The Indian Army has launched an ambitious modernisation programme to convert a large portion of its ageing T-72 tank fleet into remotely operated combat systems capable of operating within manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) frameworks. Designed for dangerous frontline tasks such as minefield clearance, reconnaissance, and decoy missions, these upgraded platforms aim to reduce risks to soldiers while enhancing battlefield effectiveness. The initiative will cover nearly 2,400 tanks and is expected to extend the service life of the T-72 fleet by another 15 to 20 years, offering a far more economical solution than acquiring entirely new armoured vehicles.
Introduced into service in 1979, the T-72 has served as the backbone of India’s armoured forces across terrains ranging from Rajasthan’s deserts to Ladakh’s high-altitude regions, as well as in overseas deployments like Sri Lanka. Although the tanks have undergone multiple upgrades over the decades, emerging threats such as advanced anti-tank missiles, drones, and loitering munitions have increasingly challenged their survivability. Converting them into unmanned or optionally manned systems is therefore seen as a practical way to maintain combat capability until the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) begins entering service after 2030.
The project is being developed under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative through the ADITI 4.0 challenge, which promotes indigenous defence innovation. The upgrade strategy focuses on integrating IP-based digital systems and autonomous control kits that can transform existing T-72 platforms into remotely operated combat vehicles without replacing their proven mechanical structure.
By combining reliable legacy armour with modern sensors, electronics, and communication networks, the Army plans to create vehicles capable of sharing real-time battlefield data with command systems while still allowing human operators to retain decision-making control. In combat, these unmanned tanks are expected to function as “loyal wingmen” alongside crewed platforms such as the T-90 and future FRCVs.
Their battlefield responsibilities could include leading assaults, breaching minefields, conducting reconnaissance operations, and attracting enemy fire away from manned units. Operating ahead of crewed formations, they would help identify hostile positions and absorb early attacks, allowing safer movement for conventional forces. The concept draws heavily from lessons observed in recent conflicts like Ukraine, where unsupported tanks have proven especially vulnerable.
India’s effort mirrors a broader global trend toward autonomous warfare systems. Countries such as China and Australia are also developing advanced MUM-T armoured platforms, though India’s approach differs by modernising existing tanks rather than investing solely in new designs. This strategy lowers costs while making better use of current military assets.
The programme is also expected to strengthen India’s domestic defence industry. Through iDEX participation, local companies and MSMEs will contribute technologies and components, boosting innovation, employment, and self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The T-72 conversion project signals a major doctrinal evolution for the Indian Army. Instead of retiring older platforms, the Army is adapting them for future warfare, ensuring sufficient combat strength during the transition to next-generation systems while improving troop safety and supporting the broader vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has officially withdrawn its non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh following the controversy surrounding his sudden departure from Don 3. The decision came after strong reactions from several celebrities and film organisations, sparking widespread debate within the entertainment industry and online. FWICE said the move was made after intervention from the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA), which encouraged a peaceful and constructive resolution between Ranveer Singh and Excel Entertainment, led by Farhan Akhtar.
FWICE stated that after multiple discussions and deliberations, it was collectively decided that resolving the matter through dialogue and cooperation would better serve the interests of the film industry. Emphasising unity and harmony within the fraternity, the organisation announced that the directive against Ranveer Singh stands withdrawn with immediate effect.
The federation added that the decision was reached after careful reflection and constructive conversations, keeping in mind the overall welfare of the industry. It stressed that the entertainment sector flourishes through mutual respect, collaboration, and solidarity among all stakeholders. FWICE also thanked IMPPA for stepping in and helping mediate the issue. Special appreciation was extended to IMPPA president Abhay Sinha for his leadership and balanced approach in addressing the conflict.
FWICE said industry-related disputes should ideally be resolved through communication, understanding, and collective responsibility rather than prolonged disagreements. The organisation further noted that IMPPA has assured that all concerns connected to the matter will be addressed seriously with the aim of reaching a fair and amicable solution soon.
Calling the withdrawal a gesture made “in good faith,” FWICE expressed hope that the move would strengthen cooperation and unity within the film fraternity. The body reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the interests and integrity of the Indian entertainment industry. The controversy over Ranveer Singh’s exit from Don 3 gained momentum after the actor delivered consecutive blockbuster hits with Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar: The Revenge in 2025 and 2026.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Karachi University’s ongoing crisis has intensified after faculty members strongly rejected a government-supported proposal intended to end the examination boycott, highlighting rising frustration over the administration’s handling of employees’ unpaid dues, according to Dawn.
During a general body meeting, the Karachi University Teachers’ Society (Kuts) resolved to continue its protest and uphold the boycott of semester examinations despite efforts by provincial authorities to mediate. Teachers reportedly opposed any settlement that did not ensure the immediate release of their long-overdue payments.
The conflict escalated after the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) issued a notification following a June 1 meeting attended by representatives of Kuts, the Officers Welfare Association (OWA), and the Employees Welfare Association (EWA). The notification announced the formation of a six-member committee to review the financial and administrative concerns affecting university staff.
Led by the SHEC chairperson and comprising senior government officials along with employee representatives, the committee has been instructed to evaluate grievances, determine financial implications, consult stakeholders, and submit recommendations within 40 days. The notification further claimed that employee representatives had agreed to immediately end the examination boycott and allow the university to reschedule disrupted exams.
However, the teachers’ general body declined to approve the arrangement, maintaining that only the collective body that launched the protest had the authority to withdraw it. Kuts President Dr Syed Ghufran Alam stated that while union representatives appreciated the dialogue and expressed optimism during discussions with SHEC, the wider teaching community remained dissatisfied. Faculty members reportedly accused the university administration of fostering mistrust and insisted that no agreement would be accepted until all pending payments were cleared.
Employees also objected to the vice chancellor’s involvement in negotiations. The protest revolves around unpaid compensation for evening classes, examination duties, paper setting, copy checking, leave encashment, and other benefits. Backed by non-teaching staff, the teachers have additionally demanded a detailed inquiry into the university’s worsening financial condition and pledged to continue their strike until their demands are fulfilled, Dawn reported.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
The rescue operation launched after a major fire erupted at a restaurant in Malviya Nagar has concluded, and the blaze has been fully brought under control, according to Delhi Divisional Officer Ravinder Singh. The tragic incident claimed the lives of 21 people. Confirming the completion of the operation, DO Ravinder Singh stated, “The rescue mission has been successfully completed. The fire has been completely extinguished, and all victims have been shifted to hospitals.”
Officials said the fire broke out at Flourish Stay B&B in Malviya Nagar at around 8:48 am. More than 40 people were rescued from the building during the emergency response. Reacting to the tragedy, Aam Aadmi Party MLA and Leader of Opposition Atishi expressed sorrow and questioned the state of fire safety in Delhi under the BJP government. In a post on X, she said the deaths were deeply painful and extended condolences to the affected families while praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Atishi also raised concerns over recurring fire incidents in the capital, asking who would be held accountable for the repeated loss of innocent lives. She alleged that Delhi’s fire safety infrastructure had worsened under the BJP and criticized the lack of accountability following such disasters. Families of those missing continued to search desperately for information. One relative told reporters that his daughter and two granddaughters were untraceable and accused hospital authorities of failing to provide updates.
Former Chief Minister and YSRCP President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed grief over the incident. He conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the recovery of the injured, and appreciated rescue personnel involved in relief efforts. He further noted that reports suggesting foreign nationals were among the victims made the tragedy even more distressing.
Congress MP Rajeev Shukla demanded immediate administrative action and urged Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to review Delhi’s fire safety mechanisms. He emphasized the need to investigate the increasing number of fire incidents and the repeated loss of lives in the city. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Anant Mittal said local police personnel quickly reached the scene and initiated rescue and evacuation operations with the support of eight fire tenders. He confirmed that over 40 people had been rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals, while 21 individuals had lost their lives.
Mittal added that search and rescue efforts were continuing, with all concerned agencies deployed to provide assistance to those affected. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as people jumped from upper floors to escape the flames while firefighters battled to contain the blaze. Authorities have now launched a detailed investigation into the cause of the fire, including possible violations of safety regulations and permission-related lapses.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a ₹9,585 crore two-year scheme to replace old trucks and buses in Delhi-NCR to reduce air pollution. Implemented through the NCR Planning Board, the initiative will encourage owners of BS-IV and older commercial vehicles to switch to cleaner BS-VI or electric vehicles. The Centre will contribute ₹5,041 crore, while participating states will provide tax concessions worth around ₹1,601 crore. The government estimates the scheme will benefit nearly 2.07 lakh vehicle owners, including around 1.91 lakh trucks and over 16,000 buses. Under the plan, BS-III and older vehicles must be scrapped, while BS-IV vehicles can either be scrapped or sold outside NCR. Owners will receive incentives such as interest subsidies on loans, fuel vouchers and support for electric vehicle purchases. The move comes as studies show that trucks and buses, despite forming only 3 per cent of the vehicle fleet, contribute 36 per cent of PM2.5 emissions in Delhi-NCR. BS-VI vehicles, introduced in 2020, emit significantly lower pollutants than BS-IV vehicles due to stricter emission norms and advanced pollution-control technologies.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Shutterstock.
A second batch of more than 1,000 pages of documents concerning Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador has been made public. The files were expected to shed light on what ministers knew about Mandelson’s connections to Epstein and the vetting process behind his approval. Instead, they exposed internal government tensions and early concerns over Keir Starmer’s leadership. Lucy Hough talks with the Guardian’s head of national news, Archie Bland.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
On Saturday, Donald Trump stated that negotiations with Tehran were progressing positively and that a deal to end the conflict was largely in place. Just a day later, the United States carried out strikes in southern Iran. By Thursday, Trump had shared a draft peace proposal for the Iran conflict with allied nations. As the future of a US-Iran agreement remains uncertain, Jonathan Freedland speaks with Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group to explore why Trump has repeatedly shifted his approach to ending the war.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) has kept its GDP growth forecast at 2–4%, supported by stronger-than-anticipated economic performance in the first quarter. At the same time, core inflation eased more than expected in April. Economists caution that geopolitical uncertainties and weaker external demand continue to pose risks. Susan Ng and Hairianto Diman discuss the strength of Singapore’s economy and its outlook for the coming months with Jeff Ng from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey respond to reader questions on whether Andy Burnham could outperform Keir Starmer, whether Makerfield matters more for Reform UK than for Labour, and whether the UK could realistically rejoin the EU.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
