Latest news with #RajputanaRifles
Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Uttarakhand flash flood: 9 Army men feared missing after mudslide hits Harsil base near China border; 150 troops join search
A mudslide struck an Indian Army base camp in Harsil valley, Uttarkashi district. Nine army personnel are feared missing after the incident. The 14 Rajputana Rifles were stationed at the camp. DEHRADUN: At least nine personnel of the Indian Army were feared missing after a mudslide hit their base camp in Harsil valley near Indo-China border in Uttarkashi district around 220km away from Dehradun on Tuesday afternoon. Two others, who too were earlier missing, were later safely rescued. The mudslide struck after around 45 minutes of the disaster in Dharali village - about 4km from the Army camp in Harsil valley. Elaborating, public relations officer (defence), Dehradun, Lt Col Manish Srivastava said that the missing personnel were attached to the 14 Rajputana Rifles which were stationed at the Army camp. Army base camp affected after being hit by mudslide The unit's base camp was adversely affected after being hit by a mudslide in which nine are feared missing. A search and rescue operation has been launched, even as around 150 other personnel of the unit are currently involved in the primary rescue operation led by commanding officer of the unit, Col Harshvardhan in Dharali,' said Lt Col Srivastava. Another Army officer, privy to the details, told TOI, 'As per the preliminary information, there are no officers among those missing.' 'That assessment would be done later as the first priority is to find those missing and take necessary steps to ensure others are safe in case of a similar emergency amid the ongoing heavy rains,' said the officer. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ultra Lux 4BHK homes at 7 Mahalaxmi from 10.81 Cr* 7 Mahalaxmi, Runwal Group Enquire Now Undo The Army base in Harsil is largely aimed at ensuring required security arrangements and to cater to any military emergency at the India-China border which is 20-25 km away from there. It is located in close proximity to a camp of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police. Earlier in the day, commanding officer of Joshimath-based Ibex Brigade, Brig Mandeep Singh Dhillon, while briefing about the ongoing Dharali rescue operation being carried out by the Army personnel from Harsil base, said that it was hit by a mudslide. He had, however, not mentioned any missing personnel in the incident. 'Despite this, the Army is determined to carry out the rescue operation at Dharali after reaching within 10 minutes of the tragedy. Due to the close proximity to Harsil camp, they were the first to reach there and initiate a search and rescue operation,' said Brig Singh.
India Today
6 days ago
- Business
- India Today
India-US ties: All downhill now? Experts debate on Gaurav Sawant's show
This episode of India First show examines the escalating trade tensions between the United States and India, sparked by US President Donald Trump's threat to impose additional tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil. India's Ministry of External Affairs responded by highlighting perceived hypocrisy, citing the EU's 2024 trade figures with Russia at 67.5 billion euros and ongoing US imports of Russian uranium and palladium. Analysts discuss the implications for the India-US strategic partnership, exploring strategies that are both tactful and punitive, while questioning the reliability of the US as a global trading partner. Additionally, the programme reports on devastating cloudbursts and floods in Uttarakhand, confirming four deaths and missing personnel, including one Junior Commissioned Officer and ten soldiers from the Rajputana Rifles. Despite the tragedy, the battalion is actively conducting rescue operations for civilians. The broadcast also covers the passing of former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik and references an Indian Army social media post about US arms support to Pakistan.
India Today
6 days ago
- Climate
- India Today
Uttarakhand cloudburst: Army camp hit, many missing, rescue efforts hampered
A devastating cloudburst has struck Dharali and Harsil, with more than 200 people, including locals and tourists, feared missing. An army camp, specifically the 14 Rajputana Rifles brigade headquarters, was also impacted by a second cloudburst, with many soldiers reported missing. Heavy rains and multiple landslides are severely hindering relief and rescue operations. The helipad in Harsil has been washed away, making aerial rescue impossible due to bad weather. NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, and Army teams are conducting search and rescue on foot. The terrain has been significantly altered by debris, and the river has divided, impacting areas like Sukhi Top. Agencies are working to clear landslides to gain access, as the situation is described as an uphill task. The incident's magnitude is being compared to the 2013 Kedarnath tragedy, with concerns for pilgrims on the Char Dham Yatra.
Hans India
29-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
FOB for soldiers to be completed within 10 months, Delhi HC told
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court was informed on Monday that a foot over bridge (FOB) meant to facilitate the movement of Rajputana Rifles from their barracks to the parade ground in Delhi Cantonment area would be completed within 10 months. A bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Manmeet PS Arora then directed the Delhi government's Public Works Department (PWD) to initiate the process for issuing tenders for the FOB's construction. The court passed the direction after perusing Delhi Cantonment Board's status report which said all government agencies, including the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), the PWD and the Rajputana Rifles Regiment Centre in the meetings held on July 10 and 24, had agreed to complete the construction within 10 months. 'Simultaneously let the tender process for construction of the FOB be also initiated by the PWD and a report be filed. In the meantime, the maintenance of the culvert will continue to be carried out,' the court said. The Delhi Cantonment Board's status report also said the Army, as a short-term measure, decided to construct a 'Bailey bridge'. A Bailey bridge is a type of portable, prefabricated truss bridge, the parts of which can be assembled or moved when needed. The report was filed in pursuance to the high court's June 18 order, directing the stakeholders — PWD, Delhi Cantonment Board and the Delhi Traffic Police — to hold a joint meeting in July to brainstorm an immediate solution for the construction of a bridge for the convenience of the soldiers. The court posted the hearing for August 29. On May 26, the high court took judicial notice of a news report claiming over 3,000 soldiers of the Rajputana Rifles had to pass through foul-smelling and filthy drain to move out of their barracks and reach the parade ground in the Delhi Cantonment area. 'The soldiers are required to pass through this culvert four times a day. The said drain is stated to be flooded and is slick with sludge and sometimes near waist-deep in places,' the bench then noted. Soldiers trudge through sewage four daily in the South Delhi area for decades and no bridge has been built despite repeated requests, the report added.
Hans India
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Brave son of Motherland: Defence Minister Singh pays homage to Piru Singh's gallantry in 1948 Battle of Tithwal
New Delhi: On July 18, India solemnly remembers Company Havildar Major (CHM) Piru Singh, a soldier whose name is etched in the annals of military history for unmatched gallantry and sacrifice. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday paid tributes on his 'Balidan Diwas', recalling his supreme bravery in the 1948 Battle of Tithwal, a defining moment in the first India-Pakistan war in Jammu and Kashmir. 'I pay my heartfelt tributes to Company Havildar Major Piru Singh on his 'Balidan Diwas'. His unmatched courage and supreme sacrifice in the 1948 Battle of Tithwal reflect the finest traditions of the Indian Army. The nation will forever remain indebted to this brave son of our motherland,' said the Defence Minister on X. Born in Rajasthan, Piru Singh was serving the Indian Army in the Rajputana Rifles in 1948. In the summer of 1948, as part of the 6th Rajputana Rifles, he was tasked with capturing a strategic position in Tithwal, Jammu and Kashmir — a mission critical to pushing back infiltrators supported by Pakistan. According to official records and commemorative visuals earlier released by the Indian Army, Singh's platoon came under heavy enemy fire as they advanced. Casualties mounted, and the operation seemed on the verge of collapse. However, CHM Piru Singh, despite sustaining grave injuries, rallied his men and single-handedly destroyed two Medium Machine Gun positions of the enemy. What followed was an act of legendary courage. Realising he was the sole survivor in the assault team, Singh continued the charge. Bloodied and wounded, he crawled towards the final enemy bunker as grenades exploded around him. In his final act of valour, he neutralised the enemy position before succumbing to his injuries — making the supreme sacrifice for the nation. In recognition of his fearless leadership and heroism, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honour. CHM Piru Singh's story is more than a tale of war — it is the legacy of devotion, courage, and an unflinching sense of duty. As Minister Rajnath Singh aptly said, 'The nation will forever remain indebted to this brave son of our motherland.'
