News for 'Union Territories'

Khelo India Brings First-Ever Water Sports to Kashmir

Khelo India Brings First-Ever Water Sports to Kashmir

Rediff.com18 Aug 2025

The first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival is all set to reveal the iconic Dal Lake in a new avatar.

One nation, one election bill likely to be tabled in LS today

One nation, one election bill likely to be tabled in LS today

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

The Indian Parliament will introduce a constitutional amendment bill on Tuesday that seeks to hold Lok Sabha and state assembly elections simultaneously. The bill, popularly known as "one nation, one election", will be introduced by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and is likely to be referred to a joint committee of both houses for wider consultations. The bill also aims to align elections in the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, and the NCT of Delhi. The move has been met with mixed reactions, with some supporting the idea of reducing election-related expenses and others expressing concerns about its impact on democratic processes.

Crime against children records 9.2% rise in 2023: NCRB

Crime against children records 9.2% rise in 2023: NCRB

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

The data compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau showed that the crime rate in 2023 stood at 39.9 per one-lakh child population, in comparison to 36.6 in 2022.

LG-Omar clash looms as CM calls urgent meet over JKAS transfers

LG-Omar clash looms as CM calls urgent meet over JKAS transfers

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

In a significant administrative reshuffle, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered the transfer and posting of 48 J-K Administrative Service (JKAS) officers, potentially creating friction with the National Conference-led government in the Union Territory. The move, seen by many as an attempt by the LG to assert control over the bureaucracy, includes the transfer of 14 additional deputy commissioners and 26 sub-divisional magistrates. The timing of the order, coinciding with the elected government's wait for approval on business rules, raises concerns over power dynamics in the region.

Millions could have died: Trump hails India, Pak leaderships for truce

Millions could have died: Trump hails India, Pak leaderships for truce

Rediff.com11 May 2025

He went on to say that even though this has not been discussed, he is going to 'increase trade substantially with both of these great Nations.'

Pahalgam attack aimed to vitiate atmosphere: Govt to leaders

Pahalgam attack aimed to vitiate atmosphere: Govt to leaders

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The government on Thursday told an all-party meeting that the Pahalgam attack was carried out to vitiate the atmosphere at a time when the economy of Jammu and Kashmir was on the upswing and tourism was booming. Briefing reporters after the meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said all parties said they were with the government and against terror. The party leaders were briefed by Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Union Home Ministry officials on the steps being taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, Rijiju said. Home Minister Amit Shah, present in the meeting, interjected wherever required as officials briefed MPs, according to sources. At least 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed and scores injured when terrorists shot them in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.

AAP's Malik becomes first sitting MLA to be detained under PSA in J-K

AAP's Malik becomes first sitting MLA to be detained under PSA in J-K

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

Jammu and Kashmir AAP chief and MLA Mehraj Malik was detained under the Public Safety Act for allegedly disturbing public order in Doda district. The detention has sparked condemnation from opposition parties.

No headway in Ladakh talks, groups to decide future course

No headway in Ladakh talks, groups to decide future course

Rediff.com4 Mar 2024

The ministry said the high powered committee for Ladakh headed by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai has been working actively with representatives of the ABL and the KDA and significant progress has been made.

Mumbai, Kohima safest for women; Delhi, Kolkata at bottom: NARI report

Mumbai, Kohima safest for women; Delhi, Kolkata at bottom: NARI report

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

The National Annual Report & Index on Women's Safety (NARI) 2025 reveals the safest and least safe cities for women in India, highlighting factors influencing safety perceptions and experiences.

How Educated Are Your MLAs?

How Educated Are Your MLAs?

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Association for Democratic33 per cent of 4,092 sitting MLAs were non-graduates.

Port Blair gets a name change: Sri Vijaya Puram it is

Port Blair gets a name change: Sri Vijaya Puram it is

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

Shah said the decision was taken to free the nation from colonial imprints as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands had an "unparalleled place" in the country's freedom struggle and history.

Govt meets Ladakh team, agrees to discuss statehood, other demands

Govt meets Ladakh team, agrees to discuss statehood, other demands

Rediff.com19 Feb 2024

The 14-member delegation of the Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance met the high-powered committee for Ladakh headed by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai.

'Ek baar aap GST dekh lo': PM's nudge ushered in biggest GST reform in 8 yrs

'Ek baar aap GST dekh lo': PM's nudge ushered in biggest GST reform in 8 yrs

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

'Ek baar aap GST dekh lo!' - Prime Minister Narendra Modi's gentle nudge to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in December last year sparked the beginning of a mammoth exercise to overhaul the tangled goods and services tax regime. And the final outcome is a significantly simplified system with lower tax rates and easier compliance for businesses.

When Pakistan Bombed Jail That Sonam Wangchuk Is Housed In

When Pakistan Bombed Jail That Sonam Wangchuk Is Housed In

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Sonam Wangchuk is under tight surveillance within the three-tiered prison, with CCTV cameras monitored around the clock.

New threat for security agencies: 'Bedroom jihadis' stoking unrest in J-K

New threat for security agencies: 'Bedroom jihadis' stoking unrest in J-K

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir are facing a new threat from 'bedroom jihadis' who use social media to spread misinformation and incite communal discord. These individuals, operating from their homes, are part of a sophisticated cross-border effort to destabilize the region by disseminating inflammatory content and propaganda.

'Militants Become Instruments In Political Contests'

'Militants Become Instruments In Political Contests'

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

'Political protection allow groups to recruit, rearm and operate with reduced operational pressure. That increases their bargaining power and their ability to destabilise.'

Trump says it for 5th time: 'I brokered India-Pakistan peace'

Trump says it for 5th time: 'I brokered India-Pakistan peace'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

US President Donald Trump has repeated his claim that Washington got involved with India and Pakistan, saying he didn't like what was happening and that he did a good job as he convinced the two countries to let's have peace and let's go and make trade deals.

India rejects Arbitration Court ruling on Kishenganga, Ratle hydel projects

India rejects Arbitration Court ruling on Kishenganga, Ratle hydel projects

Rediff.com28 Jun 2025

India rejects this so-called "supplemental award", the ministry of external affairs said, referring to the ruling in the case related to Pakistan's objections to Kishenganga and Ratle hydropower projects.

Jails Hotbeds Of Extremism? Govt Urges Crackdown

Jails Hotbeds Of Extremism? Govt Urges Crackdown

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

High-risk inmates who are inclined towards propagating the ideology of radicalisation should be segregated from the general prison population to minimise the risk of indoctrination.

'Modi refused to give an exception': Rijiju on bills to remove PM, CMs

'Modi refused to give an exception': Rijiju on bills to remove PM, CMs

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

Rijiju also hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying that his own party MPs "get uncomfortable" when he speaks in Parliament and are apprehensive that he will do "anap-shanap baatein" and the party will have to bear the consequences.

Cloudburst behind Uttarkashi flash floods? Experts differ

Cloudburst behind Uttarkashi flash floods? Experts differ

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Experts question whether a cloudburst caused the recent flash flood in Uttarkashi, India, citing insufficient rainfall and other potential factors like ice chunks, rockfalls, or landslides.

'130th Amendment Risks Placing Power In ED/CBI/CID/Police'

'130th Amendment Risks Placing Power In ED/CBI/CID/Police'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

'Anyone they don't like can be potentially arrested and thrown in jail for 30 days to induce regime change.'

4 killed, 80 hurt in Ladakh statehood protests; Wangchuk calls off fast

4 killed, 80 hurt in Ladakh statehood protests; Wangchuk calls off fast

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk called off his hunger strike as protests for Ladakh statehood and Sixth Schedule extension turned violent. The BJP office was set on fire, vehicles were torched, and clashes erupted, leading to the imposition of prohibitory orders.

'Sonam Wangchuk Will Never Instigate Violence'

'Sonam Wangchuk Will Never Instigate Violence'

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

'I want to request the central government that they should not target someone just for the sake of targeting him if he has not done anything wrong.'

What Wednesday's mock security drill will cover

What Wednesday's mock security drill will cover

Rediff.com6 May 2025

India will conduct nationwide civil defense mock drills on Wednesday, including air-raid warning sirens and training civilians to protect themselves in the event of a "hostile attack." The drills come amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. The Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed all states and union territories to participate in the exercise, which will be conducted up to the village level.

Jammu erupts over Urdu-only rule for recruitment exam; BJP warns govt

Jammu erupts over Urdu-only rule for recruitment exam; BJP warns govt

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

The BJP legislative party staged a protest demanding the revocation of a government order mandating Urdu as a compulsory language for the Naib Tehsildar recruitment examination in Jammu and Kashmir, calling the order discriminatory and detrimental to the interests of Jammu's youth.

Covid vaccine causing heart attacks? What Centre says

Covid vaccine causing heart attacks? What Centre says

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

The Union Health Ministry refutes claims linking heart-related deaths to Covid vaccines, citing extensive studies by ICMR and AIIMS.

JK polls soon? EC team Srinagar to review preparedness

JK polls soon? EC team Srinagar to review preparedness

Rediff.com8 Aug 2024

The political parties have been given time slots for the meeting with the Election Commission.

'World hasn't forgotten Pahalgam': India rebukes Pak at UN

'World hasn't forgotten Pahalgam': India rebukes Pak at UN

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

India strongly rejected Pakistan's 'unwarranted aspersions' over United Nations processes and attempts to deflect attention from atrocities committed against children in the country and rampant cross-border terrorism, asserting that the world has not forgotten the Pahalgam attacks.

Most PSBs see decline in headcount even as branches spread

Most PSBs see decline in headcount even as branches spread

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

At a time when the finance ministry is focusing on addressing employee grievances, the number of employees in most public-sector banks (PSBs) has declined over the last three financial years.

No rules, no rides: HC grounds bike taxis in Karnataka

No rules, no rides: HC grounds bike taxis in Karnataka

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

Karnataka transport minister Ramalinga Reddy confirmed the development, stating that the companies must abide by the court's decision.

Amitabh Kant resigns as G20 Sherpa, to begin new chapter

Amitabh Kant resigns as G20 Sherpa, to begin new chapter

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

Kant, a retired 1980-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Kerala cadre, was appointed as India's G20 Sherpa in July 2022, months before India assumed the G20 Presidency.

Centre tries to curtail powers of new J-K govt, CM, alleges Omar; MHA denies

Centre tries to curtail powers of new J-K govt, CM, alleges Omar; MHA denies

Rediff.com5 Oct 2024

The strong statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah's office came after former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah asked bureaucrats in the Union Territory to resist any pressure to "further disempower" the incoming elected government.

Pak opens firing along LoC, IB in J-K; India retaliates

Pak opens firing along LoC, IB in J-K; India retaliates

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

This marked the sixth consecutive night of ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the LoC, amidst heightened tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22.

NC, Congress seal alliance pact for J-K polls

NC, Congress seal alliance pact for J-K polls

Rediff.com23 Aug 2024

In a significant political development, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah announced on Thursday that an alliance with the Congress was finalised for all 90 assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir, which is going for its maiden assembly polls after being reorganised into a Union Territory.

How Ambedkar played key role in creating ECI

How Ambedkar played key role in creating ECI

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, is also credited with the creation of the Election Commission of India. An amendment he brought to the Constituent Assembly led to the establishment of the Election Commission as an independent body responsible for conducting elections. Ambedkar's amendment consolidated election authority into a centralized body, headed by a chief election commissioner appointed by the President, rather than separate commissions for the Centre and states. This article delves into the historical context and the importance of Ambedkar's contribution in establishing the Election Commission of India.

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Rediff.com8 May 2025

India conducted nationwide civil defence mock drills simulating multiple hostile scenarios like air raids, fire emergencies, and rescue operations across several states and union territories. The drills, dubbed 'Operation Abhyaas,' aimed to enhance emergency preparedness in light of recent terror attacks. The exercises involved coordinated efforts by various agencies, including civil defence personnel, police, fire and emergency services, and the military. Mock drills were conducted at various locations, including railway stations, malls, and high-rise buildings, showcasing the response capabilities of authorities in different emergency scenarios. The drills highlighted the importance of public awareness and cooperation in dealing with real-time emergencies.

Was US India's Ally Or Foe In The 1962 War?

Was US India's Ally Or Foe In The 1962 War?

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

What appeared to be a generous act of friendship was, in truth, a manoeuvre within a much larger strategic game. The United States used the 1962 war not just to aid India but to test how far it could be pulled into the Western fold, points out Dr Kumar.

After Maoist zones, CRPF's specialised CoBRA unit to counter J-K terror

After Maoist zones, CRPF's specialised CoBRA unit to counter J-K terror

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has announced the formation of a special CoBRA battalion for counter-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir. This decision comes 17 years after the jungle warfare unit was established to combat Naxal insurgency. The new battalion, directed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, will be deployed in forested areas of Jammu and Kashmir, including the Jammu region, where recent terrorist incidents have occurred. CoBRA units are known for their specialized jungle warfare and guerilla tactics training, and the new battalion will be equipped with modern weaponry, communication, and surveillance equipment.

Shell deepens India market reach through Raj Petro buy

Shell deepens India market reach through Raj Petro buy

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

Global energy giant Shell has acquired Mumbai-based Raj Petro Specialities to deepen its foothold in the world's third biggest lubricants market in the world, a top company official said. Shell, which has already invested over $5 billion in India across the energy value chain -- from LNG import terminals and fuel stations to renewable energy and technology centres -- has acquired 100 per cent equity interest in Raj Petro Specialities Pvt Ltd from Germany's Brenntag Group.