NSG holds 7th Joint Anti-Terror Mock Drills Exercise TARKASH with US’ SOF in Kolkata

Current Context: The National Security Guard (NSG) and the US Special Operations Forces (SOF) have recently conducted the 7th edition of their joint counter-terrorism exercise, ‘Tarkash’, in Kolkata.

• This annual exercise commenced on April 22 and concluded on May 15.
• The three-week exercise encompassed intense training and mock drills in urban counter-terrorism scenarios.
• The drills included a wide spectrum of counter-terror operations in an urban environment, such as close quarter battle, building intervention drills, hostage rescue operations, surveillance, long-range sniping, and planning complex operations involving multiple targets in multiple locations.
• The primary objective of ‘Tarkash’ is to build functional relations and enhance interoperability between the two special forces, particularly in urban counter-terrorism contingencies.
• It also aims to improve bilateral cooperation between India and the US in matters relating to combating terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations.

Question:

Q.1 What is the name of the joint counter-terrorism exercise conducted by the National Security Guard (NSG) and the US Special Operations Forces (SOF)?
a. Operation Thunderbolt
b. Operation Tarkash
c. Operation Counterstrike
d. Operation Freedom