News for 'Union Of India'

Union Budget 2026: Fiscal deficit target set at 4.3%

Union Budget 2026: Fiscal deficit target set at 4.3%

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a fiscal deficit target of 4.3% of GDP for FY27, continuing the path of fiscal consolidation. The government aims to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio to 55.6% by BE 2026-27 and further to around 50% by March 2031.

Open access to all temples must for Hindu unity, says SC

Open access to all temples must for Hindu unity, says SC

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India has emphasised the importance of open access to all temples and 'maths' for everyone, warning that excluding any denomination would negatively impact Hinduism and divide society. This statement was made during hearings on petitions related to discrimination against women at religious sites and the scope of religious freedom.

Singham on the sidelines: Annamalai from BJP's TN candidate list

Singham on the sidelines: Annamalai from BJP's TN candidate list

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

The BJP has released its list of candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with the notable absence of K Annamalai, sparking speculation and discussion within the state's political circles.

Modi reviews fuel, power, fertiliser supply amid West Asia tensions

Modi reviews fuel, power, fertiliser supply amid West Asia tensions

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting with senior ministers to assess the impact of the evolving situation in West Asia on India's crude oil, gas, petroleum, power, and fertiliser sectors, focusing on ensuring uninterrupted supply and stable logistics.

Maoist Surrenders Signal Insurgency's Endgame

Maoist Surrenders Signal Insurgency's Endgame

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

As the March 31 deadline arrives, a wave of Maoist surrenders suggests insurgency's end, but political and social concerns remain.

Quite possible that rates will remain low in the near to medium term, says RBI Governor

"Quite possible that rates will remain low in the near to medium term," says RBI Governor

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

"It is quite possible that the rates will remain low in the near to medium term, but that will depend on how conditions evolve," said RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.

Boat Capsizes in Vrindavan: Punjab Pilgrims Killed, Injured, and Missing

Boat Capsizes in Vrindavan: Punjab Pilgrims Killed, Injured, and Missing

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

A boat capsized in the Yamuna River in Vrindavan, India, carrying tourists primarily from Punjab, resulting in multiple fatalities, injuries, and missing persons. The incident occurred during a devotional trip to Mathura, turning a pilgrimage into a tragedy for families from Ludhiana and Jagraon.

Shah Accuses TMC of Jeopardising National Security Through Infiltration

Shah Accuses TMC of Jeopardising National Security Through Infiltration

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has accused the TMC government in West Bengal of jeopardising national security through appeasement politics and allowing infiltration, framing the upcoming election as crucial for the country's security.

AIMIM calls off tieup with Kabir's party after TMC posts 'sting video'

AIMIM calls off tieup with Kabir's party after TMC posts 'sting video'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The alliance between Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) and AIMIM in West Bengal has collapsed following allegations of a multi-crore deal with the BJP, leading to AIMIM's withdrawal and both parties planning to contest the elections independently.

No toll plaza queues anywhere in India by yearend, says Gadkari

No toll plaza queues anywhere in India by yearend, says Gadkari

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

'Within six months I expect petrol, diesel, and electric vehicles (EVs) to reach cost parity,' says Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened the Cabinet Committee on Security to address the impact of the West Asia conflict on Indian citizens, focusing on safeguarding them from the conflict's effects and ensuring the smooth flow of essential supplies.

Trinamool MP Criticises 'Blend and Butcher' Approach of Jan Vishwas Bill

Trinamool MP Criticises 'Blend and Butcher' Approach of Jan Vishwas Bill

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress MP Nadimul Haque criticised the Jan Vishwas (Amendment and Provisions) Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha, questioning the government's approach to amending multiple central laws through a single piece of legislation and raising concerns about its impact on public health and federal funds owed to West Bengal.

Interstate LeT Module Busted, Pakistani Terrorist Arrested in J&K

Interstate LeT Module Busted, Pakistani Terrorist Arrested in J&K

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Police in Jammu and Kashmir have dismantled a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) module, arresting five individuals, including a Pakistani terrorist who had been on the run for 16 years. The operation exposed a network spanning multiple states and involving forged documents and identities.

Urban India likely to account for 70% of GDP in FY26

Urban India likely to account for 70% of GDP in FY26

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

India's urban areas are projected to contribute 70 per cent of gross domestic product in 2025-26, up from 45 per cent in the 1990s, according to a report by Dun & Bradstreet.

Gulf War Fallout: DGCA Allows Longer Pilot Duty Hours

Gulf War Fallout: DGCA Allows Longer Pilot Duty Hours

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Federation of Indian Pilots, said the union has written to the DGCA raising concerns over the extension.

HISTORIC! INDIA FIRST TEAM TO WIN BACK TO BACK T20 WORLD CUPS

HISTORIC! INDIA FIRST TEAM TO WIN BACK TO BACK T20 WORLD CUPS

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma's explosive batting performances propelled India to a record-breaking total against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final

Maoist debate sparks fierce NDA-UPA war of words in Lok Sabha

Maoist debate sparks fierce NDA-UPA war of words in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha witnessed a heated debate between BJP and Congress members regarding the handling of Naxalism, with the BJP accusing the previous UPA government of failing to contain left-wing extremism and the Congress defending its efforts to curb the threat.

India launches nationwide HPV vaccination drive

India launches nationwide HPV vaccination drive

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

The Indian government is set to launch a nationwide HPV vaccination program targeting 14-year-old girls to prevent cervical cancer, utilizing a single-dose vaccine and aiming for equitable access across socio-economic groups.

Srinagar Police Dismantles Major LeT Terror Network, Arrests Five

Srinagar Police Dismantles Major LeT Terror Network, Arrests Five

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Srinagar police have dismantled a major interstate Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) module, arresting five individuals, including two Pakistani terrorists who had been operating for 16 years. The operation uncovered a network providing logistical and financial support to LeT terrorists across multiple states.

Assam Elections: Will BJP Score A Hatrick?

Assam Elections: Will BJP Score A Hatrick?

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'The BJP's tally may dip, but the NDA is likely to retain power.'

No proof, no benefits: Govt clarifies limits of census data use

No proof, no benefits: Govt clarifies limits of census data use

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, has reassured the public that individual data collected during the upcoming census will remain confidential and cannot be used for any purpose other than statistical aggregation.

'Life Support Withdrawal Is About Reducing Suffering, Not Ending Life'

'Life Support Withdrawal Is About Reducing Suffering, Not Ending Life'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

'Families go through turmoil at that time. There is a feeling of guilt and uncertainty, and they do not know what they should be doing.' 'Now that the new judgment has clarified what the procedure is, doctors will be confident enough to talk to the families and explain what is to be done.'

Privatisation push loses steam as IDBI Bank stake sale scrapped

Privatisation push loses steam as IDBI Bank stake sale scrapped

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

India's privatisation push, once projected as a cornerstone of economic reform, has suffered another setback, with the Centre set to call off the IDBI Bank stake sale, highlighting the political and structural constraints shaping the country's disinvestment policy, experts say.

Cong claims Epstein shaped India-Israel ties after 2014, cites emails

Cong claims Epstein shaped India-Israel ties after 2014, cites emails

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

The Congress party has alleged that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein played a role in shaping the India-Israel relationship after 2014, citing email exchanges made public under the 'Epstein Files'.

India joins US-led strategic alliance Pax Silica

India joins US-led strategic alliance Pax Silica

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

India has joined the US-led 'Pax Silica' alliance, aimed at building a resilient supply chain for critical minerals and artificial intelligence, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties and fostering economic security.

Modi to interact with chief ministers over West Asia conflict

Modi to interact with chief ministers over West Asia conflict

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a video conference with chief ministers of most states to assess their preparedness and strategies in response to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

VP Radhakrishnan to Attend IIM Ranchi Convocation, Launch VR Case Repository

VP Radhakrishnan to Attend IIM Ranchi Convocation, Launch VR Case Repository

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan will attend the 15th convocation of IIM Ranchi, where he will award medals to outstanding students and launch a virtual reality case repository.

CBDT Eases GAAR Concerns for Investments Made Before April 2017

CBDT Eases GAAR Concerns for Investments Made Before April 2017

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Income Tax Department has clarified that income from the transfer of investments made before April 1, 2017, is excluded from the scope of the General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR), addressing industry concerns about retrospective application.

SC Fines Centre for Challenging CISF Official's Dismissal

SC Fines Centre for Challenging CISF Official's Dismissal

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has criticised the central government for engaging in unnecessary litigation, imposing a fine for challenging a High Court order regarding the dismissal of a CISF official.

CBIC Removes Rs 10 Lakh Cap on Courier Exports, Streamlines E-commerce Shipments

CBIC Removes Rs 10 Lakh Cap on Courier Exports, Streamlines E-commerce Shipments

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has eliminated the Rs 10 lakh value cap per consignment for courier-based commercial exports, effective April 1, aiming to significantly boost e-commerce shipments, particularly for MSMEs and artisans.

Ambedkar Statue Vandalised in Punjab; Pro-Khalistan Leader Claims Responsibility

Ambedkar Statue Vandalised in Punjab; Pro-Khalistan Leader Claims Responsibility

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

A statue of B R Ambedkar was vandalised in Punjab, leading to protests and political condemnation. A pro-Khalistan leader has purportedly claimed responsibility, prompting an investigation.

Jay Shah honoured with Outstanding Contribution to Sports Award

Jay Shah honoured with Outstanding Contribution to Sports Award

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Jay Shah received the Outstanding Contribution to Sports Award from Piyush Goyal at the Indian Business Leader Awards in Mumbai.

US-Iran War: Koneru Humpy Pulls Out Of FIDE Women's Candidates In Cyprus

US-Iran War: Koneru Humpy Pulls Out Of FIDE Women's Candidates In Cyprus

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has withdrawn from the FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament, citing concerns over her personal safety amidst the West Asia conflict.

NCERT row: Experts knock on SC door, say judiciary chapter collective work

NCERT row: Experts knock on SC door, say judiciary chapter collective work

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Three academics involved in drafting a controversial NCERT textbook chapter on corruption in the judiciary have approached the Supreme Court to defend their work, stating it was a collective effort and not the view of any single individual.

Taking all steps to address LPG crisis: Centre to HC

Taking all steps to address LPG crisis: Centre to HC

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Central government has assured the Bombay High Court that it is taking steps to address the LPG shortage caused by the conflict in West Asia. The court accepted the submission and disposed of a petition filed by LPG distributors.

No Cabinet Nod Needed For Some PM Visit Pacts

No Cabinet Nod Needed For Some PM Visit Pacts

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

India has amended its guidelines governing the signing of international agreements during official visits by the prime minister, and select pacts have been exempted from prior Cabinet approval.

Budget Session may be extended to increase Lok Sabha seats to 816

Budget Session may be extended to increase Lok Sabha seats to 816

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Indian Parliament is expected to extend its budget session to introduce a bill increasing Lok Sabha seats to 816, reserving 273 for women, and amending the women's reservation law.

Khamenei killing sparks mourning, protests across India

Khamenei killing sparks mourning, protests across India

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Following reports of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, widespread protests erupted in Kashmir, with demonstrators expressing strong anti-US and anti-Israel sentiments.

'Raghav Chadha Will Join BJP Before 2027 Punjab Elections'

'Raghav Chadha Will Join BJP Before 2027 Punjab Elections'

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'Who among Opposition party MPs has so much power that they raise some issue and the government implements it? The answer is no one except Raghav Chadha.'

10 Most Powerful Passports. And India...

10 Most Powerful Passports. And India...

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Henley Passport Index 2026 has once again ranked Singapore as the passport offering its people access to the most countries and therefore near-seamless travel accross the planet.