defense ministry

A Russian drone crashed into an apartment building in eastern Romania, injuring two people and sparking outrage. President Nicusor Dan called it the "worst incident to hit the national territory" since the war began. NATO and EU leaders condemned the "serious and irresponsible escalation," with Romania requesting faster anti-drone aid. This occurred amidst renewed Russian attacks on Ukraine.

Taiwan's defense ministry reported Chinese military activity, with four aircraft and six naval vessels detected around the island. Three aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line. This follows a day of heightened activity, with 16 aircraft and eight vessels observed, 13 of which crossed the median line. These incursions underscore rising regional tensions.

Malaysia is demanding $251 million from Norway's Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace after a naval missile deal was abruptly cancelled. The Norwegian firm's export permit revocation blocked the delivery of already partially paid-for Naval Strike Missile systems. Defense minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin called the move a serious breach of trust, impacting international defense procurement confidence.

Of the nine, eight sorties entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern part of the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

In a surprising turn of events, Norway has cancelled export licenses for a naval missile system intended for Malaysia due to a recent policy shift aimed at controlling the sale of sensitive defense technologies. The reaction from Kuala Lumpur has been fierce, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim voicing concerns about damaged trust from European defense manufacturers.

Taiwan's defense ministry reported eight Chinese naval vessels near the island following US President Trump's China visit. Trump suggested China might act against Taiwan after his term, acknowledging Beijing's strong objections to its independence. The US arms package for Taiwan remains under review amid escalating tensions and China's territorial claims.

Oil prices remained elevated as markets awaited confirmation of a fragile US-Iran ceasefire, with Brent crude trading near $100 per barrel. Asian shares rose, led by Japan's Nikkei hitting a record high, though caution persisted regarding the impact of the ongoing conflict on global energy markets.

Microsoft Israel's chief has resigned following an internal probe into the misuse of Azure cloud services by the Israeli Ministry of Defense. The investigation revealed ethical breaches and a lack of transparency, impacting Microsoft's global standing. This comes after earlier revelations about Unit 8200's surveillance activities, complicating future contract renewals.

A Russian missile strike on a Kyiv apartment building claimed 24 lives, including three teenagers, as emergency crews concluded their search. This attack, part of Russia's largest barrage since the invasion, underscores the ongoing conflict despite recent ceasefire suggestions. Ukraine also launched drone attacks, hitting a Russian oil refinery and causing casualties.

Russia on May 24 struck Ukraine with an Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile — a weapon Kyiv currently has no capability to intercept. Here’s what we know about this nuclear-capable missile

Ukraine is at the forefront of a military upheaval, unleashing a fleet of Unmanned Ground Vehicles, such as cutting-edge combat cyborgs and self-destructing attack machines, which are key to keeping troops safe on the front lines. By assigning perilous missions to these tenacious robots, soldiers can concentrate on more aggressive tactics.

US forces conducted 'self-defense' strikes on Iranian missile sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions despite ongoing diplomatic talks. President Trump warned Iran on enriched uranium, demanding its surrender or destruction. Iran condemned the strikes as a 'war crime,' accusing the US of targeting civilians. Peace negotiations continue, reportedly discussing the Strait's reopening and a ceasefire extension.

US forces struck Iranian missile sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz. This happened during peace talks aimed at ending a three-month conflict. Iran accused the US of a war crime. Reports mentioned explosions and fatalities on Larak Island. Discussions continue on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's uranium stockpile.

Ukraine's ex-chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, faces a major graft probe for alleged money laundering, embarrassing president Zelenskyy amid EU accession talks. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy met Palantir's CEO to boost defense tech cooperation. Russia launched over 200 drones after a brief lull, despite Ukraine's improved battlefield position.

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) are revolutionizing naval operations and civilian sectors with their stealth, persistence, and risk reduction capabilities. Navies are investing heavily in these platforms for surveillance, mine warfare, and reconnaissance, while also finding dual-use applications in disaster response and oceanographic research.

Veteran BJP leader and former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Major General (retd) Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri passed away at 91. A distinguished soldier with service in three wars, Khanduri later served as a Union Minister, spearheading infrastructure development, and as Uttarakhand's Chief Minister, championing anti-corruption measures. His demise marks a significant loss for the party and the state.

During his recent trip to Beijing, President Trump showcased a willingness to engage in conversations about US arms sales to Taiwan, confident that his personal bond with Xi Jinping would act as a buffer against any potential Chinese aggression. The visit, primarily focused on enhancing trade relations, also included key American business leaders.

The proposal was suggested by the Reserve Bank of India and is currently under active consideration by the Finance Ministry, sources said. Talks around reducing taxes for overseas investors have accelerated amid efforts to slow the rupee’s decline, they added.

US President Donald Trump branded Iran's terms for ending the Middle East war "totally unacceptable", raising the possibility of fresh conflict and sending oil prices sharply higher in early Asia trade on Monday. The impasse unnerved global energy markets, with international benchmark Brent crude prices rising 4.65 percent to $99.95 a barrel during Monday morning trade in Asia.

Taiwan, a flashpoint in US-China rivalry, is increasingly central to global tensions. President Xi Jinping's "Thucydides Trap" warning highlights the risk of conflict as China rises. The island's strategic importance in semiconductors and trade, coupled with historical crises, underscores the escalating danger of miscalculation.

Senator Lindsey Graham has questioned Pakistan's credibility as a mediator in US-Iran negotiations, citing reports of Iranian military aircraft using Pakistani bases. Pakistan denies these claims, stating aircraft were for diplomatic arrangements. Broader scrutiny of Pakistan's mediation role has emerged within the Trump administration due to stalled talks and Iran's response to peace proposals.

Pakistan reportedly sheltered Iranian military aircraft at its airbases, raising questions about its neutrality as a mediator in the US-Iran conflict. US officials cited in a CBS News report claim Iran moved planes, including a reconnaissance jet, to Pakistan's Nur Khan Air Base. A Pakistani official denied these allegations, calling them implausible.

India is significantly boosting defence spending and prioritizing domestic production, aiming for self-reliance and export growth. New policies like 'Make in India' and DAP 2020 are reshaping procurement, encouraging local manufacturing and foreign collaboration. Despite global supply chain challenges, indigenous production and exports are rising, signaling a strategic shift towards greater defence capability and autonomy.

Brazil's Amazon deforestation is at a decade low, yet forest degradation from fires, logging, and drought poses a significant threat, affecting 40% of the region. Experts warn of a tipping point where the forest could emit more carbon than it absorbs. A proposed bill could weaken crucial satellite monitoring, jeopardizing conservation efforts.

Ukraine announced a ceasefire starting May 5-6, prioritizing human life over Victory Day commemorations, with President Zelenskyy criticizing Russia's focus on parades. Russia, however, declared its own truce from May 8-9, coinciding with WWII Victory Day, and warned of massive retaliation if Kyiv disrupts their celebrations.

Mamata Banerjee, calling herself a 'free bird,' refuses to resign, alleging vote looting by BJP and EC. Raghav Chadha met President Murmu, claiming he's the AAP-led Punjab government's next target for switching parties. The US sank Iranian boats in the Strait of Hormuz amid UAE attacks. Kejriwal accused BJP of 'murdering democracy' after poll wins.