head - manager,director
clash - dispute
curb - restraint,limit
cut - reduction
drama - tense situation
drive - campaign,effort
gems - jewels
go-ahead - approval,permission
hit - affect badly

key - essential,vital
link - connection
move - step towards a desired end
ordeal - painful experience
oust - push out
plea - request
pledge - promise
ploy - clever activity

poll - election/public opinion survey
probe - investigation
quit - leave,resign
riddle - mystery
strife - conflict
talks - discussions
threat - danger
vow - promise
wed - marry

Newspaper headines often use abbreviations ("PM" for Prime Minister, MP for Memeber of parliament - a politician )
Some newspapers also enjoy making jokes in their headlines.They do this by playing with words or "punning"