News for 'First Citizens'

Do terrorists have time to ask about religion: Cong leader

Do terrorists have time to ask about religion: Cong leader

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

In controversial remarks, Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Monday said terrorists have no caste or religion and questioned veracity of the claim that terrorists asked about faith of tourists before killing them in Kashmir's Pahalgam town last week.

'How To Save Tax On Retirement'

'How To Save Tax On Retirement'

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Ask rediffGURU and tax expert Mihir Tanna your income tax-related questions.

'Zero-For-Zero Tariff Is Best Medicine For India'

'Zero-For-Zero Tariff Is Best Medicine For India'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

'No retaliatory tariffs now. You can retaliate after a few months.' 'Today, there is no need to retaliate because it is a question of long term benefits.'

All About Vanuatu, Which Rejected Lalit Modi

All About Vanuatu, Which Rejected Lalit Modi

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Vanuatu offers citizenship to people who are willing to invest $150,000 in the country.

Ambedkar's legacy sparks fierce political clash on his birth anniversary

Ambedkar's legacy sparks fierce political clash on his birth anniversary

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The birth anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, whose political influence has surged with the passage of time, on Monday was marked by bitter trading of charges between the ruling BJP and opposition parties as they fought for his legacy.

Trump vows tariffs on nations that 'harm' US; names India, China

Trump vows tariffs on nations that 'harm' US; names India, China

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Earlier, Trump has already talked about slapping "100 per cent tariffs" on the BRICS grouping, a bloc that includes India as well.

'Justice Varma Must Be Impeached Or Resign'

'Justice Varma Must Be Impeached Or Resign'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

'If we stay silent now, we betray the very foundation of justice in this country.'

Israel announces return of 3 hostages after 498 days

Israel announces return of 3 hostages after 498 days

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Saturday announced the return of three hostages -- Alexandre, Sagui, and Iair -- after 498 days in captivity.

'May All Know The Greatness Of India'

'May All Know The Greatness Of India'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Many ordinary citizens are drawn to by a sense of history and India's remarkable journey from bondage to freedom which culminated in this monumental building.

Not All Need Subsidies: Finance Secy

Not All Need Subsidies: Finance Secy

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

'If in our cities, all urban bus transport services are free, then the taxpayers are paying for it, or if electricity were to be made free, that's a huge cost to the rest of the people'

Why The ISI Targeted Hindus In Pahalgam

Why The ISI Targeted Hindus In Pahalgam

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The ISI strategy has been to use its proxies to target Hindus in India. They want an outrage and counter-targeting of India's minorities. Further, even the whiff of it restores the Pakistan army's popularity, especially when it's in the dumps, like now, points out Shekhar Gupta.

After Delhi's sign-in, Bengal only state to hold out on Ayushman Bharat

After Delhi's sign-in, Bengal only state to hold out on Ayushman Bharat

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

According to a parliamentary response by the Union health ministry in 2023, around 654,000 families in Delhi are eligible to enrol under the scheme.

Eminent citizens urge EC to ensure transparency in party funding

Eminent citizens urge EC to ensure transparency in party funding

Rediff.com5 Sep 2023

Right to Information activist Anjali Bhardwaj said the VVPAT system should be re-calibrated to be fully voter-verifiable.

Can RSS Put Aurangzeb's Ghost To Rest in Maharashtra?

Can RSS Put Aurangzeb's Ghost To Rest in Maharashtra?

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

Senior RSS leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi's call to drop the Aurangzeb tomb controversy challenges decades of communal rhetoric in Maharashtra, igniting hopes for unity and a balanced historical narrative.

Can naturalized players end India's striker paucity?

Can naturalized players end India's striker paucity?

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

All India Football Federation president Kalyan Chaubey said the governing body has been actively working on policies to integrate Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) players into the national team setup.

Pakistani Hindu refugees in Delhi fear deportation

Pakistani Hindu refugees in Delhi fear deportation

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

Pakistani Hindu refugees residing in Delhi's Majnu Ka Tila are experiencing anxiety over their visa status despite government clarifications regarding Long Term Visas (LTVs). The government's decision to revoke all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, following heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, has left many refugees worried about their future. While LTVs for Hindu Pakistani nationals remain valid, the renewal process every two years and ongoing citizenship applications under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, have fueled concerns. The Delhi Police has initiated a verification drive, adding to the unease among the refugees, who fear being uprooted yet again. The article highlights the plight of these refugees, who have fled Pakistan seeking a better life in India, and the uncertainties they face in the current political climate.

Gaurav Gogoi's British wife has ISI links, claims BJP; Cong hits back

Gaurav Gogoi's British wife has ISI links, claims BJP; Cong hits back

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi of raising questions on sensitive defence matters in Parliament after his marriage to a British citizen. Sarma alleged that Gogoi's wife, Elizabeth Colburn, has links with the Pakistani establishment, including working for an organisation allegedly a front for the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Gogoi has rejected the allegations as "baseless" and said the BJP is trying to divert attention from its own failures.

Prayagraj demolitions: SC orders Rs 10 lakh compensation to houseowners

Prayagraj demolitions: SC orders Rs 10 lakh compensation to houseowners

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has criticized the Uttar Pradesh government and Prayagraj Development Authority for the demolition of homes in the city, calling the actions "inhuman and illegal." The court ordered the authority to pay Rs 10 lakh compensation each to the homeowners, stating that the demolitions were carried out in a "high-handed" manner without following due legal process. The petitioners, whose homes were demolished, argued that the state government wrongly believed the land belonged to gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed. The Allahabad High Court had previously rejected their plea challenging the demolition.

'Daughter-In-Law Doesn't Want Kids. Can We Ask For Divorce?'

'Daughter-In-Law Doesn't Want Kids. Can We Ask For Divorce?'

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

If your daughter-in-law is not prepared to be a mother, there's obviously a reason for this and this is between the couple, advises rediffGURU Anu Krishna.

Modi, Vance welcome progress on Indo-US bilateral trade pact

Modi, Vance welcome progress on Indo-US bilateral trade pact

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Vice President JD Vance have expressed satisfaction with the progress made in negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement. The two leaders met in New Delhi and discussed a range of bilateral issues, including cooperation in energy, defense, strategic technologies, and other areas. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

'We Have Shown The Ability To Hit But Also To Stop'

'We Have Shown The Ability To Hit But Also To Stop'

Rediff.com16 May 2025

'We do not want to fall into a trap of uncontrolled escalation or all out conflict.' 'When the need arises we will do that.'

R-Day parade: UP's Maha Kumbh tableau wins 1st prize

R-Day parade: UP's Maha Kumbh tableau wins 1st prize

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The best marching contingent among the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and other auxiliary forces was the Delhi Police team.

Ranveer Allahbadia's 'sex with parents' remark reaches Parliament

Ranveer Allahbadia's 'sex with parents' remark reaches Parliament

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Following complaints from several MPs, a Parliamentary panel on information technology is discussing whether to summon Allahbadia.

Navy officer's wife bids heart-wrenching adieu to husband

Navy officer's wife bids heart-wrenching adieu to husband

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'Let his soul rest in peace...We should all be proud of him in every way. And we will make him proud in every way'

The Scotsman Who Knows India Better Than Many Of Us

The Scotsman Who Knows India Better Than Many Of Us

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Bill Aitken came to India nearly 60 years ago. He never returned. An Indian citizen since 1972, he tells Rediff.com's Archana Masih how India changed his life forever.

Why India Needs Trump's Tariffs To Reform Again

Why India Needs Trump's Tariffs To Reform Again

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

India needs another shot of difficult reform, of the kind only possible at gunpoint. Mr Trump holds that gun to our heads now. A drastic reduction in tariff protection, other elements of sarkari wet-nursing will force entrepreneurial India to become competitive again, argues Shekhar Gupta.

Journalist Rana Ayyub booked for 'spreading anti-India sentiment'

Journalist Rana Ayyub booked for 'spreading anti-India sentiment'

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Delhi Police on Tuesday informed a court that a first information report (FIR) was registered against journalist Rana Ayyub for allegedly making derogatory posts in 2016-17, including 'insults to Hindu deities, spreading of anti-India sentiment and incitement of religious disharmony'.

Erdogan Faces Mass Protests After Istanbul Mayor's Arrest

Erdogan Faces Mass Protests After Istanbul Mayor's Arrest

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Thousands of protesters are out on the streets of Istanbul after the arrest of the city's mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.

No more oral mention, write in for urgent hearing, says new CJI

No more oral mention, write in for urgent hearing, says new CJI

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna on Tuesday said no oral submissions for urgent listing and hearing of cases will be permitted and urged lawyers to either send emails or written letters for it.

'India's Good Relations Will Continue With Pope Leo XIV'

'India's Good Relations Will Continue With Pope Leo XIV'

Rediff.com9 May 2025

'The way our President was greeted, that itself shows how far India has come.' 'People were aware of who she is, people know who our prime minister is.' 'Everybody knows India now and everybody respects India.'

How Many Indian Students Overstayed in US?

How Many Indian Students Overstayed in US?

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

'Brazil, China, Colombia and India each had more than 2,000 of their citizens overstaying student/exchange visas, with India having the highest number (7,000).'

Indian Student fled US as immigration agents came knocking

Indian Student fled US as immigration agents came knocking

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian student at Columbia University, has left the United States after her student visa was revoked over allegations of supporting Hamas. Srinivasan, a PhD student in Urban Planning, claims her visa was revoked for engaging in protected political speech. The Trump administration has been accused of targeting pro-Palestinian demonstrators through the use of federal immigration powers, and this case has drawn attention to the potential for free speech suppression in the United States.

HC upholds death for 5 Indian Mujahideen men in Hyderabad blast case

HC upholds death for 5 Indian Mujahideen men in Hyderabad blast case

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

The Telangana High Court upheld a trial court's verdict handing out death penalty to five senior operatives of banned terror outfit, Indian Mujahideen, involved in a bomb blast that left 18 people killed in 2013. The court dismissed the criminal revision appeal filed by the IM operatives while upholding the NIA court's judgment. The five members, including IM co-founder Mohd Ahmed Sidibapa alias Yasin Bhatkal, Pakistani national Zia-ur-Rahman alias Waqas, Asadullah Akhtar alias Haddi, Tahaseen Akhtar alias Monu and Ajaz Shaikh, were convicted in 2016. The special court for NIA cases here awarded capital punishment to five convicts treating it as a rarest of the rare case. The high court, after conducting a detailed hearing in the appeals filed by the convicts, confirmed the death sentence of the five IM operatives.

Golden Opportunity For Modi To Reverse Brain Drain

Golden Opportunity For Modi To Reverse Brain Drain

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

President Trump with his MAWA has unwittingly provided us this opportunity. Will PM Modi grasp this and leave a legacy of an ushered in scientific and technological revolution in India, asks Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Who is Tahawwur Rana and how is he linked to 26/11 attacks?

Who is Tahawwur Rana and how is he linked to 26/11 attacks?

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistan-born Canadian national and close associate of David Coleman Headley, is set to be extradited to India from the US. Rana was involved in the planning and execution of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which killed 166 people, including six Americans. He assisted Headley in obtaining a visa for India, established a front company in Mumbai, and helped in reconnaissance of targets in Mumbai and New Delhi. Rana was convicted in the US for providing material support to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and sentenced to 14 years in prison. His extradition to India will allow authorities to question him about his involvement in the Mumbai attacks and potentially uncover new information about the role of Pakistani state actors.

'India must hit Pakistan hard where it hurts the most'

'India must hit Pakistan hard where it hurts the most'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'We need to raise the costs and consequences for Pakistan. It is long overdue. Our initial surgical strike was effective for about six months. Then, the Balakot strike provided a deterrent for perhaps two to three years. But we cannot operate under the assumption that such limited responses will suffice for decades to come.'

Family of missing Indian student wants her declared dead

Family of missing Indian student wants her declared dead

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The family of missing 20-year-old Indian student Sudiksha Konanki has asked police in the Dominican Republic to declare her dead, according to US media reports. Konanki was last seen on March 6 at the Riu Republic Resort in Punta Cana town. She has gone missing while on vacation in the Dominican Republic and US federal law enforcement agencies are working with authorities in the Caribbean country in the probe into her disappearance. Despite an extensive search, her body has not been found.

Govt's pace of work tripled in 3rd term: President Murmu

Govt's pace of work tripled in 3rd term: President Murmu

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

President Droupadi Murmu addressed both Houses of Parliament, highlighting the government's achievements in various sectors, including economic growth, social welfare, and infrastructure development. She emphasized the government's efforts to lift the economy out of "policy paralysis" and create a more inclusive society. Murmu also acknowledged the challenges posed by digital fraud and cybercrime and stressed the need for a social infrastructure revolution. The President's speech is considered a policy statement, outlining the government's vision and roadmap for the future.

'Insult to India and dignity of Indians': Tharoor on US deportations

'Insult to India and dignity of Indians': Tharoor on US deportations

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has condemned the manner in which Indians staying illegally in the US were deported, calling it an 'insult to India and the dignity of Indians'. He urged the Indian government to issue a message to the US, making it clear that it has no right to deport people in such an 'insulting manner'. Tharoor also pointed out that Colombia had previously refused to accept suspected immigrants of Colombian origin under similar circumstances, officially protesting when people were sent back in handcuffs. He demanded an explanation for the 'atrocious behavior' from the US government.

'Time ripe for replacing collegium with NJAC or a better system'

'Time ripe for replacing collegium with NJAC or a better system'

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Former Union Law Minister Ashwani Kumar has argued for replacing the existing collegium system for judicial appointments, asserting that public sentiment leans toward an alternative mechanism, potentially resembling the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC). He believes that the government has the authority to propose a revised constitutional amendment for judicial appointments that would withstand judicial scrutiny. Kumar also urged the Supreme Court to establish a robust internal process to address concerns within the judiciary, including allegations against judges.