News for 'state tourism department'

Jammu Marathon Symbolises J&K's Transformation Since 2019

Jammu Marathon Symbolises J&K's Transformation Since 2019

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Jammu Marathon, featuring international runners, symbolises the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir since 2019, highlighting peace, prosperity, and its emergence as a destination for world-class events.

'We Want To Boost Religious Tourism'

'We Want To Boost Religious Tourism'

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

Rajasthan's finance department has approved about Rs 23 crore for the renovation, beautification and development of religious tourist destinations.

Sikkim opens strategic border areas for tourism

Sikkim opens strategic border areas for tourism

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

The Sikkim government has announced the opening of Doka-La and Cho-La battlefields for domestic tourists starting October 1, under the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative. Strict guidelines for security and environmental protection will be in place.

Temple linked to godman Kharat got Rs 1 cr from Maha govt

Temple linked to godman Kharat got Rs 1 cr from Maha govt

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Maharashtra government sanctioned over Rs 1 crore for development works at a temple linked to Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman accused of rape, in 2018. The funds were approved under the regional tourism development scheme. Kharat was arrested on March 18 after being accused of repeated rape.

Lucknow earns UNESCO recognition for culinary heritage

Lucknow earns UNESCO recognition for culinary heritage

Rediff.com1 Nov 2025

Lucknow has been officially inducted into UNESCO's Creative Cities Network (CCN) under the 'Gastronomy' category, recognizing its culinary heritage.

How Trump's Rules Are Killing American Tourism

How Trump's Rules Are Killing American Tourism

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

'America has historically been a magnet for people who aren't from here.' 'That sort of thing -- the promise of opportunity, no matter what that looks like -- doesn't grow on trees.' 'It also happens to be geopolitical gold that Trump is flushing down the toilet,' points out Sree Sreenivasan.

Lights On Hills, Joy In Valleys: Meghalaya At Christmas

Lights On Hills, Joy In Valleys: Meghalaya At Christmas

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

There aren't too many places in India happier than Meghalaya at Christmas.

J-K plans 9 new tourist spots; sites shut after Pahalgam to reopen by May

J-K plans 9 new tourist spots; sites shut after Pahalgam to reopen by May

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir government announces plans to introduce nine new tourist destinations and reopen sites closed after the Pahalgam terror attack, aiming to revive and expand the region's tourism sector.

Drone Unveiled to Tranquilise Violent Elephants

Drone Unveiled to Tranquilise Violent Elephants

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

A drone designed to tranquilise violent elephants without close human contact has been unveiled, marking a significant advancement in using indigenous UAV technology for mitigating human-wildlife conflict.

Tata Sons to build, operate Ayodhya temple museum

Tata Sons to build, operate Ayodhya temple museum

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved the expansion of the proposed temple museum in Ayodhya, contracting Tata Sons to develop and operate the project on a 52-acre site.

Kerala church, health body oppose bar hours extension

Kerala church, health body oppose bar hours extension

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The Malankara Orthodox Church opposes the Kerala government's decision to extend bar timings, fearing it will negatively impact the youth. The government defends the decision as a tourism-boosting measure already in place in tourist areas.

T20 World Cup final: Airfares skyrocket as fans rush to Ahmedabad

T20 World Cup final: Airfares skyrocket as fans rush to Ahmedabad

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Airfares to Ahmedabad have surged as cricket fans travel to the city for the T20 World Cup final. Indian Railways has introduced special trains to manage the increased demand.

T20 World Cup Final: Ahmedabad Airfares Skyrocket Amid Travel Rush

T20 World Cup Final: Ahmedabad Airfares Skyrocket Amid Travel Rush

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Airfares to Ahmedabad have surged as cricket fans travel to the city for the T20 World Cup final. Indian Railways has introduced special trains to manage the increased demand.

You don't deserve that chair': Navjot Kaur Sidhu slams Rahul

You don't deserve that chair': Navjot Kaur Sidhu slams Rahul

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Former Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu sharply criticises Rahul Gandhi for being out of touch and failing to address corruption within the Punjab Congress, potentially jeopardizing the party's future in the state.

The Woman Behind The Fiery Theyyam Picture

The Woman Behind The Fiery Theyyam Picture

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Chennai-based photographer Ramya Sriram explains how she captured the fiery and hypnotic Theyyam image that won her the National Geographic India Contest

Swing collapses at Surajkund fair in Faridabad, cop dies, operator held

Swing collapses at Surajkund fair in Faridabad, cop dies, operator held

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

The tragedy struck the 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela on Saturday evening, when about 19 people were riding the swing before it suddenly tilted and then crashed onto the ground.

Fire-hit Goa nightclub ran under multiple names since 1999: Sawant

Fire-hit Goa nightclub ran under multiple names since 1999: Sawant

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

The chief minister fielded a volley of questions from the Opposition benches regarding the fire that broke out at Birch by Romeo Lane, a nightclub at Arpora village in North Goa that claimed 25 lives last month.

Interpol issues Blue Notice for two Goa nightclub owners

Interpol issues Blue Notice for two Goa nightclub owners

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Interpol has issued a Blue Notice against the owners of a Goa nightclub who fled after a fire claimed 25 lives. Police are investigating violations and illegalities related to the nightclub's operation.

Electric buses to drive UP's public transport revolution

Electric buses to drive UP's public transport revolution

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

From EV bus expansion to airport-like terminals and rural connectivity, Uttar Pradesh is overhauling public transport to cut pollution and ensure every village has modern, affordable travel, reports Siddharth Kalhans.

After deadly fire, Goa nightclubs face crackdown ahead of Xmas, New Year

After deadly fire, Goa nightclubs face crackdown ahead of Xmas, New Year

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

Goa's nightlife is facing a crackdown ahead of the Christmas and New Year season, with the state government launching an intensive drive to inspect and seal establishments flouting norms after a deadly nightclub fire.

Not allowed to...: Mumbai tourist alleges harassment by Munnar taxi drivers

Not allowed to...: Mumbai tourist alleges harassment by Munnar taxi drivers

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

The tourist, identified as Janvi, an assistant professor, posted a three-minute video on her social media account detailing how she was allegedly harassed by local taxi drivers when she tried to travel by an online cab.

'Goa Nightclub Fire Was Murder!'

'Goa Nightclub Fire Was Murder!'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

'When an establishment operates despite demolition or closure orders, without proper fire exits, evacuation plans or safety audits, and yet is allowed to host large crowds, the state cannot hide behind the language of accident.' 'The authorities were aware of the risks and of the violations, but chose not to act decisively because doing so would have inconvenienced those with influence and financial stakes.' 'In such a scenario, the moral and legal responsibility for the resulting deaths moves from negligence towards culpability; calling it 'murder' is a way of underlining that these lives were sacrificed at the altar of greed and complicity, not fate.'

Bihar Cabinet okays Rs 882.87cr for developing Sita's birthplace

Bihar Cabinet okays Rs 882.87cr for developing Sita's birthplace

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

According to the proposal of the state Tourism department, which was approved by the Cabinet, around Rs 137 crore will be spent on the renovation of the old Punaura Dham Janki Mandir and Rs. 728 crore for the development of tourist infrastructure around the temple. The remaining amount will be spent on the maintenance of the infrastructure for ten years.

New GDP series to improve informal sector estimates

New GDP series to improve informal sector estimates

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

India's new national accounts will leverage new data sources and surveys to enhance the measurement of the country's informal economy, and introduce double deflation methods across sectors, replacing the current system that relies on a single deflation mechanism in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) calculations.

Kashi Dazzles With Over 2,600,000 Diyas

Kashi Dazzles With Over 2,600,000 Diyas

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Once a quiet riverside ritual, Dev Deepawali has evolved into UP's largest soft-power spectacle -- merging faith, art, enterprise into a global cultural brand that reflects state's growing confidence.

GIFT City Raises A Glass to Global Business

GIFT City Raises A Glass to Global Business

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

The latest move removes one of the key friction points for visitors, temporary liquor permits, while allowing licensed hotels and restaurants operational flexibility.

'Pak spy' Jyoti Malhotra visited Kerala on govt invite

'Pak spy' Jyoti Malhotra visited Kerala on govt invite

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

Notably, one of her earlier viral videos featured her wearing a Kerala sari and attending a Theyyam performance in Kannur.

Hic! Maharashtra allows alcohol consumption near dams

Hic! Maharashtra allows alcohol consumption near dams

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

The Maharashtra government has amended a policy to allow serving and consumption of alcohol on premises near dam backwaters, aiming to curb illegal liquor sales and promote tourism.

'Thar Desert Will Reach Delhi Soon'

'Thar Desert Will Reach Delhi Soon'

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

'The natural barrier that is Aravalli, you are demolishing it, then who will stop the desert?' 'In future, I predict that people will roam around with oxygen cylinders in Delhi because they won't be able to breathe.'

Why J&K Border Villages Are Safe Haven For Terrorists

Why J&K Border Villages Are Safe Haven For Terrorists

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

'Why have we failed to address the issue of ensuring a requisite buffer zone in J&K, given that cross-border links of some J&K politicians are known?', asks Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

NDA bags 202 of 243 seats, Mahagathbandhan reduced to 34

NDA bags 202 of 243 seats, Mahagathbandhan reduced to 34

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

The ruling National Democratic Alliance on Friday secured a thumping majority in the Bihar Assembly, winning 202 seats in the 243-member House, as results for all the constituencies were declared by the Election Commission.

'Where There Is So Much Infrastructure Creation, There Will Be Debt'

'Where There Is So Much Infrastructure Creation, There Will Be Debt'

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

'We have created massive infrastructure in the past six years.'

Kerala probes students singing RSS song on Vande Bharat's maiden run

Kerala probes students singing RSS song on Vande Bharat's maiden run

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

According to the minister, the government views the incident with utmost seriousness.

Maha shops eateries, theatres get 24x7 nod; bars excluded

Maha shops eateries, theatres get 24x7 nod; bars excluded

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

The GR says that shops and commercial establishments may remain open on all days of the week, provided that every employee is allowed a continuous rest period of at least 24 hours in a week.

Another name change in Yogi's UP; Mustafabad to be renamed...

Another name change in Yogi's UP; Mustafabad to be renamed...

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Following the alleged molestation of two Australian women cricketers in Indore, a Madhya Pradesh minister advises players to inform local authorities when going out due to their popularity in India.

Another name change in Yogi's UP; Mustafabad to be renamed...

Another name change in Yogi's UP; Mustafabad to be renamed...

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Following the alleged molestation of two Australian women cricketers in Indore, a Madhya Pradesh minister advises players to inform local authorities when going out due to their popularity in India.

Foreign visitors may need to pay $15,000 bond to enter US

Foreign visitors may need to pay $15,000 bond to enter US

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

The Trump administration is implementing a pilot program requiring visitors from countries with high visa overstay rates to pay a bond of up to USD 15,000.

What was Kashmir tourism minister doing in Pune?

What was Kashmir tourism minister doing in Pune?

Rediff.com5 Apr 2013

After going through an anxious period following the hanging of Afzal Guru, accused in the parliament attack case, the tourism industry in Kashmir is looking to reinvent itself.

Traders oppose changing Mount Abu's name to Aburaj Teerth

Traders oppose changing Mount Abu's name to Aburaj Teerth

Rediff.com6 May 2025

A proposal to change the name of Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station, to "Aburaj Teerth" and ban non-vegetarian food and alcohol consumption in public has sparked protests from local businesses, who fear severe economic consequences. They argue that the name change will cause confusion and the restrictions will drastically reduce tourist numbers, impacting livelihoods.

BJP MLA blames idli-sambar for Goa's tourist decline

BJP MLA blames idli-sambar for Goa's tourist decline

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

BJP MLA Michael Lobo claims that the sale of idli-sambar in beach shacks is contributing to a decline in international tourists visiting Goa. He attributes the issue to the influx of businessmen from other places, including Bengaluru, who are operating food stalls in the shacks. Lobo also cites other factors impacting tourism, such as the war in Ukraine, the lack of younger foreign tourists, and conflict between cab aggregators and local taxi operators.