Evening news wrap: Ladakh statehood stir called off after violence; Congress holds first CWC meeting in poll-bound Bihar since 1947, and more

Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday called off his hunger strike demanding statehood for Ladakh after protests in the Union Territory’s capital, Leh, turned violent. He appealed to the youth to remain calm and urged the government to engage in dialogue with them.

The Congress held a meeting of its top decision-making body, the Congress Working Committee (CWC), in Patna ahead of the upcoming Bihar elections. It was the party’s first post-Independence CWC meeting in Bihar, during which several resolutions were adopted.

Here are the top 5 news:

Ladakh violence: Sonam Wangchuk calls off hunger strike; statehood stir ends after 15 days

Activist Sonam Wangchuk on called off his 15-day hunger strike demanding statehood for the Union Territory of Ladakh, following violent protests that broke out in the region’s capital, Leh, news agency PTI reported. "VERY SAD EVENTS IN LEH: My message of peaceful path failed today. I appeal to youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause," Wangchuk posted on X along with a video message. Read more

Bihar SIR, PM Modi's 'huglomacy', Gaza: CWC resolution adopted at Patna meet

The CWC slammed the Centre's foreign policy, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'huglomacy' has backfired and left India diplomatically isolated, unable to secure its national interests. The meeting focused on the assembly election strategy and increasing pressure on the BJP over alleged "vote chori" (vote theft).At a CWC meeting, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge launched a sharp attack on the BJP, accusing it of “vote theft” and communal polarisation. Read more

Big ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ push: Cabinet approves Rs 69,725 crore package for shipbuilding and maritime sector

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Cabinet on Wednesday announced Rs 69,725 crore reforms in the shipbuilding and maritime development sector.The initiative aims to enhance India’s shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure. This strategic package incorporates four key elements focused on strengthening domestic capabilities, enhancing financial frameworks, supporting shipyard expansion, developing technical expertise, and implementing regulatory reforms. Read more

Super Typhoon Ragasa : At least 17 dead after Taiwan barrier lake bursts

The bursting of a barrier lake in Taiwan’s eastern Hualien County has killed at least 17 people, officials said Wednesday, as rescue teams continued operations after Super Typhoon Ragasa unleashed torrential rains across the island."It was like a volcano erupting.... the muddy floodwaters came roaring straight into the first floor of my house," Hsu Cheng-hsiung, 55, a neighbourhood leader of Guangfu township, told AFP.The death toll in Hualien rose to 17 from 14, while the number of missing fell from 152 to 17 as most people have been located, the National Fire Agency said. Read more

'I feel bad for Pakistan players': Former India pacer makes scathing attack at Asia Cup opposition

India’s veteran fast bowler Ishant Sharma has said he feels sorry for the current Pakistan side, pointing out that the team is already under relentless pressure from its own fans and to make things worse, lacks the quality of previous generations.Speaking on the Raj Shamani podcast, Ishant recalled the days when Pakistan had world-class players. “The pressure will be high (during an India vs Pakistan match), but that was more during the time when they had great players like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Saqlain Mushtaq, Afridi... these were great players,” he said. Read more