News for 'drone pilots'

Will Iran Be Browbeaten By Trump's Threats?

Will Iran Be Browbeaten By Trump's Threats?

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Far from it; the country's resistance to the US, its nuclear ambitions, and its pursuit of influence and proxies across the Middle East are driven by a constant search for independence and security. Thus, Iran will never capitulate. Trump will learn this home truth ultimately, and it is going to be a humbling personal experience that may even destroy his presidency, predicts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Fuel Cutoff, Pilot Confusion Before AI Plane Crash: AAIB Report

Fuel Cutoff, Pilot Confusion Before AI Plane Crash: AAIB Report

Rediff.com12 Jul 2025

A preliminary investigation into the Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad reveals that both fuel switches were cut off before the crash, followed by pilot confusion. The report also indicates that fuel samples were satisfactory and no immediate action is recommended for Boeing 787-8 operators.

Ajit Pawar cremated with full state honours in Baramati

Ajit Pawar cremated with full state honours in Baramati

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash, were held with full state honors in Baramati. Prominent leaders and thousands of mourners attended the funeral.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

What Happens When Trump's Deadline Expires?

What Happens When Trump's Deadline Expires?

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Trump may strike. He may announce productive talks and extend again. He may do both at the same time. Iran will not open the Strait on someone else's terms, so no matter what happens, that problem will remain unsolved. And the IRGC will still be collecting its $2 million toll from every ship bold enough to ask permission to pass.

Supriya Sahu, Champion of the Earth

Supriya Sahu, Champion of the Earth

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

'We should learn from the wild world on how they live harmoniously.'

3.84 Trillion Spent On These Weapons...

3.84 Trillion Spent On These Weapons...

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

The largest tranche came in July, in the wake of Operation Sindoor, with the DAC according acceptance of necessity -- or initial approval -- for 10 capital acquisition proposals amounting to approximately 1.05 trillion through indigenous sourcing.

Mumbai: Indigo pilot spots drone while landing

Mumbai: Indigo pilot spots drone while landing

Rediff.com18 Oct 2016

The information was forwarded to the Intelligence Bureau, Anti-Terrorism Squad, Special Branch of police and Crime Branch, a police officer said.

Making Drones For India's Villages

Making Drones For India's Villages

Rediff.com16 May 2024

'From our survey we found that there was a problem in the agricultural sector and drones could solve the problem.'

Govt extends approval for use of drones for spraying pesticides for 1 year

Govt extends approval for use of drones for spraying pesticides for 1 year

Rediff.com27 Apr 2024

The government has extended the interim approval given to plant protection companies for use of drones for spraying specified pesticides. The approval has been extended for one more year starting from April 18, 2024. All other terms and conditions for the use of drones for spraying plant protection chemicals including the standard operating procedures etc. will remain the same.

Russia launches 120 missiles, 90 drones on Ukraine's energy infra; 2 killed

Russia launches 120 missiles, 90 drones on Ukraine's energy infra; 2 killed

Rediff.com17 Nov 2024

Zelenskyy further said that the assault occurred overnight and into the morning, and involved a barrage of approximately 120 missiles and 90 drones, including Shaheds, Zircons, Iskanders, and Kinzhals.

Like Uber, You Can Book A Drone Soon

Like Uber, You Can Book A Drone Soon

Rediff.com25 Apr 2023

E-commerce players may soon rent out drones, so you can use them the way you book a cab on an app, and test viable use-cases for last-mile delivery.

I Am MiG-21. I Ruled The Indian Skies

I Am MiG-21. I Ruled The Indian Skies

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Even as the years roll on, I know this: Whenever the history of the Indian Air Force is written, my name will always soar.

Look What Army Has Ordered To Fight Terrorists

Look What Army Has Ordered To Fight Terrorists

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

Low-level lightweight radars; very short-range air defence systems (launchers and missiles); remotely piloted aerial vehicles; loitering munitions, including vertical take-off and landing systems; different kinds of drones; bullet-proof vests; ballistic helmets; quick-reaction fighting vehicles -- heavy and medium; and night sights for rifles (aiming devices that are visible in low light).

Trishul 2025 Signals New Era in Fighting Wars

Trishul 2025 Signals New Era in Fighting Wars

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

After Operation Sindoor, the Army and Navy now view the IAF as not a supporting arm, but the spearhead of India's warfighting capability, capable of decisive outcomes across domains, explains Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd).

Why The Americans Were Opposed To Agni

Why The Americans Were Opposed To Agni

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

'The heat shield technology for re-entry vehicles was first mastered in DRDO for the Agni missile.' 'This is why the Americans were so opposed to Agni in the 1980s, unlike other missiles -- it was a re-entry vehicle.'

Army tests defence systems in 'near-combat conditions'

Army tests defence systems in 'near-combat conditions'

Rediff.com31 May 2025

The Indian Army is conducting field trials of several cutting-edge defence systems under 'near-combat conditions', integrating electronic warfare simulations, to assess their performance rigorously, officials said on Saturday.

Cipla deploys drones to fly in critical drugs

Cipla deploys drones to fly in critical drugs

Rediff.com27 Sep 2023

Drug major Cipla on Tuesday said it has launched drone-powered deliveries of critical medicines - cardiac, respiratory and other essential chronic therapies - to hospitals and pharmacies across Himachal Pradesh in partnership with Skype Air Mobility, a Gurugram-based drone delivery company. Cipla is the first among large Indian pharmaceutical companies to adopt drone-based deliveries to facilitate expedited supply to stockists in remote areas, it claimed. The Mumbai-based firm said the use of drones will support the on-time delivery of its medicines to chemists and clinics in remote areas, and minimise risks of affecting cold chain products due to temperature excursions.

Akashteer emerges as key asset in Operation Sindoor

Akashteer emerges as key asset in Operation Sindoor

Rediff.com23 May 2025

India's indigenously developed 'Akashteer' air defense system performed exceedingly well during 'Operation Sindoor,' according to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chief Samir V Kamat. The fully automated system, deployed against terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, integrates various radar systems, sensors, and communication technologies. Kamat expressed confidence in the system's success drawing international interest, highlighting India's progress toward self-reliance in the defense sector. He also addressed the future of warfare, emphasizing the need for a blend of traditional and emerging technologies, and outlined the development timeline for the indigenous 5.5-generation stealth fighter aircraft, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

Over 13,000 personnel, hi-tech systems to fortify Delhi for I-Day

Over 13,000 personnel, hi-tech systems to fortify Delhi for I-Day

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Delhi is under high security with over 10,000 police personnel and hi-tech surveillance deployed for Independence Day celebrations.

How drones can give wings to farmers

How drones can give wings to farmers

Rediff.com13 Nov 2022

So far, the drones that were considered important for the agriculture sector were nature-made winged-insects - a key component of the bee-based natural pollination cycle. The new-age drone is a whirring machine with rotors that can help farmers plan and grow and manage their crops. For the farm sector in India, which has had low levels of mechanisation, the impact of drones can be tremendous. The use of drones can help it leapfrog to modernisation in the same way that mobile phones helped India overcome its traditional lack of connectivity.

Andhra Bets on AI to Fight Mosquito Menace

Andhra Bets on AI to Fight Mosquito Menace

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

When mosquito numbers cross safe limits in any area, automatic alerts will be sent, and civic teams will carry out spraying or fogging operations.

What AAIB Report On AI 171 Crash Says

What AAIB Report On AI 171 Crash Says

Rediff.com12 Jul 2025

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has published its preliminary report on the fatal accident of Air India's Boeing 787-8 plane that was operating flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on June 12.

Centre clears military projects worth Rs 67,000 crore

Centre clears military projects worth Rs 67,000 crore

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved military projects worth approximately Rs 67,000 crore, including drones, radars, and missile systems, aimed at enhancing India's military capabilities.

Skylark Drones raises $3 mn to fuel international expansion

Skylark Drones raises $3 mn to fuel international expansion

Rediff.com6 Jul 2021

Skylark Drones, a leading drone platform company that counts Tata Steel, Ultratech Cement, Softbank Energy among its customers has secured $3 million in a pre-series A funding round. It would use the funding to strengthen its product offerings and fuel international expansion.

US okays sale of 31 Predator drones to India in $4-bn deal

US okays sale of 31 Predator drones to India in $4-bn deal

Rediff.com1 Feb 2024

The Agency said it has delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on Thursday.

India deploys Heron Mark 2 drones in northern sector against China, Pak threats

India deploys Heron Mark 2 drones in northern sector against China, Pak threats

Rediff.com13 Aug 2023

The four new Heron Mark-2 drones, which can be equipped with long-range missiles and other weapons systems, have been deployed at a forward air base in the northern sector, where Team ANI witnessed their operations.

What's A Stealth Fighter?

What's A Stealth Fighter?

Rediff.com30 May 2025

If I were to explain stealth to a layperson, I'd ask them to think of the game chupan-chupai (hide and seek) we played as children, explains Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd).

Farmer's to get a bird's eye view: IFFCO to purchase 2,500 agri drones

Farmer's to get a bird's eye view: IFFCO to purchase 2,500 agri drones

Rediff.com5 Jul 2023

At a time when climate change poses significant challenges and the need for sustainable and efficient farming practices has never been more critical, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) allow farmers to gain a bird's-eye view of their crops from ground level. Drones have become a new force in precision agriculture, helping increase productivity while prioritising sustainability and resilience. Fertiliser major IFFCO is exploring this very transformative power of technology in agriculture.

'Don't drop those bombs': Trump uses F-word to slam Israel

'Don't drop those bombs': Trump uses F-word to slam Israel

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

United States President Donald Trump has expressed strong disapproval of Israel and Iran 'violating the ceasefire' he announced earlier in the day and said the two countries have been fighting 'so long and so hard that they don't know what the f*** they're doing'.

Meet the team probing the Air India crash

Meet the team probing the Air India crash

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

A five-member team, headed by Sanjay Kumar Singh, is probing the fatal crash of the Air India aircraft last month in Ahmedabad that killed 260 people. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its preliminary report and appointed the team.

India counters Pak's actions, strikes 8 military installations

India counters Pak's actions, strikes 8 military installations

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Pakistani military targets at Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian were engaged using air-launched precision weapons from Indian fighter jets and the retaliation largely focused on command and control centres, radar sites and weapon storage areas, Qureshi said.

F35s: Musk Tweets Dissed US Fighter

F35s: Musk Tweets Dissed US Fighter

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

Two Elon Musk from November 2024 surfaced online over the weekend in which he can be seen criticising the US' F-35 fighter aircraft which President Donald J Trump offered to sell India during Prime Minister Narendra D Modi's visit to the White House on Thursday.

Has India achieved Op Sindoor objectives? IAF says...

Has India achieved Op Sindoor objectives? IAF says...

Rediff.com12 May 2025

The Director General of Air Operations said "whatever methods and whatever means we have chosen, it had the desired effects on the enemy targets",

Centre gives big push for use of drones in agriculture

Centre gives big push for use of drones in agriculture

Rediff.com22 Jan 2022

The Centre has, perhaps for the first time, decided to provide funding support to farmer-producer organisations, krishi vigyan kendras, custom hiring centres, and individuals for purchasing them.

Iran will pay very heavy price for targeting civilians: Netanyahu

Iran will pay very heavy price for targeting civilians: Netanyahu

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

He made the comments while visiting the site of an early morning Iranian missile strike in the city of Bat Yam, close to Tel Aviv.

Initial probe says Russian missile caused Kazakhstan crash

Initial probe says Russian missile caused Kazakhstan crash

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Following the preliminary investigations into the crash of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8432 in which 38 passengers were killed near Aktau in Kazakhstan, it was revealed that a Russian missile was responsible for the crash, Euronews reported on Thursday, citing sources from the Azerbaijani government.

Govt approves use of drones from Dec 1; delivery of food not allowed

Govt approves use of drones from Dec 1; delivery of food not allowed

Rediff.com27 Aug 2018

All civilian drone operations will be restricted only during day time and flying will be restricted within visual line of sight which usually would be 450 metres, the regulation says.

Drone rules eased: 5 forms, fees lowered, no curbs on foreign firms

Drone rules eased: 5 forms, fees lowered, no curbs on foreign firms

Rediff.com26 Aug 2021

The ministry of civil aviation has eased the rules regarding drone operations in the country by reducing the number of forms that need to be filled to operate them from 25 to 5 and the decreasing the types of fees charged from the operator from 72 to 4.

How US drones could help save billions for India

How US drones could help save billions for India

Rediff.com3 Dec 2019

The Global Hawk can carry out surveillance of a stretch of land or ocean for over 30 hours continuously, physically scanning up to 100,000 sq km each day.