Defence & Security Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
According to the Ministry of Defence on 29 March 2025, about how many defence pensioners had been onboarded on SPARSH?
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Correct answer: C — 31 lakh
About 31 lakh of the total 32 lakh defence pensioners had been onboarded.
In the defence pension system SPARSH, what does the 'R' stand for?
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Correct answer: D — Raksha
SPARSH stands for System for Pension Administration – Raksha.
Consider the following statements about SPARSH: 1. It was launched in October 2020 as a Digital India initiative. 2. It is administered by the Defence Accounts Department through the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions) located in New Delhi. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
SPARSH was launched in October 2020. It is administered through the PCDA (Pensions) in Prayagraj, not New Delhi.
In which district of Chhattisgarh did security forces kill at least 16 Maoists in an encounter on 29 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Sukma
The encounter took place in the Kerlapal police station area of Sukma district.
A Maoist killed in the Sukma encounter of 29 March 2025 was reportedly involved in which 2013 attack?
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Correct answer: B — Jhiram Ghati attack on Congress leaders
Police said a Maoist involved in the 2013 Jhiram Ghati (Jheeram Valley) attack on Congress leaders was among those killed.
How many Light Combat Helicopters Prachand did the Ministry of Defence contract from HAL on 28 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 156
The two contracts cover 156 LCH Prachand helicopters worth ₹62,700 crore.
How are the 156 LCH Prachand helicopters ordered on 28 March 2025 split between the services?
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Correct answer: B — 66 IAF and 90 Army
The first contract is for 66 LCHs for the IAF and the second for 90 LCHs for the Army.
Along with the LCH contracts on 28 March 2025, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Metrea Management for:
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Correct answer: D — Wet lease of one flight refuelling aircraft
MoD signed a contract with Metrea Management to wet-lease one KC-135 flight refuelling aircraft to train IAF and Navy pilots in air-to-air refuelling.
Consider the following statements about the LCH Prachand, as stated by the Ministry of Defence on 28 March 2025: 1. It is India's first indigenously designed and developed combat helicopter and can operate above 5,000 metres. 2. Indigenous content of over 65% is planned during this procurement. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The MoD described the LCH as India's first indigenous combat helicopter able to operate above 5,000 m and planned over 65% indigenous content.
Off which Indian city was the 14th India–Russia naval exercise INDRA held from 28 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Chennai
INDRA 2025 had a harbour phase at Chennai and a sea phase in the Bay of Bengal.
Which Indian Navy ships took part in Exercise INDRA 2025?
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Correct answer: B — INS Rana and INS Kuthar
INS Rana, INS Kuthar and a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft took part alongside three Russian ships.
Consider the following statements about Exercise INDRA: 1. It is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Russia that began in 2003. 2. Its 2025 edition was the 10th edition. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
INDRA has been held since 2003. The 2025 edition was the 14th, not the 10th.
Which Bill did the Lok Sabha pass on 27 March 2025 after a reply by Home Minister Amit Shah?
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Correct answer: C — Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025
The Lok Sabha passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 on 27 March 2025.
How many existing laws does the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 replace, as stated by the Home Minister on 27 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Four
The Home Minister said the Bill replaces four existing laws; three of them date from 1920, 1939 and 1946.
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 gives a legal framework to which system for tracking foreign nationals?
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Correct answer: C — IVFRT
The Bill gives legal backing to the Immigration, Visa and Foreigners Registration and Tracking (IVFRT) system.
Consider the following statements made by the Home Minister on the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 on 27 March 2025: 1. Three of the laws being replaced were enacted in 1920, 1939 and 1946. 2. The District Police Module (Foreigners Identification Portal) had been launched in only about 200 districts. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Three of the replaced laws date from 1920, 1939 and 1946. The Home Minister said the Foreigners Identification Portal had been launched in over 700 districts, not about 200.
With which company did the Ministry of Defence sign the contract for the NAMIS (Tracked) anti-tank system on 27 March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited
The ₹1,801.34 crore NAMIS (Tr) contract was signed with Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited.
Which DRDO laboratory developed the NAMIS (Tracked) weapon system contracted on 27 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL)
The NAMIS (Tr) system was developed by DRDO's Defence Research and Development Laboratory.
The light vehicles contracted by the Ministry of Defence on 27 March 2025 were ordered from which companies?
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Correct answer: D — Force Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra
About 5,000 light vehicles with an 800 kg payload were ordered from Force Motors Ltd and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
Which two Hurriyat-affiliated groups announced they were discarding separatism, as welcomed by Amit Shah on 27 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — J&K Tahreeqi Isteqlal and J&K Tahreek-I-Istiqamat
The two groups were J&K Tahreeqi Isteqlal and J&K Tahreek-I-Istiqamat.
With which company did the Ministry of Defence sign the contract for ATAGS guns on 26 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Bharat Forge Limited
The ATAGS contract was signed with Bharat Forge Limited; the gun-towing vehicles contract went to Tata Advanced Systems.
What is the calibre of the ATAGS guns contracted on 26 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 155mm/52
ATAGS is a 155mm/52 calibre towed artillery gun system.
Which DRDO laboratory developed the ATAGS, whose project director was felicitated on 26 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — ARDE, Pune
ATAGS was developed by DRDO's Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune.
Consider the following statements about the ATAGS procurement of 26 March 2025: 1. It is the Indian Army's first major procurement of towed guns from the private sector. 2. With it, MoD's capital procurement contracts in 2024-25 crossed ₹2 lakh crore. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
ATAGS is the Army's first major towed-gun buy from the private sector. On 26 March 2025, capital contracts for 2024-25 stood at ₹1.40 lakh crore, not over ₹2 lakh crore.
From where did DRDO and the Indian Navy flight-test the VL-SRSAM on 26 March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Integrated Test Range, Chandipur
The test was carried out from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the Odisha coast.
Which capability did the VL-SRSAM flight test of 26 March 2025 establish?
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Correct answer: D — Near-boundary low-altitude engagement
The missile hit a high-speed aerial target at very close range and low altitude, establishing near-boundary low-altitude capability.
Consider the following statements about the VL-SRSAM test of 26 March 2025: 1. The missile was fired from a ship-based vertical launcher. 2. The missile uses an indigenous radio frequency seeker. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
The test was from a land-based vertical launcher, not a ship. The missile carries an indigenous radio frequency seeker.
The Mount Everest expedition flagged off on 26 March 2025 commemorates 60 years of which institute?
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Correct answer: C — Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi
The Everest expedition marks 60 years of the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), Uttarkashi.
The Mount Kangchenjunga expedition flagged off on 26 March 2025 is organised by NIMAS, which is located at:
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Correct answer: D — Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh
NIMAS, the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports, is at Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh; the expedition is under 'Har Shikhar Tiranga'.
The tenth ACTCM barge LSAM 24, launched on 26 March 2025, was built by an MSME shipyard in which city?
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Correct answer: C — Thane
LSAM 24 was launched at Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, an MSME shipyard in Thane.
Which company built Yuvan, the fourth 25T bollard pull tug inducted by the Navy on 26 March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Titagarh Rail Systems Limited
The tugs are built by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, Kolkata, under a November 2021 contract for six tugs.
Who is the chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir People's Movement (JKPM), which announced on 25 March 2025 that it had severed ties with separatism?
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Correct answer: D — Shahid Saleem
JKPM chairman Shahid Saleem declared that he and his organisation had no link with APHC(G) or APHC(A).
Which two Hurriyat constituents announced on 25 March 2025 that they had severed ties with separatism?
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Correct answer: A — J&K People's Movement and J&K Democratic Political Movement
The JKPM and the JKDPM announced their break on 25 March 2025. The J&K Tahreeqi Isteqlal and J&K Tahreek-I-Istiqamat followed on 27 March.
Which Indian naval ship was named for the maiden IOS SAGAR deployment announced on 24 March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — INS Sunayna
INS Sunayna was to deploy to the Southwest Indian Ocean with a combined crew from India and nine friendly foreign countries.
With which country's defence force was the maiden AIKEYME exercise to be co-hosted, as announced by the Indian Navy in March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Tanzania
AIKEYME was to be co-hosted by the Indian Navy and the Tanzania People's Defence Force at and off Dar-es-Salaam.
Consider the following statements about the Indian Navy's initiatives announced on 24 March 2025: 1. 'AIKEYME' means 'unity' in Sanskrit. 2. The IOS SAGAR crew was to include personnel from nine friendly foreign countries, including Sri Lanka and Maldives. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
AIKEYME (Africa India Key Maritime Engagement) means 'unity' in Sanskrit. IOS SAGAR's combined crew was to include personnel from Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and South Africa.
Where did the Indian Army hold the eye surgical camp for ex-servicemen that concluded on 24 March 2025 with over 350 cataract surgeries?
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Correct answer: A — 158 Base Hospital, Bagdogra
The camp was held at 158 Base Hospital, Bagdogra, West Bengal, from 20 to 24 March 2025.
Where was the keel of the Indian Navy's second and third Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels laid on 23 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Ratnagiri, Maharashtra
The keel laying was held at Yeoman Marine Services Pvt Ltd, Ratnagiri, where GSL is fabricating the main hull blocks.
What is the approximate tonnage of the Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels whose keels were laid on 23 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 3,000 tonnes
The NGOPVs have an approximate tonnage of 3,000 tonnes.
When did the Ministry of Defence sign the contracts for the 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Indian Navy?
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Correct answer: A — 30 March 2023
The contracts with GSL and GRSE were concluded on 30 March 2023.
Consider the following statements about the Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (Yard 1281 and 1282) whose keels were laid on 23 March 2025: 1. Their main hull blocks are being fabricated at the premises of a private firm in Ratnagiri as part of Goa Shipyard Ltd's build strategy. 2. They are being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders for the Indian Coast Guard. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB says the main hull blocks of Yard 1281 and 1282 are fabricated at Yeoman Marine Services Pvt Ltd, Ratnagiri, as part of GSL's build strategy. These are Indian Navy vessels built by GSL (lead) and GRSE, not Coast Guard vessels from Mazagon Dock.
Which two aircraft carriers took part in the India–France naval exercise Varuna 2025?
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Correct answer: D — INS Vikrant and Charles de Gaulle
Varuna 2025 saw the joint participation of INS Vikrant and the French carrier Charles de Gaulle.
Which edition of the India–France naval exercise Varuna was held from 19 to 22 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 23rd
Varuna 2025 was the 23rd edition of the exercise.
In Varuna 2025, mock air combat was conducted between which aircraft?
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Correct answer: A — Rafale-M and MiG-29K
Air defence drills included mock air-to-air combat between the French Rafale-M and the Indian MiG-29K.
Consider the following statements about Exercise Varuna: 1. It is a bilateral naval exercise between India and France that has been held since 2001. 2. An Indian Scorpene-class submarine took part in the 2025 edition. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Official releases say Varuna has been a cornerstone of India–France naval cooperation since its inception in 2001, and the 2025 edition included an Indian Scorpene-class submarine.
What is the name of the second Project 1135.6 frigate launched by Goa Shipyard Ltd on 22 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Tavasya
GSL launched 'Tavasya' (Yard 1259), the second Project 1135.6 frigate built by it, on 22 March 2025.
What is the displacement of the frigate 'Tavasya' launched by Goa Shipyard Ltd in March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Over 3,800 tonnes
Tavasya has a displacement exceeding 3,800 tonnes.
At the launch of 'Tavasya' in March 2025, what defence exports target by 2029 was cited by the Raksha Rajya Mantri?
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Correct answer: D — ₹50,000 crore
Sanjay Seth cited the Ministry of Defence's vision of ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.
From which vessel did the Indian Navy evacuate injured crew about 230 nautical miles west of Goa on 21 March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — MV Heilan Star
The Navy evacuated three injured crew from MV Heilan Star, a Panama-flagged bulk carrier.
To which naval air station were the injured crew of MV Heilan Star flown on 21 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — INS Hansa, Goa
The rescued crew were flown to INS Hansa, Goa, and then moved to a civil hospital.
With which department did Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff sign an MoU on defence R&D on 21 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Department of Science and Technology
HQ IDS signed the MoU with the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to strengthen defence research and development.
Who was the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff present at the signing of the HQ IDS–DST MoU on 21 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Lt Gen JP Mathew
The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Lt Gen JP Mathew. V Adm Sanjay Vatsayan, Deputy Chief, signed it for HQ IDS.
What was the total value of the capital acquisition proposals cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council on 20 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Over ₹54,000 crore
The DAC accorded AoN to eight proposals amounting to over ₹54,000 crore.
The DAC on 20 March 2025 approved upgrading the engines of T-90 tanks from 1000 HP to:
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Correct answer: B — 1350 HP
AoN was accorded for 1350 HP engines to upgrade the present 1000 HP engines of T-90 tanks.
Which aircraft systems did the DAC clear for the Indian Air Force on 20 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) systems
For the IAF, the DAC accorded AoN for Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft systems.
Consider the following statements about the DAC decisions of 20 March 2025: 1. Varunastra, cleared for the Navy, is an indigenous ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo developed by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory. 2. The engine upgrade cleared for the Army was for Arjun main battle tanks. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Varunastra is an indigenously developed ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo from NSTL. The 1350 HP engine upgrade was for T-90 tanks, not Arjun.
Where was the 14th meeting of the ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Group on Counter-Terrorism held in March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — New Delhi
The 14th meeting was held in New Delhi on 19–20 March 2025, the first of the India–Malaysia co-chaired cycle.
Which two countries co-chaired the ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Group on Counter-Terrorism for the 2021–2024 cycle, before handing over to India and Malaysia?
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Correct answer: C — Myanmar and Russia
Myanmar and Russia, co-chairs for 2021–2024, handed over the co-chairmanship to India and Malaysia for 2024–2027.
Major Bob Khathing, honoured at a memorial event addressed by Rajnath Singh on 19 March 2025, is credited with the peaceful integration of which place into India?
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Correct answer: A — Tawang
Rajnath Singh said Major Bob Khathing carried out the integration of Tawang into India without firing a single bullet.
Consider the following statements about the Major Bob Khathing Memorial Event of 19 March 2025: 1. It was jointly organised by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles and the United Service Institution of India. 2. Rajnath Singh credited Major Khathing with a role in the formation of the Sashastra Seema Bal and the Nagaland Armed Police. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
The fifth edition was jointly organised by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles and USI at Delhi Cantt, and Rajnath Singh highlighted Major Khathing's contribution to forming the SSB and the Nagaland Armed Police.
Rajnath Singh met Ruben Brekelmans, the Defence Minister of which country, in New Delhi on 18 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Netherlands
Rajnath Singh met Netherlands Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans in New Delhi on 18 March 2025.
Where was the next India–Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue to be held, as discussed at the 9th Defence Policy Talks in New Delhi on 17 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Australia, 2025
The two sides discussed preparations for the next 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, to be held in Australia in 2025.
What was the value of the methamphetamine tablets seized by NCB in Manipur and Assam on 13 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — ₹88 crore
NCB seized methamphetamine tablets worth ₹88 crore in its Imphal and Guwahati zones and arrested four people.
Near which place in Manipur did NCB recover 102.39 kg of methamphetamine tablets from a truck on 13 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Lilong
NCB's Imphal Zone intercepted the truck near Lilong; Moreh was the suspected source of the drugs.
Consider the following statements about the NCB seizures of 13 March 2025: 1. In the Assam operation, the tablets were concealed inside the spare tyre of an SUV near Silchar. 2. The suspected source of the drugs in both operations was Moreh, Manipur. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Home Ministry: the Guwahati Zone found 7.48 kg in an SUV's spare tyre near Silchar, and Moreh was the suspected source in both cases.
Bongosagar is a bilateral naval exercise between India and which country?
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Correct answer: D — Bangladesh
Bongosagar is the India–Bangladesh naval exercise; the 2025 edition was held in the Bay of Bengal.
Which Indian Navy ship took part in exercise Bongosagar 2025?
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Correct answer: A — INS Ranvir
INS Ranvir represented the Indian Navy, with BNS Abu Ubaidah from the Bangladesh Navy.
Consider the following statements about exercise Bongosagar 2025: 1. It was held along with an India–Bangladesh Navy Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT). 2. It included Visit-Board-Search-Seizure (VBSS) cross-boarding drills. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Defence Ministry: Bongosagar 2025 was conducted with the IN–BN CORPAT, and drills included VBSS cross-boarding, surface firing and underway replenishment.
'Ashwini', for which a ₹2,906 crore contract was signed in March 2025, is a:
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Correct answer: D — Low-level transportable radar
Ashwini is a Low-Level Transportable Radar (LLTR) to be supplied by BEL to the Indian Air Force.
With which company did the Defence Ministry sign the ₹2,906 crore Ashwini radar contract?
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Correct answer: A — Bharat Electronics Limited
The contract was signed with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad, on 12 March 2025.
Consider the following statements about the Ashwini LLTR: 1. It is an active electronically scanned phased-array radar developed by DRDO's Electronics & Radar Development Establishment. 2. It is designed to track only high-speed fighter aircraft, not drones or helicopters. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the radar can track targets from high-speed fighters to slow-moving UAVs and helicopters.
Where was the keel of the second Fleet Support Ship for the Indian Navy laid on 12 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli
The keel was laid at L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, to which Hindustan Shipyard Limited has sub-contracted two of the five ships.
Consider the following statements about the Indian Navy's Fleet Support Ships (FSS): 1. Hindustan Shipyard Limited has sub-contracted the construction of two of the five ships to L&T Shipyard. 2. In their secondary role, the ships are equipped for Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief operations. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Defence Ministry.
Which missile was test-fired from a Tejas LCA AF MK1 prototype off Chandipur on 12 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Astra
ADA test-fired the indigenous Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile from the LCA AF MK1 prototype.
Which agency conducted the Astra test-launch from the LCA AF MK1 prototype in March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Aeronautical Development Agency
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) conducted the test, with DRDO, HAL, CEMILAC, DG-AQA and the IAF supporting.
Consider the following statements about the Astra test of 12 March 2025: 1. Astra is already inducted into the Indian Air Force and can engage targets beyond 100 km. 2. The test was described as a milestone towards induction of the LCA AF MK1A variant. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Defence Ministry.