India, US should go for pre-emptive strikes, destroy Pak's N-assets: Ex-US senator

News Network
September 26, 2017

Mumbai, Sept 26: Suggesting that each India and the US conduct pre-emptive strikes inside Pakistan to destroy its nuclear websites (the place weapons have both already been saved or are being made), former US Senator Larry Pressler informed on Monday that Donald Trump might turn into one of the best American president but for India as he had lately put Pakistan on discover for harbouring terrorists.

However for this to occur, Trump must get across the Pentagon, which at all times inspired Pakistan, he stated. Such encouragement emboldened Pakistan to assault India as “the mom of terrorism” and “predator” on the UN common meeting session on Sunday, he added. Trump’s description of the Pentagon as “a swamp” was a very good signal, he famous, hoping the US president would drain it quickly (as he’d promised).

A 3-term Senator and twice a member of the Home of Representatives, Pressler (75) authored the well-known Pressler Modification which in 1990 blocked US navy assist to Pakistan when the then US President George H W Bush couldn’t certify Pakistan was not creating nukes.

Because the supply of near 30 F-16 plane to Islamabad was barred, Pressler, then a Republican and head of the Senate’s arms management subcommittee, grew to become one thing of a hero in India and, in his personal phrases, “a satan in Pakistan.” His new e-book, Neighbours in Arms, engagingly tells the story of the modification and of the US overseas coverage that enabled Pakistan to develop nuclear weapons and casts a extreme highlight on the tradition of lobbying in Washington and the grip of the military-industrial state (“the Octopus”) contained in the US.

Pressler has lengthy distanced himself from the Republican Celebration — he contested Senate polls as an Impartial in 2014 and backed Hillary Clinton within the 2016 Presidential polls — however regardless of variations with Trump, he feels the president just isn’t doing half as badly as US media suggests.

Trump’s warning to Pakistan on its sheltering and export of terror, linking of US assist to “motion on terror” and his request to India to “assist us extra with Afghanistan” signalled a recasting of relations.

The ex-Senator hopes Trump will act on the discover.

“US should declare Pakistan a terrorist state, minimize off all assist and should not deal with India and Pakistan as equals. India is a democracy, Pakistan is not. And Pakistan and particularly the ISI have lied to us for many years,” he stated.

All reward for PM Modi, the Vietnam veteran stated it was good the Modi authorities was robust with Pakistan.

He referred to as the denial of a US visa to Modi when the latter was Gujarat CM “a stain” on the US. He was crucial of India, nonetheless, for allegedly handing out hundreds of thousands to lobbyists in Washington. “Pakistan began this lobbying. India does not have to do it,” he stated. He stated Pakistan could not have developed nuclear weapons if US had stopped assist.

Having labored carefully with many US presidents, he felt Ronald Reagan had been very receptive to his concepts on nuclear non-proliferation and his views on Pakistan’s duplicity however had been hemmed in by “Octopus” mandarins. And Invoice Clinton had, on his 2001 journey to India (Pressler was a part of that delegation), given the impression that he beloved the nation and its folks however had, in actuality, repealed the Pressler Modification and inspired navy provides to India’s hostile neighbour.

Pressler was criticised when, within the 1990s, he had expressed issues about an “Islamic bomb.” He stated he stood vindicated in the present day and that the expansion of ISIS and related teams led him to worry that fundamentalist organisations – and never particular person states – might create a “Caliphate.”

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News Network
December 2,2025

A major upgrade in safety and monitoring is planned for Haj 2026, with every Indian pilgrim set to receive a Haj Suvidha smart wristband linked to the official Haj Suvidha mobile app. The initiative aims to support pilgrims—especially senior citizens—who may struggle with smartphones during the 45-day journey.

What the Smart Wristband Will Do

Officials said the device will come with:
•    Location tracking
•    Pedometer
•    SOS emergency button
•    Qibla compass
•    Prayer timings
•    Basic health monitoring

SP Tiwari, secretary of the UP State Haj Committee, said the goal is to make the pilgrimage safer and more comfortable.

“Most Hajis are elderly and not comfortable with mobile apps,” he said. “The smartwatch will help locate pilgrims who forget their way or cannot communicate their location.”

The wristbands will be monitored by the Consulate General of India in Saudi Arabia, similar to mobile tracking via the Haj Suvidha App.

Free Distribution and Training

•    Smart wristbands will be given free of cost.
•    Training for pilgrims will be conducted between January and February 2026.
•    Sample units will reach state Haj committees soon.
•    Final devices will be distributed as pilgrims begin their journey.

New Rules for Accommodation

Two major decisions have also been finalised for Haj 2026:
1.    Separate rooms for men and women – including married couples. They may stay on the same floor but must occupy different rooms, following stricter Saudi guidelines.
2.    Cooking banned – gas cylinders will not be allowed; all meals will be provided through official catering services arranged by the Haj Committee of India.

These decisions were finalised during a meeting of the Haj Committee of India and state representatives in Mumbai.

Haj Suvidha App Launched Earlier

The government launched the Haj Suvidha App in 2024, offering:

•    Training modules
•    Accommodation and flight details
•    Baggage information
•    SOS and translation tools
•    Grievance redressal

Haj 2026 Quota and Key States

•    India’s total Haj quota for 2026: 1,75,025 pilgrims
•    70% (1,25,000) allotted to the Haj Committee of India
•    30% (around 50,000) reserved for Haj Group Organisers

Uttar Pradesh has the largest allocation (around 30,000 seats), though approximately 18,000 pilgrims are expected to go this year. States with high pilgrim numbers include Kerala, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Dates of Haj 2026

The pilgrimage is scheduled to take place from 24 May to 29 May, 2026 (tentative).
Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for Muslims who meet the required conditions.

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News Network
November 24,2025

Mangaluru, Nov 24: The original departure time of 11.10 pm was a distant memory for scores of Dammam-bound passengers at Mangaluru International Airport last Friday night, as their Air India Express flight was abruptly cancelled at the eleventh hour, sparking hours of frustration and chaos.

The flight, IX 885, initially scheduled to depart at 11.10 pm on November 22, was subject to two back-to-back reschedules—first pushed to 11.45 pm and then significantly postponed to 1.40 am—before the final, crushing announcement of cancellation was made. For the travellers, many of whom are likely expatriate workers with tight schedules, the last-minute change marked the beginning of a distressing ordeal.

"There was no drinking water, no food, and absolutely no proper guidance. We were left stranded like refugees," complained a stranded passenger.

According to multiple passenger accounts, the airline's ground staff failed to provide adequate support or essential amenities following the cancellation. Complaints poured in about the total absence of drinking water, food provisions, and any reliable guidance from the carrier's representatives. Travellers alleged they were left stranded for a considerable period, with no immediate arrangements or clear communication offered regarding accommodation or alternative travel to send them back home.

The incident has highlighted serious concerns over the carrier's contingency planning and customer service protocols during flight disruptions at one of India's key international gateways. The airline is yet to issue a comprehensive statement addressing the alleged lapse in passenger care.
 

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News Network
November 21,2025

Tejas.jpg

An Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet crashed on Friday, November 21, afternoon during its aerial demonstration at the Dubai Air Show, plunging to the ground at around 2:10 pm local time while performing a manoeuvre before thousands of spectators.

The IAF confirmed the incident, stating that a Tejas aircraft participating in the show had crashed and that further details were being gathered. An Air Force spokesperson said more information would be shared after initial assessments.

The crash sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky near the airport, causing panic among visitors, including families and children who had gathered to watch the display. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the pilot managed to eject before the aircraft went down. Emergency response teams rushed to the scene, and officials have not released information on casualties or damage so far.

The Tejas is a 4.5-generation, multi-role fighter aircraft developed indigenously by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Designed for versatility, it is capable of offensive air support, close combat, ground attack missions and maritime operations. The aircraft family includes single-seat fighters and twin-seat trainers for both the Air Force and Navy.

HAL describes the latest version, the LCA Mk1A, as the most advanced in the series, featuring an AESA radar, an upgraded electronic warfare suite with radar-warning and self-protection jamming, smart multifunction displays, a digital map generator, a combined interrogator–transponder system and a modern radio altimeter. These enhancements significantly improve the aircraft’s combat capability and survivability.

Further updates from IAF and UAE authorities are awaited.

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