News for 'First Citizen'

Children in uniform to senior citizens, thousands join CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' protest

Children in uniform to senior citizens, thousands join CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' protest

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Thousands of protesters, including children, students, and the elderly, gathered in central Delhi for the Cockroach Janta Party's 'Chalo Sansad' march towards Parliament. The protest, coinciding with the Monsoon Session, led to clashes with police, who used tear gas and lathi-charge, resulting in injuries to both sides and suspension of internet services. Despite police action and barricades, protesters repeatedly attempted to reach Parliament, leading to a day-long standoff.

Caste, Covid jab: What citizens have to answer in Census 2027

Caste, Covid jab: What citizens have to answer in Census 2027

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Centre has notified 40 questions for the upcoming Census 2027, including caste and place of Covid vaccination, marking the first time caste details will be collected as part of the decadal exercise. The population enumeration will be a fully digital process, with an option for self-enumeration.

Sitharaman credits reforms, 'agile economic management' for 7.8% growth

Sitharaman credits reforms, 'agile economic management' for 7.8% growth

Rediff.com2 days ago

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that India's real GDP grew by 7.8 per cent in the April-June quarter, surpassing the RBI's forecast. She attributed this strong performance to government reforms and agile economic management, reaffirming the government's commitment to expanding economic opportunities.

Indian-origin man loses US citizenship 15 years after rape conviction

Indian-origin man loses US citizenship 15 years after rape conviction

Rediff.com1 days ago

The US District Court for the Eastern District of New York has revoked the naturalisation of Gurmeet Singh, an Indian-origin man, after he was convicted of rape and kidnapping. Singh had concealed these serious criminal acts during his naturalisation process, leading to the federal court's decision to strip him of his US citizenship.

In a first, 92 Maoist-free Bastar villages to celebrate I-Day

In a first, 92 Maoist-free Bastar villages to celebrate I-Day

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Ninety-two remote villages in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, once a Maoist stronghold, will hoist the national flag for the first time since Independence on August 15. This historic event signifies the end of left-wing extremism in these areas, with the state government leading an extensive campaign to foster national pride.

Gujarat man among 12 killed in latest Russian strikes on Ukraine

Gujarat man among 12 killed in latest Russian strikes on Ukraine

Rediff.com1 days ago

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that an Indian citizen was among 12 people killed in recent Russian aerial bomb and drone strikes on Odesa, Ukraine. Dozens more were injured in the attacks that occurred since Monday evening.

In a first, Red Fort to echo Vande Mataram on Independence Day

In a first, Red Fort to echo Vande Mataram on Independence Day

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

For the first time in Independence Day celebrations, 'Vande Mataram' will be rendered at the Red Fort complex during the 79th anniversary on August 15, followed by the recitation of the National Anthem, marking 150 years of the National Song's legacy.

FMGE Rules Stay Strict Despite Protests

FMGE Rules Stay Strict Despite Protests

Rediff.com6 days ago

NBEMS will not lower FMGE qualifying standards despite protests.

Why are women in this U'khand village patrolling streets at night?

Why are women in this U'khand village patrolling streets at night?

Rediff.com3 days ago

Thani village, located on Old Mussoorie Road in Dehradun, has been drawing attention for a unique citizen-led initiative, with women residents taking up night patrols to keep the village streets safe from drug trafficking and people coming in search of narcotics.

Finance student? You Can Get Scholarship Up To Rs 5.5 Lakhs

Finance student? You Can Get Scholarship Up To Rs 5.5 Lakhs

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Raman Kant Munjal Scholarship for 2026-27, initiated by the Raman Kant Munjal Foundation and supported by Hero FinCorp, is designed to help students in finance-related fields achieve their career aspirations.

India works with Nepal on repatriating flood victims' remains

India works with Nepal on repatriating flood victims' remains

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Indian Embassy in Nepal has released a detailed procedure for identifying and repatriating the mortal remains of foreign nationals, including Indians, who perished in the recent devastating flash floods. The process involves a nine-step protocol by Nepali authorities, DNA matching for unidentified remains, and assistance from the Indian Embassy for coordination and repatriation.

Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation: First Crack In Modi's Fortress?

Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation: First Crack In Modi's Fortress?

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is significant because it punctures, however slightly, the perception that the Modi government never retreats under pressure. Every long-serving government eventually reaches a point where every institutional failure is identified with the leader himself. Removing the minister may have prevented that political burden from falling directly on Modi. Whether it also resolves the underlying crisis is another matter, notes Ramesh Menon.

84 Indians rescued in Nepal floods, search ops continue: MEA

84 Indians rescued in Nepal floods, search ops continue: MEA

Rediff.com6 days ago

The devastating flash floods wreaked havoc across Nepal, with the ministry of external affairs on Thursday stating that 84 Indian nationals have been rescued while 290 remain uncontactable as the Himalayan nation stepped up search, rescue and relief operations following the disaster that has claimed more than 390 lives.

Scholarships For Job-Oriented Diploma Courses

Scholarships For Job-Oriented Diploma Courses

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Mahindra All India Talent Scholarship (MAITS) 2026, an initiative of the K.C. Mahindra Education Trust, aims to support students from economically disadvantaged families who wish to pursue job-oriented diploma courses at recognised Government Polytechnics in India.

Vande Bharat's first live heart transport helps save patient in Ahmedabad

Vande Bharat's first live heart transport helps save patient in Ahmedabad

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

In a highly sensitive and time-bound mission, a live donor heart was successfully transported aboard a Vande Bharat train from Surat to Ahmedabad on Friday for transplantation at a prominent cardiac teaching hospital in Gujarat's commercial capital.

Doing Your PhD? You Could Get A Rs 33,000 Scholarship

Doing Your PhD? You Could Get A Rs 33,000 Scholarship

Rediff.com5 days ago

Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund invites applications for Jawaharlal Nehru Scholarships for Doctoral Studies for the year 2026. A candidate may apply for scholarship in any one of the following areas of specialization:: Indian History & Civilization, Sociology, Comparative Studies in Religion & Culture, Ecology & Environment and Economics

Don't travel abroad, don't buy gold: Modi's advice despite GDP growth

Don't travel abroad, don't buy gold: Modi's advice despite GDP growth

Rediff.com1 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded India's 7.8 per cent GDP growth, achieved despite global conflicts and instability. He emphasised the importance of Swadeshi and self-reliance for a developed India by its 100th year of Independence, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary foreign expenditures.

Abhishek Banerjee rules out TMC return for 'traitors'

Abhishek Banerjee rules out TMC return for 'traitors'

Rediff.com5 days ago

Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Friday said not a single "traitor", who crossed over to the dissident factions to "protect their backs", will be allowed to return to the party.

How India Post Is Revolutionising Last-Mile Connectivity With Drone Delivery

How India Post Is Revolutionising Last-Mile Connectivity With Drone Delivery

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Department of Posts successfully conducted its first-ever drone delivery of the National Flag from Mandi to Rehardhar in Himachal Pradesh. This initiative, overseen by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, highlights the integration of technology with public service to enhance last-mile connectivity in challenging terrains and supports the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign.

Kareena In Daayra: 'She Is A Cop Who Wears Lipstick'

Kareena In Daayra: 'She Is A Cop Who Wears Lipstick'

Rediff.com1 days ago

'Ever since I have become a mother, I have become a better actor.'

US deploys sea, air attack drones for first time in Iran war

US deploys sea, air attack drones for first time in Iran war

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has launched extensive precision strikes across multiple Iranian military installations, deploying both one-way attack aerial and sea drones for the first time, to degrade Tehran's ability to disrupt international maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz.

Footpaths for walking: SC asks states, UTs for update

Footpaths for walking: SC asks states, UTs for update

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has declared the right to walk on demarcated footpaths a fundamental right, directing all states and Union Territories to ensure proper, encroachment-free pedestrian spaces. The court emphasised that footpaths are integral to human life and safety, and states must respond to advisories issued by central ministries regarding their implementation.

Is Caste Census Only In Name?

Is Caste Census Only In Name?

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Opposition leaders have questioned how caste responses will be recorded without state-wise pre-prepared lists.

Karnataka announces India's first govt-driven AI university

Karnataka announces India's first govt-driven AI university

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced the establishment of India's first government-driven Artificial Intelligence University and an AI Hub in Bengaluru. This initiative aims to position Karnataka as a global leader in responsible AI innovation, fostering talent, research, and collaboration. The state seeks to become an AI-native state, leveraging AI to improve governance and daily life across various sectors.

In a first, citizens may self-enumerate during the Census

In a first, citizens may self-enumerate during the Census

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

A special dedicated web portal will be launched for self-enumeration during the upcoming Census, which will be available for both phases of the national enumeration exercise, officials said Monday.

FULL TEXT: President Murmu's address to the nation on eve of 80th I-Day

FULL TEXT: President Murmu's address to the nation on eve of 80th I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

In her address to the nation on the eve of the country's 80th Independence Day, the president stressed that just as government and society remain united to ensure national security, everyone must contribute through joint and concerted efforts to safeguard the present and future of students.

Did Mohan Bhagwat Sync With Gen Z?

Did Mohan Bhagwat Sync With Gen Z?

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

All's well with the State; it's the citizens who have to really buck up, was the sum and substance of Mohan Bhagwat's message to Gen Z.

Outrage After Cab Driver Assaults Senior Citizen For Objecting To Spitting

Outrage After Cab Driver Assaults Senior Citizen For Objecting To Spitting

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

An aggregator cab driver in Thane, Maharashtra, has been arrested for brutally assaulting a 70-year-old man who objected to him spitting in public. The incident, captured on video and widely shared, led to public outrage and intervention from state political leaders, resulting in the driver's arrest and charges including attempted murder.

Union cabinet approves high court bench for Ladakh

Union cabinet approves high court bench for Ladakh

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of a High Court bench in Ladakh, a move lauded by Home Minister Amit Shah and Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena as a significant step towards improving access to justice and ensuring the all-round development of the Union Territory.

Shehbaz present as Modi warns SCO: No double standards on terror

Shehbaz present as Modi warns SCO: No double standards on terror

Rediff.com1 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the SCO summit in Bishkek, called for a united front against terrorism and its financing, rejecting double standards. He emphasised resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, not battlefields. Modi also highlighted that connectivity projects must respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity, a veiled reference to China's Belt and Road Initiative. India's vision for SCO rests on security, connectivity, and opportunity.

Judges are not gods, won't get every judgment right: Outgoing SC judge

Judges are not gods, won't get every judgment right: Outgoing SC judge

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Retiring Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Karol stated in his farewell address that judges are not gods and will not get every judgement right, emphasising the need for humility and the ability to see the real person behind every litigant.

How Bank Staff Exploit Depositors' Trust For Fraud

How Bank Staff Exploit Depositors' Trust For Fraud

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

A sophisticated cross-bank syndicate is systematically defrauding non-resident Indians (NRIs) and elderly citizens by exploiting their fixed deposits through forged documents and fictitious loans, often involving colluding bank employees and real estate deals.

'Students India's future': Prez Murmu promises fair exams in I-Day eve address

'Students India's future': Prez Murmu promises fair exams in I-Day eve address

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Underlining that students are the "architects of India's future," President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said the government is taking comprehensive steps to reform public examinations to completely curb paper leaks and unfair means, making the system transparent, secure, and trustworthy.

In 12 years, India developed on scale never seen before: Modi on I-Day

In 12 years, India developed on scale never seen before: Modi on I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from the Red Fort on Independence Day, declared that India is undergoing a rapid transformation across various sectors and is firmly on track to become a developed nation by 2047.

80th Independence Day: Modi vows to realise 'Viksit Bharat' dream by 2047

80th Independence Day: Modi vows to realise 'Viksit Bharat' dream by 2047

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 80th Independence Day address, expressed strong confidence that India will achieve developed nation status by 2047, urging citizens to embrace big dreams and unwavering resolve to realise 'Viksit Bharat'. He highlighted India's economic transformation and significant growth in various sectors, including defence production, electronic manufacturing, and mobile phone production.

Why Nobody Cares About Building Toilets

Why Nobody Cares About Building Toilets

Rediff.com7 days ago

We raid restaurants for cockroaches but never raid the roadside. Public hygiene runs entirely on faith and fumes. Even after so many years of being a free nation, points out Binu Alex.

Kangana: I Identify As A Bhakt...'

Kangana: I Identify As A Bhakt...'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut has publicly endorsed Isha Koppikar's 'andhbhakt' declaration, asserting that such devotion is rooted in love for the country.

NLSIU students, alumni oppose CJI, BCI chief attending convocation

NLSIU students, alumni oppose CJI, BCI chief attending convocation

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

The Students and Alumni of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru have opposed Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra attending the upcoming convocation of the varsity.

Who Derailed Tarique Rahman's India Visit?

Who Derailed Tarique Rahman's India Visit?

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Who is running the show in Dhaka? This kind of flip-flop, culminating in a last-minute decision to skip a maiden visit, can happen only when the remote is in the hands of one of the competing lobbies within the BNP -- one that appears determined to play a game of chess with India.

10 Questions Every First-Time Health Insurance Buyer Must Ask

10 Questions Every First-Time Health Insurance Buyer Must Ask

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The best time to buy health insurance is when you don't think you need it.