News for 'world leaders'

Jagannath Rath Yatra-Iskcon Clash Over Tithis

Jagannath Rath Yatra-Iskcon Clash Over Tithis

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

For the Jagannath Temple in Puri, the timing of Rath Yatra is a matter of scriptural injunction rather than convenience.

'Tilak Varma is clueless': Srikkanth backs Samson over him

'Tilak Varma is clueless': Srikkanth backs Samson over him

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

India's T20I team is facing significant challenges under its new leadership, with captain Shreyas Iyer and vice-captain Tilak Varma under scrutiny after consecutive series losses in the UK. The team's poor performance, especially after a recent T20 World Cup win, has led to questions about player selections and management decisions, particularly concerning Tilak Varma's form and role.

Independence Day Freedom for Murder Convict Dara Singh?

Independence Day Freedom for Murder Convict Dara Singh?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Under the Odisha state premature release policy, prisoners whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment become eligible for remission after completing 25 years in prison, subject to recommendations by the Odisha State Sentence Review Board and approval by the state government. Dara Singh has now spent more than 26 years in prison.

India must shed 'underachievers' tag in foreign T20 conditions, says assistant coach

India must shed 'underachievers' tag in foreign T20 conditions, says assistant coach

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has challenged the T20 team to shed its 'underachievers' tag in foreign conditions, emphasising the need for quicker adaptation to varied playing environments after recent series losses.

India for open Indo-Pacific, against expansionism, Modi tells Indonesian parliament

India for open Indo-Pacific, against expansionism, Modi tells Indonesian parliament

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indonesian parliament, emphasising India's commitment to development over expansionism and advocating for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. He highlighted the strong historical ties between India and Indonesia, calling for enhanced cooperation in various sectors, including defence, technology, and counter-terrorism, amidst growing concerns over regional security.

NCERT revises Class 8 textbook again; tweaks Partition, drops Hitler content

NCERT revises Class 8 textbook again; tweaks Partition, drops Hitler content

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The NCERT Class 8 social science textbook has undergone significant revisions, including a tweaked narrative on the 1947 Partition, the inclusion of VD Savarkar's demand for Swaraj, and the removal of references to Adolf Hitler and Nazi ideology. These changes follow a Supreme Court intervention regarding controversial content on the judiciary.

Airtel chairman Sunil Mittal outlines new growth engines: Data Centres, Cloud, and Financial Services

Airtel chairman Sunil Mittal outlines new growth engines: Data Centres, Cloud, and Financial Services

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Bharti Airtel is strategically shifting its focus towards data centres, cloud services, and financial services as key drivers for its next phase of growth, leveraging significant past investments in digital infrastructure, as outlined by Chairman Sunil Mittal in the company's Annual Report for 2025-26.

Agnikul Partners With ICEYE To Develop, Launch Satellites

Agnikul Partners With ICEYE To Develop, Launch Satellites

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

'With this deal, we may see even 50 launches a year within the next few years.'

Praggnanandhaa holds Gukesh; joint second after opening day of Grand Chess Tour Croatia

Praggnanandhaa holds Gukesh; joint second after opening day of Grand Chess Tour Croatia

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa began his campaign in the Zagreb leg of the Grand Chess Tour with a victory over top seed Vincent Keymer of Germany before drawing his next two games.

Indian-American Akshay Bhatia Eyes Fourth PGA Tour Title

Indian-American Akshay Bhatia Eyes Fourth PGA Tour Title

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Indian-American golfer Akshay Bhatia is in a strong position, tied for third place at the Travelers Championship, heading into the final round. Despite slipping five shots behind leader Viktor Hovland, Bhatia, who previously won the Arnold Palmer Invitational this season, is aiming for his fourth PGA Tour title. The tournament also features a close battle between Hovland and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.

Why Has Government Not Responded To Wangchuk's Fast?

Why Has Government Not Responded To Wangchuk's Fast?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

As Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike enters its 19th day, critics question why the government has remained silent despite mounting concerns over student welfare, observes Harishchandra.

Punjab cop shifted as FBI probes transnational extortion racket

Punjab cop shifted as FBI probes transnational extortion racket

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

A Station House Officer (SHO) in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, has been shifted to Police Lines following a fact-finding inquiry initiated by Punjab Police. This action comes after news reports linked the officer to an extortion-related investigation by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under "Operation Hard Ball," targeting India-based organised crime syndicates. The US indictment alleges the officer's involvement in a $400,000 extortion scheme using false murder charges, drawing significant political criticism.

America 250: Power, Despair And Hope

America 250: Power, Despair And Hope

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The question nobody seems to ask is why a democracy should be silent when many of its citizens are concerned about the way the US is deviating from its traditional ways of consultation, cooperation and collaboration and moving away from traditional allies, asks Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

Antonelli takes pole at British GP after sprint win

Antonelli takes pole at British GP after sprint win

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Antonelli won the 17-lap sprint ahead of Hamilton, a record nine-times winner at Silverstone in a career that started in 2007, to go 43 points clear of Briton Russell in the standings.

Formula One: Leclerc takes British GP as Antonelli suffers setback

Formula One: Leclerc takes British GP as Antonelli suffers setback

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc won the British Grand Prix under safety car conditions in late drama on Sunday as Mercedes's Kimi Antonelli failed to score for the second time in three races and saw his once-commanding Formula One lead slashed to 25 points.

Firouzja Storms Into Lead; Praggnaandhaa, Gukesh Slip

Firouzja Storms Into Lead; Praggnaandhaa, Gukesh Slip

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Alireza Firouzja has established a dominant lead in the Croatian leg of the Grand Chess Tour after a stellar performance in the blitz section, accumulating 20 points.

Diplomatic century: Modi completes 100 foreign visits in 12 yrs as PM

Diplomatic century: Modi completes 100 foreign visits in 12 yrs as PM

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's week-long ongoing tour of France and Slovakia is his 100th foreign trip since he assumed the high office 12 years ago.

Neeraj Chopra skips Doha meet as focus shifts to recovery

Neeraj Chopra skips Doha meet as focus shifts to recovery

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Star Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is set to miss the Doha Diamond League, to be held on June 19, as he is still recuperating from a back injury in Switzerland.

Young Shooter Parth Mane Impresses At ISSF World Cup

Young Shooter Parth Mane Impresses At ISSF World Cup

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Young Parth Rakesh Mane finished seventh in the men's 10m air rifle competition at the ISSF World Cup in Munich. The 18-year-old shooter from Maharashtra also broke the junior national record in qualification. Other Indian shooters participated in the event, with mixed results.

India to supply BrahMos, Astra missiles to Indonesia; backs Indo-Pacific peace

India to supply BrahMos, Astra missiles to Indonesia; backs Indo-Pacific peace

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto have significantly advanced the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, securing crucial agreements on defence, critical minerals, and maritime security, including BrahMos missile supply and Sabang port development.

Modi to meet Trump in France?

Modi to meet Trump in France?

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

India and the US are reportedly exploring a potential meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France next week, aiming to rebuild bilateral ties after recent tensions.

Neeraj Chopra Satisfied With Doha Comeback After Injury Layoff

Neeraj Chopra Satisfied With Doha Comeback After Injury Layoff

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra finished fourth in the Doha Diamond League with a throw of 85.69m, marking his return to competition after multiple injuries. Despite not winning, Chopra expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating he focused on reaching the competition stage without extra pressure. He confirmed his participation in the upcoming Commonwealth Games and discussed his recovery process and the growing competition in South Asian javelin.

How India Women's Cricket Secured Olympic Berth For LA28

How India Women's Cricket Secured Olympic Berth For LA28

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Indian women's cricket team has secured a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games as the top-ranked Asian team in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The men's team will need to be the continental leaders in world rankings by the end of 2026 to qualify directly. Cricket is making its return to the Olympics after a century, featuring six teams in both men's and women's competitions, with qualification criteria unveiled by the ICC.

Indian Talent Continues To Ascend Global Tech Leadership Ranks

Indian Talent Continues To Ascend Global Tech Leadership Ranks

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Kunal Shah, founder of CRED, has been appointed global head of WhatsApp, joining a growing list of Indian-origin executives leading major technology companies worldwide. This trend underscores the increasing demand for Indian talent in strategic leadership roles across Silicon Valley.

Modi-Takaichi Summit Opens New India-Japan Chapter

Modi-Takaichi Summit Opens New India-Japan Chapter

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Notwithstanding the economic complementarities and the host of agreements for deepening economic relation on a host of areas, both sides share common viewpoints on the foreign policy domain and seek common grounds to serve as a counterweight to China, notes Dr Rajaram Panda.

Talwar Makes Strong Comeback At Interwetten Open

Talwar Makes Strong Comeback At Interwetten Open

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Indian golfer Saptak Talwar carded a 3-under 66 in the third round of the Interwetten Open, moving to T-17 with a total of 8-under par. He aims for a second Top-10 finish this year, while Filip Mruzek and Julian Perico share the lead.

The H-1 B Visa and the Fading American Dream

The H-1 B Visa and the Fading American Dream

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The H-1B visa once symbolised the American Dream for Indians, but today's students are increasingly asking whether they need America at all. In 1995, the question was: How do I get to America? In 2026, it may be: Do I need to?

Indian-Origin Golfer Akshay Bhatia Vaults Into Contention

Indian-Origin Golfer Akshay Bhatia Vaults Into Contention

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Indian-origin American golfer Akshay Bhatia delivered a flawless eight-under 62 at the Travelers Championship, moving into a tie for third place. His bogey-free round places him four shots behind leader Scottie Scheffler, highlighting his strong contention for the title. Other Indian-origin players, Aaron Rai and Sahith Theegala, also made progress in the tournament.

'When We Can Survive 50% Tariff, We Can Survive Anything!'

'When We Can Survive 50% Tariff, We Can Survive Anything!'

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

'It's very important for India to retain its sovereignty. India should not sign any agreement which compromises its sovereignty.'

Does India Want To Repair Iran Relationship?

Does India Want To Repair Iran Relationship?

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

India is navigating a complex diplomatic landscape, attempting to balance its 'forever honeymoon' with the Israel-UAE-Bahrain axis against its historical ties with Iran, as evidenced by recent high-level visits and evolving geopolitical realignments in the Middle East, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'We have let Pakistan...': Sonia slams Modi govt's 'stony silence' on Gaza 'genocide'

'We have let Pakistan...': Sonia slams Modi govt's 'stony silence' on Gaza 'genocide'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Sonia Gandhi criticised PM Modi's Israel visit, calling it a "bewildering strategic decision" amid the regional conflict.

Paolini ends Eala's fairytale run to reach Wimbledon quarters

Paolini ends Eala's fairytale run to reach Wimbledon quarters

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Jasmine Paolini defeated Alexandra Eala in a three-set thriller at Wimbledon, ending Eala's impressive run to reach the quarterfinals. The match, witnessed by Roger Federer, saw Paolini's experience prevail after Eala had previously upset World No. 3 Iga Swiatek.

The Silent Storm: Mercedes-Benz Launches Its First Ever Plug-In Hybrid S-Class in India

The Silent Storm: Mercedes-Benz Launches Its First Ever Plug-In Hybrid S-Class in India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Say hello to the S 450 e Launch Edition. Priced at 2.20 crore upwards.

How Gukesh Signalled World Championship Readiness

How Gukesh Signalled World Championship Readiness

Rediff.com7 May 2026

D Gukesh showcased his World Championship preparations by defeating his title challenger, Javokhir Sindarov, and drawing with Wesley So at the Grand Chess Tour's Super Rapid and Blitz event.

Khamenei Funeral Signals Shift In India-Iran Relations

Khamenei Funeral Signals Shift In India-Iran Relations

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

It is an unusual choice to depute a retired general for the funeral of a revered religious figure but a thoughtful one in an attempt to inject verve into the bilateral relationship and restore the equilibrium in India's West Asian policies, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

The Strategic Importance Of Pakistan's Gwadar Port For China

The Strategic Importance Of Pakistan's Gwadar Port For China

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Gwadar is viewed as a critical pearl in China's maritime strategy as it would give a permanent logistical footprint near an important choke point - the Strait of Hormuz and the oil rich Persian Gulf, explains Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

China's submarine missile test rattles Pacific; Australia, Japan protest

China's submarine missile test rattles Pacific; Australia, Japan protest

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

China on Monday successfully test-fired a long-range strategic missile from one of its nuclear-powered submarines in the Pacific Ocean, drawing sharp reactions from Japan and Australia.

How BJP Celebrated Modi's Milestone

How BJP Celebrated Modi's Milestone

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made history by becoming India's longest continuously serving elected prime minister.

Heat, transitions and tactics: FIFA experts predict World Cup trends

Heat, transitions and tactics: FIFA experts predict World Cup trends

Rediff.com13 May 2026

FIFA's Technical Study Group believes set-pieces are unlikely to dominate the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Gilberto Silva predicting tighter, transition-based football due to limited preparation time for national teams.

How Gukesh Beat World Title Challenger Sindarov

How Gukesh Beat World Title Challenger Sindarov

Rediff.com6 May 2026

World champion D Gukesh defeated his challenger Javokhir Sindarov in the Super Rapid and Blitz event in Warsaw, signalling his readiness for the upcoming World Championship title defence.