News for 'Special Air Service'

The Cadet Who Won President's Gold Medal At NDA

The Cadet Who Won President's Gold Medal At NDA

Rediff.com8 Jun 2023

Afrid Afroz, 21, who was adjudged best cadet at the NDA's 144th course, will join the Indian Air Force and hopes to be a fighter pilot.

Navy holds mega exercise in Indian Ocean Region amid Chinese threat

Navy holds mega exercise in Indian Ocean Region amid Chinese threat

Rediff.com24 Jan 2023

The biennial Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX) is aimed at 'validating and refining' the Navy's concept of 'operations' as well as to test overall combat capabilities, officials said on Tuesday.

Stranded air passengers: Railways to the rescue

Stranded air passengers: Railways to the rescue

Rediff.com29 Sep 2009

With strike by Air India executive pilots leading to cancellation of several flights, the railways are arranging special trains for stranded passengers.

'Hamara Hind sabse pyara hai'

'Hamara Hind sabse pyara hai'

Rediff.com15 Feb 2024

'We will teach them about our idol Mohammad Sahab and all the great men of other religions as well -- about Shri Ram, Krishna, Yeshu, Bhagwan Mahavir.' 'We want children from the madrasas to become doctors, engineers, scientists, soldiers and walk in the footsteps of Dr A P J Abdul Kalam.' 'That is why we have named the modern madrasas after Dr Kalam.'

Army considering 244 women officers for 108 command role posts

Army considering 244 women officers for 108 command role posts

Rediff.com19 Jan 2023

A total of 244 women officers are being considered for promotion against 108 vacancies, in various arms and services of the Indian Army, by a selection board, sources said on Thursday.

India, France may co-develop key military platforms for export

India, France may co-develop key military platforms for export

Rediff.com15 Jul 2023

Speaking at a joint press event with Macron, Modi, who is in Paris on a two-day official visit, said a roadmap to strengthen India-France strategic ties over the next 25 years was being prepared with bold and ambitious goals on the anvil.

No major violation found in spot checks on 48 SpiceJet planes

No major violation found in spot checks on 48 SpiceJet planes

Rediff.com25 Jul 2022

Aviation regulator DGCA conducted 53 spot checks on 48 SpiceJet aircraft between July 9 and July 13 and it did not find any major safety violations, Minister of State for Civil Aviation V K Singh said on Monday. "However, as a safety measure, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered SpiceJet to use certain identified aircraft (10) for operations only after confirming to the regulator that all reported defects/malfunctions are rectified," Singh said in his written reply in Rajya Sabha. SpiceJet planes were involved in at least eight technical malfunction incidents in the 18-day period starting June 19, following which the DGCA had on July 6 issued a show-cause notice to the airline, stating that "poor internal safety oversight" and "inadequate maintenance actions" have resulted in degradation of safety margins.

AirAsia offers 20% discount on fares

AirAsia offers 20% discount on fares

Rediff.com19 Sep 2014

Budget air-carrier AirAsia has began its three day travel fair, offering 20 per cent discounts on flights across the airline's network.

'Indians don't want to leave Israel'

'Indians don't want to leave Israel'

Rediff.com12 Oct 2023

'If this had happened anywhere else, Indians would have been desperate to leave. But not in Israel.'

'Don't call me Uncle. Call me Sam'

'Don't call me Uncle. Call me Sam'

Rediff.com3 Dec 2023

Besides his strategic and tactical acumen, it was his amazing personality, quick wit and ability to remain unflustered under any circumstances that stood him apart from almost any leader one has read about or known, recalls Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (retd).

When IAF Secretly Brought Prabhakaran To India

When IAF Secretly Brought Prabhakaran To India

Rediff.com24 Jul 2023

'With butterflies in our stomachs, but confident of our mission, we took off for Jaffna on the morning of 24 July 1987.' IAF Veteran Air Commodore Nitin Sathe recalls a conversation with Air Vice Marshal Harpal Singh Ahluwalia (retd), then a wing commander and mission leader for the clandestine operation.

India used British mercenary pilots in fight against LTTE: Book

India used British mercenary pilots in fight against LTTE: Book

Rediff.com6 Feb 2020

According to the book, 'Keenie Meenie: The British Mercenaries Who Got Away With War Crimes', authored by UK-based investigative journalist Phil Miller India's secret use of British mercenaries lasted for four months after the Indo-Lanka accord was signed between former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and then Sri Lankan president Junius Jayewardene in 1987.

Air India comes to Team India's rescue

Air India comes to Team India's rescue

Rediff.com9 Sep 2009

They were supposed to fly by the Jet Airways whose services have been hit by the ongoing strike by its pilots, an Air India spokesman said.

'This is governance by fear'

'This is governance by fear'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2023

'The Emergency was a temporary affair. It was withdrawn after 20 months.' 'But we are in this situation for the last 10 years.' 'If the Emergency was jhatka, this is halal, slow killing.'

The take-off and crash-landing of Jet's Naresh Goyal

The take-off and crash-landing of Jet's Naresh Goyal

Rediff.com4 Sep 2023

In a dramatic turn of events in May 2019, an Emirates aircraft en-route to Dubai was asked to stop while it was taxiing for a take off in Mumbai. The pilot was given no reason and ordered to immediately return to the parking bay. As the aircraft returned to the terminal, two passengers from the first class - Naresh Goyal and his wife Anita - were offloaded by the immigration authorities, who said the duo cannot leave the country. Goyal, founder of Jet Airways, was stunned. The man, who ruled the aviation sector for two and a half decades with an iron hand, did not expect to be offloaded in this fashion.

Over 68,000 soldiers airlifted to Ladakh post Galwan

Over 68,000 soldiers airlifted to Ladakh post Galwan

Rediff.com13 Aug 2023

Over 68,000 Army soldiers, around 90 tanks and other weapon systems were airlifted by the Indian Air Force to eastern Ladakh from across the country for rapid deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) after the deadly clashes in the Galwan Valley, top sources in defence and security establishment said.

For AirAsia's Tony Fernandes, Indian sky is out of bounds

For AirAsia's Tony Fernandes, Indian sky is out of bounds

Rediff.com25 Jul 2020

With cash shortage and plans going awry, the AirAsia owner is looking to cash out of the venture he built with Ratan Tata in 2013.

The Nano That Became A Helicopter!

The Nano That Became A Helicopter!

Rediff.com27 Dec 2022

How scrap material became a magnificent Rudra Veena... How children learnt about animals, the real way... How the BRO is strengthening India...

'Arc de Triomphe reminded us of India Gate'

'Arc de Triomphe reminded us of India Gate'

Rediff.com19 Jul 2023

The ceremonial arch, inaugurated in July 1836, in a rather austere ceremony, stands proudly at the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle with 12 grand avenues radiating outward from the commemorative landmark.

India extends ban on international flights till Sep 30

India extends ban on international flights till Sep 30

Rediff.com29 Aug 2021

India has formed air-bubble pacts with around 28 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom. the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Bhutan and France.

Pvt airlines told to give special privileges to MPs

Pvt airlines told to give special privileges to MPs

Rediff.com29 Jan 2014

Protocol to accord such services to MPs have been in existence for over three years now.

Pakistan hostage crisis ends; all 33 Taliban terrorists killed

Pakistan hostage crisis ends; all 33 Taliban terrorists killed

Rediff.com20 Dec 2022

Two commandos of the special forces were also killed in the rescue operation that was launched after negotiations between the government and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants to end the hostage crisis failed.

Is India ready to meet Chinese air force threat?

Is India ready to meet Chinese air force threat?

Rediff.com21 Nov 2019

The Chinese air force is now a 400,000-person force that flies some 2,000 combat aircraft -- more than thrice the size of the Indian Air Force.

Without buyer, Air India might be forced to shut down by Jun 2020

Without buyer, Air India might be forced to shut down by Jun 2020

Rediff.com30 Dec 2019

Amid continuing uncertainty over the fate of the national carrier, an official said there is also need for funds to restart operations of 12 grounded narrow-body planes.

Why IAF needs planes like this for anti-terror ops

Why IAF needs planes like this for anti-terror ops

Rediff.com4 Mar 2019

'Employment of dedicated lightweight special forces aircraft may provide the answer for repeat anti-terror air strikes with surprise elements intact, the cost benefit assured and attrition minimal,' says Group Captain Murli Menon (retd), India's former air adviser in Pakistan.

The India Story On A Parade Ground

The India Story On A Parade Ground

Rediff.com17 Jul 2023

The Agniveer passing out parade was as much about family celebration as it was a military event. Alongside the pomp, pageantry and discipline of the parade were the personal stories of families, their struggles and how far they had come.

All set to hold G20 Summit, Delhi turns into a fortress

All set to hold G20 Summit, Delhi turns into a fortress

Rediff.com8 Sep 2023

Security has been beefed up across the national capital, especially in New Delhi district, on the eve of the G20 summit with police, paramilitary forces and other agencies maintaining a hawk-eye vigil in the city, officials said on Friday.

Why We IAF Pilots Love Our Ray-Bans

Why We IAF Pilots Love Our Ray-Bans

Rediff.com9 Jun 2023

'I was a young pilot in the IAF and Tom Cruise (with his genuine Ray-Bans) was now an icon with his sensational performance in Top Gun.' 'The IAF, maybe influenced by the movie, decided to 'issue' pilots Ray-Bans as part of their flying kit,' remembers IAF Veteran Air Commodore Nitin Sathe.

Scheduled international passenger flights suspended till Oct 31

Scheduled international passenger flights suspended till Oct 31

Rediff.com28 Sep 2021

The coronavirus-induced suspension of scheduled international passenger flights has been extended till October 31, India's aviation regulator DGCA said on Tuesday. "However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation added. Scheduled international passenger services have been suspended in India since March 23, 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Jyotiraditya Scindia's Biggest Challenge

Jyotiraditya Scindia's Biggest Challenge

Rediff.com17 Jul 2021

A free and open aviation market, where the government keeps the interest of consumers higher than saving any airline.

Who Fared Better On Economy? Modi Or Manmohan

Who Fared Better On Economy? Modi Or Manmohan

Rediff.com15 Feb 2024

Whether it was the MGNREGS or the NFSA or the Aadhaar-based DBT scheme for cash transfer, the Modi government has built on the basic architecture created by the Singh government. Policy makers in the Modi government, instead of discarding them as products of the previous political regime, worked on them, expanded their scope and reach, and used new tools to improve their performance, explains A K Bhattacharya.

Sons Of Fruit-Seller, Tailor, Farmer Top Agniveers

Sons Of Fruit-Seller, Tailor, Farmer Top Agniveers

Rediff.com23 Jun 2023

On the parade ground are sons of jawans, farmers, LIC agents, daily wage farm labourers, shopkeepers... all living their moment of triumph; their faces bright with the possibilities that lie ahead.

Divestment of BPCL, Air India to be completed in FY22: FM

Divestment of BPCL, Air India to be completed in FY22: FM

Rediff.com1 Feb 2021

The government on Monday budgeted Rs 1.75 lakh crore from stake sale in public sector companies and financial institutions, including 2 PSU banks and one general insurance company, in the next fiscal year beginning April 1. The amount is lower than the record Rs 2.10 lakh crore which was budgeted to be raised from CPSE disinvestment in the current fiscal year. However, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the government's CPSE stake sale programme, and the target has been lowered to Rs 32,000 crore in the Revised Estimates.

Pakistan Army Chief Shuffles Generals

Pakistan Army Chief Shuffles Generals

Rediff.com2 Oct 2023

But the ISI chief did not retire giving the impression that he has won General Asim Munir's trust, notes Rana Banerji who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

On The Scent Of A Laddu

On The Scent Of A Laddu

Rediff.com21 Sep 2023

It should have been much easier to find this farsan maker's premises given the number of two-wheelers that stream up to this address the day before Ganesh Chaturthi to collect armfuls of bags of laddus, chuda and other kind of chatpata namkeen stuff.

What Will China Attack First?

What Will China Attack First?

Rediff.com12 Jun 2023

In all likelihood, the next conventional Chinese attack on India would be preceded by a massive cyber attack designed to cripple Indian networks and interfere with our disaster-relief programmes.

Meet IAF's First Agniveers!

Meet IAF's First Agniveers!

Rediff.com5 Jun 2023

After five months of a rigorous training, the Agniveervayus passed out of the Airmen Training School, impressing the audience with the skills they had acquired in just 22 weeks of training at the IAF base.

Air passenger traffic takes wings once again in Jun

Air passenger traffic takes wings once again in Jun

Rediff.com6 Jul 2021

Domestic air passenger traffic was back to the growth trajectory in June amid the falling number of COVID-19 cases in the country with around three million passengers flying on local routes in the previous month as against around two million in May, a report said on Tuesday. Though there is some recovery observed in June, stress on demand continues, driven largely by the second wave of the pandemic, limiting travel to only necessary travel, credit rating agency ICRA said in its report. On a sequential basis, domestic passenger traffic was up 41-42 per cent in June over May.

2 pilots die after Army helicopter crashes in Arunachal

2 pilots die after Army helicopter crashes in Arunachal

Rediff.com17 Mar 2023

Two pilots on board a Cheetah helicopter of the Army were killed when it crashed near Mandala in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday morning, a defence spokesperson said.

Nirmalaji And Why I Quit The Government

Nirmalaji And Why I Quit The Government

Rediff.com15 Jan 2024

She said I treated her like a bachchi. At another moment, she said I had gone to various people and 'bitched' about her. She also threatened to bring the entire matter to the PM's notice. A revealing excerpt from Subhash Chandra Garg's We Also Make Policy: An Insider's Account of How the Finance Ministry Functions.