China is advancing its maritime capabilities by converting the 97-meter cargo ship Zhongda 79 into an arsenal ship. Online images, shared by Militarnyi and citing Chinese agencies, reveal containerized launchers—loaded with up to 60 missiles—now installed aboard the vessel.At Shanghai’s state-owned Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding shipyard, the vessel now features installations supporting a broad array of weapons—including anti-ship, cruise, hypersonic, and anti-aircraft missiles.China’s navy, known as the People’s Liberation Army Navy or PLAN, has been focusing on increasing its vertical launch systems in an attempt to match the VLS capabilities of the US Navy.As per the reports by a UK-based think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies, on December 20, PLAN has surpassed 50% of the US Navy’s firepower.

Taiwan war plan?

This development signals China’s strategic pivot toward rapidly converting civilian merchant vessels into potent warships, bypassing traditional naval construction timelines amid escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait. The Zhongda 79 transformation exemplifies a “maritime militia” evolution, where containerised missile launchers turn ordinary cargo ships into floating arsenals. This approach leverages China’s vast commercial fleet, allowing surge capacity for blockades or invasions without depleting its blue-water navy, a tactic long rehearsed in PLA exercises simulating Taiwan scenarios.Such conversions form a cornerstone of Beijing’s broader anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategy targeting Taiwan, where overwhelming missile barrages from improvised platforms could saturate US and allied defenses during a cross-strait assault. By upgrading ships like Zhongda 79, China blurs civilian-military lines, complicating international responses under laws like the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. This fits a pattern of dual-use innovations, including roll-on/roll-off ferries and fishing trawlers armed for gray-zone coercion, positioning the PLA for a high-intensity conflict by 2027 as signaled in recent defense white papers.Satellite images of Zhongda 79Satellite images of Zhongda 79 have surfaced online, though the exact date when they were taken remains unclear. The location, however, has been identified as Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding’s yard in Shanghai, which is also the construction site of the Sichuan Type 076 amphibious assault ship, hat is believed to have completed its second sea trials earlier this month.One of the satellite images shows Zhongda 79 berthed close to the Sichuan at the shipyard.According to the South China Morning Post, other photos show several containers on the freighter bearing the words “Plan for the maritime revival of the Chinese nation and the community of shared future for mankind in the ocean.”Another part of the phrase reflects a maritime extension of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s broader political concept of building a “community of shared future for mankind.””Zhongda 79′ upgrade As Militarnyi reports, had not been engaged in regular domestic shipping operations for some time. Between April and August, the vessel underwent refitting at a shipyard in Longhai. The ship has been docked at the Shanghai shipyard since August 2025, where the final stage of the container ship’s transformation into an arsenal ship is believed to have taken place.At present, the Zhongda 79 still retains its civilian status as it hasn’t been listed as a part of the auxiliary fleet by the PLAN.

Kuldeep Sengar (ANI image)

NEW DELHI: Ishita Sengar, daughter of former BJP MLA and Unnao rape case convict Kuldeep Singh Sengar, penned an open letter on Monday saying that she is “exhausted, frightened and slowly losing faith”. Her statement came after the Supreme Court stayed a Delhi high court order that had suspended her father’s life sentence.

In her letter, Ishita wrote: “I am writing this letter as a daughter who is exhausted, frightened, and slowly losing faith, but still holding on to hope because there is nowhere else left to go.”The Supreme Court stayed the operation of the December 23 Delhi high court order and directed that Kuldeep Singh Sengar shall not be released from prison in connection with the 2017 Unnao rape case.A three-judge vacation bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices JK Maheshwari and AG Masih passed the order while hearing a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The bench observed that although courts usually do not stay bail orders once a convict is released, the present case involved “peculiar facts” as Sengar remains in jail in another criminal case.“We are conscious of the fact that when a convict or an undertrial has been released, such orders are not ordinarily stayed by this court. But in view of the peculiar facts where the convict is convicted for a separate offence, we stay the operation of the Delhi High Court order,” the bench said.Kuldeep Singh Sengar, an expelled BJP MLA from Unnao, was sentenced to life imprisonment in December 2019 for the rape of a minor under the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He is also serving a separate 10-year sentence in a CBI case related to the custodial death of the rape survivor’s father.In her letter addressed to the “Hon’ble Authorities of the Republic of India,” Ishita Sengar said her family had waited silently for eight years, trusting the legal system.Explaining why the family chose not to protest publicly, she wrote: “We chose silence not because we were powerful, but because we believed in institutions. We waited because we believed that truth does not need spectacle.”

She alleged that despite being labelled “powerful” because of her father’s political identity, her family remained unheard.“People call us ‘powerful.’ I ask you what kind of power leaves a family voiceless for eight years?” she said. Ishita added that her family had been “drained financially, emotionally, and physically” while seeking justice.Ishita also claimed she had received rape and death threats on social media over the years, which eventually silenced her.“Over these years, I have been told countless times that I should be raped, killed, or punished simply for existing,” she wrote, describing the abuse as “daily” and “relentless.”She further expressed concern that fear and public outrage were beginning to overshadow facts and due process.“If pressure and public frenzy begin to overshadow evidence and due process, what protection does an ordinary citizen truly have?” she asked.Clarifying her intent, Ishita said the letter was not written to seek sympathy or special treatment.“We are not asking for a favour. We are asking for justice because we are human,” she wrote, urging that the law be allowed to function “without fear” and evidence be examined “without pressure.”During the Supreme Court hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, described the case as a “very horrific” instance of child rape and argued that Sengar, being an MLA at the time, occupied a dominant position over the victim, attracting stricter punishment under the POCSO Act.The bench also expressed concern that excluding lawmakers from the definition of “public servant” under POCSO could create legal immunity for MPs and MLAs.Meanwhile, the rape survivor’s mother welcomed the Supreme Court’s order, saying it gave her hope that her daughter would finally get justice.The Supreme Court has issued notice to Sengar and sought his response within four weeks. The matter is scheduled to be heard again in the last week of January.

Aishwarya Sengar’s big charge after SC order in Unnao case

Following the apex court’s decision, Kuldeep’s daughter Aishwarya Sengar alleged that her family was not given an opportunity to present its arguments on the merits of the case and claimed that key facts were being overlooked.“We couldn’t even start arguing on the merits of the case today, that she has changed her statement several times, changed the timing thrice, starting from 2 pm, 6 pm and then finally 8 pm. There’s a finding of the AIIMS medical board that she was more than 18. I’ve been fighting for justice for the past eight years, but maybe the sorrows of me and my family mean nothing. We have been stripped of our dignity, our peace, and even our fundamental right to be heard. Still hope for justice. I request that the media not spread any misinformation,” Aishwarya said.

Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya (File photo)

NEW DELHI: Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi on Monday issued an apology for his recent social media remarks after a video featuring him with fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya triggered a backlash.In a post on X, Lalit Modi said he never intended to offend anyone, particularly the Indian government, and claimed his comments had been “misconstrued”.

“I apologise if I have hurt anyone’s feelings, especially the Indian government, for whom I have the highest respect and regard. The statement was misconstrued and was never intended to be as played out. Once again, my deepest apologies,” he wrote.The apology came after Lalit Modi posted a clip on Instagram in which he jokingly referred to himself and Mallya as “the two biggest fugitives of India”.“Let me do something to break the internet again. Happy birthday my friend #VijayMallya. Love u,” Lalit Modi captioned the post.After the video surfaced, the ministry of external affairs reiterated India’s position on those facing charges at home but living abroad.“We remain fully committed that people who are fugitives and are wanted by law in India return to the country. For this particular return, we are in talks with several governments, and processes are on,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi.Both Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya face legal cases in India over alleged financial irregularities, allegations they have denied.Lalit Modi, a former cricket administrator and the founder of the Indian Premier League, left India in 2010 after probes were launched into financial irregularities linked to the league’s early years. He has remained abroad since.Vijay Mallya is believed to be out on bail in the UK and has continued to oppose his extradition to India while a “confidential” legal matter.Earlier this year, a consortium of Indian banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) won a London court appeal that upheld a bankruptcy order against Mallya. The case is part of a long-running effort to recover about £1.05 billion owed by Kingfisher Airlines.

Delhi airport is seeing flight delays and cancellations. (ANI photo)

NEW DELHI: Dense fog blanketed Delhi and large parts of North India on Monday, triggering widespread disruption across air and rail networks, with hundreds of flights cancelled or delayed and trains running hours behind schedule, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated.At the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, at least 128 flights — 64 departures and 64 arrivals — were cancelled, while eight flights were diverted due to low visibility conditions. Nearly 200 flights were delayed, with an average departure delay of around 24 minutes, according to flight-tracking website Flightradar24. Visibility at the airport dropped to as low as 50 metres, forcing operations to continue under CAT III conditions, an advanced landing system used during dense fog. Delhi’s AQI also crossed 400 on Monday, hitting ‘severe’ category of air pollution.Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) said runway visibility was gradually improving but warned that departures and arrivals could remain affected.IndiGo cancelled 80 flights across its network due to bad weather, with around half of those cancellations at Delhi airport. Other affected airports included Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Dehradun, Indore, Patna and Bhopal. While the airline did not explicitly disclose the number of cancellations in its advisory, it acknowledged that fog-related disruptions were likely to extend into the afternoon hours. “Fog continues to persist across Delhi and several airports in northern India. Visibility remains reduced and, as a result, flight movements are presently slower than normal,” IndiGo said in a post on X.The airline has been cancelling flights in significant numbers since the start of the fog season on December 10, following earlier large-scale disruptions caused by stricter pilot duty norms. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has designated December 10 to February 10 as the official fog window this winter, during which airlines must deploy CAT-IIIB-compliant aircraft and pilots trained for low-visibility operations.Airlines including IndiGo and Air India urged passengers to regularly check flight status and assured them that safety remained the top priority as operations continued to adjust to fluctuating weather conditions.Rail services hitRail services were also hit hard. Several trains were delayed by hours at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations, prompting passenger complaints. Gagan, travelling to Kanpur, told ANI that his train was delayed by eight hours, while students expressed concern about missing meals, exams and connections due to prolonged delays. Taxi drivers at stations reported a sharp drop in business as late-arriving trains reduced passenger movement.The fog also raised safety concerns on roads, with commuters warning of increased accident risks due to poor visibility. Meanwhile, smog reduced visibility in parts of Mumbai, adding to travel woes.

Thalapathy Vijay’s return to Chennai from Malaysia’s ‘Jana Nayagan’ audio launch saw him mobbed by enthusiastic fans at the airport. Overwhelmed by the crowd, the actor-turned-politician lost his balance and tripped near his car, but was quickly assisted by security and sustained no injuries. The event highlighted a stark contrast to the smoothly managed Malaysian function.

Thalapathi Vijay’s return from his trip to Malaysia after the audio launch event for his upcoming film ‘Jana Nayagan’ descended into chaos as he touched down in Chennai. A wave of overwhelmed fans caused the actor-turned-politician to lose balance and fall.

Vijay Thalapathy gets mobbed

As seen in the videos circulating on the internet, many fans ran to see the ‘Jana Nayagan’ star when he reached Chennai Airport. Fans wanted to take photos and be near him. There were too many people around him, which also led to everyone pushing forward to get closer. This made a small mess near his car.

Vijay loses balance and trips near his car

Because the crowd was so big, Vijay lost his balance and slipped and fell down just before he reached his car. The security guards came quickly to assist him. They picked him up, helped him stand and took him inside the car safely. Vijay did not suffer any injuries.

‘Jana Nayagan’ audio launch event

For the unversed, the Tamil star came from Kuala Lumpur after a huge show for his upcoming political thriller ‘Jana Nayagan’. The event took place at Bukit Jalil Stadium. It was a huge event, that the Malaysian Book of Records said it was the biggest audience for any audio launch in the country.

About ‘Jana Nayagan’

Speaking about his upcoming film, directed by H. Vinoth the movie is anticipated to be his final cinematic outing as he is said to solely focus on his political career. The movie stars him opposite Pooja Hegde as Kayal, with Bobby Deol as the antagonist.It will also feature Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Priyamani, Narain, Mamitha Baiju and others in key roles.The movie is set for Pongal 2026 release on January 9. Additionally the film will be clashing with Prabhas’ much anticipated horror comedy, ‘The Raja Saab’ which will also release on the same date.

Image Credit: Bilal Bahadur/TNN

SRINAGAR: Kashmir’s apple orchards — the backbone of the Valley’s rural economy — are under renewed scrutiny as lawmakers and medical experts raise concerns over a possible link between decades of pesticide use and rising cases of malignant brain tumours among orchard workers.Lawmakers shift focus to farmers’ healthThe concerns were raised by the House Committee on Environment of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly, chaired by CPM legislator MY Tarigami, which met officials, scientists and health experts to examine the health hazards faced by those working in apple orchards.

Image Credit: Bilal Bahadur/TNN

“For years, farmers have sprayed orchards unaware of the toxicity of constant pesticide exposure, leading to a rise in malignant brain tumors among those who power the valley’s billion-rupee apple economy and contribute more than 70% of India’s total apples,” the committee said.Evidence from Kashmir’s fruit beltThe discussion revisited findings from a study conducted by the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), which examined more than 400 cancer patients between 2005 and 2008.The study reported high incidences of primary brain cancer in districts forming Kashmir’s core fruit belt, including Baramulla, Anantnag, Budgam, Shopian and Kupwara. It identified a “quite strong and possible” link between pesticide exposure and malignant brain tumours among orchard farmers.

Image Credit: Bilal Bahadur/TNN

The findings were largely ignored when first published but have resurfaced amid growing medical evidence of pesticide-linked health disorders in the Valley.Tarigami told TOI, “We don’t want to create panic among farmers who spray their orchards every season. But neither can we sit idle when data indicates a serious health hazard. If pesticide spray is harming lives, it must be addressed.”Overuse of chemicals and lack of protectionScientists told the committee that pesticide use in apple orchards often exceeds recommended limits.Shahid Rasool, principal scientist at CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, said many orchardists spray chemicals every 10 to 12 days instead of the advised 18 to 21, believing it boosts yield.“Few can afford protective gear; chronic cough, rashes and irritation are common. Without gloves, goggles and masks, the risk multiplies,” he warned.Rasool said orchardists now use as many as 15 rounds of fungicide and insecticide each season, far beyond recommended schedules, and called for safer practices and protective equipment.Traces of pesticides found in human bloodFurther concerns were raised by Dr Sobia Nisar, a physician-researcher at Government Medical College, Srinagar, who has studied the biochemical effects of pesticide exposure among residents of apple-growing districts such as Shopian and Pulwama.“The initial idea was to check pesticides residue levels in the fruit,” she said. “But what we found was far more disturbing. Traces of these compounds in human blood samples.”

Image Credit: Bilal Bahadur/TNN

Her findings document pesticide residues in the bloodstream of orchard workers and nearby residents, along with higher rates of obesity, lipid disorders, metabolic syndrome and early kidney impairment.“When such patterns emerge consistently across populations exposed to pesticides, it demands urgent scientific scrutiny,” Dr Nisar said.Earlier studies show high exposure among cancer patientsA study published in the Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine reported that 90% of brain tumour patients from Kashmir’s orchard belts had been exposed to pesticides, with all cases involving high-grade, aggressive tumours.The research focused on orchard workers in districts such as Anantnag, Budgam and Baramulla — areas that account for over 90% of the Valley’s apple-growing land — with smaller districts like Shopian and Kulgam also showing significant concentrations of cases.Committee seeks policy responseThe House Committee on Environment said it would recommend measures to the health and horticulture departments focusing on monitoring, research funding and worker safety, as concerns grow over the long-term health impact of pesticide use in Kashmir’s apple orchards.What the study foundA detailed study titled “Pesticides and brain cancer linked in orchard farmers of Kashmir”, conducted by researchers at the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), examined the relationship between pesticide exposure and primary malignant brain tumours among orchard workers in the Valley.

The study analysed medical records of 432 patients diagnosed with primary malignant brain tumours and 457 control patients with non-tumour neurological conditions, all treated at SKIMS over a four-year period between 2005 and 2008.High exposure among cancer patientsThese patients had been exposed to multiple neurotoxic and carcinogenic chemicals, including chlorpyriphos, dimethoate, mancozeb and captan.Only 9.96% of patients had no recorded exposure to pesticides. Among the control group, 119 out of 457 patients had a history of pesticide exposure, while 338 had no such link. Of the pesticide-exposed cancer patients, 71.7% were male and 28.3% were female, including members of three families. Nearly a third — 31.9% — were younger than 40 years, having begun exposure at an early age.Tumour severity and mortalityThe study found that all orchard-related patients had high-grade, aggressive brain tumours, unlike those in the non-pesticide-exposed group. Mortality among pesticide-exposed tumour patients was recorded at 12%.Researchers measured serum cholinesterase levels — a marker used to assess exposure to organophosphate pesticides — and found higher-than-normal levels in 31.9% of exposed patients, while decreased levels were seen in 45.3%.

Image Credit: Bilal Bahadur

Statistical analysis showed a significant case-control odds ratio of 0.28, with additional hospital and family control serum cholinesterase odds ratios of 1.1 and 1.5 respectively, pointing to what the study described as a strong suspicion of a link between pesticide exposure and brain cancer.Wider environmental and occupational contextThe study noted that millions of tonnes of pesticides, insecticides and fungicides are sprayed annually across Kashmir’s orchards. Apple cultivation alone covers more than half of the Valley’s fruit-growing land, with around 40% of the population directly or indirectly exposed through farming, residence near orchards or recreational use of orchard spaces.Researchers highlighted that prolonged use of synthetic pesticides over the past three decades has coincided with a marked rise in admissions of high-grade malignant brain tumours from orchard districts to SKIMS.The study concluded that occupational and environmental exposure to pesticides in Kashmir’s fruit-growing regions poses a serious health risk, warranting closer monitoring and further investigation.

NEW DELHI: Amid the ongoing controversy over Digvijaya Singh‘s remarks praising the RSS’s organisational strength, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Revanth Reddy hailed Sonia Gandhi‘s role in Congress leadership, citing examples of elevation of Manmohan Singh and P V Narasimha Rao to the post of Prime Minister.In a social media post on X, Reddy, on the 140th foundation day of the Congress, said that the party “has shaped every defining chapter of modern India.”

“Congress: a force for the people of India was born 140 years ago on this day. The story of the Indian National Congress is the story of Indian democracy in motion. When one reflects on the leadership of Smt Sonia Gandhi Ji, we find service, commitment, ethics and values,” Reddy said.“Under Smt Sonia Gandhi Ji’s leadership, it became possible for Shri P V Narasimha Rao garu, who started his public career from a remote village in Telangana, to rise to become Prime Minister of the country. Smt Sonia Gandhi Ji also made an economist like Dr Manmohan Singh Ji the Prime Minister. From leading India’s freedom struggle to framing the Constitution, from building democratic institutions to uniting a diverse nation, the Indian National Congress has shaped every defining chapter of modern India,” he added.This comes after Digvijaya Singh stirred a controversy by sharing a black-and-white photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi sitting on the floor near senior BJP leader L K Advani in Gujarat.Singh commented on the ability of grassroots workers to ascend through the ranks to become chief minister and eventually Prime Minister, attributing it to the “power of organisation.”He tagged several senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, MPs Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jairam Ramesh, Prime Minister Modi, and the official Congress handles.Reportedly, the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister rued “over-centralisation” in the Congress and pushed for decentralisation in the presence of top leadership at the CWC meeting held on Saturday.He also complained that district and state chiefs were appointed by the AICC and questioned why decisions taken at the Udaipur Chintan Shivir, including setting up an election management department, had not been implemented.Last week, Singh had also praised Rahul Gandhi for his stance on socio-economic issues, giving him “full marks,” while calling for internal reforms within the Congress. Drawing a parallel with Rahul Gandhi’s push for Election Commission reforms, Singh argued that the party itself needed similar changes.In another post on X, he wrote, “Rahul ji, you are absolutely ‘bang on’ in matters of socio-economic issues. Full marks. But now please look at Congress also. Like the Election Commission needs reforms, so does the Indian National Congress. You have started with ‘Sangathan Srijan’, but we need more pragmatic, decentralised functioning.”He added, “I am sure you would do it because I know you can do it. The only problem is that it is not easy to ‘convince’ you!!”

Stock market today (AI image)

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, opened in green on Monday. While Nifty50 was above 26,050, BSE Sensex was above 85,000. At 9:17 AM, Nifty50 was trading at 26,074.75, up 18 points or 0.069%. BSE Sensex was at 85,082.51, up 41 points or 0.048%.Stock markets are likely to see increased volatility in this week as calendar year 2025 ends and a new year begins, coinciding with the December derivatives expiry. Investors will closely track a string of domestic data releases, including November industrial production numbers, government budget value figures, external debt data and the final HSBC Manufacturing PMI reading, which are expected to guide near term sentiment.Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited says, “The standout feature of 2025 has been India’s stark underperformance compared to most developed and emerging markets. This underperformance is set to change in 2026 supported by solid fundamentals: India’s macros are in Goldilocks setting with robust economic growth and stable financial construct. The more important factor from the market perspective-earnings growth- is set to recover from Q3 FY26 onwards.” “Even though these are favourable factors, these are not sufficient to trigger a rally soon. A strong rebound in the market needs a trigger like a US- India trade deal with favourable thrills for India. There is no clarity yet on when this will happen. Therefore, a consolidation phase is likely in the near-term, and investors can utilise this consolidation phase to slowly accumulate high quality stocks giving priority to largecaps.”Global markets provided mixed cues in thin holiday trade. World stocks are hovering close to their record highs. Silver prices briefly touched a fresh peak before paring gains as lower liquidity amplified price swings. Oil prices moved up in early Asian trade on concerns over Middle East tensions that raised fears of potential supply disruptions. However, uncertainty surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war continued to cap gains and keep traders cautious.Precious metals saw renewed interest, with silver rising above $80 an ounce on Monday, supported by supply constraints, robust industrial demand and expectations of additional US Federal Reserve rate cuts. Platinum also touched a record high during the session before easing.On the domestic institutional front, foreign portfolio investors remained sellers, offloading shares worth Rs 318 crore on Friday. Domestic institutional investors, in contrast, provided support to the market with net purchases of Rs 1,772 crore.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

North Korea has test-fired two strategic long-range cruise missiles (AP image)

North Korea has test-fired two strategic long-range cruise missiles to demonstrate its nuclear combat readiness. This comes as tensions continue to rise on the Korean Peninsula amid increased military activity by the United States and South Korea.According to state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the missile launches took place on Sunday over the Yellow Sea, west of the Korean Peninsula. Leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the drill, which was aimed at reviewing the combat capability and counter-offensive readiness of long-range missile units.KCNA reported that the missiles flew for more than two hours before successfully hitting their targets. The state media released videos showing the missiles being launched and striking targets at sea. Kim expressed “great satisfaction” with the exercise and said North Korea would continue the “unlimited and sustained development” of its nuclear combat forces.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that it had detected several cruise missile launches at around 8.00 am on Sunday from the Sunan area near Pyongyang. The South Korean military said it is maintaining full readiness in close coordination with the United States to respond to any potential provocations.North Korea described the launches as a defensive measure. KCNA said Kim stressed that testing the reliability of the country’s nuclear deterrence was a “responsible exercise of the right to self-defence and war deterrence” in response to what Pyongyang sees as growing external security threats, news agency AFP reported. The missile test comes days after North Korea revealed its progress in building the country’s first nuclear-powered submarine. Last week, KCNA reported that Kim inspected a large submarine under construction at an indoor facility. He was accompanied by the senior officials and his daughter, Kim Ju Ae. Pyongyang has suggested that the submarine could be armed with nuclear-capable missiles.The timing of the missile drill is also significant as North Korea prepares for a ruling Workers’ Party congress early next year, the first in five years. International attention will focus on whether Kim outlines new policy directions, including toward the United States and stalled nuclear negotiations.Tensions have increased following South Korea’s plans to build a nuclear-powered submarine, a move Kim described as an “offensive act” that violates North Korea’s security and maritime sovereignty. Pyongyang has also strongly criticised the recent docking of the US Navy’s nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Greenville at the South Korean port city of Busan.Yang Moo-jin, former president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said the cruise missile drill was intended to counter these developments. He said the arrow-type cruise missiles, with a range of about 2,000 kilometres, could strike targets across the Korean Peninsula as well as US military bases in Japan.While United Nations Security Council resolutions ban North Korea from testing ballistic missiles, cruise missile tests are not prohibited. However, analysts warn that such missiles still pose a serious threat because they are highly precise and fly at low altitudes, making them harder to detect by radar.The latest test comes years after North Korea’s nuclear talks with the United States collapsed in 2019 during US President Donald Trump’s first term.Although Kim has recently signalled a willingness to return to talks, experts say he may seek to use his expanding nuclear arsenal as leverage in any future negotiations with Washington.

Ajit Pawar’s NCP & Sharad Pawar’s fraction to contest together in Pimpri Chinchwad

PUNE: Deputy chief minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar on Sunday announced that NCP and NCP (SP) will contest the upcoming Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation elections in an alliance.Addressing a campaign rally in Talawade for party candidates, Pawar said, “In Pimpri Chinchwad, NCP, the party with the clock symbol and NCP, the party with the trumpet symbol, will contest the civic election in an alliance. A parivar [family] is coming together as many people wanted this to happen.”Pawar said the seat-sharing arrangement between NCP and NCP (SP) has been finalised and will be announced within the next two days. “We come from a farming family; farming is our caste. Some decisions must be taken in the larger interest of Maharashtra,” he said.This marks the first official announcement of an alliance between the two parties, even as discussions continue for alliances in other municipal corporations, including Pune.During the rally, Pawar announced the party’s candidates for Ward 12, where the undivided NCP had won all four seats in the 2017 elections. The candidates are Pankaj Bhalekar, Sharad Bhalekar, Seema Bhalekar, and Charulata Sonawane. Later, at a public meeting in Chikhali for Ward 1, he announced Yash Sane, Vikas Sane, Sadhna Netaji Kashid, and Sangita Tamhane as party candidates.In his address, Pawar also credited NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar for bringing the IT park to Hinjewadi, saying the decision played a key role in the development of the twin city. It may be noted that under Ajit Pawar’s leadership, first Congress between 1992 and 1999 and then the undivided NCP ruled Pimpri Chinchwad between 1999 and 2017. The BJP wrested control of the civic body in 2017, winning 77 of the 128 seats, while the NCP finished second.He said that despite his party being in power for 25 years, PCMC never took loans for development works.“PCMC was considered one of the richest municipal corporations in Asia. Today, it is burdened with debt and allegations of corruption, which were never part of its earlier history,” he said.Pawar said the NCP would ensure representation for candidates from all communities, drawing inspiration from the ideologies of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shahu Maharaj, Jyotiba Phule, and BR Ambedkar. The candidate list, he said, would include a balance of youth and experienced leaders.Without naming individuals, Pawar also alleged that political opponents in Pimpri Chinchwad were threatening aspirants by warning that their construction projects would be stalled. “Women are being threatened, and such poaching politics has been never seen before.People have told me they were warned that their construction works would be stopped. Residents should not tolerate this, and justice must be ensured,” he said.