1. What is ‘LSAM 20 (Yard 130)’, recently seen in news?
[A] Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge
[B] Nuclear Powered Ballistic Submarine
[C] Method used for conservation of forest
[D] Earth observation satellite
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge]
Notes:
The launch of the ‘Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge, LSAM 20 (Yard 130)’, 6th Barge of the 11 x ACTCM Barge Project, built by MSME Shipyard, M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane for Indian Navy, occurred on 29 Apr 24. The contract was signed on 05 Mar 21. These Barges, designed and built indigenously, enhance operational capabilities by facilitating transportation and embarkation of ammunition. They are a part of the Make in India initiative.
2. SMART (Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo) system, recently seen in news, is developed by which organization?
[A] DRDO
[B] ISRO
[C] Ministry of Earth Sciences
[D] CSIR
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [DRDO]
Notes:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful test of the Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system on May 1, 2024, from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha coast. The test validated advanced mechanisms like symmetric separation and velocity control. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and DRDO chief Dr Samir V Kamat praised the SMART team. SMART is a next-gen lightweight torpedo delivery system boosting Indian Navy’s anti-submarine capabilities, featuring a supersonic missile carrier with a 643 km range and a 20 km lightweight torpedo.
3. Recently, who took charge as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) Training Command (TC)?
[A] Swaroop Krishna
[B] Nagesh Kapoor
[C] Om Prakash Mehra
[D] Nirmal Chandra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nagesh Kapoor]
Notes:
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor took charge as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) Training Command on May 1, 2024. Commissioned in 1986, he’s a veteran with over 3400 flying hours and notable stints as Commanding Officer and Station Commander. His roles include Chief Instructor at Air Force Academy, Defence Attaché in Pakistan, and staff positions in strategy and air defense. Prior to TC, he was Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel at Air HQ.
4. High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), recently seen in the news, is developed by which country?
[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] India
[D] USA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [USA]
Notes:
Russia’s government released new footage allegedly targeting two Ukrainian High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) following increased US military aid to Ukraine. HIMARS was developed in the late 1990s for the United States Army by Lockheed Martin Corporation, a US-based aerospace and Security Company. The M142 HIMARS is a light, multiple rocket launcher that’s mounted on a standard U.S. Army Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) M1140 truck frame. It’s designed to engage and defeat targets such as artillery, light armor, air defense concentrations, personnel carriers, and trucks.
5. Recently, Indian Army’s Kharga corps and the Indian Air Force have conducted a joint exercise ‘Gagan Shakti II’ in which state?
[A] Haryana
[B] Gujarat
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Punjab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Punjab]
Notes:
The Indian Army’s Kharga Corps, with the Western Command, conducted a three-day joint exercise, “Gagan Strike-II,” with the Indian Air Force in Punjab. Utilizing assets like Apache helicopters and UAVs, the exercise focused on validating attack helicopters’ role in supporting mechanized operations. It aimed to refine protocols and enhance coordination for ground offensives, including live fire maneuvers, in developed terrains.
6. Which Indian Navy ships recently completed their visit to Manila, Philippines as part of the Operational Deployment of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet to the South China Sea?
[A] INS Vikrant, INS Shardul, and INS Kesari
[B] INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan
[C] INS Karanj, INS Vela, and INS Vagir
[D] INS Satpura, INS Betwa, and INS Kora
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan]
Notes:
Indian Navy ships INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan concluded their visit to Manila, Philippines, as part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet deployment to the South China Sea. The Ministry of Defence highlighted the visit’s significance, showcasing India’s robust relations with the Philippines and its dedication to strengthening bilateral ties. Activities during the port call encompassed Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE), sports events, cultural exchanges, cross-deck visits, and collaborative community outreach programs.
7. INS Kiltan, which was seen in the news, belongs to which class of submarines?
[A] Kamorta class
[B] Kalvari class
[C] Vagir class
[D] Karanj class
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kamorta class]
Notes:
Indian Naval Ship Kiltan arrived at Muara, Brunei, warmly welcomed by the Royal Brunei Navy. This indigenously-built anti-submarine warfare stealth corvette is the third Kamorta-class corvette under Project 28. Designed by the Indian Navy and built by GRSE in Kolkata, it features a carbon fibre composite superstructure for enhanced stealth and lower maintenance. It hosts advanced indigenous weapons and sensors, including torpedoes, ASW rockets, and air surveillance radar.
8. What is ‘K-9 Vajra’, recently seen in news?
[A] Self-propelled artillery system
[B] Nuclear ballistic submarine
[C] 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine
[D] Asteroid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Self-propelled artillery system]
Notes:
Several key ‘Made in India’ defense projects await final approval post-elections, including more K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers. The K-9 Vajra, built by Larsen & Toubro with technology from South Korea’s Hanwha Défense, is a 155 mm, 52-caliber self-propelled artillery system. It can fire various shells, has all-welded steel armor, and strikes targets up to 50 km away with a burst rate of three rounds per 15 seconds.
9. What is the primary aim of the Red Flag 24 exercise, recently held in Alaska?
[A] To conduct ground-based military operations
[B] To integrate aircrew in a multinational environment through advanced aerial combat training
[C] To train naval forces for maritime security
[D] To provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief training
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [To integrate aircrew in a multinational environment through advanced aerial combat training]
Notes:
An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent arrived at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, for the Red Flag 24 exercise, deploying Rafale fighter jets. Red Flag 24, a two-week advanced aerial combat training exercise, integrates multinational aircrews in realistic scenarios. Approximately 3100 service members and over 100 aircraft participate, using 77,000 square miles of airspace in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex. This exercise has occurred since 1975.
10. Recently, who has been appointed as the next Chief of the Army Staff?
[A] Mukesh Chadha
[B] Upendra Dwivedi
[C] Dheerendra Singh
[D] Manjit Kumar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Upendra Dwivedi]
Notes:
Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has been appointed as the Chief of the Army Staff, succeeding General Manoj C Pande. Born on July 1, 1964, he joined the Infantry (Jammu and Kashmir Rifles) in 1984. With nearly 40 years of service, he held key roles such as Director General Infantry and GOC-in-C Northern Command. An alumnus of prestigious institutions, he holds multiple advanced degrees and has received several military honors.
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