On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, India and Bangladesh commemorated the victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971. Officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force paid their respects at the Army Headquarters Eastern Command in Kolkata, along with their counterparts from the Bangladesh Army. To celebrate this joint victory, eight Indian war veterans and two serving officers have arrived in Dhaka while eight Bangladeshi freedom fighters and two serving officers are in Kolkata to participate in the annual exchange of war veterans and attend the Vijay Diwas celebrations.
Vijay Diwas: Commemorating India's Triumph in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War
Vijay Diwas, celebrated on December 16th each year, marks a significant milestone in Indian history, commemorating the victory of the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. This war played a pivotal role in the liberation of Bangladesh and the establishment of its independence.
Background:
Tensions between India and Pakistan had escalated in the 1960s and 1970s due to political and economic disputes. The situation reached a boiling point in 1971 when the Pakistani military launched a brutal crackdown against the Bengali-speaking population of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Faced with a humanitarian crisis, India intervened on December 3, 1971, launching a swift and decisive military campaign.
Indo-Pakistan War of 1971:
The war lasted for 13 days and witnessed fierce fighting on both sides. The Indian Armed Forces, led by Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, launched a multi-pronged offensive, targeting both East and West Pakistan. The Indian Air Force achieved air superiority early in the conflict, while the Indian Navy blockaded Pakistani ports.
On December 16, 1971, the Pakistani forces in East Pakistan surrendered unconditionally, marking a decisive victory for India. The war resulted in the liberation of Bangladesh and the establishment of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the first Prime Minister of the new nation.
Vijay Diwas: A Symbol of Indo-Bangladeshi Friendship:
Vijay Diwas holds immense significance for both India and Bangladesh. It symbolizes the deep bond between the two countries and the shared sacrifice of their soldiers in the war. To commemorate this victory, India and Bangladesh observe Vijay Diwas jointly, with events and ceremonies held in both nations.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. What is the significance of Vijay Diwas? A: Vijay Diwas commemorates the victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, which led to the liberation of Bangladesh.
2. Why is Vijay Diwas celebrated jointly by India and Bangladesh? A: To honor the shared sacrifice of Indian and Bangladeshi soldiers during the war and to strengthen the bond between the two nations.
3. Who was the leader of the Indian Armed Forces during the 1971 war? A: Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was the Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army during the war.
4. What was the role of the Indian Navy and Air Force in the war? A: The Indian Navy blockaded Pakistani ports, while the Indian Air Force achieved air superiority and provided crucial support to ground troops.
5. How long did the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War last? A: The war lasted for 13 days, from December 3 to December 16, 1971.
Iran's foreign minister has announced that a prisoner swap deal with France is close to being finalized. The agreement would secure the release of Iranian nationals imprisoned in France and allow for the return of French citizens detained in Iran. This development comes as Germany announces its support for a French-led effort to establish a two-state solution in the Middle East.
Qatar's prime minister has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of destroying months of mediation efforts to secure a ceasefire deal and free remaining hostages in Gaza. With the lives of 20 hostages at risk, Qatar had been working with the US and Egypt to broker a deal, but Tuesday's attack on Hamas' leadership in Doha has killed any hope for a resolution. Despite Trump's promises that such an attack will not be repeated, Netanyahu continues to threaten Qatar, accusing them of harboring terrorists and vowing to take action if they don't comply.
In a shocking development, Israel has launched an attack on Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital, Doha, resulting in the deaths of six people. The Qatari government has condemned the attack as "state terrorism" and has raised questions about Israel's true intentions in the region. The attack ruptures the delicate ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, where Qatar has been acting as a mediator. This latest incident highlights the increasing involvement of Qatar in the volatile conflicts in the Middle East.
Israel's strikes on Yemen's capital come amidst warnings from their defence minister and public disapproval from Donald Trump following their attack on Doha. As the Middle East watches the tense situation unfold, Qatar struggles to recover from the unprecedented assault on their sovereign territory. A senior Qatari government member expresses anger and concern over the US's delayed warning of the attack, further complicating the already tense relations in the region.
Amid ongoing protests and the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Nepal has appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the country's interim head. The death toll in the protests has risen to 25, with hundreds more injured. As the Nepali Army takes over security responsibilities, flights have resumed at the international airport and authorities are cautioning against the spread of misinformation on social media.
After two days of violent protests, Nepal Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel successfully persuaded former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to become the interim Chief Executive of the country. This comes after the Gen Z protests and other groups reached a consensus with political parties to restore normalcy and form an interim government. The Nepal Army, for the first time, has stepped in to quell the chaos and bring diverse political forces together for dialogue.
Days of deadly protests in Nepal have led to the overthrow of KP Sharma Oli's government and the appointment of Sushila Karki as interim prime minister. Karki, the former chief justice, has expressed positivity towards India and its people, citing personal ties from her time studying in India. She assures the safety of Indians in Nepal and promises justice for those affected by the recent violence. Meanwhile, Nepalese troops are working to restore order and bring the country back to normalcy.
In a fiery speech at the 60th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi slammed Switzerland for its "shallow and ill-informed remarks" on India's state of press and minorities. Tyagi called on Switzerland, as the current chair of the UNHRC, to focus on tackling its own challenges such as racism and xenophobia instead of pointing fingers at India. He also delivered a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan, labelling it as a "failed state" addicted to propaganda and terror. India, Tyagi underscored, will continue to protect its citizens and defend its sovereignty with unwavering resolve.
Protests against corruption in Kathmandu, Nepal took a destructive turn as the iconic Hilton Hotel was set on fire, leaving behind a charred skeleton of its once grand glass facade. The protests also included attacks on government buildings and political leaders' residences, causing chaos throughout the city. The destruction of the Hilton Hotel is significant as it represents Nepal's aspirations for growth in the hospitality industry, with social media users expressing fear for the country's future.
Indian fruit traders have united to boycott Turkish goods, particularly apples, as a show of solidarity with their armed forces. The move comes after Turkey's open support for Pakistan in the ongoing regional tensions between India and its neighbor. The Swadeshi Jagran Manch, a prominent nationalist organization, has also joined the call for broader economic sanctions against Turkey, citing the country's military partnership with Pakistan as a threat to India's sovereignty. The organization also reminded Turkey of India's assistance during a devastating earthquake in 2023, calling for citizens to prioritize self-reliance and boycott Turkish products and cultural exports.