CAPF AC 2020 Q33: Current Affairs – International Conflicts & Security
Which one of the following ships was deployed in ‘Mission Sagar’, which was sent to different countries carrying Food and COVID related items on 10 May 2020?
- (a) INS Kesari
- (b) INS Satpura
- (c) INS Shivalik
- (d) INS Gomati
Answer: (a) INS Kesari
Explanation
Mission Sagar (May 2020)
How to think: an aid mission needs a ship that can carry cargo, not a warship built for fighting.
INS Kesari is a landing ship, made to carry loads.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ship | INS Kesari |
| Started | 10 May 2020 |
| Carried | Food, COVID-19 medicines, medical teams |
| Countries | Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Comoros |
| Vision behind it | SAGAR: Security and Growth for All in the Region |
The ships in the options:
| Ship | Type |
|---|---|
| INS Kesari | Landing ship (tank); carries cargo and troops |
| INS Satpura | Stealth frigate |
| INS Shivalik | Stealth frigate |
| INS Gomati | Guided-missile frigate |
Answer: (a) INS Kesari.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. INS Kesari carried food and COVID-19 supplies under Mission Sagar.
- (b) Incorrect. INS Satpura is a stealth frigate and was not the Mission Sagar ship.
- (c) Incorrect. INS Shivalik is a stealth frigate, built for combat.
- (d) Incorrect. INS Gomati was a guided-missile frigate.
Key point
Mission Sagar (10 May 2020): INS Kesari took food and COVID-19 aid to Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Comoros. SAGAR = Security and Growth for All in the Region.
Remember
Mission Sagar = INS Kesari, COVID-19 aid to five Indian Ocean nations.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up Mission Sagar (aid by the Navy) with Operation Samudra Setu (bringing Indians home).
- Confusing Mission Sagar with the Sagarmala port project.
- Forgetting the five island countries of the Indian Ocean that were covered.
Exam tip
Educated guess: three options are frigates, one is a cargo-carrying landing ship. Aid goes on the landing ship.
Sources
- Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Defence — Mission Sagar: INS Kesari (May 2020)
- Ministry of External Affairs — Mission Sagar