English हिन्दी
Connect with us

India News

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

Published

on

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.

India News

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta says Congress, AAP didn’t address issues of people of capital, BJP did so on day one

The Chief Minister reassured Delhi’s residents that her government would deliver on every commitment made during the election campaign. “We began our work on day one by visiting Yamuna Ghat, and we will ensure that 100% of our promises are kept,” she said, reiterating her administration’s focus on public welfare and development.

Published

on

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who was sworn in on Thursday, February 20, along with six other ministers, launched a scathing attack on Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday, accusing them of failing to address the concerns of Delhi’s residents during their respective tenures.

Gupta emphasized that her government had already taken decisive action by approving the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme on its first day in office, a move she claimed the AAP had stalled for years.

“The Congress ruled Delhi for 15 years, and after that, it was the AAP. Yet, neither of them truly addressed the issues faced by the people of Delhi. Now, just one day after we took office, they have started questioning our government,” Gupta said during a press conference.

Highlighting her administration’s commitment to swift and effective governance, Gupta stated, “We passed the Ayushman Bharat scheme in our very first cabinet meeting. We took the oath of office and, on the same day, approved the scheme that the AAP had delayed for years.” She urged the opposition to focus on their internal challenges rather than criticizing the new government. “Many of their members are ready to leave their parties, and they are worried because we are determined to fulfil all our promises,” she added.

Gupta also accused the opposition of fearing transparency under her government. “They are scared because, in the first assembly session, we will present reports that were never submitted before. The truth about their actions will be revealed to the people,” she asserted.

The Chief Minister reassured Delhi’s residents that her government would deliver on every commitment made during the election campaign. “We began our work on day one by visiting Yamuna Ghat, and we will ensure that 100% of our promises are kept,” she said, reiterating her administration’s focus on public welfare and development.

The BJP’s return to power in Delhi after more than 26 years marks a significant political shift, with the party promising to address long-standing issues and bring transparency to governance. As the new government sets its agenda, the focus remains on fulfilling its pledges and improving the lives of Delhi’s citizens.

Continue Reading

India News

India expresses concerns over Trump’s fund for meddling electoral process claims

Trump’s comments have sparked a debate over whether U.S. foreign aid should be used to influence democratic processes in other nations. Critics have raised concerns about the ethical implications of such actions.

Published

on

India on Friday expressed deep concern over U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that the previous U.S. administration allocated $21 million to influence voter turnout in India, suggesting it amounted to meddling in India’s electoral process.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded to Trump’s remarks, calling them “deeply troubling” and stating that the matter is under review.

Addressing a press conference, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have seen information put out by the U.S. administration regarding certain U.S. activities and funding. These are obviously very deeply troubling. This has led to concerns about foreign interference in India’s internal affairs.”

“Relevant departments and agencies are looking into this matter. It would be premature to make a public comment at this stage, so relevant authorities are looking into it, and hopefully, we can come up with an update on that subsequently,” Jaiswal added.

Trump made the comments during his speech at the FII PRIORITY Summit in Miami, where he criticized the funding decisions of the previous administration.

“Why do we need to spend $21 million on voter turnout in India? I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected. We have got to tell the Indian government… Because when we hear that Russia spent about two thousand dollars in our country, it was a big deal. They took some internet ads for two thousand dollars. This is a total breakthrough,” Trump said.

Despite expressing admiration for India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump questioned the rationale behind allocating such a significant amount for voter turnout efforts in another country.

“I have a lot of respect for India and for its prime minister, who just left two days ago. However, we are allocating $21 million to improve voter turnout in India. My question is, what about voter turnout here at home? I believe we have already addressed that; we allocated $500 million for it, which we referred to as the ‘lockboxes,'” the US President said.

Trump’s comments have sparked a debate over whether U.S. foreign aid should be used to influence democratic processes in other nations. Critics have raised concerns about the ethical implications of such actions.

The controversy highlights the sensitivity surrounding foreign interference in domestic electoral processes and underscores the need for transparency in international funding and aid. As Indian authorities continue to review the matter, the incident has added a new dimension to the ongoing discourse on global democratic integrity.

Continue Reading

India News

Four Wikipedia editors booked over objectionable content on Sambhaji Maharaj

“Wikipedia does not operate from India, and it is managed by volunteers who edit content and have editorial rights. We can request them to implement certain regulations to prevent such distortions of historical facts,” he added.

Published

on

The Maharashtra Cyber agency has filed a case against at least four editors of Wikipedia for failing to remove “objectionable” content related to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Maratha empire founder Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Officials confirmed the action on Friday, citing concerns over the potential for the content to incite unrest in the state.

The Maharashtra Cyber agency had previously issued a notice to the California-based Wikimedia Foundation, the non-profit organization that hosts Wikipedia, requesting the removal of the contentious content. The notice highlighted that the information posted on Wikipedia was inaccurate and could provoke a law-and-order situation, given the deep reverence for Sambhaji Maharaj in India.

Despite the notice, the Wikimedia Foundation did not respond or take down the content, prompting the agency to register a case under relevant sections of the Information Technology (IT) Act. Wikipedia, a free online encyclopedia, relies on a community of volunteer editors who contribute and manage its content.

The issue gained prominence following the release of the Hindi film Chhaava, a biographical work based on the life of Sambhaji Maharaj. The film, which has received positive reviews and strong box office performance, has sparked renewed interest in the historical figure.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took serious note of the matter on February 18, directing the state cyber police to intervene.

“I have asked the Inspector General of Maharashtra Cyber Cell to communicate with Wikipedia officials and request the removal of objectionable content and references against Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. We will not tolerate distortions or write-ups on open-source platforms that jeopardize our historical facts. I have ordered officials to take all necessary steps,” Fadnavis stated during a press conference in Mumbai.

The Chief Minister acknowledged the challenges posed by Wikipedia’s global operation and volunteer-driven editorial model. “Wikipedia does not operate from India, and it is managed by volunteers who edit content and have editorial rights. We can request them to implement certain regulations to prevent such distortions of historical facts,” he added.

The controversy underscores the growing tension between the need for open access to information and the protection of cultural and historical sensitivities. As Maharashtra authorities pursue legal action, the case highlights the complexities of regulating content on global platforms while respecting local sentiments.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com