News for 'varanasi'

AI surveillance, CCTV coverage: Kanwar Yatra goes hi-tech

AI surveillance, CCTV coverage: Kanwar Yatra goes hi-tech

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Uttar Pradesh authorities have implemented extensive security and logistical measures for the annual Kanwar Yatra, which began on Thursday and concludes on August 11. These include AI-enabled surveillance, additional security personnel, medical camps, dedicated control rooms, and traffic diversions, all aimed at ensuring a "zero incidents and zero accidents" pilgrimage for lakhs of devotees.

Worship Act doesn't stop land acquisition for public projects: HC

Worship Act doesn't stop land acquisition for public projects: HC

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, prohibits only the conversion of religious character but does not prevent the state from acquiring such properties for secular and public purposes. This observation came while dismissing a petition challenging the widening and beautification of the Dalmandi area in Varanasi for the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor, which involved the proposed demolition of six ancient mosques.

'We Are Seeing A Lot More Male Fertility Cases'

'We Are Seeing A Lot More Male Fertility Cases'

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Doctors attribute the rise in male infertility to obesity, diabetes, smoking, chronic stress, inadequate sleep and sedentary lifestyles.

Putin's aarti performed in Varanasi

Putin's aarti performed in Varanasi

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

A group in Varanasi organized an 'India-Russia Friendship March' to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of his visit to India for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The march highlighted the strong ties between the two nations and expressed hope for strengthened cooperation and global peace.

IndiGo flight makes emergency landing in Varanasi after bomb threat

IndiGo flight makes emergency landing in Varanasi after bomb threat

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

An IndiGo Airlines aircraft made an emergency landing in Varanasi after a note claiming a bomb was found on board. Security agencies investigated the threat.

No meat on the menu: Kashi vendors pushed to the outskirts ahead of Sawan month

No meat on the menu: Kashi vendors pushed to the outskirts ahead of Sawan month

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Varanasi Municipal Corporation's decision to relocate all meat, fish, and poultry shops outside city limits before the holy month of Sawan has ignited a debate among residents, traders, and political leaders, with supporters citing religious sentiments and critics raising concerns about convenience and livelihoods.

Muslim leader writes in blood to Modi to declare cow as 'Rashtra Mata'

Muslim leader writes in blood to Modi to declare cow as 'Rashtra Mata'

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Samajwadi Party leader Zeeshan Ansari has written a letter in his blood to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding that the cow be declared "Rashtra Mata" (Mother of the Nation). Ansari, a Muslim, stated his initiative aims to clarify the BJP's stance on the cow, highlighting its special place in Indian sentiments.

Ranbir Kapoor Is Lord Ram; Who's Playing Whom In Ramayana?

Ranbir Kapoor Is Lord Ram; Who's Playing Whom In Ramayana?

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

From Arun Govil and Shobana to Vivek Oberoi and Kajal Aggarwal, meet the sprawling supporting cast bringing Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana to life.

Nation Mourns Loss Of Shooting Icon Jaspal Rana

Nation Mourns Loss Of Shooting Icon Jaspal Rana

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the 'terahvin' rituals of legendary shooter Jaspal Rana in Dehradun. Dignitaries paid their respects to the Padma Shri recipient, who passed away on June 11 due to cardiac complications. Rana, a celebrated pistol shooter and coach, was instrumental in guiding Manu Bhaker to Olympic success.

Mumbai techie traces stolen phone in Varanasi, cop suspended

Mumbai techie traces stolen phone in Varanasi, cop suspended

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

A Mumbai-based software engineer, Ankita Gupta, successfully tracked her stolen mobile phone in Varanasi, leading to its recovery and the suspension of a police officer for negligence.

Rural Sports Festival Isha Gramotsavam Reaches North India

Rural Sports Festival Isha Gramotsavam Reaches North India

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Sadhguru's Isha Gramotsavam, a rural sports festival, is expanding its 18th edition into North India, covering 10 states and one Union Territory. This year's event will engage over 80,000 players from 40,000 villages in men's volleyball and women's throwball, offering a prize pool exceeding Rs 1 crore, with the aim of social transformation through sport.

Women Owners Employ More Women

Women Owners Employ More Women

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

In cities where women own a larger share of small businesses, women also account for a larger share of jobs.

Throwing non-veg food waste in Ganga could hurt religious sentiments: HC on iftar party row

Throwing non-veg food waste in Ganga could hurt religious sentiments: HC on iftar party row

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The Allahabad High Court has observed that throwing non-vegetarian food waste into the river Ganga could hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindu community, while granting bail to five persons accused of throwing leftovers into the river during an iftar party on a boat in Varanasi.

Indian Hotels Company Set for Strong Growth Driven by Domestic Demand, Acquisitions

Indian Hotels Company Set for Strong Growth Driven by Domestic Demand, Acquisitions

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) is expected to benefit from higher room rates, rising occupancy, and strategic acquisitions, with analysts projecting double-digit revenue growth for FY27 driven by strong domestic demand and a favourable demand-supply dynamic.

East Bengal Appoints Antonio Lopez Habas As Head Coach

East Bengal Appoints Antonio Lopez Habas As Head Coach

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Reigning Indian Super League champions East Bengal have announced the appointment of decorated Spanish coach Antonio Lopez Habas as their new head coach for the 2026-27 season. Habas, known for his successful stints in Indian football, returns to familiar territory as the club prepares to defend its maiden ISL League Shield amidst ownership uncertainties.

Lucknow Airport Customs Bust Major Hydroponic Marijuana Smuggling Bid

Lucknow Airport Customs Bust Major Hydroponic Marijuana Smuggling Bid

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Customs officials at Lucknow's Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport arrested an Indian passenger and seized 10.397 kg of suspected hydroponic marijuana, valued at approximately Rs 10.39 crore, from his baggage. The seizure was made following specific intelligence, and the passenger has been booked under the NDPS Act. This incident follows a similar large bust in Varanasi, indicating a wider network under investigation.

Lucknow Airport Customs Bust Major Hydroponic Marijuana Smuggling Bid

Lucknow Airport Customs Bust Major Hydroponic Marijuana Smuggling Bid

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Customs officials at Lucknow's Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport arrested an Indian passenger and seized 10.397 kg of suspected hydroponic marijuana, valued at approximately Rs 10.39 crore, from his baggage. The seizure was made following specific intelligence, and the passenger has been booked under the NDPS Act. This incident follows a similar large bust in Varanasi, indicating a wider network under investigation.

Protests erupt over demolition at Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat

Protests erupt over demolition at Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

A demolition drive at the Manikarnika Ghat was met with protests from locals, who alleged that the city's heritage was being destroyed in the name of redevelopment, a charge rejected by the district administration.

How A Wanted Contract Killer Met His End In Ayodhya

How A Wanted Contract Killer Met His End In Ayodhya

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A wanted contract killer, Bhanu Pratap Singh, who had over 40 cases against him and carried a reward of Rs 1 lakh, died after being injured in a police encounter with the Special Task Force (STF) in Ayodhya. He succumbed to his injuries at Medical College, Ayodhya.

5 Crore Silver Consignment Seized At Rajkot Airport

5 Crore Silver Consignment Seized At Rajkot Airport

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Gujarat ATS intercepts a large silver consignment worth 5 crore at Rajkot Airport, suspecting tax evasion.

The Last Trip With My Father

The Last Trip With My Father

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

At Kolga Aabla, the closest beach to her grandmother's home, at the edge of a birch forest, we immersed her balance ashes. It was a sombre, precious day for both of us. But a day that also brought long-needed closure. My mother's spirit, chained for so many years in a Parkinson's-locked body, was free. But my father came back from the beach a visibly older man.

Air India May Restore Flight Cuts

Air India May Restore Flight Cuts

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

'We may be able to wind back some of the schedule reductions we'd taken in recent months.'

UP launches crackdown on illegal coaching centres, several sealed

UP launches crackdown on illegal coaching centres, several sealed

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

In a bid to provide students with a safe, transparent and quality educational environment, a special drive is being conducted across Uttar Pradesh to strengthen the regulation of coaching institutes and against illegal coaching centres.

Xi Watching? Modi-Takaichi to Hold Talks In Assam

Xi Watching? Modi-Takaichi to Hold Talks In Assam

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Japanese PM's visit to Assam comes amid festering uneasiness in Tokyo about Beijing's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

UP Government's Crackdown: 289 Criminals Neutralised In Encounters

UP Government's Crackdown: 289 Criminals Neutralised In Encounters

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government reports that 289 criminals have been killed in police encounters over the past nine years as part of a sustained crackdown on crime. During this period, police conducted over 17,000 encounter operations, resulting in thousands of arrests and injuries.

Uttar Pradesh DGP Highlights Improved Law And Order, Warns Social Media Strongmen

Uttar Pradesh DGP Highlights Improved Law And Order, Warns Social Media Strongmen

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Uttar Pradesh DGP Rajeev Krishna stated that the state's law and order situation has significantly improved, with criminals losing their former confidence. He warned against anti-social elements using social media to intimidate and discussed ongoing probes into the Ayodhya Ram Mandir irregularities and the extradition of a drug trafficking kingpin. The DGP also highlighted the rising challenge of cybercrime and police efforts to combat it.

Chaat Recipes: Dahi Bhalla, Banarasi Tamatar Ki Chaat

Chaat Recipes: Dahi Bhalla, Banarasi Tamatar Ki Chaat

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Chaats are among India's most loved street food. The reason is simple: They represent the entire spectrum of much-loved Indian flavours and textures in a single bite -- spicy, tangy, chatpata, khara, meetha. That's what keeps people coming back for more.

Varanasi: How Much Priyanka, Mahesh Babu Were Paid

Varanasi: How Much Priyanka, Mahesh Babu Were Paid

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

S S Rajamouli announced his new epic Varanasi at a grand event at Hyderabad's Ramoji Film City over the weekend.

Paresh Maity Turns Noida Airport Into An Art Landmark

Paresh Maity Turns Noida Airport Into An Art Landmark

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Beneath the high-technology systems and modern infrastructure, Noida international airport is attempting to tell a quieter story -- one rooted in the cultural and spiritual landscape of Uttar Pradesh.

Priyanka Chopra's Relaxing Bikini Sunday

Priyanka Chopra's Relaxing Bikini Sunday

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Priyanka Chopra is currently shooting for SS Rajamouli's highly anticipated Telugu film Varanasi in Hyderabad, balancing her demanding schedule with a refreshing poolside Sunday.

Red alert issued as UP under severe heatwave; Banda boils at 47.6 degrees C

Red alert issued as UP under severe heatwave; Banda boils at 47.6 degrees C

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Uttar Pradesh is experiencing an intense heatwave, with Banda recording the highest temperature at 47.6 degrees Celsius. The IMD has issued a 'Red Colour Warning' for severe heatwave conditions. The extreme heat is disrupting daily life and economic activity, prompting government action to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Multiple road accidents in Bihar kill 9, leave dozens injured

Multiple road accidents in Bihar kill 9, leave dozens injured

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Nine people died and several others were injured in four separate road accidents across Bihar's Aurangabad district. The incidents involved a bus-truck collision, a car-tractor crash, a car-auto-rickshaw collision, and a motorcycle-pickup vehicle accident, with investigations ongoing into the causes.

Multiple Fatalities In Bihar Road Accidents

Multiple Fatalities In Bihar Road Accidents

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Nine people died and several others were injured in four separate road accidents across Bihar's Aurangabad district. The incidents involved a bus-truck collision, a car-tractor crash, a car-auto-rickshaw collision, and a motorcycle-pickup vehicle accident, with investigations ongoing into the causes.

Multiple Fatalities In Bihar Road Accidents

Multiple Fatalities In Bihar Road Accidents

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Nine people died and several others were injured in four separate road accidents across Bihar's Aurangabad district. The incidents involved a bus-truck collision, a car-tractor crash, a car-auto-rickshaw collision, and a motorcycle-pickup vehicle accident, with investigations ongoing into the causes.

2026 Tata Tiago Review: Nobody expected this feature in a CNG car

2026 Tata Tiago Review: Nobody expected this feature in a CNG car

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

With features usually seen in more expensive cars and segment-first paddle shifters, the Tiago offers excellent value for money, says Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com.

NDA ally SBSP seeks 32 seats in UP polls; BJP says....

NDA ally SBSP seeks 32 seats in UP polls; BJP says....

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, a constituent of the Bhaatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance, has staked claim to 32 seats for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with the aim to wrest the Samajwadi Party's stronghold of Azamgarh.

UP Police Nab Drug Trafficker, Seize Cough Syrup Worth Crores

UP Police Nab Drug Trafficker, Seize Cough Syrup Worth Crores

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) has arrested an alleged drug trafficker in Mirzapur and seized over 13,000 bottles of illegal codeine-based cough syrup worth approximately Rs 1.6 crore.

Security beefed up as Hanuman Chalisa row escalates in Varanasi

Security beefed up as Hanuman Chalisa row escalates in Varanasi

Rediff.com5 Oct 2025

The dispute started when members of a particular community objected to the recitation of Hanuman Chalisa at a Hanuman temple in Varanasi's Madanpur area.

Traffic Cop Killed By Tractor In Bihar's Sasaram

Traffic Cop Killed By Tractor In Bihar's Sasaram

Rediff.com16 May 2026

A traffic police constable in Sasaram, Bihar, was killed after being hit by a tractor while attempting to enforce traffic regulations. The driver fled the scene, and a manhunt is underway.

Fliers protest as SpiceJet delays disrupt travel plans

Fliers protest as SpiceJet delays disrupt travel plans

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

SpiceJet passengers experienced significant disruptions as flights were cancelled and delayed, leading to chaos at airports and a barrage of complaints on social media.