News for 'First Citizen'

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.

IPS Deven Bharti takes over as Mumbai Police commissioner

IPS Deven Bharti takes over as Mumbai Police commissioner

Rediff.com1 May 2025

Deven Bharti, a veteran IPS officer with experience in high-profile cases including the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, has assumed charge as the new commissioner of Mumbai police. He emphasized the importance of effective policing, citizen engagement, and combating cybercrime as key priorities for his tenure. Bharti, known for his investigative skills, previously served in various roles within the Mumbai Police and Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad.

'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.'

India's Census 2027 to include caste count; exercise to cost Rs 13K cr

India's Census 2027 to include caste count; exercise to cost Rs 13K cr

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

The census will be carried out with a reference date of October 1, 2026 in snow-bound areas like Ladakh and March 1, 2027 in the rest of the country, the notification said.

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.

Operation Sindoor is India's policy against terrorism

Operation Sindoor is India's policy against terrorism

Rediff.com12 May 2025

Presenting the full text of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation on May 12, 2025, in which he dictated India's new doctrines on countering terrorism.

How Ordinary Indians Defeated Pakistan's Evil Plan

How Ordinary Indians Defeated Pakistan's Evil Plan

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

The real heroes of Operation Sindoor were not the armed forces or political leadership, but the ordinary citizens of India who refused to fall into the trap of communal provocation, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Be Prepared For Another War!

Be Prepared For Another War!

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

India needs to be technologically and militarily prepared to defend itself from both Pakistan and China, alerts Ramesh Menon.

They voted for the first time in Jammu-Kashmir elections!

They voted for the first time in Jammu-Kashmir elections!

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

Long denied the right to vote, members of the Valmiki community exercised their franchise for the first time in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections on Tuesday and termed it as a "historic moment".

'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.

11, 13, 15. Number Of Days India Took To Act Against Pakistan

11, 13, 15. Number Of Days India Took To Act Against Pakistan

Rediff.com7 May 2025

11, 13, 15 are not some random odd numbers but the number of days that Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to act against Pakistani terror strikes on Indian soil.

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.

'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.

Air India crash: Focus shifts to decoding black box

Air India crash: Focus shifts to decoding black box

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

A week after the devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad claimed 270 lives, investigators on Thursday continued to sift for clues to ascertain the cause, while the government said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau will decide where to decode the black box of the ill-fated Dreamliner.

Those daring to wipe off our sisters' sindoor...: Modi

Those daring to wipe off our sisters' sindoor...: Modi

Rediff.com26 May 2025

'The country that came into existence after Partition lives on hatred for India. It only wants to harm Bharat. However, India's goals are to remove poverty, bring about economic development and become a developed nation'

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."

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).

Will never...: Jaishankar on bid to hyphenate India, Pakistan

Will never...: Jaishankar on bid to hyphenate India, Pakistan

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

India expects partners to understand its policy of 'zero tolerance' against terrorism, and it will never countenance 'perpetrators of evil' being put on par with its victims, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday during extensive talks with his British counterpart David Lammy.

India to launch 'Operation Ajay' for return of citizens from Israel

India to launch 'Operation Ajay' for return of citizens from Israel

Rediff.com12 Oct 2023

The announcement comes as the military conflict between Hamas militants and Israel continued for the fifth day.

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.

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.

'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.'

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.

'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.

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.

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.

Every citizen has right to hold passport: Delhi HC

Every citizen has right to hold passport: Delhi HC

Rediff.com24 Jul 2023

Every citizen has a legal right to hold a passport and authorities cannot refuse to renew it merely on an apprehension that the earlier passports might have been misused, the Delhi high court has said.

Will German Visa Rules Affect Students?

Will German Visa Rules Affect Students?

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Ritika Gupta, a study abroad expert and founder of Aaera Consultants, explains how Germany's new visa rules will affect international students and working professionals.

Disquieting Deeds Can't Wipe Out Work AAP Has Done

Disquieting Deeds Can't Wipe Out Work AAP Has Done

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

'A government whose policies are focused around making the life of ordinary citizens, specially the most deprived sections, richer; a government that prioritises education, health and transport, that doesn't treat its citizens as subjects who must come to it for everything, is rare in our country.' 'When such a government is thrown out, one is left stunned,' notes Jyoti Punwani.

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.

BJP lures Delhi voters with Rs 2500 aid for women, Rs 500 LPG

BJP lures Delhi voters with Rs 2500 aid for women, Rs 500 LPG

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released the first part of its manifesto for the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, promising Rs 2,500 monthly aid for women, LPG cylinders at Rs 500, and Rs 2,500 pension for senior citizens. BJP president JP Nadda also assured that all existing public welfare schemes in Delhi will continue if the party is voted to power. The manifesto also includes a promise to implement the 'Ayushman Bharat' scheme in Delhi, providing additional health cover of Rs 5 lakh.

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.

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.

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.

Rejecting people's mandate: Fadnavis slams Rahul's Maha poll allegations

Rejecting people's mandate: Fadnavis slams Rahul's Maha poll allegations

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

The leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha is preparing his excuses for future defeats in the upcoming assembly elections, including Bihar, Fadnavis said in his articles published in the Indian Express and Marathi daily Loksatta.

'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.'

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.

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.

'BJP Will Come To Power In Kerala In 2026'

'BJP Will Come To Power In Kerala In 2026'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

'In today's political spectrum, it is the Bharatiya Janata Party that always says, nation first.'