Google Search for Web:

National Political News:

Kajal Agrawal

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

  23 अगस्त 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.

 

Top 5 news of the day: Violent protests …

08-06-2025

Sample Image

Manipur is facing renewed unrest following the arrest of a key Meitei leader, leading to violent protests and internet shutdowns. Chirag Paswan has confirmed his candidacy for the Bihar assembly...

Read more

'I will contest Bihar polls': Union Mini…

08-06-2025

Sample Image

Chirag Paswan announced his decision to contest the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, emphasizing his commitment to fulfilling his father's vision and prioritizing the state's development. He stated that the people...

Read more

Telangana cabinet expansion: CM Revanth …

08-06-2025

Sample Image

Telangana's Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expanded his cabinet with the induction of three Congress MLAs: G Vivek Venkata Swamy, Adluri Laxman Kumar, and Vakiti Srihari. The appointments, aimed at reinforcing...

Read more

Manipur violence: Congress targets PM Mo…

08-06-2025

Sample Image

Following renewed violence in Manipur after the arrest of a Meitei leader, Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, have strongly criticized the BJP government and PM Modi's handling of the...

Read more

‘They look for excuses’: Chirag Paswan s…

08-06-2025

Sample Image

Union Minister Chirag Paswan asserts that Rahul Gandhi's criticism of the Election Commission of India (ECI) indicates an acceptance of defeat in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Paswan accuses Gandhi...

Read more

Cash haul row: Justice Yashwant Varma le…

08-06-2025

Sample Image

Justice Yashwant Varma of Allahabad High Court is facing potential impeachment during the Monsoon session due to a corruption case. A fire at his residence uncovered unaccounted cash, leading to...

Read more

16 arrested, multiple illegal slaughter …

08-06-2025

Sample Image

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma voiced strong concerns over reports of illegal cattle slaughter during Eid-ul-Zuha celebrations, warning of strict action against violators regardless of their background. Multiple cases...

Read more

Covid-19 in India: Active coronavirus ca…

08-06-2025

Sample Image

India's active Covid-19 cases have surpassed 6,000, with six deaths reported in the last 24 hours. Kerala is the most affected state, followed by Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi. While...

Read more

IndiGo plane safely rejects take off at …

08-06-2025

Sample Image

An IndiGo Airbus A320ceo experienced an engine failure during takeoff in Kolkata, prompting a safe rejected takeoff. The DGCA is investigating the incident involving the 11-year-old aircraft. Due to global...

Read more

'BJP IT cell knows election dates before…

08-06-2025

Sample Image

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has accused the BJP-led central government of hijacking constitutional institutions since 2014, echoing Rahul Gandhi's concerns about the Election Commission. Yadav referenced the 2020 Bihar elections...

Read more

'11 years and no press conference': Cong…

08-06-2025

Sample Image

Congress leader Pawan Khera has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting his tenure is nearing its end and highlighting perceived failures in governance and international relations. Khera pointed to...

Read more

Women-led development journey under PM M…

08-06-2025

Sample Image

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday said that we are celebrating 11YearsOfSashaktNari--a transformative journey that has empowered crores of daughters, sisters, and mothers across the country, elevating them...

Read more

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath conduct…

08-06-2025

Sample Image

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted a high-level review of the State Tax Department in Lucknow and directed the officials to adopt the policy of transparency, technical efficiency and...

Read more

'Literally what we were placing order fo…

07-06-2025

Sample Image

A Theobroma outlet in Mumbai faced criticism after a customer shared a video of a cockroach on paneer rolls. The incident sparked numerous complaints online regarding hygiene standards at various...

Read more

Morning news wrap: Manipur cuts internet…

07-06-2025

Sample Image

Tensions escalate globally as the US grapples with immigration protests, leading to federal troop deployment in Los Angeles. Simultaneously, a Colombian presidential candidate was shot, and al-Qaeda threatened Trump and...

Read more

Security tightened at Amarnath Yatra: Su…

07-06-2025

Sample Image

Heightened security measures, including surveillance drones and increased CRPF deployment, will safeguard the Amarnath Yatra following a recent terrorist attack. The 38-day pilgrimage will see stringent protocols like road opening...

Read more

Amit Shah honours police team that scalp…

07-06-2025

Sample Image

Amit Shah felicitated Chhattisgarh Police officers for their pivotal role in anti-Naxal operations in Bijapur and Narayanpur, which resulted in the elimination of top CPI(Maoist) leader Basavaraju and 57 others...

Read more

Chenab river link: Besides engineering c…

07-06-2025

Sample Image

The construction of the world's highest cable-supported single-arch bridge on the Chenab River faced significant hurdles, including a series of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed in courts since 2008-09. These...

Read more

Rahul's claims absurd, bring into disrep…

07-06-2025

Sample Image

Election Commission officials have strongly refuted Rahul Gandhi's claims of "fixing" the Maharashtra polls, dismissing them as absurd and disrespectful to the electoral process. The EC emphasized the transparency of...

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.'

     

    Top 5 news of the day: Violent protests …

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Manipur is facing renewed unrest following the arrest of a key Meitei leader, leading to violent protests and internet shutdowns. Chirag Paswan has confirmed his candidacy for the Bihar assembly...

    Read more

    'I will contest Bihar polls': Union Mini…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Chirag Paswan announced his decision to contest the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, emphasizing his commitment to fulfilling his father's vision and prioritizing the state's development. He stated that the people...

    Read more

    Telangana cabinet expansion: CM Revanth …

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Telangana's Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expanded his cabinet with the induction of three Congress MLAs: G Vivek Venkata Swamy, Adluri Laxman Kumar, and Vakiti Srihari. The appointments, aimed at reinforcing...

    Read more

    Manipur violence: Congress targets PM Mo…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Following renewed violence in Manipur after the arrest of a Meitei leader, Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, have strongly criticized the BJP government and PM Modi's handling of the...

    Read more

    ‘They look for excuses’: Chirag Paswan s…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Union Minister Chirag Paswan asserts that Rahul Gandhi's criticism of the Election Commission of India (ECI) indicates an acceptance of defeat in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Paswan accuses Gandhi...

    Read more

    Cash haul row: Justice Yashwant Varma le…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Justice Yashwant Varma of Allahabad High Court is facing potential impeachment during the Monsoon session due to a corruption case. A fire at his residence uncovered unaccounted cash, leading to...

    Read more

    16 arrested, multiple illegal slaughter …

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma voiced strong concerns over reports of illegal cattle slaughter during Eid-ul-Zuha celebrations, warning of strict action against violators regardless of their background. Multiple cases...

    Read more

    Covid-19 in India: Active coronavirus ca…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    India's active Covid-19 cases have surpassed 6,000, with six deaths reported in the last 24 hours. Kerala is the most affected state, followed by Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi. While...

    Read more

    IndiGo plane safely rejects take off at …

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    An IndiGo Airbus A320ceo experienced an engine failure during takeoff in Kolkata, prompting a safe rejected takeoff. The DGCA is investigating the incident involving the 11-year-old aircraft. Due to global...

    Read more

    'BJP IT cell knows election dates before…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has accused the BJP-led central government of hijacking constitutional institutions since 2014, echoing Rahul Gandhi's concerns about the Election Commission. Yadav referenced the 2020 Bihar elections...

    Read more

    '11 years and no press conference': Cong…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Congress leader Pawan Khera has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting his tenure is nearing its end and highlighting perceived failures in governance and international relations. Khera pointed to...

    Read more

    Women-led development journey under PM M…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday said that we are celebrating 11YearsOfSashaktNari--a transformative journey that has empowered crores of daughters, sisters, and mothers across the country, elevating them...

    Read more

    Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath conduct…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted a high-level review of the State Tax Department in Lucknow and directed the officials to adopt the policy of transparency, technical efficiency and...

    Read more

    'Literally what we were placing order fo…

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    A Theobroma outlet in Mumbai faced criticism after a customer shared a video of a cockroach on paneer rolls. The incident sparked numerous complaints online regarding hygiene standards at various...

    Read more

    Morning news wrap: Manipur cuts internet…

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Tensions escalate globally as the US grapples with immigration protests, leading to federal troop deployment in Los Angeles. Simultaneously, a Colombian presidential candidate was shot, and al-Qaeda threatened Trump and...

    Read more

    Security tightened at Amarnath Yatra: Su…

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Heightened security measures, including surveillance drones and increased CRPF deployment, will safeguard the Amarnath Yatra following a recent terrorist attack. The 38-day pilgrimage will see stringent protocols like road opening...

    Read more

    Amit Shah honours police team that scalp…

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Amit Shah felicitated Chhattisgarh Police officers for their pivotal role in anti-Naxal operations in Bijapur and Narayanpur, which resulted in the elimination of top CPI(Maoist) leader Basavaraju and 57 others...

    Read more

    Chenab river link: Besides engineering c…

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    The construction of the world's highest cable-supported single-arch bridge on the Chenab River faced significant hurdles, including a series of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed in courts since 2008-09. These...

    Read more

    Rahul's claims absurd, bring into disrep…

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Election Commission officials have strongly refuted Rahul Gandhi's claims of "fixing" the Maharashtra polls, dismissing them as absurd and disrespectful to the electoral process. The EC emphasized the transparency of...

    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?

     

    Top 5 news of the day: Violent protests …

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Manipur is facing renewed unrest following the arrest of a key Meitei leader, leading to violent protests and internet shutdowns. Chirag Paswan has confirmed his candidacy for the Bihar assembly...

    Read more

    'I will contest Bihar polls': Union Mini…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Chirag Paswan announced his decision to contest the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, emphasizing his commitment to fulfilling his father's vision and prioritizing the state's development. He stated that the people...

    Read more

    Telangana cabinet expansion: CM Revanth …

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Telangana's Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expanded his cabinet with the induction of three Congress MLAs: G Vivek Venkata Swamy, Adluri Laxman Kumar, and Vakiti Srihari. The appointments, aimed at reinforcing...

    Read more

    Manipur violence: Congress targets PM Mo…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Following renewed violence in Manipur after the arrest of a Meitei leader, Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, have strongly criticized the BJP government and PM Modi's handling of the...

    Read more

    ‘They look for excuses’: Chirag Paswan s…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Union Minister Chirag Paswan asserts that Rahul Gandhi's criticism of the Election Commission of India (ECI) indicates an acceptance of defeat in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Paswan accuses Gandhi...

    Read more

    Cash haul row: Justice Yashwant Varma le…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Justice Yashwant Varma of Allahabad High Court is facing potential impeachment during the Monsoon session due to a corruption case. A fire at his residence uncovered unaccounted cash, leading to...

    Read more

    16 arrested, multiple illegal slaughter …

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma voiced strong concerns over reports of illegal cattle slaughter during Eid-ul-Zuha celebrations, warning of strict action against violators regardless of their background. Multiple cases...

    Read more

    Covid-19 in India: Active coronavirus ca…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    India's active Covid-19 cases have surpassed 6,000, with six deaths reported in the last 24 hours. Kerala is the most affected state, followed by Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi. While...

    Read more

    IndiGo plane safely rejects take off at …

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    An IndiGo Airbus A320ceo experienced an engine failure during takeoff in Kolkata, prompting a safe rejected takeoff. The DGCA is investigating the incident involving the 11-year-old aircraft. Due to global...

    Read more

    'BJP IT cell knows election dates before…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has accused the BJP-led central government of hijacking constitutional institutions since 2014, echoing Rahul Gandhi's concerns about the Election Commission. Yadav referenced the 2020 Bihar elections...

    Read more

    '11 years and no press conference': Cong…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Congress leader Pawan Khera has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting his tenure is nearing its end and highlighting perceived failures in governance and international relations. Khera pointed to...

    Read more

    Women-led development journey under PM M…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday said that we are celebrating 11YearsOfSashaktNari--a transformative journey that has empowered crores of daughters, sisters, and mothers across the country, elevating them...

    Read more

    Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath conduct…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted a high-level review of the State Tax Department in Lucknow and directed the officials to adopt the policy of transparency, technical efficiency and...

    Read more

    'Literally what we were placing order fo…

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    A Theobroma outlet in Mumbai faced criticism after a customer shared a video of a cockroach on paneer rolls. The incident sparked numerous complaints online regarding hygiene standards at various...

    Read more

    Morning news wrap: Manipur cuts internet…

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Tensions escalate globally as the US grapples with immigration protests, leading to federal troop deployment in Los Angeles. Simultaneously, a Colombian presidential candidate was shot, and al-Qaeda threatened Trump and...

    Read more

    Security tightened at Amarnath Yatra: Su…

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Heightened security measures, including surveillance drones and increased CRPF deployment, will safeguard the Amarnath Yatra following a recent terrorist attack. The 38-day pilgrimage will see stringent protocols like road opening...

    Read more

    Amit Shah honours police team that scalp…

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Amit Shah felicitated Chhattisgarh Police officers for their pivotal role in anti-Naxal operations in Bijapur and Narayanpur, which resulted in the elimination of top CPI(Maoist) leader Basavaraju and 57 others...

    Read more

    Chenab river link: Besides engineering c…

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    The construction of the world's highest cable-supported single-arch bridge on the Chenab River faced significant hurdles, including a series of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed in courts since 2008-09. These...

    Read more

    Rahul's claims absurd, bring into disrep…

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Election Commission officials have strongly refuted Rahul Gandhi's claims of "fixing" the Maharashtra polls, dismissing them as absurd and disrespectful to the electoral process. The EC emphasized the transparency of...

    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.

     

     

    Top 5 news of the day: Violent protests …

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Manipur is facing renewed unrest following the arrest of a key Meitei leader, leading to violent protests and internet shutdowns. Chirag Paswan has confirmed his candidacy for the Bihar assembly...

    Read more

    'I will contest Bihar polls': Union Mini…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Chirag Paswan announced his decision to contest the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, emphasizing his commitment to fulfilling his father's vision and prioritizing the state's development. He stated that the people...

    Read more

    Telangana cabinet expansion: CM Revanth …

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Telangana's Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expanded his cabinet with the induction of three Congress MLAs: G Vivek Venkata Swamy, Adluri Laxman Kumar, and Vakiti Srihari. The appointments, aimed at reinforcing...

    Read more

    Manipur violence: Congress targets PM Mo…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Following renewed violence in Manipur after the arrest of a Meitei leader, Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, have strongly criticized the BJP government and PM Modi's handling of the...

    Read more

    ‘They look for excuses’: Chirag Paswan s…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Union Minister Chirag Paswan asserts that Rahul Gandhi's criticism of the Election Commission of India (ECI) indicates an acceptance of defeat in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Paswan accuses Gandhi...

    Read more

    Cash haul row: Justice Yashwant Varma le…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Justice Yashwant Varma of Allahabad High Court is facing potential impeachment during the Monsoon session due to a corruption case. A fire at his residence uncovered unaccounted cash, leading to...

    Read more

    16 arrested, multiple illegal slaughter …

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma voiced strong concerns over reports of illegal cattle slaughter during Eid-ul-Zuha celebrations, warning of strict action against violators regardless of their background. Multiple cases...

    Read more

    Covid-19 in India: Active coronavirus ca…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    India's active Covid-19 cases have surpassed 6,000, with six deaths reported in the last 24 hours. Kerala is the most affected state, followed by Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi. While...

    Read more

    IndiGo plane safely rejects take off at …

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    An IndiGo Airbus A320ceo experienced an engine failure during takeoff in Kolkata, prompting a safe rejected takeoff. The DGCA is investigating the incident involving the 11-year-old aircraft. Due to global...

    Read more

    'BJP IT cell knows election dates before…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has accused the BJP-led central government of hijacking constitutional institutions since 2014, echoing Rahul Gandhi's concerns about the Election Commission. Yadav referenced the 2020 Bihar elections...

    Read more

    '11 years and no press conference': Cong…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Congress leader Pawan Khera has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting his tenure is nearing its end and highlighting perceived failures in governance and international relations. Khera pointed to...

    Read more

    Women-led development journey under PM M…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday said that we are celebrating 11YearsOfSashaktNari--a transformative journey that has empowered crores of daughters, sisters, and mothers across the country, elevating them...

    Read more

    Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath conduct…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted a high-level review of the State Tax Department in Lucknow and directed the officials to adopt the policy of transparency, technical efficiency and...

    Read more

    'Literally what we were placing order fo…

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    A Theobroma outlet in Mumbai faced criticism after a customer shared a video of a cockroach on paneer rolls. The incident sparked numerous complaints online regarding hygiene standards at various...

    Read more

    Morning news wrap: Manipur cuts internet…

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Tensions escalate globally as the US grapples with immigration protests, leading to federal troop deployment in Los Angeles. Simultaneously, a Colombian presidential candidate was shot, and al-Qaeda threatened Trump and...

    Read more

    Security tightened at Amarnath Yatra: Su…

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Heightened security measures, including surveillance drones and increased CRPF deployment, will safeguard the Amarnath Yatra following a recent terrorist attack. The 38-day pilgrimage will see stringent protocols like road opening...

    Read more

    Amit Shah honours police team that scalp…

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Amit Shah felicitated Chhattisgarh Police officers for their pivotal role in anti-Naxal operations in Bijapur and Narayanpur, which resulted in the elimination of top CPI(Maoist) leader Basavaraju and 57 others...

    Read more

    Chenab river link: Besides engineering c…

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    The construction of the world's highest cable-supported single-arch bridge on the Chenab River faced significant hurdles, including a series of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed in courts since 2008-09. These...

    Read more

    Rahul's claims absurd, bring into disrep…

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Election Commission officials have strongly refuted Rahul Gandhi's claims of "fixing" the Maharashtra polls, dismissing them as absurd and disrespectful to the electoral process. The EC emphasized the transparency of...

    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.

     

     

    Nepal’s new NOC rule for UAE travellers:…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Recent changes in Nepal’s travel regulations have caught many Indian expats in the UAE by surprise, leading to unexpected challenges and additional expenses. Travellers are urged to stay informed about...

    Read more

    'Isolated event': US ambassador dismisse…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra defends US border practices amid Canadian concerns, dismissing Ottawa's travel warning about potential phone searches and detentions as isolated incidents. Despite reports of increased scrutiny and...

    Read more

    'Corrupt and politically motivated': Tru…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Five Proud Boys leaders, recently pardoned by Donald Trump, are suing the US government for $100 million. They allege their constitutional rights were violated during prosecution for the January 6th...

    Read more

    'Turn back': Israel orders military to b…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Greta Thunberg and other activists are sailing to Gaza with aid, but Israel has vowed to prevent their entry, citing the need to maintain its naval blockade against Hamas. The...

    Read more

    Trump vs Musk: Nasa, Pentagon rattled by…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Following a public dispute between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, NASA and the Pentagon are exploring alternative spaceflight providers. Musk's threat to halt SpaceX flights, including those to the ISS...

    Read more

    ‘Hit a cop, you’re going to jail’: FBI c…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    FBI Director Kash Patel issued a stern warning amidst immigration protest clashes in Paramount, California. He declared that assaulting law enforcement, including federal agents, would result in imprisonment, regardless of...

    Read more

    'It made us all jump': Lightning hits Ca…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    A Southern California family experienced a terrifying moment when lightning struck a nearby house while they were filming a storm. Tiffanie Buckner was recording the approaching dark clouds when a...

    Read more

    'Great job': Trump hails National Guard …

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Donald Trump praised the National Guard's role in handling Los Angeles immigration protests, claiming he federalized them due to local authorities' inability to manage the situation. However, mayor Karen Bass...

    Read more

    UAE entrepreneur develops energy drinks …

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Emirati innovator Noora Al Mazroui is transforming date pits, a seemingly useless byproduct, into a diverse product line. From pastries and energy drinks to cosmetics, she's proving that every part...

    Read more

    Israel-Gaza conflict: Thai hostage Natta…

    08-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Israel announced the recovery of the body of Nattapong Pinta, a Thai hostage abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 attack. The remains were found in Rafah during...

    Read more

    What is Palantir? Secretive data firm wi…

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Donald Trump's executive order promoting federal data sharing has raised concerns about potential mass surveillance. Palantir, a data analytics firm with ties to the CIA and ICE, is in talks...

    Read more

    'If Newsom can't act, federal govt will…

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Federal immigration raids in Los Angeles ignited a second day of unrest, leading to clashes between protestors and law enforcement in Paramount. In response, President Trump authorized the deployment of...

    Read more

    'The America Party': Conservative activi…

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Conservative activist Scott Presler has urged Elon Musk to abandon plans for a third party, warning it would benefit Democrats. Presler advocates for a populist, pro-Trump Republican movement, suggesting Musk...

    Read more

    ‘That might explain the black eye’: Did …

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Reports surfaced of a physical altercation between Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at the White House, allegedly following a disagreement over IRS proposals. Steve Bannon claimed Musk initiated...

    Read more

    From China with Love: Kash Patel explain…

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Patel, a former national security official under Trump and the first Indian-American to lead the FBI, framed the fentanyl epidemic not as a policing issue, but as a global, coordinated...

    Read more

    A Song of ICE and Fire: How Donald Trump…

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    Trump’s memo referred to the protests as a “form of rebellion.” By invoking the same clause Lyndon B. Johnson once used in 1965 to protect civil rights protesters in Alabama...

    Read more

    Dubai inmates competed from behind bars …

    07-06-2025

    Sample Image

    In a remarkable display of skill and rehabilitation, a team of inmates from Dubai Police's Correctional and Penal Institutions secured fifth place at the Asian Inmate Chess Championship. This virtual...

    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

Priyanka Gandhi:

YouTubeBox _A

NRI News:

Currency Rates

YouTubeBox _K

World COVID-19

Poll:

Who will win 2024 General Election in India?