News for 'Citizens'

Old Vs New Tax Regime: Stop Losing Money

Old Vs New Tax Regime: Stop Losing Money

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

With Income Tax Act 2025 in force, your tax choice can quietly cost you big money if you're not paying attention. Ramalingam Kalirajan explains how

Delhi Simulates Hostile Attack in City-Wide Civil Defence Drill

Delhi Simulates Hostile Attack in City-Wide Civil Defence Drill

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

A large-scale civil defence mock drill was conducted across Delhi, simulating a hostile attack scenario to test preparedness and response systems.

Karnataka Establishes Committee to Guide Ethical AI Use in Government

Karnataka Establishes Committee to Guide Ethical AI Use in Government

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Karnataka government has formed a committee on responsible AI to develop a framework for the safe, ethical, and transparent adoption of AI across government systems and public services.

Census kicks off in Delhi with President, PM leading digital count

Census kicks off in Delhi with President, PM leading digital count

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

This will be India's 16th Census and the eighth since Independence. For the first time, citizens will also have the option of self-enumeration.

Iran War: Pakistan Was Flimsy, Face-Saving Fig Leaf

Iran War: Pakistan Was Flimsy, Face-Saving Fig Leaf

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Nobody takes Pakistan seriously and therefore Pakistan's sudden mediating with almost immediate results of a ceasefire seems more contrived than real, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Drug Trafficking Arrests: Indian and Thai Nationals Nabbed in Nepal

Drug Trafficking Arrests: Indian and Thai Nationals Nabbed in Nepal

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Nepal police have arrested an Indian and a Thai national in separate drug trafficking cases. The Thai national was caught at the airport with marijuana, while the Indian national was arrested with brown sugar outside Kathmandu.

Nepal Police Nab Indian and Thai Nationals in Separate Drug Cases

Nepal Police Nab Indian and Thai Nationals in Separate Drug Cases

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Nepal police have arrested an Indian and a Thai national in separate incidents related to drug trafficking. The arrests occurred at Tribhuvan International Airport and in Balaju Chowk, Kathmandu.

Indian Navy ships escorting tankers through Strait of Hormuz: Rajnath

Indian Navy ships escorting tankers through Strait of Hormuz: Rajnath

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assures India's energy security amidst West Asia tensions, highlighting naval protection of tankers and readiness to counter cross-border terrorism.

Centre Slashes Excise Duty on Petrol to 3, Diesel to Zero: Big Relief for Consumers

Centre Slashes Excise Duty on Petrol to 3, Diesel to Zero: Big Relief for Consumers

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The government has sharply reduced excise duty on petrol to 3 and diesel to zero, offering major relief to consumers. Here's how the price cut will impact fuel rates and inflation.

Why Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora Is Against Weight-Loss Drugs

Why Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora Is Against Weight-Loss Drugs

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'The unregulated marketing has to stop. People are getting recommendations for this from gym trainers, from marriage counsellors -- that is simply unacceptable.' ''There are many ways to lose weight -- eat less, fast, exercise, eat healthy. That is how you lose weight.'

Patiala Authorities Seize 45 LPG Cylinders in Misuse Crackdown

Patiala Authorities Seize 45 LPG Cylinders in Misuse Crackdown

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Authorities in Patiala, India, seized 45 domestic LPG cylinders from eateries, restaurants, and hotels during a special drive to check the misuse of cooking gas cylinders.

US embassy in Oman orders staff to 'take cover'

US embassy in Oman orders staff to 'take cover'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Amid rising tensions in West Asia following a series of strikes and counter-strikes, the United States Embassy in Muscat on Tuesday instructed its staff to shelter in place.

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

By all available indications, the White House drafted a face-saving note and handed it, ready-made, to Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was supposed to then post it in the guise of a plea urging Trump to extend the deadline by two weeks 'to allow diplomacy to run its course'. Trump would then graciously accept Pakistan's 'request' and declare a ceasefire. Sharif dutifully posted the message on X. Except that he, or whoever was handling the account, forgot to delete the tell-tale first line visible in the edit history: 'Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X'. Prem Panicker's must read blog on the Iran War.

Indian Dies in Kuwait Attack: Impact of West Asia Conflict on Indian Nationals

Indian Dies in Kuwait Attack: Impact of West Asia Conflict on Indian Nationals

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

An Indian national has been killed in Kuwait following Iranian strikes on a power and water desalination plant, bringing the total number of Indian fatalities in the West Asia conflict to eight.

Online Gambling Scam Uses Impersonated Mangaluru Police Website

Online Gambling Scam Uses Impersonated Mangaluru Police Website

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

A fraudulent website impersonating the Mangaluru city police was used to deceive individuals into online gambling schemes, prompting a police investigation and public warnings.

Adityanath Addresses Public Grievances, Orders Action on Farmer Harassment, Encroachments

Adityanath Addresses Public Grievances, Orders Action on Farmer Harassment, Encroachments

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to promptly address public grievances, including farmer harassment, land encroachments, and infrastructure issues, during a 'Janta Darshan' event.

Odisha CM: Maoist Menace to Be History Soon, Focus on Women's Safety

Odisha CM: Maoist Menace to Be History Soon, Focus on Women's Safety

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced significant progress in combating Maoist insurgency, stating it will soon be a thing of the past. He also addressed concerns about crimes against women, highlighting the government's commitment to justice and a zero-tolerance policy.

How Cycling Can Empower Women and Build a Healthier Nation

How Cycling Can Empower Women and Build a Healthier Nation

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya participated in the FIT India Pink Cyclothon in Kolkata to celebrate International Women's Day and promote women's fitness and cycling, emphasising the importance of women's empowerment and sustainable living.

Call was between...: India on Musk joining Trump-Modi call claim

Call was between...: India on Musk joining Trump-Modi call claim

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

India has officially refuted claims that Elon Musk was involved in a recent phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump.

India now Maoist-free, declares Amit Shah in Lok Sabha; slams Rahul Gandhi

India now Maoist-free, declares Amit Shah in Lok Sabha; slams Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised the Congress party for its alleged inaction in addressing Maoist violence during its long rule, while highlighting the Modi government's success in nearly eradicating Maoists from Bastar, Chhattisgarh.

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.

Opposition Leader Urges Probe into Meghalaya's Garo Hills Violence

Opposition Leader Urges Probe into Meghalaya's Garo Hills Violence

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Meghalaya's opposition leader, Mukul Sangma, has called for an independent inquiry into the Garo Hills violence, citing the need for accountability and due process to restore public confidence.

Cyber Fraud Cases Surge in Himachal Pradesh: What's Being Done?

Cyber Fraud Cases Surge in Himachal Pradesh: What's Being Done?

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Himachal Pradesh is experiencing a significant increase in cyber fraud cases, with hundreds of cases registered and substantial financial losses reported. The state government is taking measures to combat this rise, including establishing cyber help desks and providing specialised training to officers.

Kurdish President's residence hit by drone strike

Kurdish President's residence hit by drone strike

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on Saturday confirmed a drone strike targeting the residence of Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani in Duhok amid escalating tensions in West Asia, triggering a sharp blame game between the United States and Iran.

Delhi Court Grants Bail in Rape Case Due to Inconsistencies and Delay

Delhi Court Grants Bail in Rape Case Due to Inconsistencies and Delay

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

A Delhi court has granted bail to a 63-year-old man accused of rape, citing inconsistencies in the prosecution's case, a delay in filing the FIR, and the complainant's refusal to undergo a medical examination.

Priyanka Gandhi Alleges LDF-BJP Alliance in Kerala

Priyanka Gandhi Alleges LDF-BJP Alliance in Kerala

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi has accused the ruling LDF in Kerala and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of being Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "B-team" and of secretly joining hands with the BJP, alleging a compromised leadership and lack of accountability.

Middle East conflict: 2 Indians killed, 1 missing after attacks on ships

Middle East conflict: 2 Indians killed, 1 missing after attacks on ships

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Two Indian nationals have been confirmed dead and one is missing following attacks on merchant vessels amidst the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The Indian government has reiterated its commitment to the welfare of its citizens in the Gulf region.

West Asia crisis: MEA sets up control room for Indians

West Asia crisis: MEA sets up control room for Indians

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the Indian government has established a control room to provide crucial support and assistance to the nearly one crore Indian citizens residing in the region.

Haryana Enters Agreement for Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 Implementation

Haryana Enters Agreement for Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 Implementation

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Haryana government has signed an MoU with the central government to implement Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, focusing on water quality, sustainability, and long-term resource management with an investment of Rs 3,000 crore.

EAM Jaishankar to Brief Parliament on West Asia Developments

EAM Jaishankar to Brief Parliament on West Asia Developments

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will address the Lok Sabha on the situation in West Asia, as Parliament reconvenes for the Budget session amidst ongoing regional tensions.

MEA reveals how India is responding to West Asia crisis

MEA reveals how India is responding to West Asia crisis

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar are actively engaged with world leaders to promote dialogue and diplomacy for peace in West Asia, while also ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community in the region.

India commissions nuclear submarine INS Aridaman, indigenous stealth frigate INS Taragiri

India commissions nuclear submarine INS Aridaman, indigenous stealth frigate INS Taragiri

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

India has commissioned its new indigenously-built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine INS Aridaman into service, further strengthening the naval component of its nuclear triad. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also highlighted the Indian Navy's role in securing maritime trade routes.

'Petrol Shortage League'? PSL Sparks Meme Fest

'Petrol Shortage League'? PSL Sparks Meme Fest

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board is adapting the 2026 Pakistan Super League due to a fuel shortage, with matches played without fans and at only two venues.

Bill Introduced to Promote Ease of Business and Living

Bill Introduced to Promote Ease of Business and Living

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The government has introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha to amend provisions for decriminalising minor offences, aiming to promote ease of doing business and living.

Parliament Budget Session: LS debates FCRA amendment; Oppn raises flag

Parliament Budget Session: LS debates FCRA amendment; Oppn raises flag

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Lok Sabha takes up FCRA Amendment Bill amid opposition protests.

Sikkim CM: Public Trust, Not Weapons, Should Be Police's Strength

Sikkim CM: Public Trust, Not Weapons, Should Be Police's Strength

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang emphasized the importance of public trust as the true strength of the police force, urging officers to serve with compassion and integrity.

Census twist: Live-in couples seen as 'married' if they call it stable

Census twist: Live-in couples seen as 'married' if they call it stable

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The 16th Census of India in 2026 will treat stable live-in relationships as marriages, according to the self-enumeration portal's FAQ section. The portal provides guidance on various housing and household-related questions for self-enumeration.

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The delegations from the US and Iran head to Islamabad on Friday, carrying a ceasefire that is already fraying, a Strait that is technically open and practically closed, and a negotiating agenda that would challenge even parties actually negotiating in good faith, which these groups are not. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

Still Haven't Made Your Tax-Saving Investments?

Still Haven't Made Your Tax-Saving Investments?

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

In the rush to complete tax-saving investments at the end of the financial year, many taxpayers choose instruments that do not match their long-term financial goals.

SIT probing Kharat gets over 50 calls reporting crimes

SIT probing Kharat gets over 50 calls reporting crimes

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations against Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman accused of rape, has received a surge of calls providing information and reporting alleged crimes after a public appeal.