News for 'Air Force Day'

'Indian Cricket Changed My Life'

'Indian Cricket Changed My Life'

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

'I have a deep affection for Indian cricket. If someone asked me to come back, I wouldn't say no.'

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.'

Netanyahu's War On Iran Has No Future

Netanyahu's War On Iran Has No Future

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

An inconclusive end to this war will pose high risk for Netanyahu of a cascading demand for a regime change in Israel, predicts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

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.

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.

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."

Pak Army Chief Will Now Stay Till Nov 2027

Pak Army Chief Will Now Stay Till Nov 2027

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

Whenever tenures of army chiefs were extended in the recent past, prime ministers were subsequently eased out of office by the same army chief, notes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

Preparing for 'worst-case scenario': IAF chief

Preparing for 'worst-case scenario': IAF chief

Rediff.com4 Oct 2022

"We continue to be operationally deployed and ever vigilant," he said, adding the IAF continues to monitor all Chinese activities along the LAC.

Indian, US fighter jets take part in joint exercise

Indian, US fighter jets take part in joint exercise

Rediff.com24 Apr 2023

As part of the Cope India 2023 exercise, five top-notch fighter jets of the two air forces took off in quick succession from the air force base.

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.

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.

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.

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).

7th top Hezbollah leader killed as Israel bombs Beirut, strikes Houthis too

7th top Hezbollah leader killed as Israel bombs Beirut, strikes Houthis too

Rediff.com30 Sep 2024

A day after killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike in Beirut, Israel conducted widespread strikes in Lebanon on Sunday, killing over 100 people. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) also launched airstrikes on military targets in Yemen, specifically targeting Houthi-controlled sites, including power plants and a seaport.

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

18 Chinese jets intrude Taiwan's air zone

18 Chinese jets intrude Taiwan's air zone

Rediff.com7 May 2022

According to the Ministry of National Defence, the planes included six J-11 fighter jets, six J-16 fighter jets, two Xi'an H-6 bombers, two KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft, one Shaanxi Y-8 anti-submarine warfare plane, and one Shaanxi Y-8 electronic warfare aircraft, reported Taiwan News.

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.

India joins US, S Arabia, Greece and Qatar in 21-day war game in Egypt

India joins US, S Arabia, Greece and Qatar in 21-day war game in Egypt

Rediff.com27 Aug 2023

The biennial tri-services exercise, Bright-Star, is taking place at Cairo (West) Air Base and it is being participated by militaries of the US, Saudi Arabia, Greece and Qatar besides of the host country and India, officials said.

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.

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.

Air India Express cabin crew call off strike; no sacking of staffers

Air India Express cabin crew call off strike; no sacking of staffers

Rediff.com10 May 2024

Both parties will discuss the issues and there will be a meeting again on May 28, he said.

India plans to make 3 new spy planes on Airbus-319 platform

India plans to make 3 new spy planes on Airbus-319 platform

Rediff.com6 Feb 2024

The project would be carried out indigenously and the majority of the technology and equipment to be used would be made in India.

Wimbledon PIX: Alcaraz, Sabalenka survive heat, opponents

Wimbledon PIX: Alcaraz, Sabalenka survive heat, opponents

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

IMAGES from Day 1 of 2025 Wimbledon Championships played at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, on Monday.

UK scrambles fighter jet to escort AI plane as more flights get bomb threats

UK scrambles fighter jet to escort AI plane as more flights get bomb threats

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

The agencies have also found some common lines and words used in these fake threats like "bombs", "blood will spread everywhere", "explosive devices", "this is not a joke" and "you will all die" and "bomb rakhwa dia hai" (Hindi for bomb has been placed) among others.

PIX: Group Captain Tendulkar attends 87th IAF Day parade

PIX: Group Captain Tendulkar attends 87th IAF Day parade

Rediff.com8 Oct 2019

Taking to Twitter, Tendulkar thanked the Indian soldiers for their services.

Hamas aerial operations chief killed in Israeli airstrike

Hamas aerial operations chief killed in Israeli airstrike

Rediff.com14 Oct 2023

In the latest update on the Israel-Hamas conflict, Israeli Defence Forces Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus noted on Saturday that people in the Gaza Strip are listening to Israel's warning and are doing the right thing, noting that there has been a significant movement of Palestinian civilians towards the South.

Mamata mocks 'Occupy India' call from Bangladesh

Mamata mocks 'Occupy India' call from Bangladesh

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Taking a dig at a section of Bangladeshi politicians, who said the country has legitimate claims over Bengal, Bihar and Odisha, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday wondered whether Indians 'would have lollipop' when external forces would try to occupy Indian lands.

Deported Haryana man recounts 6-month 'dunki' journey via 11 nations to US

Deported Haryana man recounts 6-month 'dunki' journey via 11 nations to US

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

A Haryana man who paid Rs 35 lakh to agents to facilitate his journey to the USA via the 'dunki' route was deported back to India after being apprehended in the US. The man, Pankaj Rawat, has filed a complaint with the Gujarat police accusing the agents of human trafficking and cheating.

Does Rahul expect armed forces to fire on Indians in Manipur, asks BJP

Does Rahul expect armed forces to fire on Indians in Manipur, asks BJP

Rediff.com12 Aug 2023

Noting that Gandhi had claimed that armed forces can restore peace in the state within days if allowed, BJP leader and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad wondered if he wanted what his grandmother and then prime minister Indira Gandhi had done by ordering the Air Force to drop bombs in Aizawl in the 1960s.

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.'

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.

Biden directs US military to shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel

Biden directs US military to shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel

Rediff.com2 Oct 2024

President Biden directed the US. military to aid Israel's defence against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles that are targeting Israel.

Can Prashant Kishor Shake Up Bihar Politics?

Can Prashant Kishor Shake Up Bihar Politics?

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

'Prashant Kishor is a businessman before he is a politician, and given that the expected average turnout for JSP candidates is 5,000 to 6,000 votes and since Bihar has a significant number of seats where the margin between the winner and runner-up falls within that range he will capitalise on exactly that to showcase his presence.'

PHOTOS: 84th IAF Day celebrations showcase Tejas

PHOTOS: 84th IAF Day celebrations showcase Tejas

Rediff.com8 Oct 2016

For the first time, India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft performed stunts at the air show, amid loud cheers from the audience.

IAF pulls out of multilateral air exercise in UK

IAF pulls out of multilateral air exercise in UK

Rediff.com26 Feb 2022

The announcement by the IAF to not send its aircraft for the 'Cobra Warrior' exercise came just three days after it confirmed its participation in the drills from March 6 to 27 at Waddington in the United Kingdom.

'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.'

PIX: Sabalenka subdues Pegula to win Miami Open

PIX: Sabalenka subdues Pegula to win Miami Open

Rediff.com30 Mar 2025

Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka overwhelmed American Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 to win the Miami Open on Saturday, relying on her usual play-book and powerful forehand to win an eighth WTA 1000 title.

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.

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.

'Trump Has Been Threatening India'

'Trump Has Been Threatening India'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

'Many of these issues will be resolved within 6 months because the US economy has started unravelling.'