News for 'union territory'

'Government Must Talk To Sonam Wangchuk'

'Government Must Talk To Sonam Wangchuk'

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

'Ladakh has become a hollow UT.' 'Bureaucrats from Delhi rule Ladakh and there is no attention paid to the grievances of the people.'

Rajasthan under Maratha Empire? NCERT book sparks row

Rajasthan under Maratha Empire? NCERT book sparks row

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

A controversy has erupted after an NCERT Class 8 textbook depicted present-day Rajasthan as part of the Maratha Empire, drawing criticism from royal families and political leaders who call the depiction factually incorrect and misleading.

'Things Have Improved In Kashmir'

'Things Have Improved In Kashmir'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

'Often people outside paint a wrong picture of us of Kashmiris. We are not like that. We are cool and bindaas,' said the lady, a teacher, caressing my cheeks in the pressing crowds.

Pahalgam attack didn't stall talks of J-K statehood: Abdullah

Pahalgam attack didn't stall talks of J-K statehood: Abdullah

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has stated that the conversation regarding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir has not been stalled. He claims the issue was raised at the recent NITI Aayog governing council meeting, and the formal speech distributed at the meeting includes a mention of the return of statehood. Abdullah also addressed concerns about the impact of the Pahalgam terror attack on tourism, emphasizing the importance of local Kashmiris visiting tourist spots first to revive the industry and ensure a sense of security.

Indo-Pak confrontation not a conflict in Kashmir, but...: Jaishankar

Indo-Pak confrontation not a conflict in Kashmir, but...: Jaishankar

Rediff.com24 May 2025

Jaishankar said such a description would be like putting the perpetrator and the victim of the Pahalgam attack at the same level.

IPL: Punjab vs DC match called off, fans evacuated

IPL: Punjab vs DC match called off, fans evacuated

Rediff.com8 May 2025

IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was abruptly halted midway due to escalating security concerns on Thursday.

'We're ready': India gears up to host 2030 CWG

'We're ready': India gears up to host 2030 CWG

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

India is confident of securing the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, despite Canada and Nigeria expressing interest in bidding for the event.

Meet Baldev Kumar from Punjab, first outsider to contest J-K LS polls

Meet Baldev Kumar from Punjab, first outsider to contest J-K LS polls

Rediff.com20 Apr 2024

The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 paved the way for outsiders to contest polls in the Union Territory.

RBI considers fresh guidelines to curb mis-selling

RBI considers fresh guidelines to curb mis-selling

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Concerned over the rise in mis-selling of products by banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is examining whether to come up with norms to curb such practices. Observing that pushing financial products, such as insurance, indiscriminately to unaware consumers may be detrimental to their well-being, RBI Deputy Governor M Rajeshwar Rao said, "We are examining whether it necessitates framing of guidelines to address mis-selling of financial products and services by REs (regulated entities)."

Are we not creating class of parasites? SC slams poll freebies

Are we not creating class of parasites? SC slams poll freebies

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court on Wednesday deprecated the practice of announcing freebies prior to elections, and said people were not willing to work as they were getting free ration and money.

Manipur's Kuki-Zo groups demand separate UT with legislature

Manipur's Kuki-Zo groups demand separate UT with legislature

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

Representatives from Kuki-Zo communities said their demands have crossed the point where they wanted President's rule to be imposed in the state, and now they see a Union Territory with legislature on the lines of Puducherry carved out of Manipur as the only solution to the ongoing strife.

Modi's Visit: 'Manipuris Are Disappointed'

Modi's Visit: 'Manipuris Are Disappointed'

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

'No one anticipated magical solutions or miraculous interventions.' 'However, people across the entire spectrum -- whether residing in the valley or the hills -- expected the prime minister to dedicate at least five to ten minutes to genuinely listening to the voice of the people.'

BSNL not keen on selling tower assets as 4G, 5G rollout looms ahead

BSNL not keen on selling tower assets as 4G, 5G rollout looms ahead

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

With a major network rollout on the cards, the government is not keen to change the pattern of tower monetisation for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), officials at the state-owned telecom-service provider said. The monetisation target in the telecom sector had to be revised owing to a change in BSNL's approach to mobile-phone tower monetisation, which had shifted from a sale-based model to a lease-based one.

Omar's party responds to reports of aligning with BJP

Omar's party responds to reports of aligning with BJP

Rediff.com22 Dec 2024

The National Conference on Sunday ruled out joining the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance and dismissed as baseless a media report in this regard.

Modi meets top officials as Shah visits scene of Pahalgam attack

Modi meets top officials as Shah visits scene of Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar upon his arrival from Saudi Arabia to take stock of the situation following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The meeting also included Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The attack, which killed at least 26 people, including tourists from the UAE and Nepal, has sparked nationwide shock and outrage.

Train to Valley: Political unity greets Kashmir rail launch

Train to Valley: Political unity greets Kashmir rail launch

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Political parties, cutting across affiliations and ideologies, Friday welcomed the Kashmir rail link inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hoping for a boost in trade and tourism in the valley.

Prevent undue panic: Centre advises states on mpox

Prevent undue panic: Centre advises states on mpox

Rediff.com9 Sep 2024

The Centre on Monday advised states and union territories to screen and test of all suspect mpox cases.

Will Harivansh Singh Be The Next Veep?

Will Harivansh Singh Be The Next Veep?

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

'When Harivansh sits in the chair, you feel your voice will be heard.'

J-K cop, teacher among 3 govt staffers sacked over terror links

J-K cop, teacher among 3 govt staffers sacked over terror links

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

Over 75 government employees with terror links have been dismissed so far by the LG administration.

Important for India, China to work together: Modi

Important for India, China to work together: Modi

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said it is important for India and China to work together to bring stability to the world economic order as he asserted that New Delhi is ready to advance bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective based on mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity.

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.

Religious Tourism Is A Money Spinner

Religious Tourism Is A Money Spinner

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Religious tourism witnessed 1,439 million tourists in 2022, generating Rs 1.34 trillion in revenue.

Uproar in JK assembly's 1st session over Article 370

Uproar in JK assembly's 1st session over Article 370

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

People's Democratic Party MLA Waheed Para on Monday moved a resolution in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly opposing the abrogation of Article 370 and calling for the restoration of special status to the erstwhile state, leading to noisy scenes in the House.

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.

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.

Duplicate voter I-cards issue to be addressed in 3 months: EC

Duplicate voter I-cards issue to be addressed in 3 months: EC

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of a "scam" after the poll panel admitted to the existence of duplicate voter ID numbers. The ECI has said it will address the issue in the next three months. TMC leader Saket Gokhale alleged that the ECI is trying to "protect" someone and demanded answers about the extent of the duplication and why it took 25 years to address the problem.

Ties with Pak will never improve until...: Farooq Abdullah

Ties with Pak will never improve until...: Farooq Abdullah

Rediff.com1 May 2025

Terming Pakistan as a 'failed state', National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah Thursday said relations between New Delhi and Islamabad would never improve until a peoples' government is elected in the neighbouring country.

Nagpur Municipal chief apologizes to HC for demolition

Nagpur Municipal chief apologizes to HC for demolition

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The Nagpur municipal chief has offered an unconditional apology to the Bombay High Court for the demolition of houses belonging to accused in a riots case, citing ignorance of Supreme Court guidelines on such actions. The civic officials were unaware of the Supreme Court's order, which mandates procedural safeguards before demolishing properties linked to riots accused, the commissioner stated in an affidavit. The court has granted the Maharashtra government two weeks to respond to the matter.

Omar Abdullah offers help to rebuild houses damaged in Pak shelling

Omar Abdullah offers help to rebuild houses damaged in Pak shelling

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Abdullah, who visited the shelling-affected areas of Uri, including Salamabad, Lagama, Bandi and Gingal in north Kashmir's Baramulla district, also said that he would take up the demand for building individual bunkers in these areas with the Centre.

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.

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.

Census with caste enumeration to begin from Oct 1, 2026

Census with caste enumeration to begin from Oct 1, 2026

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

Census exercise with caste enumeration will be carried out with the reference date of October 1, 2026, in snow-bound areas like Ladakh and of March 1, 2027, in the rest of the country, the Home Ministry announced on Wednesday.

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.

'Ab papa wapis aayenge,' martyr's son as he gets Kirti Chakra

'Ab papa wapis aayenge,' martyr's son as he gets Kirti Chakra

Rediff.com22 May 2025

Kabir, the son of Col Manpreet Singh, who was killed fighting terrorists in Kashmir, believes his father will return home after receiving the Kirti Chakra. The 10-year-old boy, who lit his father's pyre 19 months ago, clings to the hope that his father is alive and well, despite the reality of his death.

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.

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.

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.

Anurag Thakur 'ineligible' for BFI's poll process

Anurag Thakur 'ineligible' for BFI's poll process

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Attempts to include Anurag Thakur in the electoral college for the upcoming Boxing Federation of India elections were quashed after the former sports minister's name was not included in the final list approved by the returning officer on Thursday.

'Whole World Is Under A Cloud Of Uncertainty'

'Whole World Is Under A Cloud Of Uncertainty'

Rediff.com30 May 2025

The CII Business Summit 2025's inaugural session witnessed a rousing standing ovation and a felicitation ceremony for the defence top brass sending a strong message about India's rising military industrial complex and hghlghting that security is a top-of-the-mind issue for India Inc.

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.