Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is testing DURGA-2, a prototype of its Directionally Unrestricted Ray Gun Array. This system utilizes lasers, microwaves, or particle beams to damage or destroy targets, offering advantages over conventional munitions. It operates at the speed of light, unaffected by gravity or atmospheric drag, and boasts precision and customizable effects. Its implementation could revolutionize warfare, joining other countries like Russia, France, Germany, the UK, Israel, and China in possessing similar technology.

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Indian Navy conducted ‘Exercise Poorvi Lehar’ off the Eastern Seaboard on April 20, 2024. Under Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, the exercise aimed to assess the Navy’s readiness for maritime security challenges. It involved ships, submarines, aircraft, and special forces. Conducted in two phases, it included combat training in real scenarios and successful firings to confirm warhead delivery capability. Continuous maritime awareness was maintained with aircraft operating from various locations.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently conducted a successful test firing of the Crystal Maze 2 missile, also known as ROCKS. Originating from Israel, this air-launched medium-range ballistic missile is designed for targeting high-value stationary and relocatable assets like long-range radars and air defense systems. It boasts extended stand-off range capabilities compared to its predecessor, Crystal Maze 1, with a range of over 250 kilometers. With options for penetration or blast fragmentation warheads, it’s effective in GPS-denied environments.

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The Indian Air Force deployed MI 17 V5 helicopters equipped with Bambi Buckets to combat forest fires in Nainital. The Bambi Bucket, also known as a helicopter bucket, is a specialized firefighting tool used since the 1980s. It’s suspended under the chopper and filled from rivers or ponds, releasing water via a pilot-controlled valve. Its features include quick filling, storage within the helicopter, and precise water discharge, aiding in combating inaccessible wildfires.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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India protests China’s construction in Shaksgam Valley, deemed illegal. The valley is part of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. It is a disputed territory claimed by India but controlled by Pakistan and ceded to China in 1963 by Pakistan. Article 6 of the agreement stipulates renegotiation after Kashmir dispute settlement. It borders Xinjiang, POK, and Siachen Glacier. The Karakoram highway, built in the 1970s, resulted from the agreement between China and Pakistan.

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Joint military Exercise Shakti, a biennial event between Indian and French forces, occurred at Umroi, Meghalaya, from May 13-26, 2024. Attended by French Ambassador Thierry Mathou, Brigadier Mayur Shekatkar, and dignitaries, it focuses on joint planning and strategy development for war scenarios. Shakti, alternating between India and France, aims to enhance cooperation, understanding, and interoperability while sharing combat experiences in countering terrorism.