Current Affairs: Passage of the Week - 2026-01-12

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
The Indian Army on Saturday conducted exercise 'Sanjha Shakti', a joint Military-Civil Fusion exercise, at the Dighi Hills Range under the aegis of the Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa Area of the Southern Command.
The exercise focused on strengthening coordination between the armed forces and civilian agencies to deal with complex security challenges and emergency situations, as per a post shared by the Southern Command of the Indian Army on X.
According to the Indian Army, the exercise was aimed at enhancing civil-military synergy, improving rapid response capabilities and ensuring public safety.
More than 350 personnel participated in the drill, which brought together the Indian Army and 16 key civilian agencies, including the Maharashtra Police, Force One and various fire departments.
The joint exercise tested interoperability, communication protocols, decision-making processes and rapid response mechanisms through realistic, mission-oriented scenarios, the post said.
The Army stated that exercise Sanjha Shakti validated seamless coordination between civil and military stakeholders, particularly in situations involving, disaster response and public safety.
The emphasis was on preparedness and joint action to address emergencies in the hinterland effectively.
Lt Gen DS Kushwah, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding of the Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa Area, highlighted the importance of close civil-military cooperation.
He stressed that such synergy is critical for safeguarding the hinterland, responding swiftly to disasters and providing support to veterans and their families, as per the Indian Army's post.
The exercise reaffirmed the Indian Army's role in rear area security and public safety, the Southern Command said, adding that it underlined the shared commitment of civil and military agencies to work together under the framework of Military-Civil Fusion to ensure safety and security.
[Excerpt from TOI "Indian Army Conducts Exercise Sanjha Shakti in Maharashtra'" Dated 12/01/26]
Q1: The primary significance of Exercise "Sanjha Shakti" lies in which of the following aspects?
(a) Demonstrating the combat readiness of the Indian Army in border areas
(b) Strengthening coordination mechanisms between military and civilian agencies during emergencies
(c) Enhancing international military cooperation through joint drills
(d) Testing advanced weapon systems in difficult terrain

Q2: Which of the following situations would most likely require a response framework similar to that practised in Exercise "Sanjha Shakti"?
(a) A high-altitude standoff with a neighbouring country
(b) A natural disaster affecting civilian populations within the hinterland
(c) A naval operation in international waters
(d) A United Nations peacekeeping mission abroad

Q3: The participation of multiple civilian agencies along with the Indian Army primarily reflects which governance principle?
(a) Centralisation of authority
(b) Militarisation of civil administration
(c) Integrated and cooperative security management
(d) Delegation of defence responsibilities to civilians

Q4: From a strategic perspective, the emphasis on "rear area security" suggests that the Indian Army's role extends beyond:
(a) Tactical battlefield engagements
(b) Internal coordination within military units
(c) Support to frontline troops during wars
(d) Protection of only international borders

Q5: Which of the following best explains why interoperability and communication protocols were tested during the exercise?
(a) To prepare for offensive military operations
(b) To ensure efficient coordination during multi-agency emergency responses
(c) To evaluate civilian agencies' dependence on the armed forces
(d) To replace civilian disaster management mechanisms