Coast Guard & Special Forces — Set 3
Defence GK · तटरक्षक और विशेष बल · Questions 21–30 of 100
The Indian Coast Guard's first ship was INS Kuthar. The first Director General of the ICG was:
Correct Answer: C. Rear Admiral V.E.C. Judge
The first Director General of the Indian Coast Guard was Rear Admiral V.E.C. Judge, who served in this capacity when the ICG was formally constituted on 18 August 1977. The ICG began with a modest fleet of vessels transferred from the Indian Navy. Over the decades, it has grown into a substantial maritime force with over 160 vessels and 70+ aircraft.
Which ship was India's first pollution control vessel operated by the Coast Guard?
Correct Answer: B. ICGS Samudra Paheredar
ICGS Samudra Paheredar was one of India's early pollution control vessels operated by the Coast Guard. The ICG plays an important role in marine environment protection, including response to oil spills. The Coast Guard has dedicated pollution response vessels (OSPV — Offshore Patrol Vessels) and pollution control equipment at key ports.
How many NSG hubs were established after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks to improve response time?
Correct Answer: C. Four
After the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks in 2008, four NSG hubs were established at Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata to enable faster deployment. Previously, all NSG forces were concentrated at Manesar (Haryana), which meant significant response time delays. The hubs allow the NSG to deploy within 45 minutes of being activated.
The NSG's counter-terrorist operation during the 26/11 attacks was codenamed:
Correct Answer: B. Operation Black Tornado
The NSG's counter-terrorist operation during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks was codenamed Operation Black Tornado. The NSG's 51 SAG conducted operations at the Taj Mahal Hotel and the Nariman House (Chabad House). The operation involved breaching, room-by-room clearing, and hostage rescue under extremely difficult conditions.
Para SF conducts which type of airborne insertion?
Correct Answer: B. HALO and HAHO insertions
Para SF is trained in High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) and High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) parachute insertions. HALO involves jumping from high altitude but opening the parachute at low altitude to minimize radar detection. HAHO involves opening the parachute at high altitude and gliding to the target, allowing insertion from standoff distances of 30+ km.
The Indian Coast Guard has jurisdiction over how far from the Indian coast?
Correct Answer: C. 200 nautical miles (Exclusive Economic Zone)
The Indian Coast Guard has jurisdiction over India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extending 200 nautical miles from the coast. The ICG is responsible for protecting India's maritime interests including fisheries, offshore oil platforms, and prevention of smuggling and illegal activities. It also conducts search and rescue within this zone.
MARCOS operators are trained at which naval base?
Correct Answer: B. INS Abhimanyu (Mumbai)
MARCOS (Marine Commandos) are trained at the Naval Special Warfare School located at INS Abhimanyu in Mumbai (Colaba). The training includes combat diving, HALO/HAHO parachuting, close-quarters battle, maritime counter-terrorism, and special reconnaissance. MARCOS is one of the few special forces units globally trained in both air and underwater insertion.
1 Para (SF) is also associated with which operation in 2016?
Correct Answer: B. Surgical Strikes across LoC
The Para SF, including 1 Para (SF), conducted the Surgical Strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu & Kashmir on the night of 28-29 September 2016, targeting terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. These strikes were a significant operational achievement showcasing the Indian Army Special Forces' capability for deep operations behind enemy lines. Knowledge of India's defence capabilities and history is essential for competitive examinations and national awareness.
The ICG is responsible for marine environmental protection including response to:
Correct Answer: B. Oil spills and marine pollution
The Indian Coast Guard has a statutory responsibility for marine environmental protection, including response to oil spills and marine pollution. The ICG has dedicated Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) equipped with oil spill response systems. In major oil spill incidents like the MV Rak tanker spill (2011) off Mumbai, the ICG played a critical role in containment.
Which of the following is the Coast Guard equivalent of the Indian Navy's surface warfare ships?
Correct Answer: A. Patrol vessels and Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs)
The Indian Coast Guard operates Patrol Vessels (PVs), Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), and Interceptor Boats — not naval warships like destroyers or frigates. The largest ships in the ICG fleet are the OPVs and Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs). The ICG also operates hovercraft for shallow water and beach operations.