News for 'Absolute Pro'

'With NEET, only merit plays a role. Money has no place'

'With NEET, only merit plays a role. Money has no place'

Rediff.com31 Jul 2018

'You must understand that NEET is in its infantile stage.' 'When a child falls down while trying to stand up, you don't say it will never walk or run.' 'The child that falls down several times while trying to stand up may one day run a race at the Olympics.' 'Similarly, if there is firmness in approach and the willingness to listen to suggestions, NEET will be a great success.'

USAID's Raj Shah is quitting Obama administration

USAID's Raj Shah is quitting Obama administration

Rediff.com17 Dec 2014

The highest ranking Indian-American in the Obama Administration, Raj Shah on Wednesday announced to step down as administrator of the US Agency for International Development in mid-February next year after receiving high-praise from the President.

'Congress is not doomed to extinction'

'Congress is not doomed to extinction'

Rediff.com6 Jun 2019

'The Congress may not be able to dump the family entirely, but it could move to a new operating model in which the family takes a 'chairmanship' role while day-to-day affairs are handled by a new CEO.'

Is the AIADMK heading for yet another split?

Is the AIADMK heading for yet another split?

Rediff.com29 Sep 2020

The fracas between Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam on Monday over who will be projected as the CM candidate in next year's assembly polls not only points to a possibility of another vertical split in Tamil Nadu's ruling party but will also come as sweet music for the opposition DMK which in the past stood to gain from the AIADMK's squabbles, says N Sathiya Moorthy.

Angry Costa at centre of Chelsea storm after red card

Angry Costa at centre of Chelsea storm after red card

Rediff.com13 Mar 2016

As Chelsea's season suffered a final sorry implosion with an FA Cup defeat at Everton on Saturday, it was fitting that it should end with another display of fury from their angry young man, Diego Costa. While the inquest into the Premier League champions' dismal campaign will continue long after their 2-0 quarter-final reverse at Everton, the immediate topic consuming social media centred on the combustible Spain striker's sending-off, surprisingly his first for Chelsea. Alan Shearer, one of England's greatest strikers, joined the debate by telling BBC viewers the Brazilian-born forward had become "tiresome". Much of the attention focused on whether Costa, who became embroiled in a late face-to-face brouhaha with Everton's Gareth Barry, had gone as far as biting his opponent, Luis Suarez-style. Another question was whether he spat at the feet of referee Michael Oliver after being booked earlier for an altercation with Barry. "It's tiresome from him now. He spends too much time abusing and fighting and scrapping," Shearer said. "You can't do that every game because you turn the ref against you."

Vijender to take on Hungary's Alexander Horvath on March 12

Vijender to take on Hungary's Alexander Horvath on March 12

Rediff.com25 Feb 2016

Unbeaten with demolishing victories in the previous three contests, star Indian boxer Vijender Singh will take on a slightly more experienced Hungarian Alexander Horvath in his fourth professional bout on March 12 in Liverpool. Vijender is preparing for a homecoming to India in June when he will fight maiden title bout -- the WBO Asia belt. The in-form middleweight has been unbeaten in the circuit, having clinched all his three wins by knockouts in only six rounds of action since his pro debut last October. Vijender will have no time to rest as he has another big fight lined up just three weeks' later at the Harrow Sports Centre, London, as he builds towards his ground-breaking title opportunity in India. Horvath comes into the fight against Vijender with a record of five wins from seven fights. The 20-year-old has the edge in experience over Singh with 31 rounds under his belt and has no fear of fighting abroad, taking bouts in Slovakia and France. "It's my absolute dream to fight back home in India in front of my countrymen and women so I won't let Horvath get in my way of that at all," stated Vijender Singh. "I need to continue my unbeaten record and it's important that I put on a commanding performance against Horvath and then next at Harrow to keep on course for my title shot and my homecoming," he said. Speaking about his opponent, Vijender said he does not consider Hungarian a major threat. "Horvath is a good solid opponent, maybe he will give me a few new tests, he has done more rounds than me and has a bit more experience, but will that compete with the power that I have and when I start landing my shots. "I don't believe that he'll be standing around for too long," he said. "I'm really excited as this is my first fight of the year and there are big plans ahead so I aim to make a very big statement of intent in Liverpool against Horvath that will show that I'm ready to fight for a title later this year."

Pak army chief's visit to Male must worry India

Pak army chief's visit to Male must worry India

Rediff.com9 Apr 2018

'Without doubt, General Bajwa has deliberately snubbed India.' 'But why did he do that?' 'The Male leadership is simply fed up with Indian interference,' says Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Embattled Morsi rejects army's 48-hour ultimatum

Embattled Morsi rejects army's 48-hour ultimatum

Rediff.com2 Jul 2013

Egypt's first democratically elected President Mohammed Morsi on Tuesday rebuffed the powerful army's 48-hour ultimatum to resolve the deadly political crisis, saying he would not permit "any step backward" and would pursue his national reconciliation plans.

'Only Kashmiri Pandits can bring peace back'

'Only Kashmiri Pandits can bring peace back'

Rediff.com6 Jul 2018

"Whether we are back or away, if they put Kashmiri Pandits in isolation, they will never see peace in Kashmir."

'Farmers can no more be hoodwinked'

'Farmers can no more be hoodwinked'

Rediff.com6 Apr 2015

Vinay Sahasrabuddhe explains BJP's strategy.

'Every order now comes from the PMO'

'Every order now comes from the PMO'

Rediff.com15 Oct 2019

'There is no senior bureaucracy functioning now; these people only obey.' 'This is only a command and control kind of governance.'

Trump disbands business councils after CEOs quit over Charlottesville remarks

Trump disbands business councils after CEOs quit over Charlottesville remarks

Rediff.com17 Aug 2017

"Rather than putting pressure on the businesspeople of the Manufacturing Council & Strategy & Policy Forum, I am ending both. Thank you all!" Trump said in a tweet.

Mulayam ignores Akhilesh, names candidates preferred by Shivpal

Mulayam ignores Akhilesh, names candidates preferred by Shivpal

Rediff.com28 Dec 2016

The list carries names of Sigbatullah Ansari, who is the brother of jailed gangster Mukhtar Ansari, and Atiq Ahmed who faces over 40 criminal cases including of murder and attempt to murder.

'Spectacle is a big part of why Trump is coming to India'

'Spectacle is a big part of why Trump is coming to India'

Rediff.com21 Feb 2020

'If there were no Ahmedabad programme -- no flashy town hall event in a huge cricket stadium with thousands cheering him on -- then Trump may well have decided not to go to India.'

Why Yeddy may not be BJP's best bet in Karnataka

Why Yeddy may not be BJP's best bet in Karnataka

Rediff.com26 Jul 2019

In true Karnataka political style, which cuts across parties and loyalties, any reinstatement of Yeddiyurappa, even with adequate legislative majority, could trigger rebellion from within, which could embarrass the Modi-Shah duo than any other development elsewhere in the country, says N Sathiya Moorthy.

NCP left red-faced after party leader blames women for rape

NCP left red-faced after party leader blames women for rape

Rediff.com29 Jan 2014

A Maharashtra Commission for Women member from the Nationalist Congress Party kicked up a major controversy by suggesting that a woman's clothes and her behaviour are also responsible for rape.

Decoding Budget with the Chief Economic Adviser

Decoding Budget with the Chief Economic Adviser

Rediff.com1 Mar 2015

The Budget would preserve macro-economic stability.

'Play without fear like Kohli, Dhawan,' Afridi tells Pakistan batsmen

'Play without fear like Kohli, Dhawan,' Afridi tells Pakistan batsmen

Rediff.com23 Feb 2015

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq chose to impress upon his players to take a lesson from rivals -- India.

How can guns make us safer, asks Obama after gunman kills 9 in US college

How can guns make us safer, asks Obama after gunman kills 9 in US college

Rediff.com2 Oct 2015

The gunman opened fire at Umpqua Community College in rural Roseburg, about 180 miles south of Portland -- the capital of Oregon -- and then went on to other classrooms gunning down his victims, witnesses said.

Exit polls predict further low for the Left

Exit polls predict further low for the Left

Rediff.com13 May 2014

The four Left parties, which had won 24 seats in 2009, are seen bagging 14-20 this time

A bhakt decodes the Modi phenomenon

A bhakt decodes the Modi phenomenon

Rediff.com29 May 2019

'When Sachin Tendulkar bats, no one in India cares if he is from Mumbai or if he is a Hindu or a Brahmin or whatever.' 'We just want him to win it for India.' 'The same is with Modi and the people who voted across caste and regional lines for him.' We want him to win it for India,' says Madhu A K.

Coal scam: India Inc backs Birla

Coal scam: India Inc backs Birla

Rediff.com12 Mar 2015

'Birla only made representations to then PM for coal blocks allocation.'

Take it easy India, wait for Trump to unravel, say experts

Take it easy India, wait for Trump to unravel, say experts

Rediff.com9 Nov 2016

Foreign policy experts in New Delhi do not expect any major policy shift towards India under Donald Trump with a few feeling New Delhi could hope to derive "some benefit" from his stand on radical Islam.

2 killed in Karnataka; anti-CAA protests grip India

2 killed in Karnataka; anti-CAA protests grip India

Rediff.com19 Dec 2019

Defying prohibitory orders, protests were held in Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and several other cities. Protesters, mostly students and activists, were detained on a large scale in national capital and other places.

BJP ministers who joined Kathua rally exit govt; Mehbooba thanks PM

BJP ministers who joined Kathua rally exit govt; Mehbooba thanks PM

Rediff.com14 Apr 2018

"The charge that the two ministers were pro-rapist is absolutely wrong. It was sheer indiscretion on their part," Madhav said.

'If CBI director bows to government pressure it is because he wants to'

'If CBI director bows to government pressure it is because he wants to'

Rediff.com1 Nov 2018

'I was at a very senior position in the CBI and what happens is, hints are dropped for you to act upon. But then it depends upon your conscience, to do it or otherwise.' 'I know the rank and file of the CBI, they will bounce back; it is the leadership which has failed.'

'Congress are better Hindus than BJP'

'Congress are better Hindus than BJP'

Rediff.com9 Jul 2018

'...because we are truer to the spirit of the Hindu faith.' 'There is absolutely no question that the Hinduism of the mob lynchers, the people who have killed others because of what they are eating or how they are worshipping or the faith they belong to or what they're doing professionally, those are, to my mind, not Hindus at all.'

Modi strong-willed, effective perhaps autocratic: US Congress report

Modi strong-willed, effective perhaps autocratic: US Congress report

Rediff.com13 Aug 2014

Voted to power with an absolute majority for the first time in nearly three decades, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, considered as an able administrator, promises "a fresh engagement" with the United States, a latest Congressional report has said.

US lawmakers hail India's verdict

US lawmakers hail India's verdict

Rediff.com23 May 2014

A host of United States lawmakers attended an event on Capitol Hill on Friday to hail India's election and the Bharatiya Janata Party's landslide victory, and to also invite Narendra Modi to Washington to discuss issues ranging from counter-terrorism to bilateral economic cooperation and investment.

'Delhi must take the first step for a solution in Kashmir'

'Delhi must take the first step for a solution in Kashmir'

Rediff.com31 Oct 2017

'It is not possible that Kashmir will go totally to one country.' 'I don't see borders being changed anytime even in the distant future.'

'Forces in Delhi are manipulating a bloodless coup'

'Forces in Delhi are manipulating a bloodless coup'

Rediff.com8 Feb 2017

'One thing is clear from what happened last night; both sides are being manipulated by the same party with a lot of wrong inputs.' 'I see a hand in Delhi doing the puppet act on both sides.'

CBI to close coal block case against Kumar Mangalam Birla

CBI to close coal block case against Kumar Mangalam Birla

Rediff.com21 Aug 2014

After a 10-month probe, the Central Bureau of Investigation has decided to file a closure report in the coal block allocation case involving industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla and former Coal Secretary P C Parakh as the agency could not find any evidence in this matter.

Are these gents in panic mode?

Are these gents in panic mode?

Rediff.com30 Jun 2018

A series of bypoll losses has pushed the Modi government into panic mode. Uncharacteristically, it's letting events dictate its actions, says Shekhar Gupta.

Caught between worship and blame

Caught between worship and blame

Rediff.com28 Oct 2017

The man behind Aligarh Muslim University 200 years on.

Why BJP is rejoicing despite losing in West Bengal

Why BJP is rejoicing despite losing in West Bengal

Rediff.com19 May 2016

The Trinamool Congress has romped back to power in style in West Bengal. However, Bharatiya Janata Party activists and supporters can't help being happy with their performance in the state. The party has received a 10.2 per cent vote share. Sumantra Maity, a BJP activist and Information Technology professional, speaking to Indrani Roy/Rediff.com had predicted the party putting up a respectable show. He explains to Rediff.com the factors that led to the rise in Bharatiya Janata Party's vote share in Bengal.

Ashok Chavan files papers, says his conscience clear on Adarsh

Ashok Chavan files papers, says his conscience clear on Adarsh

Rediff.com26 Mar 2014

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, who had stepped down in the wake of the Adarsh scam, on Wednesday filed nomination papers from Nanded Lok Sabha constituency.

My life, my style: Nachiket Barve

My life, my style: Nachiket Barve

Rediff.com13 Sep 2015

Mumbai-based designer Nachiket Barve talks about his favourite things.

Will befriend Modi; no confrontation with Naidu: TRS

Will befriend Modi; no confrontation with Naidu: TRS

Rediff.com19 May 2014

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi would seek to befriend Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance government to forge a good and healthy relationship, and would not be confrontationist with the successor state of Andhra Pradesh but would fight tooth and nail for the rights of Telangana, a key party figure said on Monday.

Modi@MSG: An Indian-American point of view

Modi@MSG: An Indian-American point of view

Rediff.com1 Oct 2014

'The speech shone a spotlight on both the promise and the challenges of the Narendra Modi era,' says Ram Kelkar. 'The single-minded focus which Mr Modi displayed on issues of good governance and empowering the private sector and individual enterprise.'

No more lavish Malayali weddings?

No more lavish Malayali weddings?

Rediff.com10 Jun 2015

For most affluent families in Kerala, marriage is reduced to an occasion to flaunt their wealth. Now, the Women's Commission in the state wants marriage expenses to be capped at Rs 6 lakh.