News for 'Himachal'

Anything can happen in coming days in Himachal: Thakur

Anything can happen in coming days in Himachal: Thakur

Rediff.com3 Mar 2024

Thakur said it is "difficult for the Congress to stay in power" as the political situation in Himachal Pradesh is grim for the party.

Pakistan flag removed from Simla Accord table

Pakistan flag removed from Simla Accord table

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The Pakistani flag has been removed from the historic table at Raj Bhavan in Shimla where the Simla Accord was signed, a day after Pakistan suspended the 1972 agreement. The suspension came in response to India's retaliatory actions following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The Simla Accord, signed by Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, aimed to settle issues bilaterally and maintain peace at the Line of Control. However, Pakistan's frequent violations of the agreement have led to its suspension, raising concerns about the future of India-Pakistan relations.

That Night In Dharamsala: 'We Need To Leave Now!'

That Night In Dharamsala: 'We Need To Leave Now!'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

'We're noticing all surface-to-missile sites that were just sitting there ready to go.'

Cong sacks Himachal secretary in bid to end rebellion

Cong sacks Himachal secretary in bid to end rebellion

Rediff.com6 Mar 2024

The party on Wednesday removed former minister Sudhir Sharma, who was among the six rebel MLAs who were later disqualified for defying party whip on the state budget, from the post of All India Congress Committee secretary with immediate effect.

IPL: Punjab vs DC match called off, fans evacuated

IPL: Punjab vs DC match called off, fans evacuated

Rediff.com8 May 2025

IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was abruptly halted midway due to escalating security concerns on Thursday.

Congress rushes Hooda, DKS to Himachal to save Sukhu govt

Congress rushes Hooda, DKS to Himachal to save Sukhu govt

Rediff.com28 Feb 2024

The Congress top brass on Wednesday rushed former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and DK Shivakumar to Shimla to parley with members of the party which is facing loss of support and risks losing power in the state.

Himachal crisis over? State Cong chief Pratibha Singh praises BJP

Himachal crisis over? State Cong chief Pratibha Singh praises BJP

Rediff.com1 Mar 2024

Amid the political uncertainty in Himachal Pradesh, state Congress chief Pratibha Singh on Friday asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party's work is better than that of the grand old party.

Who Is Wing Commander Vyomika Singh?

Who Is Wing Commander Vyomika Singh?

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh's role at the press briefing for Operation Sindoor is consistent with her experience as a helicopter pilot in Jammu and Kashmir during the course of her career.

Himachal CM Sukhu rushes to Delhi, may take rebels back

Himachal CM Sukhu rushes to Delhi, may take rebels back

Rediff.com8 Mar 2024

Amid the political crisis in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Sukhu on Thursday left for Delhi to 'meet' the Congress high command.

Woman who accused Haryana BJP chief of rape booked for extortion

Woman who accused Haryana BJP chief of rape booked for extortion

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

Six individuals, including a woman who accused Haryana BJP chief Mohan Lal Badoli and singer Rocky Mittal of rape, have been booked for extortion and criminal intimidation. The Himachal Pradesh police filed a cancellation report in a court, stating no evidence supported the rape allegations. Mittal claims the woman and her associate threatened to implicate him and Badoli in a 'honey trap' case, demanding Rs 50 lakh for a compromise. He further stated that the accused lodged a false rape case after failing to extort money.

Heavy rains kill 7 across north India; 200 flights delayed in Delhi

Heavy rains kill 7 across north India; 200 flights delayed in Delhi

Rediff.com2 May 2025

A three-hour heavy downpour accompanied by a dust storm hit Delhi-NCR early morning on Friday, causing flight delays and traffic disruptions as seven people were killed in rain-related incidents across north India.

Pak shelling: Last rites of fallen soldiers, district commissioner held

Pak shelling: Last rites of fallen soldiers, district commissioner held

Rediff.com11 May 2025

Emotional scenes were witnessed across the country as the last rites of those killed in shelling by Pakistan during the recent military conflict with India were performed on Sunday.

BFI president elections to witness four-cornered fight

BFI president elections to witness four-cornered fight

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

Boxing Federation of India (BFI) chief Ajay Singh will be up against secretary general Hemanta Kalita, vice-president Rajesh Bhandari, and Kerala State Amateur Boxing Association secretary D Chandralal when the BFI holds its long-awaited elections on March 28.

6 disqualified Himachal Congress MLAs move SC

6 disqualified Himachal Congress MLAs move SC

Rediff.com6 Mar 2024

These Congress rebels, who had voted in favour of the BJP nominee in the Rajya Sabha polls, later abstained from voting on the Budget, defying a party whip.

Ma Vaishno Devi: The Power Of The Goddess

Ma Vaishno Devi: The Power Of The Goddess

Rediff.com30 May 2025

As we continue our climb, I meet 59-year-old Pushpa Devi from Banaras. I stare at her in wonderment when she tells me this is her 45th visit to the temple. She is equally bewildered to hear this is my first visit!What is it that draws her here each year? 'Bas ek shabd hai. Shraddha. (There is just one word. Faith.)'

IPL SUSPENDED amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions

IPL SUSPENDED amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions

Rediff.com9 May 2025

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season has been officially suspended due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan.

Lovlina, Thapa lead Assam's charge at National Games

Lovlina, Thapa lead Assam's charge at National Games

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain and six-time Asian champion Shiva Thapa secured impressive victories in their respective boxing bouts at the 38th National Games in Dehradun.

Where Will You Travel This Summer?

Where Will You Travel This Summer?

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

During this summer, Indian travel buffs are opting for destinations that provide an escape from the ominous heat, along with coastal regions within the country and countries offering visa-free travel.

Do-or-Die for Delhi Capitals vs in-form Punjab Kings

Do-or-Die for Delhi Capitals vs in-form Punjab Kings

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Delhi Capitals will be desperate to arrest their slump and stay in contention for a play-off berth when they take on high-flying Punjab Kings in a crucial IPL match in Dharamsala on Thursday.

Shimla school drops Eid celebration plan after right-wing threat

Shimla school drops Eid celebration plan after right-wing threat

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

A private school in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, withdrew its decision to ask students to wear "kurta-pajama" and bring special food for Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations after it sparked a row with a local right-wing organization and some religious groups. The school said it was intended as a cultural learning experience and that participation was voluntary. The school also condemned attempts to misrepresent the event as religious propaganda and urged individuals to remove false and inflammatory messages on social media.

Pak shelling toll rises to 7 in J-K, more than 25 hurt

Pak shelling toll rises to 7 in J-K, more than 25 hurt

Rediff.com11 May 2025

The casualties were reported hours before India and Pakistan agreed to end hostilities, which soared after the Indian Armed Forces hit terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir earlier this week in response to the Pahalgam attack.

Schools shut, leaves cancelled, blackout in many states as tensions soar

Schools shut, leaves cancelled, blackout in many states as tensions soar

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Several Indian states bordering Pakistan have implemented stringent security measures, including school closures, blackouts, and cancellation of leave for police and administrative personnel, in response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. These measures were taken after India conducted airstrikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam massacre. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and West Bengal have all implemented these precautionary measures.

Two women among 12 held so far in 3 states on espionage charges

Two women among 12 held so far in 3 states on espionage charges

Rediff.com19 May 2025

While six of them have been held from Punjab, five were nabbed from neighbouring Haryana, and one from Uttar Pradesh.

High drama as Himachal ministers storm out of cabinet meet

High drama as Himachal ministers storm out of cabinet meet

Rediff.com2 Mar 2024

High drama was witnessed during the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet meeting on Saturday with ministers Jagat Negi and Rohit Thakur leaving midway following a 'heated debate' over policy decisions, sources said.

Anurag Thakur 'ineligible' for BFI's poll process

Anurag Thakur 'ineligible' for BFI's poll process

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Attempts to include Anurag Thakur in the electoral college for the upcoming Boxing Federation of India elections were quashed after the former sports minister's name was not included in the final list approved by the returning officer on Thursday.

A Salute To The Brave Who Gave Us Their All

A Salute To The Brave Who Gave Us Their All

Rediff.com16 May 2025

With respect and gratitude we honour the memory of soldiers who sacrificed their lives in Operation Sindoor.

Himachal BJP leaders miffed over ticket to Cong rebels

Himachal BJP leaders miffed over ticket to Cong rebels

Rediff.com9 Apr 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party leadership in Himachal Pradesh is making efforts to mollify party leaders who are disgruntled over distribution of tickets to six Congress rebels for the assembly bypolls, former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said on Tuesday.

Himachal assembly speaker expels 15 BJP MLAs amid crisis

Himachal assembly speaker expels 15 BJP MLAs amid crisis

Rediff.com28 Feb 2024

They were suspended for misbehaviour and shouting slogans in the House.

Cash row: SC in-house panel begins probe, visits Justice Varma's house

Cash row: SC in-house panel begins probe, visits Justice Varma's house

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

The judges were inside the official residence of Justice Varma for around 30-35 minutes and apparently inspected the site, sources said.

SC judges make assets public, CJI owns 2015 Maruti Swift

SC judges make assets public, CJI owns 2015 Maruti Swift

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has made public the asset details of its judges, including Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna who has Rs 55.75 lakh in a fixed deposit, a three-bedroom DDA flat in south Delhi, and a four-bedroom apartment measuring 2,446 square feet in the Commonwealth Games Village. The court has also uploaded the complete process of appointments to the high courts and the Supreme Court on its website for public awareness.

CJI recommends impeachment of cash recovery row judge

CJI recommends impeachment of cash recovery row judge

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has recommended the impeachment of Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma following an investigation into a cash discovery incident at his residence. The recommendation follows a report by a Supreme Court-appointed committee that confirmed allegations of cash discovery against Justice Varma. The CJI's recommendation is based on the established in-house procedure for dealing with allegations against judges of constitutional courts.

'Pakistan Working Committee': BJP slams Cong for doubting Balakot strike

'Pakistan Working Committee': BJP slams Cong for doubting Balakot strike

Rediff.com3 May 2025

The BJP on Saturday accused the Congress of repeatedly supplying "oxygen" to Pakistan, and slammed the opposition party for its leader Charanjit Singh Channi's remarks questioning the veracity of Balakot air strikes after the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged that the Congress is full of pro-Pakistan leaders who make statements against India's interests, and mocked the party for its letter that had advised its functionaries to toe the official line on the issue. Patra also criticized other Congress leaders for their comments on the Pulwama and Pahalgam terror attacks, accusing them of lowering the morale of the armed forces. He further slammed the Congress for claiming credit for the government's announcement of the caste census and said the party never carried out the exercise during its over 60-year stint in power.

JCO killed as infiltration bid by terrorists thwarted at LoC

JCO killed as infiltration bid by terrorists thwarted at LoC

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

An Army Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) was killed in an encounter with terrorists along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu and Kashmir. The terrorists' infiltration attempt was thwarted, but the JCO succumbed to injuries sustained during the encounter. This incident comes after a recent brigade commander-level flag meeting between India and Pakistan to discuss border management, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.

Scottish-born travel writer Bill Aitken dies in Dehradun at 90

Scottish-born travel writer Bill Aitken dies in Dehradun at 90

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Noted Scottish-born travel writer Bill Aitken, known for his writings on Indian mountains, rivers, and railways, died in Dehradun at the age of 90. Aitken, who arrived in India in the late 1950s, traveled extensively throughout the country, especially in and around the Himalayan ashrams of Kausani and Mirtola. He lived between Delhi and Mussoorie since the 1970s. In over two dozen travel books, Aitken explored India's religious and natural landscapes, wrote intimately about its people and their beliefs, and had a keen interest in Indian railways. Some of his noted works include "Seven Sacred Rivers," "Divining the Deccan - A Motorbike to the Heart of India," "Footloose in the Himalaya," and "Exploring Indian Railways."

Himachal Rain Havoc Devastates Business

Himachal Rain Havoc Devastates Business

Rediff.com25 Aug 2023

Tourism is badly affected. Entire apple orchards have been washed away. 2 million people are threatened with loss of livelihood.

Very soon you will see result: Rebel Himachal Cong MLA

Very soon you will see result: Rebel Himachal Cong MLA

Rediff.com6 Mar 2024

Six rebel Congress MLAs, including Rana, who were disqualified for defying the party whip asking them to be present in the assembly and vote in favour of the state government during cut motions and the budget, moved the Supreme Court on Tuesday against their disqualification.

Danger to Sukhu government in Himachal is by no means over

Danger to Sukhu government in Himachal is by no means over

Rediff.com14 Mar 2024

The BJP in Himachal has its own problems. But it is not a party that sits around twiddling its thumbs.

Cong says Himachal govt 'not in 'danger' now, but CM mum on stability

Cong says Himachal govt 'not in 'danger' now, but CM mum on stability

Rediff.com4 Mar 2024

The political crisis arose in Himachal Pradesh during the recently held polling for the Rajya Sabha elections as nine MLAs, including six Congress rebels and three independents, voted in favour of BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan.

Won't give single drop of water to Haryana: Punjab passes resolution

Won't give single drop of water to Haryana: Punjab passes resolution

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The Punjab Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution to not release any water from its share to Haryana, citing the state's water scarcity. The resolution also demanded the reorganization of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the repeal of the Dam Safety Act of 2021. The decision comes amid a stand-off between the two states over the distribution of water from the Bhakra dam. The resolution was moved by Punjab's Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, who accused the BJP of trying to take away Punjab's water rights. The resolution was supported by all parties, including the opposition, which termed the Dam Safety Act of 2021 as an "attack" on the rights of Punjab. The resolution also criticized the BBMB, calling it a "puppet" of the BJP-led central government. The Punjab government maintains that the state does not have surplus water to spare and needs it for the upcoming paddy sowing season. The resolution has triggered strong reactions from the BJP, which has accused the Punjab government of politicising the issue.

BJP's 'nefarious designs' to topple govt shows...: Himachal CM

BJP's 'nefarious designs' to topple govt shows...: Himachal CM

Rediff.com6 Mar 2024

Sukhu said that he was a warrior and will fight till his last to ensure the welfare of the state and its people.