General Awareness

DEFENCE - July 2023

Jul 2023

Jan 03, 2026

Air Marshal Tejinder Singh takes charge of South Western Air Command

Air Marshal Tejinder Singh assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command in early 2026. The appointment reflects the Indian Air Force's emphasis on operational experience, strategic planning, and leadership at the command level. As AOC-in-C, he will oversee air operations, readiness, and planning in a region facing security and border challenges. Singh previously served in senior leadership roles and brings decades of flying and command experience. He succeeds the outgoing commander, and his tenure is expected to focus on ensuring strong deterrence, rapid response capabilities, and joint exercises with neighbouring forces. The South Western Air Command remains a crucial component of India's air defence posture.

Tejinder Singh appointed AOC-in-C of SWAC.
Emphasis on operational experience and strategic planning.
Oversees air operations and readiness in a key region.
Succeeds the previous commander; tenure focused on deterrence.
Importance of joint exercises with neighbouring forces.

Jan 02, 2026

Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor Takes Charge as VCAS

Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor assumed office as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff in January 2026, succeeding Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari who retired after four decades of service. Kapoor previously served as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command. The appointment reflects ongoing leadership rotation within the Indian Air Force to maintain readiness and strategic capability. The VCAS role supports operational planning, training, and inter-service coordination as new air warfare priorities emerge.

Nagesh Kapoor appointed Vice Chief of the Air Staff in January 2026.
He previously led the South Western Air Command.
Succession follows retirement of Narmdeshwar Tiwari.
Appointment underscores leadership rotation and readiness.

Albert Ekka Brigade Marks 56th Raising Day

The Albert Ekka Brigade observed its 56th Raising Day on 1 January 2026 in Agartala with wreath‑laying ceremonies to honour soldiers who sacrificed in the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Officers, junior commissioned officers, other ranks, and civil dignitaries paid homage to fallen heroes. The brigade is noted for earning the Param Vir Chakra among other honors for its wartime and peacetime gallantry. The unit’s relocation to the Agartala Military Station carries historical significance, as the brigade played a pivotal role in Operation Cactus Lily during the 1971 conflict.

Albert Ekka Brigade marked 56th Raising Day on 1 January 2026.
Wreath‑laying ceremonies honoured fallen soldiers from 1971 war.
Brigade has received top gallantry awards, including the Param Vir Chakra.
Unit recently relocated to Agartala Military Station.

Dec 30, 2025

India Successfully Tests 120-Km Range Pinaka Rocket in Odisha

India conducted a maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket LRGR 120 at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha. The rocket achieved its maximum range of 120 kilometres and performed in-flight maneuvers as planned. The trial coincided with Defence Acquisition Council approval for the project, and the missile landed on target with precision. The LRGR 120 test marks progress in indigenous missile development, reinforcing India’s capability in precision strike technology and contributing to the broader Make in India defence program.

Maiden flight test of Pinaka LRGR 120 in Odisha
Range demonstrated: 120 km with planned maneuvers
Test aligned with DAC project clearance
Demonstrates indigenously developed missile capability
Supports Make in India defence goals
Precise target impact reported

Indian Air Force, IIT Madras to Build India's First Indigenous Airborne Communication System

The Indian Air Force signed an MoU with IIT Madras to develop an indigenous digital communication system for airborne platforms. The collaboration between the IAF’s Software Development Institute (SDI) and IIT Madras aims to create secure networking and encryption tools for modern military operations. The project supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and defence self-reliance goals. The MoU was signed by Air Vice Marshal R. Guruhari, SDI Commandant, and IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti, with Pravartak Technologies Foundation CEO Dr M. J. Shankar Raman. The effort will focus on algorithms for networking and encryption to enable fast, secure data exchange in flight.

MoU between IAF SDI and IIT Madras
Goal: indigenous airborne communication system
Focus on secure networking and encryption algorithms
Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and defence self-reliance
Key signatories include AVM Guruhari and Prof. Kamakoti
Part of broader defence technology development program

Dec 29, 2025

President Murmu Undertakes Dive Sortie Aboard INS Vaghsheer

President Droupadi Murmu undertook a dive sortie aboard INS Vaghsheer, a Kalvari-class submarine, off the Western Seaboard. The voyage began at Karwar Naval Harbour in Karnataka and lasted over two hours, during which the President interacted with the crew and observed sea demonstrations. She has become only the second Indian President to take a submarine sortie, following former President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. The event underscored the Navy’s operational readiness and the country’s maritime defence capabilities, highlighting the role of the President as Commander-in-Chief in observing frontline defence activities.

President Murmu completed a submarine sortie on INS Vaghsheer.
Event marked at Karwar Naval Harbour, Karnataka; duration over two hours.
She is the second Indian President to undertake such a sortie after Kalam.
Demonstrations showcased crew efficiency and naval readiness.
Significance lies in highlighting maritime defence capabilities.

Centre Launches First-Ever Weapon Database to Curb Terror

The Centre launched the first-ever weapon database to curb terrorism, titled 'Lost, Looted and Recovered Firearm'. Prepared by the National Investigation Agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the database will catalog government-owned weapons that have been looted, stolen, lost, or recovered from state police and CAPFs. The aim is to improve tracking, aid in investigations, and prevent illicit firearms from circulating. Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the platform, calling it a crucial tool for national security and inter-agency coordination. The database is expected to evolve with new entries and cross-checks across agencies.

New database tracks looted, lost, or recovered government firearms.
Developed by NIA under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Aims to enhance tracking and inter-agency coordination.
Launched by Home Minister Amit Shah.
Will be updated with ongoing entries and cross-checks.

Dec 25, 2025

Akash-NG trials mark advance in India’s air defence capabilities

Defence Research and Development Organisation announced the successful user evaluation trials of the Akash-NG air defence missile system, paving the way for induction. The trials showed high precision against diverse aerial threats, including high-speed, low-altitude, and long-range high-altitude targets. The system intercepted targets at different ranges and altitudes, leveraging an indigenous RF seeker and a solid rocket motor. Akash-NG promises improved accuracy, faster response times, and greater resistance to countermeasures. The successful tests move India closer to modernizing its air defence with domestically developed missiles and sensors, strengthening national security and regional deterrence.

Akash-NG underwent successful user evaluation trials.
Demonstrated precision against varied aerial threats and target profiles.
Equipped with indigenous RF seeker and solid rocket motor.
Aims to improve speed, accuracy, and resistance to countermeasures.
Paves the way for induction into the armed forces.

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