Welcome to our latest blog post where we listed the recent “Anti-Crime & Rescue Operations” that have dominated the headlines in the realm of current affairs for the year 2023. In a world constantly evolving with challenges, these operations stand as remarkable demonstrations of strategic planning, collaboration, and unwavering dedication toward maintaining safety and upholding justice.
From tackling criminal networks to extending a helping hand in times of disaster, these operations demonstrate the relentless efforts made by law enforcement agencies and rescue teams to ensure the well-being of communities around the globe. Join us on this enlightening journey as we shed light on these remarkable operations, their objectives, and the impact they’ve had on our societies.
Also Read: All Lates National Affairs covered by Gkbooks
List of “Anti-Crime & Rescue Operations” in News 2023 [January – August]
Operation Jericho
▪ In the 1960s, a group of people in the Mizo Hills (now known as Mizoram) wanted to become independent from India. They started a movement to separate Mizoram from India.
▪ The Indian government sent in more soldiers to stop the movement. The people in Mizoram were angry about this and started a rebellion called Operation Jericho.
▪ Operation Jericho was a well-planned attack on the capital city of Aizawl. The rebels took control of the city in late February 1966.
▪ Many of the rebels were ex-soldiers who had been kicked out of the army for bad behavior.
▪ The rebels surrounded the headquarters of the Assam Rifles, released prisoners, stole weapons and money, and declared independence for Mizoram.
Operation Cucumber
▪ The Andaman and Nicobar Command of the Indian tri-services arrested seven foreign poachers in a joint operation. The operation was launched after a suspicious boat was seized off Barren Island by the Indian Coast Guard. The poachers were arrested and taken into custody.
Operation Aaag
▪ Operation Aag is a state-wide initiative carried out by the Kerala Police in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, aimed at curbing anti-social activities in the region. The operation involves a series of raids and arrests targeting individuals involved in criminal activities, including those listed under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities Prevention Act (KAAPA) who have returned after deportation, absconders despite KAAPA orders, warrant suspects, drug dealers, and other criminal elements.
Operation SADBHAVANA
▪ Operation Sadbhavana (Goodwill) stands as a distinctive and compassionate endeavor carried out by the Indian Army in the State of Jammu & Kashmir, aiming to address the aspirations of individuals impacted by the scourge of terrorism, which is sponsored and facilitated by Pakistan. This exceptional operation has effectively brought solace to a significant portion of the state’s population.
Operation Dost
▪ Operation Dost (which translates to Operation Friend) was a search and rescue mission launched by the Indian government to provide assistance to Syria and Turkey in the aftermath of the catastrophic Turkey-Syria earthquake on February 6, 2023.
▪ The earthquake had a devastating impact on both nations, with its epicenter located 37 km west of Gaziantep, Turkey. The term ‘Dost’ carries the meaning of ‘friend’ in both Hindi and Turkish languages.
The @adgpi medical team deployed under #OperationDost in Türkiye touches down in India.
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) February 20, 2023
The 99-member self-contained team successfully set up and ran a fully equipped 30-bedded Field Hospital in Iskenderun, Hatay, attending to nearly 4000 patients round the clock. pic.twitter.com/WrKHX2XN8k
Operation NARCOS
▪ Operation NARCOS is an initiative launched by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) with the objective of raising awareness about the serious issue of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
▪ This month-long nationwide campaign aimed to combat the smuggling of narcotics through the railway system in India. The RPF, in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau and other law enforcement agencies, conducted intensified inspections and checks on trains and at identified vulnerable locations across the country. The operation targeted individuals involved in the illegal trade of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, with the goal of curbing this illicit activity.
Operation AAHT
▪ In a bid to combat human trafficking, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has initiated a comprehensive nationwide campaign named “Operation AAHT,” this endeavor involves the deployment of specialized teams on all long-distance train routes, specifically dedicated to the rescue and liberation of victims, particularly women, and children, who are ensnared by traffickers.
Operation Interflex
▪ Operation Interflex is a British-led military operation to train and support the Ukrainian military. It is a successor to Operation Orbital and began in July 2022. Unlike Operation Orbital, Operation Interflex takes place in the United Kingdom and is supported by other countries.
Operation Joint Sword
Operation Joint Sword is a Chinese military exercise that encircled Taiwan. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) sent planes, ships, and personnel into the air and sea around Taiwan. The exercise was a show of force by China and a warning to Taiwan.
Operation Kaveri
▪ Operation Kaveri was an operation by the Indian Armed Forces to evacuate Indian citizens and foreign nationals from Sudan during the 2023 Sudan conflict. The operation began on April 24, 2023, and ended on May 5, 2023, after evacuating over 3,800 people.
▪ The Indian Navy used ships to evacuate people from Port Sudan, while the Indian Air Force used planes to fly people to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The operation was a success and helped to ensure the safety of Indian citizens and foreign nationals during a time of crisis.
Operation Maryada
▪ Operation Maryada is a special campaign launched by the Uttarakhand Police in the state of Uttarakhand, India, with the aim of maintaining cleanliness and orderliness at pilgrimage sites and tourist destinations.
▪ As part of this campaign, the police have taken actions such as arresting individuals engaged in hooliganism and drug peddling along the banks of the Ganges river and imposing fines on those who are found polluting tourist areas.
▪ The campaign also involves issuing challans (official notices of violation) to individuals who breach cleanliness and behavior guidelines. As of the stated time frame, the campaign has resulted in the arrest of 67 individuals and the issuance of challans to 2,703 people, with a total fine collection of ₹7,03,850.
Operation Samudragupt
▪ Operation Samudragupt is a joint operation by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of India and the Indian Navy to combat drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean region, specifically targeting ships coming from Pakistan and Afghanistan. The operation was started in January 2022 and has been successful in seizing a significant amount of drugs and arresting several drug dealers.
Operation Karuna
▪ Operation Karuna is an Indian relief initiative aimed at providing assistance to Myanmar in the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha, which caused extensive devastation in the region.
▪ This operation involves the deployment of Indian Navy ships carrying essential relief materials, such as emergency food items, tents, medicines, water pumps, portable generators, clothes, and sanitary items, among others, to Yangon and other affected areas.
▪ The operation underscores India’s commitment to extending a helping hand to Myanmar during times of crisis. The relief efforts are geared towards addressing the urgent needs of the affected communities, particularly in the Rakhine state, which was severely impacted by the cyclone.
Operation Dhvast
▪ Operation Dhvast is a crackdown by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on a network of terrorists, gangsters, and drug smugglers.
▪ The operation involved raids at 324 locations across eight states and one Union Territory. Three people were arrested as a part of the operation: Parveen Wadhwa from Bhiwani in Haryana, Irfan from New Seelampur in Delhi, and Jassa Singh from Moga in Punjab.
Operation Clean
▪ Operation Clean is a Punjab Police operation to stop drug smuggling. The police will closely monitor people who smuggle large amounts of drugs. This operation is part of the government’s plan to make Punjab drug-free.
Operation Amanat
▪ Operation Amanat is an innovative initiative undertaken by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) with the goal of facilitating the retrieval of lost luggage for passengers.
▪ This operation involves the use of a web portal (https://wr.indianrailways.gov.in/) where RPF personnel upload details and photographs of lost belongings from various divisions.
▪ Passengers can access this portal to check if their missing luggage is available at the Lost Property Office centers located at railway stations. Operation Amanat aims to streamline the process of reuniting passengers with their lost items within the railway premises and trains.
Operation Kawach
▪ Operation Kawach is a collaborative effort between the crime branch and district units of the Delhi Police aimed at addressing the issue of drug abuse in the national capital.
▪ Launched across various locations in Delhi, the operation involves targeted raids to combat drug trafficking and illegal alcohol distribution. As a result of these efforts, a significant number of arrests were made, with 31 drug traffickers and 12 bootleggers being apprehended during the operation.
Operation Conviction
▪ The Uttar Pradesh Police has launched a new program called “Operation Conviction” to combat criminals and organized crime in the state.
▪ The initiative focuses on expediting the conviction process, especially in cases involving heinous crimes such as rape, murder, cow slaughter, religious conversion, and those registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
▪ By ensuring swift arrests, meticulous investigations, robust evidence collection, and effective representation in courts, the authorities aim to ensure that criminals face justice quickly and efficiently.
Operation Broader Sword
▪ Operation Broader Sword is an investigation into shipments from India that enter the United States. The operation specifically targets illegal medications, including those that treat or mitigate serious diseases.
▪ Around 500 products were inspected during the operation, with a focus on identifying shipments containing controlled substances like opioids. The operation targeted packages that entered the US through the New York (JFK International Airport) and Chicago (ORD International Airport) International Mail Facilities (IMFs) during a specific time period.
Operation Trinetra II
▪ Operation Trinetra-II is a search and cordon operation by the Indian Army and Police in the Sindarah and Maidana areas of Surankote tehsil in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The operation is aimed at neutralizing hidden terrorists in the border district.
