Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The Indian Army launched “Eklavya,” an online learning platform to enhance training and education. It was developed by Headquarters Army Training Command, sponsored by Army War College, and created by Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics” (BISAG-N), Gandhinagar, with support from the Directorate General of Information Systems. The platform is hosted on the Army Data Network with scalable architecture, allowing seamless integration of multiple training establishments and extensive courses. This initiative aligns with the Indian Army’s “Decade of Transformation” vision and the 2024 theme, “Year of Technology Absorption.”

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The Indian Navy will commission INS Tushil, a stealth guided missile frigate, in Kaliningrad, Russia. INS Tushil is part of the upgraded Krivak III-class frigates under Russian-designed Project 1135.6. It is the seventh vessel in this series and the first of two upgraded frigates from a 2016 India-Russia contract. “Tushil” means “protector shield,” symbolizing the Navy’s commitment to maritime security. The ship is 125 meters long, displaces 3,900 tons, and features advanced stealth for radar evasion. It includes 26% indigenous technology with 33 systems by Indian manufacturers. Assigned to the Western Fleet, it strengthens India’s naval capabilities.

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‘Sampark 4.0’ is an outreach initiative by the Indian Navy to provide quality healthcare services to naval veterans and their families. It emphasizes communication between veterans and ECHS (Navy), focusing on those in remote areas of Maharashtra. The program includes interactive sessions at various ECHS Polyclinics, fostering trust and awareness about healthcare services, entitlements, and procedures available to veterans.

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The bilateral naval exercise SLINEX 2024 was held from December 17 to 20, 2024, in Visakhapatnam. SLINEX, launched in 2005, aims to enhance maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. The exercise includes two phases: a Harbour Phase for professional exchanges and a Sea Phase for joint operations. Sea Phase activities involve Special Forces exercises and navigation drills. This annual event strengthens ties between the two nations and promotes a secure maritime environment in the region.

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INS Nirdeshak was commissioned on December 18 at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. It is the second ship under the Indian Navy’s Survey Vessel (Large) Project. Designed for hydrographic surveys, navigation assistance, and maritime operations support. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, with over 80% indigenous content, supporting Aatmanirbhar Bharat. It is a reincarnation of the earlier INS Nirdeshak, which served for 32 years until its decommissioning on December 19, 2014. The name ‘Nirdeshak’ means ‘Pathfinder’, reflecting its role in charting seas with precision.

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Vietnam Coast Guard Ship CSB 8005 visited Kochi for the “Sahyog — Hop Tac” maritime exercises. The Sahyog HOP TAC exercise is held between India and Vietnam. The exercises aim to enhance maritime cooperation and improve operational interoperability between the two nations. They focus on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional maritime challenges like security threats and environmental issues. The initiative fosters mutual trust and collaboration between India and Vietnam.

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The SLINEX 24 bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka was held from December 17-20, 2024, in Visakhapatnam. India was represented by INS Sumitra from the Eastern Fleet and a Special Forces team. Sri Lanka participated with the SLNS Sayura Offshore Patrol Vessel and its Special Forces team. The exercise aimed to improve interoperability and strengthen maritime cooperation between the two navies.

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The eighth Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, LSAM 22, was inducted on 06 Jan 2025 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. The contract for 11 ACTCM Barges was signed with M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt. Ltd., a Thane-based MSME, on 05 Mar 2021. Seven ACTCM Barges have already been delivered, and the shipyard is also building four Sullage Barges for the Navy. The barges are indigenously designed and tested for seaworthiness at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam. Built under Indian Register of Shipping rules, these barges promote Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) highlighted that Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs) have better flying safety records than global standards. Dhruv ALH is an indigenously developed twin-engine utility aircraft by HAL. It has multi-role, multi-mission capabilities for both military and civil operations.

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Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) delivered the sixth Scorpene-class submarine, INS Vaghsheer, to the Indian Navy on Jan 9, 2025. This marks the completion of Project P-75, enhancing India’s submarine fleet. INS Vaghsheer underwent rigorous trials and features advanced stealth technology, precision-guided weapons, and indigenous systems. The submarine strengthens India’s self-reliance in defence technology. MDL is poised for Project 75(I), building nuclear-powered submarines. The shipyard now has the capacity to build up to 10 capital warships and 11 submarines simultaneously, advancing India’s naval capabilities.