News for 'Tourism and Culture'

Detained for Pahalgam attack, JK man jumps into river, drowns

Detained for Pahalgam attack, JK man jumps into river, drowns

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The body of a 22-year-old man was found in a river in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district, sparking allegations that he was picked up by security forces for questioning after a terror attack. PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, National Conference Lok Sabha member Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, and Jammu and Kashmir Minister Sakina Ittoo have demanded a judicial probe into the death of Imtiyaz Ahmad Magray.

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.

'You Can Feel Buddha's Teaching In Ladakhi Culture'

'You Can Feel Buddha's Teaching In Ladakhi Culture'

Rediff.com17 May 2024

'I have nostalgia for Ladakhi culture, which is common to both Muslims and Buddhists.' 'It is kind of a Buddhist way of life. You are compassionate and nice to each other.' 'You are good human beings.'

Adityanath slams celebrating Salar Masood over Suheldev

Adityanath slams celebrating Salar Masood over Suheldev

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

"I had said on the soil of Bahraich that glorification of foreign invaders should be stopped and that the national heroes must be honoured. And 1,000 years ago, such a tale of courage and bravery was written by Maharaja Suheldev on this very soil of Bahraich," Adityanath said.

Couples Invite Global Guests to Weddings, For a Fee

Couples Invite Global Guests to Weddings, For a Fee

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

From dressing in colourful lehengas and sherwanis to dancing to Bollywood tunes during the baraat, these startups are offering an immersive journey into the world of Indian weddings.

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.

Himanta's latest: Gogoi visited Pak on ISI invitation

Himanta's latest: Gogoi visited Pak on ISI invitation

Rediff.com18 May 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday alleged that Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi visited Pakistan on an invitation from its spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence, and that he worked closely with the establishment of the neighbouring nation.

OTT Expands The Geography Of Storytelling

OTT Expands The Geography Of Storytelling

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Writers and creators are telling more authentic stories based in states and cities that we may not have seen much of in mainstream media, such as Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Or ones that we have some mistaken notions about like Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, highlights Vanita Kohli-Khandekar.

Govt stops tourism activities at holy Jain site after protests

Govt stops tourism activities at holy Jain site after protests

Rediff.com5 Jan 2023

The Union Environment Ministry sent a office memorandum to the state in this regard following directions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sources said.

Want To See 2,500,000 Diyas?

Want To See 2,500,000 Diyas?

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

30,000 volunteers lit 2.5 million diyas in Ayodhya.

Not only in Ramzan, but...: Omar on Gulmarg fashion show

Not only in Ramzan, but...: Omar on Gulmarg fashion show

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Amid controversy over the Gulmarg fashion show held during the month of Ramzan, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said his government would have never given permission for such an event in any month of the year.

Is Tourism Destroying Goa?

Is Tourism Destroying Goa?

Rediff.com24 Feb 2023

Poor governance and mediocre short-sighted politics are destroying the paradise that Goa was as its environment, water table, culture and way of life is drastically threatened by tourism and migration, points out Ramesh Menon.

Cow Hospitals And Wah Taj! in Agra

Cow Hospitals And Wah Taj! in Agra

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

'Be it tourist guides, hotels, rickshaw drivers, all have a livelihood thanks to Shah Jahan.'

Maha council admits privilege notice against Kamra; comedian slams media

Maha council admits privilege notice against Kamra; comedian slams media

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Comedian Kunal Kamra continues to face backlash for his jokes targeting Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. The Legislative Council admitted a breach of privilege notice against him, while a state minister demanded his arrest. The controversy stems from Kamra's stand-up performance where he made satirical remarks about Shinde, leading to protests and vandalism by Shiv Sena supporters. The comedian has been summoned by the police and faces legal trouble, with even Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw justifying the action, emphasizing the need to uphold legal safeguards. Amid the controversy, Kamra lashed out at the mainstream media, calling it a "miscommunication arm" of the ruling party.

Heading To The Kumbh? Here's How To Plan

Heading To The Kumbh? Here's How To Plan

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

Prayagraj is a must-visit place in 2025, but in January and February you can't miss the Maha Kumbh, a spectacular event like no other.

Our concern is...: Iran's 1st reaction on Syria situation

Our concern is...: Iran's 1st reaction on Syria situation

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Iran's ambassador to India, Iraj Ilahi, expressed concern about the stability and security of the "whole region" following the collapse of the Syrian government, highlighting Tehran's worries about the potential wider ramifications of the situation. Ilahi also emphasized the importance of promoting tourism between India and Iran, citing their shared cultural heritage and the recent easing of visa restrictions.

Why Modi Chose To Speak In Parliament On Maha Kumbh

Why Modi Chose To Speak In Parliament On Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Besides the not-so-hidden unease between Modi and Adityanath, Modi chose to address the Lok Sabha to ensure that he could personally claim all the kudos, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Modi inaugurates Z-Morh tunnel in J-K

Modi inaugurates Z-Morh tunnel in J-K

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Modi also met the construction workers who worked meticulously amid harsh conditions to complete the tunnel.

Andhra Pradesh bags national tourism award

Andhra Pradesh bags national tourism award

Rediff.com27 Sep 2019

Andhra Pradesh bagged the Best State award for overall growth in tourism category.

Yogi Goes All Out For Flawless Mahakumbh

Yogi Goes All Out For Flawless Mahakumbh

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

For Yogi Adityanath the successful management of the fair is a crucial part of building 'Brand UP' and making the state a $1 trillion economy.

Deepotsav 8.0: Ayodhya sets two world records

Deepotsav 8.0: Ayodhya sets two world records

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

Two Guinness World Records -- most people performing 'aarti' simultaneously and the largest display of oil lamps -- were set at the eighth edition of Deepotsav in Ayodhya on Wednesday.

'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

'The BJP lacks a credible mass leader who matches Mamata Banerjee's popularity.' 'Given the division of votes among Opposition parties, the West Bengal government's dole-giving strategy, and the consolidation of the poor, significant sections of scheduled caste groups and Muslim minorities behind the ruling party, it will be difficult to dislodge the Trinamool from power.'

Port Blair gets a name change: Sri Vijaya Puram it is

Port Blair gets a name change: Sri Vijaya Puram it is

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

Shah said the decision was taken to free the nation from colonial imprints as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands had an "unparalleled place" in the country's freedom struggle and history.

Modi keeps promises: PM assures Kashmiris on statehood

Modi keeps promises: PM assures Kashmiris on statehood

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asserted that he would keep promises he had made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, a statement seen as an oblique reference to the demand for restoration of statehood voiced strongly by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Prayagraj Airport handling 40 VIP flights daily

Prayagraj Airport handling 40 VIP flights daily

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The Prayagraj airport in India is experiencing a surge in air traffic due to the Maha Kumbh, a major religious festival. The airport is handling an average of 40 non-scheduled charters and private jets daily, with figures reaching 70 on weekends. This is in addition to the average 148 scheduled commercial passenger aircraft operating daily. The airport recently received a contingent of about 180 politicians from Rajasthan and has seen corporate bigwigs like the Ambani brothers, Gautam Adani, and Pawan Munjal pass through. The airport has also hosted four international flights since the beginning of the Maha Kumbh, including a flight carrying Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. The airport is currently undergoing an upgrade and expansion, and officials are looking forward to the government's plans to integrate Prayagraj with the airports at Kashi and Ayodhya to promote tourism in the region.

Hemant Soren distributes portfolios; keeps home, gives finance to Cong

Hemant Soren distributes portfolios; keeps home, gives finance to Cong

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has distributed portfolios among the new ministers, keeping key departments such as Home, Personnel, and several others to himself. The Congress' Radhakrishna Kishore was given Finance, Commercial Tax, Planning and Development Department, and Parliamentary Affairs departments. JMM's Deepak Biruwa was allotted the departments of Revenue, Registration and Land Reforms (non-registration), and Transport. Chamra Linda, another JMM leader, was allotted the departments of Schedule Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes (except Minority Welfare). RJD's Sanjay Prasad Yadav was given the departments of Industries, and Labour, Planning, Training and Skill Development. The Congress' Irfan Ansari got Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, besides Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, and Disaster Management departments. The chief minister also kept to himself the departments of Cabinet Secretariat, Personnel, Administrative Reforms and Official Language, Road Construction, Building Construction, and those departments yet to be distributed to anyone. Among the other ministers, JMM's Ramdas Soren was given the School Education and Literacy, and Registration departments. Party colleague Hafizul Hasan was allotted the departments of Water Resources, and Minority Welfare Department. Panchayati Raj, Rural Works, and Rural Development departments were given to Congress MLA Deepika Pandey Singh. The CM gave Drinking Water and Sanitation, and Excise and Prohibition departments to JMM's Yogendra Prasad. JMM legislator Sudhivya Kumar became the minister for Urban Development and Housing, Higher and Technical Education, and Tourism, Art Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs departments. Shilpi Neha Tirkey of the Congress was allotted Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperative Department. A total of 11 MLAs took oath as ministers in the Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand on Thursday.

Maha portfolio allocation: Fadnavis gets Home, Ajit Finance, Shinde...

Maha portfolio allocation: Fadnavis gets Home, Ajit Finance, Shinde...

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

Shiv Sena's Dadaji Bhuse is the new school education minister while Uday Samant continues to be the industries minister.

India, Don't Spurn Bangladesh

India, Don't Spurn Bangladesh

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

Our visa operations in Bangladesh constitute the largest visa operations India conducts worldwide. This has taken a hit after Sheikh Hasina's government was overthrown and India reduced its diplomatic presence in Bangladesh, notes Aakar Patel.

Saudi Arabia opens door to LGBTQ fans for World Cup

Saudi Arabia opens door to LGBTQ fans for World Cup

Rediff.com25 Sep 2024

Hammad Albalawi, head of Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid unit, said his country welcomes all visitors, including LGBTQ people and their bid to host the 48-team showpiece event has nothing to do with 'sportswashing' their human rights record.

Kukis, Meiteis serve in same unit with harmony because....: Gen Dwivedi

Kukis, Meiteis serve in same unit with harmony because....: Gen Dwivedi

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

India's Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, emphasized the Indian Army's role as a "melting pot" and cited the harmony between Kuki and Meitei soldiers in the same units as an example of the force's unifying nature. He made the remarks during a lecture in Pune, highlighting the Army's efforts to promote unity and integration within its ranks. General Dwivedi also touched upon the Army's role in internal security in Jammu and Kashmir, the Northeast, and the upcoming Olympics.

Will World Champions India travel to Maldives?

Will World Champions India travel to Maldives?

Rediff.com8 Jul 2024

The recently-crowned T20 world champion Indian cricket team has been invited to celebrate its triumph in Maldives by

India's 10 Prettiest Villages

India's 10 Prettiest Villages

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

Here's your travel guide to exploring some of India's most beautiful villages.

Package for tourism sector soon

Package for tourism sector soon

Rediff.com9 Dec 2008

The global meltdown, coupled with economic recession and the terror incidents, has hit the tourism industry adversely. While there is a fall of foreign tourist arrival, hotel bookings are also witnessing many cancellations. Besides rationalisation of luxury tax, ministry has also sought seamless movement of vehicles meant for tourists.

Govt plans tourism office in Israel

Govt plans tourism office in Israel

Rediff.com23 Dec 2003

The government is considering a proposal to set up a Tourism Promotion Office in Israel to promote cultural and tourism co-operation between the two countries

Bengal's tea industry seeks a new flavour

Bengal's tea industry seeks a new flavour

Rediff.com1 May 2024

The alpona (artwork) on the steep, winding road leading to Makaibari bears testimony to the visit of G20 delegates for the second tourism working group meeting in April last year. The lush tea bushes, the delegates joining in for the moonlight plucking of Silver Tips Imperial first flush, a favourite of late Queen Elizabeth II, cut a picture of mystical magic. But it's not the Kurseong tea garden's only shining moment - the last few years have been busy for the estate and its bungalow.

Where does India stand in global tourism?

Where does India stand in global tourism?

Rediff.com28 Oct 2015

India has been ranked 52nd in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index 2015 compiled by the World Economic Forum.

Kerala Tourism's tweet on beef dish stirs row

Kerala Tourism's tweet on beef dish stirs row

Rediff.com17 Jan 2020

Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran criticised those who were trying to give a communal colour to the tourism department tweet on the Kerala delicacy -- "Beef Ularthiyathu" and said in the southern state none links food with religion.

Music tourism emerges as top travel trend for 2018

Music tourism emerges as top travel trend for 2018

Rediff.com14 Feb 2018

India's appetite for music tourism is only growing.

India breaks silence on Taiwan, calls for avoiding change in status quo

India breaks silence on Taiwan, calls for avoiding change in status quo

Rediff.com12 Aug 2022

India on Friday said it was concerned over the developments around Taiwan and called for avoiding "unilateral actions" to change the status quo in the region, days after China held its biggest-ever military drills around the self-ruled island following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to it.

Haryana plans special tourism zones

Haryana plans special tourism zones

Rediff.com13 Feb 2006

The Haryana government is considering the proposal to set up special tourism zones on the pattern of special economic zones in the state and places of historical importance would be developed as tourism destinations