the MNDF, according to Navy PRO, Kochi release.
• Notably, INS Kochi was commissioned on September 30 in 2015 and is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, which is based in Mumbai under the Western Naval Command.

IAF To Get Pseudo Satellites

• The IAF is set to acquire advanced “pseudo satellites,” officially known as High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS), while the Indian Army will induct a new batch of Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS).
• These acquisitions come against the backdrop of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, following recent border skirmishes and a major terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a Request for Information for three HAPS platforms for the IAF. These solar-powered, long-endurance UAVs are designed to operate at altitudes of around 16–20 km, well above commercial airliners and traditional drones but below low Earth orbit satellites.
• Persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, And Reconnaissance (ISR): HAPS can provide continuous monitoring over sensitive areas, making them ideal for border surveillance and intelligence gathering.
• Communication And Data Relay: They act as airborne relays, linking ground stations and aircraft, and supporting other unmanned platforms.
• Electronic Signals Interception: The systems can intercept and relay adversary electronic signals, enhancing situational awareness.

India Secures HawkEye 360 Tech Deal

• The estimated cost of the package is $131 million. It includes the Sea Vision software, preferred software enhancements, training through a technical assistance field team, remote software, analytic support, documentation, and other logistics and programme support.
  • HawkEye 360 is a private American company that operates a network of satellites in low Earth orbit. These satellites track radio frequency (RF) signals coming from ships, aircraft, vehicles, and coastal systems.
  • With the addition of HawkEye 360, India will now gain deeper visibility into its Exclusive Economic Zone. This is expected to help monitor smuggling, illegal fishing, trafficking, and piracy across the Indian Ocean Region.
  • HawkEye 360’s system identifies these hidden vessels by picking up RF emissions and analysing them using multiple layers: Electro-Optical (EO) for daytime imaging, Infrared (IR) for detecting thermal signatures, and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for radar-based images under any weather or light condition. These layers work together to determine a vessel’s size, speed, and location.
  • In 2018, India launched the Information Fusion Centre in the Indian Ocean Region. This facility acts as a regional hub for gathering and analysing shipping data. With the integration of HawkEye 360, the centre will receive even more precise intelligence, helping it track developments in real time.

Maiden flight-trials of Stratospheric Airship Platform

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out maiden flight-trials of its Stratospheric Airship Platform from Sheopur Trial site at Madhya Pradesh.
• Developed by Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment at Agra in Uttar Pradesh, the airship was launched carrying an instrumental payload to an altitude of around 17 kilometers.
• The data from onboard sensors was received and will be utilised for development of high-quality fidelity simulation models for future high-altitude airship flights.
• Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has congratulated the DRDO for the successful maiden flight-trial of the system. He stated that this system will uniquely enhance India’s earth observation and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities.
• The Minister added that this airship will also make the country one of the few countries in the world having such indigenous capabilities.

Operation Sindoor

• A little while ago, the Indian Armed Forces launched ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed.
• Altogether, nine (9) sites have been targeted.
• Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution.
• These steps come in the wake of the barbaric Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were murdered. We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable.

IMDEX – 2025

• The visit is part of the Indian Navy’s operational deployment and underscores the robust maritime partnership between India and Singapore.
• During the stay, the ships’ crew will engage in a series of bilateral/ multilateral activities, including professional exchanges with the Republic of Singapore Navy and other participating navies of IMDEX Asia 2025.
• These engagements aim to strengthen naval cooperation, enhance interoperability, and promote mutual understanding between the two navies.
• The year 2025 marks the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore.
• Singapore is a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy and our vision of the Indo-Pacific. For the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, several commemorative events are being planned that reflect the significance India and Singapore attach to the bilateral partnership.
• Singapore is India’s largest trade partner in ASEAN; it’s India’s 6th largest trade partner (2023-24).
• Bilateral trade expanded after the conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) to USD 35.6 billion (2023-24).
• India is a net importer.
• India signed Direct Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with Singapore in 2016 to check tax evasion.
• Bilateral exercises by the three services: Exercise Agni Warrior (Army), Exercise SIMBEX (Navy) and Air Force Exercise  Joint Military Training (JMT).

50 Infrastructure Projects of BRO to Nation

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 07 May 2025 reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensure border area development, making special mention of Sela Tunnel which has become a symbol of this resolve to enhance connectivity in strategically-important areas.
  • Rajnath Singh was addressing the 66th Raising Day event of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt on Wednesday.
  • He highlighted the vision of PM Narendra Modi to revitalise border villages, stating that initiatives like the Vibrant Villages Programme under which the Government is increasing connectivity by building about 35 kilometers of roads every day, according to the Ministry of Defence.
  • Founded: 7 May 1960
  • Headquarters: New Delhi
  • Director General: Lt. Gen. Raghu Srinivasan
  • Officers from the Border Roads Engineering Service (BRES) and personnel from the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) form the parent cadre of the BRO. It is also staffed by officers and troops drawn from the Indian Army Corps of Engineers on extra regimental employment (on deputation). The Indian Army Pioneer Corps are attached to BRO task forces.
  • The organisations motto is Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam (everything is achievable through hard work).

Delivery of ‘Arnala’

• ‘Arnala’, the first of the eight ASW SWCs (Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft), indigenously designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, was delivered to the Indian Navy on 08 May 25 at M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli.
  • Arnala is named after the historic fort ‘Arnala’ located off Vasai, Maharashtra, a reflection of India’s rich maritime heritage. The 77 m long warship, is the largest Indian Naval warship propelled by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination.
  • The ship has been designed for underwater surveillance, search & rescue operations and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO).
  • Arnala’s delivery is yet another milestone in the Indian Navy’s quest for indigenous shipbuilding and upholding the Government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ with over 80% indigenous content.

National Technology Day 2025

• The Technology Development Board under the Department of Science and Technology, GOI unveiled the official theme for National Technology Day 2025 — “YANTRA – Yugantar for Advancing New Technology, Research & Acceleration.”
• The word YANTRA, deeply rooted in India’s scientific and cultural heritage, represents not just mechanical ingenuity but also symbolic power — of systems, synergy, and scalable solutions.
• National Technology Day commemorates the momentous events of 11th May 1998, when India conducted successful nuclear tests under Operation Shakti, and saw the maiden flight of the indigenously developed Hansa-3 aircraft. In recognition of these achievements, then PM Sh. Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared 11th May as National Technology Day.
• On May 11, 1998, India conducted a series of underground nuclear tests at the Pokhran Test Range in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. It was India’s second nuclear test; the first, codenamed Smiling Buddha, was conducted in May 1974.

INS Tamal

• The Indian Navy is set to receive advanced stealth warship INS Tamal from Russia. 
• Tamal is a stealth warship, built as a part of the 2016 Indo-Russian deal, with two ships built in Russia and two in India.
• INS Tamal is the 2nd Russian-built frigate in this batch, following INS Tushil (commissioned Dec 2024).
• Precision Strikes: Speeds up to 30 knots and a range of 3,000 km per mission.
• Anti-Submarine Weapons: Equipped with torpedoes and rocket systems like BrahMos missile.
• BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile with a range of nearly 300-400 km and operates at near Mach 2.8 speed, ensuring quick engagement times.
• Helicopter Deployment: Can operate a multi-role helicopter for enhanced surveillance and combat.
• Stealth Design: Built to evade radar, improving survivability in modern naval warfare.

BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that Operation Sindoor is not just a military action, but a symbol of India’s political, social and strategic will. Virtually inaugurating the BAITF in Lucknow this afternoon,
  • He said, the inauguration of Brahmos integration and testing facility will help in further strengthening India’s defence prowess.
  • BrahMos is the first supersonic cruise missile known to be in service. Induction of the first version of Brahmos weapon complex in the Indian Navy commenced from 2005 with INS Rajput as the first ship.
  • The Indian Army has also inducted many BrahMos regiments since 2007. The IAF has successfully inducted BrahMos Air Launched Cruise Missile system armed with Sukhoi-30MKI frontline fighter aircraft.

India’s First Locally-Made Hydrogen Drones

• Paras Defence & Space Technologies has taken a significant leap in India’s defence and security landscape by announcing the country’s first locally-made hydrogen-powered drones, ready for immediate deployment.
• This milestone follows a strategic joint venture (JV) with Heven Drones, an Israeli subsidiary of the US-based Heven, renowned for its autonomous, hydrogen-fuelled and mission-specific drones.
• The JV will establish a new entity in India, dedicated to designing, manufacturing, and supplying next-generation drone systems tailored for India’s defence and homeland security requirements, with future plans to address global markets.
• Paras Defence brings its expertise in advanced optics, optronic systems, and defence solutions, while Heven Drones contributes proprietary platforms and proven combat-tested technology.

Indian Army launches ‘Operation Keller’

• Amid the ongoing Operation Sindoor against terrorism backed by Pakistan, the Indian Army on Tuesday launched yet another military action against terrorists called Operation Keller.
• Under Operation Keller, the Indian Army killed three “hardcore terrorists” during heavy exchange of fire in the Shoekal Keller area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district. The operation was launched based on the specific intelligence of a Rashtriya Rifles Unit about the presence of terrorists in the general area of Shoekal Keller and is currently underway, the Indian Army said.
• Among the three terrorists killed in Operation Keller, one was a top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander, Shahid Kuttay, PTI reported, citing officials.
• According to a senior police official, all three terrorists killed were affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, out of whom, he identified two as Shahid Kuttay and Adnan Shafi, the report added. However, the identity of the third terrorist is not yet known.
• He was a resident of Shopian’s Chotipora Heerpora area and was involved in many terror and anti-national activities. He also played a part in the murder of a BJP sarpanch at Heerpora on May 18, 2024, the report citing the official as saying.
• After the April 22 terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed, Kuttay’s residence was razed by the authorities just days later on April 26.

US Agrees To Sell Saudi Arabia $142 Billion Arms Package

• The United States agreed on Tuesday to sell Saudi Arabia an arms package worth nearly $142 billion, according to a White House fact sheet that called it “the largest defense cooperation agreement” Washington has ever done.
  • The agreement, signed during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the Saudi capital Riyadh, covers deals with more than a dozen U.S. defense companies in areas including air and missile defense, air force and space advancement, maritime security and communications, the fact sheet said.
  • Reuters first reported last month that the arms package would be worth well over $100 billion.
  • Reuters previously reported that Lockheed Martin Corp was expected to sell C-130 transport aircraft, missiles and radars as part of the deal.
  • Saudi Arabia is the largest customer for U.S. arms. In 2017, Trump proposed approximately $110 billion of sales to the kingdom.
  • As of 2018, only $14.5 billion of sales had been initiated and Congress began to question the deals in light of the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
  • The two countries had discussed Riyadh’s potential purchase of Lockheed’s F-35 jets, two sources briefed on discussions told Reuters.

India Extends Financial Support To Maldives

• India has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Maldives by rolling over a USD 50 million Treasury Bill for another year, a move facilitated through the State Bank of India (SBI) at the request of the Maldivian government.
• This financial assistance, announced on May 12, 2025, is part of a unique government-to-government arrangement that has been in place since March 2019. Under this initiative, SBI subscribes to Maldivian government Treasury Bills and rolls them over annually, providing the funds interest-free as emergency financial support during periods of fiscal stress for the Maldives.
• The arrangement is seen as a vital component of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and its Vision ‘MAHASAGAR’ (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), which prioritise the stability and prosperity of key maritime neighbours like the Maldives.

Testing of “Bhargavastra”

• India on Wednesday successfully test fired “Bhargavastra”, an indigenous system to counter the threat of swarm drones in the battlefield. The weapon is seen as a substantial leap in war fighting capabilities as drones dominate modern warfare among nations.
• The weapon, designed and developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), was tested in a hard-kill mode which uses micro rockets to target incoming drone swarms.
• A drone swarm in a battlefield refers to a large group of drones that operate together in a coordinated way, often using AI to make decisions and adapt to changing threat perceptions without needing constant human control.
• These swarms come from different directions to attack enemy installations. While some act as decoys (distraction), other drones continue their offensive actions.
• One trial was conducted by firing two rockets in salvo mode within 2 seconds. All four rockets performed as expected and achieved the required launch parameters underscoring its pioneering technology in mitigating large-scale drone attacks.
• A Unified Solution for Countering Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Threats: ‘Bhargavastra’ boasts of advanced capabilities for detecting and eliminating small, incoming drones at distances of upto 2.5 km. It employs unguided micro rockets as the first layer of defence capable of neutralising swarm of drones with lethal radius of 20 meters and guided micro-missile (already tested earlier) as the second layer for pin point accuracy, ensuring precise and impactful neutralisation.
• Designed for seamless deployment across diverse terrains, including high-altitude regions (> 5000 m above sea level), the system addresses the unique operational demands of India’s armed forces.

Neeraj Chopra Conferred Honorary Rank Of Lieutenant Colonel

• India’s highly celebrated athlete and double Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra has been conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army.
• “…in exercise of the powers conferred by Para-31 of the Territorial Army Regulations, 1948, the President is pleased to confer Honorary Rank of Lieutenant Colonel in Territorial Army on Ex-Sub Maj Neeraj Chopra, PVSM, Padma Shri, VSM, Village & Post Office Khandra, Panipat, Haryana with effect from 16 April, 2025,” the notification said.
• The 27-year-old ace javelin thrower, hailing from Khandra village near Panipat in Haryana, had won the gold medal in 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He bagged a silver medal in 2024 Paris Olympics.
• The Territorial Army (TA), raised on October 9, 1949, completed 75 years last year and has served the nation in times of war, and in humanitarian and environmental protection works through its eventful journey over the decades.
• It is fully integrated with the regular Army. In recognition of nation-building efforts and contributions made during war or conflicts, numerous individuals have been honoured with gallantry as well as distinguished service awards in the TA.

Ajay Kumar, Former Defence Secretary, Appointed as UPSC Chairman

• Retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and former defence secretary Ajay Kumar has been named the new Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) chairperson.
• The Department of Personnel of Training late on Tuesday issued an order announcing Kumar’s appointment. “The President is pleased to appoint Dr Ajay Kumar as Chairman, UPSC under Article 316(1) of the Constitution of India [which outlines the appointment process for members of public service commissions].”
• The profile adds that Kumar is credited with implementing key Digital India initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, including UPI, the world’s largest digital payment system; Aadhaar, the world’s largest biometric digital identity system; myGov, a government e-marketplace; Jeevan Pramaan; and several others.
• The UPSC, or Union Public Service Commission, is a constitutional body responsible for conducting civil services examinations in India, as well as other recruitment exams. It is a key institution in India’s civil service recruitment process, ensuring fairness and objectivity in selecting officers for various government positions. The UPSC’s main functions include conducting exams for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS), as well as other Central Services and All India Services.

DRDO Develops High-pressure Polymeric Membrane

• DRDO has successfully developed indigenous nanoporous multilayered polymeric membrane for high-pressure sea water desalination.
• Defence Materials Stores and Research & Development Establishment the Kanpur-based laboratory of DRDO, has developed the tech for desalination plant in ICG ships, based on their operational requirement to address the serious challenge of stability when exposed to chloride ions in saline water.
• The initial safety and performance trials of the polymeric membranes were found to be fully satisfactory. The final operational clearance will be given by ICG after 500 hrs of operational testing.
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is an agency under the Department of Defence Research and Development in the Ministry of Defence of the Government of India, charged with the military’s research and development, headquartered in Delhi, India.
• It was formed in 1958 by the merger of the Technical Development Establishment and the Directorate of Technical Development and Production of the Indian Ordnance Factories with the Defence Science Organisation under the administration of Jawaharlal Nehru.

Andhra Pradesh Exempts Defence Personnel From Property Tax

• The Andhra Pradesh government has granted property tax exemption to houses owned by Indian Defence personnel within the gram panchayat limits in the state.
• The Jana Sena leader stated that the NDA government under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has taken a decision as a mark of deep respect and gratitude to brave soldiers.
• “The Panchayat Raj Department has taken a significant decision, to grant property tax exemption to houses belonging to personnel of the Indian Defence Forces within Gram Panchayat limits.
• This decision honours the unwavering courage of our defence forces Army, Navy, and Air Force, Paramilitary, CRPF personnel who dedicate their lives for the security of our nation,” stated Pawan Kalyan.

Exercise Teesta Prahar

• The Indian Army conducted Exercise Teesta Prahar in the riverine terrain of North Bengal, showcasing joint warfare capability and technological integration
• A large-scale military field exercise conducted at the Teesta Field Firing Range, West Bengal.
• Aimed to simulate and validate combat operations in challenging riverine and all-terrain environments.
• Conducted by the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps under the Eastern Command.
• Involved integrated participation from: Infantry, Mechanised Infantry, Artillery, Armoured Corps, Para Special Forces, Army Aviation, and Engineers and Signals
• Teesta River
• Source: Tso Lhamo Lake
• Bridges: Coronation Bridge
• Length: 414 km
• Mouths: Brahmaputra, Jamuna River
• Cities: Sevoke, Rangpo, Jalpaiguri, Siliguri

BEL Signs Contract with Army

• Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and the Indian Army Air Defence have signed a contract for the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS) on Friday.
  • The system, developed jointly by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and BEL, marks a significant milestone under the Government of India’s Make in India initiative.
  • The IDDIS is designed to detect, track, and neutralise hostile drones, providing a crucial layer of protection against evolving aerial threats.
  • “Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking, BEL has secured additional orders worth Rs 572 Crores since the last disclosure on 07th April 2025. Major orders received include Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System ,Software Defined Radio and Data Communication Unit for attack guns, AI based solutions for ships, simulators, communication equipment, jammers, spares, services etc”.
  • Apart from this, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) manufactured and indigenously designed air defence system, Akashteer, has demonstrated its power during Pakistan’s drone attacks, neutralising the threats as soon as they enter India’s airspace and making it “hell for Pakistan’s air adventures.”
  • Akashteer intercepted numerous drones, missiles, micro UAVs, and loitering munitions, emerging as a globally actionable defence asset.
  • The Akashteer system, developed under a Rs 1,982 crore contract signed in March 2023, integrates surveillance assets, radar systems, and command units into a unified network, providing seamless situational awareness to the Indian Army’s Air Defence units.

Adani Partners with Sparton

• Billionaire Gautam Adani’s group has signed a deal with a US undersea warfare company Sparton to develop electronic sensors and navigation systems that could be used for anti-submarine warfare.
• Adani Defence & Aerospace has signed a binding collaboration agreement with Sparton (DeLeon Springs LLC) to assemble anti-submarine warfare (ASW) solutions for the Indian Navy.
• The partnership aims to localise the assemblage of sonobuoys and other ASW systems in India under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. It will be the first private company in India to offer indigenous Sonobuoys solutions to the Indian Navy.
• Headquartered in De Leon Springs, Florida, Sparton develops, produces and supplies electronic systems to support undersea warfare for the US Navy and allied military forces. The firm was, in December 2020, acquired by Israeli defence electronics company Elbit Systems Ltd.
• Prior to the current deal, the Adani Group had in 2018 set up a joint venture partnership with Israeli weapons giant Elbit Systems to manufacture lethal Hermes 900 drones. In 2020, Adani-Elbit announced ‘mini’ drone missile weapons production.

The 90m Club in Men’s Javelin: As Neeraj Chopra Breaks Barrier

• Late Friday night in Doha at the Diamond League, the rather exclusive 90m club in men’s javelin throw found not one, but two entrants. First, off his third attempt, India’s Neeraj Chopra achieved a long-standing dream. He had been knocking on the door for ages but finally he broke it down with a mammoth 90.23m throw to become the 25th man in history to achieve the feat. But there was to be another late twist. Germany’s Julian Weber got ticket No 26 into the list, throwing 91.06m and pipping Neeraj to the title. The organisers of the event called it “one of the greatest javelin competitions of all time.”
  • Zelezny, who holds the world record for the longest throw (98.48m), does not attend Diamond League tournaments, but he came with Neeraj on Friday because he felt “today is the day to achieve 90m.”
  • Competing at the Qatar Sports Club Stadium, Neeraj got off to a brilliant start with a strong 88.44m throw in his very first attempt, which immediately put him in the lead. His second attempt was a foul, but he bounced back in style with his third — launching the javelin to a staggering 90.23 metres. That effort not only marked a career-best for Chopra but also made him the latest entrant in the elite 90m club, a mark considered the gold standard in javelin throwing.

Operation Olivia

• In a major boost to marine conservation, the Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) annual mission ‘Operation Olivia’ helped protect a record of over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles nested at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha during February 2025.
• Conducted annually from November to May, Operation Olivia is an important initiative of the ICG aimed at ensuring safe nesting grounds for Olive Ridley turtles particularly at Gahirmatha Beach and surrounding coastal areas of Odisha, which see the arrival of over eight lakh turtles each year.
• The olive ridley sea turtle, also known commonly as the Pacific ridley sea turtle, is a species of turtle in the family Cheloniidae. The species is the second-smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world.
• Scientific name: Lepidochelys olivacea
• Class: Reptilia
• Domain: Eukaryota
• Family: Cheloniidae
• Kingdom: Animalia
• Order: Testudines

Indian Navy To Induct Traditionally Built ‘Ancient Stitched Ship’

• Indian Navy will induct and unveil the name of the Ancient Stitched Ship during a ceremonial event on 21 May 2025 at Naval Base, Karwar.
• The stitched ship is a recreation of a 5th century CE ship, inspired by a painting from the Ajanta Caves. The project was formally initiated through a tripartite agreement signed in Jul 2023 between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and M/s Hodi Innovations, with funding from the Ministry of Culture.
• Post induction, the project will enter its second important phase, where the Indian Navy will undertake the ambitious challenge of sailing this vessel along traditional maritime trade routes, reviving the spirit of ancient Indian seafaring. Preparations for the vessel’s maiden transoceanic voyage from Gujarat to Oman are already underway.

Rajiv Gandhi 34^th Death Anniversary

• Former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated 34 years ago. He became the 6th and youngest prime minister in India’s history on October 31, 1984.
  • Anti-Terrorism Day
  • It was on this day in 1991 that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi fell to the designs of terrorists. The objective behind the observance of Anti-Terrorism Day is to wean away the people from terrorism and violence.
  • The objective behind the observance of Anti-Terrorism Day is to wean away the people from terrorism and violence. On the occasion, debates, discussions, symposia, seminars, lectures, etc. are held in schools, colleges and universities on the dangers of terrorism and violence.

India’s Next Generation Indigenous RCWS

• India’s next-generation indigenous Remote-Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS) for the Army and Navy, developed by Zen Technologies in partnership with AI Turing Technologies, represent a significant leap in the modernization and self-reliance of the country’s defence sector.
• Unveiled in late 2024 and showcased at Aero India 2025, these advanced systems are designed to enhance operational efficiency, survivability, and lethality across land, sea, and air platforms, aligning with the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
• Parashu is a versatile, lightweight remote-controlled weapon station designed for integration on light armoured vehicles, naval vessels, and as static defence points.
• Fanish (Tank Mounted RCWS – 12.7 x 108 HMG):
• Specifically built for heavy-duty tanks like the T-72 and T-90, Fanish is equipped with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun and features a cooled thermal camera and Fibre Optic Gyro (FOG) stabilization.
• Sharur (Naval RCWS – 12.7 x 99 HMG):
• Sharur is engineered for naval defence, offering robust target engagement against both surface and aerial threats up to 2 km away.
• Durgam (Artillery Rugged Camera):
• Durgam is a rugged surveillance camera system designed for extreme conditions, equipped with day/night vision and real-time threat detection.

Agnikaa Jet Series: India’s First Jet-Powered Loitering Munition

• Adani Defence and Aerospace has unveiled the groundbreaking Agnikaa jet series, marking a significant milestone as India’s first indigenous jet-powered loitering munition line.
• This advanced weapons system, with variants including the Agnikaa (J1), H1, H2, and H3, represents a major leap in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
• With a weight of 25 kg, impressive flight duration of 1 hour, and an operational range of 190 km, the Agnikaa series is designed to fulfil diverse mission requirements ranging from short-range tactical operations to long-range strategic strikes.
• Loitering munitions represent a revolutionary category of weapons that combine the advantages of UAVs with precision strike capabilities. These systems are designed to “loiter” in a designated area, conducting surveillance and reconnaissance while waiting for targets to present themselves before executing a precision strike.
• The Agnikaa jet series represents Adani Defence’s entry into this sophisticated weapons category, with India joining a select group of nations capable of producing advanced loitering munition systems.
• The base specifications of the Agnikaa platform include a relatively lightweight design of 25 kg, which enhances its deployability and reduces logistical requirements.

‘Golden Dome’ Missile Shield for US

• US President Donald Trump announced a new missile defence initiative, the ‘Golden Dome’, aimed at shielding the country from foreign threats. He revealed that a bill currently in Congress proposes a $25 billion allocation for the project.
• He said that “everything” in the Golden Dome missile defence shield he is planning will be made in the United States.
• Trump further stated that Canada has shown interest in joining the Golden Dome project, and the US would support its northern neighbour in this effort.
• Initially ordered by Trump in January, the Golden Dome project aims to build a satellite-based network capable of detecting, tracking, and possibly intercepting incoming missiles. The system could involve the deployment of hundreds of satellites dedicated to missile surveillance and response.
• The Golden Dome concept draws inspiration from Israel’s Iron Dome, which defends against rockets and missiles.

Indigenously Built Synthetic Aperture Radar Drone

• India’s first indigenously built Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) drone, developed by Sisir Radar, represents a major leap in the nation’s Earth observation and defence technology capabilities.
• This drone platform is entirely designed and manufactured in-house by Sisir Radar, a Kolkata-based start-up led by renowned radar expert Tapan Misra, known for his pivotal roles in ISRO’s imaging satellite programs and the NISAR mission.
• The SAR systems support both 2D and 3D imaging, and their automatic registration with map references enhances usability for strategic operations.
• Sisir Radar’s P-band SAR is the world’s highest-resolution in its class and is flown on a drone, a global first.

‘Ancient Stitched Ship’ Inducted Into The Indian Navy

• The Indian Navy formally inducted and named the Ancient Stitched ship as INSV Kaundinya at a ceremonial event held at Naval Base, Karwar.
• INSV Kaundinya is a stitched sail ship, based on a 5th century CE ship depicted in the paintings of Ajanta Caves. The project was initiated through a tripartite agreement signed in Jul 2023 between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and M/s Hodi Innovations, with funding from the Ministry of Culture.
• The Indian Navy played a central role in the project, overseeing the design, technical validation, and construction process. With no surviving blueprints of such vessels, the design had to be inferred from iconographic sources.
• The ship will now embark on her next historic phase, involving preparations for a transoceanic voyage along the ancient trade route from Gujarat to Oman, scheduled for later this year.
• Kaundinya became a young Brahmin scholar in Kapilvastu in the Sakya kingdom of King Suddhodana. He was one among the group of scholars who were invited to the royal court to predict the destiny of Crown Prince Siddhartha at his naming ceremony.
• The Kaundinya gotra is a specific lineage or clan within the Hindu tradition, primarily associated with certain Brahmin families. It is named after the ancient sage, Rishi Kaundinya. Individuals within this gotra trace their lineage back to Kaundinya and are considered part of this particular branch of the Brahmin community.

Operation Kagar

• In the din of Operation Sindoor, the media perhaps missed another crucial operation – Operation Kagar. It was launched on April 21, around the Karreguttalu hill range straddling Telangana and Chhattisgarh, to neutralise the Maoists staying in the dense forests.
• Known by various names like Kagar, Sankalp, Black Forest and Karreguttalu, the operation deployed 10,000 personnel of the CRPF the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action or CoBRA, the District Reserve Guards of the Chhattisgarh Police, the Greyhounds of Telangana, and also police personnel.
• Based on intelligence inputs that about 400 Maoists, including top leaders, were camping in Karreguttalu, the operation was launched covering an area of 288 sq km. The “biggest operation till date”, as stated by Home Minister Amit Shah, was monitored by top officials all the way. The CRPF Director General, G P Singh, even camped in the area till it was called off on May 11.

Project Kusha Air Defence System

• India’s DRDO has embarked on one of its most ambitious air defence initiatives through Project Kusha, an indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile system designed to rival the capabilities of foreign systems like the Russian S-400.
• The project, spearheaded by DRDO in partnership with BEL aims to develop a transportable, long-range surface-to-air missile system featuring at least three types of interceptors with ranges spanning 150 km to 350 km.
• Project Kusha positions India to achieve operational deployment by 2028-2029 while potentially securing orders worth ₹40,000 crore.
• The technological foundation of Project Kusha incorporates advanced long-range surveillance and fire control radars capable of simultaneous detection and tracking of multiple targets across vast operational areas.

ISRO Declares 2025 As Gaganyaan Year

• The ISRO has officially declared 2025 as the “Gaganyaan Year,” marking a pivotal phase in India’s ambitious human spaceflight program.
• The Gaganyaan Programme, approved in December 2018, is designed to send Indian astronauts to Low Earth Orbit and to develop the essential technologies for sustained human space exploration by India.
• As of May 2025, ISRO chief V Narayanan announced that over 7,200 tests have been successfully completed, with approximately 3,000 tests still pending. The organisation is working around the clock to ensure all critical systems and subsystems meet the stringent requirements for human spaceflight.
• A significant milestone highlighted by the ISRO chief is the successful completion of the SpaDeX mission, a cost-effective technology demonstrator that used two small spacecraft launched by PSLV to showcase in-space docking capabilities.
• 2025 is set to be a year of intense activity for ISRO, with multiple important missions planned. These include the launch of a NASA-ISRO synthetic aperture radar satellite using an Indian launch vehicle, as well as commercial and communication satellite missions.

Rajnath Singh Releases CDS Book On Indian Military Evolution

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released the book “Ready, Relevant and Resurgent: A Blueprint for the Transformation of India’s Military,” authored by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan.
  • The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the ongoing transformation within the Indian military, emphasising three core pillars: jointness, integration, and self-reliance.
  • General Chauhan articulates a vision for building a future-ready force capable of securing India’s interests amid the increasingly complex and uncertain geopolitical environment of the 21st century.
  • The book details actionable steps for reform, including the creation of theatre commands tailored to specific threats—such as a northern command focused on China, a western command oriented toward Pakistan, and a maritime command for the Indian Ocean region.

TATA Advanced Systems Advanced Thermal Sighting System

• The Indian Army has significantly enhanced its air defence capabilities by integrating TATA Advanced Systems Limited’s advanced Thermal Sighting System with the Russian-origin IGLA man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS).
• This state-of-the-art thermal sight, specifically the Rajak Thermal Weapon Sight-Cooled empowers operators with real-time tracking and engagement of aerial threats such as drones, helicopters, and aircraft, both during the day and at night, as well as in adverse weather and low-visibility conditions.
• It enables detection of man-sized targets up to 6 km and tank-sized targets up to 4 km, while larger aerial targets like aircraft and helicopters can be detected from 12–15 km away. Smaller targets, such as UAVs, can be tracked from 3 km.
• The Igla-S system itself is a third-generation, shoulder-fired, infrared-homing surface-to-air missile with a range of up to 6 km and an altitude ceiling of 3.5 km.

DRDO’s Anti-Stealth Surveillance Radar (VHF-SR) By DRDO-BEL-TASL Enters Field Trials

• DRDO has achieved a significant milestone with the advancement of the Anti-Stealth VHF-SR (Very High Frequency-Short Range) surveillance radar system into critical field trials, representing a transformative leap in indigenous radar technology.
  • Developed through a collaborative effort between the DRDO, BEL, and TASL, this cutting-edge radar system demonstrates India’s growing prowess in developing sophisticated counter-stealth technologies.
  • The system’s remarkable 400-km detection range represents a considerable achievement for a truck-based mobile VHF radar platform, enabling comprehensive early warning and surveillance capabilities across vast operational areas.
  • The VHF-SR radar’s primary technological advantage lies in its ability to detect very low observable (VLO) aircraft, including advanced stealth fighters that are specifically engineered to evade conventional radar systems. Operating within the VHF band (30 to 300 MHz).

Indigenous Engines To Power India’s 1,000 Km Range Kamikaze Drones

• India has made a significant leap in indigenous defence technology with the unveiling of potent Kamikaze drones powered by home-built engines, capable of striking targets up to 1,000 kilometres away.
• Developed by the National Aerospace Laboratories under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research these loitering munitions—also known as “do-and-die” drones.
• The Indian Kamikaze drone, named “Bharat” in some reports, measures approximately 2.8 meters in length with a 3.5-meter wingspan and weighs about 120 kilograms.
• It is powered by a 30-horsepower Wankel engine, developed indigenously by NAL, which enables the drone to achieve a maximum speed of 180 km/h and a flight range of up to 1,000 kilometres.
• The drone can carry an explosive payload of 25 kilograms, making it a formidable weapon for precision strikes on high-value enemy assets.
• Hyderabad-based Raghu Vamsi Machine Tools (RVMT), a prominent aerospace and defence manufacturing firm, has announced plans to develop a cutting-edge Kamikaze drone, signalling a major advancement in India’s indigenous unmanned aerial systems (UAS) capabilities.

            Raksha Mantri Approves AMCA Programme

• In a significant push towards enhancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities and fostering a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has approved the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model.
• The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is set to execute the programme through Industry partnership.
• The Execution Model approach provides equal opportunities to both private and public sectors on competitive basis. They can bid either independently or as joint venture or as consortia. The entity/bidder should be an Indian company compliant with the laws and regulations of the country.
• This is an important step towards harnessing the indigenous expertise, capability and capacity to develop the AMCA prototype, which will be a major milestone towards Aatmanirbharta in the aerospace sector.
• ADA will shortly issue an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the AMCA Development Phase.

DRDO Inaugurates Quantum Technology Research Centre

• DRDO inaugurated the Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) at Metcalfe House, Delhi. QRTC is equipped with state-of-the-art experimental set-ups designed to propel research and development in critical quantum domains.
• The key capabilities of this centre include Characterisation of  Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers and Distributed Feedback Lasers; Test-beds for evaluating single-photon sources; Set-up for characterisation of Micro Fabricated Alkali Vapor Cell; and Experimental platforms for developing and validating Quantum Key Distribution techniques to enable ultra-secure communication and safeguard national security in the post-quantum era, spearheaded by Scientific Analysis Group DRDO.
• Spearheaded by Solid State Physics Laboratory QTRC also focuses on foundational technologies including an Ultra-Small Atomic Clock based on Coherent Population Trapping for highly precise timekeeping in Global Navigation Satellite System-denied environments, an Atomic Magnetometer using optically pumped magnetometry for ultra-sensitive magnetic field detection, and Cutting-edge solid-state quantum devices and materials.

17^th ‘Nomadic Elephant 2025’ Joint Exercise

• The Indian Army and the Mongolian Armed Forces will commence the 17th edition of their joint military exercise, Nomadic Elephant 2025, from May 31 to June 13 at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
• The exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability between the two armies in conducting counter-insurgency operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain, particularly under the framework of the United Nations mandate.
• Meanwhile, a 19-member delegation from the Mongolian Army, led by Brigadier General Ontsgoibayar Lkhamjii, visited the Indian Army’s Shatrujeet Brigade to gain firsthand insight into the professional aspects of airborne troops. This visit marked a key step in strengthening India-Mongolia defence cooperation.
• The Indian contingent, comprising 45 personnel, was represented by a battalion of SIKKIM SCOUTS and personnel from other arms and services. The Mongolian contingent was represented by personnel from the 150 Quick Reaction Force Battalion of the Mongolian Army.
• Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT was an annual training event conducted alternately in India and Mongolia.

DRDO Chief, Dr. Samir Kamat’s Tenure Extended

• The Central Government has given a one-year extension to Dr. Samir V Kamat, the Chief of DRDO. He will now stay in the post till May 2026. This is his second extension. The government approved it under a special rule that allows such extensions in public interest, showing the importance of his work.
• Samir V Kamat is a senior scientist and an important figure in India’s defence research. He became the Chairman of DRDO and Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) on August 25, 2022. He has made many contributions to the country’s defence technologies.
• Dr. Kamat received his first extension on May 2023, 2023. That extension was for one year and was scheduled to end in May 2025.
• Now, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved a second one-year extension. This means Dr. Kamat will continue as DRDO Chief from June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026, or until further orders.
• “These Rules are a critical enabler for the functioning of the ISOs and establish a comprehensive framework for discipline, administrative control, and operational synergy,” the statement said.

Shangri-La Dialogue 2025

• Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan will visit Singapore from May 30, 2025 to June 01, 2025 to attend the 22nd edition of the Shangri-La Dialogue, hosted annually by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
• During the visit, General Anil Chauhan will hold bilateral meetings with Chiefs of Defence Forces and senior military leadership from several foreign countries including those from Australia, European Union, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, UK and USA.
• The Chief of Defence Staff will address the Academia, Think Tanks and Researchers and speak on the topic ‘Future Wars and Warfare’. He will also participate in the simultaneous special sessions as part of the event and address on the topic ‘Defence Innovation Solutions for Future Challenges‘.
• Shangri-La Dialogue is Asia’s premier defence and security summit that brings together defence ministers, military chiefs, policy makers and strategic experts across the globe.

Tata-Airbus to Build India’s First Private Helicopter

• India’s aviation manufacturing capabilities are set to soar higher as Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) and European aerospace giant Airbus join hands to establish the country’s first privately-led helicopter Final Assembly Line.
• The strategic move places India on the global aerospace map, boosting its ambition of becoming an indigenous defence and aviation manufacturing hub.
• The proposed helicopter manufacturing facility, to be located in Karnataka’s Kolar district, will assemble Airbus’ H125 helicopters, a globally popular light helicopter model known for its versatility and performance in high-altitude and hot conditions.
• This facility will be only the fourth H125 assembly plant worldwide, joining existing Airbus facilities in France, the United States, and Brazil.
• Karnataka emerged as the front-runner for the project, outpacing other contenders such as Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, thanks to its established aerospace ecosystem and policy incentives.

Multiple Choice Questions of DCA

1. Who has been appointed as the head of the revamped National Security
   Advisory Board (NSAB)?
   A. Ajit Doval
   B. Samant Goel
   C. Alok Joshi
   D. Rajnath Singh
   ANSWER: C
2. According to the USTR’s Special 301 Report, why has India been placed on the
   ‘priority watch list’?
   A. Weak military ties with the US
   B. Inadequate cyber security
   C. Weak protection and enforcement of IP rights
   D. Delay in climate action policies
   ANSWER: C
3. What is the name of the new agreement between the United States and
   Ukraine regarding critical minerals and resources?
   A. Ukraine Freedom Pact
   B. Strategic Resources Agreement
   C. United States-Ukraine Reinvestment Fund
   D. Ukraine Reconstruction Initiative
   ANSWER: C
4. Who has assumed the position of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC
   in-C), Northern Command?
   A. Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma
   B. Lieutenant General Rajeev Sharma
   C. Air Marshal SP Dharkar
   D. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit
   ANSWER: A
5. What is the approximate value of military hardware and logistic support assets
   approved by the US for India?
   A. $200 million
   B. $100 million
   C. $131 million
   D. $75 million
   ANSWER: C
6. Where is Bagram Airfield located?
   A. Helmand Province
   B. Kandahar Province
   C. Parwan Province
   D. Herat Province
   ANSWER: C
7. Where did DRDO conduct the maiden flight-trials of the Stratospheric Airship
   Platform?
   A. Pokhran, Rajasthan
   B. Chandipur, Odisha
   C. Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh
   D. Agra, Uttar Pradesh
   ANSWER: C
8. Which organization developed the Stratospheric Airship Platform?
   A. Defence Avionics Research Establishment, Bengaluru
   B. Armament Research and Development Establishment, Pune
   C. Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra
   D. Centre for Airborne Systems, Bengaluru
   ANSWER: C
9. What is the estimated cost of the HawkEye 360 technology package approved
   for sale to India by the United States?
   A. $100 million
   B. $131 million
   C. $150 million
   D. $175 million
   ANSWER: B
10. What is the name of the recent operation launched by the Indian Armed
    Forces targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK?
    A. Operation Trinetra
    B. Operation Vijay
    C. Operation Sindoor
    D. Operation Shakti
    ANSWER: C
11. Which Indian Naval Ship arrived in Singapore for IMDEX Asia 2025?
    A. INS Vikramaditya
    B. INS Kiltan
    C. INS Arihant
    D. INS Kolkata
    ANSWER: B
12. What is the name of the first indigenously built ASW Shallow Water Craft
    delivered to the Indian Navy?
    A. INS Vikrant
    B. INS Kattupalli
    C. Arnala
    D. INS Kochi
    ANSWER: C
13. Which shipyard designed and built the ASW SWC ‘Arnala’?
    A. Cochin Shipyard
    B. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
    C. Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE)
    D. Hindustan Shipyard
    ANSWER: C
14. What is the name of the operation Pakistan has started against India?
    A. Operation Zarb-e-Azb
    B. Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos
    C. Operation Blue Star
    D. Operation Sunrise
    ANSWER: B
15. What new course has the Maharashtra government decided to introduce in
    the Mumbai University curriculum?
    A. Defence Management
    B. Civil Defence
    C. Disaster Technology
    D. Nuclear Studies
    ANSWER: B
16. Which company has announced India’s first locally-made hydrogen-powered
    drones?
    A. DRDO
    B. Bharat Electronics
    C. Paras Defence & Space Technologies
    D. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
    ANSWER: C
17. Who is the strategic partner of Paras Defence for developing hydrogen
    powered drones?
    A. Rafael
    B. Heven Drones
    C. Elbit Systems
    D. Boeing
    ANSWER: B
18. Which is the second Russian-built frigate that the Indian Navy is set to
    receive?
    A. INS Vikrant
    B. INS Tushil
    C. INS Tamal
    D. INS Shivalik
    ANSWER: C
19. What is the theme for National Technology Day 2025?
    A. Innovate India
    B. Tech for Tomorrow
    C. Science for Sustainability
    D. YANTRA – Yugantar for Advancing New Technology, Research & Acceleration
    ANSWER: D
20. Where was the world’s largest aerospace-grade titanium and superalloy
    materials plant inaugurated in India?
    A. Bengaluru
    B. Hyderabad
    C. Pune
    D. Lucknow
    ANSWER: D
21. What is the name of the indigenous system developed to counter swarm
    drones?
    A. Agni Prime
    B. Bhargavastra
    C. Trishul
    D. Astra X
    ANSWER: B
22. Which company developed the Bhargavastra system?
    A. DRDO
    B. HAL
    C. Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL)
    D. Bharat Dynamics Limited
    ANSWER: C
23. Who has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Union Public Service
    Commission (UPSC)?
    A. Neeraj Chopra
    B. Ajay Kumar
    C. Rajiv Gauba
    D. S. Jaishankar
    ANSWER: B
24. Neeraj Chopra has been conferred with which honorary rank in the Territorial
    Army?
    A. Major
    B. Captain
    C. Lieutenant Colonel
    D. Colonel
    ANSWER: C
25. What is the main objective of the Indian Coast Guard’s annual ‘Operation
    Olivia’?
    A. Conducting maritime border patrols
    B. Protecting Olive Ridley turtles during nesting season
    C. Cleaning coastal beaches
    D. Rescuing fishermen during cyclones
    ANSWER: B
26. What is the name of the new missile defence initiative announced by US
    President Donald Trump?
    A. Iron Dome
    B. Sky Shield
    C. Golden Dome
    D. Patriot Shield
    ANSWER: C
27. What is the approximate proposed budget for the ‘Golden Dome’ missile
    defence initiative?
    A. $10 billion
    B. $15 billion
    C. $20 billion
    D. $25 billion
    ANSWER: D
28. The Ancient Stitched Ship to be inducted by the Indian Navy is inspired by
    which of the following?
    A. Harappan Seals
    B. Ajanta Cave Painting
    C. Konark Temple Sculpture
    D. Ellora Rock Carvings
    ANSWER: B
29. What is the significance of the Agnikaa jet series unveiled by Adani Defence
    and Aerospace?
    A. India’s first stealth fighter
    B. India’s first solar-powered drone
    C. India’s first indigenous jet-powered loitering munition
    D. India’s first autonomous underwater vehicle
    ANSWER: C
30. What is the name of the Ancient Stitched ship inducted by the Indian Navy?
    A. INSV Vikrant
    B. INSV Sagarika
    C. INSV Kaundinya
    D. INSV Surya
    ANSWER: C

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