News for 'Sunday Observer'

No court relief for Azam Khan university but babu stays razing

No court relief for Azam Khan university but babu stays razing

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition filed by a businessman on behalf of Mohammad Ali Jauhar University regarding the demolition of its buildings, citing that the pleader was an outsider. Separately, the Moradabad Divisional Commissioner's court granted an interim stay on the demolition of 38 university buildings until the final hearing.

Babar reveals what went wrong for Pakistan vs West Indies

Babar reveals what went wrong for Pakistan vs West Indies

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Pakistan captain Babar Azam confirmed that Shan Masood fractured his finger during the first ICC World Test Championship match against the West Indies, contributing to Pakistan's 90-run defeat. The injury forced Masood to bat at No. 8, and Babar highlighted the team's top-order batting failures and lack of partnerships. West Indies' Justin Greaves was named Player of the Match for his five-wicket haul.

Ahmedabad Prepares To Host 2030 Commonwealth Games With International Training

Ahmedabad Prepares To Host 2030 Commonwealth Games With International Training

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

An Indian delegation, led by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, is undergoing training in Glasgow to learn about staging a multi-sport event. This is part of Ahmedabad's preparations to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking the event's return to India after two decades. The training covers various aspects of Games operations, including venues, transport, accreditation, and athlete accommodation, and includes sports diplomacy sessions.

Captaincy Change Won't Fix India Women's Team Problems: Anjum Chopra

Captaincy Change Won't Fix India Women's Team Problems: Anjum Chopra

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Former India women's cricket captain Anjum Chopra believes that merely replacing Harmanpreet Kaur as captain will not solve the fundamental issues plaguing the team, citing a significant lack of quality back-up options across all departments.

No end to trial in sight, SC grants bail to 2 IM operatives after 12 yrs

No end to trial in sight, SC grants bail to 2 IM operatives after 12 yrs

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has granted bail to two alleged Indian Mujahideen operatives, Mohd Saquib Ansari and Waqar Azhar, who have been in custody since 2014, citing a "grossly violative" right to liberty due to the extremely slow trial progress and no prospect of an early conclusion.

7.1 quake hits Japan; bridge collapses, buildings damaged

7.1 quake hits Japan; bridge collapses, buildings damaged

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake has struck Japan's Kumamoto region, prompting a tsunami advisory for the Ariake Sea and Yatsushiro Sea, with reports of injuries, damage, blackouts, and fire.

Missing train ticket no ground to reject accident compensation: SC

Missing train ticket no ground to reject accident compensation: SC

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

In a significant verdict, the Supreme Court on Friday said the mere absence of a train ticket on the body of a deceased passenger cannot be a ground to deny compensation to the victim's family in a railway-accident case.

'We Are Seeing A Lot More Male Fertility Cases'

'We Are Seeing A Lot More Male Fertility Cases'

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Doctors attribute the rise in male infertility to obesity, diabetes, smoking, chronic stress, inadequate sleep and sedentary lifestyles.

Boeing finds no fault with Dreamliner fuel switch after Air India report

Boeing finds no fault with Dreamliner fuel switch after Air India report

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The government has confirmed that Boeing's detailed examination of the Dreamliner aircraft's fuel control switch locking mechanism found no abnormality, following an Air India pilot's report of a possible issue. This investigation was prompted after an Air India flight from London to Bengaluru in February, and comes amidst an ongoing probe into a fatal Dreamliner crash last year where fuel supply to engines was cut off.

'Getting IV drips every morning': Dipke diagnosed with typhoid

'Getting IV drips every morning': Dipke diagnosed with typhoid

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Despite a typhoid diagnosis, Abhijeet Dipke has reaffirmed his commitment to the nationwide protest demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

Kerala HC protects 'Kumbh Mela girl', bars transfer to MP police

Kerala HC protects 'Kumbh Mela girl', bars transfer to MP police

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Kerala High Court has intervened to protect a young woman, known as the 'Kumbh Mela girl', from being transferred to Madhya Pradesh police without its order, despite a directive from the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.

'The Most Striking Part Of This Gen-Z Movement Is Fearlessness'

'The Most Striking Part Of This Gen-Z Movement Is Fearlessness'

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

'I had this fear that, dinner table talks would result in brainwashing youngsters as parents talk toxic communal news. But I'm so glad to realise that at least some section of youngsters depend on their own channels to more know more about political developments.'

DKS appeals to Vijay to put off Bengaluru visit

DKS appeals to Vijay to put off Bengaluru visit

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has appealed to his Tamil Nadu counterpart C Vijay Joseph to defer his proposed August 3 visit to Bengaluru. The request comes amidst widespread protests in Karnataka following a decision by the CWMA upholding a direction for Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu.

Gen Z emotional, doesn't think with 'calm mind': RSS chief

Gen Z emotional, doesn't think with 'calm mind': RSS chief

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Mohan Bhagwat shared his perspectives on the characteristics of 'Gen Z', the trajectory of the 'Stree Mukti Andolan', and the imperative for societal acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals, emphasising their integral role within Indian tradition.

SC quashes power to grant retrospective green nod, leaves window open

SC quashes power to grant retrospective green nod, leaves window open

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has quashed the 2021 Office Memorandum allowing retrospective environmental clearances, reinforcing the importance of prior environmental approval for projects but held that the judgment will apply prospectively, thus saving projects that got retrospective ECs from demolition and other punitive measures.

Right to protest can't endanger Parliament: HC on NEET march

Right to protest can't endanger Parliament: HC on NEET march

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Delhi high court on Tuesday said the right to protest does not extend to damaging the "seat of sovereignty," and a police officer's image cannot be "tarnished" over an alleged "overuse of power" during the July 20 march to Parliament against the NEET paper leak.

Governor Calls For Robust Sports Ecosystem In Universities

Governor Calls For Robust Sports Ecosystem In Universities

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma has urged state universities to establish a robust sports-friendly ecosystem to identify and develop exceptional sports persons capable of representing India. He highlighted the importance of sports in national development and student skill-building, advocating for greater participation from rural and tribal youth.

'Leave Abhishek's hand': Madan Mitra gives Mamata one-month ultimatum

'Leave Abhishek's hand': Madan Mitra gives Mamata one-month ultimatum

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Senior Trinamool Congress MLA Madan Mitra on Tuesday gave party supremo Mamata Banerjee a one-month ultimatum to "leave Abhishek's hand" and reconnect with grassroot workers, while asking the Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee to admit his "mistakes".

Right to peaceful protest cannot be denied, doesn't justify police excesses: SC

Right to peaceful protest cannot be denied, doesn't justify police excesses: SC

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court asserted that the right to peaceful protest is 'absolutely guaranteed' and an agitation cannot justify 'police excesses' or a 'lathi charge,' while agreeing to hear pleas concerning alleged police brutality against students protesting the NEET paper leak.

Continue HPV drive, but beware of 'half-baked' vaccines: HC

Continue HPV drive, but beware of 'half-baked' vaccines: HC

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has declined to halt the Centre's HPV immunisation campaign, noting that data on 5.5 million administered vaccines showed no 'instant harm'. However, the court emphasised that 'half-baked vaccines' should not be given to the public and raised 'serious issues' regarding past protocol violations in vaccine testing and certification.

HC seeks fresh medical reports on Wangchuk, defers hospital shift plea

HC seeks fresh medical reports on Wangchuk, defers hospital shift plea

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court is set to hear an appeal by Gitanjali J Angmo, wife of fasting activist Sonam Wangchuk, challenging a single judge's order that refused to interfere with his ongoing treatment at Safdarjung Hospital.

'Saransh Can Be Top Off-Spinner': Harbhajan

'Saransh Can Be Top Off-Spinner': Harbhajan

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

'Saransh is a very keen observer, he wants to keep learning.' 'He has the skills to be a top off-spinner, the way he releases the ball that is very good.' 'He is also mentally tough because he has played so much of domestic cricket.'

Pellet guns cannot be banned outright, specific misuse to be examined: SC

Pellet guns cannot be banned outright, specific misuse to be examined: SC

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has stated that a complete ban on pellet guns is not possible as long as existing advisories permit their use for crowd control in exceptional circumstances by security agencies. However, the court clarified that allegations of specific misuse can be examined on a case-by-case basis, particularly in light of recent protests against the NEET paper leak.

Sonam Wangchuk seeks temporary discharge from Safdarjung to join Parl march

Sonam Wangchuk seeks temporary discharge from Safdarjung to join Parl march

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk's vital parameters are stable, but his blood parameters require close clinical observation at Safdarjung Hospital. He is under continuous medical management by a multidisciplinary team following his forcible admission after a 21-day hunger strike protesting NEET irregularities.

Assam Wants Aditya Dhar To Direct Lachit Borphukan Biopic

Assam Wants Aditya Dhar To Direct Lachit Borphukan Biopic

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Lachit Borphukan is revered as one of Assam's greatest military commanders and a symbol of courage, patriotism and selfless leadership.

'We grant six weeks': SC orders Bihar to clear illegal Ganga encroachments

'We grant six weeks': SC orders Bihar to clear illegal Ganga encroachments

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has issued a directive to the Bihar government, ordering the removal of all unauthorised structures and encroachments along the Ganga river banks between Nauzar Ghat and Nurpur Ghat in Patna within six weeks. The court expressed concern over illegal constructions and noted the lack of action despite previous orders, warning of strict views on any laxity. The directive came during the hearing of a plea against a National Green Tribunal order regarding encroachments on eco-fragile floodplains.

Police dismantle CJP camp, protesters regroup at Jantar Mantar

Police dismantle CJP camp, protesters regroup at Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janata Party's protest site in New Delhi was dismantled by police following a thwarted march to Parliament that involved tear gas and baton charges. Despite the police action, protesters regrouped at Jantar Mantar, vowing to continue their agitation until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns over alleged examination irregularities. Activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike stage was also removed, but leaders confirmed the movement's resolve.

35 Years On, SC Quashes FERA Case Against Standard Chartered Bank

35 Years On, SC Quashes FERA Case Against Standard Chartered Bank

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court of India has quashed criminal proceedings against Standard Chartered Bank and one of its officers in a 1991-92 Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) case, citing an extraordinary 23-year delay in prosecution and the Enforcement Directorate's failure to comply with mandatory procedural safeguards.

Press freedom can't shield irresponsible journalism: HC

Press freedom can't shield irresponsible journalism: HC

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has highlighted the need for a regulatory framework for the media, stating that freedom of the press cannot be a shield for irresponsible journalism or content that endangers public order. Justice Girish Kathpalia expressed concern over the unregulated nature of a significant section of the media, especially with the rise of social media, and stressed the importance of restraint, fairness, and responsibility. The court also criticised "self-styled reporters" for aggressive tactics and selective reporting that can deepen social divisions, while granting bail to two men accused of assaulting freelancers.

Parliament clears tougher anti-paper leak law amid Oppn walkout

Parliament clears tougher anti-paper leak law amid Oppn walkout

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Parliament on Thursday passed a bill to amend the anti-paper leak law to introduce stricter punishments, with the government expressing its commitment to go the extra mile to safeguard the interests of students, who are the country's future.

Delhi High Court Rules In Favour Of AI Development

Delhi High Court Rules In Favour Of AI Development

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a lawsuit by news agency ANI against OpenAI, ruling that ChatGPT's use of copyrighted material for training large language models (LLMs) constitutes fair dealing under the Copyrights Act. The court emphasised that restraining AI development would be detrimental to India's growth in the field and public interest.

Pakistan Names New Nuclear Command Chief

Pakistan Names New Nuclear Command Chief

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Lieutenant General Syed Aamir Raza's loyalty to Field Marshal Asim Munir during the turbulent times appears to have stood him in good stead, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at R&AW.

BRICS Nations Strengthen Health Cooperation Through Digital Innovation

BRICS Nations Strengthen Health Cooperation Through Digital Innovation

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted the strong health cooperation within BRICS, emphasising the critical role of digital health and artificial intelligence in ensuring continuity of care. Speaking at the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' meeting, she noted shared challenges among member nations and showcased India's advancements in digital health infrastructure and AI strategy.

Maharashtra ends mandatory service bond for MBBS graduates

Maharashtra ends mandatory service bond for MBBS graduates

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Maharashtra government has abolished the mandatory one-year service bond for MBBS students, citing an "inverse ratio" of available positions to graduating candidates. This decision benefits graduates from various medical colleges, exempting most from the bond, though those who have already joined their postings must complete it. The move aims to ease postgraduate admission difficulties and address issues of competency and motivation in bond service, a decision welcomed by the Maharashtra Association for Resident Doctors (MARD).

Mamata reaches out to Cong, CPI-M for anti-BJP front

Mamata reaches out to Cong, CPI-M for anti-BJP front

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee has urged the Congress and CPI(M) to set aside their differences and unite under the INDIA bloc to fight the BJP in West Bengal. This marks a significant shift in the TMC's stance, which has historically been a bitter rival to the Congress and Left in the state.

Ink thrown at Abhijeet Dipke after Wangchuk's removal

Ink thrown at Abhijeet Dipke after Wangchuk's removal

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

A woman hurled an ink-like liquid at Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke during a protest at Jantar Mantar, leading to her detention. This incident occurred hours after activist Sonam Wangchuk, on an indefinite hunger strike over NEET irregularities, was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital due to deteriorating health.

Actor Rajpal Yadav gets 3 months jail in cheque-bounce cases

Actor Rajpal Yadav gets 3 months jail in cheque-bounce cases

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has upheld actor Rajpal Yadav's conviction in multiple cheque-bounce cases, sentencing him to three months' imprisonment and ordering him to pay over Rs 1 crore to the complainant in each of the seven complaints, with Rs 2 crore already paid to be adjusted.

Delhi HC allows Wangchuk's transfer to private hospital; Centre says...

Delhi HC allows Wangchuk's transfer to private hospital; Centre says...

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has proposed transferring activist Sonam Wangchuk, currently on an indefinite fast since June 28 over alleged examination irregularities, from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. This development follows a plea by Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, challenging a previous court order that refused to interfere with his ongoing treatment at the central government hospital. The government has indicated no objection to the transfer, provided Wangchuk does not seek discharge against medical advice.

'Ultimately, Indian Football Has To Be Built By Indians'

'Ultimately, Indian Football Has To Be Built By Indians'

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

'Our biggest opportunity lies with the younger age-group teams.' 'If you look at the senior national team, our chances are about 50-50.' 'The gap becomes smaller as you move down the age groups.' 'At the Under-20 level, it's closer to 60-40.' 'By the Under-17 level, it's around 80-20. That's where I feel we have our best chance.'

HC dismisses PIL over Wangchuk's forcible hospital shift

HC dismisses PIL over Wangchuk's forcible hospital shift

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the forcible shifting of activist Sonam Wangchuk from a protest site at Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital during his hunger strike. The court noted that the issue of his hospitalisation had been previously addressed and dismissed the new petition, advising the petitioner to lodge an FIR if still aggrieved.