News for 'First Citizens'

As Iran Tensions Surge, India Leans On UAE

As Iran Tensions Surge, India Leans On UAE

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

For India, much is at stake: Crucial energy supplies traversing the Strait of Hormuz, the fate of its 10 million citizens living and working in West Asia -- who send generous remittances home -- and its major trade links with the region.

Haryana Police Unveils 'Abhedya' App to Tackle Cyber Threats

Haryana Police Unveils 'Abhedya' App to Tackle Cyber Threats

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

The Haryana Police have launched 'Abhedya', a mobile application designed to curb cybercrime, extortion, and threatening calls. This initiative makes Haryana the first state in India to introduce such a measure, aiming to protect citizens from various forms of digital harassment.

Parliament adjourns sine die, Budget Session ends

Parliament adjourns sine die, Budget Session ends

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned sine die, concluding a Budget session marked by the passage of key legislations and the defeat of a Constitution amendment bill on women's reservation. The session saw frequent opposition protests and discussions on various issues, including the West Asia conflict.

Umar Khalid moves SC for review of bail denial in Delhi riots case

Umar Khalid moves SC for review of bail denial in Delhi riots case

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Student activist Umar Khalid has petitioned the Supreme Court for a review of the verdict denying him bail in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, arguing that there were errors in the initial decision.

Is US a proxy for Israel? Iran Prez issues open letter to Americans

Is US a proxy for Israel? Iran Prez issues open letter to Americans

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Pezeshkian urged American citizens to look beyond 'manufactured narratives', claiming the portrayal of Iran as a threat is driven by the military-industrial complex and Israeli political interests.

'Had Chanakya been alive...': Priyanka Gandhi's banter with Shah in LS

'Had Chanakya been alive...': Priyanka Gandhi's banter with Shah in LS

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the government's handling of the women's quota bill, accusing them of political maneuvering and neglecting the rights of OBCs.

Operation Lotus? 7 AAP Rajya Sabha MPs led by Raghav Chadha join BJP

Operation Lotus? 7 AAP Rajya Sabha MPs led by Raghav Chadha join BJP

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faces a significant setback as several of its Rajya Sabha MPs, including key figures like Raghav Chadha and Sandeep Pathak, resign from the party, with some reportedly joining the BJP.

Massive Turnout for PNB Soldierathon 2026 Honours Armed Forces

Massive Turnout for PNB Soldierathon 2026 Honours Armed Forces

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Over 27,000 people participated in the PNB 'Soldierathon 2026', commemorating 'Operation Sindoor' and honouring the Indian armed forces. The event, organised in association with the Indian armed forces, featured half marathons and 10 km runs.

Modi vows to expedite citizenship for Matua, Namasudra refugees if BJP wins Bengal

Modi vows to expedite citizenship for Matua, Namasudra refugees if BJP wins Bengal

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Katwa, West Bengal, promising to expedite the process of granting citizenship to Matua and Namasudra refugee families if the BJP comes to power. He also criticised illegal immigration and the Trinamool Congress government.

'Bihar May Follow Gujarat Template'

'Bihar May Follow Gujarat Template'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'Samrat Chaudhury's limited independent standing within the party, his reliance on the central leadership for his elevation, and his lack of a personal mass base all point toward this outcome.'

West Asia conflict: Modi urges states to guard supply chains, curb panic

West Asia conflict: Modi urges states to guard supply chains, curb panic

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with chief ministers to review preparedness and plans in light of the West Asia conflict, emphasising the importance of national unity and enhanced security measures.

No proof, no benefits: Govt clarifies limits of census data use

No proof, no benefits: Govt clarifies limits of census data use

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, has reassured the public that individual data collected during the upcoming census will remain confidential and cannot be used for any purpose other than statistical aggregation.

Stars to Storytellers: 10 Best Hindi Films Directed by Actors

Stars to Storytellers: 10 Best Hindi Films Directed by Actors

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

As Riteish Deshmukh turns director again with Raja Shivaji, we look at past actors who stepped behind the camera and delivered some of Hindi cinema's most memorable films.

Gujarat House passes USS Bill after 7-hour debate

Gujarat House passes USS Bill after 7-hour debate

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The Gujarat government has introduced the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026, aiming to establish a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships, regardless of religion. This follows a similar move by Uttarakhand and excludes Scheduled Tribes and groups with protected customary rights.

Governor Ravi Urges Collective Effort to Restore West Bengal's Glory

Governor Ravi Urges Collective Effort to Restore West Bengal's Glory

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

West Bengal Governor RN Ravi has called for collective efforts to restore the state's past glory, highlighting concerns over economic and educational indicators. His remarks coincided with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticising him for allegedly 'abusing' her instead of extending New Year greetings.

'Delimitation Can't Be Challenged Once It Is Approved'

'Delimitation Can't Be Challenged Once It Is Approved'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

'The Supreme Court stated that once the delimitation plan is approved by Parliament and receives assent of the President, it cannot be undone. Nor can it be modified.'

Easter Attacks: Will Sri Lanka Ever Nail The Guilty?

Easter Attacks: Will Sri Lanka Ever Nail The Guilty?

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Sri Lanka's response to the Easter attacks has been slow and politically contested, unlike India's swift institutional reforms after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, observes Colonel R Hariharan (retd).

Security risk: Delhi to replace Chinese CCTV cameras in phases

Security risk: Delhi to replace Chinese CCTV cameras in phases

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Delhi government has initiated the removal of Chinese-origin CCTV cameras installed across the city due to security concerns, with plans to replace them with more secure systems.

Saini Boosts Haryana's Jind with 253 Crore Development Projects

Saini Boosts Haryana's Jind with 253 Crore Development Projects

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has launched development projects worth 253 crore in Jind district, focusing on irrigation, infrastructure, health, and water supply.

Karnataka Establishes Committee to Guide Ethical AI Use in Government

Karnataka Establishes Committee to Guide Ethical AI Use in Government

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Karnataka government has formed a committee on responsible AI to develop a framework for the safe, ethical, and transparent adoption of AI across government systems and public services.

Elon Musk joined Trump-Modi phone call on Gulf War: Report

Elon Musk joined Trump-Modi phone call on Gulf War: Report

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Elon Musk reportedly participated in a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the Iran crisis, raising questions about his involvement in diplomatic discussions.

Iran opens Hormuz to all commercial ships; Trump hails decision

Iran opens Hormuz to all commercial ships; Trump hails decision

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Iran has announced the Strait of Hormuz is open to commercial vessels, coinciding with a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.

Hormuz Blockade Is The New Battlefield

Hormuz Blockade Is The New Battlefield

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The clock on the ceasefire is running out. But everyone's already whispering about round two, possibly as soon as this weekend.

Trump Has Forced The World Into New Reality

Trump Has Forced The World Into New Reality

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

America's population and its media and its democratic structures seem fine with this, which is why Trump continues as he does, asserts Aakar Patel.

Haryana Enters Agreement for Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 Implementation

Haryana Enters Agreement for Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 Implementation

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Haryana government has signed an MoU with the central government to implement Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, focusing on water quality, sustainability, and long-term resource management with an investment of Rs 3,000 crore.

Jammu Marathon Symbolises J&K's Transformation Since 2019

Jammu Marathon Symbolises J&K's Transformation Since 2019

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

The Jammu Marathon, featuring international runners, symbolises the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir since 2019, highlighting peace, prosperity, and its emergence as a destination for world-class events.

Assam Elections: Will BJP Score A Hatrick?

Assam Elections: Will BJP Score A Hatrick?

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'The BJP's tally may dip, but the NDA is likely to retain power.'

Census twist: Live-in couples seen as 'married' if they call it stable

Census twist: Live-in couples seen as 'married' if they call it stable

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The 16th Census of India in 2026 will treat stable live-in relationships as marriages, according to the self-enumeration portal's FAQ section. The portal provides guidance on various housing and household-related questions for self-enumeration.

Census kicks off in Delhi with President, PM leading digital count

Census kicks off in Delhi with President, PM leading digital count

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

This will be India's 16th Census and the eighth since Independence. For the first time, citizens will also have the option of self-enumeration.

Trinamool Congress Alleges BJP Will Raise Fuel Prices After West Bengal Elections

Trinamool Congress Alleges BJP Will Raise Fuel Prices After West Bengal Elections

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of planning to increase fuel prices after the West Bengal assembly elections. He challenged the BJP to promise no price hikes for LPG, petrol, and diesel over the next five years.

How India's New Phygital Centre Aims to Transform Rural Life in Madhya Pradesh

How India's New Phygital Centre Aims to Transform Rural Life in Madhya Pradesh

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

India has launched its first integrated phygital service centre in Umri village, Madhya Pradesh, aiming to provide online services and boost rural development through digital connectivity and various essential services.

Odisha CM: Maoist Menace to Be History Soon, Focus on Women's Safety

Odisha CM: Maoist Menace to Be History Soon, Focus on Women's Safety

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced significant progress in combating Maoist insurgency, stating it will soon be a thing of the past. He also addressed concerns about crimes against women, highlighting the government's commitment to justice and a zero-tolerance policy.

TMC Leader Banerjee Predicts Steep Rise in LPG and Fuel Prices After Elections

TMC Leader Banerjee Predicts Steep Rise in LPG and Fuel Prices After Elections

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has warned of a significant increase in cooking gas and fuel prices by the BJP-led central government following the West Bengal assembly elections. He accused the BJP of neglecting the fuel crisis and challenged them to pledge no price hikes for the next five years.

Why Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora Is Against Weight-Loss Drugs

Why Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora Is Against Weight-Loss Drugs

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'The unregulated marketing has to stop. People are getting recommendations for this from gym trainers, from marriage counsellors -- that is simply unacceptable.' ''There are many ways to lose weight -- eat less, fast, exercise, eat healthy. That is how you lose weight.'

Abhishek Banerjee Warns of Potential Fuel Price Surge After West Bengal Polls

Abhishek Banerjee Warns of Potential Fuel Price Surge After West Bengal Polls

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee alleges the BJP-led government may increase fuel prices after the West Bengal assembly elections, accusing them of neglecting the common man and withholding funds from the state.

No talks with US until...: Iran denies sending negotiators to Pak

No talks with US until...: Iran denies sending negotiators to Pak

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Iranian news agencies have denied reports of Iranian officials travelling to Pakistan for negotiations with the United States, even as Pakistan prepares for potential talks and faces criticism from Israel.

Don't Expect Too Much From Islamabad Summit

Don't Expect Too Much From Islamabad Summit

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The core issues to be settled -- access to Hormuz, Israel's aggression in Lebanon, the question of Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief and compensation -- are thorny enough to require weeks of patient negotiation. The most likely outcome of the opening sessions is that both sides take the measure of each other, establish what is and is not negotiable, and return home without having broken anything. That would count as progress.

Centre Slashes Excise Duty on Petrol to 3, Diesel to Zero: Big Relief for Consumers

Centre Slashes Excise Duty on Petrol to 3, Diesel to Zero: Big Relief for Consumers

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The government has sharply reduced excise duty on petrol to 3 and diesel to zero, offering major relief to consumers. Here's how the price cut will impact fuel rates and inflation.

Will Trump Attend Islamabad Peace Talks?

Will Trump Attend Islamabad Peace Talks?

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The intriguing bit is that Trump is likely to attend the talks in Islamabad this weekend -- if he does, it will be the clearest signal yet that the US is ready to exit the war with some sort of win to show, since he cannot afford to go for the talks and return empty-handed, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War

Commonwealth Sport President Confident in India's Readiness for 2030 Games

Commonwealth Sport President Confident in India's Readiness for 2030 Games

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Commonwealth Sport president Donald Rukare expressed satisfaction with India's preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, following a multi-city review of venues and infrastructure.