News for 'defence ministry'

Defence ministry dismisses troop build-up report

Defence ministry dismisses troop build-up report

Rediff.com4 Apr 2012

The defence ministry was on Tuesday dismissive about a media report that the Army moved two units towards Delhi in January without informing the government, saying such exercises are conducted from time to time. "The points raised in the report have already been clarified by the Army. Such exercises are conducted by the Army from time to time," defence ministry spokesperson Sitanshu Kar said in a statement. He also dubbed the report as "baseless and incorrect".

'Dangerous escalation': India on drone attack on UAE nuclear plant

'Dangerous escalation': India on drone attack on UAE nuclear plant

Rediff.com18 May 2026

India has voiced deep concern over a drone attack targeting the Barakah nuclear facility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), calling it a dangerous escalation in the West Asia conflict.

US hits Iran's Qeshm Island; Tehran targets Kuwait, Bahrain

US hits Iran's Qeshm Island; Tehran targets Kuwait, Bahrain

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The United States military and Kuwaiti air defence forces successfully intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks targeting Kuwait and Bahrain, with Iran's state broadcaster claiming American military installations in Kuwait were deliberately targeted.

Modi, Macron agree on joint AI framework, classified data protection

Modi, Macron agree on joint AI framework, classified data protection

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

An innovation roadmap, a mechanism to double annual bilateral trade within next five years, and a joint artificial intelligence framework were among 13 outcomes to emerge from wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday.

Defence ministry withdraws controversial note on rank parity

Defence ministry withdraws controversial note on rank parity

Rediff.com5 Jan 2018

The ministry said "local designations" assigned to both service and civilian officers in Service Headquarters/ Inter Service Organisations is also withdrawn.

Indian Air Force's Tejas Fleet Set to Fly Again After Software Glitch Resolved

Indian Air Force's Tejas Fleet Set to Fly Again After Software Glitch Resolved

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Indian Air Force's Tejas light combat jets are scheduled to return to the skies next week after being grounded for two months due to a software glitch. HAL expects to deliver over 20 Tejas Mark 1A variants by December, but delays persist due to engine supply issues.

Indian national killed in Iranian attack on Kuwait airport

Indian national killed in Iranian attack on Kuwait airport

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

An Indian national was killed in an attack on Kuwait International Airport, prompting the Indian Embassy to offer condolences and assistance. The attack, attributed to Iranian strikes, led to the suspension of air traffic and caused casualties and damage.

Govt may rope in IAF to transport NEET-UG retest papers on June 21

Govt may rope in IAF to transport NEET-UG retest papers on June 21

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The government is considering using the Indian Air Force to transport NEET-UG papers to ensure a secure retest on June 21, following allegations of malpractices in the original exam.

Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier Vs Real Aircraft Carrier

Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier Vs Real Aircraft Carrier

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

While the Andaman and Nicobar islands serve as a vital, stationary asset for projecting power in the Indian Ocean, referring to them as an unsinkable aircraft carrier ignores key military and geopolitical limitations, explains Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

UK intercepts Russian shadow fleet tanker in English Channel

UK intercepts Russian shadow fleet tanker in English Channel

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

British armed forces, including Royal Marine Commandos, intercepted the Russian shadow fleet oil tanker SMYRTOS in the English Channel, marking the UK's first such operation. The action aims to disrupt Russia's funding for its war in Ukraine, with the UK government highlighting the shadow fleet's role in sustaining Moscow's military efforts.

US strikes Iran missile sites, boats amid nuclear deal talks

US strikes Iran missile sites, boats amid nuclear deal talks

Rediff.com26 May 2026

The US military carried out 'self-defence strikes' targeting Iranian missile launch sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz, even as President Trump announced progress in ceasefire negotiations, stating Iran's enriched uranium will be 'turned over' or destroyed.

Defence ministry orders 118 Arjun tanks at Rs 7523 cr

Defence ministry orders 118 Arjun tanks at Rs 7523 cr

Rediff.com23 Sep 2021

The defence ministry on Thursday sealed a contract to procure 118 main battle tanks Arjun for the Indian Army at a cost of Rs 7,523 crore, in a major move to boost its combat capabilities.

LSR Students Clarify Protest Stance Amid Principal's Defence

LSR Students Clarify Protest Stance Amid Principal's Defence

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Students at Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram (LSR) College have issued a statement clarifying their recent protest, asserting it is not biased against any political ideology. This comes as the college principal, Kanika K Ahuja, addresses the situation and ongoing dialogue between students and the administration.

Will defence ministry okay Anil Ambani's Reliance Naval?

Will defence ministry okay Anil Ambani's Reliance Naval?

Rediff.com28 Sep 2018

Warship building projects worth at least Rs 630 billion have ground to a standstill. The defence ministry has halted tendering in wait for a government decision on whether to allow, or to exclude, Anil Ambani's shipbuilding firm from those contracts.

Indian Air Force to set up Tejas engine maintenance facility with GE Aerospace's help

Indian Air Force to set up Tejas engine maintenance facility with GE Aerospace's help

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is establishing a maintenance facility for GE Aerospace's F404-IN20 jet engines, which power the Tejas light combat aircraft, with technical support from GE Aerospace. This initiative aims to enhance India's indigenous defence capabilities and reduce reliance on overseas repair centres.

Scorpene deal: PAC slams defence ministry

Scorpene deal: PAC slams defence ministry

Rediff.com10 Mar 2010

Slamming the Defence Ministry over the nine-year delay in awarding contract to French firm Thales to build six Scorpene submarines in Mumbai, a Parliamentary Committee on Wednesday said the indecisiveness resulted in cost overruns and undue favour to the vendor, besides adversely impacting Navy's operational preparedness.

Will the defence ministry shift gears?

Will the defence ministry shift gears?

Rediff.com22 Mar 2017

Jaitley can make his innings -- notwithstanding its likely length -- to be a watershed tenure, or just add to the image of the MoD drifting rudderless, says Brigadier S K Chatterji (retd).

Delhi HC upholds blocking of Telegram ahead of NEET retest

Delhi HC upholds blocking of Telegram ahead of NEET retest

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Delhi High Court has upheld the Indian government's decision to temporarily restrict access to Telegram, citing the messaging app's capacity for 'automated dissemination' of large content, which could facilitate misinformation during the crucial NEET-UG retest.

Govt sends eviction notice to elite Delhi Gymkhana Club, cites security reasons

Govt sends eviction notice to elite Delhi Gymkhana Club, cites security reasons

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The Delhi Gymkhana Club, a historic landmark in Lutyens' Delhi, is facing eviction as the government seeks to reclaim its land for defence infrastructure, raising concerns about the future of this elite institution.

'Beginning of end' of war: Trump announces 3-day Ukraine-Russia ceasefire

'Beginning of end' of war: Trump announces 3-day Ukraine-Russia ceasefire

Rediff.com9 May 2026

US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, noting that the temporary truce coincides with Russia's Victory Day celebrations commemorating the then-Soviet Union's role in World War II.

HC relief for Delhi Gymkhana Club amid eviction row

HC relief for Delhi Gymkhana Club amid eviction row

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Centre had asked the Gymkhana Club in Lutyens' Delhi to hand over the premises, citing that the 27.3-acre plot was required for "strengthening and securing defence infrastructure".

CBI seeks chopper deal documents from defence ministry

CBI seeks chopper deal documents from defence ministry

Rediff.com27 Feb 2013

The Central Bureau of Investigation has sought from the defence ministry documents related to the AgustaWestland helicopter deal as it prepares to question suspected beneficiaries about alleged kickbacks received in the Rs 3600 crore deal.

The Significance Of Rajnath Singh's Vietnam Visit

The Significance Of Rajnath Singh's Vietnam Visit

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Vietnam is an emerging regional power and a closer relationship with Hanoi is closely aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Act East Policy, points out Dr Rajaram Panda.

Now, North, South Blocks to showcase 5,000 years of Indian history

Now, North, South Blocks to showcase 5,000 years of Indian history

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Work has commenced on restoring the North and South Blocks to their original design, paving the way for the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum project, with a target completion date for the first phase set for 2028.

Mission Sudarshan Chakra Action Plan Ready

Mission Sudarshan Chakra Action Plan Ready

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Under Mission Sudarshan Chakra, the country's national security shield is to be expanded by 2035 to ensure comprehensive protection of both strategic and civilian critical infrastructure.

CAB power struggle: Ganguly camp fires back as Dalmiya raises corruption concerns

CAB power struggle: Ganguly camp fires back as Dalmiya raises corruption concerns

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The simmering tension between former Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Avishek Dalmiya and the current Sourav Ganguly-led establishment came out into the open on Wednesday, with the state cricket body's top brass issuing a strongly-worded rebuttal to allegations of corruption and governance failures barely three months before its annual general meeting.

Defence ministry warned of ISI-operated 'spy ring'

Defence ministry warned of ISI-operated 'spy ring'

Rediff.com30 Dec 2015

The Union home ministry has alerted the defence ministry about an alleged spy ring being run by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence, which is trying to use ex-servicemen in the garb of providing job opportunities and financial aid.

Focus on your studies: Pradhan to NEET aspirants amid row

Focus on your studies: Pradhan to NEET aspirants amid row

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

After reviewing the preparations at the headquarters of the National Testing Agency (NTA), Pradhan said meetings have been held under the Cabinet secretary, and all the states have been asked to cooperate.

Modi shares glimpses of Italy visit, 'Melody moment'

Modi shares glimpses of Italy visit, 'Melody moment'

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Italy concluded with the elevation of India-Italy relations to a Special Strategic Partnership, focusing on enhanced cooperation across various sectors.

'This Is How The Indian Air Force Will Fight Going Forward'

'This Is How The Indian Air Force Will Fight Going Forward'

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The IAF's future operational concepts could involve indigenous Tejas combat aircraft coordinating in real time with multiple Ghatak RPSAs, each carrying a different mission payload ranging from electronic warfare systems and targeting sensors to precision munitions.

Who are the key players in the US-Iran peace deal?

Who are the key players in the US-Iran peace deal?

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump announced a finalised peace deal between the US and Iran, set for signing on June 19 in Switzerland, with key figures like J D Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner from the US side, and Abbas Araghchi and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf representing Iran, alongside Pakistani mediators Field Marshal Asim Munir, Shehbaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar, and Mohsin Naqvi, playing crucial roles in the diplomatic breakthrough.

Why IAF Needs Russian Su-57 Stealth Fighter

Why IAF Needs Russian Su-57 Stealth Fighter

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Pakistan is reportedly pursuing Chinese J-35 stealth fighters while China already operates hundreds of J-20 stealth aircraft.

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Recent BJP organisational moves and Rajya Sabha nominations have sparked speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may soon undertake a ministerial reshuffle.

Suicides by soldiers: Defence Ministry flayed

Suicides by soldiers: Defence Ministry flayed

Rediff.com21 Oct 2008

The report took offence to the Defence Ministry playing down the phenomena by claiming that 'the overall psychiatric mortality in the Armed Forces has been less than the national figures' and that there was a rising trend of psychiatric illness in India over the last few decades and 'Armed Force personnel drawn from the same society are not immune to these influences'.

Govt to Crack Down on Industrial Users Diverting Cheaper Retail Fuel

Govt to Crack Down on Industrial Users Diverting Cheaper Retail Fuel

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Indian government has issued a stern warning to industrial users who are reportedly procuring cheaper retail fuel instead of industrial-grade fuel, leading to significant losses for state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) and potential local shortages. This diversion, driven by a substantial price difference between retail and bulk diesel, is adversely impacting OMCs, which are absorbing daily losses of approximately 550 crore to keep retail prices stable.

Tatra deal: Case against defence ministry, army officials

Tatra deal: Case against defence ministry, army officials

Rediff.com27 Aug 2012

The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case against the owners of a UK-based company and officials of defence ministry and army to inquire into alleged irregularities committed in procurement of Tatra trucks for the Indian Army, government told the Lok Sabha.

Defence Ministry goes easy on blacklisted firms

Defence Ministry goes easy on blacklisted firms

Rediff.com31 Dec 2009

After the Ordnance Factory scam, Central Vigilance Commission's (CVC) and the Law Ministry's comments were sought and they advised us that these (blacklisted) companies should be allowed to participate in field-trials in contracts where multiple vendors were participating so that the acquisition process was not stalled, Defence Ministry sources said in New Delhi.

Tatra case: BEML chief suspended by defence ministry

Tatra case: BEML chief suspended by defence ministry

Rediff.com11 Jun 2012

BEML Chief V R S Natarajan was on Monday suspended by the defence ministry in connection with the Tatra case on a Central Bureau of Investigation recommendation after former army chief General V K Singh levelled allegations that he was offered Rs 14 crore bribe to clear a deal for 600 trucks.

Dhoni named in 15-member defence ministry panel on NCC

Dhoni named in 15-member defence ministry panel on NCC

Rediff.com16 Sep 2021

Cricket icon Mahendra Singh Dhoni and industrialist Anand Mahindra were on Thursday named in a 15-member panel constituted by the defence ministry to carry out a comprehensive review of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in order to make it more relevant.

Defence ministry gets contract between Agusta, middleman

Defence ministry gets contract between Agusta, middleman

Rediff.com21 Mar 2013

The defence ministry has got the 'contract' between AgustaWestland and alleged middleman Christian Michel regarding the controversial VVIP helicopter Rs 3600-crore deal with India.