News for 'Union Territory'

Bill to expedite paper leak trials to be tabled in Parliament

Bill to expedite paper leak trials to be tabled in Parliament

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

India is set to introduce a new amendment to its anti-paper leak law in the Lok Sabha, aiming to establish fast-track courts across all states and union territories for swift trials and significantly harsher penalties for exam malpractices, including jail terms of 5 to 10 years and fines up to Rs 50 lakh for individuals, and up to Rs 10 crore for organised crimes.

Landmark feat: 'Breakthrough' in Zojila tunnel achieved

Landmark feat: 'Breakthrough' in Zojila tunnel achieved

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The Zojila tunnel, a crucial infrastructure project connecting the Kashmir Valley to Ladakh, achieved a significant breakthrough, connecting its two ends and moving closer to providing all-weather connectivity, reducing travel time from 1.5 hours to just 15 minutes.

Trump signs new executive orders on birthright citizenship despite SC setback

Trump signs new executive orders on birthright citizenship despite SC setback

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

US President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at cracking down on 'birth tourism' and limiting eligibility for birthright citizenship, weeks after the Supreme Court rejected a similar directive.

Govt lists women's quota, delimitation bills for Thursday

Govt lists women's quota, delimitation bills for Thursday

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

According to a bulletin issued on Wednesday, 'The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026', 'The Delimitation Bill, 2026' and 'The Union Territories Laws (Amendment Bill), 2026' will be introduced and debated for passage in the Lower House.

Supreme Court pat for lawyer over CCTVs in police stations nationwide

Supreme Court pat for lawyer over CCTVs in police stations nationwide

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has observed a 'positive turn' in the progress of installing CCTV cameras in police stations across India, acknowledging substantial efforts made in recent months.

Centre revives women's quota Bill, reaches out to Congress, DMK

Centre revives women's quota Bill, reaches out to Congress, DMK

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to discuss resolving the persistent deadlock in the Lok Sabha's monsoon session, focusing on the Delimitation Bill and FCRA Bill, though no immediate commitment was secured from the Congress leader.

'Enemies like India': Pakistan rules out talks with PoK protesters

'Enemies like India': Pakistan rules out talks with PoK protesters

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Terming protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as "enemies" like India, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said there will be no dialogue with them, even as the death toll due to clashes between demonstrators and security personnel rose to 20 on Wednesday.

Right to trauma care integral part of right to life: SC

Right to trauma care integral part of right to life: SC

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Supreme Court of India has directed all states and Union territories to operationalise a single helpline number '112' for emergency responses and establish a functional good samaritan grievance redressal system within three months, emphasising that the right to trauma care is an integral part of the right to life.

Gadkari gets HC nod to sue Meta, X, Google over E20 deepfakes

Gadkari gets HC nod to sue Meta, X, Google over E20 deepfakes

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has received permission from the Bombay High Court to file a civil suit against Meta Platforms, X Corp, Google LLC, and other unknown entities for allegedly circulating 'defamatory' deepfakes and AI-generated content against him.

Five Delhi Police Personnel Killed On Duty In 2024: Report

Five Delhi Police Personnel Killed On Duty In 2024: Report

Rediff.com7 May 2026

According to the latest NCRB data, five Delhi Police personnel were killed on duty in 2024. The data reveals the causes of these fatalities, including criminal activity and accidents.

Centre tightens FCRA rules for NGOs receiving foreign funds

Centre tightens FCRA rules for NGOs receiving foreign funds

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

The Indian government has amended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) rules, introducing stricter regulations for NGOs receiving foreign funds. Key changes include mandatory selection of predefined purposes and areas of operation, restrictions on foreign nationals as key functionaries, and explicit exclusion of proselytisation from certain faith-based activities. The amendments also introduce minimum spending limits, enhanced financial accountability, and increased transparency requirements, including social media disclosure and ultimate donor identification.

Economic Offences Decline Marginally In Delhi: NCRB Data

Economic Offences Decline Marginally In Delhi: NCRB Data

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Delhi recorded a marginal decline in economic offences in 2024 compared to the previous two years, but suffered the highest property losses among all Union territories, according to the National Crime Records Bureau data.

Bengaluru triple murder: Techie's live-in partner held in Puducherry

Bengaluru triple murder: Techie's live-in partner held in Puducherry

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Police have arrested the live-in partner of a techie, who was previously apprehended, in connection with the alleged triple murder of her parents and younger sister in Bengaluru. The co-accused, Kenneth, was traced and detained in Puducherry, with investigators suspecting the motive stemmed from the victims' disapproval of the couple's relationship.

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.

12 iconic Indian landmarks to host International Yoga Day 2026 celebrations

12 iconic Indian landmarks to host International Yoga Day 2026 celebrations

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

India will celebrate International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 at 12 iconic landmarks across the country, including the Red Fort, Hampi, and Konark Sun Temple, with the main event led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kolkata.

Parliament clears tougher anti-paper leak law amid Oppn walkout

Parliament clears tougher anti-paper leak law amid Oppn walkout

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Parliament on Thursday passed a bill to amend the anti-paper leak law to introduce stricter punishments, with the government expressing its commitment to go the extra mile to safeguard the interests of students, who are the country's future.

Govt may consider making Hyderabad Union Territory

Govt may consider making Hyderabad Union Territory

Rediff.com3 Sep 2013

The demand for turning Hyderabad into a UnionTerritory on the lines of Chandigarh and make it the joint capital of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana may be considered by the government.

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.

Continue HPV drive, but beware of 'half-baked' vaccines: HC

Continue HPV drive, but beware of 'half-baked' vaccines: HC

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has declined to halt the Centre's HPV immunisation campaign, noting that data on 5.5 million administered vaccines showed no 'instant harm'. However, the court emphasised that 'half-baked vaccines' should not be given to the public and raised 'serious issues' regarding past protocol violations in vaccine testing and certification.

Child Sexual Abuse: Acquaintances Are Primary Offenders In Most Cases

Child Sexual Abuse: Acquaintances Are Primary Offenders In Most Cases

Rediff.com7 May 2026

According to the latest NCRB data, close acquaintances are the primary offenders in 96.6 per cent of child sexual abuse cases in India. The report highlights the involvement of family members, friends, and online contacts in these offences, with Tamil Nadu reporting the highest number of cases.

Bhagwant Mann Rebukes BJP's 'Absurd' Statements on Chandigarh Blast

Bhagwant Mann Rebukes BJP's 'Absurd' Statements on Chandigarh Blast

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticised BJP leaders for blaming his government for the blast outside the BJP headquarters in Chandigarh, emphasising that the area falls under the Union Territory's administration. He also addressed other issues, including taxes and farmers' concerns.

Right To Live With Dignity Includes Freedom From Stray Dog Threat: SC

Right To Live With Dignity Includes Freedom From Stray Dog Threat: SC

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The Supreme Court of India has affirmed that the right to live with dignity includes the right to live without the threat of harm from stray dogs, dismissing petitions seeking to overturn earlier directives on relocation and sterilisation.

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.

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.

Crimes By Foreigners Rise In Delhi, NCRB Data Shows

Crimes By Foreigners Rise In Delhi, NCRB Data Shows

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Delhi has seen an increase in crimes committed by foreigners, with 201 cases registered in 2024 compared to 130 in 2023, according to NCRB data. Delhi accounted for the highest number of such cases among union territories. West Bengal recorded the highest number of such cases among states.

India launches new cell broadcast system for disaster warnings

India launches new cell broadcast system for disaster warnings

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launched the cell broadcast alert system, developed indigenously, to warn citizens about emergencies and natural disasters in their area. The system is now operational across all states and union territories.

NCRB Includes Animal Cruelty Cases In Crime Database

NCRB Includes Animal Cruelty Cases In Crime Database

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has included cases of crime and cruelty against animals in its annual 'Crime in India 2024' database, recording 9,039 cases under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act across the country.

SC allows euthanasia for rabid, dangerous stray dogs

SC allows euthanasia for rabid, dangerous stray dogs

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Supreme Court of India has permitted euthanasia for rabid, incurably ill, or demonstrably dangerous stray dogs to mitigate the threat to human life. The ruling includes several directives to manage the rising stray dog population, emphasising public safety and animal welfare.

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.

Delhi's Crime Rate Against Scheduled Castes Lower Than National Average

Delhi's Crime Rate Against Scheduled Castes Lower Than National Average

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Delhi recorded 133 cases of crimes and atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) in 2024, slightly higher than the previous year, according to NCRB data. Despite the increase, Delhi's crime rate against SCs remains significantly lower than the national average.

Govt explores 50% LS seat hike to break delimitation deadlock

Govt explores 50% LS seat hike to break delimitation deadlock

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Indian government is reportedly developing new proposals to increase Lok Sabha seats by 50 per cent across all states. This initiative aims to address concerns from southern states regarding potential political power reduction due to population-based delimitation, while also facilitating the operationalisation of the women's quota law before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Bangladeshi Nationals Top List Of Foreigners Arrested In India: NCRB

Bangladeshi Nationals Top List Of Foreigners Arrested In India: NCRB

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Bangladeshi nationals topped the list of foreign nationals arrested in India in 2024, according to the latest NCRB data, followed by Nigerians and Nepalis. West Bengal recorded the highest number of crimes committed by foreigners among states, while Delhi topped union territories.

LS seats may rise up to 850 to roll out 33% women's quota before 2029 polls

LS seats may rise up to 850 to roll out 33% women's quota before 2029 polls

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

A bill to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies by increasing the lower house's strength to 850 is slated for introduction in Parliament. The bill seeks to amend Article 81 of the Constitution and utilise 2011 Census data for redrawing constituencies.

Modi surpasses Nehru, becomes India's longest-serving elected PM

Modi surpasses Nehru, becomes India's longest-serving elected PM

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is set to hold a crucial meeting to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi becoming India's longest continuously serving elected prime minister, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru's record of 4,399 days.

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.

Chandigarh Embraces 'No Car Day' To Cut Fuel Consumption

Chandigarh Embraces 'No Car Day' To Cut Fuel Consumption

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Chandigarh observed its first 'no car day' with officials using electric buses and bicycles, following the governor's appeal to cut fuel consumption and promote eco-friendly transportation.

Why Mamata Banerjee Opposes The Delimitation Bill

Why Mamata Banerjee Opposes The Delimitation Bill

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of using the proposed amendment to the women's quota law as a front for the Delimitation Bill, which she claims will divide the country. She asserted that her party, the TMC, will fight this move at every step.

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.

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.

Lashkar operative's property seized in J-K narco-terror probe

Lashkar operative's property seized in J-K narco-terror probe

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Police's State Investigation Agency (SIA) has attached a property belonging to a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative in a narco-terror case in Kupwara district.