Defence Current Affairs MCQs

Defence Current Affairs MCQs

1. Which organisation opened the strategic Zojila Pass located on the Greater Himalayan Range?

[A] Indian Army
[B] Border Roads Organisation
[C] Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force
[D] Indian Air Force

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Border Roads Organisation] Notes: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) opened the strategic Zojila Pass located on the Greater Himalayan Range at an altitude of 11,650 feet which acts as a gateway between Union Territories of Ladakh, and Jammu & Kashmir. It remained closed for only 68 days this year as compared to 73 days last year and 160-180 days in the past.

2. Which country hosts the Cobra Warrior Air Exercise?

[A] India
[B] UK
[C] France
[D] Germany

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [UK] Notes: Exercise Cobra Warrior, which is organized twice a year, is the largest air exercise hosted by the UK’s Royal Air Force. In the on-going edition of the exercise, 70 aircrafts are taking part, including India’s 5 Mirage-2000 aircraft.

3. Which paramilitary force is responsible for guarding the Indo-Myanmar border?

[A] ITBP
[B] Assam Rifles
[C] CISF
[D] BSF

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Correct Answer: B [Assam Rifles] Notes: Assam Rifles’ 188th raising day ceremony was held on March 24, 2023, in Shillong. This central paramilitary force is responsible for guarding the Indo-Myanmar border. In this year, the personnel of the Force were awarded one Shaurya Chakra, seven Sena Medals, and 411 Presidential and Governors Medals.

4. Which Indian Armed Force launched the ‘Operation Sadbhavana’ in Jammu and Kashmir?

[A] Indian Army
[B] Indian Navy
[C] Indian Air Force
[D] Indian Coast Guard

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indian Army] Notes: Operation Sadbhavana (Goodwill) was launched by the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir. Under this operation, a veterinary camp was organized recently at Dabbar near Dabrah village. It is a unique humane initiative undertaken by the Indian Army to address aspirations of people affected by terrorism.

5. Which city hosted the ‘India-Africa Army Chiefs’ Conclave’?

[A] Gandhi Nagar
[B] Pune
[C] Panaji
[D] Vishakhapatnam

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pune] Notes: The first-ever India-Africa Army Chiefs’ Conclave is being held in Pune. The aim of the event is to strengthen defence relations and create an institutionalised framework for better military-to-military cooperation between the two parties.

6. Which country is the host of the Bilateral Maritime exercise ‘SLINEX-2023’?

[A] India
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] France
[D] Singapore

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sri Lanka] Notes: SLINEX-2023 is the 10th edition of the annual Indian – Sri Lanka Bilateral Maritime exercise. It is scheduled to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Indian Navy is represented by INS Kiltan, an indigenous Kamorta class ASW corvette and INS Savitri, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, while the Sri Lanka Navy is being represented by SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Sagara.

7. ‘Regiment of Artillery’ is the combat support arm of which armed force?

[A] Indian Navy
[B] Indian Air Force
[C] Indian Army
[D] Indian Coast Guard

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Correct Answer: C [Indian Army] Notes: Regiment of Artillery is the combat support arm of the Indian Army. It is the second largest in size after the Infantry regiment. Recently, the Indian government gave the approval for the induction of women officers in this regiment.

8. Which country hosts the multilateral defence exercise named ‘Orion’?

[A] France
[B] USA
[C] UAE
[D] Israel

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [France] Notes: Exercise Orion, a bilateral military EXERCISE between the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force (FASF) started at the Mont-de-Marsan airbase in France. IAF Contingent comprises of four Rafale, two C-17, two ll-78 aircraft, and 165 air warriors. This would be the first overseas exercise for the IAF’s Rafale aircraft.

9. As per the data on global military spending published by SIPRI, which country is the largest military spender in 2022?

[A] India
[B] USA
[C] China
[D] Russia

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [USA] Notes: According to new data on global military spending published today by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the United States, China and Russia are the three largest spenders in 2022. Total global military expenditure increased by 3.7 per cent in real terms in 2022, to reach a new high of USD 2240 billion. Military expenditure in Europe saw its steepest year-on-year increase in at least 30 years.

10. ‘Integrated Defence Staff Headquarters’ will be set up in which state/UT?

[A] Gujarat
[B] Maharashtra
[C] New Delhi
[D] Punjab

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Correct Answer: C [New Delhi] Notes: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has approved the proposal to set up the new Integrated Defence Staff Headquarters. This proposed state-of-the-art facility will host new officers’ mess and camp. The Chief Minister also approved a proposal to remove 114 trees from the construction site.

11. ‘Integrated Defence Staff Headquarters’ will be set up in which state/UT?

[A] Gujarat
[B] Maharashtra
[C] New Delhi
[D] Punjab

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [New Delhi] Notes: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has approved the proposal to set up the new Integrated Defence Staff Headquarters. This proposed state-of-the-art facility will host new officers’ mess and camp. The Chief Minister also approved a proposal to remove 114 trees from the construction site.

12. What is the name of Indian Navy’s 3rd indigenous stealth destroyer of the Project 15B class?

[A] INS Dhruv
[B] INS Imphal
[C] INS Kattabomman
[D] INS Vikram

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [INS Imphal] Notes: INS Imphal is the Indian Navy’s 3rd indigenous stealth destroyer of the Project 15B class. The vessel recently took the maiden sea sortie. INS Imphal is the third ship of the Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided missile destroyer of the Indian Navy. It is being constructed at Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL).

13. Which Indian Naval Ship has been decommissioned after 36 years of service?

[A] INS Magar
[B] INS Mahaan
[C] INS Vihaan
[D] INS Bhim

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [INS Magar] Notes: INS Magar has been recently decommissioned after 36 years of service. It was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata. This amphibious assault ship is capable of carrying eleven battle tanks, thirteen BMP infantry fighting vehicles, ten trucks, eight heavy motor vehicles, and more than 200 troops in various configurations.

14. ‘Operation Trinetra’ was conducted in which state/ UT?

[A] West Bengal
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Jammu and Kashmir
[D] Punjab

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jammu and Kashmir] Notes: Operation Trinetra is a massive search operation that was launched to hunt down terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri. During this operation, a total of five soldiers lost their lives. It was conducted by the Indian Army along with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police.

15. The 35th Indo-Thai CORPAT was organised in which region?

[A] Andaman Sea
[B] Indian Ocean
[C] South China Sea
[D] Pacific Ocean

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Andaman Sea] Notes: The 35th edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy was conducted recently. Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kesari and Thailand’s Saiburi Frigate, along with Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both navies participated in the CORPAT along the International Maritime Boundary Line in the Andaman Sea.

16. Which naval ship has recently completed 70 years of serve to the Indian Navy?

[A] INS Garuda
[B] INS Rajali
[C] INS Hamsa
[D] INS Drona

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [INS Garuda] Notes: INS Garuda recently completed 70 years of serve to the Indian Navy. This premier naval station was commissioned on May 11, 1953. It is home to the first amphibious aircraft of Indian Navy, the Sealanders. INS Garuda has grown into a full-fledged air base operating some of the finest air assets of Indian Navy. It is also known as the ‘Cradle of Naval Aviation’.

17. Which institution built the ‘INS Mormugao’ guided missile destroyer of the Indian Navy?

[A] Cochin Shipyard
[B] Mazagon Dock Ltd
[C] Garden Reach Shipbuilders
[D] GAIL

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mazagon Dock Ltd] Notes: INS Mormugao is the second ship of the Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided-missile destroyers of the Indian Navy. It was built at Mazagon Dock Limited and the ship was commissioned on 18 December 2022. A Brahmos Supersonic cruise missile was test fired using this vessel recently.

18. Which milestone has been achieved by the ‘Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)?

[A] 100
[B] 250
[C] 500
[D] 1000

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [250] Notes: Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) is the flagship initiative of the Union Defence Ministry. It recently reached a milestone with the signing of the 250th contract. The contract is the first one under the Mission DefSpace, and the 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract. Mission DefSpace was launched with 75 Defence Space Challenges to be addressed by the private sector.

19. Which institution developed the ‘Zorawar Light Tank’?

[A] ISRO
[B] DRDO
[C] BEL
[D] BHEL

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [DRDO] Notes: The light tank Zorawar is developed jointly by the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) and the private sector firm L&T. It is expected to undergo trials in the high-altitude terrains by the end of 2023. The tank has been named after the legendary General Zorawar Singh who led multiple successful victories in Tibet.

20. Which country hosted the Sixth Edition of Exercise Ekatha?

[A] India
[B] Nepal
[C] Bangladesh
[D] Maldives

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Maldives] Notes: The 6th edition of Exercise Ekatha was held in Maldives between Indian Navy divers and Marine Commandos and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). This bilateral exercise aims to boost interoperability in diving and special operations. The 5th edition of Exercise Ekatha was held in October 2022 at Maldives.

21. INS Trishul conducted India’s first-ever Joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with which country’s navy?

[A] Russia
[B] France
[C] Tanzania
[D] Egypt

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Tanzania] Notes: During the recent visit of External Affairs Minister S.Jaishankar to Tanzania, guided missile frigate, INS Trishul visited the ports of Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. INS Trishul conducted India’s first-ever Joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with the Tanzanian Navy and also participated in a Maritime Partnership exercise with TNS Fatundu and Pengusi.

22. ISRO is jointly developing a nuclear-powered engine along with which institution?

[A] BARC
[B] DRDO
[C] HAL
[D] BHEL

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [BARC] Notes: India’s space agency, Indian Space Research Organisation-ISRO, is jointly developing a nuclear-powered engine along with Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC). Both institutions collaborate to develop Radio Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs). US spacecrafts such as the Voyager, Cassini and Curiosity have been powered by RTGs.

23. Indian Navy decommissioned INS Kirpan and handed over the corvette to which country?

[A] Sri Lanka
[B] Myanmar
[C] Vietnam
[D] Bangladesh

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vietnam] Notes: Indian Navy decommissioned INS Kirpan and handed over the indigenously built missile corvette to Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN). INS Kirpan served for 32 years in the Indian Navy. Navy Chief R. Hari Kumar announced that this is the first-ever occasion that India is offering a fully-operational corvette to any friendly foreign country.

24. What is the name of the Project 17A frigate recently inaugurated by the Indian President in 2023?

[A] Vindhyagiri
[B] Kailashgiri
[C] Arunagiri
[D] Shivgiri

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vindhyagiri] Notes: President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Vindhyagiri, a Project 17A frigate, at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited in Kolkata. Named after a mountain range in Karnataka, it is the sixth vessel in the series of Project 17A frigates. Seven Project 17A Frigates are under various stages of construction at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and GRSE.

25. Ministry of Defence signed 19,000 crore contract with which company for five Fleet Support Ships for Indian Navy?

[A] Hindustan Shipyard Limited
[B] Cochin Shipyard Limited
[C] Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers
[D] Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Hindustan Shipyard Limited] Notes: Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam for acquisition of five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) for the Indian Navy at an overall cost of Rs 19,000 crore. It would be a major boost towards achieving the goal of self-reliance in defence manufacturing as these ships will be indigenously designed and constructed by HSL, Visakhapatnam.

26. Which institution developed the Search and Rescue Kit (SARK) in India?

[A] ISRO
[B] ADRDE
[C] BHEL
[D] HAL

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ADRDE] Notes: Indian Navy successfully undertook the maiden test drop of an indigenous Search and Rescue Kit (SARK). The Indian Navy tested the Made-in-India SARK from the Boeing P-8I long-range patrol aircraft. The SAR kit has been developed by Agra-based Defence Research and Development Organisation’s laboratory, Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE).

27. Which country is the host of the multilateral tri-service exercise BRIGHT STAR-23?

[A] South Africa
[B] France
[C] USA
[D] Egypt

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Egypt] Notes: An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent is participating in Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 a biennial multilateral tri-service exercise scheduled to be held at Cairo (West) Air Base, Egypt. This is for the first time that IAF is participating in Ex BRIGHT STAR-23 which will also see participation of contingents from the United States of America, Saudi Arabia, Greece and Qatar.

28. Which country’s military force has unveiled the artificial intelligence robot ‘Valkyrie’ for aerial combat?

[A] USA
[B] UK
[C] Germany
[D] UAE

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [USA] Notes: The Valkyrie, a next-generation drone, is a prototype, has been introduced by the United States military force. It will serve as a supplement to the fleet of traditional fighter jets. The robot is powered into flight by a rocket engine and it can fly a distance equal to the width of China. It has a stealthy design and is capable of carrying missiles that can hit enemy targets far beyond its visual range.

29. Which city is the host of ‘Bharat Drone Shakti 2023’?

[A] Pune
[B] Ghaziabad
[C] Mysuru
[D] Hyderabad

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ghaziabad] Notes: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is collaborating with the Drone Federation of India to jointly host ‘Bharat Drone Shakti 2023.’ This event, scheduled for September 25th and 26th, will take place at the IAF’s Hindan airbase in Ghaziabad and will feature live aerial demonstrations, as per the Ministry of Defence.

30. Indian Airforce has received First C-295 Transport Plane from which company?

[A] Airbus
[B] Boeing
[C] Dassault Aviation
[D] HAL

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Airbus] Notes: The Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Indian Air Force, has received the first C-295 transport plane for India from global aircraft manufacturer Airbus at a facility in Seville, Spain. India has contracted 56 of these planes, with 16 being manufactured in Spain and the remaining 40 produced by a Tata-Airbus joint venture in Vadodara, Gujarat.

31. Which ship-building company delivered INS Imphal, the third ship of Project 15B-Class of stealth guided missile destroyers?

[A] Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
[B] Cochin Shipyard
[C] Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers
[D] Hindustan Shipyard

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders] Notes: Recently, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) delivered the INS Imphal, the third ship of the Project 15B Class of stealth guided missile destroyers, to the Indian Navy. The project was completed four months ahead of schedule. Notably, the INS Imphal was the first naval warship to be commissioned with accommodation facilities for women officers and sailors.

32. Indian Navy conducted ‘Exercise Prasthan 2023’ in which city?

[A] Vishakhapatnam
[B] Kakinada
[C] Panaji
[D] Gandhi Nagar

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kakinada] Notes: ‘Exercise Prasthan 2023’ was conducted by the Naval Officer-in-Charge, Andhra Pradesh, under the Eastern Naval Command, to ensure the security of offshore development areas in Kakinada. The exercise involved multiple organizations, including the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, oil operators, port authorities, and state agencies. Various scenarios, such as terrorist attacks and oil spills, were simulated to test the efficacy of security mechanisms.

33. What is ‘Pralay’, which was recently flight tested?

[A] Tactical ballistic missile
[B] Inter-continental ballistic missile
[C] Anti-tank missile
[D] Surface-to-air missile

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tactical ballistic missile] Notes: Recently, India conducted a successful test of the Pralay tactical ballistic missile off the coast of Odisha. During the test, the missile demonstrated its capability by covering its entire range of approximately 500 kilometers. The test was deemed highly successful, with the missile meeting all expected parameters and performing as intended.

34. Which organisation manufactures the Light Combat Aircraft-Tejas?

[A] DRDO
[B] HAL
[C] ISRO
[D] BEL

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [HAL] Notes: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) manufactures the Light Combat Aircraft-Tejas for Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. Recently, HAL has recently entered into a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL). This agreement is aimed at facilitating the manufacturing of BMI Engine Bay Doors for the mass production of the LCA – Tejas Mk1A aircraft.

35. SECON Engineering Projects delivered the Missile Cum Ammunition Barge, LSAM 10 to _?

[A] Indian Army
[B] Indian Navy
[C] Indian Coast Guard
[D] Indian Air Force

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indian Navy] Notes: ‘Missile Cum Ammunition Barge, LSAM 10 (Yard 78)’ was built by MSME Shipyard, SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd (SEPPL), located in Visakhapatnam for the Indian Navy. The project is to construct eight such barges for the Indian Navy, and this is the fourth barge. The barges are used in transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of articles/ammunition to Indian Naval Ships both alongside jetties and at outer harbours.

36. Kangla Palace is a historical and archaeological site of which state?

[A] Assam
[B] Odisha
[C] Manipur
[D] Meghalaya

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Manipur] Notes: The Indian Navy received the warship Imphal from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. The crest design depicts the Kangla Palace on the left and ‘Kangla-Sa’ on the right. Kangla Palace is an important historical and archaeological site of Manipur and was the traditional seat of the kingdom. With a dragon’s head and lion’s body, the ‘Kangla-Sa’ is the state emblem of Manipur. Imphal is the third of the four warships sanctioned under an important project called P-15B. INS Visakhapatnam and INS Mormugao have already been commissioned. The ship has an indigenous content of around 75% including its medium-range surface-to-air missiles, BrahMos missiles, and others.

37. Where are the headquarters of Defence Cyber Agency (DCyA)?

[A] New Delhi
[B] Hyderabad
[C] Bengaluru
[D] Mumbai

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi ] Notes: The Defence Cyber Agency is the Indian military’s dedicated three-service cyber command. Headquartered in New Delhi and headed by a two-star military officer, the DCyA is tasked with handling cybersecurity threats to India. It brings together cyber expertise from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force through their respective Cyber Emergency Response Teams that were set up in 2021. The DCyA aims to unify cyber capabilities across India’s military branches to strengthen national security, especially to defend against cyber attacks from adversaries like China.

38. DRDO Aeronautical Test Range, that makes news frequently, is located near which city?

[A] Secunderabad
[B] Chitradurga
[C] Bhubaneshwar
[D] Jodhpur

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chitradurga ] Notes: India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test flew an indigenous autonomous stealth drone named Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator from the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka. Its maiden flight in 2022 was followed by additional developmental trials, including the recent pre-programmed autonomous take-off and landing. This highlights maturing aviation technologies within India through simulations and flight testing from advanced test infrastructure.

39. Which ministry has recently initiated the ‘Dare to Dream’ scheme in honor of the late former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam?

[A] Ministry of Education
[B] Ministry of Defence
[C] Ministry of External Affairs
[D] Ministry of Sports

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Defence] Notes: The Dare to Dream (D2D) scheme is a contest organized by the Ministry of Defence in India, specifically by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO). The contest aims to encourage innovation and creativity among individual innovators and start-ups. The Dare to Dream Contest, initiated in memory of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Launched in 2019, the contest provides a unique opportunity for start-ups, innovators, entrepreneurs, and individuals above 18 years old to address key challenges in emerging technologies, ultimately contributing to enhancing India’s defence and aerospace capabilities. The evaluation criteria for entries include completeness of proposal, scientific soundness, design completeness, merit, technological readiness level achieved, and innovation. The contest aims to bring together a diverse group of participants to foster innovation and creativity in addressing technological challenges relevant to defence and aerospace.

40. Whose forthcoming memoir is titled ‘Four Stars of Destiny’?

[A] Admiral Karambir Singh
[B] Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria
[C] General M M Naravane
[D] Lieutenant General Rajendra Singh

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [General M M Naravane] Notes: It is former Army Chief General M M Naravane’s forthcoming memoir “Four Stars of Destiny” that mentions the armed forces were taken by surprise when the Agnipath military recruitment scheme was introduced. Gen Naravane writes he had proposed a Tour of Duty model for limited jawan intake but what came up as Agnipath applied to all new recruits in Army, Navy and Air Force, that too for only 4 years.

41. Which company has been contracted by the defence ministry for the procurement of 697 ‘bogie open military (BOM)’ railway wagons for the Indian Army?

[A] Tata Advanced Systems
[B] Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
[C] Jupiter Wagons Ltd
[D] Mahindra Defence Systems

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jupiter Wagons Ltd] Notes: The defence ministry signed a contract with Jupiter Wagons Ltd for the procurement of 697 ‘bogie open military (BOM)’ railway wagons for the Indian Army. The deal, worth Rs 473 crore, is aimed at enhancing the Army’s logistical capabilities, particularly for the transportation of infantry combat vehicles. These wagons are essential for the speedy and simultaneous induction of Army units and equipment into operational areas during conflict situations, as well as facilitating their peacetime movement for military exercises and inter-station transfers. Jupiter Wagons Ltd’s involvement in providing this critical rolling stock underscores the company’s role in supporting the Indian defence sector’s logistical needs.

42. Which elite unit of the Indian Navy was involved in the successful rescue of 21 crew members, including 15 Indians, from the Liberian-flagged vessel MV Lila Norfolk recently?

[A] Garud Commando Force
[B] Para (Special Forces)
[C] MARCOS (Marine Commandos)
[D] National Security Guard (NSG)

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [MARCOS (Marine Commandos)] Notes: The elite unit of the Indian Navy involved in the successful rescue of 21 crew members, including 15 Indians, from the Liberian-flagged vessel MV Lila Norfolk was the MARCOS (Marine Commandos). This rapid response operation was initiated following an attempted hijacking in the North Arabian Sea. The operation showcased the Indian Navy’s capability and readiness to handle maritime security threats, employing various assets including a warship, maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, P-8I aircraft, and Predator MQ9B drones. The sanitization operation carried out by the MARCOS commandos confirmed the absence of hijackers on the vessel, thereby ensuring the safety and security of the crew onboard. The MARCOS unit is known for its expertise in maritime operations and plays a crucial role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests.

43. What is the objective of the Japan’s Optical-8 satellite launched by the H-IIA rocket?

[A] Intelligence gathering for national security
[B] Space exploration
[C] Weather forecasting
[D] Satellite internet services

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Intelligence gathering for national security] Notes: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries achieved a milestone by launching the 48th H-IIA rocket, carrying Japan’s Information-Gathering Satellite “Optical-8.” The successful launch, announced on social media X, underscores the reliability of the H-IIA, with a commendable success rate of 97.92% since its inception in 2001 under the development of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Japan is set to retire the H-IIA after two more launches, paving the way for the H3 as its successor. However, the transition has faced challenges, notably with JAXA’s first test launch of the H3 experiencing failure in March the previous year.

44. What is the name of the Secure Army Mobile Ecosystem recently launched by the Indian Army?

[A] Sambhav
[B] Project Shield
[C] Secure Army Mobile Platform
[D] Mobile Security Initiative

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sambhav] Notes: SAMBHAV (Secure Army Mobile Bharat Version) is an end-to-end secure mobile ecosystem developed by the Indian Army. It operates on 5G technology and aims to provide secure communication and instant connectivity. Command Cyber Operations Support Wings enhance cyber capabilities at operational and tactical levels. SAMBHAV addresses the vulnerability of mobile networks to eavesdropping, offering end-to-end security. Developed in collaboration with experts, it leverages existing public cellular networks and deploys 35,000 sets in two phases, reinforcing India’s stance in hybrid warfare and civil-military fusion.

45. The venue of Exercise Topchi of Indian Army was __:

[A] Nashik, Maharashtra
[B] Kutch, Gujarat
[C] Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
[D] Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nashik, Maharashtra] Notes: The Indian Army exhibited its indigenous firepower capabilities in the ‘Exercise Topchi’ at Devlali, Maharashtra. Conducted on January 14, 2024, the event showcased Atmanirbhar Bharat’s artillery equipment, including K-9 Vajra, Dhanush, and Pinaka rocket launchers. K-9 Vajra is a 155 mm tracked artillery system developed by Larsen & Toubro. Dhanush, a 155 mm towed artillery gun, was also featured. The exercise emphasized the integrated use of guns, mortars, rockets, drones, and aviation assets for enhanced firepower and surveillance.

46. In which region of India is the 12th edition of the ‘MILAN 2024’ naval exercise scheduled to be held?

[A] Visakhapatnam
[B] Bombay
[C] Kolkata
[D] Kutch

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Visakhapatnam] Notes: The 12th edition of the Multilateral Naval Exercise (MILAN) will take place in Visakhapatnam from February 19–27, 2024. The Indian Navy will host the exercise, which is expected to have over 50 countries and nearly 20 ships participating. The exercise will include both harbor and sea phases, and will focus on strengthening maritime cooperation and security. MILAN is a biennial event that has been a cornerstone of maritime collaboration and cooperation since 1995. The previous edition of MILAN, in 2022, had 39 countries participating.

47. Which naval ship was recently decommissioned after 38 years of service to the Indian Navy?

[A] INS Suvarna
[B] INS Nirupak
[C] INS Kabra
[D] INS Aditya

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [INS Nirupak] Notes: The Indian Navy bid farewell to INS Nirupak, a survey ship commissioned in 1985, after 38 years of service. Launched on June 4, 1981, and based in Visakhapatnam, the vessel played a crucial role in hydrography, earning awards for excellence. It actively participated in humanitarian operations, including the 2004 tsunami relief. The decommissioning ceremony marked the end of an era, with plans for four advanced survey ships to bolster India’s hydrographic capabilities between 2024 and 2026.

48. Recently, which institute has collaborated with Munitions India Limited to create the nation’s first domestically designed 155 Smart Ammunition?

[A] IIT Kanpur
[B] IIT Madras
[C] IIT Delhi
[D] IIT Bombay

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [IIT Madras] Notes: IIT Madras and Munitions India Limited are partnering to create India’s first domestically designed 155 Smart Ammunition. The two-year initiative, under the Ministry of Defence, aims to achieve a Circular Error Probable of 10 meters, significantly improving precision in defense operations. The project focuses on enhancing accuracy and lethality using guidance systems and advanced technologies. The 155mm Indian Smart Ammunition is compatible with existing artillery guns, featuring fin stabilization, canard control, and a 3-mode fuse operation for various tactical requirements, marking a crucial stride towards self-reliance in defense production.

49. Where was the 12th edition of MILAN naval exercise held?

[A] Kutch
[B] Kochi
[C] Jaisalmer
[D] Visakhapatnam

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Visakhapatnam ] Notes: The 12th edition of the MILAN naval exercise took place in Visakhapatnam from February 19–27, 2024. The exercise, which has the theme “Forging Naval Alliances for a Secure Maritime Future,” aims to strengthen collaboration between participating navies.

50. Which of the following countries participated in ‘Exercise Dosti’, recently seen in the news?

[A] India, Sri Lanka & Maldives
[B] Myanmar, Sri Lanka & Nepal
[C] India, Bangladesh & Myanmar
[D] Bhutan, Nepal & Myanmar

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [India, Sri Lanka & Maldives] Notes: Indian and Sri Lankan coast guard ships recently joined the Maldives for Exercise Dosti 16, a trilateral coast guard exercise held every two years since 1991. Sri Lanka joined in 2012, and the 16th edition involves the Coast Guards of India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, with observers from Bangladesh. The exercise focuses on mutual operational capability, interoperability, and cooperation in scenarios like sea accidents and pollution. India’s participation includes ICGS Samarth, ICGS Abhinav, and ICG Dornier.