News for 'First Citizen of India'

'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.

Trump Effect: Tourists Wary About US Travel

Trump Effect: Tourists Wary About US Travel

Rediff.com15 May 2025

Tourists hesitant to visit America due to frequent policy changes there.

No Digital Data Protection Act Change Likely

No Digital Data Protection Act Change Likely

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The "construct of the DPDP Act" cannot be changed at this stage, though there may be some minor tweaks in the language of the Rules and formats in certain legitimate cases.

NCERT drops Mughals, Delhi Sultanate from Class 7 books, adds Maha Kumbh

NCERT drops Mughals, Delhi Sultanate from Class 7 books, adds Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has removed all references to the Mughals and Delhi Sultanate from its class 7 textbooks. The new textbooks, released this week, have been designed in line with the new National Education Policy (NEP) and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, which emphasize incorporating Indian traditions, philosophies, knowledge systems, and local context into school education. The textbooks now include new chapters on ancient Indian dynasties, sacred geography, and government initiatives like Make in India and Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao. The revamp has been met with criticism from opposition parties who equate it with "saffronisation."

Bashir's visa issue: UK govt wants India to treat British citizens fairly

Bashir's visa issue: UK govt wants India to treat British citizens fairly

Rediff.com24 Jan 2024

The UK government on Wednesday stated that India should treat British citizens "fairly" when they apply for visas after off-spinner Shoaib Bashir's arrival for the five-match Test series was delayed due to lingering issues relating to his travel documents.

Trump vows tariffs on nations that 'harm' US; names India, China

Trump vows tariffs on nations that 'harm' US; names India, China

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Earlier, Trump has already talked about slapping "100 per cent tariffs" on the BRICS grouping, a bloc that includes India as well.

Bihar's Liquor Ban Faces Heat Ahead Of Elections

Bihar's Liquor Ban Faces Heat Ahead Of Elections

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

As the election nears, political positions on prohibition are shifting.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi comes from a family of military officers

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi comes from a family of military officers

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Being a 'fauji' kid, Sofiya Qureshi grew up listening to tales of valour and sacrifice of the army shared by her grandfather, who was a soldier.

Journalist Rana Ayyub booked for 'spreading anti-India sentiment'

Journalist Rana Ayyub booked for 'spreading anti-India sentiment'

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Delhi Police on Tuesday informed a court that a first information report (FIR) was registered against journalist Rana Ayyub for allegedly making derogatory posts in 2016-17, including 'insults to Hindu deities, spreading of anti-India sentiment and incitement of religious disharmony'.

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

The visitor returns not just with the jewel-like beauty of the country imprinted on the mind, the body rejuvenated by hot stone massages, but also with the captivating stories and myths that are built into every important structure -- whether a tourist magnet or an off-the-beaten track spot.

'BCCI ready to fund couple of Olympic disciplines'

'BCCI ready to fund couple of Olympic disciplines'

Rediff.com15 May 2025

BCCI wants to adopt Olympic sports; Govt mulling approval to OCI athletes

'Caste Census Will Split Hindus'

'Caste Census Will Split Hindus'

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

'It will split people and create caste clashes. Unity of people will be affected for the time being.'

'Digital Act Will Kill RTI Slowly, Surely'

'Digital Act Will Kill RTI Slowly, Surely'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

'By extending the definition of 'personal' to include institutions and not just individuals, the State has equipped itself with a tool to block access to most kinds of information.'

Proud to Represent India: Neeraj, Sen celebrate R-Day

Proud to Represent India: Neeraj, Sen celebrate R-Day

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

As the nation celebrates its 76th Republic Day, India's sports fraternity took to social media to share their patriotic sentiments and wishes with fans across the country on Sunday.

India plans new migration law amid US deportations

India plans new migration law amid US deportations

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

The proposed legislation on Emigration (Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024) seeks to replace the Emigration Act of 1983 with a view to facilitate the circular mobility of people intending to emigrate for overseas employment.

Pak-born woman living in Odisha for 35 years gets notice to leave

Pak-born woman living in Odisha for 35 years gets notice to leave

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

Sharada Kukreja, a Pakistani woman living in Odisha for 35 years after marrying an Indian citizen, has been served a notice to leave the country. She has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi to stop her deportation, citing her long-standing ties to India and family here. Sharada fled Pakistan to escape forced conversion and marriage, and despite having an Aadhaar card and participating in elections, she has not been granted Indian citizenship. The Odisha government has identified 12 Pakistani nationals residing in the state and asked them to leave by April 27. Another Pakistani woman in Bhubaneswar also received a country exit permit on Saturday.

'Insult to India and dignity of Indians': Tharoor on US deportations

'Insult to India and dignity of Indians': Tharoor on US deportations

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has condemned the manner in which Indians staying illegally in the US were deported, calling it an 'insult to India and the dignity of Indians'. He urged the Indian government to issue a message to the US, making it clear that it has no right to deport people in such an 'insulting manner'. Tharoor also pointed out that Colombia had previously refused to accept suspected immigrants of Colombian origin under similar circumstances, officially protesting when people were sent back in handcuffs. He demanded an explanation for the 'atrocious behavior' from the US government.

'India Must Not Support Nepal's Ex-King'

'India Must Not Support Nepal's Ex-King'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

'Gyanendra back on the throne would be bad news for the Nepali people. He may not have learnt from his experience, but we have.'

Pranab: 'Perennial No. 2' is now India's First Citizen

Pranab: 'Perennial No. 2' is now India's First Citizen

Rediff.com25 Jul 2012

Capping a 45-year-long run in government and politics, Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday embarked on a new and momentous journey as the country's 13th President putting behind political affiliations and who could play a crucial role in the next Lok Sabha elections due in 2014.

Will identify, track, punish every terrorist behind Pahalgam: Modi

Will identify, track, punish every terrorist behind Pahalgam: Modi

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers who were responsible for the attack in Pahalgam "beyond their imagination". Addressing a public gathering in Madhubani, Modi said, "Today, from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world that India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth." He added that India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism and that terrorism will not go unpunished. Modi also assured that every effort will be made to ensure that justice is served, saying that the entire nation stands firm in this resolve. He thanked the people of various countries and the leaders who have stood with India in these times. Earlier, Modi and a large crowd gathered for a National Panchayati Raj Day programme observed silence for a few moments to pay homage to the victims of the terror attack in Pahalgam. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar condemned the terror attack and told the prime minister that the entire nation was united against terrorism.

'Nothing Wrong If We Rewrite The Constitution'

'Nothing Wrong If We Rewrite The Constitution'

Rediff.com20 May 2025

'The time has come to have a relook at the Constitution as every document has a shelf life.'

First-ever phase-3 trial for dengue vaccine begins in India

First-ever phase-3 trial for dengue vaccine begins in India

Rediff.com14 Aug 2024

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Panacea Biotec have initiated the first-ever phase three clinical trial for developing a dengue vaccine in India, the Union Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

India will do...: Trump discusses migrant row with Modi

India will do...: Trump discusses migrant row with Modi

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

President Trump made these remarks on Monday while talking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way back to Joint Base Andrews from Florida.

'No authority above Parliament': Dhankhar renews attack

'No authority above Parliament': Dhankhar renews attack

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Dhankhar said every word spoken by a constitutional functionary is guided by the supreme sublime interest of the nation.

The Sardar Who Won Over Kochi's Tummy

The Sardar Who Won Over Kochi's Tummy

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

'We are Indians irrespective whether we are Punjabi, Gujarati, Bengali, Malayali or Tamilian.' 'I am the best example of this integration.'

Drones seen in Jammu, downed in Punjab; trigger blackout

Drones seen in Jammu, downed in Punjab; trigger blackout

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Suspected drones were observed along the International Border in Samba district of Jammu region on Monday, while armed forces downed a 'surveillance drone' in Punjab's Jalandhar district.

Ma Vaishno Devi: The Power Of The Goddess

Ma Vaishno Devi: The Power Of The Goddess

Rediff.com30 May 2025

As we continue our climb, I meet 59-year-old Pushpa Devi from Banaras. I stare at her in wonderment when she tells me this is her 45th visit to the temple. She is equally bewildered to hear this is my first visit!What is it that draws her here each year? 'Bas ek shabd hai. Shraddha. (There is just one word. Faith.)'

26/11 survivor who identified Kasab seeks death for Rana

26/11 survivor who identified Kasab seeks death for Rana

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Devika Rotawan, a survivor of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, has demanded the death penalty for Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused extradited from the US. Rotawan, a key witness in the case, identified terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Kasab in court during the trial. She believes the extradition is a "big win" for India and called for further action against other conspirators in Pakistan.

Reciprocal tariffs against India from April 2: Trump

Reciprocal tariffs against India from April 2: Trump

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Trump has made it clear to Prime Minister Modi that India will not be spared from Washington's reciprocal tariffs and emphasised that "nobody can argue with me" on tariff structure.

Bangladesh's interim govt chief Yunus likely to resign

Bangladesh's interim govt chief Yunus likely to resign

Rediff.com23 May 2025

Bangladesh's interim government chief Professor Muhammad Yunus is considering resigning after political parties failed to reach a common ground, according to the National Citizen Party (NCP) chief. Yunus, appointed after a student-led uprising toppled the previous government, expressed concerns about his ability to function in the current political climate.

Knee Pain? Your Weight Could Be The Cause

Knee Pain? Your Weight Could Be The Cause

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

If you reduce 1 kg of weight, the weight on your knees will be reduced by four times, says senior physiotherapist Dr Shakeeb Ahmed Khan.

33 Years Before India Turns 'Old'

33 Years Before India Turns 'Old'

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

'India is aging faster than many realise.'

Caste census should reflect...: Tejashwi writes to Modi

Caste census should reflect...: Tejashwi writes to Modi

Rediff.com3 May 2025

The upcoming delimitation exercise should reflect the social realities uncovered by the census, ensuring proportional political representation for marginalised groups, it read.

'Police Encounters Were Done To Create Fear'

'Police Encounters Were Done To Create Fear'

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

'...in the minds of the youth of Assam.' 'Now, no protests happen in Assam because of fear of police encounters.'

Lawyer who argued in US court to lead NIA case against Rana

Lawyer who argued in US court to lead NIA case against Rana

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Senior advocate Dayan Krishnan, who led India's arguments for the extradition of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana in a United States court, is set to lead the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) prosecution in Delhi.

A Trip to The Tallest Statue In The World!

A Trip to The Tallest Statue In The World!

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

The giant statue of Sardar Vallabhai Patel is most impressive and a trip to the viewing gallery on top is the high point of a trip to Kevadia, Gujarat.

'Pakistan Working Committee': BJP slams Cong for doubting Balakot strike

'Pakistan Working Committee': BJP slams Cong for doubting Balakot strike

Rediff.com3 May 2025

The BJP on Saturday accused the Congress of repeatedly supplying "oxygen" to Pakistan, and slammed the opposition party for its leader Charanjit Singh Channi's remarks questioning the veracity of Balakot air strikes after the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged that the Congress is full of pro-Pakistan leaders who make statements against India's interests, and mocked the party for its letter that had advised its functionaries to toe the official line on the issue. Patra also criticized other Congress leaders for their comments on the Pulwama and Pahalgam terror attacks, accusing them of lowering the morale of the armed forces. He further slammed the Congress for claiming credit for the government's announcement of the caste census and said the party never carried out the exercise during its over 60-year stint in power.

Highest possible vigil along border, Op Sindoor continues: BSF

Highest possible vigil along border, Op Sindoor continues: BSF

Rediff.com27 May 2025

The Border Security Force (BSF) remains on high alert along the International Border (IB) and has not let its guard down, BSF Inspector General, Jammu Frontier, Shashank Anand said on Tuesday. Operation Sindoor, aimed at preventing infiltration attempts, continues as Pakistan cannot be trusted, he added. Anand highlighted the BSF's robust response after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, including destroying multiple terror launch pads and thwarting infiltration attempts.

Axed CRPF jawan to challenge dismissal over Pak marriage

Axed CRPF jawan to challenge dismissal over Pak marriage

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Hours after being dismissed from service for 'concealing' his marriage with a Pakistani woman, Central Reserve Police Force trooper Munir Ahmed said he solemnised his marriage nearly a month after getting permission from the force's headquarters last year.

Meet Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, the next CJI

Meet Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, the next CJI

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

From demonetisation to sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes to bulldozers, Justice Gavai has been part of several judgments.