News for 'First Air'

Why Our Military Leaders Must Be Diligent

Why Our Military Leaders Must Be Diligent

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

The armed forces of India will be wise to remember that its public interface needs to be tempered with discretion, maturity and example, keeping in mind the nation's multi-cultural and multi-religious fabric which is its greatest strength but which can also become its biggest fault-line, asserts Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

'India's biggest health crisis since Covid'

'India's biggest health crisis since Covid'

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

Experts warn that air pollution in India is a major public health crisis, leading to a surge in undiagnosed airway diseases and cardiovascular issues. They urge for urgent action, early detection, and treatment.

PIX: President Murmu takes submarine sortie onboard INS Vaghsheer

PIX: President Murmu takes submarine sortie onboard INS Vaghsheer

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

President Droupadi Murmu undertook a sortie onboard the Indian Navy's INS Vaghsheer, highlighting the nation's naval capabilities and commitment to maritime security.

Historic fifty for Shubman Gill, first Indian captain ...

Historic fifty for Shubman Gill, first Indian captain ...

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Shubman Gill marked his home captaincy in style, becoming the first Indian skipper in 47 years to score a half-century on debut.

What Happens To NCP After Ajit Pawar's Death?

What Happens To NCP After Ajit Pawar's Death?

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

With Ajit Pawar's passing, the 40 MLAs who remain will now have to decide whether they want to continue in Mahayuti in the company of the BJP and Shiv Sena -- or return to the Sharad Pawar fold.

Why 2026 Is Crucial Year For India's Military

Why 2026 Is Crucial Year For India's Military

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

'The tools of warfare are changing. The MoD must deepen its engagement with technology thinkers that can present compelling visions of where warfare may be heading.'

Birds Return To Haunt India Open!

Birds Return To Haunt India Open!

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

Play was briefly interrupted during the women's doubles semifinal of the ongoing India Open Super 750 tournament on Saturday after some "particles from the bird's nest" fell on the court.

Heavy snowfall paralyses life in J-K; highway closed, flights cancelled

Heavy snowfall paralyses life in J-K; highway closed, flights cancelled

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Heavy snowfall in the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region disrupted traffic and air services, leading to the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar highway and cancellation of flights. Rescue and road clearing operations are underway.

North India shivers as cold wave intensifies; Delhi freezes, Raj sub-zero

North India shivers as cold wave intensifies; Delhi freezes, Raj sub-zero

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

A severe cold wave has intensified across North India, with Delhi recording its lowest temperature of the season. Rajasthan experienced sub-zero temperatures, and several states have issued alerts and closed schools due to the extreme conditions.

Modi flags off India's 1st Vande Bharat sleeper train

Modi flags off India's 1st Vande Bharat sleeper train

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Developed to meet the growing transportation needs of modern India, the fully AC Vande Bharat sleeper train would offer passengers an "airline-like travel experience at economical fares," a statement issued by the PMO stated.

Kites, Til, Turmeric And Dancing: Makar Sankranti Across India

Kites, Til, Turmeric And Dancing: Makar Sankranti Across India

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Makar Sankranti is one of the year's first festivals of India. The country joyfully kicks off the year with a tapestry of colours and traditions: Gujarat's soaring kites. Punjab's blazing bonfires. Tamil Nadu's bubbling Pongal pot....

Not even...: Taliban on Trump's Bagram air base demand

Not even...: Taliban on Trump's Bagram air base demand

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

The statement, made during a special interview with Tolo News, came days after the US President said that Washington was trying to regain control of the base, which is currently under the control of the Taliban government after the US and its allied troops withdrew from the country in 2021.

Bird droppings halt Prannoy-Loh match at India Open

Bird droppings halt Prannoy-Loh match at India Open

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

India Open badminton: "Bird droppings" interrupt Prannoy-Loh match, add to organisers' woes

PICS: Real Sociedad stun Barca; Atletico win

PICS: Real Sociedad stun Barca; Atletico win

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

Stuttgart stumble to 1-1 against Union, miss out on top three

Infra investment likely to climb, consumption growth may plateau

Infra investment likely to climb, consumption growth may plateau

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

Supported by strong buoyancy in public sector capital expenditure (capex), growth in infrastructure investment is expected to accelerate in 2025-26 (FY26) compared to 2024-25 (FY25), according to the First Advance Estimates of gross domestic product (GDP) for FY26 released by the National Statistics Office (NSO) on Wednesday.

India Is Seeing Dip In Foreign Tourists

India Is Seeing Dip In Foreign Tourists

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Foreign tourist arrivals in India dropped to 6.18 million during the April-September 2025 period against 7.06 million during the same period last year, which was a drop of 12.4 per cent.

As IAF eyes 80 transport planes, Lockheed offers C-130J mega hub in India

As IAF eyes 80 transport planes, Lockheed offers C-130J mega hub in India

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

If Lockheed Martin gets the opportunity, then it will set up a mega hub in India to produce the "iconic" aircraft and it will be the first such global facility outside of the US, top officials of the company told PTI.

Trouble for India? Trump announces 25% tariff on Iran's trade partners

Trouble for India? Trump announces 25% tariff on Iran's trade partners

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Trump said that the decision would be "immediately" in effect and that the "order is final and conclusive."

Trump 'cancels' second wave of attacks on Venezuela

Trump 'cancels' second wave of attacks on Venezuela

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has cancelled a previously expected second wave of military attacks on Venezuela, following his military action in Caracas which led to the capture of the South American country's leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, citing improved cooperation from Caracas and the release of a large number of political prisoners as part of efforts to 'seek peace'.

Need full access to oil, warns Trump as Venezuela seeks cooperation

Need full access to oil, warns Trump as Venezuela seeks cooperation

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

As Delcy Rodriguez took charge late on Sunday as Venezuela's acting president, United States President Donald Trump issued a sharp warning, saying she must give the US 'total access' or face consequences 'probably worse than Maduro'.

Sindoor: Pakistan Air Force Was No Match For IAF

Sindoor: Pakistan Air Force Was No Match For IAF

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

'Operation Sindoor had three objectives.' 'One, destroy the Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters at Muridke and the Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters at Bahawalpur.' 'Second, deter and defend any counterstrike by Pakistan.' 'And third, if they persist, demonstrably deliver counterforce punishment.' 'All of the three boxes, the IAF checked,' points out Shekhar Gupta.

Operation Sindoor redraws India's security goals in 2025

Operation Sindoor redraws India's security goals in 2025

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

In 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a multi-domain combat mission against Pakistan in response to cross-border terrorism. The operation involved precision strikes, military retaliation, and diplomatic measures, marking a significant shift in India's security policy.

'Why Will I Apologise?': Chavan Defiant On Op Sindoor Remark

'Why Will I Apologise?': Chavan Defiant On Op Sindoor Remark

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

Why will I apologise? It is out of the question. The Constitution gives me the right to ask questions.

'Should You Touch Another Player?'

'Should You Touch Another Player?'

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

England Captain Ben Stokes was involved in a heated on-field exchange with Australia's No.3 Marnus Labuschagne, an incident that drew strong reactions from former players in the commentary box.

Navy strengthens anti-submarine arm with second MH-60R squadron

Navy strengthens anti-submarine arm with second MH-60R squadron

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

The Indian Navy commissioned its second squadron of MH-60R (Romeo) anti-submarine helicopters, INAS 335 'Ospreys', at INS Hansa naval base. The commissioning ceremony was attended by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, who emphasized the importance of strengthening maritime security.

Apple launches iPhone Air, its thinnest phone ever

Apple launches iPhone Air, its thinnest phone ever

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

The new model is 5.6mm thick. CEO Tim Cook said it promises "pro performance in a thin and light design."

Now, Trump hints at action in Colombia; sparks backlash

Now, Trump hints at action in Colombia; sparks backlash

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

United States President Donald Trump ignited controversy after making sharp and unprecedented remarks about Colombia during a brief exchange with reporters.

OTT Shows Are Driving North East Tourism

OTT Shows Are Driving North East Tourism

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Cities across the north east have recorded significant year-on-year growth in air traffic, pointing to a clear link between screen exposure and travel intent.

'Trump sent warships, authorised CIA to take out Maduro'

'Trump sent warships, authorised CIA to take out Maduro'

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

Former Indian envoys to Venezuela R Viswanathan and Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha said the action was anticipated and even 'unsurprising' in nature, claiming that the US has always worked against Maduro's regime.

Suresh Kalmadi: From IAF Pilot To Powerbroker Of Indian Sport

Suresh Kalmadi: From IAF Pilot To Powerbroker Of Indian Sport

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Suresh Kalmadi brought several top-class events to India including the 2003 Afro Asian Games, the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games, the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Even developed nations are removing infiltrators: Modi in Bengal

Even developed nations are removing infiltrators: Modi in Bengal

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the TMC government in West Bengal of patronizing infiltration, leading to demographic changes and riots. He reassured refugees and promised action against illegal migration if the BJP comes to power.

Concerned about Venezuela: Jaishankar in Europe

Concerned about Venezuela: Jaishankar in Europe

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said India is concerned about the recent developments in Venezuela, marking the first strong public statement after the latest United States actions in the South American country.

Op Sagar Bandhu: India deploys NDRF teams, aircraft to Ditwah-hit Lanka

Op Sagar Bandhu: India deploys NDRF teams, aircraft to Ditwah-hit Lanka

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

"Operation Sagar Bandhu ' Humanitarian Assistance. In the wake of the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah across Sri Lanka, India swiftly launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to bolster relief efforts," the Indian Air Force said in a post on X on Saturday.

Trump reveals details of operation to capture Maduro

Trump reveals details of operation to capture Maduro

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Hours after the United States carried out strikes in Venezuela that led to the capture of incumbent Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, US President Donald Trump told Fox News that it was a complex manoeuvre and hailed the professionalism of the armed forces.

Trump's Huge Venezuela Gamble

Trump's Huge Venezuela Gamble

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

I am inclined to believe that the Venezuela adventure is not an indication of American strength, alas, but rather of American weakness, points out Rajeev Srinivasan.

'Saved by...': Air India flight carrying MPs diverted midway

'Saved by...': Air India flight carrying MPs diverted midway

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

The flight AI2455, operated with an Airbus A320 aircraft, was airborne for more than two hours, according to information available on the flight tracking website Flightradar24.com.

ONGC takes over Andhra gas well blaze, finalises control plan

ONGC takes over Andhra gas well blaze, finalises control plan

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The ONGC expert teams are arriving from Mumbai and Delhi to douse the gas well blaze in Mori in Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema district of Andhra Pradesh, an official said on Tuesday.

At 85, She Is Back In The Cockpit!

At 85, She Is Back In The Cockpit!

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

As she looked down at the Thames, she thought of the Brahmaputra. As she landed, smiling, it was clear that flying had never left her.

US Strikes Venezuela, Captures President

US Strikes Venezuela, Captures President

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Dramatic scenes unfolded in Caracas as tensions escalated between the US and Venezuela on January 3, 2026. Following President Donald Trump's announcement of strikes on Venezuela and the reported capture of President Nicolas Maduro, smoke rose near the Fort Tiuna military zone while residents evacuated and queued for fuel.

Republic Day 2026: Army To Showcase Animal Contingent

Republic Day 2026: Army To Showcase Animal Contingent

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

For the first time in Republic Day history, the Indian Army's Remount and Veterinary Corps will showcase a specially curated animal contingent during the Republic Day 2026 parade on Kartavya Path. The unique contingent features Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, raptors, and military dogs, highlighting the crucial role of animals in India's defense forces.