Latest news with #FAS
Local Germany
3 days ago
- Politics
- Local Germany
Military service 'could be made mandatory' says German Defence Minister
In an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung (FAS) on Sunday, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius discussed the likelihood of reintroducing compulsory military service in Germany. Pistorius, who was also defence minister in Germany's previous traffic light coalition, said the new government was currently working on a compulsory military service law, and added that he hoped the legislation would come into force in January 2026. Speaking just a few days after the permanent deployment of a German tank brigade in Lithuania , which represents Germany's biggest foreign military mission since World War II, Pistorius said, 'Our model is initially based on voluntary participation." He added, "If the time comes when we have more capacity available than voluntary registrations, a decision may be made to make recruitment mandatory. That is the roadmap." How will conscription be rolled out? Under current plans, compulsory questionnaires would be sent to all German men and women when they turn 18. The questionnaire is intended to collect information on all citizens of military age, allowing the state to decide who should be called up (and in what order) in the event of a military emergency. It will be mandatory for men to complete the questionnaire and register on a new military registration database, whereas participation for women will be voluntary. The government estimates that around 400,000 young people will submit their information each year – and that as many as 40,000 will voluntarily sign up each year for a period of military service (from a minimum of six months up to 23 months). Provided they fall into the right age bracket, newly naturalised Germans and foreign dual citizens will also be included in the military service scheme. READ ALSO: What will Germany's new military service look like - and who will it include? Advertisement Will Germany reintroduce compulsory military service? Compulsory military service was scrapped in Germany in 2011. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, however, the country has been attempting to boost both its defence spending and capabilities. To meet its obligations as part of the NATO alliance, Germany needs to add around 100,000 soldiers to the Bundeswehr. In the lead-up to their coalition negotiations with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), the conservative Union parties (CDU/CSU) were openly in favour of reintroducing military conscription in Germany. Defence Minister Pistorius (SPD) had advocated in favour of a voluntary system. Now, his comments suggest he fears a voluntary system may not be enough to supply the army with an adequate number of new recruits: 'If the time comes when we have more capacity than voluntary enlistments, then a decision may be made to make military service compulsory.' From a legal point of view, reintroducing conscription would be relatively straightforward, as Germany's old universal conscription law was deactivated, rather than removed from the constitution, in 2011. As it stands, the law only applies to men. A decision to conscript women would require a two-thirds majority in a vote in the Bundestag.
CNA
7 days ago
- Sport
- CNA
Brunei DPMM will not participate in Singapore Premier League from next season: FAS
SINGAPORE: Brunei DPMM FC will not participate in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) after this season, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) said on Thursday (May 22). In a media release, FAS said that the Brunei-based club had expressed "intent" to compete in "other leagues" and that the decision follows discussions between both parties. DPMM have said that they will join the Malaysian Super League (MSL) next season, but the MSL has yet to confirm this publicly. "DPMM has been a respected member of the SPL and a valued partner in the development of regional football. Their staff and players have consistently displayed an exemplary sporting spirit, and the club's impact on Singapore football will be long remembered. We wish them the very best in their future endeavours,' said FAS general secretary Chew Chun-Liang. 'While we are sad to see them go, we understand the club's position and we part ways with our full support and appreciation." DPMM joined the SPL, then the in 2009. However, due to a global ban on the Football Association of Brunei Darussalam, the club sat out a number of seasons before rejoining the league in 2012. They went on to win league titles in 2015 and 2019 and also lifted the Singapore League Cup three times. As a result of COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions in Brunei, the club pulled out of the league during the 2020 season, and resumed participation last season. 'Over the years, we have been privileged to be part of a league that upholds the highest standards of professionalism, competition, and sportsmanship. More than just football, our time in the SPL has given us the invaluable gift of camaraderie, shared experiences, and lasting friendships,' said DPMM General Manager Mohamad Ali bin Haji Momin. 'The warmth, hospitality, and unwavering support extended to us by FAS and the Singapore football community have made our participation deeply meaningful, and for this, we are truly grateful.' DPMM are currently sixth in the league, but remain in the running for the Singapore Cup. They face Lion City Sailors in the second leg of the Singapore Cup semi-finals next week, having lost the first leg on Wednesday 2-3. "The FAS and SPL family thank DPMM FC for their contributions over the past decade and more and wish them all the best as they embark on this new chapter," said FAS. The SPL - formerly the S League - was officially launched in 1996 with eight local teams.
Straits Times
7 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Brunei DPMM to exit Singapore Premier League after 2024-25 season
Brunei DPMM's Miguel Oliveira (left) in action during the Singapore Cup match against Young Lions Ryaan Sanizal at Jalan Besar Stadium on Feb 15. PHOTO: ST FILE SINGAPORE - After a month of uncertainty and speculation, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) confirmed on May 22 that Brunei DPMM will not participate in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) after the 2024-25 season. The decision comes after discussions between the FAS and DPMM, with the Brunei-based club indicating that intent to compete in other leagues. FAS general secretary Chew Chun-Liang. said in a statement: 'DPMM has been a respected member of the SPL and a valued partner in the development of regional football. Their staff and players have consistently displayed an exemplary sporting spirit, and the club's impact on Singapore football will be long remembered. We wish them the very best in their future endeavours. 'While we are sad to see them go, we understand the club's position and we part ways with our full support and appreciation. 'The SPL remains committed to growing the game in Singapore and supporting our participating clubs. Our league continues to be a key platform for nurturing local talent, fostering competitive play, and engaging our local football community. Fans can continue to expect exciting SPL matches and opportunities to support their teams in the coming seasons.' On April 21, The Straits Times reported that DPMM's participation in next season's SPL was in doubt as the club had expressed their interest to return to the Malaysia Super League (MSL) and were eyeing Geylang International striker Tomoyuki Doi. DPMM coach Jamie McAllister said then that the move was 'not confirmed yet', but the club said in a post on their website that talks for a return to the Malaysian competition were looking 'positive'. DPMM had taken part in the second-tier Malaysia Premier League in 2005-06 and gained promotion to the top-tier MSL, where they finished third and 10th in the following seasons. They joined the SPL when it was known as the in 2009 and won the League Cup. However, they were removed from the league after Fifa imposed a global ban on the Football Association of Brunei Darussalam following government interference in its affairs. They rejoined the in 2012, winning it in 2015 and 2019. They did not defend their title in 2020 owing to the Covid-19 pandemic and travel restrictions in their country. After sitting out the 2021 and 2022 seasons, they returned for the 2023 campaign, finishing seventh in the nine-team competition. Currently sixth in the SPL standings, DPMM will play their final league match against Hougang United on May 24. Three days later, they will meet Lion City Sailors in the second leg of the Singapore Cup semi-final, after losing 3-2 in the first leg on May 21. DPMM general manager Mohamad Ali Haji Momin said in a statement: 'Over the years, we have been privileged to be part of a league that upholds the highest standards of professionalism, competition, and sportsmanship. More than just football, our time in the SPL has given us the invaluable gift of camaraderie, shared experiences, and lasting friendships. 'The warmth, hospitality, and unwavering support extended to us by FAS and the Singapore football community have made our participation deeply meaningful, and for this, we are truly grateful.' With DPMM's exit, the SPL will be left with only eight teams. But ST previously reported that there could be a replacement for the 2025-26 season, with the possible inclusion of Tengah FC. Melvyn Teoh is a sports journalist at The Straits Times. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'It epitomises the strangeness of Sutton Hoo': 6th-century bucket found at Anglo-Saxon ship burial holds human cremation
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. A copper bucket found at Sutton Hoo in England decades ago is much more than a pretty artifact: A new micro-excavation of the sixth-century container reveals it held the cremated remains of an elite individual, along with animal bones and an antler comb. The copper-alloy Bromeswell Bucket was found in 1986 at the Anglo-Saxon ship burial site of Sutton Hoo, but the Byzantine-era bucket predates the ship by at least a century and was likely imported from Turkey. Ahead of the summer of excavation at Sutton Hoo — which involves a team of archaeologists, conservators and volunteers from the U.K. TV series "Time Team," the U.K.'s National Trust and FAS (Field Archaeology Specialists) Heritage — experts analyzed the contents of the fragmentary bucket, which depicts a North African hunting scene. Previous research that analyzed the inscription, which in Greek read "Use this in good health, Master Count, for many happy years," suggested the bucket may have been a diplomatic gift. In the new investigation, experts with York Archaeological Trust micro-excavated the bucket, National Trust representatives said in a statement Tuesday (May 20). As they removed the soil from the bucket, the researchers discovered cremated human bones, including fragments of a skull and an ankle, that may have been placed in a bag that has since decomposed. "We knew that this bucket would have been a rare and prized possession back in Anglo-Saxon times," Angus Wainwright, an archaeologist at the National Trust, said in the statement. "Now we know it was used to contain the remains of an important person in the Sutton Hoo community." Related: Mysterious origin of iconic Sutton Hoo helmet possibly revealed in new research Image 1 of 2 A photograph of the contents of the Bromeswell Bucket reveals fragmented bones and a fine-toothed comb. Image 2 of 2 An expert separates fragments of bone from the Bromeswell Bucket. But so far, little is known about the person whose cremated bones were buried in the Bromeswell Bucket. A comb made from antler was discovered with the bones, but experts suggest that both men and women used combs in Anglo-Saxon times to care for their personal appearance and to control lice. Animal bones found in the bucket are fragmentary but hint at a possible horse sacrifice. Small amounts of cremated bone will be radiocarbon-dated to better understand how the bucket fits into the Sutton Hoo site. Ancient DNA may also survive on the comb itself, which could potentially reveal the deceased's sex. While Sutton Hoo is best known for its magnificent ship burial, the area was densely populated and part of a busy trade network in the sixth and seventh centuries. The Sutton Hoo treasures are diverse, including pagan and Christian artifacts, and were brought there from all over Europe and the Middle East. RELATED STORIES —Missing pieces of 6th-century Byzantine bucket finally found at Sutton Hoo —Famous Sutton Hoo helmet may be clue that early Anglo-Saxons fought as mercenaries for Byzantine Empire, study suggests —Metal detectorist finds sword pyramid from time of mysterious Sutton Hoo burial The Bromeswell Bucket "is a remarkable mixture — a vessel from the southern, classical world containing the remains of a very northern, very Germanic cremation," Helen Geake, an Anglo-Saxon expert for "Time Team," said in the statement. "It epitomises the strangeness of Sutton Hoo." Excavation at Sutton Hoo is ongoing through June 13. "This next phase of the dig offers an incredible opportunity to continue uncovering the secrets of Sutton Hoo, and we can't wait to see what new discoveries await us in 2025," Tim Taylor, creator and producer of "Time Team," said in the statement.
India.com
10-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Top 9 Nuclear-Armed Nations In 2025; India Ranks At …., Pakistan At ….; Check Full List
photoDetails english 2898986 Updated:May 10, 2025, 02:27 PM IST 1 / 9 As of early 2025, nine countries collectively hold around 12,331 nuclear warheads, according to the Federation of American Scientists (FAS). While Russia and the U.S. continue to lead the global count, countries like China, India, and Pakistan are steadily expanding their arsenals amid rising geopolitical tensions. Here's a closer look at the countries with nuclear weapons and how India and Pakistan stack up. Russia – 5,449 Nuclear Warheads 2 / 9 Russia holds the largest nuclear stockpile in the world, with approximately 5,449 nuclear weapons. Despite dismantling some decommissioned warheads, it still maintains the highest number of deployed and reserve weapons. This extensive arsenal is a core pillar of its defense strategy and global power status. United States – 5,277 Nuclear Warheads 3 / 9 The U.S. ranks second with 5,277 nuclear warheads. Its arsenal includes land-based missiles, submarine-launched warheads, and aerial bombs. While it continues to pursue disarmament diplomacy, the U.S. is also modernizing its aging nuclear triad to stay ahead in deterrence capabilities. China – 600 Nuclear Warheads 4 / 9 China has increased its nuclear stockpile to around 600 warheads in 2025. It is actively working on expanding and diversifying its missile systems. Its nuclear buildup reflects Beijing's desire for strategic balance with the U.S. and India, and its growing assertiveness in global geopolitics. France – 290 Nuclear Warheads 5 / 9 France possesses around 290 nuclear warheads, relying mainly on submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and air-based delivery systems. France maintains its nuclear forces independently and views them as essential for national and European defense. United Kingdom – 225 Nuclear Warheads 6 / 9 The UK holds a stockpile of 225 nuclear warheads, most of which are deployed on Trident submarines. While it has reduced its arsenal over time, recent strategic reviews have called for expanding and modernizing the system, reflecting renewed security concerns in Europe. India – 180 Nuclear Warheads 7 / 9 India is ranked 6th, with a nuclear arsenal of approximately 180 warheads. Guided by a "No First Use" policy, India's strategy emphasizes minimum credible deterrence. However, rising regional tensions, particularly with China and Pakistan, have led to greater investment in nuclear delivery systems. Pakistan – 170 Nuclear Warheads 8 / 9 Pakistan comes next with an estimated 170 nuclear warheads in 2025. Its doctrine focuses on deterring conventional conflict with India and includes short-range tactical nuclear weapons. Pakistan has been actively increasing its arsenal, citing national security concerns. Israel (90) & North Korea (50) 9 / 9 - Israel is believed to possess around 90 nuclear warheads, although it neither confirms nor denies this. It follows a policy of nuclear ambiguity. - North Korea, despite sanctions, has built a stockpile of 50 nuclear warheads, with continued missile testing raising global alarms.
