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

(a) Operation Sankalp
(b) Operation Maitri
(c) Operation Sadbhavana
(d) Operation Madad

Correct Answer: (c) Operation Sadbhavana

Explanation:

Operation Sankalp:
- Initiated by: Indian Navy.
- Purpose: To ensure the safety and security of Indian vessels in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
- Background: Launched in response to attacks on merchant ships in the Gulf of Oman in June 2019.
- Deployment: Involves warships and aircraft to monitor and respond to maritime threats .
Operation Maitri:
- Initiated by: Indian Armed Forces.
- Purpose: Rescue and relief operation in Nepal following the 2015 Nepal earthquake.
- Scope: Included evacuation of Indian and foreign citizens, medical aid, and infrastructure rebuilding.
- Deployment: Involved medical teams, engineer task forces, and aviation assets .
Operation Sadbhavana:
- Initiated by: Indian Army.
- Purpose: Welfare activities in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to address the needs of people affected by terrorism.
- Activities: Running Army Goodwill Schools, infrastructure development projects, and educational tours.
- Objectives: National integration, women empowerment, employment generation, and development activities .
Operation Madad:
- Initiated by: Indian Navy.
- Purpose: Rescue and relief operations during natural disasters within India.
- Notable Operations: 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and 2018 Kerala floods.
- Deployment: Involves rescue teams, diving teams, and aerial sorties for relief and rescue .

Operation Sadbhavana:
- Objective: To uplift the local population in remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
- Key Activities:
  - Education: Running Army Goodwill Schools to improve educational standards.
  - Infrastructure Development: Projects include construction of community halls, water supply schemes, and road repairs.
  - Women Empowerment: Training programs in vocational skills like Pashmina shawl weaving and Yak cheese making.
  - Healthcare: Medical camps, provision of medical equipment, and upgradation of medical infrastructure.
  - Community Development: Initiatives like solar lighting, arboriculture, and establishment of bore wells.
- Impact: Enhances national integration, empowers women, generates employment, and contributes to nation-building .