News for 'First Citizen of India'

First meet at Seva Teerth: Cabinet pledges citizen-centric governance

First meet at Seva Teerth: Cabinet pledges citizen-centric governance

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

The Union Cabinet, meeting at the new PMO complex 'Seva Teerth', resolved to prioritize citizen empowerment and service in all its decisions, guided by the principle of 'Nagrik Devo Bhava'.

Be alert, stay indoors: India to citizens in Israel, Iran

Be alert, stay indoors: India to citizens in Israel, Iran

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

India has issued an advisory for its citizens in Israel to exercise utmost caution and remain vigilant at all times, following a joint attack by Israel and the US against Iran.

India Audits 101 Cities To Assess Ease Of Living

India Audits 101 Cities To Assess Ease Of Living

Rediff.com3 days ago

India is conducting a special audit of 101 cities to assess ease of living from the citizen's perspective, Comptroller and Auditor General K Sanjay Murthy said.

How India Is Leading The Way In Health AI Benchmarking

How India Is Leading The Way In Health AI Benchmarking

Rediff.com2 days ago

India has launched an open Health AI benchmarking platform to evaluate artificial intelligence models on diverse Indian datasets before deployment at a population scale. The initiative aims to strengthen AI-driven claims management under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).

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.

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened the Cabinet Committee on Security to address the impact of the West Asia conflict on Indian citizens, focusing on safeguarding them from the conflict's effects and ensuring the smooth flow of essential supplies.

As Pak brokers US-Iran talks, India says it supports...

As Pak brokers US-Iran talks, India says it supports...

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that India is closely monitoring developments in West Asia, addressing topics ranging from ceasefire efforts to maritime security and the safe return of Indian nationals. The MEA also addressed the UN Climate Change Conference and the delimitation bill.

India Navigates West Asia Crisis: Ensuring Energy Security and Citizen Safety

India Navigates West Asia Crisis: Ensuring Energy Security and Citizen Safety

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

India addresses the escalating conflict in West Asia, outlining its diplomatic efforts to ensure energy security, the safety of its citizens, and advocating for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

India's 2027 Census to be fully digital; first phase from April 1

India's 2027 Census to be fully digital; first phase from April 1

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

India has launched digital tools for its upcoming fully digital Census 2027, including mobile apps and a self-enumeration portal, aiming for efficient and accurate data collection.

Behind The Crown: Miss India Winners Show Their Real Side

Behind The Crown: Miss India Winners Show Their Real Side

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Femina Miss India World 2026 Sadhvi Sail, first runner-up Rajnandini Pawar and second runner-up Sree Advaita open up about breaking stereotypes and why pageantry is more than just the crown.

Amit Shah Praises Operation Sindoor's Success

Amit Shah Praises Operation Sindoor's Success

Rediff.com3 days ago

Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed Operation Sindoor as a landmark mission, commemorating its first anniversary and underscoring India's military strength and resolve against cross-border terrorism.

'One Operation Sindoor Won't End Terror'

'One Operation Sindoor Won't End Terror'

Rediff.com21 hours ago

'India's security challenges are no longer confined to the Line of Control or the Line of Actual Control.'
'They also span cyber networks, economic systems, information warfare, technology ecosystems, maritime routes, and internal social cohesion.'

'China, India or other hellhole': Trump reposts anti-India rant

'China, India or other hellhole': Trump reposts anti-India rant

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Donald Trump has amplified a critique of birthright citizenship by sharing a video of Michael Savage, who claimed the legal system allows immigrants to exploit American laws.

What BJP's Historic Bengal Win Means For India

What BJP's Historic Bengal Win Means For India

Rediff.com6 days ago

Hopefully, the BJP will realise that it's the right time for parivartan (change) in its polarising poll strategies after achieving the impossible-looking goal of winning West Bengal, argues Sheela Bhatt.

As Iran Tensions Surge, India Leans On UAE

As Iran Tensions Surge, India Leans On UAE

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

For India, much is at stake: Crucial energy supplies traversing the Strait of Hormuz, the fate of its 10 million citizens living and working in West Asia -- who send generous remittances home -- and its major trade links with the region.

What's Rajendra Arlekar Up To?

What's Rajendra Arlekar Up To?

Rediff.com1 days ago

By asking Vijay to produce letters of majority support before inviting him to form the government, the governor risks overstepping established Constitutional principles, notes Harishchandra.

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.

Himanta Biswa Sarma: 'Bangladeshi Infiltration Is A Real Threat'

Himanta Biswa Sarma: 'Bangladeshi Infiltration Is A Real Threat'

Rediff.com4 days ago

'The next five years are crucial because Assam, West Bengal and Bihar are either governed by or politically aligned with the BJP.' 'This gives us a strong platform to take decisive steps to secure our borders.'

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Rediff.com1 days ago

Courts cannot be the only hope for those fighting hate speech. Countering its effects on the ground takes more effort. With our political parties unwilling to put in that amount of effort, it's left to citizens to do so, points out Jyoti Punwani.

2 Indians part of crew of cruise ship hit by hantavirus

2 Indians part of crew of cruise ship hit by hantavirus

Rediff.com2 days ago

A hantavirus outbreak on the Dutch vessel MV Hondius has resulted in multiple confirmed cases and fatalities, with Indian nationals among the crew. Health authorities are tracing those who disembarked.

'We Will See A Different BJP In Bengal'

'We Will See A Different BJP In Bengal'

Rediff.com3 days ago

'In West Bengal, the BJP's ideology of Hindutva will be customised to cater to the culture and the cultural imperatives of Bengalis.'

UPI Transactions Soar To 314 Lakh Crore In FY26

UPI Transactions Soar To 314 Lakh Crore In FY26

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has reached a record Rs 314 lakh crore in transaction value in FY26, representing more than a 4,000-fold increase since inception.

PMK urges Modi to ban cigarette sales to future generations

PMK urges Modi to ban cigarette sales to future generations

Rediff.com2 May 2026

PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement a legislative ban on the sale of cigarettes to individuals born on or after January 1, 2009, aiming to create a smoke-free generation in India.

TMC Accuses Election Commission Of Partisan Conduct In Bengal Polls

TMC Accuses Election Commission Of Partisan Conduct In Bengal Polls

Rediff.com1 days ago

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has questioned the credibility of the West Bengal assembly polls, accusing the Election Commission of partisan conduct and alleging large-scale irregularities during the elections.

Women's Group Demands Inquiry Into Cricketer Vaping Incident

Women's Group Demands Inquiry Into Cricketer Vaping Incident

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

A women's group has demanded an inquiry into visuals purportedly showing cricketer Riyan Parag using a vape-like device during an IPL match, questioning whether the incident was an attempt to normalise banned products.

Modi appeals to people to take 9 Pledges on health, nature, others

Modi appeals to people to take 9 Pledges on health, nature, others

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on the people of Karnataka to commit to nine pledges focused on sustainability, health, and local empowerment to drive development in the state and across India.

Can West Bengal Regain Its Lost Pride?

Can West Bengal Regain Its Lost Pride?

Rediff.com1 May 2026

If West Bengal does not begin to reclaim its lost pride, the state would have lost -- perhaps irreversibly, this time, notes Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Modi Predicts BJP Government In West Bengal After Polls

Modi Predicts BJP Government In West Bengal After Polls

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that the BJP would form the next government in West Bengal after the assembly polls, asserting that he would return to the state for the oath-taking ceremony after results are announced on May 4.

Time for change, not revenge: Modi hails Bengal victory

Time for change, not revenge: Modi hails Bengal victory

Rediff.com6 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed BJP workers after the party's performance in assembly elections, urging an end to political violence in West Bengal and a focus on the state's future.

My Indian father-in-law never asked me to...: JD Vance

My Indian father-in-law never asked me to...: JD Vance

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

US Vice President JD Vance has stated that immigrants who become US citizens should prioritise the interests of the United States above their country of origin. He emphasised the importance of allegiance to the US for the effective functioning of the American system.

HC restrains FIR order in Rahul Gandhi citizenship case

HC restrains FIR order in Rahul Gandhi citizenship case

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The Allahabad High Court has deferred its order directing an FIR against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in connection with the alleged dual citizenship controversy, pending a review of whether prior notice to the accused was legally required.

Commonwealth Sport President Confident in India's Readiness for 2030 Games

Commonwealth Sport President Confident in India's Readiness for 2030 Games

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Commonwealth Sport president Donald Rukare expressed satisfaction with India's preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, following a multi-city review of venues and infrastructure.

Bengaluru NCB Destroys Narcotics Worth Rs 38 Crore

Bengaluru NCB Destroys Narcotics Worth Rs 38 Crore

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Bengaluru destroyed 128.76 kg of seized narcotics, estimated to be worth Rs 38 crore, during a drug disposal drive. This marks the second such drive by the Bengaluru zonal unit in 2026, following the guidelines of the NDPS Act and Supreme Court. The NCB has destroyed a total of 1735 kg of seized drugs this year and encourages citizens to report drug trafficking.

What NSA Ajit Doval Told 16 Prominent Indian Muslims

What NSA Ajit Doval Told 16 Prominent Indian Muslims

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'I cannot imagine that any NSA before Ajit Doval would have given us this kind of time and this kind of engagement. They would have offered slogans, or nothing at all. That, too, tells you something.'

'Don't find any good reason': SC dismisses Umar Khalid's bail review plea

'Don't find any good reason': SC dismisses Umar Khalid's bail review plea

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has dismissed activist Umar Khalid's plea seeking a review of a verdict denying him bail in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case.

TMC Leader Alleges BJP Conspiracy Against Mamata Banerjee

TMC Leader Alleges BJP Conspiracy Against Mamata Banerjee

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee accuses the BJP of using central agencies to undermine Mamata Banerjee in the West Bengal elections, alleging a lack of public support for the saffron party.

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.

Kejriwal refuses to appear before HC judge who refused to recuse in excise case

Kejriwal refuses to appear before HC judge who refused to recuse in excise case

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Arvind Kejriwal has written to Delhi High Court Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, stating he will not appear in the excise case personally or through a lawyer before her, citing concerns about impartiality.

SC rejects hate speech case against BJP's Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma

SC rejects hate speech case against BJP's Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that no cognisable offence was committed by BJP leaders Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma regarding alleged hate speeches during the 2020 anti-CAA protests in Delhi. The court upheld a previous decision by the Delhi High Court, stating that the speeches did not incite violence or target a specific community.

BJP-TMC clash dominates as Bengal heads into final phase voting

BJP-TMC clash dominates as Bengal heads into final phase voting

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The campaign for the current election cycle ended on Monday as canvassing for the final phase in West Bengal concluded with a bitter war of words between rival parties over cross-border infiltration, corruption, unemployment and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.