News for 'Spark'

'BJP-flagged cars' spark ruckus at counting centre in Mamata's constituency

'BJP-flagged cars' spark ruckus at counting centre in Mamata's constituency

Rediff.com3 May 2026

TMC workers allege that cars bearing the BJP's flag were allowed entry to the compound where EVMs are kept, a day ahead of the counting of votes in West Bengal. The Election Commission has denied any irregularities.

'We have let Pakistan...': Sonia slams Modi govt's 'stony silence' on Gaza 'genocide'

'We have let Pakistan...': Sonia slams Modi govt's 'stony silence' on Gaza 'genocide'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Sonia Gandhi criticised PM Modi's Israel visit, calling it a "bewildering strategic decision" amid the regional conflict.

Seat Dispute Leads To Stabbing On Mumbai Local Train

Seat Dispute Leads To Stabbing On Mumbai Local Train

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Two individuals have been arrested by the Government Railway Police (GRP) for allegedly stabbing a man on a Mumbai local train following a dispute over a seat. The victim sustained serious injuries and is currently undergoing treatment, while a search is on for a third accused.

FIFA World Cup: Historic Canada win overshadowed by Kone's horror injury

FIFA World Cup: Historic Canada win overshadowed by Kone's horror injury

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Canada secured its first-ever World Cup victory with a dominant 6-0 win, but the celebration was marred by a severe leg injury to midfielder Ismael Kone. Kone suffered a broken leg after a tackle from Qatar's Assim Madibo, an incident that left his teammates and coach Jesse Marsch deeply shaken. The injury is a significant blow to Canada's World Cup campaign, despite their strong position in Group B.

5 dead, 20 rescued as under-construction warehouse collapses in Kolkata

5 dead, 20 rescued as under-construction warehouse collapses in Kolkata

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

A three-storey under-construction warehouse in Kolkata's Taratala area collapsed, killing three people and trapping several others. Rescue operations are ongoing, with 18 individuals already saved, amid allegations of substandard construction materials and illegal building practices.

2 held for throwing eggs on Trinamool MLA Kunal Ghosh

2 held for throwing eggs on Trinamool MLA Kunal Ghosh

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Two individuals have been arrested in Kolkata for allegedly throwing eggs at Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh outside Mamata Banerjee's residence. The incident, which saw one egg strike Ghosh, is under police investigation to determine the motive, with Ghosh expressing concern over potential minor charges leading to quick bail. This attack is part of a series of protests faced by TMC leaders across West Bengal following recent Assembly elections.

Woman claims on video she cooked beef for Bengal CM, arrested in Gurugram

Woman claims on video she cooked beef for Bengal CM, arrested in Gurugram

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

A woman was arrested in Gurugram for allegedly hurting religious sentiments after uploading a video claiming to have cooked beef for the West Bengal Chief Minister. She was denied bail, and her mobile phone was seized for forensic examination, with the next hearing set for June 8.

Navi Mumbai Nurse Faces FIR Over Alleged Idol Desecration

Navi Mumbai Nurse Faces FIR Over Alleged Idol Desecration

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

A nurse in Navi Mumbai has been booked for allegedly desecrating Hindu idols in a hostel room and issuing threats. The incident led to her suspension from the hospital, and right-wing organisations are demanding her immediate arrest.

Amethi Shopkeeper Held For Alleged Molestation Of Minor Girl

Amethi Shopkeeper Held For Alleged Molestation Of Minor Girl

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

A shopkeeper in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, has been detained for allegedly molesting a five-year-old girl. Police registered a case based on the victim's father's complaint, and the accused is currently being questioned.

Firozabad Imam Booked For Alleged Minor Rape, Absconding

Firozabad Imam Booked For Alleged Minor Rape, Absconding

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A mosque cleric in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, has been booked under the POCSO Act and BNS Act for allegedly raping a minor. The accused, Imam Zakir Ali, is currently absconding, and police have launched a search operation following a complaint from the victim's family.

U'khand village tense after BJP worker's murder; accused's building razed

U'khand village tense after BJP worker's murder; accused's building razed

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

A local BJP functionary, Vinod, was allegedly beaten to death in Dehradun's Bairagiwala village following an irrigation dispute, leaving three family members critically injured. Authorities have razed "illegal" structures belonging to the accused, and police have registered a case against 12 named suspects and others, deploying forces to maintain law and order.

Lightning scare shuts FIFA World Cup party before opener

Lightning scare shuts FIFA World Cup party before opener

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The FIFA Fan Festival in Toronto was cancelled due to lightning risk, disappointing fans on the eve of Canada's first World Cup game.

Construction Firm Employees Face Charges For Obstructing Kalina-BKC Link Road

Construction Firm Employees Face Charges For Obstructing Kalina-BKC Link Road

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Two employees of a construction firm in Mumbai have been booked for allegedly blocking the new Kalina-BKC Link Road with cranes and other materials, leading to an FIR after viral videos and a failure to comply with MMRDA's request to clear the stretch.

It's a shame! Meloni blasts Trump for saying 'she begged for a photo'

It's a shame! Meloni blasts Trump for saying 'she begged for a photo'

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly rebuked former US President Donald Trump's claims that she 'begged' for a photo-op at the G7 summit, dismissing his remarks as 'utterly fabricated' and asserting, 'Italy and I never beg.'

'If Your Child Says No To Marriage...'

'If Your Child Says No To Marriage...'

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Do not push your children into situations that leave them feeling trapped or desperate, appeals rediffGURU Anu Krishna.

Not funny: With fresh controversy, stand-up comics come under lens again

Not funny: With fresh controversy, stand-up comics come under lens again

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Recent stand-up comedy clips from Pranit More and Madhur Virli, featuring jokes about sexual coercion, rape, and necrophilia, have ignited a fierce debate in India over consent, normalising rape culture, and trivialising sexual assault, leading to FIRs and public apologies.

IPL 2026: Vintage Bhuvi Sparks India Selection Talk

IPL 2026: Vintage Bhuvi Sparks India Selection Talk

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Mohammed Kaif backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar for an India comeback after a vintage spell for RCB, saying the veteran pacer still has the swing and control to trouble top batsmen.

Amit Shah luring those elected on anti-BJP plank: Cong

Amit Shah luring those elected on anti-BJP plank: Cong

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The Congress party has accused Home Minister Amit Shah of launching an "onslaught" on the Opposition and "wrecking" Indian democracy. The party alleges that Shah is enticing elected representatives to join the BJP with significant incentives, a claim echoed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut regarding Maharashtra MPs. This comes amidst reports of defections from other parties like the TMC.

MBBS student faces probe over remarks at comedy show

MBBS student faces probe over remarks at comedy show

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Mumbai's civic-run KEM Hospital has initiated a two-member committee probe into controversial remarks made by MBBS student Sejal Pawar regarding male cadavers during a stand-up comedy show, which the hospital dean deemed 'unacceptable'.

Dharna's Fashion Game Is No Joke

Dharna's Fashion Game Is No Joke

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

From chaotic comic reels to now making her acting debut with Maa Behen, Dharna Durga has slowly become one of the internet's most relatable stars.

Cong insiders provided info against Meenakshi Natarajan: Vijayvargiya

Cong insiders provided info against Meenakshi Natarajan: Vijayvargiya

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh was rejected due to an incomplete affidavit, failing to disclose a court complaint from Telangana. BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya claimed Congress members from Telangana provided the information, highlighting internal party strife.

At least 15 students killed in Lucknow building fire, many trapped

At least 15 students killed in Lucknow building fire, many trapped

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

A devastating fire ripped through a three-floor commercial building in Lucknow, claiming the lives of at least 12 students and trapping several others. Rescue operations are ongoing, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing ex-gratia for the deceased and injured.

Hindustan Zinc To Generate 2,000 Crore Through AI Solutions

Hindustan Zinc To Generate 2,000 Crore Through AI Solutions

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL) plans to generate 2,000 crore in value by implementing artificial intelligence-driven solutions across its mining and manufacturing operations. This initiative is part of a broader industry trend to adopt digital technologies for cost reduction, margin improvement, and enhanced environmental and social governance.

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.

West Bengal CID Takes Over Probe Into Abhishek Banerjee's Alleged Inflammatory Statements

West Bengal CID Takes Over Probe Into Abhishek Banerjee's Alleged Inflammatory Statements

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The West Bengal CID has taken over the investigation into alleged inflammatory statements made by TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee during the assembly election campaign. An FIR was registered against Banerjee based on a complaint alleging provocative comments on post-poll violence and vote counting, with links to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The CID will now examine all evidence and proceed with the investigation.

Rajasthan drops 4 textbooks, sparks 'history rewrite' row

Rajasthan drops 4 textbooks, sparks 'history rewrite' row

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Rajasthan government's decision to discontinue four school textbooks has ignited a political controversy, with the Education Minister defending the move and the Congress party accusing the government of attempting to erase history.

Hoshiarpur Police Arrest Six Granthis In Suicide Abetment Case

Hoshiarpur Police Arrest Six Granthis In Suicide Abetment Case

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Six Sikh priests have been arrested in Hoshiarpur for allegedly abetting the suicide of a fellow granthi, Jaspal Singh. The accused reportedly harassed and threatened Jaspal over demands for a share in religious programmes, leading him to consume poison. Police have registered a case and are investigating further.

TN YouTuber detained for criticising CM Joseph Vijay

TN YouTuber detained for criticising CM Joseph Vijay

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Well-known YouTuber Maridhas was detained by a special team of the Chennai City Police for allegedly posting critical videos targeting the TVK government, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, and several state ministers. He was apprehended in Madurai and is being brought to Chennai for further interrogation.

Mrs Kerala Runner-Up Arrested In Rs 11.8 Crore Drug Smuggling Case

Mrs Kerala Runner-Up Arrested In Rs 11.8 Crore Drug Smuggling Case

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A 29-year-old private bank employee and former 'Mrs Kerala' beauty pageant runner-up, Harsha Sunny, has been arrested by Mumbai Customs for allegedly smuggling 11.8 kg of hydroponic weed, valued at Rs 11.8 crore, from Bangkok. She claims she was unaware of the bag's contents, stating she was exploited by traffickers.

Battlelines drawn: TMC factions sit separately in West Bengal assembly

Battlelines drawn: TMC factions sit separately in West Bengal assembly

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is grappling with a severe internal crisis, evident as rival factions occupied separate sections of the opposition benches during the West Bengal assembly's budget session. This public display of disunity follows the party's defeat in the 2026 assembly elections and ongoing legal challenges over leadership.

Another arrest made in Ayush Malik conversion case

Another arrest made in Ayush Malik conversion case

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Police in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, have made another arrest in an alleged unlawful religious conversion case, recovering a 'nikahnama' from the accused. The case involves Ayush Malik, who his father claims was forcibly converted, but Ayush himself states his conversion to Islam was voluntary. Legal action has been initiated against nine people, and Hindu organisations are demanding strict measures.

Iran vs NZ: Boos, cheers and a draw at politically charged game

Iran vs NZ: Boos, cheers and a draw at politically charged game

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Iran footballers faces cheers and jeers in their come-from-behind 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their FIFA World Cup final opener in Los Angeles on Monday.

Shaheen Afridi's Test future in doubt?

Shaheen Afridi's Test future in doubt?

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Pakistan's star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is expected to miss upcoming Test series against West Indies and England due to workload management, a decision he is reportedly unhappy about. This move aims to focus him on white-ball cricket and provide opportunities for other pacers.

Will Marathwada's 3 Uddhav Sena MPs switch sides?

Will Marathwada's 3 Uddhav Sena MPs switch sides?

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The Shiv Sena (UBT) is facing a potential crisis as speculation mounts that 'six to seven' of its nine Lok Sabha MPs are considering switching allegiance to the Eknath Shinde-led ruling Shiv Sena, with some reportedly camping in New Delhi.

Fresh blow for Mamata as long-time aide quits as Bidhannagar mayor

Fresh blow for Mamata as long-time aide quits as Bidhannagar mayor

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Krishna Chakraborty has resigned as the mayor of Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation, citing personal reasons. A long-time associate of Mamata Banerjee, Chakraborty served for 16 years and expressed a desire to work as a councillor.

Delhi fire: Residents allege delay, fire service denies

Delhi fire: Residents allege delay, fire service denies

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

A massive fire at a bed-and-breakfast hotel in Delhi's Malviya Nagar killed 21 people, with residents alleging a delayed response from fire tenders, which the Delhi Fire Service denies. Police personnel were also injured during rescue efforts.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Switzerland unlock Bosnia defence, boost qualification hopes

FIFA World Cup 2026: Switzerland unlock Bosnia defence, boost qualification hopes

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Switzerland found the keys to break down a resolute Bosnia and Herzegovina defence with four late goals in a 4-1 win thanks to a brace from Johan Manzambi and further strikes from fellow substitute Ruben Vargas and captain Granit Xhaka with a penalty.

Jharkhand RS elections: NDA MLAs shifted to hotel; INDIA bloc holds mock poll

Jharkhand RS elections: NDA MLAs shifted to hotel; INDIA bloc holds mock poll

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Opposition NDA legislators in Jharkhand have been moved to a hotel ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections for two seats. The BJP-backed independent candidate, Parimal Nathwani, faces a challenge as the NDA lacks the required numbers, necessitating potential cross-voting for victory.

Corrupt Mathura Police Officer Held For Extortion, Using History-Sheeters

Corrupt Mathura Police Officer Held For Extortion, Using History-Sheeters

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

A police sub-inspector in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, has been arrested for allegedly running an illegal extortion racket targeting local shopkeepers and operating an unauthorised parking scheme. The officer, Shashank Kaushik, is accused of using two history-sheeters, who are now absconding, to collect "protection money" from vendors. A departmental inquiry is underway, and an FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Unnao Priest Murdered At Temple, Police Launch Probe

Unnao Priest Murdered At Temple, Police Launch Probe

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

An elderly priest, Milan Das (60), was allegedly stabbed to death by unidentified assailants at an under-construction temple in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. The incident led to local protests, and police have launched an investigation, forming multiple teams to apprehend the culprits.