Search results for 'Sunday Observer'

Why are Himalayan disasters turning more destructive?

Why are Himalayan disasters turning more destructive?

Rediff.com2 days ago

A scientist from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology highlights how climate change, including glacial retreat, shifting precipitation patterns, and rising nighttime temperatures, is exacerbating the risk of flash floods and landslides in the Himalayas, as seen in recent disasters in Nepal and Uttarakhand.

7-yr-old boy 'with fever' dies at Maha ashram school; 26 hospitalised

7-yr-old boy 'with fever' dies at Maha ashram school; 26 hospitalised

Rediff.com4 days ago

A 7-year-old student at a residential school in Palghar, Maharashtra, has died from high fever and breathing difficulties, leading to the hospitalisation of 26 other students with similar symptoms. This incident follows recent deaths of tribal girls in another Maharashtra ashram school due to snakebite, highlighting ongoing concerns about student safety and health in such facilities.

'Show some sportsmanship': SC gives ICG 2 weeks on female officer's case

'Show some sportsmanship': SC gives ICG 2 weeks on female officer's case

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court on Wednesday came down heavily on the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) for not granting permanent commission to a female officer, saying "we will not allow women officers to be humiliated".

'Every penny must reach temple treasury': SC on Banke Bihari donations

'Every penny must reach temple treasury': SC on Banke Bihari donations

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Supreme Court has issued a directive for the Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, mandating that all donations must be deposited into official donation boxes or the online temple treasury. This comes amidst serious allegations of sevayats siphoning off funds and obstructing online donation methods, highlighting the need for a transparent mechanism in temple management.

Phiball: IIT Madras Reinvents Basketball With A Three-Team Circular Court

Phiball: IIT Madras Reinvents Basketball With A Three-Team Circular Court

Rediff.com11 hours ago

IIT Madras has launched "Phiball," a new three-team basketball game designed to be faster, more accessible, and tactically demanding. Inspired by Omegaball, Phiball is played on a circular court, forcing players to adapt to new strategies and constant defense, making it an intense experience with low setup costs.

Phiball: IIT Madras Reinvents Basketball With A Three-Team Circular Court

Phiball: IIT Madras Reinvents Basketball With A Three-Team Circular Court

Rediff.com12 hours ago

IIT Madras has launched "Phiball," a new three-team basketball game designed to be faster, more accessible, and tactically demanding. Inspired by Omegaball, Phiball is played on a circular court, forcing players to adapt to new strategies and constant defense, making it an intense experience with low setup costs.

Bombay HC flags Aadhaar, PAN card fraud by infiltrators

Bombay HC flags Aadhaar, PAN card fraud by infiltrators

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Bombay High Court has identified a worrying trend of foreign nationals infiltrating India, fraudulently acquiring documents like Aadhaar and PAN cards to claim Indian citizenship. The court highlighted serious gaps in inter-agency coordination and document verification, noting that some individuals have engaged in anti-national activities. It urged the Centre to amend the Aadhaar Act to facilitate tracing and deportation, and to establish procedures for dealing with human trafficking and border infiltration. The ruling came during a case involving an Afghan national who overstayed his visa and obtained fake documents to secure an Indian passport.

Mumbai Couple Wins Battle Against Builder

Mumbai Couple Wins Battle Against Builder

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered Rizvi Estates and Hotels Pvt. Ltd. to either rectify defects in a flat or pay 1,50,000 for repairs, along with 50,000 for mental agony and 25,000 for litigation costs, after a couple reported cracks, leakage, and unfulfilled amenities.

Pulwama terror attack accused Insha Jan's bail plea rejected

Pulwama terror attack accused Insha Jan's bail plea rejected

Rediff.com6 days ago

A special NIA court in Jammu has rejected the bail plea of Insha Jan alias Insha Tariq, an accused in the 2019 Pulwama suicide attack that killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel, observing that sufficient material existed on record to presume that the accusations against her were prima facie true.

5 Signs that you should no longer be a spectator, but a shareholder

5 Signs that you should no longer be a spectator, but a shareholder

Rediff.com1 days ago

Becoming a shareholder isn't about predicting markets perfectly. What matters more is recognising when you're financially and mentally prepared to participate in wealth creation. If you've been wondering when you should start investing, here are five signs that suggest you're already ready.

New Study Reveals How Brain's Language Skills Defy Age

New Study Reveals How Brain's Language Skills Defy Age

Rediff.com4 days ago

A new study by MIT and Boston University found that the brain region responsible for language remains active and similar in older adults compared to younger adults. However, the brain system for decision-making, known as the 'multiple demand network', shows significant differences with age. This suggests that specialised brain functions like language processing may be more resilient to ageing than general-purpose cognitive functions.

RBI's New Data Rules Force Banks, NBFCs to Rework Fintech Partnerships

RBI's New Data Rules Force Banks, NBFCs to Rework Fintech Partnerships

Rediff.com2 days ago

Indian banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) are undertaking a comprehensive review and reset of their engagement terms with fintech firms, driven by the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) draft Guidance on Regulatory Expectations for Data Governance and the stringent compliance requirements of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, and its 2025 Rules.

Why Hingorani Family Sold Gandhi Papers

Why Hingorani Family Sold Gandhi Papers

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Hingorani family's decision to part with the Gandhi archive after generations was guided by a desire to make it accessible to a wider audience and to fund initiatives that would extend its legacy.

Hospitals Oppose Room Rate Cap

Hospitals Oppose Room Rate Cap

Rediff.com2 days ago

'Indian private sector hospitals provide quality healthcare at a fraction of the global cost.'

ISRO Bets Big on Space Startups

ISRO Bets Big on Space Startups

Rediff.com5 days ago

'ISRO will not manufacture any launch vehicles. That will all be done by the private sector or public sector undertakings.'

Manjrekar's Criticism Was A 'Guru' That Changed My Life: Ashwin

Manjrekar's Criticism Was A 'Guru' That Changed My Life: Ashwin

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that Sanjay Manjrekar's harsh criticism of his bowling after the 2011-12 Australia tour, initially met with anger, ultimately served as a constructive 'guru' that motivated him to work harder and transform his career.

Junk food to paper leaks: HC takes up Gen Z, Alpha, Beta challenges

Junk food to paper leaks: HC takes up Gen Z, Alpha, Beta challenges

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Rajasthan high court, Jodhpur, has taken suo motu cognisance of issues concerning Gen Z, Gen Alpha and Gen Beta, expressing concern over junk food, excessive screen time, paper leaks, inadequate infrastructure in rural schools and the possible erosion of basic learning skills in the age of artificial intelligence.

India coach Marijne questions tight FIH World Cup schedule after loss

India coach Marijne questions tight FIH World Cup schedule after loss

Rediff.com7 days ago

India's coach Sjoerd Marijne has criticised the tight scheduling at the FIH World Cup, particularly after his team's 0-2 loss to the Netherlands, citing the burden of playing on consecutive days.

How an ice-rock avalanche caused devastating floods in Nepal

How an ice-rock avalanche caused devastating floods in Nepal

Rediff.com1 days ago

Scientists are examining how a possible glacial collapse and ice-rock avalanche may have triggered the devastating flash floods along Nepal's Bhote Koshi River, with preliminary assessments indicating that debris may have temporarily blocked the Lhende River and created a landslide dam that subsequently gave way.

Bombay High Court's Witty Remark On MCA Eateries

Bombay High Court's Witty Remark On MCA Eateries

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Bombay High Court humorously questioned if cricketers were consuming "non-vegetarian tea" due to unhygienic conditions at Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) eateries. The court ordered the MCA to clean its premises before a fresh FDA inspection, following the suspension of licenses for five restaurants due to severe food safety violations like cockroach infestations and dirty kitchens.

NCLT clears Subhash Chandra's Rs 6.5 crore payout for Rs 22,006 crore debt

NCLT clears Subhash Chandra's Rs 6.5 crore payout for Rs 22,006 crore debt

Rediff.com2 days ago

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has approved a repayment plan for media baron Subhash Chandra, allowing him to settle admitted creditor claims of approximately Rs 22,006.57 crore by paying just Rs 6.5 crore, resulting in a nearly 99.97 per cent haircut for lenders.

GalaxEye Buys StarOps, Expands Space Capabilities

GalaxEye Buys StarOps, Expands Space Capabilities

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

'From day one, our vision has been to build a company that develops and owns the technologies defining the future of space.'

Nepal floods trigger high alert in UP; Gandak, Rapti levels rise

Nepal floods trigger high alert in UP; Gandak, Rapti levels rise

Rediff.com1 days ago

The administration has sounded a high alert in Maharajganj and Kushinagar districts of Uttar Pradesh, while stepping up the monitoring of the Gandak and other water bodies downstream of rivers in Nepal, following devastating flash floods in the neighbouring country that have killed more than 350 people and left thousands missing.

Delhi to ban construction during winter to curb pollution

Delhi to ban construction during winter to curb pollution

Rediff.com7 days ago

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a complete ban on construction activities from December 10 to January 20 to combat severe winter air pollution. The government will use its AI-powered Dust Portal 2.0 and AI-enabled cameras to monitor construction sites over 500 square metres in real-time, issuing alerts and fines for violations. Citizens are encouraged to report non-compliance.

'China didn't inform, Nepal toll could rise unbelievably'

'China didn't inform, Nepal toll could rise unbelievably'

Rediff.com2 days ago

Nepal's former Forest and Environment Minister Madhav Prasad Chaulagain has expressed concern over the lack of timely information exchange with China ahead of the devastating floods, stating that the disaster's scale could lead to an 'unbelievable' rise in the death toll.

India's Unemployment Rate Falls to 5.1% in July

India's Unemployment Rate Falls to 5.1% in July

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

India's overall unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 and above decreased to 5.1 per cent in July 2026, down from 5.5 per cent in June 2026, according to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

T20 hitters to Test heroes: Manjrekar cannot explain the seamless switch

T20 hitters to Test heroes: Manjrekar cannot explain the seamless switch

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar expressed his bewilderment at how the current generation of cricketers, primarily raised on T20 cricket, has managed to seamlessly adapt to the rigorous demands of Test cricket. He compared their transition to pop singers mastering classical ragas, highlighting the significant technical and mental adjustments required. Manjrekar's comments come as young Indian players, many with IPL backgrounds, are actively participating in Test series, showcasing their versatility across formats.

Why Are National Chess Champions Ignored?

Why Are National Chess Champions Ignored?

Rediff.com1 days ago

If winning the National Championship does not help a player make the national team, what exactly is the value of becoming India's national champion?

Live-in relationship akin to marriage, parents can't interfere: Delhi HC

Live-in relationship akin to marriage, parents can't interfere: Delhi HC

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Delhi High Court has ruled that live-in relationships between consenting adults are akin to marriage, granting police protection to a couple facing threats. The court emphasised that fundamental rights to choose a partner cannot be curtailed by societal prejudices, reinforcing the legal sanctity of such relationships.

SC to hear plea against Dera chief's acquittal in scribe murder case

SC to hear plea against Dera chief's acquittal in scribe murder case

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a plea against the Punjab and Haryana high court order acquitting Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in the 2002 murder case of a journalist.

Mystery Of The Sun Solved?

Mystery Of The Sun Solved?

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Scientists discover tiny whirlpool-like swirls on the Sun that could explain solar activity, improve space weather research and solve a decades-old solar mystery.

New Study Reveals How Solar Winds Strip Mars' Atmosphere

New Study Reveals How Solar Winds Strip Mars' Atmosphere

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

A new study reveals that solar winds gradually strip atmospheric particles from Mars, similar to how wind creates waves on water. Researchers used data from NASA's MAVEN and China's Tianwen-1 missions to identify Kelvin-Helmholtz waves as a key mechanism driving this atmospheric escape, explaining how Mars transformed from a potentially habitable planet to its current cold, dry state.

J'khand job row: Stir enters Day 19, protesters vow to intensify agitation

J'khand job row: Stir enters Day 19, protesters vow to intensify agitation

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Job aspirants in Jharkhand are continuing their 19-day agitation against alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations, demanding greater transparency, cancellation of tests, and an independent probe. The protests have led to clashes with police, a political showdown with the BJP, and health concerns for hunger-striking demonstrators, despite government assurances of reforms.

'What have I done?': Jinnah's words after seeing Partition horror

'What have I done?': Jinnah's words after seeing Partition horror

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Journalist Kuldip Nayar's autobiography recounts Pakistan founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah's despairing remark, "What have I done?", after witnessing the mass displacement during the 1947 Partition. The article also details Nayar's own grim experiences of the communal violence and human tragedy at the time, highlighting the immense upheaval that accompanied the division of the subcontinent, now commemorated as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day.

SC seeks Centre's report on implementation of NEET reforms

SC seeks Centre's report on implementation of NEET reforms

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to submit an affidavit detailing the steps taken to implement the recommendations of the Radhakrishnan panel and the Nandan Nilekani committee for institutionalising reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) and improving NEET exam processes.

My son shifted victim to hospital: Andhra MP on Aston Martin crash

My son shifted victim to hospital: Andhra MP on Aston Martin crash

Rediff.com7 days ago

The accident on August 16 resulted in the death of a 26-year-old sales executive.

'Shubman Gill doesn't have enough faith in Kuldeep'

'Shubman Gill doesn't have enough faith in Kuldeep'

Rediff.com7 days ago

Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif criticised captain Shubman Gill for not giving spinner Kuldeep Yadav enough longer spells during the first Test against Sri Lanka, suggesting a lack of faith.

Irritation, annoyance not cruelty, says HC, rejects divorce plea

Irritation, annoyance not cruelty, says HC, rejects divorce plea

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has ruled that mere annoyance and normal disagreements do not amount to mental cruelty sufficient for divorce. The court stated that cruelty must be severe enough to make cohabitation unreasonable, and cannot be determined by isolated incidents. This ruling came as the court dismissed a man's divorce petition, upholding a family court's decision and ordering him to pay maintenance to his wife.

SC quashes criminal cases against Samay Raina, 4 other comedians for disability remarks

SC quashes criminal cases against Samay Raina, 4 other comedians for disability remarks

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court of India has quashed criminal proceedings against comedian Samay Raina and four others who faced charges for remarks about people with disabilities. The court lauded their subsequent efforts in organising events and raising awareness for specially-abled persons and those with rare diseases like Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

10 Skills AI Is Teaching That Schools Aren't

10 Skills AI Is Teaching That Schools Aren't

Rediff.com4 days ago

When a student asks AI to explore an idea, challenges its response, asks for alternatives, improves the output and decides what is worth retaining, the student is practising behaviours that are central to leadership, says Jaspreet Bindra, co-founder and CEO of AI & Beyond, an organisation promoting AI literacy.