News for 'Sky People'

'Can't die like this': Capt Smit Machchhar recalls flydubai cockpit horror

'Can't die like this': Capt Smit Machchhar recalls flydubai cockpit horror

Rediff.com6 days ago

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar bravely recounts his terrifying mid-air ordeal aboard a flydubai flight last month, detailing how his quick thinking and survival instinct thwarted a co-pilot's planned suicide attack and saved over 170 lives.

Global Turmoil Makes Air Travel Unsafe

Global Turmoil Makes Air Travel Unsafe

Rediff.com6 days ago

The flydubai near-tragedy showed how the gratuitous conflicts their governments started in West Asia have made the world unsafe for them (and unfortunate co-passengers of other nationalities), points out Kanika Datta.

Centre-Ladakh talks end in deadlock over constitutional safeguards

Centre-Ladakh talks end in deadlock over constitutional safeguards

Rediff.com7 days ago

Talks between the Union home ministry and Ladakh leaders ended without a breakthrough in Leh, with the two sides expressing differences over a draft proposal on constitutional safeguards and a legislature for the Union Territory.

12 Reasons To Love Ireland

12 Reasons To Love Ireland

Rediff.com7 days ago

And plan your trip to the Republic.

He was always most 'sorted out': Capt Machchhar's friend

He was always most 'sorted out': Capt Machchhar's friend

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot, is being hailed as a hero for his quick thinking and bravery in preventing a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv from crashing, an act praised by both Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian PM Narendra Modi.

Jailer 2 Review: Rajinikanth Fanboy Fun With Flawed Villains

Jailer 2 Review: Rajinikanth Fanboy Fun With Flawed Villains

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Rajinikanth brings the swagger, Nelson delivers the whistles, but Jailer 2's predictable plot and underwhelming villains keep this fanboy extravaganza from becoming anything more than a familiar celebration of Thalaivar's aura.

'It Can't Be A Guy Killing Everyone...'

'It Can't Be A Guy Killing Everyone...'

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

'Something has to be new for the audience every time. It has to be a new experience while the emotions remain the same.'

How foreign varsities modified campuses to prevent suicides

How foreign varsities modified campuses to prevent suicides

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Indian educational institutions are adopting physical modifications like "anti-suicide" fans and barriers to prevent student suicides, drawing parallels with measures taken by foreign universities such as Houston, Cornell, Harvard, and NYU. While these measures are seen as "bandaid solutions" by some, experts suggest restricting access to lethal means is a valid part of a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy, alongside crucial mental health support.

Ronaldo demands lifetime bans after 'Jota' chants target Neves

Ronaldo demands lifetime bans after 'Jota' chants target Neves

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo has called for a lifetime ban on football fans who chanted the name of deceased former teammate Diogo Jota at Ruben Neves during a Saudi Pro League match. The incident, which occurred during a game between Al-Taawoun and Al-Hilal, deeply affected Neves, a close friend of Jota.

Kite-Flying For Gaza Brings Mumbai Cops To Student's Home

Kite-Flying For Gaza Brings Mumbai Cops To Student's Home

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

A Mumbai student activist's home was subjected to a nine-hour police search following her participation in a global kite-flying event expressing solidarity with children in Gaza.

Flyers recall how Capt Machchhar fought back despite stabbing

Flyers recall how Capt Machchhar fought back despite stabbing

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

An Indian pilot and several passengers are being hailed as heroes after thwarting a co-pilot's alleged attempt to crash a flydubai flight en route to Tel Aviv. The incident involved a mid-air struggle, a rapid descent, and an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, with international leaders praising the bravery that saved 174 lives.

Tom Cruise's 10 Best Movies

Tom Cruise's 10 Best Movies

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Looking at the best Tom Cruise films outside the Mission: Impossible franchise that proves just how versatile the superstar can be.

Jyotika-Suriya Renew Wedding Vows

Jyotika-Suriya Renew Wedding Vows

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Suriya and Jyotika marked their 20th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows in a touching ceremony.

Blue tees, jeans: Akhilesh gives Samajwadi student wing a new look

Blue tees, jeans: Akhilesh gives Samajwadi student wing a new look

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav announced a new dress code of blue T-shirt and jeans for the party's student wing, Chhatra Sabha, along with a two-week student awareness campaign. The move aims to connect with young people in educational institutions, familiarise them with the party's ideology, and promote socialist values. Yadav explained the symbolism of the blue colour, associating it with ideology, democracy, the Constitution, and the 'Bahujan samaj', while jeans represent rebellion and workers. The initiative is part of the party's broader PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak, and also Prem, Daya, Apnapan) campaign to establish social justice.

Skip The iPhone Duo, Take These International Trips Instead

Skip The iPhone Duo, Take These International Trips Instead

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Rs 299,900 can buy you Apple's first foldable iPhone. Or it can buy you a passport full of memories, a suspiciously large holiday wardrobe and enough airport coffee to develop a personality.

New UPI Merchant Fee Ignites Fierce Political Debate

New UPI Merchant Fee Ignites Fierce Political Debate

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% transaction fee on UPI payments above Rs 2,000 for merchants, effective October 15, sparking a political row. The Congress party has labelled it a "Modi tax" and accused the government of succumbing to US pressure, while the BJP has defended the move, clarifying that consumers will not be charged and small vendors are protected. The finance ministry reiterated that the charge is on merchants, not customers.

Modi speaks with Nepal PM; India rushes 1st tranche of aid

Modi speaks with Nepal PM; India rushes 1st tranche of aid

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

India has dispatched the first tranche of 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to Nepal following devastating flash floods that killed at least 95 people along the Nepal-Tibet border.

Congress Labels New UPI Charges As 'Modi Tax', Alleges US Pressure

Congress Labels New UPI Charges As 'Modi Tax', Alleges US Pressure

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The Congress party has criticised the government's new 0.4% charge on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants, terming it a "Modi tax". Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, allege that this move will ultimately burden consumers through price hikes and accuse the government of succumbing to American pressure to dilute India's zero-MDR policy. The government states the charge will support banks and fintechs.

Congress Alleges Modi Govt Paving Way For UPI Fees, Surrendering To US Pressure

Congress Alleges Modi Govt Paving Way For UPI Fees, Surrendering To US Pressure

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The Congress party has criticised the Modi government over a notification regarding UPI transactions, alleging it paves the way for imposing fees, especially on transactions above Rs 2,000. Rahul Gandhi claimed the government is surrendering to American pressure, while Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted the potential burden on common citizens amidst inflation. The government's notification prohibits charges on UPI transactions up to Rs 2,000 but remains silent on higher amounts, sparking fears of a "Digital Payments Tax."

Dehydrated birds dropping dead from Delhi skies

Dehydrated birds dropping dead from Delhi skies

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Veterinarians and animal rescuers in Delhi report a surge in cases of heat-related illnesses among birds and stray animals as the city grapples with a severe heatwave. Dehydration, heatstroke, and gastrointestinal infections are rampant, prompting calls for residents to provide water and shade for animals.

Iran fires 'several ballistic missiles' at US aircraft carrier

Iran fires 'several ballistic missiles' at US aircraft carrier

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force claimed to have fired several ballistic missiles at a US aircraft carrier and a destroyer, alleging the warships were harassing Iranian ships and participating in a naval blockade.

Nepal Disaster: 'It Doesn't Look Like A Single Cause'

Nepal Disaster: 'It Doesn't Look Like A Single Cause'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

'It appears to be a combination: A glacier breaking away, and a dam-like formation downstream reaching capacity and releasing water suddenly.'

Do You Know Who Malik Ambar Was?

Do You Know Who Malik Ambar Was?

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

If that name means nothing to you, you're not alone. It meant nothing to most people we met that day either. Including, as it turned out, some of them standing right next to his tomb.

Nepal floods: 97-yr-old woman pulled alive from rubble

Nepal floods: 97-yr-old woman pulled alive from rubble

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Extraordinary accounts of survival are emerging from Nepal's devastating flash floods, including a 97-year-old woman rescued from rubble and individuals who fled collapsing settlements, spending nights stranded in forests before rescue.

Stunning Solar Eclipse Images From Around The World

Stunning Solar Eclipse Images From Around The World

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Glimpses of the August 12, 2026 solar eclipse as the Moon crossed the Sun over Europe and beyond.

How India Post Is Revolutionising Last-Mile Connectivity With Drone Delivery

How India Post Is Revolutionising Last-Mile Connectivity With Drone Delivery

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Department of Posts successfully conducted its first-ever drone delivery of the National Flag from Mandi to Rehardhar in Himachal Pradesh. This initiative, overseen by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, highlights the integration of technology with public service to enhance last-mile connectivity in challenging terrains and supports the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign.

Hiroshima Day: 6 Facts You Need To Know

Hiroshima Day: 6 Facts You Need To Know

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Hiroshima Day is observed on August 6. On that day, the United States B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped the atomic bomb over the city of Hiroshima on May 6, 1945 changing the course of history.

A Mom-Son Japanese Odyssey

A Mom-Son Japanese Odyssey

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Researching Japan was like going down a rabbit hole. There is just so much to see and do, but I finally decided we would stick to the 'Golden Route' of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, notes Radhika Mittal.

Sarla Aviation Secures Design Organisation Approval For Indigenous Electric Air Taxis

Sarla Aviation Secures Design Organisation Approval For Indigenous Electric Air Taxis

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Bengaluru-based electric air taxi startup Sarla Aviation has received Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), a crucial step towards commercial production of its indigenous electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The company also inaugurated its new headquarters and announced partnerships, highlighting India's growing capabilities in advanced aerospace technology.

Why India Got Freedom At The Stroke of Midnight

Why India Got Freedom At The Stroke of Midnight

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

August 15 was the date of India's Independence, so why did transfer of power happen at the stroke of midnight August 14-15?

Washington in flames: Wildfire crisis triggers emergency, mass evacuations

Washington in flames: Wildfire crisis triggers emergency, mass evacuations

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide state of emergency and burn ban Saturday morning as an unprecedented wildfire crisis gripped the region, with active blazes scorching nearly 3,000 acres.

Aamir Khan: 'Neither Gauri, Kiran Nor Reena Converted'

Aamir Khan: 'Neither Gauri, Kiran Nor Reena Converted'

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Aamir Khan has addressed recent 'love jihad' allegations, clarifying his family's inclusive stance on interfaith marriages.

England hit by boos and chaos ahead of FIFA World Cup in Mexico

England hit by boos and chaos ahead of FIFA World Cup in Mexico

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

England's football team received a hostile welcome upon arriving at their Mexico City hotel for their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against hosts Mexico. Fans used loudspeakers and chants to disrupt their sleep, a tactic previously used against Ecuador. Security has been heightened following disturbances and post-victory violence. The match is set to kick off as scheduled despite weather concerns.

'Manmohan Singh's 1991 Budget Speech Was Freedom Day For Us'

'Manmohan Singh's 1991 Budget Speech Was Freedom Day For Us'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

'1991 was an exceptional period in Indian history.' 'A big 400-volt shock was administered to the system, which was required. Today, we are in a much, much better position.'

America 250: Power, Despair And Hope

America 250: Power, Despair And Hope

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The question nobody seems to ask is why a democracy should be silent when many of its citizens are concerned about the way the US is deviating from its traditional ways of consultation, cooperation and collaboration and moving away from traditional allies, asks Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

Blasts in Syria near hotel where French PM was to stay

Blasts in Syria near hotel where French PM was to stay

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Several explosions were reported in Damascus, Syria, on Tuesday, with two occurring near a hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was expected to stay during his first official visit to the country. The blasts caused plumes of smoke but no immediate casualties were reported. This incident follows a recent bomb blast in central Damascus on July 3 that killed five people.

Why Malaysia Is Winning Indian Tourists

Why Malaysia Is Winning Indian Tourists

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Go once. You will know, even before you board the flight home, that you will return.

'I've Seen Aamir Cry'

'I've Seen Aamir Cry'

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

'Relationships are never as simple as outsiders imagine, and it's unfair to assume only one person is responsible when a marriage ends.'

IMD predicts heavy rain, thunderstorms in Mumbai today

IMD predicts heavy rain, thunderstorms in Mumbai today

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The India Meteorological Department has forecast intensified heavy rains and thunderstorms for Mumbai and its suburbs. A yellow alert has been issued, and high tides are expected, though traffic and public transport are currently normal.

Mumbai gets brief respite from rain, orange alert remains in place

Mumbai gets brief respite from rain, orange alert remains in place

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Mumbai and Pune are grappling with severe monsoon weather, triggering an 'orange' alert, widespread disruptions, school closures, and tragic fatalities from landslides and wall collapses.