News for 'Union Power'

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

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

Rediff.com7 days ago

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.

Cong-ruled states to challenge Mines Act in SC

Cong-ruled states to challenge Mines Act in SC

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Congress-ruled states, including Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana, are preparing to challenge the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, in the Supreme Court. They allege the new law undermines states' rights by restricting their powers to levy taxes on mineral resources, a claim the Centre denies, stating it aims for uniform mineral rates.

SC quashes FIRs against protesters, CJP calls off stir

SC quashes FIRs against protesters, CJP calls off stir

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has quashed all FIRs against students who participated in the Cockroach Janta Party-led protests, stating the cases should not affect their future, while the government affirmed its commitment to youth welfare.

World Letter Writing Day: 8 Letters, 8 Special Stories

World Letter Writing Day: 8 Letters, 8 Special Stories

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

World Letter Writing Day is a time to recall historic letters. Some letters were written in love. Some in grief. Others at moments when the world stood on the brink of change.

CJP warns of nationwide stir, accuses Centre of backtracking on FIR promise

CJP warns of nationwide stir, accuses Centre of backtracking on FIR promise

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Tuesday accused the Centre of resisting the Supreme Court's bid to facilitate quashing of FIRs against students and protesters and demanded that the outfit's members be included in the high-powered committee announced by the court to examine allegations of police excesses and violence against cops.

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.

Defence Commanders Get Bigger Financial Powers

Defence Commanders Get Bigger Financial Powers

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Army, Navy and Air Force commanders received enhanced powers to address urgent operational requirements quickly.

SC forms panel to probe police action during student protests

SC forms panel to probe police action during student protests

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has established a five-member high-powered committee, led by former top court judge Justice R Subhash Reddy, to investigate allegations of police excesses against student protesters and violence against police personnel during recent demonstrations in Delhi.

India-China Rivalry Tests BRICS' Future

India-China Rivalry Tests BRICS' Future

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

India and China are in what experts call 'a cooperation-versus-competition situation'.

Some Revealing Facts About India's States!

Some Revealing Facts About India's States!

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

As the world's most populous country, India's economy looks large in the aggregate even as its average incomes stay modest.

Abhishek Banerjee rules out TMC return for 'traitors'

Abhishek Banerjee rules out TMC return for 'traitors'

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Friday said not a single "traitor", who crossed over to the dissident factions to "protect their backs", will be allowed to return to the party.

Will Dara Singh Be Released Soon?

Will Dara Singh Be Released Soon?

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

'Dara's case can strengthen the perception among sections of the BJP's traditional support base.'

Vinesh Phogat Challenges Wrestling Federation Of India's Disciplinary Action

Vinesh Phogat Challenges Wrestling Federation Of India's Disciplinary Action

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Olympian Vinesh Phogat has moved the Delhi High Court challenging two show-cause notices issued by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and subsequent disciplinary proceedings.

Ladakhis get rights over barren land, relief for thousands

Ladakhis get rights over barren land, relief for thousands

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved new rules for the regularisation of 'nautor lands', granting proprietary rights to eligible landholders. This move aims to resolve a long-pending issue, provide legal certainty, and allow land to be used as a financial asset for thousands of residents in the Union Territory.

Bangladesh's China-US Tilt Should Worry India

Bangladesh's China-US Tilt Should Worry India

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Bangladesh-China and Bangladesh-US relations have evolved from reluctant engagement to increasingly consequential strategic partnerships.

Row erupts as Keralam CM's Islamic scholar criticism vanishes from Facebook

Row erupts as Keralam CM's Islamic scholar criticism vanishes from Facebook

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan's Facebook post criticising Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar's alleged anti-women remarks has disappeared, with the CMO citing a technical error. The incident has sparked political criticism from CPI(M) and BJP, who question the explanation and accuse the Congress of hypocrisy.

Rahul vs Vijay: TN ruling allies at war over 2029 PM candidate

Rahul vs Vijay: TN ruling allies at war over 2029 PM candidate

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Ruling TVK legislators are advocating for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay as their Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, a move dismissed by the Congress party which insists on Rahul Gandhi as their choice. This internal conflict within the alliance highlights a growing divide over national political ambitions.

'How Can You Grow At 7% With These Rates Of Private Investment?'

'How Can You Grow At 7% With These Rates Of Private Investment?'

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

'You have to get private investment to somewhere between 35% to 36% of GDP. It is hovering about 30%-31%.'

'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.

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.

'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.'

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.

FIDE Elections: Viswanathan Anand Faces Tough Battle

FIDE Elections: Viswanathan Anand Faces Tough Battle

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

The FIDE elections will see three Indians, including chess legend Viswanathan Anand, vying for crucial leadership positions amidst a complex electoral landscape and a high-stakes three-way presidential battle.

'If The Economy Is Growing At 6.5-7%, Why Don't Wages Increase?'

'If The Economy Is Growing At 6.5-7%, Why Don't Wages Increase?'

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

'Wages have not risen. Rural wages have stagnated. The growth was 0.7 per cent last year. For casual and irregular labour, the wage growth is negative.'

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.

New BJP team: Many sidelined faces make a comeback

New BJP team: Many sidelined faces make a comeback

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Several prominent BJP leaders, including former Union minister Smriti Irani, RSS veteran Ram Madhav, and former chief ministers Biplab Kumar Deb and Tirath Singh Rawat, have been reinstated into significant roles within the party's national team. This reshuffle marks a political recovery for many who had previously seen their influence wane or lost electoral battles, positioning them for key organisational responsibilities ahead of upcoming elections.

Modi takes a dig at 'young' Rahul Gandhi while praising youth power

Modi takes a dig at 'young' Rahul Gandhi while praising youth power

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded young Indian innovators for the country's first privately developed orbital rocket, Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1, which made India the third nation with private orbital launch capabilities. While praising the 28-year-old average age of the Skyroot team, Modi made a veiled remark about a "56-year-old young man," widely understood to be a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who recently turned 56.

Modi present, NDA meeting showcases India's employment surge, sports boost

Modi present, NDA meeting showcases India's employment surge, sports boost

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NDA leaders reviewed India's progress in international sports and significant growth in youth employment opportunities at their weekly parliamentary meeting.

SC Upholds Hanging, Stresses Dignity in Execution

SC Upholds Hanging, Stresses Dignity in Execution

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a petition seeking to abolish execution by hanging, affirming its legality while strongly emphasising that the State must carry out capital punishment in a manner that minimises suffering and preserves human dignity, even for condemned prisoners.

Rahul seeks SC-monitored probe into July 20 crackdown on students

Rahul seeks SC-monitored probe into July 20 crackdown on students

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called for an independent Supreme Court-monitored high-powered committee to investigate alleged brutalities against students during protests. He also demanded the sacking of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of culpability or incompetence regarding the police action, including the use of pellet guns. The BJP has refuted Gandhi's allegations, calling them baseless.

Why Was Amit Malviya Removed As BJP IT Cell Chief?

Why Was Amit Malviya Removed As BJP IT Cell Chief?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Amit Malviya paid the price because he committed the cardinal mistake of himself 'becoming' the BJP's IT Cell and its social media. Malviya's removal contains a message to others -- never try to become bigger than the job that has been assigned, explains Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Don't mistake our tolerance for weakness, can hit hard: NSA Doval

Don't mistake our tolerance for weakness, can hit hard: NSA Doval

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has stated that India's generosity and tolerance should not be perceived as weakness, emphasising the nation's capability to take risks and retaliate forcefully. Speaking in the upcoming Discovery docuseries "Declassified: Operation Sindoor", Doval detailed the operation's objective to dismantle terror camps responsible for the Pahalgam attack, highlighting India's resolve in military responses.

'There's Anger On The Ground Against BJP'

'There's Anger On The Ground Against BJP'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

'If elections are held with honesty you will see their defeat.'

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.

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.

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.

'Proud to be a dimagi Naxal': Chidambaram hits back at Modi

'Proud to be a dimagi Naxal': Chidambaram hits back at Modi

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "dimagi naxal" remark by stating he is "proud to be a dimagi naxal". Modi had warned against "dimagi naxals" who manipulate policies and promote violence, despite the success in curbing armed Naxalism. Chidambaram's comment came after Modi's Independence Day speech where he highlighted the threat posed by ideological supporters of Naxalism.

India's Nuclear Mission Gains Major Momentum

India's Nuclear Mission Gains Major Momentum

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The government introduced the SHANTI Act, 2025, to support the mission and open the sector to private participation.

Youth probably thinks freedom is doing whatever it feels, but...: Doval

Youth probably thinks freedom is doing whatever it feels, but...: Doval

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has urged India's youth to dedicate themselves entirely to national interest, rising above personal gains to capitalise on the current 'window of opportunity' for building a stronger nation. He emphasised that true freedom is not merely doing what one wants, but involves commitment and sacrifice for the country's progress.

Ladakh to get autonomous hill councils in all 7 districts under Art 371

Ladakh to get autonomous hill councils in all 7 districts under Art 371

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Union Territory administration in Ladakh has announced the establishment of an Autonomous Hill Development Council (AHDC) for each of its seven districts, significantly expanding democratic decentralisation. This move extends elected local self-governance beyond Leh and Kargil, with a proposed Union Territory-level body under a customised Article 371 framework to oversee these councils.