Search results for 'The Observer'

SC grants relief to Rahul Gandhi in disproportionate assets case

SC grants relief to Rahul Gandhi in disproportionate assets case

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has provided significant relief to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by directing the Allahabad High Court to cease proceedings in a case alleging disproportionate assets against him. The apex court also instructed the CBI and ED not to submit any reports based on the high court's previous directives.

Bengal BJP battles to prevent 'Trinamoolisation' of party

Bengal BJP battles to prevent 'Trinamoolisation' of party

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Three months after winning power in West Bengal, the BJP is confronting a significant political challenge: how to expand and consolidate its presence without adopting the very political culture it campaigned against, particularly concerning the integration of former TMC leaders and the need to curb practices like extortion and intimidation among its own cadres.

EC unlawfully recognised Shinde faction: Sena-UBT tells SC

EC unlawfully recognised Shinde faction: Sena-UBT tells SC

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Uddhav Thackeray faction has told the Supreme Court that the Election Commission's decision to recognise the Eknath Shinde-led unit as the "real Shiv Sena" and grant it the 'bow-and-arrow' symbol was unlawful. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued that a split in a legislature party cannot, by itself, amount to a split in the political party, challenging the very basis of the poll panel's jurisdiction and its disregard for the party's 2018 constitution.

CAG audit reveals Indian Railways' lease repayment on wrong track

CAG audit reveals Indian Railways' lease repayment on wrong track

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit for 2024-25 has highlighted Indian Railways' concerning trend of repaying lease charges to its borrowing arm, IRFC, from budgetary grants instead of internal resources, alongside significant delays in safety-centric works.

How Urban Development Shapes Future Cooling Demand

How Urban Development Shapes Future Cooling Demand

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

A new study by IIT Kharagpur researchers, published in Nature Communications, reveals that urban growth patterns significantly influence future cooling demand in cities. The research highlights that a city's "thermal memory," shaped by decades of development decisions, impacts its heat burden and energy requirements, independent of global temperature rises. The study analysed 88 Indian cities and a global sample of 52 cities over two decades.

Rajasthan HC grants 20-day parole to self-styled 'godman' Asaram

Rajasthan HC grants 20-day parole to self-styled 'godman' Asaram

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The Rajasthan high court has granted 20-day parole to self-styled "godman" Asaram, who is serving a life sentence in a 2013 case of sexually assaulting a minor, saying the state government failed to justify its decision to reject his parole application.

Only 39% productivity in monsoon session, rues RS chairman

Only 39% productivity in monsoon session, rues RS chairman

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan expressed "deep concern" over the persistent disorder and frequent disruptions that "derailed" the business of the House during the Monsoon Session, leading to a productivity of only 39 per cent.

AITA President Parikh Accuses Court-Appointed Administrator Of Financial Exploitation

AITA President Parikh Accuses Court-Appointed Administrator Of Financial Exploitation

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Interim All India Tennis Association (AITA) President Chintan Parikh has accused court-appointed administrator Justice (Retd.) Gita Mittal of financial exploitation and procedural bias, alleging that her actions are draining the sports body's finances and compromising its autonomy.

Detective Tanya Puri Joins The Traitors 2

Detective Tanya Puri Joins The Traitors 2

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Tanya Puri, India's youngest female private investigator, brings her real-life detective skills to Season 2 of The Traitors.

Jharkhand protestors to continue stir till demands met

Jharkhand protestors to continue stir till demands met

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Students in Ranchi, under the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, are intensifying their protests against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. Despite a large protest involving over 50,000 students, the government has not responded positively, leading to a decision to continue the agitation. The students are demanding transparency, reforms in JPSC and JSSC, cancellation of exams, and an independent investigation, with some even on hunger strike.

Jeev Milkha Singh Offers Crucial Asian Games Golf Advice

Jeev Milkha Singh Offers Crucial Asian Games Golf Advice

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Indian golfing legend Jeev Milkha Singh offers crucial advice to the national golf team ahead of the Asian Games, emphasising the importance of a strong short game and adapting to Japan's fast greens and windy conditions to secure medals.

How Long Can US Forces Fight Iran War?

How Long Can US Forces Fight Iran War?

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Torn between loyalty to their comrades and disillusionment towards the cause for which they are fighting, they are beginning to cave in. Morale has been the casualty, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Batwara 1947 Review: Good Intentions, Stilted Execution

Batwara 1947 Review: Good Intentions, Stilted Execution

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Coming so soon after Main Vaapas Aaunga, also a Partition era tale with a message of compassion, the flaws in Batwara 1947 are even more grating, observes Deepa Gahlot.

SC 7-judge bench to hear plea on MLAs' privileges vs freedom of speech

SC 7-judge bench to hear plea on MLAs' privileges vs freedom of speech

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court of India will commence hearings on two significant constitutional matters: the interpretation of legislative privileges of MLAs concerning freedom of speech and expression, and the power of state legislatures to impose additional sales tax levies. Both issues will be heard by seven-judge Constitution benches, with one case stemming from a 2003 plea by journalist N Ravi regarding breach of privilege.

'Between me and students': CJI slams Bar Council order against NALSAR graduates

'Between me and students': CJI slams Bar Council order against NALSAR graduates

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant sharply criticised the Bar Council of India (BCI) for its 'uncalled for' interference in a protest by NALSAR University of Law students, asserting that students have a right to protest and that the matter was a 'dialogue between students and me'. The BCI had initially ordered that 2026 NALSAR graduates not be enrolled as advocates, an order it later reversed.

'Only 1 bill saw debate': Govt blames Cong for Parl washout

'Only 1 bill saw debate': Govt blames Cong for Parl washout

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Kiren Rijiju has strongly criticised the Congress for allegedly 'unfairly disrupting' the recent monsoon session.

'Young People Feel Uncertainty Because Of The Huge Disruption In The Job Market'

'Young People Feel Uncertainty Because Of The Huge Disruption In The Job Market'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

'It could be in IT, it could be in administration, it could be in legal, it could be in technical services, but entry level jobs are rapidly disappearing because AI is taking them over.' 'So, the big question what would happen if the bottom rung of the ladder is removed?'

How Indian Banks Can Drive A USD 30 Trillion Economy By 2047

How Indian Banks Can Drive A USD 30 Trillion Economy By 2047

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

A new report by FICCI, BCG, and IBA outlines that India's banking sector must grow significantly faster than nominal GDP to support a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047, requiring banking assets of USD 45 trillion. The report highlights the sector's current strength, challenges in digitisation, and the need to enhance resilience against fraud and cyber threats, proposing a 13-point agenda for stakeholders.

Maharashtra: Ayurvedic drug makers under FDA radar

Maharashtra: Ayurvedic drug makers under FDA radar

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cancelled the licences of 10 Ayurvedic drug manufacturing units and issued show-cause notices to 135 others following inspections that revealed serious violations including unhygienic conditions, lack of technical staff, and inadequate testing protocols.

Kotak reveals batting tweaks that helped Devdutt Padikkal flourish against Sri Lanka

Kotak reveals batting tweaks that helped Devdutt Padikkal flourish against Sri Lanka

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak lauded Devdutt Padikkal for his maiden international century against Sri Lanka, highlighting his dedicated work on back foot play and shot selection. Kotak also provided an update on vice-captain KL Rahul, who retired hurt due to cramps but is expected to be fit for the next day's play. The coach further discussed the Galle pitch conditions, anticipating more turn as the Test progresses, and praised Rahul's versatility across formats.

How Climate Change Will Intensify Daily Heat Exposure

How Climate Change Will Intensify Daily Heat Exposure

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

A new study projects that by the end of the century, hot days could experience an additional four hours of extreme heat, with low and middle-income countries being disproportionately affected. The research highlights that traditional daily temperature metrics often overlook shorter, intense periods of heat, and hourly assessments are crucial for effective heat risk management and public health planning in a warming climate.

Sebi chief defends Closing Auction System, says 'takes time to understand'

Sebi chief defends Closing Auction System, says 'takes time to understand'

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Sebi Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey has defended the newly rolled out Closing Auction System (CAS), stating that it is a transparent mechanism and that the industry needs time to understand the change. He acknowledged initial turbulence and concerns from fund houses but noted an increase in mutual fund participation.

11-year-old rape survivor delivers baby girl in Haryana hospital

11-year-old rape survivor delivers baby girl in Haryana hospital

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

An 11-year-old rape survivor in Yamunanagar, Haryana, has given birth to a baby girl at the District Civil Hospital. Both the mother and baby are in stable condition. The minor's pregnancy was discovered in May, leading to the arrest of the accused under the POCSO Act. The family has consented to hand over the newborn to the Child Welfare Committee.

How Ricky Ponting helped Punjab Kings' Wadhera during tough times in IPL 2026

How Ricky Ponting helped Punjab Kings' Wadhera during tough times in IPL 2026

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Punjab Kings' Nehal Wadhera said head coach Ricky Ponting personally approached him and offered reassurance at a time when his confidence was affected by his lack of runs during IPL 2026.

Pune police parade murder accused on vehicle; rights panel orders probe

Pune police parade murder accused on vehicle; rights panel orders probe

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Taking suo motu cognisance of the incident in which three murder accused were tied to the bonnet of a police vehicle and paraded through parts of Pune, the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the state government and senior police officials.

Church objections can't override law, says Meghalaya HC on liquor shop

Church objections can't override law, says Meghalaya HC on liquor shop

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Meghalaya High Court has ruled that moral objections from church elders and locals cannot be a valid ground to deny the operation of a legally licensed liquor outlet. The court directed authorities to permit a shop owner to operate her IMFL retail outlet, noting she fulfilled all statutory requirements and that the objections were based on moral rather than legal grounds. The ruling also highlighted that a legal outlet could help curb illegal liquor sales.

India rejects Israel defence pact reports after Pak-Saudi-Turkiye deal

India rejects Israel defence pact reports after Pak-Saudi-Turkiye deal

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The ministry of external affairs on Friday dismissed as 'fake news' reports alleging that India had requested Israel to sign a defence pact in response to the newly formed Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Turkey security framework.

'Sword to kill mosquito': HC raps Maha FDA over Cadila drug action

'Sword to kill mosquito': HC raps Maha FDA over Cadila drug action

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has strongly criticised the Maharashtra FDA for its "shoot first" approach, likening its drastic actions to using a sword to kill a mosquito. The court, hearing a petition from Cadila Pharmaceuticals, directed the FDA to grant companies a hearing before taking severe measures, warning of heavy costs for its arbitrary conduct.

Mahua Moitra alleges forced eviction from circuit house, writes to Speaker

Mahua Moitra alleges forced eviction from circuit house, writes to Speaker

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

TMC MP Mahua Moitra has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, seeking his intervention after she was allegedly forced to vacate a circuit house in Nadia district, claiming harassment and threatening legal action. She reported a crowd shouting 'Jai Shree Ram' slogans outside the premises after her refusal to leave.

Ram Temple donation case: SC to hear pleas on August 17

Ram Temple donation case: SC to hear pleas on August 17

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court will hear petitions on August 17 seeking a court-monitored SIT probe into alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, after deferring the original hearing due to the Solicitor General's UN engagement.

HC stays FSSAI ban on Dabur's '100%' claim products

HC stays FSSAI ban on Dabur's '100%' claim products

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Delhi High Court has temporarily halted a directive from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) that prohibited Dabur India from marketing certain food products with "100 per cent" claims. The court cited a lack of hearing for Dabur before the FSSAI order was issued, granting prima facie relief to the company.

P V Sindhu: 'I Am Coming At The Top Of My Game'

P V Sindhu: 'I Am Coming At The Top Of My Game'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

'Frankly, I'm in that zone for another Olympics.'

Govt questions Meta's 'what content is shown to whom' system

Govt questions Meta's 'what content is shown to whom' system

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The Indian government is questioning whether Meta's recommendation systems and paid content promotion align with its status as an intermediary under the IT Act, raising concerns about the company's liability for content it actively decides to show users.

J'khand job exam stir enters 14th day; student on hunger strike hospitalised

J'khand job exam stir enters 14th day; student on hunger strike hospitalised

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

A student leader on a hunger strike in Ranchi, protesting alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment exams, was hospitalised after his health deteriorated. The protest, now in its 14th day, demands cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and an independent probe.

Supreme Court flags 'one-person structure' in Shiv Sena's constitution

Supreme Court flags 'one-person structure' in Shiv Sena's constitution

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has questioned the amended constitution of the Shiv Sena, observing that it appeared to have made the party 'virtually a one-person structure' and raising concerns about democratic functioning within political parties.

HC quashes FCRA orders against two NGOs over funding Vizhinjam protests

HC quashes FCRA orders against two NGOs over funding Vizhinjam protests

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Kerala high court has set aside the Centre's decision not to renew the FCRA certificate of two NGOs, accused by central agencies of funding agitations against the Vizhinjam sea port, saying that financial support to a protest cannot be seen as diversion of foreign funds.

Rajasthan: Schoolchildren turn journalists to bridge rural news gap

Rajasthan: Schoolchildren turn journalists to bridge rural news gap

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

A government school in Raholi, Tonk, Rajasthan, has launched its own student-run newspaper, 'Raholi Shiksha Samachar' and 'Raholi Education Times', to address the lack of newspaper access in rural areas and provide students with a platform for creativity and journalism skills.

We may apply for universal banking licence within a year

"We may apply for universal banking licence within a year"

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Equitas Small Finance Bank (SFB) Managing Director and CEO P N Vasudevan stated, "We may end up applying within a year" for a universal banking licence, while also targeting a nearly threefold increase in advances to Rs 1.2 trillion over the next five years.

Calcutta HC denies Abhishek Banerjee nod to go abroad for eye treatment

Calcutta HC denies Abhishek Banerjee nod to go abroad for eye treatment

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Calcutta High Court dismissed Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee's plea to travel abroad for eye treatment after he declined to appear before a state-run medical board. The court deemed his appearance necessary to assess his medical condition, citing ongoing criminal investigations against him.

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.