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Space Emerges as the Next Battleground in Global Power Struggle
As conflicts on Earth intensify, space is rapidly becoming the newest frontier in the fight for global dominance. From hijacked satellites to the development of space-based weapons, experts warn that the risks of militarisation beyond Earth are growing at an unprecedented pace.
The issue came into sharp focus earlier this year when hackers supportive of Moscow hijacked a satellite that broadcasts television signals to Ukraine. Instead of regular programming, Ukrainian viewers were shown live coverage of Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow, complete with tanks, soldiers, and weapons. The move, analysts say, was a deliberate attempt to intimidate and a stark reminder that warfare now extends into cyberspace and outer space.
Satellites: A Critical Weakness
With more than 12,000 satellites currently orbiting Earth, these systems underpin everything from navigation and intelligence gathering to global communications and economic supply chains. They also serve as early-warning systems for missile launches. But their importance makes them a prime target.
Cyberattacks often exploit weaknesses not in the satellites themselves but in outdated ground-based software and communications systems. In 2022, a cyberattack on Viasat, a U.S.-based satellite provider used by Ukraine, caused widespread outages across Europe. Kyiv blamed the incident on Moscow.
“Disabling a satellite without firing a shot can deliver a devastating blow,” said Tom Pace, chief executive of cybersecurity firm NetRise.
Growing Fears of Space Weapons
U.S. officials now warn that Russia is developing a nuclear-based anti-satellite weapon capable of destroying nearly all satellites in low-Earth orbit. Such a device would violate international treaties and could cripple communications, navigation, and security systems worldwide.
Representative Mike Turner, a senior member of the U.S. House Intelligence Committee, compared the potential deployment of such a weapon to the launch of Sputnik in 1957, calling it “the Cuban Missile Crisis in space.” He warned that if used, it could render parts of space unusable for at least a year.
While the weapon is not yet operational, experts fear that its very development marks a dangerous escalation in the militarisation of space.
Race to the Moon and Beyond
Beyond immediate security threats, competition is also mounting over resources in space. The Moon, believed to be rich in helium-3—a potential future fuel for nuclear fusion—has become a key focus. The United States has announced plans to deploy a small nuclear reactor on the lunar surface, while Russia and China have announced similar projects.
“This isn’t science fiction; it’s quickly becoming reality,” said Joseph Rooke, a London-based cybersecurity expert. “Whichever country dominates energy sources from space could secure economic and political dominance on Earth.”
China, however, has pushed back against accusations of fuelling an arms race. “It is the U.S. that is militarising space,” said Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington.
With satellites under threat and lunar resources in sight, the competition for dominance is shifting skyward, raising fears that the next great geopolitical conflict could be fought far above the Earth’s surface.
News
Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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White House Unveils “Media Hall of Shame” Portal as Attacks on Press Intensify
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Russia Launches Massive Overnight Barrage on Ukraine as Peace Talks With U.S. Continue
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