News for 'Country Head'

'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.

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.

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'.

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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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'.

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.'

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.

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).

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.

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.

'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.

'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.

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.

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".

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.

Volleyball Federation of India Receives Provisional Recognition Amid Visa and Payment Concerns

Volleyball Federation of India Receives Provisional Recognition Amid Visa and Payment Concerns

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has granted provisional recognition to the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) while also raising concerns with the IOA regarding visa delays for athletes and pending dues from private partners.

2 more Indian ships safely cross Strait of Hormuz

2 more Indian ships safely cross Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Two Indian ships carrying liquified petroleum gas (LPG) from the Gulf countries crossed the Strait of Hormuz early on Saturday morning, raising the number of Indian vessels safely passing through the war-hit, narrow shipping lane to three.

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.

ICC Arranges Flights For Teams Stranded In India

ICC Arranges Flights For Teams Stranded In India

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Amid West Asia crisis, England, South Africa and West Indies to depart over the weekend.

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.

BJP Slams Mamata Banerjee for Disrespecting President Murmu

BJP Slams Mamata Banerjee for Disrespecting President Murmu

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

The BJP has strongly criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her remarks about President Droupadi Murmu, accusing her of disrespect and questioning her commitment to the Constitution.

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.

If Iran, Why Not Pakistan, Mr Trump?

If Iran, Why Not Pakistan, Mr Trump?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

If the Iranian regime needs to be punished for promoting quasi-terrorist outfits like Hezbollah and Hamas, then what about Pakistan which has spent decades exporting terror around the world, killing thousands, particularly in Afghanistan and India? asks M R Narayan Swamy.

Vijayan Rebuts Rahul Gandhi's LDF-BJP Collusion Allegations in Kerala

Vijayan Rebuts Rahul Gandhi's LDF-BJP Collusion Allegations in Kerala

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly refuted Rahul Gandhi's claims of collusion between the LDF and BJP in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, accusing the Congress leader and his party of being the BJP's 'B-team'. The Congress has retaliated, alleging that Vijayan is trying to appease Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah.

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.

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.

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.

PM Modi Highlights Worrisome West Asia Situation and Impact on India

PM Modi Highlights Worrisome West Asia Situation and Impact on India

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha on the West Asia crisis, expressing concern over its impact on the global economy and assuring the safety of Indian citizens in the region.

PM Modi Highlights Worrisome West Asia Situation and Impact on India

PM Modi Highlights Worrisome West Asia Situation and Impact on India

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha on the West Asia crisis, expressing concern over its impact on the global economy and assuring the safety of Indian citizens in the region.

Five Maoists Arrested in Chatra, PLFI Commander Surrenders in Khunti

Five Maoists Arrested in Chatra, PLFI Commander Surrenders in Khunti

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Jharkhand police arrested five members of the banned Maoist outfit Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TSPC) in Chatra district and a PLFI area commander surrendered in Khunti.

Terms Relaxed For Chinese Investment, But India Wary About Security

Terms Relaxed For Chinese Investment, But India Wary About Security

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

'It's a changing world and the opening up doesn't mean that concerns with regards to security have gone away.'

Gulveer Singh to spearhead Indian challenge at TCS World 10K Bengaluru

Gulveer Singh to spearhead Indian challenge at TCS World 10K Bengaluru

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Gulveer Singh, India's national record holder in 10,000m and 5,000m, will lead the Indian elite field at the 18th TCS World 10K Bengaluru, scheduled for April 26. The event, a World Athletics Gold Label Race, features top international and Indian distance runners.

Modi Slams TMC for Alleged Disrespect Towards President Murmu

Modi Slams TMC for Alleged Disrespect Towards President Murmu

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of insulting President Droupadi Murmu and disrespecting tribal communities and the Constitution, following a controversy surrounding the President's visit to West Bengal.