Procurement
What is the truth behind claims that USAID spent millions of taxpayer dollars to fund Politico?
The claims about USAID spending millions on Politico were greatly exaggerated. Government records show USAID only spent about $44,000 on Politico during fiscal years 2023-2024, primarily for subscriptions to specialized publications like their energy and environment report. The $8 million figure cited was the total government spending on Politico subscriptions, not just from USAID. Most government contracts with Politico were for premium information services, like a recent $35,000 contract from the White House's Office of National Cyber director for 15 users to access Politico Pro Premium, which tracks and analyzes policy developments. These were standard business subscriptions, not payments for favorable coverage as some political figures suggested.
Watch clip answer (01:24m)
Philip DeFranco
01:43 - 03:08
What is India's approach to stealth fighter technology amid the potential F35 offer from the US?
India is pursuing a dual strategy regarding stealth fighter technology. While open to considering the US F35 offer, India is simultaneously developing its indigenous AMCA stealth fighter project with ambitious goals to deliver seven squadrons by 2035. This indigenous program aims to position India among an elite group of stealth aircraft manufacturers that currently includes only the United States, Russia, and China. The timing of these developments highlights India's strategic vision to both collaborate internationally while developing domestic aerospace capabilities.
Watch clip answer (00:17m)
WION
02:02 - 02:19
How do the F35 and SU57 fighter jets compare in terms of specifications and cost?
The F35 features a top speed of Mach 1.6, a combat range of 1500km, and costs between $80-110 million per unit. It offers advanced avionics and benefits from an established global supply chain. Russia's SU57, by comparison, outperforms in speed at Mach 2 and range at 1900km, while being significantly more affordable at $35-40 million per unit. Despite the SU57's advantages in raw performance metrics and cost-efficiency, the F35's sophisticated avionics systems and reliable supply chain infrastructure provide distinct strategic advantages that may justify its premium pricing for certain military requirements.
Watch clip answer (00:40m)WION
01:21 - 02:01
What is India's position on Donald Trump's F35 fighter jets proposal?
India's Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has clarified that while US President Donald Trump offered to sell F35 fighter jets to India during his meeting with Prime Minister Modi in Washington, no formal offer has been made yet. Singh indicated that India remains open-minded and will examine the proposal once it is formally presented. The Defense Secretary's statement effectively clears the air around Trump's proposal, suggesting that India is neither rejecting nor immediately accepting the offer, but will follow appropriate procurement processes when an official proposal is received.
Watch clip answer (00:30m)
WION
00:00 - 00:31
What is the current status of Donald Trump's F35 fighter jets proposal to India?
India's Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh clarified that no formal offer has yet been made regarding Donald Trump's F35 fighter jets proposal. According to Singh, Trump discussed selling these state-of-the-art fighter jets during a meeting with Prime Minister Modi in Washington, D.C., but the offer remains informal at this stage. Singh emphasized that India will examine the proposal with an open mind once it becomes a firm offer. He also noted that all defense procurements in India follow a specific process, indicating that any potential F35 acquisition would need to go through established procurement channels before a decision could be made.
Watch clip answer (00:56m)
WION
00:00 - 00:56
What is India's AMCA stealth fighter project and what are its goals?
India's indigenous AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) stealth fighter project aims to deliver seven squadrons by 2035. This ambitious initiative represents a significant advancement in India's military aviation capabilities, positioning the country to join an elite group of stealth aircraft manufacturers globally. The successful implementation of this project would place India alongside major military powers like the US, Russia, and China in advanced fighter jet development. The timing of this project is noteworthy as India also considers international options like the F35 and SU57 fighters.
Watch clip answer (00:16m)
WION
01:58 - 02:15