Monthly Defence Current Affairs

April 2024
Sadanand Vasant Takes Over As NIA chief
• Sadanand Vasant Date, who bravely fought terrorists during the 26/11 Mumbai
attack, on Sunday took over the reins of the National Investigation Agency,
according to an official statement. Date, a 1990 batch Indian Police Service
officer of Maharashtra cadre, succeeded Dinkar Gupta, who superannuated.
• Before joining the NIA, Date was serving as the chief of Anti-Terrorism Squad
(ATS) in Maharashtra. He has held several important positions in Maharashtra,
including those of Police Commissioner of Mira-Bhayandar Vasai-Virar, Joint
Commissioner Law and order, and Joint Commissioner Crime Branch Mumbai,
said the statement issued by the NIA.

METOC Seminar Meghayan 2024

• The World Meteorological Day is commemorated every year on 23rd March. It
marks the origin of World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on 23 Mar 1950
and signifies the invaluable contribution and essential role of the meteorologists
in this field.
• As part of the World Meteorological Day celebrations, a METOC (Meteorological
and Oceanographic) seminar _'Meghayan-24'_ was conducted by School of
 Naval Oceanology & Meteorology and Indian Naval Meteorological Analysis
Centre (INMAC) at Southern Naval Command on 28 Mar 24.
• The seminar was based on the theme _*'At the Frontline of Climate Action'*_
as promulgated by WMO for the year 2024.

First Hovercraft Maintenance Unit of Gujrat

• Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane visited the Indian Coast Guard facilities in
the Northwest Region on March 28-29, 2024. During the visit, he inaugurated
the infrastructure for the Hovercraft Maintenance Unit (HMU) at Okha.
• The Hovercraft Maintenance Unit will help in the maintenance of the
hovercrafts, which are used for surveillance purposes in 50 different islands in
the Area of Responsibility. These hovercrafts are based at Okha and Jakhau and
are equipped with advanced instruments and devices.
• They are powered by diesel engines and have a range of over 100 nautical miles.
The opening of the HMU will help in the timely delivery of technical support and
maintenance services to the hovercrafts.
• A hovercraft, also known as an air-cushion vehicle or ACV, is an amphibious craft
capable of travelling over land, water, mud, ice, and various other surfaces.
Hovercraft use blowers to produce a large volume of air below the hull, or air
cushion, that is slightly above atmospheric pressure.
Defence Exports Touch Record Rs 21,083 crore in FY 2023-
24
• Defence exports have touched a record Rs 21,083 crore (approx. US$ 2.63
Billion) in the FY 2023-24, a growth of 32.5% over the last fiscal when the figure
was Rs 15,920 crore. The recent figures indicate that the defence exports have
grown by 31 times in the last 10 years as compared to FY 2013-14.
• The defence Industry, including the private sector and Defence Public Sector
Undertakings (DPSUs), have made tremendous efforts in achieving the highest-
ever defence exports. The private sector and the DPSUs have contributed about
60% and 40% respectively.
• In addition, there has been a rise in the number of export authorisations issued
to the defence exporters during FY 2023-24. From 1,414 export authorisations in
FY 2022-23, the number jumped to 1,507 in FY 2023-24.
HAL Delivers Two Dornier 228 Planes To Guyana
• HAL has delivered two Dornier 228 planes to the Guyana Defence Force, the
country's President Mohamed Irfaan Ali said on Monday. He shared the
information along with photographs of the delivered aircraft in a post on X.
• The development comes more than a year after the Guyanese president and his
delegation had visited an HAL facility in India. Months later, a delegation from
the HAL had visited and met President Ali, as a follow-up to his visit to India in
early 2023.

Rising Sun Brahmos Warriors Showcases Long-range

Targeting Capabilities
• In a breathtaking display of precision and strength of the Indian Army's
conventional deterrence, the Rising Sun missile specialists displayed their long-
range targeting capabilities, Eastern Command, Indian Army, said.
• The Rising Sun BrahMos warriors showcased their capability as a formidable
force for peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
 • With the calculated strike hitting its mark precisely, this event serves as a
poignant reminder of India's steadfast dedication to defending its sovereignty
and fostering regional stability.
• The BrahMos is a medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile that can be
launched from submarines, ships, fighter aircraft or TEL. It is a joint venture
between the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation and the
Russian Federation's NPO Mashinostroyeniya, who together have formed
BrahMos Aerospace.

Mumbai First Tri-service Common Defence Station

• The Armed Forces are planning to turn Mumbai into the first “tri-service
common defence station” in the country for the Army, Navy and the IAF — a
step aimed at achieving jointness among the three services ahead of the
creation of integrated theatre commands.
• Discussions to this effect are under way in the top military hierarchy and a
decision is likely to be taken soon, officials said.
• Currently, there are no common defence stations in India. The Andaman and
Nicobar command is a full-fledged command raised as a tri-service command in
2001. Other efforts to bring in jointness among the services—such as inter-
service postings—were brought in last year.
• A common defence station would mean that all facilities of the Army, Navy, IAF
will be combined — including logistics, infrastructure, repair and maintenance
as well as stores and supplies— so that they could be optimised and brought
under a common lead service.
Exercise 'Sagar Kavach'
• A two-day exercise involving all maritime security agencies of the country was
conducted off the Lakshadweep Islands from April 1-2. During the exercise,
validation of the effectiveness of coastal security mechanisms while dealing with
asymmetric threats emanating from the sea was undertaken, they said.
• Assets of the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Police, fisheries, customs and
other security agencies were engaged in the coastal security exercise -- Sagar
Kavach 01/24.
• The exercise witnessed enhanced preparedness, response mechanism,
surveillance capabilities and coordination between the coastal security
stakeholders, the officials said.
Maritime Partnership Exercise India Japan
• The Indian Navy said on Wednesday that its P8I aircraft have reached in Atsugi,
Japan for bilateral anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and subject matter expert
exchange with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
• The interactions with the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) included
cross-ship visits, a professional exchange of ideas, a Joint Yoga Camp, and a
coordination meeting for the Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX).
• The visit of INS Kadmatt to Japan was aimed at further bolstering maritime
cooperation between India and Japan.
• India and Japan share 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership'. Friendship
between the two countries has a long history rooted in spiritual affinity and
strong cultural and civilizational ties.

New Generation Ballistic Missile Agni-prime Successfully

Flight-tested
• Strategic Forces Command (SFC), along with DRDO conducted the successful
flight-test of New Generation Ballistic Missile Agni-Prime from Dr APJ Abdul
Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha at around 1900 hrs on April 03, 2024.
• The test met all the trial objectives validating its reliable performance, as
confirmed from the data captured by a number of range sensors deployed at
 different locations, including two downrange ships placed at the terminal point.
The launch was witnessed by the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Strategic Forces
Command and senior officials from DRDO & the Indian Army.
• Agni-P or Agni-Prime is a two-stage, surface to surface, canister-launched, road
mobile and solid-fueled medium-range ballistic missile being developed by
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation as the sixth missile in
the Agni series.
• Manufacturer: Bharat Dynamics Limited
• Operational range: 1,000–2,000 kilometres (620–1,240 mi)

Pan India Emergency Landing Facility Activation

• As part of the exercise Gagan Shakti-24, IAF aircraft recently operated from the
Emergency Landing Facility in the northern sector in Kashmir valley. A large
number of troops were airlifted and subsequently air landed utilising Chinook,
Mi-17 V5 and ALH Mk-III helicopters by night.
• IAF also plans to practise similar drills in coordination with administration of
State Governments for activation of ELFs in other sectors. Various IAF fixed and
rotary wing platforms will carry out coordinated landing and operations at these
ELF, requiring good planning and coordination with civil administration
employing Whole-of-the-Nation-Approach (WNA).
Akashteer Control and Reporting Systems
• In a significant move towards enhancing India's defence capabilities and
technology absorption, the induction of 'Akashteer Command and Control
Systems' has commenced in the Indian Army's Corps of Army Air Defence.
• The deployment of Akashteer begins with the flagging off of the first batch of
Control Centres from BEL Ghaziabad on April 4, 2024.
• The project developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) as part of the
Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative is poised to significantly enhance the operational
efficiency and integration of the Army's air defence mechanisms.
• The Akashteer Project is a cutting-edge initiative designed to automate Air
Defence Control and Reporting processes by digitising the entire process.
• It is highlighted that the Indian Army has declared the year 2024 as the "Year of
Tech Absorption' and undertaking various initiatives to induct niche technology
and systems in its inventory.
Philippines Hold Joint Naval Drills With US, Japan, Australia
• The Philippines hold joint naval drills with the United States, Japan and
Australia, two diplomatic sources told AFP, as the four countries deepen military
ties to counter China's expanding influence in the Asia-Pacific region.
• The exercise held in the disputed South China Sea -- which Beijing claims almost
entirely -- days before US President Joe Biden is due to hold the first trilateral
summit with the leaders of the Philippines and Japan.
• Described by the Philippine military as a visit aimed at strengthening military
relations with partner nations, the presence of the Australian vessel underscores
the collaborative efforts to address escalating tensions in the region.
• China’s increasing assertiveness in asserting its claims over disputed waters has
raised concerns among neighboring countries, including the Philippines and
Japan, as well as self-ruled Taiwan.
IAF Receives First Indigenous Crash Fire Tender
• The Indian Air Force said it had recently received the delivery of the first
indigenously designed and developed Crash Fire Tender (CFT).
• Manufactured by a Noida-based Indian MSME firm, against a contract worth Rs
291 Cr, the Indian manufacturer ensured the delivery of the CFT within 14
months of contract signing.
• The Indian Air Force is promoting indigenisation and has procured many made-
in-India items to meet its operational requirements.
• Promoting Make in India in Defence sector has been one of the key focus areas
of the Narendra Modi government and multiple steps have been taken in this
direction.
Two Indian Navy Warships Being Built In Russia
• Two Indian Navy warships being built in Russia are likely to be commissioned by
the end of this year, after getting delayed due to the Russia-Ukraine war there.
• The first warship would be known as INS Tushil, while the other one would be
INS Tamal after commissioning.
• The stealth frigates are being built as part of the Tushil class warships, which are
follow-ons of the six warships of the Talwar class and its follow-on frigates.
• The GSL is expected to launch the first warship for trials in the near future and
the delivery is planned to be completed by the middle of 2026.
India Receives Fresh Batch Of Igla-S Air Defence System
From Russia
• The Indian Army has received the first batch of 24 Russia-made Igla-S Man
Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS), along with 100 missiles, as part of a
larger deal which will see the rest being made in India.
• The system is being procured to shore up Indian Army’s Very Short Range Air
Defence (VSHORAD) capabilities.
• Sources in the defence establishment said that while the Army did induct a very
small number (24 launchers and 216 missiles) of Igla-S as part of emergency
procurement in 2021, this is a larger order.
• MANPADS are portable surface-to-air missile systems and air defence units in
high mountainous regions use MANPADS to neutralise low-altitude aerial
threats such as aircraft, drones, and missiles.

Empowering India’s Defence: The ASMI Revolution

• Amidst growing expectation, India gears up to equip its Special Forces with the
indigenous ASMI pistol, a groundbreaking development in the nation’s defence
industry.
• Lokesh Machine Limited has secured the contract to supply 550 units of the
9x19mm Submachine Pistol “ASMI” to the Special Forces of the Indian Army,
emerging victorious over competitors PLR Systems and Jindal Defence.
• The mastermind behind this revolutionary pistol is Col Prasad Bansod from the
Infantry School, Mhow, supported by the DRDO Armament Research &
Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune.
• With an estimated production cost of under Rs 50,000 per unit, ASMI holds
promise not only for domestic security forces but also for potential export
 markets, reflecting India’s strides towards self-sufficiency in defence
manufacturing.
• Sporting an 8-inch barrel and a high-capacity 33-round magazine, ASMI weighs
under 2 kgs when empty, offering versatility with its full-length integral
Picatinny rail and M-Lok slots for accessories.

INS Sharda Awarded On The Spot Unit Citation For Anti

Piracy Operations
• Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, during his visit to Southern Naval
Command, Kochi, awarded 'On the Spot Unit Citation' to INS Sharda for
successful conduct of anti-piracy operations.
• The ship was involved in the safe release of all 19 crew members (11 Iranian &
08 Pakistani) of Iranian fishing vessel Omari which was held hostage by pirates
off East coast of Somalia.
• The ship was tasked to investigate the Iranian fishing vessel Omari that was
likely hijacked by pirates. Based on surveillance inputs of naval RPA, the ship
intercepted the vessel and maintained a covert trail throughout the night.
During early morning hours of 02 Feb 24, the ship's integral helo and
subsequently Prahar team was launched.
DRDO Starts Work To Set Up Test Centre In Bengal
• DRDO has started implementing a project in Junput village in West Bengal to
build a small test centre for the country's weapon systems, officials said on
Thursday. Junput, like Odisha's Chandipur which is known for its Integrated Test
Range (ITR), is also situated by the Bay of Bengal.
• An additional operation area is required as the existing ITR at Chandipur near
Balasore has become saturated with work related to testing.
• "As timely trials of weapon systems are of paramount importance, a plan is
being implemented for an additional operation area at Junput near Digha, about
70 km from Chandipur," the DRDO official said.
• Junput is also 177 km from Kolkata and 40 km from Digha, a popular sea resort
town.
Steel Cutting of First Fleet Support Ship For Indian Navy
• ‘Steel Cutting’ ceremony of first of the five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) was held at
Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam on 10 Apr 24, in presence of Shri
Giridhar Aramane, Defence Secretary.
• Contract with HSL for acquisition of five Fleet Support Ships was signed in Aug
2023 and the ships are scheduled to be delivered to the Indian Navy,
commencing mid-2027. On induction, the Fleet Support Ships will bolster the
‘Blue Water’ capabilities of the Indian Navy through replenishment of fleet ships
at sea.
• The ships, with more than 40,000 tonnes displacement will carry and deliver
fuel, water, ammunition and stores enabling prolonged operations without
returning to harbour, thus enhancing the Fleet’s strategic reach and mobility.
Big Achievement For Command Hospital, Pune
• Department of Ear, Nose & Throat at Command Hospital (Southern Command)
in Pune has conducted two piezoelectric Bone Conduction Hearing Implants
(BCI) in a 7-year old male child suffering from congenital external and middle ear
anomalies with severe degree of hearing loss and one adult with Single Sided
Deafness, becoming the first gov hospital across the country to procure and
conduct the successful piezoelectric bone conduction hearing implants.
• The ENT department of Command Hospital (Southern Command) is a designated
Neurotology centre of the AFMS. The dept. has been providing Implantable
hearing solutions to dependent clientele for a number of years.
• Active piezoelectric bone conduction hearing implant system is an implantable
medical electronic device for hearing impaired patients [conductive loss
(including aural atresia), mixed hearing loss and single sided deafness].The cost
of the equipment has always been a concern, making its outreach limited.

Biden Hosts Philippines Counterpart, Japan PM For First

Ever Trilateral Meeting Amid China Tensions
• US President Joe Biden hosted the Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr
and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for the first-ever trilateral summit
between the three countries and said that the US commitments to the defence
of Japan and the Philippines remain "ironclad".
• The meeting, which came amid separate territorial disputes involving Japan, the
Philippines and China, saw the US President commit to standing in protection of
both countries.
 • Japan and the Philippines both have separate territorial disputes with China, in
the former's case the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea and in the latter's
areas of the South China Sea.

Sikkim: Army Conducts Anti-tank Guided Missile Firing At

Super-high-altitude
• Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army conducted a training exercise, involving the
firing of anti-tank guided missiles at a super high-altitude area of 17000 feet in
Sikkim on Thursday, Defence PRO, Guwahati informed.
• Missile-firing detachments from mechanised and infantry units of the entire
Eastern Command participated in the training exercise.
 • The exercise encompassed comprehensive continuity training and live firing
from different platforms on moving as well as static targets depicting battlefield
conditions, the release stated.
• The ATGM system's performance in high-altitude environments reaffirms the
aim of 'Ek Missile Ek Tank' and showcases the accuracy and effectiveness of the
ATGM system in super-high-altitude terrain, the released stated further.

HAL Bags Biggest-ever Indigenous Military Hardware Order

• In the largest ever order for indigenous military hardware placed by the Indian
govt, a Rs 65,000 crore tender has been issued by the Defence ministry to HAL
for made-in-India 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets.
• LCA Mark 1A is the advanced version of Tejas aircraft.
• According to news agency ANI, the tender was issued by recently and HAL has
been given three months to respond to it.
• The LCA Mark 1A boasts of more advanced avionics and radars than the initial
40 LCAs that the IAF will get. According to official statements, local content in
the new LCA Mark 1As will be more than 65 percent.
Successful Trials of Indigenous MPATGM
• Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile Weapon System, indigenously designed
and developed by DRDO has been field evaluated in different flight
configurations several times with the objective of proving the technology with
high superiority.
• The system consisted of the MPATGM, Launcher, Target Acquisition System, and
the Fire Control Unit. The Warhead Flight Trials were successfully conducted at
the Pokhran Field Firing Range, Rajasthan on April 13, 2024. Missile
performance and warhead performance were found to be remarkable.
Naval Investiture Ceremony 2024
• Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff presented Gallantry and
Distinguished Service awards to Naval personnel on behalf of the Hon’ble
President of India at an impressive Naval Investiture Ceremony held at INS
Hansa, Goa on 14 April 2024.
• A total of 35 personnel were conferred with various awards during the
ceremony, which included Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) to Cdr Manish Singh
Karki, Cdr Kaustab Banerjee, Lt Cdr Panneerselvam Vishnu Prasanna and Lt Cdr
Bhaskar.
• CNS also presented the Lt VK Jain Memorial Gold Medal for pioneering research
in the field of Weapon Improvement and Electrical Engineering, as well as the
Capt Ravi Dhir Memorial Gold Medal for promoting Flight Safety.
• The CNS Trophy for Best Green Practices 2023 was awarded to Naval Dockyard,
Mumbai and INS Valsura in the industrial and non-industrial categories
respectively.
• The CNS also awarded Unit Citations to Naval units for their outstanding service
over the past year. The recipients were Indian Naval Ships Teg, Kolkata, Karmuk,
Sumedha, Sumitra and Sharda, submarine INS Sindhukesari, flight squadron
INAS 550 and shore establishments Chilka, Circars, Eksila, Dronacharya and
Naval Ship Repair Yard (Karwar).

IAF In Operation Meghdoot

• Meghdoot was launched on 13 April 1984, when the Indian Army and IAF
advanced to the Siachen glacier to secure the heights dominating the Northern
Ladakh region.
• The operation involved the airlifting of Indian Army soldiers by the IAF and
dropping them on the glacial peaks. Although the operation began in 1984, IAF
helicopters were already operating in the Siachen Glacier since 1978, flying the
Chetak helicopters which was the first IAF helicopter to land in the Glacier in
October 1978.
• The main characters the Army’s higher echelons involved in the operation were
then Army Chief Gen AS Vaidya, the Director General Military Operations Lt Gen
CN Somanna, the GOC-in-C Northern Command Lt Gen ML Chibber, the Chief of
Staff Northern Command Lt Gen Narinjan Singh Cheema, GOC 15 Corps Lt Gen
PN Hoon, GOC 3 Div Maj Gen Shiv Sharma, MGGS Northern Command Maj Gen
Amarjit Singh, Commander 102 Infantry Brigade Brigadier Jal Master and
Commander 26 Sector Brigadier V Channa.
• A special mention must be made of the DGMO, Lt Gen Somanna. Commissioned
into the Brigade of Guards in December, 1949, Lt Gen Somanna is often
forgotten in popular retellings of the Siachen story, but was among the most
important planners.
Exercise Dustlik 2024
• The Indian Army participated for the 5th edition of India- Uzbekistan joint
military Exercise DUSTLIK. The Exercise conducted from 15th to 28th April 2024
at Termez, the Republic of Uzbekistan.
• Exercise DUSTLIK is a yearly event conducted alternatively in India and
Uzbekistan. Last edition was conducted at Pithoragarh (India) in February 2023.
• The Indian Armed Forces contingent comprising 60 personnel is being
represented by 45 personnel from the Indian Army, majorly from a Battalion of
the JAT Regiment, and 15 personnel from the Indian Air Force.
• The Uzbekistan contingent comprising approximately 100 personnel, from
Uzbekistan Army and Air Force, will be represented by personnel from Southern
Operational Command, part of South-West Military District.
SPACE, A Premier Testing & Evaluation Hub For Sonar
Systems For Indian Navy
• A state-of-the-art Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and
Evaluation (SPACE) was inaugurated by Secretary, Department of Defence (R&D)
and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat at Underwater Acoustic Research Facility,
Kulamavu in Idukki, Kerala on April 17, 2024.
• The SPACE marks a milestone in naval technology advancement. It will consist of
two distinct assemblages - a platform which floats on the water surface, and a
submersible platform which can be lowered to any depth upto 100 m using
winch systems.
• Upon completion of operations, the submersible platform can be winched up
and docked with the floating platform.
• The SPACE will mainly be utilised for evaluation of complete sonar system,
allowing for quick deployment and easy recovery of scientific packages such as
sensors and transducers. It will be suitable for survey, sampling, and data
collection of air, surface, mid-water, and reservoir floor parameters using
modern scientific instrumentation.

Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile Successfully Flight-

Tested by DRDO
 • DRDO conducted a successful flight-test of Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile
(ITCM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha
on April 18, 2024.
• During the test, all subsystems performed as per expectation. The missile
performance was monitored by several Range Sensors like Radar, Electro
Optical Tracking System (EOTS) and Telemetry deployed by ITR at different
locations to ensure complete coverage of the flight path. The flight of the missile
was also monitored from the Su-30-Mk-I aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
• Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO for the successful flight
test of the missile. He said that the successful development of indigenous long-
range subsonic cruise missiles powered by indigenous propulsion is a major
milestone. Chairman of DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat congratulated the entire team
of DRDO on the successful conduct of the ITCM launch.

Vice Admiral Dinesh Tripathi appointed as next Indian Navy

Chief
• The government has appointed Vice Admiral Dinesh Tripathi as the next Chief of
the Indian Navy. Tripathi is presently the Vice Chief of Navy Staff after having
done multiple important assignments in his around 40-year-long vast career and
he will assume his new office on April 30.
 • Prior to taking over as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, VAdm Dinesh K Tripathi
served as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command.
• An alumnus of Sainik School Rewa and National Defence Academy,
Khadakwasla, he was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1985.

India Delivers Brahmos Supersonic Cruise Missiles To

Philippines
• India delivered the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines on
Friday, as part of the USD 375 million deal between the two sides signed in
2022.
• The Indian Air Force sent its American origin C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft
with the missiles to the Philippines to deliver the weapon system to the
Philippines' Marine Corps, according to the defence sources.
• The Philippines is taking delivery of the missile systems at a time when tensions
between them and China have escalated owing to frequent clashes in the South
China Sea. The three batteries of the BrahMos missile system would be
deployed by the Philippines in their coastal areas to guard against any threat in
the region.
DRDO Hands Over First Batch of Indigenous Leading-Edge
Actuators & Airbrake Control Module to HAL
• DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Agency has handed over the first batch of
the indigenous Leading-Edge Actuators and Airbrake Control Module to HAL,
marking a significant leap towards self-reliance in aeronautical technologies.
• The HAL, Lucknow has already made preparations for the production of these
units for the current 83 LCA Tejas Mk1A order.
• The Secondary Flight Control of LCA-Tejas, comprising Leading Edge Slats and
Airbrakes, now boasts state-of-the-art Servo-Valve based electro-hydraulic servo
actuators and control modules.
Andhra-cadre IPS Officer Nalin Prabhat Is New Counter-
terror Force Chief
• Nalin Prabhat, a 1992 batch IPS officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre, has been
appointed as the Director General of the National Security Guard (NSG).
• "Nalin Prabhat, presently working as an Additional Director General in the CRPF,
has been appointed as the Director General of the National Security Guard
(NSG) in Level-16 of the pay matrix from the date of joining the post and up to
August 31, 2028, i.e., date of his superannuation or until further orders,
whichever is earlier," read the official order.
• The Central government has also appointed Sapna Tewari, an Odisha cadre IPS
officer of 1992 batch, as the Special Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
• "Sapna Tewari, Additional Director, Intelligence Bureau, has been appointed as
the Special Director (Level-16 in the pay matrix), IB, on 'in-situ' basis by
temporarily upgrading the post of Additional Director held by the officer for a
tenure of two years from the date of assumption of charge up to the date of her
superannuation, i.e., April 30, 2026, or until further orders, whichever is earlier,"
the order read.
Exercise Poorvi Lehar 2024
• Indian Navy conducted Exercise Poorvi Lehar on East Coast under the
Operational Control of The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval
Command.
• The exercise aimed at validation of procedures towards assessment of Indian
Navy’s preparedness to meet Maritime Security challenges in the region. The
successful conclusion of XPOL 2024, reaffirms Indian Navy’s resolve to meet
growing security challenges in the maritime domain.

Army Progressing Rs 6800 Cr Desi Shoulder-fired Missile

Projects For China, Pakistan Borders
 • Amid shortages in the inventory of shoulder-fired missiles to tackle aerial
threats on borders with China and Pakistan, the Indian Army is progressing two
cases worth over Rs 6,800 crore for developing Very Short-Range Air Defence
Systems indigenously.
• The Army has plans of developing and buying over 500 launchers and around
3000 missiles from indigenous routes.
• "At present, there is a Rs 4800 crore project in which a public sector unit
headquartered in Hyderabad and a private sector Pune-based firm have been
engaged for developing a laser beam riding VSHORADS which would be used by
the forces to protect the borders to provide protection from enemy drones,
fighter aircraft and choppers," defence forces' officials
• The project would be for developing 200 launchers and 1200 missiles for
supplying to the Indian Army and Air Force and the lead in the project is the
Indian Army which is the biggest user of these missiles, they said.

AFMS & IIT Delhi ink MoU for Collaborative Research &
Training
• Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) for collaborative research and training with Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT) Delhi on 22 April 2024.
• The scope of this MoU includes undertaking research and innovation to develop
novel medical devices and focus on solving health issues specific to serving
soldiers in varied terrains.
 • On this occasion, DGAFMS Lt Gen Daljit Singh informed that AFMS is dedicated
to provide the highest level of medical care to soldiers and collaboration with
institutes of national importance like IIT is a significant step towards this
commitment. Director IIT Delhi Prof Rangan Banerjee commented that this MoU
is full of possibilities for research and training beneficial to the nation and the
Armed Forces.

INSV Tarini Returns Triumphant After Historic Transoceanic

Expedition
• The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini has returned triumphant to her
base port at Goa on 21 Apr 24 after a historic transoceanic expedition of nearly
two months duration.
• The expedition was undertaken in double-handed mode by Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt
Cdr Roopa A, women officers of the Indian Navy. Their exceptional journey
marks a historic milestone as they become the first from India to accomplish
such a feat.
• The expedition was Flagged off from Goa by renowned circumnavigator and
their mentor Cdr Abhilash Tomy (Retd) on 28 Feb 24. After 22 days of navigating
 through the unpredictable elements of the Indian Ocean, INSV Tarini arrived at
Port Louis, Mauritius, on 21 Mar 24.

Rashtriya Raksha University Signs MoU With French

Starburst Aerospace
• Gandhinagar-based Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) and Starburst Aerospace
of France on Monday entered into a MoU to advance aerospace, defence, and
homeland security innovation.
• The MoU includes the creation of a venture capital fund of 100 million euros for
aerospace, defence and security technology and provides export promotion
support for Indian start-ups to explore international markets, the RRU said in a
release.
• The partnership between Starburst and RRU is a reflection of the progress in the
India-France Strategic Partnership in defence and space, it said.
• RRU and Starburst will work together to advance a vibrant security and defence
ecosystem in India, facilitating enterprise creation and nurturing the rapid
growth of innovative start-ups in the region, it said.
Global Defence Budget Jumps To Record High Of $2440bn
• Global military expenditure has reached a record high of $2440bn (£1970bn)
after the largest annual rise in government spending on arms in over a decade,
according to a report.
• For the first time, analysts at the thinktank recorded a rise in military outlay in
all five geographical regions: Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Oceania
and the Americas.
• The two largest spenders – the United States (37%) and China (12%) – made up
around half of global military spending, increasing their expenditure by 2.3%
and 6% respectively.
• The US government spent 9.4% more on “research, development, test and
evaluation” than in 2022 as Washington sought to stay at the forefront of
technological developments.
• Russia, India, Saudi Arabia and the UK – the largest spender in central and
western Europe after a 7.9% year-on-year increase – follow in Sipri’s league
table.
DRDO Develops Lightest Bullet Proof Jacket
• DRDO’s Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development
Establishment, Kanpur has successfully developed the lightest Bullet Proof
Jacket in the country for protection against 7.62 x 54 R API (Level 6 of BIS
17051) ammunition.
• Recently, this bullet proof jacket was successfully tested at TBRL, Chandigarh as
per BIS 17051-2018. This jacket is based upon new design approach, where
novel material along with new processes have been used.
• The front Hard Armour Panel (HAP) of this jacket defeats multiple hits (06 shots)
of 7.62 x 54 R API (Sniper rounds) in both ICW (In-conjunction with) and
Standalone design. The ergonomically designed front HAP is made up of
monolithic ceramic plate with polymer backing which enhances the wearability
and comfort during the operation.
Successful Test Of New Version Of Medium-range Ballistic
Missile
• A successful launch of the new variant of a Medium-Range Ballistic Missile was
carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command on April 23, 2024.
The user launch has proven the operational capability of the Command and
validated new technologies.
• The Strategic Forces Command, sometimes called Strategic Nuclear Command,
forms part of India's Nuclear Command Authority. It is responsible for the
management and administration of the country's tactical and strategic nuclear
weapons stockpile. It was created on 4 January 2003 by the Vajpayee
Government.
• It is the responsibility of the Strategic Forces Command to operationalize the
directives of the NCA under the leadership of a Commander-in-Chief who is a
three-star rank officer. It will have the sole responsibility of initiating the process
of delivering nuclear weapons and warheads, after acquiring explicit approval
from the NCA. The exact selection of the target area shall be decided by the SFC
through a calibrated, cumulative process involving various levels of decision-
making, and with formal approval by the NCA.
India Successfully Tests New 250 Km Strike Range Air-
launched Ballistic Missile
• The IAF has successfully carried out a test firing of a new version of an air-
launched medium-range ballistic missile that is capable of hitting targets at a
distance exceeding 250 km.
• The missile, also referred to as ROCKS or Crystal Maze 2, originated from Israel
and underwent a test launch from a Su-30 MKI fighter jet in the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands last week.
• CM-2 represents a new generation extended stand-off range air-to-surface
missile, designed to strike high-value stationary and relocatable targets in GPS-
denied environments, like the one India faced during the Kargil War.
World Border Security Congress
• A two-member Indian Coast Guard delegation led by Additional Director General
S Paramesh participated in the World Border Security Congress 2024 being
conducted in Istanbul, Turkiye.
• The event was conducted from April 24-26 in Istanbul.
• The Indian Coast Guard presented a maritime perspective to the Congress on
"Maritime Border Challenges" and discussed potential solutions.
• Bilateral relations have been strengthened by the exchange of visits of leaders
of both countries in recent times. Moreover, there have been exchanges of
parliamentary delegations between the two countries.
• The Members of Parliament have also been interacting with each other at
multilateral parliamentary conferences.

SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Kazakhstan

• Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane participated in the Shanghai
Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Astana,
Kazakhstan on April 26, 2024.
• During the meeting, a protocol was signed by the Defence Ministers of all SCO
Member States. A Joint Communique was issued after the meeting, in which the
SCO Defence Ministers agreed, amongst other initiatives, to developing the idea
of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’.
• At the meeting, the Defence Secretary reiterated India’s steadfast commitment
towards maintaining peace, stability and security in the SCO region. He
emphasised the need to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism in
all its forms for prosperity and development of the SCO Member States.

REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Who Takes Over As NIA Chief?
A. Sadanand Vasant Date
B. Dinkar Gupta
C. Dinesh Gupta
D. None
ANSWER: A

2. Op Sankalp Is Running By
A. IAF
B. NSG
C. Indian Army
D. Indian Navy
 ANSWER: D

3. METOC SEMINAR 'MEGHAYAN 2024’ Conducted By

A. IAF
B. NSG
C. Indian Army
D. Indian Navy
ANSWER: D

4. To which country did Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) deliver two Dornier
228 planes?
A. Sri Lanka
B. Maldives
C. Guyana
D. Indonesia
ANSWER: C

5. How much did India's defence exports reach in the Financial Year (FY) 2023-
24?
A. Rs 15,920 crore
B. Rs 21,083 crore
C. Rs 25,000 crore
D. Rs 30,000 crore
ANSWER: B

6. Which of the Following Are Members of Shanghai Cooperation Organization:

Pakistan
India
Turkmenistan
Turkey
Belarus
Which of the given above is/are Correct?
A. 1, 2 & 5 only
B. 3, 4 & 5 Only
C. 1 & 2 Only
D. All Are Members
 ANSWER: C

10. Which country is not a founding member of the SCO?

A. Russia
B. China
C. India
D. Kazakhstan
ANSWER: C

11. Where was exercise Kavach conducted involving all maritime security
agencies of India?
A. Andaman Islands
B. Lakshadweep Islands
C. Nicobar Islands
D. Maldives
ANSWER: B

12. Where did the Indian Navy's P8I aircraft reach for bilateral ASW MPX?
A. Yokosuka, Japan
B. Atsugi, Japan
C. Tokyo, Japan
D. Osaka, Japan
ANSWER: B

13. Where was the successful flight-test of New Generation Ballistic Missile Agni-
Prime conducted?
A. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island
B. Agra, UP
C. Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
D. Thumba, Kerala
ANSWER: A

14. What is the name of the command and control systems recently inducted into
Army Air Defence?
A. Akash Prithvi Systems
B. Akash Deep Systems
C. Akash Neel Systems
D. Akashteer Command and Control Systems
 ANSWER: D

15. Igla-S Is A
A. ATGM
B. MANPAD
C. Submarine
D. Rifle
ANSWER: B

16. ASMI Pistol Designed By

A. Col Prasad Bansod
B. Col Prakash Bansod
C. Col Manpreet Singh
D. None
ANSWER: A

17. Which Indian Army corps conducted a training exercise involving the firing of
ATGMs in Sikkim?
A. Trishul Corps
B. Brahmastra Corps
C. Trishakti Corps
D. Garud Corps
ANSWER: C

18. What is the significance of the Rs 65,000 crore tender issued by the Defence
ministry to HAL?
A. It is for importing fighter jets.
B. It is for making tanks.
C. It is for indigenous 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets.
D. It is for naval vessels.
ANSWER: C

19. Which country provided the Indian Army with the portable Igla-S Air defence
system?
A. Russia
B. China
C. United States
D. France
ANSWER: A

20. Where was the bilateral Tri-Service HADR Amphibious Ex Tiger Triumph 2024,
held?
A. Visakhapatnam
B. Pune
C. Chandipur
D. Mumbai
ANSWER: A

21.Which naval units received Unit Citations for their outstanding service over the
past year?
A. Indian Naval Ships Teg, Kolkata, and Karmuk
B. Indian Naval Ships Sumedha, Sumitra, and Sharda
C. Indian Naval Ships Teg, Kolkata, and Sumedha
D. Indian Naval Ships Karmuk, Sumitra, and Sharda
ANSWER: A

22. What system was field evaluated several times by DRDO?

A. Surface-to-air missile system
B. Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Weapon System
C. Submarine-launched ballistic missile system
D. Aircraft carrier system
ANSWER: B

23. When was Meghdoot launched?

A. 13 April 1984
B. 13 April 1994
C. 13 April 2004
D. 13 April 2014
ANSWER: A

24. Which submarine received Unit Citations for its outstanding service?
A. INS Sindhukesari
B. INS Sindhuraj
C. INS Sindhukirti
D. INS Sindhuvir
 ANSWER: A

25.Which Naval units received Unit Citations for their outstanding service?
A. Indian Naval Ships Teg, Kolkata, and Karmuk
B. Indian Naval Ships Sumedha, Sumitra, and Sharda
C. Both A and B
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A

26.Where is the 5th edition of the India-Uzbekistan joint military Exercise DUSTLIK
scheduled to be conducted?
A. New Delhi, India
B. Termez, Uzbekistan
C. Pithoragarh, India
D. Tashkent, Uzbekistan
ANSWER: B

27.Where was the Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and

Evaluation (SPACE) inaugurated?
A. Bengaluru, Karnataka
B. Kulamavu, Kerala
C. Idukki, Kerala
D. New Delhi, India
ANSWER: C

28.How much is the value of the tender issued by the Indian Defence Ministry to
HAL?
A. Rs 65 crore
B. Rs 65,000 crore
C. Rs 97 crore
D. Rs 97,000 crore
ANSWER: B

29.What is LCA Mark 1A in relation to the Tejas aircraft?

A. It is the basic version
B. It is the prototype
C. It is the advanced version
D. It is a different model
ANSWER: C

30.Who has been appointed as the next Chief of the Indian Navy?
A. Vice Admiral Dinesh Tripathi
B. Admiral Karambir Singh
C. Vice Admiral Amit Tripathi
D. None
ANSWER: A

31.With which institute did the AFMS sign a MoU for collaborative research and
training?
A. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
B. Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore
C. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur
D. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad
ANSWER: C

32.What was delivered to the Philippines as part of the USD 375 million deal
signed in 2022?
A. Tanks
B. Fighter jets
C. Supersonic cruise missiles
D. Submarines
ANSWER: C

33. What did DRDO's Aeronautical Development Agency hand over to HAL?
A. Fighter aircraft
B. Helicopters
C. Leading Edge Actuators and Airbrake Control Module
D. Radar systems
ANSWER: C

34. Who has been appointed as the Special Director of the Intelligence Bureau
(IB)?
A. Nalin Prabhat
B. Sapna Tewari
C. An Odisha cadre IPS officer
D. Director General of the National Security Guard
ANSWER: B

35.Which country is planning to test the Astra Mark-2 air-to-air missile with a 130
km range?
A. India
B. China
C. Russia
D. United States
ANSWER: A

36. From which state did DRDO successfully test-fire the Indigenous Technology
Cruise Missile?
A. Andaman Nicobar
B. Odisha
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Kerala
ANSWER: B

37. Ex ‘Poorvi Prahar’ Is A

A. Domestic Ex
E. Bilateral Ex
F. Multilateral Ex
G. All of the above
ANSWER: A

38. Which organization signed a contract with CSL for the supply of gas turbines
and auxiliaries for the Indian Navy's NGMV project?
A. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
B. Bharat Electronics Limited
C. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd
D. Indian Space Research Organisation
ANSWER: C
39. In which state is DRDO setting up a new test centre for weapon systems?
A. Odisha
B. West Bengal
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Maharashtra
ANSWER: B

40.Which organization conducted a seminar the theme "Year of Technology

Absorption - Empowering the Soldier"?
A. Indian Navy
B. Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS)
C. Indian Air Force
D. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
ANSWER: C