Indo-Pacific to Indo-Mediterranean: Italy-India focus on maritime ties

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticized the DMK for hypocrisy, citing their idolization of a figure who had previously insulted the Tamil language. Without naming him, she referred to Periyar, a prominent Dravidian movement leader. She also condemned DMK MPs for not condemning a cartoon depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in chains, stating that action will be taken against those responsible. Full Article

A high-level committee has accepted the need for 114 new multirole fighter jets in the Indian Air Force, with plans to start their induction within the next four to five years through a fast-tracked global tender. This move aims to maintain the Air Force's squadron strength for the next decade and enhance combat capabilities, as 10 fighter aircraft squadrons are set to retire by 2037. The goal is to achieve 60 fighter aircraft squadrons by...

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai stated that the government has implemented a multi-pronged strategy to enhance national security, law enforcement, and governance in India. The measures include making Jammu and Kashmir terror-free, integrating insurgent groups into peace processes, strengthening border security in the North East, and eliminating Left-Wing Extremism. Additionally, steps like deploying mobile forensic labs, modernizing state forensic labs, and implementing new criminal laws aim to modernize the Criminal Justice...

A Swiggy user claimed that his samosas never arrived due to the delivery partner allegedly taking the order and running away, as shared on Reddit. Customer support confirmed failed attempts to reach the agent and offered a replacement, assuring the user of receiving it. The incident sparked discussion on the need for better security measures and compensation for such occurrences, with the authenticity of the conversation still unverified. Full Article

Germany's military is facing challenges as it ages and shrinks, with personnel numbers decreasing to 181,200 in 2024 and the average age rising to 34. Despite efforts to increase personnel to over 200,000 by 2031, the goal remains out of reach. While Germany met the NATO defense spending target in 2024, most of the 100-billion-euro special defense fund has already been spent, prompting discussions to overhaul borrowing rules to boost defense spending and economic growth....

The Enforcement Directorate in Lucknow has taken action on the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) scam in Uttar Pradesh, attaching properties worth Rs. 89.84 lakh under the PMLA. The NRHM scam involved corruption cases and misuse of funds, leading to the embezzlement of crores of rupees, with large-scale irregularities alleged by the CBI. The ED's actions aim to curb corruption and money laundering in cases like these, ensuring justice and transparency in government schemes. Full...