News for 'Special Administrative Region'

Officers with Ardh Kumbh experience to handle Maha Kumbh post stampede

Officers with Ardh Kumbh experience to handle Maha Kumbh post stampede

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government has deployed two senior IAS officers, who were part of the team that successfully conducted the 2019 Ardh Kumbh, to oversee the smooth conduct of the Maha Kumbh Mela in the wake of the recent stampede that left at least 30 pilgrims dead. The officers, Ashish Goyal and Bhanu Chandra Goswami, have extensive experience in administration in Prayagraj, including crowd management and inter-agency coordination. They will join Mela Adhikari Vijay Kiran Anand, forming a trio that was part of the mega fair six years ago. The government has also deployed additional senior police officers to strengthen security and crowd management ahead of Basant Panchami, one of the key bathing days of the festival, on February 3.

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.

Coronavirus: Death toll rises to 259 in China

Coronavirus: Death toll rises to 259 in China

Rediff.com1 Feb 2020

So far about 124 positive cases have been reported in a host of countries, including India where the first case was confirmed in Kerala.

Modi to visit France, US; meet Trump on Feb 12 amid deportation row

Modi to visit France, US; meet Trump on Feb 12 amid deportation row

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a two-day working visit to the US from February 12 during which he will meet President Donald Trump, the external affairs ministry announced. The visit will give further impetus and direction to India-US bilateral relationship. Prior to his US visit, Modi will be in France from February 10-12 to co-chair the AI Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron. He will also visit Cadarache, the site of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor of which India is a partner. During his visit to France from February 10-12, Modi and Macron will also address the India-France CEOs forum. The prime minister and Macron will travel to Marseille where they will inaugurate the Consulate General of India. The leaders will also visit the war cemetery and pay tribute to the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers in World War 1. Modi and Macron will visit Cadarache, the site of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). There has been a very close rapport between Trump and Modi, dating back to the US leader's first term. There is a clear convergence of interests between the two countries in several areas, including trade, investment, technology, defense cooperation, counterterrorism, Indo-Pacific security, and people-to-people relations.

Wayanad landslide-hit start getting official documents

Wayanad landslide-hit start getting official documents

Rediff.com12 Aug 2024

A total of 1,162 essential documents have been distributed among 872 persons at the camp, the district administration in Wayanad said.

India will do...: Trump discusses migrant row with Modi

India will do...: Trump discusses migrant row with Modi

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

President Trump made these remarks on Monday while talking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way back to Joint Base Andrews from Florida.

Marco And Mike Are Good News For India

Marco And Mike Are Good News For India

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

'Communist China continues to aggressively expand its domain in the Indo-Pacific region.' 'It's crucial for the USA to continue its support in countering these malicious tactics.' 'India, along with other nations in the region, is not alone.'

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.

U'khand: 33 workers rescued as avalanche hits BRO camp, 22 still trapped

U'khand: 33 workers rescued as avalanche hits BRO camp, 22 still trapped

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

Forty-one Border Road Organisation labourers working to clear snow near the high altitude border village of Mana in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district were trapped under an avalanche on Friday.

Our efforts will be to take matter beyond disengagement: Rajnath Singh

Our efforts will be to take matter beyond disengagement: Rajnath Singh

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

"Based on this consensus, the process of disengagement is almost complete. Our efforts will be to take the matter beyond disengagement; but for that, we will have to wait a little longer," he added.

MSRTC strike disrupts Ganesh festival travel statewide

MSRTC strike disrupts Ganesh festival travel statewide

Rediff.com4 Sep 2024

The employees are demanding salary parity with state government employees, seeking a pay scale adjustment to match that of their counterparts in the state sector.

After 27 Months, Xi Finally Leaves China

After 27 Months, Xi Finally Leaves China

Rediff.com30 Jun 2022

The last time he left his country was a month after the coronavirus appeared in a market in the Chinese town of Wuhan in December 2019.

Rajouri mystery illness hit victims' brain, nervous system

Rajouri mystery illness hit victims' brain, nervous system

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

Over 200 individuals in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, have been quarantined after 17 people, including 13 children, died from a mysterious illness. The deaths have sparked concerns about the spread of the illness, and a medical emergency has been demanded by local officials. A central team is investigating the cause of the deaths, with over 230 samples sent for testing. Officials have identified a common factor among the deceased: brain involvement and damage to the nervous system. Three patients have been airlifted to a hospital in Jammu, and one patient has been airlifted to PGI Chandigarh for further treatment.

96 bus depots shut across Maharashtra due to MSRTC strike

96 bus depots shut across Maharashtra due to MSRTC strike

Rediff.com4 Sep 2024

The strike by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) employees for salary hike and other demands entered the second day on Wednesday, which continued to cripple the services and cause inconvenience to lakhs of passengers, especially ahead of the Ganesh festival.

Israel, Hezbollah agree for ceasefire after months of all-out war

Israel, Hezbollah agree for ceasefire after months of all-out war

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

Describing the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah as the deadliest in decades, Biden said lasting security for the people of the two countries cannot be achieved only on the battlefield.

'God Save Insurance Industry'

'God Save Insurance Industry'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

'Some of the astounding proposals, if translated into statutory provisions, would be suicidal.' 'This would not be a wonder cure for increasing insurance penetration and only result in mushrooming growth of players like paan kiosks with deleterious consequences.'

Manipur unrest: Curfew relaxed in 3 districts, Internet restored

Manipur unrest: Curfew relaxed in 3 districts, Internet restored

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

Curfew was relaxed in three Imphal Valley districts on Tuesday and the suspension on broadband internet lifted with conditions, even as Chief Minister N Biren Singh blamed the Congress for the present crisis in Manipur and NDA MLAs called for a "mass operation" against militants responsible for the killing of six women and children. Peaceful rallies were also staged across the state, with hundreds taking to the streets with empty coffins in Churachandpur district, demanding justice for those killed in a gunfight with the security forces in Jiribam, and members of various civil society organisations bringing out a procession in Imphal West district to protest the reimposition of AFSPA in parts of the state.

CCTV footages reveal devastating Wayanad landslides; 119 still missing

CCTV footages reveal devastating Wayanad landslides; 119 still missing

Rediff.com18 Aug 2024

Malayalam television channels aired the visuals captured on the CCTVs in some shops in Chooralmala, one of the hamlets completely destroyed in the disaster.

At 120 kmph, cyclonic storm may hit Odisha-WB coasts by Oct 24: IMD

At 120 kmph, cyclonic storm may hit Odisha-WB coasts by Oct 24: IMD

Rediff.com20 Oct 2024

According to weather officials, wind speeds along and off the Odisha-West Bengal coasts are anticipated to reach 60 km/h from October 23, increasing to 120 km/h from October 24 night to October 25 morning.

Ad brands Chinese as 'locusts' in HK; sparks anger

Ad brands Chinese as 'locusts' in HK; sparks anger

Rediff.com3 Feb 2012

A controversial advertisement in a Hong Kong daily branding Chinese as "locusts" has evoked angry reactions in China amid growing resentment among people in the island city over rising mainland influence.

Huge Ports Deal Sparks US-China Tensions

Huge Ports Deal Sparks US-China Tensions

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The $22.8 billion CK Hutchison ports deal intensifies geopolitical tensions between the US and China. Chinese media has already called it 'a betrayal of all Chinese people'. Shyam G Menon explains how the proposed sale will reshapes global trade infrastructure.

Ladakh gets 5 new districts; locals welcome decision

Ladakh gets 5 new districts; locals welcome decision

Rediff.com27 Aug 2024

"The new districts, namely Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra and Changthang, will take the benefits meant for the people to their doorsteps by bolstering governance in every nook and cranny," he said.

Over 150 hurt in Kerala temple fireworks mishap; SIT to probe case

Over 150 hurt in Kerala temple fireworks mishap; SIT to probe case

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

Over 150 people were injured, including eight seriously, in a fireworks accident during a temple festival near Neeleswaram in Kasaragod late Monday, police said.

Why Are Indians Migrating Illegally To US?

Why Are Indians Migrating Illegally To US?

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Many unauthorised migrants originate from Punjab and Gujarat, states known for high migration aspirations rather than political instability.

Understand Russian feeling; will acquire Canada: Trump's big remarks

Understand Russian feeling; will acquire Canada: Trump's big remarks

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

United States President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday said that he understands the Russian feeling with NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) being on their doorstep.

Mahatma Carter

Mahatma Carter

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

Carter was in politics, but not a politician, certainly not a transactional politician, points out Shreekant Sambrani.

How I Became A Coorg By Order!

How I Became A Coorg By Order!

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

'After his warm and affectionate farewell speech, the Chief of Staff of the formation asked me, "So, now you are off to Coorg to look after your coffee estates?"' For the last time, in Army uniform and much to his surprise, I replied, "Sir, I am not from Kodagu.".'

Kathua ambush: 2 terrorists hit during search ops, NIA roped in

Kathua ambush: 2 terrorists hit during search ops, NIA roped in

Rediff.com9 Jul 2024

Security forces tightened their cordon around a forest area in the higher reaches of Doda district on Tuesday evening following an encounter with hiding terrorists, officials said.

How Hong Kong has changed in 15 years

How Hong Kong has changed in 15 years

Rediff.com3 Jul 2012

China resumed sovereignty of Hong Kong from Britain in 1997.

Cyclone Dana weakens; two more killed in Bengal as toll rises to 4

Cyclone Dana weakens; two more killed in Bengal as toll rises to 4

Rediff.com26 Oct 2024

A civic volunteer, identified as Chandan Das (31), died on the spot when he allegedly touched a live wire in Bud Bud in Purba Bardhaman district. The incident happened when he was out with a police team, they said.

160,000 tents, 150,000 toilets: Prayagraj gears up for grand Maha Kumbh

160,000 tents, 150,000 toilets: Prayagraj gears up for grand Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

Prayagraj is transforming into a massive temporary city to host the Maha Kumbh, the world's largest religious gathering, expected to draw over 40 crore pilgrims. The preparations include extensive infrastructure development, including 160,000 tents, 150,000 toilets, and a 1,250-km pipeline network. The event, starting on January 13, will culminate on February 26, bringing together millions of devotees for the holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.

Guess who's benefited from India-China conflict? Hong Kong

Guess who's benefited from India-China conflict? Hong Kong

Rediff.com2 Jul 2020

In the last five years, imports from HK have more than tripled -- from $5.6 billion in FY15 to $17.1 billion in FY20. In the same period, exports declined by 20 per cent -- from $13.6 billion in FY15 to $10.8 billion (annualised) in FY20.

'Disgusting To See Bangladeshis Turning Backs On India'

'Disgusting To See Bangladeshis Turning Backs On India'

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

'The present generation, either due to historical amnesia or political propaganda, has been fed a narrative that paints India as an adversary rather than an ally.'

Article 370 abrogation anniversary: Mehbooba claims house arrest

Article 370 abrogation anniversary: Mehbooba claims house arrest

Rediff.com5 Aug 2024

People's Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti and several other regional party leaders on Monday claimed that they have been placed under house arrest on the fifth anniversary of the reading down of Article 370 of the Constitution that provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

One country, two systems, and a headache for Mitta

One country, two systems, and a headache for Mitta

Rediff.com14 Dec 2007

So while awaiting Chinese government approval to take a controlling 73 per cent interest in China Oriental, ArcelorMittal is also proceeding with another deal that would give it an equally controlling 55 per cent of the company.

Is Kargil 2.0 In the Offing?

Is Kargil 2.0 In the Offing?

Rediff.com5 Aug 2024

Pakistan may want to undertake a 'false flag' operation in J&K to divert attention from the situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but infiltrating one SSG battalion into J&K and having two SSG battalions waiting to follow suit means war, which Pakistan cannot afford in its current economic crisis, notes Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

Trump picks Fox News host as defence secretary

Trump picks Fox News host as defence secretary

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

United States President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday announced the nomination of popular Fox News host and Army veteran Pete Hegseth, 44, as his defence secretary.

Bollywood awards rake in big moolah

Bollywood awards rake in big moolah

Rediff.com5 Jun 2009

Even as Bollywood copes with its worst financial turmoil, with no film having been released for over two months, its award shows are raking in big moolah.

'BJP Is Losing Ground Rapidly In J&K'

'BJP Is Losing Ground Rapidly In J&K'

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

'Everyone is unhappy with the lieutenant governor's administration, which is ignorant, high-handed, and inaccessible.'

Budget Prepares For Rise In Cancer Cases

Budget Prepares For Rise In Cancer Cases

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Do we have enough trained oncologists and medical professionals in India to man these over 4,500 beds in the public sector?