News for 'First Citizen of India'

Golden Opportunity For Modi To Reverse Brain Drain

Golden Opportunity For Modi To Reverse Brain Drain

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

President Trump with his MAWA has unwittingly provided us this opportunity. Will PM Modi grasp this and leave a legacy of an ushered in scientific and technological revolution in India, asks Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

After Delhi's sign-in, Bengal only state to hold out on Ayushman Bharat

After Delhi's sign-in, Bengal only state to hold out on Ayushman Bharat

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

According to a parliamentary response by the Union health ministry in 2023, around 654,000 families in Delhi are eligible to enrol under the scheme.

How Trump's Ego Threatens US Educational Universe

How Trump's Ego Threatens US Educational Universe

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Donald Trump is catering to the basest fears and prejudice of unenlightened Americans -- yes, there are those too, in sizeable enough numbers to elect one of their own as president. That would most certainly not Make America Great Again, asserts Shreekant Sambrani.

Recalled envoy speaks out: Canada backstabbed India

Recalled envoy speaks out: Canada backstabbed India

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

Calling Canada's behaviour 'the pits', India's recalled high commissioner Sanjay Verma says India was backstabbed and treated in a most unprofessional manner by a country that is supposed to be a friendly democracy.

'Deeply concerned': India calls for restraint amid escalating Iran-Israel tensions

'Deeply concerned': India calls for restraint amid escalating Iran-Israel tensions

Rediff.com2 Oct 2024

India also advised its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Iran.

Ready to work with India to bridge gaps between countries: Chinese diplomat

Ready to work with India to bridge gaps between countries: Chinese diplomat

Rediff.com2 Aug 2024

The senior diplomat on Thursday visited the Indian Coast Guard Headquarters (West) to express gratitude to the maritime security agency for saving Chinese mariners over the past two years, an official statement said.

Jimmy Carter, 39th US president, dies at 100

Jimmy Carter, 39th US president, dies at 100

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president and a champion of peace and human rights, has died at the age of 100. Carter, who was known for his work with the Carter Center, promoting democracy and conflict resolution, was also a close friend of India. He visited the country in 1978, forging a lasting relationship between the two nations.

Bill Clinton on what stops Gandhi's dream for India

Bill Clinton on what stops Gandhi's dream for India

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

Former US President Bill Clinton expresses his doubts about the realization of Mahatma Gandhi's dream for India in his new book, 'Citizen: My Life After the White House'. Reflecting on his experience in the aftermath of the devastating 2001 Gujarat earthquake, Clinton recounts his encounters with the suffering and resilience of the people, questioning the extent to which India has achieved Gandhi's vision of a peaceful haven for all. The book also highlights the establishment of the American India Foundation (AIF), which Clinton helped found to support relief efforts in Gujarat. Clinton's observations on India's internal divisions, particularly between Hindus and Muslims, offer a thought-provoking perspective on the country's progress towards Gandhi's ideals.

Full text: President Murmu's R-Day eve address to the nation

Full text: President Murmu's R-Day eve address to the nation

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

'Today, let us reaffirm our commitment to strive to realise Gandhiji's dreams. His watchwords, truth and nonviolence, will continue to remain relevant for the whole world. He also taught us that rights and duties are but the two sides of the coin - indeed, the true source of rights is duty. Today we recall his lessons in compassion too - compassion not only for our human neighbours but also for our other neighbours, namely, flora and fauna, rivers and mountains.'

Another US plane to bring 119 deportees, Punjab CM cries foul

Another US plane to bring 119 deportees, Punjab CM cries foul

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The United States will deport 119 Indian nationals who were living in the country illegally. The individuals will arrive in Amritsar, India, on Saturday, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted the need to combat human trafficking. This deportation follows the arrival of a US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal immigrants earlier this month. Prime Minister Modi and President Donald Trump discussed the issue of illegal immigration during their joint press conference, emphasizing the need to dismantle the "ecosystem" of human trafficking. Modi emphasized India's willingness to take back its citizens residing illegally in the US, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that the issue of illegal immigration was raised during the discussions, stressing the need to address the root causes of the problem. India seeks cooperation from the US to dismantle the rackets and ecosystems that facilitate illegal immigration, potentially involving collaboration between law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

'Trump Will Back India On Pakistan'

'Trump Will Back India On Pakistan'

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

'Trump will absolutely back New Delhi on its position that Pakistan must do more to crack down on terrorists that threaten India.'

Govt sources explain why deportation flights land in Amritsar

Govt sources explain why deportation flights land in Amritsar

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The Indian government has defended the use of Amritsar as a deportation hub for US flights carrying Indian deportees, despite objections from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Government sources said Punjab has the highest number of deportees among Indian states, with 126 out of 333 people deported since February 5. The sources added that 23 flights carrying Indian deportees have arrived in the country since May 2020, all landing in Amritsar. The move has sparked controversy, with opposition parties protesting the treatment meted out to the deportees and demanding that the Indian government take up the issue with the US. Mann has accused the Centre of trying to defame Punjab and said a holy city like Amritsar should not be made a "deport centre".

FIH to revive India-Pakistan hockey series?

FIH to revive India-Pakistan hockey series?

Rediff.com10 Sep 2024

It has been 18 years since arch-rivals India and Pakistan have locked horns in a bilateral hockey Test series.

India's 1st citizen has hosted 75 foreign dignitaries so far

India's 1st citizen has hosted 75 foreign dignitaries so far

Rediff.com25 Jul 2014

In the two years that President Pranab Mukherjee has spent so far at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the country's first citizen has shown a marked preference for playing the gracious host over being a travelling head of state.

Time For India To Revisit Western Alliances

Time For India To Revisit Western Alliances

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

It's time India re-visited its Western alliances for the attitude and approach that the West reserves for the nation when it comes to security cooperation of the kind that they might not have visualised outside of China, India's bug-bear, asserts N Sathiya Moorthy.

Can RSS Put Aurangzeb's Ghost To Rest in Maharashtra?

Can RSS Put Aurangzeb's Ghost To Rest in Maharashtra?

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

Senior RSS leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi's call to drop the Aurangzeb tomb controversy challenges decades of communal rhetoric in Maharashtra, igniting hopes for unity and a balanced historical narrative.

That Rarity Of Rarities, A Good Man In Politics

That Rarity Of Rarities, A Good Man In Politics

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

As a leader, he was ambitious, not for himself but for India and its people. His was not the short-term election cycle calculation of individual political gain. His was a practical vision of how to better the lives of his fellow citizens, asserts Ambassador Shivshankar Menon, who served as foreign secretary and national security advisor when Dr Singh was prime minister.

India had a policy to maintain distance, but now...: Modi in Poland

India had a policy to maintain distance, but now...: Modi in Poland

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

Modi, who is visiting Ukraine at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has said that he will share with the Ukrainian leader perspectives on peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict.

'Difficult To Trust Yunus Govt In Dhaka'

'Difficult To Trust Yunus Govt In Dhaka'

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

'It was the hostility of the Yunus regime that made India careful and wary of dealing with them.' 'They gradually backed off and lowered the noise, but the damage was done.' 'Their true colours had been exposed.'

British MP moves motion on 'Kashmiri Pandit genocide'

British MP moves motion on 'Kashmiri Pandit genocide'

Rediff.com18 Jan 2025

A British MP has tabled a parliamentary motion in the House of Commons to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the "genocide of Kashmiri Pandit Hindus from Jammu and Kashmir in India." The motion, which calls for recognition and justice for the events of January 1990, has been met with support from other MPs. The motion condemns the attacks on the Hindu population of Kashmir Valley and calls for the Indian government to enact a bill to punish the perpetrators.

SEE: PM Modi meets cricketing stars in Guyana

SEE: PM Modi meets cricketing stars in Guyana

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met and interacted with leading cricket players of Guyana in Georgetown on Friday.

Cong leader promises LPG cylinders for 'infiltrators' in Jharkhand

Cong leader promises LPG cylinders for 'infiltrators' in Jharkhand

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir on Thursday promised that LPG cylinders will be provided in Jharkhand at a subsidised rate of Rs 450 even for 'infiltrators', sparking a political row in the midst of assembly elections in the eastern state.

US court issues summons in Pannun's case against India, Doval

US court issues summons in Pannun's case against India, Doval

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has filed a civil lawsuit against the Government of India and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, with a US court issuing summons in the case.

FIR against Kamra for 'gaddar' remark on Shinde; 12 Sena workers arrested

FIR against Kamra for 'gaddar' remark on Shinde; 12 Sena workers arrested

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Mumbai police have registered an FIR against stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a show. The police also registered a case against nearly 40 Shiv Sena workers for allegedly vandalizing the studio where Kamra's show was filmed. The incident took place after a video went viral showing Kamra allegedly using defamatory words against Shinde. Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel lodged a police complaint, leading to the FIR against Kamra under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including for statements conducing to public mischief and defamation. Meanwhile, the Khar police registered an FIR against 19 Shiv Sena functionaries, including Rahul Kanal (Yuva Sena), Vibhag Pramukh Kunal Sarmarkar and Akshay Panvelkar, for vandalizing the studio and the hotel premises. The incident has sparked controversy, with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray condemning the vandalism and questioning the state's law and order situation.

Romila, Naseer, Dreze among 750 citizens to come out in support of NewsClick

Romila, Naseer, Dreze among 750 citizens to come out in support of NewsClick

Rediff.com16 Aug 2023

More than 750 eminent citizens, including historian Romila Thapar, economist Jean Dreze and actor Naseeruddin Shah, on Wednesday came out in support of a news website which is alleged to have received dubious funds to spread Chinese propaganda.

SBI unveils two new schemes to boost deposit mobilisation

SBI unveils two new schemes to boost deposit mobilisation

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

State Bank of India (SBI) - the country's largest lender - has unveiled two new schemes to boost deposit mobilisation at a time when most banks are facing challenges in raising resources. The first is 'Har Ghar Lakhpati,' a pre-calculated recurring deposit (RD) scheme designed to help customers accumulate Rs 100,000 or multiples thereof and develop a savings habit.

Indian Student fled US as immigration agents came knocking

Indian Student fled US as immigration agents came knocking

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian student at Columbia University, has left the United States after her student visa was revoked over allegations of supporting Hamas. Srinivasan, a PhD student in Urban Planning, claims her visa was revoked for engaging in protected political speech. The Trump administration has been accused of targeting pro-Palestinian demonstrators through the use of federal immigration powers, and this case has drawn attention to the potential for free speech suppression in the United States.

Family of missing Indian student wants her declared dead

Family of missing Indian student wants her declared dead

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The family of missing 20-year-old Indian student Sudiksha Konanki has asked police in the Dominican Republic to declare her dead, according to US media reports. Konanki was last seen on March 6 at the Riu Republic Resort in Punta Cana town. She has gone missing while on vacation in the Dominican Republic and US federal law enforcement agencies are working with authorities in the Caribbean country in the probe into her disappearance. Despite an extensive search, her body has not been found.

'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

'The BJP lacks a credible mass leader who matches Mamata Banerjee's popularity.' 'Given the division of votes among Opposition parties, the West Bengal government's dole-giving strategy, and the consolidation of the poor, significant sections of scheduled caste groups and Muslim minorities behind the ruling party, it will be difficult to dislodge the Trinamool from power.'

'Oracle Was Little Late To Cloud Game'

'Oracle Was Little Late To Cloud Game'

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

'We also realised that locking customers to our Cloud was not fair to them.'

Govt May Cut Small Savings Rates

Govt May Cut Small Savings Rates

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

The interest rate on these schemes have remained unchanged for over a year now.

Is Rs 1.5 Cr Enough To Retire Early?

Is Rs 1.5 Cr Enough To Retire Early?

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

Here's a formula that helps you understand how much money you will need to retire early in India and simple steps to achieve it.

China concerned over safety of its citizens in Pakistan

China concerned over safety of its citizens in Pakistan

Rediff.com10 Jan 2023

Qin, who recently succeeded Wang Yi, had a phone call at the request of Bilawal on January 9, a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement in Beijing said on Tuesday.

First LS polls: How EC resolved identity crisis of 28L women voters

First LS polls: How EC resolved identity crisis of 28L women voters

Rediff.com20 Mar 2024

In some states, many women voters had enrolled themselves by their relationship with the male members of their family instead of providing their own names.

'Trump's Going To Be Very Good For India'

'Trump's Going To Be Very Good For India'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

'He is the only president, the only American politician, who had the guts to stand with Hindus.'

US asks citizens to avoid India travel amid Covid surge

US asks citizens to avoid India travel amid Covid surge

Rediff.com20 Apr 2021

The United Kingdom has already added India to its travel "red list" on a precautionary basis after reporting 103 cases of a coronavirus variant first identified in India, the country's health minister Matt Hancock said on Monday.

Can't accept, but ...: Mamata on SC verdict on school jobs

Can't accept, but ...: Mamata on SC verdict on school jobs

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has defended her support for teachers who were dismissed following a Supreme Court verdict, accusing the BJP and CPI(M) of "hatching a conspiracy" to influence the ruling. She dared the BJP to arrest her for supporting the affected candidates, while asserting that her government will abide by the verdict but explore all legal options. The development has triggered political reactions with the BJP demanding Banerjee's resignation, while the CPI(M) expressed concern over the impact on the education system. Banerjee also criticized the BJP's handling of the Vyapam scam in Madhya Pradesh, drawing parallels to the school jobs scam in West Bengal.

Coronavirus: India temporarily suspends e-visa for Chinese citizens

Coronavirus: India temporarily suspends e-visa for Chinese citizens

Rediff.com2 Feb 2020

On Sunday, India airlifted a second batch of 323 stranded Indians and seven Maldivian citizens from coronavirus-hit Wuhan city, taking the total number of people evacuated to 654.

Odisha reports first case as India's JN.1 Covid variant tally rises to 196

Odisha reports first case as India's JN.1 Covid variant tally rises to 196

Rediff.com1 Jan 2024

Ten states and Union Territories have so far detected the presence of the JN.1 sub-variant of the virus.

Dr Singh, Devoted Husband And Father

Dr Singh, Devoted Husband And Father

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

Nitin Desai, who has known Dr Singh from 1971, extends his 'deepest condolences to his wife Gurcharan Kaur and to his three talented daughters Upinder, the historian; Daman, the writer; and Amrit, the human rights activist.'