News for 'Sunday Observer'

India's Unemployment Rate Falls to 5.1% in July

India's Unemployment Rate Falls to 5.1% in July

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

India's overall unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 and above decreased to 5.1 per cent in July 2026, down from 5.5 per cent in June 2026, according to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

T20 hitters to Test heroes: Manjrekar cannot explain the seamless switch

T20 hitters to Test heroes: Manjrekar cannot explain the seamless switch

Rediff.com6 days ago

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar expressed his bewilderment at how the current generation of cricketers, primarily raised on T20 cricket, has managed to seamlessly adapt to the rigorous demands of Test cricket. He compared their transition to pop singers mastering classical ragas, highlighting the significant technical and mental adjustments required. Manjrekar's comments come as young Indian players, many with IPL backgrounds, are actively participating in Test series, showcasing their versatility across formats.

Live-in relationship akin to marriage, parents can't interfere: Delhi HC

Live-in relationship akin to marriage, parents can't interfere: Delhi HC

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Delhi High Court has ruled that live-in relationships between consenting adults are akin to marriage, granting police protection to a couple facing threats. The court emphasised that fundamental rights to choose a partner cannot be curtailed by societal prejudices, reinforcing the legal sanctity of such relationships.

SC to hear plea against Dera chief's acquittal in scribe murder case

SC to hear plea against Dera chief's acquittal in scribe murder case

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a plea against the Punjab and Haryana high court order acquitting Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in the 2002 murder case of a journalist.

Mystery Of The Sun Solved?

Mystery Of The Sun Solved?

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Scientists discover tiny whirlpool-like swirls on the Sun that could explain solar activity, improve space weather research and solve a decades-old solar mystery.

J'khand job row: Stir enters Day 19, protesters vow to intensify agitation

J'khand job row: Stir enters Day 19, protesters vow to intensify agitation

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Job aspirants in Jharkhand are continuing their 19-day agitation against alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations, demanding greater transparency, cancellation of tests, and an independent probe. The protests have led to clashes with police, a political showdown with the BJP, and health concerns for hunger-striking demonstrators, despite government assurances of reforms.

New Study Reveals How Solar Winds Strip Mars' Atmosphere

New Study Reveals How Solar Winds Strip Mars' Atmosphere

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

A new study reveals that solar winds gradually strip atmospheric particles from Mars, similar to how wind creates waves on water. Researchers used data from NASA's MAVEN and China's Tianwen-1 missions to identify Kelvin-Helmholtz waves as a key mechanism driving this atmospheric escape, explaining how Mars transformed from a potentially habitable planet to its current cold, dry state.

'What have I done?': Jinnah's words after seeing Partition horror

'What have I done?': Jinnah's words after seeing Partition horror

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Journalist Kuldip Nayar's autobiography recounts Pakistan founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah's despairing remark, "What have I done?", after witnessing the mass displacement during the 1947 Partition. The article also details Nayar's own grim experiences of the communal violence and human tragedy at the time, highlighting the immense upheaval that accompanied the division of the subcontinent, now commemorated as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day.

SC seeks Centre's report on implementation of NEET reforms

SC seeks Centre's report on implementation of NEET reforms

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to submit an affidavit detailing the steps taken to implement the recommendations of the Radhakrishnan panel and the Nandan Nilekani committee for institutionalising reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) and improving NEET exam processes.

My son shifted victim to hospital: Andhra MP on Aston Martin crash

My son shifted victim to hospital: Andhra MP on Aston Martin crash

Rediff.com4 days ago

The accident on August 16 resulted in the death of a 26-year-old sales executive.

'Shubman Gill doesn't have enough faith in Kuldeep'

'Shubman Gill doesn't have enough faith in Kuldeep'

Rediff.com4 days ago

Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif criticised captain Shubman Gill for not giving spinner Kuldeep Yadav enough longer spells during the first Test against Sri Lanka, suggesting a lack of faith.

Irritation, annoyance not cruelty, says HC, rejects divorce plea

Irritation, annoyance not cruelty, says HC, rejects divorce plea

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Bombay High Court has ruled that mere annoyance and normal disagreements do not amount to mental cruelty sufficient for divorce. The court stated that cruelty must be severe enough to make cohabitation unreasonable, and cannot be determined by isolated incidents. This ruling came as the court dismissed a man's divorce petition, upholding a family court's decision and ordering him to pay maintenance to his wife.

10 Skills AI Is Teaching That Schools Aren't

10 Skills AI Is Teaching That Schools Aren't

Rediff.com2 days ago

When a student asks AI to explore an idea, challenges its response, asks for alternatives, improves the output and decides what is worth retaining, the student is practising behaviours that are central to leadership, says Jaspreet Bindra, co-founder and CEO of AI & Beyond, an organisation promoting AI literacy.

'Big U-turn For My Life': Former India Cricketer Jacob Martin Acquitted in 22-Year-Old Forgery Case

'Big U-turn For My Life': Former India Cricketer Jacob Martin Acquitted in 22-Year-Old Forgery Case

Rediff.com5 days ago

Former Indian cricketer Jacob Martin has been acquitted of all charges by the Patiala House Court in a 22-year-old criminal case involving allegations of forgery and passport act violations, bringing him significant relief after years of stress.

SC quashes criminal cases against Samay Raina, 4 other comedians for disability remarks

SC quashes criminal cases against Samay Raina, 4 other comedians for disability remarks

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court of India has quashed criminal proceedings against comedian Samay Raina and four others who faced charges for remarks about people with disabilities. The court lauded their subsequent efforts in organising events and raising awareness for specially-abled persons and those with rare diseases like Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

Right to speedy trial a valuable right of victim too: SC

Right to speedy trial a valuable right of victim too: SC

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Observing that right to speedy trial is also a "valuable right" of a victim, the Supreme Court on Monday set aside an order of the Allahabad high court which had kept in abeyance the trial in a murder case.

15-year-old dies after rape, abortion bid in J-K; teacher arrested

15-year-old dies after rape, abortion bid in J-K; teacher arrested

Rediff.com4 days ago

A 15-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district allegedly died following an abortion attempt after being repeatedly raped by a school teacher, leading to the arrest of the teacher and his brother.

SC Upholds Hanging, Stresses Dignity in Execution

SC Upholds Hanging, Stresses Dignity in Execution

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a petition seeking to abolish execution by hanging, affirming its legality while strongly emphasising that the State must carry out capital punishment in a manner that minimises suffering and preserves human dignity, even for condemned prisoners.

JNUSU holds Umar Khalid book discussion despite venue cancellation

JNUSU holds Umar Khalid book discussion despite venue cancellation

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) proceeded with a discussion on former student Umar Khalid's book, "Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power," despite the university cancelling the original venue booking. The event, planned to observe Indigenous Peoples' Day, was held outside an academic building after the JNUSU condemned the university's "arbitrary" decision.

Mourinho issues blunt warning to Mbappe, Vini, Bellingham

Mourinho issues blunt warning to Mbappe, Vini, Bellingham

Rediff.com5 days ago

Jose Mourinho, in his first Real Madrid press conference, emphasised non-negotiable commitment, unavoidable competition, and zero tolerance for selection frustrations, setting a clear tone for the upcoming LaLiga season.

'Students India's future': Prez Murmu promises fair exams in I-Day eve address

'Students India's future': Prez Murmu promises fair exams in I-Day eve address

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Underlining that students are the "architects of India's future," President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said the government is taking comprehensive steps to reform public examinations to completely curb paper leaks and unfair means, making the system transparent, secure, and trustworthy.

Indian IT firms see uptick in outcome-based deals driven by AI

Indian IT firms see uptick in outcome-based deals driven by AI

Rediff.com5 days ago

Indian IT companies are experiencing a growing trend towards outcome-based pricing models, moving away from traditional time and material or fixed-price contracts, as artificial intelligence reshapes client engagement and deal structures.

HC slams FDA for 'going overboard', fines Rs 5 lakh

HC slams FDA for 'going overboard', fines Rs 5 lakh

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has ordered the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to pay Rs 5 lakh compensation to a Pune-based sweets shop. The court criticised the FDA for suspending the shop's license despite a 98 per cent compliance report, calling its policy "strange and perverse" and stating the regulator was "going overboard."

HC orders father, UP govt to pay Rs 25 lakh to sisters who converted to Islam

HC orders father, UP govt to pay Rs 25 lakh to sisters who converted to Islam

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ordered the father of two adult women and the Uttar Pradesh government to jointly pay Rs 25 lakh compensation. This ruling comes after the sisters were illegally confined at their parental home for converting to Islam. The court affirmed their right to choose their faith and criticised both the father and the state for infringing upon their fundamental liberties.

A Mom-Son Japanese Odyssey

A Mom-Son Japanese Odyssey

Rediff.com2 days ago

Researching Japan was like going down a rabbit hole. There is just so much to see and do, but I finally decided we would stick to the 'Golden Route' of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, notes Radhika Mittal.

'No state can block elephants': SC orders nationwide corridor survey

'No state can block elephants': SC orders nationwide corridor survey

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the ministry of environment, forests and climate change (MoEFCC) to conduct a nationwide survey to check if any state has constructed obstacles or created blockades in elephant corridors, saying it was unacceptable.

HC orders Maha FDA to pay Rs 5 lakh to Pune sweet shop over licence suspension

HC orders Maha FDA to pay Rs 5 lakh to Pune sweet shop over licence suspension

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has ordered the Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) to pay Rs 5 lakh in compensation to a Pune-based sweets shop. The court criticised the FDA for keeping the shop's license suspended despite a 98 per cent compliance report, calling its policy "strange and perverse."

CRPF forms 10-member 'core group' to tackle rising suicides

CRPF forms 10-member 'core group' to tackle rising suicides

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has formed a 10-member 'core group' to prevent 'self-harm' incidents among its personnel, following a record 59 suicides in 2025, the highest in five years. The group, headed by the CRPF Director General, will meet monthly to review incidents and suggest preventive measures.

Devotees hurt in rush at Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar temple complex

Devotees hurt in rush at Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar temple complex

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Amid a massive rush for Nag Panchami at Ujjain's Nagchandreshwar Temple, reports of minor injuries circulated, prompting authorities to deny any stampede. Officials stated that darshan was proceeding smoothly, despite the large number of devotees and heavy crowds in the city.

SC's high-powered panel to probe police excesses against NEET protesters

SC's high-powered panel to probe police excesses against NEET protesters

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has decided to form a high-powered committee, including retired judges and former top police officials, to investigate allegations of police excesses against student protesters in Delhi. The committee will examine video evidence and complaints, particularly from female protesters, and the court may quash FIRs against students without grave criminal antecedents, upholding the right to peaceful protest.

At Pune event, Rahul Gandhi asks girl students to 'smash Manusmriti mindset'

At Pune event, Rahul Gandhi asks girl students to 'smash Manusmriti mindset'

Rediff.com4 days ago

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged girl students to "smash patriarchy" and criticised the "Manusmriti mindset" during an interaction in Pune, highlighting issues of sexual harassment, safety, and economic independence for women.

BJP names Amit Shah as observer for election of Bengal CM

BJP names Amit Shah as observer for election of Bengal CM

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The BJP has appointed Amit Shah and JP Nadda as central observers for the election of legislative party leaders in West Bengal and Assam, respectively, following recent assembly poll victories.

SC asks govt to clarify on compensation in case of nuclear accidents

SC asks govt to clarify on compensation in case of nuclear accidents

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has issued a limited notice to the Centre, seeking clarification on whether courts can grant fair compensation under the SHANTI Act in nuclear accidents, despite liability caps. The court also questioned potential conflicts of interest in appointing members to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Body under the Act, following a plea challenging the law's constitutionality.

SC allows Abhishek Banerjee to travel abroad for eye treatment

SC allows Abhishek Banerjee to travel abroad for eye treatment

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has granted Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee permission to travel abroad for three weeks for eye treatment, dismissing the West Bengal government's concerns about his return due to 16 pending cases.

'His calendar full': TISS replaces CJI as chief guest

'His calendar full': TISS replaces CJI as chief guest

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has announced Dr C S Pramesh, director of Tata Memorial Hospital, as the new chief guest for its 86th Convocation on August 22, replacing Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, who was unavailable due to a full calendar.

Telangana CM denied US trip, MEA cites 'non-conformity of norms'

Telangana CM denied US trip, MEA cites 'non-conformity of norms'

Rediff.com5 days ago

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's planned visit to the United States has been denied political clearance by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), citing non-conformity with laid down norms, forcing him to cancel the US leg of his 'TelanganaRising' delegation tour and return to Hyderabad earlier than planned.

SC mandates co-option of two women members to each state bar council

SC mandates co-option of two women members to each state bar council

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has directed State Bar Councils to co-opt two women members, either former High Court judges or senior women advocates, to ensure greater gender representation. This move reinforces earlier directives for 30% women's representation and aims to dismantle the perception of Bar Councils as "men's clubs", promoting objectivity and transparency in their functioning.

Maha FDA steps up food safety drive, shuts two IIT Bombay mess facilities

Maha FDA steps up food safety drive, shuts two IIT Bombay mess facilities

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has issued notices to two mess facilities at IIT Bombay, ordering them to cease operations due to a lack of necessary permissions and registrations. This action is part of an ongoing state-wide food safety enforcement drive, which has also led to the suspension of licenses for several other restaurants and eateries across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai due to hygiene issues and non-compliance.

HC suspends Dabholkar murder convict's life sentence, grants bail

HC suspends Dabholkar murder convict's life sentence, grants bail

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has suspended the life sentence of Sachin Andure, a convict in the 2013 murder case of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar, and granted him bail. The court cited "extremely weak" evidence against him, noting that eyewitness identification occurred eight years after the crime and there were loose ends regarding the weapon's recovery. Andure, who was sentenced to life imprisonment by a sessions court in May 2024, can now walk free as he has also secured bail in the Govind Pansare killing case.

I-T dept launches nationwide drive against suspicious foreign remittances

I-T dept launches nationwide drive against suspicious foreign remittances

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Income Tax Department has initiated a nationwide verification drive targeting suspicious foreign remittances made by entities with minimal business activity, including those in border districts, and is scrutinising the chartered accountants who issued the mandatory tax determination certificates.