News for 'Defence Ministry'

Tahawwur Rana lands in Delhi, NIA records arrest

Tahawwur Rana lands in Delhi, NIA records arrest

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was brought to India on Thursday after being "successfully extradited " from the US, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said. The 64-year-old Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin landed in Delhi in a special plane on Thursday evening, ending days of speculation of when and how he will be extradited, officials said. The NIA said in a statement that it had secured the successful extradition after years of sustained and concerted efforts to bring to justice the key conspirator behind the 2008 mayhem that claimed 166 lives. Rana is accused of conspiring with David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani, and operatives of designated terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI) along with other Pakistan-based co-conspirators, to carry out the the three-day terror siege of India's financial capital.

Brand ambassador, cricket...: How Maldives aims to attract 3L Indians in 2025

Brand ambassador, cricket...: How Maldives aims to attract 3L Indians in 2025

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

The Maldives government has set a target of attracting 300,000 Indian tourists in 2025, aiming to regain its position as a top destination for Indian travelers. The country's tourism sector has been impacted by strained relations between Male and New Delhi, which led to a decline in Indian tourist arrivals in 2024. To revive the Indian tourist market, the Maldives is planning a major campaign, including a brand ambassador, cricket summer camps, and expanded flight routes from more Indian cities.

'Petty mindset': Rahul's I-Day celebrations seating triggers row

'Petty mindset': Rahul's I-Day celebrations seating triggers row

Rediff.com15 Aug 2024

Gandhi was seen sitting behind a few rows of seats, which were occupied by members of the Indian contingent that took part in the recently-held Paris Games.

Recognise Arunachal Pradesh as...: US on China's claim

Recognise Arunachal Pradesh as...: US on China's claim

Rediff.com21 Mar 2024

China, which claims Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet, routinely objects to Indian leaders' visits to the state to highlight its claims. Beijing has also named the area Zangnan.

Pinaka Missile Is Ready For The Enemy!

Pinaka Missile Is Ready For The Enemy!

Rediff.com16 Nov 2024

The Enhanced Pinaka has demonstrated a range of 75 km and an ability to strike within 10 metres of where it is aimed. This allows a Pinaka battery to destroy a terrorist camp, or an enemy post, logistics dump or headquarters, without sending soldiers across the border.

'Need to stop somewhere': Pawar's big retirement hint

'Need to stop somewhere': Pawar's big retirement hint

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

In an apparent dig at Ajit, Pawar senior said if someone keeps saying he will take everything, people may not say anything but will disapprove of it.

2 Indian-origin faces in new Canadian PM's cabinet

2 Indian-origin faces in new Canadian PM's cabinet

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Indo-Canadian Anita Anand and Delhi-born Kamal Khera are part of new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's cabinet. Anand is the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry while Khera is Minister of Health. Carney's cabinet with 13 men and 11 women is smaller than Trudeau's 37-member team.

Waqf Bill brazen assault on Constitution: Sonia Gandhi

Waqf Bill brazen assault on Constitution: Sonia Gandhi

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it a 'brazen assault' on the Constitution and part of the BJP's strategy to keep society in a 'permanent state of polarization.' She also spoke out against the One Nation, One Election Bill, calling it a 'subversion of the Constitution.' Gandhi further accused the Modi government of ignoring the women's reservation bill and other demands for reservation, and of 'dragging the country into an abyss' where the Constitution will only exist on paper. She also criticized the government for limiting the speaking time of the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and for not allowing discussions on important issues like the working of the defense and external affairs ministries and the challenges posed by China on the border.

Cong accuses govt of mismanagement in Manmohan funeral, BJP hits back

Cong accuses govt of mismanagement in Manmohan funeral, BJP hits back

Rediff.com29 Dec 2024

The BJP has accused the Congress of politicising the death of former prime minister Manmohan Singh and levelling "baseless allegations" of disrespect and mismanagement at his State funeral. The Congress has countered by alleging that the government's arrangements for the funeral were a "shocking display" of disrespect. The row comes as the Congress alleges that the Centre did not allow news agencies except for DD (Doordarshan) to cover the funeral, did not provide enough space for Singh's family around the pyre, and did not stand up for the national flag during the gun salute. The BJP has refuted all of these charges.

What Rajnath's UK Visit Means For India's Defence

What Rajnath's UK Visit Means For India's Defence

Rediff.com8 Jan 2024

The Indian Navy, which was earlier looking towards the US for design expertise, technical know-how and operational practices, is now considering the advantages of working with the Royal Navy.

In rare move, govt extends tenure of Army Chief Gen Pande by 1 month

In rare move, govt extends tenure of Army Chief Gen Pande by 1 month

Rediff.com27 May 2024

Gen Pande was to retire from service on May 31.

President Murmu confers 10 Kirti Chakras, 26 Shaurya Chakras

President Murmu confers 10 Kirti Chakras, 26 Shaurya Chakras

Rediff.com6 Jul 2024

Three personnel, including two of major-rank and one naib subedar, have been conferred the Kirti Chakra, the ministry said.

Taliban vow retaliation as Pak airstrike kills 46 in Afghanistan

Taliban vow retaliation as Pak airstrike kills 46 in Afghanistan

Rediff.com25 Dec 2024

A series of Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan's Barmal district of Paktika province has resulted in the death of 46 people, with six people left injured so far, with the majority of victims being women and children, as reported by Khaama Press, citing reports from Taliban authorities.

Budget 2025: What Nirmalaji Needs To Fix

Budget 2025: What Nirmalaji Needs To Fix

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

If the fiscal deficit target of 4.9% of GDP has to be met for 2024-2025, which the government must in view of the uncertainties and challenges emerging both domestically and globally, the finance ministry may see in the composition of the current year's capex a sliver of hope, notes A K Bhattacharya.

Ladakh Disengagement: What's The Reality?

Ladakh Disengagement: What's The Reality?

Rediff.com11 Nov 2024

The government needs to answer the critical question of whether it has accepted any restrictions on its infrastructure creation activities, asserts Ajai Shukla.

French defence firm pulls out of India's P-75I submarine project

French defence firm pulls out of India's P-75I submarine project

Rediff.com3 May 2022

Naval Group's announcement comes a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Paris where he is scheduled meet recently re-elected French President Emmanuel Macron.

Modi to visit US on Feb 12, to meet Trump amid tariff war

Modi to visit US on Feb 12, to meet Trump amid tariff war

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

It would be the prime minister's first bilateral visit to the US after Trump became president for a second term.

Solid order book, indigenisation to keep defence stocks in demand: Analysts

Solid order book, indigenisation to keep defence stocks in demand: Analysts

Rediff.com3 Jun 2023

India's total value of defence production breached Rs 1 trillion-mark in the fiscal year 2022-23 (FY23), up 12 per cent year-on-year (YoY). At the bourses, this has been well reflected in related-stocks from the sector as they gained considerable ground during this period. Shares of Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, MTAR Technologies, Bharat Electronics (BEL), and Bharat Dynamics (BDL) have skyrocketed up to 160 per cent in a year, as against a 14 per cent jump in the S&P BSE Sensex.

What Modi Can Learn From Trump's DOGE

What Modi Can Learn From Trump's DOGE

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

'Our politicians solely depend on bureaucrats who are unaccountable and follow their own agenda.' 'Our politicians would dare not dream of establishing a DOGE,' argues Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

Modi, Macron fly together to Marseille, open new Indian consulate

Modi, Macron fly together to Marseille, open new Indian consulate

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron have called for enhancing trade and investment ties between their countries and committed to further deepening their engagement in the Indo-Pacific. They discussed a full spectrum of bilateral relations, including key global and regional issues, and stressed the urgent need for reform in the United Nations Security Council. The leaders also underscored their commitment to ensuring the global AI sector can drive positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes.

How China retaliated against Trump's tariffs

How China retaliated against Trump's tariffs

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

China on Tuesday retaliated US President Donald Trump's imposition of 2nd round of ten per cent tariffs on its export by slapping an additional 15 per cent tariffs on American goods and initiated legal action against Washington in WTO while leaving the door open for talks to address each other's concerns.

Meet Nirmalaji's Budget Team

Meet Nirmalaji's Budget Team

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

This will be the first full-year Budget of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government since it came to power for a third consecutive term in July last year.

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.

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.

Defence budget hiked by Rs 69,000 cr to Rs 5.94 lakh crore

Defence budget hiked by Rs 69,000 cr to Rs 5.94 lakh crore

Rediff.com1 Feb 2023

The defence budget was increased to Rs 5.94 lakh crore for 2023-24, up from last year's allocation of Rs 5.25 lakh crore.

SEE: Macron bids farewell to Modi as he departs France

SEE: Macron bids farewell to Modi as he departs France

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has concluded his visit to France, which included co-chairing an AI summit and bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. He is now headed to the US for a bilateral meeting with President Trump. Modi's visit to France included discussions on trade, defense, energy, and cultural linkages. He also inaugurated India's new consulate in Marseille. During his visit to the US, Modi will also interact with business leaders and members of the Indian community.

Modi dials Trump, says 'delighted to speak to dear friend'

Modi dials Trump, says 'delighted to speak to dear friend'

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump on Monday vowed to work towards a 'trusted' partnership with a focus on boosting India-US cooperation in areas of trade, energy and defence in their first phone conversation since the American leader's inauguration last week.

Where A Heroic Battle Against The Chinese Was Fought

Where A Heroic Battle Against The Chinese Was Fought

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

The Battle of Lhagyala on November 23, 1962, fought by the 4 Rajput Regiment against the Chinese PLA, remains a forgotten chapter of heroism, with no survivors left to tell their story.

Army unveils comprehensive roadmap for 2036 Olympics

Army unveils comprehensive roadmap for 2036 Olympics

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

The conclave drew valuable insights from former athletes and Olympians, including celebrated ones such as Anju Bobby George, Mary Kom, and Tarundeep Rai, all of whom shared their personal experiences and perspectives on what it takes to excel at the highest levels of sports.

Ties depend on peace at border, Rajnath tells Chinese defence minister in Delhi

Ties depend on peace at border, Rajnath tells Chinese defence minister in Delhi

Rediff.com27 Apr 2023

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday held talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu and is learnt to have discussed the lingering border row in eastern Ladakh.

India, Israel to expand defence ties; focus on futuristic technologies

India, Israel to expand defence ties; focus on futuristic technologies

Rediff.com2 Jun 2022

During the meeting, Gantz emphasised the opportunity to invest further in defence cooperation between the two countries.

Don't cross the red line: Taliban warn Pakistan

Don't cross the red line: Taliban warn Pakistan

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

Following Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan's Barmal district of Paktika province, which left 46 dead and six injured, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan on Wednesday summoned the Charge d'Affaires of the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul.

Limited choices in strategic partners in defence

Limited choices in strategic partners in defence

Rediff.com25 Sep 2019

The defence ministry has lost sight of what it intended to achieve -- which was to nurture private defence firms that would compete on equal terms with the 9 defence PSUs and the 41 Ordnance Factory Board factories.

China 'firmly opposes' US recognising Arunachal as Indian territory

China 'firmly opposes' US recognising Arunachal as Indian territory

Rediff.com21 Mar 2024

China on Thursday said it 'firmly opposes' the United States recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as part of Indian territory and affirmed that Washington, DC has nothing to do with the India-China border dispute.

Bangladesh foreign secy meets Indian envoy over border tensions

Bangladesh foreign secy meets Indian envoy over border tensions

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

Bangladesh has summoned the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka over border tensions, accusing India of violating a bilateral agreement by constructing fences at five locations along the Indo-Bangla border. The development comes after Bangladesh officials alleged that India had halted construction of barbed wire fencing due to strong opposition from the Border Guard Bangladesh and local residents.

Cabinet approves creation of chief of defence staff

Cabinet approves creation of chief of defence staff

Rediff.com24 Dec 2019

The CDS will be a four-star general and his salary will be equivalent to that of service chiefs.

'Prabhakaran's Biggest Blunder Was Rajiv Gandhi's Murder'

'Prabhakaran's Biggest Blunder Was Rajiv Gandhi's Murder'

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

'This was a decision taken and executed by Prabhakaran and his intelligence chief Pottu Amman. Both were convinced that the assassination would not be linked to them.'

Govt restricts import of 351 defence items, to be indigenised in 3 yrs

Govt restricts import of 351 defence items, to be indigenised in 3 yrs

Rediff.com29 Dec 2021

The defence ministry on Wednesday announced a fresh list of 351 sub-systems and components that will not be allowed to be imported under a staggered timeline beginning December next year.

Another Indian dies in Ukraine war, MEA asks Russia to...

Another Indian dies in Ukraine war, MEA asks Russia to...

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

India on Tuesday pressed Russia to release all the Indians recruited by the Russian military, following the death of another Indian national in the Russia-Ukraine conflict zone, taking the death toll to 10.

India, Qatar to double trade in next 5 yrs; discuss Israel-Hamas issue

India, Qatar to double trade in next 5 yrs; discuss Israel-Hamas issue

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

India and Qatar on Tuesday agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership and double bilateral trade to USD 28 billion over the next five years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani signed agreements and MoUs to strengthen economic cooperation, including a revised double taxation avoidance agreement. The strategic partnership will cover the "entire spectrum" of the bilateral relationship, including trade, energy security, and regional and international cooperation. Both leaders also discussed ways to further strengthen and broaden the energy partnership, including "exploring mutual investments." The Amir's visit provided an "excellent opportunity" for the top leadership of the two countries to discuss and "cement a strategic partnership for enhanced future cooperation."