Part of: Maharashtra Gk set 56

What was the name given to the operation conducted by National Security Guard in 2008 against terrorist attack in Taj hotel, Mumbai?

Category: Maharashtra Gk

Hint: Consider the context of the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the specific name given to the NSG operation.

Correct Answer: A) Operation Black Tornado.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The National Security Guard (NSG) is a specialized unit of the Indian paramilitary forces, established in 1980 to handle high-risk situations such as counter-terrorism, VIP protection, and hostage rescue. The NSG has been involved in several significant operations throughout its history, one of the most notable being the response to the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks.

The 2008 Mumbai attacks were a series of coordinated shooting and bombing attacks that took place in Mumbai, India, from November 26 to November 29, 2008. The attacks were carried out by ten members of the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba. The attacks targeted several prominent locations in Mumbai, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, and other public places.

In response to these attacks, the National Security Guard launched a high-stakes operation named "Operation Black Tornado." The name "Black Tornado" symbolizes the dark and destructive nature of the terrorist attacks and the swift and powerful response of the NSG. The operation involved a coordinated effort to neutralize the terrorists and rescue hostages. The NSG commandos faced significant challenges, including the urban environment, the number of terrorists, and the duration of the attacks, which lasted for several days.

The NSG's involvement in Operation Black Tornado was crucial in bringing the attacks to an end. The operation highlighted the importance of specialized units in handling complex and high-risk situations. It also underscored the need for rapid response and coordination among various security forces during such crises.

It is important to note that the NSG has conducted several other significant operations over the years, each with its own codename. For example, Operation Safed Sagar was the codename for the Indian Army's operation during the Kargil War in 1999, and Operation Vijay was the codename for the Indian military operation in the same conflict. These operations are distinct from the 2008 Mumbai attacks and should not be confused with Operation Black Tornado.

Understanding the context and details of such operations is crucial for students preparing for competitive examinations, as these events are often part of the general knowledge and current affairs sections. It is essential to remember the specific names and contexts of these operations to avoid confusion and ensure accurate recall during examinations.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This is the correct answer. Operation Black Tornado was the name given to the operation conducted by the National Security Guard in 2008 to counter the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, particularly at the Taj hotel. The name reflects the severity and the swift response to the attacks.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. Operation Black Thunder is not the name given to the NSG operation in 2008. It might be confused with other operations or similar-sounding names.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Operation Safed Sagar was a military operation conducted by the Indian Army in 1999 during the Kargil War, not related to the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. Operation Vijay was the codename for the Indian military operation in 1999 during the Kargil War, not related to the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Mnemonic: Think "Black" for the dark event and "Tornado" for the swift response.

Back to Maharashtra Gk set 56 – Practice all questions