India announced a 15-year defense modernization plan on Friday that could include building its third aircraft carrier, which would be its first to be nuclear-powered. The plan also includes the use of Indian-made fighter jets for the navy for the first time. Bordered by strategic rivals China and Pakistan, with whom India has had deadly clashes in recent years, New Delhi is increasingly relying on domestic defense companies to strengthen its capabilities and reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers like Russia, France, and the United States. The defense ministry’s 2025 roadmap states, “As the nation stands on the threshold of…
Author: Raja Zahid Khanzada
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has initiated a major cabinet reshuffle, appointing a new deputy, foreign, and interior ministers on Friday in a move intended to restore his authority following the resignation of his deputy, Angela Rayner. As part of the reshuffle, Foreign Minister David Lammy was moved to become deputy prime minister, and he was replaced by Interior Minister Yvette Cooper. Cooper, in turn, was replaced by Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood. All three are considered loyal and trusted allies of Starmer. Key Appointments and Political Context A reshuffle had been expected after Starmer previously restructured his Downing…
Pakistani-origin politician Shabana Mahmood was appointed Britain’s new interior minister on Friday as Prime Minister Keir Starmer carried out his first major cabinet reshuffle since taking office in July 2024. Starmer brought in his “loyal friends” in a sweeping shake-up intended to restore his authority after the resignation of his deputy, Angela Rayner. The reshuffle was expected after Starmer had already reshaped his Downing Street team to bolster his economic advice. Mahmood, 44, a former barrister and the most senior Muslim in UK politics, now takes charge of the Home Office after serving as justice minister. She has been an…
US President Donald Trump has signed an order to bring back the old War Department name for the Pentagon, claiming it better reflects strength and victory. Flanked by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth at a White House signing ceremony, the Republican president called the change a powerful symbol, replacing the Department of Defense title that has been in use for over 70 years. He said the current name was too “wokey.” “I think it sends a message of victory,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office about the rebrand. “It’s a much more appropriate name in light of where the world…
Nearly a week after an earthquake killed over 2,200 people and left tens of thousands homeless in Afghanistan, the United States has yet to take the first step to authorize emergency aid. According to two former senior US officials and a source familiar with the situation, it remains unclear if the Trump administration plans to help at all. The lack of response from Washington highlights how President Donald Trump’s deep foreign aid cuts and the closure of the main US foreign assistance agency have forfeited decades of US leadership in global disaster relief. The US Agency for International Development (USAID)…
Thailand’s next interim prime minister, conservative business magnate Anutin Charnvirakul, has promised to fulfill his pledge of leading the fractured government to new elections. He was confirmed by parliament on Friday, which ended a week-long power vacuum following the ouster of his predecessor, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The construction tycoon formed a coalition of opposition blocs to keep out Pheu Thai, the electoral vehicle of the once-dominant Shinawatra dynasty’s patriarch, Thaksin. He received the backing of the People’s Party, which holds a plurality of seats, on the condition that he dissolve parliament within four months to hold fresh elections. “I will follow…
Australian police and rescuers reported on Saturday that a suspected “large shark” killed a surfer in a rare fatal attack off a Sydney beach, leading to a number of beach closures. New South Wales police said in a statement that the man was pulled out of the Pacific surf onto the shore at northern Sydney’s Long Reef Beach but died at the scene. “A man has died on the Northern Beaches after being bitten by what is believed to have been a large shark,” police said. Two sections of a surfboard were recovered and taken for examination, and police added…
A US appeals court on Friday refused to block a lower court’s ruling that the Trump administration could not unilaterally cut billions of dollars in foreign aid. This decision requires the administration to swiftly spend funds on projects that have already been authorized by Congress. The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued its ruling just days after a lower court ordered the administration to spend approximately $11 billion on foreign aid projects before the Congressional authorization for the spending expires in September. The appeals court did not explain its decision, stating only that the Trump…
Prince Hisahito’s coming-of-age was celebrated with an elaborate ceremony at the Imperial Palace on Saturday, even as a succession crisis continues to loom over Japan’s monarchy. The nephew of Emperor Naruhito, Hisahito was presented with a black silk and lacquer crown at the event, which signifies the start of his adult royal life. “Thank you very much for bestowing the crown today at the coming-of-age ceremony,” Hisahito said. “I will fulfill my duties, being aware of my responsibilities as an adult member of the imperial family.” Although the emperor has a daughter, 23-year-old Princess Aiko, she has been sidelined by…
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that New Delhi and Washington continue to share “very positive” ties, an exchange that followed US President Donald Trump’s reaffirmation of their personal friendship and his downplaying of earlier remarks about “losing India” to China. This positive dialogue comes despite recent strains, with Washington imposing tariffs of up to 50% on Indian imports and accusing New Delhi of indirectly fueling Moscow’s attacks on Ukraine by purchasing Russian oil. However, Trump and Modi, both right-wing populists, have maintained a strong personal bond since the US president’s first term. “Deeply appreciate…
