News for 'First Citizens'

Children in uniform to senior citizens, thousands join CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' protest

Children in uniform to senior citizens, thousands join CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' protest

Rediff.com6 days ago

Thousands of protesters, including children, students, and the elderly, gathered in central Delhi for the Cockroach Janta Party's 'Chalo Sansad' march towards Parliament. The protest, coinciding with the Monsoon Session, led to clashes with police, who used tear gas and lathi-charge, resulting in injuries to both sides and suspension of internet services. Despite police action and barricades, protesters repeatedly attempted to reach Parliament, leading to a day-long standoff.

US deploys sea, air attack drones for first time in Iran war

US deploys sea, air attack drones for first time in Iran war

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has launched extensive precision strikes across multiple Iranian military installations, deploying both one-way attack aerial and sea drones for the first time, to degrade Tehran's ability to disrupt international maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz.

Karnataka announces India's first govt-driven AI university

Karnataka announces India's first govt-driven AI university

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced the establishment of India's first government-driven Artificial Intelligence University and an AI Hub in Bengaluru. This initiative aims to position Karnataka as a global leader in responsible AI innovation, fostering talent, research, and collaboration. The state seeks to become an AI-native state, leveraging AI to improve governance and daily life across various sectors.

Outrage After Cab Driver Assaults Senior Citizen For Objecting To Spitting

Outrage After Cab Driver Assaults Senior Citizen For Objecting To Spitting

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

An aggregator cab driver in Thane, Maharashtra, has been arrested for brutally assaulting a 70-year-old man who objected to him spitting in public. The incident, captured on video and widely shared, led to public outrage and intervention from state political leaders, resulting in the driver's arrest and charges including attempted murder.

10 Questions Every First-Time Health Insurance Buyer Must Ask

10 Questions Every First-Time Health Insurance Buyer Must Ask

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The best time to buy health insurance is when you don't think you need it.

NDA parliamentary party meetings get new name: Mangal Milan

NDA parliamentary party meetings get new name: Mangal Milan

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The NDA's parliamentary party meetings will now be known as 'Mangal Milan', with the first under this new name scheduled for July 21. This change was informally discussed in the Union cabinet. Additionally, the newly formed Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), comprising 20 MPs who defected from the TMC, is seeking formal recognition and parliamentary facilities, including a party office and designated floor leaders.

Jantar Mantar protest brings together Boomers and Gen Z

Jantar Mantar protest brings together Boomers and Gen Z

Rediff.com2 days ago

The protest at Jantar Mantar against alleged paper leaks and irregularities in public examinations, initially led by students, has now entered its seventh week and is increasingly drawing support from senior citizens, who view it as a fight for the nation's future and education reforms.

Studying Tech-Based Engg? You Could Get A Scholarship

Studying Tech-Based Engg? You Could Get A Scholarship

Rediff.com2 days ago

The scholarship covers 100 per cent of the annual tuition fee, hostel and mess charges and provides a laptop in the first year.

Rhiya Ahir: 'I'd Rather Die A Martyr Than Be Helpless'

Rhiya Ahir: 'I'd Rather Die A Martyr Than Be Helpless'

Rediff.com3 days ago

'When you are standing for what the Constitution guarantees you, you are not alone.'

Govt defends video-recording of Jantar Mantar protests

Govt defends video-recording of Jantar Mantar protests

Rediff.com1 days ago

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has argued that video-recording of the ongoing CJP-led protest against the NEET paper leak at Jantar Mantar is in 'legitimate state interest' for security reasons, while petitioners allege 'continuous, indiscriminate and intrusive surveillance'.

First meet at Seva Teerth: Cabinet pledges citizen-centric governance

First meet at Seva Teerth: Cabinet pledges citizen-centric governance

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

The Union Cabinet, meeting at the new PMO complex 'Seva Teerth', resolved to prioritize citizen empowerment and service in all its decisions, guided by the principle of 'Nagrik Devo Bhava'.

In a first, citizens may self-enumerate during the Census

In a first, citizens may self-enumerate during the Census

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

A special dedicated web portal will be launched for self-enumeration during the upcoming Census, which will be available for both phases of the national enumeration exercise, officials said Monday.

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.com6 days ago

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.

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.com5 days ago

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.

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.com2 days ago

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.

India lodges strong protest with Russia over 4 seafarers' killing

India lodges strong protest with Russia over 4 seafarers' killing

Rediff.com5 days ago

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.

West Bengal CM Holds First 'Janata Darbar': What It Means

West Bengal CM Holds First 'Janata Darbar': What It Means

Rediff.com18 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari held his first 'janata darbar' at the BJP's state office in Salt Lake, listening to public grievances and demands. The initiative aims to establish a direct connection with citizens and project a governance model similar to BJP-ruled states.

First in six decades: Australia pick India-born Nikhil Chaudhary for Bangladesh T20s

First in six decades: Australia pick India-born Nikhil Chaudhary for Bangladesh T20s

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Delhi-born Nikhil Chaudhary, who played for Punjab till 2016-2017, was called up to the Australian T20 squad for a three-match tour to Bangladesh next week.

Dharmendra Pradhan resigns after days of widespread protests

Dharmendra Pradhan resigns after days of widespread protests

Rediff.com1 days ago

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.

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.

CJP Protest: The Rise Of Fearless Youth

CJP Protest: The Rise Of Fearless Youth

Rediff.com3 days ago

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.

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

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

Rediff.com3 days ago

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.

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.

HC denies relief to Shiv Sena corporator in doctor assault case

HC denies relief to Shiv Sena corporator in doctor assault case

Rediff.com3 days ago

"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.com4 days ago

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.

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.

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.'

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.com7 days ago

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

CJP ends 36-day protest after govt accepts all demands

CJP ends 36-day protest after govt accepts all demands

Rediff.com1 days ago

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.

'Stop, these are our sons and daughters': Sonia slams govt

'Stop, these are our sons and daughters': Sonia slams govt

Rediff.com2 days ago

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has launched a scathing attack on the Modi government, accusing it of responding to student demands for accountability and educational reforms with 'cowardice and wanton cruelty,' treating them as 'enemies of the nation.' She further alleged that the government has degraded India's education landscape and routinely chooses violence over dialogue.

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.

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.

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.

Why Congress Is Suspicious About CJP

Why Congress Is Suspicious About CJP

Rediff.com4 days ago

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.'

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.

Thank You For Reminding Us Courage Never Goes Out Of Fashion

Thank You For Reminding Us Courage Never Goes Out Of Fashion

Rediff.com2 days ago

You blurred the line between online and offline activism until supporting a cause became part of everyday culture. And something remarkable happened.
People who weren't participating didn't just disagree. Many felt they were missing out on being part of an important moment.