US approves $385 mln arms sale for Taiwan

US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a positive hour-long call discussing peace efforts in Ukraine, with Zelensky emphasizing the need for American leadership. Trump suggested US ownership of Ukrainian energy infrastructure to prevent attacks, while both leaders agreed to stay in contact. They also discussed a potential second round of peace talks in Saudi Arabia and Trump's recent call with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the conflict. Full Article

The Philippines' foreign minister, Enrique A Manalo, stated that the purchase of BrahMos missiles from India aligns with the country's strategy to enhance its defense capabilities amid geopolitical uncertainties. The $375 million deal signed in January 2022 marks the Philippines as the first foreign buyer of the jointly produced missile system. Manalo highlighted the growing defense cooperation between the Philippines and India, hinting at further partnership enhancements, including a potential visit by President Bongbong Marcos...

DRI opposed Tarun Raju's bail plea in the gold smuggling case involving Ranya Rao, citing forensic evidence linking them and their partnership in Vira Diamonds Trading LLC. The duo allegedly imported gold from Geneva and Bangkok, with Rao investing in the company. DRI claimed they had evidence of multiple smuggling instances and a lookout notice for Tarun attempting to flee India, leading to the denial of his bail plea. Full Article

National Investigation Agency teams conducted extensive searches at the homes of alleged overground workers linked with banned organizations in Jammu, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed offshoots. The raids were carried out at 12 locations following information about militants infiltrating Indian territory, connected to past attacks on security forces. NIA seized incriminatory material linking militants with overground workers, unraveling a larger terror conspiracy involving LeT and JeM terrorists facilitated by OGWs in border areas. Full Article

AICC Secretary Ramkishan Ojha urged the NDA-led Central government to consider the recent car crash in Vadodara as a pilot project to amend the Motor Vehicle Act, seeking stricter punishment for intentional accidents caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Ojha questioned the existing provisions of the MV Act in dealing with accused like Rakshit Chaurasiya, who allegedly committed murder under intoxication, emphasizing the need for modern laws to address such cases...

Indian procurement processes for the armed forces are slow, hindering the adoption of necessary technology, according to Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. He emphasized the need for greater adaptability in modern conflicts, citing the challenge of training troops. Gen Chauhan stressed the importance of keeping up with technological advancements in warfare due to the dynamic and uncertain global security environment. Full Article