News for 'India Tourist Office'

Gambhir gets death threat mail after Kashmir attack

Gambhir gets death threat mail after Kashmir attack

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Indian cricket team's head coach and former BJP MP Gautam Gambhir has reportedly received threatening emails, prompting authorities to tighten his security.

Leaves cancelled, schools shut: Rajasthan, Punjab on alert post Op Sindoor

Leaves cancelled, schools shut: Rajasthan, Punjab on alert post Op Sindoor

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Punjab and Rajasthan, which share borders with Pakistan, have gone into full alert mode following India's retaliatory missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Punjab Police has cancelled leaves of all its personnel and shut schools in six border districts, while Rajasthan has also cancelled leaves of administrative officials and police personnel deployed in the border areas and closed schools in four border districts.

Make sure...: Pahalgam victim Lt Narwal's widow on Op Sindoor

Make sure...: Pahalgam victim Lt Narwal's widow on Op Sindoor

Rediff.com8 May 2025

The family of Navy officer Vinay Narwal, killed in a terror attack in Pahalgam, expressed gratitude for "Operation Sindoor", the Indian military's retaliatory strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK. Vinay's wife, Himanshi, who was widowed during their honeymoon, called the operation a testament to her late husband's spirit and a strong message against terrorism. Vinay's father, Rajesh, said the strikes would make terrorists think twice before carrying out such attacks. The operation was lauded for its decisive response to the Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists.

Rs 2,541 cr boost for tourism, 50 destinations to be developed

Rs 2,541 cr boost for tourism, 50 destinations to be developed

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced an ambitious plan to develop the country's top 50 tourist destinations in a "challenge mode", with the aim of boosting employment-led growth and attracting international visitors. The Ministry of Tourism has received a significant budget increase for 2025-2026, with a focus on enhancing tourism infrastructure, promoting domestic and international travel, and ensuring the safety of tourists, particularly women. The government plans to promote homestays, improve connectivity to tourist spots, and provide performance-linked incentives to states that demonstrate effective destination management. The budget also includes investments in public enterprises, skill development programs, and initiatives to promote medical tourism and spiritual tourism.

Pahalgam attack: What Putin, Trump, Netanyahu said

Pahalgam attack: What Putin, Trump, Netanyahu said

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

World leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people, expressing solidarity with India. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist group. The attack came during US Vice President J D Vance's maiden visit to India. Prime Minister Modi, who had arrived in Saudi Arabia on a two-day visit earlier in the day, cut short his visit and departed for New Delhi on Tuesday night following the attack.

'Everyone Wanted To Know Why I Had Killed Off Amitabh'

'Everyone Wanted To Know Why I Had Killed Off Amitabh'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

'I make films which I think have the possibility of being liked by a majority of people, and you present it with the right emotions.'

BJP trying to derail Shiv Sena-MNS alliance, alleges Uddhav

BJP trying to derail Shiv Sena-MNS alliance, alleges Uddhav

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of trying to scuttle the possibility of his party's alliance with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena led by his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray ahead of civic polls.

Film Body Wants Diljit Dosanjh Banned; He Reacts

Film Body Wants Diljit Dosanjh Banned; He Reacts

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Amid a storm surrounding his collaboration with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has taken to social media with a cryptic message.

Rahul Gandhi meets Pahalgam attack victim Lt Narwal's family

Rahul Gandhi meets Pahalgam attack victim Lt Narwal's family

Rediff.com6 May 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met the family of Navy officer Lt Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, on Tuesday. Gandhi reached Karnal in Haryana in the afternoon and was accompanied by Congress' Rohtak MP Deepender Singh Hooda. The Congress party posted on X that Gandhi would meet the family of the Navy officer who was martyred in the Pahalgam terror attack.

'News From Pahalgam Is Heartbreaking'

'News From Pahalgam Is Heartbreaking'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

'Innocent lives lost. Tourists, families, people who were just... living. Seeking beauty. Seeking peace. And now there's only grief.'

Do terrorists have time to ask about religion: Cong leader

Do terrorists have time to ask about religion: Cong leader

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

In controversial remarks, Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Monday said terrorists have no caste or religion and questioned veracity of the claim that terrorists asked about faith of tourists before killing them in Kashmir's Pahalgam town last week.

Was ready to strike during Operation Sindoor: Navy chief

Was ready to strike during Operation Sindoor: Navy chief

Rediff.com28 Jun 2025

During Operation Sindoor, Indian naval ships, submarines and aircraft were operationally ready and deployed, projecting strength and preparedness to deter any "potential actions from our western adversary" in the maritime domain, Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said on Friday.

Man assaulted while watching reel on Pahalgam attack in MP

Man assaulted while watching reel on Pahalgam attack in MP

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

Two unidentified men have been booked by the Government Railway Police (GRP) in Indore for allegedly abusing and assaulting a 23-year-old man on a Bhopal-Indore passenger train. The victim claimed he was attacked for watching a reel regarding the Pahalgam terror attack, which upset the accused. The GRP has registered a case against the accused under sections related to intentionally causing hurt, abuse, and criminal intimidation.

Terrorists asked Christian LIC manager 'to recite Kalma'

Terrorists asked Christian LIC manager 'to recite Kalma'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Sushil Nathaniel, an LIC manager from Indore, was shot dead by terrorists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, after being forced to recite the 'Kalma'. His family has demanded the harshest punishment for the assailants. Nathaniel, who was on a family trip to celebrate Easter, was among 26 people killed in the attack. His daughter was injured in the attack, while his wife and son survived.

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.

'Pakistan PM sheltering and nurturing terrorists': Ex-spinner Kaneria

'Pakistan PM sheltering and nurturing terrorists': Ex-spinner Kaneria

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Former spinner Danish Kaneria suggested that Pakistan has a role in the Pahalgam terror attack in India which led to 26 deaths.

Brrrr... It's Freezing In North India

Brrrr... It's Freezing In North India

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

Residents of North India battle freezing conditions.

Why I Will Be Going Back To Vietnam

Why I Will Be Going Back To Vietnam

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

Vietnam was wonderful and the people warm and hospitable, Radhika Mittal discovered over a 11-day stay.

'China Is Scared Of The Dalai Lama'

'China Is Scared Of The Dalai Lama'

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

'Although China has been ruling over Tibet for past 75 years, it has no legitimacy.'

Pak army spokesman has Osama bin Laden connection

Pak army spokesman has Osama bin Laden connection

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the spokesperson for the Pakistan Army, is the son of a nuclear scientist who was sanctioned by the United Nations and the US for providing information and expertise to al-Qaeda, according to Indian officials. Chaudhry's father, Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood, allegedly provided insights into nuclear weapons infrastructure and raised funds for a fundamentalist organization linked to the Taliban. Mahmood was arrested in 2001 after admitting to meeting Osama bin Laden but was later released.

Nepal bars Covid-infected tourists from India, sends back 4 visitors

Nepal bars Covid-infected tourists from India, sends back 4 visitors

Rediff.com9 Aug 2022

The four Indian tourists had entered Nepal via the Jhulaghat border point in the Baitadi district in Western Nepal.

RBI Forex Intervention Hits Highest In 17 Years

RBI Forex Intervention Hits Highest In 17 Years

Rediff.com23 May 2025

In response to the panic triggered by Trump's trade policies, the RBI net sold approximately $43 billion in the second half of FY25 to curb volatility, as the rupee plunged to a low of 87.95 per dollar in February this year.

Pix: Tearful farewells at Attari border crossing

Pix: Tearful farewells at Attari border crossing

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

As India's deadline for Pakistani citizens to leave the country passed, chaotic scenes unfolded at the Attari-Wagah land crossing in Punjab.

'Congress Must Expose Shashi Tharoor's Lies'

'Congress Must Expose Shashi Tharoor's Lies'

Rediff.com29 May 2025

'Shashi Tharoor is destroying the history of India.' 'He is distorting facts about the Congress party.'

HC orders Customs to ensure old jewellery of flyers are...

HC orders Customs to ensure old jewellery of flyers are...

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

The Delhi High Court has directed Customs officials to ensure that old and personal jewellery of travellers, including ornaments being worn by them during travel, are not unnecessarily detained at airports and they are not harassed. The court was hearing a batch of more than 30 petitions raising issues on the procedure for detention of goods belonging to the tourists travelling to India, of both Indian and foreign origin, by the Customs department.

MP: 3 held for attack on Army officers, rape of female friend

MP: 3 held for attack on Army officers, rape of female friend

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

Two men were arrested on Thursday for the attack on two Army officers and alleged rape of one of their women friends during a picnic in Mhow town of Madhya Pradesh's Indore district, police said.

Day after Op Sindoor, Pak resorts to shelling again

Day after Op Sindoor, Pak resorts to shelling again

Rediff.com8 May 2025

The Pakistan Army continued shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in four sectors of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting a befitting response by the Indian Army, officials said on Thursday. The intensity of cross-border firing was less than Wednesday, when Pakistan Army carried out one of the most intense artillery and mortar shelling in years targeting the forward villages in J-K following missile strikes by India as part of 'Operation Sindoor'.

Ceasefire, But Pakistan's Cyber War Continues

Ceasefire, But Pakistan's Cyber War Continues

Rediff.com26 May 2025

More than one million cybersecurity incidents were flagged within 10 days.

Highest possible vigil along border, Op Sindoor continues: BSF

Highest possible vigil along border, Op Sindoor continues: BSF

Rediff.com27 May 2025

The Border Security Force (BSF) remains on high alert along the International Border (IB) and has not let its guard down, BSF Inspector General, Jammu Frontier, Shashank Anand said on Tuesday. Operation Sindoor, aimed at preventing infiltration attempts, continues as Pakistan cannot be trusted, he added. Anand highlighted the BSF's robust response after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, including destroying multiple terror launch pads and thwarting infiltration attempts.

How Weak Rupee Affects Your Travel Plans

How Weak Rupee Affects Your Travel Plans

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

Many travellers are now opting for domestic destinations like Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan, Lakshadweep, Himachal Pradesh, and the North East.

Foreign defence attaches of 70 nations briefed on Op Sindoor

Foreign defence attaches of 70 nations briefed on Op Sindoor

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Defence attaches of several major countries who are part of many international groupings, as also of several Islamic countries attended the briefing, sources said.

'May All Know The Greatness Of India'

'May All Know The Greatness Of India'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Many ordinary citizens are drawn to by a sense of history and India's remarkable journey from bondage to freedom which culminated in this monumental building.

On The Beach With Samantha

On The Beach With Samantha

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

Fort Kochi's charm lies in its oldness. Put on that cap, lace up your sneakers and those 10,000 steps are easy-peasy!

Govt hopes to put Maha Kumbh Mela on global tourism map

Govt hopes to put Maha Kumbh Mela on global tourism map

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

The Ministry of Tourism is inviting people from around the world to visit Prayagraj and experience the Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings on Earth. The event, which begins on January 13th and runs for 45 days, will feature an "Incredible India Pavilion" showcasing cultural heritage, luxury tent accommodations, and enhanced air connectivity. The ministry is also launching a major social media campaign to generate buzz about the event, encouraging people to share their experiences and moments from the Maha Kumbh.

Rain fury wreaks havoc in Northeast; lakhs hit, toll at 36

Rain fury wreaks havoc in Northeast; lakhs hit, toll at 36

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

So far, over 30 people have died across Northeastern states due to heavy rainfalls, floods and landslides, according to media reports.

Liberation of Balochistan and Sindh must top the agenda

Liberation of Balochistan and Sindh must top the agenda

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

Terrorism and insurgency in J&K had subsided when India demolished East Pakistan -- for the simple reason that Pakistan understands power. We need to follow Chanakya's dictum of Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed for strategising against Pakistan, asserts Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (Retd). The ground truth is that unless we are prepared to acknowledge our shortcomings, including massive intelligence failures, punish those responsible and take corrective actions, we will continue in the same vein, asserts Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (Retd).

2025: 13 Least Explored Places In India

2025: 13 Least Explored Places In India

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

A list of lesser-travelled destinations in India that you must explore this year!

Fawad Khan's Abir Gulaal Release NOT Allowed

Fawad Khan's Abir Gulaal Release NOT Allowed

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'We will take all necessary steps to ensure that Abir Gulaal is not released in India.'

At least 26 killed in Indian missile strikes, admits Pakistan

At least 26 killed in Indian missile strikes, admits Pakistan

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Army spokesman Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry in a media interaction said at least 26 people were killed and 46 injured in the missile strikes on cities in Punjab and PoK. "The six locations that India attacked last night... Pakistan lost 26 people and 46 were injured," he said.

Despite ceasefire, live shells still haunt border villagers

Despite ceasefire, live shells still haunt border villagers

Rediff.com18 May 2025

People along the Line of Control and International Border in the Jammu region continue to live under the shadow of death, with unexploded mortar shells fired by Pakistani troops still embedded in farmlands and residential areas even though hostilities have stopped for nearly a week. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: / Rediff.com Despite the May 10 understanding between India and Pakistan, locals describe the border areas as a 'death trap'. Sixty-two-year-old Balvinder Singh, who returned to his home in Pargwal sector on May 14, recounted a narrow escape. "Two shells exploded in our compound, damaging our house. Three more landed on our farmland. We were terrified and told our family to stay away from the fields until the Army could help," Singh told PTI. Army engineers later came to the village and safely defused the unexploded shells, bringing a temporary sense of relief. "Fear is writ large on the faces of people to these death traps in border hamlets", he said. Scenes of destruction are evident rooftops torn apart, broken houses, windows punctured by shrapnel, and carcasses of cattle lying in pools of blood. The acrid smell of gunpowder still lingers in the air. Sardar Gurmeet Singh faced a similar ordeal. His family could not re-enter their home as a live mortar shell had sunk into the compound in a village close to the International Border. "The army's bomb disposal squad removed it after four days, allowing us to finally enter, back home," he said. Indian Army engineers have launched a sweeping clearance operation across border districts, defusing over 80 unexploded shells in the past five days -- including 6 in Pargwal, 19 in Rajouri, 42 in Poonch, and 12 along the IB. "These shells, mostly 120 mm calibre, have a range of 15 to 30 km and pose a serious threat to both civilian and military targets," an Army officer said. "Many of them were fired by Pakistan during recent hostilities." On May 7, the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor, conducting precision strikes on nine terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, most of them tourists. The subsequent retaliation by Pakistan pushed the region to the brink of war. From 7 to 10 of May, 27 civilians were killed and over 70 injured in Pakistani shelling in the Jammu region. Farid Din Gujjar, a resident near the border, expressed fear about returning to his fields. "Several shells created deep craters in our paddy land. We cannot resume work until all unexploded ordnance is cleared. It's a death trap," he said. Army units, in coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police, have evacuated high-risk zones and issued stern warnings to residents not to touch any suspicious objects or unexploded shells. In one major operation, 42 live shells were safely destroyed in the Poonch villages of Jhullas, Salotri, Dharati and Salani. "All safety protocols were followed. The shells posed a serious danger to local lives," an Army spokesperson said, calling the effort a 'continued commitment to protect civilians and restore normalcy'. Poonch saw the vast majority of deaths due to shelling. Security officials said that Pakistan used a mix of mortar shells, armed drones, and missiles during the shelling spree, specifically targeting civilian habitations and border towns in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch. As clearance operations continue, the border residents are slowly returning to their homes, but with caution, fear, and lingering uncertainty about shelling that may yet happen in the future.