News for 'Spark'

10-year-old made to stand in sun for not bringing book to school, dies

10-year-old made to stand in sun for not bringing book to school, dies

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

A 10-year-old girl student in an East Delhi government school died last week, with her family alleging she was punished by being made to stand in the sun for not bringing a book. The incident at Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya on August 27 led to protests and an ongoing police investigation.

Row as MLA alleges hospital mortuary staff sexually abused female corpses

Row as MLA alleges hospital mortuary staff sexually abused female corpses

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

A Congress MLA in Madhya Pradesh has sparked a major controversy by alleging that staff at Rewa's Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital mortuary sexually abused the corpses of "beautiful" women and extorted money for post-mortems. The hospital administration has vehemently denied these claims as baseless, while the MLA insists an investigation will reveal the truth, citing a past incident where employees were sacked for irregularities.

Gurugram Gym Owner Nabbed For Attempted Murder, Stalking Woman Biker

Gurugram Gym Owner Nabbed For Attempted Murder, Stalking Woman Biker

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

A gym owner has been arrested in Rajasthan for allegedly ramming his car into a woman biker in Gurugram, knocking her off her vehicle. The incident, captured on video, led to charges of attempt to murder and stalking after the victim claimed the accused made indecent comments and deliberately hit her. The accused, Kalyan Bainsla, along with a cousin, was apprehended after a two-day search.

'Not Sonam Wangchuk': Aamir Khan's '3 Idiots' remark sparks storm

'Not Sonam Wangchuk': Aamir Khan's '3 Idiots' remark sparks storm

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Aamir Khan's comments that his 3 Idiots character Phunsukh Wangdu was not based on Sonam Wangchuk has triggered reactions from politicians, activists and social media users, with some accusing the actor of distancing himself from the educationist, who is currently on a hunger strike.

Congress Alleges Modi Govt Paving Way For UPI Fees, Surrendering To US Pressure

Congress Alleges Modi Govt Paving Way For UPI Fees, Surrendering To US Pressure

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The Congress party has criticised the Modi government over a notification regarding UPI transactions, alleging it paves the way for imposing fees, especially on transactions above Rs 2,000. Rahul Gandhi claimed the government is surrendering to American pressure, while Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted the potential burden on common citizens amidst inflation. The government's notification prohibits charges on UPI transactions up to Rs 2,000 but remains silent on higher amounts, sparking fears of a "Digital Payments Tax."

Rahul Gandhi Claims Modi Government Surrendering To US Pressure On UPI Charges

Rahul Gandhi Claims Modi Government Surrendering To US Pressure On UPI Charges

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Modi government of quietly paving the way for imposing fees on UPI transactions, alleging it's a surrender to American pressure. The government's recent notification exempts charges only up to Rs 2,000, sparking concerns that higher value transactions and eventually all UPI payments could incur fees. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, however, clarified that Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) applies to merchants, not customers, and supports digital infrastructure.

Ignacio Buse Follows Grandfather's Footsteps With Maiden US Open Win

Ignacio Buse Follows Grandfather's Footsteps With Maiden US Open Win

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Peruvian tennis player Ignacio Buse secured his maiden US Open victory, defeating Marcos Giron in a five-setter.

Cops thrash Gujarat man at same spot where he beat his live-in partner to death

Cops thrash Gujarat man at same spot where he beat his live-in partner to death

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

A man accused of fatally assaulting his live-in partner in Bhavnagar was publicly thrashed by police during a crime scene reconstruction. Police officials defended the action, citing the need to restore public faith after the brutal murder, despite a recent circular from the Gujarat Home Department restricting such conduct.

ATC 'technical issue' grounds flights across UK airports

ATC 'technical issue' grounds flights across UK airports

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

A 'technical issue' in the UK's National Air Traffic Services (NATS) flight processing system grounded hundreds of flights across the UK, including long-haul routes to and from India, leading to widespread disruption and prompting Ryanair to demand the resignation of NATS CEO Martin Rolfe.

Asian Games Snub: Wushu Player Divyanshi Choudhary Alleges Harassment

Asian Games Snub: Wushu Player Divyanshi Choudhary Alleges Harassment

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Wushu player Divyanshi Choudhary has alleged physical and mental harassment by the national federation after being dropped from the Asian Games squad on medical grounds. Choudhary claims she was replaced despite doctor's clearance, while the Wushu Association of India maintains she had an ACL tear. The athlete, who defeated her replacement in trials, expressed distress and even threatened self-harm in a video.

BRICS ahead, Delhi rains put civic coordination under spotlight

BRICS ahead, Delhi rains put civic coordination under spotlight

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Heavy rainfall caused significant waterlogging in New Delhi, particularly near IGI Airport, just days before the BRICS Summit. The incident highlighted coordination issues among various city agencies, with PWD officials attributing some flooding to other departments, despite a recent review meeting by the Lieutenant Governor to ensure inter-agency synergy.

Linda Noskova ousts Marta Kostyuk on sixth match-point to enter US Open quarters

Linda Noskova ousts Marta Kostyuk on sixth match-point to enter US Open quarters

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova defeated Marta Kostyuk in a hard-fought three-set match at the U.S. Open, securing her spot in the quarter-finals. Noskova, the sixth seed, overcame a mid-match fightback from Kostyuk, eventually winning 7-5 5-7 6-4 after saving two match points in the second set. She will now face world number one Aryna Sabalenka.

BJP's Rajya Sabha Picks Spark Cabinet Reshuffle Talk

BJP's Rajya Sabha Picks Spark Cabinet Reshuffle Talk

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The BJP has announced 11 candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls, notably omitting Union ministers Ravneet Singh Bittu and George Kurian, whose terms end soon. This decision, alongside other recent appointments, has fuelled speculation about an imminent Cabinet reshuffle. The list includes new faces and senior party leaders from various states.

Himachal Girl's Death Sparks Murder Suspicion

Himachal Girl's Death Sparks Murder Suspicion

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The body of a 10-year-old girl was recovered from the Yamuna River in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district, sparking outrage and suspicions of murder. This is the second such incident this month, with family members alleging similarities between the two cases, including signs of physical brutality.

College student arrested for morphing pix of teachers, students

College student arrested for morphing pix of teachers, students

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

A college student in Kochi has been arrested for allegedly morphing photographs and videos of teachers and female students into obscene content and circulating them on social media platforms like Telegram and Instagram. The arrest followed a complaint from the college management, which also dismissed the student. Police are investigating the extent of the network and potential financial motives.

Kareena Kapoor's Top 10 Performances

Kareena Kapoor's Top 10 Performances

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

From the adorably vain Poo to the free-spirited Geet, Kareena Kapoor Khan has delivered some memorable performances.

Marital rape: Supreme Court to begin final hearing after 3 weeks

Marital rape: Supreme Court to begin final hearing after 3 weeks

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has scheduled a final hearing for a batch of petitions challenging the marital rape exception in Indian law. The court will examine the constitutional validity of the provision that grants immunity to husbands from prosecution for sexual acts with their wives, even under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. This significant legal challenge follows split verdicts from High Courts and seeks to address whether such an exception aligns with fundamental rights.

Did Sohail Khan Take Ozempic For Weight Loss?

Did Sohail Khan Take Ozempic For Weight Loss?

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Sohail Khan has candidly addressed the recent national concern and online speculation surrounding his significant weight loss, revealing the true, organic reasons behind his transformation and firmly denying the use of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic.

Asian Games Wushu Player Divyanshi Choudhary Alleges Harassment, Threatens Suicide

Asian Games Wushu Player Divyanshi Choudhary Alleges Harassment, Threatens Suicide

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Wushu player Divyanshi Choudhary, dropped from the Asian Games squad due to an alleged ACL tear, has accused the national federation of physical and mental harassment, claiming she was medically cleared to compete. The Wushu Association of India maintains she was replaced due to a high-grade ACL tear confirmed by MRI, while Divyanshi alleges foul play to favour another athlete.

Ghamasaan Review: Gritty Dacoit Drama

Ghamasaan Review: Gritty Dacoit Drama

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Tigmanshu Dhulia's Ghamasaan brings back the dacoit genre with a gritty and realistic portrayal of ruthless bandits, featuring compelling performances from Arshad Warsi as the menacing Maharaj and Pratik Gandhi as the resolute police officer determined to bring him to justice, applauds Deepa Gahlot.

India on watch as Trump may sign Russia sanctions bill today

India on watch as Trump may sign Russia sanctions bill today

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

US President Donald Trump is expected to sign the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 later on Friday (local time). A White House official confirmed the development to ANI without revealing further details.

AI Giants Unveil Advanced Models, Raising Critical Safety Questions

AI Giants Unveil Advanced Models, Raising Critical Safety Questions

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google have unveiled new AI models with enhanced capabilities, including advanced cybersecurity and coding. OpenAI's Astra model achieved a 'Critical' cybersecurity tier, but its novel architecture, using "recurrent depth," has sparked significant safety concerns among researchers who fear it makes monitoring the model's reasoning more difficult. Anthropic and Google also introduced new models and features, further advancing AI technology while the debate over responsible development intensifies.

'We always face racism here': Murder leads to fear among northeast community

'We always face racism here': Murder leads to fear among northeast community

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

A Manipuri musician, C Vikram Singh, was allegedly beaten to death by a group of delivery workers and dhaba staff in Delhi after he objected to their loud behaviour. The incident has led to the arrest of seven men and a juvenile. The local Northeastern community has expressed outrage, alleging that the incident highlights persistent racism and discrimination they face in the city, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into potential racist motives.

Rs 1,200-cr TN secretariat project hits hurdle amid Oppn, fisherfolk protest

Rs 1,200-cr TN secretariat project hits hurdle amid Oppn, fisherfolk protest

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

A proposed Rs 1,200 crore Secretariat-Assembly complex in Pattinapakkam, Chennai, has ignited significant opposition from local fishing communities and various political parties. Residents fear displacement, loss of livelihood, and environmental damage, citing ancestral rights and broken promises. Political leaders across the spectrum are urging Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to reconsider the site, highlighting concerns about ecological impact, traffic, and financial priorities.

Chirag Paswan rejects 'elder brother' claim by Swatantra Bhardwaj

Chirag Paswan rejects 'elder brother' claim by Swatantra Bhardwaj

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Union Minister Chirag Paswan has pledged to ensure justice for Nishu Azad's father, who was severely injured during protests at Jantar Mantar. Paswan has filed a formal complaint against Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, who allegedly assaulted Azad's father and boasted about it, claiming political connections. Bhardwaj has since been detained. Paswan also called for an investigation into molestation allegations against a state minister from his party.

Agarkar absent as BCCI reviews England, Ireland failures; tenure extension still unclear

Agarkar absent as BCCI reviews England, Ireland failures; tenure extension still unclear

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Ajit Agarkar, chairman of the senior men's selection committee, was notably absent from a BCCI review meeting discussing India's recent limited-overs tour performances against Ireland and England, citing travel issues. The meeting, attended by captains and coaches, did not address his contract extension, which is due to expire soon.

NEET protest: SC rejects calls to reconstitute police excesses probe panel

NEET protest: SC rejects calls to reconstitute police excesses probe panel

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has affirmed its decision not to alter the five-member high-powered committee, led by former Justice R Subhash Reddy, which is investigating allegations of police excesses against student protesters and violence against police personnel in Delhi. The court dismissed concerns about potential bias, stating the committee acts as its "extended hand" and will function under its supervision. It also noted the suspension of an executive magistrate who issued a show-cause notice to a student involved in protests.

Protest erupts in Jammu after man dies in police custody

Protest erupts in Jammu after man dies in police custody

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

A 32-year-old man died after allegedly falling unconscious at a police post in Jammu, leading to protests by his family and locals who claim custodial torture. Police have ordered both departmental and magisterial inquiries into the incident, assuring action against any wrongdoing. Four police personnel have been attached to headquarters.

UK sanctions West Bank settlers, Israel shuts British consulate

UK sanctions West Bank settlers, Israel shuts British consulate

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The UK has announced a comprehensive sanctions regime against Israeli settlements in the West Bank, banning the import of goods and targeting entities involved in settlement expansion. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband condemned the "ethnic cleansing of Palestinians" and highlighted international support for the UK's stance, while Israel reacted strongly with counter-measures.

'Vaibhav bhai, Vaibhav ji': 12,000 fans turn up for Sooryavanshi

'Vaibhav bhai, Vaibhav ji': 12,000 fans turn up for Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Fifteen-year-old cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become the latest sensation in Indian cricket, drawing massive crowds to the Duleep Trophy final in Chennai. Following an explosive IPL 2026 season, the young left-hander showcased his talent with a quickfire innings, earning praise from experts and captivating fans who see him as the future of the sport.

Raj Thackeray's son booked for removing Modi's photo in Pune college

Raj Thackeray's son booked for removing Modi's photo in Pune college

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Two Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers have been arrested in Pune for allegedly removing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's photograph from a government polytechnic office. The incident occurred during a visit by MNS leader Amit Thackeray, who is also facing a case related to the alleged act. BJP criticised the MNS leader for political immaturity.

Make HIV Tests Compulsory Before A Wedding

Make HIV Tests Compulsory Before A Wedding

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

We check horoscopes. We check family background. We check whether the boy has a 'government job' or the girl 'knows how to cook'. Somewhere in this elaborate audit, nobody thought to ask: Hey, are you both healthy?

11 Arrested After Statue Installation Sparks Clash

11 Arrested After Statue Installation Sparks Clash

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Police in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, have arrested 11 people following a clash over the alleged unauthorised installation of a Lord Buddha statue. The incident escalated into stone-pelting on police and revenue officials, prompting the registration of two FIRs.

Alaya, Disha Are Rhinestone-Obsessed Girlies

Alaya, Disha Are Rhinestone-Obsessed Girlies

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Rhinestones have officially escaped the jewellery box. The girlies are sticking them on phone cases, water bottles, face masks and even their shoes, turning literally everything into a tiny disco ball.

Argentina Players Display Political Banner After World Cup Victory, Spark Row

Argentina Players Display Political Banner After World Cup Victory, Spark Row

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Argentina's football players displayed a political banner claiming "The Falklands are Argentine" after their World Cup semi-final win against England, potentially violating FIFA's code of conduct.

9 hours of Delhi police questioning: Why was ex-DoT officer taken away?

9 hours of Delhi police questioning: Why was ex-DoT officer taken away?

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Former bureaucrat Ashish Joshi was questioned for nearly nine hours by the Delhi Police Special Cell in connection with an old case. He was later released without arrest. The questioning followed claims by Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit about Joshi being taken away by police.

Delhi building collapse: Bloodied student records video from under rubble

Delhi building collapse: Bloodied student records video from under rubble

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

A five-storey building housing a boys' hostel in Delhi's Satya Niketan collapsed, resulting in three student deaths and five critical injuries. The incident, which occurred on a Sunday afternoon, sparked frantic rescue operations and raised serious concerns about building maintenance and safety in the congested student neighbourhood. An investigation is underway to find the building's owner.

Left London career to join IAS, Divya Mittal quits after 13 years

Left London career to join IAS, Divya Mittal quits after 13 years

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Divya Mittal, a 2013-batch IAS officer and former Deoria district magistrate, has resigned from the Indian Administrative Service after 13 years. An alumna of IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore, Mittal cited no specific reason but reflected on her journey from working in London to serving India, highlighting her impactful tenures in Mirzapur and Deoria.

IPL 2026: Raghuvanshi's controversial dismissal sparks outrage

IPL 2026: Raghuvanshi's controversial dismissal sparks outrage

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

A contentious 'obstructing the field' call led to Angkrish Raghuvanshi's dismissal, causing disbelief and frustration in the Kolkata Knight Riders camp during their match in Lucknow.

'Removal of critical wall led to Delhi PG building collapse'

'Removal of critical wall led to Delhi PG building collapse'

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Police investigations into the collapse of a five-storey PG building in Delhi's Satya Niketan reveal that three truckloads of debris were used to level the basement, and a crucial wall was removed on the ground floor shortly before the incident. Seven people died and five were injured. The building owner, labour contractor, and a PG operator have been arrested, while another operator is absconding. Concerns about building safety and unauthorised construction in the area have been raised.