News for '-varanasi'

Court orders FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand under POCSO

Court orders FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand under POCSO

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

Avimukteshwarananda has been in the headlines for his confrontation with the organisers of the Magh Mela in Prayagraj.

Kharge slams Modi over Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment

Kharge slams Modi over Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the redevelopment of the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, alleging the destruction of historical heritage for personal branding. The project has faced protests over damage to religious artifacts and the demolition of old structures.

Man Arrested for Setting Official's Vehicles on Fire Over Girlfriend's Job

Man Arrested for Setting Official's Vehicles on Fire Over Girlfriend's Job

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

A man in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, has been arrested for allegedly setting fire to two vehicles belonging to a government official, reportedly due to his anger over his girlfriend's employment as a cook at the official's residence.

Budget 2026 Hits And Misses

Budget 2026 Hits And Misses

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

CA Sumeet Mehta analyses the Union Budget 2026-2027, identifying key positives and negatives.

Did bad weather cause air ambulance crash in Jharkhand?

Did bad weather cause air ambulance crash in Jharkhand?

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fatal air ambulance crash in Jharkhand that claimed seven lives, with authorities examining weather conditions and potential technical issues.

Swami Vs Yogi: The Showdown In Uttar Pradesh

Swami Vs Yogi: The Showdown In Uttar Pradesh

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Tensions between Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and the Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have drawn national attention in recent months.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand files counter-case against accuser under POCSO Act

Swami Avimukteshwaranand files counter-case against accuser under POCSO Act

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, accused of sexual abuse, has filed a case against his accuser under the POCSO Act, claiming the law allows action against false accusations. He has also sought anticipatory bail from the Allahabad High Court.

Bengal BJP MLA accused of bigamy, torture; wife lodges FIR

Bengal BJP MLA accused of bigamy, torture; wife lodges FIR

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

West Bengal BJP MLA Hiran Chatterjee is facing an FIR filed by his wife, accusing him of mental and physical torture and entering into a relationship with another woman without a legal divorce. The allegations arose after photos of Chatterjee's purported second marriage circulated on social media.

Air ambulance from Ranchi to Delhi crashes, all 7 on board killed

Air ambulance from Ranchi to Delhi crashes, all 7 on board killed

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

The crash took place shortly after the aircraft operated by Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd took off from Ranchi airport at 7.11 pm.

'Unprecedented': Lok Sabha approves Prez speech without PM's reply

'Unprecedented': Lok Sabha approves Prez speech without PM's reply

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The Congress recalled that on June 10, 2004, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was prevented by the BJP from speaking on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address.

Shankaracharya Alleges Conspiracy Behind Sexual Abuse Charges

Shankaracharya Alleges Conspiracy Behind Sexual Abuse Charges

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati claims the sexual abuse case against him is a conspiracy to defame him and suppress discussion of the Epstein files in India.

Tejaswini Kolhapure: 'Today, People Look At Me Differently...'

Tejaswini Kolhapure: 'Today, People Look At Me Differently...'

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

'The challenge now is competition. There are so many actors competing for the same roles.'

Sant Ravidas, An Airport Renaming, And Modi's Message

Sant Ravidas, An Airport Renaming, And Modi's Message

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Naming an airport after Guru Ravidas is not just about a name, it shows that Dalit communities want respect, equal treatment, and freedom from unfair caste rules in religion and society.

The Woman Behind The Fiery Theyyam Picture

The Woman Behind The Fiery Theyyam Picture

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Chennai-based photographer Ramya Sriram explains how she captured the fiery and hypnotic Theyyam image that won her the National Geographic India Contest

Sanjay Singh, Pappu Yadav booked for posting 'fake' Manikarnika images

Sanjay Singh, Pappu Yadav booked for posting 'fake' Manikarnika images

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

Police here have registered eight first information reports (FIRs) against as many people, including Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh and Congress leader Pappu Yadav, for allegedly circulating AI-generated images, videos and misleading information on social media about the redevelopment work at the Manikarnika Ghat.

India making strong efforts to host 2036 Olympics: Modi

India making strong efforts to host 2036 Olympics: Modi

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asserted that India is preparing with full strength to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

Jharkhand air ambulance crash: DGCA begins probe

Jharkhand air ambulance crash: DGCA begins probe

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the air ambulance crash in Jharkhand's Chatra district that killed all seven people on board. Two teams from the DGCA are probing the accident, while families mourn the loss of their loved ones.

UP boy gives away family jewellery worth lakhs to buy momos

UP boy gives away family jewellery worth lakhs to buy momos

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

A Class 7 student in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly traded family jewellery worth approximately Rs 85 lakh for momos. Police have arrested two suspects and are searching for the third.

Man kills co-worker for tricking him into eating beef

Man kills co-worker for tricking him into eating beef

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

A man was arrested in Varanasi for allegedly killing his co-worker who purportedly fed him beef without his knowledge and then taunted him about it.

SC to slate final hearing of pleas against Places of Worship Act

SC to slate final hearing of pleas against Places of Worship Act

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to list for final hearing the pleas challenging the validity of certain provisions of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.

Bareilly ex-magistrate threatens Delhi stir over SC/ST Act

Bareilly ex-magistrate threatens Delhi stir over SC/ST Act

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Alankar Agnihotri said several organisations of the upper-caste community would participate in the stir if the central government fails to withdraw the SC/ST Act by February 6.

Varanasi gang-rape victim demanded money: Accused's kin

Varanasi gang-rape victim demanded money: Accused's kin

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Families of accused in the alleged gang-rape of a woman in Varanasi have claimed inconsistencies in the survivor's account, leading police to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine both allegations. The SIT will investigate the survivor's claims of being raped by 23 people and the counterclaims from the accused's families who allege inconsistencies in her statements.

Budget 2026 stays committed to long-term growth drivers

Budget 2026 stays committed to long-term growth drivers

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Capex, infrastructure development, and prudent fiscal management are the key focus areas in the Budget, says Nilesh Shah.

Stop beef export and then...: Avimukteshwaranand to UP CM

Stop beef export and then...: Avimukteshwaranand to UP CM

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Amid the row, the mela administration issued a notice asking Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati to explain how he was using the title of Shankaracharya of the Jyotish Peeth.

Why Rishab Shetty Is Worried About Jai Hanuman

Why Rishab Shetty Is Worried About Jai Hanuman

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

All of a sudden, the Ramayana is a much sought-after source for epic movie makers.

Ursula von der Leyen's Indian Style Diplomacy

Ursula von der Leyen's Indian Style Diplomacy

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wore stunning Banarasi during her India visit. See how fashion became smart diplomacy.

Mohun Bagan to face Kerala Blasters in ISL opener

Mohun Bagan to face Kerala Blasters in ISL opener

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs East Bengal ISL derby on May 3 as per tentative schedule

Chandana Sinha Has Rescued 1,500 Children

Chandana Sinha Has Rescued 1,500 Children

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Her team scour platforms and trains, looking out for vulnerable children accompanied by adults who look or behave suspiciously or whose presence makes the child uncomfortable. They also look out for children travelling alone. 'We watch, listen and talk. All this is done tactfully and sensitively because we are dealing with young children.'

The World's Tallest Shivling!

The World's Tallest Shivling!

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

The Shivling is 33 feet in height and weighs 210 tonnes.

'Trump Is One Of The Most Dangerous Men In The World'

'Trump Is One Of The Most Dangerous Men In The World'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

'Global politics are in a pretty rough shape and always have been. But the speed and extent with which we receive the insanity surrounding us makes it feel more present and immediate.'

Govt-Oppn tussle flares up in Lok Sabha; 8 MPs suspended

Govt-Oppn tussle flares up in Lok Sabha; 8 MPs suspended

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

The House has been witnessing uproar after Rahul Gandhi was disallowed to cite an article based on excerpts from an unpublished 'memoir' of former Army chief General M M Naravane (retd).

BJP blocked PM Manmohan Singh's reply in 2004: Congress

BJP blocked PM Manmohan Singh's reply in 2004: Congress

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Amid disruptions in the Lok Sabha, opposition parties are protesting the denial of speaking rights to the Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, during discussions on the President's address. The Congress party draws parallels to a similar incident in 2004 when then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was prevented from speaking.

In Varanasi, Modi orders strict action in gang-rape case

In Varanasi, Modi orders strict action in gang-rape case

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived here Friday morning, received a detailed briefing on the alleged gang-rape of a young woman in his constituency and asked officials to take the strictest possible action against those involved, according to a Uttar Pradesh government statement.

I-League to be renamed as Indian Football League

I-League to be renamed as Indian Football League

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The I-League, the country's second-tier football competition, will be restructured and rechristened as Indian Football League (IFL).

Kashi-Style Makeover Planned for Bhoramdeo

Kashi-Style Makeover Planned for Bhoramdeo

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Nestled in the mountain ranges of Kabirdham district, Bhoramdeo has an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, about 125 km from Raipur.

India rings in 2026 with prayers, parties

India rings in 2026 with prayers, parties

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Indians across the country welcomed the New Year 2026 with celebrations, religious observances, and gatherings at tourist spots. The President, Vice President, and Prime Minister extended greetings for peace and prosperity.

Their Dreams Died With Pinky On The Tarmac At Baramati

Their Dreams Died With Pinky On The Tarmac At Baramati

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

It isn't easy for a girl from Gopal Nagar to chase a dream. But Pinky was extremely determined. A force unto herself, she was going to go places. Literally. Till it abruptly ended one morning on the tarmac at Baramati airport.

8 States Most Visited By Domestic Tourists

8 States Most Visited By Domestic Tourists

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

These 8 states emerged as the country's most-travelled destinations for local Indian visitors, according to Ministry Of Tourism's most recent statistics which are from 2024.

Man kills parents, cuts bodies with saw, dumps them into river

Man kills parents, cuts bodies with saw, dumps them into river

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

The police said the accused, Ambesh, killed his father, Shyam Bahadur (61) and mother Babita (58) following a dispute over money and family issues.

Three more held in Varanasi gang rape case, 12 arrests so far

Three more held in Varanasi gang rape case, 12 arrests so far

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

The news of this development came barely hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here in the morning to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for several projects in his parliamentary constituency.