ukraine conflict

Russia's latest missile and drone assault on Kyiv, featuring the hypersonic Oreshnik, signals a dangerous escalation. Moscow aims to break Ukraine's resilience and psychologically pressure the West. The attacks target Kyiv as the political heart, overload air defenses, and serve as geopolitical signaling, demonstrating Russia's strategic strike capabilities and readiness for a prolonged conflict.

Ukraine's war against Russia is transforming into a conflict dominated by machines. Robots and drones are now performing dangerous missions, replacing human soldiers on the frontlines. This shift is driven by Ukraine's troop shortages. Unmanned systems are carrying explosives, delivering supplies, and providing reconnaissance. This technological revolution offers a glimpse into the future of combat.

Intense fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war continues as Ukraine launched drone attacks hitting fuel facilities in Yaroslavl Oblast. Russia claims to have intercepted hundreds of drones. Meanwhile, a Russian drone struck an apartment building in Romania, injuring two. The US remains open to mediation, while Ukraine's President Zelenskyy has appealed to Donald Trump for air defence systems.

The ongoing geopolitical turmoil has affected supplies from several key oil-producing regions that traditionally cater to India, requiring refiners to process crude varieties that were not part of their usual feedstock mix.

Defence analysts warn the issue is not just the quantity of weapons today but the speed at which industry can regenerate what has been used. A single week of heavy combat in either theatre can consume months of production output for certain precision munitions and interceptors. This has transformed a temporary logistical challenge into a broader strategic concern.

Russia unleashed a major overnight assault on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv and Dnipro, hours after President Zelenskyy's warning. Fatalities and injuries were reported in Dnipro, with fears of people trapped in Kyiv's rubble. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone strike claimed a civilian life in Russia's Kursk region. Peace efforts remain stalled amidst escalating cross-border attacks.

A recent Iran conflict has significantly depleted US high-end missile stockpiles, raising alarms in Washington. Critical systems like Tomahawks and Patriots may take years to replenish, creating a 'window of vulnerability' amid rising tensions with China. Production bottlenecks and allied demands complicate rebuilding efforts, impacting future defense readiness.

To limit the impact of these external shocks, the government has stepped up measures aimed at reducing foreign exchange outflows and stabilising the economy. These steps include increases in fuel prices and a sharp rise in import duties on precious metals.

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.

With an eye on future warfare, the Pentagon is gearing up to funnel an unprecedented $54 billion into the realm of autonomous combat, focusing on the deployment of hundreds of thousands of budget-friendly drones.

Russia unleashed a fierce assault on Kyiv, deploying the nuclear-capable Oreshnik hypersonic missile alongside numerous drones and other advanced weaponry. This escalation followed Moscow's accusations of Ukrainian strikes on a student dormitory, which Kyiv denied.

The US is making a massive investment in autonomous warfare, requesting $54.6 billion for its new Defence Autonomous Warfare Group (DAWG). This initiative aims to counter the growing threat of drone swarms, as seen in conflicts like Ukraine and the US-Iran tensions. The focus is shifting towards affordability and mass production to maintain a credible defence.

Global conflicts highlight the need for affordable, long-range weapons. The US is procuring thousands of new, mass-producible cruise missiles, the Barracuda-500M, for over $2.6 million each. India, too, is seeking similar low-cost, high-volume strike capabilities, including drones and missiles, under its upcoming Defence Acquisition Procedure 2026.

China has firmly denied a Financial Times article suggesting that President Xi Jinping cautioned Donald Trump about Vladimir Putin potentially regretting his actions in Ukraine. The article, citing unnamed sources, implied this exchange occurred during Trump’s trip to Beijing, offering a dramatic shift from their earlier talks.

Ukraine has escalated its offensive by targeting a Russian oil refinery situated in Yaroslavl, roughly 700 kilometers away from its own territory, as declared by President Zelenskyy. He positioned this response as a fair counteraction in the ongoing conflict, propelling the conflict back into Russian territory.

The U.S. is drawing heavily from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve, releasing approximately 50 million barrels since the conflict with Iran began. These withdrawals are pushing emergency oil stockpiles to multi-decade lows, with significant amounts being exported. Analysts warn this depletion necessitates future replacements, potentially leading to higher prices globally.

Fuel prices saw another increase today. Petrol and diesel costs rose by less than one rupee per litre. This is the third price hike this month. The government aims to cover losses from higher crude oil prices. Global crude oil rates have climbed due to the Iran conflict. Consumers are facing rising fuel expenses again.

India and the US are prioritizing 'Make in India' in defense cooperation, following recent talks between external affairs minister S Jaishankar and US secretary of State Marco Rubio. Discussions also covered energy security, trade, and advancements in critical technologies like semiconductors and AI, underscoring a deepening strategic alliance.

Russia is upgrading its Kh-101 cruise missiles with advanced countermeasures to counter Ukraine's air defences. Recent footage shows these missiles deploying flares and potentially radar-confusing chaff. Despite these efforts, Ukraine claims high interception rates, though Russia's hypersonic missiles like Oreshnik pose a greater future threat.

Armenia is bolstering its defence with India, seeking robust military hardware and training to counter threats from Azerbaijan, which is supported by Pakistan and Turkey. Recent high-level visits and significant arms deals, including Akash missile systems, highlight New Delhi's growing role as Armenia's key strategic partner in the South Caucasus.

MSME Sector Seeks Govt Aid Through Power Tariff Concessions, Lower Fuel Prices & Moratoriums To Mitigate Impact Of Conflict