National

Aero India 2025: Highlighting the Nation’s Aerospace and Defence Excellence on the Global Stage

Published

2 years ago

February 9, 2025

The 15th edition of Aero India, the largest aerospace and defense exhibition in Asia, is set to be inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Under the theme “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities,” this five-day event aims to showcase India’s advancements in aerial and technological capabilities while promoting collaboration among global aerospace firms, thereby accelerating innovation. This year’s exhibition aligns with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiatives, highlighting India’s ambition to emerge as a global leader in aerospace and defense by 2047.

In a pre-event press conference, Rajnath Singh described Aero India as an essential platform for highlighting India’s expanding defense and aerospace capabilities. He underscored its significance in bolstering India’s defense readiness and promoting international partnerships. “Aero India exemplifies New India’s strength, resilience, and self-reliance. It plays a crucial role in enhancing national security and shaping our future. The event will inspire youth, encouraging innovation and cultivating a scientific mindset,” he noted.

Spanning over 42,000 square meters and featuring more than 900 exhibitors, including 150 international companies, Aero India 2025 is poised to be the largest exhibition to date. With participation from over 90 countries, the event is expected to attract defense ministers, air chiefs, and military officials from around the world. Singh expressed pride in the vast international engagement, indicating that over 30 defense ministers and representatives from 43 countries will be present, reflecting global trust in India’s capabilities.
Discussions also highlighted India’s increasing role in domestic aerospace and defense manufacturing. Platforms like the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, and the C-295 Transport Aircraft are now being produced within the country. Furthermore, India is on track to manufacture fifth-generation fighter aircraft, demonstrating the swift evolution of its defense sector.
The Defence Minister noted the substantial contributions of the private sector to defense production, particularly following the corporatization of the Ordnance Factory Board, where newly established companies are thriving in defense manufacturing.
Key features of the event will include the Defence Ministers’ Conclave, a CEOs Roundtable, and showcases of indigenous innovations like the India Pavilion and iDEX Pavilion, which will highlight cutting-edge technologies developed by Indian innovators.
Notably, Aero India 2025 will also feature the historic participation of two fifth-generation fighter aircraft—the Russian Su-57 and the American F-35 Lightning II—demonstrating the latest advancements in air superiority and stealth technology.

National

11 Hospitalised After Dead Lizard Found in Birthday Cake

Published

2 days ago

August 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Maharashtra : Eleven people were hospitalised after eating a birthday cake that allegedly contained a dead lizard in Nalasopara, Maharashtra.

The incident took place during a birthday celebration. The affected group included seven children and four women.

According to reports, they complained of sudden stomach and chest pain shortly after eating the cake.

They were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Doctors said that all 11 patients are in stable condition.

The incident has raised serious concerns about food safety and hygiene standards in bakeries.

The case comes amid growing concerns over food safety in Maharashtra. Earlier, a rat was allegedly seen inside an ice cream freezer at a Blinkit store in Thane’s Godrej Hill area in Kalyan.

In another incident, food safety officials suspended the FSSAI licence of a Blinkit-linked facility in Malad West after finding several violations.

The recent incidents have increased calls for stricter checks on food storage, hygiene and safety standards across the state.

National

Dead Russell’s Viper Found on Vande Bharat Express

Published

2 days ago

August 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Ernakulam: A dead Russell’s viper was found on a passenger seat inside a Vande Bharat Express in Ernakulam, causing panic among passengers.

The incident took place on Friday, August 14, at around 2.30 pm. The train was scheduled to leave Ernakulam Junction for Bengaluru.

The incident came to light before the train began its journey. Vinu Varghese, who works for an insurance company in Ernakulam, had booked a ticket to travel to Coimbatore with his two-year-old child.

When he returned to his seat after visiting the restroom, he noticed the dead snake lying on the seat. He was shocked and immediately informed the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) and railway staff.

The railway staff quickly responded to the situation. With the help of passengers, they removed the dead snake from the coach.

After the snake was removed, the passengers felt relieved. Vinu Varghese later filed an official complaint through the railway portal.

In his complaint, he questioned the safety and cleanliness standards on the train. He said passengers pay a significant amount for travelling on Vande Bharat trains and expected better safety measures.

Varghese said the railway staff later apologised for the incident.

The incident has also raised questions about how a snake entered the passenger compartment. Vande Bharat trains are air-conditioned and have sealed gangways and automatic doors that open only at designated stations.

The incident has raised concerns about pest control and safety protocols on the train. Railway authorities have ordered a detailed investigation into the matter.

This is not the first reported incident involving a snake on a Vande Bharat train. In December 2025, a passenger was allegedly accused of deliberately placing a snake inside the Mumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express.

National

West Bengal Man Detained in Bengaluru over Alleged Terror Links

Published

3 days ago

August 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bengaluru: Bengaluru police have detained a 25-year-old man from West Bengal over his alleged links with a terror group.

The accused has been identified as Asafool Mallik. He is a native of Naopara village in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district.

Police detained Mallik in the Jigani area after receiving information about his alleged suspicious online activities.

According to the police, Mallik had allegedly established contact with a person identified as Imran Haider through Facebook. Haider, who is from Afghanistan, is suspected to have links with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Police said Mallik allegedly wanted to travel to Afghanistan and join the group. He also allegedly discussed retaliatory attacks against the Pakistan Army and possible attacks in India.

Mallik had reportedly applied for a visa to travel to Afghanistan. However, he later dropped the plan due to financial difficulties and family responsibilities, police said.

Mallik was living near APC Circle in Jigani. He had been working as a security guard at Tata Advanced Limited in the Jigani Industrial Area since December 2025.

Police said they received information about his activities while conducting patrols in the Bommasandra Industrial Area.

During questioning, Mallik allegedly said he was angry over what he believed were attacks on Muslims in Pakistan. He also reportedly expressed anger over Pakistan’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Police further said Mallik was allegedly being encouraged to retaliate if Muslims faced difficulties in India.

Police later examined Mallik’s mobile phone. They allegedly found chats, voice calls and audio conversations between Mallik and Haider.

The police are now examining the chats, recordings and other material recovered from the phone.

The investigation is underway to determine the extent of Mallik’s alleged links with the terror network.