
Welcome to
ONLiNE UPSC
In late November 2025, Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka, leading to catastrophic floods, landslides, and significant destruction. The cyclone unleashed severe weather, resulting in heavy rains that devastated multiple provinces. The disaster caused extensive infrastructure damage, affected agriculture, and left many families displaced.
With over 50 reported casualties and a disruption of essential services, the situation called for immediate international assistance. In response, India swiftly initiated its humanitarian outreach.
Operation Sagar Bandhu, translating to "Ocean Friend," is a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission launched by the Government of India. It aims to provide emergency support to Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. This operation reflects India's commitment to being a reliable partner during crises, particularly for its maritime neighbours.
This mission is part of India's broader strategy to strengthen regional ties through timely disaster responses and humanitarian aid.
This operation underscores India's strategic focus on enhancing regional maritime cooperation and delivering timely humanitarian aid in response to disasters.
Operation Sagar Bandhu serves as a testament to India's commitment to supporting its neighbours in times of crisis. By providing prompt humanitarian assistance, India reinforces its role as a dependable partner in the region, fostering solidarity and cooperation.
Q1. What was Cyclone Ditwah's impact on Sri Lanka?
Answer: Cyclone Ditwah caused severe floods, landslides, and significant destruction in Sri Lanka, leading to over 50 casualties and displacing thousands of families.
Q2. What is Operation Sagar Bandhu?
Answer: Operation Sagar Bandhu is India's humanitarian mission aimed at providing disaster relief to Sri Lanka post-Cyclone Ditwah, emphasizing regional solidarity.
Q3. How did India respond to the cyclone's aftermath?
Answer: India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, sending ships with essential supplies, food, and medicine to support the affected communities in Sri Lanka.
Q4. What ships were involved in Operation Sagar Bandhu?
Answer: INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri were deployed for the mission, carrying vital relief materials to Colombo for those impacted by the cyclone.
Q5. What does "Sagar Bandhu" mean?
Answer: "Sagar Bandhu" translates to "Ocean Friend," symbolizing India's role as a supportive partner to its maritime neighbours during crises.
Question 1: What was the main objective of Operation Sagar Bandhu?
A) To provide military support to Sri Lanka
B) To offer humanitarian assistance after Cyclone Ditwah
C) To conduct joint military exercises
D) To promote tourism in Sri Lanka
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which ships were deployed under Operation Sagar Bandhu?
A) INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri
B) INS Talwar and INS Kolkata
C) INS Kamorta and INS Shivalik
D) INS Vikrant and INS Mumbai
Correct Answer: A
Question 3: How many casualties were reported due to Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka?
A) 20
B) 50
C) 100
D) 200
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What does the term "Sagar Bandhu" signify?
A) Ocean Friend
B) Land Support
C) Maritime Cooperation
D) Humanitarian Aid
Correct Answer: A
Question 5: When did Cyclone Ditwah strike Sri Lanka?
A) November 2024
B) November 2025
C) December 2025
D) October 2025
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: What was the primary focus of India's response to the cyclone?
A) Economic sanctions
B) Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
C) Diplomatic negotiations
D) Military intervention
Correct Answer: B
Question 7: What type of cooperation does Operation Sagar Bandhu promote?
A) Economic cooperation
B) Cultural exchange
C) Maritime cooperation and humanitarian outreach
D) Military alliances
Correct Answer: C
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