1. PM Modi Launches ₹3,350 Crore Projects in Ladakh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated and dedicated five development projects worth around ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh. The projects include the new passenger terminal at Leh airport, the 298-km Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road, a 9 MW hydropower project, a transmission line, India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park and 40 water bodies across 40 villages. The Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road provides an alternative connectivity route to Ladakh and is expected to strengthen strategic mobility for the Armed Forces.

2. Rajnath Singh Pitches Drones, Radars and Air Defence Systems to ASEAN

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said India is ready to explore defence cooperation with ASEAN countries in areas including patrol vessels, radars, air-defence systems, helicopters and drones. Speaking at the first ASEAN-India Defence Think Tank Forum in New Delhi, Singh also called for greater cooperation in maritime security, underwater awareness and emerging technologies. He said India is open to co-development, co-production, maintenance, repair and overhaul, training and long-term technical support with ASEAN partners.

3. Houthi Attack Severely Damages Saudi Aramco Headquarters

A Houthi missile attack on Saudi Aramco’s headquarters in Dhahran has caused extensive damage to the facility, with fire spreading across several floors of the building. Reuters reported that the upper floors, including the area housing Aramco CEO Amin Nasser’s office, suffered severe damage, while Saudi authorities said the fire was limited. Aramco’s operations have continued, although some employees have been asked to work from home and some functions shifted to other offices. The Houthis have threatened further attacks on Saudi airports and oil infrastructure. 

4. Pakistan Parliament Endorses Emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Pakistan’s National Assembly and Senate have endorsed the federal government’s decision to impose emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The government cited worsening terrorism and the provincial government’s alleged disengagement from counterterrorism operations as reasons for the move. PTI has rejected the decision and called for counterterrorism measures under the National Action Plan instead. A joint sitting of Parliament has also been summoned to formally ratify the emergency measures. 

5. Ukraine Says Starlink Restrictions Are Hitting Battlefield Drones

Ukraine has accused SpaceX of restricting Starlink and Starshield services used for military drone operations, saying the changes have affected both offensive and defensive missions. The restrictions reportedly involve military-grade Starshield terminals and have affected drone guidance systems during operations. Elon Musk has said that control over military Starlink speeds rests with the US government. Ukrainian officials have warned that the restrictions could reduce the effectiveness of drones on the battlefield. 

Savio Rodrigues

Savio Rodrigues is a Research Analyst at Escape Velocity MediaWorks Pvt Ltd and writes for Chakra News on Defence, Geopolitics, National Security. He holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Mumbai.