India-China LAC Standoff Updates: June 17, 2020 | As it happened

In the last 24 hours, 520 new positive cases of COVID-19 and 27 deaths reported in Gujarat. State tally rises to 25,148 including 17,438 cured/discharged and 1,561 deaths. 

Uttarakhand reported 38 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of cases to 2,023. 

1,359 new COVID-19 positive cases and 77 deaths have been reported in Mumbai today. The total number of cases stand at 61,501 and the death toll is at 3,242. 

27 fresh COVID19 cases have been reported in Goa today, taking the total number of cases to 656. The number of active cases stand at 560. 

2,414 COVID-19 positive cases, 67 deaths and 510 recovered/discharged/migrated in Delhi today. The total number of positive cases here now stands at 47,102, including 1,904 deaths and 17,457 recovered/discharged/migrated. 

56 new COVID-19 positive cases, 1 death, and 30 discharged after recovery today. The total number of positive cases in the state now stands at 1,895, including 10 deaths and 1,151 recovered and discharged. 

25 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Himachal Pradesh, taking the total number of positive cases to 585. The number of active cases stand at 198. 

269 COVID-19 positive cases, 1 death, and 151 discharged in Telangana today. The total number of positive cases in the state now stands at 5,675, including 192 deaths and 3,071 discharged. 

17 persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Dharavi area of Mumbai, taking the total number of cases to 2,106. A total of 77 people have succumbed to the disease in the area so far. The death toll rises to 78 after one death has been reported in the Dharavi area. 

Haryana reports 560 new COVID-19 positive cases, taking the total number of cases to 8,832. The number of active cases stand at 4,750. 

Maharashtra reports 3,307 new COVID-19 positive cases and 114 deaths today, taking the total number of positive cases and deaths to 1,16,752 and 5,651 respectively. 

Rajasthan reported 326 new COVID-19 cases till 8:30 PM today, taking the total number of cases to 13,542. The death toll stands at 313 after 5 deaths were reported today. 

Tamil Nadu crossed 50,000 mark with 2,174 new COVID-19 cases today, taking the total number of cases to 50,193. The death toll rises to 576 after 48 deaths were reported today. For the first time, the sample testing for COVID-19 has crossed 25,000 and it stands at 25,463 samples for the last 24 hour period

A meeting is underway between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is also present at the meeting.  

Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, a day after testing negative for the infection.

In connection with an accidental death case registered at Bandra Police Station in Sushant Singh Rajput suicide case, casting director and the director of his last film 'Dil Bechara', Mukesh Chhabra's statement was recorded today. According to DCP Abhishek Trimukhe, Chhabra told that he shared good relations with Rajput and he was a good actor. 

President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday tweeted, "As Supreme Commander of Armed Forces, I bow to exemplary courage and supreme sacrifice of our soldiers to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the country. All those who laid down their lives in Galwan Valley have upheld the best traditions of Indian armed forces."

EAM S Jaishankar underlined that this unprecedented development will have a serious impact on the bilateral relationship. The need of the hour was for the Chinese side to reassess its actions and take corrective steps. Two sides should scrupulously & sincerely implement the understanding reached by Senior Commanders on June 6. Troops of both sides should also abide by bilateral agreements and protocols. They should strictly respect and observe LAC & shouldn't take any unilateral action to alter it. In conclusion, it was agreed that overall situation would be handled in responsible manner and both sides would implement disengagement understanding of 6 June sincerely. Neither side would take any action to escalate matters and ensure peace as per bilateral agreements and protocols. 

After Wang Yi-S Jaishankar talks, the Indian Army issued a statement that a strong message conveyed by Indian Foreign Minister to China, “What happened in Galwan was premeditated and planned action by China which was responsible for the sequence of events.”

Army Chief General MM Naravane COAS and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of our valiant soldiers at Galwan valley. We offer deepest condolences to families and stand strong in our resolve towards protecting the sovereignty and integrity of our country. Their sacrifices will not go in vain

European Union Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Virginie Battu-Henriksson said, "In light of recent worrying developments along LAC between India-China, we encourage both sides to show restraint and to engage in military de-escalation, as well as to continue the dialogue."

"This is crucial for building trust and reaching a peaceful solution which is essential to preserving peace and stability in the region."

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speak on phone, discuss the situation in Eastern Ladakh.

Congress leader Anand Sharma on Wednesday said that India stands firmly united behind its armed forces in this challenging time and we're confident that they're firm in their resolve to defend the country's security. It's also important that all facts are shared with the leadership of opposition parties and with Parliament.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announces compensation of Rs 5 lakh and a government job to one family member each of the two soldiers, residents of the state, who lost their lives in Galwan Valley clash on June 15-16.

Father of Sepoy Kundan Kumar, who lost his life in #GalwanValley of Ladakh on June 15-16, says, "My son sacrificed his life for the nation. I have two grandsons, I will send them too."

PM Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the chief ministers of 15 states and union territories, who are present in the meeting via video-conferencing today, observe two-minute silence as a tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in Galwan Valley clash.

I would like to assure the nation that the sacrifice of our jawans will not be in vain. For us, the unity and sovereignty of the country is the most important...India wants peace but it is capable to give a befitting reply if instigated: PM Narendra Modi #IndiaChinaFaceOff

6-7 Army veterans had gathered near the Chinese Embassy today to protest under the banner of Martyr's Welfare Association. They were requested to disperse from the spot and left immediately

Delhi's Health Minister Satyendar Jain tested again for COVID-19 today. His test result came negative yesterday. He was admitted to Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital after he complained of high fever and difficulty in breathing yesterday.

275 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Andhra Pradesh today, taking total number of cases to 5,555 out of which 2,559 cases are active. Number of fatalities stands at 90

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for an all-party meeting at 5 pm on friday to discuss the situation in India-China border areas. According to the official notification from the PMO on Thursday, presidents of various political parties would take part in this virtual meeting. READ MORE

The loss of soldiers in Galwan is deeply disturbing and painful. Our soldiers displayed exemplary courage and valour in the line of duty and sacrificed their lives in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is holding a high-level meeting with 3 Service Chiefs (Army, Navy & Air Force) and the Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat in backdrop of escalating tension with China at LAC. He also spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the current situation, ANI reports. 

India has sounded a high-alert on the over 3488km-long border with China that ranges from Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh in North East. 

How Indian newspapers reacted to India China border clashes

Commanding Officer of the Chinese Unit involved in the face-off with Indian troops in the Galwan Valley among those killed. READ MORE

1 death and 122 new COVID-19 positive cases reported till 1030 am today, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 13,338

"There has been a massive misunderstanding from China's side at the military level. The attack happened despite the disengagement agreement," India's former Army Chief General VP Malik told India TV. 

"Galwan Valley region is a complex geography and China's action highlights their hidden design," General VP Malik said. "India won't accept any aggression on its territory," Gen Malik said. According to the former Indian Army Chief, Indian Army was prepared in the region and attempts to capture Galwan Valley and river area will be thwarted. 

Clearly, Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh has become the big story and has exposed Chinese PLA's naked aggression.

2003 deaths and 10,974 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. The total number of positive cases in the country now stands 3,54,065 at including 1,55,227 active cases, 1,86,935 cured/discharged/migrated and 11903 deaths

There is more troubling news coming in from the India-China violent clash at the Galwan Valley in Ladakh. Four Army Jawans, who were injured in the hand-to-hand fight with PLA continue to battle for life and are critical. Earlier, 20 soldiers including Colonel of 16 Bihar Regiment were dead in the clashes at Patrol Point 14 along the LAC. 

India TV's Manish Prasad is tracking the story of India-China face-off and will update the developments as and when it comes. 

Four Indian soldiers are in critical condition after the violent face-off with Chinese troops on Monday evening

Petrol and diesel prices at Rs 77.28/litre (increase by Re 0.55) and Rs 75.79/litre (increase by Re 0.69), respectively in Delhi today.

Beijing airports cancel 1,255 flights over coronavirus fears

Report by CNN News 18 says, 20 Indian soldiers were killed by the PLA death squads in one of the most 'savage execution' in modern history. Several other soldiers of Indian Army's 16 Bihar Regiment were injured and undergoing treatment at the military facility in Leh, according to the report. 

“Even unarmed men who fled into the hillsides were hunted down and killed,” News 18 quoted an officer. “The dead include men who jumped into the Galwan river in a desperate effort to escape.”

The incident occurred at Patrol Point 14. Colonel Babu, the commanding officer, was asked to get the Chinese tent's removed from the area, something that was decided in the meeting between the Indian and Chinese Generals on June 6. The Chinese PLA vacated its tent from Patrol Point 14 but re-established it two days later. 

Yog Guru Swami Ramdev reveals Yoga lessons to improve lungs and getting rid of respiratory problems | HIGHLIGHTS

• Gomukhasan: Improves Kidney and liver 
• Makrasana: Enhances immunity
• Pranayam works directly on the lungs and respiratory system
• Ujjayi Pranayam: Strengthens lungs
• Udgidh Pranayam: Calms down mind and improves mental health
• Shitli Pranayam: Helps in getting rid of fever

Hello and welcome to today's live coverage of coronavirus news in India and across the world, with me, Sushmita Panda and my colleagues Himanshu Shekhar, Shashwat  Bhandari, Vani Mehrotra, Priya Jaiswal,  Sidhant Mamtany and Rashi Hardaha. You can get in touch with us directly on twitter​​ ​​@sushmitapanda, @himaanshus, @ShashBhandari​ @vani_mehrotra​ @priyajais, @SidMamtany, and  @rashihardaha for news, tips, photos, questions and comments. Stay tuned to Indiatvnews.com (@indiatvnews) for all the latest updates on what's happening around the world. 

Here's a quick overview: 

The total number of global cases has surpassed  8.2 million, including more than 445,000 fatalities. More than 4,306,000 patients are reported to have recovered.

Deaths by country:

• United States- 1,16,825
• Brazil- 41,901
• Italy- 34,223
• Spain- 27,136
• France- 29,374
• United Kingdom- 41,481
• Belgium - 9,646

Coronavirus in India: Total COVID-19 positive cases cross 354,000-mark
Coronavirus Death Toll in India: As of Friday evening, the death toll stood at 11,929