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US, China, Russia Launching Full Frontal Assault On Arms Control Treaties?
President Donald Trump’s recent claim about Russia, China and Pakistan doing nuclear tests raised quite some eyebrows, but Brig Arun Sahgal (Retd) of the Forum for Security Initiatives in Delhi, offered a context.
In a conversation on The Gist, Sahgal pointed out that “All these countries are engaged in very low yield testing, they are trying to look at outputs, force explosion outputs based on the technologies that they are developing. The second area is sub-critical testing.
“We have to understand that before Trump made those remarks, preparations were already ongoing in the United States … (at) Los Alamos that was being prepared for testing. The uranium mines are (also) being upgraded.”
There is a massive upgradation programme which the Americans are involved in but Trump is deflecting the blame on the Chinese and the Russians. The latter recently tested a nuclear powered cruise missile that “can reach anywhere on earth, bypassing the most sophisticated air and missile defence systems”.
Also the Poseidon, a nuclear-powered torpedo that has a top speed of 200 km an hour and can zig-zag to avoid interception.
“The Chinese are equally getting ready for some kind of testing. Also the fact is they are creating a large number of silos and upgrading their nuclear arsenals. More systems are being brought into the picture,” Brig Sahgal noted.
All this points to the fact that the world is in the middle of what Sahgal describes as the “Third Nuclear Age”, in which Trump and the major nuclear powers are launching a full frontal assault on the existing arms control treaties.
Thus the US, Russia and China signed the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty but Washington never ratified it. Although the other two did, none of them see the treaty as an important element in nuclear restraint.
“This restraint is breaking apart,” Sahgal warned, “and there is a perception emerging of a decapitating first strike from cyber-space and also space using non-nuclear strategic weapons.”
Tune in for more in this conversation with Brig Arun Sahgal (Retd) of the Forum for Security Initiatives.
U.S. Jobs Report Delayed Again As Historic Government Shutdown Continues
The U.S. Labor Department will not release its monthly employment report for a second consecutive month, marking an unprecedented data blackout as the government shutdown enters its second month. Economists are warning that even when the government reopens, the October employment report may never be published due to lost data collection.
Data Blackout Clouds Economic Picture
The ongoing shutdown the longest in U.S. history has halted key economic data releases, leaving policymakers, investors and the public without reliable indicators of the economy’s health. Private research groups have stepped in to fill the gap, but experts say their data cannot match the scope or accuracy of official government statistics.
The employment report for September, originally scheduled for release on 3 October, is expected to be published soon after government operations resume. However, economists say the October report, due this Friday, may be impossible to compile. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) was unable to conduct the required surveys while the government was closed.
Challenges in Collecting Employment Data
The monthly jobs report relies on two main surveys: the establishment survey, which measures nonfarm payrolls, and the household survey, which determines the unemployment rate. The former depends on forms completed by businesses, while the latter involves in-person interviews conducted by Census Bureau field workers.
“I don’t think the household survey data will be published,” said Ron Hetrick, a senior labour economist at Lightcast and former BLS supervisor. He noted that while companies likely continued tracking their payrolls, making the establishment survey partly recoverable, household data could not be retroactively gathered.
If the shutdown ends next week, data collection for November’s report could resume as normal, but economists expect major disruptions in trend analysis due to the missing month.
Inflation Data Also at Risk
The shutdown is also threatening other key economic reports. The White House has warned that the October consumer price index (CPI) a crucial measure of inflation might not be released for the first time ever.
“Anything that’s monthly, with a household survey, there’s likely to be a hole,” said Erica Groshen, a former BLS commissioner. “The unemployment rate that comes out of the Current Population Survey might not be available either.”
Goldman Sachs economist Ronnie Walker outlined three possible options for the BLS: using delayed interviews referencing the original October survey week, shifting the reference week, or skipping October’s data entirely. Historically, the agency has preferred the first approach, but Walker warned that “the longer the shutdown lasts, the greater the risk that the BLS forgoes collecting October data.”
With the U.S. economy still under scrutiny amid inflation pressures and interest rate uncertainty, the absence of government data has left analysts navigating blind spots that could complicate future policy decisions.
(with inputs from Reuters)
China Commissions Fujian, Its Most Advanced Aircraft Carrier
China has formally commissioned its newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, marking a major milestone in its military modernisation drive. However, defence analysts and diplomats say the vessel faces significant technical and operational hurdles before it can be declared fully combat ready.
A New Phase in China’s Naval Expansion
President Xi Jinping presided over the commissioning ceremony in Hainan province on Wednesday, where he presented the navy’s flag and toured the Fujian, according to the official Xinhua news agency. The carrier, China’s third, features a flat flight deck equipped with electromagnetic catapults, a key technological leap from the ski-jump ramps used on the earlier Liaoning and Shandong carriers.
The Fujian can host more aircraft, including heavier and better-armed fighter jets. During sea trials this year, China successfully tested carrier launches of its new J-35 stealth fighter, the KJ-600 early-warning aircraft, and upgraded versions of the J-15 fighter. State media hailed the Fujian as a “milestone” in China’s naval ambitions.
Crew members stood in formation on deck as Xi departed, pledging to “obey the Party’s command, be able to fight and win, maintain exemplary conduct,” according to reports.
Still Years from Full Combat Readiness
Military observers say the carrier is still in early testing phases. Ben Lewis, founder of the open-source platform PLA Tracker, said it could take at least another year before the Fujian becomes fully operational. “Despite nine sea trials this year, they are working with almost entirely new platforms top to bottom,” Lewis said.
Footage released by state media showed J-15s taking off from the Fujian’s catapults without weapons, suggesting that flight operations remain in a developmental stage. Singapore-based defence scholar Collin Koh said the deployment of the KJ-600 early-warning aircraft was particularly important for extending the range and coordination of China’s naval forces.
Strategic Role and Limitations
Since China’s first carrier, the Liaoning, was commissioned in 2012, Beijing has largely used its carriers as training platforms. However, recent deployments east of Japan and toward Guam suggest that China’s navy is beginning to expand its operational reach.
Unlike U.S. nuclear-powered carriers, the Fujian runs on diesel fuel, limiting its range. Analysts estimate it must refuel after travelling about 10,000 nautical miles (18,520 km), whereas American carriers can remain at sea for years.
The Pentagon’s 2023 report on China’s military noted that the Fujian and future carriers would significantly enhance China’s power projection capabilities, allowing for the deployment of electronic warfare and anti-submarine aircraft. “This will increase the striking power of a potential People’s Liberation Army Navy carrier battle group when deployed to areas beyond China’s immediate periphery,” the report stated.
Koh added that the Fujian would likely serve both a propaganda and strategic purpose. “This is potentially a game changer for China,” he said. “But there are a lot of capabilities here they’ve still got to test and finesse including how they would best deploy it in a Taiwan conflict.”
(with inputs from Reuters)
Russia Seeks U.S. Clarification On Trump’s Nuclear Testing Remarks
Russia has demanded that the United States clarify recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump about restarting nuclear testing, warning that such a move could provoke strong international reactions.
Moscow Calls for Explanation
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Friday that Moscow wanted Washington to explain Trump’s statement, which appeared to suggest a resumption of nuclear tests after more than three decades. “Such actions, if confirmed, would have serious consequences and prompt responses from other countries,” she told reporters at a press briefing in Moscow.
Trump last week ordered the U.S. military to “immediately restart” the process for testing nuclear weapons, ending a 33-year halt. However, it remains unclear whether he was referring to full-scale nuclear-explosive testing—overseen by the National Nuclear Security Administration—or missile flight tests involving nuclear-capable systems.
Russia Prepares for Possible Response
Amid the uncertainty, Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed top security officials on Wednesday to prepare proposals for a potential nuclear test should the United States proceed with one. Moscow has not conducted a nuclear test since 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Putin’s directive underscores growing tensions between the two nuclear powers, which together hold the world’s largest stockpiles of nuclear weapons. Any resumption of testing by either side would mark a major departure from decades of arms control efforts aimed at preventing the escalation of nuclear rivalry.
Rising Global Concerns
International observers have expressed concern that a return to nuclear testing could undermine the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which bans all nuclear explosions. Although neither the U.S. nor Russia has ratified the treaty, both countries have observed a testing moratorium since the early 1990s.
Analysts say renewed testing could set off a dangerous chain reaction, prompting other nuclear-armed states to follow suit. Diplomatic sources in Moscow indicated that Russia would seek clarification through official channels before deciding on further steps.
(with inputs from Reuters)
Explosion At Jakarta Mosque Injures Dozens During Friday Prayers
An explosion at a mosque in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, during Friday prayers has left dozens injured, police said, though the cause of the blast remains under investigation.
Dozens Hurt in Mosque Blast
Jakarta city police chief Asep Edi Suheri told reporters that 54 people were taken to hospitals with injuries ranging from minor cuts to serious burns. The explosion occurred at a mosque located inside a school complex in the Kelapa Gading district of North Jakarta.
“We have taken several measures such as investigating the crime scene, setting up a police line and sterilising the area,” Suheri said.
Footage broadcast by KompasTV showed a green-painted mosque with a row of shoes outside and police tape surrounding the building. The exterior appeared largely intact, with no visible signs of structural damage.
Two Explosions Reported, Investigation Ongoing
State news agency Antara quoted Deputy Chief Security Minister Lodewijk Freidrich as saying that two explosions had occurred inside the mosque. Security forces quickly sealed off the area, and heavily armed police officers were seen guarding the iron gates of the complex, while emergency vehicles and armoured police trucks lined the street.
Authorities have not yet determined whether the incident was accidental or deliberate. Investigators are examining the scene to identify the source and nature of the explosions.
Blast in a Sensitive Military Area
The mosque sits within a crowded part of North Jakarta on navy-owned land that houses many active and retired military personnel. The location’s security significance has added urgency to the investigation.
Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, has experienced sporadic extremist violence in the past, including attacks on churches and Western targets. However, attacks on mosques are extremely rare, and Islamist militancy has been largely subdued in recent years.
Police said more information would be released once preliminary findings are confirmed.
(with inputs from Reuters)
China Urges End To Trade Barriers Blocking Global Energy Transition
China’s Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang has called for the removal of trade barriers that he said are slowing down the world’s transition to clean energy. Speaking at a global climate summit in Brazil on Thursday, Ding urged nations to practise “true multilateralism” and enhance cooperation on green technology and industry.
Push For Global Cooperation On Green Development
“We need to strengthen international collaboration on green technology and industry, remove trade barriers, and ensure the free flow of quality green products to better meet the needs of global sustainable development,” Ding said through a translator.
According to China’s official Xinhua news agency, Ding also urged developed nations to take the lead in cutting emissions and to meet their funding pledges to support developing countries. “Developed countries should fulfil their obligations to take the lead in emission reduction, earnestly honour their funding commitments, and provide more support to developing countries,” he said.
He added that China remains willing to work with all countries to promote “green and low-carbon development” on a sustained basis.
China’s Climate Commitments
Chinese President Xi Jinping announced in September that China aims to cut economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by between 7% and 10% by 2035 from its peak level. Under its nationally determined contribution targets, the country plans to ensure that non-fossil fuels account for more than 30% of total energy consumption by the same year.
China is currently the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases but also the biggest investor in renewable energy. The government has been expanding its solar and wind capacity while supporting electric vehicle production and clean technology exports.
Ding’s remarks in Brazil highlight Beijing’s attempt to position itself as a global leader in the green transition, while pressing developed economies to remove barriers that could restrict trade in environmentally friendly technologies.
(with inputs from Reuters)
U.S. Govt Shutdown Hits 40 Major Airports As Flights Are Cut
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Wednesday that flights at 40 major U.S. airports would be reduced by 10%, citing air traffic control safety concerns as the government shutdown entered its 36th day.
Duffy said the cuts could be reversed if Democrats agreed to reopen the government.
The shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, has forced 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration agents to work without pay.
The Trump administration has sought to ramp up pressure on Democrats to end the shutdown and has increasingly raised the specter of dramatic aviation disruptions to force them to vote to reopen the government. Democrats contend Republicans are to blame for refusing to negotiate over key health care subsidies.
Shutdown Amplifies Staffing Shortages
Tens of thousands of flights have been delayed since the shutdown began because of widespread air traffic control shortages. Airlines say at least 3.2 million travelers have already been impacted by air traffic control shortages.
In a call with major U.S. carriers, the FAA said capacity reductions at the airports would start at 4%, rising to 5% Saturday and 6% Sunday, before hitting 10% next week, industry sources told Reuters. The FAA also plans to exempt international flights from the cuts.
The move is aimed at taking pressure off air traffic controllers. The FAA is about 3,500 air traffic controllers short of targeted staffing levels and many had been working mandatory overtime and six-day weeks even before the shutdown.
Airlines Brace For Drop In Bookings
The closure, which began October 1, left many low-income Americans without food assistance, closed many government services and led to the furlough of about 750,000 federal employees.
Duffy had warned on Tuesday that if the federal government shutdown continued another week, it could lead to “mass chaos” and force him to close some of the national airspace to air traffic.
Airlines have repeatedly urged an end to the shutdown, citing aviation safety risks.
(With inputs from Reuters)
India’s Cyber Battlefield: 369 Million Attacks and Counting
The India Cyber Threat Report 2025, produced by Data Security Council of India (DSCI) and Seqrite, reveals a massive surge in attacks last year. There were over 369 million detections in 2024–702 every minute.
As India digitises everything from banking to governance, this threat perimeter expands. Some obvious questions then:
How is India’s cyber landscape evolving?
Where do the biggest risks lie?
Are policy, technology, and enterprises prepared?
To answer all this and more StratNewsGlobal.Tech spoke to Sunil Sharma, VP and MD-Sales, Sophos India on Capital Calculus. Sophos is a British firm that is in the business of cybersecurity.
Security, Connectivity Loom Large As Modi Heads For Bhutan On Key Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Bhutan from Nov. 11–12 on his fourth visit to the Himalayan kingdom. Top of the agenda is energy cooperation and connectivity but security and strategic issues loom large.
The India-China face off over Bhutan’s Doklam plateau is recent memory. Add to that China’s boundary disputes with both countries. Strengthening connectivity and economic integration is seen as a way to support Bhutan’s sovereignty and stability while enhancing India’s engagement across the eastern Himalayas.
The visit also coincides with the 70th birthday celebrations Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the father of the current monarch.
Punatsangchhu-II
A key highlight of the visit will be the inauguration of the 1,020-megawatt Punatsangchhu-II Hydropower Project. The plant, which became operational earlier this year, will boost Bhutan’s total electricity capacity by nearly 40 percent, helping it expand power exports to India and diversify its revenue base.
Financed through a mix of Indian grants and loans, Punatsangchhu-II continues a long-standing tradition of energy collaboration that began with projects such as Chukha, Tala, Kurichhu, and Mangdechhu. Hydropower remains the backbone of Bhutan’s economy, providing a major share of government income and clean energy for India’s growing power needs.
Rail Connectivity
Modi is also expected to review progress on two new India–Bhutan railway projects, the Kokrajhar–Gelephu link connecting Assam to southern Bhutan, and the Banarhat–Samtse line connecting West Bengal to southwestern Bhutan.
Together spanning about 89 kilometres, these lines are designed to carry both passengers and freight, creating new trade routes and faster transport between the two countries. India will fund construction on its side of the border, while Bhutan’s sections will be supported under New Delhi’s Rs 10,000-crore assistance for Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan (2024–29).
Officials say the new links will be vital for Bhutan’s trade logistics, as more than 80 percent of its imports and exports currently pass through Indian ports and highways. Improved rail access will cut transport costs and open opportunities for industries in border towns such as Gelephu and Samtse, which Bhutan plans to develop into key economic hubs.
Digital, Development
Beyond energy and transport, India and Bhutan are working closely on digital connectivity, education, and skill development. Bhutan was the first foreign country to adopt India’s BHIM-UPI platform in 2021, and discussions during the visit are expected to expand cooperation in fintech and e-governance.
India’s assistance package also includes funding for road infrastructure, health facilities, and technology-based education projects, reflecting the long-term commitment under New Delhi’s Neighbourhood First policy.
Nepal: Nine Communist Parties Merge But Under A Discredited Leadership?
“Let us think in a new way. Let us identify a common platform for all communists and move forward without insulting one another.”
As admissions go, Nepal’s veteran communist leader Jhalanath Khanal could not have been more candid. It was a belated acknowledgement that Nepal’s dime a dozen communist parties have spent as much time undermining each other as they have in trying to spread their gospel.
A case in point is the rivalry between Maoist leader Prachanda (Pushpa Kamal Dahal) and KP Sharma Oli of the CPN (UML). Each have backstabbed the other in the past, the most recently in 2023 when Oli withdrew support for prime minister Prachanda and joined hands with ideological foe Sher Bahadur Deuba of the Nepali Congress.
But in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Prachanda was crowned king of the new unified Nepali Communist Part. His No.2 is Madhav Nepal and No.3 is Khanal, both formerly of the CPN (Unified Socialist).
The new Nepali Communist Party brings together nine other splinter communist parties and factions (CPN-Maoist, CPN-Unified Socialist, Nepal Communist Party, CPN-Socialist, Nepal Socialist Party, Janasamajbadi Party, CPN-Maoist Socialist, CPN Communism, CPN-Maoist and Deshbhakta Samajbadi Morcha).
A report in the Kathmandu Post noted that “Several groups that merged lack notable grassroots support raising questions about the immediate influence and effectiveness of the newly proposed party.”
Oli was conspicuous by his absence even though his party the CPN(UML) is the largest among the communist parties. Could he join later? Not clear. But his party was swept out of power in the GenZ protests that convulsed Nepal in September.
Oli had to resign and flee to escape the anger of the streets. That humiliation will stay with him even though politicians have notoriously thick skins.
Several leaders of these and other parties preferred to stay out of the unification process for reasons that were not clear, although the sense is they felt they merited some position which was denied.
It’s no less true that many of these leaders failed to build themselves up politically and probably hope the new party could resurrect their political fortunes.
Important to note that this is not the first time such unification of left forces has been attempted. The Maoists and CPN(UML) had got together in 2018 but the venture collapsed three years later.
The new Nepali Communist Party now givens Prachanda leverage in any future negotiations with Oli. The only problem is the GenZ protests was a rejection of the politics of veteran leaders who had entrenched themselves at the top of every political party.
In that sense, the Nepali Communist Party looks very much like the old with ageing and many discredited leaders at the top, Prachanda included. The launch of the party was accompanied with familiar slogans about “scientific socialism with Nepali characteristics”. Exactly what that meant was not articulated.
That Prachanda sees this as an opportunity cannot be denied: he says he will contest the March 5 elections despite calls from younger cadres that the older leaders step aside. His party may ally with the CPN(UML). Equally, the latter may tie up with its former Nepali Congress partner.
Clearly, the more things change the more they remain the same.