News for 'us citizen'

Israel to honour Captain Smit Machchhar with top civilian bravery award

Israel to honour Captain Smit Machchhar with top civilian bravery award

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Indian Captain Smit Machchhar will receive Israel's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism for his bravery in fighting off an attack from his co-pilot on a flydubai flight, preventing a potential catastrophe. President Isaac Herzog announced the honour, which will be presented once Machchhar recovers.

Children in uniform to senior citizens, thousands join CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' protest

Children in uniform to senior citizens, thousands join CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' protest

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Thousands of protesters, including children, students, and the elderly, gathered in central Delhi for the Cockroach Janta Party's 'Chalo Sansad' march towards Parliament. The protest, coinciding with the Monsoon Session, led to clashes with police, who used tear gas and lathi-charge, resulting in injuries to both sides and suspension of internet services. Despite police action and barricades, protesters repeatedly attempted to reach Parliament, leading to a day-long standoff.

EC withdraws Form 6 declaration in states where SIR is done

EC withdraws Form 6 declaration in states where SIR is done

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

The Election Commission has removed an additional declaration related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) from the online voter enrolment Form 6 in states where the SIR process is complete. This decision follows internal objections from Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi regarding changes to the form and the process. The EC maintains the declaration was SIR-specific and not an amendment to Form 6 itself.

MMA Fighter Varun Sanyal's Unforgettable Asian Games Debut

MMA Fighter Varun Sanyal's Unforgettable Asian Games Debut

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Indian MMA fighter Varun Sanyal faced a challenging Asian Games debut, marked by logistical issues and a medical disqualification due to a weight-cutting incident. Despite the setback, Sanyal, an Indian citizen with Singapore PR, shares his journey in MMA, his 'fighting nomad' lifestyle, and his aspirations for Indian fighters.

Rahul issues first remark in CJP's support, Dipke thanks him

Rahul issues first remark in CJP's support, Dipke thanks him

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and members of the INDIA bloc, have strongly condemned the arrest and jailing of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-conveners Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka for protesting at Jantar Mantar, asserting that waving the national flag and peaceful protest are not crimes.

Keralam Congress seeks CJI's exit, deletes X post amid row; BJP hits back

Keralam Congress seeks CJI's exit, deletes X post amid row; BJP hits back

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

The official Congress Keralam 'X' account posted a controversial message against CJI Surya Kant, which quickly went viral before being deleted. The party subsequently removed the individual responsible, with KPCC president Sunny Joseph stating the post was unauthorised and did not reflect the party's stance on judicial impartiality. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju criticised Congress over the incident.

PM Modi Calls For Unified Global Action Against Cyber Frauds And Deepfakes

PM Modi Calls For Unified Global Action Against Cyber Frauds And Deepfakes

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged for a global framework to combat cross-border cyber frauds and deepfakes, highlighting the need for governments, tech companies, telecom operators, and financial institutions to collaborate. Speaking at the India Mobile Congress 2026, Modi stressed that technology thrives on trust and that India is ready to share its expertise in tackling cyber threats. He also noted the rapid expansion of 5G and the success of digital governance initiatives like Direct Benefit Transfer.

Netanyahu invites Capt Machchhar, Modi to Israel's I-Day event

Netanyahu invites Capt Machchhar, Modi to Israel's I-Day event

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lauded Indian pilot Smit Machchhar as a 'hero of the entire world' for his bravery in foiling an alleged co-pilot's attempt to crash a flydubai flight, and has extended an invitation to Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a flame on Israeli Independence Day.

TMC stripped of key parliamentary panel chairpersonships

TMC stripped of key parliamentary panel chairpersonships

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

The Trinamool Congress has lost the chairpersonship of two significant Parliamentary panels following a reconstitution by Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. This development comes after a split in the TMC, with rebel MPs joining the Nationalist Citizen Party and supporting the NDA. The TMC has strongly criticised the move, alleging that Parliament is being turned into a 'deep, dark chamber' due to their exclusion from committee leadership.

Karnataka Government Urges Stronger BFSI And FinTech Partnerships

Karnataka Government Urges Stronger BFSI And FinTech Partnerships

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The Government of Karnataka has called for enhanced collaboration with the BFSI and FinTech sectors to bolster its technology ecosystem and accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions. This initiative, discussed at an Industry Meet, aims to foster partnerships between government, industry, and academia, particularly through programmes like 'Government First', in preparation for the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026.

Maharashtra braces for water crisis, orders 10% cut from Oct 16

Maharashtra braces for water crisis, orders 10% cut from Oct 16

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

The Maharashtra government announced a minimum 10 per cent water cut for all urban and rural local bodies starting October 16 due to a deficient monsoon and El Nino impact. The state is prioritising drinking water, planning for water stocks until August 2027, and implementing measures like preventing leakage, reusing treated wastewater, and curbing unauthorised extraction.

Comedian Kunal Kamra joins SC case on MLAs' privilege vs free speech

Comedian Kunal Kamra joins SC case on MLAs' privilege vs free speech

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has moved the Supreme Court to intervene in a significant case concerning the interpretation of legislative privileges of MLAs and their impact on freedom of speech. A seven-judge Constitution bench will hear the matter from October 6. Kamra's involvement stems from privilege proceedings against him in the Maharashtra Assembly over his comedy special. The case also revisits a 2003 matter involving journalist N Ravi, highlighting conflicting views on whether fundamental rights override legislative privileges.

2 BLAs booked in Bengaluru for fraudulently deleting voters

2 BLAs booked in Bengaluru for fraudulently deleting voters

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Police in Bengaluru have registered a case against two Booth Level Agents (BLAs) and others for allegedly submitting fraudulent Form 7 applications to delete 5,698 voters from the electoral rolls in the Jayanagar Assembly constituency. The complaint, filed by Karnataka Mahila Congress president Sowmya Reddy, claims the BLAs are affiliated with the BJP and targeted minority communities and politically unfavourable voters.

Don't Let Your Health Insurance Lapse

Don't Let Your Health Insurance Lapse

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Buying a policy is only the beginning. Health insurance is a long-term commitment that needs regular review as your age, health needs and family circumstances change.

Over 250 Delhi-bound trains cancelled ahead of CJP's Jantar Mantar 2.0

Over 250 Delhi-bound trains cancelled ahead of CJP's Jantar Mantar 2.0

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Indian Railways has cancelled over 250 trains connecting New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations ahead of a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest, a move criticised by experts and passenger bodies as 'unprecedented' and 'anti-passenger'.

'Threat Must Have Worked, Therefore The 2 ECs Kept Quiet'

'Threat Must Have Worked, Therefore The 2 ECs Kept Quiet'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

'Election Commissioners are Constitutional authorities and they are not supposed to go to the Cabinet secretary. They are not supposed to write letters. And if they are aggrieved, they should straight go to the President of India.'

UN flags mass detentions during Delhi stir, calls for protesters' release

UN flags mass detentions during Delhi stir, calls for protesters' release

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

The UN human rights office expressed concern over mass detentions during protests in Delhi on Saturday, urging India to respect peaceful assembly rights and release detainees. India rejected these concerns as "misplaced" and "unwarranted interference." The protests, organised by the Gen Z-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demanded electoral reforms and the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter list manipulation, which the Election Commission and BJP deny.

'Absurd hypocrisy': Elon Musk escalates attack on Ambani

'Absurd hypocrisy': Elon Musk escalates attack on Ambani

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Elon Musk has renewed his criticism of Mukesh Ambani regarding Starlink's entry into India, accusing Ambani's supporters of hypocrisy for simultaneously claiming Starlink can't compete with low prices and that it poses a strong competitive threat. Musk argues that competition would benefit Indian consumers and that Starlink would adjust pricing if too expensive. He also shared reports alleging Reliance-funded political donations. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated India does not permit monopolies and that multiple players, including Starlink, have received satcom licences.

'Not anti-social elements': HC backs students protesting MPSC exams

'Not anti-social elements': HC backs students protesting MPSC exams

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The Bombay High Court affirmed the right of students to protest alleged malpractices in MPSC examinations, stating they are not anti-social elements. The court stressed the state's duty to ensure impartial exams and asked the government to submit a roadmap within three weeks, while also urging students to return to their studies.

Arkhangelskiy, Son of Russian Political Refugees, Wins Asian Games Gold For Bahrain

Arkhangelskiy, Son of Russian Political Refugees, Wins Asian Games Gold For Bahrain

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Michel Arkhangelskiy, whose family fled Russia as political opponents, clinched his first major title at the Asian Games, winning the 50-metre butterfly gold for Bahrain.

ED Uncovers Major Call Centre Scam Targeting Americans

ED Uncovers Major Call Centre Scam Targeting Americans

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted two-day searches across Chandigarh, Punjab, and Maharashtra, seizing mobile phones, laptops, and cash. This action is part of a money laundering investigation into a "fake" call centre accused of defrauding US citizens through spam emails.

Why Modi's Crackdown Could Backfire Politically

Why Modi's Crackdown Could Backfire Politically

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Modi's greater weakness is his inability since July when he directed the exit of Dharmendra Pradhan, to come up with a political counter strategy. Security measures and executive orders as seen in recent days will only likely further weaken him and make him as lame duck a premier as many prior to him, Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh included, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

What Modi Must Learn From The British Raj

What Modi Must Learn From The British Raj

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Accept the right to peaceful assembly; reverse the injustice done to crores of voters; punish the man responsible, points out Aakar Patel.

Why India's Banks Need A Five-Day Week

Why India's Banks Need A Five-Day Week

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

A two-day weekend would help employees recover physically and mentally. They would return better prepared for branch work that demands patience, judgment, and accuracy, asserts Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

UPI MDR Charges: Merchants Cannot Pass On Fees To Customers

UPI MDR Charges: Merchants Cannot Pass On Fees To Customers

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Punjab & Sind Bank MD and CEO Swarup Kumar Saha clarified that merchants cannot pass on Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges to customers for UPI payments, ensuring consumers only pay the displayed price. The new MDR structure, effective October 15, applies a 0.4% charge on P2M transactions above Rs 2,000, with specific flat rates for certain sectors, but small-value transactions remain free.

'End fast, save your strength': Prominent citizens' plea to Wangchuk

'End fast, save your strength': Prominent citizens' plea to Wangchuk

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

A group of prominent Indian citizens, including Arundhati Roy and Naseeruddin Shah, have appealed to protesters on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar to end their fast due to health concerns, while fully supporting their demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over alleged NEET irregularities.

How Delhi turned into a fortress to thwart CJP's anti-CEC stir

How Delhi turned into a fortress to thwart CJP's anti-CEC stir

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

A planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter-list manipulation, was thwarted by a massive security deployment in Delhi on Saturday. Thousands of protesters were detained as they attempted to gather at various alternative locations across the city, with metro services suspended and mobile internet blocked in some areas.

'Stir will go nationwide': CJP vows to continue fight against CEC

'Stir will go nationwide': CJP vows to continue fight against CEC

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), including Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, have vowed to escalate their agitation against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, expanding protests nationwide after their release from detention. They allege an "emergency-like situation" created by the Modi government, illegal detentions, and harassment of protesters, drawing parallels to the 1975 Emergency. The CJP is protesting alleged irregularities in voter rolls and demanding Kumar's resignation, accusing authorities of suppressing dissent.

Delhi HC refuses bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam

Delhi HC refuses bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

The Delhi High Court has refused to grant bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in a case filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) concerning the "larger conspiracy" behind the February 2020 north-east Delhi riots. The court cited a Supreme Court order and the ongoing investigation into their alleged roles as masterminds.

All You Need to Know About New Green Card Bill

All You Need to Know About New Green Card Bill

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The Bill proposes replacing employment-based Green Card preferences with a points-based immigration framework.

AISA chief Neha Bora held during protest in Delhi, released later without phone

AISA chief Neha Bora held during protest in Delhi, released later without phone

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

AISA national president Neha Bora was released at the Narela Industrial Area police station after being picked up during the organisation's protest march towards Jantar Mantar, with AISA members alleging procedural violations during her detention.

IIT grad, bank manager among 6 held for 'digital arrest' scam

IIT grad, bank manager among 6 held for 'digital arrest' scam

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Mumbai Cyber Police have apprehended six individuals, including an IIT graduate and a bank manager, for allegedly defrauding a senior citizen of Rs 1.12 crore through a "digital arrest" scam. The victim was coerced into transferring funds after being threatened with family arrest by impersonators.

Opposition leaders stage sit-in at Rajghat on Day 3 of protests against CEC

Opposition leaders stage sit-in at Rajghat on Day 3 of protests against CEC

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Opposition INDIA bloc leaders staged a sit-in at Rajghat, alleging a 'criminal conspiracy of vote chori' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, demanding Kumar's resignation and seeking a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu.

'Right to vote at great peril': SC ex-judge Justice Nariman on EC functioning

'Right to vote at great peril': SC ex-judge Justice Nariman on EC functioning

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Former Supreme Court judge Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman has voiced serious concerns regarding the Election Commission's functioning, stating that the right to vote is 'at great peril'. He called for the Supreme Court's intervention to address 'disturbing developments' within the poll panel, particularly citing issues like voter disenfranchisement during electoral roll revisions and the controversial appointment process of Election Commissioners.

Gujarat to honour flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar for heroic act

Gujarat to honour flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar for heroic act

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

The Gujarat government announced that Indian pilot Smit Machchhar will be awarded the 'Visisht Gujarat Garima Award' for his extraordinary bravery. Machchhar thwarted his co-pilot's alleged attempt to crash a Flydubai flight, saving 174 lives despite being stabbed. He is currently receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia, and special prayers for his recovery have been organised at the Somnath temple.

High drama near EC office as Rahul-led INDIA bloc protests

High drama near EC office as Rahul-led INDIA bloc protests

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

High drama unfolded as INDIA bloc leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, marched to the Election Commission headquarters in Delhi, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and his misleading statements regarding Supreme Court observations on Form 6.

Caste, Covid jab: What citizens have to answer in Census 2027

Caste, Covid jab: What citizens have to answer in Census 2027

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Centre has notified 40 questions for the upcoming Census 2027, including caste and place of Covid vaccination, marking the first time caste details will be collected as part of the decadal exercise. The population enumeration will be a fully digital process, with an option for self-enumeration.

'Modi govt has turned Mother of Democracy into muzzled democracy'

'Modi govt has turned Mother of Democracy into muzzled democracy'

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal criticised the Centre for the security clampdown in central Delhi against the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest, calling it "worse than Emergency" and alleging dictatorship. He also accused Prime Minister Modi of being scared and protecting "vote chori" by crushing democracy, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

'If CEC is suspended...': SC refuses to restrain Gyanesh Kumar

'If CEC is suspended...': SC refuses to restrain Gyanesh Kumar

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Election Commission and the Centre regarding pleas alleging that the poll body made several decisions without the approval of the two election commissioners. The court stated it would annul any decisions found not to be in accordance with the law, while also refusing an interim order to restrain CEC Gyanesh Kumar from making decisions.

India Prioritises People-Centric AI Amidst Global Pause Calls

India Prioritises People-Centric AI Amidst Global Pause Calls

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

India's IT Ministry sources state the country will not slow down its Artificial Intelligence development, distinguishing its focus on people-centric applications from global concerns over frontier models. The government acknowledges AI safety risks and is tightening incident reporting norms, with IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasising regulation for user safety.