News for 'First Citizens'

Full text: President Murmu's R-Day eve address to the nation

Full text: President Murmu's R-Day eve address to the nation

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

'Today, let us reaffirm our commitment to strive to realise Gandhiji's dreams. His watchwords, truth and nonviolence, will continue to remain relevant for the whole world. He also taught us that rights and duties are but the two sides of the coin - indeed, the true source of rights is duty. Today we recall his lessons in compassion too - compassion not only for our human neighbours but also for our other neighbours, namely, flora and fauna, rivers and mountains.'

Turkiye ski resort fire kills 66, injures 51

Turkiye ski resort fire kills 66, injures 51

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

AA reported that emergency teams from neighboring cities, including firefighters, disaster response units, and medical teams supported by helicopters, were dispatched to the scene.

'Just Because You Are An Actress Doesn't Mean...'

'Just Because You Are An Actress Doesn't Mean...'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

'I was blessed to earn a lot of fame and money, more than I ever expected, and the time has come to share what I have earned with others.'

Was Modi Right About The Opposition?

Was Modi Right About The Opposition?

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

'While suppression of information is acceptable for the government, the Opposition's efforts at pinning the government and its leaders is labeled anti-national,' points out Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

British MP moves motion on 'Kashmiri Pandit genocide'

British MP moves motion on 'Kashmiri Pandit genocide'

Rediff.com18 Jan 2025

A British MP has tabled a parliamentary motion in the House of Commons to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the "genocide of Kashmiri Pandit Hindus from Jammu and Kashmir in India." The motion, which calls for recognition and justice for the events of January 1990, has been met with support from other MPs. The motion condemns the attacks on the Hindu population of Kashmir Valley and calls for the Indian government to enact a bill to punish the perpetrators.

Trump blames Obama, Biden as 67 feared dead in US air crash

Trump blames Obama, Biden as 67 feared dead in US air crash

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Following the mid-air collision between an American Airlines plane and a United States Army helicopter in which all 67 are feared dead, President Donald Trump on Thursday blamed former Democratic Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama for lowering air safety standards.

I won't call it Maha Kumbh, it is 'mrityu kumbh': Mamata

I won't call it Maha Kumbh, it is 'mrityu kumbh': Mamata

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has slammed the Maha Kumbh as a "Mrityu Kumbh" (Death Kumbh), accusing the Uttar Pradesh government of suppressing the actual toll in the stampede that occurred at the religious gathering. Banerjee also criticized the lack of planning and management at the event, highlighting the plight of Bengal residents who died in the stampede. The BJP, however, has condemned Banerjee's remarks, calling her an "anti-Hindu chief minister" and accusing her of political opportunism.

Jimmy Carter, 39th US president, dies at 100

Jimmy Carter, 39th US president, dies at 100

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president and a champion of peace and human rights, has died at the age of 100. Carter, who was known for his work with the Carter Center, promoting democracy and conflict resolution, was also a close friend of India. He visited the country in 1978, forging a lasting relationship between the two nations.

Birthright citizenship meant for children of slaves: Trump

Birthright citizenship meant for children of slaves: Trump

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

President Donald Trump has said that birthright citizenship was primarily intended for the children of slaves and not for the whole world to "come in and pile" into the US. Trump issued an executive order against birthright citizenship on his first day in office, which was struck down by a federal court in Seattle the next day. Trump has said that he would appeal against it and is confident that the Supreme Court will rule in his favor. A group of Republican Senators introduced a bill in the US Senate to restrict birthright citizenship to the children of illegal immigrants and non-immigrants on temporary visas. They argue that birthright citizenship is a major pull factor for illegal immigration and a weakness for national security.

'India Must Not Support Nepal's Ex-King'

'India Must Not Support Nepal's Ex-King'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

'Gyanendra back on the throne would be bad news for the Nepali people. He may not have learnt from his experience, but we have.'

4.0 magnitude quake hits Delhi, strong tremors rock NCR

4.0 magnitude quake hits Delhi, strong tremors rock NCR

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people in the region to stay calm and follow safety precautions while keeping alert for possible aftershocks.

There will be some pain: Trump's message to Americans

There will be some pain: Trump's message to Americans

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

United States President Donald Trump on Sunday criticised the trade deficits that the US has with Canada, Mexico, China, and argued that America should no longer 'subsidise' other countries, and urged businesses to manufacture domestically to avoid tariffs.

Who Will Define What Is Negative News?

Who Will Define What Is Negative News?

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

The government resolution does not spell out what action would be taken, if any, against those writing and publishing 'negative' news. Nor does it define 'negative news and "misinformation', explains Jyoti Punwani.

Are Trump and Musk Dismantling American Democracy?

Are Trump and Musk Dismantling American Democracy?

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

We the people are left in the wind, waiting on the whims of an unengaged president and an oligarch with a nearly bottomless wallet, observes Sree Sreenivasan.

116 US Deportees Arrive In Amritsar

116 US Deportees Arrive In Amritsar

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

It was not immediately known whether the deportees were in shackles, as the previous batch was.

Pak train hijack: 21 passengers, 4 soldiers killed; all hostages freed

Pak train hijack: 21 passengers, 4 soldiers killed; all hostages freed

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

At least 27 terrorists were killed and 155 passengers rescued by the security forces after Baloch militants hijacked a passenger train in a tunnel in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province on Tuesday, security officials said.

Modi pat for Sitharaman: 'People's Budget, force multiplier'

Modi pat for Sitharaman: 'People's Budget, force multiplier'

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the Union Budget as a "people's budget" that fulfills the dreams of every Indian and said that it is a "force-multiplier" that will boost consumption, investment and growth. He highlighted a host of measures for different sectors, including welfare initiatives for gig workers, tax relief for the middle class, and support for the manufacturing sector.

'All Is Not Well With Election Commission'

'All Is Not Well With Election Commission'

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

'They refuse to be transparent. They refuse to be accountable.'

Banks Struggle to Regain Deposits

Banks Struggle to Regain Deposits

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Privately, many bankers admit their immediate goal is not growth but slowing the erosion of Casa deposits, reveals Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

India issues helplines for its citizens in Israel, Iran

India issues helplines for its citizens in Israel, Iran

Rediff.com14 Apr 2024

The Indian diplomatic missions in Israel and Iran on Sunday issued fresh advisories for its nationals after Tehran launched an unprecedented drone and missile attack on the Jewish state, advising them to stay calm, adhere to safety protocols along with activating additional helpline numbers.

'We Started Our Party For 90% Of Hindus'

'We Started Our Party For 90% Of Hindus'

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

'The Dravidian movement was started for the Hindus who were rejected by the upper castes.'

SBI unveils two new schemes to boost deposit mobilisation

SBI unveils two new schemes to boost deposit mobilisation

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

State Bank of India (SBI) - the country's largest lender - has unveiled two new schemes to boost deposit mobilisation at a time when most banks are facing challenges in raising resources. The first is 'Har Ghar Lakhpati,' a pre-calculated recurring deposit (RD) scheme designed to help customers accumulate Rs 100,000 or multiples thereof and develop a savings habit.

'Oracle Was Little Late To Cloud Game'

'Oracle Was Little Late To Cloud Game'

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

'We also realised that locking customers to our Cloud was not fair to them.'

Can Rekha Gupta Deliver BJP Promises To Delhi?

Can Rekha Gupta Deliver BJP Promises To Delhi?

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The monthly Rs 2500 payment for poor women is expected to cost Rs 11,000 crore while the pension scheme of Rs 2000 for every senior citizen will cost around Rs 4100 crore. The Yamuna clean up will cost over Rs 10,000 crore while a similar amount is required to upgrade Delhi's hospitals. Ultimately, the new BJP government will have no choice but to ask the centre for financial support, notes Rashme Sehgal.

That Rarity Of Rarities, A Good Man In Politics

That Rarity Of Rarities, A Good Man In Politics

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

As a leader, he was ambitious, not for himself but for India and its people. His was not the short-term election cycle calculation of individual political gain. His was a practical vision of how to better the lives of his fellow citizens, asserts Ambassador Shivshankar Menon, who served as foreign secretary and national security advisor when Dr Singh was prime minister.

Why Punjabis risk illegal 'donkey' route for American dream

Why Punjabis risk illegal 'donkey' route for American dream

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

The obsession for migrating to the US is visible mostly in Majha and Doaba regions of Punjab, he further said.

Open to legitimate return of undocumented Indians: Jaishankar in US

Open to legitimate return of undocumented Indians: Jaishankar in US

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

India has always been open to legitimate return of undocumented Indians to their country, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday, noting that New Delhi is still in the process of verifying those from the United States who can be deported to India and the number of such individuals cannot be determined yet.

Students who toppled Hasina launch party, say no room for pro-India politics

Students who toppled Hasina launch party, say no room for pro-India politics

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (SAD), which led protests against Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has launched itself as a political party called the National Citizen Party (NCP). The new party, which aims to 'dismantle constitutional autocracy' and establish a 'second republic,' has pledged to create a 'solely Bangladesh-oriented' political system, with no room for 'pro-India and pro-Pakistan politics.' The NCP's inaugural rally was attended by representatives of various political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and envoys from the Vatican and Pakistan.

Reciprocal tariffs against India from April 2: Trump

Reciprocal tariffs against India from April 2: Trump

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Trump has made it clear to Prime Minister Modi that India will not be spared from Washington's reciprocal tariffs and emphasised that "nobody can argue with me" on tariff structure.

ChatGPT Vs DeepSeek: The Plot Thickens

ChatGPT Vs DeepSeek: The Plot Thickens

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

The tech community, which was getting ready to use the ChatGPT fever and raise unlimited capital for their businesses, is going to face tougher obstacles now, predicts Ajit Balakrishnan.

FM unveils simpler tax law, middle class gets relief

FM unveils simpler tax law, middle class gets relief

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday unveiled 'transformative' tax reforms that ranged from a simpler income tax law to higher TCS threshold for remittances and income tax benefits for middle class.

Why The Census Is Important

Why The Census Is Important

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

It will be interesting to see what shifts have been recorded in the last decade-and-a-half -- from the effects of demonetisation and Covid's second wave to the drop in fertility and increase in farm workers -- but we will only know this if and when the Census is conducted, points out Aakar Patel.

'Indian Mantras Are Much More Understood'

'Indian Mantras Are Much More Understood'

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

'It feels great to carry on this musical tradition.'

BJP announces more freebies in Delhi manifesto part 2

BJP announces more freebies in Delhi manifesto part 2

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

Kejriwal described the BJP's election manifesto as "dangerous for the country".

Uttarakhand to implement Uniform Civil Code tomorrow

Uttarakhand to implement Uniform Civil Code tomorrow

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

Uttarakhand will become the first state in independent India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on January 27. The UCC will bring about uniformity in the society and ensure equal rights and responsibilities for all citizens. The law was passed by the state assembly in February 2024 and received presidential assent a month later. The UCC will govern and regulate laws relating to marriage and divorce, succession, live-in relationships and related matters. It sets equal marriageable age for men and women, grounds of divorce and procedures across all religions, and bans polygamy and 'halala'.

SEE: PM Modi meets cricketing stars in Guyana

SEE: PM Modi meets cricketing stars in Guyana

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met and interacted with leading cricket players of Guyana in Georgetown on Friday.

Dr Singh, Devoted Husband And Father

Dr Singh, Devoted Husband And Father

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

Nitin Desai, who has known Dr Singh from 1971, extends his 'deepest condolences to his wife Gurcharan Kaur and to his three talented daughters Upinder, the historian; Daman, the writer; and Amrit, the human rights activist.'

US court pauses Biden's plan to legalise spouses status

US court pauses Biden's plan to legalise spouses status

Rediff.com27 Aug 2024

In June, President Joe Biden issued a massive immigration relief to non-citizens offering a path to citizenship to the non-citizen spouses and children of American nationals.

12 Indians serving in Russian military killed, 16 missing: Govt

12 Indians serving in Russian military killed, 16 missing: Govt

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

India has confirmed that 12 Indian nationals have died while serving in the Russian military during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Another 16 Indians, who were serving in the Russian armed forces, are listed as missing by Russia. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said a total of 126 Indians were serving with the Russian military and 96 of them have so far been discharged.

Colombia agrees to take back migrants, Trump pauses tariffs

Colombia agrees to take back migrants, Trump pauses tariffs

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

US President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs and a travel ban on Colombia after the South American nation refused to accept two American military planes deporting undocumented Colombians. The move comes after President Trump announced mass deportations of illegal immigrants and warned countries of consequences if they refuse to accept them. Colombian President Gustavo Petro, in a post on X, said that the US cannot treat Colombian migrants as criminals and denied the entry of American planes carrying Colombian migrants into Colombian territory. Trump responded by imposing a 25% tariff on all goods coming into the US, a travel ban and immediate visa revocations on Colombian government officials, and visa sanctions on all party members, family members and supporters of the Colombian government. The US also announced enhanced customs and border protection inspections of all Colombian nationals and cargo on national security grounds. In retaliation, Colombia announced a 25% import tariff on American products.