News for 'First Citizen'

Modi takes a dig at 'young' Rahul Gandhi while praising youth power

Modi takes a dig at 'young' Rahul Gandhi while praising youth power

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded young Indian innovators for the country's first privately developed orbital rocket, Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1, which made India the third nation with private orbital launch capabilities. While praising the 28-year-old average age of the Skyroot team, Modi made a veiled remark about a "56-year-old young man," widely understood to be a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who recently turned 56.

4 bills introduced in Lok Sabha amid opposition protests

4 bills introduced in Lok Sabha amid opposition protests

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Lok Sabha introduced four significant bills on Monday, including amendments to mines and minerals regulations, the establishment of a National Tribunals Commission, and the renaming of Kerala to Keralam, all while facing continuous protests from opposition members demanding a discussion on the July 20 police crackdown on students.

Anurag Thakur files privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi

Anurag Thakur files privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

BJP MP Anurag Thakur has submitted a notice of breach of privilege and contempt of the House against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, alleging use of "unparliamentary and derogatory language" and "unsubstantiated allegations" against Home Minister Amit Shah during a Lok Sabha debate.

Cyber Fraudsters Swindle Navi Mumbai Senior Citizen Of 64 Lakh

Cyber Fraudsters Swindle Navi Mumbai Senior Citizen Of 64 Lakh

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

A senior citizen in Navi Mumbai was allegedly swindled of 64 lakh over four years by cyber fraudsters posing as insurance regulators and grievance officials.

West Bengal CM Holds First 'Janata Darbar'

West Bengal CM Holds First 'Janata Darbar'

Rediff.com18 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari held his first 'janata darbar' after assuming office, hearing people's demands and grievances at a BJP office in Kolkata.

'Sheikh Hasina Has Pulled A Political Masterstroke'

'Sheikh Hasina Has Pulled A Political Masterstroke'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

'After announcing that she will return to Bangladesh, if she does not, her credibility will suffer.'

Modi reviews global conflict impact on India's energy, supply chains

Modi reviews global conflict impact on India's energy, supply chains

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday discussed with a group of senior ministers the prevailing global security situation and how to maintain supply chain uninterrupted despite conflicts in different zones, including the Strait of Hormuz, the Black Sea, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.

7 Life Lessons From Spider-Man: Brand New Day

7 Life Lessons From Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Spider-Man: Brand New Day shows that even superheroes need friends, healthy outlets for their emotions and the courage to learn from their mistakes.

Four Indians among 10 killed in Russian attack on ship off Ukraine coast

Four Indians among 10 killed in Russian attack on ship off Ukraine coast

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Four Indian nationals have been killed in an attack on the vessel MV Golden Leo during departure from the port of Odesa in Ukraine on Sunday evening, while one is critically injured.

India lodges strong protest with Russia over 4 seafarers' killing

India lodges strong protest with Russia over 4 seafarers' killing

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

India has lodged a strong protest with Russia following the killing of four Indian seafarers aboard a Guinea Bissau-flagged merchant vessel off the coast of Ukraine. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack on the civilian ship, MV Golden Leo, which also left one Indian national critically injured.

Youth Protests: 'In Delhi, I Ran For My Life. In Mumbai, I Found Hope'

Youth Protests: 'In Delhi, I Ran For My Life. In Mumbai, I Found Hope'

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

What was it like to be at the 2026 Delhi and Mumbai protests? Harsh Patel, 29, shares his first-hand experience of the Jantar Mantar march, the NEET paper leak protests, police action and why the movement gave him hope.

Will Sheikh Hasina Be Killed If She Returns To Dhaka?

Will Sheikh Hasina Be Killed If She Returns To Dhaka?

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

'They probably imagine any hue and cry in the event Sheikh Hasina is hanged will be shortlived as it happened when Bhutto was hanged in Pakistan in 1979.'

FPIs Withdraw Rs 62,800 Crore from Indian Equities in First Fortnight of June

FPIs Withdraw Rs 62,800 Crore from Indian Equities in First Fortnight of June

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have withdrawn over Rs 62,853 crore from Indian equities in the first fortnight of June, bringing the total outflows for 2026 to Rs 2.87 lakh crore, surpassing the entire 2025 figure, driven by geopolitical tensions, global economic growth concerns, and a weakening rupee.

Assam Floods: The Village The Dikhow River Wiped Out

Assam Floods: The Village The Dikhow River Wiped Out

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The water rose from knee level to chest height within minutes before climbing even higher. Homes crumbled, cattle sheds collapsed and everything that could be carried away by the current vanished.

Sonia Gandhi files reply in voter list dispute

Sonia Gandhi files reply in voter list dispute

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has filed a reply in a legal matter concerning her inclusion in the voter list, which is alleged to have occurred before she became an Indian citizen. The case, initiated by Advocate Vikas Tripathi, seeks the registration of an FIR against Gandhi and is currently pending before a sessions court.

Youth probably thinks freedom is doing whatever it feels, but...: Doval

Youth probably thinks freedom is doing whatever it feels, but...: Doval

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has urged India's youth to dedicate themselves entirely to national interest, rising above personal gains to capitalise on the current 'window of opportunity' for building a stronger nation. He emphasised that true freedom is not merely doing what one wants, but involves commitment and sacrifice for the country's progress.

DMK doesn't walk out with Opposition, will it walk with govt?

DMK doesn't walk out with Opposition, will it walk with govt?

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The DMK has been charting an independent course from the Congress-led Opposition bloc on contentious issues during the Monsoon Session, including not joining a walkout over the anti-paper leak bill and participating in a debate on the National Honour Bill, signalling growing fault lines within the Opposition.

What Your Health Insurance Policy Really Covers -- And The Fine Print You Should Never Ignore

What Your Health Insurance Policy Really Covers -- And The Fine Print You Should Never Ignore

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Here's decoding the fine print so that you know exactly what your health insurance policy covers, what it doesn't and the policy conditions that deserve your attention before you need to make a claim.

'Jan shakti' will drag him out over student crackdown: Kharge slams Shah

'Jan shakti' will drag him out over student crackdown: Kharge slams Shah

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Holding Home Minister Amit Shah responsible for alleged police brutalities on protesting students, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday said that "Jan Shakti" (people's power) will "drag him out" one day to make him accountable.

Why FPIs pulled out Rs 43,000 cr in first week of June

Why FPIs pulled out Rs 43,000 cr in first week of June

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have withdrawn nearly Rs 43,000 crore from Indian equities in the first week of June, contributing to a total outflow of Rs 2.67 lakh crore in 2026, driven by a global shift towards technology and AI-linked opportunities and persistent rupee depreciation.

Why India's Youth Anger Exploded

Why India's Youth Anger Exploded

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The failure of the State when it directly affects our lives, through a corrupt exam system, has produced this current anger, points out Aakar Patel.

Dharmendra Pradhan resigns after days of widespread protests

Dharmendra Pradhan resigns after days of widespread protests

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from his post amidst widespread nationwide protests concerning the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, citing the larger interest of students and the need to prevent exploitation by anti-national forces. The government is also preparing to introduce a stringent anti-paper leak law.

ALL You Want To Know About Maharashtra's SIR!

ALL You Want To Know About Maharashtra's SIR!

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

'The final electoral roll will be published on October 7, 2026.' 'If someone who is otherwise eligible does not find his/her name in that electoral roll, they can fill Form 6 along with other necessary documents to enrol his/her name in the electoral roll after the final publication of the electoral roll also.'

CJP Protest: The Rise Of Fearless Youth

CJP Protest: The Rise Of Fearless Youth

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

On camera, youngsters gave their names, where they'd come from, where they were studying or working - and then proceeded to criticize Modi. On camera, they held up posters mocking Modi, points out Jyoti Punwani.

Bypolls: Prashant Kishor breaches BJP bastion of Bankipur, Cong wins Datia, BJP retains Manjalpur

Bypolls: Prashant Kishor breaches BJP bastion of Bankipur, Cong wins Datia, BJP retains Manjalpur

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Former poll strategist Prashant Kishor made a stunning electoral debut by winning Bihar's Bankipur assembly seat, a long-held BJP bastion. Concurrently, the Congress retained the Datia assembly seat in Madhya Pradesh, while the BJP successfully held onto the Manjalpur seat in Gujarat, showcasing mixed results for the ruling and opposition parties in these crucial by-elections.

Fadnavis halts Maha RTI Rules after Anna Hazare's hunger strike warning

Fadnavis halts Maha RTI Rules after Anna Hazare's hunger strike warning

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an immediate stay on the controversial Maharashtra Right to Information (RTI) rules following a backlash from transparency advocates and a hunger strike threat by veteran anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare.

US top court upholds birthright citizenship, rejects Trump's order

US top court upholds birthright citizenship, rejects Trump's order

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The US Supreme Court has struck down an executive order by President Donald Trump that sought to restrict birthright citizenship. The ruling reaffirms that the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to all persons born on American soil, including children of undocumented or temporarily present parents. This decision overturns a key policy initiative from Trump's second term.

Youth Protests: I Love You, Dad. But I Have to Disagree

Youth Protests: I Love You, Dad. But I Have to Disagree

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

I don't understand how someone so deeply moral can watch young people gather at Jantar Mantar, demanding accountability after another devastating NEET paper leak, and not ask why they have reached that point. I don't understand how Sonam Wangchuk has to sit on a hunger strike to make the country listen. I don't understand how students asking for responsibility from those entrusted with their futures are met with force instead of answers.

Gen Z Protests: 'Biggest Blow Has Been To The Prime Minister'

Gen Z Protests: 'Biggest Blow Has Been To The Prime Minister'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

'After more than 12 years in power, he has been forced to retreat under public pressure. The education minister's resignation is the biggest political climbdown of his government so far.'

How Modi's Political Aura Crumbled At Jantar Mantar

How Modi's Political Aura Crumbled At Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

It was left to an incensed Gen Z to show the rest of India that enough was enough, and that the time had come to shatter the fear psychosis generated by the government's authoritarian approach to protests and criticism, points out M R Narayan Swamy.

UHI: Revolutionising Healthcare Access Across India

UHI: Revolutionising Healthcare Access Across India

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Union Health Minister J P Nadda has launched the Unified Health Interface (UHI), an interoperable digital network under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). UHI aims to connect patients and healthcare providers across various digital platforms, addressing fragmentation in India's digital health ecosystem and improving access to verified services, especially in rural areas.

HC denies relief to Shiv Sena corporator in doctor assault case

HC denies relief to Shiv Sena corporator in doctor assault case

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

"Let him be inside for some more time," the Bombay high court said on Wednesday while continuing its stay to the bail granted to Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre who is accused of assaulting doctors and staff at a municipal hospital in Dombivli. It also ordered preservation of the CCTV footage of the July 6 incident and the footage of Mhatre's own hospital stay after his arrest.

NEET Protest: Jantar Mantar turns community kitchen, food becomes symbol of solidarity

NEET Protest: Jantar Mantar turns community kitchen, food becomes symbol of solidarity

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

At Jantar Mantar, where students are protesting the NEET paper 'leak' and demanding the Education Minister's resignation, volunteers have transformed the site into a community kitchen, providing a steady supply of food and refreshments as a powerful expression of solidarity.

Kuwait, Bahrain attacked; Jordan downs 4 Iranian missiles

Kuwait, Bahrain attacked; Jordan downs 4 Iranian missiles

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Kuwait's air defence systems engaged 'hostile aerial targets', Jordan intercepted four missiles, and Bahrain sounded warning sirens after Iran launched retaliatory strikes targeting US military installations in the region.

IRGC says it hit US air base in Jordan with 10 missiles after Tehran attack

IRGC says it hit US air base in Jordan with 10 missiles after Tehran attack

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Thursday claimed it had struck the US Al-Azraq air base in northern Jordan with 10 ballistic missiles on what it described as an "enemy command and control centre in West Asia" in retaliatory strikes in response to a recent attack on Tehran by Washington.

Police action ends 17-day Ken-Betwa protest, activist vows to continue fight

Police action ends 17-day Ken-Betwa protest, activist vows to continue fight

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

A 15-day protest against the Ken-Betwa Link Project and other development initiatives in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, concluded after police cleared the agitation site and dispersed protesters. While police denied arrests, protesters alleged their leader, Amit Bhatnagar, was detained amidst claims of project irregularities and corruption. The project aims to provide irrigation and drinking water to the drought-prone Bundelkhand region.

America 250: Power, Despair And Hope

America 250: Power, Despair And Hope

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The question nobody seems to ask is why a democracy should be silent when many of its citizens are concerned about the way the US is deviating from its traditional ways of consultation, cooperation and collaboration and moving away from traditional allies, asks Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

India for open Indo-Pacific, against expansionism, Modi tells Indonesian parliament

India for open Indo-Pacific, against expansionism, Modi tells Indonesian parliament

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indonesian parliament, emphasising India's commitment to development over expansionism and advocating for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. He highlighted the strong historical ties between India and Indonesia, calling for enhanced cooperation in various sectors, including defence, technology, and counter-terrorism, amidst growing concerns over regional security.

CJP ends 36-day protest after govt accepts all demands

CJP ends 36-day protest after govt accepts all demands

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has called off its 36-day agitation following the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who stepped down amidst widespread protests over irregularities in the exam system and the NEET paper leak. The government also agreed to the CJP's demands for 1 crore compensation to families of students who died by suicide and no action against protesters.

Why Congress Is Suspicious About CJP

Why Congress Is Suspicious About CJP

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

A Congress spokesperson, quoted in media reports, summed up the party's thinking by saying, 'Whenever BJP is in trouble on the ground, a new 'apolitical' or 'alternative' party appears with the same ideology and the same backers.'