News for 'Country Head'

How the Middle East crisis has affected sporting events and athletes

How the Middle East crisis has affected sporting events and athletes

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The escalating conflict involving the U.S. and Israel with Iran has led to widespread disruption in the world of sports, with events postponed, travel plans thrown into chaos, and athletes seeking asylum.

AIFF Defends Women's Asian Cup Preparations After Group Stage Exit

AIFF Defends Women's Asian Cup Preparations After Group Stage Exit

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The AIFF defends its preparation for the AFC Women's Asian Cup despite India's group-stage exit, citing extensive overseas exposure and matches. An inquiry has been ordered into a kit controversy.

'Even China...': BJP slams Congress for blindly backing Iran

'Even China...': BJP slams Congress for blindly backing Iran

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The BJP has criticised the Congress party for allegedly prioritising its vote bank and outdated ideologies over India's national interest and citizen safety in its foreign policy approach towards Iran.

Haryana Rice Exporters Face Disruptions After Iran Strikes

Haryana Rice Exporters Face Disruptions After Iran Strikes

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Rice exporters in Haryana are facing potential payment delays and shipment disruptions to Iran and Afghanistan following recent military strikes on Iran.

Nepal votes in 1st general election since Gen Z protests

Nepal votes in 1st general election since Gen Z protests

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Nepalese citizens are voting in the general election, the first since protests toppled the previous government. Over 18.9 million are eligible to vote for the 275-member House of Representatives.

CBI Arrests Long-Absconding Suspect in Rajasthan Double Murder Case

CBI Arrests Long-Absconding Suspect in Rajasthan Double Murder Case

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

The CBI has arrested Paras Ram, a proclaimed offender wanted in connection with the 2010 murder of relatives of an additional sessions judge in Rajasthan, after a 16-year manhunt.

India's 2027 Census to be fully digital; first phase from April 1

India's 2027 Census to be fully digital; first phase from April 1

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

India has launched digital tools for its upcoming fully digital Census 2027, including mobile apps and a self-enumeration portal, aiming for efficient and accurate data collection.

Pranavi Urs Lands in Top 10 at Australian Women's Classic with Bogey-Free Round

Pranavi Urs Lands in Top 10 at Australian Women's Classic with Bogey-Free Round

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Pranavi Urs carded a bogey-free 6-under 66 to move into the Top-10 after the second round of the Australian Women's Classic, making her the leading Indian golfer in the tournament. Kelsey Bennett leads the field.

PhonePe Introduces 'On-The-Go' Card for Contactless Transit Payments Across India

PhonePe Introduces 'On-The-Go' Card for Contactless Transit Payments Across India

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

PhonePe has launched the 'RuPay On-The-Go' Card, a National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) aimed at digitising transit payments across India. The card enables quick, tap-and-pay transactions on NCMC-enabled services like metros, buses, and trains, even without internet connectivity.

US-Israel-Iran Conflict: 'India Is Too Late In...'

US-Israel-Iran Conflict: 'India Is Too Late In...'

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

'To suddenly give the impression of taking a position that is hostile to Iran, or, at least, not friendly to Iran, is not a good thing.'

Actor Vijay requests delay in CBI questioning over Karur stampede case

Actor Vijay requests delay in CBI questioning over Karur stampede case

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Actor Vijay has requested a delay in his CBI questioning regarding the Karur stampede case, citing political engagements. The CBI is also seeking to question Karur MLA V Senthil Balaji.

India's Global Image Crumbles At Trump's One Poke

India's Global Image Crumbles At Trump's One Poke

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

We know in our heart that speaking the truth on this stupid Iran war will anger Trump and so we look the other way because if we look him in the eye the bully will straighten us out, asserts Aakar Patel.

'I Would Like To Do My Gareeb Films'

'I Would Like To Do My Gareeb Films'

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

'Filmmaking is such a weird line of work, artistic expression and collaboration.' 'It is letting go, then holding on to something, being democratic and then being tyrannical.'

Rs 14 Trillion Investor Wealth Wiped Out

Rs 14 Trillion Investor Wealth Wiped Out

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Sensex and Nifty post steepest weekly loss in over a year, falling nearly 3 per cent.

Balen Shah set to be Nepal's youngest, first Madhesi PM

Balen Shah set to be Nepal's youngest, first Madhesi PM

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah's Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is poised to form the next government in Nepal after a decisive victory in the general election, significantly impacting established political parties.

T20 World Cup: Ex-cricketers call for radical decisions after Pakistan's poor show

T20 World Cup: Ex-cricketers call for radical decisions after Pakistan's poor show

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Pakistan's cricket fraternity expresses disappointment over the national team's performance in the T20 World Cup, with former players calling for radical decisions and criticizing player selection and performance.

Middle East travel chaos threatens Iraq's FIFA World Cup hopes

Middle East travel chaos threatens Iraq's FIFA World Cup hopes

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Iraq's participation in the inter-confederation play-offs in Mexico that will decide two berths at this year's FIFA World Cup is in doubt because of the travel chaos triggered by the conflict in neighbouring Iran.

Does PM support Khamenei's assassination, asks Rahul

Does PM support Khamenei's assassination, asks Rahul

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the escalating conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, particularly regarding the alleged assassination of the Iranian Supreme Leader. Gandhi emphasised the need for India to uphold international law and advocate for peaceful resolution.

Iran's War: 'Mojtaba Khamenei Is Being Hunted By Foreign Powers And Internal Foes'

Iran's War: 'Mojtaba Khamenei Is Being Hunted By Foreign Powers And Internal Foes'

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

'Mojtaba Khamenei supervised the most recent repression in December 2025 and January 2026 which remains ongoing.'

Sonia slams Centre's silence on Khamenei's killing

Sonia slams Centre's silence on Khamenei's killing

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Sonia Gandhi has criticised the Modi government's silence on the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, arguing it raises doubts about India's foreign policy direction and credibility.

HC questions DU's blanket ban on campus protests, seeks explanation

HC questions DU's blanket ban on campus protests, seeks explanation

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Delhi High Court has questioned the blanket ban on protests and demonstrations on the Delhi University campus, seeking justification from the university and Delhi Police. The court acknowledged the need for balance but emphasized that a complete prohibition is likely untenable.

Why Did Israel Kill Ali Larijani?

Why Did Israel Kill Ali Larijani?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Israel has for more than two decades and several US presidencies worked to draw the United States into a full-scale war with Iran. Having finally achieved that, the last thing it wants is Trump declaring victory and going home, as he is prone to do. Ali Larijani was the figure most capable of handing Trump a negotiated exit with something to show for it. Without Larijani, the road to an exit gets considerably narrower. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Iran war impact: LPG shortage threatens hotels, restaurants closures across India

Iran war impact: LPG shortage threatens hotels, restaurants closures across India

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Indian restaurants are grappling with a severe LPG shortage due to the West Asia conflict, forcing them to innovate with menus and cooking methods or face potential closures, impacting the food industry and consumers across the country.

Trump Is Caught Between Two Bad Options

Trump Is Caught Between Two Bad Options

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Fight on toward goals that keep receding, or exit with most objectives unmet. Trump is agitated, his poll numbers falling below the Plimsoll line, his base fractured between those who back the war and those who remember that he campaigned on ending them.

How Sanju Samson's Roots Fuelled His T20 World Cup Success

How Sanju Samson's Roots Fuelled His T20 World Cup Success

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

An article about Sanju Samson's journey to success in the T20 World Cup, highlighting the influence of his father's advice and his commitment to his roots.

Shirtless protest at AI summit: Cong faces backlash; Rahul shown black flags

Shirtless protest at AI summit: Cong faces backlash; Rahul shown black flags

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

The BJP protesters, carrying placards and raising slogans, slammed the Congress and its leader, Rahul Gandhi, calling them "traitors" for allegedly tarnishing the nation's image.

WATCH: Lara Dutta's Tear-Stained Plea From Dubai

WATCH: Lara Dutta's Tear-Stained Plea From Dubai

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

'No civilian deserves to live in fear. No civilian deserves to be caught up in a war which is destabilising the entire region.'

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

'I suspect that Bangladesh being given permission stuck in India's official craw, and this story was an attempt to balance the scales by giving the impression that a similar waiver had been given to India as well.'

India Installs Mock Container Housing for Asian Games Athletes

India Installs Mock Container Housing for Asian Games Athletes

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

India is preparing its athletes for the upcoming Asian Games by installing makeshift container housing units at SAI centres to familiarise them with the unique accommodation arrangements in Japan.

Youth Congress workers' shirtless protest disrupts AI Summit

Youth Congress workers' shirtless protest disrupts AI Summit

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

India Youth Congress workers staged a protest at the AI Impact Summit in Delhi, raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi before being removed by security. The protest caused a brief disruption at the event, which features global AI leaders and heads of state.

Why Afghanistan And Pakistan Are At War

Why Afghanistan And Pakistan Are At War

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Afghans have deep self-respect and are the last people to put up with humiliation. Is it any surprise that relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have touched an all-time low and the two countries are now at war? asks M R Narayan Swamy.

Modi convenes CCS meeting amid escalating tension after Iran attack

Modi convenes CCS meeting amid escalating tension after Iran attack

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting of the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS) in Delhi to discuss the global situation following the attack on Iran and the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

India Sends Boxing Team to World Boxing Futures Cup

India Sends Boxing Team to World Boxing Futures Cup

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The Indian youth boxing team has departed for the World Boxing Futures Cup in Bangkok, Thailand, a key event for Youth Olympic Games qualification and preparation.

Gulf Strikes Disrupt Cricket: ECB Scraps Abu Dhabi Matches

Gulf Strikes Disrupt Cricket: ECB Scraps Abu Dhabi Matches

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

The ECB cancelled the England Lions vs Pakistan Shaheens match in Abu Dhabi and postponed the England Women's training camp after US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered missile fire across the Gulf and airspace closures.

SC pulls up NCERT over judiciary chapter; directs govt to drop 3 experts

SC pulls up NCERT over judiciary chapter; directs govt to drop 3 experts

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The Centre has directed the NCERT to review all textbooks after the Supreme Court raised concerns about 'offending' content on corruption in the judiciary in a Class 8 social science book.

US Commerce Secretary's Surprise Delhi Visit

US Commerce Secretary's Surprise Delhi Visit

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

'Engaged in very fruitful discussions to expand our trade and economic partnership.'

Youth Cong AI protest ignites nationwide BJP-Congress street clashes

Youth Cong AI protest ignites nationwide BJP-Congress street clashes

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

Indore in Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry and Prakasam in Andhra Pradesh also witnessed a tense atmosphere amid confrontation between the party workers.

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Iran is fighting a different war: Older, slower, and in some ways more dangerous. Iran doesn't need to shoot down an F/A-18. It only needs to make the Strait of Hormuz feel dangerous long enough for insurance markets, shipping companies, and oil futures traders to do the rest. Prem Panicker continues his must-read daily blog on the war in the Middle East.

T20 World Cup: 'Shivam Dube's two boundaries are as important as Sanju Samson's 97': Gambhir

T20 World Cup: 'Shivam Dube's two boundaries are as important as Sanju Samson's 97': Gambhir

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

For Gautam Gambhir, the essence of team sport is acknowledgement of every contribution big or small, which according to him was missing in Indian cricket for long.

Why Regime Change Hasn't Happened In Iran

Why Regime Change Hasn't Happened In Iran

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

'Without ground troops the US will not be able to oust the Iranian Islamic regime. Political change does not happen just by using bombs or planes.'