The Roundup

  https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaI6FJZ8aKvHuAImSF2o              https://wa.me/c/923554754711 The Press Roundup Curated Summary of What Matters February 22, 2024 (Thursday) Is Europe ready to defend itself? (The Economist) Russia is becoming more dangerous, and Europe needs to raise defense spending, restore military traditions, restructure arms industries, and prepare for a possible war. The murder of Alexei Navalny highlights the ruthlessness and violence of Vladimir Putin. Russia is winning in Ukraine and has put its economy on a war footing, spending 7.1% of GDP on defense. Within three to five years, Denmark's defense minister believes that Putin could be ready to take on NATO, potentially launching hybrid operations against one of the Baltic states. Western deterrence is weakening as the Russian threat grows. India Boosts Naval Power: BrahMos Missile Deal Worth Rs 19,000 Crore Approved (One India)

  https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaI6FJZ8aKvHuAImSF2o              https://wa.me/c/923554754711 February 22, 2024 (Thursday) Asia Pacific 1.        Taiwan Completes Fielding of New Anti-Drone Weapons . Part of a 4.6-billion New Taiwan dollar ($146-million) program, it will bolster the drone defense capabilities of more than 40 military bases across the small island nation.                                 2.        US, European Parts Found in North Korean Missile in Ukraine: Report . The remains of a North Korean ballistic missile recovered in Ukraine contained components with the marks of companies headquartered in the United States and Europe, a weapons tracking organization said.                              Russia/Europe/West 3.        UK Has ‘Confidence’ in Nuclear System Despite Misfire . The UK government said that it had “absolute confidence” in its Trident nuclear deterrent system despite a reported missile test failure.                                    4.      

  https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaI6FJZ8aKvHuAImSF2o              https://wa.me/c/923554754711 DAWN EDITORIALS February 22, 2024 (Thursday) Imran Khan’s rise Summary Imran Khan's Popularity: Khan enjoys strong popular support, evidenced by consistent wins in by-elections despite attempts to suppress his campaign. This support is attributed to various factors, including anti-establishment sentiment, economic hardship, and dislike for other political leaders. Khan's appeal resonates particularly with young voters, a rapidly growing demographic in Pakistan. Challenges and Opportunities: Pakistan's economy faces critical issues like high energy costs and debt burden, requiring decisive leadership. Khan needs to adapt his policies to address these challenges and transition the economy towards domestic resources and less energy-intensive manufacturing. Both economic and political landscapes