News for 'First Citizens'

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Congress of Aiding BJP in West Bengal

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Congress of Aiding BJP in West Bengal

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the Congress party of indirectly supporting the BJP in West Bengal, urging voters to reject them in the upcoming elections. He alleged a nexus between the Congress, BJP, and Left parties, claiming that votes for Congress would split the opposition and benefit the BJP.

Call was between...: India on Musk joining Trump-Modi call claim

Call was between...: India on Musk joining Trump-Modi call claim

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

India has officially refuted claims that Elon Musk was involved in a recent phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump.

Still Haven't Made Your Tax-Saving Investments?

Still Haven't Made Your Tax-Saving Investments?

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

In the rush to complete tax-saving investments at the end of the financial year, many taxpayers choose instruments that do not match their long-term financial goals.

Banerjee Hits Back at Modi's Claims on Bengal's Fish Production

Banerjee Hits Back at Modi's Claims on Bengal's Fish Production

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has refuted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claims about the state's fish production, accusing him of misrepresenting facts and alleging restrictions on non-vegetarian food consumption in BJP-ruled states.

Iran War: Pakistan Was Flimsy, Face-Saving Fig Leaf

Iran War: Pakistan Was Flimsy, Face-Saving Fig Leaf

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Nobody takes Pakistan seriously and therefore Pakistan's sudden mediating with almost immediate results of a ceasefire seems more contrived than real, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Bill Introduced to Promote Ease of Business and Living

Bill Introduced to Promote Ease of Business and Living

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The government has introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha to amend provisions for decriminalising minor offences, aiming to promote ease of doing business and living.

India commissions nuclear submarine INS Aridaman, indigenous stealth frigate INS Taragiri

India commissions nuclear submarine INS Aridaman, indigenous stealth frigate INS Taragiri

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

India has commissioned its new indigenously-built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine INS Aridaman into service, further strengthening the naval component of its nuclear triad. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also highlighted the Indian Navy's role in securing maritime trade routes.

MEA reveals how India is responding to West Asia crisis

MEA reveals how India is responding to West Asia crisis

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar are actively engaged with world leaders to promote dialogue and diplomacy for peace in West Asia, while also ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community in the region.

Old Vs New Tax Regime: Stop Losing Money

Old Vs New Tax Regime: Stop Losing Money

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

With Income Tax Act 2025 in force, your tax choice can quietly cost you big money if you're not paying attention. Ramalingam Kalirajan explains how

Opposition and Activists Call for Withdrawal of Transgender Rights Amendment Bill

Opposition and Activists Call for Withdrawal of Transgender Rights Amendment Bill

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs and transgender rights activists are urging the withdrawal of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, citing concerns that the proposed changes could weaken the rights of transgender individuals.

Opposition and Activists Call for Withdrawal of Transgender Rights Amendment Bill

Opposition and Activists Call for Withdrawal of Transgender Rights Amendment Bill

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs and transgender rights activists are calling for the withdrawal of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, citing concerns that the proposed changes could dilute the rights of transgender individuals.

India now Maoist-free, declares Amit Shah in Lok Sabha; slams Rahul Gandhi

India now Maoist-free, declares Amit Shah in Lok Sabha; slams Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised the Congress party for its alleged inaction in addressing Maoist violence during its long rule, while highlighting the Modi government's success in nearly eradicating Maoists from Bastar, Chhattisgarh.

'BJP Will Win A Few Seats In Kerala'

'BJP Will Win A Few Seats In Kerala'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

'The BJP is pouring in money so that only BJP candidates are visible everywhere.' 'If the Congress does not win this time, its survival itself will be a problem...'

Parliament Budget Session: LS debates FCRA amendment; Oppn raises flag

Parliament Budget Session: LS debates FCRA amendment; Oppn raises flag

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Lok Sabha takes up FCRA Amendment Bill amid opposition protests.

Modi to interact with chief ministers over West Asia conflict

Modi to interact with chief ministers over West Asia conflict

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a video conference with chief ministers of most states to assess their preparedness and strategies in response to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Saini Criticises AAP's Governance in Punjab, Highlights BJP's Development Agenda

Saini Criticises AAP's Governance in Punjab, Highlights BJP's Development Agenda

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini criticised the Aam Aadmi Party's governance in Punjab, citing issues such as drug addiction, crime, and financial instability. He promoted the BJP as an alternative, highlighting their development agenda and commitment to fulfilling promises.

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

By all available indications, the White House drafted a face-saving note and handed it, ready-made, to Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was supposed to then post it in the guise of a plea urging Trump to extend the deadline by two weeks 'to allow diplomacy to run its course'. Trump would then graciously accept Pakistan's 'request' and declare a ceasefire. Sharif dutifully posted the message on X. Except that he, or whoever was handling the account, forgot to delete the tell-tale first line visible in the edit history: 'Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X'. Prem Panicker's must read blog on the Iran War.

Suspension of 8 Lok Sabha MPs revoked, Speaker says 'no more banners'

Suspension of 8 Lok Sabha MPs revoked, Speaker says 'no more banners'

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha has revoked the suspension of eight opposition MPs after assurances of maintaining order and decorum in the House. The decision follows a period of disruption and debate over parliamentary conduct.

How the Middle East Conflict Has Stranded PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi

How the Middle East Conflict Has Stranded PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has been stranded in Qatar for over a week due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, impacting flights and travel across the region.

Meghalaya CM Defiant: Stays Put Despite Threat to Residence

Meghalaya CM Defiant: Stays Put Despite Threat to Residence

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has refused to relocate despite receiving information about a possible attack on his residence amid ongoing unrest in the Garo Hills region, appealing for peace and dialogue.

Nepal votes in 1st general election since Gen Z protests

Nepal votes in 1st general election since Gen Z protests

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Nepalese citizens are voting in the general election, the first since protests toppled the previous government. Over 18.9 million are eligible to vote for the 275-member House of Representatives.

'Iran's missiles can now reach London, Paris or Berlin'

'Iran's missiles can now reach London, Paris or Berlin'

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

The Iranian terrorist regime launched a long-range missile for the first time since the start of Operation Roaring Lion that could reach a distance of ~4,000 km, Israel said.

Meghalaya CM Refuses to Relocate Despite Threat to Residence

Meghalaya CM Refuses to Relocate Despite Threat to Residence

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma addresses security concerns and appeals for peace amid unrest in the Garo Hills region following clashes during local elections.

India first, citizen first, says Modi ahead of Budget Session

India first, citizen first, says Modi ahead of Budget Session

Rediff.com31 Jan 2023

"The ray of hope being seen by the world will glow brighter -- for this, I firmly believe the finance minister will make all efforts to meet these aspirations," Modi said.

Tamil Nadu bets big on India's first full-stack sovereign AI park

Tamil Nadu bets big on India's first full-stack sovereign AI park

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

The sovereign AI park will be a first-of-its-kind, purpose-built district in India, integrating AI compute infrastructure, secure data frameworks, model research labs, and AI innovation clusters, along with a dedicated institute for AI in governance.

We are not a dalal nation: Jaishankar at all-party meet

We are not a dalal nation: Jaishankar at all-party meet

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Indian government addressed opposition concerns regarding the West Asia crisis in an all-party meeting, outlining its strategy for ensuring the security of the Indian diaspora, fulfilling energy needs, and maintaining diplomatic relations with key partners. The government also dismissed Pakistan's reported mediation efforts.

We are 'breaking Iran's bones' and still active: Netanyahu

We are 'breaking Iran's bones' and still active: Netanyahu

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Netanyahu asserts that Israel can play a role in helping Iranians achieve political change and cast off tyranny, while acknowledging that the ultimate decision lies with the Iranian people.

Privatisation push loses steam as IDBI Bank stake sale scrapped

Privatisation push loses steam as IDBI Bank stake sale scrapped

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

India's privatisation push, once projected as a cornerstone of economic reform, has suffered another setback, with the Centre set to call off the IDBI Bank stake sale, highlighting the political and structural constraints shaping the country's disinvestment policy, experts say.

Kerala VACB Registers 818 Corruption Cases in Five Years

Kerala VACB Registers 818 Corruption Cases in Five Years

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) in Kerala has registered 818 corruption-related cases over the past five years, marking a significant effort to combat corruption through strengthened surveillance, advanced technology, and increased public participation.

Iran set to hang first protester as Trump promises 'help'

Iran set to hang first protester as Trump promises 'help'

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Iran is set to witness more brutality as the administration has decided to execute its first protester on Wednesday amid mass arrests of anti-regime protesters, New York Post reported, citing human rights groups.

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The delegations from the US and Iran head to Islamabad on Friday, carrying a ceasefire that is already fraying, a Strait that is technically open and practically closed, and a negotiating agenda that would challenge even parties actually negotiating in good faith, which these groups are not. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

How Punjab Police is Using AI to Combat Gang Violence

How Punjab Police is Using AI to Combat Gang Violence

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Punjab Police is using intelligence-led policing and digital tools, including AI-powered voice recognition, to combat organised crime and dismantle gangster networks operating across states and continents.

Kerala HC grants bail to suspected LTTE member over delayed trial

Kerala HC grants bail to suspected LTTE member over delayed trial

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The Kerala High Court granted bail to a Sri Lankan refugee suspected of being an LTTE member in a UAPA case, citing prolonged judicial custody without trial commencement.

Kanpur Teacher Duped in Multi-Layered Cyber Fraud Impersonating Zuckerberg and Musk Associates

Kanpur Teacher Duped in Multi-Layered Cyber Fraud Impersonating Zuckerberg and Musk Associates

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

A retired school teacher in Kanpur was allegedly defrauded of Rs 1.57 crore (approximately 150,000) in a sophisticated cyber scam involving impersonations of Mark Zuckerberg and associates of Elon Musk.

Understand govt's...: Tharoor back's India's Iran war stance

Understand govt's...: Tharoor back's India's Iran war stance

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is urging the Indian government to take a more proactive role in mediating the escalating conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran, emphasising the impact on India's energy security and regional stability.

Compensation: What Digital Fraud Victims Must Know

Compensation: What Digital Fraud Victims Must Know

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Customers will qualify for compensation even if they mistakenly share the OTP.

India's 'leave Iran by all means' warning amid Iran-US tension

India's 'leave Iran by all means' warning amid Iran-US tension

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

India has advised its citizens residing in Iran to leave the country due to the evolving security situation, including protests and fears of potential US military action.

Delhi LG Highlights Importance of Human Element in Digital Nation-Building

Delhi LG Highlights Importance of Human Element in Digital Nation-Building

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Delhi LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu addressed the Global Confluence 2026, emphasising the importance of maintaining a human element at the heart of digital nation-building. He highlighted India's digital transformation and the role of technology in improving lives, while urging a focus on inclusive development and national security.

77th Republic Day parade to witness many firsts

77th Republic Day parade to witness many firsts

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The upcoming Republic Day Parade will center around the sesquicentenary of 'Vande Mataram,' featuring themed decorations, performances, and special guests.

Starmer Calls for Iran Settlement, Sends More Jets to West Asia

Starmer Calls for Iran Settlement, Sends More Jets to West Asia

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for a negotiated settlement with Iran and deployed additional fighter jets to West Asia to strengthen the UK's defensive operations.