CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -For Prelims and Mains: Gurkha regiment in British army, historical background and significance. Context: The British Army announced this week that it would create a new Specialised Infantry Battalion by recruiting more than 800 Nepalese Gurkha servicepersons this year. Who are they?

Detailed explanation-2: -There are Gurkha military units in the Nepalese, British and Indian armies enlisted in Nepal, United Kingdom, India and Singapore.

Detailed explanation-3: -British forces admired the Gurkhas’ military abilities and honourable tactics, and first recruited Gurkha troops in 1815. The Peace Treaty that ended the war in 1816 enabled the British to officially recruit Nepali Gurkhas – and so began Britain’s relationship with Nepal, our ‘oldest ally’ in Asia.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Brigade of Gurkhas is a unique organisation in the British Army with a reputation of being amongst the finest and most feared soldiers in the world. There are currently over 4000 Gurkhas employed in the Brigade of Gurkhas across many trades.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Royal Gurkha Rifles The Gurkhas are a unique unit in the Army with a reputation of being amongst the finest and most feared soldiers in the world. The Royal Gurkha Rifles are Infantry are manned by Nepali soldiers and officers; and British officers, it is this blend of cultures that makes the RGR unique.