K J M Varma

Stories by K J M Varma

China blames high-altitude glacier collapse in Nepal for flash floods

China blames high-altitude glacier collapse in Nepal for flash floods

Rediff.com   2 hours ago

China on Friday said the collapse of a high-altitude glacier in Nepal may have triggered the massive flash flood disaster that engulfed the Tibet-Nepal border, killing hundreds and causing widespread damage.

Five killed, 558 missing in flash floods in Tibet's Gyirong: China

Five killed, 558 missing in flash floods in Tibet's Gyirong: China

Rediff.com   4 hours ago

Flash floods in Tibet's Gyirong County, near the China-Nepal border, have resulted in five deaths and 558 missing individuals, including 260 foreign nationals. The disaster also caused significant casualties in Nepal and disrupted infrastructure. Rescue operations are underway, and concerns are rising over a newly formed barrier lake that poses a risk of further flooding.

Over 1,000 evacuated from Tibet-Nepal border after flash floods

Over 1,000 evacuated from Tibet-Nepal border after flash floods

Rediff.com   9 hours ago

Devastating flash floods near the Tibet-Nepal border have led to the evacuation of over 1,000 people, including tourists, from Gyirong County. The floods caused casualties in both Tibet and Nepal, disrupted infrastructure, and prompted a Level-IV alert due to a rapidly forming barrier lake with a high risk of breaching and causing further downstream flooding.

Barrier lake formed at Tibet-Nepal border, China issues alert

Barrier lake formed at Tibet-Nepal border, China issues alert

Rediff.com   13 hours ago

China has issued a Level-IV alert due to a newly formed barrier lake at the Tibet-Nepal border, warning of a high risk of breaching and flooding downstream areas. The lake, formed at the confluence of Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers, has accumulated an estimated two million cubic metres of water, with inflows expected to increase, raising concerns for areas including Gyirong Port.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang visits flood-hit Gyirong township in Tibet

Chinese Premier Li Qiang visits flood-hit Gyirong township in Tibet

Rediff.com   1 days ago

A massive flash flood near the China-Nepal border in Tibet has left hundreds missing and caused significant casualties. Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited the affected Gyirong Township to oversee rescue and relief operations, with the PLA mobilising forces for search and rescue.

588 missing after massive mudslide at Nepal-Tibet border: Chinese state media

588 missing after massive mudslide at Nepal-Tibet border: Chinese state media

Rediff.com   1 days ago

A massive mudslide near the China-Nepal border in Tibet has left three people dead and 588 missing. Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered all-out rescue efforts, with the PLA mobilising forces for search and relief operations in the affected Gyirong County. The Indian Embassy has also issued an advisory for stranded Indians.

New military hotlines: India-China talks yield 8-point consensus

New military hotlines: India-China talks yield 8-point consensus

Rediff.com   1 days ago

India and China have agreed to advance discussions on an "Early and Substantial Harvest" of boundary delimitation and border management during the 25th round of Special Representatives talks between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. Both sides reached an eight-point consensus, committing to the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for Settlement. Key outcomes include enhancing border management, improving understanding of the Line of Actual Control, establishing new meeting points and hotlines, and continuing cooperation on trans-border rivers and pilgrimage.

China mobilises forces for Tibet-Nepal border flood rescue

China mobilises forces for Tibet-Nepal border flood rescue

Rediff.com   2 days ago

Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered extensive rescue operations following devastating flash floods and mudslides near the China-Nepal border in Tibet. The disaster has caused heavy casualties, left nearly 400 people missing, including 105 Indians and 37 NRIs, and damaged infrastructure. Emergency teams have been deployed, and efforts are underway to evacuate residents and provide medical aid.

India, China push LAC peace as Doval-Wang hold key talks

India, China push LAC peace as Doval-Wang hold key talks

Rediff.com   2 days ago

India on Tuesday conveyed to China the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) for overall bilateral ties as national security advisor Ajit Doval held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi focusing on delimitation of the frontier and sustaining work on trans-boundary cooperation.

Suspense over Xi's BRICS visit continues as Doval meets Chinese VP Han, FM Wang

Suspense over Xi's BRICS visit continues as Doval meets Chinese VP Han, FM Wang

Rediff.com   3 days ago

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval engaged in Special Representatives talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, focusing on the India-China boundary question and enhancing bilateral relations. These crucial discussions precede Chinese President Xi Jinping's anticipated visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit, aiming to address persistent border differences and stabilise ties strained by past conflicts like the Galwan Valley clash.

Doval in Beijing for talks amid border tensions, Xi visit uncertainty

Doval in Beijing for talks amid border tensions, Xi visit uncertainty

Rediff.com   3 days ago

National security advisor Ajit Doval arrived in Beijing on Monday for a two-day visit to take part in the Special Representatives talks on the India-China boundary question with his Chinese counterpart and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Doval-Wang talks in Beijing ahead of possible Xi Jinping's India visit

Doval-Wang talks in Beijing ahead of possible Xi Jinping's India visit

Rediff.com   4 days ago

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is in Beijing for the 25th round of Special Representatives talks on the India-China boundary issue with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. These crucial discussions precede Chinese President Xi Jinping's anticipated visit to India for the BRICS summit, offering a potential opportunity for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The talks aim to address the long-standing border dispute and recurring tensions, with both sides emphasising the importance of peace and tranquillity for bilateral relations amidst recent reports of aggressive Chinese posturing in Arunachal Pradesh.

China rejects India's 27 Arunachal names, renews territorial claim

China rejects India's 27 Arunachal names, renews territorial claim

Rediff.com   11 Aug 2026

China has declared India's move to identify 27 places in Arunachal Pradesh by their standard names as "illegal, null and void," reiterating its claim over the region it calls Zangnan. India has consistently rejected China's renaming attempts, asserting Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India.

China Imposes Sweeping Drone Restrictions Following Beijing Plane Incident

China Imposes Sweeping Drone Restrictions Following Beijing Plane Incident

Rediff.com   10 Aug 2026

China has cancelled drone shows and suspended drone flights across several provinces following a small plane crash in Beijing that raised significant security concerns, especially near top leadership compounds. This move signals a tightening of low-altitude aviation regulations, impacting the burgeoning "low-altitude economy" and civilian drone use, with new laws classifying illegal drone use as a public security threat.

China issues red alert as Typhoon Dolphin hits its eastern coast

China issues red alert as Typhoon Dolphin hits its eastern coast

Rediff.com   9 Aug 2026

China's national observatory issued a red alert -- the highest level in the country's typhoon warning system -- as Typhoon Dolphin hit Zhejiang province on the eastern coast on Sunday afternoon.

How China's Robot Employees Are Revolutionising Park Management

How China's Robot Employees Are Revolutionising Park Management

Rediff.com   5 Aug 2026

China has deployed 72 "robot employees" across Beijing's municipal parks to perform various tasks like cleaning, patrolling, guiding visitors, and pest control. This initiative is part of China's "Robot Plus" strategy, driven by an ageing population and labour shortages, and showcases the growing domestic service robot market. These AI-powered robots enhance efficiency and visitor experience in popular attractions like the Summer Palace and Zizhuyuan Park.

Misri holds key talks in Beijing, reviews India-China relations

Misri holds key talks in Beijing, reviews India-China relations

Rediff.com   28 Jul 2026

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held extensive discussions with China's Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying and other senior officials in Beijing, reviewing bilateral relations, trade, cultural exchanges, and emphasising peace and tranquillity in border areas. His visit aims to advance the vision of both nations as development partners.

10 killed after Typhoon Noul makes landfall in southern China

10 killed after Typhoon Noul makes landfall in southern China

Rediff.com   26 Jul 2026

Ten people were killed in rain-triggered floods in China as Typhoon Noul made landfall early Sunday in the southern province of Guangdong.

Xi Jinping Urges Global Cooperation For Ethical AI Development

Xi Jinping Urges Global Cooperation For Ethical AI Development

Rediff.com   17 Jul 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for global collaboration in artificial intelligence development, emphasising a "symphony of global collaboration" over a "solo performance" by any single nation. Speaking at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, Xi highlighted the need for ethical AI governance, shared prosperity, and addressing challenges like the widening digital divide. He also announced China's commitment to support developing countries with 5,000 AI research projects and training programmes. The event also saw 29 countries sign an agreement to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) in Shanghai.

Xi Jinping Calls For Global AI Collaboration, Not Solo Performance

Xi Jinping Calls For Global AI Collaboration, Not Solo Performance

Rediff.com   17 Jul 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for global collaboration in Artificial Intelligence development, stating it should be a "symphony" rather than a "solo performance." His remarks came at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, where 29 countries also signed an agreement to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), an independent intergovernmental body headquartered in Shanghai. China also pledged 5,000 AI research projects and training for developing nations.