News for 'Spark'

FIFA World Cup: A B De Villiers Salutes South Africa's World Cup March

FIFA World Cup: A B De Villiers Salutes South Africa's World Cup March

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

South Africa reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time after a 1-0 win over South Korea.

Maharashtra speaker gets Lata Mangeshkar's father's name wrong, apologises

Maharashtra speaker gets Lata Mangeshkar's father's name wrong, apologises

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar has expressed regret for incorrectly uttering certain Marathi words while reading obituary references in the House. He attributed the error to technical issues and an unclear printed copy, stating he had no intention of hurting sentiments, following criticism from MNS chief Raj Thackeray regarding the mispronunciation of names like Asha Bhosle and Deenanath Mangeshkar.

700,000 snapped up! Free FIFA World Cup 'fan bands' go viral

700,000 snapped up! Free FIFA World Cup 'fan bands' go viral

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Free, customizable "fan bands" have become the unexpected must-have souvenir at the 2026 World Cup, with over 700,000 distributed. Sponsored by Bank of America, these charm wristlets feature subtle branding and have gone viral, even appearing on resale platforms. This marketing strategy offers a counterpoint to the tournament's high ticket and merchandise prices, proving that unique, free items can create significant fan engagement and brand visibility.

Rs 370 biryani remark row: NCW rejects comic Pranit More's apology

Rs 370 biryani remark row: NCW rejects comic Pranit More's apology

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

The National Commission for Women (NCW) rejected apologies from stand-up comedians Pranit More, Madhur Virli, and audience member Himanshu Jangra regarding alleged objectionable and misogynistic content against women. The commission emphasised that freedom of speech does not justify normalising the violation of women's bodily autonomy or trivialising heinous crimes. The controversy stemmed from a viral video where Jangra's 'Rs 370 biryani' remark, implying expected intimacy for a date, drew widespread backlash.

Third Test: England respond in style after Latham-Conway onslaught

Third Test: England respond in style after Latham-Conway onslaught

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Ben Duckett led England's reply with a brisk counterattack as the hosts reached 73 for 1 at tea on Day 2 of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge on Friday, responding to the tourists' 438.

Football's race problem resurfaces after Garcia's Senegal remarks

Football's race problem resurfaces after Garcia's Senegal remarks

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Rudi Garcia's comments about Senegal's tactical structure, along with other pundit remarks, have reignited scrutiny over racially coded language in World Cup commentary, drawing criticism from scholars and anti-racism advocates who argue such language perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Black players and African teams.

Social Media Influencer's Remarks Spark Outrage and Arrest in Pilibhit

Social Media Influencer's Remarks Spark Outrage and Arrest in Pilibhit

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

A social media influencer in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, was arrested after allegedly making derogatory remarks against the Valmiki community in a video posted online, leading to protests and road blockades.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Red card rage costs Paraguayan commentator his World Cup pass

FIFA World Cup 2026: Red card rage costs Paraguayan commentator his World Cup pass

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

A football commentator has been stripped of his World Cup credentials by FIFA after an expletive-laden tirade against the organisation and match officials during Paraguay's 1-0 victory over Turkey when Miguel Almiron was sent off.

'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.

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.

Maradona's legendary 'Hand of God' match ball awaits new keeper

Maradona's legendary 'Hand of God' match ball awaits new keeper

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The match ball from Argentina's 1986 World Cup quarterfinal against England - made famous by Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal - is set to go up for auction with a $2.5-million opening bid, Heritage Auctions said.

Sooryavanshi Fever Grips Belfast as Teen Star Shines in First India Nets

Sooryavanshi Fever Grips Belfast as Teen Star Shines in First India Nets

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

India's preparations for the Ireland T20Is were briefly disrupted by practice facility issues in Belfast, but teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stole the spotlight with an impressive first net session that sparked excitement among local Indian fans.

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.

IIT-Kanpur hires 19-year-old ethical hacker who exposed CBSE's OSM flaws

IIT-Kanpur hires 19-year-old ethical hacker who exposed CBSE's OSM flaws

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

A 19-year-old self-described ethical hacker who exposed the alleged security gaps in CBSE's on-screen marking system (OSM) was recruited by IIT-Kanpur's cybersecurity research hub, an official said on Thursday.

How The World Cup Is Fueling California's Soccer Growth

How The World Cup Is Fueling California's Soccer Growth

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The San Jose Earthquakes, despite their strong season, are making way for the U.S. national team as California hosts World Cup knockout matches. This event is seen as a significant opportunity to showcase soccer's global appeal and accelerate its growth in the state, which already boasts a thriving football culture driven by its diverse population and numerous professional teams.

Doku leaves Belgium World Cup camp, welcomes baby boy

Doku leaves Belgium World Cup camp, welcomes baby boy

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Manchester City and Belgium footballer Jeremy Doku became a father, welcoming a baby boy named Praise with his wife Shireen. He temporarily left the national team's FIFA World Cup camp in the USA to be present for the birth in London, a decision supported by the Belgian Football Association despite some public criticism.

Quinones, Jimenez fire Mexico into last 16 with historic World Cup win

Quinones, Jimenez fire Mexico into last 16 with historic World Cup win

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Mexico ended a 40-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout victory as Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored in a 2-0 win over Ecuador, sending the co-hosts into the last 16 amid emotional scenes at the Azteca Stadium.

Explained: The controversy behind South Korea's World Cup elimination

Explained: The controversy behind South Korea's World Cup elimination

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

South Korea's World Cup group-stage exit has sparked a nationwide football crisis, with coach Hong Myung-bo resigning, President Lee Jae Myung ordering an investigation, and growing calls for sweeping reforms within the Korea Football Association.

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.

Decoding Vijay-Trisha's Romance

Decoding Vijay-Trisha's Romance

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Explore the fascinating journey of Tamil cinema's iconic duo, Vijay and Trisha, from their blockbuster films to persistent rumours of their link-up.

Paraguay eliminate four-time champions Germany after penalty shoot-out

Paraguay eliminate four-time champions Germany after penalty shoot-out

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Paraguay achieved a stunning upset by eliminating four-time World champions Germany from the World Cup in a penalty shootout. After a 1-1 draw in their Round of 32 match, Paraguay secured a 4-3 victory in the shootout, with Jose Canale scoring the decisive kick.

'Lead federal budget', jokes Vance as Usha's $8 dress goes viral

'Lead federal budget', jokes Vance as Usha's $8 dress goes viral

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

US Second Lady Usha Vance's USD 8 maternity dress, purchased from Old Navy, has become a topic of discussion after a New York Times fashion column analysed its political symbolism. Her husband, JD Vance, jokingly suggested she lead the federal budget due to her frugality, while Usha Vance herself used humour to dismiss the article's interpretation, highlighting the discounted price of her attire.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Scandinavia split over Norway's signature Viking row celebration

FIFA World Cup 2026: Scandinavia split over Norway's signature Viking row celebration

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Norway's success at the World Cup has triggered euphoria at home, but the team's trademark "Viking row" celebration is beginning to test the patience of their Scandinavian neighbours, drawing shrugs from Sweden and envy from Denmark.

Adah Sharma Is The Governor Of Quirk!

Adah Sharma Is The Governor Of Quirk!

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Adah Sharma has never been one to play it safe. While most people use accessories as finishing touches, she often turns them into the main event.

Speeding Tanker Kills Three Funeral Attendees in Kanpur, Sparking Protest

Speeding Tanker Kills Three Funeral Attendees in Kanpur, Sparking Protest

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Three men were killed in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, when a speeding milk tanker struck their motorcycle while they were on their way to attend a funeral. The incident sparked protests and traffic disruption.

KEM student sent on leave over remarks at Pranit More's show

KEM student sent on leave over remarks at Pranit More's show

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Mumbai's KEM Hospital has placed MBBS student Sejal Pawar on compulsory leave for 15 days following her controversial remarks about male cadavers during a stand-up comedy show. The hospital has initiated a detailed inquiry, forming a five-member committee to investigate the matter, which sparked widespread social media outrage.

T20 World Cup: Mother sold her jewellery to buy me cricket kit: Kranti Gaud

T20 World Cup: Mother sold her jewellery to buy me cricket kit: Kranti Gaud

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Despite becoming a regular member of the Indian women's cricket team, pacer Kranti Gaud has not forgotten her roots and the sacrifices that her parents made to support her career and she wants to repay their faith by excelling at the ongoing T20 World Cup in Manchester.

One Held For Objectionable Remarks On Ambedkar

One Held For Objectionable Remarks On Ambedkar

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

One person has been arrested in Balrampur for allegedly posting objectionable remarks about Dr B R Ambedkar on social media. The arrest followed a complaint by the Bhim Army district president, leading to a case registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and IT Act against three individuals. Police are continuing their investigation to apprehend the other accused.

Hosting wife's birthday party on bridge lands couple in trouble

Hosting wife's birthday party on bridge lands couple in trouble

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

A lavish midnight birthday celebration on Guwahati's Kumar Bhaskar Varma Bridge led to the detention of businessman Gautam Baruah, his wife Karabi Baruah, and 12 others, with four luxury vehicles seized, after viral videos prompted a police investigation into alleged traffic and public safety violations.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast's Pepe rewrites his story with stunning return

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast's Pepe rewrites his story with stunning return

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Nicolas Pepe justified his World Cup selection with two goals on Thursday, coming out of the cold to restore his reputation as a key striker for the Ivory Coast.

IPL 2027: Hardik Pandya's Mumbai Indians exit looms amid KKR, Royals trade talks

IPL 2027: Hardik Pandya's Mumbai Indians exit looms amid KKR, Royals trade talks

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Hardik Pandya is reportedly on his way out of Mumbai Indians, with Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals showing interest in a potential trade. Discussions are ongoing, particularly with KKR, where Pandya could secure a captaincy role, unlike with RR.

FIFA World Cup: Germany Players, Coach Divided After Shock Ecuador Defeat

FIFA World Cup: Germany Players, Coach Divided After Shock Ecuador Defeat

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Germany's 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in the World Cup knockout stage sparked a disagreement between coach Julian Nagelsmann and players Joshua Kimmich and Deniz Undav. While the players felt Ecuador 'wanted it more', Nagelsmann strongly rejected this assessment, urging the team to learn and improve for their next match.

Woman's Death at Hotel Sparks Investigation

Woman's Death at Hotel Sparks Investigation

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

A 40-year-old woman from Delhi died under suspicious circumstances at a five-star hotel in Pantnagar. Police are investigating the incident and have taken her business associate into custody for questioning.

Austria, Algeria in knockouts after thrilling draw; Iran out

Austria, Algeria in knockouts after thrilling draw; Iran out

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Austria and Algeria played out a dramatic 3-3 draw in their final World Cup Group J match, with two stoppage-time goals ensuring both teams progressed to the Round of 32, while eliminating Iran. Argentina topped the group, with Austria finishing second and Algeria advancing as a best third-placed side.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Haaland goals vs Iraq send shockwaves through Norwegian city

FIFA World Cup 2026: Haaland goals vs Iraq send shockwaves through Norwegian city

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Erling Haaland's first-half double for Norway in Tuesday's 4-1 World Cup win over Iraq literally shook the Nordic country, with seismology institute NORSAR registering earth tremors in the coastal city of Bergen when he scored on his tournament debut.

Man Impersonating IB Official Held In J&K's Kathua

Man Impersonating IB Official Held In J&K's Kathua

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Police in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir, have arrested a man identified as Ankush for allegedly impersonating an Intelligence Bureau (IB) official. He was apprehended after being intercepted and found with a fake identity card, following which he was taken into custody for questioning.

Eustaquio's late strike takes Canada past South Africa to World Cup last 16

Eustaquio's late strike takes Canada past South Africa to World Cup last 16

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Stephen Eustaquio scored a dramatic 92nd-minute goal to secure a 1-0 victory for Canada over South Africa, propelling the co-hosts into the World Cup last 16 for the first time. The tense match in Los Angeles saw few clear chances until Eustaquio's late strike, ending Canada's frustration and sending them to face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the quarter-finals. South Africa, despite a strong defensive effort, exited the tournament.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Visa cleared, Cape Verde star Vozinha's mother ready for reunion

FIFA World Cup 2026: Visa cleared, Cape Verde star Vozinha's mother ready for reunion

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The mother of Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha will finally get to watch her son play at the World Cup after receiving a visa to travel to the United States, following his tearful revelation that she missed his heroics against Spain due to travel issues.

ATS Nabs Ivory Coast National With Rs 1.39 Crore Cocaine

ATS Nabs Ivory Coast National With Rs 1.39 Crore Cocaine

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

An Ivory Coast national has been arrested in Palghar, Maharashtra, by the Anti-Terrorist Cell for possessing 278 grams of cocaine worth Rs 1.39 crore. The accused, N' Guessan Marc Koffi, was apprehended following a raid based on specific intelligence, and police are investigating his potential links to a larger drug trafficking network.

Remarks against St Francis Xavier spark outrage in Goa

Remarks against St Francis Xavier spark outrage in Goa

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

A political row has erupted in Goa after a right-wing speaker allegedly made objectionable remarks against St. Francis Xavier, Goa's patron saint, leading to a police complaint and demands for his arrest.