News for 'tourist safety'

Collapsed Indrayani bridge declared unsafe, warning boards put up: Fadnavis

Collapsed Indrayani bridge declared unsafe, warning boards put up: Fadnavis

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

He said that the structure had been declared dangerous by the district collector before the incident, and villagers had also placed warning boards.

5 dead, 11 missing as cloudburst hits Uttarakhand

5 dead, 11 missing as cloudburst hits Uttarakhand

Rediff.com30 Aug 2025

A devastating flashflood in the Kheer Ganga river on August 5 demolished nearly half of Dharali -- the key stopover en route to Gangotri with many hotels and homestays, and neighbouring Harsil, where an Army camp bore the brunt of the flood fury, barely giving time to the victims to run to safety.

SC dismisses plea seeking probe into Pahalgam attack

SC dismisses plea seeking probe into Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to examine a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a judicial probe into the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed.

5 swept away as heavy overnight rain wreaks havoc in Dehradun

5 swept away as heavy overnight rain wreaks havoc in Dehradun

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

Cloudbursts and heavy rains caused widespread destruction in Dehradun and surrounding areas, leaving people stranded and causing damage to infrastructure.

Dehradun flooded, rivers in spate, bridges washed away

Dehradun flooded, rivers in spate, bridges washed away

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

Cloudbursts and heavy rains overnight left a trail of destruction in Uttarakhand's capital Dehradun and its neighbouring areas on Tuesday, sweeping away at least five people and leaving more than 500 stranded in different locations.

India tightens border security after Nepal unrest

India tightens border security after Nepal unrest

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

A high alert has been sounded in Uttar Pradesh's seven districts bordering Nepal. The districts are Maharajganj, Siddharthnagar, Balrampur, Shravasti, Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri and Pilibhit.

Why 500,000 Indians Visited Vietnam

Why 500,000 Indians Visited Vietnam

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

Stunning landscapes, natural beauty, clean beaches, cultural wealth, mouth-watering food, shopping options, safety for solo travellers, warm hospitality, easy visas, and connectivity make Vietnam a must-visit destination, discovers Ramesh Menon.

This is something...: Meghalaya CM on MP missing couple

This is something...: Meghalaya CM on MP missing couple

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

Raghuvanshi (29) and his wife Sonam had gone missing on May 23, hours after they checked out of a homestay at Nongriat village in Sohra area. His body was found on Monday in a gorge 20 km from the village, while a search is underway for his wife.

Indians in Israel directed to land exits as airspace remains closed

Indians in Israel directed to land exits as airspace remains closed

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

With national emergency in Israel still in place and the airspace closed, the Indian embassy in Tel Aviv on Tuesday asked for those Indians looking to leave the country to look at availing land border crossing options.

Pahalgam attack: 'Nazakat bhai' saves BJP leader's family

Pahalgam attack: 'Nazakat bhai' saves BJP leader's family

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

Risking his own life, a Kashmiri tourist guide saved the lives of children from a group of tourists from Chhattisgarh when terrorists struck in Pahalgam on Tuesday.

'Take extra care': Omar to CMs amid reports of threats to Kashmiris

'Take extra care': Omar to CMs amid reports of threats to Kashmiris

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reached out to state governments where Kashmiris are allegedly being harassed following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. He responded to reports of harassment on social media, requesting his counterparts to take extra care. The attack, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists, has sparked fear and anxiety among Kashmiris across the country.

Omar Abdullah announces memorial for Pahalgam terror victims

Omar Abdullah announces memorial for Pahalgam terror victims

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced plans to build a memorial in Baisaran, Pahalgam, in memory of the 26 victims of last month's terror attack. The memorial will serve as a lasting tribute to the victims and a reminder that they will never be forgotten. Abdullah also addressed the importance of reviving tourism in the state, assuring tour operators that tourist destinations will reopen in a phased manner.

When Aamir, Amitabh Fought...

When Aamir, Amitabh Fought...

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

'People ask me about my biggest action sequence; this is it, because it involved two giants of Indian cinema.'

A month after Pahalgam attack, killers still at large

A month after Pahalgam attack, killers still at large

Rediff.com22 May 2025

A month after a deadly terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, locals in the south Kashmir resort town are facing mounting livelihood losses. Despite a massive crackdown by security forces, the perpetrators of the attack have evaded capture. Tourists have stopped visiting Pahalgam, leaving businesses struggling to survive. Local residents say the situation is becoming desperate and call for government intervention to help revive the tourism industry.

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.

College student gang-raped at Odisha beach; minors among 10 held

College student gang-raped at Odisha beach; minors among 10 held

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

The incident happened on Sunday night when the woman, an undergraduate student at a private college, went to the beach along with her boyfriend, who is a classmate, on the occasion of the Raja festival, they said.

Pahalgam terror attack: Modi asks Shah to take suitable steps, visit J-K

Pahalgam terror attack: Modi asks Shah to take suitable steps, visit J-K

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

A terror attack on tourists in the Pahalgam area of south Kashmir's Anantnag district has left several injured. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the attack and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the attack, calling it an abomination. Several political leaders from the region have denounced the attack and called for a thorough investigation. The attack has raised serious questions about the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, with the incident being described as the most unfortunate and shameful act by the JKPCC.

Pak broke Indus treaty spirit with 3 wars, terror attacks, India tells UN

Pak broke Indus treaty spirit with 3 wars, terror attacks, India tells UN

Rediff.com24 May 2025

India has accused Pakistan of violating the spirit of the Indus Waters Treaty by engaging in acts of terrorism and refusing to modify the treaty. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, addressed the UN Security Council, highlighting Pakistan's disinformation regarding the treaty and its continued support for cross-border terrorism. He stated that India has always acted responsibly as an upper riparian state and that Pakistan's actions have jeopardized civilian lives, religious harmony, and economic prosperity. India has suspended the treaty until Pakistan ends its support for terrorism.

Fewer devotees turn up for Kashmir's Kheer Bhawani mela

Fewer devotees turn up for Kashmir's Kheer Bhawani mela

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

The usual rush of devotees was missing this year, presumably due to the Pahalgam terror attack and the military action between India and Pakistan following it.

'Angels sent by God': Pahalgam survivors praise locals

'Angels sent by God': Pahalgam survivors praise locals

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

Despite the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, locals demonstrated incredible bravery and compassion, risking their own lives to save tourists. Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony 'wallah', was killed while protecting tourists from the gunmen, while Nazakat Ahmed Shah rescued a family of 11, including three children. Tourist guide Sajad Ahmad Bhat also carried injured people to the hospital. The attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists, highlighted the resilience and kindness of the Kashmiri people.

'Insaniyat Zindabad: If I Die Saving Them, So Be It'

'Insaniyat Zindabad: If I Die Saving Them, So Be It'

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

'I will do it again. I am ready to put my life in danger a second time. This is my land, this is my responsibility'

J-K assembly passes resolution denouncing Pahalgam attack

J-K assembly passes resolution denouncing Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Monday expressing shock and anguish over the Pahalgam terrorist attack and resolved to fight resolutely to defeat the nefarious designs to disturb communal harmony and hinder progress.

Rs 2,541 cr boost for tourism, 50 destinations to be developed

Rs 2,541 cr boost for tourism, 50 destinations to be developed

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced an ambitious plan to develop the country's top 50 tourist destinations in a "challenge mode", with the aim of boosting employment-led growth and attracting international visitors. The Ministry of Tourism has received a significant budget increase for 2025-2026, with a focus on enhancing tourism infrastructure, promoting domestic and international travel, and ensuring the safety of tourists, particularly women. The government plans to promote homestays, improve connectivity to tourist spots, and provide performance-linked incentives to states that demonstrate effective destination management. The budget also includes investments in public enterprises, skill development programs, and initiatives to promote medical tourism and spiritual tourism.

Kashmiri shawl sellers assaulted in Mussoorie, sparks outrage

Kashmiri shawl sellers assaulted in Mussoorie, sparks outrage

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

Three men have been arrested in Mussoorie after a video went viral showing them assaulting two Kashmiri shawl vendors. The incident sparked outrage and led to the return of 16 Kashmiri shawl vendors to the Kashmir valley.

Sachin's message on Operation Sindoor goes viral

Sachin's message on Operation Sindoor goes viral

Rediff.com7 May 2025

"Fearless in unity. Boundless in strength. India's shield is her people. There's no room for terrorism in this world. We're ONE TEAM! Jai Hind," Tendulkar posted

Pak planned Pahalgam to ignite communal tensions in India: Cong

Pak planned Pahalgam to ignite communal tensions in India: Cong

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, calling it a direct assault on the values of the republic. The party accused the BJP of exploiting the tragedy to promote discord and polarization, while urging for unity and solidarity in the face of adversity. The CWC also demanded a comprehensive analysis of the intelligence failures and security lapses that led to the attack.

Gambhir gets death threat mail after Kashmir attack

Gambhir gets death threat mail after Kashmir attack

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Indian cricket team's head coach and former BJP MP Gautam Gambhir has reportedly received threatening emails, prompting authorities to tighten his security.

Leave or....: Panic grips Kashmiri students outside J-K post Pahalgam attack

Leave or....: Panic grips Kashmiri students outside J-K post Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association reported receiving over 1,000 distress calls from students across the country, many expressing fears for their safety and making urgent plans to return home.

Shah talked about Nehru, Indira, but didn't...: Priyanka tears into govt

Shah talked about Nehru, Indira, but didn't...: Priyanka tears into govt

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra launched a scathing attack on the government regarding the Pahalgam terror attack, questioning intelligence failures and demanding accountability.

Centre to review safety of tourists

Centre to review safety of tourists

Rediff.com10 Jan 2008

In the wake of rising incidence of crime against tourists, particularly women, the Centre has decided to review safety and security measures with the state governments on January 24. A communication in this regard was sent to all chief secretaries by Tourism Secretary Shilabhadra Banerjee on Thursday, according to an official spokesman.

Modi to open Kashmir rail link on Friday in first visit post Op Sindoor

Modi to open Kashmir rail link on Friday in first visit post Op Sindoor

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

Modi will start his visit on June 6 by dedicating to public the Chenab rail bridge, which is a key part of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway link (USBRL) that will provide direct train connectivity to the valley.

Flash floods claim 5 lives in Himachal, 3 in Jammu; red alert in Kerala

Flash floods claim 5 lives in Himachal, 3 in Jammu; red alert in Kerala

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

While two bodies were recovered on Wednesday, the death toll climbed to four on Thursday after the recovery of two more bodies from the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric project site in Kangra district.

Rhino chases tourist jeeps inside Kaziranga National Park

Rhino chases tourist jeeps inside Kaziranga National Park

Rediff.com31 Dec 2022

The mark of the rhino's teeth was later seen on the rear tyre of jeep and the authorities suspect that the animal must have received injuries in the mouth due to which it veered around and retreated into the nearby grasslands.

Red alert issued in Kerala's Palakkad for high UV radiation

Red alert issued in Kerala's Palakkad for high UV radiation

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has declared a red alert in Palakkad district due to high levels of ultraviolet radiation. The UV index has been recorded at 11, with the highest levels occurring between 10 am and 3 pm. The KSDMA has advised the public to take safety precautions, including wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Hundreds evacuated from LoC, border in J-K

Hundreds evacuated from LoC, border in J-K

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Hundreds of residents along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir were evacuated to safer zones after Pakistani shelling following Indian airstrikes on terror targets in Pakistan. The shelling killed 12 people, including four children and two women, and injured over 50. The evacuations come amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead. The government has provided temporary shelter for those evacuated.

Despite ceasefire, live shells still haunt border villagers

Despite ceasefire, live shells still haunt border villagers

Rediff.com18 May 2025

People along the Line of Control and International Border in the Jammu region continue to live under the shadow of death, with unexploded mortar shells fired by Pakistani troops still embedded in farmlands and residential areas even though hostilities have stopped for nearly a week. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: / Rediff.com Despite the May 10 understanding between India and Pakistan, locals describe the border areas as a 'death trap'. Sixty-two-year-old Balvinder Singh, who returned to his home in Pargwal sector on May 14, recounted a narrow escape. "Two shells exploded in our compound, damaging our house. Three more landed on our farmland. We were terrified and told our family to stay away from the fields until the Army could help," Singh told PTI. Army engineers later came to the village and safely defused the unexploded shells, bringing a temporary sense of relief. "Fear is writ large on the faces of people to these death traps in border hamlets", he said. Scenes of destruction are evident rooftops torn apart, broken houses, windows punctured by shrapnel, and carcasses of cattle lying in pools of blood. The acrid smell of gunpowder still lingers in the air. Sardar Gurmeet Singh faced a similar ordeal. His family could not re-enter their home as a live mortar shell had sunk into the compound in a village close to the International Border. "The army's bomb disposal squad removed it after four days, allowing us to finally enter, back home," he said. Indian Army engineers have launched a sweeping clearance operation across border districts, defusing over 80 unexploded shells in the past five days -- including 6 in Pargwal, 19 in Rajouri, 42 in Poonch, and 12 along the IB. "These shells, mostly 120 mm calibre, have a range of 15 to 30 km and pose a serious threat to both civilian and military targets," an Army officer said. "Many of them were fired by Pakistan during recent hostilities." On May 7, the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor, conducting precision strikes on nine terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, most of them tourists. The subsequent retaliation by Pakistan pushed the region to the brink of war. From 7 to 10 of May, 27 civilians were killed and over 70 injured in Pakistani shelling in the Jammu region. Farid Din Gujjar, a resident near the border, expressed fear about returning to his fields. "Several shells created deep craters in our paddy land. We cannot resume work until all unexploded ordnance is cleared. It's a death trap," he said. Army units, in coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police, have evacuated high-risk zones and issued stern warnings to residents not to touch any suspicious objects or unexploded shells. In one major operation, 42 live shells were safely destroyed in the Poonch villages of Jhullas, Salotri, Dharati and Salani. "All safety protocols were followed. The shells posed a serious danger to local lives," an Army spokesperson said, calling the effort a 'continued commitment to protect civilians and restore normalcy'. Poonch saw the vast majority of deaths due to shelling. Security officials said that Pakistan used a mix of mortar shells, armed drones, and missiles during the shelling spree, specifically targeting civilian habitations and border towns in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch. As clearance operations continue, the border residents are slowly returning to their homes, but with caution, fear, and lingering uncertainty about shelling that may yet happen in the future.

Border residents clear bunkers as India-Pak tension rises

Border residents clear bunkers as India-Pak tension rises

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

Villagers living near the International Border and Line of Control in Jammu are on high alert following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, preparing underground bunkers and accelerating crop harvesting. The incident has heightened security concerns despite a renewed ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan in 2021. Residents are demanding swift action against the perpetrators and their handlers.

NIA begins Pahalgam attack probe; massive hunt for terrorists underway

NIA begins Pahalgam attack probe; massive hunt for terrorists underway

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has started interviewing eyewitnesses, including tourists, in connection with the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, south Kashmir. The attack, carried out by terrorists from the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed the lives of 26 people on April 22. Initial investigations suggest that five to seven terrorists were involved, aided by local militants trained in Pakistan. Security forces are conducting massive operations to hunt down the terrorists in the dense jungles of the Pir Panjal range.

Road to Himachal's Chandratal cleared after 5 days, 256 tourists evacuated

Road to Himachal's Chandratal cleared after 5 days, 256 tourists evacuated

Rediff.com14 Jul 2023

According to the state government, 60,000 tourists have so far been evacuated from the hill state.

15 Russians among tourists stranded in rain-hit Himachal

15 Russians among tourists stranded in rain-hit Himachal

Rediff.com12 Jul 2023

Acting Director General of Police of Himachal Pradesh, Satwant Atwal Trivedi, on Tuesday said that 15 Russian tourists were reportedly stranded in Kasol, and Police are trying to establish contact with them.