Ordnance Factory Day on March 18 and its history
Why in the news
Ordnance Factory Day was observed on March 18 to remember the long history of defence manufacturing in India.
Key facts
- Origin: the day commemorates the setting up of the country’s first ordnance factory at Cossipore in 1801.
- Ministry: defence manufacturing sits under the Ministry of Defence.
- Restructuring: in 2021 the sector was reorganised into seven DPSUs.
- The day acknowledges contributions to national security and defence production.
Quick timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1801 | First ordnance factory established at Cossipore |
| 2021 | Restructured into seven DPSUs |
Exam angle
- Date: March 18.
- First ordnance factory: Cossipore, 1801.
- Number of DPSUs after 2021 restructuring: seven.
- Ministry: Ministry of Defence.