News for 'union-territories'

Delhi High Court Orders Action Plan For Open Correctional Facilities

Delhi High Court Orders Action Plan For Open Correctional Facilities

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The Delhi High Court has directed city authorities to develop a strategy for implementing the Supreme Court's directives on open correctional institutions, focusing on identifying prisoners suitable for transfer.

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.

Netas Walk Modi's Talk On Austerity

Netas Walk Modi's Talk On Austerity

Rediff.com2 days ago

In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for austerity, political leaders are reducing convoys and promoting public transport to conserve fuel.

Voting on 3 bills tomorrow at 4 pm after 15-18 hrs of debate

Voting on 3 bills tomorrow at 4 pm after 15-18 hrs of debate

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced that voting on three crucial bills, including amendments to the women's quota law and the establishment of a delimitation commission, will take place at 4 PM on Friday, following an anticipated 15-18 hour debate.

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.

Bihar Women's Rugby Team Shines in National Championship Group Stage

Bihar Women's Rugby Team Shines in National Championship Group Stage

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Bihar's women's rugby team showcased their strength with dominant wins in the group stage of the Senior National Rugby Sevens Championship, setting the stage for intense knockout rounds.

Assembly elections see high turnout, women voters outnumber men

Assembly elections see high turnout, women voters outnumber men

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Recent assembly elections across several states in India saw exceptionally high voter participation, with women voters outnumbering men in turnout percentages, according to Election Commission data.

Mamata Banerjee Says TMC Will Support Women's Quota Bill

Mamata Banerjee Says TMC Will Support Women's Quota Bill

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the TMC will support the women's quota bill but opposes the delimitation bill introduced by the Modi government in the Lok Sabha. She also criticised the central government over central agency raids on TMC candidates.

'You Are Killing Lakhs And Lakhs Of Citizenships'

'You Are Killing Lakhs And Lakhs Of Citizenships'

Rediff.com2 days ago

'98 lakhs in Bengal, 97 lakhs in Tamil Nadu, 2.83 crores in Uttar Pradesh.'

NIA Takes Custody Of LeT Terrorists In Jammu And Kashmir

NIA Takes Custody Of LeT Terrorists In Jammu And Kashmir

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the case of an interstate Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror module and secured custody of five arrested terrorists, including two Pakistani nationals, for questioning.

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.

Govt releases FAQs on women's quota bill after LS defeat

Govt releases FAQs on women's quota bill after LS defeat

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The government has released a set of FAQs to address concerns and clarify the details surrounding the Women's Reservation Bill, which aims to provide 33 per cent quota for women in legislatures.

J-K To Treat Drug Smugglers Like Terrorists: Sinha

J-K To Treat Drug Smugglers Like Terrorists: Sinha

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced that drug traffickers in Jammu and Kashmir will be treated like terrorists under the law, as part of the 'Nasha Mukt J-K Abhiyan'. He highlighted the severity of drug abuse, calling it a form of silent terrorism, and urged public participation in the anti-drug campaign.

Three Puducherry cricketers suspended over coach assault allegations

Three Puducherry cricketers suspended over coach assault allegations

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The Cricket Association of Pondicherry (CAP) has suspended three first-class cricketers following allegations of assaulting the U-19 state team coach. The players face serious charges and are barred from all CAP facilities and tournaments pending court clearance.

Lottery King Santiago Martin's kin in poll fray from 3 different parties

Lottery King Santiago Martin's kin in poll fray from 3 different parties

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Members of lottery 'king' Santiago Martin's family are contesting in the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Assembly elections through three different political parties.

Karnataka CM won't be changed 'for now': Kharge

Karnataka CM won't be changed 'for now': Kharge

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge addressed speculation about a change in Karnataka's Chief Minister, stating that there would be no change 'for now' and that the leadership issue would be resolved soon. The statement comes amid rumours of a possible leadership change and cabinet reshuffle after the results of assembly elections in other states are announced.

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP Of 'Breaking India'

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP Of 'Breaking India'

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 will fight this move at every step.

J&K Governor Accuses Pakistan Of Pushing Drugs

J&K Governor Accuses Pakistan Of Pushing Drugs

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has accused Pakistan of targeting the region's youth by flooding the streets with drugs, vowing to combat the menace and protect the younger generation.

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses Modi Of Women's Quota Misdirection

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses Modi Of Women's Quota Misdirection

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of misleading the nation regarding the women's quota bill and plotting to push through the delimitation exercise by using women as a shield.

Centre, Oppn spar over women's quota, delimitation bills

Centre, Oppn spar over women's quota, delimitation bills

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

NDA leaders have defended proposed amendments to the Women's Reservation Act and the Delimitation Bill, 2026, arguing women have waited long enough for reservation, while opposition parties allege the process could undermine India's federal and democratic structure, particularly impacting southern states.

Attempt to change electoral map of India: Rahul on delimitation bill

Attempt to change electoral map of India: Rahul on delimitation bill

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Rahul Gandhi accuses the government of using the women's reservation bill as a smokescreen to manipulate India's electoral map and diminish representation for certain states.

Puducherry records highest-ever turnout in assembly polls

Puducherry records highest-ever turnout in assembly polls

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Puducherry witnessed a historic voter turnout of 89.87% in the recent Assembly elections, the highest since 1964. The election saw a contest between the NDA and Congress-led bloc, with other parties also vying for influence. Polling was largely peaceful, with a minor clash reported.

Karnataka Triumphs At Inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games

Karnataka Triumphs At Inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Karnataka emerged as the overall champions at the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games, securing 23 gold medals.

Karnataka Secures Overall Victory at Inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games

Karnataka Secures Overall Victory at Inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Karnataka emerged as the overall champions at the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games, securing 23 gold medals. The event saw participation from 30 states and union territories, with Odisha and Jharkhand following in the medal tally.

India's 10-Year Plan To Become A Sporting Powerhouse

India's 10-Year Plan To Become A Sporting Powerhouse

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasised the importance of executing the country's 10-year roadmap to become a global sporting powerhouse during the Chintan Shivir held in Srinagar. The event saw participation from state sports ministers and eminent sports personalities, focusing on active implementation and grassroots development.

NDA lacks numbers to get women's quota bill passed, unless...

NDA lacks numbers to get women's quota bill passed, unless...

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The ruling NDA coalition in India faces a significant challenge in passing the women's reservation bill in Parliament due to insufficient numbers. The bill requires a two-thirds majority in both houses, and the NDA needs to secure additional support or abstentions from other parties to achieve this.

458 Prisoners Benefit from Centre's 'Support to Poor Prisoners' Scheme

458 Prisoners Benefit from Centre's 'Support to Poor Prisoners' Scheme

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The Centre's 'Support to Poor Prisoners' scheme has aided 458 prisoners unable to pay fines or secure bail. The scheme, launched in 2023, aims to provide financial assistance to those facing financial constraints.

Seers step up pressure on Congress for Shivakumar as CM

Seers step up pressure on Congress for Shivakumar as CM

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

A forum of swamijis has urged the Congress high command to immediately appoint D K Shivakumar as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, warning of consequences if the demand is not met.

Centre to resume talks with Ladakh groups on May 22 amid statehood demand

Centre to resume talks with Ladakh groups on May 22 amid statehood demand

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided to convene a meeting of the sub-committee for political dialogue with representatives of agitating Ladakh groups on May 22, according to Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.

'Make Kharge Karnataka to CM to end leadership tussle'

'Make Kharge Karnataka to CM to end leadership tussle'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that the Congress party would welcome Mallikarjun Kharge as the chief minister of the state, amid speculation about leadership change and cabinet reshuffle.

Modi government's first defeat: Women's bill fails in LS

Modi government's first defeat: Women's bill fails in LS

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

A Constitution Amendment Bill aimed at implementing 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures and increasing Lok Sabha seats was defeated in Parliament, marking a setback for the government's efforts to empower women in politics.

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The extent of doubts over the fairness of this election can be assessed by juxtaposing two figures: Total votes polled by the two principal parties and the number of people who were disallowed from voting this time, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Jammu Marathon Symbolises J&K's Transformation Since 2019

Jammu Marathon Symbolises J&K's Transformation Since 2019

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

The Jammu Marathon, featuring international runners, symbolises the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir since 2019, highlighting peace, prosperity, and its emergence as a destination for world-class events.

How India Plans To Boost Its Sports Culture

How India Plans To Boost Its Sports Culture

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya released the Srinagar Khel Sankalp document, outlining a national vision to strengthen sports culture through cooperative federalism, focusing on athlete-centric development and infrastructure expansion.

SC Demands Updated Jail Overcrowding Data from States and UTs

SC Demands Updated Jail Overcrowding Data from States and UTs

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court has directed all states and Union territories to provide updated details on jails, including capacity and overcrowding measures, by May 18, also seeking information on women's prisons and facilities for children of female inmates.

Big blow on women's quota bill: Can NDA bounce back?

Big blow on women's quota bill: Can NDA bounce back?

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

NDA floor leaders held a meeting after the Constitution Amendment Bill seeking to implement reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and increase the number of seats of the Lok Sabha was defeated.

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 Congress Is Eyeing A Rajya Sabha Seat In Jharkhand

Why Congress Is Eyeing A Rajya Sabha Seat In Jharkhand

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The Congress party is seeking one Rajya Sabha seat in Jharkhand from the JMM and plans to discuss the matter with Chief Minister Hemant Soren, according to AICC Jharkhand in-charge K Raju.

Census 2027 to be a 'National Digital Transformation Mission'

Census 2027 to be a 'National Digital Transformation Mission'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo announced that the Census 2027 will be a fully digital and paperless exercise, utilising mobile technology, AI, and cloud computing for accuracy and efficiency, marking a shift towards data-driven governance.

Govt bulldozing delimitation in name of women's quota: Cong in LS

Govt bulldozing delimitation in name of women's quota: Cong in LS

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Congress party has accused the government of using women's reservation as a pretext to push through delimitation, arguing that the women's quota law should be implemented immediately based on the current Lok Sabha strength.