Context:
Centre has empowered Chief of Army Staff to call personnel of Territorial Army (TA)
Territorial Army (TA):
- Part of the Regular Army: TA members are civilians who balance their regular jobs with military service when needed.
- Often called Terriers.
- Functions as the 2nd line of defense after the Regular Army.
- Primary Responsibilities –
- Relieves the Regular Army from static duties.
- Assists Civil Administration in managing natural calamities.
- Helps maintain essential services during critical situations.
- Evolution of Territorial Army –
- 1917: Enactment of the Indian Defence Force Act, with leaders like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose joining the University Corps.
- 1920: Passage of the Indian Territorial Force Bill.
- 1948: Territorial Army Act passed after Independence.
- 1949: Official inauguration on October 9 by C. Rajagopalachari, celebrated as TA Day.
- Eligibility Criteria –
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Graduation from a recognized university.
- Must be gainfully employed.
- Significant Role in Wars & Operations –
- Actively participated in 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars.
- Key role in Operation PAWAN (Sri Lanka) and Operation RAKSHAK (Punjab & J&K).
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2016 Prelims]
(a) Amphibious warfare ship
(b) Nuclear-powered submarine
(c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
(d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
Answer: (c)