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Category — GS Paper 3 ///Published — 2026-05-23 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Rapid Fire CA, Quick Facts For Prelims, Security Forces ///Category — GS Paper 3 ///Published — 2026-05-23 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Rapid Fire CA, Quick Facts For Prelims, Security Forces ///

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BSF Women Conquers Everest: Mission Vande Mataram Achieves Historic Milestone

The Border Security Force achieved a landmark feat with its first all-women mountaineering expedition successfully scaling Mount Everest. Named 'Mission Vande Mataram', the expedition was part of BSF's Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the 150th anniversary of the national song. The team also undertook environmental responsibility by collecting waste from Everest camps under the 'Clean Himalaya – Clean Glaciers' campaign. BSF, India's 'First Line of Defence' established in 1965, guards borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh and functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

2026-05-23

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Mission Vande Mataram: Historic Achievement

The Border Security Force (BSF) created history with its first all-women mountaineering expedition successfully scaling Mount Everest, the world's highest peak. This landmark achievement marks a significant milestone in India's adventure and security history, showcasing the capabilities of women in security forces.

Key Highlights

Expedition Name: Mission Vande Mataram
Purpose: Part of BSF's Diamond Jubilee celebrations
Special Significance: 150th anniversary of the national song 'Vande Mataram'
Environmental Initiative: Under 'Clean Himalaya – Clean Glaciers' campaign, the team collected waste from Everest camps for proper disposal

About Border Security Force (BSF)

The BSF is regarded as India's "First Line of Defence" and holds a crucial position among India's security forces:

Established: 1st December 1965 (after the India-Pakistan war)
Primary Mandate: Guarding borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh
Force Classification: One of the seven Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) of India
Administrative Control: Functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)

Role of CAPFs

The Central Armed Police Forces include:

BSF (Border Security Force)
CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force)
CISF (Central Industrial Security Force)
ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police)
SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal)
NSG (National Security Guard)
AR (Assam Rifles)

Mount Everest: The Peak of Achievements

Geographical Details:

Height: 8,849 metres (29,032 feet) above sea level
Location: Himalayas on the Nepal–China border
Local Names: Sagarmatha (Nepal), Chomolungma (Tibet)

Historical Significance:

First successful ascent: 1953
First climbers: Sir Edmund Hillary (New Zealand) and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa (Nepal)
Named after Sir George Everest, a British surveyor-general of India

Constitutional and Legal Framework

Entry 2, List I (Union List): Defence of India and every part thereof
Border Security Force Act, 1968: Legal establishment and functioning of BSF
BSF operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs unlike the military which comes under Ministry of Defence

Significance for India

Women Empowerment: Demonstrates the expanding role of women in traditionally male-dominated security forces
Environmental Responsibility: Highlights India's commitment to preserving the Himalayan ecosystem
Soft Power: Showcases India's capabilities and cultural values through 'Vande Mataram'
Force Morale: Boosts prestige and motivation within CAPFs