Nikhil Lakshman, Rajesh Alva

Stories by Nikhil Lakshman, Rajesh Alva

The Maoist threat in Wayanad

The Maoist threat in Wayanad

Rediff.com   18 Apr 2019

The NDA candidate tells the Election Commission that the Maoists plan to kidnap him.

'Wayanad will be Rahul's Waterloo'

'Wayanad will be Rahul's Waterloo'

Rediff.com   15 Apr 2019

Unlike the LDF and NDA nominees who are at ground zero and campaigning hard every day, the Congress candidate's campaign is undertaken in absentia, dependent on an army of local and imported from the rest of Kerala Congresswomen and men.

An Editor Like None Other

An Editor Like None Other

Rediff.com   22 Mar 2019

Darryl D'Monte mentored more journalists than any other editor of his generation. Some of the biggest bylines owe their beginnings in our glorious profession to this wonderful human being.

'The danger of war has not passed'

'The danger of war has not passed'

Rediff.com   14 Mar 2019

'It is a tense border and there are numerous elements that keep these tensions alive.' 'India is willing to militarily respond if provoked.'

'Unlikely Modi will take another swing at Pak'

'Unlikely Modi will take another swing at Pak'

Rediff.com   6 Mar 2019

'It seems likely that the February 2019 crisis is over.'

'ISI has encouraged, trained, funded terrorists'

'ISI has encouraged, trained, funded terrorists'

Rediff.com   26 Feb 2019

'The Pakistani military has encouraged and supported terrorist organisations, especially in Kashmir, as a means of waging proxy war against the Indian military and the country's superior economic resources.' 'The evidence is irrefutable with the recent killing of 46 paramilitary troops being just the latest example.'

'No one in Washington wants to see another war, or near-war, between India and Pakistan'

'No one in Washington wants to see another war, or near-war, between India and Pakistan'

Rediff.com   25 Feb 2019

'While US officials understand and accept India's desire for retaliation, they still don't want to encourage steps that would likely lead to war.'

'US does not want India, Pakistan to go to war'

'US does not want India, Pakistan to go to war'

Rediff.com   22 Feb 2019

'Washington is telegraphing here is its willingness to support a low-grade, limited use of force meant to send a strong message to Pakistan.' 'Perhaps something along the lines of the surgical strikes in 2016, or perhaps something a bit more -- but not much more.'

'If fighting stops in Afghanistan, Kashmir could become ground zero for terror groups'

'If fighting stops in Afghanistan, Kashmir could become ground zero for terror groups'

Rediff.com   22 Feb 2019

'A resurgent Jaish could be a reflection of the Pakistani security establishment's view that with the region moving ever closer to a post-US Afghanistan, it is time to redirect attention to Kashmir.'

Off-roading with Mahindra Thar

Off-roading with Mahindra Thar

Rediff.com   20 Feb 2019

Off-road driving allows you to get to remote places which are likely to be less visited and unpopular. It's also fun and a challenge and will give a rewarding experience.

Bike review: Is the KTM Duke 125 worth Rs 1.18 lakh?

Bike review: Is the KTM Duke 125 worth Rs 1.18 lakh?

Rediff.com   30 Jan 2019

Rajesh Alva reviews the latest addition to the KTM stable.

Nissan Kicks is indeed a convincing Hyundai Creta competitor

Nissan Kicks is indeed a convincing Hyundai Creta competitor

Rediff.com   21 Dec 2018

The Nissan Kicks does tick all the right boxes as a convincing Hyundai Creta competitor.

The good, not-so-good and the bad about Marazzo

The good, not-so-good and the bad about Marazzo

Rediff.com   24 Sep 2018

Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com reveals the good, bad and ugly of the latest MPV from the Mahindra stable.

Buying your first bike? Read this first

Buying your first bike? Read this first

Rediff.com   20 Aug 2018

These bikes are a good mixture of style, mileage, performance and affordability, says Rajesh Alva.

The V S Naipaul I came to know

The V S Naipaul I came to know

Rediff.com   14 Aug 2018

Nikhil Lakshman remembers the times he spent with the legendary writer who passed into the ages six days before his 86th birthday.

Meet the latest maxi-scooter in the market!

Meet the latest maxi-scooter in the market!

Rediff.com   13 Aug 2018

Rajesh Alva brings you the details of the first maxi-scooter from the Suzuki stable.

Is your bike monsoon ready? 9 tips

Is your bike monsoon ready? 9 tips

Rediff.com   16 Jul 2018

Rajesh Alva takes you through the vital monsoon checklist for your two wheeler.

At Rs 67,437, is the Bajaj Pulsar 150 Classic worth a buy?

At Rs 67,437, is the Bajaj Pulsar 150 Classic worth a buy?

Rediff.com   26 Jun 2018

The Bajaj Pulsar 150 classic is Rs 10,118 cheaper than the standard Pulsar 150.

What works for Toyota Yaris, what doesn't

What works for Toyota Yaris, what doesn't

Rediff.com   30 May 2018

The Toyota Yaris was finally launched in India last month. Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com offers a quick checklist of what appeals to him about the car, and what doesn't.

Is your city one of the world's 20 most polluted cities?

Is your city one of the world's 20 most polluted cities?

Rediff.com   4 May 2018

India had 14 out of the world's 20 most polluted cities, the World Health Organization reveals.