News for 'Department of Defence'

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Pakistan military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry told a hurriedly called press conference in Islamabad at around 4 am that th Pakistan air force's Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal) and Rafiqui (Shorkot in Jhang district) airbases were targeted.

Willing to work with India on border issue, says Chinese military

Willing to work with India on border issue, says Chinese military

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

China's military has said it is willing to work with India to find a solution to the border issue, while also pushing for sound and stable defence ties. The statement comes after recent meetings between officials from both countries to normalize relations following a prolonged period of tension.

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.

India bans imports, Pak ships entry; suspends postal services

India bans imports, Pak ships entry; suspends postal services

Rediff.com3 May 2025

Main imports from the neighbouring country during April-January 2024-25 included fruits and nuts (USD 0.08 million), certain oil seeds and medicinal plants (USD 0.26 million), and organic chemicals.

R-Day parade: UP's Maha Kumbh tableau wins 1st prize

R-Day parade: UP's Maha Kumbh tableau wins 1st prize

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The best marching contingent among the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and other auxiliary forces was the Delhi Police team.

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."

'Rubio's Call To Munir Was Critical'

'Rubio's Call To Munir Was Critical'

Rediff.com12 May 2025

'Fears in Washington began to intensify when it was realised that subsequent Pakistani and Indian attacks on major military facilities -- which were significant in terms of geographic scope and intensity -- could rapidly take both sides to where neither actually wanted to go.' 'The US objective was to stop the fighting as soon as possible. Everything else was secondary.'

Modi, Vance welcome progress on Indo-US bilateral trade pact

Modi, Vance welcome progress on Indo-US bilateral trade pact

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Vice President JD Vance have expressed satisfaction with the progress made in negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement. The two leaders met in New Delhi and discussed a range of bilateral issues, including cooperation in energy, defense, strategic technologies, and other areas. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

'Drones And Missiles Can't Deliver A Decisive Military Victory'

'Drones And Missiles Can't Deliver A Decisive Military Victory'

Rediff.com15 May 2025

'Unfortunately, India and Pakistan could learn a 'lesson' from this conflict that will make them more likely to use these weapons against each other in the future.' 'Rounds of missile and drone attacks could be more routine features of their hostility, just like artillery fire has become a familiar fact of life along the Line of Control.'

China tones down 'ready for war with US' rhetoric

China tones down 'ready for war with US' rhetoric

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

China has toned down its rhetoric on fighting a trade or any other type of war with the US, saying that no such wars should be fought because they cannot be won. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian responded to US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth's remarks that his country doesn't seek a war with China, but will rebuild the military and prepare for war. However, on Tuesday, Lin had said that China is ready to fight till the end if the US wants a trade war or any other type of war. Hegseth said on Wednesday that the US is not actively seeking conflict with China, but is rebuilding its military and establishing deterrence.

Sonia, Rahul conspired to usurp Rs 2,000-cr AJL assets: ED

Sonia, Rahul conspired to usurp Rs 2,000-cr AJL assets: ED

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet in the National Herald case, accusing Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi of a "criminal conspiracy" to "usurp" properties worth Rs 2,000 crore of its public company AJL by transferring 99 per cent shares for just Rs 50 lakh to their private company Young Indian. The ED has named Sonia Gandhi as accused no 1 and Rahul Gandhi as accused no 2 in the chargesheet, which was filed under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

India counters Pak's actions, strikes 8 military installations

India counters Pak's actions, strikes 8 military installations

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Pakistani military targets at Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian were engaged using air-launched precision weapons from Indian fighter jets and the retaliation largely focused on command and control centres, radar sites and weapon storage areas, Qureshi said.

SC judges make assets public, CJI owns 2015 Maruti Swift

SC judges make assets public, CJI owns 2015 Maruti Swift

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has made public the asset details of its judges, including Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna who has Rs 55.75 lakh in a fixed deposit, a three-bedroom DDA flat in south Delhi, and a four-bedroom apartment measuring 2,446 square feet in the Commonwealth Games Village. The court has also uploaded the complete process of appointments to the high courts and the Supreme Court on its website for public awareness.

None of our business: J D Vance on India-Pak conflict

None of our business: J D Vance on India-Pak conflict

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the US has said it will not get involved in the conflict, stressing that it is "fundamentally none of our business." While acknowledging concerns about a potential nuclear war, Vice President J D Vance emphasized that the US cannot control India and Pakistan, but can encourage them to de-escalate. The US has also reiterated its support for direct dialogue between the two countries and encouraged efforts to improve communications.

Super Cup: FC Goa set up epic battle with Mohun Bagan Super Giant

Super Cup: FC Goa set up epic battle with Mohun Bagan Super Giant

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) defeated Kerala Blasters 2-1 to advance to the Super Cup semifinals.

Modi flies home after 'substantive, productive' US visit

Modi flies home after 'substantive, productive' US visit

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his visit to the United States after holding high-level bilateral talks with President Donald Trump on a wide range of subjects, including trade and technology, defence and security, energy and people-to-people ties. The two leaders decided to take a significant step in deepening their strategic ties, particularly in the areas of defence, energy, and critical technology. Modi also met with key American officials, including National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and prominent business leaders like SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

'Neither India Or Pakistan Desire Full-Scale War'

'Neither India Or Pakistan Desire Full-Scale War'

Rediff.com10 May 2025

'I am worried that Pakistan will still feel compelled to take substantive military action beyond this apparent drone activity.' 'If so, the crisis could persist for a while more and dangerous days are still ahead.'

Indian Army Is Ready For Dharma Guardian 2025

Indian Army Is Ready For Dharma Guardian 2025

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

Dharma Guardian 2025 will primarily focus on urban warfare tactics and counter-terrorism operations and underscores the growing strategic partnership between India and Japan.

Badlapur accused's death: HC pulls up Maha for lack of FIR against cops

Badlapur accused's death: HC pulls up Maha for lack of FIR against cops

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The Bombay High Court expressed its dismay over the Maharashtra government's failure to register an FIR against five policemen involved in the custodial death of Akshay Shinde, despite an explicit court order. The court, alleging a deliberate attempt to disregard its directives, threatened contempt proceedings against senior CID officers for non-compliance. The case pertains to Shinde's death while in police custody, accused of sexually assaulting two kindergarten girls in Badlapur. An inquiry report by a magistrate indicted the five policemen, suggesting a possible fake encounter. The court emphasized the importance of following the rule of law and stated that the government's inaction would send a detrimental message to society.

New FBI chief Kash Patel traces his roots to Gujarat village

New FBI chief Kash Patel traces his roots to Gujarat village

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Kash Patel, the first Indian-American to head the FBI, has traced his roots to Bhadran village in Gujarat's Anand district. Patel's family migrated to Uganda 70 to 80 years ago, before selling their ancestral houses and moving to foreign countries. Patel was born in New York and is a trained lawyer who is an ice-hockey fan.

'We removed our bindis, started chanting Allahu Akbar'

'We removed our bindis, started chanting Allahu Akbar'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

A Pune-based woman, whose husband was killed by terrorists in Pahalgam, recounted how she and other women in the group quickly removed bindis from their foreheads and began chanting "Allahu Akbar" when they saw the attackers asking men to recite 'azaan'. But the frantic attempts to hide their religious identity failed to help as the gun-wielding terrorists did not spare the woman's husband and his friend, who was also from Pune. Sangita Ganbote, the wife of Kaustubh Ganbote who was among the 26 persons killed by terrorists at Baisaran near Pahalgam, also said that when a local Muslim man confronted the attackers and asked why they were killing innocent people, they stripped him and shot him dead.

'Asim Munir Should Be Declared A War Criminal'

'Asim Munir Should Be Declared A War Criminal'

Rediff.com10 May 2025

'Asim Munir Is A War Criminal'

'China Was Single Most Important External Factor In This Conflict'

'China Was Single Most Important External Factor In This Conflict'

Rediff.com15 May 2025

'Every decision India makes along the LoC, it must also consider implications along the LAC.'

Waqf bill: Govt says no interference in Muslims; Oppn objects

Waqf bill: Govt says no interference in Muslims; Oppn objects

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Introducing the bill, Rijiju said the consultation process of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) was the largest ever exercise carried out by a parliamentary panel in India's democratic history.

K'taka budget: Sidda announces Muslim quota for govt supplies

K'taka budget: Sidda announces Muslim quota for govt supplies

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced reservation for Muslims in supplying goods and services up to a value of Rs 1 crore to various government departments, corporations and institutions in the state budget for 2025-26. The budget also increased the value limit of government contracts in which Muslims can avail reservation to Rs 2 crore. The reservation to Muslims under 2B category is in addition to the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Castes coming under Category-1, Category-2A. The budget also included various welfare schemes for minorities, including Rs 50,000 to support simple marriages and Rs 1,000 crore under the Chief Minister's Minority Colony Development Programme.

Trump fires several lawyers who prosecuted him

Trump fires several lawyers who prosecuted him

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The move comes as the Trump administration is taking measures to probe prosecutors who oversaw the criminal cases against January 6 defendants after Trump announced that he would seek retribution as a key pledge of his campaign.

US sanctions 15 Indian entities for backing Russia

US sanctions 15 Indian entities for backing Russia

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

The United States has imposed sanctions on 275 individuals and entities, including 15 from India, for allegedly supporting Russia's military-industrial base.

Senators Grill Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard

Senators Grill Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Kash Patel, former Trump aide and vocal critic of investigations into the former president, testified at his Senate confirmation hearing for FBI director.

Rajouri deaths: Outbreak ruled out but mystery remains

Rajouri deaths: Outbreak ruled out but mystery remains

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

A series of deaths in a remote village in Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, are not due to any disease, according to the Health Minister. Tests conducted by various institutions, including the ICMR, NCDC, and DRDE, have returned negative results. However, the minister has ordered an investigation into the deaths to determine the cause.

US agents check gurdwaras for illegal immigrants

US agents check gurdwaras for illegal immigrants

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

Law enforcement officials from the US Department of Homeland Security have started visiting gurdwaras in New York and New Jersey to check for the presence of illegal immigrants, drawing a sharp reaction from some Sikh organisations which see such actions as a threat to the sanctity of their faith. The Trump administration has rescinded the Biden administration's guidelines that protected places of worship from immigration enforcement actions, leading to concerns that gurdwaras are being targeted. Sikh organisations argue that gurdwaras are not just places of worship but also vital community centres and that surveillance and raids by armed law enforcement would burden religious exercise and limit the ability of Sikhs to gather and associate with one another.

History in Minutes: The Meerut Conspiracy Case

History in Minutes: The Meerut Conspiracy Case

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The Meerut Conspiracy Case was aimed at curbing communist influence in India. However, it fueled nationwide sympathy, shaping the course of leftist politics in the country.

Sudhir Ghosh: The MP Who Foresaw Quad

Sudhir Ghosh: The MP Who Foresaw Quad

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

After the 1962 War with China, there was a demand to forge greater defence cooperation between India and the West. One such voice was that of Sudhir Ghosh, a distinguished MP, to tie up strategic cooperation with the USA immediately after the Chinese attack on India, recalls Rup Narayan Das.

New CEC who played key role in Art 370 abrogation, Ram temple trust

New CEC who played key role in Art 370 abrogation, Ram temple trust

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Kumar, who played a key role in implementing decisions following the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir during his stint in the Union home ministry, took charge as an election commissioner on March 15, 2024.

Gyanesh Kumar appointed as next CEC

Gyanesh Kumar appointed as next CEC

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Gyanesh Kumar, a 1988-batch Kerala Cadre IAS officer, has been appointed as the next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India. Kumar, who was previously an Election Commissioner, will serve until January 26, 2029. His appointment comes amidst controversy as the Congress party demanded the government defer its decision until the Supreme Court concludes its hearing on a petition challenging the composition of the selection panel. Kumar's tenure will see him oversee several state assembly elections, including Bihar, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.

Operation Sindoor: 'Escalation Can't Be Ruled Out'

Operation Sindoor: 'Escalation Can't Be Ruled Out'

Rediff.com7 May 2025

'It could take the form of sporadic LoC violation through heavy artillery and mortar fire, focusing on border villages where the Hindu Dogra population is predominant.'

Navy Seeks To Build Bonds With African Nations

Navy Seeks To Build Bonds With African Nations

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

The maiden Africa India Key Maritime Engagement exercise will be held from April 13 to 18 off the coast of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Mission to bring back Sunita Williams, Wilmore delayed

Mission to bring back Sunita Williams, Wilmore delayed

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and SpaceX on Wednesday scrubbed the launch attempt of the agency's Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station due to a 'hydraulic system issue with a ground support clamp arm for the Falcon 9 rocket at Launch Complex 39A' at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Chinese defence minister missing, rumoured to have been detained

Chinese defence minister missing, rumoured to have been detained

Rediff.com16 Sep 2023

Speculation about the missing Chinese Defence Minister General Li Shangfu may have been removed and detained became rife after he was conspicuously absent at the meeting of the Central Military Commission (CMC) in Beijing on Friday.

Chamoli avalanche: 8 bodies recovered, recue op ends

Chamoli avalanche: 8 bodies recovered, recue op ends

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

The bodies of the last four of the trapped labourers were pulled out from the site of the avalanche-hit Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp in Chamoli on Sunday, taking the death toll to eight as authorities ended the nearly 60-hour rescue operation.

Trump pauses all military aid to Ukraine after White House clash

Trump pauses all military aid to Ukraine after White House clash

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

The order also pauses "hundreds of millions of dollars in aid through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which provides funds that Kyiv can use only to buy new military hardware directly from US defence companies."