Latest news with #ArmyDay
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Donald Trump's Army Day parade canceled? ‘Birth certificate' claim causes confusion
Many social media users have claimed that the military parade being held on June 14 in Washington, DC for the 250th Army Day, a day that also happens to be President Trump's 79th birthday, is now canceled due to his inability to produce a birth certificate. The rumor started from a satirical news report published by Andy Borowitz on his blog The Borowitz Report on Thursday (May 29). The report, which was meant to be taken humorously, has left many people confused about whether the parade is still on. 'Though White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed the missing document as an 'administrative error', the Joint Chiefs of Staff disagreed, stating, 'Without a birth certificate, we have no evidence of when or where President Trump was born.' Trump reportedly begged his wife, Melania, to swear under oath that he was born on June 14, but she refused, telling him, 'You never remember my birthday," the blog on the official website for The Borowitz Report read. Borowitz also published the same on his social media with the caption 'I knew it! —Obama', an obvious reference to the questions raised by Trump over the legitimacy of former President Barack Obama's birth certificate. Though many people understood the humor of the post, others were left puzzled by what they took to be actual news. The confusion, however, is completely unnecessary since the parade is still very much on. As of now, there has been no official notice from the White House regarding a possible cancellation. The report was clearly meant to be a satirical jest that was taken too literally by some people. Moreover, Borowitz, the writer of the original report, self-describes himself as a humorist on his website. 'I've been writing satirical news since I was eighteen. This represents either commitment to a genre or arrested development,' the website reads. Preparations are currently underway for what many expect to be a grand spectacle of troops and vehicles to celebrate Army Day in the best way possible. Many individuals have also blamed this action as a way for Trump to commemorate his birthday.
Shafaq News
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Shafaq News
Where steel meets memory: The timeless world of Iraq's classic cars
Shafaq News/ At dawn in the town of Iskandariyah, the clang of tools echoes through a modest workshop, cutting through the quiet like a heartbeat from the past. Beneath the soft hum of machinery and the scent of old paint and engine oil, Jaafar Abu Mohammed polishes a curved chrome bumper with the care of a museum conservator—not for display, but for remembrance. Now 51, Jaafar is Iraq's only known collector of 11 functioning classic cars, each meticulously restored and preserved as a "moving treasure." But for him, they are more than mechanical marvels—they are fragments of national identity. 'These cars are not for sale. They are stories on wheels,' he told Shafaq News. 'Each one witnessed an era that is gone, and each one has a soul.' What began as a fascination over a decade ago has become an act of cultural preservation. Jaafar has turned his passion into a private mission: salvaging and restoring vintage vehicles that once roamed Iraq's roads in more prosperous times. Among his most prized pieces is a 1955 Dodge believed to have belonged to King Faisal II, and a 1958 Jaguar he claims is the only one of its kind remaining in Iraq. His collection also includes a rare seven-seater 1948 Dodge, reportedly gifted by King Farouk of Egypt to King Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia. All repairs are done by hand—from panel beating and painting to sourcing original accessories, often imported directly from the United States at great cost and effort. 'It takes patience, months of waiting, and dedication,' Jaafar said. 'But it's worth it because I'm saving pieces of our history.' Though widely admired at national celebrations such as Baghdad Day and Army Day, his work faces major obstacles—chief among them, government inaction. Traffic authorities, in particular, restrict the movement of his vehicles, limiting their participation in public events. 'People want to see their heritage,' he lamented. 'These cars stir beautiful memories, but we get no support. Not from the traffic police, not from any agency. We work with love, but the backing is zero.' Jaafar has called for official recognition of heritage vehicle restoration as a cultural endeavor worthy of protection and support. However, his mission is no longer solitary. Jaafar's children have joined him in his preservation efforts, turning the workshop into a multi-generational archive of Iraqi motoring history. 'The first thing they do in the morning is shine the cars,' he said proudly. 'This isn't just a hobby anymore—it's our family's life.' As Iraq faces economic and political uncertainty, Jaafar Abu Mohammed's workshop stands as an unlikely sanctuary—where steel and memory are shaped together, and where the past refuses to be forgotten.
Roya News
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Roya News
Jordan's Red Motorcade: What is it?
With every national occasion, the "Red Motorcade" graces Jordan with a spectacular display reflecting the country's deep heritage and traditions. It is a royal custom that dates back to the founding of the Hashemite Kingdom. The Red Motorcade tours the streets of Jordan during official celebrations, presenting a unique image of the nation with the military's majestic uniforms, horses wearing red scarves, open-top red military vehicles, and motorcycles. This year, the Red Motorcade is participating once again in the celebrations marking the Kingdom's 79th Independence Day, accompanying His Majesty King Abdullah II during the festivities. The motorcade consists of twenty classic open-top Land Rover SUVs from the Hashemite Royal Court, accompanied by ten red motorcycles. This formation is meticulously organized and present at national events in a harmonious manner. The choice of red for the motorcade is inspired by the Hashemite banner, which features a maroon-red color, and includes the yellow Royal Guard flag with its emblem of a lion's face and two swords. The Red Motorcade team wears military uniforms adorned with red keffiyehs and the traditional black agal bearing the emblem of the Arab Army, along with red sashes across their chests. The Red Motorcade has a rich historical record, deployed by order of King Abdullah II on significant occasions such as national holidays, official ceremonies like Independence Day, visits to the Martyrs' Monument, Army Day and the Great Arab Revolt celebrations. It also accompanies His Majesty when heading to the National Assembly to deliver the Throne Speech, during royal weddings, official visits by kings and heads of state, and state funerals. The motorcade includes 20 SUVs—14 primary vehicles and 6 reserves—along with 10 motorcycles, surrounding the King's car during national events, state visits, and other special occasions.
Newsweek
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Five Signs of Growing Risk of US War With Iran
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The relationship between the United States and Iran has become increasingly volatile in recent weeks, marked by a series of military provocations, stalled nuclear talks, and shifting diplomatic dynamics. Both nations continue to face off over issues ranging from Iran's nuclear ambitions to its expanding military capabilities and influence in the Middle East. While both sides have expressed a desire to avoid full-scale war, several developments suggest the risk of direct conflict is rising. Newsweek has reached out to the State Department and Iran's foreign ministry for comment. Why it Matters The growing tensions between the U.S. and Iran are largely due to the strain on nuclear negotiations, escalating military developments, and proxy conflicts. As both nations brace for potential confrontation, Iran's military advancements are seen as significant steps in its strategy to counter U.S. influence. At the same time, diplomatic efforts to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions have shown little sign of progress, with the latest round of talks between Washington and Tehran expected in the coming days. Deadlock increases the likelihood that both sides could turn to military action as a means to resolve their disagreements. Soldiers march during a military parade to mark Iran's annual Army Day in Tehran on April 18, 2025. Soldiers march during a military parade to mark Iran's annual Army Day in Tehran on April 18, 2025. Atta Kenare/AP Photo What To Know The U.S., under President Donald Trump, has taken a hardline "maximum pressure" approach toward Iran, while Iran's leadership has consistently stated its readiness to defend the country against any military aggression. Tensions have also been exacerbated by Iranian-backed attacks on U.S. allies and military assets in the region. Here are five signs that the risk of conflict is increasing: 1. U.S. Deployments The U.S. has significantly bolstered its military presence in the region in a clear signal of growing concern over Iran's regional ambitions. In May 2025, four B-52 bombers were deployed to Diego Garcia, a U.S. base in the Indian Ocean roughly 2,000 miles (3,218 kilometers) from Iran. The base also houses six B-2 Spirit stealth bombers as part of an ongoing Bomber Task Force mission. Meanwhile, two aircraft carriers—the USS Harry S. Truman and the USS Carl Vinson—have been operating in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, respectively. These deployments underscore Washington's increased state of readiness and serve as a forceful message of deterrence aimed at Tehran. This photograph captured on May 8, 2025, by the U.S.'s Landsat 8 satellite shows U.S. Air Force bombers and other support aircraft parked at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, a joint British-American air base in... This photograph captured on May 8, 2025, by the U.S.'s Landsat 8 satellite shows U.S. Air Force bombers and other support aircraft parked at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, a joint British-American air base in the British Indian Ocean Territory, or Chagos Islands. More U.S. Geological Survey 2. Iran's Military Advancements Iran, in turn, has responded with notable enhancements to its own military posture, particularly in asymmetric warfare capabilities. As U.S. forces expand their footprint, Iran recently unveiled an underground drone base. This facility, built to house reconnaissance drones such as the Mohajer-6, enables Iran to monitor U.S. naval movements in the Persian Gulf. The base's fortified, subterranean design signals Tehran's intent to survive potential airstrikes and prepare for sustained conflict. At the same time, Iran has introduced the Qassem Basir missile, a medium-range ballistic system with a 750 mile (1,200 kilometer) reach. Engineered to evade interception by U.S. defenses such as THAAD, the missile presents a direct challenge to Western military dominance and poses a potential threat to regional allies like Israel. 3. The Israel Factor Israel's role in the confrontation is growing increasingly pronounced. Long wary of Iran's expanding military reach, Israel has signaled its readiness to act unilaterally if needed. The recent explosion at Iran's Bandar Abbas port has fueled suspicions of Israeli involvement, reinforcing concerns about covert operations — although Iranian authorities said it was due to negligence. In a pointed warning, Defense Minister Israel Katz stated, "Whoever harms us – we will strike back sevenfold," directly linking Iran to proxy attacks and vowing full retaliation. Katz also emphasized Israel's right to act independently: "Israel must be able to defend itself on its own against any threat and any enemy." A Russian-made S-300 air defense system is carried on a truck during a parade commemorating Iran's National Army Day in front of the shrine of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, just outside Tehran, Iran,... A Russian-made S-300 air defense system is carried on a truck during a parade commemorating Iran's National Army Day in front of the shrine of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, just outside Tehran, Iran, Friday, April 18, 2025. More Vahid Salemi/AP Photo 4. Trump's Middle East Visit Adding to the geopolitical backdrop, Trump is set to embark on a regional diplomatic tour with visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. The trip is intended to reinforce alliances and confront growing security challenges, particularly those posed by Iran's rising military assertiveness. However, the omission of Israel from the itinerary is striking, given its strategic importance to U.S. policy in the region. Whether this reflects a tactical shift or a move to de-escalate tensions with Iran remains uncertain. 5. Nuclear Talks Parallel to military maneuvers, diplomatic efforts continue but remain precarious. The fourth round of nuclear talks—originally delayed—is now scheduled for Sunday in Oman. However, fundamental disagreements persist: the U.S. demands a halt to uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief, while Iran maintains its right to peaceful nuclear development and says it has no intention of buiding nuclear weapons. With trust eroding and little progress made, the diplomatic window appears to be narrowing, heightening the risk that regional tensions could tip into open conflict. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House, Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Washington. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House, Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Washington. Evan Vucci/AP Photo What Happens Next As military tensions rise and diplomacy struggles, the U.S. and Iran stand at a pivotal moment. A breakdown in nuclear talks could lead to more sanctions or military action from Washington, while Tehran is likely to keep expanding its arsenal and using proxy forces to pressure U.S. allies. With both sides hardening their positions, the risk of open conflict is growing, and the coming weeks may determine whether de-escalation is possible—or if confrontation becomes inevitable.
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First Post
01-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
India vs Pakistan military showdown: Who holds the real edge in 2025?
India ranks fourth in the Global Firepower Index 2025 with 1.46 million active troops and an $81 billion defence budget, while Pakistan ranks 12th with 660,000 personnel and a $10 billion allocation. India operates 2,229 aircraft, 4,201 tanks and 293 naval vessels — including two aircraft carriers — outmatching Pakistan's 1,399 aircraft, 2,627 tanks, and 121 naval assets read more Indian Army soldiers participate in a mock drill exercise during the Army Day parade in New Delhi, India, January 15, 2016. File Image/Reuters Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated once again following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. In the aftermath, the Indian government initiated a series of retaliatory measures and strategic recalibrations, while Pakistan has also undertaken parallel steps that have further strained diplomatic ties. As both nations remain on high military alert, analysts warn that any misstep could push South Asia toward conflict. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In response to the April 22 attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly authorised the Indian armed forces to independently decide the nature and timing of India's response. A detailed comparison of the two countries' military strength, defence budgets and nuclear arsenals reveals the scope of their capabilities and the balance of power in the region. Military size & manpower: India holds the numerical advantage India significantly outpaces Pakistan in terms of active military personnel, reserves, and paramilitary forces. According to the Global Firepower Index 2025, India ranks fourth globally, while Pakistan holds the twelfth position, having fallen from ninth. India fields approximately 1.46 million active troops with an additional 1.15 million in reserves, alongside 2.5 million paramilitary personnel. In contrast, Pakistan maintains 654,000 active soldiers, around 500,000 paramilitary forces, and according to another estimate, 291,000 paramilitary police. This demographic edge is supported by India's vast population, with nearly 24 million individuals reaching military age annually, compared to 4.8 million in Pakistan. This youthful demographic provides India with a deeper and more sustainable recruitment base for future force expansion. Defence spending shows a significant divide A major factor in the disparity between the two militaries lies in their respective defence budgets. India has allocated approximately ₹6.81 trillion ($79–81 billion) for FY2025–26, marking a 9.5 per cent increase from the previous year. This places India among the top five global military spenders. Pakistan's defence expenditure, by comparison, is considerably lower, with an estimated allocation of ₹2.28 trillion ($7.6–10 billion) for FY2025–26, reflecting a year-on-year increase of around Rs 159 billion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India's greater financial bandwidth has allowed it to modernise its forces and diversify its procurement sources. Traditionally reliant on Russia, India has expanded imports from France, Israel and the United States. Domestic production has also risen, including projects involving aircraft carriers, submarines and helicopters. As per the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India has become the world's largest arms importer, while reducing its dependence on Russia — from 76 per cent of total imports in 2009–2013 to 36 per cent between 2019–2023. Pakistan, on the other hand, sources a dominant share of its military hardware from China. SIPRI data shows that 82 per cent of Pakistan's imports between 2019–2023 came from China, up from 51 per cent in 2009–2012. It also receives advanced systems and drones from Turkey, and has historical procurement ties with France and Russia. Land forces: Tanks, artillery and mechanised strength India holds a significant advantage in mechanised warfare platforms. Its ground force arsenal includes 4,201 tanks, notably the T-90 Bhishma and domestically developed Arjun series, as well as over 148,000 armoured vehicles — roughly three times Pakistan's count. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistan operates around 2,627 tanks and 6,137 armoured fighting vehicles. In the artillery domain, India again leads with 11,225 pieces, in comparison to Pakistan's 4,619. Although Pakistan has a greater number of self-propelled artillery systems, the overall firepower and quantity of India's land systems afford it greater flexibility in both conventional and hybrid conflict scenarios. India vs Pakistan on air superiority India's air force is larger and better equipped across most parameters. It operates a total of 2,229 aircraft, including 513 fighter jets such as the Su-30MKI, Rafale and indigenous Tejas fighters. Its fleet also comprises 899 helicopters, including attack and utility variants, and six aerial refuelling tankers. Pakistan, by contrast, operates 1,399 aircraft, which include 328 fighter jets — primarily the F-16 and JF-17 Thunder — and 373 helicopters. Pakistan has four aerial tankers. However, it surpasses India in the number of military trainer aircraft, with 565 compared to India's 351, aiding in faster pilot training cycles. Blue-water vs Green-water capabilities India's navy is significantly more capable, both in size and strategic depth. With 293 vessels, including two aircraft carriers — INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant — 13 destroyers and 18 submarines, India qualifies as a blue-water navy capable of operating across global maritime zones. Pakistan's naval fleet consists of 121 ships, with no aircraft carriers or destroyers and eight submarines. Its operational focus remains limited to the Arabian Sea, classifying it as a green-water navy primarily suited for coastal defence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India's larger maritime footprint supports its regional dominance in the Indian Ocean and enhances its strategic deterrence against both Pakistan and China. Nuclear arsenal and missile tech Both countries are nuclear-armed, with roughly 170 warheads each, as per the Arms Control Association. India's policy follows a declared 'No First Use' doctrine, while Pakistan retains the right to initiate a nuclear response if deemed necessary. India's delivery systems include the Agni series of missiles, with the Agni-V reportedly capable of hitting targets beyond 5,200 km — and up to 8,000 km, according to some assessments. India is also working on the Agni-VI, which is expected to further extend its intercontinental capabilities. Pakistan's missile arsenal includes the Shaheen-III, with a range of 2,750 km, and reportedly under development to surpass 3,000 km with assistance from foreign allies. Notably, Pakistan has also fielded the Nasr (Hatf-9) tactical nuclear missile, with a range of 70 km, allowing for battlefield-level nuclear deterrence. Both nations are working to develop triads for nuclear delivery — via land, air and sea — but India currently leads in range and platform diversity. Who has the better operational experience While India holds the numerical and technological upper hand, strategic constraints are not insignificant. A large portion of Indian troops are deployed along its northern border with China, which has been a flashpoint in recent years. Pakistan, meanwhile, focuses on its western frontier, managing spillover threats from Afghanistan. 'India's military is larger, but it has the strategic challenges of two borders to defend,' Bloomberg quoted Harsh Pant, Vice President of the Observer Research Foundation, highlighting the multidimensional demands placed on Indian forces. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Both nations have invested in surveillance and drone technology. Pakistan's military recently claimed to have downed an Indian surveillance drone along the Line of Control (LoC), showing how tactical engagements persist despite broader deterrence. Also Watch: India's superior economy and military infrastructure provide it with a commanding edge across most conventional parameters, while Pakistan relies on tactical nuclear capabilities and asymmetric strategies for deterrence. Although both countries have modernised their forces since the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, the present standoff serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly events can spiral. With inputs from agencies
