Taiwan has already held initial discussions with the United States about the weapons it plans to acquire under a US$40 billion (S$51 billion) supplementary defence budget, Defence Minister Wellington Koo said on Thursday (Nov 27). The new budget, announced by President Lai Ching-te the previous day and covering 2026 to 2033, is intended to reinforce Taiwan’s commitment to defending itself against mounting pressure from China. Beijing, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory, has stepped up military and political measures over the past five years, which Taipei firmly opposes.
Speaking in Taipei, Koo said that arms purchases from the United States will form a major part of the plan. Taiwan has received details from the US Department of Defence, including quantities, pricing, and timelines, indicating American willingness to supply the weapons. However, no specifics can be released until a formal notification is made to the US Congress.
The budget still requires approval from Taiwan’s parliament, which is dominated by the opposition. The Kuomintang criticized the announcement, arguing that President Lai did not consult parliament beforehand and cautioning against heavy reliance on borrowing. Premier Cho Jung-tai urged legislative support, citing the threat from China, while Koo noted that the plan would also create 90,000 jobs and contribute T$400 billion (S$16 billion) to Taiwan’s economy.
The US remains Taiwan’s most significant arms supplier despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties. In response to calls from Washington to increase defence spending, Lai has proposed raising it to five percent of GDP by 2030. Since President Donald Trump took office, only one arms sale to Taiwan has been approved: a US$330 million package for fighter jets and related parts announced this month. US officials have indicated plans to expand arms sales further to deter China. China has condemned Taiwan’s defence spending, while Lai maintains that only the Taiwanese people can decide their future. Beijing has rejected repeated offers of talks, branding Lai a “separatist.”
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Veteran actor Mohanlal expressed his joy and pride as the 4K restoration of the Malayalam classic Kireedam (1989) premiered at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The restored film, screened under the Special Screenings section, received an enthusiastic response from audiences and cinema enthusiasts alike. Sharing his thoughts on X, Mohanlal expressed deep gratitude for the effort behind reviving a film so close to his heart. Calling the experience both “delighted” and “an honour,” he highlighted the meticulous restoration work undertaken before the premiere.
He stated, “Delighted to share the world premiere of the 4K restoration of Kireedam (1989), presented as part of the Special Screenings at the 56th IFFI, Goa. The film has been meticulously restored by NFDC-National Film Archive of India from a 35mm release print, thankfully preserved by the archive for decades after the original camera negative had deteriorated. The final grading was supervised by the film's cinematographer, S. Kumar. It is an honour to witness this classic return to the screen.”
Mohanlal also praised India’s archival initiatives, emphasizing their importance for future generations. He described the revival as “heartening,” adding, “It is heartening to see Kireedam revived under the National Film Heritage Mission. My best wishes to NFDC-NFAI as they continue preserving and presenting India’s cinematic heritage for future generations, in both digital and analog formats.”
Directed by Sibi Malayil and written by A.K. Lohithadas, Kireedam is one of Malayalam cinema’s most celebrated dramas, portraying the tragic downfall of Sethumadhavan, a young man whose dream of becoming a police officer is shattered by fate—a performance that earned Mohanlal a National Award Special Jury Mention. On the work front, Mohanlal was last seen in Hridayapoorvam and is now preparing for the release of Vrusshabhaa, a Telugu-Malayalam bilingual period action drama set to hit theatres this Christmas.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from insta/@Mohanlal.
Russia strongly condemned the leak of a recording of a call between top advisers to Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, calling it an unacceptable attempt to undermine Ukraine peace negotiations and labeling it a form of hybrid warfare. Bloomberg News published a transcript of the October 14 call, in which Trump envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly advised Putin’s foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, on how to present a Ukraine peace plan to Trump. While Bloomberg confirmed that it reviewed the recording, it did not disclose how it gained access to such a sensitive conversation between officials from the world’s two largest nuclear powers.
Ushakov stated that his discussions with Witkoff were not meant for publication and should not have been leaked. He described the leak as “unacceptable” and said it appeared intended to disrupt Russia-U.S. negotiations. Speaking to Kommersant newspaper, Ushakov noted that some of his conversations were conducted over encrypted government channels, which are rarely intercepted unless deliberately compromised. He also suggested that while some WhatsApp communications could theoretically be accessed, the leak did not appear to originate from the call participants themselves, and he plans to address the matter directly with Witkoff.
In a related statement, Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and a Putin investment envoy, dismissed Bloomberg’s reporting of an October 29 call with Ushakov as “fake.” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov added that certain media outlets are being used in a hybrid information war by European countries against Russia, aiming to weaken ties with Washington. Bloomberg has not responded to Russian criticism or clarified how it obtained the recordings. Kommersant’s top Kremlin reporter, who interviewed Ushakov, ran the story under the headline: “Who set up Steve Witkoff?”
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Indrajaal Drone Defence has introduced the Anti-Drone Patrol Vehicle (ADPV), a fully mobile, AI-powered counter-drone system aimed at transforming India’s response to drone-related threats. The company said on Wednesday that the development of the ADPV, also called the Indrajaal Ranger, gained urgency after two recent incidents highlighted drones as a major vulnerability in India’s border security.
One incident involved an ISI-linked cross-border trafficking operation in which weapons were transported deep into Indian territory using drones, demonstrating how easily such devices can be used for smuggling. In another case, the Border Security Force (BSF) has already intercepted 255 Pakistani drones this year, showing that drones are now the main channel for the country’s multi-lakh-crore drug trafficking network.
Unlike traditional anti-drone systems that function only when stationary, the Indrajaal Ranger is a purpose-built combat vehicle capable of detecting drones while moving, conducting real-time patrols, using AI for autonomous threat assessment, and instantly intercepting hostile drones. It can operate across border roads, farms, canals, critical infrastructure zones, and dense urban areas.
This launch marks a major advancement in India’s defence preparedness, addressing growing threats linked to smuggling, surveillance, and terrorism along national borders. At the event, chief guest Lieutenant General Devendra Pratap Pandey (Retd) praised the vehicle, calling it a protective shield for citizens and a crucial step toward safeguarding India’s youth and border communities. He also commended CEO Kiran Raju for advancing India’s defence innovation. Founder and CEO Kiran Raju stated that every neutralised drone represents lives saved and strengthened national security, reinforcing Indrajaal’s mission to protect India’s freedom.
According to the company, the Indrajaal Ranger enhances national security by disrupting cross-border criminal networks, preventing the entry of drugs and illegal weapons, and improving safety for border residents. By cutting off key supply routes, it weakens criminal and extremist operations while reducing the workload on security forces through automated interception and data-driven deployment. Most importantly, it helps restore a sense of security and stability for communities living under constant threat.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
A drone footage shows vehicles stranded on a bridge in Hat Yai district as floodwaters rise following heavy rainfall. The severe floods have impacted ten southern Thai provinces, including Songkhla, where several people have lost their lives.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
From April's "Liberation Day" to the end of the year, tariff changes have produced distinct winners and losers, along with a long list of countries still under close examination. Some nations hit hardest by the tariffs have managed to mitigate the impact by shifting supply chains and negotiating strategic side agreements. As global trade patterns adjust, new beneficiaries are starting to emerge. The wave of bilateral agreements expected in 2026 could once again alter the global landscape. Andrea Heng and Susan Ng discuss the year's developments with Chris Humphrey, Executive Director of the EU-Asean Business Council.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
Just over 50% of voters acknowledge that climate change is real and driven by human activity, according to the latest Guardian Essential poll. Interestingly, a similar proportion held the same view more than 15 years ago. Essential Media’s executive director, Peter Lewis, and political reporter Josh Butler examine the disconnect between climate science and the politics of climate action in Australia. They also discuss why self-aware AI, rather than climate change, is seen as the biggest existential threat, and how strong public backing for gambling reform highlights the gap between Prime Minister Albanese’s current policies and the public’s appetite for change.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.
A recent study reveals that maintaining a sense of control is crucial for ageing well. Seniors who retain independence and the ability to make their own decisions tend to be healthier and happier. Post-retirement, men often face more challenges, whereas women’s social networks help them stay resilient. The research underscores the significance of purpose, social connections, and dignity in later life. Andrea Heng and Genevieve Woo discuss the study with A/P Justina Tan, Vice President of Strategic Partnership and Engagement at SUSS.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Author and columnist Sean Kelly argues that even though Labor holds a strong majority and the opposition is distracted by internal conflict, there are indications that Anthony Albanese’s government may squander the chance voters have given them. Kelly speaks with Guardian Australia’s political editor Tom McIlroy about his new Quarterly Essay, where he explores Labor’s shift from idealistic ambitions to a more pragmatic approach. The former staffer to Rudd and Gillard says that although Albanese’s cautious style has helped him win two elections, it may now prove to be the prime minister’s biggest vulnerability.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.
