Current Affairs for NDA 2026: Essential Updates and Smart Preparation Strategy
The National Defence Academy (NDA) written exam conducted by UPSC dedicates nearly 35–40% of the General Ability Test (GAT) paper to current affairs. In the last three NDA exams (2024–2025 cycle), more than 60 questions were directly or indirectly linked to events of the previous 12–18 months. Staying updated with current affairs for NDA is therefore non-negotiable if you want to clear the written stage with a safe score of 380+.
This comprehensive blog, updated as on 19 November 2025, covers the most important national, international, defence, science & technology, economy and sports events that are most likely to appear in NDA 1 & NDA 2 2026 examinations.
Why Current Affairs for NDA is a Rank Decider
Most aspirants focus only on Maths & English and treat current affairs as a “bonus” section. This is a costly mistake.
In NDA 2 2025, 22 questions came directly from defence news of the previous six months. Candidates who regularly followed current affairs for NDA easily scored 140–160 marks in GAT, while others struggled below 80.
The pattern is clear: UPSC rewards candidates who read newspapers daily and can connect static GK with dynamic events.
How to Prepare Current Affairs for NDA the Smart Way
- Read only one newspaper (The Hindu or Indian Express) – focus on Page 1, Editorial, International, Economy & Defence columns.
- Make micro-notes topic-wise (Defence | International Relations | Science-Tech | Awards | Appointments).
- Revise monthly once and weekly during the last 2 months before the exam.
- Solve previous 5 years’ NDA questions on current affairs to understand the depth UPSC expects.
- Use one reliable monthly compilation (avoid reading 5–6 different sources).
Most Important Current Affairs for NDA – November 2025 Updates
Defence Current Affairs for NDA (Most Scoring Section)
- 17–21 November 2025 → Dubai Airshow 2025: India showcased Tejas Mk1A, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) model, Dhruvastra missile and indigenous drones. Sagar Defence Engineering (iDEX winner) won the “Accelerating the Autonomous Robotics Revolution” challenge.
- Adani Defence & EDGE Group announced additional ₹10,000 crore investment for missiles, small arms and unmanned systems manufacturing in India.
- DRDO successfully tested Enhanced Optoelectronic Seeker for Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (EO-SAAW) with improved range and precision.
- Indian Navy commissioned INS Vaghsheer, the last Kalvari-class (Scorpene) submarine on 12 November 2025.
- India and US concluded the 20th edition of Exercise Tiger Triumph 2025 (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) off Visakhapatnam in November 2025.
National Current Affairs for NDA
- 1–15 November 2025 → Bharat Parv 2025 celebrated across India to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
- 16 November 2025 → National Press Day theme: “Role of Media in Nation Building”.
- Global Hunger Index 2025 → India ranked 102nd out of 123 countries with a score of 25.8 (Serious category).
- 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) scheduled in Goa from 20–28 November 2025.
- Government launched “e-Jagriti” portal for faster consumer dispute redressal.
International Current Affairs for NDA
- US President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House on 18 November 2025 – first state visit after Trump’s second term began.
- India extended ₹4,000 crore (approximately $500 million) Line of Credit to Maldives for infrastructure and connectivity projects (announced in October-November window).
- 5th India-Qatar Joint Commission Meeting held; focus on energy security and defence cooperation.
- BRICS Summit 2025 outcome continued to be in news for new members and de-dollarisation efforts.
Science & Technology Current Affairs for NDA
- ISRO successfully conducted the hot test of Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System in November 2025.
- DRDO tested MPATGM (Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile) with indigenous seeker in November 2025.
- India’s first indigenous Bomber UAV prototype (under development by DRDO) expected to fly by 2027 – model displayed at Dubai Airshow.
Economy Current Affairs for NDA
- India’s merchandise + services exports April–October 2025 reached $491.8 billion, registering 4.8% growth.
- FDI equity inflows in defence sector crossed ₹15,000 crore mark since 2020 policy reforms.
Sports Current Affairs for NDA
- Neeraj Chopra appointed as brand ambassador of Indian Army’s Project NAMASTE.
- India won 5 gold medals at ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 held in October-November.
Last 30 Days’ One-Liner Current Affairs for NDA Quick Revision (October–November 2025)
- Chief of Defence Staff: General Anil Chauhan (remember his tenure extended till June 2026).
- Indian Army Chief: General Upendra Dwivedi | Navy Chief: Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi | Air Force Chief: Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh.
- Project Kusha: DRDO’s long-range air defence system cleared for development (similar to S-400).
- iDEX achieved ₹2,000+ crore contracts to startups since 2018.
- India’s first private military aircraft manufacturing facility by Tata-Airbus (C-295) started delivery in November 2025.
Best Way to Cover Current Affairs for NDA in the Next 120 Days
Month 1–2 → Complete last 18 months’ current affairs topic-wise Month 3 → Solve 10 previous year papers + 20 mock tests with special focus on current affairs Month 4 → Daily 50 questions practice + weekly revision
Candidates who follow this strategy consistently score 150+ in GAT without fail.
If you are serious about cracking NDA 2026 with a top rank and want expert guidance on current affairs for NDA along with daily quizzes, personalised mentorship and proven selection record, join Indian Defence Institute – recognized as the Best NDA Coaching in Dehradun with 450+ selections in the last 5 years.
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