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

1. A. (a) Operation Sankalp
2. B. (b) Operation Maitri
3. C. (c) Operation Sadbhavana
4. D. (d) Operation Madam

Answer: C

Explanation

This question asks about a specific Indian Army operation focused on civilian welfare. Operation Sadbhavana is the correct answer. It is an Indian Army initiative primarily conducted in regions like Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, aimed at winning hearts and minds by undertaking welfare activities, infrastructure development, education, and skill development for the local population in remote areas. Operation Sankalp is an Indian Navy operation for maritime security in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Operation Maitri was a joint relief and rescue operation by the Indian Armed Forces and NDRF in Nepal after the 2015 earthquake. Operation Madam is not a recognized major Indian Army operation for civilian upliftment. Understanding various military operations, especially those with humanitarian or civil-military cooperation aspects, is important for the Internal Security and Current Affairs sections of the UPSC syllabus.