• Donald Trump's return to the White House has sent shockwaves through the global security landscape.
• The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) faces an immediate timeline.
• This has led to a strategic pivot towards the Indo-Pacific.
• This represents a strategic opportunity for middle powers such as India and Australia to deepen their defense relationship.

• India's strategic geography: Bridging the Indian and Pacific Oceans, with territories and military presence near Southeast Asia.
• India complements India's maritime ambitions.
• The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has experienced capabilities in Indian military environments.
• India's long-standing relationships with Pacific Island nations align with India's growing interest.
• Many Pacific Island nations share concerns about China's assertiveness and vision for sovereign resilience and regional stability.
• While Japan, South Korea, and Europe are all valuable partners for India, the New Delhi-Canberra Defence relationship has quietly built bureaucratic muscle.
• The past decade saw the Australian Prime Ministers and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi foster this partnership.
• With Canberra viewing New Delhi as a "top-tier security partner," this foundation provides the perfect launch pad for a world where American security guarantees are increasingly conditional.
• The bureaucratic muscles of the New Delhi-Canberra relationship include the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) 2020 and the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogues launched in 2021 for high-level strategic coordination.
• Military cooperation has advanced through arrangements such as the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA), which streamlines logistical support during joint exercises and humanitarian missions, and the 2024 Air-to-Air refueling arrangement.
• Australia aims to fill the gap left by the United States alone.
• India remains tied to its continental predicament, with an active border dispute with China and sustained challenges from Pakistan.
• Australia's strategic imagination is substantial, considering its indigenous role, which involves a complete overhaul of its armed forces.
• Australia has acquired new military capabilities from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the U.S., and increased outreach to smaller island states.
• How can both sides ensure that they rise to face challenges in the regional security architecture?
• Australia's view of India as a top-tier security partner can help navigate a world where U.S. security guarantees are increasingly conditional.
• India needs to elevate ground-up ideas from working-level personnel.
• Strategic dialogues now need to be more uniform and professional.
• Discussions creating fresh thinking that both nations need.
• Simple initiatives such as fellowships for staff college graduates or regular war-gaming exchanges will build mutual understanding.
• India and Australia should explore cooperation with Australia in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of naval vessels.
• New Delhi has successfully displayed its capabilities in this sector with active contracts with the U.S. and British navies.
• Further, exploring joint manufacturing and provision of patrol boats for small island security forces in the Indian Ocean region and in the Pacific would showcase the joint intentions and capabilities of the two sides.
• These aspects of cooperation will improve MRO and patrol boats will be key.
• The third-order impacts on exposure to each other's technologies and platforms can be immense.
• Opportunity for MSMEs: Finally, defence industry collaboration demands a reset.
• Much of the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are in America.
• Indian OEMs prefer to deal directly with their main offices in these countries.
• Cooperation in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector has been a missed opportunity.
• Defense and aerospace startups are at the forefront of components and dual-use technologies.
• Their outputs are ideal to work with other nations, like New Delhi.
• Canberra is investing in an indigenous program in the defense sector.
• It is important to engage the MSME sectors in both countries.
• This could enable the countries to build something similar to the U.S.-India INDUS X model.

• Enhanced military cooperation between India and Australia is crucial for regional security and stability.
• Both countries should invest in joint manufacturing and co-development of defense technologies.
• Deepening collaboration in the MSME sector is essential to harness innovation and create new opportunities.

• The Centre was notified on June 5 to address several concerns raised by the people of Ladakh regarding their language, culture, and land.
• These issues came to the forefront after the special status of the former State of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) was withdrawn in 2019, and it was bifurcated into Union Territories (UT).
• New policies on reservation, languages, domicile, and composition of hill councils for the UT of Ladakh include a provision for up to 85% reservation for indigenous people in government jobs.
• It is unclear how this will be applied, as several states in the Northeast have reservation above 80% for indigenous people in various sectors.
• For instance, Mizoram has 92% and Arunachal Pradesh has 80% in jobs.
• To be counted as a domicile of Ladakh, a person must have a continuous 15-year stay from 2019 in Ladakh.
• This means that migrants in Ladakh, having lost their special status in 2019, will be considered for domicile only after 2034.
• The comparable provision in the UT of J&K considers anyone who has completed 15 years as a registered migrant eligible for domicile.
• In hill councils, one-third of the seats will be reserved for women, as per policy.
• English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi languages will be the official languages.

• These measures fall short of the demands that civil society organizations in Ladakh have been raising.
• They want full statehood, which includes a provision for special protection for tribal people in several parts of the country, a second seat in the Lok Sabha, and the constitution of a public service commission.
• Ladakh, with a population of 2.74 lakh (2011 Census), has been demanding constitutional safeguards to protect its identity, culture, and land.
• The lack of jobs and employment opportunities for the youth were at the heart of protests witnessed by the Union Territory in the past five years.
• A parliamentary panel was informed by the Union Home Ministry earlier this year that none of the 1,275 gazetted posts in Ladakh have been filled since the region became a centrally administered territory in 2019.
• The sustained campaign by the Ladakh, both in Kargil and Leh, forced the government to form a high-powered committee in 2023, headed by Minister of State, Nityanand Rai, to look into their demands.
• Ladakh is strategically located at the junction of India, Pakistan, and China, where both neighbors have border disputes with India.
• Recent developments have demonstrated that both these countries often act in tandem.

• It is imperative that New Delhi pays close attention to the sentiments of the region and addresses the grievances of the people of Ladakh.
• Granting full statehood and providing constitutional safeguards are crucial for protecting Ladakh's unique identity and ensuring its development.
• Addressing unemployment and creating more job opportunities for the youth of Ladakh is essential for stability.

• The Russia-Ukraine war has entered a new phase, marked by intensified military attacks and direct negotiations.
• Ukraine carried out its most daring drone attack deep inside Russia, targeting military airfields.
• According to Ukrainian intelligence officials, the drones, which were transported by trucks into Russia and launched remotely, resulted in "the destruction of dozens of strategic bombers."
• These claims have not been independently verified.
• Russia's Ministry of Defense confirmed that five of its airfields, one close to the Norwegian border and the other in Siberia, were "caught fire."
• Ukraine managed to carry out such an attack as a morale booster for its troops and a tactical set-back for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
• Prior to Kyiv's attack, Russia had launched an avalanche of drones and missiles across Ukraine, significantly straining the country's air defenses.
• This included a missile strike at a military training base on Sunday, killing at least 12 Ukrainian soldiers.
• Russia and Ukraine went ahead with planned direct talks in Istanbul.
• On Monday, four-long meeting negotiators agreed to a prisoner exchange deal and scheduled a third round of talks later in June.
• After four months into the war, signs of exhaustion are evident on both sides.
• Ukraine, faced with battlefield challenges, is trying to offset its vulnerabilities by "slapping innovative drone attacks" to make the Kremlin feel the pain of the war.
• Kyiv has not had any major territorial victory in its lost territories since the Kherson offensive of late 2022.
• Over the past year, Ukraine has lost nearly 5,000 sq. km of its territory to the Russians.
• Russia has recaptured the land Ukraine had seized in Kursk.
• Russia's spring offensive is now gaining momentum, with territorial advances in the Sumy region.
• Ukraine is grappling with weakened air defenses, an acute manpower crisis, and uncertainty about continued U.S. support.
• President Donald Trump's Russia has found it increasingly difficult to prevent Ukraine's drone attacks targeting its energy infrastructure.
• The Black Sea fleet and now airfields host strategic bombers.
• If Russia has battlefield momentum, Ukraine stays defiant.
• If the war continues to drag on, the toll on both sides will only deepen.
• So far, efforts by Mr. Trump to broker peace have yielded little progress.
• Russia has long-standing grievances, and future security concerns must be addressed.

• Ukraine needs credible security guarantees that shield it from future attacks.
• The U.S. has a crucial role to play in narrowing differences and working towards a durable ceasefire.

• International efforts to mediate a durable ceasefire are essential to de-escalate the conflict.
• Security guarantees for Ukraine are crucial to prevent future attacks and ensure its sovereignty.
• Addressing Russia's long-standing grievances and security concerns is important for a lasting peace settlement.
• Continued diplomatic engagement is necessary to find a political solution to the conflict.

• Chief of Defence Staff says the armed forces have made it clear to Pakistan that India will not live in the shadow of terrorism or nuclear blackmail.
• India's defense compelled the neighboring country to a truce in just eight hours.
• Professional military exercises are more important than setbacks, says General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, who gave a lecture on Operation Sindoor.

• "How you deal with something is important, talking losses in numbers would not be correct. For instance, if a cricket match is won by 'innings defeat', then there is no question of wickets, overs, balls... We will let you know how many aircraft and radars were destroyed," said General Anil Chauhan.
• He emphasized that the overall outcome is more important than individual setbacks.
• "The professional force is not affected by losses or setbacks. Even if there are setbacks, we need to maintain morale and adaptability, realize and rectify the mistake," General Chauhan said.
• He said the armed forces would shortly share a rough assessment of the losses suffered by Pakistan.
• "Convergence warfare," General Chauhan said.
• "While fighting, we did not see each other, except for the action on the Line of Control (LOC), which was a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic action. For the first time, it was multi-domain, being cyber, land, space, electromagnetic spectrum, and air," he added.
• "On May 7, we informed Pakistan about the precision attack and warned them that if they hit us, we will come on harder. Around 1 a.m. on May 10, Pakistan wanted India to get on its knees in 48 hours.
• India's defense compelled them to a truce. Their 48-hour plan was summed up in eight hours and followed by a phone call for a ceasefire.
• When the Pakistani Army attacked with ballistic missiles on May 10, Indian defence forces launched the BrahMos missile, destroying at least 11 airbases in Pakistan, Gen. Chauhan said.
• He said warfare is continuously evolving, and military affairs are witnessing a revolution in technology for convergence.
• "Operation Sindoor" highlights that India has been about drawing the limits of tolerance and making it clear Pakistan cannot hold India hostage to terror activity and India won't live in the shadow of terror or nuclear blackmail.

• India will continue to modernize its armed forces and enhance its capabilities in multi-domain warfare.
• Maintaining a strong deterrent posture against threats from Pakistan and other adversaries is crucial.
• Continuous adaptation and learning from military exercises are essential for improving combat readiness.

NEWS IN SHORTS

Ladakh gets new policies on quota, domicile status

Ladakh has introduced new policies for reservation and domicile status, with 80% of government jobs reserved for residents and 33% of hill council seats for women. The move aims to address long-standing demands for "constitutional safeguards" and ensure local representation.

20% vacancies in U.P. Police to be reserved for Agniveers

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved reserving 20% of police vacancies for Agniveers completing their four-year armed forces tenure. This policy, effective August 2026, aims to provide post-service employment opportunities and apply horizontally across all categories.

Bhu Bharati a landmark law to find lasting solution to land disputes: Telangana Deputy CM

Telangana's Deputy Chief Minister launched the "Bhu Bharati" (Record of Rights in Land) Act, aiming to resolve land disputes. The law uses drone-aided surveys and GPS technology to accurately identify boundaries, providing a permanent solution to farmers' land ownership issues.

Arunachal shuts down 386 govt.-run schools

Arunachal Pradesh has ordered the closure of 386 government-run schools due to "zero enrolment" or non-functional status. Teachers from these schools will be transferred to other government schools facing staff shortages, as part of an effort to optimize educational resources.

IISc researchers develop artificial metal-based nanozyme that prevents excess blood clotting

Researchers at IISc have developed an artificial metal-based nanozyme that can prevent excess blood clotting, a major cause of thrombosis. This nanozyme mimics natural antioxidants, controlling reactive oxygen species and preventing platelet over-activation, offering potential for treating thrombotic diseases.

A ban, a split verdict, and a health concern

India's Supreme Court upheld a ban on blended mustard oil, citing health concerns over high erucic acid content. The ruling, a split verdict, impacts the edible oil industry and highlights the debate over health implications of blended oils.

Eight more dead as flood situation worsens in Assam

The flood situation in Assam worsened, claiming eight more lives and affecting over 6.33 lakh people across 21 districts. Landslides and overflowing rivers have caused widespread damage, with rescue operations ongoing to evacuate affected communities.

Pakistan is spinning a scare narrative on Brahmaputra water flow, says Assam CM

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused Pakistan of creating a "scare narrative" regarding the Brahmaputra's water flow. He stated that India's interests would be protected and dismissed concerns about Chinese dam projects affecting water levels.

Indian astronaut’s space mission to ISS postponed to June 10

The Indian astronaut's space mission to the International Space Station (ISS) has been postponed to June 10 due to inclement weather. The crew, including an Indian astronaut, will launch from Florida, with preparations ongoing for the rescheduled flight.

Enforce laws against mob lynching, says Jamaat

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind urged authorities to enforce laws against mob lynching, citing recent incidents of violence against minorities. They highlighted concerns about discrimination and called for strict action against perpetrators to ensure justice and prevent future incidents.

Overall outcome more important than setbacks, says Gen. Chauhan

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan stated that the overall outcome of military operations is more important than individual setbacks. He affirmed that India's defence compelled Pakistan to seek a ceasefire, emphasizing the importance of strategic victory over losses.

Indian delegation seeks to sensitise U.K. lawmakers to Pak.-sponsored terror attacks

An Indian parliamentary delegation visited the U.K. to sensitize lawmakers about Pakistan-sponsored terror attacks and discuss border security. The delegation sought to counter Pakistan's narrative and highlight its alleged role in cross-border terrorism, emphasizing the need for international cooperation.

Government plans to wind down National Polio Surveillance Network centres in India

India plans to phase down its National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN) centres by 2026, transitioning to a localized surveillance system. The move follows India's polio-free status since 2014, with remaining units to support vaccine-preventable disease surveillance.

PM to flag off Vande Bharat from Katra and Srinagar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off the Vande Bharat Express from Katra to Srinagar, improving rail connectivity in the Kashmir Valley. The train is designed for climate-specific adaptations, ensuring comfort for passengers in all weather conditions.

Russia’s bridge to Crimea hit by Ukraine, Russia hold direct talks in Turkiye

Ukraine reportedly hit Russia's bridge to Crimea with underwater explosives, leading to an escalation of tensions. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine held direct talks in Turkiye, focusing on prisoner exchanges and humanitarian corridors.

New York, Congo, Colombia, Latvia among new UN Security Council members

New York, Congo, Colombia, and Latvia have joined the UN Security Council as non-permanent members. These nations will serve a two-year term, contributing to international peace and security discussions and decisions within the UN framework.

Washington to reduce military bases in Syria to one: U.S. envoy

The U.S. plans to reduce its military bases in Syria to a single presence, signaling a shift in its strategic approach. This move aims to consolidate forces and re-evaluate engagement in the region.

Teenage girl influencer killed in Pakistan after ‘rejecting man’

A teenage girl influencer was reportedly killed in Pakistan after rejecting a man. The incident has sparked outrage, raising concerns about violence against women and the safety of female social media users in the country.

Deadly attacks around aid sites is a war crime, says UN

The UN condemned deadly attacks around aid distribution sites in Gaza, calling them war crimes. These incidents highlight the severe risks faced by civilians and aid workers in conflict zones, emphasizing the need for protection and humanitarian access.

At least 27 killed as Israel hits aid site in Gaza for third day

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza for the third consecutive day killed at least 27 people at an aid site. The attacks caused numerous casualties, including women and children, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Dutch govt. falls as far-right leader Wilders quits coalition

The Dutch government collapsed after far-right leader Geert Wilders withdrew from the coalition. The decision came amid disagreements over immigration policies, leading to political uncertainty and potential new elections.

NEWS IN NUMBERS

India imported 1.96 million barrels per day of Russian crude oil in May. Arunachal Pradesh ordered 386 government schools with no student intake to shut down. Punjab approved ₹68 crore for loan waivers to Dalit families. Mumbai ranks 6th globally in data centre capacity. Active COVID-19 cases in India reached 4,000, with five new deaths.