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For a country struggling to fight brutal poverty, internal conflicts, political instability, and bureaucratic inefficiency, the 1990s was a breath of fresh air. The economy was liberalised, the IT industry started booming, a telecom revolution was underway, a successful nuclear test was conducted, and the emergence of strong regional parties gave voice to the politically weak sections. But on May 3, 1999, as Pakistani intrusion was reported at the Kargil borders, India was on the cusp of losing a decade-long progress to an unprovoked war. Over the next three months, the Indian armed forces fought with all might not just to defend the borders, but to show to the world that its preference for peace is not a sign of weakness. Kargil Vijay Diwas, commemorated annually on July 26th, stands as a testament to India's indomitable spirit and the unwavering courage of its armed forces. This day marks the culmination of the Kargil War, a conflict that tested the nation's mettle and forged a legacy of heroism. Addressing the 25th celebrations of the Kargil War victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Kargil War win is neither the victory of any government in power nor of any political group, it is the heritage and the victory of 140 crore people of India. <h2>The genesis</h2>Despite signing the Lahore Declaration in February 1999 for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue, a covert infiltration by Pakistani troops into the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir in May 1999 triggered a crisis. Disguised as militants, they occupied strategic positions along the Line of Control (LoC), aiming to disrupt the Kashmir-Ladakh link. The Indian Army, upon discovering the intrusion from local shepherds, launched Operation Vijay, a counter-offensive to reclaim the occupied heights. <h2>Battling against nature and the enemy</h2>The Kargil War was a gruelling ordeal, fought in the unforgiving Himalayan terrain. Soldiers battled not only the enemy but also the harsh, high-altitude conditions. The covert movement of the Pak army helped them position themselves at strategically advantageous, high-altitude positions. As temperatures plummeted and oxygen levels dwindled, the rugged mountains posed immense logistical challenges to the ground forces. Yet, the Indian Army, driven by patriotism and a relentless determination to protect the nation's sovereignty, pressed on. <h2>Heroes of the Kargil War</h2>The Kargil War produced a pantheon of heroes whose bravery continues to inspire generations. Captain Vikram Batra, with his iconic battle cry "Yeh Dil Mange More," led his troops to capture Point 4875, a pivotal victory. Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, displaying exceptional courage, made the supreme sacrifice while defending his post. These brave soldiers, among many others, epitomized the indomitable spirit of the Indian Army. The Kargil War galvanized the nation. People from all walks of life came together to support the armed forces. The collective outpouring of patriotism and solidarity fueled the soldiers' resolve. Nearly 500 Indian soldiers lost their lives battling the enemy in unforgiving Himalayan terrains. The war also highlighted the sacrifices made by the families of the martyrs, whose courage and resilience were equally inspiring. <h2>A legacy of valour</h2>Kargil Vijay Diwas is more than just a commemoration; it is a reaffirmation of India's commitment to peace and security. The sacrifices made by the brave soldiers who fought in the Kargil War will forever be etched in the nation's memory. Their unwavering courage and determination continue to inspire future generations to serve the country with dedication and honour. As India celebrates the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas today, it is essential to remember the heroes who laid down their lives for the nation. Their supreme sacrifice will never be forgotten by a country on its path to glory on a global stage. <h2>A continued tragedy</h2>The Kargil War left behind a deadly legacy along with long-term trauma among the local residents and the defence personnel who fought valiantly. As per a TOI report, unexploded bombs scattered across the region continue to pose a significant threat to the local population. In 2023 — 24 years after the tragic war — a total of around 336 such unexploded bombs were reportedly neutralised by the Army. Residents live in constant fear of accidental detonations, especially during construction or excavation work. These incidents have resulted in multiple casualties in the past several years, including the tragic death of a young child. Despite the passage of 25 years, the Army remains actively engaged in defusing these dangerous remnants of war. Even this year, as many as 103 such bombs were defused by the Army. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112016324" title="Ex-army officer runs 160 km, 40 km per day, to mark Kargil Vijay Diwas anniversary" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"><payload><![CDATA[seealso]]></payload></div> <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112031216" title="Families of soldiers pays tribute to soldiers who lost lives in 1999 Kargil War" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"><payload><![CDATA[seealso]]></payload></div> <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Kargil Vijay Diwas: A tale of valour and sacrifice

The induction of Rafale into Indian Air Force (IAF) today is expected to be a pivotal turning point that will augment the capabilities of Indian Defense Forces. Certainly a game changer by all means, Rafale aircraft in the Indian Air Force will mean the country winning a prime place among the countries that boast of superior fighting aircrafts. When compared with the air power of Pakistan and many other South Asian countries, Rafale will lift up India’s competence significantly though comparing with China’s air strength will be a long way to go. Here are the top characteristics of Rafale that will explain why Rafale is different from Indian fighter aircrafts. The need we confront For about twenty years, India has been viewed to be disadvantaged in terms of long-range arms and sensors vis-a-vis PAF. Rafale will change this fate and bestow on the IAF the crucial edge with far better weapons and sensors. Two F16s need to combine together to counter-challenge a single /Rafale in the air. Since the American Jets have superior radar and missiles, two Su 30MKI need to be knotted to fight one of PAK F16. What India will achieve with Rafale? The weapons package that Rafale will get for India will capacitate India with the ability to engage Pakistani jets from a long distance without the risk of being tracked. In addition, the air-to-ground SCALP missile can precisely track down any target on the Pakistani territory with ease. The precision long-range ground attack missile can attack the specific target accurately. Since Rafale has a range of more than 300 kms, Indian aircrafts will not need to cross the LOC since the operations similar to Balakot can be conducted from within the Indian airspace. Rafale features beyond visual range air to air missile that is the best today. The aircraft can take out the enemy aircraft from a range of more than 100 kms. There is no escape zone of more than 60 km, the missile can easily overtake those of the American origin. What is special about the Rafale aircraft supplied to India? Already countries like France and Egypt have been operating Rafale jets, those that have been supplied to India are more sophisticated and highly customized to meet the specific needs that IAF has today. The pilots can significantly benefit from the helmet mounted sights and targeting systems and can shoot off the weapons with lightning speed. Rafale can easily take off from high altitude air bases like Leh on a cold start in order to carry out quick deployment AMRAAM presently with Pak in a highly accurate manner. The towed decoy system can thwart the incoming missile attacks. Upon the induction of Rafale into the IAF, France will provide industrial support for about 50 years. The future ahead of Rafale in IAF India has plans to acquire not less 36 more Rafale jets. The infrastructure necessary to accommodate them is now ready and a deal to purchase 36 more will cost the country considerably lesser since the specific enhancements required by India have been already paid for. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

What is special about the Rafale aircraft supplied to India?

<ul><li>A new study highlights that a nuclear war between India and Pakistan would result in the deaths of 125 million people. </li><li>The resulting pollution from the nuclear attacks would get trapped in the Earth’s atmosphere resulting in global cooling. </li><li>The drop in temperatures could trigger mass starvation following a reduction in the ocean’s productivity and vegetation growth. </li></ul>The brewing tensions between India and Pakistan have to simmer down. Otherwise, the possible consequences could be disastrous. If a nuclear war were to break out between the countries, not only would it result in mass casualties but worldwide collateral damage, according to a new study published in <a href="https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/5/10/eaay5478">Science Advances</a>. "India and Pakistan are of special concern because of a long history of military clashes including serious recent ones, lack of progress in resolving territorial issues, densely populated urban areas, and ongoing rapid expansion of their respective nuclear arsenals," the environmental study stated. Scientists predict that India and Pakistan may have 400 to 500 nuclear weapons between themselves, by 2025. They would only have to use a fraction of those weapons to unleash destruction. Blocking out sunlight According to the study, if India uses 100 of its nuclear weapons to target urban centers in Pakistan. And, if Pakistan reciprocates by launching 150 of its own nuclear missiles, the death toll could reach 125 million. The resulting smoke from on-ground nuclear fires would get trapped in the lowest level of the atmosphere — the troposphere, which is 10 to 15 kilometers above the Earth’s surface — and spread around the globe in a matter of weeks. The density of the smoke would block out 20-35% of the incoming sunlight followed by global cooling of 2 degrees Celsius to 5 degrees Celsius. And, it could take the Earth more than 10 years to recover from the catastrophe. "Such a war would threaten not only the locations where bombs might be targeted but the entire world," said <a href="https://news.rutgers.edu/nuclear-war-between-india-and-pakistan-could-kill-millions-worldwide/20190924">Alan Robock</a>, the lead author of the study. The domino effect Global cooling is only one immediate after-effect of the nuclear war between India and Pakistan. It would also mean that precipitation would fall by an average of 15-30% worldwide with the regional impact being much greater. Because there will be less rain, vegetation growth will also decline by 15-30% and the ocean’s productivity would be affected by 5-15%, triggering mass starvation across the world. The researchers clarify that it’s unlikely that either country will actually unleash nuclear weapons but they could be used by accident — for instance, if either of their defence systems were hacked. "The only way to prevent this is to eliminate them (nuclear weapons)," stated Robock. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

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Kargil Vijay Diwas: A tale of valour and sacrifice

Deekshith Pinto

What is special about the Rafale aircraft supplied to India?

BI India Bureau

A nuclear war between India and Pakistan would result in 125…

Prabhjote Gill