SURVEY VESSEL – SANDHAYAK

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: PIB   Context: The first of four Survey Vessel (Large) ships, Sandhayak, constructed at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, was delivered to the Indian Navy.

Near-space command

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: WION  Context: China has reportedly established the world’s first ‘near-space command,’ forming the People’s Liberation Army’s fifth force alongside the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force. Chinese researchers see near-space as the next battleground and assert that it is a crucial zone that could determine the outcome of …

Igla-S

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: TOI   Context: Russia has announced its plan to supply the Igla-S man-portable air defence missile system to the Indian armed forces.   About Igla-S: The Igla-S is a man-portable air defence missile system (MANPADS) developed by Russia. MANPADS are shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles designed to be operated by an …

Project Kusha

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: TOI  Context: India is embarking on Project Kusha, a mission designed to enhance its air defence capabilities with a system rivalling the effectiveness of the renowned S-400. It includes the acquisition of three long-range Interceptor missiles with ranges of 150km, 250km, and 350km, ensuring comprehensive protection against aerial threats. …

Operation Chakra-2

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: Hindustan Times   Context: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) carried out a widespread crackdown on cyber criminals in India in an operation known as ‘Operation Chakra-2.’ This operation involved searches at 76 locations across the country and was prompted by the registration of five separate cases of cyber-enabled …

Project Udbhav

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: TH    Context: ‘Project Udbhav’ has been launched by the Indian Defence Minister, aiming to integrate ancient Indian strategic wisdom into modern military pedagogy. The project, in collaboration with the United Service Institution of India (USI), seeks to create an indigenous strategic vocabulary based on India’s philosophy and culture. …

White phosphorus

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: Al Jazeera  Context: Human Rights Watch (HRW) says the Israeli military recently used white phosphorus munitions in Lebanon and Gaza. White phosphorus munitions can be delivered through artillery shells, bombs, rockets, or grenades. This substance is colourless, white, or yellow and emits a garlic-like odour.    White Phosphorous in war: While …

Over 70 Schemes under EP-4

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: TH  Context: The Indian Army has successfully completed the fourth phase of Emergency Procurements (EP-4). These procurements were carried out to address critical capability gaps, especially along the Northern Borders. The Indian Air Force also concluded 64 contracts under EP-4.    Key highlights of the EP-4 procurements include: Weapon …

Astra missiles

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: TH   Context: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to induct the indigenous Astra Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air to Air Missile by the end of 2023. Astra is already integrated into the SU-30MKI and was successfully test-fired from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. The IAF intends …

Bharat Drone Shakti 2023

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: PIB  Context: The first-ever drone exhibition and display, “Bharat Drone Shakti 2023,” was inaugurated by India’s Defence Minister, at the Hindan Air Force Station in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. This event, jointly organized by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Drone Federation of India (DFI), showcases over 75 drone …

Operation Sajag

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: PIB  Context: The Indian Coast Guard conducted a coastal security drill named ‘Operation Sajag’ along the west coast. This drill aimed to involve all stakeholders in the coastal security system, reaffirm the effectiveness of coastal security measures, and raise awareness among fishermen at sea. To enhance coastal security, several …

Cybercrime Investigation Tool

Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: PIB  Context: A new cybercrime investigation tool has been developed to track cyberattacks that target humans, such as insurance fraud and online matrimonial fraud. This tool, known as the TTP (tactics, techniques, and procedures)-based cybercrime investigation framework, aids in tracking and categorizing cybercrimes. It identifies the chain of evidence required …

Nuclear-armed submarine

Facts for Prelims (FFP)    Source: The Economic Times  Context: North Korea has introduced its first operational “tactical nuclear attack submarine,” known as Submarine No. 841, which has been assigned to patrol the waters between the Korean peninsula and Japan. This submarine, named Hero Kim Kun Ok, is deemed a key component of North Korea’s …

MQ-9B predator drones

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: The Economic Times  Context: India has formally requested the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B Reaper or Predator-B drones from the United States. These drones, including their weapons packages, ground control systems, and equipment, are part of a significant arms deal. These high-altitude, long-endurance drones, to be assembled in India by …

BHARAT DRONE SHAKTI 2023

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: PIB    Context: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is collaborating with the Drone Federation of India to co-host ‘Bharat Drone Shakti 2023’, at the IAF’s airbase in Hindan, Ghaziabad. This event aims to showcase the capabilities of the Indian drone industry and promote the use of drone technology in …

Cybterterms in News

Facts for Prelims (FFP)  Source: TH, Times Now   Context: Recently various cyber terms have been in the news. We have tried to cover them briefly    Spamouflage: Spamouflage is a Chinese influence campaign that has been active on over 50 platforms and forums, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). The accounts in …

DRDO’s UAV Tapas

  Source: LM  Context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced that there were no casualties or collateral damage resulting from the crash of the Tapas unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during an experimental flight trial in Karnataka, India. The UAV was undergoing a trial flight from ATR Challakere when it encountered a technical snag …

Acoustic Side Channel Attacks

Facts for Prelims (FFP)    Source: TH  Context: A research paper titled “A Practical Deep Learning-Based Acoustic Side Channel Attack on Keyboards” published with the support of Durham University’s ethics committee reveals that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be utilized to decipher passwords by analysing the sound produced by keystrokes. This method, known as Acoustic Side …