From BTS' J-Hope to GOT7's Jinyoung, K-pop artists who will get discharged from military service in 2024
After BTS' Jin, J-Hope is the second member of the group who will be discharged from the military. RM, Suga, Jimin, V and Jungkook will be discharged next year. Key Points
Hindustan TimesMaldives President Muizzu says Indian troops from second platform to leave within April
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has announced the withdrawal of Indian military personnel manning the second aviation platform, stating they would be withdrawn within the current month and the entire process completed by May 10. This follows the departure of the first batch of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives earlier, as agreed ahead of the March 10 deadline. The withdrawal process is part of an agreement reached between India and the Maldives, with India replacing its military personnel operating three aviation platforms in the Maldives by May 10. Key Points
Economic TimesTop PLA general calls for crackdown on ‘fake’ combat capabilities
In a surprise development, a top Chinese military general has cast aspersions on the PLA’s much-publicised ‘real combat-oriented... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaChina increases defence budget by 7.2% to accelerate military modernisation; Here's how India's preparedne
China has announced a significant 7.2% increase in its defence budget, surpassing $230 billion, which is more than three times India's military expenditure. This increase comes despite China's economic slowdown and refusal to de-escalate tensions with India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). China aims to modernize its two-million-strong armed forces to deter US interference, especially regarding Taiwan. This includes strengthening conventional military and nuclear forces and strategic moves in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), such as a military assistance pact with the Maldives. Key Points
Economic TimesChina, Maldives sign new defence agreements amid strained ties between Malé & New Delhi
This is the latest in series of actions taken by Maldives to deepen ties with China. It comes after Malé allowed Chinese research vessel to dock in its ports despite objections from India. Key Points
ThePrint
China to provide free military assistance to Maldives; inks agreement to bolster bilateral ties
China and the Maldives signed a defence cooperation agreement for free military assistance, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties. The agreement comes as the Maldives set a deadline for Indian military personnel withdrawal. The details of the agreement were not disclosed. This development follows the recent visit of a Chinese research ship to the Maldives, contrasting with Sri Lanka's denial of entry to the same ship. The move underscores the strategic dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region, with India and China vying for influence in neighboring countries like the Maldives. Key Points
Economic TimesPakistan’s Army still firmly in command despite election rebuke
The army is consolidating power as Pakistan faces the worst inflation in Asia, a crippling debt load and the need to negotiate another bailout from the International Monetary Fund. Observers are largely pessimistic that a weak coalition propped up by the military will fare any better than similar governments in the past. Key Points
Economic TimesUS reportedly begins using AI in military operations, relies on tech for selecting where to drop bombs
The US military reportedly used artificial intelligence to pinpoint targets for airstrikes in the Middle East. This trend of AI usage in military operations has been seen in other countries too. Key Points
India TodayPakistan election won't end country's instability. Army will bless the next coalition govt
Coalition politics in Pakistan will still need someone to broker deals. And if there is violence in the streets, people might clamor again for the military to restore order. Key Points
ThePrintUkraine has fired its army chief at the wrong time. Russia will exploit this instability
The support for the Ukranian cause is already dipping in the West. The current commander-in-chief will find it hard to gain the confidence of NATO military chiefs. Key Points
ThePrint
How Imran Khan’s candidates defied odds to thrive in Pakistan election
Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party faced numerous obstacles in the recent election, with Khan himself imprisoned and his colleagues barred from running under the party's name. However, independent candidates supported by Khan performed well, indicating his enduring popularity and public disillusionment with traditional political parties. Key Points
Economic TimesChina's electromagnetic warfare game-changer: 'Nowhere to hide' for enemy forces
Chinese researchers unveil groundbreaking technology in electronic warfare, enabling real-time monitoring of the electromagnetic spectrum to expose enemy forces. Developed by a Beijing-based team, this innovation allows swift detection and neutralization of adversary signals while ensuring uninterrupted communication for Chinese military. The technology's significance is emphasized in a peer-reviewed article by project leader Yang Kai. With applications in both military and civilian realms, China's advancement challenges US dominance in the electromagnetic spectrum, showcasing its rapid progress fueled by leading telecommunications industries. Key Points
Economic TimesThe logistics of war: How Washington is preparing for a Chinese invasion of Taiwan
As worries about a Taiwan contingency rise, the U.S. military is addressing vulnerabilities, considering Australia as a secure location for equipment storage. However, critics argue that more urgency and funding are needed to enhance the dispersed logistics approach in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges. Key Points
Economic TimesRussian plane carrying 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war crashes in Belgorod region
It wasn’t immediately clear what caused the crash. A Russian military transport plane carrying 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war, six crew and three people... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaUS launches 4th strike on Houthis in Yemen
Lists them as terrorists; Israel continues to pound Gaza. The US military fired another wave of ship-and submarine-launch missile strikes against... Key Points
The Tribune India
US lists Houthis as ‘terrorist entity’, continues missile strikes in Yemen | Top points
The US has designated the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen to its list of "terrorist" entities, citing their repeated assaults on international shipping in the Red Sea. The US military also launched another wave of missile strikes against Houthi-controlled sites in Yemen. Key Points
India TodayHow one officer class offers a glimpse into Russia's military amid Ukraine war
In 2016, a new class of officers graduated from the Ryazan paratroop academy in Russia, symbolizing President Vladimir Putin's commitment to strengthening the country's armed forces. Reuters traced the fate of almost all the graduates, revealing their involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Three of the officers were killed in Ukraine in 2022 and 2023, while others were decorated for bravery or captured by Ukrainian forces. Key Points
Economic TimesBTS' RM admits he postponed his military enlistment for long time; here's why
BTS member RM delivered a speech at his military graduation ceremony. Kim Taehyung, aka V, also graduated the same day. Key Points
Hindustan TimesUS, British militaries launch massive retaliatory strike against Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen
The military targets include logistical hubs, air defence systems and weapons storage and launching locations. The US and British militaries bombed more than a... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaKey Myanmar city on border with China seized by ethnic alliance: What we know
The fall of Laukkaing is the biggest in a series of defeats suffered by Myanmar’s military government since the ethnic alliance launched an offensive Oct. 27. | World News Key Points
Hindustan Times
Hamas deputy head Saleh Arouri killed in explosion in Beirut, Hezbollah says
Saleh Arouri was one of the founders of Hamas' military wing. He also headed the group's presence in the West Bank. | World News Key Points
Hindustan TimesPoonch incident should encourage military justice review. Bring one law for three Services
The Army's image took a severe beating because of the torture videos from Poonch. Even Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stressed the importance of Army winning the hearts and minds of people. Key Points
ThePrintAt least 3 killed, 28 injured as Russia launches retaliatory attacks on Ukraine
Earlier Ukraine’s bombardment of border city, Belgorod, killed at least 24 people. In response Russia launched several missiles on Kharkiv, injuring two children among others. Key Points
ThePrintSweeping Chinese military purge exposes weakness, could widen, says Analysts
China's top lawmakers ousted nine senior military officers from the national legislative body on Friday, state media reported, a step that typically precedes further punishment for wayward cadres. Many of these were from the Rocket Force - a key arm of the PLA overseeing tactical and nuclear missiles. Key Points
Economic TimesUS military introduces new law to deal with sexual assault in the force
New US military law enacted on 28 December aims to combat sexual harassment & assault. Independent lawyers to prosecute serious cases. Key Points
Hindustan Times
Europe must rearm as new threats loom, German defence minister says
We need to figure out how best to set ourselves up on the eastern flank on the basis of NATO defense plans, Germany's defence minister Pistorius said, noting he wanted to travel as soon as possible to Poland next year. Pistorius said he did not foresee for the time being the German army repeating missions as big as those they carried out in Afghanistan and Mali. Key Points
Economic TimesBTS singers RM, V join South Korean mandatory military service. When will K-pop brand start performing?
BTS singers RM and V have joined South Korean mandatory military service. Other members of K-Pop band and ARMY were present to bid a temporary farewell. Key Points
Economic TimesBTS: All 7 members pose together for pics ahead of V, RM's military enlistment
BTS member Jin also shared a photo of himself with RM and V ahead of their enlistment. Check out their new photos with Suga, Jin, Jimin, J-Hope and Jungkook. Key Points
Hindustan TimesCan China carry out Pearl Harbor-style strike to end US supremacy? Know in detail
If media reports are to be believed, China can carry out a massive 'bolt-from-the-blue attack' that could wipe out most of the military assets in the Indo-Pacific region. This could forever mark the end of the US as a superpower. Know all about it on the 82nd National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Key Points
Economic TimesCommonwealth releases 'military justice principles', 2 Indians among 15 experts who drafted rules
'Stellenbosch Draft' draft seeks to 'reiterate' importance of 'independent & competent' legal system. Expert panel included Indian lawyers Major Navdeep Singh (retd) and Aishwarya Bhati. Key Points
ThePrint
Putin orders the Russian military to increase troops to a total of 1.32 million
It is the second such expansion of the army since 2018. The previous boost by 137,000 troops, ordered by Putin in August 2022. | World News Key Points
Hindustan TimesBTS' V shaves his head ahead of military enlistment
BTS' V gives hint of buzz cut ahead of military enlistment. RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook had started the process of enlisting in the military. Key Points
Hindustan TimesJungkook announces military service date in emotional letter to BTS ARMY
Jungkook said “one year, six months are a long time”. He added that he “can't say selfish words" but promised an “even more developed form” when he returns. Key Points
Hindustan TimesIs the rule of Myanmar's junta under threat?
An alliance of ethnic minority groups and pro-democracy fighters has launched a coordinated attack on Myanmar's ruling military, posing the biggest challenge yet to the junta's rule. The offensive, named Operation 1027, has seen the rebels seize territory and military equipment, forcing the junta to concede that it is being tested. With its reputation at stake, the military is unlikely to concede easily and could mount a decisive response to crush the rebellion. Key Points
Economic TimesPakistan govt appeals against SC order that declared trial of civilians in military courts as illegal
The government identifies over 100 civilians as part of attacks on military installations. The Pakistan government on Friday filed an intra-court appeal in the Supreme Court against the apex court verdict nullifying the trial of civilians by the military courts. Key Points
The Tribune India
At least 29 more Myanmar soldiers fleeing rebel attacks enter India, say police
Earlier this week, 43 Myanmar soldiers entered Mizoram after their military bases were overrun by rebels. Nearly 40 were sent back by Indian authorities. Key Points
ThePrintMyanmar rebels make gains near border with India
Myanmar's anti-junta groups have captured key towns near the border with India, raising concerns about a spillover of tensions and influx of refugees. The offensive, named "Operation 1027," has seen resistance fighters successfully capture towns and military outposts in Shan state, Chin state, Sagaing region, and Rakhine state. Thousands of Myanmarese nationals have sought shelter in India's northeast, and there are concerns about more people crossing the porous border. The fighting has displaced over 50,000 civilians and is the most significant challenge to the junta since it seized power in 2021. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan TimesFive US troops die in training air crash in eastern Mediterranean
Five American service members were killed when a military aircraft crashed into the Mediterranean during a training exercise, the US European Command (EUCOM) said Sunday. During a routine air refueling mission as part of military training, a US military aircraft carrying five service members suffered a mishap and crashed into the Mediterranean Sea. Key Points
Economic Times5 US soldiers killed in military helicopter crash over the Mediterranean
Five U.S. service people were killed in a military helicopter crash during a training mission over the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Key Points
Hindustan TimesFemale Israeli soldier kidnapped on October 7 freed in Gaza during ground operation
Prior to announcement on the freed soldier, PM Netanyahu had said efforts to free over 200 hostages being held by Hamas were ongoing. An Israeli soldier was freed from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip during the military's ground operation, the military and Shin Bet intelligence agency said on Monday. Key Points
The Tribune India
Israeli soldier freed in Gaza during ground operation, army says
Israel-Hamas War: The military said the soldier, who it identified as Ori Megidish, had been kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7. | World News Key Points
Hindustan TimesUdbhav: How Indian Army plans to blend ancient wisdom from Ashoka to Shivaji with modern warfare
While some critics question its relevance in today's digitized battlefields, the Defense Ministry and Army remain enthusiastic. Project Udbhav seeks to integrate ancient wisdom, such as the Arthashastra and Thirukkural, with contemporary military practices. It also emphasizes the study of prominent leaders and battles of the past. The initiative will serve as the foundation for indigenous strategic developments and a future-ready Indian Army. Key Points
Economic Times