News for 'The Observer'

Sena split: SC says party controls legislature wing, but MLAs need 'elbow room'

Sena split: SC says party controls legislature wing, but MLAs need 'elbow room'

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court, hearing pleas on the Shiv Sena split, observed that a political party retains control over its legislature wing and its valid decisions must prevail, but also advocated for granting 'elbow room' to elected representatives for political decisions if a majority 'genuinely disagree' with party directions.

HC bars 4 lawyers from Lucknow courts, orders IB probe into alleged assault

HC bars 4 lawyers from Lucknow courts, orders IB probe into alleged assault

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Allahabad High Court has barred four advocates from entering any court premises in Lucknow and ordered a confidential inquiry by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) into their background and activities following an alleged assault on a litigant and Delhi lawyers.

Bengal polls: Despite row, 'Singham' observer keeps vigil

Bengal polls: Despite row, 'Singham' observer keeps vigil

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Special police observer Ajay Pal Sharma toured West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district during the second phase of Assembly elections, facing political controversy and allegations of intimidation from TMC leaders.

HC bars Arya Samaj temple from solemnising marriages

HC bars Arya Samaj temple from solemnising marriages

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Allahabad High Court has temporarily restrained an Arya Samaj temple in Lucknow from solemnising marriages or issuing certificates, citing serious concerns over its alleged failure to verify the legal age of couples. The court's order came during a hearing of a protection petition, where it was revealed that a petitioner's age was misrepresented in the marriage certificate despite Aadhaar card evidence. The court emphasised legal liability for those involved in underage marriages and questioned the temple's adherence to foundational values.

Rajasthan HC flags unchecked construction on Udaipur hills

Rajasthan HC flags unchecked construction on Udaipur hills

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Rajasthan High Court has expressed serious concern over rampant construction on Udaipur's ecologically sensitive hills, questioning the state's hill policies and demanding records of commercial project permissions. The court's observations stem from a petition challenging a hotel project and an interim report highlighting extensive hill cutting and inadequate policy formulation, potentially leading to a suo motu Public Interest Litigation.

Hyderabad police warn women against 'rent a boyfriend' dating scam

Hyderabad police warn women against 'rent a boyfriend' dating scam

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Hyderabad City Police are actively cautioning young women against the emerging "rent boyfriend" cyber scam, a deceptive online trap designed to defraud and blackmail victims through fake companionship offers.

No blanket ban, bank account freeze must match proceeds of crime: HC

No blanket ban, bank account freeze must match proceeds of crime: HC

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that investigating agencies cannot impose a blanket debit freeze on a person's bank account during cybercrime investigations. The court stated that restraint must be proportionate to the suspected proceeds of crime, directing banks to de-freeze accounts beyond the disputed amount. This ruling aims to protect innocent account holders from complete financial deprivation due to minor disputed transactions.

From Delhi's NEET stir to Ranchi, this UP man keeps feeding protesters

From Delhi's NEET stir to Ranchi, this UP man keeps feeding protesters

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Mohammad Junaid Malik, a volunteer known for supporting protests in Delhi, has arrived in Jharkhand to provide aid to students protesting alleged irregularities in state recruitment exams. The protest, now in its 14th day, demands cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Exam and an independent probe, with several students on hunger strike.

I'd love to run for 3rd term but...: Donald Trump

I'd love to run for 3rd term but...: Donald Trump

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Donald Trump has explicitly acknowledged that the US Constitution's 22nd Amendment prevents him from seeking a third presidential term in 2028, despite expressing a desire to run again and noting strong support from his base.

SC to hear Rahul's plea against HC order in assets case

SC to hear Rahul's plea against HC order in assets case

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has approached the Supreme Court to challenge an Allahabad High Court order that directed the CBI and ED to verify allegations of disproportionate assets against him. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter on August 17. The Allahabad High Court had expressed dissatisfaction with the CBI's progress and ordered a fresh affidavit, also allowing the ED to proceed if illegality was found during its inquiry. The case stems from a plea by a BJP worker alleging disproportionate assets and dual citizenship.

'You are always pressuring me': RS chairman to Kharge

'You are always pressuring me': RS chairman to Kharge

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan stated he is constantly under pressure from Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, particularly after disallowing Kharge's attempt to raise the alleged theft of Ayodhya Ram Temple donations. Radhakrishnan also mentioned disallowing Treasury benches from raising the "Jharkhand issue," asserting that state subjects cannot be debated in the House. The session saw continuous disruptions, leading to an adjournment.

SC grants relief to Rahul Gandhi in disproportionate assets case

SC grants relief to Rahul Gandhi in disproportionate assets case

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Supreme Court has provided significant relief to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by directing the Allahabad High Court to cease proceedings in a case alleging disproportionate assets against him. The apex court also instructed the CBI and ED not to submit any reports based on the high court's previous directives.

Bengal BJP battles to prevent 'Trinamoolisation' of party

Bengal BJP battles to prevent 'Trinamoolisation' of party

Rediff.com6 days ago

Three months after winning power in West Bengal, the BJP is confronting a significant political challenge: how to expand and consolidate its presence without adopting the very political culture it campaigned against, particularly concerning the integration of former TMC leaders and the need to curb practices like extortion and intimidation among its own cadres.

How Lovlina Borgohain Ensured India's Map Integrity Abroad

How Lovlina Borgohain Ensured India's Map Integrity Abroad

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Indian Olympic medallist boxer Lovlina Borgohain noticed an inaccurate map of India, missing the Northeast region, displayed at a popular Indian restaurant in Glasgow during a celebratory dinner. Following her observation, Boxing Federation of India president Ajay Singh confirmed that the restaurant management acknowledged the error and assured the Indian contingent that the map would be corrected.

CAG audit reveals Indian Railways' lease repayment on wrong track

CAG audit reveals Indian Railways' lease repayment on wrong track

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit for 2024-25 has highlighted Indian Railways' concerning trend of repaying lease charges to its borrowing arm, IRFC, from budgetary grants instead of internal resources, alongside significant delays in safety-centric works.

EC unlawfully recognised Shinde faction: Sena-UBT tells SC

EC unlawfully recognised Shinde faction: Sena-UBT tells SC

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Uddhav Thackeray faction has told the Supreme Court that the Election Commission's decision to recognise the Eknath Shinde-led unit as the "real Shiv Sena" and grant it the 'bow-and-arrow' symbol was unlawful. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued that a split in a legislature party cannot, by itself, amount to a split in the political party, challenging the very basis of the poll panel's jurisdiction and its disregard for the party's 2018 constitution.

Only 39% productivity in monsoon session, rues RS chairman

Only 39% productivity in monsoon session, rues RS chairman

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan expressed "deep concern" over the persistent disorder and frequent disruptions that "derailed" the business of the House during the Monsoon Session, leading to a productivity of only 39 per cent.

How Urban Development Shapes Future Cooling Demand

How Urban Development Shapes Future Cooling Demand

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

A new study by IIT Kharagpur researchers, published in Nature Communications, reveals that urban growth patterns significantly influence future cooling demand in cities. The research highlights that a city's "thermal memory," shaped by decades of development decisions, impacts its heat burden and energy requirements, independent of global temperature rises. The study analysed 88 Indian cities and a global sample of 52 cities over two decades.

Rajasthan HC grants 20-day parole to self-styled 'godman' Asaram

Rajasthan HC grants 20-day parole to self-styled 'godman' Asaram

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The Rajasthan high court has granted 20-day parole to self-styled "godman" Asaram, who is serving a life sentence in a 2013 case of sexually assaulting a minor, saying the state government failed to justify its decision to reject his parole application.

Detective Tanya Puri Joins The Traitors 2

Detective Tanya Puri Joins The Traitors 2

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Tanya Puri, India's youngest female private investigator, brings her real-life detective skills to Season 2 of The Traitors.

Jeev Milkha Singh Offers Crucial Asian Games Golf Advice

Jeev Milkha Singh Offers Crucial Asian Games Golf Advice

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Indian golfing legend Jeev Milkha Singh offers crucial advice to the national golf team ahead of the Asian Games, emphasising the importance of a strong short game and adapting to Japan's fast greens and windy conditions to secure medals.

Jharkhand protestors to continue stir till demands met

Jharkhand protestors to continue stir till demands met

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Students in Ranchi, under the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, are intensifying their protests against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. Despite a large protest involving over 50,000 students, the government has not responded positively, leading to a decision to continue the agitation. The students are demanding transparency, reforms in JPSC and JSSC, cancellation of exams, and an independent investigation, with some even on hunger strike.

AITA President Parikh Accuses Court-Appointed Administrator Of Financial Exploitation

AITA President Parikh Accuses Court-Appointed Administrator Of Financial Exploitation

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Interim All India Tennis Association (AITA) President Chintan Parikh has accused court-appointed administrator Justice (Retd.) Gita Mittal of financial exploitation and procedural bias, alleging that her actions are draining the sports body's finances and compromising its autonomy.

How Long Can US Forces Fight Iran War?

How Long Can US Forces Fight Iran War?

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Torn between loyalty to their comrades and disillusionment towards the cause for which they are fighting, they are beginning to cave in. Morale has been the casualty, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Batwara 1947 Review: Good Intentions, Stilted Execution

Batwara 1947 Review: Good Intentions, Stilted Execution

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Coming so soon after Main Vaapas Aaunga, also a Partition era tale with a message of compassion, the flaws in Batwara 1947 are even more grating, observes Deepa Gahlot.

SC 7-judge bench to hear plea on MLAs' privileges vs freedom of speech

SC 7-judge bench to hear plea on MLAs' privileges vs freedom of speech

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court of India will commence hearings on two significant constitutional matters: the interpretation of legislative privileges of MLAs concerning freedom of speech and expression, and the power of state legislatures to impose additional sales tax levies. Both issues will be heard by seven-judge Constitution benches, with one case stemming from a 2003 plea by journalist N Ravi regarding breach of privilege.

'Between me and students': CJI slams Bar Council order against NALSAR graduates

'Between me and students': CJI slams Bar Council order against NALSAR graduates

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant sharply criticised the Bar Council of India (BCI) for its 'uncalled for' interference in a protest by NALSAR University of Law students, asserting that students have a right to protest and that the matter was a 'dialogue between students and me'. The BCI had initially ordered that 2026 NALSAR graduates not be enrolled as advocates, an order it later reversed.

'Only 1 bill saw debate': Govt blames Cong for Parl washout

'Only 1 bill saw debate': Govt blames Cong for Parl washout

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Kiren Rijiju has strongly criticised the Congress for allegedly 'unfairly disrupting' the recent monsoon session.

'Young People Feel Uncertainty Because Of The Huge Disruption In The Job Market'

'Young People Feel Uncertainty Because Of The Huge Disruption In The Job Market'

Rediff.com6 days ago

'It could be in IT, it could be in administration, it could be in legal, it could be in technical services, but entry level jobs are rapidly disappearing because AI is taking them over.' 'So, the big question what would happen if the bottom rung of the ladder is removed?'

How Indian Banks Can Drive A USD 30 Trillion Economy By 2047

How Indian Banks Can Drive A USD 30 Trillion Economy By 2047

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

A new report by FICCI, BCG, and IBA outlines that India's banking sector must grow significantly faster than nominal GDP to support a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047, requiring banking assets of USD 45 trillion. The report highlights the sector's current strength, challenges in digitisation, and the need to enhance resilience against fraud and cyber threats, proposing a 13-point agenda for stakeholders.

Maharashtra: Ayurvedic drug makers under FDA radar

Maharashtra: Ayurvedic drug makers under FDA radar

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cancelled the licences of 10 Ayurvedic drug manufacturing units and issued show-cause notices to 135 others following inspections that revealed serious violations including unhygienic conditions, lack of technical staff, and inadequate testing protocols.

Kotak reveals batting tweaks that helped Devdutt Padikkal flourish against Sri Lanka

Kotak reveals batting tweaks that helped Devdutt Padikkal flourish against Sri Lanka

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak lauded Devdutt Padikkal for his maiden international century against Sri Lanka, highlighting his dedicated work on back foot play and shot selection. Kotak also provided an update on vice-captain KL Rahul, who retired hurt due to cramps but is expected to be fit for the next day's play. The coach further discussed the Galle pitch conditions, anticipating more turn as the Test progresses, and praised Rahul's versatility across formats.

How Climate Change Will Intensify Daily Heat Exposure

How Climate Change Will Intensify Daily Heat Exposure

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

A new study projects that by the end of the century, hot days could experience an additional four hours of extreme heat, with low and middle-income countries being disproportionately affected. The research highlights that traditional daily temperature metrics often overlook shorter, intense periods of heat, and hourly assessments are crucial for effective heat risk management and public health planning in a warming climate.

Sebi chief defends Closing Auction System, says 'takes time to understand'

Sebi chief defends Closing Auction System, says 'takes time to understand'

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Sebi Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey has defended the newly rolled out Closing Auction System (CAS), stating that it is a transparent mechanism and that the industry needs time to understand the change. He acknowledged initial turbulence and concerns from fund houses but noted an increase in mutual fund participation.

How Ricky Ponting helped Punjab Kings' Wadhera during tough times in IPL 2026

How Ricky Ponting helped Punjab Kings' Wadhera during tough times in IPL 2026

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Punjab Kings' Nehal Wadhera said head coach Ricky Ponting personally approached him and offered reassurance at a time when his confidence was affected by his lack of runs during IPL 2026.

Pune police parade murder accused on vehicle; rights panel orders probe

Pune police parade murder accused on vehicle; rights panel orders probe

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Taking suo motu cognisance of the incident in which three murder accused were tied to the bonnet of a police vehicle and paraded through parts of Pune, the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the state government and senior police officials.

11-year-old rape survivor delivers baby girl in Haryana hospital

11-year-old rape survivor delivers baby girl in Haryana hospital

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

An 11-year-old rape survivor in Yamunanagar, Haryana, has given birth to a baby girl at the District Civil Hospital. Both the mother and baby are in stable condition. The minor's pregnancy was discovered in May, leading to the arrest of the accused under the POCSO Act. The family has consented to hand over the newborn to the Child Welfare Committee.

Mahua Moitra alleges forced eviction from circuit house, writes to Speaker

Mahua Moitra alleges forced eviction from circuit house, writes to Speaker

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

TMC MP Mahua Moitra has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, seeking his intervention after she was allegedly forced to vacate a circuit house in Nadia district, claiming harassment and threatening legal action. She reported a crowd shouting 'Jai Shree Ram' slogans outside the premises after her refusal to leave.

India rejects Israel defence pact reports after Pak-Saudi-Turkiye deal

India rejects Israel defence pact reports after Pak-Saudi-Turkiye deal

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The ministry of external affairs on Friday dismissed as 'fake news' reports alleging that India had requested Israel to sign a defence pact in response to the newly formed Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Turkey security framework.

'Sword to kill mosquito': HC raps Maha FDA over Cadila drug action

'Sword to kill mosquito': HC raps Maha FDA over Cadila drug action

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has strongly criticised the Maharashtra FDA for its "shoot first" approach, likening its drastic actions to using a sword to kill a mosquito. The court, hearing a petition from Cadila Pharmaceuticals, directed the FDA to grant companies a hearing before taking severe measures, warning of heavy costs for its arbitrary conduct.