News for 'Festival of India'

The Pani Puri Deal That's Going Viral

The Pani Puri Deal That's Going Viral

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The pani puri vendor is drawing attention with exclusive deals, including a lifetime unlimited pani puri offer for Rs 99,000 and a Rs 21,000 reward for anyone who can eat 151 pani puris in one sitting.

Violence being instigated after Waqf Bill passage: Adityanath slams Oppn

Violence being instigated after Waqf Bill passage: Adityanath slams Oppn

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday condemned the violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad district following the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, accusing the opposition of instigating the violence. He also criticized the opposition for their alleged silence over the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh and emphasized the BJP's commitment to protecting Hindus.

How many brands does Dada promote?

How many brands does Dada promote?

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

'Dada is the ideal fit for brands -- his credibility, passion, and deep connection with audiences make him a game-changer.'

Eliminate online betting, gambling apps, YSRCP MP urges govt

Eliminate online betting, gambling apps, YSRCP MP urges govt

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

A strong demand was made in the Lok Sabha to eliminate online betting and gambling applications. YSRCP member Maddila Gurumoorthy urged the government to set up a dedicated task force to take action against betting and gambling apps. He also asked the government to draft regulations for such applications and launch awareness campaigns about the dangers of online betting. Other issues raised included deposit insurance coverage for bank depositors, representation of Scheduled Castes in the Kerala government, challenges faced by nurses, and the need for paramilitary forces in Jharkhand during upcoming Hindu festivals.

The 'Alien' Who's Made A Tiger Film

The 'Alien' Who's Made A Tiger Film

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

'I am fascinated by the lurking presence of the tiger.'

Earnings winter to persist in Q4

Earnings winter to persist in Q4

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Brokerages expect a further slowdown in Indian firms' revenue and earnings growth in Q4FY25, following low single-digit growth in the preceding three quarters, as factors like weak consumer demand and credit growth linger on.

Why Modi Chose To Speak In Parliament On Maha Kumbh

Why Modi Chose To Speak In Parliament On Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Besides the not-so-hidden unease between Modi and Adityanath, Modi chose to address the Lok Sabha to ensure that he could personally claim all the kudos, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

India, Don't Spurn Bangladesh

India, Don't Spurn Bangladesh

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

Our visa operations in Bangladesh constitute the largest visa operations India conducts worldwide. This has taken a hit after Sheikh Hasina's government was overthrown and India reduced its diplomatic presence in Bangladesh, notes Aakar Patel.

Gold at fresh record high of Rs 91,950/10 gm

Gold at fresh record high of Rs 91,950/10 gm

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Gold prices advanced Rs 700 to reach a new lifetime high of Rs 91,950 per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday on the back of continued buying by jewellers ahead of wedding season, according to the All India Sarafa Association. Besides, increased tensions in the Middle East and concerns about the US economic slowdown have kept the demand for safe-haven assets intact.

Har Har Mahadev! Gujarat village celebrates Sunita's return

Har Har Mahadev! Gujarat village celebrates Sunita's return

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Williams' father, originally from Jhulasan, migrated to the United States in 1957.

Passenger vehicle sales crash 10% in Feb, 2Ws down 6%

Passenger vehicle sales crash 10% in Feb, 2Ws down 6%

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The meltdown in Dalal Street that wiped out investor wealth to the tune of 44 trillion in 2025 also seems to be having a ripple effect on the country's vibrant automobile retail sales.

Kohli, Anushka's Melbourne X-Mas

Kohli, Anushka's Melbourne X-Mas

Rediff.com25 Dec 2024

On Christmas Day, Virat Kohli and his wife, actor Anushka Sharma, enjoyed a festive breakfast at a cafe in Melbourne.

EV sales in India up 27% in 2024 miss 2 million mark by a whisker

EV sales in India up 27% in 2024 miss 2 million mark by a whisker

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

India's electric vehicle (EV) industry hit a new milestone in 2024, with sales surging 26.5 per cent year-on-year to 1.94 million units as of December 29, according to Vahan data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

Never said we'd change Constitution for Muslim quota: Shivakumar

Never said we'd change Constitution for Muslim quota: Shivakumar

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar denied on Monday making any comments regarding changing the Constitution to accommodate four per cent reservation for Muslims in the state. He claimed he was "misquoted" and warned of moving a breach of privilege motion. Shivakumar's remarks came after the BJP forced repeated adjournments in the Lok Sabha over his alleged comments on the matter. The BJP has accused Shivakumar of seeking to change the Constitution for political gain, highlighting the ongoing controversy surrounding reservation policies in India.

Flops Rain Down On 2025 So Far

Flops Rain Down On 2025 So Far

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The first quarter has scored mostly flops, with just one blockbuster (Chhaava) and a smattering of those which have recovered costs.

Kunal Kamra asks BookMyShow if he's banned, it says...

Kunal Kamra asks BookMyShow if he's banned, it says...

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has written an open letter to BookMyShow requesting the online ticketing platform to either not delist him or to hand over the contact information of audience members he has earned through his solo shows over the years. The letter comes days after Shiv Sena claimed BookMyShow had taken Kamra off the sale and artists list from its platform amid ongoing controversy around his 'traitor' jibe against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

'Second Coming' For TN's Autonomy Panel, But...

'Second Coming' For TN's Autonomy Panel, But...

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Given the possibilities that next year's assembly elections could throw up, Stalin told the state assembly that an interim report had to be submitted by January 2026. The outcomes may well find its way into the DMK's poll manifesto, thus seeking to keep the electoral focus still on the BJP-ruled Centre and Prime Minister Modi, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Sambhal predates Islam, Vishnu temple destroyed in 1526: Yogi

Sambhal predates Islam, Vishnu temple destroyed in 1526: Yogi

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that forcibly seizing someone's faith and trampling over their beliefs is "unacceptable," especially "when we know the truth about Sambhal" which predates Islam, with the Vishnu temple there being destroyed in 1526. He said that Sambhal has been mentioned in scriptures that are 5,000 years old, which contain references to Lord Vishnu's future incarnation. He also mentioned that a temple of Lord Vishnu in Sambhal was demolished in 1526, and two years later, in 1528, the Ram temple in Ayodhya was destroyed, both acts carried out by the same person.

Chase gold, not grades: Bhutia

Chase gold, not grades: Bhutia

Rediff.com11 Jan 2025

Bhaichung Bhutia urges 'sports first' shift in Indian education to create world champions

Auto retail sales soar to record high in festive season: FADA

Auto retail sales soar to record high in festive season: FADA

Rediff.com28 Nov 2023

Driven by robust demand, automobile retail sales in India rose to a record high this festive season with all segments, barring tractors, reporting year-on-year growth, dealers' body FADA said on Tuesday. Overall automobile sales rose 19 per cent to 37,93,584 units in the 42-day festive period this year as compared with 31,95,213 units last year. During the period, which starts from the first day of Navratri and ends 15 days after Dhanteras, passenger vehicle retail sales rose to 5,47,246 units, up 10 per cent from 4,96,047 units in the same period last year.

Mamata Banerjee faces angry protests during Oxford address

Mamata Banerjee faces angry protests during Oxford address

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, speaking at the University of Oxford, stressed the importance of inclusive development and stated that division in society is counterproductive. She emphasized that her governance model prioritizes the welfare of all sections of society and does not allow discrimination, highlighting the state's diverse population and the need for a human-centric approach.

Festival season fail to light up apparel sales, consumer durables shine

Festival season fail to light up apparel sales, consumer durables shine

Rediff.com17 Nov 2023

Sales of apparel were a mixed bag this festive season while those of consumer durables saw an uptick with mobiles, laptops, and air conditioners being in demand. In apparel, Tier-2 and -3 markets did better for some brands, because these have been witnessing an uptick for the past 18-20 months compared to metros. "The past two weeks have been good, and we saw a 13 per cent increase in value sales, and volume sales have also been similar," Manish Kapoor, managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO), Pepe Jeans

Auto revenue may hit high gear on rural push, launches

Auto revenue may hit high gear on rural push, launches

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Overall, volume growth is likely to be in the range of 3-8 per cent for two-wheelers and 5-7 per cent for passenger vehicles owing to healthy demand from urban and rural areas and pending order books.

Festive Season To Create 700K Gig Jobs

Festive Season To Create 700K Gig Jobs

Rediff.com17 Oct 2023

'The World Cup alone is expected to create an additional 100,000 jobs, most of which will comprise gig workers in the delivery space, transportation, hospitality and event management.'

X-mas at MCG! Aussies enjoy ahead of Boxing Day

X-mas at MCG! Aussies enjoy ahead of Boxing Day

Rediff.com25 Dec 2024

Captain Pat Cummins reflected on the significance of this Christmas gathering, highlighting the strong bond within the Australian cricket team.

Bangladesh must protect all minorities, says India; raises monk's arrest

Bangladesh must protect all minorities, says India; raises monk's arrest

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

India has expressed serious concern over the increasing incidents of violence and extremist rhetoric against minorities in Bangladesh, urging the interim government to fulfill its responsibility of protecting all minorities. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that India has consistently raised the issue of threats and targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities with the Bangladeshi government. Jaiswal emphasized that these developments cannot be dismissed as mere media exaggeration and called upon Bangladesh to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and security of minorities.

'Girls Will Be Girls Is About Your First Crush'

'Girls Will Be Girls Is About Your First Crush'

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

'The flutters of excitement of a high-school romance, and then how life changes.'

Rasha, Keerthy, Nitibha's Style Tips For Lohri

Rasha, Keerthy, Nitibha's Style Tips For Lohri

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Be your stylish best this Lohri.

SC to examine PIL on Arunachal CM awarding contracts to kin

SC to examine PIL on Arunachal CM awarding contracts to kin

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court has agreed to examine a PIL alleging that Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu awarded government contracts to his family members. The court has asked the state government to provide details of the beneficiaries and inform if due process was followed. The bench also sought responses from union ministries of home affairs, finance and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on the issue within five weeks.

Celebrating Indonesia's Festival Of Democracy

Celebrating Indonesia's Festival Of Democracy

Rediff.com13 Feb 2024

The 'Pesta Demokrasi' is a cause for celebration not only for Indonesia but also for democracy and forces for peace all over the globe, notes Sandeep Chakravorty, India's Ambassador to Indonesia.

Mahakumbh: Preparations in place for Mahashivratri 'snan' at Sangam

Mahakumbh: Preparations in place for Mahashivratri 'snan' at Sangam

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

The Maha Kumbh, a massive religious gathering in Prayagraj, India, is preparing for the culmination of its events with the Mahashivratri 'snan' (sacred bath) on Wednesday. Authorities have declared the entire mela area a 'no vehicle zone' and are urging devotees to take a dip at the ghat nearest to them to avoid crowding at the Sangam. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is monitoring the arrangements and has issued an advisory for devotees, outlining specific ghats for different arrival routes. The Maha Kumbh has seen a record number of pilgrims, exceeding 64 crore. Security arrangements are robust with over 37,000 police personnel and 14,000 home guards deployed. The fair has also been hailed for its cleanliness and safety measures. The event is expected to conclude with the Mahashivratri puja.

Kunal Kamra granted anticipatory bail in Shinde remark case

Kunal Kamra granted anticipatory bail in Shinde remark case

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

Comedian Kunal Kamra has been granted interim anticipatory bail by the Madras High Court in a case filed against him for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a stand-up comedy show. Kamra, who resides in Tamil Nadu, was summoned by the Mumbai Police and feared arrest, prompting him to seek bail from the Madras HC. The court granted him bail until April 7, on the condition that he executes a bond to the satisfaction of the judicial magistrate at Vanur in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu.

Concerning: Jaishankar on $21 million USAID row

Concerning: Jaishankar on $21 million USAID row

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed concern over information regarding USAID funding in India, calling it "concerning" and hinting at potential "bad faith" activities. Jaishankar asserted that India is looking into the matter and that the country should know who is involved in such activities. He also emphasized the need to expand India's security definition in the digital age, highlighting the influence of technology and narratives on public perception. The statements come amid controversy surrounding USAID funding for certain activities in India, with the US President Donald Trump questioning the agency's funding of voter turnout efforts.

When We Went To The Kumbh Mela...

When We Went To The Kumbh Mela...

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

The Kumbh Mela is what it is because of the devotion of millions who make it an experience like no other. It is experiencing the heart and soul of India and the brotherhood of mankind.

Was Modi Right About The Opposition?

Was Modi Right About The Opposition?

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

'While suppression of information is acceptable for the government, the Opposition's efforts at pinning the government and its leaders is labeled anti-national,' points out Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Is AICF Playing Spoilsport?

Is AICF Playing Spoilsport?

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

'The Asian Chess Championship will give great exposure for young chess players. But the AICF is curtailing the number of Indian players with a strange rule.'

Final snan begins as Maha Kumbh 2025 to conclude today

Final snan begins as Maha Kumbh 2025 to conclude today

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

The 45-day Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj concluded on Mahashivratri with a record-breaking number of pilgrims taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam. Over 65 crore pilgrims participated in the event, which took place once every 12 years.

Sensex drops 313 points ahead of RBI's rate decision

Sensex drops 313 points ahead of RBI's rate decision

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Titan, Nestle, Hindustan Unilever, State Bank of India, Larsen & Toubro, ITC, Zomato and Bajaj Finserv were also among the laggards. Adani Ports, IndusInd Bank, Tata Motors and HDFC Bank were among the major gainers.

Bollywood Heads To Goa

Bollywood Heads To Goa

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

The 55th International Film Festival of India kicked off in India's party venue, Goa, and the stars added to the dazzle.

Shoe pinches for most large footwear companies

Shoe pinches for most large footwear companies

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

Footwear companies were among the weakest performers in the consumer discretionary sector during the October-December quarter (Q3) of 2024-25. The combined revenue growth of the top four listed firms was just 2.9 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) - the lowest among major discretionary categories.