News for 'taj'

'India deserved it', said Rana; wanted award for 26/11 attackers

'India deserved it', said Rana; wanted award for 26/11 attackers

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian citizen and native of Pakistan, was extradited to India to face charges related to his alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The US Department of Justice said Rana allegedly commended the LeT terrorists who carried out the attacks and suggested they should be awarded Pakistan's highest gallantry award. Rana is accused of facilitating a fraudulent cover for his childhood friend, David Headley, to conduct surveillance in Mumbai for the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist group. He is also accused of helping Headley submit false visa applications to Indian authorities. This extradition follows a lengthy legal process that began in 2020 with India's request for Rana's surrender. Rana, who was previously convicted in the US for providing material support to LeT, will now face trial in India on 10 criminal charges related to the Mumbai attacks.

Modi, Vance welcome progress on Indo-US bilateral trade pact

Modi, Vance welcome progress on Indo-US bilateral trade pact

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Vice President JD Vance have expressed satisfaction with the progress made in negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement. The two leaders met in New Delhi and discussed a range of bilateral issues, including cooperation in energy, defense, strategic technologies, and other areas. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Modi reaches Colombo, 10 ambitious outcomes expected

Modi reaches Colombo, 10 ambitious outcomes expected

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka is expected to yield at least 10 ambitious outcomes, including a defense cooperation agreement and frameworks for deeper engagement in the energy sector. The visit comes at a time when Sri Lanka is recovering from an economic crisis, with India providing significant financial assistance. Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will also dedicate several projects built with India's assistance and virtually inaugurate the Sampur solar energy project.

Food Trends At Weddings Reach New Heights

Food Trends At Weddings Reach New Heights

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Customised restaurant recreations, cafe setups, pop-ups by Michelin-star chefs, bespoke table linens with monograms and couple-themed hashtags.

The Sikandar You Must Watch Instead

The Sikandar You Must Watch Instead

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Salman Khan's Sikandar may not be the spectacle one hoped it would be. Many decades ago, Sohrab Modi made the historical extravaganza Sikandar that continues to inspire audiences today.

'Hindustan Is Heaven On Earth'

'Hindustan Is Heaven On Earth'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

The cultural richness that began from a narrow bank of the Yamuna has continued for over 7 centuries. And you literally go underground for as little at Rs 50 to see it!

Rana to finally face law in India; probe likely to expose larger plot

Rana to finally face law in India; probe likely to expose larger plot

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Canadian national accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been extradited to India from the United States. Rana's interrogation is expected to shed light on the role of Pakistani state actors in the attacks, which claimed 166 lives. Indian authorities are particularly interested in his travels across India in the days leading up to the attacks, including visits to Hapur, Agra, Delhi, Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai. Rana's extradition follows a lengthy legal battle, with the US Supreme Court ultimately denying his application to challenge it. Rana is known to be associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks. The investigation into the Mumbai attacks has implicated senior members of terror outfits Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul Jihadi Islami (HuJI), as well as officials from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Increase in room rates, higher occupancy to drive gains for Indian Hotels

Increase in room rates, higher occupancy to drive gains for Indian Hotels

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Indian Hotels reported strong consolidated revenue growth of 29 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) in the third quarter of the current financial year (Q3FY25), led by revenue per available room, or RevPAR, growth of 15 per cent. The average room rate, or ARR, was up 13 per cent and occupancy improved 120 basis points (bps) Y-o-Y on a standalone business. Like-for-like revenue growth was 15 per cent Y-o-Y, while TajSats (airline catering) grew by 18 per cent Y-o-Y.

The NSG Calendar Is Here!

The NSG Calendar Is Here!

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

This year's calendar has images including night combat operations, enhanced anti-hijack operations.

Tahawwur Rana lands in Delhi, NIA records arrest

Tahawwur Rana lands in Delhi, NIA records arrest

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was brought to India on Thursday after being "successfully extradited " from the US, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said. The 64-year-old Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin landed in Delhi in a special plane on Thursday evening, ending days of speculation of when and how he will be extradited, officials said. The NIA said in a statement that it had secured the successful extradition after years of sustained and concerted efforts to bring to justice the key conspirator behind the 2008 mayhem that claimed 166 lives. Rana is accused of conspiring with David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani, and operatives of designated terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI) along with other Pakistan-based co-conspirators, to carry out the the three-day terror siege of India's financial capital.

What's The World Cup Doing At The Taj?

What's The World Cup Doing At The Taj?

Rediff.com16 Aug 2023

With just 50 days to go for the first game, the ICC Men's ODI World Cup Trophy traveled to the Taj Mahal on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.

What's Chuck Schumer Doing At The Taj?

What's Chuck Schumer Doing At The Taj?

Rediff.com21 Feb 2023

A delegation of senior US Senators arrived in India on Monday. The delegation led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer includes Democrats and Republicans.

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.'

India To Develop 50 Tourism Sites

India To Develop 50 Tourism Sites

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

In a continued push to spiritual tourism, there will be a focus on destinations related to the life and times of Lord Buddha.

When Zakir Hussain beat BigB to be voted 'sexiest man'

When Zakir Hussain beat BigB to be voted 'sexiest man'

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

Zakir Hussain was the maestro of tabla, percussionist, composer and even actor -- a legend who was India's very own and yet belonged to the world. Hussain died from 'idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis', a lung disease, in a San Francisco hospital early Monday. He was 73.

'Unapologetically Indian' In New York

'Unapologetically Indian' In New York

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

'I always cook from my heart,' says New York Chef Vijaya Kumar who won his third Michelin Star recently.

'We Are Not Wholly Alive Until We Are Loved'

'We Are Not Wholly Alive Until We Are Loved'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

'Perhaps it is true that we do not really exist until there is someone there to see us existing, we cannot properly speak until there is someone who can understand what we are saying in essence...'

Rana visited north, south India before 26/11, extradition key: Officials

Rana visited north, south India before 26/11, extradition key: Officials

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistan-born Canadian national and close associate of David Coleman Headley, could be extradited to India in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Rana's travel history in parts of north and south India before the attacks in 2008 is expected to provide crucial leads for the investigation. His extradition would mark the third person to be tried in India for the attacks, after Ajmal Kasab and Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal.

'May All Know The Greatness Of India'

'May All Know The Greatness Of India'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Many ordinary citizens are drawn to by a sense of history and India's remarkable journey from bondage to freedom which culminated in this monumental building.

Does No One Want To Visit The Taj Anymore?

Does No One Want To Visit The Taj Anymore?

Rediff.com5 Jul 2023

'Rather than visiting famous monuments, travellers now prefer "experiential activities" such as biking, trekking/hiking, camping, river rafting, yachting, parasailing and zip lining; safaris and jungle adventures; and wellness holidays to rejuvenate themselves.'

The Wall At The Taj

The Wall At The Taj

Rediff.com4 Apr 2022

His wards are busy playing the IPL, so Indian cricket's Head Coach Rahul Dravid took some time off to savour the majesty of the Taj Mahal in Agra.

Lots Of Romance In Theatres This February

Lots Of Romance In Theatres This February

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

February is the month of Valentine's Day and expectedly, there are quite a few romantic films coming up.

Better demand trends upgrade Indian Hotels to prfit suite

Better demand trends upgrade Indian Hotels to prfit suite

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

After a quiet April-June quarter in 2024-25 (FY25), the operational and financial performance of India's largest listed hotel company, Indian Hotels Company, clearly rebounded in the July-September quarter (Q2) of FY25. With double-digit growth in the average room rate (ARR) and higher occupancy, the Taj Hotels chain owner reported a 16 per cent revenue increase and a 30 per cent rise in operating profit.

Smog Over The Cities

Smog Over The Cities

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

Glimpses from Agra, New Delhi, Gurugram, Kolkata and Mumbai.

A Desi Jugaad Experience on Air India

A Desi Jugaad Experience on Air India

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

As for now, let's just say Air India has a long way to go before it can be the reliable, comfortable choice we all dream of. But until then, we'll just keep our expectations in check, enjoy the camaraderie of shared movies, and hope for the best, observes Abhijit J Masih who flew Air India recently to the States.

Taj: Divided By Blood: History In A Mess

Taj: Divided By Blood: History In A Mess

Rediff.com3 Mar 2023

This Web series is more about wine, opium, sex, more sex, gay love and incest, rues Syed Firdaus Ashraf.

Kartik-Kriti's Day Out At The Taj Mahal

Kartik-Kriti's Day Out At The Taj Mahal

Rediff.com7 Feb 2023

Priyanka's day out with Malti... Neha relaxes in Dubai... Sharmila enjoys an exhibition...

Why Is Manish Malhotra At The Taj?

Why Is Manish Malhotra At The Taj?

Rediff.com22 Feb 2022

I understand its impeccable architecture and intricate art much more. I was overwhelmed by its timeless beauty.'

When A Supermodel Romances The Taj

When A Supermodel Romances The Taj

Rediff.com22 Jun 2022

Ex-Victoria's Secret model Jasmine Tookes and husband Juan David Borrero visit the world's greatest symbol of love.

Brrrr... It's Freezing In North India

Brrrr... It's Freezing In North India

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

Residents of North India battle freezing conditions.

Why Did Jamsetji Tata Build the Taj?

Why Did Jamsetji Tata Build the Taj?

Rediff.com29 Jul 2022

The reason why Jamsetji Tata built the Taj Mahal Hotel was his love for Mumbai and India. For him, the 'why' was so powerful that it urged him to stake his reputation, withstand all scepticism, and invest a very large sum of resources to create the iconic hotel.

Mercedes Benz classics take over Mumbai's streets!

Mercedes Benz classics take over Mumbai's streets!

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

The 11th edition of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Rally in Mumbai on Sunday featured headturners that left the audience gasping in awe. Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com presents a ringside view.

In first, govt nod to raise all-women CISF battalion

In first, govt nod to raise all-women CISF battalion

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

The Indian government has sanctioned the creation of the first all-women Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) reserve battalion, consisting of over 1,000 personnel. This move addresses the increasing demands on the force at airports and other vital installations. The new unit will be formed from existing CISF personnel and will be led by a senior commandant-rank officer.

Remembering Dr Singh, Finance Minister

Remembering Dr Singh, Finance Minister

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

'The critical event signalling a new era for India was Dr Singh's 1991 Budget in which he quoted Victor Hugo to say that no power on earth could stop an idea whose time has come,' recalls T N Ninan.

Adityanath backs HC judge whose speech at VHP event triggered row

Adityanath backs HC judge whose speech at VHP event triggered row

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has hit out at the Opposition for initiating impeachment notices against Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Allahabad high court's Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, saying 'whoever speaks the truth' is threatened in this way.

SC junks plea saying Shah Jahan didn't build Taj Mahal

SC junks plea saying Shah Jahan didn't build Taj Mahal

Rediff.com5 Dec 2022

A bench of Justices M R Shah and C T Ravikumar asked the petitioner to approach the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and make a representation before it.

Railways reduces advance train booking time to 60 days

Railways reduces advance train booking time to 60 days

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

All bookings done up to October 31 under the Advance Reservation Period of 120 days will remain intact, it added.

Ratan Tata to be accorded state funeral: Maha CM

Ratan Tata to be accorded state funeral: Maha CM

Rediff.com10 Oct 2024

In a post on X, Shinde said Tata was a unique blend of morality and entrepreneurship.

Snow Taj Mahal in Gulmarg

Snow Taj Mahal in Gulmarg

Rediff.com12 Feb 2022

Tourists and locals enjoy the snow sculpture of the Taj Mahal created by a hotel in Gulmarg to promote tourism in the Kashmir Valley.

'I Was Very Proud Of Ratan Tata'

'I Was Very Proud Of Ratan Tata'

Rediff.com19 Oct 2024

'...and I was a great admirer of his leadership of Tata Sons.'