News for 'The Union'

Discounts drive Russian oil imports to new high

Discounts drive Russian oil imports to new high

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

India's crude oil imports from Russia reached a record high of approximately 2.73 million barrels per day (mbpd) in June, driven by discounts of $2-5 a barrel. This surge comes as the West Asia crisis disrupted supplies from traditional sources and China reduced its own purchases, leading Russia to offer more favourable terms to India.

Govt restores commercial LPG supplies as West Asia crisis eases

Govt restores commercial LPG supplies as West Asia crisis eases

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The government on Thursday restored liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies to commercial consumers such as hotels, restaurants and other businesses to pre-crisis levels, and lifted sector-specific restrictions imposed during the recent West Asia conflict, in a sign that energy supply concerns are easing as global markets stabilise.

Union minister Pradhan wants Mahakal Standard Time to replace GMT

Union minister Pradhan wants Mahakal Standard Time to replace GMT

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has advocated for the establishment of 'Mahakal Standard Time' (MST), citing Ujjain's historical significance as a centre for time calculation and astronomy.

Namo Cities: Delhi's decongestion dream faces the test of execution

Namo Cities: Delhi's decongestion dream faces the test of execution

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister's announcement of four 'Namo Cities' aims to decentralise development and decongest Delhi, but experts warn that the initiative may face execution challenges similar to previous urbanisation plans due to inadequate coordination among NCR states.

TMC crisis deepens as Sudip Bandyopadhyay meets BJP leaders

TMC crisis deepens as Sudip Bandyopadhyay meets BJP leaders

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay's meeting with Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and allegedly with Home Minister Amit Shah has ignited fresh political speculation about his potential defection and the formation of a dissident parliamentary faction, further deepening the turmoil within the Mamata Banerjee-led party.

Government's Big Plans For North East Oil Exploration

Government's Big Plans For North East Oil Exploration

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

A tripartite pact -- amid the promise of removing AFSPA from almost all of the North East -- revives hydrocarbon exploration along the Assam-Nagaland border after decades of dormancy.

Cabinet passes resolution lauding Modi for 4,399-days record

Cabinet passes resolution lauding Modi for 4,399-days record

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Union Cabinet applauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for becoming India's longest continuously serving elected Prime Minister, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru's record. Modi first took office in 2014, was re-elected in 2019, and began his third consecutive term in June 2024.

Does Trouble Follow Dharmendra Pradhan?

Does Trouble Follow Dharmendra Pradhan?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Mr Pradhan is not an especially charismatic leader or a brilliant orator, but his understanding of realpolitik and organisational dynamics makes him the ultimate party man, points out Aditi Phadnis.

BJP revamp buzz grows as reshuffle speculation swirls

BJP revamp buzz grows as reshuffle speculation swirls

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The BJP team under the new national president Nitin Nabin, who took charge in January, is expected to be announced within this month, with sources suggesting that some holding positions in the government may move to the party.

Centre rejects reports of UPSC Prelims paper leak

Centre rejects reports of UPSC Prelims paper leak

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

The Indian government has officially refuted social media claims regarding a leak of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination question paper. The Press Information Bureau's Fact Check wing labelled these allegations as "fake," clarifying that an institute's backdated answer key explanations were misinterpreted, not indicative of a leak.

FIR against Mamata Banerjee for 'provocative remarks'

FIR against Mamata Banerjee for 'provocative remarks'

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

An FIR has been registered against former West Bengal chief minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee for allegedly making provocative remarks during the last assembly poll campaign, with a complaint stating her comments were 'capable of promoting enmity between communities'.

Gorakhpur Protest: CJP Members Detained Over Pradhan Effigy

Gorakhpur Protest: CJP Members Detained Over Pradhan Effigy

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Three members of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) were detained in Gorakhpur for attempting to burn an effigy of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan during a protest against alleged examination irregularities.

Court Orders Case Against 69 Indian Bank Staff In Rs 5 Crore Embezzlement

Court Orders Case Against 69 Indian Bank Staff In Rs 5 Crore Embezzlement

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Police in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, have registered a case against 69 former and serving officers and employees of an Indian Bank branch for allegedly embezzling nearly Rs 5 crore from a union account. The case was filed following a court order after the accused failed to return the embezzled funds despite an earlier undertaking.

Will be in trouble if I speak truth: BJP leader on Ram temple fund row

Will be in trouble if I speak truth: BJP leader on Ram temple fund row

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

BJP leader and former MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has claimed knowledge of alleged misuse and theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, stating he is not yet ready to reveal the truth due to powerful individuals involved. He also commented on the NEET paper leak controversy, defending the Union Education Minister.

BJP's Rajya Sabha Picks Spark Cabinet Reshuffle Talk

BJP's Rajya Sabha Picks Spark Cabinet Reshuffle Talk

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The BJP has announced 11 candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls, notably omitting Union ministers Ravneet Singh Bittu and George Kurian, whose terms end soon. This decision, alongside other recent appointments, has fuelled speculation about an imminent Cabinet reshuffle. The list includes new faces and senior party leaders from various states.

CJP to launch nationwide protests on Thursday

CJP to launch nationwide protests on Thursday

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced a nationwide agitation, starting in Pune on June 11, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged failures in conducting examinations. The group has warned of an indefinite sit-in at Delhi's Jantar Mantar from June 20 if their demand is not met.

Attack On Indian Sailors: Is India Rewriting Its US Playbook?

Attack On Indian Sailors: Is India Rewriting Its US Playbook?

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

India's foreign policy establishment is adjusting with alacrity in real time -- an extraordinary spectacle in itself, considering the manifest reluctance to indulge in public diplomacy critical of American moves, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Amid TMC split, LS speaker gave Abhishek Banerjee just 2-hour notice

Amid TMC split, LS speaker gave Abhishek Banerjee just 2-hour notice

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will hear both the defected TMC MPs and the faction led by Mamata Banerjee before deciding on recognising the breakaway group's proposed merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI).

A decade after Brexit, Britain prepares for seventh PM

A decade after Brexit, Britain prepares for seventh PM

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

A referendum 10 years ago on this day set the United Kingdom on a new path as a non-member of the European Union (EU) and the turmoil of that Brexit vote continues to play out as the country prepares for its seventh prime minister in a decade.

West Bengal CID Takes Over Probe Into Abhishek Banerjee's Alleged Inflammatory Statements

West Bengal CID Takes Over Probe Into Abhishek Banerjee's Alleged Inflammatory Statements

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The West Bengal CID has taken over the investigation into alleged inflammatory statements made by TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee during the assembly election campaign. An FIR was registered against Banerjee based on a complaint alleging provocative comments on post-poll violence and vote counting, with links to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The CID will now examine all evidence and proceed with the investigation.

3 Indian tankers cross Hormuz safely as Iran shuts it again

3 Indian tankers cross Hormuz safely as Iran shuts it again

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Three Indian-flagged crude oil tankers, Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor, and Sanmar Herald, successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz and are en route to India, even as Iran announced the closure of the critical waterway following Israeli strikes in Lebanon.

Can Dinesh Trivedi Reset India-Bangladesh Ties?

Can Dinesh Trivedi Reset India-Bangladesh Ties?

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Dinesh Trivedi's experience as a businessperson and his fluency in Bengali are expected to be crucial in strengthening India-Bangladesh relations, particularly in attracting Indian investments to Dhaka.

Noida International Airport takes flight, IndiGo makes inaugural landing

Noida International Airport takes flight, IndiGo makes inaugural landing

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Noida International Airport has officially commenced flight operations with an IndiGo flight from Lucknow making the inaugural landing, followed by a takeoff to Lucknow, carrying 172 villagers whose land was acquired for the project.

Pressure mounts on UK PM Starmer as Burnham emerges as challenger

Pressure mounts on UK PM Starmer as Burnham emerges as challenger

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Keir Starmer has come under mounting pressure to resign as the leader of the Labour Party to pave the way for Andy Burnham to take over as the new British Prime Minister.

Dipke seeks support of farmers, NEET candidates as CJP stir enters Day 2

Dipke seeks support of farmers, NEET candidates as CJP stir enters Day 2

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

On the second day of the protest at Jantar Mantar, Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke sought farmers' support to the youth-led agitation over alleged examination irregularities, NEET paper leak and the demand for education minister's resignation.

India May Need New Legal Framework For AI, Says Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

India May Need New Legal Framework For AI, Says Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw indicates India may require a new legal framework for Artificial Intelligence, as the current IT law predates AI's rapid emergence. The government aims to balance innovation with regulation, engaging with the industry to ensure citizen safety while fostering technological growth.

Tirupati's Balaji Set to Arrive in North East India

Tirupati's Balaji Set to Arrive in North East India

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has acquired a 10 acre plot in Assam, paving the way for construction of the first Sri Venkateswara temple in North East India.

BJP eyeing 2/3rd majority to end reservations: Jairam Ramesh

BJP eyeing 2/3rd majority to end reservations: Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh has alleged that the BJP's "real and ultimate target" in seeking a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha is to amend the Constitution to end reservation, rather than genuinely implement women's reservation.

Landmark feat: 'Breakthrough' in Zojila tunnel achieved

Landmark feat: 'Breakthrough' in Zojila tunnel achieved

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The Zojila tunnel, a crucial infrastructure project connecting the Kashmir Valley to Ladakh, achieved a significant breakthrough, connecting its two ends and moving closer to providing all-weather connectivity, reducing travel time from 1.5 hours to just 15 minutes.

'Op Tiger' successful, declares Fadnavis; breaking news soon, says Shinde

'Op Tiger' successful, declares Fadnavis; breaking news soon, says Shinde

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Amid the buzz over a split in the ranks of Lok Sabha MPs of Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray through "Operation Tiger", Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said the "operation" has been successful. His deputy and Shiv Sena president Eknath Shinde said he never leaves an operation incomplete.

Cockroach party's Dipke warns of bigger stir if Pradhan doesn't quit by June 13

Cockroach party's Dipke warns of bigger stir if Pradhan doesn't quit by June 13

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), has announced plans for nationwide protests if Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan does not resign by June 13 over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment tests, following a peaceful agitation at Jantar Mantar.

Keir Starmer resigns as British PM, Andy Burnham likely successor

Keir Starmer resigns as British PM, Andy Burnham likely successor

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

British Prime Minister and Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has announced his resignation, stating he will remain in post until a successor is elected by mid-July. The decision follows questions from his parliamentary party regarding his leadership for the next general election, with Andy Burnham widely tipped as a potential successor.

Govt restricts bulk petrol, diesel purchases from retail pumps

Govt restricts bulk petrol, diesel purchases from retail pumps

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Indian government has restricted industrial, commercial, and institutional users from purchasing petrol and diesel from retail petrol pumps, directing them to bulk sale points instead. This move, which can last up to 90 days, aims to address abnormal demand growth and prevent localised shortages caused by a significant price difference between retail and bulk fuel prices.

SC refuses urgent hearing on two NEET-UG re-test pleas

SC refuses urgent hearing on two NEET-UG re-test pleas

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has declined an urgent hearing on petitions challenging the June 21 NEET-UG 2026 re-test, stating that all related matters will be heard by Justice P S Narasimha's bench in July. Students are seeking reconsideration of the re-test date due to mental trauma, inadequate preparation time, and concerns over examination integrity following the cancellation of the original May 3 exam.

Police Drop Attempted Murder Charge Against KSU Activists

Police Drop Attempted Murder Charge Against KSU Activists

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Kerala Police have dropped attempted murder charges against Kerala Students' Union (KSU) activists accused of assaulting former Health Minister Veena George, citing lack of evidence. The charge sheet, filed after a detailed investigation including CCTV footage review, retains other offences like unlawful assembly and voluntarily causing hurt.

Pune Grand Tour Set To Become World's Fourth Grand Tour With UCI Support

Pune Grand Tour Set To Become World's Fourth Grand Tour With UCI Support

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has pledged its full support to establish the Pune Grand Tour as the world's fourth Grand Tour, aiming to transform it into a leading global sports tourism destination. The UCI praised the event's quality, crowd discipline, and rapid execution, committing expertise for its long-term growth and grassroots cycling development in India.

Govt Ratifies 8.25% EPF Interest for FY'26, Credit Expected This Month

Govt Ratifies 8.25% EPF Interest for FY'26, Credit Expected This Month

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The Indian government has ratified an 8.25 per cent interest rate on Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) deposits for the financial year 2025-26, with over seven crore contributing members expected to see this credited to their accounts this month.

Vidisha To Get Tata Memorial Hospital Unit For Cancer Treatment

Vidisha To Get Tata Memorial Hospital Unit For Cancer Treatment

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced plans to establish a unit of the Tata Memorial Hospital in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, to provide advanced cancer treatment locally. He also inaugurated a free cancer screening camp and urged public awareness about early detection and prevention, including a social movement against substance abuse.

NEET heat on Pradhan: CJP gets police nod for second Delhi stir on Saturday

NEET heat on Pradhan: CJP gets police nod for second Delhi stir on Saturday

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced plans for a protest at Jantar Mantar on June 20, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy. The party highlighted student suicides linked to the issue and called for compensation for affected families.

India sees 41% rainfall deficit from June 4 to 18 as monsoon advance stalls

India sees 41% rainfall deficit from June 4 to 18 as monsoon advance stalls

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

With the southwest monsoon stalled over southern Maharashtra, India is facing a nationwide rainfall deficit of 41 percent between June 4 and June 18, according to the latest India meteorological department (IMD) data.