Current Affairs - Defence

Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh, a decorated officer with over 35 years of military service, is set to become the next Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) on August 1, 2025, succeeding Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani. A veteran of elite units like the 4 Para (Special Forces), Lt Gen Singh has led critical operations such as Operation Pawan, Meghdoot, Rakshak, and Orchid. His international experience includes peacekeeping missions in Lebanon and Sri Lanka. He also previously commanded the Rising Star Corps in Himachal Pradesh, contributing significantly to India’s defence preparedness. His vast operational and strategic experience makes him well-suited for this role.

Uttarakhand has announced the induction of Agniveer soldiers into its upcoming Tiger Protection Force at the Corbett Tiger Reserve. The declaration, made by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on International Tiger Day, highlights a unique collaboration between environmental conservation and national defence personnel. This move aims to leverage the discipline and training of Agniveers to enhance protection for wildlife, especially tigers, in the state. More than 80 youth will be recruited for this force to help guard against poaching, habitat destruction, and other wildlife crimes. The initiative positions Uttarakhand as a leader in integrating military-trained youth into conservation efforts.

Exercise Divya Drishti was conducted by the Indian Army in East Sikkim under high-altitude operational conditions. Organised by the Trishakti Corps, the exercise aimed to evaluate the application of advanced technologies in modern warfare. It focused on testing artificial intelligence-based battlefield awareness, real-time surveillance, and next-generation combat readiness. The operation utilised ground-based systems, drones, and UAVs to simulate battlefield missions, enhancing operational coordination and situational responsiveness in challenging terrain. Conducting such exercises in Sikkim underscores the strategic importance of the region and the Indian Army’s focus on technological integration in defence preparedness.

The Fast Patrol Vessel ‘Atal’ was launched in Goa by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), a premier Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence. This launch is part of a series of eight indigenously built FPVs, underscoring India’s emphasis on self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The vessel, measuring 52 meters in length with a displacement of 320 tonnes, is designed for diverse roles including coastal patrol, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, and search and rescue operations. The launch in Goa signifies a crucial boost to India’s maritime capabilities and its strategic preparedness in safeguarding its vast coastal and offshore assets.

Operation Mahadev was a high-intensity counter-terrorism mission launched by the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police in the Dara region near Dachigam National Park. Acting on credible intelligence, the forces engaged and neutralised three Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists suspected to be linked with the deadly Pahalgam attack of April 2025. The encounter involved drone surveillance, rapid deployment, and coordinated action, highlighting India's growing reliance on technology and joint-force synergy in counter-insurgency efforts. Operation Mahadev not only marked a tactical success but also reinforced regional security by targeting militant hideouts in challenging terrain close to Srinagar.