ARMY TRANSFORMATION
In 1950, Clint Eastwood was a 21-year-old soldier visiting a Carmel dairy ranch; in 1986, he bought it to save it from condo developers
Mission Ranch was once part of a 160-acre property. It became one of California's early dairy farms in the 1850s. It covered a much larger area, with parts subsequently sold to the Carmel School District and the State. Meanwhile, Clint Eastwood's connection to the Carmel area goes back to his time in the US Army.
Agnipath reset puts age, talent & pension goals to test
Agnipath, introduced in 2022, aimed to reform military recruitment by allowing soldiers to serve for four years. Recent changes now allow all Agniveers to retain permanent service after their tenure. This shift could affect the average age of soldiers, previously intended to decrease. The decision may also impact the annual pension bill and the creation of trained ex-soldiers for civilian roles.
Displeased by spotty obedience, Xi Jinping continues culling party leaders
A record number of officials have been expelled from the Chinese Communist Party during the recent plenum. Among those removed were senior military officials and party secretaries, indicating a significant ongoing purge. Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign remains aggressive as he attempts to assert control over the party. The plenum's focus highlights the challenges Xi faces in maintaining party governance amidst internal dissent.
India aiming to achieve Rs 3 lakh crore defence production, Rs 50K crore defence exports by 2029: Rajnath Singh
India aims to build a self-reliant defence ecosystem to meet national security challenges effectively. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted budget increases and production goals during a recent meeting. The focus includes modernizing military capabilities and enhancing personnel preparedness for contemporary warfare. Strategic autonomy, technological advancements, and operational readiness are crucial for India's military future. The objective is a military that can handle various security challenges through continuous modernization efforts.
These large-caps have ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos and an upside potential of over 25%
Oil prices matter to the Indian economy, and the market responded with a smart rally as Brent crude cooled significantly on Monday. The rally was broad-based and involved all segments. But too much should not be read into one day’s showing. The thing to watch remains the results of the US mid-term elections which will be known in India through Wednesday. It will decide which way the market will move in the coming days and weeks.
A win that defied all odds
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won the Brazilian presidential election on October 25 after trailing in the first round. His victory was supported by massive rallies and social media strategy, especially in Minas Gerais. Lula appointed allies as key partners to strengthen his government while also facing significant opposition in Congress. Global leaders, including Narendra Modi, quickly congratulated him on his election.
- Go To Page 1
Theaterisation must mirror India's security reality; no permanent division of IAF's fighter assets: Air Chief Marshal AP Singh
Air Chief Marshal Singh also emphasised that the "transformation of this scale" should be implemented in phases so that operational readiness is "never compromised" and warned against the "trap" of trying to predict the future battlefield with "excessive certainty".
Telangana to unveil Aerospace and Defence Policy 2.0 to attract investments: Revanth Reddy
Reddy said Hyderabad holds a strategic position in India, citing the city's safety, research institutions and the presence of key strategic centres of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.
Nick Engelbert was a Wisconsin dairy farmer when a sprained ankle led him to make one concrete sculpture; 15 years later, his yard held more than 40 statues
In Wisconsin, Nick Engelbert, a dedicated dairy farmer, turned his farm into a unique art landscape featuring over 40 concrete sculptures inspired by his life's journey, historical narratives, and fairy tales. His wife, Katherine, enhanced the site with vibrant flower gardens. Following Engelbert's passing, the property fell into disrepair until the Kohler Foundation acquired and revitalized it in 1991.
Army Commanders' Conference begins, Rajnath Singh to release Land Warfare Doctrine
The three-day Army Commanders’ Conference began in New Delhi on Wednesday, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh set to release the Land Warfare Doctrine, a framework to prepare the Army for evolving warfare and future conflicts. The October 21-23 meeting will review operational preparedness, capability development and modernisation initiatives.
In 2020, Virginia created temporary seabird nesting habitat at Fort Wool and nearby barges; by 2021, royal tern nests there numbered up to 6,283
South Island, once a vital breeding ground for seabirds, suffered degradation due to construction activities. In a remarkable turn of events, Fort Wool was repurposed into a temporary haven for these birds. They adapted swiftly, leading to the establishment of thousands of nests and successful chick rearing. This project exemplifies how habitat restoration can thrive even amid development, offering a promising blueprint for future coastal conservation efforts facing habitat decline.
Saudi Arabia’s Houthi trap: The underdog sets the price of war
The Houthis have demonstrated their capability to threaten Saudi Arabia's military superiority and economic infrastructure. The conflict continues as Saudi Arabia struggles to contain the Houthi advances, particularly in Taiz. The Houthis leverage their local knowledge and increased arms capabilities, complicating Saudi military efforts. Saudi reliance on fragmented Yemeni forces for support has not proven effective against Houthi strategies.
Manipur CM says free movement on NH-2 boosted state's economy, cites Rs 1,200 crore GST revenue loss during ethnic crisis
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh praised the cooperation of local communities in resuming highway movement. He highlighted the negative impact of recent crises on the state's economy and daily lives. Singh emphasized the importance of community unity for resolving differences and achieving development goals. The government plans to establish two medical colleges in the state for equitable growth.
Former army officer Arun Kar named among UK’s Top 50 Ambitious Business Leaders for 2026
Capt. Arun Kar, a former Indian Army officer, is named among LDC's Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders. This recognition highlights his contributions to business growth and economic activity. Kar founded technology company Xpertnest after a medical injury ended his military career. The ceremony took place at BAFTA in London, acknowledging significant achievements in entrepreneurship. He attributes his business success to lessons learned during his military service and team collaborations.
A 400-acre island built from Tampa Harbor dredging became a nesting refuge for birds decades later
In the late 1970s, engineers expanded Tampa Bay by developing an island from dredged materials. This man-made island has since become a crucial nesting ground for a variety of coastal birds, including American oystercatchers and roseate spoonbills. To ensure the well-being of these avian residents while facilitating harbor activities, ongoing engineering and maintenance efforts are vital.
Nidal Hasan execution: What happened the last time the US held a public execution in 1936?
In a historic and controversial move, the US military plans to livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan, convicted for the Fort Hood shooting, on December 3. This unprecedented act raises significant ethical questions regarding the death penalty's portrayal. Experts emphasize that no execution has ever been broadcast live, and potential legal challenges could further complicate the execution timeline.
After getting rejected by Harvard, IIT Madras graduate had no Plan B. Today, the Bengaluru-based CEO's networth is nearly Rs 3,000 crore
Tarun Mehta, an IIT Madras graduate and Ather Energy co-founder, once dreamed of studying at Harvard Business School but faced rejection after what he called a disastrous interview. With no Plan B, he began working for a monthly salary of around Rs 40,000 before pursuing entrepreneurship. Founded in 2013, Ather grew into a major electric scooter company, with Mehta’s shareholding valued at nearly Rs 3,000 crore in September 2026.
Indian Army preparing for high-altitude drone warfare, orders 225 FPV drone capable of operating in Himalyas
The Army’s latest drone procurement comes after rigorous trials in extreme Himalayan conditions, where FPV systems were assessed for their ability to function at elevations reaching 17,500 feet. The 225-drone order highlights the military’s expanding reliance on unmanned platforms for operations in high-altitude areas, where low oxygen levels, freezing temperatures, mountainous terrain and unreliable communications can limit conventional equipment.
Nana Patekar: Consummate artiste who defined on screen intensity
Nana Patekar, a renowned Indian actor, passed away at his home in Goa at the age of 76. He had a complex persona and impressive versatility, excelling in various film genres throughout his career. Patekar was recognised for his impactful performances in critically acclaimed films and social contributions. He faced controversy during his life, but his legacy remains significant in Indian cinema.
India, US discuss stronger defence ties, maritime security as Admiral Paparo visits New Delhi
India and the United States are enhancing their defence and strategic partnership under the leadership of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Admiral Samuel Paparo's visit to India included discussions on regional security challenges and technology cooperation. High-level meetings were held with senior Indian defence officials, including Chief of Defence Staff General N. S. Raja Subramani. The discussions emphasized shared security priorities and maritime coordination in the Indo-Pacific region.
Actor Gary Sinise in 2009 met a Iraq war veteran who lost both arms and legs in a bomb blast. That meeting changed hundreds of lives
Brendan Marrocco, who lost all four limbs in Iraq, has become a beacon of hope, inspiring the development of smart homes tailored for wounded veterans. With Gary Sinise’s support in fundraising, Marrocco's accessible home set the stage for a successful initiative that has now provided 100 homes. These personalized smart homes foster independence and reflect a nationwide dedication to supporting our heroes and their families.
India, US discuss advancing security partnership, maritime cooperation in Indo-Pacific
EAM S Jaishankar met Admiral Samuel J. Paparo to advance security partnerships and maritime cooperation. They discussed shared security priorities and digital transformation focusing on regional stability. Paparo's visit reinforces the Major Defense Partnership between the US and India. Earlier, General Dhiraj Seth also engaged with Lieutenant General Joel B. Vowell regarding the Indo-Pacific security landscape. Both meetings emphasized enhancing military collaboration through joint training and military exercises.
Yohan and Michelle Poonawalla make strategic investment in Optimized Solutions Ltd
The investment will focus on supporting indigenous technology, innovation and advanced manufacturing in areas spanning defence, aerospace, space and critical technologies, including nuclear power.
Yohan and Michelle Poonawalla of Poonawalla Group venture into defence sector with strategic investment in Optimized Solutions
The investment comes at a significant inflection point for India’s defence industry, which has been witnessing a sustained growth in indigenous production, private-sector participation and exports.
In 2004, Virginia turned dredged fossil shells into 85 acres of oyster reef in one river; later monitoring counted 76.2 million live oysters on the restored reefs
In 2004, an 85-acre reef network was built in the Great Wicomico River using dredged fossil oyster shells. Monitoring revealed that this restoration successfully supported approximately 76.2 million live oysters over the years. The design allowed for different reef elevations, enhancing survival and reproduction rates among oysters. Additionally, the restored reefs improved water clarity and created habitats for various aquatic organisms.
These large-caps have ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos and an upside potential of over 25% according to analysts
The coming earnings season will reflect the impact of the bad monsoon, higher oil prices, and, in pockets, higher inflation. Given that, in terms of valuation, stocks are still not cheap, the risk to the market stays high. But that is in the short term. But then who said investing is only about the short term?
General Dhiraj Seth spells out 'SAMARTH' vision for boosting Indian Army's operational capabilities
In a compelling address, Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth underscored the significance of enduring prolonged conflicts. He introduced the comprehensive vision 'SAMARTH', which encapsulates sustainability, adaptation, modernization, acceleration, resilience, technology, and human-machine collaboration. This initiative is designed to elevate the Indian Army's readiness against emerging threats, with a focus on equipping soldiers with advanced technologies for superior decision-making in the landscape of modern warfare.
Evil Dead Burn OTT release date: When and where to watch Sébastien Vaniček’s popular 2026 horror movie in India
Evil Dead Burn marks the sixth entry in the Evil Dead franchise, set to stream on OTT soon. The film features Souheila Yacoub in a gripping performance as a woman caught in a chaotic Deadite outbreak. Initially hitting theaters on July 10, 2026, it earned a commendable 71% on Rotten Tomatoes. Read on!
In 2014, New Jersey reused 7,000 cubic yards of dredged sand at Ring Island; the new nesting ground was later used by 4 threatened or at-risk shorebird species
New Jersey has implemented an innovative project to support nesting birds facing habitat loss due to rising sea levels. Sand dredged from waterways was used to raise the ground on Ring Island for bird nesting. Species such as black skimmers and least terns have begun to return to these created habitats after several years. Ongoing maintenance is required to ensure these habitats remain suitable for the birds.
Load More
