News for 'Varanasi'

Retro Review: Yawn!

Retro Review: Yawn!

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Retro is probably Surya's worst film till date, notes A Ganesh Nadar.

Remember Smart Cities? What Happened?

Remember Smart Cities? What Happened?

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Among the cities that have fully implemented their projects are Agra, Varanasi, Madurai, Coimbatore, Udaipur, Pune, Surat, and Vadodara

Gyanvapi row: Muslim-dominated areas of Varanasi observe bandh

Gyanvapi row: Muslim-dominated areas of Varanasi observe bandh

Rediff.com2 Feb 2024

Shops in Varanasi's Muslim-dominated areas remained closed and the police sounded an alert in the entire district ahead of the Friday namaaz, following the district court order to allow Hindu prayers in a cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque.

Priyanka Must Take On Modi In Varanasi

Priyanka Must Take On Modi In Varanasi

Rediff.com7 May 2024

In the five years in politics Priyanka Gandhi has undeniably emerged as a thorn in the BJP flesh, notes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay. It is time that this thorn is twisted a wee bit more when the elections have become far more uncertain than what it was when the Election Commission announced the poll schedule.

Indians Want To Make An Experience Of Every Trip

Indians Want To Make An Experience Of Every Trip

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

'Adventure travel, cultural tours, and wellness retreats are in high demand.'

IndiGo derosters 6 crew members over bomb scare on Delhi-Varanasi flight

IndiGo derosters 6 crew members over bomb scare on Delhi-Varanasi flight

Rediff.com30 May 2024

On May 28, following the bomb threat, which later turned out to be hoax, all the passengers were evacuated through emergency slides from the aircraft at the Delhi airport.

Who is Laurene 'Kamala' Powell Jobs?

Who is Laurene 'Kamala' Powell Jobs?

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

American billionaire Laurene Powell Jobs, 61, who recently visited Kashi Vishwanath Temple, in Varanasi and the Kumbh in Allahabad, is both a business executive and philanthropist.

First Cauvery Aarati held in Bengaluru amid laser lights and Vedic chants

First Cauvery Aarati held in Bengaluru amid laser lights and Vedic chants

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

Thousands gathered at Bengaluru's Sankey Tank to witness the historic Cauvery Aarati, a grand water ritual that combined spiritual elements with entertainment. The event, which included laser lights, Vedic chants, and a performance by popular musician Raghu Dixit, attracted a diverse crowd, including young people who were curious to see the spectacle. The event was part of a week-long campaign aimed at raising awareness about water conservation.

The Aamir Khan You Don't Know

The Aamir Khan You Don't Know

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

'Had anyone asked me if I was Aamir Khan, I would have admitted to it.' Senior movie journalist Roshmila Bhattacharya flips through the pages of her many interactions with Aamir Khan, who turned 60 on March 14.

Prayagraj-based 'Ram Naam Bank' may open branches in Europe, US

Prayagraj-based 'Ram Naam Bank' may open branches in Europe, US

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Indian origin Hindus living in Europe and US are mulling opening overseas chapters of Prayagraj-based 'Ram Naam Bank' in their countries. On the occasion of Ram Navami on Sunday, the idea of opening a Ram Naam Bank was discussed among the devotees in Sweden.

SC to hear 1991 Places of Worship Act plea on Tuesday

SC to hear 1991 Places of Worship Act plea on Tuesday

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

The law prohibits conversion of any place of worship and provides for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947.

Law student mows down woman in Vadodara, screams 'another round'

Law student mows down woman in Vadodara, screams 'another round'

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

A speeding car driven by a 20-year-old law student crashed into two-wheelers in Vadodara, Gujarat, killing a woman and injuring four others. The driver, Rakshit Chaurasiya, was arrested and is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. Witnesses reported seeing him screaming "another round, another round " after the crash. Chaurasiya's friend, Mit Chauhan, who was in the passenger seat, is being sought by police. The car, which belonged to Chauhan, was severely damaged in the accident. CCTV footage shows the car hitting two scooters and dragging the riders before coming to a halt. Police are investigating the incident and will conduct a medical test to determine if Chaurasiya was intoxicated.

Yogi holds cabinet meet at Maha Kumbh, takes holy dip at Sangam

Yogi holds cabinet meet at Maha Kumbh, takes holy dip at Sangam

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

The Cabinet meeting and the holy dip comes on a day that marks the first anniversary of the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

UP CM issues fresh directives after Kumbh stampede

UP CM issues fresh directives after Kumbh stampede

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

Adityanath asked the chief secretary and the director general of police to conduct a thorough review of the Maha Kumbh Mela arrangements on Thursday. "Every aspect related to security and public convenience must be carefully examined to ensure seamless arrangements for Basant Panchami," he said.

Varanasi court to hear Gyanvapi mosque southern cellar plea on April 11

Varanasi court to hear Gyanvapi mosque southern cellar plea on April 11

Rediff.com19 Mar 2024

The plea filed by the Hindu side has stated that the cellar's roof is very old and weak.

Varanasi court allows Hindus to pray in Gyanvapi mosque cellar

Varanasi court allows Hindus to pray in Gyanvapi mosque cellar

Rediff.com31 Jan 2024

In a major victory for the Hindu side, a Varanasi court on Wednesday allowed Hindu devotees to offer prayers inside the 'Vyas ka Tekhana' area inside the Gyanvapi mosque complex.

Private Hospitals to Add 34,000 Beds by FY29

Private Hospitals to Add 34,000 Beds by FY29

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

Leading chains plan Rs 40K crore infra revival to close capacity gap over next 3-5 years

Gazwa E Hind can only be countered with Gazwa E Pakistan

Gazwa E Hind can only be countered with Gazwa E Pakistan

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

It is time we buried the mantra of 'peaceful and stable Pakistan is in our interest'. It is not, simply because Pakistan's existence -- that is synonymous with its army -- means peace has no chance, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (Retd). It is time we buried the mantra of 'peaceful and stable Pakistan is in our interest' asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (Retd).

Security beefed up at major railway stations after Delhi stampede

Security beefed up at major railway stations after Delhi stampede

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

Following a stampede at New Delhi railway station and large crowds arriving for the Maha Kumbh, authorities in Uttar Pradesh have implemented stringent security protocols at key railway stations including Prayagraj, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Kanpur, Lucknow and Mirzapur. Measures include restricted entry, holding areas for passengers, increased security personnel, and improved facilities to prevent overcrowding.

Congress was soft on terror for vote bank: BJP on Tahawwur Rana

Congress was soft on terror for vote bank: BJP on Tahawwur Rana

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

The BJP has lauded the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, as a testament to "New India's" zero-tolerance stance against terrorism under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, the Congress has countered the claim, stating that the extradition was the result of diplomatic efforts initiated during the UPA government's tenure. The BJP highlighted Rana's return as a tribute to security personnel who lost their lives fighting Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and a step towards justice for victims of the attack. The Congress, however, asserted that the Modi government did not initiate the extradition process but benefited from the UPA's groundwork. The exchange of accusations has added a political dimension to Rana's extradition, with both parties vying for credit for the development.

SC to hear pleas on Places of Worship Act on Feb 17

SC to hear pleas on Places of Worship Act on Feb 17

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

The Act prohibits conversion of any place of worship and provides for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947.

Kumbh devotees walk 15 km for bus; thousands stranded at rly station

Kumbh devotees walk 15 km for bus; thousands stranded at rly station

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Devotees attending the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj are facing transportation challenges, with many forced to walk long distances in search of transport. Thousands of pilgrims returning from the event are stranded at Varanasi Cantt and Banaras railway stations, with some missing their trains due to the rush and others stuck because of cancellations. Officials say the traffic situation in the district has returned to normal, but some pilgrims report difficulties in finding transport and reaching their destinations.

Vengsarkar makes no predictions for Ind-Pak match

Vengsarkar makes no predictions for Ind-Pak match

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

'India are strong favourites'

Modi to lay foundation stone of cricket stadium in Varanasi

Modi to lay foundation stone of cricket stadium in Varanasi

Rediff.com22 Sep 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of an international cricket stadium in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi.

CCTV cameras turned off to hide Delhi stampede? Vaishnaw says...

CCTV cameras turned off to hide Delhi stampede? Vaishnaw says...

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday said a fair enquiry is being conducted regarding the stampede which took place at New Delhi railway station last month and said the government is implementing a slew of measures to avoid such incidents in the future.

Rakul-Bhumi's WOW Style Game

Rakul-Bhumi's WOW Style Game

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Bhumi Pednekar and Rakul Singh are currently busy promoting their rom-com Mere Husband Ki Biwi, co-starring Arjun Kapoor.

7 detained for reciting Hanuman Chalisa during namaz in UP college

7 detained for reciting Hanuman Chalisa during namaz in UP college

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

"We have no problem if the students here offer namaaz or worship in the mosque or temple on the college premises. But we do not accept that outsiders are gathering here in the name of offering namaz on the college premises," he said.

Raghu And Smitha's Maha Kumbh Adventure

Raghu And Smitha's Maha Kumbh Adventure

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Singapore-based Smitha and Raghavendra Ramachandra made a spontaneous decision to attend the Maha Kumbh. They did not expect what followed.

'Most Dargahs, Mosques Will Be Threatened'

'Most Dargahs, Mosques Will Be Threatened'

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

'The new Waqf bill sows the seed for conflict in every town and village of India.'

Cong list: Ajay Rai from Varanasi; suspense over Amethi, Raebareli continues

Cong list: Ajay Rai from Varanasi; suspense over Amethi, Raebareli continues

Rediff.com24 Mar 2024

The suspense over whether Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will contest the polls from Amethi and Raebareli respectively continued.

Maha Kumbh: Bookings, airfares rise for Prayagraj flights

Maha Kumbh: Bookings, airfares rise for Prayagraj flights

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Bookings as well as airfares for flights to Prayagraj have jumped multi-fold as more people travel for the Maha Kumbh, with the air ticket prices rising up to 21 per cent for the Delhi-Prayagraj flights. According to an analysis by travel portal ixigo, the one-way airfare between Bhopal and Prayagraj has surged the maximum at 498 per cent to Rs 17,796 from Rs 2,977 last year.

Ram Navami celebrated across country amid tight security in many states

Ram Navami celebrated across country amid tight security in many states

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Temples across Uttar Pradesh were packed with devotees on Sunday for Ram Navami, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath leading prayers at the Gorakhnath Temple. Heavy crowds were witnessed at temples in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi, where security was heightened. In Gorakhpur, Adityanath performed the traditional kanya pujan ritual, while in Varanasi, a 51-foot statue of Lord Ram has become a major attraction. The festival was celebrated with enthusiastic fervor across the state.

How Bollywood Celebrated Mahashivratri

How Bollywood Celebrated Mahashivratri

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Film folk celebrated Mahashivratri on Wednesday by visiting temples and performing pooja, and posting pictures online.

Why clean air remains a pipe dream across India

Why clean air remains a pipe dream across India

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

Data from the ministry of environment, forest and climate change reveals that 30 cities recorded an increase in PM10 levels compared to 2017-18 (FY18), indicating deteriorating air quality.

Check Out Wedding Decor Trends!

Check Out Wedding Decor Trends!

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Wedding decor is going beyond aesthetics, embracing grand elements in a nod to the couples' personal stories.

World's 'Oldest Saint' At Kumbh Mela

World's 'Oldest Saint' At Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

Swami Shivanand Saraswati, known as the world's 'oldest saint', claims to be 129 years old and has been attending the Kumbh Mela for 100 years.

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.'

3-judge SC bench to hear pleas on Places of Worship Act on Thursday

3-judge SC bench to hear pleas on Places of Worship Act on Thursday

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear a batch of petitions challenging the validity of certain provisions of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which prohibits lawsuits to reclaim a place of worship or change its character from what prevailed on August 15, 1947. The pleas, including one filed by Ashwini Upadhyay, argue that these provisions violate the right to judicial remedy and create an arbitrary cut-off date. The matter will be heard in the backdrop of several ongoing cases related to places of worship, including the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and the Shahi Idgah Mosque in Mathura. The Muslim side has cited the 1991 law to argue that such suits are not maintainable. The Supreme Court had previously sought the Centre's response to Upadhyay's petition, which alleged that the law creates an "arbitrary and irrational retrospective cut-off date" for maintaining the character of places of worship.

Dev Deepavali: A Night When The Ganga Glows

Dev Deepavali: A Night When The Ganga Glows

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

Visiting Varanasi for Dev Deepavali should be on your bucket list.

Modi unveils 29 projects worth Rs 12,000 cr in Varanasi

Modi unveils 29 projects worth Rs 12,000 cr in Varanasi

Rediff.com8 Jul 2023

Addressing a public rally in his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi, Modi said the schemes earlier were meant for a select few and the past governments did not get seek feedback from the ground.