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India, amidst its diverse landscapes, hosts several awe-inspiring <keyword id="6616544" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Glaciers" source="Orion">glaciers</keyword> that contribute significantly to the country's natural beauty and ecological balance. Here are ten remarkable glaciers spread across different regions of India: Siachen Glacier, Ladakh: Situated in the eastern Karakoram Range, the Siachen Glacier is the world's highest battleground and one of the largest glaciers outside the polar regions. Its icy expanse is both breathtaking and treacherous, attracting adventurers and researchers alike. Gangotri Glacier, Uttarakhand: The Gangotri Glacier, the primary source of the Ganges River, holds immense religious significance. Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, it's a vital pilgrimage site and a remarkable natural wonder, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks. Zanskar Glacier, Ladakh: Located in the remote Zanskar region, the Zanskar Glacier is a colossal mass of ice and snow. Accessible through a thrilling trek, this glacier presents a stunning sight amid rugged terrains and towering peaks. Pindari Glacier, Uttarakhand: A popular trekking destination in the Kumaon region, the Pindari Glacier allures adventurers with its panoramic views and pristine surroundings. The trek offers glimpses of the Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot peaks. Biafo Glacier, Ladakh: The Biafo Glacier in Ladakh, part of the Karakoram Range, is famous for being one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions. It's a remote and challenging trekking destination, rewarding visitors with mesmerizing vistas. Milam Glacier, Uttarakhand: Nestled in the Kumaon Himalayas, the Milam Glacier boasts unparalleled beauty and tranquility. It's accessible through a trek from Munsiyari and offers stunning views of peaks like Nanda Devi and Trishul. Satopanth Glacier, Uttarakhand: The Satopanth Glacier sits at the base of the majestic Satopanth Peak in the Garhwal Himalayas. Reaching this glacier involves a challenging trek and rewards adventurers with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Patsio Glacier, Himachal Pradesh: Tucked away in the Pir Panjal Range, the Patsio Glacier remains relatively lesser-known. The trek to this glacier unveils serene landscapes, alpine meadows, and a sense of untouched wilderness. Kolahoi Glacier, Jammu and Kashmir: The Kolahoi Glacier in the Kolahoi Mountain Range is a captivating sight in the Kashmir Valley. While reaching the glacier is challenging, the views of the surrounding peaks and valleys are truly mesmerizing. Drang Drung Glacier, Jammu and Kashmir: Nestled in the Zanskar Range, the Drang Drung Glacier is a striking natural wonder. Its trek offers views of pristine valleys, glistening icefields, and rugged terrains, creating an unforgettable experience. These ten glaciers in India showcase the country's rich natural heritage and serve as crucial sources of freshwater for various rivers. While some are accessible through challenging treks, all offer glimpses of breathtaking beauty, making them essential destinations for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Note: The article is based on content generated by AI models like Bard and Chatgpt.

Exploring India's majestic glaciers: 10 frozen wonders

<ul><li>State Bank of India, is all set to open a branch at Diksit which is located 10,310 ft. above the sea level in Ladakh. </li><li>SBI will inaugurate the branch on September 14, 2019. </li></ul>India's largest lender, State Bank of India, is going to great lengths and heights to serve its customers. It is all set to open a branch at Diksit in <keyword id="1871976" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nubra-Valley">Nubra Valley</keyword> which is located 10,310 ft. above the sea level, in Ladakh. “SBI is making its presence felt in areas where others fear to tread. With an indomitable spirit, SBI reaches out even to the most difficult terrains of the country to provide banking services,” the company said. This branch will be inaugurated on September 14, 2019. World's highest altitude bank branch is located at 14,393 ft above the sea level in Macusani, Puno in Peru, according to the Guinness world records. SBI has ATMs in Leh, a union territory located at 11,562 ft above the sea level. However, the highest ATM in the world is located at 13,200 ft in Thegu, India. This move came in spite of the fact that SBI slowed down its pace of expansion. Before merging itself with associate banks, it had opened 750-800 branches annually. However, the number reduced to 250 following the merger. See Also: 
 <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="67360223" title="Why bathing may no longer be a ‘luxury’ for Indian soldiers deployed at the Siachen glacier - the world’s highest battlefield" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

India's largest bank set to open a branch at 10,310 ft above sea level in Ladakh

As the mercury plummets and the latest weather forecast predicts fresh rounds of <keyword id="10265" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Snow">snow</keyword> across the Indian mountains, a gleeful crowd from home and abroad goes traipsing upon the ethereal <keyword id="918784" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="ski-slopes">ski slopes</keyword>. Heading off to the <keyword id="23693" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Swiss-Alps">Swiss Alps</keyword> or <keyword id="2005582" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Val-dIsre">Val d’Isère</keyword> in <keyword id="6354785" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="France">France</keyword> might be the classic choice of many, but <keyword id="2005583" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Powder-skiing">powder skiing</keyword> in the <keyword id="52569" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="himalayas">Himalayas</keyword> is getting increasingly popular among local and <keyword id="1704954" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="global-tourists">global tourists</keyword> in love with <keyword id="1614562" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="winter-sports">winter sports</keyword>. India is now home to a dozen or so <keyword id="2005584" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ski-areas">ski areas</keyword> and plans are afoot to build several international standard <keyword id="78303" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ski-resorts">ski resorts</keyword>. 
 <keyword id="90842" type="SPORT" weightage="100" keywordseo="skiing">Skiing</keyword> took off in the country during the days of the <keyword id="81273" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="British-Raj">British Raj</keyword> when two army officers first started the <keyword id="2005578" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ski-Club-of-India">Ski Club of India</keyword> in <keyword id="108228" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gulmarg">Gulmarg</keyword> back in 1927. Fast-forward to 2014 and you will find improved facilities, along with the eternally breathtaking <keyword id="6439698" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="mountain">mountain</keyword> views, the best <keyword id="2005590" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Powder-snow">powder snow</keyword> and the vast, undulating <keyword id="2005591" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Snowy-tracks">snowy tracks</keyword> – from <keyword id="2005592" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gentle-slopes">gentle slopes</keyword> and <keyword id="2005593" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Groomed-trails">groomed trails</keyword> to <keyword id="2005595" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Steep-bowls">steep bowls</keyword>, <keyword id="2005596" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chutes">chutes</keyword> and <keyword id="2005598" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tree-runs">tree runs</keyword> spilling off the magnificent ridges. Gulmarg in <keyword id="23412" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jammu-Kashmir">Jammu &amp; Kashmir</keyword> and <keyword id="484044" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Auli">Auli</keyword> in <keyword id="44522" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Uttarakhand">Uttarakhand</keyword> are the showpiece destinations, especially Auli, which features the <keyword id="2005599" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Second-largest-slopes-in-Asia">second largest slopes in Asia</keyword>. A research survey by the <keyword id="2005579" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Alpine-Tourism-Promotion-Council">Alpine Tourism Promotion Council</keyword> (ATPC) considers Auli’s slopes to be the best in the world. 
 <keyword id="2005600" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Heli-skiing">Heli-skiing</keyword> in the Himalays is another fabulous experience as the chopper flies one to spectacular heights and the <keyword id="105846" type="POSITION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Skier">skier</keyword> rides down the unexplored slopes – the perfect setting for this great <keyword id="6739232" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Adventure-sport">adventure sport</keyword>. The thrill-hunters can also go <keyword id="2005604" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Yak-skiing">yak skiing</keyword> in <keyword id="6363190" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Manali">Manali</keyword> – an <keyword id="2005608" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Extreme-snow-sport">extreme snow sport</keyword> only meant for the brave hearts. Those looking for <keyword id="2005609" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Off-season-skiing">off-season skiing</keyword> would not be disappointed either. There is <keyword id="2005611" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Grass-skiing-in-summer">grass skiing in summer</keyword>, held on a 120 meter-long grassy slope in <keyword id="569617" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Solang-Valley">Solang Valley</keyword> where one can use special <keyword id="2005612" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Skis-fitted-with-wheels">skis fitted with wheels</keyword>. If you are already feeling excited and want to chill out among the snow, slopes and the wild <keyword id="383218" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="slides">slides</keyword> and <keyword id="95340" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tumbles">tumbles</keyword>, here is a look at India’s 7 <keyword id="2005614" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Best-skiing-destinations">best skiing destinations</keyword>. 
 
Image: Wikipedia

Time To Celebrate The Snow: Check Out These 7 Ski Destinations
In India

The standoff between Indian and Chinese soldiers in <keyword id="8093222" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="eastern-Ladakh-region">eastern Ladakh region</keyword> in the last one-and-a-half months is likely to fester for longer than any other such faceoffs in recent years, and could surpass the 73-day conflict in <keyword id="4708082" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="doklam">Doklam</keyword> in 2017. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="76438507" title="The next few days are going to be stormy for India and China say a former diplomat and retired lieutenant general" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> The eastern Ladakh crisis is an unprecedented situation if compared to the Doklam standoff, which was resolved after little more than 70 days. The tense situation in Galwan Valley in all likelihood would be a prolonged feud since India has lost 20 of its soldiers. Also, what is disturbing is that 10 Indian soldiers, including officers, were in the captivity of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) for three days after one of the bloodiest attacks was carried out by China on June 15 at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). There is a renewed fury in Indian security establishments after it came to light that a total 10 Indian Army men, including two officers of the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and Major, were in Chinese Army captivity for three days and were released only on Thursday evening. The barbaric assault on Indian Army soldiers at patrolling point 14 on June 15 has left little scope to ease the tension between the two countries in near future. China's deceptive method to change status quo China has changed the status quo at four places in eastern Ladakh to which India has objected. The four standoff points are Finger Four in north bank of Pangong Lake, patrolling point 14 near Galwan Valley, patrolling point 15 and patrolling point 17A, which is also known as Hot Springs. At these four points, troop concentration has increased manifold as China changed the status quo. The Chinese deceptive move underlining its expansionist design kick-started after India had begun building road infrastructure in its territory near the Line of Actual Control for easy movement of troops. The Galwan Valley attack on Indian soldiers on June 15 was not an isolated incident. The unprovoked offensive by the Chinese PLA started from May 5 and kept happening over few intervals, leading to the barbaric attack on the night of June 15 in which 76 soldiers were injured and 20 were killed. Those were the first casualties faced by the Indian Army in a clash with the Chinese PLA since 1975 when an Indian patrol was ambushed by Chinese troops in Arunachal Pradesh. Indian Army troops were outnumbered by 1:5 ratio when PLA troops attacked patrolling point number 14 at the Line of Actual Control. PLA troops "savagely attacked" Indian Army personnel, sources said on Wednesday. "The numbers of Indian Army troops compared to PLA troops were of 1:5 ratio," said sources, adding that China used thermal imaging drones to trace Indian army soldiers before brutally attacking them. "It was the deadliest attack carried on Indian Army personnel," government sources said. The Doklam crisis The Doklam crisis of 2017 was totally different from the current situation in eastern Ladakh region, as it was not taking place on a territory disputed between the two countries. China was carrying out infrastructural development work in Doklam, the tri-junction of three countries -- India, China and Bhutan -- to which India had objected. China then claimed that there was a boundary dispute between Bhutan and China in which India had no claims. However, India refuted and stood its ground, matching the deployment of Chinese troops for 73 days. The standoff was triggered by China, which said it was constructing a road within its territory. This was disputed by India, which said the Chinese road construction site was Bhutanese territory. In Doklam, India feared that the Chinese road would give its military access to heights from where it could threaten the Siliguri Corridor, India's tenuous link with its northeastern regions. The crisis was resolved with diplomatic maturity without losing any ground. There was no change in the status quo on the ground and the faceoff ended on August 28, 2017. The Eastern Ladakh Crisis The faceoff in eastern Ladakh, where China has intruded into Indian territory, has escalated into intense hostility and both the countries have increased troop deployments at four strategic locations. The Chinese are trying to usurp Indian land and even launched a massive propaganda campaign to claim that its troops were positioned within the Chinese border, which is a lie that has been exposed by international think-tanks keeping a close watch on India-China border developments. The Chinese military has positioned itself at strategic locations in such a way that it will give them the edge to challenge road construction by India. China does not want any threatening build-up of military infrastructure in the Sub Sector North, which lies just to the east of Siachen glacier and is the only area that provides direct access to Aksai Chin from India. In the meantime, India has maintained that it needs to build infrastructure in its own territory at the Line of Actual Control and cannot compromise on it. This has led to the current crisis. Escalated Hostility In his first remarks on the bloody border clash between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made it clear on Wednesday that India wants peace, but is capable of giving a befitting reply if provoked. The Prime Minister said, "I would like to assure the nation that the sacrifice of our jawans will not go in vain. For us, India's unity and sovereignty is most important and no one can stop us from protecting them. No one should have a doubt on this point. India wants peace, but is capable of giving a befitting reply in every way." This clear message comes against the backdrop of the Chinese army and its Foreign Ministry's blatant lie claiming control over the Galwan Valley. Although historical facts and documents have exposed Chinese sinister claims, the move itself highlights Chinese intent to change the status quo in the Ladakh region. The Indian security establishments have clearly said that India will not let the Chinese take even an inch of its territory. The Indian government and security officials believe that the situation will remain tense in the coming months even as both countries are trying to resolve the vexed issues through dialogue. India is also looking at a multi-pronged approach to deal with China by curtailing its business activities in the country. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/experts-believe-that-the-india-china-border-dispute-is-unlikely-to-turn-into-another-war-like-the-one-in-1962/articleshow/76128454.cms">India and China are testing each other at the Ladakh border— but it won’t be another war like in 1962, according to experts</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/foreign-policy/news/the-fear-of-china-has-put-the-global-spotlight-on-india-its-raked-up-three-comprehensive-strategic-partnerships-in-the-last-24-months/slidelist/76258833.cms">The fear of China has put the global spotlight on India ⁠⁠— its raked up three Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships in the last 24 months</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/foreign-policy/news/three-reasons-why-china-showed-aggression-against-india-on-border-according-to-a-former-diplomat/articleshow/76462632.cms">China wants India to stay in its lane — three reasons why China is puffing its chest, according to a former diplomat</a>

Ladakh military faceoff with China may go on for longer than the Doklam conflict

<ul><li>The temperatures at Siachen can go as low as -15C, making snow goggles and boots a necessity. </li><li>The CAG audit found out a deficiency of 24-100% and 41-100% in Extreme Cold Clothing and Equipment (ECC&amp;E) at two depots. </li><li>“There was also inadequate special ration for these soldiers, affecting their calorie intake by 82%,” the report said. </li></ul>Indian soldiers at high altitudes like Ladakh and the glacier of Siachen are battling the weather more than enemies. Their arsenal is weak too, says a Comptroller and Auditor General report. The supplies of necessities like snow goggles and boots are so low that they are forced to use old and recycled ones. The report tabled in Lok Sabha said that the requirements were delayed up to four years. Siachen is always covered with snow at a very low temperature of -15C. It is impossible for humans to survive without the right kind of protection. Boots, goggles and clothes Between November 2015 and September 2016, a shortage of multipurpose boots, which can protect feet in temperatures of -55 degrees Celsius, forced personnel to opt for recycled boots, CAG report said. The report also showed a shortage of 750 snow goggles on account of “poor supplies” from the Ordnance Factory, Dehradun. The CAG audit found out a deficiency of 24-100% and 41-100% in Extreme Cold Clothing and Equipment (ECC&amp;E) at two depots, where the Northern Command Army Headquarters Reserve of such items is stocked. Food in short supply and sub-standard products Apart from basic amenities, lack of food is also affecting these soldiers. “This defeats the very purpose of constituting the empowered committee besides undermining the objectives of annual provisioning reviews. There was also inadequate special ration for these soldiers, affecting their calorie intake by 82%,” the report said. The report said that face masks procured for the troops as “substandard”. It also pointed to possible irregularities in the procurement of 31,779 “sub-standard sleeping bags” at an extra cost of ₹7.74 crore. A pilot project was also organized to improve housing conditions at a higher altitude for the troops. But it failed, according to CAG. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/indian-defence-budget-allocation-news-and-updates/articleshow/73830979.cms">India’s defence budget 2020 increased 9% but not enough to meet the defence needs</a>

Indian soldiers in frozen Siachen and Ladakh forced to walk with old shoes and worn-out clothes, says CAG

Viewers would remember having been left awe-struck by <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Aamir+Khan&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Aamir Khan</a>'s many science experiments in the 2009 blockbuster '<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=3+Idiots&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">3 Idiots</a>' -- now <keyword id="6470711" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sonam-Wangchuk">Sonam Wangchuk</keyword>, the inspiration behind <keyword id="6355923" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Aamir-Khan">Aamir Khan</keyword>'s "Phunsukh Wangdu" character in the film, has gained further global recognition bagging the prestigious Rolex Awards for Enterprise 2016. 
 
The awards were presented on Tuesday in Los Angeles to those "who have reshaped the world with their innovative thinking and dynamism". Sonam's "Ice Stupas" project is among the five winners this year at the awards. 
 Sonam Wangchuk, a 50-year-old Ladakhi engineer, has been attempting to solve the problem of lack of water for agriculture in the desert landscapes of the western <keyword id="52569" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="himalayas">Himalayas</keyword> by building "Ice Stupas". 
 The <keyword id="26604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="ladakh">Ladakh</keyword> region, at roughly 3,500-metre altitude between the Kunlun and Great Himalayan mountain ranges, faces acute water shortage during the April-May early crop-growing period. Wangchuk was certain that access to water in the desert landscapes around many high altitude towns and villages of Ladakh could be improved if the huge seasonal outflow of glacial water could be frozen. 
 
Inspired by the experimental work of a fellow Ladakhi engineer, Chewang Norphel, Wangchuk developed a simple and effective system, creating what he calls "ice stupas" -- conical ice mounds that behave like mini-glaciers, slowly releasing water for the growing season. 
 
"The Rolex Award funds will support the project and promote ice stupas as a climate-change adaptation and desert-greening technique," Wangchuk said in a statement released by Rolex. 
 
Wangchuk intends to build up to 20 such ice stupas, each 30 metres high and capable of supplying millions of litres of water. The long-term aim is to build an alternative university and engage youth in the environment. 
 
Wangchuk is currently working on establishing an alternative university on the 65-hectare land donated by the village that will engage youth from Ladakh, the Himalayas and other mountain regions of the world in finding their own solutions to the challenges facing them. 
 
"The Rolex Awards were designed to support those whose own spirit of enterprise mirrored the enterprising spirit on which the company was founded," Rebecca Irvin, Head of Philanthropy at Rolex, said in the release. 
(image: IndiaTimes)

This Ladakhi engineer who inspired Aamir Khan’s role in 3 Idiots just received a prestigious global award

For the first time in 70 years, <keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> has changed its posture towards <keyword id="1334" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="China">China</keyword>, unlike its previous defensive approach that placed a premium on fending on Chinese aggression, India is now catering military options to strike back and has reoriented its military accordingly. India has reoriented around 50,000 troops whose main focus will be the disputed border with China. Sources said that the Mathura-based 1 strike Corp, earlier tasked to cross the western borders into <keyword id="3001" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pakistan">Pakistan</keyword>, has been reoriented from its position to disputed border areas with China. In addition to this, in the Central Sector - the least disputed portion of the border running along with Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand to Nepal, deployment has also been strengthened with at least division level troops. A Division of the Indian Army has at least 10,000 troops. The Panagarh based Mountain Strike Corps has been assigned to the Eastern sector of the border. The XVII Mountain Strike Corps, also called the Brahmastra Corps, has been assigned to hit back along with the eastern sector when the need arises. The Mountain Strike Corps was cleared by the <keyword id="6356303" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Centre">Centre</keyword> about a decade ago but it had only one Division attached to it so far. The government is taking all requisite steps for strengthening of the Mountain Strike Corps. This reorientation of the troops will lessen the soldiers dedicated solely to Pakistan but at the same time, more acclimatized troops who can shift from the northern border to the western border with Pakistan will be available to Indian military planners. This gives the Indian defence establishment a higher level of maneuverability and flexibility vis-a-vis its neighbours. The reorientation comes when China is refurbishing its existing air-fields in Tibetan Plateau that will allow twin-engines fighter aircraft to be stationed, sources said. In addition, China has also brought troops from the Tibet Military region to the <keyword id="46500" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Xinjiang">Xinjiang</keyword> region -- which largely extends from Karakoram pass to down south Uttarakhand. Further, they have deployed larger numbers of long range artillery and are rapidly building infrastructure in the Tibetan Plateau. So far 11 rounds of diplomatic and military level talks have taken place to resolve the border dispute. However, apart from de-escalation at Pangong Tso - a glacier at 14000 feet -- border dispute remains at other friction points like disputed areas at Gogra, Hot Springs, Demchok, and Depsang at Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh. See Also - <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/tiger-global-overtakes-sequoia-as-the-top-investor-in-indian-unicorns-in-2021-cracks-15-deals-this-year-so-far/articleshow/83912624.cms">Tiger Global overtakes Sequoia as the top investor in Indian unicorns in 2021</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/kims-ipo-listed-in-stock-market-at-over-20-premium/articleshow/83912694.cms">KIMS IPO: Stock listed at over 20% premium, loses initial gains after soaring to ₹1059 per share</a>

India reorients around 50,000 troops to focus on the disputed border with China

hina is upgrading and installing radars swiftly along the 3,488-km <keyword id="49399" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Line-of-Actual-Control">Line of Actual Control</keyword> (LAC) even as it is engaged in talks with India to resolve the border dispute. India and China are engaged in an eight-month standoff at LAC in Eastern Ladakh. Both the countries are also engaged in military and diplomatic talks to resolve the border dispute. A total of eight rounds of corps commander level have happened between the militaries of both the countries and the ninth round of talks is to be scheduled very soon to disengage troops. Amid this, apart from aggressively developing infrastructure, China has started installing radars from Ladakh to Sikkim region. Top sources said that at Yecheng a medium-sized building and a watch tower have come up at the facility. The number of radars installed has also increased from three to four which include one JY-9 radar, one JY-26 radar, one HGR-105 radar and one JLC-88B radar. At Pali and Phari Kyarang La, which is opposite Sikkim, the radar site is located two kilometers west of Kyarang La, and comprises four radars. "Infrastructure development has been witnessed at surveillance facility at At Yamdrok Tso which is opposite Central Bhutan," the top source said, Around six km northeast of Tsona is the Cuona electronic warfare station. This site has three radomes, three radars and five support buildings. Infrastructure development has been discerned at the surveillance facility located 2.6 kilometer North West of Tsona Dz Heli base. Sources said that a radome site is located 6 kilometer south west of Kechen Tsho. It comprises radome, control building and antenna masts within a perimeter wall. At Qomo Dz the radar site comprises one radome atop a double-storied building, one control building and one medium building, all enclosed by a perimeter wall. "JY-24 radar is deployed at the site," the source said. China has also created a radar site at Linzhi and Ngiti which is opposite Arunachal Pradesh. "Linzhi/ Ngiti radar is located approximately 21 kilometre north west of Linzhi and comprises two radomes, one radar along with a large shed building connected by a covered corridor," the sources. Further, China is also aggressively developing infrastructure along the Line of Control. China has developed infrastructure near Karakoram Pass and Rechin La, the disputed site at LAC. It is also building permanent integrated habitable infrastructure terming as model villages. Such villages have been noticed across LAC. India has been observing how China is getting aggressive on the border. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/mount-everest-home-to-microplastics-and-melting-glaciers/articleshow/79324609.cms">Microplastics found at the highest point on Earth as the glaciers around Mount Everest’s death zone melt</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/pubg-mobile-india-was-supposed-to-launch-today/articleshow/79315462.cms">PUBG Mobile India was rumoured to launch today — but there is no official update from the company</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/lakshmi-vilas-bank-is-the-fifth-financial-firm-after-ilfs-dhfl-yes-bank-and-pmc-bank-to-collapse-in-india/slidelist/79286096.cms">Lakshmi Vilas Bank is the fifth financial firm to collapse in India within the last 30 months</a>

The Chinese Army is installing and upgrading its radars along the India-China border

India-China decide ‘early date’ needed for military talks on border issue — but stalemate continues

<ul class="summary-list"><li>In late August, Indian and Chinese troops clashed on their disputed border high in the Himalayas, another brawl in a summer of heightened tensions.</li><li>The latest clash killed one soldier and wounded another from <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="India">India</keyword>'s <keyword id="321996" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Special-Frontier-Force">Special Frontier Force</keyword>, a secretive unit made up largely of ethnic Tibetans, many of whom oppose <keyword id="1334" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="China">China</keyword>'s control of their home region.</li></ul>At the end of August, tensions between India and China flared with another <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/08/31/india-captures-chinese-camp-disputed-ladakh-violence-erupts/" target="_top">brawl</a> between their soldiers high in the Himalayas.The brawl around Pangong Tso lake in Ladakh, along the disputed border known as the Line of Actual Control, reportedly involved over 500 men and lasted about three hours.India claimed it was responding to a Chinese incursion and that an Indian special-operations battalion seized a Chinese camp in a stealth operation a few days later.<div type="image" title="India fighter jet Ladakh" height="1666" width="2500" msid="78038830" hostid="261"></div>This incident comes slightly more than two months after a <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1563892" target="_top">similar clash</a> in the same region killed 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese troops.No casualty figures have been released for the latest brawl, but one Indian commando was <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-china-tibet/tibetan-soldiers-death-near-tense-india-china-border-sheds-light-on-covert-unit-idUSKBN25T2JN" target="_top">killed</a> and another wounded when they ran into a minefield.Those soldiers were part of the Special Frontier Force (SFF), an Indian special-operations unit composed almost entirely of ethnic Tibetans.The episode thrust the secretive unit into the spotlight. Now, almost six decades after its founding, it's fulfilling what many members and other Tibetans in India feel is its main purpose: to challenge China.<h2>Establishment 22</h2><div type="image" title="India soldiers troops Special Frontier Force" height="1406" width="2100" msid="78038834" hostid="261"></div>The SFF, units of which are known to Indian soldiers as Vikas battalions, was established during India and China's 1962 border war. Losing that war made India realize that it needed dedicated mountain troops capable of conducting reconnaissance and strike operations at high altitudes.The best candidates came from India's large Tibetan refugee community, many of whom fled to India with their leader, the Dalai Lama, after a failed <a href="https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/rebellion-in-tibet" target="_top">u</a><a href="https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/rebellion-in-tibet" target="_top">prising</a> in <keyword id="6364076" type="LOCATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="tibet">Tibet</keyword> in 1959.The refugees were acclimated to the high altitudes and motivated to fight Chinese communist forces. Some were veterans of the uprising, and a few were previously <a href="https://www.historynet.com/cias-secret-war-in-tibet.htm" target="_top">trained</a> by the CIA in guerrilla warfare.The unit was created by India's domestic intelligence agency, the Intelligence Bureau, before being taken over by the Research and Analysis Wing, India's foreign intelligence agency.It was originally called "Establishment 22" before being renamed the SFF in 1967. The CIA assisted with training and equipment until the early 1970s.They were dedicated mountain troops and masters of patrolling and fighting in the unforgiving climate and altitudes of the Himalayas.<h2>A history of dedication and service</h2><div type="image" title="India army soldiers Special Frontier Force" height="1666" width="2500" msid="78038838" hostid="261"></div>The SFF was not created in time fight the Chinese in 1962, and although a central reason for its creation was to confront China, it was rarely put in a position to do so — possibly because the Indians worried its members, <a href="https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3100153/rare-spotlight-indias-mysterious-special-frontier-force-amid" target="_top">passionate</a> about countering China, might escalate tense situations.But the SFF has served in battle numerous times. During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, 3,000 SFF commandos were <a href="https://www.thedailystar.net/wide-angle/phantoms-the-hills-168325" target="_top">dropped</a> behind Pakistani lines in Bangladesh, capturing strong points and preventing Pakistani soldiers from retreating into Burma. Fifty SFF commandos were killed and 190 wounded.They fought against Sikh insurgents in <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/1984-operation-blue-star-amritsar-1251681-2018-06-06" target="_top">Operation Blue Star</a> and helped <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/operation-meghdoot-34-years-ago-how-india-won-siachen-5135429/" target="_top">secure</a> Indian control of the Siachen Glacier in 1984 and then fought in the Kargil War in 1999.SFF commandos also secretly assisted the CIA in <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1978/04/13/cia-put-nuclear-spy-devices-in-himalayas/61cf72f2-dfdc-4586-a695-11a6d823a097/" target="_top">tra</a><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1978/04/13/cia-put-nuclear-spy-devices-in-himalayas/61cf72f2-dfdc-4586-a695-11a6d823a097/" target="_top">cking</a> China's nuclear weapons program by <a href="https://www.wired.com/2013/04/cia-himalayan-spies/" target="_top">helping</a> install and maintain advanced monitoring devices along the Sino-Indian border.Gurdip Singh Uban, the son of the SFF's first commander and a veteran of the Indian military who fought with the SFF, <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/special-frontier-force-china-line-of-actual-control-lac-ladakh-jawaharlal-nehru/article32532182.ece" target="_top">recently described</a> them as "fearless" and said they "never, ever hesitate."<h2>A message to China</h2><div type="image" title="India army soldiers Special Frontier Force" height="1695" width="2500" msid="78038842" hostid="261"></div>The SFF reports directly to India's Cabinet secretariat and is not a part of the Indian military. Estimates put the unit's numbers between 3,000 to 5,000 troops.Indians and Nepalese fighters known as Gurkhas are now also in the SFF, but its identity is still distinctly Tibetan; the unit's insignia, for instance, is a Tibetan snow lion — the same kind found on the Tibetan flag.Because of their origin and mission, the unit has largely been kept secret. Indian officials asked the family of Tenzin Nyima, the 33-year veteran commando killed in the August clash, not to talk about his service.But recent events have given the unit renewed attention. Its members took the Chinese camp in late August, and <a href="https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/tibetans-give-warm-send-off-to-special-frontier-force-on-way-to-indo-china-border-136267" target="_top">video</a> has emerged of Tibetans in India giving warm send-offs to SFF soldiers heading to the border — part of a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/31/world/asia/india-china-troops-border.html" target="_top">massive buildup</a> of forces by both India and China.<div type="image" title="India Special Frontier Force soldier funeral Tibet" height="1666" width="2500" msid="78038845" hostid="261"></div>The new focus has led to hopes that the SFF, and the Tibetan community in India as a whole, will get the recognition and attention they deserve. It has also stirred the emotions of some Tibetans living in India, who see a chance to face their archenemy."Most of us Tibetans join the unit because this is our only chance to fight the Chinese," one SFF veteran recently <a href="https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3100153/rare-spotlight-indias-mysterious-special-frontier-force-amid" target="_top">told</a> the South China Morning Post.Those factors give their deployment more than military significance, melding a long-standing territorial dispute with much deeper ethnic and political tensions that the Chinese Communist Party has suppressed at home for decades."China's position is very clear," a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said earlier this month. "We firmly oppose any country providing convenience in any form for the 'Tibet independence' forces' separatist activities."

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