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The <keyword id="46227" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="International-Cricket-Council" source="Orion">International Cricket Council</keyword> (<keyword id="6355164" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ICC" source="Orion">ICC</keyword>) chairman and CEO are in Lahore to seek guarantees from the <keyword id="6355595" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PCB" source="Orion">PCB</keyword> that it will not push for implementing a hybrid model for its matches in the ODI World Cup in India later this year. Insiders confirmed to PTI that ICC chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice have specifically come to Lahore to get some assurances from the <keyword id="43712" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pakistan-Cricket-Board" source="Orion">Pakistan Cricket Board</keyword> on the national team's participation in the World Cup in October-November. The development comes after PCB chief Najam Sethi made it clear that the team will not travel for the World Cup in India if the Rohit Sharma led side doesn't visit Pakistan for the preceding Asia Cup. “The ICC and World Cup hosts, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are concerned with the hybrid model being pushed by Najam Sethi who heads the cricket management committee of the PCB. “Although the hybrid model has been suggested by Sethi for the Asia Cup which precedes the ICC event, the concern remains that once accepted for the regional event the PCB might also then ask the ICC to implement it for the World Cup when it comes to Pakistan playing in India,” he explained. Sethi has already indicated that if the Pakistan government doesn't give clearance or has security concerns about sending the team to India, PCB could ask the ICC to hold Pakistan's matches at a neutral venue. “Naturally neither the ICC nor the BCCI want such a situation since Pakistan's unequivocal participation in matches in India would guarantee the success of Indo-Pakistan matches and also the tournament itself.” Another source said this was the primary reason why BCCI secretary Jay Shah was still reluctant to accept the hybrid model for the Asia Cup and support having three or four matches of the tournament in Pakistan and the remaining games in UAE or Sri Lanka. Pakistan are the hosts of the Asia Cup and Sethi has said repeatedly that if the tournament is moved to one neutral country from Pakistan, it will not take part in the competition. He has also hinted that if Pakistan didn't get to host some Asia Cup matches it could have an adverse bearing on the World Cup as well. “The ICC officials are trying to work as a bridge between the PCB and BCCI and resolve the outstanding issues pertaining to the Asia Cup and World Cup.” SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-becomes-a-global-leader-by-regulating-anti-tobacco-warnings-on-ott-platforms/articleshow/100642342.cms">India becomes a global leader by regulating anti-tobacco warnings on OTT Platforms</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/ott-releases-to-watch-for-june-2023/articleshow/100643939.cms">OTT releases to watch for June, 2023</a>

ICC top brass seeks PCB assurances that it will send team to India for ODI World Cup

<ul class="summary-list"><li>"We will not stop at that (three carriers)," India's defense minister recently said.</li><li>Five or six aircraft carriers would give India a force equal to that of China.</li></ul>India may build a fleet of five to six new aircraft carriers, according to a comment from the country's defense minister that's been widely debated about whether that's a good strategy or if the offhand remark was even serious.The Indian Navy operates two small aircraft carriers. Four more would give India a carrier force on par with China's growing one. And it would not be much smaller — at least in number of vessels — than the US Navy's 11 supercarriers.But whether this ambitious shipbuilding project will happen is another matter. Many Indian experts are convinced it's a bad idea.Exactly what the Indian government is thinking isn't clear. During an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/work-on-third-aircraft-carrier-to-start-soon-more-to-follow-says-rajnath-621319">interview</a> with an Indian newspaper regarding plans to construct a third aircraft carrier, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said India would build yet more. "We will not stop at that (three carriers)," he said. "We will make five, six more."Some Indian experts aren't sure the government is even serious about this. The defense minister "seemingly made an off-the-cuff remark that was picked up by the media," Abhijit Singh, a former Indian naval officer and now an analyst at the Observer Research Foundation think tank in New Delhi, told Business Insider. "He was only trying to dispel suggestions that the government is resistant to a proposal for a third aircraft carrier."Nonetheless, there are compelling reasons why India might want a large carrier fleet. India's rival China now has three carriers, including the newly launched 80,000-ton <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chinas-newest-aircraft-carrier-seen-with-aircraft-mock-ups-images-2024-4">Fujian</a>, and may aim for a fleet of six carriers by 2035. China — which <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chinese-troops-beat-indian-soldiers-batons-wrapped-in-barbed-wire-2020-6">fought</a> border clashes with India in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/after-himalayan-clash-india-prepares-navy-to-take-on-china-2021-6">Himalayas</a> in 2020 — is beginning to project its power into the <a target="_blank" href="https://warontherocks.com/2024/05/its-still-the-indian-ocean-parsing-sino-indian-naval-competition-where-it-counts/">Indian Ocean</a>, which is India's maritime backyard."It is expected that the Chinese will permanently station one of its CBGs [carrier battle groups] in the Indian Ocean, supported by its various bases in Djibouti (on the western edge of the Indian Ocean), <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/rapid-construction-at-cambodia-base-amid-concern-about-china-presence-2021-6">Ream in Cambodia</a> (on the eastern edge of the Indian Ocean), and Gwadar in Pakistan, Hambantota in Sri Lanka, and Kyaukpyu in Myanmar," warned India's <a target="_blank" href="https://swarajyamag.com/defence/countering-chinas-expansion-india-to-build-five-to-six-more-aircraft-carriers-in-future-defence-minister-rajnath-singh">Swarajya</a> magazine.Interestingly, Swarajya magazine also suggested that carriers could project Indian power into the South China Sea, which is China's maritime backyard. Indian warships have periodically sailed in those waters.<div type="image" title="A view from the sloped bow of the INS Vikrant that carries MiG-29K fighter jets." height="1333" width="2000" msid="110619274" hostid="261" sizebytes="239670"></div>India has two carriers of around 45,000 tons each: the Vikramaditya (a refurbished former Soviet vessel) and the Vikrant, India's first home-built carrier. Both are <a target="_blank" href="https://interestingengineering.com/lists/ski-jumps-catapults-aircraft-carrier">ski-jump</a> designs that launch the troubled Soviet-era MiG-29K under its own power because it lacks catapults. Despite early speculation that the proposed third carrier would be a 65,000-ton ski-jump design similar to Britain's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/uks-flagship-carrier-embarrassing-setback-pulls-out-big-nato-exercise-2024-2">Queen Elizabeth-class</a>, the Indian government appears to be opting for a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsweek.com/india-third-aircraft-carrier-china-indian-pacific-ocean-region-1847935">45,000-ton vessel</a> similar to the Vikrant, and carrying French-made <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/frances-rafale-fighter-jet-popular-dassault-cant-keep-up-2024-3">Rafale fighters</a>.This means that Indian carriers would continue to be less than half the size of the 100,000-ton, nuclear-powered US Nimitz- and Ford-class behemoths, which are equipped with steam or electromagnetic catapults that can launch heavier planes, especially airborne early warning aircraft; China's Fujian also uses an advanced electromagnetic catapult. They would also be less expensive, with the third Indian carrier estimated at around $5 billion, compared to $13 billion for a Ford-class carrier.In fact, some Indian naval experts would prefer a larger carrier equipped with catapults. "Small aircraft carriers, like those India possesses, are increasingly vulnerable and unlikely to play a significant role in future conflicts," Singh, the defense analyst, said. "Unfortunately, the country lacks the funding for a large carrier and can only afford another small flattop. This presents a predicament with no easy solutions."On the other hand, there is a reason why America builds enormously expensive aircraft carriers. Its global interests arguably require the ability to dispatch and maintain floating airfields around the world, often in distant places where airbases aren't available. For India and China, which have a more regional focus, smaller vessels may suffice.For India, carriers are more than floating airfields. They are symbols of national power. Thus regardless of their military utility against a powerful adversary like China, carriers would enable India support other operations, such as humanitarian, peacekeeping and anti-piracy missions."The consensus among India's maritime observers is that the aircraft carrier remains central to maritime strategy, not just for its ability to dominate the littoral but also for its crucial peacetime role," said Abhijit Singh. "In less-than-war situations, the flattop can shift the psychological balance in ways no other naval platform can. Despite its drawbacks, the aircraft carrier's aura and impact in peacetime operations are unmatched."Michael Peck is a defense writer whose work has appeared in Forbes, Defense News, Foreign Policy magazine, and other publications. He holds an MA in political science from Rutgers Univ. Follow him on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.twitter.com/@mipeck1">Twitter</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mipeck/">LinkedIn</a>.

A bizarre comment stirred speculation India may try to match China's carrier fleet 

India's landslide victory through an unopposed inclusion into the <keyword id="138690" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="United-Nations-Security-Council">United Nations Security Council</keyword> (UNSC) as a non-permanent member has irked the Imran Khan-led government in Pakistan, as angry reactions have started coming out of Islamabad, threatening India of dire consequences in case of any misadventure committed along the <keyword id="44759" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Line-of-Control">Line of Control</keyword> (LoC) and the Working Boundary (WB). Pakistan's Foreign Minister <keyword id="121648" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shah-Mahmood-Qureshi">Shah Mahmood Qureshi</keyword> has warned India against any misadventure, threatening of a telling retaliatory response. "Beware, beware, remember February 2019 and be ready for a quick retaliation while casting an evil eye on us," he said during his address to the Upper House (Senate) of Pakistan. Qureshi lashed out at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian External Affairs Minister S. <keyword id="236448" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jaishankar">Jaishankar</keyword>, asserting, "Pakistan can't be cowed down by the Indians." Qureshi also reiterated Islamabad's inclination towards Beijing in the recent deadly clashes in Ladakh between Indian and Chinese forces, stating that Indian soldiers were suffering casualties there. "There is a dramatic shift in the region. China has openly landed in the arena against India," he said. "Nepal, which was thought to be completely under India's influence, is now making claims on some disputed areas with India, while Sri Lanka and Bhutan also had their objections. Afghanistan also thinks India is impeding reconciliation process there," he added. Qureshi briefed the Senate stating that India is facing isolation and New Delhi is feeling the pressure. He also reiterated Islamabad's concerns over what they call a false-flag operation by New Delhi aimed at diverting attention of the global community from the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, which has remained under lockdown for almost a year now. Qureshi's aggressive remarks came at a time when the Imran Khan-led government is facing serious criticism from its opposition parties for failing to raise the issue of Kashmir at the UN platform and giving India a walkover to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. While Pakistan voted against India's contention for the non-permanent membership, its vote didn't matter as a heavy majority voted in favour of New Delhi. "Though it was a secret balloting, Pakistan openly said that it had voted against India for last year's August 5 unconstitutional steps it took in occupied Jammu and Kashmir and for violating the UN Charter, UNSC resolutions and international norms," maintained Qureshi. Pakistan's anger over India's inclusion into the UNSC is understandable as its ongoing diplomatic campaign to attract support against the Modi government for its decision taken on August 5, 2019, abrogating Articles 370 and 35A, changing the special status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, in the United Nations has practically failed to yield results. Tensions at the Line of Control (LoC) have also intensified in the recent days as heavy exchanges of artillery firing have claimed lives of border security forces and civilians on both sides. Pakistan and India both have been lodging strong protests against the ceasefire violations, summoning senior diplomats of respective high commissions to record their protests. Tensions are expected to flare up in the coming days as August 5, 2020 inches closer, marking one year of the lockdown in Jammu and Kashmir, for which Islamabad is gearing up to stage protests, rallies and international conferences. 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>

Pakistan warns India 'to be ready for quick retaliation' amid LoC tensions and UNSC membership

<keyword id="3001" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pakistan" source="Orion">Pakistan</keyword> is <keyword id="52011" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="south-asia" source="Orion">South Asia</keyword>'s <keyword id="16104235" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="weakest-economy" source="Orion">weakest economy</keyword>, and it will take a herculean effort to pull the country out of poverty, reported Islam Khabar. Pakistan is in the news for its economic meltdown amid natural disasters, food shortages, and poverty. Pakistan had unprecedented floods in July last year, devastating large swathes of farmlands. The forex reserves in the country which hit a new low of USD 4.6 billion would only be enough to pay for foreign import bills for three weeks. The analysts put Pakistan's need for relief at USD 33 billion. The world helped then and has renewed its pledge. Moved by the intervention by the UN Secretary-General, better-off nations have come forward with generous commitments of around USD 10 billion. Sensing the urgency, friends including Saudi Arabia and the UAE have chipped in with four billion dollars this month, reported Islam Khabar. It has been six months since the flood waters ebbed. But on-land traveller (SF Aizaduddin, Dawn January 11, 2023) writes that they remain underwater, with no sign of water management or renewed cultivation. It is understandable up to a point, though. But after so many months, there is an acute food shortage. Imagine the country with one of the world's most irrigated fertile wheat-growing land has a shortage of flour and no money to import it. Market reports say a PKR 1200 bag of 20 kg of flour has shot up to PKR 3,00, reported Islam Khabar. Dragging talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) put PKR at three months low. The Express Tribune (January 12, 2023) quoted a currency exchange expert, "The Pakistrupee's fair value is the one prevailing in the black market at Rs 260-270 to a dollar. The government has artificially kept the currency overvalued. It should let market forces determine the exchange rate meet an IMF's condition." Unsurprisingly, warning of another global recession, the World Bank on January 13, 2023 forecasted Pakistan's economic growth to slow further to two per cent during the current year -- down by two percentage points from its June 2022 estimate, reported Islam Khabar. The new excuse is climate change as if only Pakistan is affected. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says the country will need USD 16.3 billion over the next three years for the initial efforts to rebuild and improve its ability to withstand climate change. Sharifs earlier called out Imran Khan for 'begging'. Now Khan is returning the same compliment. He had globe-trotted with a begging bowl, now he asks why Sharif 'wasted' money on going to the Geneva conference where aid pledges were made. 'Begging' continues, no matter who rules Pakistan. But, the country fails to acknowledge the damage caused by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to the fragile Himalayas in Gilgit-Baltistan, reported Islam Khabar. Farmers are reluctant to increase the area under wheat cultivation because of the delay in the announcement of support prices. They are demanding an "Agri-emergency" due to fertiliser shortage and weak crop outlook. Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI) President Khalid Mehmood Khokhar said instead of boosting domestic wheat production, the government was "supporting farmers of other countries by buying the commodity at higher prices from them," reported Islam Khabar. In a report, it said Pakistan's declining economic output was also bringing down the regional growth rate. It forecast Pakistan's GDP growth rate to improve to 3.2 per cent in 2024, which would be lower than the earlier estimate of 4.2 per cent. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/personal-finance/news/investment-tips-from-indias-super-rich/slidelist/97062541.cms" style="">India super rich got richer, here’s is where they are parking their money</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/finance-minister-the-other-brains-behind-the-union-budget-who-are-burning-the-midnight-oil/articleshow/97061266.cms" style="">Finance Minister &amp; the other brains behind the Union Budget who are burning the midnight oil</a>

Pakistan is South Asia's weakest economy: World Bank report

Google has found strong evidence that enterprise-grade Android <keyword id="48511" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="spyware" source="Orion">spyware</keyword> called '<keyword id="663040" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="hermit" source="Orion">Hermit</keyword>' is being used via SMS messages to target high-profile <keyword id="6521156" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="android-users" source="Orion">Android users</keyword>. The tech giant has warned all Android victims and implemented changes in Google Play Protect. Cyber-security researchers last week unearthed 'Hermit' that is being used by the governments via SMS messages to target high-profile people like business executives, human rights activists, journalists, academics and government officials. "Based on our analysis, the spyware, which we named 'Hermit' is likely developed by Italian spyware vendor RCS Lab and Tykelab Srl, a telecommunications solutions company we suspect to be operating as a front company," the researchers from cyber-security company Lookout Threat Lab had said in a blog post. Lookout researchers uncovered the 'surveillanceware' that was used by the government of Kazakhstan. Google said late on Thursday that the government-backed bad actors "worked with the target's ISP (internet service provider) to disable the target's mobile data connectivity". "Once disabled, the attacker would send a malicious link via SMS asking the target to install an application to recover their data connectivity. We believe this is the reason why most of the applications masqueraded as mobile carrier applications," Google's Threat Analysis Group (TAG) warned. When ISP involvement is not possible, applications are masqueraded as messaging applications. Google has been tracking the activities of commercial spyware vendors for years, and taking steps to protect people. Last week, the company testified at the EU Parliamentary hearing on "Big Tech and Spyware". TAG is actively tracking more than 30 vendors with varying levels of sophistication and public exposure selling exploits or surveillance capabilities to government-backed actors. Italian spyware vendor RCS Lab, a known developer that has been active for over three decades, operates in the same market as Pegasus developer NSO Group. RCS Lab has engaged with military and intelligence agencies in Pakistan, Chile, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Myanmar and Turkmenistan. Hermit is a modular spyware that hides its malicious capabilities in packages downloaded after it's deployed. These modules, along with the permissions the core apps have, enable Hermit to exploit a rooted device, record audio and make and redirect phone calls, as well as collect data such as call logs, contacts, photos, device location and SMS messages. Hermit tricks users by serving up the legitimate webpages of the brands it impersonates as it kickstarts malicious activities in the background. The researchers said they are also aware of an iOS version of Hermit "but were unable to obtain a sample for analysis". Pegasus was developed by the Israeli cyber company NSO Group that can be covertly installed on iPhones and other devices. It was capable of reading text messages, tracking calls, collecting passwords, location tracking, accessing the target device's microphone and camera, and harvesting information from apps. The spyware has been used for surveillance of activists, journalists and political leaders from several nations around the world, including in India. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/cryptocurrency/news/indias-crypto-players-bullish-on-hiring-say-crash-is-just-a-phase/articleshow/92425464.cms">India’s crypto players bullish on hiring; say crash is just a phase</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/rbi-kept-the-rupee-exceptionally-stable-so-far-and-the-tide-could-turn-for-the-better-say-experts/articleshow/92414356.cms">RBI kept the rupee ‘exceptionally’ stable so far, and the tide could turn for the better say experts</a>

A new spyware 'Hermit' is targeting high-profile Android users, warns Google

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="11892747" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> said on Friday that it accidentally fired a missile into nuclear rival <keyword id="11893449" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pakistan" source="Orion">Pakistan</keyword>. </li><li>"In the course of a routine maintenance, a technical malfunction led to the accidental firing of a missile," India's government said. </li></ul>India said on Friday that a "technical malfunction" caused it to accidentally fire a missile into the land of nuclear rival Pakistan. The missile mishap occurred on Wednesday, <a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1805148">according to a statement from India's Ministry of Defense. </a>"In the course of a routine maintenance, a technical malfunction led to the accidental firing of a missile," the government agency said in the statement."It is learnt that the missile landed in an area of Pakistan," it added. "While the incident is deeply regrettable, it is also a matter of relief that there has been no loss of life due to the accident.""The Government of India has taken a serious view and ordered a high-level Court of Enquiry," the statement read. Pakistan's military on Thursday said that the missile launched from neighboring India violated Pakistan's airspace and wound up in the province of Punjab, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/india-new-delhi-pakistan-01cb6d4d7ce5d8aee98cd6135615712c">the Associated Press reported</a>. The military said the missile damaged the wall of a residential building without any causalities.Pakistani military spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar called the incident a "flagrant violation," according to the AP. He added that the "supersonic missile" hit in the city of Mian Channu on Wednesday evening.Iftikhar warned that it could have put civilians in danger and posed a threat to commercial flights, the <keyword id="11893589" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="news" source="Orion">news</keyword> outlet reported.

India says it accidentally fired a missile into Pakistan due to a 'malfunction' during 'routine maintenance'

<ul class="summary-list"><li>India fired 3 air force officers for accidentally firing a missile into neighboring Pakistan in March.</li><li>But Pakistan said it doesn't consider the matter resolved, and that it wants a joint investigation.</li></ul>Pakistan hit back at India's response after it accidentally fired a supersonic cruise missile across the border, saying it doesn't consider the matter resolved.India on Tuesday that it had <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-sacks-3-officers-worst-nightmare-accidentally-fired-missile-pakistan-2022-8">fired three air force officers</a> for accidentally firing the supersonic missile into Pakistan in March.Pakistan on Wednesday said it wasn't satisfied, saying the case should not be considered closed and that it wants a joint investigation."Pakistan categorically rejects India's purported closure of the highly irresponsible incident and reiterates its demand for a joint probe," a <a href="https://mofa.gov.pk/pakistan-rejects-indias-purported-closure-of-the-incident-of-the-firing-of-a-supersonic-missile-into-pakistani-territory-on-9-march-2022-and-reiterates-demand-for-joint-probe/">statement</a> from Pakistan's foreign office said.India did not explicitly say that it did considered the matter resolved, but did not announce any further steps.The Indian Air Force had <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/23/indian-air-force-sacks-three-officers-for-accidentally-firing-missile-into-pakistan">said on Tuesday</a>: "A court of inquiry, set up to establish the facts of the case, including fixing responsibility for the incident, found that deviation from the standard operating procedures by three officers led to the accidental firing of the missile."No one was killed or injured in the incident.The neighboring countries, both of which have nuclear weapons, have long been in conflict over their borders. Experts have repeatedly warned that the tension could lead to accidents and miscalculations, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/23/indian-air-force-sacks-three-officers-for-accidentally-firing-missile-into-pakistan">Reuters reported</a>.Researchers say a nuclear war between the two countries could have devastating global consequences, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-pakistan-nuclear-war-death-famine-2019-10">Insider previously reported.</a>

Pakistan hits back after India fired 3 air force officers for accidentally firing a missile across the border, saying the case isn't closed

China is helping Pakistan to boost its firepower by selling it state-of-the-art defence items, including <keyword id="627045" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="armed-drones">armed drones</keyword>, even as it is engaged with India at the borders in eastern Ladakh. Intelligence sources said Pakistan is procuring medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) -- Cai Hong-4 (CH-4) -- from China in bulk. Sources said that a 10-member team of Pakistan Army led by Brigadier Mohammad Zafar Iqbal has visited China to review the procurement process. "The Pakistan Army team went to China for factory acceptance test for items procured from Aerospace Long-March International Trade Company (ALIT), China. Then was led by Brigadier Mohammad Zafar Iqbal," a source said. It was also revealed that Iqbal has earlier visited China in December 2019 for the factory acceptance test of the first tranche of Cai Hong-4 for which delivery was to commence in 2020. The CH-4 has a take-off mass between 1,200-1,300 kgs depending on the variant. It can also carry a wide range of payloads. The UAV is now in service with military forces including the Iraqi Army and the Royal Jordanian Air Force. Sources also stated that ALIT has offered Pakistan command and control options, including direct line-of-sight and satellite communications. Pakistan has planned to deploy these UAVs at the Line of Control in Jammu &amp; Kashmir to create further unrest in India. "China is helping Pakistan to do so," said the source. India and China are locked in an over three-month-long stand-off at multiple points, hitherto unprecedented along the border. China had changed the status quo on the Line of Actual Control at various places, moving inside Indian territory. India has objected to it and is taking up the matter with China at all levels. The troop disengagement happened only at patrolling point-14 in Galwan Valley, the site of the June 15 clashes, and patrolling point-15 in Hot Springs. On June 15, as many as 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese troops were killed in a violent clash in the Galwan Valley. Both the countries have engaged in military and diplomatic talks however nothing has materialized so far. The dispute remains unresolved and both the countries have started deploying troops and materiel at the disputed points. India has directed its armed forces to prepare for a long haul as the Chinese People's Liberation Army troops are not moving back from the disputed points. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/tech-mahindra-hcl-tech-wipro-and-likes-are-hoping-global-5g-race-resumes-next-year-bringing-some-large-deals-before-that/articleshow/77583638.cms">Tech Mahindra, HCL Tech, Wipro and likes are hoping global 5G race resumes next year⁠ — bringing some large deals before that</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/gaza-strips-only-power-plant-may-run-out-fuel-in-the-next-24-hours-following-israel-border-shut-warns-expert/articleshow/77584765.cms">Gaza Strip's only power plant may run out fuel in the next 24 hours following Israel border shut, warns expert</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/the-heat-is-on-mark-zuckerberg-in-india-as-facebook-and-whatsapp-incur-the-ire-of-modis-rivals/articleshow/77575358.cms">The heat is on Mark Zuckerberg in India as Facebook and WhatsApp incur the ire of Modi's rivals</a>

Pakistan buys armed drones from China in bulk amid border tensions with India

Pakistan is trying to step up infiltration and push in more terrorists into J&amp;K after failing to instigate the people of Kashmir following last year's August 5 decision of revoking Article 370 . GoC 19 Infantry Division Kashmir Major General Virendra Vats said this at a press conference in Baramulla, North Kashmir on Saturday. "Pakistan has been failing in its attempt to instigate the people of Kashmir ever since we had the momentous decision of August last year, they have been trying very hard, they also know the season is coming to an end very soon, three or four months is what they have, so they shall try their best to push in the terrorists," he said. The GoC said that the launch pads across the LoC are fully active and terrorists are making attempts to infiltrate into India. "The launch pads are fully occupied and if we have to hazard a guess it would be anything between 250 to 300 terrorists in the launch pads, he said. About Saturday's operation at Nougam Kupwara in which infiltrators were killed, he said the action of the troops was precise and timely, thereby ensuring a clean operation. "The infiltration attempt follows similar attempts made by Pakistan in Kupwara and Rajouri sectors in the recent past and needs to be seen in the backdrop of various inputs about increased presence of terrorists in the launch pads across the LoC fully facilitated and supported by the Pakistan army," he said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/china-and-pakistan-have-more-nuclear-weapons-as-compared-to-india/articleshow/76420350.cms">The total nuclear arsenal between India and China can destroy the world many times over</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/pakistan-is-trying-to-piggyback-on-india-china-border-dispute-as-loc-ceasefire-violations-triple/articleshow/76762269.cms">Pakistan is trying to ‘piggyback’ on India-China border dispute as LoC ceasefire violations triple</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/pakistan-warns-india-to-be-ready-for-quick-retaliation-amid-loc-tensions-and-unsc-membership/articleshow/76482372.cms">Pakistan warns India 'to be ready for quick retaliation' amid LoC tensions and UNSC membership</a>

'Around 300 terrorists waiting to infiltrate into India' says Major General Virendra Vats

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Samantha Shea had never been outside the US before she started college in 2014.</li><li>After graduating in 2019, she visited India and Pakistan while developing her travel writing.</li></ul>When I tell people from back home that I live in Northern Pakistan, I'm usually met with shock.Their disbelief escalates when I show them pictures of the snow-capped Karakoram mountain range that surround the village where I live."I thought Pakistan was a desert" is the most common response. As wrong as they are, I don't blame them. I didn't know much about Pakistan before traveling there after college. I live in Hunza Valley, 8,500 feet above sea level on the border with Western China, where I work as a digital nomad.When I first came to Pakistan in 2019, I was a recent University of Miami grad who'd never lived outside the US. <div type="image" title="A drone shot of Hunza Valley in early May." height="3648" width="4864" msid="100102321" hostid="261"></div>In Hunza, electricity comes on for only a few hours a day, you walk to the local market if you need anything – Amazon doesn't deliver to the mountainous valley region – and running hot water isn't guaranteed. The valley has, despite these elements, become my home. Here, I don't lock up my bike or my front door, I can walk everywhere, and my recent major home renovation cost me only $3,000. <h2>Current guidance around traveling to Pakistan </h2>The US travel advice for Pakistan is to avoid traveling to Balochistan province, many parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Indian-Pakistan border because of the potential for terrorist attacks, kidnapping, and armed conflict at the border.The US government warns that the assistance it can provide citizens traveling in Pakistan is limited because of these security issues. However, I have personally traveled to some of these areas and did not feel unsafe at the time.Although this doesn't mean these threats aren't real and something to consider, many foreign nationals and local Pakistani people travel to the Hunza Valley without incident. Forbes recently named Pakistan an <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/annabel/2020/01/02/the-not-hot-list-10-best-under-the-radar-trips-for-2020/?sh=acd0ba222647" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">up-and-coming adventure vacation</a>. CN Traveller also awarded Pakistan as their <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d18T5ypYzgM&amp;t=16s" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">top holiday destination in 2020</a>.<h2>My journey to a remote village in Northern Pakistan </h2>My love of travel began at college. From 2014 to 2019, I was a student at the University of Miami in Florida. While I loved my school, being by the beach, and Florida's eternal summer, I never felt settled in Miami. <div type="image" title="Samantha Shea, young woman stood in front of the Miami beach shoreline." height="2688" width="3583" msid="100102323" hostid="261"></div>Because I grew up in suburban Connecticut, the move to a busy city was a big adjustment. It was noisy and fast-paced, and the proximity to crime, common in urban areas, put me on edge. I had never traveled outside the US growing up, but I fell in love with backpacking at college. My trips became more and more offbeat. I was traveling through India the summer before my senior year in 2018 when I decided to pursue a career in travel. <h2>I wanted to become a freelance travel blogger after graduation</h2><h2><div type="image" title="Samantha Shea graduating from the university of Miami sat on the college's sign." height="2179" width="2906" msid="100102325" hostid="261"></div></h2>I worked three part-time jobs while finishing my degree to save up for my indefinite adventure.After graduating in 2019, I set off for India again, traveling around the country and into neighboring Pakistan. Despite media negativity and concerns from family and friends, I didn't feel nervous crossing the border from India. I traveled from the historical city of Lahore to the Hindu Kush mountains of Upper Chitral — a region that directly borders Afghanistan — and felt comfortable everywhere I went. <div type="image" title="Samantha Shea in Swat Valley Pakistan" height="2316" width="3088" msid="100102329" hostid="261"></div>I found it easier and more fun to travel here than in India, a much more "mainstream" backpacking destination. I encountered fewer scammers traveling in Pakistan. I also found Pakistan had less trash on the streets, and the roads were in better condition.<h2>I worked for DoorDash and learned Urdu while waiting out COVID-19 limitations</h2>In December 2019, I returned to my family home with the plan to move to Pakistan full time in the spring as a digital nomad.My plans were halted by COVID-19. I spent the next year learning Urdu, the national language of Pakistan, and delivering for DoorDash. I also finally saw some freelance traction. I got my first paid byline, increased my blog traffic, and freelanced in content writing and social-media management. I wanted to have established myself as a digital nomad before I left home.In April 2021, I traveled alone to Pakistan's capital, Islamabad. I hadn't arranged a guide and had no plan beyond my first few nights at a hostel. To many, my trip seemed insane, but I was committed. <h2><div type="image" title="The vistas on a multi-day hike to the Shimshal Pass, not far from the Chinese border." height="2614" width="3486" msid="100102331" hostid="261"></div></h2><h2>Why Hunza Valley? </h2>My 2021 journey brought me to Hunza Valley for a reason. I'd head it was well known as the safest destination for <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Life-Arts/Life/Hunza-Valley-women-challenge-Pakistani-patriarchy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">solo female travelers</a>, largely due to its <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/high-up-on-a-pakistani-mountain-a-success-story-for-moderate-islam/2015/07/22/f0b878d2-2572-11e5-b77f-eb13a215f593_story.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">liberal culture toward women</a>.<div type="image" title="Woman walking Hunza Valley" height="4854" width="6472" msid="100102550" hostid="261"></div>Hunza Valley is a remote area in Northern Pakistan. The Gatorade-blue rivers and snow-capped mountains make Hunza a popular tourist destination. The local community is known for its hospitality, and I immediately felt at home – something I'd never felt in big-city America.The community is welcoming of outsiders — respecting and taking care of guests is a core value here. Before 9/11, there were droves of foreign travelers coming to Hunza, and many locals and their families worked in tourism, so I was welcomed readily. <div type="image" title="The Karakoram highway that cuts through Hunza" height="3648" width="4864" msid="100102551" hostid="261"></div>Hunza is home to a <a href="https://www.thejuggernaut.com/ismaili-muslims-pakistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">majority Ismaili community</a>, a liberal sect of Islam. Teens hang out in mixed groups, women own restaurants and shops, and it's common for girls to receive higher education.I settled in Hunza and have lived here for nearly two years.<h2>Many Westerners I've spoken with have trepidations about Pakistan</h2><h2><div type="image" title="Shea sits with locals in a small seaside village on the border of Sindh and Balochistan in the far south of Pakistan." height="3448" width="4597" msid="100102553" hostid="261"></div></h2>Hunza itself could not be safer. I don't worry about locking my bike, or even my doors. I've never witnessed a crime of any kind, nor any of the terrorist incidents the US State Department warns travelers of.Barely a day after I'd arrived, I found myself lost on a 5-mile trek I set out on alone. Wandering, I ran into a young male shepherd. He insisted on showing me the route back and carrying my bag.I kept waiting for "that moment" for which all solo female travelers are on high alert — but it never came. The shepherd was polite and helped me safely find the trail.<div type="image" title="Hunza valley in Northern Pakistan" height="1066" width="1422" msid="100102555" hostid="261"></div>I think I felt more comfortable in Hunza than I did in Miami for several reasons: The local cuisine shared many similarities with my Polish grandma's recipes, I experienced daily peace, and being surrounded by 20,000-foot peaks made me feel like I positively was on another planet.<div type="image" title="Traditional spread of Hunza foods." height="1405" width="1874" msid="100102558" hostid="261"></div>I didn't have great WiFi for the first few months of living in Hunza, which was stressful at times. I've since found work-arounds, but it's not simple. <h2>The biggest issue is that electricity comes on for only around 5 or 6 hours a day, primarily at night</h2>I knew Northern Pakistan didn't have great electricity from my 2019 trip to other mountain valleys. Regardless, I always travel with a power bank.I remember times when the electricity wouldn't come on as planned and I'd forgotten to charge my devices properly. I found it incredibly stressful, especially if I had a lot of work.<div type="image" title="Cycling in the Hunza Valley" height="1410" width="1884" msid="100102560" hostid="261"></div>Once, while on a road trip through Upper Chitral, another mountainous region in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, my power bank fell in water and wouldn't turn on.I was in an area even more remote than Hunza and knew the power bank likely wasn't sold anywhere in Pakistan. The bank amazingly came back to life, but I did end up breaking another one a year later.When these things happen, it makes me miss conveniences like Amazon, but a company called Daraz does manage to deliver plenty of items to Hunza within two or three days. Power banks and other electronics can also be sourced from other countries via Packr, an app I've used several times to receive items from the US.Now I have a permanent home, I've arranged more long-term solutions. I bought a $35 UPS car battery at a local market, which keeps my WiFi router and basic lights working 24/7. I also have two 26,800-mAh Anker power banks as backups, the 2nd of which I purchased after that road-trip scare.<h2><div type="image" title="Car battery for back up electricity." height="5304" width="7072" msid="100102562" hostid="261"></div></h2><h2>How I live and work in Hunza Valley</h2>One month of accommodation costs between $150 and $250 on average — a far cry from the $1,300 I paid in Miami to share an apartment with roommates.My life in Hunza began in Gojal, the local name for the northern portion of the region. When I arrived, I stayed in hotels. Nowhere I stayed cost more than $15 a night, and if I got a long-stay rate, they averaged closer to $8 a night.<div type="image" title="Gate to a house in Hunza Valley" height="7477" width="4987" msid="100102564" hostid="261"></div>Hunza was slightly more expensive than I thought, especially before I found permanent accommodation. I was shocked by how expensive some hotels were. Budget options are available, but a large portion of Hunza's tourism caters to the wealthy sector of the domestic market.This experience has positively influenced my career as a freelancer. I've had my stories published in major media outlets. I also run an Instagram account and a YouTube channel focusing on life here and helping travelers plan their trips.<h2><div type="image" title="Shea speaking at a tourism event in Hunza" height="2274" width="3024" msid="100102569" hostid="261"></div></h2><h2>I now live in Aliabad in central Hunza, the largest town in the district </h2><div type="image" title="Samantha Shea and her boyfriend sat outside their house." height="1737" width="2316" msid="100102572" hostid="261"></div>I met my now partner, Fareed, in a local coworking space a few months after I arrived in Hunza. He was born and raised in Hunza and now works in trekking tourism.We're happily settled in Aliabad in central Hunza, close to my partner's family, who have become a second family to me. I've started learning Burushaski, one of the two major languages spoken in the valley. My partner speaks perfect English, so there's no language barrier.Aliabad has high-speed fiber-cable WiFi, which makes uploading content or taking Zoom calls easy, and it's where you'll find amenities like ATMs, stores, small hospitals, and a few restaurants and shops.<div type="image" title="Hunza Valley drone" height="3156" width="4208" msid="100102574" hostid="261"></div><h2>Even so, Aliabad is still a village in many ways</h2>The main roads are paved, but many residential areas have dirt roads. Everything from the doctor to my cellphone provider is within a 15-minute walking radius. My partner and I moved into a house his parents owned. It had no electricity, flooring, or running water. We recently renovated two rooms and added a bathroom with running water and a Western toilet. It ended up costing about $3,000.<div type="image" title="Samantha Shea, a digital nomad stands with her boyfriends' mother and grandmother." height="2264" width="3019" msid="100102577" hostid="261"></div>If we were renting, it would cost around 20,000 Pakistani rupees a month, or about $50. Renting might have been cheaper in the short term, but I love having a space all our own.A meal at a restaurant is usually between $2 for local spots and $7 for Western fare, but cooking at home is much less expensive and often tastier. WiFi costs around $8 for unlimited data each month, and I pay $4 for 10 gigabytes of data for my SIM card.<div type="image" title="Woman eating Yak burger in Hunza Valley, Pakistan" height="5301" width="7068" msid="100102579" hostid="261"></div>Hot water is also not a given in Hunza — but an $80 gas-powered water heater solved that, with refills totaling about $20 a month. The electricity that does come is only about $2 a month, and the cold running water, sourced from a glacier, is free.<div type="image" title="2000-gallon water tank in Hunza Valley" height="5203" width="6937" msid="100102582" hostid="261"></div>Aliabad has a cold desert climate.<div type="image" title="Yak burger on traditional stove." height="2073" width="2764" msid="100102587" hostid="261"></div>The coldest month is January, with temperatures averaging 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Frequently frozen pipes and a lack of central heating mean winter can be difficult.Having spent most of my life in Connecticut, I was used to cold, long winters, and I find Hunza's to be shorter. Winter limits my daily activities, but it almost feels like a cozy hibernation period.I spend lazy days working by my bukhari — a traditional fireplace.<div type="image" title="Hunza Valley local drying apricots." height="3448" width="4597" msid="100102590" hostid="261"></div><h2>The benefits of living in Hunza Valley far outweigh any negatives</h2>I save thousands each month compared with living in a US city, and my quality of life is infinitely better.I avoid the American hustle culture, which I find toxic. The people I meet in Hunza are generally quiet, polite, and respectful. I breathe clean air and eat organic, home-cooked food for every meal. Though my solo journey to Pakistan started as a trip, Hunza Valley is now my home. I've even obtained the equivalent of permanent residency. With the money I've saved, I hope to travel to other countries, with Hunza as my base.

I left Miami for a remote village in Pakistan. I have no running hot water and limited electricity &mdash; but my quality of life here is infinitely better.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Three years after a deadly clash, India and China's disputed border in the Himalayas remains tense.</li><li>Both sides are beefing up their presence there, basing more troops and building more infrastructure.</li></ul>Three years after the first deadly clash on India's and China's disputed Himalayan border in decades, the region <a href="https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/05/why-we-should-all-worry-about-china-india-border-dispute" target="_blank" rel="noopener">remains tense</a>.Repeated rounds of talks over disengagement <a href="https://thewire.in/diplomacy/no-progress-on-resolving-chinese-border-ingress-in-ladakh-in-18th-round-of-military-talks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">have failed</a>, and Chinese and Indian soldiers were wounded in another <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-china-border-scuffle-injured-troops-both-sides-indian-defence-minister-2022-12-13/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">brawl</a> in December. Both countries continue <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/both-china-india-ramp-up-infrastructure-on-north-bank-of-pangong-tso/article67034490.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to build up</a> military forces and infrastructure around hotspots on the border.An important part of that buildup has been China's deployment of light tanks, which can maneuver well on mountainous terrain and deploy quickly in large numbers. Their presence has exposed shortcomings in the Indian military's armored inventory, which relies heavily on main battle tanks that struggle in high altitudes.Consequently, India is planning to developing its own light tank to level the playing field.<h2>Light tanks</h2><div type="image" title="Army M24 Chaffee light tank Bologna Italy" height="1367" width="1823" msid="101441088" hostid="261" sizebytes="201378"></div>Light tanks are intended to provide direct support to infantry against enemy positions and light armored vehicles rather than square off against enemy tanks on their own. Their design puts an emphasis on speed and maneuverability at the cost of armor and firepower.Interest in light tanks is growing and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amid-armor-battles-in-ukraine-militaries-building-new-light-tanks-2023-3" target="_top">isn't limited to India and China</a> — the US and Japan are also reinvesting in the concept — but China's and India's need is especially pronounced, as the terrain separating them is particularly difficult for main battle tanks.This was <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-india-tanks-armor-could-make-future-war-much-deadlier-2021-5" target="_top">proved</a> in 2020 and 2021, when, as a result of a deadly border clash in Ladakh that killed 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese soldiers, both countries deployed armored units to parts of the Himalayas with altitudes of 11,000 feet and higher.The low air pressure at those altitudes hindered the performance of tank engines, and freezing temperatures forced soldiers to turn their armored vehicles on for up to 30 minutes every two or three hours to prevent engine components from freezing. Heavier vehicles also had trouble with the terrain.Despite the difficulties for armored vehicles, neither side is willing to deploy troops to the area without them, largely because of the important role tanks still play on the battlefield.<h2>The Type 15</h2><div type="image" title="China Type 15 tank" height="1336" width="2000" msid="101441091" hostid="261" sizebytes="107876"></div>China has coped with these issues by deploying its <a href="https://www.armyrecognition.com/china_chinese_heavy_armoured_vehicle_tank_uk/vt5_light_weight_main_battle_tank_technical_data_sheet_specifications_pictures_video_11711164.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Type 15</a> light tank, one of the few modern light tanks produced in the 21st century.Unveiled <a href="https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2016-11/03/content_27259981.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in 2016</a>, the Type 15 — also known as the ZTQ-15 — is billed as a lighter, cheaper alternative to heavier, more complex tanks produced by Russia or Western countries. Weighing in at 33 tons to 36 tons, depending on its load, the Type 15 is considerably lighter than China's 41-ton <a href="https://www.militarytoday.com/tanks/type_96.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Type 96</a> tank and 55-ton <a href="https://www.armyrecognition.com/china_chinese_heavy_armoured_vehicle_tank_uk/ztz99_type_99_wz123_main_battle_tank_technical_data_sheet_information_description_intelligence_uk.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Type 99</a> tank and less than half as heavy as recent versions of the US-made M1 Abrams.The Type 15 reportedly entered service in 2018, though it first appeared publicly as an <a href="https://www.armyrecognition.com/september_2019_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/new_light_tank_type_15_at_rehearsal_of_chinese_military_parade.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in-service</a> tank in 2020 during the military parade for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. China's military is believed to have about 500 in service.<div type="image" title="China Type 15 tank" height="1333" width="2000" msid="101441093" hostid="261" sizebytes="194556"></div>Its 105 mm rifled gun is equipped with an autoloader and it has an ammo capacity of 38 rounds. Its secondary armament comprises a remotely operated 12.7 mm heavy machine gun and 40 mm automatic grenade launcher. It has a top speed of 43 mph on paved roads and 25 mph off-road.The tank is made of standard steel but is fitted with explosive reactive armor blocks on its turret and sides. It can also <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2019/08/chinas-vt5-lightweight-tank-to-be-fitted-with-active-protection-system/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">be equipped</a> with a Chinese-made active protection system.The Type 15 is equipped with a suite of modern electronics, including a laser range finder, nighttime and thermal optics, a warning sensor system, satellite communications, and inertial and satellite navigation systems.In addition to its weight, the Type 15 has other features that make it suitable for mountainous operations. Its hydro-pneumatic suspension allows it to aim its gun higher or lower than standard tanks, which is useful for targets at high elevations. It also has oxygen generators, which help the engine run at high altitudes.<h2>Project Zorawar</h2><div type="image" title="India Arjuna main battle tank" height="1333" width="1777" msid="101441094" hostid="261" sizebytes="382618"></div>India's army hasn't had a light tank in service since its Soviet-designed PT-76 was retired in 1989.Instead, it relies almost exclusively on its heavily armored <a href="https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/meet-indias-t-90m-bhishma-tank-russian-tech-indian-made-136987" target="_blank" rel="noopener">T-90</a> and <a href="https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/t-72.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">T-72</a> tanks, which weigh 43 tons and 46 tons, respectively, and its <a href="https://www.army-technology.com/projects/arjun-mbt/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arjun series</a> main battle tanks, which weigh between 58 tons and 68 tons. Those tanks were acquired with Pakistan in mind, and they are better suited for open plains and deserts.India has tried on and off since 1983 to develop a new light tank but has never settled on a model. The Ladakh clash in 2020 — followed by a Chinese military buildup in which the Type 15 operated with comparative ease — prompted new action to acquire a light tank. (One retired Indian general even <a href="https://raksha-anirveda.com/light-tanks-the-himalayan-game-changer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">argued</a> that a lack of light tanks hindered India's ability to deter Chinese aggression in the first place.)In 2021, the Indian Ministry of Defense <a href="https://www.ddpmod.gov.in/sites/default/files/RFI-Lt%20Tk%2016%20Apr%20%2021%20%28Final%29%20%281%29_0.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">requested information</a> from industry about the production of 350 light tanks, each weighing no more than 25 tons and crewed by two to three people. Additional requirements included an autoloader, a remote-controlled machine-gun, the ability to fire "smart munitions" and anti-tank guided missiles, and the ability to add explosive-reactive-armor blocks.<div type="image" title="India army convoy Kashmir Ladakh" height="1710" width="2500" msid="101441098" hostid="261" sizebytes="699856"></div>Initially, there was speculation that India might buy the <a href="https://www.armyrecognition.com/russia_russian_army_light_armoured_vehicle_uk/2s25_sprut-sd_self-propelled_anti-tank_gun_technical_data_sheet_specifications_description_uk.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2S25 Sprut-SD</a> from Russia, which has <a href="https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-light-tank-tender-russians-ready-to-respond-to-indian-army-tender-2987880/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">repeatedly offered</a> to transfer the technology needed to build it. But the Indian government has indicated that it wants a domestic design, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Make in India" policy.Late last year, India's Ministry of Defense approved the purchase of 315 tanks, which will compose seven regiments. Indian media has <a href="https://www.firstpost.com/india/indian-army-concerned-over-chinese-moves-at-lac-may-induct-700-zorawar-light-tanks-12431122.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that India's army may increase the order to nearly 700 tanks.Indian multinational firm Larsen &amp; Toubro <a href="https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/indias-zorawar-programme-inches-forward" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was announced</a> as the government's development partner in September, and the company was <a href="https://www.ajaishukla.com/2023/04/l-gets-order-to-build-prototype-of.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">awarded</a> the contract for the first prototype in April. It will feature an 800-horsepower engine made by a German subsidiary of Rolls Royce and a 105 mm gun turret made by a Belgian firm.Indian officials have <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/drdo-light-tank-zorawar-to-be-ready-for-trials-by-year-end-along-china-border/articleshow/100356991.cms?from=mdr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> that the first tanks will be ready for trial testing by the end of this year and that the initial order will number 59 units.In what may be a reflection of the opponent the Indian army has in mind for its new light tank, the effort has been called "Project Zorawar," in reference to Zorawar Singh, a general who conquered Ladakh from Chinese rulers in the early 19th century.

India and China are buying new tanks designed to fight on one of the world's highest battlefields

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The disputed borderlands between <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="India">India</keyword>, <keyword id="1334" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="China">China</keyword>, and <keyword id="3001" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Pakistan">Pakistan</keyword> are increasingly becoming a flashpoint for conflict.</li><li>The world can't ignore these growing challenges, and while the international community should look to help manage the situation, direct US involvement is probably not the best way forward, writes Abby Pokraka, a program coordinator for the Center for Arms-Control and Non-Proliferation.</li></ul>For decades, India and Pakistan have clashed over <keyword id="6354495" type="LOCATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="kashmir">Kashmir</keyword>, the mountainous region both countries claim. But to make matters more complicated, China has a stake in the area, too. The Aksai Chin region — located between Kashmir and Tibet — is under Chinese control and has been a source of conflict between India and China since 1962.The borderlands between these three nuclear-armed states is increasingly a flashpoint for conflict. The international community ignores these growing challenges at its peril and should be looking for ways to help manage potential crises in the region.And while the United States can play a role, in this particular instance, direct US involvement is probably not the best way forward.<div type="image" title="Kashmiri women walk past an Indian security personnel during restrictions after the scrapping of the special constitutional status for Kashmir by the government, in Srinagar, August 11, 2019. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui" height="2333" width="3500" msid="78409592" hostid="261"></div>The Kashmir region has been disputed since British India was <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/in_depth/south_asia/2002/india_pakistan/timeline/1947.stm">partitioned</a> into India and Pakistan in 1947. The first Indo-Pakistani war began after armed Pakistani tribesmen invaded Kashmir. The ceasefire agreement on January 1, 1949 established the Line of Control (LoC) — the de facto border between Indian-controlled and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir.The second Indo-Pakistani war took place in <a href="https://history.state.gov/milestones/1961-1968/india-pakistan-war">August 1965</a> after a series of clashes across the LoC, with a third war starting when Pakistan erupted in civil war in 1971.Tensions only escalated when India became a nuclear power in 1974 and Pakistan in 1998. Conflict across the LoC continues today, with the most recent clash occurring in February 2019. It was the deadliest altercation in three decades, with <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/pulwama-attack">40 members</a> of India's police force killed.India and China have a similarly violent history over the Line of Actual Control, which divides Chinese-controlled territory from Indian-controlled territory high up in the Himalayas. After the 1962 Sino-Indian War, an uneasy truce was established, but regular conflicts create a simmering tension between the two countries.The Indian government <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/north/story/chinese-troops-had-dismantled-bunkers-on-indian-side-of-line-of-actual-control-in-august-2011-160035-2013-04-25">claims</a> that Chinese troops cross the LAC multiple times a year, leading to increased volatility between the nations. Chinese forces killed <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/16/world/asia/india-china-border.html">20 Indian</a> soldiers in hand-to-hand combat along the border in June.<div type="image" title="Indian soldiers troops Himalayas Ladakh" height="1666" width="2500" msid="78409594" hostid="261"></div>This was the deadliest confrontation between the two nations in four decades, and negotiations <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/02/asia/india-china-himalayas-border-intl-hnk/index.html">did not</a> diffuse the situation. Tempers flared again when China and India <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/02/asia/india-china-himalayas-border-intl-hnk/index.html">accused</a> each other of illegally trespassing on the other's side and firing warning shots in early September, which would be the<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/08/world/asia/india-china-border.html"> first time guns were used</a> amid tensions. Little has been done to resolve any of this.China was drawn into a dispute between India and Pakistan when India revoked Kashmir's <a href="https://lite.cnn.com/en/article/h_e57b0ab399a59b28e5373e2fd0890cfa">autonomy</a> in August 2019 and wanted to <a href="https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251770/kashmirs-role-boiling-china-india-tensions">incorporate</a> parts of "Xinjiang and Tibet into its Ladakh union territory," which China believes violates its dominion due to its occupation of Tibet. It appears that over the last year the situation in Kashmir has not gotten better."Mass <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/08/05/india-revoked-kashmirs-autonomy-year-ago-what-has-happened-since-then/">disenfranchisement</a> of Kashmiri Muslims, deteriorating security, economic backsliding and a contentious political agenda" negatively contributes to the tension between India and Pakistan, exacerbating the historical friction in the region.It seems clear that after decades of poor relations, the tensions in this part of the world may reach a <a href="https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251770/kashmirs-role-boiling-china-india-tensions">boiling point</a>.<div type="image" title="india kashmir.JPG" height="1373" width="2000" msid="78409596" hostid="261"></div>Finding a solution to these half-century conflicts seems daunting, but it is necessary. While many nations have fought throughout history, a conflict between nuclear-armed states carries an unbearable risk of escalation.To start, these countries can take small steps to stabilize the security of the region and pave the way for better relations. Starting a dialogue, bilateral or trilateral, can improve communication in the longer term, which can help reduce the likelihood of conflict.Establishing crisis communications was an important step the United States and the Soviet Union took in the wake of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and de-escalation practices the two countries implemented in the early 1960s remained in place through the end of the Cold War.A third party could help facilitate regional discussions. Given its history in the region, the United States might have seemed like a good option for such facilitation, but that is not the case at this time.The Trump administration's <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-prime-minister-khan-islamic-republic-pakistan-bilateral-meeting/">offer</a> to mediate negotiations between India and Pakistan in July 2019 was generally ignored. Beyond that, the administration's own growing Cold War posture towards Beijung has deteriorated whatever diplomatic leverage it might have had in this situation. This week, President Trump took aim at China before the United Nations, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/22/world/americas/UN-Trump-Xi-China-coronavirus.html">blaming it for the global COVID pandemic</a>.At this point, there is no reason China would see the United States as a desirable mediator for any regional conflict.<div type="image" title="Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping" height="2522" width="4800" msid="78409600" hostid="261"></div>Moreover, it may not be America's responsibility to step into the void. Perhaps there is an opportunity for other nations to take that lead. China and India both have substantial trade relationships with <a href="https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/russia-hopes-sco-may-facilitate-indo-pak-talks-too-138273">Russia</a>, which may be willing to moderate discussions.Of course, Russia's own differences with China might complicate such an effort. The United Kingdom has made efforts in recent years to better its relationship with <a href="https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-policy-insight/insight-articles/india-and-uk-2050-vision">India</a> and <a href="https://nation.com.pk/10-Sep-2020/pakistan-uk-vow-to-enhance-relations">Pakistan</a>, putting London in the position to be a potential mediator. The Gulf states, with the help of the United States, have <a href="https://www.voanews.com/south-central-asia/us-gulf-countries-helped-ease-india-pakistan-tensions">diffused</a> tensions between India and Pakistan in the past, so perhaps they could offer further assistance.In the meantime, friction among China, India, and Pakistan continues to grow. The only way to diffuse the tension and prevent destructive escalation is through diplomacy.Other countries need to step up and work to reduce the hostilities. Make no mistake, a large-scale, regional conflict among nuclear-armed states would have global consequences.

You Searched For "pakistan warning to india" and got 12 results

ICC top brass seeks PCB assurances that it will send team to India for ODI World Cup

PTI

A bizarre comment stirred speculation India may try to match China's carrier fleet

Michael Peck

Pakistan warns India 'to be ready for quick retaliation' amid LoC tensions and UNSC membership

IANS

Pakistan is South Asia's weakest economy: World Bank report

ANI

A new spyware 'Hermit' is targeting high-profile Android users, warns Google

IANS

India says it accidentally fired a missile into Pakistan due to a 'malfunction' during 'routine maintenance'

Natalie Musumeci

Pakistan hits back after India fired 3 air force officers for accidentally firing a missile across the border, saying the case isn't closed

Sinéad Baker

Pakistan buys armed drones from China in bulk amid border tensions with India

IANS

'Around 300 terrorists waiting to infiltrate into India' says Major General Virendra Vats

IANS

I left Miami for a remote village in Pakistan. I have no running hot water and limited electricity but my quality of life here is infinitely better.

Samantha Shea

India and China are buying new tanks designed to fight on one of the world's highest battlefields

Benjamin Brimelow

Tensions between 3 nuclear-armed powers are rising toward the boiling point

Abby Pokraka, Responsible Sta…

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