UPSC Prelims 2024 Q82: Current Affairs – International Conflicts & Security
- (a) 1, 2 and 3
- (b) 1, 2 and 4
- (c) 1, 3 and 4
- (d) 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (d) 2, 3 and 4
Explanation
Exercise Mitra Shakti 2023 - Joint Military Exercise
| Statement | Claim | Verdict | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh | FALSE | Exercise Mitra Shakti is a joint military exercise between India and Sri Lanka, not Bangladesh. India-Bangladesh joint exercise is called Exercise Sampriti. |
| 2 | Commenced in Aundh (Pune) | TRUE | Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 was held at Aundh Military Station, Pune, Maharashtra. |
| 3 | Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal | TRUE | Counter-terrorism operations, including joint operations against terrorist groups, is a primary objective of Mitra Shakti. |
| 4 | Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise | TRUE | The 2023 edition included participation of the Indian Air Force for close air support drills. |
Statements 2, 3 and 4 are correct.
Answer: (d) 2, 3 and 4.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false (Mitra Shakti is with Sri Lanka, not Bangladesh). This option would require Statement 1 to be correct.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false (Mitra Shakti is India-Sri Lanka, not India-Bangladesh). Including Statement 1 makes this wrong.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false - Exercise Mitra Shakti is conducted with Sri Lanka, not Bangladesh.
- (d) CORRECT. Statements 2 (Aundh, Pune), 3 (counter-terrorism goal), and 4 (IAF participated) are all correct. Statement 1 is false - Mitra Shakti is an India-Sri Lanka exercise, not India-Bangladesh.
Key point
Exercise Mitra Shakti = India + Sri Lanka (NOT Bangladesh). Held at Aundh Military Station, Pune. Goals: counter-terrorism, joint response. IAF participated in 2023 edition. India-Bangladesh exercise = Sampriti.
Remember
Exercise Mitra Shakti is a joint military exercise between India and Sri Lanka (not Bangladesh). The 2023 edition was held at Aundh, Pune, focused on counter-terrorism, and included IAF participation.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Mitra Shakti (India-Sri Lanka) with Sampriti (India-Bangladesh) - both are South Asian bilateral exercises but with different partner countries.
- Not knowing Mitra Shakti is held in India at Pune - the exercise is hosted in India and involves joint Army (and sometimes IAF) operations.
- Forgetting other India bilateral exercises: Shakti (India-France), Dharma Guardian (India-Japan), Yudh Abhyas (India-USA), Indra (India-Russia).
Exam tip
Mitra = Friendship = Sri Lanka (SAARC neighbor). Sampriti = Bangladesh. Shakti = France. Exercise Mitra Shakti focuses on counter-terrorism. Held at Aundh, Pune. IAF involvement in 2023 edition added air power component.
Sources
- Press Information Bureau - Exercise Mitra Shakti 2023
- Ministry of Defence - Bilateral Military Exercises