News for 'Country Head'

AI Poses Grave National Security Risks, Says MI5 Head

AI Poses Grave National Security Risks, Says MI5 Head

Rediff.com3 days ago

MI5 Director General Ken McCallum has issued a stark warning about artificial intelligence "supercharging" cybersecurity challenges and national security risks. He revealed that terrorists are already exploiting AI for attack capabilities and announced the launch of the AI Threat Assessment Centre (AITAC). McCallum also highlighted a fourfold increase in threats from hostile states like Russia, Iran, and China, urging public resilience.

8 Countries Where Lord Ganesha Is Worshipped

8 Countries Where Lord Ganesha Is Worshipped

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Over centuries, the beloved deity travelled across Asia, acquiring new names, forms and traditions along the way.

Check Point Software Appoints Krishnan V V To Lead India And South Asia Operations

Check Point Software Appoints Krishnan V V To Lead India And South Asia Operations

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Check Point Software Technologies has appointed Krishnan V V as its Managing Director and Country Head for India and South Asia. He will be responsible for business strategy, P&L, go-to-market execution, and organisational development, leveraging his three decades of leadership experience in the cybersecurity and technology sectors.

Xi calls on BRICS countries to help end war in West Asia

Xi calls on BRICS countries to help end war in West Asia

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the BRICS summit, urging the bloc to play a significant role in achieving peace and tranquillity in West Asia and the Gulf region. He highlighted BRICS' growth over two decades, its efforts in tackling global challenges, and its steadfastness in safeguarding the interests of the Global South. Xi called for opposing the Cold War mentality, strengthening multilateralism, and promoting cooperation in emerging domains like AI, as China prepares to chair the next summit.

BCCI to Prioritise Rest, Practice Matches for India Tours to SENA Countries

BCCI to Prioritise Rest, Practice Matches for India Tours to SENA Countries

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

The BCCI is committed to improving player preparation for major series in South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia (SENA countries) by ensuring adequate rest, acclimatisation, and practice matches, according to secretary Devajit Saikia.

Ganguly breaks silence on Delhi Capitals role, conflict of interest

Ganguly breaks silence on Delhi Capitals role, conflict of interest

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Sourav Ganguly has confirmed his new role as head coach for Delhi Capitals for the 2027 IPL season, replacing Hemang Badani. He addressed potential conflict of interest concerns regarding his concurrent presidency of the Cricket Association of Bengal, citing a BCCI ombudsman order. Ganguly also commented on India's football performance and congratulated PM Narendra Modi.

Sports Ministry Unveils Enhanced Financial Aid For NSFs

Sports Ministry Unveils Enhanced Financial Aid For NSFs

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Sports Ministry has revised its Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF), significantly increasing financial support for organising international events in India, with up to Rs 50 crore available. The new guidelines also maintain funding for National Championships, introduce assistance for National Games, and outline plans for Olympic Training Centres, aligning with India's 2036 Olympic bid and 2030 Commonwealth Games aspirations.

10 Jobs AI Can't Replace Anytime Soon

10 Jobs AI Can't Replace Anytime Soon

Rediff.com3 days ago

While AI can help automate routine, repetitive tasks, jobs that require high emotional intelligence, communication skills, creativity and the ability to work in unpredictable situations are likely to withstand the rise of AI, says Kumar Rajagopalan, vice president (strategic initiatives) and country head (India), at Dexian, a global provider of IT consulting, digital transformation and workforce solutions.

How Technology Can End Exam Paper Leaks, Says Nandan Nilekani

How Technology Can End Exam Paper Leaks, Says Nandan Nilekani

Rediff.com4 days ago

Nandan Nilekani, head of the task force on exam reforms, stated on Tuesday that technology and a systematic approach can solve the issue of question paper leaks. He suggested generating exam papers from a large question bank at the last minute to remove economic incentives for leaks and also proposed moving towards computer-based testing.

Andrew Flintoff resigns as England Lions head coach

Andrew Flintoff resigns as England Lions head coach

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has resigned from his position as head coach of the England Lions, opting to focus on his coaching commitments with Australia's Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.

Kavya Maran, Anirudh to Wed! What We Know So Far

Kavya Maran, Anirudh to Wed! What We Know So Far

Rediff.com1 hour ago

Sunrisers Hyderabad co-owner Kavya Maran and music composer Anirudh Ravichander are reportedly set to hold their wedding reception in Chennai on November 21. The event is expected to draw prominent political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Ministers from Telangana and Tamil Nadu, who have been personally invited by the Maran family. While the reception date is confirmed, reports of a Greece wedding on November 11 remain unconfirmed.

Former Bengal MP among SIR-hit voters depose before panel of retired judges

Former Bengal MP among SIR-hit voters depose before panel of retired judges

Rediff.com1 days ago

A panel of retired Supreme Court and High Court judges, part of an Independent Commission on Special Intensive Revision (SIR), held a public hearing on Thursday to address widespread deletions from India's electoral rolls. Testimonies from affected citizens, including a former MP and a Delhi resident declared deceased by the Election Commission, highlighted significant issues. The SIR process, initiated in 2025, has led to the removal of approximately 13 crore voters nationwide, with substantial deletions reported in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

Is India-US Trade Deal Near The Finish Line?

Is India-US Trade Deal Near The Finish Line?

Rediff.com2 days ago

Marco Rubio will visit Mumbai and Jamnagar to discuss energy cooperation as S Jaishankar says India-US trade talks are nearing a landing point, with a few issues unresolved.

F1 returns to Africa after 33 years, with Rwanda set to host Grand Prix from early 2030s

F1 returns to Africa after 33 years, with Rwanda set to host Grand Prix from early 2030s

Rediff.com3 days ago

Formula One will return to Africa after 33 years, with Rwanda securing a 10-year deal to host a Grand Prix from the early 2030s, promising tourism, investment and jobs.

How Wadhwani AI Uses AI To Predict Disease Outbreaks

How Wadhwani AI Uses AI To Predict Disease Outbreaks

Rediff.com3 days ago

Wadhwani AI is working on a 'vulnerability mapping' project which determines the probability of a disease breaking out in a particular area during a particular season or time.

India Shines With Yogasana And Mallakhamb At BRICS Traditional Games

India Shines With Yogasana And Mallakhamb At BRICS Traditional Games

Rediff.com4 days ago

The first-ever BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games concluded in Ahmedabad, featuring nearly 160 participants from 10 member nations. India prominently showcased yogasana and mallakhamb, alongside other traditional sports like kalaripayattu. The event also saw demonstrations of wushu from China, togyzkumalak from Kazakhstan, and Jiu-Jitsu from Brazil. Participants from South Africa, China, and Russia praised India's hospitality and the cultural exchange.

New Zealand Pick Allen, Ferguson, Seifert For India ODIs; Ravindra Returns

New Zealand Pick Allen, Ferguson, Seifert For India ODIs; Ravindra Returns

Rediff.com6 days ago

New Zealand has announced the return of Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, and Tim Seifert to their One-Day International squad for the upcoming home series against India, with coach Rob Walter emphasising the importance of these matches for World Cup preparations.

12 Reasons To Love Ireland

12 Reasons To Love Ireland

Rediff.com1 days ago

And plan your trip to the Republic.

'We Will Do It': Modi coins slogan for developed India by 2047

'We Will Do It': Modi coins slogan for developed India by 2047

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 'We Will Do It' slogan, aiming for India to become a developed nation by 2047 through visionary policies and hard work, while also addressing the challenge of societal division.

Indian women's boxers target LA 2028 Olympic berths after Asian Games success

Indian women's boxers target LA 2028 Olympic berths after Asian Games success

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Following a successful campaign at the 2026 Asian Games, India women's boxing head coach Santiago Nieva is prioritising securing as many Olympic quotas as possible at the earliest for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, starting with the World Championships 2027 in Kazakhstan.

Smaller Indian Contingent Faces Hurdles At Asian Para Games

Smaller Indian Contingent Faces Hurdles At Asian Para Games

Rediff.com2 hours ago

India faces a challenging Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya with a significantly smaller contingent of 168 athletes, down from 303. While aiming to build on its record 111-medal haul from the last Games, selection disputes in para-shooting and para-cycling, coupled with reduced athlete numbers in key disciplines like para-athletics, pose hurdles. Despite these challenges, star athletes across para-athletics, archery, para-badminton, shooting, and table tennis are expected to lead India's medal charge.

Global Turmoil Makes Air Travel Unsafe

Global Turmoil Makes Air Travel Unsafe

Rediff.com9 hours ago

The flydubai near-tragedy showed how the gratuitous conflicts their governments started in West Asia have made the world unsafe for them (and unfortunate co-passengers of other nationalities), points out Kanika Datta.

Cabinet approves Fairfax's Rs 52,878-cr bid for IDBI Bank; largest FDI ever in India's financial sector

Cabinet approves Fairfax's Rs 52,878-cr bid for IDBI Bank; largest FDI ever in India's financial sector

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Indian Cabinet has approved Fairfax Financial Holdings' Rs 52,878 crore bid to acquire a 60.72 per cent stake in IDBI Bank, marking the country's largest foreign direct investment in the financial sector.

'I haven't signed any bond': Dipke wows more protests

'I haven't signed any bond': Dipke wows more protests

Rediff.com5 days ago

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has denied signing any bond preventing further protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, vowing to continue taking to the streets. He accused Delhi Police of illegal detention and mistreatment, including not allowing him to contact family after his grandmother's death on Saturday, and criticised the government's handling of protests and alleged police brutality.

Asian Games gold done, India face new hockey challenge

Asian Games gold done, India face new hockey challenge

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

India's men's hockey team, fresh from retaining its Asian Games title and securing a 2028 Olympics berth, is now preparing for the Asian Champions Trophy. The tournament, featuring six teams including India, will be held in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5. Head coach Craig Fulton emphasizes maintaining intensity for the home challenge, where India aims to extend its record as the most successful team.

'Winning gold medal at Asian Games a matter of great pride for Indian cricket': V V S Laxman

'Winning gold medal at Asian Games a matter of great pride for Indian cricket': V V S Laxman

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Head coach V V S Laxman hailed the Indian team's 'champion's mindset' after they beat Pakistan to win the gold medal in the men's T20 cricket tournament at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

Para Asian Games: India's Athletes Ready To Conquer Medals

Para Asian Games: India's Athletes Ready To Conquer Medals

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

India's Para Asian Games contingent received a formal send-off in New Delhi, with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launching the new Team India jersey. Prominent para-athletes, including flag bearer Pramod Bhagat, attended the ceremony. Mandaviya encouraged the athletes to win medals, assuring them of government support. Head coach Satyanarayana expressed confidence in medal prospects despite a reduced quota, while athletes like Suvarna Raj and Pramod Bhagat voiced their determination to secure medals.

IIT Hyderabad And Japan's Mie University Forge Semiconductor Research Alliance

IIT Hyderabad And Japan's Mie University Forge Semiconductor Research Alliance

Rediff.com4 days ago

IIT Hyderabad and Japan's Mie University have signed MoUs to foster academic exchanges and joint research, with a strong focus on semiconductors and digital technologies. This collaboration aims to develop skilled talent and strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem in both countries.

Modi first PM chosen directly by the people: BJP chief

Modi first PM chosen directly by the people: BJP chief

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

BJP president Nitin Nabin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25-year journey as a leader, asserting that Modi is India's first prime minister to be directly chosen by the people through a public mandate, unlike previous PMs like Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi who were initially selected by their party. Nabin highlighted Modi's rise based on organisational experience and public support, not political dynasty.

India's Archery Stars Ready For APL Season 2 Challenge

India's Archery Stars Ready For APL Season 2 Challenge

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The second season of the Archery Premier League (APL) is set to begin in Hyderabad on Thursday, featuring Olympic medallists and recent Asian Games stars. The six-team franchise competition will host leading recurve and compound archers from India and abroad, running from October 8 to 18 with a unique faster shooting format.

How WIN Connect's AI Platform Is Revolutionising Networking For Women Leaders

How WIN Connect's AI Platform Is Revolutionising Networking For Women Leaders

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Women Inspiring Network (WIN) has launched 'WIN Connect', an AI-powered platform designed to connect global women leaders and enhance opportunities across various sectors. Unveiled in New York, the platform aims to leverage AI to facilitate networking, access to capital, and business growth for its 10,000-strong network across 50 countries.

Can Maaya follow Sania Mirza? Teen star wins pro title

Can Maaya follow Sania Mirza? Teen star wins pro title

Rediff.com5 days ago

India's teenage tennis sensation Maaya Rajeshwaran has made a significant mark on the professional circuit by winning the W35 Lagos tournament in Portugal, becoming the youngest Indian to achieve a pro singles title since Sania Mirza. The 17-year-old, who also secured the doubles crown, views this as just the beginning of her professional journey, aiming to compete in more senior events and improve her world ranking. She recently moved her training base to France and plans to focus on physical and technical improvements in the coming months.

India to probe mid-air attack on Captain Smit Machchhar

India to probe mid-air attack on Captain Smit Machchhar

Rediff.com7 days ago

India's anti-terror agency, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), has registered a case to investigate a mid-air attack on Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot, inside the cockpit of an Israel-bound flydubai flight, citing an "apparent attempt to hijack or cause it to crash."

Olympic Quota Coach Dave Cousins Awaits Salary

Olympic Quota Coach Dave Cousins Awaits Salary

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

American coach Dave Cousins, who led India's compound archers to a historic Olympic quota at the Asian Games, faced a significant delay in receiving his salary for over three months. The Archery Association of India and Sports Authority of India have acknowledged the issue, attributing it to a technical problem, and assured that the payment will be cleared within days, resolving the coach's threat to quit.

INDIA leaders meet at Rahul Gandhi's home, 'vow to reclaim' Jantar Mantar

INDIA leaders meet at Rahul Gandhi's home, 'vow to reclaim' Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com3 days ago

The INDIA bloc, comprising 17 opposition parties and civil society members, met at Rahul Gandhi's residence to strategize against alleged "vote chori" and the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site. Leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Tejashwi Yadav, vowed to continue their united political and people's resistance, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and asserting that those responsible for undermining democracy would be held accountable.

Ranji Trophy: Gill's return for Punjab, Mumbai without Jaiswal, Mhatre

Ranji Trophy: Gill's return for Punjab, Mumbai without Jaiswal, Mhatre

Rediff.com7 hours ago

The second round of the Ranji Trophy will see India's Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill return to action for Punjab, while Mumbai will be without key players Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ayush Mhatre due to India A duties and injury, respectively, setting the stage for crucial encounters across the country.

Jaishankar to host Rubio in Mumbai on Oct 20 for key India-US talks

Jaishankar to host Rubio in Mumbai on Oct 20 for key India-US talks

Rediff.com19 hours ago

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will host US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Mumbai on October 20 for talks aimed at strengthening the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Discussions will cover energy, trade, defence, and critical technologies. The visit also includes celebrations for the 250th anniversary of US Independence. This meeting follows earlier confusion regarding Rubio's visit and will also touch upon the India-US bilateral trade agreement, which both sides are close to concluding. The MEA clarified that hosting foreign dignitaries outside Delhi is a common practice.

SC to hear plea by Rahul Gandhi, others on SIR today

SC to hear plea by Rahul Gandhi, others on SIR today

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Supreme Court is set to hear a plea filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other opposition figures on Thursday regarding alleged large-scale voter deletions and irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The petition seeks an independent audit of these deletions and modifications, and a direction to prevent further deletions without due process.

Keya Kumar Badugu Clinches Southern India Golf Championship

Keya Kumar Badugu Clinches Southern India Golf Championship

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Delhi's Keya Kumar Badugu won the Ladies title at the IGU Bio-Gen Rotary Southern India Golf Championship after a playoff against Kolkata's Anaahat Bindra. Both golfers finished tied at one-under-par 215 after 54 holes, with Keya securing victory in the playoff.

'Current Players Need Freedom; Coaches Need To Adapt To Their Style'

'Current Players Need Freedom; Coaches Need To Adapt To Their Style'

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Newly-appointed Karnataka head coach R Vinay Kumar believes his primary challenge will be understanding and adapting to the mindset of current generation players, who he feels 'need more freedom' to perform effectively.