Public-Private Partnerships for Strategic Self-Reliance By Leena Introduction: External dependence in strategic defence areas means a country’s dependence on overseas sources for key military technology, platforms, components, and expertise. For India, this has meant procurement of combat aircraft (e.g., Sukhoi-30MKI from Russia, Rafale from France), missile systems (e.g., S-400), and surveillance facilities. Although such alliances…
President Donald Trump’s peace proposal for Ukraine includes restoring Russian energy supplies to Europe. It also suggests significant U.S. investment in Russian rare earths and energy sectors. The plan outlines tapping frozen Russian sovereign assets for Ukraine projects. These proposals were detailed in appendices to peace plans shared with European officials. Read More…
India and the US are nearing a trade deal, with Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran expressing optimism for a March resolution. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer acknowledged India’s “best ever” proposals, despite ongoing disagreements on agricultural imports. Negotiators are currently in New Delhi for crucial talks on a Bilateral Trade Agreement. Read More…
Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, speaking at SAITED-2025 in Bhubaneswar, emphasized science and technology as vital for India’s rise as a global power. He lauded PM Modi’s ₹1 lakh crore R&D fund and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s inspiration, urging students to pursue innovation. The fest united thousands of young learners and scientists. Read More…
CBSE has introduced a stricter section-wise format for Class 10 Science and Social Science exams, effective in 2026. Students must label and answer within designated sections—Biology, Chemistry, Physics for Science; History, Geography, Political Science, Economics for Social Science. Misplaced answers won’t be evaluated, with schools instructed to train students accordingly. Read More…
U.S. President Donald Trump said he and European leaders discussed proposals to end the war in Ukraine in “pretty strong terms” Wednesday, adding that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “has to be realistic” about his country’s position on a peace plan. As tension builds around a U.S. push for a settlement, the leaders of Germany, Britain and…
AS the US and India look to finalise a broader bilateral trade agreement, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has said that India’s offers are “the best Washington has received”, though challenges remain in getting New Delhi to open up its agriculture sector. “There is resistance in India for certain crops and meats and products. They…
India has responded cautiously to Russia’s overtures for co-producing Su-57 stealth jets, long-range drones and naval submarines, signalling no rush to commit. While New Delhi sees strategic merit, officials say any agreement must align with India’s long-term force-modernisation and self-reliance goals, underscoring careful evaluation. Read More…
The Secretary (Defence Production) said at the South-Zone Quality Assurance Industry Conclave 2025 that growing public-private collaboration, digitised processes and “Green Channel” certification are accelerating home-grown warship building. The reforms will empower MSMEs, streamline supply chains and support India’s ambitious maritime vision under “Viksit Bharat 2047”. Read More…
President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela as tensions mount with the government of President Nicolás Maduro. Using U.S. forces to take control of a merchant ship is incredibly unusual and marks the Trump administration’s latest push to increase pressure on Maduro, who…