News for 'Country Head'

Teen sensation Gout makes sprint history

Teen sensation Gout makes sprint history

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Australian sprinter Gout Gout made history at the Australian Athletics Championships in Sydney, becoming the first Australian to break the 20-second barrier in the 200 metres with a time of 19.67 seconds.

War In The Strait Has Reached A Condom Factory!

War In The Strait Has Reached A Condom Factory!

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Karex, the Malaysian company that makes roughly one in five of the world's condoms -- about five billion a year, supplying Durex and Trojan among others -- announced this week that it is raising prices by up to 30 percent. The reason is the Strait of Hormuz.

SC rejects plea on Bengal voter deletions, directs petitioners to tribunals

SC rejects plea on Bengal voter deletions, directs petitioners to tribunals

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has declined to intervene in a petition concerning the deletion of names from voter lists in West Bengal, directing the petitioners to seek redressal through established appellate tribunals.

2 Indian LPG tankers sail through Hormuz, 16 still stranded

2 Indian LPG tankers sail through Hormuz, 16 still stranded

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

An Indian-flagged LPG vessel successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, reducing the number of Indian ships stranded in the Persian Gulf. India is in talks with Iran to ensure safe passage for its tankers, and Indian refiners continue to purchase crude oil and LPG from Iran despite regional tensions.

No date yet for next round of US-Iran talks, says Pakistan

No date yet for next round of US-Iran talks, says Pakistan

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Pakistan is playing a key role in facilitating talks between the US and Iran, but the future of these negotiations remains uncertain. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, no dates have been set for a second round of discussions.

India's Pistol and Rifle Shooters Set Sights on ISSF World Cup Dominance

India's Pistol and Rifle Shooters Set Sights on ISSF World Cup Dominance

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Indian pistol and rifle shooters are determined to continue their winning streak at the ISSF World Cup in Granada, Spain, despite missing key players.

Gattuso Resigns As Italy Manager Following World Cup Qualification Failure

Gattuso Resigns As Italy Manager Following World Cup Qualification Failure

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Gennaro Gattuso has resigned as Italy manager after the national team failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

Which States Have High LPG Consumption?

Which States Have High LPG Consumption?

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

India is home to more than 33 crore LPG users, yet consumption habits differ sharply from one region to the next. In metropolitan hubs such as Delhi, cooking gas is used far more frequently. In contrast, families in predominantly rural states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh tend to make a cylinder last close to two months, as per PPAC estimates for 2025-26.

Wrongly deported to B'desh, 6 Bengal men will vote to prove citizenship

Wrongly deported to B'desh, 6 Bengal men will vote to prove citizenship

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

After being wrongly deported and labelled as Bangladeshis, migrant workers in West Bengal's Murshidabad are heading to the polls to reclaim their Indian identity and fight for their right to belong.

'We win regardless...': Trump on US-Iran talks in Islamabad

'We win regardless...': Trump on US-Iran talks in Islamabad

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump expressed confidence in America's position amid US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad, stating that Washington stands to 'win' regardless of a deal.

Will SKY's form impact his chances for 2028 Olympics?

Will SKY's form impact his chances for 2028 Olympics?

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Suryakumar Yadav's recent batting form has raised questions about his place in India's T20 plans, especially with the 2028 Olympics on the horizon and the emergence of young talent like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

When Pakistan Army Chief Bajwa Backed Peace Over Conflict With India

When Pakistan Army Chief Bajwa Backed Peace Over Conflict With India

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

As he settled down to his job as army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa -- who died last week; his passing did not merit even an obituary in major print or electronic media in Pakistan! -- developed a vision of reducing his country's and his institution, the army's traditional hostility toward India, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

PM Modi assures safety of Indians amidst West Asia conflict, slams Congress

PM Modi assures safety of Indians amidst West Asia conflict, slams Congress

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed concerns about the impact of the West Asia conflict on India, assuring efforts to minimise its effects and prioritising the safety of Indian citizens working in the region. He also criticised the Congress party for making remarks that could endanger Indian lives for political gain.

Why Did India Not Stop The War?

Why Did India Not Stop The War?

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

India is one of the few nations, and perhaps the only nation, that has good relations with America, Israel and Iran. Knowing that a war in the Gulf would damage our economy, hurt supply of fertilisers and fuel, and cause general chaos, we should have tried to ensure this war did not begin, asserts Aakar Patel.

Centre tells SC: Sabarimala ban is religious faith, beyond judicial review

Centre tells SC: Sabarimala ban is religious faith, beyond judicial review

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the restriction on women of menstruating age entering Kerala's Sabarimala temple is a matter of religious faith and denominational autonomy, falling outside the purview of judicial review. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that courts should not apply 'secular standards of reason' to religious practices.

Congress Calls for Unified Approach to Revive India's Peacekeeping Role

Congress Calls for Unified Approach to Revive India's Peacekeeping Role

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The Congress party has called on the BJP-led government to adopt a unified national approach to restore India's role as a voice for peace, criticising the government's foreign policy and its impact on India's global standing.

Pressure builds on developers to hike prices as costs rise

Pressure builds on developers to hike prices as costs rise

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Indian realty developers are contemplating price increases for ongoing and upcoming projects to offset margin pressures caused by rising input costs and supply chain disruptions, exacerbated by the West Asia conflict. Input and labour costs have surged by 5-12%, directly impacting developer margins, especially for under-construction projects.

'Diplomacy never ends': Iran keeps channels open amid stalled talks

'Diplomacy never ends': Iran keeps channels open amid stalled talks

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei on Sunday said that the recent meeting with US officials was the longest round of negotiations they have had in the past year.

Volleyball Players Quit National Camp Over Coaching and Facility Concerns

Volleyball Players Quit National Camp Over Coaching and Facility Concerns

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Two senior Indian volleyball players have quit the national camp in Ahmedabad, citing concerns over incompetent coaches, poor facilities, and politics within the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI).

Vance leaves for peace talks in Pakistan, no word on Iranian delegation

Vance leaves for peace talks in Pakistan, no word on Iranian delegation

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

US Vice President JD Vance leads a delegation to Islamabad for talks with Iran, expressing optimism while warning against bad faith negotiations from Tehran.

India U20 Women's Football Team Faces Japan in Asian Cup Opener

India U20 Women's Football Team Faces Japan in Asian Cup Opener

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Indian U20 women's national football team is set to compete in the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026, starting with a match against Japan. This marks India's return to the tournament after two decades, with the team aiming for World Cup qualification.

Sawan Barwal Shatters National Marathon Record in Rotterdam

Sawan Barwal Shatters National Marathon Record in Rotterdam

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Sawan Barwal broke the national marathon record at the NN Marathon Rotterdam, clocking 2 hours 11 minutes and 58 seconds, surpassing the previous record set in 1978.

Matka King Review: Vijay Varma's Winning Bet

Matka King Review: Vijay Varma's Winning Bet

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Vijay Varma delivers a tour de force performance in Nagraj Popatrao Manjule's Matka King, a compelling eight-part series that chronicles the rise and fall of a gambling trailblazer in 1960s-1970s Bombay, notes Sukanya Verma.

Islamabad Talks: Look Out For Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf

Islamabad Talks: Look Out For Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Trump seems to have estimated that Ghalibaf is a pragmatic politician who is receptive to close relations with the US and is enthusiastic about fostering business and economic ties in particular, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

More use of speciality fertilisers can help tide over supply shocks: Experts

More use of speciality fertilisers can help tide over supply shocks: Experts

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Despite significant price differences, Indian farmers are increasingly adopting non-subsidised speciality fertilisers, which are seen as a potential solution to the rising fertiliser subsidy burden exacerbated by global supply shocks.

Zinedine Zidane to coach France after FIFA World Cup?

Zinedine Zidane to coach France after FIFA World Cup?

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Zinedine Zidane is expected to take over as France's head coach after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following the departure of Didier Deschamps after 14 years in charge.

'No monthly untouchability': Justice Nagarathna in Sabarimala case

'No monthly untouchability': Justice Nagarathna in Sabarimala case

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court is hearing petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple. A nine-judge bench is examining the scope of religious freedom and the exclusion of women based on age and menstrual status.

Cong alleges Sarma's wife holds 3 passports, CM threatens lawsuit

Cong alleges Sarma's wife holds 3 passports, CM threatens lawsuit

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has denied allegations made by the Congress party that his wife possesses multiple passports and concealed property information, vowing to take legal action against the Congress leader who made the claims.

US, Iran hold historic direct peace talks in Pakistan, first since 1979

US, Iran hold historic direct peace talks in Pakistan, first since 1979

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

As the negotiations continued, the Iranian government said on social media that "talks between Iran and the US in Islamabad entered the expert-level stage as economic, military, legal, and nuclear committees joined in".

Is There An Upper Age Limit For The NEET-UG?

Is There An Upper Age Limit For The NEET-UG?

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Ahead of NEET UG 2026 -- which opens the door to 1.2 lakh MBBS seats in the country annually -- education expert Nagarajan JSK explains why lakhs of students attempt the exam every year.

Centre urges SC to reconsider adultery and same-sex relationship verdicts

Centre urges SC to reconsider adultery and same-sex relationship verdicts

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Centre has asked the Supreme Court to reconsider its judgements decriminalising adultery and same-sex relationships, arguing they were based on a subjective application of 'constitutional morality'.

Gujarat couple heading to US kidnapped in Azerbaijan

Gujarat couple heading to US kidnapped in Azerbaijan

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

An Indian couple from Gujarat was dramatically rescued from kidnappers in Azerbaijan after intervention by the Ministry of External Affairs.

How Jaskaran Singh fulfilled his childhood dream of playing in a T20 World Cup in India

How Jaskaran Singh fulfilled his childhood dream of playing in a T20 World Cup in India

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

In 2026, after 17 years in professional cricket, his dream came true, but with a strange twist of fate. He appeared in the Twenty20 World Cup in the country of his birth, but wearing a Canadian jersey.

April Fools' Day: When World Comes Together To Be Silly

April Fools' Day: When World Comes Together To Be Silly

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

April Fools' Day has amused pranksters for centuries, though no one can quite pin down where it truly began.

Pamela Conti named new head coach of Indian U-17 women's team

Pamela Conti named new head coach of Indian U-17 women's team

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

Former Italy international Pamela Conti was on Sunday named head coach of the Indian women's U-17 team to take charge of the country's AFC Asian Cup campaign later this year, second such appointment of a national side this month made by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

IPL 2026: A Star Is Born: Meet LSG's Match-Winner Mukul Choudhary!

IPL 2026: A Star Is Born: Meet LSG's Match-Winner Mukul Choudhary!

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Mukul Choudhary, a 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan, picked up the gloves and bat after getting inspired by the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The delegations from the US and Iran head to Islamabad on Friday, carrying a ceasefire that is already fraying, a Strait that is technically open and practically closed, and a negotiating agenda that would challenge even parties actually negotiating in good faith, which these groups are not. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

AIFF Seeks Indian Coach for Women's National Team After Valverde's Exit

AIFF Seeks Indian Coach for Women's National Team After Valverde's Exit

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has decided not to renew the contract of women's team head coach Amelia Valverde, opting to consider Indian coaches for the role following recommendations from its technical committee.

Uttar Pradesh Police Attacked While Responding to Assault Complaint

Uttar Pradesh Police Attacked While Responding to Assault Complaint

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

A police team in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, was attacked while responding to an assault complaint, resulting in injuries to officers and damage to a police vehicle. Two suspects have been arrested and are facing charges including attempted murder.

Australian-Born Ryan Williams Poised For India Debut After FIFA Clearance

Australian-Born Ryan Williams Poised For India Debut After FIFA Clearance

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Australian-born forward Ryan Williams is set to make his debut for India in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier against Hong Kong after FIFA cleared his change of association.