News for 'The Citizen'

Doing Your PhD? You Could Get A Rs 33,000 Scholarship

Doing Your PhD? You Could Get A Rs 33,000 Scholarship

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund invites applications for Jawaharlal Nehru Scholarships for Doctoral Studies for the year 2026. A candidate may apply for scholarship in any one of the following areas of specialization:: Indian History & Civilization, Sociology, Comparative Studies in Religion & Culture, Ecology & Environment and Economics

'Illegal' UP mosque razed amid heavy police deployment

'Illegal' UP mosque razed amid heavy police deployment

Rediff.com20 hours ago

An 'illegally' constructed mosque within the Saharanpur district collectorate complex was demolished following a court order, drawing strong condemnation from opposition parties who accused the government of engaging in 'politics of hate' and undermining social harmony.

World Letter Writing Day: 8 Letters, 8 Special Stories

World Letter Writing Day: 8 Letters, 8 Special Stories

Rediff.com5 days ago

World Letter Writing Day is a time to recall historic letters. Some letters were written in love. Some in grief. Others at moments when the world stood on the brink of change.

Footpaths for walking: SC asks states, UTs for update

Footpaths for walking: SC asks states, UTs for update

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has declared the right to walk on demarcated footpaths a fundamental right, directing all states and Union Territories to ensure proper, encroachment-free pedestrian spaces. The court emphasised that footpaths are integral to human life and safety, and states must respond to advisories issued by central ministries regarding their implementation.

LS secretariat issues notices to 20 rebel TMC MPs in defection row

LS secretariat issues notices to 20 rebel TMC MPs in defection row

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

The Lok Sabha Secretariat has issued notices to 20 rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs, seeking their replies within seven days regarding petitions filed by TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee for their disqualification under the anti-defection law.

2 dead, 130 'Govindas' injured in Dahi Handi festivities in Maha

2 dead, 130 'Govindas' injured in Dahi Handi festivities in Maha

Rediff.com16 hours ago

Dahi Handi celebrations in Maharashtra turned tragic with two fatalities and over 130 'Govindas' injured. A seven-year-old boy died in Mumbai after a brick column collapsed, while a woman was crushed by an iron frame in Pune. Authorities are investigating the incidents, and political leaders have urged for safety during the festivities.

SC junks PIL seeking mandatory ethanol labelling at petrol pumps

SC junks PIL seeking mandatory ethanol labelling at petrol pumps

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Supreme Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking mandatory and uniform labelling of ethanol percentage in petrol at fuel pumps. The petitioner, Narendra Kumar Goswami, was advised to approach the jurisdictional high court for relief, with the Attorney General arguing it was a proxy litigation.

Brazilian Legend Cafu Calls On India To Embrace Football Potential

Brazilian Legend Cafu Calls On India To Embrace Football Potential

Rediff.com21 hours ago

Legendary Brazilian captain Cafu has urged India to shed its "tiny status" mindset in football and believe in its potential for growth, offering Brazil's cooperation. He responded to Bhaichung Bhutia's concerns about an India-Brazil friendly, emphasising the importance of grassroots development and international collaboration, drawing parallels with Japan and China's success. Cafu also shared his personal journey of overcoming doubts to become a football legend.

India works with Nepal on repatriating flood victims' remains

India works with Nepal on repatriating flood victims' remains

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Indian Embassy in Nepal has released a detailed procedure for identifying and repatriating the mortal remains of foreign nationals, including Indians, who perished in the recent devastating flash floods. The process involves a nine-step protocol by Nepali authorities, DNA matching for unidentified remains, and assistance from the Indian Embassy for coordination and repatriation.

Courts shouldn't dictate dress codes: BJP on HC's hijab verdict

Courts shouldn't dictate dress codes: BJP on HC's hijab verdict

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

The BJP has criticised the Allahabad High Court's observations regarding the wearing of a hijab in school, stating that such matters should be left to school administrations and not courts. BJP spokesperson Syed Zafar Islam argued that faith is a significant personal aspect and courts should not dictate personal attire, while also acknowledging that schools have the right to set uniform policies. The High Court had dismissed a petition seeking permission for a girl to wear a headscarf, ruling it's not an essential part of Islamic faith.

Trump tightens green card rules, Indians face fresh hurdles

Trump tightens green card rules, Indians face fresh hurdles

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Trump administration has reinstated and expanded the "public charge" rule, making it harder for immigrants seeking green cards if they have used public benefits like Medicaid, food stamps, or housing assistance. This policy change, effective September 18, will impact many applicants, including those from India, by broadening the criteria for inadmissibility.

Maha sarpanch discusses bribe 'rate card', video goes viral

Maha sarpanch discusses bribe 'rate card', video goes viral

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

A video from Maharashtra's Latur district has gone viral, showing a sarpanch discussing a "rate card" for bribes allegedly demanded by officials to approve government aid for villagers. The sarpanch claimed that Panchayat Samiti members and officials were demanding money for schemes like wells, cattle sheds, and housing. Authorities have sought an explanation from the sarpanch and are investigating the allegations.

Get A Scholarship Worth Rs 75,000

Get A Scholarship Worth Rs 75,000

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The scholarship is open to students from Classes 1 to 12, as well as those pursuing their diploma, ITI, polytechnic, undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including both general and professional programmes.

American Citizen Arrested Trying To Illegally Cross Into Nepal

American Citizen Arrested Trying To Illegally Cross Into Nepal

Rediff.com30 May 2026

A US national was arrested in Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, while allegedly attempting to cross illegally into Nepal. The individual, identified as Phelan Travis Anthony, had overstayed his visa in India and was trying to evade legal proceedings.

How India Post Is Revolutionising Last-Mile Connectivity With Drone Delivery

How India Post Is Revolutionising Last-Mile Connectivity With Drone Delivery

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Department of Posts successfully conducted its first-ever drone delivery of the National Flag from Mandi to Rehardhar in Himachal Pradesh. This initiative, overseen by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, highlights the integration of technology with public service to enhance last-mile connectivity in challenging terrains and supports the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign.

Maha FDA unveils permanent food safety calendar for festivals

Maha FDA unveils permanent food safety calendar for festivals

Rediff.com2 days ago

Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has introduced a permanent, year-round food safety calendar to ensure public health during major festivals. This first-of-its-kind initiative categorises festivals into three levels and implements a four-stage inspection mechanism, focusing on preventing adulteration and unsafe food practices for high-demand products like sweets, dairy, and edible oils.

Haryana Police Busts Fake Call Centre Defrauding US Citizens

Haryana Police Busts Fake Call Centre Defrauding US Citizens

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Haryana Police have dismantled a fraudulent international call centre in Panchkula, arresting 21 individuals involved in scamming US citizens by impersonating employees of a major e-commerce company.

Iran hits US base after missile strike on wedding celebration

Iran hits US base after missile strike on wedding celebration

Rediff.com4 days ago

The United States Central Command announced strikes against Iranian military targets, including air defence and communication sites, in retaliation for alleged attacks on commercial shipping and US personnel. However, Iran's Foreign Ministry claims these strikes caused over 50 civilian casualties at a wedding and vowed a firm response. Iran's state media also reported retaliatory ballistic missile and drone attacks on US bases in Jordan and Bahrain, claims which were partially corroborated by Kuwait and Jordan reporting intercepted drones and missiles.

Man seeking ban on DJs, loudspeakers assaulted in Pune

Man seeking ban on DJs, loudspeakers assaulted in Pune

Rediff.com2 days ago

Vidyanand Bapat, a Pune-based activist advocating for a ban on high-decibel DJ systems and loudspeakers during festivals, was publicly assaulted by a man named Santosh Chavan while speaking to media persons.

Guj CID busts Rs 1,071 cr China-linked cybercrime ring, 'mastermind' held

Guj CID busts Rs 1,071 cr China-linked cybercrime ring, 'mastermind' held

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Gujarat CID has arrested Rafiqul Alam, the alleged 'mastermind' behind 1,090 cybercrimes totalling Rs 1,071.5 crore, who was found to have links with China-based criminals and converted illicit funds into cryptocurrencies.

FULL TEXT: President Murmu's address to the nation on eve of 80th I-Day

FULL TEXT: President Murmu's address to the nation on eve of 80th I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

In her address to the nation on the eve of the country's 80th Independence Day, the president stressed that just as government and society remain united to ensure national security, everyone must contribute through joint and concerted efforts to safeguard the present and future of students.

Haryana Police Busts Fake Call Centre Defrauding US Citizens

Haryana Police Busts Fake Call Centre Defrauding US Citizens

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Haryana Police busted a fake international call centre in Panchkula, arresting 21 individuals for defrauding US citizens by posing as employees of a leading e-commerce company.

Indian EVMs are secure, not connected to internet: CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Indian EVMs are secure, not connected to internet: CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has affirmed that Indian electronic voting machines (EVMs) are manufactured by public sector companies and operate without internet, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi connectivity, ensuring their security and reliability.

Kareena In Daayra: 'She Is A Cop Who Wears Lipstick'

Kareena In Daayra: 'She Is A Cop Who Wears Lipstick'

Rediff.com5 days ago

'Ever since I have become a mother, I have become a better actor.'

They stopped at a temple for 20 mins. Then flood hit: Keralites recall escape

They stopped at a temple for 20 mins. Then flood hit: Keralites recall escape

Rediff.com6 days ago

A 31-member group from Kerala narrowly escaped the devastating flash floods in Nepal thanks to a 20-minute delay at a Buddha temple. They recounted their terrifying ordeal, including witnessing the destruction and spending a night without basic necessities, before safely returning to Kerala.

Delhi SIR: Voter rolls fall 37.4% in affluent constituencies

Delhi SIR: Voter rolls fall 37.4% in affluent constituencies

Rediff.com4 days ago

Delhi's draft electoral rolls show a significant reduction in voters, with affluent constituencies experiencing a higher percentage drop (37.4%) compared to areas with unauthorised colonies and Jhuggi-Jhopdi clusters (35.7%). Overall, 47.5 lakh voters have been excluded, with officials noting Delhi's exclusion rate is the highest among states undertaking Special Intensive Revision. Citizens have until September 30 to file claims and objections before the final roll is published on November 4.

'Mere pyare deshwasiyon' dominates Modi's 13th I-Day speech

'Mere pyare deshwasiyon' dominates Modi's 13th I-Day speech

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day speeches consistently feature specific terms of address like 'Mere pyare deshwasiyon' and 'sathiyon', offering insights into his communication strategy and connection with the Indian populace.

'Rs 12 Lakh Crore Disappeared from India's GDP'

'Rs 12 Lakh Crore Disappeared from India's GDP'

Rediff.com1 days ago

'The fundamental issue that I have raised, how come India's GDP in current prices went down from Rs 86 lakh crore down to Rs 80 lakh crore -- a staggering erasure of Rs 6 lakh crore. This disappearance of Rs 6 lakh crore has not been answered by anyone.'

West Bengal to fine Rs 100 for spitting, Rs 200 for littering, open defecation

West Bengal to fine Rs 100 for spitting, Rs 200 for littering, open defecation

Rediff.com4 days ago

West Bengal's Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Pal announced that fines for spitting, littering, open defecation, and using single-use plastic bags will be enforced from Tuesday, with penalties ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 200, aiming to change public behaviour rather than generate revenue.

Did Bihar Police 'arrest' a 6-yr-old boy for protesting?

Did Bihar Police 'arrest' a 6-yr-old boy for protesting?

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Six-year-old Aditya gained attention for his bold comments during a student protest in Patna against Bihar Public Service Commission examinations. Despite social media rumours of his arrest, police clarified he was held for safety and returned to his parents, advising them to be more careful. The protest saw clashes, lathi-charge, and injuries.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang visits flood-hit Gyirong township in Tibet

Chinese Premier Li Qiang visits flood-hit Gyirong township in Tibet

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

A massive flash flood near the China-Nepal border in Tibet has left hundreds missing and caused significant casualties. Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited the affected Gyirong Township to oversee rescue and relief operations, with the PLA mobilising forces for search and rescue.

Nepal flash floods: 59 Mansarovar pilgrims among missing Indians

Nepal flash floods: 59 Mansarovar pilgrims among missing Indians

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Over 130 Indian nationals, including Kailash Manasarovar Yatra pilgrims and tourists, are missing or stranded in Nepal following devastating flash floods that have cut off central districts and disrupted communication links. Indian states and the embassy in Kathmandu have launched helplines to assist those affected.

Modi meets Putin, urges him to end Ukraine war

Modi meets Putin, urges him to end Ukraine war

Rediff.com5 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to move from 'endless war to the end of war' in Ukraine, emphasising that a peaceful resolution is humanity's shared priority.

Saree becomes lifeline as Tamil Nadu pilgrims escape Nepal floods

Saree becomes lifeline as Tamil Nadu pilgrims escape Nepal floods

Rediff.com7 days ago

A group of 21 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu faced a terrifying ordeal during a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash when flash floods and mudslides struck Timure, Nepal. Despite being trapped in a raging torrent, a combination of miraculous coincidences, quick thinking, and the selfless heroism of a couple, Ratnakumar and Poonguzhali, ensured their survival. Indian and Tamil Nadu officials coordinated a swift rescue operation, bringing them safely back home.

App Cab Driver In Thane Sent To Judicial Custody For Senior Citizen Assault

App Cab Driver In Thane Sent To Judicial Custody For Senior Citizen Assault

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

An app cab driver, Nishant Dhar Shukla, has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody in Thane for brutally assaulting a 70-year-old man, Sarosh Dastur, who objected to him spitting on the road. The incident, captured on video, sparked widespread outrage and prompted official intervention.

Shehbaz present as Modi warns SCO: No double standards on terror

Shehbaz present as Modi warns SCO: No double standards on terror

Rediff.com4 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the SCO summit in Bishkek, called for a united front against terrorism and its financing, rejecting double standards. He emphasised resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, not battlefields. Modi also highlighted that connectivity projects must respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity, a veiled reference to China's Belt and Road Initiative. India's vision for SCO rests on security, connectivity, and opportunity.

Sugar should be 'very expensive': BJP leader amid price surge

Sugar should be 'very expensive': BJP leader amid price surge

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has ignited a political firestorm with his controversial remarks suggesting sugar should be "very expensive" and avoided by those over 40, drawing sharp criticism from the opposition amidst rising inflation concerns.

Outrage After Cab Driver Assaults Senior Citizen For Objecting To Spitting

Outrage After Cab Driver Assaults Senior Citizen For Objecting To Spitting

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

An aggregator cab driver in Thane, Maharashtra, has been arrested for brutally assaulting a 70-year-old man who objected to him spitting in public. The incident, captured on video and widely shared, led to public outrage and intervention from state political leaders, resulting in the driver's arrest and charges including attempted murder.

Union cabinet approves high court bench for Ladakh

Union cabinet approves high court bench for Ladakh

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of a High Court bench in Ladakh, a move lauded by Home Minister Amit Shah and Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena as a significant step towards improving access to justice and ensuring the all-round development of the Union Territory.

Indian IT Firms Spend $1.1 Billion To Strengthen STEM Pipeline In US

Indian IT Firms Spend $1.1 Billion To Strengthen STEM Pipeline In US

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Nasscom said while the visa programme has been used by companies to address the skill gap in the US by bringing in foreign employees, the number of H-1B employees from Indian companies have come down substantially over the last decade.