News for 'Northern Areas'

NIA Charges Two More In Drone-Based Arms, Narcotics Trafficking

NIA Charges Two More In Drone-Based Arms, Narcotics Trafficking

Rediff.com5 days ago

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed its third chargesheet against Satyanarayan Meghwal and Sahil Godara in a case involving cross-border trafficking of arms and narcotics using drones. The accused, arrested in July this year, face charges under UAPA, Arms Act, NDPS Act, and BNS. The investigation reveals an organised syndicate using encrypted channels to smuggle weapons and drugs across northern India, targeting youth and fostering disaffection against India.

What's Behind 70% Of SIR Exclusions?

What's Behind 70% Of SIR Exclusions?

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

The prominence of migration highlights a longstanding problem for India's electoral system.

The Village India Seized From Pakistan

The Village India Seized From Pakistan

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Indian Army captured Thang in Ladakh in the 1971 War. Ghulam Hussain had left home for a routine errand found himself on the other side of an altered border. He could never return and found a new country and a new home.

The Unsung Guardians Of India's Borders

The Unsung Guardians Of India's Borders

Rediff.com6 days ago

At the border, places that you had just seen on a map, suddenly acquire a life. Looking at the vast expanse of quiet land, you realise an emotional connect, a sense of belonging binds you to a piece of land which is not merely territory, but a part of who you are.

Northern Army Commander Reviews Rajouri Anti-Terror Operation

Northern Army Commander Reviews Rajouri Anti-Terror Operation

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma reviewed the ongoing anti-terrorist operation 'Sheruwali' in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on operational dynamics and inter-agency synergy.

Delhi stir: Train services to operate as per normal schedule on Sunday

Delhi stir: Train services to operate as per normal schedule on Sunday

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Northern Railway has announced that all train services will operate as per their normal schedule on October 11, following cancellations and rescheduling of several trains on October 9-10 after the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) announced a protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi.

What Will Modi-Putin Discuss?

What Will Modi-Putin Discuss?

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

One of the important topics of discussion between the two leaders is expected to be the Northern Sea Route and the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor.

Pakistan Terrorists Set Up Base in Bangladesh

Pakistan Terrorists Set Up Base in Bangladesh

Rediff.com7 days ago

India is deeply concerned by the growing consolidation of Pakistan-backed jihadi and radical Islamist groups in Bangladesh, particularly in the strategically vital Chittagong Hill Tracts, which experts warn is transforming the country into a new safe haven for these networks and posing a direct threat to India's security.

'Every Soldier Had To Return Home After Surgical Strikes'

'Every Soldier Had To Return Home After Surgical Strikes'

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

'On two feet or on somebody's back, every soldier had to return'

CAQM Mandates Drone Surveillance To Tackle Stubble Burning In Northern States

CAQM Mandates Drone Surveillance To Tackle Stubble Burning In Northern States

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to implement drone-based surveillance to monitor and prevent stubble burning. This initiative aims to counter late-evening burning incidents that evade satellite detection, leveraging drone technology for real-time monitoring, accurate detection, and evidence collection to ensure effective enforcement against agricultural residue burning.

2 Jaish terrorists killed in Udhampur operation; one detained

2 Jaish terrorists killed in Udhampur operation; one detained

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Two suspected Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists have been killed in an ongoing joint operation by the Army, police, and CRPF in a remote forest area of Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district.

27 killed in rain-related incidents in Nepal; 4 missing

27 killed in rain-related incidents in Nepal; 4 missing

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

Heavy rainfall, floods, landslides, and an avalanche have claimed at least 27 lives across Nepal in recent days, with four people missing and eight injured. The monsoon-induced incidents have destroyed hundreds of homes and damaged infrastructure, highlighting the country's vulnerability to such natural disasters, following last month's devastating flash floods.

Capybara Tooth Discovery Challenges Long-Held Beliefs About Atacama Desert's Past

Capybara Tooth Discovery Challenges Long-Held Beliefs About Atacama Desert's Past

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Scientists are stunned by the discovery of a nine-million-year-old capybara tooth fossil in Chile's Atacama Desert, a region currently devoid of capybaras. This finding not only marks the oldest record of the semi-aquatic rodent in coastal Chile but also significantly challenges the long-standing scientific view that the Atacama Desert has been continuously dry for 40 million years, suggesting a much wetter past.

Surgical Strikes@10: When Indian Soldiers Inflicted Death On The Enemy

Surgical Strikes@10: When Indian Soldiers Inflicted Death On The Enemy

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

'This is what we train for: That one chance to deliver a blow so lethal that the enemy will constantly think about it when planning any misadventure.'

Why Is Colombo Still Biased Against Jaffna?

Why Is Colombo Still Biased Against Jaffna?

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

'The way the government behaves, sometimes I ask myself: Are not Tamils Sri Lankans too? Why do you discriminate so much?'

Nepal issues new media rules for flood coverage

Nepal issues new media rules for flood coverage

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Nepal has introduced a media safety and operational protocol for journalists covering flood-affected regions, particularly for foreign media. The new guidelines, issued after devastating floods on August 26, mandate accreditation, adherence to safety instructions, and restrictions on movement in rescue zones to ensure orderly reporting and prevent interference with relief efforts.

Nepal tragedy: Death toll hits 1,252 as fresh flood risks loom

Nepal tragedy: Death toll hits 1,252 as fresh flood risks loom

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal has surged to 1,252, with more bodies recovered and fresh flood risks emerging due to continuous rainfall in the Bhotekoshi River's upstream areas. The disaster, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche, has also left 4,875 people missing and prompted calls to address climate change's impact on the Himalayan region.

BRICS summit to have unexpected visitor: Rains

BRICS summit to have unexpected visitor: Rains

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Delhi is experiencing heavy rainfall and strong winds, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert, which is impacting ongoing preparations for the crucial BRICS Summit.

Nepal floods: Where are the nearly 6,000 still untraced?

Nepal floods: Where are the nearly 6,000 still untraced?

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

Nearly a month after devastating flash floods in Nepal, search operations are ongoing for approximately 6,000 people who remain unaccounted for. The floods, originating near the Nepal-Tibet border, caused widespread destruction, killing over 1,400 in Nepal and 43 in China, and damaging critical infrastructure. Identification of recovered bodies is a major challenge, often requiring DNA testing due to severe damage.

Nepal Disaster: 13 Days On, Will Survivors Be Found?

Nepal Disaster: 13 Days On, Will Survivors Be Found?

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Nepal has climbed to 1,355, according to the latest figures released by Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.

Around 600 children missing in Nepal's 2 districts; toll rises to 1,295

Around 600 children missing in Nepal's 2 districts; toll rises to 1,295

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Around 600 children are unaccounted for in Nepal's Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts following devastating flash floods, which have raised the death toll to 1,282 with over 4,700 people still missing.

Nepal rains push Narayani-Gandak into spate, UP villages on alert

Nepal rains push Narayani-Gandak into spate, UP villages on alert

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

The rising water level in the Narayani-Gandak river following heavy rainfall in Nepal has increased the flood threat in villages along the river in Maharajganj district, officials said on Sunday.

China issues red alert as Typhoon Dolphin hits its eastern coast

China issues red alert as Typhoon Dolphin hits its eastern coast

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

China's national observatory issued a red alert -- the highest level in the country's typhoon warning system -- as Typhoon Dolphin hit Zhejiang province on the eastern coast on Sunday afternoon.

Rains or glacier lake outburst? What triggered Nepal floods

Rains or glacier lake outburst? What triggered Nepal floods

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

A new scientific report reveals that the recent devastating floods in Nepal's Bhotekoshi-Trishuli corridor were triggered by a massive ice-rock avalanche from the high Himalayas, challenging initial assumptions of rainfall or glacial lake outburst floods.

Nepal Floods: 'Himalayas At Risk Of Cascading Disasters'

Nepal Floods: 'Himalayas At Risk Of Cascading Disasters'

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

A senior Geological Survey of India official warns that the Himalayas are vulnerable to cascading disasters, where one high-altitude event can trigger a chain of destructive events downstream, as evidenced by Nepal's recent floods. He stresses the need for integrated monitoring using satellite data and ground investigations to identify high-risk areas and improve preparedness in the Indian Himalayas.

Nepal floods: Govt under fire for inadequate relief coordination

Nepal floods: Govt under fire for inadequate relief coordination

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

A preliminary government report reveals that devastating flash floods in Nepal have affected over 32,000 people, caused 1,295 deaths, and severely damaged infrastructure including roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities. Senior Nepali Congress leader Arjun Narsing KC has criticised the government's coordination of rescue and relief operations and called for international action on climate justice.

Nepal floods trigger high alert in UP; Gandak, Rapti levels rise

Nepal floods trigger high alert in UP; Gandak, Rapti levels rise

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The administration has sounded a high alert in Maharajganj and Kushinagar districts of Uttar Pradesh, while stepping up the monitoring of the Gandak and other water bodies downstream of rivers in Nepal, following devastating flash floods in the neighbouring country that have killed more than 350 people and left thousands missing.

Tibetian glaciers unstable, warns China after deadly Nepal floods

Tibetian glaciers unstable, warns China after deadly Nepal floods

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Chinese officials warn that glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau are becoming increasingly unstable, leading to a higher risk of flash floods and other disasters, as evidenced by a recent deadly ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border. The region has seen a significant reduction in glacier area, and scientists are calling for advanced monitoring systems to predict these complex events.

India, 163 other nations back UN's 'Correct the World map' move; US opposes

India, 163 other nations back UN's 'Correct the World map' move; US opposes

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution, backed by India, to correct the world map for a more accurate representation of continental landmasses. The resolution addresses the distortions caused by the widely used Mercator projection, which minimises the perceived sizes of regions like Africa, Latin America, and South Asia, promoting an unbalanced global view. India supports the move towards more accurate cartographic practices, specifically endorsing broader use of Equal Area map projections.

Nepal floods: Toll rises to 1,356, search stepped up for 5,000 missing

Nepal floods: Toll rises to 1,356, search stepped up for 5,000 missing

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Nepal is grappling with the devastating aftermath of flash floods, with the death toll reaching 1,356 and nearly 5,000 people, including foreign nationals, still missing. Identification of bodies is a major challenge, with only a fraction identified so far. President Ramchandra Paudel has appealed for climate justice and national unity for relief efforts. International teams, including experts from India and China, are assisting in search and rescue, particularly at hydropower projects where workers are trapped. The country is also working to restore infrastructure and reassure tourists to protect its vital autumn tourism season.

InsuranceDekho-RenewBuy merger to deepen India reach, eyes IPO

InsuranceDekho-RenewBuy merger to deepen India reach, eyes IPO

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

The merged InsuranceDekho-RenewBuy entity aims to significantly expand its distribution network across India, offering insurance, mutual funds, and loans, with a strong focus on 'Bharat' (rural India), according to CEO Ankit Agarwal.

China mobilises forces for Tibet-Nepal border flood rescue

China mobilises forces for Tibet-Nepal border flood rescue

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered extensive rescue operations following devastating flash floods and mudslides near the China-Nepal border in Tibet. The disaster has caused heavy casualties, left nearly 400 people missing, including 105 Indians and 37 NRIs, and damaged infrastructure. Emergency teams have been deployed, and efforts are underway to evacuate residents and provide medical aid.

Nepal-Tibet flood toll rises to 1,243; PM Shah flags climate change link

Nepal-Tibet flood toll rises to 1,243; PM Shah flags climate change link

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Nepal's devastating flash floods have claimed 1,127 lives, with thousands still missing a week after the disaster. Rescuers are intensifying efforts to find survivors and recover bodies across affected regions, while police work to identify victims and relocate families from high-risk areas.

Search on for 5,000 missing in Nepal, over 1,000 bodies unidentified

Search on for 5,000 missing in Nepal, over 1,000 bodies unidentified

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Eleven days after devastating floods triggered by an ice-rock avalanche, Nepal continues to grapple with a rising death toll of 1,344 and nearly 5,000 missing. Authorities face significant challenges in identifying the deceased, with many bodies severely damaged. DNA samples are being collected from relatives to aid identification, while the government mobilises relief and rehabilitation efforts. A fresh flood incident in Gorkha district also caused damage.

Gandak water levels recede in Bihar, easing flood concerns

Gandak water levels recede in Bihar, easing flood concerns

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The Gandak river's water level in Bihar is showing a receding trend, bringing relief to low-lying areas after flash floods in Nepal caused a surge. Despite a marginal rise due to late-night rainfall in Nepal, authorities are monitoring the situation closely, with no adverse impact on embankments reported.

Nepal flood toll reaches 939; over 10,000 rescued so far

Nepal flood toll reaches 939; over 10,000 rescued so far

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal has tragically risen to 903, with 4,247 people still reported missing, including security personnel and foreigners. India has dispatched an 18-member team of forensic experts to assist with DNA analysis and identification of victims.

'We will rebuild': Nepal flood survivors begin life amid mud and ruins

'We will rebuild': Nepal flood survivors begin life amid mud and ruins

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

"Everything was here before, but now there is nothing left," said Nayan Tiwari, one of many residents returning to flood-hit Galchhi in central Nepal to recover whatever belongings remain and to restore homes that once held their everyday lives.

Madhya Pradesh's hooch tragedy has a UP connection

Madhya Pradesh's hooch tragedy has a UP connection

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

A hooch tragedy in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, has claimed 11 lives, with investigations pointing to a suspected link with cheaper spurious liquor supplied from neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. This incident echoes previous tragedies in the Bundelkhand region, highlighting the ongoing issue of cross-border alcohol trade.

India offers DNA profiling services for Nepal flood victims' kin

India offers DNA profiling services for Nepal flood victims' kin

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

India's Ministry of External Affairs announced that central and state forensic laboratories will provide DNA profiling services for first-degree relatives in India to help identify victims of the recent Nepal flash floods. This initiative supports Nepal's ongoing identification process, with specific guidelines for sample collection and submission of DNA profiles to Nepali authorities.

'Himalayan nations should set up a Himalayan authority'

'Himalayan nations should set up a Himalayan authority'

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Veteran Congress leader Karan Singh has called for the establishment of a Himalayan authority involving all Himalayan nations, including India, Pakistan, and Nepal, to protect the fragile mountain range from destruction. He also criticised the four-laning of highways in Uttarakhand's Char Dham region, deeming it "reprehensible" due to its environmental impact. His appeal comes as Nepal grapples with devastating flash floods, highlighting the region's vulnerability.