News for 'The Observer'

CAB power struggle: Ganguly camp fires back as Dalmiya raises corruption concerns

CAB power struggle: Ganguly camp fires back as Dalmiya raises corruption concerns

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The simmering tension between former Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Avishek Dalmiya and the current Sourav Ganguly-led establishment came out into the open on Wednesday, with the state cricket body's top brass issuing a strongly-worded rebuttal to allegations of corruption and governance failures barely three months before its annual general meeting.

Ebola fears: Another Sudanese hospitalised in Hyderabad, Ugandan girl isolated in Jaipur

Ebola fears: Another Sudanese hospitalised in Hyderabad, Ugandan girl isolated in Jaipur

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

A Sudanese national with fever was admitted to the state-run Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad, taking the total number of Ebola-related admissions at the facility to two, officials said on Friday, while a 19-year-old woman from Uganda has been admitted to a government hospital in Jaipur after showing symptoms similar to Ebola virus infection.

From 215 to 20: How Mamata's political empire fell in a month

From 215 to 20: How Mamata's political empire fell in a month

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress is grappling with an unprecedented political crisis following its recent electoral defeat, which has seen a significant number of its legislators openly challenging her authority and forming a rebel faction.

Delhi Man Acquitted In 2021 Badarpur Firing Case: Here's Why

Delhi Man Acquitted In 2021 Badarpur Firing Case: Here's Why

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

A Delhi court acquitted a man accused of involvement in a 2021 firing incident in Badarpur, citing the prosecution's failure to establish his presence at the scene.

'Europe sells weapons, which are used to attack India': Jaishankar slams Western 'hypocrisy'

'Europe sells weapons, which are used to attack India': Jaishankar slams Western 'hypocrisy'

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has strongly defended India's decision to purchase Russian crude oil, stating that the country's energy choices are based on cost and availability, and highlighting the West's 'hypocrisy' in criticising India while historically supplying weapons used against it.

High Court Seeks Solution For Juvenile Homes' Funding Delay

High Court Seeks Solution For Juvenile Homes' Funding Delay

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Allahabad High Court has expressed strong displeasure over the delay in the release of funds to NGO-run juvenile homes operating under the Mission Vatsalya scheme, warning of action if a solution is not presented by May 29.

The Bad Brit From Lagaan Returns!

The Bad Brit From Lagaan Returns!

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

''With Aamir, I have maintained a friendship, and I'm so grateful for that. He's been so kind and generous throughout these years, whether it's in Los Angeles, London or here.'

Balochistan Doctor Suffers Acid Attack, Suspect Killed, Protests Erupt

Balochistan Doctor Suffers Acid Attack, Suspect Killed, Protests Erupt

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

A female doctor in Pakistan's Balochistan province suffered severe burns in an acid attack by a hospital employee, leading to widespread protests by medical professionals. The suspect was later killed in a police encounter while attempting to flee. The Young Doctors Association is demanding improved security and accountability from health officials.

Supreme Court's Electoral Roll Ruling: Key Takeaways

Supreme Court's Electoral Roll Ruling: Key Takeaways

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee has commented on the Supreme Court judgment regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, emphasising its specific application to the Bihar case and highlighting the Election Commission's limited authority in determining citizenship.

India attends Trump's Board of Peace on Gaza meeting as observer

India attends Trump's Board of Peace on Gaza meeting as observer

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

India attended the inaugural meeting of US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace on Gaza as an observer country, represented by Charge d'affaires at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC, Namgya Khampa.

Maharashtra plans Devabhau, Chhava taxis to take on Uber/Ola, activists cry foul

Maharashtra plans Devabhau, Chhava taxis to take on Uber/Ola, activists cry foul

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Maharashtra BJP MLC Pravin Darekar announced the launch of 'Devabhau' and 'Chhava' cooperative taxi services in Mumbai, aiming to counter private aggregators and benefit drivers directly, but the scheme has drawn sharp criticism from social activist Anjali Damania and the Opposition Congress over the proposed use of Mumbai Bank funds and its political branding.

Tibeny Rai: 'Cinema Can Be Powerful Without Being Loud'

Tibeny Rai: 'Cinema Can Be Powerful Without Being Loud'

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

'Coming from Sikkim and the Himalayan region, we don't have a well-established film industry, so funding, infrastructure, and distribution opportunities are limited. At the same time, that can be liberating.' 'There are fewer expectations about what stories should be told, and that gave me freedom to make the film on my own terms.'

NTA, IIT Madras explain Telegram curbs ahead of NEET re-exam

NTA, IIT Madras explain Telegram curbs ahead of NEET re-exam

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) and IIT Madras have justified the temporary restriction on Telegram ahead of the re-NEET examination, stating the platform was allegedly used to fabricate evidence of question paper leaks through edited messages with old timestamps, a claim criticised by the Internet Freedom Foundation as a 'disproportionate' response.

Rare Yellow Puffball Mushroom Discovery Highlights Arunachal Pradesh's Biodiversity

Rare Yellow Puffball Mushroom Discovery Highlights Arunachal Pradesh's Biodiversity

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A rare yellow puffball mushroom, provisionally identified as Bovista colorata, has been documented in Arunachal Pradesh's Longding district by the ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra. This discovery highlights the state's rich biodiversity and the ecological importance of such fungi.

BIT Mesra Teams Up With NESAC For Geospatial Tech

BIT Mesra Teams Up With NESAC For Geospatial Tech

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Birla Institute of Technology (BIT) Mesra has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) to formalise cooperation in geospatial technologies.

MIT-WPU Researchers Create Innovative Noise-Reducing Industrial Enclosure

MIT-WPU Researchers Create Innovative Noise-Reducing Industrial Enclosure

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Researchers at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) Pune have developed a new protective enclosure for industrial abrasive saw machines. This innovative technology significantly reduces noise levels by up to 20 dB(A) while also containing sparks, dust, and flying debris, enhancing worker safety and welfare.

Hit by rebellion, TMC dissolves all committees in Bengal

Hit by rebellion, TMC dissolves all committees in Bengal

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The decision comes hours after dissident TMC MLAs moved the assembly speaker seeking recognition as a separate legislature party, deepening the crisis within the organisation following its recent electoral setback.

Why Supreme Court Granted Bail In Rs 22 Crore Fraud Case

Why Supreme Court Granted Bail In Rs 22 Crore Fraud Case

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has granted bail to Shubham Saxena, accused of siphoning off Rs 22 crore from a real estate company, primarily due to his prolonged pre-trial detention of over four and a half years. This decision overturns a Delhi High Court ruling that had denied bail citing the gravity of the economic offence.

Sensex, Nifty close flat; metal, oil & gas shares major drag

Sensex, Nifty close flat; metal, oil & gas shares major drag

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty closed flat, paring early gains due to renewed hostilities between the US and Iran, which unsettled investor sentiment and led to profit booking in metal, oil & gas, and telecom shares.

Why players trust Shreyas Iyer completely

Why players trust Shreyas Iyer completely

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Shreyas Iyer has emerged as a calm and confident T20 leader, earning praise for his sharp tactics, composed decision-making, and strong support for his players under pressure.

Baghpat Triple Murder: Long-Standing Rivalry Ends In Fatal Shootout

Baghpat Triple Murder: Long-Standing Rivalry Ends In Fatal Shootout

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

A long-standing rivalry in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, escalated into a fatal shootout, resulting in the deaths of a tent trader, his son, and the alleged attacker. The incident, captured on CCTV, involved locals reportedly beating the attacker, who later succumbed to injuries. Police have arrested one person and formed multiple teams to apprehend others involved, while the town experienced protests and a market shutdown.

Supreme Court rejects plea for NEET-UG 2026 re-test in CBT mode

Supreme Court rejects plea for NEET-UG 2026 re-test in CBT mode

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has refused a plea seeking the NEET-UG 2026 re-test to be conducted in computer-based test mode, citing the National Testing Agency's existing challenges. The court has scheduled the hearing for July 27.

ODI series: MI's Ghazanfar eager to test his skills against India's star batters

ODI series: MI's Ghazanfar eager to test his skills against India's star batters

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Having observed Rohit Sharma up close during his stint with Mumbai Indians, Afghanistan's rising spin star AM Ghazanfar is eager to put those learnings to the test when he takes on the Indian batting great in the upcoming ODI series.

Delhi HC asks IT body to review blocking of Cockroach party on X

Delhi HC asks IT body to review blocking of Cockroach party on X

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Delhi High Court has asked a review committee to examine the blocking of the Cockroach Janta Party's X account, refusing to order its immediate unblocking but allowing the party's founder to appear before the committee.

SC allows Vinesh to compete in Asian Games trials, cautions courts against interference

SC allows Vinesh to compete in Asian Games trials, cautions courts against interference

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Supreme Court allowed Olympian Vinesh Phogat to compete in the 2026 Asian Games selection trials while cautioning against excessive judicial interference in sporting matters during the hearing of WFI's plea challenging the Delhi High Court order.

Rajasthan High Court Grants Divorce, Criticises 'Aata-Sata' Marriage Custom

Rajasthan High Court Grants Divorce, Criticises 'Aata-Sata' Marriage Custom

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The Rajasthan High Court overturned a family court's decision, granting a woman a divorce and strongly criticising the 'Aata-Sata' marriage custom, highlighting the need to assess matrimonial disputes based on the 'preponderance of probabilities' rather than criminal law standards.

Rajasthan High Court Condemns 'Inhuman Barter System', Grants Divorce

Rajasthan High Court Condemns 'Inhuman Barter System', Grants Divorce

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The Rajasthan High Court has overturned a family court's decision and granted a divorce to a woman, criticising the 'Aata-Sata' marriage custom and stating that cruelty in matrimonial disputes does not require proof 'beyond reasonable doubt'.

Govt restricts bulk petrol, diesel purchases from retail pumps

Govt restricts bulk petrol, diesel purchases from retail pumps

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Indian government has restricted industrial, commercial, and institutional users from purchasing petrol and diesel from retail petrol pumps, directing them to bulk sale points instead. This move, which can last up to 90 days, aims to address abnormal demand growth and prevent localised shortages caused by a significant price difference between retail and bulk fuel prices.

Twisha Sharma death: CBI grills mother-in-law

Twisha Sharma death: CBI grills mother-in-law

Rediff.com28 May 2026

A CBI team questioned former judge Giribala Singh in Bhopal following the revocation of her anticipatory bail in connection with her daughter-in-law Twisha Sharma's death. The High Court quashed the bail, leading to the CBI's action in the dowry harassment case.

I Was In Race For India Captaincy For 1983 World Cup: Kirmani's Big Reveal

I Was In Race For India Captaincy For 1983 World Cup: Kirmani's Big Reveal

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Former wicketkeeper-batter Syed Kirmani revealed that he was in contention for India captaincy along with Dilip Vengsarkar ahead of the 1983 World Cup before the selection panel zeroed in on legendary Kapil Dev.

Mamata rushes to Abhishek's house as cops raid at dawn

Mamata rushes to Abhishek's house as cops raid at dawn

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee's Kolkata residence was raided by police and central forces for over four hours in connection with a financial fraud case, targeting his close aide Sumit Roy, whose mobile phone was last traced to the property.

Big warning for Rohit before England tour...

Big warning for Rohit before England tour...

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

India may still have two ODIs remaining against Afghanistan, but conversations about the future are never far away when it comes to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Police Raid Abhishek Banerjee's Residence In Financial Fraud Probe

Police Raid Abhishek Banerjee's Residence In Financial Fraud Probe

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

West Bengal police, supported by central forces, conducted a four-hour predawn raid on TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's Kolkata residence in connection with a financial fraud case involving his aide, Sumit Roy. The operation, which Banerjee claims involved forced entry, has been denounced by the TMC as "political vendetta" and comes as Banerjee faces multiple investigations from various agencies, further escalating political tensions in the state.

'Not one step': HC rejects plea to reopen CBSE Std 12 re-evaluation portal

'Not one step': HC rejects plea to reopen CBSE Std 12 re-evaluation portal

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Delhi High Court has refused to direct the reopening of the CBSE's portal for the re-evaluation of Class 12 answer sheets, stating that individual students can take action if aggrieved and that reopening the portal would delay the entire result declaration process.

Sharvari: 'Working With Imtiaz Sir Has Been Surreal'

Sharvari: 'Working With Imtiaz Sir Has Been Surreal'

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

'Working with Imtiaz Ali sir was something I had dreamt about for years.' 'His films have shaped the way I look at cinema and storytelling, and to be trusted with a character like Afsana was incredibly meaningful for me.'

CJI Kant Advocates 'Swadeshi Jurisprudence' In Age Of AI

CJI Kant Advocates 'Swadeshi Jurisprudence' In Age Of AI

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stated that the Supreme Court views technology as an aid to human reasoning, not a replacement, and emphasised developing "Swadeshi Jurisprudence" tailored to India's unique conditions. He highlighted efforts to create an indigenous AI ecosystem for the judiciary and stressed that AI cannot substitute human judgment, empathy, or ethical discernment.

Letter with names of TMC rebels backing BJP goes viral

Letter with names of TMC rebels backing BJP goes viral

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A significant parliamentary revolt within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has emerged, with purported signatures of 19 MPs on a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker seeking recognition as a separate bloc under Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and extending support to the BJP-led NDA.

Man's Severed Legs Found In Odisha Tiger Reserve

Man's Severed Legs Found In Odisha Tiger Reserve

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Severed legs of a man were discovered inside the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district. Locals suspect a tiger attack, but forest officials are investigating the cause of death.

Flower Credits Bhuvneshwar's Big-Match Temperament for RCB's Success

Flower Credits Bhuvneshwar's Big-Match Temperament for RCB's Success

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

RCB head coach Andy Flower says veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar's composure in crunch moments was instrumental in the franchise's successful IPL title defence.

AI 171 crash: Tatas paid Rs 1 cr ex-gratia, assigned caregiver to families

AI 171 crash: Tatas paid Rs 1 cr ex-gratia, assigned caregiver to families

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Families of 15 of the 260 victims of last year's Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad have declined to collect the personal belongings of their loved ones, while ex-gratia payments of Rs 1 crore have been disbursed to 91 per cent of the families of the deceased.