News for 'States and Union Territories'

'Maligned India': Govt defends cancelling US scribe's OCI card

'Maligned India': Govt defends cancelling US scribe's OCI card

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The Centre has defended in the Delhi high court its decision to cancel the overseas citizen of India (OCI) card of United States-based journalist Raphael Satter saying he maligned Indian institutions in the international arena through journalistic activities.

Several states, UTs shut schools following Covid surge

Several states, UTs shut schools following Covid surge

Rediff.com5 Apr 2021

Several states and union territories, including Maharashtra, Punjab and Delhi, have announced closure of schools or suspended classes briefly till the COVID-19 situation is further reviewed in the wake of rising cases across the country.

Will go on 28-day fast from August 15 if...: Sonam Wangchuk

Will go on 28-day fast from August 15 if...: Sonam Wangchuk

Rediff.com28 Jul 2024

Climate activist Soman Wangchuk announced on Sunday that he will launch a 28-day fast on Independence Day if the government does not invite Ladakh authorities for talks on demands for statehood and constitutional protection for the union territory.

Omar Abdullah sworn-in as J-K CM, ally Cong not to join his govt yet

Omar Abdullah sworn-in as J-K CM, ally Cong not to join his govt yet

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, the first elected government in the Union Territory since 2019 when Article 370 was abrogated.

New bill proposes 7-year jail, Rs 10L fine for forged passports in India

New bill proposes 7-year jail, Rs 10L fine for forged passports in India

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

India is proposing a new law that would impose a jail term of up to seven years and a fine of Rs 10 lakh on anyone found using a forged passport or visa to enter, stay, or exit the country. The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, also mandates reporting of foreign visitors by hotels, universities, and hospitals to track overstaying individuals. The bill aims to simplify laws, ease business, and strengthen national security while promoting economic growth and tourism.

What AAP, BJP, Cong Overlook in Delhi Polls

What AAP, BJP, Cong Overlook in Delhi Polls

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Delhi's crime rate against women stood at 144.4 in 2022 -- the highest among all states and Union Territories.

SC allows RG Kar doc's parents to pursue further probe on others' role

SC allows RG Kar doc's parents to pursue further probe on others' role

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court has allowed the parents of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim to pursue their plea for a further court-monitored CBI probe into the incident before the Calcutta High Court. The parents had expressed dissatisfaction with the CBI's initial probe and sought a more thorough investigation. The court, without making comments, disposed of the application, allowing the parents to continue the proceedings before the high court. The case has also prompted the Supreme Court to consider recommendations for preventing gender-based violence and developing safety protocols for medical staff at hospitals across the nation.

Identification of minorities: SC gives 6 weeks to Raj, T'gana, J-K for reply

Identification of minorities: SC gives 6 weeks to Raj, T'gana, J-K for reply

Rediff.com10 Apr 2023

Additional solicitor general KM Nataraj, appearing for the Centre, told a bench of Justices SK Kaul and A Amanullah that responses were still awaited from Rajasthan and Telanagana.

'Kashmiri Youth Don't Want To Die'

'Kashmiri Youth Don't Want To Die'

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

'...or go to jail.' 'The government is getting them silenced.'

Govt nods new finance panel to decide central, states' tax spread

Govt nods new finance panel to decide central, states' tax spread

Rediff.com29 Nov 2023

The government has approved the 'Terms of Reference' for the 16 Finance Commission, which makes recommendations on sharing of tax revenues between the Centre and states. The recommendations would cover a five-year period commencing April 1, 2026, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said on Wednesday, giving details about the decisions taken at the Cabinet meeting last evening. The commission would submit its report by October 31, 2025, Thakur said.

Beginning Of The End For Trump?

Beginning Of The End For Trump?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

Unless Donald Trump takes a major U turn, this is possibly the beginning of the end for Trumpian politics, argues Colonel Anil A Athale (retd). Unless President Trump takes a major U turn, this is possibly the 'beginning of the end' for Trumpian politics driven by TV trp's, points out Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

India, Pakistan exchange nuclear installations list

India, Pakistan exchange nuclear installations list

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

India and Pakistan exchanged lists of their nuclear installations on Wednesday, fulfilling a decades-old agreement that prohibits attacks on each other's atomic facilities. The exchange took place amid strained relations between the two countries over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism. The agreement, signed in 1988, mandates the annual exchange of such lists, which has occurred for the 34th consecutive year.

Rs 10 lakh bounty on Bishnoi's brother for order to 'kill Salman'

Rs 10 lakh bounty on Bishnoi's brother for order to 'kill Salman'

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

The NIA has announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, officials said on Friday.

Viksit Bharat@2047 is an ambition of every Indian: PM

Viksit Bharat@2047 is an ambition of every Indian: PM

Rediff.com27 Jul 2024

Making India a developed nation by 2047 is an ambition of every Indian, and states can play an active role in achieving this aim as they are directly connected with the people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday. Modi is chairing the 9th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog.

Centre asks 5 states to control emerging Covid surge

Centre asks 5 states to control emerging Covid surge

Rediff.com20 Apr 2022

Laxity at any level may nullify the gains achieved in COVID management so far, he underlined.

Some states saw higher inflation than national average, shows data

Some states saw higher inflation than national average, shows data

Rediff.com17 Apr 2024

Many individual states experienced higher inflation than the all-India figures during the financial year 2023-24 (FY24). Retail inflation figures in Telangana, Haryana, Rajasthan and Dadra and Nagar Haveli have been higher than national numbers every month of this financial year, shows a Business Standard analysis of state-wise figures, after the March inflation data was released on Friday. Experts noted that persistent high food inflation along with differences in the weights of rural and urban indices plays into the regional variation in inflation rates.

21 cases of JN.1 sub-variant found in 3 states

21 cases of JN.1 sub-variant found in 3 states

Rediff.com20 Dec 2023

As many as 21 cases of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 have been detected across the country till now, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul said on Wednesday but asserted that there was no need to panic.

Census to begin next year, no decision on caste data

Census to begin next year, no decision on caste data

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

The much-delayed decadal census exercise and the work to update the National Population Register (NPR) are likely to begin early 2025 and the data will be declared by 2026, thus changing future census cycles completely, official sources said.

India's Two Front War Challenge

India's Two Front War Challenge

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

The Chinese see no need to fight directly. They have an able and willing proxy in Pakistan, points out Shekhar Gupta.

Be ready to receive first supply of COVID-19 vaccine: Govt to states

Be ready to receive first supply of COVID-19 vaccine: Govt to states

Rediff.com7 Jan 2021

The further distribution of vaccine to the districts will be done as per the registered beneficiaries, for which a separate communication will be done shortly, the letter stated.

Majority Of Police Support Use Of Force And Torture

Majority Of Police Support Use Of Force And Torture

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

The Kerala police were the most sensitised to the rights of those arrested while that of Jharkhand and Gujarat the least.

Cyber commando unit on home ministry's 100-day agenda

Cyber commando unit on home ministry's 100-day agenda

Rediff.com25 Jun 2024

These "cyber commandos" will be different from personnel at cyber police stations and will work with local administration to tackle cyber threats.

10 state assemblies face polls around same time as Lok Sabha

10 state assemblies face polls around same time as Lok Sabha

Rediff.com1 Sep 2023

The constitution of a committee by the Centre to explore the feasibility of "one nation, one election" has opened up the possibility of Lok Sabha polls being advanced so that they could be held with a string of state assembly polls.

Will US extradite Lawrence Bishnoi's brother to India?

Will US extradite Lawrence Bishnoi's brother to India?

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, has been arrested by US law enforcement authorities in Iowa. He is wanted in connection with several criminal cases in India, including the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique and the firing outside actor Salman Khan's Mumbai home.

'Modiji Has Tamed The People Of India'

'Modiji Has Tamed The People Of India'

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

'The BJP has killed public anger. They have killed people's self-respect.'

870 Mn Accessed Internet In Indian Languages

870 Mn Accessed Internet In Indian Languages

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

Among urban users, 57 per cent mentioned a preference for accessing Internet content in vernacular languages.

2 crore more houses to be constructed under PM Awas Yojana

2 crore more houses to be constructed under PM Awas Yojana

Rediff.com10 Aug 2024

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday approved the proposal of the Department of Rural Development for construction of two crore more houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G). The Cabinet approved the 'Implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin during FY 2024-25 to 2028-29,"which prescribes for the construction of two crore more houses at existing unit assistance of Rs 1.20 lakh in plain areas and Rs 1.30 lakh in North Eastern Region States and Hill States of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, according to an official statement.

LS POLL FINAL RESULTS: NDA 293, INDIA 233

LS POLL FINAL RESULTS: NDA 293, INDIA 233

Rediff.com5 Jun 2024

Here are the number of seats won by parties in all states and Union Territories in the Lok Sabha elections.

Farooq Abdullah's message to Pakistan after Gulmarg attack

Farooq Abdullah's message to Pakistan after Gulmarg attack

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Friday said attacks like the one in Gulmarg would continue to occur until India and Pakistan found a way to be friends and that would end Jammu and Kashmir's troubles.

When will assembly polls be held in J-K? CEC says...

When will assembly polls be held in J-K? CEC says...

Rediff.com16 Mar 2024

All parties in Jammu and Kashmir said the assembly election should be held with the parliamentary polls, but the entire administrative machinery said it cannot be done simultaneously

Centre gives more powers to JK L-G; Oppn slams move

Centre gives more powers to JK L-G; Oppn slams move

Rediff.com13 Jul 2024

The L-G will take decisions on police, officers of all-India services such as the IAS and the IPS, and giving sanction for prosecution in various cases.

'No-detention policy' for classes 5, 8 scrapped in central schools

'No-detention policy' for classes 5, 8 scrapped in central schools

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

The Indian government has scrapped the 'no-detention policy' for classes 5 and 8 in schools it governs. This means that students in these classes who do not pass the year-end exams will be allowed to fail. The decision comes after the amendment to the Right to Education Act (RTE) in 2019, which has already led to 18 states and union territories doing away with the 'no-detention policy' for the two classes. The new policy will be implemented in over 3,000 schools run by the central government, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navaodyala Vidyalayas, and Sainik Schools.

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.

Union ministers submit reports to PMO on implementation of schemes in J-K

Union ministers submit reports to PMO on implementation of schemes in J-K

Rediff.com12 Feb 2020

As many as 37 central ministers visited Jammu and Kashmir to assess the ground situation and interact with people on various development schemes. Over 30 of them have submitted their reports to the Home Ministry and those were forwarded to the PMO recently, a government official said.

It's Time to Update Army Regiment Names

It's Time to Update Army Regiment Names

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

>The Indian Army still uses old British-era names and recruits soldiers based on caste or region, which hurts national unity, argues Colonel K Thammayya Udupa (retd).

DMK secures big win in Erode East bypoll, boosts party for assembly polls

DMK secures big win in Erode East bypoll, boosts party for assembly polls

Rediff.com9 Feb 2025

The ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu has won the Erode East bypoll with a massive margin, defeating actor-politician Seeman's NTK. The victory is seen as a boost for the DMK ahead of next year's Assembly elections. DMK candidate V C Chandhirakumar trounced Naam Tamilar Katchi's (NTK) M K Seethalakshmi by a margin of 91,558 votes, leading to the NTK forfeiting its deposit. Chief Minister and DMK president Stalin attributed the win to the DMK government's good governance, while AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami termed it a "fake" victory. The bypoll was necessitated due to the death of Congress MLA EVKS Elangovan last year.

Odisha reports first case as India's JN.1 Covid variant tally rises to 196

Odisha reports first case as India's JN.1 Covid variant tally rises to 196

Rediff.com1 Jan 2024

Ten states and Union Territories have so far detected the presence of the JN.1 sub-variant of the virus.

Exit polls: Cong to wrest Haryana from BJP; NC-Cong ahead in JK

Exit polls: Cong to wrest Haryana from BJP; NC-Cong ahead in JK

Rediff.com5 Oct 2024

The results of the assembly elections will be announced on October 8.

J&K: The Message Is Loud And Clear...

J&K: The Message Is Loud And Clear...

Rediff.com9 Oct 2024

There is a limit to ignoring genuine aspirations of the people and suppressing their legitimate voice in running the affairs of the state, notes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

Cyclone Fengal causes unprecedented rainfall in Pondy

Cyclone Fengal causes unprecedented rainfall in Pondy

Rediff.com1 Dec 2024

After making landfall near Puducherry on November 30, Cyclone Fengal weakened on Sunday, but torrential downpour under its influence paralysed the union territory, with the Army stepping in to evacuate stranded persons in inundated streets.