Another year where bilateral strategic ties bloomed: UK Defence Adviser highlights major events of 2024

South Korea and the United States began their annual joint military exercises, pausing live-fire training after two fighter jets mistakenly bombed a civilian area during a warm-up drill. The modified Freedom Shield exercise, condemned by North Korea, combines simulations and field training and runs through March 20. South Korean air force Gen. Lee Youngsu apologized for the incident, attributing it to a pilot error in entering wrong coordinates, resulting in injuries and property damage that...

Ukrainian forces have stalled the Russian offensive in Donetsk, winning back small patches of land as Russian brigades face depletion and equipment shortages. Despite ongoing assaults by Russia, the offensive effort has slowed due to poor weather and Ukrainian adaptation, though Ukraine remains cautious about potential Russian regrouping. The suspension of U.S. military assistance and intelligence sharing threatens to undermine the Ukrainian war effort, a topic expected to be discussed in upcoming high-level meetings. Full...

Eight people were killed and 13 others injured in a collision between a truck and an SUV in Madhya Pradesh's Sidhi district. The incident occurred on Sidhi-Bahri Road, with seven individuals in the SUV dying on the spot. The injured were taken to Rewa and Sidhi hospitals for treatment, with the truck driver being detained by authorities. Full Article

U.S. officials are set to meet with a Ukrainian delegation in Saudi Arabia to assess Ukraine's willingness to make concessions to Russia for ending the war, with a focus on improving ties with the Trump administration. The delegation, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will evaluate Ukraine's commitment to realistic peace and potential compromises, with President Trump expressing optimism for progress. Ukraine's European allies stress the importance of negotiating from a position of strength....

Russia, China, and Iran are set to conduct joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean near Iran's port of Chabahar, involving drills on striking maritime targets and search and rescue operations to enhance military cooperation. Observers from various countries will monitor the exercises, which mark the seventh edition of the "Security Belt" drills organized by Iran, Russia, and China. The agreement for the exercises was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud...

Union minister Jitendra Singh highlighted the involvement of militants in the deaths of three civilians in Billawar tehsil of Kathua district, triggering protests and a shutdown. Victims Darshan Singh, Yogesh Singh, and Varun Singh were found in Ishu canal after going missing on their way to a marriage ceremony. Union home secretary Govind Mohan has arrived in Jammu to assess the security situation in the region following the tragic killings. Full Article