India and France have reiterated their resolve to further expand defence cooperation following a high-level meeting between India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and France’s Chief of Defence, General (Air) Fabien Mandon, held in New Delhi on 20 July 2026. The Ministry of Defence highlighted the discussions through a post on X, stating that both countries are working towards enhancing defence industrial collaboration through joint design, development and production initiatives. The approach aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign, which aims to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.

The talks also focused on advancing the outcomes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to France, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron at Villa Kerylos in Nice. The meeting marked a significant step after India and France elevated their relationship to a ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’ earlier this year.

Both sides reviewed the progress made in defence cooperation and expressed confidence in expanding collaboration across multiple sectors. They agreed to place greater emphasis on developing advanced military platforms, emerging technologies and joint defence projects that can enhance industrial capabilities in both nations.

Beyond defence, discussions also covered the longstanding partnership between India and France in the space sector. Officials explored possibilities for deeper cooperation in areas such as human spaceflight and space situational awareness, highlighting the growing strategic partnership between the two countries in advanced technology domains.

India and France have maintained a strong defence relationship over the years, supported by major projects including the acquisition of Rafale fighter aircraft and Scorpene-class submarines. The partnership is now moving towards greater industrial cooperation, with a focus on boosting indigenous production and technological development within India.

The shift towards co-production and joint development is expected to support India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem while improving operational compatibility between the armed forces of both countries. Defence cooperation between New Delhi and Paris is regularly reviewed through established mechanisms, including the Annual Defence Dialogue at the Defence Minister level and the High Committee on Defence Cooperation at the Secretary level. These platforms help maintain strategic coordination and ensure continued progress in bilateral defence initiatives.

The latest reaffirmation highlights the growing importance of the India-France partnership, with both nations viewing defence cooperation as a long-term strategic partnership rather than a simple buyer-seller relationship. By combining India’s push for self-reliance with France’s technological expertise, the two countries aim to build a stronger and more sustainable defence collaboration framework for the future.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has claimed that its founder, Abhijeet Dipke, was detained by the Delhi Police on Monday while the party attempted to march toward Parliament in protest over the alleged NEET examination paper leak. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das accused the police of taking Dipke into custody and alleged that peaceful demonstrators were being subjected to force. In a post on X, Das appealed to Members of Parliament to support the protesting students, alleging that authorities were carrying out a crackdown on those participating in the demonstration.

Dipke had ended his indefinite hunger strike after activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently receiving treatment at Safdarjung Hospital, urged him to do so. Dipke had begun his fast following Wangchuk's hospitalization on July 18 after the activist completed a 21-day hunger strike. As protests gathered momentum, CJP representatives Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda at his residence. According to Das, the meeting lasted around ten minutes after a wait of more than two hours. The delegation submitted a written memorandum outlining the party's demands, and Das said the minister assured them that the matter would be discussed internally. He also expressed concern over reports of multiple detentions during the ongoing protests.

Sonam Wangchuk requested doctors at Safdarjung Hospital to permit his discharge, saying his health had improved and that he wished to join the "Sansad Chalo" march. In a message posted on his official X account, Wangchuk stated that his medical condition was stable and sought temporary permission to leave the hospital so he could participate in the protest march to Parliament.

The demonstrations in the national capital intensified as hundreds of protesters attempted to move from Jantar Mantar toward Parliament House. Police intervened to stop the march, using a mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd. The protest also led to traffic congestion in parts of central Delhi as security forces were deployed in large numbers.

Authorities had already imposed restrictions in the area ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. According to a Delhi Police advisory, gatherings of five or more people, processions, and protest marches are prohibited outside designated locations. Jantar Mantar remains the only approved site for demonstrations, subject to prior permission from the authorities.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Pakistan has rejected India’s investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack case and questioned the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) decision to name Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed as an accused. Islamabad has criticised the probe, calling the allegations against Saeed unacceptable, while India has maintained that its investigation is based on evidence gathered by security agencies.

The controversy began after the NIA filed a supplementary chargesheet in connection with the Pahalgam attack, alleging that the attack was part of a larger conspiracy involving Pakistan-based terrorist networks. The agency named Hafiz Saeed among those accused of involvement in planning and supporting the attack.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has rejected the findings of the Indian investigation, arguing that New Delhi’s claims lack credibility. Islamabad has repeatedly denied any role in the attack and has called for an independent inquiry into the incident. The latest development has further increased tensions between India and Pakistan, with terrorism and cross-border militancy continuing to remain major points of disagreement between the two countries. New Delhi has long accused Pakistan-based groups of supporting attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, while Islamabad has denied such allegations.

Hafiz Saeed, the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, has been a central figure in India’s counterterrorism concerns for years. He has been accused by Indian authorities of playing a key role in several terror-related incidents, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Several international agencies have also placed restrictions on him and his organisation over alleged links to terrorism.

The NIA’s investigation into the Pahalgam attack is part of India’s broader efforts to trace the network behind the incident and bring those responsible to justice. Indian officials have said that the evidence collected during the probe points toward the involvement of individuals connected with Pakistan-based militant groups.

Pakistan, however, continues to reject India’s accusations and has defended its position that the allegations against Hafiz Saeed are politically motivated. The disagreement over the investigation reflects the wider diplomatic challenges between the two neighbours, where security issues have often shaped bilateral relations. The Pahalgam attack case is expected to remain a major issue in regional security discussions as both countries continue to present contrasting views on the investigation and accountability for those responsible.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday praised the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for its crucial role in developing strategic infrastructure across India’s difficult and remote regions, stating that a nation’s future depends on the strength of its infrastructure network. Addressing the BRO Strategic Infrastructure Conclave, Singh highlighted the organisation’s contribution to strengthening border connectivity through the construction of roads, bridges, tunnels, and other critical projects. He said that robust infrastructure is essential not only for economic progress but also for national security and defence preparedness.

“The stronger a country’s infrastructure, the stronger its future will be,” Singh said, underlining the importance of modern and resilient infrastructure in shaping India’s growth trajectory. The Defence Minister noted that the BRO has evolved into a key strategic organisation by executing challenging projects in high-altitude and remote areas, where harsh weather conditions and difficult terrain create significant construction hurdles.

Over the years, BRO has played a major role in improving connectivity along India’s border regions, particularly in the Himalayan areas. These infrastructure projects have enhanced the mobility of the armed forces while also improving access to essential services for people living in isolated communities. Singh emphasised that modern warfare and national security requirements demand faster movement of troops, equipment, and supplies. In this context, strategically located roads, tunnels, and bridges have become vital assets for maintaining operational readiness.

The Defence Minister also highlighted the importance of technology and innovation in infrastructure development. He said that the use of advanced construction techniques, digital tools, and improved project management systems has helped accelerate the completion of critical projects. The BRO has recently completed several landmark projects, including high-altitude roads and tunnels that provide all-weather connectivity in strategically important areas. Such developments have reduced travel time, improved logistics capabilities, and strengthened India's presence in border regions.

Apart from defence benefits, Singh pointed out that infrastructure development is also transforming the lives of civilians in border villages. Better connectivity has opened new opportunities in areas such as tourism, trade, healthcare, and education. The Strategic Infrastructure Conclave focused on the future of infrastructure development, with discussions on innovation, technology adoption, and strengthening India’s strategic capabilities. Singh said that continued investment in infrastructure will remain a key priority as India moves towards becoming a more secure, connected, and self-reliant nation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

On Made in SG, Melanie Oliveiro chats with Singaporean singer-songwriter Frances Tan, who recently competed in the Commonwealth Song Contest — an international music competition featuring participants from all 56 Commonwealth countries. Tan shares her experience of being chosen as a Grand Finalist, representing Singapore alongside six other finalist nations. She also discusses her original track, Just Me, which she submitted as her contest entry.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Following the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Donald Trump and the White House administration responded strongly, accusing the media and the Democratic Party of contributing to rising political violence. Reged Ahmad and Jonathan Yerushalmy explore the origins of the deep political divide between Democrats and Republicans in the United States. At the same time, Usha Vance has started a new podcast, raising questions about her motives, while King Charles’s upcoming visit to the White House is expected to shed light on Donald Trump’s relationship with the British monarchy.

Disclaimer: This video is taken from The Guardian.

In “Made in SG,” Melanie Oliveiro interviews author K. C. Vijayan about his biography The Benjamin Sheares Story: From Pioneering Gynaecologist to Singapore President. The book offers a vivid and humanising account of Benjamin Sheares, Singapore’s second President and a prominent figure in the Eurasian community, tracing his journey from working in busy maternity wards during the baby boom era to serving as President of Singapore from 1971 to 1981 at the Istana.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

A new AI system developed by NTU can forecast the rate at which food spoils, enabling supermarkets to reduce waste, enhance safety, and manage inventory more efficiently. The technology works by predicting bacterial growth in food. Could this signal the future of food retail? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss with Natalie Ong, CNA journalist, and Professor William Chen, Executive Director of FRESH@NTU, to explore the possibilities.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.