News for 'Observation Post'

Sri Lankan navy opens fire on Indian fishermen, 5 hurt

Sri Lankan navy opens fire on Indian fishermen, 5 hurt

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Five Indian fishermen were injured, two seriously, in an incident of firing by the Sri Lankan Navy near Delft Island, prompting India to summon the acting high commissioner of Sri Lanka and lodge a strong protest. The incident occurred during the apprehension of 13 Indian fishermen, with three others sustaining minor injuries. The Indian Consulate in Jaffna is providing assistance to the fishermen and their families.

Mickey 17 Review: Bong Joon-ho Does It Again

Mickey 17 Review: Bong Joon-ho Does It Again

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Fiercely original filmmaking from a director whose even just good enough attempt fares much better than your average blockbusters, observes Mayur Sanap.

Retail Investors Bear Brunt Of Market Crash

Retail Investors Bear Brunt Of Market Crash

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Retail investors have been the hardest hit in the recent market downturn, with stocks where they hold over 20% falling 45% from their 52-week highs.

Power of Two: How MNS Workers Made Banner Disappear

Power of Two: How MNS Workers Made Banner Disappear

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

'For three months Raj Thackeray becomes a staunch Hindu and for the next three months he becomes anti-Hindu.'

USTR flags hurdles in medical device exports to India

USTR flags hurdles in medical device exports to India

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The USTR report, released just ahead of the US' April 2 deadline for implementing reciprocal tariffs, has also cited high tariffs and price caps, which have not increased in line with inflation, as key obstacles for US businesses.

Tiku Talsania 'Doing Much Better'

Tiku Talsania 'Doing Much Better'

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Veteran actor Tiku Talsania is currently undergoing treatment at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai after suffering a brain stroke.

'Help! I Suspect My Husband's Having An Affair'

'Help! I Suspect My Husband's Having An Affair'

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

If you suspect infidelity, look for patterns instead of relying solely on your fears, suggests rediffGURU Kanchan Rai, relationship coach and founder of Let Us Talk Foundation.

Courts must be wary of interfering with individual liberty: SC

Courts must be wary of interfering with individual liberty: SC

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has emphasized the importance of individual liberty, setting aside a Himachal Pradesh High Court order that cancelled bail for an accused in an attempt-to-murder case. The Supreme Court found no material to support the cancellation, stating that courts should be cautious about interfering with an individual's freedom.

BJP picks first-time MLA Rekha Gupta as new Delhi CM

BJP picks first-time MLA Rekha Gupta as new Delhi CM

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

First-time MLA Rekha Gupta will be the new chief minister of Delhi, capping 11 days of suspense over who will get the top post after the Bharatiya Janata Party returned to power after over 26 years ending the 10-year rule of the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party.

Meta apologises for Zuckerberg's remarks on Indian elections

Meta apologises for Zuckerberg's remarks on Indian elections

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had earlier called out the remarks made by Zuckerberg on the Joe Rogan podcast. "Mr. Zuckerberg's claim that most incumbent governments, including India in 2024 elections, lost post-COVID is factually incorrect," Vaishnaw had said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on January 13.

It's official! Devendra Fadnavis to be sworn in as Maharashtra CM

It's official! Devendra Fadnavis to be sworn in as Maharashtra CM

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar said the Mahayuti partners will meet Governor C P Radhakrishnan to stake a claim to form a government in the state.

Man arrested for chopping udders of cows in Bengaluru

Man arrested for chopping udders of cows in Bengaluru

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

The accused, Syed Nasru, had cut the udders of the cows in Vinayakanagar of Chamarajpet in the wee hours of Sunday, they said.

6 Leaders Modi Welcomed At Airport

6 Leaders Modi Welcomed At Airport

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Modi, who has infused personal chemistry in his international encounters, has made the special gesture of receiving a foreign leader at the airport only six times.

Sunita Williams describes how India looks from space

Sunita Williams describes how India looks from space

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

Sunita added that "I hope, and I think for sure, I'm gonna be going back to my father's home country and visiting with people and getting excited about the first, or not the first, but the Indian national who's going up on the Axiom Mission coming up, pretty awesome," she said.

Transition of Kapil Mishra: From BJP, Modi critic to Delhi minister

Transition of Kapil Mishra: From BJP, Modi critic to Delhi minister

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Kapil Mishra, a former AAP member and a vocal critic of the BJP, RSS, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has undergone a complete political transformation, becoming a controversial figure often regarded as the "posterboy of Hindutva." He has now been inducted as a minister in the newly formed Delhi government, marking a significant shift in his political allegiance and raising questions about his role in shaping the city's future.

SC allows Ranveer Allahbadia to resume his podcast with conditions

SC allows Ranveer Allahbadia to resume his podcast with conditions

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh took note of Allahbadia's submission that the podcast was his only source of livelihood and around 280 people employed by him were dependent on the show.

What Courts Gave Stalin From One Hand Took Away With Another

What Courts Gave Stalin From One Hand Took Away With Another

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

In more than one way, it's a setback for the DMK and Chief Minister Stalin in political terms. The electoral fall-out, if any, will have to wait until the next summer, only when assembly elections are due in the state, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

SC allows RG Kar doc's parents to pursue further probe on others' role

SC allows RG Kar doc's parents to pursue further probe on others' role

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court has allowed the parents of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim to pursue their plea for a further court-monitored CBI probe into the incident before the Calcutta High Court. The parents had expressed dissatisfaction with the CBI's initial probe and sought a more thorough investigation. The court, without making comments, disposed of the application, allowing the parents to continue the proceedings before the high court. The case has also prompted the Supreme Court to consider recommendations for preventing gender-based violence and developing safety protocols for medical staff at hospitals across the nation.

Tirupati temple board removes 18 non-Hindu employees

Tirupati temple board removes 18 non-Hindu employees

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the custodian of Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple, has barred 18 employees from participating in all religious activities for allegedly partaking in non-Hindu activities. The decision has been defended by the Andhra Pradesh government, citing the need to protect the religious sentiments of Hindu devotees. The move has sparked debate, with some supporting the TTD's stance and others criticizing it as discriminatory.

Oppn shreds VP Dhankhar's 'super parliament' remark on SC

Oppn shreds VP Dhankhar's 'super parliament' remark on SC

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Rajya Sabha member Kapil Sibal has criticised Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar for questioning the judiciary over the timeline for the president to take decisions, calling it "unconstitutional " and a lowering of the dignity of the chair. Sibal asserted that Dhankhar's remarks are not neutral and amount to an attack on the judiciary by the executive. He also pointed out that the president acts on the aid and advice of the council of ministers, and therefore, the president's power cannot be curtailed. Sibal urged Dhankhar to seek a review of the judiciary's decision or an advisory opinion from the Supreme Court if he has problems with it. He also questioned why Dhankhar only focuses on actions taken during Congress governments and not after 2014.

Huge Ports Deal Sparks US-China Tensions

Huge Ports Deal Sparks US-China Tensions

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The $22.8 billion CK Hutchison ports deal intensifies geopolitical tensions between the US and China. Chinese media has already called it 'a betrayal of all Chinese people'. Shyam G Menon explains how the proposed sale will reshapes global trade infrastructure.

SC protects ex-IAS trainee Puja Khedkar from arrest till Feb 14

SC protects ex-IAS trainee Puja Khedkar from arrest till Feb 14

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court has granted anticipatory bail to Puja Khedkar, a former IAS probationer, who is accused of cheating and wrongly availing OBC and disability quota benefits in the civil services examination. Khedkar is accused of misrepresenting information in her application for the UPSC civil services examination, 2022, to get reservation benefits. She has refuted all the allegations against her.

Was Modi Right About The Opposition?

Was Modi Right About The Opposition?

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

'While suppression of information is acceptable for the government, the Opposition's efforts at pinning the government and its leaders is labeled anti-national,' points out Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

TN govt vs governor tussle goes to SC again

TN govt vs governor tussle goes to SC again

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

The Tamil Nadu government has argued in the Supreme Court that Governor R N Ravi's repeated withholding of assent to bills passed by the state legislative assembly would lead to the failure of the democratic system in India. The top court has questioned the delay by the Governor in granting assent to several bills passed by the state assembly and asked why governors should wait for parties to move the court with their grievances. The court has also said that the Governor cannot refer bills passed by the legislature and re-adopted by it for presidential assent.

WPL: Run-out controversy as MI lose to DC

WPL: Run-out controversy as MI lose to DC

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

Taking a dig at the controversial run-out decisions that played a big role in her team's last-ball, two-wicket defeat to Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians coach Charlotte Edwards said it was "really hard" to comprehend such calls that affect the eventual outcome of the match.

Tibet earthquake: Rescuers race against time to find survivors

Tibet earthquake: Rescuers race against time to find survivors

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Local officials said no casualties have been reported due to Wednesday's quake that hit the Madoi County in Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province of northwest China at 3:44 pm (Beijing time), tremors for which were also felt in north-eastern Nepal.

Where Will You Travel This Summer?

Where Will You Travel This Summer?

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

During this summer, Indian travel buffs are opting for destinations that provide an escape from the ominous heat, along with coastal regions within the country and countries offering visa-free travel.

Daughter has right to educational expenses: SC

Daughter has right to educational expenses: SC

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that a daughter has an indefeasible right to secure educational expenses from her parents, who can be compelled to provide necessary funds within their means. This ruling came in a matrimonial dispute where a daughter studying in Ireland refused to accept Rs 43 lakh given by her father towards her studies, which was part of the total alimony being paid to her mother. The court stated that the daughter has a fundamental right to pursue her education and that the parents can be compelled to provide necessary funds within their financial resources. The court also granted a decree of divorce by mutual consent to the estranged couple, directing them to abide by the terms of a settlement agreement they had reached.

CEC Rajiv Kumar, a strong critic of exit polls, demits office

CEC Rajiv Kumar, a strong critic of exit polls, demits office

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Rajiv Kumar, the 25th chief election commissioner of India, has demitted office after a nearly three-year tenure marked by both electoral successes and allegations of bias from opposition parties. Kumar oversaw the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, among other major elections. During his tenure, he implemented reforms across various aspects of the Election Commission's functioning, including structural, technological, capacity development, communication, international cooperation, and administration. However, he faced criticism from opposition parties and activists on several issues, including the efficacy of Electronic Voting Machines, alleged fudging of voter data, and being "lenient" on the ruling BJP. While the Commission responded to the allegations, Kumar often defended himself and the poll authority through poetry. In his farewell address, Kumar expressed concerns about the timing of petitions raising doubts over poll processes and the impact of freebie promises on the fiscal health of the state. He also criticized the practice of showing early trends on counting day by news channels, calling it "nonsense". Kumar's tenure was marked by numerous controversies, with opposition parties and activists alleging bias and irregularities. While the Election Commission defended its actions, the allegations cast a shadow over his time in office.

'When Boys Are Rejected By A Girl, They Resort To Toxicity'

'When Boys Are Rejected By A Girl, They Resort To Toxicity'

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

'The male-dominant Indian culture displays a lot of violence, a lot of aggression towards women.'

The pivotal decision facing India's steelmakers

The pivotal decision facing India's steelmakers

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The "weaponisation" of economic activity - through tariffs and sanctions - is now a reality, with countries leveraging these tools strategically, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said at the Raisina Dialogue recently.

Shinde resigns; BJP to make Fadnavis CM, says minister

Shinde resigns; BJP to make Fadnavis CM, says minister

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde on Tuesday stepped down as Maharashtra chief minister, even as the suspense over who will succeed him as the new CM continued, three days after state assembly election results were announced.

'Pro-Mamata Sentiment Among Muslims Is A Reality'

'Pro-Mamata Sentiment Among Muslims Is A Reality'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

'Mamata needs to address the anger and resentment among various sections of the Hindu community because low-scale communal violence has always paid richer electoral dividends for the BJP.'

Zverev confronted by shocking chant at Australian Open

Zverev confronted by shocking chant at Australian Open

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

The German was visibly distraught ahead of the trophy ceremony, appearing emotional as he fought back tears.

Ram Navami celebrated across country amid tight security in many states

Ram Navami celebrated across country amid tight security in many states

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Temples across Uttar Pradesh were packed with devotees on Sunday for Ram Navami, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath leading prayers at the Gorakhnath Temple. Heavy crowds were witnessed at temples in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi, where security was heightened. In Gorakhpur, Adityanath performed the traditional kanya pujan ritual, while in Varanasi, a 51-foot statue of Lord Ram has become a major attraction. The festival was celebrated with enthusiastic fervor across the state.

SC to examine Lokpal's jurisdiction over HC judges

SC to examine Lokpal's jurisdiction over HC judges

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India will examine the jurisdiction of the Lokpal, India's anti-corruption ombudsman, in entertaining complaints against sitting high court judges. The court is considering a suo motu proceeding initiated over the Lokpal's January 27 order on the issue. The case involves two complaints filed against a sitting additional judge of a high court, alleging that he influenced a judge of the subordinate judiciary and a judge of the same high court set to deal with a suit filed against the complainant by a private company.

Shivraj's 'Ram, Ram' post sparks speculation amid suspense over MP CM

Shivraj's 'Ram, Ram' post sparks speculation amid suspense over MP CM

Rediff.com9 Dec 2023

The post, accompanied by Chouhan's picture with his palms brought together, sparked off speculation as "Ram Ram" is used both as a greeting as well as a parting message.

Avian flu? 4 lakh chicken die in Andhra district

Avian flu? 4 lakh chicken die in Andhra district

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Nearly four lakh chickens have died in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh and vicinity over the past 45 days, prompting the Animal Husbandry Department to send samples for testing to ascertain the cause. Avian influenza is suspected, but the cause is yet to be confirmed.

Trump Has Become A Reset Button

Trump Has Become A Reset Button

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Trump's sweeping tariffs and penalties on China-built ships have turned global shipping into the front line of economic war, observes Shyam G Menon.

Nana Patole replaced, Maharashtra Cong gets new chief

Nana Patole replaced, Maharashtra Cong gets new chief

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Former MLA Harshwardhan Sapkal has been appointed as the new president of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), tasked with reviving the party in the state after its crushing defeat in the last year's assembly polls. Sapkal, a veteran politician, replaces Nana Patole, who held the position since 2021. The Congress aims to rebuild its base and prepare for upcoming local body polls, including those in Mumbai, Pune, Thane, and Nagpur. The party will also need to work with its allies, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP), to strengthen the opposition against the ruling BJP-led alliance.