Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The Indian Coast Guard conducted the Regional Level Pollution Response Exercise 2025 (RPREX-2025) in Mumbai. The exercise focused on tackling oil pollution at sea. A mock scenario involved a Motor Tanker sending a distress call after a collision with a fishing boat. The collision caused a hole in the tanker and heavy crude oil spillage into the sea. A specialised Indian Coast Guard Pollution Control Vessel and two other ships were deployed. Ships operated in full pollution response configuration. The exercise tested coordination and readiness of all stakeholders. It was conducted as per the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan.

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Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the maiden flight test of Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120). The test was carried out at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha. It is an extended-range, precision-guided rocket for the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) of the Indian Army. It was developed by Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) with Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, and Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL). The rocket has a maximum strike range of about 120 kilometres.

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In January 2026, the Indian Army created a modern warfare force named Bhairav to strengthen combat capabilities. Bhairav battalions are designed for high-speed offensive and special operations at tactical and operational levels. Around 15 Bhairav battalions have been raised, with plans to expand to 25. These units bridge the gap between Para Special Forces and regular Infantry. Bhairav units are technology-driven and capable of independent multi-domain operations.

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On the 10th Armed Forces Veterans Day, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka. Operation Pawan was conducted by the IPKF after the Indo–Sri Lanka Accord on 29 July 1987. The IPKF was deployed in Sri Lanka until March 1990, when it withdrew following a change in the Sri Lankan government’s policy. The operation involved significant bravery and sacrifice by Indian soldiers, now formally recognised and honoured by the government.

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India’s first indigenous and privately manufactured C-295 aircraft will roll out from Vadodara, Gujarat. It was built by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space. It marks a shift from public-sector to private-sector defence manufacturing, advancing Make in India (Defence) initiative. Vadodara facility (opened 2024) is India’s first private-sector final assembly line (FAL) for military aircraft.

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The Indian Army has officially selected the US-based firm Shield AI to supply its advanced V-BAT autonomous drones under an emergency procurement deal, marking a major step in adopting AI-driven warfare systems. This procurement is significant as it enables India to integrate Hivemind AI software, allowing sovereign development and control of autonomous military capabilities. The V-BAT autonomous unmanned aerial system (UAS) is developed and manufactured by Shield AI, a US-based defense technology company. The V-BAT is classified as a Group 3 Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) designed for long-endurance and high-risk missions.

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India successfully test-fired the Agni-III ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha. The launch was conducted under the supervision of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) as a routine training exercise. The test aimed to validate the operational readiness and technical performance of the missile system. All mission objectives were met, and all parameters were successfully validated, according to defence officials. Agni-III is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is a two-stage, solid-fuelled intermediate-range ballistic missile with a range exceeding 3,000 kilometres.

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Assam Rifles is planning to induct two indigenous dog breeds, Tangkhul Hui from Manipur and Kombai from Tamil Nadu, to reduce long-term dependence on foreign breeds. Assam Rifles, India’s oldest paramilitary force, operates the Assam Rifles Dog Training Centre (ARDTC) at Jorhat for training service dogs. Tangkhul Hui (Haofa) is a rare indigenous breed from Ukhrul district, Manipur, traditionally reared by the Tangkhul community for hunting. Kombai, also called the Polygar dog, is an indigenous guard breed from Theni district, Tamil Nadu, named after Kombai town.

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China recently showcased the CJ-1000, a land-based scramjet-powered hypersonic cruise missile, during a military parade in Beijing. It is developed indigenously by China and is considered the world’s first operational land-based scramjet-powered hypersonic missile. It is road-mobile and mounted on a 10-wheel diesel-electric hybrid transporter erector launcher for quick deployment. It has an estimated range of at least 2,500 kilometres. It is more advanced than hypersonic glide vehicles like China’s DF-17 and Russia’s Avangard.

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The Indian Army’s Southern Command conducted Exercise Vajra Ghaat at Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan. The exercise focused on testing the K9 Vajra self-propelled artillery gun system in desert warfare conditions of the Thar Desert. It was spearheaded by the White Tiger Division. The objective is to validate refined Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) for better survivability and operational effectiveness. The drill demonstrated swift deployment of heavy artillery in harsh terrain. K9 Vajra carried out high-intensity, precise fire missions.