Answer & Solution
Answer: Option D
Solution:
The Siachen Glacier is located in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas, in the disputed territory between India and Pakistan. It is often referred to as the world's highest battlefield.
Siachen is one of the largest glaciers, stretching over a length of about 76 kilometers, and is the longest glacier in the Karakoram Range. It is also the second-longest glacier in the non-polar regions of the world.
The region's importance stems from its strategic location, lying near the India-Pakistan border and the China-Pakistan border.
The Siachen conflict began in 1984 when India launched a military operation to gain control over the glacier. Since then, both countries have maintained a military presence in the region, despite its extreme conditions.
The altitude and harsh climate of the region, with temperatures dropping below -50°C, make it one of the most challenging environments for soldiers stationed there.
It is also important for controlling the Karakoram Pass, a key passage between the two countries, and is vital for the regional defense strategies of both nations.