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Russia Plans to Build Nuclear Power Plant on the Moon by 2036
Russia intends to construct a nuclear power plant on the moon within the next decade to support its expanding lunar exploration programme and a joint research base with China. The project marks Moscow’s most ambitious step yet in reviving its space credentials as major powers accelerate efforts to establish a permanent presence on the earth’s only natural satellite.
Roscosmos, Russia’s state space agency, announced that it had signed a contract with aerospace firm Lavochkin Association to build the plant, which it aims to complete by 2036. The facility will provide energy for lunar rovers, observatories and infrastructure forming part of the planned Russian-Chinese International Lunar Research Station.
From Setbacks to Renewed Ambition
Russia’s lunar ambitions have faced severe setbacks in recent years. The 2023 Luna-25 probe crashed into the moon’s surface during a landing attempt, dealing a blow to Moscow’s return to deep-space exploration. Once a pioneer in spaceflight, Russia has since struggled to match the United States and China, both of which have advanced their lunar and planetary programmes significantly.
Despite the failure, Roscosmos insists the latest project will mark a turning point. “This initiative is an important step toward the creation of a permanently functioning scientific lunar station and the transition from single missions to long-term lunar exploration,” the agency said in a statement.
Nuclear Collaboration and Technological Edge
Although Roscosmos stopped short of explicitly confirming the plant’s nuclear nature, the project involves Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear corporation, and the Kurchatov Institute, the country’s top nuclear research body. Their participation strongly indicates that the facility will rely on nuclear technology to ensure a stable and long-lasting energy supply in the moon’s harsh environment.
Roscosmos head Dmitry Bakanov has previously outlined the goal of deploying a nuclear power source on the moon as part of broader plans that also include renewed exploration of Venus, often described as the earth’s “sister planet.”
Renewed Space Competition
The announcement highlights a growing global competition to secure technological and scientific leadership in lunar exploration. While the United States is preparing for future Artemis missions and China has advanced its Chang’e lunar programme, Russia’s collaboration with Beijing underscores a strategic partnership designed to maintain influence in space research.
The moon, located roughly 384,400 kilometres from earth, plays a crucial role in stabilising the planet’s rotation and influencing tides. For Russia, establishing a permanent scientific base there is as much a symbol of prestige as it is a step toward reasserting its position among the world’s space powers.
with inputs from Reuters
Bangladesh: Troubled Past, Stability, Chaos, What Next?
Street protests, mob lynching, chaos and a surge in anti-India sentiment. That describes the recent state of affairs in Bangladesh. The immediate trigger supposedly is the killing of a youth leader who was to contest the upcoming general elections.
Pious Hope
Fast moving changes; it’s a very sensitive and delicate time. That’s how Ramanathan Kumar, former officer of the Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW), describes the current situation in Bangladesh.
Kumar, who has served in Bangladesh, goes back to July 2024 when student protests led to Sheikh Hasina’s ouster.
There have been tumultuous changes in the country since then. And not all for good. The Yunus-led interim government was installed with lofty promises. Cleaning up governance, bringing about electoral reforms and then holding free and fair elections. That was more of a pious hope, not borne out by reality, he says.
The reality is starkly different: instead of stability, a great deal of chaos on the streets. Add to that settling of political scores and attacks on minorities.
Pakistan Sniffs A Chance In Bangladesh
Radicalism that was largely kept in check during the Hasina years is visibly back. A strong current of anti-India sentiment sweeps the streets as the election approaches.
During Hasina’s rule, the exploitation of Bangladeshi territory to carry out acts prejudicial to the security of India had been denied in very large measure. In the past, Pakistan had exploited that space to the hilt to India’s detriment. The wheel has now changed. Pakistan now senses an opportunity. And this is where I think the great danger lies, says Kumar.
With the Awami League barred from contesting, the upcoming elections fall short of being called free and fair. The anti-Hasina sentiment is still fresh. And the next government may be tempted to adopt a confrontationist approach towards India to prove it’s different. Kumar finds that worrisome as it would undo many hard won gains of the past, such as connectivity, coastal navigation, etc.
The past must not be forgotten, warns Kumar. If India-Bangladesh relations go the India-Pakistan way, it will be a “tragedy for the whole region”.
Thailand: Anutin Chosen As PM Candidate In February Polls
Thailand’s caretaker leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, was selected by his party on Wednesday to stand as its candidate for prime minister in the early February general election, as he seeks to capitalise on a wave of nationalism arising from the ongoing border conflict with Cambodia.
Less than 100 days after he was elected premier, Anutin dissolved parliament earlier this month when his minority government faced the threat of a no-confidence vote.
Speaking to party members and supporters on Wednesday, Anutin said he and his Bhumjaithai party were ready to return to power, describing the February 8 election as “the most consequential poll” for the conservative political outfit since its formation in 2008.
“Today we are sure and ready to enter the election race to serve Thailand and its people,” Anutin said.
“This is the first time the Thai people have high expectations from the Bhumjaithai Party.”
Nationalist Sentiment
If re-elected, Anutin said that key executives of his government will keep their roles, including Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun.
Anutin stands to gain from growing nationalist sentiment generated by the conflict with Cambodia, which reignited on his watch. However, analysts say the election could be close and grant no clear majority for any of the parties involved.
Yodchanan Wongsawat, a leading prime ministerial candidate with the Pheu Thai Party, told Reuters in an interview that he is open to joining a coalition government.
In a nationwide survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration, Bhumjaithai is currently polling at 9.92%, fourth among the major parties competing in the vote.
But the survey also indicated that some 32.36% of voters had yet to decide which party they will back, leaving space for Bhumjaithai to gain ground in the coming weeks.
Anutin’s Journey
Bhumjaithai came third in the 2023 election, joining a Pheu Thai-led ruling coalition, with which it stayed until June this year.
The party withdrew its support following a leaked phone call between then Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.
Paetongtarn was later dismissed by the Constitutional Court in August, opening the door for Anutin.
A savvy political operator, Anutin manoeuvred his way to the top job through a parliamentary vote in September after striking a deal with the opposition People’s Party, the largest force in parliament.
That agreement, however, fell through earlier this month, setting the stage for February’s earlier-than-expected snap election.
(with inputs from Reuters)
Nepal Elections Will Settle Tensions, Ensure Stability: Ex-PM Baburam Bhattarai
After witnessing the violent Gen-Z protests of September, Nepal is now gearing up for elections in March 2026 which, it is hoped, will “settle down” tensions and usher in stability.
That’s the hope expressed by Baburam Bhattarai, former Nepal prime minister, who was addressing an event in Delhi recently. He was confident elections would go ahead as scheduled on March 5.
“Nepal believes in inclusivity. Nepal believes in democracy … Nepal will never declare Hinduism as state religion. Also, let me dispel a misconception that monarchy might come back in Nepal. No, it is not so. Monarchy in Nepal is dead. You don’t resurrect a dead body,” he said.
Bhattarai, former guerrilla leader who played a key role in Nepal’s revolutionary Maoist insurgency, said that the Constitution of Nepal was shaped by the aspirations of common people.
“Nepalese have allegiance towards Hinduism, but Nepal will not declare any religion as the state religion … We don’t want to declare a state religion because then there will be exclusion and that is why we never did it in Nepal. We wanted a secular Nepal where there will be freedom to practice all religions,” he stressed.
“For the first time in the history of Nepal, people’s elected representatives made their own constitution through the constituent assembly. I had the opportunity to lead that process … And I was heavily influenced by Babasaheb Ambedkar, I was also influenced by European enlightenment – liberty, equality and fraternity,” Bhattarai said.
He said Nepal’s constitution is “very inclusive” and “one of the most progressive, democratic constitutions in the world.”
“Despite this we failed to transform our economy, failed to provide jobs to the youth, failed to promote a strong economic base,” he said, adding that Nepal’s constitution has a provision of free education for the Dalits but these provisions were never implemented.
Elections In March
He attributed the Gen-Z protests to the “leadership failure” of then prime minister KP Sharma Oli.
“Our leadership failed to deliver while aspirations of the youth increased and outcome was Gen-Z uprising,” said Bhattarai. But he also claimed “internal as well as external factors” were at play even as resentment amongst the youth got entangled with the “penetration of various interests.”
The protests were triggered by ongoing tensions among various sections of the Nepali society which realised that the government under Oli was failing in governance and also failed to uphold democratic values as enshrined in the Constitution.
“Elections will happen and it should happen. If we don’t have elections and power is not handed over to elected representatives of the people then democratic values will take a hit. And such a scenario will not only adversely impact Nepal, but the impact will be felt in India too,” he said.
“I have seen the struggle for democracy so even if old parties are replaced by new parties (post March elections) they will have to follow democratic principles and democratic rights,” he said.
Delhi-Kathmandu Trust Deficit
Despite tensions with India, he said both countries share a deep relationship across all spheres and both sides must address the growing “trust deficit.”
“We have a tremendous trust deficit … Serious trust deficit. India and Nepal are closely linked. But we have to upgrade our relationship according to the needs of the 21st century,” he said.
India has to understand and realise that “Nepal has no intention to give space to those who want to do harmful activities against India.”
Bangladesh: Ahead Of Tarique Rahman’s Return, Security A Major Concern
The much-heralded moment has arrived: on Thursday morning, acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Dhaka from London for the first time in 17 years. His biggest challenge would be leading the party to victory in the elections set for February. It will test his hold over the party and his political understanding and maturity.
More importantly, in the short window he has, he must energise his party cadres, for which he must physically cover much of Bangladesh, but the threat of assassination looms large.
As senior BNP leader Mirza Abbas told the Dhaka Tribune, “The entire nation is under a state of security fear at this moment. We are trying to ensure security as much as is needed. The rest is in Allah’s hands.”
Home Adviser Lt Gen Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd) said the highest level of security has been ensured for Tarique Rahman ’s safe return. However, the recent attacks on media outlets and sporadic violence have raised concerns about law enforcement.
The opinion polls point to a BNP victory, and if Tarique Rahman’s mother passes away in the weeks leading up to the elections, victory is probably guaranteed. She is critical with multiple ailments and has been on a ventilator in a Dhaka hospital since December 11.
The U.S.-based International Republican Institute, in a recent survey, says the BNP is on course to win the largest number of parliamentary seats, and Rahman may be the next PM. This is the first time he will be contesting a parliamentary election.
The BNP has sought to smoothen the path to victory by stitching together alliances with seven partners, leaving seven seats for them. It is also setting aside four seats for the Jamaat-e-Islami, its former partner when in power many years ago. The Jamaat is expected to come second to the BNP in the hustings, according to various assessments.
But the spectre of large-scale violence puts a question mark over the elections. Even now, there are doubts about whether the polls will go ahead. Add to that a poisoned political atmosphere: Oman Hadi, brother of anti-India activist Sharif Osman Hadi, who was shot dead by unidentified assailants, has accused “vested quarter” within the current Yunus government of orchestrating his brother’s death.
The shooting attack on another student leader, Muhammad Sikdar, whose condition is reported to be critical, has added to the sense of insecurity. Minorities are on edge, anticipating more violence directed at them. The mob lynching of a Hindu on charges of blasphemy has added to their concerns.
The man presiding over this chaos, Interim Adviser Muhammad Yunus, remains confident: “We have roughly 50 days to go before the election,” he told Sergio Gor, Trump’s special envoy, “We want to hold a free, fair and peaceful election. We want to make it remarkable.”
The people of Bangladesh and neighbours like India will hope and pray it comes to pass.
Two Police Officers Die In Moscow Bomb Blast
Three people were killed in a bomb blast in Moscow on Wednesday after two police officers approached a man acting suspiciously near the site where a senior general was killed two days ago by a car bomb that Russia said was planted by Ukrainian intelligence.
A string of Russian military figures and high-profile supporters of the war in Ukraine have been assassinated during the nearly four-year-old conflict. Ukrainian military intelligence has said it was responsible for a number of the attacks.
Ukraine Behind Killing?
Russia’s State Investigative Committee said that when two police officers approached a man who was acting strangely, they were killed by an explosive device, adding that a third person was also killed. It did not specify who the third person was.
It said it opened criminal cases under clauses dealing with the murder of law enforcement officers and the illegal trafficking of bombs.
Unofficial Telegram news channels in Russia said the bomber was one of those killed and that he detonated the bomb when approached by the officers. Reuters could not independently confirm those details.
The blast took place very close to where Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, head of the Russian General Staff’s army operational training directorate, was killed on Monday.
Russia said it suspected Ukraine was behind the killing.
There was no official comment from Ukraine.
Myrotvorets, an unofficial Ukrainian website that provides a database of people described as war criminals or traitors, updated its entry on Sarvarov to say the 56-year-old general had been “liquidated.”
(with inputs from Reuters)
Zelenskyy Seeks Meeting with Trump to Finalise Peace Framework with Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for a direct meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump to address the most delicate aspects of a potential peace agreement with Russia, including the issue of territorial control. The proposal follows a fresh round of U.S.-Ukrainian talks in Miami that brought the two sides closer to a draft framework for ending the war.
Speaking to reporters in remarks released by his office on Wednesday, Zelenskyy said the delegations had nearly completed work on a 20-point document that could form the foundation for a political settlement. “This is a framework a foundational document on ending the war, a political document between us, America, Europe, and the Russians,” he said. “We are ready for a meeting at the leaders’ level to discuss sensitive matters such as territorial questions.”
A Step Forward from Earlier Plans
Trump has repeatedly stated his intention to end Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two but has yet to secure meaningful progress from either Moscow or Kyiv. Previous drafts of the U.S. peace proposal were criticised in Ukraine for aligning too closely with Russian demands, including territorial concessions and limits on Ukraine’s armed forces.
Zelenskyy said the latest 20-point framework represents a substantial improvement from the earlier 28-point version discussed between the United States and Russia. Under the new plan, Ukraine would retain its current army strength of around 800,000 troops. Additional agreements with Washington and European partners would provide strong security guarantees, ensuring continued Western backing.
“We will see a strong Ukraine supported by the Coalition of the Willing, with a mechanism to monitor compliance with peace and a clear plan to respond to any renewed Russian aggression,” Zelenskyy said. He added that both delegations also worked on agreements covering post-war reconstruction and investment.
Key Disputes Over Territory
Despite progress on several issues, Kyiv and Washington remain divided over the question of territory. Ukraine’s position, Zelenskyy said, is to “remain where we are,” meaning hostilities would stop along current battle lines. Russia, however, continues to demand full control of the eastern Donetsk region, around a quarter of which remains under Ukrainian control.
Washington is reportedly seeking a compromise that could involve establishing a demilitarised or free economic zone in disputed areas.
The fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant also remains unresolved. The facility Europe’s largest is under Russian occupation near the front line. Zelenskyy said Kyiv had suggested turning the surrounding area into a limited economic zone to ensure safety and economic cooperation.
Next Steps in Peace Efforts
Zelenskyy said the new 20-point proposal would soon be submitted to Moscow for review. “If all regions are included and if we remain where we are, then we will reach an agreement,” he said. “But if not, there are two options: either the war continues, or we decide on potential economic zones.”
His remarks signal Ukraine’s cautious optimism that negotiations with the United States and its allies could lead to a breakthrough, even as deep disagreements over territory persist.
with inputs from Reuters
Trump’s Recall of Ambassadors Leaves U.S. With Diplomatic Gaps Across Africa
U.S. President Donald Trump’s mass recall of ambassadors has left Washington without senior diplomatic representation in more than half of sub-Saharan Africa, raising concerns about the country’s ability to advance its policies across a region troubled by coups and conflict.
Since taking office, Trump has pursued a business-oriented diplomacy in Africa, shifting the U.S. focus from aid to trade. His administration has promoted bilateral agreements and rare-earth mineral deals while seeking to broker peace accords in volatile areas. Trump has often contrasted this approach with China’s, claiming that Washington offers African nations a more reliable partnership.
Diplomatic Vacancies and Unclear Plans
According to reports from the Associated Press, the recall of 13 chiefs of mission will bring the total number of ambassadorial vacancies in Africa to about 30. Former diplomats said such a high figure would inevitably weaken America’s diplomatic presence. The State Department has not confirmed when, or if, replacements will be appointed.
Cameron Hudson, a former U.S. official with experience in African affairs, described the move as characteristic of Trump’s “personal style.” He noted that Trump prefers to handle key relationships himself rather than relying on ambassadors. “If he’s not personally engaged, that country doesn’t merit his attention. If he is engaged, then he doesn’t see the need for an ambassador,” Hudson said.
Trump’s personal envoy, Massad Boulos father-in-law of Trump’s daughter Tiffany has reportedly played a central role in negotiations involving the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Sudan.
Policy Shifts and Political Friction
Trump’s tenure has been marked by efforts to mediate the long-running conflict in eastern Congo. However, renewed advances by M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have cast doubt on the sustainability of recent peace efforts. The president has also clashed with South Africa and placed Nigeria on a watch list over the killing of Christians, even hinting at possible military action.
Among the ambassadors recalled were those serving in Rwanda, Nigeria and Niger, where a U.S. missionary pilot was kidnapped earlier this year.
Despite criticism, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the administration’s policies had delivered “unprecedented success” in advancing U.S. interests, citing new trade and peace agreements as evidence of effective leadership.
Leadership Changes and Ongoing Challenges
The reshuffle extends beyond overseas embassies. Jonathan Pratt, Senior Bureau Official for African Affairs, announced his retirement after serving through the end of the year. Deputy Assistant Secretary Nick Checker will take his place, becoming the third person to hold the position during Trump’s second term.
Former Assistant Secretary Tibor Nagy, who served during Trump’s first administration, said the number of vacancies was “extremely high” and warned that the absence of a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary for African Affairs could harm the bureau’s effectiveness.
Nagy noted that while Checker is experienced and capable, “at some point you really do need a Senate-confirmed assistant secretary” to lead diplomacy at the highest level.
with inputs from Reuters
Beijing Urges Police to Adopt Kunming Dog Over Foreign Breeds
China’s national security authorities have called on police forces nationwide to prioritise the use of the Kunming dog, a domestically bred working dog, instead of foreign breeds such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Malinois and Springer Spaniels. The move underscores Beijing’s wider strategy of pursuing technological and operational self-reliance.
The Ministry of Public Security issued the directive on Thursday, describing the initiative as part of efforts to “promote the development goal of international first-class police dog technology.” The statement praised the Kunming dog as a symbol of China’s independent control over police dog breeding and its growing expertise in this specialised field.
A Home-Grown Hybrid with Global Aspirations
Although not native to China, the Kunming dog is a wolf-dog hybrid developed in the 1950s through crossbreeding Alsatians with local dogs in Yunnan province. The ministry established a dedicated canine breeding centre in the region and has since expanded the programme to include three additional indigenous breeds.
“The Kunming dog’s advantage lies in its diverse genetic composition,” said Wang Guodong, a zoological researcher based in Kunming, in a video released alongside the ministry’s statement. Wang explained that while foreign breeds may excel in specific roles, they often display clear limitations. The Kunming dog, by contrast, performs reliably across a wider range of policing tasks.
Performance and Innovation
According to the ministry, the Kunming dog is China’s first and only police breed with fully independent intellectual property rights. It has been recognised for its “high technological and innovation value,” reflecting the government’s growing emphasis on domestic research and breeding capacity.
Handlers featured in the ministry’s promotional material said the breed surpasses foreign dogs in operations such as narcotics detection, explosives searches, and suspect apprehension. Its adaptability to different environments also makes it particularly suited to China’s varied policing needs.
In earlier years, some Chinese police dogs were trained using German commands, based on the belief that they would respond better to the language. However, authorities now aim to align training entirely with local systems to strengthen domestic expertise.
National Self-Reliance in Police Dog Technology
“As global competition in police dog technology becomes increasingly fierce, maintaining a stable supply of high-quality breeds suited to local conditions is essential,” the ministry said. The push to popularise the Kunming dog reflects a broader policy goal: to ensure China’s law enforcement operations are supported by locally developed resources and technologies.
with inputs from Reuters
Turkey Says Jet That Killed Libyan Army Chief Reported Electrical Failure
The Libyan army’s chief of staff, Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, died in a plane crash on Tuesday after leaving Turkey’s capital, Ankara, the prime minister of Libya‘s internationally recognised government said, adding that four others were on the jet as well.
“This followed a tragic and painful incident while they were returning from an official trip from the Turkish city of Ankara. This grave loss is a great loss for the nation, for the military institution, and for all the people,” Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah said in a statement.
Turkey’s Statements
Turkey’s head of communications said on Wednesday that the private jet carrying the chief of staff of Libya’s army reported an electrical failure and requested an emergency landing shortly before crashing near Ankara.
The Dassault Falcon 50 jet took off from Ankara’s Esenboga Airport at 1717 GMT on Tuesday en route to Tripoli, and at 1733 GMT it informed air traffic control of an emergency caused by an electrical malfunction, Burhanettin Duran said in a statement.
Eight people, including three crew members, were killed in the crash, according to Libyan and Turkish officials.
Air traffic control redirected the aircraft back toward Esenboga Airport, and emergency measures were initiated, but the jet disappeared from radar at 1736 GMT while descending for landing and contact was lost, he said.
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said that the wreckage was later found near Kesikkavak village in the area.
Investigation Underway
Turkey’s defence ministry had announced Haddad’s visit earlier, saying he had met with Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler and Turkish counterpart Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, along with other Turkish military commanders.
Search and rescue teams reached the crash site after operations were launched by Turkey’s Interior Ministry, and investigations into the cause of the crash were continuing with the involvement of all relevant authorities, Duran said.
Libya’s internationally recognised government has said the dead included the country’s army chief of staff, Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, and four members of his entourage.
Libyan officials have said the jet was leased and registered in Malta, adding that its ownership and technical history would be examined as part of the investigation.
(with inputs from Reuters)