North Korea

North Korea has amended its constitution, mandating an automatic nuclear strike if leader Kim Jong-un is assassinated or incapacitated by foreign adversaries. This revision, prompted by concerns over recent decapitation attacks in Iran, formalizes retaliatory procedures. The move underscores Pyongyang's heightened security fears amid evolving geopolitical threats.

A Russian cargo ship, the Ursa Major, sank off Spain after explosions on December 23, 2024, carrying suspected nuclear reactor components possibly for North Korea. The vessel, previously used in Syria, experienced multiple blasts, leading to its sinking and the death of two crew members. A Russian military ship later fired flares over the area, followed by more explosions.

South Korea's spy agency said on Friday it would boost drone-related data sharing with the army to strengthen responses to "evolving" threats. South Korea's spy agency said on Friday that it had signed an agreement with the army "to strengthen (our) drone security capabilities and jointly respond to evolving drone threats".

India's DRDO successfully test-fired a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) off the Odisha coast, a development that could place any country worldwide within its strike range. This achievement signifies India's mastery of complex rocket propulsion and guidance systems, enhancing its strategic deterrence capabilities.

Cybercriminals are now leveraging AI to discover and exploit unknown software flaws, as revealed by Google's recent interception of a major attack. This development confirms fears about AI-powered hacking, prompting urgent discussions and a cautious approach to releasing advanced AI models. The cybersecurity landscape faces a new arms race as attackers gain speed.

A North Korean family meticulously planned a daring sea escape for over a decade, culminating in a perilous two-hour journey across the Yellow Sea. Despite facing constant surveillance and harsh punishments, they navigated treacherous waters, bribed officials, and braved minefields. Their arduous escape, though successful in reaching South Korea, was later marked by personal tragedy.

The United States has stepped up efforts to restrict Iranian oil exports, a major source of revenue for Tehran. Late last month, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed sanctions on Hengli, targeting one of the most prominent and well-connected companies in China’s large crude-processing sector.

Pakistan's Fatah-3 missile test sparks debate, potentially challenging India's BrahMos dominance in precision strikes. Analysts question if it's a Pakistani leap or Chinese hardware, highlighting China's growing military influence. Operation Sindoor showcased India's advanced capabilities, underscoring the importance of integrated systems beyond just missile technology.

President Trump's China visit occurs amid a US-Iran stalemate, with analysts suggesting Xi Jinping holds more leverage. Many in Beijing view Trump as a symptom of liberal democracy's instability and American decline, validating Xi's "rise of the East" worldview. This perception of US weakness could lead China to miscalculate and test Washington.

In a recent interview, Sanjay Mehandiratta, who gained fame as President Zarwari in the 'Dhurandhar' series, weighed in on the ongoing discourse surrounding patriotism versus jingoism in cinema. He asserts that while the film operates within a fictional framework, it still respects India's constitutionally protected freedom of expression. Read on to know more in detail.

India's U-17 coach Bibiano Fernandes is optimistic about his team's chances of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup on merit. Following a strong showing against Iran, the team needs just one victory against Australia or Uzbekistan to secure a spot. Fernandes highlighted the team's development and potential, aiming for an inspiring performance to achieve this historic qualification.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says the biggest gap in the US-China AI race isn't chips—it's dialogue. Speaking on the Dwarkesh Podcast, Huang argued that American and Chinese AI researchers must talk and agree on what AI should never be used for. He pushed back hard against Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei's call for chip export controls, warning that ceding China's market risks splitting global AI into two competing tech ecosystems.

US has partially restricted satellite intelligence sharing with South Korea after Seoul's unification minister revealed details about a suspected North Korean uranium enrichment site. While the minister claims the information was public, Washington views it as an unauthorized disclosure. Despite this, officials state military preparedness and broader intelligence cooperation remain unaffected.

North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles into the sea from its east coast on Sunday, prompting South Korea to heighten surveillance and convene an emergency meeting. Japan also detected the launches, protesting the violation of UN resolutions and the threat to regional peace.

US Vice President J D Vance is questioning the Pentagon's assessment of the Iran conflict, concerned about undisclosed missile stockpile depletion. He fears this could impact responses to global flashpoints like Taiwan, South Korea, and Europe. Despite official assurances, some believe the situation is being downplayed, potentially affecting future military readiness.

North Korea's nuclear weapons production capability is seeing a "very serious increase," according to the IAEA chief. Heightened activity at the Yongbyon complex, including its reactor and reprocessing unit, signals a significant expansion. New uranium enrichment facilities are also under construction, boosting production capacity. This development raises global concerns about regional security and nuclear proliferation.

Country needs time to build up domestic capacities, till then reduce dependence on those ‘perfect’ imports

Japan has lifted its ban on lethal weapons exports, a significant shift in its post-war pacifist stance. This move aims to bolster its defense industry amidst regional security concerns, with countries like Australia already signing major deals. While China criticizes the policy, allies see it as a step towards enhanced regional stability and cooperation.

A major disagreement has surfaced between AI leaders Dario Amodei and Jensen Huang. Amodei compared US chip sales to China to providing nuclear weapons. Huang strongly rejected this, calling it lunacy. He defended chip sales, estimating significant revenue. Huang also warned of a divided global AI ecosystem if access is cut. This highlights a growing Silicon Valley debate.

Japan, shifting from its pacifist constitution, is now poised to export lethal weapons. This significant policy change, driven by regional security concerns, allows Tokyo to leverage its advanced defense technology. The move opens new avenues for its burgeoning defense industry, potentially transforming Japan into a major global arms supplier.

North Korea has tested a short-range ballistic missile, the Hwasong-11ga, equipped with a controversial cluster bomb warhead. This development, described as a "devil's weapon," signifies an escalation in Pyongyang's military capabilities and raises significant concerns about civilian risks due to the indiscriminate nature of cluster munitions.

North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles on Wednesday. This followed a rare conciliatory message from leader Kim Jong Un to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Seoul convened an emergency meeting and urged Pyongyang to stop violating UN resolutions. Analysts suggest North Korea is asserting strength while seeking nuclear power recognition.

North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles on Wednesday, South Korea's military said, hours after reporting an "unidentified projectile" launched from the North's capital area the previous day. About an hour later, the military said it also detected "multiple unidentified ballistic missiles" fired from North Korea's Wonsan area toward the East Sea on Wednesday morning, referring to the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan.