A storm hit the United Arab Emirates and Oman this week bringing record rainfall that flooded highways, inundated houses, grid-locked traffic and trapped people in their homes. At least 20 people were reported to have died in the deluge in Oman while another person was said to have died in floods in the UAE that closed government offices and schools for days. The storm had initially hit Oman on April 14 before it pounded the UAE on April 16, knocking out power and causing huge disruptions to flights as runways were turned into rivers. In the UAE, a record 254 millimetres (10 inches) of rainfall was recorded in Al Ain, a city bordering Oman. It was the largest ever in 24 hours since records started in 1949.
18 April,2024 03:38 PM IST
A torrential storm struck the UAE, unleashing heavy rains that wreaked havoc in Dubai and triggered floods across the region. UAE witnessed the heaviest rainfall since 1949. It claimed one life and inflicted widespread damage, with homes submerged, roads blocked, and vehicles stranded in the floodwaters. Flights were delayed and diverted, leaving passengers stranded amidst the chaos. Authorities issued urgent advisories, urging residents to stay indoors for safety as the storm disrupted normal life across the UAE.
18 April,2024 10:34 AM IST
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) sources have learnt that there are 17 Indian nationals onboard cargo ship ‘MSC Aries’ has been taken control by Iran. India is in touch with the Iranian authorities through diplomatic channels, both in Tehran and in Delhi, to ensure security, welfare and early release of Indian nationals, the sources added. The conflict has intensified in West Asia after suspected Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s consulate in Syria's capital Damascus and Tehran’s warning of retaliation. A map showed the path of an Israeli-linked cargo ship, the MSC Aries, that had been seized between the United Arab Emirates and Iran, in the Persian Gulf, situated close to the Strait of Hormuz, on Saturday (April 13). The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) posted a warning on social media after having received a report on the vessel and said it had been “seized by regional authorities”. This after Iran warned earlier this week that it could close the Strait of Hormuz if necessary. The Aries is leased by international shipping line MSC from Gortal Shipping, an affiliate of Zodiac Maritime, Zodiac said in a statement, adding that MSC is responsible for all vessel activities. Zodiac is partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer.
14 April,2024 12:40 PM IST
During a public rally in Rajasthan's Churu on April 4th, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revisited the memory of the 'Balakot airstrike' before reciting his renowned poem "Saugandh mujhe is mitti ki, main desh nahi mitne dunga." He reminisced about being in Churu at the time of the airstrike on February 26th. “When I came to Churu on 26th February 2019, at that time the country had carried out an air strike in Balakot. We had taught a lesson to the terrorists. At that time I had said I would not let Mother India bow down...When our army carried out surgical strikes and air strikes, Congress and the people of this 'Ghamandia' alliance were asking for proof. Dividing the country and insulting our army is the identity of the Congress Party”, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
05 April,2024 07:09 PM IST
EAM S Jaishankar slammed the UN Spokesperson’s remark for commenting on India’s elections. India’s Lok Sabha Elections are set to be held in seven phases starting from April 19. As the world sets its eyes on Indian elections, nearly 97 crore voters are geared up to exercise their franchise. Ahead of Lok Sabha Polls, the United Nations Spokesperson lectured India on the political, civil rights of Indians and this is what S Jaishankar had to say on it.
05 April,2024 07:04 PM IST
As part of the ongoing exercise Gagan Shakti-24, Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft recently operated from the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in the northern sector in Kashmir valley. A large number of troops were airlifted and subsequently air landed utilising Chinook, Mi-17 V5 and ALH Mk-III helicopters by night.IAF also plans to practise similar drills in coordination with administration of State Governments for activation of ELFs in other sectors. Various IAF fixed and rotary wing platforms will carry out coordinated landing and operations at these ELFs. Whole-of-the-Nation-Approach (WNA). ELF operations provide an opportunity for IAF aircraft to undertake operations from such restricted landing surfaces while also being able to undertake Humanitarian Assistance in Disaster Relief operations during times of natural calamities to provide relief. The capability to operate by night at these stretches of highways, and the capability to transfer troops from such surfaces will greatly enhance the operational capabilities of Indian Armed Force.
05 April,2024 11:59 AM IST
Silsila, a cult classic in the Indian film industry, rules the hearts of movie enthusiasts even decades after its release. The film featured luminaries like Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Rekha, Shashi Kapoor, and Sanjeev Kapoor in prominent roles. However, not many know that Parveen Babi was the first choice for the character. She was later replaced by Jaya Bachchan in the film. Veteran actor Ranjeet recently revealed how Parveen reacted to the news of getting replaced in the film
04 April,2024 11:53 AM IST
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ahmedabad on April 02. While addressing the event, the External Affairs Minister categorically spoke about the India-China issues. He further hit out at India’s first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru-led government and alleged that they made policies that favoured China more than India itself. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, "In 1950, there was an exchange of views between Sardar Patel and (Jawaharlal) Nehru... Sardar Patel had warned Jawaharlal Nehru about China. Sardar Patel said that today we are facing a situation of two fronts (Pakistan and China), which for India has never happened in our history before. Sardar Patel also said that whatever the Chinese are saying, he feels that their intent is not good, and therefore, let us take precautions, and build a policy around this. Nehru's position was that he was completely dissenting. He replied to Patel that you are unnecessarily suspicious of the Chinese... Also, it is impossible for anybody to attack us across the Himalayas".
03 April,2024 12:33 PM IST
EAM S Jaishankar held a delegation level meeting with Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on March 29 in Delhi. In his opening remark during delegation meet with Ukraine FM, EAM Jaishankar said that a very substantial agenda for discussions has been made. He further said, “In recent months, we have had interactions at various levels, I am glad to see some of our bilateral mechanisms have also met and this has created certain momentum in our bilateral relationship. Today, after this discussion, we look forward also to the meeting of the intergovernmental commission. Your visit gives us an opportunity to understand the situation in your own region...Our teams have prepared a very substantial agenda for discussions...” External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar on March 29 met with his Ukrainian Counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, who is on an official visit to India. Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba arrived in India for a two-day official visit at the invitation of EAM Jaishankar
29 March,2024 07:35 PM IST
In a historic milestone, indigenous LCA Mark 1A fighter aircraft on March 28 completed its first flight. The aircraft airborne for 15 minutes during its first maiden flight, as per Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Currently, two squadrons of IAF, 45 Squadron and 18 Squadron, are fully operational with LCA Tejas. HAL has current capacity to build 8 LCA aircraft per year, this is being increased to 16 aircraft's every year by 2025. In coming years the capacity will be further increased to 24 aircraft every year in the next 3 years. Over Rs 9000 crore have been sanctioned for the development of LCA Mk 2, an updated and advanced version of LCA Tejas. Earlier in the 2023, Air Chief Marshal stated that the Indian Air Force aims to replace the MiG-21 fighter jets with LCA Tejas.
28 March,2024 05:18 PM ISTADVERTISEMENT
