General Awareness

DEFENCE - June 2024

Jun 2024

Aug 21, 2026

Indian Navy inaugurates LARS Test Plinth at Visakhapatnam

The Indian Navy inaugurated the Launch and Recovery System (LARS) Test Plinth at the Submarine Rescue Unit (East), Visakhapatnam. The facility supports shore-based trials, testing, and maintenance of the LARS used with the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV). The new infrastructure will enhance submarine rescue preparedness and operational capability, strengthening India's underwater rescue framework along the Eastern Seaboard. Officials say the plinth will enable realistic training scenarios and faster response in emergencies, aligning with overall maritime security objectives and the nation's push to modernize its naval rescue capabilities. The project involved collaboration with defence research agencies and industry partners, and is part of broader coastal security upgrades.

LARS Test Plinth inaugurated at Submarine Rescue Unit (East), Visakhapatnam.
Supports trials, testing, and maintenance for LARS with DSRV.
Aims to enhance submarine rescue preparedness and capability.
Strengthens underwater rescue infrastructure along the Eastern Seaboard.
Project involved defence research agencies and industry partners.

Aug 20, 2026

Lt Commander Shivam Kumar awarded Shaurya Chakra for gallantry

Lieutenant Commander Shivam Kumar of the Indian Navy received the Shaurya Chakra for exceptional gallantry. He repeatedly entered a burning LPG tanker in the Gulf of Aden to search for missing crew members as INS Trikand assisted the Cameroon‑flagged MT Falcon in October 2025. His actions under perilous conditions saved lives and demonstrated leadership and calm under pressure. The Shaurya Chakra is among India’s prestigious peacetime gallantry awards. Kumar’s rescue operation highlighted the navy’s role in maritime safety and humanitarian missions, reinforcing confidence in India’s response capabilities during high‑risk incidents at sea.

Operation location: Gulf of Aden
Date of incident: October 2025
Ship involved: INS Trikand supporting MT Falcon
Award: Shaurya Chakra (gallantry)
Significance: maritime rescue and leadership
Demonstrates navy’s humanitarian deployment

Aug 19, 2026

India-US Navy EOD Exercise 2026 Held at Kochi

The India–US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Exercise 2026 was conducted at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi, Kerala. The exercise brought together EOD teams from both countries to improve interoperability, share best practices, and strengthen capabilities to identify and neutralise explosive threats at sea, on coastal facilities, and in amphibious operations. Training included procedures for bomb disposal, underwater operations, and rapid response to maritime threats, with a strong emphasis on safety and decision making. The drill also aimed to build mutual trust and establish standard operating procedures for future joint missions, drills, and humanitarian response scenarios. Officials highlighted improvements in medical evacuation readiness and cyber-aware communications.

Exercise held at Southern Naval Command, Kochi
Aims to improve interoperability and knowledge sharing
Training includes bomb disposal and underwater operations
Focus on safety and rapid decision making
Seeks to establish joint procedures for future missions

India-Armenia Sign Defence Innovation MoU in Yerevan

A memorandum of understanding on defence research, development, innovation, and joint production was signed in Yerevan during an official visit by India's Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The India–Armenia Defence Innovation MoU aims to deepen cooperation in defence technology, advanced manufacturing, and capability building. Both sides agreed to pursue collaborative projects in research, development, and potential co-production in areas of mutual interest. The agreement signals stronger bilateral ties in security, industry linkages, and technology transfer, with a focus on enabling indigenous capabilities and faster innovation cycles for both countries. Officials emphasised adherence to national laws and export controls while pursuing practical pilot projects.

MoU signed in Yerevan during Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh's visit
Aims to deepen defence technology, R&D, and co-production
Focus on indigenous capabilities and faster innovation
Collaborative projects in research and development planned
Export controls and national laws to be observed

Aug 18, 2026

Reliance-Rolls-Royce tie to develop AMCA engine

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) announced a strategic partnership with Rolls-Royce to develop an indigenous combat engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. The collaboration covers design, development, and potential manufacturing of aerospace engines, with both parties emphasising deepening domestic capability in defence propulsion. The deal aims to strengthen India's defense manufacturing ecosystem, reduce import dependence, and support the AMCA project’s timelines. Officials highlighted joint research, supply chain integration, and knowledge transfer as core elements. Industry analysts view the partnership as a milestone for India's public-private collaboration in high-technology sectors, aligning with government priorities to boost Make in India and domestic defence production.

RIL and Rolls-Royce to co-develop an indigenous AMCA engine.
Scope includes design, development and potential manufacturing.
Aims to strengthen domestic defence propulsion and reduce imports.
Emphasizes joint research, supply chain integration, and knowledge transfer.

Indian Army Chief awarded honorary Nepal Army rank

General Dhiraj Seth, Chief of the Indian Army, was conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepal Army during his official visit to Nepal in August 2026. The gesture follows a long-standing tradition in which senior military chiefs of India and Nepal exchange honorary ranks as a mark of friendship and mutual respect. Defence cooperation between the two neighbours has deepened through joint exercises, training exchanges, and strategic dialogues. The ceremony took place amid discussions on regional security and disaster response cooperation. Observers say such ceremonies symbolize trust and interoperability, reinforcing stability in the region while underscoring the shared history of defence collaboration between India and Nepal.

General Dhiraj Seth received the honorary rank during the August 2026 visit to Nepal.
The tradition reflects longstanding India-Nepal defence ties.
Honorary ranks are exchanged to symbolize mutual respect between armies.
Ceremony occurred alongside talks on regional security and disaster response.

Aug 17, 2026

Ulchi Freedom Shield 2026 Begins Between US and Korea

The United States and South Korea commenced Ulchi Freedom Shield 2026 on 17 August 2026. The 11-day exercise runs through 27 August 2026 with about 18,000 South Korean troops participating. The drills focus on strengthening combined defence readiness against evolving threats such as drones, cyberattacks and GPS disruption. North Korea has criticized the exercise, while the US and South Korea describe it as defensive in nature. The programme includes computer simulations and joint planning with allied forces to improve interoperability. It highlights ongoing deterrence and the capacity to respond to regional security challenges.

Start date: 17 August 2026
Duration: 11 days; ends 27 August 2026
Participants: ~18,000 South Korean troops
Focus areas: drones, cyber, GPS disruption
Geopolitical context: North Korea criticism; described as defensive

Share on

TCY Analytics (View Subscription Plans)

Subscribe to GK Updates

I want to receive

GK Tags

August GK, July GK, June GK, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, ENVIRONMENT, BUSINESS AND ECONOMY, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, SPORTS, NATIONAL AFFAIRS, DEFENCE, PERSONS IN NEWS, DAYS AND EVENTS, AWARDS AND HONOURS, GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES, GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION, ART AND CULTURE, BOOKS AND AUTHORS, TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS, ART AND CULTURE, LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Start Discussion

On any topic

Take Tests

Compiled from GK updates

Login

Sign Up

Forgot Password

Download TCY App

Unlock All Services And Enjoy The Premium Benefits

US$ 10

US$ 13

US$ 15

US$ 17

US$ 19

US$ 20

US$ 21

US$ 22

US$ 23

US$ 24

US$ 25

US$ 26