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Bad news for Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, Not the F-35 or Su-57, India demands THIS supersonic fighter jet, Rajnath Singh likely to..

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Both Pakistan and China possess 5th-generation fighter jets, whereas India does not have them yet. India’s most advanced fighter aircraft at present is the Rafale — a 4.5-generation fighter jet.

New Delhi: The bankrupt Pakistan and the rest of the world witnessed the might of India’s Air Force during ‘Operation Sindoor’. The Indian Air Force launched precision attacks on nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK). Despite facing a shortage of fighter aircraft, the IAF demonstrated unmatched commitment and strength during the operation. According to the reports, India is now planning to further boost its aerial capabilities by bridging the gap in its fighter squadrons. The IAF is reportedly pushing for more Rafale fighter jets under the MRFA (Multi Role Fighter Aircraft) project.

The IAF has strongly advocated for a government-to-government deal with France to procure additional Rafale jets under its long-pending project to acquire 114 multi-role fighter aircraft. Most of these jets will be manufactured domestically with foreign collaboration. In other words, the Indian Air Force will soon be getting ‘Made-in-India’ Rafales.

Here are some of the key details:

  • India needs at least 42 fighter squadrons, but the Air Force currently has only 29.
  • Pakistan has 25 squadrons, while China has 66.
  • Both Pakistan and China possess 5th-generation fighter jets, whereas India does not have them yet.
  • India’s most advanced fighter aircraft at present is the Rafale — a 4.5-generation fighter jet.
  • The Air Force currently has two squadrons of these.

Which fighter jet is the IAF eyeing?

The Indian Air Force will push the MRFA (Multi Role Fighter Aircraft) project for Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), which is the first step in the lengthy procurement process, according to a Times of India report. This is expected to be approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) led by Rajnath Singh within a month or two.

The report has further added taht once the MRFA proposal reaches the DAC, the government will take the final decision. However, the IAF has assessed an immediate need for additional Rafale jets to prevent further depletion of its fighter squadron strength.






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Over 99 lakh foreign tourists arrived in India in 2024: Centre

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Over 99 lakh foreign tourists visited India, while over 3 crore Indians travelled abroad in 2024, government informed Rajya Sabha.

In a written reply in Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stated that the number of foreign tourist arrivals stood at 99,51,722.

In 2023, the number stood at 95,20,928 while 64,37,467 foreign tourists arrived in the country in 2022.

The highest number of foreign tourists arrived from the United States (18,04,586). This was followed by Bangladesh (17,50,165), and in third place was the United Kingdom (10,22,587).

The government also informed that more than 77 lakh Indian nationals visited the UAE in 2024.

34,23,711 Indian nationals visited Saudi Arabia while 21,43,909 Indian nationals visited the US.

The data was provided by the Bureau of Immigration, as noted in the official statement by the Ministry of Tourism.

Earlier on July 25, MoS External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh had answered in the Lok Sabha about India’s potential for international tourism and steps in place or planned to further capitalise on it for economic growth and global positioning.

MoS Singh had highlighted that the Government of India acknowledges the potential of international tourism as a contributor to economic growth, employment generation, and enhancing India’s global profile.

He mentioned that these include supporting participation of Central and State Governments, tourism boards, and industry stakeholders in major overseas tourism trade fairs and exhibitions; organisation of Tourism Roadshows; engagements with local tour operators and other industry stakeholders; organisation of B2B meetings and familiarization (FAM) trips; and India tourism publicity campaigns, including through the social media.

MoS Singh also underlined that international air connectivity has improved through bilateral arrangements for direct flights that support foreign tourist arrivals. (ANI)



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Air India to stop Delhi-Washington flights from September 1. Know all details | Indiablooms

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Tata Group-owned Air India on Monday announced the suspension of its services between Delhi and Washington, D.C., effective September 1, 2025, due to a combination of operational factors, to ensure the reliability and integrity of the airline’s overall route network.


“The suspension is primarily driven by the planned shortfall in Air India’s fleet, as the airline commenced retrofitting 26 of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft last month,” Air India said in a statement.


Air India said the extensive retrofit programme, aimed at significantly enhancing customer experience, necessitates a prolonged unavailability of multiple aircraft at any given time until at least end of 2026.


“That, coupled with the continued closure of airspace over Pakistan, impacts the airline’s long-haul operations, leading to longer flight routings and increased operational complexity,” the private airlines said.


Customers to be offered alternative travel arrangements


Customers with Air India bookings to or from Washington, D.C. beyond September 1, 2025 will be contacted and offered alternative travel arrangements, including rebooking on other flights or full refunds, as per their individual preferences.


Air India customers will continue to have the options of one-stop flights to Washington, D.C. via four U.S. gateways – New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago, and San Francisco – with the airline’s interline partners, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, allowing customers to travel on a single itinerary with their baggage checked through to the final destination.


Air India said it will continue to operate non-stop flights between India and six destinations in North America, including Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.



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Independence Day Long Weekend: Discover India’s 10 Best Kept Travel Secrets – Times Now

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Independence Day Long Weekend: Discover India’s 10 Best Kept Travel Secrets  Times Now



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