News for 'Spark'

Maneka Gandhi vs Jains: Peacock feather remarks spark row; complaints filed

Maneka Gandhi vs Jains: Peacock feather remarks spark row; complaints filed

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

A row has erupted over former Union minister Maneka Gandhi's appeal to the Jain community to stop using 'picchis' (sacred broom) made of peacock feathers, claiming that their demand fuels illegal wildlife trade.

India coach Marijne questions tight FIH World Cup schedule after loss

India coach Marijne questions tight FIH World Cup schedule after loss

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

India's coach Sjoerd Marijne has criticised the tight scheduling at the FIH World Cup, particularly after his team's 0-2 loss to the Netherlands, citing the burden of playing on consecutive days.

'We are better': Yamal sparks fire ahead of France clash

'We are better': Yamal sparks fire ahead of France clash

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Spain's young star Lamine Yamal has confidently stated that France holds no advantage in the FIFA World Cup 2026, dismissing them as favourites. Yamal expressed strong belief in Spain's ability to win the tournament, highlighting that knockout rounds are a different challenge from the group stage.

'What May Be Justice For You May Be Injustice For Me'

'What May Be Justice For You May Be Injustice For Me'

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

'What Daayra tries to do is explore the greys because everything is not black and white.'

Will Dara Singh Be Released Soon?

Will Dara Singh Be Released Soon?

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

'Dara's case can strengthen the perception among sections of the BJP's traditional support base.'

India-Pakistan Handshake Stirs Debate

India-Pakistan Handshake Stirs Debate

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Wednesday's India-Pakistan World Cup match in Amstelveen saw players exchange handshakes, a gesture that has become contentious in India-Pakistan sporting encounters, particularly in cricket. While the Indian team dominated on the field, winning 5-3, the post-match handshakes led to mixed reactions online, highlighting the differing approaches to rivalry in hockey versus cricket.

How K L Rahul's advice helped this UP batter overcome tough times

How K L Rahul's advice helped this UP batter overcome tough times

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Kashi Rudras captain Karan Sharma revealed that a conversation with KL Rahul during his Lucknow Super Giants stint profoundly influenced his cricketing philosophy, with Rahul's advice to prioritise the process over results helping him navigate challenging phases and slumps.

Mirzapur: The Movie Review: New, Improved Swagger

Mirzapur: The Movie Review: New, Improved Swagger

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

The cast, once again, remains the biggest reason to invest in this world, notes Mayur Sanap.

Will Dhoni Replace Fleming As CSK Coach?

Will Dhoni Replace Fleming As CSK Coach?

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

M S Dhoni's appearance in Chennai has ignited fervent discussions among fans regarding the future of Chennai Super Kings.

Courts shouldn't dictate dress codes: BJP on HC's hijab verdict

Courts shouldn't dictate dress codes: BJP on HC's hijab verdict

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

The BJP has criticised the Allahabad High Court's observations regarding the wearing of a hijab in school, stating that such matters should be left to school administrations and not courts. BJP spokesperson Syed Zafar Islam argued that faith is a significant personal aspect and courts should not dictate personal attire, while also acknowledging that schools have the right to set uniform policies. The High Court had dismissed a petition seeking permission for a girl to wear a headscarf, ruling it's not an essential part of Islamic faith.

Sooryavanshi Could Spark Test Cricket Revival, Says Srikkanth

Sooryavanshi Could Spark Test Cricket Revival, Says Srikkanth

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth believes teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can revive Test cricket if nurtured properly, urging patience and warning against excessive scrutiny of the young star.

Trump's post showing Obamas on graffiti-covered Air Force One sparks outrage

Trump's post showing Obamas on graffiti-covered Air Force One sparks outrage

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Former US President Donald Trump posted a digitally altered image on Truth Social depicting Barack and Michelle Obama on Air Force One covered in graffiti. This incident follows a previous controversy where Trump's account shared and later deleted a 'racist' video portraying the Obamas as apes, leading to widespread bipartisan backlash.

TN student's murder linked to exposing campus drug trafficking

TN student's murder linked to exposing campus drug trafficking

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

A 19-year-old mechatronics engineering student was brutally murdered in Coimbatore, leading to a political controversy in Tamil Nadu. While his family alleges he was targeted for exposing drug abuse on campus, police and college management claim the attack stemmed from personal enmity and a retaliatory clash. Eight arrests have been made, and the issue was raised in the Legislative Assembly, with the Opposition demanding an inquiry into the conflicting narratives.

Mammootty@75: 10 Best Romantic Films

Mammootty@75: 10 Best Romantic Films

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

From tender romances to deeply conflicted relationships, these 10 films showcase Mammootty's softer, more vulnerable side at its most memorable.

Duleep Trophy: Yash Dhull's selection blunder comes back to haunt North

Duleep Trophy: Yash Dhull's selection blunder comes back to haunt North

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

North Zone secured a crucial 64-run first-innings lead against West Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarter-final, largely due to exceptional bowling from Abid Mushtaq (5/39) and Arshdeep Singh (3/53). However, controversial selection Yash Dhull failed to score, raising questions about his inclusion over specialist opener Sanat Sangwan. North Zone ended day two with a 171-run overall lead, aiming to extend it further.

BJP summons MPs for visiting Sajjan Kumar's residence

BJP summons MPs for visiting Sajjan Kumar's residence

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

BJP President Nitin Nabin has summoned three Delhi MPs, Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, and Yogender Chandolia, expressing strong displeasure over their controversial visit to the residence of former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, who was convicted in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. This action comes amidst strong condemnation from other BJP leaders and highlights the ongoing political sensitivity surrounding the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

India's tour of Bangladesh set to be postponed again!

India's tour of Bangladesh set to be postponed again!

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Bangladesh Cricket Board president Tamim Iqbal has indicated that India's upcoming cricket tour to Bangladesh, scheduled for September, might be postponed again. Discussions are ongoing between the BCB and BCCI, with the BCB president suggesting dates could be shifted due to a conflicting domestic tournament schedule and past strained relations between the boards.

Ugandan footballer David Owori dies after assault in Kampala

Ugandan footballer David Owori dies after assault in Kampala

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

David Owori, the 28-year-old captain of Ugandan football club SC Villa and an international player, has died after being critically injured in an assault by unidentified assailants in Kampala.

PM's cutout worshipped, 'Modi Chalisa' recited during an event at Press Club

PM's cutout worshipped, 'Modi Chalisa' recited during an event at Press Club

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Press Club of India clarified it did not organise an event where Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cutout was worshipped and a 'Modi Chalisa' was read. The event, organised by the Bihar State Transgender Welfare Board, was stopped by club authorities due to violation of rental terms. The organiser plans to build a temple for PM Modi in Bihar, citing his support for the transgender community.

EPL: Manchester City dig deep as Gvardiol delivers stoppage-time winner vs Bournemouth

EPL: Manchester City dig deep as Gvardiol delivers stoppage-time winner vs Bournemouth

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Manchester City began the post-Pep Guardiola era with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Bournemouth, sealed by Josko Gvardiol's stoppage-time VAR-approved winner.

'I am only leaving...': Shehzad Poonawalla urges BJP to accept his resignation

'I am only leaving...': Shehzad Poonawalla urges BJP to accept his resignation

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla has resigned from all his party positions and primary membership, citing pressing financial and personal circumstances. He had initially offered to resign on July 30, but the party requested him to reconsider. Poonawalla confirmed his final decision on Monday, stating he would move into the private sector but continue to support Prime Minister Modi's vision.

Satyendar Jain says his arrest linked to Punjab polls

Satyendar Jain says his arrest linked to Punjab polls

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain has been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in connection with an alleged corruption case involving the tendering process for sewage treatment plant projects of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). Jain claims the arrest is politically motivated, linking it to the upcoming Punjab Assembly polls. Five other individuals, including a former DJB CEO, were also arrested in the case, which alleges irregularities and favouritism in tender conditions.

Disha Patani Loves To Take A Plunge!

Disha Patani Loves To Take A Plunge!

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Disha Patani has never been one to shy away from a plunging neckline. In fact, deep necks seem to be one of the Awarapan 2 actress' favourite ways to make a fashion statement, and she wears them with the kind of confidence that makes the look feel effortlessly glamorous.

FIFA World Cup: Gun Gesture Celebration Sparks Controversy

FIFA World Cup: Gun Gesture Celebration Sparks Controversy

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Iranian footballer Mohammad Mohebi's goal celebration during a World Cup match against New Zealand sparked controversy after some interpreted his hand gesture as a 'gun signal'. Mohebi denied any political intent, stating it was a spontaneous reaction.

Babita Singh Reporting Review: Cop Movie With A Difference

Babita Singh Reporting Review: Cop Movie With A Difference

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Babita Singh Reporting goes past the messy homes and humming markets to reflect the daredevilry of a protagonist coming into her own. What ensues is a raw and thrilling marriage of momentum and meltdown across awkward inquiries made within junkie hideouts, suspicious relatives, battered classmates and Ravan's effigy, applauds Sukanya Verma.

'No fire alarm, sprinkler failed': Man who lost son in Amravati hospital fire

'No fire alarm, sprinkler failed': Man who lost son in Amravati hospital fire

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

A devastating fire in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a government hospital in Amravati, Maharashtra, resulted in the deaths of three newborns. Eyewitnesses and grieving parents allege that fire alarms remained silent and water sprinklers failed to activate, pointing to severe safety lapses and hospital negligence. While 36 infants were rescued, families are demanding accountability for the tragic loss of life.

Sports Ministry Firm On Asian Games Tennis Selection Criteria

Sports Ministry Firm On Asian Games Tennis Selection Criteria

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Five Indian tennis players were excluded from the Asian Games squad because they did not meet the Sports Ministry's stringent international ranking criteria, a decision that has drawn criticism from veteran players like Rohan Bopanna but is being upheld by authorities to maintain administrative integrity.

Who is Dev Chaudhary, the cricketer at the centre of DPL controversy?

Who is Dev Chaudhary, the cricketer at the centre of DPL controversy?

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

The Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) is set to review a controversial rule allowing DPL franchises to pick three local league players outside the auction, following widespread disrepute caused by the inclusion of cricketer Dev Chaudhary in the New Delhi Tigers squad.

Jio Prime Reintroduction Hints at Looming Tariff Hikes

Jio Prime Reintroduction Hints at Looming Tariff Hikes

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Reliance Jio's reintroduction of Jio Prime membership with a price lock until September 2027 and the retention of its entry-level daily unlimited data plan at ~299 rupees are seen by industry analysts as strong indicators of imminent tariff hikes across the Indian telecom sector.

Robot's Unexpected Hug Sparks AI Safety Debate In China

Robot's Unexpected Hug Sparks AI Safety Debate In China

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

A humanoid robot performing at a university dance event in China startled the crowd when it unexpectedly hugged a female student, prompting a debate about AI safety and autonomous behaviour.

Only those who...: Rijiju clarifies Modi's 'dimagi Naxals' remark

Only those who...: Rijiju clarifies Modi's 'dimagi Naxals' remark

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'dimagi Naxal' (intellectual Naxal) remark, made during his Independence Day address, has ignited a significant political debate, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarifying that the comment targets those who support Maoists and separatists, not opposition leaders, while opposition figures like P Chidambaram have embraced the label in defiance.

Harsimrat hints at SAD-BJP alliance ahead of Punjab polls

Harsimrat hints at SAD-BJP alliance ahead of Punjab polls

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal has hinted at a potential re-alliance with the BJP, expressing a desire for "agreements" that bring progress to Punjab from Delhi. This follows a recent meeting between SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reigniting speculation about the former allies rejoining forces after their 2020 split over farm laws.

US body seeks sanctions against RSS, opposes Mohan Bhagwat's visit

US body seeks sanctions against RSS, opposes Mohan Bhagwat's visit

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended sanctions against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and advised the US government against extending diplomatic courtesies to its leaders. This comes ahead of RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's visit to the US, with USCIRF officials citing allegations of attacks on religious minorities by RSS sub-groups. India has consistently rejected USCIRF's reports as biased and selective.

Prosenjit Chatterjee: The Uttam Kumar I Knew

Prosenjit Chatterjee: The Uttam Kumar I Knew

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

On Uttam Kumar's birth centenary, actor Prosenjit Chatterjee shares intimate memories of the Bengali matinee idol, recounting how 'Uttam-jethu' not only launched his career but also profoundly influenced his father, Biswajit Chatterjee, and remained a guiding force for their family.

Viral letter implicating Champat Rai 'fabricated': Nripendra Misra

Viral letter implicating Champat Rai 'fabricated': Nripendra Misra

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Nripendra Misra, chairman of the Ram temple construction committee, has dismissed a viral unsigned letter attributed to former trust general secretary Champat Rai as "fabricated." The letter purportedly details Misra's significant role and influence in the temple's construction and management, including agency selection and committee decisions, but its authenticity remains unverified.

Bihar Police, Students Clash Over BPSC Exam Demands

Bihar Police, Students Clash Over BPSC Exam Demands

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Thousands of students clashed with Bihar Police in Patna while attempting to march to the chief minister's residence, protesting against the Bihar Public Service Commission's (BPSC) examination system and alleged irregularities.

'Those who oppose 'Vande Mataram' don't know their mother'

'Those who oppose 'Vande Mataram' don't know their mother'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Kerala University vice-chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal on Saturday said those who do not say Vande Mataram do not know who their mother is.

Protests erupt over 3 TN men's death in K'taka forest firing; officials booked

Protests erupt over 3 TN men's death in K'taka forest firing; officials booked

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Tamil Nadu's DMK and PMK parties have called for a thorough investigation into the alleged killing of three Tamil men by Karnataka Forest Department personnel. The incident, which occurred on August 15, has sparked protests and led to an FIR being filed against forest officials, with political leaders demanding justice and compensation for the victims' families.

Asian Games Tennis: India's Top Women's Singles Players Dropped from Squad

Asian Games Tennis: India's Top Women's Singles Players Dropped from Squad

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

India's top women's singles players, including Sahaja Yamalapalli, Vaishnavi Adkar, and Vaidehee Chaudhari, have been excluded from the Asian Games tennis squad after the Sports Ministry pruned the list, leaving the national challenge without its leading singles contenders.

15-year-old dies after rape, abortion bid in J-K; teacher arrested

15-year-old dies after rape, abortion bid in J-K; teacher arrested

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

A 15-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district allegedly died following an abortion attempt after being repeatedly raped by a school teacher, leading to the arrest of the teacher and his brother.