News for 'Ministry of Defence'

Sirens go off as Israel strikes down 'suspicious aerial targets'

Sirens go off as Israel strikes down 'suspicious aerial targets'

Rediff.com6 Oct 2024

The tensions between the two countries continue to remain high as several suspected drones launched from Lebanon were shot down by Israeli air defences on Sunday, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Engaging The Indian Diaspora Is A Must

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Engaging The Indian Diaspora Is A Must

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

The Indian Diaspora has been able to carve a niche in their adopted countries as a result of their talent, perseverance and hardworking nature, asserts Rup Narayan Das.

India tests shield against missiles with 5000 km range

India tests shield against missiles with 5000 km range

Rediff.com24 Jul 2024

The flight test fully met all the trial objectives validating complete network centric warfare weapon system, the defence ministry said.

'CBI should reveal discoveries from Swizz evidence on Bofors payoffs'

'CBI should reveal discoveries from Swizz evidence on Bofors payoffs'

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

Journalist and author Chitra Subramaniam has demanded that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) make public its findings from the "box of evidence" received from Switzerland regarding the Bofors payoffs. Subramaniam, author of 'Boforsgate: A Journalist's Pursuit of Truth', expressed concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the evidence, questioning who opened the box, when it was opened, and what it contained. She also raised doubts about the official narrative regarding the alleged bribe in the Bofors case, suggesting the sum of Rs 64 crore may not reflect the full extent of the corruption. Subramaniam also alleged that the CBI planted stories about Hindi film actor Amitabh Bachchan to derail the investigation and launched a political vendetta against the Bachchans. She recalled that Bachchan had come to her home and asked if she had seen his name. The CBI has recently requested assistance from the United States in the case, seeking information from private investigator Michael Hershman, who claims to have crucial details about the scandal. The Bofors scandal, a major bribery case involving the Indian government and the Swedish arms manufacturer Bofors in the 1980s, pertains to allegations of a Rs 64-crore bribe in a Rs 1,437-crore deal for the supply of 400 155mm field Howitzers.

INS Arighaat, 2nd made-in-India N-submarine, joins Navy

INS Arighaat, 2nd made-in-India N-submarine, joins Navy

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

India's second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine was commissioned into the Navy on Thursday in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh who said this will further strengthen the country's nuclear triad and enhance nuclear deterrence.

A few final steps to be completed: Misri on Rana's extradition

A few final steps to be completed: Misri on Rana's extradition

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The United States has approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to India. The decision was announced by President Donald Trump during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the White House. India is currently working on the logistics of Rana's surrender and extradition, with several final steps to be completed before he is sent back to India. The joint statement issued by India and the US during Prime Minister Modi's visit reaffirmed their commitment to fighting terrorism and eliminating terrorist safe havens. The leaders also called on Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks. Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, is currently lodged at a metropolitan detention center in Los Angeles. He is associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks.

85 Indians freed from Russian military, 20 more await release: Govt

85 Indians freed from Russian military, 20 more await release: Govt

Rediff.com22 Oct 2024

The Indian side is in "very close touch" with interlocutors in the foreign and defence ministries of Russia on the issue of Indians "who were, illegally or otherwise, contracted into fighting in the Russian Army", Misri said at a media briefing on Modi's visit to Russia for the BRICS Summit.

Defence ministry opposes hike in FDI limit

Defence ministry opposes hike in FDI limit

Rediff.com12 Apr 2010

The new Consolidated Foreign Direct Investment Policy, effective from April 1, limits FDI in defence units to 26 per cent. But the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion of the commerce ministry is in favour of raising this limit.

Will use weapons with full force if needed: Rajnath

Will use weapons with full force if needed: Rajnath

Rediff.com13 Oct 2024

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said India has never attacked any country out of hatred or contempt but if its interests are threatened, 'we will not hesitate to take a big step'.

Pune bus rape accused sent to police custody till Mar 12

Pune bus rape accused sent to police custody till Mar 12

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

A 37-year-old man accused of raping a woman inside a bus at Swargate bus station in Pune was arrested after a days-long manhunt. The accused, Dattaray Ramdas Gade, was hiding in a paddy field in his native Shirur tehsil. Police used drones and sniffer dogs to track him down.

Ministry of Defence clears RIL gas blocks

Ministry of Defence clears RIL gas blocks

Rediff.com4 Mar 2013

Oil Ministry officials insisted that Defence Ministry cannot withdraw the clearance after 12 years of exploration.

Assam CM may order SIT probe into 'Pak links' of Gogoi's wife

Assam CM may order SIT probe into 'Pak links' of Gogoi's wife

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into allegations of Pakistan links of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi's British wife Elizabeth Colburn. Sarma alleged that Colburn had visited Pakistan after her marriage and that there are apprehensions of ISI infiltration into the Chief Minister's Office when Gogoi's father, the late Tarun Gogoi, was the chief minister. Sarma also shared screenshots of social media posts by Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, an advisor of the Pakistan Planning Commission and a former colleague of Colburn, claiming that the relationship between the Gogois and Sheikh appeared to be "deeply rooted." Sarma's allegations have been rejected by the Congress as "laughable and entertaining."

Have broken middlemen-defence ministry nexus: Parrikar

Have broken middlemen-defence ministry nexus: Parrikar

Rediff.com27 May 2016

The nexus between middlemen, arms agents and government officials has been broken, according to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.

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.

'Adarsh land not owned by defence ministry'

'Adarsh land not owned by defence ministry'

Rediff.com24 May 2011

In a severe blow to the Ministry of Defence, a defence estate official on Tuesday told a judicial panel, probing the Adarsh Housing Society scam, that the land where the controversial high-rise stands, is not owned by it and belongs to the Maharashtra government.

India to host key SCO conclave of defence ministers, Pak to attend virtually

India to host key SCO conclave of defence ministers, Pak to attend virtually

Rediff.com27 Apr 2023

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif will attend the SCO defence ministers' meeting in New Delhi on Friday through virtual mode, according to an official readout.

Taiwan claims 47 Chinese jets enter air defence zone

Taiwan claims 47 Chinese jets enter air defence zone

Rediff.com26 Dec 2022

The incursions, according to Taiwan, were made by aircraft, including 12 J-11, 6 J-10, 18 J-16, six SU-30, CH-4, WZ-7, Y-8 EW, Y-8 ESW and KJ-500.

My son is being framed, says father of Saif stabbing accused

My son is being framed, says father of Saif stabbing accused

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

The father of Shariful Islam, the Bangladeshi man accused of stabbing actor Saif Ali Khan, claims his son was framed and is seeking help from the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry and the Indian High Commission for his release. He alleges that Shariful was living in India illegally without proper documentation and was in fear of arrest. Ruhul claims his son was not the person seen in the CCTV footage and believes there might be a conspiracy. He says Shariful left Bangladesh after the re-election of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, fearing for his safety.

Rajnath's military mantra: Synergised, swift, proportionate response

Rajnath's military mantra: Synergised, swift, proportionate response

Rediff.com5 Sep 2024

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday called upon the top military brass to analyse the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza as well as the current situation in Bangladesh to "predict" any future problems and stay prepared to deal with the "unexpected".

Defence ministry dismisses troop build-up report

Defence ministry dismisses troop build-up report

Rediff.com4 Apr 2012

The defence ministry was on Tuesday dismissive about a media report that the Army moved two units towards Delhi in January without informing the government, saying such exercises are conducted from time to time. "The points raised in the report have already been clarified by the Army. Such exercises are conducted by the Army from time to time," defence ministry spokesperson Sitanshu Kar said in a statement. He also dubbed the report as "baseless and incorrect".

Taliban appoint acting consul in Mumbai mission, first such move in India

Taliban appoint acting consul in Mumbai mission, first such move in India

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

The Taliban regime has appointed Ikramuddin Kamil as the acting consul in the Afghan mission in Mumbai, Afghan media has reported. This is the first such appointment made by the Taliban set up to any Afghan mission in India. The appointment, announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, is seen as an effort to strengthen diplomatic ties with India and enhance its presence abroad. Kamil, who holds a PhD degree in international law, is expected to facilitate consular services and represent the interests of Afghanistan in India.

Women Power In Yudh Abhyas 2024

Women Power In Yudh Abhyas 2024

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

Glimpses of lady soldiers from the Indian and the US armies during the joint exercise Yudh Abhyas 2024 at the Mahajan field firing ranges in Rajasthan.

Embraer aircraft deal: Defence ministry wants CBI to probe

Embraer aircraft deal: Defence ministry wants CBI to probe

Rediff.com14 Sep 2016

Government sources said that since the allegations were of a serious nature, the CBI has been asked to probe.

Syrian Prez Assad flees as rebels enter Damascus

Syrian Prez Assad flees as rebels enter Damascus

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

The head of Syria's main opposition group abroad Hadi al-Bahra Syrian said that Damascus is now "without Bashar al-Assad" according to Reuters.

No pension hike for retired Army captains under OROP, Centre tells SC

No pension hike for retired Army captains under OROP, Centre tells SC

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

The Indian government has refused to accept recommendations for a 10% pension increase for retired regular Army captains under the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme. The Supreme Court heard an appeal by the government challenging an Armed Forces Tribunal order that mandated a decision on pension for retired captains. The government's decision not to accept the recommendations has led to a delay in resolving pension anomalies for these officers. The case will be heard again on December 12, 2023.

Military ranks haven't been downgraded, clarifies defence ministry

Military ranks haven't been downgraded, clarifies defence ministry

Rediff.com27 Oct 2016

The defence ministry on Thursday said there has been no down-gradation or any change in the existing equivalence of the service ranks vis-a-vis their civilian counterparts.

Time Services Acted On Modi Diktat!

Time Services Acted On Modi Diktat!

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

Almost five years later, the three services have still not fully understood that joint/theatre commands are not a discussion point; they are the prime minister's diktat on a military reform measure that is in line with what armed forces around the world have implemented, points out Ajai Shukla.

'Move away': Israel warns Lebanese people, 182 killed in strikes

'Move away': Israel warns Lebanese people, 182 killed in strikes

Rediff.com24 Sep 2024

Lebanon's health ministry said that women, children and medics were among those who were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, according to CNN report. Earlier, the Israeli army announced it struck about 300 targets across Lebanon on Monday.

Phishing link mimicking MoD found in Indian cyberspace, targets govt data

Phishing link mimicking MoD found in Indian cyberspace, targets govt data

Rediff.com5 Sep 2024

The advisory has asked government staffers to delete such an e-mail if received in their inbox.

Scorpene deal: PAC slams defence ministry

Scorpene deal: PAC slams defence ministry

Rediff.com10 Mar 2010

Slamming the Defence Ministry over the nine-year delay in awarding contract to French firm Thales to build six Scorpene submarines in Mumbai, a Parliamentary Committee on Wednesday said the indecisiveness resulted in cost overruns and undue favour to the vendor, besides adversely impacting Navy's operational preparedness.

Rules for telecom infra roll out in defence area eased

Rules for telecom infra roll out in defence area eased

Rediff.com20 Jan 2023

The defence ministry has eased rules for rolling out mobile towers, optical fibre and other telecom infrastructure gears in its area in line with the "Right of Way (RoW)" Rules notified by the Telecom Ministry in 2016. A copy of the new rules uploaded on Gati Shakti Portal on Thursday replaces "shared communication tower and other telecom infrastructure to extend communication network in military station/cantonments" issued in February 2018. As per the new rule, "... any application received for installation of under/overground telecom infrastructure of defence land shall henceforth be processed in accordance with the Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules 2016 (as amended from time to time) formulated by the Department of Telecommunications" with some additional conditions.

India Tests New Cruise Missile

India Tests New Cruise Missile

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

DRDO conducted the maiden flight test of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile from a mobile articulated launcher.

CBI seeks chopper deal documents from defence ministry

CBI seeks chopper deal documents from defence ministry

Rediff.com27 Feb 2013

The Central Bureau of Investigation has sought from the defence ministry documents related to the AgustaWestland helicopter deal as it prepares to question suspected beneficiaries about alleged kickbacks received in the Rs 3600 crore deal.

Built consensus with India, will reach solution at early date, says China

Built consensus with India, will reach solution at early date, says China

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

China and India were able to "reduce differences" and build "some consensus" on disengaging troops from friction points to end the standoff in eastern Ladakh and agreed to maintain dialogue to reach a resolution acceptable to both sides at an "early date", the Chinese defence ministry said on Thursday.

Artificial rain in Delhi? AAP govt seeks Centre's nod to combat air

Artificial rain in Delhi? AAP govt seeks Centre's nod to combat air

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

Amid Delhi's worsening air quality, which has plunged into the severe plus category with an AQI consistently above 450, Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday called for immediate intervention from the central government.

Indian ammunition enters Ukraine despite Russia's protest? MEA reacts

Indian ammunition enters Ukraine despite Russia's protest? MEA reacts

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

India described as "inaccurate" a media report that said artillery shells sold by Indian arms manufacturers have been diverted by European customers to Ukraine and New Delhi has not intervened to stop it.

Defence ministry clears Rs 40,000 crore project to build 6 submarines

Defence ministry clears Rs 40,000 crore project to build 6 submarines

Rediff.com31 Jan 2019

The defence ministry also cleared the project, to acquire 5,000 Milan 2T anti-tank guided missiles for the Army.

Defence ministry worker arrested for helping Petro leak module

Defence ministry worker arrested for helping Petro leak module

Rediff.com24 Feb 2015

A casual worker employed at the Defence Ministry was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly providing forged identity card to a key accused in petroleum ministry leaks case while police maintained that no sensitive documents were leaked or stolen from the defence ministry.

Bad weather forces Rajnath to address Army brass from Bengal

Bad weather forces Rajnath to address Army brass from Bengal

Rediff.com12 Oct 2024

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday praised the Indian Army as one of the most trusted and inspiring organisations in the country, highlighting its significant role in safeguarding borders, combating terrorism and assisting civil administration in times of need.

Defence Ministry goes easy on blacklisted firms

Defence Ministry goes easy on blacklisted firms

Rediff.com31 Dec 2009

After the Ordnance Factory scam, Central Vigilance Commission's (CVC) and the Law Ministry's comments were sought and they advised us that these (blacklisted) companies should be allowed to participate in field-trials in contracts where multiple vendors were participating so that the acquisition process was not stalled, Defence Ministry sources said in New Delhi.