News for 'The Union'

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.

Parliamentary Panel Wants Cap on Private Hospital Room Charges

Parliamentary Panel Wants Cap on Private Hospital Room Charges

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

'Having analysed the break up of the hospital billing structure the committee believes that rationalising of room charges needs to be done on an emergent basis.'

HC quashes FCRA orders against two NGOs over funding Vizhinjam protests

HC quashes FCRA orders against two NGOs over funding Vizhinjam protests

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Kerala high court has set aside the Centre's decision not to renew the FCRA certificate of two NGOs, accused by central agencies of funding agitations against the Vizhinjam sea port, saying that financial support to a protest cannot be seen as diversion of foreign funds.

Sheikh Abdullah's Ouster Began J&K's Long Road To 2019

Sheikh Abdullah's Ouster Began J&K's Long Road To 2019

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's dismissal and arrest on August 9, 1953 marked a decisive shift in the Centre-J&K power equation. Seven decades later, the erosion of the state's special constitutional position culminated in the August 5, 2019 changes, notes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

CJP claims govt reached out for talks, to meet Nadda amid Parliament march

CJP claims govt reached out for talks, to meet Nadda amid Parliament march

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Amidst widespread protests, the Cockroach Janta Party is set to engage in talks with Union Minister J P Nadda.

Walls that spoke in protest painted over at Jantar Mantar

Walls that spoke in protest painted over at Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Municipal workers have repainted the graffiti-covered walls around Jantar Mantar, erasing the visual remnants of a student-led protest that led to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest saw walls adorned with slogans, sketches, and messages reflecting youth anger, which have now been removed by the New Delhi Municipal Council.

'We will change govt if it doesn't fall in line', warns CJP's Dipke

'We will change govt if it doesn't fall in line', warns CJP's Dipke

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has criticised the government for allegedly troubling protesting students, asserting they are the nation's future and not terrorists. He warned that if the government fails to address their concerns, the youth are prepared to bring about political change, referencing the recent resignation of Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak issue.

'Oppn can't dictate': Rijiju amid demand for Shah's statement

'Oppn can't dictate': Rijiju amid demand for Shah's statement

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted in Lok Sabha that the Opposition cannot dictate which minister responds to questions, amidst demands for Home Minister Amit Shah to address police action on protesting students. The House faced continuous disruptions, leading to adjournment.

Jobs, Not Exams, Hold Key To Youth Anger

Jobs, Not Exams, Hold Key To Youth Anger

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

If the government wishes that protests like the one that took place at Jantar Mantar during the last few weeks should not recur, it must refocus its energies on jobs, not just the examination system, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Union Minister's Son Booked Under POCSO Act: What We Know

Union Minister's Son Booked Under POCSO Act: What We Know

Rediff.com9 May 2026

A case has been registered against the son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar under the POCSO Act following allegations of sexual harassment of a minor girl. The accused has alleged extortion and criminal intimidation by the teen and her parents.

J'khand job exam stir enters 14th day; student on hunger strike hospitalised

J'khand job exam stir enters 14th day; student on hunger strike hospitalised

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

A student leader on a hunger strike in Ranchi, protesting alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment exams, was hospitalised after his health deteriorated. The protest, now in its 14th day, demands cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and an independent probe.

Why India Got Freedom At The Stroke of Midnight

Why India Got Freedom At The Stroke of Midnight

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

August 15 was the date of India's Independence, so why did transfer of power happen at the stroke of midnight August 14-15?

'Getting IV drips every morning': Dipke diagnosed with typhoid

'Getting IV drips every morning': Dipke diagnosed with typhoid

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Despite a typhoid diagnosis, Abhijeet Dipke has reaffirmed his commitment to the nationwide protest demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

Sea of youths marks Pradhan's resignation at Mumbai's Shivaji Park

Sea of youths marks Pradhan's resignation at Mumbai's Shivaji Park

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

A large gathering of youth, primarily college students, convened at Shivaji Park in Mumbai to celebrate the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. This celebration followed a 36-day agitation by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesting exam irregularities and the NEET paper leak, which culminated in Pradhan's resignation. Political leaders Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are set to address the crowd, acknowledging the youth's role in bringing about change.

CJP turns down Nadda's invitation for fresh talks

CJP turns down Nadda's invitation for fresh talks

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has again rejected an invitation from Union Minister J P Nadda for talks, insisting that any dialogue with the government must take place at a neutral venue, preferably at their protest site at Jantar Mantar, where they are demanding accountability for the NEET paper 'leak' and the Education Minister's resignation.

Assam-Arunachal border row turns violent, 12 injured

Assam-Arunachal border row turns violent, 12 injured

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

At least 12 people from Assam were injured in alleged firing by miscreants from Arunachal Pradesh along the interstate border in Dhemaji district on Monday over encroachment of land, the police said.

After NEET backlash, BJP turns to Instagram to win back young voters

After NEET backlash, BJP turns to Instagram to win back young voters

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The BJP is significantly increasing its digital engagement with young people on Instagram, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers, in response to the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and subsequent student protests. This strategic shift aims to counter the narrative and communicate government actions on examination reforms.

Govt Nods Polymer Banknote Trials for Rs 10 and Rs 20 Denominations

Govt Nods Polymer Banknote Trials for Rs 10 and Rs 20 Denominations

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Indian government has approved the introduction of one billion polymer banknotes in Rs 10 and Rs 20 denominations for field trials, aiming to enhance durability. This move comes as the Finance Minister also addressed Parliament on declining retail inflation, GST reforms, and other fiscal measures taken to support the economy and household consumption.

India's fugitive hunt intensifies, 274 brought back from 36 nations in 7 yrs

India's fugitive hunt intensifies, 274 brought back from 36 nations in 7 yrs

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

As many as 274 fugitives have been repatriated from 36 countries in the last 7 years, an average of around 40 per year and a 10-fold jump from the 2004-13 period when around four fugitives were brought back every year, the government said on Tuesday.

India counters China's renaming game, maps 27 Arunachal sites

India counters China's renaming game, maps 27 Arunachal sites

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

India has formally identified 27 places and features in Arunachal Pradesh by their standard names on the official Indian map, a move aimed at countering China's repeated attempts to rename locations in the state. This action reinforces India's stance that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country, despite China's "fictitious names" for the region it calls Zangnan.

Now CJP turns focus to poor rural education infra; campaign from Aug 15

Now CJP turns focus to poor rural education infra; campaign from Aug 15

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Monday announced a nationwide campaign to improve government schools in villages, calling on parents to conduct social audits of basic facilities and sarpanches to take up the task of improving the institutions.

J'khand exam protest enters 18th day; BJP observes bandh, ABVP march to assembly

J'khand exam protest enters 18th day; BJP observes bandh, ABVP march to assembly

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Student protests in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment exams have intensified, leading to a state-wide bandh called by the BJP and a march by the ABVP to the state assembly. The agitation, now in its 18th day, has seen police action against demonstrators, an ED money laundering probe, and the arrest of a former JPSC chairperson, while talks between the government and students remain deadlocked.

Modi posts fresh video on Instagram, thanks everyone for support

Modi posts fresh video on Instagram, thanks everyone for support

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a new bill to introduce strict laws against paper leaks, following public demand and student protests. The announcement was made via an Instagram video that also set a new world record for views.

Gen Z Protests: What Government Needs To Fix

Gen Z Protests: What Government Needs To Fix

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The challenge thrown by the youth movement creates the opportunity for a more consequential debate on India's economic trajectory because it must remain centered on India's youth as its driving impulse, asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

What transpired at Modi's breakfast meet with selected MPs

What transpired at Modi's breakfast meet with selected MPs

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a breakfast meeting with 37 BJP MPs, including recent AAP defectors, where he emphasised the importance of smooth parliamentary proceedings. He also advised MPs on taking their roles seriously, utilising the Parliament library, engaging with youth, and effectively implementing MPLADS.

This I-Day, we want PM Modi to address India's youth: Dipke

This I-Day, we want PM Modi to address India's youth: Dipke

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has launched an online petition urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address India's youth on critical issues like education, unemployment, and the rising cost of living during his Independence Day speech. This initiative follows CJP's successful 36-day agitation against NEET irregularities, which led to the resignation of the Union Education Minister. The CJP is now broadening its campaign with a nationwide "Kya Bolti Public" tour to gather youth views for a comprehensive Youth Reform Charter.

From Maoist Camps To The Fashion Ramp

From Maoist Camps To The Fashion Ramp

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

From guns to handlooms. From forest trails to a public runway. Women who had once been associated with that conflict walked into the spotlight wearing Bastar's traditional textiles.

Shah meets Dharmendra Pradhan amid CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' protest

Shah meets Dharmendra Pradhan amid CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' protest

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Amidst escalating student protests over alleged NEET examination irregularities, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan held a crucial meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah, highlighting the growing pressure on the government for exam reforms.

Stone-pelting at Jantar Mantar after Pradhan resigns, cops injured

Stone-pelting at Jantar Mantar after Pradhan resigns, cops injured

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

A protest at Jantar Mantar escalated into violence after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation announcement, leading to three police officers, including a special commissioner, sustaining injuries from stone-pelting. Security forces responded with tear gas and a mild lathicharge to control the situation. An investigation is underway, and Delhi Police have registered 15 FIRs, with over 200 police personnel and 65 protesters reportedly injured in ongoing demonstrations.

How India Plans To Become A Global Sporting Powerhouse

How India Plans To Become A Global Sporting Powerhouse

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar announced India's ambitious plan to rank among the top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and top five by 2047. He highlighted the central government's commitment to sports development through initiatives like Khelo India, increased budget allocation, and a special fund for sports equipment and technology, emphasising sports as a tool for nation-building and youth empowerment.

How India Plans To Become A Global Sporting Powerhouse

How India Plans To Become A Global Sporting Powerhouse

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar announced India's ambitious plan to rank among the top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and top five by 2047. He highlighted the central government's commitment to sports development through initiatives like Khelo India, increased budget allocation, and a special fund for sports equipment and technology, emphasising sports as a tool for nation-building and youth empowerment.

'A Student's Life Can't Be Held Hostage To A 3-Hour Performance'

'A Student's Life Can't Be Held Hostage To A 3-Hour Performance'

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Education sector experts agree that using the "best technology" was essential to ensure students did not have to sit for an examination all over again because of a question paper leak.

J&K Government To Make PGTI Golf Tournament An Annual Event

J&K Government To Make PGTI Golf Tournament An Annual Event

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir government announced that the PGTI golf tournament, J&K Open, will become an annual event, with plans to establish a world-class golf academy and position the union territory as India's golfing capital.

'Hum Jeet Gaye': Tears, joy at Jantar Mantar after Pradhan resigns

'Hum Jeet Gaye': Tears, joy at Jantar Mantar after Pradhan resigns

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned following weeks of widespread protests and public outrage over examination paper leaks, particularly the NEET-UG controversy, leading to jubilant scenes at Jantar Mantar as demonstrators declared 'victory'.

'Crisis In The Economy Started Last Year'

'Crisis In The Economy Started Last Year'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

'It is not because of the war in West Asia, which began on February 28.' 'Petroleum product prices are already going through the roof. They are bound to have a serious inflationary impact.' 'A country's leadership is tested in trying times. It is here that the current leadership is failing.'

Ministers helping break my fast was our victory: Wangchuk

Ministers helping break my fast was our victory: Wangchuk

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk emphasised the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent resistance, stating, "His path is as relevant today as it was 100 years ago. This experiment is successful today."

'Lungiwala Slur': Why BJP MP Sushmita Dev Won't Back Down

'Lungiwala Slur': Why BJP MP Sushmita Dev Won't Back Down

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

'Where is the official record? Media bytes are not parliamentary records. What matters is what is recorded on the floor of Parliament. I am not denying that we had a heated exchange.'

Telangana CM Orders Probe Into POCSO Case Against Union Minister's Son

Telangana CM Orders Probe Into POCSO Case Against Union Minister's Son

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy has directed the DGP to form special teams and expedite the investigation into the POCSO case against Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar's son, following allegations of sexual harassment of a minor girl. The CM has sought an explanation for the delay in action despite the complaint being registered earlier.

'My work is in Maharashtra': Fadnavis rules out Delhi shift

'My work is in Maharashtra': Fadnavis rules out Delhi shift

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has dismissed rumours of his shift to national politics, asserting his commitment to the state. He also commented on the NEET paper leak issue, supporting the Union government's actions and criticising Uddhav Thackeray's remarks.

Amit Shah ordered use of force against students, he must quit: Dipke

Amit Shah ordered use of force against students, he must quit: Dipke

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has demanded Union Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation, alleging that orders to use force against students during the July 20 "Sansad Chalo" march over the NEET exam paper leak must have come from Shah himself. Dipke also criticised the appointment of Pralhad Joshi as the new Education Minister and dismissed Yoga guru Ramdev's comments on Gen Z.