News for 'Union Territories'

Will legal battle against LG continue after BJP win in Delhi?

Will legal battle against LG continue after BJP win in Delhi?

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

The Delhi government is embroiled in multiple litigations with the Lieutenant Governor in the Supreme Court including its plea challenging the Centre's law establishing pre-eminence of the LG over the elected dispensation in controlling services in the national capital.

Atishi prevented from meeting Sonam Wangchuk

Atishi prevented from meeting Sonam Wangchuk

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi was stopped outside the Bawana Police Station on Tuesday while she was heading to meet climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was detained last night trying to enter the national capital with his supporters.

IPL SUSPENDED amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions

IPL SUSPENDED amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions

Rediff.com9 May 2025

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season has been officially suspended due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan.

Failed State that spreads falsehoods: India flays Pak at UNHRC

Failed State that spreads falsehoods: India flays Pak at UNHRC

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's remarks on Jammu and Kashmir at the UN Human Rights Council, calling it a "failed state" that spreads falsehoods and relies on international handouts. India's delegate, Kshitij Tyagi, highlighted the progress made in Jammu and Kashmir and said Pakistan is in no position to lecture anyone on human rights, given its own record of abuses and support for terrorism.

India-Pak conflict: A history of major flashpoints

India-Pak conflict: A history of major flashpoints

Rediff.com7 May 2025

India's recent missile strikes on nine terrorist locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including Bahawalpur, mark a significant escalation in the long-standing military tensions between the two nations. This article provides a historical overview of the Indo-Pak military confrontations, tracing their roots back to the 1947 war following India's independence and the partition of the sub-continent, and highlighting key conflicts such as the 1965 war, the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, the 1999 Kargil War, the 2016 Uri attack, and the 2019 Pulwama attack.

Can't deny funds to states not implementing NEP: Parl panel

Can't deny funds to states not implementing NEP: Parl panel

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

A parliamentary panel has criticized the Indian government for withholding funds from states that have not agreed to implement the PM SHRI schools scheme, calling the reasoning behind the decision "not factual or justified." The panel has recommended the immediate release of pending funds to states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, which have been significantly impacted by the delays.

Place Beant killer's mercy plea before President: SC

Place Beant killer's mercy plea before President: SC

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

The Supreme Court of India has directed the President to consider the mercy petition of Balwant Singh Rajoana, a death row convict in the 1995 assassination case of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. The court gave the President two weeks to decide on the plea. Rajoana was sentenced to death in July 2007 for his role in the bombing that killed Beant Singh and 16 others. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) filed a mercy petition on his behalf in 2012.

Immigration Bill introduced in LS amid Oppn protest

Immigration Bill introduced in LS amid Oppn protest

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

The legislation is aimed at streamlining various services related to immigration and foreigners, including their entry, exit and stay in India.

At 931 cr, Chandrababu Naidu richest CM, Mamata poorest: ADR

At 931 cr, Chandrababu Naidu richest CM, Mamata poorest: ADR

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

According to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is the richest chief minister in India with assets worth over Rs 931 crore, while West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee is the poorest with just Rs 15 lakh. The average asset per chief minister is Rs 52.59 crore, and the total assets of 31 chief ministers are worth Rs 1,630 crores. The report also highlights that 13 chief ministers have declared criminal cases against themselves, with 10 of them having declared serious criminal cases.

Police can't serve accused notice via WhatsApp: SC

Police can't serve accused notice via WhatsApp: SC

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court has said police cannot serve notices to accused persons through WhatsApp or other electronic modes under the Criminal Procedure Code or Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

Budget balanced, takes care of all segments: FM in Rajya Sabha

Budget balanced, takes care of all segments: FM in Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com31 Jul 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said the Union Budget strikes a fine balance between growth, employment, and fiscal consolidation, and promotes cooperative federalism. Replying to the discussion on the Union Budget 2024-25 and Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Budget in Rajya Sabha, the minister said the government is on track to achieve the pre-announced fiscal deficit target of 4.5 per cent by 2025-26. Sitharaman, also a former defence minister, said the Agniveer Scheme to recruit people in the age group of 17.5 to 21 years, is aimed at keeping the armed forces fit, young and battle-ready.

R-Day Parade: India to celebrate 75 years of Constitution with military might

R-Day Parade: India to celebrate 75 years of Constitution with military might

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

India will showcase its military prowess and rich cultural heritage on Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26 to mark the 76th Republic Day. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest at the event, which will also see the participation of a marching contingent and a band contingent from Indonesia. The theme of the parade is 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas', focusing on the platinum jubilee of the enactment of the Constitution. The parade will feature a number of cutting-edge defense platforms, including BrahMos, Pinaka and Akash, as well as the Army's Battle Surveillance System 'Sanjay' and DRDO's surface-to-surface tactical missile 'Pralay'.

59 HMPV cases so far, 2 deaths due to co-morbidities: Minister in RS

59 HMPV cases so far, 2 deaths due to co-morbidities: Minister in RS

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

India has reported 59 cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and two deaths due to co-morbidities between January 6 and 29, according to Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav. The virus primarily affects young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, leading to respiratory illnesses. The government has taken measures to monitor and control the spread of HMPV cases and create public awareness.

Failed as CM, no 'cheap politics' on Pahalgam attack: Omar

Failed as CM, no 'cheap politics' on Pahalgam attack: Omar

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

The Jammu and Kashmir assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Monday expressing shock and anguish over the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and resolved to fight resolutely to defeat the nefarious designs to disturb communal harmony and hinder progress.

Rs 2.19 lakh crore given to MHA; majority for CAPFs

Rs 2.19 lakh crore given to MHA; majority for CAPFs

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The Union Budget 2024-25 on Tuesday allocated Rs 2,19,643 crore to the Ministry of Home Affairs with the majority of it -- Rs 1,43,275 crore -- being given to central police forces like Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) which are responsible for internal security, border guarding, and security of vital installations.

SC stays HC order over Ayushman Bharat scheme in Delhi

SC stays HC order over Ayushman Bharat scheme in Delhi

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

A bench of Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih issued notices to the Centre and others seeking their responses on a plea filed by the Delhi government against the December 24 2024 direction of the Delhi high court.

Pak planned Pahalgam to ignite communal tensions in India: Cong

Pak planned Pahalgam to ignite communal tensions in India: Cong

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, calling it a direct assault on the values of the republic. The party accused the BJP of exploiting the tragedy to promote discord and polarization, while urging for unity and solidarity in the face of adversity. The CWC also demanded a comprehensive analysis of the intelligence failures and security lapses that led to the attack.

90% of women in police force serving as constables: Report

90% of women in police force serving as constables: Report

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

A new report, "India Justice Report 2025", highlights the stark gender disparity in India's police force, with less than 1,000 women holding senior positions like Director-Generals and Superintendents of Police. Despite growing awareness about the need for gender diversity in law enforcement, not a single state or Union Territory has met its target for women's representation in the police force. The report also emphasizes the significant challenges faced by the justice system as a whole, including infrastructural deficiencies, overcrowding in prisons, and inadequate staffing levels. The report calls for systemic reforms to address these issues and ensure a more equitable and accessible justice system for all.

Can SC's new measures put a curb on child marriage?

Can SC's new measures put a curb on child marriage?

Rediff.com19 Oct 2024

Under the title of "legal enforcement", states and Union Territories were directed to appoint officers solely responsible for discharging the functions of Child Marriage Prohibition Officers at the district level.

'Don't worry': Rahul meets Pak shelling victims in Poonch

'Don't worry': Rahul meets Pak shelling victims in Poonch

Rediff.com24 May 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir, offering condolences to families affected by cross-border shelling and encouraging students who lost two classmates to the violence. During an hour-long visit, Gandhi met with students at the convent school that lost the twins, and visited families whose homes were damaged in the shelling.

Is J&K Getting Ready For Assembly Polls?

Is J&K Getting Ready For Assembly Polls?

Rediff.com8 Aug 2024

On Thursday, August 8, 2024, an Election Commission team led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar arrived in Srinagar to meet with representatives of political parties.

Terrorism in J-K in decisive phase, reduced to mere proxy war: Amit Shah

Terrorism in J-K in decisive phase, reduced to mere proxy war: Amit Shah

Rediff.com16 Jun 2024

The home minister also reviewed the preparations for the annual Amarnath pilgrimage scheduled to begin on June 29.

'Maligned India': Govt defends cancelling US scribe's OCI card

'Maligned India': Govt defends cancelling US scribe's OCI card

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The Centre has defended in the Delhi high court its decision to cancel the overseas citizen of India (OCI) card of United States-based journalist Raphael Satter saying he maligned Indian institutions in the international arena through journalistic activities.

Sonam Wangchuk to go on fast unto death for Ladakh's rights

Sonam Wangchuk to go on fast unto death for Ladakh's rights

Rediff.com5 Feb 2024

Sonam Wangchuk, a key campaigner for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, on Monday said they would launch a fast unto death from February 19 to press their demands and that details of participation of local residents in the agitation were being worked out.

No prisoner segregation based on caste, religion, Centre tells states

No prisoner segregation based on caste, religion, Centre tells states

Rediff.com29 Feb 2024

The MHA said the prison manual also provides that no classification of prisoners shall be allowed on grounds of socio-economic status, caste or class.

Nitish should 'strike': Cong on Bihar special category status demand

Nitish should 'strike': Cong on Bihar special category status demand

Rediff.com15 Jul 2024

The opposition party's remarks come after Bihar ministers claimed that the latest report of NITI Aayog's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index 2023-24 vindicated the state's long-standing demand for greater central financial assistance.

India's Two Front War Challenge

India's Two Front War Challenge

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

The Chinese see no need to fight directly. They have an able and willing proxy in Pakistan, points out Shekhar Gupta.

8th Eco Census likely next year; data for 7th awaited

8th Eco Census likely next year; data for 7th awaited

Rediff.com14 Aug 2024

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (Mospi) has started preparations for the eighth Economic Census (EC), which is expected to be formally launched next year, sources told Business Standard, even as the results of the seventh edition are yet to be made public. "Centre has asked states and Union Territories (UTs) to submit requirements for funds and manpower in a bid to start work on the eighth EC. "The states and UTs are required to set up a dedicated unit to conduct the exercise.

PDP chief Mehbooba will not contest J-K polls because...

PDP chief Mehbooba will not contest J-K polls because...

Rediff.com28 Aug 2024

Mehbooba Mufti said she will not contest the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, pointing out that she would not be able to fulfil her party's agenda in the union territory set up even if she were to become the chief minister.

Enthused over J-K LS turnout, will start assembly poll process soon: CEC

Enthused over J-K LS turnout, will start assembly poll process soon: CEC

Rediff.com3 Jun 2024

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said the EC was very enthused by the voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir during the Lok Sabha elections, which showed the eagerness of the people to participate in the democratic process.

Will go on 28-day fast from August 15 if...: Sonam Wangchuk

Will go on 28-day fast from August 15 if...: Sonam Wangchuk

Rediff.com28 Jul 2024

Climate activist Soman Wangchuk announced on Sunday that he will launch a 28-day fast on Independence Day if the government does not invite Ladakh authorities for talks on demands for statehood and constitutional protection for the union territory.

Doctor, 6 workers killed as terrorists attack tunnel project site in J-K

Doctor, 6 workers killed as terrorists attack tunnel project site in J-K

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

The terrorists opened fire on the camp housing labourers of a private company working on construction of a tunnel Gund area in the district, officials said.

HC stays deportation of J-K cop, sisters to Pakistan

HC stays deportation of J-K cop, sisters to Pakistan

Rediff.com1 May 2025

A police officer and his eight siblings, including five sisters, were deported to Pakistan on Wednesday despite a court order granting them temporary relief. The nine members of the extended family, who have been living in Jammu and Kashmir for generations, were among more than two dozen people, mostly from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), who were served deportation notices following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The deportation has sparked outrage, with protests and appeals for intervention from the home minister and lieutenant governor. The family members claim they are not Pakistani nationals and have been living in the region for generations, presenting revenue records to support their claims. The court has ordered a detailed report on the case within two weeks and will hear it again on May 20.

What AAP, BJP, Cong Overlook in Delhi Polls

What AAP, BJP, Cong Overlook in Delhi Polls

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Delhi's crime rate against women stood at 144.4 in 2022 -- the highest among all states and Union Territories.

India downgrades diplomatic ties with Pak, suspends Indus Water Treaty

India downgrades diplomatic ties with Pak, suspends Indus Water Treaty

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and firmed up the responses to the terror attack.

New bill proposes 7-year jail, Rs 10L fine for forged passports in India

New bill proposes 7-year jail, Rs 10L fine for forged passports in India

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

India is proposing a new law that would impose a jail term of up to seven years and a fine of Rs 10 lakh on anyone found using a forged passport or visa to enter, stay, or exit the country. The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, also mandates reporting of foreign visitors by hotels, universities, and hospitals to track overstaying individuals. The bill aims to simplify laws, ease business, and strengthen national security while promoting economic growth and tourism.

Mega 39-member Parl panel to examine simultaneous polls bills

Mega 39-member Parl panel to examine simultaneous polls bills

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

A 39-member parliamentary panel has been constituted to examine the two bills proposing simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The panel, chaired by BJP leader Bhratruhari Mahtab, will include prominent members from various political parties, including the BJP, Congress, SP, TMC, and DMK. The panel is expected to submit its report to the Lok Sabha by the first day of the last week of the next session. The government has decided to increase the committee's strength to include more political parties, highlighting the significance of this proposal to reform the election process in India.

Pahalgam probe reveals terror-Pak communication nodes

Pahalgam probe reveals terror-Pak communication nodes

Rediff.com19 May 2025

The attack has "footprints and tracks" similar to previous attacks claimed by The Resistance Front, the ministry said in a presentation, adding the terror organisation is just another name of designated terror outfit Lashkar-e-Tayiba.

Beginning Of The End For Trump?

Beginning Of The End For Trump?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

Unless Donald Trump takes a major U turn, this is possibly the beginning of the end for Trumpian politics, argues Colonel Anil A Athale (retd). Unless President Trump takes a major U turn, this is possibly the 'beginning of the end' for Trumpian politics driven by TV trp's, points out Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Rekha Gupta, Only Lady CM In 20 NDA Ruled States/UTs

Rekha Gupta, Only Lady CM In 20 NDA Ruled States/UTs

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Rekha Gupta had the support of the RSS, which actively participated in the Delhi assembly poll campaign to help the BJP win.