News for 'First Citizens'

Blinkit drops 10-minute delivery claim; Swiggy, Zepto may follow suit

Blinkit drops 10-minute delivery claim; Swiggy, Zepto may follow suit

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Eternal-owned quick-commerce firm Blinkit has dropped its '10-minute' delivery claim after intervention by the Labour Ministry amid growing concerns over the welfare and safety of delivery workers.

Sanchar Saathi is a 'snooping app': Priyanka

Sanchar Saathi is a 'snooping app': Priyanka

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

With the Department of Telecom asking mobile phone makers to pre-install Sanchar Saathi application in new handsets, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday described it as a 'snooping app' and alleged that the government is turning the country into a dictatorship.

Govt notifies rules to enable 100% FDI in insurance sector

Govt notifies rules to enable 100% FDI in insurance sector

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Following the notification allowing 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance sector, the Finance Ministry has revised norms to remove the requirement that a majority of directors and key management personnel in an insurance company with foreign investment be Indian residents.

US will come to rescue if Iran targets protesters, warns Trump

US will come to rescue if Iran targets protesters, warns Trump

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

This comes as people in Iran continue to protest against rising prices and economic hardship pouring into the streets across several provinces in Iran, with some protests escalating into fatal confrontations with security forces, CNN reported.

B'desh govt condemns violence, lynching of Hindu man

B'desh govt condemns violence, lynching of Hindu man

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

The government urges all citizens of Bangladesh to resist all forms of mob violence which it said was committed by a few fringe elements.

'Every Citizen Will Become A Doubtful Voter'

'Every Citizen Will Become A Doubtful Voter'

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

'Today, the State looks at everyone with suspicion.'

RSS not a paramilitary outfit, wrong to see it through BJP lens: Bhagwat

RSS not a paramilitary outfit, wrong to see it through BJP lens: Bhagwat

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat clarifies the organization's role, stating it is not a paramilitary group and aims to unite society with virtues to prevent foreign subjugation.

Mamdani takes oath as NYC Mayor at a subway station

Mamdani takes oath as NYC Mayor at a subway station

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Zohran Mamdani, of Indian descent, was sworn in as the 112th Mayor of New York City, marking a historic moment as the first South Asian and Muslim to hold the position. The ceremony took place in an old subway station, symbolizing a new era for the city.

Shifting My House Erased My Voter Record!

Shifting My House Erased My Voter Record!

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

'I don't want to be called a new Indian voter when I am an old Indian voter.'

YOLO Spirit Ignites 2026 Travel

YOLO Spirit Ignites 2026 Travel

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The growing YOLO (You Only Live Once) mindset, coupled with a desire for immersive outdoor experiences, is driving demand, primarily across age groups from 20 to 45 years.

'Dr Gadgil Understood Environment's Impact On Mankind's Future'

'Dr Gadgil Understood Environment's Impact On Mankind's Future'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

'His report created a lot of negative reaction in Kerala and in a way, he was crucified for writing such a report.' 'I asked him, "Don't you feel frustrated?"' 'His reply was, "Have you read Bhagavad Gita Chapter2"?' 'He particularly mentioned verse 47, where Sri Krishna tells Arjuna, "Your duty is to work without thinking of the fruits you get".' "He said, "similarly, my duty was to do what best I could do without hoping for any rewards".'

Don't judge people by caste, wealth or language: Bhagwat

Don't judge people by caste, wealth or language: Bhagwat

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized the importance of social harmony, environmental responsibility, and national unity, urging people to rise above divisions and work collectively for the betterment of society and the nation.

Himanta Warns Bangladesh Over Threats To North East

Himanta Warns Bangladesh Over Threats To North East

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Bangladesh needed to be clearly told that New Delhi would respond firmly if such rhetoric continued.

SIR row: Centre gives Y-plus security to Bengal CEO after threat

SIR row: Centre gives Y-plus security to Bengal CEO after threat

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

The central government has provided armed security to West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer following potential threats related to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Bengal: 32 lakh 'unmapped' voters queue up as SIR hearings begin

Bengal: 32 lakh 'unmapped' voters queue up as SIR hearings begin

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Hearings under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls were underway in West Bengal, focusing on 'unmapped' voters who are unable to establish linkage with the 2002 electoral roll. Many people are being asked to prove their citizenship.

Zohran Mamdani thanks family from 'Kampala to Dilli'

Zohran Mamdani thanks family from 'Kampala to Dilli'

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Zohran Mamdani, of Indian origin, was sworn in as the 112th Mayor of New York City, promising an agenda of affordability and inclusivity. He is the first South Asian and Muslim to hold the position.

The Best Hindi 25 Films In 25 Years

The Best Hindi 25 Films In 25 Years

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Over 25 years, societies evolve and tastes change. Cinema absorbs and reflects this transformation. Picking only 25 films from the first quarter of the century is tough.

'Democracy Is On Sale In Maharashtra'

'Democracy Is On Sale In Maharashtra'

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

'This daylight robbery of elections is happening in the commercial capital of India, Mumbai city, so you can imagine what they will do to win elections in the interiors of India.'

'Powerful Individuals Escape Accountability In This Country'

'Powerful Individuals Escape Accountability In This Country'

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

'Judges have transmitted a terrible message to citizens across the nation. All right-thinking individuals will be disturbed by what the Delhi high court judges have done.'

Bangladesh uprising 'guru' rejects alliance with Jamaat

Bangladesh uprising 'guru' rejects alliance with Jamaat

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

A key leader of Bangladesh's National Citizen Party (NCP), Mahfuz Alam, has distanced himself from the party's alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami, citing ideological differences and concerns over Jamaat's controversial history.

Won't rest until he's hanged: Unnao rape survivor

Won't rest until he's hanged: Unnao rape survivor

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

The Unnao rape case survivor expressed satisfaction after the Supreme Court stayed the Delhi High Court order suspending Kuldeep Sengar's life sentence. She voiced her faith in the justice system.

Govt must raise minority safety with Bangladesh: Priyanka Gandhi

Govt must raise minority safety with Bangladesh: Priyanka Gandhi

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has condemned the lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh and urged the Indian government to raise the issue of the safety of Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist minorities with the Bangladeshi government.

'How Can You Ask Muslim Women To Wait For The Right Time?'

'How Can You Ask Muslim Women To Wait For The Right Time?'

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

'Every issue that Muslims are facing today affects Muslim women. But how come women's issues don't affect the community?' 'How does the community benefit by the practice of halala or polygamy?'

Apple won't preload Sanchar Saathi app on iPhones: Report

Apple won't preload Sanchar Saathi app on iPhones: Report

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

Apple does not plan to comply with the mandate to preload mobile handsets with the 'Sanchar Saathi' app and will convey its concerns before the Indian government, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing three unnamed sources.

Vande Mataram was never anti-Islam: Rajnath in Lok Sabha

Vande Mataram was never anti-Islam: Rajnath in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh advocates for an unbiased evaluation of 'Vande Mataram', asserting it and 'Anand Math' were against British imperialism, not Islam.

'India's biggest health crisis since Covid'

'India's biggest health crisis since Covid'

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

Experts warn that air pollution in India is a major public health crisis, leading to a surge in undiagnosed airway diseases and cardiovascular issues. They urge for urgent action, early detection, and treatment.

Bangladesh to hold general elections on February 12

Bangladesh to hold general elections on February 12

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

Bangladesh will hold general elections on February 12, 2026, the first since the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government. A referendum on reform proposals will be held simultaneously.

PMO complex renamed as 'Seva Teerth' to emphasise service

PMO complex renamed as 'Seva Teerth' to emphasise service

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The new complex housing the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) will be called 'Seva Teerth', officials said. The renaming reflects a shift towards service-oriented governance and a focus on duty and transparency.

MGNREGA bulldozed, right to work demolished: Sonia

MGNREGA bulldozed, right to work demolished: Sonia

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

This comes a day after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, which replaces the MGNREGA and has a provision for 125 days of wage employment for rural workers.

Should Rohingyas be given red carpet welcome, asks SC

Should Rohingyas be given red carpet welcome, asks SC

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court of India has questioned the legal status of Rohingya refugees living in the country, raising concerns about providing resources to illegal entrants while Indian citizens face poverty.

Digital Scams Are Getting Smarter

Digital Scams Are Getting Smarter

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

'Just like oral hygiene, cyber hygiene must become a daily habit,' says Beena Vaheed, executive director, Bank of Baroda. 'It is not enough to rely only on banks, companies, or the government. Each of us must play our part.'

Digital Arrest Scams: What You Must Know

Digital Arrest Scams: What You Must Know

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

Senior citizens are particularly vulnerable due to their high savings, trust in authorities, and limited familiarity with online frauds.

'Dehradun Police Wanted To Protect The Killers'

'Dehradun Police Wanted To Protect The Killers'

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

'The worst part is that after the attack on December 9, the Dehradun police refused to register an FIR for the murder.'

India, Oman to ink free trade agreement during PM Narendra Modi visit

India, Oman to ink free trade agreement during PM Narendra Modi visit

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Next week's three-nation foreign tour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will see India and Oman sign a free trade deal. The visit will also pave the way for agreements with Ethiopia and Jordan to increase India's bilateral trade and investments.

Fresh unrest grips Bangladesh, govt orders security clampdown

Fresh unrest grips Bangladesh, govt orders security clampdown

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Bangladesh's interim government has ordered a nationwide security clampdown following the shooting of a youth leader and election candidate, leading to renewed unrest.

'India, Pak, they were going at it': Trump again

'India, Pak, they were going at it': Trump again

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Meanwhile, Trump said Cambodia and Thailand have started fighting again and "tomorrow", he will make a phone call to those countries.

10 satellites ensuring safety, security of citizens: ISRO chief

10 satellites ensuring safety, security of citizens: ISRO chief

Rediff.com12 May 2025

"If we have to ensure the safety of our country, we have to serve through our satellites. We have to monitor our 7,000 km seashore. We have to monitor the entire northern part continuously. Without satellite and drone technology, we can't achieve that."

India evacuates 3,170 citizens from Iran, Israel

India evacuates 3,170 citizens from Iran, Israel

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

India on Tuesday evacuated over 1,100 citizens from Iran and Israel amid ongoing tensions between the two countries, taking the number of evacuees under Operation Sindhu to 3,170.

Aware of people's pain due to violence: Prez in Manipur

Aware of people's pain due to violence: Prez in Manipur

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the people of Manipur, assuring them of the government's commitment to strengthening harmony and ensuring security in the wake of ethnic violence. She highlighted the state's resilience, contributions to the nation, and the government's initiatives for development and inclusivity.

The Man Challenging 18% GST On Air Purifiers

The Man Challenging 18% GST On Air Purifiers

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

'If a common man wants to buy an air purifier for Rs 10,000, then he will have to shell out Rs 11,800 with 18 percent GST.' 'If he is charged GST at 5 percent the same air purifier will cost Rs 10,500.' 'This saves a one time amount of Rs 1,300 -- and that too just to breathe clean air.'