2-year-old boy among 7 killed in Melaka multi-vehicle crash on North-South Expressway

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ALOR GAJAH: Seven people including five members of a family were killed in a multi-vehicle collision in Melaka on Malaysia’s North-South Expressway on Monday ( Dec 23 ) night. &nbsp,

The accident, which injured 33 another, took position around 8.30pm near the Ayer Keroh Rest and Service Area. &nbsp,

According to Alor Gajah authorities chief Ashari Abu Samah, it involved a vehicle, a tour bus traveling west with 27 people, three northern vehicles, including a Toyota Estima multi-purpose car ( MPV), a Nissan video, and a Perodua Bezza coupe.

The top right rubber of the vehicle, driven by a 31-year-old person, had dislodged and landed in the middle alley, he said.

According to him, the tour bus then struck the distant tire, causing the vehicle to gain control and veer into the opposing lane.

The vehicle then collided with a Perodua Bezza, a 27-year-old man’s Nissan trailer, and a Toyota Estima MPV that was carrying a home of eight, according to the New Straits Times.

Six people who died have been identified and are Malay, while the sixth, a vehicle rider, has yet to be identified.

Five of those who died were in the Toyota Estima: The 32-year-old vehicle Khairul Ikhwan Mazupi, his 32-year-old family Fadzlenna Ramli, their two-year-old child Muhmmad Umar, and Fadzlenna’s families. Her mother was not named in press reports, while her dad is Ramli Ab Wahab, 66.

The community of eight was on their way up from Malacca, Sinar Harian reported. Khairul’s two additional kids, aged four and seven, survived and are now receiving treatment in Melaka Hospital. The remaining rider of the MPV is believed to be Khairul’s brother. He is apparently hurt, and his identity has not been revealed. &nbsp,

The trip bus drivers, 56-year-old Noorisnien Khamid from Johor, died.

Police key Ashari said the dying persons were all taken to the Melaka Hospital’s Forensic Department for post-mortem, the New Straits Times reported. &nbsp,

The 33 wounded people were transported to Hospital Pantai Ayer Keroh, Alor Gajah Hospital, and Melaka Hospital. &nbsp,

All cars involved in the accident have been detained, and they will be examined at Puspakom’s computerized auto inspection center.

” The case is being investigated under Section 41 ( 1 ) of the Road Transport Act 1987″, Ashari said.

On Monday evening, the incident apparently caused significant traffic disturbance on the North-South Expressway. Northbound overcrowding extended for up to 10km and slow-moving westbound traffic stretched for 6km, according to Plus Malaysia, Malaysia’s road controller.

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How much Chinese cyber sabotage will Trump tolerate? – Asia Times

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US President-elect Donald Trump has named most of the people of his suggested case. But, he’s still to reveal important appointees to America’s effective cyber warfare and cleverness institutions.

These positions include those held by the National Security Council’s computer lead, the director of the CISA, and the national security council’s cyber director. These figures may be crucial to ensuring the safety of the United States ‘ computer protection at a crucial time.

For the coming leadership, we think there are three potential trouble spots:

  • how Trump does compromise his security and economic interests.
  • how his presidency can effectively stop the electric disturbance in China
  • how it will handle the suspicions that some MAGA supporters have of the intellect “deep state” powers.

Intensifying Chinese digital spy

Foreign electronic surveillance and spy actions against the US have reached an all-time large in terms of level of effort and, most importantly, success.

These spy actions have succeeded in capturing:

  • the most important intellectual property that gives the US a competitive advantage in terms of both financial and national security
  • older US government and military personnel’s private communications, as well as
  • the specific information of tens of millions of Americans.

According to recent reports, the Chinese government has targeted key state systems by utilizing flaws in the country’s aging telecommunications infrastructure.

Hackers from the” Salt Typhoon” organization were able to gain access to the personal contacts of senior officials, including Trump, and to reveal the names of US intelligence agencies both domestically and internationally.

Additionally, it appears that Salt Typhoon has allegedly extorted US telecommunication companies ‘ call data files. These provide a detailed record of all network users ‘ calls and related phone numbers.

These powerful breaches come after years of vicious cyberattacks that have harmed US patents and state secrets involving crucial technologies. These include unnatural knowledge, next-generation plane, biology and power systems.

However, according to research, the majority of Chinese spy operations against the US have been centered on the theft of proprietary information and technologies since 2000.

In addition to this, the US government thinks Beijing is trying to improve its ability to track electronic data on Americans.

A number of steps were taken by the Biden administration to protect America’s tech ecosystem from Chinese-made devices and software that might have hidden security features. The reaction included restrictions and bans on products produced by TikTok, the social media platform, and Hikvision, Dahua, and Hytera.

All of this sets the stage for confrontations between Trump and China, as well as Trump and the technology industry in America.

For instance, the Trump presidency will almost certainly have to convince communications giants AT&amp, T, Verizon, T-Mobile and others to tackle longstanding deficits in their system. This includes the frequent use of unshielded parts that date back to the 1970s and 1980s.

Together, the individual targeting of Trump, his Cabinet, and senior government officials and their solutions will require a violent reaction to deter potential businesses.

How much will the Trump presidency become willing to do in response to Chinese aggression, though?

President Joe Biden has responded to China by criticizing its semiconductor sector and restricting its ability to access another important systems. Beijing is likely to try to have these steps removed in any conversations between Trump and Taiwanese leader Xi Jinping regarding business and taxes.

If it does, Trump’s wish for a better financial “deal” with China does come into conflict with national safety issues.

Cyber damage on critical equipment

Chinese organizations have also been sabotage-infiltrating critical infrastructure in the United States and other countries ( including the cyber security facilities in the” Five Eyes” partners ).

The goal is to install powerful ransomware that can be activated to destroy and destroy necessary systems in order to pre-position themselves in the target sites. This includes in a time of conflict.

The most prominent of these initiatives has come from Volt Typhoon, a Chinese state-sponsored thief party.

These intrusive and destructive measures of destruction of essential equipment are in line with China’s long-standing policy of secret action, which states that “win without fighting”

As we get closer to 2027, these destroy initiatives are commonly anticipated to get worse. This is the most important time when the People’s Liberation Army of China is anticipated to be ready to launch an conquest of Taiwan.

A potential escalation into a military discord between the US and China poses the greatest threat to this electric damage campaign.

If Foreign malware is used to target the events for America’s 250th day in 2026 or the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, for example, how many restraint had Trump had?

Renewing America’s computer spy law

The last point will be one that is congressional.

The US has long been the subject of heated debate about the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act ( FISA ). The majority of this is centered on Area 702, which is the foundation for America’s extensive selection of unusual intelligence.

This section enables US intelligence agencies to catch phone calls, letters, and other electronic communications from non-Americans outside the US.

Congress has mandated these firms to “minimize” the money collection of data on Americans. In practice, but, this has been difficult to achieve in the age of modern secrecy and international challenges.

FISA is viewed as necessary to national protection organizations that are battling to keep America and its allies protected by nonpartisan supporters. The MAGA-aligned House Freedom Caucus, nevertheless, has cast the work in a different light. They think it gives rise to an inexplicable heavy state that wants to spy on regular people.

Trump has, at times, aligned himself with this perspective. He claimed in April of this year that Congress should “kill FISA” because it was suspected of allowing spying on his political campaign for 2020.

If Congress doesn’t pass a new part 702, Section 702 will expire in April 2026. Although there will be Democratic majority in both houses of Congress, the divergent viewpoints within the party do not maintain passage.

The growing threats to national security that a second Trump administration may encounter are even more dangerous. According to intelligence officials, the need for FISA-sourced knowledge has never been greater.

However, outsiders like Tulsi Gabbard ( presumptive director of national intelligence ), Kash Patel ( presumptive FBI director ), Pam Bondi ( presumptive attorney-general ) and Kristi Noem ( presumptive secretary of homeland security ) may oppose re-authorizing the legislation.

However, America’s allies rely greatly on knowledge shared by US companies using FISA warrants.

Trump may want to compel NATO and other allies to spend more money on their own protection, just as he may require that Five Eye and other intelligence organizations also conduct more surveillance.

William A Stoltz is teacher and specialist associate, National Security College, Australian National University and Michael Rogers is older brother and alternative doctor, Kellogg Executive Leadership Institute, Northwestern University

This content was republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original post.

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Judge allows mistress of 71-year-old dementia patient to contest his children for deputyship

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SINGAPORE: When an old man developed memory, a court appointed his eldest child and youngest boy as shared deputies over his private welfare, property and affairs.

But, the children did not reveal the existence of their husband’s lady throughout the court proceedings. Since 2014, the partners has been dating.

When the lady learned about this, she was able to become a shared assistant as well, but she was unable to have the children’s deputyship removed.

She made an attempt to challenge this ruling, but her case was voided because her lawyer omitted a court date to record documents.

On Friday ( Dec 20 ), a High Court judge reinstated the woman’s appeal against the lower court’s decision not to revoke the children’s deputyship.

Justice Choo Han Teck said that by not disclosing the lady ‘ lifestyle, the children had necessarily limited the court’s judgment of their family’s best interests, as it was not able to balance his interests vis-a-vis her.

In doing so, the youngsters had “deprived the judge of a diverse selection of assistant” in the girl, said the judge.

The result of this non-disclosure was that the judge was restricted in its options to give effect to the best passions” of their parents, he said,” Leaving off for a time the issue of their purposes.”

The judge continued,” The situation raised “important problems that may benefit from the clarity of a higher tribunal.”

This was done because the investigation into whether the children’s deputyship may be terminated for failing to provide the court with relevant information was a different one.

The gentleman, then 71, has been in an illicit connection with his lady, now 62, since 2014. That same year, he separated from his spouse and moved in with his girlfriend.

Between 2015 and 2022, the guy and his girlfriend travelled up at least 24 periods, the prosecutor noted. He was given a memory diagnosis in January 2020, but he has since lost emotional power.

The boy’s family filed for divorce in April 2021.

In September 2022, the man’s children were given combined deputyship.

The mistress’s presence was only discovered by the children when the court was given an order to keep her from accessing their father.

When the judge request was sent to her, the girl was then informed of the legal proceeding.

She proceeded to make two uses – one to withdraw the children’s combined deputyship, and one for an interim order to be added as a second assistant. The following application was denied by a city judge.

The kids and the lady filed an appeal against the portions of the ruling that were invalid in December 2023. They began negotiations for a settlement, but they were able to reach a lawsuit.

They were therefore instructed by the court to send their pertains by October 8th.

The victim’s solicitor, Mr Manickavasagam R M Karuppiah Pillai, missed this date, and her charm was deemed to have been withdrawn two days later on Oct 10.

The person requested a period extension on October 18 to record the necessary paperwork. This app was presented to Justice Choo.

Mr. Manickavasagam accepted that Mr. Manickavasagam was entirely at fault for missing the deadline.

He explained that the monitoring was caused by his diabetes-related skin and eye condition, as well as a fall that resulted in four days of skilled leave.

” I sympathise with Mr Manickavasagam’s health problems, but they are limited explanation for his non-compliance with the timescales”, the judge said, as the lawyer was now aware of his vision problems but did not object to the date.

Then, Justice Choo moved on to the merits of the mistress ‘ intended appeal.

He noted that if the children were the only applicants, it might have been appropriate for the court to appoint them as deputies, but that this might not always be the case if the court is aware of a deputy who might be available.

Justice Choo said the lower court that dismissed the woman’s application to revoke the children’s deputyship seemed to “presuppose” that it would be in the man’s best interests to appoint the children.

He claimed that the court did not take into account the possibility that the woman’s best interests could be served by making her the sole deputy.

These are issues that can only be resolved by using arguments and evidence, not those before me,” he continued.

He determined that” the justice of the case” required that the mistress’s appeal be reinstated in order for the appeal court to have the option of appointing her as the sole deputy remain unaffected.

According to him, this would give the appeal court the full range of options to protect the man’s best interests in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act.

The children’s lawyer, Ms Eva Teh, argued against reinstating the woman’s appeal by saying that it would delay the hearing of her clients ‘ ongoing appeal.

She claimed that any delay would likely lead to the elderly man’s caregivers dealing with ongoing disruption and difficulties.

” In my opinion, the nature of proceedings under the Mental Capacity Act makes choosing the appropriate decision regarding who should look after ( the patient ) far more crucial than a convenient outcome,” said Justice Choo.

Therefore, he granted the mistress ‘ request to recoup her appeal and set a new filing deadline for the documents.

Additionally, he requested from Mr. Manickavasagam to provide a justification for why he should not personally support the costs of the current proceeding.

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Breaking: GIC invests in bn AI firm Databricks amid Apac and Middle East expansion | FinanceAsia

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Databricks, a San Francisco-headquartered data and artificial intelligence ( AI ) company, has completed a substantial portion of a$ 10 billion Series J funding round.

The business has successfully completed$ 8.6 billion in the amount of anticipated non-dilutive funding it needs to raise$ 10 billion.

US venture capital firm Thrive Capital leads the$ 62 billion cash for Databricks. Along with Live, the square is co-led by Andreessen Horowitz, DST Global, Singapore’s GIC, Insight Partners and WCM Investment Management. Existing investors Ontario Teachers ‘ Pension Plan and new traders ICONIQ Development, MGX, Sands Capital, and Wellington Management are among the round’s individuals.

In recent months, databricks has increased by over 60 % year over year, largely as a result of increased Artificial attention. &nbsp, Databricks said that it intends to invest this capital towards new AI products, acquisitions, and” significant expansion” of its international operations, including Asia Pacific ( Apac ) and the Middle East. &nbsp,

The company added that the funds are anticipated to be used to pay both current and former personnel ‘ tax liabilities as well. &nbsp,

Earlier this year in October, Databricks announced its new&nbsp, European regional hub&nbsp, in London and&nbsp, then in August its&nbsp, Apac and Japan ( APJ) regional hub&nbsp, in Singapore. It has also just expanded its appearance in&nbsp, Latin America&nbsp, in Mexico City, in October, and most recently, in December, in the&nbsp, Middle East&nbsp, in Saudi Arabia.

” We were significantly oversubscribed with this round, and we are very excited to partner with some of the most well-known investors in the world who are deeply committed to our eye-sight.” These are still in the beginning stages of AI. We are positioning the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform to provide long-term significance for our clients and our team is committed to helping firms across every industry develop data intelligence”, said&nbsp, Ali Ghodsi, co-founder and CEO of Databricks. We’re investing a lot of money to invest in transformative data and AI system in the company of our customers and their achievement.

The aim of the company is to “democratise” access to data and AI, making it easier for companies to harness the power of their info for analysis, machine learning, and AI programs.

Users can use Databricks ‘ open source system, according to a press release, to treat diseases and cancer earlier, discover new ways to combat climate change, discover new ways to combat economic fraud, develop medicine more quickly, shorten the time to mental health care, and reduce local financial injustice.

” Databricks, driven by its mission to democratise data and AI, has emerged as the platform of choice”, said Joshua Kushner, CEO of Thrive Capital. We have witnessed the group’s unwavering murder, and we think it’s a privilege to work with the business for the long term.
 
The company expects to have over 500 users and consume at an annual income run-rate of over$ 3 billion. The company has grown over 60 % year-over-year in the fourth quarter ended October 31, 2024. &nbsp,

¬ Plaza Media Limited. All rights reserved.

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BMA probes falling beam on Rama IV

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Discussed: 16 Dec 2024 at 05: 18

The concrete beam fell from a crane on the vehicle on Rama IV Road on Saturday. (Photo: Bang Rak District Office)
On Saturday, the car on Rama IV Road was impacted by a crane-caused concrete frame. ( Photo: Bang Rak District Office )

After a practical plate fell from a crane and causing damage to three cars on Saturday, Bangkok government Chadchart Sittipunt ordered the expulsion of destruction work at the Srifuengfung Building on Rama IV Road.

Along with deputy governor Wissanu Sabsomphon, a representative of the Thailand Structural Engineers Association ( TSEA ), and various other parties, Mr. Chadchart on Sunday visited the site, which is located close to the U Chu Liang Building on Rama IV Road in the Bang Rak district.

The 12-story Srifuengfung Building, according to Mr. Chadchart, has a mezzanine ground, totaling 14 floors.

According to him, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Department of Public Works approved the significant building’s demolition in June 2024.

He claimed that the beam fell from the six-story creating at 4pm as a result of a crane’s lowering of it and other supplies.

According to him, a rumored electronic issue in the cranes operator’s cab may have caused the practical to drop onto three delivery trucks parked on the side of the road below.

He claimed that the disruption was kept to a minimum by moving the fell construction materials with the aid of Bang Rak rescue workers, power officials, and firefighters.

” This is a dangerous incident that ought to have occurred. Happily, no one was injured”, he said.

He also mandated that the destruction be halted until a thorough research is finished, which is expected to take place in 15 days, he said.

Information is being collected to fully understand the causes of the falling frame event, according to TSEA president Amorn Pimanmas.

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Shaky hold on site safety

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A section of Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon, previously closed due to a concrete beam collapse on Nov 29, has been reopened. Six workers were killed and nine others were injured in the mishap. Department of Highways
A portion of Samut Sakhon’s Rama II Road, which was recently closed on November 29 as a result of a collapsed cement beam, has now been reopened. Nine people were hurt in the accident, along with six staff who died. Department of Bridges

Following a two-week delay caused by a crane carrying a practical beam collided onto the street in Samut Sakhon on November 29, causing the accident that caused six workers to die and nine others to get hurt, visitors on Rama II Road entirely resumed on Saturday.

At 4.13 am, an incident occurred on the outbound traffic lanes of the elevated Ekkachai-Ban Phaeo Intercity Motorway 82 ( M82 ) site in the Muang district’s Khok Krabue sub-district.

Apirat Chaiwongnoi, director-general of the Department of Highways ( DoH ) said on Sunday that both inbound and outbound traffic have returned to normal.

According to him, officials from several organizations have collaborated to immediately clear the area, repair the area’s collapsed composition, and repair the road surface in 14 days.

Regarding payment for the families of the deceased and injured, he said the bills have been completed, totalling more than 5.4 million ringgit.

The Department of Highways expressed regret for the pain caused and thanks all travellers for their assistance in avoiding the way.

Five years of labor

The Rama II Road, or Highway No 35 ( Thon Buri-Pak Tho Road ) is 84 km long. In the southwestern region of Bangkok, it begins at the T-junction of Suk Sawat Road and Rama II Road.

Before making a connection to Highway No 4 or Phetkasem Road at KM 84 041 in Ban Wang Manao, Pak Tho city of Ratchaburi, the route passes through Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram.

Job has been under way on this path since 1973, or more than 50 years, said a cause. It has expanded from six to 10 roads and then 14 roads.

Expressways are currently being constructed above the street to deliver drivers with alternate routes to the south.

Three jobs are currently being built. One is the 30 billion ringgit Rama III Road to Rama II Road freeway.

The second is the 10.5 billion bass Rama II Road, which connects Bang Khun Thian in Bangkok and Ekachai in Samut Sakhon.

The second is Samut Sakhon’s increased Bridge No 82, which connects the Ekachai region to the Ban Phaeo district. The price is 18.7 billion ringgit.

Numerous accidents have occurred in recent years while initiatives on Rama II Road were being worked on, resulting in injuries or deaths for both drivers and workers. One Italian-Thai business worker, for instance, fell from an road beam during its installation, killing herself in 2021.

A 5-tonne cement slab from a U-turn gate fell on some passing cars in July 2022, causing two fatalities and two injuries. A car was harmed when a big mass of water that was trapped on an expressway fell on August 2022.

In 2023, there were three more incidents, including the one in which a worker was killed when material from an road fell on him in December. In January this year, a crow’s rope broke from a level of 15 feet, killing one employee, and injuring another.

Security measures needed

According to Prof. Amorn Pimanmas, president of the Thailand Structural Engineers Association ( TSEA ), accidents like the most recent one on November 29 illustrate the dangers that large-scale construction in Thailand poses for both workers and the general public.

In the short term, the requirements of all jobs that use sliding metal trusses may be reviewed, including operating procedures, network patterns, and the strength of the metal frame.

The” steel launching truss,” which lifts the material parts or sections to be aligned, is the underlying problem, and it necessitates the supervision of a high-level architect. That engineer had possess thorough understanding, never leave it up to the professionals to do it,” he said. According to him, employees are required to receive instruction in architecture and safety practices as well.

The authorities should pass laws enacting regulations for medium and long-term measures that apply to design using the sliding metal truss system. Engineers, foremen, material girder operators, and workers must complete training and a check to obtain a licence.

He said that in developed nations like Japan, laws exist to formally bind contractors who are aware of sliding metal truss systems to stop those who do not have knowledge from accepting the position. However, this has not already taken place in Thailand.

The state wants to punish the companies who caused the accident, which he agreed with, but said the government may even punish suppliers.

For good support, the state may have a list of contractors who have been trained and adhere to health requirements, so contractors can pick from the list rather than just pick any businesses, he said, some of whom may not have the understanding.

However, the Transport Ministry has yet to launch its investigation effect of the Nov 29 injury.

Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit stated that he had given the Department of Highways, the Department of Rural Roads, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, and the Comptroller General’s Department of the Finance Ministry the task of coordinating the contractors ‘ performance and to keep track of it in a” Contractor’s Notebook.”

He claimed that the laptop will keep track of the performance of each business that has agreements with state agencies. If a company fails to meet security requirements, the government will withdraw its scores and ultimately erase its title from the registry, barring them from state contracts.

Apirat: Personnel ' compensation paid

Apirat: Personnel ‘ compensation paid

Amorn: Major works fraught with risk

Amorn: Major works fraught with risk

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US, China, Russia gearing up for space wars to come – Asia Times

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As China’s subtle maneuvers, Russia’s hunter-killer satellites, and the US’s press for efficient orbital fight capabilities converge toward future space battles, the conflict is escalating.

According to Air & Space Forces Magazine, US Space Force leaders have been looking for more maneuvering abilities as a result of China’s extreme orbital maneuvers in geostationary orbit.

Air &amp, Space Forces Magazine mentions that since 2010, China has launched roughly 1, 000 satellites, with new activities involving large activity rates, planetary war techniques and evasion tactics.

The document highlights the dangers posed by China’s powerful telescope tactics, which include inspecting, moving or damaging another observatories. According to the record, these tactics are uncommon for a geostationary circle and aim to avoid detection and disruption.

According to the statement, US Space Force Commander General Stephen Whiting cited China’s use of novel orbit and on-orbit fuel as evidence that the need for sustained place movement abilities.

Additionally, it mentions Brigadier General Anthony Mastalir’s warning about a paradigm change that required the US to adjust. Additionally, the report mentions Lieutenant General Douglas Scheiss ‘ suggestion that because both countries have maneuvering skills, there might be a “dogfight in space.”

According to Air &amp, Space Forces Magazine, the US aims to create systems similar to the X-37B spaceplane to lessen operating surprises and bridge planetary governments.

Defense Scoop reported in October 2024 that the US Space Force gave California-based business Impulse Space a$ 34.5 million commitment to show on-orbit flexibility for its strategically flexible storage system in addition to the X-37B spaceplane.

The contract includes the delivery of two orbital maneuver vehicles ( OMV) for the Victus Salo and Surgo missions, according to Defense Scoop. The report notes that these missions are intended to evaluate the ability of pre-positioned space assets to respond to on-orbit threats quickly.

Defense Scoop mentions that the US Space Force is working to improve its response to space threats and aims to have operational, tactical space capability by 2026. It also says the upcoming Victus Haze mission, slated for 2025, aims to test maneuverable space vehicles.

In February 2022, the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency ( DARPA ) announced that General Atomics, Lockheed Martin, and Blue Origin had been awarded contracts to develop nuclear propulsion systems for Low Earth Orbit ( LEO ) demonstrations by 2025.

This technology, which uses nuclear fission to accelerate propellants, offers significant advantages over traditional chemical propulsion, including longer endurance, heavier payload capacity and double fuel efficiency.

These advancements may shift space combat from passive “detection and response” to active “positioning and maneuver” strategies. They enable the application of traditional war principles—flexibility, concentration, and maneuverability—to space operations.

Maneuverability may also address satellites ‘ inherent vulnerability. Most of them follow predetermined paths, making them susceptible to tracking and targeting by anti-satellite weapons. With greater precision, adversaries can plan and execute attacks with greater predictability.

Adversary satellites employing” chase and disable” tactics —actively seeking, inspecting, or damaging critical space assets—pose significant threats to space security.

These tactics involve satellites moving to close proximity to and possibly involving other satellites, raising concerns about unintentional interruptions or hostile behavior.

For instance, NPR reported in May 2024 that the US had accused Russia of launching a satellite, Cosmos 2576, that is likely a counter-space weapon. NPR says the satellite, launched from the Plesetsk site in northern Russia, is in the same orbital plane as a US spy satellite, USA 314, which is part of the Keyhole 11 series.

According to NPR, the US claims that Cosmos 2576’s proximity to USA 314, approximately 48 kilometers at its closest point, suggests it could be used to inspect, move or damage other satellites.

The report notes that this maneuver has raised international tensions, with the US looking out for any threatening behavior on the satellite. NPR says Russia has denied the allegations, calling them “fake news” and asserting its opposition to placing weapons in space.

Previously, Asia Times reported in August 2022 that Russia’s Kosmos-2558 satellite is suspected to be an “inspector satellite” with potential hunter-killer capabilities. Analysts believe it has the ability to track and possibly destroy US spy satellites, which raises questions about the use of space as a weapon.

That month, Kosmos-2558 approached within 75 kilometers of the USA-326 satellite, which carries a classified payload for space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance ( ISR ) missions.

Concerns about the satellite’s location and potential threat have been raised by the US National Reconnaissance Office ( NRO ). Russia has a history of deploying satellites with similar capabilities, including Kosmos-2491, Kosmos-2499, and Kosmos-2504, which have conducted proximity maneuvers since 2013.

The US Space Force should look into plans to deploy “hunter-killer” satellites, using SmallSats ‘ flexibility and affordability, in a July 2024 article for the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, to increase space superiority.

Galbreath says these hunter-killer satellites are designed to operate as co-orbital weapons capable of disabling adversary satellites through kinetic strikes, electronic warfare, laser targeting, spoofing and jamming.

He points out that the US Space Force is more apt to carry out offensive counter-space operations on short notice by patrolling close to adversary assets, hiding in less-monitored orbits, or remaining dormant aboard larger spacecraft until they are activated.

Additionally, Galbreath says these satellites can be “bodyguards” for high-value space assets, similar to fighter escorts for aircraft, thereby shielding critical systems like missile warning satellites from attack.

He notes that the adoption of SmallSats for this role is driven by their low cost, rapid development cycles, and potential for mass deployment, which enables the US to counter China’s and Russia’s growing space warfare capabilities.

Galbreath claims that SmallSats have the potential to transform US military space operations because of their combination of precise targeting, operational agility, and the ability to achieve effects without creating orbital debris.

However, the rules of war regarding attacks against satellites aren’t crystal clear. Michael Byers and Aaron Boley discuss the legality of an attack on a satellite as a result of their book” Who Owns Outer Space” in 2023, which deals with the interpretations of the jus ad bellum ( right to war ) and jus in bello ( conduct in war ) principles.

According to Byers and Boley, opponents of satellite attacks may argue that they fall under the UN Charter’s Article 2( 4 ), primarily if they cause significant damage to state assets or interfere with essential services like navigation or communications.

They argue that using satellites for military, economic, and civilian purposes may be justification for using them in self-defense under Article 51.

Conversely, they mention that opponents note that not all satellite attacks meet the threshold of an “armed attack”, especially if effects are non-destructive, like signal jamming or hacking.

Moreover, Byers and Boley point out that satellites ‘ dual-use nature complicates attribution and intent assessment, making classifying such actions as acts of war challenging.

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Indonesia plans oil storage facility near Singapore to improve energy self-sufficiency: Minister

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JAKARTA: Indonesia plans to build an oil backup service on an area near Singapore- connecting with President Prabowo’s goals for energy self-sufficiency- amid political uncertainty, according to a government minister. &nbsp,

The new storage facility will be designed to house various types of oil, according to Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia on Wednesday ( Dec. 11 ), but he did not specify the location and details of its construction. &nbsp,

At a Golkar party event in Jakarta, he was quoted as saying,” The storage facility will be able to store oil for up to 30 to 40 days, and Pertamina will purchase oil ( from the facility ) at global economic prices so that we can achieve energy sovereignty.” &nbsp,

In light of the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, which have hampered global oil and gas supply chains, the new facility will allow the state-owned energy company Pertamina to buy oil in bulk, reducing its dependence on the dangerous world market. &nbsp,

Putra Adhiguna, managing director of the think tank Energy Shift Institute, applauded this action, stating that the new facility might have” strategic buffer ( oil ) reserves” and adding that the reserves Indonesia currently have are for operational use.

” This is an important move, considering Indonesia is a major oil supplier so having proper cushion reserves is essential for security, especially with the government’s plan on power security”, Putra told CNA. &nbsp,

According to an Antara record in April, Pertamina’s primary energy trade sources are Singapore, comprising 56.58 per cent of overall energy imports, followed by Malaysia at 26.75 per cent and India at 6.28 per cent. &nbsp,

However, the United States, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar are the primary solutions of Pertamina’s imported liquefied gas fuel. &nbsp,

The new center therefore also seeks to reduce Indonesia’s heavy emphasis on Singapore, as reported by The Jakarta Globe. &nbsp,

Indonesia imports 60 % of its fuel from Singapore, despite the fact that it does not have any fuel. This is extremely mind-blowing to me”, Bahlil, who is the Golkar party president, said on Oct 11, while quoted by Antara. &nbsp,

The program is also expected to reduce expenses related to third-party store, transport and entity taxes, thus facilitating more cost-efficient fuel purchases. &nbsp,

Despite having none of its own oil and gas resources, Singapore is one of the world’s top three export refining centres, according to the country’s Economic Development Board. &nbsp,

The city-state imports crude oil from countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

In addition, Bahlil also highlighted Indonesia’s low oil supplies which he considered a concern, emphasising the importance of increasing storage capacity to enhance energy resilience. &nbsp,

” This is a geopolitical issue. His statement was quoted by the Jakarta Globe as saying,” Our oil reserves and storage can only last for 21 days if our country goes to war.” &nbsp,

With plans to reduce regulations, reactivate idle wells, and increase output, the new Prabowo administration reportedly intends to revive oil and gas production in an effort to reverse a ten-year decline in output. &nbsp,

” We must have energy self-sufficiency and we are capable ( of being ) self-sufficient”, Prabowo said in his inauguration speech on Oct 20, citing geopolitical tension. &nbsp,

He also intended to leverage efforts made by the previous administration, led by former president Joko” Jokowi” Widodo, to boost massive gas discoveries in South Andaman and reduce biofuel use. &nbsp,

In October, Bahlil said that the Indonesian government planned to maximise the use of existing oil fields to reduce crude oil imports, which have reached a value of approximately 500 trillion rupiah ( US$ 31.4 billion ) annually. &nbsp,

The government intends to revive oil fields that have been idle by roking licenses in order to accomplish this goal, he added.

According to him,” I asked why these wells are not being operated, and the answers were unclear. It seems that I will start revocation of business licenses as we are looking at the potential to reorganize wells that are not being worked on by contractors, including state-owned enterprises,” he said on October 9 as quoted by the Jakarta Globe. &nbsp,

Based on data from Bahlil’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Indonesia has nearly 45, 000 oil fields, with 16, 600 considered inactive. &nbsp,

Among these idle fields, around 5, 000 are seen to have the potential to be revitalised to boost national oil production. &nbsp,

” For wells that are not being optimised, we will revoke their license and offer them to those capable of increasing our national production, we should not hold on to them, our country needs this”, Bahlil added. &nbsp,

Indonesia’s oil production, which was formerly an Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries ( OPEC ), decreased to less than 600,000 barrels per day in 2024 from a peak of roughly 1.6 million barrels per day in the 1990s, which is attributed to declining investment and aging blocks. &nbsp,

In addition, the country’s oil consumption has more than doubled to 1.5 million barrels per day, leading to imports of fuel and oil, which have cost the US$ 28 billion annually over the past ten years. &nbsp,

According to the Jakarta Globe, this oil issue has contributed to the rupiah’s fluctuating value.

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Historic US missile hit sends a warning to China from Guam – Asia Times

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As tensions rise over a possible Taiwan war, the US only demonstrated its ability to shoot down nuclear missiles from Guam. This sends a strong message to China.

The US Missile Defense Agency ( MDA ) conducted its first live intercept of a ballistic missile from Guam on Tuesday ( December 10 ), according to The War Zone, marking a significant milestone in the development of the Aegis Guam System.

The War Zone mentions that the test, known as Flight Experiment Mission-02 ( FEM-02 ), successfully saw a Standard Missile-3 Block IIA intercept a mock medium-range ballistic missile over 200 nautical miles northeast of the island. It notes that the test is an important step in ensuring Guam, a geopolitical island in the Indo-Pacific region, receives 360-degree protection.

According to the report, Aegis Guam’s method, which has a leaning Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS), offers more freedom for missile launch points than another Aegis Ashore systems. It makes note of the AN/TPY-6 sensor, which demonstrates the Guam’s incorporated air and missile defence capabilities.

The program is a part of a wider effort to strengthen Guam’s threats against potential risks from China, which has been swiftly expanding its nuclear weapon army. In the event of a discord, it makes note of the MDA’s continuous expansion of the Guam Defense System, which aims to establish a strong, multi-layered defense network involving regional allies and members of the US military.

Aegis Ashore, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense ( THAAD), Typhon, and Patriot systems are integrated into Guam’s wider Enhanced Integrated Air and Missile Defense ( EIAMD) system for 360-degree protection, according to Asia Times.

Guam will also make use of the Integrated Battle Command System ( IBCS) to unite various radar and missile assets into a single network, addressing flaws in US missile defense kill chains.

Yet, significant barriers remain. The complexity of integrating various systems and the limited land area of Guam cause risks of clumsy responses when combined with nuclear, cruise, and hypersonic missiles, while the country’s limited land space and hilly terrain complicate the development of infrastructure.

Additionally, over-reliance on set sensor-to-shooter links does limit adaptability against next-generation risks. China’s possible use of multi-domain attacks—combining cyber, electrical, and dynamic strikes—threatens the dignity of US destroy chains.

Apart from these challenges, a finite number of interceptors per system ( Aegis, THAAD and Patriot ) means that if a large-scale, multi-axis attack occurs, the inventory of available interceptors could be depleted quickly.

In line with that, Megan Eckstein mentions in a February 2024 Defense News content that the US Navy faces significant challenges as a result of supply chain bottlenecks and antiquated manufacturing capabilities.

Eckstein claims that despite dramatically increasing weapons costs, the US Navy struggles with insufficient stockpiles of crucial weapons, including the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile ( LRASM), MK 48 torpedoes and Standard Missile varieties.

She mentions that vital suppliers of elements like jet motors and electronics are unable to meet the growing demand while big defense contractors have expanded their facilities and modified processes. She notes that while the US Navy’s FY24 funds includes US$ 380 million to address these obstacles, business professionals warn that it will take time to discover changes.

Eckstein points out that efforts to increase productivity are further hampered by the US Navy’s reliance on a select few eligible rocket engine manufacturers.

Further, Mackenzie Eaglen mentions in a July 2024 article for The National Interest ( TNI ) that the US Department of Defense’s ( DOD ) decision to terminate SM-3 Block IB production in favor of the newer SM-3 Block IIA has not been matched with adequate increases in the latter’s procurement, leading to a shortfall in interceptor stockpiles.

Eaglen notes the FY 2025 defence budget reduces planned purchasing of SM-3 Block IB from 153 to zero over the next five years, saving US$ 1.9 billion but no reinvesting these benefits into SM-3 Block IIA output, which remains stagnated at 12 weapons annually.

He points out that despite a projected increase in SM-6 purchasing, total missile production is still insufficient to meet the US Navy’s requirements.

Eaglen says that efforts to increase output are further hampered by the persistent preference for smaller purchasing quantities and the reliance on a small number of skilled rocket motor manufacturers.

To address those challenges, the US Navy released an industry Request for Information ( RFI ) in July 2024 to assess the production capabilities for SM-6 rocket motors, specifically the MK72 booster and MK104 dual thrust rocket motor, to enhance fleet defense.

In its July 2024 RFI, the US Navy seeks details on these creation efforts ‘ value and professional preparation, aiming for merger in the FY26-FY27 timeframe or faster.

Additionally, the supplies of missiles, energy and extra parts for interceptors, sensor systems and communications technology is logistically difficult. Guam may experience resupply delays as a result of a protracted conflict due to the disruption of seafaring supply lines.

China has been constantly expanding its appearance in the South Pacific in an effort to do so. Some experts suggest that threatens to minimize entry between Guam, Australia, New Zealand and the US.

In Asia Times, Grant Newsham mentions how China is encroaching on the South Pacific through a comprehensive plan of social, economic, and military invasion.

According to Newsham, China is using political conflict to undermine US presence while the US is focused on reestablishing airfields and dispersing forces under the Agile Combat Employment (ACE ) strategy.

He mentions that China is funding Kiribati aircraft repairs and has built dual-use infrastructure, including games and ships, in US states like the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands.

He says that in the Federated States of Micronesia, China is constructing airports that mirror US work, while China aims to influence Palau’s political authority in its pursuit through purchases.

Newsham points out that Huawei’s buildings and harbor restoration in the Solomon Islands support the latter’s China-friendly program. He claims that an East Timor airport constructed with US cash might ultimately be a “gift” for China.

Newsham says China’s approach to these South Pacific says includes corruption, political offers and misinformation, usually outmatching US attempts.

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Trump heralds the end of dollar dominance – Asia Times

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Donald Trump’s win in November’s US presidential poll saw the US dollars improve. In less than two weeks, it reached a one-year large and has since maintained its power in comparison to its main competitors. His vote has also raised the possibility of US tariffs on goods, and notice has also been drawn to the potential disruption to international trade.

As part of this, Trump made a not-so-veiled threat of rough taxes on the&nbsp, BRICS&nbsp, team of leading emerging industry really they&nbsp, create a rival&nbsp, to the US dollar, which has been the country’s “dominant money” since the Second World War.

Dollarization refers to the use and positioning of the US dollar by different nations. It has various degrees of meaning, from places like Panama using the US dollar as their reserve and as their car money. This latter position enhances international trade.

Get Chile and Malaysia as an example. There will be a big and active marketplace for the exchange of Chilean pesos for the Indonesian rupiah, for which any industry between these two nations will be required. Pesos are rather exchanged for US money and US dollars for dinars, making business easier and less expensive.

However, the US dollar is used in more than 50 % of international business invoices, and over 80 % of all international trade deals worldwide. But, it is possible that Trump’s” America First” foreign policy may provide to hasten the end of the US currency’s dominance.

Pros and cons

Dollarization is advantageous for international business. However, it has distinct advantages for the US, as other nations require US currency to help trade and pay for a lot of commodities. This implies that the US dollar’s demand is still high, and that it does not experience depreciation force.

Perhaps the most crucial aspect is that nations don’t hang US dollars in cash when they do so. Instead, they buy US Treasury bills and thus, in effect, lend money to the US authorities. Due to the US government’s great need for US Treasury, borrowing at a lower interest rate than would otherwise be feasible.

But, there are also disadvantages. A robust US buck increases the price of dollar-denominated goods and, therefore, the cost of international trade. And for the US itself, a robust US dollars may damage its local trade organization.

These shortcomings have frequently prompted the idea of a multi-currency worldwide program, but this has never gained any traction or been a significant factor. But that could change with a following Trump administration.

When Trump takes office in January, he has threatened to impose large trade sanctions. Photo: Phil Mistry / Shutterstock via The Talk

During his first name, for enquiries grew louder. Additionally, there have been some changes to US dollars holdings since that point, causing a decline in global US dollars reserves.

Therefore, which Trump plans may hasten the end of US dollars dominance? The incoming president is viewed as pro-business, which will likely translate into laws designed to lower taxes and regulations. At a time when worldwide productivity is less than respectable, engaging private growth will result in an even stronger US dollar.

A stronger US dollars, as mentioned above, even increases the price of petrol and related supplies. Countries will certainly be asking themselves why, as crude from Saudi Arabia, for instance, may be purchased in US bucks as those dollars increase in value.

Trump’s financial plans are likely to raise US bill, which could lower the value of the significant US dollar deposits held around the world. According to one research, Trump’s plans may include as much as US$ 15 trillion to the world’s loan over a decade. Some nations may be less willing to hold US bill as a result of a decline in the value of US dollars resources.

The result of these policies may be considered unexpected. But other procedures, like as Trump’s program for higher taxes, are more consciously designed.

A robust US dollar hurts US exports because they become more expensive locally and import prices are less expensive. Taxes are a way to shield domestic producers from this global rivals.

However, raising tariffs will only serve to strengthen the US dollars if no other nation reacts, as fewer exports will result in fewer US dollars being sold on the global trade market. This does, at least in part, erase the impact of the price policy while imposing trade costs worldwide.

Countries may agree to use choices as a reserve money and a payment method for global commodities in order to prevent this. A distinct money, such as the Euro or Yuan, has been suggested by the Brics countries. Trump’s challenges may merely speed up this hunt for an option.

What would this imply for the United States?

Countries would then need to carry less US money, but may sell off their US Treasuries. The outcome will be a surge in the US’s loan and a decline in the value of the US dollar. Unfortunately, this would increase the price of goods ( the goal of Trump’s tax policy ), but it could also lead to inflation.

A work on the US dollar did have significant effects on the US and the world in the worst-case situation, if nations coordinated their offering of US dollars and Bonds. This may require the US to reduce its trade deficit and raise its loan costs.

Globally, it may disrupt industry, increase purchase costs and there would be a loss of benefit for any dollar-denominated property and resources. A major world recession would probably follow from this.

For the immediate future, the US dollar will be a world money. But Trump’s” America First” plan, as well as the greater weaponisation of the US dollars, could lead to its fall from being the only world currency.

David McMillan is doctor in finance, University of Stirling

This content was republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original content.

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