Germany says its warships were sabotaged

Germany's naval leadership is sounding the alarm regarding suspected sabotage attempts on its warships, a revelation that raises concerns about security in the region. Vice Adm. Jan Christian Kaack, the inspector of the German navy, confirmed in a recent press conference that "more than one" of its naval vessels had been targeted, hinting at a troubling pattern of malicious activity.

The warning follows a report from Süddeutsche Zeitung, which detailed an incident where metal shavings were reportedly dumped into the engine of a corvette-class ship called the Emden. This new ship was undergoing preparations for deployment to the Baltic Sea, and experts warn that had the shavings gone unnoticed, they could have caused significant damage.

Adm. Kaack's comments did not explicitly name the culprits behind the sabotage but suggested an increasing threat from Russia. He highlighted that the situation has become more concerning as 2025 approaches, underlining a shift in the maritime security landscape. Moreover, there have been reports of attempted break-ins at naval bases and unusual interactions with uniformed personnel.

The Emden is one of five new K130 corvettes slated for delivery by 2025, essential for fulfilling NATO obligations. Lürssen, the shipbuilding company, claimed the Emden had recently completed a successful sea trial but provided no further comment in light of the allegations.

Germany's heightened vigilance against sabotage reflects ongoing tensions with Russia, particularly following past incidents, including a fire on a plane and an explosion at an ammunition factory. Ukrainian allies have accused the Russian government of engaging in hybrid warfare tactics targeting Western infrastructure and personnel.

Jooki – Taking Control of a Forgotten Device

The Story of Jooki: From Joy to Frustration

Once hailed as a parent's dream, Jooki was an intuitive, screen-free audio player that allowed children to enjoy music and stories simply by tapping tokens. However, the excitement turned to despair when the company behind it faced bankruptcy, rendering many devices unusable and leaving families in frustration.

But, is there a glimmer of hope for Jooki? This discussion isn't merely about restoring a broken audio player—it's a deep dive into the firmware, revealing hidden exploits and potential backdoors. Who knows, with a little ingenuity, we might be able to revive these abandoned devices on our own terms!

A Call to Jooki's Creator

If you're reading this, we urge you to consider open-sourcing Jooki. The hardware is well crafted and has a dedicated user base. By sharing the source code, you would enable the device to persist, evolve, and continue spreading joy even after your company is gone!

Diving Deep: Hardware and Firmware Insights

We’re currently exploring the 8GB SD card of the Jooki Gen 2. If anyone has a Gen 1, feel free to send it over! The main software and architecture remain largely similar across both devices.

Partitions and Filesystem

The SD card's initial three partitions contain Linux filesystems, with the factory partition housing a minimalist Linux install. We’ve deduced the partitioning strategy hinges on Mender's ability to prevent device failures during OTA updates.

Code Execution and Device Control

The Jooki Box utilizes Mender, an open-source OTA updater, to manage its updates effectively. It employs a dual-partition feature for atomic installations, ensuring devices can rollback seamlessly. Unfortunately, the Update Server appears to be offline, and if someone could commandeer it, they might push new firmware to all Jooki devices.

Web Interface and Backdoors

Various endpoints in the HTTP Server provide exciting insights into device control, but it also creates security vulnerabilities. For example, accessing the /ll endpoint can expose a root backdoor, allowing unrestricted command execution.

Unveiling Device Exploits

Through careful investigation, we've identified multiple flags managing the Jooki's operations, and other creative ways to execute code without physically tampering with the device.

For those struggling with connectivity issues, there's a method to reset the device by reprogramming the ESP32 chip. Additionally, the possibility of modifying content through the web interface or exploring the API offers further control.

Final Thoughts and Security Risks

This unraveling of Jooki's firmware is an eye-opener. Not only do we see the potential for reviving these abandoned devices, but we also uncover significant security risks posed by poor design choices. Consolidating the command execution into a few unprotected endpoints might pose a tantalizing opportunity for malicious exploits.

As we delve deeper into Jooki's intricacies, the questions abound. Can we develop a clearer understanding of its functionalities? Further exploration could provide answers!

NAT Is the Enemy of Low Power Devices

Understanding Network Address Translation (NAT)

Have you ever tried communicating with a device on a private network? If so, you've likely encountered the concept of Network Address Translation (NAT). In essence, when one device wants to send data to another, it must know how to address it. In IP-based networks, this addressing is done using an IP address. However, due to the exponential growth of connected devices, the available unique addresses in the IPv4 space have become insufficient. This scarcity has resulted in the need to share public IP addresses across multiple devices, which introduces a range of challenges.

How NAT Functions

When you access a blog post, your device typically doesn't have a public IP address. Instead, it operates with a private IP assigned via the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and communicates through a router. This router acts as the facilitator, mapping public IP addresses to private ones. For instance, to reach a blog, your device sends a request to a router, which then translates and forwards that request to the server hosting the content.

When the server responds, it sends the data back to the router, which again translates the public address to your device's private address, allowing you to access the requested content seamlessly. This intricate dance of IP translation is known as Network Address Translation (NAT), a crucial function for modern networks.

Challenges with NAT

While NAT effectively handles simple request-response scenarios, problems arise in situations where a server needs to initiate communication with a device. Because NAT only creates entries in its translation table after an outgoing request, the server finds it challenging to reach the intended device without prior communication.

This issue becomes even more pronounced in peer-to-peer contexts, where devices on private networks struggle to connect with each other. Although solutions such as public rendezvous points (e.g., STUN servers) exist, they still don't entirely resolve the challenges posed by NAT.

Additionally, routers are typically programmed to expire inactive mappings from their tables after a set period. If no outgoing messages are detected within that timeframe, subsequent incoming messages may be dropped, leading to interrupted communication. Often, this timeout can be as short as five minutes. To combat this, devices can send periodic 'keep alive' messages to maintain their mappings, but this can exhaust bandwidth and battery life.

Proposed Solutions

While it would be ideal to request carriers and ISPs to extend NAT timeouts, such collaborative efforts may not yield results in the decentralized realm of the internet. Instead, innovations like DTLS 1.2 Connection IDs offer a way around the limitations of NAT. By negotiating a Connection ID during the initial handshake, devices can maintain continuity in communication even if their public IP addresses change.

For instance, a device that transmits small sensor readings can efficiently manage its communication without resorting to frequent reconnects, which would otherwise drain energy and bandwidth. This adjustment allows devices to operate more effectively, especially in power-sensitive scenarios.

Configuring Golioth Firmware for NAT Handling

The Golioth Firmware SDK is designed to accommodate these NAT challenges by providing options to configure keep-alive intervals and timeouts. By disabling default keep alive messages or extending them, developers can ensure efficient resource usage while maintaining connectivity.

In real-world tests performed on the Nordic Thingy91 with a Hologram SIM, adjustments made to the firmware settings demonstrated the impact of NAT timeouts. A structured implementation without Connection IDs resulted in disconnections, while enabling Connection IDs ensured a smooth transmission of messages even after prolonged inactivity.

Future Considerations

As the necessity for low-power and efficient communication increases in IoT devices, understanding and optimizing for NAT will be paramount. Organizations can monitor their device connectivity metrics to better gauge how often devices reconnect due to NAT-related issues, ultimately leading to improvements in device performance and battery life.

If you have any questions about streamlining your devices for low energy consumption or optimizing NAT performance, feel free to reach out on our forum!

'India not neutral': PM Modi's message on Russia-Ukraine war

PM Modi Emphasizes India's Stance on Russia-Ukraine Conflict

In a recent press conference held in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the efforts made by US President Donald Trump to bring resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. He firmly stated that there is a prevalent misconception about India being neutral in this affair. However, he clarified that India is not neutral; it stands unequivocally with the principles of peace.

Modi highlighted the importance of dialogue, reflecting on his conversations with leaders from both Russia and Ukraine. He reiterated the sentiment expressed during his previous meeting with President Putin, stating, "this is not a time of war," emphasizing that conflicts cannot be resolved through warfare but rather through diplomatic discussions and negotiations.

The Prime Minister also commended Trump's initiatives aimed at restoring peace and expressed hope for their success. He noted that a peaceful conflict resolution is achievable only when both countries come to the negotiating table, pointing to India's readiness to support any diplomatic efforts aimed at facilitating discussions.

During their meeting at the White House, Modi and Trump engaged in meaningful dialogue about strengthening US-India relations, focusing primarily on trade, energy, and defense collaborations. Modi acknowledged Trump’s initial term as a significant factor in deepening ties between the two nations and expressed confidence that they could continue making strides in the relationship during another potential term.

Was Adani case discussed in Trump meeting? PM Modi’s sharp response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly addressed questions regarding the ongoing Adani Group situation during his recent talks with US President Donald Trump. He emphasized that such individual issues are not typically on the agenda when leaders of nations convene. "India is a democracy, and our cultural philosophy is 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'—we regard the world as one family. I believe every Indian is part of me," Modi stated. He made it clear that discussions between the two leaders do not delve into specific cases like that of Gautam Adani.

The background of the Adani controversy dates back to November 20 of last year when US authorities filed serious charges against Gautam Adani and several high-ranking officials within his business group. They are alleged to have participated in a substantial bribery scheme worth $250 million relating to contracts for solar power projects in India.

The indictment from the US Department of Justice named Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani, and other associates. The allegations comprise securities and wire fraud, asserting that the Adani Group misled US investors regarding their anti-corruption policies while reportedly engaging in extensive bribery practices. In response, the Adani Group has vehemently denied these accusations, branding them as baseless.

This situation gained further attention when six US lawmakers raised concerns over the indictment and the Department of Justice’s decisions under President Joe Biden’s administration. Their communication was directed to the newly-appointed US Attorney General Pamela Bondi.

During Modi's recent visit—a significant one since Trump’s second inauguration—the two leaders engaged in comprehensive bilateral discussions that spanned over four hours, addressing a wide array of topics related to both bilateral relations and pressing regional and global issues.

'Silence at home, personal matter abroad': Rahul Gandhi targets PM Modi over Gautam Adani issue

NEW DELHI: The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has taken a strong stance against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, criticizing him for dismissing inquiries about the recent indictment of Gautam Adani in the United States. Gandhi accused the Prime Minister of 'shielding' his associate by labeling the matter a 'personal issue'.

In a post shared on social media platform X, Gandhi remarked, "Silence on questions at home, ‘personal matter’ abroad! Even in the US, Modi Ji shielded Adani Ji from corruption allegations!" He further expressed his disdain, asserting that for Modi, enriching a friend is seen as 'nation-building', while issues like bribery and the embezzlement of national assets conveniently become 'personal matters'.

During his recent visit to the US, PM Modi faced questions regarding whether he and President Donald Trump discussed the Adani indictment. He responded by asserting, "India is a democracy, and our culture is 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'—we consider the entire world as one family. I believe every Indian belongs to me. Two prominent leaders from two countries should not engage in discussions about such individual matters."

The backdrop of these comments involves serious allegations leveled by US authorities last November, claiming that Adani and others were implicated in a $250 million bribery scheme linked to solar power project contracts in India. The US Department of Justice accused the Adani Group of engaging in securities and wire fraud, misleading US investors regarding their anti-corruption commitments while purportedly involving themselves in bribery activities. Adani Group has vociferously denied the allegations, referring to them as 'baseless'. This situation has intensified the scrutiny from the opposition, with the topic rising in Parliament discussions marked by protests and walkouts by the INDIA bloc over the past winter session.

'We missed you a lot': Key quotes by Donald Trump on PM Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wrapped up a two-day visit to the United States, highlighted by a bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump. This engaging discussion ranged across various dimensions of US-India relations, including trade, energy, and defense cooperation.

PM Modi was one of the first world leaders to meet with Trump after his inauguration, receiving an invitation just three weeks into the new administration. "President Trump often talks about MAGA (Make America Great Again). In India, we are working towards a Viksit Bharat, which in American context translates into MIGA (Make India Great Again). Together, India and the USA share a MEGA partnership for prosperity!" Modi expressed.

The chemistry between Modi and Trump was palpable during their meeting, with Trump proclaiming, "PM Modi is doing a great job in India; everybody talks about it." These compliments were reciprocated by Modi, who expressed gratitude, asserting that the sentiments shared by Trump are respected by all Indians.

The warm welcome at the White House included a hug between the leaders. "We missed you a lot," Trump said to Modi, who replied, "It's great to see you again." Trump even gifted Modi a book named 'Our Journey Together,' featuring moments from their previous engagements, including the 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston and the 'Namaste Trump' rally in Ahmedabad.

Trump lauded Modi as a long-time friend, noting that their relationship has thrived over the years. While praising Modi’s negotiating skills, Trump remarked that PM Modi is a much “tougher negotiator” than him. During discussions, Trump hinted at ongoing challenges regarding trade tariffs, emphasizing that India's import duties are seen as unfair.

PM Modi leaves for home after concluding 'very substantive' visit to U.S.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has returned to India after a significant visit to the United States, where he engaged in high-level discussions with President Donald Trump at the White House. This visit included dialogues on various critical topics such as trade, technology, defense, security, energy, and fostering people-to-people connections between the two nations.

Arriving in the U.S. from France on February 12, 2025, Mr. Modi was welcomed by President Trump the following day, marking their first bilateral talks since Trump took office for a second term. During their conversations, both leaders aimed to deepen strategic cooperation across essential areas. Modi emphasized that their discussions would significantly enhance the India-U.S. friendship, symbolically referring to it as a “MEGA partnership for prosperity” as a play on the President’s MAGA slogan.

In a notable announcement following their meeting, Trump stated that the U.S. is moving forward with plans to provide India with F-35 fighter jets—an essential step in boosting military supplies significantly. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described this visit as both substantive and productive, highlighting its importance given its timing shortly after Trump’s inauguration.

Throughout the two-day visit, Modi also met with influential American officials such as National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Furthermore, he interacted with key figures in the business sector, including Elon Musk of SpaceX, underscoring the visit's focus on technological collaboration. Prior to his U.S. engagement, Modi spent two days in France, where he co-chaired the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit with President Emmanuel Macron and participated in broader discussions on trade and investment.

‘I want my reader to feel disoriented’: Sophie Mackintosh, author of 2023 Women’s Prize-longlisted Cursed Bread

Sophie Mackintosh's writing delves into profound themes such as female desire, bodily autonomy, and the intricacies of feminism and free will. As she reflects on the societal shifts occurring in 2016, particularly with the rise of Trump and Brexit, she also noticed the burgeoning #MeToo movement, which brought forth a wave of women's testimonies regarding sexual abuse and harassment. This influx of voices left her feeling overwhelmed yet inspired to explore the physical ramifications of toxic masculinity on women's health.

This exploration culminated in her debut novel, The Water Cure, a haunting narrative centered around three sisters isolated on a remote island. The novel, longlisted for the prestigious 2018 Man Booker Prize, serves as a modern fairy tale that translates abstract concepts of toxicity into visceral consequences for women, inviting readers to engage with significant topics through a fresh lens. As Mackintosh discusses during the 8th Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode, her aim is to “make abstract things literal” and thus delve deeper into these complex themes.

Mackintosh's roots in South Wales and her childhood immersion in the Welsh language contribute to her writing style, which is marked by a unique rhythm and lyricism. From an early age, she dabbled in poetry and short stories, but it was her experience at Warwick University that cemented her path as a writer. Though the process was challenging, she thrived on creativity, continuously drafting new ideas and works alongside various jobs. The success of The Water Cure ignited her writing career, leading to the publication of Blue Ticket in 2020 and the recently longlisted Cursed Bread in 2023, with her fourth novel slated for release next year.

Infused with mythological elements, Mackintosh's novels often intertwine the magical with the mundane. She draws inspiration from her Welsh heritage and fairy tales, seeking to create a sense of disorientation in her readers. The timelessness of these stories allows for a unique perspective on modern issues, as she echoes the influence of writers like Angela Carter. In her books, Mackintosh not only tackles complex themes of desire and agency but also pays homage to the deep, multifaceted relationships between women—rivaling even romantic connections in their significance. Her upcoming novel promises to explore romantic ties in an imaginative parallel universe, blending elements of sadness and playfulness.

PM Modi set to host President Trump in Quad Leaders’ Summit

On February 14, 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a visit to the United States, where he had a significant meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House. During this crucial visit, Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to President Trump to attend the upcoming Quad Leaders’ Summit. This meeting highlighted the two leaders' strong commitment to the Quad alliance, as well as their dedication to promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

In their discussions, the leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening their strategic relationship across various vital sectors, including defence, energy, and critical technology. Modi shared on X that the discussions were “excellent” and predicted that this cooperation would significantly enhance the growing friendship between India and the United States.

A notable outcome of their talks was the launch of the Indian Ocean Strategic Venture, a new bilateral initiative aimed at fostering coordinated investments in economic connections and trade. Both countries are also aiming to establish new plurilateral partnerships across the Western Indian Ocean, Middle East, and the broader Indo-Pacific, focusing on advancing cooperation in key areas such as defence, technology, energy, and critical minerals.

It’s important to note that the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), consisting of India, the U.S., Australia, and Japan, originated as a humanitarian partnership following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, showcasing the ongoing commitment of these nations to work collaboratively even amidst geopolitical challenges.

India, U.S. to negotiate first part of trade deal by autumn as countries outline broad agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in significant discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump during their meeting at the White House on February 13, 2025. This joint interaction not only marked the strengthening of bilateral ties but also paved the way for a new trade agreement between India and the U.S., with a target for negotiation completion by autumn 2025. India aims to enhance its energy imports from the U.S. in order to address concerns regarding the trade deficit, a key issue for President Trump.

During the meeting, President Trump announced the clearance for the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, who is linked to the infamous ‘26/11’ terrorist attack in Mumbai. Furthermore, President Trump indicated potential sales of F-35 stealth fighters to India, emphasizing a desire to bolster defense relations.

The comprehensive discussions spanned various topics including defense, energy, and technology partnership. Notably, both nations set an ambitious goal to more than double their bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 as part of the ‘Mission 500’. Addressing trade disparities, Trump criticized India's tariffs as 'unfair' and as a stumbling block to deeper economic collaboration.

In line with their defense aspirations, the leaders unveiled the U.S.-India COMPACT, a strategic framework aimed at enhancing military partnerships and commerce. They also discussed enhancing defense procurement processes and deepening cooperation through advanced maritime patrol agreements and joint manufacturing projects in the Indo-Pacific.

Further progress was made regarding energy collaboration, as the nations plan to fully implement the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Agreement and develop nuclear reactor technology in India. In the realm of technology, the new initiative ‘TRUST’ was established to support advancements across multiple sectors including space and biotechnology.

Moreover, both leaders acknowledged the necessity for new multilateral partnerships in critical regions and committed to addressing illegal migration through improved legal frameworks for travel and immigration.

Kavarapettai train accident | Alertness of loco pilot minimised impact of collision

Accident Averted: Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express Collision

A recent incident involving the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express could have resulted in a tragedy if not for the swift actions of loco pilot G. Subramani. On October 11, 2024, the train collided with a stationary goods train at Kavaraipettai Railway station in the Chennai Division of the Southern Railway, primarily due to a signal failure.

According to the preliminary report from the Commissioner of Railway Safety, the timely application of emergency brakes by Subramani significantly reduced the train's speed, thus mitigating the impact of the collision. The report highlights the pilot's exceptional alertness, which likely saved many lives, and recommends that his commendable actions be acknowledged by the Ministry of Railways.

The incident occurred at 8:31 PM when the Bagmati Express, traveling at approximately 90 kmph, passed a green signal intended for the main line but unexpectedly veered into the loop line, crashing into an empty goods train. This accident led to the derailment of about 13 coaches, injuring several passengers, and resulted in flames engulfing a parcel-cum-power car due to the collision's impact.

In the aftermath, a multi-departmental inquiry pointed to missing nuts and bolts from a critical part of the railway line, raising suspicions of possible sabotage. However, Southern Railway's General Manager R.N. Singh noted the unusual circumstances surrounding the incident, suggesting that factors beyond mere negligence could have influenced the train's derailment. Despite a thorough inspection by the National Investigation Agency, no evidence warranted a probe into sabotage has been found.

Taluk hospitals in Karnataka to establish fresh frozen plasma in blood storage units

The Karnataka government has taken a significant step to improve maternal health by granting administrative approval for the establishment of cryoprecipitate, also known as Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP), at all 147 taluk hospitals in the state. This announcement was made by Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao via a social media post on February 13.

This initiative is a direct response to the alarming statistics surrounding maternal mortality in the state, where approximately 20% of deaths among new mothers are attributed to postpartum hemorrhage. The government has recognized this pressing issue and aims to mitigate it through enhanced availability of FFP.

FFP is a crucial blood component rich in pro-coagulant factors that play a vital role in controlling bleeding, particularly in cases of severe postpartum hemorrhage. By incorporating FFP into the blood storage units at local hospitals, the Karnataka government hopes to provide timely interventions and save the lives of new mothers.

U.S. will support India’s bid to join the International Energy Agency as a full member: Trump

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with U.S. President Donald Trump during a joint press conference at the White House on February 13, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in U.S.-India relations.

During this meeting, President Trump announced the U.S. would offer its support for India's bid to become a full member of the International Energy Agency. This collaboration is part of a broader commitment to enhance the U.S.-India Energy Security Partnership, which encompasses oil, gas, and civil nuclear energy sectors.

Particularly significant was the emphasis on realizing the U.S.-India 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement. Both leaders expressed intentions to advance plans for cooperating on the construction of U.S.-designed nuclear reactors in India, focusing on large scale localization and potential technology transfer.

Moreover, President Trump highlighted a new initiative between the two nations: the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). He described it as one of the greatest trade routes in history that will connect Israel, Italy, and ultimately the United States, featuring roads, railways, and advanced undersea cables.

With excitement, Trump stated, “We agreed to work together to help build one of the greatest trade routes in all of history.” He noted the substantial financial investments already made and projected even greater spending in the future to maintain competitive advantages.

In closing, Trump remarked on the strength of the friendship between the U.S. and India, claiming, “the friendship between the U.S. and India is the strongest, I believe it has ever been.”

Tata Sons Chairman Chandrasekaran, Bharti Group chief Sunil Mittal get U.K.’s honorary civilian award

Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran has been honored with the prestigious title of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Civil Division), an esteemed civilian award granted to foreign nationals by the United Kingdom. This recognition, an honorary DBE/KBE, acknowledges his significant contributions to enhancing business relations between the U.K. and India.

In a statement reflecting his sentiments, Mr. Chandrasekaran expressed his deep humility and gratitude for this honor, particularly addressing His Majesty, King Charles. He stated, "I am deeply humbled by this prestigious recognition," highlighting the importance of the award.

In a post shared by Tata Group on X, Mr. Chandrasekaran elaborated on the group's strong strategic ties with the U.K., mentioning the company’s expansive involvement in sectors such as technology, consumer goods, hospitality, steel, chemicals, and automotive. "We are incredibly proud of our iconic British brands like Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley. With over 70,000 employees in the U.K., we have established fruitful partnerships with leading institutions, including the University of Oxford and the London School of Economics," he added.

Expressing gratitude towards the U.K. government for its support, he emphasized the enduring relationship between Tata Group and the U.K. and expressed his intent to further strengthen their presence in the region.

PM Modi meets SpaceX CEO Musk, discusses tech & innovation, good governance

Elon Musk Meets Prime Minister Modi in Washington, D.C.

On February 13, 2025, in a significant meeting held in Washington, D.C., Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in discussions with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk about numerous potential collaborative opportunities. The dialogue revolved around critical areas such as space exploration, mobility, technology, energy, and the pursuit of effective governance in both India and the United States.

During their meeting, which took place as part of Modi's U.S. visit, the prime minister shared updates on India’s initiatives aimed at achieving a motto of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’. In a message posted on X, Modi emphasized the depth of their conversation, particularly highlighting Musk’s passion for innovation and technology.

The Ministry of External Affairs outlined that both leaders discussed ways to fortify collaboration between Indian and U.S. entities, focusing on innovation, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship. Not only was the impact of emerging technologies a core theme, but there was also an overall emphasis on enhanced cooperation conducive to good governance.

Musk, who had taken on a new role as the head of the newly established U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), was joined by his family during their visit. Prime Minister Modi also took the opportunity to meet Musk's children, showcasing a personal touch to the high-profile discussion.

Before his meeting with Musk, Modi had met with U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Tulsi Gabbard, the newly sworn-in Director of National Intelligence, indicating a packed agenda focused on strengthening bilateral relations.

Five arrested in Manipur for displaying arms during football match

In a concerning turn of events, Manipur Police have apprehended five individuals for allegedly brandishing sophisticated weapons during a football match held in K. Gamnomphai Village, Kangpokpi district. This incident, which unfolded on February 12, 2025, was captured on video and circulated across various social media platforms, showing the suspects armed and displaying their weapons openly amidst the sporting event.

The police reported that the individuals were not alone, as approximately 10-15 others were also spotted in camouflage attire during the match. The authorities have initiated an investigation to delve deeper into this alarming incident.

In a related enforcement operation, five militants affiliated with banned groups have been arrested across three districts: Imphal West, Imphal East, and Thoubal. Notably, two active members of the Kangleipak Communist Party (Noyon) were taken into custody from Thangmeiband and Keishampat. They are accused of engaging in extortion from various sectors, including government officials, hospitals, and schools.

Additionally, two operatives of the KCP (PWG) were arrested in Thoubal district, where arms and ammunition were seized as part of the operation. The local authorities are actively pursuing leads to ensure that such instances of violence and criminal activity are dealt with promptly.

PM Modi, President Trump launch ASIA initiative for underwater domain awareness technologies

On February 13, 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump met at the White House to unveil an ambitious initiative called the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA). This partnership aims to enhance industry collaborations and production capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

The ASIA initiative specifically targets India-U.S. cooperation in underwater domain awareness technologies. As highlighted in a recent statement, the United States has presented several co-production and co-development opportunities regarding these advanced technologies on a commercial basis. Notably, India has become the first country with which the U.S. defense sector has proposed collaboration on such sensitive technological fronts.

Currently, India is actively engaging in discussions with various U.S. firms regarding cutting-edge technologies such as the Sea Picket autonomous surveillance system featuring sonar arrays, the Wave Glider unmanned surface vehicle systems, and Low Frequency Active Towed Sonar. The ASIA initiative is poised to encompass a comprehensive range of co-development and co-production activities, paving the way for innovative advancements in defense capabilities.

Ranveer Allahbadia moves Supreme Court against lodging of FIR

YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia filed a petition in the Supreme Court on February 14, 2025, contesting the first information reports (FIRs) lodged against him due to his controversial comments. The Supreme Court has indicated that it will hear his pleas within the next two to three days.

The Maharashtra Cyber Cell took action on February 12, 2025, registering a case against Allahbadia which arose from negative remarks made during a specific episode of India’s Got Latent. These comments sparked significant backlash on social media, leading to widespread calls for the banning of his podcast.

Despite issuing an apology, Allahbadia faced condemnation from prominent politicians, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and various opposition leaders, who accused him of misusing his freedom of speech. Reports indicate that around 30 to 40 individuals associated with the show, including judges, have also been implicated in this case, highlighting the magnitude of the fallout.

Bengal government employees dejected over 4% DA hike announcement in State Budget

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee delivered the State Budget presentation in Kolkata, sparking significant discontent among government employees over a mere 4% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA). This increase, effective from April 1, 2025, brings the total DA for state employees to 18%, while the Central government’s DA currently stands at 53%. The State Government Employees Association expressed their dissatisfaction, vowing to continue their struggle until they receive the dues that they believe are rightfully theirs.

Leading the charge, Malay Mukhopadhyay, General Secretary of the Confederation of State Government Employees, emphasized that despite winning a case at the Calcutta High Court which ordered the government to pay the DA, employees have yet to see the promised payments. He firmly stated, “DA is not something extra, it is our right,” and revealed that their case has been listed 14 times in the Supreme Court without a hearing.

The frustration is palpable as various employee organizations, including Sangrami Joutho Mancha, have initiated sit-in demonstrations in Kolkata. Their demands include a substantial 39% DA raise, which they believe reflects the rising costs of living. State Convener Bhaskar Ghosh condemned the 4% increase as being insufficient, likening it to “giving alms” amidst growing inflation and a stagnant economy.

Teachers and educational workers have also joined the protest, with Sukumar Pain, General Secretary of the All Bengal Teachers Association, criticizing the state government for prioritizing “freebies” over fair compensation for educators. As employee associations wrestle with both emotional and financial strain from prolonged legal battles, their resolve to continue fighting until justice is served remains steadfast.