On the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised him as a remarkable statesman whose leadership continues to inspire countless individuals. Modi referred to Vajpayee as the “architect of India’s transition into the 21st century,” highlighting his pivotal role in setting the stage for the country’s economic growth.

In an article published across various newspapers to commemorate Vajpayee’s centenary, Modi reflected on the former prime minister’s contributions to the nation. He noted that he spent much of his lengthy parliamentary career in opposition but maintained a spirit devoid of animosity, even in the face of derogatory labels from the Congress party, which had gone as far as calling him a “traitor.”

Modi emphasised that Vajpayee remained a towering figure in Indian politics, inspiring many. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from and engage with a leader of Vajpayee’s caliber, stating that Vajpayee consistently prioritized ideology over the allure of power.

In his tribute, Modi cited a significant instance of Vajpayee’s leadership—the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests, known as ‘Operation Shakti.’ He acknowledged that, while many leaders might have faltered under international scrutiny and pressure, Vajpayee’s resolute stance demonstrated true leadership. Modi praised the tests as a showcase of India’s scientific capabilities and a firm assertion of India’s sovereignty, reinforcing a commitment to peace despite facing global condemnation.

Further lauding Vajpayee, Modi remarked on his integrity and refusal to engage in opportunistic politics. He highlighted that Vajpayee chose to resign in 1996 rather than participate in unethical political maneuvering and that in 1999, after a narrow defeat, he opted against challenging the dubious political landscape, leading to a triumphant return with a strong mandate from the public.

Modi also noted Vajpayee’s deep commitment to the Constitution, mentioning his impactful experiences, such as being influenced by the martyrdom of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee and playing a vital role in the anti-Emergency movement. The decision to merge his party, Jan Sangh, into the Janata Party ahead of the 1977 elections, though challenging, exemplified Vajpayee’s dedication to safeguarding constitutional values.

Vajpayee’s era was marked by considerable advancements in information technology, telecommunications, and connectivity. Modi credited the NDA government under Vajpayee for pioneering efforts to make technology accessible to citizens and implementing landmark infrastructure projects, including the Golden Quadrilateral, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, and significant developments related to Delhi Metro, which has become a model of world-class infrastructure.

Five soldiers lost their lives and several others were injured when an Army vehicle veered off the road and fell into a deep gorge in the Balnoi area of Mendhar, Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday, according to officials.

The incident occurred as the vehicle, part of the 11 Madras Light Infantry (11 MLI), was traveling from Nilam Headquarters to Balnoi Ghora Post. Reports indicate that the vehicle plunged approximately 350 feet into a steep gorge near its destination.

Upon learning of the accident, the Quick Reaction Team from 11 MLI rapidly mobilized to the scene to initiate rescue operations. The injured personnel received immediate medical attention, and efforts are currently underway to evacuate them for further treatment.

In a message on X, the White Knight Corps expressed their deep condolences for the tragic loss of five courageous soldiers, stating, “All ranks of #WhiteKnightCorps extend their deepest condolences on the tragic loss of five brave soldiers in a vehicle accident during operational duty in the #Poonch sector. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the injured personnel are receiving medical care.”

“Today at around 17:40 hrs (5.40 pm), an Army vehicle of 11 Maratha Light Infantry, which was on its way from from Nilam headquarters to Balnoi Ghora Post along the LoC, met with an accident near Ghora Post,” said officials.

This incident follows a similar accident last month, where one Army personnel died and another was injured when their vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a gorge in Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir. This crash, which occurred on November 4 near Badog village in Kalakote, resulted in Naik Badri Lal and Sepoy Jai Prakash suffering critical injuries; Lal ultimately succumbed to his injuries while in treatment.

On November 2, another tragedy struck when a vehicle skidded off a hilly road in Reasi district, claiming the lives of a woman and her 10-month-old son, while three others sustained serious injuries.

In Himachal Pradesh, a significant snowfall in the past 24 hours has resulted in four fatalities and the shutdown of approximately 700 electric transformers along with over 350 roads, including three national highways. This has left around 500 vehicles stranded, among which are more than 300 buses.

The snowfall, which began yesterday, has been recorded in various districts such as Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti, as well as the higher elevations of Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Chamba, and Sirmaur.

On a positive note, the situation has attracted a large number of tourists heading to Shimla and nearby areas in hopes of enjoying a white Christmas. According to MK Seth, president of the Shimla Hotel and Tourism Stakeholders’ Association, hotel occupancy in the historic town has exceeded 70%, 30% higher than usual.

Tragically, four individuals lost their lives in accidents over the last day, with several others injured due to vehicles skidding in hazardous conditions. Key national highways connecting Attari to Leh, Sanj to Aut in Kullu, and Khab Sangam in Kinnaur to Gramphoo in Lahaul and Spiti are currently blocked.

Among the affected areas, Shimla has the highest number of closed roads, totaling 89, followed by Kinnaur with 44 and Mandi with 25. The State Emergency Operation Centre reported that 683 transformers are inactive, leaving some regions without electricity.

Authorities have urged tourists to follow the advice of district officials and police, heed local guidance, and avoid driving on snowy roads. Khadrala experienced the highest snowfall, receiving 24 cm, followed by Sangla with 16.5 cm, and Shillaro at 15.3 cm. Other areas such as Chopal and Jubbal recorded 15 cm each, while Kalpa received 13.7 cm, Nichar 10 cm, Shimla 7 cm, Pooh 6 cm, and Jot 5 cm.

Manali and Dalhousie suburbs also saw snowfall since Monday, with light rain experienced in parts of the mid and lower hills. An intense cold wave is affecting the lower hills of Mandi, while cold conditions are noted in Una and Chamba.

The Meteorological Office reported dense, moderate, and shallow fog in Bilaspur, Sundernagar, and Mandi. An ‘orange’ warning has been issued for severe cold in Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur, and Mandi, and a ‘yellow’ warning for dense fog in areas around the Bhakra dam reservoir and Balh Valley in Mandi until Thursday.

The coldest recorded temperature was in Kukumseri, Lahaul and Spiti, at minus 6.9 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, post-monsoon rainfall from October 1 to December 24 has shown a deficit of 92% of the normal level of 70.4 mm.