India, France, UAE strengthen defence ties with Desert Knight air combat exercise

The Cabinet Committee on Security approved two major projects worth around Rs 20,000 crore for 12 Su-30 MKI fighter jets and 100 K-9 Vajra Self-propelled howitzers for the Indian Air Force and Indian Army respectively. The Su-30 MKI jets will be manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited at a cost of Rs 13,000 crore, while Larsen and Toubro will produce the howitzers with increased indigenous content. These projects are expected to enhance indigenous defense production capabilities....

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...

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,...