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Tuesday, May 13, 2025

India Can Hit Every Corner Of Pak, Army, Terrorists Know This Now: PM Modi

Standing in front of the advanced S-400 air defence system in Punjab's Adampur, which Pakistan claimed it had destroyed with its China-made JF-17 fighter jets, Prime Minister Narendra Modi exposed Islamabad's blatant lies when he made a televised address to the troops at that forward air force base.

In a stern message, PM Modi said Pakistan's army, and terrorists that it shelters, have nowhere to run or hide anymore. Crediting the Indian armed forces for sending a decisive message to Pakistan's military, the prime minister said, "You all (soldiers) have shown the Pakistan Army that there is not a place left in Pakistan where it can shelter terrorists."

"There is no corner left in Pakistan where terrorists can sit in peace. We can hit them no matter where they are in Pakistan," he added.

He went on to say that going forward, "India will not spare even one chance (to Pakistan's Army) to save the terrorists."

Speaking about the precision strikes that targeted terror camps in Pakistan, PM Modi said, "The thought of our drones and missiles haunt them. They have been having sleepless nights."

Shortly after his visit to the airbase, PM Modi wrote on X, saying, "Earlier this morning, I went to Air Force Station (AFS) Adampur and met our brave air warriors and soldiers. It was a very special experience to be with those who epitomise courage, determination and fearlessness. India is eternally grateful to our armed forces for everything they do for our nation."

In another claim by Pakistan, that was proven to be a lie, PM Modi landed at the Adampur air force station, which underscored that the runway at the air field is perfectly fine. Pakistan has claimed that its missiles hit the runway at the airbase. It also claimed that the impact was so severe that the air base would be out of action for at least a year.

To back their false claim, sources have said that Pakistan's Army used morphed satellite images of Adampur Air Force Station to lie to the Pakistani public and the world at large. PM Modi's visit today has laid those claims to rest.

In his nearly-30-minute speech, PM Modi sent several warnings to Pakistan, reiterating the fact that Operation Sindoor marks a shift in India's doctrine to combat terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Strikes on terror camps located throughout Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is now "the new normal" he said.

PM Modi, who addressed the nation about Operation Sindoor last night, has said Pakistan now has only two option - terrorism or annihilation. Either dismantle terror infrastructure and take action against terrorists or perish as a nation.
 



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No RCB Jersey In IPL Match vs KKR, Virat Kohli Fans Plan Ultimate Tribute

As Virat Kohli announces his retirement from the Test format in the middle of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans have planned a brilliant tribute for one of the country's favourite cricketing heroes. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already finalised the resumption plans for the T20 league, with the remainder of the season getting underway on May 17, when RCB will go head-to-head against the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the M Chinnaswamy stadium.

Making a plea to all RCB and Kohli fans, a campaign has been launched, urging all fans to wear whites in the stadium for the match, instead of RCB's red and black jersey. The intent is to pay tribute to Virat, who decided to hang his boots from the longest format of the game on Monday.

The message reads as below:

"For the next RCB match, could you help spread the word and encourage fans to wear Test whites in the stadium as a tribute to Virat Kohli?

He made so many of us fall in love with Test cricket, and even though I'll never get to see him play in whites live, I just want him to know how deeply loved he was in his favourite format.

This gesture could be a powerful way to show that his legacy goes far beyond stats - it lives in the hearts of fans.

Please think about it and help us make it real. It would mean the world to many of us.

I even made a template. I also think we can raise fund to give away the jerseys outside Chinnaswamy. That's our best chance. Even if not jerseys plain white t-shirts should do."

The message is already being shared on social media by influencers, raising awareness around the campaign.



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Monday, May 12, 2025

Guardians Of The Sky - India's Integrated Air Defence That Outfoxed Pak

India controlled its airspace and protected its military bases and strategic assets through an integrated network of air defence systems during 'Operation Sindoor' when hundreds of Pakistani drones, missiles and rockets were launched to target Indian military assets and civilian infrastructure. The aerial threats were identified, tracked and neutralised by India's integrated air defence systems.

India's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) played a pivotal role in defending the skies. An automated system integrates data from forces to combat aerial threats.

AFNET - Laying The Genesis Of Net-Centric Ops

India's integrated air defence system - which includes AD systems of the Army, Navy and the Air Force - was brought together by the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). Air Marshal Bharti said IACCS accorded us a "net-centric operational capability, which is vital to modern-day warfighting."

Net-Centric or the network-centric approach toward warfighting was adopted by the Indian Air Force in 2010 with the induction of the Air Force Network (AFNET). It was revolutionary and formed the basis of IACCS. Before this, India had been using the troposcatter communication system, where the Earth's topography was used to relay radio waves for communication. AFNET replaced the system of the 1950s, revolutionising the approach to warfare.

Defence Minister Ak Antony inaugurated the AFNET system in 2010.

Defence Minister AK Antony inaugurated the AFNET system in 2010.

Then Defence Minister AK Antony inaugurated the network on September 14, 2010. Outlining the two-fold aim of the 'Network for Spectrum' approach of the government - to facilitate the growth of national tele-density on the one hand, and ensure modernisation of defence communications with the state-of-the-art communication infrastructure, the network will have the potential to support net-centric operations, Mr Antony had said.

The AFNET network was tested during a practice interception of simulated enemy targets by a pair of MiG-29 fighter jets airborne from an airbase in the Punjab and neutralizing targets in the western sector was played out live on the giant screens at the Air Force auditorium, when the ministers and senior officers were present during the inauguration.

"The recent deployments of AFNET, IACCS and other systems have put the IAF at the forefront of NCW-enabled nations. This quantum leap in the field of Communication & Information Technology will help field units train and develop tactics, techniques and procedures to realise the full benefits of network-enabled capabilities," Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik had said.

IACCS - The Central Nervous System Of Air Space Management

Air Marshal AK Bharti, the Director General of Air Operations, credited the efforts of the personnel of the three forces and the Border Security Force in guarding the skies and the layered air defence system, which is controlled by India's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).

"Our battle-proven systems have stood the test of time, and take them head-on. Another highlight has been the stellar performance of the indigenous air defence system, the Akash system. Putting together and operationalising the potent AD environment has been possible only because of budgetary and policy support from the government of India in the last decade," Air Marshal Bharti said.

The Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) is a system designed by the Indian Air Force, the Guardians of the Sky.

The Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) was designed by the Indian Air Force, the Guardians of the Sky.

The Directorate of Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) was established in 2003 when a need arose after identifying the problems in India's battlespace management. In 1999, the first proposal was raised for the procurement of five IACCS systems. Group Captain Ramamoorthy Venkatasubramanian was the first Commanding Officer of the Directorate.

The IACCS system rides on the AFNET network, which was launched in 2010. The Air Force network laid the foundation for the IACCS system to coordinate, integrate and control air defence assets like radars, surveillance systems like AWACS, drones, and fighter aircraft, to provide situational awareness and efficient command and control capabilities in the air domain.

The system integrates data received from different types of homogeneous and heterogeneous radars, generates reports from observation posts and and other assets of the Indian Air Force and creates a Recognized Air Situation Picture (RASP) at the command and control centre, which gives a real-time picture to the commander of the airspace, enhancing situational awareness. This helps in speeding up the decision and deployment of assets based on the type of threat. IACCS is the key enabler in the air operations of India.

In 2022, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh saw the functioning of the Integrated Air Command & Control System (IACCS) at a radar station of the Indian Air Force.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited a radar station of the IAF, reviewing the performance of IACCS.

In 2022, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited a radar station of the IAF, reviewing the performance of IACCS.

India's Multi-Layered Air Defence

The multi-layered air defence system, as explained through a diagram, shows Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), ack-ack air defence guns like the L70, ZSU 23 Shilka, Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) forming the inner layer of air defence for very-short range aerial targets like low-flying drones. This is followed by the second layer, which includes point defence systems that protect a specific area or an asset, short-range surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) like Spyder, Pechora, and OSA-AK. The third layer is formed by the medium-range SAMs like Akash and the Indo-Israeli MRSAM, and the outer layer for area-defence is done by long-range SAMs like the S-400 and the fighter jets.

The multi-layered air defence system was in action during the aerial engagements that started on May 8. The forces are still in a state of high-alert.

The multi-layered air defence system was in action during the aerial engagements that started on May 8. The forces are still in a state of high alert.

Lt General Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Military Operations, used a cricket analogy to stress that it was India's multi-layered counter-drone and air defence grid that acted as a shield against Pakistan air attacks, where he talked about the Ashes series of the 1970s, when two Australian fast-bowlers Jeff Thompson and Dennis Lillee were the Australian defence against the English batting line-up, quoting an iconic line, "Ashes to Ashes. Dust to dust. If Lillee don't get you, Thommo must..." to explain India's integrated air defence which includes the Akashteer system.

The defence systems destroyed Pakistani drones and PL-15 missiles on the nights of May 8, 9 and 10, preventing them from entering our airspace.

The same system played a pivotal role during the Indian Air Force airstrikes on Jaba Top in Pakistan's Balakot in 2019. The Pakistan Air Force scrambled jets to retaliate, and one of the F-16s was shot down by an Indian MiG-21.

Integration Of Akashteer and IACCS

India has also integrated the Akashteer air defence system of the Indian Army, developed by Bharat Electronics Limited, with IACCS. During the press briefing, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Military Operations, displayed a graphic explaining India's multi-layered counter-drone and air-defence grid.

The Indian Air Force's doctrine also mentions the importance of integrating the two networks. The doctrine says that the success of air operations depends upon a shorter sensor-to-shoot loop - The moment a target is tracked till the time it is shot down - and a faster 'kill chain'.

"This is achieved through seamless integration of ground-based, airborne and space systems through Operational Data Link (ODL), SATCOM and Software Defined Radio (SDR)," the doctrine states.

"The integration of multi-organisation/multi-service sensor systems is necessary to achieve timely early warning and contribute effectively towards strengthening the surveillance and C2 (Command and Control) network in range and volume by providing additional layers and redundancy. This would require integration of Akashteer (IA network) and Trigun (IN network) with IACCS (IAF network)."

Akashteer air defence system can be integrated with Akash and Quick reactions SAMs

Akashteer air defence system can be integrated with Akash and Quick Reaction SAMs.

The purpose of airspace control is to ensure coordination, no confusion and minimise fratricide and enhance joint air, sea and land operations, which was visible during Operation Sindoor.

Akashteer is operated by the Army Air Defence Corps (ADC). Around 400 command and control centres have been ordered by the Army, and 107 have been delivered. The information from the Akashteer radars is integrated with IACCS. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi in January said, "To carry out a convergence between the Indian Air Force and Army, we are going in for Akashteer and probably by year-end, we will be having due integration between the two-that is the IACCS and Akashteer."

Former Chief of Defence Staff Late General Bipin Rawat had proposed the idea of establishing an Air Defence Command (ADC) - tri-services command - which includes air defence assets of the three forces. The proposal never went forward due to issues like the redeployment of air defence assets and centralising command for a large geographical area.



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PM Modi's Op Sindoor Speech And A Curious 'Smiling Buddha' Connection

"The Buddha is smiling," was the code message flashed to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi when India successfully detonated its first nuclear bomb at the Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan on May 18, 1974. The date was Buddha Purnima, the festival marking the birth of Gautama Buddha. Hence, the codename. The test prompted Pakistan to accelerate its nuclear programme, culminating in tests in 1998.

Fifty-one years later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose the same Buddhist festival day to deliver a strong message to Pakistan: "India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. India will strike precisely and decisively at the terrorist hideouts developing under the cover of nuclear blackmail".

The Indira Gandhi government's announcement half a century ago described the nuclear test as a "peaceful" explosion.

PM Modi used the word "peace" with a sine qua non: "If Pakistan wants to survive, it will have to destroy its terror infrastructure. There is no other way to peace".

'Buddha Smiles Again'

The Prime Minister's statement was analogous to the one made by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister and a BJP stalwart, after India conducted three underground nuclear tests on May 11, 1998, in the same Rajasthan testing range, 24 years after Pokhran-1. Two days later, India conducted two more tests.

He kept his announcement straight, avoiding the word "peaceful".

Incidentally, the Vajpayee government also chose Buddha's birthday for the nuclear tests, codenamed 'Operation Shakti, but widely known as 'Buddha Smiles Again'.

'Path Of Peace Goes Through Power'

PM Modi's Monday address was his first since India's 100-hour military conflict with its nuclear-armed neighbour following New Delhi's 'Operation Sindoor', which was a response to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, in which 26 civilians were killed in cold blood. In the 25-minute operation, India struck nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of May 7.

"Instead of supporting India's strike against terrorism, Pakistan started attacking India itself," PM Modi said, adding, "If there is a terrorist attack on India, a fitting reply will be given... a befitting response on our terms only."

PM Modi ended his speech with a "peace" message of Buddha - "Today is Buddha Purnima. Lord Buddha has shown us the path of peace". But, there was a significant subscript, "The path of peace also goes through power."



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IPL 2025 Full Revised Schedule: No Match In Chennai, Hyderabad; Final In...

The BCCI on Monday decided to resume the IPL season across six venues from May 17 with the final slated for June 3 as per the revised schedule. The IPL was halted on May 8 after the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was called off after Pakistan tried to invade Indian air space near Chandigarh, forcing a blackout in the stadium. However the board officials decided for a quick resumption of the league, following India and Pakistan agreeing a ceasefire in their border conflict.

"BCCI is pleased to announce the resumption of the TATA IPL 2025. After extensive consultations with government and security agencies, and with all the key stakeholders, the Board has decided to proceed with the remainder of the season," the board said in a statement.

Here is the IPL 2025 revised schedule in full:

Latest and Breaking News on NDTV

The first match upon the resumption of the league will be between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders in Bengaluru on May 17.

The six venues for league matches as per the revised schedule will be: Bengaluru, Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

The venues for the playoff matches will be announced at a later date.

However, the dates of the playoff matches have been announced and as per the schedule, Qualifier 1 will be held on May 29 followed by the Eliminator on May 30.

The Qualifier 2 will be played on June 1, to be followed by the title match two days later.

A total of 17 matches will be played across six venues and the revised schedule includes two double-headers, which will be played on two Sundays.

Foreign players availability 

Several foreign players contracted with the IPL franchises left for their respective home countries and some were in transit, after the league was suspended.

Now, the teams will have to reassemble them, at least as many as possible, before May 17. However, some players might stay back, particularly those with some niggles.

The comeback plans of Australia's pacer Josh Hazlewood, who plays for RCB, might get affected by a shoulder niggle that forced him to sit out of the home game against Chennai Super Kings.

However, it is yet to be seen how many Aussie and South African Test regulars return to the league considering the probability of them featuring in the World Test Championship final at Lord's, starting from June 11.

Pat Cummins (SRH), Kagiso Rabada (GT) etc are some of the names who are frontline Test players of Australia and South Africa respectively.

Clash with India A tour to England 

The revised IPL dates also clash with the scheduled India A tour to England where they will face the Lions in two four-day matches from May 30 and June 6.

Some of the first-choice Test players and contenders are expected to get picked in the India A squad ahead of the senior team's tour to England, beginning on June 20.

We wait to see how the BCCI will address this disparity as the India A squad will be announced in a day or two. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)



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Sunday, May 11, 2025

iPhone 17, 17 Pro And 17 Pro Max: Expected Features, Date, Price And More

Apple iPhone 17, 17 Pro And 17 Pro Max: With a few months to go for the launch of the new iPhone, the market is rife with speculations about the new features and hardware design of the next generation of Apple's flagship product. Significant improvements are coming to the cameras across the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max models, suggesting a prominent leap from the iPhone 16 range.

When will the launch take place?

Keeping up with Apple's recent trend of iPhone launches, the next series of smartphones could be launched anytime in the second or third week of September. Pre-orders should begin immediately after, with the availability expected within a week or two.

Expected design of iPhone

According to Forbes, while details are still speculative, the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to feature advanced camera capabilities, potentially including improved low-light performance and enhanced zoom functionality.

As per multiple leaks, the camera panel might be in the same colour as the rest of the back of the phone, creating a seamless look. The current 12-megapixel sensor in the iPhone 16 series may give way to the 48-megapixel telephoto lens, marking the first time Apple has rejigged things since iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.

The flash, LiDAR sensor, and microphone will be situated at the extreme right of the wider panel in a neatly spaced column.

Also Read | Production Of Apple iPhones In India Surges 60% To Rs 1.89 Lakh Crore In 2024-25

Hardware improvements

The upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models are anticipated to be equipped with Apple's next-generation A19 Pro chipset, which is expected to be manufactured using an advanced 3nm process.

Expected price

The iPhone 17 series might start at Rs 79,900 in India, but the prices could rise for the base and pro models, owing to the tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration. The manufacturing of phones in China might get costlier due to the ongoing tensions between Beijing and Washington.

Authentic source

For the latest and most accurate information on Apple's products, visit the official Apple website. These rumours are based on speculation and leaks, and the actual design and features may differ. We'll have to wait until September for the official launch to know more about the iPhone 17 Pro.



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'Went For Head Of Snake': Sources On India's Strike On Pak Terror Bases

The Indian government has clarified, both for the world and Pakistan, that it went for the "snake's head and not foot soldiers" this time, demonstrating its new approach to kill terrorists within Pakistan.

India launched Operation Sindoor, a counterstrike in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on tourists in which 26 people were killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, on May 7 against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. 

The Indian Armed Forces carried out coordinated precision missile strikes on nine terrorist facilities - four in Pakistan (including Bahawalpur and Muridke) and five in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (such as Muzaffarabad and Kotli). 

"The message that has been sent is that no matter where you are in Pakistan, we will hit you. On this occasion, we have gone after the head of the snake and not foot soldiers," a source told NDTV.

"It showed our approach of 'ghar me ghus ke marenge (kill them within their home)'," said the source.

These facilities were key command centers for Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), responsible for attacks like Pulwama (2019) and Mumbai (2008), respectively. 

Despite provocation and attacks on civilians by Pakistan, India said it responded with precision and restraint, targeting terror bases and striking military installations only after Pakistan escalated conflict.

"We have called their nuclear deterrence bluff. We take the nuclear threat seriously, but it cannot serve as cover for Pakistan to come and do terrorism in our country," the source said.

"The new normal is that the Line of Control will not protect you; the international border will not protect you; the nuclear threat will not protect you," the source further added.

The strikes extended hundreds of kilometers inside Pakistan, not just Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. 

India has made it clear, said the source, that neither the LoC nor internal Pakistani geography is off-limits if terror emanates from its soil.

"India's response asserted a doctrinal shift toward calibrated deterrence. Operation Sindoor has drawn a red line Pakistan can no longer ignore - that terrorism as state policy will trigger targeted, visible consequences," said the source.

Several terrorists were eliminated, including those on India's most wanted list, said the source, adding that the leadership of multiple terror modules has been wiped out in a single night.

"India showed the world that it will not wait for permission to defend its people. Terror will be punished - anytime, anywhere. It also showed that terrorists and their masterminds have no place to hide," the source signed off.



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Rs 1.5 Crore Overseas Star To Debut For CSK In El Clasico vs Mumbai Indians

Spencer Johnson is poised to take centre stage for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their critical bottom-of-the-table match against Mumbai Indi...