News for 'First Citizen'

Netas Walk Modi's Talk On Austerity

Netas Walk Modi's Talk On Austerity

Rediff.com20 May 2026

In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for austerity, political leaders are reducing convoys and promoting public transport to conserve fuel.

Why Estonian Tech Startups Are Keen On Partnering With India

Why Estonian Tech Startups Are Keen On Partnering With India

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Estonian tech startups in AI, cybersecurity, defence, and medicine are showing interest in collaborating with India, aiming to tap into its vast market. Latitude59, a prominent startup conference, is considering hosting a networking event in India next year to foster these partnerships.

Modi sets 2047 deadline, warns ministers against delays

Modi sets 2047 deadline, warns ministers against delays

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting with his council of ministers, focusing on enhancing 'Ease of Living' and 'Ease of Doing Business' and setting the goal of a developed India by 2047.

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.

Why didn't austerity wisdom emerge during election campaigns?: Raj Thackeray blasts Modi

Why didn't austerity wisdom emerge during election campaigns?: Raj Thackeray blasts Modi

Rediff.com12 May 2026

MNS president Raj Thackeray questions the fuel consumption during recent election campaigns, asking if austerity measures are only meant for the common people.

UCC Bill tabled in Assam; polygamy ban, live-in registration proposed

UCC Bill tabled in Assam; polygamy ban, live-in registration proposed

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The opposition parties, including Congress, Raijor Dal and Trinamool Congress, opposed the move and demanded wider consultation with all the stakeholders before its introduction.

'You Are Killing Lakhs And Lakhs Of Citizenships'

'You Are Killing Lakhs And Lakhs Of Citizenships'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

'98 lakhs in Bengal, 97 lakhs in Tamil Nadu, 2.83 crores in Uttar Pradesh.'

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.

Will Indians Get To Watch FIFA World Cup 2026?

Will Indians Get To Watch FIFA World Cup 2026?

Rediff.com21 May 2026

With less than a month to go, football fans have all fingers -- and toes -- crossed, notes Kanika Datta.

'Every Political Party Will Be BJP-ised'

'Every Political Party Will Be BJP-ised'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

'Look at the way SIR that was implemented in Bengal. They wanted to entirely curate the voter list in order to suit their purposes and victory.' 'Look at the targeted deletions and the targeted voting list.' 'The difference between the TMC and the BJP was only about 4% but that 4% vote was done so selectively that the difference ultimately showed up as 100 seats!'

How TCS Plans To Become The Top AI Services Firm

How TCS Plans To Become The Top AI Services Firm

Rediff.com16 May 2026

TCS, India's largest IT firm, is aiming to become the world's leading AI-led technology services company. CEO K Krithivasan highlights the company's strategy, including upskilling its workforce and executing nation-scale projects in India.

'Oil Is Not The Problem. The Bigger Problem Is Gold'

'Oil Is Not The Problem. The Bigger Problem Is Gold'

Rediff.com18 May 2026

'Every year we import approximately $70 billion worth of gold -- closer to $72 billion in 2025-2026, an all-time record.' 'There is no parallel for this anywhere in the world. And this love for gold will not disappear overnight.'

Petrol, diesel price hiked for 3rd time in 10 days

Petrol, diesel price hiked for 3rd time in 10 days

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Petrol price has been increased by 87 paise in Delhi from Rs 98.64 to Rs 99.51 per litre. Diesel rates have gone up by 91 paise from Rs 91.58 to Rs 92.49.

Amit Shah Praises Operation Sindoor's Success

Amit Shah Praises Operation Sindoor's Success

Rediff.com7 May 2026

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.

Kerala Police Launch 'Operation Toofan' To Combat Narcotics

Kerala Police Launch 'Operation Toofan' To Combat Narcotics

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Kerala's Home Minister announces 'Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt', a comprehensive anti-narcotics campaign targeting drug syndicates, especially those operating near educational institutions, and outlines reforms to improve police functioning and public accessibility.

Kerala Police Launch 'Operation Toofan' To Combat Narcotics

Kerala Police Launch 'Operation Toofan' To Combat Narcotics

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Kerala's Home Minister announces 'Operation Toofan: The Narco Hunt', a statewide campaign to crack down on drug syndicates, focusing on eliminating drug distribution networks, especially around educational institutions, and improving police functioning across the state.

How India Is Leading The Way In Health AI Benchmarking

How India Is Leading The Way In Health AI Benchmarking

Rediff.com8 May 2026

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).

Former Jharkhand Minister Alamgir Alam Gets Bail In Money Laundering Case

Former Jharkhand Minister Alamgir Alam Gets Bail In Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Former Jharkhand minister Alamgir Alam was released from jail after the Supreme Court granted him bail in a money laundering case linked to an alleged tender scam. He was arrested in May 2024 after a large sum of cash was seized from premises linked to his aide.

'One Operation Sindoor Won't End Terror'

'One Operation Sindoor Won't End Terror'

Rediff.com10 May 2026

'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.'

Haryana CM Releases 2,115 Crore For Welfare Schemes

Haryana CM Releases 2,115 Crore For Welfare Schemes

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini released over 2,115 crore directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries under various welfare schemes, benefiting over 58 lakh eligible individuals.

'We Will See A Different BJP In Bengal'

'We Will See A Different BJP In Bengal'

Rediff.com7 May 2026

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

Petrol tops Rs 100 across most cities, diesel nears Rs 100 as prices raised for 4th time

Petrol tops Rs 100 across most cities, diesel nears Rs 100 as prices raised for 4th time

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Petrol and diesel prices in India have seen their fourth increase in less than two weeks, pushing cumulative hikes to nearly Rs 7.5 per litre since May 15, reaching their highest levels since May 2022. This surge, driven by global crude oil costs and the Iran conflict, is expected to exacerbate inflationary pressures and raise transportation costs across the economy.

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Rediff.com9 May 2026

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.

'Vote Jehad', 'Muslim League', What Next?

'Vote Jehad', 'Muslim League', What Next?

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The only thing that might make the BJP stop trying to isolate Muslims completely will be if substantial numbers of the community vote for the party that flaunts its animosity towards it, notes Jyoti Punwani.

Why Young Indians Skip Health Cover

Why Young Indians Skip Health Cover

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Young buyers often underestimate future health risks.

Why Change India's Electoral System?

Why Change India's Electoral System?

Rediff.com23 May 2026

'Why are we deliberately taking apart an electoral system that has worked?' 'There is no answer to that, and there is no data and has never been any on the absurd slander that foreigners are voting here,' asserts Aakar Patel.

2 Indians part of crew of cruise ship hit by hantavirus

2 Indians part of crew of cruise ship hit by hantavirus

Rediff.com8 May 2026

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.

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

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

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'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.'

Election over, petrol, diesel prices hiked by Rs 3/litre

Election over, petrol, diesel prices hiked by Rs 3/litre

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Petrol and diesel prices in India have been increased by Rs 3 per litre each, marking the first rate hike in over four years. This decision follows a period of stable prices during recent state elections, despite rising global crude oil prices and significant losses for fuel retailers.

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.

West Bengal Enhances Border Security, Targets Infiltrators

West Bengal Enhances Border Security, Targets Infiltrators

Rediff.com20 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a new border security initiative, including land transfer to the BSF and a 'detect, delete and deport' policy targeting infiltrators.

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.

What's Rajendra Arlekar Up To?

What's Rajendra Arlekar Up To?

Rediff.com9 May 2026

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.

'We Need Petrol More Than Gold Right Now'

'We Need Petrol More Than Gold Right Now'

Rediff.com11 May 2026

'What exactly is on the prime minister's mind, we do not know. But it feels like the government wants the country to be prepared for unseen challenges ahead.'

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.

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Rediff.com27 May 2026

If TVK MLAs and ministers are perceived as clean, or demonstrably cleaner than their predecessors, the credibility dividend will be enormous. The voter will feel rewarded, points out Ramesh Menon.

Madhya Pradesh Seeks CBI Probe Into Dowry Death Case

Madhya Pradesh Seeks CBI Probe Into Dowry Death Case

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Madhya Pradesh government has ordered a CBI probe into the death of Twisha Sharma, a woman who was allegedly harassed for dowry. Her family had requested a second autopsy, which was initially rejected by a court.

TMC Accuses Election Commission Of Partisan Conduct In Bengal Polls

TMC Accuses Election Commission Of Partisan Conduct In Bengal Polls

Rediff.com9 May 2026

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.

Twisha Sharma death: Court rejects 2nd autopsy plea, MP govt seeks CBI probe

Twisha Sharma death: Court rejects 2nd autopsy plea, MP govt seeks CBI probe

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced that the state government will seek a CBI probe into the death of Twisha Sharma, a former model and actor, who was found hanging at her matrimonial residence. Her family alleges dowry harassment and fears crucial forensic evidence may be lost due to delays in securing a second autopsy and proper body preservation.

Madhya Pradesh Seeks CBI Probe Into Dowry Death Case

Madhya Pradesh Seeks CBI Probe Into Dowry Death Case

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The family of Twisha Sharma, who died last week, alleges dowry harassment and seeks a CBI probe into her death. A court rejected a plea for a second autopsy, prompting the family to express concerns about the preservation of forensic evidence. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has assured the family that the state government will seek a CBI investigation.