News for 'Sunday Observer'

Meet the Internet's Biggest Influencers

Meet the Internet's Biggest Influencers

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Animals are now the face of virality and might have already beaten human influencers at the job.

Govt begins efforts to join sixth-gen fighter jet programme: Parl panel

Govt begins efforts to join sixth-gen fighter jet programme: Parl panel

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The defence ministryh has "initiated efforts" to join the sixth-generation fighter aircraft development programme, Future Combat Air System (FCAS), spearheaded by the French government, and sought from it the roadmap to acquire such aircraft, a parliamentary panel has said.

Forces Intensify Search After Suspected Drone Activity

Forces Intensify Search After Suspected Drone Activity

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir initiated extensive search operations along the International Border and Line of Control in Samba and Rajouri districts following multiple overnight sightings of suspected Pakistani drones. The increased drone activity has prompted concerns over potential air-dropping of narcotics, weapons, or facilitation of infiltration, leading to heightened surveillance and anti-drone measures.

Changing society will see more cases like Sonam's, says SC

Changing society will see more cases like Sonam's, says SC

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court, while hearing a bail plea in a murder case, made significant observations about the changing nature of society, the vulnerability of the modern generation, the impact of nuclear families, and the role of technology in child-rearing.

SC to examine if there was a split in Shiv Sena

SC to examine if there was a split in Shiv Sena

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court is deliberating whether a split in the Shiv Sena could originate in the legislature party and then extend to the broader organisation and primary membership, as it hears pleas from the Uddhav Thackeray faction challenging the Election Commission's recognition of the Eknath Shinde-led faction.

WhatsApp begins testing age checks for Indian users

WhatsApp begins testing age checks for Indian users

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

WhatsApp is testing new ways for users in India to confirm their age as it prepares to comply with upcoming legal requirements, including those related to the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, the Meta-owned messaging platform said on Tuesday.

Harmanpreet Singh is India's 'trump card' at Hockey World Cup, says Jugraj Singh

Harmanpreet Singh is India's 'trump card' at Hockey World Cup, says Jugraj Singh

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Former India drag-flicker Jugraj Singh has lauded current captain Harmanpreet Singh as a 'trump card' for the upcoming FIH World Cup, citing his aggressive playing style and consistent performance in crucial moments. Jugraj, who sees his own reflection in Harmanpreet's game, rates him among the world's top three drag-flickers and believes the team is well-prepared to end India's long wait for a World Cup medal.

CM Adhikari announces fresh probe into RG Kar rape-murder case

CM Adhikari announces fresh probe into RG Kar rape-murder case

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a fresh investigation into the 2024 rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The decision follows a request from the victim's mother, now a BJP MLA, and includes a separate probe into alleged cremation irregularities. Adhikari criticised previous police handling and vowed to ensure justice, despite a CBI investigation having already led to a conviction.

Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 Review: Dull Start

Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 Review: Dull Start

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

What made Kaun Banega Crorepati special was the simplicity of the game, a clean Q & A format taking pride in delivering knowledge when not testing it. But the strain of advertising, destroying one medium after another, bears down on the latest edition, observes Sukanya Verma.

Minor girl found guilty by UP JJB for five-year-old brother's murder

Minor girl found guilty by UP JJB for five-year-old brother's murder

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

A Juvenile Justice Board in Bareilly has found a minor girl guilty of murdering her five-year-old brother. The boy was allegedly killed after he caught his sister in a compromising position with a man and threatened to tell their mother. The girl's alleged lover has already been sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with the same case. The board will issue a separate order on the quantum of punishment for the juvenile.

J'khand recruitment exam scam: Student leader on hunger strike hospitalised

J'khand recruitment exam scam: Student leader on hunger strike hospitalised

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

A student leader, Rahul Kranti, on a hunger strike against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations, was admitted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital after his health deteriorated. The protest, now in its 14th day, has drawn attention from political leaders, including Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi and Health Minister Irfan Ansari, who visited the hospitalised students. Protesters are demanding cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and comprehensive reforms in state recruitment bodies.

Parbati Barua: Queen Of The Elephants

Parbati Barua: Queen Of The Elephants

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

On World Elephant Day, the story of Parbati Barua deserves to be remembered.

Parliament Panel Pushes OTT Content Review

Parliament Panel Pushes OTT Content Review

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The Parliamentary Standing Committee said the proposed comprehensive statutory framework for regulating OTT content should include robust technology-enabled age-verification mechanisms, effective parental controls and suitable penalties for non-compliance.

'Sheikh Hasina Has Pulled A Political Masterstroke'

'Sheikh Hasina Has Pulled A Political Masterstroke'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

'After announcing that she will return to Bangladesh, if she does not, her credibility will suffer.'

EC's special observer for Bengal SIR appointed as CM's advisor

EC's special observer for Bengal SIR appointed as CM's advisor

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The new BJP government also appointed IAS officer Shantanu Bala as the chief minister's private secretary, according to another notification.

Hiroshima Day: 6 Facts You Need To Know

Hiroshima Day: 6 Facts You Need To Know

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Hiroshima Day is observed on August 6. On that day, the United States B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped the atomic bomb over the city of Hiroshima on May 6, 1945 changing the course of history.

Supporters go on a rampage after Karnataka MLA denied cabinet berth

Supporters go on a rampage after Karnataka MLA denied cabinet berth

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Supporters of Congress MLA S N Subba Reddy launched a violent protest in Chikkaballapura, Karnataka, after he was excluded from the state cabinet. The agitation, which included a bandh, road blockades, and an attempted self-immolation, highlights a wider rebellion within the ruling Congress over ministerial berth denials following the recent cabinet expansion.

Jharkhand job exam row escalates; CM offers talks to students

Jharkhand job exam row escalates; CM offers talks to students

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Students intensified their protest over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand with five demonstrators joining an indefinite hunger strike, even as Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday said the question paper leak issues are a national problem and offered talks to resolve the impasse.

SC refuses to review hate speech ruling on Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma

SC refuses to review hate speech ruling on Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has dismissed a review petition challenging its earlier decision that no cognisable offence was made out against BJP leaders Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma for their alleged hate speeches during the 2020 anti-CAA protests in Delhi.

Mamata spends all night at Martyrs Day rally venue to prevent 'BJP-backed miscreants'

Mamata spends all night at Martyrs Day rally venue to prevent 'BJP-backed miscreants'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

West Bengal's annual July 21 Martyrs' Day observance has transformed into an unprecedented political contest, with three rival camps - Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress, a breakaway TMC faction, and the Congress - holding parallel programmes in central Kolkata, each vying for legacy and organisational strength.

Since he is 'forgiving'...: Sonia takes dig at Modi, hails Manmohan

Since he is 'forgiving'...: Sonia takes dig at Modi, hails Manmohan

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Following the Supreme Court's clean chit in the coal block allocation case, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has lauded former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's integrity and accountability, drawing a sharp contrast with the Narendra Modi government's operational style and alleged misuse of investigative agencies.

Judge seen in road rage incident, pulled up by Karnataka HC

Judge seen in road rage incident, pulled up by Karnataka HC

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Karnataka High Court has strongly criticised a judicial officer, Principal Civil Judge Gayathri of Malur, for her 'wholly unbecoming' conduct in an alleged road rage incident, where CCTV footage showed her and her husband engaging in a verbal altercation after their car was overtaken. The court also raised concerns about the alleged misuse of her official position to initiate criminal proceedings against citizens, including a 70-year-old man.

Delhi on high alert after CJP sets Tuesday deadline on FIR withdrawal

Delhi on high alert after CJP sets Tuesday deadline on FIR withdrawal

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Heightened security deployment will remain in force across New Delhi and Central Delhi districts to maintain law and order as the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) warned of fresh protests if FIRs registered against demonstrators are not withdrawn.

CJP protest: SC clarifies order, allows FIR withdrawal

CJP protest: SC clarifies order, allows FIR withdrawal

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has clarified that 'criminal antecedents' for NEET paper leak protesters refer only to grave and heinous offences, allowing state governments to withdraw FIRs against students not involved in such serious crimes. This comes after the Centre's commitment to not pursue cases against most protesting students.

Scientists Edge Closer To First Exomoon Discovery

Scientists Edge Closer To First Exomoon Discovery

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

A new study based on satellite observations of a brown dwarf orbiting a star suggests the possible first detection of an exomoon. Researchers are debating its classification as an 'exoplanet' or 'exomoon' due to a lack of definitive systems, but refer to it as an 'exosatellite' with a mass similar to Jupiter.

BJP extends support to Jharkhand paper leak protest

BJP extends support to Jharkhand paper leak protest

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Student protests against alleged examination irregularities in Jharkhand have intensified, with six demonstrators on hunger strike demanding the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and an independent probe. The agitation, which has garnered political support from both opposition and ruling allies, is set to impact the Monsoon Assembly Session, even as a CID investigation progresses and prohibitory orders are issued.

RBI Governor Discusses Future Of Digital Payment Merchant Discount Rate

RBI Governor Discusses Future Of Digital Payment Merchant Discount Rate

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated it is "premature" to discuss the implementation of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for digital payments, advising a "wait-and-watch" approach. He emphasised that investment in public payment infrastructure is necessary and someone must bear the cost, whether through taxes or MDR. The government is currently working on amendments to relevant statutes, and the RBI is focused on strengthening this infrastructure.

Delhi man stabbed to death protecting woman from molesters

Delhi man stabbed to death protecting woman from molesters

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

A man was fatally stabbed and a woman seriously injured in a Delhi park while he attempted to protect her from alleged molesters. Police are investigating the incident, scanning CCTV footage, and seeking to identify the attackers and their motive.

BJP launches extortion culture clean-up in Bengal; suspends 22 leaders

BJP launches extortion culture clean-up in Bengal; suspends 22 leaders

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The ruling BJP in West Bengal has suspended 22 functionaries, including several mandal presidents, over allegations of extortion and indiscipline. This action follows public warnings from the party leadership against adopting an 'extortion culture' and comes ahead of a visit by BJP's central in-charge for West Bengal, Sunil Bansal, to review the party's organisation and the new government's functioning.

13-year court battle led to Tarun Tejpal's conviction for rape

13-year court battle led to Tarun Tejpal's conviction for rape

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has convicted former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal for the sexual assault of a junior colleague in 2013, overturning his 2021 acquittal by a trial court.

Ram temple theft drives judge to moot death penalty for corruption

Ram temple theft drives judge to moot death penalty for corruption

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Justice Atul Sreedharan of the Allahabad High Court has made strong observations on systemic corruption in India, suggesting the death penalty for offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. He criticised the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple and the Uttar Pradesh government's "bulldozer actions," highlighting the normalisation of corruption and the state's complicity in unauthorised constructions.

Delhi HC orders removal of Kala Hiran teaser, backs Salman Khan's plea

Delhi HC orders removal of Kala Hiran teaser, backs Salman Khan's plea

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has issued an interim order for the removal of the film 'Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legal' teaser and related online posts, following objections from actor Salman Khan regarding the unauthorised use of his name, mannerisms, and reputation for commercial gain.

Maha doctors on strike over homeopaths prescribing allopathy

Maha doctors on strike over homeopaths prescribing allopathy

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has launched an indefinite statewide strike, protesting the government's decision to allow homoeopaths to register under the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) and prescribe allopathic medicines after a six-month course.

AIFF President Appeals To Tata Group Over Jamshedpur FC's ISL Exit

AIFF President Appeals To Tata Group Over Jamshedpur FC's ISL Exit

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

All India Football Federation President Kalyan Chaubey has urged the Tata group to reconsider its decision to withdraw Jamshedpur FC from the Indian Super League. While Tata maintains it's a strategic move for grassroots development, Chaubey believes the decision should not be purely financial and highlights Tata's significant contributions to Indian football through the Tata Football Academy.

Ink thrown at AISA chief Neha Bora during Ranchi exam protest

Ink thrown at AISA chief Neha Bora during Ranchi exam protest

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

All India Students' Association president Neha Bora was attacked with ink during a protest march in Ranchi against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment exams. The attacker, identified as Amarnath Pandey, accused her of being "anti-national" due to her support for Umar Khalid. Bora, who has previously faced police action during protests, remained defiant, alleging the incident was orchestrated by BJP-RSS to suppress student movements. The protests against exam irregularities have been ongoing for 14 days, with students demanding re-examination and dialogue with the government.

Bail granted to five accused in TCS harassment-conversion case

Bail granted to five accused in TCS harassment-conversion case

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

A Nashik court has granted bail to five individuals accused in a sexual harassment and forcible conversion case at the local TCS unit. The court cited the completion of the investigation and the filing of the chargesheet, stating there was no serious apprehension of witness tampering. The accused face multiple FIRs related to alleged inappropriate conduct and religious belittling.

TN pleads in SC for reservation benefits for Muslim converts

TN pleads in SC for reservation benefits for Muslim converts

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has reserved its decision on a plea by the Tamil Nadu government challenging a Madras High Court verdict. The High Court had ruled that individuals converting to Islam are not automatically entitled to reservation benefits under the Backward Class (Muslim) category solely based on their conversion.

AITA Implements Age Cap For Executive Committee Members

AITA Implements Age Cap For Executive Committee Members

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has voted to cap the age for eligibility to its Executive Committee at 70 years, aligning its constitution with the National Sports Governance Act. This decision, approved by a narrow margin, allows elected members to complete their full four-year term even if they cross 70 during their tenure. The move is part of a broader constitutional overhaul overseen by the Delhi High Court, which also includes new tenure provisions and the election of Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit.

RSS condemns member's 'NEET protest lead to gangrape' remark

RSS condemns member's 'NEET protest lead to gangrape' remark

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has strongly condemned controversial remarks made by right-wing political observer T G Mohandas regarding student protests, stating they are his 'personal thoughts' and deserve to be denounced.

Parliamentary Panel Pushes for Swift India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement

Parliamentary Panel Pushes for Swift India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce has urged the Indian government to swiftly conclude the proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), while ensuring India's interests are protected, recommending complete exemption for key export products like generic medicines and smartphones from future US tariff increases.