Defence & Security Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), which celebrated its Silver Jubilee in October 2026, was established in which year?
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Correct answer: D — 2001
HQ IDS was established on 1 October 2001 in New Delhi and marked 25 years on 1 October 2026.
What was the name of the event organised by HQ IDS as part of its Silver Jubilee in October 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Trishakti Manthan
HQ IDS organised 'Trishakti Manthan' with addresses by the CDS and the CISC.
The 24th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise 'Varuna', in which INS Trishul took part in September 2026, is held between India and which country?
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Correct answer: D — France
Varuna is the annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy; INS Trishul took part in the 24th edition.
For the 24th edition of Exercise Varuna (2026), INS Trishul arrived at which French port?
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Correct answer: A — Toulon
INS Trishul arrived at Toulon, France, on 22 September 2026; Marseille is where the crew laid a wreath at the Mazargues War Memorial.
INS Tarkash's port call at Mombasa (September 2026) was described as being in the spirit of MAHASAGAR. What does MAHASAGAR stand for?
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Correct answer: D — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions
The release says the port call is in keeping with MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
In the narcotics seizure announced on 30 September 2026, about how much heroin and methamphetamine was seized from an Iranian dhow?
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Correct answer: C — 526 kg
About 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine worth over ₹3,000 crore was seized.
Consider the following statements about the September 2026 maritime drug seizure: 1. The Iranian dhow was intercepted in the Arabian Sea west of Lakshadweep. 2. The Indian Coast Guard worked with the Anti-Terrorism Squad of Gujarat. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
The dhow was intercepted west of Lakshadweep, and the ICG acted in coordination with Gujarat ATS.
Senior LeT commander Musa alias Asif Fauji, killed on 30 September 2026, was neutralised in which district of Jammu & Kashmir?
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Correct answer: B — Budgam
Musa was neutralised at Gurwatkalan, Khansahib police station area of Budgam district.
The encounter in which LeT commander Musa was killed (September 2026) was part of which ongoing operation started in May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Operation Sheruwali
The MHA said the encounter was part of the long-sustained 'Operation Sheruwali', started in May 2026.
The second edition of the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026) began in September 2026 at:
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Correct answer: B — Subic Bay, Philippines
AIME-2026 commenced at Subic Bay, Philippines, on 28 September 2026.
Which Indian Naval Ships took part in AIME-2026?
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Correct answer: A — INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish
INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish participated in AIME-2026 at Subic Bay.
In September 2026 the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet approved how much horizontal reservation for former Agniveers in uniformed services?
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Correct answer: C — 20%
The MP Cabinet approved 20% horizontal reservation for former Agniveers in five uniformed services.
Which four-lane road project worth ₹4,470.30 crore was approved by the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet on 29 September 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Damoh–Katni
The Cabinet approved the 105.10 km Damoh–Katni four-lane road at ₹4,470.30 crore.
Consider the following statements about the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet decisions of 29 September 2026: 1. The Agniveer reservation covers forest guard and excise constable posts. 2. The Kanh Diversion Project in Ujjain was approved in view of Simhastha 2028. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the quota covers police constable, SAF, jail guard, forest guard and excise constable posts, and the Kanh Diversion Project was approved in view of Simhastha 2028.
The 10th Joint Committee Meeting on Defence Industries and Logistics held in New Delhi on 29 September 2026 was between India and which country?
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Correct answer: B — Republic of Korea
It was the 10th India–Republic of Korea JCM, co-chaired by Dinesh Mahur and Kim Il Dong of Korea's DAPA.
Consider the following statements about the 10th India–ROK Joint Committee Meeting (2026): 1. It was held in Seoul. 2. The Korean side was led by the Vice Minister of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the meeting was in New Delhi. Statement 2 is correct: Kim Il Dong, Vice Minister of DAPA, co-chaired it.
'PRAHAAR', discussed at a conference inaugurated by Amit Shah on 28 September 2026, relates to which area?
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Correct answer: D — Counter-terrorism policy and strategy
The conference was on 'PRAHAAR – CT Policy and Strategy', India's counter-terrorism framework.
Which new portal did Amit Shah launch at the PRAHAAR conference on 28 September 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Extradition Portal
Shah launched a new Extradition Portal to speed up efforts to bring back fugitives from abroad.
According to the Home Ministry, how many fugitive criminals were brought back to India between 2019 and 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 288
288 fugitive criminals were brought back to India from 36 countries between 2019 and 2026.
Consider the following statements about PRAHAAR (2026): 1. Human Rights is one of its seven pillars. 2. The Shahzad Bhatti network has been declared a terrorist organisation under UAPA. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Human Rights is one of the seven pillars, and the Shahzad Bhatti network was declared a terrorist organisation under UAPA.
KAZIND is a joint military exercise between India and which country?
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Correct answer: D — Kazakhstan
KAZIND is the India–Kazakhstan joint military exercise; its 9th edition is at Oskemen, Kazakhstan.
The Indian contingent for KAZIND-2026 is drawn mainly from a battalion of which regiment?
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Correct answer: A — Garhwal Rifles
The 60-member Indian contingent is drawn mainly from a battalion of the Garhwal Rifles, along with IAF personnel.
Consider the following statements about Exercise KAZIND-2026: 1. It is the ninth edition of the exercise. 2. It is being held at Oskemen in Kazakhstan. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: KAZIND-2026 is the ninth edition and is held at Oskemen, Kazakhstan, from 28 September to 11 October 2026.
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, inaugurated on 26 September 2026, is being held at which Air Force Station?
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Correct answer: C — Jodhpur
Tarang Shakti 2026 is being conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur from 26 September to 12 October 2026.
What is the theme of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Power in Partnership
The exercise is themed 'Power in Partnership'.
Which of the following countries is NOT one of the seven participating in Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Japan
The seven participants are Australia, the USA, the UAE, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh; Japan is not among them.
Consider the following statements about Exercise Tarang Shakti: 1. The first edition of the exercise was held in 2024. 2. The F-35 Lightning II is among the foreign aircraft taking part in the 2026 edition. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The 2026 edition builds on the inaugural 2024 edition, and the foreign aircraft include the F-35 Lightning II.
Which contraband made up most of the nearly four tonnes seized by the CBN Rajasthan unit, as reported on 26 September 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Poppy straw (doda chura)
Poppy straw accounted for 3,937 kg; opium was 9.6 kg and hydroponic cannabis 1.9 kg.
Where was the 23rd ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Group on Maritime Security Joint Cooperation Activity (21–25 September 2026) held?
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Correct answer: D — Subic Bay, Philippines
It was held at Subic Bay, hosted by the Philippine Navy and co-chaired by Japan.
Which Indian Navy ships took part in the 23rd ADMM-Plus EWG-MS Joint Cooperation Activity in September 2026?
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Correct answer: B — INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish
Stealth frigate INS Sahyadri and missile corvette INS Kulish participated.
Which Indian Coast Guard ship sailed from Chennai to Perth on 25 September 2026 for the QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission?
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Correct answer: B — ICGS Shaunak
ICG Ship Shaunak sailed from Chennai for Perth with six Sea Riders from the Quad countries.
Consider the following statements about the QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission of September 2026: 1. The ship sailed from Chennai for Perth, Australia. 2. Sea Riders from all four Quad countries embarked on the ship. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Six Sea Riders embarked: two each from India and Japan and one each from Australia and the USA.
In September 2026 DRI recovered over 1.25 lakh kg of smuggled areca nuts from godowns in Champhai district. Champhai is in which state?
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Correct answer: A — Mizoram
The godowns were around Ruantlang village, Champhai district, Mizoram, about 20 km from the India-Myanmar border.
DRDO's first high-value deep-tech TDF agreement (September 2026) is for the indigenous development of what?
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Correct answer: B — A 20 mK dilution refrigerator for quantum applications
The agreement with Zero mK India is for a 20 mK-class dilution refrigerator, needed for quantum computing platforms.
What is the size of the TDF corpus for deep-tech and cutting-edge projects under which DRDO signed its first high-value agreement in September 2026?
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Correct answer: C — ₹500 crore
It is the first high-value agreement under the ₹500 crore corpus approved by the Defence Minister.
The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with which PSU on 23 September 2026 for 160 SAT-SAAW for the IAF?
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Correct answer: C — Bharat Dynamics Limited
The ₹810.79 crore contract was signed with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
What type of weapon is the SAT-SAAW contracted for the IAF in September 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Air-to-ground precision guided glide bomb
SAT-SAAW is an air-to-ground precision guided glide bomb designed to neutralise enemy airfields from long stand-off range.
What indigenous content will the SAT-SAAW have, as per the Ministry of Defence?
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Correct answer: B — 60%
The DRDO-designed system will have 60% indigenous content.
Consider the following about the SAT-SAAW contract signed in September 2026: 1. The weapon can be launched from Jaguar, Hawk and Su-30 MKI aircraft. 2. The contract was signed under the Buy (Global) category. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The weapon can be launched from Jaguar, Hawk and Su-30 MKI. The contract was under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, not Buy (Global).
INS Sudarshini arrived at which port on 23 September 2026 during Lokayan 26?
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Correct answer: C — Alexandria, Egypt
INS Sudarshini arrived at Alexandria, Egypt, on 23 September 2026, its second visit there during the deployment.
From which port did INS Sudarshini begin the Lokayan 26 expedition on 20 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Kochi
The 10-month expedition began from Kochi on 20 January 2026.
Consider the following about the Lokayan 26 expedition of INS Sudarshini: 1. INS Sudarshini is scheduled to cover about 22,000 nautical miles across 18 ports in 13 countries. 2. INS Sudarshini made its first Atlantic crossing, reaching Antigua on 27 May 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Ministry of Defence release of 24 September 2026.
INS Trishul arrived at Toulon on 22 September 2026 for which bilateral exercise?
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Correct answer: A — VARUNA
INS Trishul arrived at Toulon, France, for the 24th edition of VARUNA with the French Navy.
The September 2026 edition of the India–France naval exercise VARUNA, joined by INS Trishul at Toulon, was which edition?
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Correct answer: D — 24th
INS Trishul arrived at Toulon for the 24th edition of VARUNA.
Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 was held between the Indian Air Force and the air force of which country?
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Correct answer: A — Japan
Veer Guardian is a bilateral air exercise between the IAF and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
Where did Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 conclude on 22 September 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Air Force Station Jodhpur
The exercise concluded at Air Force Station Jodhpur after 14 days of joint training.
Consider the following about Exercise Veer Guardian 2026: 1. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force participated with F-35A fighter aircraft. 2. The IAF fielded Su-30 MKI, Rafale and LCA Tejas aircraft. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Japan flew F-2A fighters, not F-35A, so statement 1 is wrong. The IAF fielded Su-30 MKI, Rafale and Tejas.
SLINEX is a bilateral maritime exercise between India and which country?
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Correct answer: C — Sri Lanka
SLINEX is the India–Sri Lanka bilateral maritime exercise; its 13th edition concluded at Visakhapatnam on 21 September 2026.
Where was SLINEX-26 conducted from 17 to 21 September 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Visakhapatnam
SLINEX-26 was conducted at Visakhapatnam and concluded there on 21 September 2026.
Consider the following about SLINEX-26: 1. SLINEX-26 was the 13th edition of the exercise. 2. The sea phase included Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) 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 Ministry of Defence release.
Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT is a joint military exercise between India and which country?
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Correct answer: B — Mongolia
NOMADIC ELEPHANT is an annual India–Mongolia platoon-level exercise; the 18th edition began at Pithoragarh on 21 September 2026.
Where is the 18th edition of Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT being held?
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Correct answer: D — Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand
The 18th edition is being held at the Foreign Training Node, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand; the previous edition was at Ulaanbaatar in 2025.
Consider the following about Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT 2026: 1. The exercise focuses on counter-insurgency operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under a UN mandate. 2. Each side is represented by a battalion of about 800 personnel. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: it is a platoon-level exercise with 45 personnel from each side.
The ₹586 crore contract signed by the Ministry of Defence on 21 September 2026 is for Auxiliary Power Units for which platforms?
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Correct answer: C — T-72 and T-90 tanks
The APUs are for the Army's T-72 and T-90 tanks.
The APUs for T-72 and T-90 tanks, contracted in September 2026, were developed under which procurement route?
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Correct answer: A — Make-II
The Ministry said the procurement demonstrates industry-led research and development under Make-II.
In September 2026, the IAF's Suryakiran Aerobatic Team performed for the first time over which city?
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Correct answer: B — Meerut
SKAT performed over Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, for the first time on 19 and 20 September 2026.
As per the Defence Ministry in September 2026, the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team has performed in roughly how many airshows in its 30-year journey?
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Correct answer: D — Over 800
SKAT has performed in over 800 airshows in India and abroad over 30 years.
Consider the following about the Suryakiran display at Meerut (September 2026): 1. The display was held on 19 and 20 September 2026. 2. The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team belongs to the Indian Navy. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team belongs to the Indian Air Force.
Where did INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish arrive on 20 September 2026 for the ADMM-Plus Joint Cooperation Activity?
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Correct answer: D — Subic Bay, Philippines
The two ships arrived at Subic Bay, Philippines, on 20 September 2026.
INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish went to the Philippines in September 2026 to take part in which activity?
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Correct answer: B — ADMM-Plus Joint Cooperation Activity
The ships arrived at Subic Bay to participate in the ADMM-Plus Joint Cooperation Activity (JCA).
Consider the following: 1. MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. 2. The ADMM-Plus brings together ASEAN member states and eight Plus countries. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as stated in the Defence Ministry release on the ADMM-Plus JCA deployment.
What did HAL hand over to the Indian Air Force in Bengaluru on 18 September 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 2 LCA Tejas FOC twin-seat trainers and 3 HTT-40 basic trainers
HAL handed over two LCA Tejas FOC twin-seat trainers and three HTT-40 basic trainers to the IAF.
To whom did HAL hand over four Dhruv NG helicopters on 18 September 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Pawan Hans Limited
The four Dhruv Next Generation helicopters were handed over to Pawan Hans Limited, a civil operator.
Where was HAL's handover ceremony of Tejas FOC trainers, HTT-40 trainers and Dhruv NG helicopters held on 18 September 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Bengaluru
The handover took place in Bengaluru, Karnataka, in the presence of Rajnath Singh and K Rammohan Naidu.
Consider the following about the HAL handover of 18 September 2026: 1. The HTT-40 is a basic trainer aircraft built by HAL for the IAF. 2. The Dhruv NG helicopters were handed over to the Indian Army. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The Dhruv NG helicopters went to Pawan Hans Limited, not the Army.
At which shipyard was the keel of the Indian Navy's first Next Generation Missile Vessel laid on 18 September 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi
The keel of the first NGMV was laid at Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi.
When was the contract for the Indian Navy's Next Generation Missile Vessels signed with Cochin Shipyard?
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Correct answer: B — March 2023
The NGMV contract was concluded with Cochin Shipyard in March 2023.
Consider the following about the first NGMV keel laying (18 September 2026): 1. Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition, was the Chief Guest. 2. Most major role-defining equipment on the NGMVs is imported. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. All major role-defining equipment on the NGMVs is indigenously developed and manufactured.
Which headquarters organised the Combined Operational Review and Evaluation (CORE) Programme 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff
CORE 2026 was organised by HQ Integrated Defence Staff and conducted by CENJOWS.
Which edition of the Indian Coast Guard Commanders' Conference began in New Delhi on 17 September 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 43rd
The 43rd ICG Commanders' Conference began on 17 September 2026.
Who is the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard named in the release on the 43rd Commanders' Conference?
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Correct answer: D — Paramesh Sivamani
Paramesh Sivamani is DG ICG; Sanjay Seth is the Raksha Rajya Mantri who addressed the conference.
At which shipyard was the steel cutting of the second Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) held on 17 September 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi
The steel cutting of the second NGMV was held at Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi.