News for 'Minister of Defence'

Is Pakistan's Rise Wake-Up Call For India?

Is Pakistan's Rise Wake-Up Call For India?

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

New Delhi might have loudly welcomed an age of multipolarity, hedging and strategic autonomy. But it seems the winner in that game is Islamabad, not us, points out Mihir S Sharma.

Will Cash Transfer Win Bihar For Modi?

Will Cash Transfer Win Bihar For Modi?

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

If women voters are mobilised in big numbers to the voting booths on November 6 and 11 by the Nitish Kumar-led NDA, then it will be quite difficult for the Tejashwi Yadav-led Mahagathbandhan to defeat the incumbent government, points out Sheela Bhatt.

India seeks no enemies but...: Rajnath amid Trump tariff row

India seeks no enemies but...: Rajnath amid Trump tariff row

Rediff.com30 Aug 2025

The defence minister also announced that India has taken up the challenge of developing a powerful indigenous aero-engine, adding that preparations for this critical project are now almost complete and the work will soon be visible.

'This is the greatest day in the history of Indian women's cricket'

'This is the greatest day in the history of Indian women's cricket'

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

Jemimah Rodrigues produced a sensational knock that included 14 fours as India pulled off the biggest successful chase in women's ODI history with nine balls to spare.

Pakistan's nukes to be available for Saudi under new pact

Pakistan's nukes to be available for Saudi under new pact

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

The entry of other Arab countries in the mutual defence deal between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is not ruled out, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said, adding that 'doors are not closed' for such developments.

Tentative Truce In Tata Trusts: BusinessLine Report

Tentative Truce In Tata Trusts: BusinessLine Report

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

After months of discord, the Tata Trusts appear to be moving towards reconciliation, with recent reappointments and open exchanges signalling a return to cooperative governance.

'Parrikar who?' asks Ajit Pawar about former Goa CM

'Parrikar who?' asks Ajit Pawar about former Goa CM

Rediff.com14 Sep 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar faced criticism after questioning 'who Parrikar?' when a woman suggested he emulate the late Goa CM Manohar Parrikar's surprise visits to address civic issues.

In a first, Agni-Prime fired from rail-based launcher

In a first, Agni-Prime fired from rail-based launcher

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

India successfully test fired the Agni-Prime missile from a rail-based mobile launcher. The next-generation missile has a range of up to 2,000 kilometers and advanced features.

Will Bihar Lift The Liquor Ban After Polls?

Will Bihar Lift The Liquor Ban After Polls?

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

Voters are weighing a stark trade-off -- between preserving a socially driven policy and reversing course to revive revenue, restore fiscal balance, and rein in the underground liquor economy.

China punishes 9 military officials for graft, top general under probe

China punishes 9 military officials for graft, top general under probe

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

China's second-ranked general, He Weidong, is under investigation for corruption, along with nine other senior military officers punished for discipline violations and work-related crimes. This crackdown comes ahead of a key Communist Party conclave.

Armed forces gear up for counter-drone exercise in Oct

Armed forces gear up for counter-drone exercise in Oct

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

The Indian armed forces will conduct an exercise to test the capabilities of its drones and counter-drone systems. The exercise, named 'Cold Start', will involve all three services and will take place in Madhya Pradesh.

Delhi court rejects Nirmala Sitharaman's plea

Delhi court rejects Nirmala Sitharaman's plea

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

A Delhi court refused Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's request to prevent AAP leader Somnath Bharti from representing his wife in a defamation case filed against Sitharaman.

India may strike at any point: Pak defence min's big claim

India may strike at any point: Pak defence min's big claim

Rediff.com6 May 2025

Last week, Information Minister Atta Tarar had said that 24-36 hours were important, fearing a possible strike by India. However, the time passed and there was no action by India.

Meet next CJI who gave Kejri bail; SIR, Art 370 verdicts

Meet next CJI who gave Kejri bail; SIR, Art 370 verdicts

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Justice Surya Kant is set to become the 53rd Chief Justice of India, bringing extensive experience and a record of significant verdicts on key issues.

3 Afghan cricketers among several killed in Pak airstrikes

3 Afghan cricketers among several killed in Pak airstrikes

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

Pakistan launched fresh air strikes targeting terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan, killing several people, including three cricketers, casting a shadow over the expected talks in Doha amid a fragile ceasefire that had temporarily halted hostilities between the two sides.

Tejas Mk1A Gets Ready To Boost IAF Air Power

Tejas Mk1A Gets Ready To Boost IAF Air Power

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

HAL executives said deliveries of the Tejas Mk1A to the IAF would begin within this year, but only after the successful completion of the weapons-firing trials currently underway.

Dead lock ends as Ladakh leaders to hold talks with Centre on Oct 22

Dead lock ends as Ladakh leaders to hold talks with Centre on Oct 22

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

Representatives from Ladakh have accepted an invitation from the Ministry of Home Affairs for a meeting in Delhi on October 22 to discuss their demands for statehood and safeguards for the Union Territory.

'Pakistan May Get More Adventurous Towards India'

'Pakistan May Get More Adventurous Towards India'

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

'What we need to watch is how Saudi Arabia's financial assistance will be used by Pakistan. If the funds go to build their military hardware and operations, it should worry us.'

IAF to finally retire MiG-21 fighter jets after 60 yrs

IAF to finally retire MiG-21 fighter jets after 60 yrs

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

The Indian Air Force is set to retire its fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets at a decommissioning event in Chandigarh. The event will mark the end of an era for the aircraft that has been a key part of the IAF's combat fleet for over six decades.

'Pakistan Has Gotten Into A Sweet Spot With The US'

'Pakistan Has Gotten Into A Sweet Spot With The US'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

'Pakistan has found itself in a favourable position after Operation Sindoor by appreciating the mediation as claimed by Trump and recommending him for the Nobel Peace Prize.'

South Korea arrests ex-defence minister over martial law imposition

South Korea arrests ex-defence minister over martial law imposition

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

Yoon's decision caused political upheavel in South Korea, including an Opposition-led attempt to impeach South Korea President and protests.

India relationship...: What Rubio said after Jaishankar meet

India relationship...: What Rubio said after Jaishankar meet

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

Rubio voiced "appreciation" for New Delhi's continued engagement on bilateral issues, including trade, defence and energy.

India, Sri Lanka sign major defence pact

India, Sri Lanka sign major defence pact

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a tri-services ceremonial welcome in Colombo, Sri Lanka, marking the first time such an honor has been bestowed upon a foreign leader. The welcome took place at the historic Independence Square, the venue for national day celebrations. Modi's visit comes as Sri Lanka shows signs of recovery from a recent economic crisis, with India playing a significant role in providing assistance. During the visit, both leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues, including defense cooperation, energy, and digital initiatives.

MiG-21 flies through Indian skies for last time

MiG-21 flies through Indian skies for last time

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

The legendary Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 fighter jets, the the backbone of the Indian Air Force's combat fleet for more than six decades, streaked through Indian skies for the last time on Friday -- its final adieu edged in history and many a remembrance.

Why Is Mehli Mistry Against Noel Tata?

Why Is Mehli Mistry Against Noel Tata?

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Mehli Mistry is backed by three other trustees -- Pramit Jhaveri, Darius Khambata and Jehangir HC Jehangir -- against Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata and the two vice-chairmen, Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh.

China's leadership meet to discuss graft in military, US tariff war

China's leadership meet to discuss graft in military, US tariff war

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

China's ruling Communist Party is holding its annual leadership conclave to discuss the new five-year plan, the impact of US President Donald Trump's tariff war, and the ongoing anti-corruption crackdown in the military.

India neutralises Pak missile attacks; destroys air defence systems in Lahore

India neutralises Pak missile attacks; destroys air defence systems in Lahore

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Indian Air Force S-400 Sudarshan Chakra air defence missile systems were fired last night against targets moving towards India. The targets were successfully neutralised in the operation multiple domain experts told ANI.

Afghanistan launches retaliatory strikes on Pakistani posts

Afghanistan launches retaliatory strikes on Pakistani posts

Rediff.com12 Oct 2025

Pakistan responded to what it called 'unprovoked' attacks by Afghan forces in border areas, destroying several Afghan border posts, training camps, and terrorist hideouts, security sources said on Sunday.

Sabarimala gold row: Oppn seeks audit of temple assets, probe into thefts

Sabarimala gold row: Oppn seeks audit of temple assets, probe into thefts

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

A controversy surrounding the gold-clad plates of the Dwarapalaka idols at Sabarimala temple has ignited a political row in Kerala, with opposition parties alleging theft and demanding a comprehensive investigation into temple inventories and the role of a sponsor in the replating process.

'Her Mann ki Baat': Modi pens foreword to Georgia Meloni's book

'Her Mann ki Baat': Modi pens foreword to Georgia Meloni's book

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

In the foreword of the autobiography titled I am Giorgia -- My Roots, My Principles brought out by Rupa Publications, Modi says the book, "gives readers a candid and rare glimpse into the heart and mind of one of Europe's and the world's most dynamic and vibrant leaders."

23 Pak troops, 200 Taliban killed as Afghan-Pak tension escalates

23 Pak troops, 200 Taliban killed as Afghan-Pak tension escalates

Rediff.com12 Oct 2025

Pakistan seized 19 Afghan military posts and "terrorist hideouts" in response to alleged attacks by Afghan forces. Kabul claims significant Pakistani casualties. Tensions escalate following repeated attacks by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Will Japan's Iron Lady Deepen India-Japan Ties?

Will Japan's Iron Lady Deepen India-Japan Ties?

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

As a protege of Shinzo Abe, Takaichi is expected to scale bilateral ties much higher. Trade and investment shall grow. People-to-people contacts shall be scaled up, points out Dr Rajaram Panda.

JF-17 engine sale to Pak benefits India, claims Russian experts

JF-17 engine sale to Pak benefits India, claims Russian experts

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

A Russian defence expert says the reported sale of RD-93 engines to Pakistan for integration into the JF-17 will actually benefit India, dismissing criticism of the Indian government by the opposition.

Don't Expect A Reprieve From Trump!

Don't Expect A Reprieve From Trump!

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

'There are times when India should stand up without hesitation and voice its indignation over the US' pressure tactic. This is one such moment,' asserts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Jaishankar, Rubio to meet in US amid tariff, H-1B visa concerns

Jaishankar, Rubio to meet in US amid tariff, H-1B visa concerns

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

This will be the first face-to-face meeting between Rubio and Jaishankar following President Donald Trump's imposition of an additional 25 per cent tariff on India for Delhi's purchases of Russian oil, taking the total levies imposed on India by the Trump White House to 50 per cent.

'Trump Acts Like A Mafia Boss'

'Trump Acts Like A Mafia Boss'

Rediff.com27 Sep 2025

'He is creating a culture of fear.'

Sindoor: 'We Could Have Continued To Strike'

Sindoor: 'We Could Have Continued To Strike'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

'But that was not our aim. Our objective was already achieved.'

'Epicentre of global terror': Jaishankar shreds 'that one country' at UNGA

'Epicentre of global terror': Jaishankar shreds 'that one country' at UNGA

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

In his address, Jaishankar warned that those who condone nations that sponsor terror will find that it "comes back to bite them".

Destroyed at least a dozen Pak jets, including F-16s: IAF chief

Destroyed at least a dozen Pak jets, including F-16s: IAF chief

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

At least a dozen Pakistani military aircraft including F-16 jets were destroyed or damaged in Indian strikes during Operation Sindoor, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said on Friday while describing Islamabad's claim of India's losses as "fanciful stories".

HAL Speeds Up Tejas Production

HAL Speeds Up Tejas Production

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

HAL has assured the IAF that 12 Mk1A aircraft will be delivered by the end of 2025-2026.