'Why would a highly qualified doctor with a promising future choose to wage war against his own country?'
Luckily for us, a Russia that is desperate to stay relevant in an emerging multipolar world finds in India a reliable geostrategic partner. The Russian proximity to India also keeps China from exploiting its economic dominance vis a vis Russia, points out Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).
The year had a variety of films to choose from. Not all of them were successful at the box office, but had merit.
Months after India's precision strikes on nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), a viral video of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Qaasim has surfaced.
Gayle, Ryder, other former stars stranded in Srinagar hotel after IHPL scam
Travel firms expect package prices to rise by 5 to 10 per cent, depending on destination and inclusions.
Atiqa Mir seals highest qualifying spot by a female racer in COTFA series
In the last 11 years, India and the world witnessed what he stood for, what he promised and did not deliver, and what he actually stood for and practised without fearing how history would judge him. Modi's tenure has been punctuated with headline-grabbing decisions, symbolic gestures, and stage-managed moments that continue to define his leadership and India's politics, points out Ramesh Menon.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Saturday issued a new graphic showing Kashmir as Indian territory, rectifying their previous mistake.
The ministry of external affairs also seemed to reject Trump's forceful comments that Washington brokered the understanding between India and Pakistan on ending their four-day military conflict.
The airspace ban was extended after ties between the two countries deteriorated due to the four-day conflict as India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 and destroyed terror infrastructure in territories controlled by Pakistan.
Security has been heightened in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, after an exchange of fire between terrorists and the police.
Jaishankar said such a description would be like putting the perpetrator and the victim of the Pahalgam attack at the same level.
As the year draws to a close, Rediff's Senior Contributor Roshmila Bhattacharya takes a look at the hits and misses, the highs and lows, the newsmakers and the dealbreakers in alphabetical order.
Mohit Suri's new film Saiyaara will see a slice of Kashmir, as two musicians from the Valley make their debut in the film.
Shakil said his family, who are farmers by occupation, have been targeted by stone-pelters in the past for being nationalists.
From emotional showdowns to the ultimate happily-ever-afters, we recap 10 times Bollywood showed us couples fighting their gharwale for their love.
Modi said, "I can feel that the blood of every Indian is on the boil after seeing the pictures of the terrorist attack. I once again assure the affected families that they will get justice, and justice will be definitely done. The perpetrators and conspirators of this attack will be served the harshest punishment."
Atiqa was coming into the weekend after a stellar October when she secured multiple podiums across championships including a race win at the RMC Championship.
ISPL star Irfan Umair makes Ranji Trophy debut for Mumbai against Jammu and Kashmir
What is currently perceived as a massive, low-tech liability could become a high-value, export-oriented economic engine, points out Ajit Balakrishnan.
The usual rush of devotees was missing this year, presumably due to the Pahalgam terror attack and the military action between India and Pakistan following it.
'There'll be extended periods where things aren't working in your favour. But if you believe in the cause profoundly, then you simply persevere.'
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has announced changes in flight routes for Karachi and Lahore, citing operational safety reasons. The move is speculated to be linked to anticipated military exercises by India.
Expect some fireworks for the highly-versatile Cameron Green along with Quinton de Kock, Matheesha Pathirana, Venkatesh Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi.
"We saw missiles in the sky and heard bombs in our neighbourhood... We were petrified," said MBBS student Mir Khalif, his voice still trembling with fear, as he stepped out of the Delhi airport after being evacuated from war-hit Iran under Operation Sindhu.
Ravinder Singh, a 29-year-old Naik Subedar in the Indian Army, achieved the biggest success in his shooting career by winning gold in the men's 50m pistol, a non-Olympic discipline.
Drones were sighted and explosions were heard in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, a day after India thwarted attempts by the Pakistan military to attack Indian military installations using drones and missiles. The drones were also engaged in Udhampur and Nagrota of Jammu and Punjab. Heavy cross-border shelling started along the International Border in Suchetgarh and Ramgarh sectors of Jammu and Samba districts. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appealed to residents to stay indoors and ignore rumors.
Sinha said the inauguration of the Kashmir rail service has connected the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country and will pave the way for the economic prosperity of the region.
The enduring relationship between the two countries have survived the disintegration of the erstwhile USSR in 1991, the end of the Cold War and the regime change in both countries, points out Rup Narayan Das.
'The BJP only talks of Kashmiri Pandits when elections are held.'
A major breakthrough has been achieved in the Red Fort car blast case, with intelligence agencies uncovering a Rs 20 lakh fund trail linked to three doctors, Umar, Muzammil, and Shaheen.
'The Pahalgam terror attacks and the conflict that followed were a big blow to local tourism.' 'And just when things were starting to go back to normal, the floods, caused by heavy rain, spoiled all chances of a bounce-back this season.'
Late strikes by Pintu Mahata and Sreyas V G ensured Indian Navy FT bounce back from a one-goal deficit to overcome local side TRAU FC 2-1 and book their spot in the quarterfinals of the 134th Durand Cup in Imphal on Tuesday.
'Tourists from long-haul markets such as the US, UK, and Western Europe are especially sensitive to such news, and short-term cancellations or postponements of planned trips can be expected.'
Indian Army Builds Bridge in 18 Hours to Rescue Villagers.
The Supreme Court of India has questioned the legal status of Rohingya refugees living in the country, raising concerns about providing resources to illegal entrants while Indian citizens face poverty.
Radical Islamist networks are deliberately targeting Muslim youths embedded within the country's professional and academic ecosystems, leveraging their skills, mobility, and digital reach to quietly strengthen operational capabilities. This trend highlights a dangerous evolution in terror recruitment -- one that exploits ideological faultlines, online echo chambers and transnational radical Islamist influences to attract individuals who outwardly embody India's modern and aspirational narrative, points out Dr Kanchan Lakshman.
Security agencies are investigating how a terror module acquired and stored a large quantity of Ammonium Nitrate, suspected to be used in a recent deadly blast. The investigation focuses on the logistics and procurement network of the busted inter-state terror cell and highlights the ease with which restricted chemicals can be weaponized.
Sarfaraz Khan was a part of the Indian side on the tour of Australia where he didn't play any match and since then has not been considered for any of the 'A' team assignments as well.
