News for 'First Citizen'

Iran War: Pakistan Was Flimsy, Face-Saving Fig Leaf

Iran War: Pakistan Was Flimsy, Face-Saving Fig Leaf

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Nobody takes Pakistan seriously and therefore Pakistan's sudden mediating with almost immediate results of a ceasefire seems more contrived than real, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

We are 'breaking Iran's bones' and still active: Netanyahu

We are 'breaking Iran's bones' and still active: Netanyahu

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Netanyahu asserts that Israel can play a role in helping Iranians achieve political change and cast off tyranny, while acknowledging that the ultimate decision lies with the Iranian people.

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.

India now Maoist-free, declares Amit Shah in Lok Sabha; slams Rahul Gandhi

India now Maoist-free, declares Amit Shah in Lok Sabha; slams Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised the Congress party for its alleged inaction in addressing Maoist violence during its long rule, while highlighting the Modi government's success in nearly eradicating Maoists from Bastar, Chhattisgarh.

Modi to interact with chief ministers over West Asia conflict

Modi to interact with chief ministers over West Asia conflict

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a video conference with chief ministers of most states to assess their preparedness and strategies in response to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

'Iran's missiles can now reach London, Paris or Berlin'

'Iran's missiles can now reach London, Paris or Berlin'

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

The Iranian terrorist regime launched a long-range missile for the first time since the start of Operation Roaring Lion that could reach a distance of ~4,000 km, Israel said.

How Punjab Police is Using AI to Combat Gang Violence

How Punjab Police is Using AI to Combat Gang Violence

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Punjab Police is using intelligence-led policing and digital tools, including AI-powered voice recognition, to combat organised crime and dismantle gangster networks operating across states and continents.

Saini Criticises AAP's Governance in Punjab, Highlights BJP's Development Agenda

Saini Criticises AAP's Governance in Punjab, Highlights BJP's Development Agenda

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini criticised the Aam Aadmi Party's governance in Punjab, citing issues such as drug addiction, crime, and financial instability. He promoted the BJP as an alternative, highlighting their development agenda and commitment to fulfilling promises.

'BJP Will Win A Few Seats In Kerala'

'BJP Will Win A Few Seats In Kerala'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

'The BJP is pouring in money so that only BJP candidates are visible everywhere.' 'If the Congress does not win this time, its survival itself will be a problem...'

Parliament Budget Session: LS debates FCRA amendment; Oppn raises flag

Parliament Budget Session: LS debates FCRA amendment; Oppn raises flag

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Lok Sabha takes up FCRA Amendment Bill amid opposition protests.

India's 'leave Iran by all means' warning amid Iran-US tension

India's 'leave Iran by all means' warning amid Iran-US tension

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

India has advised its citizens residing in Iran to leave the country due to the evolving security situation, including protests and fears of potential US military action.

Old Vs New Tax Regime: Stop Losing Money

Old Vs New Tax Regime: Stop Losing Money

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

With Income Tax Act 2025 in force, your tax choice can quietly cost you big money if you're not paying attention. Ramalingam Kalirajan explains how

We are not a dalal nation: Jaishankar at all-party meet

We are not a dalal nation: Jaishankar at all-party meet

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Indian government addressed opposition concerns regarding the West Asia crisis in an all-party meeting, outlining its strategy for ensuring the security of the Indian diaspora, fulfilling energy needs, and maintaining diplomatic relations with key partners. The government also dismissed Pakistan's reported mediation efforts.

Privatisation push loses steam as IDBI Bank stake sale scrapped

Privatisation push loses steam as IDBI Bank stake sale scrapped

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

India's privatisation push, once projected as a cornerstone of economic reform, has suffered another setback, with the Centre set to call off the IDBI Bank stake sale, highlighting the political and structural constraints shaping the country's disinvestment policy, experts say.

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

By all available indications, the White House drafted a face-saving note and handed it, ready-made, to Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was supposed to then post it in the guise of a plea urging Trump to extend the deadline by two weeks 'to allow diplomacy to run its course'. Trump would then graciously accept Pakistan's 'request' and declare a ceasefire. Sharif dutifully posted the message on X. Except that he, or whoever was handling the account, forgot to delete the tell-tale first line visible in the edit history: 'Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X'. Prem Panicker's must read blog on the Iran War.

Kanpur Teacher Duped in Multi-Layered Cyber Fraud Impersonating Zuckerberg and Musk Associates

Kanpur Teacher Duped in Multi-Layered Cyber Fraud Impersonating Zuckerberg and Musk Associates

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

A retired school teacher in Kanpur was allegedly defrauded of Rs 1.57 crore (approximately 150,000) in a sophisticated cyber scam involving impersonations of Mark Zuckerberg and associates of Elon Musk.

Indian-American student among 4 killed in US shooting

Indian-American student among 4 killed in US shooting

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

A 21-year-old Indian-American student, Savitha Shan, was among four people killed in a shooting in Austin, Texas. The incident is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism due to evidence found at the scene and the suspect's residence.

Starmer Calls for Iran Settlement, Sends More Jets to West Asia

Starmer Calls for Iran Settlement, Sends More Jets to West Asia

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for a negotiated settlement with Iran and deployed additional fighter jets to West Asia to strengthen the UK's defensive operations.

Understand govt's...: Tharoor back's India's Iran war stance

Understand govt's...: Tharoor back's India's Iran war stance

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is urging the Indian government to take a more proactive role in mediating the escalating conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran, emphasising the impact on India's energy security and regional stability.

Modi moves to new PMO, Seva Teerth; takes 1st decision on...

Modi moves to new PMO, Seva Teerth; takes 1st decision on...

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Seva Teerth complex, which will house the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the National Security Council Secretariat, and the Cabinet Secretariat, marking a shift towards modernizing India's administrative governance.

Delhi LG Highlights Importance of Human Element in Digital Nation-Building

Delhi LG Highlights Importance of Human Element in Digital Nation-Building

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Delhi LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu addressed the Global Confluence 2026, emphasising the importance of maintaining a human element at the heart of digital nation-building. He highlighted India's digital transformation and the role of technology in improving lives, while urging a focus on inclusive development and national security.

Global Leaders Urge UN Action on Child Marriage Crisis

Global Leaders Urge UN Action on Child Marriage Crisis

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Experts and global leaders have called on the United Nations to declare a dedicated 'World Day for the Elimination of Child Marriage', highlighting that a child marriage still occurs every three seconds globally.

Compensation: What Digital Fraud Victims Must Know

Compensation: What Digital Fraud Victims Must Know

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Customers will qualify for compensation even if they mistakenly share the OTP.

Rahul attends wedding of farmer's daughter in Haryana

Rahul attends wedding of farmer's daughter in Haryana

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi demonstrates his commitment to rural communities by attending the wedding of a farmer's daughter in Haryana, fulfilling a promise made during a visit to understand the challenges faced by farming families.

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The delegations from the US and Iran head to Islamabad on Friday, carrying a ceasefire that is already fraying, a Strait that is technically open and practically closed, and a negotiating agenda that would challenge even parties actually negotiating in good faith, which these groups are not. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

Two Bangladeshis Held in Meghalaya for Entering Illegally

Two Bangladeshis Held in Meghalaya for Entering Illegally

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Two Bangladeshi nationals were arrested in Meghalaya's West Jaintia Hills district for entering India without valid travel documents. A local driver was also apprehended for allegedly facilitating their illegal entry.

Cabinet nod for first digital caste census in 2027

Cabinet nod for first digital caste census in 2027

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

The Union Cabinet on Friday approved Rs 11,718 crore for conducting the Census of India, 2027, which would include the caste enumeration for the first time.

What Nehru told Cong MPs in 1954 Speaker removal debate

What Nehru told Cong MPs in 1954 Speaker removal debate

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

The first such situation surfaced on December 18, 1954, when the Opposition moved a resolution for the removal of then Speaker Mavalankar.

'ISRO Will Ensure Security Of Every Citizen Of Bharat'

'ISRO Will Ensure Security Of Every Citizen Of Bharat'

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

'You can observe a lot of things from space.' 'Another thing is communication, in real time, especially in war-like situations.' 'During Operation Sindoor, we could play our part well.'

'A Celebration Of Honest Citizens Of Our Nation'

'A Celebration Of Honest Citizens Of Our Nation'

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

'We may not be perfect, but there are many like Inspector Mahima Basor who are trying to move bricks each day with their choices and their courage.'

Abhishek Banerjee Dares Amit Shah to Resign Amidst 'Clean Politics' Debate

Abhishek Banerjee Dares Amit Shah to Resign Amidst 'Clean Politics' Debate

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee challenges Amit Shah to resign, questioning his commitment to clean politics, citing Shah's past arrest and criticising the BJP's actions against allegedly corrupt leaders.

Sarvam AI To Launch India's First LLM In Feb

Sarvam AI To Launch India's First LLM In Feb

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

Sarvam's LLM will have more than 17 trillion tokens with 17 to 20 per cent coming from Indian data

Tamil Nadu Election 2026: 'Vijay Is A Stooge Of The BJP'

Tamil Nadu Election 2026: 'Vijay Is A Stooge Of The BJP'

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

'The AIADMK and DMK have 75% of the total votes. 25% of the voters do not support the two majors,' says DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai.

The Inspiring Journey Of Sreeja, UPSC AIR 57

The Inspiring Journey Of Sreeja, UPSC AIR 57

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

'India is at a critical juncture in this century. I want to be a part of the diplomatic team that works to make India great.'

Meet 4 minority candidates who won Bangladesh election

Meet 4 minority candidates who won Bangladesh election

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

In the recent Bangladesh elections, four minority candidates, including two Hindus, secured parliamentary seats, highlighting the evolving political landscape and representation of minority communities within the BNP's victory.

Centre to evacuate Indians from Gulf; IndiGo to operate 10 Jeddah flights

Centre to evacuate Indians from Gulf; IndiGo to operate 10 Jeddah flights

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi assures that the Indian government is prepared to bring back Indians stranded in the Gulf region due to the Iran-Israel conflict and disruptions in Dubai, emphasizing citizen safety as the top priority.

Ustaad Bhagat Singh Review: Pawan Kalyan's Action Potboiler is Over-Familiar, Over-Exhausting

Ustaad Bhagat Singh Review: Pawan Kalyan's Action Potboiler is Over-Familiar, Over-Exhausting

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Ustaad Bhagat Singh is less a film and more, a lazily constructed vehicle for star worship and political signalling, one that quickly wears out its welcome for anyone outside Pawan Kalyan's core fanbase, observes Sreeju Sudhakaran.

From exile to home: Kasatkina embraces Aussie AO moment

From exile to home: Kasatkina embraces Aussie AO moment

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Russian-born Daria Kasatkina said she is ready to embrace the "good pressure" of a home Grand Slam when she steps onto the Melbourne Park court as an Australian citizen for the first time.

Infiltration, conversion cause population imbalance: Bhagwat

Infiltration, conversion cause population imbalance: Bhagwat

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed concerns about population imbalance, citing religious conversion, infiltration, and low birth rates as key factors. He advocated for 'ghar wapasi' and vigilance against infiltrators, while also emphasizing the importance of family and employment.

Gulf Conflict: 300,000 Jobs At Risk

Gulf Conflict: 300,000 Jobs At Risk

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

'If movement remains stalled for three to four months, more than 300,000 recruitments from India could be affected.'