News for 'The Union'

PoK people would've joined India before 2019: Omar on Independence Day

PoK people would've joined India before 2019: Omar on Independence Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has renewed his call for the restoration of special status and statehood to the region, asserting that the decision to accede to India 80 years ago was correct. He highlighted the importance of upholding India's federal structure and suggested that if Article 370 hadn't been revoked, PoK residents might be seeking reunification. Abdullah also criticised centralised governance models, arguing they erode state autonomy.

SC to hear Rahul's plea against HC order in assets case

SC to hear Rahul's plea against HC order in assets case

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has approached the Supreme Court to challenge an Allahabad High Court order that directed the CBI and ED to verify allegations of disproportionate assets against him. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter on August 17. The Allahabad High Court had expressed dissatisfaction with the CBI's progress and ordered a fresh affidavit, also allowing the ED to proceed if illegality was found during its inquiry. The case stems from a plea by a BJP worker alleging disproportionate assets and dual citizenship.

Modi seeks unity on women's quota in Independence Day address

Modi seeks unity on women's quota in Independence Day address

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to opposition parties to support the delimitation-linked Women's Reservation Bill, highlighting its 40-year struggle. The bill aims to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures and increase Lok Sabha seats, requiring a two-thirds majority for passage. Despite previous setbacks and ongoing efforts to secure numbers, the government continues to push for this crucial legislation.

Drug kingpin Virender Singh Basoya to be extradited to India

Drug kingpin Virender Singh Basoya to be extradited to India

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

In a significant victory against international drug trafficking, India has secured the return of fugitive drug kingpin Virender Singh Basoya from the UAE.

TN to opposes Centre's delimitation plan, backs 543-seat Lok Sabha freeze

TN to opposes Centre's delimitation plan, backs 543-seat Lok Sabha freeze

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

A meeting of Tamil Nadu MPs, led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, unanimously decided to oppose the Union government's proposed delimitation exercise, demanding its complete withdrawal and an extension of the delimitation freeze for another 25 years.

Hansraj College Lifts Suspension Of Students' Union Leaders

Hansraj College Lifts Suspension Of Students' Union Leaders

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Hansraj College in Delhi University has revoked the suspension of its students' union office bearers after a disciplinary committee meeting. The suspensions were initially issued to 30 students for various reasons, including misconduct during the college fest and defaming the college on social media.

Season 2 of Jantar Mantar to begin very soon: CJP's Dipke

Season 2 of Jantar Mantar to begin very soon: CJP's Dipke

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has announced a 'Season 2 of Jantar Mantar' protest, alleging that the party faced pressure from the ruling BJP, including threats to hall owners, while trying to secure a venue for a volunteers' meeting in Delhi.

Is UP Governor Needling Yogi?

Is UP Governor Needling Yogi?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

'Some people may not like what I am saying, but shortcomings have to be pointed out. These deficiencies should be rectified within the next three months.' 'This is Gorakhpur, where our CM himself resides. If such shortcomings exist here, then what will happen?'

Ladakh Unveils First International-Level Artificial Ice Hockey Rink

Ladakh Unveils First International-Level Artificial Ice Hockey Rink

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Ladakh has inaugurated its first international-level artificial ice hockey rink, a state-of-the-art facility costing Rs 42 crore. Equipped with a 24x7 chilling system, it allows year-round training, overcoming the previous limitation of a short natural ice season. This development is expected to boost winter sports, nurture local talent, and promote sports tourism in the region.

Lok Sabha to take up anti-paper leak bill today

Lok Sabha to take up anti-paper leak bill today

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Indian Parliament is scheduled for a significant legislative day, with the Lok Sabha set to consider and pass the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. Concurrently, the Rajya Sabha will introduce the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and pass the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, highlighting a busy agenda for both houses.

What Went Wrong At Tata Sons After Ratan Tata?

What Went Wrong At Tata Sons After Ratan Tata?

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Chandrasekaran's exit is more than a change of chairman. It represents the breakdown of the informal consensus that governed the Tata system under Ratan Tata.

Minister Jitendra Singh rebuts Rahul Gandhi's claims on Amit Shah

Minister Jitendra Singh rebuts Rahul Gandhi's claims on Amit Shah

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Union Minister Jitendra Singh refuted Rahul Gandhi's allegations in Lok Sabha that Home Minister Amit Shah ordered firing on students protesting the NEET fiasco. Singh clarified that no bullets were fired, only tear gas was used, and the authority to order firing rests with a magistrate, not a minister. He also dismissed Gandhi's claims about Shah's cavalcade and foreign travel, criticising the opposition leader for making unsubstantiated remarks during a heated parliamentary debate.

Bengal CJP volunteer's father dies after attack, 8 held; BJP role denied

Bengal CJP volunteer's father dies after attack, 8 held; BJP role denied

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party on Sunday demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the alleged assault that led to the death of Janab Mafik, the father of CJP volunteer Shaik Abdul Hafeez, in West Bengal.

Gadkari gets HC nod to sue Meta, X, Google over E20 deepfakes

Gadkari gets HC nod to sue Meta, X, Google over E20 deepfakes

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has received permission from the Bombay High Court to file a civil suit against Meta Platforms, X Corp, Google LLC, and other unknown entities for allegedly circulating 'defamatory' deepfakes and AI-generated content against him.

Ladakh Marathon Announces Historic Rs 1 Crore Prize Pool For 2026 Edition

Ladakh Marathon Announces Historic Rs 1 Crore Prize Pool For 2026 Edition

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The upcoming 2026 Ladakh Marathon will feature a record prize pool of Rs 1 crore, aiming to attract over 10,000 visitors globally. This high-altitude event, scheduled from September 10 to 13, is set to welcome participants from 28 Indian states, six Union Territories, and all six inhabited continents, reinforcing its growing international stature.

Pralhad Joshi appointed as new education minister

Pralhad Joshi appointed as new education minister

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Union Minister Prahlad Joshi has been appointed as the new Education Minister, taking over from Dharmendra Pradhan, whose resignation was accepted by the President. Joshi will hold this portfolio in addition to his current role as Consumer Affairs Minister. Pradhan's resignation follows widespread student protests concerning the NEET paper leak controversy.

RS okays bill to make insulting Vande Mataram a criminal offence

RS okays bill to make insulting Vande Mataram a criminal offence

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Rajya Sabha has passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, making insult to the national song 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence. The bill, which also covers other national symbols, was passed amidst protests from opposition parties regarding the NEET paper leak. Union Minister Nityanand Rai criticised the opposition's stance, emphasising the song's historical significance and its role in national unity.

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.

Why Bank Frauds Keep Rising

Why Bank Frauds Keep Rising

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

'It's not about individuals operating the mule accounts being more or less skilled. Instead, 'lower-level' refers to the role the individual account plays in the broader mule network.'

India Named in US China Transshipment Network

India Named in US China Transshipment Network

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

'All these reports and announcements by the US seem like attempts to gain a lever in trade deal negotiations with India.'

Rahul seeks SC-monitored probe into July 20 crackdown on students

Rahul seeks SC-monitored probe into July 20 crackdown on students

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called for an independent Supreme Court-monitored high-powered committee to investigate alleged brutalities against students during protests. He also demanded the sacking of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of culpability or incompetence regarding the police action, including the use of pellet guns. The BJP has refuted Gandhi's allegations, calling them baseless.

Union minister's son arrested in POCSO case hours after lookout notice

Union minister's son arrested in POCSO case hours after lookout notice

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Bandi Sanjay Kumar's son, Bageerath, has been arrested in connection with a Pocso case. The arrest follows a complaint alleging sexual harassment of a minor. The case has sparked political reactions, with calls for the minister's removal to ensure a fair investigation.

Ladakh LG Enhances Horse Polo Cup Prize Fund

Ladakh LG Enhances Horse Polo Cup Prize Fund

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has significantly increased the prize money for the LG Horse Polo Cup to encourage greater participation in the sport across the union territory. This year's winners will receive Rs one lakh, with plans to further raise the prize to Rs two lakh next season. The recent UT-level championship saw 18 men's and four women's teams compete, with Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre winning the men's title.

'Protest a way of building consensus in a democracy': Bhagwat at Gen Z meet

'Protest a way of building consensus in a democracy': Bhagwat at Gen Z meet

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said protest is a legitimate form of dialogue in a democracy and should be aimed at building consensus rather than creating divisions.

Govt, Opposition blame each other for Parliament washout

Govt, Opposition blame each other for Parliament washout

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

India's Monsoon Session of Parliament concluded with significantly low productivity, marked by frequent disruptions and protests from the Opposition, primarily the Congress, leading to minimal debate on key legislation.

CJP protest: SC clarifies order, allows FIR withdrawal

CJP protest: SC clarifies order, allows FIR withdrawal

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has clarified that 'criminal antecedents' for NEET paper leak protesters refer only to grave and heinous offences, allowing state governments to withdraw FIRs against students not involved in such serious crimes. This comes after the Centre's commitment to not pursue cases against most protesting students.

SC cracks down on cyber fraud, orders RBI SOP on mule accounts

SC cracks down on cyber fraud, orders RBI SOP on mule accounts

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Reserve Bank of India to prepare a standard operating procedure (SOP) within four weeks to deal with bank accounts linked to cyber frauds, including mule accounts. This directive is part of a broader effort to strengthen responses to cyber-enabled financial frauds, with the court also urging states and UTs to adopt and operationalise grievance redressal and money restoration modules.

Amit Shah's debate offer fails to break Parliament logjam

Amit Shah's debate offer fails to break Parliament logjam

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Indian Parliament remains deadlocked as the Opposition, led by the Congress, insists on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reply to discussions on alleged donation theft at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and student protests, rejecting the government's offer for Home Minister Amit Shah to respond.

Tricolour to fly in former Maoist bastions this I-Day: Chhattisgarh CM

Tricolour to fly in former Maoist bastions this I-Day: Chhattisgarh CM

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday said Maoism was once considered difficult to eliminate, but the menace has now been wiped out, and this year the 'Tiranga Yatra' will also reach remote villages and schools in former Maoist strongholds of the state

India's Young Golf Talent Set To Shine At R&A Amateur Championship

India's Young Golf Talent Set To Shine At R&A Amateur Championship

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

A four-member Indian golf team, comprising Harjai Milkha Singh, Ishnidh Singh Virdi, Guntas Kaur Sandhu, and Rashi Mishra, is set to compete in the prestigious R&A Amateur golf championship across two courses in Scotland. The tournament features both boys' and girls' categories, attracting top junior talent globally, with winners earning significant exemptions into major championships.

Mahua Moitra alleges forced eviction from circuit house, writes to Speaker

Mahua Moitra alleges forced eviction from circuit house, writes to Speaker

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

TMC MP Mahua Moitra has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, seeking his intervention after she was allegedly forced to vacate a circuit house in Nadia district, claiming harassment and threatening legal action. She reported a crowd shouting 'Jai Shree Ram' slogans outside the premises after her refusal to leave.

Digital Banking Records Now Admissible As Evidence

Digital Banking Records Now Admissible As Evidence

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Rajya Sabha has passed The Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026, which aims to replace a British-era law and allow digital and virtual records to be admissible as evidence in courts. This legislation aligns with contemporary digital banking practices and extends a uniform evidential framework to various financial entities, including NBFCs and fintech companies. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the bill's role in strengthening public confidence and safeguarding customer privacy. The bill's passage, however, saw an Opposition walkout over unrelated issues.

Jharkhand: 6th round of talks held as student leader's health worsens

Jharkhand: 6th round of talks held as student leader's health worsens

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

The Jharkhand government is holding fresh discussions with student aspirants protesting alleged recruitment exam irregularities, even as the health of key protest leader Devendra Nath Mahto has significantly deteriorated after being on an indefinite hunger strike for about a week.

'Delimitation Bill Is A Done Deal'

'Delimitation Bill Is A Done Deal'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

'The BJP has all the instruments with them and they do have a sense of purpose, so I don't think there will be a challenge.'

6,562 EV Chargers Approved, None Installed Yet

6,562 EV Chargers Approved, None Installed Yet

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

While charger deployment is yet to begin, the scheme has supported the sale of 2.65 million EVs as of July 22.

Bill to increase SC judge strength passed by LS without debate

Bill to increase SC judge strength passed by LS without debate

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Amidst opposition protests, the Lok Sabha has successfully passed a crucial bill to expand the Supreme Court's judicial strength from 34 to 38 judges.

Sonam Wangchuk ends 26-day fast in presence of Modi's ministers

Sonam Wangchuk ends 26-day fast in presence of Modi's ministers

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day indefinite hunger strike after Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh met him and conveyed the government's assurances regarding his demands, including not registering cases against peaceful protesters and considering compensation for NEET paper leak victims.

In a first, Red Fort to echo Vande Mataram on Independence Day

In a first, Red Fort to echo Vande Mataram on Independence Day

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

For the first time in Independence Day celebrations, 'Vande Mataram' will be rendered at the Red Fort complex during the 79th anniversary on August 15, followed by the recitation of the National Anthem, marking 150 years of the National Song's legacy.

FCRA bill to be taken up for debate in Parl on Aug 12: Mizoram CM

FCRA bill to be taken up for debate in Parl on Aug 12: Mizoram CM

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. Shah assured that the bill would not be retrospective. Various church and minority organisations have expressed concerns about the bill's impact on NGOs, schools, and healthcare units, urging its withdrawal or referral to a joint parliamentary committee.

13 Indian sailors stranded in Ukraine port amid attacks

13 Indian sailors stranded in Ukraine port amid attacks

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Indian embassy in Ukraine is actively monitoring the critical situation of 13 Indian seafarers aboard MV AMIR1, who are reportedly under threat from drone and missile attacks near Ukraine's Black Sea coast.