India plans to introduce a new law banning trade in cryptocurrencies, placing it out of step with other Asian economies which have chosen to regulate the fledgling
market, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday.

The bill is expected to be discussed shortly by the union cabinet before it is sent to parliament, according to people familiar with the development who who asked not to be identified, citing rules on speaking with the media.

The government will encourage blockchain, the technology underlying crypto, but is not keen on trading, according to two people. India’s finance ministry spokesman didn’t respond to call and a message seeking comments.

Congress’ members of parliament staged a walkout from the Lok Sabha demanding discussion on the India-China border issue.

Our leader AR Chowdhury wanted to send a message of solidarity to our troops and to send a stern warning to China that they should not test our patience,” Gaurav Gogoi, deputy leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha said. “Unfortunately, the government feels as if only they can speak in support of the army.” ANI

The morale of India’s armed forces is high and no one should doubt it, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ladakh has sent a message that people of India stand behind Indian armed forces.” he said.

Singh said troops are being provisioned with suitable clothing, habitat and defence wherewithal. “They are capable of serving at forbidding altitudes with scarce oxygen and in extremely cold temperatures, something that they've done for over last many years in Siachen and Kargil.” ANI

India is committed to peacefully resolve border standoff with China, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says in Lok Sabha, but Indian forces will forcefully counter all Chinese aggressive action along the border.

Talking about his meeting with the Chinese defence minister in Ladakh, Singh said: “I clearly stated that while our troops had always taken a responsible approach towards border management, but at the same time, there should be no doubt about our determination to protect India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” ANI

India is ready to deal with any situation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, the second day of the ongoing monsoon session of the parliament.

“Violent conduct of Chinese troops is a violation of all past agreements,” he said. “Our troops have done counter deployments in the area to safeguard our borders.

According to the defence minister, China mobilised a huge number of army battalions and armaments along the Line of Actual Control and inner areas. There are many friction points in eastern Ladakh, Gogra, Kongka La, and Pangong Lake’s north and south banks. “Indian Army has made counter deployments in these areas,” he said.

China continues to be in illegal occupation of 38,000 sq. km. in Ladakh, Singh said. In addition, under the so-called Sino-Pakistan 'Boundary Agreement' of 1963, Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 sq. km. of Indian territory in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir to China, he said. ANI