News for 'His Holiness'

For 50 yrs, this Hindu family is waking up Muslims in Ramzan

For 50 yrs, this Hindu family is waking up Muslims in Ramzan

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

For the past 50 years, the Hindu family of Gulab Yadav has been ensuring that Muslims in the village wake up on time for 'Sehri', the pre-dawn meal consumed before fasting during Ramzan.

Jorhat, Assam's Hidden Jewel

Jorhat, Assam's Hidden Jewel

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Jorhat has many attraction to offer for the discerning and offbeat traveller.

Japanese woman 'harassed' on Holi: Delhi cops probe viral video

Japanese woman 'harassed' on Holi: Delhi cops probe viral video

Rediff.com11 Mar 2023

Delhi Police on Friday said they have launched an investigation after a video on social media showed a group of men allegedly harassing and groping a Japanese woman on Holi.

PIX: Kareena, Aishwarya, Sunny play Holi

PIX: Kareena, Aishwarya, Sunny play Holi

Rediff.com11 Mar 2020

Bollywood makes Holi look extra vibrant, thanks to their colourful pictures on Instagram.

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.

Student dies, 28 hospitalised after food poisoning at K'taka hostel

Student dies, 28 hospitalised after food poisoning at K'taka hostel

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

A 13-year-old boy died and 28 other students were hospitalized after suspected food poisoning at an unauthorized hostel in Mandya, Karnataka, India. The incident occurred after students consumed leftover food from a Holi celebration. The school has been operating without a license to run a hostel and was illegally operating the hostel on the first floor of the school building. The school reportedly follows an arrangement where hostel students receive leftover food from nearby events. The school owner, cook, and hostel warden have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Police looking for mastermind behind Nagpur violence: Maha minister

Police looking for mastermind behind Nagpur violence: Maha minister

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam said 54 people have been arrested in connection with the violence in Nagpur, India, while a search is underway for the mastermind. The violence, which injured 33 police personnel, was triggered by rumors about a chadar with holy inscriptions being burnt during protests by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).

Nagpur rioters tried to disrobe female cop, reveals FIR

Nagpur rioters tried to disrobe female cop, reveals FIR

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

A group of rioters allegedly touched a woman constable inappropriately and tried to disrobe her during violence in Nagpur, sparked by protests against Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb. The mob also hurled petrol bombs at the police. Authorities have arrested 51 rioters and filed 57 charges against them.

Trump's AI image dressed as Pope sparks outrage

Trump's AI image dressed as Pope sparks outrage

Rediff.com3 May 2025

US President Donald Trump has posted a seemingly AI-generated photo of himself in papal attire on his social media, sparking a dueling backlash and praise. The image, which was also posted from the White House's social media handle, prompted many social media users to call it "cosplaying as the next Pope." The photo comes days after Trump had jokingly said last week that he would be his own "number one choice" for the next pope. The president posted the picture at 10:29 pm Friday, without a caption or comment. The post immediately garnered positive and negative reaction online.

Delhi HC Chief Justice submits report to CJI on cash recovery

Delhi HC Chief Justice submits report to CJI on cash recovery

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

The Delhi High Court Chief Justice, D K Upadhyay, has submitted a report to the Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, regarding the alleged discovery of cash at Justice Yashwant Varma's official residence. The report follows an in-house inquiry initiated by Justice Upadhyay after a fire at Justice Varma's residence on Holi night. The Supreme Court Collegium will now examine the report and may take further action. The Supreme Court has also stated that a proposal to transfer Justice Varma to the Allahabad High Court is separate from the in-house inquiry.

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.

The World Mourns Pope Francis

The World Mourns Pope Francis

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 in Rome on Monday, April 21, less than a day after delivering a brief Easter Sunday message in St Peter's Basilica, is remembered as a spiritual leader whose life and final moments were deeply intertwined with prayer and devotion.

Delhi judge in cash row transferred to Allahabad HC

Delhi judge in cash row transferred to Allahabad HC

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

Justice Yashwant Varma, a Delhi High Court judge, has been transferred to his parent Allahabad High Court amid a controversy surrounding the alleged discovery of a large sum of cash at his official residence. The Supreme Court Collegium recommended the transfer, stating it was separate from an in-house probe ordered by the top court into the alleged cash find. The incident occurred following a fire at Justice Varma's residence on Holi night, March 14. Justice Varma has vehemently denied any involvement in the alleged cash discovery, calling it a conspiracy to frame him.

Prayagraj Airport handling 40 VIP flights daily

Prayagraj Airport handling 40 VIP flights daily

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The Prayagraj airport in India is experiencing a surge in air traffic due to the Maha Kumbh, a major religious festival. The airport is handling an average of 40 non-scheduled charters and private jets daily, with figures reaching 70 on weekends. This is in addition to the average 148 scheduled commercial passenger aircraft operating daily. The airport recently received a contingent of about 180 politicians from Rajasthan and has seen corporate bigwigs like the Ambani brothers, Gautam Adani, and Pawan Munjal pass through. The airport has also hosted four international flights since the beginning of the Maha Kumbh, including a flight carrying Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. The airport is currently undergoing an upgrade and expansion, and officials are looking forward to the government's plans to integrate Prayagraj with the airports at Kashi and Ayodhya to promote tourism in the region.

Modi takes a holy dip in Ganga at Varanasi

Modi takes a holy dip in Ganga at Varanasi

Rediff.com13 Dec 2021

On his arrival in Varanasi earlier on Monday, the prime minister offered prayers at Kaal Bhairav Temple.

Modi gifts Gangajal from Kumbh to Mauritius Prez Dharam Gokhool

Modi gifts Gangajal from Kumbh to Mauritius Prez Dharam Gokhool

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his two-day state visit to Mauritius, presented President Dharam Gokhool with Gangajal from the Maha Kumbh Mela. The visit marks Modi's return to Mauritius after nearly a decade, showcasing the strong relationship between India and Mauritius.

Goa Crime Branch Arrests 34 in IPL Betting Racket

Goa Crime Branch Arrests 34 in IPL Betting Racket

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Assets Worth Rs 40 Lakh Seized

His commitment is unwavering: Dravid in a cast!

His commitment is unwavering: Dravid in a cast!

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Rajasthan Royals batting coach Vikram Rathour lauded Rahul Dravid's unwavering dedication.

Nagpur violence: Curfew continues for 2nd consecutive day

Nagpur violence: Curfew continues for 2nd consecutive day

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

The law and order situation in Nagpur, which was rocked by violence on Monday night, is under control but a curfew continues in many sensitive areas of the city, a senior official said on Wednesday. Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal said the situation will be reviewed in the afternoon. More than 2,000 armed police personnel have been deployed in the sensitive areas. Violence erupted in central Nagpur's Chitnis Park in the Mahal area on Monday, with stones hurled at police amid rumours that the holy book of a community was burnt during an agitation by a right-wing body demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. As many as 34 police personnel were injured in the violence. A curfew, restricting the movement of people and vehicles, was subsequently imposed in sensitive areas in the city.

White collar hiring in March dips marginally by 1.4%

White collar hiring in March dips marginally by 1.4%

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Hiring trends in India's white-collar job market dipped marginally by 1.4 per cent in March compared to the same month last year, driven by a decline in recruitment in the retail, oil & gas, and education sectors, a report said on Wednesday.

At least 413 Palestinians killed after Israel strikes Gaza

At least 413 Palestinians killed after Israel strikes Gaza

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

"Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength," Netanyahu's office said.

30 killed, 60 injured in stampede amid rush of pilgrims at Maha Kumbh

30 killed, 60 injured in stampede amid rush of pilgrims at Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

At least 30 people were killed and 60 others injured in a pre-dawn stampede at the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh early on Wednesday as crores of pilgrims jostled for space to take a holy dip on the occasion of one of the most auspicious days of Mauni Amavasya, officials said.

Rajkot mayor travels to Kumbh in official vehicle, sparks row

Rajkot mayor travels to Kumbh in official vehicle, sparks row

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Naynaben Pedhadiya, mayor of Rajkot city in Gujarat has sparked a controversy after photos of her journey to Prayagraj to attend the Maha Kumbh in her official vehicle went viral.

Photographer killed for making married woman's photos viral

Photographer killed for making married woman's photos viral

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

A 24-year-old photographer was stabbed to death in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, after he allegedly made a married woman's photos viral on Instagram. The woman's brother and cousin have been arrested in connection with the murder. Police say the victim, Chandan Bind, was lured to an agriculture plot on the night of March 18, where he was stabbed multiple times and his body dumped in a wheat field. The accused, Surendra Yadav and Rohit Yadav, have confessed to the crime and three knives used in the murder have been recovered.

Bigoted idiots...: Javed Akhtar's message to Shami amid roza row

Bigoted idiots...: Javed Akhtar's message to Shami amid roza row

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar has come out in support of Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami after he was criticized for not observing roza (fast) during the month of Ramzan. Shami was spotted consuming an energy drink during the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final match against Australia, which led to criticism from some quarters. Akhtar, known for his outspoken views, urged Shami to ignore the negativity and praised his performance in the game.

Shinde wanted to join Cong, ask Prithviraj Chavan, claims Raut

Shinde wanted to join Cong, ask Prithviraj Chavan, claims Raut

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Shiv Sena-UBT MP Sanjay Raut claimed that former Maharashtra chief minister and Shiv Sena head Eknath Shinde wanted to join the Congress in the past. Raut's claim comes after former Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole offered Shinde and Ajit Pawar the "rotational post of the chief minister" if they switched to the opposition alliance. Raut said that "nothing is impossible in politics" and that Shinde and Ajit Pawar are carrying the flags of the BJP.

Pope Francis passes away hours after delivering Easter message

Pope Francis passes away hours after delivering Easter message

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Pope Francis has died, the Vatican said on Monday. The Pope passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, according to a statement from the Vatican.

Whose Wedding Did Aishwarya, SRK, Aamir Attend?

Whose Wedding Did Aishwarya, SRK, Aamir Attend?

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Sunita and Ashutosh Gowarikar's son Konark wed Niyati Kanakia on March 2 in Mumbai.

Malegaon trial ends 17 yrs after blast, verdict on May 8

Malegaon trial ends 17 yrs after blast, verdict on May 8

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

A special court in India has reserved its verdict in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, which killed six people and injured over 100. The trial began nearly 17 years after the bombing in the town of Malegaon, located in Maharashtra. The prosecution concluded its final arguments on Saturday, marking the end of the hearings. Seven individuals, including Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit and BJP leader Pragya Thakur, are facing charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The verdict is expected to be delivered on May 8th.

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."

Maha Kumbh stampede: 'Everyone wanted to take a dip at 3 am'

Maha Kumbh stampede: 'Everyone wanted to take a dip at 3 am'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

A stampede at the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh early Wednesday morning resulted in several deaths and injuries as devotees jostled for space to take a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya. Eyewitness accounts describe a sudden surge of pilgrims, leading to a chaotic situation where many were trampled as barricades collapsed. Scattered shoes, slippers, and clothes at the site speak to the intensity of the stampede. Authorities are investigating the incident and have urged devotees to prioritize their safety.

Heading To The Kumbh? Here's How To Plan

Heading To The Kumbh? Here's How To Plan

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

Prayagraj is a must-visit place in 2025, but in January and February you can't miss the Maha Kumbh, a spectacular event like no other.

PHOTOS: Maha Kumbh Mela seen from Space

PHOTOS: Maha Kumbh Mela seen from Space

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

'There are literally millions of people in this photo, for an event that has not happened in 144 years'

Maha Kumbh: World's largest religious gathering begins

Maha Kumbh: World's largest religious gathering begins

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

The Maha Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu pilgrimage, commenced in Prayagraj, India on Monday, with over 40 lakh people taking the first holy dip in the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the event, which runs until February 26, will elevate India's ancient cultural and religious traditions to global prominence.

Holi safety: 6 tips to protect your hair

Holi safety: 6 tips to protect your hair

Rediff.com26 Mar 2021

'Do not wash your hair immediately after playing Holi; instead, brush your hair to remove dry colours from your scalp.'

T'gana allows early leave for Muslim staffers during Ramzan; BJP slams move

T'gana allows early leave for Muslim staffers during Ramzan; BJP slams move

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

The Telangana government has issued a circular allowing Muslim employees to leave offices an hour early during the holy month of Ramzan. The move has been criticized by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which termed it "appeasement politics". The BJP questioned why similar measures are not extended during Hindu festivals. The ruling Congress party defended the decision, stating that such facilities are provided during various festivals and are not unique to Ramzan.

Four Indian cardinals eligible to vote for electing new pope

Four Indian cardinals eligible to vote for electing new pope

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Four cardinals from India, including two from Kerala, are eligible to vote in the upcoming conclave to elect the new Pope. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, as per the regulations. Anthony Poola, the Archbishop of Hyderabad; Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman; Cardinal Baselios Cleemis of the Syro-Malankara Church; and George Koovakkad, the newly appointed cardinal, are the four who can cast votes in the upcoming conclave.

Pandya, Kohli, Tendulkar greet fans on Holi

Pandya, Kohli, Tendulkar greet fans on Holi

Rediff.com10 Mar 2020

The cricket fraternity on Tuesday extended greetings to their fans and followers on the occasion of Holi -- the festival of colours. India captain Virat Kohli wished the people a 'safe holi'.

Bohras Launch Save Our Sparrows

Bohras Launch Save Our Sparrows

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

dawoodi Bohra volunteers distributed around 50,000 bird feeders to households, schools, parks and community centres across the country.

Nagpur minority leader Fahim Khan booked for sedition

Nagpur minority leader Fahim Khan booked for sedition

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

The cyber police in Nagpur have booked local leader Fahim Khan and five others on charges of sedition and spreading misinformation on social media during the violence that erupted in the city on Monday. The department has also sought information from Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube authorities about 230 profiles and requested their blocking.