News for 'The Observer'

TMC merger: Strategic move to aid BJP without legal hurdles

TMC merger: Strategic move to aid BJP without legal hurdles

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Twenty rebel Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha MPs have merged with the obscure Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), a move seen by political observers as a strategic way to support the BJP-led NDA without immediately joining the saffron party and bypassing legal complexities.

None can deny there is corruption in judiciary: Madras HC

None can deny there is corruption in judiciary: Madras HC

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Madras High Court acknowledged the existence of corruption within the judiciary while dismissing a PIL seeking a ban on the Tamil film 'Karuppu'. The court emphasised the need for introspection and improvement within the judicial system, stating that judges are not exempt from criticism.

Uncle Sentenced To Death For Nephew's Brutal Murder

Uncle Sentenced To Death For Nephew's Brutal Murder

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

A court in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, has sentenced Amjad Khan to death for the brutal murder of his four-year-old nephew, Daniyal, in 2021, citing extreme cruelty in the crime.

Why Thane Court Acquitted Inmate In Prison Assault Case

Why Thane Court Acquitted Inmate In Prison Assault Case

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

A sessions court in Thane has acquitted jail inmate Arman Nafis Khan, who was accused of assaulting prison officials in 2017. The court cited the prosecution's failure to prove the charges, highlighting issues like unexplained injuries to the accused, withheld CCTV footage, and delayed access for the investigating officer.

Shamli Court Rejects Bail In Alleged Forced Conversion Case

Shamli Court Rejects Bail In Alleged Forced Conversion Case

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

A court in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, has rejected the bail applications of a woman and her father accused in an alleged forced conversion case. The complaint states that a 30-year-old man was converted to Islam under the pretext of marriage, as part of a conspiracy to seize his property.

New govt in Manipur likely soon, BJP appoints observer

New govt in Manipur likely soon, BJP appoints observer

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party Parliamentary Board on Monday appointed party national general secretary Tarun Chugh as the central observer for the election of the legislature party leader in Manipur, indicating the possible formation of a popular government in the Northeastern state.

SC shields inter-caste couple, stays HC order amid honour killing fears

SC shields inter-caste couple, stays HC order amid honour killing fears

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Coming to the aid of an inter-caste couple fearing "honour killing", the Supreme Court on Monday stayed a Rajasthan high court order allowing the woman's parents to meet them, despite their apprehensions of any untoward eventuality.

TMC's paradox: Anti-BJP in Kolkata, pro-NDA in New Delhi

TMC's paradox: Anti-BJP in Kolkata, pro-NDA in New Delhi

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The TMC is grappling with an extraordinary internal paradox as its legislative faction in West Bengal pledges 'constructive opposition' against the BJP, while a significant portion of its Lok Sabha MPs surprisingly aligns with the BJP-led NDA, exposing a profound ideological schism within the party.

NDA ally SBSP seeks 32 seats in UP polls; BJP says....

NDA ally SBSP seeks 32 seats in UP polls; BJP says....

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, a constituent of the Bhaatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance, has staked claim to 32 seats for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with the aim to wrest the Samajwadi Party's stronghold of Azamgarh.

Malicious actors staged DOS attacks on re-evaluation portal: CBSE

Malicious actors staged DOS attacks on re-evaluation portal: CBSE

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The CBSE reported that its re-evaluation portal faced a series of cyberattacks, including a denial-of-service attack, while students accessed the platform for verification and re-evaluation of answer books.

Back in the nets, Rohit Sharma grabs spotlight with trademark strokeplay

Back in the nets, Rohit Sharma grabs spotlight with trademark strokeplay

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Rohit Sharma joined India's white-ball nets in Mohali on Wednesday and remained the box-office attraction despite the presence of young and emerging stars.

FDA Cracks Down On Hospital Pharmacies

FDA Cracks Down On Hospital Pharmacies

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

'Hospitals sometimes compel patients to purchase medicines only from pharmacies owned by or attached to the hospital, refuse to provide prescriptions, withhold prescriptions, or send prescriptions directly to the hospital pharmacy without patient consent.'

Lawyers ask Supreme Court to retract remarks on greens stalling development

Lawyers ask Supreme Court to retract remarks on greens stalling development

Rediff.com21 May 2026

A group of lawyers and activists have petitioned the Chief Justice of India to retract recent Supreme Court remarks that cast doubt on the legitimacy of environmental pleas against developmental projects.

Raman: Mature Harmanpreet Leading India's Most Complete Women's Team

Raman: Mature Harmanpreet Leading India's Most Complete Women's Team

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Former India coach WV Raman believes the current women's team is the strongest in the country's history and has all the ingredients to win a maiden T20 World Cup, provided the pace attack delivers in key moments.

Texas: 1 dead, 10 injured in mass shooting; suspect killed

Texas: 1 dead, 10 injured in mass shooting; suspect killed

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

A mass shooting incident in Midland, West Texas, resulted in one death and ten injuries. The suspect, Victor Mata Villarreal, who was already wanted for attempted capital murder, was found dead after a standoff with law enforcement. The incident involved an ambush on officers and a subsequent barricade, with authorities using advanced technology to resolve the situation.

ED quizzes TMC MP Abhishek for over 11 hours in school jobs scam case

ED quizzes TMC MP Abhishek for over 11 hours in school jobs scam case

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee is undergoing interrogation by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the alleged primary school recruitment scam. The ED is focusing on the money trail, financial documents, and statements from other accused, following a prior questioning session by the state CID on a separate forgery case.

'Severe' blast kills 8 workers at Vizag Steel Plant in Andhra Pradesh

'Severe' blast kills 8 workers at Vizag Steel Plant in Andhra Pradesh

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

An industrial accident at the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (Vizag Steel Plant) in Visakhapatnam resulted in the deaths of at least six workers after molten iron spilt on them. Authorities are investigating the incident, and rescue operations are underway.

Senior NCPI leader questions merger with rebel Trinamool MPs

Senior NCPI leader questions merger with rebel Trinamool MPs

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

A day after 20 rebel Trinamool Congress MPs announced their merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), a senior functionary of the outfit questioned the decision, claiming the party leadership had never been consulted on the move and that such a decision could not be taken unilaterally.

Before Alpha, 10 Times Bollywood Reimagined The Ramayana

Before Alpha, 10 Times Bollywood Reimagined The Ramayana

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Long before Alpha, Bollywood had been retelling the Ramayana in modern settings, sometimes subtly and sometimes not so subtly.

Day after cyberattack claim, CBSE processes 40,000 re-evaluation requests

Day after cyberattack claim, CBSE processes 40,000 re-evaluation requests

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced that nearly 40,000 students have successfully applied for verification and re-evaluation of Class 12 board exam answer books, despite the portal facing cyberattacks, including a denial-of-service attempt.

WFI Challenges High Court Order On Vinesh Phogat's Asian Games Trial

WFI Challenges High Court Order On Vinesh Phogat's Asian Games Trial

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has appealed to the Supreme Court against a Delhi High Court order that permits wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the selection trials for the Asian Games 2026.

Olympic, Paralympic Medallists Secure Interim Relief In Delhi Govt Job Regularisation Case

Olympic, Paralympic Medallists Secure Interim Relief In Delhi Govt Job Regularisation Case

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Olympic silver medallist wrestler Ravi Kumar Dahiya and Paralympic bronze medallist high jumper Sharad Kumar have obtained interim relief from the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in their petitions for regularisation of their ad-hoc services with the Delhi government. Both athletes, who resigned from previous stable positions, have been serving in temporary roles within the Directorate of Education for several years without regularisation.

Jeweller Killed, Valuables Stolen In Chhattisgarh Market Attack

Jeweller Killed, Valuables Stolen In Chhattisgarh Market Attack

Rediff.com27 May 2026

A jeweller was shot dead and robbed of gold and silver ornaments at a weekly market in Chhattisgarh's Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district. The incident has sparked protests and a bandh by local traders.

Chhattisgarh Jeweller Killed, Ornaments Worth Lakhs Looted

Chhattisgarh Jeweller Killed, Ornaments Worth Lakhs Looted

Rediff.com27 May 2026

A jeweller was shot dead and his valuables were looted by unidentified assailants at a weekly market in Chhattisgarh's Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district. The incident has sparked outrage among local traders, who are observing a bandh in protest.

RBI's Capital Inflow Measures Ease Long Bond Fears, But Fund Managers Remain Cautious

RBI's Capital Inflow Measures Ease Long Bond Fears, But Fund Managers Remain Cautious

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Despite the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) and the government's recent initiatives to attract foreign capital, which are expected to alleviate pressure on long-duration bonds, most debt fund managers are maintaining a cautious stance, favouring shorter-duration papers due to global uncertainties and potential future rate hikes.

Attack On Indian Sailors: Is India Rewriting Its US Playbook?

Attack On Indian Sailors: Is India Rewriting Its US Playbook?

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

India's foreign policy establishment is adjusting with alacrity in real time -- an extraordinary spectacle in itself, considering the manifest reluctance to indulge in public diplomacy critical of American moves, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Why Indian Politicians Fear Youth Dissent

Why Indian Politicians Fear Youth Dissent

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

CBSE exams and unemployment are divergent concerns for the middle class and the poor, and the idioms of protest don't speak to all of India's young people, points out Kanika Datta.

NHRC Demands Answers On Tribal Girl's Trafficking, Sexual Assault

NHRC Demands Answers On Tribal Girl's Trafficking, Sexual Assault

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to police chiefs in Odisha and Uttar Pradesh following reports of a 17-year-old tribal girl being trafficked, sold, and sexually assaulted for two years in Jhansi. The NHRC has sought a detailed report on the investigation and steps for victim rehabilitation after allegations of inadequate police action in Jhansi.

HC Relief For Wipro Chairman Azim Premji In Labour Law Case

HC Relief For Wipro Chairman Azim Premji In Labour Law Case

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Allahabad high court has quashed criminal proceedings against Wipro Chairman Azim Premji and other senior officials in a case related to alleged labour law violations.

Why Bombay High Court Says FIR Delay Cannot Quash Sexual Assault Cases

Why Bombay High Court Says FIR Delay Cannot Quash Sexual Assault Cases

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Bombay High Court has ruled that delay in lodging an FIR for sexual assault and harassment cases cannot be the sole ground for quashing a criminal prosecution, especially given the societal challenges families face in reporting such incidents. The court dismissed a petition by a man accused of molesting his domestic help, rejecting his arguments about delayed complaint and false implication.

Mamata questions security lapse after attack on Abhishek

Mamata questions security lapse after attack on Abhishek

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee has expressed shock over the attack on her nephew and party MP Abhishek Banerjee, raising questions about security arrangements and his subsequent treatment at a hospital. She alleged that there was pressure on doctors regarding his treatment and that the incident could have had fatal consequences.

BJP's New Game: Political Engineering

BJP's New Game: Political Engineering

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Ideology is dead; long live the numbers game that is being played with the sole intention of securing a two-third majority in the Lok Sabha for the NDA, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Allahabad HC Seeks Details Of Arms Licences Of UP Politicians

Allahabad HC Seeks Details Of Arms Licences Of UP Politicians

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to provide details of arms licences held by 19 individuals, including politicians Brij Bhushan Singh and Raja Bhaiya, citing concerns over the public display of weapons and its impact on social harmony.

Gurnoor Brar Reveals Secret Behind His Fast Rise

Gurnoor Brar Reveals Secret Behind His Fast Rise

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Gurnoor Brar has impressed with his pace and control in his debut ODI series against Afghanistan.

Maharashtra FDA Seizes Illegal Medicines Worth Over Rs 24 Lakh In Major Crackdown

Maharashtra FDA Seizes Illegal Medicines Worth Over Rs 24 Lakh In Major Crackdown

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted three separate operations in Pune and Kolhapur, seizing illegal medicines worth over Rs 24 lakh. Actions included seizing allopathic medicines from an unlicensed firm and prescription drugs with improper promotional packaging, with the FDA vowing strict action against violators.

Fresh blow to Mamata: TMC's Rs 675-cr war chest becomes new battleground

Fresh blow to Mamata: TMC's Rs 675-cr war chest becomes new battleground

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The internecine war within the Trinamool Congress took a new turn on Thursday with "party treasurer" Aroop Biswas writing to a bank seeking restrictions on the operation of the party's accounts, citing uncertainty over its legitimate leadership amid rebellions by MLAs and MPs.

Supreme Court refuses urgent hearing on plea seeking probe into 'Cockroach Janta Party' allegations

Supreme Court refuses urgent hearing on plea seeking probe into 'Cockroach Janta Party' allegations

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The Supreme Court of India has refused an urgent hearing on a plea seeking an investigation into allegations concerning fake advocates and the activities of the satirical digital outfit 'Cockroach Janta Party' (CJP), with the Chief Justice advising the petitioner not to take the issue 'so sentimentally'.

Baghpat Triple Murder: Long-Standing Feud Ends In Three Deaths

Baghpat Triple Murder: Long-Standing Feud Ends In Three Deaths

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

A long-standing rivalry in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, culminated in a triple murder where a trader and his son were shot dead by an assailant, who also succumbed to injuries. Police have launched a major investigation, making one arrest and forming multiple teams to apprehend other suspects involved in the feud.

Study Identifies Two Distinct Subtypes Of Autism

Study Identifies Two Distinct Subtypes Of Autism

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

A new study has identified two distinct subtypes of autism, one with increased communication associated with immune-related systems and another with reduced connectivity linked to synaptic pathways. The findings, published in Nature Neuroscience, pave the way for more precise and personalised autism care and support.

How can you curb rights of 150m Indians, court asks govt in Telegram case

How can you curb rights of 150m Indians, court asks govt in Telegram case

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The Delhi High Court has questioned the Centre's decision to temporarily restrict access to Telegram ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, asking how the rights of 150 million users can be curtailed due to concerns over a few miscreants. The court reserved its verdict after hearing arguments from both sides.