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India.com
4 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
India Overtakes Pakistan In Nuclear Arsenal For First Time, Unleashes New Agni Missiles That Can Strike Multiple Targets At Once
New Delhi: There was not any fanfare. No grand announcement from the government. No breaking headlines. But sometime between last year and this one, India quietly pulled ahead in a race it has long been part of – one that rarely gets spoken of openly. For the first time, India is believed to hold more nuclear warheads than Pakistan. According to data gathered by international researchers monitoring global armaments, India now has around 180 nuclear weapons. That is about eight more than what it held the year before. Meanwhile, Pakistan has stayed steady at 170. This change may seem small on paper, but it carries weight. Both countries have walked a delicate line for decades, shaped by wars, ceasefires and mutual deterrence. Numbers alone do not define strategy, but they do tell a story. Behind this quiet leap is a shift in the kind of missiles India is building. In labs and testing fields far from public view, Indian scientists have been working on something newer, lighter, faster and more capable of staying hidden until the moment it is needed. The latest additions include the Agni-P and Agni-5, both part of India's long-range strike options. They are mobile, harder to detect and designed to be stored with warheads already attached and ready to launch if the order ever comes. One of them, the Agni-5, stretches India's reach far beyond the subcontinent. With a range of more than 5,000 kilometers, it can reportedly reach deep into Asia, parts of Europe and northern Africa. What is more, it may soon carry what is known as MIRVs – multiple warheads on a single missile (MIRVs) – each programmed to hit different targets. This kind of system is not common. It is a technology seen mostly in the arsenals of the United States, Russia and China. Though officials have not confirmed if the MIRV-equipped version of Agni-5 is fully operational, recent tests suggest India is inching closer. And that development could give Indian strategic forces a sharp edge not only in range but in complexity. A single launch could now mean multiple incoming threats for any adversary trying to intercept them. Even the Agni-P, designed for shorter distances, is no less important. It is meant to replace older models, but what makes it stand out is how quickly it can be moved and fired. Stored in sealed canisters, these missiles can be transported across roads without anyone knowing what is inside. When it comes to second-strike capability, survivability matters more than numbers. In the background of all this, China has been expanding at a pace that has caught global attention. From 500 nuclear warheads last year, China's estimated stockpile has grown to 600 in just 12 months. And if construction continues at its current pace – across deserts and remote mountain areas – it could rival the United States or Russia in the number of long-range missiles it fields within a decade. Pakistan, meanwhile, has focused on refining battlefield-range systems like the Nasr and Ababeel. But for now, its nuclear count appears unchanged. While India's nuclear policy remains centered around 'credible minimum deterrence', its investments suggest a clear intent to stay prepared for evolving threats. The idea of having enough firepower is to retaliate but never to strike first. For now, the numbers remain modest. But with aging agreements due to expire and no new treaties on the horizon, the region may be entering a new phase – one shaped less by war and more by silent preparation.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
When Vaniya Agrawal made Microsoft's AI security chief 'stumble' and accidentally reveal Walmart's AI plans
Former Microsoft employee Vaniya Agrawal , alongside colleague Hossam Nasr , disrupted a presentation by Microsoft's head of AI security Neta Haiby at the Build 2025 conference on Tuesday, causing an unexpected revelation of confidential internal messages about Walmart's artificial intelligence expansion plans. The leak occurred when Haiby switched screens amid the protests, accidentally exposing private Teams conversations about the retail giant's upcoming use of Microsoft's AI tools. The exposed messages showed Walmart is "ready to ROCK AND ROLL with Entra Web and AI Gateway," according to a Microsoft cloud solution architect. The conversation also quoted a Walmart AI engineer praising Microsoft's security capabilities, stating "Microsoft is WAY ahead of Google with AI security. We are excited to go down this path with you." The accidental revelation highlighted concerns about Walmart's existing "MyAssistant" tool, which the messages described as "overly powerful and needs guardrails." This proprietary AI system, built last summer using Azure OpenAI Service, helps store associates summarize documents and create marketing content. The Verge first reported on the incident and the AI partnership details. Protests disrupt multiple Microsoft Build sessions Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo This marked the third protest interruption at Microsoft Build 2025, as Agrawal and Nasr continued their campaign against Microsoft's cloud contracts with the Israeli government. The duo, representing the "No Azure for Apartheid" group, specifically chose Haiby's AI security session to voice their concerns. "Sarah, you are whitewashing the crimes of Microsoft in Palestine," Nasr shouted at Sarah Bird, Microsoft's head of responsible AI, who was co-hosting the session. The disruption followed similar protests during CEO Satya Nadella 's keynote and other Build presentations. Both Nasr and Agrawal are former Microsoft employees who were terminated after organizing Palestinian solidarity activities. Their protests centered on demanding Microsoft end its Azure contracts with Israeli military and government entities. Microsoft has not commented on the Build disruptions or the accidentally revealed Walmart partnership details.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
For India, China is main rival & Pakistan an ancillary security issue: US intel
NEW DELHI: Pakistan considers India an "existential threat" and will continue to pursue efforts to modernise its military and develop its battlefield or tactical nuclear weapons to offset New Delhi's conventional military advantage, the US Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has said. In its 'World Threat Assessment' report, which notes India's Operation Sindoor to strike terror hubs in Pakistan and the subsequent escalation in hostilities, the DIA says PM Modi's defence priorities will "probably focus" on demonstrating global leadership, countering China, and enhancing India's military power. "India views China as primary adversary and Pakistan more as an ancillary security problem to be managed, despite cross-border attacks in mid-May by both militaries," the report said. China has played a big role in facilitating a proliferation nexus to help Pakistan and North Korea to steadily boost their nuclear and ballistic missile arsenals over the years. Global estimates say India and Pakistan have around 170 N-warheads each, with Islamabad also frequently brandishing its short-range Nasr (Hatf-IX) and other missiles as a counter to New Delhi's conventional military superiority, as earlier reported by TOI. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 40대 이상이고 PC가 있으세요? 그럼 이 게임을 정말 좋아하실 거예요! Sea of Conquest 플레이하기 Undo The report says China's nuclear stockpile has probably crossed 600 operational warheads. "We estimate China will have over 1,000 operational warheads by 2030, much of which will be deployed at higher readiness levels for faster response times," it said. 'Pak primarily a recipient of China's military largesse' Pakistan is modernising its nuclear arsenal and maintaining the security of its nuclear material, and command and control structures. 'Pakistan almost certainly procures WMD (weapons of mass destruction)-applicable goods from foreign suppliers and intermediaries,' the report says. Early on May 10, India had struck nine airbases in Pakistan in what constituted some clear strategic messaging before the understanding on ceasing hostilities came into effect in the evening. In particular, the deep precision hits on the Nur Khan and Sargodha airbases rattled Pakistan. Nur Khan in Rawalpindi is located close to the headquarters of Pakistan's Strategic Plans Division that handles the country's nuclear arsenal, as was then reported by TOI. The DIA report says Pakistan 'primarily is a recipient' of Beijing's 'economic and military largesse', and its forces conduct multiple military exercises with Chinese forces every year. ' Foreign material and technology supporting Pakistan's WMD programmes are very likely acquired primarily from suppliers in China, and sometimes are transhipped through Hong Kong, Singapore, Turkiye, and the UAE,' it says. The report says India is giving priority to advancing its bilateral, trilateral and quadrilateral defence partnerships in the Indian Ocean Region and Indo-Pacific through exercises, training, arms sales and information sharing to counter China's influence and boost its global leadership role. India will almost certainly continue promoting its 'Made in India' initiative this year to build its domestic defence industry, mitigate supply chain concerns, and modernise its military, it says. In 2024, India conducted a test of its nuclear-capable Agni-I Prime medium-range ballistic missile and the Agni-V multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (multiple warheads on a single missile). 'India also commissioned its second nuclear-powered submarine (INS Arighaat) to strengthen its nuclear triad and bolster its ability to deter adversaries,' it says. Referring to troop disengagement in Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh in Oct last year, the report says it 'did not resolve the long-standing dispute about border demarcation but reduced some tension still lingering' since the Galwan clash in 2020.
Daily News Egypt
18-05-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Gates Developments Launches Second Phase of 'Lyv Ceaser' in Ras El Hekma with Over EGP 2 Billion in Investments
Gates Developments has officially launched the second phase of its flagship North Coast project, Lyv Ceaser, located in the sought-after Ras El Hekma area at kilometer 200. With a total investment surpassing EGP 2 billion in 2025, the second phase introduces three distinct zones: 'Bliss' in the sub-lagoon area, 'Shore' on the main lagoon, and 'Muse,' a dynamic district set just behind the waterfront. Spread across 206 acres, Lyv Ceaser has become a key pillar in Gates Developments' strategy to tap into Egypt's growing coastal tourism and residential sectors. The second phase alone is expected to generate EGP 12 billion in sales, building on the remarkable success of the first phase, which achieved over EGP 9 billion in contractual sales since its launch last year. 'We are committed to delivering projects that meet the evolving aspirations of our clients,' said Hassan Nasr, CEO of Gates Developments. 'Lyv Ceaser reflects our vision of creating integrated, lifestyle-oriented communities in prime locations. This project also aligns with Egypt's national goals to position Ras El Hekma as a leading tourism and investment hub on the North Coast.' Nasr highlighted that the launch of the second phase is a natural progression following the trust and demand demonstrated by clients during the first phase. The upcoming phase will offer a wider variety of units featuring updated designs and enhanced amenities. Construction is expected to begin promptly upon permit approvals, with delivery schedules aligned to the project's timeline. Lyv Ceaser stands out with its panoramic views of the Mediterranean, a 400-meter private beach, over 55,500 square meters of lagoons, multiple swimming pools, children's play areas, a gym, restaurant, health club, and expansive walkways — all designed to international standards. Residential options include chalets, villas, and townhouses ranging in size from 85 to 280 square meters, with most units offering direct sea views. Further enhancing the project's appeal, Gates Developments recently unveiled a luxury serviced apartment offering within the 'Lyv Boutique' Hotel, managed by a leading hospitality firm. Designed in partnership with 'Studio Five,' the development includes 32 beachfront cabins, providing upscale, fully serviced living for year-round residents and tourists. 'Ras El Hekma is no longer just a summer escape,' added Nasr. 'It's evolving into a year-round destination for living, leisure, and investment. With Lyv Ceaser, we are proud to contribute to this transformation.' The project forms part of Gates Developments' broader investment strategy, which spans residential, commercial, and hospitality projects across East and West Cairo. The company's total investments exceed EGP 71.2 billion, underscoring its ambition to play a key role in shaping the future of Egypt's real estate sector.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Pak a rogue nation with nukes, must be under IAEA scanner: Rajnath Singh
NEW DELHI: Calling Pakistan a rogue nation with nukes, defence minister said Thursday its nuclear arsenal should be placed under the watch of International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ), and stressed that Islamabad's nuclear blackmail failed to deter India's response to terrorism under . Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'PM Modi has redefined India's policy against terrorism which now says that any attack on Indian soil will be considered as an act of war,' said Singh, addressing troops at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar on his first visit to J&K since Op Sindoor was launched May 7. Singh's comments come soon after the PM drew a new red line, stressing that Pakistan's nuclear blackmail will no longer work and India would continue to give cross-border kinetic responses to terror attacks. Pak's been deceiving India for long: Rajnath India has a clearly stated 'no first-use' nuclear weapons policy but Pakistan has deliberately left it ambiguous and often indulges in nuclear sabre-rattling. It brandishes, for instance, its short-range Nasr (Hatf-IX) and other missiles as a counter to India's conventional military superiority. Pakistan, of course, has steadily built up its nuclear arsenal due to its well-documented proliferation nexus with China and North Korea. This nuclear option as a leverage against India came to the fore even last week when Islamabad first announced a meeting of its nuclear National Command Authority but then subsequently backed down amid global concern. At Srinagar, noting that the world has witnessed how irresponsibly Islamabad has issued nuclear threats to New Delhi several times, Singh said, 'I raise this question before the world: Are nuclear weapons safe in the hands of such an irresponsible and rogue nation? Pakistan's nuclear weapons should be taken under the supervision of the IAEA.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The defence minister called Operation Sindoor the 'biggest action' taken by India against terrorism in history, and a testament to the nation's commitment to go to any extent to eliminate the menace. 'Our forces have shown to the world that their aim is precise and pinpointed, and the task of counting (the body bags) is left to the enemies,' he said. Terrorists targeted tourists in Pahalgam based on their 'dharma' (religion), but the Indian forces killed terrorists based on their 'karma' (deeds) in the long-range strikes conducted in Pakistan and PoK on May 7, Rajnath said. 'It was the dream of every soldier that we will reach terrorist hideouts and destroy them. It was our dharma to eliminate the terrorists.' Addressing the troops, chief minister Omar Abdullah and Army chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Singh said India has always prioritised peace and never supported war but when its sovereignty is attacked, it is necessary to respond. 'If Pakistan continues to support terrorism, it will pay a heavier price,' he said. Recalling Pakistan's declaration about 21 years ago in front of then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee that terrorism will no longer be exported from its land, Singh said Pakistan has been 'deceiving India' for long. Pakistan must stop sheltering anti-India terrorist organisations and not allow its land to be used against India, he said. Pakistan has reached an abysmal state where it seeks loans from the IMF, while India falls in the category of those countries which provide funds to the IMF so that they can help poor countries, he added.
