Defence - General Knowledge Questions

Correct Answer :   Kochi

* The Vietnam Coast Guard Ship CSB 8005 visited Kochi to participate in the "Sahyog — Hop Tac" exercises aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation between India and Vietnam.

* These exercises focus on improving interoperability, strengthening bilateral relations, and addressing regional maritime challenges such as security threats and environmental concerns, fostering mutual trust and collaboration.

Correct Answer :   Visakhapatnam

* INS Nirdeshak, the Indian Navy's new survey ship, will be commissioned at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam on December 18, 2024.

* Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), this 110-meter vessel is the second in the Survey Vessel (Large) Project.

* Equipped with advanced hydrographic and oceanographic tools, it enhances India's maritime capabilities, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region.

 * The ship also underscores India's focus on self-reliance, with over 80% of its components sourced domestically.

* The event marks a continuation of the legacy of the original INS Nirdeshak, which served the Navy for over 30 years.

Correct Answer :   India

* India clinched the Women's Junior Asia Cup 2024 in hockey by defeating China in a penalty shootout with a score of 3-2 in Muscat, Oman.

* Key contributors to the victory included goalkeeper Nidhi with three saves and goals by Sakshi Rana, Ishika, and Sunelita Toppo.

* The match ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Additionally, Deepika Sehrawat stood out as the tournament's top scorer with 12 goals, and Hockey India announced rewards for the players and staff to celebrate the achievement.

Correct Answer :   Visakhapatnam

* The 2024 edition of the Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise (SLINEX) will take place in Visakhapatnam from December 17 to 20.

* This annual exercise started in 2005, aims to strengthen maritime cooperation and enhance interoperability between the navies of India and Sri Lanka.

* Hosted by the Eastern Naval Command, SLINEX 2024 will feature a Harbour Phase and a Sea Phase, focusing on promoting regional maritime security and bolstering bilateral ties.

* The event underscores the strategic importance of Visakhapatnam as a hub for naval collaboration and defence operations.

Correct Answer :   India, France, and UAE

* The "Desert Knight" air combat exercise was a trilateral drill conducted by India, France, and the UAE over the Arabian Sea.

* The focus of the exercise was on interoperability and enhancing advanced combat skills, featuring aircraft like the Sukhoi-30MKIs and Rafales.

* This three-day exercise builds on the 2022 trilateral roadmap aimed at fostering collaboration between the three nations in the defence, technology, and energy sectors.

* It also highlights their growing defence ties and commitment to strengthening security in the Indo-Pacific and Persian Gulf regions.

Correct Answer :   Russia

* India is preparing to sign a $4 billion deal with Russia for an advanced long-range radar system, which is part of Russia's Voronezh series.

* This radar system offers surveillance capabilities over 8,000 km, aligning with India's "Make in India" initiative, as 60% of its components are planned to be produced domestically.

* The system will be installed in Karnataka, strengthening India's strategic monitoring infrastructure.

Correct Answer :   1135.6

* INS Tushil, a stealth-guided missile frigate of the Krivak-III class, was developed under Project 1135.6.

* This project focuses on advanced frigates with state-of-the-art stealth designs, multi-role capabilities, and cutting-edge weapon systems.

* The ship is the 7th in the series and was built under a 2016 agreement between India and Russia, bolstering the operational strength of the Indian Navy.

Correct Answer :   United States

The United States approved a $1.17 billion deal under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program to enhance the Indian Navy's capabilities.

This agreement includes advanced communication systems, sensors, and logistical support for the Sikorsky MH-60R helicopters, which are critical for anti-submarine warfare and surface combat operations.

This defence partnership strengthens India's strategic position in the Indian Ocean Region, addressing challenges posed by regional adversaries. The MH-60R helicopters, equipped with Mk 54 torpedoes and Hellfire missiles, also modernize India's fleet, replacing the ageing Sea King helicopters.

Correct Answer :   4th edition

The 4th edition of the India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise, HARIMAU SHAKTI, commenced on December 2, 2024, at Bentong Camp, Pahang district, Malaysia.

This exercise, scheduled to run until December 15, 2024, is an annual event designed to enhance the military cooperation between the two nations.

The exercise will focus on improving the ability of both forces to undertake joint counterinsurgency operations in jungle terrain, aligned with the United Nations Chapter VII Mandate.

Participants :

* Indian Contingent: 78 personnel from the MAHAR Regiment Battalion.
* Malaysian Contingent: 123 personnel from The Royal Malaysian Regiment.
* Location: Bentong Camp, Pahang district, Malaysia.
* Duration: December 2 to December 15, 2024.

Objective :

* To improve joint military capabilities in conducting counterinsurgency operations in jungle terrain.
* To enhance defense cooperation between India and Malaysia, thereby fostering stronger bilateral relations.

Exercise Phases :

Phase 1 :

* Focus on cross-training between both armies.
* Includes lectures, demonstrations, and jungle drills.

Phase 2 :

* Active participation of both armies in a simulated exercise.
* Execution of various drills such as Anti-MT Ambush, Occupation of Harbour, Recce Patrol, Ambush, and Attack on areas controlled by terrorists.

Focus Areas :

* Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs): Sharing best practices for joint operations.
* Jungle Warfare: Emphasis on operations in challenging jungle terrains.
* Interoperability: Developing the ability to operate seamlessly together.
* Camaraderie: Building better communication and coordination between both forces.

Historical Context :

* This is the 4th edition of the joint exercise, with the previous edition conducted in November 2023 at Umroi Cantonment, Meghalaya, India.

Strategic Importance :

* The exercise strengthens defense ties and enhances collaboration on counterinsurgency techniques.
* It also improves the bilateral military relations between India and Malaysia.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	The 4th edition of the India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise, HARIMAU SHAKTI
Dates	December 2-15, 2024
Location	Bentong Camp, Pahang district, Malaysia
Indian Contingent	78 personnel from MAHAR Regiment Battalion
Malaysian Contingent	123 personnel from The Royal Malaysian Regiment
Exercise Objective	Enhance joint military capability for counterinsurgency in jungle terrain
Phase 1	Cross-training, lectures, demonstrations, jungle drills
Phase 2	Simulated exercises: Anti-MT Ambush, Occupation of Harbour, Recce Patrol, Ambush, Attack on terrorist-controlled areas
Focus Areas	TTPs, Jungle Warfare, Interoperability, Camaraderie
Strategic Importance	Strengthens defense cooperation and bilateral relations
Previous Edition	November 2023, Umroi Cantonment, Meghalaya, India

Correct Answer :   Siachen

* The Indian Army has successfully installed Optical Fibre connectivity at Siachen and Daulet Beg Oldie (DBO).

* Siachen, being the world’s highest and coldest battlefield, is strategically important due to its location between Pakistan and China.

* The installation of high-speed broadband connectivity in such challenging conditions highlights India’s efforts to enhance communication and surveillance capabilities in the region.

* Siachen has been under Indian control since 1984 and is vital for maintaining India's territorial security in the northernmost region..