Flower pictures 21 June 2020

Rajya Sabha Polls: BJP-Congress 2-1 In Madhya Pradesh, 1-2 In Rajasthan

New Delhi: 

The BJP won three Rajya Sabha seats from Gujarat while the Congress scored one in the biennial election held on Friday. The Congress party had won two of three seats up for voting in Rajasthan while the BJP won the third. The score was flipped in Madhya Pradesh where the ruling BJP won two and Congress one. The build-up to the elections, in which 24 seats from 10 states were at stake, was marked by a resurgence of resort politics, resignations, switching sides and allegations of bribery.

Here are the top 10 developments in this story:

1. KC Venugopal and Neeraj Dangi of the Congress and Rajendra Gehlot of the BJP were elected to the upper house from Rajasthan without any cross-voting. The BJP had fielded a second candidate as well, Onkar Singh Lakhawat, but he lost. With this, the number of Congress party's tally in the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan has increased to three, out of a total of 10. The other seven are BJP members.
2. In Madhya Pradesh, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sumer Singh Solanki were elected on BJP tickets while Digvijaya Singh won from the Congress. The other Congress candidate, Dalit leader Phool Singh Barriya, lost the election. Samajwadi Party MLA Rajesh Shukla was expelled by his party for voting for the BJP.
3. In Andhra Pradesh, the ruling YSR Congress scooped up all four seats as expected. According to news agency PTI, Deputy Chief Minister Pilli Subhash Chandra Bose, Minister Mopidevi Venkata Ramana, industrialist Parimal Nathwani and realtor Ayodhya Rami Reddy of the YSRC were elected with 38 votes each. The opposition Telugu Desam Party, which had forced the contest despite not having the numbers, lost badly.
4. Counting of votes for four seats in Gujarat was delayed as the Congress demanded that the Election Commission scrap two BJP votes on different grounds. Leader of Opposition Paresh Dhanani said the Congress has sought cancellation of votes cast by BJP MLA Kesrisinh Solanki and minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama.
5. The Congress objected to Mr Chudasama casting his vote, saying that his election was cancelled by the Gujarat High Court last month. However, the Supreme Court has put a hold that order. As to Mr Solanki's vote, the party claimed that an unauthorised person accompanied him inside the polling booth. The Election Commission observer, however, has rejected the opposition party's objections and referred the matter to election body's Delhi office for a final decision, news agency PTI reported.
6. Elections were held on four seats each from Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, three each from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, two from Jharkhand and one each from the northeastern states of Meghalaya and Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. The voting began at 9 am. The toughest fight was over one seat in Gujarat, one in Rajasthan, and one in Madhya Pradesh.
7. In two states, Gujarat and Rajasthan, the Congress whisked away its flock, accusing the BJP of attempts to buy its MLAs. The drama was more elaborate in Gujarat, where the BJP had fought a pitched battle to grab the seat of senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel three years ago, and narrowly missed. A comfortable majority in the Rajya Sabha is crucial for the BJP to pilot bills through the upper house. The NDA needs around 30 more seats to have majority in the upper house.
8. The Election Commission made elaborate arrangements for the voting in view of the pandemic. Every MLA was screened for body temperature and while sticking to safety measures like wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing. Legislators having a fever or showing other symptoms were kept in a separate waiting room.
9. However, the Rajasthan BJP objected to Congress MLA Wajib Ali voting in the Rajya Sabha polls, alleging that he recently returned from abroad and violated quarantine norms. The Nagar MLA wore a PPE suit before voting in the assembly building.
10. Before Friday's voting, the NDA had 91 of the 245 Rajya Sabha seats, the Congress-led UPA had 61. The other opposition and the non-aligned parties together had 68 seats. The key candidates in today's election included Shakti Singh Gohil and Bharat Singh Solanki from Gujarat, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Digvijaya Singh from Madhya Pradesh and KC Venugopal from Rajasthan.

India China Border News Live Updates: 18 june 2020

Anti-China protests rock West Bengal

People came out on the streets in large numbers calling for boycott of Chinese products.

11:26 PM

India, China working to resolve Galwan standoff through diplomatic, military channels: Official

"The two sides are working to resolve the issue on the ground through military and diplomatic channels," Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing in Beijing answering questions on the tense standoff between Indian and Chinese troops at the Galwan Valley."Both sides agreed to deal with the serious matter caused by the conflict at the Valley in a just manner, jointly observe the commander level talks consensus and deescalate the tensions as soon as possible and safeguard the peace and tranquillity," he said."Currently, the overall situation is stable and controllable. We believe under the guidance of the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, the two sides can deal with the relevant matter jointly safeguard peace and stability at the border areas and work for the sound development of bilateral relations," Zhao said.

10:56 PM

Telecom dept wants BSNL, MTNL to shun use of Chinese equipment in 4G upgrade

The telecom department wants state-owned BSNL and MTNL to shun the use of Chinese telecom equipment in their 4G upgrade, underlining a hardening of stance in the backdrop of tensions at the India-China border, sources said.Huawei and ZTE are among the Chinese-origin telecom equipment makers that are doing business in the Indian market.

10:34 PM

Whole world is now not very much interested to deal with China: Nitin Gadkari

Whole world is now not very much interested to deal with China, it's a blessing in disguise for Indian economy. A lot of people from different parts of the world want to deal with India, in this situation we need to increase our export & reduce import: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

10:33 PM

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has paid tribute to Naik Deepak Kumar, Indian Army personnel who lost his life in Galwan Valley clash.

CM has announced ex gratia Rs 1 crore, a house or plot, and a government job to one member of his family: Madhya Pradesh CM's Office

10:32 PM

No one critical as of now, all are stable. 18 soldiers are at our hospital in Leh, they will be out on duty in about 15 days. 58 soldiers are at other hospitals they should be back on duty within a week. Status as of today afternoon: Indian Army Sources

58 personnel that are at other hospitals have minor injuries, hence the optimistic timeframe of one week for their recovery: Indian Army Sources (ANI reports)

10:31 PM

AIIMS' medical staff today lit candles to pay tribute to the 20 Indian Army personnel who lost their lives

Delhi: Medical staff of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) today lit candles to pay tribute to the 20… https://t.co/vowfNJNYti

— ANI (@ANI) 1592496618000

09:53 PM

No Army personnel missing since Galwan Valley violence: Army

The Indian Army on Thursday trashed media reports claiming that a number of its soldiers went missing after the violent clashes with Chinese troops at Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh three days back."It is clarified that there are no Indian troops missing in action," the Army said in a statement.

09:44 PM

Five of 20 soldiers who died in Ladakh laid to rest; mortal remains of others being taken home

Five of the 20 Indian soldiers, including a colonel, who died fighting Chinese troops in Ladakh, were laid to rest at their native places on Thursday amid patriotic slogans, gun salutes and barely held back tears.The mortal remains of the other soldiers are being taken to their villages and it is expected that their last rites will be performed on Friday with full military honours.

09:15 PM

People under the banner of Ladakh Buddhists Association took out a candle march today to pay tribute.

Leh: People under the banner of Ladakh Buddhists Association took out a candle march today to pay tribute to the 20… https://t.co/sdcV06zjzW

— ANI (@ANI) 1592494996000

08:57 PM

IOA open to cutting ties with Chinese sponsors in wake of Galwan face-off

"We have an agreement with Li Ning till Tokyo Olympics as a kitting partner. But the country comes first and IOA is no different on this. If the members feel so the General House can take decision (to snap ties)," Indian Olympic Association (IOA) secretary general Rajeev Mehta said.IOA treasurer Anandeshwar Pandey too opined with Mehta on the issue of snapping ties with Chinese sponsors. "According to me the IOA should end this association (with Li Ning) in line with the sentiments prevailing in the country," he said.The IOA had signed a deal with Li-Ning in May 2018 and as per the agreement, the Chinese company would be supplying Indian athletes' kits worth an estimated Rs 5 to 6 crore.

08:20 PM

Chinese President Xi asks PLA to improve strategic management of armed forces

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who heads the country's military "made the important instruction at a teleconference on strategic management training of the armed forces", Xinhua news agency reported.His comments on military modernisation came amid heightened tensions with India along the Line of Actual Control and a range of differences with the United States, including on Beijing's flexing of muscles in the strategic South and East China seas.

08:05 PM

Why orders 'weren't given to fire at Chinese' in Galwan, asks Amarinder

If the unit was armed, as is being claimed now, the second-in-command should have ordered firing the moment the commanding officer fell to the Chinese treachery, said Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh.“The nation wants to know why our men did not retaliate in the way they are trained to do, and why they did not open fire if they were carrying arms,” the Punjab CM added.

08:00 PM

CM Hemant Soren & Guv Draupadi Murmu pay tributes to Sepoy Ganesh Hansda

Jharkhand: CM Hemant Soren & Guv Draupadi Murmu pay tributes to Sepoy Ganesh Hansda who lost his life in… https://t.co/GiItTac2Ph

— ANI (@ANI) 1592489417000

07:36 PM

Anti-China protests rock West Bengal

People came out on the streets in large numbers calling for boycott of Chinese products.Chinese flags and posters of Chinese President Xi Jinping were burnt in various parts of the state, amid slogans hailing the sacrifice of the Indian soldiers.The state unit of Shiv Sena took out a protest march outside the Chinese consulate in the Salt Lake area and destroyed Chinese products including mobile phones.

07:03 PM

War is not solution, says grandson of man after whom Galwan Valley is named

The grandson of Ghulam Rasool Galwan, after whom the Galwan Valley was named, Amin Galwan said, "War is not a solution as it causes loss to everyone and the issue should be resolved through talks.""During British time, the area was named Galwan Rasool or Galwan Nala. The place is situated where there is a fight going on between India and China. In 1962, the Chinese entered that area and our brave soldiers pushed them back. There are a lot of activities happening in that area these days. Our jawans are standing their ground. The area belongs to us for the last over 200 years and it will remain so," Amin said."People are a bit scared but there is no need to fear. People of Ladakh have always supported our Army and the same happened during the war with Pakistan. So I am hopeful that people of Ladakh will support our army," he said.

06:57 PM

India asks China to confine its activities to its side of LAC

India on Thursday asked China to confine its activities to its side of the Line of Actual Control and that it must not take any unilateral action to alter it.

06:40 PM

Wreath laying ceremony of Naib Subedar Nuduram Soren & Sepoy Chandrakanta Pradhan

Odisha: Wreath laying ceremony of Naib Subedar Nuduram Soren & Sepoy Chandrakanta Pradhan who lost their lives in… https://t.co/dIlNVaZwji

— ANI (@ANI) 1592485346000

06:27 PM

Wreath laying ceremony of Havaldar Sunil Kumar, Sepoy Chandan Kumar, Sepoy Kundan Kumar, Sepoy Aman Kumar & Sepoy Jai Kishor Singh

Bihar: Wreath laying ceremony of Havaldar Sunil Kumar, Sepoy Chandan Kumar, Sepoy Kundan Kumar, Sepoy Aman Kumar, S… https://t.co/uyBa6vDRSo

— ANI (@ANI) 1592484694000

06:21 PM

India to buy 21 MiG-29 & 12 Sukhoi fighter jets from Russia.

Times Now reports

06:19 PM

A school will be named after martyr Ganesh Ram Kunjam (who lost his life in Galwan clash): CM

An ex gratia of Rs 20 lakhs & govt job to a member of his family will be given by the state government: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel

06:18 PM

Family members paying tribute to Naib Subedar Mandeep Singh

Punjab: Family members of Naib Subedar Mandeep Singh, who lost his life in #GalwanValleyclash pay tribute, his mort… https://t.co/QGitSe79eS

— ANI (@ANI) 1592483520000

06:04 PM

CAIT appeals to celebrities to stop endorsing Chinese products

In an open letter, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has appealed Aamir Khan, Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, Virat Kohli and others to stop endorsing Chinese products.It has also invited Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Shilpa Shetty, Madhuri Dixit, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar and others to join the campaign to boycott Chinese products under its flagship national movement 'Bharatiya Saaman-Hamara Abhiman'.

06:02 PM

Rupee closes almost flat at 76.14 amid border tension with China

The rupee on Thursday settled almost flat at 76.14 against the US currency as forex outflows and firming oil prices continue to weigh on investor sentiment amid the ongoing border tension with China.Forex traders said the rupee traded in a narrow range as positive domestic equities and weak US currency supported the local unit, while rising coronavirus cases, border tension with China and foreign fund outflows capped the gains.

06:00 PM

India confirms participation in RIC (Russia-India-China) foreign ministers meeting on June 23: MEA

While we remain convinced of the need for maintenance of peace & tranquillity on border areas & resolution of differences through dialogue, at the same time as PM said yesterday, we are strongly committed to ensuring India's sovereignty & territorial integrity: MEA Spokesperson

06:00 PM

Major General-level talks between India and China are over after more than six hours. All the personnel who took part in the Galwan valley operations on June 15-16 are accounted for and no personnel are missing in action: Sources

ANI reports

05:49 PM

Border situation is overall stable & controllable. We believe that under guidance of consensus reached by leaders of 2 countries, 2 sides can properly handle the situation, jointly safeguard peace & stability along the border&promote healthy & stable bilateral relations

- Zhao Lijian

05:42 PM

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson:

China has repeatedly said that the incident happened because the Indian front-line troops blatantly broke the consensus reached by the military chiefs of both sides: Zhao Lijian, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson on Galwan Valley clash

05:33 PM

China turned Modi govt's 'fixed' fight into real one: Ambedkar

Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) leader Prakash Ambedkar on Thursday alleged that the Modi government was earlier playing a "fixed fight" with China, which the neighbouring country turned into a real one recently.The Dalit leader also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should reveal why his government was playing 'noora kushti' (fixed fight) with China, and tell the "politics" behind that policy.

05:32 PM

Our presence on the Security Council and our performance there over the next 2 years will underscore the value that a country like India brings to the table & reaffirm our credentials to be a permanent member of UNSC

- Vikas Swarup, Secretary (West), MEA

05:25 PM

India tells two state firms not to use China telecoms gear, source says

India has told two state-run telecoms firms to use locally-made rather than Chinese telecom equipment to upgrade their mobile networks to 4G, a senior government source said on Thursday.New Delhi's move comes amid a backlash against companies from China after the killing this week of 20 Indian soldiers by Chinese forces in a Himalayan border dispute.The instruction is aimed at Chinese telecom gear makers Huawei and ZTE, the source said, after India last year announced an almost $8 billion plan, some of which was earmarked for network upgrades, to help loss-making operators Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam (MTNL).

05:22 PM

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) briefs the media, in Delhi

05:10 PM

This is with reference to the article 'In China-India Clash, Two Nationalist Leaders with Little Room to Give' by New York Times dated 17 June 2020. It is clarified that there are no Indian troops Missing In Action

- Indian Army

04:25 PM

It is clarified that there are no Indian troops missing in action: Indian Army Sources

04:23 PM

Dr S. Jaishankar replies to Rahul Gandhi's tweet

Let us get the facts straight. All troops on border duty always carry arms, especially when leaving post. Those a… https://t.co/Hs3Fkg9R3p

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) 1592476498000

04:07 PM

Ram Vilas Paswan urges people to boycott Chinese products

Appealing people to boycott Chinese goods amid heightened border tensions in Ladakh, Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Thursday said the Centre will strictly implement the BIS quality rules on products imported from China.

03:57 PM

China brushes aside questions on attack by its troops on Indian soldiers, damming Galwan river

Parrying questions about the brutal attack carried out by its troops on the Indian soldiers with iron rods and spikes on June 15, China on Thursday also declined to respond to queries on reports of it building a dam on the Galwan river at the Sino-Indian border to obstruct its flow.Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian in his media briefing skirted questions for a second consecutive day about the casualties suffered by the Chinese troops in their clash with the Indian soldiers at the Galwan Valley on Monday night.

03:37 PM

Has India's international policy failed? Maharashtra minister

In the wake of the killing of 20 Indian soldiers in a violent clash with Chinese troops in Ladakh, Maharashtra NCP minister Jitendra Awhad on Thursday said no country is speaking on the Galwan Valley standoff when it is clear that China indulged in aggression.Seeking to know whether Indias international policy has failed, Awhad said the American policy also does not seem to be favouring India.

03:17 PM

Railways to terminate Chinese company's contract due to 'poor progress'

In view of poor progress, it is decided by Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) to terminate th… https://t.co/q3iTNR73Fd

— ANI (@ANI) 1592473058000

02:57 PM

Several areas close to Line of Actual Control (LAC) including Changtang, Durbuk & Nyoma are completely cut off from communication. We are unable to contact our councillors in these areas: Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Chairperson Gyal P Wangyal

02:46 PM

Amin Galwan, grandson of Ghulam Rasool Galwan after whose name Galwan valley was named:

There are a lot of activities happening in Galwan Valley these days. The area belongs to us for the last over 200 years... War is not a solution & the issue should be resolved through talks

02:41 PM

Ladakh standoff: RPI(A) workers protest outside Chinese hotel

In the wake of the escalating border tension between India and China, the workers of Union minister Ramdas Athawale-led Republican Party of India (RPI) held a protest outside a Chinese hotel in suburban Chembur here on Thursday, a police official said.

02:20 PM

I pay tributes to 20 soldiers who attained martyrdom guarding our borders. People of Ladakh stand shoulder to shoulder with Indian Army. We hope that our Army will thwart Chinese conspiracy along the border: Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Chairperson Gyal P Wangyal

02:20 PM

Indian families demand justice as they await bodies of soldiers killed in clash with China

Families of the fallen Indian soldiers and other citizens demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi find diplomatic and strategic ways to punish China.

02:18 PM

Galwan Valley clash: Bodies of soldiers from Bengal to reach their homes

The bodies of two soldiers from West Bengal, who were killed in the Galwan Valley clash with the Chinese Army, are scheduled to arrive at their homes on Thursday evening, an Army spokesperson said here.

02:16 PM

China, India to deal with 'serious matter' caused by Galwan conflict in a 'just manner': Official

China and India have agreed to deal with the "serious matter" caused by the conflict at the Galwan Valley in a "just manner" and both sides are in communication and coordination through diplomatic and military channels to de-escalate the tensions as soon as possible, a top Chinese official said on Thursday.

02:00 PM

Nepal activists ask China to promote peace

Nepal: Activists of Human Rights and Peace Society, Nepal stage a demonstration in front of Chinese Embassy in Kath… https://t.co/JPq1kT86pX

— ANI (@ANI) 1592468578000

01:55 PM

Govt adopting weak strategy by handing over rail contract to Chinese firm

- Priyanka Gandhi

01:54 PM

China says to step up communication for safety of imported foods

China will step up communications with relevant countries to ensure the safety of imported foods, the commerce ministry said on Thursday, amid concerns that imported foods may have contributed to a rise in COVID-19 infections in Beijing.

01:38 PM

Indian front-line troops broke the consensus and crossed the Line of Actual Control, deliberately provoking and attacking Chinese officers and soldiers, thus triggering fierce physical conflicts and causing casualties: Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

01:29 PM

India must not misjudge the current situation or underestimate China's firm will to safeguard its territorial sovereignty: Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

01:23 PM

The New Map Amendment Bill (Coat of Arms) proposes change in the map of Nepal to include parts of Indian territory.

Nepal: The New Map Amendment Bill (Coat of Arms) proposes change in the map of Nepal to include parts of Indian ter… https://t.co/0WUWtJJ2sN

— ANI (@ANI) 1592465551000

01:14 PM

Corporate decisions separate from geopolitical issues, says COAI amid India-China standoff

As the telecom department gears up to ask private telcos to gradually lower their dependence on Chinese equipment, industry body COAI on Thursday said geopolitical issues are the under the purview of the government and should be kept separate from corporate decisions.Cellular Operators' Association of India (COAI) -- whose members include private telcos such as Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea -- further said that so far, the government had not mandated exclusion of any vendors' equipment from private operator networks.

01:13 PM

Oppo cancels live online phone launch in India amid calls to boycott Chinese goods

China's Oppo cancelled the live online launch of its flagship smartphone in India on Wednesday after a border clash between the two countries that has renewed calls from local Indian trader groups to shun Chinese products.

12:53 PM

Who is responsible for sending unarmed Indian soldiers towards danger

- Rahul Gandhi

12:52 PM

Opposition's behaviour is very unfortunate. When the entire nation should stand with Army & govt, it's unfortunate that main opposition party issues statements that benefit India's enemies. They use Rahul Gandhi's statement to form their argument

- BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav

12:44 PM

Restaurants selling Chinese food should be banned. I appeal to people to boycott Chinese food

- Union Minister Ramdas Athawale

12:39 PM

Our first priority is to guard our border with utmost alertness & strength & to make sure that there is no further violence & loss of life on the border. We will also use diplomatic channels

- BJP leader Ram Madhav

12:31 PM

Chinese nationals in India fear backlash, anxious over anti-China sentiments

The border clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Ladakh broke the brittle quiet – and also the sense of security for anxious Chinese nationals in India who fear a backlash with anti-Chinese sentiment spiralling in the country.

12:30 PM

Shiv Sena wants Galwan valley standoff details to be made public

The Shiv Sena on Thursday said it is "shocking" that a detailed account of the standoff in Galwan Valley has not been public and if it is true that the Chinese intruded into the Indian territory, then it is an attack on the country's sovereignty.An editorial in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' said in the last six years, there has been a "propaganda" that India has become strong under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rule.