Artificial Intellligence and Big Data expert Saurabh Nangia speaks to editorji's Vikram Chandra about what the rise of AI means for India.&nbsp;

The India Story | How India can capitalise on good AI?

While the good and bad of AI exist, and are a subject of various debates - it’s the ugly side that has many truly worried.

Artificial Intellligence and Big Data expert Saurabh Nangia speaks to editorji's Vikram Chandra about what the rise of AI means for India.&nbsp;

While the good and bad of AI exist, and are a subject of various debates - it&rsquo;s the ugly side that has many truly worried. Artificial Intellligence and Big Data expert Saurabh Nangia speaks to editorji's Vikram Chandra about what the rise of AI means for India.&nbsp;

While the good and bad of AI exist, and are a subject of various debates - it&rsquo;s the ugly side of AI that has many truly worried.&nbsp;

The India Story | Should Artificial Intelligence get access to the internet

The last two months have seen Artificial Intelligence or AI become the biggest talking points in the world over. 

While the good and bad of AI exist, and are a subject of various debates - it&rsquo;s the ugly side of AI that has many truly worried.&nbsp;

The last two months have seen Artificial Intelligence or AI become the biggest talking points in the world over. Doman expert Alex Volkov speaks to editorji's Vikram Chandra about whether or not AI bots should be given access to the internet

Two giants of tech - Google and Microsoft are going head-to-head and fighting it out right now in the AI space.

Decoded: the rise of AI and how it can change our world | The India Story

As Artificial Intelligence chatbots grip the world, we ask could the sci-fi dystopia of AI taking over the human race not be as hyperbolic as we thought?

Two giants of tech - Google and Microsoft are going head-to-head and fighting it out right now in the AI space.

As Artificial Intelligence chatbots grip the world, we ask could the sci-fi dystopia of AI taking over the human race not be as hyperbolic as we thought? While the good and bad of AI exist, and are a subject of various debates - it&rsquo;s the ugly side of AI that has many truly worried.

editorji's Vikram Chandra decodes the draft rules and how they could change the Indian education system.&nbsp;

Decoded: editorji explains UGC’s foreign education push | The India Story

After decades of going back and forth on the matter, the UGC has finally unveiled draft rules for allowing foreign universities to set up campuses in India.

editorji's Vikram Chandra decodes the draft rules and how they could change the Indian education system.&nbsp;

After decades of going back and forth on the matter, the UGC has finally unveiled draft rules for allowing foreign universities to set up campuses in India.
editorji's Vikram Chandra decodes the draft rules and how they could change the Indian education system.&nbsp;

Around 1,000 km away from Ukraine, yet another historical territorial dispute is threatening to overwhelm Europe, and further shake the world - the Serbia-Kosovo conflict.

Not Ukraine, this conflict in Europe has more potential to cause NATO-Russia war? | Serbia v Kosovo

Around 1,000 km away from Ukraine, yet another historical territorial dispute is threatening to overwhelm Europe, and further shake the world - the Serbia-Kosovo conflict.

Weapons ready to attack at the border. Soldiers at highest combat alertness. Across the border, roads blocked with trucks and tractors by angry civilians. This are scenes in Europe, but not Ukraine.
Around 1,000 km away from Ukraine, yet another historical territorial dispute is threatening to overwhelm Europe, and further shake the world - the Serbia-Kosovo conflict.
To understand what's happening in Kosovo now, let's first take a look at the events of the past few decades.
 THE HISTORY
Kosovo, an Albanian-majority region, was a province of Serbia. Kosovo fought a guerrilla war against Serbian "repression". This led to a war in 1998-99 in which NATO intervened to protect ethnic Albanians. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Serbia doesn't recognise Kosovo as a separate nation.
ALSO WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/in-depth/the-hook/usa-s-most-feared-nuclear-warplane-out-of-action-why-grounding-of-all-b-2-spirit-bombers-is-significant-1672151278053">USA's most feared nuclear warplane out of action: why grounding of all B-2 Spirit Bombers is significant</a>
Ethnic Serbs, which form 5% of the Kosovar population, reject Pristina's authority. They defy the Kosovo government by not paying power bills, and even fighting the police. The Serbs in Kosovo want an association of autonomous municipalities where the community is in majority. Serbia and Kosovo have agreed to negotiations sponsored by the European Union but there has been no headway.
Now, after days of rising tension, the situation in Kosovo and Serbia appears to be relaxing.
 THE CURRENT TENSION
One of the major sparks behind the recent flare-up was the arrest of a former policeman from the Serb community in Kosovo. He was held for allegedly assaulting police personnel. To resolve the tension, the ex-cop was released from jail on 29 December, and put under house arrest.
To protest the ex-cop's arrest, Serbs erected multiple roadblocks in north Kosovo, including on a key road from Serbia. On 28 December, the President of Serbia brokered the removal of the roadblocks.
Another point of dispute simmering recently was a two-month deadline for Serbs to switch to vehicle license plates issued by the Kosovar government. After a protest in which many Serb mayors, judges, and policemen quit, Pristina extended the deadline.
 WHY WORLD IS WARY
The reason why this tension is so alarming for the entire world is that NATO, the military alliance led by USA, and Russia have gotten involved in the conflict.
While NATO supports and recognises Kosovo's independence, Russia helps Serbia block Kosovo getting membership in the United Nations, and other international bodies. NATO has deployed around 3,700 troops in Kosovo as peace-keepers. Russia sees NATO action in the region as transgression in its backyard. Also, the European Union has placed 200 EULEX special police officers in Kosovo. Meanwhile, other adversaries of the US, like China, also support Serbia and call Kosovo an autonomous province under Belgrade.
The US and the European Union have appealed to Kosovo and Serbia to maintain peace. But what if the situation deteriorates? Europe is already reeling badly from the Russia-Ukraine war. Can it handle another active military conflict?
 CAN EUROPE HANDLE ANOTHER WAR?
One possibility is that if war breaks out, NATO may get involved like it did in 1998-99. Then, Serbia's ally Russia may jump in to counter NATO. This direct confrontation between superpowers has the potential to turn into a wider, possibly nuclear, war. On the economic front, a fresh Serbia-Kosovo war may drive up inflation, making food and energy costlier. It may also cause a major economic recession.
On 28 December, when Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced that Serbs in Kosovo will remove roadblocks, he added that the "distrust" is yet to be removed. The statement encapsulated the fact that even decades later, the core issues which started the conflict have not been addressed. Without this resolution, peace in the region will continue to be fragile.

From Afghanistan to Iraq, and from Kosovo to Libya - the B-2 bomber has been part of many conflicts. But at a time when the Ukraine war has put the entire world on edge, the B-2 has been grounded.

USA's most feared nuclear warplane out of action: why grounding of all B-2 Spirit Bombers is significant

From Afghanistan to Iraq, and from Kosovo to Libya - the B-2 bomber has been part of many conflicts. But at a time when the Ukraine war has put the entire world on edge, the B-2 has been grounded.

One of America's most feared aerial weapons - the B-2 Spirit bomber. It's very hard to detect, even by radar. It can fly 9,600 km without stopping or refuelling. And it can drop up to 20 tonnes of bombs on the enemy - both conventional and nuclear. But one accident has put this dangerous weapon out of action.
The B-2 bomber - a major part of America's nuclear triad - has been removed from USA's arsenal at a time when Russia is threatening the West with nuclear war, China is cornering Taiwan, and North Korea is growing more belligerent.
 THE GROUNDING
From Afghanistan to Iraq, and from Kosovo to Libya - the B-2 bomber has been part of many conflicts. But at a time when the Ukraine war has put the entire world on edge, the B-2 has been grounded.
The US Air Force's entire fleet of B-2s has been grounded after a malfunction in one of the warplanes. The 'safety pause' was ordered by the Air Force Global Strike Command. Each bomber plane will be inspected, as per reports. There is no "speculated end date" for the B-2 grounding yet. However, the bombers can still be flown for missions if ordered by the US President. This also means that for the first time in 26 years, no B-2 flyover will take place at the 2023 Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game.
ALSO WATCH |<a href="https://www.editorji.com/in-depth/the-hook/doom-tech-ninja-missile-with-blades-no-blast-usa-s-secret-weapon-killed-al-qaeda-chief-al-zawahiri-1659468359099"> Doom Tech | 'Ninja' missile with blades, no blast: USA's secret weapon killed al-Qaeda chief al-Zawahiri?</a>
MULTIPLE MISHAPS
USA's bomber fleet has seen multiple mishaps in recent years.
The latest incident took place on 10 December when a B-2 suffered an in-flight malfunction. The plane made an emergency landing and caught fire on the runway. The incident occurred at Whiteman airbase, and its runway was closed for over 10 days. No injuries were reported, and the plane was not carrying bombs.
The previous incident on 14 September, when a B-2's hydraulics system failed. Its landing gear collapsed while the plane was landing. The bomber skidded off the runway, and the repairs cost $10 million. This incident also took place at the Whiteman Air Force Base.
ALSO WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/in-depth/the-hook/types-special-features-of-indian-army-s-weapons-deployed-against-china-at-lac-tawang-clash-1671182451294">Types, special features of Indian Army's weapons deployed against China at LAC</a>
Before this, it was the B-1B Lancer bombers which were grounded in June 2018. A B-1B had made an emergency landing in Midland, Texas. The planes were grounded after an issue was found in ejection seat parts. The B-1Bs are important as they carry the US Air Force's largest conventional payloads, but not nuclear bombs.
 WHY B-2 IS SPECIAL
The B-2 is considered a special aircraft because it combines very long range, a heavy explosive payload, and stealth capabilities.
It's a multi-role, heavy bomber warplane which is meant to penetrate enemy air defences, and attack with both nuclear and conventional bombs. A fleet of around 20 planes is housed at the US Air Force's Whiteman base. The bomber was first unveiled in 1989, and the first jet was delivered at Whiteman in 1993. The warplane proved its combat worthiness in Operation Allied Force against Serbia. The B-2 was also part of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq.
 WHY GROUNDING IS SIGNIFICANT
The grounding of the B-2 is being considered very significant.
This is because the bombers are an important part of USA's nuclear arsenal. B-2s and B-52s form the aerial wing of USA's nuclear triad. A nuclear triad refers to a country's capability to attack from land, sea, and air. USA recently sent B-2s to Europe and the Indo-Pacific amid rising geopolitical tension.
ALSO WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/in-depth/the-hook/doom-tech-usa-misplaced-3-nuclear-bombs-in-3-different-incidents-weapons-still-missing-1661274825302">Doom Tech: USA misplaced 3 nuclear bombs in 3 different incidents; weapons still missing</a>
The timing of this development is very unfortunate for America.
This is because of Russia's frequent nuclear threats amid its Ukraine invasion. Also, China's increasing show of military force against Taiwan, and North Korea's missile tests to achieve its "most powerful nuclear force" ambition are headaches for Washington. Amid all this, Iran is also continuing its tests amid failure to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.
 PENTAGON'S REASSURANCE
America has denied that its military force is weakened by the absence of the bombers.
The Pentagon's spokesperson has said that the B-2 grounding doesn't make USA vulnerable in any way. Brig Gen Pat Ryder said that USA is maintaining bomber capability to deter adversaries, and also engage in combat, if needed. He said that the US military has a variety of capabilities in its strategic bomber fleet, and the B-52 fleet provides redundant capability to the B-2. The Pentagon said that at any time, aircraft, ships, and forces on ground are available to confront any threat.
Meanwhile, the ground is already being laid for the replacement of the Spirit bomber.
 THE NEXT GENERATION
The B-21 Raider is expected to gradually replace the US Air Force's B-1 and B-2 bombers. The B-21 Raider is a 6th-generation, stealth bomber which was unveiled recently. It has been called the most advanced military aircraft ever built, by Northrop Grumman, the manufacturer. The B-21 has a variety of capabilities, from intel gathering, to battle management, and ally integration. It has been built with an open-system architecture, making it highly adaptable.
USA sees itself as a keeper of global peace. At a time when its adversaries are challenging the world order, America is under greater pressure to maintain its military deterrence. Quick resolution of safety issues in the B-2 bombers, or swift induction of the new B-21 Raiders appears to be an important part of this.

The British government plans to deploy the military to cover the jobs of absentee workers.

UK: 7 types of workers going on strike in Christmas run-up; Rishi Sunak's 'Grinch' attack on trade unions

The British government plans to deploy the military to cover the jobs of absentee workers.

Inflation in the United Kingdom is at a 40-year high. People are struggling to make ends meet. And the winter storm is set to worsen at the peak of Christmas season. With UK losing Prime Ministers to one controversy after another, can current PM Rishi Sunak overcome this mammoth challenge, or fall as another domino?
 FRESH STRIKES
A fresh wave of worker strikes have been planned in the UK in the run-up to Christmas. From nurses to rail workers - strikes have been planned by many trade unions. The British government plans to deploy the military to cover the jobs of absentee workers. 1,200 troops will be deployed to cover for ambulance crews and Border Force staff at airports. However, protesting trade unions have said that soldiers are not 'sufficiently trained' for these jobs.
 WHO, WHEN, WHERE?
Workers in at least 7 types of jobs plan to stage walkouts on various days before and after Christmas. Here's what's planned.
ALSO WATCH |<a href="https://www.editorji.com/in-depth/the-hook/germany-coup-plot-iridium-sat-phones-fortune-tellers-russian-aid-reichsbrger-conspiracy-decoded-1670945541307"> Germany coup plot: Iridium sat phones, fortune-tellers, Russian aid? Reichsb&uuml;rger conspiracy decoded</a>
Nurses are going on strike on 20 December in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The strike has been called by the Royal College of Nursing union. Emergency and intensive care services are likely to remain unaffected, with most of the impact being felt on services like planned operations and district nursing.
A day later, on 21 December, ambulance workers plan to go on strike in most parts of England and Wales. The strike has been called by the Unison, GMB, and Unite union groups. Only non-life-threatening calls will be affected, but reports suggest that fall victims may find it hard to get help.
Traffic personnel plan to stage a strike between 22 and 25 December in London, southeast England. The strike has been called by the National Highways traffic officers of the PCS union. Control centre and post-accident traffic staff will not report for duty. However, National Highways officials have said that roads will not be closed.
Postal services will be affected on 23 and 24 December with Royal Mail workers planning a strike just before Christmas. First and second-class letters will not be delivered, and delivery offices will remain shut. However, parcels and Special Delivery letters will be circulated, although the service may face some hurdles.
ALSO WATCH |<a href="https://www.editorji.com/in-depth/the-hook/uk-religious-change-revealed-by-census-sparking-partition-concern-over-northern-ireland-1665422217747"> UK: religious change revealed by census sparking Partition concern over Northern Ireland?</a>
A major walkout has been planned by the Border Force at airports between 23 and 26 December, and 28 and 31 December. Services will be affected at Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, and Manchester airports, and the Newhaven port. Due to the 8-day strike, passport checking services will be affected. Some airlines are not selling tickets to Heathrow on the strike days.
Another transport nightmare will be caused by the rail workers' strike from 24 to 27 December. It is being staged by the RMT workers' union. It had conducted a strike earlier as well. Authorities have advised only essential travel on these days.
Bus drivers will also stage a strike on 24 December in south and west London. Bus drivers of the Unite trade union employed by Abellio will be staging a walkout.
But why are so many worker groups intent on bringing the country to a halt, especially in the festive season?
 WHY THE STRIKES?
They are staging strikes due to high inflation in the UK. The Covid pandemic and the Ukraine war have caused a major cost-of-living crisis. Workers want a salary hike in line with the inflation level. At 10.7%, inflation in the UK softened in November, but was still highest in the last 40 years.
The UK government has said that massive pay hikes will fuel further inflation. The country saw a loss of 4.17 lakh working days due to strikes in October.
 SUNAK'S SALVO
Despite growing pressure on the government, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has stuck to his guns. Here's what he wrote in an article on the strikes.
Sunak accused trade unions of causing misery for millions. He said that the transport strikes are cruelly timed for Christmas. The PM said that workers have been offered fair deals which are affordable for the taxpayers. Sunak accused RMT Union chief Mick Lynch of waging a "class war", and added that Union members are tired of being foot soldiers in this war. Taking on his political opponents, Sunak said that the Labour party is backing the "Grinches" who want to steal Christmas.
 WHAT NEXT?
The biggest victims of the strikes will be common people. And the government appears to be hoping that the troubles faced by the people will make the trade union protests unpopular.
However, this will not solve the livelihood problem being faced by many in the UK. In becoming the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak scripted many firsts. But his response and resolution of this major crisis may come to define his entire tenure.

The Indian Army's assets at the LAC include both airborne and land-based platforms.

Types, special features of Indian Army's weapons deployed against China at LAC | Tawang clash

The Indian Army's assets at the LAC include both airborne and land-based platforms.

China's latest misadventure at the border has confirmed that it wants to keep the disputed boundary with India boiling. However, China's stunts in Ladakh in 2020 have meant that the Indian military has been continuously stepping up its preparedness along the Line of Actual Control.
Let's take a look at some of the most destructive weapons that the Indian Army has placed at hotspots along the China boundary.
The Indian Army's assets at the LAC include both airborne and land-based platforms.
One of the newest acquisitions by the Army's Aviation Wing is the LCH Prachand. It is a light combat helicopter whose specialties include high-altitude operations, and attacking enemies on both land and air. It will be placed along the LAC in eastern Ladakh when the first unit is deployed in 2023.
ALSO WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/in-depth/the-hook/why-india-s-new-lch-prachand-is-extreme-weapon-special-nuclear-protection-stealth-tech-more-1664820570499">Why India's new LCH Prachand is 'extreme' weapon: special nuclear protection, stealth tech, &amp; more</a>
The next explosive weapon is the K-9 Vajra. It is a tracked, self-propelled Howitzer gun. Its special features include its high speed allowing quick deployment. Also, it can destroy targets at up to 50 km in the rarefied air of high-altitude areas. The K-9 Vajra is meant to counter China in Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and the Northeast. It has already been deployed in Ladakh, and the Army reportedly plans to acquire 200 units for the other locations.
Another important weapon in the Army's artillery is the M777, an ultra-light Howitzer gun. Since it is lightweight, it can be easily deployed in hard terrain, and can also be carried by Chinook helicopters. It is strengthening the Army in the eastern sector, with 3 regiments deployed in the Northeast.
To boost its airpower, the Indian Army is also looking at loitering munitions, which are suicide-attack drones. They will give a boost to the Army's capability to track targets and conduct precision strikes. They will be placed along the LAC with China, and the process of procurement is already underway.
ALSO WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/in-depth/the-hook/russia-s-suicide-strategy-ukraine-needs-this-us-weapon-to-counter-cheap-iranian-kamikaze-drones-1665768739320">Russia's 'suicide' strategy: Ukraine needs this US weapon to counter cheap Iranian kamikaze drones</a>
For explosive firepower at long distances, the Army has the Pinaka, a multiple rocket launcher system. It can fire a variety of ammunition. Its new version has a longer range and better accuracy. It has been placed along LAC in Northeast, with one regiment deployed in Arunachal Pradesh. The Army reportedly plans to get 6 more.
A major addition to the Army's arsenal in the near future will be the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System, or ATAGS. Its special features include rapid and sustained rates of fire with longer range. It will be deployed along the LAC. The ATAGS is in its final stages of testing and induction is expected soon.
While the Army waits for its newer guns, some legacy weapons are still in use, like the Bofors Howitzer. Its newer version is more precise and faster in firing rounds. In forward areas along the LAC, the upgraded Bofors guns are a big boost for the Army.
The other legacy weapon is the L70, an air defence gun. It has been upgraded for automatic tracking of aerial threats. It has been added to the arsenal along the LAC in the eastern sector. The upgraded guns were deployed around 15 km from the disputed border in 2021.
Apart from firepower, intelligence-gathering is an important task near the hot border. For this, the Army is looking at surveillance drones with a range of 80 km, and endurance of 4 hours. These will improve surveillance in difficult and mountainous terrain along the LAC. The Army is currently assessing different options before acquisition.
The military's arsenal is expected to get deadlier as more and more made-in-India weapons are developed and finalised, like the Dhanush gun system.
Beijing appears to be playing a double-game, trying to continue military aggression, even as both sides sit at the negotiation table. In such a situation, the deployment of potent and effective weapons at the border are a necessary deterrent.

In almost ten months, Russia has failed to defeat a much smaller Ukraine. Is Vladimir Putin now trying to take down his Western enemies by engineering domestic coups?

Germany coup plot: Iridium sat phones, fortune-tellers, Russian aid? Reichsbürger conspiracy decoded

In almost ten months, Russia has failed to defeat a much smaller Ukraine. Is Vladimir Putin now trying to take down his Western enemies by engineering domestic coups?

In almost ten months, Russia has failed to defeat a much smaller Ukraine. Is Vladimir Putin now trying to take down his Western enemies by engineering domestic coups?
German security agencies recently claimed to have busted a conspiracy by some of its citizens to wage war on the democratic government and install a king to rule the country. The group behind all this is called the 'Reichsb&uuml;rger', or the 'Reich Citizens'.
 THE PLOT
Investigators say that the group wanted to storm the German Parliament building using its military unit. Members of Parliament would have been "handcuffed and arrested". The terrorist group allegedly wanted to damage and deactivate the country's electricity network. Its members had allegedly acquired &euro;20,000 Iridium satellite phones to communicate even when there was no electricity.
They had also planned a 'homeland security' unit to maintain control over the country, according to the authorities. Investigators also claimed to have found a 'hit list' with names of politicians and journalists. These included the name of the current foreign minister. Interestingly, the group also allegedly used fortune-tellers to verify its plans and the loyalty of its members.
ALSO WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/in-depth/the-hook/what-if-nato-had-blamed-russia-for-poland-missile-blast-6-steps-to-world-war-3-1668709567792">What if NATO had blamed Russia for Poland missile blast?</a>
So, what is the Reichsb&uuml;rger, and why did it want to overthrow the government?
 THE PLOTTERS
Reichsb&uuml;rger has been accused of being an extremist group wanting to establish a monarchy in Germany. It allegedly has around 21,000 members, with 5% labelled as 'rightwing extremists'. Authorities blamed them for more than 1,000 extremist crimes in 2021. Reichsb&uuml;rger calls the German Constitution and the government illegitimate, claiming that the 'Reich' or empire of 1871 still exists.
The group's name refers to the pan-German nation established by King Wilhelm I and Otto von Bismarck in 1871. The group calls Germany's partition after World War II illegal. However, Reichsb&uuml;rger distances itself from Hitler's 'Third Reich'. But 'Reich Citizens' have been known to work with neo-Nazis.
The anti-government sentiment propagated by Reichsb&uuml;rger has been fuelled in recent years by Covid restrictions. Alleged members of the terrorist group include soldiers and police officers, making it more dangerous.
In the recent raids, authorities arrested many of the alleged ringleaders of the group.
 THE LEADERS
The biggest face of the Reichsb&uuml;rger is claimed to be Heinrich XIII. He is a 71-year-old businessman who was projected to rule the nation if the group came to power. He calls himself a prince despite the abolition of royalty in Germany. He claims to have descended from the formerly-noble House of Reuss.
Another high-profile arrest was that of Birgit Malsack-Winkemann, a judge in Berlin who would have been the Justice Minister in the 'Reich' government. She is a former lawmaker from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. She has been accused of giving details of the Parliament building to the conspirators.
Then there is Frank Heppner, a celebrity chef whose daughter is dating Real Madrid footballer David Alaba. He was allegedly a commander of the Reichsb&uuml;rger military unit, and responsible for recruitment and weapons. He was arrested from work at a 5-star hotel in the Austrian ski resort of Kitzb&uuml;hel.
Authorities also arrested Michael Fritsch, a former police officer, from Hanover in north Germany. As a cop, he had been tasked with protecting Jewish communities from terrorists. He had been sacked from the police force for protesting with Covid deniers.
The activities of Heinrich XIII, the wannabe king, have raised suspicion of Russia's hand in the entire affair.
 THE RUSSIA LINK
Investigators say that Heinrich XIII had reached out to Russian officials as he allegedly wanted to discuss his coup plans with Moscow. Also, the sole non-German person arrested in the raids is a Russian citizen named Vitalia B.
Experts say that 'Reichsb&uuml;rger' members have a soft spot for Russia, and they are also vulnerable to Russian propaganda and disinformation.
Here's how Berlin launched a mammoth operation to stop the Reichsb&uuml;rger conspiracy.
 THE BUST
A taskforce named Kangal was set up to counter the threat. Operation Schatten, which means shadows, began in September. It is being called the largest terror surveillance operation in Germany's history. It involved the monitoring of more than 50 suspects after a tip-off.
Simultaneous raids at 150 spots were conducted on 7 December. 3,000 cops were part of international raids in Germany, Italy, and Austria. The target sites included an ex-MP's home, a car repair shop, and a carpenters' studio. 25 people were arrested, and weapons were found at 50 locations. These included guns, knives, swords, night vision tech, and combat helmets.
Authorities didn't say whether the group could've launched a coup attempt in reality.
So, what's next in Germany?
 THE NEXT STEP
The government is planning to tighten gun laws in the country. Weapons have been seized from 1,000 'Reich Citizens' so far, but around 500 other members are believed to have gun licenses. Also, the government wants stricter disciplinary rules for civil servants so that it can quickly sack then and withdraw their pensions if they are found to be engaging in such activities.
Two years ago, America saw how dangerous fringe groups can be, when rioters stormed the Capitol Hill, claiming that the Presidential elections were rigged. Germany was potentially staring at a similar, but much more organised incident.
As the danger of conspiracy theorists turning militant grows more serious, governments are yet to find ways to nip the threat in the bud.

$3 billion - that is the amount of money that India has spent to help Afghanistan over 2 decades.

Taliban desperate for India help? Pakistan economic crisis, China debt trap tactic haunting Afghanistan?

India is Taliban's only option? Pakistan economic crisis, China debt trap diplomacy haunting Afghanistan?


$3 billion - that is the amount of money that India has spent to help Afghanistan over 2 decades.

23 years ago, the Taliban helped terrorists hijack Indian flight IC-814 to force India to release three sinister terrorists. Now, the Taliban are trying to convince India to come to Afghanistan and complete the projects interrupted by the fall of the civilian government in 2021.
Why is Taliban warming up to India? And should Delhi respond positively? How has India helped Afghanistan in the last 2 decades, and what's been stuck since the Taliban came to power? Let's take a look.
$3 billion - that is the amount of money that India has spent to help Afghanistan so far. Here are a few examples of what Delhi calls its "gifts" to Kabul.
The Afghan Parliament complex was constructed by India for $90 million. It was inaugurated by PM Modi in 2015. India provided Mi-25 and Mi-35 choppers to the Afghan Air Force, as well as 285 military vehicles for the Army. India also helps the Afghan military under a strategic agreement signed in 2011.
In the energy sector, India's biggest assistance has been the 42 MW Salma Dam in Herat province. There is also the transmission line between Pul-e-Khumri and Kabul, and the Chimtala power substation.
To boost connectivity, India helped build the 218-km Zaranj-Delaram highway for $150 million. More than 300 Indians were part of the project and 11 of them died, including in terrorist attacks. Delhi also gave 3 Air India aircraft to Afghanistan's national carrier Ariana.
In healthcare, India recently sent 13 tonnes of medicines, 5 lakh Covid vaccines. In the past, Delhi rebuilt the Indira Gandhi Institute for Child Health, constructed clinics in at least 10 border provinces, and gifted 10 ambulances. India has also provided schoolchildren with high-protein biscuits.
In education, Delhi financed the establishment of an agriculture sciences university, and rebuilt the Habibia High School in capital city Kabul.
The Afghan national cricket team can use an Indian stadium as its home ground. India also helped build a cricket stadium in Kandahar.
For food security, India constructed a cold storage warehouse in Kandahar, and also sent 20,000 metric tonnes of wheat recently. Delhi has also gifted 400 buses and 200 mini-buses for urban areas, and 105 utility vehicles for municipalities. The country helped in rehabilitation of 3 water reservoirs, and digging of tube wells in many places.
India also contributed to the restoration of the Stor Palace in Kabul.
The Taliban has now claimed that an Indian diplomat has expressed interest in resuming the projects which are stuck since Taliban's takeover in August 2021.
Here are a few which might be on the table.
The biggest pending project might be the Shahtoot dam. The agreement for the $250 million project was finalised in November 2020. The dam in Kabul district will help provide safe drinking water to 20 lakh people.
Another project is the Hajigak mine. An Indian consortium won bids for 3 iron ore mines in 2011. AFISCO had said that it would invest $10.8 billion for a steel plant, but updates about the project are not available.
Also, a hundred community development projects worth $80 million were announced by the Indian foreign minister in November 2020. India has also pledged $1 million for an Aga Khan heritage project to restore the Bala Hissar Fort, lying south of Kabul.
So, is the Taliban trying to woo India?
It's possible because the Afghan economy is in tatters, and humanitarian crisis has been unfolding after decades of continuous war. Also, India has been major source of aid to Afghanistan over the last 20 years. Meanwhile, Taliban's main benefactor Pakistan is going through its own economic crisis, while Pakistan's 'iron brother' China exacts a heavy toll for providing any kind of help.
There are multiple reasons why India may respond positively to this development.
The first is security. Indian investment in Afghanistan can prevent the country from becoming a major breeding ground for anti-India terrorists. Showing Taliban the benefits of Indian partnership can make it resistant to plans that Pakistan may be hatching.
The second reason is geopolitics. Pakistan's direct and China's indirect influence on Taliban are not in India's interest. Delhi may like to establish its own relations with Taliban to maintain balance.
Finally, Delhi would want to safeguard the $3 billion worth of assistance that has been given over 2 decades. India would also like to have an opportunity at getting access to Afghanistan's barely-tapped resources.

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In her decades-long political career, Bengal tigress Mamata Banerjee must have fought numerous battles, but, none like the bypoll&nbsp;in the Bhowanipore&nbsp;constituency on September 30.&nbsp;
Why is the Bengal CM contesting the bypolls? Could these polls be stepping stone for the TMC&nbsp;chief's national aspirations

Are Bhowanipore bypolls a stepping stone for Mamata Banerjee's national aspirations?

In her decades-long political career, Bengal tigress Mamata Banerjee must have fought numerous battles, but, none like the bypoll in the Bhowanipore constituency on September 30. 

Why is the Bengal CM contesting the bypolls? Could these polls be stepping stone for the TMC chief's national aspirations

Are Bhowanipore bypolls a stepping stone for Mamata's national aspirations?

((SOT-IF I LOSE SOMEELSE WILL BE CM))
 ((VO)) In her decades-long political career, Bengal tigress Mamata Banerjee must have fought numerous battles, but, none like this one.
As she remained wheel-chair bound during much of the West Bengal campaign earlier this year, she conquered Bengal, kept BJP away from the priced spot in India&rsquo;s east, but fell short of beating her friend-turned-foe in the hotly contested Nandigram election. ``
And as the Supreme Court hears pleas to decide on the result of the Nandigram election, a battle front has opened in her bastion Bhawanipore. For her to stay as the chief minister of Bengal and launch a political offensive outside its shores, the Trinamool Congress chief must become a lawmaker to retain the top chair in her state before India witnesses general elections in 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;
But how did the leader of a party that swept the Bengal poll, dislodged election predictions, put BJP on the backfoot, end up in this political do or die.
&nbsp;
BITE: Mamata &ndash; will fight from Nandigram. Suvendu &ndash; will defeat her
When the BJP launched a poll offensive to dislodge TMC, Didi took a gamble. She contested from Nandigram and not Bhowanipore. The purpose of such risky political manoeuvre was simply to finish Suvendu Adhikari, the incumbent legislator who along with many had decide to become a TMC turncoat.
TMC won the state but Didi lost. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
BITE &ndash; I have lost but it&rsquo;s ok. Bengal has won
She still went to take oath as the chief minister but the constitutional rules require her to get elected as an MLA within 6 months to continue on the post.
Having lost face once, Banerjee wasn't going to take any chances this time... she decided to take the battle home.
She is a 6-time MP and 2-time MLA from this South Kolkata constituency. In 2021, her aide&nbsp;Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay&nbsp;fought from there and won.
Given election history, the results of this battle may be on expected lines, but =the chief minister =is not taking any chances. &nbsp;
 (BITE: vote for me&hellip; even if I don&rsquo;t get one vote I will suffer&nbsp;
 She has constantly reminded the locals of how familiar she is with the place, how she knows each lane and by-lane. How like them she is also a resident of the constituency. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
BITE:
The discourse has now shifted from Bangla nijer meye ke chai to Bhowanipore nijer meye ke chai
Which is probably why BJP thought it was best to field a candidate who can call herself a home girl.
Priyanka Tibrewal is an advocate and has familial connections to the constituency. Her candidacy helps BJP negate TMC's 'outsider' narrative.
She helped BJP win the post-violence case against Bengal govt in Calcutta HC. She is being positioned as someone who could beat Banerjee. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
BITE: Tibrewal
But the question is - does Bhowanipore consider anyone to be more of their daughter than Mamata Banerjee.
Poll data from previous polls suggests the CM is losing ground. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
In 2011 state polls, she won the seat with 77% vote share, in 2016 it came down to 48%. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
In 2019 Lok Sabha elections, TMC led BJP by only 3,000 votes in the assembly segment.
Many experts are putting it down to the high population of Gujarati, Marwaris and Punjabis in Bhowanipore who are now shifting towards BJP.
But poll data also shows that Mamata still has a hold over her constituency... which is probably why TMC won the seat despite Mamata not contesting from it. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
Will then Bhowanipore voters deliver Mamata Banerjee one of her most important victories and set her on the path to New Delhi.
Bite: vote for me.. bhowanipore will be beginning of our national battle.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Mamata lost to Suvendu&nbsp;Adhikari in Nandigram&nbsp;during the Bengal polls held earlier this year.&nbsp;

In her decades-long political career, Bengal tigress Mamata Banerjee must have fought numerous battles, but, none like the bypoll&nbsp;in the Bhowanipore&nbsp;constituency on September 30.&nbsp;
Why is the Bengal CM contesting the bypolls? Could these polls be stepping stone for the TMC&nbsp;chief's national aspirations

Explore the dynamic relationship between Trump and Zelensky since 2022, moving from mutual respect to public confrontations amid Ukraine's ongoing crisis.

Trump and Zelensky: A tumultuous relationship – a timeline since 2022

Trump and Zelensky's relationship evolved from mutual respect in 2022 to serious confrontations by 2025, impacting U.S. aid and international relations.

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Trump&rsquo;s stance on Zelensky has shifted from praise in 2022 to public clashes in 2025. Once calling him &ldquo;brave&rdquo;, Trump now labels him a &ldquo;dictator&rdquo;. Their Oval Office showdown has put U.S.-Ukraine relations on shaky ground.
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From Praise to Public Clashes: How Trump and Zelensky&rsquo;s Relationship Unraveled
The relationship between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has seen dramatic twists and turns. What began with praise and cordial exchanges soon turned into public tensions, heated accusations, and a war of words that could have significant geopolitical consequences. Here&rsquo;s a timeline tracing the highs and lows of their interactions since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
&nbsp;February 2022: Trump Calls Zelensky &lsquo;Brave&rsquo; Amid Russian Invasion
As Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Trump, while initially praising Putin's move as "savvy," later expressed support for Zelensky. At the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on February 26, 2022, Trump described Zelensky as &ldquo;a brave man&rdquo; and applauded his decision to remain in Kyiv.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Legendary Trump moment. He sarcastically tells Zelensky: "Wow look, you're all dressed up today"<a href="https://t.co/7Ah2tQZ6EQ">pic.twitter.com/7Ah2tQZ6EQ</a>
&mdash; Amit Shah (Parody) (@Motabhai012) <a href="https://twitter.com/Motabhai012/status/1895527271123075337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
However, critics pointed out Trump&rsquo;s previous history with Ukraine, particularly his 2019 impeachment scandal, which stemmed from allegations that he pressured Zelensky to investigate Joe Biden in exchange for military aid.
&nbsp; April 2022: Trump Calls for a Peace Deal, Frustrating Ukraine
Just two months into the war, Trump questioned why peace had not yet been reached, stating that the ongoing conflict &ldquo;doesn&rsquo;t make sense&rdquo; and warning that delays would result in &ldquo;nothing left but death and destruction.&rdquo;
While not explicitly blaming Zelensky, Trump&rsquo;s comments suggested frustration with Ukraine&rsquo;s unwillingness to negotiate.
&nbsp;June 2023: Trump Touts &lsquo;Very Good Relationship&rsquo; With Zelensky
During a campaign speech, Trump boasted about his strong ties with both Zelensky and Putin, claiming he could end the war in 24 hours if re-elected. Zelensky responded, saying that Trump should &ldquo;publicly share his peace plan now&rdquo; instead of waiting until after the election.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Zelensky Moment &ldquo;I have very good relations with President PUTIN&rdquo; &mdash; Trump, with cocaine-addict comedian standing nearby! 😆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> <a href="https://t.co/NwpABtCkfr">pic.twitter.com/NwpABtCkfr</a>
&mdash; S.L. Kanthan (@Kanthan2030) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kanthan2030/status/1839767211776295276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
June 2024: The &lsquo;Greatest Salesman&rsquo; Comment
During a presidential debate against Joe Biden, Trump began shifting his tone. He called Zelensky &ldquo;the greatest salesman ever,&rdquo; implying that Ukraine had secured excessive financial aid from the U.S. He claimed Zelensky would &ldquo;walk away with $60 billion&rdquo; every time he visited the U.S., exaggerating the amount of aid provided.
This marked a turning point in Trump&rsquo;s rhetoric, as he increasingly portrayed Zelensky as someone exploiting U.S. resources.
July 2024: Trump Calls Biden&rsquo;s Mistake on Zelensky &lsquo;Unpardonable&rsquo;
When President Biden mistakenly introduced Zelensky as &ldquo;Putin&rdquo; at a NATO summit, Trump seized the moment, calling the blunder &ldquo;unforgivable&rdquo; and a sign of Biden&rsquo;s incompetence. Despite his shifting stance on Ukraine, Trump still positioned himself as a better alternative to Biden on foreign policy.
&nbsp;January 2025: &lsquo;Zelensky Is No Angel&rsquo;
In his first interview after returning to the White House, Trump struck a more aggressive tone. While acknowledging that Putin &ldquo;shouldn&rsquo;t have invaded&rdquo;, he also blamed Zelensky for the war, stating that &ldquo;he shouldn&rsquo;t have allowed this to happen&rdquo; and calling him &ldquo;no angel.&rdquo;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🚨 Trump: Zelensky &lsquo;is no angel,&rsquo; &lsquo;shouldn&rsquo;t have allowed this war to happen&rsquo; <a href="https://t.co/Xinquo8zu8">https://t.co/Xinquo8zu8</a> <a href="https://t.co/zfJQWfeTg0">pic.twitter.com/zfJQWfeTg0</a>
&mdash; Sputnik (@SputnikInt) <a href="https://twitter.com/SputnikInt/status/1882632513866367199?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
This remark fueled speculation that Trump was laying the groundwork for reducing U.S. support for Ukraine.
&nbsp;February 2025: Trump Labels Zelensky a &lsquo;Dictator&rsquo;
Tensions escalated when Trump accused Zelensky of &ldquo;being a dictator without elections&rdquo;, referencing Ukraine&rsquo;s decision to delay its presidential election due to martial law. Trump also falsely claimed that Zelensky had a 4% approval rating and that the U.S. had sent Ukraine $350 billion in aid (far more than the actual amount).
Zelensky responded diplomatically, stating that Trump &ldquo;lives in a disinformation space&rdquo; and emphasizing that Ukraine still needed American support.
&nbsp;February 28, 2025: The Oval Office Clash
The breaking point came in a televised confrontation at the White House. The meeting, originally planned to discuss a minerals trade deal between Ukraine and the U.S., spiraled into a heated argument.
&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67c6b806b58b0_1741076486.jpg" width="333" height="187">
Trump accused Zelensky of &ldquo;gambling with World War III&rdquo; and &ldquo;not acting thankful&rdquo; for U.S. support. Vice President JD Vance also joined in, criticizing Ukraine&rsquo;s handling of the war. Zelensky, visibly frustrated, insisted that there could be &ldquo;no compromise&rdquo; with Russia.
The meeting ended abruptly, with Zelensky leaving without signing a deal.
&nbsp;March 2025: What&rsquo;s Next?
Following the Oval Office spat, Trump took to social media, claiming that Zelensky &ldquo;is not ready for peace&rdquo; and that &ldquo;America will not put up with this for much longer.&rdquo;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a>: "Do you think that it's respectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country?"<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: "You don't have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards ... You're&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/iTYyAmfuCJ">pic.twitter.com/iTYyAmfuCJ</a>
&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1895527936939487722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
Despite the public falling-out, Ukraine remains dependent on U.S. aid, and Zelensky has expressed hope for continued American support. Meanwhile, Trump has not ruled out cutting aid but stated that the situation &ldquo;is changing quickly.&rdquo;
With the war still raging and U.S. policy on Ukraine in flux, the world is watching how this high-stakes relationship will unfold next.
&nbsp; What began as mutual praise has turned into one of the most public and politically charged relationships between two world leaders. Trump&rsquo;s shifting stance&mdash;from calling Zelensky brave to accusing him of dictatorship&mdash;reflects not just personal animosity but a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy under his leadership.
Whether this fractured relationship leads to a cut in military aid or a forced peace deal, one thing is clear: Trump and Zelensky&rsquo;s uneasy alliance will continue to shape the future of the war in Ukraine.
&nbsp;

Britain's aid budget cut from 0.5% to 0.3% GNI by 2027 reallocates funds to defense, impacting humanitarian support and reshaping UK global influence.

UK slashes overseas aid in record cuts – who pays the price?

Britain's decision to reduce its aid budget reallocates funds to defense, sparking debate over global influence and humanitarian impact as vulnerable regions face cuts.

The UK is cutting aid from 0.5% to 0.3% of GNI, slashing &pound;6bn yearly. Women, health, and crisis zones face major setbacks. Critics warn it risks global stability while boosting defence spending.

Britain&rsquo;s reputation as a global humanitarian leader is taking a severe hit as Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced the most significant cut to the UK&rsquo;s overseas aid budget in history. To fund an increase in defence spending, the UK&rsquo;s Official Development Assistance (ODA) will drop from 0.5% to 0.3% of Gross National Income (GNI) by 2027 &ndash; a staggering reduction of approximately &pound;6 billion per year.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67c543b1dc7b4_1740981169.jpg" width="242" height="136">
With this decision, the UK is poised to spend the lowest proportion of national income on international aid since records began in 1960. The consequences? Devastating. For millions of vulnerable people around the world, this move is not just a statistic &ndash; it&rsquo;s a matter of life and death.
Why Is the UK Slashing Aid?
The official reasoning behind the cuts is national security. Starmer argues that increasing the defence budget to 2.5% of GDP is necessary to counteract global threats, particularly with rising tensions in Ukraine and the perceived aggression from Russia. However, critics argue that this &ldquo; guns over butter &rdquo; approach ignores the fundamental role that humanitarian aid plays in global stability.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67c543c765631_1740981191.jpg" width="319" height="179">
Charities and NGOs have slammed the decision, accusing the government of creating a false choice between defence and humanitarian work. Bond, a coalition of UK aid groups, called it &ldquo;reckless,&rdquo; while WaterAid described it as a &ldquo; cruel betrayal of people living in poverty globally .&rdquo;
David Miliband, the former foreign secretary and now head of the International Rescue Committee, said, &ldquo; This move is a blow to Britain&rsquo;s proud reputation as a global humanitarian and development leader. The global consequences will be far-reaching and devastating for people who need more help, not less. &rdquo;
Who Will Suffer the Most?
Women and Girls in Crisis Zones
Experts warn that women and girls will be disproportionately affected, particularly in regions where UK-funded programmes support education, healthcare, and reproductive rights. Many fear that essential services for survivors of gender-based violence, child marriage prevention, and maternal health will be axed.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67c543edee396_1740981229.jpg" width="262" height="147">
Dr. Alvaro Bermejo, director general of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, stated, &ldquo; This will cost lives. Women and girls in the world&rsquo;s most vulnerable regions will be left without essential healthcare and support .&rdquo;
War-Torn Regions Like Yemen, Sudan, and Syria
Countries already suffering from devastating conflicts rely heavily on UK aid. In 2023, the UK contributed significant funds to Yemen and Sudan. With these cuts, food assistance, medical aid, and refugee support in these areas could dwindle, exacerbating existing humanitarian disasters.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67c543ffa33c8_1740981247.jpg" width="278" height="156">
An official from the aid sector remarked, &ldquo; With the amount committed to refugees in the UK, and now this cut, there will be almost nothing left. It&rsquo;s an absolute mess.&rdquo;
Health Programmes in Africa and Beyond
UK aid has historically funded vaccine programs and global health initiatives such as Gavi and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. A sharp reduction in funding could mean fewer vaccinations for children and a resurgence of preventable diseases.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67c54413c42a0_1740981267.jpg" width="296" height="166">
Romilly Greenhill, CEO of Bond, warned, &ldquo; Slashing the already diminished UK aid budget to fund an uplift in defence is a reckless decision. It will leave millions without access to life-saving healthcare .&rdquo;
Climate Crisis Response
The UK has been a major player in climate finance, helping developing nations combat climate change. With the new budget constraints, critical initiatives to address flooding, droughts, and rising sea levels in vulnerable nations could be put on hold.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67c54429036dd_1740981289.jpg" width="303" height="170">
Jean-Michel Grand, director of Action Against Hunger UK, commented, &ldquo; Aid is now being discussed in terms of trade, prosperity, and security, with poverty reduction becoming secondary. It&rsquo;s deeply concerning .&rdquo;
UK&rsquo;s Own Global Influence
The UK has long used international aid as a form of soft power to maintain influence in developing countries. With China increasing its global aid presence, there are fears that Beijing will step in where the UK retreats, shifting geopolitical influence in its favour.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67c54462a5748_1740981346.jpg" width="283" height="159">
An anonymous Labour MP voiced concerns, saying, &ldquo;Cutting this financial lifeline will make the world more unsafe, as people in crisis will have no choice but to migrate. &rdquo;
The Fallout &ndash; A &lsquo;Domino Effect&rsquo; of Aid Cuts?
The UK is not alone in cutting back aid. The US, under Trump&rsquo;s leadership, drastically reduced funding for USAID, leading to severe disruptions in global humanitarian efforts. European nations like Germany, France, and the Netherlands are also reducing their commitments.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67c54481d0938_1740981377.jpg" width="312" height="175">
Aid organisations warn that this pattern could trigger a catastrophic &ldquo; domino effect .&rdquo; With fewer resources for crisis-hit regions, instability could worsen, leading to more forced migration and greater security threats &ndash; ironically undermining the very national security concerns that the UK claims to prioritise.
Nick Dearden, director of Global Justice Now, condemned the move, saying, &ldquo; To appease Trump, Starmer will cut aid to its lowest level in a generation. It is a day of shame for Britain. &rdquo;
What Happens Next?
While the government insists the most &ldquo;vital&rdquo; humanitarian programmes will remain funded, the reality is that many lifesaving projects will be slashed. Humanitarian groups are calling for urgent parliamentary debates and demanding transparency on how the remaining aid budget will be allocated.
The backlash from charities, political opponents, and even members of Starmer&rsquo;s own Labour Party is growing. Former foreign secretary David Miliband condemned the move as &ldquo; a blow to Britain&rsquo;s proud reputation .&rdquo; Meanwhile, development minister Anneliese Dodds resigned in protest, saying it is now &ldquo;impossible&rdquo; to honour commitments to Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine under the new budget.
Care International UK&rsquo;s chief executive, Helen McEachern, stated, &ldquo; Not only does this decision do irreparable harm to his government&rsquo;s reputation, but it also ignores the vital role aid plays in making the UK and our world safer, healthier, and more sustainable for everyone .&rdquo;
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67c544cea51f2_1740981454.jpg" width="345" height="194">
At a time when the world faces unprecedented humanitarian crises, Britain has chosen to retreat. The repercussions of this decision will be felt for years, with millions left more vulnerable and global instability potentially worsening.
The UK has long prided itself on being a force for good in international development. But with this historic cut, is Britain stepping away from its moral and strategic responsibilities? And if so, at what cost?

RPF constable Reena's viral video managing duties with her baby ignites debates on the systemic neglect of working mothers' needs, spotlighting inadequate workplace supports.

RPF constable on duty with baby sparks debate: Motherhood, duty & systemic gaps

Constable Reena's video sparks a vital conversation on systemic failures in supporting working mothers, urging workplace policy reform and enhanced childcare support.

RPF constable Reena patrolled Delhi station with her baby, triggering debates on working mothers&rsquo; struggles. Experts slammed it as neglect, citing safety risks and lack of childcare. Social media is split&mdash;some praise her dedication, others raise concerns.

A viral video of an RPF (Railway Protection Force) constable, Reena, patrolling the New Delhi railway station with her baby strapped to her chest has reignited discussions on the challenges faced by working mothers in demanding jobs. The clip, shared by the RPF's official X (formerly Twitter) account, showcases Reena diligently managing security while her one-year-old son sleeps in a baby carrier.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
She serves, she nurtures, she does it all&mdash; A mother, a warrior, standing tall&hellip; Constable Reena from 16BN/RPSF performing her duties while carrying her child, representing the countless mothers who balance the call of duty with motherhood every day.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NariShakti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NariShakti</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HeroesInUniform?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HeroesInUniform</a>&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/enzaw0iDYo">pic.twitter.com/enzaw0iDYo</a>
&mdash; RPF INDIA (@RPF_INDIA) <a href="https://twitter.com/RPF_INDIA/status/1891545420133757311?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
The post lauded her as a &ldquo;mother and a warrior,&rdquo; acknowledging the countless women who balance professional duties with motherhood. However, while many praised her resilience, others questioned the circumstances that left her with no choice but to bring her child to work.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67b8005532bb8_1740111957.jpg" width="304" height="171">
A Mother&rsquo;s Unavoidable Compulsion
Reports indicate that Reena, who was on leave, was called back to duty following the February 15th stampede at the New Delhi railway station, which claimed 18 lives. With her husband&mdash;a CRPF constable&mdash;posted in Jammu and Kashmir, and no immediate family support, she had no option but to bring her child along for his safety. Reena has stated that she will continue this arrangement until she finds reliable childcare.
Experts Call It &lsquo;Criminal Neglect&rsquo;
While social media debates the story, activists and legal experts have strongly criticized the situation.
&ldquo;This is not something to glorify&mdash;it is a failure of the system. The child is exposed to serious health and safety risks,&rdquo; said social activist Ranjana Kumari, Director of the Centre for Social Research.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67b8002adff78_1740111914.jpg" width="315" height="177">
Legal experts pointed out that the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 mandates creche facilities for establishments with 50 or more employees. &ldquo;It is unclear whether the RPF provides such a facility. If not, they must comply with the law,&rdquo; stated Supreme Court Advocate Akshat Bajpai.
Meanwhile, Ashima Sachdeva, a loco pilot and member of a high-power committee addressing grievances of female railway staff, highlighted the dangers. &ldquo;The constant high-decibel noise at railway stations can cause hearing damage, especially for infants. Crowd control duties are unpredictable and unsafe for a child,&rdquo; she said.
Social Media Divided on Reena&rsquo;s Story
While some users voiced concerns over the risks of carrying a baby while managing a busy railway station, others commended Reena for her dedication.
Reena Is Not Alone: Working Moms on Duty
Reena&rsquo;s story is not an isolated case. Many working mothers across the world have been in similar situations, sparking conversations about work-life balance and institutional support:
Priti Rani, a UP police constable, carried her infant while on VIP duty during an event attended by CM Yogi Adityanath in 2020.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67b7ff165afd4_1740111638.jpg" width="317" height="178">
Swati Chitalkar, a Pune bank employee, went viral in 2016 after sharing a heartbreaking image of her sick child sleeping on the office floor because she couldn&rsquo;t take leave.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67b7ff2cb7388_1740111660.jpg" width="352" height="198">
Sarita Singh, an AAP MLA, attended Delhi Assembly sessions with her newborn in 2018 due to the lack of maternity leave for legislators.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67b7ff4a2197d_1740111690.jpg" width="317" height="178">
 Globally, prominent women leaders have also taken their babies to work
Australian MP Larissa Waters made history in 2017 by breastfeeding her daughter while addressing Parliament.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67b7ff5ba358c_1740111707.jpg" width="337" height="189">
New Zealand&rsquo;s ex-PM Jacinda Ardern attended the UN General Assembly with her baby in 2018.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67b7fffedd0b6_1740111870.jpg" width="329" height="185">
Swedish MEP Jytte Guteland gave a speech at the European Parliament while holding her infant in 2017.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67b7ffc07ee67_1740111808.jpg" width="310" height="174">
A Systemic Issue, Not an Isolated Incident
Unlike politicians and high-profile figures, Reena is an everyday working mother facing real-world struggles. Her story is a stark reminder of the hidden challenges of working-class mothers, especially in high-risk jobs.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67b7ffef52c40_1740111855.jpg" width="306" height="172">
While her courage is commendable, her situation raises critical questions about workplace policies, childcare support, and the safety of working mothers in demanding professions. Rather than celebrating her struggle, authorities must prioritize systemic solutions to ensure no mother has to choose between her duty and her child&rsquo;s well-being.

Exploring the impact and legacy of global leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, who were tragically assassinated but left indelible marks on history.

History’s most shocking political assassinations that changed the world

Examining the legacies of iconic leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, whose assassinations reshaped national and global history, leaving a lasting impact.

Assassinated leaders like Gandhi and others profoundly shaped national histories. Their legacy of change, despite tragic ends, continues to inspire globally.

January 30 marks the tragic anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi&rsquo;s assassination, a day that changed the course of Indian history. But Gandhi wasn&rsquo;t the only revered leader&mdash;often called the &ldquo;Father of the Nation&rdquo;&mdash;who fell to the bullets of his own people. Across the world, towering figures who led their countries to independence and progress met similar fates. Their assassinations were not just personal tragedies but defining moments that altered national destinies forever.
These leaders&mdash;beacons of change, architects of revolutions, and symbols of hope&mdash;were slain by those who opposed their ideals, proving that power, politics, and progress often come at a steep price. As the world remembers Gandhi, let&rsquo;s look at other national leaders whose deaths shook the world.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman &ndash; Bangladesh&rsquo;s Founding Father
In Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is revered as the nation&rsquo;s founding father. His leadership in the independence struggle against Pakistan led to the birth of Bangladesh in 1971. However, his dream of a prosperous and united country was cut short on August 15, 1975, when a military coup saw him and most of his family brutally assassinated. A group of army officers, disillusioned with his rule, stormed his residence and executed him, leading to years of political turmoil in Bangladesh. Despite his tragic end, Mujib&rsquo;s legacy as a liberator and visionary remains etched in Bangladesh&rsquo;s history.
Aung San &ndash; Myanmar&rsquo;s Revolutionary Leader
Myanmar&rsquo;s path to independence from British rule was spearheaded by General Aung San, a nationalist leader who played a crucial role in securing the country&rsquo;s freedom. However, just months before Myanmar (then Burma) was set to gain independence, Aung San was assassinated on July 19, 1947, along with several of his colleagues. The attack was orchestrated by political rival U Saw, who saw him as an obstacle to power. His assassination left Myanmar&rsquo;s future uncertain, but his dream of an independent nation lived on, with his daughter, Aung San Suu Kyi, later continuing his political legacy.
Julius Caesar &ndash; The Betrayed Leader of Rome
More than two thousand years ago, Julius Caesar transformed Rome, expanding its empire and implementing reforms that shaped Western civilization. However, his ambition and centralization of power made him a target of the Roman Senate. On March 15, 44 BCE&mdash;known as the Ides of March&mdash;Caesar was assassinated by a group of senators led by Brutus and Cassius, men he once considered allies. They believed they were saving the Roman Republic, but instead, they paved the way for the rise of the Roman Empire under Augustus. Caesar&rsquo;s assassination remains one of the most famous political betrayals in history.
Patrice Lumumba &ndash; Congo&rsquo;s Voice for Independence
Patrice Lumumba&rsquo;s powerful speeches and vision for a united Congo made him a symbol of African nationalism. As the first Prime Minister of an independent Congo in 1960, Lumumba sought to rid the country of colonial influence, but his defiance of Western powers made him a target. Just months after taking office, he was overthrown, captured, and brutally executed on January 17, 1961, with the involvement of Belgian and Congolese forces. His assassination plunged Congo into decades of political instability, but his fight against imperialism continues to inspire leaders across Africa.
Abraham Lincoln &ndash; The Leader Who Ended Slavery
Abraham Lincoln&rsquo;s leadership during the American Civil War and his role in abolishing slavery made him one of the most revered figures in U.S. history. But his progressive vision was met with fierce opposition. On April 14, 1865, just days after the Civil War ended, Lincoln was shot by Confederate sympathizer John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford&rsquo;s Theatre. His assassination was part of a larger plot to destabilize the U.S. government, but Lincoln&rsquo;s legacy of unity and freedom has stood the test of time.
Martin Luther King Jr. &ndash; The Dream That Lives On
Inspired by Gandhi&rsquo;s principles of nonviolence, Martin Luther King Jr. fought for racial equality in the United States, leading historic movements like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington. His dream of a just and equal America made him a target of white supremacists. On April 4, 1968, King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, by James Earl Ray. His death sparked nationwide riots, but his vision of civil rights and social justice continues to shape America&rsquo;s conscience.
Anwar Sadat &ndash; Egypt&rsquo;s Peacemaker
Egyptian President Anwar Sadat&rsquo;s landmark peace treaty with Israel made him a global statesman, but it also made him a target for extremists. On October 6, 1981, while attending a military parade in Cairo, Sadat was gunned down by members of the Egyptian Islamic Jihad. His assassination was a direct response to his peace efforts, proving that even in diplomacy, progress comes at a cost. Despite his death, the Egypt-Israel peace agreement remains one of the most enduring in Middle Eastern history.
Yitzhak Rabin &ndash; The Israeli Leader Who Sought Peace
Like Sadat, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin believed in diplomacy over war. His efforts to negotiate peace with Palestine through the Oslo Accords earned him the Nobel Peace Prize, but also deep resentment from Israeli hardliners. On November 4, 1995, Rabin was assassinated by an Israeli ultranationalist at a peace rally in Tel Aviv. His death dealt a major blow to peace talks, and decades later, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains unresolved.
Oscar Romero &ndash; The Voice of the Oppressed
In El Salvador, Archbishop Oscar Romero was a champion for the poor and a fierce critic of government oppression. His sermons against human rights abuses made him a target for right-wing forces. On March 24, 1980, Romero was assassinated while delivering Mass in a hospital chapel. His death intensified El Salvador&rsquo;s civil war, but decades later, he was canonized as a saint for his unwavering commitment to social justice.
Alexander the Great &ndash; A Death Shrouded in Mystery
While not an assassination in the traditional sense, the sudden death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE remains one of history&rsquo;s great mysteries. Some theories suggest he was poisoned by his generals, while others believe his death was due to illness. Regardless, his demise led to the fragmentation of his vast empire, proving that even the most powerful leaders are not invincible.
A Legacy Written in Blood
The deaths of these leaders highlight a grim reality: the price of vision and change is often paid in blood. They were not just assassinations of individuals, but attacks on ideals that threatened the status quo. Whether it was Gandhi&rsquo;s message of nonviolence, Lincoln&rsquo;s fight against slavery, or Lumumba&rsquo;s call for African unity, these assassinations remind us that the struggle for progress is fraught with peril.
Yet, their legacies endure. Their ideas live on in the nations they shaped, the movements they inspired, and the people who continue their fight. History may have silenced their voices, but their impact remains immortal.

A UP minister is being called 'heartless' and 'shameless' for insisting on getting a photograph clicked with a grieving mother of an Army officer

'Vultures': opposition leaders condemn UP minister for 'PR' with soldier's mother

A UP minister is being called 'heartless' and 'shameless' for insisting on getting a photograph clicked with a grieving mother of an Army officer

Uttar Pradesh minister Yogendra Upadhyay is facing backlash from the opposition after insisting on taking pictures with the grieving mother of an Army captain who was killed in a encounter in Rajouri.&nbsp;
A video of his visit shows him pushing a cheque towards the mother of Captain Shubham Gupta even after she refused to take it.&nbsp;
The Congress called the minister 'vulture', while Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi called him 'shameless' and 'insensitive'.&nbsp;
'The mother is pleading while inconsolable yet the minister continues with his photo op. What shamelessness is this? Won&rsquo;t even allow the martyr family to grieve in peace minus the cameras. Heartless,' she tweeted.
"The B in BJP should stand for Besharm and P for Publicity, 'Aam Aadmi Party leader Raghav Chadha posted.&nbsp;
Also watch:<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/stop-this-exhibition-army-officer-s-grieving-mother-as-up-minister-indulges-in-photo-op-1700838263051"> 'Stop this exhibition': Army officer's grieving mother as UP minister indulges in photo-op</a>
"Captain Shubham Gupta made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty during an encounter in the Rajouri sector. His mother is grieving and eagerly awaiting her son's mortal remains. In the midst of her inconsolable sorrow, UP government&rsquo;s BJP Minister Yogendra Upadhyay shamelessly persists on having a photograph taken for his PR - this, despite the mother's plea to refrain from turning her grief into a spectacle. Shame," he added.&nbsp;

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