Operation Kaveri
The Indian government has launched a rescue operation in Sudan to evacuate its stranded citizens. The operation, named Operation Kaveri, is currently underway.
Number of Indians Stranded in Sudan
As per official data, around 4,000 Indians are stuck in Sudan. The Indian government has deployed two C-130s aircraft and the navy ship INS Sumedha on standby to evacuate Indians from the violence-hit African nation.
Symbolic Meaning of the Name Kaveri
The rescue operation in Sudan has been named Operation Kaveri for a symbolic reason. Kaveri is an important river flowing through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, worshipped as Goddess Kaveriamma. The name represents a river that reaches its destination despite barriers, symbolizing the safe return of Indians stuck in Sudan.
Operation Ganga
This is not the first time the Indian government has launched a rescue operation and named it after a river. The Indian government had evacuated Indians from war-torn Ukraine more than a year ago, and this rescue operation was dubbed Operation Ganga. The Ganges is a massive water resource and is also worshipped in India.
Conflict in Sudan
The Sudanese army and a paramilitary group have been engaged in an armed conflict for the last 10 days. The conflict has claimed over 427 lives, including at least 273 civilians, and more than 3,700 people have been wounded.
Ceasefire Agreement
The warring factions have agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire beginning from today, allowing Western, Arab and Asian nations to evacuate their nationals from the country. Scores of people, including Sudanese and people from neighbouring countries, have fled the country in the past few days to Egypt, Chad, and South Sudan.
Month: Current Affairs – April, 2023
Category: International / World Current Affairs