BRITISH SECURITY FORCES
Rishi Sunak's campaign to stay British PM showed his lack of political touch
Predecessors such as Tony Blair and Boris Johnson were more politically astute and able to connect with voters. As for Sunak, he didn't have to call the election until Jan. 2025. He defied political advice by doing so in May - with Conservative support dwindling steadily amid an economic slump, ethics scandals and a revolving door of leaders over the last two years - and announced the July 4 date in the pouring rain.
India's Rudram-1 Missile: How does it stack up against global competitors?
Rudram 1 Missile: India has successfully tested its first indigenous anti-radiation missile, the Rudram-1, developed by DRDO for the Indian Air Force. Integrated with Sukhoi-30MKI jets, it targets radiation sources with INS-GPS navigation and a Passive Homing Head, crucial for Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD). Compared globally, Rudram-1 enhances India's SEAD capabilities against adversaries like the US (AGM-88 HARM), Russia (Kh-58), UK (ALARM), China (FT-2000), Iran (Hormoz-2), and Brazil (MAR-1). This milestone strengthens India's defense against regional threats, showcasing its technological prowess and commitment to indigenous defense innovation.
The Saipan surprise: How delicate talks led to the unlikely end of Julian Assange's 12-year saga
About a year and a half ago, a lawyer for Julian Assange presented federal prosecutors in Virginia with a request to dismiss the case against him. This move was notable given Assange's publication of hundreds of thousands of secret documents and his status as perhaps the highest-profile detainee facing a U.S. extradition request. The Justice Department was involved in a battle in British courts to extradite him to the United States for trial.
Britain's Rishi Sunak struggles with missteps while trying to lift Conservatives ahead of elections
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has faced scrutiny over his political instincts during the general election campaign, which started five weeks ago. His actions have not always reflected the seasoned touch of past leaders like Tony Blair or Boris Johnson, evidenced by some notable campaign missteps.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange pleads guilty in deal with US that secures his freedom, ends legal fight
Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, pleaded guilty to obtaining and publishing U.S. military secrets, ending a prolonged legal battle over press freedom and national security. The deal, struck in Saipan, allows Assange to return to Australia without U.S. prison time. Assange had been jailed in the UK since 2019, resisting extradition. The plea resolves a Trump-era criminal case and highlights Assange's role in revealing military misconduct. His wife expressed relief, and Assange's supporters celebrate his impending freedom.
UK's Princess of Wales makes first public appearance since cancer diagnosis
Catherine, Princess of Wales, on Saturday tentatively returned to UK public life for the first time since being diagnosed with cancer, attending a military parade in London to mark King Charles III's official birthday. "I'm looking forward to attending the King's Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer," the princess added.
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Five Eyes issue report over China recruiting US fighter pilots to boost air defence abilities
The Five Eyes alliance released a report stating China is actively recruiting Western fighter pilots to enhance its air defense and counter Western tactics, Voice of America reported. These pilots, hired through private firms in South Africa and China, help train Chinese pilots and provide insights into Western military practices. The Five Eyes warn this poses a persistent threat. Efforts to recruit target pilots from member countries, France, Germany, and other Western nations. China has not commented on these allegations.
Top US and Chinese defence officials seek to restore communications as tensions rise in Indo-Pacific
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun for the first time in person since 2022. The two discussed tensions in the Indo-Pacific region at the Shangri-La defence forum. The US emphasised freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. China accused the US of inflaming regional security. Both countries are restoring defence contacts and plan to resume military-to-military communications.
France's Macron urges a green light for Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia with Western weapons
French President Emmanuel Macron urged Western allies to allow Ukraine to strike Russian military bases using long-range weapons provided by the West. Macron's call, echoed by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, comes amid Ukraine's struggles due to delayed military aid and shortages. While Western leaders have been cautious, fearing escalation, Macron emphasized targeting only Russian bases launching attacks on Ukraine. The U.S. remains hesitant, maintaining restrictions on using its weapons to strike inside Russia. Recent European pledges include significant military support from Belgium, Spain, and Sweden.
Russia starts exercise with tactical nuclear weapons
Russia's Foreign Ministry has cited comments by French President Emmanuel Macron, who floated the possibility of sending European troops to fight Russia in Ukraine, and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who said Ukraine had the right to use weapons provided by London to strike targets inside Russia.
Why is Russia holding nuclear exercises - and what to watch for?
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his military to conduct drills involving the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons, citing perceived threats from France, Britain, and the United States. The drills will include missile forces, aviation, and the navy from the Southern Military District, near Ukraine, as well as Belarus. Russia linked the drills to what it called "militant statements" by Western officials. While nuclear powers routinely conduct nuclear exercises, it is rare to explicitly link such drills to ongoing conflicts.
US calls on Iran to halt unprecedented weapons transfers to Yemen's Houthis for attacks on ships
The United States urged Iran to stop sending an "unprecedented" amount of weapons to Yemen's Houthi rebels, enabling them to carry out "reckless attacks" on ships. U.S. deputy ambassador Robert Wood called on the U.N. Security Council to hold Iran accountable for violating sanctions and strengthen enforcement measures. The conflict in Yemen, exacerbated by external actors like Iran, has led to significant civilian casualties and a dire humanitarian situation, with millions displaced and facing food scarcity and disease outbreaks.
NSA Doval, UK counterpart discuss critical tech, global issues during strategic dialogue
During this meeting, both top officials held a discussion focused on the Technology and Security Initiative, which will be a major bilateral mechanism to strengthen cooperation in critical and emerging technologies between the two countries, according to government officials.
Nationwide computer outage causes lengthy delays for travelers at major UK airports
A nationwide computer breakdown caused delays at immigration at Heathrow. Home Office verified that there was no indication of a cyberattack. Border Force worked in conjunction with several airports. There have been no reported flight interruptions. To review for future prevention by the authorities.
Canada's ex-Defence Minister rubbishes report claiming Trudeau forced to accept meeting about Khalistani activists to land in Punjab during 2018 trip
India and Canada are dealing with an unprecedented diplomatic crisis, after the Canadian Prime Minister accused Indian government agents in 2023 of killing India-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Vladimir Putin orders tactical nuclear weapons drills amid Western 'threats'
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russian forces to conduct exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons in response to perceived "threats" from the West, according to CNN. This marks the first public announcement of such drills by Russia, following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The exercises will focus on preparations and deployment scenarios for non-strategic nuclear weapons, which are designed for battlefield use with lower destructive capabilities than strategic nuclear weapons.
India can't, in the name of open economy, open up its national security to work with China: S Jaishankar
From the big shifts in foreign policy under the Modi government, the China challenge to CAA and the heat and dust of electoral politics, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar touched on a range of topics in a freewheeling discussion at the ET Roundtable.
Like US, India should get less coy about surgically targeting credible threats to national security
The two incidents - the killing of Anwar al-Aulaqi by the US, and the alleged plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun by Indian agents - tend to find further resonance with each other when considering then-attorney general (AG) Eric Holder's letter to senator Pat Leahy, '[High] level officials appropriately concluded that al-Aulaqi posed a continuing and imminent threat of violent attack against the United States.
Miscalculation leads to escalation as Israel and Iran clash
The tense situation between Israel and Iran escalated dramatically. The Israeli strike, which killed several senior Iranian commanders, caught the United States off guard, leading to private expressions of anger from U.S. officials towards Israel for not consulting them beforehand. Iran retaliated with a barrage of more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel, signaling a significant shift in the conflict dynamics. The unexpected scale of Iran's response raised fears of an all-out war, prompting concerns about further escalation.
Modi has his 'surgical strike' moment again before Lok Sabha polls
The Guardian report alleging Indian involvement in targeted assassinations in Pakistan may impact Modi's election campaign, resonating with the 2019 surgical strikes narrative and reinforcing India's aggressive stance against terrorism. Just before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, which are scheduled to begin form April 19, once again Prime Minister Narendra Modi is having a 'surgical strike' moment of sorts.
How well do Prince Harry and Prince William know Sean 'Diddy' Combs? Here's what reports say
Despite his efforts to cultivate an image of a smooth party kingpin and business magnate, multiple lawsuits describe Sean 'Diddy' Combs as a violent man who used his celebrity to prey on his victims. Though he has no major convictions, he has long been trailed by allegations of physical assault, dating back well into the 1990s.
Indian Navy's capture of pirate ship showcases India's world-class special forces: Western analysts
Indian Navy's successful rescue operation off Somalia's coast showcased top-class special forces capabilities, including the use of coordinated forces and advanced technology. Experts commend the Navy's professionalism and training, highlighting the potential impact on global security.
Australia earmarks billions for naval infrastructure as BAE wins AUKUS submarine work
Australia announced plans to invest billions in docks, shipyards, and factories in Australia and Britain for nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS security pact. The agreement with the United States and Britain will see Australia purchase up to five nuclear submarines from Washington in the early 2030s and jointly build and operate a new class, SSN-AUKUS, with Britain about a decade later. Australia will give Britain £2.4 billion ($3.1 billion) toward design work for the submarines and expand a Rolls-Royce plant that builds nuclear reactors.
India, what's cooking?
It's not an exaggeration to say that 'Raisina Dialogue' brings together more disparate voices than other such conclaves, especially those in the West, and attempts a vastly better geographical distribution of those voices. This year was exceptional, with more than 2,500 participants from 115 countries - the Nordics, Baltics, islanders, old powers, new players and lone rangers were all there with their smart takes.
Ship targeted in suspected Yemen Houthi rebel drone attack in southern Red Sea as tensions high
Authorities reported that a ship navigating through the southern Red Sea was targeted by a suspected drone operated by Yemen's Houthi rebels early on Tuesday. This incident marks the latest in a series of attacks on vessels amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Russia's Medvedev says any UK troop deployment to Ukraine would be a declaration of war
Belgorod, in southern Russia, is located close to the Ukrainian border and has been targeted by Ukrainian rockets and drones in recent months. In the incident referred to by Medvedev on Dec. 30, Russia said at least 20 people had been killed, including two children, and 111 injured in what it called an "indiscriminate" Ukrainian strike using cluster bombs.
British honeymooners tragically killed in Uganda terrorist attack
A British businessman and his wife were killed in a suspected terrorist attack during their honeymoon in Uganda. David Barlow and Celia Barlow were the victims of an attack carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group linked to the Islamic State. The incident occurred in a national park near the border with Congo. The couple was known and loved in their community, and their tragic deaths have prompted an outpouring of tributes.
Khalistan supporters gather outside Indian Embassy in UK, security beefed up
There has been a heavy presence of British security forces at the High Commission in London, and the protesters have been restricted to the opposite side of the building.
Security stepped up outside Canadian High Commission in Delhi: Police
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 45, the chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and one of India's most-wanted terrorists who carried a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh on his head, was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen outside a gurdwara in Surrey in the western Canadian province of British Columbia on June 18.
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