News for 'Country Head'

From Matka King to Darlings: Ranking Vijay Varma's Defining Roles

From Matka King to Darlings: Ranking Vijay Varma's Defining Roles

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Vijay Varma continues to impress critics and fans with his performance in 'Matka King', prompting a look back at his most defining roles, from the conflicted cop in 'Monsoon Shootout' to the chilling antagonist in 'Darlings'.

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.

Tamil Nadu Elections: 'Vijay Has Been Campaigning Very Intensely As A Christian'

Tamil Nadu Elections: 'Vijay Has Been Campaigning Very Intensely As A Christian'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

'Remember Vijay had never spoke of himself as a Christian when he was a film star.' 'The BJP strategy is they want the Christian minority constituency to move away from the DMK.' 'That is what the BJP wants so that it will be very easy to mobilise Hindu votes.' 'This strategy is to weaken the Dravidian ideology and bring in religion based politics into Tamil Nadu.'

'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.

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.

World Water Day: 7 Nations That Consume The Most Water

World Water Day: 7 Nations That Consume The Most Water

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The stats according to World Population Review's 2022 compilation.

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.

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'.

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.

Was talking about Nehru: Dubey retracts remark on Biju Patnaik

Was talking about Nehru: Dubey retracts remark on Biju Patnaik

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has issued an unconditional apology for claiming that former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik was linked to the CIA during the 1960s. The apology comes after widespread criticism from within and outside the BJP.

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.

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.

From three ducks to T20 WC hero: Gambhir explains faith in Abhishek

From three ducks to T20 WC hero: Gambhir explains faith in Abhishek

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Gautam Gambhir explains why India backed Abhishek Sharma despite three ducks early in the T20 World Cup, as the opener bounced back with a blazing fifty in the final against New Zealand.

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).

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.

Ex-Trump aide Joe Kent makes explosive claim on Iran war

Ex-Trump aide Joe Kent makes explosive claim on Iran war

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Joe Kent, former head of the National Counterterrorism Center, accuses Israel of instigating the conflict between the United States and Iran, claiming there was no imminent threat from Iran.

India pushing for dialogue, diplomacy to resolve West Asia crisis, Modi tells LS

India pushing for dialogue, diplomacy to resolve West Asia crisis, Modi tells LS

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Parliament on the West Asia crisis, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy, ensuring the safety of Indians in the region, and addressing concerns about fuel and food security.

Sheena Bora Trial: Do Skeletons Rise?

Sheena Bora Trial: Do Skeletons Rise?

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The investigation into Sheena Bora's murder, and, later, the case, leans heavily on the half-burnt body found in rural Maharashtra in 2012. Therefore, the very strange and notable differences -- like the Case Of The Rising Skeleton -- between both postmortems/their reports done on it have a critical bearing.

'Get serious before...': Trump claims Iran 'begging' for deal

'Get serious before...': Trump claims Iran 'begging' for deal

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Despite heightened tensions and Iran's rejection of a US-backed ceasefire, President Trump claims Iran is now 'begging' for a deal.

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".

Harish Rana, India's First Passive Euthanasia Recipient, Passes Away

Harish Rana, India's First Passive Euthanasia Recipient, Passes Away

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Harish Rana, the first person in India to be granted passive euthanasia, has died at AIIMS-Delhi after being in a coma for over 13 years. His case led to a landmark Supreme Court judgment allowing passive euthanasia and sparked discussions about the right to die with dignity in India.

Kerala High Court Affirms Life Sentences for BJP Activists in 2006 Murder Case

Kerala High Court Affirms Life Sentences for BJP Activists in 2006 Murder Case

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Kerala High Court has upheld the life sentence of five BJP activists for the murder of a CPI(M) worker in Kannur in 2006, affirming the trial court's decision and highlighting the political rivalry behind the crime.

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.

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.

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.

Gulf War: Bombing Won't Make Iran Surrender

Gulf War: Bombing Won't Make Iran Surrender

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

It is time for India to step up and get Russia, China and Europe to agree to a joint appeal to all combatants. Time is of essence, tomorrow may be too late, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale, former head of the history division, ministry of defence.

Ali Larijani is dead, confirms Iran; top leaders vow 'severe' revenge

Ali Larijani is dead, confirms Iran; top leaders vow 'severe' revenge

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The assassination of Ali Larijani, Iran's top security official, in an alleged Israeli strike has sent shockwaves through the region, prompting vows of revenge and raising concerns about escalating tensions.

Gulveer Singh Aims for Glory at TCS World 10K Bengaluru

Gulveer Singh Aims for Glory at TCS World 10K Bengaluru

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Gulveer Singh, the Asian champion and national record holder, will lead the Indian contingent at the TCS World 10K Run Bengaluru, a World Athletics Gold Label race.

'Not the ending I planned': Oracle's mass layoffs spark online angst

'Not the ending I planned': Oracle's mass layoffs spark online angst

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Oracle Corporation has reportedly laid off thousands of employees globally, including a significant number in India, with affected individuals receiving early morning termination emails and immediate laptop lockouts, despite the company posting record quarterly revenues of $17.2 billion.

BCB appeals to BCCI to revive India tour and fix strained relations

BCB appeals to BCCI to revive India tour and fix strained relations

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is attempting to repair strained relations with the BCCI after pulling out of the T20 World Cup in India, seeking to revive India's white-ball tour in September.

AIFF Women's Committee Alleges Lapses Led to Asian Cup 'Blunders'

AIFF Women's Committee Alleges Lapses Led to Asian Cup 'Blunders'

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The All India Football Federation's women's committee chief, Valanka Alemao, has alleged procedural lapses by the body's technical committee led to a series of blunders during the national team's Asian Cup campaign, including ill-fitting jerseys.

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.

Strait of Hormuz opens to ships but marine covers to stay pricey

Strait of Hormuz opens to ships but marine covers to stay pricey

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Despite Iran allowing 'non-hostile vessels' through the Strait of Hormuz, marine insurance premiums are expected to remain elevated due to persistent high-risk classifications and ongoing geopolitical tensions, with experts cautioning that the threat of attacks and collateral damage still exists.

India not a dominant force in white-ball cricket: Gambhir

India not a dominant force in white-ball cricket: Gambhir

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

'Because in white-ball cricket, we've lost two out of the last three series in the one-day format. If it was an era, we wouldn't have lost two series.'

Iranian Oil Tanker Changes Course from India to China Amid Payment Concerns

Iranian Oil Tanker Changes Course from India to China Amid Payment Concerns

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

A US-sanctioned tanker carrying Iranian crude oil has rerouted mid-voyage from its previously indicated destination of India to China, raising questions about payment issues and the future of India's Iranian oil imports.

Criminal Arrested After Shootout with Police in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh

Criminal Arrested After Shootout with Police in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Police in Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh, arrested a criminal with a Rs 25,000 reward on his head after an encounter. The criminal sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg during the exchange.

'If the first ball is meant to be hit, hit it': Parag's message for Sooryavanshi ahead of IPL 2026

'If the first ball is meant to be hit, hit it': Parag's message for Sooryavanshi ahead of IPL 2026

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag emphasises the importance of allowing young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to develop without undue pressure, while coach Kumar Sangakkara focuses on the team's flexibility and depth for the upcoming IPL season.

Spain vs Argentina 'Finalissima' match in Qatar cancelled amid West Asia conflict

Spain vs Argentina 'Finalissima' match in Qatar cancelled amid West Asia conflict

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

The 'Finalissima' match between Spain and Argentina that was scheduled to be held in Qatar has been cancelled due to the conflict in the Middle East while the South American side rejected multiple alternatives, UEFA said on Sunday.

Manufacturing Boosts India's Industrial Production to 5.2% in February

Manufacturing Boosts India's Industrial Production to 5.2% in February

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

India's industrial production saw a 5.2 per cent increase in February, primarily fuelled by a significant improvement in the manufacturing sector, with 14 out of 23 industry groups recording positive growth.

The Six Men Who Decide Iran's Fate

The Six Men Who Decide Iran's Fate

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

As Iran heads into crucial peace talks with the United States of America, here are the six men who decide the Islamic Republic's course.