News for 'Spark'

MPs Express Alarm Over New UPI Merchant Fee

MPs Express Alarm Over New UPI Merchant Fee

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Opposition MPs have voiced strong concerns regarding the government's decision to levy a 0.4 per cent fee on UPI payments above Rs 2,000 made to merchants, effective October 15. They argue that this "anti-people" move will negatively impact a large segment of the population, despite the finance ministry clarifying that the charge is on the merchant ecosystem and not directly on customers for P2P or small payments.

Driver arrested from Rajasthan in Gurugram biker hit-and-run case

Driver arrested from Rajasthan in Gurugram biker hit-and-run case

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Gurugram police have escalated charges to attempt to murder against Kalyan Bainsla after woman biker Shivani Chauhan (Sia) released a new video alleging deliberate targeting in a hit-and-run incident, raising serious road safety concerns.

Yashbardhan Chauhan's ton helps India U-19 seal ODI series against Australia U-19

Yashbardhan Chauhan's ton helps India U-19 seal ODI series against Australia U-19

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

India U-19 defeated Australia U-19 by 103 runs in the second Youth ODI, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Yashbardhan Chauhan scored 122 and VK Vineeth added 87, helping India post 341/7. Australia were bowled out for 238, with Chigurupati Venkata taking three wickets.

Organisational Chaos Greets Indian Chess Champions At Samarkand Olympiad

Organisational Chaos Greets Indian Chess Champions At Samarkand Olympiad

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Defending champions India faced significant organisational issues upon arrival in Samarkand for the Chess Olympiad, experiencing a five-hour delay in hotel room allotment. Players and coaches, including Grandmasters Srinath Narayanan and Vidit Gujrathi, expressed frustration over the poor arrangements for the prestigious FIDE tournament.

Alia Bhatt, Kiara Advani's Trending Blouse Designs

Alia Bhatt, Kiara Advani's Trending Blouse Designs

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The sari may be timeless, but the blouse is having a serious main-character moment. From giant bows and corsets to dramatic back details, halter necks and sheer overlays, celebrities are proving that the right blouse can completely change the personality of a sari.

ECs differed with CEC over centralised voter verification

ECs differed with CEC over centralised voter verification

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

India's Election Commission's centralised voter database systems, ERONET and ECINet, are under scrutiny following concerns raised by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi regarding the centralisation of electoral rolls and control available to state election officials. The article explains how these systems work and why they are currently in the news.

Mayawati Criticises New UPI Merchant Transaction Fee

Mayawati Criticises New UPI Merchant Transaction Fee

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

BSP chief Mayawati has criticised the Centre's decision to introduce a 0.4 per cent fee on UPI merchant transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, effective October 15. She termed it a "capitalist profiteering attitude" that burdens the common people, while the government clarified that the charge is on merchants and not customers for person-to-person transactions.

OpenAI, Anthropic Urge AI Slowdown; But Will It Happen?

OpenAI, Anthropic Urge AI Slowdown; But Will It Happen?

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

'You cannot stop these models from getting better. There is competitive and business pressure and if the US stops then maybe China will go ahead.'

Supreme Court Explains 'Rarest Of Rare' In Death Sentence Commutation

Supreme Court Explains 'Rarest Of Rare' In Death Sentence Commutation

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court commuted the death sentence of a man convicted of sexually assaulting and strangling his six-year-old step-daughter to life imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life. The court affirmed his conviction but cited mitigating circumstances and the state's failure to exclude the possibility of his reformation, while also highlighting issues with the trial court's sentencing procedure.

'Thalapathy' Vijay, 'Thala' Ajith share warm embrace at Silverstone; fans thrilled

'Thalapathy' Vijay, 'Thala' Ajith share warm embrace at Silverstone; fans thrilled

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and actor-racer Ajith Kumar, known as 'Thalapathy' and 'Thala' respectively, shared a warm, lingering hug at the iconic Silverstone circuit in the UK.

Debate Rages Over New UPI MDR Charges

Debate Rages Over New UPI MDR Charges

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

BJD chief Naveen Patnaik has voiced concerns over the Centre's decision to introduce Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 from October 15, urging protection for small traders and common people. This move has sparked a political debate, with the BJP defending the charges as beneficial for digital infrastructure and largely not impacting consumers, while the Congress and traders' associations criticise it as an additional burden.

Ajinkya Rahane's retirement sparks heartfelt tributes from India's cricket stars

Ajinkya Rahane's retirement sparks heartfelt tributes from India's cricket stars

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Ajinkya Rahane's retirement from international cricket drew tributes from the cricket fraternity, including Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Suryakumar Yadav and KL Rahul, who praised his contribution to Indian cricket and wished him success for the future.

Raj local polls: Meet candidates who got just one vote, or even zero

Raj local polls: Meet candidates who got just one vote, or even zero

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

In Rajasthan's recent urban local body elections, several candidates experienced unusual results. A BJP candidate and a Congress candidate each secured only one vote, while an RLP candidate received zero votes. These outcomes occurred across different municipalities in Didwana-Kuchaman, Nagaur, and Balotra districts, with one candidate alleging foul play in the vote count.

Bainsla made indecent comments on female biker: Police

Bainsla made indecent comments on female biker: Police

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Kalyan Bainsla has been arrested in connection with an alleged road rage incident in Gurugram where he reportedly hit a woman biker with his car after making indecent comments. The victim, Shivani Chauhan, survived due to protective gear. Bainsla, who claims it was an accident, was apprehended in Rajasthan's Dausa, and police are investigating the role of another person present.

Gurugram Biker Hit-And-Run: Gym Owner Arrested On Attempt To Murder Charges

Gurugram Biker Hit-And-Run: Gym Owner Arrested On Attempt To Murder Charges

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

A 33-year-old gym owner, Kalyan Bainsla, has been arrested in Rajasthan for allegedly ramming his car into a woman biker, Shivani Chauhan, on Gurugram's Golf Course Road. The incident, captured on video, led to charges of attempt to murder and stalking after police investigation revealed alleged indecent comments and deliberate intent to harm. Bainsla's cousin and another friend have also been detained.

'All SIR orders had unanimous nod': EC clarifies amid row over differences

'All SIR orders had unanimous nod': EC clarifies amid row over differences

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

The Election Commission of India has addressed reports of internal dissent among its commissioners and clarified that all Special Intensive Revision (SIR) orders and Form 6 updates for voter enrolment received unanimous consent and were upheld by the Supreme Court. The EC also announced measures to ease the process for voters issued notices, including doorstep document collection and extended deadlines in Delhi and Maharashtra, while affirming its commitment to transparent decision-making and meticulous compliance with directives.

The Tukaram Mundhe-Themed Ganeshotsav

The Tukaram Mundhe-Themed Ganeshotsav

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Nikhil Rasal from Satara and Adarsh Mitra Mandal of Gharat Aali, Alibag, have used their Ganpati decorations to highlight the work and public service associated with Tukaram Mundhe, commissioner of food and drug administration turning the festival into a platform for social awareness.

Meta restricts viral AI video of Keralam CM Satheesan dancing

Meta restricts viral AI video of Keralam CM Satheesan dancing

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Meta has restricted access in India to a viral AI-generated video depicting Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan dancing with KSEB officials. The video, which garnered 1.78 crore views, was restricted following a legal request, though the creators believe it wasn't due to the CM's objection, as he had previously expressed excitement about it.

3rd T20I: Abhishek's 30-ball masterclass paves way for India's 127-run Afghan demolition

3rd T20I: Abhishek's 30-ball masterclass paves way for India's 127-run Afghan demolition

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Opening batter Abhishek Sharma blasted a record-shattering 30-ball century, powering India to a massive 221-7 and sparking a total bowling collapse that sealed a 127-run series sweep against Afghanistan.

Nithari accused Surendra Koli murdered? Victim's father says.....

Nithari accused Surendra Koli murdered? Victim's father says.....

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

The father of a Nithari case victim has questioned the death of Surendra Koli, alleging he was murdered and did not die by suicide. Koli, who was acquitted in all Nithari cases, was found hanging in Haridwar. Police are investigating, while the victim's father claims Koli was about to reveal important information and points to Moninder Singh Pandher as the main culprit.

Congress candidate Milan Pradhan arrested ahead of Nandigram bypoll

Congress candidate Milan Pradhan arrested ahead of Nandigram bypoll

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Congress candidate Milan Pradhan for the Nandigram assembly bypoll was arrested for alleged involvement in the 2007 anti-land acquisition movement. Another party leader, Subhasish Bhattacharya, was also arrested. The Congress alleges political vendetta by the BJP, especially as Pradhan had successfully filed his nomination. The party has questioned the timing and legality of the arrest, particularly during the model code of conduct, and plans demonstrations.

It's treason, says Rahul Gandhi; Sack Gyanesh Kumar: Congress

It's treason, says Rahul Gandhi; Sack Gyanesh Kumar: Congress

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Congress party has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging "vote chori" and treason, following a media report revealing that two other Election Commissioners had formally objected to decisions regarding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have accused the BJP, RSS, and EC of undermining democracy, citing concerns over voter list tampering and lack of transparency.

'Every IPL Team Owner Is Upset That Sooryavanshi...'

'Every IPL Team Owner Is Upset That Sooryavanshi...'

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

'And now since Lakshmi Mittal owns Rajasthan Royals, he will never let Vaibhav Sooryavanshi go anywhere. And if it ever happens, not just me... the entire IPL world of owners are waiting.'

Fortuin runs through Namibia as South Africa complete dominant ODI clean sweep

Fortuin runs through Namibia as South Africa complete dominant ODI clean sweep

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Bjorn Fortuin's four-wicket haul sparked Namibia's collapse before Jordan Hermann and Connor Esterhuizen powered South Africa's chase, sealing a commanding nine-wicket win and 3-0 ODI series sweep.

US lawmaker wants India named in Russia Sanctions bill

US lawmaker wants India named in Russia Sanctions bill

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

US lawmakers are racing to amend the Russia sanctions bill before recess. One amendment specifically names India, China, and other countries as potential targets for 100% tariffs due to their oil trade with Russia. Another significant amendment proposes to scrap the tariff section entirely, while others address presidential waiver powers and aid to Ukraine.

Cong's 'gungi gudiya' jibe at Maha deputy CM Sunetra Pawar sparks row

Cong's 'gungi gudiya' jibe at Maha deputy CM Sunetra Pawar sparks row

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Maharashtra Congress on Tuesday branded deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar a "gungi gudiya" (mute doll), drawing a sharp rebuttal from the Nationalist Congress Party, which asked if the Opposition party now endorses the infamous slur once hurled at former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Sooryavanshi's Sledge Rattles Tilak Varma

Sooryavanshi's Sledge Rattles Tilak Varma

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gave Tilak Varma a taste of his sledging medicine, sparking a heated exchange that caught the attention of umpires and fans alike.

Why is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi still warming the bench?

Why is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi still warming the bench?

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Indian cricket fans and former players questioned India's decision to leave Vaibhav Sooryavanshi out of the XI for the second T20I against Afghanistan.

All-woman SIT to probe POCSO case against TN granite baron R Veeramani

All-woman SIT to probe POCSO case against TN granite baron R Veeramani

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

The Tamil Nadu government has constituted an all-women Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the sensational POCSO case against granite baron R Veeramani (84), who is accused of sexual abuse of minor girls. The case has led to the easing out of two top IPS officers and allegations of delayed action and political interference.

Bihar Molestation: Two Main Accused Arrested After Encounter, Political Blame Game Intensifies

Bihar Molestation: Two Main Accused Arrested After Encounter, Political Blame Game Intensifies

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Police in Jamui, Bihar, have arrested two main accused in the molestation of a minor girl, bringing the total arrests to five. The arrests followed an encounter where the accused were injured. The incident, captured in a viral video, has ignited a fierce political debate between the ruling NDA and opposition parties over law and order in the state.

Stand-off in Dubai: India Women refuse Asia Cup trophy from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi

Stand-off in Dubai: India Women refuse Asia Cup trophy from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The Indian women's cricket team, after winning their eighth Asia Cup title against Sri Lanka, declined to accept the trophy from ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi, continuing a trend seen with the men's team last year. This incident highlights an ongoing impasse regarding trophy presentations involving the Pakistani official.

Imran Khan's former wife Jemima Goldsmith ties the knot with multimillionaire

Imran Khan's former wife Jemima Goldsmith ties the knot with multimillionaire

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Jemima Goldsmith, filmmaker and former wife of Pakistan's ex-prime minister Imran Khan, has married multi-millionaire financier Cameron O'Reilly. The news was confirmed by her family, with the couple reportedly exchanging vows over the weekend. Goldsmith continues to advocate for her sons and ex-husband amidst his incarceration.

Jemima Goldsmith Ties The Knot With Financier Cameron O'Reilly

Jemima Goldsmith Ties The Knot With Financier Cameron O'Reilly

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Jemima Goldsmith, filmmaker and former wife of Pakistan's ex-prime minister Imran Khan, has married multi-millionaire financier Cameron O'Reilly. The news was confirmed by her family, with the couple reportedly exchanging vows over the weekend. Goldsmith continues to advocate for her sons and ex-husband amidst his incarceration.

Dorothy Review: Bold, Evocative, Confused

Dorothy Review: Bold, Evocative, Confused

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Dorothy is an audacious exploration of masculinity and gender identity that becomes increasingly muddled just when its ideas matter most.

Judge who awarded 23 death sentences questions recall of 97 cases

Judge who awarded 23 death sentences questions recall of 97 cases

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Additional District and Sessions Judge Ravi Kumar Diwakar of Muzaffarnagar has publicly questioned the administrative recall of 97 serious criminal cases from his court. His remarks, made in an acquittal order, highlight concerns about judicial independence and the legality of withdrawing "part-heard" cases without proper procedure, especially after he had delivered 23 death sentences.

Will Volkswagen be 4th time lucky with Indian partner?

Will Volkswagen be 4th time lucky with Indian partner?

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Volkswagen, a long-standing but minor player in India's fiercely competitive automotive sector, is now exploring a strategic partnership with the JSW group, aiming to revitalise its market presence, enhance profitability, and potentially establish India as a key export hub for electric vehicles.

'Mirzapur Was A Huge Gamble'

'Mirzapur Was A Huge Gamble'

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

'Gurmmeet Singh was extremely sure in his head that the canvas should be bigger. The movie should look big on screen. It should look like the Mirzapur world but at the same time, much bigger.'

Cong questions all-vegetarian menu at BRICS gala dinner

Cong questions all-vegetarian menu at BRICS gala dinner

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

The Congress party criticised the all-vegetarian menu served at the BRICS Summit gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Rahul Gandhi highlighting that 80% of Indians are non-vegetarian. The party accused the BJP government of imposing its dietary preferences and questioned why India's diverse culinary culture was not showcased.

Student suicide: IIT-B apologises, suspends dean; director to stay

Student suicide: IIT-B apologises, suspends dean; director to stay

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

IIT Bombay has removed Suryanarayana Doolla, Dean of Administrative Affairs, from his post and issued a public apology following the death by suicide of 22-year-old student Sahil Wakode, who his parents allege faced caste-based discrimination.

A Raja among 3 top DMK leaders booked over remarks against CM Vijay

A Raja among 3 top DMK leaders booked over remarks against CM Vijay

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Police have registered cases against senior DMK leaders A Raja, P K Sekar Babu, and Vasantham Karthikeyan for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and Energy Resources and Law Minister R Nirmal Kumar during recent party protests. The controversy stems from CM Vijay's comments questioning DMK chief M K Stalin's MISA detention during the Emergency, which the DMK claims is a long-standing narrative.