News for 'Spark'

Maha minister calls Operation Blue Star a 'black day', sparks row

Maha minister calls Operation Blue Star a 'black day', sparks row

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan has ignited a political controversy by labelling Operation Blue Star a 'black day' and referring to those killed as 'martyrs', while criticising former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and likening the military action to an invasion.

At his age, I had...: Kangana vs CJP leader over Gen Z post

At his age, I had...: Kangana vs CJP leader over Gen Z post

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut and Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Saurav Das have engaged in a sharp verbal exchange, escalating the controversy surrounding Ranaut's 'Generation gutter' remarks aimed at young protesters.

Bihar MP's Comments On Women Spark Outrage

Bihar MP's Comments On Women Spark Outrage

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Bihar MP Rajesh Ranjan, also known as Pappu Yadav, has faced criticism for his controversial remarks regarding women's reservation in Parliament, with his comments sparking outrage and prompting a notice from the Bihar Women's Commission.

I Did Not Have Surgery: Amitabh Bachchan

I Did Not Have Surgery: Amitabh Bachchan

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has clarified that he is 'fine' and did not undergo any surgery, attributing recent health concerns among fans to a 'misunderstood post' where he was drawing a parallel between a champion's loss and the recovery period after an ICU incident.

'Clicky Ponting' Suspended for Finger-Clicking Trickery

'Clicky Ponting' Suspended for Finger-Clicking Trickery

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

An English amateur cricketer, nicknamed 'Clicky Ponting', has been suspended by his club, Saltburn Cricket Club, following allegations of finger-clicking trickery to deceive umpires during a Division Two game.

Manisha Koirala: 'When I Returned From Cancer Treatment, He Called Me Home'

Manisha Koirala: 'When I Returned From Cancer Treatment, He Called Me Home'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

'...there was a big party. The way he hugged me, I understood that deep friendship. And he understood the pain that I had gone through during my cancer.'

UK Sikh man's conviction sparks riots, scrutiny of kirpan laws

UK Sikh man's conviction sparks riots, scrutiny of kirpan laws

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Large crowds gathered in Southampton on Tuesday evening as officers from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary stood in riot gear near the home of Vickrum Digwa, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for stabbing 18-year-old Henry Nowak to death.

Sushmita Dev's 'lungiwala' slur against CPM MP Brittas rocks Rajya Sabha

Sushmita Dev's 'lungiwala' slur against CPM MP Brittas rocks Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned following an uproar over an alleged derogatory 'lungiwala' remark made by BJP MP Sushmita Dev against CPI(M)'s John Brittas, who had moved a privilege motion. Dev denied the accusation, stating she had not cast aspersions on any state's attire.

Nanded: Sukhbir Badal injured in kirpan attack, probe ordered

Nanded: Sukhbir Badal injured in kirpan attack, probe ordered

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal sustained a minor injury to his right hand after being attacked with a kirpan by a Nihang member inside a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. The assailant has been arrested, and SAD leaders are demanding a CBI probe into what they term an intelligence failure.

Oppn raises 'Amit Shah absent', chanda chori banners at Parl

Oppn raises 'Amit Shah absent', chanda chori banners at Parl

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Opposition MPs, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, staged a protest in the Parliament House complex against alleged donation theft at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and "police excesses" against student protesters. The INDIA bloc vowed to continue their agitation, demanding accountability from the government, particularly Home Minister Amit Shah, on these issues.

'FIFA President Gianni Infantino Must Resign Now'

'FIFA President Gianni Infantino Must Resign Now'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) President Lise Klaveness has called for the immediate resignation of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, stating he 'does not have the institutional trust required to govern FIFA stably' and that 'there is no going back for Gianni Infantino'.

Rahul hugs Cong leader, calls it Modi's foreign policy. Then comes Meloni jibe

Rahul hugs Cong leader, calls it Modi's foreign policy. Then comes Meloni jibe

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the BJP-RSS, labelling them a "bunch of jokers" with no understanding of India, and criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy as merely "hugging leaders." He also claimed the RSS has become an instrument of large capital, serving Adani and Ambani, and vowed that the Congress would keep pressure on the government until Modi and Shah resign. The BJP hit back, calling Gandhi immature and out of depth.

NEET row: Mumbai cop shunted after drug threat to student protesters

NEET row: Mumbai cop shunted after drug threat to student protesters

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The Mumbai police on Thursday ordered a probe and removed a police driver from the duty roster after a viral video purportedly showed him threatening student protesters with false narcotics charges if they returned to demonstrate.

Japan Arms Policy Shift Sparks China Ire

Japan Arms Policy Shift Sparks China Ire

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Beijing has been wary of Sanae Takaichi's efforts to boost Japan's military profile since taking office six months ago, points out Dr Rajaram Panda.

Siddaramaiah to resign tomorrow? Meeting with guv sparks speculation

Siddaramaiah to resign tomorrow? Meeting with guv sparks speculation

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has requested a meeting with the Governor, intensifying speculation about a potential change in leadership, with rumours suggesting he may resign to allow his deputy, D K Shivakumar, to take over.

CINTAA Crisis: Poonam Dhillon Defends Herself: 'You Won't Believe How Vulgar The Allegations Were'

CINTAA Crisis: Poonam Dhillon Defends Herself: 'You Won't Believe How Vulgar The Allegations Were'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Cine and TV Artistes Association President Poonam Dhillon has strongly refuted allegations of misusing her position, calling them 'deeply offensive' and stemming from disgruntled CINTAA members who failed to get their way through legal proceedings.

How Young Players Sparked Kohli's Batting Reinvention In IPL 2026

How Young Players Sparked Kohli's Batting Reinvention In IPL 2026

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Virat Kohli credits the influence of young players for his T20 reinvention and fastest IPL fifty, leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second successive trophy. He highlights the team's depth and shared responsibility in securing the IPL title.

Sheikh Abdullah's Ouster Began J&K's Long Road To 2019

Sheikh Abdullah's Ouster Began J&K's Long Road To 2019

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's dismissal and arrest on August 9, 1953 marked a decisive shift in the Centre-J&K power equation. Seven decades later, the erosion of the state's special constitutional position culminated in the August 5, 2019 changes, notes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

Assam Floods: Teen Saved His Puppy But Lost His Life

Assam Floods: Teen Saved His Puppy But Lost His Life

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The family had regarded the puppy as another member of the household, but never imagined the boy would risk his own life to save it.

Trump signs new executive orders on birthright citizenship despite SC setback

Trump signs new executive orders on birthright citizenship despite SC setback

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

US President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at cracking down on 'birth tourism' and limiting eligibility for birthright citizenship, weeks after the Supreme Court rejected a similar directive.

FIFA opens proceedings against Argentina over Falklands message, post-final brawl

FIFA opens proceedings against Argentina over Falklands message, post-final brawl

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

FIFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina's football association (AFA) and its players for several alleged breaches at the World Cup, including the holding up of a banner asserting sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.

What Sparked The Deadly Clash In Delhi's Rohini?

What Sparked The Deadly Clash In Delhi's Rohini?

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Two minors were killed and another injured in a violent clash between two groups in Delhi's Rohini area, triggered by a past rivalry and suspicions of harbouring individuals involved in a previous murder case.

How can stones reveal CJP protesters' identity? BJP minister has an answer

How can stones reveal CJP protesters' identity? BJP minister has an answer

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Maharashtra BJP minister Chandrakant Patil claimed Delhi Police are collecting fingerprints from stones used in the CJP agitation and linking them to Aadhaar numbers for protester identification and background checks. This statement, made in Kolhapur, drew sharp criticism and mockery from Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, who suggested Patil be nominated for a Nobel Prize for his "scientific innovation." The CJP protest at Jantar Mantar involved clashes and stone-pelting over examination paper leaks.

'Same feeling in India': Cong leader's remarks on Trump event shooting sparks row

'Same feeling in India': Cong leader's remarks on Trump event shooting sparks row

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

A controversy has erupted over remarks made by Maharashtra MLA Vijay Wadettiwar regarding the shooting incident at an event attended by former US President Donald Trump. The BJP has demanded a condemnation from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging that Wadettiwar justified the incident and is hoping for a similar attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Bangladesh PM seeks Hasina's extradition in meeting with Indian envoy

Bangladesh PM seeks Hasina's extradition in meeting with Indian envoy

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Bangladesh has once again sought the extradition of former premier Sheikh Hasina from India during High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi's first meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka, amidst fresh strains in ties between the two countries following Hasina's controversial virtual media interaction in New Delhi.

'Sorry mummy, they call me manhoos'; Woman blames inlaws for suicide

'Sorry mummy, they call me manhoos'; Woman blames inlaws for suicide

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

A government teacher, Srishti Kandari, died by suicide in Dehradun, leaving behind a heartbreaking video alleging dowry harassment and mental torture by her in-laws. Her husband and in-laws have been booked for dowry death after the video went viral, detailing her six months of suffering.

Former India Hockey Captain Pargat Singh criticises saffron jersey, alleges BJP's 'petty mindset'

Former India Hockey Captain Pargat Singh criticises saffron jersey, alleges BJP's 'petty mindset'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Congress MLA and former India Hockey Captain Pargat Singh has criticised the change in the Indian hockey team's national jersey colour from blue to saffron, alleging it reflects the BJP's mindset of 'giving everything a particular colour' and urging a focus on sports development instead.

BJP-SAD to reunite? Badal backs delimitation bill after Modi meet

BJP-SAD to reunite? Badal backs delimitation bill after Modi meet

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has called for the immediate passage of the women's reservation bill and the delimitation bill, advocating for a uniform 50 per cent increase in seats for all states to ensure fair and equitable representation.

Meet Prashant Kishor's Wife, Jahnavi Das

Meet Prashant Kishor's Wife, Jahnavi Das

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Prashant Kishor and Dr Jahnavi Das first met while working on a United Nations public health initiative.

Why is Bhutia angry over India's Brazil match?

Why is Bhutia angry over India's Brazil match?

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The All India Football Federation's decision to field two separate teams for the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup and an international friendly against Brazil has sparked controversy.

Awarapan 2 Review: Emraan Hashmi Goes Massy

Awarapan 2 Review: Emraan Hashmi Goes Massy

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Awarapan 2 may give Emraan Hashmi the massy comeback his fans have been waiting for, but nostalgia can only do so much, notes Sreeju Sudhakaran.

Have You Met Dr Rani Mukerji?

Have You Met Dr Rani Mukerji?

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Rani Mukerji is set to receive an honorary Doctor of Letters from La Trobe University at the 2026 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, acknowledging her profound impact on Indian cinema and dedicated humanitarian efforts.

Shiv Sena corporator held for attack on docs, admitted to ICU with chest pain

Shiv Sena corporator held for attack on docs, admitted to ICU with chest pain

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

A Shiv Sena corporator, Ramesh Mhatre, arrested for assaulting two doctors in Thane, was admitted to the ICU after complaining of chest pain. Medical professionals protested his actions, demanding security for healthcare workers, even as they provided him treatment.

No regular FIR against girl who abused Modi at Delhi protest

No regular FIR against girl who abused Modi at Delhi protest

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Earlier, the girl issued an apology video on social media on Saturday saying she had been "influenced."

Gurindervir Singh's Record Run Sparks Sub-10 Second Hopes

Gurindervir Singh's Record Run Sparks Sub-10 Second Hopes

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Gurindervir Singh's record-breaking 10.09-second run in the 100m at the Federation Cup National Championships has ignited hopes for Indian athletes to finally break the coveted sub-10-second barrier. Experts believe that with the right training, equipment, and opportunities, an Indian sprinter could achieve this milestone in the near future.

Hyderabad teacher booked for giving 'Islamic homework' to Hindu student

Hyderabad teacher booked for giving 'Islamic homework' to Hindu student

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

An FIR has been registered against a teacher and others at a private school in Hyderabad after a Hindu student was allegedly assigned "Islamic religious practices" as homework. The incident sparked outrage from political and religious groups, leading to the teacher's termination.

Minor Brawl Erupts After Spain Beats Argentina in World Cup Final

Minor Brawl Erupts After Spain Beats Argentina in World Cup Final

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

A brief brawl erupted at the final whistle of the World Cup final after Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina, sparked by Argentina's Leandro Paredes shoving Spain's Gavi, leading to intervention from Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.

Phone Snatching From BJP MLA Sparks Political Storm

Phone Snatching From BJP MLA Sparks Political Storm

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Unidentified men allegedly snatched the mobile phone of BJP MLA Dharamlal Kaushik during his morning walk in Raipur, leading to a political row over law and order in Chhattisgarh.

NDA MP condemns use of AK-47 on student protesters in Bihar

NDA MP condemns use of AK-47 on student protesters in Bihar

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Shambhavi Choudhary, an MP from the Lok Jan Shakti Party (Ram Vilas), has condemned the alleged use of AK-47 rifles and lathicharge against student protesters in Bihar. While acknowledging the presence of anti-social elements, she emphasised the right to peaceful protest. The condemnation follows a police constable's suspension for allegedly using an AK-47 during a protest in Siwan, Bihar, amidst widespread demonstrations against the NEET paper leak.

Security guard held, protests erupt after sexual assault on 8-year-old girl

Security guard held, protests erupt after sexual assault on 8-year-old girl

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

An 8-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by a security guard in Mumbai's Pydhonie area, leading to his arrest and widespread public protests. Hundreds gathered outside the police station, demanding swift justice and stricter laws, drawing attention from political figures like MLA Rohit Pawar.