News for 'Union of India'

OCI card to cost $275 as govt announces fresh fee structure

OCI card to cost $275 as govt announces fresh fee structure

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Indian government has revised the application fee for the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card and introduced changes to the application process, including abolishing the six-month continuous stay requirement.

Khelo India Tribal Games to Kick Off in Chhattisgarh

Khelo India Tribal Games to Kick Off in Chhattisgarh

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games are set to begin in Chhattisgarh, featuring around 3,800 athletes competing in nine sports. The event aims to boost the state's sports infrastructure and provide exposure to national-level competition.

V D Satheesan: Opposition Firebrand to Kerala CM

V D Satheesan: Opposition Firebrand to Kerala CM

Rediff.com14 May 2026

V D Satheesan, a 61-year-old lawyer-turned-politician, has emerged as a prominent figure in Kerala politics, known for his aggressive opposition to the Left government and his role in revitalising the Congress party. His journey from student politics to a key leadership position highlights his strategic acumen and dedication to addressing local issues.

India Adopts Balanced AI Regulatory Approach

India Adopts Balanced AI Regulatory Approach

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

An Indian AI Research Organisation official says India has adopted a balanced and pragmatic approach to AI regulation, avoiding the extremes of the US and EU models.

Iranian Oil Tanker Changes Course from India to China Amid Payment Concerns

Iranian Oil Tanker Changes Course from India to China Amid Payment Concerns

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

A US-sanctioned tanker carrying Iranian crude oil has rerouted mid-voyage from its previously indicated destination of India to China, raising questions about payment issues and the future of India's Iranian oil imports.

Centre notifies changes to Citizenship Rules, 2009

Centre notifies changes to Citizenship Rules, 2009

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Union Home Ministry has announced changes to the Citizenship Rules, 2009, introducing a digital shift for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and citizenship applications, including online applications and renunciation processes.

BJP Alleges TMC Inciting Violence By Disguising Workers As BJP Supporters

BJP Alleges TMC Inciting Violence By Disguising Workers As BJP Supporters

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal of inciting post-poll violence by disguising its workers as BJP supporters. The BJP asserts its cadres have never engaged in violence after election victories and claims the TMC is acting out of frustration after suffering a crushing defeat in the assembly polls.

India-China border trade via Lipulekh Pass to resume after 6 yrs

India-China border trade via Lipulekh Pass to resume after 6 yrs

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Border trade between India and China through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district is set to resume this year after a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

EC may roll out SIR in 22 states, UTs after 5-state assembly polls

EC may roll out SIR in 22 states, UTs after 5-state assembly polls

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Election Commission of India is considering launching the final phase of its special intensive revision of voters' lists in the remaining states and Union territories after the assembly elections conclude.

First Khelo India Tribal Games to Spotlight 1300 Athletes

First Khelo India Tribal Games to Spotlight 1300 Athletes

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games are set to begin in Chhattisgarh, featuring nearly 1300 athletes from across India competing in nine disciplines. The event aims to provide a platform for tribal athletes to showcase their talent and promote sports at the grassroots level.

Govt body plans legal framework for AI companies

Govt body plans legal framework for AI companies

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

India's newly formed Artificial Intelligence Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) is set to advocate for a unified legal framework for AI companies, including developers of large language models and chatbot systems, alongside broader operational rules.

Wage Hike Fails To Solve Worker Woes

Wage Hike Fails To Solve Worker Woes

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Rising living expenses, fear of contract hiring cast shadow on real gains.

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.

Cong stretches Kerala CM saga, uncertainty irks ally

Cong stretches Kerala CM saga, uncertainty irks ally

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Congress party's delay in naming the next Chief Minister of Kerala has drawn criticism, particularly from key ally IUML, which warns of potential political fallout from the prolonged uncertainty.

BJP Alleges TMC Inciting Violence, Warns Of Legal Action

BJP Alleges TMC Inciting Violence, Warns Of Legal Action

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress of inciting post-poll violence in West Bengal by impersonating BJP supporters, warning that they will face legal consequences. The BJP asserts its members have never engaged in post-election violence and claims TMC cadres are using BJP symbols to create unrest.

Gulf War: Modi to assess impact on India's critical supplies

Gulf War: Modi to assess impact on India's critical supplies

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will review the impact of the West Asia conflict on India's food, energy, and fuel security with senior cabinet ministers. The meeting follows previous discussions and concerns raised about global energy crises and supply chain disruptions.

CM race quietly begins within Congress after Kerala victory

CM race quietly begins within Congress after Kerala victory

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Congress-led UDF has swept back to power in Kerala, sparking celebrations and discussions about forming the new government. Senior leaders are vying for the Chief Minister's post, while the defeated CPI(M)-led LDF grapples with the reasons for their loss after 10 years in power.

Suvendu Adhikari: From Mamata's Minister To West Bengal Chief Minister

Suvendu Adhikari: From Mamata's Minister To West Bengal Chief Minister

Rediff.com9 May 2026

In West Bengal's political circles, it was widely believed that after Mamata Banerjee, Suvendu Adhikhari was perhaps the only leader with a truly significant mass base of his own.

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.

Women's Group Demands Inquiry Into Cricketer Vaping Incident

Women's Group Demands Inquiry Into Cricketer Vaping Incident

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

A women's group has demanded an inquiry into visuals purportedly showing cricketer Riyan Parag using a vape-like device during an IPL match, questioning whether the incident was an attempt to normalise banned products.

AI Misuse Fuels India's Growing Fake News Crisis

AI Misuse Fuels India's Growing Fake News Crisis

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

From 2022 to 2024, X, Facebook, and WhatsApp emerged as the primary platforms associated with the spread of fake news in India.

Blaze hits Raj HPCL refinery on eve of Modi launch, inauguration deferred

Blaze hits Raj HPCL refinery on eve of Modi launch, inauguration deferred

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A major fire near the main unit of the newly built Rajasthan refinery of HPCL has postponed the inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The fire, which broke out near the crude distillation unit, was doused in about two hours with no reported casualties.

'Subversion of democratic process': Bengal's Falta to see repolling on May 21

'Subversion of democratic process': Bengal's Falta to see repolling on May 21

Rediff.com3 May 2026

The Election Commission has ordered a repoll in all 285 polling booths of the Falta assembly constituency in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district on May 21, following reports of severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process during the second phase of the assembly elections.

Senior BJP leader Balbir Punj passes away at 76

Senior BJP leader Balbir Punj passes away at 76

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Balbir Punj, a former Rajya Sabha MP, journalist, and BJP leader, has died at the age of 76. Tributes have poured in from prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, recognising his contributions to the party and the world of media.

Why India Doesn't Track Hate Speech Against Northeast Citizens

Why India Doesn't Track Hate Speech Against Northeast Citizens

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Indian government has stated that it does not maintain centralised data on incidents of hate speech, racial slurs, harassment, and discrimination against people from the Northeast, emphasising that policing and public order are the responsibility of state governments.

Govt eases FDI norms for China, other countries sharing border with India

Govt eases FDI norms for China, other countries sharing border with India

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Indian government has relaxed foreign direct investment (FDI) norms for countries sharing land borders with India, including China, a move that amends press note 3 of 2020.

Amit Shah Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Protecting Infiltrators

Amit Shah Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Protecting Infiltrators

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of protecting infiltrators and alleged her associate wants to build a Babri Masjid in the state.

Kerala CM Deadlock Exposes Congress Weakness

Kerala CM Deadlock Exposes Congress Weakness

Rediff.com13 May 2026

In a state known for high political literacy and ideological mobilisation, the Congress' inability to quickly settle on a leader after securing a massive mandate has fed a narrative that the party remains excessively dependent on Delhi, deeply faction-ridden and vulnerable to internal sabotage

Amit Shah Promises Jobs, End To Infiltration In Bengal If BJP Wins

Amit Shah Promises Jobs, End To Infiltration In Bengal If BJP Wins

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah promised one lakh jobs for youths each year based on merit if the BJP won the West Bengal election, and also pledged to make the state free of infiltrators.

Union Budget 2026: Sitharaman tries to cover all bases, leaves out markets

Union Budget 2026: Sitharaman tries to cover all bases, leaves out markets

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Budget 2026 sticks to fiscal discipline, shuns populist measures despite five key state elections coming up, but ends up rattling stock markets with a higher transaction tax on derivatives trading.

Time for change, not revenge: Modi hails Bengal victory

Time for change, not revenge: Modi hails Bengal victory

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed BJP workers after the party's performance in assembly elections, urging an end to political violence in West Bengal and a focus on the state's future.

What The Opposition Must Learn From Mamata's Defeat

What The Opposition Must Learn From Mamata's Defeat

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'If the Opposition associates itself too much with the minorities, then it becomes easy for the BJP to get Hindu consolidation votes.'

Karnataka Lead Medal Tally at Khelo India Tribal Games

Karnataka Lead Medal Tally at Khelo India Tribal Games

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Karnataka continues to lead the medal tally at the Khelo India Tribal Games, driven by swimming success, while Chhattisgarh achieves its best performance.

'Ready to Take the Risk': Inside Congress's Vijay Bet

'Ready to Take the Risk': Inside Congress's Vijay Bet

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Whether Vijay has the political spine to stitch together a stable government from this patchwork of conditions, demands, and midnight drama is the question Tamil Nadu is living through right now.

Government Initiatives Boost Aerospace Manufacturing in India

Government Initiatives Boost Aerospace Manufacturing in India

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Indian government is actively promoting manufacturing in the rapidly expanding aerospace sector, with collaborations between Indian and foreign companies leading to the establishment of new facilities.

India Boosts Disaster Relief: Centre Approves 1,912 Crore Aid

India Boosts Disaster Relief: Centre Approves 1,912 Crore Aid

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The central government has approved additional financial assistance of 1,912.99 crore to five states and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which were affected by various natural disasters in 2025.

Stage set for counting day showdown in 5 states

Stage set for counting day showdown in 5 states

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Counting of votes begins in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and West Bengal, with significant implications for regional and national parties.

Why Rijiju Is Calling TMC Anti-Women

Why Rijiju Is Calling TMC Anti-Women

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of being 'anti-women' and obstructing the passage of the women's reservation bill in Lok Sabha. He criticised the TMC's opposition to the bill and defended the BJP's commitment to increasing women's representation in politics.

Cybersecurity Incidents Double in India: Delhi Reports Highest Number

Cybersecurity Incidents Double in India: Delhi Reports Highest Number

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

India has experienced a significant increase in cybersecurity incidents since 2021, with Delhi reporting the highest number of cases. The government is taking steps to address these threats through various initiatives and platforms.

Banerjee Claims BJP Stoking Social Discord to Loot India

Banerjee Claims BJP Stoking Social Discord to Loot India

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of stoking fights among all sections of society and attempting to loot the country by exploiting these divisions. She also criticised the BJP's economic policies and alleged discrimination in welfare schemes.