News for 'The Union'

Top Maoist leader carrying a bounty of Rs 1 cr killed

Top Maoist leader carrying a bounty of Rs 1 cr killed

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

Top Maoist leader Ganesh Uike and five other red rebels were killed in gun battles with security forces in Odisha's Kandhamal district.

'Maoists Will Be Extinct In 2 Months'

'Maoists Will Be Extinct In 2 Months'

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

'From every point of view, they have faced an extremely difficult couple of years, and the setback they have suffered is irreversible.' 'This reality has begun to set in even amongst the top-level cadres. That is why, in recent times, we have witnessed a huge number of senior-level cadres emerging from the jungle and deciding to renounce violence and join the mainstream.'

10.56 lakh voters deleted after SIR in Assam

10.56 lakh voters deleted after SIR in Assam

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

Over 10.56 lakh voters have been deleted from Assam's electoral rolls following a Special Revision, ahead of upcoming assembly elections. The revision included house-to-house verification and aims to create an error-free electoral roll.

Abolish or reduce tax on air purifiers in Delhi, HC tells GST Council

Abolish or reduce tax on air purifiers in Delhi, HC tells GST Council

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

The Delhi High Court has directed the GST Council to consider lowering or abolishing the goods and services tax on air purifiers, citing worsening air quality in the national capital. The court has asked the council to meet at the earliest, even via video conference if necessary, to address the issue.

Former Home Minister Shivraj Patil passes away

Former Home Minister Shivraj Patil passes away

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

The Congress leader was Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008 and the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996. He was the Governor of Punjab and also served as Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.

G RAM G bill introduced in LS amid objections by Oppn

G RAM G bill introduced in LS amid objections by Oppn

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

Opposition members strongly opposed the proposed legislation at the introduction stage and pressed for sending the bill to a parliamentary panel for greater scrutiny. The MPs, including Priyanka Gandhi of the Congress, strongly objected to the "removal" of Mahatma Gandhi's name.

No plan to attack Europe, but response will be devastating, warns Russia

No plan to attack Europe, but response will be devastating, warns Russia

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia does not intend to attack Europe, but any attack on Russia would face a devastating response. He also accused the EU's 'war party' of hindering Ukraine peace efforts and pledged support for China on Taiwan.

NZ to amend laws for GI registration of Indian goods

NZ to amend laws for GI registration of Indian goods

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

New Zealand has taken a binding commitment under its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India to amend its laws within 18 months of the pact's implementation to facilitate the geographical indication (GI) registration of Indian goods besides wines, and spirits in the island nation. The current GI law of New Zealand only allows India's wines and spirits to be registered.

After Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pawars unite for Pune civic polls

After Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pawars unite for Pune civic polls

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

The NCP and NCP (SP), led by Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar respectively, have formed an alliance for the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation elections. This development follows a similar alliance for the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation elections and aims to consolidate their position in the region.

Miscreants set afire forest created by 'Forest Man of India' in Assam

Miscreants set afire forest created by 'Forest Man of India' in Assam

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

A man-made forest created by Padma Shri awardee Jadav Payeng, known as 'Forest Man of India', was substantially damaged after miscreants set it on fire. An investigation has been ordered.

Shivraj Patil cremated with state honours

Shivraj Patil cremated with state honours

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The last rites of veteran Congress leader and former Union minister Shivraj Patil were performed with full state honours in his home district, Latur, in Maharashtra on Saturday, with many top leaders in attendance.

What Mr Modi is trying to do...: Rahul targets govt from Berlin

What Mr Modi is trying to do...: Rahul targets govt from Berlin

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

In an hour-long video released by the Congress on Monday, Gandhi said India's largest and complex democracy is a global asset, and the "assault" on the Indian democratic system is also an attack on the global democratic system.

Delhi pollution worsens: HC questions 18% GST on air purifiers

Delhi pollution worsens: HC questions 18% GST on air purifiers

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

The Delhi High Court has asked the central government why it cannot reduce the GST on air purifiers, considering the poor air quality in Delhi. The court's concern is that the current 18% GST makes air purifiers unaffordable for the common man.

'They called him Chinese momo': Tripura student lynched in Dehradun

'They called him Chinese momo': Tripura student lynched in Dehradun

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

A student from Tripura died in Dehradun after allegedly being attacked with knives and blunt objects following racial slurs. The victim's father alleges police initially refused to register a report.

10 Countries With Names History Forgot

10 Countries With Names History Forgot

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

The new names vs old names of various nations.

3.84 Trillion Spent On These Weapons...

3.84 Trillion Spent On These Weapons...

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

The largest tranche came in July, in the wake of Operation Sindoor, with the DAC according acceptance of necessity -- or initial approval -- for 10 capital acquisition proposals amounting to approximately 1.05 trillion through indigenous sourcing.

Denied tickets, Nagpur BJP leaders rebel against party

Denied tickets, Nagpur BJP leaders rebel against party

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Upset over being denied tickets by the Bharatiya Janata Party despite being its 'loyal workers for years', several aspirants have rebelled against the party and are now contesting the upcoming elections to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) as independent candidates.

BJP accuses TMC's Kirti Azad of vaping in Parl; party seeks full video

BJP accuses TMC's Kirti Azad of vaping in Parl; party seeks full video

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

The BJP has accused TMC MP Kirti Azad of vaping in the Lok Sabha, leading to a political spat. TMC demands the release of full video footage before commenting.

'His hands were shaking': Rahul on heated exchange with Shah

'His hands were shaking': Rahul on heated exchange with Shah

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claims Union Home Minister Amit Shah appeared 'under pressure' during a Parliament debate on election reforms and avoided addressing allegations of 'vote chori'.

MGNREGA bulldozed, right to work demolished: Sonia

MGNREGA bulldozed, right to work demolished: Sonia

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

This comes a day after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, which replaces the MGNREGA and has a provision for 125 days of wage employment for rural workers.

End of war 'very close': Trump after meeting Zelenskyy

End of war 'very close': Trump after meeting Zelenskyy

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

United States President Donald Trump on Sunday said a peace agreement to end the Russia-Ukraine war is getting 'very close', after a high-level meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

Spies, Biryani, Indira Gandhi In Georgia

Spies, Biryani, Indira Gandhi In Georgia

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

We were talking to a real-life spy!! Wow!

Critics Choice Awards: The BIG Winners

Critics Choice Awards: The BIG Winners

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The Critics Choice Awards was held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica and saw Hollywood's A-listers get honoured at the first awards ceremony of the year.

India's free trade agreements decoded

India's free trade agreements decoded

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

India on Monday announced closure of negotiations for a free trade agreement signed with New Zealand, its 18th deal so far as the country aims to boost bilateral trade and investments. The India-New Zealand FTA is expected to be signed in the next three months and it is likely to come into force next year.

Govt to rename MGNREGA to 'Poojya Bapu Grameen Rozgar Yojna'

Govt to rename MGNREGA to 'Poojya Bapu Grameen Rozgar Yojna'

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The Union cabinet has approved a bill to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and increase the number of work days under the scheme.

Govt has infused over Rs 3,100 cr in women-led startups in 6 years

Govt has infused over Rs 3,100 cr in women-led startups in 6 years

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

The government has infused over Rs 3,100 crore into women-led startups over the past six years, through its three schemes including the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), and Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) to boost female entrepreneurship across the country, according to an update shared by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Modi holds 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' on Brahmaputra cruise

Modi holds 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' on Brahmaputra cruise

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with students on a cruise ship on the Brahmaputra River during a 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' programme on the second day of his Assam visit.

Foreign investors withdrew record Rs 1.6 lakh cr from Indian equities in 2025

Foreign investors withdrew record Rs 1.6 lakh cr from Indian equities in 2025

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Foreign investors fled Indian equities in 2025 at a scale never seen before, pulling out a record Rs 1.6 lakh crore (USD 18 billion) as volatile currency movements, global trade tensions, especially potential US tariffs, and stretched valuations eroded risk appetite, though flows are expected to turn sustainably positive in 2026.

The New Found Importance Of Nitin Nabin

The New Found Importance Of Nitin Nabin

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

'The move to appoint a person with a profile, markedly lower than the leader Nitin Nabin will replace, has the potential to put the brakes on the careers of several others in the party and government in the positions they currently hold,' points out Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Integrated Customs platform on cards in digitisation push

Integrated Customs platform on cards in digitisation push

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

To digitise Customs processes, the Union finance ministry is planning to integrate the Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE), Risk Management System (RMS), and Indian Customs Electronic Data Interchange System (ICES) into a single unified national Customs platform, according to government sources.

Priyanka Gandhi, Supriya Sule, other Oppn leaders join Modi, Birla over tea

Priyanka Gandhi, Supriya Sule, other Oppn leaders join Modi, Birla over tea

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and other leaders met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after the Winter Session of Parliament was adjourned. They thanked Birla for the session's conduct.

Cabinet OKs Private Entry into Nuclear Power

Cabinet OKs Private Entry into Nuclear Power

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The Bill is likely to pave the way for amending two existing legislations -- the Atomic Energy Act 1962, and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act 2010.

SAI unveils ambitious plan to upgrade facilities

SAI unveils ambitious plan to upgrade facilities

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

SAI Governing Body approves infrastructure upgrade at centres across India

Tributes paid to Parliament attack martyrs on 24th anniversary

Tributes paid to Parliament attack martyrs on 24th anniversary

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Parliamentarians in paying floral tributes to those who died fending off terrorists who attacked the Parliament House in 2001 on the 24th anniversary of the attack.

BJP seeks apology from Rahul, Kharge over 'threat' to PM

BJP seeks apology from Rahul, Kharge over 'threat' to PM

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju demanded an apology from Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi after Congress workers allegedly threatened Prime Minister Narendra Modi's life at a rally.

Aravalli definition on hold as SC orders expert review

Aravalli definition on hold as SC orders expert review

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has kept in abeyance its previous verdict on the definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges and proposed a high-powered committee to examine the issue.

'Dehradun Police Wanted To Protect The Killers'

'Dehradun Police Wanted To Protect The Killers'

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

'The worst part is that after the attack on December 9, the Dehradun police refused to register an FIR for the murder.'

100% FDI in insurance likely soon

100% FDI in insurance likely soon

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The Union Cabinet on Friday approved 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance sector, a move that was welcomed by industry as it would help attract more capital and global expertise, while boosting insurance coverage in the country. A bill to amend the insurance law is likely to be tabled on Monday in Parliament, whose winter session is slated to conclude on December 19.

'Suhana Can Kick Ass Like A Pro'

'Suhana Can Kick Ass Like A Pro'

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

For those waiting for Shah Rukh Khan and his daughter Suhana's onscreen union in Siddharth Anand's King, there is news.

Sonia Gandhi will look into matter: Govt on Nehru document return

Sonia Gandhi will look into matter: Govt on Nehru document return

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has requested Sonia Gandhi to return Jawaharlal Nehru's documents to the Prime Ministers' Museum and Library, emphasizing their national significance. He also addressed the Aravalli Hills controversy and the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission.