News for 'The Observer'

SC orders interim space for Friday namaaz at disputed Bhojshala site

SC orders interim space for Friday namaaz at disputed Bhojshala site

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has directed that a separate open space be provided adjacent to the disputed Bhojshala site in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar for offering namaz on Fridays, pending the final resolution of the case. The court emphasised the sensitive nature of the matter and urged both Hindu and Muslim sides to exercise patience.

Delhi Gymkhana members challenges Centre's eviction notice in HC

Delhi Gymkhana members challenges Centre's eviction notice in HC

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

The Centre had previously informed the high court it would not take forceful possession of the land by June 5, stating it would follow due legal procedure.

Don't ask me to end fast: Wangchuk reveals what he wants

Don't ask me to end fast: Wangchuk reveals what he wants

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has decided to continue his indefinite hunger strike despite appeals, stating that ending it without government response would send the wrong message. He is urging supporters to join the Cockroach Janta Party's Parliament march on July 20 to press for accountability regarding alleged NEET irregularities.

Skyroot's Success Changes India's Space Future

Skyroot's Success Changes India's Space Future

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

'The Indian private space sector is no longer a high-risk bet; it is a highly bankable, globally competitive asset class capable of easing the global small satellite launch bottleneck.'

Google challenges Delhi HC ruling on keyword bidding

Google challenges Delhi HC ruling on keyword bidding

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Google has challenged a Delhi High Court single-judge bench ruling that held it liable for trademark infringement by allowing competitors to bid on and use the 'Hindware' trademark as keywords in its Google Ads programme. Google argues that keyword bidding promotes competition and is a globally accepted norm, citing previous rulings that allowed the practice. The tech giant contends that the Trade Marks Act does not distinguish between coined and generic words for such infringements.

Operation Safed Sagar Launch: 'Heroes Don't Look Like Heroes'

Operation Safed Sagar Launch: 'Heroes Don't Look Like Heroes'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

'They become heroes because of their actions.'

Study Predicts Major Boost In India's Plant Productivity

Study Predicts Major Boost In India's Plant Productivity

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

A new study reveals that India's annual gross primary productivity (GPP) increased significantly from 1985 to 2014 and is projected to continue rising until 2100, even under high-emissions scenarios. This enhancement is attributed to stronger precipitation and carbon dioxide fertilisation effects, with the Indo-Gangetic Plain, Northeastern India, and the Western Ghats expected to see the largest increases.

NITI Aayog's Vision For India's Bioeconomy Growth

NITI Aayog's Vision For India's Bioeconomy Growth

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

A NITI Aayog report outlines India's potential to scale its bioeconomy to USD 691 billion by 2035 and USD 2.6 trillion by 2047, creating over 30 million high-value jobs. The report stresses the need for coordinated national execution, regulatory reforms, a strengthened talent pipeline, and a significant BioEconomy Growth Fund to achieve this vision, positioning India among the top biotechnology powers globally.

Why EPFO Mandated 25% PF Balance

Why EPFO Mandated 25% PF Balance

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

EPFO said the measure could substantially improve retirement outcomes with nearly half its members expected to see an increase of up to 35 times in their old-age savings.

Calcutta HC backs college: No right to job after hurtful religious posts

Calcutta HC backs college: No right to job after hurtful religious posts

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

The Calcutta High Court has upheld a college's decision to deny an assistant professor appointment due to his social media posts, observing that the right to profess one's religion does not permit hurting others' faith. The court ruled that the college's decision was bona fide and in the institution's best interest, despite the candidate's claims of infringed freedom of speech and religion.

Gulf nations must pay for Hormuz security: Trump

Gulf nations must pay for Hormuz security: Trump

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Former US President Donald Trump stated that Gulf nations should reimburse the United States for safeguarding maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, while asserting that recent American military interventions have profoundly crippled Iran's military capabilities, claiming Iran has been "brought back to the Stone Ages."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.'

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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

'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.

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.