India's Ministry of External Affairs accused China of illegally occupying Indian territories in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh since 1963, objecting to ongoing Chinese infrastructure projects. This follows discussions between Indian EAM S Jaishankar and Chinese FM Wang Yi at the ASEAN summit, where Wang emphasized cooperation despite sovereignty concerns.
ONGC has drilled its second geothermal well in Ladakh's Puga Valley to 1,000 meters, advancing India's first pilot geothermal power plant. This 1 MWe plant aims to pave the way for commercial geothermal energy exploitation in India.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk stated his hunger has stabilized on the 13th day of his indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar, demanding the education minister's resignation over exam irregularities. He asserted his right to peaceful protest and urged the government to resolve Ladakh issues.
The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court rejected a Congress worker's plea to move his cheque bounce case trial from Srinagar to Jammu. The court cited the near elimination of terrorism in the Valley as a reason for rejecting the plea, deeming the petitioner's fear of threat "improbable".
Four tourists fined Rs 2 lakh total for off-roading in Ladakh's protected wildlife areas, including Pangong Lake and Changthang Sanctuary, where a Tibetan Gazelle was chased; vehicles impounded.
Facing water scarcity due to climate change, Ladakh villages are adopting Automated Ice Reservoirs (AIR), a tech-enhanced system that creates artificial glaciers to ensure spring irrigation, offering new hope to farmers.
Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) announced a shutdown in Ladakh on June 23, accusing the Centre of reneging on agreements regarding legislative powers and constitutional safeguards. They warn of renewed agitation if demands for full statehood and Sixth Schedule status are not met.
Despite reservations from Ladakh representatives over meeting minutes, the Centre remains committed to constitutional safeguards under Article 371 and bureaucratic accountability to the political executive. Future discussions will define the scope and framework.
J&K CM Omar Abdullah confirmed his party's plan to protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, on the first day of Parliament's monsoon session to demand the restoration of the state's status. He stated that his recent meeting with PM Modi did not alter this decision, emphasizing commitments made to restore statehood.
J&K CM Omar Abdullah confirmed his party's plan to protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, on the first day of Parliament's monsoon session to demand the restoration of the state's status. He stated that his recent meeting with PM Modi did not alter this plan, emphasizing commitments made to restore statehood.
The Zojila Tunnel project in J&K, a 13-km high-altitude tunnel, has achieved a breakthrough, connecting both ends. Once operational in 2028, it will provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, crucial for military supply chains and civilian access, reducing travel time from 90 minutes to 15 minutes.
Ladakh Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena laid the foundation stone for the first model border village at Chumur, located at 16,700 feet along the India-China border. The project aims to develop infrastructure, generate employment, and integrate civilians and defense forces.
Former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti urges Kashmiri political parties and civil society to unite for dialogue with the central government, inspired by Ladakh's successful talks. She seeks an all-party meeting to build consensus amid regional despair.
Negotiations on Ladakh's political future stalled as the Leh Apex Body (LAB) accused the Centre of omitting key provisions from a draft record of May 22 talks, warning of renewed agitation. LAB member Sonam Wangchuk stated an agreed-upon provision placing bureaucracy under elected representatives was missing.
A key Ladakh representative stated that no final agreement has been reached with the Centre regarding the region's legislative assembly and constitutional safeguards, with discussions ongoing. The Centre cited revenue concerns for not granting statehood immediately.
Ladakh representatives secured an in-principle understanding with the Centre for constitutional safeguards, drawing praise from J&K parties who lament their own region's 70-year struggle for similar rights and statehood restoration.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk acknowledged a "positive step" in recent talks between Ladakh representatives and the Centre, but warned trust-building remains incomplete amid unresolved protest cases and institutional issues. He expressed concern over escalating tensions, fearing Ladakh could become "another Manipur."
Thái Thảo, 38 tuổi, đã mở nhà hàng Việt tại Ladakh, Ấn Độ, đối mặt với khí hậu khắc nghiệt, khó khăn về nguyên liệu và xây dựng. Dù lợi nhuận không cao, sự đón nhận của du khách và người dân địa phương là động lực lớn cho chị.
An Indian Army Cheetah helicopter crashed in Ladakh's Tangste area earlier this week. All three personnel onboard, including a Major General, survived with minor injuries. A formal inquiry is underway, highlighting concerns about the aging Cheetah fleet and plans for indigenous LUH replacements.
Centre and Ladakh representatives agreed to create an elected body at the UT level with legislative, executive, and financial powers, and similar bodies in each district. Constitutional safeguards under Article 371 are also proposed.
Indian Army initiates procurement of 159 bullet-proof troop carriers for Rashtriya Rifles in J&K and Ladakh, seeking Indian vendors through RFI with 60 units/year minimum delivery. Vehicles must operate at 5,000m altitude, -10°C to +40°C temperatures, with 80-100 kmph road speed and 50-75 kmph off-road capability.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah met with Leh leaders, including Sonam Wangchuk, focusing on spiritual matters during his visit. Shah assured that Ladakh-specific issues would be discussed in a sub-committee meeting on May 22, urging an open mind for dialogue. This meeting follows previous inconclusive talks and past protests demanding statehood and safeguards.
