Russia has unveiled an upgraded Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter as India steps up its search for advanced aircraft to strengthen its air capabilities. Moscow is expected to offer India a highly enhanced Su-57 with full technology transfer (ToT) as the Indian Air Force (IAF) seeks stealth fighters.
State-owned ROSTEC stated that the latest Su-57s feature advanced onboard systems and a revamped weapons suite, boosting operational versatility. A Su-57 pilot noted that the aircraft meet Russia’s Defence Ministry standards and have already proven themselves in ongoing military operations. Upgrades expand mission profiles, enabling new weapon types and increased adaptability across combat scenarios.
The Su-57 is a multi-role fighter capable of striking air, ground, and naval targets in all-weather conditions, even under electronic warfare. Its stealth and supermaneuverability distinguish it in modern air combat. Vadim Badekha, CEO of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), highlighted ongoing improvements in avionics and armaments, emphasizing the jet’s efficiency and combat effectiveness.
The rollout aligns with Russia’s push to engage India on the Su-57, including full ToT and local production. At the Dubai Air Show, Moscow offered a comprehensive package addressing all Indian requirements. Proposals include initial deliveries from Russia, phased manufacturing in India, licensed munitions production, and mastery of next-gen technologies like engines, AESA radars, AI integration, low observables, and advanced weaponry. Russia may also develop a twin-seat variant tailored for India, prioritizing indigenous production to reduce sanction risks and support India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
For India, the timing is crucial. Under Roadmap 2047, the IAF needs 35–40 new fighters annually for the next two decades to maintain squadron strength. Indigenous projects like AMCA are progressing, but foreign acquisitions remain vital amid threats from China and Pakistan. Current IAF strength stands at roughly 30 squadrons versus an authorized 42, with delays in projects like Tejas Mk-2 and Rafale deliveries worsening the gap.
Defence cooperation is expected to be a key topic in the upcoming Modi-Putin summit, covering Su-57 collaboration, S-400 and S-500 developments, Su-30MKI and T-90 co-production, and BrahMos enhancements. India’s Su-57 evaluation draws on the previous FGFA project, abandoned in 2018 over cost and tech concerns. New upgrades—advanced engines, improved stealth, and AI features—could renew interest, with full ToT enabling HAL or private firms like TATA to assemble jets domestically.
Challenges remain, including unproven stealth in combat and engine reliability issues. Geopolitical factors, CAATSA waivers, and US-India defence ties also influence decisions. Still, Russia’s proven track record as a supplier—from MiG-29s to S-400s—adds appeal. The Su-57 offers network-centric warfare integration, hypersonic weapons compatibility, drone swarm deployment, and potential for a two-seater variant for training or exports. Local production would generate jobs, strengthen the supply chain, and support exports under Make in India. As the IAF weighs the Su-57 against alternatives like the F-35 or Eurofighter, Russia’s offer stands out for cost-effectiveness and full ToT, bridging the gap until AMCA becomes operational around 2035.
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Tony Wu and Jimmy Ba, two of the original co-founders of Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence venture xAI, have stepped down from the company less than three years after helping to launch it. The pair announced their departures in separate posts on social media, expressing gratitude to Musk but offering no detailed explanation for their decisions or insight into their future plans. Their exits mark the latest developments in a broader wave of departures from xAI. With Wu and Ba leaving, the company is now left with only half of its original 12 co-founders, highlighting significant leadership turnover at a time when competition in the AI industry is intensifying.
According to a report by the Financial Times, Ba’s resignation came amid internal tensions within xAI’s technical team. The report suggested there had been pressure to significantly enhance the performance of the company’s AI models, as Musk seeks to narrow the gap with leading competitors such as OpenAI and Anthropic. However, Ba did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the reported tensions.
The leadership changes arrive just days after Musk’s aerospace company, SpaceX, announced plans to acquire xAI in a deal that would create a combined entity valued at approximately 1.25 trillion dollars. The merged company is expected to pursue a public listing later this year, with ambitions that include financing large-scale projects such as deploying data centers in space.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative has deleted a social media post that included a map of India depicting the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir, including Pakistan occupied Kashmir, as well as Aksai Chin, as part of Indian territory. The post was shared last week on X after India and the United States announced details of a bilateral interim trade agreement framework. Along with information about the deal, the USTR account had posted a map of India. In that map, the whole of Jammu and Kashmir, including Pakistan occupied Kashmir, was shown as Indian territory. The Aksai Chin region, which is claimed by China, was also marked as part of India.
The post featuring the map has since been removed from the USTR handle. In earlier instances, maps of India have typically displayed Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Aksai Chin with boundary markings or demarcation lines. However, the map shared by the USTR portrayed the entire Jammu and Kashmir region, including those disputed areas, as fully integrated into India.
New Delhi has repeatedly maintained that the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has always been, remains, and will continue to be an integral and inseparable part of India. India also asserts that Aksai Chin forms an integral part of its territory based on historical claims and earlier agreements.
China’s previously released standard map has asserted claims over Arunachal Pradesh, the Aksai Chin region, Taiwan, and parts of the South China Sea. Meanwhile, India and the United States announced on Friday night that they have finalized a framework for the first phase of their bilateral trade agreement. Under this arrangement, both countries will lower import duties on several goods in an effort to enhance two way trade.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.
Veena Sikri, former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, has said that India need not be concerned about the newly signed reciprocal trade agreement between Bangladesh and the United States. Speaking to ANI, Sikri explained that the deal is unlikely to negatively impact India’s economic interests.
She noted that Bangladesh’s potential access to zero tariffs in the US market would likely be linked to its imports of man-made yarn, cotton yarn, and possibly cotton from the United States. However, she pointed out that India already supplies these materials to Bangladesh at very competitive prices and with faster delivery timelines. According to Sikri, Bangladeshi exporters can source such goods from India within a week, making Indian suppliers a more practical and efficient option despite the US agreement.
Sikri also expressed concerns about Bangladesh’s reported plans to purchase a large number of Boeing aircraft. She questioned how Bangladesh would finance such costly acquisitions, suggesting that the country might need to rely on loans from institutions such as the International Monetary Fund or other sources. Taking on significant debt for these purchases, she warned, could put additional strain on Bangladesh’s economy.
The United States and Bangladesh signed the United States-Bangladesh Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. The Office of the US Trade Representative described the agreement as a key step in strengthening bilateral trade and economic ties. The deal was signed by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Bangladesh’s Adviser for Commerce, Textiles and Jute, and Civil Aviation and Tourism, Sheikh Bashir Uddin, in the presence of senior officials from both countries. Greer said the agreement reflects Washington’s commitment to advancing policies that benefit American workers and businesses while reinforcing international partnerships.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
During a protest in Sydney’s Town Hall Square against Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s state visit, a woman provided water to a detained demonstrator following clashes between protesters and police. The demonstration came in response to the deadly mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025. Tensions ran high as participants expressed outrage over the incident, while law enforcement struggled to maintain order amid the heated confrontation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Keir Starmer’s prospects as prime minister took a hit after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar demanded his resignation. While the cabinet continues to back him, his position appears secure—for the moment. Pippa and Kiran explore what could unfold next.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s coalition secured a historic victory in Sunday’s (Feb 8) election, setting the stage for planned tax cuts that have rattled financial markets, as well as increased military spending to counter China. For insights into this outcome, Andrea Heng and Genevieve Woo consulted Dr. Lim Tai Wei, East Asia specialist and Professor at Soka University, Japan.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
A crocodile has been spotted in the southern waters of Singapore, leading to increased patrols and safety warnings on Sentosa’s beaches. Authorities are keeping track of the animal’s movements and advising visitors to avoid entering the water. Andrea Heng and Susan Ng report on saltwater crocodiles, with insights from Kannan Raja, President of the Herpetological Society of Singapore.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
The expiration of the New START treaty has lifted the final restrictions on the nuclear stockpiles of the United States and Russia. As global arms control frameworks weaken, Russia is simultaneously strengthening military partnerships abroad, notably through a new five-year defense agreement with Myanmar’s ruling junta. This raises questions about whether Moscow now has greater freedom to act militarily and what these moves mean for global nuclear security.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
