China and India have withdrawn their troops from the face-off point at Daulat Beg Oldie near the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh. Defence and external affairs sources said in New Delhi that the agreement was reached after intense negotiations via diplomatic channels and the modalities were worked out at the fourth flag meeting between Indian and Chinese commanders. The National Security Advisor briefed the Prime Minister about the withdrawal, which was completed at 7:30 PM last evening. Our correspondent reports that both sides have now withdrawn their troops to positions held prior to April 15th, the status quo that India had pushed for and China had not agreed to in three previous flag meetings.

Over 70 per cent voter turnout recorded in Karnataka Assembly elections

A 70.23 per cent voter turnout was recorded in Karnataka Assembly elections yesterday. While Udupi district has recorded the highest 76.96 per cent voting, Bangalore Urban has witnessed the lowest turnout of 52.83 per cent. The polling was held in 223 constituencies out of the 224-member Assembly. Election in Periyapatna in Mysore district has been postponed to May the 28th, following the death of a BJP candidate.

A total of 2,940 candidates were in the fray for the polls. Counting of votes will be taken up on Wednesday. Prominent candidates include Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Siddaramaiah, and former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa.