News for 'The Observer'

'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.com2 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.com6 days ago

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."

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

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

Rediff.com6 days ago

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.com6 days ago

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."

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.

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

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

Rediff.com3 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.com6 days ago

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.

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.com1 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.

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.com5 days ago

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.

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.com7 days ago

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.com5 days ago

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.com2 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.

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 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.

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

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

Rediff.com5 days ago

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.com5 days ago

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.

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.

FIP Wants DGCA to Triple Drug Tests For Pilots

FIP Wants DGCA to Triple Drug Tests For Pilots

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Federation of Indian Pilots has requested the DGCA to increase random drug testing for pilots, aiming to enhance aviation safety.

SC orders SIT to expedite Ram Temple donations embezzlement probe

SC orders SIT to expedite Ram Temple donations embezzlement probe

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Supreme Court has directed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to expeditiously complete its probe into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The court also mandated the SIT to submit a sealed status report and consider suggestions from litigants for improving transparency and investigation quality.

The Rediff Podcast: 'Difference Between Ranveer Singh And Vicky Kaushal Is...'

The Rediff Podcast: 'Difference Between Ranveer Singh And Vicky Kaushal Is...'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Watch Bollywood acting coach Atul Mongia talk about the secrets behind great acting on this latest episode of The Rediff Podcast.

NEET stir: Tejashwi Yadav detained in Patna, taken to undisclosed location

NEET stir: Tejashwi Yadav detained in Patna, taken to undisclosed location

Rediff.com4 days ago

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav was detained in Patna during a protest march concerning police action related to NEET paper leak protests in Bihar. Yadav, along with RJD workers, was protesting against frequent exam paper leaks, stating that the government is jeopardising students' futures.

'It's like chess': Gilmour on modern badminton's demands

'It's like chess': Gilmour on modern badminton's demands

Rediff.com7 days ago

European women's singles champion Kirsty Gilmour discusses the evolving nature of badminton, emphasising its mental aspect akin to a game of chess. Despite her early exit from the World Championships, she praised the improved arrangements at the New Delhi venue, particularly the availability of sanitary products, and contrasted it with the issues faced during the India Open.

US Moves to Regulate Crypto. What Will India Do?

US Moves to Regulate Crypto. What Will India Do?

Rediff.com5 days ago

The US push for clearer crypto rules is putting pressure on India to fill its own regulatory gap for virtual digital assets.

Ex-Maoist leader seeks lifting of ban on outfit, to write to Amit Shah

Ex-Maoist leader seeks lifting of ban on outfit, to write to Amit Shah

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Senior surrendered CPI (Maoist) leader Tippiri Tirupati alias Devji plans to appeal to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to lift the ban on the outfit. He and other surrendered colleagues aim to work legally on people's issues and have also met Telangana DGP C V Anand regarding restrictions on their movements. Tirupati, a former top commander, surrendered in February due to health issues, vowing to work within a legal framework.

Ex-terrorist gets life term for murder inside J-K mosque

Ex-terrorist gets life term for murder inside J-K mosque

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

A court in Srinagar has sentenced an ex-militant to life imprisonment for the 2020 murder of a former terror outfit chief inside a mosque, observing that violence in a place of worship cannot be tolerated.

'Don't you want people to be healthy?': SC slams FSSAI over packaged food warning labels

'Don't you want people to be healthy?': SC slams FSSAI over packaged food warning labels

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The top court was hearing a PIL of public charitable trust 3S and Our Health Society seeking directions to the Centre, states and Union territories to implement mandatory front-of-package warning labels (FOPL) on packaged foods.

SC tells EC, states to expedite probes into poll black money

SC tells EC, states to expedite probes into poll black money

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Supreme Court has emphasised the need for timely investigations and conclusions of criminal cases involving illicit money in elections. Observing that black money compromises democracy and the rule of law, the court issued several directives, including reporting seizures to competent authorities within 24 hours, completing investigations within a year, and submitting quarterly status reports to the Election Commission. The ruling also mandates High Courts to designate special courts for expeditious disposal of cases against candidates and requires High Court approval for withdrawing cases.

Manav Suthar's secret to Galle success: Preparation, patience and Jadeja's influence

Manav Suthar's secret to Galle success: Preparation, patience and Jadeja's influence

Rediff.com6 days ago

Manav Suthar, a left-arm spinner, delivered an exceptional four-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in the first Test, attributing his success to a pre-series training stint at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. His performance, including dismissing Dinesh Chandimal with his first ball, was crucial in keeping the Lankans in check despite a strong partnership. Suthar also highlighted the learning experience from bowling alongside Ravindra Jadeja.

'Girls wearing jeans corrupt boys' mindset unacceptable: HC

'Girls wearing jeans corrupt boys' mindset unacceptable: HC

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Delhi high court on Monday stated that a girl's choice of clothing is her personal decision and suggesting that her wearing jeans might 'corrupt young boys' reflects a deeply troubling and unacceptable mindset.

7 Dogs Review: Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt Ham In Saudi Actioner

7 Dogs Review: Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt Ham In Saudi Actioner

Rediff.com3 days ago

7 Dogs has all the money, stars and kinetic action you could want, but its vanity-project sheen cannot hide a painfully generic screenplay, observes Sreeju Sreedharan.

Voter ID, Aadhaar, PAN not proof of Indian citizenship: HC

Voter ID, Aadhaar, PAN not proof of Indian citizenship: HC

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Calcutta high court has held that voter identity cards, Aadhaar and PAN cards are not conclusive proof of Indian citizenship.

Publishers Must Adapt To Evolving AI Copyright Framework

Publishers Must Adapt To Evolving AI Copyright Framework

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

A new report highlights that publishers need to adopt clear records, AI-specific provisions, and transparent disclosure of AI use to manage legal and commercial risks as the copyright framework around artificial intelligence evolves. Jointly developed by SS Rana & Co and Ficci, the 'Copyright In The AI Age' report emphasises practical governance measures while courts and regulators work on legal principles. It also addresses concerns about authorship, creators' rights, and research integrity amidst increasing AI integration in publishing.

Southern states back Shah's push for dialogue to settle water disputes

Southern states back Shah's push for dialogue to settle water disputes

Rediff.com3 days ago

Chief ministers from southern states convened at the Southern Zonal Council meeting in Kovalam, where Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar advocated for the 1971 census as the basis for delimitation and a freeze on Lok Sabha seats, while also addressing the contentious Cauvery water and Mekedatu dam issues.

8 Countries With The Most Public Holidays

8 Countries With The Most Public Holidays

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

These nations officially top the list when it comes to maximum number of official days off.

Let's Not Get Flattered By Sergei Gor's Kashmir Remarks

Let's Not Get Flattered By Sergei Gor's Kashmir Remarks

Rediff.com4 days ago

New Delhi must look for formal, institutional statements issued directly from Washington rather than rely on casual pronouncements meant for local audiences, notes Ambassador Rajasekhar.

Bengal govt revokes BJP MP's award for remarks on Netaji

Bengal govt revokes BJP MP's award for remarks on Netaji

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The West Bengal government has revoked the Banga Bibhushan award from Rajya Sabha MP Ananta Maharaj following his controversial remarks describing Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose as a 'war criminal' and questioning the Azad Hind Fauj's role in India's freedom struggle.

Big relief for Vijay govt as SC clears jobs for Karur victims' kin

Big relief for Vijay govt as SC clears jobs for Karur victims' kin

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has stayed a Madras High Court order that had quashed the Tamil Nadu government's decision to provide government jobs to relatives of those who died in a stampede at Karur last year, questioning the locus standi of petitioners challenging government policy.

Skoda Bets Big On India With CNG, Diesel and EVs

Skoda Bets Big On India With CNG, Diesel and EVs

Rediff.com5 days ago

Skoda Auto is strategically navigating the competitive Indian automotive market by prioritising profitable growth, exploring new powertrain options like CNG and a limited diesel return, and gearing up for a locally produced electric SUV, all while expanding its retail footprint.