Top 20 Defence Current Affairs for Upcoming SSB Interview

19-January 2024...........

In major defence exams such as NDA, CDS, AFCAT, MNS, etc., the current affairs section carries a significant number of questions. It is imperative for candidates aspiring to join the armed forces to go through defence current affairs. The questions related to current affairs in the defence sector are crucial for both the written exams and the SSB interview. Besides carrying weight in the written exams, defence-related current affairs are also discussed during GD, Lecturette, and the Personal Interview in the SSB. Given these factors, Defence Guru has prepared the top 20 defence current affairs for the upcoming SSB interview. Read on to learn more about the important current affairs for SSB and get ready for questions likely to be asked.

1. Launching of indigenous assault rifle ‘Ugram’ by DRDO

'Ugram' is an indigenously developed assault rifle, resulting from collaboration between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and a Hyderabad-based private firm. The Pune-based Armament Research & Development Establishment, a DRDO laboratory involved in conventional armaments development, played a key role in completing 'Ugram' within 100 days.

According to reports, 'Ugram' is poised to replace the current INSAS rifles used by the Indian Armed Forces. In addition to providing the Indian Armed Forces with a modern and technically robust weapon, 'Ugram' will also meet the needs of paramilitary forces and state police. Further, Indian-origin 'Ugram' features a caliber of 7.62 x 51 mm, an effective range of 500 meters, and a weight of fewer than four kilograms, making it lighter to carry. Other specifications of 'Ugram' include a 20-round magazine and a rate of fire of 600 rounds per minute.

2. Maritime Exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy

Indigenously built Indian Naval ship Kulish participated in the maiden Bilateral Maritime Exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy. The 36th edition of the India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) was also conducted alongside the maiden bilateral exercise. A Kora-class corvette, INS Kulish, is an active ship that is currently in service with the Indian Navy. Additionally, the word Kulish is of Sanskrit origin which means thunderbolt.

The Indian Navy, in alignment with the Government of India's SAGAR initiative (Security And Growth for All in the Region), actively collaborates with nations in the Indian Ocean Region to bolster regional maritime security. The hallmark of their collaboration is the Indo-Thai Bilateral Exercise, aptly named 'Ex-Ayutthaya,' meaning 'The Invincible One' or 'Undefeatable.' This title symbolically reflects the historical and cultural significance of Ayodhya in India and Ayutthaya in Thailand, two of the oldest cities, reinforcing the strength and resilience of their bond.

3. Decommissioning of INS Cheetah, Guldar, and Kumbhir

On January 12, 2024, the Indian Navy bid farewell to three of its veteran ships: Cheetah, Guldar, and Kumbhir, marking the end of their impressive four-decade service to the nation. The decommissioning ceremony took place in Port Blair. These ships, crafted at Gdynia Shipyard in Poland, had a rich history, engaging in various maritime security missions and playing crucial roles in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations throughout their illustrious time in service to the nation.

4. Flight-testing of the New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile by DRDO

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on 12th January 2024, achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting a flight-test of the New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile. The test took place at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, situated off the coast of Odisha. The key features of the AKASH-NG system include its advanced capabilities in intercepting high-speed and agile aerial threats, making it a state-of-the-art missile system. This missile is designed as the successor to the Akash and Akash-1S series, incorporating notable improvements in its technology and performance. The successful test underscores the continuous efforts of DRDO in advancing India's missile capabilities.

5. INS Chennai rescued the hijacked 'MV LILA NORFOLK’ in the Indian Ocean

The ship 'MV LILA NORFOLK,' flying the Liberian flag, was hijacked near Somalia's coast with 15 Indian crew members on board. The Indian Navy closely monitored the situation using the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) portal. Responding swiftly, INS Chennai, a navy warship and the last of the Kolkata-class stealth-guided missile destroyers, engaged with the hijacked vessel. The Indian Navy's P-8I aircraft issued a warning to the pirates on board. Marine commandos from INS Chennai successfully intercepted the hijacked Liberian-flagged vessel in the north Arabian Sea, rescuing all 21 crew members, including the 15 Indians on board.

6. ‘DESERT CYCLONE’ - 1st Edition of the India - UAE Joint Military Exercise

The first edition of the India-UAE Joint Military Exercise, named 'DESERT CYCLONE,' took place in Mahajan, Rajasthan, from January 2 to January 15, 2024. The UAE contingent, represented by troops from the Zayed First Brigade, joined forces with the Indian Army contingent, which included 45 personnel primarily from a Battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.

The exercise aimed at boosting cooperation and interoperability, particularly in Sub-conventional Operations, including Fighting in Built-Up Areas (FIBUA), in desert and semi-desert terrains. This collaboration falls under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Peacekeeping Operations. The overall goal of the exercise 'DESERT CYCLONE’ was to enhance mutual understanding and coordination, fostering better cooperation during Peacekeeping Operations between India and the UAE.

7. India’s first all-girls Sainik School at Vrindavan in Mathura

On January 1, 2024, the Samvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School was inaugurated in Vrindavan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. Notably, this is the first-ever all-girls Sainik School, boasting an enrollment of approximately 870 students. The establishment of this school aligns with the initiative to set up 100 new Sainik Schools in collaboration with NGOs, private entities, and state government schools across all states and union territories.

The overarching goal of this initiative is to provide quality education following the National Education Policy 2020, offering students enhanced career opportunities, including pathways to join the Armed Forces. The Samvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School represents a significant step towards empowering and educating young girls in the realm of defence and national service.

8. United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting 2023 in Accra, Ghana

Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt participated in the 2023 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting held in Accra, Ghana, from December 5 to 6, 2023. The event, which centered on peacekeeping operations following the UN charter, brought together significant contributors and troop-contributing states to deliberate on crucial matters about peacekeeping. During this biennial meeting, discussions and collaborations aimed to address relevant challenges and enhance the effectiveness of peacekeeping efforts were paramount, reflecting the commitment of participating nations to maintaining global peace and security.

9. Inauguration of ‘Prajna’ by the President of India

In a virtual ceremony, President Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Armed Forces Centre for Computational Medicine, named 'Prajna.' This cutting-edge facility marks a significant milestone, poised to revolutionize medical research and computational methodologies within the armed forces. Prajna is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing the integration of technology and medicine, fostering innovation, and enhancing the overall healthcare capabilities of the armed forces. The inauguration underscores the commitment to leveraging state-of-the-art computational tools for medical advancements, ultimately contributing to the well-being and readiness of the armed forces personnel.

10. First Woman Aide-De-Camp from the Indian Armed Forces

Squadron Leader Manisha Padhi, a proud native of Odisha and a dedicated officer in the Indian Air Force has etched her name in history by achieving the distinction of being India's first woman Aide-De-Camp (ADC) from the Indian Armed Forces. This groundbreaking appointment sees her serving as ADC to the Governor of Mizoram, showcasing the commitment of the armed forces to embracing gender inclusivity and acknowledging the invaluable contributions of women in uniform.

11. Launching of Tele MANAS Cell at AFMC, Pune

General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, inaugurated the Tele-MANAS Cell at the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune. Developed in collaboration with the Union Health Ministry of the Government of India, this specialized cell is dedicated to providing mental health support to armed forces personnel through telecommunication. The initiative aims to extend assistance across states, facilitating easy access to mental health resources and promoting overall well-being among the armed forces community.

The establishment of the Tele-MANAS Cell underscores a commitment to addressing mental health concerns and ensuring the welfare of the armed forces personnel. Tele-MANAS, the Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across State initiative of the Government of India, was launched in October 2022. The program aims to provide mental health support to armed forces personnel through telecommunication, promoting well-being across states.

12. Indian Naval Ship Sumedha Visits Port Lamu in Kenya

Indian Naval Ship Sumedha has made its inaugural port call at Port Lamu, Kenya, showcasing the strengthened maritime ties between India and Kenya. This visit is of historical significance as it represents the first time an Indian Naval Ship has docked at the newly developed port in Kenya. INS Sumedha, a formidable asset from the Saryu-class under the Eastern Fleet stationed at Visakhapatnam, reflects India's commitment to enhancing naval cooperation and fostering diplomatic relations in the strategically important region of Africa.

13. Indian Armed Forces Arrive in Hanoi for VINBAX-2023 Military Exercise

The Indian Armed Forces have arrived in Hanoi for the fourth edition of the joint military exercise VINBAX-2023, reinforcing the longstanding defence collaboration between India and Vietnam. Through joint training and shared experiences, VINBAX-2023 serves as a testament to the commitment of India and Vietnam to strengthening their strategic partnership and fostering regional stability. The collaboration underscores the importance of regional security cooperation and joint preparedness in addressing contemporary challenges and promoting peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

14. Delivery of Survey Vessel Sandhayak:

The Indian Navy received the first Survey Vessel, Sandhayak, from GRSE Kolkata on December 4, 2023. This vessel, part of a series of four Survey Vessels (Large), is specifically designed for conducting comprehensive hydrographic surveys in both coastal and deep-water environments. Its main role is to assess and map port and harbor approaches, as well as navigation routes, contributing to safer maritime operations. The delivery marks a significant step in enhancing the Indian Navy's capabilities for effective hydrographic surveying and ensuring maritime security along vital routes.

15. Indian Naval Ship Sumedha Port Call:

Indian Naval Ship Sumedha, a type of Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV) known as Saryu class, recently made a brief stop at Antsiranana, Madagascar, from December 4 to 6, 2023. This ship, based in Visakhapatnam as part of the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy, plays a versatile role in various operations. Its visit to Madagascar not only strengthens maritime ties but also showcases the Indian Navy's commitment to regional cooperation. The ship is designed to operate independently and actively contributes to Fleet Operations, showcasing its significance in maintaining maritime security and stability in the Eastern Fleet's area of responsibility.

16. PM Narendra Modi’s flight on the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) 'Tejas'

On November 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi achieved a historic milestone by taking a 30-minute flight on the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) 'Tejas,' becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to fly in a fighter aircraft designed and produced within the country. The flight, which took place in Bengaluru alongside Group Captain Debanjan Mandal, was a significant moment, with Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhuri receiving and honoring the Prime Minister, adding to the importance of the event. The LCA Tejas, known for its versatility, can perform various roles such as offensive air support, ground attack, close combat, and Ground Maritime Operations, making it a crucial asset for the Indian Air Force.

17. 17th Edition of “Surya Kiran” between India and Nepal

The 17th edition of the joint military exercise 'Surya Kiran' between India and Nepal has kicked off in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. This annual exercise, taking place alternatively in India and Nepal, focuses on improving cooperation between the two armies in jungle warfare, counter-terrorism in mountainous areas, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. By aligning with the principles of the United Nations Charter on peacekeeping operations, the exercise aims to enhance coordination and collaboration in different military scenarios. Through 'Surya Kiran,' both India and Nepal aim to strengthen their military bonds, share expertise, and contribute to regional security and stability.

18. Second India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue

India and Australia recently held their second India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue to boost defence cooperation and reinforce their strategic relationship. The discussions covered defence, critical minerals, trade, and investment, aiming to deepen the bilateral ties between the two nations. The focus was on strengthening collaboration in defence initiatives and expanding partnerships in critical minerals, crucial for industries like technology and manufacturing. This dialogue signifies both countries' commitment to regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific, showcasing their shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

19. India’s three major indigenous defence projects:

India is gearing up to strengthen its military capabilities with the manufacturing of key assets. This includes the production of an aircraft carrier, 97 Tejas fighters, and 156 Prachand light combat helicopters. These projects are crucial in enhancing India's defence readiness, particularly in response to China's advancements in multi-domain warfare capabilities. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is also working on India's own long-range Air Defence System (LR-SAM), expected to be completed by 2028-2029. Notably, India has already ordered 83 Tejas jets and plans to add 97 more to the existing order.

In terms of naval strength, India currently operates two aircraft carriers: INS Vikrant, commissioned in 2022 and expected to achieve full combat readiness by 2024, and INS Vikramaditya, a refurbished Admiral Gorshkov, inducted into the navy in 2013. Additionally, the production of 156 Prachand helicopters is aimed at boosting India's operational capabilities, particularly in challenging high-altitude regions like the Siachen glacier. These developments underscore India's commitment to bolstering its defence infrastructure and preparedness to meet evolving security challenges.

20. Inauguration of Bharat Drone Shakti Exhibition

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 'Bharat Drone Shakti-2023’ exhibition in Hindon, Uttar Pradesh, showcasing the latest advancements in drone technology. The event marked the induction of the C-295 transport aircraft into the Indian Air Force. Co-hosted by the Indian Air Force and Drone Federation of India, the exhibition serves as a platform to highlight the strategic significance of drone capabilities and fosters collaboration between military and civilian sectors in the field of unmanned aerial systems. The induction of the C-295 adds to India's air capabilities, reflecting the country's commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in defence.

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