Question

Read the following passage and do the activities:

A1. Complete the following web:     [2]

On August 1, 1964, in the rank of Air Marshal, the Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh took over reins of IAF, at a time when it was still rebuilding itself and was gearing up to meet new challenges. Singh was the first Air Chief to keep his flying currency till his CAS rank. Having flown over 60 different types of aircraft from pre-World War II era biplanes to the more contemporary Gnats and Vampires, he has also flown in transport aircraft like the Super Constellation. In 1965, when Pakistan launched its Operation Grand Slam, with an armoured thrust targeted at the vital town of Akhnoor, Singh led IAF through the war with courage, determination and professional skill. He inspired IAF to victory, despite the constraints imposed on the full-scale use of Air Force combat power. Singh was awarded Padma Vibhushan for his astute leadership of the Air Force during the war. Subsequently, in recognition of the Air Force’s contribution during the war, the rank of the CAS was upgraded and Arjan Singh became the first Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force. He remained a flyer to the end of his tenure in IAF, visiting forward bases and units and flying with the squadrons. He retired in August 1969, there upon accepting Ambassadorship to Switzerland. He was Lieutenant Governor of Delhi from December 1989 to December 1990.

A2. Answer the following questions:     [2]

1. Why was Singh awarded Padma Vibhushan?
2. What posts did Arjan Singh hold after his retirement from IAF?

A3. Complete the crossword with the help of clues given:     [2]

ACROSS

2. ESSENTIAL
4. VERB FORM OF COURAGE

DOWN

1. VERB FORM OF POWER
3. TERM, DURATION

A4. Do as directed:     [2]

1. Arjan Singh became the first Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force.
   (Rewrite as a negative sentence)
2. Singh led the IAF.
   (Begin the sentence with - The IAF.....)

A5. Would you like to join the armed forces? Justify your answer.     [2]

Answer 1

A1.

 

A2.

1. Singh was awarded the Padma Vibhushan for his astute leadership of the Air Force during the 1965 war against Pakistan.
2. After retiring from the IAF in 1969, he served as the Ambassador to Switzerland and later as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi (from December 1989 to December 1990).

A3.

A4.

1. Arjan Singh did not fail to become the first Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force.
2. The IAF was led by Singh.

A5. Yes, I would like to join the armed forces because it offers a unique opportunity to serve the nation with honour and discipline. Being part of such an organization instils a sense of purpose and courage, and it is truly inspiring to contribute to the security and well-being of the country, much like the leadership demonstrated by figures such as Arjan Singh.