News for 'Sunday Observer'

CJP founder says Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly dragged away, cops cite HC order

CJP founder says Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly dragged away, cops cite HC order

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been shifted to a hospital from Jantar Mantar after a 20-day hunger strike, with Delhi Police stating the move was in compliance with High Court directions and medical advice due to his deteriorating health. Protesters, however, alleged he was forcibly removed against his will.

Massive fire at Bangkok eatery after stage circuit breaker explodes, 27 dead

Massive fire at Bangkok eatery after stage circuit breaker explodes, 27 dead

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

A devastating fire at the Na Ladprao eatery in Bangkok's Chatuchak district resulted in 27 fatalities and 63 injuries, with officials confirming that most deaths were due to smoke inhalation after a stage circuit breaker exploded.

Sourav Ganguly hails Argentina's 'incredible' World Cup comeback

Sourav Ganguly hails Argentina's 'incredible' World Cup comeback

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly expressed his excitement over Argentina's dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against Egypt in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, highlighting the team's ability to snatch victory from a 0-2 deficit.

Cong Shifts Strategy, Challenges PM's Authority

Cong Shifts Strategy, Challenges PM's Authority

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The Congress escalated its campaign against alleged examination irregularities by marching to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, transforming the issue into a direct challenge to his political authority and demanding the resignations of top government officials.

Police removes Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar, taken to Safdarjung hospital

Police removes Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar, taken to Safdarjung hospital

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital after his health significantly declined on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, protesting alleged NEET examination irregularities. Despite his hospitalisation, other activists continue their fast.

CAG flags Rs 3,541 crore excess spend in Ladki Bahin scheme

CAG flags Rs 3,541 crore excess spend in Ladki Bahin scheme

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has identified significant financial irregularities in the Maharashtra government's flagship Ladki Bahin scheme, including an excess expenditure of Rs 3,541.16 crore and the parking of Rs 15,586 crore in Virtual Personal Deposit Accounts (VPDAs) without immediate need. The report highlights deficiencies in budget estimation and financial management, recommending realistic fund assessments and strict adherence to expenditure needs.

Special court sentences 65-year-old man to death for 3-year-old's rape-murder

Special court sentences 65-year-old man to death for 3-year-old's rape-murder

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Terming the case as "rarest of the rare", additional judge (special judge) S R Salunkhe sentenced Bhimrao Kamble, who was present in the witness box.

Search Operation Launched After Drone Sighting In Rajouri

Search Operation Launched After Drone Sighting In Rajouri

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

A search operation was initiated in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district after a suspected Pakistani drone, fitted with a blinking light, was sighted over forward villages along the Line of Control. The drone briefly entered Indian airspace before returning to Pakistan. Security forces conducted a thorough search for any dropped payloads, but no suspicious material was found.

Former India Coach Constantine Weighs In On Messi's Legacy

Former India Coach Constantine Weighs In On Messi's Legacy

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Former India coach Stephen Constantine shares his views on Lionel Messi, ranking him below Pele, Maradona, and Ronaldinho due to his reliance on teammates for defensive work. He also predicts Spain will win the upcoming final against Argentina, despite acknowledging Argentina's experience and Messi's match-winning ability. Constantine further discusses England's semi-final exit and criticises hydration breaks and refereeing controversies.

'Goes against India's sovereignty': Govt backs ban on 'Satluj'

'Goes against India's sovereignty': Govt backs ban on 'Satluj'

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

A central government committee has upheld the ban on the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer film Satluj, citing concerns over India's sovereignty and integrity, sparking political debate in Punjab.

'Future Attacks Are Going To Be Autonomously Run By AI'

'Future Attacks Are Going To Be Autonomously Run By AI'

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

''When these agents are deployed at enterprise-grade scale, your risk will not just amplify, it will mutate.' 'And the reason is because you will have ungoverned agents.'

Not opening Pandora's box of collegium proceedings, says SC

Not opening Pandora's box of collegium proceedings, says SC

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court of India refused to entertain a petition from a judicial officer challenging the recommendation of junior officers for appointment as Himachal Pradesh High Court judges. The court stated it would not "open a pandora's box" by judicially reviewing collegium proceedings, emphasising the collegium's subjective satisfaction in such matters. The petitioner later withdrew his plea to pursue administrative or judicial remedies at the High Court level.

Nagaland postpones yoga day events to Monday after widespread opposition

Nagaland postpones yoga day events to Monday after widespread opposition

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The Nagaland government has postponed its official International Day of Yoga programme from Sunday to Monday following significant opposition from student bodies, tribal organisations, churches, and political groups. These groups cited religious sentiments in the Christian-majority state against holding the event on a Sunday.

Why JPC Deferred Constitution Amendment Bill Report

Why JPC Deferred Constitution Amendment Bill Report

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The dramatic postponement came while members were voting on the committee's five principal recommendations, making it an unprecedented moment in the functioning of a parliamentary committee.

Dinesh Hingoo: 'Johnny Lever Considers Me His Mentor'

Dinesh Hingoo: 'Johnny Lever Considers Me His Mentor'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

'I was very close to Kader Khan. Whenever he wrote dialogues and scenes, he would often write my name next to certain roles. He would personally recommend me to directors. Such was his stature that directors would immediately pay attention to his suggestions.'

TN govt moves SC over reservation for converts to Islam

TN govt moves SC over reservation for converts to Islam

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Tamil Nadu government has appealed to the Supreme Court against a Madras High Court judgment. The High Court ruled that individuals converting to Islam cannot claim reservation under the Backward Class (Muslim) category solely based on conversion, striking down a state Government Order that allowed such benefits.

ISRO Talent Drain Triggers Government Action

ISRO Talent Drain Triggers Government Action

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Department of Space has directed that requests for voluntary retirement or resignation from Group 'A' Scientific and Technical personnel associated with the prestigious Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme and other important missions should not be accepted as a matter of routine.

Wimbledon surprise: Federer spotted in Royal Box

Wimbledon surprise: Federer spotted in Royal Box

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Tennis legend Roger Federer made a special return to Wimbledon, marking the 18th anniversary of his memorable 2008 final against Rafael Nadal. He was warmly welcomed in the Royal Box, watching current generation matches, including Jasmine Paolini's victory over Alexandra Eala.

Supreme Court to scrutinise Sebi's appeal against SAT's relief for Nusli Wadia

Supreme Court to scrutinise Sebi's appeal against SAT's relief for Nusli Wadia

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to examine Sebi's challenge to a Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) decision that cleared Wadia Group Chairman Nusli Wadia, Bombay Dyeing, and others of allegations of fraudulent financial reporting.

'Pocketless clothing, frisking': Major temples adopt new SOPs amid Ram temple theft row

'Pocketless clothing, frisking': Major temples adopt new SOPs amid Ram temple theft row

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Following alleged thefts at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and other incidents, prominent temples across India, including Baba Balak Nath Temple in Himachal Pradesh and Ambaji temple in Gujarat, are implementing stringent new rules for counting offerings. These measures include mandatory pocketless clothing for staff, extensive CCTV surveillance, metal detector frisking, and promoting digital payments to ensure transparency, honesty, and accountability in donation management.

'Taken court for a ride': SC raps Samay Raina, 4 others; imposes Rs 3 lakh fine

'Taken court for a ride': SC raps Samay Raina, 4 others; imposes Rs 3 lakh fine

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticised comedian Samay Raina and YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia and Ashish Chanchlani for failing to comply with its previous order regarding disability awareness. The court expressed dismay over Raina's non-compliance and his alleged insensitive remarks about persons with disabilities, urging the Centre to consider a stringent law against such derogatory comments.

Bol Bol Rani Review: Whodunit With A Difference

Bol Bol Rani Review: Whodunit With A Difference

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Sai Tamhankar plays delicious contradictions of her character in an immensely watchable central performance, applauds Mayur Sanap.

'A spinner bowling no-balls is a crime': Siva questions Bahutule after Bishnoi's horror show

'A spinner bowling no-balls is a crime': Siva questions Bahutule after Bishnoi's horror show

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan criticised spin coach Sairaj Bahutule after Ravi Bishnoi's costly no-balls against England, calling it "a crime" for a spinner and urging a return to attacking leg-spin fundamentals.

'A spinner bowling no-balls is a crime': Siva questions Bahutule after Bishnoi's horror show

'A spinner bowling no-balls is a crime': Siva questions Bahutule after Bishnoi's horror show

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan criticised spin coach Sairaj Bahutule after Ravi Bishnoi's costly no-balls against England, calling it "a crime" for a spinner and urging a return to attacking leg-spin fundamentals.

'Rats, flies': FDA suspends licence of Mumbai's iconic Rustom ice cream over hygiene

'Rats, flies': FDA suspends licence of Mumbai's iconic Rustom ice cream over hygiene

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Maharashtra FDA has suspended the license of Mumbai's renowned 'Rustom' ice cream outlet due to serious food safety and hygiene violations, including live rats, houseflies, and expired food items.

Tom Holland: 'The Odyssey Is Epic'

Tom Holland: 'The Odyssey Is Epic'

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

'For a community of people that love cinema as much as you guys do here, this will be one of those moments you'll be comparing every cinema experience you have after this one to The Odyssey.'

TMC slips to single digits in RS as Koel Mallick resigns; more exits likely

TMC slips to single digits in RS as Koel Mallick resigns; more exits likely

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Actor-turned-politician and Trinamool Congress MP Rukmini Mallick, popularly known as Koel Mallick, on Thursday resigned from the Rajya Sabha, the fourth TMC MP to do so ever since the Mamata Banerjee-led party was ousted from power in West Bengal.

Agnikul Partners With ICEYE To Develop, Launch Satellites

Agnikul Partners With ICEYE To Develop, Launch Satellites

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

'With this deal, we may see even 50 launches a year within the next few years.'

Why Has Government Not Responded To Wangchuk's Fast?

Why Has Government Not Responded To Wangchuk's Fast?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

As Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike enters its 19th day, critics question why the government has remained silent despite mounting concerns over student welfare, observes Harishchandra.

Rajkot Juvenile Home Breakout: 8 Children Still At Large

Rajkot Juvenile Home Breakout: 8 Children Still At Large

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Eleven juveniles escaped from an observation home in Rajkot, Gujarat, after breaking CCTV cameras and grilles. While one Pakistani national returned and two others were apprehended, eight juveniles remain missing, prompting a large-scale search operation.

Wife's parental support no excuse for husband to skip alimony: HC

Wife's parental support no excuse for husband to skip alimony: HC

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that a husband's obligation to pay maintenance to his estranged wife is not negated by her parents' financial support. The court overturned a family court's decision, emphasising that parental income cannot substitute a husband's legal duty and enhanced maintenance for both the wife and children.

Iranians Want Trump, Netanyahu's Blood At Khamenei Funeral

Iranians Want Trump, Netanyahu's Blood At Khamenei Funeral

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Glimpses of Iran's farewell to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as mourners gathered in huge numbers for his funeral procession in Tehran.

Anbe Diana Review: Breezy Romcom That Plays Safe

Anbe Diana Review: Breezy Romcom That Plays Safe

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Despite a wobbly screenplay and an overstretched runtime, Anbe Diana charms with its light-hearted approach and Ramya Ranganathan's performance.

How Franchise Leagues Will Elevate Indian Volleyball Standards

How Franchise Leagues Will Elevate Indian Volleyball Standards

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Indian women's assistant volleyball coach Radhika Paruchuri believes that franchise-based leagues, like the upcoming Volleyball Champions League, are crucial for transforming Indian volleyball. She highlights their potential to provide much-needed match exposure for young players, strengthen the talent pipeline, and help identify and nurture new talent, ultimately raising the standard of the sport in India. Paruchuri also notes the decline in Indian women's volleyball due to a lack of international exposure and domestic competition, which these leagues aim to address.

Exiled author Taslima Nasrin to return to Kolkata after 20 years

Exiled author Taslima Nasrin to return to Kolkata after 20 years

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin is set to return to Kolkata next month for an anti-fundamentalism literary event, nearly two decades after she was forced to leave the city amid violent protests over her writings. The BJP government in West Bengal is projecting this as a reversal of past capitulation to religious fundamentalism.

Back Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, he's a 20-year investment, says Sivaramakrishnan

Back Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, he's a 20-year investment, says Sivaramakrishnan

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

At 15, a talent like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should play right through the year without being rested as it would help him learn from mistakes while gaining invaluable experience in all conditions, former India spinner L Sivaramakrishnan said on Sunday.

SC bats for protecting natural forests across India

SC bats for protecting natural forests across India

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court highlighted the critical need to protect forests across India, specifically mentioning states like Jharkhand for their natural ecosystems. The court declined to interfere with a Jharkhand High Court order concerning regulations for stone mining and crushers near forest boundaries, asserting the High Court's constitutional authority in the matter.

Ram Temple Trust holds series of meetings; eyes administrative overhaul

Ram Temple Trust holds series of meetings; eyes administrative overhaul

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Amidst an ongoing SIT probe into alleged embezzlement of Ram temple donations, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri held a series of meetings in Ayodhya. These discussions followed the acceptance of resignations from former general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, and the Trust's decision to overhaul its administrative structure, including appointing a professional CEO. Rai, who has adopted a vow of silence, questioned the State Bank of India's role in the donation counting process, while Giri defended Rai but acknowledged his trust in the wrong people. The SIT probe is expanding to examine the Trust's financial transactions and administrative processes.

How Landeed's Rs 30 Crore Investment Will Transform Property Due Diligence

How Landeed's Rs 30 Crore Investment Will Transform Property Due Diligence

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Real estate startup Landeed plans to invest Rs 30 crore this fiscal year to expand its business, focusing on enhancing its AI-powered property title search engine, Terra. This investment will boost GPU infrastructure, develop specialised language models, and improve Indic OCR for Indian property records, aiming to streamline property due diligence across 26 states and 4 union territories.

Twisha Sharma death: AIIMS report confirms belt matched neck injuries

Twisha Sharma death: AIIMS report confirms belt matched neck injuries

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

The AIIMS Delhi medical board has submitted a critical forensic report to the CBI, confirming that the alleged ligature material in the Twisha Sharma death case matched injury patterns, providing crucial evidence for the ongoing investigation.