News for 'Country Head'

'Ultimately, Indian Football Has To Be Built By Indians'

'Ultimately, Indian Football Has To Be Built By Indians'

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

'Our biggest opportunity lies with the younger age-group teams.' 'If you look at the senior national team, our chances are about 50-50.' 'The gap becomes smaller as you move down the age groups.' 'At the Under-20 level, it's closer to 60-40.' 'By the Under-17 level, it's around 80-20. That's where I feel we have our best chance.'

Rohit Sharma will continue to play after Lord's ODI, confirms BCCI

Rohit Sharma will continue to play after Lord's ODI, confirms BCCI

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The BCCI on Friday rubbished speculation about Rohit Sharma's future, stating he will continue to play for India after the series-deciding third and final ODI against England at Lord's on Sunday.

Provisional NSF Status For FMSCI Paves Way For F1 Return

Provisional NSF Status For FMSCI Paves Way For F1 Return

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Sports Ministry has provisionally recognised the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) as a National Sports Federation (NSF). This status makes FMSCI eligible for financial grants and is a significant step in the government's efforts to bring Formula 1 racing back to India, with a Task Force also being formed to explore hosting major motorsport events.

How Modi's Political Aura Crumbled At Jantar Mantar

How Modi's Political Aura Crumbled At Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

It was left to an incensed Gen Z to show the rest of India that enough was enough, and that the time had come to shatter the fear psychosis generated by the government's authoritarian approach to protests and criticism, points out M R Narayan Swamy.

Bellingham Urges England Fans To Maintain Unity

Bellingham Urges England Fans To Maintain Unity

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

England's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign concluded with a semi-final defeat to Argentina. Star midfielder Jude Bellingham expressed gratitude to supporters for their unwavering backing and called for the unity shown during the tournament to continue. Bellingham was England's top scorer, playing a crucial role in their journey to the semi-finals.

Kuldeep Yadav's Coach Confident Of Spinner's Comeback

Kuldeep Yadav's Coach Confident Of Spinner's Comeback

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Kuldeep Yadav's childhood coach, Kapil Pandey, has expressed confidence in the left-arm wrist spinner's ability to regain his place in the Indian team despite his recent exclusion from the playing XI. Pandey highlighted Kuldeep's fighting spirit, impact in previous matches, and consistent work ethic, dismissing concerns about his limited appearances and emphasising his value as a top spinner.

Messi statue becomes focal point of celebrations after Argentina beat England

Messi statue becomes focal point of celebrations after Argentina beat England

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Argentina has advanced to the World Cup final after defeating long-time rivals England with two late goals, sparking widespread celebrations across the country, particularly in Cutral Co, Patagonia, home to a new 85-foot statue of Lionel Messi.

Special Olympics Bharat Hails Football Team's Gothia Cup Bronze

Special Olympics Bharat Hails Football Team's Gothia Cup Bronze

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The Indian Special Olympics football team secured a bronze medal at the Gothia Cup in Sweden, marking their third consecutive podium finish. Special Olympics Bharat president Malika Nadda praised the team's resilience and determination, while coaches highlighted the challenges of adapting to artificial turf and expressed ambitions for future gold medals.

Special Olympics Bharat Hails Football Team's Gothia Cup Bronze

Special Olympics Bharat Hails Football Team's Gothia Cup Bronze

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The Indian Special Olympics football team secured a bronze medal at the Gothia Cup in Sweden, marking their third consecutive podium finish. Special Olympics Bharat president Malika Nadda praised the team's resilience and determination, while coaches highlighted the challenges of adapting to artificial turf and expressed ambitions for future gold medals.

'Stop, these are our sons and daughters': Sonia slams govt

'Stop, these are our sons and daughters': Sonia slams govt

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has launched a scathing attack on the Modi government, accusing it of responding to student demands for accountability and educational reforms with 'cowardice and wanton cruelty,' treating them as 'enemies of the nation.' She further alleged that the government has degraded India's education landscape and routinely chooses violence over dialogue.

Youth Protest Is No Longer About Paper Leaks

Youth Protest Is No Longer About Paper Leaks

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

When dialogue fails, protest becomes inevitable.
In a democracy, protest is often the only language left once institutions stop listening, explains Ramesh Menon.

Manolo Marquez: World Cup expansion dilutes quality, India needs grassroots focus

Manolo Marquez: World Cup expansion dilutes quality, India needs grassroots focus

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Spanish football coach Manolo Marquez has criticised the expansion of the FIFA World Cup, arguing it compromises quality and that countries like India should prioritise grassroots development over relying on increased qualification slots. He also highlighted the impact of naturalised players on international competition, citing his experience with the Indian team.

India's Best Superhero Movies

India's Best Superhero Movies

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Not every Indian superhero movie lands, but these seven prove the genre has plenty of potential.

Memes, Music and Mockery: How Gen Z amplifying CJP protest

Memes, Music and Mockery: How Gen Z amplifying CJP protest

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Gen Z protesters are using memes, music, and sarcastic humour on social media platforms like Instagram and X to demand Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the NEET question paper leak and other examination irregularities.

Restaurants, Multiplexes Eye World Cup Final Windfall

Restaurants, Multiplexes Eye World Cup Final Windfall

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Businesses across sectors are positioning themselves to capitalise on the expected surge in demand.

Dell Expands Local Server Production In India Driven By AI And Data Sovereignty

Dell Expands Local Server Production In India Driven By AI And Data Sovereignty

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Dell Technologies is significantly expanding its domestic manufacturing in India, with a majority of its servers now produced locally, driven by data sovereignty and AI adoption. The company also launched new AI infrastructure solutions, including PowerStore Elite, designed for secure on-premises data management and AI workflows, while asserting that AI creates more jobs.

New Centre To Boost India-Kyrgyzstan Cultural And Academic Ties

New Centre To Boost India-Kyrgyzstan Cultural And Academic Ties

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Centre for Studies of International Relations (CSIR) has established the International Centre for Civilizational Studies "Manas and Mahabharata" in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in collaboration with the Manas National Academy. The inauguration also saw the release of the first Hindi translation of the Kyrgyz epic "Manas," aiming to foster scientific, educational, and cultural cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan.

Blasts in Syria near hotel where French PM was to stay

Blasts in Syria near hotel where French PM was to stay

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Several explosions were reported in Damascus, Syria, on Tuesday, with two occurring near a hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was expected to stay during his first official visit to the country. The blasts caused plumes of smoke but no immediate casualties were reported. This incident follows a recent bomb blast in central Damascus on July 3 that killed five people.

'Can't imagine Hindu Rashtra without...': What RSS chief told Muslim delegation

'Can't imagine Hindu Rashtra without...': What RSS chief told Muslim delegation

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Former Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi stated, "We thought we'll go to the fountainhead of this hate discourse. This whole hate narrative according to us was being spread by the RSS," explaining the delegation's decision to meet RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in 2022.

FIFA World Cup: 'In our hearts you won': Swiss fans back team

FIFA World Cup: 'In our hearts you won': Swiss fans back team

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Swiss football fans expressed pride in their national team despite a 3-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup quarter-finals, marking the end of an 'exceptional campaign' that captivated the country.

'This Is The Biggest Setback Of Modi's Career'

'This Is The Biggest Setback Of Modi's Career'

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

'For the rest of his tenure, people will start with the assumption that even Modi can be forced to bow down'

Indian Grandmaster Iniyan Pa Storms To Victory At La Plagne Open Chess

Indian Grandmaster Iniyan Pa Storms To Victory At La Plagne Open Chess

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Indian Grandmaster Iniyan Pa has won the 6th La Plagne Open International Chess Tournament with an unbeaten performance.

Pune court rules criticism of government is not 'waging war'

Pune court rules criticism of government is not 'waging war'

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

A Pune court has granted bail to NCP (SP) office-bearer Mahadev Balgude, ruling that criticism of the government or chief minister does not constitute "waging war" against the nation. The court emphasised every citizen's right to comment on and criticise government actions, noting that the charges under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 152 were debatable.

Can Harmanpreet end India's 50-year hockey World Cup medal drought?

Can Harmanpreet end India's 50-year hockey World Cup medal drought?

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Indian men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh believes his side is capable of ending the country's five-decade-long World Cup medal drought, drawing parallels with the team's success at the Tokyo Olympics.

'I should've been India coach': Constantine blasts AIFF

'I should've been India coach': Constantine blasts AIFF

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Former India football coach Stephen Constantine has expressed deep disappointment over the national team's current decline, criticising the All India Football Federation for its decisions, including the appointment of Khalid Jamil as coach despite his lack of international experience. Constantine, who led India to a historic FIFA ranking of 96, believes he should still be managing the team and calls for wider structural reforms in Indian football.

ISRO Talent Drain Triggers Government Action

ISRO Talent Drain Triggers Government Action

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Department of Space has directed that requests for voluntary retirement or resignation from Group 'A' Scientific and Technical personnel associated with the prestigious Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme and other important missions should not be accepted as a matter of routine.

Moments That Defined 2026 World Cup

Moments That Defined 2026 World Cup

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to Cape Verde's fairytale run, VAR controversies and unforgettable fan moments, relive the memories that made the 2026 FIFA World Cup the biggest and most dramatic tournament in history.

Kuwait, Bahrain attacked; Jordan downs 4 Iranian missiles

Kuwait, Bahrain attacked; Jordan downs 4 Iranian missiles

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Kuwait's air defence systems engaged 'hostile aerial targets', Jordan intercepted four missiles, and Bahrain sounded warning sirens after Iran launched retaliatory strikes targeting US military installations in the region.

5 Memorable Chocolate Factory Tours

5 Memorable Chocolate Factory Tours

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The best addresses to see chocolate being made.

Tom Holland Arrives In Mumbai

Tom Holland Arrives In Mumbai

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Hollywood luminaries Tom Holland and Christopher Nolan have landed in Mumbai for the unprecedented India premiere of their highly anticipated film, The Odyssey.

Why Banks Prefers Retired Bureaucrats...

Why Banks Prefers Retired Bureaucrats...

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

It is because dealing with a regulatory system that is largely headed by retired IAS officers then becomes relatively easy, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Jude Bellingham's brace takes England past Norway to World Cup semis

Jude Bellingham's brace takes England past Norway to World Cup semis

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Jude Bellingham scored twice as England fought back to defeat Norway 2-1 in the third World Cup quarter-final at Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday.

One Nation One Election rollout possible by 2029: Panel chief

One Nation One Election rollout possible by 2029: Panel chief

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

A parliamentary committee is actively working to establish a mechanism for implementing the 'One Nation, One Election' reform, with its chairperson, PP Chaudhary, indicating that it could be fully operational by the 2029 general elections. Chaudhary highlighted that nearly 99 per cent of civil society stakeholders consulted have supported the proposal, which aims to mitigate an estimated Rs 7 lakh crore economic loss due to frequent polls.

Historic! Paddlers Manav Thakkar-Manush Shah rise to World No. 2

Historic! Paddlers Manav Thakkar-Manush Shah rise to World No. 2

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Guided by Indian table tennis legend Sharath Kamal, the duo have established themselves among the world's elite through a series of impressive performances on the WTT circuit.

Vaishnaw to launch Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train tunnel work on Sunday

Vaishnaw to launch Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train tunnel work on Sunday

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will inaugurate the underground tunnel-boring work from Vikhroli to the Bandra Kurla Complex station in Mumbai on Sunday, marking the maiden use of a tunnel boring machine for the country's first bullet train project, between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

They made me better: Prabhsimran credits Yuvraj, Ponting for India breakthrough

They made me better: Prabhsimran credits Yuvraj, Ponting for India breakthrough

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Prabhsimran Singh credited mentor Yuvraj Singh's tactical guidance and Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting's unwavering faith for his growth, saying both played a pivotal role in earning his maiden India T20I call-up.

Ram Temple theft hurts devotees, says Shinde; targets Uddhav on Siddhivinayak

Ram Temple theft hurts devotees, says Shinde; targets Uddhav on Siddhivinayak

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday said the alleged embezzlement of donations to the Ram Temple at Ayodhya has pained devotees, but stressed strict action will be taken against those found guilty in the case.

'I leave with a lot of pride': Mexico manager Aguirre bids farewell

'I leave with a lot of pride': Mexico manager Aguirre bids farewell

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Mexico manager Javier Aguirre said he was leaving with pride despite the pain of elimination after losing to England in the FIFA World Cup.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina stage stunning fightback to storm into quarterfinals

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina stage stunning fightback to storm into quarterfinals

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Argentina produced a stunning comeback after falling two goals behind, scoring twice in four minutes through Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi to beat Egypt 3-2 in their last 16 clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Atlanta on Tuesday.

Pakistan Hockey Federation To Revamp Structure After FIH Pro League Debacle

Pakistan Hockey Federation To Revamp Structure After FIH Pro League Debacle

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is undertaking a significant restructuring of its national hockey programme following a dismal performance in the FIH Pro League, where the team failed to win any matches, including two losses to India. The PHF plans to hire foreign coaches and trainers from countries like Australia, Netherlands, or Germany to develop players at all levels and modernise the sport in Pakistan.