News for 'Country Head'

How Sonal Dinusha became India's latest spin nightmare

How Sonal Dinusha became India's latest spin nightmare

Rediff.com7 days ago

Sri Lankan all-rounder Sonal Dinusha, who averaged 140 in the recent Test series against India, found solace and success in cricket as an escape from financial hardship. His journey, marked by dedication and a relentless work ethic, saw him rise from a child without a bat to a national hero, with coaches highlighting his unwavering commitment to the game.

'Election Commission Is Excited It Is Eliminating People By The Millions'

'Election Commission Is Excited It Is Eliminating People By The Millions'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

'The incumbent matters. It matters a lot. If a person sitting on top is good, then he can achieve a lot. And if he is bad, you see what can happen.'

UP assembly Speaker draws ire for leaving dais during national anthem

UP assembly Speaker draws ire for leaving dais during national anthem

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Uttar Pradesh assembly Speaker Satish Mahana has found himself at the centre of a controversy after he was seen walking away while the national anthem was played at an event in Unnao, drawing flak from the opposition. Mahana, however, claimed that the anthem was not played where he was given the guard of honour.

Gouramangi Singh's FC Goa Face Formidable FC Arkadag In ACL Two Playoff

Gouramangi Singh's FC Goa Face Formidable FC Arkadag In ACL Two Playoff

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

AIFF Super Cup winners FC Goa are set to face Turkmenistan's dominant FC Arkadag in a single-leg qualifying match for the AFC Champions League Two group stage. This crucial encounter marks former India defender Gouramangi Singh's debut as head coach for FC Goa, who enter the playoff with a depleted squad. The winner advances to the group stage, while the loser drops to the AFC Challenge League.

Asia's Top Junior Chess Talent To Vie For Glory In Mumbai

Asia's Top Junior Chess Talent To Vie For Glory In Mumbai

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Asian Junior Chess Championships will host 157 players from 10 countries in Mumbai from August 16-26. The tournament, featuring Classical, Rapid, and Blitz formats, offers Grandmaster and International Master norms to winners and showcases top U20 talent, including leading Indian and international players.

Iran vows to 'correct' Trump's Hormuz 'delusions'

Iran vows to 'correct' Trump's Hormuz 'delusions'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Iran has strongly rejected former US President Donald Trump's assertion that the Strait of Hormuz is 'NEW U.S. TERRITORY', with top officials warning that his 'delusions' would be 'corrected' and highlighting the gap between Washington's claims and its actual influence over the strategic waterway.

12 women, six minorities in Team Nitin Nabin

12 women, six minorities in Team Nitin Nabin

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party's new national team integrates women, minority leaders, and regional representatives to strengthen its organisational structure and national appeal.

India's Hockey World Cup Strategy: No Room For Complacency

India's Hockey World Cup Strategy: No Room For Complacency

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

India's hockey coach Craig Fulton and captain Harmanpreet Singh discuss their approach to the FIH Hockey World Cup opener against Wales. They emphasise respecting opponents, maintaining focus, and the importance of a strong start, especially on Independence Day. The team has prepared extensively, focusing on defence and consistent performance across all quarters.

India's World Cup failure exposes hockey's selection and transition problem

India's World Cup failure exposes hockey's selection and transition problem

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The Indian men's hockey team's failure to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup has highlighted significant issues, including a lack of intent in player transition and questionable selection decisions, according to former players and experts.

No Khel Ratna for 2025; Tejaswin, Divya and Gayatri Gopichand among Arjuna awardees

No Khel Ratna for 2025; Tejaswin, Divya and Gayatri Gopichand among Arjuna awardees

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Seventeen Indian sportspersons, including World Cup winning chess player Divya Deshmukh, decathlete Tejaswin Shankar, and shuttler Gayatri Gopichand, have been named for the prestigious Arjuna Award for 2025.

Diamond League: Jefferson-Wooden beats Olympic champion Alfred to win women's 100m

Diamond League: Jefferson-Wooden beats Olympic champion Alfred to win women's 100m

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

World champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden defeated Olympic gold medallist Julien Alfred in the women's 100 metres, while Oblique Seville secured victory in the men's sprint at the Silesia Diamond League.

India Named in US China Transshipment Network

India Named in US China Transshipment Network

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

'All these reports and announcements by the US seem like attempts to gain a lever in trade deal negotiations with India.'

Uruguay hands Diego Forlan top coaching role

Uruguay hands Diego Forlan top coaching role

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Diego Forlan, the former Manchester United and Atletico Madrid forward, has been named the new head coach for Uruguay's senior and Under-20 national football teams. He replaces Marcelo Bielsa, who left after Uruguay's early exit from the World Cup. Forlan, a celebrated player and 2010 World Cup Golden Ball winner, will bring his experience and leadership to the role, starting with the Under-20 squad.

'We are ready with every answer': Gambhir's Tells Team Ahead Of Sri Lanka Test Series

'We are ready with every answer': Gambhir's Tells Team Ahead Of Sri Lanka Test Series

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed confidence in his team's readiness for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, starting August 15. Gambhir also welcomed new squad members Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi, emphasising the team's preparation for their first ICC World Test Championship assignment since a previous home defeat.

Badminton Worlds: PV Sindhu's sixth World Championships medal bid ends in quarters

Badminton Worlds: PV Sindhu's sixth World Championships medal bid ends in quarters

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Former world No. 1 PV Sindhu bowed out of the BWF Badminton World Championships in New Delhi on Thursday after losing to China's Wang Zhi Yi in the Round of 16.

'We Travelled Peacefully By Road From Imphal To Guwahati'

'We Travelled Peacefully By Road From Imphal To Guwahati'

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

'People have been facing significant difficulties due to skyrocketing airfares, and road transportation was inaccessible until now.'

'The Most Valuable Show For Us Is KBC'

'The Most Valuable Show For Us Is KBC'

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has seen its revenue grow by over 9 per cent to 7,064 crore, driven by the strong performance of SonyLIV, Sony SAB, and Sony Entertainment Television (SET), said Gaurav Banerjee, head of SPNI.

CJP warns of nationwide stir, accuses Centre of backtracking on FIR promise

CJP warns of nationwide stir, accuses Centre of backtracking on FIR promise

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Tuesday accused the Centre of resisting the Supreme Court's bid to facilitate quashing of FIRs against students and protesters and demanded that the outfit's members be included in the high-powered committee announced by the court to examine allegations of police excesses and violence against cops.

PM Modi: India Strong Contender to Host 2036 Olympics

PM Modi: India Strong Contender to Host 2036 Olympics

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India's strong bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games and detailed plans for a nationwide talent hunt for children aged 5 to 15 to ensure significant participation and success in the event. He highlighted the success of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and India's growing presence in global sports.

'Bohot badhiya banda': Harbhajan reveals Gambhir's true side

'Bohot badhiya banda': Harbhajan reveals Gambhir's true side

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed his bewilderment at the continuous criticism directed towards Gautam Gambhir since he assumed the role of national head coach, acknowledging that Gambhir's direct approach might not appeal to everyone.

Applying For US Student Visa? Avoid These 9 Mistakes

Applying For US Student Visa? Avoid These 9 Mistakes

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

When you apply for a US visa, you need to be clear and honest about why you chose this course or country and what you plan to do with the qualification afterwards -- whether you will be returning home or building a career abroad, says Sonal Kapoor, global chief business officer, Prodigy Finance.

AIFF picks Bibiano, Ranjit Bajaj for U-15 World Cup

AIFF picks Bibiano, Ranjit Bajaj for U-15 World Cup

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has accelerated India's preparations for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup by appointing Bibiano Fernandes as head coach and Ranjit Bajaj as team manager. The tournament, scheduled for October in Azerbaijan, will feature an 8vs8 format with direct entry for all FIFA member associations. The AIFF also addressed other matters, including the Santosh Trophy format and budget approvals.

'Government Did A U-Turn On Caste Census'

'Government Did A U-Turn On Caste Census'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

'They want to sabotage the caste census and bury Muslim backward classes, Hindu backward classes, Sikh backward classes and Buddhist backward classes.'

IPL Stays in Australia's Plans, But Workload Comes First

IPL Stays in Australia's Plans, But Workload Comes First

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Australia's head coach Andrew McDonald discusses how the Indian Premier League (IPL) can be integrated into the national team's demanding international schedule, emphasising the need for workload management, especially for fast bowlers. He highlights the IPL's benefits for player development while acknowledging the challenges of a packed calendar including major Test series and ICC events.

Finfluencer Advice: What Investors Must Know

Finfluencer Advice: What Investors Must Know

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Verify a content creator's Sebi registration, qualifications and certifications before acting on their advice.

How Ricky Ponting helped Punjab Kings' Wadhera during tough times in IPL 2026

How Ricky Ponting helped Punjab Kings' Wadhera during tough times in IPL 2026

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Punjab Kings' Nehal Wadhera said head coach Ricky Ponting personally approached him and offered reassurance at a time when his confidence was affected by his lack of runs during IPL 2026.

ODI cricket's future hinges on this major ICC plan

ODI cricket's future hinges on this major ICC plan

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The era of 'randomly' scheduling bilateral series is over, but the ODI format can continue to survive and thrive with its place 'inextricably' linked to the World Cup, said ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta in an interview to PTI.

Iran women's kabaddi team trains in India ahead of Asian Games

Iran women's kabaddi team trains in India ahead of Asian Games

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Iran national women's kabaddi team conducted a six-day practice camp at the Sports Authority of India's Sonepat centre, engaging in matches against the Indian team and local sides.

Gambhir's Future On The Line As India Eye Reset Against Spin-Heavy Sri Lanka In Galle

Gambhir's Future On The Line As India Eye Reset Against Spin-Heavy Sri Lanka In Galle

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir's standing in red-ball cricket faces a crucial test as the team embarks on a two-Test series against Sri Lanka.

Apologise in 3 days or...: Zuckerberg warned over PM video removal

Apologise in 3 days or...: Zuckerberg warned over PM video removal

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

An Indian Parliamentary standing committee has demanded an apology from Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg within three days for the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video from Facebook, threatening to withdraw immunity under the IT Act if he fails to comply. The committee also pushed for government action against Google India regarding financial fraud.

How India Post Is Revolutionising Last-Mile Connectivity With Drone Delivery

How India Post Is Revolutionising Last-Mile Connectivity With Drone Delivery

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Department of Posts successfully conducted its first-ever drone delivery of the National Flag from Mandi to Rehardhar in Himachal Pradesh. This initiative, overseen by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, highlights the integration of technology with public service to enhance last-mile connectivity in challenging terrains and supports the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign.

Caste, Covid jab: What citizens have to answer in Census 2027

Caste, Covid jab: What citizens have to answer in Census 2027

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Centre has notified 40 questions for the upcoming Census 2027, including caste and place of Covid vaccination, marking the first time caste details will be collected as part of the decadal exercise. The population enumeration will be a fully digital process, with an option for self-enumeration.

Only those who...: Rijiju clarifies Modi's 'dimagi Naxals' remark

Only those who...: Rijiju clarifies Modi's 'dimagi Naxals' remark

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'dimagi Naxal' (intellectual Naxal) remark, made during his Independence Day address, has ignited a significant political debate, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarifying that the comment targets those who support Maoists and separatists, not opposition leaders, while opposition figures like P Chidambaram have embraced the label in defiance.

Operation Safed Sagar Brings IAF's Kargil Story Alive For Gen Z

Operation Safed Sagar Brings IAF's Kargil Story Alive For Gen Z

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

If an OTT series can make a young person curious about the armed forces, make a family understand the sacrifices made by those in uniform, or simply make someone walk up to a veteran and say, "Thank you for your service," then it has achieved something far more important than merely getting its history right, notes Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd).

CM Adhikari announces fresh probe into RG Kar rape-murder case

CM Adhikari announces fresh probe into RG Kar rape-murder case

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a fresh investigation into the 2024 rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The decision follows a request from the victim's mother, now a BJP MLA, and includes a separate probe into alleged cremation irregularities. Adhikari criticised previous police handling and vowed to ensure justice, despite a CBI investigation having already led to a conviction.

UPI payments to remain free, charges to apply only on...: Govt

UPI payments to remain free, charges to apply only on...: Govt

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The Indian government has clarified that consumers will not be charged for UPI transactions, and most merchant transactions will also remain free. This comes amidst speculation following an amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. Any future merchant discount rate (MDR) would be nominal, threshold-based, and aimed at ensuring UPI's long-term sustainability and infrastructure development.

BJP rejig: Smriti Irani makes comeback, Ram Madhav gets key role

BJP rejig: Smriti Irani makes comeback, Ram Madhav gets key role

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a significant overhaul of its national team under party president Nitin Nabin, introducing numerous new faces and promoting prominent leaders like former Union minister Smriti Irani to general secretary and former RSS functionary Ram Madhav to vice president. The revamp aims to balance youth and experience while preparing for upcoming assembly and general elections.

Monsoon Getaways Drive Travel Bookings

Monsoon Getaways Drive Travel Bookings

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Popular monsoon destinations include Kerala, Goa, Wayanad, Munnar, Mussoorie, Nainital, Bali, Thailand and the Maldives.

How China Shielded Itself From Oil Shock

How China Shielded Itself From Oil Shock

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

China sailed through the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz relatively unscathed even as the impact of its steps shielded other consuming nations from having to pay high crude oil prices.

Australia face tough questions after Bangladesh humiliation

Australia face tough questions after Bangladesh humiliation

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Australia's nine-wicket loss to Bangladesh in Darwin has been described as one of the country's biggest test humiliations, prompting uncomfortable questions about the top-ranked team's future and sparking calls for regeneration.