What is the common examiner trap about Security & Defence in UPSC exams?

The trap will be in the sequence or number. For example, asking 'Who was the 30th COAS?' instead of the 31st, or confusing the commands he headed (e.g., swapping South Western with Western Command). Also, misleading about his alma mater (NDA vs. IMA) or his arm (Armoured Corps vs. Infantry).

What should UPSC aspirants remember about Security & Defence for Prelims?

1. Target this Data: 31st Chief of Army Staff (COAS) - Gen Dhiraj Seth 2. Target this Data: Date of appointment - June 30, 2026 3. Target this Data: Predecessor - Gen Upendra Dwivedi 4. Target this Nodal Body: Indian Army / Ministry of Defence

SecurityPolity

Take AI Challenge ▸

News 23 of 25

Gen Dhiraj Seth Takes Charge as 31st COAS; Succeeds Gen Upendra Dwivedi

Q: General Dhiraj Seth, who took charge as the 31st COAS, was commissioned into which arm of the Indian Army?

Armoured Corps, The article explicitly states that General Dhiraj Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. The Armoured Corps is responsible for tank and mechanised warfare.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding General Dhiraj Seth: 1. He is the 30th Chief of the Army Staff of India. 2. He previously served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff. 3. He commanded the elite Southern Command during Operation Sindoor. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Both 2 and 3, Statement 1 is incorrect. Gen Dhiraj Seth is the 31st COAS, not the 30th. Statement 2 is correct as he served as VCOAS before becoming COAS. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions he maintained high operational readiness during Operation Sindoor while heading the Southern Command. Hence option C is correct.

Q: In which year was General Dhiraj Seth commissioned into the Indian Army?

1986, The article clearly states that he was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. The other options are close distractors (1985 and 1987) that a student might confuse if they do not read carefully.

Q: What is the primary significance of General Dhiraj Seth's appointment for India's national security posture?

His rare distinction of commanding two operational commands on the western front, The article highlights his rare distinction of leading both the South Western Command and Southern Command, which are crucial for India's western defence against Pakistan. This directly impacts India's operational readiness and strategic planning on that front. While he has counter-insurgency experience, the most strategically significant aspect mentioned is his western front command experience.

Security & Defence PolityHIGH

Target:MPSCUPSC GS-IIISSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link

30 Jun 2026

~2 min

Source: The Hindu

Key Data:31st Chief of the Army StaffJune 30, 2026Armoured CorpsNDASouth Western CommandSouthern Command

Bodies:Indian ArmyMinistry of DefenceNational Defence Academy

Practice MCQs from today's news ▸

~2 min · Quick mode

What This Article Covers

1.Gen Dhiraj Seth assumed charge as the 31st COAS on June 30, 2026, succeeding Gen Upendra Dwivedi.

2.He is an alumnus of NDA and was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in 1986, with over 40 years of service.

3.He previously served as VCOAS and commanded two key western-front commands (South Western & Southern Command), making the appointment significant for India's western defence posture.

The Big Picture

Prelims · HighMains · Medium

General Dhiraj Seth, an accomplished officer with the rare distinction of leading two operational commands along the western front, became the 31st Chief of the Army Staff on June 30, 2026. This appointment is crucial for UPSC as it links to the structure of the Indian Army, key commands, and the ongoing focus on modernisation and self-reliance.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

New COASGen Dhiraj Seth

Designation31st Chief of the Army Staff

Date of AppointmentJune 30, 2026

PredecessorGen Upendra Dwivedi

Alma MaterNDA, Khadakwasla

Arm/RegimentArmoured Corps (commissioned Dec 1986)

Commands HeldSouth Western Command, Southern Command, Sudarshan Chakra Corps

Service LengthNearly 4 decades

1-Minute Revision

›New COAS: Gen Dhiraj Seth
›Designation: 31st Chief of the Army Staff
›Target this Data: 31st Chief of Army Staff (COAS) - Gen Dhiraj Seth
›Target this Data: Date of appointment - June 30, 2026
›Target this Data: Predecessor - Gen Upendra Dwivedi
›Target this Nodal Body: Indian Army / Ministry of Defence

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

News Snapshot

🪖

New Army Chief Appointed

General Dhiraj Seth took over as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff on June 30, 2026, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi.

🎓

Exceptional Profile

He is an NDA alumnus, Armoured Corps officer with the rare distinction of commanding two western-front operational commands.

⚔️

Focus on Modernisation

Seth takes charge at a time when the Army is prioritising self-reliance and future-readiness amidst dynamic geo-strategic challenges.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

The appointment of Gen Dhiraj Seth as COAS comes at a critical juncture. India faces persistent challenges on its borders, especially the western front (Pakistan) and the northern front (China). The Army is undergoing a significant transformation towards modernisation, indigenisation (Atmanirbhar Bharat), and restructuring to meet future warfare demands.

Core Analysis & Implications

Gen Seth's extensive experience on the western front signals a continued focus on that theatre. His prior roles as VCOAS and in Army Headquarters' capability development verticals indicate a likely emphasis on modernisation, technology integration, and force restructuring. His experience leading the Southern Command during 'Operation Sindoor' highlights his operational credentials.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

The new COAS will be pivotal in steering the Army's future roadmap, including the implementation of the Agnipath scheme, enhancing jointmanship with the Navy and Air Force, and balancing modernisation with legacy systems. The focus will remain on building a 'future-ready' force aligned with the government's defence export and self-reliance goals.

Key Facts at a Glance

New COASGen Dhiraj Seth

Designation31st Chief of the Army Staff

Date of AppointmentJune 30, 2026

PredecessorGen Upendra Dwivedi

Alma MaterNDA, Khadakwasla

Arm/RegimentArmoured Corps (commissioned Dec 1986)

Commands HeldSouth Western Command, Southern Command, Sudarshan Chakra Corps

Service LengthNearly 4 decades

You've read the full analysis. Now test your understanding.

Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC, State PSC

General Dhiraj Seth, who took charge as the 31st COAS, was commissioned into which arm of the Indian Army?

Q2Statement-basedHardUPSC, SSC

Consider the following statements regarding General Dhiraj Seth:

1. He is the 30th Chief of the Army Staff of India.

2. He previously served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff.

3. He commanded the elite Southern Command during Operation Sindoor.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMediumUPSC, Banking, SSC

In which year was General Dhiraj Seth commissioned into the Indian Army?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC, SSC, State PSC

What is the primary significance of General Dhiraj Seth's appointment for India's national security posture?

All 15 MCQs ▸

Read original article from The Hindu

You finished this topic

Practice 3 MCQs from this news Next Article

Explore Related Topics

Security & DefenceView Topic MCQs →PolityView Topic MCQs →

PreviousPunjab & Haryana HC Allows Minor Rape Survivor to Continue 31-Week Pregnancy, Permits Adoption Post Delivery Next Delhi Cabinet Approves New EV Policy: Ban on Two-Wheelers, 30,000 Charging Points Target

Related Current Affairs

Security & Defence Current Affairs

AVM Shakti Sharma: First Woman Non-Medical Officer to Achieve Air Vice Marshal Rank in IAF

Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma becomes the first woman non-medical officer in the Indian Armed Forces to reach the rank of Air Vice Marshal, assuming charge as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Education). This milestone underscores the progress of women in defence services since the grant of Permanent Commission, with the IAF leading in 2010, followed by Army/Navy post-Supreme Court intervention in 2020. For UPSC/SSC aspirants, this is a key data point for gender equality, judicial activism, and defence reforms.

Security & Defence Current Affairs

MoD Signs ₹1,577 Cr Contracts for Loiter Munitions Under 'Buy Indian' Category

The Ministry of Defence has awarded contracts worth ₹1,577 crore to TASL and NIBE for 84 loiter munition systems with 840 munitions, boosting the Indian Army's precision-strike capability up to 100 km. This procurement under the 'Buy Indian' category with 60% indigenous content is a major step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.

Security & Defence Current Affairs

PM Modi's 2026 I-Day Address Prioritises Aatmanirbhar Defence, Drones, Hypersonic Tech

PM Modi's 2026 Independence Day address pivots to next-generation defence: drones, counter-drone systems, hypersonic technology, and cybersecurity under Mission Sudarshan Chakra. With India's defence exports reaching about 100 countries, the address signals a shift from being a market for imports to a global supplier — a key theme for Prelims and Mains.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

India-UK Sign IGA for Maritime Electric Propulsion for Navy LPDs, Procure LMM Missiles

India and UK are set to sign an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for developing maritime electric propulsion systems for four Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) for the Indian Navy. Additionally, a second IGA for procurement of British Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs) for the Indian Army is imminent. This collaboration includes establishing India's first maritime Land-Based Testing Facility for Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) by GE Vernova and BHEL.

Security & Defence Current Affairs

India Finalises Javelin ATGM Deal via US FMS After 16-Year Process; Co-Production with BDL in Focus

India has finally signed the Letter of Offer and Acceptance for the US-made Javelin anti-tank guided missiles after a 16-year procurement struggle. The deal, routed through Foreign Military Sales, shifts focus to co-assembly and co-production with Bharat Dynamics Limited, while the indigenous MPATGM programme also matures. For exams, remember the chronology: 2010 Javelin attempt → 2014 pivot to Spike → 2017 cancellation → 2019 emergency Spike-LR → 2025 Javelin revival.

Security & Defence Current Affairs

Yudh Abhyas 2026: India-US Joint Drill with 1,200 Troops, Focus on IBGs & Autonomous Systems

India and the US have commenced the 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas at Auli (Uttarakhand) and Mahajan (Rajasthan) with 600 troops each side. The exercise emphasizes Integrated Battle Groups, drone warfare, autonomous systems, and long-range precision fires, with participation of the US Army's elite 11th Airborne Division ('Arctic Angels') and the 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

Yudh Abhyas 2026: India-US Joint Drill Focuses on IBGs, Drones; Also Know IMBAX, LAMITIYE, Sea Dragon, MILAN 2026

This article compiles five recent joint military exercises India participated in, highlighting Yudh Abhyas 2026 with the US focusing on Integrated Battle Groups, drones, and long-range precision fires. Other exercises include IMBAX (Myanmar), LAMITIYE (Seychelles – first tri-services), Sea Dragon (multilateral ASW), and MILAN (multilateral naval wargame). Additionally, India’s defence production hit a record ₹1.78 lakh crore and exports ₹38,424 crore in FY2025-26, underscoring the push for indigenisation and global partnerships.

Polity Current Affairs

PM Modi Announces Saptadhara Reforms: AI Skilling for 1 Crore Youth, 100 GW Nuclear Target by 2047

On the 80th Independence Day, PM Modi unveiled a seven-point reform framework called 'Saptadhara' covering manufacturing, agriculture, tech, defence, green economy, and soft power. He announced AI skilling for 1 crore youth in mission mode, free online coaching via DPI, and warned against 'dimagi Naxals' – ideological Maoists influencing policymaking. This speech directly addresses GenZ employment anxieties and national security threats.

Start Today's Quiz(15 Qs)

Take Today's Quiz

15 Qs • 5-7 Mins

Gen Dhiraj Seth Takes Charge as 31st COAS; Succeeds Gen Upendra Dwivedi

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

New Army Chief Appointed

Exceptional Profile

Focus on Modernisation

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance