Wars: 1971 & Kargil — Set 1
Defence GK · युद्ध: 1971 और कारगिल · Questions 1–10 of 200
What was the name of the Pakistani military operation launched on March 25, 1971, that triggered the Bangladesh Liberation War?
Correct Answer: A. Operation Searchlight
Operation Searchlight was the Pakistani military crackdown launched on March 25, 1971 against Bengali nationalists and civilians in East Pakistan. It was ordered by General Yahya Khan to suppress the Awami League's election victory. The brutal crackdown caused approximately 10 million refugees to flee into India, directly leading to Indian military intervention.
Who led the Awami League that won the 1970 Pakistani general elections, triggering the political crisis leading to the 1971 war?
Correct Answer: C. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman led the Awami League to a landslide victory in the December 1970 Pakistani general elections, winning an absolute majority. The Pakistani military establishment refused to transfer power to him. His arrest and the military crackdown led to the Bangladesh Liberation War.
On which date did India officially enter the 1971 war after Pakistan launched air strikes on Indian airbases?
Correct Answer: B. December 3, 1971
India officially entered the 1971 war on December 3, 1971, after Pakistan launched pre-emptive air strikes on Indian airbases in the west. India had been providing covert support to Mukti Bahini since earlier but full-scale military intervention began on this date. The war lasted only 13 days before Pakistan's surrender.
Which Indian naval operation targeted Karachi port during the 1971 war and was the first use of anti-ship missiles by the Indian Navy?
Correct Answer: B. Operation Trident
Operation Trident was launched on the night of December 4-5, 1971, when Indian Navy missile boats attacked Karachi harbour. It was the first use of anti-ship missiles (Styx) in combat by the Indian Navy. The operation sank PNS Khaibar and set Karachi's oil storage on fire.
Which Indian naval operation followed Operation Trident and again struck Karachi on December 8-9, 1971?
Correct Answer: A. Operation Python
Operation Python was launched on December 8-9, 1971, as a follow-up to Operation Trident. Indian Navy missile boats struck Karachi again, hitting PNS Dacca and fuel storage tanks. The twin operations virtually neutralised Pakistan's western naval capability.
Which Indian aircraft carrier enforced a naval blockade of East Pakistan during the 1971 war, preventing Pakistan from resupplying its forces?
Correct Answer: B. INS Vikrant
INS Vikrant (R11) was deployed in the Bay of Bengal to blockade East Pakistan. It prevented Pakistani naval vessels and merchant ships from reaching or leaving East Pakistan. The blockade was crucial in isolating Pakistan's Eastern Command and hastening the surrender.
Who was the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) during the 1971 war who later became India's first Field Marshal?
Correct Answer: C. Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was the COAS during the 1971 war and masterminded the military campaign. He was appointed Field Marshal on January 1, 1973, becoming India's first Field Marshal. His meticulous preparation and insistence on delaying the war to April 1972 (actually fought December 1971) ensured a decisive Indian victory.
Who was the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of India's Eastern Command during the 1971 war?
Correct Answer: B. Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora
Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora commanded the Eastern Command during the 1971 war. He accepted the Pakistani instrument of surrender from Lt Gen A A K Niazi on December 16, 1971 in Dhaka. The ceremony at Ramna Racecourse marked the formal end of hostilities and creation of Bangladesh.
How many Pakistani soldiers surrendered to Indian forces on December 16, 1971, making it one of the largest surrenders since World War II?
Correct Answer: C. 93,000
Approximately 93,000 Pakistani military personnel and paramilitary forces surrendered to Indian and Mukti Bahini forces on December 16, 1971. It was the largest military surrender since World War II. The surrendering Pakistani commander was Lt Gen A A K Niazi who signed the Instrument of Surrender.
The Simla Agreement of 1972 was signed between India and Pakistan to resolve issues arising from the 1971 war. Who signed it on behalf of India?
Correct Answer: C. Indira Gandhi
The Simla Agreement was signed on July 2, 1972 between Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. It called for bilateral resolution of disputes, respect for the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, and withdrawal of forces. The agreement governed India-Pakistan relations for decades.