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The State Police are same all over . Let’s see what that SP of Chandigarh Police says in Court to marrow. . How will he justify his inaction of 3 and half months of neither arresting nor summoning the accused Punjab Police Personnel .

FIINAL FAREWELL TO YOUNG IAF WARRIOR:SQ LDR LOKENDER SINDHU :NOT A SINGLE NETA/POLITICIAN TURNED UP: A DISGRACE

A first for UT: Sainik School coming up in City Beautiful

SOME INFORMATION ABOUT OTA CHENNAI

Pilots’ body objects to release of report, wants role in inquiry

BBMB halts move to ready houses for CISF personnel

J-K authorities seal roads leading to Martyrs’ Graveyard in Srinagar’s Nowhatta

SIKHS ALWAYS REACHOUT TO THE NEEDY : THE GOVT/POLITICIANS FAIL TO SHOWUP THEY ONLY COME WITH TEAM OF CAMERAS

ADG STRAT COMN PRINT EDITION UPDATE: 13 JUL 2025

MoD/ Armed Forces

Sq Ldr Lokender Sindhu 3 yrs old lost his life while flying an old Aircraft Jaguar . He left behind his one yr old son and wife Surbhi and old father.

NO Single Neta /politicians attended the funeral which took place in Rohtak Haryana ,nor any higher echelon from IAF /MOD. what a disgrace and disrespect shown to a fighter Pilot of IAF .

16-acre campus of Sec 23 govt school to be converted into defence edu institution

In a move aimed at expanding the access to quality education and nurturing future leaders of the nation, the Chandigarh Administration has decided to have Sainik School here. The school will be set up in collaboration with the Sainik School Society (SSS) under the Union Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The development assumes significance as this will not only be the first Sainik School in Chandigarh but also the first such institution to operate under government — Government Sainik School. All other such institutions in the country are operating in the private sector.

The upcoming school in the city will also be developed as Model Sainik School. Of the total 41 such schools in the country, one is in Nabha (Punjab), three in Haryana (Rohtak, Kurukshetra and Fatehabad) and two in Himachal Pradesh (Hamirpur and Solan).

The brainchild of Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, the city’s maiden Sainik school will come up on the sprawling 16-acre campus of the Government Model Senior Secondary School (GMSSS) in Sector 23 here.

The UT Education Department has submitted an online application to the SSS with the proposal to convert the GMSSS-23 into a Sainik school.

The UT Education Secretary, Prerna Puri told The Tribune that Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth conveyed to the Chandigarh Administrator on June 2 that the Centre has approved the setting up of 100 new Sainik schools in the partnership mode with NGOs/private/government schools. These schools will come up in a graded manner, starting from Class VI onwards with an effort to cover as many states and UTs as possible, under the aegis of the SSS in the country.

“Some of the states/UTs either have not applied for or applied but none of their applications was found fit by the approval committee,” the MoS Defence wrote in a demi-official letter, while urging the UT Administration to apply online for approval of the new Sainik school in Chandigarh by July 14.

Seth said this initiative would provide an opportunity to the students of Chandigarh and its nearby areas to undergo quality education based on the ethos of Sainik schools, which will help them become disciplined citizens and future leaders in different spheres of life, including the defence forces.

Acting swiftly on the proposal, the Chandigarh Administration constituted a committee of the School Education Department to work out and complete the modalities for applying and establishing a Sainik school in the city.

It has submitted a preliminary report with recommendations on the suitability of the sites and requirements for further action.

Director School Education (DSE) Harsuhinder Pal Singh Brar, who chaired the first meeting of the committee, disclosed that the proposed school will be affiliated to the SSS to create a system that combines academic rigour with a degree of discipline. There will be increased focus on value-based education, which will enable the children to develop pride in the rich culture and heritage of the nation.

He said the admissions to the school will be conducted through All-India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) held annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA). “The school will provide all the required facilities as per the norms of the SSS,” Brar added.

“It will be an exemplar of quality school education in India — a model of excellence. The idea is that this school will serve as a benchmark for quality education, infrastructure, governance, extra-curricular activities and learning outcomes,” he said.

CLASSES FROM NEXT SESSION: GUV

“We are optimistic that our first Sainik school will begin classes from the next academic session. The initiative will meet the growing demand for a Sainik school in Chandigarh. It will focus on effective physical, psycho-social, spiritual and intellectual development of students, so they become the youth with leadership qualities.”

said Gulab Chand Kataria, Punjab Governor-cum-UT Administrator

HERITAGE BUILDING

The GMSSS-23 building, established in 1955, holds significant heritage value as it was among the first few structures constructed at the beginning of Chandigarh’s development. At that time, construction across the city was still in progress, so this building served a critical temporary role. The main hall functioned as the first office space for eight key departments, including sanitation, design, and others. It essentially operated as a multipurpose office hub.

The architect of the building was Jane Drew, a notable figure in the design of Chandigarh.

The current lecture hall, one toilet and the staff room were once part of a BEd college. In fact, this building was shared by three educational institutions at one time.

Established as OTS Madras– 15 Jan 1963
(7 OTS were set up during WW-II, between 1942 to 1945, however all closed down at the end of war but produced four India Army Chiefs)
Post-independence, two OTS were set up at Pune & Madras in 1963 to train ECOs however OTS Pune closed down in 9 May 1964.
1st Commandant – Brig Ram Singh (Brig AMM Nambyar was 3rd Commandant at our time)
1st OTA alumni Commandant – Maj Gen SD Awasthi
1st cadet to arrive at OTS – Lt Gen OP Kaushik, EC1
1st OTS course – EC1 – 15 Jan 1963 – 442 cadets. EC12 – Last EC course – Apr 1965 (Alternate EC courses were passing out from OTS & IMA)
1st SSRC course – SS1 – 2 Feb 1965
1st SSRC Technical course – SSRC (T) 1 – Oct 1969
1st Women course – WSES 01 (“Women Special Entry Scheme” with SS-58) – 21 Sep 1992 (25 cadets)
OTS Madras granted permanent status in 1985
OTS renamed as OTA Chennai – 1 Jan 1988
Presidential Colour presented by Sri R Venkataraman – 18 Aug 1990
1st PVC (and only) – Maj Ramaswamy Parmeshwaran(P) – SS-12, 8 Mahar, Sri Lanka
1st Ashok Chakra (so far 8) – Maj D Sriram Kumar, 39 Assam Rifles, [Lt Navdeep Singh (P), 15 MLI, Capt Jas Ram Singh, 6 Rajput, Capt Jasbir Singh Raina, 10 Guards, 2/Lt Cyrus A Pithawalla, 17 JAK, Lt Col Harsh Uday Singh Gaur, 10 Bihar, Maj Mukund Varadarajan (P), 44 RR & Col Jojan Thomas (P), 45 RR]
1st MVC (so far 10) – 2/Lt SS Samra (P), 8 Guards (My Coursemate), Brig Kuldip Singh Chandpuri, 23 Punjab, Maj PS Ganpathi, 8 Mahar, Maj KG Chatterjee, ¾ GR, 2/Lt Rajiv Sandhu, 7 Assam, Maj Padmapani Achatya (P), 2 Raj Rif, Col Sonam Wangchuk, Ladakh Scouts, Lt Balwan Singh, 18 Grenadiers, Lt Keishing Clifford Nongrum (P), 12 JAK LI, Capt Pratap Singh (P), 75 Med.
1st KC (so far 22) – Capt Haripal Singh Ahluwalia (P), 7 Jat (My Coursemate)
VrC – 63 (10 from my Coursemate), SC – 119, SM – 587
OTS had initially two Battalions – Ranjit Singh Bn & Shivaji Bn. Subsequently 3rd Bn Maharan Pratap added in 1969 and later reverted back to original two Bns.
As on date 2 Bns & 7 Companies (5 for Gentlemen Cadets & 2 for Lady Cadets)
Ranjit Singh Bn – 4 Companies – Kohima, Jessami, Basantar & Phillora (Lady Cadets)
Shivaji Bn – 3 Companies – Meiktila, Naushera & Zojila (Lady Cadets)
Jai Hind
Arvind Nautiyal
SS8

The Airline Pilots’ Association of India urges government to include its representatives in the investigation process

Ujwal Jalali Tribune News Service

The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA-India) on Saturday raised serious concerns over the transparency and direction of the investigation into the Air India AI 171 crash in Ahmedabad, following the release of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) preliminary report.

The pilots’ body objected to the report being shared with the media without official attribution, calling it a breach of protocol that undermines public trust. The association also questioned why experienced personnel, particularly line pilots, have not been included in the investigation team so far.

The ALPA-India took particular exception to a report in The Wall Street Journal published on July 10, which referenced inadvertent movement of the aircraft’s fuel control switches — a key element of the ongoing investigation. The pilots’ body demanded clarity on how such sensitive information was leaked to international media.

In a statement, the organisation flagged compliance concerns related to a serviceability bulletin mentioned in the AAIB report regarding the fuel control switch gates, originally issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The ALPA-India sought clarity on whether the bulletin’s recommendations were implemented before the flight.

It further criticised what it termed a “presumption of pilot guilt” reflected in the investigation’s tone, categorically rejecting any such bias and calling for a fair, fact-based inquiry.

Reiterating its long-standing demand, the ALPA-India urged the government to include its representatives in the investigation process, at least as observers, to ensure transparency and accountability. “Investigations continue to be shrouded in secrecy, undermining credibility and public trust,” ALPA-India president Capt Sam Thomas stated.

Lalit Mohan Tribune News Service

The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has put on hold the repair and maintenance of houses earmarked for allotment to CISF personnel at its Nangal township. The move comes after the state Assembly on Friday passed a resolution against the deployment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at the BBMB projects.

Last month, the board, in a letter issued to its officials at Nangal, had earmarked houses in CC, HH, H, GG and DD blocks of the township for allotment to CISF personnel. The board employees already residing there were asked to vacate those houses. They were promised accommodation in other parts of the township.

Orders were issued to the officials concerned to get those houses vacated and issue tenders for their repair and maintenance. Family accommodation was to be provided to 142 personnel in the township, including one commandant, two assistant commandants, three inspectors, eight sub-inspectors, 20 assistant sub-inspectors, 35 head constables and 73 constables. The remaining CISF personnel were to be accommodated at Talwara township. However, the move has now been put on hold.

Meanwhile, partner states Haryana and Rajasthan continue to support the move to deploy CISF personnel at various BBMB projects. The board was yet to take a final decision on the issue, sources said. The maintenance work of houses earmarked for CISF personnel had been put on hold fearing budget misuse objections by Punjab.

The Punjab Government, having 52 per cent share in the BBMB, contributes budget accordingly. However, it has decided not to contribute budget for the CISF deployment. The Union Home Ministry had asked the BBMB to pay Rs 7.5 crore as charges for deploying 296 CISF personnel.

In 2021, the Punjab Government had given assent for the CISF deployment. However, in May this year, there was a row over water sharing with Haryana. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann led a dharna of his party workers at the Nangal Dam till May 20. The BBMB authorities were not allowed to release extra water to Haryana from the Punjab share. While the controversy was going on, the Union Home Ministry okayed the CISF deployment and asked the BBMB to deposit Rs 7.5 crore as charges.

National Conference says leaders put under house arrest 

Authorities on Sunday sealed all roads leading to Martyrs’ Graveyard in the Nowhatta area of the old city, even as the ruling National Conference claimed that several of its leaders have been placed under house arrest.

Police and central paramilitary forces were deployed in strength at all entry points leading to Srinagar city as there were apprehensions of law and order problems on the occasion of Martyrs Day.

Only vehicles of officials and security forces were allowed to cross the barricades set up at the entry points, officials said.National Conference (NC) had applied to the District Magistrate Srinagar, seeking permission to pay homage to the martyrs of July 13, 1931.

However, the district administration refused to grant permission.

“The District Administration Srinagar has denied permission to all applicants intending to proceed towards Khawaja Bazar, Nowhatta on July 13, 2025 (Sunday),” the Srinagar Police said in a public advisory posted on X.

The police said that the public is advised to comply with these instructions and refrain from violating the orders issued by the district administration.

“Any violation of these orders shall invite strict legal action under relevant provisions of law,” the police warned.The NC termed the denial of permission “deeply unfortunate.” NC chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said that July 13 is not a routine date.

“It is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of dignity, justice, and rights,” Sadiq said on X.Sadiq further said the people of Kashmir will continue to “honour their martyrs” peacefully, with dignity, and with unwavering resolve.

July 13 used to be a public holiday in Jammu and Kashmir before the reorganisation of the erstwhile state into two Union territories in August 2019. However, the administration dropped the day from the list of gazetted holidays in 2020.

On the day, mainstream political leaders used to visit the “martyrs’ graveyard” to pay homage to the Kashmiris who fell to the bullets of the Dogra army while protesting against the rule of the Maharaja.

Meanwhile, Sadiq in a fresh post on X claimed that several party leaders have been placed under house arrest.“Since last night, I like many of my colleagues, including the party leadership at Gupkar, the Advisor to the Chief Minister, and a majority of sitting MLAs have been locked inside my home,” he said.

He said this is not just unfortunate but a deliberate attempt to suppress remembrance and deny the right to honour the martyrs of July 13.“Such actions are not only unnecessary they are unjustified, deeply insensitive, and reveal a troubling disregard for history,” he added.

MoD/ Armed Forces

1. The Indian Army has intensified operations in the Jammu region by sealing traditional infiltration routes to prevent the movement of 40–50 Pakistani terrorists operating in forested areas south of the Pir Panjal range. Amidst the Amarnath Yatra, a large-scale manhunt is underway across multiple districts, including Rajouri, Poonch, and Udhampur, to dismantle terror networks. Enhanced surveillance with night patrols, drones, and elite units is being used to dominate high-altitude areas and deny terrorists safe havens_Pnr.
2. Assam Rifles seized methamphetamine tablets worth ₹112.40 crore during a patrol in Mizoram’s Champhai district near the Myanmar border. Two individuals carrying rucksacks at Zokhawthar village fled into the Tiau river and escaped to Myanmar. The 3.33 lakh tablets were believed to be intended for distribution in Champhai. The consignment was handed over to Mizoram Police for further investigation_AA, Hindu.
3. Although recruitment of Nepali Gorkhas into the Indian Army has halted due to changes in the Agnipath scheme, retired Gorkha soldiers continue to serve as a vital link between India and Nepal. Ahead of Kargil Vijay Diwas, an Indian Army team visited Nepal to honour the families of 18 Nepali Gorkha soldiers who were martyred in the Kargil War. The team presented mementos and paid respects, reinforcing the deep historical and emotional ties. Despite Nepal’s reservations over Agnipath, the Indian Army maintains outreach and gratitude towards Gorkha families, symbolising continued respect and connection_NBT(Hindi).
4. The black box of the Indian Air Force Jaguar fighter jet that crashed in Rajasthan’s Churu district on 9 July has been recovered. The crash occurred near Bhondu and Siphawali Rohi villages shortly after takeoff, and both pilots were killed. A high-level search operation involving teams from Delhi, Gujarat, and Suratgarh was launched to find the wreckage. This was the third Jaguar crash this year; previous crashes occurred in Gujarat on 2 April and Ambala on 7 March. The Air Force is planning to phase out the aging Jaguar fleet by 2031, replacing it with advanced aircraft like the Tejas Mk-1A_NBT(Hindi).
5. A French firm, UnseenLabs, detected a Chinese research vessel operating covertly in the Bay of Bengal with its identification system switched off, raising concerns of strategic intent. The vessel’s activities, including seafloor mapping and submarine corridor identification, suggest military objectives beyond scientific research. While Indian defence sources downplayed concerns, stating the vessel was outside India’s Exclusive Economic Zone and under naval monitoring, the report noted many Chinese research ships are linked to military purposes. Of 64 active vessels, over 80% are suspected of dual-use roles, aligned with China’s goal of expanding undersea domain awareness_AA.

National Security

6. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing a World Bank report, highlighted that inequality in India is rapidly declining, placing the country among the world’s most equitable nations. Speaking at the Rozgar Mela, where over 51,000 job letters were distributed, he attributed India’s progress to equality, democracy, and demography. Modi emphasised youth empowerment, job creation through welfare schemes, and economic growth, noting that India’s income inequality is lower than major economies like the US and UK. He also mentioned India’s rising global stature in manufacturing, technology, and digital sectors, supported by schemes like PM Surya Ghar Yojana and the Employment Linked Incentive Scheme_HT, FE, AA, IE, Pnr.
7. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the success of Operation Sindoor as a testament to India’s military strength and national growth, likening it to the 1971 war. Addressing BJP workers in Lucknow, he praised the precision of the operation against terrorist camps in Pakistan. He also credited Prime Minister Modi for India’s economic rise from 11th to 4th place globally since 2014 and predicted India would become the third-largest economy within a few years. Singh emphasised that India’s progress is rooted in cultural and spiritual values, not expansionism_HT.
8. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit China next week to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) foreign ministers’ meeting in Tianjin on July 15. In addition to the SCO meet, he will hold bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, focusing on normalising ties, supply chain issues, and the boundary dispute. This marks Jaishankar’s first China visit since the 2020 Ladakh border standoff. The visit follows recent India-China engagements aimed at resolving tensions, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit and plans for continued dialogue through the Special Representatives mechanism. China currently chairs the SCO_MP, AA, IE, Pnr.
9. The Srinagar district administration denied the National Conference (NC) permission to visit the graveyard of 22 people killed on July 13, 1931, during Dogra rule, citing security concerns. NC leaders, including Farooq Abdullah, had planned to pay tribute at Naqshband Sahib. The police issued a public advisory barring entry to the Nowhatta area on July 13, 2025. The NC criticised the decision, calling it unfortunate and stressing the historical importance of the date, which was removed from J&K’s list of public holidays after the 2019 reorganisation_HT, Hindu, ET.
10. Twenty-three Maoists, including members of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army and a key guard commander of top leader Madvi Hidma, surrendered in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district, carrying a collective bounty of ₹1.18 crore. Since 2024, over 1,450 Maoists have surrendered, driven by the state’s surrender policy, increased police presence, and disillusionment with Maoist ideology. Those who surrender receive ₹50,000 and skill training. A day earlier, 22 more Maoists, including a DVCM member with a bounty of ₹37.50 lakh, had surrendered in Narayanpur_IE, AA, Statesman.
11. The Dalai Lama commenced a month-long spiritual visit to Ladakh, arriving in Leh to a warm and devotional welcome by monks, nuns, and devotees. Marking his first visit since 2023, he was received with traditional ceremonies and prayers. Events include teachings on ‘The Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva’ and an Avalokiteshvara Empowerment. The Ladakh Buddhist Association called the visit a blessing, while his office reaffirmed that only Tibetans can decide his successor, countering China’s claims. His visit also aims to promote peace, compassion, and the Nalanda tradition amidst growing global interest in Tibetan affairs_Statesman.
12. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in its 2024 annual report, reaffirmed that Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism remains a core concern. The MEA criticised Pakistan for failing to act against UN-designated terrorists and for supporting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir through infiltration, narcotics smuggling, ceasefire violations, and anti-India propaganda. It also highlighted Pakistan’s use of military-grade equipment and tunnels by terrorists, indicating a state-backed ecosystem. India has raised these issues at various international forums, urging Pakistan to take verifiable steps and adhere to its 2004 commitment against using its territory for terrorism_Statesman, ET.

Imdt Neighbourhood

13. As Pakistan’s month-long UNSC presidency nears its end, it plans to hold an open debate on global unresolved disputes, aiming to pass a resolution promoting peaceful settlement mechanisms. Though the real intent is to spotlight Kashmir, Islamabad is unlikely to name J&K directly to avoid a veto. The resolution will likely be broad to avoid objections. Pakistan also plans a separate event to enhance cooperation between the UN and OIC. Most UNSC members, except China, still consider Kashmir a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan_TOI.
14. The Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) has claimed responsibility for 84 coordinated attacks across Balochistan during 9–11 July, calling it the successful conclusion of “Operation Baam.” According to their spokesperson, the strikes targeted Pakistani military personnel, intelligence operatives, and key infrastructure_TOI.
15. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif dismissed rumours that President Asif Ali Zardari would be removed and replaced by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, calling the claims baseless. He affirmed that Munir never sought the presidency and reiterated the strong relationship among himself, Zardari, and Munir, centred on Pakistan’s progress. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also denounced the speculation as a malicious campaign, allegedly driven by hostile foreign elements. Zardari, elected in 2023 for a five-year term, continues to hold office, while Munir’s tenure as Army Chief was extended to five years last year_MP, TOI.
16. Pakistan and Russia have signed an agreement to restore and modernise the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) in Karachi, originally built with Soviet help. The deal, signed at the Pakistan Embassy in Moscow, aims to revive steel production and marks a new phase in bilateral cooperation. China was also in the race for the project. Pakistan’s special assistant to the PM, Haroon Akhtar Khan, noted that the partnership reflects shared history and a joint commitment to industrial growth_AA.
17. Saima Wazed, daughter of Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina and WHO’s South-East Asia Regional Director, has taken indefinite leave amid legal troubles. Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission has filed cases against her for fraud, forgery, and abuse of power. Questions have also been raised over her appointment, with allegations of using her mother’s influence and providing false academic information. WHO has not explained her leave, and Catharina Boehme is currently serving in her place_Hindu.

Extended Neighbourhood

18. The US is pressing Japan and Australia to clarify their roles in the event of a US-China war over Taiwan. Pentagon official Elbridge Colby has been discussing this with both countries’ defence officials. The request surprised Tokyo and Canberra, as the US itself hasn’t guaranteed military defence of Taiwan. Meanwhile, Australian PM Anthony Albanese visited China to strengthen trade ties amid high geopolitical tensions_TOI.
19. Satellite images confirm that an Iranian missile strike on Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base hit a US geodesic dome used for secure communications. The Pentagon acknowledged the attack, noting minimal damage as aircraft had been evacuated beforehand. The dome, part of a $15 million Modernised Enterprise Terminal system, was destroyed, but surrounding infrastructure remained largely intact. US officials stated the base remains fully operational, and the strike did not escalate into a wider conflict_IE.
20. US President Donald Trump has announced 30% tariffs on goods from the European Union and Mexico, effective from 1 August, citing Mexico’s role in drug trafficking and trade imbalances with the EU. The move, part of Trump’s 2024 campaign strategy, targets 24 countries and the 27-member EU bloc. While the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) exempts some goods, Mexico and the EU have criticised the tariffs as unfair and damaging to supply chains. The EU warned of economic disruption and vowed to continue negotiations. The tariffs follow earlier duties, including a 25% levy on Mexican goods and a 20% EU tariff in April_HT, FE, AA, IE, Hindu.
21. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the United States has resumed military aid shipments to Ukraine after a temporary and unexpected suspension last week. In a video address, he confirmed the renewed supply and ongoing military cooperation with the US, particularly through General Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. The Pentagon had earlier halted deliveries of air-defence missiles and artillery shells_AA.
22. Russian drone and missile strikes killed at least six people across Ukraine, including in Chernihtsi, Dnipropetrovsk, and Sumy regions, and wounded dozens more in Lviv, Kharkiv, and other areas. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 319 drones and 25 cruise missiles, while jamming 258 decoys. Russia launched 597 drones and 26 missiles overnight, continuing a surge in long-range attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Lutsk near the Polish border. Poland scrambled jets in response. The stepped-up bombing campaign has dimmed hopes for resolving the ongoing war_MP, AA, IE, TOI.
23. During a visit to North Korea, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned the US, South Korea, and Japan against forming military alliances targeting Pyongyang. Lavrov, meeting his North Korean counterpart Choe Son Hui in Wonsan, accused the trio of escalating tensions through joint military drills and arms buildup. He defended North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, attributing them to self-defence. Choe reaffirmed North Korea’s unwavering support for Russia’s war in Ukraine and described the two countries’ relationship as an “invincible alliance.” The growing Russia–North Korea military cooperation has alarmed Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo_HT, MP, Pnr, Hindu.
24. Ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel in Gaza are reportedly stalled due to Israel’s insistence on keeping troops in the territory. Discussions in Doha have hit a roadblock over Israel’s proposed withdrawal map, which Palestinians claim involves redeployment rather than genuine withdrawal. Hamas has rejected Israel’s terms, which include maintaining military presence in over 40% of Gaza and displacing residents. Meanwhile, fresh Israeli airstrikes killed at least 28 Palestinians, including children, in central Gaza_HT, IE.
25. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran will cooperate with the IAEA but access to bombed nuclear sites poses security and safety concerns. A new law requires Supreme National Security Council approval for inspections. While Iran insists its nuclear programme is peaceful, it will only accept deals allowing uranium enrichment and excluding missile issues. Iran criticised IAEA’s recent declaration of treaty violations and is considering future talks with the US cautiously. Reports of Russian support for a uranium enrichment ban were denied by Iran_HT, IE, AA.