TYB
Your Brain Maps Actions Like It Maps Space
May 10, 2025
Summary:
A new study shows that the human brain organizes action-outcome associations in cognitive maps, much like how it maps physical space for navigation.
These action maps are formed in the hippocampus and communicate with the motor system to support goal-directed behaviors and flexible decision-making.
Using virtual reality tasks and fMRI, researchers observed that the brain represents similar actions closer together in this map-like structure, influencing how we perceive and choose between them.
This challenges traditional views of memory systems, revealing that action planning is guided by interconnected neural networks that link memory, perception, and motor control.
Key Facts:
Cognitive Action Maps: The brain organizes actions and their outcomes using hippocampal maps.
Motor Integration: These maps interact with the motor system to guide behavior and decision-making.
Beyond Space: The study expands the role of cognitive maps from spatial navigation to action planning.
How are the relations between different action plans organized and structured in the brain to support our rich behavioural repertoire?
Irina Barnaveli and Christian Doeller together with Simone Viganò and Daniel Reznik from the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences and with Patrick Haggard from the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, argue in their recent study that the brain organizes action-outcome associations in a cognitive map-like structure.
The researchers further demonstrate in their study, published in Nature Communications, that these cognitive maps, located in the hippocampal system, communicate with the motor system during action evaluation, suggesting that goal-directed action planning skills rely on multiple neural systems.
The human capacity to develop a diverse and highly complex repertoire of action plans is truly remarkable.
Many of our behaviours are rooted in associations between actions and their outcomes, which we form and leverage flexibly.
For instance, the same keypress action can lead to different outcomes depending on whether it’s performed on a computer keyboard, a radio, or another context.
We often have multiple alternative choices, so that action selection requires comparing across available action-outcomes, which is a non-trivial and taxing problem.
“How do we compare the many action plans stored in memory and select the most appropriate one?
“We propose that these action-outcome associations could be organized in a cognitive map within the hippocampal system, potentially supporting efficient action selection within the rich human behavioural repertoire” explains Irina Barnaveli, first author of the study.
“The hippocampus is a part of the brain involved in forming memories and navigating in space. Navigation relies heavily on the creation of maps of space.
Our study suggests that we create similar maps for organizing and selecting action plans, linking perception to action.”
In the immersive virtual reality, participants performed a motor interaction task, in which they learned how to control the flying and catching of a virtual ball using different actions.
Later, they compared learned actions while their brain activity was monitored using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
The scientists found patterns of brain activity that are typically interpreted as signatures of ‘cognitive mapping’, suggesting that the brain abstracts and organizes action plans in a map-like representation.
This map is also evident from participants’ behaviour: the closer the actions are within the hypothesised map, the more similar they are perceived by the participants.
Crucially, this cognitive map in the hippocampal system exchanges information with the motor system to relate multiple action plans to each other.
“The map-like representations might therefore represent how humans interact with their environment in a very general sense, well beyond the specific case of spatial navigation.
By supporting action selection, cognitive maps could contribute to optimizing the acquisition and exploitation of a wide repertoire of action plans.
“This discovery further challenges the classical distinction between declarative and procedural memory, suggesting that goal-directed actions rely on multiple neural systems that integrate action generation, motor planning, and memory”, concludes Christian Doeller, last author of the study.
https://neurosciencenews.com/cognitive-mapping-action-28877/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-59153-y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNc2VU6gYcw
European Space Agency and Indian Space Research Organisation Expand Human Spaceflight Collaboration
May 12, 2025
The European Space Agency (ESA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have taken a significant step in human space exploration by signing a joint Statement of Intent focused on collaboration in low Earth orbit and future lunar missions.
This agreement builds upon existing partnerships and recent joint work on missions like the Axiom 4 commercial mission, laying the groundwork for future cooperative efforts.
The newly signed statement emphasizes the development of interoperable rendezvous and docking systems, a critical step toward ensuring their respective spacecraft can function together in low Earth orbit.
The agencies also plan to explore astronaut training, analogue space missions - which involve ground-based simulations to replicate aspects of spaceflight - and parabolic flight activities, providing comprehensive preparation for future human missions.
In addition to facilitating coordinated operations in orbit, the statement sets the stage for joint scientific research and technology development.
This could involve collaboration through ongoing projects or using European research on India's POEM platforms, which utilize the spent upper stages of polar satellite launch vehicles as temporary orbital research platforms.
The agreement was signed by ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher during the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX) in New Delhi.
Aschbacher highlighted the value of international cooperation in advancing space exploration, stating:
"The complexities and costs of space missions often surpass the capabilities of just one nation. In this context, partnerships have allowed us to achieve great milestones that would be unimaginable alone.
ESA's collaboration with international partners such as ISRO exemplifies the power of shared expertise and resources."
"Together with its Member States, ESA is looking ahead to implementing programmes and defining new activities that preserve our commitment to international cooperation while also supporting autonomous capabilities."
Looking forward, the two space agencies are discussing potential astronaut flight opportunities to India's planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), joint infrastructure projects in low Earth orbit, and aligned scientific missions to the Moon.
These ambitious plans will be governed by specific agreements as the partnership continues to evolve.
https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/European_Space_Agency_and_Indian_Space_Research_Organisation_Expand_Human_Spaceflight_Collaboration_999.html
https://www.rt.com/russia/617381-putin-ukraine-peace-talks/
Putin proposes unconditional peace talks with Ukraine (FULL SPEECH)
11 May, 2025 13:58
Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed starting peace talks with Ukraine without any preconditions as soon as Thursday.
The president made the remarks early on Sunday as he addressed the media at the conclusion of celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory Day.
Russia hosted numerous foreign dignitaries over the days surrounding the celebrations, including the leaders of China, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
Putin offered to start unconditional talks with Ukraine “without delay” on May 15 in Istanbul, where “they were held earlier and where they were interrupted,” referring to the negotiations held in Türkiye during the early phase of the conflict in 2022.
Moscow is “set on serious negotiations” with Kiev and aims to “eliminate the root causes” of the conflict in order to achieve a “long-term lasting peace,” Putin stated.
Here is the president’s speech in full:
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good evening, or maybe good night already. I want to greet everyone. Ladies and gentlemen. Colleagues.
Allow me to once again congratulate all of you on the Great Victory Day! Thank our friends and foreign partners who have been with us in Moscow these days at the anniversary celebrations to bow to the generation of winners.
We honor all those who contributed to the common victory over Nazism, including our allies in the anti-Hitler coalition, Chinese soldiers, participants in the anti-Fascist resistance in Europe, fighters of the people’s liberation movements in Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, and volunteers from Latin American countries.
Together with our friends and like-minded people, we share a common memory and respect for history, heroic deed of true heroes who fought for freedom, and of course, our responsibility for the future, for building a more just and safer world.
The issues that directly affect the stable, sustainable development of the entire world community – Eurasia and other world regions – were at the center of the bilateral and the multilateral meetings held in Moscow.
Of course, they were held in a special, solemn, festive atmosphere, but at the same time they were extremely rich and informative, filled with topics of the political, economic and humanitarian agenda.
Summing up, and this is exactly what I would like to do now, I would say that in four days, from May 7 to May 10, we hosted official visits by the leaders of three foreign states: the People’s Republic of China, the Venezuelan Bolivarian Republic and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Additionally, 20 bilateral meetings were held with the heads of the CIS countries, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Latin America.
In total, 27 heads of state from the CIS, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, as well as about 10 heads of international organizations took part in the celebrations. Another six countries were represented at a high level.
We see inspiring evidence of genuine consolidation around the enduring ideas and values of our common Great Victory in such a wide participation of delegations from foreign countries and international organizations.
We are grateful to the leaders of the 13 states who sent units of the national armed forces to participate in the parade on Red Square.
Their shoulder-to-shoulder march with our ceremonial units filled the common holiday with special energy and the spirit of military brotherhood, tempered during the Second World War.
I was pleased to personally thank the military leaders of the Korean People’s Army and convey my warmest words to soldiers and commanders of special forces units of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, who, jointly with our servicemen, professionally, and I want to emphasize this, faithfully performed their assignments during the liberation of the Kursk Region border areas from the Kiev regime forces.
I would like to emphasize: they showed courage and heroism, acted – I want to say this again – professionally, to the highest degree, showed good training and preparation.
1/3
And of course, it was a special honor for all state leaders to salute the main heroes of the Victory anniversary on the stands – WWII veterans from Russia, Israel, Armenia and Mongolia.
I would like to highlight that, despite threats, blackmail and obstacles caused, including the closure of airspace, the leaders of several European countries – Serbia, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina – came to Moscow.
I would like to reiterate: we understand the massive pressure they faced, and therefore we sincerely appreciate their political courage, firm moral position, decision to share the holiday with us, to pay tribute to the memory of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War, World War II, who fought for their Fatherland and for deliverance from the brown plague of the whole world, of the entire mankind without any exaggeration.
It is important for us that millions of Europeans, state leaders that pursue sovereign policies, remember this.
This gives us optimism and hope that sooner or later, based on the lessons of history and the opinion of our peoples, we will begin to move towards restoring constructive relations with European states.
Including those who today still do not give up the anti-Russian rhetoric and clearly aggressive actions against us. They are still trying – we can see it right these days – to talk to us, in fact, in a boorish manner and through ultimatums.
Our comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction with the People’s Republic of China can serve as a genuine example of modern equal relations in the 21st century.
Chinese President Xi Jinping was the chief guest at the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory.
We have had exceptionally fruitful negotiations, we have adopted two joint statements at the level of heads of state, and we have signed a number of intergovernmental and interdepartmental agreements covering such areas as energy, trade, finance, science, culture and much more.
As I have already said, it has been agreed that in September I will pay an official return visit to China for the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of victory over militaristic Japan.
It is deeply symbolic and natural that the principal, in fact the main commemorative events related to the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII in Europe and Asia will be held in Moscow and Beijing – in the capital cities of the states whose peoples passed through the hardest trials and paid the highest price for the common Victory.
Colleagues, I think it is obvious to everyone that the talks and meetings held in Moscow also touched on the issue of resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
We are grateful to all our guests, our friends, for the attention they are paying to this conflict and for the efforts they are making to bring this conflict to an end.
In this connection, I believe it is necessary to dwell on this topic separately.
So, I want to say that, as it is known, Russia has proposed ceasefire initiatives on several occasions, but they, these initiatives, have been repeatedly sabotaged by Ukraine.
For example, the Kiev regime defiantly violated about 130 times the 30-day – I want to make it a point – 30-day moratorium, from March 18 to April 17, on strikes against energy facilities, which was declared in accordance with our agreement with US President Donald Trump.
The Easter truce initiated by Russia was not observed either: the ceasefire regime was violated by Ukrainian forces almost 5,000 times. Nevertheless, for the celebration of Victory Day – and we consider this to be a sacred holiday for us as well, just imagine that we lost 27 million people – we declared a ceasefire for the third time on this holiday, which is sacred to us.
Incidentally we conveyed to those of our colleagues in the West who, in my opinion, are sincerely looking for ways to settlement, our position on this issue, on a ceasefire on Victory Day, and that in the future we do not exclude the possibility of extending the terms of this truce – but, of course, after analyzing what will happen in these several days, based on the results of how the Kiev regime will react to our proposal.
And what do we see? What are these results? The Kiev authorities, as you can see for yourself, did not respond at all to our ceasefire proposal.
Moreover, after the announcement of our proposal – and this happened, as you remember, on May 5 – the Kiev authorities launched large-scale attacks in the early hours of May 7.
As many as 524 unmanned aerial vehicles and a number of Western–made missiles participated in the strike, and 45 unmanned boats were used simultaneously in the Black Sea.
2/3
Actually, during these three days of the ceasefire that we announced – on May 8, 9 and 10 – happened what you also saw from the media, in fact, from your reports, it was clear:
during this time, five targeted attempts were made to attack the state border of the Russian Federation in the area of the Kursk Region and at the junction with the Belgorod Region, precisely during the days of the ceasefire we announced.
Additionally, another 36 attacks were made in other areas. All these attacks, including attempts to enter the territory of the Russian Federation in the Kursk Region and the Belgorod Region, were repulsed.
Moreover, our military experts believe that they had no military significance, were conducted solely for political reasons and the enemy suffered very heavy losses.
As I have already said, the Kiev authorities not only declined our ceasefire proposal, but also, as we all saw, tried to intimidate the leaders of the states who gathered for the celebrations in Moscow.
You know, when I met with colleagues here in Moscow, a thought occurred to me. I’ll share it with you: who were they trying to intimidate among those who came to Moscow to celebrate the Victory over Nazi Germany?
Who were they trying to frighten? Those who have come to us are leaders not by position or a post, they are leaders by character, by their beliefs and willingness to stand for their beliefs. And who was trying to intimidate them?
Those who stand at attention and salute, applaud former SS soldiers? And elevates those who collaborated with Hitler during WWII to the rank of national heroes?
It seems to me that this is an attempt with obviously unsuitable means and those who are trying to do this do not correspond to the scale they expect themselves.
I will repeat: we have proposed steps towards a ceasefire on many occasions. We have never refused to engage in dialogue with the Ukrainian side.
Let me remind you again: it was not us who interrupted the negotiations in 2022; it was the Ukrainian side.
In this connection, despite everything, we propose that the authorities in Kiev should resume the negotiations that they interrupted at the end of 2022 and resume direct talks. And, I stress, without any preconditions.
We suggest starting without delay next Thursday, May 15, in Istanbul, where they were held earlier and where they were interrupted.
As you know, Turkish colleagues have repeatedly offered their services to organize such talks, and President Erdogan has done a lot to organize them.
I recall that as a result of these talks a joint draft document was prepared and initialed by the head of the Kiev negotiating group, but at the insistence of the West it was simply thrown into the basket.
Tomorrow we are going to have a conversation with the President of Türkiye, Mr Erdogan. I would like to ask him to provide such an opportunity to hold talks in Türkiye.
I hope that he will confirm his desire to contribute to the search for peace in Ukraine.
3/4
We are set on serious negotiations with Ukraine. Their aim is to eliminate the root causes of the conflict and to achieve a long-term lasting peace for a historical perspective.
We do not rule out that in the course of these negotiations it will become possible to agree on some kind of new truce and a new ceasefire.
And a real ceasefire that would be observed not only by Russia but also by the Ukrainian side and would be the first step, I repeat, towards a long-term, sustainable peace, rather than a prelude to continuing armed conflict after the Ukrainian armed forces have been rearmed, re-equipped and frantically digged trenches and new strongholds.
Who needs such peace?
Our proposal is, as they say, on the table. The decision is now up to Ukrainian authorities and their supervisors, who are seemingly guided by their personal political ambitions, rather than the interests of their peoples, want to continue the war against Russia at the hands of Ukrainian nationalists.
Let me reiterate myself: Russia is ready for talks without any preliminary conditions. There are combat actions and war going on now, and we propose to resume negotiations that were not interrupted by us. Well, what’s wrong about it?
Those who really want peace cannot but support this.
At the same time, I would like to express my gratitude once again for the mediation services and efforts aimed at a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis undertaken by our foreign partners, including China, Brazil, African countries, the Middle East, and recently the new Administration of the United States of America.
In conclusion, I would like to once again thank everyone who shared with us the festive celebrations dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory over Nazism.
I am sure that the spirit of solidarity and harmony that united us in Moscow these days will continue to help us build fruitful cooperation and partnership in the name of progress, security and peace.
I would also like to take this opportunity to note the tremendous role of journalists, representatives of international information agencies, TV channels, and the press who covered the anniversary events and the many-hour program of current negotiations and working meetings.
Much has been done to ensure that people in different countries of the world experience the unique atmosphere of the current holidays in Moscow. Of course, I thank you for this meeting as well, as it is held quite late and, of course, everyone is already tired.
Thank you very much for your attention, as it’s almost half past one in the morning, or even later than half past one in Moscow, God be with you.
Thank you very much for your attention. Goodbye.
4/4
Zelensky responds to Putin’s peace talks proposal
11 May, 2025 12:17
Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky has responded to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for direct peace talks by reiterating his demand that any engagement must be preceded by a comprehensive ceasefire.
Moscow, however, has said the settlement process must begin with talks, possibly followed by a ceasefire – not the other way around.
On Sunday, Putin proposed resuming direct negotiations with Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul, Türkiye “without any preconditions.”
He noted that Russia has never refused dialogue and expressed hope that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would facilitate the meeting.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described Putin’s proposal as “a serious offer” aimed at achieving a lasting peace through meaningful negotiations.
Responding to the offer, Zelensky took to Telegram, saying: “It is a good sign that the Russians are finally thinking about ending the war. Everyone in the world has been waiting for this for a long time.
And the very first step in actually ending any war is a ceasefire.”
“We expect Russia to confirm a ceasefire – full, lasting, and reliable – starting tomorrow, May 12, and Ukraine is ready to meet,” he added.
Andrey Yermak, the head of Zelensky’s office, echoed his remarks, stating, “First, a 30-day ceasefire, then everything else. Russia must not mask the desire to continue the war under verbal constructions.”
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova slammed Kiev’s response, saying: “Judging by the reaction… they didn’t read the transcript of the Russian president’s statement very carefully, nor the hundreds of comments from global political figures and media publications supporting it.”
Putin’s proposal is “absolutely clear,” Zakharova stressed. “First, negotiations about the root causes [of the conflict], and then we can talk about a ceasefire.”
This came after leaders from France, Germany, Poland, the UK, and EU proposed a “full and unconditional” 30-day ceasefire, arguing that this would “create room for diplomacy,” while noting that the US has expressed support for the initiative.
According to Peskov, Putin supports the idea of a ceasefire “in general,” but “there are lots of questions” that remain unresolved.
Moscow previously expressed concern that a halt in the fighting would allow Kiev to regroup its battered troops. It has also insisted that all Western arms shipments to Ukraine must be suspended for the duration of the ceasefire.
https://www.rt.com/russia/617375-zelensky-responds-putin-peace-talks/
Police hit out at ‘absolute madness’ following drone near miss with rescue helicopter
May 11, 2025 at 3:47pm BST
Police have described a drone near-miss with a rescue helicopter in the Mournes as “absolute madness” and potentially “catastrophic”.
The incident happened on Saturday evening after the coastguard helicopter successfully rescued a casualty from the Lower Cove area.
Police say the near collision happened as the helicopter was preparing to take off and return to Prestwick, when officers spotted the drone flying in close proximity.
A spokesperson said: “Yesterday evening South Down neighbourhood team were assisting Newcastle Coastguard to secure the landing site for Maritime and Coastguard Agency Rescue Helicopter 199 from Prestwick as they worked with Mourne Mountain Rescue Team to extract a casualty from the area of Lower Cove.”
“With the casualty safely in the back of a Northern Ireland Ambulance Service ambulance, the helicopter crew began to prepare for take-off to return to Prestwick.”
An officer then alerted the coastguard, who in turn informed the crew on board.
“At the same time, officers made their way to the area of the park the drone was spotted in in order to try and identify its whereabouts and the person that was operating it.
“Despite this quick action the drone appeared to have left the area, but people in the park approached the police attempting to point out where the drone had been.
“In short, this is absolute madness,” they added.
“Had that drone impacted with the helicopter at any time, the result would have been catastrophic.
“Drones are not toys.”
Police say the behviour was in breach of the Air Navigation Order and may result in prosecution.
They are appealing to anyone who may have information in relation to the incident to contact them on 101.
https://www.irishnews.com/news/northern-ireland/police-hit-out-at-absolute-madness-following-drone-near-miss-with-rescue-helicopter-XM2TUJDX4FGXBNQM726I47NE4A/
Fuel depots fire under control, power gradually restored after Port Sudan drone attacks
2025-05-11 22:37:15
KHARTOUM – The fire at fuel depots in Port Sudan has been brought under control and electricity has been gradually restored in the eastern Red Sea State following drone attacks in early May, Sudan's Civil Defense Forces and state-run Electricity Company said Sunday in separate statements.
"The fire at the strategic storage facilities and other affected sites in Port Sudan has been completely extinguished," Director of Sudan's Civil Defense Forces Osman Al-Atta said in a statement, adding that firefighting was challenging due to large volumes of oil stored at the affected sites.
"The return of electricity supply to cities in Red Sea State is underway gradually," the Electricity Company said in a brief statement posted on its official Facebook page.
Sudan has been embroiled in a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since mid-April 2023, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives, with the exact toll unknown.
Recently, the RSF has intensified drone attacks on military sites and vital facilities within SAF-controlled areas.
On May 4, the RSF reportedly launched drone attacks on Port Sudan, capital of Red Sea State, for the first time, targeting a military airbase and civilian facilities.
On Monday, drones attacked fuel depots in the city, completely destroying them, triggering huge explosions, and causing fires that burned for days.
On Tuesday, Sudan's Electricity Company announced that the Port Sudan power transformer station was targeted by drones in the morning, leading to a complete power outage.
https://english.news.cn/20250511/ca2ac161fade405bb0f99e65921b6b1c/c.html
Punjab: Drone, pistol recovered near international border in Ferozepur
Last Updated: May 11, 2025, 05:21:00 PM IST
BSF and Punjab Police have recovered a drone from an agricultural field near a village, situated along the international Indo-Pakistan border, officials said on Sunday.
The officials received inputs regarding the drone and a search operation was carried out.
The drone along with a pistol and a magazine was recovered from an agricultural field on Saturday near Ganeshe Wale Jhugge village, they said.
Police have registered an FIR against unidentified persons under various provisions of the Arms Act and under the Aircraft Act. Further investigation is underway.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/punjab-drone-pistol-recovered-near-international-border-in-ferozepur/articleshow/121079188.cms
Kyiv Says Russia Launched More Than 100 Drones at Ukraine
May 11, 2025
Kyiv on Sunday said that Moscow had launched more than 100 drones into Ukraine at night, shortly after a Russian 72-hour ceasefire had ended at midnight.
Kyiv had not reported any drone attacks since Thursday, when the Russian ceasefire came into effect, although it did accuse Moscow of violating the truce hundreds of times.
Russia also accused Ukraine of not observing the ceasefire.
“On the night of May 11 [from 2:00 am on May 11], the enemy attacked with 108 Shahed attack drones and various types of imitator drones,” Kyiv's air force said, adding that it had downed 60 of them.
The attacks came as Russian President Vladimir Putin ignored a European-proposed 30-day ceasefire, backed by the U.S., instead offering direct talks with Kyiv later this month.
Speaking in the early hours of Sunday at the Kremlin, Putin proposed talks with Kyiv in Istanbul on May 15.
“We do not exclude that during these talks we will be able to agree on some new ceasefire,” Putin said in the Kremlin address.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday said that he expects Moscow to commit to a 30-day ceasefire starting on Monday and that Kyiv was “ready” for direct talks with Russia.
“There is no point in continuing the killing even for a single day. We expect Russia to confirm a ceasefire — full, lasting and reliable — starting tomorrow, May 12, and Ukraine is ready to meet,” Zelensky said on social media.
“It is a positive sign that the Russians have finally begun to consider ending the war,” Zelensky added. “The entire world has been waiting for this for a very long time. And the very first step in truly ending any war is a ceasefire.”
On his way back from Ukraine, where he took part in a European announcement on the 30-day ceasefire proposal, French leader Emmanuel Macron said Putin's proposal was “not enough” and accused him of wanting to “buy time.”
Moscow's invasion of Ukraine has dragged on for more than three years.
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/05/11/kyiv-says-russia-launched-more-than-100-drones-at-ukraine-a89041
‘Drone pakoras’ take off on social media as retired soldier lightens mood amid India-Pakistan standoff
Updated: May 11, 2025 12:50 IST
As drone attacks swept into public discourse amid the India-Pakistan military hostilities, a lighter take on the situation on social media Sunday featured “drone pakoras”.
Retired Lieutenant General (Retd) K J S Dhillon shared a picture of this unique snack on his X account, sparking waves of engagement.
It showed three pakoras shaped like drones, completely unlike the traditional fried snack. He captioned it: “Drone Pakoras… new snack in the Air Defence Regiment. Jai Hind.”
His imaginative post quickly went viral across platforms. It has garnered more than 12,00 likes and been reposted more than 1,700 times.
Former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Gurinder Dhillon chimed in with a witty remark: “All Punjabi brothers are advised to start eating ‘Drone Pakoras’, a Turkish-Chinese dish, to fully support the Indian Air Defence Regiment. We are proud of our Air Defence Forces.”
Amid ongoing attempts by some to patent the name Operation Sindoor, India’s military attack on terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (Pok), another user, Raj Shukla, humorously suggested:
“The Indian Air Defence Regiment must immediately patent the ‘Drone Pakora’ before some clever businessman grabs the idea!”
Meanwhile, India’s north-western front was relatively calmer Saturday night after three days of cross-border shelling and drone attacks in the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan.
This was after a ceasefire to put an end to days of military action between India and Pakistan.
Most districts in Punjab lifted the blackout orders that were implemented shortly after shelling resumed in neighbouring Jammu and Kashmir. Although a red alert was issued in Amritsar early Sunday morning, it was eventually lifted.
While sounds of explosions were reported in Pathankot and Amritsar, officials said these were due to undetonated explosives being disposed of by the Indian Army, reassuring the public that there was no cause for concern.
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/drone-pakora-social-media-retired-soldier-lightens-mood-india-pakistan-9995972/
https://x.com/TinyDhillon/status/1921402260233269281
Pakistani drone activity reported over Barmer; residents urged to stay indoors and observe blackout
May 11, 2025, 21:26 IST
In a fresh escalation of cross-border tension, Pakistani drone activity was detected in the skies over Barmer, Rajasthan on Saturday evening.
The Barmer District Administration issued an urgent public alert urging residents to immediately observe a blackout and stay indoors.
According to officials, incoming drone movements were spotted near sensitive areas, prompting authorities to implement precautionary protocols.
The District Magistrate confirmed the incident and reiterated that safety measures were in place.
Travel restrictions announced earlier
Earlier in the day, amid rising military alerts across border regions, the Barmer District Collector’s Office had also issued a travel advisory suspending all travel to Barmer city due to a red alert. The official Hindi advisory translated to:
“Residents in villages or towns of the district who intend to travel to Barmer city are requested not to do so. A red alert has been issued for Barmer. Kindly suspend your travel immediately.”
This comes in the backdrop of continued ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the LoC and International Border, despite both nations agreeing to a ceasefire on May 10.
What to do during a blackout
Residents have been urged to:
Turn off all lights, including outdoor and vehicle lights.
Stay away from open windows and rooftops.
Avoid using mobile flashlights outside.
Follow updates only from official government sources.
Avoid spreading unverified news or videos.
The district administration has assured that security forces are fully prepared and air defence units are on high alert to intercept any aerial threats.
https://www.businessupturn.com/nation/pakistani-drone-activity-reported-over-barmer-residents-urged-to-stay-indoors-and-observe-blackout/
https://twitter.com/BarmerDm/status/1921586171169096130
What Is That Strange Dot Moving Across The Sun?
May 10, 2025
Thanks for watching - this afternoon we saw a large dot move across the face of the Sun - what was it??
UFO - Sorry, I don't think so. I'd say a satellite. But if so, which one? Or some piece of random space junk . … but if so, what was it? all part of our space history
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPAUTr-jhh4
Strange flying objects reported near Arizona Air Force ranges: FAA
Updated: May 11, 2025 / 09:25 AM CDT
FAA documents from recent years confirm U.S. Air Force pilots have reported numerous encounters with strange flying objects, sometimes in swarms, in their Arizona training ranges.
One even reportedly struck the canopy of an F-16 Viper, damaging the multimillion-dollar craft.
Famed former Pentagon UAP investigator Luis Elizondo, who testified to Congress on these matters, says he’s heard about the encounters.
“What I can tell you is that there has been a lot of activity, a lot of people reporting a lot of things out of Arizona, particularly on the border,” Elizondo told NewsNation.
NewsNation’s border reporter, Ali Bradley, has intel regarding flying objects on the border: drones used by cartels to smuggle drugs or conduct reconnaissance.
For the past decade, the cartel has used drones to help move up to 10 kilograms of drugs at a time, but the technology in French and Russian agricultural drones currently being used makes them hard to track.
Could these be the answer to activity in the Arizona skies?
“The cartel wants intel on the United States,” Bradley said. “That’s their MO. That is their No. 1 priority: to always be one step ahead of us.
“So what better place to do that than to infiltrate our military installations in some capacity,” she added.
https://www.newsnationnow.com/space/ufo/ufos-arizona-border-air-force-base/
NewsNation presents ‘Hunting UFOs: The Desert Sky Mystery’
Updated: May 11, 2025 / 02:02 AM CDT
A Border Patrol whistleblower spoke out for the first time about strange sightings in the Arizona sky, raising the alarm about what the anomalies mean for national security and sharing a never-before-seen video of one such object.
Border Patrol agents and Air Force pilots, including Bob Thompson, have reported encounters they haven’t been able to explain.
Thompson is an Army veteran who spent 14 years with the Border Patrol, where he helped coordinate airspace along the border.
That’s where he first encountered a video of a strange object with a shape similar to a rubber duck.
The ‘Rubber Duck’ UFO video
The video was taken in November 2019 on an infrared camera by an RC-26B aircraft in the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Area.
The surveillance aircraft was being used to track a group of people who had crossed the border illegally.
The pilots were struck by the fact that the object’s shape and thermal signature didn’t match known planes or drones.
It’s not the only strange video Thompson has seen. Another, known as “La Bruja,” was shot in the Tohono O’odham Nation reservation in May of 2021, with a shape that almost appeared humanoid.
After Border Patrol higher-ups seemed uninterested in the rubber duck video, Thompson turned to UFO investigators in his search for answers.
Strange encounters in the Arizona skies
UFO researchers point to anomalies in the videos that seem to defy conventional explanation. Neither the rubber duck nor La Bruja videos read as hot on thermal sensors the way a drone would.
Pilots also reported the rubber duck object was going against the wind, ruling out the common UAP explanation of balloons.
Portals in the sky
In 1997, the “Phoenix Lights” incident stunned thousands of witnesses who reported seeing hundreds of anomalous objects in the sky. The sightings ranged from moving lights to boomerang or triangular-shaped craft.
The official explanation for the lights was that they were flares set off during a military operation, and the government downplayed the sightings.
Dr. Lynne Kitei was a witness to the lights. She notes that Indigenous Americans in the area have a history of believing in vortexes of energy in the sky that act as interdimensional portals.
Those portals are part of a verbal history passed down from generation to generation, discussing what are called holy people or gods who came to impart knowledge.
Paranormal investigator John Dover points to ancient petroglyphs as possible evidence of nonhuman intelligence.
According to Thompson, some border agents also report seeing portals, as do others across the state.
Cigar video taken by border agents
While the idea of interdimensional portals seems far-fetched, believers point to the history of sightings in Arizona along with stories of military activity occurring in proximity to UFOs.
Thompson shared a new video with NewsNation, taken by a Customs and Border Patrol reconnaissance plane in the same vicinity where the rubber duck video was taken.
It shows a short, cylindrical object moving quickly without any visible wings or propellers, nicknamed “The Cigar.”
Thompson and UFO investigators who have examined the video say that, for now, the object in the video remains a mystery.
https://www.newsnationnow.com/space/ufo/hunting-ufos-desert-sky-mystery/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KKlsOpZhM4 (Hunting UFOs: The Desert Sky Mystery)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWEYxDZlwcw (UFOs at the border: Whistleblower's new video)
Rep. Burlison (R-MO) previews “focused and intense” week for UAP/UFO investigation
May 10, 2025 / 10:05 AM PDT
Blake Burman, host of 'The Hill' on NewsNation, chats with Rep. Burlison (R-MO) on the upcoming UAP/UFO congressional hearing.
https://thehill.com/video/rep-burlison-r-mo-previews-%e2%80%9cfocused-and-intense%e2%80%9d-week-for-uapufo-investigation/10705532/
UAP witnessess are being 'gaslit' by US government: Ross Coulthart | NewsNation Prime
May 10, 2025
Special correspondent Ross Coulthart joins "NewsNation Prime" to discuss the NewsNation special "Hunting UFOs: The Desert Sky Mystery."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_mXGdfyuH8
Ross Coulthart asks: When will agencies confirm UAPs breaching airspace? | NewsNation Prime
May 10, 2025
Special correspondent Ross Coulthart joins "NewsNation Prime" to discuss the NewsNation special "Hunting UFOs: The Desert Sky Mystery," and his strange experience while filming in Arizona.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FtcW_Z2URE
What really happened on the night of the 'Phoenix Lights'? | NewsNation Prime
Updated: May 10, 2025 / 07:52 PM CDT
Arizona is renowned as a UAP hotspot, and NewsNation visited Phoenix to investigate arguably the biggest mass sighting in U.S. history.
Arizona physician Dr. Lynne Kitei was one of many to witness the famed “Phoenix Lights” incident on March 13, 1997.
In the years since, Kitei has spent her time making a scientific case that what happened defies logical explanation.
Thousands of witnesses across hundreds of miles reported anomalous objects in the sky. According to Kitei, some saw either V-shaped, boomerang-shaped or triangle-shaped objects in the sky.
She told NewsNation there were between 10,000 and 20,000 witnesses on that night in 1997. Despite what Kitei and others believed they saw, not everyone was convinced.
Then-Gov. Fife Symington held a media conference where his chief of staff was dressed as a Martian.
“Let me just say that I believe it is a serious offense for anyone, be it human, space alien, or otherwise, to engage in mysterious activity in our nighttime skies,” Symington said at the press conference.
In 2007, Symington admitted that the conference was a strategic ploy rather than a reflection of his honest feelings and experiences.
“What I was trying to do was have fun and make a spoof, and stop all the public hysteria that was going on at the time,” he said, via ABC News.
Symington believes that on the night of the “Phoenix Lights,” he saw something otherworldly.
“When I saw it, I said this is definitely a UFO. I have never seen anything like this in my life,” he said via the outlet.
https://www.newsnationnow.com/space/ufo/phoenix-lights-incident-1997/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBfDVzdWeLw
The Phoenix Lights - Documentary UPDATED VERSION (2009)
Based on the book "The Phoenix Lights - A Skeptic's Discovery That We Are Not Alone" by Lynne D. Kitei M.D.
After seven years of meticulous research, she is coming forward with stunning data and personal interviews in this documentary, an in depth examination of the strange lights seen over Phoenix and throughout Arizona on March 13th, 1997.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1340458/
https://thephoenixlights.net/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGS09LzpARs