News for 'Union Defence Ministry'

Govt may approve Rs 45K cr deal to buy 156 desi LCH for Army, IAF

Govt may approve Rs 45K cr deal to buy 156 desi LCH for Army, IAF

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Of the 156 LCH, 90 would be for the Indian Army while 66 would be for the Indian Air Force.

What You Must Know About The CEC

What You Must Know About The CEC

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

As an IAS officer in Kerala, Gyanesh Kumar -- who the Congress described as Amit Shah's 'right hand man' -- had a good working equation with the state's Congress and Left leaders.

Jaishankar, Rubio to meet in US amid tariff, H-1B visa concerns

Jaishankar, Rubio to meet in US amid tariff, H-1B visa concerns

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

This will be the first face-to-face meeting between Rubio and Jaishankar following President Donald Trump's imposition of an additional 25 per cent tariff on India for Delhi's purchases of Russian oil, taking the total levies imposed on India by the Trump White House to 50 per cent.

R-Day parade: UP's Maha Kumbh tableau wins 1st prize

R-Day parade: UP's Maha Kumbh tableau wins 1st prize

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The best marching contingent among the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and other auxiliary forces was the Delhi Police team.

SC seeks Centre's response on Wangchuk's detention

SC seeks Centre's response on Wangchuk's detention

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and Union Territory of Ladakh regarding the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act. Wangchuk's wife filed a plea seeking his release. The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 14.

How India Got The MiG-21 63 Years Ago

How India Got The MiG-21 63 Years Ago

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

The MiG-21 episode demonstrates that procurement is always strategic.
Choices about what aircraft to acquire, who builds them, who supplies the spares, who trains the pilots and technicians are decisions with political consequences lasting for decades.

Budget hikes defence budget by 4.72%, focuses on 'deep tech'

Budget hikes defence budget by 4.72%, focuses on 'deep tech'

Rediff.com1 Feb 2024

The defence budget was on Thursday increased to Rs 6.21 lakh crore for 2024-25 in a modest hike of 4.72 per cent from last year's allocation of Rs 5.25 lakh crore amid India's continuing border row with China in eastern Ladakh as well as concerns over evolving security situation in the strategic waterways.

SAD seeks US leniency for Indian trucker involved in crash

SAD seeks US leniency for Indian trucker involved in crash

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

The Shiromani Akali Dal has appealed to the United States government to consider a humanitarian view of truck driver Harjinder Singh, who faces a vehicular homicide case. The party also requested the Indian government to provide consular and legal assistance.

Is Defence Budget Enough To Counter China, Pakistan?

Is Defence Budget Enough To Counter China, Pakistan?

Rediff.com10 Feb 2023

To threaten China and Pakistan, and then to sharply cut back on military funding, bespeaks a remarkable trust in Beijing and Islamabad that is not borne out by anything they say or do, notes Ajai Shukla.

What Wednesday's mock security drill will cover

What Wednesday's mock security drill will cover

Rediff.com6 May 2025

India will conduct nationwide civil defense mock drills on Wednesday, including air-raid warning sirens and training civilians to protect themselves in the event of a "hostile attack." The drills come amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. The Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed all states and union territories to participate in the exercise, which will be conducted up to the village level.

India set for massive mock drill on Wednesday amid rising tension with Pak

India set for massive mock drill on Wednesday amid rising tension with Pak

Rediff.com7 May 2025

How to conduct the mock exercise with active public participation of people was discussed threadbare at a high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan. Top civil and police officers of the country participated in the meeting, official sources said.

Wangchuk's wife trashes 'Pak link' charge, blames forces for violence

Wangchuk's wife trashes 'Pak link' charge, blames forces for violence

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

Terming the charge that Wangchuk incited the violence in Leh as 'misplaced', she claimed that he has been protesting in the "most Gandhian way possible" and the "situation escalated" on September 24 due to the actions of the CRPF.

Amid Trump's tirade, Indian Army reminds US of Pak deal

Amid Trump's tirade, Indian Army reminds US of Pak deal

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

In response to US criticism of India's oil imports from Russia, the Indian Army shared a 1971 news clip highlighting the US's role in arming Pakistan.

Major defence deals may get hit due to shortage of funds

Major defence deals may get hit due to shortage of funds

Rediff.com4 Sep 2012

Faced with a resource crunch, the Union defence ministry will undertake a review next month of major military projects such as plans for acquiring 126 combat aircraft and raising a Strike Corps in the northeastern sector.

India to conduct mock drills on May 7 amid escalating tension with Pak

India to conduct mock drills on May 7 amid escalating tension with Pak

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The Union Home Ministry has asked several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. The drills will include operationalising air raid warning sirens, training civilians on civil defence, and rehearsing evacuation plans. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been holding high-level meetings as India considers countermeasures against the April 22 attack that killed 26 civilians.

Border states hold mock drills simulating air raids, drone attacks

Border states hold mock drills simulating air raids, drone attacks

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

Mock drills were conducted on Saturday in states and Union territories adjoining the western border -- from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat -- to enhance wartime emergency preparedness and response capabilities, officials said.

'Risk to India's security': Parl panel flags Chinese rise in Indian Ocean

'Risk to India's security': Parl panel flags Chinese rise in Indian Ocean

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

A parliamentary panel on external affairs has expressed concern over China's growing presence and influence in the Indian Ocean Region, citing risks to India's national security and strategic interests. The panel also highlighted the strengthening China-Pakistan naval nexus as a cause for concern.

'Longstanding demand met,' Patel on Sports Bill

'Longstanding demand met,' Patel on Sports Bill

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

Patel emphasised that one of the most important features of the bill is the establishment of a dedicated tribunal for resolving disputes, reducing the burden on the judiciary and ensuring quicker justice.

Will wait for India to build dam on Indus river, then...: Pak Army chief

Will wait for India to build dam on Indus river, then...: Pak Army chief

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

Weeks before the Pahalgam attack, Munir said Pakistan will not forget the issue of Kashmir, asserting, "It was our jugular vein." His comments were trashed by India.

R-Day Parade: India to celebrate 75 years of Constitution with military might

R-Day Parade: India to celebrate 75 years of Constitution with military might

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

India will showcase its military prowess and rich cultural heritage on Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26 to mark the 76th Republic Day. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest at the event, which will also see the participation of a marching contingent and a band contingent from Indonesia. The theme of the parade is 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas', focusing on the platinum jubilee of the enactment of the Constitution. The parade will feature a number of cutting-edge defense platforms, including BrahMos, Pinaka and Akash, as well as the Army's Battle Surveillance System 'Sanjay' and DRDO's surface-to-surface tactical missile 'Pralay'.

'Ab papa wapis aayenge,' martyr's son as he gets Kirti Chakra

'Ab papa wapis aayenge,' martyr's son as he gets Kirti Chakra

Rediff.com22 May 2025

Kabir, the son of Col Manpreet Singh, who was killed fighting terrorists in Kashmir, believes his father will return home after receiving the Kirti Chakra. The 10-year-old boy, who lit his father's pyre 19 months ago, clings to the hope that his father is alive and well, despite the reality of his death.

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Rediff.com8 May 2025

India conducted nationwide civil defence mock drills simulating multiple hostile scenarios like air raids, fire emergencies, and rescue operations across several states and union territories. The drills, dubbed 'Operation Abhyaas,' aimed to enhance emergency preparedness in light of recent terror attacks. The exercises involved coordinated efforts by various agencies, including civil defence personnel, police, fire and emergency services, and the military. Mock drills were conducted at various locations, including railway stations, malls, and high-rise buildings, showcasing the response capabilities of authorities in different emergency scenarios. The drills highlighted the importance of public awareness and cooperation in dealing with real-time emergencies.

What you will see in Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path

What you will see in Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

India will display its military prowess and cultural heritage at the 76th Republic Day celebrations on Kartavya Path in New Delhi. The parade will feature 16 tableaux from states and Union Territories, 15 from central ministries, and a tri-services tableau showcasing the spirit of "jointness" among the armed forces. The event will also include a flypast featuring 40 IAF aircraft and three Indian Coast Guard Dornier aircraft, as well as a display of cutting-edge defense platforms including BrahMos, Pinaka and Akash.

76th Republic Day Parade: Key highlights and what to expect

76th Republic Day Parade: Key highlights and what to expect

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

India as a sovereign democratic republic completed 75 years of its eventful journey on Sunday, with the stage set at the Kartavya Path in New Delhi for the ceremonial parade during which the country will showcase its military prowess and rich cultural heritage.

Pralay missiles battlefield surveillance systems to debut on Republic Day

Pralay missiles battlefield surveillance systems to debut on Republic Day

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

Ahead of Republic Day, the Indian Army announced on Thursday the addition of two new features to this year's parade: battlefield surveillance systems and a Defebce Research and Development Organisation tableau showcasing Pralay, short-range ballistic missiles.

MEA Pushes For Quick Resolution To China's Rare Earth Curbs

MEA Pushes For Quick Resolution To China's Rare Earth Curbs

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

'We remain in touch with the Chinese side, in Beijing as well as in Delhi, to bring predictability in the supply chain.'

Operation Sindoor: India avenges Pahalgam as missiles hit sites in Pak, Pok

Operation Sindoor: India avenges Pahalgam as missiles hit sites in Pak, Pok

Rediff.com8 May 2025

In a strong retaliation to the Pahalgam massacre, India's armed forces early Wednesday destroyed nine terror sites including that of Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) using deep strike missiles in a 25-minute-long 'measured and non-escalatory' mission.

'Whole World Is Under A Cloud Of Uncertainty'

'Whole World Is Under A Cloud Of Uncertainty'

Rediff.com30 May 2025

The CII Business Summit 2025's inaugural session witnessed a rousing standing ovation and a felicitation ceremony for the defence top brass sending a strong message about India's rising military industrial complex and hghlghting that security is a top-of-the-mind issue for India Inc.

'This planet belongs to everyone, it isn't a sole preserve'

'This planet belongs to everyone, it isn't a sole preserve'

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

'As humans, we haven't changed much'

India to host key SCO conclave of defence ministers, Pak to attend virtually

India to host key SCO conclave of defence ministers, Pak to attend virtually

Rediff.com27 Apr 2023

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif will attend the SCO defence ministers' meeting in New Delhi on Friday through virtual mode, according to an official readout.

Pahalgam attack: Cong alleges intelligence failure, blames Amit Shah

Pahalgam attack: Cong alleges intelligence failure, blames Amit Shah

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The Congress leaders maintained that Indian defence forces had attained complete superiority and dominance over Pakistan before the sudden "ceasefire" was announced by US President Donald Trump.

Beijing ready to revive Russia-India-China troika

Beijing ready to revive Russia-India-China troika

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

China has expressed its support for Russia's initiative to revive the Russia-India-China (RIC) troika, emphasizing its importance for regional and global security and stability.

Navy sails into history with 5th century stitched Ship INSV Kaundinya

Navy sails into history with 5th century stitched Ship INSV Kaundinya

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The Indian Navy has inducted a traditionally-built stitched ship, named INSV Kaundinya, at the Karwar naval base in Karnataka. The ship is a recreation of a fifth-century vessel and is named after Kaundinya, a legendary Indian mariner who sailed across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia. The ship is a tangible symbol of India's long-standing maritime traditions and its induction marks a culmination of a project celebrating India's rich shipbuilding heritage. The INSV Kaundinya will embark on a trans-oceanic voyage along the ancient trade route from Gujarat to Oman later this year.

Govt unveils Rs 2 trillion dose for jobs, R&D, innovation, growth push

Govt unveils Rs 2 trillion dose for jobs, R&D, innovation, growth push

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

In a double-dose bid to boost growth and employment prospects, the Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved a Rs 2.07 trillion outlay for a research development and innovation (RDI) Scheme to fund private sector innovations, and an employment-linked incentive (ELI) to create over 35 million new jobs over the next two years.

Op Sindoor exposed Pakistan's terror sponsorship: Amit Shah

Op Sindoor exposed Pakistan's terror sponsorship: Amit Shah

Rediff.com23 May 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday that the Operation Sindoor undertaken by the Indian armed forces in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack has "completely exposed" the fact that terrorism in India is sponsored by Pakistan. Shah also said that the operation showed the "firm" political will of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the "precise" intelligence inputs from agencies, and the "lethal" capabilities of the armed forces. He added that the operation was successful as it used the correct firepower and achieved its aims besides "showing the reality" to Pakistan.

Pahalgam attack aimed to vitiate atmosphere: Govt to leaders

Pahalgam attack aimed to vitiate atmosphere: Govt to leaders

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The government on Thursday told an all-party meeting that the Pahalgam attack was carried out to vitiate the atmosphere at a time when the economy of Jammu and Kashmir was on the upswing and tourism was booming. Briefing reporters after the meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said all parties said they were with the government and against terror. The party leaders were briefed by Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Union Home Ministry officials on the steps being taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, Rijiju said. Home Minister Amit Shah, present in the meeting, interjected wherever required as officials briefed MPs, according to sources. At least 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed and scores injured when terrorists shot them in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.

India aims for defence hardware production, not assembly workshop: Rajnath

India aims for defence hardware production, not assembly workshop: Rajnath

Rediff.com13 Feb 2023

Singh made the remarks while addressing a "CEOs' Roundtable" at the 14th edition of Aero India at the Yelahanka Air Force station complex on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

SEE: Modi-Shah versus Gandhi siblings in LS debate

SEE: Modi-Shah versus Gandhi siblings in LS debate

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

The highlight of Tuesday's debate on Operation Sindoor was the speech by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the rebuttal by Congress's Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi coming a close second.

Rare Earth Magnet Shortage: Will China Play Ball?

Rare Earth Magnet Shortage: Will China Play Ball?

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

The 17 rare earth elements that are at the centre of the current crisis are critical components of everyday products -- from cars to jet engines to electronics like smartphones and flat-screen TVs.

'After Quit India, There Could Be No Retreat'

'After Quit India, There Could Be No Retreat'

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

On the 83rd anniversary of the Quit India movement, Utkarsh Mishra recalls the conditions under which the Congress, led by Mahatma Gandhi, launched the final struggle for independence.