defense spending

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took another swipe at Washington's NATO and European partners on Saturday, saying those that do not hike defence spending sufficiently "will face a clear shift in how we do business". "Allies who refuse to step up and carry their own weight for our collective defence will face a clear shift in how we do business."

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth lauded India's military modernization and strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific. He highlighted New Delhi as a critical anchor for regional balance and praised its growing industrial capacity for high-end military operations. The US is pursuing co-production initiatives with India, including for Javelin munitions, to enhance collective readiness.

The US Department of Defense has secured a $9.69 billion, five-year agreement with Microsoft to consolidate software licenses across military and intelligence agencies. This initiative aims to reduce redundant spending and enhance efficiency by centralizing purchases of Microsoft 365 tools and other services.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen dismissed offseason trade rumors, calling much of the speculation a “charade” fueled by social media. Entering the final year of his contract, Queen said there have been no major extension talks and he remains focused on football. The two-time Pro Bowler stressed that he is unbothered by his uncertain future, adding that whether the Steelers extend him or not, “it’s a business.”

Fresh NFL trade rumors surrounding Arizona Cardinals pass-rusher Josh Sweat are beginning to gain momentum after the veteran skipped voluntary OTAs. With reports suggesting Sweat is unhappy in Arizona, teams like the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys have emerged as possible landing spots. Here’s what insiders are saying about the speculation, Sweat’s $76.4 million contract, salary cap implications, and why multiple contenders could monitor the situation closely heading into the 2026 NFL season.

New York Giants defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris suffered a season-ending Achilles tear during OTA practice. This casts doubt on his 2026 season and future collaboration. This setback follows the trade of star player Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnato Bengals only last month. It significantly impacts the team’s defensive plans. The Giants now have to rely on veteran players DJ Reader and emerging young talent like Darius Alexander.

Josh Hart remains central to the New York Knicks despite offensive struggles against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Cleveland’s defense, anchored by Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, has consistently sagged off Hart, creating spacing issues for New York. After the Knicks mounted a dramatic Game 1 comeback with Landry Shamet on the floor, Hart addressed his late-game benching with humility, stressing that team success matters more than personal minutes.

Evan Mobley has become one of the NBA’s fastest-rising stars both on and off the court. Entering 2026, the Cleveland Cavaliers forward carries an estimated $15 million net worth fueled by NBA contracts, endorsements, and long-term investments. Cleveland’s massive five-year extension worth up to $269 million positioned Mobley as the franchise cornerstone for years to come. Alongside endorsement partnerships with adidas, Panini, AT&T, Chipotle, and New Era, Mobley’s growing offensive game and elite defense continue raising both his basketball value and financial profile.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce remain focused on their relationship despite growing attention surrounding their reported wedding plans. An anonymous guest recently criticized the event’s invitation policy, claiming some attendees were denied plus-ones. While the comments sparked discussion online, the couple has not responded publicly. Instead, they have continued making high-profile appearances together, including trips to London, Greece for George Karlaftis’ wedding, and an NBA playoff game.

Facing a severe computer chip shortage, US intelligence agencies are increasing their reliance on AI firm Anthropic, despite its blacklisting as a national security threat. A $9 billion emergency fund aims to secure advanced semiconductors for AI models on classified networks, crucial for sifting through vast data and countering foreign adversaries like China.

Cuba is back in US national security focus, with Washington alleging drone acquisitions and reviving Cold War-era tensions. Despite Cuba's limited military, its proximity to Florida and historical role as a rival base concern the US. New sanctions and surveillance suggest a campaign to prevent Cuba from becoming a foreign military outpost.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed skepticism about the practicality of orbital data centers, suggesting underwater infrastructure might be more feasible. This comes as Elon Musk's SpaceX and Google reportedly explore space-based computing projects, driven by the surging demand for AI infrastructure and the strain on traditional data centers.

Jeff Bezos stated that doubling his taxes wouldn't significantly help a Queens teacher, sparking a retort from NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Bezos proposed eliminating federal income tax for lower earners, arguing "zero is a better number than $1." He also criticized New York City's spending, not its billionaires, as the core issue.

The Western Conference Finals between the Spurs and Thunder have reached a dramatic Game 7, with NBA legend Magic Johnson calling it “must see TV.” Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander enter the decisive matchup carrying enormous expectations after leading their teams through a hard-fought series. While Oklahoma City leans on experience and home-court advantage, San Antonio has embraced its underdog mentality and youthful confidence.

Today's Vedic Moon sign predictions emphasize caution against haste, urging maturity and honesty as Saturn remains stable. The Moon's transit through Bharani brings urgency, but wisdom and measured actions are key. Prioritize quieter morning hours for important decisions and avoid impulsive choices or sharp words in the late afternoon to prevent mistakes and regrets.

Palantir CTO Shyam Sankar challenges the narrative of AI-driven job losses, arguing that frontline workers, not tech executives, offer the true perspective. He highlights how automation in manufacturing and healthcare is enhancing efficiency and enabling job creation, rather than widespread displacement. Sankar emphasizes listening to those directly using AI in real-world applications.