Wars: 1971 & Kargil — Set 6
Defence GK · युद्ध: 1971 और कारगिल · Questions 51–60 of 200
The Indo-US joint naval exercise Malabar started in which year?
Correct Answer: A. 1992
Exercise Malabar began in 1992 as a bilateral naval exercise between India and the United States in the Indian Ocean. It was suspended for a period following India's 1998 nuclear tests. Japan joined as a permanent member in 2015, making it a trilateral exercise.
In the context of the 1971 war, what was the significance of the Mukti Bahini's role in eastern operations?
Correct Answer: B. They served as local intelligence and guerrilla fighters
The Mukti Bahini served as local intelligence gatherers, guerrilla fighters, and guides for Indian forces in East Pakistan. Their knowledge of local terrain and population was invaluable. Combined Indian-Mukti Bahini operations rapidly overwhelmed Pakistani forces.
Which operation in the 1971 war saw Indian forces capture the Meghna River crossing, allowing rapid advance on Dhaka?
Correct Answer: B. Meghna crossing using Mi-8 helicopters
The Meghna helicopter crossing was a daring operation using Mi-8 helicopters that crossed the Meghna River without boats. Led by Brigadier Hardev Singh Kler, Indian forces were airlifted across in multiple sorties. This bold manoeuvre bypassed Pakistani defences and allowed rapid advance towards Dhaka.
The Kargil War of 1999 was fought at altitudes ranging approximately from how many feet?
Correct Answer: C. 14,000 to 18,000 feet
The Kargil War was fought at extreme altitudes ranging from approximately 14,000 to 18,000 feet above sea level. These altitudes created extreme challenges for soldiers including altitude sickness, frostbite, and thin air reducing fighting efficiency. Despite these conditions, Indian soldiers captured peaks from well-entrenched Pakistani defenders.
Which Indian diplomat's son was Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured by Pakistan in 2019?
Correct Answer: A. His father was a retired IAF Air Marshal
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's father, Air Marshal (Retired) S Varthaman, was a former IAF officer. Both father and son thus served in the Indian Air Force. The younger Varthaman's bravery during the 2019 aerial engagement earned him national recognition.
The India-Sri Lanka Accord of 1987 that led to Operation Pawan was signed between Rajiv Gandhi and which Sri Lankan President?
Correct Answer: B. J R Jayewardene
The India-Sri Lanka Accord was signed on July 29, 1987 between PM Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President J R Jayewardene. It provided for the deployment of Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) to disarm the LTTE. The IPKF, however, ended up fighting the LTTE and suffered significant casualties.
Sonam Wangchuk (not the innovator) — rather, which Ladakhi shepherd is often credited with alerting the Indian Army about Pakistani intrusions in Kargil?
Correct Answer: A. Tashi Namgyal
Tashi Namgyal, a local shepherd from Garkon village, is credited with first noticing Pakistani soldiers at Kargil heights and alerting the Indian Army in early May 1999. His report was passed to Ladakh Scouts. This discovery triggered the military response that became Operation Vijay.
The 1971 war saw IAF flying over 6,000 sorties. Which IAF aircraft was NOT used in the 1971 war?
Correct Answer: D. MiG-29
The MiG-29 was NOT used in the 1971 war as it was not inducted into the IAF until 1985. Aircraft used in 1971 included the Gnat, MiG-21, Hunter, Su-7, and Canberra. The Gnat earned the nickname 'Sabre Slayer' for shooting down Pakistani F-86 Sabres.
Operation Vijay (1961) — distinct from Kargil's Operation Vijay — was India's military operation to liberate which territory?
Correct Answer: B. Goa
Operation Vijay (1961) was the Indian military operation to liberate Goa from Portuguese rule on December 18-19, 1961. It was a swift military operation lasting about 36 hours. Goa was formally integrated into India on December 20, 1961, ending 450 years of Portuguese rule.
During the Kargil War, which pass was NOT directly part of the conflict zone?
Correct Answer: D. Nathu La
Nathu La is located in Sikkim on the India-China border and was NOT part of the Kargil conflict zone. The main conflict zones in Kargil were Drass, Kaksar, Mushkoh Valley, Batalik, and Turtuk sectors. Nathu La was the site of the 1967 India-China Nathu La and Cho La clashes.