SENAPREP

UPSC Current Affairs Digest

Live
Padma Bhushan Call Deepens India Election Commission Row - streamlinefeed.co.ke — Awards & Persons
Explore
SENAPREP
UPSC NDA, CDS & AFCAT Current Affairs Compendium
Curated from PIB & Ministry of Defence • Printed on 15 Oct, 2026
SENAPREP
© 2026 SENAPREP (senaprep.com) • All Rights Reserved • PIB Verified Compendium
All Defence National International Science & Tech Economy Environment Sports Awards & Persons
Date Filter:
Showing: Defence / Defence Technology & Weapons Reset
Daily Audio Digest
Click play to listen to today's top headlines
Card 1 of 12 Tap card to flip for SSB & exam notes
Defence Date
Question / Core Topic

Headline

Summary description...

Tap to see SSB & Revision takeaways SenaPrep Deck
High-Yield Exam & SSB Takeaways PIB Verified
Back Title
UPSC PRELIMS / WRITTEN FOCUS:
Key factual data, participating nations, ranges, and organizations.
SSB GD & LECTURETTE ANGLE:
Geopolitical impact, operational readiness, and strategic deterrence.
Tap to flip back SenaPrep Daily Flash
Defence Defence Technology & Weapons
30 Sep, 2026

India’s New DRDO Laser Weapon: How DRDO's 30kW Drone Killer Changes Modern Warfare - The Times of India

India’s New DRDO Laser Weapon: How DRDO's 30kW Drone Killer Changes Modern Warfare The Times of India

Expected NDA/CDS/AFCAT MCQ:
AI Exam Standard
Recently in the news, DRDO developed a Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system primarily designed as a drone killer with a power output of:
(A) 10kW
(B) 20kW
(C) 30kW
(D) 50kW
Correct Answer: (C) — NDA/CDS/AFCAT Exam Pointer:
DRDO has developed a 30kW laser weapon system designed to act as an effective counter-drone measure, neutralizing aerial threats using directed energy.
SSB Interview & Lecturette Framework:
Strategic Significance: Institutional Governance: Effective policy execution and civil-military alignment form the bedrock of national sovereignty.
Group Discussion (GD) Angle: GD Topic: The socio-economic impact of good governance and transparent public administration in India.
IO Cross-Question Tip: IO Question: 'How does strong domestic governance directly reinforce external national security?'
The Times of India Original Source
Defence Defence Technology & Weapons
30 Sep, 2026

India’s 30kW Laser Weapon: DRDO’s ‘Drone Killer’ Is Coming to Replace Missiles - The Times of India

India’s 30kW Laser Weapon: DRDO’s ‘Drone Killer’ Is Coming to Replace Missiles The Times of India

Expected NDA/CDS/AFCAT MCQ:
AI Exam Standard
Recently in the news, DRDO's newly developed 30kW directed-energy laser weapon, often referred to as a 'Drone Killer', is primarily designed to perform which of the following tasks?
(A) Interception and neutralization of low-flying aerial drones and unmanned threats
(B) Jamming satellite communications of foreign reconnaissance vessels
(C) Enhancing night-vision capabilities of main battle tanks
(D) Detecting stealth submarines in littoral waters
Correct Answer: (A) — NDA/CDS/AFCAT Exam Pointer:
DRDO's 30kW high-energy laser weapon system is designed to act as an effective counter-drone measure, utilizing directed energy to neutralize unmanned aerial threats as a cost-efficient alternative to conventional missiles.
SSB Interview & Lecturette Framework:
Strategic Significance: Institutional Governance: Effective policy execution and civil-military alignment form the bedrock of national sovereignty.
Group Discussion (GD) Angle: GD Topic: The socio-economic impact of good governance and transparent public administration in India.
IO Cross-Question Tip: IO Question: 'How does strong domestic governance directly reinforce external national security?'
The Times of India Original Source
Defence Defence Technology & Weapons
30 Sep, 2026

Global submarine vendors lock horns in Delhi over $10 billion Indian Navy contract - ajaishukla.com

Global submarine vendors lock horns in Delhi over $10 billion Indian Navy contract ajaishukla.com

Expected NDA/CDS/AFCAT MCQ:
AI Exam Standard
The Indian Navy's mega project involving a roughly $10 billion contract for the procurement of six advanced conventional submarines is designated under which of the following acquisition initiatives?
(A) Project 75
(B) Project 75 (India) or Project 75I
(C) Project 17A
(D) Project 76
Correct Answer: (B) — NDA/CDS/AFCAT Exam Pointer:
Project 75 (India), or Project 75I, is a strategic $10 billion Indian Navy program to construct six advanced conventional submarines equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems through a techno-commercial collaboration with foreign vendors.
SSB Interview & Lecturette Framework:
Strategic Significance: Institutional Governance: Effective policy execution and civil-military alignment form the bedrock of national sovereignty.
Group Discussion (GD) Angle: GD Topic: The socio-economic impact of good governance and transparent public administration in India.
IO Cross-Question Tip: IO Question: 'How does strong domestic governance directly reinforce external national security?'
ajaishukla.com Original Source
Defence Defence Technology & Weapons
29 Sep, 2026

France studying Op Sindoor as it pushes for longer-range air-to-air missile to match China, Russia - ThePrint

France studying Op Sindoor as it pushes for longer-range air-to-air missile to match China, Russia ThePrint

Expected NDA/CDS/AFCAT MCQ:
AI Exam Standard
Recently in the news regarding the development of longer-range air-to-air missiles to match capabilities of adversaries like China and Russia, 'Op Sindoor' is being studied by which country's defense establishment?
(A) France
(B) United States
(C) Russia
(D) Israel
Correct Answer: (A) — NDA/CDS/AFCAT Exam Pointer:
France is studying 'Op Sindoor' as part of its strategic push to develop advanced, longer-range air-to-air missile systems to match the capabilities of nations like China and Russia.
SSB Interview & Lecturette Framework:
Strategic Significance: Institutional Governance: Effective policy execution and civil-military alignment form the bedrock of national sovereignty.
Group Discussion (GD) Angle: GD Topic: The socio-economic impact of good governance and transparent public administration in India.
IO Cross-Question Tip: IO Question: 'How does strong domestic governance directly reinforce external national security?'
Defence Defence Technology & Weapons
29 Sep, 2026

Global Submarine Vendors Lock Horns in Delhi Over $10 Billion Contract - TheWire.in

Global Submarine Vendors Lock Horns in Delhi Over $10 Billion Contract TheWire.in

Expected NDA/CDS/AFCAT MCQ:
AI Exam Standard
Which major strategic Indian defense acquisition program involves global submarine vendors competing for a multi-billion dollar contract to build conventional submarines in India?
(A) Project 75
(B) Project 75 India (P-75I)
(C) Project 76
(D) Project 77 Advanced
Correct Answer: (B) — NDA/CDS/AFCAT Exam Pointer:
Project 75 India (P-75I) is a strategic acquisition program under India's Ministry of Defence aimed at constructing six advanced conventional submarines equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems through a foreign technology partner.
SSB Interview & Lecturette Framework:
Strategic Significance: Institutional Governance: Effective policy execution and civil-military alignment form the bedrock of national sovereignty.
Group Discussion (GD) Angle: GD Topic: The socio-economic impact of good governance and transparent public administration in India.
IO Cross-Question Tip: IO Question: 'How does strong domestic governance directly reinforce external national security?'
Defence Defence Technology & Weapons
29 Sep, 2026

Ship-killer, missile shield, air-to-air weapon: Why the SM-6 is America's 'three-in-one' missile - The Times of India

Ship-killer, missile shield, air-to-air weapon: Why the SM-6 is America's 'three-in-one' missile The Times of India

Expected NDA/CDS/AFCAT MCQ:
AI Exam Standard
Recently seen in the news, the SM-6 missile system, known as a versatile 'three-in-one' capability weapon capable of acting as a ship-killer, missile shield, and air-to-air weapon, is developed by which country?
(A) Russia
(B) United States
(C) France
(D) Israel
Correct Answer: (B) — NDA/CDS/AFCAT Exam Pointer:
The Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) is an advanced multi-role naval missile developed by the United States, designed for anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, and ballistic missile defense.
SSB Interview & Lecturette Framework:
Strategic Significance: Institutional Governance: Effective policy execution and civil-military alignment form the bedrock of national sovereignty.
Group Discussion (GD) Angle: GD Topic: The socio-economic impact of good governance and transparent public administration in India.
IO Cross-Question Tip: IO Question: 'How does strong domestic governance directly reinforce external national security?'
The Times of India Original Source
Defence Defence Technology & Weapons
29 Sep, 2026

Pakistan’s Hangor-class submarine fires missile, raising stakes in the Arabian Sea - The Times of India

Pakistan’s Hangor-class submarine fires missile, raising stakes in the Arabian Sea The Times of India

Expected NDA/CDS/AFCAT MCQ:
AI Exam Standard
The Hangor-class submarines, which have recently been in news for firing advanced missiles in the Arabian Sea, are operated by the naval forces of which country?
(A) Bangladesh
(B) Pakistan
(C) Sri Lanka
(D) Myanmar
Correct Answer: (B) — NDA/CDS/AFCAT Exam Pointer:
The Hangor-class submarines are advanced conventional submarines operated by the Pakistan Navy. Their recent missile test-firing activities have raised strategic stakes in the Arabian Sea.
SSB Interview & Lecturette Framework:
Strategic Significance: Institutional Governance: Effective policy execution and civil-military alignment form the bedrock of national sovereignty.
Group Discussion (GD) Angle: GD Topic: The socio-economic impact of good governance and transparent public administration in India.
IO Cross-Question Tip: IO Question: 'How does strong domestic governance directly reinforce external national security?'
The Times of India Original Source
Defence Defence Technology & Weapons
29 Sep, 2026

RPSA Ghatak and India’s Stealth UCAV Programme - MP-IDSA

RPSA Ghatak and India’s Stealth UCAV Programme MP-IDSA

Expected NDA/CDS/AFCAT MCQ:
AI Exam Standard
In the context of India's defence technology, what does 'Ghatak' primarily refer to?
(A) A stealth Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) programme
(B) A nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine
(C) A multi-role supersonic cruise missile system
(D) An advanced medium-range surface-to-air missile system
Correct Answer: (A) — NDA/CDS/AFCAT Exam Pointer:
Ghatak is India's indigenous stealth Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) development programme led by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of DRDO.
SSB Interview & Lecturette Framework:
Strategic Significance: Institutional Governance: Effective policy execution and civil-military alignment form the bedrock of national sovereignty.
Group Discussion (GD) Angle: GD Topic: The socio-economic impact of good governance and transparent public administration in India.
IO Cross-Question Tip: IO Question: 'How does strong domestic governance directly reinforce external national security?'
Defence Defence Technology & Weapons
29 Sep, 2026

The Strategic Logic of India’s Private-Sector Missile Pivot - India Narrative

The Strategic Logic of India’s Private-Sector Missile Pivot India Narrative

Expected NDA/CDS/AFCAT MCQ:
AI Exam Standard
Recently, India has witnessed a strategic shift towards involving the private sector in the manufacturing of which critical category of defense equipment?
(A) Main Battle Tanks
(B) Missiles
(C) Nuclear Submarines
(D) Aircraft Carriers
Correct Answer: (B) — NDA/CDS/AFCAT Exam Pointer:
India is increasingly leveraging its domestic private sector to boost defense manufacturing capabilities, specifically focusing on a strategic pivot towards missile production and advanced defense technologies.
SSB Interview & Lecturette Framework:
Strategic Significance: Institutional Governance: Effective policy execution and civil-military alignment form the bedrock of national sovereignty.
Group Discussion (GD) Angle: GD Topic: The socio-economic impact of good governance and transparent public administration in India.
IO Cross-Question Tip: IO Question: 'How does strong domestic governance directly reinforce external national security?'
India Narrative Original Source
Defence Defence Technology & Weapons
28 Sep, 2026

India Eyes Africa For Astra Missile After Indonesia Deal; Algeria, Angola, Uganda On Radar - The Times of India

India Eyes Africa For Astra Missile After Indonesia Deal; Algeria, Angola, Uganda On Radar The Times of India

Expected NDA/CDS/AFCAT MCQ:
AI Exam Standard
Which of the following best describes the 'Astra' missile, which has recently been in news regarding export prospects to Southeast Asian and African nations like Indonesia and Algeria?
(A) Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM)
(B) Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile
(C) Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM)
(D) Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM)
Correct Answer: (A) — NDA/CDS/AFCAT Exam Pointer:
Astra is an indigenous Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) developed by DRDO to engage and destroy highly maneuvering supersonic aircraft.
SSB Interview & Lecturette Framework:
Strategic Significance: Institutional Governance: Effective policy execution and civil-military alignment form the bedrock of national sovereignty.
Group Discussion (GD) Angle: GD Topic: The socio-economic impact of good governance and transparent public administration in India.
IO Cross-Question Tip: IO Question: 'How does strong domestic governance directly reinforce external national security?'
The Times of India Original Source
Defence Defence Technology & Weapons
28 Sep, 2026

Exclusive: Defence Secretary Defends $34 Billion 114-Rafale Deal, Says Tejas On Track - NDTV

Exclusive: Defence Secretary Defends $34 Billion 114-Rafale Deal, Says Tejas On Track NDTV

Expected NDA/CDS/AFCAT MCQ:
AI Exam Standard
In the context of the Indian Air Force's modernization plans, the indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) program frequently referred to alongside major multi-role fighter acquisitions is named:
(A) Tejas
(B) Prachand
(C) Dhruv
(D) LCH
Correct Answer: (A) — NDA/CDS/AFCAT Exam Pointer:
HAL Tejas is India's indigenous single-engine, delta-wing light combat aircraft developed to modernize the Indian Air Force fleet.
SSB Interview & Lecturette Framework:
Strategic Significance: Institutional Governance: Effective policy execution and civil-military alignment form the bedrock of national sovereignty.
Group Discussion (GD) Angle: GD Topic: The socio-economic impact of good governance and transparent public administration in India.
IO Cross-Question Tip: IO Question: 'How does strong domestic governance directly reinforce external national security?'
Defence Defence Technology & Weapons
27 Sep, 2026

'Bigger Than The China Challenge': Former Army Commander On What AI Drone Warfare Means For India - NDTV

'Bigger Than The China Challenge': Former Army Commander On What AI Drone Warfare Means For India NDTV

Expected NDA/CDS/AFCAT MCQ:
With reference to the current national development in "'Bigger Than The China Challenge': Former Army Commande...", which category does this update primarily impact?
(A) Private Commercial Real Estate Valuation
(B) Local Municipal Tax Rate Assessment
(C) Commercial Foreign Exchange Speculation
(D) Strategic Policy, Public Governance & National Institutional Development
Correct Answer: (D) — NDA/CDS/AFCAT Exam Pointer:
NDA/CDS/AFCAT General Awareness: Candidates must track key national initiatives, responsible nodal ministries, institutional frameworks, and policy impacts for the General Knowledge paper.
SSB Interview & Lecturette Framework:
Strategic Significance: Institutional Governance: Effective policy execution and civil-military alignment form the bedrock of national sovereignty.
Group Discussion (GD) Angle: GD Topic: The socio-economic impact of good governance and transparent public administration in India.
IO Cross-Question Tip: IO Question: 'How does strong domestic governance directly reinforce external national security?'
UPSC NDA & CDS High-Yield Matrix

Major Joint Military Exercises of India

Exercise Name Participating Country / Group Defence Branch Type & Nature UPSC Exam Key Focus
MALABAR India, USA, Japan, Australia (QUAD) Navy Multilateral Naval High-intensity maritime interoperability, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) in Indo-Pacific.
YUDH ABHYAS India & United States Army Bilateral Wargame High-altitude counter-insurgency and cold-weather mountain warfare.
VAJRA PRAHAR India & United States Army (Special Forces) Bilateral Special Forces Urban counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and airborne tactical raids.
SURYA KIRAN India & Nepal Army Bilateral Mountain Jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations, and disaster relief drills.
GARUDA India & France Air Force Bilateral Air Combat Air defence simulation, aerial dogfights, Rafale & Sukhoi-30MKI interoperability.
VARUNA India & France Navy Bilateral Maritime Carrier strike group operations, cross-deck landings, tactical surface drills.
SHAKTI India & France Army Bilateral Army Semi-urban and mountainous counter-terror drills under UN Chapter VII mandate.
JIMEX India & Japan Navy Bilateral Maritime Complex maritime warfare, replenishment at sea, and Indo-Pacific security.
DHARMA GUARDIAN India & Japan Army Bilateral Army Tactical drills in built-up areas and anti-terrorist tactical interoperability.
SAMPRITI India & Bangladesh Army Bilateral Border Counter-insurgency and riverine terrain operational doctrine.
BONGOSAGAR India & Bangladesh Navy Bilateral Maritime Bay of Bengal joint maritime patrol (CORPAT) and anti-piracy operations.
MITRA SHAKTI India & Sri Lanka Army Bilateral Army Sub-conventional operations in semi-urban terrain under UN mandate.
SLINEX India & Sri Lanka Navy Bilateral Maritime Surface weapon firing, helicopter operations, and search & rescue (SAR).
NOMADIC ELEPHANT India & Mongolia Army Bilateral Army Mountain warfare, high-altitude survival, and counter-terror tactics.
DUSTLIK India & Uzbekistan Army Bilateral Central Asia Special operation tactics, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) reconnaissance.
KAZIND India & Kazakhstan Army (Joint) Bilateral Army/Air Counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations in sub-mountainous region.
TARANG SHAKTI India + 10+ Allied Air Forces Air Force Mega Multilateral Air India's largest multilateral air combat exercise demonstrating IAF global deterrence.
MILAN India + 50+ Global Navies Navy Flagship Multilateral Indian Navy's biennial congregation in Visakhapatnam for global maritime security.

Get Daily Live Current Affairs Alerts on Mobile

Download the SenaPrep Android app for daily revision quizzes, audio summaries, and instant notifications for UPSC NDA & CDS current affairs!

Download SenaPrep Mobile App