WESTERN AIR
Ukrainian air base under frequent fire as Russia aims at F-16 arrivals
In the early hours, explosions shattered the calm over Starokostiantyniv as Ukrainian air defenses repelled a Russian attack on this strategic city in western Ukraine. Despite the assault, life quickly returned to normal on the orderly streets. The recent attack underscores Ukraine's challenges in rebuilding its air force and preparing for the arrival of U.S.-supplied F-16s, which Russia aims to neutralize. Residents, accustomed to the constant threat, maintain resilience in this historic military outpost, dubbed Starkon, echoing its legacy as a longstanding bastion of resistance.
Ukrainian air base under fire as Russia aims at F-16 arrivals
In Starokostiantyniv, Ukraine, the resilience of its 30,000 residents is tested daily as Russian attacks target its strategic air base. Recent strikes, including from drones and hypersonic missiles, underscore the city's strategic importance. Despite the danger, locals like Vasyl Muliar and Iryna Sapchuk remain steadfast. They endure constant threats, power outages, and the occasional missile debris in cherry trees. The arrival of U.S.-designed F-16s offers hope against Russian aggression, symbolizing Ukraine's historical spirit of resistance from centuries past to the present day.
Zelenskyy appeals to West to relax targeting limits for Ukraine as glide bombs hammer front line
Recent drone footage released by Ukraine's military shows bodies in the civilian area of Toretsk amid heavy Russian bombardment. Ukrainian rescue services have scaled up evacuation efforts as Russian glide bombs devastate the town. President Zelenskyy reported over 800 glide bomb attacks in the past week and called for increased military aid to counter Russian aircraft. Russian bombs recently struck a postal warehouse in Kharkiv, killing one and injuring nine, while another attack in Vilniansk killed seven civilians and wounded dozens. Russian officials reported Ukrainian shelling injuries and downed drones in various regions.
Indians battle intense heat with 'mad rush' for air conditioners, beer
Demand for beer in India is at a multi-year high, and air conditioner sales are skyrocketing due to the intense, unprecedented heat affecting parts of the country. Temperatures in the Indian capital Delhi and the western state of Rajasthan have soared to almost 50 degrees Celsius in recent weeks. Scientists attribute the increasingly severe hot summer to human-driven climate change.
When will 'Yellowstone' Season 5 Part 2 be released?
After the debut of eight episodes of the fifth season of Yellowstone, the show is all set to premiere the second part of the season. You can stream the first four seasons on Peacock Premium.
Russia, N Korea to work together to counter Western sanctions: Putin says ahead of Pyongyang visit
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his commitment to strengthening ties with North Korea during his upcoming two-day visit to the country, scheduled to begin on Tuesday. In an article published in North Korea's Rodong Sinmun and reported by the state news agency TASS, Putin outlined plans for the two countries to collaborate on building a security architecture in Eurasia, countering Western sanctions, and establishing independent transaction systems.
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Cleaning up Delhi's air requires uncomfortable decisions involving rich people: Sunita Narain
Cleaning Delhi’s air demands tough decisions, not just targeting farmers for stubble burning but addressing major urban sources like transport and industry, says environmentalist Sunita Narain. In a PTI interaction, Narain highlighted that despite governmental measures, erratic weather and insufficient action continue to worsen pollution. She urges aggressive steps, including bringing natural gas under GST to reduce reliance on coal and expanding public transport, essential for significant improvement in air quality.
Russia rehearses delivering tactical nuclear weapons with dummy warheads
Russia conducted drills involving tactical nuclear weapons, deploying dummy warheads to storage points and an airfield amid escalating tensions with the West over Ukraine. President Putin ordered these exercises, which involved multiple military districts. The drills aim to signal Russia's readiness to respond to threats, particularly from Western support for Ukraine. The U.S. and European allies are urged to consider the consequences of escalating the conflict. These drills highlight the ongoing risk of nuclear confrontation and the need for diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions.
Russia fires more missiles and drones at Ukraine ahead of diplomatic efforts to stop the war
Russian forces launched a nighttime missile and drone attack on Kyiv and five other Ukrainian regions, injuring several people. Ukraine's air force intercepted 29 of 30 air targets. President Zelenskyy praised the defense efforts and urged for more Western air defense systems, with the US agreeing to send another Patriot missile system. Upcoming international meetings, including a G7 summit, will focus on supporting Ukraine. Despite Russian advances, Ukrainian forces continue to resist, seeking more Western military aid and preparing for a future counteroffensive.
Iran helicopter crash shows Tehran's reliance on an aging fleet as well as its challenges at home
While the cause of the May 19 crash remains unknown, the sudden death of the hard-line protege of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei exposed the contradictions and challenges facing the country's Shiite theocracy. The Iranian military investigators probing the crash have previously faced international criticism over their report on troops shooting down a Ukrainian airliner in 2020.
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.
In USA's backyard, Russian army to begin naval and air exercises in the Caribbean
Russia is deploying maritime and air assets in the Caribbean region. The US is not concerned at this stage but is closely monitoring the developments.
Sweden, Norway ink long-term security deals with Ukraine
Zelenskyy visited Stockholm as Western nations discuss whether to let Kyiv use weapons provided by them to strike targets inside Russia. The security deals with Sweden and Norway bring to 15 the number of agreements Kyiv has signed with Western nations.
Berlin lets Ukraine use German weapons against targets in Russia after the US also eases its stance
Germany and the United States have authorized Ukraine to target some Russian positions on Russian soil with long-range weapons supplied by the West, marking a significant policy shift amid the ongoing conflict. This decision, aimed at defending the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, comes as Ukrainian forces face challenges from Russian attacks in the region. The move has drawn strong reactions from Moscow, with warnings of potential NATO involvement in the conflict. Western leaders have been cautious about easing restrictions on weapons due to fears of provoking Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Russian missiles kill 4 people in Kharkiv after Biden OKs a Ukrainian response using US weapons
Ukrainian officials have previously accused Russia of targeting rescue workers by hitting residential buildings with two consecutive missiles - the first one to draw emergency crews to the scene and the second one to wound or kill them. The tactic is called a "double tap" in military jargon. Russia used the same method in Syria's civil war.
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.
Delhi shatters all-time high temperature record in India. What is the highest temperature recorded on Earth?
Northern and central India face extreme heatwave with temperatures exceeding 50°C. Death Valley, USA holds the record for the highest temperature at 56.7°C. In India, Prior to Delhi, Phalodi in Rajasthan holds the record of highest ever temperature recorded in India.
Why there is an urgent need for data centres to go green
Data centres are significant consumers of electricity, using approximately 2% of the world’s power and emitting CO2 that is equivalent to the airline industry, a high carbon intensive business.
Seven dead in Russian strikes on Kharkiv as Kyiv pleads for weapons
On Thursday, Russia launched missile strikes on Kharkiv, killing seven people at a printing house and wounding 28 others, as President Zelenskiy criticized Western allies for insufficient military support. The city, heavily bombarded for months, faced an intensified ground offensive beginning May 10, which has reportedly stalled. Around 15 missiles targeted transport infrastructure and the printing house, causing significant damage and casualties. Zelenskiy and other Ukrainian officials have called for more air defense systems, emphasizing the need for greater international assistance to counter Russian attacks effectively.
Russia begins nuclear drills in an apparent warning to West over Ukraine
Russia's military has started drills with tactical nuclear weapons in response to Western officials' comments on deeper involvement in Ukraine. The drills involve non-strategic nuclear weapons like Kinzhal and Iskander missiles in the Southern Military District near Ukraine and Crimea.
Putin says Russia wants a buffer zone in Ukraine's Kharkiv but has no plans to capture the city
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated during a visit to China that Russia's offensive in Ukraine's Kharkiv region aims to create a buffer zone without capturing the city. The offensive began on May 10 and led to intense fighting, displacing thousands. Ukrainian drone attacks on Crimea damaged infrastructure, including an airbase and power plant. Ukraine signed laws to increase troop numbers, allowing prisoners to join the army and imposing higher fines for draft dodgers. The conflict has resulted in casualties and damage on both sides, with Russia pushing for territorial gains.
Massive Ukrainian drone attack on Crimea leaves Sevastopol without power
In a retaliatory move, Ukraine launched a massive drone attack on Crimea, causing a power outage in Sevastopol and setting a refinery ablaze in southern Russia. Russian authorities reported downing 101 drones and repelling Ukrainian advances in northeastern Ukraine. The conflict continues with both sides strategizing and testing defenses along the front line.
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.
Putin says nuclear forces 'always' on alert in Victory Day speech
In a defiant address on Red Square, President Vladimir Putin asserted Russia's nuclear readiness and determination to defend against Western threats. He praised Russian forces in Ukraine and accused Western elites of instigating global conflicts. The Victory Day parade, commemorating the Soviet Union's WWII victory, was marked by Putin's warnings and increased nuclear rhetoric. Despite tensions, several world leaders attended, while Armenia's PM, amidst a spat with Russia, notably did not. Putin's speech reflects a combative stance as Russia advances in Ukraine and he begins an unprecedented fifth term.
Army, IAF conduct joint exercise at multiple locations in Punjab
Indian Army's Kharga Corps and the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a three-day joint exercise in Punjab to validate the use of attack helicopters for mechanised operations. The exercise involved Apache and ALH-WSI helicopters, Unarmed Aerial Vehicles, and special forces of the Indian Army. The exercise aimed to validate force multipliers and ground offensives.
Travelling to Europe or the US? It's now a longer flight
Flights from India to Europe/US are facing delays due to geopolitical tensions and safety concerns, resulting in longer routes. While some relief may be possible as airlines consider resuming flights over Iran, but conflict escalation could disrupt plans.
Swiss report naming Begusarai as world's most polluted city reflects 'Western bias': Bihar PCB
The Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) criticized a Swiss organization's report naming Begusarai as the world's most polluted city, calling it biased. BSPCB questioned the report's methodology, which focused only on PM 2.5 levels and ignored other pollutants. BSPCB Chairman Devendra Kumar Shukla emphasized the need for a comprehensive analysis of air quality, considering all pollutants. He highlighted Begusarai's location in the Indo-Gangetic plain, which contributes to pollution due to wind-blown dust from dry alluvial soil. Shukla also criticized the report for not considering ozone pollution and for relying on data from only one monitoring station in Begusarai.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy calls for western air defence as Russian attacks kill 11
Separate shelling attacks on the frontline regions of Kharkiv in the northeast and Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in the south killed another three people, Ukrainian officials said. "Russia continues to hit civilians," Zelenskyy said in a post on social media.
Zelensky urges Western air defence as Russian attacks kill 11
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the West to provide more air-defence systems urgently as Russian attacks using missiles, drones, and artillery have resulted in at least 11 deaths. The attacks included a drone strike in Odesa that killed eight people, including a child and a baby, and shelling in Kharkiv, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia that killed three. Zelensky emphasized the need for stronger air defences to protect civilians from Russian attacks. Russia's recent advances have put Ukraine in a difficult position, exacerbated by delays in Western aid delivery.
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