News for 'First Citizens'

Mumbai civic polls marred by voter list discrepancies, confusion

Mumbai civic polls marred by voter list discrepancies, confusion

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections were marred by widespread complaints of voter list discrepancies, missing names, and confusion, impacting voters and election staff alike.

Concerned about Venezuela: Jaishankar in Europe

Concerned about Venezuela: Jaishankar in Europe

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said India is concerned about the recent developments in Venezuela, marking the first strong public statement after the latest United States actions in the South American country.

Minneapolis shooting: Vance blames victim, defends ICE

Minneapolis shooting: Vance blames victim, defends ICE

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

United States Vice President J D Vance on Wednesday described the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent as 'a tragedy of her own making', while expressing strong support for ICE officers and asserting that attacks against them would not deter the administration from enforcing the law.

Trump's Huge Venezuela Gamble

Trump's Huge Venezuela Gamble

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

I am inclined to believe that the Venezuela adventure is not an indication of American strength, alas, but rather of American weakness, points out Rajeev Srinivasan.

Delhi riots: SC flags 'planning and mobilisation' role of Khalid, Imam

Delhi riots: SC flags 'planning and mobilisation' role of Khalid, Imam

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court denied bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, citing prosecution material suggesting their involvement in planning and strategic direction. The court granted bail to other activists but emphasized the seriousness of the allegations against Khalid and Imam.

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.

ED raids I-PAC office, director Pratik Jain's home

ED raids I-PAC office, director Pratik Jain's home

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at the office of political consultancy firm I-PAC and the home of its director Pratik Jain in Kolkata as part of a money laundering probe into an alleged multi-crore rupee coal pilferage scam.

Mamdani's success story to inspire generations

Mamdani's success story to inspire generations

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Indian-descent democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has been sworn in as the Mayor of New York City, marking a new era for the city with a focus on affordability and working-class New Yorkers.

40 dead, 100 injured in fire at bar in Switzerland

40 dead, 100 injured in fire at bar in Switzerland

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Thursday stated that around 40 people have died and 100 others have been injured in a non-arson fire at the 'Le Constellation' bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, citing information provided by the Valais Cantonal Police.

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.

3 Asanas To Begin Your Fitness Journey

3 Asanas To Begin Your Fitness Journey

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Yoga expert and rediffGURU Pushpa R recommends three simple yoga postures to strengthen your back, correct your posture and calm your nervous system.

How Muslims Voted In BMC Elections

How Muslims Voted In BMC Elections

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The real surprise in these results came from Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM. Of the 29 Muslim candidates who got elected to the 227-strong BMC, the Congress and the AIMIM between them bagged 22.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.'

OpenAI to set up first India office in 2025

OpenAI to set up first India office in 2025

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

OpenAI on Friday said it will set up its first India office in New Delhi later this year, underlining the swift uptake of its AI tools in a market that is ChatGPT's second-largest after the US and among its fastest-growing. OpenAI said it has officially established an entity in India and has begun hiring a dedicated local team.

'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".'

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.

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.

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.

'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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.'

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.

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.

Ex-CJ Sushila Karki sworn in as Nepal's first woman PM

Ex-CJ Sushila Karki sworn in as Nepal's first woman PM

Rediff.com13 Sep 2025

Nepal's former Chief Justice Sushila Karki is set to lead an interim government, announced by the President's office, following the resignation of prime minister K P Sharma Oli. She will be the first woman prime minister of Nepal.

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.

Bangladesh elections will be held in first week of Feb 2026: EC

Bangladesh elections will be held in first week of Feb 2026: EC

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

Bangladesh's Election Commission has announced that general elections will be held in the first week of February 2025. The announcement comes amid concerns about ensuring a free, fair, and impartial election. The BNP is expected to participate, potentially without its former ally, Jamaat-e-Islami.

'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?'