News for 'citizenship'

India raises visa concerns with US over immigration policy changes

India raises visa concerns with US over immigration policy changes

Rediff.com24 May 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raised India's concerns with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding changes to US visa and immigration policies, emphasising that legal mobility should not be negatively affected. Rubio acknowledged potential 'bumps' during the transition as the US aims to improve its immigration system.

Some naturalised Americans likely to lose citizenship

Some naturalised Americans likely to lose citizenship

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

The Trump administration is looking at plans to strip some naturalised Americans of their citizenship, the latest in a series of efforts undertaken by President Donald Trump to crack down on immigration.

'Vote Jehad', 'Muslim League', What Next?

'Vote Jehad', 'Muslim League', What Next?

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The only thing that might make the BJP stop trying to isolate Muslims completely will be if substantial numbers of the community vote for the party that flaunts its animosity towards it, notes Jyoti Punwani.

217 Indians joined Russian forces during Ukraine war, 49 dead: Govt to SC

217 Indians joined Russian forces during Ukraine war, 49 dead: Govt to SC

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that 217 Indian nationals reportedly joined the Russian armed forces, with 49 fatalities amid the Russia-Ukraine war, and efforts are underway to repatriate those who were misled.

Hand over Bangladeshi infiltrators to BSF, not courts, Suvendu tells police

Hand over Bangladeshi infiltrators to BSF, not courts, Suvendu tells police

Rediff.com21 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that Bangladeshi infiltrators detained in the state will be directly handed over to the BSF for deportation, bypassing court appearances, following a new rule.

Modi Predicts BJP Government In West Bengal After Polls

Modi Predicts BJP Government In West Bengal After Polls

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that the BJP would form the next government in West Bengal after the assembly polls, asserting that he would return to the state for the oath-taking ceremony after results are announced on May 4.

How A Punjab Football Academy Is Combating Drug Abuse

How A Punjab Football Academy Is Combating Drug Abuse

Rediff.com23 May 2026

A grassroots football academy in Punjab is using football to combat drug abuse and develop young talent, addressing key issues in Indian football's grassroots development.

Why Change India's Electoral System?

Why Change India's Electoral System?

Rediff.com23 May 2026

'Why are we deliberately taking apart an electoral system that has worked?' 'There is no answer to that, and there is no data and has never been any on the absurd slander that foreigners are voting here,' asserts Aakar Patel.

Drug Trafficker Dola's Chemist Links Under Investigation

Drug Trafficker Dola's Chemist Links Under Investigation

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Investigators are probing the network of Mohammad Salim Dola, an alleged international drug trafficker, and have uncovered links with chemists and pharma dealers who allegedly aided his illicit trans-national racket.

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The West Bengal cabinet has decided to discontinue assistance-oriented schemes based on religious categorisation for Imams, muezzins and purohits from June. The cabinet also approved the 'Annapurna' scheme of Rs 3,000 monthly support to women from June 1, and granted in-principle consent for their free travel in state-run buses.

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Courts cannot be the only hope for those fighting hate speech. Countering its effects on the ground takes more effort. With our political parties unwilling to put in that amount of effort, it's left to citizens to do so, points out Jyoti Punwani.

'Every Political Party Will Be BJP-ised'

'Every Political Party Will Be BJP-ised'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

'Look at the way SIR that was implemented in Bengal. They wanted to entirely curate the voter list in order to suit their purposes and victory.' 'Look at the targeted deletions and the targeted voting list.' 'The difference between the TMC and the BJP was only about 4% but that 4% vote was done so selectively that the difference ultimately showed up as 100 seats!'

India's Republic Faces Ambedkar Test

India's Republic Faces Ambedkar Test

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

'A genuine tribute to Dr Ambedkar does not lie in selective invocation. It lies in asking a harder question: Is the Constitution still doing its job -- restraining even assertive majorities?' asks Manoj Mohanka.

Winning Bengal Was The Hard Part For The BJP... Governing It May Prove Even Harder

Winning Bengal Was The Hard Part For The BJP... Governing It May Prove Even Harder

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A BJP government in Bengal inherits more problems than it might care to admit at its moment of triumph, points out Ramesh Menon

Himanta Sarma Warns Top Cop Over Delay In Pawan Khera's Arrest

Himanta Sarma Warns Top Cop Over Delay In Pawan Khera's Arrest

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The chief minister is 'more upset with the Assam police than with Pawan Khera.'

Not necessary to humiliate me by arrest: Cong's Pawan Khera in SC

Not necessary to humiliate me by arrest: Cong's Pawan Khera in SC

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has reserved its order on Congress leader Pawan Khera's plea for anticipatory bail in a case related to allegations against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife.

Kerala Minister Alleges UDF Fundraising Scheme Based on Misleading Election Projections

Kerala Minister Alleges UDF Fundraising Scheme Based on Misleading Election Projections

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Kerala PWD Minister P A Mohammed Riyas accuses UDF leaders of attempting to raise funds by falsely claiming they will form the government after the Assembly poll results.

Vijayvargiya: Bengal Victory A Gift From Modi, Shah To India

Vijayvargiya: Bengal Victory A Gift From Modi, Shah To India

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya expressed his joy over the BJP's victory in the West Bengal assembly polls, calling it a significant gift to the nation from PM Modi and Amit Shah, while also alleging the previous TMC government fostered anti-national activities.

Modi Blasts TMC for 'Syndicate Raj' in Bengal, Vows Justice for Women

Modi Blasts TMC for 'Syndicate Raj' in Bengal, Vows Justice for Women

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a strong attack on the TMC in West Bengal, accusing them of corruption and syndicate rule, while promising to address atrocities against women if the BJP comes to power.

HC puts child's welfare first, refuses to send 10-year-old to Canada

HC puts child's welfare first, refuses to send 10-year-old to Canada

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has refused to send a 10-year-old girl to Canada to join her father, stating that a child's welfare is paramount, even over a foreign court's order.

B'deshi woman among 2 more get citizenship under CAA in Assam

B'deshi woman among 2 more get citizenship under CAA in Assam

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

Two individuals, including a woman, have been granted Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Assam, bringing the total number of recipients in the state to four. This marks the first instance of a woman receiving citizenship under the Act in Assam.

'India is great': US in damage-control mode after Trump's 'hellholes' repost

'India is great': US in damage-control mode after Trump's 'hellholes' repost

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The US embassy spokesperson issued a statement clarifying President Trump's views on India after a controversial social media repost. The statement emphasised the strong relationship between the two countries and Trump's positive view of India's leadership.

Bengal polls: Can BJP breach Mamata's southern stronghold this time?

Bengal polls: Can BJP breach Mamata's southern stronghold this time?

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

West Bengal's final phase of assembly elections focuses on the TMC's southern stronghold, where the BJP aims to make inroads. The outcome will determine whether Mamata Banerjee's party retains its dominance or if the BJP can secure a path to power.

TMC Leader O'Brien Counters Modi's 'White Paper' Promise on Bengal Corruption

TMC Leader O'Brien Counters Modi's 'White Paper' Promise on Bengal Corruption

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promise of a 'white paper' on corruption in West Bengal, highlighting instances of opposition leaders joining the BJP and allegedly receiving leniency in corruption investigations.

BJP accuses K'taka govt of backing Umar Khalid-linked Bengaluru event

BJP accuses K'taka govt of backing Umar Khalid-linked Bengaluru event

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The BJP has accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of supporting Umar Khalid by allowing an event linked to him in Bengaluru, despite objections. The BJP highlighted Khalid's legal status, noting he has not been granted relief by courts in cases related to the Delhi riots and faces charges under the UAPA.

'Tamil Nadu Has Produced Most Dramatic Political Debut'

'Tamil Nadu Has Produced Most Dramatic Political Debut'

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'This is a major rupture in Tamil Nadu's political order.' 'For the Dravidian parties, the message is clear: The old DMK-AIADMK binary is no longer guaranteed a future.'

'Don't find any good reason': SC dismisses Umar Khalid's bail review plea

'Don't find any good reason': SC dismisses Umar Khalid's bail review plea

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has dismissed activist Umar Khalid's plea seeking a review of a verdict denying him bail in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case.

How BJP turned TMC's structural cracks into a sweeping mandate

How BJP turned TMC's structural cracks into a sweeping mandate

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The BJP's landslide victory in West Bengal has not merely redrawn the electoral map but overturned the operating logic of politics in the state, breaching the TMC's entrenched fortress despite a decade-and-a-half of dominance, minority consolidation, and a sustained "outsider" narrative.

OCI card to cost $275 as govt announces fresh fee structure

OCI card to cost $275 as govt announces fresh fee structure

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Indian government has revised the application fee for the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card and introduced changes to the application process, including abolishing the six-month continuous stay requirement.

Fractured minority vote reshapes Bengal map, powers BJP surge

Fractured minority vote reshapes Bengal map, powers BJP surge

Rediff.com5 May 2026

For over a decade, the TMC's dominance in districts such as Murshidabad, Malda and Uttar Dinajpur rested on a near-complete consolidation of Muslim votes, a bloc that accounts for 50 per cent or more of the population in large parts of this belt.

My Indian father-in-law never asked me to...: JD Vance

My Indian father-in-law never asked me to...: JD Vance

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

US Vice President JD Vance has stated that immigrants who become US citizens should prioritise the interests of the United States above their country of origin. He emphasised the importance of allegiance to the US for the effective functioning of the American system.

Violence fails to dent massive turnout in Bengal Phase 1; BJP, TMC claim edge

Violence fails to dent massive turnout in Bengal Phase 1; BJP, TMC claim edge

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections was disrupted by EVM glitches and overnight violence in several districts. Polling was halted or delayed at multiple booths due to malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machines. Incidents of violence were reported in Murshidabad and Cooch Behar, with political parties trading accusations.

SC rejects hate speech case against BJP's Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma

SC rejects hate speech case against BJP's Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that no cognisable offence was committed by BJP leaders Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma regarding alleged hate speeches during the 2020 anti-CAA protests in Delhi. The court upheld a previous decision by the Delhi High Court, stating that the speeches did not incite violence or target a specific community.

What BJP's Historic Bengal Win Means For India

What BJP's Historic Bengal Win Means For India

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Hopefully, the BJP will realise that it's the right time for parivartan (change) in its polarising poll strategies after achieving the impossible-looking goal of winning West Bengal, argues Sheela Bhatt.

TMC To Modi: Sample Bengal's 'Maa Canteen' During Poll Visit

TMC To Modi: Sample Bengal's 'Maa Canteen' During Poll Visit

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The Trinamool Congress has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to experience West Bengal's 'Maa Canteen' during his visit for election campaigning, offering a meal for Rs 5. The TMC also criticised Modi's remarks on infiltration, linking it to the Home Minister's responsibilities.

If There's One Thing To Appreciate About The BJP, It Is Honesty

If There's One Thing To Appreciate About The BJP, It Is Honesty

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The BJP, especially in its current edition under the prime minister, is clear that it seeks total exclusion of India's largest minority against whom it holds historical resentment, points out Aakar Patel.

Modi Promises Action on Atrocities Against Women in West Bengal

Modi Promises Action on Atrocities Against Women in West Bengal

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a strong attack on the ruling TMC in West Bengal, accusing them of running the state through 'syndicates' and promising to address atrocities against women if the BJP gains power.

'Racist trash': Trump slammed for 'hellhole' remark targeting India

'Racist trash': Trump slammed for 'hellhole' remark targeting India

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Democrat leaders have criticised US President Donald Trump for referring to India and other countries as 'hellholes', accusing him of amplifying 'racist trash' on social media.

Woman from Bangladesh Held in Rishikesh Over Fake ID

Woman from Bangladesh Held in Rishikesh Over Fake ID

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

A 24-year-old woman of Bangladeshi origin was arrested in Rishikesh for allegedly living in India with forged documents. Police seized a fake Aadhaar card and other documents.

23 lakh voters in limbo as Bengal sees massive rush to tribunals

23 lakh voters in limbo as Bengal sees massive rush to tribunals

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Thousands of West Bengal residents whose names were deleted from electoral rolls are awaiting decisions from tribunals, the final recourse after initial appeals were rejected. The fate of around 2.3 million people hinges on these adjudications, raising concerns about voting rights and citizenship.