News for 'AIR'

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

The Gulf War: What's Pakistan Up To?

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey met in Islamabad in what analysts say is the formal opening of a new diplomatic formation that could reshape the post-war regional order. Their immediate goal is a ceasefire; their larger ambition is to ensure that neither Iran nor Israel emerges from this war in a dominant position. Pakistan's foreign minister then flew directly to Beijing and mooted a Chinese role as guarantor of any eventual agreement. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

President Murmu to Fly in indigenous combat helicopter Prachand

President Murmu to Fly in indigenous combat helicopter Prachand

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

President Droupadi Murmu will fly in the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) 'Prachand' at the Jaisalmer Air Force Station. She will also attend the IAF's mega firepower demonstration 'Vayu Shakti' at the Pokhran Field Firing Range.

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Iran is fighting a different war: Older, slower, and in some ways more dangerous. Iran doesn't need to shoot down an F/A-18. It only needs to make the Strait of Hormuz feel dangerous long enough for insurance markets, shipping companies, and oil futures traders to do the rest. Prem Panicker continues his must-read daily blog on the war in the Middle East.

How AI Is Changing The Gulf War

How AI Is Changing The Gulf War

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

AI reduces the time taken to find a target and launch a strike. This has led to a major increase in the pace of the conflict, with one report mentioning nearly 900 strikes launched on Iranian targets in the first 12 hours of an operation.

India Should Have Been Better Prepared For Gulf War

India Should Have Been Better Prepared For Gulf War

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

'Our diplomacy should have been focused on preventing war and avoiding the inevitable disruptions it would cause, posing a real risk to India's growth story,' asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

Two Rajasthan Men Killed in Oman Drone Strike Amid US-Iran Tensions

Two Rajasthan Men Killed in Oman Drone Strike Amid US-Iran Tensions

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Two youths from Rajasthan were killed in drone attacks in Oman amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Will Iran Have The Last Laugh In The Gulf War?

Will Iran Have The Last Laugh In The Gulf War?

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

16 days into the war, US forces were already running out of ground-attack missiles and Israel is about to expend its entire Arrow interceptor missiles by end March. To be sure, the Iranians are watching closely and that explains their defiant stance that 'Iran will end the war when it decides to do so and when its conditions are met', notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

President Murmu Takes Sortie In Prachand

President Murmu Takes Sortie In Prachand

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

On February 27, President Droupadi Murmu undertook a sortie in the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter PRACHAND at Air Force Station Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

7 Scenic Spots For Hot Air Balloon Rides In India

7 Scenic Spots For Hot Air Balloon Rides In India

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

Hot air ballooning affords a traveller the unmatched experience of seeing a place like it has never been seen before, the way a bird sees it. Ballooning in India isn't just about rushing thru the air. No, it's soaking in breathtaking views of historical sites and spectacular countryside. There are already a zillion things to see in the length and breadth of our desh. Imagine how much more there is to see by balloon!

Talking with 'a top person' in Iran, not new supreme leader: Trump

Talking with 'a top person' in Iran, not new supreme leader: Trump

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The US President clarified that these negotiations do not involve the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.

Man held after jail guard assault and firecracker display in Thane

Man held after jail guard assault and firecracker display in Thane

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

A man has been arrested in Thane, Maharashtra, for allegedly bursting firecrackers outside a district jail and assaulting a constable who tried to intervene. Police are searching for two other suspects involved in the incident, which occurred during a celebration of the release of one of the men on bail.

Travel chaos ends: Proteas, Windies squads fly home after Gulf airspace crisis

Travel chaos ends: Proteas, Windies squads fly home after Gulf airspace crisis

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The International Cricket Council confirmed that stranded players from the South Africa national cricket team and West Indies cricket team have finally left India after Gulf airspace closures during the West Asia conflict disrupted travel following the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

MEA reveals how India is responding to West Asia crisis

MEA reveals how India is responding to West Asia crisis

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar are actively engaged with world leaders to promote dialogue and diplomacy for peace in West Asia, while also ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community in the region.

Iran quietly approaches CIA for talks: Report

Iran quietly approaches CIA for talks: Report

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

It remains unclear whether United States President Donald Trump or Iranian authorities will pursue the offer.

War reaches Lebanon, Israel strikes Hezbollah targets in Beirut

War reaches Lebanon, Israel strikes Hezbollah targets in Beirut

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The escalating conflict in West Asia widened on Monday as Israel launched airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut and other parts of Lebanon, following projectile fire from Lebanese territory into northern Israel. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) said in a series of posts on X that it carried out targeted strikes against senior members of Hezbollah in the Beirut area in response to the projectile fire launched toward Israel, particularly toward the north of the country.

Pakistan denies halting military operation against Afghan Taliban

Pakistan denies halting military operation against Afghan Taliban

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

A Pakistan minister refuted social media reports about the conclusion of the operation against Afghan Taliban, stating that the operation is continuing with full intensity.

67 Taliban killed in overnight operation: Pakistan

67 Taliban killed in overnight operation: Pakistan

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Pakistani security forces have reportedly killed dozens of Afghan Taliban personnel in overnight operations along the southwestern border, repulsing attacks at multiple locations.

Mob Violence Erupts in Muzaffarpur: One Dead, Several Police Injured

Mob Violence Erupts in Muzaffarpur: One Dead, Several Police Injured

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

A villager died and several police officers were injured after a mob attacked a police team in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, who were attempting to arrest a wanted man.

Russia warns US-Israeli strike on Iranian port risks Caspian conflict

Russia warns US-Israeli strike on Iranian port risks Caspian conflict

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Russia has expressed strong concern over a US-Israeli strike on the Iranian port of Bandar Anzali, a key transit hub on the INSTC, warning of the risk of drawing Caspian states into the ongoing conflict.

Swift Rescue Operation Saves Lives in Gurugram Guest House Fire

Swift Rescue Operation Saves Lives in Gurugram Guest House Fire

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

A fire broke out at a five-storey guest house in Gurugram, India, trapping several residents. Emergency services and locals successfully rescued all those trapped, averting a major tragedy.

UAE consulate in Iraq hit by drone strike

UAE consulate in Iraq hit by drone strike

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The UAE consulate in Erbil, located in Iraq's Kurdish region, suffered structural damage in the aerial attack. Officials said there were no casualties.

Recipe: Sunita's Carrot Halwa Laddoos

Recipe: Sunita's Carrot Halwa Laddoos

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Sunita Harisinghani tranforms traditional carrot halwa into bite-sized Gajjar Halwa Laddoos that will make your sweet tooth dizzy with excitement.

Murder accused killed in Kerala in broad daylight attack

Murder accused killed in Kerala in broad daylight attack

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

A murder accused out on bail was killed in broad daylight in Kollam, Kerala, by a group armed with weapons. The victim, Aluva Atul, was attacked after leaving a police station.

SpiceJet to Operate Special Flights from UAE Amid Middle East Conflict

SpiceJet to Operate Special Flights from UAE Amid Middle East Conflict

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

SpiceJet will operate 14 special flights from the UAE on Friday to bring passengers who have been stranded due to the Middle East conflict.

'Mother waited for him': Groom-to-be among 2 killed in Delhi bus crash

'Mother waited for him': Groom-to-be among 2 killed in Delhi bus crash

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

A late-night bus accident in Delhi, allegedly caused by reckless driving, resulted in two fatalities and numerous injuries, raising concerns about road safety and driver negligence.

Pakistan Claims Targets Achieved in Afghanistan Operation

Pakistan Claims Targets Achieved in Afghanistan Operation

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

A close aide to Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif claims that Pakistan has achieved its targets in the recent military operation against Afghanistan, following attacks by Afghan Taliban forces along the border.

'Ready to halt war if Iran changes course': Israel envoy

'Ready to halt war if Iran changes course': Israel envoy

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, stated that Israel is willing to cease hostilities if Iran changes its course, emphasising that Tel Aviv has consulted diplomatic channels, including the US and regional partners.

8 Of India's Most Famous Eidgahs

8 Of India's Most Famous Eidgahs

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

A space designated or reserved for communal Eid day prayers, year after year is called an Eidgah or an Idgah and many an Indian city has a landmark, historic Eidgah.

Attack on Diego Garcia shows Iran can hit deep in Europe: Netanyahu

Attack on Diego Garcia shows Iran can hit deep in Europe: Netanyahu

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that recent missile attacks demonstrate Iran's capacity to strike globally, posing a threat to Europe and the rest of the world. He highlighted the need for international action to counter Iran's nuclear and missile programmes.

Himanshu Patel: The Engineer Who Shot Arjun Tendulkar's Wedding

Himanshu Patel: The Engineer Who Shot Arjun Tendulkar's Wedding

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

'The best photographs usually happen in between the big moments -- a quiet smile, a nervous laugh, a parent watching from the corner of the room. Those are the moments you can't script,' says Himanshu Patel, celebrated wedding photographer and founder of Epic Stories.

Chennai History-Sheeter Thoppai Ganesan Dies in Police Encounter

Chennai History-Sheeter Thoppai Ganesan Dies in Police Encounter

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

A notorious history-sheeter, Thoppai Ganesan, with over 30 criminal cases, including five murders, was killed in a police encounter in Chennai's Madhavaram area.

Gulf War: US, Israel Didn't Expect This To Happen

Gulf War: US, Israel Didn't Expect This To Happen

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The United States, which entered this war in expectation of a short, sharp win along the Venezuela model, is now preparing for deeper involvement in a conflict it does not fully control, without the allies it typically relies on, against an adversary that is not behaving as expected, in a global environment that is already absorbing economic shock. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Postal department launches premium services with 24-hour, 48-hour delivery guarantee

Postal department launches premium services with 24-hour, 48-hour delivery guarantee

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

India Post has launched three premium delivery services, including 24-hour and 48-hour delivery options, to compete with private courier companies and capitalise on the growing e-commerce market.

Over 100 injured as Iranian missiles hit Israeli towns near nuclear facility

Over 100 injured as Iranian missiles hit Israeli towns near nuclear facility

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Popularly known as 'Little India', Dimona has a large Indian-Jewish population, and the community members, mostly from the state of Maharashtra, maintain strong links with India and have consistently put efforts to solidify them.

Pak forces kill around 600 Afghan Taliban in ongoing border clashes

Pak forces kill around 600 Afghan Taliban in ongoing border clashes

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Pakistan's security forces claim to have killed hundreds of Afghan Taliban operatives in an ongoing military operation along the border, launched in response to attacks on Pakistani locations.

Indian Exports See Marginal Decline in February Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Indian Exports See Marginal Decline in February Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

India's merchandise exports experienced a slight decrease in February, while imports surged due to increased gold and silver purchases, leading to a widened trade deficit. The West Asia crisis is expected to further impact trade in the coming months.

Afghanistan strikes key military bases in Pakistan

Afghanistan strikes key military bases in Pakistan

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The strikes targeted the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, the 12th Brigade base in Quetta, Balochistan, and the Khoizai camp in the Mohmand Agency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with other military sites housing key facilities and centres.

Iran uses 'heaviest missiles' in 37th wave against Israel

Iran uses 'heaviest missiles' in 37th wave against Israel

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Iran has launched a fresh wave of missile attacks against Israeli and United States-linked targets as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it fired some of its heaviest missiles in the latest phase of its retaliatory campaign, while Israel Defence Forces alleged that many of the projectiles carried cluster bomb warheads.

IRIS Dena sinking: 22 Iranian sailors discharged from Lankan hospital

IRIS Dena sinking: 22 Iranian sailors discharged from Lankan hospital

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

At least 22 Iranian sailors from the IRIS Dena, which sank after being torpedoed, have been discharged from a Sri Lankan hospital. Another 10 remain under treatment, while arrangements are being made to repatriate the bodies of 84 sailors recovered after the incident.

Tamil Nadu's Baranica Elangovan Breaks Pole Vault National Record

Tamil Nadu's Baranica Elangovan Breaks Pole Vault National Record

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Tamil Nadu athlete Baranica Elangovan set a new national record in the women's pole vault at the National Indoor Championships in Bhubaneswar, clearing 4.22m.