News for 'The Citizen'

Suvendu plans stringent anti-conversion law, implementation of UCC in Bengal

Suvendu plans stringent anti-conversion law, implementation of UCC in Bengal

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced plans to enact a stringent law against religious conversion and implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. He linked these measures to strengthening national security and preserving Bengal's cultural identity, citing concerns over infiltration and demographic changes. Adhikari also highlighted efforts in border security, distinguished between illegal immigrants and CAA refugees, and paid tribute to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.

Assam not to issue Aadhaar cards to adults anymore

Assam not to issue Aadhaar cards to adults anymore

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

The Assam cabinet has decided to restrict the issuance of Aadhaar cards to individuals over 18 years of age, a move aimed at preventing illegal immigrants from acquiring the document. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that exceptions would require district commissioner proposals and state government approval, with a complete ban for all communities over 18 set for April 1, 2027.

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.

Why Bengal's Annapurna Yojana Form Requires Extensive Details

Why Bengal's Annapurna Yojana Form Requires Extensive Details

Rediff.com28 May 2026

West Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul defended the detailed application form for the Annapurna Yojana scheme, stating it ensures benefits reach only Indian citizens. She also announced stringent waste-related penalties and a 'Swachh App' to improve urban cleanliness.

'Without A Shade Of Doubt BJP Is Behind This'

'Without A Shade Of Doubt BJP Is Behind This'

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

'It was done with record speed. First, a revolt of the MLAs, which was obviously engineered.' ''No one believed me when I said the MLAs breaking away is not the real issue.' 'It is like a comet. The head doesn't matter, the tail matters.' 'And the tail is Parliament. Suvendu has gifted the prime minister 20 MPs.'

Modi under Cong fire over US statements after killing of Indian seafarers

Modi under Cong fire over US statements after killing of Indian seafarers

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Congress on Sunday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the US' statements after three Indian sailors were killed in American attacks on ships, with party leader Rahul Gandhi saying the "compromised PM" listens "like an obedient servant" and "complies with the orders".

US urges citizens to leave 12 Middle East nations; 6 American troops killed

US urges citizens to leave 12 Middle East nations; 6 American troops killed

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged its citizens to immediately depart from several Middle Eastern countries, citing "serious safety risks."

Rebel Trinamool MPs spark symbol war, claim mission to 'rectify' party

Rebel Trinamool MPs spark symbol war, claim mission to 'rectify' party

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Rebel Trinamool Congress MP Arup Chakraborty on Monday said the breakaway faction is trying to "rectify" the party, and would fight for the control of its election symbol, even as the Mamata Banerjee-led outfit termed the move illegal under the anti-defection law.

Domestic Helps Arrested For Hyderabad Gold Heist

Domestic Helps Arrested For Hyderabad Gold Heist

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Hyderabad police apprehended three Nepali nationals, including a couple who worked as domestic help, from Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, in connection with the theft of 7.5 kg gold and 1.5 kg silver ornaments from a businessman's house. The stolen property was recovered intact, and the accused are being brought to Hyderabad on a transit warrant.

Oath-taking only in name of god or by solemn affirmation: Kerala HC

Oath-taking only in name of god or by solemn affirmation: Kerala HC

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Kerala high court has ruled that elected local body representatives must take their oath strictly as prescribed by law, invalidating oaths that included names beyond "God" or solemn affirmation. The court directed affected councillors to retake their oaths within four weeks, clarifying that while their elections remain valid, actions by a panchayat member whose oath was invalid are also invalid.

TMC merger: Strategic move to aid BJP without legal hurdles

TMC merger: Strategic move to aid BJP without legal hurdles

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Twenty rebel Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha MPs have merged with the obscure Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), a move seen by political observers as a strategic way to support the BJP-led NDA without immediately joining the saffron party and bypassing legal complexities.

How AI Can Transform Delhi's Administration: LG Sandhu

How AI Can Transform Delhi's Administration: LG Sandhu

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in enhancing urban governance. He stressed that AI can address complex administrative challenges, improve efficiency in areas like traffic management and environmental monitoring, and shift governance towards an intelligence-driven model, provided it is human-centric and reflects India's diverse context.

When ICE Mistakenly Detained A US Citizen...

When ICE Mistakenly Detained A US Citizen...

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

During the raids in St Paul, Minnesota, US citizen ChongLy 'Scott' Thao was mistakenly detained after agents broke into his home without a warrant and led him outside in freezing temperatures in just his underwear before realising he was not the suspect and releasing him with neither an apology nor an explanation.

Supreme Court's Electoral Roll Ruling: Key Takeaways

Supreme Court's Electoral Roll Ruling: Key Takeaways

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee has commented on the Supreme Court judgment regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, emphasising its specific application to the Bihar case and highlighting the Election Commission's limited authority in determining citizenship.

Why Bengal's Annapurna Yojana Form Is Facing Criticism

Why Bengal's Annapurna Yojana Form Is Facing Criticism

Rediff.com29 May 2026

West Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul defended the detailed application form for the 'Annapurna Yojana', stating the government aims to ensure benefits reach only Indian citizens, amidst criticism over excessive documentation.

Tension escalates as Iran's IRGC claims it hit 8 US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain

Tension escalates as Iran's IRGC claims it hit 8 US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Sunday claimed it had destroyed eight US military infrastructures in Kuwait and Bahrain in a joint missile and drone operation, describing the strikes as retaliation for a second wave of US military attacks on Iranian targets.

How Kushinagar Police Busted International Job Fraud Syndicate

How Kushinagar Police Busted International Job Fraud Syndicate

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Kushinagar police busted an international fraud syndicate that allegedly lured Nepali citizens with false promises of jobs and higher education, arresting ten members and rescuing 453 Nepali nationals.

First in six decades: Australia pick India-born Nikhil Chaudhary for Bangladesh T20s

First in six decades: Australia pick India-born Nikhil Chaudhary for Bangladesh T20s

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Delhi-born Nikhil Chaudhary, who played for Punjab till 2016-2017, was called up to the Australian T20 squad for a three-match tour to Bangladesh next week.

'Stay hydrated, avoid...': Modi lists precautions amid heatwave

'Stay hydrated, avoid...': Modi lists precautions amid heatwave

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Indian citizens to take precautions during the ongoing heatwave, emphasising hydration and care for vulnerable individuals and animals.

Manipur's Kangpokpi tense as 3 hurt in firing between two tribal groups

Manipur's Kangpokpi tense as 3 hurt in firing between two tribal groups

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Three individuals were injured in an exchange of fire between two tribal groups in Manipur's Kangpokpi district. Following their admission to RIMS hospital in Imphal, protests erupted with demonstrators questioning the security arrangements for the injured, leading to a tense situation requiring additional central forces.

BJP govt to table UCC bill in Bengal assembly, face twin TMC challenge

BJP govt to table UCC bill in Bengal assembly, face twin TMC challenge

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Less than two months after ending the TMC's 15-year rule in the state, the BJP government is expected to table one of its most ambitious and politically sensitive promises, setting the stage for what could become the first major ideological confrontation of the post-election period.

'I Don't Miss My Father; I Miss...'

'I Don't Miss My Father; I Miss...'

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

In a touching tribute on Father's Day, Professor Asim Kumar Mukherjee pens a touching tribute to the most amazing man he has ever known -- his father, Bimal Kumar Mukherjee.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Visa cleared, Cape Verde star Vozinha's mother ready for reunion

FIFA World Cup 2026: Visa cleared, Cape Verde star Vozinha's mother ready for reunion

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The mother of Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha will finally get to watch her son play at the World Cup after receiving a visa to travel to the United States, following his tearful revelation that she missed his heroics against Spain due to travel issues.

Hezbollah rejects Israel-Lebanon truce, vows to fight

Hezbollah rejects Israel-Lebanon truce, vows to fight

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

In a statement issued following the announcement of the US-mediated deal, Qassem characterised the agreement as a 'humiliating' and 'shameful' surrender of Lebanese sovereignty that prioritises Israeli and American dictates over the nation's independence.

FIT India Cyclothon Promotes Cycling Amid Fuel Concerns

FIT India Cyclothon Promotes Cycling Amid Fuel Concerns

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya led the FIT India Cyclothon in Mumbai, advocating for cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation. The event, attended by Narsingh Yadav and Jackie Shroff, highlighted the importance of cycling for personal health, environmental sustainability, and energy conservation, especially amidst global fuel supply concerns.

Tamil Nadu Debt Nearly Doubles to 10 Trillion in Five Years

Tamil Nadu Debt Nearly Doubles to 10 Trillion in Five Years

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

A new white paper released by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government reveals that Tamil Nadu's direct debt has nearly doubled to an alarming 10 trillion in the past five years, exposing significant fiscal strain and a substantial debt burden on every citizen.

LS Speaker to decide on rebel TMC, Sena-UBT MPs before monsoon session

LS Speaker to decide on rebel TMC, Sena-UBT MPs before monsoon session

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is set to make crucial decisions regarding the disqualification petitions against rebel MPs from the Trinamool Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) before the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament. Both parties have sought the disqualification of their defecting members under the anti-defection law, while the Speaker is consulting legal experts and examining precedents to ensure legally sound decisions.

NCERT brings Emergency into Class 9 syllabus; Pradhan hails move

NCERT brings Emergency into Class 9 syllabus; Pradhan hails move

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The NCERT has included in the class 9 social science textbook a section on Emergency, which it described as "one of the major challenges to democracy in India" with Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan hailing the move saying future generations should know about the "dark deeds".

MY Bharat Achieves Guinness World Record For Youth Quiz

MY Bharat Achieves Guinness World Record For Youth Quiz

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

MY Bharat, the flagship youth engagement platform of the Department of Youth Affairs, has been awarded a Guinness World Record for the 'Most Users to Take an Online Quiz in One Week' through its Viksit Bharat Young Leaders' Dialogue Quiz, engaging over 390,000 participants.

Cabinet reshuffle imminent; Pradhan, a few others likely to lose ministry

Cabinet reshuffle imminent; Pradhan, a few others likely to lose ministry

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

There are strong possibilities of some Union ministers being sent to take organisational roles in the BJP and party office-bearers being inducted into the Modi ministry.

Bengaluru Cyber Command Busts Fake US Call Centre Racket

Bengaluru Cyber Command Busts Fake US Call Centre Racket

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Karnataka State Cyber Command has uncovered a fake call centre racket operating in Bengaluru, where individuals impersonated a US-based accounting firm to defraud US citizens.

Modi to lead International Yoga Day from Kolkata

Modi to lead International Yoga Day from Kolkata

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations from Kolkata's iconic Red Road on June 21, with over 210 Indian Missions organising events at nearly 2,500 locations worldwide under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'.

India Post's Biggest Makeover in 150 Years

India Post's Biggest Makeover in 150 Years

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

India Post is reinventing itself from a traditional mail service into a modern logistics, e-commerce, and real estate powerhouse. Several post offices situated inside major university campuses, called Gen Z post offices, have received a facelift, with cafe-like decor and wi-fi availability.

India May Need New Legal Framework For AI, Says Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

India May Need New Legal Framework For AI, Says Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw indicates India may require a new legal framework for Artificial Intelligence, as the current IT law predates AI's rapid emergence. The government aims to balance innovation with regulation, engaging with the industry to ensure citizen safety while fostering technological growth.

Swiss, Myanmar Nationals Held For Illegal Entry Into India

Swiss, Myanmar Nationals Held For Illegal Entry Into India

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Police in Bihar's East Champaran district have arrested a Swiss woman and a Myanmarese boy for illegally entering India from Nepal without valid travel documents. Legal action is underway, though their identities remain undisclosed.

Delhi Fires Reveal A Grim Reality

Delhi Fires Reveal A Grim Reality

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

We have built an economy that can deliver everything -- from iPhones to biryani -- to a doorstep in 10 minutes, but it cannot deliver a fire engine through a lane in 20, points out Amit Kapoor.

How Haryana's Auto-Mutation System Is Revolutionising Land Records

How Haryana's Auto-Mutation System Is Revolutionising Land Records

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Haryana has significantly reformed its land records administration, reducing pending mutation cases by over 90% and implementing an auto-mutation system. This digitisation effort aims to make land management faster, more transparent, and technology-driven, improving efficiency and public trust.

Cape Verde keeper Vozinha set for emotional World Cup reunion with mom

Cape Verde keeper Vozinha set for emotional World Cup reunion with mom

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Cape Verde's heroic goalkeeper Vozinha will have his mother in the stands when he next takes to the pitch at the World Cup on Sunday, after US officials moved to ensure she could obtain a visa in time.

Uttar Pradesh Steps Up Road Safety Measures After Accidents

Uttar Pradesh Steps Up Road Safety Measures After Accidents

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government is conducting awareness and enforcement campaigns to reduce road accidents and promote responsible driving, issuing thousands of challans and seizing vehicles for traffic violations.

Illegal Call Centre Busted In Goa, 26 Arrested

Illegal Call Centre Busted In Goa, 26 Arrested

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Goa Police dismantled an illegal call centre in Verna Industrial Estate, arresting 26 individuals for allegedly defrauding US citizens by posing as bank employees.