Thaarak Ponnappa

The Indian armed forces are facing significant operational challenges due to the grounding of approximately 330 'Dhruv' ALH helicopters, exacerbating existing shortages caused by the obsolete Cheetah and Chetak choppers. This disruption has severely impacted military operations, especially sustenance flights to forward areas and reconnaissance missions.

Amid trade tensions, China is seeking stronger ties with India, offering to boost Indian exports to address the trade deficit. Ambassador Xu Feihong hopes India will provide a fair environment for Chinese businesses. China welcomes PM Modi to the SCO summit, emphasizing dialogue for a stable relationship. Both nations aim to resolve border issues peacefully, focusing on mutual development.

Eli Lilly said clinical results of its GLP-1 in pill form showed safety and efficacy data similar to blockbuster injectable drugs like Ozempic

The Army has initiated an inquiry following allegations that an IGNOU professor was assaulted by troops during a vehicle check in Rajouri district. The professor, Liaqat Ali, reportedly sustained head injuries. The Army claims Ali attempted to seize a soldier's weapon, leading to a scuffle, but assures a thorough investigation and appropriate action if misconduct is proven.

Donald Trump defended the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, linking him to MS-13 with a photo of a tattooed hand. This sparked controversy after images surfaced of Abrego Garcia with Senator Chris Van Hollen in El Salvador. Despite a court order blocking his removal, Abrego Garcia was deported, leading to accusations of due process violations.

A Turkish student from Tufts University, detained in Louisiana over an opinion piece criticizing the university's stance on Palestinian issues, must return to New England by May 1 for a hearing. A federal judge ordered the transport to assess the legality of her detention.

Anmol and Puneet Jaggi were celebrated as the poster boys of India’s cleantech revolution for being the face of the much-loved cab service BluSmart. But behind the scenes, they were allegedly misleading investors, lenders and regulators

Tesla investor Ross Gerber has intensified his criticism of Elon Musk, asserting that Musk's focus has shifted to X AI and he no longer prioritizes Tesla. Gerber highlighted the negative impact of Musk's social media activity and political associations on Tesla's reputation. Despite a decline in Tesla's stock and sales, Gerber's firm continues to hold shares, anticipating a potential turnaround.

Following Tahawwur Hussain Rana's extradition, NIA is interrogating him about the 26/11 attacks and David Headley's role. Rana's disclosures may lead to NIA seeking further access to Headley, currently jailed in the US. Headley, according to former home secretary G K Pillai, was Rana's key link to the conspiracy, updating him on LeT's plans and reconnaissance.

In 1975, India launched its first satellite, Aryabhata, from a Soviet cosmodrome, marking a pivotal moment in its space program. Despite challenges and limited resources, a dedicated team of Indian scientists built the satellite in just 30 months.