News for 'National Head'

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.

Why Is Gautam Gambhir Smiling?

Why Is Gautam Gambhir Smiling?

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Gautam Gambhir, known for his serious demeanour, surprised fans by sharing a series of memes on Instagram featuring a rare smile.

'A Student's Life Can't Be Held Hostage To A 3-Hour Performance'

'A Student's Life Can't Be Held Hostage To A 3-Hour Performance'

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Education sector experts agree that using the "best technology" was essential to ensure students did not have to sit for an examination all over again because of a question paper leak.

Govt plans to send FCRA Bill to joint Parl panel for scrutiny

Govt plans to send FCRA Bill to joint Parl panel for scrutiny

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The government is considering sending 'The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026' to a joint committee of both houses of Parliament for further examination, even as the Congress and some other opposition parties have demanded that it be withdrawn, sources said on Tuesday.

Washington in flames: Wildfire crisis triggers emergency, mass evacuations

Washington in flames: Wildfire crisis triggers emergency, mass evacuations

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide state of emergency and burn ban Saturday morning as an unprecedented wildfire crisis gripped the region, with active blazes scorching nearly 3,000 acres.

India's Junior Women's Hockey Squad Heads To UK For Crucial Exposure

India's Junior Women's Hockey Squad Heads To UK For Crucial Exposure

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Indian junior women's hockey team, led by Khaidem Shileima Chanu, will undertake an exposure tour of the United Kingdom from July 5 to 14. Under new coach Tim White, the 24-member squad will play seven matches against teams from Scotland, the United States, England, and Belgium, aiming to fine-tune strategies for upcoming international competitions like the Junior Asia Cup.

NEET-PG row: High-powered panel to audit admission system, Centre tells SC

NEET-PG row: High-powered panel to audit admission system, Centre tells SC

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that it has constituted a high-powered committee headed by the director general of health services (DGHS) to formulate a mechanism for conducting a comprehensive audit of the existing system of admission through the NEET-PG examination.

'Eknath Shinde Was Extremely Aggressive'

'Eknath Shinde Was Extremely Aggressive'

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

'I've seen a lot of meetings over the years, but this was the first time I've seen the deputy chief minister and the industries minister sit through something like this with 200 to 300 industrialists, local residents and politicians from both the ruling side and Opposition, all in the same room.'

Former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Tewolde Gebremariam is new Air India boss

Former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Tewolde Gebremariam is new Air India boss

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Air India has announced the appointment of Tewolde Gebremariam, former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, replacing Campbell Wilson. This strategic appointment comes as the airline navigates expansion amidst significant challenges.

Is Uddhav's Sena heading for another split? Raut reacts

Is Uddhav's Sena heading for another split? Raut reacts

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Thackeray on Sunday called a meeting of party MPs. Of the nine Lok Sabha members, only four --- Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai, Rajabhau Waze and Sanjay Patil --- attended the meeting in person, while Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Bapurao Patil Ashtikar and Sanjay Deshmukh attended online.

India Haven't Lost A Series In Sri Lanka Since 2015, But...

India Haven't Lost A Series In Sri Lanka Since 2015, But...

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Sri Lanka have gone more than a decade since their last Test match win against India, having last beaten them in the Galle Test in 2015.

Cox, Lawrence named in England squad for Pakistan Tests

Cox, Lawrence named in England squad for Pakistan Tests

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Joe Root will captain England on a permanent basis for the first time since 2022 in the upcoming three-match Test series against Pakistan, with Jordan Cox taking the number three spot due to Jacob Bethell's injury and Dan Lawrence earning a recall.

Mohith HS: From Accidental Goalkeeper To India's World Cup Hope

Mohith HS: From Accidental Goalkeeper To India's World Cup Hope

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Karnataka's Mohith HS, an accidental goalkeeper, is set to represent India at the FIH Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium. The 24-year-old, who impressed in the FIH Pro League, will join Suraj Karkera as one of the team's custodians. Mohith's journey began by chance in school, evolving into a promising career that saw him play in the Junior World Cup and now the senior national team, driven by a dream to win for India.

Will Mourinho return to Real Madrid add spice to La Liga?

Will Mourinho return to Real Madrid add spice to La Liga?

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The upcoming LaLiga season promises an intense battle as Barcelona defends its title against a revamped Real Madrid, led by returning manager Jose Mourinho, and a turbulent Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid has made significant signings and brought back Mourinho after two trophyless seasons, while Barcelona relies on continuity and its World Cup-winning core. Atletico Madrid faces pressure on manager Diego Simeone and a potential transfer saga involving Julian Alvarez, setting the stage for a dramatic season.

GDN Review: Madhavan Lifts Generic Biopic

GDN Review: Madhavan Lifts Generic Biopic

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

GDN has a fascinating genius at its centre, but Madhavan's terrific performance is let down by a repetitive, overly familiar biopic treatment.

J'khand PSC row: Talks fail, students threaten Aug 10 assembly march

J'khand PSC row: Talks fail, students threaten Aug 10 assembly march

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

As the agitation over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations entered its 14th day, talks between the state government and student protesters on Friday failed to break the deadlock, with students deciding to continue their protest and hunger strike until their demands, including cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination, are met.

24,000 Manipur violence-hit families yet to get aid? SC seeks verification

24,000 Manipur violence-hit families yet to get aid? SC seeks verification

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court on Monday asked an apex court-appointed committee to verify claims that around 24,000 families affected by the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence are yet to receive benefits under government rehabilitation and welfare schemes.

Jharkhand protesters defy barricades, stage sit-in near assembly; cops use force

Jharkhand protesters defy barricades, stage sit-in near assembly; cops use force

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Thousands of job aspirants in Jharkhand clashed with police during a protest against alleged exam irregularities, demanding a CBI probe and comprehensive reforms in the state's public service commissions.

Football bodies accuse FIFA chief of 'deception' over World Cup rights

Football bodies accuse FIFA chief of 'deception' over World Cup rights

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF have jointly criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino for his handling of a proposed sale of commercial rights to the World Cup, accusing him of 'deception' and calling for an independent review.

Smallest Nations, Biggest Stage: Curacao, Cape Verde Defy All Odds At FIFA World Cup

Smallest Nations, Biggest Stage: Curacao, Cape Verde Defy All Odds At FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Curacao and Cape Verde, two of the smallest nations globally, have achieved an unprecedented feat by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.

Sheikh Abdullah's Ouster Began J&K's Long Road To 2019

Sheikh Abdullah's Ouster Began J&K's Long Road To 2019

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's dismissal and arrest on August 9, 1953 marked a decisive shift in the Centre-J&K power equation. Seven decades later, the erosion of the state's special constitutional position culminated in the August 5, 2019 changes, notes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

Modi video removal: IT panel wants Zuckerberg to apologise

Modi video removal: IT panel wants Zuckerberg to apologise

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

A parliamentary standing committee on Information Technology has demanded a personal apology from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg for the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video from Facebook. The committee also discussed potential legal action and the withdrawal of safe harbour protection, while questioning Meta officials on algorithmic bias and accountability.

Nanded: Sukhbir Badal injured in kirpan attack, probe ordered

Nanded: Sukhbir Badal injured in kirpan attack, probe ordered

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal sustained a minor injury to his right hand after being attacked with a kirpan by a Nihang member inside a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. The assailant has been arrested, and SAD leaders are demanding a CBI probe into what they term an intelligence failure.

Cape Verde's World Cup sensation Vozinha signs for Colo-Colo

Cape Verde's World Cup sensation Vozinha signs for Colo-Colo

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Cape Verde's veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, who gained social media fame during the World Cup, has arrived in Chile to join Colo-Colo on a six-month contract, with an option for a one-year extension.

Can Neeraj Chopra stop Sri Lanka's red-hot Pathirage in Lausanne Diamond League?

Can Neeraj Chopra stop Sri Lanka's red-hot Pathirage in Lausanne Diamond League?

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra is set to compete in the Lausanne Diamond League on August 21.

Indian National Killed In Moscow Region Drone Strike

Indian National Killed In Moscow Region Drone Strike

Rediff.com17 May 2026

An Indian worker was killed and three others were injured in a drone attack in the Moscow region, the Indian embassy in Russia said. The incident occurred amid escalating hostilities between Russia and Ukraine.

Cong's 'gungi gudiya' jibe at Maha deputy CM Sunetra Pawar sparks row

Cong's 'gungi gudiya' jibe at Maha deputy CM Sunetra Pawar sparks row

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Maharashtra Congress on Tuesday branded deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar a "gungi gudiya" (mute doll), drawing a sharp rebuttal from the Nationalist Congress Party, which asked if the Opposition party now endorses the infamous slur once hurled at former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Andaz Apna Apna To Ghayal: Rajkumar Santoshi's Top 10 Films

Andaz Apna Apna To Ghayal: Rajkumar Santoshi's Top 10 Films

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Rajkumar Santoshi's best films prove that few Bollywood filmmakers could mix hard-hitting drama, action, comedy and sheer masala madness quite like him.

Infantino's Grip on FIFA Weakens as World Cup Rights Row Sparks Power Struggle

Infantino's Grip on FIFA Weakens as World Cup Rights Row Sparks Power Struggle

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing a deepening crisis after his proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup was abandoned, leading to public distancing from influential executives and calls for his removal from office.

Before Awarapan 2, Emraan Hashmi's 10 Best Films, Ranked

Before Awarapan 2, Emraan Hashmi's 10 Best Films, Ranked

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Before Awarapan 2 tests his comeback, we revisit the 10 films that made Emraan Hashmi the ultimate frontbencher favourite.

'Delimitation Bill Is A Done Deal'

'Delimitation Bill Is A Done Deal'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

'The BJP has all the instruments with them and they do have a sense of purpose, so I don't think there will be a challenge.'

Infantino's Re-election Bid in Jeopardy as Federations Withdraw Support

Infantino's Re-election Bid in Jeopardy as Federations Withdraw Support

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The national football federations of Serbia, Sweden, and Wales have withdrawn their support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino's re-election bid, with England's FA also expected to follow suit, intensifying the backlash against him following a failed plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors.

Phuket flight incident: Air India pilot tests positive for marijuana

Phuket flight incident: Air India pilot tests positive for marijuana

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The pilot-in-command of an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that experienced a sudden 300-foot altitude drop last week has tested positive for a psychoactive substance, identified by sources as marijuana, in a confirmatory test. This development comes as Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu met with Air India executives to discuss the serious incident, which left 24 people injured.

Did Mohan Bhagwat Sync With Gen Z?

Did Mohan Bhagwat Sync With Gen Z?

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

All's well with the State; it's the citizens who have to really buck up, was the sum and substance of Mohan Bhagwat's message to Gen Z.

High-Performance Rifle Coach Faces SAI Inquiry Over Private Sessions

High-Performance Rifle Coach Faces SAI Inquiry Over Private Sessions

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

A High Performance national coach for rifle shooters, Manoj Kumar, is under inquiry by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for allegedly conducting private coaching at a government facility and discriminating against non-attendees. Complaints from shooters and guardians detail pressure to name him as their official coach and unequal distribution of ammunition. The National Rifles Association of India (NRAI) secretary general has refuted the charges.

Amid new party buzz, Annamalai heads to Delhi to meet BJP top brass

Amid new party buzz, Annamalai heads to Delhi to meet BJP top brass

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Former Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party president K Annamalai left for Delhi from Chennai on Monday amid growing speculation on social media over his political future and reports suggesting he may be planning to launch a new political platform.

Olympic Medallist Neeraj Chopra To Face Top Javelin Stars In Lausanne

Olympic Medallist Neeraj Chopra To Face Top Javelin Stars In Lausanne

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra is set to compete in the Lausanne Diamond League on August 21. He will face a formidable field of javelin throwers, including Commonwealth Games champion Rumesh Pathirage, Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem, and world champions. This marks Chopra's third competition since returning from injury, following his silver medal win at the recent Commonwealth Games.

Indian-Origin Players In Australian Squad For MRF Academy Training

Indian-Origin Players In Australian Squad For MRF Academy Training

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Two Indian-origin players, Aryan Sharma and Jason Sangha, are part of the Australian men's development squad heading to Chennai for the MRF Pace Academy program. The squad will undergo training and play multi-day matches on spin-friendly pitches from August 1-13, aiming to provide valuable development opportunities.

Who is Subhadeep Ghosh? Former Assam player set to take over as India's fielding coach

Who is Subhadeep Ghosh? Former Assam player set to take over as India's fielding coach

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Former Assam and Railways cricketer Subhadeep Ghosh is poised to become Team India's new fielding coach, replacing T Dilip, with the BCCI making significant changes to the team management.

Indian Footballers Urge Tata Group To Reconsider ISL Exit

Indian Footballers Urge Tata Group To Reconsider ISL Exit

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Jamshedpur FC players, including senior India footballers, have made an emotional appeal to the Tata Group to reverse its decision to withdraw the club from the Indian Super League (ISL) and dismantle the senior team, citing the impact on young players and the future of Indian football.