News for 'Northern Front'

Earliest monsoon onset in Maharashtra in 35 years

Earliest monsoon onset in Maharashtra in 35 years

Rediff.com25 May 2025

The southwest monsoon arrived in Maharashtra on Sunday, making it the earliest onset of the annual rainfall season over the state in 35 years, according to the India Meteorological Department. The monsoon is expected to advance to Mumbai and some other parts over the next three days. The monsoon advanced into some more parts of the Arabian Sea, Karnataka, entire Goa, parts of Maharashtra, north Bay of Bengal, and parts of Mizoram, parts of Manipur and Nagaland on Sunday. The northern limit of monsoon passes through Devgad, Belagavi, Haveri, Mandya, Dharmapuri, Chennai, Aizawl and Kohima. Conditions are favorable for further advance into some more parts of central Arabian Sea, more parts of Maharashtra including Mumbai, Karnataka including Bengaluru, some parts of Andhra Pradesh, remaining parts of Tamil Nadu, more parts of west-central and North Bay of Bengal and some more parts of North Eastern states during next three days. The southwest monsoon hit Kerala on Saturday, marking its earliest arrival over the Indian mainland since 2009.

Iran will pay very heavy price for targeting civilians: Netanyahu

Iran will pay very heavy price for targeting civilians: Netanyahu

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

He made the comments while visiting the site of an early morning Iranian missile strike in the city of Bat Yam, close to Tel Aviv.

Ex-prez Hamid, facing murder probe, returns to B'desh after treatment

Ex-prez Hamid, facing murder probe, returns to B'desh after treatment

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

The 81-year-old ex-president returned from Thailand a month after his "secret departure" sparked protests in Bangladesh for being allowed to leave despite being accused of murder.

India-Pak tensions: Govt extends closure of 28 airports till May 15

India-Pak tensions: Govt extends closure of 28 airports till May 15

Rediff.com9 May 2025

A senior government official confirmed that after a meeting with other stakeholders, the decision has been taken and airlines and airport authorities have been informed about it.

China used May conflict as 'live lab' to back Pak: Army deputy chief

China used May conflict as 'live lab' to back Pak: Army deputy chief

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

'An important consideration was that we should always be at the top of the escalation ladder. When we reach a military objective, we should try and put a stop to it'

Kerala: Hundreds shifted to relief camps as rains intensify

Kerala: Hundreds shifted to relief camps as rains intensify

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

Hundreds of people were shifted to relief camps from low-lying areas of Kerala as flood water entered their houses with monsoon rains gaining further strength in the state.

Rajnath reviews security situation with CDS, triservice chiefs

Rajnath reviews security situation with CDS, triservice chiefs

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a comprehensive review of the national security scenario with top military leadership in India. The meeting comes after Pakistan's recent attempts to target Indian military installations using drones and missiles were thwarted. The meeting discussed the evolving security situation and the Indian military's response to the Pakistani attacks.

Brad Pitt's F1 movie blends real drama with Hollywood flair

Brad Pitt's F1 movie blends real drama with Hollywood flair

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

The racing scenes in Brad Pitt's new F1 movie are impressively authentic but the filmmakers have also made much of how the sport's past is woven into the plot -- with a hefty slice of Hollywood artistic licence.

45 kg gold used in Ayodhya Ram Temple, cost Rs 50 crore

45 kg gold used in Ayodhya Ram Temple, cost Rs 50 crore

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

A total of 45 kilograms of pure gold has been used in the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, according to Nripendra Mishra, the chairman of the Ram Temple Construction Committee.

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.

Was ready to strike during Operation Sindoor: Navy chief

Was ready to strike during Operation Sindoor: Navy chief

Rediff.com28 Jun 2025

During Operation Sindoor, Indian naval ships, submarines and aircraft were operationally ready and deployed, projecting strength and preparedness to deter any "potential actions from our western adversary" in the maritime domain, Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said on Friday.

Cyprus Prez Christodoulides, Modi view Turkish-occupied mountains

Cyprus Prez Christodoulides, Modi view Turkish-occupied mountains

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

Modi, who visited Cyprus in the first leg of his three-nation visit, reiterated India's support for Cyprus's unity and for a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus Question based on UN Security Council resolutions, international law, and the EU Acquis.

Troops need to be battle-hardened: Northern Army Commander

Troops need to be battle-hardened: Northern Army Commander

Rediff.com6 May 2022

The "eyeball to eyeball" deployment and the dynamic internal security situation in the JK make Northern Command the most unique theatre.

Be Prepared For Another War!

Be Prepared For Another War!

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

India needs to be technologically and militarily prepared to defend itself from both Pakistan and China, alerts Ramesh Menon.

Security stepped up across Delhi after Pak drone attacks

Security stepped up across Delhi after Pak drone attacks

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Heavy security has been deployed at vital installations in Delhi, including government buildings and areas with high footfalls, following Pakistan's drone attacks on Indian military sites. Police have strengthened vigil in areas with high footfalls and have canceled leaves for all Delhi Police personnel. The developments come after India swiftly thwarted Pakistan's attempts to strike military sites with drones and missiles.

India-Pak tensions force PSL out of Pakistan

India-Pak tensions force PSL out of Pakistan

Rediff.com9 May 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to shift the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to the UAE due to the ongoing military confrontation with India.

'Said out of love': Kamal Haasan clarifies Kannada remarks

'Said out of love': Kamal Haasan clarifies Kannada remarks

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan has clarified his recent remarks on Kannada, stating that they were made out of love and that "love will never apologise." His comments come amidst a furore in Karnataka over his statement that "Tamil gave birth to Kannada." Haasan also said that Tamil Nadu has been open to people from different states and highlighted the support he received from Karnataka during a difficult time.

Indian, Pak protesters face off in London over Pahalgam attack

Indian, Pak protesters face off in London over Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

A large number of Indian community and diaspora representatives gathered outside the Indian High Commission in London to counter a Pakistani demonstration protesting against what they called "Indian propaganda" in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. The pro-Indian demonstrators outnumbered the smaller group of British Pakistanis and chanted slogans like "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Vande Mataram". The Metropolitan Police was present to keep the groups separate as they exchanged insults. Later, a candlelight vigil was held at Piccadilly Circus by the British Indian groups to commemorate the victims of the April 22 terror attack. Similar protests and vigils have been organized by Indian diaspora groups across the UK to condemn Pakistan's alleged support for terror outfits.

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).

What's The Solution To India's Pakistan Problem?

What's The Solution To India's Pakistan Problem?

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

China and Pakistan are in a tight strategic alliance. India must deal with them one at a time, but be prepared in case they decide to collude, points out Shekhar Gupta.

Bharat Mata row sparks protests, war of words in Kerala

Bharat Mata row sparks protests, war of words in Kerala

Rediff.com21 Jun 2025

The editorial came amidst the ongoing tussle between Arlekar and the Marxist party-led Left Democratic Front government over the usage of 'Bharat Mata portrait' during official functions being held in Raj Bhavan.

Air raid alert sounded in Chandigarh for an hour

Air raid alert sounded in Chandigarh for an hour

Rediff.com9 May 2025

The Chandigarh administration on Friday sounded a fresh air raid siren, appealing to people to remain indoors. The development came amid escalating tension between India and Pakistan.

42 Years On... Where Are Kapil's Devils Now?

42 Years On... Where Are Kapil's Devils Now?

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

42 years of World Cup triumph: A Day that made Indian cricket what it is

No cause of worry, infection severity mild: ICMR amid Covid spike

No cause of worry, infection severity mild: ICMR amid Covid spike

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Amid an uptick in Covid cases in some parts of the country, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Dr Rajiv Behl said the severity of infections as of now is generally mild and there was no cause for worry. Speaking about new Covid variants being traced, he said genome sequencing of samples in the west and south have shown that the new variants are not severe and are Omicron sub-variants. These are LF.7, XFG, JN.1 and NB. 1.8.1. The first three are more prevalent, Dr Behl said. "Samples from other places are being sequenced and we will know in a day or two if there are more variants." The ICMR DG said there has been an uptick in cases --first from the south, then west and now from northern India. All these cases are being monitored through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). Besides that, ICMR's nationwide respiratory virus sentinel surveillance network is keeping a watch on emerging infections and pathogens, he said. "Whenever cases increase, we look at three things. It's dependent on three factors with the first being how transmissible it is, conversely how fast the cases are increasing. Previously we saw Covid cases double in two days, but this time it is not that cases are increasing rapidly. "Secondly, are the new variants evading our previous immunity? When new variants come, they evade immunity -- be it natural or from the vaccine. But there's nothing to worry about at the moment," Dr Behl said. He also said that the third factor is the percentage of severe cases in all Covid instances. "Are we getting a very severe disease without comorbidities? As of now, the severity is generally low. There's nothing to worry about. We should be vigilant and we should always be prepared," the ICMR DG asserted. Dr Behl also informed reporters that the Union Health secretary chaired a meeting on Sunday that was also attended by the director general of health services and himself. "We have been closely monitoring the situation. We should be vigilant at this moment, but there is no cause to worry. The general public should be vigilant. There is no need to take any such action as of now," he said. The officer added that the WHO database has been showing that the new variants were not causing severe disease. "People do not need to take any immediate action. They should follow normal precautions. So, there is nothing special to do right now." Asked about the need for a booster dose, he said there is no need for vaccination as of now. "India has the capability to make vaccines and if need be, we can make any vaccine in no time."

India's First Emperor

India's First Emperor

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

Chandragupta Maurya was the first king to establish an empire in India. He died a monk.

Hindi made 3rd language in Maharashtra, students can opt out

Hindi made 3rd language in Maharashtra, students can opt out

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

An amended government order issued on Tuesday said Hindi will "generally" be the third language, instead of being mandatory, but gave an option to opt out if 20 students per grade in a school express the desire to study any Indian language other than Hindi.

Does India Have A Foreign Policy?

Does India Have A Foreign Policy?

Rediff.com21 Jun 2025

This might help explain why our global outreach has received such a tepid response. We have chosen to be transactional with the world, as our UN votes reveal, points out Aakar Patel.

Markets tumble as India-Pak conflict flares up; Sensex sinks 880 points

Markets tumble as India-Pak conflict flares up; Sensex sinks 880 points

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled over 1 per cent each on Friday as tensions soared between India and Pakistan, fuelling fears of a wider conflict.

Govt empowers COAS to call Territorial Army for help

Govt empowers COAS to call Territorial Army for help

Rediff.com9 May 2025

The central government has empowered the Army Chief to call out 'every officer and every enrolled person' of the Territorial Army (TA) to provide for essential guard or to be embodied to support or supplement the regular Army.

Debris resembling parts of missile found in Punjab

Debris resembling parts of missile found in Punjab

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Debris resembling parts of a missile was found in a field in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, while metal parts of unidentified objects were discovered at two locations in Bathinda, sparking panic among locals. The incidents come after India successfully thwarted Pakistan's attempts to target military installations with drones and missiles across the country.

Red alert in many states as monsoon covers India; 2 killed U'khand

Red alert in many states as monsoon covers India; 2 killed U'khand

Rediff.com29 Jun 2025

The labourers, who are said to be of Nepali origin, were engaged in the construction of a hotel.

Blackout imposed as Pakistan targets Jammu

Blackout imposed as Pakistan targets Jammu

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Escalating its tensions with India, Pakistan on Thursday targeted Jammu with loitering munitions and the Indian air defence guns are firing back. A complete blackout has been enforced in Jammu city.

India-Pak conflict puts PSL on the brink!

India-Pak conflict puts PSL on the brink!

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Amid Indian strikes, PCB in huddle to decide whether PSL should continue

Spaun wins rainy US Open with monster putt for first major title

Spaun wins rainy US Open with monster putt for first major title

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

J J Spaun drained an incredible 64-foot birdie putt that snaked across a sodden 18th green to win the US Open by two shots from Robert MacIntyre on Sunday.

The Kashmiri Militant Who Killed 300 Terrorists

The Kashmiri Militant Who Killed 300 Terrorists

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

'A man with a gun commanded respect. I thought if I also got a gun, I could save my family. With this thought, I went to Pakistan and got training there'

India to see above-normal rains this year, predicts IMD

India to see above-normal rains this year, predicts IMD

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted above-normal rainfall for the upcoming monsoon season in India (June to September). The cumulative rainfall is estimated to be 105 percent of the long-period average. The IMD has also ruled out the possibility of El Nino conditions during the entire season. The monsoon is crucial for India's agriculture sector, which supports the livelihood of a significant portion of the population and contributes substantially to the country's GDP. However, while the prediction of normal rainfall brings relief, climate change is expected to cause variations in rainfall distribution.

Any future terror attacks will be treated as act of war: India

Any future terror attacks will be treated as act of war: India

Rediff.com10 May 2025

With this decision, the government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought to draw a red line against terror incidents and makes clear that it will follow a similar military response as it has after the Pahalgam incident if terrorists linked to Pakistan target India again.

'Rein In Terrorism Or Face India's Military Strikes'

'Rein In Terrorism Or Face India's Military Strikes'

Rediff.com29 May 2025

'With a military-led strategy to counter terrorism emanating from Pakistan, India has clearly signalled that it would respond decisively to future terrorist threats.'

Backed by Turkey, Azerbaijan, Sharif seeks talks with India

Backed by Turkey, Azerbaijan, Sharif seeks talks with India

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Leaders of Pakistan, Turkey and Azerbaijan agreed to strengthen their ties for the mutual benefit of their peoples, as well as for regional peace and prosperity. The understanding was reached at the Pakistan-Turkey-Azerbaijan trilateral summit in Lachin, Azerbaijan, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif alongside presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ilham Aliyev. Azerbaijan announced a USD 2 billion investment in Pakistan's economy. Turkey expressed support for the ceasefire between Pakistan and India and hopes that it evolves into permanent peace.

Akash missiles key to neutralising Pak drones

Akash missiles key to neutralising Pak drones

Rediff.com9 May 2025

The Indian Army in the intervening night of May 8 and May 9 successfully repelled and responded to multiple drone attacks by Pakistan along the western border and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.