Airborne Achilles

DEFENCE BUDGET AND THE BIG PICTURE A strong and capable military serves as a deterrent against any hostile intentions. The current situation at the borders during the pandemic should motivate us to overcome obstacles. The previous year has been challenging for the entire world, with the Covid-19 crisis causing unprecedented death and suffering. The global economy also experienced a significant downturn, which will take a long time to recover from. In addition to these difficulties, India faced an extra challenge in the form of China's aggressive actions in Ladakh, attempting to change borders amidst the ongoing pandemic. This has led to a substantial deployment of troops, weapons, and platforms on both sides of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and this situation is expected to continue. Considering these circumstances, it was widely anticipated that the defense budget would be increased this year. The budget was raised from 4.71 lakh crore to 4.78 lakh crore, but the incre

  INTERVIEW WITH LT GEN KJS DHILLON: DISCUSSING MILITARY LEADERSHIP AND NATIONAL SECURITY Lt Gen KJS Dhillon is a highly respected military officer known for his exceptional leadership skills and contributions to national security. With a distinguished career spanning several decades, Lt Gen Dhillon has played a crucial role in various military operations, including counter-terrorism efforts in Jammu and Kashmir. In this exclusive interview, we delve into his experiences, insights on military leadership, and thoughts on the evolving challenges to national security. Q: Thank you, Lt Gen Dhillon, for taking the time to speak with us today. Let's start with your experiences in leading military operations in challenging environments. What are the key qualities a leader must possess to effectively navigate such situations? A: Thank you for having me. In demanding situations, leadership plays a pivotal role. Firstly, a leader must have a clear vision and the ability to articulate i

  THE GALWAN KILLINS: NAIL IN THE COFFIN FOR INDO-CHINA RELATIONSHIP   The recent killings in the Galwan Valley have dealt a significant blow to the already strained relationship between China and India, leaving India extremely angry and dissatisfied. Over the past two months, the two countries have been locked in a series of confrontations along their disputed Himalayan border, creating the most severe crisis in their relations in more than five decades. While occasional border transgressions have occurred in the past, this current standoff is distinct and carries greater consequences, as it threatens to undermine the fragile framework that has prevented open hostility between China and India. Right from the beginning, it was evident that this border crisis would be different. Reports emerged in early May of physical altercations between Chinese and Indian border patrols, and Indian media made a startling revelation. China had deployed thousands of soldiers and artillery to mu

  A GHOST SOLDIER WHO PROTECTS INDIA’S BORDER   When it comes to serve the country, the soldiers actually never die. Military mythology is a thing, whether you believe in it or not. This is the story of Baba Harbhajan Singh, an Indian Army Soldier, who died in the year 1968. But you will be surprised to know that his ghost still protects the Eastern Borders and his brothers-in-arms at Indo-China Border. Harbhajan Singh was born in 1941, in a village of Punjab. He enrolled himself in the Indian Army at the age of 15, in the year 1956. He was initially allotted the Punjab Regiment, later on served in Signal Corps as well. He was transferred to 14 th Battalion of the Rajput Regiment and after the 1965 Indo-Pak War, was shifted to the 18 th Battalion of the Rajput Regiment.   While posted near Nathu-La Pass, he slipped and drowned in a glacier while leading a column of mules (Animal Transport) carrying supplies to a lonesome outpost in a very treacherous terrain, and met his end.

  WOMEN IN THE INDIAN ARMED FORCES “Girls shouldn’t speak LOUD” – He said, Entire platoon waiting for her command, answered him silently. The Indian Army commenced the induction of women in 1992, granting them commissions for a limited period in selected streams such as the Army Education Corps, Corps of Signals, Intelligence Corps, and Corps of Engineers. Women possess a natural inclination to encourage participation, share power and information, and display ruthlessness when necessary. They have a remarkable ability to boost the self-worth of their colleagues and extract their best qualities, which is a rare and desirable trait in a competent leader. While the armed forces in India are slowly opening their doors to women, their roles should be further diversified. For a long time, combat positions in the Indian Army have been exclusive to men. However, India is on track to join the select few countries worldwide that have broken the gender barrier. Women have already served in

  INDIA-PAKISTAN RELATIONS: NAVIGATING THE PATH TO LASTING PEACE AND COOPERATION Introduction: The relationship between India and Pakistan has been marred by decades of conflict, mistrust, and unresolved disputes. The long-standing animosity between the two nuclear-armed neighbours has not only affected their own stability and development but also has wider regional implications. These editorial aims to delve into the complexities of the India-Pakistan relationship, analyse the root causes of the conflict, and emphasize the need for both countries to prioritize dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual understanding in order to pave the way for lasting peace and cooperation.     Historical Context: Unravelling the Roots of the Conflict The India-Pakistan conflict can be traced back to the partition of British India in 1947, which resulted in the creation of two separate nations. The ensuing violence and mass migration left a deep scar on both countries and sowed the seeds of a bitt