India-Sri Lanka defence pact on the cards as PM Modi visits

In an interview with Russian news agency Ria Novosti, Chinese diplomat Wang Yi stated that China is prepared to play a "constructive role" in resolving the conflict in Ukraine, while also supporting Russia in safeguarding its "interests". Wang is currently in Moscow for discussions with Russian officials and will meet with President Vladimir Putin. Despite presenting itself as neutral in the Ukraine war, China has deepened its economic and diplomatic ties with Russia since the...

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams described the incredible view of India from space, highlighting the diverse landscapes from the Himalayas to fishing fleets. She expressed excitement for NASA's Axiom mission, which includes Indian Air Force pilot Subhanshu Shukla, and expressed interest in supporting India's space program. Williams, who hopes to visit her father's country with co-traveller Butch Wilmore, reflected on her recent space journey that was impacted by propulsion issues but safely concluded on SpaceX's Dragon...

An exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists occurred in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, specifically in the Billawar area, following a search and cordon operation. The area has been cordoned off, and a search operation is ongoing to locate the terrorists. Security forces have intensified actions in the region, with some individuals detained by the police as part of the effort to track down terrorists. Full Article

In West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, a loud explosion at a firecracker factory in Patharpratima area resulted in the death of at least seven people, including four children. The explosion, believed to be triggered by a cylinder blast, also injured several others, with firefighters and police responding to the scene. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar criticized the TMC government for the incident, linking it to illegal activities and suggesting a pattern of similar disasters in...

India and the US will begin a 13-day tri-services military exercise named 'Tiger Triumph' on the eastern seaboard, emphasizing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR). The exercise aims to enhance interoperability for HADR operations and establish a combined coordination centre (CCC) for Indian and US Joint Task Forces (JTF). Indian Naval ships, Army troops, and Air Force aircraft will participate in the exercise to develop SOPs and coordination for crisis situations. Full Article

Chhattisgarh Police, with central forces, killed Gummadevli Renuka, a senior woman commander in Dantewada, who had a reward of ₹45 lakh in two states. The encounter took place during an anti-Maoist operation in a forest area, where Renuka was found with weapons and Maoist literature. The operation was successful in neutralizing the threat posed by the deceased Maoist leader. Full Article