Latest news LIVE: Age of expansionism is over, says PM Modi in Ladakh

Modi, accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat, pays an unannounced visit to Leh days after the Galwan clash. Stay tuned with Business Standard for latest news of today

1:21 PM

No party should engage in any action that may escalate the situation at this point:Zhao Lijian, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on PM Modi's Ladakh visit

India and China are in communication and negotiations on lowering the temperatures through military and diplomatic channels. No party should engage in any action that may escalate the situation at this point:Zhao Lijian, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on PM Modi's Ladakh visit

1:08 PM

A country which transgresses into our territory & kills our soldiers, yet we create jobs in that country: Union Power Minister

Today we manufacture everything which is required for the power system in our country. We have that manufacturing facility and capacity. In the year 2018-19, we've imported power equipment worth of Rs 710 billion of which Rs 210 billion was from China: Union Power Minister RK Singh

1:01 PM

No power equipment can be imported from China and Pakistan without prior permission: Union Power Minister RK Singh

12:52 PM

Coronavirus update: India has added 114,240 cases in just 6 days

12:48 PM

28 ITBP personnel test positive for Covid-19

A total of 28 personnel of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were tested positive for Covid-19, an official said on Thursday.

 

Six of these Covid-19 positive personnel were reported in the Shimla district.

 

Narendra Chouhan, Sub Divisional Magistrate Rampur (Shimla) said, "6 ITBP jawans have tested positive here, samples were collected yesterday. They've been sent to Covid care center in Mashobra."

12:39 PM

12:36 PM

China resorting to confrontation along LAC to punish India for rejecting BRI: Swedish journalist

The confrontation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China is the result of Beijing wanting to punish New Delhi for rejecting the multinational infrastructure programme -- Belt and Road Initiative -- and has nothing to do with the border dispute between the two countries, according to a veteran Swedish journalist.

 

In an interview to The Irrawaddy, Bertil Lintner said that China is taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic, flexing its muscles in the Indo-Pacific region with a new security law in Hong Kong, Chinese fighter jets entering Taiwan's airspace, the ramming of Vietnamese and Philippine fishing boats in the disputed South China Sea, a month-long standoff between a Malaysian oil exploration vessel and a Chinese survey ship in the same waters, and an open confrontation with the Indians along the LAC.

 

"First of all, the confrontation along the LAC between India and China has nothing to do with the border as such, if it should be on this or that barren rock in an uninhabited area," he said.

 

"It is a question of strategic rivalries between Asia's two giants and, more specifically, China's wanting to punish India for rejecting its multinational infrastructure programme, the BRI, and show the neighbours who rule the roost in the region," he added.

12:28 PM

'China's actions in Pangong helped the world know true colours of Beijing'

China's actions in Pangong region, Eastern Ladakh, in India has helped the world know the true colours of Beijing, said Jeff M. Smith, Research Fellow, South Asia-Heritage Foundation.

 

Taking to Twitter, Smith said, "What I'd say to China if I were in Delhi: If seizing the grey zone at Pangong was the cost we had to pay to see your true colors, to mobilize the country against you, it was worth it. Continuing to pretend you were a partner would've done even more harm to us over the long term."

 

While urging India to continue its policy of negotiation and restore the pre-May status quo at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), he said, "To be sure, I expect, and would urge, India to continue negotiating and seeking a restoration of the pre-May status quo at the LAC. That would be the ideal outcome." Read on...

12:22 PM

PM reaches Ladakh on surprise visit amid talks of disengagement with China

Days after a violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in East Ladakh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reached Leh with Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief General M M Naravane.

 

Modi reached Leh around 9.30 am, PTI reported.

 

Modi is at one of the forward locations in Nimu and is interacting with personnel of the Army, Air Force and ITBP, official sources said.

 

Located at 11,000 feet, Nimu is among the toughest terrains, on the banks of river Indus and surrounded by the Zanskar range. Read on...

12:20 PM

India banning Chinese apps effective way to impose costs on China for its actions at border: Expert

India's decision to ban Chinese apps seems to be an effective way to impose costs on China for its actions at the border and inhibit its ability to exert influence and access information inside the country, a well-known American expert on South Asia has said.

 

India on Monday banned 59 apps with Chinese links, including the hugely popular TikTok and UC Browser, for engaging in "activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state and public order".

 

The ban also comes in the backdrop of the current stand-off along the Line of Actual control in eastern Ladakh with Chinese troops.

11:54 AM

PM Modi reached Leh around 9:30 a.m. with the Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat

11:49 AM

OnePlus says committed to 'Make in India' amid anti-China sentiments

Despite a surge in anti-China sentiment in the country, a top executive of smartphone brand OnePlus said on Friday that the company has commenced manufacturing TVs in India and remains committed to achieving long-term growth as it seeks to integrate and delve deeper into the Make in India strategy.

 

The company on Thursday launched OnePlus TV U Series and Y Series packed with smart features which will enable users to pair with up to five devices at the same time. Read on...

11:47 AM

20 soldiers had died in the Galwan clash

11:40 AM

PM Modi interacts with Army, Air Force and ITBP personnel in Nimu

11:25 AM

Leh visit: Modi was accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief MM Naravane

Images showed PM Modi sitting in a camouflage tent as he spoke to the troops seated at a distance from each other against the backdrop of the Himalayas. Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief MM Naravane were present.