News for 'First Citizens'

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Courts cannot be the only hope for those fighting hate speech. Countering its effects on the ground takes more effort. With our political parties unwilling to put in that amount of effort, it's left to citizens to do so, points out Jyoti Punwani.

'Vote Jehad', 'Muslim League', What Next?

'Vote Jehad', 'Muslim League', What Next?

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The only thing that might make the BJP stop trying to isolate Muslims completely will be if substantial numbers of the community vote for the party that flaunts its animosity towards it, notes Jyoti Punwani.

Why Young Indians Skip Health Cover

Why Young Indians Skip Health Cover

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Young buyers often underestimate future health risks.

2 Indians part of crew of cruise ship hit by hantavirus

2 Indians part of crew of cruise ship hit by hantavirus

Rediff.com8 May 2026

A hantavirus outbreak on the Dutch vessel MV Hondius has resulted in multiple confirmed cases and fatalities, with Indian nationals among the crew. Health authorities are tracing those who disembarked.

Himanta Biswa Sarma: 'Bangladeshi Infiltration Is A Real Threat'

Himanta Biswa Sarma: 'Bangladeshi Infiltration Is A Real Threat'

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'The next five years are crucial because Assam, West Bengal and Bihar are either governed by or politically aligned with the BJP.' 'This gives us a strong platform to take decisive steps to secure our borders.'

Election over, petrol, diesel prices hiked by Rs 3/litre

Election over, petrol, diesel prices hiked by Rs 3/litre

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Petrol and diesel prices in India have been increased by Rs 3 per litre each, marking the first rate hike in over four years. This decision follows a period of stable prices during recent state elections, despite rising global crude oil prices and significant losses for fuel retailers.

West Bengal Enhances Border Security, Targets Infiltrators

West Bengal Enhances Border Security, Targets Infiltrators

Rediff.com20 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a new border security initiative, including land transfer to the BSF and a 'detect, delete and deport' policy targeting infiltrators.

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Rediff.com27 May 2026

If TVK MLAs and ministers are perceived as clean, or demonstrably cleaner than their predecessors, the credibility dividend will be enormous. The voter will feel rewarded, points out Ramesh Menon.

'We Need Petrol More Than Gold Right Now'

'We Need Petrol More Than Gold Right Now'

Rediff.com11 May 2026

'What exactly is on the prime minister's mind, we do not know. But it feels like the government wants the country to be prepared for unseen challenges ahead.'

What's Rajendra Arlekar Up To?

What's Rajendra Arlekar Up To?

Rediff.com9 May 2026

By asking Vijay to produce letters of majority support before inviting him to form the government, the governor risks overstepping established Constitutional principles, notes Harishchandra.

Madhya Pradesh Seeks CBI Probe Into Dowry Death Case

Madhya Pradesh Seeks CBI Probe Into Dowry Death Case

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Madhya Pradesh government has ordered a CBI probe into the death of Twisha Sharma, a woman who was allegedly harassed for dowry. Her family had requested a second autopsy, which was initially rejected by a court.

Modi appeals to people to take 9 Pledges on health, nature, others

Modi appeals to people to take 9 Pledges on health, nature, others

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on the people of Karnataka to commit to nine pledges focused on sustainability, health, and local empowerment to drive development in the state and across India.

As Pak brokers US-Iran talks, India says it supports...

As Pak brokers US-Iran talks, India says it supports...

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that India is closely monitoring developments in West Asia, addressing topics ranging from ceasefire efforts to maritime security and the safe return of Indian nationals. The MEA also addressed the UN Climate Change Conference and the delimitation bill.

My Indian father-in-law never asked me to...: JD Vance

My Indian father-in-law never asked me to...: JD Vance

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

US Vice President JD Vance has stated that immigrants who become US citizens should prioritise the interests of the United States above their country of origin. He emphasised the importance of allegiance to the US for the effective functioning of the American system.

Twisha Sharma death: Court rejects 2nd autopsy plea, MP govt seeks CBI probe

Twisha Sharma death: Court rejects 2nd autopsy plea, MP govt seeks CBI probe

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced that the state government will seek a CBI probe into the death of Twisha Sharma, a former model and actor, who was found hanging at her matrimonial residence. Her family alleges dowry harassment and fears crucial forensic evidence may be lost due to delays in securing a second autopsy and proper body preservation.

Madhya Pradesh Seeks CBI Probe Into Dowry Death Case

Madhya Pradesh Seeks CBI Probe Into Dowry Death Case

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The family of Twisha Sharma, who died last week, alleges dowry harassment and seeks a CBI probe into her death. A court rejected a plea for a second autopsy, prompting the family to express concerns about the preservation of forensic evidence. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has assured the family that the state government will seek a CBI investigation.

Mamata Banerjee LLB appears before Calcutta HC in post-poll violence case

Mamata Banerjee LLB appears before Calcutta HC in post-poll violence case

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee appeared before the Calcutta High Court alleging police inaction during post-poll violence in West Bengal and sought judicial intervention to protect citizens.

TMC Accuses Election Commission Of Partisan Conduct In Bengal Polls

TMC Accuses Election Commission Of Partisan Conduct In Bengal Polls

Rediff.com9 May 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has questioned the credibility of the West Bengal assembly polls, accusing the Election Commission of partisan conduct and alleging large-scale irregularities during the elections.

The Suvendu Adhikari You Must Know

The Suvendu Adhikari You Must Know

Rediff.com14 May 2026

'When I asked Suvendu about the news that Didi was going to fight in his constituency, he said, 'Aami okhaney lorbo aar okhaney okey harabo (I will contest from there and defeat her there)' This was his comment while we were standing on the truck doing our roadshow.'

UPI Transactions Soar To 314 Lakh Crore In FY26

UPI Transactions Soar To 314 Lakh Crore In FY26

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has reached a record Rs 314 lakh crore in transaction value in FY26, representing more than a 4,000-fold increase since inception.

The 10 Toughest Cops On OTT

The 10 Toughest Cops On OTT

Rediff.com14 May 2026

With Saif Ali Khan and Randeep Hooda donning the cop uniform on OTT this week, we take a look at 10 memorable police portrayals in Hindi OTT series over the years.

HC restrains FIR order in Rahul Gandhi citizenship case

HC restrains FIR order in Rahul Gandhi citizenship case

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The Allahabad High Court has deferred its order directing an FIR against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in connection with the alleged dual citizenship controversy, pending a review of whether prior notice to the accused was legally required.

Can West Bengal Regain Its Lost Pride?

Can West Bengal Regain Its Lost Pride?

Rediff.com1 May 2026

If West Bengal does not begin to reclaim its lost pride, the state would have lost -- perhaps irreversibly, this time, notes Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

China Boosts Indian Ocean Ambitions, Should India Worry?

China Boosts Indian Ocean Ambitions, Should India Worry?

Rediff.com14 May 2026

For India, China's Indian Ocean power projection, maritime domain awareness, dual-use ports, underwater surveillance, antisubmarinewarfare, naval exercises with Pakistan, pose considerable pressure, depleted India's strategic depth and marginalises Indian role, points out Srikanth Kondapalli.

Women's Group Demands Inquiry Into Cricketer Vaping Incident

Women's Group Demands Inquiry Into Cricketer Vaping Incident

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

A women's group has demanded an inquiry into visuals purportedly showing cricketer Riyan Parag using a vape-like device during an IPL match, questioning whether the incident was an attempt to normalise banned products.

PMK urges Modi to ban cigarette sales to future generations

PMK urges Modi to ban cigarette sales to future generations

Rediff.com2 May 2026

PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement a legislative ban on the sale of cigarettes to individuals born on or after January 1, 2009, aiming to create a smoke-free generation in India.

Pakistan tightens security in Islamabad ahead of US-Iran peace talks

Pakistan tightens security in Islamabad ahead of US-Iran peace talks

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Pakistan has increased security measures in Islamabad and surrounding areas as the US and Iran prepare for another round of peace talks. The move follows an announcement by former US President Donald Trump that American negotiators would be in Pakistan for discussions aimed at resolving the conflict between the two nations.

Modi Predicts BJP Government In West Bengal After Polls

Modi Predicts BJP Government In West Bengal After Polls

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that the BJP would form the next government in West Bengal after the assembly polls, asserting that he would return to the state for the oath-taking ceremony after results are announced on May 4.

'He was not in uniform, yet he served like a frontline soldier'

'He was not in uniform, yet he served like a frontline soldier'

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The family of Dr Raj Kumar Thapa, a JKAS officer killed in Pakistan shelling in Rajouri, remembers his sacrifice and dedication to duty a year after his death.

Bengaluru NCB Destroys Narcotics Worth Rs 38 Crore

Bengaluru NCB Destroys Narcotics Worth Rs 38 Crore

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Bengaluru destroyed 128.76 kg of seized narcotics, estimated to be worth Rs 38 crore, during a drug disposal drive. This marks the second such drive by the Bengaluru zonal unit in 2026, following the guidelines of the NDPS Act and Supreme Court. The NCB has destroyed a total of 1735 kg of seized drugs this year and encourages citizens to report drug trafficking.

'Biggest Single Danger Is If Remittances Come Down'

'Biggest Single Danger Is If Remittances Come Down'

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'At the first sign of real trouble, that money will move. There will be a run.'

WFI Blocks Vinesh Phogat's Wrestling Comeback

WFI Blocks Vinesh Phogat's Wrestling Comeback

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Vinesh Phogat's attempt to compete in the National Open Ranking tournament was rejected by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), leading to a confrontation where she alleged a 'pre-planned conspiracy' to prevent her return to wrestling.

What NSA Ajit Doval Told 16 Prominent Indian Muslims

What NSA Ajit Doval Told 16 Prominent Indian Muslims

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'I cannot imagine that any NSA before Ajit Doval would have given us this kind of time and this kind of engagement. They would have offered slogans, or nothing at all. That, too, tells you something.'

Time for change, not revenge: Modi hails Bengal victory

Time for change, not revenge: Modi hails Bengal victory

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed BJP workers after the party's performance in assembly elections, urging an end to political violence in West Bengal and a focus on the state's future.

Kejriwal refuses to appear before HC judge who refused to recuse in excise case

Kejriwal refuses to appear before HC judge who refused to recuse in excise case

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Arvind Kejriwal has written to Delhi High Court Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, stating he will not appear in the excise case personally or through a lawyer before her, citing concerns about impartiality.

Still Want To Buy Gold? 5 Tips To Reduce Your Cost

Still Want To Buy Gold? 5 Tips To Reduce Your Cost

Rediff.com15 May 2026

With duties at 15%, GST at 3%, and making charges running as high as 20% -- the gap between a smart purchase and a careless one can easily be Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 on every Rs 1 lakh invested. And most of that gap is entirely avoidable. Ramalingam Kalirajan explains the math.

'Don't find any good reason': SC dismisses Umar Khalid's bail review plea

'Don't find any good reason': SC dismisses Umar Khalid's bail review plea

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has dismissed activist Umar Khalid's plea seeking a review of a verdict denying him bail in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case.

BJP-TMC clash dominates as Bengal heads into final phase voting

BJP-TMC clash dominates as Bengal heads into final phase voting

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The campaign for the current election cycle ended on Monday as canvassing for the final phase in West Bengal concluded with a bitter war of words between rival parties over cross-border infiltration, corruption, unemployment and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Revealed! Nirmalaji's 'Dharam Sankat'...

Revealed! Nirmalaji's 'Dharam Sankat'...

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

'Whether you will bring this down and cause hurt to senior citizens, who are probably living on that little interest rate that they earn out of it... But equally, if I just look at the kitty of the National Small Savings Fund, it is from that same kitty that I'm borrowing.'

Bill to pause H-1B visas for 3 years introduced in US Congress

Bill to pause H-1B visas for 3 years introduced in US Congress

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

A group of Republican lawmakers in the US Congress has introduced a bill proposing a three-year pause to the H1-B visa programme, citing concerns that it is being used to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labour.