Singapore: US Secretary of Defense pete hegseth On Saturday he took another dig at Washington’s NATO and European partners, saying those who do not substantially increase defense spending “will face a marked change in the way we do business”.NATO members pledged last year to increase defense-related spending to five percent of gross domestic product, but despite increased efforts, many states say they may not be able to reach that goal.“For too long, polite pleas by our European allies to spend more on their defense have fallen on deaf ears,” the Pentagon chief told a defense summit in Singapore.“They’re finally playing catch-up,” Hegseth said in a speech at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue conference.“Allies who refuse to step up and carry their weight to protect our collective will face drastic changes to the way we do business.”Secretary of State Marco Rubio said this month that NATO was facing U.S. troop cuts in Europe as Washington focused on other threats and European countries stepped up their security.In Asia, Hegseth reiterated that the region’s security “rests disproportionately on American military power, while many of our allies and partners have allowed their own defense capabilities to weaken”.Many countries in the Asia-Pacific region are actually moving forward, Hegseth said, using South Korea as a specific example.“South Korea has continually invested in its defense because it does not have the luxury of treating war like an academic exercise.“They remain on the front lines, and so they constitute the real fighting force.”“This reflects a clear understanding of the threat environment,” he said.Hegseth also praised the spending policies of other countries, including Australia, the Philippines and Japan.“You don’t have a strong coalition unless everyone is in the game. No freebies,” Hegseth said.When Hegseth was asked by a New Zealand representative whether he considered the Pacific island nation’s plan to increase defense spending by one to two percent as “freebies”, he agreed.“If I’m being honest, two percent is not enough, and so two percent is freebies.“I have nothing against New Zealand, (but) I want the partners to step up,” Hegseth said.

New Delhi: A video is reportedly being shown Mamata Banerjee The case of clash with officials at Belle View Hospital in Kolkata has gone viral on social media. The incident reportedly took place in the presence of his nephew and TMC MP. Abhishek Banerjee Was undergoing treatment after the mob attack.In the video, Banerjee is seen talking sharply to the hospital officials and targeting Belle Vue Hospital CEO Pradeep Tandon. According to the viral clip, he can be heard saying, “You are running a hospital, you are arrogant.”The footage shows Abhishek Banerjee lying on a stretcher and being attended to by medical staff.Sharing the video on Twitter, BJP commentator Sudhanidhi Bandyopadhyay wrote: “Last night Mamata Banerjee was shouting against the hospital authorities of Belle Vue and especially Mr. Pradeep Tandon (CEO), his ego is also not going away.”The BJP West Bengal chief spokesperson also shared the video on Twitter and accused the TMC supremo of pressurizing hospital authorities even though medical assessment indicated that Abhishek did not suffer any major injuries.He wrote, “Mamata Banerjee should be ashamed for allegedly threatening Belle Vue Hospital CEO Pradeep Tandon and pressurizing hospital authorities to admit Abhishek Banerjee despite medical reports indicating no significant injuries.” He further wrote, “This represents a disturbing attempt to misuse medical institutions for political narratives. Hospitals exist to serve patients based on medical necessity, not political convenience. Any attempt to intimidate doctors, administrators or health care institutions undermines public trust and violates basic principles of democracy and governance.” The video surfaced amid the political storm over the alleged attack on Abhishek Banerjee during his visit to Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas district on Saturday.According to West Bengal Police, five people have been arrested in connection with the attack, ANI reported. “There are no serious physical signs of injury other than bruising on the chest. The patient is talking and fully conscious and oriented. Therefore, the patient does not require any admission,” Belle Vue Hospital said in a statement. Read this also ‘Rahul Gandhi called me’: Mamata says LoP offered to take Abhishek Banerjee to Hyderabad for treatmentAbhishek had gone to meet families affected by the post-poll violence when stones, eggs and shoes were allegedly thrown at him by protesters. Visuals from the scene show his shirt torn during the scuffle as security personnel take him away.After the incident, Mamata Banerjee alleged that pressure was being put on hospitals and doctors regarding the treatment of Abhishek Banerjee. Addressing reporters, he claimed that hospital authorities had received threatening calls and were allegedly being discouraged from admitting the TMC MP despite medical advice.“Those in power are threatening all hospitals and maximum authorities not to admit Abhishek Banerjee because they do not want him to be treated,” Banerjee alleged.“When I was sitting with the hospital administrator, he told me that he was getting threat calls from the police. The doctors are sad, but they are under pressure,” she said.The allegations triggered a new political controversy, with Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi expressing support for Abhishek Banerjee and condemning the attack. According to Mamata Banerjee, Rahul personally called her and offered assistance, including helping arrange for the TMC leader’s treatment outside West Bengal if needed.The BJP has denied any involvement in the attack, while several opposition leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, have condemned the incident and demanded action against those responsible.

WATCH: US attacks another ship en route to ‘narco-trafficking’, killing three

Washington: The US military has launched another attack on a suspected drug-trafficking ship in the eastern Pacific, killing three people aboard a ship transiting “narco-trafficking” routes.“Three male narco-terrorists were killed during this operation. No US military forces were harmed,” US Southern Command said in a post on Twitter.The video shows a small ship moving in the sea before it is attacked and a huge explosion occurs and the boat turns into a ball of fire. The footage shows what happened next, with the ship bursting into flames and a large number of parcels or other items scattered in the surrounding waters.The strike is part of the Trump administration’s intensified campaign against Latin American drug cartels, which US officials blame for fueling the country’s deadly overdose crisis.Timeline of US Southern Commanderd strikeOn May 26, SOUTHCOM commander General Francis L. At Donovan’s direction, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducts a lethal kinetic attack on a ship operated by designated terrorist organizations.Southern Command said onIt further reads, “During this operation one male narco-terrorist was killed, and two survived.”On May 27, US Southern Command released footage of another attack, saying that intelligence confirmed that the ship was transiting known narco-trafficking routes in the eastern Pacific.“Two male narco-terrorists were killed during this operation. No US military forces were harmed,” the command said.On May 29, SOUTHCOM commander General Francis L. At Donovan’s direction, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted another lethal kinetic attack on a ship operated by designated terrorist organizations.“Three male narco-terrorists were killed during this operation. No US military forces were harmed,” the X-Post read.More than 200 people have been killed in the campaign since SeptemberThe Trump administration’s anti-drug trafficking campaign in Latin American waters began in September.The operation resulted in 200 deaths.However, the US military has not publicly provided evidence that the ships targeted in the attacks were carrying narcotics.

Shubman Gill and Rajat Patidar (BCCI/IPL photo)

Ahmedabad: Many hearts were broken when Rajasthan Royals lost to Gujarat Titans by seven wickets in Qualifier 2 at New Chandigarh on Friday night, denying fans the chance to see cricket’s new sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi in his maiden IPL final. Still, few would deny that Sunday night’s summit clash promises to be a fascinating contest between two of IPL 2026’s best and most consistent teams.Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), chasing a second consecutive title, will take on 2022 winners and hosts Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Beyond the trophy, the stakes are bigger: the winner could establish itself as the IPL’s next major force, as Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians did in their era. RCB, in particular, will be aiming to become the third team after those two giants to win consecutive titles. On paper it is an equal contest. Both teams are being led by in-form captains, with each team inspiring their teams with contrasting but effective leadership styles knocking on the doors of India’s T20I team. Rajat PatidarHis calm, collected approach has brought stability to RCB in two seasons, and now he is on the verge of joining MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as the only captains to defend the IPL crown.The 32-year-old Madhya Pradesh batsman has backed up his leadership with excellent figures, scoring 486 runs in 14 matches at an average of 44.18 and a strike rate of 196.76, including five fifties. Long known for his prowess against spin, Patidar has added another dimension this season by dismantling pace attacks with equal ease.Second captain, Shubman GillLooks determined to regain his place in India’s T20 setup.The handsome opener has been in great form and has scored 722 runs in 15 matches at an average of 48.13 and a strike rate of 163.71. Both captains reached the final on the back of decisive innings: Patidar’s explosive inning of 93 off 33 balls gave RCB a 92-run win over GT in Qualifier 1, while Gill’s brilliant inning of 104 off 53 balls took the Titans ahead of Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2.Gill and opening partner Sai Sudarshan may not attack like some of the young batsmen in the league, but their approach is no less effective. His fluent strokeplay and ability to bat deep was on full display in their 167-run partnership while chasing 215 in Qualifier 2.

Sudarshan, who scored 710 runs at an average of 47.33 and strike rate of 159, is also in the race for the Orange Cap along with Gill.With Jos Buttler (507 runs) providing strength at No. 3, Gujarat Titans have a top order that rarely fails. However, RCB can match that firepower with a strong batting line-up of Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Tim David, Venkatesh Iyer and Patidar. The champions have consistently scored over 200, helped in part by batting-friendly surfaces but also by fearless intent.The contest may ultimately depend on the bowlers and both teams have powerful pace attacks. RCB’s biggest strength is the experience and sharpness of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. Bhuvneshwar has been exceptional, taking 26 wickets at an average of 18.15 and an economy of 8.00, while Hazlewood’s ability to strike early makes him a vital weapon against GT’s top order. Supported by Rasikh Salaam and all-rounder Krunal Pandya, RCB’s attack has both depth and variety.Gujarat Titans boasts of the most complete bowling unit in the tournament. Kagiso Rabada leads the way with 28 wickets while consistently touching the speed of 150 kmph. Rashid Khan, Jason Holder and Prasidh Krishna provide capable support. Home advantage may play a role, with the Titans having won five out of seven games in Ahmedabad this season. Nevertheless, RCB entered the final slightly ahead, having enjoyed more rest and having the confidence to have won the title at this venue last year.

the internet is confident Taylor Swift It has something to do with ‘Toy Story 5’, and the evidence is growing. Just days after the film’s producers attempted to quell speculation about a possible Swift connection, they posted an Instagram Reel directly linking the singer to the fifth installment of the beloved franchise, getting fans excited again.The post features fan-favorite cowgirl Jessie dancing to Swift’s ‘Shake It Off’, referencing one of the singer’s biggest hits with the caption: “She’s as good as she gets.” The timing of the post, coming just two days after the film’s director addressed the rumours, added fuel to the fire.

What ‘toy Story ‘5’ Director Andrew Stanton Speaks Out About Taylor Swift Rumors

During a recent interview, director Andrew Stanton, along with co-director McKenna Harris and producer Lindsay Collins, were asked about fan speculation linking Swift to the film. “It blew us away. What an honor it is,” Stanton said of the online reviews. “It would be pretty amazing,” Collins said.However, Stanton insisted on a specific theory, confirming that Swift was not performing the final song of the film. He added, “The sad truth is that we watched the movie get mixed last week, and the song at the end wasn’t Taylor Swift.” Notably, Stanton only addressed the final song theory and did not comment on widespread speculation about a possible collaboration elsewhere in the film.

It all started with a ‘TS’ billboard and website glitch

On April 30, just over a month before the billboard was seen, Swift’s website briefly displayed a countdown with ‘Toy Story’-style clouds and a yellow countdown clock pointing to May 2. The countdown remained live for about 10 minutes before disappearing completely, and no announcements were ever made. Swift’s team did not respond to requests for comment.Then on May 29, Swifties saw billboards in Chicago, London, and Dallas featuring the franchise’s signature blue-sky background and the letters “TS”, the initials shared by both Taylor Swift and ‘Toy Story’. The billboards also featured 13 white clouds in the background, a number long associated with Swift, further fueling speculation.

Taylor Swift’s history of collaboration on film projects

Although any partnership between Swift and ‘Toy Story 5’ has not been officially confirmed, a film collaboration would fit nicely into the singer’s existing relationship with the franchise’s home platform. The streaming service has served as the home for ‘Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version)’, ‘Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour: The Final Show’ and ‘Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions’. She also participated in a six-part Erasure Tour documentary featuring behind-the-scenes footage, rehearsals and interviews with Swift, her mother Andrea Swift, and fiancé Travis Kelce.Joining forces with ‘Toy Story 5’ would also continue Swift’s long tradition of contributing to major Hollywood projects. Over the years, he has written ‘Crazier’ for ‘Hannah Montana: The Movie’, ‘Today Was a Fairytale’ for ‘Valentine’s Day’, ‘Safe & Sound’ for ‘The Hunger Games’ and ‘Eyes Open’, ‘I Don’t Wanna Live Forever’ for ‘Fifty Shades Darker’, ‘Cats’ for ‘Beautiful Ghosts’ and ‘Where the Crawdads’ Recorded ‘Carolina’. Sing’.With ‘Toy Story 5’ set for release later this year, fans won’t have to wait long to find out if the theories were spot on.

Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek Banerjee and Rahul Gandhi (Images/Agencies)

New Delhi: Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee Claimed that the opposition leader and Congress MP in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi Had personally contacted TMC national general secretary and MP after the alleged attack on him Abhishek Banerjee In West Bengal.Addressing reporters late on Saturday night, Mamata said Rahul Gandhi had offered assistance for the treatment of her nephew Abhishek Banerjee and assured support if needed.Mamata said, “Rahul Gandhi called me and said that if anything is needed, I can tell him and he can take Abhishek Banerjee to Hyderabad or somewhere else for treatment.”The comments come after Abhishek Banerjee was allegedly attacked during his visit to Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas district, where he had gone to meet families affected by post-poll violence. Videos from the scene showed stones, eggs and shoes being thrown as protesters raised slogans against the TMC leader. The visuals also show that Banerjee’s shirt was torn during the scuffle, after which the security personnel were taking her away.Mamata Banerjee further alleged that after the incident, there was pressure on hospitals and doctors regarding the treatment of Abhishek Banerjee.“Those in power are threatening all hospitals and maximum authorities not to admit Abhishek Banerjee because they do not want him to be treated,” he alleged.“When I was sitting with the hospital administrator, he told me that he was getting threat calls from the police. The doctors are sad, but they are under pressure,” she said.Rahul Gandhi had strongly condemned this attack and called it an attack on democracy.In a post on Twitter, Rahul wrote: “The attack on MP Abhishek Banerjee in Sonarpur is completely condemnable. An attack on a Member of Parliament is not just an attack on an individual – it is an attack on the people who elected them, and an attack on the democracy that is our shared heritage. This is the ugly face of BJPPolitics of revenge. Political differences can never justify violence.”He further wrote, “Both the Central Government and the West Bengal Government should take immediate action against the culprits, and ensure that no public representative, irrespective of party, has to worry about their safety. Abhishek ji, my thoughts are with you and your family. Wishing you a speedy recovery.” The attack has sparked a political storm, with many opposition leaders uniting in support of Abhishek Banerjee. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the incident and questioned the alleged lack of adequate security, while Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav termed it a ‘big conspiracy’ and accused the BJP of promoting violent politics.TMC has alleged that BJP supporters are behind this attack. In a statement, the party claimed that Abhishek Banerjee continued her visit despite ‘vicious attacks by BJP-backed miscreants’ while meeting the families of party workers allegedly targeted in the post-poll violence.However, BJP leaders have denied any involvement. West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya condemned the incident but said the party had no role in it, suggesting that local anger against TMC may have led to the confrontation. Union Minister Sukant Majumdar also condemned the violence and appealed for peace, while urging people not to take law and order into their own hands.After the attack, Abhishek Banerjee alleged that the incident was pre-planned and questioned the absence of adequate police deployment at the site. He had said, “Look what they have done to me. It was pre-planned. There is no police in the area. They want to kill me.”

The dangers of AI eclipsed the dangers of nuclear weapons at a Defense Forum discussion on strategic stability in Singapore, as panelists warned that it could reduce reaction times to the point where people make hasty decisions.Lieutenant General Nauman Zakaria, commander of the Pakistani Army’s 1 Corps and Army Rocket Force Command, said the so-called “OODA loop” – an acronym for Observe, Orient, Decide and Act – creates a kind of fog in which “a human being cannot rapidly evaluate the situation.” “People will act irrationally, and the actions will be excessive,” he said Saturday during a discussion at the Shangri-La Dialogue.Those concerns were expressed by the only panelist not directly involved in defense and security, Mirjana Spoljarić, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross. He warned that although technology has the potential to improve life, it also significantly increases the risk of war.“We don’t know where the trigger was pulled,” SpoljaRick said. “This could be thousands of kilometers away. So although there is potential for AI to protect civilians, what we are seeing at the moment is only the downside.”Nuclear weapons, the classic example of strategic deterrence, still feature prominently in negotiations. Major General Meng Jiangqing of the People’s Liberation Army reaffirmed China’s no-first-use policy and said that if more countries adopted that position, the world would be a safer place. “If we can do that, we can reduce risk and further enhance strategic stability,” he said.The conversation repeatedly revolved around artificial intelligence. Netherlands defense chief General Onno Echelsheim said such technology had already appeared on the battlefield as Ukrainians had used it to anticipate Russian attacks. The US has also said it has deployed AI in planning Iranian attacks.“There is a huge risk in AI growth. I think that’s clear,” Echelsheim said. “But I’m not naive. It will be used in the domain. It’s already being used.”(This is a Bloomberg story)