The recent moves by Beijing to throttle the supply of high-tech components to European drone manufacturers mark a cynical new chapter in the Great Game of technological sovereignty. By targeting the burgeoning defense link between Taipei’s hardware and Europe’s evolving Ukraine-style drone doctrine, China isn't just protecting its market share; it is weaponizing the global supply chain to dictate how Western nations defend themselves. Why is China targeting the Europe-Taiwan drone partnership? The Taiwan-Ukraine axis represents a nightmare for Beijing's strategic planners. European defense firms, having witnessed the devastating efficacy of low-cost FPV (First Person View) and reconnaissance drones on the plains of Ukraine, are pivoting away from expensive, traditional aerospace models. They are looking to Taiwan-not just for chips, but for specialized sensors and flight controllers-to build a democratic supply chain. China’s sanctions are a preemptive strike. By leveraging it...
Floodwaters across Punjab reached alarming levels on Tuesday after India released additional discharges into the Sutlej and Ravi rivers, while persistent monsoon rains intensified the crisis, putting millions of lives at risk and raising fears of a super flood in Sindh.
According to the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD), the Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala recorded over 350,000 cusecs of water — the highest level since 1955.
At Sulemanki, the flow was measured at 124,000 cusecs, while Islam Headworks reported nearly 86,000 cusecs. The Ravi also witnessed a dangerous rise, with water levels recorded at 54,000 cusecs in Jassar, 60,000 in Shahdara, 137,000 in Balloki, and 107,000 in Sidhnai.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said that over one million people have so far been relocated to safe areas, while 41 people have lost their lives since August 26. He described the ongoing relief and evacuation efforts as the largest rescue operation in the province's history.
Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed stated that over 3,200 villages and more than 2.4 million people have been affected. He said 395 relief camps, 392 medical camps, and 336 veterinary camps have been set up across flood-hit areas, while nearly one million people and over 708,000 livestock have been relocated to safer places.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of further heavy rains over the next 24 to 48 hours, cautioning that water pressure is likely to rise in the lower Indus and southern Punjab. Authorities have expressed fears that the situation could escalate into a super flood in Sindh, threatening millions more in the days ahead.
In southern Punjab, the Chenab's surge has entered Multan district, where local authorities are weighing breaching embankments to protect the city.
In Sindh, low-level flooding has been reported at Sukkur, Kotri and Guddu barrages, though many residents in riverine "katcha" areas are resisting evacuation orders. Officials warn that the refusal to leave the areas could complicate relief efforts if river levels continue to rise.
The FFD reported that Tarbela Dam has reached full capacity, while Mangla is 83 per cent filled. Rawal Dam has opened its spillways as levels approached the danger mark. Authorities said more rainfall is expected through September 3, with forecasts pointing to continued high flows in the Ravi, Sutlej and Chenab rivers.
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