News for 'The Hill Times'

Whistling via the Himalayas: Kashmir's train ride redefines scenic travel

Whistling via the Himalayas: Kashmir's train ride redefines scenic travel

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off two specially designed Vande Bharat trains between Katra town and Srinagar city, reducing travel time between the two places by two to three hours and ensuring all-weather surface connectivity with the Kashmir valley.

Terrorists shot dead 3 of our kin: Maha family recounts Pahalgam attack

Terrorists shot dead 3 of our kin: Maha family recounts Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Survivors of a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Baisaran recount a horrific massacre in which 26 tourists were killed. The attackers, clad in brown clothes and wearing GoPro cameras, demanded to know who was Hindu or Muslim before firing indiscriminately. Families of the victims demand accountability and justice, calling for increased security at tourist spots.

Manipur conflict: Two years on, thousands still wait to return home

Manipur conflict: Two years on, thousands still wait to return home

Rediff.com3 May 2025

Two years after ethnic violence erupted in Manipur, thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) continue to live in overcrowded camps, struggling to rebuild their lives and facing an uncertain future. Despite the sacking of the Chief Minister and the imposition of President's rule, peace remains a distant hope. While hill-based Kukis demand a separate administration, Meiteis seek implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and deportation of those they consider illegal immigrants. The IDPs, grappling with severe psychological distress, feel forgotten by the government and are forced to depend on the mercy of others for basic needs.

'They cursed Modi, asked my father to recite Islamic verse before shooting'

'They cursed Modi, asked my father to recite Islamic verse before shooting'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

A Pune businessman was shot dead by terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday, his daughter recounted the horrific incident. The family was cowering in fear inside a tent when terrorists came. They asked Santosh Jagdale, 54, to come out and recite an Islamic verse. When he couldn't, they shot him thrice: once in the head, then behind the ear and then his back. The 26-year-old daughter of the Pune businessman recounted to PTI the terror the family went through in the horrific attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. After her father fell to the ground, the gunmen turned on her uncle who was lying next to her and shot him several times in the back.

How To Create Wealth And Retire Early? Ask rediffGURUS

How To Create Wealth And Retire Early? Ask rediffGURUS

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Start your journey to financial freedom today. Ask your questions and let our experts show you the way to a secure and prosperous future.

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

The visitor returns not just with the jewel-like beauty of the country imprinted on the mind, the body rejuvenated by hot stone massages, but also with the captivating stories and myths that are built into every important structure -- whether a tourist magnet or an off-the-beaten track spot.

'India's Response Will Be Big'

'India's Response Will Be Big'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

'Diplomatic and economic responses are first announced and then implemented. A military response is announced only after it is done.'

Tirupati stampede: 'Crowd surged as gates opened suddenly'

Tirupati stampede: 'Crowd surged as gates opened suddenly'

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

"For five minutes we thought all of us were dead. I have been coming to the temple for the past 25 years and it has never happened like this," D Venkata Lakshmi said, recounting the horrific Tirupati stampede that killed six persons and left over 40 injured.

Heavy Pak shelling leaves trail destruction in Poonch

Heavy Pak shelling leaves trail destruction in Poonch

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Heavy Pakistani shelling in the border district of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir left nine people dead and 28 injured. The shelling, described by residents and officials as "barbaric and cowardly", started around 2 am, damaging dozens of residential houses, shops, vehicles, and heritage sites. The incident comes after India launched "Operation Sindoor" in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. India condemned the act, calling it a cowardly attack on civilians, and reaffirmed that civilian safety remains its top priority.

'Over my dead body': Arteta not giving up on title race

'Over my dead body': Arteta not giving up on title race

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

'...So that tells you the resilience, resources, the ambition the team has.'

Former F1 team boss Eddie Jordan dies of cancer

Former F1 team boss Eddie Jordan dies of cancer

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Born on March 30, 1948, Jordan competed in motor racing's junior series before becoming a driver manager and then a team owner.

Kash Patel becomes first Indian-American to lead FBI

Kash Patel becomes first Indian-American to lead FBI

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Dan Scavino, Assistant to the President and White House Deputy Chief of Staff on Thursday said that United States President Donald Trump has officially signed the commission to confirm Kash Patel as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Shutdown hits normal life in Kuki areas of Manipur; no fresh violence

Shutdown hits normal life in Kuki areas of Manipur; no fresh violence

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

Violence erupted in Manipur's Kangpokpi district as Kuki-Zo groups protested a directive allowing free movement across the state. One protester was killed and over 40 others were injured in clashes with security forces. The protests were sparked by Union Home Minister Amit Shah's order, which aimed to restore free movement across the state after ethnic violence erupted in May 2023.

About 1,000 weapons surrendered in Imphal West after Guv's appeal

About 1,000 weapons surrendered in Imphal West after Guv's appeal

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

According to a senior officer, during the two-week deadline for surrender of arms and ammunition, a total of 990 arms were surrendered with 11,526 ammunition.

Warring Kukis, Meitis agree on one thing: Not right time for polls

Warring Kukis, Meitis agree on one thing: Not right time for polls

Rediff.com13 Apr 2024

Living separately and refusing to co-exist in future, many members of both Kukis and Meitis communities ask - why elections at this time and what difference will they make?

Pahalgam Attack: 'Munir Would Have Known'

Pahalgam Attack: 'Munir Would Have Known'

Rediff.com6 May 2025

'Pakistan's only concern has been while they were on the FATF watch list was to distance their State institutions and organs from any direct connection with the actual execution of militancy inside Kashmir.'

When Pope Leo XIV Visited Kerala

When Pope Leo XIV Visited Kerala

Rediff.com13 May 2025

'I remember our priests saying that he liked sea food. So, they cooked sea food for him without masala and spice.' 'It seems he enjoyed Kerala food very much.'

'Angels sent by God': Pahalgam survivors praise locals

'Angels sent by God': Pahalgam survivors praise locals

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

Despite the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, locals demonstrated incredible bravery and compassion, risking their own lives to save tourists. Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony 'wallah', was killed while protecting tourists from the gunmen, while Nazakat Ahmed Shah rescued a family of 11, including three children. Tourist guide Sajad Ahmad Bhat also carried injured people to the hospital. The attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists, highlighted the resilience and kindness of the Kashmiri people.

Saving India, One Helmet At A Time

Saving India, One Helmet At A Time

Rediff.com28 Oct 2023

Inspiring story of India's 'Helmet Man' goes viral.

No breakthrough in Karnataka cabinet meeting on caste census

No breakthrough in Karnataka cabinet meeting on caste census

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

A special cabinet meeting in Karnataka convened to discuss the contentious Social and Educational Survey report, popularly known as 'caste census', ended without a decision. The cabinet will reconvene on May 2 to discuss the report further and make a final decision.

Walking The Bamboo Trail In Meghalaya

Walking The Bamboo Trail In Meghalaya

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

Hike through Meghalaya's newest tourist magnet.

Kuki-Meitei divide deepens as chaos reigns in Manipur

Kuki-Meitei divide deepens as chaos reigns in Manipur

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Manipur experienced a year of intense turmoil in 2024, marked by escalating violence, displacement, and deepening divisions between the Meitei community in the valley and the Kuki tribes in the hills. The conflict, rooted in historical grievances and fueled by political tensions, resulted in numerous casualties, mob attacks, and drone strikes on civilian areas. The situation has led to widespread displacement, fear, and a sense of insecurity among the affected communities, with no signs of peace in sight.

'India Is Where The Action Is'

'India Is Where The Action Is'

Rediff.com20 May 2025

'Pakistan is no longer a front-burner issue for America.'

The Brutalist Review: Totally Oscar-Worthy!

The Brutalist Review: Totally Oscar-Worthy!

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Brutalist reaches its full potential, thanks not just to its writing and its technical brilliance but also Adrien Brody's performance, applauds Deepa Gahlot.

'Not Easy To Write Off Biren Singh'

'Not Easy To Write Off Biren Singh'

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

'Today, both in the hills and valley there is radicalised militant activity which poses a direct national security threat.' 'This kind of militancy in Manipur is unprecedented, I have never seen such largescale militancy in my life.'

Confident Marquez suggests Chhetri will play Maldives friendly

Confident Marquez suggests Chhetri will play Maldives friendly

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

All eyes on Chhetri as India face Maldives in friendly ahead of Asian Cup qualifier.

Priyanka effect missing in Wayanad as voter turnout falls to 65%

Priyanka effect missing in Wayanad as voter turnout falls to 65%

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

Brisk polling was seen for the Wayanad Lok Sabha and the Chelakkara assembly seats in Kerala as they witnessed a turnout of 20.54 and 19.08 per cent, respectively, after the first three hours of voting on Wednesday.

Who will be next Manipur CM? BJP delegation meets Guv

Who will be next Manipur CM? BJP delegation meets Guv

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

A Bharatiya Janata Party delegation on Tuesday called on Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal amid a leadership crisis following the resignation of N Biren Singh as the chief minister of the ethnic violence-hit state two days ago.

Why Wayanad's Landslide Survivors Are Protesting

Why Wayanad's Landslide Survivors Are Protesting

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

In the months immediately following the 2024 tragedy, reporting on the landslide per se had been a straightforward affair. On one side was death and destruction. On the other side, survivors and the business of survival. It was black and white. What direction to take was clear. Rehabilitation in comparison, felt like a complex situation. One that is fraught with shades of grey. As grey as human life, explains Shyam G Menon.

Ball dance, signing ceremony: How Trump's inauguration will unfold

Ball dance, signing ceremony: How Trump's inauguration will unfold

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

The events are set to begin with Trump's departure to St John's Church and offering of service. He will then go to the Blair House, The President's Guest House.

No funeral without autopsy reports of slain Kuki-Zo men: Tribal body

No funeral without autopsy reports of slain Kuki-Zo men: Tribal body

Rediff.com17 Nov 2024

The funeral of 10 Kuki-Zo youths, who were killed in an alleged gunfight with CRPF, has been delayed pending the release of post-mortem reports. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), representing the Kuki-Zo community, is exploring the possibility of conducting a second autopsy in Churachandpur. The youths' bodies were airlifted to Churachandpur from Assam's Silchar town on Saturday. The incident follows a series of clashes between security forces and militants in the region. The post-mortem examination of the 10 Kuki-Zo youths, who ITLF claimed were village volunteers as against the Manipur government's assertion that they were militants, was conducted at Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) in Assam. The bodies have been kept in the local hospital morgue for the time being.

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 Missed Opportunity To Take Back Parts Of PoK'

'India Missed Opportunity To Take Back Parts Of PoK'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

'Had Haji Pir and/or Skardu been taken, the message would have gone out not just to General Asim Munir and his cohort in the Pakistan army but to the Pakistani people that every terrorist incident in India would lead to substantial loss of territory in PoK.'

Biren Singh's controversial tenure comes to an end

Biren Singh's controversial tenure comes to an end

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh is facing renewed scrutiny over his handling of the ethnic violence that erupted in the state in May 2023. Leaked audio tapes allegedly featuring Singh, in which he is purportedly heard discussing how the violence was instigated with his approval, have sparked fresh controversy. The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) has demanded a court-monitored investigation into the authenticity of the tapes, leading to a Supreme Court ruling ordering the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) to verify the tapes' authenticity and submit a report. Singh's tenure has been marked by controversies, including allegations of instigating conflict and questions regarding his governance. Despite a public apology in December 2023 for the violence, the leaked audio tapes have further intensified criticism of his leadership.

A 1971 War Hero Flies Into The Ages

A 1971 War Hero Flies Into The Ages

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

Wing Commander Pratap Marathe's story is one of dedication, bravery, and humour, a shining example of the spirit of the Indian Air Force. Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd) salutes Wing Commander Marathe who passed into the ages last week.

5 Budget-Friendly Honeymoon Destinations

5 Budget-Friendly Honeymoon Destinations

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

Embark on a romantic escapade without worrying about the budget!

Was subjected to racism: Kash Patel tells Senate committee

Was subjected to racism: Kash Patel tells Senate committee

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Kash Patel, President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the FBI, told lawmakers that he has faced racism while growing up. During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Patel said he had been subjected to threats after his personal information was released by Congress. Patel said he was called a "detestable sand nigger" and told to "go back to where you came from." He said his family members, including his father and mother, were present at Capitol Hill during the hearing. Patel said his father fled Idi Amin's genocidal dictatorship in Uganda, where 300,000 men, women and children were killed based on their ethnicity. He said his mother is originally from Tanzania. Patel said he believes that people who put politics and personal ambition over service to the country should be named and that Americans deserve transparency.

Maruti Rolls Out Scheme To Encourage EV Adoption

Maruti Rolls Out Scheme To Encourage EV Adoption

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

MSIL, which currently has a subscription service that allows customers to lease its petrol-run and strong hybrid vehicles on a flexible, long-term basis without ownership commitments, will introduce a leasing service as well.

Hero Women's Golf Tour: Rhea wins maiden pro title

Hero Women's Golf Tour: Rhea wins maiden pro title

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

Rhea Purvi Sarvanan edged out amateur Saanvi Somu in the first play-off hole after both players were tied at 1-under 215 for three days.

20-yr-old killed over bursting of crackers in Mumbai

20-yr-old killed over bursting of crackers in Mumbai

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

A 20-year-old man was stabbed to death after two groups clashed over the bursting of firecrackers in central Mumbai in the early hours of Friday, following which police arrested five persons, including a woman, an official said.