Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' Meeting in Qingdao, China. The two leaders discussed key issues including the delivery of S-400 missile systems, upgrades to the Su-30 MKI fighter jets, and the fast-tracked procurement of essential military equipment.

According to a press release from India’s Ministry of Defence, the meeting covered a wide range of topics, including current geopolitical developments, cross-border terrorism, and defence collaboration between India and Russia. Belousov reaffirmed the strength of the longstanding Indo-Russian partnership and condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, expressing support for India.

The Defence Ministry described the dialogue as one of the most significant recent meetings between India and Russia, especially in light of Operation Sindoor. The operation has underscored the urgent need to ramp up defence production, particularly in areas like air defence systems, air-to-air missile capabilities, and modernization of aerial platforms. "The supply of S-400 systems, Su-30 MKI upgrades, and quick acquisition of critical defence hardware were key highlights of the discussion," the Ministry noted.

Rajnath Singh shared his thoughts on social media, saying, “Happy to have met the Defence Minister of Russia, Andrey Belousov on the sidelines of the SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting in Qingdao. We had insightful deliberations on boosting India-Russia defence ties.” Singh arrived in Qingdao on Thursday for the SCO meeting, where he was received by Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun. Before the main meeting, Singh, Admiral Dong Jun, and other delegates posed for a group photograph.

However, India chose not to sign the joint declaration at the SCO meeting. Sources indicate that the decision was due to the document’s failure to mention the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, while it did refer to incidents in Pakistan. Dissatisfied with the language used in the statement, India declined to endorse the declaration, and no joint communique was issued.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday morning, as confirmed by security officials. The joint counter-terrorism operation, named "Operation Bihali," was launched following specific intelligence inputs. It involves coordinated efforts between the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

According to a statement from the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps, contact was established with the terrorists in the Bihali region, leading to a gunfight that began shortly thereafter. The operation is ongoing, with security forces maintaining a strong presence in the area. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, stated that the encounter began early in the day and that the situation remains active as the forces continue to engage the militants.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, a joint mock drill was conducted by various security and emergency agencies at the Baltal base camp in Ganderbal district. The exercise was held as part of preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3. The drill was carried out under the supervision of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Ganderbal.

The coordinated exercise saw participation from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the CRPF’s 49 Battalion, the Indian Army, the Health Department, and Fire and Emergency Services, all aiming to ensure preparedness for the safe and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, stated that no Indian will ever forget how the spirit of the Constitution was undermined during that period. In a series of posts on X, he described the Emergency as one of the darkest phases in India’s democratic journey. Modi highlighted that during the Emergency, fundamental rights were suspended, press freedom was crushed, and countless political leaders, social activists, students, and common citizens were imprisoned. He said it felt as if the then Congress-led government had put democracy itself behind bars.

He pointed to the 42nd Amendment—later reversed by the Janata Party—as a clear example of the Congress government's manipulation of the Constitution. He also emphasized how the poor and marginalised were especially targeted and stripped of their dignity. The prime minister reiterated his government’s dedication to upholding and strengthening constitutional values, and expressed hope for a developed India (Viksit Bharat) that fulfills the dreams of the underprivileged.

He paid tribute to all those who resisted the Emergency, saying people from across India and across ideologies united in their efforts to defend democracy and uphold the ideals of the freedom movement. Their struggle, he said, eventually forced the Congress government to restore democracy and hold fresh elections—which it lost badly. Modi noted that the Emergency anniversary will now be observed as “Samvidhan Hatya Diwas” to remember the assault on constitutional values.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma held a high-level meeting with UAE Ambassador to India, Abdulnasser Alshaali, to explore avenues for strengthening cooperation between Assam and the UAE in key sectors such as agriculture and food processing, education, innovation, logistics, connectivity, and sustainable tourism.

Ambassador Alshaali is currently on an official visit to Assam to identify new opportunities for trade, investment, and economic collaboration. He highlighted Assam’s strategic location as a gateway to Northeast India and its vast potential for partnership with the UAE across multiple domains. “It was a pleasure exchanging ideas with CM Sarma. The UAE looks forward to deepening its engagement with Assam and supporting the state’s growth,” he said.

Chief Minister Sarma expressed his appreciation for the visit, stating, “Had the pleasure of welcoming H.E. Abdulnasser Alshaali at Lok Sewa Bhawan. We had fruitful discussions on boosting trade, enhancing connectivity, and attracting investment to Assam. The Northeast can play a pivotal role in strengthening India-UAE ties.” The two leaders also discussed the Jogighopa Multimodal Logistics Park, a key infrastructure project integrating road, rail, and inland waterways, which could bolster Assam’s role in regional and international trade networks, particularly with the UAE and Southeast Asia.

Additionally, both sides emphasized the role of the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as a foundation for collaboration in sectors vital to Assam, including food processing, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, textiles, wellness, and traditional handloom and handicrafts. Since CEPA’s signing on February 18, 2022, trade between the two nations has nearly doubled—from USD 43.3 billion in FY 2020–21 to USD 83.7 billion in FY 2023–24. Non-oil trade, a major component, reached USD 57.8 billion last year, moving India and the UAE closer to their goal of achieving USD 100 billion in non-oil trade by 2030.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

In Destination Anywhere, show producer Vaisali Prabhakaran chats with travel storyteller Divyakshi Gupta, the creator behind Quirky Wanderer, about her experiences exploring Himachal Pradesh. While the state is often associated with snow and Shimla, Divyakshi ventures off the beaten path to discover sacred mountain temples, centuries-old wooden architecture, and challenging high-altitude treks. She also delves into the tradition of Himachali Dham, a festive local feast, and recounts her journey along the dramatic Hindustan–Tibet Road.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

More people in their 50s and beyond are redefining retirement by pursuing purpose-driven second careers rather than stepping away from the workforce. According to Lim Kai Ning, co-founder of The Courage Chapter, a Singapore-based initiative that helps mature professionals find new meaning in their work, many are now choosing paths that align with their personal values, such as teaching, consulting, social entrepreneurship, or advocacy. These encore careers are driven not by financial necessity alone, but by a desire for impact and fulfillment after decades in corporate roles. With aging populations and shifting attitudes toward lifelong learning, there's a growing recognition of the unique value older adults bring—such as wisdom, emotional intelligence, and mentorship. Despite persistent ageism in some sectors, more organizations are embracing intergenerational teams and the benefits of experience. As Lim puts it, "Your most meaningful contribution might still be ahead of you," encouraging a shift from retirement as an end to work as a continued journey of purpose.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

Forest City, once promoted as a paradise to live in, is now widely known as Malaysia’s ghost town. However, there are ongoing efforts to revive the development in Johor, and recent progress may help turn things around. But is it enough? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the situation with Samuel Tan, CEO of Olive Tree Property Consultants, to learn more.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

On the Morning Report, Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman cover the latest updates from the second round of direct ceasefire talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials in Istanbul, Turkey. They discuss the situation as US President Donald Trump warns he may withdraw if both sides remain unwilling to agree on a peace deal. They also speak with Dr. Sonia Mycak, Research Fellow at the Centre for European Studies, Australian National University.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.