UPSC Defence Exams 2025: Most Expected GK and Current Affairs Topics

UPSC Defence exams – NDA, CDS, and AFCAT – are a solid basis in general knowledge and relevant issues. This guide ‘Current Affairs for UPSC Exams’ emphasises the most expected GK questions and the great development of 2024-25 to help candidates target their preparation and improve scores.

1. National Security & Strategic Affairs

• Border disputes and appointments: LAC, Doklam, and India-Bangladesh updated on water agreements.
• Defence cooperation: Quad exercise, Indo-US military relationships, BRICS and SCO Defence diplomacy.
• Terrorism Operations: After Balakot Air Strikes, Operations in Kashmir and Northeast.

Why it matters: Questions often include nuances, such as the dates of appointments, the properties of the treaties or the results of joint training.

2. Defence Technology & Indigenous Platforms

Missile and weapons systems: Agni-V, Pralay, Brahmos, S-400, and Nag.

• Navy Property: INS Vikrant, P75 Submarine, and Dornier Maritime Aircraft.
• Air Force and Aircraft: Indigenous people UAVs such as Rafael F4, Tejas MK 2, Rustom-II.
• Space and Cyber ​​Defence: In short, Gaganyaan Mission, AI Applications, and New Defence Satellites.

Pro tips: Find out the main functions, deadlines, and reports.

3. Defence Economics & Budget

• Annual budget allocation 2024–25: Capex vs. revenue expenses.
• Self-helping India initiative: Check Navy Dockyard, Make-II Reforms.
• Offset and export policy: Defence Expo details and exports deal with the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Accuracy in figures and policies makes your answers stand out.

4. Defence Exercises & Operations

• Big exercises: Training Malabar, Yudh Abhyas, Garuda, Pitch Black, and Khan Quest 2025.
• Coast Guard Patrol: Operation Sahyog, Indo-Pacific Exercise and Maritime Surveillance Update.

Memorise exercise names + periods involved + participants.

5. International Defence Partnerships

• Large deals: AUKUS, India-France MTA, Logistics MoUs with Australia.
• Multilateral forum: I2U2, G20 Summit Results, Defence conclaves

Understanding the geopolitical alignment improves your analytical answer quality.

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Current Affairs 2025 – Daily & Monthly Current Affairs Quiz PDF

Current Affairs For CDS 2025 | CDS 2 2025 Current Affairs

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6. Security Challenges & Emerging Threats

• Cyber Warfare: Ransomware trends in India, CERT -In reports.
• Hybrid warfare: Data on resolution, publicity, border collisions.
• Climate and security: Cyclone, the role of Indian armed forces in disaster relief during the Uttarakhand flood.

Modern security questions align closely with current global threats.

7. Defence Administration & Leadership

• Chiefs’ Conferences: Names and dates of the chief’s appointments.
• Guidelines and Commission: QRC recommendations, Agniveer Yojana updates, the Shekatkar Committee.
• Paramilitary units: CAPF, Assam Rifles, ITBP, and their recent distribution roles.

Including correct names and dates strengthens your credibility.

8. SSB & Interview-Specific Preparation

• Frame current affairs examples into stories, GTO tasks, and lecturettes.
• Prepare on national security threats, strategic cooperation, and recent defence developments.
• Use mock interview themes: “What would you say about India’s indigenous defence manufacturing push?”

Interviewers seek informed, articulate, and contextually aware answers.

9. Study Strategy & Resources

• Monthly revision: Combine GK + Current Affairs by June 2025 each month.
• Magazines and portals: Defence News India, IDR, Vayu Aerospace, PIB, Mod Release.
• Test series: Make sure 2 weekly quizzes about GK and current issues with full solutions.

Consistency + discipline = improved retention and speed.

Conclusion

UPSC Defence aspirants need a targeted syllabus plan focusing on national security, strategic partnerships, defence tech, and current threats. Depth matters more than breadth. Use monthly summaries, quizzes, and interview prep to build confidence. With this roadmap, you’re equipped to dominate the UPSC Defence 2025 GK section. Prepare smart, revise often, and speak with authority!

FAQs for the Most Important GK & Current Affairs Topic for UPSC Exams