News for 'Western Range'

The Night Iran 'Set The Ganges On Fire'

The Night Iran 'Set The Ganges On Fire'

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

'Within minutes, my mobile began ringing. It was National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra, asking why the Iranians were complaining.' 'I explained that we had only restated our position in the light of the conclusion reached by the IAEA, but will remain helpful to Iran to reach a consensus.' 'Then came a call from Foreign Secretary Kamal Sibal, repeating what Mishra said about the Iranian complaint.' 'I was very impressed that Iran was able to reach two top officials in India to intervene at short notice,' recalls Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

How India intercepted and shot down Pak's drones, UAVs

How India intercepted and shot down Pak's drones, UAVs

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Indian Armed Forces brought down a number of these drones using kinetic and non-kinetic means.

'Rein In Terrorism Or Face India's Military Strikes'

'Rein In Terrorism Or Face India's Military Strikes'

Rediff.com29 May 2025

'With a military-led strategy to counter terrorism emanating from Pakistan, India has clearly signalled that it would respond decisively to future terrorist threats.'

Hizb chief's jailed sons move Delhi HC to restore phone calls

Hizb chief's jailed sons move Delhi HC to restore phone calls

Rediff.com9 May 2025

The sons of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin, Syed Ahmad Shakeel and Syed Shahid Yusuf, have challenged a rule in the Delhi Prison Rules that bars those accused of offences against the state, terrorist activities, and other heinous crimes from using telephonic and electronic communication facilities. The two prisoners, currently lodged in different Delhi jails, are seeking restoration of their phone call facilities, alleging that the restrictions are arbitrary and unreasonable. The Delhi High Court has posted the matter for further hearing on May 22.

Putin proposes direct peace talks with Ukraine

Putin proposes direct peace talks with Ukraine

Rediff.com11 May 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday proposed holding direct peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15 without any preconditions, a move welcomed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who insisted that Moscow must agree to a ceasefire first.

Sensex, Nifty end in red on rising India-Pak tensions

Sensex, Nifty end in red on rising India-Pak tensions

Rediff.com8 May 2025

From the Sensex firms, Eternal, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti, Bajaj Finance, Tata Steel, Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Finserv, Asian Paints, Power Grid and State Bank of India were among the laggards. Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank, Titan, HCL Tech, Tata Motors, Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services were the gainers.

Schools shut, leaves cancelled, blackout in many states as tensions soar

Schools shut, leaves cancelled, blackout in many states as tensions soar

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Several Indian states bordering Pakistan have implemented stringent security measures, including school closures, blackouts, and cancellation of leave for police and administrative personnel, in response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. These measures were taken after India conducted airstrikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam massacre. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and West Bengal have all implemented these precautionary measures.

Pahalgam Attack: Unfinished Battle Against Terrorism

Pahalgam Attack: Unfinished Battle Against Terrorism

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The Pahalgam massacre highlights the evolution of terrorism into a multi-domain challenge. India's response must similarly evolve -- from tactical retaliation to comprehensive strategic deterrence. To establish a credible and sustained deterrent, India must also carry out continuous kinetic operations, both overt and covert, suggest Sakshit Raina and Rahul Mishra. To establish a credible and sustained deterrent, India must also carry out continuous kinetic operations, both overt and covert, suggest Sakshit Raina & Rahul Mishra.

When India Is At War, Opposition-Government Is At Peace

When India Is At War, Opposition-Government Is At Peace

Rediff.com19 May 2025

When the country has been at war, the Opposition has buried its differences with the government, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Pak will be brought to its knees for Pahalgam attack: Hardeep Puri

Pak will be brought to its knees for Pahalgam attack: Hardeep Puri

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

Puri said Pakistan was a country in "terminal decline" periodically using terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

At the end of the day, for many worldwide, the ongoing mutual attacks between Israel and Iran would seem a contest devoid of any moral high ground and only a bout between two ordinary adversaries, one that nevertheless risks spinning out of control into a larger conflagration, notes Shyam G Menon.

Private Hospitals to Add 34,000 Beds by FY29

Private Hospitals to Add 34,000 Beds by FY29

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

Leading chains plan Rs 40K crore infra revival to close capacity gap over next 3-5 years

'China Will Keep Supplying Pakistan Weapons'

'China Will Keep Supplying Pakistan Weapons'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

'The lesson Beijing would have learned is that there is, cost-benefit wise, no better option than to keep the Pakistan military supplied with its most advanced armaments, certain that in hostilities with India these would be used for maximum effect.'

India to see above-normal rains this year, predicts IMD

India to see above-normal rains this year, predicts IMD

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted above-normal rainfall for the upcoming monsoon season in India (June to September). The cumulative rainfall is estimated to be 105 percent of the long-period average. The IMD has also ruled out the possibility of El Nino conditions during the entire season. The monsoon is crucial for India's agriculture sector, which supports the livelihood of a significant portion of the population and contributes substantially to the country's GDP. However, while the prediction of normal rainfall brings relief, climate change is expected to cause variations in rainfall distribution.

Delhi sizzles under season's first heatwave; docs warn of health risks

Delhi sizzles under season's first heatwave; docs warn of health risks

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Delhi is experiencing its first heatwave of the season, with temperatures reaching 40.2 degrees Celsius. Doctors have warned that exposure to extreme heat can lead to a range of health issues, from mild rashes and muscle cramps to serious conditions like heat exhaustion and heatstroke. They advise staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours, and wearing light, breathable clothes. Vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are at greater risk.

'Unlikely Pakistan Shot Down 3 Rafales'

'Unlikely Pakistan Shot Down 3 Rafales'

Rediff.com9 May 2025

'There is no independently verified imagery or battlefield evidence to support Pakistan's claim.'

Pak conducted artillery tests near LoC: Officials

Pak conducted artillery tests near LoC: Officials

Rediff.com3 Nov 2024

This comes as the neighbouring country strengthens defence ties with Gulf and Western European countries, and its long-standing ally Turkiye, the officials said.

India foils Pak's drone strikes at 26 sites; Punjab family hurt

India foils Pak's drone strikes at 26 sites; Punjab family hurt

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Meanwhile, a precautionary blackout has been enforfced in the multiple areas amid the esclating tensions between India and Pakistan.

How Manoj Kumar Became Mr Bharat

How Manoj Kumar Became Mr Bharat

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Shaheed was Manoj Kumar's first patriotic success. This small-budget black-and-white film had enormous impact, besides laying the foundation for Manoj's famous flag-waving Mr Bharat image that was strengthened by a string of subsequent films like Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim and Kranti.

Despite Sanctions, India's Russian Oil Imports Surge

Despite Sanctions, India's Russian Oil Imports Surge

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Russian shipments averaged 1.67 million barrels per day in January compared to 1.48 million bpd in December and 1.53 million bpd a year earlier.

Operation Sindoor: 'Don't Mess With India'

Operation Sindoor: 'Don't Mess With India'

Rediff.com11 May 2025

'This strike has certainly enhanced your image.' 'Otherwise, people would have called you a damp squib, capable of doing nothing except talking big.'

US shuts embassy in Kyiv after Putin's threat

US shuts embassy in Kyiv after Putin's threat

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

Tensions between the United States and Russia have reached new heights amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict, with a series of developments marking a dangerous escalation.

Tension in K'taka towns after stone-pelting, provocative speech; 6 held

Tension in K'taka towns after stone-pelting, provocative speech; 6 held

Rediff.com16 Sep 2024

According to police, the alleged stone pelters came on two bikes and sped off. Following the incident, heavy police deployment has been put in place.

Two-front threat a reality, says Army chief

Two-front threat a reality, says Army chief

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

The General said it was "too early" to take a call on the role of Bangladesh, where a change in government may bring about a change in the relationship between it and India.

Manoj Kumar's 10 BEST Performances

Manoj Kumar's 10 BEST Performances

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

The veteran actor passed into the ages in the early hours of Friday, April 4, 2025. Sukanya Verma looks back at his most memorable performances.

Tiger count rises in Shivalik-Gangetic region, dips in Western Ghats: Report

Tiger count rises in Shivalik-Gangetic region, dips in Western Ghats: Report

Rediff.com9 Apr 2023

According to the data, the tiger population in the country increased from 2,967 in 2018 to 3,167 in 2022.

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

If as critics point out, the environmental impact assessment study was commissioned only after the auction process got underway with not all the stakeholders getting to know of it, then the government has already compromised the trust it could have enjoyed with Kerala's public including its coastal communities, points out Shyam G Menon.

US sanctions hit Russian oil supply to India; March supplies may be hit

US sanctions hit Russian oil supply to India; March supplies may be hit

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

The wide-ranging sanctions imposed by the US on the Russian oil sector have started to dent near-term oil flows to India with state-owned Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) saying not enough cargoes are available for March.

Tractor recovery, new launches to maintain volume momentum for M&M

Tractor recovery, new launches to maintain volume momentum for M&M

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) delivered a stronger-than-expected operational performance in the October-December quarter (Q3) of 2024-25 (FY25), driven by solid growth in its automotive (auto) and farm equipment segments. Higher volumes improved operating leverage, expanding margins.

Woman kidnapped, drugged, raped by Instagram friend in K'taka

Woman kidnapped, drugged, raped by Instagram friend in K'taka

Rediff.com24 Aug 2024

The woman and Althaf had been friends on Instagram for the last three months and both belonged to the same town (Karkala).

Why Wayanad's Landslide Survivors Are Protesting

Why Wayanad's Landslide Survivors Are Protesting

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

In the months immediately following the 2024 tragedy, reporting on the landslide per se had been a straightforward affair. On one side was death and destruction. On the other side, survivors and the business of survival. It was black and white. What direction to take was clear. Rehabilitation in comparison, felt like a complex situation. One that is fraught with shades of grey. As grey as human life, explains Shyam G Menon.

Cheetahs face leopard challenge in Kuno, Gandhi Sagar

Cheetahs face leopard challenge in Kuno, Gandhi Sagar

Rediff.com27 Aug 2024

Cheetahs have coexisted with leopards and lions in Africa, but some officials in India consider the high leopard population in Kuno and Gandhi Sagar a problem as it would "reduce the prey biomass for cheetahs".

India not 'lucky' on security front, stay vigilant: Rajnath to soldiers

India not 'lucky' on security front, stay vigilant: Rajnath to soldiers

Rediff.com29 Dec 2024

To make Bharat a developed and self-reliant country by 2047, the role of the Army is very crucial, said the defence minister.

'Wayanad Is A Man-Made Tragedy'

'Wayanad Is A Man-Made Tragedy'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2024

'It was specifically mentioned in the Gadgil Committee report that this particular area where the colossal landside happened now should be in the Environmentally Sensitive Area under Zone 1.' 'Zone 1 is the most important and ecologically sensitive area, and that it has to be protected entirely.' 'At least 90% of the Wayanad disaster is man-made.'

'Cultural gap': Jaishankar defends Modi-Putin hug

'Cultural gap': Jaishankar defends Modi-Putin hug

Rediff.com23 Aug 2024

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's hugging of Russian President Vladimir Putin, a gesture that had drawn much criticism from the West.

11 killed, 15 wounded in 'terrorist attack' at Russian military firing range

11 killed, 15 wounded in 'terrorist attack' at Russian military firing range

Rediff.com16 Oct 2022

The attack happened Saturday during a training session at the Western Military District, according to TASS, which cited the Russian defense ministry.

Defence Is Key To India US Relationship

Defence Is Key To India US Relationship

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

The China threat continues to resonate in the strategic partnership between India and the USA, points out Rup Narayan Das.

Olympic medallist Kusale visits Ganesh temple in Pune

Olympic medallist Kusale visits Ganesh temple in Pune

Rediff.com8 Aug 2024

Shooter Swapnil Kusale, who won a bronze medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics, arrived in Pune on Thursday.

It's do-or-die battle for key satraps Pawar, Shinde, Ajit in Maha polls

It's do-or-die battle for key satraps Pawar, Shinde, Ajit in Maha polls

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

The Maharashtra Assembly elections are set to be a defining moment for several regional heavyweights, including Sharad Pawar, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, his predecessor Uddhav Thackeray, and deputy CM Ajit Pawar. The two Pawars, Shinde, and Thackeray are engaged in a fierce battle for political dominance, with the outcome potentially deciding the fate of their respective parties. The BJP is contesting 149 seats, Shiv Sena 81 seats, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP has fielded candidates in 59 constituencies. In the opposition alliance, the Congress has fielded 101 candidates, Shiv Sena (UBT) 95, and the NCP (SP) 86. The election is also marked by intense factional fights, with the two claimants of Shiv Sena's legacy competing in over 50 seats and the two Pawars facing each other in nearly 37 constituencies.

Which Would You Choose: Gelephu or Neom?

Which Would You Choose: Gelephu or Neom?

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Live on one of Gelephu's inhabitable bridges where elephants will saunter past, be it day or night; or be homed in a never-ending building with flying cars and robot maids? asks ambivalent Sandeep Goyal.