News for 'Ganga'

Haldiram inks pact with Temasek as strategic investment partner

Haldiram inks pact with Temasek as strategic investment partner

Rediff.com30 Mar 2025

Haldiram has entered into an agreement with Temasek as part of which the Singapore-headquartered global investment firm will "acquire an equity stake from the existing shareholders" of India's largest packed snack and sweets company and restaurant operator, according to a statement issued on Sunday. It did not disclose details of the deal or the valuation at which Temasek acquired the equity stake, but this is the first official confirmation of the deal from Haldiram.

No skin diseases reported after taking dip at Kumbh: UP deputy CM

No skin diseases reported after taking dip at Kumbh: UP deputy CM

Rediff.com2 Mar 2025

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Brajesh Pathak has asserted that no cases of skin diseases were reported among pilgrims who took a dip in the holy Sangam during the Maha Kumbh. Pathak's statement comes in response to concerns raised by opposition leaders regarding the purity of the river water. He highlighted the cleanliness efforts undertaken during the event and the cultural significance of the Maha Kumbh.

Republic Day celebrations end with Beating Retreat ceremony

Republic Day celebrations end with Beating Retreat ceremony

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

Foot-tapping melodies and the majestic backdrop of a setting sun over Raisina Hills mesmerised the audience at Vijay Chowk on Wednesday during the Beating Retreat ceremony, marking the culmination of the 76th Republic Day celebrations.

Did You Visit The Maha Kumbh Mela?

Did You Visit The Maha Kumbh Mela?

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Share your unforgettable experience with us at getahead@rediff.co.in.

Tharoor in diplomatic delegation: Cong accuses govt of playing politics

Tharoor in diplomatic delegation: Cong accuses govt of playing politics

Rediff.com17 May 2025

The opposition party's attack came after Shashi Tharoor, not part of the four leaders nominated by the Congress, was named as the head of a delegation to key partner countries to convey India's message of zero tolerance against terrorism following Operation Sindoor.

What's A Stealth Fighter?

What's A Stealth Fighter?

Rediff.com30 May 2025

If I were to explain stealth to a layperson, I'd ask them to think of the game chupan-chupai (hide and seek) we played as children, explains Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd).

Sangam water unfit for bathing, contains faecal bacteria: Govt data

Sangam water unfit for bathing, contains faecal bacteria: Govt data

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

The Ganga water at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, where lakhs of people are taking a holy dip every day during the ongoing Maha Kumbh, is currently unsafe for bathing as it exceeds the prescribed limit for biological oxygen demand (BOD), a key parameter to determine water quality, according to government data.

Next Maha Kumbh could be on sand as rivers may dry up: Sonam Wangchuk to Modi

Next Maha Kumbh could be on sand as rivers may dry up: Sonam Wangchuk to Modi

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

Wangchuk rued that over the years, glacial ice has been receding but action remains delayed.

Mrs Steve Jobs visits Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Mrs Steve Jobs visits Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

Kailashanand Giri Maharaj of Niranjani Akhara, along with Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on Saturday.

'Maha Kumbh Was A Spiritual Rebirth'

'Maha Kumbh Was A Spiritual Rebirth'

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

'It was as if the sacred waters were washing away not just my sins but also my doubts and burdens,' says Aayushi Agarwal.

Rahul wears white t-shirt becasue he hates...: Union minister

Rahul wears white t-shirt becasue he hates...: Union minister

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

Rahul Gandhi has urged the youth of Bihar to join him in the march in Begusarai wearing "white T-shirts".

Religious Tourism Is A Money Spinner

Religious Tourism Is A Money Spinner

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Religious tourism witnessed 1,439 million tourists in 2022, generating Rs 1.34 trillion in revenue.

Akhilesh Yadav takes holy dip at Maha Kumbh, says prayed for harmony

Akhilesh Yadav takes holy dip at Maha Kumbh, says prayed for harmony

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav took a holy dip in the Sangam at Maha Kumbh on Sunday, urging the BJP to bathe with "patience." He criticized the BJP for splashing water on each other after bathing in the Sangam, saying people come to Kumbh for virtue and charity, not for water sports. Yadav, who had earlier taken a dip in the Ganga river in Haridwar on Makar Sankranti, said he had always visited the religious congregation. The latest official figures show that 1.17 crore people took a dip in the Sangam till late Sunday afternoon, bringing the total number of 'snan' (bath) in Maha Kumbh since its start to 11.47 crore.

Bihar mayor's '2-hr Holi break' for namaaz call sparks row

Bihar mayor's '2-hr Holi break' for namaaz call sparks row

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

The mayor of Darbhanga, Bihar, has sparked a controversy by suggesting a two-hour break in Holi celebrations to accommodate Friday prayers during Ramzan. Her proposal has drawn criticism from a BJP MLA, who accused her of calling for 'Ghazwa-e-Hind'. Meanwhile, other politicians have condemned the mayor's suggestion and emphasized the need for communal harmony.

When We Went To The Kumbh Mela...

When We Went To The Kumbh Mela...

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

The Kumbh Mela is what it is because of the devotion of millions who make it an experience like no other. It is experiencing the heart and soul of India and the brotherhood of mankind.

No info on bodies dumped in Ganga during Covid: Govt

No info on bodies dumped in Ganga during Covid: Govt

Rediff.com7 Feb 2022

Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Jal Shakti Bishweswar Tudu said the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) sought from the state governments concerned a report on the bodies found floating in the river and the action taken or contemplated for ensuring proper handling, management and disposal of bodies for ensuring the protection of Ganga.

'The Sacred Dip Gave Us A Deep Sense Of Peace'

'The Sacred Dip Gave Us A Deep Sense Of Peace'

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

The rhythmic sound of the oars hitting the water and the sight of countless pilgrims chanting along the riverbanks created an unforgettable atmosphere, says Varalaxmi Sompuri.

10 Kumbh devotees killed in car-bus collision

10 Kumbh devotees killed in car-bus collision

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

All the 10 people travelling in the Bolero died in the accident, while those in the bus suffered minor injuries, the DCP said.

India ends transshipment pact with Bangladesh after Yunus remark

India ends transshipment pact with Bangladesh after Yunus remark

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

India has exempted Bangladeshi exports to Nepal and Bhutan as such trade facilitation is mandatory for landlocked countries under the framework of provisions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Adani's younger son Jeet to wed on Feb 7; no celebrities invited

Adani's younger son Jeet to wed on Feb 7; no celebrities invited

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

Billionaire Gautam Adani's younger son Jeet will wed next month in a simple and traditional ceremony, without any pomp and show and celebrity stars. Adani, on Mahakumbh pilgrimage with his family, scorched speculations of a star-studded wedding of his son Jeet with Diva Shah, daughter of Surat diamond merchant Jaimin Shah. "It will be a very simple, traditional marriage... just like common people," he told reporters in Prayagraj.

Delhi sizzles under season's first heatwave; docs warn of health risks

Delhi sizzles under season's first heatwave; docs warn of health risks

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Delhi is experiencing its first heatwave of the season, with temperatures reaching 40.2 degrees Celsius. Doctors have warned that exposure to extreme heat can lead to a range of health issues, from mild rashes and muscle cramps to serious conditions like heat exhaustion and heatstroke. They advise staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours, and wearing light, breathable clothes. Vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are at greater risk.

Ganga, Varuna inundate Varanasi; ghats submerged, cremations on streets

Ganga, Varuna inundate Varanasi; ghats submerged, cremations on streets

Rediff.com26 Aug 2022

People affected due the flood have taken refuge in safer areas as the administration prepares to shift them to relief camps.

A Gen Z Influencer Goes To The Maha Kumbh

A Gen Z Influencer Goes To The Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

'You don't realise your life has changed in just three days.' 'It's when you come back to the city that it starts hitting you but you now have the power to manage the challenges Life throws at you.'

Maha Kumbh ends with 65 cr attendees, controversies, politics

Maha Kumbh ends with 65 cr attendees, controversies, politics

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

The Maha Kumbh, billed as the world's largest gathering, concluded on Wednesday after 45 days, with lakhs of devotees taking a dip in the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. Despite a stampede that killed at least 30 people, millions continued to visit the Kumbh, seeking salvation through the ritual bath. The event saw a mix of faith, tradition, and technology, drawing pilgrims and tourists from across the globe.

Can bodies thrown in Ganga spread COVID?

Can bodies thrown in Ganga spread COVID?

Rediff.com15 May 2021

'We cannot have bodies putrefying in water.' 'This is a health hazard and it can create a very inflammatory situation.'

MEA activates Twitter handle for Operation Ganga

MEA activates Twitter handle for Operation Ganga

Rediff.com28 Feb 2022

India has already set up round-the-clock 'control centres' in Poland, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia to assist in the evacuation of Indian nationals from Ukraine through border-crossing points with these countries.

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.

'Went To Kumbh With Excitement'

'Went To Kumbh With Excitement'

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

After Vijay Deverakonda, Nimrat Kaur visits the Maha Kumbh Mela and takes a dip in the Triveni Sangam at Prayagraj.

Modi takes a holy dip in Ganga at Varanasi

Modi takes a holy dip in Ganga at Varanasi

Rediff.com13 Dec 2021

On his arrival in Varanasi earlier on Monday, the prime minister offered prayers at Kaal Bhairav Temple.

Massive traffic snarls on Kumbh route; Sangam station closed

Massive traffic snarls on Kumbh route; Sangam station closed

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

A severe traffic congestion extending for kilometers was witnessed on the routes to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Sunday with Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav asking the government to make emergency arrangements for the stranded devotees.

A look at India's deadly stampedes in recent past

A look at India's deadly stampedes in recent past

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

The recent stampede at New Delhi Railway station, which claimed the lives of at least 18 people, highlights a recurring issue in India: deadly stampedes. This tragedy is not an isolated incident, as numerous stampedes resulting in significant casualties have occurred over the years. This article explores some of the most devastating stampedes in India, including the deadly event at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj just a few weeks ago, the 2024 tragedy at a 'satsang' in Hathras, and the 2013 stampede during Navratri festivities in Madhya Pradesh.

NGT slams UP pollution panel over Sangam water report

NGT slams UP pollution panel over Sangam water report

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

The National Green Tribunal on Wednesday slammed the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, asking whether it disputed the Central Pollution Control Board's finding on high levels of faecal coliform being found in the water at various locations in Prayagraj during the ongoing Mahakumbh.

Modi ji allowed travel without tickets: Woman on way to Kumbh

Modi ji allowed travel without tickets: Woman on way to Kumbh

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

A senior railway official in Bihar was left stunned when a group of rural women claimed that they had been allowed to travel without tickets by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The incident occurred at the Buxar railway station bordering Uttar Pradesh, where the official was inspecting the station due to the higher-than-expected rush of pilgrims visiting the Maha Kumbh. The official, Danapur Divisional Railway Manager Jayant Kumar, asked the women if they had tickets, and when they replied in the negative, he asked who told them they could travel without tickets. The women replied "Narendra Modi told us so," leaving the official speechless for a few seconds before he corrected them, stating that neither the prime minister nor any other authority had allowed this. The video of the conversation has gone viral on social media.

PIX: 8L earthen lamps illuminate banks of Ganga in Varanasi on Dev Deepawali

PIX: 8L earthen lamps illuminate banks of Ganga in Varanasi on Dev Deepawali

Rediff.com8 Nov 2022

A senior official of the district administration said about eight lakh lamps were lit on the 84 ghats located on the western bank of the river.

Modi calls Maha Kumbh 'Maha Yagya of unity', hails UP govt

Modi calls Maha Kumbh 'Maha Yagya of unity', hails UP govt

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government has said that over 65 crore people visited the sacred site in Prayagraj since the Maha Kumbh began on January 13.

Adani's son marries; tycoon donates Rs 10,000 cr

Adani's son marries; tycoon donates Rs 10,000 cr

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

Billionaire Gautam Adani's younger son Jeet on Friday married fiance Diva Shah at a small and intimate, traditional ceremony with a close group of friends and family in attendance.

What are Camels Doing in the Ganga?

What are Camels Doing in the Ganga?

Rediff.com5 Jan 2022

Camel herders ride their camels in the shallow part of the Ganga river at Vindhyachal dham in Mirzapur, January 4, 2022.

7 Stunning Sequences From Raj Kapoor Films

7 Stunning Sequences From Raj Kapoor Films

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

Within his short lifespan of 63 years, Raj Kapoor left behind an incredible cinematic legacy. Dinesh Raheja continues celebrating Raj Kapoor's birth centenary by looking at seven sequences from his films that have defined Hindi cinema.

Maha Kumbh horror: A look at major stampedes in India

Maha Kumbh horror: A look at major stampedes in India

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

Here is a list of some of such major tragedies that have taken place in the country in recent years.

Why 27,000 Litres Of Ganga Jal Was Carried to London

Why 27,000 Litres Of Ganga Jal Was Carried to London

Rediff.com6 May 2023

When Jaipur's Maharaja Madho Singh was invited to attend King Edward VII's coronation in 1902, he chartered a ship for Rs 15 lakh for the journey. He also carried 27,000 litres of Ganga jal on board. Prakash Bhandari recalls the maharaja's voyage to attend a British monarch's coronation on a day when Charles III will be crowned king at Westminster Abbey.