News for 'Country Head'

Punjab Police Face Action for Allegedly Helping Drug Lord Flee

Punjab Police Face Action for Allegedly Helping Drug Lord Flee

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Five police personnel in Punjab's Tarn Taran have been booked for allegedly facilitating the release of the impounded passport of an international drug lord wanted by the US' Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Trump mulls naval blockade on Iran after talks collapse?

Trump mulls naval blockade on Iran after talks collapse?

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump has shared an article suggesting that the option of enforcing a naval blockade was available in the context of Iran, as peace talks ended in a stalemate in Islamabad after differences of opinion arose between the two parties on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear capacities.

Bangladesh Cricket Board Leadership Ousted, Ad-hoc Committee Appointed

Bangladesh Cricket Board Leadership Ousted, Ad-hoc Committee Appointed

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been dissolved and replaced with an ad-hoc committee following internal disputes and government intervention. Former captain Tamim Iqbal will lead the committee, tasked with holding elections within 90 days.

Captain Donnarumma denies Italy players demanded bonus for World Cup qualification

Captain Donnarumma denies Italy players demanded bonus for World Cup qualification

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma said he was hurt by reports claiming the national team's players had demanded a bonus if they qualified for this year's World Cup.

Haryana ex-DGP Kapoor appointed as ITBP chief; Praveen Kumar to head BSF

Haryana ex-DGP Kapoor appointed as ITBP chief; Praveen Kumar to head BSF

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Former Haryana Police chief Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor has been appointed as the director general of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). He succeeds Praveen Kumar, who has been named the new head of the Border Security Force (BSF).

Talks failed due to 'excessive demands' made by US: Iran

Talks failed due to 'excessive demands' made by US: Iran

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Talks between Iran and the US in Pakistan concluded without a deal due to disagreements over key issues, including Iran's nuclear programme and sanctions, despite efforts to find common ground.

Sujeet Kalkal Credits Consistency For Wrestling Success

Sujeet Kalkal Credits Consistency For Wrestling Success

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Indian wrestler Sujeet Kalkal, dominant in the 65kg category, attributes his success to consistency and self-belief, aiming for gold at the upcoming Asian Games and World Championships.

Why Are Educated People Falling For Digital Arrest Scams?

Why Are Educated People Falling For Digital Arrest Scams?

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Chief Justice of India expresses concern over the increasing number of digital arrest scams, highlighting a recent case where an elderly woman was defrauded of her retirement benefits.

Sujeet Kalkal Credits Consistency For Wrestling Success

Sujeet Kalkal Credits Consistency For Wrestling Success

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Indian wrestler Sujeet Kalkal, dominant in the 65kg category, attributes his success to consistency and self-belief, focusing on self-improvement and rigorous training for upcoming challenges like the Asian Games and World Championships.

MCA unveils Ravi Shastri stand, renames Wankhede stadium gates

MCA unveils Ravi Shastri stand, renames Wankhede stadium gates

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The Mumbai Cricket Association on Thursday honoured four Indian cricket greats by unveiling a stand and dedicating stadium gates at Wankhede Stadium.

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.

Iran Ceasefire Hours From Collapse

Iran Ceasefire Hours From Collapse

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Trump has made it clear: the US will not lift its blockade of Iranian ports until a deal is signed.

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.

Nuclear programme non-negotiable: Iran hardens stand ahead of talks

Nuclear programme non-negotiable: Iran hardens stand ahead of talks

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The statement comes even as Tehran links the issue to ongoing efforts to bring a complete end to hostilities in West Asia involving the United States and Israel.

'Netanyahu Has Infiltrated Trump's Cabinet'

'Netanyahu Has Infiltrated Trump's Cabinet'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'As result, Netanyahu 'convinced' Trump to go to war with the help of overoptimistic Israeli intelligence assessments, essentially explaining to him that they only need to bomb Iran for 3-4 days, and the regime would then collapse.' 'Rather unsurprisingly, Netanyahu is ever since blaming his own intel service for the entire operation failing.'

India Forms AI Governance Body to Steer National Strategy

India Forms AI Governance Body to Steer National Strategy

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

India has established a high-level inter-ministerial body, the AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG), to steer the country's national AI governance strategy. The AIGEG will coordinate policy across ministries and oversee cross-sectoral governance issues, supported by a Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC).

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.

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.

Amid uncertainty over US-Iran talks, India says...

Amid uncertainty over US-Iran talks, India says...

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addresses the Indian Ocean Conference, expressing deep concern over the West Asia conflict and its economic repercussions on energy, trade, and food security. India calls for a swift return to peace and opposes targeting civilians and infrastructure.

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.

SAD (Punar Surjit) Launches Vision Document 'Akali Declaration 2026'

SAD (Punar Surjit) Launches Vision Document 'Akali Declaration 2026'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) has launched its 'vision document' outlining its ideological direction and commitment to the rise of the 'Panth' and the progress of Punjab. The 'Akali Declaration 2026' addresses issues concerning youth, farmers, women, and other sections of society, with a focus on education, health, and internal party reforms.

Tamil Nadu Election: 'AIADMK Is Trapped By BJP'

Tamil Nadu Election: 'AIADMK Is Trapped By BJP'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

'The AIADMK will lose a lot of votes simply because it is aligned with the BJP.'

Markets rally over 1% as US-Iran peace talks hopes drive crude oil below $100

Markets rally over 1% as US-Iran peace talks hopes drive crude oil below $100

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Indian benchmark stock indices, Sensex and Nifty, surged over 1 per cent, driven by optimism surrounding potential US-Iran peace talks and a significant drop in crude oil prices below the USD 100 per barrel mark. This de-escalation in geopolitical concerns and easing inflation pressures provided a substantial boost to investor sentiment.

Hormuz Blockade Is The New Battlefield

Hormuz Blockade Is The New Battlefield

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The clock on the ceasefire is running out. But everyone's already whispering about round two, possibly as soon as this weekend.

Amit Shah Blasts Banerjee's Rule, Promises Change in West Bengal

Amit Shah Blasts Banerjee's Rule, Promises Change in West Bengal

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of playing the 'victim card' and pushing the state towards destruction. He promised to end the TMC's 'syndicate raj' and ensure justice for women if the BJP is voted to power.

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.

BJP's Samrat Choudhary to take oath as Bihar CM on Wednesday

BJP's Samrat Choudhary to take oath as Bihar CM on Wednesday

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Newly-elected leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party legislative party in Bihar, Samrat Choudhary, met Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (retd) at Lok Bhavan on Tuesday and staked a claim to form the government in the state.

Easter Attacks: Will Sri Lanka Ever Nail The Guilty?

Easter Attacks: Will Sri Lanka Ever Nail The Guilty?

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Sri Lanka's response to the Easter attacks has been slow and politically contested, unlike India's swift institutional reforms after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, observes Colonel R Hariharan (retd).

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.

IPL 2026: Ajinkya Rahane's captaincy under scrutiny as Kolkata Knight Riders struggle

IPL 2026: Ajinkya Rahane's captaincy under scrutiny as Kolkata Knight Riders struggle

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Ajinkya Rahane's captaincy and batting form are under scrutiny as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) struggle in the IPL. Critics question his suitability as captain and batter, citing his low boundary count and strike rate. With limited leadership alternatives, KKR faces a grim situation.

Can Asim Munir seal a US-Iran deal after Sharif's failed effort?

Can Asim Munir seal a US-Iran deal after Sharif's failed effort?

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir held talks with Iranian leaders in Tehran to help resolve the conflict between the US and Iran, following a recent ceasefire agreement.

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.

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.

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.

Is Shashi Tharoor heading to CPM? Kerala MP says...

Is Shashi Tharoor heading to CPM? Kerala MP says...

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has declined to comment on reports claiming he held discussions with CPI(M) members in Dubai. CPI(M) dismisses speculation about Tharoor joining, while Congress denies he is leaving.

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.

Not blocking Strait of Hormuz, clarifies US

Not blocking Strait of Hormuz, clarifies US

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The United States has clarified that its naval blockade in West Asia targets Iranian ports and coastline, not the Strait of Hormuz, applying to all ships regardless of nationality. US officials warned Iran against threatening commercial ships and hinted at ceasefire negotiations as an alternative.

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.

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.

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.