Jammu & Kashmir: A Chinese telescope, a missing assault rifle and a child
Current Events :
The Indian Navy’s pioneering stitched sailing vessel, INSV Kaundinya, that revives India’s ancient shipbuilding and seafaring traditions, will undertake her maiden overseas voyage on December 29.
The vessel will be flagged off from Porbandar, Gujarat, for Muscat, Oman, symbolically retracing historic maritime routes that connected India with the wider Indian Ocean world for millennia.
Inspired by depictions of ancient Indian ships and constructed entirely using traditional stitched-plank techniques, INSV Kaundinya represents a rare convergence of history, craftsmanship and modern naval expertise. Unlike contemporary vessels, her wooden planks are stitched together using coconut coir rope and sealed with natural resins, reflecting a shipbuilding tradition once prevalent along India’s coasts and across the Indian Ocean.
This technology enabled Indian mariners to undertake long-distance voyages to West Asia, Africa and Southeast Asia long before the advent of modern navigation and metallurgy.
The project was undertaken through a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy and M/s Hodi Innovations as part of efforts to rediscover and revive indigenous knowledge systems. Built by traditional artisans under the guidance of master shipwright Babu Sankaran, and supported by extensive research, design and testing by the Indian Navy and academic institutions, the vessel is fully seaworthy and capable of oceanic navigation.
Named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya, who is believed to have sailed from India to Southeast Asia in ancient times, the ship embodies India’s historic role as a maritime nation.
The Battle of Sarsa River – On the night of December 20th, 1704: 7th Poh, 1761, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, his family, and the Sikhs left Anandpur Qila. By the morning of December 21st, they reached the Sirsa River, where Guru Ji emphasized the importance of Amritvela Nitnem (morning prayers). While crossing the river, they were ambushed by the Mughal army, resulting in intense fighting and heavy casualties. Guru Ji’s family was separated during the crossing, with each group heading in different directions. After reaching the far bank, Guru Ji was left with his two elder sons, 42 Sikhs, and the Panj Piaare. They continued toward Ropar and sought refuge in a haveli, where they faced the Mughal army in the Battle of Chamkaur.
The separation of Guru Gobind Singh Ji‘s family at the Sarsa River (Sirsa) in December 1704 was a tragic event during the siege of Anandpur, where a fierce Mughal ambush during a stormy night forced the Guru’s party to scatter, resulting in the loss of many Sikhs and valuable manuscripts, and forever separating his family, with his mother Mata Gujari
The Sarsa River, usually dry, had turned into a powerful, raging current due to heavy rains in the hills, making it impossible to cross. The first group of Sikhs waited on the riverbank for Guru Gobind Singh to arrive. The Guru set out with his two elder sons and about 400 Sikhs. Before he could reach the river, his group was attacked by a large Mughal force under Wazir Khan. While the Guru and his men were engaged in battle, another Mughal unit launched an assault on the Sikhs waiting by the riverbank.[4][5]
Amidst the rain, cold, darkness, and fierce fighting, confusion spread among the Sikhs. Many were killed, including Udai Singh and his warriors. Some courageous Sikhs attempted to cross the dangerous river on horseback, carrying the Guru’s family with them. Though they reached the other side safely, they lost all their belongings, including important manuscripts, to the floodwaters. After crossing the river, the Guru’s family was separated. His mother, Mata Gujri, along with his two younger sons, Baba Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, were unable to travel far. They were taken in by Gangu, a former servant of the Guru’s household, who led them to his village, Saheri. Meanwhile, Mata Sundari and Mata Sahib Devi disguised themselves as village women and moved toward Ambala for safety. Gobind Singh and his men also suffered heavy losses. Despite fighting bravely, most of his warriors were either killed in battle or drowned while trying to cross the river. By the time he reached the other side, only 43 Sikhs remained with him, including his two elder sons, Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh, the “Five Beloved Ones” (Panj Pyare), and other warriors. As they continued their journey, they received alarming news—nearly a thousand Mughal soldiers were marching toward them from Sirhind, while another force was crossing the Sarsa River.[4][5][6]
At a time when most high mountain passes across Himachal Pradesh lie buried under heavy snow, the 13,058-foot-high Rohtang Pass has emerged as a rare winter exception this year, remaining open for vehicular movement even in December. According to an order issued by Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh, permission for 4×4 vehicles to travel towards Rohtang has now been extended until December 28. The development has delighted tourists and stakeholders alike, highlighting how favourable weather and careful regulation have extended the tourism season in the Manali region.
Officially opened to tourist vehicles on May 17, Rohtang Pass recorded steady footfall through the summer and autumn. Yet an early spell of snowfall in Himachal’s high-altitude areas prompted authorities to shut the pass on October 8 as a precaution. Following a review of road and weather conditions, it was later reopened, allowing limited, regulated traffic once again.
Based on recommendations from Manali Sub-Divisional Officer Raman Sharma, vehicles may ply between Gulaba and Rohtang from 9.30 am to 12 noon, with mandatory return from the Marhi check post before 3 pm. The district administration has emphasised that the extension remains subject to existing terms and conditions, urging drivers and agencies to strictly follow the timings and safety norms.
This situation stands in sharp contrast to last year, when vehicular movement beyond the Gulaba barrier was halted on December 1 due to severe road icing from sub-zero temperatures. Reports from previous winters suggest such early closures were routine, making this year’s extended access particularly remarkable.
Tourists in Manali are seizing the opportunity. “We never imagined we would reach so close to Rohtang in December,” said Rohan Mehta from Delhi. “The snow activities, pristine views, and thrill of driving through icy stretches made it unforgettable.” Similarly, Ananya Sharma from Jaipur described the visit as pure adventure, noting that snow biking and sledging near Marhi were highlights of her trip. “It feels like a winter carnival,” she said.
Local tourism operators report that the extended opening has provided a significant boost to winter business, benefiting hotels, taxi services, and adventure activity providers. Authorities, however, caution that mountain weather can change rapidly, and adverse conditions may lead to immediate restrictions.
For now, Rohtang Pass remaining accessible deep into December has become a rare winter delight—offering tourists a taste of high-altitude snow adventures while underscoring the importance of regulated, responsible tourism in the fragile Himalayan terrain.
The CBI on Saturday arrested Lt Col Deepak Kumar Sharma, posted in Department of Defence Production under the Defence Ministry, for alleged taking Rs 3 lakh in bribe from a Bengaluru-based company, officials said.
During searches at the premises of Sharma, CBI seized Rs 2.23 crore cash, they said. CBI had registered the case against Sharma, Deputy Planning Officer, International Cooperation and Exports, Department of Defence Productions and his wife, Col Kajal Bali, CO, 16 Infantry Division Ordnance Unit (DOU), Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan.
It was alleged that Sharma “habitually indulges in corrupt and illegal activities” in criminal conspiracy with representatives of various private companies dealing in defence products manufacturing, export, etc, the CBI spokesperson said in a statement.
Sharma obtained bribes from companies in exchange for providing undue favours to them, the agency alleged.
CBI received inputs about a possible bribe payment from a Bengaluru-based company. Rajiv Yadav and Ravjit Singh were looking after its affairs, they said.
“They (Singh and Yadav) have been in regular contact with Lt Col Deepak Kumar Sharma and are, in connivance with him, pursuing various undue favours by illegal means for their company from various government departments and ministries. One Vinod Kumar delivered a bribe of Rs 3 lakh, on the behest of the said company, to Lt Col Deepak Kumar Sharma on 18.12.2025,” CBI spokesperson said in a statement.
Vinod Kumar was also arrested in the case, it said.
During searches at the premises of the Sharma, CBI seized Rs 2.23 crore cash and Rs 3 lakh bribe money from the Delhi residence, while Rs 10 lakh was seized from his wife’s residence in Sri Ganganagar, the statement said.
Both the arrested accused — Sharma and Vinod Kumar — were produced before a Special Court here, which sent them to CBI custody till December 23.
