News for 'Observation Post'

SC seeks FIRs in suicides of IIT Kharagpur student, NEET aspirant

SC seeks FIRs in suicides of IIT Kharagpur student, NEET aspirant

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has directed its registry to call for a report from IIT Kharagpur and Kota, Rajasthan, after the suicides of a student and a NEET aspirant came to light. The court is seeking to ascertain whether FIRs were registered in both cases, highlighting the disturbing pattern of student suicides in educational institutions. The court has also previously ordered the formation of a national task force to address mental health concerns and prevent suicides in higher educational institutions.

Can't deny funds to states not implementing NEP: Parl panel

Can't deny funds to states not implementing NEP: Parl panel

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

A parliamentary panel has criticized the Indian government for withholding funds from states that have not agreed to implement the PM SHRI schools scheme, calling the reasoning behind the decision "not factual or justified." The panel has recommended the immediate release of pending funds to states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, which have been significantly impacted by the delays.

Ministership or freedom: SC gives Senthil Balaji a choice

Ministership or freedom: SC gives Senthil Balaji a choice

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has asked DMK leader V Senthil Balaji to choose between his ministerial post in Tamil Nadu and his freedom. The court expressed concern over Balaji's reinstatement as a minister despite being granted bail in a money laundering case related to the "cash-for-job" scam. The court fears that Balaji's presence as a minister could influence witnesses in the case. The court has given Balaji until April 28 to make a decision.

Will identify, track, punish every terrorist behind Pahalgam: Modi

Will identify, track, punish every terrorist behind Pahalgam: Modi

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers who were responsible for the attack in Pahalgam "beyond their imagination". Addressing a public gathering in Madhubani, Modi said, "Today, from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world that India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth." He added that India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism and that terrorism will not go unpunished. Modi also assured that every effort will be made to ensure that justice is served, saying that the entire nation stands firm in this resolve. He thanked the people of various countries and the leaders who have stood with India in these times. Earlier, Modi and a large crowd gathered for a National Panchayati Raj Day programme observed silence for a few moments to pay homage to the victims of the terror attack in Pahalgam. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar condemned the terror attack and told the prime minister that the entire nation was united against terrorism.

Why Stalin Is Pushing Keeladi Over Indus Valley

Why Stalin Is Pushing Keeladi Over Indus Valley

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

'It has the potential to sow seeds of furthering discord when the direction of the discourse is aimed at propagating the perceived supremacy of 'cultural nationalism' from a distant past over the prevailing dominance of 'Constitutional nationalism',' argues N Sathiya Moorthy.

Uber Liable For Poor Service

Uber Liable For Poor Service

Rediff.com3 May 2025

Though Uber functions as a cab aggregator, the Delhi state commission ruled it should ensure timely and reliable delivery of services offered through its platform.

'Forces struck jungles when Naxals were busy in tactical meeting''

'Forces struck jungles when Naxals were busy in tactical meeting''

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Security forces killed at least 26 Naxalites in a fierce exchange in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh, while four more were gunned down in Kanker district, the state's Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said on Friday. The encounter, which occurred on Thursday, took place while the Naxalites were gathered for a Tactical Counter Offensive Campaign (TCOC) meeting, a period observed between March and June. The Deputy CM hailed the operation as a major achievement against the Naxals.

Army vehicle attacked in J-K's Rajouri, search op on

Army vehicle attacked in J-K's Rajouri, search op on

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

The troops returned fire and reinforcements were rushed to neutralise the terrorists, the officials said, adding that a search operation is underway in the area.

'The Ceasefire Is A Band-Aid Solution'

'The Ceasefire Is A Band-Aid Solution'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

'It brings precarious peace because the red lines have shifted. 'The next Pahalgam attack would mean a full scale war.'

LS Speaker asks Rahul to follow rules; LoP says not allowed to speak

LS Speaker asks Rahul to follow rules; LoP says not allowed to speak

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in India's Lok Sabha, has accused the Speaker, Om Birla, of running the House in a "non-democratic style" and preventing him from speaking. Gandhi claims that he was not allowed to speak on various issues, including unemployment and the Maha Kumbh festival, despite raising his hand to speak. He also alleges that the Speaker made unsubstantiated remarks about him and adjourned the House without giving him an opportunity to respond. The Speaker, however, has urged members to conduct themselves in accordance with the rules of the House, especially the Leader of the Opposition.

ISRO's POEM-4 successfully re-enters Earth's atmosphere

ISRO's POEM-4 successfully re-enters Earth's atmosphere

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that the fourth edition of the PSLV Orbital platform Experiment Module (POEM-4), used for the space docking experiment mission, has successfully re-entered the Earth's atmosphere. The module, a repurposed spent upper stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, impacted at 02:33 UTC (08:03 IST) on April 04, 2025, in the Indian Ocean. This successful re-entry signifies ISRO's commitment to mitigating space debris and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the outer space environment. POEM-4 had hosted 24 payloads during its mission life, yielding valuable science data. ISRO and the United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) closely monitored the module's orbit decay and predicted the re-entry date. This event showcases ISRO's proactive approach to responsible space operations.

'Neither India Or Pakistan Desire Full-Scale War'

'Neither India Or Pakistan Desire Full-Scale War'

Rediff.com10 May 2025

'I am worried that Pakistan will still feel compelled to take substantive military action beyond this apparent drone activity.' 'If so, the crisis could persist for a while more and dangerous days are still ahead.'

Srinagar Airfares Drop After Govt Intervention

Srinagar Airfares Drop After Govt Intervention

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

Airlines waive cancellation and rescheduling fees and boost flight capacity from Srinagar.

Pak planned Pahalgam to ignite communal tensions in India: Cong

Pak planned Pahalgam to ignite communal tensions in India: Cong

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, calling it a direct assault on the values of the republic. The party accused the BJP of exploiting the tragedy to promote discord and polarization, while urging for unity and solidarity in the face of adversity. The CWC also demanded a comprehensive analysis of the intelligence failures and security lapses that led to the attack.

Banks to be on 2-day strike in March

Banks to be on 2-day strike in March

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) on Thursday said its two-day nationwide strike on March 24 and 25 will be observed as scheduled since discussions with the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) over key demands failed to yield any positive outcome. In a meeting with the IBA, all UFBU constituents raised issues, including recruitment in all cadres and a five-day workweek.

4 children die, over dozen fall sick at Lucknow rehab; probe launched

4 children die, over dozen fall sick at Lucknow rehab; probe launched

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Four children died and several others fell ill, allegedly due to food poisoning at a government rehabilitation centre for children in the Para area here, officials said.

China is top military, cyber threat, says US intelligence

China is top military, cyber threat, says US intelligence

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

US intelligence agencies have identified China as the primary military and cyber threat to the US, noting that it continues to enhance its capabilities to potentially take control of Taiwan, according to a report by Taipei Times.

Trump offers olive branch to China after counter tariffs

Trump offers olive branch to China after counter tariffs

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

US President Donald Trump has proposed a deal to China that would see the sale of TikTok's US operations to an American buyer in exchange for a reduction in tariffs on Chinese exports to the US. The proposal comes amid a trade war between the two countries and follows China's retaliation of Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods. Trump has also said that tariffs are a powerful economic tool and that he is determined to ensure fair trade between the US and China.

Mount Everest's snow cover recedes by 150 metres

Mount Everest's snow cover recedes by 150 metres

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Research using NASA satellite images has revealed a concerning retreat of snow cover atop Mount Everest, indicating a lack of snow accumulation during the winter season of 2024-2025. This trend, observed through a 'rising snow line', suggests a warming climate and warmer, drier conditions prevailing in recent winters. Glaciologist Mauri Pelto attributes the snow cover loss to sublimation, where ice directly evaporates, contributing to the retreat of glaciers even above 6,000 meters on Mount Everest.

Gram Chikitsalay Review: Panchayat Redux

Gram Chikitsalay Review: Panchayat Redux

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Gram Chikitsalay uses the same template as Panchayat but with a fraction of its humour or charm, observes Deepa Gahlot.

Shut down Parliament if...: BJP's Nishikant Dubey attacks SC

Shut down Parliament if...: BJP's Nishikant Dubey attacks SC

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

Fourth-term Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nishikant Dubey, one of the more vocal party members in the Lok Sabha, launched a broadside against the Supreme Court on Saturday, saying Parliament and state assemblies should be closed down if the apex court has to make the laws.

Andhra intelligence ex-chief held in Mumbai actress harassment case

Andhra intelligence ex-chief held in Mumbai actress harassment case

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Former intelligence chief PSR Anjaneyulu has been arrested in connection with a case involving the alleged harassment of Mumbai-based actor-model Kadambari Narendra Kumar Jethwani. Anjaneyulu is one of the three IPS officers who are under suspension for allegedly "hastily arresting" and "harassing" Jethwani without proper investigation in a case filed against her during the erstwhile YSRCP regime. The arrest comes after a complaint filed by Jethwani against the alleged harassment, and the subsequent investigation revealed the involvement of several IPS officers. This case highlights the ongoing scrutiny of officials from the previous YSRCP government by the current TDP-led government.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi comes from a family of military officers

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi comes from a family of military officers

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Being a 'fauji' kid, Sofiya Qureshi grew up listening to tales of valour and sacrifice of the army shared by her grandfather, who was a soldier.

India's first Buddhist CJI ruled against 'bulldozer justice'

India's first Buddhist CJI ruled against 'bulldozer justice'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, India's 52nd chief justice and its first Buddhist one, has played a key role in shaping the judicial landscape, penning about 300 verdicts, including landmark rulings on constitutional issues, liberty, and perhaps most important against the executive's 'bulldozer justice'.

Karnataka civil court judge found citing fake SC judgments

Karnataka civil court judge found citing fake SC judgments

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

The Karnataka High Court has ordered an investigation into a city civil court judge's conduct after he cited non-existent Supreme Court rulings in a case. The High Court expressed concern over the judge's actions, stating that the matter required further investigation. The case involved a revision petition challenging the civil court's jurisdiction in a commercial dispute. Senior Counsel Prabhuling Navadgi, representing the petitioners, argued that the lower court had rejected their application based on citations of judgments that did not exist. The High Court also allowed the revision petition, finding that the plaintiffs had used a tactic to file the case in a court that lacked jurisdiction.

Bigoted idiots...: Javed Akhtar's message to Shami amid roza row

Bigoted idiots...: Javed Akhtar's message to Shami amid roza row

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar has come out in support of Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami after he was criticized for not observing roza (fast) during the month of Ramzan. Shami was spotted consuming an energy drink during the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final match against Australia, which led to criticism from some quarters. Akhtar, known for his outspoken views, urged Shami to ignore the negativity and praised his performance in the game.

Stock exchanges ease technical glitch norms for brokers

Stock exchanges ease technical glitch norms for brokers

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

The exchanges have also revised the instances which will be considered a technical glitch excluding instances where the broker is not at fault.

India And Pakistan Enter A Dangerous Era

India And Pakistan Enter A Dangerous Era

Rediff.com15 May 2025

'India for its survival has to change its doctrine from no first use to a pre-emptive attack in case of any hostile move by Pakistan,' recommends Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Internet suspended, 34 held after communal clashes in Bengal's Mothabari

Internet suspended, 34 held after communal clashes in Bengal's Mothabari

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

The situation remained tense but peaceful during the day, amid heavy police deployment in the area.

SC to decide about review of verdict on ED powers in April

SC to decide about review of verdict on ED powers in April

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court has announced it will decide in April whether to reconsider its 2022 verdict upholding the Enforcement Directorate's powers to arrest and attach property under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The court is hearing a batch of pleas seeking a review of the July 2022 verdict, which upheld the ED's powers of arrest and attachment of property involved in money laundering, search and seizure under the PMLA. The verdict came on a batch of over 200 petitions filed by individuals and other entities questioning various provisions of the PMLA.

It's The Enemy's Flag. I Still Won't Step On It

It's The Enemy's Flag. I Still Won't Step On It

Rediff.com3 May 2025

'I'm not dismissing the anger that drives people to stomp on the enemy's flag. 'In times of collective grief and rage, that kind of expression is understandable, especially in the age of viral content. 'But must I do it too?' asks Nikhil Narayanan.

Are you really working for welfare of common man, SC asks Centre

Are you really working for welfare of common man, SC asks Centre

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has reprimanded the central government for failing to implement a cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims. The court expressed its concern over the delay in formulating the scheme, which is designed to provide immediate medical care to accident victims within the crucial "golden hour." The court highlighted that despite a statutory provision requiring the scheme's implementation, the government has not taken any action, prompting the court to intervene. The court also criticized the General Insurance Council (GIC) for raising objections to the scheme and delaying its implementation. The court has now directed the government to notify the scheme within a week and has scheduled a hearing on the matter for May 13.

Mumbai Airport's T1 To Be Demolished In October

Mumbai Airport's T1 To Be Demolished In October

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

Reconstruction of the terminal is expected to be completed by September 2028.

SC directs Punjab, Haryana to cooperate on SYL canal dispute

SC directs Punjab, Haryana to cooperate on SYL canal dispute

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has directed the governments of Punjab and Haryana to cooperate with the Centre in finding an amicable solution to the long-standing dispute over the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal. The court deemed the de-notification of land acquired for the canal in Punjab an "act of high-handedness" and emphasized the need to consider "wider ramifications" beyond legal considerations. The court has set August 13 for a further hearing if an amicable solution is not reached.

Southern states face ageing population challenges: Panagariya

Southern states face ageing population challenges: Panagariya

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

The Sixteenth Finance Commission Chairman, Arvind Panagariya, has highlighted the challenges faced by southern states due to falling fertility rates and the subsequent increase in dependency ratios and ageing populations. He noted that Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Tamil Nadu have raised concerns about these demographic trends. The Commission is currently touring the states to gather feedback and is expected to submit its recommendations after completing nationwide consultations.

IPO Pipeline Runs Dry In March, 1st In 2 Yrs

IPO Pipeline Runs Dry In March, 1st In 2 Yrs

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Industry players said the sharp sell-off in February forced many companies to put off their listing plans

Can't make a citizen run pillar to post: SC in Sisodia's case

Can't make a citizen run pillar to post: SC in Sisodia's case

Rediff.com9 Aug 2024

The apex court rejected the preliminary objection raised by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia cannot be permitted to file second set of special leave petitions to challenge the Delhi high court's May 21 verdict which denied him bail in the excise policy cases.

How US tariffs impact Indian IT services cos in near term

How US tariffs impact Indian IT services cos in near term

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Export-led Indian IT sector is not directly hit by Trump's tariff order on goods, but there could be worrisome indirect bearings on it arising out of possible slowdown in decision-making and GDP growth in America over higher tariffs, which may then cloud demand from specific verticals, according to some analysts.

Courts authorised to determine rate of interest: SC

Courts authorised to determine rate of interest: SC

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that courts have the authority to determine the appropriate interest rate in cases involving share valuation, considering the specific facts of each case. The decision came in a 52-year-old legal battle between private parties and the Rajasthan government over the valuation of shares transferred to the state government. The court also modified the interest rate applicable to delayed payments, awarding 6 percent per annum simple interest from July 8, 1975, until the date of decree, and 9 percent per annum simple interest from the date of decree until realization of the payment.

Dust storm, rain lash Delhi, trees uprooted; 15 flights diverted

Dust storm, rain lash Delhi, trees uprooted; 15 flights diverted

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

A strong dust storm and gusty winds followed by rain hit Delhi-NCR on Friday evening, causing trees to be uprooted in several parts and leading to traffic congestion. Thunderstorms caused power disruptions in several parts of the city, primarily due to trees and branches falling on electricity cables. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert, recommending people stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.