Paramilitary Forces — Set 5

Correct Answer: A. January 19

NDRF Raising Day is observed on January 19 every year. The force was constituted under the Disaster Management Act 2005 and operationalized in 2006. NDRF Raising Day celebrations showcase the force's capabilities through mock rescue drills and demonstrations. The day reaffirms NDRF's commitment to saving lives during natural and man-made disasters in India and abroad.

Correct Answer: B. 1984

The National Security Guard (NSG) was established in 1984 following Operation Blue Star, the Indian Army's storming of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The government recognized the need for a specialized counter-terrorism force after the events of 1984. NSG was raised under the NSG Act 1986 and modeled on Britain's Special Air Service (SAS) and Germany's GSG-9. It is commonly known as the 'Black Cats' due to its all-black uniform and balaclava.

Correct Answer: B. Black Cats

NSG is nicknamed 'Black Cats' because of the all-black uniform and black balaclava worn by its commandos. The NSG was formed to combat terrorism, hijacking, and hostage situations requiring specialized counter-terrorism capabilities. NSG gained national fame after its successful Operation Black Tornado during the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks in 2008. It consists of two specialized groups: Special Action Group (SAG) from the Army and Special Ranger Group (SRG) from CAPFs.

Correct Answer: A. Manesar, Haryana

The NSG Training Centre is located at Manesar in Haryana, near Gurugram. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art training infrastructure including shooting ranges, mock aircraft, urban warfare training areas, and obstacle courses. NSG conducts rigorous selection and training processes that test physical endurance, marksmanship, and psychological resilience. Manesar also houses the NSG's operational headquarters and administrative facilities.

Correct Answer: B. Prime Minister of India and former PMs

The Special Protection Group (SPG) was established in 1988 to provide proximate security to the Prime Minister of India and former Prime Ministers. It was created following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984. SPG uses the latest security protocols, armored vehicles, and advanced counter-attack drills. In 2019, the SPG protection was limited only to the sitting Prime Minister, discontinuing protection to former PMs.

Correct Answer: B. Auxiliary voluntary force under state governments

Home Guard is an auxiliary voluntary force functioning under the respective state governments and Union Territory administrations. It is not a central paramilitary force but a state-level supplementary force that assists the police in maintaining law and order. Home Guards are recruited from civilians who receive basic police training. Home Guard is considered India's oldest voluntary defence organization dating back to 1946.

Correct Answer: B. CAPFs are under MHA while paramilitary forces include Army units like Rashtriya Rifles

The term 'Central Armed Police Forces' (CAPFs) officially refers to the seven forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs: BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, and NSG. The term 'paramilitary forces' is more broadly used and can include Army auxiliary units like Rashtriya Rifles and Territorial Army that are under the Ministry of Defence. The government officially replaced the term 'paramilitary' with 'Central Armed Police Forces' in 2011. This distinction is important for competitive examinations.

Correct Answer: B. Ministry of Defence (Indian Army)

Rashtriya Rifles is an anti-insurgency force of the Indian Army and comes under the Ministry of Defence, unlike CAPFs which are under MHA. It was raised in 1990 to counter the armed insurgency in Jammu & Kashmir. Rashtriya Rifles units are composed of personnel drawn from various Army regiments. It is one of the largest counter-insurgency forces deployed in J&K and has been highly effective in reducing infiltration and terrorist activities.

Correct Answer: C. Indian Army and BSF jointly

The Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu & Kashmir is guarded jointly by the Indian Army and the Border Security Force (BSF). The Army holds the forward positions along the LoC while BSF covers specific sectors and provides support. Both forces coordinate closely to prevent infiltration and armed incursions. BSF's deployment along the LoC dates back to the 1965 war and has continued since then.

Correct Answer: B. Red Corridor (Central and Eastern India)

CRPF conducts its primary anti-Naxal operations in the Red Corridor, which covers states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, Telangana, and parts of Bihar. The Naxalite movement has been active in these forested, tribal areas for decades. CRPF, especially its CoBRA battalions, engages in forest operations, area domination, and targeted operations against Naxal leadership. The force has significantly reduced the Naxal footprint over the years.