50 successful years of the "22nd Missile Vessel Squadron"

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50 successful years of the "22nd Missile Vessel Squadron"

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• The story: During the 1971 India–Pakistan War, the vessel "22nd Missile Vessel of the Indian Navy" bombed the Karachi port and sunk Pakistani ships. It is being awarded in 2021 as this year marks the 50 years of successful deployment of the squadron. The 22nd President’s Standard Award was presented to it. 
• President’s Standard: It is the highest honour awarded in military, same as that of President’s Colours awards. It is awarded to a smaller military formation or unit as compared to the President’s Colours. It is presented by the President of India. 

1. The Presidential Standard is also called the Presidential Flag, a flag that is used in several countries as a symbol of President. 
2. In India, the flag was used between 1950 and 1971. The presidents of India then started using the National Flag of India. The President’s Flag of India had four quarters. 
3. They are - (i) First Quarter: The Lion Capital of Ashoka: Represents Unity; (ii) Second Quarter: Indian Elephant from Ajanta Caves: Represents patience and strength; (iii) Third Quarter: Weighing Scale from Red Fort: Represents Justice and Economy; and (iv) Fourth Quarter: Vase of Indian Lotus: Represents Prosperity

• What other operations: The vessel had participated in "Operation Parakram" and "Operation Vijay"

1. Operation PArakaram was launched in 2001, the first full–scale mobilization since 1971. It was launched in the wake of 2001 Indian Parliament attack, at the Line of Control for four weeks. India had mobilized large number of troops in the international border of Kashmir and Punjab. 
2. Operation Vijay was the operation launched in Kashmir region to clear out Kargil sector during the Kargil war, 1999.

• Missile Vessel Squadron: The 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron is called “The Killer”, for its brave actions during Operation Trident. It was launched on the night of December 4-5, 1971, and Pakistan lost destroyers, minesweepers and cargo vessels carrying ammunition and fuel storage tanks. India celebrates Navy Day on December 4 commemorating this operation. The Missile Vessel Squadron's genesis dates back to 1969, when it started with the induction of OSA I class USSR missile boats in the Indian Navy. These were transported to India and were deployed in 1971 war, and baptized before that played a decisive role in 1971 war.
• Swarnim Vijay Varsh: Year 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of India’s victory in 1971 India – Pakistan war. Thus, India is to celebrate the year as the Swarnim Vijay Varsh. 
• EXAM QUESTIONS: (1) Explain the genesis of the Indian Navy over the centuries. (2) What are the present challenges that the Indian Navy faces in the Indian Ocean region? Explain. 

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