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Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
US general warns China is winning the military space race
China's space-based military technology is developing 'breathtakingly fast' with US forces at risk of the 'kill chain', Washington has warned. Beijing have been catching up in the arms race to develop missile technology that can be sent from space at a 'very concerning rate', the top commander of the US Space Force (USSF) added. The so-called kill chain - which identifies, tracks and attacks a target - could be used on US and allied forces in the Indo-Pacific as well as 'over-the-horizon' precision strikes, General Stephen Whiting told The Telegraph. The warning comes only a month after Donald Trump unveiled his own plans for a $175 billion 'Golden Dome' defence system which he says will protect the US from the world's most powerful weapons. The integration of space-tech with China's army, navy and air force has made them 'more lethal, more precise and more far-ranging' - and could take the lead from the US in the space-arms race. Earlier this year, the USSF said that China had conducted several synchronised satellite manoeuvres in low Earth orbit, also known as 'dogfighting'. 'They are practicing tactics, techniques, and procedures to do on-orbit space operations from one satellite to another,' General Michael Guetlein, the Deputy Chief of US Space Operations at the USSF, said. He added: 'There used to be a significant capability gap between the United States and our adversaries, driven by our technological advantage. 'That gap, once massive, has narrowed considerably. 'If we don't change our approach to space operations, we risk seeing that gap reverse, putting us at a disadvantage.' China has more than 500 satellites capable of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), with 67 sent up in the last year alone, the USSF said in 2024. The 'space enabled services' are broken down into three units - a cyberspace army, an aerospace force, and an information support arm. While America have around 8,000 satellites in space compared to China's 1,000 in total, Chinese scientists have also recently developed what is considered the world's most powerful satellite tracking camera. Pictured: Stephen Whiting. The technology is able to take pictures with millimetre level accuracy more than 60 miles away. Chinese satellites are also working towards counter-weapons development that would see other satellites jammed, destroyed or 'spoofed' - which is where the GPS receiver is misled or manipulated. Exerts have previously warned that the US is underprepared for such developments, with the first test done in 2008 where a satellite in space was shot down with a missile on the ground. But the latest developments could redirect drones, disable munitions or missiles and shut down crucial infrastructures. China's long-range weapons that strike with precision 'depend on space' and is how Beijing 'closes its kill chain', the USSF commander of the Indo-Pacific region, Gen Anthony Mastalir, has previously warned. Trump's Golden Dome proposal was 'long overdue' and 'absolutely necessary' amid growing threats from China, North Korea and Russia, experts said at the time. But Beijing warned that the plan to put US weapons into the earth's orbit for the first time 'heightens the risk of space becoming a battlefield, fuels an arms race, and undermines international security.' Meanwhile Moscow called for Washington to make contact regarding the programme - to which Trump said he would do so 'at the right time'.
India Today
16 hours ago
- Business
- India Today
Kolkata doctor duped of Rs 36 lakh, report says he clicked on a Facebook advertisement
Investment-based scams are on the rise in India. A Kolkata-based doctor has reportedly become the latest victim of such a cyber scam, losing Rs 36 lakh. The victim was lured into a fake investment opportunity after clicking on an advertisement on Facebook. He was duped over a period of two months after being enticed by an investment scheme advertised on the to a report by The Telegraph, the doctor, who is a resident of Barasat, came across an advertisement on Facebook promoting what appeared to be a legitimate financial investment platform. Thinking he might receive some financial advice and earn extra money, he clicked on the ad. The ad redirected him to a WhatsApp group that posed as a forum for stock market guidance and financial tips. The doctor was later added to the group by its admins. In the group, he encountered persuasive messages from other members, which convinced him that the platform was genuine. The scammers also directly persuaded him, and he began investing his money in phases—making ten separate transactions that ultimately totalled Rs 36 lakh. It was only when the doctor attempted to withdraw his supposed returns and found himself locked out of the investment account. Realising he has been scammed, the doctor then approached the authorities and filed a this, the state CID reportedly launched an investigation. During the enquiry, officials arrested Prosenjit Ranjan Nath, a 34-year-old film producer and entrepreneur, from his apartment near Madurdaha, Anandapur. According to police, Nath is the key beneficiary of the syphoned funds. The investigation revealed that Rs 18 lakh of the stolen amount had been funnelled into a company operated by Nath, named The Local Brand Shop. While Nath is currently in custody, police are continuing to investigate the full extent of the scam and identify other individuals who may have been involved. Meanwhile, authorities have urged internet users to remain vigilant and not fall for misleading ads on social media. Paid advertisements on platforms like Facebook can be promoted by anyone willing to pay, making them a common tool for scammers to target unsuspecting to stay safe from online investment scams– Do not click on any advertisement unless you are certain about its authenticity. In particular, be wary of social media ads that promise high returns or quick profits.– Always cross-check the credentials of any investment platform via official government or regulatory websites such as SEBI.– Avoid joining investment-related groups on WhatsApp or Telegram unless they are officially recognised by trusted Never share sensitive banking or personal information through informal channels.– If you are interested in investment tips, consult certified financial professionals.- Ends
Daily Mirror
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Palestine Action's next military targets explained in organiser's video
Palestine Action is planning a wave of action across Britain after breaking into RAF Brize Norton and damaging military aircraft, an investigation has revealed Pro-Palestine organisation, Palestine Action, is orchestrating a nationwide wave of protests against British military sites and defence companies, an investigation by The Telegraph has discovered. The group recently infiltrated RAF Brize Norton and vandalised several military aircraft. An undercover probe has since unveiled their future targets, discussed in a private meeting. With the group's imminent banning as a terrorist organisation in the works, they have stepped up efforts to enlist new members. At the secret gathering, organisers explained how the group's supporters come from diverse backgrounds - ranging from "nursery teachers to surgeons", with ages spanning from 18 to 80. Members brainstormed various methods of disrupting the targeted facilities, including trespassing onto factory premises. They were also schooled on creating autonomous cells capable of launching action on airbases without being caught, reports the Express. Meeting materials shared among attendees singled out RAF Cranwell and RAF Barkston Heath in Lincolnshire, as well as RAF Valley in Anglesey, North Wales, as primary targets. Additionally, a Leicester-based drone manufacturing facility, as well as various defence contractors accused of shipping arms to Israel, were pinpointed as potential flashpoints. The Telegraph confirmed that The Ministry of Defence and law enforcement agencies had been notified of the group's plans for imminent action. An alert was previously sounded after members of Palestine Action infiltrated RAF Brize Norton, dousing two aeroplanes in red paint and potentially causing damage worth millions, setting off a sweeping security assessment. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the incursion as "disgraceful" and has signalled intentions to prescribe the organisation. Undeterred, Palestine Action asserts it will mount a legal fight against the proscription. Meanwhile, the group is running intense recruitment sessions, aiming to bolster its network of autonomous cells. The trio of RAF bases that have been identified all have connections with Elbit Systems UK, a defence firm that has been repeatedly singled out by Palestine Action. Notably, RAF Cranwell holds the distinction of being the initial Air Academy globally, Barkston Heath aids in flying instruction, and RAF Valley is pivotal for training upcoming fighter pilots. The list of potential targets includes UAV Tactical Systems, a drone company partially owned by Elbit. A report from an online "direct action workshop," obtained by our source reveals that a female activist exhorted approximately 50 aspiring members about the need to make personal "sacrifices" in support of their cause. She spoke of the group spearheading an emerging wave of persistent assaults. The leader denouncing the government's move to outlaw the group described it as "draconian and dangerous." Participants were instructed to download the encrypted messaging app Signal and await anonymous directives from the organisers. Recruits would be organised into independent cells to devise their own strategies. This cell-based structure is intended to protect leaders from legal repercussions, a strategy also employed by movements such as Extinction Rebellion. New members were sternly cautioned to never disclose details of upcoming actions or the identities of fellow participants. "We do not provide police with any information that may compromise activists, actions or the movement... cause comes first," the organiser informed the group. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson commented: "The UK's defence estate is vital to our national security and this government will not tolerate those who put that security at risk. "This Government is taking the strong step of proscribing Palestine Action due to its activities, which are a threat to our national security." A North Wales Police spokesperson stated: "Our officers continue to liaise with MoD staff in relation to security matters at RAF Valley, Anglesey. "The emergence of potential threats to the site is recognised, with the need for additional policing and security patrols kept under regular review."
Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- Straits Times
UK PM Starmer's authority tested as domestic struggles overshadow summit diplomacy
FILE PHOTO: Britain's Pime Minister Keir Starmer speaks during The British Chambers of Commerce Global Annual Conference, in London, Britain June 26, 2025. Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph/Pool via REUTERS/File photo LONDON - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was asked in parliament on Thursday why he had not appeared in front of lawmakers for the past two weeks. His answer was simple - he had been busy with international affairs. The question underlines Starmer's awkward position - just a year after winning one of the biggest election victories in British history, his audience abroad is much less hostile than the one at home, where his party is divided over welfare reforms. With Starmer's Labour Party lagging behind Nigel Farage's right-wing Reform UK in opinion polls and the prime minister's own popularity tumbling, more than 100 of his lawmakers are threatening the biggest parliamentary rebellion of his premiership to kill off the government's plans to reform the welfare system at a vote due next week. On a trip to the NATO summit in The Hague this week, Starmer, 62, sat alongside U.S. President Donald Trump for talks and shared hugs and handshakes with other world leaders but was noticeably tetchy when asked if the rebellion brewing at home showed a lack of political judgment on his part. "I am comfortable with reading the room and delivering the change the country needs," he said as he vowed to lead his party into the next national election, which is not due until 2029. Downing Street officials say the vote is shaping up to be the biggest test of Starmer's authority to date. Were he to suffer his first parliamentary defeat, or were the government to pull the vote or make big compromises, his leadership would be undermined. More fundamentally, the officials say the reforms to save money and encourage more people back into work are an essential part of what Starmer sees as a decade-long project to fix Britain's problems. 'VERY, VERY UPSET' Annual spending on incapacity and disability benefits already exceeds the country's defence budget and is set to top 100 billion pounds ($137 billion) by 2030, according to official forecasts, up from 65 billion pounds now. Ministers are in talks with lawmakers to offer compromises to ensure the legislation is passed next Tuesday. One key area under discussion concerns the number of people who would lose access to benefits designed to cover disability-related costs. One of Starmer's ministers, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters he thought a deal to see off the rebellion would eventually be reached. But a Labour lawmaker, who also asked not to be named, said the government's best option would be to pause the legislation and rework it, adding that he would not vote for changes that could push tens of thousands of people into poverty. "People are very, very upset at the way the government has handled this," the lawmaker said. The decision to cut payments to some of the most vulnerable in society is particularly painful for politicians in the centre-left Labour Party, which founded the state-run National Health Service and traditionally sees itself as the protector of the country's welfare state built after World War Two. Rebels may have been encouraged after the government reversed another unpopular policy - cutting payments to millions of pensioners to help them pay energy bills each winter. Starmer told parliament on Thursday he wanted the "values of fairness" to be at the heart of his reforms and attempts to reach a consensus would continue over the coming days. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Parents introducing teens to alcohol at home are 'doing lasting harm'
Community Alcohol Partnerships report says giving alcohol to teens at home does not teach them to drink responsibly as Government plans to tackle booze advertising Parents who introduce their children to alcohol at home could be doing lasting harm, experts have warned. A report has found early introduction of alcohol dramatically increases the chances of binge-drinking, alcohol dependency as well as harming the developing brain of teenagers. The Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP) report, led by behavioural psychologist Dr Anna Sallis, was presented before MPs at an event in Parliament on Thursday. Kate Winstanley, director of CAP, said: 'Too many parents still mistakenly believe that giving alcohol to children at home will teach them to drink responsibly or reduce the risk of them getting alcohol elsewhere. 'Our report shows that every year earlier a child is given alcohol, their risk of binge drinking and alcohol harm including as an adult will increase. They are also more, not less, likely to obtain alcohol elsewhere if their parents allow them to drink. 'We can't afford to be vague about this issue. The science is clear and our messaging needs to be clear. Parents need to say no to alcohol before 18 and children need their parents to say no. "Under-age drinking is not inevitable and parental supply is preventable. This is not about telling parents they're bad, it's showing them a better way.' The Government is examining the introduction of restrictions which could include a ban on advertising alcoholic drinks on TV before the 9pm watershed. Social media could also see alcohol advertising banned from any website or app where at least quarter of the audience is under the age of 16. The Telegraph reported it would also rule out adverts which appear aimed at under 18s, meaning the avoidance of youth slang or celebrity placements aimed at younger demographics. Such rules are currently only part of self-regulatory guidance but are not widely adhered to. Next week Health Secretary Wes Streeting will launch the Government's long-awaited 10-year health plan that will promise a shift to prevention of illness. READ MORE: Junk food overtakes smoking and alcohol as main cause of ill health in teenagers Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP) is a UK-wide initiative set up to tackle underage drinking. Its new report, called Preventing Parental Alcohol Supply to Children and Young People, comes ahead of six pilot schemes aimed at preventing parental supply from 2026. To raise awareness of the issue at Westminster, CAP hosted a breakfast event for MPs in Parliament on Thursday. CAP director Kate Winstanley added: 'One of the biggest drivers of parental supply is the belief that 'everyone is doing it.' If parents think all other parents are giving alcohol to their kids, they'll do the same. But the truth is, most parents don't supply and teen drinking rates are actually falling. "Let's keep it that way, and let's encourage more parents to be part of the majority protecting their kids by saying no to alcohol.'
