News for 'Country Head'

Iran asserts control on Hormuz transit as US intensifies blockade

Iran asserts control on Hormuz transit as US intensifies blockade

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Tensions escalate between Iran and the US over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping lane for global oil supplies, as both sides discuss extending a fragile ceasefire.

'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.

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.

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.

Rupee Fall Hits Study Abroad Dreams

Rupee Fall Hits Study Abroad Dreams

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Compared with a year ago, the effective cost of studying abroad for Indian students has increased by roughly 10%-12% due to currency depreciation and rising living costs.

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.

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.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Complete List Of All 26-Man Squads

FIFA World Cup 2026: Complete List Of All 26-Man Squads

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The official 26-man squads for FIFA World Cup 2026.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ICC team heads for Dhaka amid T20 World Cup standoff

ICC team heads for Dhaka amid T20 World Cup standoff

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

ICC officials to visit Bangladesh to resolve T20 WC imbroglio

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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'.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

BRICS meet in India from Thursday on West Asia; Iran to attend, China skips

BRICS meet in India from Thursday on West Asia; Iran to attend, China skips

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The escalating crisis in West Asia and its impact on the global energy supply chain are expected to dominate deliberations at a two-day meeting of BRICS foreign ministers to be hosted by India.

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.

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.

2nd Iranian ship heads towards Sri Lanka after US submarine attack

2nd Iranian ship heads towards Sri Lanka after US submarine attack

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Amidst escalating regional tensions, Sri Lanka is carefully considering its response after a second Iranian ship requested entry into its waters following a reported US submarine attack on an Iranian frigate near Galle.

India-bound LPG tanker safely passes through Strait Of Hormuz

India-bound LPG tanker safely passes through Strait Of Hormuz

Rediff.com3 May 2026

A tanker carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for India has successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz and is en route to Visakhapatnam, India, carrying enough cargo to meet half a day's requirement for the country.

Boxing Federation Agrees To Rework Selection Criteria After SAI Intervention

Boxing Federation Agrees To Rework Selection Criteria After SAI Intervention

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has agreed to rework its selection criteria after talks with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) following the suspension of an assessment camp due to alleged irregularities. The decision comes after concerns were raised about transparency and fair play in the selection process for the Commonwealth and Asian Games.

Trump to visit China this week amid global tension

Trump to visit China this week amid global tension

Rediff.com11 May 2026

US President Donald Trump will visit China from May 13 to 15 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. The visit occurs amidst global tensions, including the war in West Asia and trade disputes between the US and China. Discussions are expected to cover China-US relations, world peace, and economic issues.

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.

India tests advanced Agni missile capable of hitting multiple targets

India tests advanced Agni missile capable of hitting multiple targets

Rediff.com9 May 2026

India has successfully conducted a flight test of an advanced Agni missile featuring Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology off the coast of Odisha.

Pakistan hand Sarfaraz Ahmed big coaching role

Pakistan hand Sarfaraz Ahmed big coaching role

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Pakistan's cricket board has appointed former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as the head coach of their Test team for the upcoming two-match series in Bangladesh, succeeding Jason Gillespie.

Kaziranga Turtle Conservation Milestone

Kaziranga Turtle Conservation Milestone

Rediff.com16 May 2026

India's first satellite-tagged Ganges soft-shell turtle released in Kaziranga.

Why India Chose Frederic Soyez As Hockey Coach

Why India Chose Frederic Soyez As Hockey Coach

Rediff.com14 May 2026

India has appointed Frederic Soyez as the chief coach of the national junior men's hockey team, replacing PR Sreejesh. Soyez brings extensive international coaching experience, including multiple Olympic Games and World Cups.