Coast Guard & Special Forces — Set 6
Defence GK · तटरक्षक और विशेष बल · Questions 51–60 of 100
The Coast Guard's primary anti-piracy and maritime security role involves patrolling which major sea lane?
Correct Answer: C. Indian Ocean sea lanes and Malacca approaches
The Indian Coast Guard patrols Indian Ocean sea lanes, including the approaches to the Strait of Malacca, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal. Anti-piracy patrols are particularly important in the Gulf of Aden region and the western Indian Ocean. The ICG works alongside the Indian Navy in Operation Sankalp (2019) and similar maritime security operations.
How many service branches comprise the Indian intelligence community's primary agencies?
Correct Answer: D. RAW, IB, MI, NIA, and NTRO
India's intelligence community comprises multiple agencies: RAW (external), IB (domestic), Military Intelligence/DIA (defence), NIA (counter-terrorism investigation), NTRO (technical), DRDO's intelligence labs, and service-specific intelligence cells. The National Security Advisor (NSA) coordinates the overall intelligence apparatus under the Prime Minister. Knowledge of India's defence capabilities and history is essential for competitive examinations and national awareness.
MARCOS has been deployed on anti-piracy missions under which Indian Navy operation?
Correct Answer: B. Operation Sankalp
MARCOS have been deployed as part of the Indian Navy's anti-piracy operations, including Operation Sankalp launched in 2019 in the Persian Gulf/Strait of Hormuz region following attacks on merchant shipping. MARCOS teams are deployed on warships for vessel boarding, search operations, and protection of Indian flagged vessels in high-threat maritime zones. The Indian Navy operates from three commands: Western, Eastern, and Southern, ensuring comprehensive maritime coverage.
The Indian Coast Guard Day is celebrated on which date?
Correct Answer: B. February 1
Indian Coast Guard Day is celebrated on 1 February each year. This date marks the formal raising of the ICG as an independent armed force on 1 February 1977 (although the Coast Guard Act was passed in 1978). The annual celebration includes award ceremonies, fleet parades, and showcasing of new equipment inducted into the Coast Guard.
CRPF's COBRA (Combat Battalion for Resolute Action) units primarily combat which internal threat?
Correct Answer: B. Left-Wing Extremism (Naxalism)
COBRA (CRPF) units were specifically raised in 2009 to combat Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) or Naxalism in India's Red Corridor. They operate predominantly in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha. Unlike regular CRPF battalions, COBRA units are trained in jungle warfare, tracking, and counter-guerrilla tactics relevant to the heavily forested Naxal areas.
Para SF battalions are part of which regiment of the Indian Army?
Correct Answer: B. Para (Parachute) Regiment
Para SF battalions are part of the Parachute Regiment of the Indian Army. The Para Regiment includes both regular battalions (trained paratroopers) and SF battalions (special forces). SF battalions wear the distinctive maroon beret and the Pegasus badge. Para SF battalions include 1 Para (SF), 9 Para (SF), 10 Para (SF), 21 Para (SF), and 23 Para (SF).
RAW was involved in which significant intelligence operation related to the 1971 Bangladesh War?
Correct Answer: A. Training and equipping the Mukti Bahini
RAW, under R.N. Kao, played a crucial role in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War by training, equipping, and providing intelligence support to the Mukti Bahini (Bangladeshi freedom fighters). RAW's operations significantly weakened Pakistani forces in East Pakistan and helped create conditions for the Indian military's decisive intervention, leading to the creation of Bangladesh.
The ICG conducts 'Operation Sagar Kavach' which focuses on:
Correct Answer: B. Coastal security exercises
Operation Sagar Kavach is a large-scale coastal security exercise conducted by the Indian Coast Guard jointly with the Indian Navy, state marine police, and other stakeholders. The operation tests the effectiveness of coastal surveillance networks, inter-agency coordination, and response protocols. It was particularly intensified after the 26/11 attacks.
Which NSG operation rescued hostages from the Akshardham Temple attack in 2002?
Correct Answer: D. No NSG deployment — Gujarat Police/Army handled it
The Akshardham Temple attack (24 September 2002) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, was handled by the Gujarat Police's ATS (Anti-Terrorism Squad) and the National Security Guard (NSG). NSG commandos were deployed and participated in ending the siege. The NSG and CISF commandos neutralized the two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, rescuing approximately 400 hostages.
MARCOS, Para SF, and Garud together constitute India's:
Correct Answer: C. Special Operations Forces (SOF)
MARCOS (Navy SF), Para SF (Army SF), and Garud Commando Force (Air Force SF) together constitute India's primary Special Operations Forces (SOF). Each service branch has its own special forces element. India established Special Forces Command arrangements for better coordination. These forces conduct covert operations, direct action, special reconnaissance, and counter-terrorism missions.