Google Search for Web:

Kajal Agrawal

Chetan Chauhan died because of poor treatment at Lucknow hospital, says UP MLC Featured

  23 August 2020

Samajwadi Party also shared his own experience as a patient in the same hospital, claiming that he went through five COVID tests just because of carelessness and inappropriate conduct of the staff.

The UP Assembly was recently rocked when Samajwadi Party leader and MLC Sunil Singh Sajan exposed the condition of COVID hospitals in UP and said UP legislator, BJP leader and veteran cricketer Chetan Chauhan’s death due to COVID-19 related complications was caused by poor treatment at the state government-run Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) in Lucknow.

According to Sunil Singh Sajan, he was admitted in the same hospital after testing COVID positive.He alleged that Chetan Chauhan, who succumbed to COVID-19 in a Gurugram hospital, died due to carelessness in his treatment at SGPGI.

Chauhan (73), who was admitted to SGPGI being tested positive for COVID-19, was shifted to the Medanta hospital in Gurugram, Haryana, when his condition deteriorated. The cricketer-turned-politician passed away last week, after being put on life support for nearly 36 hours. 

Raising the issue in the Upper House of the Uttar Pradesh Legislature, SP MLC Sunil Singh Sajan said that Chauhan received poor treatment at the SGPGI.

“Once during a round, a doctor and a nurse asked who Chetan Chauhan is, to which the minister raised his hand since he was a simple person. He was asked as to when he got infected with the virus, to which he explained the entire matter to the hospital staff. At that time, another personnel asked Chauhan as to what he did for a living, to which he replied that he was a minister in the Yogi Adityanath-led UP government,” the SP leader was seen saying in a video that went viral on social media.

He was angered by the behaviour of the hospital staff with Chauhan, he added.“When I could not control my anger, I told the doctor that Chauhan had played cricket for India, to which the doctor said, ‘Oh, he is that Chetan’. After this, the doctor and the other staff left,” the SP leader said.

He also shared his own experience as a patient in the hospital, claiming that he went through five COVID tests just because of the carelessness and the inappropriate conduct of the staff.

In the end, Sajan decided to treat himself at home as per the government's standard instructions.

 

Young pilot death: DGCA seeks details fr…

11-04-2025

Sample Image

Following the death of an Air India Express pilot shortly after a flight, the DGCA has launched an investigation, seeking details about the medical assistance provided at Delhi Airport. Pilot...

Read more

'Will perform Nitish Kumar's political f…

11-04-2025

Sample Image

Prashant Kishore, Jan Suraaj boss, vowed to politically bury Bihar CM Nitish Kumar in the upcoming assembly elections. Addressing a rally in Patna, he accused the administration of obstructing supporters...

Read more

India's growing role as a hub for energy…

11-04-2025

Sample Image

India is emerging as a hub for energy GCCs, driven by renewable energy initiatives and significant offshoring opportunities. These GCCs, employing around 50,000 people, are expanding their focus to include...

Read more

'Appreciate counter-terrorism cooperatio…

11-04-2025

Sample Image

External affairs minister S Jaishankar lauded the counter-terrorism cooperation between India and the US following Tahawwur Rana's extradition, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. US Secretary of State...

Read more

Next stop, Delhi? What’s ahead for K Ann…

11-04-2025

Sample Image

As K. Annamalai steps down as Tamil Nadu BJP chief, speculation is rife about his next role. He might be appointed as a central minister in Delhi, given an organizational...

Read more

‘Trials started for airside baggage tran…

11-04-2025

Sample Image

Delhi Airport is trialing airside baggage transfers between T3 and T1 to ease connections, especially with increased traffic from Air India and IndiGo's expansions. International arriving passengers can soon drop...

Read more

'BJP takes pride in Tamil language, cult…

11-04-2025

Sample Image

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the DMK government, accusing them of using delimitation and the three-language policy to divert attention from key issues ahead of the Tamil Nadu elections.

Read more

'Squatted on track': Over 5,000 people o…

11-04-2025

Sample Image

Train services in West Bengal's Azimganj-New Farakka section were disrupted on April 11, 2025, as approximately 5,000 people blocked the railway track between Dhulianganga and Nimtita stations. The obstruction, stemming...

Read more

Dust is in the air: Strong storm in Delh…

11-04-2025

Sample Image

Delhi experienced a welcome temperature drop as dusty storms swept through the city for two consecutive days, causing some damage like fallen tree branches. The IMD had issued a yellow...

Read more

Doubling Gondia-Balharshah rail stretch:…

11-04-2025

Sample Image

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a Rs 4,819 crore project to double the Gondia-Balharshah railway line in Maharashtra, enhancing connectivity between North and South India. The project includes modernizing stations...

Read more

'Was most expected': DMK takes 'fell at …

11-04-2025

Sample Image

The DMK has criticized the AIADMK's reunion with the BJP, claiming it was driven by fear and pressure on Edappadi K Palaniswami. According to DMK, Palaniswami ultimately yielded to the...

Read more

'India-US could finalise partial bilater…

11-04-2025

Sample Image

India and the US are working towards finalizing a portion of their Bilateral Trade Agreement during the 90-day tariff pause initiated by the US. Negotiations have commenced, with both nations...

Read more

'My wish is Nitish be made deputy PM': I…

11-04-2025

Sample Image

Speculation is growing within Bihar's NDA alliance as the BJP may be considering a significant shift in leadership post-elections. The BJP might propose an "honourable exit" for Nitish Kumar, potentially...

Read more

Top 5 news of the day: AIADMK-BJP allian…

11-04-2025

Sample Image

AIADMK and BJP have solidified their alliance for the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections, with Amit Shah confirming the NDA will contest under PM Modi nationally and Edappadi K Palaniswami in...

Read more

Annamalai out, AIADMK in: How Nainar Nag…

11-04-2025

Sample Image

BJP and AIADMK have reunited for the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, with Amit Shah declaring the NDA will contest under Edappadi Palaniswami's leadership. Nainar Nagendran, formerly with AIADMK, is...

Read more

Together, with India, we've long sought …

11-04-2025

Sample Image

Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been extradited to India from the US to face charges for his involvement in the deadly attacks that...

Read more

 

 

Related items

  • Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Kumar Lallu detained yet again on way to meet deceased scribe’s family

    UPCC president Ajay Lallu, along with party workers, was detained in Rae Bareli on Tuesday while he was on his way to Ballia to meet the family of journalist Ratan Singh, who was shot dead on Monday

    Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) president Ajay Kumar Lallu, along with party workers, was detained in Rae Bareli on Tuesday while he was on his way to Ballia to meet the family of journalist Ratan Singh, who was shot dead on Monday night.

    The vehicles in which Lallu and other party workers were travelling were stopped by the police. After this, the Congress leaders began walking towards Ballia and were again detained in Salon by the police.This, according to Congress sources, is the 23rd time that Ajay Kumar Lallu has been prevented from reaching his destination by the state police. 

    Earlier this month, Lallu was detained while going to Bansgaon in Azamgarh to meet the family of a Dalit sarpanch who had been killed.In May this year, he was arrested in Agra and sent to jail for almost three weeks for 'misguiding the government on the issue of buses for migrants.'

     

    Young pilot death: DGCA seeks details fr…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Following the death of an Air India Express pilot shortly after a flight, the DGCA has launched an investigation, seeking details about the medical assistance provided at Delhi Airport. Pilot...

    Read more

    'Will perform Nitish Kumar's political f…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Prashant Kishore, Jan Suraaj boss, vowed to politically bury Bihar CM Nitish Kumar in the upcoming assembly elections. Addressing a rally in Patna, he accused the administration of obstructing supporters...

    Read more

    India's growing role as a hub for energy…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    India is emerging as a hub for energy GCCs, driven by renewable energy initiatives and significant offshoring opportunities. These GCCs, employing around 50,000 people, are expanding their focus to include...

    Read more

    'Appreciate counter-terrorism cooperatio…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    External affairs minister S Jaishankar lauded the counter-terrorism cooperation between India and the US following Tahawwur Rana's extradition, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. US Secretary of State...

    Read more

    Next stop, Delhi? What’s ahead for K Ann…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    As K. Annamalai steps down as Tamil Nadu BJP chief, speculation is rife about his next role. He might be appointed as a central minister in Delhi, given an organizational...

    Read more

    ‘Trials started for airside baggage tran…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Delhi Airport is trialing airside baggage transfers between T3 and T1 to ease connections, especially with increased traffic from Air India and IndiGo's expansions. International arriving passengers can soon drop...

    Read more

    'BJP takes pride in Tamil language, cult…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the DMK government, accusing them of using delimitation and the three-language policy to divert attention from key issues ahead of the Tamil Nadu elections.

    Read more

    'Squatted on track': Over 5,000 people o…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Train services in West Bengal's Azimganj-New Farakka section were disrupted on April 11, 2025, as approximately 5,000 people blocked the railway track between Dhulianganga and Nimtita stations. The obstruction, stemming...

    Read more

    Dust is in the air: Strong storm in Delh…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Delhi experienced a welcome temperature drop as dusty storms swept through the city for two consecutive days, causing some damage like fallen tree branches. The IMD had issued a yellow...

    Read more

    Doubling Gondia-Balharshah rail stretch:…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a Rs 4,819 crore project to double the Gondia-Balharshah railway line in Maharashtra, enhancing connectivity between North and South India. The project includes modernizing stations...

    Read more

    'Was most expected': DMK takes 'fell at …

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    The DMK has criticized the AIADMK's reunion with the BJP, claiming it was driven by fear and pressure on Edappadi K Palaniswami. According to DMK, Palaniswami ultimately yielded to the...

    Read more

    'India-US could finalise partial bilater…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    India and the US are working towards finalizing a portion of their Bilateral Trade Agreement during the 90-day tariff pause initiated by the US. Negotiations have commenced, with both nations...

    Read more

    'My wish is Nitish be made deputy PM': I…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Speculation is growing within Bihar's NDA alliance as the BJP may be considering a significant shift in leadership post-elections. The BJP might propose an "honourable exit" for Nitish Kumar, potentially...

    Read more

    Top 5 news of the day: AIADMK-BJP allian…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    AIADMK and BJP have solidified their alliance for the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections, with Amit Shah confirming the NDA will contest under PM Modi nationally and Edappadi K Palaniswami in...

    Read more

    Annamalai out, AIADMK in: How Nainar Nag…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    BJP and AIADMK have reunited for the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, with Amit Shah declaring the NDA will contest under Edappadi Palaniswami's leadership. Nainar Nagendran, formerly with AIADMK, is...

    Read more

    Together, with India, we've long sought …

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been extradited to India from the US to face charges for his involvement in the deadly attacks that...

    Read more

     

  • Cong Mulls Appointing 2 Vice-Prez to Assist Sonia Gandhi as Leaders Seek 'Active, Visible' Leadership

    For the past few days, a handful of Congress leaders have been preparing for the Congress Working Committee meeting.

    It’s to be a departure from recent past and instead of Zoom, it will now be using WebEx for video conferencing the meet to tide over the fear of hacking. The last time Sonia Gandhi met Rajya Sabha MPs, the incident left a bad experience. So this time, the Congress is taking no chances and the ID for the meeting will be given to the participants just before it begins.

    Ironically, the fear of leak or hacking is not from China, Pakistan or even the BJP. It’s from within the party as the Congress faces a crisis of leadership and voices that were silent or reticent till now have started becoming vocal. At such a time, the last thing the top Congress leadership would want is for their internal strife to be made public.

    However, the change in the means of conducting the meeting cannot put a lid on the crisis that the CWC could address. The biggest problem remains that of leadership. Most leaders in private and, some publicly, have complained that Congress has lost its steam; that it cannot fight the Modi juggernaut and the listlessness means soon Congress could be eased out of the national narrative. Apart from many leaving the party, those who stayed behind and are with the Congress often wonder what’s happening.

    Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari and Rajiv Satav are a few who have raised their voice against this.

    The problem before Sonia Gandhi remains the reluctance of Rahul Gandhi to take charge. When recently, a year-old interview of Priyanka Vadra to a book surfaced in which she said she agreed with her brother on a non-Gandhi Congress president, there were alarm bells in the party. The Congress officially made a statement to say the old interview was being used to push an agenda and party workers and leaders accept Rahul Gandhi as their leader.

    At the CWC, it’s quite possible more voices may come up asking for Rahul Gandhi to take charge as it’s clear that Sonia Gandhi wants to hand over the reins. But what if he remains adamant? There is a proposal in place which could be implemented.

    There could be appointment of more than two vice-presidents to assist Sonia Gandhi. This is to address the concern that Congress needs a full-time president. But such an appointment could also ensure that Gandhis remain in control and the party continues to be headed by one of them, in this case Sonia Gandhi. Names which are doing the rounds are of Ghulam Nabi Azad, P Chidambaram and Mallikarjun Kharge, but it’s quite possible that young leaders could be propped up.

    This apart, many new faces could be brought in for key posts and most of them are perceived to be close to Rahul Gandhi. Sushmita Dev and Manickam Tagore are some names doing the rounds.

    It would also be interesting to see whether Sachin Pilot is brought to the centre. While Pilot has made it clear that he sees Rajasthan as his ‘karam bhumi’ and CM Ashok Gehlot doesn’t want to leave the state yet, the Congress leadership could bring in Pilot to buy time till the committee submits its report.

    The caveat for all this is, of course, that the Congress needs to have the urge to solve this turmoil. For now, the restlessness becomes tough to ignore. Some like Jitin Prasada have formed a Brahmin Samaj and this is to capitalise on the 12% Brahmin vote bank which his party doesn’t seem to be concentrating on. Clearly, he wants to ensure that his politics stays alive.

    Few others who don’t want to leave the Congress are looking at ways to stay relevant. But the list of disillusioned leaders is long and growing, and many of these have at one point been influential or important in the scheme of things such as Milind Deora, Veerappa Moily, Anand Sharma, Ashwini Kumar, Salman Khurshid.

    Some chose to leave the party, like Jyotiraditya Scindia, some fought back and continue to do so like Sachin Pilot. But as new leaders are being propped up and Rahul Gandhi has his favourites, many feel left out and yet, want to stay in the party. The CWC brings some hope to them that things could change. But will the Congress and CWC once again shy away from taking a decision?

     

    Young pilot death: DGCA seeks details fr…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Following the death of an Air India Express pilot shortly after a flight, the DGCA has launched an investigation, seeking details about the medical assistance provided at Delhi Airport. Pilot...

    Read more

    'Will perform Nitish Kumar's political f…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Prashant Kishore, Jan Suraaj boss, vowed to politically bury Bihar CM Nitish Kumar in the upcoming assembly elections. Addressing a rally in Patna, he accused the administration of obstructing supporters...

    Read more

    India's growing role as a hub for energy…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    India is emerging as a hub for energy GCCs, driven by renewable energy initiatives and significant offshoring opportunities. These GCCs, employing around 50,000 people, are expanding their focus to include...

    Read more

    'Appreciate counter-terrorism cooperatio…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    External affairs minister S Jaishankar lauded the counter-terrorism cooperation between India and the US following Tahawwur Rana's extradition, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. US Secretary of State...

    Read more

    Next stop, Delhi? What’s ahead for K Ann…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    As K. Annamalai steps down as Tamil Nadu BJP chief, speculation is rife about his next role. He might be appointed as a central minister in Delhi, given an organizational...

    Read more

    ‘Trials started for airside baggage tran…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Delhi Airport is trialing airside baggage transfers between T3 and T1 to ease connections, especially with increased traffic from Air India and IndiGo's expansions. International arriving passengers can soon drop...

    Read more

    'BJP takes pride in Tamil language, cult…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the DMK government, accusing them of using delimitation and the three-language policy to divert attention from key issues ahead of the Tamil Nadu elections.

    Read more

    'Squatted on track': Over 5,000 people o…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Train services in West Bengal's Azimganj-New Farakka section were disrupted on April 11, 2025, as approximately 5,000 people blocked the railway track between Dhulianganga and Nimtita stations. The obstruction, stemming...

    Read more

    Dust is in the air: Strong storm in Delh…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Delhi experienced a welcome temperature drop as dusty storms swept through the city for two consecutive days, causing some damage like fallen tree branches. The IMD had issued a yellow...

    Read more

    Doubling Gondia-Balharshah rail stretch:…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a Rs 4,819 crore project to double the Gondia-Balharshah railway line in Maharashtra, enhancing connectivity between North and South India. The project includes modernizing stations...

    Read more

    'Was most expected': DMK takes 'fell at …

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    The DMK has criticized the AIADMK's reunion with the BJP, claiming it was driven by fear and pressure on Edappadi K Palaniswami. According to DMK, Palaniswami ultimately yielded to the...

    Read more

    'India-US could finalise partial bilater…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    India and the US are working towards finalizing a portion of their Bilateral Trade Agreement during the 90-day tariff pause initiated by the US. Negotiations have commenced, with both nations...

    Read more

    'My wish is Nitish be made deputy PM': I…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Speculation is growing within Bihar's NDA alliance as the BJP may be considering a significant shift in leadership post-elections. The BJP might propose an "honourable exit" for Nitish Kumar, potentially...

    Read more

    Top 5 news of the day: AIADMK-BJP allian…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    AIADMK and BJP have solidified their alliance for the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections, with Amit Shah confirming the NDA will contest under PM Modi nationally and Edappadi K Palaniswami in...

    Read more

    Annamalai out, AIADMK in: How Nainar Nag…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    BJP and AIADMK have reunited for the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, with Amit Shah declaring the NDA will contest under Edappadi Palaniswami's leadership. Nainar Nagendran, formerly with AIADMK, is...

    Read more

    Together, with India, we've long sought …

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been extradited to India from the US to face charges for his involvement in the deadly attacks that...

    Read more
  • Who Will be Next Congress President? Reports of 'Sonia Gandhi Resigning False', Says Randeep Surjewala

    New Delhi, August 23: Congress' national spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala dismissed the reports which claimed on Sunday that Sonia Gandhi would step down from her position of party president.

    The seniormost Gandhi family member was appointed at the helm n August last year, after her son Rahul Gandhi had stepped down following the humiliating defeat in 2019 general elections.

    "Reports of Sonia Gandhi resigning from the post of Congress interim president are false," said Surjewala, whose statement is considered as the official word of the party. Congress President Row: Veterans Back Sonia Gandhi, Ashok Gehlot Says Letter of Dissent 'Unbelievable'.

    Surjewala's clarification came amid reports claiming that Gandhi has replied to a letter of dissent sent to her by around 23 seniormost party leaders. The dissenters have sought a complete overhaul of the party structure to re-energise the cadres and end the spree of poll defeats. Gandhi, in her reply, reportedly asked them to "get together and elect a new president".

    Update by ANI 

    Who Will be Next Congress President?

    While a section of party old guard including Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot have led their weight behind Sonia Gandhi, a number of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chiefs have demanded the return of Rahul Gandhi to the helm.

    Sonia, 73, was given a one-year interim role as party chief last year after no one came forth to claim the presidency following her son's exit. The Congress Working Committee (CWC), which is scheduled to convene tomorrow for a top-level meeting, will take a final call on the next leader, reports said.

     

     

    Young pilot death: DGCA seeks details fr…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Following the death of an Air India Express pilot shortly after a flight, the DGCA has launched an investigation, seeking details about the medical assistance provided at Delhi Airport. Pilot...

    Read more

    'Will perform Nitish Kumar's political f…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Prashant Kishore, Jan Suraaj boss, vowed to politically bury Bihar CM Nitish Kumar in the upcoming assembly elections. Addressing a rally in Patna, he accused the administration of obstructing supporters...

    Read more

    India's growing role as a hub for energy…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    India is emerging as a hub for energy GCCs, driven by renewable energy initiatives and significant offshoring opportunities. These GCCs, employing around 50,000 people, are expanding their focus to include...

    Read more

    'Appreciate counter-terrorism cooperatio…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    External affairs minister S Jaishankar lauded the counter-terrorism cooperation between India and the US following Tahawwur Rana's extradition, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. US Secretary of State...

    Read more

    Next stop, Delhi? What’s ahead for K Ann…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    As K. Annamalai steps down as Tamil Nadu BJP chief, speculation is rife about his next role. He might be appointed as a central minister in Delhi, given an organizational...

    Read more

    ‘Trials started for airside baggage tran…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Delhi Airport is trialing airside baggage transfers between T3 and T1 to ease connections, especially with increased traffic from Air India and IndiGo's expansions. International arriving passengers can soon drop...

    Read more

    'BJP takes pride in Tamil language, cult…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the DMK government, accusing them of using delimitation and the three-language policy to divert attention from key issues ahead of the Tamil Nadu elections.

    Read more

    'Squatted on track': Over 5,000 people o…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Train services in West Bengal's Azimganj-New Farakka section were disrupted on April 11, 2025, as approximately 5,000 people blocked the railway track between Dhulianganga and Nimtita stations. The obstruction, stemming...

    Read more

    Dust is in the air: Strong storm in Delh…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Delhi experienced a welcome temperature drop as dusty storms swept through the city for two consecutive days, causing some damage like fallen tree branches. The IMD had issued a yellow...

    Read more

    Doubling Gondia-Balharshah rail stretch:…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a Rs 4,819 crore project to double the Gondia-Balharshah railway line in Maharashtra, enhancing connectivity between North and South India. The project includes modernizing stations...

    Read more

    'Was most expected': DMK takes 'fell at …

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    The DMK has criticized the AIADMK's reunion with the BJP, claiming it was driven by fear and pressure on Edappadi K Palaniswami. According to DMK, Palaniswami ultimately yielded to the...

    Read more

    'India-US could finalise partial bilater…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    India and the US are working towards finalizing a portion of their Bilateral Trade Agreement during the 90-day tariff pause initiated by the US. Negotiations have commenced, with both nations...

    Read more

    'My wish is Nitish be made deputy PM': I…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Speculation is growing within Bihar's NDA alliance as the BJP may be considering a significant shift in leadership post-elections. The BJP might propose an "honourable exit" for Nitish Kumar, potentially...

    Read more

    Top 5 news of the day: AIADMK-BJP allian…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    AIADMK and BJP have solidified their alliance for the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections, with Amit Shah confirming the NDA will contest under PM Modi nationally and Edappadi K Palaniswami in...

    Read more

    Annamalai out, AIADMK in: How Nainar Nag…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    BJP and AIADMK have reunited for the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, with Amit Shah declaring the NDA will contest under Edappadi Palaniswami's leadership. Nainar Nagendran, formerly with AIADMK, is...

    Read more

    Together, with India, we've long sought …

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been extradited to India from the US to face charges for his involvement in the deadly attacks that...

    Read more
  • No Pilots For Rafale Jets – Why Is The Indian Air Force Facing An Acute Shortage Of Trained Pilots?

    As India is in the process of overhauling its airforce with the latest Rafale jets and additional MiG-29 and SU-30 MKIs, an RTI (Request To Information) filed by India Today

     reveals that in that last 10 years, 798 Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots have resigned and 289 of these pilots were given No-objection Certificates (NOC) to fly private airlines.

    New Delhi has been upgrading the military equipment and even purchasing modern combat aircraft to strengthen the IAF. The newly acquired Rafale jets are ready to be inducted in a high profile ceremony in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French defense minister Florence Parly at the air force station in Ambala where the first five aircraft have been stationed. 

    However, in 2016 and 2017, IAF saw the worst years when 100 and 114 pilots respectively quit the IAF. In 2015, only 37 pilots had quit before superannuation. With an average of 80 pilots quitting the IAF every year, it could be facing an acute shortage of pilots.On February 1, 2018, the government informed the Rajya Sabha that the IAF had 3,855 pilots against a sanctioned strength of 4,231. There was a shortage of 376 pilots which reflects poorly on the preparedness of the IAF. 

    Of the pilots that quit, more than one-third of them received the NOC to fly private airlines. As per reports, a middle rung pilot earns up to Rs 2 lakh ($2700) in salary per month and can get four times the amount flying with a private airline.Most pilots quit after 20 years of service which makes them eligible for a pension.

    “The IAF way of life is very good and apart from the salary, there are several intangible benefits. But my workload is far less as a private airlines pilot and there’s nothing to complain about the remuneration. As captain, I am responsible for everything after the aircraft door closes and once it opens, my job is over,” said an IAF officer who recently quit service and took up a job in a private airline and didn’t wish to be named.

    HT reported in February this year, that IAF is working on measures to prevent its pilots from leaving the service and joining private airlines that offer better salaries and perquisites. Even though the report didn’t mention any specific measure, it said that they will be made shortly, and could involve cooling-off periods and changes in pension plans.

    File:Indian Air Force Ilyushin Il-78MKI.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

    The RTI also asked about if such changes are being introduced. “Has the Indian Air Force evolved or is working on any policy to stop their pilots from quitting and joining private airlines. If yes, what is that?” In response to the query in the RTI, IAF said that there exists no such plans or policies. 

    Experts have said that it is important for the IAF to retain its pilots. “A pilot gets into operational flying after training for almost 250 to 300 hours in different aircraft. That costs a lot of money. You cannot afford to let trained people go. Other global air forces are also struggling with the same issues,” said Air Marshal KK Nohwar (retd), director-general, Centre for Air Power Studies.

     

     

    Judge rules Columbia University activist…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    An immigration judge in Louisiana has ruled that Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder, can be deported as a national security risk. ​The Lousiana federal court's ruling...

    Read more

    US reports 17% increase in measles cases…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    The United States is grappling with a significant measles outbreak, reporting a 17% increase in cases in the past week, with active infections reaching 712 across 24 states. Texas is...

    Read more

    Marjorie Taylor Greene accused of 'insid…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene faces insider trading accusations after significant stock purchases in Dell, Amazon, and Lululemon during a market downturn caused by tariff concerns. Her investments rebounded following Donald...

    Read more

    'Very exciting for America, world': Trum…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Donald Trump touted the success of his tariff policy, despite a weakening US dollar and concerns about inflation. Recent data indicates a slowdown in consumer price increases. However, China has...

    Read more

    Agustin Escobar, family boarded doomed N…

    11-04-2025

    Sample Image

    Agustin Escober, a Siemens executive, his wife, and their three children tragically died in a helicopter crash in the Hudson River during a celebratory tour of New York City. The...

    Read more
  • Turkey Signs Another Contract With Russia For S-400 Missile Defense Systems

    Turkey has again signed a contract with Russia to acquire additional S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Moscow, the Russian news agency TASS reported.

    This would be a second deal between Moscow and Ankara for the S-400 missile systems. Turkey has already received two batteries of the S-400s worth $2.5 billion, a deal which was inked in April 2017.

    Speaking to reporters, the Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport chief Alexander Mikheyev said “The contract has been signed”, and stated that the parties shall now discuss the financial terms of the contract.

    He further said that the timeframe of implementing the contract would depend “on our partners’ readiness to finally resolve the procedural issues with the financing of this project”.

    Turkey, being the first NATO member country to have received the S-400 air defense system, has damaged its reputation among NATO members and severely strained ties with Washington.

    Due to the deal, Washington kicked-out Turkey out from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program – which means it won’t be getting any American 5th generation fighters and could instead look at Russian Su-35 jets.Instead of trying to resolve matters with the United States, Erdogan has pushed forward for a second deal for the S-400.

    Past talks between Turkey and the U.S. on the acquisition of the Patriot air defense system had fallen over a large group of issues, from the accessibility of S-400s to Ankara’s disappointment with Washington’s terms and conditions.Turkey has said it will possibly consent to an offer if it incorporates terms for indigenous production and transfer of technology.

    Ankara has more than once emphasized that it was the U.S.’ refusal to sell it Patriots that drove it to search out different vendors, adding that Russia offered a superior deal, including the transfer of technology.  Turkey even proposed setting up a commission to explain any specialized issues, yet the U.S. has so far not reacted to this proposition.According to TASS, the S-400 ‘Triumf’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia in 2007. It is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise, and ballistic missiles, including medium-range weapons, and can also be used against ground installations. The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km.

     

Headlines

Live Cricket:

Priyanka Gandhi:

YouTubeBox _A

NRI News:

Currency Rates

YouTubeBox _K

World COVID-19

Poll:

Who will win 2024 General Election in India?