News for 'SPARK'

St Stephen's College Installs New Principal Despite University Objections

St Stephen's College Installs New Principal Despite University Objections

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

St Stephen's College has scheduled the commissioning and installation service of its newly appointed principal, Susan Elias, despite an ongoing dispute with Delhi University over alleged non-compliance with UGC regulations.

Delhi hotel fire wipes out 8 of family, kin recall last call

Delhi hotel fire wipes out 8 of family, kin recall last call

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

A devastating fire in Delhi's Hauz Rani area claimed 21 lives, including eight members of the Agrawal family. Relatives recounted the harrowing last moments and raised serious concerns about the lack of fire safety infrastructure at the bed and breakfast where the tragedy occurred, highlighting the profound grief and challenges in identifying victims.

First Test: New Zealand three down in chase of 254 vs England

First Test: New Zealand three down in chase of 254 vs England

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

New Zealand need 254 runs to defeat England in the opening Test of the three-match series after bowling the hosts out for 226 in their second innings at Lord's on Friday.

Is A Woman's Consent Only Worth Rs 370?

Is A Woman's Consent Only Worth Rs 370?

Rediff.com3 days ago

I have spent the last couple of days trying to understand what exactly is making me so angry about the viral controversy surrounding comedian Pranit More's crowd-work show. At first, I thought it was because of the audience member whose story has now sparked outrage across social media. Then I thought it was because of the comedian's response.

Attempt To Murder Case Filed Against Brother Of Slain Sarpanch

Attempt To Murder Case Filed Against Brother Of Slain Sarpanch

Rediff.com31 May 2026

An attempt to murder case has been registered against Dhananjay Deshmukh, brother of slain sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, after he allegedly placed a gun to the complainant's head following a dispute in Beed, Maharashtra.

Jeweller Shot, Store Robbed Of Rs 40 Lakh In Bihar's Gaya

Jeweller Shot, Store Robbed Of Rs 40 Lakh In Bihar's Gaya

Rediff.com28 May 2026

A jeweller was shot and robbed of ornaments worth Rs 40 lakh from his store in Bihar's Gaya district, police said. The incident has sparked protests in the area.

'BJP Pressured EC To Oust Natarajan From RS Contest'

'BJP Pressured EC To Oust Natarajan From RS Contest'

Rediff.com5 days ago

'We can never trust the BJP when it comes to elections.'

Tumbadchi Manjula Review: Middling Remake

Tumbadchi Manjula Review: Middling Remake

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Tumbadchi Manjula, the Marathi re-do of Su From So, sustains only by the original's goodwill, notes Mayur Sanap.

Kerala Minister Sunny Joseph Defends Brother-in-Law's Appointment

Kerala Minister Sunny Joseph Defends Brother-in-Law's Appointment

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Kerala Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph has defended the appointment of his brother-in-law, Benny Thomas, as his Additional Private Secretary, citing Thomas's public service record and political experience. The appointment has sparked controversy, with the opposition CPI(M) accusing the minister of nepotism and hypocrisy, demanding his resignation.

Resident Doctor Assaulted By Patient In Rajasthan Hospital

Resident Doctor Assaulted By Patient In Rajasthan Hospital

Rediff.com30 May 2026

A resident doctor at PBM Hospital in Bikaner, Rajasthan, was allegedly assaulted by a patient, leading to protests and a brief work boycott by doctors demanding enhanced security.

Aditi, Sai Pallavi Love This Tiny Accessory

Aditi, Sai Pallavi Love This Tiny Accessory

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Whether you're into soft glam, full festive dressing or everyday minimalism, a nose ring can instantly change the vibe of a look.

'Great cricket fan': Lalit Modi on PM Modi's vision

'Great cricket fan': Lalit Modi on PM Modi's vision

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Former Indian Premier League chairman and cricket administrator Lalit Modi described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a 'great cricket fan' and said his interactions with the Prime Minister were largely centred around the development of cricket infrastructure in Ahmedabad.

Iran's World Cup team arrives in Tijuana amid US tensions

Iran's World Cup team arrives in Tijuana amid US tensions

Rediff.com7 days ago

For Iran's team, the FIFA World Cup has been marred by fraught politics at home, the war with the US, and tensions over whether they would actually be able to set foot on US soil to play their games.

CBSE opens Class 12 re-evaluation portal amid OSM glitches

CBSE opens Class 12 re-evaluation portal amid OSM glitches

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The launch comes a day after a CBSE official told ANI that the portal, originally scheduled to go live on June 1, had encountered technical issues and would start soon. The delay had sparked concern among students and parents, particularly after reports of glitches during the answer-sheet access process earlier this month.

Maharashtra minister's viral video with transperson sparks row

Maharashtra minister's viral video with transperson sparks row

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Maharashtra minister Narhari Zirwal is embroiled in controversy after a video featuring him and a transgender person went viral, prompting calls for his removal from office.

Odisha Police Officer Transferred Amid Torture Claims

Odisha Police Officer Transferred Amid Torture Claims

Rediff.com31 May 2026

An inspector in charge of a police station in Odisha's Cuttack district has been transferred following allegations that a man was tortured by police for refusing to identify a body as that of his missing wife.

Several Injured In Nuh Village Stone Pelting Incident

Several Injured In Nuh Village Stone Pelting Incident

Rediff.com29 May 2026

More than seven people, including two women, were injured in a stone-pelting incident in Nai village, Nuh district, following a dispute over a Facebook post.

Sri Lanka Strips Senior Monk Of Title Over Child Abuse Allegations

Sri Lanka Strips Senior Monk Of Title Over Child Abuse Allegations

Rediff.com30 May 2026

A senior Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka has been stripped of his position following child abuse allegations. Pallegama Hemarathana was arrested and later bailed after being accused of abusing a 15-year-old girl. The Malwatta chapter of monks suspended him pending judicial proceedings.

Four arrested over attack on TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee

Four arrested over attack on TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Police in West Bengal have arrested four people for allegedly attacking Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee during his visit to Sonarpur. The arrests followed an incident where Banerjee's convoy was pelted with stones and eggs, leading to a chaotic situation. Banerjee, who was visiting victims of post-poll violence, claimed BJP activists were trying to kill him. The incident has sparked political reactions, with the Trinamool Congress blaming the BJP, while the BJP denies involvement.

Blast at Punjab BJP Office Sparks Panic and Investigation

Blast at Punjab BJP Office Sparks Panic and Investigation

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

An explosion outside the Punjab BJP headquarters in Chandigarh caused panic, with a social media post claiming responsibility as retaliation for the killing of Sikh youths. Police suspect a crude device was used, and an investigation is underway.

Seven Dalits Injured In Tamil Nadu Attack

Seven Dalits Injured In Tamil Nadu Attack

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Seven Dalits were injured in Tenkasi and Tirunelveli districts of Tamil Nadu after being attacked by a masked gang. Political leaders have condemned the violence and called for immediate action.

Argentina retailers hit by wave of fake World Cup merch

Argentina retailers hit by wave of fake World Cup merch

Rediff.com29 May 2026

World Cup fever in Argentina, home of the defending champions, has boosted sales of counterfeit jerseys and soccer trading cards, sparking protests from retailers who are already under pressure from President Javier Milei's market-opening policies.

Aryaman Birla's proud tribute to Rajat Patidar goes viral

Aryaman Birla's proud tribute to Rajat Patidar goes viral

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Rajat Patidar's unbeaten 93 off 33 balls propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru into the IPL final with a 92-run win over Gujarat Titans. RCB chairman Aryaman Birla shared an emotional tribute for Patidar after the skipper's stunning match-winning knock.

Eggs hurled at two arrested TMC councillors in Kolkata

Eggs hurled at two arrested TMC councillors in Kolkata

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

In south-eastern Kolkata's Patuli, hundreds of residents gathered outside the local police station to protest against Councillor Bappaditya Dasgupta, who was arrested on Saturday evening, on charges, including extortion, criminal trespass, criminal intimidation and attempted arson.

Odisha Gymnastics Body Apologises For Late President's Name On Letterhead

Odisha Gymnastics Body Apologises For Late President's Name On Letterhead

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The Odisha Gymnastics Association secretary has apologised for using the late president's name on official letterheads, attributing it to an unintentional mistake after reports surfaced regarding invoices issued under the deceased president's name.

Didn't know full Vande Mataram would be sung: Satheesan

Didn't know full Vande Mataram would be sung: Satheesan

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan addressed the controversy surrounding the full rendition of Vande Mataram during the UDF government's swearing-in ceremony, stating that neither he nor his colleagues were informed beforehand. The issue has sparked political debate, with the CPI(M) criticising the move and the BJP accusing the Communists of insulting the national song.

Man Held For Allegedly Killing Wife Over Affair Suspicion

Man Held For Allegedly Killing Wife Over Affair Suspicion

Rediff.com23 May 2026

A man in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, has been arrested for allegedly strangling his wife to death due to suspicions of an extra-marital affair.

Manipur Protests Disrupt Highway Over Hostage Allegations

Manipur Protests Disrupt Highway Over Hostage Allegations

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Security forces used tear gas to disperse protestors blocking National Highway 202 in Manipur's Ukhrul district. The protest was triggered by allegations that Naga groups were holding 14 community members hostage. The disruption affected the movement of essential supplies and security forces.

Man Arrested After Killing Relative Over Marriage Rejection

Man Arrested After Killing Relative Over Marriage Rejection

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

A man in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, has been arrested after allegedly killing his one-and-a-half-year-old relative by repeatedly slamming him onto the ground. The crime occurred after the child's mother rejected the accused's marriage proposal.

Rajasthan Minister Booked For Allegedly Abusing, Threatening Police

Rajasthan Minister Booked For Allegedly Abusing, Threatening Police

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Rajasthan's Minister of State for Cooperation, Gautam Kumar Dak, has been booked for allegedly verbally abusing and threatening police officers in Chittorgarh. An audio clip purportedly featuring the minister abusing policemen circulated online, leading to the registration of an FIR against him.

Did Michael Show The Whole Truth?

Did Michael Show The Whole Truth?

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

The Michael Jackson biopic Michael has achieved remarkable box office success, grossing over $700 million worldwide, yet it sparks debate over the power of fandom versus the need for a truthful depiction of an artist's controversial life.

Rohit Sharma needs no proof: Dinesh Lad dismisses critics, counters Saba Karim

Rohit Sharma needs no proof: Dinesh Lad dismisses critics, counters Saba Karim

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Dinesh Lad, the formative coach of former India captain Rohit Sharma, believes the batter should ignore critics questioning his fitness and form, and simply enjoy his game to return stronger in his favourite World Cup format next year.

IPL 2026: How Hayden's advice sparked Buttler's comeback

IPL 2026: How Hayden's advice sparked Buttler's comeback

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Jos Buttler credits Matthew Hayden's advice and a break from the game for his return to form after struggling in the T20 World Cup.

Kerala Minister Orders Probe Into Abuse Claims Against Accused In Toddler Death Case

Kerala Minister Orders Probe Into Abuse Claims Against Accused In Toddler Death Case

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Kerala Minister Bindu Krishna has ordered a comprehensive investigation into allegations against Ashkar, arrested in connection with the death of a toddler, following claims of abuse by his first wife's family. The investigation was launched after a post-mortem examination revealed multiple injuries on the child's body, indicating severe physical abuse.

Gurjar Community Defies Orders, Unveils Statues In Rajasthan

Gurjar Community Defies Orders, Unveils Statues In Rajasthan

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Members of the Gurjar community unveiled statues of their late leader Kirori Singh Bainsla and two other martyrs at Kushalipura village in Rajasthan, despite objections from the administration citing restrictions in the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve area.

Rajasthan Minister Booked For Abusing, Threatening Police

Rajasthan Minister Booked For Abusing, Threatening Police

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Rajasthan's Minister of State for Cooperation, Gautam Kumar Dak, has been booked for allegedly verbally abusing and threatening police officers in public. An audio clip purportedly capturing the incident circulated online, leading to the registration of an FIR against the minister.

Why Is Odisha BJD Questioning Dharmendra Pradhan's Family Trust?

Why Is Odisha BJD Questioning Dharmendra Pradhan's Family Trust?

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Odisha's opposition BJD has requested Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to clarify his family's connection with the Vikas Foundation Trust, which is alleged to have purchased properties in the US. BJP leaders have dismissed the allegations as a smear campaign.

Saba Karim questions Suryakumar's future, backs Patidar for T20 captaincy

Saba Karim questions Suryakumar's future, backs Patidar for T20 captaincy

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Former India cricketer and selector Saba Karim believes Suryakumar Yadav's inconsistent form might cost him a spot in India's T20 World Cup 2028 plans. Karim also suggested Rajat Patidar, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan as potential captaincy candidates, while expressing doubts about Hardik Pandya's leadership. He also advocated for the inclusion of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the national squad.

Anti-Encroachment Drive In Mumbai Slum Turns Violent

Anti-Encroachment Drive In Mumbai Slum Turns Violent

Rediff.com20 May 2026

An anti-encroachment drive in Mumbai's Bandra area turned violent after authorities demolished an alleged illegal religious structure, leading to stone-pelting by residents and a police lathi-charge.

Theatre Groups Clash During Mahabharat Staging In Odisha

Theatre Groups Clash During Mahabharat Staging In Odisha

Rediff.com28 May 2026

A clash between two theatre groups staging 'Mahabharat' in Odisha's Ganjam district resulted in injuries to several people, including police personnel, prompting arrests and increased security measures.