Current Affairs - Defence

A 12-member team from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) achieved a remarkable feat by successfully scaling Mt. Makalu, the fifth tallest mountain in the world, as part of a dual expedition targeting both Mt. Makalu and Mt. Annapurna. This marked the ITBP's first-ever attempt to summit both peaks. The successful ascent of Mt. Makalu on April 19, 2025, with an 83% success rate, underscores the ITBP's expertise in high-altitude mountaineering, endurance, and environmental conservation. Their legacy in mountaineering is further strengthened through this historic achievement in the Himalayan region.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a key milestone by successfully conducting the first flight trials of its Stratospheric Airship Platform. The trial was held at the Sheopur site in Madhya Pradesh, with the airship ascending to an altitude of approximately 17 kilometres while carrying a specialized instrumental payload. The platform was developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) based in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. This innovation is part of DRDO’s ongoing efforts to develop advanced aerial surveillance and research capabilities at high altitudes for strategic and scientific applications.

Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari was appointed as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force on May 2, 2025. A veteran officer with over 3600 hours of flying experience and several prestigious awards such as the PVSM, AVSM, and VM, he brings deep operational and strategic expertise to his new role. His career includes key contributions to the Kargil War, leadership in the LCA Tejas program, and diplomatic service as Air Attache in Paris. With a career spanning nearly four decades, his elevation reflects the IAF’s strategic focus on modernization and experienced leadership.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) made history by becoming the first Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) to successfully scale Mt. Makalu, the fifth-highest mountain in the world. A 12-member team undertook the challenging expedition as part of a dual-peak mission and achieved an impressive 83% summit success rate. In addition to the climbing feat, ITBP also promoted environmental responsibility through the “Clean Himalaya - Save Glacier” campaign, collecting 150 kilograms of waste from high-altitude camps. This achievement marks ITBP’s continued dominance in high-altitude operations, having now climbed six of the world’s 14 eight-thousanders.

Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR arrived at Port Victoria in Seychelles as part of its ongoing operational deployment across the South-West Indian Ocean Region. This visit came after successfully completing an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance mission around Mauritius in coordination with its National Coast Guard. The arrival in Seychelles marks a significant step in strengthening maritime security cooperation with Indian Ocean island nations. These deployments underline India’s commitment to ensuring maritime safety and regional stability and enhancing bilateral ties with strategic partners such as Seychelles through coordinated naval operations and capacity-building initiatives.