General Awareness

DEFENCE - August 2023

Aug 2023

Jan 25, 2026

Delhi Police to deploy AI-enabled smart glasses for Republic Day security

On 21 January 2026, Delhi Police announced the deployment of AI-enabled smart glasses for Republic Day security. The glasses include facial recognition and thermal imaging and will connect to a central database to identify suspects in real time. Over 10,000 police personnel will be deployed with more than 3,000 CCTV cameras and multiple control rooms. Officials said procurement is ongoing, but the glasses will be used in high-security operations. The move adds a digital layer to crowd management during the Republic Day events and aims to enhance threat detection and response time.

AI-enabled smart glasses to be used for Republic Day security.
Facial recognition plus thermal imaging features.
Large deployment with 10,000 personnel and 3,000+ CCTV cameras.
Procurement in progress; real-time database access planned.

Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework released by CDS

On 23 January 2026, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan released the Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework. The document outlines a plan to integrate quantum technologies across the Indian armed forces, covering Quantum Communication, Quantum Computing, Quantum Sensing and Metrology, and Quantum Materials and Devices. It stresses jointness, civil-military fusion, and coordinated execution under dedicated governance. Aligned with the National Quantum Mission, the policy seeks to strengthen defence capabilities through advanced quantum tools while addressing security, interoperability, and procurement challenges within Tri-Serves.

Policy framework released by CDS on 23 January 2026.
Four pillars: QC, CQ, QS and Metrology, QM Devices.
Emphasizes jointness and civil-military fusion.
Aligned with National Quantum Mission; governance in place.

Jan 24, 2026

Sikkim Police awarded President of India’s Colour Award

The Sikkim Police have been honoured with the President of India’s Colour Award, a prestigious national recognition for police forces. The award was announced by the state’s Director General of Police Akshay Sachdeva during a press conference, who called it a historic moment for the force and the state. He credited the Ministry of Home Affairs for guidance and support. The Colour Award places Sikkim Police among a select group of forces recognised at the national level for sustained service. The conferment is expected to boost morale and highlight security achievements in protecting people and maintaining law and order across the region.

Sikkim Police awarded the President of India’s Colour Award.
Announcement made by DGP Akshay Sachdeva.
Recognised for sustained service and national standing.
Ministry of Home Affairs credited for support.
Award expected to boost morale and regional security profile.

Jan 20, 2026

INS Sudarshini sets off on Lokayan 26 voyage; training and diplomacy

Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini began its Lokayan 26 flagship voyage, a 10‑month transoceanic mission starting January 20, 2026. The vessel will cover more than 22,000 nautical miles and visit 18 ports across 13 countries, with 200+ trainees undergoing advanced seamanship and navigation training. The voyage includes participation in Escale à Sète (France) and SAIL 250 (New York, USA), showcasing India’s maritime heritage and international naval cooperation. The mission supports government strategic goals of MAHASAGAR and expands international naval exchanges with partner nations.

INS Sudarshini begins Lokayan 26 voyage
Duration: 10 months; 22,000+ nautical miles
Ports: 18 across 13 countries; 200+ trainees
Events: Escale à Sète and SAIL 250
Aligns with MAHASAGAR and naval diplomacy goals

Jan 19, 2026

INS Sagardhwani Flagged Off for Sagar Maitri Fifth Edition

INS Sagardhwani, a naval oceanographic research vessel of the DRDO, was flagged off from Kochi for the fifth edition of the Sagar Maitri initiative. The voyage retraces the route of INS Kistna that served in the 1960s and aims to build sustained ocean research collaboration with eight Indian Ocean Rim nations. The MAHASAGAR framework supports socio economic engagement and scientific partnership. DURING the mission INS Sagardhwani will collect critical oceanographic and acoustic data to enhance Underwater Domain Awareness for maritime security. Commissioned in July 1994, Sagardhwani has contributed to India s maritime science capabilities.

Flag off location: Kochi
Purpose: Sagar Maitri fifth edition
Retains historic Kistna route from 1962–65
Partners: eight IOR countries
Role: DRDO and Navy collaboration

Operation Sagar Bandhu Builds Third Bailey Bridge in Sri Lanka

As part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, Indian Army Engineers completed a 120 foot Bailey bridge across 15 kilometres of the B-429 highway in Sri Lanka. The bridge connects the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts, restoring a lifeline disrupted by Cyclone Ditwah. Earlier Bailey bridges were installed in Jaffna and Kandy. The operation shows tri service cooperation and rapid deployment of engineering assets to support civilian infrastructure and relief work. The bridge improves access for residents and relief services, demonstrating continued humanitarian engagement and regional solidarity in the wake of natural disasters.

Bridge length: 120 feet, location on B-429 highway
Connections: Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts
Third Bailey bridge after Jaffna and Kandy
Context: Cyclone Ditwah aftermath
Significance: civilian access and relief capability

Trilateral DOSTI 17 Maritime Exercise Begins in Maldives

The trilateral maritime exercise DOSTI-17 began officially in the Maldives, bringing together coast guards of India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Inaugurated in Malé on 17 January 2026, the exercise aims to enhance maritime cooperation, coordination, and security in the Indian Ocean region. Senior defence officials and diplomats attended the opening, underscoring growing regional collaboration. DOSTI-17 includes coordinated patrol planning, information sharing, and joint exercises to improve interoperability among participating nations. The exercise strengthens maritime domain awareness and demonstrates ongoing security engagement with IOR partners.

Inauguration: 17 January 2026, Malé
Participants: India, Sri Lanka, Maldives
Objectives: cooperation, coordination, security
Activities: information sharing, joint exercises
Significance: regional maritime interoperability

Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Ammunition Facility in Nagpur

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a new Medium Calibre Ammunition Manufacturing Facility at Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited in Nagpur. The facility will manufacture 30 mm ammunition for the Indian Army and Navy. Singh stressed the government push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence and greater private sector participation. He also inspected the Pinaka Rocket manufacturing facility and flagged off the first tranche of guided Pinaka rockets exported to Armenia, signaling growing defence exports. The event highlights efforts to address past shortages and strengthen national security through domestic manufacturing.

Facility: 30 mm ammunition production
Location: Nagpur
Policy focus: Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence
Export note: Pinaka rockets to Armenia
Impact: domestic production and security resilience

Jan 18, 2026

India–Sri Lanka Navy conclude 13th staff talks on maritime security

The 13th edition of the Indian and Sri Lankan Navy staff talks concluded in Colombo, with discussions on strengthening bilateral engagements and maritime security in the Indian Ocean. The talks were co‑chaired by Rear Admiral Srinivas Maddula, ACNS (FCI) of the Indian Navy, and Rear Admiral Ruwan Rupasena, Director General Training of the Sri Lankan Navy. Both sides emphasized continuing cooperation and joint exercises, with a focus on anti‑ piracy, search‑and‑rescue, and information sharing. The communiqué highlighted ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration across the security, training and capability domains to ensure regional stability.

Event: 13th India–Sri Lanka Navy staff talks
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Co‑chairs: Rear Admiral Srinivas Maddula; Rear Admiral Ruwan Rupasena
Focus areas: maritime security, training, exercises
Outlook: enhanced bilateral cooperation

MSME Defence Conclave 2026 launches in Jharkhand

Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth inaugurated the MSME Defence Conclave 2026 in Adityapur, Jharkhand. The two‑day event aims to connect small‑scale enterprises with the defence sector, highlighting export opportunities and current demand. Participants from DRDO, HAL and Mahindra Defence showcased products and discussed partnerships. The minister emphasised defence exports to over 92 countries and the growing role of MSMEs in manufacturing. Organisers expect B2B meetings, seminars and exhibitions to help local firms integrate into national and international supply chains.

Event: MSME Defence Conclave 2026
Location: Adityapur Auto Cluster, Jharkhand
Lead: Sanjay Seth (MoS Defence)
Focus: MSME integration with defence sector
Outlook: increased exports and local manufacturing

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