NDTV Exclusive: What Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Seeking Re-Election, Said About India

US President Donald Trump warned Russian President Vladimir Putin of sanctions and tariffs unless a deal to end the Ukraine war is made immediately, praising Russia’s WWII contributions but emphasizing the need for peace. Ukrainian President Zelensky revealed Russia demanded his resignation, offering pro-Russian Viktor Medvedchuk as his replacement, with demands including recognizing Russian authorities in Donbas, limiting Ukraine’s army, and adopting Russian as an official language. Zelensky described this as an ultimatum, not negotiation,...

India's defence budget for FY25 is set at 2.4% of GDP, ranking it as the fourth-largest globally but trailing behind China, the U.S., and Russia. Efforts are concentrated on indigenous procurement and modernisation, yet high personnel costs impede progress in advanced technologies like AI and cyber warfare. Experts emphasize the need for prioritising resource allocation and boosting domestic manufacturing to enhance strategic reach. Full Article

The Vadodara Municipal Corporation faces a challenge in relocating nearly 300 crocodiles from the Vishwamitri river for a desilting and dredging project, as nesting coincides with the work. While officials believe the crocodiles can be shifted safely, experts emphasize the need for a backup plan to avoid agitation among the animals. The VMC is awaiting permission from the Wildlife Department to proceed with the project, which includes leaving undisturbed areas for crocodile nesting and potential...

The Indian defence ministry is moving forward with a multi-billion dollar project to build next-generation submarines with Mazagaon Dockyards Limited and Germany's TKMS. The ₹43,000 crore initiative has entered the commercial negotiation phase, aiming to deliver submarines with air-independent propulsion systems within seven years of contract signing. Full Article

Two Maoists, including a female commander, were killed, and top leader Ranvijay Mahto was arrested in an encounter in Jharkhand, where two policemen were injured. Security forces are pursuing the remaining Maoists, with Mahto being wanted for over 40 cases and carrying a ₹15 lakh bounty. Full Article

In response to a 'mystery illness' in Badhaal village, Rajouri administration declared it a containment zone, prohibiting gatherings after five residents were hospitalized and 17 members of three families, including six minor siblings, have died since December. Critical patients were referred to PGI Chandigarh and GMC Rajouri, with homes of deceased sealed, entry prohibited, and food distribution monitored to prevent infection spread. Health teams screened locals, ruling out viral or bacterial infections, while an inter-ministerial...