News for 'The Observer'

J'khand exam protest enters 18th day; BJP observes bandh, ABVP march to assembly

J'khand exam protest enters 18th day; BJP observes bandh, ABVP march to assembly

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Student protests in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment exams have intensified, leading to a state-wide bandh called by the BJP and a march by the ABVP to the state assembly. The agitation, now in its 18th day, has seen police action against demonstrators, an ED money laundering probe, and the arrest of a former JPSC chairperson, while talks between the government and students remain deadlocked.

SC says revisit CBSE's 3-language policy, don't put pressure on children

SC says revisit CBSE's 3-language policy, don't put pressure on children

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Supreme Court has urged the CBSE to reconsider the implementation of its three-language policy for Class 9 students, emphasising that children should not be subjected to undue pressure. The court highlighted concerns about infrastructure, the starting point of the policy, and the definition of 'native' languages.

IOA, Sports Ministry Name Observers For Vinesh Phogat's Trial

IOA, Sports Ministry Name Observers For Vinesh Phogat's Trial

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Former footballer Aditi Chauhan and ex-hockey captain M M Somaiya will observe Vinesh Phogat's Asian Games trial, representing the IOA and Sports Ministry.

Brothel customers can't be prosecuted under ITPA: HC

Brothel customers can't be prosecuted under ITPA: HC

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that a customer visiting a brothel for personal gratification cannot be prosecuted under Sections 3, 4, 5, and 7 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956. The court clarified that paying for personal lust does not constitute "procurement for the purpose of prostitution," which implies commercial exploitation. This decision led to the quashing of charges against a man apprehended in a Ghaziabad raid.

Cauvery row: SC tells Tamil Nadu to raise water share plea before CWMA

Cauvery row: SC tells Tamil Nadu to raise water share plea before CWMA

Rediff.com2 hours ago

The Supreme Court has advised the Tamil Nadu government to present its grievance regarding the proportionate release of Cauvery water to the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA). This comes after Tamil Nadu alleged that Karnataka was not releasing its due share of water despite directions from the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) and CWMA, impacting farmers in the state.

EC deploys 432 counting observers across Bengal

EC deploys 432 counting observers across Bengal

Rediff.com3 May 2026

The Election Commission has deployed 432 counting observers across all 294 assembly constituencies in West Bengal to ensure transparent and smooth counting of votes. Several districts have been assigned additional observers in view of their sensitivity and electoral significance. Enforcement agencies have carried out extensive seizure drives during the election period to curb illegal inducements, with total seizures valued at approximately Rs 561 crore.

Guess who is wishing India from space ahead of Independence Day

Guess who is wishing India from space ahead of Independence Day

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Russian cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station have conveyed special greetings to the people of India as the nation prepares to mark its 80th Independence Day, holding the Indian tricolour and underscoring the enduring partnership between the two countries in space exploration.

Stunning Solar Eclipse Images From Around The World

Stunning Solar Eclipse Images From Around The World

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Glimpses of the August 12, 2026 solar eclipse as the Moon crossed the Sun over Europe and beyond.

Why 2 MP temples celebrated Independence Day four days early

Why 2 MP temples celebrated Independence Day four days early

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Two prominent temples in Madhya Pradesh, the Pashupatinath Temple in Mandsaur and the Bade Ganesh Temple in Ujjain, observed India's Independence Day on August 11, four days ahead of the national celebration. This unique tradition stems from their adherence to the Hindu calendar, specifically Shravan Krishna Chaturdashi, which corresponded to August 15, 1947, and fell on August 11 this year. Special rituals, flag hoisting, and a Tiranga Yatra marked the early celebrations.

Why Are Tibetans Protesting?

Why Are Tibetans Protesting?

Rediff.com3 days ago

Tibetan communities across New Delhi, Kolkata and Shimla marked the 49th day since activist Lobsang Palden, also known as Lobga Rangza, immolated himself outside the United Nations headquarters in New York on July 2, 2026, with prayer services and protests.

'Coding Agents Won't Replace Software Engineers'

'Coding Agents Won't Replace Software Engineers'

Rediff.com7 days ago

'It seems unlikely that organisations will be a bunch of individuals who work on their own and there are no teams anymore, because that is not sustainable.'

Delhi HC: Parody, caricatures don't violate personality rights

Delhi HC: Parody, caricatures don't violate personality rights

Rediff.com1 hour ago

The Delhi High Court has issued a significant ruling on personality rights, cautioning against their broad application to suppress caricature or parody. The court granted interim protection to Physics Wallah founder Alakh Pandey against impersonation and commercial exploitation, specifically for sexually vulgar content and unlicensed monetisation, while emphasising that these rights should not stifle legitimate expression or information dissemination.

Jharkhand HC stays cancellations of recruitment through 11th to 13th JPSC exams

Jharkhand HC stays cancellations of recruitment through 11th to 13th JPSC exams

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Jharkhand High Court has stayed the state government's notifications cancelling appointments made through the 11th to 13th JPSC examinations and for food safety officers, providing relief to approximately 450 candidates.

James Webb Reveals Stunning Lion Nebula

James Webb Reveals Stunning Lion Nebula

Rediff.com4 days ago

Glimpses of the Lion Nebula through NASA's James Webb space relescope.

Probe reveals another exam paper leak at govt-run agri university

Probe reveals another exam paper leak at govt-run agri university

Rediff.com7 hours ago

Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV) in Raipur has cancelled the BSc Agriculture first-year Plant Pathology exam after a police investigation confirmed its question paper was leaked. This follows an earlier leak of the Entomology paper, which led to arrests. The university is implementing new security measures, including digital paper distribution and increased CCTV surveillance, and will re-conduct the affected exams in September.

'Show some sportsmanship': SC gives ICG 2 weeks on female officer's case

'Show some sportsmanship': SC gives ICG 2 weeks on female officer's case

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Supreme Court on Wednesday came down heavily on the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) for not granting permanent commission to a female officer, saying "we will not allow women officers to be humiliated".

Pulwama terror attack accused Insha Jan's bail plea rejected

Pulwama terror attack accused Insha Jan's bail plea rejected

Rediff.com1 days ago

A special NIA court in Jammu has rejected the bail plea of Insha Jan alias Insha Tariq, an accused in the 2019 Pulwama suicide attack that killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel, observing that sufficient material existed on record to presume that the accusations against her were prima facie true.

Why Hingorani Family Sold Gandhi Papers

Why Hingorani Family Sold Gandhi Papers

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Hingorani family's decision to part with the Gandhi archive after generations was guided by a desire to make it accessible to a wider audience and to fund initiatives that would extend its legacy.

ISRO Bets Big on Space Startups

ISRO Bets Big on Space Startups

Rediff.com7 hours ago

'ISRO will not manufacture any launch vehicles. That will all be done by the private sector or public sector undertakings.'

Manjrekar's Criticism Was A 'Guru' That Changed My Life: Ashwin

Manjrekar's Criticism Was A 'Guru' That Changed My Life: Ashwin

Rediff.com6 days ago

Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that Sanjay Manjrekar's harsh criticism of his bowling after the 2011-12 Australia tour, initially met with anger, ultimately served as a constructive 'guru' that motivated him to work harder and transform his career.

India coach Marijne questions tight FIH World Cup schedule after loss

India coach Marijne questions tight FIH World Cup schedule after loss

Rediff.com2 days ago

India's coach Sjoerd Marijne has criticised the tight scheduling at the FIH World Cup, particularly after his team's 0-2 loss to the Netherlands, citing the burden of playing on consecutive days.

Delhi to ban construction during winter to curb pollution

Delhi to ban construction during winter to curb pollution

Rediff.com2 days ago

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a complete ban on construction activities from December 10 to January 20 to combat severe winter air pollution. The government will use its AI-powered Dust Portal 2.0 and AI-enabled cameras to monitor construction sites over 500 square metres in real-time, issuing alerts and fines for violations. Citizens are encouraged to report non-compliance.

GalaxEye Buys StarOps, Expands Space Capabilities

GalaxEye Buys StarOps, Expands Space Capabilities

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

'From day one, our vision has been to build a company that develops and owns the technologies defining the future of space.'

India's Unemployment Rate Falls to 5.1% in July

India's Unemployment Rate Falls to 5.1% in July

Rediff.com6 days ago

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.com4 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.com4 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.

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.com2 days ago

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

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.

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.

SC seeks Centre's report on implementation of NEET reforms

SC seeks Centre's report on implementation of NEET reforms

Rediff.com5 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.

'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.

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.

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

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

Rediff.com2 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.com4 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.

'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.com3 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.

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

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

Rediff.com6 days ago

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.

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).

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.com2 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.com6 days ago

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.