Context:
On April 13 this year, the country will mark the 40th anniversary of Operation Meghdoot
Operation Meghdoot:
- Indian Army launched Operation Meghdoot in 1984 to capture Siachen
- Significance – 1st assault launched in the highest battlefield in the world.
- Result –
- During the operation, Indian troops landed on Saltoro ridge, west of Siachen glacier
- Indian troops gained control of the entire Siachen Glacier
Siachen:
- Location – Eastern Karakoram Range, just northeast of Point NJ9842
- Surrounded by – Some of world’s highest peaks, including Saltoro Kangri and Sia Kangri
- Nubra River originates from it.
- Part of – Ladakh which has now been converted into a Union Territory.
- In local Balti language, Siachen means the ‘place where roses bloom’.
- One of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions.
- World’s highest battlefield
- Sonam – Highest helipad in the world maintained in Siachen by India
Source: The Indian Express
Previous Year Question
Siachen Glacier is situated in the:
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) East of Aksai Chin
(b) East of Leh
(c) North of Gilgit
(d) North of Nubra Valley
Answer: (d)
