News for 'States and Union Territories'

Govt defers 'one nation, one poll' bills

Govt defers 'one nation, one poll' bills

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

The government has deferred the introduction of bills related to 'one nation one election' in the Lok Sabha till after the completion of financial business, sources said.

Pakistan says 'ceasefire extended', seeks dialogue with India

Pakistan says 'ceasefire extended', seeks dialogue with India

Rediff.com16 May 2025

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called for a 'composite dialogue' with India to address the contentious issues between the two sides.

'Things Have Improved In Kashmir'

'Things Have Improved In Kashmir'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

'Often people outside paint a wrong picture of us of Kashmiris. We are not like that. We are cool and bindaas,' said the lady, a teacher, caressing my cheeks in the pressing crowds.

Religious Tourism Is A Money Spinner

Religious Tourism Is A Money Spinner

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Religious tourism witnessed 1,439 million tourists in 2022, generating Rs 1.34 trillion in revenue.

Manipur's Kuki-Zo groups demand separate UT with legislature

Manipur's Kuki-Zo groups demand separate UT with legislature

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

Representatives from Kuki-Zo communities said their demands have crossed the point where they wanted President's rule to be imposed in the state, and now they see a Union Territory with legislature on the lines of Puducherry carved out of Manipur as the only solution to the ongoing strife.

Invoke stringent law against those hoarding: MHA to states

Invoke stringent law against those hoarding: MHA to states

Rediff.com8 Apr 2020

In a communication to chief secretaries of all states and union territories, Union home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said the ministry of home affairs, under the Disaster Management Act, has allowed manufacture or production, transport and other related supply-chain activities in respect of essential goods like foodstuff, medicines and medical equipment during the 21-day lockdown.

BSNL not keen on selling tower assets as 4G, 5G rollout looms ahead

BSNL not keen on selling tower assets as 4G, 5G rollout looms ahead

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

With a major network rollout on the cards, the government is not keen to change the pattern of tower monetisation for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), officials at the state-owned telecom-service provider said. The monetisation target in the telecom sector had to be revised owing to a change in BSNL's approach to mobile-phone tower monetisation, which had shifted from a sale-based model to a lease-based one.

'Declaring End Of Maoist Insurgency By March 2026 Is Foolish'

'Declaring End Of Maoist Insurgency By March 2026 Is Foolish'

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

'Handling or mitigating a rebellion is not a corporate plan with quarterly, half-yearly and annual goals and results but an aggregation of the effort of several years.'

India informs Pakistan why it suspended Indus Water Treaty

India informs Pakistan why it suspended Indus Water Treaty

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with immediate effect, accusing Pakistan of breaching the pact by refusing to negotiate modifications and engaging in sustained cross-border terrorism. The decision follows a recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people. Pakistan has rejected India's move, calling it an "act of war."

MHA gets Rs 2.33 lakh crore, bulk of funds for security

MHA gets Rs 2.33 lakh crore, bulk of funds for security

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Union Budget 2025-26 on Saturday allocated Rs 2,33,210.68 crore to the Ministry of Home Affairs with the majority of the fund -- Rs 1,60,391.06 crore -- being given to central police forces like Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) which are responsible for internal security, border guarding and security of vital installations.

Centre tries to curtail powers of new J-K govt, CM, alleges Omar; MHA denies

Centre tries to curtail powers of new J-K govt, CM, alleges Omar; MHA denies

Rediff.com5 Oct 2024

The strong statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah's office came after former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah asked bureaucrats in the Union Territory to resist any pressure to "further disempower" the incoming elected government.

'Government Must Talk To Sonam Wangchuk'

'Government Must Talk To Sonam Wangchuk'

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

'Ladakh has become a hollow UT.' 'Bureaucrats from Delhi rule Ladakh and there is no attention paid to the grievances of the people.'

RBI considers fresh guidelines to curb mis-selling

RBI considers fresh guidelines to curb mis-selling

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Concerned over the rise in mis-selling of products by banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is examining whether to come up with norms to curb such practices. Observing that pushing financial products, such as insurance, indiscriminately to unaware consumers may be detrimental to their well-being, RBI Deputy Governor M Rajeshwar Rao said, "We are examining whether it necessitates framing of guidelines to address mis-selling of financial products and services by REs (regulated entities)."

Are we not creating class of parasites? SC slams poll freebies

Are we not creating class of parasites? SC slams poll freebies

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court on Wednesday deprecated the practice of announcing freebies prior to elections, and said people were not willing to work as they were getting free ration and money.

SC notice to all states on cases filed under scrapped IT law

SC notice to all states on cases filed under scrapped IT law

Rediff.com2 Aug 2021

On July 5, the top court had said it is "amazing" and "shocking" that people are still being booked under Section 66A of the Information Technology Act that was scrapped by an apex court verdict in 2015.

Duplicate voter I-cards issue to be addressed in 3 months: EC

Duplicate voter I-cards issue to be addressed in 3 months: EC

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of a "scam" after the poll panel admitted to the existence of duplicate voter ID numbers. The ECI has said it will address the issue in the next three months. TMC leader Saket Gokhale alleged that the ECI is trying to "protect" someone and demanded answers about the extent of the duplication and why it took 25 years to address the problem.

Pahalgam attack didn't stall talks of J-K statehood: Abdullah

Pahalgam attack didn't stall talks of J-K statehood: Abdullah

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has stated that the conversation regarding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir has not been stalled. He claims the issue was raised at the recent NITI Aayog governing council meeting, and the formal speech distributed at the meeting includes a mention of the return of statehood. Abdullah also addressed concerns about the impact of the Pahalgam terror attack on tourism, emphasizing the importance of local Kashmiris visiting tourist spots first to revive the industry and ensure a sense of security.

'We're ready': India gears up to host 2030 CWG

'We're ready': India gears up to host 2030 CWG

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

India is confident of securing the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, despite Canada and Nigeria expressing interest in bidding for the event.

Budget 2024: FM exhorts states to take up next-gen reforms agenda

Budget 2024: FM exhorts states to take up next-gen reforms agenda

Rediff.com24 Jul 2024

In her Budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday underlined the need for collaboration between the Centre and states to take up the next-generation reforms covering land, labour, capital and entrepreneurship. As far as revenue share goes, the government has projected to give about 32.5 per cent of central taxes to states during FY25, against the 15th Finance Commission's recommendation of 41 per cent, according to the Union Budget estimate.

Centre alerts states, UTs as country sees surge in Covid cases

Centre alerts states, UTs as country sees surge in Covid cases

Rediff.com18 Dec 2023

In a letter to states and Union Territories, Union health secretary Sudhansh Pant underlined that "due to consistent and collaborative actions between the Centre and state governments, we have been able to sustain the (COVID-19) trajectory at sustainable low rates".

Nagpur Municipal chief apologizes to HC for demolition

Nagpur Municipal chief apologizes to HC for demolition

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The Nagpur municipal chief has offered an unconditional apology to the Bombay High Court for the demolition of houses belonging to accused in a riots case, citing ignorance of Supreme Court guidelines on such actions. The civic officials were unaware of the Supreme Court's order, which mandates procedural safeguards before demolishing properties linked to riots accused, the commissioner stated in an affidavit. The court has granted the Maharashtra government two weeks to respond to the matter.

Ties with Pak will never improve until...: Farooq Abdullah

Ties with Pak will never improve until...: Farooq Abdullah

Rediff.com1 May 2025

Terming Pakistan as a 'failed state', National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah Thursday said relations between New Delhi and Islamabad would never improve until a peoples' government is elected in the neighbouring country.

Will Harivansh Singh Be The Next Veep?

Will Harivansh Singh Be The Next Veep?

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

'When Harivansh sits in the chair, you feel your voice will be heard.'

Budget balanced, takes care of all segments: FM in Rajya Sabha

Budget balanced, takes care of all segments: FM in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com31 Jul 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said the Union Budget strikes a fine balance between growth, employment, and fiscal consolidation, and promotes cooperative federalism. Replying to the discussion on the Union Budget 2024-25 and Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Budget in Rajya Sabha, the minister said the government is on track to achieve the pre-announced fiscal deficit target of 4.5 per cent by 2025-26. Sitharaman, also a former defence minister, said the Agniveer Scheme to recruit people in the age group of 17.5 to 21 years, is aimed at keeping the armed forces fit, young and battle-ready.

59 HMPV cases so far, 2 deaths due to co-morbidities: Minister in RS

59 HMPV cases so far, 2 deaths due to co-morbidities: Minister in RS

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

India has reported 59 cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and two deaths due to co-morbidities between January 6 and 29, according to Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav. The virus primarily affects young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, leading to respiratory illnesses. The government has taken measures to monitor and control the spread of HMPV cases and create public awareness.

6 States Account For 67% Heat Wave Days

6 States Account For 67% Heat Wave Days

Rediff.com7 Jun 2024

>Bihar (18 days) has the most number of heatwave days in 2023, followed by Andhra Pradesh (15 days), Odisha (15 days), Jharkhand (13 days), West Bengal (8 days) and Tamil Nadu (6 days).

Remember Smart Cities? What Happened?

Remember Smart Cities? What Happened?

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Among the cities that have fully implemented their projects are Agra, Varanasi, Madurai, Coimbatore, Udaipur, Pune, Surat, and Vadodara

Can SC's new measures put a curb on child marriage?

Can SC's new measures put a curb on child marriage?

Rediff.com19 Oct 2024

Under the title of "legal enforcement", states and Union Territories were directed to appoint officers solely responsible for discharging the functions of Child Marriage Prohibition Officers at the district level.

Police can't serve accused notice via WhatsApp: SC

Police can't serve accused notice via WhatsApp: SC

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court has said police cannot serve notices to accused persons through WhatsApp or other electronic modes under the Criminal Procedure Code or Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

Census with caste enumeration to begin from Oct 1, 2026

Census with caste enumeration to begin from Oct 1, 2026

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

Census exercise with caste enumeration will be carried out with the reference date of October 1, 2026, in snow-bound areas like Ladakh and of March 1, 2027, in the rest of the country, the Home Ministry announced on Wednesday.

Modi's Diplomacy Needs To Get More Done

Modi's Diplomacy Needs To Get More Done

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

One must wonder whether Mr Modi's efforts to wine and dine the Big Two of today's world were seen as a sign of weakness rather than a proffered arm of friendship, points out R Jagannathan.

CMs of 10 states skip Niti meet, Nitish busy with...., says CEO

CMs of 10 states skip Niti meet, Nitish busy with...., says CEO

Rediff.com27 Jul 2024

The meeting was attended by 26 participants including Chief Ministers and Lt Governors of UTs, he said while briefing the media.

8th Eco Census likely next year; data for 7th awaited

8th Eco Census likely next year; data for 7th awaited

Rediff.com14 Aug 2024

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (Mospi) has started preparations for the eighth Economic Census (EC), which is expected to be formally launched next year, sources told Business Standard, even as the results of the seventh edition are yet to be made public. "Centre has asked states and Union Territories (UTs) to submit requirements for funds and manpower in a bid to start work on the eighth EC. "The states and UTs are required to set up a dedicated unit to conduct the exercise.

IPL SUSPENDED amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions

IPL SUSPENDED amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions

Rediff.com9 May 2025

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season has been officially suspended due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan.

90% of women in police force serving as constables: Report

90% of women in police force serving as constables: Report

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

A new report, "India Justice Report 2025", highlights the stark gender disparity in India's police force, with less than 1,000 women holding senior positions like Director-Generals and Superintendents of Police. Despite growing awareness about the need for gender diversity in law enforcement, not a single state or Union Territory has met its target for women's representation in the police force. The report also emphasizes the significant challenges faced by the justice system as a whole, including infrastructural deficiencies, overcrowding in prisons, and inadequate staffing levels. The report calls for systemic reforms to address these issues and ensure a more equitable and accessible justice system for all.

India-Pak conflict: A history of major flashpoints

India-Pak conflict: A history of major flashpoints

Rediff.com7 May 2025

India's recent missile strikes on nine terrorist locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including Bahawalpur, mark a significant escalation in the long-standing military tensions between the two nations. This article provides a historical overview of the Indo-Pak military confrontations, tracing their roots back to the 1947 war following India's independence and the partition of the sub-continent, and highlighting key conflicts such as the 1965 war, the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, the 1999 Kargil War, the 2016 Uri attack, and the 2019 Pulwama attack.

Immigration Bill introduced in LS amid Oppn protest

Immigration Bill introduced in LS amid Oppn protest

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

The legislation is aimed at streamlining various services related to immigration and foreigners, including their entry, exit and stay in India.

Meet Baldev Kumar from Punjab, first outsider to contest J-K LS polls

Meet Baldev Kumar from Punjab, first outsider to contest J-K LS polls

Rediff.com20 Apr 2024

The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 paved the way for outsiders to contest polls in the Union Territory.

Install CCTVs in police stations within a month: SC to Centre, States

Install CCTVs in police stations within a month: SC to Centre, States

Rediff.com22 Feb 2023

The top court had in 2020 directed installation of CCTV cameras and recording equipment at the offices of investigating agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Enforcement Directorate and National Investigation Agency, which conduct interrogations and have the power of arrest.

Rs 2.19 lakh crore given to MHA; majority for CAPFs

Rs 2.19 lakh crore given to MHA; majority for CAPFs

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The Union Budget 2024-25 on Tuesday allocated Rs 2,19,643 crore to the Ministry of Home Affairs with the majority of it -- Rs 1,43,275 crore -- being given to central police forces like Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) which are responsible for internal security, border guarding, and security of vital installations.