News for 'Northern Areas'

Drones Are What India Needs For Future Wars

Drones Are What India Needs For Future Wars

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

The foremost lesson for India today is to beef up its air defence to cater for multiple drone attacks. As seen in Operation Sindoor, we have come a long way, but there's room for getting better. We must develop a robust and almost impregnable air cover over ourselves, asserts IAF veteran Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd).

Border skirmishes continue along LoC for 9th day

Border skirmishes continue along LoC for 9th day

Rediff.com3 May 2025

For the ninth consecutive night, Indian and Pakistani troops engaged in small arms fire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, continuing a pattern of heightened border tensions. The skirmishes, initiated by Pakistani troops in violation of the ceasefire agreement, have led to a tense situation along the LoC and International Border (IB). The incidents come in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists. Civilians residing near the border have begun preparing their bunkers, anticipating potential escalation. Despite a recent hotline conversation between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan, where India cautioned Pakistan, the ceasefire violations persist.

Manipur: Govt move backfires as buses couldn't go to Kuki areas

Manipur: Govt move backfires as buses couldn't go to Kuki areas

Rediff.com23 Dec 2023

Attempts to resume Manipur State Transport (MST) services on Saturday suffered a setback after buses heading from capital Imphal to the hill districts could not go beyond Imphal valley.

India to face more heatwaves this summer: IMD

India to face more heatwaves this summer: IMD

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

India is expected to experience hotter-than-usual temperatures from April to June, with more heatwave days in central and eastern India and the northwestern plains, the IMD said. Most parts of the country will see higher-than-normal maximum temperatures, except for some areas in western and eastern India where the temperatures are expected to be normal. Minimum temperatures will also be above normal in most regions. The IMD has warned that landslides could occur in parts of Kerala and Karnataka in the Western Ghats and that northeastern states might face flooding in April.

Pak troops violate ceasefire for 11th night in a row

Pak troops violate ceasefire for 11th night in a row

Rediff.com5 May 2025

Pakistan troops have violated the ceasefire agreement for the 11th consecutive night, firing on Indian posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The firing began in Kupwara and Baramulla districts and spread to other sectors, including Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor. The Indian Army responded promptly and proportionately. The ceasefire violation comes despite a recent phone call between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan on April 29. This marks the latest escalation of tensions between the two countries, following a terror attack in Pahalgam in April.

Pak troops open fire for 8th consecutive night, residents fear shelling

Pak troops open fire for 8th consecutive night, residents fear shelling

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Pakistan's troops have engaged in unprovoked firing along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) in five districts of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting retaliation from the Indian Army. This marks the eighth consecutive night of such incidents, following heightened tensions stemming from a recent terror attack in Pahalgam. Civilians residing along the LoC and IB are preparing their bunkers in anticipation of potential escalation.

Sirens, blackouts in border states as Pak attack foiled

Sirens, blackouts in border states as Pak attack foiled

Rediff.com9 May 2025

People in several districts of Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and Gujarat spent an anxious night as authorities enforced blackouts amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan.

India shoots down 8 Pak missiles targeting Jammu

India shoots down 8 Pak missiles targeting Jammu

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Pakistani drones were intercepted by Indian air defence in Jaisalmer. Explosions were heard and flashes seen in the sky.

Myanmar earthquake: ISRO reveals before and after images

Myanmar earthquake: ISRO reveals before and after images

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

ISRO's Cartosat-3 satellite captured images of the damage caused by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar on March 28. The images show significant damage in Mandalay and Sagaing cities, including the complete collapse of the historic Ava (InnWa) Bridge near Inn Wa City. The earthquake also caused cracks and ground ruptures in the flood plains of the Irrawaddy River.

Nine dead in northern Italy floods, F1 race called off

Nine dead in northern Italy floods, F1 race called off

Rediff.com18 May 2023

Sunday's Formula One Grand Prix in Imola, which is close to many of the worst-hit areas, was called off in an effort to relieve pressure on emergency services and prevent motor racing fans from converging on the inundated region.

India foils Pak's drone strikes at 26 sites; Punjab family hurt

India foils Pak's drone strikes at 26 sites; Punjab family hurt

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Meanwhile, a precautionary blackout has been enforfced in the multiple areas amid the esclating tensions between India and Pakistan.

Whatever was done in Galwan shouldn't get repeated: Army chief

Whatever was done in Galwan shouldn't get repeated: Army chief

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

The eastern Ladakh military standoff between India and China began in May 2020 and a deadly clash at the Galwan Valley in June that year resulted in a severe strain in ties between the two neighbours.

India Foils Pakistan's Attempt To Attack Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur

India Foils Pakistan's Attempt To Attack Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur

Rediff.com9 May 2025

India on Thursday night swiftly foiled Pakistan's attempts to hit various key Indian installations including military stations at Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur with drones and missiles, the defence ministry said.

Private Hospitals to Add 34,000 Beds by FY29

Private Hospitals to Add 34,000 Beds by FY29

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

Leading chains plan Rs 40K crore infra revival to close capacity gap over next 3-5 years

Israel begins ground offensive in Lebanese villages

Israel begins ground offensive in Lebanese villages

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) launched targeted ground operations in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, focusing on Hezbollah strongholds and infrastructure identified through precise intelligence.

'India definitely downed a few Pakistani planes'

'India definitely downed a few Pakistani planes'

Rediff.com12 May 2025

The Indian military also acknowledged suffering some losses but declined to provide the details as the operations are going on.

35 Years After IPKF's Return, Tamil Politics Has Changed

35 Years After IPKF's Return, Tamil Politics Has Changed

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

Since the IPKF's withdrawal from Sri Lanka in March 1990, the LTTE's once-powerful influence in Tamil Nadu has faded.

'Language is not religion': SC rejects plea against Urdu

'Language is not religion': SC rejects plea against Urdu

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

"The prejudice against Urdu stems from the misconception that Urdu is alien to India. This opinion, we are afraid, is incorrect as Urdu, like Marathi and Hindi, is an Indo-Aryan language. It is a language which was born in this land," the judges said.

Pak used 300-400 Turkish drones to target 36 places from Leh to Sir Creek

Pak used 300-400 Turkish drones to target 36 places from Leh to Sir Creek

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi revealed that 300 to 400 drones were deployed across 36 locations, with several being shot down by Indian forces using both kinetic and non-kinetic methods.

60% terrorists killed in J-K in 2024 are Pakistanis: Army

60% terrorists killed in J-K in 2024 are Pakistanis: Army

Rediff.com29 Dec 2024

The local recruitment of terrorists in the Pakistan-sponsored terror groups is also very low as only four locals have joined these groups this year, Army officials told ANI.

Scientist explains cause behind Delhi earthquake

Scientist explains cause behind Delhi earthquake

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

Delhi region in northern India experiences frequent tremors due to both far-field and near-field earthquakes from the Himalayan and local sources, respectively.

How ITC plans to build a future-ready portfolio

How ITC plans to build a future-ready portfolio

Rediff.com6 May 2025

There remains a debate on who said this: "When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, Sir?" Was it the British economist John Maynard Keynes or the American economist Paul Samuelson. Irrespective of who said it, this sentiment appears to have found resonance in ITC's boardroom in recent years.

Israel strikes Beirut, top Hezbollah commander among 9 killed

Israel strikes Beirut, top Hezbollah commander among 9 killed

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

Photos from a suburb of Beirut in the south, where Hezbollah is widely supported, according to The Washington Post, showed massive damage to cars and buildings as well as rubble in the streets.

Kerala's maneater tiger dead, remains of woman found in its stomach

Kerala's maneater tiger dead, remains of woman found in its stomach

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

A 'man-eater' tiger that killed a woman two days ago was found dead in Kerala's high-range district of Wayanad on Monday and an autopsy on the dead cat revealed the presence of the victim's hair, dress, and a pair of earrings in its stomach, forest officials said.

Top Hezbollah commander killed, senior official captured

Top Hezbollah commander killed, senior official captured

Rediff.com3 Nov 2024

In a significant blow to Hezbollah, Israel announced the elimination of Jaafar Khader Faour, commander of the Nasser Unit's Missiles and Rockets Array, in southern Lebanon's Jouaiyya area.

Israel, Hamas close to seal ceasefire, hostage deal

Israel, Hamas close to seal ceasefire, hostage deal

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Talks in Qatar aimed at reaching a ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas are progressing with an Arab source telling The Press Service of Israel on Tuesday there is a 'high likelihood of success'.

Turkiye ski resort fire kills 66, injures 51

Turkiye ski resort fire kills 66, injures 51

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

AA reported that emergency teams from neighboring cities, including firefighters, disaster response units, and medical teams supported by helicopters, were dispatched to the scene.

'India Missed Opportunity To Take Back Parts Of PoK'

'India Missed Opportunity To Take Back Parts Of PoK'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

'Had Haji Pir and/or Skardu been taken, the message would have gone out not just to General Asim Munir and his cohort in the Pakistan army but to the Pakistani people that every terrorist incident in India would lead to substantial loss of territory in PoK.'

Tibet earthquake: Rescuers race against time to find survivors

Tibet earthquake: Rescuers race against time to find survivors

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Local officials said no casualties have been reported due to Wednesday's quake that hit the Madoi County in Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province of northwest China at 3:44 pm (Beijing time), tremors for which were also felt in north-eastern Nepal.

Ladakh standoff persists to some degree: Army chief

Ladakh standoff persists to some degree: Army chief

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi Monday said there is still a 'degree' of standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh and both sides need to sit down and firm up a broader understanding on how to calm down the situation.

Heavy rains lash TN as cyclone 'Fengal' nears; train, flight ops hit

Heavy rains lash TN as cyclone 'Fengal' nears; train, flight ops hit

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

Cyclone Fengal expected to make landfall near Puducherry.

2026 TN polls will see DMK-TVK clash, Vijay tells party meet

2026 TN polls will see DMK-TVK clash, Vijay tells party meet

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

Actor Vijay, founder of the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, has declared that his party will challenge the ruling DMK in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. In a general council meeting, Vijay criticized the DMK's dynasty politics, their handling of law and order, and women's safety. He also targeted the BJP-led central government over issues like the Waqf Bill, delimitation, and the three-language policy. Vijay promised his party's support to working classes, government employees, and vowed to oppose projects harmful to natural resources and agriculture. He assured 100% safety for women and strict law and order if TVK forms the government. The party passed resolutions opposing the Waqf Bill, delimitation, and the three-language policy, and also voiced support for the two-language policy, finding a permanent solution for fishermen's issues, and opposing the Parandur airport project.

Why The South Is Worried About Delimitation

Why The South Is Worried About Delimitation

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

'Peninsular Indians could ask 'Why should we contribute half of India's tax revenues if we account for only a quarter of the seats in the Lok Sabha?'.' 'The rest of the country seems likely to counter that 'democracy means one vote per person irrespective of where that person resides in India'.' 'With no easy answers to this thorny debate, the south's economic ascendancy could end up creating a Hobson's choice.' A revealing excerpt from Nandita Rajhansa and Saurabh Mukherjea's book, Behold the Leviathan: The Unusual Rise of Modern India.

What Will FM's Budget Speech Focus On?

What Will FM's Budget Speech Focus On?

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

The finance minister, in her Budget speech, should focus more on what she is directly responsible for, rather than on programmes where her role is largely supportive, notes Nitin Desai.

Where Will You Travel This Summer?

Where Will You Travel This Summer?

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

During this summer, Indian travel buffs are opting for destinations that provide an escape from the ominous heat, along with coastal regions within the country and countries offering visa-free travel.

126 killed, about 200 hurt as massive quake hits Tibet

126 killed, about 200 hurt as massive quake hits Tibet

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

The epicentre was located in Tsogo Township of Dingri County, which has a population of approximately 6,900 people within a 20-km radius. There are 27 villages within this area.

Biden directs US military to shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel

Biden directs US military to shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel

Rediff.com2 Oct 2024

President Biden directed the US. military to aid Israel's defence against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles that are targeting Israel.

Israel bans operations of UN relief agency

Israel bans operations of UN relief agency

Rediff.com29 Oct 2024

The Israeli Parliament enacted a law prohibiting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the primary UN organisation assisting Palestinians, from operating within the country, CNN reported.

'We Started Our Party For 90% Of Hindus'

'We Started Our Party For 90% Of Hindus'

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

'The Dravidian movement was started for the Hindus who were rejected by the upper castes.'

Dense fog cripples Delhi; 81 trains delayed, 19 flights diverted

Dense fog cripples Delhi; 81 trains delayed, 19 flights diverted

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

Dense fog enveloped Delhi for a second consecutive morning, leading to disruptions in air and rail traffic. Visibility dropped to zero in several areas, causing delays for 81 trains and diversions for 15 flights. The Met office attributed the fog to calm surface winds, and predicted continued dense to very dense fog throughout the day. Meanwhile, the national capital's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category, with an AQI reading of 380 at 9 am.