News for 'Union Territories'

SC upholds loss of SC status upon conversion to...

SC upholds loss of SC status upon conversion to...

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a review petition challenging its earlier verdict that a person from a Scheduled Caste (SC) community loses their SC status upon converting to a religion other than Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism, effective from the moment of conversion.

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.

PoK people would've joined India before 2019: Omar on Independence Day

PoK people would've joined India before 2019: Omar on Independence Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has renewed his call for the restoration of special status and statehood to the region, asserting that the decision to accede to India 80 years ago was correct. He highlighted the importance of upholding India's federal structure and suggested that if Article 370 hadn't been revoked, PoK residents might be seeking reunification. Abdullah also criticised centralised governance models, arguing they erode state autonomy.

PoK elections turn deadly, JAAC alleges 14 activists killed

PoK elections turn deadly, JAAC alleges 14 activists killed

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Clashes erupted during the first phase of legislative assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), with the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) claiming 14 deaths, a figure disputed by law enforcement. India condemned the elections as an attempt by Pakistan to legitimise its illegal occupation and human rights abuses in the region, while ongoing JAAC protests highlight deep-seated grievances.

Centre notifies draft rules for VB-G RAM G rollout

Centre notifies draft rules for VB-G RAM G rollout

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The Centre has notified draft rules for the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, outlining the framework for the new rural employment programme replacing MGNREGA. The draft rules are open for public feedback until June 21, 2026.

Why Puducherry Voters Like N Rangaswamy

Why Puducherry Voters Like N Rangaswamy

Rediff.com5 May 2026

In Puducherry, where constituencies have fewer than 30,000 electors on average, it is usual for N Rangaswamy to call out people he knows by name during his roadside election meetings.

EC tells officials to flag suspected foreign nationals during SIR

EC tells officials to flag suspected foreign nationals during SIR

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

The EC also underlined that for electors whose enumeration forms have not returned, the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) would identify a probable cause, such as absent, shifted, dead and duplicate entry based on an inquiry from the nearby electors and would note the same.

NEET UG: Punjab's Aryan, Haryana's Panshul top exam; 11.21 lakh qualify

NEET UG: Punjab's Aryan, Haryana's Panshul top exam; 11.21 lakh qualify

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Punjab's Aryan Gupta and Haryana's Panshul Bansal topped the NEET-UG for medical admissions as 11.21 lakh candidates qualified the entrance exam this year, the National Testing Agency announced on Thursday.

Puducherry records highest-ever turnout in assembly polls

Puducherry records highest-ever turnout in assembly polls

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Puducherry witnessed a historic voter turnout of 89.87% in the recent Assembly elections, the highest since 1964. The election saw a contest between the NDA and Congress-led bloc, with other parties also vying for influence. Polling was largely peaceful, with a minor clash reported.

Delhi High Court Orders Action Plan For Open Correctional Facilities

Delhi High Court Orders Action Plan For Open Correctional Facilities

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The Delhi High Court has directed city authorities to develop a strategy for implementing the Supreme Court's directives on open correctional institutions, focusing on identifying prisoners suitable for transfer.

Bihar Women's Rugby Team Shines in National Championship Group Stage

Bihar Women's Rugby Team Shines in National Championship Group Stage

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Bihar's women's rugby team showcased their strength with dominant wins in the group stage of the Senior National Rugby Sevens Championship, setting the stage for intense knockout rounds.

Karnataka Triumphs At Inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games

Karnataka Triumphs At Inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Karnataka emerged as the overall champions at the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games, securing 23 gold medals.

Karnataka Secures Overall Victory at Inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games

Karnataka Secures Overall Victory at Inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Karnataka emerged as the overall champions at the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games, securing 23 gold medals. The event saw participation from 30 states and union territories, with Odisha and Jharkhand following in the medal tally.

Lok Sabha seats to be increased by 50%; 272 reserved for women: Govt

Lok Sabha seats to be increased by 50%; 272 reserved for women: Govt

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Lok Sabha is set to expand to 815 seats, with 272 seats reserved for women, according to Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. The move aims to implement the women's quota without disadvantaging men or any state. The proposed legislations also include provisions for reservation for women from SC and ST categories within the women's quota.

IMD Launches AI Monsoon Forecast Model

IMD Launches AI Monsoon Forecast Model

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'This system will be of immense help in agricultural planning, disaster management and water resources management.'

Zojila Tunnel: Historic Breakthrough

Zojila Tunnel: Historic Breakthrough

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The 13.153-km Zojila Tunnel, the world's longest single-tube bi-directional road tunnel at the highest altitude, and its final breakthrough will be a historic milestone in India's infrastructure history.

Delhi Police Uncover Major Fake Helicopter Booking Scam Targeting Pilgrims

Delhi Police Uncover Major Fake Helicopter Booking Scam Targeting Pilgrims

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Delhi Police have arrested three individuals, including a B.Tech student, for allegedly operating fake helicopter booking websites that defrauded pilgrims across India. The accused created fraudulent sites impersonating legitimate travel platforms, luring customers with online ads, and are linked to nearly 30 complaints totalling Rs 10 lakh in fraud.

VB-G RAM G Act from July 1, MGNREGA to be repealed

VB-G RAM G Act from July 1, MGNREGA to be repealed

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Centre has announced that the Viksit Bharat -- Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act will come into force across the country from July 1, replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Recent BJP organisational moves and Rajya Sabha nominations have sparked speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may soon undertake a ministerial reshuffle.

Anti-Paper Leak Bill: Political Battleground In Parliament

Anti-Paper Leak Bill: Political Battleground In Parliament

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Monday's proceedings demonstrated that the legislative debate has become inseparable from the broader political crisis surrounding the NEET controversy.

Jammu Marathon Symbolises J&K's Transformation Since 2019

Jammu Marathon Symbolises J&K's Transformation Since 2019

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

The Jammu Marathon, featuring international runners, symbolises the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir since 2019, highlighting peace, prosperity, and its emergence as a destination for world-class events.

70% children in India missed school due to extreme heat during May-June: Report

70% children in India missed school due to extreme heat during May-June: Report

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

A new report by child rights NGO CRY reveals that nearly seven in every 10 school-going children across India missed school or routine activities from May to June this year due to extreme heat, with 76 per cent reporting negative impacts on their ability to focus on studies.

J-K won't remain Union Territory forever: Shah

J-K won't remain Union Territory forever: Shah

Rediff.com7 Oct 2019

Misuse of the Article 370 is the root cause of cross-border terrorism, he said.

GoM to deliberate upon demand for Hyderabad as Union Territory

GoM to deliberate upon demand for Hyderabad as Union Territory

Rediff.com4 Dec 2013

Apart from debating the Rayal-Telangana issue, the Group of Ministers that meets on Wednesday night at 8 pm, will also look into the demand to make Hyderabad a Union Territory.

Mamata Banerjee Says TMC Will Support Women's Quota Bill

Mamata Banerjee Says TMC Will Support Women's Quota Bill

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the TMC will support the women's quota bill but opposes the delimitation bill introduced by the Modi government in the Lok Sabha. She also criticised the central government over central agency raids on TMC candidates.

Making a case for fair treatment of Union Territories in Finance Commission

Making a case for fair treatment of Union Territories in Finance Commission

Rediff.com26 Aug 2019

Call for fiscal autonomy to Union Territories with Assemblies may get louder with 'special status' to J&K in the Finance Commission, say experts.

Omar Abdullah's Kashmir Challenge Revives July 2, 1984 Memories

Omar Abdullah's Kashmir Challenge Revives July 2, 1984 Memories

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Omar Abdullah has so far laboured hard to make best of a bad bargain. Even so, the ground reality is anything but reassuring. The Opposition parties, including notably the PDP, appear to be gaining ground, though more by default. Public patience with Omar's government has nearly run out, notes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

Jammu to Host First Half Marathon to Boost Tourism and Fitness

Jammu to Host First Half Marathon to Boost Tourism and Fitness

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The first Jammu Half Marathon, featuring 21K, 10K, and 5K races, is set to take place, aiming to boost tourism and promote fitness with significant participation from across India and internationally.

Property Of Hizbul Mujahideen Operative Attached In Baramulla

Property Of Hizbul Mujahideen Operative Attached In Baramulla

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Authorities in Baramulla district have attached the property of Rasid-ud-Din Qureshi, a proclaimed offender linked to Hizbul Mujahideen who is currently operating from Pakistan. The attached property is a piece of land measuring two kanals in Lashdaej Nadihal.

Success For Drug-Free J-K Campaign As Hundreds Arrested

Success For Drug-Free J-K Campaign As Hundreds Arrested

Rediff.com10 May 2026

The 100-day 'drug-free J-K campaign' has achieved significant success across the Union Territory, leading to numerous arrests, seizures of narcotics, and demolition of properties linked to drug peddlers.

SC refuses urgent hearing on two NEET-UG re-test pleas

SC refuses urgent hearing on two NEET-UG re-test pleas

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has declined an urgent hearing on petitions challenging the June 21 NEET-UG 2026 re-test, stating that all related matters will be heard by Justice P S Narasimha's bench in July. Students are seeking reconsideration of the re-test date due to mental trauma, inadequate preparation time, and concerns over examination integrity following the cancellation of the original May 3 exam.

AIADMK legislators moved to Puducherry amid TVK push for majority

AIADMK legislators moved to Puducherry amid TVK push for majority

Rediff.com7 May 2026

AIADMK MLAs have been moved to Puducherry amid TVK's efforts to secure a majority in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, according to an AIADMK spokesperson.

Rajasthan to get Yamuna waters from Haryana during monsoon

Rajasthan to get Yamuna waters from Haryana during monsoon

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Haryana and Rajasthan have signed an agreement to implement the 1994 Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) agreement, allowing Rajasthan to receive water from the Hathini Kund barrage during monsoons. The pact, signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, resolves a 32-year-old issue concerning water allocation among Yamuna basin states.

Jammu And Kashmir Achieves 93% Progress In Land Record Digitisation

Jammu And Kashmir Achieves 93% Progress In Land Record Digitisation

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir government has achieved significant progress in digitising revenue records, reaching 93.39 per cent completion with over 64 lakh records approved across the Union Territory.

Why Delhi Continues To Top Juvenile Crime Stats

Why Delhi Continues To Top Juvenile Crime Stats

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Delhi continues to report the highest number of juvenile crime cases among metropolitan cities in India, according to the latest NCRB data for 2024. The city recorded 2,306 cases, with a crime rate of 42 per one lakh minors. Theft is the most common crime committed by juveniles.

Why Delhi Continues To Top Juvenile Crime Stats

Why Delhi Continues To Top Juvenile Crime Stats

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Delhi continues to report the highest number of juvenile crime cases among metropolitan cities in India, according to the latest NCRB data. The report highlights the types of crimes committed and the socio-economic background of the juveniles involved.

West Bengal To Restart Rural Employment Scheme In Most Districts

West Bengal To Restart Rural Employment Scheme In Most Districts

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The West Bengal government will resume the rural employment scheme under the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Grameen) Act in all districts of the state, barring Murshidabad and South 24 Parganas, where allegations of irregularities in its implementation are being investigated.

SIR focused on voter exclusion, disturbed free and fair elections: Ex-CEC Quraishi

SIR focused on voter exclusion, disturbed free and fair elections: Ex-CEC Quraishi

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Former Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi has strongly criticised the Election Commission's ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, stating it is 'focussed more on exclusion' and has 'played havoc with democracy' by disturbing free and fair elections.

Govt releases FAQs on women's quota bill after LS defeat

Govt releases FAQs on women's quota bill after LS defeat

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The government has released a set of FAQs to address concerns and clarify the details surrounding the Women's Reservation Bill, which aims to provide 33 per cent quota for women in legislatures.

Monsoon fury: Several dead across country, red alert in Palghar

Monsoon fury: Several dead across country, red alert in Palghar

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Monsoon rains have unleashed widespread destruction across India, claiming seven lives in Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka due to landslides and floods, while heavy downpours have disrupted normal life and triggered red alerts in Maharashtra and other regions.