India News

Uttarakhand becomes first state to implement Uniform Civil Code

Published

2 years ago

January 27, 2025

In a landmark move, Uttarakhand has become the first state after Goa to enforce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), introducing uniform regulations on marriage, divorce, property, inheritance, and adoption across communities. This decision fulfills a key promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the 2022 state assembly elections.

The Code, effective from today, aims to bring equality by standardizing personal laws, with specific rules tailored to promote fairness and modernity. Here’s a look at the key changes under the UCC:

Mandatory registration of live-in relationships

The Code mandates the registration of live-in relationships, requiring parental consent for individuals under the age of 21. Residents of Uttarakhand engaging in live-in relationships outside the state are also subject to this rule. Non-compliance, including providing false information or failing to declare a relationship, could lead to imprisonment of up to three months or a fine of ₹25,000, or both.

Marriage and divorce

Marriages must now be registered under the UCC, with the minimum age set at 21 years for men and 18 years for women across all religions. This change is intended to ensure individuals complete their education before marriage. The Code also imposes a ban on polygamy, child marriage, and triple talaq while establishing a uniform divorce process.

Inheritance and equality

The UCC eliminates gender bias in inheritance laws by ensuring that both sons and daughters are referred to as “child,” granting them equal inheritance rights. Children born out of live-in relationships are recognized as legitimate, ensuring they receive the same inheritance rights as other children.

Prohibited practices

Certain practices, such as nikah halala and iddat, followed by some sections of the Muslim community, have been banned under the new framework. The law also safeguards widows and divorcees against such practices.

Exemptions for Scheduled Tribes

The Code explicitly states that its provisions do not apply to Scheduled Tribes, acknowledging their distinct cultural and social practices.

The UCC’s introduction represents a significant step toward creating a uniform legal framework for citizens, bridging gaps in personal laws and ensuring equality among communities. With this move, Uttarakhand has set a precedent for other states, sparking discussions on the broader implementation of such a framework across the country.

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India News

Rescue operation underway after water surge traps workers in Chamoli tunnel

At least 10 workers are believed to be trapped after a sudden surge of water and debris entered a tunnel at a THDC project site in Chamoli.

Published

2 hours ago

August 13, 2026

APNLive Desk

At least 10 workers are believed to be trapped after water and debris entered a tunnel at a Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDC) project site in Pipalkoti in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. A rescue operation is underway.

According to police, 18 labourers were working inside the tunnel when a sudden surge of water occurred. The strong current swept several workers towards the tunnel’s exit, according to a preliminary report.

Eight workers have been rescued so far, while 10 are still believed to be trapped inside the tunnel.

“Additional ambulances have been dispatched to the site. Police and administrative teams have arrived at the location,” Chamoli Superintendent of Police Surjeet Singh Pawar said.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to carry out rescue and relief operations on a war footing.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have also been dispatched to assist in the rescue operation.

India News

Delhi Metro to start services at 4 am on Independence Day

Delhi Metro will begin services at 4 am on August 15, with trains running every 30 minutes before regular services start.

Published

2 hours ago

August 13, 2026

APNLive Desk

Delhi Metro services will start at 4 am on August 15 to facilitate the movement of special guests, invitees and members of the public attending the Independence Day celebrations, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said on Thursday.

Metro trains will operate at 30-minute intervals on all lines from 4 am until regular revenue services begin according to the scheduled timetable for the day.

Special QR tickets for Independence Day invitees

The DMRC said 1.30 lakh special pre-vended QR tickets have been supplied to the Ministry of Defence for the travel of special guests and bona fide invitees attending the celebrations.

Invitees carrying valid physical admit cards issued by the Ministry of Defence will also be provided special pre-vended QR tickets at designated Metro stations to facilitate their travel.

The cost of journeys made using these special QR tickets will be reimbursed to the DMRC by the Ministry of Defence, the corporation said.

Nearest Metro stations to Red Fort

The Lal Quila, Jama Masjid and Delhi Gate Metro stations are the nearest stations to the venue of the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort.

The early start of Metro services is aimed at facilitating the movement of people attending the celebrations on Independence Day.

India News

Bengal withdraws Banga Bibhushan from BJP MP Nagendra Ray over Netaji remarks

West Bengal has withdrawn the Banga Bibhushan awarded to BJP MP Nagendra Ray after his controversial remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Published

2 hours ago

August 13, 2026

APNLive Desk

The West Bengal government has withdrawn the Banga Bibhushan, the state’s highest civilian honour, from BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Ray, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj, amid controversy over his remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

The award was conferred on Ray on February 21, 2026, when the Mamata Banerjee government was in power. The state government said the honour recognises distinguished and exemplary contributions to the state and its people and carries a high degree of dignity and prestige.

Why Bengal withdrew the award

The decision came less than 24 hours after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari directed the police to take stringent action, including arrests, against people making derogatory remarks about Netaji on social media.

Adhikari had also said that the law would apply equally to MPs, MLAs and government officials.

The directive followed remarks by Ananta Maharaj in which he described Netaji as a “war criminal” and questioned his leadership as well as the role of the Azad Hind Fauj in India’s freedom struggle.

What the Bengal government said

In its order, the state government said that “certain facts and circumstances” had emerged that raised questions over Nagendra Ray’s continued retention of the honour.

The government said the competent authority had concluded that retaining the Banga Bibhushan was inconsistent with the dignity, prestige and purpose of the award.

It therefore withdrew and annulled the honour conferred upon Nagendra Ray on February 21, 2026, with immediate effect. The order did not specifically identify the particular offence behind the decision.

Who is Nagendra Ray?

Nagendra Ray, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj, is a BJP Rajya Sabha MP from West Bengal who hails from Cooch Behar in the northern part of the state and is a leader of the Rajbanshi community.

The withdrawal of the state honour comes amid controversy over his remarks concerning Netaji, a prominent figure in India’s freedom struggle and a revered personality in Bengal.