Monthly Defence Current Affairs – November 2023

In Defence Current Affairs for Monthly Compilation October 2023, 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 Current Affairs.

Indian Navy Successfully Test-fires Brahmos Missile

• The Indian Navy on Wednesday said that it has successfully test-fired a BrahMos missile from its warship in the Bay in Bengal. The missile achieved all mission objectives, it said. In a post on X, the Navy also shared a picture of the test-firing.
• This was the mean preparedness for operational preparedness of blue water and counter preparation of the Chinese navy. Earlier also, the navy fired an extended range of BrahMos missiles with multiple capacities and ranges.
• R-class destroyer ship and her potent weapon, both indigenous, mark another shining symbol of ‘AatmaNirbharta’ and the Indian Navy’s firepower at sea. It fulfils all challenges from adversaries, especially the Chinese PLA NAVY.

Ex Poorvi Akash 2023

• As part of Ex Poorvi Akash of EAC IAF, the indigenous LCH Prachand today landed at a high elevation ALG on one of its first such deployments, carrying out joint training with ground forces, alongside a variety of other combat platforms and systems participating in the exercise.
• Eastern Air Command (EAC) of the Indian Air Force conducted its annual Command level exercise – Ex Poorvi Akash from 30 October to 5 November, said an official statement from IAF.
• The exercise comprised the application of Air Power in all its roles and will be conducted by day and night. The exercise also comprises joint operations with Eastern Command (EC) of Indian Army in the challenging mountainous terrain, added the statement.
• It involved activation of the entire Eastern Sector and IAF Garuds will participate in special missions along with the Special Forces (SF) of the Indian Airforce.

34^th Tri-Services Training Commanders Conference

• The 34^th Tri-Services Training Commanders Conference was held at Army Training Command in Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla, the Defence officials said. As per the official, the conference was chaired by CDS General Anil Chauhan.
• The conference focused on jointness and integration in training pedagogy in the defence forces. The CDS has already held similar meetings for the northern theatre and maritime theatre in the last few months as part of discussions towards creating theatre commands.
• As part of promoting the Tri-Service culture in the forces, the services are having cross postings of personnel from one force to the other as recently Army officers from Air Defence units are getting posted to the Air Force Surface to Air Missile (SAM) Squadrons.
• The joint acquisition of weapon systems has already started in the Armed Forces with the case of procurement of Predator drones from the US to be followed up by the Medium Altitude Long Endurance drones being next on the agenda.

Indian Army To Get ‘Tanks in the Air’      

• The Indian Army is preparing for the addition of six heavy-duty Apache attack helicopters armed with Stinger air-to-air missiles, Hellfire Longbow air-to-ground missiles, guns, and rockets. This comes as part of the Rs 5,691 crore deal signed with the US in February 2020.
• The delivery of these AH-64E Apache attack choppers, known as “tanks in the air,” will occur in batches between February and June next year.
• IAF has already inducted 22 Apache helicopters under a separate deal worth Rs 13,952 crore signed in September 2015. These helicopters will provide integrated combat aviation support to the Army’s strike corps, according to an officer.

Crest Unveiling Ceremony Of Indian Navy’s Project 15B Warship “Surat”

• Crest of Indian Navy’s latest, indigenous under-construction, guided missile destroyer, ‘Surat’, is scheduled to be unveiled by Shri Bhupendra Patel, the Chief Minister of Gujarat in presence of Adm  R Hari Kumar, the Chief of the Naval Staff, at a ceremony to be held in the city of Surat on 06 November 2023.
• Amongst the latest frontline ‘Warship Projects’ under construction, the ‘Project 15B’ programme involves construction of four next generation stealth guided missile destroyers, of which ‘Surat’ is the fourth and the last ship. She is presently under construction at Mazagon Docks Shipbuilders Ltd. Mumbai.
• It is a well-known fact that the city of Surat was the most important maritime trade link between India and many other countries from the 16th to the 18th century. The city was also a flourishing centre for ship building activities and the vessels built in Surat, during this period, were especially renowned for their longevity as some ships continued to be in service for more than 100 years.

Indian Army & Indian Navy orders 4 Hermes-900 MALE Drones

• After acquiring Israeli Heron Mk-2 long-range armed drones, the Indian armed forces have now purchased another medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drone — the Hermes 900 Starliner from Israel.
• All three services have ordered two drones each using emergency procurement powers granted to the forces.
• The army and navy have ordered two Elbit Systems-manufactured Hermes 900 drones, while the IAF has ordered two Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)-manufactured Heron Mk2 drones.
• It is worth noting that the army already operates four Heron Mk2 UAVs, which were ordered in 2021. Two of the army’s Heron Mk2 drones are deployed at Leh in Ladakh, while the other two are deployed in the eastern theater.
• The deliveries of these UAVs are expected to be completed by next year.
• India is also working on Project Cheetah — a project aimed at weaponizing, upgrading, and adding satellite communication systems — to hundreds of Israeli Heron and Searcher UAVs already in operation with the armed forces.
• This project is estimated to cost approximately Rs 21,000 crore.
• Among these, the study concerning UAVs has concluded, recommending the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs and 155 Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAVs.

India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue

• The United States and India have established a strong defence industrial cooperation that looks at opportunities for co-development and co-production of important military capabilities for both countries, as per a US State Department fact sheet released.
• Earlier in 2023, the US approved a pathbreaking manufacturing licence for the co-production of GE F414 engines in India. The United States and India launched an educational series that prepares startups and young innovators to contribute to the defence industries in both countries.
• The United States and India also cooperate through the bilateral US-India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group and the Defence Policy Group, as per the fact sheet.
• The two countries have a common vision to deploy clean energy at scale, as reflected in both countries’ ambitious 2030 targets for climate action and clean energy.

India All-set To Buy 31 MQ-9B Predator Drones

• Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar on November 08 confirmed that India will soon buy the efficient 31 MQ-9B Predator Drones for the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force in order to advance India’s surveillance capability.
• “The Predator MQ-9B drone is used for surveillance…This is a very useful asset…The govt has given its approval to buy it now. There is a plan to buy 31 Predator Drones,” said the Naval Chief.
• The MQ-9Bs, which will be assembled in India, will enhance the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of India’s armed forces across domains.
• As part of this plan, General Atomics will also establish a Comprehensive Global Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India in support of India’s long-term goals to boost indigenous defence capabilities.
• The MQ-9B has two variants — the Sky Guardian and the Sea Guardian, its maritime variant. The MQ-9B is designed to fly over the horizon via satellite for up to 40 hours, depending on configuration, in all types of weather and safely integrate into civil airspace.

AMC Officer Lt Col Sanjeev Malik Creates History

• Army Medical Corps officer Lt Col Sanjeev Malik has made history by winning Five Gold Medals in 42^nd World Medicine and Health Games in Colombia. He is presently posted in the President’s Bodyguards, Rashtrapati Bhawan.
• His victories in the 800m, 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, and cross-country events make him the only athlete to achieve this feat in 2023 and one of a select few since the Games began in 1978.
• The World Medicine and Health Games, often regarded as the Olympic Games for Health Professionals, has evolved into the most prestigious global sporting event within the medical community. With a legacy dating back to 1978, the Games annually attract over 2,500 participants from more than 50 nations.

Exercise KAZIND 2023 Concluded

• The joint military exercise between India and Kazakhstan concluded in the Otar. The drill facilitated synergy in the conduct of joint tactical operations and promoting understanding & interoperability between the two-Armed Forces.
• The Indian Army and Indian Air Force contingent comprising 120 personnel participated in the 7^th edition of Joint Military ‘Exercise KAZIND-2023’, the Ministry of Defence said.
• ‘Exercise KAZIND-2023’ conducted from October 30 to November 11 at Otar in Kazakhstan and 90 personnel of the Indian Army contingent led by a Battalion from the DOGRA regiment participated in the joint exercise.

Russia To Supply, License Production Of Igla Anti-Aircraft Missiles To India

• Russia has signed a contract to supply Igla-S hand-held anti-aircraft missiles to India and allow production of the Igla there under licence, the Russian state news agency TASS quoted a top arms export official as saying on Tuesday.
• The Igla-S is a man-portable air defence system (MANPADS) that can be fired by an individual or crew to bring down an enemy aircraft. The Igla-S is an improved variant with a longer interception range of up to 6-km.
• India is the world’s largest arms importer and Russia remains its largest supplier despite the damage to the reputation of its army and weaponry from the war in Ukraine, where Russia has suffered numerous setbacks at the hands of a smaller but highly motivated.
• According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Russia accounted for 45% of India’s arms imports between 2018 and 2022, with France providing 29% and the United States 11%.

Nirbhay Class Long-range Cruise Missiles To Be Part In All Three Defence Forces

• In a significant boost to the firepower of the defence forces, all three defence forces will now have long-range cruise missiles of the Nirbhay class in their arsenal to strike targets at ranges of over 1,000 Km range.
• The Nirbhay class long-range cruise missiles are being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) indigenously and are sub-sonic in speed.
• The government had given clearance to induct the missile in the inventory of the other two services about two years ago. The subsonic Nirbhay class cruise missiles along with the supersonic BrahMos cruise missiles will be a deadly combination in the forces’ arsenal and will give options to the commanders in times of conflict.

THE INDO-PACIFIC REGIONAL DIALOGUE 2023

• The annual apex-level international conference of the Indian Navy – the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) – will be held in New Delhi from 15 to 17 November 2023. The event will include a Keynote Address by Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Hon’ble Vice President of India on 15 Nov 23.
• The IPRD follows hard on the heels of the Goa Maritime Conclave 2023, which had been conducted by the Indian Navy from 29 to 31 Oct 2023 in Goa.
• In terms of conceptual positioning, the Goa Maritime Conclave seeks to project the Indian Navy’s cooperative engagement at the strategic-operational level, by providing a forum for the Chiefs-of-Navy and Heads of Maritime Agencies in the Indian Ocean Region.
• The first two editions of IPRD were held in 2018 and 2019 respectively at New Delhi.  IPRD 2020 was cancelled due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The third edition of IPRD was held in 2021 in online mode and the fourth edition was conducted, reverting to a physical format, at New Delhi in 2022.
• The overarching theme of IPRD-2023 is “Geopolitical Impacts upon Indo-Pacific Maritime Trade and Connectivity”.

Exercise ‘Sagar Kavach’

• The coastal security exercise ‘Sagar Kavach’ will be conducted in Kerala and Mahe on November 16-17, 2023. It is a half-yearly exercise with the objective to check coastal security mechanisms and validate standard operating procedures.
• The exercise is conducted and coordinated by the Indian Coast Guard with active participation from the Indian Navy, Coastal Police/State Police, Intelligence Bureau, Customs, CISF, Department of Port, Department of Fisheries, DGLL and Kadalora Jagiratha Samithi.
• The exercise covers the entire Kerala and Mahe coast (590 km). Fishermen play an important role in coastal security. During exercise, fishermen are advised to inform any unknown vessel operating close to the coast, to the Indian Coast Guard,” stated the press release from Indian Coast Guard. During the conduct of the last coastal security exercise in the month of Apr 2023, all attacks were successfully neutralised by the Coastal Security Group (Blue Force).

Indian Army Plans To Deploy 500 Drones To Replace Mules

• The Indian Army is set to deploy around 500 drones developed by MIT, Chennai, in challenging terrains such as the North-East and high-altitude landscapes. These drones will replace mules and helicopters to a certain extent.
• Union home minister Amit Shah praised the project team and announced that these drones will be utilized for delivering medicines and essential items to remote Border Observation Posts (BOPs), addressing security gaps in difficult terrains.
• The drones, weighing 100kg, have the capability to carry 15kg to 20kg of supplies, including medicines, food, provisions, or oil, across different altitudes. Equipped with proximity sensors, these drones can fly through fog, rain, and gusty winds, ensuring smooth landing and takeoff.
• The guided navigation system, developed by the research team using GPS technology, allows the drones to travel up to 20 km round trip at an altitude of 1km.

Talks On In Armed Forces On Possible Entry Of Transgender Persons

• The Indian Armed Forces are looking at possible employment opportunities for transgenders and the roles they could perform, while examining the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019 and its implications.
• A joint study group constituted by the Principal Personnel Officers Committee was tasked with suggesting a way forward for the implementation of the Act in the defence forces. The PPOC is made up of senior officers from all three services as well as the AFMS, the Armed Forces’ tri-service medical organisation.
• The group was entrusted with discussing the implications of the Act and proposing a course of action for its implementation in the defense forces. It was led by a senior officer in the Directorate General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS).
• The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019
• In 2014, the SC in NALSA v. Union of India held that all persons have the constitutional right to self-identify their gender.
• Further, it directed Union and State Governments to allow transgender persons to access reservations in public education and employment.
• Following the judgement and the recommendation of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice, the 2019 Act was enacted and came into force.
• The Act is under the overall supervision of the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

Exercise Mitra Shakti 2023

• Months after India and Sri Lanka agreed to increase the complexity of bilateral military exercises, the troops from the two sides are set to begin the joint exercise ‘Mitra Shakti’ on Thursday at the Foreign Training Node in Pune.
• Its aim is to promote close relations between armies of both countries and enhance interoperability and sharing of best practices in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism (CI-CT) operations. The 14-day exercise is set to conclude on November 29.
• ‘Mitra Shakti’ which means ‘power of friendship’ is conducted under the United Nations’ (UN) mandate as both armies contribute to the UN Peacekeeping Forces deployed in the troubled areas across the world.

LAUNCH OF ‘AMINI’

• ‘Amini’, the 4th of 08 x ASW Shallow Watercraft (SWC) Project being built by M/s GRSE for Indian Navy, was launched on 16 Nov 23 at M/s L&T, Kattupalli. The Launch Ceremony was presided over by VAdm Sandeep Naithani, Chief of Materiel. In keeping with maritime tradition, Mrs Manju Naithani launched the ship to the invocation from Atharva Veda.
• The ship has been named Amini to signify the strategic maritime importance accorded to the island of Amini at Lakshadweep, located about 400 Km west of Kochi.
• The contract for building eight ASW SWC ships was signed between MoD and GRSE, Kolkata on 29 Apr 19. As per the build strategy, four ships are being built at GRSE, Kolkata and balance four ships sub-contracted to M/s L&T Shipbuilding, Kattupalli for hull and part outfitting.

IAF To Develop Indigenous Jammer Pod For LCA Mk 1A

• The Indian Air Force is working on a project to develop an indigenous jammer pod for the homegrown LCA Mark 1A fighter aircraft, IAF officials said on.
• “IAF’s Base Repair Depots have been tasked to indigenise many of the equipment required on its fighter and transport aircraft and other weapon systems and cut down imports,” officials added.
• “We have already manufactured a quantity of 10 lakh and handed it over to the Indian Army successfully. This is a very safe prototype and advanced prototype of a hand grenade. It has added safety features as well and its efficacies are much more than the erstwhile, HE 36 hand grenade.

Second IAF Aircraft Carrying Emergency Aid For Gaza

• A second Indian Air Force (IAF) C17 aircraft, carrying 32 tonnes of aid for civilians in Gaza caught up in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, on Sunday departed for the El-Arish Airport in Egypt.
• Earlier, India sent 38 tonnes of humanitarian relief for civilians caught up in the ongoing ground offensive by the Israeli forces in the Strip.
• The aid package comprised fluids and painkillers. The disaster relief material, weighing approximately 32 tonnes, also included tents, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, basic sanitary utilities, and water purification tablets, among other items.

India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue

• Australian Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Defence Mr. Richard Marles will visit India from November 19 to 20, 2023 to co-chair the 2^nd India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue with Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh.
• A bilateral meeting on defence cooperation will be held between Minister Marles and Raksha Mantri on November 20 followed by the 2+2 Dialogue.
• The 2+2 dialogue will be co-chaired by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar along with their Australian counterparts, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Defence Mr Richard Marles and Minister for Foreign Affairs Ms Penny Wong.
• The inaugural 2+2 ministerial dialogue took place in New Delhi in September 2021.
• India and Australia are pursuing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and the visit of Minister Marles is expected to give further impetus to the collaboration as well as bilateral defence cooperation. The two countries are expected to discuss wide-ranging issues of mutual interest during the 2+2 dialogue and the bilateral Defence Ministers’ meeting.

Exercise Vajra Prahar 2023

• 14^th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise “VAJRA PRAHAR 2023” commenced at the Joint Training Node, Umroi. The US contingent is represented by personnel from the 1^st Special Forces Group of US Special Forces.
• The Indian Army contingent is led by Special Forces personnel from the Eastern Command. Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR is a joint exercise conducted between Indian Army and US Army Special Forces. It aims to share best practices and experiences in areas such as joint mission planning and operational tactics.
• The first edition was conducted in the year 2010 in India and the 13^th edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise was conducted at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS), Bakloh (HP). The current edition is being conducted in Umroi Cantonment, Meghalaya from 21^st November to 11^th December 2023.
• Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR has evolved as a mechanism to exchange ideas and share best practices between the Special Forces of both the nations. It is also a platform to enhance inter-operability and strengthen defence cooperation between the armies of India and the United States of America.

Israel Bans Lashkar-e-Taiba

• Amid the 15th year of commemoration of the Mumbai terror attacks, Israel has announced to ban the terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba to symbolise the occasion and called it a ‘deadly’ and ‘reprehensible’ terror organisation on Tuesday.
• The action has been taken without any request by the government of India. The state of Israel has formally completed all necessary procedures and satisfied all required checks and regulations as a result of introducing Lashkar-e-Taiba into the Israeli list of illegal terror organisations, the Israel Embassy in India said.
• The attacks, which drew widespread global condemnation, began on November 26 and lasted until November 29, 2008. A total of 166 people, including several foreign nationals, died and more than 300 were injured.

IAF Issues Tender To HAL For Buying 12 Su-30 MKI

• In a step towards boosting its squadron strength, the Indian Air Force has issued a tender to the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the purchase of 12 advanced Su-30MKI fighter jets.
• “Recently, a tender has been issued to the HAL for buying the 12 Su-30MKI fighters, which will be manufactured in India by the HAL in partnership with the Russian original equipment manufacturers,” defence sources told ANI.
• The aircraft would include a high percentage of indigenous content as per the requirement of the Indian Air Force in line with the Aatmanirbhar policies of the government in the defence sector.
• “These would be one of the modern Su-30 MKI aircraft of the IAF, equipped with multiple Indian weapons and sensors,” they said.

Col Sunita Becomes The First Woman To Command Armed Forces Transfusion Centre

• An Army Medical Corps Officer Col Sunita BS scripted history on November 21, 2023, by becoming the first woman to assume the role of Commanding Officer at Armed Forces Transfusion Centre, Delhi Cantt.
• Prior to this, she served in the challenging role of Commanding officer at a strategically important Field Hospital in Arunachal Pradesh, where she provided the best possible Combat Medical Support.
• Currently, the officer has been given the responsibilities of managing the largest blood transfusion centre of the Armed Forces, AFTC which has state-of-the-art facilities in the field of Transfusion Medicine including Stem Cell cryopreservation, fully automated immune-hematology analyzers, gamma irradiation chambers, and Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) capabilities.  AFTC is the first and the only licensed centre in the country to hold a Frozen Red Cell facility. Her unique blend of academic, administrative, and professional skills is crucial for her current role.

Exercise ‘AustraHind-23’

• An Indian Armed Forces contingent, comprising 81 personnel, departed for Australia on Wednesday to participate in the second edition of joint military Exercise ‘AustraHind-23’, Ministry of Defence announced in a press release.
• The exercise will be conducted in Western Australia’s Perth from November 22 to December 6. The Indian Army contingent comprises 60 personnel from a battalion of the Gorkha Rifles. One officer from the Indian Navy and 20 personnel from the Indian Air Force will also participate in the exercise.
• The Australian Army contingent comprises 60 personnel from the 13th Brigade.
• The Australian contingent also includes 20 personnel each from the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force, according to an official release by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Indian Navy’s Newest Guided Missile Destroyer Imphal Hits ‘Bulls Eye’

• Imphal the Indian Navy’s latest indigenous guided missile destroyer scored ‘Bulls Eye’ in her maiden Brahmos firing at sea, the Indian Navy said on Wednesday.
• This was the first ever test-firing of the extended-range Brahmos missile by a warship before the commissioning, which underscores the unwavering focus of the navy on combat readiness.
• The Imphal is the third ship of the Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided missile destroyer of the Indian Navy. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, Mumbai, the INS Imphal ship is a hallmark of indigenous shipbuilding and is amongst the most technologically advanced warships in the world.
• Imphal was named in recognition of the Indian soldiers who fought in the Battle of Imphal during World War II.
• Being a guided missile destroyer with a displacement of 7,400 tons and an overall length of 164 meters, Imphal is a potent and versatile platform equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles and torpedoes.

China Created World’s First ‘Near-space Command’

• China has reportedly established the world’s first ‘near-space command,’ equipped with powerful hypersonic weapons, according to Hong Kong’s SCMP.
• According to the report, the new force will serve as the People’s Liberation Army’s fifth force, alongside the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force.
• Near Space refers to the area in Earth’s atmosphere, approximately 20 to 100 km from the Earth’s surface, known as the mesosphere.
• In this region, air is very thin, preventing traditional military aircraft from flying, and gravity is strong enough to prevent satellites from remaining in orbit, creating a No-Man’s land region.
• However, hypersonic missiles can easily operate in this area due to the rarefied atmosphere, enabling them to fly at hypersonic speeds for long ranges.
• The characteristics of the near-space region are what the Chinese hope to exploit using the ‘near-space’ command.

EXERCISE SURYA KIRAN- XVII

• The Nepal Army contingent comprising of 334 personnel arrived in India to participate in 17^th edition of Joint Military Exercise SURYA KIRAN. The exercise will be conducted in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand from 24th November to 07th December 2023.
• The Indian Army contingent comprising of 354 personnel is being led by a Battalion from the KUMAON Regiment. The Nepal Army contingent is represented by Tara Dal Battalion.
• Aim of the exercise is to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare, counter terrorism operations in mountainous terrain and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief under United Nations Charter on peace keeping operations. The exercise will focus on employment of drones and counter drone measures, medical training, aviation aspects and also environment conservation.

Indian Coast Guard, Navy To Buy 15 C-295

• In a major boost for Make in India in the defence sector, the Indian Coast Guard and the Navy will acquire 15 C-295 transport aircraft that are being manufactured in India in a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus.
• The proposals for the acquisition of these 15 aircraft are at an advanced stage in the defence ministry, in which nine planes would be procured by the Navy while six would be taken by the Indian Coast Guard.
• The Coast Guard chief informed that shortly his force was also set to sign contracts for nine more advanced-light helicopters, the ALH Dhruv manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
• The Indian Air Force recently inducted the first C-295 transport aircraft manufactured in Spain.
• While the first 16 will come from Spain in fly-away condition, the remaining 40 will be produced in India at a Tata facility in Vadodara, Gujarat.

Pakistan Confirms It Has Formally Applied To Join BRICS

• Pakistan has formally applied to join the BRICS, a significant group of developing nations, according to reports.
• Baloch said that by joining the organisation, Pakistan can play an important role in furthering international cooperation and revitalising inclusive multilateralism. She expressed hope that BRICS would consider Pakistan’s request in line with its commitment to inclusive multilateralism, ARY News reported.
• Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been invited to become members of BRICS whose members – Brazil, Russia India, China and South Africa. Their membership will take effect January 1, 2024 under the Moscow’s rotating presidency during the summit in Russia.

NCC Celebrated 75^th Anniversary

• The National Cadet Corps (NCC), the largest uniformed youth organisation in the world raised in 1948, celebrated its 75^th Anniversary on November 26, 2023, signifying a momentous chapter in its legacy of honing youth with core principles such as discipline, leadership, and unwavering patriotism.
• The National Cadet Corps (NCC), the largest uniformed youth organisation in the world raised in 1948, celebrated its 75^th Anniversary on November 26, 2023, signifying a momentous chapter in its legacy of honing youth with core principles such as discipline, leadership, and unwavering patriotism.
• As a build up to the occasion, the NCC cadets spearheaded two weeks long ‘Swachhata Hi Sewa’ a pan India cleanliness and awareness drive encompassing various impactful events aimed at fostering a garbage-free India.

PM MODI Flies The Fighter Jet ‘Tejas’

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a sortie on the indigenously built light combat fighter aircraft Tejas in Bengaluru.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bengaluru-based defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on Saturday and reviewed the ongoing work at its manufacturing facility, officials said.
• Tejas is a single-seater fighter aircraft, but the Prime Minister took a sortie in the twin-seat trainer variant operated by the Air Force. The Indian Navy also operates the twin-seater variant.
• Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter aircraft and is designed to take offensive air support and provide close combat support for ground operations.

9^th National Level Pollution Response Exercise

• The 9^th National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-IX) was conducted by the Indian Coast Guard on 25 Nov 2023 off Vadinar, Gujarat. DG Rakesh Pal, DG ICG, and the Chairman NOSDCP reviewed the preparedness of all agencies during the exercise.
• Representatives of various ministries and departments of central and coastal state governments, ports, oil handling agencies, and other stakeholders participated in the exercise. More than 31 foreign observers and 80 delegates participated in the exercise.
• The NATPOLREX-IX accomplished its objective of testing the level of preparedness and coordination between various resource agencies to respond to a marine oil spill invoking provisions of the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan or NOSDCP.

7 Officials Including 1 SP, 2 DSP Suspended

• The Punjab police has suspended 7 officials including one Superintendent of Police (SP) and two Deputy Superintendent of Police DSP for the security lapse during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Punjab on January 5, 2022.
• On February 5, 2022, the PM was going to attend a rally in Ferozepur when farmers blocked the way. The Prime Minister’s convoy was stopped for around 20 minutes.
• So far in this case, the then SP Ferozepur Gurvinder Singh Sanga, DSP Parson Singh, DSP Jagdish Kumar, Inspector Tejinder Singh, Balwinder Singh, Jaswant Singh and ASI Rakesh Kumar have been suspended.

IAF Considering Taking Over Three Airstrips In UK

• The Indian Air Force is in the process of taking over three air landing strips in Uttarakhand, which will not only be strategically useful for the defence forces but also help in improving the connectivity of the state, CDS General Anil said.
• The three airstrips mentioned by the CDS include Pithoragarh in the Kumaon Hills and Dharasu and Gauchar in the Garhwal Hills.
• Addressing the event ‘Raibaar-5’, the CDS said, “Pithoragarh, Dharasu, and Gauchar are landing grounds in Uttarakhand. These landing strips are made on the land of the state government.

President To Confer President’s Colour to AFMS

• The President of India and the Supreme Commander of Armed Forces, Smt Droupadi Murmu, will confer the President’s Colour to Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune on Friday, 01 Dec 2023, in its platinum jubilee year.
• The AFMC is a premier Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) establishment and one of the leading medical colleges of the country. The award is a testament to the glorious 75 years of AFMC’s exemplary service to the nation.
• President’s Colour, also known as ‘Rashtrapati ka Nishaan’ is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon any military unit.

Indian Army To Boost Firepower With 200 New Mounted Howitzers, 400 Towed Gun Systems

• In a bid to boost its mobile firepower in high-altitude border areas like Line of Actual Control with China the Indian Army is soon going to issue a tender for acquiring 200 new mounted howitzers equipped with 105 mm guns.
• A tender is set to be issued soon to Indian firms for this ‘Make in India‘ project to buy 200 new mounted howitzers equipped with 105 mm 37 calibre guns, defence sources told ANI.
• This would be the first time that the Indian artillery would have these type of 105 mm mounted howitzers and would add to the strength of the formations deployed in forward positions, they said.
• The Indian Army has already issued a tender for buying 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) along with one for finding a mounted gun system for its requirements along borders with China and Pakistan.

Indian Navy Looking To Buy Scalp Long Range Cruise Missile

• India is inching towards the final steps of procuring a formidable armament, showcased compellingly in the Ukraine conflict.
• The French SCALP cruise missile – known as the Storm Shadow in England – that succeeded in annihilating a Russian submarine and made a significant impact on the Black Sea Fleet’s headquarters, is anticipated to equip the 26 Dassault Rafale-Marine [Rafale-M] fighter jets.
• The French Rafales boast the ability to carry two SCALP missiles. In contrast, the Rafale-M has a payload restriction, limiting it to a solitary SCALP unit. Despite this limitation, the use of an aircraft carrier as the launch pad for a Rafale-M extends its range, surpassing that of a Rafale on land.
• It has a length of approximately 5.1 meters and a wingspan of around 3 meters. The missile weighs about 1,300 kg and is powered by a turbojet engine, which allows it to reach speeds of up to Mach 0.8. It has a range of over 250 km, enabling it to engage targets at a significant distance from the launch aircraft.

India’s Biggest Ever Fighter Aircraft Projects Worth Rs 1.3 L Cr

• The Defence Ministry is scheduled to take up two of India’s biggest-ever fighter aircraft projects worth Rs 1.3 lakh crore for discussion in a crucial meeting this week including buying 97 new LCA Mark 1A fighter aircraft and indigenously upgrading 84 Su-30 MKI combat planes.
• “The projects are scheduled to come up for discussion at the Defence Ministry meeting scheduled on November 30,” defence sources told ANI.
• Sources said the 97 LCA Mark1A project would help the country to build a strong fighter aircraft manufacturing ecosystem across the country and also help the Indian Air Force to replace its MiG-21 fleet which is being phased out.
• The two projects are listed for discussion at the Defence Acquisition Council meeting planned on November 30.
• The Indian Air Force has already ordered 83 LCA Mark1A fighter planes and their deliveries are expected to start in February-March 2024.
• The value of the 97 aircraft is expected to be around Rs 65,000 crore which would be the largest ever fighter aircraft deal in the country.

Rajnath Singh Unveils Crest of Project 15B Imphal

• The crest of Yard 12706 (Imphal), the third amongst the four Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyers, was unveiled by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, in the presence of Manipur Chief Minister Shri N Biren Singh, in New Delhi on November 28, 2023.
• The unveiling of Imphal’s crest, adorned with the Kangla Palace and ‘Kangla-Sa’ is a befitting tribute to the sacrifice made by the people of Manipur towards India’s independence, sovereignty and security.
• Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by MDL Mumbai, this ship is a hallmark of indigenous shipbuilding and is amongst the most technologically advanced warships in the world. The ship was delivered by the MDL to the Indian Navy on October 20, 2023.
• A guided missile destroyer with a displacement of 7,400 tons and overall length of 164 meters, Imphal is a potent and versatile platform equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles and torpedoes. Powered by Combined Gas and Gas propulsion, she is capable of achieving speeds in excess of 30 knots (56 km/hr).

Monthly Defence Current Affairs October 2023 Questions

1. 15th BRICS Summit Held At
   A. Qatar
   B. South Africa
   C. Russia
   D. India
   ANSWER: B
2. Who is organizing the XVIII International Workshop on High Energy and Special
   Materials (HEMs-2023)?
   A. Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
   B. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
   C. Tomsk State University
   D. Army Training Command
   ANSWER: B
3. Where was the 34th Tri-Services Training Commanders Conference held?
   A. Tomsk State University
   B. Army Training Command in Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla
   C. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam DRDO Golden Jubilee Auditorium, Pashan, Pune
   D. Federal Research & Production Centre, Russia
   ANSWER: B
4. Which ICBM Missile Fired By Russia?
   A. Sarmat
   B. Agni
   C. Bulava
   D. None
   ANSWER: C
5. S 400 TRIUMF Indian Version Named As
   A. Chakra
   B. Sarang
   C. Ajgav
   D. Sudarshan
   ANSWER: D
6. Heron Mk2 & Hermes 900 Are
   A. Helicopter
   B. Machine Gun
   C. UAV
   D. Fighter Jet
   ANSWER: C
7. First INDUS-X Investors Meet Held In
   A. New Delhi
   B. Pune
   C. Kolkata
   D. Chennai
   ANSWER: A
8. What Is The Overarching Theme of IPRD-2023?
   A. Responsible Maritime Connectivity
   B. Geopolitical Impacts upon Indo-Pacific Maritime Trade and Connectivity
   C. Protect Blue Ocean
   D. None of the Above
   ANSWER: B
9. What Is The Significance Of Russia’s Contract With India With Anti-Aircraft
   Missile?
   A. Supply of long-range cruise missiles
   B. Production of Igla-S hand-held anti-aircraft missiles
   C. To develop Brahmos Missile
   D. Boost to the relation with the Indian defence forces
   ANSWER: B
10. What Is The Range Of The Nirbhay Class Long-range Cruise Missiles?
    A. 500 Km
    B. 750 Km
    C. 1,000 Km
    D. 1,250 Km
    ANSWER: C
11. Amini Island Is In
    A. Mumbai
    B. Sri Lanka
    C. Lakshadweep
    D. None
    ANSWER: C
12. INS Imphal Is A/An
    A. Destroyer
    B. OPV
    C. Submarine
    D. Tank
    ANSWER: A
13. World’s First ‘Near-space Command’ Created By
    A. USA
    B. China
    C. Bharat
    D. None of the above
    ANSWER: B
14. Ex ‘SURYA KIRAN’ Conducted b/w India &
    A. Qatar
    B. Oman
    C. UAE
    D. Nepal
    ANSWER: D
15. Exercise SURYA KIRAN- XVII Commences At
    A. Chennai
    B. Pune
    C. Agra
    D. Pithoragarh
    ANSWER: D
16. World Climate Action Summit Will Be Held At
    A. Qatar
    B. Oman
    C. UAE
    D. Maldives
    ANSWER: C
17. Yulin Naval Base Is In
    A. Qatar
    B. Oman
    C. China
    D. Cambodia
    ANSWER: C
18. Range of Scalp Missile Is
    A. 250 kilometers
    B. 260 kilometers
    C. 270 kilometers
    D. 280 kilometers
    ANSWER: A
19. How many C-295 transport aircraft are set to be acquired collectively by the
    ICG & Navy?
    A. 15
    B. 9
    C. 12
    D. 18
    ANSWER: A
20. Where was the 62nd Foundation Day Parade Ceremony of the ITBP held?
    A. New Delhi
    B. Dehradun, Uttarakhand
    C. Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
    D. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
    ANSWER: B
21. Which country conducted a Minuteman III missile launch recently?
    A. Russia
    B. China
    C. US
    D. North Korea
    ANSWER: C
22. The Prachand is an Indian multi-role LCH designed and manufactured by the
    A. Northrop Grumman
    B. General Dynamics
    C. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
    D. Aviation Industry Corporation of China
    ANSWER: C
23. Where is the Indian Army’s first Vertical Wind Tunnel (VWT) located?
    A. Jammu and Kashmir
    B. Uttarakhand
    C. Himachal Pradesh
    D. Arunachal Pradesh
    ANSWER: C
24. Ex Sagar Kavach Conducted By
    A. BSF
    B. IAF
    C. ICG
    D. None
    ANSWER: C
25. Mechanical Training Institute (MTI) Of IAF Is In
    A. Yelahanka, Bengaluru
    B. Jalahalli, Bengaluru
    C. Tambaram Chennai
    D. None of the above
    ANSWER: C
26. “Jai Mahakali Ayo Gorkhali” Is The War Cry Of
    A. BIHAR REGIMENT
    B. MAHAR REGIMENT
    C. NAGA REGIMENT
    D. GORKHA REGIMENTS
    ANSWER: D
27. Siachen Conflict B/W India And Pakistan Held In
    A. 1983
    B. 1984
    C. 1985
    D. 1986
    ANSWER: B
28. India Purchased Sig Sauer Assault Rifles From
    A. USA
    B. Sweden
    C. France
    D. None of the above
    ANSWER: A
29. War Cry Of The BIHAR REGIMENT
    A. Parakramo Vijayate
    B. Rhino Charge
    C. Jai Bajrangbali
    D. Duty, Honour, courage
    ANSWER: C
30. __is India’s 3rd Highest Military Decoration Award.
    A. PVC
    B. MVC
    C. Veer Chakra
    D. Kirti Chakra
    ANSWER: C

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