Senior Russian diplomat says possibility of new nuclear tests remains open question

Time Magazine named US President-elect Donald Trump as its "person of the year" for the second time, recognizing his political comeback after defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in the election. Trump's influence is highlighted for reshaping the American presidency, driving a political realignment, and preparing to return to the White House amidst challenges and controversies. Despite facing legal issues and controversies, Trump's resurgence as a political figure continues to shape US and world politics, with...

India, France, and the UAE launched the "Desert Knight" air combat exercise to bolster trilateral defence cooperation and enhance interoperability among their air forces. The operation involved Indian Sukhoi-30MKIs and Jaguars, French Rafale jets, and UAE's F-16 fighters engaging in intensive combat manoeuvres over the Arabian Sea. This exercise strengthens defence ties amidst geopolitical tensions, focusing on strategic regions like the Indo-Pacific and Persian Gulf to counter China's assertive actions and expand mutual partnership. Full...

NATO is considering raising its defense spending target from 2% to 3% of GDP by 2030 to address critical capability gaps and enhance air defenses, offensive weaponry, and nuclear deterrence capabilities in response to heightened security concerns from Russia. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasizes the need for increased capabilities, with an interim goal of 2.5% GDP before achieving the 3% target by the end of the decade, aligning with calls from the US for...

Syria's rebel leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, declared that officials involved in torturing detainees will not be pardoned and called for their extradition to face justice. In the meantime, the tomb of Bashar al-Assad's father, Hafez, was set on fire in Qardaha. The new Syrian administration also asserted that the rights of all religious groups will be safeguarded, as they took control of Damascus airport. Full Article

The National Investigation Agency conducted searches in multiple states to investigate a conspiracy by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed to radicalize youth and spread terror in India. The searches took place at 19 locations in four states, including Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Further details on the operation are currently pending. Full Article

The Board of Intermediate Education, Andhra Pradesh, released the timetable for the Intermediate Public Examinations (IPE) 2025, with AP Inter 2nd year exams scheduled from March 3 to 20, 2025. State Education Minister Lokesh Nara announced the exam date sheet on his official handle, with preliminary exams in Environmental Science and Moral Values set for February 1 and 3, and practical exams on February 10. Students are advised to report to the examination center early,...