News for '-armed-forces'

Diplomatic, economic punitive actions against Pak to continue: India

Diplomatic, economic punitive actions against Pak to continue: India

Rediff.com14 May 2025

External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India will keep the IWT in abeyance until Pakistan "credibly and irrevocably" abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

IAF's precision strike demolish JeM's communication network

IAF's precision strike demolish JeM's communication network

Rediff.com7 May 2025

The Indian Air Force conducted precision strikes on terror hideouts in Pakistan, targeting a Jaish-e-Mohammad communication network housed in a primary health centre in Tehra Kalan village. The communication setup was essential for planning and coordinating activities with infiltrated terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. The strikes aim to dismantle the communication network and hinder the terrorists' ability to operate.

Israel-Iran: What Are Trump's Options?

Israel-Iran: What Are Trump's Options?

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

Trump has a major decision to take in coming days -- specifically, how to rescue Israel from the attritional war that lies ahead, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Unidentified object lands near Jalandhar; worker hurt, house damaged

Unidentified object lands near Jalandhar; worker hurt, house damaged

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Local residents said a migrant labourer was injured in the incident, while a few houses in the area also sustained damage. Parts of the unidentified object were lying in the area, they said.

'It's not a word but...': Newborn girls named 'Sindoor' in UP

'It's not a word but...': Newborn girls named 'Sindoor' in UP

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to destroy nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack. All subsequent retaliations to Pakistani offensives were carried out under the moniker Operation Sindoor.

NIA, IB grill 'spy' Jyoti Malhotra; probe Pak, China visits

NIA, IB grill 'spy' Jyoti Malhotra; probe Pak, China visits

Rediff.com20 May 2025

Jyoti was among 12 people who have been arrested from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh over the past two weeks on charges of espionage, with investigators pointing at an alleged Pakistan-linked spy network operating in north India.

Armed forces can take action against officers for adultery, says SC

Armed forces can take action against officers for adultery, says SC

Rediff.com31 Jan 2023

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that armed forces can take action against their officers for adulterous acts, as it clarified the landmark 2018 judgment that decriminalised adultery.

Report reveals how India hit targets deep inside Pakistan

Report reveals how India hit targets deep inside Pakistan

Rediff.com15 May 2025

India's strikes on Pakistan damaged runways and structures across at least six airfields, according to a visual analysis by The Washington Post, which experts said were the most significant attacks of their kind in decades of simmering conflict between the two nations.

Pakistan will face ire of Indian Navy this time: Rajnath

Pakistan will face ire of Indian Navy this time: Rajnath

Rediff.com30 May 2025

In an interaction with naval warriors on board aircraft carrier INS Vikrant off Goa, Singh sent a stern warning to Islamabad saying India will not hesitate to use the methods to deal with terrorism that Pakistan cannot even think of.

Might of Indian military felt in Rawalpindi: Rajnath

Might of Indian military felt in Rawalpindi: Rajnath

Rediff.com11 May 2025

Under Operation Sindoor, Indian armed forces not only struck Pakistani military bases near the border but their might was even felt in Rawalpindi where the headquarters of the Pakistani Army is located, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday.

Too early to...: Top US army general on Operation Sindoor

Too early to...: Top US army general on Operation Sindoor

Rediff.com8 May 2025

A top American military commander has said that the US is watching the situation very closely after Indian military strikes on terror targets in PoK and Pakistan's Punjab province. The United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) is one of six geographic Unified Combatant Commands of the United States Armed Forces, headquartered in Hawaii. Earlier on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said he wants India and Pakistan to stop the conflict, saying if he can do anything to help, he will be there. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told reporters in New Delhi on Wednesday that the Indian military carried out a measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and responsible strike to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan to deter and to pre-empt any further terrorist strikes.

'Pakistan Should Be Humiliated'

'Pakistan Should Be Humiliated'

Rediff.com8 May 2025

'...and the country should be impoverished completely.' 'Once this is done, the political class would take over and then play a part in real democracy where the army is under the control of the government, not vice-versa.'

Op Sindoor: PBKS-MI clash moved out from Dharamsala

Op Sindoor: PBKS-MI clash moved out from Dharamsala

Rediff.com7 May 2025

PBKS-DC game also uncertain, say BCCI Sources

Strait of Hormuz closure: How it will impact India

Strait of Hormuz closure: How it will impact India

Rediff.com22 Jun 2025

US strikes on Iran's three main nuclear facilities have once again raised concerns that Tehran might shut down the Strait of Hormuz - one of the world's most critical chokepoints, through which a fifth of global oil and gas supply flows.

What China said after India's strike on terror camps in Pak

What China said after India's strike on terror camps in Pak

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Since the Pahalgam terrorist attack, China, Pakistan's "ironclad ally", while condemning it, has called for restraint, besides a fair and swift investigation into the attack.

Not just a name, but new normal: Modi on Operation Sindoor

Not just a name, but new normal: Modi on Operation Sindoor

Rediff.com12 May 2025

Operation Sindoor is not just a name but India's latest policy against terror as it has set a new standard, a 'new normal' in counter-terrorism measures, Prime Minister Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Monday.

Pak govt to rebuild banned JuD's Muridke HQ destroyed in Indian strike

Pak govt to rebuild banned JuD's Muridke HQ destroyed in Indian strike

Rediff.com17 May 2025

Pakistan claims it was a mosque and an educational complex that were hit in the strikes at Muridke, located at about 40 km from Lahore.

Jammu, parts of south Kashmir go dark after blasts, sirens sounded

Jammu, parts of south Kashmir go dark after blasts, sirens sounded

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Drones were sighted and explosions were heard in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, a day after India thwarted attempts by the Pakistan military to attack Indian military installations using drones and missiles. The drones were also engaged in Udhampur and Nagrota of Jammu and Punjab. Heavy cross-border shelling started along the International Border in Suchetgarh and Ramgarh sectors of Jammu and Samba districts. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appealed to residents to stay indoors and ignore rumors.

SC extends bail to Ashoka university professor, bars posts on FIR

SC extends bail to Ashoka university professor, bars posts on FIR

Rediff.com29 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has extended the interim bail of Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who was arrested for contentious social media posts on Operation Sindoor. The court, however, restrained him from posting anything online with respect to the cases against him, stating that there was no impediment on his right to speech and expression. The court directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to furnish the investigation report on the next date of hearing.

'Still can't find...': Cong's Channi questions surgical strikes

'Still can't find...': Cong's Channi questions surgical strikes

Rediff.com3 May 2025

Congress MP and former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi stoked controversy by demanding proof of the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian armed forces in Pakistan territory in the past under the Bharatiya Janata Party government at the Centre.

India, France ink Rs 63,000 cr deal for 26 Rafale M fighters

India, France ink Rs 63,000 cr deal for 26 Rafale M fighters

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

The sealing of the mega deal came three weeks after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared the procurement.

Be ready to deal with new, emerging threats: Modi to armed forces

Be ready to deal with new, emerging threats: Modi to armed forces

Rediff.com1 Apr 2023

The prime minister was briefed by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan about the various discussions conducted at this year's Combined Commanders' conference.

Operation Sindoor: The Precision Of Surprise

Operation Sindoor: The Precision Of Surprise

Rediff.com16 May 2025

'You can be sure that the Pakistanis knew when the Indian Air Force aircraft took off, which type these were, and what their likely targets were.' 'The question was: How would they determine that the IAF wanted to fire, and when to bounce them?', notes Shekhar Gupta.

China hikes defence budget, 3 times higher than India

China hikes defence budget, 3 times higher than India

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

China has announced a 7.2 percent increase in its national defence budget, bringing the total to USD 249 billion for the year. This rise comes amidst China's ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces, including the development of new warships and fighter jets. The budget increase, exceeding last year's 7.2 percent rise, reflects China's commitment to bolstering its military capabilities. Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the importance of the Communist Party's leadership in guiding the military, with President Xi Jinping at the helm of the Central Military Commission. China's defence spending is now three times that of India's and is viewed by critics as a sign of the country's growing military ambitions.

Wing Commander Vyomika set her sights on sky at age 6

Wing Commander Vyomika set her sights on sky at age 6

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, an accomplished helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force, was chosen to brief the nation about India's 'Operation Sindoor' strikes on Pakistan. She has flown a variety of aircraft and taken part in rescue operations in extreme conditions. Vyomika, who has logged over 2,500 flying hours, has operated helicopters across challenging terrains, from the high-altitude sectors in Jammu and Kashmir to the remote areas in the Northeast. She led a rescue operation in Arunachal Pradesh in 2020, flying in extreme conditions to evacuate civilians.

Around 1 am on May 10...: CDS explains how India foiled Pak plan

Around 1 am on May 10...: CDS explains how India foiled Pak plan

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

Pakistan's decision to talk to India on May 10 stemmed from realisation that it will suffer more if its operation continues, Gen Chauhan said.

Tharoor factually incorrect, but part of family: Cong

Tharoor factually incorrect, but part of family: Cong

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Tensions between the Congress and its leader Shashi Tharoor escalated on Thursday with the party saying he was very much part of their family but had erred in claiming that surgical strikes against Pakistan were held for the first time in 2016.

Would consider de-escalation if...: Pak after India hits airbases

Would consider de-escalation if...: Pak after India hits airbases

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Dar's statement, echoed by another federal minister, came as the Indian and Pakistani militaries targeted each other's installations using missiles in the last more than 12 hours, further escalating the already tense conflict situation.

'Terror Hasn't Gone Away, But We Have Raised The Cost And Consequences For Pakistan'

'Terror Hasn't Gone Away, But We Have Raised The Cost And Consequences For Pakistan'

Rediff.com23 May 2025

'War is not an answer. War is not a solution.' 'Deterrence is a solution. We should have the stick with us with which we can beat Pakistan.'

Pak increases range of mobile towers, alert in Rajasthan

Pak increases range of mobile towers, alert in Rajasthan

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Amid concerns of espionage, the Rajasthan administration has intensified security measures along the India-Pakistan border, with authorities in Jaisalmer and Sri Ganganagar banning the use of Pakistani SIM cards.

It's Time to Update Army Regiment Names

It's Time to Update Army Regiment Names

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

>The Indian Army still uses old British-era names and recruits soldiers based on caste or region, which hurts national unity, argues Colonel K Thammayya Udupa (retd).

UP traders to boycott Turkish imports over Pak support

UP traders to boycott Turkish imports over Pak support

Rediff.com14 May 2025

India imports goods worth over Rs 1,200 crore from Turkey annually, including a significant share of fruits like apples.

India was fighting for deterrence, not vengeance: Expert

India was fighting for deterrence, not vengeance: Expert

Rediff.com14 May 2025

John Spencer, the chair of Urban Warfare Studies at US-based think-tank Modern War Institute, said India showcased its ability to strike any target in Pakistan "at will" and drew and enforced a "new red line" for cross-border terrorism under the operation that was launched early on May 7.

Despite ceasefire, live shells still haunt border villagers

Despite ceasefire, live shells still haunt border villagers

Rediff.com18 May 2025

People along the Line of Control and International Border in the Jammu region continue to live under the shadow of death, with unexploded mortar shells fired by Pakistani troops still embedded in farmlands and residential areas even though hostilities have stopped for nearly a week. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: / Rediff.com Despite the May 10 understanding between India and Pakistan, locals describe the border areas as a 'death trap'. Sixty-two-year-old Balvinder Singh, who returned to his home in Pargwal sector on May 14, recounted a narrow escape. "Two shells exploded in our compound, damaging our house. Three more landed on our farmland. We were terrified and told our family to stay away from the fields until the Army could help," Singh told PTI. Army engineers later came to the village and safely defused the unexploded shells, bringing a temporary sense of relief. "Fear is writ large on the faces of people to these death traps in border hamlets", he said. Scenes of destruction are evident rooftops torn apart, broken houses, windows punctured by shrapnel, and carcasses of cattle lying in pools of blood. The acrid smell of gunpowder still lingers in the air. Sardar Gurmeet Singh faced a similar ordeal. His family could not re-enter their home as a live mortar shell had sunk into the compound in a village close to the International Border. "The army's bomb disposal squad removed it after four days, allowing us to finally enter, back home," he said. Indian Army engineers have launched a sweeping clearance operation across border districts, defusing over 80 unexploded shells in the past five days -- including 6 in Pargwal, 19 in Rajouri, 42 in Poonch, and 12 along the IB. "These shells, mostly 120 mm calibre, have a range of 15 to 30 km and pose a serious threat to both civilian and military targets," an Army officer said. "Many of them were fired by Pakistan during recent hostilities." On May 7, the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor, conducting precision strikes on nine terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, most of them tourists. The subsequent retaliation by Pakistan pushed the region to the brink of war. From 7 to 10 of May, 27 civilians were killed and over 70 injured in Pakistani shelling in the Jammu region. Farid Din Gujjar, a resident near the border, expressed fear about returning to his fields. "Several shells created deep craters in our paddy land. We cannot resume work until all unexploded ordnance is cleared. It's a death trap," he said. Army units, in coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police, have evacuated high-risk zones and issued stern warnings to residents not to touch any suspicious objects or unexploded shells. In one major operation, 42 live shells were safely destroyed in the Poonch villages of Jhullas, Salotri, Dharati and Salani. "All safety protocols were followed. The shells posed a serious danger to local lives," an Army spokesperson said, calling the effort a 'continued commitment to protect civilians and restore normalcy'. Poonch saw the vast majority of deaths due to shelling. Security officials said that Pakistan used a mix of mortar shells, armed drones, and missiles during the shelling spree, specifically targeting civilian habitations and border towns in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch. As clearance operations continue, the border residents are slowly returning to their homes, but with caution, fear, and lingering uncertainty about shelling that may yet happen in the future.

When India Threatened Lahore To Stop Pakistan's Moves In J&K

When India Threatened Lahore To Stop Pakistan's Moves In J&K

Rediff.com28 May 2025

In what was perhaps the most critical meeting before full-scale war broke out, Shastri defined India's immediate war objectives to his defence minister, army, and air force chiefs: 'To defend against Pakistan's attempts to grab Kashmir by force and to make it abundantly clear that Pakistan would never be allowed to wrest Kashmir from India; To destroy the offensive power of Pakistan's armed forces...' A fascinating excerpt from Shiv Kunal Verma's must-read 1965: A Western Sunrise India's War With Pakistan.

Got a call at 2:30 from Gen Munir: Pak PM on Nur Khan Airbase strike

Got a call at 2:30 from Gen Munir: Pak PM on Nur Khan Airbase strike

Rediff.com17 May 2025

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif admitted that India's ballistic missiles hit Nur Khan Airbase and other sites on May 10, a rare acknowledgement that contradicts Pakistan's usual stance of denial when it comes to Indian military action.

T'gana CM asks 'how many Rafales shot down'; BJP's 'Gabbar' reply

T'gana CM asks 'how many Rafales shot down'; BJP's 'Gabbar' reply

Rediff.com30 May 2025

Reddy alleged that contracts worth thousands of crores were awarded to people close to Modi, who then purchased Rafale aircraft.

Day after Op Sindoor, Pak resorts to shelling again

Day after Op Sindoor, Pak resorts to shelling again

Rediff.com8 May 2025

The Pakistan Army continued shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in four sectors of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting a befitting response by the Indian Army, officials said on Thursday. The intensity of cross-border firing was less than Wednesday, when Pakistan Army carried out one of the most intense artillery and mortar shelling in years targeting the forward villages in J-K following missile strikes by India as part of 'Operation Sindoor'.

Pak-linked hackers launched 1.5m cyber attacks on India

Pak-linked hackers launched 1.5m cyber attacks on India

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Of these only 150 attacks were successful, officials said on Monday.

What The Next Census Will Discover

What The Next Census Will Discover

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The next Census' findings will help identify the extent of India's ageing population and vulnerability levels.