IAF to hold two-day wargame along frontier with Pakistan: NOTAM issued
The Indian Air Force will carry out a two-day mega military exercise along the border with Pakistan from Wednesday (May 7, 2025) that will involve all the frontline fighter jets including Rafale, Su-30 and Jaguar aircraft, sources in the defence establishment said on Tuesday (May 6, 2025).
The exercise is taking place amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan over the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
India's civil aviation authorities have already issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for the major air exercise that will largely take place along the southern and western section of the Indo-Pakistan border.
India's frontline fighter jets including the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, Tejas and AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft are set to feature in the exercise, the sources said.
In the course of the exercise, the IAF will simulate enemy targets on ground and in the air with deadly precision, they said.
The militaries of both India and Pakistan are on a high alert following rising tensions between the two nations.
Soon after the Pahalgam terror attack, India, citing "cross-border linkages" to the strike, promised severe punishment to those involved in it.
In a high-level meeting with the top defence brass on April 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the armed forces have "complete operational freedom" to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India's response to the terror attack.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh met Prime Minister Modi on Sunday (May 4, 2025) and the Chief of Air Staff briefed him about the IAF's operational readiness.
On Saturday (May 3, 2025), Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi apprised the prime minister on the overall situation in the critical sea lanes in the Arabian Sea.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
19 minutes ago
- First Post
‘Uniting hearts and minds': Modi realises Vajpayee's J&K vision through the Chenab railway bridge
Increased connectivity promotes interpersonal exchanges and greater cultural understanding between Kashmir and the rest of India and helps to dispel misconceptions and stereotypes read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on June 6, inaugurated the iconic Chenab Railway Bridge in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir—the world's highest railway arch bridge, standing taller than France's Eiffel Tower at approximately 359 metres—and flagged off the Vande Bharat Express from Katra to Srinagar. This historic moment marks a major step in Jammu and Kashmir's integration with the rest of India—strategically, economically, psychologically, and socially. As part of the ₹46,000 crore Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, this engineering marvel not only provides all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley but also stands as a powerful symbol of India's developmental resolve and national security vision. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Emphasising this transformative achievement, Prime Minister Modi said, 'Our Jammu and Kashmir is becoming a hub of tunnels, bridges, and ropeways. The highest tunnel in the world is being built here. The highest railroad bridge in the world is being built here.' He added, 'This railway line is not just an infrastructure project but a symbol of India's commitment to peace, progress, and connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir. It will transform the region's economy and open new opportunities for its people.' End of Isolation Historically, the Kashmir Valley remained vulnerable to frequent disconnections due to landslides, heavy snowfall, and harsh weather that often rendered the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway unusable. Sanctioned in the mid-1990s and declared a National Project in 2002 under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's vision, the 272-kilometre USBRL traverses some of the most difficult Himalayan terrain, including 36 tunnels and 943 bridges—most notably the world's highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River. The project was implemented in phases, with key sections like Jammu to Udhampur operational since 2005 and the entire route completed recently. Now, with the Vande Bharat Express cutting travel time between Jammu and Srinagar to just three hours, the Valley enjoys all-weather, high-speed, and reliable connectivity. At the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi stated, 'This rail link is not just infrastructure; it symbolises our commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring their progress and integration with the rest of the nation. This historic achievement bridges the physical, economic, and psychological distances that long separated the Valley from India.' Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw called the inauguration a 'historic day', highlighting that this feat was achieved through Prime Minister Modi's 'steely determination'. This project, featuring the world's highest railway arch bridge, boosts regional connectivity while reinforcing India's national security. Boosting Economy, Tourism & Access for All J&K's economic lifeline—horticulture, handicrafts, and local manufacturing—stands to gain immensely. The improved railway infrastructure ensures faster, safer, and more cost-effective access to major Indian markets. Perishable produce like apples, which previously suffered losses due to highway blockages and delays, can now be transported swiftly and efficiently, reducing spoilage and cutting logistical costs. This will significantly enhance the profitability and market competitiveness of local farmers and traders. The improved logistics will also bolster industrial development, inviting investment and enabling broader economic diversification. Local artisans and manufacturers stand to benefit from easier distribution and reduced overheads. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Moreover, the improved rail network is expected to catalyse tourism growth, not only by boosting access to popular destinations but also by opening up lesser-known areas for exploration and development. This expansion in connectivity creates new economic opportunities across the region and supports the broader integration of Jammu and Kashmir into the national economy. Furthermore, the enhanced connectivity is particularly beneficial for students pursuing higher education and patients seeking advanced medical care outside the region. Affordable and dependable travel options will ease their journeys, offering a renewed sense of belonging and opportunity. In turn, this fosters stronger social and cultural integration with the rest of India. A Strategic and Security Asset More than a developmental achievement, the railway line — anchored by engineering marvels like the Chenab and Anji Khad bridges — is a crucial pillar of India's strategic infrastructure. Stretching through geostrategically sensitive terrain and bordering adversarial nations such as Pakistan and China, this line significantly enhances India's defence preparedness. It enables rapid troop mobilisation, seamless movement of military hardware, and sustained logistics supply to forward areas. Engineered to withstand earthquakes of up to magnitude 8 and high-intensity explosions, the bridge is an essential node in India's national security architecture. Additionally, anti-sabotage protocols, blast-resistant construction, and CCTV surveillance across tunnels and tracks make this railway line resilient against both natural and human threats. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha noted, 'Having 365 days of connectivity with the Valley will be a big advantage for us to face any threat from the neighbouring country.' This strategic connectivity ensures rapid response and operational reach during crises. Furthermore, this improved infrastructure significantly reduces travel risks for security personnel, who previously relied on vulnerable highway routes under intense security protocols. A Message to the World The railway's inauguration is a message to the international community that India remains steadfast in its developmental efforts in Jammu and Kashmir, despite geopolitical challenges. It also honours the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose visionary leadership laid the foundation for this transformative project. Vajpayee had famously said, 'The rail link to Kashmir is not just an engineering project but a bridge that will connect the hearts and minds of the people of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India.' The tribute extends to all those who persevered through decades of political and logistical challenges. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged the historic achievement, stating, 'Even the Britishers dreamt of a railway to Kashmir, but he [Modi] completed what they could not.' This long-awaited dream is not just a developmental victory but a civilisational commitment. By making travel cheaper and easier, the railway promotes interpersonal exchanges and greater cultural understanding between Kashmir and the rest of India. Increased movement of people will help dispel misconceptions and stereotypes, replacing them with direct human connections and shared aspirations. This is vital in reinforcing a sense of unity and belonging among all citizens. Conclusion The completion and inauguration of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) mark a watershed moment in the modern history of Jammu and Kashmir. More than just steel and concrete laid across the mountains, this railway line symbolises the fusion of vision, engineering excellence, national resolve, and inclusive development. It bridges not only the daunting physical terrain of the Himalayas but also long-standing psychological and economic divides. By bringing high-speed, all-weather, and secure connectivity to the Valley, the USBRL transforms Jammu and Kashmir into a seamlessly integrated part of India's socio-economic and strategic landscape. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD From empowering local communities and boosting industries to reinforcing national security and fostering cultural cohesion, the railway is a force multiplier across domains. It stands as a message to the world—that India's democratic and developmental commitment to its people remains unshaken, even in the face of adversity. As the Vande Bharat now glides through tunnels and over the mighty Chenab, it carries not just passengers but the promise of a new era for Jammu and Kashmir—one of opportunity, dignity, unity, and peace. Imran Khurshid is a visiting research fellow at the International Centre for Peace Studies, New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
NDTV
27 minutes ago
- NDTV
India Marked Rapid Growth Across Diverse Sectors In 11 Years: PM Modi
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Monday that under the 11 years of his government India has not just become the fastest-growing major economy but is also a key global voice on pressing issues like climate action and digital innovation. A clear focus on good governance and transformation, PM Modi said of the last 11 years as his government finished the first year of its third term on Monday. A link shared by him noted that 60 per cent of the current Union ministers are from the SC, ST and OBC categories, a message aimed at burnishing social justice credentials of his government amid attempts by opposition parties like the Congress to paint it as working against their interests. This is the highest ever representation of these marginalised groups in the Union Council of Ministers, it added. In his post on X, PM Modi said powered by the blessings and collective participation of 140 crore Indians, India has witnessed rapid transformations across diverse sectors. Guided by the principle of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas', the NDA government has delivered path-breaking changes with speed, scale and sensitivity, he said. From economic growth to social upliftment, the focus has been on people-centric, inclusive and all round progress, he added. The prime minister said, "We are proud of our collective success but at the same time, we look ahead with hope, confidence and a renewed resolve to build a Viksit Bharat." He used the hashtag of "11 year of seva" (11 years of service) with the post, while sharing links to the details of changes effected in different sectors. It said PM Modi has brought the politics of development, 'Vikasvaad' into the mainstream, making it the focal point around which political discourse and policy action now revolves. Since assuming office in 2014, 'India First' has guided his every policy and action, it added. It noted that over 81 crore people are getting free food grains, over 15 crore households have got tap water connections, over four crore houses built for the poor, 12 crore toilets were built, 68 lakh street vendors got loans, 52.5 crores loans given to small entrepreneurs, and 20 crores women were given cash assistance during Covid under different schemes.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
2 hours ago
- First Post
From Operation Sindoor to infrastructural boost, report card of Modi 3.0's first year
Today, PM Narendra Modi completes 11 years in power and the first of his third term. It's been a year of big hits and outstanding achievements — the Modi 3.0 government saw the economy growing faster, the inauguration of big infra projects such as the Chenab Bridge and a new criminal justice system. But perhaps, the biggest achievement has been the resounding success of Operation Sindoor read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now completed 11 years in office. This is the first year of his third term -- he took the oath of office on June 9 last year. AFP Not five, not 10… Today (June 9) marks Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 11 years in power — he was sworn in as prime minister for a record third time on June 9 last year in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. It's been a busy one year for PM Modi and his government; it has to contend with two wars, the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war, navigate a new government in the United States led by the rather unpredictable Donald Trump and chart a new normal with Pakistan, who continues to export terrorism, mainly across the borders into India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As we mark this occasion in our calendars, let's take a closer look at Modi 3.0's achievements in the past one year. Operation Sindoor Perhaps, PM Modi's biggest achievement in the first year of his third-term tenure would be Operation Sindoor and the huge damage that it caused to Pakistan. Launched on May 7 as a counter to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 innocents died, Operation Sindoor was India's coordinated military strikes on terror camps deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In the days that followed, India and Pakistan reached the precipice of a full-blown war, as both sides engaged in a missile and drone war. However, India, under PM Modi, held its nerve. When Islamabad tried to intimidate the nation by raining down drones and launching Chinese-made missiles , a military — given a free rein by the PM Modi — responded in kind, deploying many ' made-in-India' weapons to extract its pound of flesh. At the end of Operation Sindoor, India came out on top . The country's military had eliminated more than 100 terrorists in Pakistan and PoK, including high value targets such as Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf and Mudasir Ahmed who were involved in the hijack of IC-814 and the Pulwama blast. Shopkeepers display a saree featuring Operation Sindoor at a store in Varanasi. AFP Moreover, the IAF struck Pakistani air bases, command centres, military infrastructure, and air defence systems across the entire Western Front in a coordinated and calibrated manner. Operation Satellite imagery revealed the extent of damage that Operation Sindoor had caused to Pakistan's Rahim Yar Khan airbase in Pakistan's Punjab province — the sole runway at the airbase had to be declared as non-operational for a week. But beyond causing damage and exhibiting a hegemony over Pakistan's military, which is largely dependent on China and Turkey, Operation Sindoor also signalled a doctrinal shift in India's strategy, establishing that state-sponsored terrorism would now invite targeted, visible, and proportional retaliation. It showed the world that India would no longer hesitate to punish terrorism — anytime, anywhere. It showed that terrorists and their masterminds have no place to hide. An economy to realise Viksit Bharat One of PM Modi's aims for India is a Viksit Bharat, turning India into a developed country by 2047. And to realise this dream, PM Modi and his government have been working tirelessly to ensure that the country's economy only surges forward. In his first year of his third term, he has taken many concrete steps to boost the country's economy. On June 10, just a day after he was sworn in as prime minister, he signed the release of Rs 20,000 crore to 93 million farmers under PM Kisan Nidhi Yojana. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The full budget presented on February 1, 2025 also gave significant income-tax relief to the middle class by ensuring that people earning up to Rs 12.75 lakh were outside the tax net. A man passes by the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) building on the day of Union Budget 2025-26 presentation, in Mumbai. File image/PTI In addition to this, he has also taken multiple measures to improve the ease of doing business in the country. For instance, his government announced the abolition of 31 per cent angel tax which it claimed had been burdening start-ups since 2012. The government also reduced corporate tax from 40 per cent to 35 per cent for foreign companies besides setting up a Rs 1000-crore venture capital fund for space sector start-ups. It is through PM Modi's policies that India is set to be the fourth largest economy in the world by the end of the current financial year. India's GDP grew 7.4 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2024-25, leading to 6.5 per cent growth in FY25 despite severe global headwinds, including uncertainties in global trade because of the US' reciprocal tariffs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Modi 3.0 tenure, India has also signed two major trade deals. The first being the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) free trade agreement. Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are the four members of EFTA. The deal – the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) – is significant because it is expected to help India bridge a huge gap in the balance of trade, which is in favour of the European nations. The second was the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is expected to double bilateral trade to over $120 billion by 2030. The other advantage of the deal is its impact on the India-European Union free trade negotiations. India is also negotiating a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the US. A new criminal code for new India 'Tareekh pe tareekh (Date after date)' is a famous Hindi dialogue that is indicative of India's slow judicial process when it comes to dealing with criminals. However, Modi 3.0 introduced an overhaul of the criminal justice system in the country in July last year. Last July, the Modi government introduced three new criminal laws — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) — which replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act. Representational image/PTI The Modi government introduced three new criminal laws — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) — which replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act, respectively. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Home Minister Amit Shah, who piloted the change said, 'These laws are made by Indians, for Indians and by an Indian Parliament and marks the end of colonial criminal justice laws.' He added that the laws were not just about changing the nomenclature but bringing about a complete overhaul. 'Soul, body and spirit' of the new laws is Indian, he said. The change in laws also introduced a handful of new offences — as many as 21. One of the significant ones is penalising sexual intercourse through the employment of 'deceitful means'. The BNS also recognises murder on the ground of race, caste, or community as a separate offence. Moreover, organised crime and terror offences have been defined and covers a broad spectrum of activities. Infrastructure development With 'sabka vikas' in mind, PM Modi has laid special emphasis on infrastructural development in the country. And what better example than the inauguration of the Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir on June 6. The world's highest railway arch bridge, which is part of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL), finally connects the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country by rail for the first time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the Chenab Rail Bridge during the inauguration of the Kashmir rail link, in Reasi, in Jammu and Kashmir. AFP Modi also laid the foundation stone for the Vadhavan Port project in Maharashtra's Palghar district last August. This project aims to create a state-of-the-art maritime gateway that is expected to enhance India's trade capabilities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Under the Prime Minister's Rural Roads Scheme-4 (PMGSY-IV), approval was granted to the construction/upgradation of 62,500 km of roads and bridges to connect 25,000 unconnected villages, with central assistance of Rs 49,000 crore. Many of these unconnected villages have a population of less than 100. The government has also approved strengthening India's road network with an investment of Rs 50,600 crore. This includes a go-ahead for eight National High-Speed Road Corridor Projects spanning 936 kilometres. Elevating India on the global stage While Modi 3.0's first year's focus has largely been domestic policy, the government has ensured to bolster India's presence globally too. Shortly after becoming PM for a third time, Modi embarked on a visit to Italy where he attended the G7 Summit during which he also held bilateral meetings with the heads of the states. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is welcomed by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni upon arrival at the Borgo Egnazia resort for the G7 Summit hosted by Italy in Apulia region. File image/AFP Later, in July, PM Modi embarked on a crucial two-day visit to Russia and Austria. The trip to Russia was the PM's first visit to the country after its invasion of Ukraine. During his Russia visit, PM Modi held the 22nd India-Russia annual summit with President Vladimir Putin. Significantly, PM Modi was conferred the 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle' award by President Putin for his contribution to fostering bilateral ties between the two countries. The Russian president also thanked PM Modi for trying to help find a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And Nearly six weeks after his visit to Russia, PM Modi visited Ukraine on the invitation by the President Volodymyr Zelenskyy where he held discussions on the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war. Prime Minister Narendra Modi being conferred the highest civilian award of Russian Federation, Order of St Andrew the Apostle, by Russian President Vladimir Putin, in Moscow. File image/PTI Then early in February, PM Modi visited France where he was the co-chair at the international summit on artificial intelligence. The PM was also among the first foreign leader to visit Donald Trump after he was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. During his February visit, Trump announced expanded US military sales to India from 2025, including F-35 jets, along with increased oil and gas exports to narrow the trade deficit. Both sides also agreed to negotiate a trade deal and finalise a new defence framework. He also confirmed that the US had approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a Chicago businessman accused of playing a role in the 2008 terror attack in Mumbai. With inputs from agencies STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
