News for 'Spark'

Serena Williams eyeing Wimbledon return?

Serena Williams eyeing Wimbledon return?

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Tennis legend Serena Williams made a winning return to competitive tennis at the Queen's Club WTA event, nearly four years after her last match.

Ruchi Gujjar's Ghoonghat Statement At Cannes

Ruchi Gujjar's Ghoonghat Statement At Cannes

Rediff.com19 May 2026

At the 79th Cannes Film Festival 2026, actress and model Ruchi Gujjar turned one of the world's biggest red carpets into a platform for social commentary.

Vigilance Busts Kerala Doctor For Dual Practice

Vigilance Busts Kerala Doctor For Dual Practice

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Vigilance officials in Kerala have uncovered a case where a government doctor was allegedly engaged in private practice while also receiving a non-practising allowance. The doctor, an associate professor, was found earning an additional Rs 7 lakh monthly from a private hospital, alongside his Rs 3 lakh government salary. This discovery is part of a wider crackdown, with nearly 200 doctors under surveillance.

'Petrol Shortage League'? PSL Sparks Meme Fest

'Petrol Shortage League'? PSL Sparks Meme Fest

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board is adapting the 2026 Pakistan Super League due to a fuel shortage, with matches played without fans and at only two venues.

80 lakh women removed from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

80 lakh women removed from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Around 80 lakh women in Maharashtra have been disqualified from the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme after failing to meet the e-KYC deadline, leading to accusations from opposition parties that the state government is reducing beneficiaries due to financial constraints.

Why Indian Politicians Fear Youth Dissent

Why Indian Politicians Fear Youth Dissent

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

CBSE exams and unemployment are divergent concerns for the middle class and the poor, and the idioms of protest don't speak to all of India's young people, points out Kanika Datta.

Want OpenAI Shares? Read This First

Want OpenAI Shares? Read This First

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Investors should do thorough due diligence when selecting a platform.

Chhattisgarh Double Murder: Elderly Couple Found Dead In Village Home

Chhattisgarh Double Murder: Elderly Couple Found Dead In Village Home

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

An elderly couple, Purushottam Khunte (70) and Goharini Bai (55), were found brutally murdered at their home in Seduras village, Sakti district, Chhattisgarh. Police have launched an investigation, deploying forensic teams and a dog squad, and are exploring all possible angles to identify the assailants.

Romelu Lukaku's late impact helps Belgium rally to hold Egypt

Romelu Lukaku's late impact helps Belgium rally to hold Egypt

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt in their World Cup opener after Romelu Lukaku's second-half introduction led to an own goal. Egypt had taken an early lead through Emam Ashour, and despite Belgium's numerous chances, they struggled to equalise until Lukaku's impact. Both coaches reflected on the match, with Belgium's coach highlighting the importance of their next game against Iran, and Egypt's coach feeling his side was closer to victory.

Kerala CM's Interaction with Landslide Survivor Sparks Political Debate

Kerala CM's Interaction with Landslide Survivor Sparks Political Debate

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's interaction with a young landslide survivor during a township inauguration has ignited a political debate, with CPI (M) leaders contrasting it with PM Modi's earlier interaction with the same girl.

Kerala CM's Interaction with Landslide Survivor Sparks Political Debate

Kerala CM's Interaction with Landslide Survivor Sparks Political Debate

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's interaction with a young landslide survivor during a township inauguration has ignited a political debate, with CPI (M) leaders contrasting it with PM Modi's earlier interaction with the same child.

NCERT to restore 'Dancing Girl' image in school textbook after criticism

NCERT to restore 'Dancing Girl' image in school textbook after criticism

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has altered the iconic 'Dancing Girl' figurine from Mohenjo-daro in its new Class 9 arts textbook, covering its bare torso with shading. This change has drawn criticism for misrepresenting the original artefact and sparking a debate on what is considered 'age-appropriate' in educational materials.

Raut alleges Rs 15-cr offer to poach Maha MPs amid Sena-UBT split buzz

Raut alleges Rs 15-cr offer to poach Maha MPs amid Sena-UBT split buzz

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Speculation is rife about a potential rebellion among MPs of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), with ruling Sena leader Pratap Sarnaik hinting at welcoming dissidents. Despite a Sena (UBT) MP meeting a rival minister and several skipping a party meeting, senior leaders Sanjay Raut and Anil Desai have dismissed the defection rumours, asserting the unity of their parliamentarians.

Delhi Fire Tragedy: Arson Over Rs 80,000 Dispute Kills Three

Delhi Fire Tragedy: Arson Over Rs 80,000 Dispute Kills Three

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Four individuals, including a 17-year-old girl, have been apprehended for their alleged involvement in a deadly fire in Govindpuri, Delhi, which killed three family members and injured eight others. The fire was reportedly set deliberately to "teach a lesson" to a resident over an Rs 80,000 monetary dispute, with the intention of burning his scooter, but it tragically spread throughout the building. CCTV footage was crucial in identifying the suspects and confirming the incident as arson.

DMK to boycott INDIA meet, to sit separately in Lok Sabha

DMK to boycott INDIA meet, to sit separately in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is reportedly set to skip the upcoming INDIA bloc meeting in New Delhi, signalling a growing rift with the Congress party. This development follows a political realignment in Tamil Nadu where Congress allied with the TVK, leading to the end of its long-standing cooperation with the DMK and a request for separate seating in the Lok Sabha.

New York Knicks Victory Leads To Chaotic Celebrations, Bus Fire, And Shooting

New York Knicks Victory Leads To Chaotic Celebrations, Bus Fire, And Shooting

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Thousands of New York Knicks fans celebrated their NBA Finals victory in Midtown Manhattan, leading to chaotic scenes including a World Cup bus being set alight and a teenager suffering a gunshot wound in Times Square. Police eventually intervened to disperse the unruly crowds.

Maharashtra Cyber Police Book Comedians Over 'Obscene' Online Content

Maharashtra Cyber Police Book Comedians Over 'Obscene' Online Content

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Maharashtra Cyber police have registered a case against stand-up comedian Pranit More, web developer Himanshu Jangra, and Dr Sejal Pawar for allegedly disseminating 'obscene and objectionable' content on social media, stemming from remarks made during a comedy show that trivialised consent and disrespected deceased persons.

Ex Pak Cricketer's Second Marriage Sparks Cheating Allegations

Ex Pak Cricketer's Second Marriage Sparks Cheating Allegations

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Former Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim faces serious allegations from ex-wife Sannia Ashfaq after announcing his marriage to influencer Nyla Raja, triggering a public war of words on social media.

PV Sindhu's Indonesia Open Journey Ends With Defeat To World No. 1

PV Sindhu's Indonesia Open Journey Ends With Defeat To World No. 1

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu was defeated by world No. 1 An Se Young in the round of 16 at the Indonesia Open, marking her second consecutive loss to the South Korean and extending her winless streak against her to 10 matches.

Mahant Murder In Kota: Police Probe Trust And Land Dispute

Mahant Murder In Kota: Police Probe Trust And Land Dispute

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

A 35-year-old Mahant, Devanand Van, of Chandrasel Math in Kota was stabbed to death by unidentified persons. Police suspect the murder was due to a dispute over the ownership of the Math's trust and land. Following protests by his kin and followers, authorities have assured a speedy investigation, including an SIT, and have detained several individuals for questioning.

Student's Suicide in Karnataka Sparks Investigation into Defamation Claims

Student's Suicide in Karnataka Sparks Investigation into Defamation Claims

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

An Ayurvedic student in Karnataka allegedly died by suicide after being distressed by defamatory rumours linking her to a lecturer, prompting a police investigation into the allegations of defamation and harassment.

AASU Leader Murdered In Nalbari District Attack

AASU Leader Murdered In Nalbari District Attack

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

An All Assam Students' Union (AASU) leader was killed and his cousin sister critically injured in an attack in Nalbari district, police said on Monday.

Four Booked For Firing At Parked SUV Over Monetary Dispute In Lucknow

Four Booked For Firing At Parked SUV Over Monetary Dispute In Lucknow

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Four individuals have been booked by Lucknow police for allegedly firing at a parked SUV in Gomti Nagar Extension. The incident, which occurred over a monetary dispute, saw multiple bullet marks on the vehicle, though no one was inside at the time. Police have registered a case and are investigating.

Migrant Labourer Lynched In Tamil Nadu After Alleged Misbehaviour

Migrant Labourer Lynched In Tamil Nadu After Alleged Misbehaviour

Rediff.com30 May 2026

A migrant labourer from Assam was beaten to death by a mob in Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, after allegedly misbehaving with a woman. The victim, identified as Prosenjit Das, was staying in a rented room with six other labourers from Assam.

Iran execution shocks ex-athlete, sparks outrage

Iran execution shocks ex-athlete, sparks outrage

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Former Iranian water polo player Reza Soleimani expresses devastation over the execution of wrestler Saleh Mohammadi and voices support for Iranian athletes protesting against the government.

Woman Killed In Tiger Attack Near Bandhavgarh Reserve

Woman Killed In Tiger Attack Near Bandhavgarh Reserve

Rediff.com24 May 2026

A tiger strayed into a residential area near the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, killing a woman and injuring four others. The incident sparked protests by villagers who accused forest officials of negligence.

Woman Killed In Tiger Attack Near Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Woman Killed In Tiger Attack Near Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Rediff.com24 May 2026

A tiger strayed into a residential area near the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, killing a woman and injuring four others. The incident sparked protests by villagers who accused forest officials of negligence.

India summons US envoy, protests strike on ship with 24 Indians; 3 missing

India summons US envoy, protests strike on ship with 24 Indians; 3 missing

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

India has strongly protested a US military strike on the commercial vessel Settebello off the Oman coast, which left three of the 24 Indian crew members missing. The US Central Command stated it disabled the Palau-flagged vessel for violating a blockade of Iranian ports.

Dowry Dispute Turns Wedding Into Tragedy, Bride's Father Dies

Dowry Dispute Turns Wedding Into Tragedy, Bride's Father Dies

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A wedding ceremony in Khatima, Udham Singh Nagar, turned tragic when a dispute over dowry and the 'mehr' amount led to the bride's father suffering a fatal heart attack. Following his death, angry relatives and locals held the groom's party hostage and assaulted them, prompting police intervention to control the situation. An investigation is currently underway.

'There is no comparison between Nehru and Modi'

'There is no comparison between Nehru and Modi'

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Sharad Pawar objected to comparing PM Modi with Jawaharlal Nehru, highlighting Nehru's sacrifices and nation-building contributions.

Rajasthan Police Arrest Man In Forced Conversion, Blackmail Case

Rajasthan Police Arrest Man In Forced Conversion, Blackmail Case

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Police in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, have arrested Shahid Mansuri on charges of forced religious conversion, sexual assault, blackmail, and financial exploitation of a 35-year-old woman. The woman alleged Mansuri befriended her, sexually assaulted her, blackmailed her with videos, forced her conversion and marriage in Delhi, and along with his family, extorted money and valuables from her. An investigation is ongoing to determine the involvement of others and examine financial transactions.

World Cup 2026 fans hit by FIFA's surprise bottle ban

World Cup 2026 fans hit by FIFA's surprise bottle ban

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

FIFA has announced a last-minute change to its Stadium Code of Conduct, prohibiting reusable water bottles and other containers at World Cup venues due to safety concerns. This decision, aimed at preventing injury, has raised questions among fans about coping with heat, though FIFA states measures like cooling stations will be in place.

Bihar Singer Arrested Over Abusive Post Against Chief Minister

Bihar Singer Arrested Over Abusive Post Against Chief Minister

Rediff.com27 May 2026

A local singer in Bihar's Jehanabad district has been arrested for allegedly posting an abusive comment against Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on social media.

Kolkata TMC Councillor Arrested On Molestation Charges

Kolkata TMC Councillor Arrested On Molestation Charges

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

A Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), Biswajit Mondal, has been arrested on charges of assaulting and molesting a woman. The arrest follows a complaint filed on June 1, detailing an incident from March 2024, and comes amidst a series of arrests of KMC councillors on various charges.

BJP leader alleges being told to leave hotel because of 'Kashmiri identity'

BJP leader alleges being told to leave hotel because of 'Kashmiri identity'

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

BJP spokesman Sajid Yousuf Shah claimed he was asked to leave a hotel in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar due to his "Kashmiri identity." Shah expressed sadness over the incident, highlighting persistent stereotypes despite efforts to strengthen bonds between Jammu & Kashmir and India. The National Conference criticised the BJP, stating the incident reflects the "politics of hatred" propagated by the party.

34 Youth Escape Assam Rehab Centre

34 Youth Escape Assam Rehab Centre

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

The youth fled the Live Well De-addiction Centre at Madhupur, a day after videos purportedly showing abuse of inmates at rehabilitation facilities in the district went viral on social media.

Gunmen Open Fire at Yamunanagar Plywood Factory, Sparking Fear

Gunmen Open Fire at Yamunanagar Plywood Factory, Sparking Fear

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Two unidentified individuals fired shots at a plywood factory in Yamunanagar, Haryana, causing panic but no injuries. Police are investigating the incident and examining CCTV footage.

Pune Police Arrest IT Firm CEO After Sudden Closure Leaves 500 Jobless

Pune Police Arrest IT Firm CEO After Sudden Closure Leaves 500 Jobless

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The CEO of Noida-based IT firm ThynkTech India OPC Pvt Ltd has been arrested in connection with the sudden closure of its Pune branch, which left around 500 employees jobless. The company is accused of withholding salaries and financial irregularities.

Operation Tiger: 6-7 Uddhav MPs to form separate bloc; Sena issues whip

Operation Tiger: 6-7 Uddhav MPs to form separate bloc; Sena issues whip

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The Shiv Sena-UBT is facing a significant internal crisis, with reports suggesting that 'six to seven' of its nine Lok Sabha MPs are preparing to form a separate group. MP Arvind Sawant has formally requested Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla not to recognise any such breakaway faction, emphasising the primacy of the political party over its legislative wing.

Didn't know full Vande Mataram would be sung: Satheesan

Didn't know full Vande Mataram would be sung: Satheesan

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan addressed the controversy surrounding the full rendition of Vande Mataram during the UDF government's swearing-in ceremony, stating that neither he nor his colleagues were informed beforehand. The issue has sparked political debate, with the CPI(M) criticising the move and the BJP accusing the Communists of insulting the national song.