News for 'disaster response'

Darjeeling landslides: Hill pockets cut-off, tourists stuck; toll rises to 24

Darjeeling landslides: Hill pockets cut-off, tourists stuck; toll rises to 24

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

The death toll from landslides in Darjeeling, West Bengal has risen to 24, with rescue operations continuing amidst challenging conditions. Thousands of tourists are stranded as roads remain blocked.

Uttarkashi rescue operations intensify, 65 stranded people airlifted

Uttarkashi rescue operations intensify, 65 stranded people airlifted

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

Rescue operations in Uttarakhand's flash flood-ravaged Uttarkashi district gained momentum, with stranded people airlifted and efforts stepped up to search for those trapped under rubble.

Trump signs defence bill backing deeper US-India ties

Trump signs defence bill backing deeper US-India ties

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

US President Donald Trump signed the National Defence Authorisation Act for Fiscal Year 2026 into law, highlighting broadened engagement with India and addressing the challenge posed by China in the Indo-Pacific region.

J&K SDRF Conducts Mock Drill At Dal Lake

J&K SDRF Conducts Mock Drill At Dal Lake

Rediff.com6 May 2025

Following a directive from the Union ministry of home affairs, personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Response Force conducted a mock drill at the Dal Lake in Srinagar on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

Andhra gas well blaze to be doused in a week: Official

Andhra gas well blaze to be doused in a week: Official

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The gas well blaze near the Irusumanda village in Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema district in Andhra Pradesh will be doused in a week's time, an official said on Tuesday, citing information from ONGC officials.

Pakistan hockey federation chief Tariq Bugti resigns over Australia tour fiasco

Pakistan hockey federation chief Tariq Bugti resigns over Australia tour fiasco

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Pakistan Hockey Federation president Tariq Bugti has resigned following a controversy surrounding the national team's accommodation during their tour of Australia. b

US-Iran: The Weekend Has Left The World In A More Dangerous Place

US-Iran: The Weekend Has Left The World In A More Dangerous Place

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The ceasefire is still technically holding, to the extent that no overt hostilities have been reported yet, but the rhetoric has hardened dangerously. The week ahead will also clarify whether the Islamabad failure was a negotiating tactic or whether Washington has genuinely locked itself into a position from which the only exits are climb-down, escalation, or the slow bleed of a new status quo that nobody chose and nobody controls. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

10 killed as tractor-trolley carrying Durga idols plunges into MP lake

10 killed as tractor-trolley carrying Durga idols plunges into MP lake

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

Ten devotees, including three minors, died after a tractor-trolley carrying Durga idols for immersion plunged into a lake in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh. Rescue operations are underway.

Uttarakhand landslide: Mother found dead holding her twin sons

Uttarakhand landslide: Mother found dead holding her twin sons

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) had been struggling hard for the past 32 hours, hoping for life in Kunwar Singh's house, buried under the rubble. Cutter machines were used to cut through the sludge, creating a path for entry.

NDRF, BSF teams mobilised for relief, rescue work

NDRF, BSF teams mobilised for relief, rescue work

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

Six teams of the National Disaster Response Force and two from the BSF have been sent to undertake rescue and relief operations at the aircraft crash site in Ahmedabad on Thursday, officials said.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

Meghalaya Blast Exposes Dangers Of Rat-Hole Mining

Meghalaya Blast Exposes Dangers Of Rat-Hole Mining

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The human cost of rat-hole mining falls disproportionately on migrant labourers.

A Rakhi For Gurudev

A Rakhi For Gurudev

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

Glimpses from India and around the world that will make you smile and cry.

Is US using Indian ports to strike Iran? MEA clarifies

Is US using Indian ports to strike Iran? MEA clarifies

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

India has firmly denied allegations that the US Navy is using its ports to launch attacks against Iran, reaffirming its commitment to strategic autonomy and non-alignment in international conflicts.

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

By all available indications, the White House drafted a face-saving note and handed it, ready-made, to Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was supposed to then post it in the guise of a plea urging Trump to extend the deadline by two weeks 'to allow diplomacy to run its course'. Trump would then graciously accept Pakistan's 'request' and declare a ceasefire. Sharif dutifully posted the message on X. Except that he, or whoever was handling the account, forgot to delete the tell-tale first line visible in the edit history: 'Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X'. Prem Panicker's must read blog on the Iran War.

Brahmaputra dam will help prevent disasters, meets industry norms: China

Brahmaputra dam will help prevent disasters, meets industry norms: China

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

China defends its construction of a dam on the Brahmaputra river in Tibet, addressing concerns from India and Bangladesh about its potential impact on water flow and the environment.

Search ops intensified to find 33 missing persons in J-K cloudburst

Search ops intensified to find 33 missing persons in J-K cloudburst

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

The multi-agency search operation to trace 33 missing persons in cloudburst-hit Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir has entered its eighth day. The death toll stands at 65, and rescue efforts are ongoing with the help of multiple agencies and heavy machinery.

650 rescued in Uttarkashi on Day 4, scores still missing

650 rescued in Uttarkashi on Day 4, scores still missing

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

Authorities continue evacuating stranded pilgrims from areas around Dharali village in Uttarkashi, focusing on air rescue and relief operations due to damaged roads. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is overseeing the efforts, with central government support.

Vaishno Devi landslide: Pilgrims search for loved ones

Vaishno Devi landslide: Pilgrims search for loved ones

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

The rhythmic chants of pilgrims have been replaced with frantic footsteps of those looking for their loved ones in the wake of a disastrous landslide on the route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine which has claimed 34 lives till now.

India 'could have done much more' during Operation Sindoor: Rajnath

India 'could have done much more' during Operation Sindoor: Rajnath

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauds the armed forces' restrained response during Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack, highlighting coordination and improved connectivity in border areas.

'Autonomous hydraulic robot' to help in Telangana tunnel rescue

'Autonomous hydraulic robot' to help in Telangana tunnel rescue

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

An autonomous hydraulic-powered robot equipped with special machinery has been deployed to accelerate the search operation for seven people trapped inside a partially collapsed tunnel in Nagarkurnool, Telangana. The robot, equipped with a 30 HP capacity liquid ring vacuum pump and a vacuum tank machine, can remove up to 620 cubic meters of soil per hour using a conveyor belt. This technology aims to expedite the rescue efforts and enhance the efficiency of the operation. State Special Chief Secretary (Disaster Management) Arvind Kumar is supervising the search operation, which involves teams from the Army, NDRF, SDRF, HRDD, Singareni Collieries, a Hyderabad-based robotics company, and others.

Siddaramaiah reveals why he met Modi in Delhi

Siddaramaiah reveals why he met Modi in Delhi

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and insisted on demands pertaining to the state, including on Fair Recovery Price of sugarcane, All India Institute of Medical Sciences for Raichur, the release of flood relief among others.

Israel has near-total control of Tehran skies: Netanyahu

Israel has near-total control of Tehran skies: Netanyahu

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed that the United States and his administration have achieved nearly total dominance over Iranian airspace following a series of coordinated military strikes.

The Stranded Pilgrim's Progress

The Stranded Pilgrim's Progress

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

Glimpses from India and around the world that will make you smile and cry.

6 dead as unauthorised building collapses in Virar

6 dead as unauthorised building collapses in Virar

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Six persons were killed and eight others seriously injured after a portion of an unauthorised four-story building collapsed on an adjacent vacant building at Virar in Maharashtra's Palghar district, officials said.

Heavy rains lash coastal K'taka for third straight day, red alert issued

Heavy rains lash coastal K'taka for third straight day, red alert issued

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Heavy monsoon rains battered Karnataka's coastal belt for the third consecutive day on Monday, severely disrupting normal life in Dakshina Kannada district, prompting authorities to issue a red alert and deploy disaster response teams. A red alert indicates extremely heavy rainfall of over 20 cm in 24 hours, and will remain in force for the next five days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Several parts of Mangaluru city reported waterlogging and traffic snarls, while minor incidents of landslides were reported from hilly regions across the district. The district administration has directed schools and composite colleges to remain shut on 27 and 28 following the IMD issuing a red alert. Instructions were also issued to relocate residents living in vulnerable hillside and riverside areas to safer locations. The authorities have sought prompt action from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) following complaints of water intrusion in residential areas due to ongoing highway construction works.

Sebi Steps Up Surveillance Amid Surge in Retail Investors

Sebi Steps Up Surveillance Amid Surge in Retail Investors

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Sebi Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey announced intensified surveillance and technology-driven enforcement to combat pre-investment scams targeting retail investors, who are increasingly being lured by fake trading apps and promises of high returns.

Indore water tragedy: Rahul meets patients, victims' families

Indore water tragedy: Rahul meets patients, victims' families

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

'This is the urban model. This isn't just about Indore. This is happening in cities across the country'

Operation Brahma To The Rescue

Operation Brahma To The Rescue

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

The scenes from the aftermath of the earthquake in Myanmar and India's HADR mission, Operation Brahma, conducted on April 2, 2025.

At G20, Modi bats for open satellite data access

At G20, Modi bats for open satellite data access

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday proposed a G20 initiative aimed at enhancing clean energy transitions by boosting recycling, easing supply chain pressures and advancing joint research on critical minerals, and suggested forging a partnership to make satellite data more accessible and interoperable.

Downpour triggers 35 landslides in Darjeeling, 23 killed

Downpour triggers 35 landslides in Darjeeling, 23 killed

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

At least 23 people, including children, were killed as relentless rain triggered one of the worst landslides in a decade in Darjeeling hills and adjoining areas on Sunday, sweeping away homes, cutting off roads, isolating villages, and leaving hundreds of stranded tourists amid widespread devastation, officials said.

Is The UN Heading For Bankruptcy?

Is The UN Heading For Bankruptcy?

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Every UN secretary-general has flagged the financial situation, but Antonio Guterres has issued the direst warning yet, calling it a 'race to bankruptcy and of imminent financial collapse, points out Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

J-K flashflood: Hope fades for missing as rescue ops enter Day 3

J-K flashflood: Hope fades for missing as rescue ops enter Day 3

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

Rescue operations continue in Kishtwar, J&K, following a devastating cloudburst. Anxious relatives cling to fading hope as the search for the missing enters its third day.

Massive cloudburst kills 46 in Kishtwar, many trapped

Massive cloudburst kills 46 in Kishtwar, many trapped

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

As night fell over Chositi village, rescuers worked frantically and pulled out 167 people from under mounds of rubble. Of these, 38 are in a serious condition, officials said. The death toll went up steadily as the day progressed and there were fears it could rise further.

The World's Most Polluted Place Is...

The World's Most Polluted Place Is...

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

Residential areas now exist cheek by jowl with smokestacks, while convoys of heavy trucks rumble through narrow roads day and night, throwing up clouds of dust.

Heartbroken to see my Punjab devastated by floods: Gill

Heartbroken to see my Punjab devastated by floods: Gill

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

India Test captain Shubman Gill expressed anguish over the large-scale devastation caused by floods in his home state of Punjab due to incessant rainfall.

Uttarkashi floods: 70 Rescued, over 50 still missing

Uttarkashi floods: 70 Rescued, over 50 still missing

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

Rescue operations continue in Uttarkashi after flash floods, with dozens still missing. The Army and other agencies are working to rescue stranded people and restore connectivity.

Brand Shubham Gill: Bruised Not Ruptured

Brand Shubham Gill: Bruised Not Ruptured

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

'It is a passing phase'. 'He will bounce back'. 'He is a run machine; poor form is just temporary'. The vote of confidence in Gill was inspiring and reassuring, notes Sandeep Goyal.

How Galwan, Nubra, Karan & Arjun Stole Republic Day Show!

How Galwan, Nubra, Karan & Arjun Stole Republic Day Show!

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

The swag of the military animals on Kartavya Path was unbeatable! Commanded by Captain Harshita Raghav, the double-humped camels, ponies, kites and dogs are soldiers providing active military duties.

Now, Nature's Fury In North India

Now, Nature's Fury In North India

Rediff.com5 Aug 2024

The aftermath of the cloudburst triggered by heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.