News for 'Spark'

Horrific Discovery: Class 9 Girl Found Dead In Dumka

Horrific Discovery: Class 9 Girl Found Dead In Dumka

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

A Class 9 student was found dead near her home in Dumka, Jharkhand, with police suspecting she was raped and murdered. Her body was discovered on Friday night after she went missing from home. Police have launched an investigation and sent the body for post-mortem.

Odisha Police Arrest Tribal Activists Over Mining Protest Clash

Odisha Police Arrest Tribal Activists Over Mining Protest Clash

Rediff.com4 days ago

Two tribal rights activists, Dr Randall Sequeira and Laxman Naik, have been arrested in Odisha's Rayagada district in connection with a six-month-old clash during an anti-mining protest. While police claim the activists instigated tribals to attack security personnel, a civil society group has condemned the arrests, alleging they are an attempt to suppress protests for tribal rights over natural resources. The activists face serious charges including attempt to murder and rioting.

Navratri Day 4: The Best Ways To Wear The Blues

Navratri Day 4: The Best Ways To Wear The Blues

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Discover how to effortlessly elevate your Navratri Day 4 festive look with stunning blue accessories.

Ex-MLA Questioned By CBI In Ankita Bhandari Murder Probe

Ex-MLA Questioned By CBI In Ankita Bhandari Murder Probe

Rediff.com6 days ago

The CBI questioned former MLA Suresh Rathore in Haridwar regarding the Ankita Bhandari murder case, a day after meeting Bhandari's parents. Rathore, who has been expelled from the BJP, denied knowing actress Urmila Sanawar, whose allegations fueled the 'VIP' involvement controversy. The case has seen renewed protests following a governor's appointment and a recommended CBI inquiry earlier this year.

When Mumbai's Streets Were Battlegrounds For Protests

When Mumbai's Streets Were Battlegrounds For Protests

Rediff.com8 hours ago

Marchers would walk four or five abreast through one side of the main Mahatma Gandhi Road, holding red or white banners that stretched from one end to the other, shouting slogans, calling upon passers by, including employees watching from the offices that line the road, to join (Dekhta kya/Shaamil ho), recalls Jyoti Punwani.

'Shami Doesn't Need to Prove Himself'

'Shami Doesn't Need to Prove Himself'

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

Former chief selector M S K Prasad wants Mohammed Shami considered for the New Zealand series and the 2027 ODI World Cup while former bowling coach Bharat Arun says the pacer has nothing left to prove.

Ayodhya fish feast sparks political storm in UP; Yogi targets Ajay Rai

Ayodhya fish feast sparks political storm in UP; Yogi targets Ajay Rai

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

A political controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused state Congress chief Ajay Rai of participating in a fish feast in Ayodhya during the holy month of Shravan, near the Ram temple. Rai has vehemently denied the allegations, challenging Adityanath to provide proof and threatening to resign if proven, while also demanding the CM's resignation if no evidence is found. The Congress party has defended the event, stating it was a Nishad community gathering with their own food traditions.

J-K government orders inquiry into babu's abuse of female officer

J-K government orders inquiry into babu's abuse of female officer

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir government has initiated a thorough inquiry into allegations of misconduct against IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, who is accused of using abusive language towards a female JKAS officer during a recent virtual review meeting, an incident that has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for strict action.

SC to hear plea against Rahul Gandhi for pushing pregnant journalist

SC to hear plea against Rahul Gandhi for pushing pregnant journalist

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear an application alleging that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pushed a pregnant journalist during a march to the apex court on October 12. The matter was mentioned by senior advocate Gaurav Bhatia, who stated the journalist was three months pregnant and required hospitalisation. The court will hear the application on October 26 or October 27, alongside other pleas related to the October 12 march and electoral roll irregularities.

Odisha Teacher Held For Molesting Class V Student

Odisha Teacher Held For Molesting Class V Student

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

A 45-year-old teacher in Balasore, Odisha, was arrested on Saturday for allegedly molesting a Class V girl student during lunch break. The teacher initially denied the allegations but later confessed to the crime, with a video of his confession going viral. He has been booked under the POCSO Act.

Sara Hits The Teer When It Comes To...

Sara Hits The Teer When It Comes To...

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Fresh off the buzz of her latest espionage comedy Udta Teer, Sara Ali Khan is proving that her target isn't just box office success; she is absolutely nailing her style game too.

'Where are Dipke, Neha Bora?' CJP, AISA question Delhi police

'Where are Dipke, Neha Bora?' CJP, AISA question Delhi police

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and AISA have raised concerns over the detention of their leaders, Abhijeet Dipke and Neha Bora, by Delhi Police during protests. Both parties allege their leaders are being held at undisclosed locations and denied access to lawyers, while police confirm detentions were made to maintain law and order.

Delhi celebrates Dussehra as Prez, PM lead festivities

Delhi celebrates Dussehra as Prez, PM lead festivities

Rediff.com3 days ago

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Vice President C P Radhakrishnan attended Dussehra celebrations in New Delhi on Tuesday. Effigies of Ravan, Kumbhkaran, and Meghnath were burnt at various Ramleela grounds, with dignitaries delivering messages on truth, righteousness, and fighting social evils. One committee also burnt a cockroach effigy to symbolise filth, leading to a complaint from AAP Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj.

13 children, all aged under 15, drown after boat capsizes in Bihar

13 children, all aged under 15, drown after boat capsizes in Bihar

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

At least 13 children, all under 15 years old, drowned after a boat carrying over a dozen passengers capsized in the Ganga river in Bihar's Vaishali district, prompting rescue operations and an ex gratia announcement.

Police Thwart Suicide Bid By MCOCA Accused In Beed

Police Thwart Suicide Bid By MCOCA Accused In Beed

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

A 22-year-old accused, Balaji Shinde, booked under MCOCA for a theft case, attempted suicide in a police lockup in Beed, Maharashtra, by making a noose from blanket threads. Alert police personnel foiled the attempt, and Shinde is now stable and receiving medical treatment.

Animal Tonic Repackaged As Child Medicine In Surat, Chemist Arrested

Animal Tonic Repackaged As Child Medicine In Surat, Chemist Arrested

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

A medical store owner in Surat was arrested for allegedly repackaging veterinary liver tonic and selling it as paediatric medicine at double the price, raising serious public health concerns. Police raided his store, seized materials, and registered an FIR.

US pauses Russia sanctions, India tariffs for 60 days

US pauses Russia sanctions, India tariffs for 60 days

Rediff.com5 days ago

The US announced a 60-day pause on sanctions against Russia and tariffs on other countries, including India, to analyse the global economic impact. This decision, made via an executive order by Trump, has drawn significant criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, who had previously passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. US officials stated the waiver allows for assessment of global energy pressures and European allies' refusal to impose secondary sanctions on Russian oil buyers.

IIIT Ranchi Student Found Dead In Hostel, Protests Erupt Over Alleged Negligence

IIIT Ranchi Student Found Dead In Hostel, Protests Erupt Over Alleged Negligence

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

A first-year IIIT Ranchi student was found dead in his hostel room on Sunday, leading to student protests alleging negligence by college authorities in providing timely medical aid. Police are investigating the incident, which preliminary suggests suicide due to exam pressure.

In-form India women eye T20I series whitewash against Zimbabwe in Raipur

In-form India women eye T20I series whitewash against Zimbabwe in Raipur

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Indian women's cricket team is set to complete a 3-0 T20I series sweep against Zimbabwe in the final match in Raipur, buoyed by strong performances from captain Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and debutant Niki Prasad.

ICE detains Indian-origin filmmaker in US

ICE detains Indian-origin filmmaker in US

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Indian-origin filmmaker Arafat Sheikh was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Dulles International Airport. Sheikh, a resident of Alexandria, Virginia, was taken into custody on September 24 despite having a student visa and a pending immigration application, according to the "Free Arafat Sheikh" campaign. ICE is responsible for detaining non-citizens for suspected immigration violations.

Why Congress Workers Clashed With Police In Jaipur

Why Congress Workers Clashed With Police In Jaipur

Rediff.com3 days ago

Congress workers and police clashed outside the Jaipur Police Commissionerate during a protest demanding the registration of a zero FIR regarding the alleged assault on NSUI leader Ritu Barala by Delhi Police. Jaipur Police refused, citing an ongoing investigation in Delhi, while Congress leaders insisted on the legal provision for a zero FIR and accused the BJP government of denying justice. BJP leaders, in turn, called the protest a "political drama."

Punjab anti-drug activist's family refuses last rites, seeks CBI probe

Punjab anti-drug activist's family refuses last rites, seeks CBI probe

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

The family of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, shot dead in Mansa, Punjab, has refused to perform his last rites, demanding justice and a CBI probe. The murder has triggered a political controversy, with opposition leaders criticising the state government's handling of the drug menace and law and order.

Indian Students Eye Space Science Careers After Shubhanshu Shukla's ISS Visit

Indian Students Eye Space Science Careers After Shubhanshu Shukla's ISS Visit

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Following astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's historic visit to the International Space Station, a significant surge in interest for space science careers is observed among Indian students. Srimathy Kesan of Space Kidz India highlights this shift from traditional fields like engineering and medicine, while Nobel laureate Didier Queloz emphasises the crucial role of curious young scientists in shaping the future.

Punjab BJP Leader Accuses AAP Of Law And Order Failure After Anti-Drug Activist Shot Dead

Punjab BJP Leader Accuses AAP Of Law And Order Failure After Anti-Drug Activist Shot Dead

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Senior BJP leader Rana Gurmit Singh has criticised the AAP government in Punjab following the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh alias Jhota in Mansa. Singh accused the government of failing to maintain law and order and questioned its commitment to fighting the drug menace, warning of protests.

10 Married Couples And Their Onscreen Chemistry

10 Married Couples And Their Onscreen Chemistry

Rediff.com3 days ago

From Alia Bhatt-Ranbir Kapoor to Nazriya Nazim-Fahadh Faasil, these real-life celebrity couples have continued their romance on screen after marriage, giving us everything from crackling chemistry to intriguing cinematic collaborations.

Jantar Mantar: From voice of protest to a silenced space

Jantar Mantar: From voice of protest to a silenced space

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Jantar Mantar, a historic protest site in New Delhi, is facing de-notification by Delhi Police, raising concerns about its future as a space for public dissent. The site has been central to numerous significant movements, from Anna Hazare's anti-corruption fast and the Nirbhaya protests to recent agitations over NEET paper leaks and wrestlers' grievances. Its proximity to power centres made it a crucial platform for citizens to voice concerns and demand accountability, a role now threatened by its potential loss of status.

Shaque: Trust No One Review: Untrustworthy Thriller

Shaque: Trust No One Review: Untrustworthy Thriller

Rediff.com2 days ago

Shaque: Trust No One has a promising mystery and enough juicy red herrings to keep you guessing, but its convenient writing and dated clichs eventually derail the show.

Nashik Court Sentences Man To Death For Rape, Murder Of Four-Year-Old

Nashik Court Sentences Man To Death For Rape, Murder Of Four-Year-Old

Rediff.com7 days ago

A fast-track court in Nashik, Maharashtra, has sentenced Vijay Sanjay Khairnar to death for the rape and murder of a four-year-old girl late last year. The court termed the gruesome crime "rarest of the rare" and also ordered Rs 10 lakh financial assistance for the victim's family. The prosecution, led by Ujwal Nikam, relied on circumstantial evidence and witness testimonies to secure the conviction.

Saudi Arabia down UAE to regain Gulf Cup after 22-year wait

Saudi Arabia down UAE to regain Gulf Cup after 22-year wait

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Saudi Arabia defeated the United Arab Emirates 2-0 to win the 27th Gulf Cup, marking their first title in 22 years. Goals from Hammam Al Hammami and Feras Al Brikan secured the victory, with the Saudi team maintaining a clean sheet throughout the tournament.

Palakkad Mob Lynching: Seven Arrested After Man Found Dead Near Dam

Palakkad Mob Lynching: Seven Arrested After Man Found Dead Near Dam

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the alleged mob lynching of an unidentified man in Palakkad, Kerala. The victim's body was discovered near the Moolathara dam, and police suspect he was attacked with stones and wooden planks by the accused, aged 20-25, who claimed he behaved inappropriately towards women. This marks the third alleged mob lynching in the district in recent years.

Eight labourers killed, 12 hurt in Punjab road accident

Eight labourers killed, 12 hurt in Punjab road accident

Rediff.com5 days ago

Eight workers were killed and 12 injured when a speeding car ran them over on the Lehragaga-Jakhal road in Sangrur, Punjab, on Sunday. The incident, which occurred near Alisher village, involved workers engaged under the VB-G RAM G scheme. Allegations of significant ambulance delays have emerged. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for the deceased's families and free treatment for the injured, promising swift arrest of the absconding driver.

Jharkhand govt's move to cancel 44 recruitment exams sparks fresh protests

Jharkhand govt's move to cancel 44 recruitment exams sparks fresh protests

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Jharkhand government has cancelled 44 recruitment examinations conducted by the state Public Service Commission (JPSC) and an outsourced agency since 2014, including the JSSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination, following a 25-day student agitation over alleged irregularities. This decision has led to protests from around 2,000 candidates who had already been appointed to various state government departments after clearing the JSSC-CGL exam.

Shillong violence sparks Assam-Meghalaya road blockade

Shillong violence sparks Assam-Meghalaya road blockade

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Traffic between Assam and Meghalaya was disrupted after Guwahati-based cab operators blocked National Highway-27, protesting alleged attacks on people from Assam during a Khasi Students' Union (KSU) rally in Shillong, which saw 31 vehicles damaged and several pedestrians assaulted.

Anti-Drug Activist Murder: Police Probe Personal Enmity Angle

Anti-Drug Activist Murder: Police Probe Personal Enmity Angle

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead in Mansa, Punjab, on Tuesday. Preliminary police investigation suggests personal enmity as the motive, with a medical store owner, Ashwani Kumar, identified as the main accused. Police are conducting a manhunt for Kumar, whose associate has been arrested and family members detained. The murder has led to protests and vandalism.

Gurugram Man Arrested For Allegedly Pushing Wife To Death

Gurugram Man Arrested For Allegedly Pushing Wife To Death

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

A 30-year-old man has been arrested in Meerut for allegedly pushing his wife to her death from a second-floor balcony in Gurugram following a domestic dispute. The victim, Pallavi Yadav, succumbed to her injuries after being shifted to a Meerut hospital. The accused, Dharmendra alias Akash, was remanded in police custody.

Social Media Influencer Arrested In Palghar For Rape, 'Love Jihad' Allegations

Social Media Influencer Arrested In Palghar For Rape, 'Love Jihad' Allegations

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

A 22-year-old social media influencer and gym trainer, Arif Ayub Shaikh, has been arrested in Palghar, Maharashtra, on charges of rape, physical abuse, and attempting to force a woman to convert her religion under the guise of marriage. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has labelled the case as "love jihad," alleging a larger network exploiting young Hindu girls in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Police recovered over 100 explicit video clips from Shaikh's phone, with some potentially distributed abroad.

Family alleges police barred Dipke from grandmother's funeral; cops deny

Family alleges police barred Dipke from grandmother's funeral; cops deny

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) convenor Abhijeet Dipke was detained by Delhi Police ahead of a protest, leading to him missing his grandmother's funeral. His family alleges police denied release requests, while police claim they offered assistance. The CJP continues its protest against the Chief Election Commissioner over alleged voter roll irregularities.

Manchester City seek to extend winning run as financial case clouds Premier League race

Manchester City seek to extend winning run as financial case clouds Premier League race

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Manchester City aim to extend their perfect Premier League start against Ipswich as financial uncertainty clouds their title charge, while Arsenal chase, Liverpool seek revival and United battle struggles.

'No place in sport': UN backs Coco Gauff after abuse

'No place in sport': UN backs Coco Gauff after abuse

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

The UN Human Rights office has condemned the online racist abuse directed at American tennis player Coco Gauff following a replayed point at the China Open. Gauff revealed she received significant racist messages, prompting the WTA to offer support and monitor the abuse. The UN called for unity against racial and sexist abuse in sports.

Rahul Gandhi didn't push me, clarifies Shivakumar

Rahul Gandhi didn't push me, clarifies Shivakumar

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has refuted claims that Rahul Gandhi pushed him during a protest march in Delhi, clarifying that Gandhi was concerned for his safety. This comes after a viral video sparked a political slugfest between the Congress and the BJP, with the latter accusing Gandhi of insulting the state.