News for 'The Observer'

'Sad that they have not learnt their lessons': SC raps NTA over NEET leak

'Sad that they have not learnt their lessons': SC raps NTA over NEET leak

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The Supreme Court on Monday said it was sad that National Testing Agency has not learn lessons from the earlier NEET paper leak as it sought response from the Centre, NTA and Central Bureau of Investigation on pleas for replacement of the testing agency with a robust and autonomous body to conduct the medical entrance exam.

The Jasmine Murders: The Deadliest Thing in This Novel Isn't The Killer

The Jasmine Murders: The Deadliest Thing in This Novel Isn't The Killer

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Roopa Unnikrishnan's The Jasmine Murders is a novel that understands that the most unsettling mysteries are not solved in police files, but in the silences people learn to live with, notes Ragashree D Nair.

'2026 Could Be Warmest Year Ever Recorded'

'2026 Could Be Warmest Year Ever Recorded'

Rediff.com25 May 2026

'We should expect extreme heat, extreme rains, floods, landslides and maybe cyclones. Not just this year, in the coming year as well.'

Himanta set for second term as CM; Modi, Shah, Rajnath to attend oath

Himanta set for second term as CM; Modi, Shah, Rajnath to attend oath

Rediff.com10 May 2026

BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma has been appointed as the Chief Minister of Assam, marking the NDA's third consecutive government in the state. Sarma's swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for May 12, with key political figures expected to attend.

Chhattisgarh HC Upholds Acquittal In 2010 Maoist Attack Case

Chhattisgarh HC Upholds Acquittal In 2010 Maoist Attack Case

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Chhattisgarh High Court has dismissed an appeal by the state government, upholding the acquittal of all 10 accused in the 2010 Tadmetla Maoist attack case due to lack of direct evidence and procedural lapses in the investigation.

US flag on Gulf map, alien and more: Trump's AI blitz on Iran

US flag on Gulf map, alien and more: Trump's AI blitz on Iran

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Donald Trump has escalated rhetoric against Iran by posting AI-generated images and videos depicting US military strikes, warning Tehran that time is running out to secure a ceasefire agreement.

Assam Governor invites Himanta Biswa Sarma to form govt

Assam Governor invites Himanta Biswa Sarma to form govt

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Himanta Biswa Sarma has been elected as the leader of the BJP-led NDA in the Assam assembly, paving the way for his second consecutive term as chief minister. The NDA secured a two-thirds majority in the recent assembly polls, with the BJP winning 82 seats and its allies AGP and BPF securing 10 seats each.

Shraddha Walkar Case: Court Criticises Slow Progress

Shraddha Walkar Case: Court Criticises Slow Progress

Rediff.com19 May 2026

A Delhi court has expressed its dissatisfaction with the slow progress in the Shraddha Walkar murder case, noting significant delays over the past three months. The court urged lawyers to expedite the proceedings after the summer vacation.

Supreme Court to hear Rs 500 cr UAE money decree case in July after mediation fails

Supreme Court to hear Rs 500 cr UAE money decree case in July after mediation fails

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The Supreme Court has scheduled a July hearing for the Rs 500 crore money decree case involving Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA) and industrialist Nimmagadda Prasad, following the failure of a mediation process led by former Chief Justice of India U U Lalit.

Deleted votes exceeded victory margins on 31 seats: TMC in SC

Deleted votes exceeded victory margins on 31 seats: TMC in SC

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Supreme Court has allowed former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and others to file fresh applications regarding their claim that victory margins were less than the deletion of votes during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Enforcement Directorate Seeks Protection For Threatened Homebuyers

Enforcement Directorate Seeks Protection For Threatened Homebuyers

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate has requested police protection for homebuyers and witnesses in a money laundering case involving Ocean Seven Buildtech Pvt Ltd, following reports of threats and intimidation.

Spying In football: Middlesbrough Want Southampton Banned From Playoff Final

Spying In football: Middlesbrough Want Southampton Banned From Playoff Final

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Middlesbrough are demanding that Southampton be kicked out of the Championship playoff final after accusing their rivals of secretly filming their training session before their playoff semi-final.

Gukesh Faces Elite Field At Norway Chess

Gukesh Faces Elite Field At Norway Chess

Rediff.com24 May 2026

World champion D Gukesh is set to compete in the prestigious Norway Chess tournament, facing a strong field including Magnus Carlsen and R Praggnanandhaa. The event, held in Oslo, features top players in both Open and Women's sections, with India having four representatives.

Chhattisgarh HC Upholds Acquittal In 2010 Maoist Attack Case

Chhattisgarh HC Upholds Acquittal In 2010 Maoist Attack Case

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Chhattisgarh High Court has upheld the acquittal of ten accused in the 2010 Tadmetla Maoist attack case, citing lack of direct evidence and procedural lapses in the investigation.

Kannur Court Rejects Doctor's Bail In Student Suicide Case

Kannur Court Rejects Doctor's Bail In Student Suicide Case

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

A court in Kannur dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of a doctor accused in connection with a student's death at Kannur Dental College, while granting bail to another faculty member. The student was found dead after allegedly being harassed by faculty members.

Days after Trump trip, Putin to land in China on Tuesday for two-day visit

Days after Trump trip, Putin to land in China on Tuesday for two-day visit

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit China for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, shortly after US President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing. The visit underscores the close strategic ties between China and Russia amid global tensions.

Despite 11 pending court cases, Environment Min panel clears coal mining project

Despite 11 pending court cases, Environment Min panel clears coal mining project

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Environment Ministry's expert appraisal committee (EAC) has cleared the expansion of the Magadh opencast coal mine in Jharkhand, operated by Central Coalfields Limited, despite pending court cases regarding alleged encroachment of forest land.

Mother's Day: 10 Simple Rules To Live By

Mother's Day: 10 Simple Rules To Live By

Rediff.com10 May 2026

This Mother's Day, Aditi Govitrikar, actor, supermodel, wellness expert and India's first Mrs World encourages all women to prioritise themselves and embrace self-care without guilt.

IPL 2026: Irfan Pathan reveals what Virat Kohli did before his epic century

IPL 2026: Irfan Pathan reveals what Virat Kohli did before his epic century

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan praised Virat Kohli's century against KKR, highlighting his determination to overcome recent setbacks and his proactive approach to the game.

Growing Talent Pool In Indian Junior Women's Hockey Praised

Growing Talent Pool In Indian Junior Women's Hockey Praised

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Indian junior women's hockey team head coach Tim White has lauded the growing talent pool in the country's age-group national pathway during his scouting visit to the ongoing India-Australia U-18 exposure series in Bhopal. White emphasised the importance of building a strong connection between the youth tiers and the senior national team, aiming to develop players ready for world-class performance.

Tempo Driver Detained After Fatal Palghar Collision

Tempo Driver Detained After Fatal Palghar Collision

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Police have detained a tempo driver after a collision with a truck in Palghar, Maharashtra, which resulted in 13 fatalities. An FIR has been registered against both drivers for violating road rules. The accident occurred due to heavy traffic and the tempo driver taking a wrong-side shortcut.

'A little bit of movement' seen in Iran peace talks: Marco Rubio

'A little bit of movement' seen in Iran peace talks: Marco Rubio

Rediff.com22 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that discussions aimed at halting the conflict with Iran have shown "some slight progress," while simultaneously echoing Washington's dissatisfaction with its NATO allies.

Delhi Man Acquitted Of Attempted Murdering Policeman

Delhi Man Acquitted Of Attempted Murdering Policeman

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A Delhi court acquitted a man of attempting to murder a police constable, citing a lack of scientific evidence, but convicted him for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Assam Gibbon Makes Historic Railway Crossing

Assam Gibbon Makes Historic Railway Crossing

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Endangered hoolock gibbon uses bridge over railway line in Jorhat sanctuary.

How Maaya Revathy Is Preparing For Senior Tennis

How Maaya Revathy Is Preparing For Senior Tennis

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Indian tennis player Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathy is strategically balancing junior and professional tournaments as she prepares to transition to the senior circuit. Training at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain, the 16-year-old aims to build confidence and secure a strong junior ranking before fully committing to professional events.

IPL Franchises Race Towards $15 Billion Valuations

IPL Franchises Race Towards $15 Billion Valuations

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders, owned by the Shah Rukh Khan family and Mehta Group, emerged as the most valuable franchise.

US Secret Service confirms shooting near White House

US Secret Service confirms shooting near White House

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The US Secret Service shot an armed individual involved in a shooting incident near the White House, prompting a warning for the public to avoid the area. A juvenile bystander was also injured during the incident.

EC makes elaborate security measures for second phase of Bengal polls

EC makes elaborate security measures for second phase of Bengal polls

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

The Election Commission has announced a stringent security plan for the second phase of the West Bengal assembly polls, ensuring voters can exercise their franchise without fear. Security personnel will be deployed constituency-wise, and area domination exercises will be stepped up in sensitive neighbourhoods. CCTV cameras will be installed at every polling station, and central forces will remain deployed at booths.

'90% trials culminate in acquittals': SC questions UAPA conviction rates

'90% trials culminate in acquittals': SC questions UAPA conviction rates

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The Supreme Court has raised concerns about the low conviction rates under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), noting that over 90 per cent of trials result in acquittals. The observations were made while granting bail to an accused in a narco-terrorism case.

Report flags India's vulnerability to cyber attacks, CBRN threat

Report flags India's vulnerability to cyber attacks, CBRN threat

Rediff.com18 May 2026

A new report highlights India's increasing vulnerability to cyberattacks and CBRN threats due to geopolitical tensions, industrial growth, and urbanisation, calling for an urgent strengthening of its CBRN security strategy through collaboration and investment.

Consensual relationship over 2 years not rape: Court

Consensual relationship over 2 years not rape: Court

Rediff.com11 May 2026

A sessions court in Thane, Maharashtra, acquitted a 33-year-old man accused of rape and cheating, stating that a long-term consensual sexual relationship based on a promise of marriage does not constitute rape.

Mamata, Suvendu land in same booth; take swipes at each other

Mamata, Suvendu land in same booth; take swipes at each other

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Bhabanipur assembly segment is Banerjee's political bastion, where she is locked in a prestige battle against Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari in what is being seen as a symbolic rematch of Nandigram, where he had defeated her in the 2021 assembly polls.

Accused Acquitted In Rape Case Due To Age Discrepancy

Accused Acquitted In Rape Case Due To Age Discrepancy

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

A special court in Thane acquitted a 28-year-old man accused of raping a minor, citing insufficient evidence regarding the victim's age and indications of a consensual relationship.

Why Change India's Electoral System?

Why Change India's Electoral System?

Rediff.com23 May 2026

'Why are we deliberately taking apart an electoral system that has worked?' 'There is no answer to that, and there is no data and has never been any on the absurd slander that foreigners are voting here,' asserts Aakar Patel.

How Microplastics Contribute To Global Warming

How Microplastics Contribute To Global Warming

Rediff.com4 May 2026

A new study suggests that airborne micro- and nanoplastic particles may contribute to global warming, potentially accounting for over 16 per cent of the impact of black carbon.

How Maaya Revathy Is Preparing For Senior Tennis Circuit

How Maaya Revathy Is Preparing For Senior Tennis Circuit

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Indian tennis player Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathy is strategically balancing junior and professional tournaments as she prepares to transition to the senior circuit. Training at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain, the 16-year-old aims to build confidence and secure a strong junior ranking before fully committing to professional events.

Audit Flags Irregularities At Delhi Medical Council

Audit Flags Irregularities At Delhi Medical Council

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Delhi government's Health Department has received an audit report highlighting alleged financial and administrative irregularities within the Delhi Medical Council (DMC) between 2019 and 2025.

Adesh Gupta Cleared As Lokayukta Dismisses Corruption Complaint

Adesh Gupta Cleared As Lokayukta Dismisses Corruption Complaint

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Former Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta has announced that the Lokayukta has dismissed a corruption complaint filed against him. The complaint, which accused Gupta of availing luxury vehicles and encroaching public land, was rejected by the Lokayukta court.

Sheikh Hasina Congratulates Suvendu Adhikari On West Bengal Win

Sheikh Hasina Congratulates Suvendu Adhikari On West Bengal Win

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Bangladesh's deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina congratulated Suvendu Adhikari on assuming office as West Bengal's Chief Minister after the BJP's victory in the state.

Venugopal, Chennithala or Satheesan: Who'll win Kerala CM race?

Venugopal, Chennithala or Satheesan: Who'll win Kerala CM race?

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Intense lobbying is underway in Kerala as V D Satheesan, K C Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala vie for the chief minister's post, with their camps citing popularity, MLA support, and experience as key factors for the Congress high command's decision.