News for 'The Observer'

Groundbreaking IIT Mandi Research Reveals Cellular Signature Of Anaesthesia In Plants

Groundbreaking IIT Mandi Research Reveals Cellular Signature Of Anaesthesia In Plants

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Scientists at IIT Mandi have identified the cellular signature of anaesthesia in plants, a discovery that challenges conventional understanding of consciousness. Their research shows plants respond to anaesthetics in a synchronised manner, reorganising cellular nuclei despite lacking a brain or nervous system, suggesting a more sentient nature than previously believed and resonating with ancient Indian philosophical thought.

Ikka Review: Overruled By Melodrama

Ikka Review: Overruled By Melodrama

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

By the time Ikka reaches its overblown finale, complete with a redundant trick ending, the verdict becomes clear: Melodrama wins, logic loses, observes Mayur Sanap.

GenAI Talent Shortage Hits India

GenAI Talent Shortage Hits India

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

GenAI recorded the widest talent gap, followed by AI deployment engineering (72.4 per cent), AI governance (70 per cent), and MLOps (68 per cent).

'Play him now!' Ex-selector's big call on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

'Play him now!' Ex-selector's big call on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Former India selector Sarandeep Singh has advocated for the inclusion of 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the Indian playing eleven for the upcoming T20 series opener against England. Singh believes Sooryavanshi, who was in stellar form in the IPL and for India A, should be given an opportunity to debut, potentially becoming India's youngest cricketer.

CAT: Scared of Quant? Follow This Strategy To Score Well

CAT: Scared of Quant? Follow This Strategy To Score Well

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Focus on a few basic topics so that you can solve medium-to-difficult questions on them, suggests MBA expert and rediffGURU Patrick Dsouza.

BCCI to hold review meeting after India's dismal T20 series against England, Ireland

BCCI to hold review meeting after India's dismal T20 series against England, Ireland

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The BCCI will conduct a review meeting after India's T20 series against England concludes on July 19, following poor performances against both England and Ireland, but has stated it will not make any 'knee-jerk' decisions regarding head coach Gautam Gambhir's future.

HC appoints special officer to manage TMC's frozen bank accounts

HC appoints special officer to manage TMC's frozen bank accounts

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The Calcutta High Court has appointed a retired judge as a special officer to manage the day-to-day expenses of the Mamata Banerjee-aligned Trinamool Congress (TMC) from three debit-frozen bank accounts. The accounts were frozen following a complaint by a rival TMC faction alleging they held proceeds of crime. The court allowed transactions for party expenses and legal costs, noting that the initial freezing lacked specific material basis and that the complainant had previously benefited from these accounts.

High Court To Rule On Asian Games Dressage Team Selection Dispute

High Court To Rule On Asian Games Dressage Team Selection Dispute

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has reserved its verdict on petitions filed by riders Anush Agarwalla and Sudipti Hajela, who challenged their exclusion from India's dressage team for the upcoming Asian Games. The athletes appealed a single judge's earlier decision that upheld the Equestrian Federation of India's selection process. The court heard arguments from all parties, including the EFI, which maintained that the best riders were selected and opposed external interference.

'If You Can't Tell Your Family You Don't Want To Marry...'

'If You Can't Tell Your Family You Don't Want To Marry...'

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

'Many relationships break down because people are unable to honestly express what they feel. If someone cannot tell their family they do not want to go ahead with a marriage, the consequences can affect not only them but everyone involved.

Jodie Foster Believes Brad Pitt's 'F1' Was Made With Artificial Intelligence

Jodie Foster Believes Brad Pitt's 'F1' Was Made With Artificial Intelligence

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Hollywood veteran Jodie Foster has controversially suggested that Brad Pitt's recent film "F1" was created using Artificial Intelligence, citing its formulaic structure and dialogue. She discussed the growing influence of AI in the film industry, acknowledging its potential to replace jobs but also its utility if filmmakers can control the technology.

Lucknow fire: Autopsy reveals all 15 suffocated to death

Lucknow fire: Autopsy reveals all 15 suffocated to death

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

A post-mortem report for the 15 victims of the Lucknow Aliganj fire revealed that they died from suffocation due to smoke inhalation, not major burn injuries. Doctors found soot in nasal passages and swelling around faces, indicating heavy smoke exposure. The tragedy has led to a high-level probe, arrests, and a directive for fire safety inspections across Uttar Pradesh.

UN warns Pakistan against 'reconstruction' at Taxila site

UN warns Pakistan against 'reconstruction' at Taxila site

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

UNESCO has warned Pakistan that two historical sites within the Taxila World Heritage site could be placed on a "danger list" or even delisted if "unnecessary interventions" and "reconstructions" are not reversed. The UN cultural agency highlighted concerns about new masonry replacing ancient walls and increased wall heights, compromising the authenticity of the sites. Pakistani officials, however, maintain that the work constitutes conservation, not reconstruction.

10 Leadership Habits For Happy, Productive Mondays

10 Leadership Habits For Happy, Productive Mondays

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Mondays set the tone not only for the week ahead but also for the culture employees experience every day.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Fired-up Mexico aim to extend dream run against England

FIFA World Cup 2026: Fired-up Mexico aim to extend dream run against England

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Mexico will bid to continue their remarkable World Cup run when they face England in the last 16 on Sunday, with Javier Aguirre's side standing one victory away from a first quarter-final appearance in 40 years.

India's First OptoSAR Mission Ends in Failure

India's First OptoSAR Mission Ends in Failure

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

While recovery efforts are ongoing, the likelihood of recovery currently appears low.

Does India Want To Repair Iran Relationship?

Does India Want To Repair Iran Relationship?

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

India is navigating a complex diplomatic landscape, attempting to balance its 'forever honeymoon' with the Israel-UAE-Bahrain axis against its historical ties with Iran, as evidenced by recent high-level visits and evolving geopolitical realignments in the Middle East, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Psychological Stress Linked To Gut Microbiome Changes And Health Risks

Psychological Stress Linked To Gut Microbiome Changes And Health Risks

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

A new study in mice reveals that psychological stress can significantly alter the gut microbiome, leading to changes in blood-forming stem cells and increasing the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Researchers found that stress impacts specific brain regions, which in turn affect intestinal microbiota balance and hematopoietic stem cell function.

Tibetan protester sets himself afire outside UN headquarters, dies

Tibetan protester sets himself afire outside UN headquarters, dies

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

A 42-year-old man, identified as Lobga Rangzen, died after setting himself on fire outside the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan. The act was an apparent protest, with a Tibetan flag and a 'CHINA OUT OF TIBET' slogan found at the scene, linking it to the ongoing Tibetan Independence Movement.

9 Doctors Who Became Leaders

9 Doctors Who Became Leaders

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

On Doctors' Day this week let's turn the spotlight onto doctors who decided to become leaders.

Why Make Yoga Day A Ritual

Why Make Yoga Day A Ritual

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

We have Yoga Day. We have Hindi Day. We have, I am fairly certain, so many days, though I have never met anyone enjoying these days, notes Binu Alex.

Oath-taking only in name of god or by solemn affirmation: Kerala HC

Oath-taking only in name of god or by solemn affirmation: Kerala HC

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Kerala high court has ruled that elected local body representatives must take their oath strictly as prescribed by law, invalidating oaths that included names beyond "God" or solemn affirmation. The court directed affected councillors to retake their oaths within four weeks, clarifying that while their elections remain valid, actions by a panchayat member whose oath was invalid are also invalid.

Arunachal Flash Floods Trigger Flood Threat In Assam

Arunachal Flash Floods Trigger Flood Threat In Assam

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The weather office has warned that the prevailing monsoon conditions could trigger flash floods, landslides, waterlogging and a further rise in river levels across the Northeast.

Dubai's Danube targets $4 bn launches in FY27

Dubai's Danube targets $4 bn launches in FY27

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Dubai-based Danube Group plans to launch projects with a combined sales potential of approximately $4 billion in fiscal year 2026-27 (FY27), adopting a more selective approach to new developments as the Emirati property market enters a correction phase.

Bharati Achrekar: 'Today's Actors Won't Find A Guru Like Vijaya Mehta'

Bharati Achrekar: 'Today's Actors Won't Find A Guru Like Vijaya Mehta'

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

'She never held a stick in her hand, but she would encourage us to discover the character on our own.'

Delhi High Court Affirms EFI's Asian Games Dressage Team Selection

Delhi High Court Affirms EFI's Asian Games Dressage Team Selection

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Delhi High Court has upheld the Equestrian Federation of India's (EFI) selection process for the Asian Games dressage team, dismissing petitions from riders Anush Agarwalla and Sudipti Hajela. The court found no arbitrariness or procedural impropriety, reinforcing the principle that judicial interference in expert selection bodies is limited. Challenges regarding Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs), criteria interpretation, and bias were all rejected.

How Cricket Coaching Can Be Reshaped Through AI

How Cricket Coaching Can Be Reshaped Through AI

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Advanced Impactor. an AI-powered platform, aims to modernise cricket coaching with real-time performance analytics.

Heavy rains with 80 kmph winds alert for Mumbai; WFH for pvt firms

Heavy rains with 80 kmph winds alert for Mumbai; WFH for pvt firms

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

The India Meteorological Department has issued a 'red' alert for Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, and warnings include potential flash floods, structural damage, and disruptions to essential services. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has also urged caution and deployed officials to monitor the situation.

Baby Do Die Do Review: Huma Qureshi's Film Doesn't Do Enough

Baby Do Die Do Review: Huma Qureshi's Film Doesn't Do Enough

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Baby Do Die Do struggles to find its footing as it moves from one contrived twist to another, observes Mayur Sanap.

Family cook accuses IPL star Shashank Singh, father of assault; FIR registered

Family cook accuses IPL star Shashank Singh, father of assault; FIR registered

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

A domestic cook, Vipendra Singh Tomar, has accused Punjab Kings cricketer Shashank Singh, his father Shailesh Singh, and their driver of assault, intimidation, and wrongful confinement.

Pritam And Pedro Review: Buddy Comedy Falls Flat

Pritam And Pedro Review: Buddy Comedy Falls Flat

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Arshad Warsi can create an air of levity around anybody but Vir Hirani's stiff screen presence as Pritam Parkar has no vibe to match his peevish, pitiable Pedro Gonsalves, observes Sukanya Verma.

Allahabad High Court Grants Bail To Abid In Raju Pal Murder Case

Allahabad High Court Grants Bail To Abid In Raju Pal Murder Case

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The Allahabad High Court has granted bail to Abid, a convicted accused in the 2005 BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case, suspending his sentence due to the long pending criminal appeal and lack of direct evidence against him in the original FIR.

Sports Ministry Imposes Strict Medal-Focused Criteria For Asian Games Contingent

Sports Ministry Imposes Strict Medal-Focused Criteria For Asian Games Contingent

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Sports Ministry, led by Mansukh Mandaviya, has announced stringent selection criteria for the upcoming Asian Games, capping the contingent at 600 athletes. The policy prioritises medal prospects, stating that the Games are not for "exposure tours" or securing jobs. This includes a "realistic chance of winning a medal" and being in the top six continental rankings. The ministry will scrutinise recommendations from National Sports Federations, with specific cases like equestrian Anush Agarwalla and table tennis player Manika Batra highlighting the new approach.

'Heavens are not going to fall': SC refuses urgent hearing in Ram temple donation case

'Heavens are not going to fall': SC refuses urgent hearing in Ram temple donation case

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has declined an urgent hearing on a plea demanding a fair and time-bound investigation into alleged embezzlement of donations at the revered Ram temple in Ayodhya, deferring the matter until after the summer break.

'He'll be up. He's like me': US envoy recalls Trump's 6 am call to Modi

'He'll be up. He's like me': US envoy recalls Trump's 6 am call to Modi

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor revealed that President Donald Trump views Prime Minister Narendra Modi as 'a friend' and is deeply committed to enhancing cooperation with New Delhi, highlighting their personal equation as a crucial factor in advancing bilateral ties.

Why Is Modi Meeting Secretaries?

Why Is Modi Meeting Secretaries?

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet secretaries of key Union ministries and departments to review their performance, focusing on ease of living, ease of doing business, and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives, amidst strong speculation of an impending Cabinet reshuffle.

Zomato, Zepto, Swiggy, Urban Company, Porter Challenge Karnataka Gig Workers Act

Zomato, Zepto, Swiggy, Urban Company, Porter Challenge Karnataka Gig Workers Act

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

'If there are different laws governing the same subject, it can increase the compliance burden on platforms. The process would be easier and more transparent if there were a singular national-level law.'

Modi meets longest-living species on Earth during Seychelles visit

Modi meets longest-living species on Earth during Seychelles visit

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Seychelles, engaging in biodiversity conservation efforts with President Patrick Herminie. The visit included observing Aldabra Giant Tortoises and planting the unique Coco de Mer, symbolising India and Seychelles' commitment to environmental protection and strengthening bilateral ties.

'An Indian and a Pakistani': Who are the two key people in JD Vance's life?

'An Indian and a Pakistani': Who are the two key people in JD Vance's life?

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

US Vice President JD Vance on Sunday generated significant online traction after making a light-hearted reference to two "very, very important" Indian and Pakistani people in his life - his wife Usha Vance and Pakistani Army chief Asim Munir, on the sidelines of the US-Iran diplomatic deliberations in Switzerland.

'Methyl Isocyanate of law': SC flags AI-hallucinated judgments

'Methyl Isocyanate of law': SC flags AI-hallucinated judgments

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court of India has issued a strong warning against the use of "non-existent, fake, and hallucinated" judgements generated by artificial intelligence (AI), likening it to "the release of methyl Isocyanate in the province of law and justice: invisible, insidious, and catastrophic." The court set aside an NCLT verdict that relied on such AI-generated precedents.

Delhi HC orders removal of malicious social media posts on Raghav Chadha

Delhi HC orders removal of malicious social media posts on Raghav Chadha

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has ordered the removal of certain objectionable social media content targeting MP Raghav Chadha, who had filed a lawsuit against malicious, AI-generated, and deepfake content impacting his reputation. While some content was deemed not prima facie defamatory, specific objectionable material was ordered to be taken down.