1965 India-Pakistan war hero KG George dies in Kerala at 95
New Delhi (PTI): Lance Havildar K G George (retd), who was awarded a Vir Chakra for his heroics in the 1965 India-Pakistan War, passed away in Kerala at the age of 95, his family said on Sunday.
"My grandfather died early morning on Saturday. He was born in February 1931, and had fought in the 1965 Indo-Pak War," his grandson Remo John told PTI.
He was born in Kerala and died at his residence in Kottayam due to age-related factors, John, 21, said.
George had served in the Indian Army's Corp of Signals, a key unit that was established in 1911.
Since its inception on February 15, 1911, Corps of Signals has transformed the communications of the Indian Army and also kept pace with the digital revolution witnessed in the 21st century.
The citation for his Vir Chakra describes his gallant act during the 1965 War and reads that he "displayed courage and devotion to duty of a high order".
"During the period from the 6th till the 10th September 1965, under persistent enemy shelling and air strafing, Lance Havildar (Lineman Field) K G George continued to lead his section to restore disrupted communications in the Wagah Sector in Pakistan," it says.
"On the night of the September 8 and 9, 1965, notwithstanding risk to his life, he established a line of communication from Brigade Headquarters to the forward battalions during an enemy attack. In doing so L/Hav K. G. George displayed courage and devotion to duty of a high order and was awarded Vir Chakra," the citation reads.
Vir Chakra is the country's third highest wartime gallantry award.
His grandson, John, who is currently in Kottayam, said, the family in Kerala is awaiting arrival of "my father and my brother, who are currently in Dubai".
"Due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, they have not been able to travel out of Dubai so far, but they are expected to be back in India by Tuesday. Meanwhile, we have got our grandfather's mortal remains embalmed and preserved in a local mortuary," he said.
The funeral services and burial will take place in Kottayam after their return to Kerala from Dubai, the grandson said.
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Gujarat builds 870 MW battery power backup network to stabilise renewable energy grid
Gandhinagar (PTI): Gujarat has initiated battery storage systems at five locations in the state, with a total capacity of 870 MW, to maintain the stability of the renewable power grid, officials said on Saturday.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are essential for storing electricity generated from solar and other renewable sources. They help manage additional load and maintain grid stability.
“Gujarat has initiated battery storage systems at five locations with a total capacity of 870 MW,” an official release stated.
The state has also registered 13 projects across Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Banaskantha, Patan and Kutch districts to set up additional battery storage systems, it said.
Modhera in Gujarat, India’s first solar village, has launched the country’s first BESS integrated with a solar power plant, it said.
"Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state has continued to advance in this direction and has strengthened its position among the leading states driving battery storage systems in India,” the release said.
Recently, a battery storage system was commissioned at Charal in the Sanand taluka of Ahmedabad, it said.
Four systems are operational at Modhera in Mehsana and Lakhpat in Kutch. The state government has also included advanced energy storage systems as a key component in the Gujarat Integrated Renewable Energy Policy, 2025, the release said.
Accordingly, standalone battery storage projects, works linked with new renewable energy installations, and those integrated with existing renewable energy systems are being approved, it said.
Once the Standard Operating Procedure is approved, registrations for battery storage will open for commercial and industrial users, it said, adding that the move will allow them to set up battery storage alongside their solar or wind projects.
The state government is developing battery storage systems across Gujarat, with companies being invited in through a competitive bidding process.
GETCO (Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation) and power distribution companies strategically identify locations for battery storage systems based on grid capacity and operational requirements, the release said.
Power generation from solar and other renewable sources fluctuates throughout the day. Excess energy generated during peak hours can be stored and supplied later during periods of high demand, especially in the evening when solar output declines. Battery storage systems help reduce stress on the grid and improve grid stability, it added.
