Defence & Security

Introduction

Defence and security form the bedrock of a nation’s sovereignty, strategic autonomy, and developmental aspirations. For an RPSC aspirant, this subtopic within Current Affairs is not merely a collection of isolated news items—it is a window into India’s evolving military capabilities, indigenous technological prowess, and diplomatic engagements through joint exercises. The five previous year questions (PYQs) available for analysis—spanning RPSC 2016, 2018, 2023, and 2024—reveal a clear pattern: the examination tests factual recall of recent developments in defence research, missile systems, and multilateral naval exercises. The questions are precise, often asking for the name of a drug, the location of an exercise, or the specific missile tested. There is no ambiguity; the correct answer is a single, well-defined fact.

Why does this matter for RPSC? The Rajasthan Public Service Commission’s current affairs paper demands that aspirants stay abreast of developments within the last two to three years. Defence and security items appear with moderate frequency—roughly one to two questions per year in the available sample. The difficulty level is moderate: the questions are not analytical but require memorisation of specific names, places, and outcomes. However, the commission often tests concepts that are adjacent to the ones already asked, meaning a deep understanding of the underlying systems (e.g., what a man-portable air defence system is, how a beyond-visual-range missile works) is essential to avoid confusion among similar-sounding options.

This chapter will equip you with everything you need to master this subtopic. We will begin by building a conceptual foundation—defining every key term from first principles. Then we will dive deep into the five tested areas: DRDO’s pharmaceutical innovations, the Malabar naval exercise, the CINBAX joint table-top exercise, the LCA Tejas and its missile trials, and the VSHORADS air defence system. Each deep-dive section will include comparison tables, mnemonics, and blockquote definitions. We will then walk through each PYQ step by step, analyse trends, predict future questions, and highlight common traps. By the end, you will not only recall the correct answers but understand the ecosystem in which they exist—making you ready for any twist the examiner might throw.

Core Concepts & Foundations

Before we tackle the specific questions, we must establish a shared vocabulary. Defence and security terminology can be dense, and the RPSC examiner expects you to distinguish between superficially similar terms. Below are the foundational concepts that underpin every PYQ in this subtopic. Each term is defined in a blockquote for quick reference.

DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation): The premier agency under the Ministry of Defence responsible for designing and developing indigenous defence technologies, including missiles, aircraft, naval systems, and pharmaceuticals. Established in 1958, it operates through a network of laboratories across India.

LCA Tejas (Light Combat Aircraft): A single-engine, delta-wing, multirole fighter aircraft designed and developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It is India’s first indigenous fourth-generation fighter, intended to replace the ageing MiG-21 fleet.

Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air-to-Air Missile: A missile capable of engaging enemy aircraft at distances beyond the pilot’s line of sight (typically >20 km). It relies on radar or infrared guidance and is a critical force multiplier in modern aerial warfare. The Astra missile is India’s first indigenously developed BVR missile.

Man-Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS): A shoulder-fired, lightweight surface-to-air missile system designed to engage low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and drones. VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defence System) is DRDO’s latest MANPADS, developed to replace older systems like the Igla.

Joint Military Exercise: A coordinated training event between the armed forces of two or more nations, aimed at enhancing interoperability, sharing tactics, and building strategic trust. Examples include Malabar (naval) and CINBAX (table-top).

Table Top Exercise (TTX): A simulation-based exercise where commanders and staff discuss and rehearse decision-making processes without deploying actual troops or equipment. CINBAX is a joint TTX between the Indian Army and the Cambodian Army.

Leucoderma (Vitiligo): A skin condition characterised by loss of pigmentation, resulting in white patches. Lukoskin is a drug developed by DRDO to treat this condition, demonstrating the organisation’s diversification into medical research.

Malabar Exercise: An annual multilateral naval exercise originally initiated by India and the United States in 1992. It has evolved to include other partners, most notably Japan (permanent member since 2015) and occasionally Australia. The 22nd edition in 2018 involved India, Japan, and the United States.

Astra Missile: A BVR air-to-air missile developed by DRDO, with a range of 80–110 km (depending on launch conditions). It was successfully test-fired from the LCA Tejas in August 2023, marking a major milestone in indigenous weapon integration.

VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defence System): A fourth-generation MANPADS developed by DRDO, designed to neutralise low-altitude aerial threats such as drones, helicopters, and fighter jets. It features a dual-band infrared seeker and a range of up to 6 km.

These definitions are the building blocks. Every PYQ in our set maps directly onto one or more of these concepts. For instance, the question on Lukoskin tests your knowledge of DRDO’s non-military research; the Malabar question tests your awareness of multilateral naval exercises; the CINBAX question tests your knowledge of joint table-top exercises; the Tejas-Astra question tests your understanding of indigenous missile integration; and the VSHORADS question tests your familiarity with DRDO’s air defence portfolio.

Now, let us explore each of these areas in depth.

DRDO: Innovations and Indigenous Capabilities

DRDO is the engine of India’s defence self-reliance. Its portfolio spans missiles, aircraft, armaments, naval systems, electronics, and even pharmaceuticals. The PYQs have touched on two distinct facets: a medical drug (Lukoskin) and a missile system (VSHORADS). This section will cover both, along with the broader context of DRDO’s work.

The Lukoskin Drug – A Non-Military Innovation

Tested in RPSC 2016.** The question asked: “The Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a drug named Lukoskin. It is being used in the treatment of _______.” The correct answer is Leucoderma (also known as vitiligo). This is a classic example of DRDO’s “dual-use” technology—research originally intended for defence applications (e.g., wound healing, radiation protection) can be repurposed for civilian healthcare.

Lukoskin is a topical gel that stimulates melanocyte regeneration. It was developed by DRDO’s Defence Research Laboratory (DRL) in Tezpur, Assam, in collaboration with the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS) . The drug gained attention because vitiligo is a stigmatising condition with limited treatment options. DRDO’s entry into this space highlights the organisation’s ability to leverage its expertise in biochemistry and material science for social good.

Why did the examiner include this question? It tests whether aspirants follow DRDO’s non-military achievements. The distractors—Leukemia (blood cancer), Lung Cancer, and Leukorrhea (vaginal discharge)—are all medical terms that sound superficially similar to “Lukoskin.” The trap is phonetic: “Luko-” sounds like “leuko-” (white blood cells), leading many to guess leukemia. But the correct association is with “leuco-” meaning white (as in leucoderma = white skin). A simple mnemonic: Lukoskin for Leucoderma (both start with “L” and relate to skin).

VSHORADS – The Man-Portable Air Defence System

Tested in RPSC 2024.** The question asked: “What is the name of the man-portable air defence system developed by DRDO to neutralize aerial threats?” The correct answer is VSHORADS. The distractors were VL-SRSAM (Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile), Akash-NG (New Generation Akash), and QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile). All are DRDO-developed air defence systems, but only VSHORADS is man-portable (shoulder-fired).

To understand why VSHORADS is distinct, we need a quick taxonomy of DRDO’s air defence systems:

The key differentiator for VSHORADS is man-portability. It weighs about 25 kg and can be carried and fired by a single soldier. It uses a dual-band infrared seeker (imaging infrared + uncooled) to lock onto heat signatures of low-flying targets. DRDO successfully tested VSHORADS in September 2022 and again in 2023, clearing it for induction. The system is intended to replace the older Russian Igla MANPADS in Indian service.

The trap in the PYQ was that all four options are DRDO systems, but only one is man-portable. Aspirants who memorise the names without understanding the categories would pick any of them. The lesson: always associate the acronym with its full form and key attribute. VSHORADS = Very Short Range Air Defence System = MANPADS.

Other DRDO Highlights Relevant for RPSC

While not directly tested in the five PYQs, the following DRDO projects are natural neighbours and could appear in future exams:

• Lukoskin (already covered) – also note DRDO’s other drugs: Sehat (for radiation protection), Lukotar (for psoriasis), and Covid-19 antiviral drug (2-deoxy-D-glucose).
• Missile systems: Agni (ballistic), Prithvi (short-range ballistic), BrahMos (supersonic cruise, joint with Russia), Nirbhay (subsonic cruise), Nag (anti-tank), and the upcoming Long Range Hypersonic Missile.
• Electronic warfare: DIVYASTRA (electronic warfare suite for fighter jets), Samyukta (electronic warfare system for Army).
• Naval systems: Varunastra (heavyweight torpedo), Advanced Torpedo Defence System.
• Aircraft: LCA Tejas (covered in next section), HAL Tejas Mk2, AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft).

Joint and Multilateral Naval Exercises

Naval exercises are a staple of RPSC current affairs. The Malabar exercise has appeared once (RPSC 2018), and the CINBAX exercise appeared in RPSC 2024. Understanding the pattern of these exercises—who participates, where they are held, and what they aim to achieve—is crucial.

Malabar Exercise – The Trilateral Naval Drill

Tested in RPSC 2018.** The question asked: “The 22nd edition of the Malabar Trilateral Naval exercise was held in June 2018. Beside India which other two countries took part in this exercise?” The correct answer is Japan and United States of America. The distractors included Russia and Japan, Russia and Bangladesh, and Nepal and Vietnam.

The Malabar exercise began in 1992 as a bilateral naval drill between India and the United States. Japan joined as a permanent member in 2015, making it a trilateral exercise. Australia has participated intermittently (e.g., 2007, 2020, 2021) but is not a permanent member. The 22nd edition in 2018 was held off the coast of Guam (US territory) and involved aircraft carriers, submarines, and maritime patrol aircraft.

Why was Russia not a participant? India has a separate bilateral exercise with Russia called INDRA (naval and army). The examiner deliberately placed Russia as a distractor because many aspirants assume Russia is India’s closest defence partner. However, the Malabar exercise is specifically a Quad-aligned drill (Quad = India, US, Japan, Australia). Russia has never been part of Malabar.

A useful mnemonic for the permanent members of Malabar: JIM – Japan, India, (and) America. (Note: India is the host, so the other two are Japan and US.)

CINBAX – Joint Table Top Exercise with Cambodia

Tested in RPSC 2024.** The question asked: “The I Edition of Joint Table Top Exercise (CINBAX) between the Indian Army and the Cambodian Army was held at:” The correct answer is Pune. The distractors were Jodhpur, Bhubaneswar, and Mumbai.

CINBAX stands for Cambodia-India Bilateral Army Exercise. It is a table-top exercise (TTX), meaning it involves simulated decision-making rather than field manoeuvres. The first edition was conducted at the College of Military Engineering (CME) in Pune in March 2023. The exercise focused on counter-terrorism and peacekeeping operations under the UN mandate.

Why Pune? The CME is a premier training institution of the Indian Army, located in Pune. The choice of venue reflects the nature of the exercise—academic and staff-level. The distractors (Jodhpur, Bhubaneswar, Mumbai) are all cities with military establishments, but only Pune hosted CINBAX-1.

This question tests two things: (a) knowledge of the exercise name and its participants, and (b) the specific location. The trap is that many aspirants might confuse CINBAX with other bilateral exercises like MITRA SHAKTI (India-Sri Lanka) or GARUDA SHAKTI (India-Indonesia), which are held in different locations)Skip.

Comparison of Major Joint Exercises Involving India

To help you organise, here is a comparison table of key exercises that have appeared or could appear in RPSC:

Note: The RPSC examiner often asks for the host location of a specific edition (as in CINBAX) or the participants (as in Malabar). Be prepared for both angles.

Indian Air Force Modernization: Tejas and Astra

The LCA Tejas is India’s flagship indigenous fighter program. The PYQ from RPSC 2023 tested a specific milestone: the successful test of the Astra BVR missile from the Tejas. This section will cover the Tejas program, the Astra missile, and the significance of the test.

LCA Tejas – A Brief Overview

The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program was initiated in 1983 to replace the MiG-21. After decades of development, the Tejas entered service with the Indian Air Force in 2016. It is a single-engine, delta-wing, fly-by-wire aircraft with a maximum speed of Mach 1.8. Variants include:

• Tejas Mk1: Initial operational variant (IAF).
• Tejas Mk1A: Upgraded version with AESA radar, electronic warfare suite, and improved maintainability (ordered 83 units in 2021).
• Tejas Mk2: Larger, more powerful variant with GE F414 engine (under development).
• Tejas Trainer: Two-seat trainer variant.
• Naval Tejas: Carrier-capable variant (prototype tested, but not inducted).

The Tejas is a fourth-generation fighter, comparable to the Gripen or F-16. It is capable of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and maritime strike roles.

Astra BVR Missile – The Game Changer

Tested in RPSC 2023.** The question asked: “In August 2023, LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) Tejas successfully tested which missile?” The correct answer is Astra – Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile. The distractors were Prithvi (surface-to-surface ballistic missile), Agni (surface-to-surface ballistic missile), and Akash (surface-to-air missile). All are DRDO missiles, but only Astra is an air-to-air BVR missile.

Astra is a solid-fuel, radar-guided BVR missile with a range of 80–110 km (depending on launch altitude). It was developed by DRDO’s Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad. The test in August 2023 was conducted from the Tejas over the Bay of Bengal. The missile successfully engaged a Banshee target drone at long range. This was a critical milestone because it demonstrated the integration of an indigenous BVR missile with an indigenous fighter—a significant step toward self-reliance in air combat.

Why were the other options wrong? Prithvi and Agni are surface-to-surface ballistic missiles (used for land attack), not air-to-air. Akash is a surface-to-air missile (used for ground-based air defence). The examiner deliberately chose missiles that are well-known but belong to different categories. The trap is that aspirants might remember “Astra” as a missile but confuse its role. The key is to remember: Astra is air-to-air, BVR, and was tested on Tejas.

Significance of the Test

The successful test means that the Tejas can now carry a full complement of indigenous weapons: the Astra for beyond-visual-range engagements, the Python-5 (Israeli) for short-range dogfights, and the R-73 (Russian) as a backup. This reduces dependence on foreign suppliers and enhances the IAF’s operational flexibility.

For RPSC, you should also note other recent Tejas milestones:

• 2021: Tejas Mk1A ordered (83 units, ₹48,000 crore).
• 2022: Tejas successfully test-fired the Spice-2000 precision-guided bomb.
• 2023: Tejas participated in the Exercise Desert Knight with UAE and France.
• 2024: Tejas Mk2 prototype rollout expected.

Man-Portable Air Defence Systems and Air Threat Neutralization

We have already covered VSHORADS in the DRDO section, but this deep-dive will place it in the broader context of air defence. The PYQ from RPSC 2024 specifically asked for the name of the man-portable system. Understanding the hierarchy of air defence systems will help you answer any future question on this topic.

The Air Defence Umbrella

Air defence systems are classified by range and altitude:

• Very Short Range (VSHORAD): Up to 6 km, typically MANPADS (shoulder-fired) or vehicle-mounted. Examples: VSHORADS (India), Stinger (US), Igla (Russia).
• Short Range (SHORAD): 6–20 km, vehicle-mounted. Examples: QRSAM (India), Tunguska (Russia).
• Medium Range (MR-SAM): 20–50 km. Examples: Akash (India), MIM-104 Patriot (US).
• Long Range (LR-SAM): 50–150 km. Examples: S-400 (Russia), THAAD (US).
• Very Long Range (VLR-SAM): >150 km. Examples: S-500 (Russia), Aegis Ashore (US).

VSHORADS falls into the first category. It is designed to protect forward troops, convoys, and static installations from low-flying threats like drones, attack helicopters, and fighter jets flying at low altitude.

Comparison of DRDO’s Air Defence Systems

Note that VL-SRSAM is not man-portable—it is a vertical launch system for ships. QRSAM is vehicle-mounted, not man-portable. Akash-NG is also vehicle-mounted. So the only man-portable option in the PYQ was VSHORADS.

Other MANPADS in Indian Service

India currently operates the Russian Igla-S (SA-18) and the 9K38 Igla as its primary MANPADS. VSHORADS is intended to replace these. The development of VSHORADS began in 2017, and successful user trials were completed in 2022. The system features:

• Dual-band infrared seeker (uncooled + cooled) for better counter-countermeasures.
• All-up-round design (missile in sealed canister).
• IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) integration.
• Range: 250 m to 6 km.
• Altitude: 15 m to 3.5 km.

For RPSC, remember the acronym VSHORADS and its key attribute: man-portable. Also note that the system was developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad.

Worked Examples & Applications

Now we will walk through each of the five PYQs in the exact format required. This will reinforce the concepts and show you how to approach similar questions.

Example 1 — RPSC 2016

Question: The Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a drug named, Lukoskin’. It is being used in the treatment of _______.

Choices students saw:

• Leukemia
• Lung Cancer
• Leucoderma
• Leukorrhea

Walkthrough:

1. What the question is testing: Knowledge of DRDO’s non-military research output, specifically a drug for a skin condition.
2. Why each wrong choice is wrong:
   • Leukemia: A blood cancer; the name “Lukoskin” suggests skin (“skin” in the name), not blood.
   • Lung Cancer: A respiratory cancer; no phonetic or thematic link to “Lukoskin.”
   • Leukorrhea: A vaginal discharge condition; the prefix “leuko-” is shared, but the suffix “-skin” points to skin, not discharge.
3. Why the correct choice is right: “Lukoskin” combines “luko-” (white) and “skin.” Leucoderma (vitiligo) is a skin condition causing white patches. DRDO developed the drug specifically for this condition.

Correct answer: Leucoderma

Takeaway: When a DRDO drug name contains “skin,” the condition is likely skin-related. Always check the suffix.

Example 2 — RPSC 2018

Question: The 22nd edition of the Malabar Trilateral Naval exercise was held in June 2018. Beside India which other two countries took part in this exercise?

Choices students saw:

• Russia and Japan
• Russia and Bangladesh
• Japan and United States of America
• Nepal and Vietnam

Walkthrough:

1. What the question is testing: Knowledge of the permanent participants of the Malabar naval exercise.
2. Why each wrong choice is wrong:
   • Russia and Japan: Russia has never been a participant in Malabar; it has its own exercise (INDRA) with India.
   • Russia and Bangladesh: Same as above; Bangladesh is not a participant.
   • Nepal and Vietnam: Nepal is landlocked and not a naval partner; Vietnam has bilateral exercises but not Malabar.
3. Why the correct choice is right: The Malabar exercise has been trilateral since 2015 with India, Japan, and the United States as permanent members. The 22nd edition in 2018 included all three.

Correct answer: Japan and United States of America

Takeaway: Malabar = India + US + Japan. Remember the mnemonic JIM (Japan, India, America).

Example 3 — RPSC 2024

Question: The I Edition of Joint Table Top Exercise (CINBAX) between the Indian Army and the Cambodian Army was held at:

Choices students saw:

• Jodhpur
• Bhubaneswar
• Pune
• Mumbai
• Question not attempted

Walkthrough:

1. What the question is testing: Knowledge of the venue for a specific bilateral table-top exercise.
2. Why each wrong choice is wrong:
   • Jodhpur: Hosts the Army’s desert warfare school, but not CINBAX.
   • Bhubaneswar: Hosts the Army’s Eastern Command headquarters, but not CINBAX.
   • Mumbai: Hosts the Navy’s Western Command, not an army TTX.
3. Why the correct choice is right: The College of Military Engineering (CME) in Pune is a premier training institution and hosted the first CINBAX in March 2023.

Correct answer: Pune

Takeaway: For table-top exercises, the venue is often a training institution (CME, Army War College, etc.). Pune is a common location for such events.

Example 4 — RPSC 2023

Question: In August 2023, LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) Tejas successfully tested which missile?

Choices students saw:

• Prithvi - Beyond Visual Range Surface to Air Missile
• Agni - Beyond Visual Range Surface to Surface Missile
• Astra - Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile
• Akash - Beyond Visual Range Surface to Air Missile
• Question not attempted

Walkthrough:

1. What the question is testing: Knowledge of the specific missile tested on the Tejas, and the ability to distinguish between missile categories (air-to-air vs surface-to-surface vs surface-to-air).
2. Why each wrong choice is wrong:
   • Prithvi: A surface-to-surface ballistic missile; cannot be launched from an aircraft.
   • Agni: A surface-to-surface ballistic missile; same issue.
   • Akash: A surface-to-air missile; launched from ground vehicles, not from a fighter.
3. Why the correct choice is right: Astra is an air-to-air BVR missile designed for fighter jets. The Tejas test in August 2023 was specifically for Astra.

Correct answer: Astra – Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile

Takeaway: Always match the missile type to the platform. Air-to-air missiles are launched from aircraft; surface-to-surface from ground; surface-to-air from ground.

Example 5 — RPSC 2024

Question: What is the name of the man-portable air defence system developed by 'DRDO' to neutralize aerial threats?

Choices students saw:

• VL-SRSAM
• Akash-NG
• VSHORADS
• QRSAM
• Question not attempted

Walkthrough:

1. What the question is testing: Knowledge of DRDO’s air defence systems and the specific attribute “man-portable.”
2. Why each wrong choice is wrong:
   • VL-SRSAM: Vertical Launch Short Range SAM – ship/land based, not man-portable.
   • Akash-NG: New Generation Akash – vehicle-mounted, not man-portable.
   • QRSAM: Quick Reaction SAM – vehicle-mounted, not man-portable.
3. Why the correct choice is right: VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defence System) is a shoulder-fired MANPADS, designed to be carried and operated by a single soldier.

Correct answer: VSHORADS

Takeaway: The acronym “VSHORADS” contains “SHORAD” (Short Range Air Defence) and the “V” stands for “Very.” Man-portable systems are always “very short range.”

PYQ Trends & Patterns

Analysing the five PYQs reveals a clear pattern in how RPSC frames defence and security questions.

Year-wise distribution:

• 2016: 1 question (DRDO drug)
• 2018: 1 question (Malabar exercise)
• 2023: 1 question (Tejas-Astra test)
• 2024: 2 questions (CINBAX location, VSHORADS)

The frequency is roughly one question per year, with a spike in 2024 (two questions). This suggests that defence and security is a consistent but not dominant subtopic. It is likely to appear every year, sometimes with two questions.

Difficulty trajectory: All five questions are factual recall. There is no analytical or inference-based question. The difficulty lies in distinguishing between similar-sounding options (e.g., Lukoskin vs leukemia; Astra vs Akash; VSHORADS vs QRSAM). The examiner does not test deep technical knowledge—just the ability to match a name to its correct context.

Factual vs analytical vs matching split: 100% factual. No matching or chronological ordering has been asked yetched. However, the presence of multiple DRDO systems in the same question (e.g., four air defence systems) hints that a matching question (match the system with its type) could appear in the future.

Question types that recur:

• Name of a system/drug/exercise: 3 out of 5 questions (Lukoskin, VSHORADS, CINBAX).
• Participants in an exercise: 1 out of 5 (Malabar).
• Missile test detail: 1 out of 5 (Tejas-Astra).

The most common type is “what is the name of X?” This means you must memorise specific names and their one-line descriptions.

What is NOT tested yet: Defence budget, strategic doctrines (e.g., No First Use), nuclear policy, border infrastructure, cyber security, space defence, or defence exports. These are potential future areas.

What Else Could Be Asked

Based on the five PYQs, we can predict several adjacent questions that the RPSC examiner might ask. The table below lists concrete forecasts, each anchored in the tested material.

These predictions cover depth, lateral, and combinatorial extensions. Prepare the key facts listed in the table.

Common Mistakes & Traps

Aspirants often lose marks on defence and security questions due to confusion between similar-sounding terms or overgeneralisation. Below are the specific traps identified from the five PYQs and general advice to avoid them.

• Confusing Lukoskin with Leukemia: Both start with “Luko-” but Lukoskin is for skin (leucoderma), not blood cancer. Trap: The phonetic similarity leads to guessing leukemia. Solution: Associate “skin” in the drug name with a skin condition.
• Assuming Russia participates in Malabar: Many aspirants think India’s closest defence partner is Russia, so they pick Russia as a Malabar participant. Trap: Russia has its own exercise (INDRA) with India; Malabar is a Quad-aligned exercise. Solution: Memorise the permanent trio: India, US, Japan.
• Mixing up CINBAX location with other exercise venues: Jodhpur, Bhubaneswar, and Mumbai are all military cities, but CINBAX-1 was in Pune. Trap: Without specific knowledge, aspirants guess a random military city. Solution: Remember that CINBAX is a table-top exercise held at the College of Military Engineering, Pune.
• Confusing Astra with Akash or Prithvi: All are DRDO missiles, but only Astra is air-to-air. Trap: Aspirants remember “Astra” as a missile but forget its role. Solution: Categorise missiles by launch platform: air-to-air (Astra), surface-to-air (Akash), surface-to-surface (Prithvi, Agni).
• Thinking QRSAM or Akash-NG is man-portable: Both are vehicle-mounted, not shoulder-fired. Trap: The acronyms sound similar to VSHORADS. Solution: VSHORADS is the only one with “V” for “Very Short Range” and is explicitly man-portable.
• Overlooking the year in the question: The Malabar question specified “22nd edition in June 2018.” If the question had asked about the 23rd edition, the answer would include Australia. Trap: Aspirants apply the same participants to all editions. Solution: Note that Australia joined in 2020; for 2018, only India, US, Japan.
• Ignoring “Question not attempted” as a distractor: In RPSC 2024, two questions had “Question not attempted” as an option. Some aspirants might choose it if unsure, but the correct answer is always one of the substantive choices. Trap: Overthinking leads to skipping. Solution: If you know the fact, mark it; if not, guess strategically.

Memory Aids & Mnemonics

Two mnemonics will help you recall the five PYQ topics and their correct answers. Use them during revision.

Mnemonic 1: “Lucky Malabar Cat Teases Vulture”

This story-chain links all five tested items in order of appearance (2016, 2018, 2023, 2024, 2024).

• Lucky → Lukoskin (for Leucoderma). Imagine a lucky charm that cures white patches on skin.
• Malabar → Malabar exercise (with Japan and US). Picture a naval ship named “Malabar” sailing with two flags: Japan and US.
• Cat → CINBAX (Cambodia-India Bilateral Army eXercise). Think of a cat (Cambodia) and a tiger (India) sitting at a table (table-top) in Pune.
• Teases → Tejas tested Astra missile. Visualise a Tejas fighter teasing a target drone with a missile named Astra.
• Vulture → VSHORADS (man-portable air defence). A vulture is a bird that attacks from above; VSHORADS shoots down aerial threats.

What it unlocks: The sequence of five correct answers: Leucoderma, Japan and US, Pune, Astra BVR missile, VSHORADS.

Worked example: In the exam, if you see a question about a DRDO drug, the mnemonic “Lucky” triggers “Lukoskin → Leucoderma.” If you see a question about a man-portable system, “Vulture” triggers “VSHORADS.”

Mnemonic 2: “JIM” for Malabar Permanent Members

Name: JIM (Japan, India, America)

What it unlocks: The three permanent members of the Malabar naval exercise.

Worked example: When asked “Which two countries besides India participate in Malabar?” you recall JIM → Japan and America (United States). Note that India is the third member, so the other two are Japan and US.

Variation: If the question asks about the 2020 edition onwards, add Australia (JIMA). But for the 2018 PYQ, JIM is sufficient.

Quick Revision

Use this bullet-point summary for last-minute revision before the exam. It compresses all key facts from the chapter.

Introduction

• Defence & Security in RPSC Current Affairs: factual recall of names, locations, participants.
• 5 PYQs tested: DRDO drug, Malabar exercise, CINBAX location, Tejas-Astra test, VSHORADS.

Core Concepts

• DRDO: Indigenous defence R&D; also develops pharmaceuticals.
• LCA Tejas: Indigenous fourth-generation fighter.
• BVR missile: Beyond visual range; Astra is India’s first.
• MANPADS: Shoulder-fired air defence; VSHORADS is India’s latest.
• Joint exercises: Malabar (naval, trilateral), CINBAX (table-top, bilateral).
• Leucoderma: Skin condition treated by Lukoskin.

DRDO Innovations

• Lukoskin: For leucoderma (vitiligo); developed by DRL Tezpur.
• VSHORADS: Man-portable, range ~6 km, dual-band IR seeker.
• Other DRDO systems: Akash, QRSAM, VL-SRSAM, Astra, Prithvi, Agni.

Joint Exercises

• Malabar: India + US + Japan (permanent); 22nd edition 2018 off Guam.
• CINBAX: India + Cambodia; 1st edition March 2023 at Pune (CME).
• Other exercises: INDRA (Russia), Yudh Abhyas (US), Milan (multilateral).

Tejas & Astra

• Tejas: Tested Astra BVR missile in August 2023.
• Astra: Air-to-air, range 80–110 km, radar-guided.
• Distractors: Prithvi (surface-to-surface), Agni (surface-to-surface), Akash (surface-to-air).

Air Defence Systems

• VSHORADS: Only man-portable option among DRDO systems.
• Comparison: VSHORADS (MANPADS), QRSAM (vehicle), Akash (vehicle), VL-SRSAM (ship/land).

Worked Examples

• 2016: Lukoskin → Leucoderma.
• 2018: Malabar → Japan and US.
• 2024: CINBAX → Pune.
• 2023: Tejas → Astra BVR.
• 2024: Man-portable → VSHORADS.

Trends

• Factual recall only; no analytical questions.
• Recurring types: name of system, participants, location.
• Potential future: matching, chronological ordering, technical specs.

Predictions

• Depth: VSHORADS range, Lukoskin lab.
• Lateral: Malabar permanent members, other Tejas tests.
• Combinatorial: match systems to types, order exercises.

Common Traps

• Lukoskin ≠ leukemia.
• Russia not in Malabar.
• CINBAX location = Pune, not Jodhpur/Bhubaneswar/Mumbai.
• Astra is air-to-air, not surface-to-surface/air.
• VSHORADS is man-portable; QRSAM/Akash-NG are not.

Mnemonics

• “Lucky Malabar Cat Teases Vulture” → all five correct answers.
• “JIM” → Japan, India, America (Malabar permanent members).