News for 'Country Head'

BCCI Secretary On 2027 World Cup Roadmap: Not For Public Consumption

BCCI Secretary On 2027 World Cup Roadmap: Not For Public Consumption

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated that India's roadmap for the 2027 World Cup, including discussions on senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, is confidential and not for public consumption. He also clarified that the BCCI adheres strictly to the Government of India's policies regarding bilateral tours, such as the potential resumption of ties with Bangladesh, without concern for the political situation in other countries.

My bowling was underutilised during England tour last year, alleges Shardul Thakur

My bowling was underutilised during England tour last year, alleges Shardul Thakur

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Shardul Thakur on Monday expressed his disappointment on not being "utilised properly" during India's 2025 tour of England last year for five Tests, saying that he had performed the last time he played for the country.

'We have let Pakistan...': Sonia slams Modi govt's 'stony silence' on Gaza 'genocide'

'We have let Pakistan...': Sonia slams Modi govt's 'stony silence' on Gaza 'genocide'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Sonia Gandhi criticised PM Modi's Israel visit, calling it a "bewildering strategic decision" amid the regional conflict.

Brook open to taking over England Test captaincy

Brook open to taking over England Test captaincy

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

England white-ball captain Harry Brook on Tuesday said it would be a "privilege" for him to lead the country in Test cricket if offered the job following Ben Stokes' retirement.

Mirabai Chanu Leads India's Strong Weightlifting Team To Glasgow

Mirabai Chanu Leads India's Strong Weightlifting Team To Glasgow

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Two-time Commonwealth Games champion Mirabai Chanu will lead India's weightlifting contingent at the upcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games, which also features other medal winners and debutants, as India aims to continue its strong performance in the sport.

'We can hurt Argentina': Cape Verde coach declares

'We can hurt Argentina': Cape Verde coach declares

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Cape Verde head into the biggest match in their football history full of belief, with coach Pedro Leitao Brito insisting his side will play "with courage" against defending champions Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.

Sports Ministry Imposes Strict Medal-Focused Criteria For Asian Games Contingent

Sports Ministry Imposes Strict Medal-Focused Criteria For Asian Games Contingent

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Sports Ministry, led by Mansukh Mandaviya, has announced stringent selection criteria for the upcoming Asian Games, capping the contingent at 600 athletes. The policy prioritises medal prospects, stating that the Games are not for "exposure tours" or securing jobs. This includes a "realistic chance of winning a medal" and being in the top six continental rankings. The ministry will scrutinise recommendations from National Sports Federations, with specific cases like equestrian Anush Agarwalla and table tennis player Manika Batra highlighting the new approach.

Monsoon advances across North India; 3 killed in Himachal

Monsoon advances across North India; 3 killed in Himachal

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The southwest monsoon has advanced across northern Indian states, leading to widespread rainfall, waterlogging, road blockages, and rain-related deaths, particularly in Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. The Centre is monitoring the situation, especially concerning potential drought conditions in some areas due to the El Nino effect.

Gulf Crisis: How India Avoided Economic Turmoil

Gulf Crisis: How India Avoided Economic Turmoil

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Not a single retail outlet ran dry. Every household that wanted a cylinder got one. India faced neither a 1991 moment nor a 2013 one. Macroeconomic stability held. This was not an accident, and it was not luck alone. It was the work of a government that chose to act as it had during the pandemic -- deliberately and gradually, building one measure upon another rather than reaching for a single dramatic lever, explains V Anantha Nageswaran, chief economic advisor to the Government of India.

Cong hints at equal seat-sharing with SP in 2027 UP assembly polls

Cong hints at equal seat-sharing with SP in 2027 UP assembly polls

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam on Wednesday hinted at an equal seat-sharing arrangement with the Samajwadi Party for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.

India's Junior Golfers Clinch APGC Team Championship

India's Junior Golfers Clinch APGC Team Championship

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Harjai Milkha Singh and Krish Chawla led India to victory in the boy's team event at the APGC Junior Golf Championship in Colombo, finishing one shot ahead of South Korea and Thailand. Harjai also secured a runner-up finish in the individual category.

Gulf NRIs opt for Indian term life insurance amid Iran conflict

Gulf NRIs opt for Indian term life insurance amid Iran conflict

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in the Gulf region are increasingly purchasing term life insurance policies from India, driven by geopolitical uncertainties in West Asia and the significant cost advantages offered by Indian products, with the GCC region now contributing over half of the total NRI demand.

'Not your casino': Iran warns US over Trump's Hormuz 'takeover' threat

'Not your casino': Iran warns US over Trump's Hormuz 'takeover' threat

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Ebrahim Azizi, Head of the Iranian Parliament's National Security Committee, warned the US against interfering with the Strait of Hormuz, asserting Iran's sovereignty after former President Donald Trump threatened to 'take over' the strategic waterway. Despite the heated rhetoric, Iran and the US have established a direct communication line to prevent incidents during a 60-day negotiation period.

15 saves! Curacao Goalkeeper Eloy Room Makes FIFA World Cup History

15 saves! Curacao Goalkeeper Eloy Room Makes FIFA World Cup History

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves in the 0-0 draw with Ecuador -- the most in a 90-minute match in the World Cup history.

Khamenei Funeral Signals Shift In India-Iran Relations

Khamenei Funeral Signals Shift In India-Iran Relations

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

It is an unusual choice to depute a retired general for the funeral of a revered religious figure but a thoughtful one in an attempt to inject verve into the bilateral relationship and restore the equilibrium in India's West Asian policies, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

The H-1 B Visa and the Fading American Dream

The H-1 B Visa and the Fading American Dream

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The H-1B visa once symbolised the American Dream for Indians, but today's students are increasingly asking whether they need America at all. In 1995, the question was: How do I get to America? In 2026, it may be: Do I need to?

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.

Not PM, here's who will be attending Khamenei funeral

Not PM, here's who will be attending Khamenei funeral

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28.

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.

Vargas, Manzambi strike as Switzerland beat Canada to top Group B

Vargas, Manzambi strike as Switzerland beat Canada to top Group B

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi scored second-half goals as Switzerland beat Canada 2-1 on Wednesday to qualify for the knock-out stage of the World Cup as Group B winners, with the tournament co-hosts also progressing as runners-up.

FIFA World Cup: Mbappe becomes France's record scorer

FIFA World Cup: Mbappe becomes France's record scorer

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

France captain Kylian Mbappe became his country's all-time leading scorer with a double against Senegal at the World Cup on Tuesday.

Tribunal awards Rs 2.46 crore to MARCOS diver with 88% disability after road accident

Tribunal awards Rs 2.46 crore to MARCOS diver with 88% disability after road accident

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

A Delhi Motor Accident Claims Tribunal has awarded over 2.46 crore to Lakhpat Singh, a Marine Commandos (MARCOS) diver, who suffered 88 per cent permanent disability in a 2018 road accident, severely impacting his ability to continue his specialised military career.

No Room for Complacency: Koeman Eyes Defensive Fixes Before Morocco Tie

No Room for Complacency: Koeman Eyes Defensive Fixes Before Morocco Tie

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has warned against underestimating Morocco despite topping Group F, calling the Round of 32 clash the Dutch side's "real test" while admitting there is still room for defensive improvement.

Novartis Launches Prostate Cancer Radiotherapy

Novartis Launches Prostate Cancer Radiotherapy

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

The launch highlights the growing maturity of India's nuclear medicine ecosystem.

US-Iran Talks, Crude Prices, FII Activity to Dictate Markets

US-Iran Talks, Crude Prices, FII Activity to Dictate Markets

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The Indian stock market's movement this week will be significantly influenced by the outcome of US-Iran talks, global crude oil prices, and the trading activities of foreign institutional investors (FIIs), according to market analysts.

Maharashtra TET 2026 exam postponed day before test over paper leak

Maharashtra TET 2026 exam postponed day before test over paper leak

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

The Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) 2026 in Maharashtra has been postponed following a raid in Bhiwandi, Thane, where individuals were found with questions matching the actual exam paper. The Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) confirmed the breach and initiated a thorough investigation, registering a criminal case. The postponement aims to ensure transparency and allow law enforcement to probe the malpractice racket.

Super Subbu Review: Bold Subject, Bumpy Ride

Super Subbu Review: Bold Subject, Bumpy Ride

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Despite its uneven storytelling, Super Subbu deserves applause for turning India's discomfort with sex education into an entertaining, often insightful satire, notes Sreeju Sudhakaran.

SC refuses urgent hearing on two NEET-UG re-test pleas

SC refuses urgent hearing on two NEET-UG re-test pleas

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has declined an urgent hearing on petitions challenging the June 21 NEET-UG 2026 re-test, stating that all related matters will be heard by Justice P S Narasimha's bench in July. Students are seeking reconsideration of the re-test date due to mental trauma, inadequate preparation time, and concerns over examination integrity following the cancellation of the original May 3 exam.

Payal Kapadia To Head Cannes Critics Jury

Payal Kapadia To Head Cannes Critics Jury

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Payal Kapadia, celebrated for her Grand Prix win at Cannes, has been appointed jury president for the 65th Cannes Critics Week.

From Vacation To World Cup Star: Zico's Rise For Egypt

From Vacation To World Cup Star: Zico's Rise For Egypt

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Mostafa "Zico" Mohamed, initially planning a summer vacation, received an unexpected call-up to the Egyptian national team for the World Cup. He has since become a standout performer, scoring and assisting in Egypt's historic 3-1 victory over New Zealand, their first-ever World Cup win, and is now crucial to their knockout stage aspirations.

Why Young Couples Don't Want Kids

Why Young Couples Don't Want Kids

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

More Indians are consciously choosing to remain child-free. From personal freedom and finances to climate anxiety and mental wellbeing, young couples and singles tell us why parenthood isn't part of their life plan.

'Picture abhi baaki hain': Shinde warns Uddhav, signals fresh exodus

'Picture abhi baaki hain': Shinde warns Uddhav, signals fresh exodus

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

In an apparent reference to the buzz of six rebel Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray MPs switching sides, Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday said this is just a trailer and the movie is yet to come, indicating more defections could be in offing in the rival faction.

'Captaincy Burned Me Out': Ben Stokes to Retire After Third Test

'Captaincy Burned Me Out': Ben Stokes to Retire After Third Test

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

England captain Ben Stokes will retire from international cricket after the third Test against New Zealand, saying the demands of captaincy had burned him out after a remarkable career featuring World Cup glory and Ashes heroics.

Magical Salah inspires Egypt to historic World Cup victory

Magical Salah inspires Egypt to historic World Cup victory

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Talismanic Mohamed Salah scores twice to help Egypt rally to 3-1 win over New Zealand on Sunday.

'China, India should stick to being strategic partners, not rivals'

'China, India should stick to being strategic partners, not rivals'

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A Chinese official stated that India and China should view each other as cooperative partners and opportunities for development, not rivals or threats. This statement came in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's comments on the independent and strong ties Russia maintains with both nations, emphasising non-interference in India-China relations.

Cape Verde dream big after stunning World Cup start

Cape Verde dream big after stunning World Cup start

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Cape Verde, making their World Cup debut, have defied expectations by drawing with football giants Spain and Uruguay.

Four Arrested For Stone-Pelting And Firing In Jharkhand

Four Arrested For Stone-Pelting And Firing In Jharkhand

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Four individuals involved in criminal activities were arrested in Jharkhand's East Singhbhum district for allegedly pelting stones and firing at a rival group, injuring three people. Police seized arms and ammunition during the arrests, which followed an investigation into the June 10 incident.

Why DR Congo Changed World Cup Plans Due To Ebola Outbreak

Why DR Congo Changed World Cup Plans Due To Ebola Outbreak

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Democratic Republic of Congo's national team has been forced to cancel World Cup buildup events in Kinshasa due to the Ebola virus outbreak and will instead continue preparations in Belgium.

CJP steps up protest, launches nationwide campaign against Pradhan

CJP steps up protest, launches nationwide campaign against Pradhan

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Stepping up attack against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke on Friday announced the launch of a nationwide campaign to demand his resignation and exhorted students, farmers and civil society groups to join him at Jantar Mantar on June 28.

Iran peace deal not final, will go back to war if...: Trump

Iran peace deal not final, will go back to war if...: Trump

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

A US-Iran memorandum of understanding is set to be signed, outlining sanctions relief, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a 60-day negotiation window for Iran's uranium enrichment, but US President Donald Trump has underscored the deal's conditional nature, warning of military action if Tehran fails to comply.