News for 'The Citizen'

Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam denied bail, court cites SC order

Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam denied bail, court cites SC order

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

A Delhi court has dismissed the bail applications of activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, citing its obligation to follow a previous Supreme Court order that rejected their bail.

Worship Act doesn't stop land acquisition for public projects: HC

Worship Act doesn't stop land acquisition for public projects: HC

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, prohibits only the conversion of religious character but does not prevent the state from acquiring such properties for secular and public purposes. This observation came while dismissing a petition challenging the widening and beautification of the Dalmandi area in Varanasi for the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor, which involved the proposed demolition of six ancient mosques.

Why Is Modi Meeting Secretaries?

Why Is Modi Meeting Secretaries?

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet secretaries of key Union ministries and departments to review their performance, focusing on ease of living, ease of doing business, and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives, amidst strong speculation of an impending Cabinet reshuffle.

Obscure NCPI flexes numbers after TMC merger

Obscure NCPI flexes numbers after TMC merger

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), previously obscure, has gained national attention after 20 rebel TMC MPs merged with it. The Tripura-based party now claims to be the largest parliamentary bloc from West Bengal, holding 20 Lok Sabha seats. Its registered address in Howrah is linked to a couple running an NGO, and a founder member has expressed support for PM Modi and a desire to join the NDA.

NITI Aayog Urges India's AI Self-Reliance After US Export Controls

NITI Aayog Urges India's AI Self-Reliance After US Export Controls

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

NITI Aayog member Abhay Karandikar stated that the US government's new export controls, which led AI giant Anthropic to take its latest models offline, underscore the critical need for India to achieve self-reliance in technology development, particularly in AI infrastructure and hardware.

TMC seeks disqualification of 20 rebel MPs

TMC seeks disqualification of 20 rebel MPs

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee has formally petitioned Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to disqualify 20 rebel MPs, arguing their claimed merger with the lesser-known Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) is invalid under the anti-defection law.

Unni Mukundan Lauds Kerala Government's Operation Toofan

Unni Mukundan Lauds Kerala Government's Operation Toofan

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Actor Unni Mukundan has praised the Kerala government and police for their ongoing "Operation Toofan," a sustained crackdown on narcotics and organised drug networks across the state. He lauded Chief Minister VD Satheesan and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala for their decisive action and highlighted the positive impact on public faith in law enforcement.

Why Modi Wants To Curb NGOs Funding

Why Modi Wants To Curb NGOs Funding

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Larger NGOs could no longer work with smaller ones, especially those organisations working on the ground that had no means of or expertise in raising money themselves, reveals Aakar Patel.

Indian Leaders Urge PM Modi to Evacuate Citizens Amid Iran Conflict

Indian Leaders Urge PM Modi to Evacuate Citizens Amid Iran Conflict

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take urgent steps for the evacuation of Indian citizens stuck in countries affected by the recent joint Israel-US attack on Iran.

PM Modi Praises India's Progress In Defence And Yoga

PM Modi Praises India's Progress In Defence And Yoga

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 'Mann Ki Baat' broadcast, highlighted India's recent achievements in self-reliance, including the maiden flight of the made-in-India C-295 aircraft and the induction of indigenous naval ships. He also lauded the global participation in International Yoga Day and India's success at the World Yoga Asana Championship, alongside Nalanda University's revival of the 'Shastrarth' tradition.

Scolded by Mamata, Bengal TMC chief quits, may join rebels

Scolded by Mamata, Bengal TMC chief quits, may join rebels

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Chandrima Bhattacharya has resigned as the party's West Bengal president and from all other posts, citing a loss of trust after an admonishment from Mamata Banerjee. She has since been seen meeting with the Ritabrata Banerjee-led rebel faction, further deepening the organisational crisis within the TMC following its recent Assembly election defeat.

A General Says Goodbye

A General Says Goodbye

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The outgoing Army Chief was accorded ceremonial honours and paid tribute at the National War Memorial.

Maha govt to make statement on Mumbai local train murder

Maha govt to make statement on Mumbai local train murder

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The murder of a commuter on a Mumbai suburban train has sparked a debate in the Maharashtra assembly, with the Opposition demanding answers on passenger safety. Speaker Rahul Narwekar has directed the government to provide a statement on the incident, investigation progress, and safety measures by June 29. The incident involved the fatal stabbing of a 22-year-old during an argument over train doors, with the accused already arrested.

MP Urges Centre to Enact Law Against Discrimination Towards North-Eastern Citizens

MP Urges Centre to Enact Law Against Discrimination Towards North-Eastern Citizens

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

BJP MP Tapir Gao has called on the central government to enact a law to protect people from the northeast from discrimination and atrocities outside their home states, following an alleged assault on a Manipuri woman in Delhi.

Iran asks citizens to form 'human chains' around power plants as Trump deadline nears

Iran asks citizens to form 'human chains' around power plants as Trump deadline nears

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Facing escalating threats from the US, Iran is mobilizing its citizens to form 'human chains' around power plants as a defensive measure against potential airstrikes, raising concerns about international law and civilian safety.

Khamenei Funeral Signals Shift In India-Iran Relations

Khamenei Funeral Signals Shift In India-Iran Relations

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

It is an unusual choice to depute a retired general for the funeral of a revered religious figure but a thoughtful one in an attempt to inject verve into the bilateral relationship and restore the equilibrium in India's West Asian policies, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Why Investors Are Choosing Equity Savings Funds

Why Investors Are Choosing Equity Savings Funds

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The tax treatment of equity savings funds makes them appealing, especially to investors in higher income-tax brackets.

Satluj Review: Brave Political Drama

Satluj Review: Brave Political Drama

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Satluj is a chilling reminder of what happens when a state is allowed to become judge, jury and executioner, asserts Sreeju Sudhakaran.

The H-1 B Visa and the Fading American Dream

The H-1 B Visa and the Fading American Dream

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The H-1B visa once symbolised the American Dream for Indians, but today's students are increasingly asking whether they need America at all. In 1995, the question was: How do I get to America? In 2026, it may be: Do I need to?

TMC power battle explodes as Ritabrata-led rebel camp captures party HQ

TMC power battle explodes as Ritabrata-led rebel camp captures party HQ

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

A rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, has taken control of the party's organisational headquarters in Kolkata. This move follows their claim to the party's name and symbol before the Election Commission, intensifying the power struggle with the Mamata Banerjee-led faction. Both sides are now preparing submissions for the Election Commission regarding the party's control.

Thousands stretch with Modi at Kolkata's iconic Red Road to mark 12th Yoga Day

Thousands stretch with Modi at Kolkata's iconic Red Road to mark 12th Yoga Day

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led thousands in a yoga session at Kolkata's Red Road to celebrate the 12th International Day of Yoga, actively participating and assisting attendees. Several dignitaries also joined the mass demonstration, continuing a tradition Modi has upheld since the event's UN adoption in 2015.

TMC Split: Speaker Birla To Meet Abhishek Banerjee

TMC Split: Speaker Birla To Meet Abhishek Banerjee

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has invited Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee for a meeting on June 19 to discuss the party's internal split. This comes after 20 rebel TMC MPs sought recognition as a separate group following their merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India. Birla plans to hear both factions before making a decision, while Banerjee has argued against recognising any separate group within the AITC, citing anti-defection laws and a recent Supreme Court judgment.

NEET heat on Pradhan: CJP gets police nod for second Delhi stir on Saturday

NEET heat on Pradhan: CJP gets police nod for second Delhi stir on Saturday

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced plans for a protest at Jantar Mantar on June 20, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy. The party highlighted student suicides linked to the issue and called for compensation for affected families.

Man Held in Cyber Fraud Case Involving Senior Citizen

Man Held in Cyber Fraud Case Involving Senior Citizen

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Mumbai police have arrested a man from Gujarat for his alleged involvement in a cyber fraud case where a senior citizen was duped of Rs 2.25 crore after being threatened with arrest in a fake terrorism-related probe.

First meet at Seva Teerth: Cabinet pledges citizen-centric governance

First meet at Seva Teerth: Cabinet pledges citizen-centric governance

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

The Union Cabinet, meeting at the new PMO complex 'Seva Teerth', resolved to prioritize citizen empowerment and service in all its decisions, guided by the principle of 'Nagrik Devo Bhava'.

How Delhi Police Uncovered A Cyber Fraud Mule Account Network

How Delhi Police Uncovered A Cyber Fraud Mule Account Network

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Delhi Police have arrested two individuals from Haryana for their alleged involvement in facilitating cyber fraud through mule bank accounts. The arrests were made during an investigation into an online investment scam that defrauded a senior citizen of over Rs 1.69 lakh.

US proposes steep hike in citizenship application fees

US proposes steep hike in citizenship application fees

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed a nearly 75 per cent increase in the filing fee for Form N-400, the application for US citizenship through naturalisation, raising it from $760 to $1,330. The proposal also seeks to eliminate reduced-fee options and fee waivers, potentially impacting thousands of immigrants, including Indians.

NIA probes US citizen, six Ukrainians in cross-border terror plot

NIA probes US citizen, six Ukrainians in cross-border terror plot

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is investigating a US citizen and six Ukrainians for a terror conspiracy involving suspected links to ethnic rebel groups in India and Myanmar, including allegations of providing drone training.

Monsoon fury: Several dead across country, red alert in Palghar

Monsoon fury: Several dead across country, red alert in Palghar

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Monsoon rains have unleashed widespread destruction across India, claiming seven lives in Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka due to landslides and floods, while heavy downpours have disrupted normal life and triggered red alerts in Maharashtra and other regions.

'They left my son to die, now they are roaming free': A father's emotional plea

'They left my son to die, now they are roaming free': A father's emotional plea

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The grieving parents of Sarthak Mattoo, who died in an alleged hit-and-run incident in southwest Delhi, have made an emotional video appeal for justice, questioning the pace of the police investigation and demanding strict action against those responsible.

Why Is Modi Thanking Trump, Asks Kejriwal

Why Is Modi Thanking Trump, Asks Kejriwal

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for thanking US President Donald Trump, arguing that India's sovereignty and national interest should be paramount. Kejriwal questioned the basis of Modi's gratitude, citing incidents involving attacks on ships carrying Indians and the deaths of Indian nationals, and called for strong leadership to protect India's interests.

Delhi Police Returns Hundreds Of Recovered Mobile Phones

Delhi Police Returns Hundreds Of Recovered Mobile Phones

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The Delhi Police returned 532 recovered lost and stolen mobile phones to their owners under 'Operation Vishwas'. The event included cyber crime and drug abuse awareness sessions.

Minions & Monsters Review: A Hilarious Love Letter To Cinema

Minions & Monsters Review: A Hilarious Love Letter To Cinema

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Minions & Monsters entertains with its cinematic nostalgia baits, even if it never quite escapes the franchise's familiar storytelling flaws.

India Working to Safely Evacuate Citizens from Middle East Amid Conflict

India Working to Safely Evacuate Citizens from Middle East Amid Conflict

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi stated that the Indian government is actively working to ensure the safe return of Indian citizens stranded in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the volatile situation and the government's commitment to their safety.

Multi-State Cyber Fraud Suspect Nabbed In Assam

Multi-State Cyber Fraud Suspect Nabbed In Assam

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Assam Police have arrested a cyber fraudster suspected of involvement in multi-state digital crimes. The arrest was made by the Crime Investigation Department's Cyber Police Station, and the suspect is believed to have operated a highly active mule account.

Indian Citizen Dies in Riyadh Amidst West Asia Conflict

Indian Citizen Dies in Riyadh Amidst West Asia Conflict

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

An Indian national was killed in a missile attack on Riyadh, bringing the total number of Indian fatalities in the West Asia conflict to six. The Indian embassy in Riyadh has expressed condolences and is providing assistance to the family.

Speaker Om Birla to decide fate of rebel TMC bloc as NCPI eyes major LS leap

Speaker Om Birla to decide fate of rebel TMC bloc as NCPI eyes major LS leap

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) has named Jyotiprakash Chatterji as its new president, a development that follows the merger of a Trinamool Congress (TMC) rebel Lok Sabha faction with the party. This announcement by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, a key figure in the dissident camp, comes amidst speculation about the party's leadership after its founder stepped down. However, details about Chatterji and the party's internal workings remain unclear, with some existing members expressing unawareness of the change.

How Bhubaneswar Police Uncovered A Digital Escort Service Fraud

How Bhubaneswar Police Uncovered A Digital Escort Service Fraud

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Bhubaneswar police have busted a fraudulent digital escort service racket, arresting four individuals for allegedly misusing women's photographs on social media and cheating customers through online payments. The investigation, initiated by a woman's complaint, led to the seizure of digital evidence and a public advisory against such scams.

Vijay breaks protocol, spontaneous public engagement goes viral

Vijay breaks protocol, spontaneous public engagement goes viral

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay recently broke from protocol by stopping his convoy on the East Coast Road to interact directly with the public, an event that quickly went viral. This follows another recent viral moment where he was seen driving his own SUV to a temple in Karnataka.

Expiry date display on ecom platforms is under consumer dept rules: Fssai

Expiry date display on ecom platforms is under consumer dept rules: Fssai

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has clarified that the display of expiry and 'best before' dates on packaged food products sold on e-commerce platforms is governed by the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, which are administered by the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA).