Europe is worried that Russia could attack countries beyond Ukraine. At the same time, Trump has suggested the US would be less involved in helping its NATO allies. Without US support, Europe lacks a key capability needed in a conflict with Russia, experts told BI. If President-elect Donald Trump cuts US military cooperation with Europe, its NATO allies there would lose a key capability needed to resist Russian aggression. Advertisement Europe relies heavily on the US for the use of aircraft and weaponry to target air defense systems, known as suppression of enemy air defenses, or SEAD. If a military can't execute this critical mission, its aircraft are hindered and vulnerable, unable to strike or protect, leaving its ground forces much more exposed and less effective. Advertisement "One of the most crucial things that Europe is lacking is SEAD," Tim Robinson, a military aviation specialist at the UK's Royal Aeronautical Society, told BI. He described SEAD as "a crucial role," but one Europe has let "wither the vine." Reliance on the US There are few dedicated SEAD platforms on the continent. Germany and Italy's Tornado aircraft carry the AGM-88 HARM munition for targeting radars and are equipped with the needed Emitter Location System, but those are set to be retired next year. Other NATO partners operate F-16s, which can have a SEAD role, but only US Air Force Fighting Falcons are equipped with the HARM Targeting System for better SEAD. Advertisement US allies in Europe are increasingly looking to replace older aircraft with F-35s, but only a few are also acquiring AGM-88 missiles. (These missiles are highly capable for SEAD missions and were delivered to the Ukrainian air force for this purpose, but less so for the destruction of enemy air defenses, or DEAD, missions.) "The F-35 was designed specifically to be able to operate against modern SAM systems in both the penetrating strike and SEAD/DEAD roles," Justin Bronk, an air power expert at the Royal United Services Institute, wrote early last year. Advertisement He highlighted the fifth-generation jet's advanced stealth, electronic warfare, and active and passive sensor suite for detecting enemy surface-to-air missile systems. "Despite these very impressive capabilities, simply fielding the F-35 is not sufficient as an answer to European NATO's SEAD/ DEAD problem in itself," he said. This situation has left Europe heavily dependent on the US, less than ideal amid questions about US reliability and as Russia's war in Ukraine has shown how important defeating enemy air-defense batteries is in modern conflict. Advertisement In Ukraine, neither side has been able to conduct successful SEAD operations, leaving both air forces hugely hampered and forcing ground units into grinding battles with heavy casualties. Mattias Eken, a missile defense expert at the RAND Corporation, said an important lesson from the Ukraine war has been that "air forces must be able to find, suppress, and destroy" mobile surface-to-air missiles to achieve air superiority "against even moderately equipped state opponents." An American-made Patriot air defense system fires a missile. SAM YEH/AFP via Getty Images Eken added that no other Western air force except the US has significant SEAD capabilities. All other NATO forces "have limited penetrating assets, munitions stocks, and experience in operating large, mixed strike packages." Advertisement American SEAD might and a lack of European capability Retired US Army Maj. Gen. Gordon "Skip" Davis, who served as NATO's deputy assistant secretary-general for its defense-investment division, said "the vast majority of the SEAD aircraft, in the event of aggression, would be provided by the US." Related stories Davis told BI that the US has the stealth aircraft, including penetrating bombers, needed to locate and destroy Russian air defenses, and US aircraft have intelligence capabilities "that NATO would have great difficulty in replacing." He warned that without better SEAD capabilities or US support, NATO "would be hard-pressed to be effective in a large Russian aggression." Advertisement Warfare experts at the US Center for Strategic and International Studies wrote in April 2023 that "NATO is now wholly dependent on the United States for SEAD capabilities." A key example was the large-scale NATO air campaign over Libya in 2011, where the US provided almost all of the alliance's SEAD capabilities despite having planned to only play a supporting role in that situation. A rocket launches from a S-400 missile system at the Ashuluk military base in Southern Russia. Photo by DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images Looking ahead, Europe may not be able to count on the US. Trump has been a strong critic of NATO and, in his first term, threatened to withdraw from the military alliance if other nations didn't spend more on their defense. Advertisement European countries have dramatically increased their defense spending since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began , and some now spend more on defense than the US as a percentage of GDP. (Warfare experts say that's a response to Russian aggression, not Trump's pressure .) But Europe is acutely aware of Trump's threats, and military experts warn that the continent's increased expenditure is not enough to support Ukraine and prepare for Russia's threats alone. It still needs the US. Thinking about the Russian threat Russia has repeatedly threatened to attack elsewhere in Europe, and many countries have warned that it could happen in the next few years, especially if Moscow emerges victorious in Ukraine. Advertisement It's unclear if the US would or even could withdraw its support, especially for allies who already spend a lot on defense. US forces are now so integrated in Europe that, if something happens soon, "they're automatically involved" unless the US makes a major policy shift to return forces to the US, Gordon said. Europe is nevertheless taking actions to address its deficiencies, like a pan-European defense company now developing a new SPEAR-EW missile. Advertisement A Pantsir-S1 and an S-400 at a Russian base in Syria. Russian Defense Ministry Press Service "I think the penny has dropped," said Robinson, but he added that not enough was happening. "It's taking time, I think, for European capitals and maybe multinational organizations to get the momentum going." Michael Bohnert, a warfare expert at the RAND Corporation, said that it could take years to reconstitute a supply chain for necessary missiles. That means "there really aren't any good options" to cover a deficit in the short term if the US pulls back, he told BI. Robinson said Europe has an advanced industrial base, but "the difficulty is it's all fragmented." Advertisement Some cooperation has taken place, including four European nations agreeing to operate their jets as a single fleet . Jan Kallberg, a senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis and a fellow at the Army Cyber Institute at West Point, said "acquisition, cooperation, and collaboration are essential." He said countries should buy assets together and "operate jointly as a multinational force," especially given how large Europe is and how much land may need to be defended. Advertisement Fixing Europe's SEAD deficits will take time, during which it will be more vulnerable to attacks. But Russia has demonstrated an inability to effectively use its own assets — a flaw that could ultimately aid Europe. "Europe will lack enough SEAD capabilities for the next 10 to 15 years," said Kallberg, but "the Russian air force and air defenses can't get their intelligence, command, and control to act together, and lack resources for broad modernization." "If there is a war," he said, "it is not Europe's abilities that save the day. It is the Russian inability."Bill Belichick's UNC move joins Kiffin and others in NFL to college head coach pipeline

2024 has been an iconic year, especially terms of beauty and fashion. There were a number of outstanding individuals and events that stood out in the course of the year. FAITH AJAYI and TOLULOPE FASUAN write about some of the most iconic and stylish moments of the last 12 months Farooq Oreagba Undoubtedly one of the most talked about persons this year, Farooq Oreagba used to be just another business executive progressing in his career in the corporate sector. But, after the celebrated annual Ojude Oba festival (2024) held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, the Chief Executive Officer of NG Clearing Limited, his picture and story went viral. He stood out for his iconic style at the ceremony. He came to the limelight after the pictures of him at the festival hit the Internet, attracting the attention of many. The pictures showed him dressed in a green and yellow asoebi, with a pair of sunshades and a cigar in his mouth while he rode on a horse. Since that moment, Oreagba has remained in the spotlight, which has earned him several deals and honours from notable brands. The National Council for Arts and Culture named him a Honourary Global Ambassador. Sharing the news on his Instagram, he wrote, “I am deeply humbled and honoured to be recognised as an Honorary Global Ambassador for the National Council for Arts and Culture, under the leadership of Obi Asika. Our arts and cultural festivals are vital parts of our identity and heritage. They tell our stories, celebrate our diversity, and connect us to our roots. “As the CEO of NG Clearing, Nigeria’s central counterparty, I am passionate about unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential through the derivatives market. Now, following the overwhelming attention garnered by my participation at the 2024 Ojude Oba festival, I believe we can also unlock immense economic value through our arts and cultural festivals. This recognition is a testament to our collective efforts in keeping our cultural heritage alive and vibrant. Together, we should continue to celebrate and preserve the rich diversity of Nigerian culture. Thank you once again.” He has also featured in an advert for telecommunication company, Airtel Nigeria. Informing his social media followers about the project, he wrote, “Tomorrow is always brighter. I always remember there is someone inspired by my journey. So, I am doing more with the limitless life I have now. Stay tuned for my first acting role on Tuesday, November 5th. It’s really hot.” Elaborating on why he chose to work with the brand, he posted a video excerpt with the caption, “This was quite a trip for me! I wasn’t planning to star in a commercial but when it resonates with your life, what can you do?” Known to have survived cancer 10 years ago, he has continued to lend his voice in that area. On November 24, 2024, he participated in a cancer survivor conference with the theme, “Harnessing the power of lived experience to transform cancer care in Nigeria”. At the conference, an initiative called the Coalition of Cancer Champions was launched. Oreagba has not only continued to maintain his “steeze” in terms of fashion and career, he has also inspired others in different areas, ranging from arts to culture, even using the story of his life and challenges he faced to encourage others. Beauty Tukura A lawyer, entrepreneur and model, Beauty Tukura, first came to the limelight when she won the 43rd Miss Nigeria beauty pageant in 2019. She became even more popular when, in 2022, she appeared on the hit reality TV show, Big Brother Naija (Season Seven). However, her stay in the house was short-lived as she was disqualified from the show just after two weeks for breaking some of the show’s rules. She seems to have put that incident behind her, and she has been involved in some activities. However, another part of her that has often been talked about is her style. She is usually elegantly dressed whenever she attends events, which directs a lot of attention her way. Posting a picture of herself on Instagram , she wrote, “Still Best Dressed 2023/2024... until further notice #AMVCA10.” A year before that (2023), she had won the same award. What makes her double win notable is the fact that aside from the awards/recognition event that it primarily is, the AMVCA is also a major fashion showcase that lots of people in the creative industry and beyond look forward to. Many fashion designers and stylists have noted that the AMVCA period is usually one of their peak seasons in the year. In 2014, Tukura made a bold statement in a peach gown that exuded elegance. Her simple accessories and hairstyle perfectly complemented her dress, making her a spectacle to behold at the event. Related News From multiple explosions to tragic stampedes: 20 most dominant events of 2024 School owners cite teacher scarcity, enrolment decline in 2024 NAF recorded 20,000 flight hours in 2024, says CAS For the 2013 show, she wore a brown and green strapless outfit which was a perfect fit for her. The attire was designed by Veekee James; and she matched it with diamond earrings and a silver pair of shoes. In different interviews, Tukura has said that she has always found herself drawn to the world of beauty and pageantry since she was a kid. She noted that she won her first pageant when she was just in elementary school. Many years later, she contested the ‘Most Beautiful Taraba Girl’ twice. Ashabi Simfolak Another person who held the spotlight during the Ojude Oba festival of Ijebuland, Ogun state was a lady identified as “Ashabi Simfolak” on social media. Although it could not be confirm if that is her real name, there are accounts bearing her pictures with that name on both TikTok and Instagram . According to her profile on those pages, she deals in fabrics. After the festival, she was tagged ‘queen of steeze’. At the festival, she was dressed in aso oke and matching gele, with red neck beads and gold accessories. She also wore a pair of black and gold designer shades. With the combination of her outfit and “swag/steeze”, she stood out among the large crowd of fashionable people at the popular festival. Judging by the pictures on the social media pages in reference, Ashabi can be described as a “fashionista”, who pays attention to her outfits and accessories, choosing the right colours that go with her complexion. She is also in tune with her culture as most of the pictures depict her in traditional attire. Ebuka Obi-Uchendu In 2024, popular media personality and TV host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu continued to elevate his sense of fashion with a blend of both traditional attire and contemporary designs that captured the attention of his fans and admirers. Throughout the time he hosted this year’s edition of the popular reality TV show, Big Brother Naija Season 9, his fashion choices and bold looks which represented different regions in the country, kept many glued to their screens during the live eviction shows on Sundays. He is known to wear clothes by designers such as Ugo Monye, Mai Atafo and Deco29. Meanwhile, the two outfits he wore at the grand finale of the show got many talking. One was a vibrant red jacket paired with white trousers accented by black side stripes, which he complemented with a sleek black shirt and bow tie. His second outfit had him looking like northern royalty, donned in a light blue two-piece set and a sleeveless tunic inspired set. Indeed, Obi-Uchendu has remained committed to integrating cultural elements into modern fashion. Known to be one of the entertainment industry’s most stylish personalities, his fashion sense has impacted his public image as he is always the cynosure of eyes at any event he attends. Through his stylish choices, the show host continues to inspire audiences, demonstrating that fashion can be a powerful medium for cultural expression and personal branding. Neo Akpofure A two-time Big Brother Naija contestant, Neo Akpofure, first strode into public consciousness as one of the BBN housemates in the 2020 Lockdown edition of the show. He went on feature in movies such as A Weekend to Forget, Palava, and Sister Rose. He made a comeback to the BBN house when he featured in the 2023 All-Star edition. Though he did not make it to the final, he was one of the most talked about contestants of that season, largely on account of the admiration a number of the female housemates had for him. One of the reasons the ladies gave for admiring him was his neatness and sense of style. He is someone who was known to always keep his clothes and other items meticulously while on the show. As a matter of fact, he almost had an altercation with another housemate when the latter meddled with his luggage. Outside the competition, Neo has continued to show himself as someone who is in tune with fashion trends. He regularly posts pictures and videos on social media showing him looking clean, fashionable and trendy. His admirers point to the way he effortlessly combines western and traditional styles of fashion. He also collaborates with local designers to showcase their works. Thus, it was not surprising that during the 2024 AMVCA Cultural Day, which held prior to the main awards ceremony, he was named the Best Dressed Male. His cousin and former BBN contestant, Venita Akpofure, was also named the Best Dressed Female. They both wore intricately designed Itsekiri (a tribe in Delta State), which made them appear like royalty at the event.NBA Sensation Victor Wembanyama’s Rainy Day Gambit: What Brought Him to a New York Park for a Chess Showdown?

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The year 2024 saw Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the governing body of the Lord Venkateswara temple at Tirumala, being marred by several controversies. The TTD, among the richest temple trust boards in the world, was caught in the crossfire of political rivalries in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, with then ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and Opposition using issues related to the functioning of temple administration during their campaigns. Allegations and counter-allegations dominated the narratives. The most contentious issue that dominated the election campaigns was the alleged embezzlement of the funds belonging to the SriVani Trust which generates a revenue of around ₹570 crore annually through the sale of darshan tickets. Though the allegations of fund diversion were later deemed misleading, the damage caused is believed to be one of the contributing factors that led to the downfall of the Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy government. The allegations of poor quality food served to devotees as part of the Nitya Annadanam scheme and compromising of temple norms added fuel to the fire. After the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) returned to power, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu vowed to restore the TTD’s sanctity, pledging to ‘cleanse the entire administrative system’ and protect devotees’ sentiments. However, the image of the TTD suffered a setback due to the allegations related to the use of ghee adulterated with animal fat in the making of laddus and other prasadams. The allegations made by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu sparked a nationwide outrage, prompting the Supreme Court to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Andhra Pradesh police, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to probe the issue. The move temporarily sidelined a State-led probe, underlining the gravity of the allegations. Meanwhile, the TTD blacklisted A.R. Dairy Food Private Limited, the accused ghee supplier, and performed purification rituals inside the hill shrine. A ‘Shanti Homam was also performed as an act of atonement, assuaging the concerns of the devotees. The TTD faced yet another setback with allegations of corruption in the allocating contracts for engineering works, involving kickbacks worth several crores of rupees. The public outrage led the State government to dispatch a 200-member investigation team, though their findings are yet to be made public. Parakamani row Adding to the institution’s woes was the resurfacing of an old case of Parakamani (temple treasury) theft. The scandal, allegedly involving crores siphoned from the temple’s Hundi, resurfaced after TDP MLC B. Ramgopal Reddy demanded a probe and Union Minister Bandi Sanjay and TTD board member G. Bhanuprakash Reddy demanding a thorough investigation. While so, the turbulent 2024 also brought significant milestones for the TTD. For the first time, the temple’s annual budget crossed ₹5,000 crore, reflecting its growing financial prowess. Silver lining The institution also played a pivotal role in national religious events and dispatched one lakh laddus to Ayodhya for the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) expressed willingness to assist the TTD in renovating the ancient structures in Tirumala and Tirupati. On the administrative front, the TTD allotted house sites to over 6,000 employees, raised wages for 9,750 contract and outsourced workers, and introduced measures to streamline darshan lines, including exploring the feasibility of espousing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in providing a faster darshan to the devotees. Published - December 29, 2024 05:16 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Andhra PradeshEPL: Postecoglou explains why Tottenham beat Man City 4-0