News for 'First Citizens'

Emergency Review: Kangana's Disaster

Emergency Review: Kangana's Disaster

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

Kangana Ranaut's decline as an actor feels complete, observes Utkarsh Mishra.

GST rates on host of goods rejigged

GST rates on host of goods rejigged

Rediff.com19 Oct 2024

Term life insurance policies, and senior citizens' health insurance premium are likely to be exempted from GST as most members of a state ministerial panel favoured cutting taxes to benefit the common man, an official said on Saturday. The GoM to decide on GST on health and life insurance premiums in its meeting on Saturday decided to exempt GST on premiums paid by individuals, other than senior citizens, for health insurance with coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh. However, 18 per cent GST will continue to be levied for health insurance cover of over Rs 5 lakh.

How Dr Singh Changed Finance Minister's Role

How Dr Singh Changed Finance Minister's Role

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

'Suddenly we had a new comprehension of affairs, which reminded that the luxury of politics floated atop a foundation by economics.' 'Along with this, finance ministers became crucial in molding the perception and reputation of Union Cabinets.' 'Governments couldn't afford a wrong person in that portfolio,' asserts Shyam G Menon.

Trump 47: Disruptor Or Savvy Dealmaker?

Trump 47: Disruptor Or Savvy Dealmaker?

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

Donald Trump's exaggerated opinion of his dealmaking capacity can get him into trouble, observes R Sriram.

Census to begin next year, no decision on caste data

Census to begin next year, no decision on caste data

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

The much-delayed decadal census exercise and the work to update the National Population Register (NPR) are likely to begin early 2025 and the data will be declared by 2026, thus changing future census cycles completely, official sources said.

SC orders stricter anti-pollution curbs as Delhi AQI slips to 'severe+'

SC orders stricter anti-pollution curbs as Delhi AQI slips to 'severe+'

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

An AQI of 400 or higher is deemed 'severe' and it can have an adverse effect on both healthy individuals and people who already have medical conditions.

'It's Cold-Blooded Murder'

'It's Cold-Blooded Murder'

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

'Look at the post mortem reports. Every body (of the 10 Kuki-Zo youth who were killed) has almost 12 bullet marks on it.' 'Why do they have to fire so much even if they wanted to kill them?' 'One or two shots would be enough to kill them. Why then they had to fire so many bullets on them?'

Bidhuri sorry for controversial remark on Priyanka, but invokes Lalu

Bidhuri sorry for controversial remark on Priyanka, but invokes Lalu

Rediff.com5 Jan 2025

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and party's candidate from Kalkaji, Ramesh Bidhuri, has yet again courted controversy by allegedly saying that after victory in the Delhi assembly polls next month, he will develop smooth roads in the constituency like Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi's 'cheeks'.

To save Shah's skin they said 'bhaiya' pushed: Priyanka slams BJP

To save Shah's skin they said 'bhaiya' pushed: Priyanka slams BJP

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused the BJP of a "conspiracy to save Home Minister Amit Shah's skin" following a clash in Parliament over allegations of disrespect towards B.R. Ambedkar. She alleged that BJP MPs instigated the violence and pushed opposition members, including Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, to prevent them from entering Parliament. Gandhi also challenged BJP MPs to say "Jai Bhim" and accused them of having "violent intentions" and insulting the legacy of Ambedkar.

God spared my life for a reason: Trump in victory speech

God spared my life for a reason: Trump in victory speech

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

Former US President Donald Trump addressed his supporters on Wednesday, thanking them for giving Republicans an unprecedented and powerful mandate, and said this moment will help the country "heal".

UK PM's office apologises for Diwali reception menu

UK PM's office apologises for Diwali reception menu

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office on Friday apologised for a 'mistake' in the organisation of its Diwali reception at 10 Downing Street after some British Hindus objected to non-vegetarian food and alcohol being served at the gathering.

'Trump Has Very Positive View Of Modi'

'Trump Has Very Positive View Of Modi'

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

'By his words, actions, and body language during their joint press appearance wanted to convey his personal respect and, more broadly, his desire to work closely with India.'

Chhattisgarh will be Maoist-free by Mar 2026: Amit Shah

Chhattisgarh will be Maoist-free by Mar 2026: Amit Shah

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has declared that Chhattisgarh will be free from the menace of Naxalism by March 31, 2026. He stated that the Centre and the state government are committed to eradicating Naxalism, highlighting the significant achievements of the Chhattisgarh police in the last year. Shah also appealed to Naxalites to surrender and join the mainstream, emphasizing the government's rehabilitation policy. He further praised the Chhattisgarh police's efforts in curbing organized crime and narcotics.

Manu, Vinesh, Babita, Bajrang Vote

Manu, Vinesh, Babita, Bajrang Vote

Rediff.com5 Oct 2024

Sports stars in Haryana stepped out to cast their vote on Saturday.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Engaging The Indian Diaspora Is A Must

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Engaging The Indian Diaspora Is A Must

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

The Indian Diaspora has been able to carve a niche in their adopted countries as a result of their talent, perseverance and hardworking nature, asserts Rup Narayan Das.

PIX: For Mumbaikars election day is selfie day!

PIX: For Mumbaikars election day is selfie day!

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

Mumbai, infamous for its voter apathy, stepped out to exercise its franchise on Wednesday.

Jyoti Punwani: December 6, 1992, All Over Again?

Jyoti Punwani: December 6, 1992, All Over Again?

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Can ordinary citizens counter this backward march? Can peace activists ensure that the two communities retain their bonds? Do they have a choice, asks Jyoti Punwani.

President Murmu to lead celebrations to mark 75 years of Constitution

President Murmu to lead celebrations to mark 75 years of Constitution

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

A special website has also been created to mark the year-long celebrations, Union Culture Secretary Arunish Chawla told reporters during a briefing at the National Media Centre in New Delhi.

US Supreme Court rules against Indian citizen in deportation case

US Supreme Court rules against Indian citizen in deportation case

Rediff.com17 May 2022

The US Supreme Court has ruled against an Indian citizen who has spent decades in the US and faces deportation after checking the wrong box on a driver's licence application.

Is Elon Musk dating Italian PM Meloni? He says...

Is Elon Musk dating Italian PM Meloni? He says...

Rediff.com25 Sep 2024

However, Musk silenced all the comments on Wednesday by replying to an X post that questioned if he and Meloni "would date".

Operation Kaveri: India brings back home 186 more citizens from Sudan

Operation Kaveri: India brings back home 186 more citizens from Sudan

Rediff.com1 May 2023

On Sunday, 229 Indians arrived in Bengaluru while 365 people reached Delhi the day before.

US resident booked for sharing Nirmala Sitharaman's deepfake video

US resident booked for sharing Nirmala Sitharaman's deepfake video

Rediff.com9 Jul 2024

The video clip shows Sitharaman purportedly giving a bite to the media and terming Goods and Services Tax as the Gopaniya Suchna Tax. It was shared by one Chirag Patel on his X handle.

It Won't Be An Easy Term For The BJP

It Won't Be An Easy Term For The BJP

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

Delhi faces a severe financial crunch and the deficit is largely due to numerous welfare schemes without adequate revenue flowing in. The success of welfare schemes and electoral promises will need careful financial planning and out of the box thinking to whip up additional revenue, notes Ramesh Menon.

Can Kejriwal Make It Three In A Row?

Can Kejriwal Make It Three In A Row?

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The BJP may win more seats in the February 5 assembly election, but not enough to trump AAP, notes Ramesh Menon.

Ex-RAW official declared 'wanted' by FBI in Pannun murder plot

Ex-RAW official declared 'wanted' by FBI in Pannun murder plot

Rediff.com18 Oct 2024

The US Justice Department on Thursday charged Yadav for his role in the assassination plot.

Census, NPR unlikely in 2024 too as only Rs 1,309.46cr allocated

Census, NPR unlikely in 2024 too as only Rs 1,309.46cr allocated

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The entire census and NPR exercise is likely to cost the government over Rs 12,000 crore, the officials said.

'Canada ignored India's warning on organised crime'

'Canada ignored India's warning on organised crime'

Rediff.com27 Oct 2024

India first raised the presence of organised crime in Canada but the issue was ignored because of a permissive atmosphere for a long time, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday, rejecting the targeting of its high commissioner and diplomats by the Trudeau government.

Mahatma Carter

Mahatma Carter

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

Carter was in politics, but not a politician, certainly not a transactional politician, points out Shreekant Sambrani.

Ajit Pawar, RSS chief among early voters in Maharashtra

Ajit Pawar, RSS chief among early voters in Maharashtra

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat were among the early voters to exercise their franchise as polling was underway on Wednesday for the state assembly elections.

One family 'tasted blood'...: Modi tears into Gandhis

One family 'tasted blood'...: Modi tears into Gandhis

Rediff.com14 Dec 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, accusing it of repeatedly "wounding" the Indian Constitution. He claimed that the Congress, driven by its "lust for power," has consistently undermined the principles of the Constitution. Modi, however, praised India's democratic journey since its independence, highlighting the country's strong democratic roots and its unwavering commitment to its founding principles. He underscored the importance of unity for India's future development and emphasized that the Constitution is the bedrock of that unity.

Political space given to extremists: Jaishankar on Canada temple attack

Political space given to extremists: Jaishankar on Canada temple attack

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took a strong exception to the Hindu temple incident in Brampton.

Diwali celebrated on US Capitol Hill on grand scale

Diwali celebrated on US Capitol Hill on grand scale

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

More than two dozen lawmakers and prominent Indian Americans gathered at the US Capitol for the annual Diwali celebration, highlighting the contributions of the Indian American community and the strong US-India relationship. The event, organized by the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, also featured addresses from several Congressmen and Senators who expressed support for Indian Americans and emphasized the importance of the US-India partnership.

'I Want To Make Serious Films That Are Also Cheesy'

'I Want To Make Serious Films That Are Also Cheesy'

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

'In Mumbai, isolation is a very different isolation.' 'It's not about actual physical loneliness.' 'It's the loneliness in the company of others, and I felt that that is a very Mumbai thing.' 'You can be travelling in the ladies compartment squashed against everybody's armpits and still be really, really sad and alone.'

ATMs to loans: All eyes on the road for finance world

ATMs to loans: All eyes on the road for finance world

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

In the Union Budget for Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24), Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had held forth on the need for better governance and investor protection in the banking sector. She had proposed certain amendments to the Reserve Bank of India Act (RBI Act), 1934; the Banking Regulation Act (BR Act), 1949; and the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970.

Understand Russian feeling; will acquire Canada: Trump's big remarks

Understand Russian feeling; will acquire Canada: Trump's big remarks

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

United States President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday said that he understands the Russian feeling with NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) being on their doorstep.

SC orders medical aid for fasting farmer leader

SC orders medical aid for fasting farmer leader

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

The Supreme Court on Friday ordered immediate medical aid for farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on an indefinite fast at the Punjab-Haryana border. The court also urged farmers to adopt the Gandhian way of protesting and to ensure that Dallewal's life is saved. The court has formed a high-powered committee to make recommendations to the stakeholders regarding the farmers' grievances.

'Election With EVM Is Not Fair Unless...'

'Election With EVM Is Not Fair Unless...'

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

'We accept EVMs cannot be hacked because it is not connected, but can they be manipulated?' 'Are you allowing us to check if EVMs can be manipulated?'

Temple attack in Canada draws strong condemnation in India

Temple attack in Canada draws strong condemnation in India

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

The 'deliberate attack' on a Hindu temple in Canada sparked strong condemnation in India on Monday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.

7 Stunning Sequences From Raj Kapoor Films

7 Stunning Sequences From Raj Kapoor Films

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

Within his short lifespan of 63 years, Raj Kapoor left behind an incredible cinematic legacy. Dinesh Raheja continues celebrating Raj Kapoor's birth centenary by looking at seven sequences from his films that have defined Hindi cinema.

Canada lists India as cyberthreat, MEA reacts strongly

Canada lists India as cyberthreat, MEA reacts strongly

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

While there was no mention of India in the National Cyber Threat Assessment reports of 2018, 2020 and 2023-24, the 2025-26 assessment mentions India -- along with China, Russia, Iran and North Korea -- in the 'Cyber threat from state adversaries' section that introduces the state cyber threat ecosystem and discusses the cyber threats to Canada.