News for 'hills'

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.

When police opened gate...: Eyewitnesses recalls Tirupati stampede

When police opened gate...: Eyewitnesses recalls Tirupati stampede

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

'While my wife and others were trying to obtain Vaikunta Dwara Darshan tickets, a stampede occurred, resulting in her death'

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.'

Tribals plan day-long fast to push demand to 'free' Parasnath hills

Tribals plan day-long fast to push demand to 'free' Parasnath hills

Rediff.com11 Jan 2023

Tribals will observe a day's fast on January 30 at Ulihatu in Khunti district, the birthplace of tribal icon Birsa Munda, in solidarity with their movement to 'save' the Parasnath hills, a member of a joint forum of Adiva bodies said.

MNS Beats Up Shopkeeper For 'Disrespecting' Marathi

MNS Beats Up Shopkeeper For 'Disrespecting' Marathi

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

On the video posted on X MNS members can be seen slapping the shopkeeper, warning him to not disrespect Marathi.

'I Had No Worry About Getting A Bad Name'

'I Had No Worry About Getting A Bad Name'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

'I enjoyed my fiery exchanges with Akshay Kumar, who was extremely gracious and generous when the camera was not rolling. I enjoyed locking horns with him in court.'

2025: 13 Least Explored Places In India

2025: 13 Least Explored Places In India

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

A list of lesser-travelled destinations in India that you must explore this year!

'Welcome home', Biden tells Trump at White House

'Welcome home', Biden tells Trump at White House

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

US President Joe Biden greeted his successor Donald Trump at the White House with the message "welcome home" as Trump's motorcade arrived at the official presidential residence. Biden and Trump then went inside the White House for their traditional tea. Trump, 78, will be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, succeeding Biden, 82. The ceremony has been moved inside the Rotunda from outside the Capitol Hill facing the majestic National Mall.

AFSPA extended in Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal for 6 months

AFSPA extended in Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal for 6 months

Rediff.com30 Mar 2025

The AFSPA, often criticised as a draconian law, gives armed forces operating in disturbed areas sweeping powers to search, arrest and open fire if they deem it necessary.

Trial of Manipur violence cases to be held in Guwahati: SC

Trial of Manipur violence cases to be held in Guwahati: SC

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday said the trial of the Manipur ethnic violence cases, probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation, would be conducted in Guwahati, Assam, where it was transferred to earlier.

Bodies of 3 cops retrieved as Kathua encounter enters Day 2

Bodies of 3 cops retrieved as Kathua encounter enters Day 2

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir resumed an anti-terrorist operation in Kathua district, a day after a deadly encounter killed three terrorists and three policemen. Seven others were injured in the gunbattle. The operation began on Thursday morning after a group of suspected Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists infiltrated from across the International Border. While the bodies of three terrorists were found, the fate of two others remains unknown. The operation, centered near Jakhole village, saw intense clashes involving police, army, and CRPF forces.

Spotted: Mukesh Ambani at Trump inauguration with Big 4

Spotted: Mukesh Ambani at Trump inauguration with Big 4

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

It was an aha! moment to spot India's leading industrialist at the service at St John's church ahead of Trump's inauguration, and then to see him heading to US Capitol Hill Rotunda for the inauguration in the company of the Big 4 - Tim Cook of Apple, Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Sundar Pichai of Google and Mark Zuckerburg of Meta/Facebook.

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).

Ex-central banker to replace Trudeau as Canada PM

Ex-central banker to replace Trudeau as Canada PM

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Carney defeated former cabinet minister Karina Gould, former finance minister and deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland, and Businessman and former Liberal MP Frank Baylis. All four contenders entered the room to much fanfare and addressed the crowd, thanking supporters for injecting energy into the party.

Return of winter chill may benefit wheat crop

Return of winter chill may benefit wheat crop

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Wheat production during the current season is expected to be better than last year provided the weather remains favourable over the next few weeks, said senior industry executives. The weather had turned uncharacteristically hot in the latter half of last month, but owing to strong winds, the chill has returned in the last few days.

This phase will...: SC judges visit strife-torn Manipur

This phase will...: SC judges visit strife-torn Manipur

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

Supreme Court judge, Justice B R Gavai, expressed hope that the "current difficult phase" in ethnic strife-torn Manipur will be over soon with the assistance of the executive, legislature and judiciary and the state will prosper like the rest of the country. Justice Gavai, who led a delegation of Supreme Court judges that visited Manipur, called upon the people of the state to work together to restore peace and harmony. He also urged the people of the state to work together to restore peace and normalcy, and lauded the natural beauty he witnessed while travelling from Imphal to Churachandpur. He expressed delight in noting that training programmes were being imparted at the relief camps, and thanked the Chief Justice of Manipur High Court and the district legal services authority for their efforts. Justice Gavai also stressed the need for readmission of students who had to drop out of school due to the conflict and called upon the educational institutions and the public to ensure all students complete their education.

'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.'

History in Minutes: Major Who Saved Tawang From China

History in Minutes: Major Who Saved Tawang From China

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Major Khathing was the first man to hoist the Indian flag in Tawang. He also brought Bum La under Indian control.

Security forces seize rockets, mortars in Manipur; 8 UNLF-P men held

Security forces seize rockets, mortars in Manipur; 8 UNLF-P men held

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

The members were arrested on Monday for threatening people and obstructing the land demarcation process in Thoubal district.

How I Celebrated Makar Sankranti in Mangaluru

How I Celebrated Makar Sankranti in Mangaluru

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Ghughutiya holds immense cultural and spiritual significance in Uttarakhand.

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.

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.

CRPF sets up new base in Chhattisgarh's Maoist stronghold

CRPF sets up new base in Chhattisgarh's Maoist stronghold

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has established a new forward operating base in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh, a region known for its strong Maoist presence. The base, located in a remote area surrounded by hills and known Maoist training camps, aims to expand the CRPF's presence in the region and counter the influence of Maoist insurgents. This is the 13th such base established in recent years as part of the government's plan to eliminate Left Wing Extremism by 2026.

Kash Patel Woos The Senators!

Kash Patel Woos The Senators!

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

US President-elect Donald J Trump has nominated Kash Patel to be the next director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, America's version of the CBI -- or rather the CBI is India's version of the FBI, which one must add is no caged parrot and operates independent of political intereference.

Saw people dying: US deportees share 'donkey' route horror

Saw people dying: US deportees share 'donkey' route horror

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

Jaspal Singh, one of 104 Indians deported from the US on Wednesday, claims he and other deportees were handcuffed and had their legs chained during the flight. Singh, who hails from Punjab, says he was captured by US Border Patrol after crossing the border illegally in January. He blames a travel agent for deceiving him, claiming he was promised a legal route to the US. The deportation comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington for talks with President Donald Trump.

11 women among 31 Naxals gunned down in Chhattisgarh

11 women among 31 Naxals gunned down in Chhattisgarh

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

In one of the deadliest blows to Naxalites in Chhattisgarh, security forces on Sunday gunned down 31 rebels, including 11 women, in a fierce encounter in the state's Bijapur district, police said.

SEE: Farooq Abdullah sings bhajan dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi

SEE: Farooq Abdullah sings bhajan dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah surprised devotees in Katra by singing a 'bhajan' dedicated to Mata Shera Wali. He also voiced support for the ongoing protest against the ropeway construction in Katra, criticizing the authorities for not considering the city's interests. Abdullah emphasized that the people have the power to make or break governments and that the authorities are now reaching out to them to discuss the ropeway's location. He added that the core teachings of all religions are the same, and it is often people who misuse religion for their own selfish purposes.

Traditional ties with US are over: Canadian PM's big remark

Traditional ties with US are over: Canadian PM's big remark

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

In a dramatic shift in Canada's foreign policy, Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday declared that the long-standing economic and security relationship between Canada and the United States has ended, responding to US President Donald Trump's announcement of new auto tariffs that could severely impact Canada's economy, Politico reported.

Walking The Bamboo Trail In Meghalaya

Walking The Bamboo Trail In Meghalaya

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

Hike through Meghalaya's newest tourist magnet.

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.

Body of 6th 'missing' person found in Manipur, autopsy done on 5

Body of 6th 'missing' person found in Manipur, autopsy done on 5

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

Six people -- three women and three children -- belonging to the Meitei community had gone missing from a relief camp in Jiribam after a gunfight between security forces and suspected Kuki-Zo militants that resulted in the deaths of 10 insurgents on November 11.

Diplomatic Battles on Capitol Hill

Diplomatic Battles on Capitol Hill

Rediff.com28 Jan 2021

Lobbying on the Hill is time consuming and cumbersome, but very effective to influence US government policies, asserts Ambassador T P Sreenivasan, deputy chief of mission at the Indian embassy in Washington, DC after the 1998 nuclear tests and during the Kargil War.

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.

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.

Meitei group surrenders 246 firearms in Manipur

Meitei group surrenders 246 firearms in Manipur

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Meitei group Arambai Tenggol surrendered 246 firearms to security forces in Manipur, bringing the total number of weapons surrendered to 307. The surrender follows a deadline set by Governor Ajay Bhalla for the return of illegal weapons. Arambai Tenggol's decision was influenced by assurances from the governor, including the eradication of opium poppy cultivation, implementation of border fencing, and a general amnesty for members of the group. Officials believe the surrender will contribute to restoring peace in the state, which has been rocked by ethnic violence for nearly two years. The police have urged others in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them before the deadline. Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh welcomed the surrender, calling it a "big step towards peace."

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.

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.

Senators Grill Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard

Senators Grill Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Kash Patel, former Trump aide and vocal critic of investigations into the former president, testified at his Senate confirmation hearing for FBI director.

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.