India’s nuclear arsenal is estimated to have grown to around 190 warheads, according to recent assessments by international nuclear experts, highlighting the country’s continued efforts to modernise its strategic forces and maintain a credible nuclear deterrent. The estimate comes amid a wider expansion and modernisation of nuclear capabilities by several countries, particularly in Asia. India’s exact nuclear stockpile remains classified, meaning the figure of 190 is an independent estimate rather than an officially confirmed number. Previous assessments had placed India’s arsenal at around 180 warheads, indicating a gradual increase in the country’s inventory over the past year.
The expansion is taking place alongside the development of newer nuclear-capable delivery systems. India has been strengthening all three components of its strategic deterrent, including land-based ballistic missiles, aircraft capable of delivering nuclear weapons and sea-based platforms. The development of a nuclear triad is considered important for ensuring that the country retains a survivable retaliatory capability even in the event of a major conflict.
India’s nuclear modernisation is also closely linked to the strategic environment in its neighbourhood. China has been rapidly expanding and upgrading its nuclear forces, while Pakistan continues to maintain its own nuclear arsenal. The changing capabilities of both countries have increased the importance of maintaining a reliable and survivable Indian deterrent.
Analysts say the number of warheads alone does not provide a complete picture of a country’s nuclear capability. Delivery systems, missile ranges, submarine-based forces, command-and-control infrastructure and the ability to survive a potential first strike are equally important factors in assessing the effectiveness of a nuclear deterrent.
The estimated increase in India’s warhead inventory also comes as the country continues to develop advanced missile systems and improve its strategic platforms. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that India’s nuclear forces remain credible as military technologies and regional security dynamics evolve.
International researchers rely on publicly available information, satellite imagery, official statements and assessments of fissile-material production to estimate the size of India’s nuclear arsenal. Because much of the country’s nuclear programme remains confidential, there is uncertainty surrounding the exact number of assembled warheads and India's future production capacity.
India has traditionally based its nuclear posture on the principle of credible minimum deterrence and has maintained a declared no-first-use policy, although aspects of its nuclear doctrine have periodically been debated by strategic experts and policymakers. The latest estimate of around 190 warheads therefore reflects more than a simple increase in numbers. It forms part of a broader effort by India to modernise its nuclear forces, improve their survivability and ensure that its strategic deterrent remains credible in an increasingly competitive regional security environment.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed the flight-acceptance hot test of a CE20 cryogenic engine that is set to power the upper stage of the upcoming LVM3-M7 mission, marking a significant step in preparations for India's next heavy-lift launch. The test was conducted on July 6, 2026, at the Main Engine and Stage Test facility of the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. During the test, the CE20 engine initially operated at a thrust level of 19.5 tonnes for 45 seconds before being raised to 22 tonnes for another 25 seconds. ISRO said the engine systems and the Nozzle Protection System performed satisfactorily throughout the test.
The engine will now undergo refurbishment before being integrated into the C32 flight stage being prepared for the LVM3-M7 launch vehicle. The CE20 is an indigenous cryogenic engine developed by ISRO for the upper stage of the LVM3 rocket. The engine is designed to operate in the 19-22 tonne thrust range and has powered multiple LVM3 missions, including Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3 and commercial launches.
The latest hot test is particularly significant because ISRO is working to establish the CE20's operation at the higher 22-tonne thrust level for future LVM3 missions. Increasing the thrust of the upper-stage engine is expected to contribute to improvements in the launch vehicle's payload capability. ISRO had earlier conducted a major sea-level test of the CE20 at 22-tonne thrust on March 10, 2026. The engine was operated for 165 seconds during that test using a Nozzle Protection System and a multi-element igniter. The test was aimed at demonstrating the engine's performance at the higher thrust level under sea-level conditions.
Testing a large cryogenic engine at sea level presents technical challenges because of the large-area-ratio nozzle used by the CE20. The low pressure at the nozzle exit can lead to flow separation, which may cause excessive vibration and thermal loads. ISRO's Nozzle Protection System was developed to address this challenge and enable extended engine testing under sea-level conditions.
The CE20 has undergone an extensive testing programme as ISRO continues to improve the reliability and performance of the LVM3 propulsion system. Previous testing has demonstrated technologies including multi-element ignition, higher-thrust operation, indigenous turbopump bearings and sensors, as well as bootstrap-mode engine start-up.
The successful flight-acceptance test of the engine assigned to LVM3-M7 brings the mission another step closer to launch. Once refurbishment is completed, the engine will be integrated into the C32 flight stage and subsequently into the LVM3 vehicle. The development of the 22-tonne CE20 configuration is also important for India's wider space programme. Improved upper-stage performance could give the LVM3 greater flexibility for future missions involving heavier spacecraft and more demanding orbital requirements. With the latest test successfully completed, ISRO is continuing its efforts to strengthen the LVM3's capabilities and build greater reliability into India's heavy-lift launch operations.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from The Pioneer.
Pakistan’s press freedom environment is facing growing international scrutiny, with several prominent rights organisations accusing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government of allowing an increasingly difficult atmosphere for journalists. The groups have raised concerns over alleged intimidation, censorship, detentions, investigations and restrictions affecting independent media across the country.
In a joint letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and other rights organisations expressed concern over the alleged disappearance and detention of journalists, as well as restrictions on reporting and internet access. They urged the government to take immediate steps to protect journalists and ensure that media workers can operate without fear of harassment or retaliation.
The organisations specifically raised the cases of independent journalists Razi Tahir and Muhammad Saif, who they said were allegedly taken away on August 1 and moved to an undisclosed location. According to the groups, Islamabad police have not officially acknowledged their detention, while their whereabouts remain unknown. The rights organisations called for authorities to clarify their status, provide them with access to their families and lawyers, and launch an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding their disappearance.
The groups also demanded a transparent probe into the June 7 attack on journalist Mian Zahid Owaisi in Bahawalpur. Owaisi, who works for the Urdu-language newspaper Daily Khabarain, was reportedly assaulted by around 10 armed men after publishing a report about alleged drug trafficking in the area. Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the incident, but several other alleged attackers reportedly remain at large. The organisations called for all those responsible to be held accountable.
Another major issue highlighted in the letter was Pakistan’s Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines, 2026. The rights groups described the regulations as overly restrictive, arguing that journalists working for foreign media organisations must obtain government authorisation for assignments outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. They also expressed concern about provisions allowing authorities to suspend accreditation on broad grounds such as national security, sovereignty and public order, warning that such powers could interfere with independent journalism.
The organisations further criticised the use of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and investigations conducted by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) against journalists. They cited the June arrest of journalist Sohrab Barkat, who was reportedly detained over a YouTube report related to protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The groups argued that cybercrime laws should not be used to restrict legitimate reporting or silence journalists covering politically sensitive issues.
Internet restrictions have added to concerns over the media environment. The rights organisations said the suspension of internet services in PoJK seriously affected journalists’ ability to communicate with sources, verify information and send reports. They also criticised the reported blocking of Al Jazeera’s website, describing such restrictions as another obstacle to public access to independent news and information.
The organisations have urged Pakistan’s government to strengthen protections for journalists and ensure that media workers are not subjected to arbitrary detention, violence, censorship or excessive legal pressure. Their concerns have renewed debate over press freedom in Pakistan and the need to balance legitimate security measures with the public’s right to access independent information.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday met Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov in New Delhi, with the two sides discussing ways to further expand economic cooperation and strengthen bilateral financial ties. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit, which is being hosted by India. According to the Ministry of Finance, the discussions focused on measures that could deepen economic engagement between the two countries and create new opportunities for cooperation.
A major focus of the meeting was the proposed Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). India and Russia agreed to move forward with negotiations on the agreement, which is aimed at creating a mutually beneficial framework to encourage investment flows and provide greater support for economic engagement between the two countries.
Sitharaman and Manturov also discussed possibilities for expanding cooperation in financial services. The sector has emerged as an important area of India-Russia economic engagement as both countries seek to strengthen their broader commercial relationship. The meeting comes as India and Russia continue efforts to expand economic ties across several sectors. While the two countries have traditionally maintained close cooperation in areas such as energy and defence, investment, financial cooperation and trade-related mechanisms are becoming increasingly important to their economic relationship.
The discussions also coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin's arrival in New Delhi for the BRICS Summit. Putin was received by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh following his arrival in the national capital. Putin is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with discussions expected to cover a range of strategic and economic issues. Among the areas likely to receive attention are trade resilience, cross-border payment mechanisms, energy security and developments related to ongoing geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe and West Asia.
During his visit, Putin is also scheduled to accompany Prime Minister Modi to the INNOPROM exhibition in New Delhi. The industrial and trade exhibition has been organised through cooperation between the relevant ministries of India and Russia and is expected to highlight opportunities for closer industrial and commercial engagement.
India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 under its 2026 BRICS Chairship. The country's chairship is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” with development, sustainability and innovation forming key areas of focus. BRICS has developed into an important platform for cooperation among major emerging economies. Its discussions cover a broad range of issues, including finance, trade, technology, energy, sustainable development and people-to-people exchanges. The grouping also provides a forum for members to coordinate on issues of importance to the Global South and discuss reforms in international institutions.
The expanded BRICS grouping currently includes Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Collectively, these countries account for nearly half of the world's population, around 40 per cent of global GDP and about 26 per cent of global trade, according to background information released in connection with India's 2026 BRICS Chairship.
India's leadership of BRICS comes at a time of significant changes in the global economic and geopolitical landscape. Supply-chain disruptions, technological advances, climate challenges, resource pressures and geopolitical uncertainty are reshaping international economic relations. Against this backdrop, New Delhi is seeking to use its BRICS chairship to promote practical cooperation in areas such as development, technology, energy, climate action and financial resilience. The larger membership of the grouping also presents an opportunity to strengthen cooperation among emerging economies and give greater representation to the priorities of the Global South.
The meeting between Sitharaman and Manturov therefore assumes significance as India and Russia look to broaden their economic partnership. Advancing negotiations on the Bilateral Investment Treaty could provide an additional framework for encouraging investment and strengthening long-term economic engagement between the two countries.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@FinMinIndia.
The Reserve Bank of India expects its record foreign-currency deposit programme to generate additional income rather than become a financial burden, Governor Sanjay Malhotra said. Malhotra said the RBI can invest the dollar inflows in overseas government securities and earn interest from them. He added that the central bank had consulted major banks and other stakeholders before launching the scheme. The RBI is also closely monitoring excess rupee liquidity created by strong foreign-exchange inflows. Malhotra said tools including open market operations, currency swaps and variable reverse repo auctions remain available to absorb surplus funds. India attracted a record $127 billion from its overseas community, while combined inflows under the two foreign-currency initiatives exceeded $136 billion as of August. Malhotra also highlighted India's strong economic performance, noting that GDP grew 7.8% in the April-June quarter. He expects the upcoming festive season, including Diwali, to provide further support to consumer spending and economic growth.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
Singapore is set to increase the salaries of its political officeholders by as much as 9 per cent, marking the first adjustment to ministerial pay in 15 years. The move has renewed debate over how Singapore determines compensation for its political leaders, including whether salaries should continue to be linked to earnings among the country’s highest-paid private-sector professionals. Elakeyaa Selvaraji and Hairianto Diman explore the principles behind Singapore’s political pay framework and the broader question of how public service should be valued. They also discuss the issue with Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at Singapore Management University (SMU).
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Recent discussions between U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have failed to produce a major breakthrough. Daniel Martin speaks with Dr. Rohan Gunaratna, Professor of Security Studies at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, NTU, for further analysis of the developments.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Reform UK has suspended two senior party figures following an undercover investigation that allegedly showed them discussing ways to circumvent electoral rules governing overseas donations. The investigation, conducted by Channel 4 News in collaboration with investigative group Verbatim, was released just before Nigel Farage was due to deliver his speech at the party’s conference in Birmingham. The party has launched an internal investigation into James Orr, its head of policy, and Dan Jukes, a senior adviser to Farage, over their alleged conduct in the footage. Lucy Hough is joined by senior political correspondent Peter Walker to discuss the allegations, the party’s response and what the controversy could mean for Reform UK and Farage.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
As artificial intelligence transforms the job market and changes the skills employers are looking for, workers are increasingly faced with a key question: which skills are truly worth investing in? Cheryl Goh speaks with Chandler Morse, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Workday, about whether businesses are prioritising specialists or generalists, how employees can distinguish genuine workplace demand from AI hype, and the steps they can take to stay relevant as the job market evolves.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
