News for 'The Union'

UHI: Revolutionising Healthcare Access Across India

UHI: Revolutionising Healthcare Access Across India

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Union Health Minister J P Nadda has launched the Unified Health Interface (UHI), an interoperable digital network under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). UHI aims to connect patients and healthcare providers across various digital platforms, addressing fragmentation in India's digital health ecosystem and improving access to verified services, especially in rural areas.

CJP protest: Wangchuk loses 6 kg as fast enters 8th day

CJP protest: Wangchuk loses 6 kg as fast enters 8th day

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and government accountability over alleged examination irregularities, entered its 16th day on Sunday, while it was the eighth day of an indefinite hunger strike announced by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has lost around six kg since beginning the fast.

Saptapadi essential for Hindu marriage, not just registration: HC

Saptapadi essential for Hindu marriage, not just registration: HC

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

The Gujarat High Court has ruled that the performance of customary rites and ceremonies, particularly 'saptapadi', is essential for the validation of a Hindu marriage, stating that registration alone is insufficient. The court emphasised that marriage is a sacrament and not merely a social occasion, highlighting the spiritual and legal significance of traditional rituals.

As Ram temple trust meets, chairman says 'deeply hurt'

As Ram temple trust meets, chairman says 'deeply hurt'

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust held a crucial meeting in Ayodhya to deliberate on the resignations of general secretary Champat Rai and member Anil Mishra, following allegations of embezzlement of donations. The meeting also reviewed the ongoing SIT probe into the alleged theft.

Delhi High Court Affirms EFI's Asian Games Dressage Team Selection

Delhi High Court Affirms EFI's Asian Games Dressage Team Selection

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Delhi High Court has upheld the Equestrian Federation of India's (EFI) selection process for the Asian Games dressage team, dismissing petitions from riders Anush Agarwalla and Sudipti Hajela. The court found no arbitrariness or procedural impropriety, reinforcing the principle that judicial interference in expert selection bodies is limited. Challenges regarding Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs), criteria interpretation, and bias were all rejected.

'Only one Shiv Sena exists': Shah's dig at Uddhav

'Only one Shiv Sena exists': Shah's dig at Uddhav

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, accusing him of aligning with Congress to use infiltrators as a vote bank. Shah asserted that India is not a "dharmashala" and vowed to expel all infiltrators. He also commented on the impending split within the Sena (UBT), stating that Eknath Shinde now leads the only true Shiv Sena.

Punjab Minister: 'Very Wrong To Ban Satluj'

Punjab Minister: 'Very Wrong To Ban Satluj'

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

'Propaganda films that the BJP makes, whether it's The Kerala Story or others, are shown wherever elections occur as part of their propaganda. But real-time human rights violations... If such things don't come on a public platform, how will correction occur?'

Jodie Foster Believes Brad Pitt's 'F1' Was Made With Artificial Intelligence

Jodie Foster Believes Brad Pitt's 'F1' Was Made With Artificial Intelligence

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Hollywood veteran Jodie Foster has controversially suggested that Brad Pitt's recent film "F1" was created using Artificial Intelligence, citing its formulaic structure and dialogue. She discussed the growing influence of AI in the film industry, acknowledging its potential to replace jobs but also its utility if filmmakers can control the technology.

Wangchuk begins hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, khap leaders join CJP protest

Wangchuk begins hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, khap leaders join CJP protest

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Before sitting on the fast, Wangchuk, along with CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, visited Rajghat and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

Monsoon fury: Several dead across country, red alert in Palghar

Monsoon fury: Several dead across country, red alert in Palghar

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Monsoon rains have unleashed widespread destruction across India, claiming seven lives in Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka due to landslides and floods, while heavy downpours have disrupted normal life and triggered red alerts in Maharashtra and other regions.

Gulf Crisis: How India Avoided Economic Turmoil

Gulf Crisis: How India Avoided Economic Turmoil

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Not a single retail outlet ran dry. Every household that wanted a cylinder got one. India faced neither a 1991 moment nor a 2013 one. Macroeconomic stability held. This was not an accident, and it was not luck alone. It was the work of a government that chose to act as it had during the pandemic -- deliberately and gradually, building one measure upon another rather than reaching for a single dramatic lever, explains V Anantha Nageswaran, chief economic advisor to the Government of India.

NEET-PG 2026: What Happened To The Zero Percentile Policy?

NEET-PG 2026: What Happened To The Zero Percentile Policy?

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

One of the most important provisions this year is that qualifying NEET-PG does not automatically guarantee participation in counselling.

HC orders removal of false info on judges' London badminton trip

HC orders removal of false info on judges' London badminton trip

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The Delhi high court has ordered social media companies and online service providers to remove 'false' information circulating online about Indian judges and Union ministers allegedly participating in a badminton tournament in London at taxpayers' expense. The court deemed the content malicious and a systematic misinformation campaign aimed at undermining the judiciary and executive.

Day 3 of BEST strike: Special buses for NEET re-exam

Day 3 of BEST strike: Special buses for NEET re-exam

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking arranged special bus services for students appearing in the NEET re-examination in Mumbai, deploying 60 buses on 24 routes for approximately 180 trips, despite an ongoing strike by its employees that has paralysed public transport.

'Sidelined' Manish Tewari decries Punjab Cong snub with cryptic post

'Sidelined' Manish Tewari decries Punjab Cong snub with cryptic post

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Congress leader Manish Tewari expressed his disappointment after being overlooked in the recent Punjab Congress reshuffle for upcoming assembly polls, posting a cryptic message on X about "insecurities of individuals and institutions" while reaffirming his loyalty to the party. The reshuffle saw key appointments for election committees, including Charanjit Singh Channi as Campaign Committee chairman, but notably excluded Tewari.

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.

Controversial SIR included in NCERT's Class 9 textbook

Controversial SIR included in NCERT's Class 9 textbook

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The NCERT's Class 9 Social Science textbook now includes the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, explaining its purpose to ensure accurate voter lists. The textbook also commends the Election Commission of India (ECI) for conducting impartial polls despite challenges, highlighting the scale and autonomy of India's electoral process.

Meghalaya 'Bans' Quick Commerce

Meghalaya 'Bans' Quick Commerce

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

At the heart of the decision is concern over the survival of Meghalaya's neighbourhood retailers.

Khamenei Funeral Signals Shift In India-Iran Relations

Khamenei Funeral Signals Shift In India-Iran Relations

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

It is an unusual choice to depute a retired general for the funeral of a revered religious figure but a thoughtful one in an attempt to inject verve into the bilateral relationship and restore the equilibrium in India's West Asian policies, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Maneka Gandhi vs Jains: Peacock feather remarks spark row; complaints filed

Maneka Gandhi vs Jains: Peacock feather remarks spark row; complaints filed

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

A row has erupted over former Union minister Maneka Gandhi's appeal to the Jain community to stop using 'picchis' (sacred broom) made of peacock feathers, claiming that their demand fuels illegal wildlife trade.

'US Thought They Could Pressurise India'

'US Thought They Could Pressurise India'

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

'They talked bad about our leaders. They said India was a dead economy. They were not sensitive to the Indian psyche.'

Hyderabad sees high-voltage drama as Cong ministers, BRS leaders lock horns

Hyderabad sees high-voltage drama as Cong ministers, BRS leaders lock horns

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

A high drama unfolded in Hyderabad on Thursday as ministers of the Congress government arrived at the Telangana Martyrs' Memorial to engage in a public debate with the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi leaders over allegations of scams and debt accumulation that both the ruling and opposition parties have raised against each other.

Mumbai's BEST bus services remain below normal despite strike recall

Mumbai's BEST bus services remain below normal despite strike recall

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Despite BEST employees calling off their indefinite strike, Mumbai's bus services remained significantly below normal on Monday morning, with only 57% of the scheduled fleet operational. Commuters experienced long waits, leading many to seek alternative transport. The strike ended after an agreement with Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, which included interim pay hikes and commitments for future improvements and clearing dues.

Nagaland postpones yoga day events to Monday after widespread opposition

Nagaland postpones yoga day events to Monday after widespread opposition

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The Nagaland government has postponed its official International Day of Yoga programme from Sunday to Monday following significant opposition from student bodies, tribal organisations, churches, and political groups. These groups cited religious sentiments in the Christian-majority state against holding the event on a Sunday.

Govt explores 50% LS seat hike to break delimitation deadlock

Govt explores 50% LS seat hike to break delimitation deadlock

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Indian government is reportedly developing new proposals to increase Lok Sabha seats by 50 per cent across all states. This initiative aims to address concerns from southern states regarding potential political power reduction due to population-based delimitation, while also facilitating the operationalisation of the women's quota law before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

TMC power battle explodes as Ritabrata-led rebel camp captures party HQ

TMC power battle explodes as Ritabrata-led rebel camp captures party HQ

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

A rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, has taken control of the party's organisational headquarters in Kolkata. This move follows their claim to the party's name and symbol before the Election Commission, intensifying the power struggle with the Mamata Banerjee-led faction. Both sides are now preparing submissions for the Election Commission regarding the party's control.

Now rebel TMC camp approaches EC, stakes claim over party

Now rebel TMC camp approaches EC, stakes claim over party

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

A rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, has formally staked claim to the party's name and symbol before the Election Commission, alleging widespread support and opposing the current leadership's "dynastic politics." The main TMC leadership has strongly criticised the Election Commission for granting an audience to expelled members, accusing the BJP of influencing the poll body.

Centre tightens FCRA rules for NGOs receiving foreign funds

Centre tightens FCRA rules for NGOs receiving foreign funds

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

The Indian government has amended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) rules, introducing stricter regulations for NGOs receiving foreign funds. Key changes include mandatory selection of predefined purposes and areas of operation, restrictions on foreign nationals as key functionaries, and explicit exclusion of proselytisation from certain faith-based activities. The amendments also introduce minimum spending limits, enhanced financial accountability, and increased transparency requirements, including social media disclosure and ultimate donor identification.

'Methyl Isocyanate of law': SC flags AI-hallucinated judgments

'Methyl Isocyanate of law': SC flags AI-hallucinated judgments

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court of India has issued a strong warning against the use of "non-existent, fake, and hallucinated" judgements generated by artificial intelligence (AI), likening it to "the release of methyl Isocyanate in the province of law and justice: invisible, insidious, and catastrophic." The court set aside an NCLT verdict that relied on such AI-generated precedents.

Bengaluru triple murder: Techie's live-in partner held in Puducherry

Bengaluru triple murder: Techie's live-in partner held in Puducherry

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Police have arrested the live-in partner of a techie, who was previously apprehended, in connection with the alleged triple murder of her parents and younger sister in Bengaluru. The co-accused, Kenneth, was traced and detained in Puducherry, with investigators suspecting the motive stemmed from the victims' disapproval of the couple's relationship.

FIFA World Cup: 'If it was Messi, no red card' ex-US star sparks controversy

FIFA World Cup: 'If it was Messi, no red card' ex-US star sparks controversy

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

After the US's win in the round of 32 fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which involved striker Flo Balogun being shown a red card and sent off after a tackle with an opponent, former US footballer Alexi Lalas questioned why Argentina superstar Lionel Messi escaped any notice

GST @ 10: Focus Shifts To AI-Led Compliance, Faster Refunds, Simpler Tax

GST @ 10: Focus Shifts To AI-Led Compliance, Faster Refunds, Simpler Tax

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

As India marks a decade of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the focus is shifting towards enhancing efficiency through artificial intelligence, data sharing, and process simplification. The reform, which unified India's indirect tax system, has significantly broadened the tax base and boosted revenues, with future plans including a streamlined two-tier rate structure and continued technological integration to reduce compliance costs and combat evasion.

Vijay's government to hold social justice survey, move court for financial devolution

Vijay's government to hold social justice survey, move court for financial devolution

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Tamil Nadu Governor RV Arlekar announced that the TVK regime, led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, will take steps to ensure fair financial devolution from the Centre, including pursuing the matter in the Supreme Court. The government also plans to conduct a 'Social Justice Survey' and address the state's severe financial deterioration.

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Recent BJP organisational moves and Rajya Sabha nominations have sparked speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may soon undertake a ministerial reshuffle.

West Bengal Trader Files Complaint Against TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee

West Bengal Trader Files Complaint Against TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

A trader in Siliguri, West Bengal, has lodged a police complaint against Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee for alleged provocative remarks made during the recent Assembly polls, targeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

India bags first-ever vice presidency of Paris-based financial watchdog FATF

India bags first-ever vice presidency of Paris-based financial watchdog FATF

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

India was on Friday accorded the vice presidency of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global body that sets standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing, for the first time.

Cough syrups to be available only with doctor's prescription

Cough syrups to be available only with doctor's prescription

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

The Union Health Ministry has amended drug rules, making it mandatory to have a doctor's prescription for the sale of all syrups, including cough syrups. This move aims to enhance regulatory oversight and patient safety following concerns over drug quality and contamination-linked deaths.

22 lakh take NEET re-exam today, Pradhan urges calm

22 lakh take NEET re-exam today, Pradhan urges calm

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urged 22 lakh students appearing for the NEET re-exam to do so "fearlessly and free of anxiety," while the National Testing Agency (NTA) reminded candidates to download fresh admit cards and adhere to entry guidelines.

'Won't leave Jantar Mantar until...': Cockroach Party founder

'Won't leave Jantar Mantar until...': Cockroach Party founder

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by Abhijit Dipke, is staging a protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and repeated paper leaks. Dipke has stated he will not leave until their demands are met and has requested Delhi Police to extend permission for the ongoing demonstration.

Rebel MPs still in touch, scared of voters' wrath, says Raut

Rebel MPs still in touch, scared of voters' wrath, says Raut

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has claimed that some dissident MPs are in contact with the party due to fear of public anger in their constituencies, with talks ongoing with at least two. He also criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan, who had made remarks about the Shiv Sena's legitimacy and the involvement of central investigative agencies. Raut asserted that there is only one Shiv Sena, led by Uddhav Thackeray.