APOCALYPSE NOW: FUTURE OF WARFARE IN THE PRESENT
The New Indian Express|December 05, 2024
Imagine a future war, not too far in the future. Say, 10 years from today. Now, take a step back and imagine the ongoing wars. You might find that the future is now.
KAJAL BASU
APOCALYPSE NOW: FUTURE OF WARFARE IN THE PRESENT

The worst that our nightmares have been able to cook up for decades involves nuclear-burst clouds, radiation burns impossible to recover from, vaporization en masse, buildings standing stripped of the living.

But what we already have are missiles that can inflict nuclear-level catastrophe—without being nuclear. Russia slung one at Ukraine in the fourth week of November, causing significant devastation and flabbergasting NATO. The Oreshnik—meaning ‘hazel tree’ in Russian, a reference to its many branches sharpened to killing points with six warheads, each with six payloads—is a ‘conventional’ intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) that travels at over 14,000 kmph; it’s unstoppable by any extant antimissile technology. Its 36 warheads can be individually directed to strike different targets.

The Oreshnik stunned military strategists across the world because, at Mach 11, it beat the Mach 9.6 scramjet NASA X-43, the fastest jet-powered aircraft on record. The Russian IRBM has the range to hit all the European capitals in less than 15 minutes (but not the US, although reports suggest an intercontinental version is on the cards by 2025).

If this is the stuff of nightmares, there are petits cauchemars or little nightmares in the making, too: dragon drones. A deadly new weapon in the Russo-Ukrainian war, they spray a molten metal heated to 2,427°C—a rain of fire. Dragon drones carry thermite, a mixture of metal powder often made of aluminum and powdered everyday rust.

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THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
The New Indian Express

DMK made VCK chief skip event: Vijay

CHENNAI: Releasing the book 'Ellorukkumana Thalaivar Ambedkar' on Friday, TVK chief actor Vijay faulted Thol Thirumavalavan for skipping the event, and said the pressure from coalition partner DMK may have made the VCK president to stay away.

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The New Indian Express

Centre gives ₹945 cr for Cyclone Fengal relief; TN seeks ₹6,675 cr

Due to unprecedented quantum of rainfall, TN incurred huge losses: CM

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2 dak  |
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Sasikumar-Simran's next titled Tourist Family
The New Indian Express

Sasikumar-Simran's next titled Tourist Family

DEBUT director Abishan Jeevinth's film, starring Sasikumar and Simran in the lead, has been titled Tourist Family, the makers announced on Friday with a title teaser.

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1 min  |
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This heartwarming film is fun while it lasts
The New Indian Express

This heartwarming film is fun while it lasts

DEBUT director Selvah Kumar Thirumaaran's Family Padam is not the first film about films or an aspiring filmmaker, nor will it be the last. Such films usually show the aspiring filmmaker struggling on their own, or with their family either trying to stop them from pursuing their dreams or backing them with a little pep talk. Family Padam tells to what extent a family goes to make the filmmaking dreams of one of the three brothers come true.

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2 dak  |
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Thrilling, thoughtful, but troubled
The New Indian Express

Thrilling, thoughtful, but troubled

WHY do we like Pushparaj? He doesn't care to look conventionally attractive. His shoulders are lopsided, his hair unkempt, his speech brimming with contempt. His work? Smuggling red sanders. His retribution? A fierce defiance of systematic oppression, making him a figure of political utility. And his manner of retribution? Ruthless. As he says, he kills \"without mercy.\" In this sequel, Pushpa seems almost possessed, his machete slicing through limbs as though they were branches from a tree.

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3 dak  |
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Smart writing ensures a rousing experience
The New Indian Express

Smart writing ensures a rousing experience

HERE is a delightful old-school essence spread across Rahul Dholakia's Agni. Its portrayal of Mumbai and Mumbaikars seems to exist in a bygone era in how its protagonist, Vitthal Surve (Pratik Gandhi), displays a quaint middle-class charm.

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3 dak  |
December 07, 2024
Painting plight and PRIDE
The New Indian Express

Painting plight and PRIDE

An art exhibition named Haunting Cargoes’ revolving around the theme of truck, takes the spectators through the overpowering issues of social disparities, labour, and exploitation

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3 dak  |
December 07, 2024
From facts to fiction
The New Indian Express

From facts to fiction

ANDHYA Rajasekhar is a mentor who taught us that the cornerstone of journalism is truth. I walk through the memory lanes of 2018 and recall myself listening to this HOD's lectures and seminars. With her commitment to excellence in teaching and writing, she trained us to be the fact-reporting journalists.

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2 dak  |
December 07, 2024
The New Indian Express

CELEBRATION OF A CULTURAL FIESTA

OP Vaishnav College for Women presents this year's edition of Shringar, A Celebration of Art and Culture, that will be held on December 9, 10 and 11.

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1 min  |
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A legacy of learning
The New Indian Express

A legacy of learning

HAT started as a humble endeavor to provide quality education has now become a legacy of learning – Shankar IAS Academy celebrates 20 years of excellence. Celebrating their Institute Day on Friday, the auditorium of Anna Centenary Library was filled with stories of success and commitment.

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1 min  |
December 07, 2024