Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The US Coast Guard Bertholf ship arrived in Port Blair for the ‘Sea Defenders-2024’ joint exercise with the Indian Coast Guard. Set off the coast of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the two-day event focuses on maritime piracy, simulated drone attacks, search and rescue operations, firefighting, pollution response, and counter-drug exercises. Emphasizing international cooperation, the exercise underscores the partnership between the Indian and US Coast Guards, showcasing readiness for emergencies like medical evacuations.

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The Andaman & Nicobar Command marked the 40th anniversary of INAS 318 and International Women’s Day with a historic all-women maritime surveillance mission. The crew, consisting of Lt Cdr Shubhangi Swaroop, Lt Cdr Divya Sharma, and Lt Vaishali Mishra, showcased women’s pivotal role in the Naval Air Arm. The event emphasized gender equality, as women officers handled pre-flight briefing, meteorological briefing, medical check-up, and Air Traffic Control. The mission’s success reaffirms women’s capability in executing independent operational tasks, reinforcing their crucial contributions to national defense.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and foreign delegates from over 30 nations observed ‘Bharat Shakti,’ the largest military exercise in India’s history, in Pokhran, Rajasthan. The tri-service drill featured the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, with the Indian Army as the host. Key commanders from each force attended, showcasing India’s military prowess on a global stage.

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The Vajra Sentinel System is an anti-drone technology that can detect, track, and neutralize drones. The system was recently in the news because it is related to defense against unmanned aerial threats. The Vajra Sentinel System was developed by Big Bang Boom Solutions (BBBS) and has secured a contract with the Indian Army and Air Force. The system uses passive radio frequency sensors to identify and track drones. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) recently entered into a contract for the Vajra Sentinel System under the iDEX (Indian Defence Exhibition) initiative.

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The naval forces of China, Iran, and Russia recently launched a joint exercise called the “Maritime Security Belt-2024” near the Gulf of Oman. The exercise, which began on March 11 and lasted until 15, is the fifth common military exercise between the three countries in recent years. The exercise aims to safeguard regional maritime security and strengthen maritime cooperation. The exercise is organized in three phases: harbor, sea, and summarize. The exercise focuses on anti-piracy and search and rescue training courses, and includes the participation of Russian warships and aviation.

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Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated Nausena Bhawan, Indian Navy’s new headquarters at Delhi Cantonment, consolidating operations from 13 locations. The building, selected through a nationwide competition, features three wings across four stories, incorporating innovative technologies for efficiency and sustainability. This marks the Navy’s first independent HQ in Delhi, emphasizing functionality and aesthetics in its architectural design.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to conduct ‘Gagan Shakti-2024’, the nation’s largest air military exercise, involving all Air Force stations. Held every five years, it will commence on April 1, 2024, at Pokhran’s field firing range. Approximately 10,000 airmen will participate, with maneuvers spanning the Western and Northern fronts. The Indian Army is aiding logistical support, ensuring synergy across sectors for operational rail mobilization.

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The Armed Forces plan to transform Mumbai into India’s inaugural tri-service common defense station for the Army, Navy, and Indian Air Force (IAF). This aims at fostering jointness among the services preceding the establishment of integrated theatre commands. Theatreization involves integrating army, air force, and navy capabilities to optimize resources for warfare. Such commands combine assets from all three services under unified leadership, mirroring practices in major nations like China, Russia, the US, the UK, and France.

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The Philippines, alongside the United States, Japan, and Australia, conducted joint naval drills in April, 2024, in the South China Sea, aimed at strengthening military cooperation amidst China’s regional influence. This exercise precedes a trilateral summit involving the Philippines, Japan, and the US, highlighting efforts to bolster security ties in the face of growing tensions in the Asia-Pacific.

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On April 4, 2024, the Indian Army integrated the ‘Akashteer Command and Control System’ into its Air Defence Corps to bolster air defence security. Developed by BEL, this advanced system is part of India’s self-reliance initiative. The Army’s ‘Year of Technological Absorption’ in 2024 aims to expedite the integration of modern technologies, reinforcing India’s air defence capabilities. Akashteer signifies a leap in India’s military preparedness, enhancing its response to evolving threats.