News for 'Union Community'

Union minister to meet 'reservation reform' protesters: UP deputy CM

Union minister to meet 'reservation reform' protesters: UP deputy CM

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak met with students leading a "reservation reform" movement, assuring them that their demands would be presented to the BJP's central leadership and a Union minister. The movement, led by anti-reservation activists, seeks equal opportunities, while Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised the "reform" as a plot against the PDA community, asserting the permanence of reservation rights.

No Muslim officers in Amit Shah's Bengal events, Mahua tells UN body

No Muslim officers in Amit Shah's Bengal events, Mahua tells UN body

Rediff.com4 days ago

TMC MP Mahua Moitra has formally complained to the UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, alleging that senior Muslim IAS and IPS officers in West Bengal were deliberately excluded from official events attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Moitra claims these officers were sidelined due to their religion, a pattern she describes as discriminatory and potentially damaging to minority confidence in security establishments.

NSUI ticketing under spotlight as rebels shine in DUSU polls

NSUI ticketing under spotlight as rebels shine in DUSU polls

Rediff.com2 days ago

The NSUI's performance in the DUSU elections has highlighted significant internal issues regarding ticket distribution, with rebel candidates outperforming official nominees. This trend, observed across various university elections, points to growing dissent within the Congress's student wing under Kanhaiya Kumar's tenure, despite some recent successes.

Adults can nominate queer partners for medical decisions, Centre tells HC

Adults can nominate queer partners for medical decisions, Centre tells HC

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Centre has informed the Delhi High Court that adults, including those in non-heterosexual relationships, should be allowed to nominate partners for medical decision-making in cases of incapacity. This submission comes in response to a petition seeking recognition of same-sex partners as medical representatives, with the government stating this approach aligns with existing legal and ethical frameworks, respecting patient autonomy and ensuring continuity of care.

'Will cost you dearly': Rijiju warns New York protesters over Indian flag desecration

'Will cost you dearly': Rijiju warns New York protesters over Indian flag desecration

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly condemned the alleged desecration of the Indian flag and pro-Khalistan slogans by protesters outside Madison Square Garden in New York, where RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed the Indian-American community. Rijiju warned against insulting the nation and its flag, while Bhagwat spoke on unity in diversity.

SEE: US Ambassador Sergio Gor visits Lalbaugcha Raja

SEE: US Ambassador Sergio Gor visits Lalbaugcha Raja

Rediff.com6 days ago

Political leaders and dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, joined devotees across the country in celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with traditional fervour, offering prayers and seeking blessings.

One Year On, Assam Remembers Zubeen Garg

One Year On, Assam Remembers Zubeen Garg

Rediff.com2 days ago

Thousands across Assam, including 2,600 students, gathered to commemorate the first death anniversary of cultural icon Zubeen Garg, with his wife Garima Saikia Garg joining tributes and musical performances.

Centre defers Census in Manipur amid NRC demands

Centre defers Census in Manipur amid NRC demands

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

The Union government has deferred census operations in Manipur, originally scheduled to begin on September 1, following persistent demands from civil society organisations for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to address concerns about demographic changes due to alleged illegal immigration.

Rs 1,200-cr TN secretariat project hits hurdle amid Oppn, fisherfolk protest

Rs 1,200-cr TN secretariat project hits hurdle amid Oppn, fisherfolk protest

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

A proposed Rs 1,200 crore Secretariat-Assembly complex in Pattinapakkam, Chennai, has ignited significant opposition from local fishing communities and various political parties. Residents fear displacement, loss of livelihood, and environmental damage, citing ancestral rights and broken promises. Political leaders across the spectrum are urging Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to reconsider the site, highlighting concerns about ecological impact, traffic, and financial priorities.

Ladakh Marathon: A Global Sporting Spectacle

Ladakh Marathon: A Global Sporting Spectacle

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

The Ladakh Marathon has registered around 8,000 participants, with Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra reviewing preparations. The event is gaining international recognition, showcasing Ladakh's natural beauty and promoting high-altitude sports and tourism. Local participation is encouraged to enhance the event's vibrancy and strengthen Ladakh's identity as a premier destination for adventure sports.

Census Brings Meiteis, Nagas Closer, Puts Kukis On Edge

Census Brings Meiteis, Nagas Closer, Puts Kukis On Edge

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Amidst ongoing ethnic tensions, a new political alignment in Manipur sees Meitei and Naga groups uniting to demand an update to the National Register of Citizens with a 1951 base year, a move fiercely opposed by Kuki-Zo communities who fear it will disenfranchise them.

Union Minister Bittu Apologises For Casteist Remarks

Union Minister Bittu Apologises For Casteist Remarks

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has apologised to the Scheduled Caste community for his recent objectionable remarks, stating that as a minister, he should not have used such language.

Union Minister Bittu Apologises For Casteist Remarks

Union Minister Bittu Apologises For Casteist Remarks

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has apologised to the Scheduled Caste community for his recent objectionable remarks, stating that as a minister, he should not have used such language. The apology follows a controversy stemming from an incident on May 26 where Bittu allegedly used casteist remarks against police officers in Dhuri.

Top BJP leaders visit temples on Modi's 76th birthday

Top BJP leaders visit temples on Modi's 76th birthday

Rediff.com4 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday was celebrated with extensive programmes in Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency. Events included special prayers by 76 young priests, a milk 'abhishek' of the Ganga, and a significant 'Seva Sankalp' motorcycle journey from Varanasi to Vadnagar, Modi's birthplace, involving 500 participants. Several prominent political figures, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, participated in the celebrations, offering prayers for Modi's health and India's progress.

BRICS Summit: What's On Modi-Xi Agenda?

BRICS Summit: What's On Modi-Xi Agenda?

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Ahead of Xi Jinping's visit, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held extensive talks in Beijing on August 25 on the boundary issue and reached an eight-point consensus.

IIIT-H distances itself from Umar Khalid docu screening after CBFC flag

IIIT-H distances itself from Umar Khalid docu screening after CBFC flag

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) flagged the proposed screening of an uncertified documentary on jailed activist Umar Khalid at IIIT-Hyderabad, citing violations of the Cinematograph Act. IIIT-Hyderabad subsequently distanced itself from the event, stating no recognised student bodies had organised it. The screening, titled "Prisoner No. 626710 is Present," was reportedly cancelled by students, following a similar postponement at NLSIU Bengaluru due to opposition.

12 women, six minorities in Team Nitin Nabin

12 women, six minorities in Team Nitin Nabin

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party's new national team integrates women, minority leaders, and regional representatives to strengthen its organisational structure and national appeal.

HC judgment on hijab attack on Islam: Owaisi

HC judgment on hijab attack on Islam: Owaisi

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has urged people to support and strengthen the party for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, while also criticising the BJP government on issues like the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the Vande Mataram row.

Govt forms panel for 'permanent political solution' to Gorkha issue

Govt forms panel for 'permanent political solution' to Gorkha issue

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

The Centre has established a committee to draft an agreement and finalise modalities for a 'permanent political solution' to the Gorkha identity issue in the Darjeeling hills and adjoining areas, following a tripartite meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gorkha leaders, and the West Bengal government.

BJP to launch month-long campaign on Modi's birthday

BJP to launch month-long campaign on Modi's birthday

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The BJP has announced a month-long 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' campaign, starting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday, September 17, to commemorate his 25 years in public life. The initiative includes various programmes like 'Seva Diwas', 'Ashirwad Ka Diya', 'Seva Jyoti Kalash Yatra', youth yatras, and innovation challenges, all aimed at public participation and promoting the vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047'.

Ladakh groups to launch massive stir for statehood in Kargil on Sep 20

Ladakh groups to launch massive stir for statehood in Kargil on Sep 20

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) announced a major protest rally in Kargil on September 20, demanding justice for victims of police firing in Leh last year and protesting the central government's perceived lack of seriousness in talks regarding Ladakh's demands. The KDA, along with the Leh Apex Body (LAB), rejected the compensation offered by the Lieutenant Governor as inadequate and called for the withdrawal of all cases against arrested protesters. They criticised the recent talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs as "unproductive" and reiterated their demands for statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh.

JNUSU holds Umar Khalid book discussion despite venue cancellation

JNUSU holds Umar Khalid book discussion despite venue cancellation

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) proceeded with a discussion on former student Umar Khalid's book, "Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power," despite the university cancelling the original venue booking. The event, planned to observe Indigenous Peoples' Day, was held outside an academic building after the JNUSU condemned the university's "arbitrary" decision.

'Three Olympic golds': India remembers Dhyan Chand

'Three Olympic golds': India remembers Dhyan Chand

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

On National Sports Day, political leaders including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and several Chief Ministers paid tribute to hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand and lauded Indian sportspersons for their contributions to the country.

Sikkim has 16 highly-dangerous glacial lakes, shows govt data

Sikkim has 16 highly-dangerous glacial lakes, shows govt data

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Sikkim has identified 40 high-hazard glacial lakes, with 16 at the highest risk of catastrophic outbursts. Following a devastating GLOF in 2023, the state is developing India's first dedicated GLOF Risk Mitigation Protocol, using advanced monitoring and interdisciplinary approaches to protect downstream settlements and serve as a model for other Himalayan regions.

Nepal-Tibet flood toll rises to 1,243; PM Shah flags climate change link

Nepal-Tibet flood toll rises to 1,243; PM Shah flags climate change link

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Nepal's devastating flash floods have claimed 1,127 lives, with thousands still missing a week after the disaster. Rescuers are intensifying efforts to find survivors and recover bodies across affected regions, while police work to identify victims and relocate families from high-risk areas.

'Reservation Must Be Decided Purely On Economic Grounds'

'Reservation Must Be Decided Purely On Economic Grounds'

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

'The day we start making rules purely along caste lines, we only divide society further. That's the conversation the government needs to have, and soon.'

BJP rejig: Smriti Irani makes comeback, Ram Madhav gets key role

BJP rejig: Smriti Irani makes comeback, Ram Madhav gets key role

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a significant overhaul of its national team under party president Nitin Nabin, introducing numerous new faces and promoting prominent leaders like former Union minister Smriti Irani to general secretary and former RSS functionary Ram Madhav to vice president. The revamp aims to balance youth and experience while preparing for upcoming assembly and general elections.

Xi by his side, Modi warns against 'weaponisation of tech'

Xi by his side, Modi warns against 'weaponisation of tech'

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautioned against the 'weaponisation' of technology and critical minerals at the BRICS summit, advocating for cooperation to foster shared prosperity. Concurrently, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced plans for an open-source AI ecosystem for BRICS nations, positioning Beijing as a key technology partner amid global AI competition.

Bihar, UP on high alert as Nepal floods raise Gandak surge threat

Bihar, UP on high alert as Nepal floods raise Gandak surge threat

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are on high alert following devastating flash floods in Nepal's Gandak river system, prompting emergency measures including evacuations and continuous monitoring by central and state authorities.

JNU cancels nod for discussion on Umar Khalid's book

JNU cancels nod for discussion on Umar Khalid's book

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) cancelled permission for a discussion on a book authored by its former student Umar Khalid, currently jailed in the 2020 northeast Delhi riots conspiracy case, citing 'non-disclosure of full facts' about the event. The JNUSU condemned the decision as 'arbitrary and authoritarian', vowing to proceed with the discussion at an alternative venue.

Two shot dead in attack on Naga village in Manipur's Kangpokpi

Two shot dead in attack on Naga village in Manipur's Kangpokpi

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Two people were killed and two others injured after gunmen attacked a village in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Friday, the police said.

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.

'Hindutva influencer' boasts of 'cracking skull' during CJP protest

'Hindutva influencer' boasts of 'cracking skull' during CJP protest

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

A self-styled Hindutva influencer, Swatantra Bhardwaj, accused of attacking a student agitator's father, purportedly claimed a phone call from Delhi minister Kapil Mishra helped him avoid jail. This sparked strong reactions from opposition parties, including Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal, who questioned the BJP's protection of such individuals. Delhi Police, however, clarified that the injuries were simple and legal action was taken, denying any undue influence.

K'taka youth held for posting Tipu Sultan cutout reel with pro-Pak song

K'taka youth held for posting Tipu Sultan cutout reel with pro-Pak song

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

A 23-year-old youth was arrested on Monday for allegedly posting and circulating an edited social media reel featuring a 40-foot cutout of 18th-century Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan with a pro-Pakistan song, the police said.

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?'

1998 Wandhama massacre: SIA reopens probe into killing of 23 Kashmiri Pandits

1998 Wandhama massacre: SIA reopens probe into killing of 23 Kashmiri Pandits

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The State Investigation Agency (SIA) has reopened investigation into the 1998 Wandhama massacre in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district, where 23 Kashmiri Pandits were shot dead by terrorists, officials said on Tuesday.

'We should not fight': Sarma urges Arunachal CM Khandu to probe border firing

'We should not fight': Sarma urges Arunachal CM Khandu to probe border firing

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has urged his Arunachal Pradesh counterpart, Pema Khandu, to order an inquiry into a recent firing incident along the inter-state border that injured 12 people from Assam. The incident occurred amidst ongoing efforts to resolve long-standing boundary disputes between the two northeastern states, with Sarma emphasising the need for cooperation despite the setback.

'We are on your side': Polish envoy backs right to pursue terrorists

'We are on your side': Polish envoy backs right to pursue terrorists

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Polish envoy Piotr Antoni Switalski stated that Poland stands with India in the fight against terrorism, asserting his country's support for India's right to pursue terrorists globally, while also highlighting strong cultural and defence ties between the two nations.

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.

Row erupts over 'purification' of venue after Kharge's visit

Row erupts over 'purification' of venue after Kharge's visit

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

The Congress party has strongly condemned the 'purification' of a rally venue in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, after a public meeting addressed by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, alleging it reflects an 'anti-Dalit' mindset of the BJP and RSS.