News for 'Pilot'

Hiss on board: Baby python found in Mumbai Janshatabdi engine cabin

Hiss on board: Baby python found in Mumbai Janshatabdi engine cabin

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

A baby Indian Rock Python was safely rescued from the locomotive cabin of the Madgaon-CSMT Janshatabdi Express upon its arrival at CSMT, Mumbai. The incident, occurring during the monsoon season, highlights wildlife seeking shelter and marks the second reptile rescue in the city recently.

Nexon Geochem And Russia's Giredmet Forge Rare Earth Partnership

Nexon Geochem And Russia's Giredmet Forge Rare Earth Partnership

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Hyderabad-based Nexon Geochem has partnered with Russia's Giredmet to establish integrated rare-earth processing and downstream facilities in India. This collaboration aims to bridge critical gaps in India's rare earth value chain, focusing on producing NdFeB permanent magnets essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defence systems, reducing reliance on imports.

Bengal govt can now detain suspects without trial, raze rioters' properties

Bengal govt can now detain suspects without trial, raze rioters' properties

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

West Bengal has enacted two controversial legislations, the Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act and the Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Act, aimed at curbing organised crime and violent protests. These laws grant authorities significant powers, including preventive detention without trial and property attachment for riot damages, drawing both support and criticism.

Light aircraft crashes into Beijing's tallest skyscraper

Light aircraft crashes into Beijing's tallest skyscraper

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

A light sport aircraft crashed into Beijing's Citic Tower, the city's tallest skyscraper, prompting immediate evacuations. The incident occurred despite stringent airspace regulations in the Chinese capital, with details on casualties and the aircraft's origin still unclear.

Bengal's mid-day meal shift sparks fresh egg vs veg debate

Bengal's mid-day meal shift sparks fresh egg vs veg debate

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The move has sparked a political row, with the opposition accusing the BJP of promoting a vegetarian agenda.

Monsoon session: Controversial bills, NEET Leak, Ram temple row set to dominate

Monsoon session: Controversial bills, NEET Leak, Ram temple row set to dominate

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The Indian government and opposition are preparing for a contentious Monsoon Session of Parliament, with key issues including the Constitution Amendment Bill on delimitation and women's reservation, the alleged NEET paper leak, and a row over Ram temple donations set to spark heated debates.

MIT-WPU Innovates Thermal Battery For Post-Sunset Solar Use

MIT-WPU Innovates Thermal Battery For Post-Sunset Solar Use

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Researchers at MIT World Peace University in Pune have developed an innovative thermal energy storage system using a phase change material (PCM)-based battery. This technology addresses the intermittent nature of solar energy by storing excess heat for use after sunset, potentially reducing reliance on conventional fuels for water heating and enhancing energy security.

Air India Express flight to Jeddah returns to Kannur after glitch in engine

Air India Express flight to Jeddah returns to Kannur after glitch in engine

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

An Air India Express flight carrying over 180 passengers from Kannur to Jeddah was forced to return to Kannur airport within two hours of take-off due to an engine fault, specifically a fuel filter issue. All passengers landed safely, and the airline is arranging an alternative aircraft and accommodation.

Indian-origin groom among two killed, bride critical in US helicopter crash

Indian-origin groom among two killed, bride critical in US helicopter crash

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

An Indian-origin groom and a pilot have died in a helicopter crash in Georgia shortly after the groom's wedding. The bride survived and is receiving treatment.

Downed US pilot hid in mountain crevice, hiked 7,000 feet to evade Iranians for 48 hours

Downed US pilot hid in mountain crevice, hiked 7,000 feet to evade Iranians for 48 hours

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

A US Air Force officer was rescued from deep inside Iran after his jet was shot down, following a two-day mission involving US Special Operations forces. The officer evaded Iranian forces for over 24 hours, hiding in a mountain crevice and hiking to high altitudes before being rescued.

Air India introduces basic fare category without complimentary meals

Air India introduces basic fare category without complimentary meals

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Loss-making Air India has introduced a new 'Basic Fare' category for select domestic flights, which does not include complimentary meals, as part of its efforts to trim expenses amid rising operational costs.

How Bengaluru Will Use AI To Manage Water Better

How Bengaluru Will Use AI To Manage Water Better

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is set to explore the use of AI, predictive analytics, and robotic inspection technologies to detect water theft, reduce leakages, and improve operational efficiency across Bengaluru's water distribution network.

Op Sindoor pilot killed in Su-30 MKI crash; father recalls last call

Op Sindoor pilot killed in Su-30 MKI crash; father recalls last call

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, an Indian Air Force pilot, tragically died in a Su-30 MKI fighter jet crash in Assam, leaving behind a grieving family and a legacy of dedication to his country.

EC's SIR exercise marks 1 year; Nearly 6cr names deleted so far

EC's SIR exercise marks 1 year; Nearly 6cr names deleted so far

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has completed one year, leading to the deletion of nearly six crore voters across 19 states and Union territories. This exercise, which began in Bihar, has faced opposition criticism but was upheld by the Supreme Court. The purification drive has significant implications, including linking voter data to social security benefits in some states.

AI-171 crash: 'Saw captain's body in sitting position, gripping controls'

AI-171 crash: 'Saw captain's body in sitting position, gripping controls'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

A man who lost family members in the 2023 Air India AI-171 crash has made claims about the pilot's position in the mortuary, prompting calls for an independent investigation.

Controversial SIR included in NCERT's Class 9 textbook

Controversial SIR included in NCERT's Class 9 textbook

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The NCERT's Class 9 Social Science textbook now includes the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, explaining its purpose to ensure accurate voter lists. The textbook also commends the Election Commission of India (ECI) for conducting impartial polls despite challenges, highlighting the scale and autonomy of India's electoral process.

TN adopts resolution against Karnataka's Mekedatu project

TN adopts resolution against Karnataka's Mekedatu project

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is set to introduce a resolution in the state Assembly opposing Karnataka's plan to construct a dam across the Cauvery river at Mekedatu. The resolution will urge the Centre to withhold technical and environmental clearance, citing concerns that the project would unilaterally affect Tamil Nadu's interests.

Desi co-founded firm behind drone boat in rescue of US Apache crew

Desi co-founded firm behind drone boat in rescue of US Apache crew

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

A drone boat, co-founded by Indian-American Vibhav Altekar, successfully rescued two crew members of a downed US Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, marking a first-of-its-kind autonomous surface vessel rescue for the US Armed Forces.

'Rajnath knew the truth yet...': Cong on Op Sindoor soldiers' deaths

'Rajnath knew the truth yet...': Cong on Op Sindoor soldiers' deaths

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

The Congress party has accused the government of concealing the supreme sacrifice of six soldiers during Operation Sindoor, thereby denying them honour and recognition. Congress leader Pawan Khera questioned Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's statement in Parliament, suggesting he either lacked knowledge or misled the House. The Defence Ministry, however, refuted these claims, stating that social media posts selectively quoted the minister's remarks to misrepresent the facts.

Airbound, Andhra sign MoU to build large-scale drone delivery network

Airbound, Andhra sign MoU to build large-scale drone delivery network

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The initiative is expected to begin with operations in Guntur, with both parties working towards enabling 10,000 daily drone flights across Andhra Pradesh over the coming year, a scale that could position the state among the largest commercial drone delivery networks globally.

'Good morning': Co-pilot's last message before Ajit Pawar plane crash

'Good morning': Co-pilot's last message before Ajit Pawar plane crash

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The co-pilot of the aircraft that crashed carrying Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar sent a 'good morning' message to her grandmother before takeoff, which turned out to be her last communication.

Tata Motors' CV arm shifts focus to services, digital biz for growth

Tata Motors' CV arm shifts focus to services, digital biz for growth

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Tata Motors' commercial vehicle business is increasingly focusing on parts, services, connected-vehicle platforms, and digital businesses to drive growth and reduce dependence on cyclical vehicle sales, as outlined in its FY26 annual report.

AI171 crash: Govt refutes media report blaming pilots

AI171 crash: Govt refutes media report blaming pilots

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol refutes a foreign media report regarding the Air India AI171 plane crash investigation, emphasizing that the probe is ongoing and trusting Indian agencies.

Hezbollah rejects Israel-Lebanon truce, vows to fight

Hezbollah rejects Israel-Lebanon truce, vows to fight

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

In a statement issued following the announcement of the US-mediated deal, Qassem characterised the agreement as a 'humiliating' and 'shameful' surrender of Lebanese sovereignty that prioritises Israeli and American dictates over the nation's independence.

2 officers among 5 IAF personnel killed as AN-32 crashes in Assam

2 officers among 5 IAF personnel killed as AN-32 crashes in Assam

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Five Indian Air Force personnel, including two officers, were killed when their Russian-origin Antonov An-32 transport aircraft crashed while landing at Jorhat in Assam on Saturday. The co-pilot sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment.

Trainer aircraft crash lands in Baramati months after Ajit Pawar plane tragedy

Trainer aircraft crash lands in Baramati months after Ajit Pawar plane tragedy

Rediff.com13 May 2026

A trainer aircraft operated by a private company made a crash landing in Baramati, Pune district, Maharashtra, due to a technical snag. The trainee pilot, the sole occupant, escaped safely with no serious injuries.

Operation Sindoor pilot among 2 killed in Su-30 crash in Assam

Operation Sindoor pilot among 2 killed in Su-30 crash in Assam

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

An Indian Air Force Su-30 MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam during a training mission, prompting an immediate search operation for the missing pilots.

A year on, families await closure on Air India crash

A year on, families await closure on Air India crash

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A year after the tragic Air India flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad claimed 260 lives, grieving families are still waiting for the final probe report, with investigators yet to release conclusive findings on the disaster's cause.

Pakistan Army helicopter crashes in PoK, all onboard killed

Pakistan Army helicopter crashes in PoK, all onboard killed

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

A Pakistan Army Mi-17 helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir due to a technical fault, killing all personnel on board. An inquiry has been ordered into the incident, which follows other recent helicopter crashes in the region.

President Murmu honours 7 bravehearts with Kirti Chakra; 2 posthumously

President Murmu honours 7 bravehearts with Kirti Chakra; 2 posthumously

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday conferred seven Kirti Chakras, including two posthumously, to personnel of the armed forces displaying raw courage, unparalleled bravery and total disregard for personal safety in the line of duty.

Want To Own These Fabulous Watches?

Want To Own These Fabulous Watches?

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

The original Freak, launched in 2001, caused a genuine shock in watchmaking: No dial, no hands, no crown, with the entire movement rotating to tell the time.

How Garuda Aerospace Is Expanding Its Global Drone Footprint

How Garuda Aerospace Is Expanding Its Global Drone Footprint

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Indian drone startup Garuda Aerospace has partnered with Extensee SAS to deploy Airbus' Flexrotor unmanned aerial vehicles internationally. This collaboration aims to leverage Extensee's operational expertise for various long-range autonomous missions, expanding Garuda Aerospace's Drone-as-a-Service offerings globally.

Indian Pilots Fly 246 Hours A Year

Indian Pilots Fly 246 Hours A Year

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

Most Indian airlines recorded a rise in average flying hours per pilot after the Covid period.

AI171 crash: AAIB issues interim statement, probe continues

AI171 crash: AAIB issues interim statement, probe continues

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has issued an interim statement on the probe into the Air India AI171 plane crash that killed 260 people last year, confirming that the investigation is ongoing and the final report will be released after all processes are complete.

'This Is How The Indian Air Force Will Fight Going Forward'

'This Is How The Indian Air Force Will Fight Going Forward'

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The IAF's future operational concepts could involve indigenous Tejas combat aircraft coordinating in real time with multiple Ghatak RPSAs, each carrying a different mission payload ranging from electronic warfare systems and targeting sensors to precision munitions.

Trump says Iran shot down US helicopter over Hormuz, vows response

Trump says Iran shot down US helicopter over Hormuz, vows response

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of bringing down an American military helicopter near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, prompting a strong declaration that the United States 'must' respond to this significant incident.

TACC, NUS Join Hands To Advance Material Science

TACC, NUS Join Hands To Advance Material Science

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Graphite electrode maker TACC has signed an initial agreement with the Institute for Functional Intelligent Materials to collaborate in the fields of advanced materials science, nanotechnology, and related disciplines.

Pakistan Army Mi-17 Helicopter Crash: All Personnel Dead

Pakistan Army Mi-17 Helicopter Crash: All Personnel Dead

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

An Mi-17 helicopter of the Pakistan Army Aviation crashed near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, killing all personnel on board. The military attributed the accident to a technical fault during take-off, and a board of inquiry has been ordered. Top Pakistani leaders expressed condolences.

As US helicopter crashes near Hormuz, Trump predicts 'total victory' over Iran

As US helicopter crashes near Hormuz, Trump predicts 'total victory' over Iran

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A US military Apache attack helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz, with its crew successfully rescued, as US President Donald Trump confidently declared an imminent 'total victory' over Iran within two weeks and a new nuclear deal, despite ongoing regional volatility and a recent de-escalation between Iran and Israel.

Army Officer's romantic proposal at Nashik passing-out parade goes viral

Army Officer's romantic proposal at Nashik passing-out parade goes viral

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Captain Bharat Bhardwaj proposed to his partner at the Combat Army Aviation Training School near Nashik, Maharashtra, immediately after his passing-out parade, with a video of the romantic gesture quickly going viral on social media.