News for 'Citizen Facilitation Centre'

'India deserved it', said Rana; wanted award for 26/11 attackers

'India deserved it', said Rana; wanted award for 26/11 attackers

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian citizen and native of Pakistan, was extradited to India to face charges related to his alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The US Department of Justice said Rana allegedly commended the LeT terrorists who carried out the attacks and suggested they should be awarded Pakistan's highest gallantry award. Rana is accused of facilitating a fraudulent cover for his childhood friend, David Headley, to conduct surveillance in Mumbai for the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist group. He is also accused of helping Headley submit false visa applications to Indian authorities. This extradition follows a lengthy legal process that began in 2020 with India's request for Rana's surrender. Rana, who was previously convicted in the US for providing material support to LeT, will now face trial in India on 10 criminal charges related to the Mumbai attacks.

Rana plotted several attacks like 26/11, NIA tells court

Rana plotted several attacks like 26/11, NIA tells court

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has alleged that key conspirator Tahawwur Rana, who has been remanded to 18-day NIA custody, devised terror plots similar to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks that were meant to target multiple Indian cities. The NIA believes that the tactics used in the Mumbai attacks were intended for execution in other cities as well, and that similar plots were developed elsewhere. Rana will be questioned in detail in order to unravel the complete conspiracy behind the deadly 2008 attacks, which saw 166 persons being killed and over 238 sustaining wounds.

130 Dalit households in Bengal fight for their right to worship

130 Dalit households in Bengal fight for their right to worship

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

A group of around 130 Dalit families in West Bengal's Purba Bardhaman district have been facing discrimination for centuries, being denied access to a local temple. The families, belonging to the traditional community of cobblers and weavers, have been ostracized and face economic hardship due to this caste-based practice. Despite recent attempts by the administration to resolve the issue, the situation remains tense and the families are left with few options.

'May All Know The Greatness Of India'

'May All Know The Greatness Of India'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Many ordinary citizens are drawn to by a sense of history and India's remarkable journey from bondage to freedom which culminated in this monumental building.

How Trump's Ego Threatens US Educational Universe

How Trump's Ego Threatens US Educational Universe

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Donald Trump is catering to the basest fears and prejudice of unenlightened Americans -- yes, there are those too, in sizeable enough numbers to elect one of their own as president. That would most certainly not Make America Great Again, asserts Shreekant Sambrani.

New bill proposes 7-year jail, Rs 10L fine for forged passports in India

New bill proposes 7-year jail, Rs 10L fine for forged passports in India

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

India is proposing a new law that would impose a jail term of up to seven years and a fine of Rs 10 lakh on anyone found using a forged passport or visa to enter, stay, or exit the country. The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, also mandates reporting of foreign visitors by hotels, universities, and hospitals to track overstaying individuals. The bill aims to simplify laws, ease business, and strengthen national security while promoting economic growth and tourism.

Kerala nurse faces execution in Yemen despite blood money payment

Kerala nurse faces execution in Yemen despite blood money payment

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse sentenced to death in Yemen for the alleged murder of a Yemeni national, faces imminent execution despite the payment of blood money. Despite the lack of bilateral ties between India and war-torn Yemen, family members and human rights activists are clinging to hope for a last-minute pardon. The family has raised funds through a crowdfunding campaign to cover legal fees and negotiations, and is prepared to pay any additional amount required. However, the execution order received presidential approval despite ongoing proceedings, leaving little time for intervention. Priya's family is burdened by debt and seeks urgent support from the Indian government to save her life.

'Strongly told US...': India on treatment of deportees

'Strongly told US...': India on treatment of deportees

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

India has expressed concern to the US authorities over the treatment of deportees on a flight that landed on February 5, particularly with respect to the use of shackles, especially on women. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also registered its concerns regarding the need to accommodate the religious sensitivities and food preferences of the deportees. The US side has confirmed that no women or children were restrained on the deportation flights that landed in India on 15th and 16th February, 2025.

Should Rohingya children go to school? Delhi HC says...

Should Rohingya children go to school? Delhi HC says...

Rediff.com29 Oct 2024

The Delhi high court on Tuesday refused to entertain a plea seeking directions to enrol Rohingya refugee children in local schools, saying it was the Centre's domain.

Punjab DGP, MHA director meet fasting farmer leader Dallewal

Punjab DGP, MHA director meet fasting farmer leader Dallewal

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

The Punjab Police chief, Gaurav Yadav, and a senior officer from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mayank Mishra, visited fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal at the Khanauri border point between Punjab and Haryana. They enquired about his health and heard his demands. Dallewal has been on a fast-unto-death since November 26 to press the Centre to accept the agitating farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP on crops. The visit came after the Supreme Court directed the Centre and Punjab government representatives to meet Dallewal and provide him medical help.

NIA confirms man in CCTV grab outside Ambani home was Sachin Waze

NIA confirms man in CCTV grab outside Ambani home was Sachin Waze

Rediff.com17 Mar 2021

National Investigative Agency on Wednesday confirmed that the person, seen in a CCTV grab walking near Reliance Industries chairperson Mukesh Ambani's residence on the night of February 25 when an explosive-laden vehicle was found, was Sachin Waze.

A few final steps to be completed: Misri on Rana's extradition

A few final steps to be completed: Misri on Rana's extradition

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The United States has approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to India. The decision was announced by President Donald Trump during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the White House. India is currently working on the logistics of Rana's surrender and extradition, with several final steps to be completed before he is sent back to India. The joint statement issued by India and the US during Prime Minister Modi's visit reaffirmed their commitment to fighting terrorism and eliminating terrorist safe havens. The leaders also called on Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks. Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, is currently lodged at a metropolitan detention center in Los Angeles. He is associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks.

Assam introduces new Aadhaar issuance rules for fresh applicants

Assam introduces new Aadhaar issuance rules for fresh applicants

Rediff.com7 Sep 2024

This will "stop the influx of illegal foreigners" and the state government will be 'very strict" in issuing Aadhaar cards, he said.

Seven killed in Hezbollah's rocket attacks on northern Israel

Seven killed in Hezbollah's rocket attacks on northern Israel

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

According to the authorities, tragedy struck near the border town of Metula on Thursday morning when a rocket fired from Lebanon slammed into an apple orchard, claiming the lives of five people.

'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

'The BJP lacks a credible mass leader who matches Mamata Banerjee's popularity.' 'Given the division of votes among Opposition parties, the West Bengal government's dole-giving strategy, and the consolidation of the poor, significant sections of scheduled caste groups and Muslim minorities behind the ruling party, it will be difficult to dislodge the Trinamool from power.'

Jyoti Punwani: December 6, 1992, All Over Again?

Jyoti Punwani: December 6, 1992, All Over Again?

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Can ordinary citizens counter this backward march? Can peace activists ensure that the two communities retain their bonds? Do they have a choice, asks Jyoti Punwani.

NIA invokes Unlawful Activities Act against Sachin Waze

NIA invokes Unlawful Activities Act against Sachin Waze

Rediff.com24 Mar 2021

The National Investigation Agency has invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against suspended Mumbai police officer Sachin Waze in connection with the Antilia bomb scare case.

NRIs yet to fully warm up to GIFT City's higher FPI limits

NRIs yet to fully warm up to GIFT City's higher FPI limits

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has permitted 100 per cent contribution from non-resident Indians (NRIs) and overseas citizens of India (OCIs) in the corpus of foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) based out of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), the country's international financial services centre (IFSC). However, the Indian diaspora is yet to fully embrace this new route. The regulator allowed this route to enhance the fund ecosystem at GIFT City and attract genuine investments from overseas Indians.

How Will History Remember Chandrachud?

How Will History Remember Chandrachud?

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

He could have blazed a trail that few Indian judges had. It was a missed opportunity of a lifetime, notes Ramesh Menon.

Explained: Section 6A of the Citizenship Act

Explained: Section 6A of the Citizenship Act

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

Section 6A, which was incorporated in the Citizenship Act 1955 following the signing of the 1985 Assam Accord, was upheld by the Supreme Court.

BJP releases manifesto for LS polls: No NRC in 'Modi ki guarantee'

BJP releases manifesto for LS polls: No NRC in 'Modi ki guarantee'

Rediff.com14 Apr 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a pitch for electing a strong and stable government in an uncertain world beset by geopolitical tensions as the Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday released its manifesto, prioritising development and welfare while shunning populist measures and contentious issues like the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Explained: Supreme Court's Property Judgment

Explained: Supreme Court's Property Judgment

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

'A rigid or overly broad interpretation could lead to a chilling effect on investments and growth in sectors traditionally driven by private initiative.' 'Entrepreneurs may fear that their assets could be arbitrarily appropriated by the State under the guise of serving the 'common good' without sufficient legal safeguards.' 'The judgment thus supports a more nuanced view, one that balances individual property rights with public welfare objectives.'

Budget 2024: Sitharaman unveils road map for 'Viksit Bharat'

Budget 2024: Sitharaman unveils road map for 'Viksit Bharat'

Rediff.com24 Jul 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget proposals lay out a comprehensive road map for transforming India into a developed nation, focusing on key priorities that aim to generate ample opportunities for all citizens in "Viksit Bharat". It sets the stage for sustained economic growth, social development, and technological advancement.

'Farmers are our Annadata'

'Farmers are our Annadata'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2024

This is the full text of the address to the nation by President Droupadi Murmu on the eve of India's 78th Independence Day.

What's my fault, asks SUV driver arrested in Delhi flooding case

What's my fault, asks SUV driver arrested in Delhi flooding case

Rediff.com30 Jul 2024

A court in New Delhi on Tuesday reserved its order on the bail plea of an SUV driver and four owners of the coaching centre basement in the Old Rajinder Nagar area which was flooded with rainwater and led to the death of three civil services aspirants.

Microsoft to set up largest data centre in Hyderabad

Microsoft to set up largest data centre in Hyderabad

Rediff.com7 Mar 2022

Tech giant Microsoft will set up its largest and fourth data centre in India at Hyderabad with an investment outlay of over Rs 15,000 crore over a period of 15 years. "I am very happy to say today that Hyderabad will be the destination for Microsoft's largest Data Centre investment in India with an investment of over Rs 15,000 crore over a period of 15 years. "This will be one of the largest FDIs that Telangana has attracted," Telangana Minister for IT and Industries KT Rama Rao on Monday said at an event marking the announcement of Microsoft's latest data centre region in Hyderabad.

Free ration, healthcare: What BJP's manifesto promises

Free ration, healthcare: What BJP's manifesto promises

Rediff.com14 Apr 2024

Here are the key highlights of the BJP's 'Sankalp Patra' for the 2024 parliamentary polls.

Param Bir Singh was hurt by Deshmukh's allegations: Sources

Param Bir Singh was hurt by Deshmukh's allegations: Sources

Rediff.com22 Mar 2021

Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh, whose allegations against Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh have created a political storm in the state, wrote a letter to the chief minister as he was hurt over remarks of Deshmukh and it was a matter relating to his 'self-respect', sources close to him have said.

Ambani bomb scare: NIA arrests senior cop Sachin Waze after 12-hr grilling

Ambani bomb scare: NIA arrests senior cop Sachin Waze after 12-hr grilling

Rediff.com14 Mar 2021

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Mumbai Police officer Sachin Waze Saturday night after questioning him for 12 hours over the recovery of an explosive-laden vehicle near the residence of industrialist Mukesh Ambani, an agency spokesperson said.

SC asks Himachal to release surplus water to Delhi

SC asks Himachal to release surplus water to Delhi

Rediff.com6 Jun 2024

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Himachal Pradesh government to release 137 cusecs of surplus water available with it for Delhi, which is grappling with water crisis.

No delay in release of voter turnout data: EC

No delay in release of voter turnout data: EC

Rediff.com25 May 2024

The Election Commission (EC) on Saturday came out with the constituency-wise data on the number of votes cast in the first five phases of the Lok Sabha polls and said there is a pattern in creating false narratives and mischievous designs to vitiate the electoral process.

How Modi Can Overcome Coalition Challenges

How Modi Can Overcome Coalition Challenges

Rediff.com19 Jun 2024

If the concerns over risking political capital are overcome, the long-term gains for the Indian economy will be immense, asserts A K Bhattacharya.

Explore possibilityof putting 3 farm laws on hold: SC to Centre

Explore possibilityof putting 3 farm laws on hold: SC to Centre

Rediff.com17 Dec 2020

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde asked Attorney General K K Venugopal if the government can assure the court that it will not take any executive action on implementation of the law till the court hears the matter.

In letter to states, Centre flags decline in Covid testing

In letter to states, Centre flags decline in Covid testing

Rediff.com18 Jan 2022

In a letter to states and UTs on Monday, Additional Secretary in the Union Health Ministry Arti Ahuja advised them to pay attention to this aspect immediately and increase the testing in a strategic manner keeping in view the trend of case positivity in specific areas.

Can't force a person to get vaccinated: Centre to SC

Can't force a person to get vaccinated: Centre to SC

Rediff.com17 Jan 2022

The Centre told the apex court that it has not issued any SOP that makes it mandatory to carry the vaccination certificate for any purpose.

LS poll: Over 24,000 Manipuris to vote from relief camps

LS poll: Over 24,000 Manipuris to vote from relief camps

Rediff.com7 Apr 2024

A majority of over 50,000 internally displaced people are currently staying at relief centres across five valley districts and three hill districts.

Kejri govt moves SC for more water from Haryana to tackle Delhi water crisis

Kejri govt moves SC for more water from Haryana to tackle Delhi water crisis

Rediff.com31 May 2024

The plea, filed by Delhi's water minister Atishi, has made the Centre, Bharatiya Janata Party-governed Haryana and Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh parties to the petition and said access to water is essential for survival and one of the basic human rights.

Have $500,000? You can become a US citizen

Have $500,000? You can become a US citizen

Rediff.com17 Mar 2018

Under the EB-5 visa programme you can become a US citizen provided you invest $500,000 in an approved project and create targeted employment. But only 700 Indians can do so each year.

Centre introduces ease of living index in 114 cities

Centre introduces ease of living index in 114 cities

Rediff.com8 Feb 2020

Launched by the ministry of housing and urban affairs, the ease of living index (EoLI) is aimed at providing a holistic view of the country's cities. These will be done on parameters like services provided by local bodies, effectiveness of the administration, outcomes generated through those services in terms of liveability and citizens' perception of the outcomes.

Centre rules out door-to-door vaccination

Centre rules out door-to-door vaccination

Rediff.com10 May 2021

The Centre has ruled out door-to-door vaccination of people and said the inoculation will be done at identified COVID Vaccination Centres, both government and private, registered on COWIN for 'good, germane and rational reasons'.