Breaking news LIVE: Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit takes over as IAF Chief
Synopsis
Fighter pilot Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit on Saturday took over as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who superannuated on October 31. Dixit, who has been closely associated with the Indian Air Force's efforts to promote indigenous defence platforms, including the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and other domestic aircraft programmes, is expected to continue supporting the government's Aatmanirbharta push in the defence sector.
Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit
Commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986, Dixit is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, the Defence Services Command and Staff College in Bangladesh, and the National Defence College. He has more than 3,500 hours of flying experience across various aircraft, including the Mirage-2000, MiG variants, Jaguar, Hawk and Tejas.
According to the Ministry of Defence, he has held several important operational and staff appointments during his nearly four-decade-long career.
As the Commanding Officer of No. 9 Squadron, he re-equipped the unit with Mirage-2000 aircraft. He subsequently commanded a frontline fighter air base in the Western Sector and a premier fighter training base in the Southern Sector.
Dixit also served as Air Defence Commander of the Southern Air Command and held key appointments at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan), including Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Projects) and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans).
Before taking over as the Air Chief, he served as Vice Chief of the Air Staff. His previous assignments also included Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee, and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command.
In recognition of his distinguished service, Dixit has received several military honours, including the Vayu Sena Medal in 2006, Vishisht Seva Medal in 2011, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2023 and Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2026.
According to the Ministry of Defence, he has held several important operational and staff appointments during his nearly four-decade-long career.
As the Commanding Officer of No. 9 Squadron, he re-equipped the unit with Mirage-2000 aircraft. He subsequently commanded a frontline fighter air base in the Western Sector and a premier fighter training base in the Southern Sector.
Dixit also served as Air Defence Commander of the Southern Air Command and held key appointments at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan), including Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Projects) and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans).
Before taking over as the Air Chief, he served as Vice Chief of the Air Staff. His previous assignments also included Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee, and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command.
In recognition of his distinguished service, Dixit has received several military honours, including the Vayu Sena Medal in 2006, Vishisht Seva Medal in 2011, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2023 and Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2026.
1 New Update
03:20:01 PM IST, 31 Oct 2026
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Regarding the INDIA bloc rally on November 1, he said, "...Obviously, we have permission in Ramlila Maidan, and we are looking forward to a Maha Rally. People are coming from all over the country. Whether the issue of how to get there is the controversy here, we'll have to see what the leadership decides. But ultimately, Ramlila Maidan, as far as I'm concerned, is on."
Regarding the INDIA bloc rally on November 1, he said, "...Obviously, we have permission in Ramlila Maidan, and we are looking forward to a Maha Rally. People are coming from all over the country. Whether the issue of how to get there is the controversy here, we'll have to see what the leadership decides. But ultimately, Ramlila Maidan, as far as I'm concerned, is on."
02:44:15 PM IST, 31 Oct 2026
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02:43:23 PM IST, 31 Oct 2026
Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit takes over as IAF Chief
Fighter pilot Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit on Saturday took over as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who superannuated on October 31. Dixit, who has been closely associated with the Indian Air Force's efforts to promote indigenous defence platforms, including the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and other domestic aircraft programmes, is expected to continue supporting the government's Aatmanirbharta push in the defence sector.
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01:58:22 PM IST, 31 Oct 2026
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01:47:39 PM IST, 31 Oct 2026
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11:46:25 AM IST, 31 Oct 2026
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09:37:02 AM IST, 31 Oct 2026
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CAQM orders precautionary anti-pollution measures in Delhi-NCR from November 5-20
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed the implementation of precautionary measures to prevent and control air pollution in Delhi-NCR from November 5 to 20, citing a recurring pattern of worsening air quality during the early and middle parts of November.
In an order dated October 30, the commission said an examination of historical daily Air Quality Index (AQI) data from 2018 to 2025 showed that pollution levels in Delhi-NCR frequently reached the 'Severe' and 'Severe+' categories during this period. It said adverse meteorological conditions, including low wind speeds, a shallow atmospheric boundary layer and reduced vertical mixing, further contributed to the accumulation of pollutants.
The CAQM said local emission sources, seasonal agricultural residue and biomass burning, along with other episodic emission events, added to the pollution load. It stressed the need for timely preventive interventions to minimise emissions before and during the onset of peak pollution episodes.
The commission said it was necessary to undertake anticipatory action ahead of the historically observed peak pollution period, rather than wait for air quality to deteriorate.
The proposed intervention aims to reduce emissions at source and minimise the accumulation of pollutants. The order also referred to the revised schedule of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), dated September 29, 2026, which provides a framework of preventive and restrictive measures for different levels of air quality.
In an order dated October 30, the commission said an examination of historical daily Air Quality Index (AQI) data from 2018 to 2025 showed that pollution levels in Delhi-NCR frequently reached the 'Severe' and 'Severe+' categories during this period. It said adverse meteorological conditions, including low wind speeds, a shallow atmospheric boundary layer and reduced vertical mixing, further contributed to the accumulation of pollutants.
The CAQM said local emission sources, seasonal agricultural residue and biomass burning, along with other episodic emission events, added to the pollution load. It stressed the need for timely preventive interventions to minimise emissions before and during the onset of peak pollution episodes.
The commission said it was necessary to undertake anticipatory action ahead of the historically observed peak pollution period, rather than wait for air quality to deteriorate.
The proposed intervention aims to reduce emissions at source and minimise the accumulation of pollutants. The order also referred to the revised schedule of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), dated September 29, 2026, which provides a framework of preventive and restrictive measures for different levels of air quality.
08:32:55 AM IST, 31 Oct 2026
Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi pay tribute to Indira Gandhi on 42nd death anniversary
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Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also paid homage to Indira Gandhi, recalling her contribution to nation-building and describing her as the 'Iron Lady'.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also paid homage to Indira Gandhi, recalling her contribution to nation-building and describing her as the 'Iron Lady'.
08:31:35 AM IST, 31 Oct 2026
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08:29:06 AM IST, 31 Oct 2026
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08:09:21 AM IST, 31 Oct 2026
INDIA bloc to hold public impeachment programme against CEC Gyanesh Kumar today
The INDIA bloc will hold its public impeachment programme against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar at 3.30 pm on Saturday at 10, Rajaji Marg, the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The programme was postponed from Friday due to rain in the national capital.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi announced the rescheduling on Friday, saying the decision was taken by consensus to avoid inconvenience to senior leaders. The Opposition has also called for a march to Ramlila Maidan on November 1, inviting political parties, civil society members, journalists and citizens to participate.
Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP-led government was attempting to prevent people from travelling to Delhi to attend the rally. He also accused the Election Commission of disenfranchising millions of voters and alleged that the planned demonstrations were aimed at defending the Constitution and citizens' right to vote.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi announced the rescheduling on Friday, saying the decision was taken by consensus to avoid inconvenience to senior leaders. The Opposition has also called for a march to Ramlila Maidan on November 1, inviting political parties, civil society members, journalists and citizens to participate.
Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP-led government was attempting to prevent people from travelling to Delhi to attend the rally. He also accused the Election Commission of disenfranchising millions of voters and alleged that the planned demonstrations were aimed at defending the Constitution and citizens' right to vote.
08:08:30 AM IST, 31 Oct 2026
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08:07:50 AM IST, 31 Oct 2026
Saudi-led coalition intercepts, destroys drone over eastern Saudi Arabia
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08:07:20 AM IST, 31 Oct 2026
Saudi-led coalition intercepts Houthi drone targeting southern Saudi Arabia
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08:06:44 AM IST, 31 Oct 2026
Ebola outbreak kills over 5,000 in DR Congo, government data shows
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