Wars: 1971 & Kargil — Set 14
Defence GK · युद्ध: 1971 और कारगिल · Questions 131–140 of 200
Which Indian Army division was responsible for the Kargil sector before the intrusion was discovered?
Correct Answer: C. 15 Corps
The Kargil sector was under 15 Corps (Chinar Corps) of the Indian Army, headquartered at Srinagar. The 3 Infantry Division (based at Leh) was responsible for the ground defence of the area. The intrusion was discovered as Indian Army troops returned from winter break and moved to their forward positions.
The IAF's Mi-8 helicopter used in the Meghna crossing during 1971 later played what role in Kargil?
Correct Answer: B. Mi-17 helicopters (improved Mi-8 variant) provided supply and evacuation
The Mi-17 helicopter (an improved Soviet development of the Mi-8) was extensively used during the Kargil War for supply missions, casualty evacuation, and troop transport. An Mi-17 was shot down by a Pakistani Stinger missile on May 27, 1999, killing all crew. The Mi-17 thus suffered the first combat loss of the war.
What strategic lesson from the Kargil War led to India's policy of continuous winter deployment (AWACS) at Siachen?
Correct Answer: B. Maintaining year-round presence to prevent intrusions
The Kargil intrusion exploited the Indian Army's practice of withdrawing from certain high-altitude positions in winter due to extreme cold. The lesson learned was to maintain year-round military presence even in the harshest conditions. This led to increased permanent deployment and infrastructure development in high-altitude areas.
Which Indian Army unit was primarily responsible for defending the Mushkoh Valley in Kargil?
Correct Answer: C. 13 JAK Rifles
13 JAK Rifles (13th Battalion, Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry) under Lt Col Y K Joshi was primarily responsible for operations in the Mushkoh Valley sector during the Kargil War. Captain Vikram Batra of this battalion captured Point 5140. The unit received multiple gallantry awards for its performance.
The 'Golden Fish' (Shonar Bangla) radio station set up by India to support Mukti Bahini operated from which Indian city?
Correct Answer: A. Kolkata
'Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra' (Free Bengal Radio Centre) was set up with Indian support, operating primarily from Kolkata (then Calcutta). It broadcast news, music, and messages supporting the Bangladesh freedom movement. The radio station played an important morale-boosting role for Bangladeshis.
The Pokhran nuclear test site is located in which district of Rajasthan?
Correct Answer: C. Jaisalmer
The Pokhran test range is located in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan in the Thar Desert. Both Pokhran I (1974) and Pokhran II (1998) were conducted here. The remote desert location was chosen for secrecy and to minimise population exposure to radiation.
The city of Dhaka was captured by Indian forces on December 16, 1971. Which Indian general led the final push on Dhaka?
Correct Answer: C. Maj Gen Gandharv Nagra
Major General Gandharv Nagra led the para brigade that advanced rapidly on Dhaka in the final phase of the war. His forces reached the outskirts of Dhaka on December 15-16, 1971. The rapid advance, combined with INS Vikrant's blockade and air superiority, made Pakistani resistance futile.
Operation Badr (Kargil intrusion) was named after the Battle of Badr. In which century did the historical Battle of Badr take place?
Correct Answer: B. 7th century
The Battle of Badr was fought in 624 CE (2nd year of Hijri calendar), in the 7th century CE. It was a key battle in early Islamic history where Prophet Muhammad's forces defeated the Quraysh of Mecca. Pakistan named the Kargil intrusion operation after this historically significant Islamic battle.
The Indian Air Force lost Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja during the Kargil War. How did he die?
Correct Answer: B. Killed while rescuing the pilot of a downed aircraft
Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja was killed on May 27, 1999 when he flew to assist Flight Lieutenant K K Nachiketa whose MiG-27 had been downed. Ahuja's MiG-21 was hit by a Pakistani Stinger missile while he attempted to provide cover for Nachiketa's rescue. He was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra.
Which Indian warship is credited with sinking PNS Khaibar and other vessels during Operation Trident?
Correct Answer: C. INS Nirghat
INS Nirghat (K84), a Vidyut-class missile boat under Lt Cdr B B Yadav, fired the missile that sank PNS Khaibar during Operation Trident. INS Nipat sank PNS Venus and hit a fuel tanker. Together, these missile boats inflicted devastating losses on Pakistani naval and port infrastructure.