Wars: 1971 & Kargil — Set 18
Defence GK · युद्ध: 1971 और कारगिल · Questions 171–180 of 200
Operation Python 1971 was a follow-up naval attack targeting:
Correct Answer: B. Karachi harbour fuel storage
Operation Python on 7-8 December 1971 targeted Pakistani fuel storage and oil tankers at Karachi harbour, following Operation Trident (4-5 December) that sank PNS Khyber. Massive fires burned in Karachi port for weeks, severely disrupting Pakistan's oil supplies and port operations. The 1971 war resulted in the liberation of Bangladesh and is considered one of India's greatest military victories.
The IAF role in the Kargil War (Operation Safed Sagar) was primarily:
Correct Answer: C. Close air support against peaks and logistics
IAF's role was close air support and interdiction targeting Pakistani logistics, gun emplacements, and supply routes on Himalayan peaks. IAF lost two aircraft (MiG-27 and MiG-21 Bison) and one helicopter (Mi-8). All operations were restricted to the Indian side of the LoC.
Sam Manekshaw told PM Indira Gandhi in April 1971 that he was:
Correct Answer: B. Not ready and needed time to prepare
Manekshaw told PM Gandhi in April 1971 he was not ready for immediate war. He requested time to prepare properly which she granted. His professional judgment ultimately delivered India's decisive 13-day victory in December 1971 with 93,000 Pakistani POWs.
The advance on Dhaka in the 1971 war was led by which formation?
Correct Answer: D. II Corps including 57 Mountain Division
The advance on Dhaka was led by II Corps including 57 Mountain Division under Major General Gonsalves. Multi-directional Indian advances including Meghna river crossing, Jessore advance, and Sylhet operations converged on Dhaka, making the Pakistani position untenable. The 1971 war resulted in the liberation of Bangladesh and is considered one of India's greatest military victories.
Which Indian general is credited with the brilliant Meghna river heliborne crossing in the 1971 war?
Correct Answer: C. General Sagat Singh
General Sagat Singh commanding IV Corps is credited with the Meghna river heliborne crossing in December 1971. Unable to cross conventionally, he used helicopters to leapfrog troops over the river bypassing Pakistani defences and opening the direct route to Dhaka. This is studied as a classic of exploitation warfare.
Which Pakistani general signed the Instrument of Surrender in Dhaka on 16 December 1971?
Correct Answer: B. Lieutenant General A.A.K. Niazi
Lieutenant General A.A.K. Niazi, Commander of Pakistani Eastern Command, signed the Instrument of Surrender on 16 December 1971 surrendering to Indian Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora. This was the largest military surrender since WWII with approximately 93,000 Pakistani personnel becoming POWs.
What was the Indian Navy's operational codename for its coercive fleet deployment during the Kargil War?
Correct Answer: C. Operation Talwar
Operation Talwar was the Indian Navy's contribution during the Kargil War. The Navy deployed its fleets in an offensive posture in the Arabian Sea effectively blockading Pakistan's sea-borne supplies and oil imports. This economic pressure contributed to Pakistan's decision to withdraw from occupied positions.
The 1962 Indo-China war resulted in India losing which territories?
Correct Answer: A. Aksai Chin and NEFA territories
In the 1962 war India lost control of Aksai Chin in Ladakh and suffered major defeats in NEFA (present-day Arunachal Pradesh). China declared a unilateral ceasefire, withdrew from most NEFA positions but retained Aksai Chin. The defeat was attributed to poor preparation, leadership failures, and the Forward Policy.
India's strategy of establishing forward military posts in disputed territory before the 1962 war was called:
Correct Answer: B. The Forward Policy
The Forward Policy was India's strategy under PM Nehru of placing military posts in disputed territory to counter Chinese claims. Based on incorrect assessment that China would not respond militarily, the policy backfired when China attacked in October 1962 overwhelming India's forward posts and causing catastrophic defeat. Knowledge of India's defence capabilities and history is essential for competitive examinations and national awareness.
How many Pakistani prisoners of war surrendered after the 1971 Bangladesh war?
Correct Answer: C. 93000
The correct answer is '93000'. Approximately 93,000 Pakistani military personnel and civilians surrendered and became POWs in Indian custody after the 1971 war. This was the largest single military surrender since WWII. The POWs were repatriated to Pakistan under the Simla Agreement over the following years.