Yoshita Singh, PTI

Stories by Yoshita Singh, PTI

History In Minutes: World's First Airmail Flew Over Kumbh

History In Minutes: World's First Airmail Flew Over Kumbh

Rediff.com   24 Feb 2025

In 1911, French pilot Henri Pequet flew the world's first official airmail, carrying over 6,500 letters and postcards, during the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, now Prayagraj. The flight, which covered five miles in 13 minutes, marked a significant milestone in aviation and postal history. The mail included letters to Jawaharlal Nehru and King George V, and special commemorative postcards signed by Pequet are now prized collector's items. The event, which coincided with the Kumbh Mela, highlights the intersection of spiritual and technological advancements in India's history.

Exodus Rocks Uddhav's Sena

Exodus Rocks Uddhav's Sena

Rediff.com   24 Feb 2025

'Those seeking short-term benefits are joining the Shinde-led Sena and the ones looking at long-term benefits are joining the BJP.'

HAL Addresses IAF Chief's Concerns

HAL Addresses IAF Chief's Concerns

Rediff.com   12 Feb 2025

'Our production capacity ramp-up initiatives are expected to meet the critical requirements of our armed forces.'

The Military's New Recruits: Robotic Dogs

The Military's New Recruits: Robotic Dogs

Rediff.com   10 Feb 2025

A pet project of the Indian Army, four-legged robotic prototypes have been making waves at the Republic Day and Army Day parades in the past year.

'Everyone Who Pays Tax Will Get Something Beneficial'

'Everyone Who Pays Tax Will Get Something Beneficial'

Rediff.com   6 Feb 2025

'The voice which came wherever I travelled was that we are proud taxpayers. We are honest taxpayers. We want to continue to serve the country by being good taxpayers.' 'But what do you think about the kind of things you can do for us?'

'People Will Have More Money In Their Hands'

'People Will Have More Money In Their Hands'

Rediff.com   6 Feb 2025

'When people have money in their hands, they make their judgment about whether they want to spend it entirely or spend some out of it.'

How Many Indian Students Overstayed in US?

How Many Indian Students Overstayed in US?

Rediff.com   30 Jan 2025

'Brazil, China, Colombia and India each had more than 2,000 of their citizens overstaying student/exchange visas, with India having the highest number (7,000).'

ISRO's 100th Mission Lifts Off In Style

ISRO's 100th Mission Lifts Off In Style

Rediff.com   29 Jan 2025

The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully launched its 100th mission on Wednesday, with a GSLV rocket carrying navigation satellite NVS-02.

The 'Alien' Who's Made A Tiger Film

The 'Alien' Who's Made A Tiger Film

Rediff.com   22 Jan 2025

'I am fascinated by the lurking presence of the tiger.'

How Sholay, Deewar, Aandhi Changed Cinema

How Sholay, Deewar, Aandhi Changed Cinema

Rediff.com   21 Jan 2025

'Do films today even have the courage to question the establishment?'

US cop who struck and killed Indian student with patrol car fired

US cop who struck and killed Indian student with patrol car fired

Rediff.com   7 Jan 2025

The development comes months after another Seattle police officer Daniel Auderer was fired following his insensitive comments and laughter after Kandula's death.

Will Trump 2.0 continue pro-India policies?

Will Trump 2.0 continue pro-India policies?

Rediff.com   5 Jan 2025

A leading expert predicts that the incoming Trump administration will likely continue its pro-India policies, including the Indo-Pacific strategy and Quad, but highlights potential challenges such as trade disagreements, immigration issues, and a possible quid pro quo for technology sharing. The expert also notes that the Trump 2.0 administration may prioritize great power politics over strategic altruism, potentially impacting human rights and religious freedom concerns.

Why Is US NSA Coming To India?

Why Is US NSA Coming To India?

Rediff.com   4 Jan 2025

'The message that we intend to leave with at the end of this trip is one of real gratitude for the friendship and the close partnership that President Biden and Prime Minister Modi have enjoyed over the last four years, but also one of tremendous optimism because we see a lot of opportunity in the future.'

MIT expels Indian-origin student for pro-Palestine essay

MIT expels Indian-origin student for pro-Palestine essay

Rediff.com   11 Dec 2024

An Indian-origin PhD student at MIT, Prahlad Iyengar, has been suspended until January 2026 for his pro-Palestinian activism. The suspension effectively ends his NSF fellowship and disrupts his academic career. Iyengar is appealing the decision, arguing that it is a violation of free speech and a result of MIT's ties to the war industry. The suspension comes after MIT banned the distribution of a pro-Palestinian student-run magazine, "Written Revolution", which featured Iyengar's article "On Pacifism." The article included imagery and language that MIT deemed could be interpreted as a call for violent protest. Iyengar has been barred from campus and is facing a series of sanctions for his activism.

India votes for UNGA resolution on Israel leaving Palestine

India votes for UNGA resolution on Israel leaving Palestine

Rediff.com   4 Dec 2024

India voted in favor of a United Nations General Assembly resolution that called for the withdrawal of Israel from the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, and reiterated the call for achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in West Asia. The resolution, tabled by Senegal, was adopted with 157 nations voting in favor, while eight nations voted against it and seven abstained.

Will Trump Be Adani's Saviour?

Will Trump Be Adani's Saviour?

Rediff.com   26 Nov 2024

'If the criminal or civil charges are deemed unworthy or defective, Trump's new justice department and SEC can withdraw the criminal and civil cases.'

Adani Charges Test For US Legal System

Adani Charges Test For US Legal System

Rediff.com   25 Nov 2024

US prosecutors' case against Gautam Adani and others may stumble on the extraterritorial application of American law.

US charges against Adani could lead to arrest warrants: NY attorney

US charges against Adani could lead to arrest warrants: NY attorney

Rediff.com   22 Nov 2024

With the US filing civil and criminal charges against billionaire Gautam Adani and seven others over a multi-million-dollar bribery scheme, a prominent attorney here has said that the case could escalate significantly, potentially leading to arrest warrants and even extradition attempts. Adani, India's second-richest man, and seven others, including his nephew Sagar Adani, have been charged by the US Department of Justice with paying bribes to unidentified officials of state governments in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha to buy expensive solar power, potentially earning more than $2 billion in profit over 20 years.

First issue in engaging with Pak is...: India's UN envoy

First issue in engaging with Pak is...: India's UN envoy

Rediff.com   20 Nov 2024

The first issue in engaging with Pakistan is the cessation of terrorism, India's envoy at the United Nations said, underlining that India has been a long-standing victim of cross-border and global terrorism and has zero tolerance towards the scourge.

Donald Trump: From convicted felon to 2nd term Prez

Donald Trump: From convicted felon to 2nd term Prez

Rediff.com   6 Nov 2024

From the time he left office after his loss in the 2020 presidential election to his nomination as the Republican candidate in the 2024 race, Trump continued to dominate the American news cycle and the country's psyche.