News for 'Former Union'

Supreme Court Intervenes For Water Sports Coach Bilquis Mir

Supreme Court Intervenes For Water Sports Coach Bilquis Mir

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Jammu and Kashmir administration to issue a no-objection certificate and relieving order to international water sports coach Bilquis Mir, enabling her to join the Indian National Kayaking and Canoeing Team as chief coach for the Asian Games. This ruling came after PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti criticised the bureaucratic hurdles faced by Mir, highlighting systemic issues within the administration.

Opposition Demands Rollback Of UPI MDR Fee, Cites US Pressure

Opposition Demands Rollback Of UPI MDR Fee, Cites US Pressure

Rediff.com4 days ago

The opposition has intensified its criticism of the government's decision to impose a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, effective October 15. Leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Jairam Ramesh allege the move is a result of US pressure, particularly from American card companies, and demand an immediate rollback, warning of increased costs for consumers.

ED Director Navin Orders Stepped-Up Action Against IBC Fraud And Police FIR Delays

ED Director Navin Orders Stepped-Up Action Against IBC Fraud And Police FIR Delays

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Director, Rahul Navin, has issued directives to intensify action against Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) frauds involving "large haircuts" and to address delays in police registering FIRs based on ED's requests. The agency also aims to fast-track high-profile trials under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and enhance internal coordination and efficiency.

Hindu Outfit's Visit Provokes Eiffel Staff Strike

Hindu Outfit's Visit Provokes Eiffel Staff Strike

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Eiffel Tower employees launched a strike, leading to the iconic landmark's closure, after allegations surfaced that female staff were asked to vacate their posts during a visit by the Hindu religious organisation BAPS.

Union minister Margherita, Bihar guv attend Khamenei's funeral ceremony

Union minister Margherita, Bihar guv attend Khamenei's funeral ceremony

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

A high-level Indian delegation, including Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, paid tributes to the assassinated Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, conveying India's condolences.

The rise and fall of Dharmendra Pradhan

The rise and fall of Dharmendra Pradhan

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Dharmendra Pradhan's political career faced an unexpected jolt as he resigned as Education Minister following nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, marking a significant departure from the government's initial dismissive response to the agitation.

Pradhan's resignation only beginning: Congress

Pradhan's resignation only beginning: Congress

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Congress party has called for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, stating that the 'rot' in India's education system is profound. Party general secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted alleged scams in Maharashtra's engineering admissions and discrepancies between entrance exam and board results, urging deep introspection beyond mere legislative fixes for paper leaks.

'Proud to be a dimagi Naxal': Chidambaram hits back at Modi

'Proud to be a dimagi Naxal': Chidambaram hits back at Modi

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "dimagi naxal" remark by stating he is "proud to be a dimagi naxal". Modi had warned against "dimagi naxals" who manipulate policies and promote violence, despite the success in curbing armed Naxalism. Chidambaram's comment came after Modi's Independence Day speech where he highlighted the threat posed by ideological supporters of Naxalism.

FIDE Elections: Viswanathan Anand Faces Tough Battle

FIDE Elections: Viswanathan Anand Faces Tough Battle

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

The FIDE elections will see three Indians, including chess legend Viswanathan Anand, vying for crucial leadership positions amidst a complex electoral landscape and a high-stakes three-way presidential battle.

SC to hear govt plea on quashing FIRs against NEET protesters

SC to hear govt plea on quashing FIRs against NEET protesters

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court will hear a plea from the Centre to quash FIRs against students involved in NEET examination paper leak protests. This development comes amidst planned fresh protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and follows previous court directives regarding the nature of charges against student protesters.

HC dismisses ex-cricketer Yusuf Pathan's plea over Vadodara land claim

HC dismisses ex-cricketer Yusuf Pathan's plea over Vadodara land claim

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The Gujarat high court on Monday dismissed as withdrawn a plea of former India cricketer and Lok Sabha MP Yusuf Pathan's appeal against a single judge order passed in August last year, calling him an "encroacher" on a piece of government land in Vadodara.

Malayalam actor S Devan who quit BJP will join Vijay's TVK

Malayalam actor S Devan who quit BJP will join Vijay's TVK

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Actor and politician S Devan, formerly the BJP's state vice-president, has announced his decision to join the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. Devan cited a lack of "space" within the BJP and a desire for political change as reasons for his departure. He is expected to be offered the TVK state president post, with a formal announcement following a meeting on September 10.

HC dismisses ex-cricketer Yusuf Pathan's plea over Vadodara land claim

HC dismisses ex-cricketer Yusuf Pathan's plea over Vadodara land claim

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The Gujarat high court on Monday dismissed as withdrawn a plea of former India cricketer and Lok Sabha MP Yusuf Pathan's appeal against a single judge order passed in August last year, calling him an "encroacher" on a piece of government land in Vadodara.

Ex-Maoist leader seeks lifting of ban on outfit, to write to Amit Shah

Ex-Maoist leader seeks lifting of ban on outfit, to write to Amit Shah

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Senior surrendered CPI (Maoist) leader Tippiri Tirupati alias Devji plans to appeal to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to lift the ban on the outfit. He and other surrendered colleagues aim to work legally on people's issues and have also met Telangana DGP C V Anand regarding restrictions on their movements. Tirupati, a former top commander, surrendered in February due to health issues, vowing to work within a legal framework.

Why Test Cricket Remains The Mother Of All Formats

Why Test Cricket Remains The Mother Of All Formats

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Former India fast bowler Javagal Srinath has underscored the critical role of Test cricket in developing depth within the game, despite the growing popularity of the T20 format. Speaking at an awards ceremony, Srinath advised young players to prioritise Test cricket, noting the difficulty for T20 specialists to transition to the longer format. He also stressed the responsibility of cricket associations, parents, and coaches in guiding emerging talent.

Govt forms panel for 'permanent political solution' to Gorkha issue

Govt forms panel for 'permanent political solution' to Gorkha issue

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

The Centre has established a committee to draft an agreement and finalise modalities for a 'permanent political solution' to the Gorkha identity issue in the Darjeeling hills and adjoining areas, following a tripartite meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gorkha leaders, and the West Bengal government.

JNUSU holds Umar Khalid book discussion despite venue cancellation

JNUSU holds Umar Khalid book discussion despite venue cancellation

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) proceeded with a discussion on former student Umar Khalid's book, "Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power," despite the university cancelling the original venue booking. The event, planned to observe Indigenous Peoples' Day, was held outside an academic building after the JNUSU condemned the university's "arbitrary" decision.

Vijay slams DMK's corruption, names Stalin, Udhayanidhi as beneficiaries

Vijay slams DMK's corruption, names Stalin, Udhayanidhi as beneficiaries

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has accused the opposition DMK of organised corruption and illegal collection of "party funds" during its previous regime, citing Enforcement Directorate documents. The allegations, which named former CM M K Stalin and his deputy Udhayanidhi as beneficiaries, led to a major ruckus in the Assembly.

SC prioritises probing sexual assault complaints in NEET protests

SC prioritises probing sexual assault complaints in NEET protests

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has directed its High-Powered Enquiry Committee to prioritise and immediately submit an interim report on complaints of sexual assault faced by women protesters during the July 20 NEET agitation at Jantar Mantar.

TN assembly seeks TET exemption for 3.28 lakh teachers

TN assembly seeks TET exemption for 3.28 lakh teachers

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The Tamil Nadu Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution urging the Union Government to grant a permanent exemption from the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) for government teachers appointed before August 23, 2010. This move aims to protect the job security and benefits of over 3.28 lakh experienced educators who face the risk of losing their positions due to the mandatory TET requirement.

Man in Delhi court custody for ex-girlfriend's murder in US

Man in Delhi court custody for ex-girlfriend's murder in US

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

A Delhi court has taken into custody Arjun Sharma, a man wanted in connection with the alleged murder of his former girlfriend, Nikitha Godishala, in the United States. Sharma was arrested on non-bailable warrants as part of an extradition request under the India-US Extradition Treaty.

Abhishek Banerjee's office ransacked, six held; TMC blames BJP

Abhishek Banerjee's office ransacked, six held; TMC blames BJP

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has accused armed BJP men of vandalising the party's Camac Street office in Kolkata, damaging property and stealing items. The BJP has denied the allegations, calling them staged. The incident further intensifies the political confrontation between the two parties in West Bengal, following a recent dispute over a billboard at the same premises.

SC forms panel to probe police action during student protests

SC forms panel to probe police action during student protests

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has established a five-member high-powered committee, led by former top court judge Justice R Subhash Reddy, to investigate allegations of police excesses against student protesters and violence against police personnel during recent demonstrations in Delhi.

Ministers helping break my fast was our victory: Wangchuk

Ministers helping break my fast was our victory: Wangchuk

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk emphasised the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent resistance, stating, "His path is as relevant today as it was 100 years ago. This experiment is successful today."

K'taka Oppn to lay siege to assembly on Monday over DKS minister's removal

K'taka Oppn to lay siege to assembly on Monday over DKS minister's removal

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka assembly R Ashoka on Sunday announced that the Bharatiya Janata Party and its ally Janata Dal-Secular would lay siege to Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on August 24 seeking the removal of planning and statistics minister B Nagendra from the cabinet.

Vijay's resolution for Tamil as HC's principal language gets House nod

Vijay's resolution for Tamil as HC's principal language gets House nod

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

The Tamil Nadu Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution, moved by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, urging the Centre to recognise Tamil as the principal language of the Madras High Court. The resolution highlights Tamil's classical status and the need for judgments to be available in the local language, while also addressing historical demands and constitutional provisions.

Some Revealing Facts About India's States!

Some Revealing Facts About India's States!

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

As the world's most populous country, India's economy looks large in the aggregate even as its average incomes stay modest.

JNU cancels nod for discussion on Umar Khalid's book

JNU cancels nod for discussion on Umar Khalid's book

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) cancelled permission for a discussion on a book authored by its former student Umar Khalid, currently jailed in the 2020 northeast Delhi riots conspiracy case, citing 'non-disclosure of full facts' about the event. The JNUSU condemned the decision as 'arbitrary and authoritarian', vowing to proceed with the discussion at an alternative venue.

India-China Rivalry Tests BRICS' Future

India-China Rivalry Tests BRICS' Future

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

India and China are in what experts call 'a cooperation-versus-competition situation'.

H1N1 cases rise in Delhi, North India; experts say virus not more virulent

H1N1 cases rise in Delhi, North India; experts say virus not more virulent

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

H1N1 influenza cases have seen a recent increase in Delhi and parts of North India. Experts confirm it's a known strain, not more virulent, and advise precautions, especially for high-risk individuals like the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses. They stress the importance of rest, hydration, and medical consultation for severe symptoms, while also noting that most cases are mild and self-limiting.

Marathi test of Maharashtra auto/taxi drivers begins, 1,268 notices issued

Marathi test of Maharashtra auto/taxi drivers begins, 1,268 notices issued

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Maharashtra's transport department has initiated a statewide drive to assess taxi and autorickshaw drivers' working knowledge of Marathi, issuing notices to 1,268 drivers on the first day. Those who fail the initial 16-question test will receive a one-month notice to learn Marathi, with subsequent failure leading to a three-month badge suspension.

Bangladesh's China-US Tilt Should Worry India

Bangladesh's China-US Tilt Should Worry India

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Bangladesh-China and Bangladesh-US relations have evolved from reluctant engagement to increasingly consequential strategic partnerships.

Football PIX: Juventus down Parma; Dortmund cruise to win

Football PIX: Juventus down Parma; Dortmund cruise to win

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Juventus secured a 2-0 home win over Parma in Serie A, with goals from substitutes Nico Gonzalez and Teun Koopmeiners.

When I became MLA, Amit Shah was not even born: Kharge

When I became MLA, Amit Shah was not even born: Kharge

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has accused the BJP of being 'anti-religion' following an alleged 'purification' ritual after his speech in Uttarakhand, and challenged the ruling party's claims of patriotism, questioning their involvement in India's independence struggle.

Nepal-Tibet flood toll rises to 1,243; PM Shah flags climate change link

Nepal-Tibet flood toll rises to 1,243; PM Shah flags climate change link

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Nepal's devastating flash floods have claimed 1,127 lives, with thousands still missing a week after the disaster. Rescuers are intensifying efforts to find survivors and recover bodies across affected regions, while police work to identify victims and relocate families from high-risk areas.

Pakistan stars in trouble after Zambia league

Pakistan stars in trouble after Zambia league

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board is considering a two-year ban for several former national players who participated in the unsanctioned Asian Legends Cup in Lusaka, Zambia. The tournament, which was not approved by the ICC or the Zambia Cricket Union, saw players like Mohammed Irfan, Imran Nazir, and Yasir Shah take part, while others like Muhammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik withdrew. The PCB has warned of severe disciplinary action, including ineligibility for future cricketing assignments.

Why Messi's Kerala Visit Never Happened: Report Submitted To Govt

Why Messi's Kerala Visit Never Happened: Report Submitted To Govt

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Kerala Sports Department has submitted its confidential inquiry report regarding the controversy surrounding the proposed visit of football legend Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to the state during the previous government's tenure.

Abhishek Banerjee rules out TMC return for 'traitors'

Abhishek Banerjee rules out TMC return for 'traitors'

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Friday said not a single "traitor", who crossed over to the dissident factions to "protect their backs", will be allowed to return to the party.

Jadavpur University vandalism probe panel chief quits

Jadavpur University vandalism probe panel chief quits

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Professor Subha Shankar Sarkar has resigned as the head of a five-member committee investigating alleged ABVP vandalism at Jadavpur University, citing his inability to conduct an effective inquiry, prompting the university to seek a new chairperson.

CJP warns of nationwide stir, accuses Centre of backtracking on FIR promise

CJP warns of nationwide stir, accuses Centre of backtracking on FIR promise

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Tuesday accused the Centre of resisting the Supreme Court's bid to facilitate quashing of FIRs against students and protesters and demanded that the outfit's members be included in the high-powered committee announced by the court to examine allegations of police excesses and violence against cops.