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Wed, 17 June 2020
Maj Gen-level talks in Galwan area inconclusive
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22:30 Maj Gen-level talks in Galwan area inconclusive
The talks between Major Generals of India and China in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh are over, sources said on Wednesday.
According to the sources, the talks have remained inconclusive.
"Talks between Major Generals of India and China in the Galwan Valley are over. The talks have remained inconclusive as no immediate disengagement or change in the ground has taken place. More talks to take place in the coming days," sources told ANI.
Earlier, sources said that Major General-level talks were being held between India and China in the Galwan Valley to further defuse the situation after the violent face-off between the troops on June 15-16. -- ANI
21:54 4 soldiers injured in Ladakh attack now stable
Four Army personnel who were critically injured after the violent face-off with Chinese troops in Galwan valley in Ladakh are stable now, said Army sources on Wednesday.
"Four Army personnel who were critically injured after the violent face-off with Chinese troops are stable now," sources told ANI.
Meanwhile, Indian Army has also said that sacrifices of its soldiers, who laid down their lives in the violent face-off with China in Galwan valley, will not go in vain.
In a strong message to China after the killing of at least 20 Indian soldiers in the violent face-off with Chinese troops, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that India wants peace but is capable of giving a befitting reply, if instigated.
At least 20 Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel rank officer, had lost their lives in the violent face-off in the Galwan valley area of Ladakh on June 15.
The violent face-off happened in Galwan valley as a result of an attempt by the Chinese troops to 'unilaterally change' the status quo during de-escalation in Eastern Ladakh and the situation could have been avoided if the agreement at the higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side, India said on June 16. -- ANI
IMAGE: Artist Sudarsan Patnaik gives finishing touches to a sand sculpture, dedicated to the 20 martyrs who lost their lives during a clash with Chinese troops in Ladakh, in Puri, on Wednesday. Photograph: PTI Photo
21:44 4 soldiers injured in Ladakh attack now stable
Four Army personnel who were critically injured after the violent face-off with Chinese troops in Galwan valley in Ladakh are stable now, said Army sources on Wednesday.
"Four Army personnel who were critically injured after the violent face-off with Chinese troops are stable now," sources told ANI.
Meanwhile, Indian Army has also said that sacrifices of its soldiers, who laid down their lives in the violent face-off with China in Galwan valley, will not go in vain.
In a strong message to China after the killing of at least 20 Indian soldiers in the violent face-off with Chinese troops, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that India wants peace but is capable of giving a befitting reply, if instigated.
At least 20 Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel rank officer, had lost their lives in the violent face-off in the Galwan valley area of Ladakh on June 15.
The violent face-off happened in Galwan valley as a result of an attempt by the Chinese troops to 'unilaterally change' the status quo during de-escalation in Eastern Ladakh and the situation could have been avoided if the agreement at the higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side, India said on June 16. -- ANI
IMAGE: Artist Sudarsan Patnaik gives finishing touches to a sand sculpture, dedicated to the 20 martyrs who lost their lives during a clash with Chinese troops in Ladakh, in Puri, on Wednesday. Photograph: PTI Photo
21:30 UK PM's car in crash as protestor rushes convoy
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's car was involved in a crash outside the gates of Parliament in London on Wednesday as a protester rushed towards his convoy.
Downing Street said there are no reports of any injuries after social media images emerged of the incident, which took place shortly after Johnson, 55, left the House of Commons after the weekly Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) session.
One of the security vehicles within his prime ministerial motorcade was seen to have hit the back of the UK PM's silver Jaguar as his driver slammed the brakes, resulting in a major dent.
"I think the video speaks for itself as to what happened. No reports of anybody being injured," a Downing Street spokesperson said.
The protester, believed to be a Kurdish activist, is seen being grabbed by Scotland Yard officers on duty near the Palace of Westminster and has since been arrested.
Johnson's motorcade quickly sped away from the scene following the incident, as security officials were heard shouting "stay back" to members of the public and protesters who regularly gather in and around Parliament Square.
-- Aditi Khanna in London, PTI
20:47 Col Santosh Babu to be cremated tomorrow
The cremation of Colonel Santosh Babu, who lost his life in a violent face-off with the Chinese Army at Ladakh's Galwan Valley on the intervening night of June 15 and 16, will be held at his home town, Suryapet, in Telangana on Thursday.
His family arrived at RGI airport on Wednesday morning.
They were received by Cyberabad Police.
V C Sajjanar, IPS, Commissioner of Police Cyberabad, said, "In the face-off that took place at Galwan Valley in Ladakh, Colonel Santosh Babu lost his life. Today at 9:30 am, his wife and two children arrived in Hyderabad. From here, they went to Army Headquarters.
"A Guard of Honour will be conducted and after all the formalities, the mortal remains will be shifted to Suryapet."
"The cremation will be conducted tomorrow morning. I extend my condolences to Colonel Santosh Babu's family on behalf of the police department," Sajjanar said. -- ANI
20:47 Col Santosh Babu to be cremated tomorrow
The cremation of Colonel Santosh Babu, who lost his life in a violent face-off with the Chinese Army at Ladakh's Galwan Valley on the intervening night of June 15 and 16, will be held at his home town, Suryapet, in Telangana on Thursday.
His family arrived at RGI airport on Wednesday morning.
They were received by Cyberabad Police.
V C Sajjanar, IPS, Commissioner of Police Cyberabad, said, "In the face-off that took place at Galwan Valley in Ladakh, Colonel Santosh Babu lost his life. Today at 9:30 am, his wife and two children arrived in Hyderabad. From here, they went to Army Headquarters.
"A Guard of Honour will be conducted and after all the formalities, the mortal remains will be shifted to Suryapet."
"The cremation will be conducted tomorrow morning. I extend my condolences to Colonel Santosh Babu's family on behalf of the police department," Sajjanar said. -- ANI
20:18 Delhi health minister tests Covid positive
Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, a day after he was admitted to a hospital in New Delhi following high fever, a senior official said.
The 55-year-old minister was brought to the Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital (RGSSH) in the early hours of Tuesday and was administered a test for the novel coronavirus infection that morning, for which he tested negative.
"He still has fever. The minister was tested again today after 24 hours of the first test," a senior official said.
This time, he tested positive, the official said. Doctors at the RGSSH said his condition is 'stable' but he has been again put on oxygen support. -- PTI
20:13 India to send tri-service contingent for 75th WWII victory parade
India will send a contingent of 75 personnel from its three armed forces to Moscow to participate in Russia's 75th World War II Victory Day parade on June 24, the defence ministry said on Wednesday.
'On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Second World War, there will be a military parade in Moscow to honour the heroism and sacrifices made by the Russian and other friendly people,' the ministry said in its press release.
It said the Russian defence minister has invited an Indian contingent to take part in the Victory Day Parade scheduled to be held on June 24, 2020, in Moscow.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has agreed to send a 75-member tri-service contingent to participate in the parade, where contingents of other countries are also expected to participate, the release stated.
'The participation in the parade will be a mark of tribute and solidarity with the people of Russia at a time when they remember their heroes of the Great Patriotic War,' it added. -- PTI
19:49 Imperative no escalation of border clash: China Daily editorial
Following editorial has just appeared in the state-run China Daily, based on Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's phone conversation with India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday:
In what has been the most deadly military confrontation between the two neighbors in more than four decades, Chinese and Indian border troops engaged in a deadly clash in the Ladakh region, a yet-to-be-demarcated area between the two countries high in the Himalayas, on Monday, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides.
Although no shots were fired, Indian officials said on Tuesday that 20 Indian soldiers died during the fighting in which iron rods and stones were used.
China has not released details of the deaths and injuries on its side, in an attempt to avoid any notion of winners or losers and prevent any escalation of tensions, but with casualties on both sides and tensions having been simmering for a while before boiling over, the incident cannot but raise worries that the situation risks running out of control.
The incident comes after an earlier high-level meeting between the two countries' army commanders in which both sides agreed to "peacefully resolve" the border disputes.
India has to bear the blame for the latest tragedy because its troops twice crossed the Line of Actual Control on Monday to launch attacks on Chinese personnel.
Their provocations seriously violated the agreement reached by the two countries, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi informed Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on a telephone call on Wednesday.
India has taken an increasingly aggressive stance against China over their border disputes since the Doklam standoff in 2017 and it has been constructing roads and airfields in the disputed border areas, which has exacerbated the tensions that were already simmering in the area.
Some Indian politicians have aggravated these tensions by fanning nationalistic fervor among the public for their own political gains.
And the perception among some in India that it has more to gain by playing a bigger role in the United States-orchestrated Indo-Pacific Strategy against China has emboldened them to perceive China's patience and forbearance as a sign of weakness, which may explain why the Indian troops have been trying to provocatively push the envelope on the border.
Despite this, the fact that neither side fired any shots during the latest clash indicates that it is still possible for the two sides to exercise damage control in the spirit of maintaining 'peace and tranquility'.
As Wang said in his conversation with his Indian counterpart, the most important thing now is for the two sides to keep restraint, bring their dispute-settlement mechanisms and communication channels into full play and try to avoid a vicious cycle of violence and retaliation.
But to ensure there is an atmosphere conducive for dialogue, the troops in the area must disengage with each other to avoid any more casualties.
After all, neither side wants to spark a border war.
[As published in the China Daily]
19:27 UNSC polls begin; India set for victory
The United Nations General Assembly has begun elections for President of the 75th session of the Assembly, five non-permanent members of the Security Council and members of the Economic and Social Council on Wednesday under special voting arrangements put in place due to COVID-19 related restrictions.
India is expected to register a comfortable victory in the Security Council elections that will bring the country to the UN high-table as a non-permanent member for the 2021-22 term.
India's victory is certain since it is the sole candidate vying for the lone seat from the 55-member Asia-Pacific grouping.
New Delhi's candidature was unanimously endorsed by the Asia-Pacific grouping, including China and Pakistan, in June last year.
President of the UN General Assembly Tijjani Muhammad-Bande announced the commencement of the elections at around 9 am Wednesday.
UN diplomats, staff and other personnel arrived at the General Assembly hall wearing masks and immediately left the venue after casting their ballots. In previous years, the General Assembly hall was packed to capacity during the elections as UN diplomats and officials participated in the ballots.
In adherence to social distancing guidelines due to COVID-19 pandemic, the 193 UN Member States have been allotted different time slots to cast their ballots next week in the General Assembly Hall for the crucial elections.
Eight time slots have been allocated to Member States to cast their ballots in the General Assembly Hall starting at 9 am, in adherence to social distancing guidelines.
The voting will continue till 1 pm with an additional 30 minute time slot for voters who are unable to visit the GA hall during the specific time slot communicated to them.
The time slot for India to cast its ballot is 11:30 am-12 noon.
Muhammad-Bande is overseeing the proceedings in the General Assembly Hall and the tellers are also observing the whole process.
On Monday he circulated a letter to Member States with the names of candidates for the various elections.
For the two vacant seats from among the African and Asia-Pacific States, three candidates have been communicated, namely, Djibouti, India and Kenya. Of those three candidates, India and Kenya are endorsed candidates.
For the one vacant seat from among the Latin American and Caribbean States, one endorsed candidate has been communicated, namely, Mexico.
For the two vacant seats from among the Western European and other States, three candidates have been communicated, namely, Canada, Ireland and Norway.
Each year the General Assembly elects five non-permanent members (out of 10 in total) for a two-year term.
The 10 non-permanent seats are distributed on a regional basis as follows: five for African and Asian States; one for Eastern European States; two for the Latin American and Caribbean States; and two for Western European and other States.
To be elected to the Council, candidate countries need a two-thirds majority of ballots of Member States that are present and voting in the Assembly.
India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti has said that India's presence in the Security Council will help bring to the world its ethos of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', as he underscoring that the United Nations as well as multilateralism need to change to reflect contemporary realities and remain credible as the world organisation marks its 75th anniversary this year.
"India's journey with the United Nations is quite a remarkable one. As a founding member of the United Nations, India's contribution to implementing the goals of the United Nations Charter and to the evolution of UN specialized agencies and programmes has been substantial. In many ways, quite extraordinary," Tirumurti said in a video message ahead of the elections.
"I'm confident that at a time when we are poised to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations and later the 75th anniversary of India's independence in 2022, India's presence in the Security Council will help bring to the world our ethos that the world is one family - Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," he said.
Ahead of the elections, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar outlined New Delhi's priorities for its candidature to the Council. Termed as NORMS, India's focus will be on 'New Orientation For A Reformed Multilateral System.' India's priorities include new opportunities for progress, effective response to international terrorism, reforming multilateral systems, comprehensive approach to peace and security and technology with a human touch.
Tirumurti said as the UN commemorates its 75th anniversary this year, 'it is clear to us that United Nations and indeed multilateralism itself need to change to reflect contemporary realities to enable them to remain effective and credible'.
The Indian envoy referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for reformed multilateralism and reform of multilateral system as essential to ensure that the international system is inclusive and caters to requirements of all countries, which will in turn facilitate stronger action.
Previously, India has been elected as a non-permanent member of the Council for the years 1950, 1951, 1967, 1968, 1972, 1973, 1977, 1978, 1984, 1985, 1991, 1992 and most recently in 2011, 2012.
India has been at the forefront of the years-long efforts to reform the Security Council saying it rightly deserves a place as a permanent member of the Council, which in its current form does not represent the geo-political realities of the 21st Century. -- PTI
19:03 I bow to exemplary courage of our soldiers: Prez
'As Supreme Commander of Armed Forces, I bow to exemplary courage and supreme sacrifice of our soldiers to protect sovereignty and integrity of country. All those who laid down their lives in #GalwanValley have upheld the best traditions of Indian armed forces,' says President Ram Nath Kovind in a tweet.
18:39 Didi announces Rs 5 lakh, job for martyrs' kin
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Wednesday announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh and a government job for kin of each of the two soldiers from the state who died during clashes with the Chinese army at Galwan Valley on Monday.
Rajesh Orang of Birbhum district and Bipul Roy of Alipurduar were among the 20 Indian Army personnel killed in the fierce clash on Monday night.
'My heartfelt condolences to the families of the brave men martyred at #GalwanValley. I'm at pain to say that two of them belonged to West Bengal: Sepoy Rajesh Orang (Vill Belgoria, PS Md Bazar, Birbhum) & Bipul Roy on General Duty (Vill Bindipara, PS Samuktala, Alipurduar),' Banerjee tweeted.
'Nothing can compensate for the supreme sacrifice made by them for the nation or the bereaved families' loss. We stand by the next of the sons of our soil in this difficult time. To this regard, we'll provide Rs 5 lakh & a GoWB job to one member in the deceased's family,' she said. -- PTI
18:27 Karnataka MLC polls: Cong fields B K Hariprasad and Naseer Ahmed
The Congress on Wednesday decided to field senior party leader B K Hariprasad and incumbent Naseer Ahmed as candidates for the coming legislative council polls in Karnataka.
'The Congress president Sonia Gandhi has approved the proposal for the candidature of B K Hariprasad and Naseer Ahmed as Congress candidates to contest the biennial electionsto the Legislative Council of Karnataka to be elected by the MLAs,' the All India Congress Committee said in a release.
The election is necessitated as the term of seven MLCs -- Naseer Ahmed, Jayamma, M C Venugopal, N S Bose Raju, H M Revanna (all Congress), T A Sharavana (Janata Dal-Secular) and independent D U Mallikarjuna -- will end June 30.
Polling will be held on June 29 to fill seven MLC berths, and June 18 is the last date for filing of nominations.
While the Bharatiya Janata Party is in a position to win four out of seven seats, the Congress can win two and the JD-S one.
28 valid votes of MLAs are required for each candidate to win.
Hariprasad's candidature has been announced as his tenure in the Rajya Sabha is coming to end on June 25.
He has also served as general secretary of the party.
Naseer Ahmed, who is retiring as MLC on June 30, will be seeking another term.
According to state Congress president D K Shivakumar, more than 200 aspirants have sought tickets for the two seats that the party can win in the legislative council polls. -- PTI
18:06 Security increased along border in Uttarakhand
A day after Indian Army confirmed that 20 personnel, including a Colonel rank officer, had lost their lives in the violent face-off in the Galwan valley area of Ladakh on June 15, the security has been increased from Nabhidhang to Lipulekh Pass in Pithoragarh.
While talking to ANI, District Magistrate (DM), Pithoragarh, Vijay Kumar Jogdande on Wednesday said that the Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel are constantly patrolling the area along with the night vision cameras.
"The situation on the border is fine. The Army and ITBP are patrolling and monitoring the Indo-China border with the district," Jogdande told ANI.
In a strong message to China after the killing of at least 20 Indian soldiers in the violent face-off with Chinese troops, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that India wants peace but is capable of giving a befitting reply, if instigated. -- ANI
17:10 Steroid Dexamethasone approved as COVID-19 treatment in UK
The UK government on Wednesday authorised the state-funded National Health Service (NHS) to use steroid dexamethasone, the "world's first' coronavirus treatment proven to reduce the risk of death among severely ill patients. The Department of Health said the cheap and widely available anti-inflammatory steroid has been immediately approved to treat all hospitalised COVID-19 patients requiring oxygen, including those on ventilators, after an Oxford University trial confirmed positive results on Tuesday. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed the government-funded trial as the "biggest breakthrough', which has "greatly reduced' patients' chances of dying from COVID-19.
"I am proud of these British scientists, backed by UK government funding, who have led the first, robust clinical trial anywhere in the world to find a coronavirus treatment proven to reduce the risk of death,' he said. According to scientists, the drug has been proven to reduce the risk of death significantly in COVID-19 patients on ventilation by as much as 35 per cent and patients on oxygen by 20 per cent.
"The standard treatment for COVID-19 will include dexamethasone, helping save thousands of lives while we deal with this terrible virus,' said UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock. -- PTI
17:03 Your sacrifices will not go in vain: Army chief
Indian Army statement: "Army chief General MM Naravane and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of our valiant soldiers at Galwan. We offer deepest condolences to families and stand strong in our resolve towards protecting sovereignty & integrity of our country. Their sacrifices will not go in vain."
16:57 India-China agree to de-escalate border clash
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar over the phone.
-- China, India agree to resolve border clash in a fair way, de-escalate as soon as possible.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says urges India to severely punish those responsible for conflict, control its frontline troops.
-- Wang emphasises that both sides should strengthen communication and coordination through existing mechanism to resolve differences.
-- India and China should follow important consensus reached by their leaders: Wang tells Jaishankar.
Sepoy Rajesh Orang
16:51 Army releases names of personnel killed in the violent face-off with Chinese troops in Galwan
The Indian Army on Wednesday released the names of the 20 military personnel, including an officer, who laid out their lives in the violent face-off with China in Galwan Valley, Ladakh.
The names of the personnel are -- Col Bikumalla Santosh Babu, Nb Sub Nuduram Soren, Nb Sub Mandeep Singh, Nb Sub (Dvr) Satnam Singh-Gurdaspur, Hav (Gnr) K Palani, Hav Sunil Kumar, Hav Bipul Roy, NK (NA) Deepak Kumar, Sep Rajesh Orang, Sep Kundan Kumar Ojha, Sep Ganesh Ram, Sep Chandrakanta Pradhan, Sep Ankush, Sep Gurbinder, Sep Gurtej Singh, Sep Chandan Kumar, Sep Kundan Kumar, Sep Aman Kumar, Sep Jai Kishor Singh and Sep Ganesh Hansda.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tributes to these soldiers and asserted that their sacrifice will not go in vain. -- ANI
16:44 56% people testing Covid +ve in Bengal migrant workers: Official
At least 56 per cent of the people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in West Bengal are migrant workers who returned from other states, a senior official of the state health department said on Wednesday. According to him, 10 out of every 100 migrant workers examined have tested positive for COVID-19 but most of them are asymptomatic.
"Around 56 per cent of the people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the state are migrant workers, according to the data we have received from the districts. But what is crucial is that most of them are asymptomatic and this is making the current situation quite difficult," the official said. Over 6.60 lakh migrant workers have returned to West Bengal from different states by Shramik Special trains while several lakhs have come back by road.
"Districts like Purulia, Birbhum, Coochbehar, Bankura, Dakshin and Uttar Dinajpur were green zones until the migrant workers started returning, after which the number of positive cases went up in those areas," the official said. Most of these people, who have tested positive for the disease, have returned from states with a high number of coronavirus cases such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi. -- PTI
16:31
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speak on phone, discuss the situation in Eastern Ladakh.
16:27 AAP MLA Atishi tests positive for COVID-19
AAP MLA and national spokesperson Atishi has tested positive for COVID-19, her party colleagues said on Wednesday. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to Twitter to wish her speedy recovery.
"Atishiji has played an important role in the fight against corona. I hope that she will get healthy soon and again get involved in serving the people," Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi. According to sources, Atishi was tested on Tuesday for COVID-19 and her report came positive today. She is presently under home quarantine, the sources said. "Get well soon Atishi, recover soon from Corona," AAP MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj tweeted. Atishi represents Kalkaji assembly constituency. -- PTI
16:25 Importers holding back orders to China after Galwan clash
Kolkata-based importers have started holding back their orders to China after the death of Indian Army personnel in a fierce clash with the People's Liberation Army in Galwan valley of eastern Ladakh. A large range of consumer products from toys to lights and industrial items are imported from China, president of Calcutta Customs House Agents Association, Sujit Chakrabarty said.
"The combined trade with China is already down by 30 to 40 per cent due to the lockdown related disruptions. With this (Galwan valley clash) development, importers are holding back their new order placement. "Exporters are also expressing concerns," he told PTI.
The Chairman of Engineering Export Promotion Council, Ravi Sehgal, said there could be a temporary hit in engineering goods export to China as exporters and importers normally do not mix politics with business. "Exporters might be a bit cautious but unless there are payment concerns, exports will stay normal in the midterm," he said.
16:22 Don't have words to describe pain of losing soldiers: HM
Union Home Minister Amit Shah: "The pain of losing our brave soldiers while protecting our motherland at Galwan Valley can't be put in words. The nation salutes our immortal heroes who sacrificed their lives to keep Indian territory safe. Their bravery reflects India's commitment towards her land. "
16:03 Sonia urges Modi to tell the 'truth' on China
Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi on the martyrdom of the 20 Indian soldiers at Ladakh. "Today when there's anger in the country regarding this incident then PM should come forward and tell the truth to the country that how did China occupy our land and why did our 20 soldiers lose their lives? What is the situation there today?
"The martyrdom of our soldiers on the Border has shaken up the entire country's inner conscience. I offer my deepest condolences to these brave martyrs and pray that families can bear the loss.
"Are our soldiers/officers still missing? How many of our soldiers/officers are critically injured? What areas have been occupied by China? What is the policy of govt to deal with this? Congress stands with our Army, soldiers, their families and govt in this crisis."
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian
15:52 'Don't wish to see more clashes with India', says China
After Monday's violent face-off between Chinese and Indian troops in the Galwan valley in eastern Ladakh area, China on Wednesday said that it does not wish to see "more clashes" with India.
"From the Chinese side, we do not wish to see more clashes," said Zhao Lijian, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson on Galwan valley clash, which caused causalities on both sides.
"We are having communication through diplomatic and military channels. The right and wrong of this is very clear... The incident happened on the Chinese side of Line of Actual Control (LAC) and China is not to blame for it," Lijian added.
Beijing even went on to claim the sovereignty over the Galwan valley area and accused India of violating border protocols.
"The sovereignty of the Galwan valley area has always belonged to China. The Indian border troops flip-flopped and seriously violated our border protocols on border-related issues and the consensus of our commander level talks," Lijian said. -- ANI
15:45 Maha govt inks MoUs worth Rs 5,000 cr with three Chinese firms
Three Chinese firms are among the 12 companies from different countries with which the Maharashtra government has signed MoUs collectively worth Rs 16,000 crore. The investment of the three Chinese companies is collectively worth over Rs 5,000 crore, an official statement has said.
The MoUs were signed on Monday under the "Magnetic Maharashtra 2.0" hours before the violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh, in which 20 Indian Army personnel were martyred.
All the three Chinese companies- Hengli Engineering, PMI Electro Mobility Solutions JV with Photon and Great Wall Motors will invest in Talegaon in Pune district, the statement has said. Hengli Engineering will invest Rs 250 crore, PMI will invest Rs 1,000 crore in the auto sector, it said, adding that Great tWall Motors will set up an automobile company with investment of Rs 3,770 crore.
15:28 India capable of giving befitting reply: PM reacts
PM Narendra Modi breaks his silence on the killings of Indian soldiers at Ladakh.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the chief ministers of 15 states and union territories, who are present in the meeting via video-conferencing today, observe two-minute silence as a tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the Galwan Valley clash.
"I would like to assure the nation that the sacrifice of our jawans will not be in vain. For us, the unity and sovereignty of the country is the most important. India wants peace but it is capable to give a befitting reply if instigated, be it any kind of situation."
15:00 2nd Major General level talks between India-China
Major General level talks being held between India and China in the Galwan valley to further defuse the situation after the violent face-off between their troops on June 15-16, say Army Sources. Talks at the same level were also held five days ago.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called an all-party meeting to discuss the alarming situation at the Line of Actual Control and to plan a response to the death of at least 20 Indian Army soldiers in a clash with Chinese troops on Monday night. The PM is yet to tweet a single response to the deaths of the Indian soldiers.
14:52 Don't threaten doctors for speaking the truth; SC slams Delhi govt
The Supreme Court on Wednesday slammed the Delhi government for threatening doctors, nurses, and health workers with legal actions for bringing to the public knowledge the state of healthcare in the hospitals of the national capital.
A three-judge bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan and also comprising Justice MR Shah and Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul was hearing a suo motu matter related to the proper treatment of COVID-19 patients and dignified handling of bodies in government hospitals.
"Don't shoot the messenger. Don't threaten doctors and health workers. Support them. What has Delhi done? Please protect doctors, nurses. They are Corona warriors. You (Delhi government) do not want the truth to come out. But several videos have come out," the bench said.The apex court said that the Delhi government cannot suppress the truth and asked why a doctor, who made a video of one of the Delhi hospitals, was suspended.
"Why did you suspend a doctor who made a video of the pathetic conditions of one of your hospitals?" the top court said and asked Delhi government to file an affidavit in the matter.
The matter was slated to come up for further hearing before the court on Friday.Last week, the Supreme Court had come down heavily on government hospitals over the "sorry state of affairs" over the handling of bodies in the national capital and observed that COVID-19 patients are being treated worse than animals.
The same bench had issued notices to the Delhi government, LNJP hospital, and some other state governments seeking their response on the matter. The court had also asked the chief secretary, Government of NCT, to look into the patient management system and submit a status report regarding staff, and patient care, etc. -- ANI
14:47 Wreath laying ceremony at Leh for slain soldiers
Wreath laying of Indian Army soldiers, who lost their lives at the clash with Chinese soldiers at Galwan Valley. The ceremony was performed at the Army Hospital in Leh.
14:42 LG Baijal holds meeting with Kejriwal, others on COVID-19 management
Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) Anil Baijal on Wednesday held a meeting with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia to discuss the COVID-19 management in the capital as the cases are increasing with each passing day.
"Had a constructive meeting of Expert Panel with Hon'ble CM, Delhi @ArvindKejriwal, Dy CM @msisodia , CS, ACS (Home), Pr. Sec Health & members of Advisory Committee on COVID-19 management in Delhi," he tweeted.
The LG held the meeting with the Chief Minister and others via video conferencing in the afternoon today.However, what was transpired between the meeting is yet to be known.
According to the Health Ministry, the coronavirus case in Delhi has reached 44,688 on Wednesday. Out of the total, 26,351 are active cases, 16,500 have been cured/discharged and 1,837 have died due to the lethal infection. (ANI)
14:29 'We may see more violence on China border'
Peace across the Line of Actual Control with China has been shattered after 45 years of a violence-free border. The killings of 20 Indian soldiers on the Ladakh side of the India-China border on Monday night is a game-changer between the Asian rivals.
The old paradigms stand demolished.
A solution looks distant and India-China relations enter an era of instability and uncertainty.
Dr Srikanth Kondapalli, the well-known China scholar, discusses India's options after the killings of Indian Army soldiers in the Galwan Valley with Sheela Bhatt and Aniruddh Sheth. The first of a two-part interview.
14:25 PM to address nation on June 21: Reports
Breaking news: PM Narendra Modi to address the nation on June 21, say reports. On June 19, the PM has called for an all-party meeting to discuss the ongoing border conflict with China. The meeting will be attended by presidents of all political parties.
14:15 Delhi health minister tested again for COVID-19
Delhi Heath Minister Satyendra Jain, who has been admitted to a hospital here after running high-grade fever, was tested again for COVID-19 on Wednesday, a senior official said. The 55-year-old minister was brought to the Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital in the early hours of Tuesday and was administered a test for novel coronavirus infection that morning, for which he tested negative. "He is still running fever. The minister was tested again today after 24 hours of the first test. The results are expected by evening," a senior official said. Doctors at the RGSSH said his condition is "stable", but he has been again put on oxygen supply. -- PTI
13:48 Singapore reports 247 new coronavirus cases
Singapore on Wednesday reported 247 new COVID-19 cases, the majority of them being foreign workers living in dormitories, taking the country's total count to 41,216. The new infections included five community cases, comprising two Singapore citizens or permanent residents (foreigners residing here) and three foreigners on work passes, said the Ministry of Health (MOH). The rest 242 were foreign workers living in dormitories, which have been the main source of spread of the COVID-19. With the Wednesday reported cases, Singapore now has 41,216 confirmed coronavirus infections. -- PTI
File pic
13:43 Galwan massacre: PM to hold all-party meet on Fri
From the PMO: "In order to discuss the situation in the India-China border areas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for an all-party meeting at 5 pm on 19th June. Presidents of various political parties would take part in this virtual meeting."
The Prime Minister is yet to make a single statement on the massacre of Indian soldiers.
In a steep escalation of the ongoing India-China border face-off in eastern Ladakh, soldiers of China's People's Liberation Army attacked and killed 20 Indian soldiers, including a colonel, on Monday night.
This is the first deadly clash on the 3,488-kilometre disputed border since four Assam Rifles jawans were ambushed and killed by Chinese border guards in October 1975.
In a statement on Tuesday morning, the army said: 'During the de-escalation process underway in the Galwan Valley, a violent face-off took place yesterday (Monday) night with casualties on both sides.'
13:37 Flushing toilets can release virus-containing particles: Study
Grapple with this before you lunch.
Flushing a toilet can create a large and widespread cloud of virus-containing aerosol droplets that last long enough to be breathed in by others, according to a simulation study that raises the possibility of COVID-19 being transmitted with the use of toilets. Researchers from Yangzhou University in China noted that recent studies show the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can survive in the human digestive tract and show up in faeces of the infected. Toilet flushing creates a great deal of turbulence, and qualitative evidence suggests this can spread both bacteria and viruses, they said.
The study, published in the journal Physics of Fluids, used computer models to simulate water and air flows in a flushing toilet and the resulting droplet cloud. The researchers used a standard set of fluid dynamic formulas, known as the Navier-Stokes equations, to simulate flushing in two types of toilet -- one with a single inlet for flushing water, and another with two inlets to create a rotating flow.
They also used a discrete phase model to simulate movement of the numerous tiny droplets likely to be ejected from the toilet bowl into the air. A similar model was used recently to simulate the movement of aerosol droplets ejected during a human cough, the researchers said. As water pours into the toilet bowl from one side, it strikes the opposite side, creating vortices, the explained. These vortices continue upward into the air above the bowl, carrying droplets to a height of nearly three feet, where they might be inhaled or settle onto surfaces, according to the researchers. These droplets are so small they float in the air for over a minute. A toilet with two inlet ports for water generates an even greater velocity of upward flowing aerosol particles, they said.
A solution to this deadly problem is to simply close the lid before flushing, since this should decrease aerosol spread, the researchers in the study said. However, in many countries toilets in public restrooms are often without lids, according to the researchers who added that this poses a serious hazard. They also suggest a better toilet design would include a lid that closes automatically before flushing
13:29 'Indo-China clash due to intelligence failure'
Former Union Minister M M Pallam Raju on Wednesday blamed the NDA government at the Centre for 'intelligence failure' that led to fierce clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh which left 20 Indian soldiers dead. Expressing concern over the outbreak of violence between the soldiers of two nuclear armed neighbours, he said, "We have lost lives and that means it is a very serious situation. What I feel sad about is that the build up (of Chinese soldiers) would not have certainly happened overnight. It would have taken some time. I feel it is an intelligence failure that we did not anticipate the build up," the Minister of state for Defence told PTI.
Wondering how the government failed to anticipate the situation at LAC, he said, "only after the Defence Minister (Rajnath Singh) made a statement that they (Chinese) came in large numbers did we know of the actual situation. So I don't know why we failed in anticipating it. We have an established border defuse mechanism in place."
At least 20 Indian Army personnel, including a colonel were killed in a violent face-off with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation in over 5 decades that has escalated the already volatile border stand-off in the region. -- PTI
13:00 Incident reflects failure of confidence building measures: Expert
"The June 15th night's incident at the Galwan river valley reflects the failure of confidence-building measures that we have in place between India and China. These were evolved in 1993, 1996 & 2013 agreements: Srikanth Kondapalli, Expert on Chinese Affairs.
12:52 Rajnath's 1st reaction: Soldiers' deaths painful
Defence minister Rajnath Singh's first reaction on the massacre of 20 Indian soldiers by the Chinese army in Ladakh.
Rajnath tweets: "The Nation will never forget their bravery and sacrifice. My heart goes out to the families of the fallen soldiers. The nation stand shoulder to shoulder with them in this difficult hour. We are proud of the bravery and courage of India's bravehearts. The loss of soldiers in Galwan is deeply disturbing and painful. Our soldiers displayed exemplary courage and valour in the line of duty and sacrificed their lives in the highest traditions of the Indian Army."
The Prime Minister has not reacted to the incident so far.
On Wednesday, Rajnath Singh reviewed the overall situation in eastern Ladakh with Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and the three service chiefs.
12:49 China suffered 35 casualties during Galwan clash: US intel
The Chinese Army suffered 35 casualties during the violent clash with the Indian military in eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley, official sources said on Wednesday quoting US intelligence reports. The figure could be a combination of total number of soldiers killed and seriously wounded, they added. The Indian Army on Tuesday said 20 Army personnel, including a colonel, were killed on Monday night in the biggest ever military confrontation between the two armies in over five decades. There were 35 casualties on the Chinese side, the sources said citing US intelligence reports. China has not yet talked about the number of casualties suffered by the People's Liberation Army during the clash.
Government sources on Tuesday said the Chinese side suffered "proportionate casualties" but it does not have a clear picture about the number of Chinese soldiers killed as well as those injured in the clash.
Last night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with the Defence minister as well as Home Minister Amit Shah, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Army Chief General MM Naravane on the situation in the region. Military sources said at least four Indian soldiers were seriously injured in the clash.
12:38 Ex ISRO chief warns against structural changes
Veteran space scientist G Madhavan Nair has warned against structural changes in the ISRO, as he sought to draw similarities between the space agency and Elon Musk's SpaceX in terms of having a unified command for delivering efficient performance. The former Chairman of ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) said some of the recent media reports project an alarming picture about Indian space programme on its ineffectiveness to make industrial participation and an idea of possible restructuring to bring about more expansion.
"The public has the right to know the factual situation considering the evolution and growth so far," he insisted. ISRO, Nair said, is the best performing government organisation which has not only mastered most sophisticated space technologies totally indigenously, but also provided space missions in a timely manner meeting common mans requirements as well as security needs. It's the far sighted approach which has enabled India to get a front seat among the global space players, he said.
ISRO is a unique organisation not only doing high tech R&D but also applications for societal benefit like tele- education, tele-medicine, disaster management, applications for agriculture, fisheries and infrastructure development, he pointed out.
12:29 Violence in no-one's interest: British High Commission encourages dialogue between India, China on border i
The British High Commission on Wednesday encouraged dialogue between India and China after a violent face-off took place between the troops of both countries in Ladakh's Galwan Valley, resulting in the casualties on both sides.
"Clearly these are concerning reports. We encourage China and India to engage in dialogue on issues relating to the border - violence is in no-one's interest," said British High Commission spokesperson.External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava on Tuesday said that violent face-off happened on late evening and night of June 15 in the Galwan Valley was caused by Chinese troops' attempt to "unilaterally change" the status quo during de-escalation and the situation could have been avoided if the agreement at the higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side.
Srivastava said both sides suffered casualties in the violent face-off and the Chinese side departed from the consensus to respect the Line of Actual Control in the Galwan Valley.Responding to media queries on the situation in the western sector of the India-China border, Srivastava said that India and China have been discussing through military and diplomatic channels the de-escalation of the situation in the border area in Eastern Ladakh.
-- ANI)
12:20 Sushant suicide: Case against Johar, Bhansali
Advocate Sudhir Kumar Ojha has filed a case on behalf of the late Sushant Singh Rajput. "I have filed a case against 8 people including Karan Johar, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Salman Khan and Ekta Kapoor under Sections 306, 109, 504 & 506 of IPC in connection with actor Sushant Singh Rajput's suicide case in a court in Muzaffarpur, Bihar. In the complaint, I have alleged that Sushant Singh Rajput was removed from around seven films and some of his films were not released. Such a situation was created which forced him to take the extreme step."
Rajput was on Sunday found dead in his apartment in Mumbai, the cause of death suicide by hanging, the police said. He was 34.
11:54 SC: States should pay salaries to doctors
The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre to issue directions to states for payment of salaries and providing necessary quarantine facilities to doctors and healthcare workers engaged in treating COVID-19 patients. A bench of justices Ashok Bhushan, S K Kaul and M R Shah said that doctors and healthcare workers treating COVID-19 patients should not be denied quarantine facilities.
The top court asked the Centre to file a compliance report within four weeks on payment of salaries and quarantine facilities to doctors and healthcare workers and warned that non-compliance would be viewed seriously. The bench was hearing a plea filed by a private doctor raising questions on the Centre's May 15 decision that 14-day quarantine was not mandatory for doctors. -- PTI
11:48 Village grieves for jawan killed by Chinese troops
A pall of gloom descended on Karohta village when tragic news reached here about the demise of Sepoy Ankush Thakur in a fierce clash between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan valley of Ladakh. The 21-year-old sepoy was recruited to the Punjab Regiment in 2018 and was a resident of Karohta, a village in Bhoranj subdivision.
His father and grandfather had also served in the Indian Army. Thakur has a younger brother who is studying in class six. Twenty Indian soldiers were reported to have been killed in the violent clash between India and China on Monday night in the Galwan valley.
As soon as the information about jawan's martyrdom was given through phone by the Army Headquarters to the Gram Panchayat Karohta, people started raising anti-China slogans. People rushed to Thakur's house once the news of his demise reached the village and they expressed condolences to his family.
Ward Panch, Vinod Kumar of Gram Panchayat Kadhota said that he had received a call from the Army Headquarters informing that Thakur was killed in the clash. Thakur's body would be given a state funeral, an official spokesman said on Wednesday. PTI
11:31 Can't hold Nehru responsible: Raut on Ladakh massacre
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut: "We can't hold Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi responsible for whatever happened at the border. We all are responsible for martyrdom of 20 jawans. All parties will support whatever decision PM takes but he should tell people what went wrong."
11:27 Chinese Commanding Officer killed in face-off
Commanding Officer of the Chinese Unit involved in the face-off with Indian troops in the Galwan Valley among those killed: Sources confirm to ANI.
Indian intercepts reveal that the Chinese army suffered 43 casualties including dead and seriously injured in the violent face-off in Ladakh's Galwan valley, sources confirmed to ANI.
The violent face-off occurred late evening and night of June 15 as a result of an attempt by the Chinese troops to 'unilaterally change' the status quo during de-escalation in Eastern Ladakh.
The situation could have been avoided had the agreement at the higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side, India said on Tuesday.
At least 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the violent face-off, government sources said, but warned that the Indian casualty numbers could rise.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held two review meetings over developments in Eastern Ladakh during the day.
TN CM EPS Palaniswami
11:20 Ex-gratia of Rs 20 lakh for slain soldier: TN
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswamy has announced a solatium of Rs 20 lakh to the family of the soldier, who lost his life in the border skirmish between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Ladakh.
In a statement, the Chief Minister stated one of the family members of the slain soldier K Palani who belonged to Ramanathapuram district will be offered a government job.
Palaniswamy has also expressed condolences to the bereaved family.
DMK president MK Stalin also condoled the death of the jawan.
The violent face-off happened on late evening and night of June 15 in Ladakh's Galwan Valley as a result of an attempt by the Chinese troops to "unilaterally change" the status quo during de-escalation in Eastern Ladakh and the situation could have been avoided if the agreement at the higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side, India said on Tuesday.
The Army confirmed that 20 soldiers were killed in the face-off including 17 who were critically injured at the stand-off location and exposed to sub-zero temperatures in the high altitude terrain.
Indian and Chinese troops have disengaged at the Galwan area in Ladakh where they had earlier clashed on the night of June 15 and 16, Indian Army said. -- ANI
11:16 PLA's 'mobile operational units' may be involved in Ladakh
Dennis J Blasko, a retired US Army lieutenant colonel, served as the US army attache' in Beijing and Hong Kong. Author of The Chinese Army Today, Colonel Blasko is a Senior Fellow at The Jamestown Foundation, a think-tank based in Washington, DC.
This is what he told Rediff.com about Monday night's hostilities on the Line of Actual Control:
Normally the PLA patrols its borders with border defence troops, which in Xinjiang and Tibet, are organised primarily into border defence regiments, battalions, and companies that are stationed near the border.
These units man numerous outposts to observe activity in their areas of responsibility and conduct patrols between outposts by foot, on horseback, or by vehicle depending on the terrain (perhaps sometimes using small UAVs).
These patrols routinely are performed by squads (about eight men) or sometimes platoons (about 40).
In general, they are very lightly armed with the mission to observe and report rather than fight.
One border defence regiment in Tibet has a mechanised infantry battalion with APC/IFVs and self-propelled mortars, but they are the exception to the rule.
I am not aware that any border defence unit has organic engineer units, and any engineer units involved probably came from non-border defence units (though I am open to new information to correct anything I say).
The reporting I have seen about the current situation indicates that the units involved likely come from the PLA's 'mobile operational units', organised mostly into the 13 group armies (with their subordinate brigades), but also includes the combat units subordinate to the Tibet and Xinjiang Military Districts.
Three combined arms (or mountain) brigades plus support brigades are stationed under the Tibet MD command and four infantry divisions plus support brigades are assigned to the Xinjiang MD.
It appears that based on Chinese news articles two or three combined arms brigades from the 77th Group Army, headquartered in Sichuan, were transferred into Tibet during the 2017 reorganisation, or elements stationed there temporarily.
All of these headquarters command engineer units that could be used for the construction work reported.
All of these units routinely train on the 'Tibetan plateau' or on high-altitude plains, not all of which are in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
As you know, the areas currently in dispute are widely separated and PLA forces could come from either Tibet or Xinjiang, depending on the specific location.
But based on the reporting available to me that some 5,000 to 10,000 PLA troops are involved in the various areas (some reports indicate they are parts of brigades, others talk of battalions, which are subordinate to brigades but also to the regiments of divisions in Xinjiang), I do not have enough details to comment on the types or size of units involved.
I have not seen any images of the recent developments, so if there are any available perhaps that would shed on some light on these questions, but maybe not if the photos only show soldiers, and no equipment.
Also, please read Claude Arpi's special report on the PLA generals involved in the standoff in Ladakh
11:09 Chinese casualties above 40: Reports
Update on the situation on Ladakh and the massacre of Indian soldiers by the Chinese army.
News agency ANI quoting sources says that the the assessment of the number of fatalities or injured on the Chinese side is based on the number of Chinese soldiers evacuated from the face-off location on stretchers and subsequently by ambulance vehicles on the track along the Galwan river, as also the increased Chinese helicopter movement.
Quoting sources, ANI reports that it is assessed that the Chinese suffered a significant number of casualties in the violent face off on the night of June 15-16.
The troops who were part of the face-off told about a significant number of Chinese casualties. Although it is difficult to specify the exact number of casualties both killed and wounded, the number is estimated to be much beyond 40.
10:56 China threatens overseas Uighurs
China's atrocities on Uighur Muslims, living in Xinjiang are known to the world. Now, leaked documents from the province show that across Europe, exiled Uighurs report surveillance by Beijing and threats of harm to their relatives in the region if they make noise about Chinese repression.According to the Hill, the leaked documents from Xinjiang show the Chinese government's reasons for detaining several hundred Uighurs.
The Karakax list contains personal data on more than 300 individuals with relatives abroad. The Chinese government has flagged "people who leave the country and do not return" as a security risk in Xinjiang, because of their possible ties to exiled groups deemed as "separatists" by Beijing.
The World Uyghur Congress (WUC), which works to protect the diaspora's rights, has claimed that Beijing targets Uighurs living in the West and demands information on their community, promising safety for their relatives in Xinjiang in return.The Uighurs are a majority in the Xinjiang province, situated in western part of China and is officially designated as an autonomous region.
Many international human rights organisations have accused China of cracking down on the Uighurs by sending them to mass detention camps, interfering in their religious activities and sending members of the community to undergo some form of forceful re-education or indoctrination.Kerim Zair, a Uighur who moved from Norway to London, said he received an anonymous call few years ago.
"They requested that I work for them. I rejected them. ... I don't know how they got my number," Zair said.
Image: People under the banner of an NGO Vishal Bharat Sansthan burn the Chinese flag and an effigy of Chinese President Xi Jinping
Representational image
10:46 Hyderabad's popular chaatwala tests Covid +ve
Popular eatery in Hyderabad city, Gokul Chat, which was among the two places rocked by blasts in 2007 that claimed 44 lives, has been temporarily closed after its owner tested positive for coronavirus. Twin blasts at this shop and open air theatre at Lumbini park in 2007 had left 44 dead and 68 injured.
Police said the management took the decision after the owner, who was suffering from pneumonia for a long time, was admitted to a private hospital on June 13 and subsequently tested positive.
Though the owner had not been coming to the eatery since June 8, the workers there have been placed under home quarantine, they said. Samples have been collected from his family members for COVID-19 tests, they added. -- PTI
Representational image
10:42 MP: Cow injured after being fed 'explosive-mixed' food
Days after the death of a pregnant elephant in Kerala kicked up a row, police in Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh have launched a probe into the allegation by a man that a cow owned by him was injured after being fed with "explosive-mixed" food by someone. A police official on Wednesday said that a case has been registered in this connection. The owner of the cow, Om Prakash Agrawal from Ginjri village in Umaria, said that he used to let the cow out for grazing in the morning.
"The cow roamed within 500-metre area of the house and returned in the evening. But on June 14, she did not come back home. After a search for two days, the cow was finally found on Tuesday. However, we found that her lower jaw was badly injured," he said. Agrawal said that he suspected that the cow was fed with explosive-mixed food by someone, due to which the animal suffered injuries on the mouth and the jaw.
"The cow is unable to eat anything and also feed her one-month-old calf," he added. Talking to reporters, Superintendent of Police (SP) Sachin Sharma said, "We had received information that a cow was injured under Pali police station area. The police reached the spot and called a veterinarian, who provided primary treatment to the bovine." -- PTI
10:37 Don't cherry pick
Farmers in Srinagar have started harvesting cherries. Saima, Horticulture Development Officer says, "Cherry is cultivated in Srinagar district on 333 hectares of land and we have cherry production of around 3000 metric tons in the district".
10:33 Sensex drops over 200 points in early trade; Nifty tests 9,850
Equity benchmark Sensex dropped over 200 points in early trade on Wednesday dragged by weakness in index-heavyweights HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries and ICICI Bank amid weak cues from Asian peers and persistent foreign fund outflows.
After touching a low of 33,332.96, the 30-share index was trading 225.22 points, or 0.67 per cent, lower at 33,380. Similarly, NSE Nifty fell 56.40 points, or 0.57 per cent, to 9,857.60.
According to traders, border tension with China, weakness in global markets, spike in COVID-19 cases and unabated foreign fund outflows weighed on investor sentiments. PowerGrid was the top laggard in the pack, shedding around 2 per cent, followed by NTPC, SBI, UltraTech Cement, M&M, HDFC Bank and Kotak Bank. On the other hand, Maruti, Tech Mahindra, Axis Bank and Infosys were among the gainers. In the previous session, the BSE barometer settled 376.42 points, or 1.13 per cent, higher at 33,605.22, while the broader Nifty closed 100.30 points, or 1.02 per cent, up at 9,914.
On a net basis, foreign institutional investors sold equities worth Rs 1,478.52 crore in the capital market on Tuesday, provisional exchange data showed. Bourses in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Seoul were trading with losses in early deals. -- PTI
CO Col Santosh Babu who was one among 20 armymen killed
10:19 Indo-China faceoff: 4 Indian soldiers critical
Four Indian soldiers are in critical condition after the violent face-off with Chinese troops on Monday evening: Sources.
Twenty Indian Army personnel including a colonel were killed in a fierce clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff in the region.
The army initially said on Tuesday that an officer and two soldiers were killed. But in a late evening statement it revised the figure to 20 saying 17 others who "were critically injured in the line of duty and exposed to sub-zero temperatures at the standoff location succumbed to their injuries."
Government sources said the Chinese side too suffered "proportionate casualties" but chose not to speculate on the number. However, ANI reported that Indian intercepts reveal that the Chinese army suffered 43 casualties including dead and seriously injured in the violent face-off.
10:10 At first we did not believe it: Slain army officer's mother
As the ever garrulous Narendra Modi maintains a baffling silence on the massacre of Indian soldiers at Ladakh, the family of Col Santosh Babu says they did not believe the news when they first heard about it. "At first,we didn't believe it but later higher authorities told us what had happened. We're under deep shock. Our son faced many challenges," said the Col Santosh Babu's mother. He was the CO ,16 Bihar regiment, who lost his life in violent face-off with Chinese soldiers in Ladakh's Galwan valley.
09:59 India records highest ever Covid deaths of 2003
The Covid numbers are here. India sees highest single day spike of 2,003 COVID-19 deaths, pushing the toll to 11,903. There are 10,974 new COVID cases in the last 24 hours. The total number of positive cases in the country now stands 3,54,065 including 1,55,227 active cases, 1,86,935 cured/discharged/migrated and 11903 deaths: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
09:47 Petrol price hiked for 11th straight day
Petrol price on Wednesday was hiked by 55 paise per litre and diesel by 60 paise a litre, marking the 11th consecutive day of increase in rates that now totals to Rs 6.02 for petrol and Rs 6.4 for diesel.
Petrol price in Delhi was hiked to Rs 77.28 per litre from Rs 76.73, while diesel rates were increased to Rs 75.79 a litre from Rs 75.19, according to a price notification of state oil marketing companies.
Rates have been increased across the country and vary from state to state depending on the incidence of local sales tax or VAT.
This is the 11th straight day of increase in rates since oil companies on June 7 restarted revising prices in line with costs, after ending an 82-day hiatus in rate revision.
The freeze in rates was imposed in mid-March soon after the government hiked excise duty on petrol and diesel to shore up additional finances.
Oil PSUs Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd instead of passing on the excise duty hikes to customers adjusted them against the fall in the retail rates that was warranted because of fall in international oil prices.
In 11 hikes, petrol price has gone up by Rs 6.02 per litre and diesel by Rs 6.4 a litre. -- PTI
09:44 Why is PM silent? Why is he hiding?: Rahul
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioned the "silence" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the violent clash between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh and asked him to take the nation into confidence on the matter.
"Why is PM silent, why is he hiding. Enough is enough. We need to know what has happened," Rahul said in a tweet.
"How dare China kill our soldiers; how dare they take our land," Gandhi added.
Twenty Indian Army personnel including a colonel were killed in a fierce clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff in the region.
09:22 Trump signs executive order on police reforms
United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order encouraging police departments to adopt best practices and "highest professional standards" amid calls for police reforms following nationwide protests over the brutal killing of African-American George Floyd in police custody.
Floyd, 46, died in Minneapolis on May 25 when a white police officer pinned him to the ground and knelt on his neck while he gasped for breath, triggering nationwide violent protests against police brutality and racial injustice.
"Today, I am signing an executive order encouraging police departments nationwide to adopt the highest professional standards to serve their communities. These standards will be as high and as strong as there is on earth. The vast majority of police officers are selfless and courageous public servants," Trump said in the Rose Garden of the White House.
"They are great men and women. When others run away from danger, police run straight into harm's way, often putting their lives at stake to protect someone who they don't know, or never even met. Great danger," he said amidst growing call by his political opponents and rights bodies to dismantle local police.
Trump said he strongly oppose the radical and dangerous efforts to defend, dismantle, and dissolve the police departments, especially now when they have achieved the lowest recorded crime rates in recent history.
"Americans know the truth. Without police, there is chaos. Without law, there is anarchy. And without safety, there is catastrophe," he said.
"We need leaders at every level of government who have the moral clarity to state these obvious facts. Americans believe we must support the brave men and women in blue who police our streets and keep us safe. Americans also believe we must improve accountability, increase transparency, and invest more resources in police training, recruiting, and community engagement," said the president.
"Reducing crime and raising standards are not opposite goals. They are not mutually exclusive. They work together--they all work together," he said. -- PTI
08:37 Ladakh face-off: Border districts in HP on alert
Following the violent face-off in Galwan valley in Ladakh between Indian troops and Chinese People's Liberation Army forces, Himachal Pradesh has been put on alert.
An alert has been issued to the districts of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti, which border China, to ensure the security of the local population and to collect intelligence to plan the future course of action, said police.
All state intelligence units have also been alerted in this regard, state police spokesperson Khushal Sharma said.
"In view of the recent face-off between PLA of China and Indian Army in Ladakh sector, an alert and an advisory have been issued to the districts of Kinnaur and Lahul-Spiti to take all precautionary measures to ensure the security of the local population and also to collect intelligence so as to plan future of course of action," said superintendent of police, Khushal Sharma.
The army confirmed that 20 soldiers were killed in the face-off including 17 who were critically injured at the stand-off location and exposed to sub-zero temperatures in the high altitude terrain.
08:33 Ban Chinese firms from govt tenders: RSS affiliate to Centre
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch on Tuesday appealed to the Centre to bar Chinese companies from participating in tenders floated by the government and exhorted the people to boycott Chinese products as a tribute to the Army soldiers killed in a fierce clash with troops of China in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh.
SJM co-convener Ashwani Mahajan said it's high time people should shun Chinese products.
Mahajan also urged actors, cricketers and other celebrities not to promote Chinese products.
The SJM also requests the government to ban Chinese companies from participating in any tender floated by the Indian government and to not procure any Chinese items, he said.
Twenty Indian Army personnel including a colonel were killed in a fierce clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff in the region.
The Army initially said on Tuesday that an officer and two soldiers were killed. But in a late evening statement it revised the figure to 20 saying 17 others who "were critically injured in the line of duty and exposed to sub-zero temperatures at the standoff location succumbed to their injuries."
Government sources said the Chinese side too suffered "proportionate casualties" but chose not to speculate on the number. -- PTI
08:31 Deeply anguished and pained: Sonia on killing of soldiers
Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday said she was "deeply anguished and pained" over the killing of Indian Army personnel in a clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh.
"My tributes to their undaunting courage and condolences to the bereaved families. We stand together in defending our security and territorial integrity," she said in a statement.
"Deeply anguished and pained by the reports of martyrdom of the brave officer and jawans of our Army in Galwan Valley, Ladakh," she said.
Twenty Indian Army personnel including a colonel were killed in the fierce clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff in the region.
The Army initially said on Tuesday that an officer and two soldiers were killed. But in a late evening statement it revised the figure to 20 saying 17 others who "were critically injured in the line of duty and exposed to sub-zero temperatures at the standoff location succumbed to their injuries."
Government sources said the Chinese side too suffered "proportionate casualties" but chose not to speculate on the number. -- PTI
08:08 Closely monitoring India-China situation: US
The United States is closely monitoring the situation following a fierce clash between Indian and Chinese forces in eastern Ladakh and hopes that the differences will be resolved peacefully, officials said in Washington.
Twenty Indian Army personnel including a colonel were killed in the clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff in the region.
"We are closely monitoring the situation between Indian and Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control," a State Department spokesperson said.
"We note the Indian military has announced that 20 soldiers have died, and we offer our condolences to their families," the official said.
Both India and China have expressed their desires to de-escalate and the US supports a peaceful resolution of the current situation, the spokesperson said.
"During their phone call on June 2, 2020, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had discussed the situation along the India-China border," the official added. -- PTI
00:17 ISI briefs Pak leadership on situation on LoC
Pakistan's spy agency -- the Inter-Services Intelligence -- briefed the country's top military leadership about the situation on the Line of Control.
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Nadeem Raza, Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Naval Chief Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi and Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan visited the ISI headquarters in Islamabad.
ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hamid briefed them on the regional security situation.
"Comprehensive briefing was given to military leadership on regional security issues with special focus on the situation of LoC," according to the army.
The top level huddle of the armed forces coincided with the reports of violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh.
The ISI is Pakistan's powerful spy agency. In 1950, it was officially given the task of safeguarding Pakistani interests and national security, inside and outside the country.
-- PTI
00:08 'Protesters should wear a mask consistently'
Dr Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in the United States, said when it comes to protests during a pandemic, the best advice is dont gather in crowds, but added, If you are going to, please wear a mask consistently. Keep it on. Don't take it off.
That is really an important issue -- namely the social injustices that we're seeing towards minorities, particularly African Americans, including the violence against them," said the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
But he added that demonstrations themselves put protesters and others at risk.
When you look at some of the visuals on the TV -- of the demonstrations, when people get animated -- they start shouting, they start chanting, they pull their mask off. Dont do that," he said.
Please wear a mask, but keep the mask on all the time, he said.
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