News for 'special status'

Nitish will support anyone who grants Bihar special status

Nitish will support anyone who grants Bihar special status

Rediff.com19 Sep 2012

Describing the political situation as "critical" after Trinamool Congress withdrew its support to the UPA government, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday said that he would support anyone in the formation of the next government at the Centre if it grants special category status to Bihar.

SIT report on Ram Temple theft likely soon; may shape trust reforms

SIT report on Ram Temple theft likely soon; may shape trust reforms

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya is expected to submit its final report to the Uttar Pradesh government shortly, sources said on Thursday.

J-K parties come together to bring back special status

J-K parties come together to bring back special status

Rediff.com15 Oct 2020

Briefing reporters after the nearly two-hour meeting, Abdullah said the leaders decided to formalise the alliance, that has been named 'Peoples' Alliance for Gupkar Declaration'.

Vijay govt appoints film producer as Delhi representative

Vijay govt appoints film producer as Delhi representative

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

The Tamil Nadu government has appointed film producer K Venkata Narayana as the state's special representative to the government in New Delhi, evoking sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party and other opposition parties on Friday.

SP demand for special status poll gimmick, says Mayawati

SP demand for special status poll gimmick, says Mayawati

Rediff.com19 Aug 2013

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati dismissed as "drama" Samajwadi Party's demand for special category status for Uttar Pradesh, saying they are raising the issue with an eye on the forthcoming general elections.

Badrinath temple treasurer removed amid donation row

Badrinath temple treasurer removed amid donation row

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Badrinath temple committee has removed its treasurer, Sandesh Mehta, after 'overwriting' was detected in the donations logbook and the quantity of silver in the temple locker exceeded recorded amounts, amidst an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities.

EPFO to credit 8.25% PF interest by July 15 to 34 crore members

EPFO to credit 8.25% PF interest by July 15 to 34 crore members

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to credit the 8.25 per cent interest on provident funds for FY26 to 34 crore member accounts by July 15, enabled by its new centralised IT system (CITES). This upgrade promises enhanced operational efficiency, transparent services, and easier access to PF details and claims for members.

SC bail to man in 'hybrid terrorist' recruitment case post Art 370 repeal

SC bail to man in 'hybrid terrorist' recruitment case post Art 370 repeal

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Supreme Court granted bail to Suhail Ahmad Thokar, arrested under UAPA for allegedly conspiring with terrorist groups to recruit terrorists and radicalise youth after the repeal of Article 370.

New tax code: Women to lose special status

New tax code: Women to lose special status

Rediff.com30 Aug 2010

While senior citizens will continue to enjoy greater tax exemption, women tax payers will lose their special status under the proposed Direct Taxes Code.

Out-of-court settlement fails in Gyanvapi, Mathura, Sambhal disputes

Out-of-court settlement fails in Gyanvapi, Mathura, Sambhal disputes

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Efforts to resolve three major religious site disputes in Uttar Pradesh - Gyanvapi, Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah, and Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid - through out-of-court settlements have failed, with all parties insisting on judicial adjudication.

Ranbir Kapoor Is Lord Ram; Who's Playing Whom In Ramayana?

Ranbir Kapoor Is Lord Ram; Who's Playing Whom In Ramayana?

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

From Arun Govil and Shobana to Vivek Oberoi and Kajal Aggarwal, meet the sprawling supporting cast bringing Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana to life.

Nirmohi Akhara moves SC seeking reconstitution of Ram temple trust

Nirmohi Akhara moves SC seeking reconstitution of Ram temple trust

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Nirmohi Akhara has approached the Supreme Court, seeking a directive to the Centre to reconstitute the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Theerth Kshetra Trust as a 'public trust' and include structural safeguards for oversight by seers, citing alleged large-scale embezzlement of donations.

The Irrfan Film That Almost Didn't Get Made

The Irrfan Film That Almost Didn't Get Made

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

'It would have never crossed anybody's mind where life would have taken us or that Irrfanji would fall sick.'

Explained: What establishes citizenship in India

Explained: What establishes citizenship in India

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

A clarification by the ministry of external affairs that the passport is not a proof of citizenship has once again brought to the fore the need for a legal framework to provide citizens with a single document to establish they are Indians.

Will press for restoration of special status: Mehbooba on PM's meet

Will press for restoration of special status: Mehbooba on PM's meet

Rediff.com22 Jun 2021

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's all-party meet, People's Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said peace in the region cannot be restored without undoing the 'illegal' and 'unconstitutional' act of revocation of the special status of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

No PM can revoke Jammu Kashmir's special status: Omar

No PM can revoke Jammu Kashmir's special status: Omar

Rediff.com29 Jan 2014

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said no prime minister can revoke Article 370 of the Constitution granting special status to the state "without calling into question" its accession to India.

Special status to J&K a historical blunder: Jaitley

Special status to J&K a historical blunder: Jaitley

Rediff.com8 Jul 2012

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday threatened to launch a movement if the UPA government at the Centre accepts the report of its interlocutors pertaining to special status for Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370.

Donation allegations 'baseless', will respond after SIT report: Champat Rai

Donation allegations 'baseless', will respond after SIT report: Champat Rai

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

A day after his resignation was accepted by the Ram temple trust, its former general secretary Champat Rai on Tuesday said he would respond to all allegations of donation embezzlement after the SIT submits its final report, even as opposition parties alleged a "cover-up" and stepped up the demand for its dissolution.

Dinesh Hingoo: 'Johnny Lever Considers Me His Mentor'

Dinesh Hingoo: 'Johnny Lever Considers Me His Mentor'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

'I was very close to Kader Khan. Whenever he wrote dialogues and scenes, he would often write my name next to certain roles. He would personally recommend me to directors. Such was his stature that directors would immediately pay attention to his suggestions.'

Nitish turns to 'dharna' politics in his fight for special status

Nitish turns to 'dharna' politics in his fight for special status

Rediff.com2 Mar 2014

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar sat on a dharna in front of Mahatma Gandhi's bust at Gandhi Maidan as part of the Janata Dal-United daylong Bihar bandh to protest the Centre's "discriminatory" attitude towards the state and vowed to get special status.

Vietnam boat tragedy: 'Watched people you have known for years die before you'

Vietnam boat tragedy: 'Watched people you have known for years die before you'

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Survivors of a tourist boat tragedy in Vietnam, which claimed 15 Indian lives, have expressed outrage over the absence of timely medical preparedness and trained personnel at the accident site, stating they were forced to perform CPR themselves in a desperate attempt to save fellow passengers.

Gen Z Protests: 'I Hope They Keep Questioning The Government'

Gen Z Protests: 'I Hope They Keep Questioning The Government'

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

'I thought this generation was no good, will not be able to do much with all this social media etc. But then, they surprised us.'

Won't support UPA if special status given to Bihar: JD-U

Won't support UPA if special status given to Bihar: JD-U

Rediff.com28 Mar 2013

Janata Dal-United on Thursday made it clear that it has no plans to support the united Progressive Alliance if the Centre grants special status to Bihar, saying there is no question of any 'bargain' in the matter.

Rohit Sharma Still Has Unfinished Business

Rohit Sharma Still Has Unfinished Business

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Hitman still probably hurts over missing World Cup glory in 2011 and his stellar career rightfully deserves one last hurrah at the ODI World Cup.

Cong led JD-U up the 'garden path' on special status: Jaitley

Cong led JD-U up the 'garden path' on special status: Jaitley

Rediff.com3 Mar 2014

As Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar frowned at the Centre, the Bharatiya Janata Party ion Monday took a dig at him, saying he was led up the "garden path" by the Congress on the issue of special status and hinted that this had led to its split with the BJP.

BJP restless as Cong warms up to Bihar special status demand

BJP restless as Cong warms up to Bihar special status demand

Rediff.com30 May 2013

Bharatiya Janata Party leaders are getting more and more restless over Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's bonhomie with the Congress regarding the special category status to his state.

Maha makes free drinking water mandatory for customers at eateries

Maha makes free drinking water mandatory for customers at eateries

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has issued a comprehensive order mandating free drinking water for customers in all food establishments, banning food served in newspapers, and introducing rigorous operational standards. These new regulations aim to improve food safety, hygiene, and transparency across hotels, restaurants, and other food service providers in the state.

Dawoodi Bohra verdict row: HC ex-judge Patel gets security cover

Dawoodi Bohra verdict row: HC ex-judge Patel gets security cover

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Retired Judge Gautam Patel and his family, getting threatening letters over his 2024 verdict on the succession row in the Dawoodi Bohra community, have been provided police protection, the Maharashtra government on Monday told the Bombay high court.

Alpha Review: Girls Just Wanna Have Guns!

Alpha Review: Girls Just Wanna Have Guns!

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Alpha is a botched up opportunity, rues Sukanya Verma.

Passport-citizenship row: Govt says no new move in 12 yrs; Oppn hits out

Passport-citizenship row: Govt says no new move in 12 yrs; Oppn hits out

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Government sources have clarified that a passport has never been considered proof of citizenship in India, a stance consistent for the past 12 years and rooted in the Passport Act 1967. This clarification, reiterated by the Ministry of External Affairs, has drawn criticism from opposition leaders and public figures.

Government Teacher Held For Securing Job With Forged Disability Certificate

Government Teacher Held For Securing Job With Forged Disability Certificate

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

A government school teacher in Jhalawar, Rajasthan, was arrested for allegedly securing his job 12 years ago using a fraudulent disability certificate. The arrest is part of a special campaign by the SOG to identify individuals who obtained government jobs through forged documents. An investigation revealed the teacher, Bane Singh, claimed 42% disability but had only 6%, while another accused, Yogesh Kumar, had no disability despite claiming 42% hearing impairment.

Rs 10K Or Rs 1 Cr: Your NEET Rank Shapes College Costs

Rs 10K Or Rs 1 Cr: Your NEET Rank Shapes College Costs

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

If your All India Rank (AIR) is in the three digits, you could get a seat at one of the prestigious AIIMS colleges and pay tuition fees of just under Rs 10,000 for the entire course. At the other end of the spectrum, if your AIR is in the lakhs, you could end up shelling out a crore at a private or deemed institution.

Who is cricket's Federer? Sanju Samson has an answer

Who is cricket's Federer? Sanju Samson has an answer

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson drew parallels between cricket and tennis legends, comparing MS Dhoni to Roger Federer and Virat Kohli to Carlos Alcaraz. He also reflected on India's recent T20 World Cup victory, crediting the women's team for inspiring the men, and discussed the challenge posed by Australia. Former tennis player Rohan Bopanna shared his Wimbledon predictions and memories.

'India is among Standard Chartered's top five wealth markets globally'

'India is among Standard Chartered's top five wealth markets globally'

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

"With the leverage available, I believe the scheme remains reasonably attractive," said P D Singh, India and South Asia Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank, regarding the Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) or FCNR (B) deposits.

FIFA World Cup 2026: England open Group L campaign against old foes Croatia

FIFA World Cup 2026: England open Group L campaign against old foes Croatia

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Arlington, Texas on Wednesday, a heavyweight Group L opener that could set the tone for both teams' tournament ambitions.

The H-1 B Visa and the Fading American Dream

The H-1 B Visa and the Fading American Dream

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The H-1B visa once symbolised the American Dream for Indians, but today's students are increasingly asking whether they need America at all. In 1995, the question was: How do I get to America? In 2026, it may be: Do I need to?

Don't tamper with J-K special status: Farooq Abdullah

Don't tamper with J-K special status: Farooq Abdullah

Rediff.com4 Aug 2019

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, reading out a resolution adopted at the meeting, said the parties have decided to send delegations to meet President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders of political parties to apprise them about the consequences of any attempt to abrogate Article 370 and Article 35A of the Constitution, or carry out delimitation of constituencies or trifurcating the state.

Pune Grand Tour Set To Become World's Fourth Grand Tour With UCI Support

Pune Grand Tour Set To Become World's Fourth Grand Tour With UCI Support

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has pledged its full support to establish the Pune Grand Tour as the world's fourth Grand Tour, aiming to transform it into a leading global sports tourism destination. The UCI praised the event's quality, crowd discipline, and rapid execution, committing expertise for its long-term growth and grassroots cycling development in India.

Supreme Court's Electoral Roll Ruling: Key Takeaways

Supreme Court's Electoral Roll Ruling: Key Takeaways

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee has commented on the Supreme Court judgment regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, emphasising its specific application to the Bihar case and highlighting the Election Commission's limited authority in determining citizenship.

India Is Lucky To Have Both Nehru And Modi

India Is Lucky To Have Both Nehru And Modi

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

If one has to compare the tenures of the two prime ministers one must credit Nehru with laying the foundations on which Modi is building a grand edifice, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).