The Times of India

The Indian Air Force, raised in 1932 with four Westland Wapiti biplanes and five Indian pilots at Karachi, is now the world's fourth-largest air force. Its combat record runs from the Second World War and the wars with Pakistan and China to Siachen, Kargil, Balakot and Operation Sindoor. Today it is shifting from individual platforms to a networked force, built around the Integrated Air Command and Control System and growing unmanned capabilities. It also acts as a global first responder, as in

India has rejected Elon Musks allegation that Starlink is being blocked by oligarchs seeking to protect a monopolistic hold over the Indian market. The government said Indias regulatory framework for satellite communication services is fair and non-discriminatory, calling the allegation baseless and misconceived. Starlink, Reliance Jio and Eutelsat OneWeb are currently undergoing security assessments, with all three at broadly the same regulatory stage. Starlink Business Operations VP Lauren Dre

At the United Nations, India has dismantled Pakistans latest terror narrative. New Delhi questioned Islamabads claim that Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar is hiding in Afghanistan, while pointing to Pakistans announcement of a higher bounty for his arrest. India called the move optics designed to conceal state support for terrorism. The question is simple: if Pakistan knows Azhar is a wanted UN-listed terrorist, why does it still not reveal his exact whereabouts or produce him in court? India

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak discusses Bhuvneshwar Kumars return to the T20I setup, the importance of experience and Indias growing bench strength as the team prepares for the New Zealand tour.

India's airlines are set to implement higher fuel surcharges for both domestic and international routes, starting October 9. Air India and Air India Express will adjust their fees in light of escalating global oil prices. Meanwhile, Akasa Air is reintroducing surcharges on its domestic flights, which will now range from Rs 375 to Rs 1,150, depending on flight distance. Increased surcharges will also apply to international flights, varying by destination.

Opposition leaders, after previously being stopped by police, successfully reached Raj Ghat for their protest. They staged a brief sit-in to honor Mahatma Gandhi while voicing their concerns about electoral integrity. Congress leaders accused the government and Election Commission of undermining democratic rights and engaging in a conspiracy. Rahul Gandhi emphasized the need for justice regarding these electoral issues.

Indias first bullet train was supposed to showcase a new era of India-Japan cooperation, but more than a decade after the two countries signed the agreement, not a single passenger has travelled on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route. Now, the project is facing a different problem: friction over how the railway should actually be built and operated. Japan was expected to provide Shinkansen trains, signalling and the Operation Control Centre, but India is developing its own B28 high-speed train for the in

Retired Air Marshal Diptendu Choudhury speaks to Times of India about the priorities India must address to strengthen its air and aerospace capabilities.He says the focus over the next eight to 10 years should be on rebuilding the Indian Air Forces capacity, strengthening conventional deterrence and developing stronger offensive capabilities.He also explains why India needs greater aerospace domain awareness, including the ability to track threats beyond the traditional air domain, and discusses

Elon Musk has turned Starlinks delayed India launch into a political and business controversy. Without naming any company, he accused Indian oligarchs of protecting a monopolistic chokehold. Indias response was blunt: the charge is baseless and misconceived. Delhi says all three licensed satellite operators are at broadly the same regulatory stage. Starlink has a licence, but still needs spectrum assignment and completion of security requirements before commercial operations can begin. The compa

Raised on 8 October 1932, the Indian Air Force began with four Westland Wapiti biplanes and five Indian pilots at Drigh Road, Karachi. Today it is the world's fourth-largest air force, operating fighters such as the Su-30MKI, Rafale and Tejas, though it fields around 29 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned 42. Its combat record spans the Second World War, the wars of 1947-48, 1965 and 1971, Kargil, Balakot and Operation Sindoor. The force is now evolving into a networked aerospace power, built

India is finally moving towards building its first fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, or AMCA.But the programme faces a race against time. The IAF has 29 fighter squadrons against an authorised strength of 42, while Tejas Mk-1A deliveries remain delayed.For the first time, private Indian companies are competing to take the lead in building an Indian fighter instead of HAL. The winner will have to develop prototypes, complete around 1,800 test flights and aim f

Dr. Ram Charan breaks down the CEO challenges holding companies back why business strategy execution beats strategy alone, what schools never teach about global leadership, and how to compete in the age of AI and China. #DrRamCharan #BusinessStrategyExecution #CEOChallenges #DiasporaDialogues

Why is Indian food always expected to be affordable? Chef Vijay Kumar has been asking that question for years, and Semma is his answer.Sujatha Padmanabhan speaks with one of the most celebrated South Indian chefs in the world about food racism, diaspora identity, and the restaurant that made New York rethink Tamil cuisine entirely. From his grandmother's snail curry to a James Beard Award, Vijay breaks down what it took to get here and why none of it came easy.All of this, and more, on this epis

The Indian Air Force marked its 94th anniversary, emphasizing its growth since 1932. Air Chief highlighted the significance of training and readiness, as showcased in various exercises this year. Technologies such as artificial intelligence and autonomous systems are shaping modern warfare and enhancing decision-making. The IAF's self-reliance strategy promotes development of indigenous aircraft and missile systems. Coordination between the IAF, Army, and Navy is increasing, demonstrating integr

Saurabh Netravalkar went from India's U19 setup to bowling the USA to a historic World Cup win over Pakistan while working full-time as an Oracle engineer.On this episode of Diaspora Dialogues by TOI, Saurabh joins Sujatha Padmanabhan to unpack the journey that made him one of the faces of America's cricketing rise. He talks about growing up between Indian and American cultures, choosing engineering before finding his way back to cricket, and what it means to play for Team USA while helping buil

How do you scale a South Indian restaurant chain without losing authenticity? Jay Jayaraman, founder of the Mylapore brand, reveals how he applied software engineering principles to revolutionize restaurant operations in the USA.In this episode of Diaspora Dialogues, we break down his systems-first approach, moving away from chef-centric models toward centralized kitchens and standardized processes

India launched a sharp attack on Pakistan at the United Nations, accusing Islamabad of nurturing terror networks that have now begun to threaten Pakistan itself. Speaking at the UN General Assemblys Sixth Committee, Indias First Secretary Raghoo Puri cited recent remarks by Pakistan Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and former PM Nawaz Sharif on the countrys internal terror threat. Puri also hit back at Pakistans claims over Operation Sindoor, questioned Islamabads action against UN-designated

In a tragic incident, Mahesh Shelke, the sales manager for IndianOil, was fatally stabbed during an altercation at a petrol pump as he sought to take control of the outlet amid a dispute. Swift action was taken by authorities, resulting in the arrest of five individuals, including members of the Pandavveer family. IndianOil and the petroleum ministry have rallied to support Shelke's family during this devastating period.

India beat Pakistan by 19 runs to win the mens cricket gold medal at the Asian Games last week.

India and Canada are currently engaged in the fifth round of talks for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Both countries aim to sign the CEPA during Prime Minister Modi's anticipated visit to Canada. The visit is tentatively scheduled for December 11-13, just before the G20 summit in Florida. Leaders from both nations envision boosting bilateral trade to CAD 70 billion by 2030.

Ladakh has commenced India's first high-altitude wildlife safari that highlights snow leopard trails and community involvement. Vinai Kumar Saxena, the lieutenant governor, emphasized the importance of coexisting wildlife and development. The Snow Leopard and High-Altitude Nature Conservation Society is coordinating this project with local forest departments. The mapped safari routes traverse significant wildlife areas, including Hemis National Park and Changthang.

Indias indigenous Akash air-defence system has reached Turkmenistan, putting an Indian missile system inside a Central Asian market traditionally dominated by Russian and Chinese weapons. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has also confirmed Akash supplies to Tajikistan, while Armenia was its first foreign customer. Shreya Chandra explains what the Akash export means for Indias growing defence footprint and why Central Asia matters strategically.Watch: https://youtu.be/sDTXwQAoO-4

India is changing the economics of modern air defence. A drone costing only a few thousand dollars can force an army to fire a missile worth hundreds of thousands or even millions. Now, Indias Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is preparing a revolutionary answer: instead of launching an expensive interceptor, it wants to burn drones out of the sky with a high-energy beam of light.#DRDO #India #LaserWeapon #DroneKiller #AirDefence #CounterDrone #DefenceTechnology #DroneWarfare

India is developing a new way to counter the growing threat from drones: high-energy lasers.DRDOs 30-kilowatt Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon is designed to engage fixed-wing UAVs, drone swarms and hostile surveillance systems at ranges of up to five kilometres. Mounted on a mobile truck, the system combines detection, tracking and laser engagement into a deployable counter-drone platform.The weapon has completed trials, including engagements against a fixed-wing drone, multiple-drone atta

The INDIA bloc has announced a nationwide protest campaign against the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said district-level Save Democracy marches and demonstrations outside district magistrate offices will be held from October 2 to 8. Opposition MPs will march to the Election Commission on October 6, while INDIA bloc leaders plan to seek an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu in the second week of Octobe

The INDIA bloc meeting focused on alleged electoral irregularities and the oppositions protest plan, but a warm exchange between Sonia Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee drew attention.

ndia moved up to eighth place in the Asian Games medal standings after reaching the 10-gold mark on Wednesday, with a golden sweep by the compound archers and another gold in shooting powering a big jump in the table. India now have 60 medals - 10 gold, 21 silver and 29 bronze.

Sushant Sareen argues that superpowers want client states, not equal partnerships.His remarks come as S. Jaishankar says the pretence in India-US ties has now dropped.So does India want to be played by America - or hold its own? Watch the full conversation on Faultline with Ananya Dasgupta.

India had its best day of the Asian Games so far as compound archers won all three team gold medals, while shooters Neeru Dhanda and Kynan Chenai also finished on top in the mixed trap event. Three bronze medals in boxing and wrestling took Indias overall tally to 60 medals - 10 gold, 21 silver and 29 bronze. India also moved up to eighth place from 10th on Tuesday.

India-US ties are facing their biggest test in years, and Sushant Sareen says the relationship is broken for the foreseeable future. On Faultline, he asks whether India has become too beholden to America - waiting for Washingtons attention instead of building its own power.Why is the US engaging Pakistan again, and what does Chinas growing leverage mean for India?And should India continue playing the supplicant waiting for the master, or start building its own muscle? Is this simply a Trump prob

US President Donald Trump called Sundar Pichai a monster - and he meant it as praise for the Google CEOs extraordinary tech talent. But that compliment opens up a much bigger question for India. What happens when the country builds world-class technology talent, but America gets the monster? As AI reshapes jobs, education and the global technology race, can India create enough opportunity to keep its next generation of Sundar Pichais at home? Or will the worlds biggest tech companies continue to