In a surprising admission, Pakistan's Army Chief has finally acknowledged that Pakistani soldiers were killed during the Kargil conflict, years after former Army Chief Musharraf confessed to the reality of the conflict. Amidst controversy surrounding Pakistan's observance of September 6 as Defense Day, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry has also claimed Junagadh as part of Pakistan, comparing it to the Kashmir issue. Additionally, a major update in Pakistan's political scene: prominent Baloch leader Maherang Baloch is receiving support from Imran Khan's party, a significant endorsement for the Baloch movement.
Pakistan's Army Chief Acknowledges Kargil Conflict Casualties
In a significant development, Pakistan's Army Chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, has acknowledged that Pakistani soldiers were killed during the Kargil conflict in 1999. This marks a shift from the previous stance of the Pakistani military, which had long denied any involvement in the conflict.
Former Army Chief Pervez Musharraf had admitted Pakistan's involvement in 2016, but Bajwa's acknowledgment is the first time a serving Army Chief has done so. It comes amid ongoing controversy over Pakistan's observance of September 6 as Defense Day, which is dedicated to the conflict.
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry Claims Junagadh as Part of Pakistan
Adding to the tensions, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry has claimed Junagadh, an Indian princely state that acceded to Pakistan in 1947 but was later seized by India, as part of its territory. The ministry has compared the issue to the ongoing Kashmir dispute.
Baloch Leader Receives Support from Imran Khan's Party
In a major political development, the party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed support for prominent Baloch leader Maherang Baloch. Baloch has been a vocal advocate for the rights of the Baloch people, a marginalized ethnic group in Pakistan. The endorsement from Khan's party is seen as a significant boost for the Baloch movement.
FAQs
1. What was the Kargil conflict?
The Kargil conflict was a limited war fought between India and Pakistan from May to July 1999 over control of the Kargil sector in the disputed Kashmir region.
2. Why did Pakistan involve itself in the Kargil conflict?
Pakistan had hoped to trigger an uprising in Indian-controlled Kashmir and force India to cede territory.
3. Who was responsible for the Pakistani casualties in the Kargil conflict?
Pakistan's Army Chief at the time, Pervez Musharraf, has admitted responsibility for the Pakistani casualties.
4. What is the significance of Pakistan's claim on Junagadh?
Pakistan's claim on Junagadh is part of its ongoing dispute with India over the status of the Kashmir region.
5. Why has the Baloch movement gained prominence recently?
The Baloch movement has gained prominence due to increased awareness of the marginalization and injustices faced by the Baloch people in Pakistan.
Police and protesters clashed violently in China's Shaanxi province over the death of a 17-year-old student, Dang Changxin, who was found dead in his dormitory on January 2. The protests were triggered by allegations of a cover-up by local authorities, who reportedly closed the case within 24 hours and did not allow the student's mother to see his body. The non-for-profit group Human Rights In China claims suspicious circumstances surrounding Dang's death, including witness reports of a struggle in his dormitory and the suggestion that he was pushed from the roof.
Take a deeper dive into the world of Hindu monks and their role in managing the sacred Kumbh Mela event. Learn about the organisational structure of Akharas and their historical significance, as well as their influence over the Amrit Snan ritual. Discover how the Amrit Snan order has evolved over the centuries and the current power dynamic between the Akharas and the institutionalised process.
Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, has been drawn towards the spiritual heritage of India and will be attending the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj. The grand gathering, known as one of the largest spiritual gatherings in the world, kicked off today and is expected to draw millions of pilgrims from around the globe. Powell Jobs will be staying at the Niranjani Akhara’s camp under the guidance of Kailashanand Giri Maharaj and has been given the Hindu name "Kamala." This reflects her deep connection to Hindu traditions and practices.
In a show of unity and devotion, Naga Sadhus from Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani and Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara took the 'Amrit Snan' on Tuesday during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. This is a historic moment as the two akharas, known for their mutual rivalry, are coming together for the holy dip. The authorities are expecting a record number of devotees to participate in the ceremony, bringing together people from different walks of life. As per the schedule, the next to take the holy dip are Shri Taponidhi Panchayati Shri Niranjani Akhara and Shri Panchayati Akhara Anand. The police have ramped up security measures to ensure a smooth and peaceful procession.
Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, has surprised the media by arriving at the Maha Kumbh Mela in India. Known for her philanthropy and business acumen, Powell Jobs will be attending the first Shahi Snan while donning the saffron attire of a sanyasin. This rare appearance at the world's largest religious gathering showcases her spiritual side and her devotion to her guru, Swami Kailashananda.
A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Tibet, claiming the lives of at least 53 people and injuring dozens more. News of the disaster broke during a live broadcast of Good Morning Britain, prompting presenter Ranvir Singh to provide an urgent update. The earthquake originated near the holy city of Shigatse and was felt in several neighboring countries. The region's susceptibility to seismic activity, due to its location on a major fault line, may have contributed to the severity of the earthquake.
In an exposé by Lila Shapiro for New York Magazine, five women share their experiences with Gaiman, which usually started as innocent interactions with fans and employees. The women allege they were sexually assaulted by the writer, who maintains his innocence, and that their stories were not widely known in the industry. Gaiman's portrayal of a writer who rapes a woman in one of his works, "The Sandman," has caused controversy and drawn parallels to the current allegations against him.
YouTuber Elvish Yadav, who was arrested earlier in connection to the supply of snake venom at a rave party, failed to appear in court for his scheduled hearing. The YouTuber, along with five others, was charged under various acts and mentioned in a First Information Report. Later, the Noida police submitted a 1,200-page chargesheet against him and seven others, including statements from 24 witnesses. In other news, Elvish recently faced backlash for his reaction to a roast video by fellow YouTubers, Gautami Kawale and Abhyudaya Mohan, in which they allegedly dragged his mother into their jokes. After severe criticism, they deleted the controversial part.
In her inspiring call, Sadhvi Bhagwati Saraswati urges people worldwide to join the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. She emphasizes that faith and devotion are all it takes to be a part of this grand spiritual gathering. The event, which began today, has already seen massive crowds and is praised for its extensive preparations by leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. With millions of participants, the Maha Kumbh is off to a successful start and is set to conclude on February 26.
During his visit to Sri City, secretary of DPIIT, Amardeep Singh Bhatia, praised the industrial park's world-class infrastructure and ideal business environment. He hailed Sri City as a prime example of India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, being the only major green industrial hub in the country. Bhatia also appreciated Sri City's eco-friendly policies that prioritize economic and environmental sustainability.Furthermore, Bhatia observed the bustling operations at Daikin India's production unit and noted the significance of the partnership with Taiwan's Rechi in reducing India's reliance on imports for critical components. Dr. Ravindra Sannareddy, founder managing director of Sri City, expressed that Bhatia's visit is valuable to the growth of the industrial park, especially in the air conditioning manufacturing sector.