Latest news with #OperationSindoor
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Recalibrating India-China ties
External affairs minister S Jaishankar is in China at a crucial time for bilateral relations, which are on the long road to normalisation after a four-year military standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). While Jaishankar is visiting the northern neighbour for a meeting of foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), he also held talks aimed at taking forward bilateral ties. Noting the good progress in the normalisation process, Jaishankar told his counterpart Wang Yi the two sides must address border-related matters such as de-escalation. In this sphere, the main focus should be on firewalling the normalisation of relations from external factors such as the Dalai Lama's succession and China's trade and foreign policy initiatives. Beijing's support for Islamabad during Operation Sindoor has cast a shadow over India-China relations. And the Chinese leadership's hardline stance on the Tibet issue — a Chinese spokesperson has called it a 'thorn' in China-India relations and a 'burden' for India — and its restrictions on exports of key commodities such as rare earths and fertilisers further complicate matters. Beijing should know that the Dalai Lama is not just a 'separatist' political leader, as it wants the world to think. He is today the most respected Buddhist leader, god to some and guru to others, and his following is trans-national. India itself is home to millions of Buddhists who revere the Dalai Lama, and hence, his presence in the country will be handled accordingly. New Delhi believes in the separation of church and state, and the political leadership here has historically refused to be involved in the domain of religion, especially in the conduct of religious affairs and succession issues. The judiciary has intervened only when approached by the concerned parties for redress. In the case of the Dalai Lama's succession, it is not New Delhi's intent to play the institution against Beijing, but to accord him the respect due to him as a spiritual leader and the head of a large religious community, and accept the choice of the Buddhist laity in deciding his successor. China, which believes in total control over society, seems not to understand this separation of powers between the political, temporal and spiritual domains, and continues to perceive India's approach towards the Dalai Lama in purely political terms. The Dalai Lama has said more than once that all he desires is greater autonomy for Tibet and protection for the Tibetan people. The Dalai Lama's statement thanking India — and the Indian perception of the leader — needs to be seen from this perspective.
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
BJP raising Congress' internal matter to divert attention from real issues, alleges Lad
Labour Minister Santosh Lad, on Monday, alleged that the BJP has been looting the country's wealth for the last 11 years, and to cover up its scams and misrule, it is trying to highlight local issues and blowing them out of proportion. Speaking to the press persons in Hubballi on Monday, Mr. Lad said that the Congress-led State government has given good governance in the last two years. Instead of repeatedly pointing out 'fight for CM's chair', which is the party's internal matter, let them point out if any there is any mistake in governance, he said. He said that after Operation Sindoor was called off, American President Donald Trump repeatedly stated that he had stopped the war and disgraced India. Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trips to various nations to befriend them, 183 nations out of 193 sided with Pakistan. And Mr. Modi was forced to send Congress leader Shashi Tharoor to lead a delegation to other nations to present India's stand, Mr. Lad said, seeking to know why the Opposition is not raising questions over such issues. The Minister said that around two crore children had dropped out of schools across the country, and in Maharashtra, over 800 women had gotten their wombs removed to get work during their menstruation period. 'Should we not raise such issues? If we bring all these issues to debate, they will be in an embarrassing position. So to divert the attention, they (BJP) keep talking about our internal matter,' he said. Mr. Lad said that as per the RBI statement, ₹1.14 thousand crore of fake currency and ₹2,000 currency notes that were withdrawn were still in circulation. 'What steps has that Union government taken in this regard? They can criticise anyone on Earth, but we should not raise questions over real issues and seek answers from the Prime Minister. After all he is the Prime Minister of the country. Should we not question him?' he asked.
India Today
2 hours ago
- Business
- India Today
India pushes for bigger naval fleet with Rs 5,000-crore investment after Op Sindoor
In a significant boost to India's maritime defence capabilities, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is set to expand its shipbuilding infrastructure with a planned investment of Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 move comes in the wake of the Indian Navy's aggressive manoeuvres during Operation Sindoor in the Arabian Sea, as the focus shifts toward strengthening its fleet with more powerful warships and to defence sources, MDL plans to reclaim 10 acres of marine area near its existing Mumbai campus to create two new basins, enabling the simultaneous construction and repair of large warships and submarines. This expansion will double MDL's current deadweight handling capacity from 40,000 tonnes to 80,000 tonnes. Additionally, the shipyard aims to achieve a total capacity of 2 lakh deadweight tonnes, utilising 37 acres of land it has already acquired at Nhava Sheva year, MDL secured a 29-year lease for 15 acres of land from the Mumbai Port Authority, where shipbuilding activities have already commenced. With the new expansion, MDL will be better positioned to meet the Indian Navy's growing demand for advanced naval MDL has the capacity to build 11 submarines and 10 warships at once. This capability is set to grow further as the shipyard works on two major submarine projects for the Navy, valued at over Rs 1.06 lakh crore. These projects are expected to significantly enhance India's undersea warfare these developments, India's shipbuilding output remains considerably lower than that of China, which has the world's largest naval fleet of over 370 ships. However, by increasing its indigenous manufacturing capacity and modernising shipyard infrastructure, India aims to bridge the gap and reinforce its maritime Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the new facility will support both the construction and timely repair and upgrade of naval assets. The expansion is part of India's broader strategic vision to ensure timely delivery of critical naval which celebrated its 250th anniversary recently, has a rich legacy of maritime manufacturing. Established in 1774 and taken over by the Indian government in 1960, the dockyard has built over 800 ships, including 31 capital warships and eight submarines, and has exported 214 vessels to international latest move is expected to play a key role in achieving the Indian Navy's ambitious target of building a 175 Capital Ship Navy and reaching 100 percent indigenisation by 2047. The expansion marks a major milestone in India's pursuit of strategic self-reliance and maritime dominance.- EndsTrending Reel
India Gazette
2 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"All reasonable restrictions are rightly put": SC flags abuse of freedom of speech on social media
New Delhi [India], July 14 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Monday flagged the issue of people abusing their fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression on social media. A bench led by Justice B.V. Navarathna also stated that reasonable restrictions over the fundamental right of speech and expression are rightly imposed and need to be complied with by citizens. 'All reasonable restrictions is rightly put. Just because technology is there, doesn't mean you'll abuse it', Justice Nagarathna stated. The Supreme Court judge also said that citizens must apply self-regulation and restraint when sharing their opinion on social media. 'Why can't the citizens regulate themselves so that the state doesn't have to step in. Citizens must understand the value of their freedoms. Who wants the state to step in. Nobody wants the state to step in', the top-court judge said. 'We're not speaking of censorship and all. But in the interest of fraternity, integrity and unity of all, there must be some restrictions', the top-court judge added. The top-court was hearing a plea filed by one Wazahat Khan seeking protection from arrest over the multiple FIR filed against him in various states. Khan is the man whose complaint had led to the arrest of influencer Sharmistha Panoli in a 'hate speech' case. Subsequently, after Panoli was booked for her alleged communally charged comments on Operation Sindoor, multiple FIRs were lodged against Khan as well over his alleged 'hate speech' laden comments on social media. During the hearing today, the counsel appearing for Khan stated that the FIRs lodged against Khan, are in retaliation to his comments on social media. He submitted that Khan's comments on social media that promoted outrage and led to complaints were in response to the comments made by others. The top-court was also displeased over the fact that courts in India are being clogged in dealing with such litigations. 'There's abuse of freedom of speech leading to litigation, clogging and criminal cases also where police has to chase these kinda of cases, cyber police and other forces. Why should the legal system be clogged with by such cases', Justice Nagarathna said. Taking a dim view of Khans' alleged comments, the top-stated that such comments violate the unity and integrity of the country. 'Then second is the (insensitive) comments against women and third is the comments against religion. All these divisive tendencies on social media need to be clogged', Justice Nagarathna stated. As regards, the relief sought by Khan, the Court extended the interim protection granted to him on the last hearing, until the next date of hearing. The Court posted the matter after eight weeks after the respondents stated, where FIRs have been lodged against Khan, sought time to file their counter-responses to Khan's plea. During last hearing in the matter, on June 2023, another bench of the Supreme Court had observed 'These hate speeches lead us nowhere' before granting Khan protection from any coercive action over the the FIRs registered against him, until the next date of hearing. (ANI)
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anupam Kher opens up on the Diljit Dosanjh, Hania Aamir controversy: 'Can't see my family get hit or my sister's sindoor get destroyed for art'
Diljit Dosanjh has been in the news ever since the release of his film 'Sardaarji 3' for casting Hania Aamir in his film and also promoting it, after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and ' Operation Sindoor '. The film did not release in India but in other parts of the world and several film industry organizations, including the All India Cine Workers Association and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees, expressed outrage. They also demanded a total ban on Diljit Dosanjh's activities in India, including his concerts. As many celebs have weighed in on the issue and given their views on what they think is right, Anupam Kher has also opened up on it. The actor-director said during a chat with NDTV, 'It's his fundamental right. He has full freedom to exercise his right and he should be given freedom to exercise it. I can say from my point of view that maybe I wouldn't do what he did.' He further elaborated, 'I'd say, 'You slapped my father but you sing very well, you play very good tabla, so you come and perform at my house'. But I wouldn't be able to do that. I am not that great," he admitted. 'I won't hit him back, but I won't give him the right… The rule that I practice at my home, I practice in my country. I am not that great that I could see my family get hit or see my sister's sindoor get destroyed for art. Those who can do so, they have all the freedom. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo " Meanwhile, Ajay Devgn also recently reacted to it. He said, 'I don't know where the trolling comes from (or) what is right and what is wrong. I'm not in his shoes to comment on that. He would've had his problems, and people are thinking from their point of view," Devgn said. 'So, when you've two different points of view, then you can sit and solve it together. I'll not blame anybody or say that this is right or wrong; they need a conversation. "
