Who launched Operation Samudra Setu?

NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-1st

General Knowledge

Easy

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-1st

Explanation

Operation Samudra Setu, which translates to "Sea Bridge," was a naval operation initiated by the Indian Navy in May 2020.
Its primary mission was the repatriation of Indian citizens who were stranded in foreign countries due to the global travel restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The operation utilized several naval vessels, including INS Jalashwa, Airavat, Shardul, and Magar, to evacuate nearly 4,000 Indians from nations like the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Iran.
This mission demonstrated the Indian Navy's crucial role in conducting large-scale, non-combatant evacuation operations (NEO) and providing humanitarian assistance.

Option A: The Indian Army's main initiative during the pandemic was 'Operation Namaste,' which focused on supporting domestic anti-COVID-19 efforts and insulating the force from the virus.
Option C: The Indian Air Force was primarily involved in airlifting citizens under the 'Vande Bharat Mission' and transporting essential medical supplies and equipment under 'Operation Sanjeevani.'.
Option D: NITI Aayog is the premier policy think tank of the Government of India, responsible for strategic planning and policy formulation. It does not have an executive role in conducting military or rescue operations.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of the Indian armed force responsible for a specific national operation as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question highlights the distinct and specialized roles of different branches of the government during a national crisis, which is essential knowledge for any citizen, including healthcare professionals.
In such repatriation missions, nurses play a vital role at the destination ports by conducting initial health screenings, managing quarantine protocols, and providing immediate medical attention to the evacuees.
Understanding the logistics of such large-scale operations helps healthcare systems prepare for the influx of people who may require medical care and psychological support.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'Operation Samudra Setu'.
Analyze the name itself for clues. 'Samudra' is a Sanskrit/Hindi word for 'Sea,' and 'Setu' means 'Bridge.' The name 'Sea Bridge' strongly suggests a maritime or naval operation.
Evaluate the given options based on their primary domain of operation: Army (land), Navy (sea), Air Force (air), and NITI Aayog (policy planning).
Connect the clue from the name ('Sea Bridge') to the most relevant option. The Indian Navy is the branch of the armed forces responsible for maritime operations.
Eliminate the other options. The Army and Air Force had their own distinct COVID-19 related operations ('Operation Namaste' and 'Vande Bharat Mission,' respectively), and NITI Aayog is a non-operational policy body.
Conclude that the Indian Navy is the only logical answer for an operation named 'Sea Bridge'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification of the Indian armed force responsible for a specific national operation.
Stem keywords: Operation Samudra Setu, launched
Lead-in keywords: Who

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