News for 'Department of Defence'

Why Modi's visit to Sri Lanka is important

Why Modi's visit to Sri Lanka is important

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Sri Lanka, where he will hold talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and strengthen ties through agreements on defence, energy security, and digitalisation. This visit aims to further bolster the already strong relationship between the two nations and is expected to include several outcomes, including a defence cooperation agreement, debt restructuring, and a currency swap. This visit comes at a time when Sri Lanka is recovering from an economic crisis, where India played a significant role in providing financial assistance.

FBI director Kash Patel removed as...

FBI director Kash Patel removed as...

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel has reportedly been removed as the interim head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) by the Trump administration in the US, which has replaced him with Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll, the Washington Post said on Thursday.

Kash Patel likely to become acting ATF chief

Kash Patel likely to become acting ATF chief

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

Patel has previously worked at the justice department as a trial attorney for three years before taking on roles at the National Security Council, the office of the director of National Intelligence, and the department of defence, the report said.

Journalist mistakenly added to Trump's Yemen war plans group

Journalist mistakenly added to Trump's Yemen war plans group

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Security experts have warned that using Signal for discussions of this nature violates every established protocol for handling classified information.

In Riyadh, Trump Again Claims Credit For Ceasefire

In Riyadh, Trump Again Claims Credit For Ceasefire

Rediff.com14 May 2025

'I said, fellas, come on, let's make a deal, let's do some trading, let's not trade nuclear missiles, let's trade the things that you make so beautifully, and they both have very powerful leaders, very strong leaders, smart leaders, and it all stopped.'

US urges India, Pak to ease tensions; seeks Sharif's help in Pahalgam probe

US urges India, Pak to ease tensions; seeks Sharif's help in Pahalgam probe

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The phone conversation came amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan over the April 22 terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

Pak army spokesman has Osama bin Laden connection

Pak army spokesman has Osama bin Laden connection

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the spokesperson for the Pakistan Army, is the son of a nuclear scientist who was sanctioned by the United Nations and the US for providing information and expertise to al-Qaeda, according to Indian officials. Chaudhry's father, Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood, allegedly provided insights into nuclear weapons infrastructure and raised funds for a fundamentalist organization linked to the Taliban. Mahmood was arrested in 2001 after admitting to meeting Osama bin Laden but was later released.

PIX: Real Madrid bids farewell to Ancelotti, Modric

PIX: Real Madrid bids farewell to Ancelotti, Modric

Rediff.com25 May 2025

Real Madrid delivered manager Carlo Ancelotti and midfielder Luka Modric a victory in their final game at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice in a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad to end their LaLiga season.

Ambassador Akbaruddin Shepherds African Outreach

Ambassador Akbaruddin Shepherds African Outreach

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Led by Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar MP Supriya Sule, Group 7 will engage with key countries in Africa -- Egypt, South Africa, Ethiopia -- and Qatar to present India's position on Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

Iran shutting Hormuz Strait will impact Indian economy: Experts

Iran shutting Hormuz Strait will impact Indian economy: Experts

Rediff.com22 Jun 2025

The Israel-Iran conflict has entered a 'decisive phase' after the United States bombed three major Iranian nuclear sites Sunday morning, feel strategic affairs experts with some of them arguing it was Washington, DC's 'responsibility' to not get involved in the military standoff.

Stricter Steel Rules May Crush Small Manufacturers

Stricter Steel Rules May Crush Small Manufacturers

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Since India relies heavily on specialised imported fasteners for critical applications in industries, such as automobiles, aerospace, electronics, and defence, their sudden unavailability will jeopardise production.

Pak increases range of mobile towers, alert in Rajasthan

Pak increases range of mobile towers, alert in Rajasthan

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Amid concerns of espionage, the Rajasthan administration has intensified security measures along the India-Pakistan border, with authorities in Jaisalmer and Sri Ganganagar banning the use of Pakistani SIM cards.

Pak-linked hackers launched 1.5m cyber attacks on India

Pak-linked hackers launched 1.5m cyber attacks on India

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Of these only 150 attacks were successful, officials said on Monday.

'Pakistanis Called Americans In Panic'

'Pakistanis Called Americans In Panic'

Rediff.com13 May 2025

'The Pakistanis called the US state department and said we agree with India on peace.' 'It was then that US President Donald Trump jumped in and took credit for the ceasefire.'

Pawan Kalyan's son injured in fire at Singapore school

Pawan Kalyan's son injured in fire at Singapore school

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The incident caused burns to Mark Shankar's hands and legs, while smoke inhalation also affected his lungs and he is currently receiving treatment in a hospital there, Janasena Party said in a press release.

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.

Major oil leak triggers alert after cargo ship sinks off Kerala coast

Major oil leak triggers alert after cargo ship sinks off Kerala coast

Rediff.com25 May 2025

A Liberian cargo ship carrying 640 containers, including 13 hazardous cargoes, has sunk off the coast of Kerala, raising concerns of environmental damage. The ship, MSC ELSA 3, capsized and sank in the early hours of May 25 after listing rapidly. The three remaining crew members were rescued by the Indian Navy. The Indian Coast Guard is monitoring the situation for any oil spills and has positioned a ship with pollution response equipment at the scene. The ship was carrying 84.44 MT of diesel and 367.1 MT of furnace oil, in addition to the hazardous cargo. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has cautioned the public against touching any cargo containers or oil spills that may wash ashore.

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.

537 Pak nationals exit India via Attari as deadline ends

537 Pak nationals exit India via Attari as deadline ends

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

The exit deadline for Pakistani nationals visiting India on SAARC visas ended on April 26, while for the rest, except those on medical visas, it is set to close on Sunday, April 27 amid escalating tensions between the two countries over the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

Oppn questions 'US-brokered' ceasefire; BJP hails Modi

Oppn questions 'US-brokered' ceasefire; BJP hails Modi

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Hours after, however, firing from the Pakistani side was reported in Akhnoor sector in Jammu and Kashmir. Drones were also seen in the Pir Panjal area.

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.

Military Action Must For Pakistan's Thousand Cuts Strategy

Military Action Must For Pakistan's Thousand Cuts Strategy

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

We have nothing to gain by raising our concerns internationally as our narrative has got entangled with several controversial concepts in the United Nations, asserts Ambassador T N Sreenivasan.

If women can fly Rafale , why...? SC poser to govt, Army

If women can fly Rafale , why...? SC poser to govt, Army

Rediff.com14 May 2025

If a woman can fly Rafale fighter jet in the Indian Air Force, then why are fewer women officers in gender neutral posts of judge advocate general (legal) branch of the Army, the Supreme Court wondered recently and questioned the Centre's rationale on a 50-50 selection criterion.

After foreign minister, China sacks missing defence minister

After foreign minister, China sacks missing defence minister

Rediff.com24 Oct 2023

China also removed Finance Minister Liu Kun and appointed Lan Fo'an in his place. Liu is the third senior Cabinet minister to be replaced without any explanation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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).

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.

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.

'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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.'