News for 'The Observer'

IPL: Franchises seek clear rules on foreign player availability

IPL: Franchises seek clear rules on foreign player availability

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Punjab Kings co-owner Mohit Burman highlights the sensitive issue of foreign players' availability in the IPL, urging better collaboration between the BCCI, foreign boards, and stakeholders to ensure overseas players are available for the tournament's duration.

BCCI blocks hotel and team bus reach for outsiders

BCCI blocks hotel and team bus reach for outsiders

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is introducing new access control rules for players during the Indian Premier League (IPL) to strengthen discipline and ensure stricter compliance with tournament protocols.

Shape of Momo Review: Sublime Slice Of Womanhood

Shape of Momo Review: Sublime Slice Of Womanhood

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Shape of Momo is a compelling drama that masterfully portrays a young woman's rebellion against societal expectations in Sikkim, offering a nuanced look at feminism, family dynamics, and the search for identity, observes Sukanya Verma.

IPL 2026: Gavaskar Defends Pant For F Word Slip-Up

IPL 2026: Gavaskar Defends Pant For F Word Slip-Up

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Sunil Gavaskar defended Rishabh Pant after the LSG captain's live TV slip-up, blaming broadcasters for interviewing losing skippers immediately after emotionally charged IPL defeats.

Activist dresses as cockroach to protest Yamuna pollution

Activist dresses as cockroach to protest Yamuna pollution

Rediff.com23 May 2026

An activist in Mathura, India, protested the pollution of the Yamuna River by dressing as a cockroach and staging a demonstration at the municipal corporation office.

Supreme Court asks media to exercise restraint in reporting Twisha Sharma death case

Supreme Court asks media to exercise restraint in reporting Twisha Sharma death case

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The Supreme Court of India has expressed concern over media reporting in the death case of former model-turned-actor Twisha Sharma, urging restraint to ensure a fair and impartial investigation.

Delhi High Court Questions WFI's Decision On Vinesh Phogat

Delhi High Court Questions WFI's Decision On Vinesh Phogat

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Delhi High Court has criticised the Wrestling Federation of India for declaring wrestler Vinesh Phogat ineligible for domestic events, raising concerns about her participation in the upcoming Asian Games selection trials.

Thane Court Acquits MCOCA Robbery Accused Due To Lack Of Evidence

Thane Court Acquits MCOCA Robbery Accused Due To Lack Of Evidence

Rediff.com10 May 2026

A Thane court acquitted two men accused of robbery under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), citing a lack of substantial evidence linking them to the crime.

Stage set for counting day showdown in 5 states

Stage set for counting day showdown in 5 states

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Counting of votes begins in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and West Bengal, with significant implications for regional and national parties.

Thane Court Acquits Man In Kidnapping, Rape Case

Thane Court Acquits Man In Kidnapping, Rape Case

Rediff.com4 May 2026

A Thane court acquitted a 27-year-old man in a kidnapping and rape case, citing the victim's adult status and voluntary accompaniment. The court emphasised the victim's capacity to make her own decisions, leading to the acquittal.

NEET Paper Leak Case: Accused Remanded In Custody

NEET Paper Leak Case: Accused Remanded In Custody

Rediff.com24 May 2026

A Delhi court has remanded an accused in the NEET paper leak case to judicial custody until June 6, following a plea by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The accused is alleged to have been actively involved in leaking the NEET-UG 2026 examination questions prior to the exam.

CJI clarifies 'parasites' remark after controversy, says misquoted by media

CJI clarifies 'parasites' remark after controversy, says misquoted by media

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant issued a clarification on his 'parasites' remarks, stating that he was misquoted by the media and that his comments were directed at individuals entering the legal profession with fake degrees, not the youth of the nation.

Supreme Court Calls For Expedited Trial In Darshan Murder Case

Supreme Court Calls For Expedited Trial In Darshan Murder Case

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Supreme Court has directed a Bengaluru court to expedite the hearing in the Renukaswamy murder case involving actor Darshan and others, expressing concern over the slow progress of the trial.

Why Bombay HC Is Concerned About Child Custody Case

Why Bombay HC Is Concerned About Child Custody Case

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The Bombay High Court has expressed concern over a mother's possessiveness in denying her estranged husband visitation rights to their child, emphasising the importance of both parents in a child's life.

RSP Unhappy With Congress Over Kerala CM Selection Delay

RSP Unhappy With Congress Over Kerala CM Selection Delay

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), a key ally in the United Democratic Front (UDF) coalition, has voiced its discontent with the Congress party over the prolonged delay in selecting a Chief Minister for Kerala, describing the situation as a 'political uncertainty' that is 'unfortunate'.

How Neeraj Chopra's Guidance Helped Sumit Antil Break World Record

How Neeraj Chopra's Guidance Helped Sumit Antil Break World Record

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Sumit Antil, a two-time Paralympic gold medallist, credits Neeraj Chopra's advice at the World Para Championship for his world record-breaking javelin throw of 74.82m at the Indian Open Para Athletics International Championship in Bengaluru.

IPL 2027: Hardik Trade, Coaching Shake-Up: What's Next For LSG?

IPL 2027: Hardik Trade, Coaching Shake-Up: What's Next For LSG?

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Lucknow Super Giants face a crucial rebuilding phase after finishing last in IPL 2026 and Rishabh Pant stepping down as captain. From auction strategy and potential Hardik Pandya interest to coaching changes and retention plans, here's what lies ahead for LSG before IPL 2027.

Sebi proposes new framework to manage options strike prices amid market volatility

Sebi proposes new framework to manage options strike prices amid market volatility

Rediff.com26 May 2026

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has proposed a new framework to manage strike prices for options contracts, aiming to ensure continuous availability of suitable contracts even during sharp intraday market swings. This move addresses concerns that extreme price movements can leave traders without appropriate options for hedging or positioning.

'Mamata Banerjee's Comeback Is Impossible'

'Mamata Banerjee's Comeback Is Impossible'

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

'Mamata was more feared than loved, and in politics when people start fearing you then they start hating you.' 'So Mamata's comeback now is impossible.'

Back To Back Failures: Questions Are Mounting Over ISRO's PSLV Programme

Back To Back Failures: Questions Are Mounting Over ISRO's PSLV Programme

Rediff.com27 May 2026

A high-level committee investigating the failures of ISRO's PSLV rockets, which have impacted strategic satellite missions, has yet to release its report and recommendations, raising concerns about the future of the ageing launch vehicle.

Allahabad High Court Criticises UP Police's Approach To Citizen Security

Allahabad High Court Criticises UP Police's Approach To Citizen Security

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The Allahabad High Court has criticised the Uttar Pradesh Police's approach to citizen security, emphasising that preserving human life should be the state's top priority, not just prosecuting murderers. The court was hearing a petition from a Badaun resident who sought police protection due to a land dispute.

BJP's Assam Sweep Redrew Political Map

BJP's Assam Sweep Redrew Political Map

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The 2026 election appears to have reinforced a new political formula in Assam: Strong organisation, continuous grassroots engagement, effective alliance management and welfare-based voter outreach.

Chalo Varanasi! A British Politico's Journey

Chalo Varanasi! A British Politico's Journey

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Rajdeep Choudhury's documentary Chalo India with Ericji (Varanasi) offers an unique exploration of India.

Court Sentences Bangladeshi National For Illegal Entry, Forgery

Court Sentences Bangladeshi National For Illegal Entry, Forgery

Rediff.com22 May 2026

A court in Mumbai sentenced a Bangladeshi national to seven months in jail for illegally entering India and working abroad with forged documents, highlighting concerns about national security.

Supreme Court Seeks Report On Darshan's Prison Conditions

Supreme Court Seeks Report On Darshan's Prison Conditions

Rediff.com4 May 2026

The Supreme Court has requested a report from the Karnataka government regarding actor Darshan's plea, who is accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, claiming denial of basic amenities in prison.

Why CPI(M) Leaders Protested ED Raids On Pinarayi Vijayan

Why CPI(M) Leaders Protested ED Raids On Pinarayi Vijayan

Rediff.com27 May 2026

CPI(M) leaders, including Brinda Karat and M A Baby, were detained during a protest outside the ED headquarters in Delhi against searches at the residence of former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

2 Indians part of crew of cruise ship hit by hantavirus

2 Indians part of crew of cruise ship hit by hantavirus

Rediff.com8 May 2026

A hantavirus outbreak on the Dutch vessel MV Hondius has resulted in multiple confirmed cases and fatalities, with Indian nationals among the crew. Health authorities are tracing those who disembarked.

Hindu party files caveat in SC to be heard in Bhojshala appeal

Hindu party files caveat in SC to be heard in Bhojshala appeal

Rediff.com15 May 2026

A Hindu party has filed a caveat in the Supreme Court regarding the Bhojshala complex dispute, seeking a hearing before any orders are passed on appeals against the Madhya Pradesh High Court's decision.

'Pained' by narrative that judiciary was shielding accused: SC on Twisha death case

'Pained' by narrative that judiciary was shielding accused: SC on Twisha death case

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The Supreme Court expressed its 'pain' over the narrative suggesting the judiciary was shielding the accused in the Twisha Sharma death case, assuring a fair, independent, and impartial CBI probe into the former model-turned-actor's death.

NDA govt in Assam to be sworn-in on May 12

NDA govt in Assam to be sworn-in on May 12

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The newly elected BJP-led NDA government in Assam will be sworn in on May 12, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries expected to attend. Preparations are underway to ensure a smooth and secure ceremony.

Why Left Leaders Were Detained During ED Protest

Why Left Leaders Were Detained During ED Protest

Rediff.com27 May 2026

CPI(M) General Secretary M A Baby and other Left leaders were detained by Delhi Police during a protest against ED searches at former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's residence. The CPI(M) alleges excessive force was used, while police state around 50 protesters were detained and released.

'Loneliness Is An Epidemic'

'Loneliness Is An Epidemic'

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Loneliness can engulf people at different stages in their lives. Weighing in on their lonely state of mind are three people -- a soul-searching Gen Z stage actress, Malikka Advani; a beleaguered big-tech employee in his 40s, Vinod Patel; and a confidence-exuding business writer, Maya Lalchandani -- who reveal the different methods they employ to tackle this emotion.

Rupee Fall Exposes India's Economic Weakness

Rupee Fall Exposes India's Economic Weakness

Rediff.com27 May 2026

We who were dreaming of being the third largest economy in dollar terms, have slid back to sixth, thanks to the falling rupee. We are moving about with begging bowls for investments and trade opportunities, which will be a while in materialising, if ever, notes Shreekant Sambrani.

Twisha Sharma death case: CBI probe recommended; kin moves HC for 2nd autopsy

Twisha Sharma death case: CBI probe recommended; kin moves HC for 2nd autopsy

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Madhya Pradesh government has proposed transferring the case of Twisha Sharma, who allegedly died due to dowry harassment, to the CBI. The family has also filed a plea in the High Court for a second post-mortem, citing flaws in the initial one.

Gauhati High Court Gives Woman Citizenship Relief

Gauhati High Court Gives Woman Citizenship Relief

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The high court granted the petitioner one opportunity to establish her claim to Indian citizenship.

Indian-Origin Man Held At Delhi Airport For Gold Smuggling

Indian-Origin Man Held At Delhi Airport For Gold Smuggling

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Customs officials at Delhi airport seized 115 smuggled gold bars weighing 3.5 kg from an American national of Indian origin, who allegedly concealed the contraband in a specially designed belt.

SC allows release of convict in Madhumita Shukla murder case after 22 years

SC allows release of convict in Madhumita Shukla murder case after 22 years

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Supreme Court has allowed a plea seeking the premature release of Rohit Chaturvedi, a convict in the 2003 murder case of poet Madhumita Shukla, emphasising reformation over retribution.

IN-SPACe's PSLV EoI Triggers Debate in Indian Space Industry

IN-SPACe's PSLV EoI Triggers Debate in Indian Space Industry

Rediff.com25 May 2026

India's move to privatise PSLV rocket production through IN-SPACe has triggered debate over national security, ageing technology and the agency's role.

Who will win UP, Punjab in 2027? Pollster Pradeep Gupta predicts

Who will win UP, Punjab in 2027? Pollster Pradeep Gupta predicts

Rediff.com20 May 2026

With Uttar Pradesh assembly elections approaching, an analyst suggests the BJP is in a strong position. Meanwhile, Punjab's political landscape is described as fluid with mixed public satisfaction towards the ruling AAP.

'Subversion of democratic process': Bengal's Falta to see repolling on May 21

'Subversion of democratic process': Bengal's Falta to see repolling on May 21

Rediff.com3 May 2026

The Election Commission has ordered a repoll in all 285 polling booths of the Falta assembly constituency in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district on May 21, following reports of severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process during the second phase of the assembly elections.