May 21, 2026

SRINAGAR: Ladakhi delegates have said environmentalist and Leh Apex Body (LAB) member Sonam Wangchuk should be included in the next round of talks with the Centre.Addressing a gathering LAB had organised to welcome Wangchuk in Leh on Sunday, its co-chairman Tsering Dorjay Lakrook said any future dialogue should include the environmentalist, given his prominent role and the public support he enjoys.Lakrook said Ladakhi representatives were approaching negotiations with sincerity and urged the government to respond in the same spirit. He termed Wangchuk’s release a positive step. However, he said, the broader struggle for Ladakh’s demands would continue.He also called for the withdrawal of cases against those arrested after the Sept 24, 2025, protests in Leh in which four people were killed in police firing and around 80 others were injured. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Iran vows tit-for-tat strike after Trump’s 48hr ultimatum, threatens to hit US-Israel energy facilityIf America strikes us, we should attack Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai: Ex-Pak envoyTrump Pauses Planned Strikes: US halts Iran attack plan for 5 days; talks called very good and productiveThe protesters were demanding statehood for the region and its inclusion in the sixth schedule of the Constitution to grant greater autonomy.On March 14, the ministry of home affairs (MHA) revoked Wangchuk’s detention under National Security Act (NSA), stating that the “government remains committed to providing all necessary safeguards for Ladakh”.The MHA also said that “it remains hopeful that the issues concerning the region will be resolved through constructive engagement and dialogue”.Police in Leh had arrested Wangchuk on Sept 26, 2025, and booked him under NSA before lodging him in a Jodhpur jail for allegedly provoking the violent protests two days earlier.The first round of talks between the MHA panel and Ladakhi representatives from LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance was held in New Delhi on Oct 22 last year after the MHA ordered an inquiry into the Sept 24 firing. The most recent round of talks took place on Feb 4 but remained inconclusive. Ladakhi leaders have sought another round of talks soon.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India Moving Ahead With Resolve’: PM Modi’s Big Message On West Asia Conflict’Never Faced Such Humiliation’: Jaya Bachchan Slams VIP Culture In RS, Flags Traffic DisruptionsUS Finally Ready For De-Escalation? Iran Says Trump’s Threat To Blow Up Its Power Grid Was ‘Bluff’’100% Under Control Of Trump’: Rahul Gandhi Slams PM Modi Over West Asia Remarks In Lok Sabha’India Should Put House In Order First: Gita Gopinath’s Big Warning To Modi Govt Amid Iran WarIndia’s Nuclear Submarine Trio Is What China and Pakistan Should Pay Attention ToQawwali Meets Politics: LJP MP Shambhavi Chaudhary’s Dhurandhar Dig Targets Opposition In Lok Sabha‘Your Kindness Won’t Be Forgotten’: Iran Thanks Kashmir Donors For War Relief’India Shining Speech’: Oppn Hits Out At PM Modi’s Remarks On West Asia, Demands Discussion In Parl’India Deserves Deepest Respect: Russia Praises Delhi’s Strategic Autonomy, Confirms PM Modi’s Visit123PhotostoriesHow to make Kala Chana Kofta Curry for dinner at home5 Vastu-approved paintings of fish you should have in your home to attract wealth, love and prosperityOrdering food gets costlier: Under 20 minutes easy dinner ideas for busy weeknights9 animals living in the wettest place on Earth: From a venomous snake and a creature that smells like popcornAneet Padda to Ananya Panday: Celebrity showstoppers who owned the ramp at Lakmē Fashion Week 20265 most magnificent palaces of South India worth travelling forWhy you stretch unconsciously: The hidden stress signal your body uses, and how to fix itHow to make Amla Turmeric Juice at home and 3 reasons to drink it before your breakfast dailyInside Axar Patel’s Luxury Car Collection: Top 3 cars owned by the cricketer7 science-backed reasons soaked walnuts are great for your brain and heart, and beyond123Hot PicksIran newsStock Market todayLaGuardia AirportGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingBSEB Class 12th ResultJason GarrettBengaluru MurderKochi Vaduthala Family IncidentBengaluru Pink MetroConor McGregor Next FightSilver Rate TodayHDFC Bank ShareDonald TrumpBihar Board Science Topper

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SRINAGAR: Ladakhi delegates have said environmentalist and Leh Apex Body (LAB) member Sonam Wangchuk should be included in the next round of talks with the Centre.Addressing a gathering LAB had organised to welcome Wangchuk in Leh on Sunday, its co-chairman Tsering Dorjay Lakrook said any future dialogue should include the environmentalist, given his prominent role and the public support he enjoys.Lakrook said Ladakhi representatives were approaching negotiations with sincerity and urged the government to respond in the same spirit. He termed Wangchuk’s release a positive step. However, he said, the broader struggle for Ladakh’s demands would continue.He also called for the withdrawal of cases against those arrested after the Sept 24, 2025, protests in Leh in which four people were killed in police firing and around 80 others were injured. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Iran vows tit-for-tat strike after Trump’s 48hr ultimatum, threatens to hit US-Israel energy facilityIf America strikes us, we should attack Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai: Ex-Pak envoyTrump Pauses Planned Strikes: US halts Iran attack plan for 5 days; talks called very good and productiveThe protesters were demanding statehood for the region and its inclusion in the sixth schedule of the Constitution to grant greater autonomy.On March 14, the ministry of home affairs (MHA) revoked Wangchuk’s detention under National Security Act (NSA), stating that the “government remains committed to providing all necessary safeguards for Ladakh”.The MHA also said that “it remains hopeful that the issues concerning the region will be resolved through constructive engagement and dialogue”.Police in Leh had arrested Wangchuk on Sept 26, 2025, and booked him under NSA before lodging him in a Jodhpur jail for allegedly provoking the violent protests two days earlier.The first round of talks between the MHA panel and Ladakhi representatives from LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance was held in New Delhi on Oct 22 last year after the MHA ordered an inquiry into the Sept 24 firing. The most recent round of talks took place on Feb 4 but remained inconclusive. Ladakhi leaders have sought another round of talks soon.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India Moving Ahead With Resolve’: PM Modi’s Big Message On West Asia Conflict’Never Faced Such Humiliation’: Jaya Bachchan Slams VIP Culture In RS, Flags Traffic DisruptionsUS Finally Ready For De-Escalation? Iran Says Trump’s Threat To Blow Up Its Power Grid Was ‘Bluff’’100% Under Control Of Trump’: Rahul Gandhi Slams PM Modi Over West Asia Remarks In Lok Sabha’India Should Put House In Order First: Gita Gopinath’s Big Warning To Modi Govt Amid Iran WarIndia’s Nuclear Submarine Trio Is What China and Pakistan Should Pay Attention ToQawwali Meets Politics: LJP MP Shambhavi Chaudhary’s Dhurandhar Dig Targets Opposition In Lok Sabha‘Your Kindness Won’t Be Forgotten’: Iran Thanks Kashmir Donors For War Relief’India Shining Speech’: Oppn Hits Out At PM Modi’s Remarks On West Asia, Demands Discussion In Parl’India Deserves Deepest Respect: Russia Praises Delhi’s Strategic Autonomy, Confirms PM Modi’s Visit123PhotostoriesHow to make Kala Chana Kofta Curry for dinner at home5 Vastu-approved paintings of fish you should have in your home to attract wealth, love and prosperityOrdering food gets costlier: Under 20 minutes easy dinner ideas for busy weeknights9 animals living in the wettest place on Earth: From a venomous snake and a creature that smells like popcornAneet Padda to Ananya Panday: Celebrity showstoppers who owned the ramp at Lakmē Fashion Week 20265 most magnificent palaces of South India worth travelling forWhy you stretch unconsciously: The hidden stress signal your body uses, and how to fix itHow to make Amla Turmeric Juice at home and 3 reasons to drink it before your breakfast dailyInside Axar Patel’s Luxury Car Collection: Top 3 cars owned by the cricketer7 science-backed reasons soaked walnuts are great for your brain and heart, and beyond123Hot PicksIran newsStock Market todayLaGuardia AirportGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingBSEB Class 12th ResultJason GarrettBengaluru MurderKochi Vaduthala Family IncidentBengaluru Pink MetroConor McGregor Next FightSilver Rate TodayHDFC Bank ShareDonald TrumpBihar Board Science Topper


Ladakhi leaders say Wangchuk should be part of Ladakh-Centre talks panel

SRINAGAR: Ladakhi delegates have said environmentalist and Leh Apex Body (LAB) member Sonam Wangchuk should be included in the next round of talks with the Centre.Addressing a gathering LAB had organised to welcome Wangchuk in Leh on Sunday, its co-chairman Tsering Dorjay Lakrook said any future dialogue should include the environmentalist, given his prominent role and the public support he enjoys.Lakrook said Ladakhi representatives were approaching negotiations with sincerity and urged the government to respond in the same spirit. He termed Wangchuk’s release a positive step. However, he said, the broader struggle for Ladakh’s demands would continue.He also called for the withdrawal of cases against those arrested after the Sept 24, 2025, protests in Leh in which four people were killed in police firing and around 80 others were injured. The protesters were demanding statehood for the region and its inclusion in the sixth schedule of the Constitution to grant greater autonomy.On March 14, the ministry of home affairs (MHA) revoked Wangchuk’s detention under National Security Act (NSA), stating that the “government remains committed to providing all necessary safeguards for Ladakh”.The MHA also said that “it remains hopeful that the issues concerning the region will be resolved through constructive engagement and dialogue”.Police in Leh had arrested Wangchuk on Sept 26, 2025, and booked him under NSA before lodging him in a Jodhpur jail for allegedly provoking the violent protests two days earlier.The first round of talks between the MHA panel and Ladakhi representatives from LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance was held in New Delhi on Oct 22 last year after the MHA ordered an inquiry into the Sept 24 firing. The most recent round of talks took place on Feb 4 but remained inconclusive. Ladakhi leaders have sought another round of talks soon.



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. NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting of the Union government’s council of ministers on Thursday, with discussions expected on the functioning of ministries, recent policy decisions, their outcomes and future plans, official sources said.The meeting, the first of the council of ministers this year, assumes political significance as it comes after the BJP’s strong performance in the recent Assembly elections in West Bengal and Assam, besides the formation of an NDA government in Puducherry again. It is also taking place amid speculation of a cabinet reshuffle.All cabinet ministers, ministers of state with independent charge and ministers of state will attend the meeting, reported PTI.According to sources, the functioning of various ministries and departments, key decisions taken in the recent past and their impact will be reviewed. Discussions are also expected on future priorities and the implementation of government schemes and programmes to ensure maximum success.The meeting is likely to focus on reforms across sectors aimed at benefiting common people. PM Modi had earlier outlined reform priorities for the next 10 years, asserting that his government’s “Reform Express” has delivered systemic transformation and benefitted common citizens in a significant way.The prime minister is also expected to raise the ongoing West Asia crisis and its economic implications. Sources said he may direct ministries and departments to take steps to minimise inconvenience to citizens and reduce the impact on affected sectors.Sectors such as energy, agriculture, fertilisers, aviation, shipping and logistics are likely to receive focused attention during the meeting.Soon after the West Asia conflict began, PM Modi had directed all concerned to take every possible step to ameliorate the problems of citizens and sectors affected by it.PM Modi has been holding meetings of the entire council of ministers from time to time to discuss key policy and governance issues, but Thursday’s meeting is being closely watched due to its political timing and broader governance agenda.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India Won’t Tolerate Any Form Of Nuclear Blackmail’: Rajnath Singh In South KoreaWho Is Ryan Williams? Footballer Who Gave Up Australian Citizenship To Play For IndiaCongress To Join Tamil Nadu Cabinet After 59 Years As Vijay Expands TVK GovernmentIndia, Italy Elevate Ties; PM Modi’s ‘Melody’ Gift To Meloni Goes Viral | Headlines@9Parle Industries Shares Jump 5% After Modi-Meloni’s ‘Melody’ Moment, But There’s A CatchItaly PM Giorgia Meloni Speaks Hindi During Joint Presser With PM Modi | Viral ‘Melodi’ Moment’Anarchic Mindset’: BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi For ‘Traitors’ Remark On PM Modi, Amit Shah’Warned India of Economic Storm, Then Flew to Italy on ₹4,000 Crore Jet’: Rahul Gandhi Slams PM ModiIndia Successfully Tests Suryastra Precision Rocket System With 300-Km Strike CapabilityThree Newly Married Women Die Within Five Days Across MP And UP, Families Allege Dowry Harassment123PhotostoriesMorning affirmation at 5 am: What happens when your brain hears positive words before sunriseInternational Tea Day 2026: 6 culinary uses of tea leaves apart from making teaUrvashi Rautela said ‘too much’ is the ultimate mood with not one but two extravagant gowns at Cannes 2026Exclusive – From Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah to Dhurandhar, Rakesh Bedi and Asit Kumarr Modi get candid about their bond and journey; actor reacts to David Dhawan’s remark8 strange and uncomfortable signs you are going through a quiet spiritual awakening8 giraffe facts that shock even wildlife loversGauranga Das shares 3 signs of a loyal partner10 exercises that can keep the heart healthyFeeling Stressed? Try These Astrological Tips to Calm Down Your MindNidhi Kumar recreated Madhuri Dixit’s magic at Cannes 2026’s red carpet — and the internet is officially obsessed123Hot PicksSBI apprentice recruitment 2026US Iran warCBSE Class 12 re-evaluation 2026Gold price predictionAdani Group stocksNEET exam cancelledMHT CET Result 2026Top TrendingCBSE Answer SheetTwisha SharmaIPL Playoff RaceTN Results 2026Odisha 12th ResultsIPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026India VS Afghanistan Squad AnnouncementMHT CET Result DateJahangir Khan

. NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting of the Union government’s council of ministers on Thursday, with discussions expected on the functioning of ministries, recent policy decisions, their outcomes and future plans, official sources said.The meeting, the first of the council of ministers this year, assumes political significance as it comes after the BJP’s strong performance in the recent Assembly elections in West Bengal and Assam, besides the formation of an NDA government in Puducherry again. It is also taking place amid speculation of a cabinet reshuffle.All cabinet ministers, ministers of state with independent charge and ministers of state will attend the meeting, reported PTI.According to sources, the functioning of various ministries and departments, key decisions taken in the recent past and their impact will be reviewed. Discussions are also expected on future priorities and the implementation of government schemes and programmes to ensure maximum success.The meeting is likely to focus on reforms across sectors aimed at benefiting common people. PM Modi had earlier outlined reform priorities for the next 10 years, asserting that his government’s “Reform Express” has delivered systemic transformation and benefitted common citizens in a significant way.The prime minister is also expected to raise the ongoing West Asia crisis and its economic implications. Sources said he may direct ministries and departments to take steps to minimise inconvenience to citizens and reduce the impact on affected sectors.Sectors such as energy, agriculture, fertilisers, aviation, shipping and logistics are likely to receive focused attention during the meeting.Soon after the West Asia conflict began, PM Modi had directed all concerned to take every possible step to ameliorate the problems of citizens and sectors affected by it.PM Modi has been holding meetings of the entire council of ministers from time to time to discuss key policy and governance issues, but Thursday’s meeting is being closely watched due to its political timing and broader governance agenda.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India Won’t Tolerate Any Form Of Nuclear Blackmail’: Rajnath Singh In South KoreaWho Is Ryan Williams? Footballer Who Gave Up Australian Citizenship To Play For IndiaCongress To Join Tamil Nadu Cabinet After 59 Years As Vijay Expands TVK GovernmentIndia, Italy Elevate Ties; PM Modi’s ‘Melody’ Gift To Meloni Goes Viral | Headlines@9Parle Industries Shares Jump 5% After Modi-Meloni’s ‘Melody’ Moment, But There’s A CatchItaly PM Giorgia Meloni Speaks Hindi During Joint Presser With PM Modi | Viral ‘Melodi’ Moment’Anarchic Mindset’: BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi For ‘Traitors’ Remark On PM Modi, Amit Shah’Warned India of Economic Storm, Then Flew to Italy on ₹4,000 Crore Jet’: Rahul Gandhi Slams PM ModiIndia Successfully Tests Suryastra Precision Rocket System With 300-Km Strike CapabilityThree Newly Married Women Die Within Five Days Across MP And UP, Families Allege Dowry Harassment123PhotostoriesMorning affirmation at 5 am: What happens when your brain hears positive words before sunriseInternational Tea Day 2026: 6 culinary uses of tea leaves apart from making teaUrvashi Rautela said ‘too much’ is the ultimate mood with not one but two extravagant gowns at Cannes 2026Exclusive – From Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah to Dhurandhar, Rakesh Bedi and Asit Kumarr Modi get candid about their bond and journey; actor reacts to David Dhawan’s remark8 strange and uncomfortable signs you are going through a quiet spiritual awakening8 giraffe facts that shock even wildlife loversGauranga Das shares 3 signs of a loyal partner10 exercises that can keep the heart healthyFeeling Stressed? Try These Astrological Tips to Calm Down Your MindNidhi Kumar recreated Madhuri Dixit’s magic at Cannes 2026’s red carpet — and the internet is officially obsessed123Hot PicksSBI apprentice recruitment 2026US Iran warCBSE Class 12 re-evaluation 2026Gold price predictionAdani Group stocksNEET exam cancelledMHT CET Result 2026Top TrendingCBSE Answer SheetTwisha SharmaIPL Playoff RaceTN Results 2026Odisha 12th ResultsIPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026India VS Afghanistan Squad AnnouncementMHT CET Result DateJahangir Khan

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. NEW DELHI: In a move that may prevent further stress on the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and upper reaches of river Ganga in Uttarakhand, the Centre Wednesday told Supreme Court that it’s “not in favour of permitting any new hydro-electric project in Alaknanda and Bhagirathi river basins” apart from the seven that have either been commissioned or have made substantial progress in construction.The Centre’s view was expressed by environment ministry through an affidavit to SC which has been examining the issue of allowing new hydel projects in the upper reaches of Ganga river basins since the Kedarnath disaster of 2013.The decision means the Centre will now go ahead with only seven of the 28 projects planned earlier and scrutinised by various committees. Centre told SC the risk/damage to environment, including health of the river, is far greater than financial/economic benefits of the remaining 21 hydro-power projects with a total capacity of about 2,100 MW..SC is expected to pass its order on the issue at the next hearing on Aug 20. It had in Jan granted three months to the Centre to take a final decision.The seven projects the govt wants to continue include four already commissioned – Tehri Stage-II (1000 MW), Singoli Bhatwari (99 MW), Madhmaheshwar (15 MW) and Kaliganga-II (4.5 MW) – and three, Tapovan Vishnugad (520 MW), Vishnugad Pipalkoti (444 MW) and Phata Byung (76 MW), which are in advanced stages of construction. 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. NEW DELHI: In a move that may prevent further stress on the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and upper reaches of river Ganga in Uttarakhand, the Centre Wednesday told Supreme Court that it’s “not in favour of permitting any new hydro-electric project in Alaknanda and Bhagirathi river basins” apart from the seven that have either been commissioned or have made substantial progress in construction.The Centre’s view was expressed by environment ministry through an affidavit to SC which has been examining the issue of allowing new hydel projects in the upper reaches of Ganga river basins since the Kedarnath disaster of 2013.The decision means the Centre will now go ahead with only seven of the 28 projects planned earlier and scrutinised by various committees. Centre told SC the risk/damage to environment, including health of the river, is far greater than financial/economic benefits of the remaining 21 hydro-power projects with a total capacity of about 2,100 MW..SC is expected to pass its order on the issue at the next hearing on Aug 20. It had in Jan granted three months to the Centre to take a final decision.The seven projects the govt wants to continue include four already commissioned – Tehri Stage-II (1000 MW), Singoli Bhatwari (99 MW), Madhmaheshwar (15 MW) and Kaliganga-II (4.5 MW) – and three, Tapovan Vishnugad (520 MW), Vishnugad Pipalkoti (444 MW) and Phata Byung (76 MW), which are in advanced stages of construction. The affidavit, representing “collective and consensus decision” of three ministries – Jal shakti, power and environment – argued that these seven “may be permitted to proceed, subject to strict compliance with applicable statutory provisions and environmental safeguards”.Better sense has prevailed: Green activistsIt is good to see that better sense has prevailed and the govt has taken this wise and welcome step to prevent future tragedies like 2013 and protect the fragile and disaster prone ecology of the Ganga-Himalayan basin,” said Mallika Bhanot of Ganga Ahvaan, a citizen forum working towards conservation of Ganga and Himalayan ecosystem. The decision to not have any new hydro-electric project in the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi river basins was taken following inter-ministerial consultations on recommendations of different expert committees. One of the committees wanted 28 projects to be allowed in the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi basins while the other one, comprising officials from Jal shakti and environment ministries, recommended only five.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India Won’t Tolerate Any Form Of Nuclear Blackmail’: Rajnath Singh In South KoreaWho Is Ryan Williams? 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Try These Astrological Tips to Calm Down Your MindNidhi Kumar recreated Madhuri Dixit’s magic at Cannes 2026’s red carpet — and the internet is officially obsessed5 heaviest and biggest birds on earth: The real heavyweights of nature123Hot PicksSBI apprentice recruitment 2026US Iran warCBSE Class 12 re-evaluation 2026Gold price predictionAdani Group stocksNEET exam cancelledMHT CET Result 2026Top TrendingCBSE Answer SheetTwisha SharmaIPL Playoff RaceTN Results 2026Odisha 12th ResultsIPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026India VS Afghanistan Squad AnnouncementMHT CET Result DateJahangir Khan

Vamsikrishna 0