India must expand its maritime security strategy to address an increasingly complex range of emerging threats, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday while speaking at the Indian Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) in New Delhi. He emphasised that protecting traditional shipping routes alone is no longer sufficient, as critical maritime infrastructure is becoming increasingly vulnerable to conventional and non-traditional security challenges.
Singh stressed the need for a comprehensive maritime surveillance framework capable of monitoring and protecting strategically important assets, including commercial ports, offshore energy installations, undersea communication cables and other essential infrastructure. He noted that maritime security now requires more than ensuring the safe movement of vessels, as authorities must also maintain a clear understanding of activities across extensive maritime zones. "The security of shipping lanes remains essential, but so does the security of ports, undersea cables, offshore energy infrastructure, and other critical maritime assets. The ability to understand what is happening across our maritime spaces has become equally important," Singh said.
He pointed out that threats to maritime security are no longer restricted to conventional military operations. Challenges such as piracy, trafficking, illegal fishing, cyberattacks and natural disasters have also become significant concerns. According to the Defence Minister, India's understanding of maritime security must evolve to reflect the changing nature of these threats.
Particular attention was drawn to undersea fibre-optic cables, which serve as the backbone of global digital communication. These submarine networks carry more than 95 per cent of international internet traffic and support a substantial share of cross-border financial transactions. Any damage or disruption to these cables could have serious consequences for digital connectivity, banking systems, international commerce and essential communication services.
Singh also highlighted the importance of protecting offshore oil and gas installations, energy infrastructure and deep-water commercial ports. These facilities are crucial to India's economic security, energy requirements, international trade and the smooth functioning of global supply chains. Protecting them against potential disruptions is therefore becoming an important national security priority. The Defence Minister further highlighted the growing risks posed by non-state actors and unconventional threats. Maritime cyberattacks, smuggling networks, piracy and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities can undermine maritime stability and disrupt legitimate economic operations. Climate-related disasters and other natural hazards also present significant challenges to coastal infrastructure and maritime activities.
Addressing these risks, Singh emphasised the importance of continuous surveillance, stronger coordination between different government agencies and the development of effective maritime response mechanisms. A coordinated security framework, he suggested, would help authorities identify potential threats at an early stage and respond more efficiently to incidents affecting critical maritime assets.
His remarks are in line with India's broader efforts to strengthen its naval capabilities and expand its strategic presence across the Indian Ocean Region and the wider Indo-Pacific. The Indian Navy has progressively enhanced its maritime surveillance infrastructure through coastal radar networks, satellite-based monitoring systems, underwater acoustic sensors and unmanned aerial vehicles. These technologies have improved India's ability to monitor maritime movements, identify suspicious activities and maintain awareness across strategically important waters. The growing importance of maritime infrastructure protection reflects the changing security environment in the Indo-Pacific, where economic connectivity, energy security and digital communication increasingly depend on the safety of critical assets located at sea.
By promoting a more integrated and forward-looking maritime security framework, India aims to protect its economic and strategic interests while supporting freedom of navigation and a rules-based maritime order. Singh's message underscores the need for countries to look beyond traditional naval security and recognise the protection of undersea cables, energy installations and other critical infrastructure as essential elements of modern maritime defence.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka appeared before the Delhi Police Crime Branch on Thursday in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged violations of restrictions at Jantar Mantar, police sources said. The two leaders reached the Crime Branch office in Rajouri Garden at around 11 am, where a team of officers began questioning them as part of the investigation.
Their appearance is linked to two First Information Reports (FIRs) registered over allegations that they entered the denotified protest site at Jantar Mantar on October 13. The cases were initially registered at the Connaught Place and Parliament Street police stations before being transferred to the Crime Branch for further investigation.
According to police sources, both leaders had previously been summoned to join the investigation. However, they had sought additional time and did not appear before the investigating officers on the earlier scheduled dates. They were subsequently asked to cooperate with the ongoing probe. The cases relate to an incident in which members of the Cockroach Janta Party allegedly staged a demonstration at Jantar Mantar and unfurled the national flag despite restrictions at the location.
Jantar Mantar is a designated protest venue in the national capital, where demonstrations are subject to specific permissions and regulations imposed by the authorities. Alleged violations of these conditions can lead to police action and legal proceedings. The transfer of both FIRs to the Crime Branch indicates that the specialised investigative unit is now handling the cases. During Thursday's questioning, officers are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the October 13 demonstration and the alleged breach of restrictions. Further details about the questioning and the next course of police action are awaited. The allegations against the two CJP leaders remain subject to investigation, and the outcome of the proceedings will depend on the findings of the authorities.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
Following an inconclusive general election, Israeli President Isaac Herzog has begun the second day of consultations with newly elected parliamentary factions to decide who should receive the first opportunity to form the country's next government. The discussions, being held at the presidential residence in Jerusalem, began on the previous evening with meetings involving smaller political parties, including Religious Zionism, Shas, Yisrael Beytenu and Zehut. The consultations are being broadcast live, according to The Times of Israel.
Wednesday's schedule included meetings with United Torah Judaism, Otzma Yehudit, the Democrats, Ra’am, the Joint List and B’Yachad. The consultations then continued with Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar faction, before concluding with representatives of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party. During the meetings, each parliamentary faction is asked to recommend a candidate for prime minister. Based on these recommendations and his assessment of the political situation, Herzog will decide which legislator is most likely to secure sufficient support to form a governing coalition.
Under Israel's political system, the president is not automatically required to nominate the leader of the party with the largest number of parliamentary seats. Instead, the mandate is given to the candidate considered most capable of forming a government. The consultations have revealed competing political alliances, with several parties expressing support for Netanyahu, while others have backed Eisenkot.
Otzma Yehudit and Likud have confirmed their support for Netanyahu. The Religious Zionist Party, Shas and Zehut also endorsed the incumbent prime minister during Wednesday's consultations, according to The Jerusalem Post. On the other side, Yashar, the Democrats, B’Yachad and Ra’am have expressed support for Eisenkot. Yisrael Beytenu, led by Avigdor Liberman, has also recommended Eisenkot as its preferred candidate to lead the next government, reports said.
United Torah Judaism has not taken a unified position. Its four representatives from the Degel HaTorah faction said they would not recommend either candidate, while the three members of the Agudat Yisrael faction have yet to announce their position. The Arab-led Joint List has also kept its decision open, leaving the possibility of supporting Eisenkot or abstaining from the process.
Despite the differing recommendations, Eisenkot is reportedly considered the leading contender to receive the initial mandate from Herzog. His prospects are supported by the number of parliamentary factions that have publicly backed his candidacy, The Jerusalem Post reported. The political consultations come after Israel's parliamentary elections, held on October 27, failed to produce a clear outcome for government formation. The country's newly elected 26th Knesset is scheduled to hold its first session on Tuesday, November 10, as political parties continue negotiations over the formation of the next administration.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
An elderly couple died after a fire broke out at their residence in the Sadabad area of Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras district in the early hours of Thursday. The blaze reportedly erupted around 1:30 am on November 5 while the couple was sleeping, leaving them trapped inside the house. The deceased were identified as Shahzad Beg, 70, and his wife, Salma Beg, 65. According to preliminary information, an electrical short circuit is suspected to have triggered the fire.
The incident took place in the Kaharan locality of Sadabad. Reports suggest that the couple was sleeping on the upper floor of the house when the fire broke out. A large quantity of clothes stored inside the premises reportedly helped the flames spread rapidly. After noticing the fire, neighbours alerted the authorities and attempted to help the couple. Fire brigade personnel and police teams soon reached the location and launched rescue and firefighting operations.
Despite the efforts, the elderly couple could not be saved. They were taken to a community health centre, where doctors declared them dead. Officials said suffocation may have been the cause of death. Chief Fire Officer R.K. Bajpai said the preliminary assessment indicated that an electrical short circuit could have caused the fire. The presence of clothes and other combustible materials inside the house may have contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.
A 10-member team of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was also dispatched from Vrindavan to assist in the rescue operation. However, the fire had reportedly been brought under control by the fire department before the team arrived. According to reports, the couple's younger son had gone to attend a wedding at his in-laws' residence along with his family. Their other children were also living separately, leaving the elderly couple alone at home when the incident occurred.
Police have initiated the necessary legal proceedings, and the bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination. Further investigation is underway to establish the exact cause of the fire. The tragic incident has once again highlighted the risks posed by electrical faults in residential buildings, particularly during nighttime hours when occupants may have little time to respond. Authorities suspect a short circuit in this case, although the final cause will be determined after the investigation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan times.
Dr Ambrish Mithal, Group Chairman and Head of Endocrinology and Diabetology at Max Healthcare, has warned that air pollution is a significant environmental risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. His remarks come as Delhi continues to experience hazardous air quality, with the overall AQI reaching 482 on Thursday morning.
Mithal cited Indian studies linking exposure to PM2.5 particles with increased cases of diabetes and high blood pressure. He said even a month's exposure to fine particulate matter can raise blood sugar levels, while prolonged exposure may increase diabetes risk by around 22%. Explaining the health impact, he said fine pollutants can enter the bloodstream through the lungs, causing inflammation, damaging blood vessels and affecting insulin production and function. This can contribute to insulin resistance, hypertension and cardiovascular problems.
According to CPCB data, seven Delhi monitoring stations recorded AQI levels above 400. Punjabi Bagh reported the highest reading at 446, followed by Narela (434), Rohini (431) and RK Puram (416), highlighting the severity of the capital's pollution crisis.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
The United Nations climate summit is set to begin in Turkey on Monday, with Australia taking charge of negotiations for the first time. Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen faces the challenging task of building consensus among nearly 190 countries on stronger climate action, as global efforts remain off track to meet the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C warming target.
In an interview with Guardian Australia's climate and environment editor, Adam Morton, Bowen addressed questions surrounding the Labor government's climate credibility, particularly given Australia's substantial fossil fuel export industry. He also outlined Australia's commitment to representing the concerns and priorities of its Pacific neighbours during COP31.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
We’re revisiting the Guardian’s long-read archives, bringing back standout stories from previous years, accompanied by fresh introductions from their original authors. This week’s pick, originally published in 2023: Just a year earlier, Germany’s Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck was among the country’s most popular public figures. But a tabloid-fuelled backlash changed the political mood, leaving him with the challenge of winning public support all over again.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from The Guardain.
As Americans head to the polls, Jonathan Freedland joins Atlantic humour columnist Alexandra Petri to look back at the standout moments of the midterm campaign. Their discussion covers memorable political advertisements, unexpected endorsements, campaign missteps and embarrassing blunders, as voters cast their ballots and the first indications of winners and losers begin to emerge.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Spain has declared three days of national mourning following a devastating collision involving two high-speed trains that claimed at least 69 lives and left more than 100 people injured. Emergency teams are continuing rescue and recovery operations in the town of Urda, where workers are carefully searching through the twisted wreckage while families anxiously await updates about missing relatives. The tragedy has sparked widespread grief and growing public outrage, particularly as it marks Spain's second deadly train collision in less than a year. In a discussion with Lucy Hough, The Guardian's Madrid correspondent, Sam Jones, shares insights into the latest developments and the public reaction to the disaster.
Disclaimer: This video is taken from The Guardian.
