News for 'The Union'

FIR booked in pellet injuries case after Rahul's 6-hr dharna

FIR booked in pellet injuries case after Rahul's 6-hr dharna

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi staged a six-hour dharna at a police station in New Delhi, demanding an FIR for 19-year-old Sahil Lochab, who sustained pellet gun injuries during a July 20 protest. The FIR was registered after Gandhi's protest, with the BJP criticising his actions as 'politics of anarchy'.

Prez gives assent to bill criminalising insult to Vande Mataram

Prez gives assent to bill criminalising insult to Vande Mataram

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to a bill which now provides 'Vande Mataram' with the same legal protection and status as India's national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana'.

Bihar Police, Students Clash Over BPSC Exam Demands

Bihar Police, Students Clash Over BPSC Exam Demands

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Thousands of students clashed with Bihar Police in Patna while attempting to march to the chief minister's residence, protesting against the Bihar Public Service Commission's (BPSC) examination system and alleged irregularities.

Pak summons US envoy, lodges strong protest over Sergio Gor's J-K remarks

Pak summons US envoy, lodges strong protest over Sergio Gor's J-K remarks

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Pakistan summoned US Charge d'Affaires Natalie Baker to lodge a "strong demarche" following remarks by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who stated that Jammu and Kashmir is an important part of India. Pakistan's Foreign Office condemned Gor's characterisation, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognised disputed territory and that the US ambassador's statement contradicted the US's long-standing position and commitment to international law.

From Smriti Irani to Mansoor, BJP gives UP a bigger role in national team

From Smriti Irani to Mansoor, BJP gives UP a bigger role in national team

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The BJP has announced its new national organisational team, with eight leaders from Uttar Pradesh receiving key appointments. These include two national vice-presidents, two general secretaries, two secretaries, and the chiefs of the OBC and Minority Morchas. The appointments reflect a strategic focus on youth, social diversity, and experienced campaigners, particularly after the party's recent electoral setbacks in the state.

Student bodies protest UGC-NET re-exam, demand inquiry into NTA's failures

Student bodies protest UGC-NET re-exam, demand inquiry into NTA's failures

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Student organisations across India are protesting the National Testing Agency's (NTA) decision to re-conduct the UGC-NET examinations for three subjects, citing repeated lapses that jeopardise students' academic and career plans. They are demanding the NTA be scrapped or held accountable for its failures.

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.

'You Can't Over-Rule A Supreme Court Judgment By Making A Law'

'You Can't Over-Rule A Supreme Court Judgment By Making A Law'

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

'This government is in the very bad habit of doing so again and again. It has done so many times.'

Harsimrat hints at SAD-BJP alliance ahead of Punjab polls

Harsimrat hints at SAD-BJP alliance ahead of Punjab polls

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal has hinted at a potential re-alliance with the BJP, expressing a desire for "agreements" that bring progress to Punjab from Delhi. This follows a recent meeting between SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reigniting speculation about the former allies rejoining forces after their 2020 split over farm laws.

Infantino faces fresh threat ahead of FIFA election

Infantino faces fresh threat ahead of FIFA election

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is campaigning for re-election by positioning himself as the advocate for less wealthy football nations, while UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has ruled out running against him but anticipates an opposition candidate.

India imposes sugar stock limits on bulk consumers to curb price rise

India imposes sugar stock limits on bulk consumers to curb price rise

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Indian government has imposed stockholding limits on bulk sugar consumers, restricting them to a 15-day supply if they use over 10 tonnes monthly, effective September 1 to November 30, to stabilise prices ahead of the festival season.

TN assembly mandates state anthem at all official events

TN assembly mandates state anthem at all official events

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has moved a government resolution mandating the rendition of Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at the commencement of all government events, emphasising the state's linguistic and cultural rights amidst a Union Home Affairs Ministry advisory on Vande Mataram.

After Gen z, Gen Alpha steps out of classrooms in protest

After Gen z, Gen Alpha steps out of classrooms in protest

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Across India, Gen Alpha students (born between 2010 and 2024) are increasingly taking to the streets to protest against poor school infrastructure, lack of teachers, and unhygienic conditions, leading to some significant wins and drawing attention to the declining state of public education.

Jharkhand protests: 3 FIRs filed against 39 named, 900 unnamed people

Jharkhand protests: 3 FIRs filed against 39 named, 900 unnamed people

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Three FIRs have been lodged against 39 named and more than 900 unnamed people in connection with clashes that broke out between the police and protesting job aspirants in Jharkhand's Giridih and Hazaribag, officials said on Sunday.

NTA to review internal processes after UGC-NET exam errors

NTA to review internal processes after UGC-NET exam errors

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is reviewing its internal processes and protocols following lapses in three papers of the UGC-NET June 2026 examination, leading to re-tests for English, Commerce, and Sociology. The agency stated it proactively identified issues and is taking corrective measures to ensure fair and error-free examinations, amidst strong criticism from opposition leaders.

2 more bills passed in Lok Sabha without debate amid Opposition protests

2 more bills passed in Lok Sabha without debate amid Opposition protests

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Lok Sabha passed two Bills, including one to rename Kerala as Keralam, without debate as Opposition members continued their protests, demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah's presence to address police excesses against student protesters and alleged Ram temple fund irregularities.

Coal India, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel Ink MoU For Odisha Gasification Plant

Coal India, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel Ink MoU For Odisha Gasification Plant

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

State-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL) and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AMNS) have signed an MoU to explore setting up a coal gasification plant near AMNS's Paradip pellet plant in Odisha. This initiative aims to produce synthesis gas for cleaner steel production, reduce reliance on imported fuels, and align with India's goal of gasifying 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030, supported by a Rs 37,500-crore government incentive scheme.

Plea in SC seeks confiscation of assets of paper leak offenders

Plea in SC seeks confiscation of assets of paper leak offenders

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and state governments on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) advocating for the confiscation of movable and immovable property belonging to individuals and their family members involved in exam question paper leak cases. The plea also calls for invoking various anti-corruption and financial crime acts against perpetrators and suggests consecutive sentencing for such offences.

Congress will oppose FRCA Bill, Oppn to disscuss issue on Monday: Kharge

Congress will oppose FRCA Bill, Oppn to disscuss issue on Monday: Kharge

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has said that the Congress will oppose the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill and the issue will also be discussed at the meeting of floor leaders of opposition parties on Monday.

Why Messi's Kerala Visit Never Happened: Report Submitted To Govt

Why Messi's Kerala Visit Never Happened: Report Submitted To Govt

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Kerala Sports Department has submitted its confidential inquiry report regarding the controversy surrounding the proposed visit of football legend Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to the state during the previous government's tenure.

Chandigarh Pioneers Digital Rupee For Welfare Delivery

Chandigarh Pioneers Digital Rupee For Welfare Delivery

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Chandigarh is set to launch the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), or digital rupee, for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) on August 14. This initiative makes Chandigarh the first Union Territory to fully roll out CBDC-based DBT for food subsidy, enhancing transparency and efficiency in welfare delivery. The digital rupee, issued by the RBI, will be purpose-bound for purchasing foodgrains from authorised merchants.

Young Leaders Dialogue To Shape India's Future

Young Leaders Dialogue To Shape India's Future

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The third edition of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) has commenced with a quiz contest, leading to a national finale in January 2027 where young leaders will present their ideas for a developed India to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The multi-stage event includes essay challenges, district championships, and state-level dialogues, aiming to foster youth participation in nation-building across various thematic areas.

Key ministers, Doval hold high-level meeting at PMO

Key ministers, Doval hold high-level meeting at PMO

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

A high-level meeting of Union ministers, including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, S Jaishankar, and Nirmala Sitharaman, along with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, was held at the Prime Minister's Office in Parliament to discuss crucial matters.

Caste, Covid jab: What citizens have to answer in Census 2027

Caste, Covid jab: What citizens have to answer in Census 2027

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Centre has notified 40 questions for the upcoming Census 2027, including caste and place of Covid vaccination, marking the first time caste details will be collected as part of the decadal exercise. The population enumeration will be a fully digital process, with an option for self-enumeration.

Tamil Nadu assembly adopts resolutions against NEET and FCRA bill

Tamil Nadu assembly adopts resolutions against NEET and FCRA bill

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Tamil Nadu Assembly has adopted crucial resolutions against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, with the lone BJP member opposing both.

HC orders takedown of 'vile, obscene' deepfakes against Gadkari

HC orders takedown of 'vile, obscene' deepfakes against Gadkari

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has ordered major social media platforms, including Meta, X Corp, and Google LLC, to immediately remove 'vile, abusive, obscene, and defamatory' deepfakes and AI-generated content targeting Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, emphasising the urgent need for online platforms to curb malicious digital content.

'Not in NDA': NCPI MP Taher clarifies why he joined Modi for breakfast

'Not in NDA': NCPI MP Taher clarifies why he joined Modi for breakfast

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Nationalist Citizens Party of India leader Abu Taher attended a breakfast meeting hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for NDA allies but asserted that his party is not part of the ruling alliance. He stated his attendance was solely to raise public issues directly with the Prime Minister.

CJP to launch nationwide 'Kya bolti public' campaign to map citizens' issues

CJP to launch nationwide 'Kya bolti public' campaign to map citizens' issues

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced a 'kya bolti public' campaign to connect with citizens across India, understand their issues, and gather public opinion on the country's current situation. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke highlighted unemployment, education reforms, and media credibility as key focus areas, also claiming credit for Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation following protests.

HC asks govt to consider takedown of hurtful Sai Baba videos

HC asks govt to consider takedown of hurtful Sai Baba videos

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre's Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) to consider a complaint regarding the removal of allegedly inflammatory and derogatory YouTube videos targeting Shirdi Sai Baba. The Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi, seeks the removal of content that it claims hurts religious sentiments and promotes communal disharmony, despite a previous GAC order for removal of some material.

Guess who is wishing India from space ahead of Independence Day

Guess who is wishing India from space ahead of Independence Day

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Russian cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station have conveyed special greetings to the people of India as the nation prepares to mark its 80th Independence Day, holding the Indian tricolour and underscoring the enduring partnership between the two countries in space exploration.

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.

CPI(M) Slams Proposed UPI Charges As Breach Of Public Trust

CPI(M) Slams Proposed UPI Charges As Breach Of Public Trust

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The CPI(M) has strongly opposed the Union government's proposal to levy charges on UPI transactions, calling it a "breach of public trust" and demanding the immediate withdrawal of the legislation. The party highlighted that the government had previously promoted UPI as a free public utility, encouraging widespread adoption, and now seeks to monetise this infrastructure. They also linked this move to a broader trend of increasing banking charges.

Protest vs Protest: NDA, Oppn MPs face-off outside Parl

Protest vs Protest: NDA, Oppn MPs face-off outside Parl

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

A heated parliamentary showdown unfolded as NDA and INDIA bloc MPs clashed at Parliament's main gate.

Three NCPI Muslim MPs who skipped NDA meets join Modi for breakfast

Three NCPI Muslim MPs who skipped NDA meets join Modi for breakfast

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed concern over the repeated disruptions of parliamentary proceedings, stating that due to the turmoil in the House, the country has been unable to listen to the talented MPs elected in recent times.

India removes hurdle for rupee export payments, eyes wider international use

India removes hurdle for rupee export payments, eyes wider international use

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

India has removed a key regulatory hurdle, allowing exporters to receive payments in Indian currency while retaining incentives under the country's foreign trade policy, a move aimed at promoting wider use of the rupee in international trade.

'His calendar full': TISS replaces CJI as chief guest

'His calendar full': TISS replaces CJI as chief guest

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has announced Dr C S Pramesh, director of Tata Memorial Hospital, as the new chief guest for its 86th Convocation on August 22, replacing Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, who was unavailable due to a full calendar.

2 vessels with 22 Indians on board hijacked off Yemen, Somalia

2 vessels with 22 Indians on board hijacked off Yemen, Somalia

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Two commercial vessels, an oil tanker and a cargo ship, carrying a total of 22 Indian nationals, were hijacked by armed pirates in separate incidents off Yemen and Somalia. All Indian crew members on both vessels are reported to be safe, according to the latest information from the shipping ministry and the External Affairs Ministry.

E20 petrol: Nitin Gadkari sues Meta, X, Google over 'defamatory' AI deepfakes

E20 petrol: Nitin Gadkari sues Meta, X, Google over 'defamatory' AI deepfakes

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has filed a civil suit against Meta, X Corp, Google LLC, and unknown persons in the Bombay High Court over "defamatory" deepfakes and AI-generated posts concerning the ethanol policy. The court will hear the matter on August 5, with Gadkari seeking a permanent injunction and immediate takedown of the fake content, which he claims has harmed his reputation.

'Those who oppose 'Vande Mataram' don't know their mother'

'Those who oppose 'Vande Mataram' don't know their mother'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Kerala University vice-chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal on Saturday said those who do not say Vande Mataram do not know who their mother is.

Why Mirabai Chanu Should Receive The Arjuna Award

Why Mirabai Chanu Should Receive The Arjuna Award

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav has written to Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, recommending Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu for the Arjuna Award. Despite having received higher honours like the Khel Ratna and Padma Shri, Chanu's childhood dream of the Arjuna Award remains unfulfilled, and Jadhav believes it would be a fitting recognition of her contributions to Indian sport.