News for 'MERIT'

Abhinav Bindra: 'Let's Strengthen Our Education System'

Abhinav Bindra: 'Let's Strengthen Our Education System'

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Olympic Gold Medalist Abhinav Bindra says an education system that inspires confidence, rewards merit and nurtures curiosity is one of a nation's greatest strengths.

Diksha Dagar's Scottish Open Journey: A Look At Her Performance

Diksha Dagar's Scottish Open Journey: A Look At Her Performance

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Indian golfer Diksha Dagar concluded the Women's Scottish Open in tied-16th position after a final round of 1-over 73. Despite a patchy performance, Dagar's result saw her climb to sixth place on the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit, with Korea's Jenny Shin claiming the title.

Olympic Gold Medallist Abhinav Bindra Calls For Education Reform Amid NEET Row

Olympic Gold Medallist Abhinav Bindra Calls For Education Reform Amid NEET Row

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra and Grandmaster Nihal Sarin have voiced concerns over the ongoing NEET exam irregularities and student suicides. Bindra called for a transparent and merit-based education system, while Sarin highlighted the immense pressure students face. The protests, supported by activist Sonam Wangchuk, have seen students attempting to march to Parliament.

Recruitment exams scrapped, now Jharkhand faces another job crisis

Recruitment exams scrapped, now Jharkhand faces another job crisis

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

A tense situation prevailed at the Jharkhand secretariat on Wednesday after a large number of successful candidates, who are likely to be rendered jobless following the government's cancellation of recruitment examinations, forcibly entered the campus in defiance of a prohibitory order, an official said.

Sneha Singh Overcomes Late Drama To Win Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour

Sneha Singh Overcomes Late Drama To Win Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Indian golfer Sneha Singh secured a dramatic victory at the 11th Leg of the Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour in Hosur, overcoming a significant lead squandered in the final round to defeat Vani Kapoor in a play-off. This win ends her 18-month title drought.

Bar Council chief faces resignation demand; rejects charges

Bar Council chief faces resignation demand; rejects charges

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

YR Sadashiva Reddy, Co-Chairman of the Bar Council of India (BCI), has called for the immediate resignation of BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, citing alleged irregularities in appointments, diversion of Council funds, financial dealings with law colleges, and other governance issues. Mishra has dismissed the allegations as 'baseless'.

Clashes in Jharkhand as HC stays cancellation of more job exams

Clashes in Jharkhand as HC stays cancellation of more job exams

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Clashes erupted between police and students in Jharkhand protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment exams, even as the high court provided interim relief by staying notifications cancelling appointments for Child Development Project Officers and those recruited through JSSC-CGL tests.

Indian Golfer Pranavi Urs Makes Progress In Swiss Ladies Open

Indian Golfer Pranavi Urs Makes Progress In Swiss Ladies Open

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Indian golfer Pranavi Urs showed improvement in the second round of the VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open, moving to T-24. While Urs progressed, fellow Indian golfers Tvesa Malik and Diksha Dagar faced challenges, with Dagar at risk of missing the cut. Sweden's Kajsa Arwefjall leads the tournament, maintaining a strong performance.

'Time To Drop Pant': Fans Fume After Galle Dismissal

'Time To Drop Pant': Fans Fume After Galle Dismissal

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Rishabh Pant's dismissal for 39 against Sri Lanka in the first Test in Galle has once again brought his shot selection under intense scrutiny, with fans and former cricketers criticising his inability to convert starts into bigger scores.

How AIFF's New Governance Framework Empowers Retired Footballers

How AIFF's New Governance Framework Empowers Retired Footballers

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has opened applications for its Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) roster, a crucial step under the newly adopted National Sports Governance Act. This initiative aims to induct retired players into the federation's General Body, ensuring greater representation and direct involvement in governance. The process outlines specific eligibility criteria across various tiers of sporting achievement and allows direct applications, bypassing state association endorsements.

Fresh twist in Asunta Lakra vs Hockey India row

Fresh twist in Asunta Lakra vs Hockey India row

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Former India women's hockey team captain Asunta Lakra has challenged the ethics proceedings initiated against her by Hockey India, citing procedural irregularities and questioning the Ethics Committee's jurisdiction. Lakra denied all allegations as 'false, baseless, malicious, motivated and defamatory' and is seeking full disclosure of documents before providing a detailed reply.

Chouhan's Hole-In-One Secures Lead At Coal India Open

Chouhan's Hole-In-One Secures Lead At Coal India Open

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Om Prakash Chouhan has taken the opening-round lead at the Rs 1 crore Coal India Open in Kolkata, delivering a spectacular eight-under 62. His impressive performance included a hole-in-one and an eagle, giving him a one-shot advantage over former Asian Tour winner Ajeetesh Sandhu.

PoK people would've joined India before 2019: Omar on Independence Day

PoK people would've joined India before 2019: Omar on Independence Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has renewed his call for the restoration of special status and statehood to the region, asserting that the decision to accede to India 80 years ago was correct. He highlighted the importance of upholding India's federal structure and suggested that if Article 370 hadn't been revoked, PoK residents might be seeking reunification. Abdullah also criticised centralised governance models, arguing they erode state autonomy.

2011 Mumbai blasts accused gets bail after 15 years in jail

2011 Mumbai blasts accused gets bail after 15 years in jail

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

An accused in the devastating 2011 Mumbai serial bomb blasts has been granted bail by a special MCOCA court, primarily due to his prolonged incarceration of nearly 15 years and the principle of parity with co-accused.

AITA Implements Age Cap For Executive Committee Members

AITA Implements Age Cap For Executive Committee Members

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has voted to cap the age for eligibility to its Executive Committee at 70 years, aligning its constitution with the National Sports Governance Act. This decision, approved by a narrow margin, allows elected members to complete their full four-year term even if they cross 70 during their tenure. The move is part of a broader constitutional overhaul overseen by the Delhi High Court, which also includes new tenure provisions and the election of Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit.

Former Captain Asunta Lakra Questions Hockey India Ethics Committee's Jurisdiction

Former Captain Asunta Lakra Questions Hockey India Ethics Committee's Jurisdiction

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Former India women's hockey captain Asunta Lakra has formally challenged the ethics proceedings initiated against her by Hockey India, citing procedural irregularities and questioning the Ethics Committee's jurisdiction. Lakra denies all allegations as "false, baseless, malicious, motivated and defamatory," and highlights issues with the committee's constitution and the incomplete documentation provided. This challenge comes amidst a broader context of sexual harassment allegations in Jharkhand hockey and institutional intimidation claims.

CJP warns of nationwide stir, accuses Centre of backtracking on FIR promise

CJP warns of nationwide stir, accuses Centre of backtracking on FIR promise

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Tuesday accused the Centre of resisting the Supreme Court's bid to facilitate quashing of FIRs against students and protesters and demanded that the outfit's members be included in the high-powered committee announced by the court to examine allegations of police excesses and violence against cops.

Diksha Dagar Secures Top 10 Spot on LET Order of Merit Despite Modest Finish

Diksha Dagar Secures Top 10 Spot on LET Order of Merit Despite Modest Finish

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Diksha Dagar, a two-time winner on the Ladies European Tour (LET), has moved into the top 10 of the Order of Merit, securing ninth position despite a modest finish at the Australian Women's Open.

India's Best Female Golfers Converge For Hero Women's Pro Tour Leg In Hosur

India's Best Female Golfers Converge For Hero Women's Pro Tour Leg In Hosur

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The 11th Leg of the Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour is set to begin in Hosur, featuring all previous winners and a strong field of 53 players, including top amateurs and seasoned professionals. The tournament at Clover Greens Golf Course will see Vidhatri Urs, Vani Kapoor, Tvesa Malik, and others compete for honours.

EXL Strengthens AI Capabilities With IMerit Acquisition

EXL Strengthens AI Capabilities With IMerit Acquisition

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

ExlService Holdings, a data and AI company, announced its acquisition of AI data solutions firm iMerit for up to USD 310 million. This strategic move aims to accelerate AI innovation, deepen EXL's AI capabilities in model training and evaluation, and expand its market presence in high-growth AI tech sectors. The transaction is expected to conclude in Q3 2026.

India's Top Golfers Vie For Rs 1 Crore Prize At J&K Open

India's Top Golfers Vie For Rs 1 Crore Prize At J&K Open

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

The fifth edition of the J&K Open golf tournament, featuring a doubled prize purse of Rs 1 crore, is set to begin at the Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar. Defending champion Shaurya Bhattacharya will compete against top Indian professionals and international players, with the event also aiming to boost golf tourism in the region.

Sharma, Lahiri To Lead Indian Charge At DP World India Championship

Sharma, Lahiri To Lead Indian Charge At DP World India Championship

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Indian golfers Shubhankar Sharma and Anirban Lahiri are set to lead the home challenge at the DP World India Championship, scheduled for October 15-18 at the Delhi Golf Club. The tournament will feature a star-studded international field including Major winner Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Ryan Fox, Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, Luke Donald, and Viktor Hovland. Both Sharma and Lahiri expressed excitement about competing on home soil, highlighting the event's significance for Indian golf.

Studying Tech-Based Engg? You Could Get A Scholarship

Studying Tech-Based Engg? You Could Get A Scholarship

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The scholarship covers 100 per cent of the annual tuition fee, hostel and mess charges and provides a laptop in the first year.

IIT-ISM Dhanbad Secures Patent For Innovative Copper Recovery Technology

IIT-ISM Dhanbad Secures Patent For Innovative Copper Recovery Technology

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Researchers at IIT-ISM Dhanbad have been granted an Indian patent for an electrochemical reactor designed to recover copper from industrial wastewater. This innovative technology offers an environmentally sustainable solution for resource recovery and wastewater treatment, particularly benefiting the mining and metallurgical sectors.

From Track Injury to Asian Games: Kamaljeet's Inspiring Shooting Journey

From Track Injury to Asian Games: Kamaljeet's Inspiring Shooting Journey

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Rewari's Kamaljeet, a 22-year-old pistol shooter, is set to represent India at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, after an injury ended his athletics dream and he transitioned to shooting in 2019, overcoming financial struggles with strong family and institutional support.

No unfair treatment, Sooryavanshi deserved his chance, says Rajiv Shukla

No unfair treatment, Sooryavanshi deserved his chance, says Rajiv Shukla

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajiv Shukla on Sunday congratulated Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on becoming India's youngest international cricketer, saying the teenager earned his opportunity on merit.

NEET-PG Cutoff Cut Sparks Merit Debate

NEET-PG Cutoff Cut Sparks Merit Debate

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

'To fill these seats, eligibility is being diluted. We are compromising merit and producing degree holders instead of good doctors.'

Shiho Kuwaki Secures AIG Women's Open Victory In Playoff Thriller

Shiho Kuwaki Secures AIG Women's Open Victory In Playoff Thriller

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Shiho Kuwaki of Japan defeated Germany's Esther Henseleit in a two-hole playoff to win the 2026 AIG Women's Open, marking the second consecutive Japanese victory in the tournament. Indian golfers Diksha Dagar and Aditi Ashok, however, failed to make the cut.

Byju Raveendran Faces Singapore Jail Sentence

Byju Raveendran Faces Singapore Jail Sentence

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

'The order has no practical effect unless and until he chooses to enter Singapore.'

Parliament clears tougher anti-paper leak law amid Oppn walkout

Parliament clears tougher anti-paper leak law amid Oppn walkout

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Parliament on Thursday passed a bill to amend the anti-paper leak law to introduce stricter punishments, with the government expressing its commitment to go the extra mile to safeguard the interests of students, who are the country's future.

From borrowed rifle to Asian Games: Vidarsa K Vinod's journey of sacrifice and resilience

From borrowed rifle to Asian Games: Vidarsa K Vinod's journey of sacrifice and resilience

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Vidarsa K Vinod, a 27-year-old shooter from Kerala, has secured a spot in India's Asian Games squad for the 10m Air Rifle and 50m Rifle 3 Positions events, overcoming significant financial hurdles and training setbacks through resilience and family support.

Rajasthan HC grants 20-day parole to self-styled 'godman' Asaram

Rajasthan HC grants 20-day parole to self-styled 'godman' Asaram

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The Rajasthan high court has granted 20-day parole to self-styled "godman" Asaram, who is serving a life sentence in a 2013 case of sexually assaulting a minor, saying the state government failed to justify its decision to reject his parole application.

Rajasthan HC flags unchecked construction on Udaipur hills

Rajasthan HC flags unchecked construction on Udaipur hills

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Rajasthan High Court has expressed serious concern over rampant construction on Udaipur's ecologically sensitive hills, questioning the state's hill policies and demanding records of commercial project permissions. The court's observations stem from a petition challenging a hotel project and an interim report highlighting extensive hill cutting and inadequate policy formulation, potentially leading to a suo motu Public Interest Litigation.

'Embraced freedom': SC dissolves Omar Abdullah's marriage with estranged wife

'Embraced freedom': SC dissolves Omar Abdullah's marriage with estranged wife

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to dissolve the marriage of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his estranged wife Payal Abdullah. The decision came after both parties submitted an application under Article 142 of the Constitution, indicating a settlement and mutual agreement to end their marriage, overturning previous lower court rulings that had denied the divorce.

'Creamy layer' not applicable to SC/ST reservations, govt tells SC

'Creamy layer' not applicable to SC/ST reservations, govt tells SC

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the 'creamy layer' principle, which excludes affluent individuals from reservation benefits, does not apply to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). This stance opposes Public Interest Litigations (PILs) seeking to implement such a principle for SC/ST reservations and to direct the government to formulate policies for more equitable distribution of reservation benefits.

Church objections can't override law, says Meghalaya HC on liquor shop

Church objections can't override law, says Meghalaya HC on liquor shop

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Meghalaya High Court has ruled that moral objections from church elders and locals cannot be a valid ground to deny the operation of a legally licensed liquor outlet. The court directed authorities to permit a shop owner to operate her IMFL retail outlet, noting she fulfilled all statutory requirements and that the objections were based on moral rather than legal grounds. The ruling also highlighted that a legal outlet could help curb illegal liquor sales.

Indian Golfers Impress At Ever Glory ADT Open In Taipei

Indian Golfers Impress At Ever Glory ADT Open In Taipei

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Indian golfers Pukhraj Singh Gill and Khalin Joshi delivered strong performances at the Ever Glory ADT Open in Taipei. Gill finished Tied-19th with consistent rounds, improving his standing on the Merit List for Asian Tour qualification. Joshi secured a Tied-12th finish. The tournament was reduced to 54 holes due to Typhoon Bavi, with Nathan Han of the USA winning in a playoff.

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.

No court relief for Azam Khan university but babu stays razing

No court relief for Azam Khan university but babu stays razing

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition filed by a businessman on behalf of Mohammad Ali Jauhar University regarding the demolition of its buildings, citing that the pleader was an outsider. Separately, the Moradabad Divisional Commissioner's court granted an interim stay on the demolition of 38 university buildings until the final hearing.

Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation: First Crack In Modi's Fortress?

Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation: First Crack In Modi's Fortress?

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is significant because it punctures, however slightly, the perception that the Modi government never retreats under pressure. Every long-serving government eventually reaches a point where every institutional failure is identified with the leader himself. Removing the minister may have prevented that political burden from falling directly on Modi. Whether it also resolves the underlying crisis is another matter, notes Ramesh Menon.