News for 'Union Territories'

Modi calls on states to leverage AI, tackle cyber fraud and prepare for El Nino impact

Modi calls on states to leverage AI, tackle cyber fraud and prepare for El Nino impact

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged states to balance the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence with the need to safeguard against social challenges like cyber fraud and drug abuse. He also warned of the risks posed by El Nino conditions, calling for stronger water conservation measures and emphasising the collective resolve towards a 'Viksit Bharat'.

Countdown to NEET re-exam: NTA to hold nationwide mock drill on Saturday

Countdown to NEET re-exam: NTA to hold nationwide mock drill on Saturday

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct a nationwide mock drill on Saturday ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination the day after as part of its preparations to ensure the smooth, secure and transparent conduct of the test, official said on Friday.

'Our finest hour': J&K celebrates Ranji Trophy triumph

'Our finest hour': J&K celebrates Ranji Trophy triumph

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Political parties and residents in Jammu and Kashmir celebrate the Union territory's Ranji team's first-ever title win, praising the team's resilience and unity.

Labour Codes: Trade Unions Raise Red Flags Over Layoffs

Labour Codes: Trade Unions Raise Red Flags Over Layoffs

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

'Raising the retrenchment, layoff and closure threshold to 300 workers for prior government permission enables hire-and-fire in more than 90 per cent of the Indian workplaces. More than 12,00,000 disputes are now pending for adjudication with an average disposal period ranging from 3 to five years for more than 75 per cent of the disputes.'

Over 3,000 J&K Schools Report Low Enrolment Since 2022

Over 3,000 J&K Schools Report Low Enrolment Since 2022

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir government reports that over 3,000 schools have experienced low or zero enrolment since 2022, prompting school closures and mergers. The report details the financial implications and district-wise breakdown of the affected schools.

Ladakh relaxes liquor curbs, extends sales to 4 more districts

Ladakh relaxes liquor curbs, extends sales to 4 more districts

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Sunday approved a new Excise Policy, permitting the sale of hard liquor through retail vends, reducing documents to obtain a licence from 16 to six and extending the liquor availability to four more districts.

What Modi Govt Plans To Do About Illegal Immigration

What Modi Govt Plans To Do About Illegal Immigration

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The NDA government has gradually nuanced its position on the issue of demographic challenge.

Karnataka CM won't be changed 'for now': Kharge

Karnataka CM won't be changed 'for now': Kharge

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge addressed speculation about a change in Karnataka's Chief Minister, stating that there would be no change 'for now' and that the leadership issue would be resolved soon. The statement comes amid rumours of a possible leadership change and cabinet reshuffle after the results of assembly elections in other states are announced.

'Nationwide network?' SC asks Centre to probe missing children cases

'Nationwide network?' SC asks Centre to probe missing children cases

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the central government to investigate the possibility of a nationwide network or state-specific groups involved in the increasing number of missing children cases across India.

Centre to resume talks with Ladakh groups on May 22 amid statehood demand

Centre to resume talks with Ladakh groups on May 22 amid statehood demand

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided to convene a meeting of the sub-committee for political dialogue with representatives of agitating Ladakh groups on May 22, according to Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.

CRPF sets up 43 bases above 6,000 feet in J-K to hunt terrorists

CRPF sets up 43 bases above 6,000 feet in J-K to hunt terrorists

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The CRPF has established 43 temporary operating bases in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir to search for and eliminate terrorists hiding in high-altitude areas.

J-K To Treat Drug Smugglers Like Terrorists: Sinha

J-K To Treat Drug Smugglers Like Terrorists: Sinha

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced that drug traffickers in Jammu and Kashmir will be treated like terrorists under the law, as part of the 'Nasha Mukt J-K Abhiyan'. He highlighted the severity of drug abuse, calling it a form of silent terrorism, and urged public participation in the anti-drug campaign.

Putin says Russia ready for Ukraine peace deal based on Trump plan

Putin says Russia ready for Ukraine peace deal based on Trump plan

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

President Vladimir Putin has declared Russia's willingness to finalise a peace agreement with Ukraine based on US President Donald Trump's Anchorage proposals, provided Kyiv accepts necessary compromises.

BJP, LDF eye hat-tricks in Assam, Kerala; NDA aims for Puducherry

BJP, LDF eye hat-tricks in Assam, Kerala; NDA aims for Puducherry

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Voting has commenced for the Assembly elections in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry, with millions of voters deciding the fate of numerous candidates across various constituencies. The elections are crucial for determining the future governance and political landscape of these regions.

'90% trials culminate in acquittals': SC questions UAPA conviction rates

'90% trials culminate in acquittals': SC questions UAPA conviction rates

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The Supreme Court has raised concerns about the low conviction rates under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), noting that over 90 per cent of trials result in acquittals. The observations were made while granting bail to an accused in a narco-terrorism case.

PM's gift to women is wrapped in barbed wire: Tharoor on delimitation

PM's gift to women is wrapped in barbed wire: Tharoor on delimitation

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the government's decision to link women's reservation with the expansion of Parliament, calling delimitation a 'political demonetisation'. He argued that women's reservation should be implemented immediately based on existing parliamentary strength.

Fewer phases, delayed counting: Key changes in 5 state election

Fewer phases, delayed counting: Key changes in 5 state election

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The announced election schedule for five assemblies reveals fewer phases, a condensed voting period, longer gaps between polling days, and a delayed counting process compared to previous elections.

How India Plans To Boost Its Sports Culture

How India Plans To Boost Its Sports Culture

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya released the Srinagar Khel Sankalp document, outlining a national vision to strengthen sports culture through cooperative federalism, focusing on athlete-centric development and infrastructure expansion.

'Give all your tickets to Muslim women': Shah vs Akhilesh in Parl

'Give all your tickets to Muslim women': Shah vs Akhilesh in Parl

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Shah has firmly stated that providing reservation to Muslims based on religion is unconstitutional, while also confirming that a caste census will proceed alongside the population enumeration.

TRS rules out accepting Hyderabad as Union Territory or joint capital

TRS rules out accepting Hyderabad as Union Territory or joint capital

Rediff.com4 Aug 2013

Telangana Rashtra Samithi President K Chandrasekhar Rao on Sunday voiced his opposition to any proposal making Hyderabad a permanent joint capital of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh or a Union Territory.

India's 10-Year Plan To Become A Sporting Powerhouse

India's 10-Year Plan To Become A Sporting Powerhouse

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasised the importance of executing the country's 10-year roadmap to become a global sporting powerhouse during the Chintan Shivir held in Srinagar. The event saw participation from state sports ministers and eminent sports personalities, focusing on active implementation and grassroots development.

Govt bulldozing delimitation in name of women's quota: Cong in LS

Govt bulldozing delimitation in name of women's quota: Cong in LS

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Congress party has accused the government of using women's reservation as a pretext to push through delimitation, arguing that the women's quota law should be implemented immediately based on the current Lok Sabha strength.

J-K Police To Decimate Pakistan Gangster's Drug Network

J-K Police To Decimate Pakistan Gangster's Drug Network

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Nalin Prabhat issued a stern warning to Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti for 'pumping narcotics' into India, vowing to dismantle his network.

TVS Venu Group to bolster financial services presence with Jana SFB stake

TVS Venu Group to bolster financial services presence with Jana SFB stake

Rediff.com19 May 2026

TVS Venu Group has agreed to acquire a minority stake of up to 9.9 per cent in Jana Small Finance Bank, including a 4.9 per cent ownership by TVS Motor Company, through a combination of primary issuance of warrants and a secondary purchase.

Assembly elections see high turnout, women voters outnumber men

Assembly elections see high turnout, women voters outnumber men

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Recent assembly elections across several states in India saw exceptionally high voter participation, with women voters outnumbering men in turnout percentages, according to Election Commission data.

Madhu Kishwar denied anticipatory bail over video clip

Madhu Kishwar denied anticipatory bail over video clip

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of academician Madhu Purnima Kishwar in a case registered against her for allegedly retweeting a video clip on social media.

Interstate LeT Terror Module Busted; Fugitive Nabbed After 16 Years

Interstate LeT Terror Module Busted; Fugitive Nabbed After 16 Years

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Jammu and Kashmir police have dismantled an interstate Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror module, arresting five individuals, including a fugitive who had been on the run for 16 years. The operation involved multiple agencies and uncovered a network providing logistical and financial support to terrorists.

Four Women Now Lead High Courts

Four Women Now Lead High Courts

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

There has never been a woman Chief Justice of India, although Justice B V Nagarathna is expected to become the first -- in 2027 if the convention of seniority is followed.

NCERT row: Author stands by 'controversial' chapter

NCERT row: Author stands by 'controversial' chapter

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Michel Danino, one of the NCERT academics previously barred by the Supreme Court over a controversial chapter on the judiciary, maintains the content was 'correct' and defends its inclusion in the textbook.

Why India-China Border Dispute Remains Unresolved

Why India-China Border Dispute Remains Unresolved

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

While tensions have eased at several friction points and mechanisms for managing the boundary have been reactivated, underlying differences persist. Disputes over naming practices in Arunachal Pradesh, continued infrastructure development on both sides, and unresolved questions regarding patrolling rights indicate that the structural gap remains, notes Dr Kumar.

Assam, Puducherry witness historic turnout; over 78% vote in Kerala

Assam, Puducherry witness historic turnout; over 78% vote in Kerala

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Voters in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry are voting in crucial assembly elections.

Delhi Police Stations Lack Paralegal Volunteers for POCSO Cases: RTI

Delhi Police Stations Lack Paralegal Volunteers for POCSO Cases: RTI

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

An RTI query reveals that only a fraction of Delhi's police stations have paralegal volunteers, and their assistance to POCSO victims is minimal, despite Supreme Court directives.

Delhi Police Stations Face Shortage of Paralegal Volunteers in POCSO Cases

Delhi Police Stations Face Shortage of Paralegal Volunteers in POCSO Cases

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

An RTI query reveals that only a fraction of Delhi's police stations have paralegal volunteers, and their assistance to POCSO victims is minimal, despite Supreme Court mandates.

Delhi Police Stations Face Shortage of Paralegal Volunteers in POCSO Cases

Delhi Police Stations Face Shortage of Paralegal Volunteers in POCSO Cases

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

An RTI query reveals that only a fraction of Delhi's police stations have paralegal volunteers, and their assistance in POCSO cases is minimal, despite a Supreme Court mandate.

7 killed after multiple avalanches hit Srinagar-Leh NH

7 killed after multiple avalanches hit Srinagar-Leh NH

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Multiple avalanches on the Srinagar-Leh national highway at Zojila Pass have resulted in the deaths of seven people, including a child and two women, with rescue operations ongoing.

Bengal Government To Pursue CBI Investigation Into GTA Teacher Recruitment Scam

Bengal Government To Pursue CBI Investigation Into GTA Teacher Recruitment Scam

Rediff.com29 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the state government will move the Supreme Court to vacate the stay on a CBI probe into the alleged Gorkhaland Territorial Administration teacher recruitment scam. The decision follows complaints of corruption and illegal teacher recruitment within the GTA.

How Small Parties Could Swing Puducherry Election Results

How Small Parties Could Swing Puducherry Election Results

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Small parties have the capacity to play both ends against the middle. Puducherry could be heading that way, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Southern LS seats may jump from 129 to 195, up 50%: Amith Shah

Southern LS seats may jump from 129 to 195, up 50%: Amith Shah

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced a significant increase in Lok Sabha seats for the five southern states following delimitation, countering misinformation and clarifying the timeline for women's reservation implementation.

Keep in mind your...: Modi's appeal on women's quota

Keep in mind your...: Modi's appeal on women's quota

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to Lok Sabha members to vote for the women's reservation bill, emphasising the need to empower women and rectify decades of political inaction.

Women Reservation Act 2023 comes into force ahead of voting to its amendment in LS

Women Reservation Act 2023 comes into force ahead of voting to its amendment in LS

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Women's Reservation Act 2023, mandating 33 per cent quota for women in legislatures, has been enacted, but its immediate implementation is unclear due to ongoing parliamentary debates and delimitation requirements.