Question 4 from UPSC CSE 2024 - Current Affairs/Int ernal Security

Question

Operations undertaken by the Army towards upliftment of the local population in remote areas to include addressing of their basic needs is called:

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Operation Sadbhavana

Strategy: Focus on keywords within the question, specifically "upliftment of the local population" and "basic needs" in remote areas. Recognize that humanitarian, goodwill, and development initiatives by the Indian Army in such contexts are associated with "Operation Sadbhavana". Differentiate this from other operations that typically refer to disaster relief or crisis-specific responses, as "Operation Sadbhavana" is characterized by sustained development projects in remote border regions.

Key Info: ## Operation Sadbhavana
Operation Sadbhavana (Goodwill) is a flagship initiative launched by the Indian Army in 1998, primarily in the border areas of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Its goal is to win the hearts and minds of the local populace by addressing gaps in basic infrastructure and services. This includes support for education, healthcare, skill development, and sports, particularly in underdeveloped, remote, or conflict-affected villages.

Major components of the operation include:
- Army Goodwill Schools
- Scholarships
- Community infrastructure projects (roads, bridges, water supply)
- Medical and veterinary camps
- Vocational training for women and youth
- Support for sports and ecological projects

The operation aims to build trust, foster national integration, and counter separatist propaganda through improved quality of life.

## Other Operations
- **Operation Sankalp** -- Refers to naval operational deployments in the Persian Gulf for maritime security.
- **Operation Maitri** -- Was India's Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) effort for Nepal after the 2015 earthquake.
- **Operation Madad** -- Involves rescue and relief by the Indian Navy during major floods, notably in Kerala 2018.

Answer

Option A: Operation Sankalp

Answer

Option B: Operation Maitri

Answer

Option D: Operation Madad