August 29, 2026

July 2026

Jul 15, 2026, 18:46 IST

Jul 15, 2026, 18:46 IST

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Over 10 million sign petition to kick Argentina out of FIFA World Cup Over ten million people have signed an online petition at argentinaout.org demanding Argentina be expelled from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, accusing FIFA and match officials of favouring Lionel Messi and the defending champions. The petition, hosted on argentinaout.com, gained massive attention…

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Amid fatwa and love-jihad allegations, know why Aamir Khan’s ex-wives Reena Dutta and Kiran Rao were absent from his and Gauri Spratt’s wedding

Amid fatwa and love-jihad allegations, know why Aamir Khan’s ex-wives Reena Dutta and Kiran Rao were absent from his and Gauri Spratt’s wedding

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Aamir Khan and Gauri Sprat wedding Aamir Khan’s intimate wedding to longtime partner Gauri Spratt on July 5, 2026, has been one of the most talked-about celebrity events that has taken place of late. While the ceremony was attended by close family members, his children, Ira, Junaid, Azad, mother, and close friends from the fraternity,…

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‘Confidential Photos’ found in Blinkit order? Woman says she thought it was blackmail before discovering the truth |

‘Confidential Photos’ found in Blinkit order? Woman says she thought it was blackmail before discovering the truth |

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

A Blinkit delivery has become the center of a viral social media conversation, but not because of what was ordered. Instead, it was an envelope labelled ‘Confidential Photos’ that left a Gurugram woman stunned and searching for answers. For a few tense moments, she believed something was seriously wrong. The truth, however, turned out to…

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Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos may have enough money to buy entire countries, but they cannot buy their way into this exclusive club on Florida’s ‘Billionaire Bunker’

Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos may have enough money to buy entire countries, but they cannot buy their way into this exclusive club on Florida’s ‘Billionaire Bunker’

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

The country club on Miami’s Billionaire Bunker is so exclusive that even Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos just walk in Despite spending hundreds of millions of dollars on huge waterfront estates on Miami’s Indian Creek Island, American tech billionaires face one surprising reality. The island’s social centre, the Indian Creek Country Club, follows a strict…

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Before breakfast or playtime, this little girl has one adorable morning routine with her three Golden Retriever pet dogs

Before breakfast or playtime, this little girl has one adorable morning routine with her three Golden Retriever pet dogs

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Photo: hdbrosriley / Instagram Some families start their mornings with coffee. This one starts it with cuddles, wagging tails and a little girl who already understands what love looks like.In a home shared by three Golden Retrievers—Riley, Twyla and Bear—and their tiny human sister, mornings follow a ritual so gentle it’s impossible not to smile….

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Evening news wrap: Delhi HC seeks Centre’s reply on Sonam Wangchuk’s PIL; Madan Mitra quits Mamata camp & more | India News

Evening news wrap: Delhi HC seeks Centre’s reply on Sonam Wangchuk’s PIL; Madan Mitra quits Mamata camp & more | India News

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Delhi high court sought responses from the Centre and Delhi government on a PIL seeking urgent medical intervention for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. TMC MLA Madan Mitra resigned from the Mamata Banerjee-led faction and joined the rebel camp led by Ritabrata Banerjee. The Union Cabinet approved seven major decisions covering semiconductors, mobile phone manufacturing, fertiliser,…

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Aamir Khan reveals wife Gauri Spratt is Christian, not Hindu amid fatwa and allegations of Love Jihad: ‘Both my sisters married a Hindu, we are an inclusive family’

Aamir Khan reveals wife Gauri Spratt is Christian, not Hindu amid fatwa and allegations of Love Jihad: ‘Both my sisters married a Hindu, we are an inclusive family’

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Aamir Khan’s third marriage with Gauri Spratt created a huge stir and a fatwa was issued against the actor, opposing his marriage on religious grounds. The actor was also accused of Love Jihad and amidst these allegations, Aamir has now spoken up on the matter. He revealed that neither his ex-wives Reena Dutta, Kiran Rao,…

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‘My mother…’: Woman buys earrings from a young boy in Mumbai, then discovers the heartbreaking reason he is working instead of going to school |

‘My mother…’: Woman buys earrings from a young boy in Mumbai, then discovers the heartbreaking reason he is working instead of going to school |

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

A viral video from Mumbai is drawing attention for all the right reasons. It captures a brief interaction between a woman and a young boy selling earrings on the roadside. What begins as a simple sale soon turns into a heartfelt conversation, with the child sharing why he spends his day working instead of simply…

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Historic! Rodri breaks 60-year-old record, becomes first ever player in FIFA World Cup to … | Football News

Historic! Rodri breaks 60-year-old record, becomes first ever player in FIFA World Cup to … | Football News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Spain midfielder Rodri etched his name into FIFA World Cup history with a record-breaking display against France, helping La Roja secure a 2-0 victory and a place in the 2026 World Cup final. According to data platform OptaJoe, the midfield general completed an astonishing 655 passes during the tournament, setting a new record for the…

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Switzerland built giant tunnels under the Alps to reduce truck traffic, but the project is now helping protect the country’s mountains from climate threats | World News

Switzerland built giant tunnels under the Alps to reduce truck traffic, but the project is now helping protect the country’s mountains from climate threats | World News

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Most people picture Switzerland’s mountain tunnels as an engineering flex, a way to shrink travel time between cities. But the real story behind this vast underground network is less about convenience and more about climate. Since the 1990s, Switzerland has been quietly pulling truck traffic off its fragile Alpine roads and pushing it underground onto…

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China’s ‘project of the century’ near Arunachal Pradesh fuels concerns over water security, seismic risks and strategic leverage (Image credit: PTI ) NEW DELHI: China’s construction of the world’s largest hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo, known downstream as the Brahmaputra, has renewed concerns in India over water security, seismic safety, ecological impacts and the strategic implications of Beijing’s growing control over infrastructure on a transboundary river.The project, commonly known as the Medog Dam or the Yarlung Tsangpo Hydropower Project, is being built at the river’s dramatic “Great Bend” in Medog County in Tibet, where the river makes a sharp U-turn before entering Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang River. The site lies close to India’s eastern border, with Gelling, Norbuling and Bishing among the nearest Indian locations.According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Chinese Premier Li Qiang described the hydropower project as the “project of the century” while inaugurating construction.Where is the dam being built?The dam is coming up on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet’s Medog County, one of the world’s deepest river gorges. Over a stretch of nearly 50 kilometres, the river drops around 2,000 metres, creating one of the world’s richest hydropower resources.Scientists have warned that the project could affect one of the world’s richest mountain ecosystems.According to SCMP, the project will comprise five cascade hydropower stations capable of generating around 300 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, more than three times the annual output of China’s Three Gorges Dam.The project is estimated to cost around 1.2 trillion yuan (about 7 billion), making it the costliest hydropower project ever undertaken, according to the newspaper.Why is the Brahmaputra strategically important?The Brahmaputra is one of Asia’s most important transboundary rivers. Known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, the Siang (or Dihang) in Arunachal Pradesh and the Jamuna in Bangladesh, it flows through China, India and Bangladesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.Stretching roughly 2,900 kilometres, the river drains a basin of around 580,000 square kilometres shared by China, India, Bhutan and Bangladesh. China accounts for the largest share of the basin.The Brahmaputra is the ninth-largest river in the world by discharge and among the world’s largest braided rivers. It is a lifeline for irrigation, agriculture, transportation, fisheries and hydropower across northeastern India and Bangladesh.Can China stop the Brahmaputra from flowing into India?Hydrologists say China cannot permanently stop the Brahmaputra from flowing into India because the river receives substantial additional water from heavy monsoon rainfall and numerous tributaries after entering Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.However, experts say a massive upstream reservoir would enable China to regulate the timing and volume of water releases to a certain extent.According to a Reuters report on India’s hydropower strategy, New Delhi fears an upstream Chinese dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo could reduce dry-season flows by as much as 85% under certain operating scenarios, although there is no publicly available evidence suggesting China intends to do so.Indian officials and strategic analysts fear Beijing could gain greater leverage by controlling key infrastructure upstream.Experts also distinguish between water diversion and flow regulation. China’s project has been described as a hydropower dam rather than a diversion scheme. Run-of-the-river hydropower projects generally release water downstream after generating electricity, although reservoirs can alter seasonal flows and the timing of releases.Why is India concerned?India’s concerns extend beyond water availability.According to SCMP, New Delhi increasingly views the project through the prism of national security because the river flows through Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as “South Tibet.”Indian officials and strategic analysts fear Beijing could gain greater leverage by controlling key infrastructure upstream.Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu recently described the project as a potential “water bomb”, warning that river flows could “dry up considerably” while the reservoir is being filled and that sudden releases could increase flood risks downstream, according to SCMP.Experts have also pointed to the absence of a comprehensive water-sharing treaty governing the Brahmaputra between India and China.Geological concerns over the mega damBeyond geopolitics, the project’s location has become the focus of growing scientific scrutiny.According to a PTI report citing the South China Morning Post, Chinese geologists have identified an active fault line beneath the hydropower project that could affect its long-term structural stability.The findings were published in the Chinese-language journal Sedimentary Geology and Tethyan Geology under the supervision of the China Geological Survey.The study found that the Paizhen Fault, an active geological fracture in the eastern Himalayas, has remained active since the Pleistocene.According to the researchers, prolonged tectonic activity has weakened surrounding rock formations, making dam foundations, bridges, roads, tunnels and reservoir infrastructure more vulnerable.”The Paizhen area is located within the reservoir area of the Yarlung Tsangpo downstream hydropower station,” the researchers wrote.They warned that earthquakes could trigger landslides and rock collapses that may threaten engineering infrastructure. The study cited the 2017 magnitude 6.9 Milin earthquake as evidence that the region remains seismically active.China’s responseChinese authorities have consistently rejected suggestions that the project poses risks to downstream countries.According to PTI, Beijing has repeatedly maintained that the hydropower project has undergone extensive geological surveys and meets the highest engineering standards.An official Chinese statement issued in December 2024 described it as a safe project that prioritises ecological protection.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the project had undergone decades of scientific studies and environmental assessments. According to SCMP, she said China would continue maintaining communication with downstream countries while strengthening cooperation on disaster prevention and mitigation.Chinese officials have also maintained that the project will not adversely affect downstream water flows.Environmental concernsScientists have warned that the project could affect one of the world’s richest mountain ecosystems.According to SCMP, Sichuan-based geologist Fan Xiao described the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon as a rare biodiversity hotspot located in a geologically unstable region.He warned that constructing multiple mega hydropower stations involving high dams, large reservoirs and extensive tunnel systems could increase landslide risks and cause irreversible environmental damage.Fan also questioned official claims that large hydropower projects are entirely “green”, arguing that the long-term geological and ecological costs remain uncertain.Researchers have additionally raised concerns about the displacement of local communities and the possible impact on culturally significant Tibetan sites.China suspended hydrological data sharing in 2017: MEAConcerns over China’s management of transboundary rivers are not new.In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on February 8, 2018, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that China did not provide hydrological information on either the Brahmaputra (Yarlung Zangbo) or the Sutlej (Langqen Zangbo) during the 2017 flood season despite existing bilateral Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).Responding to an unstarred question, then Minister of State for External Affairs Gen. (Dr.) V.K. Singh (Retd.) said China had informed India that the interruption was due to “technical reasons.”The MEA said India continued to monitor transboundary rivers for any abnormalities and regularly raised river-related issues through the India-China Expert Level Mechanism (ELM), established in 2006, as well as through diplomatic channels.China resumed Brahmaputra data sharing in 2018China resumed sharing hydrological data on the Siang River, the main stem of the Brahmaputra in India, on May 15, 2018, under the bilateral MoU that requires Beijing to provide river flow information during the flood season from May 15 to October 15, according to officials in India’s then Ministry of Water Resources.The resumption followed concerns in India after China suspended data sharing during the 73-day Doklam standoff in 2017. While many analysts viewed the suspension as linked to deteriorating bilateral ties, Beijing maintained that the interruption was caused by the upgrading of hydrological monitoring stations in Tibet.Data sharing resumed after the 11th meeting of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism on Trans-Border Rivers in Hangzhou in March 2018. Following the meeting, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said China would continue cooperation on hydrological information.The original MoU on sharing hydrological data for the Brahmaputra was signed in 2002 and renewed in 2008 and 2013. India and China also have a separate agreement covering the Sutlej River, originally signed in 2005 and renewed in 2010.Could earthquakes threaten the project?The project sits along the collision zone between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, one of the world’s most seismically active regions.According to the Chinese geological study reported by PTI, the Paizhen Fault has remained active into the Holocene period, with geological evidence suggesting movement as recently as 9,500 years ago.The researchers recommended reinforcing vulnerable slopes and constructing retaining structures to minimise landslide risks.The region has also witnessed glacier collapses and landslides in recent years.According to SCMP, Sayanangshu Modak, a researcher at the University of Arizona, cited the massive 2021 glacier collapse near the Great Bend that temporarily blocked the river and sharply raised water levels, saying such cascading events highlight the vulnerability of large hydropower infrastructure in the region.Could the dam become a geopolitical lever?Several analysts believe the project could reshape the strategic balance between China and India.According to SCMP, Sayanangshu Modak said the project would not only showcase China’s engineering capabilities but also strengthen its strategic influence in the region.He also noted that India has accelerated dam construction downstream as part of its own strategy to strengthen water utilisation rights.Shanghai-based security analyst Ni Lexiong told SCMP that although China considers the project an internal matter, the dam could effectively provide Beijing with additional geopolitical leverage because of its upstream location.”It would effectively create geopolitical leverage vis-a-vis India diplomatically,” he said.However, Liu Zongyi, a senior fellow at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, argued that concerns over China’s ability to manipulate river flows were overstated and maintained that the project would not fundamentally alter bilateral relations.India’s responseIndia has responded by accelerating hydropower development in Arunachal Pradesh.According to Reuters, New Delhi has approved investments of more than billion for two major hydroelectric projects along the Brahmaputra.The 1,720 MW Kamala project, estimated at 260.7 billion rupees, will be developed jointly by NHPC and the Arunachal Pradesh government.The 1,200 MW Kalai-II project, costing 141 billion rupees, will be implemented by THDC India Ltd in partnership with the state government.Reuters also reported that India plans to develop more than 76 GW of hydropower capacity in the Brahmaputra basin by 2047 through a transmission investment programme worth billion.These projects are intended to strengthen India’s energy security while reinforcing its strategic presence along the eastern Himalayan frontier.What happens next?Construction of the Medog mega dam is expected to take at least a decade because of the engineering challenges posed by the Himalayan terrain. According to SCMP, the project is expected to begin operations in the 2030s.As construction advances, the project is likely to remain under close scientific and geopolitical scrutiny.For India, the debate extends beyond electricity generation. The central questions are whether China’s control over major upstream infrastructure could alter river management, affect downstream ecology, complicate disaster response, or become another strategic factor in an already complex India-China relationship.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life. He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final Verdict123Photostories“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adultsHermès, Chanel, and beyond: Inside the designer bag collections of the World Cup’s elite footballers9 signs someone is emotionally safe to date, according to psychologists5 washing machine cleaning tips that can make your clothes smell freshNitin Gadkari swears by this vitamin C-rich soup—Here’s why it’s worth trying in monsoonAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the society123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Tamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

China’s ‘project of the century’ near Arunachal Pradesh fuels concerns over water security, seismic risks and strategic leverage (Image credit: PTI ) NEW DELHI: China’s construction of the world’s largest hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo, known downstream as the Brahmaputra, has renewed concerns in India over water security, seismic safety, ecological impacts and the strategic implications of Beijing’s growing control over infrastructure on a transboundary river.The project, commonly known as the Medog Dam or the Yarlung Tsangpo Hydropower Project, is being built at the river’s dramatic “Great Bend” in Medog County in Tibet, where the river makes a sharp U-turn before entering Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang River. The site lies close to India’s eastern border, with Gelling, Norbuling and Bishing among the nearest Indian locations.According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Chinese Premier Li Qiang described the hydropower project as the “project of the century” while inaugurating construction.Where is the dam being built?The dam is coming up on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet’s Medog County, one of the world’s deepest river gorges. Over a stretch of nearly 50 kilometres, the river drops around 2,000 metres, creating one of the world’s richest hydropower resources.Scientists have warned that the project could affect one of the world’s richest mountain ecosystems.According to SCMP, the project will comprise five cascade hydropower stations capable of generating around 300 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, more than three times the annual output of China’s Three Gorges Dam.The project is estimated to cost around 1.2 trillion yuan (about $167 billion), making it the costliest hydropower project ever undertaken, according to the newspaper.Why is the Brahmaputra strategically important?The Brahmaputra is one of Asia’s most important transboundary rivers. Known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, the Siang (or Dihang) in Arunachal Pradesh and the Jamuna in Bangladesh, it flows through China, India and Bangladesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.Stretching roughly 2,900 kilometres, the river drains a basin of around 580,000 square kilometres shared by China, India, Bhutan and Bangladesh. China accounts for the largest share of the basin.The Brahmaputra is the ninth-largest river in the world by discharge and among the world’s largest braided rivers. It is a lifeline for irrigation, agriculture, transportation, fisheries and hydropower across northeastern India and Bangladesh.Can China stop the Brahmaputra from flowing into India?Hydrologists say China cannot permanently stop the Brahmaputra from flowing into India because the river receives substantial additional water from heavy monsoon rainfall and numerous tributaries after entering Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.However, experts say a massive upstream reservoir would enable China to regulate the timing and volume of water releases to a certain extent.According to a Reuters report on India’s hydropower strategy, New Delhi fears an upstream Chinese dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo could reduce dry-season flows by as much as 85% under certain operating scenarios, although there is no publicly available evidence suggesting China intends to do so.Indian officials and strategic analysts fear Beijing could gain greater leverage by controlling key infrastructure upstream.Experts also distinguish between water diversion and flow regulation. China’s project has been described as a hydropower dam rather than a diversion scheme. Run-of-the-river hydropower projects generally release water downstream after generating electricity, although reservoirs can alter seasonal flows and the timing of releases.Why is India concerned?India’s concerns extend beyond water availability.According to SCMP, New Delhi increasingly views the project through the prism of national security because the river flows through Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as “South Tibet.”Indian officials and strategic analysts fear Beijing could gain greater leverage by controlling key infrastructure upstream.Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu recently described the project as a potential “water bomb”, warning that river flows could “dry up considerably” while the reservoir is being filled and that sudden releases could increase flood risks downstream, according to SCMP.Experts have also pointed to the absence of a comprehensive water-sharing treaty governing the Brahmaputra between India and China.Geological concerns over the mega damBeyond geopolitics, the project’s location has become the focus of growing scientific scrutiny.According to a PTI report citing the South China Morning Post, Chinese geologists have identified an active fault line beneath the hydropower project that could affect its long-term structural stability.The findings were published in the Chinese-language journal Sedimentary Geology and Tethyan Geology under the supervision of the China Geological Survey.The study found that the Paizhen Fault, an active geological fracture in the eastern Himalayas, has remained active since the Pleistocene.According to the researchers, prolonged tectonic activity has weakened surrounding rock formations, making dam foundations, bridges, roads, tunnels and reservoir infrastructure more vulnerable.”The Paizhen area is located within the reservoir area of the Yarlung Tsangpo downstream hydropower station,” the researchers wrote.They warned that earthquakes could trigger landslides and rock collapses that may threaten engineering infrastructure. The study cited the 2017 magnitude 6.9 Milin earthquake as evidence that the region remains seismically active.China’s responseChinese authorities have consistently rejected suggestions that the project poses risks to downstream countries.According to PTI, Beijing has repeatedly maintained that the hydropower project has undergone extensive geological surveys and meets the highest engineering standards.An official Chinese statement issued in December 2024 described it as a safe project that prioritises ecological protection.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the project had undergone decades of scientific studies and environmental assessments. According to SCMP, she said China would continue maintaining communication with downstream countries while strengthening cooperation on disaster prevention and mitigation.Chinese officials have also maintained that the project will not adversely affect downstream water flows.Environmental concernsScientists have warned that the project could affect one of the world’s richest mountain ecosystems.According to SCMP, Sichuan-based geologist Fan Xiao described the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon as a rare biodiversity hotspot located in a geologically unstable region.He warned that constructing multiple mega hydropower stations involving high dams, large reservoirs and extensive tunnel systems could increase landslide risks and cause irreversible environmental damage.Fan also questioned official claims that large hydropower projects are entirely “green”, arguing that the long-term geological and ecological costs remain uncertain.Researchers have additionally raised concerns about the displacement of local communities and the possible impact on culturally significant Tibetan sites.China suspended hydrological data sharing in 2017: MEAConcerns over China’s management of transboundary rivers are not new.In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on February 8, 2018, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that China did not provide hydrological information on either the Brahmaputra (Yarlung Zangbo) or the Sutlej (Langqen Zangbo) during the 2017 flood season despite existing bilateral Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).Responding to an unstarred question, then Minister of State for External Affairs Gen. (Dr.) V.K. Singh (Retd.) said China had informed India that the interruption was due to “technical reasons.”The MEA said India continued to monitor transboundary rivers for any abnormalities and regularly raised river-related issues through the India-China Expert Level Mechanism (ELM), established in 2006, as well as through diplomatic channels.China resumed Brahmaputra data sharing in 2018China resumed sharing hydrological data on the Siang River, the main stem of the Brahmaputra in India, on May 15, 2018, under the bilateral MoU that requires Beijing to provide river flow information during the flood season from May 15 to October 15, according to officials in India’s then Ministry of Water Resources.The resumption followed concerns in India after China suspended data sharing during the 73-day Doklam standoff in 2017. While many analysts viewed the suspension as linked to deteriorating bilateral ties, Beijing maintained that the interruption was caused by the upgrading of hydrological monitoring stations in Tibet.Data sharing resumed after the 11th meeting of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism on Trans-Border Rivers in Hangzhou in March 2018. Following the meeting, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said China would continue cooperation on hydrological information.The original MoU on sharing hydrological data for the Brahmaputra was signed in 2002 and renewed in 2008 and 2013. India and China also have a separate agreement covering the Sutlej River, originally signed in 2005 and renewed in 2010.Could earthquakes threaten the project?The project sits along the collision zone between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, one of the world’s most seismically active regions.According to the Chinese geological study reported by PTI, the Paizhen Fault has remained active into the Holocene period, with geological evidence suggesting movement as recently as 9,500 years ago.The researchers recommended reinforcing vulnerable slopes and constructing retaining structures to minimise landslide risks.The region has also witnessed glacier collapses and landslides in recent years.According to SCMP, Sayanangshu Modak, a researcher at the University of Arizona, cited the massive 2021 glacier collapse near the Great Bend that temporarily blocked the river and sharply raised water levels, saying such cascading events highlight the vulnerability of large hydropower infrastructure in the region.Could the dam become a geopolitical lever?Several analysts believe the project could reshape the strategic balance between China and India.According to SCMP, Sayanangshu Modak said the project would not only showcase China’s engineering capabilities but also strengthen its strategic influence in the region.He also noted that India has accelerated dam construction downstream as part of its own strategy to strengthen water utilisation rights.Shanghai-based security analyst Ni Lexiong told SCMP that although China considers the project an internal matter, the dam could effectively provide Beijing with additional geopolitical leverage because of its upstream location.”It would effectively create geopolitical leverage vis-a-vis India diplomatically,” he said.However, Liu Zongyi, a senior fellow at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, argued that concerns over China’s ability to manipulate river flows were overstated and maintained that the project would not fundamentally alter bilateral relations.India’s responseIndia has responded by accelerating hydropower development in Arunachal Pradesh.According to Reuters, New Delhi has approved investments of more than $4 billion for two major hydroelectric projects along the Brahmaputra.The 1,720 MW Kamala project, estimated at 260.7 billion rupees, will be developed jointly by NHPC and the Arunachal Pradesh government.The 1,200 MW Kalai-II project, costing 141 billion rupees, will be implemented by THDC India Ltd in partnership with the state government.Reuters also reported that India plans to develop more than 76 GW of hydropower capacity in the Brahmaputra basin by 2047 through a transmission investment programme worth $77 billion.These projects are intended to strengthen India’s energy security while reinforcing its strategic presence along the eastern Himalayan frontier.What happens next?Construction of the Medog mega dam is expected to take at least a decade because of the engineering challenges posed by the Himalayan terrain. According to SCMP, the project is expected to begin operations in the 2030s.As construction advances, the project is likely to remain under close scientific and geopolitical scrutiny.For India, the debate extends beyond electricity generation. The central questions are whether China’s control over major upstream infrastructure could alter river management, affect downstream ecology, complicate disaster response, or become another strategic factor in an already complex India-China relationship.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life. He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final Verdict123Photostories“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adultsHermès, Chanel, and beyond: Inside the designer bag collections of the World Cup’s elite footballers9 signs someone is emotionally safe to date, according to psychologists5 washing machine cleaning tips that can make your clothes smell freshNitin Gadkari swears by this vitamin C-rich soup—Here’s why it’s worth trying in monsoonAmla shots for hair growth: 5 powerful ingredients to blend for maximum benefitsPaneer is packed with protein, but do you know how many calories are hidden in your 10 favourite paneer dishes?Discover your spiritual Goddess based on your birth dateMichelle Obama’s parents never promised her the world would be fair, they promised something better: “Come home we…”5 shocking theft stories in India that left people stunned and questioning the society123Hot PicksOil Price TodayTop Stock RecommendationsMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillGold Rate TodayMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Tamil Nadu MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseBengaluru CapgeminiTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna010 mins mins

China’s ‘project of the century’ near Arunachal Pradesh fuels concerns over water security, seismic risks and strategic leverage (Image credit: PTI ) NEW DELHI: China’s construction of the world’s largest hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo, known downstream as the Brahmaputra, has renewed concerns in India over water security, seismic safety, ecological impacts and the…

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‘If Ronaldo, Messi can do it…’: Ex-cricketer questions India’s treatment of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli

‘If Ronaldo, Messi can do it…’: Ex-cricketer questions India’s treatment of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

India’s Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (PTI Photo) Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has defended Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli amid renewed scrutiny over their future, saying India’s focus on replacing experienced players with youngsters simply because they can hit sixes is the wrong approach. The debate resurfaced after Rohit and Kohli endured disappointing returns in…

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UPSSSC rolls out One-Time Registration system to simplify PET; here’s how it works

UPSSSC rolls out One-Time Registration system to simplify PET; here’s how it works

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) has introduced a One-Time Registration (OTR) system to make the application process easier for candidates appearing in the Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) and other recruitment examinations.The new facility is available free of cost and is aimed at reducing the need to fill in the same details every…

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Nonno Exercise Routine: Meet the 95 year old Nonno, who follows a secret band exercise routine to stay put and keep going at nearly a century

Nonno Exercise Routine: Meet the 95 year old Nonno, who follows a secret band exercise routine to stay put and keep going at nearly a century

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

A 95-year-old grandfather, Nonno, demonstrates his daily exercise routine for staying fit. He uses a resistance band for low-impact strength training, showing great control. His granddaughter, influencer Alyssa Stellato, shared this inspiring video online. The post highlights his dedication and commitment to maintaining his physical well-being. This routine has garnered significant positive attention and admiration…

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Chinese Horoscope Today, July 16, 2026: These Zodiac Signs May See Luck, Money, and Support

Chinese Horoscope Today, July 16, 2026: These Zodiac Signs May See Luck, Money, and Support

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

July 16, 2026, is Xin Mao Day in Chinese astrology, also known as the Yin Metal Rabbit Day. It encourages emotional intelligence, discipline and thoughtful communication. The daily Chinese horoscope says clear words can solve problems, while harsh words can create a barrier. Before you answer, check messages, commitments and promises. How to Navigate Today’s…

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Scientists warmed the same forest soil by 5°C for 37 years; in the fourth decade, microbes began releasing carbon once thought safely locked away

Scientists warmed the same forest soil by 5°C for 37 years; in the fourth decade, microbes began releasing carbon once thought safely locked away

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

It’s not just humans that are at risk of extinction due to global warming, it’s the Earth, too. In research conducted over a period of 40 years, scientists have uncovered evidence that challenges long-held assumptions about forest soils.While on the first glance, the Harvard Forest seems like an ordinary woodland filled with oak trees, there…

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‘Next week comes bridges, power plants’: Donald Trump says US strikes on Iran to escalate in three days

‘Next week comes bridges, power plants’: Donald Trump says US strikes on Iran to escalate in three days

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Trump says US strikes on Iran to escalate in three days US President Donald Trump convened a high-level situation room meeting on Wednesday (local time) to discuss a major expansion of military operations against Iran, with officials weighing strikes beyond the ongoing campaign around the Strait of Hormuz, Axios reported citing three sources familiar with…

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Quote of the day by Mike Tyson: “Fear is like fire. If you learn to control it, you let it work for you. If you don’t…” – the boxing legend’s powerful lesson on controlling fear before it controls you | World News

Quote of the day by Mike Tyson: “Fear is like fire. If you learn to control it, you let it work for you. If you don’t…” – the boxing legend’s powerful lesson on controlling fear before it controls you | World News

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Fear rarely announces itself as useful. Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight boxing champion, argued it can be exactly that, provided it never gets the upper hand. “Fear is like fire,” he wrote. “If you learn to control it, you let it work for you. If you don’t learn to control it, it’ll destroy you and…

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