News for 'Country Head'

West Bengal govt mandates Vande Mataram in madrassas

West Bengal govt mandates Vande Mataram in madrassas

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The West Bengal government has mandated the singing of 'Vande Mataram' at assembly prayers in all madrassas with immediate effect. This decision follows a similar directive for all schools in the state and aims to bring uniformity in assembly practices across institutions.

'In Situation Room, to make final determination': Trump on Iran truce

'In Situation Room, to make final determination': Trump on Iran truce

Rediff.com30 May 2026

In a development that could reshape West Asia's security landscape, US President Donald Trump announced Friday that he will convene an emergency meeting in the White House Situation Room to make a final decision on a broad, multi-part peace deal with Iran.

'A distinguished leader of the Olympic Movement': Tributes Pour In For Randhir Singh

'A distinguished leader of the Olympic Movement': Tributes Pour In For Randhir Singh

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Indian sporting fraternity mourns the death of veteran administrator and former shooter Randhir Singh, with tributes pouring in from prominent figures like Abhinav Bindra and various sports organisations.

Massive fleet heading towards Iran, warns Trump

Massive fleet heading towards Iran, warns Trump

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

United States President Donald Trump has said that Iran is under close watch and a 'massive fleet' is heading towards the Gulf region.

Calcutta HC Orders CBI Probe Into Doctor's Death

Calcutta HC Orders CBI Probe Into Doctor's Death

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Calcutta High Court has ordered a CBI probe into the death of a trainee doctor at R G Kar Medical College, following allegations of evidence destruction and attempts to downplay the incident.

India-US Trade Rift Deepens Over Section 301 Hearings

India-US Trade Rift Deepens Over Section 301 Hearings

Rediff.com22 May 2026

American industry groups sought punitive tariffs on Indian goods at USTR hearings, while Indian officials defended the country's manufacturing growth as demand-led and WTO-compliant.

ED Gets Nod To Interrogate ISIS Suspects In Jails

ED Gets Nod To Interrogate ISIS Suspects In Jails

Rediff.com14 May 2026

A special court has granted the Enforcement Directorate (ED) permission to record statements of 19 alleged ISIS members and sympathizers held in various prisons across India.

IMF country head bullish on India

IMF country head bullish on India

Rediff.com29 Mar 2010

Kalpana Kochhar, country head-India of the International Monetary Fund, says it is 'very difficult not to be bullish on India'

Bangladesh forms committee to investigate 2026 T20 World Cup withdrawal

Bangladesh forms committee to investigate 2026 T20 World Cup withdrawal

Rediff.com11 May 2026

According to the media reports, the committee will examine the reasons behind the decision not to play the tournament and determine if there were any diplomatic or strategic failures involved.

13 Terrific Movies That Rocked Cannes

13 Terrific Movies That Rocked Cannes

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

13 films from the 2026 Cannes film festival, highlighting award-winning international cinema, unexpected gems, and restored classics that truly celebrated the art of filmmaking.

Prashant Kishor moves to ashram on outskirts of Patna, to live there till...

Prashant Kishor moves to ashram on outskirts of Patna, to live there till...

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has moved to an ashram on the outskirts of Patna to continue his political activities ahead of the next assembly elections. He criticised Nitish Kumar and urged voters to prioritise their own interests.

Is The UN Heading For Bankruptcy?

Is The UN Heading For Bankruptcy?

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Every UN secretary-general has flagged the financial situation, but Antonio Guterres has issued the direst warning yet, calling it a 'race to bankruptcy and of imminent financial collapse, points out Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

Israel fears surprise Iran attack amid peace talks

Israel fears surprise Iran attack amid peace talks

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations, Israel is on high alert, fearing a potential surprise missile and drone attack from Iran targeting Gulf countries and Israel, according to intelligence officials.

AI boom reshapes global equity markets, India slips to sixth place

AI boom reshapes global equity markets, India slips to sixth place

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The global artificial intelligence (AI) boom has significantly reshaped equity markets, with Taiwan surpassing India to become the world's fifth-largest stock market. India has seen its market capitalisation decline by 7% year-to-date, while AI-linked economies like Taiwan and South Korea have surged.

West Asia Crisis Reroutes Tourists

West Asia Crisis Reroutes Tourists

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

'Travellers are considering safer and more stable destinations.'

Modi's Austerity Push Faces Reality Test

Modi's Austerity Push Faces Reality Test

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Following through announcements with enforcement of measures is key, as a run through recent Indian economic history shows, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Back To Back Failures: Questions Are Mounting Over ISRO's PSLV Programme

Back To Back Failures: Questions Are Mounting Over ISRO's PSLV Programme

Rediff.com27 May 2026

A high-level committee investigating the failures of ISRO's PSLV rockets, which have impacted strategic satellite missions, has yet to release its report and recommendations, raising concerns about the future of the ageing launch vehicle.

The Rediff Podcast: Andrew Holland: 'I'd Bet 80% Of My Money On India'

The Rediff Podcast: Andrew Holland: 'I'd Bet 80% Of My Money On India'

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Market maven Andrew Holland on why India missed the AI wave, why FIIs are leaving, why he personally invests in cryptocurrencies and why he's still betting big on the country.

Pakistan, Bangladesh challenge India-Australia-ECB

Pakistan, Bangladesh challenge India-Australia-ECB

Rediff.com10 May 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board and Bangladesh Cricket Board have agreed to support each other at Asian and international cricket forums while seeking greater balance in the Future Tours Programme (FTP) for the 2028-31 cycle.

Sweety Kujur Named Captain For U-18 Asia Cup

Sweety Kujur Named Captain For U-18 Asia Cup

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Sweety Kujur has been named captain of the 18-member Indian women's U-18 squad for the Asia Cup hockey tournament in Kakamigahara, Japan, from May 29-June 6.

'I'm an honorary cockroach': Wangchuk hits back at Ladakh LG

'I'm an honorary cockroach': Wangchuk hits back at Ladakh LG

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has rejected Ladakh Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena's claim that he was 'unsure' of the online movement's origins, asserting he considers himself an 'honorary cockroach'.

Tributes Pour In For Sports Administrator Randhir Singh

Tributes Pour In For Sports Administrator Randhir Singh

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Indian sporting fraternity mourns the death of veteran administrator and former shooter Randhir Singh, with tributes pouring in from prominent figures like Abhinav Bindra and PT Usha.

Bank valuations slump despite stronger earnings growth

Bank valuations slump despite stronger earnings growth

Rediff.com26 May 2026

The Bank Nifty is currently trading at a 43.5 per cent discount to the Nifty 50, near its widest gap since 2015, reflecting investor pessimism despite the banking sector's strong earnings growth.

Parliamentary panel to review NEET paper leak, NTA reforms

Parliamentary panel to review NEET paper leak, NTA reforms

Rediff.com18 May 2026

A parliamentary panel has decided to review the implementation of reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) as well as the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case and has summoned NTA Chairperson Pradeep Kumar Joshi and other bureaucrats for deliberations.

Like Kalyani Priyadarshan's Stylish Cannes Debut? VOTE

Like Kalyani Priyadarshan's Stylish Cannes Debut? VOTE

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Kalyani Priyadarshan made a striking debut at Cannes, proudly showcasing Indian fashion and jewellery on the red carpet.

Jan Suraaj Party Demands Fair Probe Into Delhi Murder Case

Jan Suraaj Party Demands Fair Probe Into Delhi Murder Case

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Jan Suraaj Party has requested a meeting with Bihar's Chief Minister to discuss the murder of a Bihar resident in Delhi and to ensure a fair investigation and support for the victim's family.

7 Countries That Hog The Most Pizza

7 Countries That Hog The Most Pizza

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

The world now eats 5 billion pizzas every year, according to Domino's statistics for 2024. And guess which country eats the most pizza, as per World Population Review?

Marco Rubio arrives in India; Quad, trade, defence on agenda

Marco Rubio arrives in India; Quad, trade, defence on agenda

Rediff.com23 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Kolkata for a four-day diplomatic tour to India, marking the first visit by a US secretary of state to the city in 14 years. His itinerary includes meetings with Indian officials, energy talks, and a Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting.

Who Will Rule Women's 2026 T20 World Cup? 12 Batters to Watch Out For

Who Will Rule Women's 2026 T20 World Cup? 12 Batters to Watch Out For

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

A look at the key batters to watch at the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales, highlighting their recent form and potential impact on the tournament.

Rupee crashes to record 95.80 against USD, settles near all-time low

Rupee crashes to record 95.80 against USD, settles near all-time low

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The Indian rupee plummeted to an all-time low of 95.80 against the US dollar, settling at 95.66, driven by elevated crude oil prices and escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, despite potential RBI intervention and import curbs on gold.

Sreejesh Voices Frustration Over Hockey India Coaching Decision

Sreejesh Voices Frustration Over Hockey India Coaching Decision

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has publicly criticised Hockey India's decision to remove him as junior men's team coach after 17 months, questioning the preference for foreign coaches. Hockey India has rejected Sreejesh's claims, stating his contract ended as scheduled and a new coach was selected through a formal process.

Sreejesh Voices Frustration Over Hockey India's Coaching Decisions

Sreejesh Voices Frustration Over Hockey India's Coaching Decisions

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has publicly criticised Hockey India for removing him from his role as junior men's team coach after just 17 months, questioning the organisation's preference for foreign coaches. Hockey India has rejected Sreejesh's claims, stating that his contract ended as scheduled and a new coach was selected through a formal process.

Thousands Rally For Iran's World Cup Team Amid Visa Concerns

Thousands Rally For Iran's World Cup Team Amid Visa Concerns

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Iran hosted a large send-off rally for its World Cup team in Tehran, despite ongoing concerns about visa issues for entry into the United States, where the team is scheduled to play its group matches.

Shabnim Ismail Returns To South Africa Squad For T20 World Cup

Shabnim Ismail Returns To South Africa Squad For T20 World Cup

Rediff.com12 May 2026

South African pacer Shabnim Ismail reverses her international retirement to join the squad for the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in the UK, bringing valuable experience to the team.

India Men Win Silver At CASA Rugby 7s; Women Finish Fourth

India Men Win Silver At CASA Rugby 7s; Women Finish Fourth

Rediff.com17 May 2026

India's senior men's rugby team won the silver medal, and the women's team finished fourth at the inaugural CASA (Central Asia and South Asia) Rugby 7s 2024 in Tashkent.

Rubio meets Modi, discusses West Asia, extends Trump's invitation to visit US

Rubio meets Modi, discusses West Asia, extends Trump's invitation to visit US

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed various aspects of India-US bilateral ties, focusing on defence, trade, energy, and technology. Rubio extended an invitation from President Donald Trump for PM Modi to visit the US.

Vinesh Phogat Alleges Conspiracy, Vows To Fight WFI

Vinesh Phogat Alleges Conspiracy, Vows To Fight WFI

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Vinesh Phogat has alleged that the Wrestling Federation of India wants her to quit wrestling, but she refuses to give in. She insists she is eligible to compete and questions the WFI's actions against her.

How Modi's Praise Fuels Indian Women's Hockey Team

How Modi's Praise Fuels Indian Women's Hockey Team

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Indian women's hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne expressed gratitude and motivation after Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised his contribution to the sport during a visit to the Netherlands, highlighting the team's World Cup aspirations.

Murder Suspect Arrested After Shootout In Delhi

Murder Suspect Arrested After Shootout In Delhi

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

A murder suspect, accused of using minors to commit violent crimes, was arrested in Delhi after a shootout with police. The suspect, identified as Suraj, was apprehended after attempting to flee and firing at officers. He is linked to a recent murder case where a man was stabbed to death.

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Rediff.com27 May 2026

If TVK MLAs and ministers are perceived as clean, or demonstrably cleaner than their predecessors, the credibility dividend will be enormous. The voter will feel rewarded, points out Ramesh Menon.