News for 'Northern India'

'Language is not religion': SC rejects plea against Urdu

'Language is not religion': SC rejects plea against Urdu

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

"The prejudice against Urdu stems from the misconception that Urdu is alien to India. This opinion, we are afraid, is incorrect as Urdu, like Marathi and Hindi, is an Indo-Aryan language. It is a language which was born in this land," the judges said.

Modi reaffirms 'unwavering' support to Lankan Tamils

Modi reaffirms 'unwavering' support to Lankan Tamils

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed India's expectation to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that Colombo will fulfill the aspirations of the Tamil community in the island nation and conduct provincial council elections. The issue was discussed during wide-ranging talks between Modi and Dissanayake. Modi also met with Tamil leaders from Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka, reaffirming India's commitment to supporting the community's well-being. The Tamil community has been advocating for the implementation of the 13th Amendment, which provides for devolution of power. Modi expressed hope that Sri Lanka will fully implement its constitution and conduct provincial council elections.

NIA probes Tahawwur Rana's 'Dubai contact' who knew about 26/11 attacks

NIA probes Tahawwur Rana's 'Dubai contact' who knew about 26/11 attacks

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

The 64-year-old Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman would also be questioned on his suspected links with the officials of Pakistan spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and his association with terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which had orchestrated the attacks.

Rana being interrogated by NIA for 8-10 hours daily

Rana being interrogated by NIA for 8-10 hours daily

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the key mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, is being interrogated for eight to ten hours daily by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to unravel a larger conspiracy behind the strikes. Rana, who was extradited from the US, is being grilled by NIA investigators to probe a larger conspiracy behind the attacks, in which 166 people were killed and over 238 injured. He is being allowed to meet his lawyer and is being provided with basic necessities. The investigators hope to find some important leads on his travels in parts of northern and southern India days before the carnage in Mumbai on November 26, 2008.

Upset by BJP protest, Siddaramaiah raises hand at cop

Upset by BJP protest, Siddaramaiah raises hand at cop

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lost his temper and made a gesture by raising his hand at a police officer during a protest rally in Belagavi. The incident occurred when a group of people, allegedly BJP workers, attempted to disrupt his speech by displaying a black flag and shouting slogans. Siddaramaiah, visibly upset, summoned the police officer to the stage and instructed him to remove the disruptive individuals. The incident sparked a heated exchange between the CM and BJP leaders, with both sides accusing each other of disrupting rallies and resorting to violence.

35 Years After IPKF's Return, Tamil Politics Has Changed

35 Years After IPKF's Return, Tamil Politics Has Changed

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

Since the IPKF's withdrawal from Sri Lanka in March 1990, the LTTE's once-powerful influence in Tamil Nadu has faded.

Tahawwur Rana's extradition will expose Pak state actors' role in 26/11

Tahawwur Rana's extradition will expose Pak state actors' role in 26/11

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Rana, accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, is expected to be extradited to India from the United States soon. The US Supreme Court denied his last-ditch effort to stop his extradition, moving him closer to being handed over to Indian authorities. Rana's extradition is expected to help probe agencies expose the role of Pakistani state actors behind the attacks and shed new light on the investigation. He is associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks.

'Will It Be All-Out War? Or A Punitive Strike?'

'Will It Be All-Out War? Or A Punitive Strike?'

Rediff.com1 May 2025

'The government has to explain (to the army, air force and navy chiefs) whether they want a punitive strike, a deep punitive strike, or whether they want limited war or an all-out war, will it be a circumscribed war or will it be a shallow attack along the border.'

Rana extradition: Sibal lauds UPA, NDA; says Pak role will become clearer

Rana extradition: Sibal lauds UPA, NDA; says Pak role will become clearer

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has congratulated both the previous UPA government and the current dispensation for the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Sibal expressed confidence that the extradition will shed light on the involvement of individuals within Pakistan's establishment in the attacks. Rana is being questioned by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy behind the deadly 2008 terror strikes. Sibal highlighted the efforts of the UPA government in establishing the NIA and pursuing Rana's extradition, and also acknowledged the current government's success in bringing him back to India. The interrogation is expected to focus on Rana's potential ties to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and his role in the Mumbai attacks.

Whatever was done in Galwan shouldn't get repeated: Army chief

Whatever was done in Galwan shouldn't get repeated: Army chief

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

The eastern Ladakh military standoff between India and China began in May 2020 and a deadly clash at the Galwan Valley in June that year resulted in a severe strain in ties between the two neighbours.

Mumbai's Ranji quarters vs Haryana moved to Kolkata

Mumbai's Ranji quarters vs Haryana moved to Kolkata

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Defending champions Mumbai's Ranji Trophy quarterfinal against Haryana has been shifted from Lahli to Kolkata by the BCCI due to potential fog concerns in the northern region. The match will be held at the Eden Gardens from February 8 to 12.

'Not Easy For New Delhi To Overlook Delimitation'

'Not Easy For New Delhi To Overlook Delimitation'

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

'If delimitation is not handled well by the Centre, the southern states are certainly going to challenge it.'

Sudhir Ghosh: The MP Who Foresaw Quad

Sudhir Ghosh: The MP Who Foresaw Quad

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

After the 1962 War with China, there was a demand to forge greater defence cooperation between India and the West. One such voice was that of Sudhir Ghosh, a distinguished MP, to tie up strategic cooperation with the USA immediately after the Chinese attack on India, recalls Rup Narayan Das.

Jemimah Rodrigues to play in the Hundred for Northern Superchargers

Jemimah Rodrigues to play in the Hundred for Northern Superchargers

Rediff.com28 Jul 2023

India batter Jemimah Rodrigues has signed a last-minute deal to play for Northern Superchargers in the upcoming Hundred tournament in England, replacing Australia's Heather Graham.

NIA focuses Rana probe on Lashkar link; may take him to key locations

NIA focuses Rana probe on Lashkar link; may take him to key locations

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has begun questioning Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to uncover the larger conspiracy behind the deadly strikes. Rana, who was extradited from the US, is being held at the NIA headquarters in New Delhi. The interrogation is focused on his possible connection with the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and his suspected links with the Pakistani spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

ASI team surveys northern wall, dome, basements at Gyanvapi

ASI team surveys northern wall, dome, basements at Gyanvapi

Rediff.com8 Aug 2023

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team surveyed the northern wall, the dome and basements of the Gyanvapi complex here on Tuesday, the fourth day of the court-mandated exercise to determine if the mosque was built over a temple.

Tahawwur Rana lands in Delhi, NIA records arrest

Tahawwur Rana lands in Delhi, NIA records arrest

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was brought to India on Thursday after being "successfully extradited " from the US, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said. The 64-year-old Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin landed in Delhi in a special plane on Thursday evening, ending days of speculation of when and how he will be extradited, officials said. The NIA said in a statement that it had secured the successful extradition after years of sustained and concerted efforts to bring to justice the key conspirator behind the 2008 mayhem that claimed 166 lives. Rana is accused of conspiring with David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani, and operatives of designated terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI) along with other Pakistan-based co-conspirators, to carry out the the three-day terror siege of India's financial capital.

Who is Tahawwur Rana and how is he linked to 26/11 attacks?

Who is Tahawwur Rana and how is he linked to 26/11 attacks?

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistan-born Canadian national and close associate of David Coleman Headley, is set to be extradited to India from the US. Rana was involved in the planning and execution of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which killed 166 people, including six Americans. He assisted Headley in obtaining a visa for India, established a front company in Mumbai, and helped in reconnaissance of targets in Mumbai and New Delhi. Rana was convicted in the US for providing material support to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and sentenced to 14 years in prison. His extradition to India will allow authorities to question him about his involvement in the Mumbai attacks and potentially uncover new information about the role of Pakistani state actors.

Farm profits likely to be higher this kharif season

Farm profits likely to be higher this kharif season

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

Overall profitability in the agriculture sector is expected to be marginally higher at the pan-India level in the 2024-25 kharif season, driven largely by higher production and low input cost, but offset by the declining price of some produce, according to a report released by Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd on Wednesday. The report said that region-wise farm profitability in the northern belt was expected to be relatively better than in the southern belt, while the eastern and western belts presented a mixed bag.

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.

India not 'lucky' on security front, stay vigilant: Rajnath to soldiers

India not 'lucky' on security front, stay vigilant: Rajnath to soldiers

Rediff.com29 Dec 2024

To make Bharat a developed and self-reliant country by 2047, the role of the Army is very crucial, said the defence minister.

UK's richest 10% took half of wealth from India during colonialism

UK's richest 10% took half of wealth from India during colonialism

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

The United Kingdom extracted USD 64.82 trillion from India over a century of colonialism between 1765 and 1900 and USD 33.8 trillion of this went to the richest 10 per cent -- enough money to carpet London in notes of 50 British pound almost four times over.

National winter games in Kashmir postponed

National winter games in Kashmir postponed

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

Around 300 athletes were expected to compete in four snow sports -- ski mountaineering, alpine skiing, snowboard, and Nordic skiing -- in the games, which had been due to be held from February 22 to 25.

India deploys Heron Mark 2 drones in northern sector against China, Pak threats

India deploys Heron Mark 2 drones in northern sector against China, Pak threats

Rediff.com13 Aug 2023

The four new Heron Mark-2 drones, which can be equipped with long-range missiles and other weapons systems, have been deployed at a forward air base in the northern sector, where Team ANI witnessed their operations.

Why The South Is Worried About Delimitation

Why The South Is Worried About Delimitation

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

'Peninsular Indians could ask 'Why should we contribute half of India's tax revenues if we account for only a quarter of the seats in the Lok Sabha?'.' 'The rest of the country seems likely to counter that 'democracy means one vote per person irrespective of where that person resides in India'.' 'With no easy answers to this thorny debate, the south's economic ascendancy could end up creating a Hobson's choice.' A revealing excerpt from Nandita Rajhansa and Saurabh Mukherjea's book, Behold the Leviathan: The Unusual Rise of Modern India.

Who's a tougher negotiator? Modi or him? Trump says...

Who's a tougher negotiator? Modi or him? Trump says...

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Trump announced that India and the US agreed to work together to build the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and called it one of the greatest trade routes. He said that the route will operate from Israel to Italy and onward to the US.

Why MotoGP India has been postponed

Why MotoGP India has been postponed

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

Next year's event was expected to take place in March when weather conditions were more suitable.

Wildlife cameras installed in Corbett misused to surveil women

Wildlife cameras installed in Corbett misused to surveil women

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

A study published in the journal Environment and Planning F has revealed that cameras and drones originally intended for conservation activities in Corbett National Park are being misused by local government officials and men to surveil women without consent. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge, found that forest rangers intentionally flew drones over local women to scare them and prevent them from collecting natural resources, despite their legal right to do so. The researchers argue that these technologies, deployed under the guise of wildlife monitoring, are being used to intimidate and exert power over women, invading their privacy and altering their behavior in the forest. This has had a negative impact on women's mental health, with one woman interviewed for the study being killed in a tiger attack.

'Delimitation Is Not A South Versus North Issue'

'Delimitation Is Not A South Versus North Issue'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

'There will be no change of seats for Delhi, Assam and Maharashtra.' 'Andhra, J&K, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal and Telangana will lose seats while there will be an increase for MP, UP, Bihar, Haryana, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh.' 'It is a big mistake if you make it a north-south issue.'

'Leave Lebanon': India issues advisory amid rising tensions

'Leave Lebanon': India issues advisory amid rising tensions

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

According to Lebanon's health minister, 51 people were killed and 223 wounded Wednesday in Israeli strikes.

'3-Language Formula Is A Burden On All Students'

'3-Language Formula Is A Burden On All Students'

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

'Why should children, who are already burdened with so many subjects, be over-burdened with three languages?'

India 'firmly in control' of northern border: Army on Tawang face-off

India 'firmly in control' of northern border: Army on Tawang face-off

Rediff.com16 Dec 2022

The Eastern Army commander said that there were some minor injuries to soldiers on both sides.

History In 3 Minutes: Battle of Vasai

History In 3 Minutes: Battle of Vasai

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Chimaji Appaji remains one of the foremost military generals of the Maratha Empire who inflicted a crushing defeat on the Portuguese.

India's squash teen sensation Anahat claims 6th title

India's squash teen sensation Anahat claims 6th title

Rediff.com3 Nov 2024

Throughout the tournament, Anaha Singh displayed remarkable form, dropping only one game.

'We Started Our Party For 90% Of Hindus'

'We Started Our Party For 90% Of Hindus'

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

'The Dravidian movement was started for the Hindus who were rejected by the upper castes.'

China plays down flu outbreak, says country safe for travel

China plays down flu outbreak, says country safe for travel

Rediff.com3 Jan 2025

China has downplayed reports of a massive flu outbreak overwhelming hospitals, stating that cases of respiratory diseases this winter are less severe than last year. The Foreign Ministry assured foreigners that it is safe to travel to China.

India gets 16% higher rainfall, more to come in September

India gets 16% higher rainfall, more to come in September

Rediff.com31 Aug 2024

India recorded around 16 per cent more rainfall than normal in August, with rainfall over Northwest India recorded at 253.9 mm, the second highest in August since 2001, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday.

Why did India plan to pick cheetahs from Somalia, Tanzania, Sudan?

Why did India plan to pick cheetahs from Somalia, Tanzania, Sudan?

Rediff.com25 Aug 2024

Due to the differences in circadian rhythms between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, some cheetahs developed thick winter coats during the Indian summer and monsoon last year, anticipating the African winter (June to September).

Rana joined 26/11 plot in 2005, facilitated Headley's Indian visa: NIA

Rana joined 26/11 plot in 2005, facilitated Headley's Indian visa: NIA

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Canadian national convicted in the United States for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been extradited to India. Rana, a close associate of Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, was involved in the conspiracy from 2005 onwards and assisted Headley in obtaining a visa for India. He is the third person to be sent on trial in India for the 26/11 attacks after Ajmal Kasab and Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal. Rana's extradition comes after US President Donald Trump approved the request.

India's water crisis detrimental to credit health, warns Moody's

India's water crisis detrimental to credit health, warns Moody's

Rediff.com25 Jun 2024

Moody's Ratings on Tuesday said India's growing water shortage can disrupt farm and industry sectors and is detrimental to the credit health of the sovereign as rising food inflation and decline in income may spark social unrest. It said decreases in water supply can disrupt agricultural production and industrial operations, resulting in inflation in food prices and hence can be detrimental to credit health of sectors that heavily consume water, such as coal power generators and steel-makers.