Podcasts about defence ministry

Silicon Bites Ep355 | 2026-06-19 | A communist deputy from Buryatia has just told Putin the country is on the brink of a social explosion. How did it come to this, when Kyiv was supposed to fall in 3 days? No sirens, no shelters, no truth: why the Russian state no longer protects its own people, why the Z-bloggers are being forced to cover it up.On the morning of Thursday 18 June 2026, approximately 200 Ukrainian drones entered Russian airspace heading for Moscow. The Russian capital has the most concentrated, most layered, most expensive air-defence architecture in the world — A-135M, S-400, S-300PM2, Pantsir-S1, Tor-M2, with Pantsirs mounted on the roofs of the Foreign and Defence Ministry buildings in the city centre. Three to four concentric defensive rings around Moscow itself.----------ACTIVE CAMPAIGN:We are raising funds for 5 of 15 Vampire DronesSilicon Curtain for Kupiansk Vampires. Dzyga's Paw, together with Jonathan Fink, is joining forces to raise $40,000 to provide the Khartiia Brigade with Vampire Drones.https://dzygaspaw.com/silicon-curtain-for-kupiansk-vampiresThese heavy bombers are designed to destroy manpower and equipment, as well as for remote mining. The Vampire UAV, manufactured by Skyfall, has proven itself to be one of the most effective weapons in the Kupiansk direction. Skyfall is one of Ukraine's largest defense tech companies, producing Vampire bomber drones, various modifications of Shrike FPV drones, P1-SUN, Shahed drone interceptors, communication systems, and components.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.org----------SOURCES:----------

Russia's security presence in Africa may be entering a new chapter, with the Central African Republic at the heart of the story. Reports suggest Moscow is looking to replace private military operatives,Wagner Group with Africa Corps, a force overseen by Russia's Defence Ministry. But the handover appears far from straightforward, raising questions about Russia's influence across the continent, the future of its security partnerships, and what it all means for the Central African Republic.And in China, an online trend involving dark-skinned dolls known as Natasha Dolls, fuels discussion about racism and discrimination. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Chiamaka Dike and Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Indian manufacturing has delivered a massive structural surprise! The Nifty closed 0.4% higher today, fueled by the Defence Ministry's latest data showing a roaring 15.6% YoY growth in domestic production and an all-time high of ₹38,424 crore in exports. Join tonight's wrap-up as we break down the long-term investment roadmap for top defence engineering stocks.

Indian manufacturing has delivered a massive structural surprise! The Nifty closed 0.4% higher today, fueled by the Defence Ministry's latest data showing a roaring 15.6% YoY growth in domestic production and an all-time high of ₹38,424 crore in exports. Join tonight's wrap-up as we break down the long-term investment roadmap for top defence engineering stocks.

Indian manufacturing has delivered a massive structural surprise! The Nifty closed 0.4% higher today, fueled by the Defence Ministry's latest data showing a roaring 15.6% YoY growth in domestic production and an all-time high of ₹38,424 crore in exports. Join tonight's wrap-up as we break down the long-term investment roadmap for top defence engineering stocks.

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, The UAE tells a UN Security Council meeting that an attack on its Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is a "red line" that constitutes a dangerous escalation. In Washington, the US Senate has advanced a war powers resolution on Iran that would require President Donald Trump to obtain congressional authorisation to resume the military campaign beyond 60 days. Bahrain and Jordan have imposed 30-day travel bans on visitors from central African countries due to the Ebola outbreak. A car bomb that exploded outside a Defence Ministry building in central Damascus on Tuesday has killed one soldier and wounded several people. In the UAE, a Dh1 billion International Space Co-operation Programme was announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, to boost the country's role in the global space sector. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

2026-05-11 | UPDATES #199 | While Zelenskyy was signing satirical decrees, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova were performing the other half of the regime's choreography: the threat.The Russian Foreign Ministry, captured by Pravda EN, RFE/RL, the Washington Times, and TASS, issued what RFE/RL called "a belligerent warning to Kyiv, and diplomatic missions there" — threatening to "attack the Ukrainian capital if Ukraine did in fact disrupt the May 9 events." The Foreign Ministry advised foreign embassies and international organisations located in Kyiv to evacuate their offices in case of such a strike. The Defence Ministry urged civilians to evacuate as well. Moscow is a thug and a bully, and these threats are completely in character. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------ACTIVE CAMPAIGN:We are raising funds for 5 of 15 Vampire DronesSilicon Curtain for Kupiansk Vampires. Dzyga's Paw, together with Jonathan Fink, is joining forces to raise $40,000 to provide the Khartiia Brigade with Vampire Drones.https://dzygaspaw.com/silicon-curtain-for-kupiansk-vampiresThese heavy bombers are designed to destroy manpower and equipment, as well as for remote mining. The Vampire UAV, manufactured by Skyfall, has proven itself to be one of the most effective weapons in the Kupiansk direction. Skyfall is one of Ukraine's largest defense tech companies, producing Vampire bomber drones, various modifications of Shrike FPV drones, P1-SUN, Shahed drone interceptors, communication systems, and components.----------PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------SOURCES: Ukrainska Pravda — "Ukraine officially allows Russia to hold Victory Day parade in Moscow: Zelenskyy signs decree" (8 May 2026) Mediaite — "Zelensky Trolls Putin By Announcing Ukraine Will Honor Ceasefire for Moscow Parade — By Including Exact Military Coordinates" (8 May 2026) Mezha — "Zelenskyy allows Moscow parade and excludes Red Square from weapons plan" (8 May 2026) RBC-Ukraine — "Zelenskyy allows a parade in Moscow on May 9" (8 May 2026) LIGA.net — "Zelenskyy's decree allows parade to be held in Moscow" (8 May 2026) Euronews — "Trump announces three-day of ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia" (8 May 2026) Washington Times / AP — "What Russia's low-key Victory Day celebrations reveal about Putin and the war in Ukraine" (8 May 2026)Pravda EN / English Pravda — "Lavrov Warns of 'No Mercy' for Attempts to Disrupt Victory Day Celebrations" (7-8 May 2026) Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty — "Ukraine Says It Hit Russian Caspian Sea Warship; Kremlin Boosts Security For May 9 Victory Day" (7 May 2026) TASS / Pravda Armenia — "From a briefing by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, M.V.Zakharova" (7 May 2026) Pravda Trump — Yuri Baranchik commentary (7 May 2026) ----------

Putin didn't pick a battlefield hero to run Russia's Defence Ministry. He picked Andrei Belousov, an economist with a planner's instincts and a technocrat's patience. Thats what the Kremlin thinks it needs most right now: a 'Quartermaster-in-Chief,' who wouldn't tangle with Chief of the General Staff Gerasimov, but instead focus in procurement that works, production at scale, drones that reach units fast, and a defence industrial complex that can keep up with an ugly, grinding war economy. He is satisfying Putin, the generals and society -- for now. But his legitimacy depends on results, he is boxed in by a team of deputies representing other factions and interests, and in many ways the real tests begin when the war ends.The podcast's corporate partner and sponsor is Conducttr, which provides software for innovative and immersive crisis exercises in hybrid warfare, counter-terrorism, civil affairs and similar situations.You can also follow my blog, In Moscow's Shadows, and become one of the podcast's supporting Patrons and gain question-asking rights and access to exclusive extra materials including the (almost-) weekly Govorit Moskva news briefing right here. Support the show

Silicon Bites Ep312 | 2026-04-03 | Ten oil refineries. Twelve S-300 and S-400 air defence systems. Five strategic factories. Fourteen fuel depots. Three warships. Two naval missile systems. And a single microchip plant that has just halted Iskander missile production for six months. Putin is not a Master Strategist, and his war against Ukraine is not going well. That is the March scorecard. And Ukraine's Defence Ministry has now confirmed it: March 2026 was the most damaging single month of strategic strikes against Russia's military-industrial complex since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. While the Western media was focused on Trump's NATO threats and the Iran war and Orbán's election campaign, Ukraine was quietly, methodically, and with increasing range and precision, dismantling the infrastructure that Russia needs to keep killing Ukrainians. Factory by factory. Refinery by refinery. Air defence system by system.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------SOURCES:Euromaidan Press / Ukraine Defence Ministry — "March from hell: Ukraine hits 10 refineries, 12 air defence systems, 5 Russian factories, halting missile chip supply for 6 months" (April 2, 2026)Euromaidan Press — "Ukraine obliterates main workshop at Bryansk microelectronics plant — Iskander missile assembly will hit critical snag" (March 11, 2026) — Kuzan on Iskander production disruption; 6-month halt; grey-market chip assembly problemUkrainska Pravda — "Ukraine's General Staff releases footage of Storm Shadow strike on Bryansk plant" (March 10, 2026) — "Brains and nervous system of modern weapons"; General Staff statement; Zelenskyy confirmationUkrainska Pravda (OSINT) — "OSINT reveals details of Storm Shadow strike on Kremniy EL plant in Bryansk" (March 11, 2026) — CyberBoroshno route tracking; 16:52 detection; 16:59 first impact; 413th Regiment aerial reconnaissanceUnited24 Media — "Ukraine Destroys Kremniy El Microchip Plant Behind Russian Missiles" (March 2026) — Comparison of Storm Shadow vs previous drone strikes; Iskander and Izdeliye-30 supply halted; products list including Pantsir, S-300, S-400, Topol-M, Bulava, KalibrRBC-Ukraine — "Strike on Bryansk plant could halt Iskander chip supply for six months" (March 2026) — Production halted ~6 months; main building + warehouse fire sizes; Flamingo missiles on Votkinsk plant cross-referenceKyiv Post — "Ukraine Uses Storm Shadow to Blast Russian Microelectronics Plant" (March 10, 2026) — Founded 1958; 1,200+ component types; 90%+ defence ministry output; full weapons systems listWashington Post — "Ukraine strikes Russian electronics plant that builds missile components" (March 12, 2026) — Washington Post confirmation of Kyiv claimsThe Moscow Times — "Ukrainian Missiles Strike Major Microchip Factory in Bryansk" (March 10, 2026) — Seven killed confirmed; Kremlin accused Britain; Bogomaz casualty statement; Bryansk mourning day----------

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Nikhila Henry about the upcoming Kerala elections and the current situation in the state. She elaborates on the campaigns being conducted by the parties, the predictions for the elections, what makes this one different and more. Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Jayprakash S. Naidu about the situation in Chhattisgarh's remote areas that have experienced Maoist dominance over the years. He shares how the Defence Ministry's BRO has been building roads and bridges to connect these remote areas to the more prominent regions of the state. (14:18)Lastly, we talk about the Lok Sabha passing the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which will change the capital of the state. (22:47)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava, Niharika Nanda, and Ichha Sharma Edited and mixed by Suresh PawarLinks to our episodes that cover the upcoming elections:Assam: https://indianexpress.com/audio/3-things/assam-bjp-red-faced-odisha-farm-unrest-and-iaf-to-get-114-rafael-jets/10529424/West Bengal: https://indianexpress.com/audio/3-things/a-minority-front-in-bengal-farmers-on-strike-and-raga-slams-india-us-deal/10527502/Tamil Nadu:https://indianexpress.com/audio/3-things/vijays-political-entry-khameneis-death-and-welfare-scheme-lapses/10563878/ https://indianexpress.com/audio/3-things/tamil-nadus-poll-mandate-pakistan-as-peacemaker-and-a-rare-birth/10608553/

Rassela Malinda – Papua, development and politics from below In his inauguration speech in October 2024 President Prabowo Subianto reiterated his campaign pledge to “achieve food security in the shortest possible time”. He was not the first Indonesian president to make such a declaration. For Jokowi's administration too and now Prabowo's, West Papua occupies a central place in its ambitions to achieve both food and energy security, with the rollout of massive sugarcane and palm oil plantations to meet increasing biofuel targets, as well as mega rice production. These plans involve the clearing and development of hundreds of thousands of hectares of forests, the customary lands of the indigenous peoples of these regions. Resource extraction at such scale by the state and the corporations is backed by military force, often rendering the indigenous communities helpless to respond. But some are fighting back. So just what recourse do the customary owners of the forests of Papua have to resist and take a stand, in the face of such powerful forces? In this week's episode Jemma chats with Rassela Malinda, a PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne who lived and worked with indigenous communities in Papua and whose research gives us rare insights into their struggles from below. She previously worked with the NGO Yayasan Pusaka Bentala Rakyat whose report she draws on in this podcast. In 2026, the Talking Indonesia podcast is co-hosted by Dr Jemma Purdey from the Australia-Indonesia Centre, Dr Jacqui Baker from Murdoch University, Dr Elisabeth Kramer from the University of New South Wales, Tito Ambyo from RMIT and Dr Clara Siagian from University College, London. Image 1: Indigenous activists protesting Merauke food estate project in front of Defence Ministry in Jakarta – October 16, 2024 (Photo by Afriadi Hikmal/Greenpeace)

Silicon Bites Ep303 | 2026-03-16 | Moscow is getting a taste — a tiny taste — of what Ukrainians have lived with for years. May it continue and grow ever more inconvenient for Muscovites. For a second straight day, Russian officials were reporting drones headed for the Russian capital. On Saturday, March 14, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Russian air defences had downed 65 drones bound for Moscow over roughly 11 hours. Reuters reported that Russia's Defence Ministry claimed 280 drones were intercepted across central and western Russia during a 10-hour period, including 47 targeting Moscow. That already made it the biggest drone attack on the Moscow region this year by Russian official count.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------SOURCES:Reuters, March 14, 2026 — Russian air defences down 65 drones headed for Moscow, mayor says. AP, March 14, 2026 — Moscow struggles with cellphone internet outages. AP, March 14, 2026 — Russian strike on Kyiv region kills 4 people and wounds 15 as peace talks are stalled (includes Russia's claim of 87 drones overnight and flight restrictions near Moscow). Kyiv Independent, March 14, 2026 — Moscow attacked by over 60 drones in single day, mayor says. TASS, March 15, 2026 — Drone attack on Moscow becomes largest this year — TASS calculations. Reuters, May 16, 2023 — Kremlin reaction to CIA outreach; includes context that Russia raised the maximum penalty for treason to life.AP, 2024 — A Russian charged with sending video of military equipment to Ukraine gets 14 years in prison. ----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------

The United States and Israel's war with Iran is in its sixth day today. The Defence Ministry of the UAE has said it has intercepted and destroyed six ballistic missiles and over one hundred drones with some debris falling inside the country. In Lebanon, the Israeli Defence Forces has urged residents of the southern suburbs of Beirut to evacuate their homes immediately.For the latest analysis, Ciara is joined by Fawaz Gerges, Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science.Image: Reuters

Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as 'El Mencho', was killed in a military raid in Jalisco after being seriously injured in a shootout, dying during an air transfer to Mexico City.The US provided intelligence support for the operation, as confirmed by Mexico's Defence Ministry.The US had designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a terrorist organization and offered a reward for information leading to Oseguera's capture.Following Oseguera's death, violent protests with roadblocks and burning vehicles occurred in Jalisco and other states.At the Human Rights Council opening in Geneva, Guterres warned human rights are under attack globally and said `This assault is not coming from the shadows. It is happening in plain sight—and often led by those who hold the greatest power`.Guterres blamed political choices and donor shifts, citing US President Donald Trump's 2025 aid cuts and other major donors' follow suit, weakening rights enforcement.Across conflicts from Sudan to Myanmar, Guterres pointed to mass civilian suffering and said, "Humanitarian needs are exploding while funding collapses," targeting refugees, LGBTIQ+ communities, minorities, and indigenous peoples.The U.N. human rights office is now in "survival mode", Guterres said, as funding shortages blocked two 2025 investigations and Washington paid about $160 million of over $4 billion owed.Looking ahead, climate and AI pose accelerating threats to rights, the UN warned as António Guterres and Volker Türk said the two-state solution is being stripped away in broad daylight amid rising domination.The United States will withdraw from the U.N. Human Rights Council and will not resume funding for the U.N. agency helping Palestinian refugees, as announced by President Donald Trump.The U.S. previously left the Human Rights Council last year and cut funding to UNRWA after allegations from Israel that it housed Hamas militants, which UNRWA denies.Trump's announcement coincided with a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who claims both the rights body and UNRWA are biased against Israel.The decision to end funding to UNRWA follows legislation that halted American funding until March 2025, confirming it will not be restored under Trump.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/policy-and-rights--3339563/support.

China's Defence Ministry dismisses Australia's criticism over military conduct in South China Sea, UN says it's providing aid to displaced people in Sudan, Geelong coach Chris Scott denies the club is struggling with star midfielder Bailey Smith's off-field behaviour

We explore the duties and challenges of military chaplains from two nations: Britain and Canada. Ian Wheatley, recorded at the Defence Ministry in Westminster, London, serves as Chaplain of the Fleet of the Royal Navy in the United Kingdom. Next, we visit with Padre Guy Chapdelaine, a soft-spoken Canadian who currently serves as Chaplain General […]

We explore the duties and challenges of military chaplains from two nations: Britain and Canada. Ian Wheatley, recorded at the Defence Ministry in Westminster, London, serves as Chaplain of the Fleet of the Royal Navy in the United Kingdom. Next, we visit with Padre Guy Chapdelaine, a soft-spoken Canadian who currently serves as Chaplain General […]

Edition No216 | 06-08-2025 - Belarus's New Martial Law Proposal. Today, we unpack Belarus's proposal to expand martial law and what it might mean—not just for Belarus, but for Ukraine, its NATO neighbours, and Europe's beleaguered democracies.In August 2025, Belarus's Defence Ministry submitted a new bill giving it the power to declare martial law not only in the case of aggression against Belarus, but also if Russia or the “Union State”—their supranational alliance—is attacked (The New Voice of Ukraine). As one summary put it, "if, for example, a Ukrainian drone strikes Russian territory, Belarus could legally impose martial law on its own soil".The official justification: Belarus cites threats to the Russian‑Belarusian Union State, an integrated bloc formed in the 1990s to align foreign, economic, and defence policies between Russia and Belarus (UNITED24 Media). Now it's a matter of debate whether Belarus can be considered a sovereign and independent country, given that its policy making is so closely aligned with Kremlin ambitions and intentions. ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: * Militarnyi.com, “Belarus Proposes Introducing Martial Law…” (Aug 2025) * NV.ua / RBC.ua, “Belarus may declare martial law…” (Aug 2025) * Belsat.eu, on expanding grounds for martial law * Wikipedia Union State, treaty ratification details March 2025 (Wikipedia)* EUNEWS.eu, EU suspects Belarus behind migrant flows from Libya (Aug 2025)* Maghrebi.org, investigation linking Belarus in Libya migration (Aug 2025)* Wikipedia and other sources on weaponised migration (Wikipedia)* EU records: Frontex stats 2024 rising Belarus route by 192% (Reuters)* Reuters & Politico / Newsweek on Lithuanian drone incidents (Aug 5 2025) * Kyiv Independent on drone carrying explosives* CEPA analysis of Baltic hybrid drone threat ----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------

Hamas has confirmed it submitted its response to an Israeli proposal for a 60-day Gaza ceasefire to negotiators. The response included proposed amendments to clauses on the entry of aid, maps of areas from which the Israeli army should withdraw, and guarantees on securing a permanent end to the war, according to a Palestinian source familiar with ongoing talks in Doha. Negotiators from both sides have been holding indirect talks in Doha with mediators in an attempt to reach an agreement on a truce deal. Türkiye has rejected a motion passed by the Israeli Knesset to annex the occupied West Bank, calling it ""null and void"" under international law and warning it poses a grave threat to regional stability. The Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the West Bank is Palestinian territory under Israeli occupation since 1967. It added that any attempt by Israel to annex it constituted an illegitimate and provocative effort aimed at undermining peace efforts. Armed clashes have broken out between Thailand and Cambodia along a disputed area of their border, the militaries of both countries said, each accusing the other of firing the first shots after weeks of simmering tension. The Thai military said in a statement that Cambodian troops had opened fire in an area near the disputed Ta Moan Thom temple. A spokesperson for Cambodia's Defence Ministry said there had been an unprovoked incursion by Thai troops and Cambodian forces had responded in self-defence. Protests in central Kiev against a law that curbs the power of anti-corruption agencies have continued as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy promised a new bill. The legislation, removing the independence of two key anti-corruption bodies, sparked the first major protests in Ukraine since the conflict with Russia began over three years ago. Zelenskyy responded to the backlash, saying he would submit a new bill ensuring "all norms for the independence of anti-corruption institutions will be in place". A federal appeals court has ruled that President Donald Trump's effort to end birthright citizenship is unconstitutional, upholding a lower-court decision that blocked the policy from taking effect across the United States. The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed that Trump's executive order, which was aimed at ending automatic citizenship for children born on US soil to noncitizen parents, violated the Constitution. The decision aligns with a previous ruling by a federal judge in New Hampshire, who also found the order unlawful and issued a nationwide injunction.

Syria is investigating violence that erupted in Sweida this month. US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee visited the occupied West Bank on Wednesday. Saudi Arabia invests in Syria. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: US ambassador meets Palestinian official on first Ramallah visit Syria's Defence Ministry to investigate claims of 'shocking violations' in Sweida Saudi Arabia expected to sign $4bn worth of deals as it holds investment forum in Syria This episode features Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent; Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent; and Dana Alomar, Future Editor. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Today's host was Michael Wear, Founder, President and CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life.    Thanks for listening to The Morning Five! Please subscribe to and rate The Morning Five on your favorite podcast platform. Learn more about the work of the Center for Christianity and Public Life at www.ccpubliclife.org. Scripture: Psalm 46 Top Headlines: 1) Senate Begins Vote-a-Rama on White House Spending Cuts 2) House Republicans Push to Release Epstein Files 3) Israel Attacks Syrian Defence Ministry Today's host was Michael Wear, Founder, President, and CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life.   Join the conversation and follow us at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@michaelwear⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, @ccpubliclife Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MichaelRWear⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, @ccpubliclife and check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tsfnetwork⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music by: King Sis #politics #faith #prayer #Israel #Syria #Senate #House #Spending #PEPFAR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PREVIEW: GERMANY DEFENCE MINISTRY: Colleague Judy Dempsey in Berlin comments on the robust and charismatic Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius who is driving Germany and the EU/NATO to rearm. More to come. 1914 BRUSSELS

Israeli air strike on Gaza school kills over 20 Palestinians "At least 20 Palestinians were killed and dozens were wounded after an Israeli air strike hit a Gaza school sheltering displaced families, local officials say. Women and children were among the victims, with some bodies severely burned. Israel's genocidal war, now in its five-hundred-ninety-seventh day, has claimed over fifty-three-thousand-nine-hundred Palestinian lives, with more than eleven-thousand still missing under the rubble. Global outrage is growing as humanitarian conditions for Palestinians worsen due to the Israeli blockade. Meanwhile, Israel's Defence Ministry has overspent its war budget by four-point-seventeen billion dollars, sparking heated tensions with the Finance Ministry, which warns the gap may reach $7 billion. " Putin has gone absolutely crazy after Ukraine attack: Trump "US President Donald Trump has fiercely condemned his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, saying he's “gone absolutely crazy” after Moscow's massive weekend missile attack on Ukraine. Trump accused Putin of deliberately killing civilians and warned that trying to seize all of Ukraine could trigger Russia's downfall. While distancing himself from the conflict, Trump calls this conflict “Zelenskyy's, Putin's, and Biden's war.” The latest Russian assault is recorded as one of the largest strikes since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began three years ago." US delays EU tariffs while negotiating trade terms "US President Donald Trump has agreed to delay a looming 50 percent tariff on EU goods until July 9, following talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Trump called the extension a ""privilege,"" while von der Leyen pledged swift, decisive negotiations to secure a fair deal. The move signals a temporary thaw in US-EU trade tensions, although key disputes over tariffs and regulations still loom, calming jittery global markets for now." Pakistan channels surplus power into bitcoin mining "In a bold tech-forward move, Pakistan will channel 2,000 megawatts of surplus electricity to bitcoin mining and AI data centres, the finance ministry announced. Spearheaded by the Pakistan Crypto Council, the initiative aims to harness excess power, boost high-tech employment, and attract global investment. Amid rising tariffs and a solar surge, the plan marks phase one of a sweeping digital infrastructure rollout designed to monetise idle energy and reshape the nation's tech landscape." Fenerbahce Beko win their second EuroLeague title "Turkish basketball club Fenerbahce Beko claims their second Turkish Airlines EuroLeague title, beating AS Monaco 81-70 in a thrilling final. The Istanbul giants dazzled with sharp shooting and relentless defence, led by standout performances from Nigel Hayes and Marko Guduric. Under coach Sarunas Jasikevicius's strategic guidance, Fenerbahce sealed a historic win, becoming the only Turkish club with multiple EuroLeague crowns."

Houthis vow to attack US warships, carriers "Yemen's Houthi leader Abdul Malik al Houthi vowed to intensify attacks in response to US military operations, warning that drones and missiles will target American warships and aircraft carriers. Speaking in a video statement, al Houthi declared they would respond to escalation with escalation and accused the US of turning the sea into a battlefield. He also said that the US would now be included in the Houthi-imposed naval blockade, alongside Israel, as long as its aggression persists." Armenian forces attack Azerbaijani troops: Baku "Azerbaijan on Sunday said that its military positions were fired upon by Armenian forces in three separate incidents along the border. The Defence Ministry reported gunfire from Armenian troops near the Khazinevar, Burun and Digh settlements. Armenia has denied the claims. The renewed friction comes just days after both nations announced progress on a draft peace deal aimed at ending decades of conflict." Russia seeks 'ironclad' guarantees in Ukraine war "Moscow is demanding ""ironclad"" guarantees in Ukraine peace talks, insisting on Kiev's neutrality and exclusion from NATO. This comes as Washington pushes for a 30-day ceasefire, with talks expected between the US and Russian presidents this week. Separately, Ukraine's military leadership sees a shake-up with the appointment of Major General Andrii Hnatov as the new chief of General Staff, aiming to bolster operational efficiency." Deadly suicide attack strikes Pakistan military forces "A vehicle-borne suicide bomber targeted a military convoy in southwest Pakistan, killing at least five, including three Frontier Corps troops and wounding over 43 others, according to officials. Security forces suspect the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is behind the bombing. Three suspected terrorists were killed in the security operation in the volatile district of Noshki in Balochistan after the attack, the Pakistani military said. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as several victims remain in critical condition. The attack followed Pakistan's recent anti-terror operation against the BLA, which killed dozens of terrorists after a deadly train hijacking ambush." Netanyahu moves to dismiss Shin Bet chief over Hamas attack fallout "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to propose the dismissal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar to the government, citing a ""lack of trust."" The decision follows tensions over an internal investigation into the agency's failure to foresee Hamas's October 7 attack. While Shin Bet admitted lapses, it also pointed to Netanyahu's policies as a contributing factor. The dismissal is poised to stir significant controversy within Israel."

For review:1. Iran Supreme Leader Not Interested in Talks with "Bullying" Countries. Iran's Supreme leader has criticized "bullying" countries in an apparent response to US President Donald Trump's letter demanding negotiations over its nuclear program.2. Israel on Sunday prepared to send a delegation to Doha for further talks on the Gaza truce.3. Israel's Energy Minister on Sunday instructed the Israel Electric Corporation to immediately cut off the supply of electricity to the Gaza Strip, in an apparent bid to pile pressure on Hamas, where 24 hostages presumed to be alive, and the bodies of 35 more, are still held.4. Russian Forces Advance in Kursk Region. Russian forces on Sunday recaptured three more settlements in Russia's western Kursk region, the Defence Ministry said (Russian), as part of an operation to evict Ukrainian troops holding chunks of territory seven months after a cross-border incursion.5. Norway will more than double its aid to Ukraine in 2025 to bring the annual total to $7.8 billion, Prime Minister Jonas Store announced Thursday.6. France on Friday began handing over military bases in Senegal, as part of a withdrawal of troops from the west African nation where it has had a presence since 1960. The withdrawal follows the departure of French forces from Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad and Ivory Coast in recent years.7.    Iran - Russia - China Naval Drills in Indian Ocean. The drills “will begin on Tuesday in the port of Chabahar,” located in southeast Iran on the Gulf of Oman, the Tasnim news agency said, without specifying their duration.                    Azerbaijan, South Africa, Oman, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka will attend as observers.8. The U.S. military's classified mini-space shuttle- the X-37B- returned to Earth on Friday after circling the world for 434 days. The space plane blasted into orbit from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in December 2023 on a secret mission. Launched by SpaceX, the X-37B vehicle carried no people, just military experiments.

Netanyahu supports Trump's plan for Palestinian expulsion from Gaza "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended US President Donald Trump's controversial proposal of Palestinian ethnic cleansing from Gaza, asking in a Fox News interview, ""What's wrong with that?"" He suggested that Gaza residents could leave, return or relocate as part of so-called rebuilding efforts. Meanwhile, Israel is officially pulling out of the UN Human Rights Council or UNHRC, aligning with Trump's move. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar declared, “Israel joins the US and will not participate in the UNHRC.”" Türkiye, Germany urge global action for two-state solution "Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier are calling for urgent global action to secure a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and revive the two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. Speaking in Ankara, both leaders stressed the need for diplomacy and adherence to international law. ""As the international community, we must continue our efforts for a two-state solution,"" Erdogan said. Steinmeier also slammed Donald Trump's proposal to expel Palestinians, calling it “unacceptable.”" Russia, Ukraine swap 150 prisoners of war with UAE mediation "Russia and Ukraine each returned 150 servicemen, marking another step in ongoing negotiations. Russia's Defence Ministry confirmed its troops are in Belarus for medical and psychological care before heading home. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the return of troops from various military branches, calling it “a good day.” Both nations thanked the United Arab Emirates for brokering the deal, signaling continued diplomatic efforts despite the war's relentless toll." UN reports 2,800 deaths in DRC's Goma due to escalating violence "The death toll from the fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo's eastern city of Goma has surpassed 2,800, according to the United Nations. Despite a declared ceasefire, the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwandan forces, has resumed its offensive, seizing key areas. The intense fighting has sparked international concern, with fears of a wider regional conflict. Diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate the situation. However, the renewed violence persists, with ongoing concerns about its impact on the civilian population." "A federal judge in the US has issued a nationwide injunction blocking President Trump's executive-order seeking to end birthright citizenship for children born in the country to undocumented immigrants. The judge ruled that the order violates the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to all persons born or naturalised in the United States. This is the second court to block the order, which has been met with widespread legal challenges. The Trump administration has argued that children born in the US to undocumented immigrants are not ""subject to the jurisdiction"" of the United States and therefore not entitled to citizenship."

UN says 17,000+ children without their families in Gaza Israel's genocidal war in Gaza has seen children killed, starved, frozen to death, orphaned and separated from their families, the UN humanitarian chief has said. At a UN Security Council meeting, the humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said that ""a generation has been traumatised." "Conservative estimates indicate that over 17,000 children are without their families in Gaza," he said. Report reveals Google's secret AI support for Israel amid war on Gaza "Google has continued providing AI technologies to Israel's military-industrial complex despite public attempts to distance itself from the country's violent aggressions, according to a report by the Washington Post. According to the newspaper's investigation, Google has been supporting Israel's Defence Ministry and military with artificial intelligence tools since the onset of its attacks on Gaza on October 7, 2023, even as its employees protested the Nimbus cloud computing contract. The company documents reveal Google expedited access to its Vertex AI service for the Israeli Defence Ministry. Internal communications show Google employees were concerned about losing potential contracts to competitors like Amazon if they did not quickly provide AI technology access." Dozens of diplomats, officials ousted in sweeping reset at State Department "In a swift and sweeping move, the Trump administration has directed dozens of senior State Department officials to step aside, triggering one of the most extensive leadership shake-ups in recent history, according to US media. Career diplomats and political appointees alike, including some in top roles overseeing US foreign policy, have been reportedly instructed to vacate their positions in recent days as President Donald Trump's team accelerates its plans to realign the Department with the administration's vision. This dramatic overhaul, which includes the departure of key figures such as John Bass and Geoff Pyatt, has sent shockwaves through Foggy Bottom." M23 rebels battling DRC army approach Goma city after seizing Sake town "Panic has spread in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's main city, with M23 rebels steadily inching closer to Goma and seizing a nearby town as they battle the Congolese army. Bombs were heard going off in the city's distant outskirts and hundreds of wounded civilians were brought in to the main hospital from the area of the fighting. The rebel group has pushed significantly in recent weeks, closing in on Goma, which has around 2 million people and is a regional hub for security and humanitarian efforts." Climate shocks disrupted schooling for 242M children in 2024 — UN "Extreme weather disrupted the schooling of about 242 million children in 85 countries last year — roughly one in seven students, the UN children's agency has reported. It deplored what it said was an ""overlooked"" aspect of the climate crisis. Heat waves had the biggest impact, the report showed, as UNICEF's executive director Catherine Russell warned children are ""more vulnerable"" to extreme weather."

A video showcasing a new Chinese stealth fighter jet, suspected to be a 6th-generation machine, has taken social media by storm. The timing couldn't be more striking. As this footage goes viral, India grapples with a stark contrast. The country has yet to field a stealth fighter jet, and the Defence Ministry has just formed a high-level committee to address critical gaps, including a severe shortage of fighter jets, weapons, and equipment, in the Indian Air Force's arsenal, TOI reported. The video went viral shortly after this episode's recording. The committee, featuring DRDO chief Samir V Kamat, defence production secretary Sanjeev Kumar, and IAF deputy chief Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, aims to chart a path forward. But is this the game-changer the IAF desperately needs? Can the committee offer immediate solutions to the fighter jet shortage? Will it deliver a long-term roadmap for the IAF's capability development, or is this another bureaucratic exercise with no tangible outcomes? With just 36 Rafale jets inducted so far and a 110-jet acquisition proposal still unresolved, how will the IAF bridge its glaring “capability voids”? And what role will indigenous production play in addressing these gaps? Host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor address these pressing questions. Tune in! Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound mix by Nitin Rawat

①China's finance ministry has announced a more proactive fiscal policy for 2025. What are the key goals behind this approach, and how will it impact the Chinese economy? (00:48)②The Philippines says it plans to acquire US Typhon missile system. What are the potential implications for regional peace and security? (13:35)③Why has Donald Trump proposed the controversial idea of taking over Greenland and the Panama Canal? (24:28)④Nine countries have confirmed their readiness to become BRICS partners. (34:10)⑤Syria says ex-rebel groups agree to integrate under Defence Ministry. (43:21)

Syria's de facto leader has reached an agreement to dissolve and consolidate rebel groups under the defence ministry. Also on the programme, is Israel nearing a hostage deal with Hamas? And, a Nasa spacecraft has made history with the closest-ever approach to the Sun.(Photo: A child looks on next to a flag adopted by the new Syrian rulers, during a protest against the burning of the Christmas tree in Hama, in Damascus, Syria December 24, 2024. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh)

The new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa said it was his aim to unite and stabilise the country

*) Israel kills over 110 Palestinians in one day The Israeli army continues to brutally target displaced people, civilians, municipal teams and others. In just 24 hours, the Israeli army has killed more than 110 people, Palestinian media office in Gaza says. One of the deadliest Israeli attacks on a school-turned-shelter in the northern town of Beit Hanoon left at least 43 people dead. More than 213 shelters have been targeted in Israeli attacks since the start of its genocide last year and at least 94 civil defence personnel also lost their lives in Israeli bombardment. The media office also said the Israeli army has carried out successive massacres against medical teams and hospitals in recent days, killing several doctors and staff. *) UN envoy meets HTS leader to discuss Syria's future The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria has met with the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Ahmad al Sharaa, to discuss recent developments in Syria. According to information from Syrian interim government sources, Geir Pedersen visited Damascus for the first time since the fall of the Bashar al Assad regime to meet with Sharaa. During the meeting, Sharaa emphasised the need to update and align the UN Security Council Resolution 2254 with the current realities of the situation in Syria. He highlighted the necessity of quick and effective cooperation to address the issues facing Syrians. *) South Korea's Yoon faces summons amid martial law probe, impeachment trial South Korean law enforcement authorities are pushing to summon impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol for questioning over his short-lived martial law decree as the Constitutional Court began its first meeting on Yoon's case to determine whether to remove him from office or reinstate him. A joint investigative team involving police, an anti-corruption agency, and the Defence Ministry said it plans to request that Yoon's office hold him for questioning on Wednesday as they expand a probe into whether his ill-conceived power grab amounted to rebellion. *) Mass grave and drug factories uncovered in Damascus A mass grave was discovered in the Husainiyya district of the Syrian capital Damascus. The discovery comes as part of search and investigation efforts continued across Syria following the fall of Bashar al Assad's regime. The mass grave is located in the southeastern part of the capital, just behind Damascus Airport. A villa in Syria's capital Damascus was identified as a drug production hub linked to Maher al Assad, the brother of ousted regime leader Bashar al Assad. Since the collapse of the decades-long Baath regime on December 8, drug manufacturing centres across Syria have been steadily uncovered. *) Cyclone Chido wreaks havoc in French-colonised archipelago Several hundred people may have been killed by Cyclone Chido in the French-colonised archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The French interior ministry said it would be difficult to account for all victims and said a figure could not be determined at this stage. Cyclone Chido swept through Mayotte overnight, bringing winds of more than 200 kilometres per hour and damaging makeshift housing, government buildings and a hospital.

*) Syria's Damascus falls to opposition forces The Assad regime has largely lost control of Syria's Damascus, as opposition forces entered the centre of the capital city and anti-regime demonstrators occupied key strategic locations. Anti-regime forces entered the centre of Damascus without any serious fight from the regime of Bashar al Assad, whose whereabouts are still unknown. Protesters rose against the regime in many neighbourhoods, while regime forces pulled out from critical sites such as the Defence Ministry, Interior Ministry and the international airport. The regime has largely lost control of Damascus. *) Israel continues to bomb Gaza Meanwhile Israel continues with its relentless bombing of Gaza. Israel struck the Tuffah neighbourhood, east of Gaza City, killing three Palestinians and wounding others. Tel Aviv also bombarded a residential compound near Kamal Adwan Hospital in the north of the enclave. Local sources said Israel targeted Saftawi neighbourhood in the north of Gaza City, killing four women. *) Israel's attacks on Palestinians are a post-modern Holocaust:Emine Erdogan Türkiye's First Lady Emine Erdogan has stressed that Israel's atrocities in Palestine constitute a "post-modern Holocaust," and are part of a calculated campaign to erase an entire people and their culture from history. Erdogan said in an address at the Doha Forum 2024 in Qatar thart we are witnessing in Palestine is not a war. It is an attempt to impose a world order in which only the strongest and cruellest survive, while other lives are easily expendable. She urged the international community to confront the ongoing violence. *) South Korea's ex-defence minister arrested over martial law plot South Korean prosecutors have arrested ex-Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun over his alleged role in President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of martial law. The prosecution's special investigative team has questioned Kim, who voluntarily appeared at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. Kim faces a travel ban as prosecutors investigate. *) Several people dead in Ecuador road accident The rescue officials have said an accident in south Ecuador involving a passenger bus left at least 16 people dead and eight others injured, The crash took place in Ecuador's Loja province bordering Peru. The bus collided with a car travelling in the opposite direction and overturned dramatically, according to local media.

Schrödinger's Defence Minister, at once busy and visible yet strangely inconsequential and intangible, what can one make of Andrei Belousov, his rise and his chances of achieving anything in his current role?The entry page for the Conducttr online crisis exercise on Russian sabotage I mentioned is @ https://www.conducttr.com/russian-sabotageThe podcast's corporate partner and sponsor is Conducttr, which provides software for innovative and immersive crisis exercises in hybrid warfare, counter-terrorism, civil affairs and similar situations.You can also follow my blog, In Moscow's Shadows, and become one of the podcast's supporting Patrons and gain question-asking rights and access to exclusive extra materials including the (almost-) weekly Govorit Moskva news briefing right here. Support the show

With plans to be integrated with most other indigenously designed aircraft, it makes sense for India to push for integrating the Uttam AESA radars with Rafale-Ms.----more----Read full article here: https://theprint.in/opinion/defence-ministry-on-its-way-to-finalising-rafale-m-deal-it-is-both-good-bad-news/2255712/

India's quest for military modernization has been marked by significant reforms in recent years. In this episode, Raj Shukla provides insights into the progress and challenges faced in this transformation. He highlights the importance of technological integration, jointness, and civil-military fusion in strengthening India's deterrence.The conversation delves into the need for a comprehensive national security makeover, emphasizing reforms like integrated theater commands, and a cultural transformation in civil-military relations. Shukla also discusses the impact of geopolitical shifts, particularly the rise of China, on India's strategic imperatives.How have reforms fared over the past ten years? What is the way forward for defense industry, tri-service jointness, and civil-military relations? Does India's nuclear posture need a rethink?  Does it need to raise new forces in the emerging domains of space and cyber?Episode ContributorsRaj Shukla is a member of the Union Public Service Commission, Government of India, and a former general officer commanding in chief of the Indian Army's Army Training Command (ARTRAC). With over four decades of distinguished service, he has a deep interest in strategic military affairs and is a distinguished fellow at the Center for Land Warfare Studies.Yahoo: rajshukla35@yahoo.comYouTube: @LtGenRajShuklaInstagram: @ltgenrajshuklaTwitter: @Gen_RajshuklaFacebook: @Raj ShuklaSaheb Singh Chadha is a research analyst in the Security Studies Program at Carnegie India. His research focuses on China's foreign and security policies, India-China relations, and India's military modernization. He is broadly interested in the geopolitics of South Asia and the Indo-Pacific. He is also a researcher on a project examining the nature and dynamics of cross-border violence and its impact on civilian communities. Twitter: @SahebSChadhaAdditional ReadingsThe Absent Dialogue: Politicians, Bureaucrats, and the Military in India by Anit Mukherjee Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie JacbosenFrom Surprise To Reckoning: The Kargil Review Committee Report What is Shekatkar Report, Defence Ministry's First Order of Business After Lockdown by Snehesh Alex PhillipNaresh Chandra Task Force's Report on National Security: An Appraisal by Nitin GokhaleMOMENTOUS CHANGES: Defence Reforms, Military Transformation, and India's New Strategic Posture by Anit Mukherjee, Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan, Nishant Rajeev Every two weeks, Interpreting India brings you diverse voices from India and around the world to explore the critical questions shaping the nation's future. We delve into how technology, the economy, and foreign policy intertwine to influence India's relationship with the global stage.As a Carnegie India production, hosted by Carnegie scholars, Interpreting India, a Carnegie India production, provides insightful perspectives and cutting-edge by tackling the defining questions that chart India's course through the next decade.Stay tuned for thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and a deeper understanding of India's place in the world.Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to join the conversation and be part of Interpreting India's journey.

This week, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited announced a significant development: the Defence Ministry has issued a Request for Proposal for 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs) as part of the government's push to boost defence indigenisation. Of these, 90 will be allocated to the Indian Army and 66 to the Indian Air Force (IAF). Currently, 15 Prachands are in service with the IAF and 5 with the Indian Army. The LCH was formally named Prachand in October 2022.What Makes the Prachand Special?The Prachand, a marvel of modern engineering, is the world's only attack helicopter capable of landing and taking off at 5,000 meters (16,400 ft). This unique feature makes it ideal for high-altitude operations in challenging areas like the Siachen glacier and eastern Ladakh. Equipped with a range of air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles, it can neutralise enemy air defence operations.In this episode, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor explore the significance of light combat helicopters, the history of the Prachand's development, and how it compares with the Boeing Apache, of which the IAF operates 22 and the Army 6.The duo explores these key questions: Why do the Air Force and Army have separate combat helicopter divisions? Will the new acquisition reduce India's reliance on Western or foreign equipment? Can India achieve greater self-sufficiency in defence capabilities with these additions?Tune in to find out!Produced by Anna PriyadarshiniSound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

Hamas sees no sign of Israel agreeing to Biden's truce plan https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-hamas-sees-no-sign-of-israel-agreeing-to-bidens-truce-plan-18172710 Hamas said it has shown “full positivity” in efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement with Israel in Gaza. In a statement, the Palestinian resistance group said it urged the US to pressure Israel to accept a deal leading to a permanent ceasefire in the blockaded enclave. Hamas said that while US officials have said Israel has accepted a ceasefire proposal outlined by President Joe Biden on May 31 and later backed by the US, the group has not not heard any Israeli official confirm the development. *) Israel keeps 9,170 Palestinians captive against 116 Israelis Hamas holds https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/israel-keeps-9170-palestinians-captive-against-116-israelis-hamas-holds-18172722 The detention disparity is clear. Even as the global powers are pressing Hamas to release 116 Israeli hostages, there's minimal demand for Israel from the same powers to free more than 9,170 Palestinians it has abducted since October last year. According to the Palestinian Prisoners' Club, Israeli authorities have committed “horrific crimes” against prisoners, leading to at least 18 deaths since Israel's brutal war began, while it is estimated that dozens of detainees from Gaza have been killed. *) Russian nuclear-powered submarine, other naval vessels dock in Cuba https://www.trtworld.com/latin-america/russian-nuclear-powered-submarine-other-naval-vessels-dock-in-cuba-18172706 A Russian nuclear-powered submarine and other naval vessels have arrived in Cuba for a five-day visit in a show of force amid spiralling US-Russian tensions. The submarine Kazan, which Cuba says is not carrying nuclear weapons, was accompanied by the frigate Admiral Gorshkov, as well as an oil tanker and a salvage tug. Russia's Defence Ministry said in a statement that prior to entering the Havana port, the fleet “completed an exercise on the use of high-precision missile weapons.” *) Amid far-right surge, Ramelow warns of division between east, west Germans https://www.trtworld.com/europe/amid-far-right-surge-ramelow-warns-of-division-between-east-west-germans-18172546 The electoral show by the far-right AfD party in the just-concluded European elections could drive a wedge between East and West Germany, the top elected official of the country's Thuringia province has said. Minister-President Bodo Ramelow of the German free state of Thuringia warned that “emotional unity is breaking down.” Ramelow told a local newspaper that in social networks after the European elections, many users were questioning “where is the gratitude of East Germans,” adding that such comments weren't needed right now. And finally… *) More than 1.5M Muslims arrive in Mecca for annual Hajj pilgrimage https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/more-than-15m-muslims-arrive-in-mecca-for-annual-hajj-pilgrimage-18172453 Muslim pilgrims have been streaming into Islam's holiest city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia ahead of the start of Hajj later this week Saudi officials say more than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in the country, the vast majority by air, from across the world. More are expected, and hundreds of thousands of Saudis and others living in Saudi Arabia will also join them when the pilgrimage officially begins on Friday.

*) US, Israel to discuss Rafah invasion in virtual meeting: report The US and Israel will hold a virtual meeting to discuss alternative proposals from the Biden administration regarding a possible Israeli military invasion of Rafah, where more than 1.5 million Palestinians are taking refuge, Israeli and US officials confirmed to Axios. The meeting, originally scheduled for last week, was cancelled by Netanyahu in protest at a perceived lack of US involvement as tensions escalated after the US refrained from vetoing a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. *) Israeli forces admit most Gaza killings are civilians The Israeli newspaper Haaretz collected testimony from Israeli officers and soldiers involved in the Gaza war who reportedly admitted that the majority of individuals classified by the army as “terrorists” were actually civilians. The Israeli army claimed that 9,000 terrorists were killed during the Gaza war. However, the officers and soldiers in the report testify to Haaretz that those killed were civilians, their only crime being crossing an invisible line drawn by the Israeli army. Another soldier also stated that they were explicitly instructed to shoot to kill any suspect who ran into a building, even if it resulted in serious civilian casualties. *) Azerbaijan warns Armenia against military ‘provocation' along border Azerbaijan has warned Armenia against any military build-up on the border, saying any provocation would be dealt with firmly. In a statement on Sunday, Azerbaijan's Defence Ministry said intensive movements and military build-ups by the Armenian army had been observed recently. The ministry also added that there has been a further activation of revanchist forces threatening Azerbaijan with war and a concentration of manpower, armoured vehicles, and artillery installations in different directions of the Azerbaijani-Armenian conditional border. *) Rockets target Libyan PM's residence, no casualties reported The residence of Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah was targeted with rocket-propelled grenades in an attack that caused no casualties, a Libyan minister told the press. The minister, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed in a statement on Sunday that the attack had caused some damage. The minister did not give further details. *) Erdogan declares local elections ‘turning point' for Türkiye Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the results of the local elections marked a “turning point” for his Justice and Development Party. Regarding the outcome of the local elections, Erdogan vowed to “respect the decision of the nation.” Speaking from the party's headquarters in the capital Ankara, Erdogan said his party had failed to achieve the expected results in Sunday's local elections and that the party “would evaluate the results of the local elections with an open heart within the party and will engage in self-criticism.”

This is the Catch Up on 3 Things for the Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.It's the 28th of February and here are the headlines.In a shock result, the BJP emerged victorious on Tuesday in the election for the single vacant Rajya Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh, where the Congress is in power, with 40 MLAs in the 68-member Assembly. While the defeat is embarrassing for the Congress, now there is a possibility of its government collapsing, should it fail to pass the Budget in the ongoing Session. Meanwhile, 15 BJP MLAs, including the Leader of Opposition in the Himachal Assembly, were suspended from the House by the Speaker today for alleged misbehaviour and shouting slogans.Around 3,300 kg of narcotic drugs were seized from an Iranian boat off Gujarat coast late on Tuesday and five men suspected to be Iranian nationals were apprehended in a joint operation by the Navy, the Narcotics Control Bureau and Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad. The Defence Ministry said that this was the largest drug haul seizure in recent times. The seized contraband included 3,089 kg of charas, 158 kg of methamphetamine and 25 kg of morphine.Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone for a new launch complex of ISRO in Tamil Nadu. The Rs 986 crore facility is set to accommodate 24 launches per year. ISRO Chairman S Somanath said acquisition for the launch complex has been completed and the construction of the launch complex is expected to be completed in two years.As the BJP staged a protest outside the Karnataka Assembly today, alleging that Congress supporters had raised ‘Pakistan Zindabad' slogans on Tuesday after their candidate Syed Nasir Hussain's victory in the Rajya Sabha polls, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said “strict action will be taken” if the allegations were proven true.Though Hussain denied the BJP's allegations and said some of his followers had raised “Nasir Saab Zindabad” slogans, Bengaluru city police registered a suo motu case over the alleged incident.Leader of Opposition of Kerala assembly today said that the Congress Party will contest 16 seats in Kerala in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and allocation of seats within the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) for the general elections has been finalised. Like in the previous polls, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second largest coalition partner in UDF, would contest in two seats.This was the Catch-Up on the 3 Things by The Indian Express.

Israel's Prime Minister has again rejected the idea of a Palestinian state - something the US supports; will it damage their alliance? Jordan's Foreign Minister sets out Arab thinking on a sustainable future. Also in the programme: does the combination of climate change and more precise techniques mean it's time to embrace GM crops? And why was Stalin included in an Icon in a Georgian cathedral?(IMAGE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes the weekly cabinet meeting at the Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv, Israel, January 7, 2024 / CREDIT: REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun/Pool)

In 2024, India's focus on strengthening its air power centers around the Tejas, its indigenous fighter aircraft. The Defence Ministry's approval for acquiring 97 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk 1A marks a significant step in bolstering the Indian Air Force's capabilities.With just two Tejas squadrons currently in operation, the Air Force faces the challenge of maintaining its strength at 31 squadrons, well below the standard requirement of 42. In a discussion between India Today TV Output's Senior Executive Editor Shiv Aroor and host Dev Goswami, the implications of this shortfall are explored. Why is the benchmark of 42 squadrons crucial, and what hurdles arise from not meeting this target?What are the reasons behind India's reliance on foreign aircraft? Shiv questions the over-reliance on foreign fighters, and having eight different types of aircraft, labeling it a "zoo" and a "beauty contest" of aircraft. Why is managing eight different aircraft types a challenging nightmare?Listen in to know why Shiv believes that Built-in-India is a fig leaf, why it has not worked for India at all, and what Made-in- India fighters of foreign origin actually mean for the Indian exchequer.Listen in!Produced by Anna PriyadarshiniSound Mix by Kapil Dev Singh

Latest news from 24 December 2023, as reported in the Ukrainian media. Easy ways to support us: Subscribe to our Patreon to give monthly support https://www.patreon.com/highlightsfromukraine Send us a one-time 'thank you' tip via PayPal at: highlightsfromukraine@gmail.com Out YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/3oH111z Special thanks to our top Patreon supporters - Helena Pszczolko O'Callaghan, mattg629, krissi, Jared and Dick Warner!

*) UN chief says Hamas blitz 'didn't happen in a vacuum', riling Israel UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has rankled Israel at the United Nations Security Council meeting in which he stressed the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel "did not happen in a vacuum”. Opening the session on Tuesday, Guterres said there was no excuse for the operation by Hamas on Israeli settlements but also warned against "collective punishment" of the Palestinians. He then said Hamas operation "did not happen in a vacuum" as the Palestinians have been "subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation." His remarks infuriated Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. *) UNSC deepening crisis in Gaza with one-sided approach: President Erdogan The International community is failing in the face of Israel's lawless and indiscriminate attacks on civilians in Palestine's Gaza, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said. In his message on the 78th anniversary of the United Nations, Erdogan thanked those working under its framework for peace and justice in the world. He said a party that is a bystander to "collective punishment" of the people in Gaza cannot offer hope to humanity, and ensure peace, stability *) Biden's Israel support angers Muslim Americans; could jeopardise 2024 votes Muslim Americans and their allies are criticising President Joe Biden's response to the Israeli war on Gaza, asking him to do more to prevent a humanitarian crisis in the blockaded enclave or risk losing their support in the 2024 election. Many Arab Americans and Muslim Americans are upset Biden has not pushed for any humanitarian ceasefire even as Palestinians are being killed by Israel's bombardment of besieged Gaza. In hotly contested Michigan, Arab Americans account for 5 percent of the vote. In other battleground states, Pennsylvania and Ohio, they are between 1.7 percent to 2 percent, said Jim Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute. Biden won Michigan with 50.6 percent of the vote in 2020, compared to 47.8 percent for Trump, and Pennsylvania with 50.01 percent to Trump's 48.84 percent, a difference of less than 81,000 votes. *) US is world's 'biggest disruptor' of peace — China The United States is the "biggest disruptor of regional peace and stability" in the world, China has said in a scathing response to a Pentagon report on China's growing military buildup. "The US has sent depleted uranium munitions and cluster bombs to Ukraine, sent its carrier battle groups to the Mediterranean and weapons and munitions to Israel, is this the so-called 'gospel' the 'human rights defender is bringing to the area?" said Wu Qian, the spokesperson for China's Defence Ministry. *) Netflix and Spielberg combine for 'binge watch' story of life on Earth "Life on Our Planet," the new natural history series from Netflix and Steven Spielberg, sets out to tell the entire, dramatic story of life on Earth in a serialised, "binge-watch" format. Streaming globally from Wednesday, the show's eight episodes transport viewers through Earth's five previous mass extinction events, each recreated with computer-generated visual effects. Aside from a series of cliffhanger finales, "Life on Our Planet" finds dramatic tension with a series of ordinary, loveable underdogs who "win" evolution against the odds — at least for a few hundred million years.

*) Militant attack leaves dozens of Nigerian soldiers dead Twenty-nine soldiers have been killed in western Niger in an attack by suspected militants, the Defence Ministry has said. The ministry said the soldiers were targeted using "improvised explosive devices and kamikaze vehicles by more than a hundred terrorists". Two soldiers were seriously wounded and "several dozen terrorists" were also killed. According to the ministry, the attack took place near the country's border with Mali, during military operations aimed at "neutralising the threat posed by the Daesh" terror group. *) EU foreign ministers promise Ukraine billions of dollars EU foreign ministers have held talks with their Ukrainian counterpart in Kiev – the first time such a gathering has taken place outside of the bloc. It comes amid growing Western impatience over the war with Russia, especially after the Ukrainian counter-offensive didn't gather the pace many leaders had hoped for. Afterwards, the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell proposed over 5 billion dollars in military aid for Kiev next year. Meanwhile, Ukraine's eastern city of Kharkiv will build the country's first fully underground school to shield pupils from Russia's frequent bomb and missile attacks. *) UN finds no civilian violence in Azerbaijan's Karabakh as operation ends The UN mission visiting Karabakh in Azerbaijan has not received reports of violence against Armenian residents and seen destruction against civilian infrastructure. The mission was in the region to assess the situation on the ground and identify the humanitarian needs of both the people remaining and those who are on the move. Spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters the team surveyed the border checkpoint in Lachin and the city of Khankendi. *) Guatemalans block roads as anger grows over election interference Hundreds of Guatemalans have blocked key roads to demand the resignation of top prosecutors. The protesters accuse the prosecutors of trying to block the newly-elected president Bernardo Arevalo from taking office. One prosecutor even sent security forces to seize boxes of voting records. Arevalo is due to take office in January but observers and the international community have raised the alarm over efforts to challenge his election win. And finally… *) Trump decries New York trial over his business practices as 'scam' Former US President Donald Trump's fraud trial has gotten underway in Manhattan. Trump and his sons have been charged with inflating the value of his assets by billions of dollars to secure better loan and insurance terms. Trump is at risk of losing his business in New York and paying millions of dollars in fines but he denounced the case as a politically motivated "scam".

Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin[a] (Russian: Евге́ний Ви́кторович Приго́жин, IPA: [jɪvˈɡʲenʲɪj ˈvʲiktərəvʲɪtɕ prʲɪˈɡoʐɨn]; 1 June 1961 – 23 August 2023) was a Russian mercenary leader and oligarch.[4] He led the Wagner Group private military company and was a close confidant of Russian president Vladimir Putin until launching a rebellion in June 2023.[5] Prigozhin was sometimes referred to as "Putin's chef" because he owned restaurants and catering businesses that provided services to the Kremlin.[6] Once a convict in the Soviet Union,[7] Prigozhin controlled a network of influential companies whose operations, according to a 2020 investigation, were "tightly integrated with Russia's Defence Ministry and its intelligence arm, the GRU".[8]

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We explore the duties and challenges of military chaplains from two nations: Britain and Canada. Ian Wheatley, recorded at the Defence Ministry in Westminster, London, serves as Chaplain of the Fleet of the Royal Navy in the United Kingdom. Next, we visit with Padre Guy Chapdelaine, a soft-spoken Canadian who currently serves as Chaplain General […]

Raila Odinga says the figures are "null and void" after narrowly losing to William Ruto. Four electoral commissioners say there were significant flaws in the vote tallying process. Also: Russia's Defence Ministry admits that an ammunition depot in Crimea has been damaged by sabotage, and the smoky mouse in Australia - and efforts to protect dozens of threatened species from extinction.

Kenya's Opposition leader Raila Odinga says the results of the country's presidential election are "null and void". He says the outcome, announcing William Ruto the winner is a travesty. We get reaction. Also in the programme: Russia's Defence Ministry has admitted that one of its ammunition depots in Crimea has been hit by saboteurs; and how Australian scientists have released a group of critically endangered smoky mice into the wild. (Photo: William Ruto (R) called Wafula Chebukati (L), the head of the electoral commission, a "hero". Credit: Getty Images)