Hyderabad:

An Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter made an emergency landing in an agricultural field in Nalgonda district of Telangana on Thursday owing to a ‘technical snag’.

No one was injured, police said.

The chopper which was headed to Air Force Station, Hakimpet in Hyderabad from Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh made an emergency landing in the field due to some “technical issues”, a senior police official told PTI.

Another helicopter with experts rushed to the spot and after the technical snag was fixed the chopper took off, the official said adding it was precautionary brief landing due to some “technical issue”.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

The Indian Air Force is providing relief materials to people stranded in their homes in flood-hit areas of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The water level has started receding in parts of the states but flooding remains.

The Indian Air Force has deployed Mi-17, Chetak helicopters and C-130J, IL-76 transport aircraft for its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. Yesterday, the Indian Air Force airlifted over 300 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel into affected areas and 60,000 kg of life-sustaining material was dropped.

A video showed a Mi-17 hovering a few feet above the roof of a house in Andhra Pradesh’s Vijayawada and a man standing on the roof collecting supplies.

आंध्र प्रदेश : विजयवाड़ा के बाढ़ प्रभावित इलाकों में भारतीय वायुसेना ने राहत सामग्री पहुंचाई. #Vijayawada | #IndianAirforce | #Floodpic.twitter.com/MAo4DpilFm

— NDTV India (@ndtvindia) September 4, 2024

In another video, an Indian Air Force Mi-17 chopper, the backbone of the force’s relief and rescue operations and has served in active combat, dropped relief material to people who were desperately waiting for supplies.

IAF brings relief to flood struck areas in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, by inducting NDRF teams and essentials from across the country.
The HADR operations which began on 02 Sep 24, saw use of IAF’s IL-76, C-130J, Mi-17s and Chetaks in positioning 332 NDRF personnel in the… pic.twitter.com/T8vc4LFoRa

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 3, 2024

Roads are submerged and life has come to a standstill in flood-affected areas of both states. The death count has risen to 32 in Andhra Pradesh and over 45,000 people have been moved to relief camps.

NTR district, which houses Vijayawada, the most affected, accounted for 24 deaths; Guntur (seven) and Palnadu (one), according to an official release.

Meanwhile, a new weather system is developing over the Bay of Bengal Sea.

According to the India Meteorological Department, light to moderate rainfall is very likely at many places of north coastal Andhra Pradesh from September 4 to 8, and also over South Coastal Andhra Pradesh (SCAP) from Wednesday to Friday.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu held a meeting with bankers and insurance company representatives to request them to settle insurance claims on damaged vehicles and others in 10 days, and also resolve them in a fortnight.

In Telangana, At least 16 people lost their lives in various rain-related incidents as heavy downpours lashed several parts of the state. The Telangana government seeking immediate assistance of Rs 2,000 crore from the Centre for flood relief measures. 

However the union government has pointed out that the state government did not submit requisite information for the release of funds. It said over Rs 1,345 crore was available in the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) account as of April 1 this year for flood relief measures during 2024-25.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Centre is closely monitoring the current flood situation in Andhra Pradesh and has constituted a team of experts that will visit the flood-affected areas of the state for an on-the-spot assessment and make recommendations for immediate relief.

Thiruvananthapuram:

Following reports about an altercation involving the personnel attached to the Southern Air Command and the staff of a restaurant here, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has begun its probe into the matter.

A statement issued on Friday by the IAF said that news has been circulating in the media about an altercation on May 15 involving Indian Air Force personnel.

“The headquarters Southern Air Command has taken serious cognizance of the incident and the same is being enquired thoroughly to ascertain the facts, in accordance with Indian Air Force policy of zero-tolerance to cases of misdemeanour, especially in public places,” the statement read.

The probe comes a day after the Kerala Police registered a case against four Southern Air Command officials based on a complaint given by a hotel.

A hotel official said there were a group of people who created problems and their staff members were beaten.

The incident occurred on Wednesday night and trouble started when the guests were asked to wait as tables were not empty. This irked the guests who later turned unruly, according to the hotel staff.

Based on the complaint given by the hotel management, the local police registered a case against four Southern Air Command officials.

Later the police registered another case based on a complaint given by the IAF officials of them being harassed by the restaurant staff.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Kolkata:

The Indian Air Force has started humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations in Sikkim, devastated by a flash flood in Teesta river, a Defence official said on Monday.

Thirty-three bodies, including those of nine army jawans, have been recovered so far from slush and debris left behind by the flash flood that devastated Sikkim, while the search continued for more than 105 people who are still missing, officials in the Himalayan state said.

The Jalpaiguri district administration in adjoining northern West Bengal has said 40 bodies were fished out of the river downstream.

Officials warned that the figures reported by Sikkim and West Bengal may have some duplication even as both states were keeping each other informed of their respective rescue efforts.

“The IAF commenced its humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations from Air Force Station Bagdogra for the flood victims of Sikkim on the Air Force Day,” the Defence official said.

The air force started carrying Garud commandos, communication equipment, fuel, medicines, search and rescue equipment by Chinook and MI 17 V5 helicopters to the state from Sunday, he said.

Stating that the Eastern Air Command is coordinating the humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR) operations, the official said that the IAF is fully geared up to reach out to the victims of the flash floods that left the small Himalayan state in disarray.

“The helicopters are kept ready to transport the stranded tourists and local residents to safer locations as soon as the weather conditions improve,” the Defence official said.

The Met Department on Monday forecast light to moderate rain at many places accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim over the next five days.

Meanwhile, the Jalpaiguri district administration in West Bengal has said they have so far recovered 40 bodies from the downstream of the Teesta River. Officials said 10 bodies have so far been identified.

Since bodies are still being found from the slush and debris left behind by Teesta in both states, the exact toll will be clear in the next few days after collating the details, officials said.

The flash flood, which was triggered by a cloudburst in the early hours of Wednesday, has affected 60,870 people. So far, 2,563 people have been rescued from different areas of the state, most of which have been cut off from the rest of the country, according to the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Leh:

The role of Indian Air Force (IAF) has increased manifold in the Eastern Ladakh bordering China, a senior officer said and announced that the force is in the process of getting long range surveillance radar systems to keep an eye on the enemy.

Air Commodore DS Handa was talking to reporters here on the sidelines of an airshow at the base to commemorate the 91st anniversary of the IAF.

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Brig BD Mishra (retd) was the chief guest at the airshow which saw a static display of Rafale aircraft, Cheetal helicopters, indigenous Akash Missile System and Medium Range Surface to Air Missile.

“The main purpose behind the airshow was to motivate students to join the IAF and also to assure the people of Ladakh that IAF is ready to safeguard the region and the country,” Air Commodore DS Handa said.

He said the role of IAF has increased in eastern Ladakh compared to previous years.

“We have installed radars wherever required and the IAF is also acquiring long-range surveillance radar systems to keep an eye on the enemy,” DS Handa said, adding that weapon systems and radars have been deployed in forward areas at specific locations to pick up any enemy activity.

He said the IAF is the lifeline of Ladakh as it ensures delivery of ration, ammunition and other supplies to the troops deployed in the forward areas.

Expressing happiness over the maiden airshow, Lt Governor BD Mishra said this provided an opportunity to local youths to know the strength of the IAF at their backyard.

“Our IAF is capable of defending this airfield and the city. We should also be proud of our country which is manufacturing fifth generation aircraft,” he said.

The LG said only a few countries are in the possession of fifth generation jets which are still not inducted.

The marquee event started with students and the general public witnessing the displayed aircraft and missile systems. They were also briefed about the strengths and capabilities of each system.

“Successful conduct of the event was a testimony to the cooperation and coordination between the functionaries of Air Force Station and Civil Administration,” a defence spokesman said.

He said the show not only motivated the young generation to join the IAF but also showcased the advancements in the country’s aerospace power.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

The Indian Air Force unveiled its new Ensign at the annual Air Force Day parade at Prayagraj on October 8, 2023. Photo: X/@IAF_MCC

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Vivek Ram Chaudhari on Sunday unveiled a new Ensign for the force, as it marked its 91st anniversary, by the inclusion of the Air Force Crest in the top right corner of the Ensign, towards the fly side. This year, the Air Force Day parade was held at Air Force Station Bamrauli in Prayagraj.

In a first, scaling up the degree of difficulty by a couple of notches, the Sarang helicopter display team has elevated to a five helicopter military display team. “Catch us perform the five aircraft display on the occasion of Air Force day on October 08 at Prayagraj,” the team posted on social media platform ‘X’.

In another first, the newly inducted C-295 transport aircraft made its maiden appearance in any air display in India, while the legacy MiG-21 Bison made, what is likely its last appearance in an air display, prior to the planned phasing out by the year 2025.

“We have not only circumvented challenges but also turned those challenges into opportunities. The current geopolitical landscape has provided us an opportunity to reduce dependency on imports by developing indigenous capability,” ACM Chaudhari said addressing the parade.

The theme for this year’s Air Force Day was ‘IAF – Air Power Beyond Boundaries’ which the Air Chief said aptly reflects the “inherent global reach of air power and how air power will prove decisive in future conflicts.” “Air Force operations extend worldwide, providing rapid mobility and global reach. This reach allows a nation to project air power beyond boundaries in the form of rapid deployment, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and peacekeeping missions,” he said stressing on the need to understand the nuances of evolving air power, setting the pace to preserve peace and if and when necessary, to fight and win wars.

IAF’s first woman officer

This is the first Air Force Day Parade to be commanded by a woman officer, GP Capt. Shaliza Dhami. She is also the first woman officer of the IAF to command a combat unit. Also for the first time, the parade had an all women contingent comprising of the newly inducted Agniveer Vayu women. The parade also included a flight of Garud Commandos of the IAF for the first time, as the they recently completed 20 years of service.

At the parade, the Air Chief presented Unit Citations to four IAF Units — 16 Squadron, 142 Helicopter Unit, 901 Signal Unit and 3 Base Repair Depot for their exemplary contribution to the service. 

The parade was followed by an air display on the banks of the Triveni Sangam at Prayagraj in the afternoon. The air display on the banks of the Triveni Sangam featured about 108 IAF aircraft along with Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters of the Indian Army and a P-8l aircraft of the India Navy as well the Surya Kiran and Sarang display teams.

New Ensign

Going back in history, the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) Ensign comprised of the Union Jack in the upper left canton and the RIAF roundel (Red, White & Blue) on the fly side. Post-Independence, the IAF ensign was created by replacing the Union Jack with the Indian tricolour and the Royal Air Force roundels with the IAF tricolour roundel. A new lAF ensign has now been created to better reflect the values of the Force, the IAF said in a statement. 

Explaining the new Ensign, the statement said the IAF Crest has the national symbol, the Ashoka lion on the top with the words ‘Satyameva Jayate’ in Devanagari below it. Below the Ashoka lion is a Himalayan eagle with its wings spread, denoting the fighting qualities of the IAF, it stated, adding, “A ring in light blue colour encircles the Himalayan eagle with the words ‘Bharatiya Vayu Sena’ and the motto of the IAF is inscribed below Himalayan eagle in golden Devanagari.”

Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., leaves the House floor after being ousted as Speaker of the House at the Capitol in Washington on October 3, 2023.
| Photo Credit: AP

Kevin McCarthy becomes the first speaker ever to be ousted from the job in a U.S. House vote

Speaker Kevin McCarthy was voted out of the job Tuesday in an extraordinary showdown, a first in U.S. history that was forced by a contingent of hard-right conservatives and threw the House and its Republican leadership into chaos. Mr. McCarthy’s chief rival, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, forced the vote on the “motion to vacate,” drawing together more than a handful of conservative Republican critics of the speaker and many Democrats who say he is unworthy of leadership.

Delhi Police arrest NewsClick founder, HR head in alleged terror case

The Delhi Police on October 3 arrested Prabir Purkayastha, founder and Editor-in-Chief of news portal NewsClick and its Human Resources head Amit Chakraborty in an alleged terror case. Deputy Commissioner of Police (PRO) Suman Nalwa said that a total of 46 “suspects”, including nine women, were questioned and their phones, laptops and devices seized for further examination. She added that proceedings were on and two persons had been arrested thus far.

Arguments in EWS verdict may serve as a shot in the arm for seeking more quota post Bihar caste survey

Arguments employed by the Supreme Court in its majority verdict to uphold the 10% economically weaker sections (EWS) quota for the “poorest of the poor” among forward castes can paradoxically become a stimulus for the backward classes to seek reservation over and above the 50% ceiling limit on the basis of the data published after the Bihar caste-based survey. The EWS judgment had excluded the “poorest of the poor” among the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and the Other Backward Classes from the ambit of 10% quota.

PM draws BJP campaign lines for Assembly polls, one rally at a time

The dates for the Assembly polls in the States of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram are yet to be announced but Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public rallies and meetings have already set the contours of the BJP election campaign.

Despite early gains of Swachh Bharat Mission, toilet use declining since 2018-19: World Bank paper

A departmental working paper by the World Bank on the progress of the Swacch Bharat Mission – Gramin (SBM-G) has now found that despite “breathtaking” gains made by the programme to bring toilet access to rural India since 2014-15, when it began, there has been a clear trend of regular toilet use declining in rural India from 2018-19 onwards, with the largest drop being seen among Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe socio-economic groups.

Black day for Indian democracy: TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee after release from police detention

“Today is a black day for Indian democracy,” TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee said as he and other party leaders were released by the police on Tuesday night, hours after being detained during a sit-in at the Union Rural Development Ministry office here. Mr. Banerjee said Tuesday’s incident will stand as an example of ‘New India’ as public representatives were “dragged and manhandled” by Delhi Police and journalists questioning the government were booked under the anti-terror law UAPA.

IAF looking at procurement contracts worth over ₹2.5 lakh crore, says Air chief

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking at procuring 97 additional indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Mk1A fighter jets at an estimated cost of ₹1.15 lakh crore, Air Chief Marshal V. R. Chaudhari said on October 3. The procurement will take the LCA-MK1A fleet strength to 180. The IAF is looking at several contracts worth ₹2.5 lakh crore to ₹3 lakh crore in the next few years, he said.

Armenia’s parliament votes to join the International Criminal Court, straining ties with ally Russia

Armenia’s Parliament voted on Tuesday to join the International Criminal Court, a move that further strains the country’s ties with its old ally Russia after the court issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin over events in Ukraine. Moscow last month called Yerevan’s effort to join the ICC an “unfriendly step,” and the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Armenia’s ambassador.

Trudeau says Canada not looking to ‘escalate’ situation, vows to engage constructively with India

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday said Canada was not looking to “escalate” the situation with India amid the diplomatic row between the two countries over the killing of a Khalistani separatist and asserted that his government will continue to have “constructive relations” with New Delhi. Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Mr. Trudeau also said that it’s important for Canada to have diplomats on the ground in India, amid a report by London-based Financial Times that New Delhi wants as many as 41 of 62 remaining Canadian diplomats out of the country, the Toronto Sun newspaper reported.

Maldives president-elect says he’s committed to removing the Indian military from the archipelago

The President-elect of the Maldives said he will stick to his campaign promise to remove Indian military personnel stationed in the archipelago state, promising he would initiate the process. Mohamed Muizzu told his supporters gathered Monday night at a celebration of his election victory that he wouldn’t stand for a foreign military staying in the Maldives against the will of its citizens.

Indian outbound tourism market to cross $15 billion in 2023, says NIMA chief

Post Covid, the outbound tourism market has been growing steadily and this growth momentum is expected to continue till about 2032, an industry executive said. “India’s outbound tourism market is surging and set to reach $15.2 billion in 2023, with an anticipated 11.4% CAGR through 2032,” said Gajesh Girdhar, Chairman, Network of Indian MICE Agents (NIMA) at travel show BLTM 2023. “This growth is driven by Indians, particularly millennials, eager to explore international destinations,” he added.

Hangzhou Asian Games | Tejaswin shatters decathlon national record to win silver

Ten events over two days in competitive sports sounds fanciful unless one is talking about decathlon, perhaps the most difficult of athletic events. On October 3, Tejaswin Shankar broke the 12-year old national record in decathlon en route to winning silver at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, becoming the only Indian to hold national records in two different field events.

To mark its 91st Anniversary, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has planned an aerial display over Bhojtal Lake in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, today. The event will be held at the Boat Club, taking place at the Upper Lake. Residents and visitors in the city will be treated to thrilling aerobatic performances, showcasing the nation’s air prowess. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Central Air Command (CAC) shared a glimpse of SU 30s in a Trishul manoeuvre in an air display practice, and also the Suryakirans over Bhojtal Lake. 

“#91st_Air_Force_Anniversary #Bhopal #Bhojtal_Lake #Air_Display_Practice #SU_30s in a Trishul Manoeuvre. The Majestic #Suryakirans over Bhojtal Lake, Bhopal. Aerial refuelling prowess of #IAF #HarKaamDeshKeNaam,” the CAC wrote on X. 

Take a look below: 

#91st_Air_Force_Anniversary#Bhopal#Bhojtal_Lake#Air_Display_Practice#SU_30s in a Trishul Manoeuvre

The Majestic #Suryakirans over Bhojtal Lake, Bhopal

Aerial refuelling prowess of #IAF#HarKaamDeshKeNaampic.twitter.com/3OMgX5AYXN

— CAC, IAF (@CAC_CPRO) September 28, 2023

Separately, IAF tweeted, “On the occasion of its #91stAnniversary, the Indian Air Force will be carrying out an aerial display at the Bhojtal Lake in Bhopal. Do watch it LIVE on all IAF Social Media Handles.”

#AirPowerBeyondBoundaries

On the occasion of its #91stAnniversary, the Indian Air Force will be carrying out an aerial display at the Bhojtal Lake in Bhopal.

Do watch it LIVE on all IAF Social Media Handles.#AFDP23pic.twitter.com/9PdH0GOhpm

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 29, 2023

In view of the event, the traffic police have also released specific traffic and parking guidelines for Saturday. According to a post by Bhopal Traffic Police, arrangements have been put in place along VIP road from Retghat to Khanugaon for the general public to witness the programme. 

दिनांक 30.09.2023 को #बोट_क्लब पर #भारतीय_वायूसेना का वायु प्रदर्शन कार्यक्रम के दौरान-
प्रातः 08 बजे से कार्यक्रम समाप्ति तक पार्किंग एवं यातायात व्यवस्था तथा आवश्यकतानुसार #यातायात_डायवर्सन व्यवस्था जन सुविधा के लिये उपलब्ध है ।@CP_Bhopal@ianuragIPS@MPPoliceDeptt@IAF_MCCpic.twitter.com/2yeK0wzDGG

— DCP Traffic, Bhopal (@dcpbpl_Traffic) September 28, 2023

Access to the event at the Boat Club will be restricted to pass holders. Blue and green pass holders will be directed to the area in front of the Wind and Wave Restaurant of Madhya Pradesh Tourism (MPT). Media members with yellow passes will be allowed to park their vehicles at the Hotel Ranjit Lake View.

The buses carrying the 500 invited students to the Boat Club event will be parked at the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya after dropping off the students. Visitors arriving from Smart City Road, Banganga, Machhli Ghar, and Polytechnic will be guided to park their vehicles within the Ravindra Bhawan complex.

Also Read | Air Force ‘Falcons’ Congratulate Pilot Cleared To Fly Rafale Solo

Notably, vehicle entry will be restricted from Polytechnic Square and Kilol Park in the direction of the Boat Club. As per the press note, specific arrangements have been made along VIP Road for the convenience of the general public interested in viewing the show. 

Moreover, during the event, traffic restrictions will be in effect on several routes, including Lalghati to VIP Road, Collectorate Trisection to Koh-e-Fiza, GAD Square to Karbala, and Kilol Park to VIP Road, the Bhopal Traffic Police said. 

Ghaziabad:

The first C-295 medium tactical transport aircraft was inducted into the Indian Air Force on Monday, boosting its logistics capabilities.

The induction ceremony took place at the Hindan Air Force Station here in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

IAF chief Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari along with senior officials of the IAF as well as of Airbus attended the induction ceremony.

Mr Singh later took part in a ‘Sarva Dharma Pooja’ that was performed in the hangar to mark the induction.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Jammu:

An airshow by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to commemorate 76 years of the accession of Jammu and Kashmir into India enthralled spectators here on Friday morning even as the event was cut short by a little over 15 minutes due to rains.

Thousands of people, mostly youngsters, thronged the Air Force Station here as the show was open to the public. The show was presented by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), Mi-17 helicopters and the Aakashganga Daredevil Skydiving team.

The act by the Air Warrior Drill Team and the musical performance by the IAF band drew a lot of applause and whistle-blowing.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha was the chief guest at the event, which was organised jointly by the IAF and the Union Territory administration. The airshow was also to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of the Air Force Station, Jammu and raise awareness about aviation.

Air officer commanding Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Air Vice Marshal Praveen Keshav Vohra, and senior civil and police officers also witnessed the show.  “The Indian Air Force is a glowing symbol of strength, bravery and dedication. I salute the IAF personnel for their magnificent heroism and the spirit of sacrifice. My deepest gratitude to the Air Warriors and their families,” the L-G wrote on X after the event.

Delighted to have attended the event jointly organised by Indian Air Force and J&K Govt to commemorate 76 years of accession of J&K into Indian Union & Diamond Jubilee Celebration of Air Force Station, Jammu and witnessed spectacular aerial display by Air Warriors earlier today. pic.twitter.com/VShpQLW6kn

— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) September 22, 2023

Three Mi 17 helicopters of the 130 Helicopter unit, headed by Wing Commander Irfan Wahid Khan Jarial presented a flypast on the arrival of the chief guest.

Shruti Arora, a youngster from Jammu city, thanked the IAF for providing the people the opportunity to watch the show.

“The show had a magnificent start with 11 members of the IAF flying high with the national flag and performing the most difficult stunts in the sky. The IAF’s Garud Commandos paradropping operation from helicopters to pin down its target was also worth watching,” she said.  “I was apprehensive that the show might be cancelled because of the heavy cloud cover. Though rains cut short the show, we enjoyed every bit of the show,” said Vinay Kumar, a student of class 11.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)