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China building helipads, trenches in Doklam, concedes Defence Minister Sitharaman

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China building helipads, trenches in Doklam, concedes Defence Minister Sitharaman

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday told Parliament that China was building infrastructure, including sentry posts, trenches and helipads in Doklam, the tri-junction with China and Bhutan.

This is the first time the government has conceded continuation of Chinese activity in the area which saw a prolonged standoff between Indian and Chinese troops over road construction by the latter. The issue was said to have been resolved on August 28 with China ceasing road construction and both sides withdrawing their troops from a situation of eyeball to eyeball confrontation.

News reports in the past few months, however, had suggested a Chinese build-up in the area.

On Monday, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, the defence minister said China has built helipads, trenches and other infrastructure in Doklam to maintain its troops during winters.

Asked if it is a fact that China has constructed seven helipads in Doklam and tanks and missiles have been stationed there, Sitharaman, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha said that the troops on both sides have “redeployed themselves away from their stand-off positions” but the troop strengths on both sides have gone down.

“In order to maintain these troops during the winter, the People Liberation Army (PLA) has undertaken construction of some infrastructure, including sentry posts, trenches and helipads,” Sitharaman said.

Avoiding a direct response to the second part of the question, asked by Congress leader Motilal Vora, as to whether China can use this infrastructure against India or if India spoke with China on this particular issue, Sitharaman just said the government “regularly” takes up such issues with China.

“The Indian government regularly takes up the issues pertaining to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with the Chinese side through established mechanisms including border personnel meetings, flag meetings, meetings of working mechanism for consultation and coordination on India-China border affairs, as well as through diplomatic channels,” she said.

China building helipads, trenches in Doklam, concedes Defence Minister SitharamanA few days back, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre had, while addressing an army event, was reported to have said that the situation along the LAC is “sensitive” and has the “potential of escalation”.

Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day-long standoff in Doklam from June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. The face-off ended on August 28.

Several media reports citing satellite imagery said China has been keeping its troops in north Doklam and significantly ramping up its infrastructure in the disputed area. Beijing has also been upgrading and widening the existing routes in the region, said reports. In January, Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat had said the time had come for India to shift its focus from borders with Pakistan to the frontier with China, indicating the seriousness of the situation.

Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa too was reported to have admitted that the Chinese soldiers were present near the Chumbi valley. It was also being said that a Chinese division of more than 12,000 soldiers, 150 tanks and artillery guns were moved to the region and the PLA had also not removed the tents and construction equipment since the disengagement.

To a separate question on a Pentagon report which said China was setting up a military base in Pakistan, Sitharaman said the government keeps a constant watch on developments having a bearing on India’s security and takes measures to safeguard it.

“Government is aware of China’s stated objective of becoming a ‘maritime power’. As part of this strategy, China is developing ports and other infrastructure facilities in the littoral countries in the Indian Ocean Region, including in the vicinity of India’s maritime boundary,” she said.

She said India and China have, on several occasions, reiterated that as large neighbours following independent foreign policies, the relationship pursued by the two nations with other countries must not become a source of concern for each other.

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Filmmaker Sanoj Mishra arrested for raping woman for 4 years on pretext of marrying her

The case revolves around allegations made by a 28-year-old woman from a small town, who accused Mishra of repeatedly raping her over four years under the false promise of marriage.

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Sanoj Mishra, a filmmaker known for offering a role to viral sensation Monalisa during the Kumbh Mela, was arrested by the Delhi Police on Monday for allegedly raping an aspiring female actor for over four years on the pretext of marrying her.

The 45-year-old director, who lives with his family in Mumbai, was apprehended in Ghaziabad following extensive intelligence work and technical surveillance.

The arrest came after the Delhi High Court rejected Mishra’s bail application, paving the way for his custody by the Nabi Karim Police Station. The case revolves around allegations made by a 28-year-old woman from a small town, who accused Mishra of repeatedly raping her over four years under the false promise of marriage.

According to the complainant, she had been in a live-in relationship with Mishra in Mumbai while pursuing her dream of becoming a film actor. She further alleged that Mishra coerced her into undergoing abortions on three separate occasions. In her complaint, lodged on March 6, 2024, she also claimed that Mishra betrayed her trust by refusing to fulfill his marriage commitment.

The Delhi Police confirmed that an FIR was registered against Mishra under multiple sections, including rape, assault, causing miscarriage without consent, and criminal intimidation. The woman’s allegations were substantiated during her statement recorded under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). Authorities also collected medical evidence related to the alleged abortions from Muzaffarnagar, strengthening the case.

The incident that prompted the complaint occurred on February 18, 2025, when Mishra allegedly took the victim to Hotel Shiva in Nabi Karim. According to the police, he engaged in physical relations with her during this encounter before abandoning her, which led her to report the matter to the authorities.

Mishra’s arrest marks a significant development in the case, following the Delhi High Court’s decision to deny him bail after a detailed review of the evidence. The filmmaker, who gained attention for his work in the film industry, now faces serious legal consequences as the investigation continues.

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Rahul Gandhi writes to PM Modi seeking cancellation of tenders for offshore mining in Kerala, Gujarat, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

“I strongly condemn the central government’s move to permit offshore mining along the coasts of Kerala, Gujarat, and Andaman & Nicobar without proper consultation or study,” he wrote.

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Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has penned a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding the immediate cancellation of tenders that allow offshore mining along the coasts of Kerala, Gujarat, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In his communication, Gandhi expressed deep concerns over the potential threats to marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

In the letter, Gandhi criticized the central government’s decision to open up offshore mining to private entities without conducting thorough environmental impact assessments. “I strongly condemn the central government’s move to permit offshore mining along the coasts of Kerala, Gujarat, and Andaman & Nicobar without proper consultation or study,” he wrote.

Gandhi highlighted the widespread protests by coastal communities against the tender process, which they argued disregards the ecological and socio-economic ramifications. He pointed out that millions of fisherfolk are apprehensive about how offshore mining could disrupt their traditional way of life and threaten their income.

According to Gandhi, the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023, has faced significant opposition due to its implications. He warned that such activities could lead to severe environmental damage, including harm to marine life, destruction of coral reefs, and reduction in fish stocks—critical issues for the sustainability of fishing communities.

The recent tender invitations by the Ministry of Mines for licenses to explore 13 offshore blocks have sparked further outrage. Among these, three blocks are located off Kollam’s coast, a key area for fish breeding, and another three are near the Great Nicobar Islands, known for their rich marine biodiversity. Gandhi argued that these locations are particularly vulnerable, and the lack of stakeholder consultation or long-term impact studies is alarming.

Citing ongoing research by the Marine Monitoring Lab (MML) at the University of Kerala’s Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, Gandhi noted that offshore mining could have devastating effects on fish breeding, especially in Kollam. He emphasized that over 1.1 million people in Kerala depend on fishing, making any threat to this sector a significant concern.

“Great Nicobar is a global biodiversity hotspot, home to numerous endemic species,” Gandhi stated, adding that any mining activity could cause irreversible damage. He also linked the erosion of coastal ecosystems to increased vulnerability to natural disasters like cyclones, questioning the government’s decision to proceed without scientific backing.

In his appeal to the Prime Minister, Gandhi urged the cancellation of the current tenders and called for comprehensive scientific studies to evaluate both the environmental and socio-economic impacts of offshore mining. “Most crucially, all stakeholders, particularly our fisherfolk, must be involved in any major decisions,” he stressed, underscoring their deep connection to the ocean’s health.

“Let’s work together towards a sustainable future for all,” Gandhi stated in his letter, urging collective action to protect both the environment and the communities that rely on it.

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Noida Lamborghini crash: Victim claims car was speeding at 300 kmph

Their accounts of the accident have caught media attention, particularly their claim about the excessive speed at which the car was traveling.

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A Lamborghini crash in Noida Sector 94 has left two labourers injured, prompting serious concerns regarding speeding and road safety. The individuals involved in the incident, identified as Dijen Ravidas and Rambhu Kumar from Chhattisgarh, were reportedly struck by a luxury vehicle when it allegedly sped by at approximately 300 km/h.

According to reports, the two labourers were working in the area when they were hit by the Lamborghini, causing them to fall into a nearby drain. Initially taken to a local hospital, both men are said to be out of danger, although they have sustained leg fractures. Their accounts of the accident have caught media attention, particularly their claim about the excessive speed at which the car was traveling.

Citing eyewitnesses, news reports state that Ravidas recounted how the Lamborghini came toward them at a high speed of 300 kmph, leading to their unfortunate collision. However, the police have not yet verified the speed of the vehicle at the time of the accident, leaving some questions unanswered.

The driver of the Lamborghini, identified as Deepak, is a resident of Ajmer and has since been taken into custody. Authorities also confirmed that the car was registered in Puducherry. During questioning, Deepak reportedly stated that the crash occurred due to a fault in the vehicle, although further investigation is underway, and police are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

An alarming video that surfaced online captured a moment following the accident, where a bystander asked Deepak if he was aware of the injuries. Deepak’s response—an inquiry as to whether anyone had died—has raised eyebrows among those witnessing the aftermath.

Local witnesses described a scene of confusion as people gathered around the damaged vehicle, with one stating that the driver seemed unable to control the car, which ultimately collided with a roadside divider after hitting the workers.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about speeding and reckless driving in urban areas, prompting discussions about the need for stricter safety regulations. The investigation continues as authorities seek to uncover more details about the crash.

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