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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
India thwarted over 600 missiles, drone attacks on Gujarat Frontier; 40% of them in state itself: BSF IG
More than 600 aerial attacks in the form of missiles and drones were thwarted by security forces on the southern end of India's border with Pakistan, comprising Bhuj sector in Gujarat and Barmer sector in Rajasthan, earlier this month, Abhishek Pathak, the Inspector General (IG) of the Gujarat Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF), said on Friday. The Indian forces either destroyed or forced the missiles and drones to turn back with no harm caused to civilians and no damage to infrastructure, the IG said during a press conference held by the BSF at the Gujarat Frontier Headquarters in Gandhinagar. The Gujarat Frontier of the BSF, part of its Western Command, is responsible for maintaining watch over the Bhuj Sector and the Barmer Sector. When asked by The Indian Express to share a break-up of the number of attempted attacks over the skies of Gujarat itself, IG Pathak said, 'About 40% of the attacks were in Gujarat while the rest were in the Barmer sector (of Rajasthan).' When asked about the type of drones and missiles deployed by Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, IG Pathak said the investigation was still underway into their make and type. IG Pathak said that Pakistan had even deployed tanks and heavy artillery at the border. He said everything was being analysed to 'improve our response next time'. 'We learnt that Pakistan had not only increased manpower along the border, but also deployed heavy artillery and tanks in forward areas. In view of this situation, the BSF along with the Army, the Navy and the Air Force completed its preparations and officials also visited border areas to brief the personnel and review the preparations,' Pathak said. Speaking about BSF's preparations, Pathak said Gujarat Frontier had deployed 'high-calibre weapons and surveillance equipment' at all the border posts after getting inputs about Pakistan army's mobilisation. Regarding the intruder from Pakistan who was shot and killed on May 23 while attempting to cross the international border, IG Pathak said that according to the Rules of Engagement (ROE), he was challenged and asked to stop his advance but he did not, leading to the BSF troops firing and killing him on the spot. 'We have shared his photograph with Pakistan. We did not find any identification documents on his person and we are still waiting to see whether they (Pakistan) will claim his body,' said Pathak. (With PTI Inputs)
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
600 drone and missile attacks on Guj frontier foiled: BSF IG
Ahmedabad: Inspector general of the Border Security Force (BSF) Gujarat Frontier, , informed mediapersons on Friday that more than 600 drone and air-based attacks from Pakistan were successfully thwarted along the Gujarat frontier during . Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to Pathak, after the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Indian defence forces launched a coordinated campaign targeting terror infrastructure across the border. Following these strikes, Pakistan initiated a series of aerial incursions, including sending drones and missiles, with many directed towards Banaskantha, Patan and Kutch. "More than 600 drone incursions were recorded in the Gujarat Frontier region, particularly from Barmer to the marshy stretches of the Rann of Kutch. Despite the complex terrain, all were neutralised or repelled with no harm to civilians or security personnel," Pathak told reporters at BSF headquarters in Chiloda, Gandhinagar. He attributed the success to advanced air defence systems, high readiness and coordination among BSF, Army, Air Force, Navy and local administration. The BSF reported no damage from any drone or missile strike, thanks to pre-emptive deployment, accurate intelligence inputs and swift inter-agency action, said Pathak. Pathak commended the deployment of over 800 women border guards, highlighting the leadership of assistant commandants Amandeep and Niti Yadav, who led the operations in the toughest terrains in creeks on the Gujarat border. On a query about drones made in Turkey, Pathak said that debris from the drones is under forensic examination to trace their origin, with speculation that some may be of Turkish origin, though the results are pending. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Gujarat govt played a key supporting role, with the chief minister and home minister closely monitoring developments, ensuring logistical and medical readiness, and interacting regularly with field forces. Local villagers along the border, too, expressed full confidence in BSF operations and actively supported security protocols," Pathak said. While confirming there were no direct strikes from fighter aircraft, IG Pathak acknowledged that missiles were launched, and drone-based explosive attacks attempted in the region. He stated, "Our preparations ensured complete protection. There was no civilian casualty or infrastructure damage on our side."
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Pak fired missiles, 200 drones towards Gujarat, amassed tanks, but could cause no harm: BSF
Pakistan fired missiles and 200 drones towards Gujarat during Operation Sindoor but failed to cause any harm to military installations, soldiers or civilians as every attack of the neighbouring nation was foiled by Indian forces, a senior Border Security Force officer said on Friday. Pakistan had even deployed tanks and heavy artillery at the border, said Inspector General Abhishek Pathak of BSF's Gujarat Frontier, who asserted everything was being analysed to "improve our response next time". The force is tasked with securing areas from Barmer in Rajasthan to Kutch district of Gujarat along the India-Pakistan border. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 as retaliation to the horrific April 22 Pahalgam attack, resulting in decimation of terror infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir and Pakistan. The two nations agreed to cessation of hostilities on May 10. Addressing a press conference in Gandhinagar on the role of BSF during Operation Sindoor, Pathak said, "Of nearly 600 drones sent by Pakistan towards our border from Rajasthan to Kutch, some 40 per cent (200 drones) entered Gujarat. However, we foiled the attack with the help of the Army and Indian Air Force, as no damage was caused, neither to our forces nor to civilians. Some of these drones were shot down." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo "We learnt that Pakistan had not only increased manpower along the border, it also deployed heavy artillery and tanks in forward areas. In view of this situation, BSF along with Army, Navy and Air Force completed its preparations and officials also visited border areas to brief the personnel and review the preparations," Pathak informed. Missiles were also fired towards Gujarat by Pakistan but no damage was caused on the ground, he added. Speaking about BSF's preparations, Pathak said Gujarat Frontier had deployed "high calibre weapons and surveillance equipment" at all the border posts after getting inputs about Pakistan army's mobilisation on the border. Live Events About the drone attacks by Pakistan, Pathak said the BSF as well as Army and other concerned departments are analysing them to improve the response for the future. "This is perhaps the first time when such a situation arose. There are many learnings for BSF, other forces and concerned departments. We are analysing these aspects to improve our response next time. There is always a scope for improvement in any system," Pathak asserted.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Pakistan deployed tanks, artillery after India's precision strikes during Operation Sindoor: BSF IG
AHMEDABAD: In Gujarat's Gandhinagar, BSF Inspector General Abhishek Pathak addressed rising tensions following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. He said public anger had prompted the Indian government to vow stern action, which in turn led Pakistan to reinforce its border defences. Intelligence reports revealed increased Pakistani troop deployment, including heavy artillery and tanks near the frontier. In response, India's BSF, Army, Navy, and Air Force initiated comprehensive preparations. Addressing a press conference in Gujarat's Gandhinagar, BSF Inspector General Abhishek Pathak said, 'There was huge anger among people following the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. Following the attack, the government had promised to take a stern action against the perpetrators.' He added, 'Seeing India's strong determination, Pakistan strengthened its defences. As per the information received from several intel agencies, Pakistan had increased the number of its personnel on the border adjacent to Gujarat and had also deployed its regular army personnel.' Pathak further stated, 'It was noticed that Pakistan had also moved its heavy artillery and tanks to the forward areas. Considering this, the BSF, Army, Navy and Air Force started their preparations.'
Mint
2 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Indian women's power dressing awaits a makeover
A few months back, an assignment to interview the CEO of a multinational company sent me spiralling with the question of what to wear. The outfit had to look sharp but also be comfortable enough to see me through the day. I scoured through the 'seemingly formal" shirts and trousers I owned and did some last-minute mixing and matching. All that effort ended with me falling back on an extremely safe combination of a semi-formal black top with fitted jeggings. That tiny exercise, however, got me thinking about how shopping for smart corporate wear is not as easy as it seems. Career women in their 30s and 40s who I spoke to had the same refrain: find me good formal western wear that fits and doesn't cost a bomb. Also read: Why nude dressing is trending on the red carpet For Nidhi Agarwal, founder and CEO of Ebony & Ivory PR, Bengaluru, finding stylish workwear has been a problem since the pandemic years when she gained some weight. A size M through most of her adult life, the 40-year-old now wears XL. This change, she reveals, has translated into 'not finding clothes my size when I walk into a store to shop." Being in a job that entails organising events and brand launches and meeting a range of people from C Suite executives to content creators, Agarwal needs to powerdress for the most part but based on the choices available off the rack, she bluntly states, 'Power dressing is not inclusive in India." To be clear, there is good formal wear available in India but whether it's Allen Solly, Van Heusen or Zara, there are fewer good designs available in bigger sizes compared to casual or desi wear. The only alternative is to spend big bucks on plus-size international labels like Never Fully Dressed. Size is a major pain point for Anjali Pathak, 41, an economics professor at Delhi University, as well. A size 9, Pathak often has to settle for a size 8 or 10 when it comes to formal western wear. 'Never mind that this means that the fit rarely sits right," she shrugs. Getting clothes tailored seems like a feasible option but in reality the idea is laughable. 'Where are the tailors?" is the retort. Pathak calls it a time-consuming affair and finds most men's tailors don't have the flair to 'craft bespoke outfits for women". 'I have a tailor in Chennai but since he mostly does menswear, I need to take the help of a male friend to communicate what I want," laughs Ramaa Iyer, 40, an HR and people culture entrepreneur in Bengaluru. For Iyer, shopping for formal wear entails checking off a list of criteria: Is the top too transparent to wear to the office? Does it sit right on the bust? Are the buttons on the shirt gaping? Are the pants tight at the crotch? These may seem like minor details but for a career woman in India, it's these nuances that play loudly in her mind while searching for a pair of trousers, a crisp shirt or a chic dress. While the conversations on one end of the spectrum have women wringing their hands, on the other hand are brands that are attempting to address these issues by designing clothes more thoughtfully and at prices that won't break the bank for women in the 25-60 age bracket. Also read: Neo-punk jewellery gets a touch of Indian grandeur 'The biggest complaints that Indian women have with their workwear often come down to comfort and versatility. Indian women need workwear that breathes, moves and transitions effortlessly from boardroom to beyond," says Shweta Kapur, founder and creative director at luxury ready-to-wear label 431-88, Delhi. Since launching in 2012, the label has created a design language that melds the strict structure of formal wear with fluidity. The label's latest collection, 9-6, for instance, serves up an insouciant mix of shirts in relaxed fits, draped skirts, tailored shorts and knotted pants, among others. And that, Kapur explains, is because office wear in the post-pandemic world has transformed. 'It's now all about fluidity, comfort, and just having fun with your style. Women want pieces that move with them, seamlessly transitioning from work to life," notes Kapur. It is this shifting mentality of her customer that pushes her to weave a touch of glamour into her designs. 'It's about pushing the boundaries, showing that power dressing can be truly expressive and experimental," she says. IN THE DETAILS When siblings Rupanshi, Divya and Bharat Aggarwal set about to launch their premium ready-to-wear brand Qua, they were clear about the idea of power dressing they would be serving their core customer. 'The power dressing that legacy fashion brands seem to promote is a replica of menswear—it's masculine and boring. Our design philosophy was about showing women that wearing powerful clothes didn't mean they had to lose their femininity," says Rupanshi. Launched in 2019, the Gurugram-headquartered brand creates modern tailored outfits that include suits, blazers, waistcoats, dresses, jumpsuits, shirts and skirts at prices ranging from ₹750- ₹14,990. When it comes to getting the fits right across collections, Rupanshi says, 'We invested in deep R&D and experimented with our early collections to understand every facet of the garment-making process, including the ideal silhouettes for the Indian body, fabric selection, and price points too. The fact that we get fewer requests for returns means we've got something right." At Rareism, the women's clothing brand that's part of The House of Rare umbrella brand in Bengaluru, size inclusivity is a given. 'Our clothes come in sizes from xs to xxl. We've also just launched a line called Curvism for bigger bodies," says Akshika Poddar, founder and director of the brand. Also read: Why global luxury houses are looking beyond Bollywood for brand ambassadors Keenly aware of how fits in the workwear category can underwhelm or overwhelm the wearer, Poddar shares that a lot of care is taken to ensure that their collections fit different body types. We do fit tests on three different body types for each size, Poddar says. 'For instance, if there's an xs-sized top, we test it on models with the three main body types: apple, pear and rectangle, and then grade it. There are times when I test an outfit on myself. This is because sizes can vary with silhouettes," she explains. As a professor who spends long hours in non-air-conditioned classrooms, Pathak's grouse with Indian brands is that they make clothes from fabrics that are unsuitable for the Indian weather. 'Most Indian brands I know use fabric that's ideal for air-conditioned surroundings but since my workplace doesn't have ACs, I find them uncomfortable." The brands Lounge spoke to mainly work with cottons, polyester, viscose, silk, crepe and modal fabrics. The choice is mainly determined by customer demand, quality and easy availability, they say. 'When we launched in 2019, we did a lot of cotton and linens but we soon had customers asking us for clothes in flowy fabrics. That's why we've slowly shifted to recycled polyester, viscose and modal cottons. We spend time finding new fabrics, materials every season," says Poddar. Qua largely works with cottons, viscose, chiffons and satin. Kapur works with fabrics like silk, crepe, jersey and suiting fabric—materials that she sources globally, from Varanasi to Italy. It's clear that there are brands doing their homework but there's a yawning gap between what the working woman wants and what she actually gets. While customers like Agarwal and Iyer find small consolation in brands like Marks & Spencer and Mango, they admit that there's a void for a homegrown brand that straddles comfort along with sophistication. With more women entering India's workforce and the overall women's wear market for India projected to grow to $121.60 billion by 2030, according to a report by management consulting firm IMARC, we may be a few years away from power dressing getting a cool rejig. Also read: Why labubu dolls, Disney cartoons have entered the adult wardrobe
