China on Monday successfully test-fired a long-range strategic missile from one of its nuclear-powered submarines in the Pacific Ocean, drawing sharp reactions from Japan and Australia.
Gwadar is viewed as a critical pearl in China's maritime strategy as it would give a permanent logistical footprint near an important choke point - the Strait of Hormuz and the oil rich Persian Gulf, explains Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for global collaboration in Artificial Intelligence development, stating it should be a "symphony" rather than a "solo performance." His remarks came at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, where 29 countries also signed an agreement to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), an independent intergovernmental body headquartered in Shanghai. China also pledged 5,000 AI research projects and training for developing nations.
For the foreseeable future, the most likely outcome remains continuation of the status quo. Taiwan will remain self-governing without formally declaring independence, while China continues to apply sustained pressure short of war, predict Krishnan Srinivasan and Manoj Mohanka.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for global collaboration in artificial intelligence development, emphasising a "symphony of global collaboration" over a "solo performance" by any single nation. Speaking at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, Xi highlighted the need for ethical AI governance, shared prosperity, and addressing challenges like the widening digital divide. He also announced China's commitment to support developing countries with 5,000 AI research projects and training programmes. The event also saw 29 countries sign an agreement to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) in Shanghai.
All five Indian teenagers who competed at the International Physics Olympiad 2026 won gold medals; thanks to their achievement, India shared the world No 1 ranking with China, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korea and Taiwan.
For India, China's Indian Ocean power projection, maritime domain awareness, dual-use ports, underwater surveillance, antisubmarinewarfare, naval exercises with Pakistan, pose considerable pressure, depleted India's strategic depth and marginalises Indian role, points out Srikanth Kondapalli.
A new report suggests China's maritime vulnerability lies in the Strait of Hormuz, not Malacca, creating strategic competition in the Indian Ocean.
But when it comes to e2W, China is the dominant player and had grabbed over 76 per cent share of total e2W imports in 2025 with brands like Yadea, NIU and Sunra dominating the market.
India has significantly improved its position as a global foreign direct investment (FDI) destination, climbing two places to 11th in 2025, with inflows surging by nearly 44 per cent to $38.89 billion, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad) World Investment Report 2026.
Thousands of yoga enthusiasts across the world marked the International Day of Yoga on Sunday, as Indian missions abroad organised events to highlight the ancient practice's role in fostering health and well-being.
'It's very important for India to retain its sovereignty. India should not sign any agreement which compromises its sovereignty.'
'Only the Dalai Lama could have kept the Tibet issue alive the way he did.'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto have significantly advanced the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, securing crucial agreements on defence, critical minerals, and maritime security, including BrahMos missile supply and Sabang port development.
Glimpses from Beijing's grand Auto China exhibition reveal the rapid evolution of electric, autonomous and futuristic mobility.
To get its act going in Myanmar, India would need very dynamic diplomacy and not the lazy all-eggs-in-one-basket approach, points out Subir Bhaumik.
A senior Pakistani defence official, Lt Gen (retd) Mazhar Jamil, claimed that India's long-range missile development indicates ambitions to become a global nuclear power capable of threatening Western capitals, urging international attention to India's military modernisation. He also reiterated Pakistan's commitment to deterrence stability in South Asia.
China has established a new county in Xinjiang province near Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the Afghanistan border, a move seen as strengthening security along the Wakhan Corridor and addressing concerns about Uyghur separatist militants.
At least 32 people have been killed and over 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck western Venezuela, with Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declaring La Guaira a disaster zone and warning the death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
While the Andaman and Nicobar islands serve as a vital, stationary asset for projecting power in the Indian Ocean, referring to them as an unsinkable aircraft carrier ignores key military and geopolitical limitations, explains Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).
The boundary mess between India and Nepal needs a solution in a manner as mentioned by Nepal's Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal: 'On evidence not emotions', counsels Lieutenant General Shakti Gurung (retd).
The 2026 Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships, featuring participants from approximately 30 nations, commenced in Gandhinagar, highlighting India's growing role in international sports.
If one has to compare the tenures of the two prime ministers one must credit Nehru with laying the foundations on which Modi is building a grand edifice, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).
If Iran and Oman choose to charge a fee for rendering services to vessels using their territorial waters, so be it. The US is indulging in an irrationally self-destructive act, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
Pakistan is reportedly pursuing Chinese J-35 stealth fighters while China already operates hundreds of J-20 stealth aircraft.
Delhi must now purge the delusional hopes of being a 'counterweight' to China in the US calculus, argues Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
Phunchuk Stobdan's forte was candour and strong views on India's defence. Naturally, India's adversaries were in awe of him, fearing his views and unyielding stand on boundary issues, remembers Tarun Vijay.
The 2026 Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships, featuring athletes from 30 countries, will be held in Gandhinagar from May 11 to 17. The event serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Inspections conducted across 49 entities including pharmacies, wholesalers, and clinics to detect violations and misleading marketing practices.
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla discusses the Gaganyaan mission and its potential to inspire other nations in space exploration, drawing on his experiences as an IAF test pilot and his time on the International Space Station.
Veteran sports administrator and India's first Asian Games shooting gold medallist Randhir Singh was cremated in Haridwar. Singh died at his New Delhi residence after battling age-related ailments. He was 79.
'China continues to perceive its relations with India through the prism of India-US relations, with the US using India to counter balance against China in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.'
India has strongly criticised Pakistan at a UN Security Council meeting, asserting its right to defend itself against cross-border terrorism and warning of consequences for Pakistan's support of such activities.
American industry groups sought punitive tariffs on Indian goods at USTR hearings, while Indian officials defended the country's manufacturing growth as demand-led and WTO-compliant.
Indian gymnast Pranati Nayak is focusing on increasing her difficulty level for the Asian Championships after winning a silver medal at the FIG World Challenge Cup in Tashkent. She is balancing execution and difficulty in preparation for the Asian Championships, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games.
India has strongly criticised Pakistan at a UN Security Council meeting, asserting its right to defend itself against cross-border terrorism and warning of consequences for Pakistan's support of such activities.
'After the Galwan clash, the rules of engagement changed with the army commanders allowed to use any means at their disposal as they deem fit for tactical operations.'
NBA legend Vlade Divac expresses optimism about the growth of basketball in India, acknowledging cricket's dominance but highlighting the potential for Indian talent in the NBA.
Sonia Gandhi has criticised the Modi government's silence on the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, arguing it raises doubts about India's foreign policy direction and credibility.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted some 20 per cent of the global flows but even if it opens, damages to production facilities in the region will take time to repair, points out Sunita Narain.
