News for 'Air Force Day'

Pahalgam attack: India shuts airspace for Pakistani airlines

Pahalgam attack: India shuts airspace for Pakistani airlines

Rediff.com1 May 2025

India has closed its airspace to flights operated by Pakistani airlines in a retaliatory move following the Pahalgam terror attack. The ban will be in effect until May 23 and applies to all aircraft registered in Pakistan, as well as planes operated, owned or leased by Pakistani airlines and operators. This comes a week after Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian carriers. The move is part of various measures taken by the Indian government against Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

SEE: Rafale, Tejas, Sukhoi dazzle crowds at Marina beach

SEE: Rafale, Tejas, Sukhoi dazzle crowds at Marina beach

Rediff.com6 Oct 2024

A spectacular aerial display showcasing the prowess and manoeuvrability of the Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft over the iconic Marina sky captivated the hearts of Chennaiites who turned up in thousands on a sultry Sunday and witnessed the IAF's range of new aircraft including Rafale, roar in action.

Polish paraglider stranded in Himachal hills rescued after two days

Polish paraglider stranded in Himachal hills rescued after two days

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

The attempt to rescue him on Monday by using a chopper had failed due to tough terrain.

Why 500,000 Indians Visited Vietnam

Why 500,000 Indians Visited Vietnam

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

Stunning landscapes, natural beauty, clean beaches, cultural wealth, mouth-watering food, shopping options, safety for solo travellers, warm hospitality, easy visas, and connectivity make Vietnam a must-visit destination, discovers Ramesh Menon.

India's military might, women power on full display at R-Day parade

India's military might, women power on full display at R-Day parade

Rediff.com26 Jan 2024

The mesmerizing march included elite marching contingents, missiles, warplanes, surveillance gadgets and lethal weapon systems, with French President Emmanuel Macron gracing the occasion as the chief guest.

PIX: Car ploughs into fans at Liverpool parade, 27 in hospital

PIX: Car ploughs into fans at Liverpool parade, 27 in hospital

Rediff.com27 May 2025

A car ploughed into a crowd of Liverpool fans during a parade celebrating their side's English Premier League title triumph on Monday, hospitalising 27 people, with two seriously injured.

'India Missed Opportunity To Take Back Parts Of PoK'

'India Missed Opportunity To Take Back Parts Of PoK'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

'Had Haji Pir and/or Skardu been taken, the message would have gone out not just to General Asim Munir and his cohort in the Pakistan army but to the Pakistani people that every terrorist incident in India would lead to substantial loss of territory in PoK.'

76th Republic-Day Parade: India displays military might, cultural diversity

76th Republic-Day Parade: India displays military might, cultural diversity

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

India's rich cultural diversity, military prowess, economic progress and the strides it has taken in sectors, such as science and technology, were on full display at the 76th Republic-Day celebrations on Kartavya Path on Sunday, in the presence of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

Sirens, blackouts in border states as Pak attack foiled

Sirens, blackouts in border states as Pak attack foiled

Rediff.com9 May 2025

People in several districts of Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and Gujarat spent an anxious night as authorities enforced blackouts amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan.

What is Type 5 Diabetes?

What is Type 5 Diabetes?

Rediff.com16 May 2025

'Everyone with a low BMI will not get Type 5 diabetes.'

Liverpool crash: Driver held over attempted murder

Liverpool crash: Driver held over attempted murder

Rediff.com27 May 2025

Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after Liverpool parade crash

'It Was Madness'

'It Was Madness'

Rediff.com10 May 2025

'Even known names and social media handles went berserk by stating that Karachi has been attacked and an F-16 was shot down.'

Uber Liable For Poor Service

Uber Liable For Poor Service

Rediff.com3 May 2025

Though Uber functions as a cab aggregator, the Delhi state commission ruled it should ensure timely and reliable delivery of services offered through its platform.

Prayagraj Airport handling 40 VIP flights daily

Prayagraj Airport handling 40 VIP flights daily

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The Prayagraj airport in India is experiencing a surge in air traffic due to the Maha Kumbh, a major religious festival. The airport is handling an average of 40 non-scheduled charters and private jets daily, with figures reaching 70 on weekends. This is in addition to the average 148 scheduled commercial passenger aircraft operating daily. The airport recently received a contingent of about 180 politicians from Rajasthan and has seen corporate bigwigs like the Ambani brothers, Gautam Adani, and Pawan Munjal pass through. The airport has also hosted four international flights since the beginning of the Maha Kumbh, including a flight carrying Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. The airport is currently undergoing an upgrade and expansion, and officials are looking forward to the government's plans to integrate Prayagraj with the airports at Kashi and Ayodhya to promote tourism in the region.

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.

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.

Can Pak be trusted with nukes, Rajnath asks the world

Can Pak be trusted with nukes, Rajnath asks the world

Rediff.com15 May 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday questioned the safety of nuclear weapons in the hands of Pakistan, and said they should be taken under monitoring of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

US, UK call for calm amid heightened India-Pak tensions

US, UK call for calm amid heightened India-Pak tensions

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the US has called on both countries "not to escalate" the conflict. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to speak with the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India as early as today or tomorrow. The US State Department said Washington is reaching out to both India and Pakistan "regarding the Kashmir situation" and telling them "not to escalate the situation."

How Kamala Celebrated Her 60th Birthday

How Kamala Celebrated Her 60th Birthday

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

Kamala Devi Harris celebrated her 60th birthday on the campaign trail with just a couple of weeks left for America's presidential election.

All Set For Republic Day Parade!

All Set For Republic Day Parade!

Rediff.com25 Jan 2023

Glimpses of the dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade.

The Military's New Recruits: Robotic Dogs

The Military's New Recruits: Robotic Dogs

Rediff.com10 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.

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Rediff.com8 May 2025

India conducted nationwide civil defence mock drills simulating multiple hostile scenarios like air raids, fire emergencies, and rescue operations across several states and union territories. The drills, dubbed 'Operation Abhyaas,' aimed to enhance emergency preparedness in light of recent terror attacks. The exercises involved coordinated efforts by various agencies, including civil defence personnel, police, fire and emergency services, and the military. Mock drills were conducted at various locations, including railway stations, malls, and high-rise buildings, showcasing the response capabilities of authorities in different emergency scenarios. The drills highlighted the importance of public awareness and cooperation in dealing with real-time emergencies.

Saw people dying: US deportees share 'donkey' route horror

Saw people dying: US deportees share 'donkey' route horror

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

Jaspal Singh, one of 104 Indians deported from the US on Wednesday, claims he and other deportees were handcuffed and had their legs chained during the flight. Singh, who hails from Punjab, says he was captured by US Border Patrol after crossing the border illegally in January. He blames a travel agent for deceiving him, claiming he was promised a legal route to the US. The deportation comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington for talks with President Donald Trump.

Varun Dhawan's Body Double Becomes A Star

Varun Dhawan's Body Double Becomes A Star

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

'I've had a 10-and-a-half year journey behind the camera and people don't know who I am.'

Will not only trace Pahalgam attack perpetrators, but...: Rajnath

Will not only trace Pahalgam attack perpetrators, but...: Rajnath

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has assured the nation that India will respond strongly to the recent terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam, which killed 26 people. He stated that India will not be intimidated by such acts and will take every necessary step to trace those responsible and those who conspired behind the scenes. Singh described the attack as "extremely inhuman" and reiterated India's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.

China holds 'warning' drills around Taiwan

China holds 'warning' drills around Taiwan

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

China on Monday conducted day-long large-scale military drills aimed at surrounding Taiwan by deploying an aircraft carrier group, besides army, navy, air force and missile forces, in an apparent response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's remarks that Beijing has no authority to represent Taipei.

Millions could have died: Trump hails India, Pak leaderships for truce

Millions could have died: Trump hails India, Pak leaderships for truce

Rediff.com11 May 2025

He went on to say that even though this has not been discussed, he is going to 'increase trade substantially with both of these great Nations.'

Sunita Williams describes how India looks from space

Sunita Williams describes how India looks from space

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

Sunita added that "I hope, and I think for sure, I'm gonna be going back to my father's home country and visiting with people and getting excited about the first, or not the first, but the Indian national who's going up on the Axiom Mission coming up, pretty awesome," she said.

'India-Canada ties may improve after G7 invite from Carney'

'India-Canada ties may improve after G7 invite from Carney'

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

Despite ongoing tension between the two countries on the issue of extremism, Bezirgan said he expects warmer ties henceforth as Carney has invited Prime Minister Modi for the G7 Summit.

The Famed Mashaal Raas Garba

The Famed Mashaal Raas Garba

Rediff.com12 Oct 2024

This is how the residents of Jamnagar danced the Garba.

'We Have Shown The Ability To Hit But Also To Stop'

'We Have Shown The Ability To Hit But Also To Stop'

Rediff.com16 May 2025

'We do not want to fall into a trap of uncontrolled escalation or all out conflict.' 'When the need arises we will do that.'

Two women among 12 held so far in 3 states on espionage charges

Two women among 12 held so far in 3 states on espionage charges

Rediff.com19 May 2025

While six of them have been held from Punjab, five were nabbed from neighbouring Haryana, and one from Uttar Pradesh.

Stranded in Russia for 2 days, Air India flyers finally reach US

Stranded in Russia for 2 days, Air India flyers finally reach US

Rediff.com8 Jun 2023

Flight AI173 from Delhi was diverted to Magadan in Russia on Tuesday owing to an engine glitch, the Tata Group-owned private carrier said in a statement.

1971 War: How Mukti Joddhas Saved An IAF Pilot

1971 War: How Mukti Joddhas Saved An IAF Pilot

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

Squadron Leader Kanwal Deep Mehra's daredevilry during the 1971 War brought down a Pakistani F-86 Sabre. But he had to bail out of his plane, was badly injured. Then a fierce band of armed guerillas evacuated him to safety at great risk to their lives.

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.

Modi attends French National Day celebrations as Guest of Honour

Modi attends French National Day celebrations as Guest of Honour

Rediff.com14 Jul 2023

A 269-member Indian tri-services contingent is participating in the parade. Three Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will also join the flypast on the occasion along with French jets.

Neha Gives Us Desi Vibes

Neha Gives Us Desi Vibes

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

Samantha is grateful... Malavika in Mexico... Akshay in Sky Force mode...

Hope our adversary learnt some lessons: CDS on Operation Sindoor

Hope our adversary learnt some lessons: CDS on Operation Sindoor

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on Saturday said India's Operation Sindoor has drawn a 'new red line' of intolerance against terror, and expressed hope that the military action has brought 'some lessons for our adversary also'.

Excited go into microgravity conditions: Astronaut Shukla on ISS travel

Excited go into microgravity conditions: Astronaut Shukla on ISS travel

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), flying aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft as part of a joint effort between NASA and ISRO. Shukla, a group captain in the Indian Air Force, will serve as the pilot for the Axiom Mission 4, scheduled for launch no earlier than spring 2025. The mission will also carry the first astronauts from Poland and Hungary to stay aboard the ISS.

Trump calls Zelenskyy 'dictator without elections'

Trump calls Zelenskyy 'dictator without elections'

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday targeted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over the ongoing war in Ukraine and said that the United States has spent $200 billion more than Europe, while Europe's financial contributions are 'guaranteed' and the US gets no return.