Joe Biden approves $571 million in defence support for Taiwan

India's newly commissioned stealth frigate, INS Tushil, made a historic port call in London, marking its first operational deployment after departing from Russia on December 17th. The visit follows the ship's commissioning on December 9th, showcasing India's naval capabilities and strengthening ties with the UK through this significant milestone. INS Tushil's presence in London highlights the ship's advanced technology and the Indian Navy's commitment to maintaining global maritime security. Full Article

blocked The Tawaghat-Lipulekh highway in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand was blocked by a landslide, leaving numerous vehicles stranded. No casualties were reported, and efforts to clear the debris are ongoing. In response to attacks by man-eating tigers and leopards, 13 schools in the Rikhnikhal block have been closed for three days, ensuring the safety of students. An investigation into external funding of madrasas in the state is also underway, with special committees established in all districts to...

A US warship mistakenly shot down a US Navy aircraft over the Red Sea, with both pilots surviving, showcasing the growing threats in the region. Houthi rebels have attacked nearly 100 ships, claiming to target vessels associated with Israel, the US, or the UK to pressure an end to Israel's Gaza actions. The incident underscores the escalating dangers and tensions in the area, posing risks to both military and civilian vessels. Full Article

A recent unclassified war game by CSIS and MIT revealed that increasing US nuclear capabilities would not deter China from using atomic weapons in a conflict over Taiwan. The exercise explored scenarios where nuclear weapons might be employed, showing minimal impact of US nuclear capabilities on Beijing's willingness to deploy such arms. The study suggested China could move away from its no-first-use policy in critical conflicts, highlighting the pressure both sides face to resort to...

A rebel army in Myanmar, the Arakan Army, announced the capture of a major military headquarters in the country's west, the second regional command to fall to the junta's armed resistance movement. The Arakan Army, part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, launched an offensive in October 2023, achieving significant victories along Myanmar's border with China. This marks another setback for the military government, which seized power in early 2021, triggering nationwide protests and armed rebellion...

Ten months after India announced plans to fence the 1,643-km-long border with Myanmar to control the influx of drugs and weapons, the government is facing opposition from local communities with ethnic ties across the border. The struggle between security imperatives and ethnic bonds highlights the conflict between national priorities and age-old relationships. This delicate situation underscores the complexity of balancing security measures with preserving cultural and historical connections. Full Article