News for 'The Observer'

CIC raps MHA for denying RTI on FCRA renewal applications

CIC raps MHA for denying RTI on FCRA renewal applications

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

The Central Information Commission has said the blanket denial of information sought on Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act renewal applications by the Union ministry of home affairs "appears to be misplaced and without any basis", while observing that the CPIO prima facie "obstructed" the complainant's right to information.

Indian Footballers Urge Tata Group To Reconsider ISL Exit

Indian Footballers Urge Tata Group To Reconsider ISL Exit

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Jamshedpur FC players, including senior India footballers, have made an emotional appeal to the Tata Group to reverse its decision to withdraw the club from the Indian Super League (ISL) and dismantle the senior team, citing the impact on young players and the future of Indian football.

PoK unrest: Over 30 civilians killed in brutal crackdown by Pak forces

PoK unrest: Over 30 civilians killed in brutal crackdown by Pak forces

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

A brutal crackdown by Pakistani security forces on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) over the last two days has reportedly left more than 30 civilians dead and over 33 injured, government sources said on Wednesday.

Will Sheikh Hasina Be Killed If She Returns To Dhaka?

Will Sheikh Hasina Be Killed If She Returns To Dhaka?

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

'They probably imagine any hue and cry in the event Sheikh Hasina is hanged will be shortlived as it happened when Bhutto was hanged in Pakistan in 1979.'

'Jan shakti' will drag him out over student crackdown: Kharge slams Shah

'Jan shakti' will drag him out over student crackdown: Kharge slams Shah

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Holding Home Minister Amit Shah responsible for alleged police brutalities on protesting students, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday said that "Jan Shakti" (people's power) will "drag him out" one day to make him accountable.

SC to hear Muslim side's plea for alternative site at Bhojshala

SC to hear Muslim side's plea for alternative site at Bhojshala

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea from the Muslim side regarding the non-compliance of its directions to provide an alternative site near the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, for Friday prayers. The Muslim side alleges the proposed site is unsuitable and too far, while the Solicitor General claims another location has been identified.

Kurnool's Drone City To Host National Roundtable On August 18

Kurnool's Drone City To Host National Roundtable On August 18

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Andhra Pradesh's "Drone City" in Kurnool district will host a national roundtable on drones on August 18, with the Civil Aviation Minister and up to 40 drone companies expected to attend. This initiative aims to boost the drone sector, which is projected to create 40,000 jobs.

Ram Temple theft: SC expands SIT; seeks status report in two weeks

Ram Temple theft: SC expands SIT; seeks status report in two weeks

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court on Monday took note of setting up of a four-member SIT headed by IGP Kiran S to probe alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and asked the Uttar Pradesh government to also include a forensic auditor in the probe team.

SC refuses to revisit cryptic bail order, upholds accused's liberty

SC refuses to revisit cryptic bail order, upholds accused's liberty

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that cryptic bail orders need not be revisited, asserting that a person's liberty hinges on the prosecution's case rather than judicial inaccuracies. This observation came while rejecting the Uttarakhand government's appeal against bail granted to Abdul Malik in the Banbhoolpura violence case, with the court also questioning the invocation of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Tarun Tejpal questions sexual assault victim's 'contradictory' statements

Tarun Tejpal questions sexual assault victim's 'contradictory' statements

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Tarun Tejpal's lawyer, Advocate Aabad Ponda, presented arguments before the Bombay High Court, challenging the victim's statements in the 2013 sexual assault case. Ponda highlighted contradictions between the victim's police complaint and court deposition, using hotel lift video footage and expert testimony to dispute her claims regarding the alleged incident. The High Court is hearing the state government's appeal against Tejpal's 2021 acquittal.

Calcutta HC slams TTEs for illegally 'selling berths like vegetables'

Calcutta HC slams TTEs for illegally 'selling berths like vegetables'

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Calcutta High Court has strongly criticised travelling ticket examiners (TTEs) for illegally selling unoccupied berths, likening it to 'selling vegetables in a market', after such an incident led to the death of a drugged theft victim on a train.

Why make Vaibhav Sooryavanshi vice-captain now? Bhogle questions

Why make Vaibhav Sooryavanshi vice-captain now? Bhogle questions

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle has raised concerns over the appointment of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as East Zone's vice-captain for the Duleep Trophy, citing his limited red-ball experience, while selectors defend the decision as a long-term learning opportunity.

Assam Minister Faces Heat Over Daughter's Participation In CJP Protest

Assam Minister Faces Heat Over Daughter's Participation In CJP Protest

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

The controversy has embarrassed the ruling coalition because Keshab Mahanta is one of the senior-most leaders of the Asom Gana Parishad, an NDA constituent.

'Greatest to walk the earth': Gavaskar on Sobers' legacy

'Greatest to walk the earth': Gavaskar on Sobers' legacy

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers, widely considered the greatest all-rounder in the sport's history, has passed away at the age of 89. Tributes poured in from across the cricketing world, with former India captains Sunil Gavaskar and Virat Kohli expressing their profound sadness and respect for the West Indies icon. The Lanka Premier League will also honour his legacy.

Delhi HC orders winding up of Paytm Payments Bank

Delhi HC orders winding up of Paytm Payments Bank

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has ordered the winding up of Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) following the Reserve Bank of India's cancellation of its banking licence due to non-compliance and concerns over depositor interests.

HC declines plea to shift Sonam Wangchuk to private hospital

HC declines plea to shift Sonam Wangchuk to private hospital

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has refused to allow activist Sonam Wangchuk to be shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to a private facility, stating that doctors are closely monitoring him and his removal from Jantar Mantar was not arbitrary. The court noted that his family has round-the-clock access and the petition will be heard further on July 24.

Earning spouses must share household expenses, says HC

Earning spouses must share household expenses, says HC

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Bombay High Court has ruled that both earning partners must contribute to household and child's education expenses to maintain a lifestyle, reducing a man's monthly maintenance payment to his estranged wife and son. The court emphasised that equality cannot be claimed selectively, especially when both parties are earning.

US water systems under cyber attack, Iran link probed

US water systems under cyber attack, Iran link probed

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Malicious cyber activity has disrupted technology at water and wastewater facilities in at least seven US states, forcing utilities to revert to manual operations, with authorities actively probing whether Iranian-linked hackers are responsible.

Adultery claims must be settled before interim maintenance: SC

Adultery claims must be settled before interim maintenance: SC

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that courts must first decide on allegations of adultery made by a husband before granting interim maintenance to the wife, stating that if adultery is proven, the wife is not entitled to maintenance.

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.

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.

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.

Congress reclaims Martyrs' Day stage amid TMC split; eyes revival

Congress reclaims Martyrs' Day stage amid TMC split; eyes revival

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The West Bengal Congress on Tuesday held its Martyrs' Day programme in Kolkata after several years, commemorating the youth wing workers killed in the 1993 police firing, and said the attendance at the gathering marked the party's revival in the state.

Sonam Wangchuk being given required treatment: Hospital

Sonam Wangchuk being given required treatment: Hospital

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk is receiving medical intervention at Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, where his condition is being closely monitored by a team of experts. He was forcibly taken to the hospital on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike, which he began on June 28 to protest alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and demand the Union Education Minister's resignation. Despite stable vital parameters, his blood parameters remain altered due to prolonged fasting, necessitating continuous medical care.

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.

'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.

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.

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.