News for '-varanasi'

What's Special About Ladakh. Spiti. Kolkata. Varanasi?

What's Special About Ladakh. Spiti. Kolkata. Varanasi?

Rediff.com25 May 2023

Indians are becoming much more spendy and discerning travellers and look for places that can offer them a 'new' kind of experience.

Who is Laurene 'Kamala' Powell Jobs?

Who is Laurene 'Kamala' Powell Jobs?

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

American billionaire Laurene Powell Jobs, 61, who recently visited Kashi Vishwanath Temple, in Varanasi and the Kumbh in Allahabad, is both a business executive and philanthropist.

Honeymoon murder: 'He cried after attending Raja's funeral'

Honeymoon murder: 'He cried after attending Raja's funeral'

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

The mother of Raj Kushwaha, arrested for allegedly plotting the murder of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi with the latter's wife Sonam during their honeymoon in Meghalaya, on Tuesday claimed her son was innocent and framed in the case.

This is like cheating.. Bartonietz lambasts Shivpal

"This is like cheating.." Bartonietz lambasts Shivpal

Rediff.com21 May 2025

So stupid, I have no words: Klaus Bartonietz on Shivpal's dope violation

Wife hired hitmen to kill Indore man in Meghalaya: Police

Wife hired hitmen to kill Indore man in Meghalaya: Police

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

Sonam surrendered before the Nandganj police station in Uttar Pradesh's Ghazipur, while three other assailants were arrested in overnight raids. Of the three arrested men, two are from Madhya Pradesh's Indore and one from Lalitpur in Uttar Pradesh, she said. According to PTI Video, East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem said one more was arrested from Madhya Pradesh's Sadar district on Monday.

Varanasi serial blasts: Lucknow court awards life term to terror accused

Varanasi serial blasts: Lucknow court awards life term to terror accused

Rediff.com14 Apr 2023

He was sentenced for being in possession of RDX, a detonator and a pistol.

When wives kill: Women, crime, and breaking of stereotypes

When wives kill: Women, crime, and breaking of stereotypes

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

Until they were arrested on charges of murdering their husbands. That they were women from small towns who broke out of stereotype in the most brutal way possible led to sensational headlines, frantic curiosity and also gave fodder to a series of misogynistic memes and jokes.

Cong leader's 'nimbu-mirchi' jibe at Rafale sparks row; BJP hits back

Cong leader's 'nimbu-mirchi' jibe at Rafale sparks row; BJP hits back

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The Congress' Uttar Pradesh chief Ajay Rai's symbolic gesture of hanging 'nimbu-mirchi' (lemon-chillies) on a toy jet, mocking the Centre's alleged inaction in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, has triggered a political storm. The BJP has condemned the act, calling it an insult to the armed forces. Rai, however, maintained that he was merely highlighting the government's delay in utilizing the Rafale jets. The controversy comes amidst a heated debate over the government's response to the recent terror attack.

Yogi holds cabinet meet at Maha Kumbh, takes holy dip at Sangam

Yogi holds cabinet meet at Maha Kumbh, takes holy dip at Sangam

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

The Cabinet meeting and the holy dip comes on a day that marks the first anniversary of the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Remember Smart Cities? What Happened?

Remember Smart Cities? What Happened?

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Among the cities that have fully implemented their projects are Agra, Varanasi, Madurai, Coimbatore, Udaipur, Pune, Surat, and Vadodara

UP CM issues fresh directives after Kumbh stampede

UP CM issues fresh directives after Kumbh stampede

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

Adityanath asked the chief secretary and the director general of police to conduct a thorough review of the Maha Kumbh Mela arrangements on Thursday. "Every aspect related to security and public convenience must be carefully examined to ensure seamless arrangements for Basant Panchami," he said.

'PM does not eat chicken, Rs 7000 payment denied'

'PM does not eat chicken, Rs 7000 payment denied'

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

The latest book, in Singh's words, is "not merely a recounting of events but a mosaic of narratives, each woven with the depth and nuances of storytelling".

Retro Review: Yawn!

Retro Review: Yawn!

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Retro is probably Surya's worst film till date, notes A Ganesh Nadar.

Indians Want To Make An Experience Of Every Trip

Indians Want To Make An Experience Of Every Trip

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

'Adventure travel, cultural tours, and wellness retreats are in high demand.'

First Cauvery Aarati held in Bengaluru amid laser lights and Vedic chants

First Cauvery Aarati held in Bengaluru amid laser lights and Vedic chants

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

Thousands gathered at Bengaluru's Sankey Tank to witness the historic Cauvery Aarati, a grand water ritual that combined spiritual elements with entertainment. The event, which included laser lights, Vedic chants, and a performance by popular musician Raghu Dixit, attracted a diverse crowd, including young people who were curious to see the spectacle. The event was part of a week-long campaign aimed at raising awareness about water conservation.

The Aamir Khan You Don't Know

The Aamir Khan You Don't Know

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

'Had anyone asked me if I was Aamir Khan, I would have admitted to it.' Senior movie journalist Roshmila Bhattacharya flips through the pages of her many interactions with Aamir Khan, who turned 60 on March 14.

7 detained for reciting Hanuman Chalisa during namaz in UP college

7 detained for reciting Hanuman Chalisa during namaz in UP college

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

"We have no problem if the students here offer namaaz or worship in the mosque or temple on the college premises. But we do not accept that outsiders are gathering here in the name of offering namaz on the college premises," he said.

Kumbh devotees walk 15 km for bus; thousands stranded at rly station

Kumbh devotees walk 15 km for bus; thousands stranded at rly station

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Devotees attending the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj are facing transportation challenges, with many forced to walk long distances in search of transport. Thousands of pilgrims returning from the event are stranded at Varanasi Cantt and Banaras railway stations, with some missing their trains due to the rush and others stuck because of cancellations. Officials say the traffic situation in the district has returned to normal, but some pilgrims report difficulties in finding transport and reaching their destinations.

Varanasi court asks ASI to find out if Gyanvapi mosque stands on temple

Varanasi court asks ASI to find out if Gyanvapi mosque stands on temple

Rediff.com21 Jul 2023

A court in Varanasi on Friday directed the Archaeological Survey of India to conduct a "detailed scientific survey" -- including excavations, wherever necessary -- to determine if the Gyanvapi mosque located next to the Kashi Vishwanath temple is built upon a temple.

Law student mows down woman in Vadodara, screams 'another round'

Law student mows down woman in Vadodara, screams 'another round'

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

A speeding car driven by a 20-year-old law student crashed into two-wheelers in Vadodara, Gujarat, killing a woman and injuring four others. The driver, Rakshit Chaurasiya, was arrested and is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. Witnesses reported seeing him screaming "another round, another round " after the crash. Chaurasiya's friend, Mit Chauhan, who was in the passenger seat, is being sought by police. The car, which belonged to Chauhan, was severely damaged in the accident. CCTV footage shows the car hitting two scooters and dragging the riders before coming to a halt. Police are investigating the incident and will conduct a medical test to determine if Chaurasiya was intoxicated.

As Election Nears, Patna Gets Metro Boost

As Election Nears, Patna Gets Metro Boost

Rediff.com29 May 2025

The metro, it seems, is politics-proof -- even if it comes at a high cost.

Modi to flag off world's longest Varanasi-Dibrugarh river cruise on Friday

Modi to flag off world's longest Varanasi-Dibrugarh river cruise on Friday

Rediff.com11 Jan 2023

MV Ganga Vilas will begin its journey from Varanasi and sail around 3,200 km in 51 days to reach Dibrugarh in Assam via Bangladesh, traversing across 27 river systems in the two countries, it said.

Security beefed up at major railway stations after Delhi stampede

Security beefed up at major railway stations after Delhi stampede

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

Following a stampede at New Delhi railway station and large crowds arriving for the Maha Kumbh, authorities in Uttar Pradesh have implemented stringent security protocols at key railway stations including Prayagraj, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Kanpur, Lucknow and Mirzapur. Measures include restricted entry, holding areas for passengers, increased security personnel, and improved facilities to prevent overcrowding.

Modi's midnight tryst with Varanasi

Modi's midnight tryst with Varanasi

Rediff.com14 Dec 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, ventured out on the streets of Varanasi in the early hours of Tuesday and visited the just-inaugurated Kashi Vishwanath Dham and the Banaras railway station.

SC to hear pleas on Places of Worship Act on Feb 17

SC to hear pleas on Places of Worship Act on Feb 17

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

The Act prohibits conversion of any place of worship and provides for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947.

Prayagraj-based 'Ram Naam Bank' may open branches in Europe, US

Prayagraj-based 'Ram Naam Bank' may open branches in Europe, US

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Indian origin Hindus living in Europe and US are mulling opening overseas chapters of Prayagraj-based 'Ram Naam Bank' in their countries. On the occasion of Ram Navami on Sunday, the idea of opening a Ram Naam Bank was discussed among the devotees in Sweden.

SC to hear 1991 Places of Worship Act plea on Tuesday

SC to hear 1991 Places of Worship Act plea on Tuesday

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

The law prohibits conversion of any place of worship and provides for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947.

Prohibitory orders in Varanasi ahead of Gyanvapi order

Prohibitory orders in Varanasi ahead of Gyanvapi order

Rediff.com11 Sep 2022

To maintain law and order, he said, the entire city has been divided into sectors which have been allocated police force as per their requirement.

Why clean air remains a pipe dream across India

Why clean air remains a pipe dream across India

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

Data from the ministry of environment, forest and climate change reveals that 30 cities recorded an increase in PM10 levels compared to 2017-18 (FY18), indicating deteriorating air quality.

SC asks Varanasi collector to ensure enough water for 'wazu' at Gyanvapi

SC asks Varanasi collector to ensure enough water for 'wazu' at Gyanvapi

Rediff.com21 Apr 2023

The Supreme Court asked the Varanasi district collector on Friday to ensure that a sufficient number of plastic tubs with water is made available for wazu (ritual ablution) for Muslim devotees at the Gyanvapi mosque complex.

Maha Kumbh: Bookings, airfares rise for Prayagraj flights

Maha Kumbh: Bookings, airfares rise for Prayagraj flights

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Bookings as well as airfares for flights to Prayagraj have jumped multi-fold as more people travel for the Maha Kumbh, with the air ticket prices rising up to 21 per cent for the Delhi-Prayagraj flights. According to an analysis by travel portal ixigo, the one-way airfare between Bhopal and Prayagraj has surged the maximum at 498 per cent to Rs 17,796 from Rs 2,977 last year.

PIX: What Modi wore in Varanasi

PIX: What Modi wore in Varanasi

Rediff.com13 Dec 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Varanasi to inaugurate the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project.

2006 Varanasi blasts convict Waliullah Khan sentenced to death

2006 Varanasi blasts convict Waliullah Khan sentenced to death

Rediff.com6 Jun 2022

A local court in Ghaziabad on Monday sentenced terror convict Waliullah Khan to death for the serial blasts in Varanasi that killed at least 20 people 16 years back.

Vengsarkar makes no predictions for Ind-Pak match

Vengsarkar makes no predictions for Ind-Pak match

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

'India are strong favourites'

Dev Deepavali: A Night When The Ganga Glows

Dev Deepavali: A Night When The Ganga Glows

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

Visiting Varanasi for Dev Deepavali should be on your bucket list.

Rakul-Bhumi's WOW Style Game

Rakul-Bhumi's WOW Style Game

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Bhumi Pednekar and Rakul Singh are currently busy promoting their rom-com Mere Husband Ki Biwi, co-starring Arjun Kapoor.

PIX: 8L earthen lamps illuminate banks of Ganga in Varanasi on Dev Deepawali

PIX: 8L earthen lamps illuminate banks of Ganga in Varanasi on Dev Deepawali

Rediff.com8 Nov 2022

A senior official of the district administration said about eight lakh lamps were lit on the 84 ghats located on the western bank of the river.

Raghu And Smitha's Maha Kumbh Adventure

Raghu And Smitha's Maha Kumbh Adventure

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Singapore-based Smitha and Raghavendra Ramachandra made a spontaneous decision to attend the Maha Kumbh. They did not expect what followed.

3-judge SC bench to hear pleas on Places of Worship Act on Thursday

3-judge SC bench to hear pleas on Places of Worship Act on Thursday

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear a batch of petitions challenging the validity of certain provisions of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which prohibits lawsuits to reclaim a place of worship or change its character from what prevailed on August 15, 1947. The pleas, including one filed by Ashwini Upadhyay, argue that these provisions violate the right to judicial remedy and create an arbitrary cut-off date. The matter will be heard in the backdrop of several ongoing cases related to places of worship, including the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and the Shahi Idgah Mosque in Mathura. The Muslim side has cited the 1991 law to argue that such suits are not maintainable. The Supreme Court had previously sought the Centre's response to Upadhyay's petition, which alleged that the law creates an "arbitrary and irrational retrospective cut-off date" for maintaining the character of places of worship.

Ganga, Varuna inundate Varanasi; ghats submerged, cremations on streets

Ganga, Varuna inundate Varanasi; ghats submerged, cremations on streets

Rediff.com26 Aug 2022

People affected due the flood have taken refuge in safer areas as the administration prepares to shift them to relief camps.