Two days after the disengagement between India and China, Indian troops started patrolling the Demchok sector in eastern Ladakh on Friday.

On Wednesday, both countries agreed to disengage and initiate coordinated patrols based on their understanding of the Line of Actual Control in the Demchok and Depsang sectors.

Patrolling by Indian troops in the Demchok sector of Eastern Ladakh kicked off Friday. Patrolling in the Depsang sector is expected to start soon, according to ANI. Coordinated patrolling means that both sides will be aware of each other’s patrol schedules.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Friday that he interacted with Chinese soldiers at Bumla Pass during the Diwali celebration with Indian Army personnel in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district.

Sharing a video of him interacting with the Chinese soldiers on X, Rijiju said: “After talking to Chinese soldiers and seeing the infrastructures, everyone will feel proud of India’s border development now.”

The Union Minister said he also celebrated Diwali at the Army Helipad in Tawang. “It felt proud to celebrate Diwali with brave soldiers. Our country is safe only because of their dedication and courage. Jai Hind!” the senior BJP leader said.

On Thursday, soldiers from India and China shared sweets at various border locations in the Ladakh sector to celebrate Diwali. The exchange occurred at Hot Springs, Karakoram Pass, Daulat Beg Oldi, KongkLa, and the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point.

Additionally, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi emphasised that rebuilding trust along the LAC would be a gradual process, aiming to revert to the status quo of April 2020. He detailed that key measures—disengagement, de-escalation, and buffer zone management—are vital for alleviating tensions between the two nations. He also noted that this process would occur in phases, with each stage focusing on diminishing hostilities.

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong remarked that differences between neighboring countries like India and China are natural, but the critical aspect lies in how these differences are managed and resolved.

The border standoff began in eastern Ladakh in 2020 due to Chinese military actions and has led to prolonged tensions that have significantly affected relations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday greeted the people of Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Haryana and Chhattisgarh on their states’ formation day.

In posts on X, PM Modi highlighted various features of these states as he extended his wishes to the people living there.

‘Kannada Rajyotsava’ is a very special occasion, recognising the exemplary culture and traditions of Karnataka, he said. “This state is blessed with outstanding people, who are powering growth and innovation across sectors. May the people of Karnataka always be blessed with happiness and success,” he added.

Rahul Gandhi also greeted the people of Andhra Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and Lakshadweep on their Foundation Day.

PM Modi noted that Madhya Pradesh is blessed with bountiful natural resources and cultural heritage and described Chhattisgarh as a state known for its impressive folk traditions and tribal culture, wishing the State continued development.

“Kerala is known for its mesmerising landscapes, vibrant traditions and hardworking people. People from Kerala have made their mark all over the world, across different fields. May the people of the state keep progressing in the times to come,” PM Modi said in another post on X.

“Haryana is known for its rich and historic heritage and has always made important contributions to the country’s development,” the Prime Minister added.

The former Congress chief said these vibrant cultures, diverse languages, rich histories, and enduring traditions are the very heart of India’s strength and “give our nation its resilience”.

“Let us celebrate and safeguard this unity, recognizing that each state’s unique contribution enriches and strengthens the bonds that hold us together,” he said in a post on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise of renowned economist Dr. Bibek Debroy on Friday. Dr. Debroy was chairman of the prime minister’s economic advisory council.

He took his last breath at Delhi AIIMS on Friday. The 69-year-old veteran economist was suffering from intestinal obstruction, hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

In a post on X, PM Modi said Dr. Debroy was a towering scholar, well-versed in diverse domains like economics, history, culture, politics, spirituality and more. “Through his works, he left an indelible mark on India’s intellectual landscape,” he added.

“Beyond his contributions to public policy, he enjoyed working on our ancient texts, making them accessible to the youth,” the prime minister said.

“I have known Dr. Debroy for many years. I will fondly remember his insights and passion for academic discourse. Saddened by his passing away. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti,” said PM Modi.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also condoled the demise of Dr. Debroy.

In a post on X, she wrote, “It is with profound grief that I condole the demise of Shri. @bibekdebroy. As Chairman of PM Economic Advisory Council, he profusely participated in policy making. His interests, inter alia, were—ancient texts, Vedic and classical Sanskrit, Devi, Railways. He was prolific in translating Sanskrit to English- our epics and puranas. His book Sarama and Her Children showed his uncanny knack in extracting nuggets from our ancient texts. Bibek, you had so much more to do and to complete— for all our sake! Farewell! Om Shanti.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called Dr. Debroy a brilliant son of Bengal and a scholar of repute. She said he will be remembered by all.

“Saddened by the news of the sudden demise of Bibek Debroy, noted economist and Chairman of PM’s Economic Advisory Council. A brilliant son of Bengal and a scholar of repute, he will be remembered by us. Condolences to the bereaved family and friends,” she posted on X.

Dr. Debroy was born on January 25, 1955, in Shillong, Meghalaya, into a Bengali Hindu family. He completed his early education at Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya in Narendrapur and pursued higher studies at Presidency College in Kolkata and the Delhi School of Economics. He later attended Trinity College, Cambridge, where his focus was on integrating information into economic frameworks.

Throughout his career, Dr. Debroy held several prestigious positions, including serving as a member of NITI Aayog. He was part of this important government think tank from its inception in January 2015 until June 2019. Dr. Debroy was a Padma Shri awardee who previously served as the chancellor of the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics in Pune.