News for 'Special Air Service'

The IAF Pilot Who Saved A Jaguar

The IAF Pilot Who Saved A Jaguar

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

The sky outside was a perfect blue with fair winds on that hot day in July, but inside the Jaguar an emergency was unraveling with every passing second. Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane had two options: Eject and see his beloved aircraft crash -- which would come at a great cost to the nation and cause harm to civilian life and property on the ground. Or try the limits of his training; push the aircraft and his flying skills to the edge of technical and human endurance and save them both.

How I Became A Coorg By Order!

How I Became A Coorg By Order!

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

'After his warm and affectionate farewell speech, the Chief of Staff of the formation asked me, "So, now you are off to Coorg to look after your coffee estates?"' For the last time, in Army uniform and much to his surprise, I replied, "Sir, I am not from Kodagu.".'

Gandhi And Bose: A Complex Partnership

Gandhi And Bose: A Complex Partnership

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

The two leaders had a complex relationship yet formed a partnership and even after their parting of ways, the two admired each other in their efforts for India's freedom.

What Modi Can Learn From Trump's DOGE

What Modi Can Learn From Trump's DOGE

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

'Our politicians solely depend on bureaucrats who are unaccountable and follow their own agenda.' 'Our politicians would dare not dream of establishing a DOGE,' argues Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

1971 War: How Mukti Joddhas Saved An IAF Pilot

1971 War: How Mukti Joddhas Saved An IAF Pilot

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

Squadron Leader Kanwal Deep Mehra's daredevilry during the 1971 War brought down a Pakistani F-86 Sabre. But he had to bail out of his plane, was badly injured. Then a fierce band of armed guerillas evacuated him to safety at great risk to their lives.

Air India pilot unions oppose salary proposal, call it anti-labour

Air India pilot unions oppose salary proposal, call it anti-labour

Rediff.com20 Apr 2023

Two unions representing Air India pilots have asked members not to accept the revised compensation and employment offer, calling the company's proposals "unfair labour practices." They said any coercion on pilots to sign the offer would lead to industrial unrest. The Tata group airline announced on Monday a new salary structure for pilots and cabin crew.

The Amazing Riflewomen Making History

The Amazing Riflewomen Making History

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

22 Assam Rifles women personnel are in the Republic Day marching band contingent. Dressed in crisp uniforms, playing bagpipes, drums and side drums, the year-old band has already built an admirable reputation.

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".

CCI clears Tata-Air India deal

CCI clears Tata-Air India deal

Rediff.com20 Dec 2021

Competition Commission has approved Tata Group's proposed acquisition of debt-laden Air India as well as its two subsidiaries. The Rs 18,000 crore-deal that includes the winning bidder Talace taking over Rs 15,300 crore-worth debt, is a major step in the government's efforts over the years to revive the ailing airline. Talace Pvt Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, emerged as the winning bidder in October.

Chhattisgarh man sent to Laos for 'cyber slavery', 3 held

Chhattisgarh man sent to Laos for 'cyber slavery', 3 held

Rediff.com9 Oct 2024

Police have arrested three persons from Mumbai, including a woman, for allegedly trafficking a man from Chhattisgarh's Durg district for 'cyber slavery' in Laos in southeast Asia and cheating him of Rs 2 lakh, an official said on Wednesday.

Sale of ground-handling arm of Air India next fiscal

Sale of ground-handling arm of Air India next fiscal

Rediff.com13 Feb 2022

The government will start working on selling the ground-handling arm of erstwhile national carrier Air India and the Expression of Interest (EoI) is expected in the next fiscal, an official said. "We already have the Cabinet approval for selling the subsidiaries of Air India. "So we will come out with an EoI inviting bids for one of the ground-handling arms in the next fiscal," an official told PTI.

J&K's Ranji Victories Have Stunned India

J&K's Ranji Victories Have Stunned India

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

Facing Kerala in the quarter-finals in Pune from February 8, J&K will be looking to script history as they aim to make it to the Ranji Trophy semi-finals for the first time ever.

'Proud of you': Pak ATC to Air India flight carrying relief material

'Proud of you': Pak ATC to Air India flight carrying relief material

Rediff.com5 Apr 2020

"It was a very proud moment for me as well as the entire Air India crew when we heard from Pakistan ATC praising our special flight operations to Europe," one of the senior captains of the special flight said.

iPhone 16 with AI steals show as Apple unveils new Airpods and watch

iPhone 16 with AI steals show as Apple unveils new Airpods and watch

Rediff.com10 Sep 2024

In a dazzling showcase at Apple Park, Apple on Monday introduced its latest technological marvels, including the much-anticipated iPhone 16 lineup. The event, held at the newly inaugurated Observatory building, featured an array of exciting updates that promise to redefine the smartphone experience.

A Salute To An IAF Legend

A Salute To An IAF Legend

Rediff.com12 Sep 2024

'There cannot be anyone like Air Marshal Keelor -- he was so difficult to emulate.' Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd) salutes War Hero Air Marshal Denzil Keelor PVSM, KC, AVSM, VrC who passed into the ages last month.

Can We Fight China, Pakistan With What We Have?

Can We Fight China, Pakistan With What We Have?

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

Everybody talks of China as the real threat, but we aren't even building a decisive capability against Pakistan, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

President Murmu confers 10 Kirti Chakras, 26 Shaurya Chakras

President Murmu confers 10 Kirti Chakras, 26 Shaurya Chakras

Rediff.com6 Jul 2024

Three personnel, including two of major-rank and one naib subedar, have been conferred the Kirti Chakra, the ministry said.

Chandra writes welcome letter to Air India employees

Chandra writes welcome letter to Air India employees

Rediff.com28 Jan 2022

Tata Group chief N Chandrasekaran on Thursday reached out to employees of Air India asking them to work together to build the airline that the country needs, while asserting that the "golden age" of the carrier lies ahead. In a welcome letter to the employees of Air India, after the Tata Group took over the management and control of the airline, Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, reflected on the airline's "brilliant past" but said the entire nation is now waiting to see what "we will achieve together". "From the day of the announcement (of Tatas winning the bid), one word has been on everyone's lips: Homecoming.

Indians to teach SAS a lesson or two

Indians to teach SAS a lesson or two

Rediff.com19 Sep 2003

The famed British Special Air Service forces wants to join hands with their Indian Special Forces to learn about mountain and jungle warfare.

Naxals will be eliminated by 2026: Amit Shah

Naxals will be eliminated by 2026: Amit Shah

Rediff.com7 Oct 2024

Terming Naxals the biggest human rights violators, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said security forces have been carrying out 'offensive operations' instead of defensive against the insurgents and have achieved big successes in recent times.

Now, Watch Munjya At Home

Now, Watch Munjya At Home

Rediff.com30 Aug 2024

Enchanted rings, talking teddy bears and arranged marriages of the phony kind, hijack horror and more on OTT this week.

First C-295 aircraft to roll out of Gujarat facility in Sep 2026

First C-295 aircraft to roll out of Gujarat facility in Sep 2026

Rediff.com27 Oct 2024

The ministry of defence in September 2021 signed a Rs 21,935-crore contract with Airbus Defense and Space SA, Spain for supply of 56 aircraft.

Air India likely to be handed over to the Tatas today

Air India likely to be handed over to the Tatas today

Rediff.com27 Jan 2022

The government has notified the agreement between Air India and special purpose vehicle AIAHL for the transfer of non-core assets, ahead of the national airline's takeover by the Tata Group. The government had in October last year, inked the share purchase agreement with the Tata Group for the sale of national carrier Air India for Rs 18,000 crore. The Tata Group is expected to take full control of the airline, it founded in 1932, on Thursday. The cash component of the deal would come once the handover process is completed. The Tata Group would pay Rs 2,700 crore cash and take over Rs 15,300 crore of the airline's debt.

Army Brat Is Jharkhand's Newest Star

Army Brat Is Jharkhand's Newest Star

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

The unlikely and newly-discovered star on the Jharkhand campaign trail is a 39-year-old feisty army brat, who is married to the state's chief minister. Wearing only saris, always sporting sindhoor, a tikka and bangles, Jharkhand political rallies haven't seen anyone like Kalpana Murmu Soren before! She brings both lively energy and style to the podiums/stages she graces, arriving like a breath of fresh air to make fiery speeches that ignite the crowd.

Ratan Tata, The Rishi India Trusted Most

Ratan Tata, The Rishi India Trusted Most

Rediff.com12 Oct 2024

To me he always symbolised the sincere, confident, face of a Bharat whose rise is unstoppable. Ratan Tata was a Rishi who was unquestioningly trusted by people who never saw him and never met him, asserts Tarun Vijay, the former BJP MP.

High court denies Air India's union leaders special leave

High court denies Air India's union leaders special leave

Rediff.com28 Jun 2014

The Bombay High Court has directed four office-bearers of the Aviation Industry Employees' Guild to resume duties by July 7, in a move that supports Air India's drive against absenteeism.

Ilker Ayci is first foreign-national to head Air India

Ilker Ayci is first foreign-national to head Air India

Rediff.com14 Feb 2022

The Air India board met on Monday afternoon to consider the candidature of Ilker Ayci and after due deliberations approved the appointment of Ayci as the CEO & MD of Air India, Tata Sons said in a statement.

Ilker Ayci is first foreign-national to head Air India

Ilker Ayci is first foreign-national to head Air India

Rediff.com14 Feb 2022

The Air India board met on Monday afternoon to consider the candidature of Ilker Ayci and after due deliberations approved the appointment of Ayci as the CEO & MD of Air India, Tata Sons said in a statement.

Mumbai's British era bridge to be pulled down, will hit train services

Mumbai's British era bridge to be pulled down, will hit train services

Rediff.com11 Nov 2022

The block will affect the movement of long-distance as well as local trains.

Time To Shut Down Coaching Classes?

Time To Shut Down Coaching Classes?

Rediff.com24 Aug 2024

The coaching-tuition-profiteering model built on the back of a broken education system is a scandal and an abomination, and must go, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

The Akasa Air experience as it takes to the skies

The Akasa Air experience as it takes to the skies

Rediff.com8 Aug 2022

Sundays are generally quiet days for air travel, but this Sunday was a tad different. There was quite an excitement at Gate 28 of Mumbai airport's Terminal 1 as Akasa Air, India's newest airline, prepared to take to the skies on Day 1. With a new fuel-efficient Boeing 737 Max aircraft and soft cushioned seats equipped with USB ports, Akasa Air hopes to bring freshness to the flying experience.

J-K terrorists get their hands on M4 rifles left by US in Af

J-K terrorists get their hands on M4 rifles left by US in Af

Rediff.com10 Jul 2024

The frequent use of these assault rifles by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, according to experts, is a consequence of the US Army leaving behind arms and ammunition while pulling out from Afghanistan in 2021 and is a cause of concern due to the more lethal nature of the steel bullets used.

What happens to Air India's Rs 16,000 cr unpaid bills?

What happens to Air India's Rs 16,000 cr unpaid bills?

Rediff.com11 Oct 2021

The government will transfer about Rs 16,000 crore of unpaid fuel bills and other pending dues that Air India owes to suppliers, to a special purpose vehicle before handing over the loss-making airline to the Tata Group, a senior official said. Air India Assets Holding Ltd (AIAHL), which will hold non-core assets of Air India such as land and building, will also be saddled with 75 per cent of the airline's debt that the Tata Group is not taking over. Besides the debt, the excess liability going to AIAHL comprises unpaid fuel bills to oil companies, airport operators and vendors, said Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Secretary to the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management - the department running the privatisation programme of the government.

UK troops join hunt for Laden

UK troops join hunt for Laden

Rediff.com1 Mar 2004

'Washington is confident the Saudi-born militant will be killed or captured within a year,' says The Guardian.

Kirti Chakra conferred to colonel killed in J-K op, 3 others

Kirti Chakra conferred to colonel killed in J-K op, 3 others

Rediff.com15 Aug 2024

Col Singh was a combat veteran and was awarded Sena Medal during his tenure as second-in-command of the 19 Rashtriya Rifles.

Republic Day 2024: Main attractions of platinum celebrations

Republic Day 2024: Main attractions of platinum celebrations

Rediff.com26 Jan 2024

The 75th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path on Friday showcased India's rich cultural diversity, military prowess, and 'Nari Shakti'.

Kargil: How MiG-25 Played A Special Role

Kargil: How MiG-25 Played A Special Role

Rediff.com6 Jun 2022

'All enemy positions lay exposed, providing immense information to the Indian Army and IAF to conduct successful flushing out operations.'

Can We Fight China With Such A Budget?

Can We Fight China With Such A Budget?

Rediff.com5 Mar 2024

India has allocated Rs 1.72 trillion, or 27.67 per cent of the total defence budget to cater to modernisation of the country's arsenal. Modern militaries spend up to 50 to 60 per cent of their total defence budget so that they go into combat with superior weaponry and equipment.

PHOTOS: Train services resume after nearly 2 months

PHOTOS: Train services resume after nearly 2 months

Rediff.com13 May 2020

A total of 1,177 passengers are booked on the New Delhi-Bilaspur special train, which departed at 4 pm, while 1,122 passengers are booked on the New Delhi-Dibrugarh special train that departed at 4:45 pm.

India Needs A National Security Strategy

India Needs A National Security Strategy

Rediff.com4 Oct 2024

The National Security Strategy document should flag all major issues concerning security strategy and provide guidelines to concerned departments to work out suitable action plans. Since the global and regional geopolitical canvas is dynamic, the NSS document should be deliberated at length before formulation and should be reviewed periodically, recommends Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).