News for 'First Citizens'

Why US denied Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan entry for World Cup

Why US denied Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan entry for World Cup

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Trump administration said on Tuesday the United States had denied Somali soccer referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan entry for the World Cup because of his links to "suspected members of terror organizations".

Pak steps up US-Iran peace push with third ministerial visit to Tehran

Pak steps up US-Iran peace push with third ministerial visit to Tehran

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran for the third time recently to mediate peace amidst rising tensions between the US and Iran. Pakistan is actively leading diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict in West Asia, which has impacted global energy markets and trade.

Be alert, stay indoors: India to citizens in Israel, Iran

Be alert, stay indoors: India to citizens in Israel, Iran

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

India has issued an advisory for its citizens in Israel to exercise utmost caution and remain vigilant at all times, following a joint attack by Israel and the US against Iran.

PM has to speak up: Rahul Gandhi on 3 Indians killed in US strikes

PM has to speak up: Rahul Gandhi on 3 Indians killed in US strikes

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence on the deaths of three Indian seafarers in US military strikes on commercial vessels, calling Modi a 'compromised PM' who lacks the courage to confront those responsible.

Top TMC leader Firhad Hakim quits as Kolkata mayor amid party turmoil

Top TMC leader Firhad Hakim quits as Kolkata mayor amid party turmoil

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Senior TMC leader Firhad Hakim has resigned as the mayor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), citing an inability to function properly. His resignation, approved by Mamata Banerjee, comes amidst significant political turbulence within the TMC following recent election defeats and a wave of councillor resignations, raising questions about the party's urban political structure.

Why Rupee's Pain Is Self-Inflicted

Why Rupee's Pain Is Self-Inflicted

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Why would a country that requires close to $90 billion in net foreign capital annually to create jobs, build productive capacity, and sustain rapid growth permit $30 billion of capital to flow abroad, thereby contributing to pressure on the rupee? asks Debashis Basu.

'Doyen of Indian PMs': US, Russia hail Modi on tenure milestone

'Doyen of Indian PMs': US, Russia hail Modi on tenure milestone

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as 'a Great One', while Russia hailed him as the 'doyen of all Indian prime ministers' as world leaders congratulated him on becoming India's longest continuously serving elected representative at the top post.

Modi surpasses Nehru, becomes India's longest-serving elected PM

Modi surpasses Nehru, becomes India's longest-serving elected PM

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is set to hold a crucial meeting to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi becoming India's longest continuously serving elected prime minister, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru's record of 4,399 days.

'Why Did US Shoot A Missile Killing Indians?'

'Why Did US Shoot A Missile Killing Indians?'

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

'The US was well aware of the nationality of the seafarers on board the vessels. It was not hidden. The nationality of those aboard a merchant ship is known to all the ports.' 'So, why did US shoot a missile that resulted in the deaths of the Indian mariners?'

Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghanistan a violation of sovereignty, India tells UN

Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghanistan a violation of sovereignty, India tells UN

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's military airstrikes against Afghanistan, citing significant civilian casualties, and criticised its 'trade and transit terrorism' against Afghan traders, calling these actions blatant violations of international law and UN norms.

Haryana Government Pledges To Fulfil Promises To Dhanak Community

Haryana Government Pledges To Fulfil Promises To Dhanak Community

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini affirmed the government's commitment to fulfilling its promises to the Dhanak community by 2029, highlighting welfare measures and initiatives already undertaken.

Maharashtra FDA Arrests 33 In Food Adulteration Crackdown

Maharashtra FDA Arrests 33 In Food Adulteration Crackdown

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted raids across the state, arresting 33 individuals and sealing 27 establishments for food adulteration, selling banned gutkha, and unhygienic food production.

Lost many nationals in attacks on ships in Gulf, India tells UN

Lost many nationals in attacks on ships in Gulf, India tells UN

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

India has expressed firm opposition to attacks on merchant shipping amidst the ongoing Iran conflict, revealing that several Indian nationals have died or are missing due to these incidents. The nation also called for restraint, de-escalation, and prioritising civilian safety in the region.

Modi Has Transformed The Vocabulary Of Indian Politics

Modi Has Transformed The Vocabulary Of Indian Politics

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Few leaders since Independence have been able to establish such a direct connection with the electorate or shape the national conversation to the extent that Narendra Modi has done over the past decade, points out former Union minister Dr Karan Singh.

What Modi Govt Plans To Do About Illegal Immigration

What Modi Govt Plans To Do About Illegal Immigration

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The NDA government has gradually nuanced its position on the issue of demographic challenge.

Chandigarh Embraces 'No Car Day' To Cut Fuel Consumption

Chandigarh Embraces 'No Car Day' To Cut Fuel Consumption

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Chandigarh observed its first 'no car day' with officials using electric buses and bicycles, following the governor's appeal to cut fuel consumption and promote eco-friendly transportation.

Jammu And Kashmir Police Arrest 202 In Anti-Drug Drive

Jammu And Kashmir Police Arrest 202 In Anti-Drug Drive

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered 176 cases and arrested 202 individuals in the first 50 days of their anti-drug trafficking campaign. The operation has resulted in significant seizures of heroin, poppy straw, ganja, and opium, along with the freezing of assets and demolition of properties linked to drug-related activities.

SC allows euthanasia for rabid, dangerous stray dogs

SC allows euthanasia for rabid, dangerous stray dogs

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Supreme Court of India has permitted euthanasia for rabid, incurably ill, or demonstrably dangerous stray dogs to mitigate the threat to human life. The ruling includes several directives to manage the rising stray dog population, emphasising public safety and animal welfare.

India Advocates For Ethical AI Use In Global Healthcare

India Advocates For Ethical AI Use In Global Healthcare

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Union Health Minister J P Nadda has emphasised the need for sound regulation, ethical oversight, and equity in the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to healthcare, speaking at the World Health Assembly in Geneva.

How Gujarat Police Cracked Down On Cyber Fraud

How Gujarat Police Cracked Down On Cyber Fraud

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Gujarat police have uncovered cyber frauds worth Rs 2,289 crore and arrested 638 individuals as part of 'Operation Mule Account 1.0', a state-wide crackdown on online criminals launched in 2025.

Right to trauma care integral part of right to life: SC

Right to trauma care integral part of right to life: SC

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Supreme Court of India has directed all states and Union territories to operationalise a single helpline number '112' for emergency responses and establish a functional good samaritan grievance redressal system within three months, emphasising that the right to trauma care is an integral part of the right to life.

'SIR breathes life into fair polls': SC upholds EC exercise

'SIR breathes life into fair polls': SC upholds EC exercise

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The pleas challenging SIR claimed that the Election Commission does not have powers under Article 326 of the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the Rules made under it to carry out SIR in a larger form.

India Is Lucky To Have Both Nehru And Modi

India Is Lucky To Have Both Nehru And Modi

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

If one has to compare the tenures of the two prime ministers one must credit Nehru with laying the foundations on which Modi is building a grand edifice, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

How Modi's Austerity Appeal Can Work

How Modi's Austerity Appeal Can Work

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Insights from behavioural economics suggest that an ambitious nudge can be effective if three conditions are met, points out Ram Singh Insights from behavioural economics suggest that an ambitious nudge can be effective if three conditions are met, points out Ram Singh, director, Delhi School of Economics.

'AAP has a toxic environment': Raghav Chadha's first attack post BJP switch

'AAP has a toxic environment': Raghav Chadha's first attack post BJP switch

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Raghav Chadha explains his decision to leave the AAP, citing a 'toxic' work environment where leaders were allegedly prevented from working and speaking freely.

Shakira, Madonna, BTS To Headline 2026 FIFA World Cup Halftime Show

Shakira, Madonna, BTS To Headline 2026 FIFA World Cup Halftime Show

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Global pop stars Shakira, Madonna and Korean sensation BTS will headline the first-ever halftime show at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with proceeds going towards a global education initiative.

'Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah Won't Sabotage One Another'

'Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah Won't Sabotage One Another'

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

'Both men understand the stakes. They are not about to squander what they have.'

How Telangana Police Cracked Online Betting Racket

How Telangana Police Cracked Online Betting Racket

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Telangana CID arrests 11 individuals, including an Afghan national, for allegedly operating online betting across multiple states through the Dafabet platform. The investigation revealed a complex network of mule accounts and a coordinated multi-state criminal operation.

Bangladesh police hand over Indian official's body to high commission

Bangladesh police hand over Indian official's body to high commission

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The body of Naren Dhar, an Indian Assistant High Commission Protocol Officer, was handed over to the Indian High Commission after his death in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Local authorities suspect no foul play, and a postmortem examination has been completed to determine the cause of death.

US-Iran talks: First phase concludes, both sides exchange texts

US-Iran talks: First phase concludes, both sides exchange texts

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

The United States and Iran concluded the first phase of in-person talks in Islamabad, with both delegations exchanging written texts to formalise areas of understanding. The discussions, involving key representatives from both sides, are aimed at reducing tensions and exploring possibilities of a structured understanding.

India Audits 101 Cities To Assess Ease Of Living

India Audits 101 Cities To Assess Ease Of Living

Rediff.com7 May 2026

India is conducting a special audit of 101 cities to assess ease of living from the citizen's perspective, Comptroller and Auditor General K Sanjay Murthy said.

Avoid destination weddings, prefer online classes: Modi continues austerity push

Avoid destination weddings, prefer online classes: Modi continues austerity push

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to citizens to adopt austerity measures, including avoiding destination weddings abroad and reducing edible oil consumption, to mitigate the impact of the West Asia crisis on India's economy.

Why Estonian Tech Startups Are Keen On Partnering With India

Why Estonian Tech Startups Are Keen On Partnering With India

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Estonian tech startups in AI, cybersecurity, defence, and medicine are showing interest in collaborating with India, aiming to tap into its vast market. Latitude59, a prominent startup conference, is considering hosting a networking event in India next year to foster these partnerships.

India Is Not Alone: How Hormuz Crisis Affected Lifestyles Worldwide

India Is Not Alone: How Hormuz Crisis Affected Lifestyles Worldwide

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The Strait of Hormuz crisis is impacting lifestyles worldwide, from reduced gold purchases in India to energy conservation in Europe and Japan, as governments urge citizens to adapt to the global energy shock.

Netas Walk Modi's Talk On Austerity

Netas Walk Modi's Talk On Austerity

Rediff.com20 May 2026

In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for austerity, political leaders are reducing convoys and promoting public transport to conserve fuel.

Modi sets 2047 deadline, warns ministers against delays

Modi sets 2047 deadline, warns ministers against delays

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting with his council of ministers, focusing on enhancing 'Ease of Living' and 'Ease of Doing Business' and setting the goal of a developed India by 2047.

UCC Bill tabled in Assam; polygamy ban, live-in registration proposed

UCC Bill tabled in Assam; polygamy ban, live-in registration proposed

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The opposition parties, including Congress, Raijor Dal and Trinamool Congress, opposed the move and demanded wider consultation with all the stakeholders before its introduction.

Traffic Chaos: Woman's Fury Shakes Up BJP Rally

Traffic Chaos: Woman's Fury Shakes Up BJP Rally

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

A viral video of a woman confronting a Maharashtra minister over traffic jams caused by a BJP rally has sparked a backlash, forcing the ruling party to defend its actions and prompting apologies for the inconvenience caused to commuters.

'You Are Killing Lakhs And Lakhs Of Citizenships'

'You Are Killing Lakhs And Lakhs Of Citizenships'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

'98 lakhs in Bengal, 97 lakhs in Tamil Nadu, 2.83 crores in Uttar Pradesh.'

Will Indians Get To Watch FIFA World Cup 2026?

Will Indians Get To Watch FIFA World Cup 2026?

Rediff.com21 May 2026

With less than a month to go, football fans have all fingers -- and toes -- crossed, notes Kanika Datta.