China defended its increased defense spending, citing challenges in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The funds will enhance new combat capabilities and strengthen reconnaissance, early warning, joint strikes, and logistics support. With a $249 billion budget for 2023, China aims to improve military training under combat conditions and deepen defense reforms.
Related news
Thieves in Surat, India, mirroring the film "The Bank Job," drilled through a bank wall, disabling alarms and cameras. Inside for roughly three hours, they cracked six of 75 lockers, stealing Rs 40 lakh worth of jewelry and a Ganesha idol. Police suspect professional thieves with inside knowledge, aided by unclear visuals showing potentially five individuals.
Elon Musk shared his COVID vaccine experience, stating that the booster shot caused him significant chest pain. He emphasized the potential of synthetic mRNA to cure diseases despite the side effects. His comments were in response to JD Vance, who discussed the lack of conversation around COVID vaccine side effects in the US.
Rohit Sharma, seeking to regain form, played a quick 28 off 35 balls in Mumbai's Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir after a disappointing first-innings score of 3. Despite his aggressive play, his innings ended when he was caught off Yudhvir Singh Charak's delivery. His performance aimed to overcome a recent lean patch in international series.
A rare 'corpse flower' bloom in Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens has attracted over 20,000 visitors. The flower, which emits a scent resembling decaying meat, is blooming for the first time in 15 years. Efforts are being made to hand-pollinate it to ensure reproduction.
A study by SKIMS Medical College in Srinagar has found that the acknowledgments in medical theses in J&K often use repetitive, copy-pasted phrases. Common expressions thanking guides and invoking divine blessings appear frequently, indicating a lack of originality. The study highlights concerns about the inventiveness and independent thinking of future doctors in their research.
Eight Maoists were killed in a confrontation with security forces in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh. Several weapons, including an Insas rifle and BGL, were recovered from the site. The operation involved multiple security units and was based on intelligence regarding Maoist presence in the area.
A political controversy arose in Tamil Nadu as Governor RN Ravi left the assembly ahead of the Winter Session due to the refusal to play the national anthem. The governor's office condemned the incident as disrespectful to the Constitution, while state Congress chief criticized the governor for opposing resolutions from the assembly.
iPhone accessories maker Zagg experienced a data breach exposing customers' credit card info due to a compromised third-party app on their e-commerce platform, BigCommerce. Data from October to November 2024 was stolen.
Aam Aadmi Party withdrew from Delhi mayoral elections, alleging BJP's use of unethical tactics like horse-trading and intimidation to sway AAP councillors. AAP leaders claimed the BJP's non-cooperation hindered their work in the MCD. BJP countered that AAP knew it would lose and had neglected MCD duties, hinting at a possible AAP-Congress alliance, while Congress decided to contest.
Maharashtra's cultural minister Ashish Shelar inaugurated the Art of India event, announcing MAHARA awards to honor artistic contributions and unveiling the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit planned for May. The event featured diverse artworks and highlighted the need for greater recognition and investment in Indian art.