News for 'First Citizen of India'

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."

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.

Centre To Boost States' Heatwave Plans

Centre To Boost States' Heatwave Plans

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

About 57 per cent of Indian districts, home to 76 per cent of the country's population, are currently at high to very high risk from extreme heat.

It's Time to Update Army Regiment Names

It's Time to Update Army Regiment Names

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

>The Indian Army still uses old British-era names and recruits soldiers based on caste or region, which hurts national unity, argues Colonel K Thammayya Udupa (retd).

RSS affiliate calls for sanctions, tourism boycott of Turkey

RSS affiliate calls for sanctions, tourism boycott of Turkey

Rediff.com14 May 2025

"It is shocking to note that Turkey, the second-largest arms supplier to Pakistan after China, has played a key role in modernising Pakistan's navy and enhancing its aerial warfare capabilities. "This defence collaboration is not just commercial; it is ideological, targeting the stability of South Asia and emboldening Pakistan's military adventurism," SJM national co-convenor Ashwini Mahajan said in a statement.

UP traders to boycott Turkish imports over Pak support

UP traders to boycott Turkish imports over Pak support

Rediff.com14 May 2025

India imports goods worth over Rs 1,200 crore from Turkey annually, including a significant share of fruits like apples.

Operation Kaveri: India brings back home 186 more citizens from Sudan

Operation Kaveri: India brings back home 186 more citizens from Sudan

Rediff.com1 May 2023

On Sunday, 229 Indians arrived in Bengaluru while 365 people reached Delhi the day before.

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.

Delhi: Brother of man who supplied SIM cards to Pak spies held

Delhi: Brother of man who supplied SIM cards to Pak spies held

Rediff.com31 May 2025

Delhi Police has arrested another accused in connection with an ongoing investigation into an espionage racket linked to Pakistani intelligence operatives (PIOs), an official said on Saturday.

'China Is Scared Of The Dalai Lama'

'China Is Scared Of The Dalai Lama'

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

'Although China has been ruling over Tibet for past 75 years, it has no legitimacy.'

EC to set up mobile phone deposit facility at polling stations

EC to set up mobile phone deposit facility at polling stations

Rediff.com23 May 2025

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that it will set up mobile phone deposit counters at polling stations to ensure that voters do not have to carry their phones inside the polling booth. This decision was taken after it was observed that several voters were concealing their phones in their clothes due to the absence of a facility to deposit it. The ECI has also rationalized the permissible norms for canvassing in line with the electoral laws to 100 meters from the entrance of the polling station.

'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.'

Underground Mumbai Metro station flooded amid heavy rain

Underground Mumbai Metro station flooded amid heavy rain

Rediff.com26 May 2025

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) was forced to suspend the operation after flooding was reported at the underground Acharya Atre Chowk station.

What The Next Census Will Discover

What The Next Census Will Discover

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The next Census' findings will help identify the extent of India's ageing population and vulnerability levels.

'The First Time I Haven't Voted Since 1962'

'The First Time I Haven't Voted Since 1962'

Rediff.com27 May 2024

The Election Commission refuses to tell how many people have voted in each phase.

This couldn't occur without money support: FATF on Pahalgam attack

This couldn't occur without money support: FATF on Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

The FATF statement comes in the backdrop of Indian authorities highlighting Pakistan's persistent support for terrorism and its funnelling of multilateral funds for arms procurement.

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.

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.

'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.'

We're treated like second-class citizens: Paralympic champ slams BAI

We're treated like second-class citizens: Paralympic champ slams BAI

Rediff.com11 Sep 2024

Paralympic star Kumar Nitesh cites BAI apathy, wants badminton to be placed under PCI as para shuttlers needed to be treated on par with their able-bodied counterparts.

Tribals Fear New Threats As Naxalism Fades

Tribals Fear New Threats As Naxalism Fades

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

If the threat from the 'Maovadis' (Maoists) is fading, the danger now lies with the 'MoUvadis' -- those who might exploit the resource-rich Abujhmad region through corporate or State-backed projects.

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.

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.

'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

'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.

Uttarakhand likely to implement UCC rules on Republic Day

Uttarakhand likely to implement UCC rules on Republic Day

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced that the state will become the first in independent India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), with the date of implementation to be announced soon. The UCC, which aims to unify personal laws for all citizens, has been approved by the state cabinet and preparations for its implementation are almost complete. Dhami stated that the training process for UCC implementation is nearly finalized and the government is aiming for a swift rollout. Speculation is rife that the UCC could be implemented on Republic Day, coinciding with the conclusion of municipal elections. The UCC includes provisions related to marriage, divorce, annulment of marriage, succession, and live-in relationships. The state government has introduced a dedicated portal for online registration of related matters and has authorized Common Service Centers (CSC) to simplify access for citizens. In remote areas, CSC agents will provide door-to-door services. The Gram Panchayat Development Officer will serve as the Sub-Registrar for registration work in rural areas. The government has also implemented Aadhaar-based registration to make the process easier. Citizens can track their application status through email and SMS, and an online complaint portal has been set up. Dhami dismissed Congress allegations of divisive politics, emphasizing that the UCC provides a uniform system and law for all.

Budget allocation makes Census unlikely this year too

Budget allocation makes Census unlikely this year too

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

India's decadal census is likely to be further delayed after the budget allocated only Rs 574.80 crore for the exercise, a significant reduction from previous years. The census, originally scheduled for 2021, has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the government has not yet announced a new schedule. The budget allocation suggests that the exercise may not be carried out even after the delay. The upcoming census will be the first digital census, allowing citizens to self-enumerate using a dedicated portal. The exercise will be made compulsory for citizens who wish to self-enumerate, and Aadhaar or mobile numbers will be required. The census will include questions on household demographics, amenities, and economic status.

'Lost Rs 18L In Options Trading. HELP!'

'Lost Rs 18L In Options Trading. HELP!'

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

Ask rediffGURU and PF expert Nitin Narkhede your mutual fund and personal finance-related questions.

India to develop affordable AI model under Rs 100/hour: Vaishnaw

India to develop affordable AI model under Rs 100/hour: Vaishnaw

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

He said that as compared to global models costing 2.5 to 3 US dollars per hour usage, India's AI model will cost less than less than Rs 100 per hour (1.16 US dollars per hour) after 40 percent government subsidy.

Will PM have courage to...: Cong ahead of Modi-Trump meet

Will PM have courage to...: Cong ahead of Modi-Trump meet

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Posing a series of questions to the prime minister, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh also asked if Modi would convey to the US president that India would send its own aircraft -- like Venezuela and Colombia did -- to bring back Indian deportees in the future.

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.

'Canada ignored India's warning on organised crime'

'Canada ignored India's warning on organised crime'

Rediff.com27 Oct 2024

India first raised the presence of organised crime in Canada but the issue was ignored because of a permissive atmosphere for a long time, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday, rejecting the targeting of its high commissioner and diplomats by the Trudeau government.

'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.'

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.

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.

'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.'

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.

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.

Canada lists India as cyberthreat, MEA reacts strongly

Canada lists India as cyberthreat, MEA reacts strongly

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

While there was no mention of India in the National Cyber Threat Assessment reports of 2018, 2020 and 2023-24, the 2025-26 assessment mentions India -- along with China, Russia, Iran and North Korea -- in the 'Cyber threat from state adversaries' section that introduces the state cyber threat ecosystem and discusses the cyber threats to Canada.

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.