Shishir Gupta

The Philippine defence secretary paused mid-speech, reading a Chinese note handed to him line by line and retorting to each point.

Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, Point Blank examines how terrorism has evolved—from large organised networks to online radicalisation, lone-wolf violence, drones, encrypted communications and cross-border funding chains. HT Executive Editor Shishir Gupta discusses the continuing threat from groups including al-Qaeda, Islamic State, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed; the importance of human intelligence; and why preventing attacks requires stronger global intelligence-sharing, counter-radicalisation and action against terror-financing networks. The discussion also revisits intelligence failures before 9/11, 26/11 and the Hamas-led October 7 attack.

Lessons from 9/11 attack remain unlearnt as terror networks evolve, use sophisticated recruitment and retain political utility, argues Shishir Gupta.

The civic body has separately identified 26 framed structures above G+4 floors on Wednesday for close monitoring as they may be vulnerable.

From J-10 fighters and Wing Loong drones to Turkish Akinci and new air-defence systems, Pakistan is rapidly expanding its military capabilities.

From J-10 fighters and Wing Loong drones to Turkish Akinci and new air-defence systems, Pakistan is rapidly expanding its military capabilities.

MCD has made it clear that any negligence or dereliction of duty by officials in dealing with unauthorised construction will not be tolerated.

Focus on relationships over rivalry, substance over mere statements, and people over politics are the pillars of New Delhi's approach.

Modi-Putin talks are likely to focus on $100 billion trade target, nuclear, critical minerals

and India's female labor force participation rate has long lagged behind that of peer economies like Bangladesh, not because of social norms, but because of weak demand for labor. That is ultimately good news, because it is a problem that can be solved with common-sense regulatory reforms and public investment.