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National

- Assured pension returns, as govt. goes back on NPS

- Nicobar project will not disturb or displace tribes: Bhupendra Yadav

- Zelenskyy seeks tie-up with India for producing drones, electronic warfare systems

- Sparkling dusk

- CBI begins polygraph tests on 7 in Kolkata case

- In U.S., Rajnath discusses defence partnership with industry leaders

- MVA leaders participate in silent protest over crimes against women

- Clamour for resignation of Kerala film body head grows after actor’s remarks

- Assam gang-rape accused drowns after trying to escape, say police

- Modi meets union leaders ahead of UPS announcement

- IAF plane lands with bodies of 25 pilgrims killed in Nepal accident

- HYDRAA razes N-Convention Centre

- ED conducts searches in ₹118-cr. PMLA case in Assam

- ‘Bihar shows the way on the issue of sub-categorisation’

- PDP releases party manifesto, calls for resolution of the Kashmir issue

- India will be free of Left Wing Extremism by March 2026, says Amit Shah

- BJP, INLD urge EC to postpone Haryana Assembly election

- ‘Bulldozer justice’ unjust, inhumane, says Congress

- Punjab, Kerala, Gujarat reported most of the H1N1 deaths, says NCDC

- Caste census will be the foundation for policy-making: Rahul Gandhi

- Union Cabinet approves proposal to bolster biotech manufacturing

- NIA arrests social media influencer for human trafficking

- Railways plans to fill 41,390 vacant Group C posts

- One held for tribal woman’s murder in West Bengal

- Hyderabad-bound helicopter crashes in Pune; no casualties

- Mercedes plant in Pune found violating pollution guidelines

- PM to participate in ‘Lakhpati Didi Sammelan’ at Jalgaon

- Militant killed in encounter in J&K’s Baramulla: officials

- Vinesh’s endless bout

- Profile 1

- Profile 2

- Profile 3

Assured pension returns, as govt. goes back on NPS

Vikas Dhoot, Jagriti Chandra, A.M. Jigeesh

NEW DELHI

Union Cabinet approves Unified Pension Scheme, which is almost akin to the Old Pension Scheme It assures government employees of 50% of their last-drawn pay as a lifelong monthly benefit Employees who joined service since 2004 to have the option to choose between the two schemes

The NDA government on Saturday reversed a 21-year-old measure to reform India’s civil services pension system boldly brought in by the Atal Behari Vajpayee government. Instead, it unveiled what it called a new ‘Unified Pension Scheme’ (UPS) that is virtually akin to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), and assures government employees of 50% of their last drawn pay as a lifelong monthly benefit.

The UPS, approved by the Union Cabinet on Saturday, also assures officials a periodic dearness relief hike in line with inflation trends, a family pension equivalent to 60% of a government worker’s pension in the case of their demise, and a lumpsum superannuation payout in addition to gratuity benefits at the time of retirement. Besides, a minimum pension of ₹10,000 a month has been promised for those who complete at least 10 years of central government service.

The Cabinet decision was informed by the recommendations of a committee under former Finance Secretary and Cabinet Secretary-designate T.V. Somanathan, set up in March 2023 to review the National Pension System (NPS) — originally known as the New Pension Scheme — for government employees in a way that balances “their aspirations with fiscal prudence”.

At the time, five non-BJP-ruled States had moved their employees out of the NPS back to the OPS with guaranteed pension at 50% of salary.

Under the NPS, which kicked in for employees joining government service on or after January 1, 2004, pension payouts were linked to the accumulated value of contributions made by the government and the employee through the latter’s working life. These contributions were invested in equities and other market-linked securities by fund managers regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).

State governments are open to adopting the architecture of the UPS, cleared by the Cabinet to kick in from April 1, 2025, Mr. Somanathan said, stressing that the key difference between the OPS and the UPS is that OPS liabilities were unfunded and entailed no contributions from employees or the employer.

The UPS will be a contributory scheme, with employees chipping in 10% of their salary and the government bringing in 18.5% of salary. Mr. Somanathan also signalled that employees’ contributions would be frozen at the 10% threshold, while the government’s contributions may be adjusted higher or lower based on periodic actuarial assessments.

While the NPS will continue to remain an option, all employees who have joined service since 2004, including those who may have retired since then, have been given the option to switch over to the more generous UPS.

Separately, employees have also been promised a lumpsum payment in addition to gratuity benefits at the time of retirement. This lumpsum will be equivalent to a tenth of monthly emoluments (pay plus Dearness Allowance) for every completed six months of service.

Nicobar project will not disturb or displace indigenous tribes, says Environment Minister

Jacob Koshy

NEW DELHI

Strategic site: The Environment Minister said the project will help India counter expansionist action by China in the region.PTI-

The development of a port and airport in the pristine Nicobar Islands “will not disturb or displace” any of the Shompen, one of the indigenous, vulnerable tribes native to the island, according to Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav.

He offered the assurances in a written response this week to concerns raised by Rajya Sabha member and Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh earlier this month.

The development, which is part of the ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Project, will also help India counter expansionist action by China in the region, curb the stealing of marine resources by Myanmarese poachers, bridge infrastructural gaps, and promote international trade, Mr. Yadav said in his letter.

Finally, the site of the project is unlikely to witness an earthquake of the scale that had uprooted the region in 2004, for another 400 to 700 years, he added.

Mr. Yadav replied that the reports of the high-powered committee had not been made public because it was a project of “national importance with strategic and defence dimensions.”

The Environment Minister claimed that due consultation with the resident tribal councils had been conducted in the form of meetings with the Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti — an organisation run and set up by the administration since 1976 — and that the Chairman of the Tribal Council had attended these meetings.

However, as The Hindu has earlier reported, the Tribal Council had withdrawn its consent for the project.

No ownership

Moreover, the island administration had neither recognised nor granted ownership of any forest land to local tribes as per the provisions of the Forest Rights Act. These points were not addressed in Mr. Yadav’s letter, which underlined that no objections were raised during the “statutory period” prescribed in the Forest Rights Act. He also added that there are provisions to compensate those who will lose their land due to the proposed airport.

Mr. Ramesh had written to Mr. Yadav on August 10, demanding that all environmental clearances accorded to the project be revoked. He further demanded that parliamentary panels review the project.

The nub of his objections was that the project involved diverting 13,075 hectares of forest land, amounting to about 15% of the island’s area; that some parts of the proposed project fell under parts of the coastal zone where construction was prohibited; that the project was being pushed without seeking the permission of the Shompen and Nicobarese, the resident tribal groups; and that existing laws that prescribe the process to gauge the consent of the tribal communities had been violated.

Zelenskyy eyes tie-up with India in defence, production of drones

Dinakar Peri

KYIV

Collaborative approach: The Ukraine President said that the country had increased the level of its private companies. AFPHANDOUT

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pitched for greater cooperation with India in high-end technologies in areas such as agriculture, cybersecurity and defence, stressing co-production of drones, electronic warfare systems, and others. He said he had discussed these during talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

At a press interaction, Mr. Zelenskyy said Ukraine had increased the level of its private companies, specially in areas such as drones, sea drones and cybersecurity. “And I said to PM, we will be very ready to share with you these products and we will be happy if it can be co-produced, and we decided that our teams will begin to work on different issues. I think this is very important as we need to strengthen war economy... Of course we need win-win between our nations.”

Elaborating on high-end technologies in response to a question from The Hindu, he said, “It’s about agriculture, de-mining, medicine, security such as drones, electronic warfare systems... We had good agreements before the war. We are open with all of this and we are ready to co-produce for both our markets.”

“Of course we can do more after the war as today the priority is defending ourselves... But we are ready to begin this work, war will finish anyway and we know it,” he said.

War impact

India operates a large inventory of military equipment of both Russian and Ukrainian origin. Following the war in Ukraine, India has seen supplies and spares held up for sometime. As a result, Indian armed forces attempted to diversify and reduce dependence by turning to domestic firms as well as seeking alternative vendor base in other countries.

Some joint ventures between Ukraine manufacturers and Indian private sector are in the works to produce some of the spares as well as carry out maintenance in India.

The joint statement issued after the talks underlined the importance of defence cooperation between the two leaders and said they agreed to continue to work towards facilitating stronger ties between the defence entities in both countries.

Sparkling dusk

The Ana Sagar lake at Ajmer in Rajasthan shines clear as silver and bright as gold as the sun sets in the horizon. Shashi Shekhar KashyapSHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP

CBI begins polygraph tests on 7 in Kolkata case

Shiv Sahay Singh

KOLKATA

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday started the process of conducting polygraph tests on seven persons, in connection with the rape and murder of a doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital (MCH).

The tests will be conducted on the former principal of the medical college Sandip Kumar Ghosh, four doctors who had dinner with the victim hours before the crime, civic police volunteer Sanjay Roy who is the main accused, and another police volunteer believed to be close to him.

The central agency, which has been investigating the crime since August 13 in accordance with a Calcutta High Court order, has taken permission from a Kolkata court to conduct the polygraph test. Experts from Delhi have arrived in Kolkata to conduct the physiological examination.

Booked for corruption

The CBI’s anti-corruption branch has registered an FIR against Mr. Ghosh, accusing him of financial irregularities. The FIR has been registered under Sections 420 and 120B of the Indian Penal Code, and Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

On Saturday morning, the Kolkata police handed over documents on the corruption case to the CBI.

The agitation against the rape and murder continued in Kolkata on Saturday, with residents and supporters of Left parties alike protesting in the city’s waterlogged streets, after a heavy rain. Protest rallies were held all over the city.

In U.S., Rajnath discusses defence partnership with industry leaders

The Hindu Bureau

NEW DELHI

U.S. Congress notified of possible sale of anti-submarine warfare sonobuoys for Indian Navy’s MH-60R multi-role choppers; progressive reforms have encouraged many foreign OEMs to set up manufacturing units in India, says Defence Ministry

Deepening ties: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets U.S. Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin ahead of their bilateral meeting, in Washington on Friday. ANIANI

On the second day of his visit to the United States on Saturday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacted with the senior leadership of American defence companies at a round-table in Washington, and outlined the various emerging co-development and co-production opportunities in the sector in India. The round-table was organised by the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF).

In another development, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified the U.S. Congress on the possible sale of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) sonobuoys for the Indian Navy’s MH-60R multi-role helicopters that are currently being inducted.

“The Secretary of State has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India of anti-submarine warfare Sonobuoys and related equipment for an estimated cost of $52.8 million,” the DSCA said in a notification.

“India has requested to buy AN/SSQ-53G High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare (HAASW) sonobuoys; AN/SSQ-62F HAASW sonobuoys; AN/SSQ-36 sonobuoys; technical and publications and data documentation; U.S. government and contractor engineering and technical support; and other related elements of logistics and program services and support,” it added.

The Indian Navy had signed a $2.2-billion deal for 24 MH-60R helicopters from Lockheed Martin in February 2020. They are being formally inducted since April this year and deliveries are expected to be completed in 2025.

“Had fruitful interaction with leading U.S. defence companies at the Defence Industry – Roundtable organised by USISPF,” Mr. Singh said in a post on X. “Invited them to work with Indian partners to accelerate our Make in India program towards achieving Atmanirbharta in defence sector. Together, Indian and U.S. companies will co-develop and co-produce for the world.”

The Defence Ministry said in a statement that progressive reforms undertaken by the government have encouraged many foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), including from the U.S., to set up manufacturing units in India, develop joint ventures, and make India their alternate export base. “The planned co-production of GE414 aero-engines in India shall be a significant milestone in India-U.S. bilateral relations.”

Mr. Singh also highlighted that “partnership” and “joint efforts” were the two keywords that differentiated India’s defence industry partnerships with other nations.

On Friday, India and the U.S. also signed a Security of Supply Agreement (SOSA), which was one of the two broad-based defence industrial cooperation agreements under discussion between the two countries as cooperation between defence industries deepens. A Reciprocal Defence Procurement agreement is also under discussion.

On Friday evening, Mr. Singh met U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, and deliberated on the evolving geopolitical situation and certain key regional security issues. “They also discussed the ongoing defence industrial collaboration projects between India and the U.S., and potential areas where the industries of the two countries could work together,” the Ministry said.

MVA leaders participate in silent protest over crimes against women

Abhinay Deshpande

Mumbai

Shiv Sena (UBT) workers participate in a protest in Mumbai, to condemn the Maharashtra government’s action. EMMANUAL YOGINIEMMANUAL YOGINI

The Opposition bloc Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra took out a silent protest march on Saturday over crimes against women and the alleged sexual assault on two kindergarten girls in Badlapur. The MVA criticised the Eknath Shinde-led government for its failure to take action against the culprits.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray expressed his disappointment, stating that instead of taking action against those responsible for crimes against women, the Maharashtra government, which he labelled “shameless” appeared to be protecting them.

Addressing party workers at Shiv Sena Bhavan in Dadar, where he, along with his wife Rashmi and their son, former Maharashtra Minister Aaditya Thackeray, participated in a protest, Mr. Uddhav Thackeray said, “It is disgraceful that instead of taking action against the culprits, the government is standing by them. The current Mahayuti administration is the most ‘shameless’ government Maharashtra has ever seen.”

NCP(SP) supremo Sharad Pawar, speaking in Pune, said that the Badlapur incident had damaged Maharashtra’s reputation nationwide, and accused the State government of neglecting its responsibility to ensure the safety of women.

The Mahayuti coalition consists of the BJP, the Shiv Sena faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar.

In a thinly veiled criticism of Mr. Shinde, the Sena (UBT) leader referred to him as ‘Kansa Mama’, a villainous character from the Mahabharata, and mocked him for being more concerned with getting rakhis tied on his wrists than seeking justice for the victims.

Party workers wore black ribbons and black bands over their mouths to express their outrage and similar protests were organised across the State. Undeterred, Mr. Thackeray instructed his party workers to launch a signature campaign under the slogan ‘Bahin Surakshit tar Ghar Surakshit’ [home is safe if sisters are safe], which would be submitted to the Bombay High Court.

Mr. Pawar, who participated in a silent protest in Pune, criticised the government for being insensitive and dismissing the Opposition’s concerns as mere political manoeuvring over the Badlapur incident.

Baramati MP Supriya Sule, the daughter of Mr. Pawar, who joined her father in the silent protest, along with leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress, pointed out that numerous incidents similar to the Badlapur sexual abuse case are being reported across the State.

State Congress chief Nana Patole also condemned the government over the Badlapur case, adding that the government has ‘completely failed’ in its duty.

Clamour for resignation of Kerala film body head grows after actor’s remarks

The Hindu Bureau

Thiruvananthapuram

Congress workers protesting against filmmaker Ranjith after a Bengali actor raised allegation against him on Saturday. ANIANI

The clamour for the resignation of Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Chairperson Ranjith over allegations of inappropriate behaviour levelled against him by Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra grew on Saturday, even as Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian maintained that action can be taken only after a formal complaint is lodged.

The State government came under intense pressure from film industry figures, the Opposition and even from within the Left Democratic Front (LDF) to force Mr. Ranjith’s resignation, but Mr. Cherian appeared not too keen on it.

“Ranjith is a filmmaker acclaimed across the country. He cannot be punished just based on accusations. He has denied the allegations. If a formal complaint is received, strong action will be taken. We are with the victims,” he said.

Ms. Mitra had on Friday accused Mr. Ranjith of making advances towards her during the pre-production period of the 2009 Malayalam film Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha. Her allegations were corroborated by documentary filmmaker Joshy Joseph, who said she had told him about the incident the same day.

‘Register case’

Annie Raja, CPI leader, said the allegations against Mr. Ranjith were serious and the State should register a suo motu case.

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan demanded Mr. Ranjith’s resignation and came down heavily on Mr. Cherian for the delay in publishing the Hema Committee report.

Kerala Women’s Commission Chairperson P. Sathidevi struck a note in variance with Mr. Cherian when she said the commission was ready to investigate the allegations even if they were made via media. She said Mr. Ranjith should resign if proven guilty.

Filmmaker Aashiq Abu said Mr. Cherian’s stance on Mr. Ranjith’s case as well the Hema Committee report went against the Left’s ideology, and demanded action against Mr. Ranjith. Filmmaker Bijukumar Damodaran accused Mr. Cherian of having protected Mr. Ranjith when serious allegations regarding the State Film Awards were raised against him.

Vinayan row

Last year, filmmaker Vinayan had accused Mr. Ranjith of attempting to influence the State film award jury’s decision-making regarding his film Pathonpatham Noottandu. He accused Mr. Ranjith of pressurising the jury members against considering his film for the awards under any category.

Later, nine members of the Chalachitra Academy’s general council demanded the State government to remove Mr. Ranjith, who has been in the middle of a controversy over a series of comments he made to the press.

Assam gang-rape accused drowns after trying to escape, say police

The Hindu Bureau

GUWAHATI

An accused in the alleged gang rape of a minor girl in Nagaon district of central Assam drowned after trying to escape from custody around 3.30 a.m., the police said on Saturday.

The police had taken the accused, identified as Tafiqul, alias Tafazzul Islam, to the scene of the crime near a pond by the roadside in the Dhing area.

Superintendent of Police Swapnanil Deka said it was dark when the accused — handcuffed and tied to a rope held by a constable — tried to flee.

“After interrogation, he (the accused) was taken to the scene of crime. But he attempted to escape and fell into a pond which was full of water. The body was retrieved after a search,” Mr. Deka said.

“A constable holding the rope tied to the handcuffs of the accused sustained injuries. We are investigating the incident, apart from looking for two other suspects in the case,” Mr. Deka said.

The 14-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped by three men riding a two-wheeler on Thursday evening while she was returning home from a tuition class on her bicycle. Local people found her lying unconscious after about an hour, and informed the police. She was subsequently taken to hospital.

The alleged gang rape triggered outrage across Assam with protesters demanding stringent punishment for the perpetrators.

The residents of Islam’s village Barbheti decided not to allow his burial in the village graveyard. They also decided to socially boycott his family.

A molestation accused in another district was shot in the leg while trying to escape from police custody close to midnight on Friday.

A police official in north-central Assam’s Sonitpur district said two young girls on their regular evening walk in Tezpur town were molested by two men on Friday evening.

The girls raised an alarm and the local people caught one of the two men, identified as Shah Rukh Hussain, and handed him over to the police. The other man, identified as Miraz Ali, escaped but police caught him later.

Modi meets union leaders ahead of UPS announcement

The Hindu Bureau

New Delhi

Ahead of the announcement on the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the staff side of the Joint Consultative Mechanism (JCM), the consultative body between Union government employees and the Centre. The meeting, which began around 6 p.m. on Saturday, lasted about one hour. Apart from Mr. Modi, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also attended the meeting.

JCM secretary Shiv Gopal Mishra told The Hindu after the meeting that it was cordial and the Prime Minister had assured better coordination between the government and its employees.

This is the first meeting Mr. Modi has had with representatives of government employees in his ten-year-long tenure. The Personnel Ministry had sent an invitation to Mr. Mishra and other members of the JCM to meet the Prime Minister at his official residence on Saturday. The JCM members had said that they would raise the issue of restoring the old pension scheme (OPS) in the meeting.

However, after the meeting, as the announcement of UPS came about, it split the JCM members. While Mr. Mishra welcomed it, JCM member and All India Defence Employees Federation general secretary C. Srikumar said government employees would not accept any pension formulation where contribution is mandatory.

The employees were demanding the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). “We are welcoming the UPS. This was our demand for long. UPS is more like OPS. Some of the government employees were retiring for a pension of a mere ₹4,000 or ₹5,000. Now, they will get a minimum of ₹10,000, which will be linked with dearness allowance,” Mr. Mishra said.

Under the OPS, an employee with 20 years service would get 50% of the last drawn basic pay as pension. “Now, it has been made 25 years, and the average is calculated of the basic pay of the last drawn salary of 12 months,” Mr. Srikumar said.

IAF plane lands with bodies of 25 pilgrims killed in Nepal accident

Press Trust of India

Kathmandu

A military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force on Saturday brought to Jalgaon in Maharashtra the mortal remains of 25 Indian pilgrims from Bharatpur in Nepal.

“Responding swiftly to a call for crucial humanitarian support, the #IAF deployed a C-130J aircraft to airlift the mortal remains of 25 Indian citizens who tragically lost their lives in a road accident in Nepal,” the IAF said in a post on X.

Twenty-five pilgrims, all from Maharashtra, and two persons from Uttar Pradesh who were in Nepal for a 10-day tour, were killed and 16 others injured after their bus veered off the highway and fell into the fast-flowing Marsyangdi river at Abu Khaireni in central Nepal on Friday. The reason for the accident is not yet known.

The deceased and the injured were part of a group of 104 pilgrims on a visit to Nepal in three buses.

Fifty-one people and the bodies of two persons — the bus driver and his assistant — reached Maharajganj later on Saturday evening, having been transported by road.

Nagarjuna-owned N-Convention Centre razed in Hyderabad

Serish Nanisetti

HYDERABAD

The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection agency (HYDRAA) razed the N-Convention Centre in Madhapur here on Saturday morning for allegedly being built within the full tank level (FTL) of Tammidikunta lake. Its ancillary structures were also razed by officials.

The centre is managed by N3 Enterprises and is jointly owned by actor /producer Nagarjuna Akkineni and Nalla Preetham. The main hall was a 27,000 sq.ft. facility that could seat up to 3,000 persons. It also had an open air facility. The structures were razed by 11 a.m, before the actor could secure an interim stay order from the High Court.

The convention centre was allegedly built within the full tank level (FTL) of Tammidikunta lake. The blockage of water flow from the lake had led to frequent flooding on the 100-feet road, Ayyappa Colony and other areas in the catchment area of the lake.

Calling the action of demolition as ‘unlawful’, Mr. Nagarjuna said he would take the issue to court to seek appropriate relief.

ED conducts searches in ₹118-cr. PMLA case in Assam

The Hindu Bureau

NEW DELHI

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches in connection with the alleged fraudulent award of contracts worth about ₹118 crore from 2013 to 2016 by misappropriation of funds collected as cess for the welfare of construction workers in Assam.

In the case being probed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, the agency has seized several documents and also attached properties valued about ₹34.03 crore in the form of bank balances and fixed deposits.

Among the accused persons in the case were IAS official Chohan Doley, as the then-Labour Commissioner cum Member Secretary of the Assam Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board (ABOCWWB); Priyanshu Boiragi, proprietor of Purbashree Printing House; Gautam Baruwa, the then-ABOCWWB Chairperson; and Nagendra Nath Choudhury, the then-Administrative Officer of the Board. It was alleged that the beneficiaries managed to get unreasonably high-value printing contracts with the help of manipulated fraudulent tendering process.

‘Bihar shows the way on the issue of sub-categorisation’

Sobhana K. Nair

New Delhi

The Janata Dal(U) working president highlights the State government’s effort to set up a Mahadalit Mission to help those left behind in every step of the way from school to college and competitive exams; he says the Nitish Kumar government is the only one that released the findings of a caste count, and asks why the Congress had failed to reveal the findings of a survey done in Karnataka

Janata Dal(U) working president Sanjay K. Jha argues that some political parties, including the Congress, that are seeking a caste census today had backed out of a commitment on the issue when JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar had proposed it when he was part of the INDIA bloc. With regard to the Waqf Bill and the issue of lateral entry to government service, he says the NDA government will take cognisance of all aspects raised by stakeholders.

The NDA govt. has completed two months and in this short span, the government has reversed some of its significant announcements such as “lateral entry” or taken a step back by sending the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 to a Joint Parliamentary Committee. Is it under the influence of allies?

I appreciate that the government is flexible. The Waqf Bill has been sent to the joint committee to ensure there are no misgivings and everyone’s concerns are addressed. Our party wanted this Bill to be sent for further parliamentary scrutiny. A delegation from the Muslim community met Chief Minister Nitish Kumar this week in Patna. I was also present at the meeting. The delegation raised some concerns. We have asked for their specific objections, which we will take forward.

What about “lateral entry” to government service, which the Opposition said is a method to circumvent reservation? How does your party view it?

Is this the first time lateral entry is happening in government? Manmohan Singh to Sam Pitroda were lateral entrants in government. Those who are raising questions about it today, should explain how it happened under their government. At times, if a specialist is needed for some critical work, one can be hired. But the government withdrew the order cognisant of the complaints raised across the board. There should be no confusion at all on the Constitution and reservation. No one can meddle with it. Our party and the NDA both are committed towards it.

What is the JD(U)’s stand on the Supreme Court judgment allowing for a sub-categorisation of reservation for Scheduled Castes?

There are two aspects to this judgment. The judgment also speaks about introducing “creamy layer” in the SC reservation. We are against such a proposition, because reservations for Dalits was extended because of social exclusion they have faced over centuries in the form of “untouchability”. The Union Cabinet has endorsed this stand. On the second aspect, of sub-categorisation, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has already shown the way by doing it in Bihar by carving out the Mahadalit category. What we did in Bihar was not to introduce sub-quotas, instead he extended a helping hand for all-round development of the caste groups who have been left behind. The Bihar government conducted a survey, which revealed that a majority of students dropping out of schools belong to the Mahadalit caste group. Based on these findings, a Mahadalit Mission was constituted to help them in every step of the way from school to college to competitive exams. Which is what we would like to be replicated across the country. Not a sub-classification of the existing reservation quota.

The JD(U) has been a strong proponent of a caste census. As an ally will you put pressure on the government on the issue?

Nitish Kumar is a pioneer in the country, he is the only Chief Minister in the country who not only conducted the caste count, but also released the findings and acted upon it by enlarging the reservation umbrella. Those who are championing the cause today do not speak about Bihar. Why has the Congress government failed to reveal the findings of the caste count done in Karnataka?

When JD(U) was with the INDIA bloc, Nitish ji explicitly demanded at the Mumbai meeting that commitment for a caste census should be included in the joint resolution that was to be released at the conclusion of the meet. Some members opposed the suggestion and the Congress also backed out.

Today, Rahul Gandhi is talking about caste census, but that day, he did not support Nitish Kumar’s stand on the issue.

In the recent months, questions have been raised on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s mental acuity. Your party enjoys the distinction of not being a family-led party, which therefore begs the obvious question: who will succeed Mr. Kumar?

We have never seen Nitishji promoting anyone from his family. JD(U) is not a family enterprise like many other regional parties. He is a committed socialist and probably the last of the lot. He allowed many leaders to grow within the party. As of now, we are not looking for any successors. He is very active both within the party and as the Chief Minister of the State. There may have been a few slip-of-tongues here or there and that happens to everyone. There is nothing uncharacteristic here.

PDP releases party manifesto, calls for resolution of the Kashmir issue

Peerzada Ashiq

SRINAGAR

Party promises: Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti addresses press conference in Srinagar on Saturday. IMRAN NISSAR IMRAN NISSAR

Hardening its stand, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) manifesto released on Saturday put the resolution of the Kashmir issue, resumption of India-Pakistan dialogue, and revocation of laws such as the Public Safety Act (PSA), Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Enemy Property Act, along with restoration of freedom of the press, at the top of the agenda.

No truck with BJP

PDP president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, who released the manifesto, ruled out any possibility of an alliance with the BJP in the future and instead threw her weight behind the INDIA bloc partners, the Congress and the National Conference (NC). “Power and seats don’t matter to the PDP. Our party will support the NC-Congress alliance if they accept our agenda,” she said.

The agenda, compared with the past, has used tough language for the BJP’s move to end J&K’s special status in 2019. “The events of August 5, 2019, mark a profound assault on this idea. The Government of India, through an unconstitutional and illegal Presidential Order, stripped J&K of its special status under Article 370 and bifurcated the State into two Union Territories. This act of parliamentarian aggression was designed to erode the demographic and cultural character of India’s only Muslim-majority state,” the manifesto said. Claiming the revocation of special status has “further complicated the Kashmir issue and deepened the alienation in the region”, the manifesto sharpens its focus on the party’s “unwavering commitment” to resolve the Kashmir issue. “Recognising it [resolution] is the cornerstone for lifting the people of J&K out of the persistent cycle of violence and unrest,” it said.

Diplomatic initiatives

Referring to the political approach of former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, the party manifesto said it firmly believed that a meaningful engagement is the only way forward. “Will advocate for diplomatic initiatives between India and Pakistan, emphasise on conflict resolution, confidence-building measures and regional cooperation,” it said.

The PDP reiterated itst stand for “establishing full connectivity across the Line of Control for trade and social exchange and advocate for a regional free trade area and shared economic market”. It also pledged to work towards revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), PSA, UAPA, and Enemy Property Act “to put an end to unjust arrests of political & social activists, journalists, civil society and concerned citizens”.

The PDP promised to revisit and address cases of “unjust job terminations to ensure fair treatment and job security for all employees”. The party plans to offer free legal aid for prisoners, restore the Waqf Board to its former excellence, restore the Darbar move, free electricity to all temples and shrines, etc”.

On the governance front, the PDP promised regularisation of 60,000 daily wagers, Old Pension Scheme (OPS), disturbed area allowance for J&K Police, etc.

Kashmiri Pandits

“We are committed to the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland, ensuring they are welcomed back as honoured members of our community. We will strive for taking all the stakeholders on board to secure a closure to the humanitarian crises. This is not just a return, but a restoration of the cultural and spiritual essence of Kashmir,” Ms. Mufti said.

India will be free of Left Wing Extremism by March 2026, says Amit Shah

The Hindu Bureau

RAIPUR

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo, and others in Raipur on Saturday. Amit Shah/X ANI

Emphasising a ruthless strategy against Left Wing Extremism (LWE) and incentives for surrender of Naxalites, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that the country would be free from LWE by March 2026.

Mr. Shah made the declaration at a press conference held here after he chaired a review meeting on LWE and inter-State coordination meeting with Chief Secretaries and Director Generals of Police of Chhattisgarh, the State affected worst by Naxalism, and neighbouring States.

Asserting that the four-decade long war against LWE had reached a decisive stage, he said the Narendra Modi government at the Centre was fighting the battle with a strategy on all three fronts of development, prosecution and operation, as a result of which this problem had now been reduced to a great extent.

Presenting a slew of statistics comparing the decades between 2004-2014 and 2014-2024, the Home Minister said that there was a 53% reduction in incidents and 70% reduction in the number of security personnel and citizens who lost their lives due to the conflict. The number of districts affected by LWE had also come down from 126 in 2013 to 38 in 2024.

“Between 2019 and 2024, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh got rid of Naxalism while Maharashtra was also freed from the menace except one district [referring to Gadchiroli] which is a big achievement for the Centre,” he said.

Lauding the Vishnu Deo Sai-led BJP government in Chhattisgarh for its efforts in the anti-Naxal front since late 2023, he said 179 Naxalites were neutralised, 559 arrested, 540 surrendered and 46 new camps of security forces were established in its tenure so far.

New surrender policy

He further said the Chhattisgarh government would also announce a surrender policy with a new look in a month or two.

“My appeal to all the youth whether involved in Left Wing Extremism or associated with it is that the Government of India is committed to the development of this region. The Government of India is committed to your development. You give your 100% to the surrender policy and give up arms,” he said.

The Union Minister sidestepped questions on the privatisation of NMDC Steel Limited-operated steel plant in Bastar’s Nagarnar. Answering one question on the subject, Mr. Shah said the clarification had been given during the last elections. In response to another question on job creation in light of the possible privatisation of the plant, he said the steel plant was not the only job creating unit as there were multiple avenues generating employment.

On a question about the long-awaited Census that has been delayed, Mr. Shah said it would be done at the appropriate time.

BJP, INLD urge EC to postpone Haryana Assembly election

The Hindu Bureau

GURUGRAM

Congress and Jannayak Janta Party demand polls be held on schedule; they say the BJP has already accepted defeat by seeking postponement

Poll scene: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini hold BJP’s State election committee meeting in Gurugram on Thursday. ani ANI

Almost a week after the announcement of the schedule for the Assembly election in Haryana, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) have written to the Election Commission to defer polling by almost a week, apprehending a low turnout in view of holidays around the polling date.

The Congress and the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), however, have demanded that the election be held on schedule, saying the BJP had already accepted its defeat by seeking postponement of the polls.

By the EC schedule, the Gazette notification for the election to the 90-member Assembly in Haryana will be issued on September 5. The polling will be held on October 1 and the counting of votes on October 4.

BJP’s demand

Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal told The Hindu over phone that BJP State president Mohan Lal Badoli, in a letter to the EC received at his office on August 23, had demanded the postponement of the polling scheduled for October 1, saying that two days prior to the polling (September 28-29) and a day after were holidays and several families in the State could go out for vacation by taking leave on September 30.

Mr. Badoli also pointed out that a majority of the Bishnoi families in Hisar, Sirsa and Fatehabad districts were also expected to travel to Bikaner on the polling day to take part in an annual fair on October 2 and this could adversely impact the voter turnout, said the official.

In his letter, the BJP leader said the poll body had earlier postponed the Punjab Assembly election in 2022 by six days to February 20 in view of Ravidas Jayanti.

Mr. Agarwal said the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) had also made a similar request.

Indian National Lok Dal leader Abhay Singh Chautala too demanded that the polling be postponed by almost a week saying that “there is a likelihood of a 15-20% shortfall in voting percentage”. He said the training of the election staff and the preparation for the polling too would be affected by the holidays.

Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda, however, said the election should be held on schedule.

He said the electorate would not waste their votes and turn up in large numbers to exercise their franchise despite the holidays.

‘Bulldozer justice’ unjust, inhumane, says Congress

The Hindu Bureau

New Delhi

Bulldozer “justice” has no place in a country governed by the rule of law and “repeated targeting of minorities” is deeply troubling, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said on Saturday. The Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha said demolishing someone’s home and rendering the family homeless were both “inhumane and unjust”.

His remarks come after the house of a man who allegedly indulged in violence in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district during a protest was demolished. An official had said that the house of Shahzad Ali under the Kotwali police station limits was demolished. A case was registered against 150 people for violence on Wednesday.

‘Bid to instil fear’

In a post on X, Mr. Kharge condemned the BJP State governments for disregarding the Constitution, and said offences must be adjudicated in the courts.

“The Congress strongly condemns the BJP State governments for their blatant disregard of the Constitution, using bulldozing as a tactic to instil fear among citizens. Anarchy cannot replace natural justice — offences must be adjudicated in courts, not through state-sponsored coercion,” he said, without specifically referring to the Madhya Pradesh incident.

“Demolishing someone’s home and rendering their family homeless is both inhumane and unjust. Such actions have no place in a society governed by the Rule of Law. The repeated targeting of minorities in BJP-ruled States is deeply troubling,” he added.

Echoing Mr. Kharge, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said on X that if someone was accused of a crime, then only the courts could decide on the crime and punishment.

“But punishing the family of the accused as soon as the allegation is made, taking away the roof from their heads, not following the law, disobeying the court, and demolishing the house of the accused as soon as the allegation is made — this is not justice,” Ms. Vadra said.

Punjab, Kerala, Gujarat reported most of the H1N1 deaths, says NCDC

Bindu Shajan Perappadan

NEW DELHI

With over 9,000 cases, India registered 178 deaths from the infection, also known as swine flu, till the end of July; the highest number of cases was recorded in Delhi, Gujarat, and Kerala

Influenza A (H1N1), also known as swine flu, is a respiratory infection that can affect both pigs and humans.file photoSAM PANTHAKY

Punjab with 41 deaths, Kerala with 34, and Gujarat with 28 top the list of States that have recorded fatalities from influenza A (H1N1), show the latest figures released by National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

With over 9,000 cases of H1N1, also known as swine flu, India registered 178 deaths till July-end.

The highest number of cases have been recorded in Delhi, Gujarat, and Kerala.

410 deaths in 2022

In 2022, there were 13,202 cases and 410 deaths.

Swine flu is a respiratory infection that can affect pigs and humans.

A subtype of the influenza A virus causes the infection in the upper and sometimes lower respiratory tract.

The virus spreads through the air from an infected person through coughing, sneezing, talking and merely exhaling. It can also enter the body from contaminated surfaces.

The infection becomes contagious from about a day before symptoms appear until about four days after they start showing. Children and people with weakened immune systems may spread the virus for a slightly longer period of time.

The first confirmed case of swine flu in India was documented in May 2009, but huge numbers of cases have been reported thereafter.

India reported 778 cases in 2021 with 12 deaths; 13,202 cases and 410 deaths in 2022; and 8,125 and 129 in 2023.

Zoonotic diseases

The Union government has been keeping a strict vigil on zoonotic diseases across India.

Zoonoses are infectious diseases, such as rabies, anthrax, influenza (H1N1 and H5N1), Nipah, COVID-19, brucellosis, and tuberculosis, that can transfer between animals and humans.

These diseases are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi.

A senior Health Ministry official noted that the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases is achieved by vaccination, good hygiene and animal husbandry practices, and vector control.

Caste census will be the foundation for policy-making: Rahul Gandhi

The Hindu Bureau

New Delhi

Rahul Gandhi addresses the ‘Samvidhan Samman Sammelan’ in Prayagraj on Saturday. ANIANI

People have ordered that a caste census be conducted; if Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not do it, another Prime Minister would do it, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said on Saturday.

Mr. Gandhi, addressing an event in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, asserted that the caste census would be the foundation for policy-making and that the numbers of every community must be enlisted. He said the arbitrary 50% cap on reservations would be revised so that representation in government and education was fair for all communities.

“This will definitely happen. It cannot be stopped. Neither the caste census nor an economic survey or an institutional survey can be prevented and the 50% barrier will also fall. All of these will happen,” Mr. Gandhi told a packed audience at the Allahabad Medical Association Convention and Rehabilitation Centre in Uttar Pradesh, while addressing the Samvidhan Samman Sammelan. “The BJP is saying they will conduct a caste census and include an OBC section. The first thing is that just mentioning OBC in the caste census is not enough. There are different communities, and we want a list of all of them,” he said.

“For us, this isn’t just about a census; it’s the foundation for policy-making. I want to make it clear that we’re not just talking about a caste census… We want the data. How many Dalits, OBC [Other Backward Classes], tribals, women, minorities, general caste people are there. We are trying to protect the Constitution through this demand for a caste census,” he added.

The Opposition leader said it was essential to get information on the population to ensure the participation of the 90% of people who are out of the system. “However, knowing the population is not the final step. My vision is to understand how wealth is distributed in India,” Mr. Gandhi said.

However, he was quick to add, ”I have not said so far what we will do with the caste census data.” Recalling his recent meeting with a cobbler at his constituency of Rae Bareli, Mr. Gandhi noted how a majority of the people were not respected despite having skills. “90% people are sitting out of the system. They have skill, knowledge but no connections [with the system]. That is why we have raised the demand for a caste census,” he said.

Union Cabinet approves proposal to bolster biotech manufacturing

Jacob Koshy

NEW DELHI

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressing the media on Cabinet decision in New Delhi on Saturday.Sushil Kumar Verma

The Union Cabinet on Saturday cleared a proposal to bolster biotechnology-based manufacturing, called BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing. To be steered by the Department of Biotechnology, the aim is to have it catalyse a technology revolution “just as the IT industry revolutionised life in the 1990s”, an internal note viewed by The Hindu said.

A financial outlay was not specified for the programme. High performance biomanufacturing is the ability to produce products from medicine to materials, address farming and food challenges, and promote manufacturing of bio-based products through integration of advanced biotechnological processes.

“To address the national priorities, the BioE3 Policy would broadly focus on the following strategic/thematic sectors: high value bio-based chemicals, biopolymers and enzymes; smart proteins and functional foods; precision biotherapeutics; climate resilient agriculture; carbon capture and its utilisation; marine and space research,” a press statement from the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) said.

6 verticals of the policy

The six thematic verticals of the policy are: bio-based chemicals and enzymes, functional foods and smart proteins, precision biotherapeutics, climate resilient agriculture, carbon capture and its utilisation, futuristic marine, and space research.

The Cabinet also merged three schemes of the Science Ministry into one, called Vigyan Dhara, which expects to spend ₹10,579 crore until 2025-26 on Science and Technology Institutional and Human Capacity Building, Research and Development and, Innovation, Technology Development and Deployment, according to a note from the Ministry.

Internships would be arranged for students in the 11th and 12th grades and fellowships for research at the graduate and post-graduate level. “The scheme endeavours to promote research in areas such as basic research with access to international facilities, translational research in sustainable energy, etc.,” the note said.

NIA arrests social media influencer for human trafficking

Devesh K. Pandey

NEW DELHI

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday chargesheeted two more people, including a social media influencer, in connection with an organised human trafficking case involving Chinese companies based in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone of Laos.

The accused have been identified as the influencer Balwant, alias Bobby Kataria, who has been arrested, and his associate Ankit Shokeen.

The agency said that Mr. Shokeen is currently based in Laos.

The chargesheet has been submitted before a special court at Panchkula in Haryana. The NIA probe revealed that both the accused, along with others, were involved in recruiting jobseekers using deception and false inducements, and transporting them to Laos.

“The victims so lured were being handed over to the Chinese companies in Laos, where they were forced to carry out cyber frauds/scams under harsh, strenuous, and restrictive conditions,” the agency said, in a statement.

According to the NIA, the Chinese companies confiscated the passports of the victims and also subjected them to physical and mental torture for non-performance or refusal to indulge in cyberfrauds. Through call centres, the victims were coerced into committing illegal online activities such as investment scams, relationship scams, and cryptocurrency scams.

“The conspiracy was hatched by Bobby Kataria along with co-accused Ankit Shokeen and others. Together, they had incorporated MBK Global Visa Private Ltd., a visa consultancy, and by taking advantage of his popularity among the youth, Bobby was attracting job seeking youth with lucrative offers in countries such as Singapore. After taking advance payments, he would persuade the victims to go to Laos,” the agency said.

Railways plans to fill 41,390 vacant Group C posts

The Hindu Bureau

New Delhi

The Indian Railways is looking to fill 41,390 vacant Group C posts of assistant loco pilot, junior engineer, technician, paramedic, and Railway Police Force sub-inspector and constable.

“Till date, six centralised employment notifications have been notified, from January to August 2024, offering jobs for these vacant positions,” a Railways spokesperson said. “Considering the spatial distribution, size and criticality of operations, the occurrence and filling up of vacancies is a continuous process. Recently, a major recruitment drive has been announced, offering a host of job vacancies and a calendar exhibiting the specifications of the ongoing and future vacancies was also released,” the spokesperson added.

While between 2004 and 2014, 4.11 lakh persons were recruited by the Railways, this figure has improved with 5.02 lakh persons between 2014 to 2024. In 2021-22, up to 2.37 crore aspirants applied to write the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) exams, which led to recruitment of 1,30,581 candidates in Group C posts.

In 2022, Aadhaar-based authentication of candidates at exam centres to check impersonation was introduced at a pan-India level in the Level-1 exam, which saw the participation of more than one crore applicants, the spokesperson said. “As a result, 3,957 candidates were declared disqualified and debarred from RRB exams for indulging in unfair means,” the official said.

One held for tribal woman’s murder in West Bengal

Moyurie Som

KOLKATA

Nine days after the murder of a tribal woman in Purba Bardhaman district of West Bengal, the police arrested a youth in connection with the case on Friday evening.

The accused has been identified as Ajay Tudu from Paschim Medinipur. The victim was a postgraduate student at the Burdwan University.

On the night of August 14, when women across the country took to the streets to protest against the gruesome rape and murder of a doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, the tribal woman was found dead with grievous injuries in Gangpur.

“We found that the accused and the girl were in a relationship. On the night of the murder, the couple met and a verbal altercation broke out between them. The accused lost his temper and killed the girl,” Purba Bardhaman Superintendent of Police Amandeep said on Saturday.

Mr. Amandeep added that initially, a nine-member special investigation team was formed to investigate the murder. Later, the SIT was expanded with a total of 21 members.

“We hope to file a chargesheet quickly in the next few days. We will try to ensure maximum punishment for the accused,” he said.

Hyderabad-bound helicopter crashes in Pune; no casualties

A private helicopter flying from Mumbai to Hyderabad crashed in Mulshi tehsil of Pune district on Saturday afternoon but all four persons on board survived, the police said. While the pilot was hospitalised at Paud, about 35 km from Pune city, the three passengers suffered minor injuries, an official said. Bad weather was suspected to have caused the crash as the area is receiving heavy rain, said inspector Manoj Yadav of Paud police station. The chopper, belonging to the Global Vectra aviation company, crashed at Kondhwale village around 2 p.m., he said. The occupants were identified as Captain Anand, Veer Bhatia, Amardeep Singh and S.P. Ram. PTI

Mercedes plant in Pune found violating pollution guidelines

The Mercedes-Benz assembly plant at Chakan, Pune, has come under scrutiny for failing to comply with pollution control guidelines. During a routine inspection on August 23, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) found that the plant was not adhering to the environmental regulations set by the State. In response to the findings, the MPCB has instructed its regional officer to take immediate action to rectify the situation. This will involve a thorough review of the plant’s operations and the implementation of corrective measures. As a first step, the Board has forfeited Mercedes-Benz’s ₹25-lakh bank guarantee.

PM to participate in ‘Lakhpati Didi Sammelan’ at Jalgaon

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Maharashtra’s Jalgaon on Sunday to participate in the ‘Lakhpati Didi Sammelan’. Mr. Modi will reach the place at 11.15 a.m., where he will distribute certificates and felicitate 11 lakh new ‘Lakhpati Didis’, who recently became lakhpatis (owners of ₹1 lakh) during the third term of the National Democratic Alliance government. The PM will also release a revolving fund of ₹2,500 crore, which will benefit about 48 lakh members of 4.3 lakh self-help groups (SHGs). The Bharatiya Janata Party leader will also disburse bank loans of ₹5,000 crore, which will benefit 25.8 lakh members of 2.35 lakh SHGs.

Militant killed in encounter in J&K’s Baramulla: officials

One unidentified militant was killed in a shootout in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Saturday. Officials said the shootout took place at a checkpoint in the Watergam area of Rafiabad, Baramulla in north Kashmir. The gunfire was retaliated in which one militant was killed. The security forces rushed reinforcements to the encounter spot to track down any other suspect hiding there. However, the operation was called off later. Initial reports suggested that a pistol and grenade were recovered from the site. The identity and affiliation of the slain militant could not be ascertained immediately, officials said.

Vinesh Phogat, who missed out on a medal at the Paris Olympics by the slightest of margins after becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the finals, is not new to struggles in her sporting journey

Taken down: Vinesh wears a dejected look after being disqualified from the 50kg women’s wrestling at the Paris Olympics for being 100 grams overweight. ANI ANI

Growing up in Balali, a small village some 100 kilometres from Delhi, Vinesh Phogat could scarcely have imagined that she would one day be on the world stage. The third child of a bus driver, she has had a life plagued with struggles. Her father was killed when she was just a child. Her mother fought cancer soon after. Ms. Phogat would have her own very public battles herself — both on the mat and off it.

As a wrestler trained by her uncle Mahavir Phogat, she was once considered just one among the Phogat wrestling family — an understudy to cousins Geeta and Babita — before she eventually carved her own niche as one of India’s greatest wrestlers. She has won two medals at the World Championships, three Commonwealth golds, and an Asian Games gold, a feat unaccomplished by any woman. Perhaps her most significant battle was fought on the streets of New Delhi where she, alongside wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, took on the Wrestling Federation of India and its president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing the latter of sexual exploitation. It was a battle not just for herself but for the security of women sportspersons across the country.

She pursued her battle with the federation even as she competed in a record third Olympic Games in Paris. And while her march to a title fell short by the narrowest and cruellest of margins, no one can say that in the end, Vinesh Phogat has not emerged a winner.

(Text: Jonathan Selvaraj)

The fight for a gender-balanced workplace

G. Krishnakumar

Women in Cinema Collective The platform, whose petition led to the setting up of the Hema Committee by the Kerala government, stands vindicated as its report unveiled ‘horrid tales of sexual exploitation, illegal bans, discrimination, drug and alcohol abuse and wage disparity’ in the Malayalam film industry

(From left) Padmapriya, Rima Kallingal, Beena Paul, Revathi and Parvathy Thiruvothu

“This is the voice of women and it must be heard!” This was how a Facebook post by the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) concluded hours after the Kerala government released the redacted form of the K. Hema Committee report on the issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry on August 19, 2024. The 235-page report had created a political storm in the State as it had revealed “horrid tales of sexual exploitation, illegal bans, discrimination, drug and alcohol abuse, wage disparity and in some cases, inhuman working conditions” in the multi-crore industry.

For the WCC, “it has been a long journey” as they stood vindicated in their fight for “justice for all women wanting a dignified professional space in the film industry”. The three-member committee led by a former judge of the Kerala High Court was set up by the government in July 2017 as an outcome of a petition submitted by the collective to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to study the problems faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. Though the committee had submitted its report on December 31, 2019, it was not made public on the grounds that it contained sensitive information.

A first of its kind in the country, the WCC came into being after a woman actor was allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted in a moving car on the night of February 17, 2017 in Kochi. Shell-shocked over the dastardly act, a group of nearly 18 women that included some of the prominent technicians, writers and actors joined hands to stand by the survivor and undertake an unwavering fight for justice.

A probe by the Special Investigation Team of the Kerala Police led to the arrest of Malayalam actor Dileep, who allegedly nursed a grudge towards the victim over her reported involvement in the break-up of his previous matrimonial relationship. He was arrested on July 10, 2017, after being arraigned as eighth accused in the case. After spending 85 days in the Aluva sub-jail in Ernakulam, the actor secured a bail from the Kerala High Court and was released on October 3, 2017.

According to the WCC, the “entire episode and ensuing reactions reaffirmed the stronghold of patriarchal beliefs in the film industry, highlighting the challenges faced by survivors in their course of pursuing justice”. Nearly three months after the assault on the actress, the collective was formally launched on May 18, 2017. The WCC was registered under the Travancore Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act, 1955 on November 1, 2017, with “a vision to ensure equal spaces and equal opportunities for women in cinema”.

Non-discriminatory workspace

Its mission goals included working towards building a safe, non-discriminatory and professional workspace for women in cinema through advocacy and policy change and creating awareness about gender bias and exploitation faced by women in the film industry, both on-screen and off-screen. A volunteer spirit drives the functioning of the collective as it works in a lateral structure. The responsibilities are shared and various teams handle a wide variety of roles, including daily management, policy generation and engagement with experts on legal perspectives connected to the workplace rights of women. A person above the age of 18 years working in the Malayalam film industry, with minimum three film credits to her name and referred by the existing members becomes eligible for membership in the collective, according to the official website.

In the first two years since its inception, the WCC largely focussed on dealing with sexual harassment within the industry. As barbs were thrown at the survivor from within the industry, it rallied behind her and launched a counter-resistance campaign with the hashtag #Avalkoppam (With her). The global attention gained in 2017 for the #MeToo movement gave a fillip to to their initiative.

Despite being aware of the possible damage it may cause on their careers, four members of the WCC, including the survivor, resigned from the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) in June 2018, protesting against the organisation’s decision to reinstate Dileep, who was ousted from the organisation after he was named as an accused in the abduction and sexual assault case. Those who walked out included actors Rima Kallingal, Remya Nambeesan, and filmmaker Geetu Mohandas, after they stated that the “leadership of the association was with the accused and not the survivor”. Actor Parvathy Thiruvothu, who wanted to continue the fight from within, resigned in October 2020 in protest against the alleged derogatory remarks made by a key office-bearer of the actors’ body against the survivor.

The protracted battle against the male-dominated structures in the industry has come at a price, especially for the eloquent voices in the collective. As the Hema Committee report itself stated: “WCC members have a strong case that they were all banned from cinema because they openly stated undesirable things that happen in cinema. They are practically kept away by those who are offended by what members of the collective stated openly against the atrocities in cinema and from AMMA”.

An actor who deposed before the committee denied the allegations of denial of opportunities to WCC members as he asked them to “accept the reality that the prominence of the actress will be reduced as days pass by and this is very common”. The collective and its working model has come under oblique criticism from within the industry as they have been often labelled as “feminists who stay inside the comforts of cyberspace’ and ‘carrying out women empowerment through Facebook”.

Relentless pursuits

However, the relentless legal pursuit of the collective to ensure the workplace rights of women received a major boost after the Kerala High Court directed film production houses on March 17, 2022 to form an internal complaints committee (ICC) as per the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The Bench, which acted on a petition filed by the WCC, held that “each film unit in an industry is an establishment and an ICC needs to be constituted for that purpose”. It had also opposed the plea of a film producer challenging the order of the State Information Commissioner to make public the Hema Committee report.

The WCC has expanded its wings by undertaking various independent projects. It partnered with the Sakhi Women's Resource Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, to bring out a report, ‘Shift Focus: Women Shaping the Narrative in Media and Entertainment’, focusing on creating guidelines for building gender-balanced professional spaces in the film industry. It has been working on developing a network of counsellors to extend a helping hand to women facing negative experiences in the industry. The collective has also initiated a project to collect quantitative information on the number of women in the film industry under specific skill sets aimed to learn about disparity and lack of inclusion. Over the last seven years, it has emerged as a strong platform “where untold experiences of women in cinema have found voice, and are being heard”.

Rise of the scion

Suchitra Karthikeyan

Paetongtarn Shinawatra Faced with a bitterly divided Parliament, an overstepping judiciary, a slow-growing economy and her own inexperience, the new PM faces a slew of challenges in Thailand

Thailand is now led by a third Shinawatra as 38-year-old Paetongtarn Shinawatra was elected Prime Minister on August 18. Following her billionaire father Thaksin and aunt Yingluck’s footsteps, Ms. Paetongtarn is the youngest and only second woman Prime Minister of the Southeast Asian monarchy.

Born on August 21, 1986, Paetongtarn — also known by her nickname Ung Ing — is the youngest daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, a former telecom businessman-turned Prime Minister. After completing a BA in Political Science from the Chulalongkorn University, she switched streams and obtained a masters in International Hotel Management from the University of Surrey, England.

Ms. Paetongtarn, who grew up watching the dramatic rise and fall of her father in Thai politics, formally entered politics in 2021 as director of the Pheu Thai Party’s innovation and inclusiveness committee.

“I consult with my father on all issues, since I was young,” said Ms. Paetongtarn last year. The 75-year-old former Prime Minister received a royal amnesty in an eight-year sentence on charges related to corruption and abuse of power last week. However he still faces charges for “defaming” the monarchy.

Prior to politics, Ms. Paetongtarn was involved in her family’s business, holding a 28.5% stake in property firm SC Asset Corp. She was also the CEO of Rende Development Co, a hotel business run by her sister. In 2019, she married commercial pilot Pidok Sooksawas and has two children. She created waves by campaigning while being pregnant and gave birth just before the elections in May 2023.

In 2020, massive pro-democracy protests broke out across Thailand, demanding an end to the military rule that was imposed in 2014, after the toppling her aunt Ms. Yingluck’s government. As an active leader of the Pheu Thai Party (PTP), Ms. Paetongtarn was chosen as one of the three Prime ministerial candidates ahead of the May 2023 elections. She promised a mix of social and economic measures in her campaign including building high-speed rail and flood mitigation infrastructure, reining in the use of marijuana for recreational purposes and easing laws for the LGBTQ+ community.

Mixed result

The general elections threw up a mixed result, awarding the now disbanded Move Forward Party, led by Pita Limjaroenrat, 151 out of 500 seats, The PTP, with 141 seats, came second. Mr. Pita allied with eight pro-democracy parties, including the PTP, to cobble together a coalition, but was blocked by the military-ruled 200-member Senate.

Taking the lead, the PTP then joined hands with 10 other parties, including military-backed United Thai Nation Party and Palang Pracharat Party. On August 22, 2023, Mr. Thaksin returned from a 15-year self-exile as the PTP nominated real estate mogul Srettha Thavisin as its PM pick. Ms. Paetongtarn was appointed the PTP’s leader as her father began making more public appearances.

Ms. Paetongtarn’s road to the PM post was cleared by a ruling by Thailand’s constitutional court, which dismissed Mr. Srettha as PM on August 14 for ‘gross ethical violations’ in appointing Ms. Thaksin’s former lawyer, Pichit Chuenban, to his cabinet.

Mr. Pichit had been briefly imprisoned for contempt of court in 2008 over an alleged attempt to bribe court staff. Within 48 hours of Mr. Srettha’s dismissal, Parliament was convened to vote on Ms. Paetongtarn’s candidacy. The newly-elected Senate, which has replaced all its military-appointed members, too, confirmed her appointment quickly, indicating the military’s support for the Shinawatras.

Faced with a bitterly divided Parliament, an overstepping judiciary, a slow-growing economy and her own inexperience, Ms. Paetongtarn faces a slew of challenges, including tackling a bitter power struggle between her party and the royalist-military factions of her coalition and delivering on the PTP’s promises. She also has to step out of her father’s long shadow if she wants to leave her imprint on governance while navigating the choppy waters of Thai politics.

The security tsar

Priyali Prakash

To Lam Vietnam’s new leader comes with a record of cracking down on dissenting voices while he was heading the Public Security Ministry

To Lam, Vietnam’s newly elected President, recently concluded a three-day visit to China. Mr. Lam’s choice of China as the destination for his first overseas visit since assuming office was a testament of the new leadership to strengthen ties with its bigger communist neighbour with which it fought a war in 1979.

The welcome ceremony for Mr. Lam and his wife was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, with the highest honours reserved for heads of states, including a 21-gun salute. Mr. Lam, who succeeded long-serving Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong, who died at 80 in July 2024, moved fast in consolidating power at home and strengthening Vietnam’s partnerships abroad.

Mr. Lam was born in 1957, the year a communist insurgency began in southern Vietnam. A member of the Communist party since 1981, Mr. Lam cut his teeth in the police service. He studied at the People’s Security Academy and was recruited into the security force in October 1974 and rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the Minister of Public Security in April 2016, a post which would turn him into one of the most powerful men in the one-party dictatorship.

He has been a member of the 12th and 13th Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), which holds immense power in the country by directing the government’s policies.

Steak controversy

Mr. Lam had his share of controversies as well. In 2021, he was seen eating gold-plated steak at celebrity chef Nusret Gokce’s fine dining restaurant in London. Mr. Lam was in London after attending the UN COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland. The video went viral on TikTok, at a time when Vietnam was navigating economic complications after the COVID-19 pandemic. The video was quickly removed from TikTok, but not before it was viewed by millions of people.

The video, posted on November 3 on Mr. Gokce’s TikTok account, showed the chef personally preparing steak dishes in front of the delegation, and himself feeding a slice of meat to Mr. Lam.

A noodle vendor in Vietnam, who went viral for impersonating chef Gokce’s typical salting style, was imprisoned for five years in 2023 for “anti-state propaganda”. The vendor had posted a video of himself shortly after Mr. Lam’s video went viral.

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has also raised alarm about Mr. Lam’s rise to power in Vietnam. According to the group, his “rise to power is indicative of the Vietnam government’s worsening repression, its complete intolerance of criticism, and utter hostility to basic civil and political rights”. In 2016, when Mr. Lam was the Minister of Public Security, activists were reportedly barred from meeting former U.S. President Barack Obama during his historic trip to the country.

Vietnamese security forces, under Mr. Lam, were also accused of kidnapping former party official Trinh Xuan Thanh from Berlin in July 2017, and blogger Truong Duy Nhat from Bangkok in January 2019.

German authorities said Vietnamese businessperson and former politician Thanh and a companion were abducted and dragged into a van in downtown Berlin, while Vietnam countered that he surrendered to Vietnamese authorities after evading an international arrest warrant for nearly a year. Mr. Thanh was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2018.

Truong Duy Nhat was sentenced to 10 years in prison in March 2020 for “abusing his position and power while on duty” as a reporter, the Committee to Protect Journalists reported. Mr. Nhat worked for Radio Free Asia’s Vietnamese language service, which is funded by the U.S.

According to the HRW, Vietnamese courts convicted at least 32 people for posting critical opinions about the government and sentenced them to multiple years in prison in 2021 when Mr. Lam headed the Ministry of Public Security. Mr. Lam will continue as the President of Vietnam until 2026 when the party selects a new set of officeholders at its next five-yearly congress.

Regional

- Precedence should be given to Tamil in temple rituals: CM

- Security at govt. hospitals in Kolkata remains weak even as Central forces reach city

- Rajasthan lifts ban on participation of govt. staff in RSS activities

- A.P. pharma unit blast: officials find vital design faults in plant

- After heavy rain, West Bengal contends with waterlogging

- HC stays case against man for ‘not letting wife eat French fries’

- T.N. constantly taking steps to stop Mekedatu dam proposal: Minister

- MVA got anti-BJP votes in Lok Sabha poll, says MNS chief

- Tungabhadra gets 14 tmcft of water after damaged gate fixed

- Speed monitoring system in Gir to safeguard wildlife

- When creatures of the sea take flight

- Damning the Siang

Precedence should be given to Tamil in temple rituals, says Stalin at conference on Lord Muruga

B. Tilak Chandar

DINDIGUL

Spiritual fervour: Ministers and other dignitaries at the Muthamizh Murugan International Conference on Saturday. G. KARTHIKEYANKARTHIKEYAN G

Precedence should be given to Tamil in temple rituals and there should be no discrimination in the sanctum sanctorum of temples, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said at the inauguration of the two-day Muthamizh Murugan International Conference, at Palani in Dindigul district.

Speaking by videoconference, he said that by love, lives are united and by virtue, the world becomes a better place. The Dravidian Model of Governance followed the principle of ‘Everything for Everyone’. The Justice Party government had enacted a law that laid the foundation for temples to function in a smooth and efficient manner. All are equal in the Dravidian Model of Governance, he said.

He pointed out that the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department was conducting various programmes, and one among them was the conference at Palani. He listed the projects taken up at temples across the State, and said development work was under way at the Lord Murugan temples in Palani, Tiruttani, Tiruchendur, Marudhamalai, Kumara Vayalur, Siruvapuri, and Kandhal.

Elaborating on the work being taken up at the Sri Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple in Palani, he said the number of devotees was increasing every day, and for their convenience, the temple was being developed. Mr. Stalin said 58.77 acres of land, worth ₹58.54 crore, was acquired, and the work was in progress.

At the Arupadai Veedu Murugan temples, 251 development projects, worth ₹789.85 crore, were in progress. At the other Murugan temples, 588 development projects, worth ₹277.27 crore, were in progress. At 69 Murugan temples, renovation was completed and consecration done.

In the educational institutions run by the Sri Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, free breakfast was being served to 4,000 students. This year, the scheme would include lunch. Annadanam was being given to the devotees of the Palani temple and the pension for the retired temple workers was increased to ₹4,000 from ₹3,000.

Under the Arupadai Veedu Spiritual Tour, announced this year for 1,000 devotees, 813 devotees had taken part in the pilgrimage. The stipend for the students of the mrudangam and nadaswaram college and the Archakar Veda Agama Schools had been increased to ₹4,000 from ₹3,000 since November last, he said.

Mr. Stalin said that in the last three years, consecration was conducted at 1,355 temples and ₹3,776 crore was spent on renovation of 8,436 temples.

He said 6,140 acres of temple land, worth ₹5,577 crore, had been reclaimed from encroachment and Annadanam was being given at 756 temples daily for the benefit of at least 82,000 people.

Desika Gnanasambandha Paramacharya Swamigal of the Dharmapuram Adheenam, Kundrakudi Ponnambala Adigalar of the Kundrakudi Thiruvannamalai Adheenam, Harihara Sri Gnanasambanda Desika Swamigal of the Madurai Adheenam, and Sivagnana Balaiya Swamigal of Mailam Bommapuram Adheenam; and Justices R. Subramanian, B. Pugalendhi, and V. Sivagnanam of the Madras High Court spoke at the event.

Over one lakh people from India and all over the world were present. Seminars, photo exhibitions and 3-D exhibitions were organised as part of the event. The participants were given 200 grams of panchamirtham, kumkum, vibhuthi, and laminated Murugan photos. The entry was free.

Security at govt. hospitals in Kolkata remains weak even as Central forces reach city

Moyurie Som, Shrabana Chatterjee

KOLKATA

CISF jawans at R.G. Kar Hospital in Kolkata. Debasish Bhaduri Debasish Bhaduri

Two companies of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) have taken control of security at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, but visits to at least two other top State-run government hospitals in Kolkata have revealed gaps in security.

The government’s new initiative to ensure safety of women in the workplace after the brutal rape and murder of a doctor in the city on August 9 is also yet to come into force.

MBBS students pointed out the lack of CCTV cameras, inadequate security arrangements, and unsafe working conditions after dark. Medical College, Kolkata is the central node of government medical facilities in West Bengal. The hospital has six gates, but the Kolkata police have increased deployment only at the main gate.

A first-year postgraduate trainee (PGT) doctor in the hospital’s ENT department said, “When we are alone during night duty, there is only one guard at the entrance; he is asleep most of the time. In case of any altercation with agitated patients or their kin, we are usually left to our own devices.”

Security in the hostels is also in dire straits with no CCTV cameras in corridors. “Hostel security was always in a bad shape. Now, we are scared and traumatised after the R.G. Kar incident,” said a second-year PGT doctor.

Safety concerns persist

A similar picture was painted by an MBBS student of Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital. “There are no CCTV cameras inside the hostels. There is no effective change that we can see on the ground,” she said.

A doctor who graduated from the hospital this year recalled the lack of resting spaces. “When we were on night duty in certain departments, we were compelled to share small beds with male PGTs,” she said.

According to Dr. Saroj Patra, an intern at the hospital, authorities have accepted their demands to step up security, but they don’t know how long it will take to implement them.

Meanwhile, doctors at R.G. Kar hospital welcomed the deployment of Central forces on the campus, but they sought to know what security measures are being taken at other hospitals in the State as safety is “a concern for all staff members at all government hospitals”.

Rajasthan lifts ban on participation of govt. staff in RSS activities

The Hindu Bureau

JAIPUR

Decision taken after review of earlier orders , says Personnel Department circular; employees can now join morning shakhas and all other activities

The ban on joining the RSS has been in place in Rajasthan since 1972, when the Congress was in power.File Photo The Hindu

The Bharatiya Janata Party government in Rajasthan has lifted the ban on the participation of government employees in the activities of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The State government has decided to remove the name of RSS from the list of organisations whose activities were earlier banned in the orders issued in 1972 and 1981.

Personnel Department’s Joint Secretary Rajendra Singh Kavia issued a circular over the weekend declaring that the 52-year-old ban on the government officials had been lifted. The circular stated that the decision was taken after a review of the earlier orders.

The lists in the earlier orders contained the names of 17 organisations with the provision for disciplinary action against the government employees if they were associated with any of them or took part in their activities. The employees will now be able to join shakhas (morning assemblies) and all other activities of RSS.

The ban on joining the RSS, considered the ideological fountainhead of the BJP, has been in place in the State since 1972, when the Congress was in power. Since then, the BJP has formed the government four times under the leadership of Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Vasundhara Raje, but they did not decide to withdraw the previous ban.

The Centre had lifted the ban on government officials taking part in the RSS activities in July this year, attracting criticism from the Opposition leaders. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh pointed out that the BJP-led government had withdrawn an order which was in place even during Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s regime. Several BJP-ruled States have followed suit after the Centre’s decision, Rajasthan being the latest among them.

A.P. pharma unit blast: officials find vital design faults in plant

Sumit Bhattacharjee

VISAKHAPATNAM

The accident site. V. RAJU

After three days of inspection and parleys with the company management and the officials concerned, experts have come to the opinion that a few key design faults might have resulted in the explosion at Escientia Advanced Sciences Private Ltd. in the Special Economic Zone at Atchutapuram in Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday that left 17 workers dead and 35 injured.

One major fault noticed is the location of one of the electric switch panel boards.

Madireddy Pratap, Director-General of State Disaster Response and Fire Services Department, told The Hindu on Saturday that the reactor, key machine and the most volatile component, was placed on the second and third floor of the building. And directly under the reactor, an electric switch panel was located on ground floor.

The reactor was processing MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether), a highly-inflammable and volatile solvent. “Its flash point is around -18 degree centigrade, which means the moment it leaks out and comes in contact with the environment, it turns into a vapour cloud unnoticed and spreads,” he added.

As per the investigation, some quantity of MTBE had leaked from one of the flanges and the employees noticed it due to a sweetish alcohol-like, pungent smell. The technicians immediately tried to plug it. But by that time about 150 litres of MTBE had leaked and the vapour cloud spread to the ground floor and came into contact with the electric switch panel.

A minor spark from the switches was enough to cause an high-intensity explosion, said Mr. Pratap. Reportedly, there were two explosions within seconds, he added.

After heavy rain, West Bengal contends with waterlogging

Shrabana Chatterjee

Kolkata

Under water: Roadside bookshops look to makeshift arrangements to function amid waterlogging in Kolkata.ANIANI

Incessant rain in southern districts of West Bengal in the past three days — caused by a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal — has caused severe waterlogging, and loss of property for many across the State.

More than five houses were washed away in the Laharpur village in Murshidabad after the banks on the Ganges collapsed. Some people have also lost their land to the rapid erosion of the river bank in the area.

Many parts of Kolkata, especially low lying areas like Behala, Central Avenue, College Street, remained inundated on Saturday. Traffic was disrupted in several areas due to waterlogging.

IMD advisory

IMD officials said that there will be gushing wind of over 55 kmph above the Bay of Bengal in the next two days. Fishermen have been asked not to venture into the sea.

They also issued “heavy to very heavy rainfall” warnings accompanied by thunderstorms for North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East & West Midnapore, Hooghly, Bankura, Birbhum, East Burdwan and West Burdwan districts over the next 24 hours.

HC stays case against man for ‘not letting wife eat French fries’

The Hindu Bureau

Bengaluru

The Karnataka High Court has stayed the investigation in a criminal case registered against a man by his wife for allegedly subjecting her to cruelty by preventing her from eating French fries, rice, and meat after the delivery of their child in the U.S.

Also, the court allowed the man to travel to the U.S. to rejoin work since he was on the verge of losing his job as he was not allowed to leave India in view of the Look Out Circular (LOC) issued by the Bengaluru Police.

Justice M. Nagaprasanna passed the order on a petition filed by him. The court said her allegations were due to minor skirmishes that happen between a husband and a wife, and this was blown out of proportion in the complaint.

The woman said in her complaint that when she went for a prenatal check-up, her blood pressure was high, and the doctor scheduled the delivery the next day. “After the delivery, my husband didn’t want me to eat French fries, rice, and meat because I would put on weight,” she said.

She also alleged that the husband had physically and mentally harassed her. She also accused her husband of forcing her to do all the household work. The husband denied all her allegations.

The court expressed surprise at how the police secured an LOC in these “trivial circumstances”. “It is not use of power by the police but misuse of power at the behest of the complainant,” the court noted.

T.N. constantly taking steps to stop Mekedatu dam proposal: Minister

The Hindu Bureau

CHENNAI

Duraimurugan VENKATACHALAPATHY C

Minister for Water Resources Duraimurugan on Saturday said the Tamil Nadu government was continuously making efforts and taking legal steps to prevent Karnataka from building a dam across the Cauvery at Mekedatu.

In a statement, he said the government had been opposing the plan right from its initial stage, and had filed a slew of cases. His statement comes amid reports that the Karnataka government had submitted a fresh application to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for Terms of Reference for the project.

He pointed out that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had submitted several representations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to direct the Jal Shakti Ministry not to give approval to the proposal.

Mr. Duraimurugan recalled that he had met the the Union Jal Shakti Minister on July 6, 2021, and presented a representation urging him not to approve the proposal.

MVA got anti-BJP votes in Lok Sabha poll, says MNS chief

The Opposition Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP) and Congress got “anti-Modi” and “anti-Shah” votes in the recent Lok Sabha election, leading to these parties doing well, and not because of an increase in mass support for the Maha Vikas Aghadi, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray said on Saturday. Addressing a press conference in Nagpur, Mr. Thackeray further claimed that the outfits led by Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar will not get these anti-incumbency votes in the Assembly polls. PTI

Tungabhadra dam level rising after repair of gate

The Hindu Bureau

KALABURAGI

Thanks to consistent inflow, the Tungabhadra reservoir in Vijayanagara district of Karnataka has received around 14 tmcft of water since the broken crest gate of the dam was fixed a week ago.

The steadily rising water level in the reservoir has raised new hopes among farmers in the command area who were staring at a scarcity of water for their fields after one of the dam’s gates was washed away and copious amounts of water was lost.

According to the Tungabhadra Board data, the reservoir level was 1,627.54 feet with storage of 85.113 tmcft as against the full reservoir level (FRL) of 1,633 feet with a total capacity of 105.788 tmcft at 7.30 a.m. on Saturday.

Increased discharge for a week for repairs had caused a loss of around 35 tmcft of water.

Speed monitoring system in Gir to safeguard wildlife

The Gujarat Forest Department has launched a pilot project in Gir sanctuary area that uses advanced sensor-based speed monitoring system and thermal and optical cameras for animal detection to ensure they are not hit by vehicles, an official said on Saturday. “The Forest Department started ‘Gir Speed Monitoring System’, which is an advanced sensor-based speed monitoring system. It has been deployed on a 1000-metre State Highway stretch connecting Mendarda to Sasan Gir in Junagadh district,” a release from Deputy Conservator of Forest (Wildlife Division) Sasan-Gir said. PTI

Enforcement agencies say marine species smuggling is on the rise, as several cases have been uncovered in Karnataka. Officials and conservationists tell K. C. Deepika and Imran Gowhar that though the number of cases is on the rise, this is just a small proportion of the actual quantum of marine life being smuggled to South Asian countries as many go undetected

1 of 4 Illegally collected pelt and horns, snake, deer, and leopard skins, being readied to be disposed of at Jarakabande forest in Bengaluru in March 2018. K. MURALI KUMAR special arrangement

2 of 4

3 of 4 African ivory carvings and 16-foot python skin were recovered from the house of a realtor who was trying to sell them in Bengaluru in June 2022. special arrangement special arrangement

4 of 4 Seahorses that were seized by officials of the Customs Preventive Unit while being smuggled on a bus in Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu in April 2018. BALACHANDAR L. BALACHANDAR L.

In a cruel irony, seahorses, whales, and sharks — creatures from the sea — are taking flight, literally and for the wrong reasons. Illegal wildlife trade is taking to the skies, and enforcement agencies say that smuggling of marine life has been on the rise for four years.

This year alone, some of the most startling seizures reported from Karnataka have involved marine life. Among the most notable cases was in August 2024, when two passengers from Tamil Nadu en route to Singapore via Mumbai were apprehended at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). Based on a tip-off, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) busted an international smuggling racket engaged in the illegal trade of dried seahorses and recovered 6,626 seahorses from their baggage.

“The demand for seahorses in southeast Asian markets is primarily driven by their use in traditional medicine, gourmet cuisine, and as ornamental species for aquariums. In traditional Chinese medicine, seahorses are prized for their supposed health benefits, while they are also considered a delicacy in some culinary traditions. Additionally, their unique appearance makes them popular among marine enthusiasts,” a DRI official explained.

Massive haul

The enforcement agencies, from 2023 to July this year, conducted 66 operations across Karnataka and recovered porcupine quills, Alexandrine parakeets, elephant tusks, spotted deer skin and horns, bison horns, 170 kilos of Stony corals, tiger nails, 9-foot long python skins, 55 ball pythons, 17 Thailand king cobras, capuchins, spider monkeys, spotted deer antlers, elephant bones, hippo tusks, owls, woodpeckers, jungle cat paws, nails and teeth, wild boar teeth, jackal teeth, red sand boa, otter skin, pangolin scales, 937 monitor lizard penis, 125 sea fans, leopard nails and civet cat jaws.

In addition to these, seizures included five kilos of ambergris and 116 kilos of sea shells.

Land route

Illegal wildlife trade has not left the land route behind. In May this year, a bus conductor thwarted a smuggling attempt of 218 endangered star tortoises when he observed movement in a passenger’s bags. The CID forest cell, which further investigated the cases, raided five pet shops in Bengaluru and also recovered five-star turtles from the Koramangala house of a businessman who runs an online marketing company.

According to the Bengaluru police, as many as five cases under the Wildlife (Protection)Act have been registered this year where the accused, who were trying to sell sperm whale ambergris and corals smuggled from neighbouring Tamil Nadu, were caught. All the accused arrested worked as carriers who were offered money or a cut in the profit to hand over the consignments.

Enforcement agencies admit that though the number of cases is on the rise, this is a small proportion of the actual quantum of marine life being smuggled to South Asian countries, as many go undetected. “There are few mechanisms to check on fishermen who venture into the sea and are supposed to catch only fish and leave out other marine life, which is prohibited. Due to lack of monitoring, they hunt down scheduled species and either directly sell them to the customers or hand over the catch to the smuggling racket, who would give them a cut in the profit,” said a DRI official.

According to the Counter Wildlife Trafficking Programme, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) - India, which produced a report on illegal wildlife trade in the pandemic-hit 2020 using online media reports and other publicly available information, 522 cases of wildlife poaching and illegal wildlife trade were reported from India. Notable species that were frequently documented include big cats, pangolins, tortoises and freshwater turtles, among others.

Species most at risk

Speaking about the species most at risk, Trishanti Paul, Lead Researcher of the Counter Wildlife Trafficking Programme, WCS-India, said over 1,900 kg of pangolin scales have been seized from the northeastern states between 2012 and 2024 (until August 2024).

“Illegal wildlife trade also impacts marine ecosystems, endangering the livelihood of fishing communities who depend on these species,” noted Rebecca Lewis, another Lead Researcher at CWT.

In a separate assessment of illegal marine trade, they recorded a total of 14,188 kg of processed and dried fins seized across eight incidents between 2015 and 2021 in the country. Other marine species groups documented in illegal trade include sea cucumbers, seahorses, seashells, corals and rays.

Impact of pandemic

Sumanth Bindumadhav, Director of the Wildlife Department, Humane Society International/India, said an increase or decrease in wildlife trade is a factor of reporting and increased or decreased proactive enforcement of the law by concerned agencies, but what is apparent is that the diversity of species in trade is increasing with a shifting focus to lesser-known species like the pangolins, lorises, and several species of reptiles. “There has been a marked increase in trade in exotic wildlife for pets, and this is driven by a variety of factors ranging from online trends to availability of certain species, to lacunae in legislation,” he said.

The pandemic, he said, played a role in creating a spike in trade. “Several individuals working in various cities were displaced overnight and forced to return to their hometowns. Many of them resorted to hunting and trade as a means to pay for themselves. It remains unclear if the spike was temporary or has stagnated at the same level. Still, the pandemic did witness an increase in the number of individuals bringing pets home, several of which were exotic. This fuelled the industry further and led to more fly-by-night establishments that breed and sell exotic wildlife with no consideration for their welfare. This is a cause of concern from a welfare standpoint and the point of view of invasive species threatening endemic flora and fauna,” he added.

A case in point is the raid of atwo-storeyed house at Lakshmipuram in Kolathur in August by a team of wildlife and customs officials. They seized 647 native Indian scheduled wildlife species and also arrested a 41-year-old dismissed constable running a multi-crore international wildlife trafficking network.

A probe revealed that the house was used as a godown or transit point for smuggling exotic species like monkeys and ball pythons and native Indian species like star tortoises. While the exotic species were sold to buyers, mainly through social media, the native Indian species were trafficked abroad.

Don’t mention value

City-based wildlife consultant R. Sharath Babu, who helps enforcement agencies in cracking cases, said that in addition to better coordination between the agencies, the officials should not fix or mention the value of the seized wildlife or marine life articles. “This actually serves no purpose and increases poaching in many cases,” he added.

Sumanth said the methods of trade and tools used are evolving far too rapidly, especially with the aid of digital tools, e-commerce platforms, and social media, but the primary law enforcement agency, the State Forest Department, is stretched too thin as the same set of officers are fighting forest fires, undertaking plantations, clearing encroachments, managing habitats, managing human-wildlife conflict and fighting illegal trade.

“While these are dedicated agencies such as the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, they need to be staffed and equipped further. What is also missing at the moment are rescue centres and rehabilitation facilities that animals rescued from trade could be taken to. Most often, these animals are houses within existing zoos. This is worrying as animals coming in from trade could be host to pathogens that are yet unknown, may have come with trauma that needs specialized care, and have the potential to be rehabilitated and released. All of these needs a facility that is unique from a zoo, with staff who are trained specifically for rehab and not care for animals meant for exhibit and education,” he said.

Systemically, what is required is a centralised wildlife crime database that is either Aadhaar-linked or linked to biometrics, he added. “Essentially, any person accused of violation of Wildlife Protection Act in any part of the country should be able to be finger-printed, and their history, if any, should be available so they may be prosecuted as a repeat offender, as penalties are harsher then, unlike a first-time offender. This would truly enable the law to act as a deterrent. Another systemic requirement is for a wide network of rehabilitation centres across the country for both endemic and exotic wildlife with specific skill sets. With trade in exotic species picking up steam as it is, there is a requirement to have an online database of all transactions of animals, linked to an RFID code that each animal in trade must carry so there is accountability on those who own these,” Sumanth said.

Role of public effort

Curbing illegal wildlife trade also crucially depends on a collective public effort, said Kritika Balaji, Project Manager of the Counter Wildlife Trafficking Programme, WCS-India. “There is, unfortunately, a notable demand for wildlife and their parts and products within the country, underscoring support from citizens to tackle it. With demand for wildlife ranging from keeping them as status symbols to superstitious beliefs around purported benefits of their parts, the impact is far-ranging. A variety of species - from lesser-known butterflies and lizards to iconic tigers and rhinoceros - are affected.”

Offering an example, she said that guided by compassion and a love for animals, one may feel inclined to buy wildlife such as birds and reptiles as pets.

“However, caring for these species can be incredibly complex, involving highly specific environmental conditions, diets, and social needs. Often, despite best efforts, these requirements are difficult to meet in domestic settings, resulting in poor health, behavioural issues, and shortened lifespans of the animals. Some wildlife may also be advertised as easy to care for due to being bred in captivity, but their lineage may still be traced back to wild populations, sometimes not very far in the past. This connection means that their demand as pets can perpetuate illegal trade, jeopardizing the survival of the species in the wild,” she further explained, adding that a more impactful way to show our love for these creatures is to support conservation efforts that protect them in their natural habitats. “By doing so, we can help ensure that wildlife live harmoniously in their ecosystems, where they play vital roles and maintain a balance of nature,” she said.

The Adi community, which dominates central Arunachal Pradesh, fears that big dams across the river it considers sacred and calls Aane (mother) will violate her. Rahul Karmakar reports on how, over the past 15 years, governments at the Centre and the State have pushed for construction in the name of national interest, while those who will be most impacted by the damming are pushing back

1 of 5 Election Sitang, a Siang riverbank resident, at Rengging, where he moved to when he sensed an opportunity. Rahul Karmakar Rahul Karmakar

2 of 5 I left my village a few years ago to settle here for a living. Now, I hear my family back home and other villagers may have to leave Rango for good, if a large dam is built upstream of the Siang Election Sitang Owns a business in Rengging village

3 of 5 Through an RTI, we learned that the Prime Minister’s Office sought pre-construction activities in the ‘anti-dam’ areas to convince people Bhanu Tatak Legal adviser, Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum

4 of 5 The Siang, as seen near Pasighat town; (right) an anti-dam protest in Upper Siang district ahead of the Lok Sabha poll. Rahul Karmakar Rahul Karmakar

5 of 5

A couple of years ago, Election Sitang, 20, who dropped out of middle school, sniffed an opportunity when Rengging village was developed as a viewpoint to provide a panoramic view of the river Siang. Rengging is a village 9 km uphill of Pasighat, the oldest town in Arunachal Pradesh and the headquarters of the East Siang district. It is some 70 km downhill from Sitang’s home village, Rango. As the Siang meanders towards Assam, it joins the Dibang and Lohit about 30 km downstream of Pasighat town to form the Brahmaputra.

Sitang runs a snacks-and-smokes shop — an extension of his thatched house — close to the viewpoint for visitors and drivers on the road that snakes up to Boleng, the Siang district headquarters, near his home village.

Sitang is a Minyong, a sub-group of the Adi community that dominates the central Arunachal Pradesh region nurtured by the Siang along the 230 km it flows from Gelling village on the India-Tibet border to Pasighat near the State’s boundary with Assam. “I left my village a few years ago to settle here for a living. Now, I hear my family back home and other villagers may have to leave Rango for good if a large dam is built upstream of the Siang,” he says.

He refers to a plan that began to take shape 15 years ago, to construct big dams on the Siang. Ahead of Union Power Minister Manohar Lal’s Arunachal Pradesh visit on July 8, Lower Dibang Valley-based activist Ebo Mili and Upper Siang-based advocate Dunge Apang, were detained. Apang is the convener of the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF), a collective representing the families of at least 1.5 lakh agriculturists from the Adi community, which will be affected if big dams come up.

The activists had wanted to submit a memorandum to the Minister that read: “The proposed Siang mega dam threatens our ancestral abode that hosts delicate ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and biodiversity. It threatens our way of life.”

Organisations in the Siang basin say the proposed project could submerge large tracts of agricultural land and affect 25 villages and two towns of indigenous Adi people upstream and some 30 villages downstream.

Acknowledging big-water power

Rango, like most villages of the Adis and their sub-tribes, is on the fertile banks of the Siang. The inhabitable and farm-suitable stretches of the banks of Siang’s tributaries such as the Simang, Siyom, and the “mad” Sibo Korong that disrupts life during the monsoon, also sport villages and hamlets with populations ranging from 50 to 4,000.

Sitang was named Election by his father as he was born on the day of voting for the 2004 Assembly poll in Arunachal Pradesh. The name turned ironic, when in 2009, the next election year, big dams were born as an issue. This was the year after then Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu’s Congress government formulated the Hydro Power Policy to tap an estimated potential of generating more than 57,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity, apart from about 1,600 MW through micro, mini, and small hydropower projects.

During Dorjee Khandu’s tenure, the Arunachal Pradesh government signed 233 memoranda of understanding with 159 private and public companies for projects with power generation capacities of 47,000 MW. What alarmed many residents of the Siang river basin was the identification of 26 projects on the Siang and 18 of its tributaries. The biggest of these was the 11,000 MW Siang Upper.

Now, Bhanu Tatak, SIFF’s legal adviser, says, “We have come to know the Siang Upper project has been upscaled to almost 12,000 MW, reflecting a change in Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s stance after returning to power. While campaigning in the Siang region during the April 2024 election, he went on record saying that his party [the Bharatiya Janata Party, BJP] will not pursue any dam if the locals are against it.” Pema Khandu is the eldest son of Dorjee Khandu, the architect of Arunachal Pradesh’s ‘dam rush’ who died in a helicopter crash in April 2011.

Almost all private players, including Reliance, gave up plans for the proposed big dams in Arunachal Pradesh for which MoUs had been signed more than a decade ago. But the push for achieving a “net-zero carbon emissions goal” by 2070, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised at COP26 (Conference of the Parties) in November 2021, was strong.

In August 2023, the government handed over 12 hydropower projects relinquished by private players, to three Central PSUs: the NHPC, the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) Limited, and the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) Limited.

“The private sector no longer sees these projects as economically viable and that is why they did not develop them even after putting in a lot of resources over the years. In the end, they sold it to the PSUs, at a loss in many cases. The public sector has no accountability, so they can implement unviable projects,” says Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator of the South Asia Network on Dams, a collective of people and groups working on issues around water.

Paying obeisance to a revered river

Two of these 12 projects with a total installed capacity of 3,800 MW, both on the Subansiri river upstream, were awarded to the NHPC. Five projects (total installed capacity of 5,097 MW) in the Dibang river basin were given to the SJVN, while NEEPCO received the remaining five (2,626 MW) in the Siang river basin. Protests against the Dibang projects by two anti-dam NGOs were nipped in the bud with the detention of activists Ebo Mili and Mejo Mihu in August 2023, and the NEEPCO projects on four tributaries of the Siang also saw a few protests. But what really upset the Adis was the Siang Upper mega plan.

“For the Adis adhering to the indigenous faith, Siang is more than just a river. We call her Aane, meaning mother. She sustains us and is intrinsic to our cultural identity. We believe her water heals, has a spiritual effect, and resolves land disputes and other conflicts. People here will hardly bat an eyelid if more than 20 of the major tributaries of Siang are dammed but we will not tolerate any chhedchhad (tinkering) with our mother,” Oyar Gao, a veteran anti-dam activist in the Siang River Belt, says.

In his mid-60s, Gao is based in Siang district’s Pangin, about 60 km from Pasighat. He formed the Siang Bachao Forum in 1980 when the newly instituted Brahmaputra Board began exploring the hydropower potential of Himalayan rivers in Arunachal Pradesh. Now associated with the SIFF, he has vowed to resist any bid to dam the Siang “as long as I live”.

Anticipating a Chinese water bomb

The Siang river projects gained traction in 2017 when Chief Minister Pema Khandu and his Cabinet colleagues met with NITI Aayog officials in New Delhi and announced that the 6,000 MW Siang Stage-I and the 3,750 MW Stage-II would be punched into the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project entailing a 300-metre-high dam.

The renewed interest in Siang has been linked to China’s proposed construction of a 60,000 MW project on the Yarlung Tsangpo in the Tibetan Autonomous Region’s Medog County about 30 km from the border with Arunachal Pradesh. Originating in the Angsi Glacier near Mount Kailash, the Yarlung Tsangpo is one of the highest rivers on earth and flows more than 1,100 eastward in Tibet before taking a sharp southern turn at the ‘Great Bend’ to flow down as the Siang in India.

The official argument has been that the mega project in Tibet, coupled with China’s reported plan to divert the Yarlung Tsangpo by constructing a 1,000-km canal and the storage of a large volume of water at the Great Bend project could be detrimental to India. This could result in a ‘water bomb’ from Beijing, causing large-scale devastation through artificial floods during the monsoon season in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam downstream.

Another claim is that the Chinese project would reduce lean season flows in the Siang, affecting the feasibility of any hydropower project in the lower stretches of the river. A mega project with a large water reservoir in the upper section of the Siang was eventually advocated. The reservoir, it is said, will keep the Siang alive during the lean season and absorb any flood water released after the construction of the Great Bend project.

“It will be naive to brush the Chinese threat aside as the world knows how Beijing, which considers water management data to be a state secret, built 11 massive dams on the Mekong river in the 1990s without keeping five downstream countries, including Thailand and Vietnam, in the picture. At the same time, using the Chinese plans on the Yarlung Tsangpo as an excuse to pursue mega projects on the Siang is an invitation to disaster given the fragility of the geologically young Himalayas, especially the eastern half, in a highly earthquake-prone zone,” says an Assam-based hydrologist, who asks that his identity not be revealed.

He cited a couple of instances of landslips at NHPC’s under-construction 2,000-MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project to drive home his point. A landslip in November 2023 blocked a diversion tunnel of the project, affecting the flow through the river. “The China factor does not work for rivers like the Subansiri as its source across the border in Tibet cannot be dammed. It is a threat for Assam downstream, but not as much as mega dams on the upper reaches of the Siang would be, particularly for the Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh and the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park in Assam downstream, as studies almost a decade ago revealed,” he says. He asks that the region “not be made a pawn in the race between China and India”.

Gao says that the Siang gets only about 40% of the water from the Yarlung Tsangpo and 60% from its tributaries, mostly within India.

Opposing today, proposing tomorrow

The Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government, during the formulation of the Hydro Power Policy, favoured exercising “first user” rights on waters flowing from China by developing big hydropower projects on the Siang. “If we do not construct the dam on the Siang, our position to negotiate with China will be lost,” Jairam Ramesh, then the Environment Minister, told a joint delegation of anti-dam groups from Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in August 2010.

The BJP, then in the Opposition, were against mega dams that cause displacement and threaten the ecology. At an election rally in Pasighat in 2014, Modi had said he preferred smaller hydropower projects in the region, honouring the sentiments of the local people.

In February 2015 though, once in power, he said at an official function on the 29th Statehood Day in Itanagar that Arunachal Pradesh could light up the entire country with major hydropower projects. “I know the people of Arunachal Pradesh have certain reservations about some hydro projects. There were similar issues in Bhutan and Nepal, which have as many water resources. We negotiated with them... You, too, have similartaakat(strength) and you need to realise it to ensure progress and prosperity,” he said.

“Huge contracts and kickbacks are involved in building mega dams compared to the much more viable and safer micro and small dams. This is one of the reasons why anti-dam activists unfortunately turn pro-dam,” Gao says.

In a memorandum to the State’s Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who holds the Power portfolio, on July 17, the SIFF named one such activist: Ojing Tasing, now a BJP legislator from Siang district’s Pangin constituency and the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj. The forum said Tasing “led the anti-dam movement with the trust of the people but as soon as he came to power, he forgot his commitment to our cause”.

“Through an RTI, we learned that the Prime Minister’s Office sought pre-construction activities in the ‘anti-dam’ areas to convince people,” Tatak says. SIFF alleges that the pre-construction activities were funded by the corporate social responsibility (CSR) money of PSUs. “This is a violation of CSR guidelines as the funds cannot be given to existing government schemes,” says Tatak.

Tasing says he favours “balancing development with sustainable dams and it is silly to presume CSR activities will automatically lead to the construction of a mega dam, which is in the proposal stage and unlikely to start before 2034”. He claims the Adi Bane Kebang, the apex body of the Adis, has sought a pre-feasibility report (PFR) on Siang Upper.

Anti-dam farmers in the Yingkiong region of Upper Siang district sensed the government was trying to “manufacture consent” for the mega dam when the local authorities convened a meeting with panchayat leaders and headmen of 12 villages to be affected most by the proposed project. Tarok Siram, the headman of Parong village, says they were asked not to oppose the dam in national interest. “This is particularly worrying because the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act of 2023 allows the Centre to divert forests for national strategic projects within 100 km of India’s international borders without the need for any forest clearance,” Tatak says.

The SIFF, which took the Siang dam issue to a United Nations forum more than a year ago, insisted the PFR would be against a Gauhati High Court verdict in 2023 that said the Arunachal Pradesh government should pursue dams after taking into consideration the safety, security, and all other aspects of the project-affected people.

“We cannot let our people suffer from what Sikkim went through last year, after the glacial lake outburst flood washed away the 1,200 MW Teesta-III and affected two other dams of the NHPC, which had earlier claimed their projects were resistant to such disasters,” SIFF president, Gegong Jijong, says.

Edit

- Why is lateral entry policy under scrutiny?

- Will Hema Committee report lead to changes?

- Why is sanction for prosecution needed?

Why is lateral entry policy under scrutiny?

Vijaita Singh

What did the Union Public Service Commission advertise on recruitment, and why was the order withdrawn? Has the government tried out the lateral entry policy in the past? How did it fare? What is the reservation issue? Is there a shortage of personnel?

Entry woes: According to a 2023-24 report, only 442 IAS officers were working with the Centre, against the required strength of 1,469. SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP

The story so far:

On August 17, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) advertised lateral recruitment for 45 posts at the ranks of joint secretary, director, and deputy secretary in different ministries and departments. The move led to an outrage as quota benefits are not applied for such “single post” recruitments. The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, termed the recruitment an “anti-national step” as it was “openly snatching away” the reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs. Following the backlash, on August 20, Union Personnel Minister Jitendra Singh wrote to the UPSC Chairperson to cancel the advertisement. Hours later, the UPSC cancelled the advertisement.

What is the reason for lateral hires?

As per the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), lateral recruitment is a government initiative to achieve the twin objective of bringing in fresh talent as well as augmenting the availability of human resources at middle management levels for specific assignments keeping in view their specialised knowledge and expertise in their domain area.

Was this the first time such a recruitment was being done?

No. Since 2019, as many as 63 posts have been filled through the lateral route. At least seven officials quit their jobs midway. The positions are open to candidates from the private sector, State government and public sector undertakings, autonomous bodies, statutory organisations, universities, and recognised research institutes. The tenure can range from three years to five years.

In 2021, for three posts of joint secretaries, 27 posts of director, and 13 posts of deputy secretaries, the Commission received a total of 295 applications, 1,247 applications, and 489 applications respectively. The UPSC recommended candidates for 31 posts and the remaining 12 posts became infructuous, the 2021-22 annual report of UPSC noted.

What is the genesis of the policy?

In 2017, the NITI Aayog, in a report titled ‘India-Three Year Action Agenda, 2017-18 to 2019-20,’ regarding ‘Civil Services Reform,’ suggested lateral entry inductions.

“Today, rising complexity of the economy has meant that policymaking is a specialised activity. Therefore, it is essential that specialists be inducted into the system through lateral entry. Such entry will also have the beneficial side-effect of bringing competition to the established career bureaucracy,” the report stated.

The advisory body said government officers may be encouraged to gain expertise in specific areas and the current system of rapid rotation of officers may be replaced by a system of longer postings according to specialisation.

It added, “Such a system will bring top talent and energy into the government and will lend new dynamism to the ministries.” For tax reforms, NITI Ayog recommended that the tax boards be given considerable flexibility to bring outside technical staff laterally to utilise the available information to ensure tax compliance. On February 10, 2021, the PM criticised the work culture of IAS officers, questioning what objectives could be achieved by surrendering the country to “babus.”

Under the Congress-led UPA government in 2005, the second Administrative Reforms Commission also recommended lateral entry into government service.

Is there a shortage of All India Services officers?

In December 2021, the DoPT moved a proposal to amend the Indian Administrative Service (Cadre) Rules 1954 to depute IAS, Indian Police Service, and Indian Forest Service (IFoS) officers to the Centre without necessarily taking the State government’s nod. The proposal was mooted as the Centre was facing an acute shortage of AIS officers.

According to a 2023-24 parliamentary panel report on the DoPT, only 442 IAS officers were working with the Union government, against the required strength of 1,469.

According to existing norms, States have to depute AIS officers to Central government offices, but it cannot be more than 40% of the total cadre strength. In 2020, the DoPT sent a letter to the States, that it was unable to fill vacancies in various Central ministries. Around 40% or 390 Central Staffing Scheme posts are at the joint secretary level (more than 19 years experience) and 60% or 540 such posts are at the rank of deputy secretary (nine years) or director rank (14 years of service).

Were such appointments made during the term of the previous governments?

Former PM Manmohan Singh was inducted as Economic Adviser in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in 1971; he served as the Chief Economic Adviser from 1972-1976; then he became the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India and later the Finance Minister.

Retired diplomat Nirupama Menon Rao said on X, “... When we set up the various civil services, post-independence, our first Prime Minister brought in a number of lateral entry officers into the Services. Strength lies in numbers and we had none. The system did work and helped tide over scarcity, and of course, simultaneously, our recruitment through the UPSC examination system began to add up and reinforce the numbers. Today, we need more specialists and ‘experts’ in the system.”

Another retired IAS officer said, “Earlier also lateral entrants were recruited. But these were not many joint secretary/director posts per se which were being filled en masse. If they advertised 45 posts, they should have followed the roster system (of DoPT) to apply reservations.”

Reservation in government jobs is implemented via DoPT’s 13-point roster policy or quota by rotation. The roster system takes each department as a unit and not the ministries as a whole. For example, if a joint secretary rank post has been advertised in a particular Ministry, the reservation rules will not apply as against the cumulative vacancies in all ministries. Mr. Jitendra Singh said that eligible candidates from reserved categories are considered along with other eligible candidates for lateral entry, “however, reservation is not applicable to such single post appointment.” According to retired IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad: “Efforts to bring experts in the moribund bureaucracy started much earlier. Their contributions are stellar — the green, white, nuclear, space and economic revolutions were all brought in by the likes of M.S. Swaminathan, Verghese Kurien, Homi Bhabha, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Manmohan Singh and Montek Singh Ahluwalia. But the entrenched ‘babu’ mafia never allowed outsiders. In fact, the ‘babus’ went to the best universities and countries on taxpayers’ expense, ostensibly to modernise the system but came back writing papers how to entrench it while tinkering with it here and there. In UPA I and II, lateral entry was tried but it failed.”

Will Hema Committee report lead to changes?

S.R. Praveen

What are the key findings of the Hema Committee? When was it set up and why? Why did the report take so long to see the light of day? What are the main recommendations of the Women in Cinema Collective and the committee? What lies ahead?

Bold stand: Mahila Congress workers demanding prosecution based on Hema Committee report, in Kochi, on August 23. THULASI KAKKAT

The story so far:

On August 19, the Hema Committee report on a host of issues in the Malayalam film industry, particularly those faced by women, was released to the public, nearly five years after it was submitted to the Kerala government. The report, with the names of witnesses and the accused redacted, has shaken the industry with revelations of sexual exploitation, illegal bans, lack of written contracts, inhumane working conditions, the absence of even basic amenities on film sets for women, and a range of other issues.

Why did the government constitute the Hema Committee?

On the night of February 17, 2017, a prominent woman actor was abducted and sexually assaulted by a group of men inside a moving vehicle in Kochi. The survivor filed a case the next day. The incident triggered a chain reaction that challenged the entrenched power centres of Malayalam cinema and led to the formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC). In response to demands from WCC members, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan appointed a committee, headed by K. Hema, a retired judge of the Kerala High Court, to study issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality in the industry. The report, submitted to the Kerala government on December 31, 2019, remained under wraps for nearly five years, leading to intense speculation about its contents. The Department of Cultural Affairs rejected Right to Information (RTI) applications, citing the privacy of witnesses.

On July 6, the State Information Commission ordered the department to release the redacted report to the public by July 25. However, the government postponed the release after various parties, including a producer and one of the witnesses, approached the Kerala High Court, citing privacy concerns. The report was finally made public after the High Court rejected the petitioners’ objections.

What did the Hema Committee find?

Rumours of the existence of a “casting couch”— the practice of demanding sexual favours from aspiring actors in exchange for roles — have long circulated within the industry. The report, accessed by The Hindu through an RTI request, confirms the existence of this practice through in-camera testimonials from several witnesses who appeared before the committee. Witnesses provided evidence, including audio clips, video clips, and screenshots of WhatsApp messages.

Some women in the industry told the committee about men knocking on their doors at night, sometimes attempting to enter their rooms forcibly. The report highlights the plight of women who were forced to act alongside their abusers. Many women expressed fears about approaching the police or disclosing incidents even to close family members, fearing repercussions such as being banned from the industry and cyber attacks.

The report further notes that the Malayalam film industry is controlled by a powerful group of male producers, directors, and actors, whom a prominent actor referred to as a “mafia,” as they can ban anyone from the industry. The WCC members have also faced unofficial bans for speaking out about issues. The report highlights the lack of changing rooms or toilet facilities for junior artistes on sets, especially in outdoor locations, leading to urinary infections for many women. It extensively documents the plight of junior artistes, who receive meagre pay despite long working hours, likening their situation to that of slaves.

Compared to the other South Indian film industries, the Malayalam industry usually works on relatively lower budgets, even though its expanding markets in the past few years have led to a significant increase in investments.

What has the committee recommended?

One of the key recommendations of the committee is the enactment of a statute and the creation of a tribunal to address the issues faced by women in cinema. It also notes that an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) may be ineffective, as powerful individuals could threaten or coerce ICC members into handling complaints in a biased manner. The report recommends that film production units provide temporary toilet facilities and changing rooms.

The report highlights a significant barrier for women in the technical side of cinema, where their numbers are notably low. For example, at the K.R. Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts, a film institute, there were only two women out of 44 students in the technical departments during the years studied by the committee. It recommended reservations and scholarships for women in film schools.

How has the State government responded to the report?

Legal experts believe that the revelations in the report provide grounds for the government to proceed with a special investigation. Opposition parties, which have criticised the government for delaying the release of the report, have also demanded an investigation led by an all-women team of senior police officers. Mr. Vijayan stated that the government would intervene decisively if anyone who testified before the committee came forward with a complaint against their alleged persecutors. Meanwhile, a division bench of the Kerala High Court has directed the government to submit the entire committee report in a sealed cover and sought the government’s position on the action to be taken. The case will be heard again on September 10.

The release of the redacted report is seen as a partial victory for the WCC, as it has sparked discussions on some of the critical issues they have raised. It could also lead to corrective measures in an industry that is now in the national spotlight for the quality of cinema it consistently produces.

Why is sanction for prosecution needed?

K. Venkataramanan

When is a Governor required to act on his own? What do judicial decisions say?

The story so far:

The issue of granting sanction to prosecute a public servant has once again come to the fore, following Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot’s approval to open an investigation against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and to prosecute him in connection with alleged irregularities in the allotment of compensatory plots to his wife whose land had been lost to the acquisition process by the Mysore Urban Development Authority. The issue has raised legal and constitutional questions, resulting in the Karnataka High Court asking a trial court to postpone its consideration of private complaints against him.

Why is sanction required to prosecute a public servant?

Sanction for prosecuting a public servant has been a mandatory feature of anti-corruption law. This is intended to protect public servants from vexatious and malicious prosecution for actions and decisions made in the course of discharging their official duties. Section 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) said no court could take cognisance of a case against a public servant unless an authority competent to remove that person grants sanction. Section 197 spoke of anyone who ‘is or was’ a public servant.

Section 6 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947, has a similar provision. However, the sanction requirement was limited to the period when the public servant was in office, and, no sanction was necessary if the person no more held that office. Under both the CrPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), the State and Central governments had the authority to sanction prosecution of their respective employees. The provision was preserved in Section 19 of the PCA, 1988.

What are the latest provisions on granting sanction?

Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the procedure code that has replaced the CrPC, retains the sanction provisions. When the PCA was amended in 2018, a new provision was introduced under which the government’s approval is required, even to begin an investigation. While under Section 17A, the appropriate authority’s approval is necessary to begin an investigation, the provision for sanction under Section 19 is a pre-requisite for any court to take cognisance of a charge sheet or complaint of corruption. Another feature of the 2018 amendment is that it applies to those who are and were public servants.

What is the Governor’s role in a case against a CM?

Provisions relating to sanction in the CrPC generally spoke of the State government and the Central government as the authority to grant sanctions for those employed by their respective governments. However, both the 1947 and 1988 versions of the PCA have a clause stating that in the case of “any other person”, the sanction would be granted by the authority competent to remove the public servant in office. As the power the Governor is vested with the power to dismiss a CM, the Governor is seen as the authority to consider granting sanction for prosecuting a CM. Questions have often arisen as to whether the Governor exercises his discretion while considering sanction, or he is bound to act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.

In the case of A. R. Antulay, the Supreme Court held that the Governor should act in his discretion: “... We have no doubt in our mind that when there is to be a prosecution of the Chief Minister, the Governor would, while determining whether sanction for such prosecution should be granted or not under s. 6 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, as a matter of propriety, necessarily act in his discretion and not on the advice of the Council of Ministers.”

What have courts said on the issue?

In a Madhya Pradesh case concerning corruption charges against two Ministers, the Council of Ministers held there was no material against them even though the Lok Ayukta’s report confirmed the charges. The Governor went against the Ministry’s decision and granted sanctions because there was sufficient material against them. In Madhya Pradesh Special Police Establishment vs. State of MP and others (2004), the Supreme Court found the Council’s decision “irrational” and upheld the Governor’s action. It said: “... on those rare occasions where on facts, the bias becomes apparent and/or the decision of Council of Ministers is shown to be irrational and based on non-consideration of relevant factors, the Governor would be right, ... to act in his own discretion and grant sanction”.

Science

- Eight years on, NIV still relies on U.S. CDC for Zika test kits

- COVID-19: anosmia a marker for susceptible brain damage

- Red and processed meat linked to higher type 2 diabetes risk

- Transition in plants

- Humpbacks among animals who manufacture, wield tools

- Smoking during pregnancy causes problems in newborn

- 15 minutes of physical activity improved health measures

Eight years on, NIV still relies on U.S. CDC for Zika test kits

R. Prasad

The Institute of Advanced Virology, Thiruvananthapuram, has developed an assay for Zika testing using the sequence data made available by CDC and validated the assay using clinical samples, commercial tests and genome sequencing

In early July this year, to cut down the turnaround time for Zika virus testing when samples were sent to the Pune-based National Institute of Virology (NIV), the Pune Municipal Corporationconsidered sending the samples tothe BJ Medical College in Pune, a State government institution. Though the samples were eventually not sent to BJ Medical College as NIV had ramped up testing, did the government medical college have the test kits necessary for Zika virus testing?As per reliable sources, BJ Medical College would have had to rely on NIV for the assays needed for Zika virus testing.

The lack of accurate test kits and assays necessary for testing the Zika virus is not a problem peculiar to BJ Medical College; it is faced by most national labs and government medical colleges across India. The reason: as of February 16, 2023, the Indian drug regulator (CDSCO) has not approved any test kit for Zika virus testing, as per the drug regulator’s response to an RTI. That would mean that even NIV is not using a test kit developed in India and approved by the drug regulator for Zika virus testing.

Test kit

So what test kit does NIV use for testing Zika virus samples?

The first Zika virus case was detected in November 2016 in a pregnant woman in Ahmedabad and then again in February 2017 was detected by NIV using the CDC Trioplex RT-PCR kit supplied by the Atlanta-based CDC. NIV has been using the CDC Trioplex RT-PCR test kits for the Zika virus and relying on CDC for the supply of the kits ever since the first case was reported in India in November 2016, as per reports published in journals by NIV researchers.

For instance, the Trioplex RT-PCR test supplied by CDC was usedto confirmthe Zika outbreak in Rajasthan in 2018,to confirmthe first case in Uttar Pradesh in 2021, the first Zika outbreak in Kerala in 2021 in a pregnant woman, andretrospectively in 13 samples, and toconfirm circulationof Zika virus in several States in 2021.

Accurate diagnosis

In a few papers published in journals, the authors from NIV have acknowledged andthankedthe CDC for supplying the Trioplex RT-PCR kits for Zika testing.

The Trioplex RT-PCR kit for Zika virus testing was developed by CDC and granted emergency use authorisation by the U.S. FDA. The CDC Trioplex RT-PCR test can detect dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses. These viruses often cross-react making accurate diagnosis a challenge. The CDC Trioplex RT-PCR test was developed to address this challenge specifically.

Unlike the U.S. FDA which approves diagnostic tests based on synthetic genomic fragments like in the case of the COVID-19 tests and the CDC Trioplex RT-PCR assay, the Indian drug regulator insists on validation using clinical samples. The insistence on clinical samples has greatly hampered the development of diagnostic tests especially since all novel or dangerous virus samples have to necessarily be shipped to NIV for testing thus depriving other labs from accessing clinical samples. This was the case in the early months of the pandemic too. In the absence of wide availability of Zika tests, timely detection and control of outbreaks become a problem.

Unlike NIV, the Institute of Advanced Virology (IAV) inThiruvananthapuram has through concerted efforts developed an in-house assay for Zika virustesting and validated the assay using multiple methods. The Institute of Advanced Virology got access to 18 Zika samples during a smaller Zika outbreak in the coastal area ofThiruvananthapuramin January 2022. Also,while investigating a dengue outbreak in Kollam district, the institute detected PCR-positive and IgM-positive cases of Zika.

“We made use of the sequence data used in CDC’s Trioplex RT-PCR assay and made publicly available by CDC to develop the assay in-house. We validated it using Zika-positive samples from the 2022 outbreak and also using commercially available test kits,” says Dr. Sreekumar, Director of IAV. Additional validation was made through sequencing the genome of the Zika-positive samples. Though the validation was completed in a year, the institute continued validating their results with commercial test kits until about six months back.

Less cost

Since the test has been developed in-house it costs less. “Since the tests cost less, they can be used for surveillance, both in people and mosquitoes, in addition to testing patient samples,” says Dr. Vinod Scaria, a senior consultant at Vishwanath Cancer Care Foundation.

When new mutations that arise in viruses happen to be in the primer binding sites, the efficacy of the tests can be compromised. This was seen in the case of the Omicron sublineage BA.2, which does not have the S gene dropout unlike the BA.1, and thus escaped identification when RT-PCR was done.Similarly, a mutation in the primer binding site of the mpox clade 1b has led to a drop in the sensitivity of RT-PCR tests.“This is the reason why genome sequences should be made publicly available very soon after each outbreak so that suitable assays can be developed quickly,” says Dr. Scaria.

COVID-19: anosmia, a marker for susceptible brain damage

The Hindu Bureau

Linked: People with loss of smell had behavioural, functional, and structural brain changes. Getty Images

A large body of studies has found how even mild COVID-19 impacts the brains of people. One of the most common ailments seen among people who had COVID-19 was the loss of smell otherwise called anosmia. In most cases, people will recover their sense of smell after a few weeks to months.

Many studies have found that months after recovery from COVID-19, some people continued to experience neurological and cognitive effects. While, persistent cognitive symptoms have been linked to brain alterations, patients recovering from mild COVID-19 without cognitive symptoms presented with cortical thickness alterations and changes in white matter integrity.

A small study from Chile recruited 73 adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 without signs of respiratory failure and 27 people without any history of COVID-19. The 73 participants who had COVID-19, and were recruited for the study had an average of nine months after diagnosis.

Participants with COVID-19 and the control group were subjected to cognitive screening, a decision-making task, and MRI evaluations. The team used the loss of smell and the need for hospitalisation as proxies for potential markers of neurologic involvement and disease severity, respectively. The study, published in the journalScientific Reports, has found that people who suffered from loss of smell had behavioural, functional, and structural brain changes.

Follow-up care

“Given the significant global incidence of COVID-19, identifying factors that can distinguish individuals at risk of developing brain alterations is crucial for prioritising follow-up care,” the authors write.

Since the anosmia, “correlated with brain measures, including decreased functional activity during the decision-making task, thinning of cortical thickness in parietal regions, and loss of white matter integrity”, the authors say that anosmia could be used as a criterion when identifying at-risk populations for follow-up.

Of the 73 participants with COVID-19, 22 (30.1%) individuals reported experiencing varying degrees of attention and memory issues, which persisted at the time of the cognitive test administered as part of the study. Relatively minor indications were headache in seven participants, fatigue in six people, and four with a persistently impaired sense of smell lasting, on average, 1.3 months. Of these patients, a complete loss of smell (anosmia) was experienced by 68% (29 participants), while 32% (14 participants) experienced differing degrees of changes in their sense of smell (hyposmia/microsmia). Both these categorieswere clubbed together as ‘patients with anosmia’.

While no significant differences in cognitive performance between groups based on COVID-19 diagnosis, anosmia, or hospitalisation requirements, “intriguing patterns” emerged in behavioural task performance.Participants with a loss of smell displayed a distinct decision-making strategy characterised by more impulsive behaviour, and, were more likely to make a different choice, when the earlier result was negative when performing a behavioral task. But the participants, who were hospitalised, displayed less strategic thinking and unlike those who were not hospitalised repeatedly made the same wrong choice.

Loss of smell was positively associated with decreased functional activity, during the decision-making task, thinning of cortical thickness, and loss of white matter integrity. “Hence, anosmia could be a factor to be considered when identifying at-risk populations for follow-up,” the authors write.

“Only six patients present indicators of persistent olfactory deficit; thus, our results are not due to actual deficit. Hence, anosmia could serve as both a potential marker of virus-induced damage to neuronal tissues and a marker for individuals susceptible to brain damage,” the authors note.

Red and processed meat linked to higher type 2 diabetes risk

The Hindu Bureau

Consumption of processed meat and unprocessed red meat is associated with a higher type 2 diabetes risk across populations, an analysis of data from 1.97 million participants, published in the journalThe Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, has found.

Global meat production has increased rapidly in recent decades and meat consumption exceeds dietary guidelines in many countries.Earlier research indicated that higher intakes of processed meat and unprocessed red meat are associated with an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes, but, the results have been variable and not conclusive.

Poultry such as chicken, turkey, or duck is often considered an alternative to processed meat or unprocessed red meat, but, fewer studies have examined the association between poultry consumption and type 2 diabetes. To determine the association between the consumption of processed meat, unprocessed red meat, and poultry, and type 2 diabetes, the team led by researchers at the University of Cambridge used the globalInterConnect projectto analyse data from 31 study cohorts in 20 countries. Their extensive analysis took into account factors such as age, gender, health-related behaviours, energy intake, and body mass index.

The researchers found that the habitual consumption of 50 grams of processed meat a day—equivalent to 2 slices of ham—is associated with a 15% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the next 10 years. The consumption of 100 grams of unprocessed red meat a day—equivalent to a small steak—was associated with a 10% higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Habitual consumption of 100 grams of poultry a day was associated with an 8% higher risk, but when analyses were conducted to test the findings under different scenarios, the association for poultry consumption became weaker, whereas the associations with type 2 diabetes persisted.

“These findings highlight the importance of reducing meat consumption for public health and should inform dietary guidelines,” the authors write.

Transition in plants

Does the vegetative to reproductive transition in plants happen at the same time?

Scientists have found that developmental change from the vegetative to reproductive transition happens over a few days. During the transition, plants slow down the leaf growth and instead develop reproductive organs.This transitionstarts the process of nutrients in the leaves being diverted into the reproductive organs of the plant and their fruits and grains.Even in these highly controlled conditions,Arabidopsis thaliana— a kind of wild mustard— started showing signs of the developmental transitionon different days.While the plants had the same chronological age, they were at different points along the path of plant ‘puberty’.The researchers identified specific genetic changes that correlated with the timing of this developmental change.The researchers also discovered that plants start the process of killing their leaves even before they can see visible reproductive structures. Like in the case of human growth, plants too grow in their unique way.

Humpbacks among animals who manufacture, wield tools

Researchers have now found that humpback whales do not just create the ‘bubble-nets’ but they manipulate this unique tool in a variety of ways to maximise their food intake in Alaskan feeding grounds. The humpback whales skillfully blow bubbles in patterns that form nets with internal rings, actively controlling details like the number of rings, the size and depth of the net, and the spacing between bubbles. This method lets them capture up to seven times more prey in a single feeding dive without using extra energy.

Smoking during pregnancy causes problems in newborn

Even light smoking of just one or two cigarettes a day either before or at any time during pregnancy is significantly associated with major health problems in the newborn, a study finds. The risk of more than one major neonatal health issue if the mother smoked before pregnancy was 27% higher, and 31-32% higher if she smoked during her pregnancy. The risk of admission to neonatal intensive care was 24% higher if the mother smoked before pregnancy, and 30-32% higher if she smoked during her pregnancy.

15 minutes of physical activity improved health measures

Based on real-world user data from 11,575 participants, from 73 Australian, New Zealand, and UK companies, a study confirmed the hypothesis that the 15 Minute Challenge, a workplace wellness initiative leveraging gamification principles, would lead to substantial increases in physical activity levels and significant improvements in self-reported measures of health. Participants reported improvements in self-reported measures.

Business

- Anil Ambani, others may face further action in RHFL case

- FMCG distributors flag ‘unregulated’ growth of quick commerce platforms

- Currency derivatives trading on domestic exchanges plummets post RBI diktat

- Cognizant sues software rival Infosys over ‘trade secrets’

- Danfoss India posts strong double-digit growth in H1 CY24

- ‘Quality control orders protect MSMEs from unfair competition’

- Govt. cuts drawback rates on exports of gold, silver jewellery

- U.S. FDA issues observations to Dr. Reddy’s Srikakulam unit

- Carraro India files with regulator for ₹1,812 cr. OFS

- Amazon India to slash selling fees ahead of festive season

- Hero Motors files with SEBI for IPO to raise ₹900 crore

- Jeyyam Global Foods plans IPO to fund expansion plans

Anil Ambani, others may face further action in RHFL case

Lalatendu Mishra

MUMBAI

SEBI official Narayan asks regulator to determine quantum of gains made by ‘the fraudulent scheme’ and pass orders to disgorge illegal gains made by any person in violation of securities law

Brazen act: ‘Case is disturbing as it reveals the complete breakdown of governance in a large listed company’. ReutersPRASHANT WAYDANDE

For promoters and group chairpersons facing charges of using their influence over Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) to divert funds from their listed companies for personal gain, the latest SEBI order in the Reliance Home Finance Ltd. (RHFL) case will surely serve as a salutary warning.

Reliance ADA Group chairman Anil Ambani, who has been barred from the markets and fined by the markets regulator Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for his alleged role in diversion of RHFL’s funds, as well as the sanctioned KMP of RHFL now face the prospect of further regulatory action in the coming days, the order passed by SEBI’s Whole Time Member Ananth Narayan G shows.

“SEBI shall determine the quantum of illegal gains/ benefit made by way of the fraudulent scheme as established in this Order and action may be initiated in accordance with law,” Mr. Narayan said in his 222-page order, which was uploaded on the regulator’s website on Friday. “It is well established through various decisions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, Hon’ble High Courts and Hon’ble SAT that the scope of the power under Section 11B of the SEBI Act is wide, under which directions can be passed to order refunds/ bring back monies/ disgorge illegal gains made by any person in violation of securities law,” the SEBI official noted in the order.

Any further disgorgement order passed by SEBI would be over and above the ban from the capital market for 5 years, the debarment from inclusion on boards of listed companies and financial penalty on Mr. Ambani and others amounting to ₹624 crore.

“The findings made in... this Order have established the existence of a fraudulent scheme, orchestrated by Noticee No. 2 [Mr. Ambani] administered by the KMP of RHFL [Amit Bapna, Ravindra Sudhalkar & Pinkesh R. Shah], to siphon off funds from the public listed company (RHFL) by structuring them as ‘loans’ to credit unworthy conduit borrowers, and in turn, to onward borrowers, all of whom have been found to be ‘promoter linked entities’ i.e. entities associated/ linked with Noticee 2,” Mr. Narayan ruled.

Stating that the facts of this case were particularly disturbing since they revealed complete breakdown of governance in a large listed company apparently orchestrated by and/or at the behest of the promoter aided by the indulgent KMP of the company, Mr. Narayan said that the company, which was subject to the regulatory framework laid down by NHB and subsequently RBI (as an HFC) as well as by SEBI (as a listed company), did not seem to care about the need to maintain high standards of governance.

“This is also a peculiar case where the company’s management has brazenly defied the diktat of its own Board that had raised concerns about GPCL [general purpose working capital loans] lending and asked the company management to ensure compliance with the law,” he observed. “By preponderance of probability, the mastermind behind the fraudulent scheme is the Chairman of ADAG – Anil Ambani (Noticee No.2). It is also apparent that Noticees 3 to 5, KMP of the company, played an active role in perpetrating the fraudulent scheme,” he added.

“While Noticee No. 2 was not a director in RHFL, he has used his position as ‘Chairperson of the ADA group’ and his significant indirect shareholding in the holding company of RHFL to orchestrate the fraud thereby not just adversely affecting RHFL’s stakeholders but also the confidence in the integrity of governance structures in regulated financial sector entities,” he stressed.

‘Sinister objective’

“When juxtaposed against a well regulated financial system where extending even small ticket loans is subject to multiple checks and restrictions, the cavalier approach by the company management and the promoter in approving loans amounting to hundreds of crores to companies many of which had negligible assets, cash flows, net worth, or revenues, suggests a sinister objective behind the ‘loans’,” he highlighted.

“This sinister objective becomes all the more clear when the relationship of the borrowers with the promoters of RHFL are taken into account,” Mr. Narayan observed.

FMCG distributors flag ‘unregulated’ growth of quick commerce platforms

Meenakshi Verma Ambwani

New Delhi

FMCG distributors have raised concerns about the impact of the growth of quick-commerce segment on traditional retailers. The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) has written to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal flagging concerns about the “rapid and unregulated” growth of the quick-commerce segment.

The industry body has urged the Ministry to scrutinise the impact of quick-commerce platforms on the traditional retail sector. It has also asked for an investigation into the operational models of these platforms to ensure compliance with the country’s FDI norms.

“These platforms, while innovative, are significantly disrupting the traditional retail sector and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) distribution network in India,” it stated in its letter. The industry body added that by becoming “direct distributor” for major FMCG companies these platforms are sidelining traditional distributors and are threatening the livelihood of small retailers.

“The unchecked expansion of quick-commerce platforms is creating an uneven playing field, undermining the viability of small “mom-and-pop” stores that have long been the backbone of India’s retail sector,” the industry body added.

“There are concerns regarding the compliance of these platforms with India’s Foreign Direct Investment regulations. The AICPDF suspects that these platforms may be blurring the lines between the marketplace model and inventory-based model, potentially violating existing FDI norms,” it added.

‘Immediate probe’

The industry body of FMCG distributors has called for “an immediate investigation into the operational models of these platforms” to ensure they are operating within legal boundaries.

It has also requested the implementation of protective measures for small retailers and traditional distributors to prevent monopolistic practices. Dhairyashil Patil, national president of AICPDF, stated, “The livelihood of millions of small retailers and distributors is at stake due to the rapid and unchecked growth of quick-commerce platforms. It is crucial that the government intervenes to ensure that the growth of e-commerce in India is balanced and does not come at the cost of traditional retail.”

The FMCG industry has been witnessing strong double-digit growth in the quick-commerce platforms in recent times.

(The writer is with The Hindu businessline)

Currency derivatives trading on domestic exchanges plummets post RBI diktat

Suresh P. Iyengar

Mumbai

Notwithstanding large foreign portfolio investor inflows in equity markets, the trading volumes in the currency derivatives on exchanges have fallen sharply and shifted to offshore centres, especially Singapore, following the recent RBI diktat.

The currency futures turnover on the NSE was down 83% at ₹2,073 crore in July against ₹12,079 crore logged in April. Similarly, that of options turnover plummetted 98% in the same period to ₹2,018 crore against ₹1.54 lakh crore. The volumes on the BSE and the Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India were also down.

As per SEBI’s annual report, the aggregate turnover of all the exchanges in the currency derivatives segment decreased by 15% to ₹377.4 lakh crore in FY24 against ₹445.9 lakh crore in FY23. Last fiscal, proprietary trading accounted for 66 per cent on the NSE and it was high at 90% and 10% on BSE and MSEI, while FPI accounted for 9%, 3% and 6% on the three exchanges, as per a SEBI report. In January, the RBI made it mandatory for investors to have valid unhedged underlying contracted exposure to trade in the exchange traded currency derivatives market.

In 2014, FPIs were allowed to trade in exchange-traded currency derivatives with a limit of $100 million, without the requirement to establish an “underlying exposure” in equities, bonds, mutual funds, or other permissible financial instruments.

Offshore shift

However, after the RBI diktat, most FPIs shifted their rupee trades to overseas market. The open interest in rupee/dollar futures on the Singapore Exchange has nearly quadrupled from the start of this year to 2.68 lakh contracts worth over $6 billion. The average open interest in 2023 was 92,000 contracts.

Narinder Wadhwa, MD, SKI Capital, said the new RBI regulation led to a decrease in speculative and arbitrage activity as many traders found the new compliance requirements burdensome. Some market participants shifted their trading activities to offshore markets such as Dubai and Singapore as they have fewer restrictions, he added.

Jateen Trivedi, Vice-President, Research, LKP Securities, said the RBI removed speculators from the market by allowing positions in currency derivatives only for hedging purposes. The measure was aimed at curbing rapid rupee depreciation caused by speculative positions and market participants reduced their involvement in currency derivatives due to the stricter norms, Mr. Trivedi added.

(The writer is with The Hindu businessline)

Cognizant sues software rival Infosys over ‘trade secrets’

Reuters

Software provider Cognizant TriZetto sued Indian tech company Infosys in a Texas federal court on Friday, accusing Infosys of stealing trade secrets related to its healthcare insurance software.

Cognizant said in the lawsuit that Infosys unlawfully extracted data from its databases and used it to build and market competing software.

Infosys denied the allegations in a statement and said it would defend itself in court. Spokespersons for Cognizant did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the complaint.

Teaneck, New Jersey-based Cognizant’s software includes TriZetto’s Facets and QNXT, used by healthcare insurance companies to automate administrative tasks.

According to the complaint, Infosys misused TriZetto’s software to create “Test Cases for Facets,” which improperly repackaged TriZetto’s data into an Infosys product.

Cognizant also said Infosys broke the law by creating software to extract data from QNXT that includes confidential TriZetto information and trade secrets.

Cognizant earned more than $19.3 billion in revenue last year while Infosys earned more than $18.5 billion, according to company reports.

Unspecified amount

Cognizant asked the court for an unspecified amount of monetary damages and an order for Infosys to stop misusing its trade secrets.

Cognizant won $854 million from Atos’ Syntel in a separate dispute over Facets trade secrets in 2020.

The award was later cut and then overturned on appeal last year, though the court found that Syntel was still liable for an amount of damages to be determined.

Danfoss India posts strong double-digit growth in H1 CY24

N. Anand

CHENNAI

Ravichandran Purushothaman

The Indian subsidiary of Denmark-based climate and energy solution major Danfoss has posted a strong double-digit growth in the first half of 2024, a top company executive said.

“In H1, we have posted 15% and 8% growth in two businesses. H1 also saw increase in supplier base and in localisation from 52-60%. We hope to end the year with 20% growth over the previous year,” Danfoss India president Ravichandran Purushothaman said in an interaction.

According to him, the robust growth was driven by the rapid expansion of data centres, commercial buildings and cold chain infrastructure across the country besides the Centre’s strong push towards decarbonisation, coupled with initiatives such as the Production-Linked Incentive scheme.

“India continues to be the fastest growing region for the Danfoss Group, and we are proud to be at the forefront of the country’s sustainable transformation,” he said.

“We would have posted the targeted 20% growth in the first half, but for the softening of exports by Indian customers due to lower demand in Europe, parliamentary polls and drop in private capex in Q2,” Mr. Purushothaman said.

On the mid-term goal, he said the company was confident of doubling the revenue to ₹5,000 crore by 2026. Besides, the company was also planning to increase the indigenisation level from the existing 52% to 85-90% in four years, he added.

‘Quality control orders protect MSMEs from unfair competition’

Press Trust of India

New Delhi

Piyush Goyal

The quality control orders (QCOs) issued by the government for different products will protect MSMEs from unfair competition and help cut the import of sub-standard goods, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Saturday.

He said that through these orders, the government was supporting the MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises).

“We are giving time to MSMEs to meet the QCO requirements,” he said, adding that MSMEs would benefit from these orders as “it stops substandard goods imported at strange rates from outside the country and thus helps the MSME sector by protecting it from unfair competition”.

Govt. cuts drawback rates on exports of gold, silver jewellery

Press Trust of India

New Delhi

The Centre has reduced the drawback rates on exports of gold and silver jewellery by more than half to adjust for the significant cut in import duties on these precious metals in the Budget.

A notification regarding this was issued by the Department of Revenue.

On the export of gold jewellery, the drawback rate has been brought down to ₹335.5 from ₹704.1 per gram of net gold content in the article. The rate of silver jewellery and articles of silver have been cut to ₹4,468 per kilogram of net gold content in an article.

The Duty Drawback Scheme refunds import duties and internal taxes, which are paid while importing goods, which are, in turn, used for manufacturing products for exports.

In the Budget, the import duty on gold and silver was cut to 6% from 15%. Through this notification, “duty drawback on gold and silver jewellery was reduced as the duty on gold and silver lowered in the budget,” FIEO Director General Ajay Sahai said.

U.S. FDA issues observations to Dr. Reddy’s Srikakulam unit

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Form 483 with 3 observations to Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories after inspecting its formulations manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh. “The U.S. FDA today completed a product-specific pre-approval inspection (PAI) at our formulations manufacturing facility (FTO SEZ PU1) in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. The inspection was conducted from August 19-23,” Dr. Reddy’s said in a filing on Friday.

Carraro India files with regulator for ₹1,812 cr. OFS

The Hindu Bureau

Mumbai

Carraro India Ltd., a manufacturer of transmission systems for tractors and off-highway vehicles, and other agricultural and construction equipment, has filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to mobilise up to ₹1,811.65 crore through an offer for sale (OFS).

The initial public offering will be a complete OFS by Carraro International S.E. Established in 1997, Carraro India, a subsidiary of Carraro S.p.A, began its manufacturing journey with transmission systems in 1999 and axles in 2000.

Amazon India to slash selling fees ahead of festive season

Press Trust of India

Mumbai

Amazon India on Saturday announced up to 12% reduction in selling fees across multiple product categories ahead of the festive season.

The reductions in fees, effective from September 9, will enable sellers to expand their product portfolio besides providing a boost to growth, Amazon India said. “With the changes, sellers on Amazon India will benefit from a drop in selling fees, ranging from 3-12%, across various product categories”, the company said.

Hero Motors files with SEBI for IPO to raise ₹900 crore

Auto components company Hero Motors Ltd. on Saturday filed a draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with markets regulator SEBI to raise ₹900 crore through an initial public offering (IPO). The IPO, with a face value of ₹10, is a mix of fresh issue of up to ₹500 crore and an offer for sale up to ₹400 crore by promoters. The OFS includes ₹250 crore worth of shares by O.P. Munjal Holdings, and ₹75 crore each by Bhagyoday Investments and Hero Cycles.

Jeyyam Global Foods plans IPO to fund expansion plans

Jeyyam Global Foods Ltd. (JGFL) said it would enter the capital market on September 2 with an initial public offering of 1.34 crore equity shares to raise ₹79-82 crore to meet its expansion programme. The price band has been fixed at ₹59-61 per share. Post the IPO, the promoters’ stake will come down to 66-67% from 92%. Out of the net funds raised, ₹19 crore will be utilised for capital expenditure and ₹35 crore for working capital needs, a company executive said.

Foreign

- Three stabbed to death, eight injured at street festival in Germany

- Israeli strikes kill dozens in Gaza ahead of ceasefire talks

- Hero’s welcome

- Beijing fired flares at plane over South China Sea: Manila

- Floods push 3 lakh into Bangladesh relief centres

- Zelenskyy vows more ‘retribution’ against Russia

- Iran will seek to ‘manage tensions’ with U.S.: Araghchi

- Sunita and Wilmore to return to earth in mid-February, says NASA

- Libyan armed groups, authorities reach deal on security in Tripoli

- Police officer injured following a blast outside French synagogue

- Moscow, Kyiv swap 230 prisoners of war in a deal brokered by UAE

Three stabbed to death, eight injured at street festival in Germany

Agence France-Presse

Solingen

In memoriam: A woman kneels at a memorial for the victims knife attack on Saturday in Solingen in western Germany.AFPROBERTO PFEIL

German police on Saturday said they detained one person as they hunted for a man who stabbed three persons to death and wounded eight others at a street festival in the city of Solingen.

The knifeman went on a rampage in the western town of Solingen late on Friday, as thousands had gathered for the first night of a “Festival of Diversity”, part of a series of events to mark the town’s 650th anniversary.

On Saturday, the police in the city of Duesseldorf, which lies just west of Solingen, announced they had detained a person as part of their investigation and were verifying whether they had “a connection with the crime”.

Five of the wounded were in a “serious” condition, with a prosecutor saying a terror attack motive was “not excluded”.

Solingen’s centre was closed off after Friday’s attack, as special forces and other security personnel swarmed the city centre and a helicopter flew overhead, according to an AFP journalist.

“Our security authorities are doing everything they can to catch the perpetrator” of the “horrific act”, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz saying he “must be caught quickly and punished”.

Thousands present

Thousands of people were gathered in front of a stage on the first night of the “Festival of Diversity” when the killing started.

“An unidentified man attacked several people with a knife around 9:40 pm (1940 GMT),” the statement released by Duesseldorf police said.

“Police are currently searching for the perpetrator with a large contingent,” it added, encouraging witnesses to send them photos, videos and any other information about the attack.

“Out of nowhere, a man armed with a knife stabbed people at random and killed them,” regional Interior Minister Herbert Reul said in comments at the scene.

“Why? Nobody knows. We cannot say anything yet about the motive,” he added.

Witness Lars Breitzke told the Solinger Tageblatt newspaper he was a few metres from the attack, not far from the festival stage, and “understood from the expression on the singer’s face that something was wrong”.

“And then, a metre away from me, a person fell,” said Mr. Breitzke, who at first thought it was someone who had too much to drink.

Pools of blood

When he turned around, he saw other people lying on the ground amid pools of blood.

Solingen mayor Tim-Oliver Kurzbach said the whole city was in “shock, horror and great grief”.

“We all wanted to celebrate our town’s anniversary together and now we have to mourn the dead and injured,” he said.

Hendrik Wuest, the premier of North Rhine-Westphalia state, also expressed his “shock and grief” in a post on social media platform X.

“An act of the most brutal and senseless violence has struck at the heart of our state,” he said.

“The whole of North Rhine-Westphalia stands by the people of Solingen, especially the victims and their families.”

Solingen is a city of some 1,50,000 people located between Duesseldorf and Cologne. People had gathered in the town on Friday evening for the first day of the three-day “Festival of Diversity”.

It was set to feature music, street theatre, variety shows and comedians in the city centre and several other areas, it said.

Up to 75,000 visitors had been expected to attend.

The Solinger Tageblatt said one of the festival organisers went on stage to announce it was cancelled.

Thousands of people cleared the area, the paper reported, with a journalist at the scene describing the atmosphere as “ghostly”.

Festival cancelled

“People left the scene in shock, but calmly,” Philipp Mueller, one of the organisers, told the newspaper.

Mr. Mueller said the rest of the festival would also be cancelled.

Germany has seen a series of knife attacks over the past 12 months, with the government promising to crack down on knife crime.

A police officer was killed and five persons were wounded in a knife attack at a far-right rally in the city of Mannheim in May.

Israeli strikes kill dozens in Gaza ahead of ceasefire talks

Associated Press

CAIRO

Among the 69 dead were 11 members of a family in Khan Younis, including two children ; experts are meeting on technical issues ahead of today’s high-level talks mediated by U.S., Egypt and Qatar

War toll: Palestinians inspect damage in the Qatari-funded Hamad City, following an Israeli raid in Gaza on Saturday.REUTERSHATEM KHALED

Multiple Israeli airstrikes killed at least three dozen Palestinians in southern Gaza, health workers said on Saturday, as officials including a Hamas delegation gathered for high-level cease-fire talks in neighbouring Egypt.

Among the dead were 11 members of a family, including two children, after an airstrike hit their home in Khan Younis, according to Nasser Hospital, which received a total of 33 bodies from three strikes in and around the city that also hit tuk-tuks and passersby. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital said it received three bodies from another strike.

The Israeli military said it was looking into the reports.

Israel’s offensive has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians. A total of 69 dead and 212 wounded had been brought to hospitals across Gaza over the past 24 hours.

Experts were meeting on Saturday on technical issues ahead of Sunday’s high-level talks in Cairo on a possible cease-fire mediated by the U.S., Egypt and Qatar. CIA Director William Burns, Qatar’s Foreign Minister and Egypt’s spy chief were meeting on Saturday evening in Cairo, according to an Egyptian official with direct knowledge of the talks.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced the deaths of three reserve officers killed in fighting in the Gaza Strip the previous day.

The officers were killed in central Gaza, the military said.

Hero’s welcome

An Indigenous police officer who was kidnapped by alleged organised crime hitmen days ago is welcomed after his release during a military operation in Mexico’s Michoacan State on Friday. Residents protested by burning vehicles and blocking roads to press for their release. AFPENRIQUE CASTRO

Beijing fired flares at plane over South China Sea: Manila

Agence France-Presse

Manila

Dangerous manoeuvre: A Chinese air force fighter jet deploying flares near a Philippine plane over the South China Sea.AFPHANDOUT

The Philippines accused China on Saturday of recently firing flares at one of its aircraft as it patrolled over the South China Sea.

Beijing claims most of the strategic waterway and has been involved in tense maritime confrontations with Manila in recent months, sparking fears of armed conflict that could draw in the U.S., a Filipino military ally.

A Chinese fighter jet “engaged in irresponsible and dangerous manoeuvres” on August 19 as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) plane flew near Scarborough Shoal, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said.

The unprovoked Chinese “harassment” included “deploying flares multiple times at a dangerously close distance of approximately 15 metres from the BFAR Grand Caravan aircraft”..

Flares were also launched near the same plane from the China-held Subi Reef on August 22 as the patrol craft was “monitoring and intercepting poachers encroaching upon the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone and the territorial seas”, it added.

In a post on X, U.S. Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson said her country “stands firmly with the (Philippines) in condemning the PRC (People’s Republic of China) for launching flares at (Philippine) aircraft”.

Floods push 3 lakh into Bangladesh relief centres

Agence France-Presse

Feni

Nearly 3,00,000 Bangladeshis were taking refuge in emergency shelters on Saturday from floods that inundated vast areas of the low-lying South Asian country, disaster officials said.

The floods were triggered by heavy monsoon rains and have killed at least 42 people in Bangladesh and India since the start of the week, many in landslides.

“My house is completely inundated,” Lufton Nahar, 60, said from a relief shelter in Feni, one of the worst-hit districts near the border with India’s Tripura State.

“Water is flowing above our roof. My brother brought us here by boat. If he had not, we would have died.”

The nation of 170 million people is criss-crossed by hundreds of rivers and has seen frequent floods in recent decades.

Monsoon rains cause widespread destruction every year but climate change is shifting weather patterns and increasing the number of extreme weather events.

Infra affected

Highways and rail lines were damaged between the capital Dhaka and the main port city of Chittagong, making access to badly flooded districts difficult.

The flooding also comes just weeks after a student-led revolution toppled Bangladesh’s government.

Among the worst affected areas is Cox’s Bazar, a district home to around a million Rohingya refugees from neighbouring Myanmar.

Zelenskyy vows more ‘retribution’ against Russia

Agence France-Presse

Kyiv

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed more “retribution” against Russia on Saturday and signed a law banning the Moscow branch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church as the country celebrated its third independence day since the Russian invasion.

Mr. Zelenskyy released a video filmed in a forested border area from where Ukraine launched a surprise incursion into Russia on August 6.

Independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 is being marked with the war at a particularly tense moment, with Ukraine pursuing its incursion into the Kursk region as Russia targets towns in eastern Ukraine.

Standing in a hilly area near where Ukrainian forces entered Russia, Mr. Zelenskyy said “Russia was seeking one thing: to destroy us.

“Instead, today we celebrate the 33rd Independence Day of Ukraine. And what the enemy brought to our land has now returned to its home.”

The Ukrainian leader later held official celebrations on Kyiv’s Sofia Square, with Polish President Andrzej Duda and Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte.

He announced that Ukrainian forces had carried out “successful” tests of a new drone missile — the Palianytsia — and that the “enemy was defeated”.

Mr. Zelenskyy said he had also signed a Bill to give “full support for all our soldiers operating on the territory of the aggressor state.”

Iran will seek to ‘manage tensions’ with U.S.: Araghchi

Agence France-Presse

Tehran

Iran’s new government will seek to “manage tensions” with its arch-enemy the United States to help reduce pressure and neutralise crippling sanctions, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.

“What we have to do is manage the tensions and hostilities” between Tehran and Washington, he said in an interview late on Friday on state television.

A landmark 2015 deal between Tehran and world powers granted Iran sanctions relief in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.

But the deal quickly collapsed and tensions reignited following the United States’ unilateral withdrawal from the accord in 2018.

He added that Iran’s foreign policy will prioritise “neighbouring countries” as well as African countries, along with China and Russia.

Mr. Araghchi criticised European countries for having “adopted hostile policies” towards Iran in recent years. He said they would only “become a priority” when they “abandon their wrong and hostile policies”.

Sunita and Wilmore to return to earth in mid-February, says NASA

AP

Two U.S. astronauts who arrived at the International Space Station aboard Boeing’s Starliner will have to return home with rival SpaceX next February, NASA said on Saturday. The return of Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams has been delayed by thruster malfunctions of the Boeing spacecraft. afp

Libyan armed groups, authorities reach deal on security in Tripoli

AFPMAHMUD TURKIA

Libyan armed groups and authorities reached an accord in Tripoli to secure important infrastructure, following UN concerns over recent fighting and a crisis surrounding the central bank. The North African country has struggled to recover from years of conflict after the 2011 NATO-backed uprising overthrew Moamer Kadhafi. afp

Police officer injured following a blast outside French synagogue

REUTERSManon Cruz

Two cars set on fire outside a synagogue in southern France on Saturday caused an explosion in which a police officer was injured. A suspect caught on a surveillance camera was seen brandishing a Palestinian flag. Officials had earlier said they were treating the explosion near Montpellier as a potential terror attack. afp

Moscow, Kyiv swap 230 prisoners of war in a deal brokered by UAE

REUTERSUKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESSER

Russia and Ukraine exchanged 115 prisoners of war each, just over two weeks after Kyiv launched a surprise incursion into Russia's Kursk region. Both countries thanked the United Arab Emirates, who said it mediated the swap deal. Amid Kyiv’s offensive, Russia has been eyeing more east Ukrainian towns. afp

Sports

- Dhawan — effervescent and easy-going — bows out

- Pipers beat Challengers; U Mumba best Dabang

- Arsenal passes Villa test, Brighton rocks Man United

- Diptayan stops Ganguly’s winning streak

- Norris pips local hero Verstappen for Dutch GP pole

- Root’s knock guides England to a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka

- Mushfiqur and Mehidy pile it on against Pakistan

- Nicholas Pooran powers West Indies to victory

- Indian shooting contingent for Paralympics leaves for Paris

- India-A in a spin, stares at defeat against Australia-A

- Railways holds on for a draw against TNCA President’s XI

- Himanshu and Sarvesh keep TNCA XI bowlers at bay

- Scored my maiden First Class hundred with the bat Dhawan gave me: Ashutosh

- Jabez Naveen Kumar takes out Kai Nam Pang

- Pariat pips Barter to the F4 flag in dramatic fashion

- ‘I haven’t done anything wrong’ relieved Sinner

- Gukesh, Pragg draw again; Firouzja surges

- Vaishnavi storms into Nakhon Si Thammarat final

- India earns quotas in surfing for 2026 Asian Games

- Messi begins individual on-field training

Dhawan — effervescent and easy-going — bows out

K.C. Vijaya Kumar

Chennai

The Delhi batter was cut for the hustle of ODIs and T20Is and he seemed an organic replacement to Ganguly atop the batting order in the shorter format

There was always an ease to the manner in which Shikhar Dhawan conducted himself, be it on or off the field. If fluidity in batting defined his forays to the crease, the southpaw always exuded a friendly vibe in the public space. Easy to laugh and equally quick to do a bhangra with his team-mates in the dressing room, effervescence was Dhawan’s essential trait.

At 38, the former India opener, and one, who sporadically captained the Men in Blue in limited overs cricket, bowed out of the willow game. Through a video he posted on his social media handles, Dhawan announced his retirement on Saturday morning. Even in this he was media-friendly, giving ample time for correspondents to chew on their thoughts and give expression to their reactions.

Dull start in ODI

Strangely, Dhawan, the lord of runs in the shorter formats, suffered a dull start with a duck on his ODI debut against the Aussies at Visakhapatnam in 2010.

Before that game, skipper M.S. Dhoni spoke about how he and Dhawan had come through the rungs and that the opener deserved his opportunities. In Tests however, Dhawan reversed the trend, hammering a 187 against the Aussies during his debut at Mohali in 2013.

The post-hundred celebrations were effusive, bat raised, slapping his thighs like a kabaddi player or wrestler, and an instant connect with the public was established.

But as years raced by, it was evident that Dhawan was cut for the hustle of ODIs and T20Is and the numbers make it explicit: 2315 Test runs at an average of 40.61, an ODI yield of 6793 at 44.11, a T20I kitty of 1759 at 27.92 and 6769 in the Indian Premier League.

Boisterous man

The boisterous man from Delhi, seemed an organic replacement to Sourav Ganguly atop the batting tree in limited overs cricket. Both were left-handed batters even if on an aesthetic scale, Ganguly remained the king. Dhawan was always busy, cutting, hoisting, shuffling forward to the spinners and whipping pacers. He was remarkably effective and forged good opening alliances with Murali Vijay in Tests and Rohit Sharma in ODIs.

And whenever the other seniors took a break for some random limited-overs tours, Dhawan led the squad and enjoyed the responsibility.

The post-match dressing room videos would often be about him egging his mates to dance with abandon, and in this he was Yuvraj Singh’s natural successor.

Often an insight into a player is revealed when he or she is going through a bad patch. During the 2014 tour of England, one in which James Anderson was having Virat Kohli for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Dhawan too went through a sombre phase and he was dropped towards the tail-end of the Test series. His Delhi senior Gautam Gambhir was preferred but at nets, Dhawan was his usual self.

Vijay was training and Dhawan would yell: “Macha I will bowl.” He ambled in, turned his arm over and helped his fellow-opener finesse his shots.

This surely was a man at peace with himself. Dhawan last played for India in 2022 and the team may have moved on but captain Rohit will surely feel his friend Gabbar’s absence and so will many in the change-room.

Pipers beat Challengers; U Mumba best Dabang

K. Keerthivasan

CHENNAI

Getting the job done: Manav posted a 2-1 win over Levenko. R. RAVINDRAN R. RAVINDRAN

Debutant Ahmedabad SG Pipers tasted its first win of the Ultimate Table Tennis League season-5, when it put it across defending champion Goa Challengers 10-5 here on Saturday.

Lilian Bardet put up a brilliant performance to beat Harmeet Desai 3-0 in the opening men’s singles.

Later, Bernadette Szcos, ranked 13 in the world, proved to be too good for 19-year-old Yashaswini Ghorpade as the Romanian won 11-6, 11-7, 11-3.

Ahmedabad effectively sealed the tie in the mixed doubles match. Needing to win just two games to close out the contest, Manush Shah and Bernadette fought back a tough challenge from Harmeet and Yangzi Liu to win 2-1.

Earlier, U Mumba, searching for its first title from two appearances, made a resounding start to its campaign, with a clinical 9-6 win over former champion Dabang Delhi.

Despite G. Sathiyan’s upset 2-1 win over World No. 20 Quadri Aruna of U Mumba in the opening men’s singles match, Dabang couldn’t sustain the momentum.

Aruna blew away the Indian in the first game with his forehand topspins. However, Sathiyan came back strongly to win the next two games.

U Mumba’s Sutirtha Mukherjee outplayed Diya Chitale 3-0 in the second match. Diya was subdued for the most part, and was unable to impose herself in long rallies.

U Mumba won the third match, too, as the mixed doubles duo of Manav Thakkar and Maria Xiao defeated Sathiyan and Orawan Paranang 2-1.

In the second men’s singles tie Manav beat Andreas Levenko 2-1 as he took his team to the winning total of eight points. Dabang pulled one back through Orawan Paranang when she beat Maria Xiao.

The results:U Mumba bt Dabang Delhi 9-6 (Quadri Aruna lost to G. Sathiyan 11-4, 9-11, 9-11; Sutirtha Mukherjee bt Diya Chitale 11-6, 11-7, 11-4; Manav & Maria Xiao bt Sathiyan & Orawan Paranang 11-8, 11-9, 8-11; Manav bt Andreas Levenko 11-5, 11-4, 7-11; Maria lost to Orawan 11-10, 9-11, 5-11).

Ahmedabad SG Pipers bt Goa Challengers 10-5 (Lilian Bardet bt Harmeet Desai 11-6, 11-9, 11-6; Bernadette Szocs bt Yashaswini Ghorpade 11-6, 11-7, 11-3; Manush & Szocs bt Harmeet & Yangzi Liu 4-11, 11-10, 11-9; Manush bt Mihai Bobocica 11-7, 11-7, 10-11; Reeth Rishya lost to Yangzi Liu 6-11, 5-11, 5-11).

Arsenal passes Villa test, Brighton rocks Man United

Agence France-Presse

Manchester

On a roll: Hat-trick hero Haaland fires in City’s third against Ipswich.Getty Images

Arsenal passed an early test of its Premier League title credentials with a 2-0 win at Aston Villa as Manchester United crashed to a last-gasp 2-1 defeat at Brighton on Saturday.

Erling Haaland’s hat-trick fired champions Manchester City to the top of the table with a 4-1 win over Ipswich, while Tottenham thrashed Everton 4-0.

AC Milan fell to a 2-1 defeat at Parma on Saturday as the seven-time European champions continued its slow start to life in Serie A under new coach Paulo Fonseca.

The results: Premier League: Brighton 2 (Welbeck 32, Pedro 90+5) Manchester United 1 (Diallo 60); Crystal Palace 0 lost to West Ham 2 (Soucek 67, Bowen 72); Fulham 2 (Smith Rowe 18, Iwobi 70) bt Leicester 1 (Faes 38); Manchester City 4 (Haaland 12-pen, 16, 88, De Bruyne 14) bt Ipswich 1 (Szmodics 7); Southampton 0 lost to Nottingham Forest 1 (Gibbs-White 70); Tottenham 4 (Bissouma 14, Son 25, 77, Romero 71) bt Everton 0; Aston Villa 0 lost to Arsenal 2 (Trossard 67, Partey 77).

LaLiga: Osasuna 1 (Garcia 55) bt Real Mallorca 0.

Bundesliga: RB Leipzig 1 (Nusa 59) bt Bochum 0; Hoffenheim 3 (Kramaric 6-pen, 37, 87) bt Holstein Kiel 2 (Bernhardsson 63, Machino 89); Freiburg 3 (Kuebler 26, 61, Doan 54) bt Stuttgart 1 (Demirovic 2); Augsburg 2 (Rexhbecaj 16, Essende 35) drew with Werder Bremen 2 (Agu 12, Njinmah 58).

Serie A: Parma 2 (Man 2, Cancellieri 77) bt AC Milan 1 (Pulisic 66); Udinese 2 (Lucca 5, Thauvin 49) bt Lazio 1 (Isaksen 90+5).

On Friday: Bundesliga: Borussia M’Gladbach 2 (Elvedi 59, Kleindienst 85) lost to Bayer Leverkusen 3 (Xhaka 12, Wirtz 38, 90+11).

LaLiga: Celta Vigo 3 (Mingueza 23, Iago Aspas 28, Beltran 60) bt Valencia 1 (Diego Lopez 14); Sevilla 1 (Lukebakio 45+6) lost to Villarreal 2 (Danjuma 2, Ayoze Perez 90+5).

Diptayan stops Ganguly’s winning streak

P.K. Ajith Kumar

GURUGRAM

Diptayan. P.K. Ajith Kumar

Diptayan Ghosh on Saturday did what nobody else could do at the 61st National chess championship: he took half-a-point off Surya Shekhar Ganguly.

Diptayan thus stopped the remarkable winning streak of the top seed at the RPS International School. After seven back-to-back victories, this was the first draw for Ganguly. He, however, has maintained his one-point lead, with just three rounds remaining. He is on 7.5 points.

Following him on 6.5 points is a large group: Diptayan, defending champion S.P. Sethuraman, Himal Gusain, Karthik Venkataraman, Aronyak Ghosh, Ajay Karthikeyan, Sriram Jha, M.R. Lalith Babu and Arjun Adireddy. From among those nine players, Ajay, Arjun and Sriram stood out, overcoming their much higher-rated rivals — Abhijeet Gupta, Sayantan Das and N.R. Visakh, respectively.

After stunning the second-seeded Abhijeet, Ajay admitted he was a bit lucky in their English Opening game, which he won in 39 moves with white pieces.

The top-board game between the two Kolkatans didn’t have as much drama. Ganguly and the fourth-seeded Diptayan quietly drew their Spanish Game in 68 moves.

Important results (eighth round): Surya Shekhar Ganguly (PSPB) 7.5 drew with Diptayan Ghosh (RSPB) 6.5; Himal Gusain (RSPB) 6.5 drew with S.P. Sethuraman (PSPB) 6.5; Karthik Venkataraman (AP) 6.5 drew with Aronyak Ghosh (RSPB) 6.5; Ajay Karthikeyan (TN) 6.5 bt Abhijeet Gupta (PSPB) 5.5; Neelotpal Das (PSPB) 6 drew with Mitrabha Guha (RSPB) 6; N.R. Visakh (RSPB) 5.5 lost to Sriram Jha (LIC) 6.5; Viani D’cunha (Kar) 6 drew with Deep Sengupta (PSPB) 6; R.R. Laxman (RSPB) 5.5 lost to M.R. Lalith Babu (AP) 6.5; Arjun Adireddy (TS) 6.5 bt Sayantan Das (RSPB) 5.5; Swapnil Dhopade (Mah) 6 drew with Utkal Ranjan (Odi) 6; G. Aakash (TN) 6 drew with S. Ravi Teja (AP) 6; Siddhant Gawai (Mah) 5 lost to P. Iniyan (TN) 6; Sankalp Gupta (Mah) 6 bt Jihan Shah (Guj) 5; A. Agustin (Kar) N.R. Vignesh (Guj); Madhvendra Sharma (MP) 5 lost to Neelash Saha (RSPB) 6.

Norris pips local hero Verstappen for Dutch GP pole

Agence France-Presse

Zandvoort

Norris... too good. REUTERS

McLaren driver Lando Norris on Saturday claimed pole position for the Dutch Grand Prix, pipping local favourite Max Verstappen into second in a thrilling qualifying session.

The British driver registered the fastest lap in one minute 9.673 seconds ahead of Red Bull’s Verstappen, who clocked 1m 10.029s in windy and damp conditions on the Zandvoort circuit.

“We lacked a bit of pace. I’m still happy to be on the front row,” said Verstappen.

Earlier, Logan Sargeant crashed heavily in practice, leaving his car on fire with severe damage. Sargeant seemed to lose control of his Williams after putting one wheel onto the wet grass on the entry to a right-hand corner, before veering off to the left and spinning into a metal barrier.

The starting grid: Row 1: Norris (McLaren), Verstappen (Red Bull); 2: Piastri (McLaren), Russell (Mercedes); 3: Perez (Red Bull), Leclerc (Ferrari); 4: Alonso (Aston Martin), Albon (Williams); 5: Stroll (Aston Martin), Gasly (Alpine); 6: Sainz (Ferrari), Hamilton (Mercedes); 7: Tsunoda (RB), Hulkenberg (Haas).

8: Magnussen (Haas), Ricciardo (RB); 9: Ocon (Alpine), Bottas (Kick Sauber); 10: Guanyu (Kick Sauber), Sargeant (Williams).

Root’s knock guides England to a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka

Getty Images

Joe Root's unbeaten 62 guided England to a five-wicket win in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford on Saturday. Root’s gritty innings gave the hosts a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

The scores: Sri Lanka 236 & 326 in in 89.3 overs (Kamindu Mendis 113) vs England 358 & 205/5 in 22 overs (Root 62 n.o.). PoM: Smith.

Mushfiqur and Mehidy pile it on against Pakistan

AP

Mushfiqur Rahim scored 191 and shared a record stand with Mehidy Hasan as Bangladesh nullified Pakistan’s pace attack on the fourth day of the first Test in Rawalpindi on Saturday. The scores: Pakistan 448/6 decl. & 23/1 in 10 overs vs Bangladesh 565 in 167.3 overs (Shadman 93, Mominul 50, Mushfiqur 191, Litton 56, Mehidy 77).

Nicholas Pooran powers West Indies to victory

AFP

Nicholas Pooran (65, 26b) guided West Indies to a seven-wicket win over South Africa in their T20I in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago on Friday. The scores: South Africa 174/7 in 20 overs (Stubbs 76, Kruger 44, Forde 3/27, S. Joseph 2/40) lost to West Indies (Athanaze 40, Hope 51, Pooran 65 n.o., Baartman 2/30).

Indian shooting contingent for Paralympics leaves for Paris

X@Media_SAI

Pistol marksman Manish Narwal expressed confidence in the Indian shooting contingent surpassing its Tokyo Paralympics medal tally at the upcoming Paris Games. A 10-member shooting contingent, including rifle exponent Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal and Narwal that will compete from August 30, left for Paris on Saturday.

India-A in a spin, stares at defeat against Australia-A

Press Trust of India

Gold Coast

India-A was staring at a defeat against Australia-A after the visitors crumbled against the home team’s spin attack, slumping to 149 for six in its second innings on the third day of the one-off women’s Test here on Saturday.

Chasing a victory target of 289, built around Maddy Darke’s unbeaten 105, India-A looked to build a foundation but rival spinners — Charli Knott (two for 27), Grace Parsons (two for 27) and Lilly Mills (one for 15) — struck at regular intervals.

The scores: Australia-A 212 and 260 in 92 overs (Emma de Broughe 58, Maddy Darke 105 n.o., Minnu Mani 6/92) vs India-A 184 and 149/6 in 68 overs (Shubha Satheesh 45).

Railways holds on for a draw against TNCA President’s XI

S. Prasanna Venkatesan

SALEM

Diving effort: Vivek’s return to the crease after retiring hurt did not last long as he edged to Radhakrishnan in the slip cordon. E. LAKSHMI NARAYANAN

S. Rithik Easwaran got to an unbeaten 53 (48b, 4x4, 2x6) for TNCA President’s XI to declare its second innings on 227 for four and set a 332-run target for Railways on the last day of a drawn Group-B match in the second round of the Buchi Babu cricket tournament at the Salem Cricket Foundation ground here on Saturday.

The southpaw remarkably slog-swept left-arm spinner Raj Chaudhary for back-to-back sixes to square leg.

Railways lost seven wickets in its chase. After opener Vivek Singh retired hurt with a foot injury in the fourth over, fellow opener Pratham Singh (11) had his front-foot defence breached by pacer M. Mohammed. In the next over, left-arm spinner M. Siddharth (two for 23) trapped Kush Marathe (10) in front of the wicket.

Mohammad Saif (25), then, skied S. Mohamed Ali’s off-spin to Gurjapneet Singh at mid-off. Gurjapneet, with his left-arm medium-pace, had Upendra Yadav (42) inside-edge onto the stumps.

After that, leg-spinner Jhathavedh Subramanyan picked up two for 93 to spark the hope of a Railways collapse. He had Sahaib Yuvraj (47) play on the backfoot and edge an especially bouncy delivery to a diving Radhakrishnan at slip.

Vivek (10), who returned to bat, edged his wild on-side hoick for Radhakrishnan to take a diving catch again at slip.

Attacking with no outfielder, Siddharth trapped Vishal Harsh (7) in front with an arm-ball. However, Ravi Singh’s unbeaten 65 (90b, 14x4) helped Railways salvage a draw.

TNCA’s 19-year-old Mohamed Ali was adjudged the Player-of-the-Match.

The scores:

TNCA President’s XI 459 & 227/4 decl. in 53 overs (S. Radhakrishnan 82, S. Rithik Easwaran 53 n.o.) drew with Railways 355 & 244/7 in 73 overs (Upendra Yadav 42, Sahaib Yuvraj 47, Ravi Singh 65 n.o.).

TNCA President’s XI 3(3), Railways 1(7).

Himanshu and Sarvesh keep TNCA XI bowlers at bay

Tarun Shastry

Coimbatore

The duo’s unbroken 68-run partnership for the sixth wicket helps Haryana pull off a draw on a pitch with spin, bounce and bite

Putting his head down: Haryana opener Mayank blocked and left well on a pitch that assisted the tweakers.M. Periasamy

Himanshu Rana (46 n.o., 151b, 5x4) and Sarvesh Rohilla’s (21 n.o., 70b, 3x4) unbroken 68-run sixth-wicket partnership kept the bowlers at bay to help Haryana carve out a draw against a spin-heavy TNCA XI led by skipper and left-arm spinner R. Sai Kishore on the fourth and final day in the second round of the Buchi Babu cricket tournament at the Sri Ramakrishna College ground here on Saturday.

On a pitch that offered spin, bounce, and bite, Haryana needed a miracle to survive, let alone chase a daunting 353. And survive it did.

Resuming at 16 for two, Haryana’s opener, Mayank Shandilya (45, 235b, 3x4) and all-rounder Nishant Sindhu (27, 64b, 4x4) blocked and left well against the TNCA XI’s tweakers in the first hour of play, adding 44 runs for the third wicket. Off-spinner S. Lakshay Jain broke the stand when he trapped Nishant in front with a slightly faster delivery that skidded off the surface.

Dheeru Singh (21, 58b, 1x4, 1x6) joined Mayank as the duo managed to survive the first session, with Haryana going to lunch at 96 for three.

However, the crucial 40-run fourth-wicket partnership was broken in the second over after lunch when Sai Kishore brought on left-arm spinner P. Vidyuth, who removed Dheeru with a delivery that kept low and had leg-before.

Lakshay then sent back the well-set Mayank, who looked to defend a well-flighted delivery, only to be trapped in front just before the tea break.

With a misbehaving surface and the Haryana batters looking to defend rather than scoring runs, Sai Kishore probably missed a trick by not applying more pressure.

The scores:

TNCA XI 393 & 177/5 decl. drew with Haryana 218 & 201/5 in 103 overs (Mayank Shandilya 45, Himanshu Rana 46 n.o.).

TNCA XI 3(3), Haryana 1(4).

Scored my maiden First Class hundred with the bat Dhawan gave me: Ashutosh

S. Prasanna Venkatesan

SALEM

Ashutosh said he learnt a lot during his time with Dhawan in the IPL. E. LAKSHMI NARAYANAN

Punjab Kings and Railways batter Ashutosh Sharma said that he scored his maiden First Class ton on his Ranji Trophy debut with the bat that an impressed Shikhar Dhawan gave him when the latter watched him bat for the first time in the pre-season camp for the 2024 Indian Premier League in Mumbai.

When asked if he had anything memorable to share about Dhawan, who announced his retirement on Saturday morning, Ashutosh said: “The best thing was when I met him for the first time for the (IPL 2024) pre-season camp. The first time he watched my batting, he gave me a bat. I made my maiden First Class hundred with that bat!”

Ashutosh smashed eight sixes and twelve fours in his 84-ball 123 versus Gujarat in that innings in January this year.

“Another memorable thing is that before I went in to bat in my first IPL game against Gujarat Titans, Dhawan was sitting behind and told me: ‘I know you will do it for the team.

“This cricket is the same as domestic cricket. Just calm your nerves,’” Ashutosh added.

Coming in to bat with 50 needed off 27 balls, his 17-ball 31 (3x4, 1x6) helped PBKS chase 200 with three wickets and a ball to spare in that match.

“I’ve spoken a lot with Shikhar Paaji (at PBKS). He taught me about visualisation and manifestation, to always think positively.

“I learnt how a legend like him and a foreign player like Sam Curran perform in tough situations. The main thing is that I learnt how to handle pressure,” said the 25-year-old at the Salem Cricket Foundation (SCF) ground.

Jabez Naveen Kumar takes out Kai Nam Pang

Ashwin Achal

BENGALURU

Too good: Szubarczyk showed his class with a comfortable win over Pipaliya.K. Murali Kumar

India’s Jabez Naveen Kumar took out Hong Kong’s Kai Nam Pang in the group stage of the IBSF World under-17 boys’ snooker championship at KSBA here on Saturday.

Tamil Nadu youngster Jabez, who won bronze in the National sub-junior championship last year, came into his own after losing the first frame.

Poland’s Michał Szubarczyk showed his class with a comfortable 85-28, 98-11, 74-20 win over India’s Bhavya Pipaliya. Szubarczyk, 13, was barely tested as he racked up big breaks to dismantle his opponent.

Riley Powell of Wales, who shocked former World championship runner-up Kyren Wilson in the 2023 Snooker Shoot Out, coasted past India’s Aarav Sancheti.

The results: Group stage: Riley Powell (Wal) bt Aarav Sancheti (Ind) 52-7, 61-28, 98-0; Mohammed Mustafa (Ind) bt Lennart Tomei (Ger) 68-34, 57-36, 30-65.

Ziyad Alqabbani (KSA) bt Hassan Ali Amanulla (SL) 63-24, 74-18, 74-36; Jabez Naveen Kumar (Ind) bt Kai Nam Pang (HKG) 35-65, 54-27, 71-39, 65-45; Sky Chan (HKG) bt Krzysztof Czapnik (Pol) 29-67, 72-29, 62-6, 76-6.

Christian Richter (Ger) bt Sham Alwin (Ind) 65-15, 84-21, 93-11; Lomnaw Issarangkun (Thai) bt Abdullah Alqabbani (KSA) 64-6, 71-1, 76-0; Paul Arthur Jeroch (Ger) bt Abdulaziz Alsawad (KSA) 51-31, 61-24, 66-15.

Michał Szubarczyk (Pol) bt Bhavya Pipaliya (Ind) 85-28, 98-11, 74-20.

Pariat pips Barter to the F4 flag in dramatic fashion

S. Dipak Ragav

Chennai

The highlight: Pariat is all smiles after the first race of the 2024 Indian F4 championship. M. VEDHAN

The 2024 edition of the Indian Racing Festival got off to a smooth start at the Madras International Circuit here on Saturday. However, it was heartbreak for the leaders in the two premier races — the F4 Indian Championship and the Indian Racing League — as they had car trouble towards the end.

The highlight of the day was Indian driver Jaden Pariat winning the first F4 race in dramatic fashion, inheriting the lead from Australian Hugh Barter on the final lap.

The 17-year-old Pariat, who sealed the MRF 2000 title last week at this venue in commanding fashion, played the long game in the 25-minute race and was there to pick up the pieces when Barter pulled aside at a few corners before the chequered flag.

Pole-sitter Barter was the dominant driver, quickly establishing a lead of more than 15 seconds over the pursuing pack, lapping nearly a second quicker than his rivals consistently.

Pariat passed compatriot Ruhaan Alva on the first lap to take third place. He moved up to second when he passed South African Aqil Alibhai towards the end. This move ultimately proved decisive, earning Pariat his first F4 win, with Alva finishing third.

Britain’s Jon Lancaster won the IRL when race-leader Neel Jani retired three minutes before the finish. Alvaro Parente came second, and Alva completed the podium, his second third-place of the day.

‘I haven’t done anything wrong’ relieved Sinner

Agence France-Presse

New York

Tennis World No. 1 Jannik Sinner said on Friday he was relieved to escape a doping ban after twice testing positive for a banned substance, even though “in my mind I know that I haven’t done anything wrong.”

The 23-year-old Italian spoke publicly for the first time since the International Tennis Integrity Agency cleared him this week of wrongdoing, accepting his explanation that the drug entered his system when his physiotherapist used a spray containing it to treat a cut, then provided massage and sports therapy to the player.

Sinner tested positive for low levels of the banned anabolic agent clostebol in March — once during the Indian Wells Masters and again in an out-of-competition test eight days later.

Sinner was stripped of his results, prize money and 400 ranking points he accumulated at Indian Wells, but the ITIA confirmed this week that an independent tribunal found that he “bears no fault or negligence” for the violations.

Sinner said the months-long process was a nerve-wracking experience, and he rejected suggestions he had received any special treatment because of his lofty ranking.

“No, it’s every player who gets tested positive has to go through the same process,” Sinner said at a news conference at the US Open which starts Monday.

“There is no shortcut, there is no different treatment, they are all the same process.”

He said he was able to keep playing, without a lengthy provisional suspension, because his team immediately pinpointed the fact that physio Giacomo Naldi had used a spray containing the drug to treat a cut finger.

Gukesh, Pragg draw again; Firouzja surges

Press Trust of India

Saint Louis (USA)

Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa squandered a winning position against Wesley So of America while World Championship challenger D. Gukesh was involved in a hard-fought draw in the fifth round of the Sinquefield Cup, the final leg of the Grand Chess Tour.

On a day when Alireza Firouzja of France put it across Anish Giri of Holland, the other matches in the 10-player round-robin tournament ended in draws.

By defeating Giri with white, Firouzja became the sole leader going into the rest day. He has 3.5 points and is half-a-point ahead of So.

The latter escaped with a draw after fiercely defending an endgame material down against Praggnanandhaa.

Sunday’s sixth round will see So playing white against Firouzja.

With three points, So holds the second spot followed by Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France, Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh, Ding Liren of China, Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia and Fabiano Caruana of USA, sharing the third spot with 2.5 points each.

Fifth round results:

R. Praggnanandhaa (Ind, 2.5) drew with Wesley So (USA, 3); Alireza Firouzja (Fra, 3.5) bt Anish Giri (Ned, 1.5).

Ian Nepomniachtchi (Fide, 2.5) drew with Ding Liren (Chn, 2.5); Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzb, 2) drew with D. Gukesh (Ind, 2.5).

Fabiano Caruana (USA, 2.5) drew with Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (Fra, 2.5).

Vaishnavi storms into Nakhon Si Thammarat final

Eighth seed Vaishnavi Adkar defeated third-ranked Rina Saigo of Japan 6-0, 6-3 in the semifinals of the $15,000 ITF women’s tennis tournament at Nakhon Si Thammarat on Saturday. In the final, Vaishnavi will play fourth seed Patcharin Cheapchandej of Thailand. In the $867,750 ATP event in Winston-Salem (USA), wild cards Dhakshineswar Suresh and Luca Pow lost 6-4, 6-2 to fourth seeds Nathaniel Lammons and Jackson Withrow of the USA in the doubles semifinals. The Indo-British pair, who pursue their education at the Wake Forest University, won 90 ATP points, and $12,470. It was a breakthrough week for Dhakshineswar as he had also made the final qualifying round in singles. He has a modest singles ranking of 1087 and 1710 in doubles, mainly because he rarely gets to play the professional circuit.

The results: $867,750 ATP, Winston-Salem: Doubles, semifinals: Lammons & Withrow (USA) bt Pow (GBR) & Suresh 6-4, 6-2. $15,000 ITF, Nakhon Si Thammarat: Semifinals, men’s doubles: Jirat Navasirisomboon & Pawit Sornlaksup (Tha) bt Markos Kalovelonis (Gre) & Nitin Kumar Sinha 7-6(4), 7-6(5). Women: Vaishnavi bt Rina Saigo (Jpn) 6-0, 6-3.

India earns quotas in surfing for 2026 Asian Games

The Indian surfing team, participating in the Asian championships in Thulusdhoo (Maldives), secured its first-ever quotas for the 2026 Asian Games, with one spot each for men and women, according to a Surfing Federation of India release. The quotas have been earned based on the ranking points accumulated by Indians in the Asian championships. Kishore Kumar, who made the semifinal on Friday, missed out narrowly in a stiff competition but his performance throughout the tournament ensured India earned quotas for the Games. The Asian championships, which also is a qualifier for the 2026 edition, saw eight Indians competing in four different categories. Kishore was up against some of Asia’s best in the under-18 category. He finished third in Heat 2 semifinal with 8.26, just behind Chengzheng Wang of China, who scored 10 to be second.

Messi begins individual on-field training

Lionel Messi began individual on-field training this week and could be ready to join Inter Miami on the field before the end of the MLS regular season, Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino said on Friday.

SM

- Gen Z: breaking the 9 to 5

- When children make history

- Facing up to tyranny

- Clash of memories

- A way in the world

- 400, not out

- Nandan Kamath: playing the long game

- Easy like Sunday morning

- Latvian lead

- The happiness mantra

- It’s time to unwind

- Achieving gender parity is still remains a dream

- Where designs inspire social connections

- Pencil in some rest

Neha Mehrotra

This ‘high-maintenance’ generation speaks up for self-reliance, isn’t okay with inflexible work environments, and wants to retire by 35. There’s a lot that corporates can learn from them too: from transparency to pay equality

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8 of 8 Saurabh Misal

Just five years ago, Elon Musk was tweeting how “nobody ever changed the world on 40 hours a week”, suggesting a work week of 80-100 hours. “Pain level increases exponentially above 80,” he warned. The young workforce responded with cheer and admiration — after all, they were part of a millennials-fuelled hustle culture punctuated by #ThankGodIt’sMonday hashtags.

Things are different in the post-pandemic world. Today’s youth, the infamous Gen Z, don’t react kindly to 77-year-old billionaires or anyone else telling them to work 70-hour weeks. Their priorities are different, to say the least: they don’t want to be 9 to 5 “corporate mazdoors”; they’ll avoid working overtime unless “the world is falling apart”; they’ll talk to the director of the company as casually as they do a co-worker; they all seem to have side-hustles, or at least side-dreams that they nurture in anticipation of future fruition. All in all, there’s a sense of limitless possibilities. As one Gen Zer put it, there are so many choices that it’s paralysing because “we could be so many things right now”.

The flip side, however, is that the retention rate for Gen Z employees tends to be quite poor. Most stay on at companies anywhere between one and five years — the number often being closer to one. This generation is also the most susceptible to ‘corporate despair’ (videos of youngsters screaming in panic rooms, for instance, are doing the rounds on social media). According to data from LinkedIn, 94% of Gen Z professionals are considering a job switch in 2024. Their top priority, the platform found, is work-life balance, with 20% listing it as their main career goal and 36% leaving their current jobs for it.

It’s important to acknowledge, as many of these Gen Z professionals do, that they are part of a relatively privileged minority. Even as unemployment among the rest of India’s youth is rampant, almost touching 46%, with every new day bringing news of job cuts and digital disruptions — like Reliance Industries reportedly cutting 42,000 jobs in FY 2024 — this select group of highly educated youngsters float above it all. Their parents, benefiters of India’s steadily growing GDP over the last 20 years, have acquired sufficient wealth and security that their children can now afford to demand better, raise the bar higher, and if not met, quit jobs that don’t suit them.

Employers, for their part, are having a hard time dealing with this new, ‘high-maintenance’ generation. Very few are equipped for these fresh-from-college graduates talking about mental health, toxic work culture, and choice of pronouns.

Clash of the generations

Part of the “COVID-batch”, Nadia Khatib’s college years were spent online. Amid Zoom classes and Google Meet study sessions, the 24-year-old started creating food videos and offering restaurant reviews and recommendations on Instagram. Before she knew it, she had become a social media influencer for all things Goa. Her job as a social media marketing associate at MindShift Interactive, a digital marketing and branding agency, was an extension of this — and it was great. The job was remote, the company was filled with Gen Z employees, and Khatib’s boss was open to creative ideas, even when it involved luxury clientele such as Taj who usually have strict, staid brand guidelines. The company also had no problem with Khatib being a ‘creator’ on the side. “There were so many days that I worked from an event with my laptop,” she recalls.

Eighteen months later, she moved to a different marketing company (the workload not aligning with her health), but this time around, her experience was very different. She was the only Gen Zer there, the rest being millennials. There was a lot of micro-managing and doing things the long way. “Gen Z, we like to close our work as efficiently as possible. But I find that millennials will have doubts, will rethink things, and end up doubling the work,” she says. (On the contrary, Khatib’s former boss, Marilyn Pinto, 31, believes Gen Zers tend to overthink, especially since, for many, it is their first job.)

She also felt like she was judged for drawing boundaries: not working late, not working on weekends. But why should she? “They only pay us for work hours and I have a life beyond work.” For now, she’s managed to squeeze her content creation and freelancing projects into the weekend, but she’s looking for a switch, preferably to a Gen Z-heavy company.

Others are more jaded. In Bengaluru, Bani S.* has worked at three different start-ups in the last few years spanning a variety of sectors, all of which have had a “crazy pace” of work — “My output was what two people would have produced anywhere else”. But one of them was the worst. “It was the most toxic job that I’ve ever had, and I didn’t last more than six months,” says the 24-year-old, describing it as a “daftar from the 90s, where to prove your loyalty to the company, you had to sit in front of the boss from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.”, apart from working Saturdays, sometimes Sundays, and always being available. “It felt like such a fundamental difference. The things they considered important, that level of micromanagement, I just didn’t get it,” she says. She soon moved to a new company, and her expectations this time were more modest. “All I’m looking for is flexibility. If you give me more control over my time and the same deliverables, I’m okay with it.”

Focus on money and growth

Bosses, sitting on the opposite end of the spectrum, come with their own perspective. Nayla Pandit, 37, has worked at an American multinational technology company for eight years, and has encountered her fair share of Gen Zers. From her experience, they want two things: money and accelerated growth. “There are freshers from IIT, BITS, and NIT who join with insanely high packages, like ₹18-₹19 lakh per annum — it’s almost as much as I’m getting paid after all these years. And within three months, they’re talking about appraisals and asking for promotions,” she says.

The company does its best to retain them, but often can’t keep up with their expectations. Pandit divulged that they hired 40 freshers in 2019; of them, 38 have left. Some leave for better packages elsewhere, but she’s also seen a few quitting the corporate grind altogether to do “whacky” things: start restaurants, and, in one case, join the Padukone Academy to become a professional badminton player.

Even the ones who end up staying are clear that they’re doing it just for the money. “They all want to retire by 35,” she says. This requires avid financial planning, and Gen Zers seem on board. According to a recent Financial Times article, the last few years have seen a frenzied enthusiasm for trading among the country’s Gen Z cohort, courtesy cheap brokerage, and a band of ‘finfluencers’. The benchmark Nifty 50 index of large Indian companies has doubled over the last five years, beating Japan’s resurgent Nikkei 225 and even America’s S&P 500. Looking at today’s employed youngsters, Pandit can see why. “Even before they’ve walked into their first job, they have their financial planner on board with them. SIPs, mutual funds, everything is in place,” she jokes, a stark difference from her own generation (millennials) who never had that level of financial literacy.

Her company has recently taken to discouraging employees from hiring freshers, in favour of someone with two to three years of experience. They want someone well-versed with the ins and outs of corporate culture. Most significantly, one often has to pay a fresher as much as someone with two to three years of experience. It’s no wonder that job listings have now started specifying requirements for “freshers with 2-3 years of experience”. How someone with three years of experience qualifies as a ‘fresher’, or what real freshers with zero experience are to do, remains to be seen. Even the BITS graduate Pandit hired this year has a year’s experience, and in spite of it, has been hired on a contractual basis.

Can Gen Z and

corporates play well?

This gap, between Gen Zers and the companies they work for, is real. A few organisations are trying to bridge it, working with young professionals to get them job-ready while simultaneously training corporates on how to deal with, and retain, their Gen Z workforce. Shveta Raina’s Talerang is one of them.

A Harvard Business School graduate and former McKinsey employee, Raina has experienced first-hand how university doesn’t prepare you for the corporate grind. At Talerang, they start students off with an assessment to gauge how job-ready they are. Depending on the results, they are provided training in a set of hard and soft skills followed by mentorship. “If you look at Gen Z as compared to Gen Y or X, they expect a lot of communication, recognition, and respect for how they’ve done their work. They’re also big on authenticity. Whereas corporates are used to keeping things very black and white,” says Raina. So, on the one hand, Talerang works with young graduates to temper their expectations, and on the other, they work with corporates on how to get Gen Z adjusted into their organisation.

The most effective way of doing this, Raina has found, is through internships. “All initial teething issues get brought up at this stage, and we can work through them.” After every internship, Talerang gives students feedback on what the company said about them. “This ensures that when they get placed, they’re not ‘learning on the job’. They’re prepared.” Interestingly, the latest Union Budget has adopted a similar approach with its new internship scheme. Under this, 500 top companies in India have been encouraged to hire 21- to 24-year-olds as interns, where the government will offer a monthly allowance of ₹5,000 for 12 months. This is expected to make the country’s vast youth work-ready, paving the way for easier employment.

An employee-first ethos

In spite of all that’s said of Gen Z, there are instances of them settling into organisations seamlessly. Much of this has to do with workplace culture, proving that good organisations with an employee-first ethos are more than capable of flattening generational divides. Gauri Bansal, 27, spent the first three years of her professional life working for Twitter as a product manager, and by her own admission, it “spoiled her in terms of culture, access, exposure”. Organisations like these don’t have a stereotypical ‘Indian-company mentality’, she says, but instead, treat you like an adult. “This means that I don’t have to report every single thing I’m doing to my manager. Our teams operated on a great deal of trust,” says Bansal.

There were times when she was the only Gen Zer and the only woman in a room full of older men. For instance, she remembers when they were debating a safety feature that allowed women to report harassment. Bansal felt that her global counterparts were adopting a feature-first approach that put the onus of providing information on the woman. “If someone has just experienced harassment, it might not be the best time to ask them for a detailed report on what happened. It might end up adding to their trauma,” she had noted. Suggestions like these, based on lived experience and empathy, were well-received, and more importantly, she felt like there was a space to offer them. The perks were good, too: increased medical health insurance during COVID-19, a productivity allowance (money to set up a home office), and a wellness allowance (to take up a sport or hobby). Had it not been for the massive layoffs initiated by Elon Musk when he took over Twitter, she had intended to continue there.

“I think it’s important to have a culture where, if you’re having a bad day, you should be able to tell your team ‘I’m going to take the rest of the day off’, and still be trusted to deliver once you’re back,” concludes Bansal.

* Names changed

for privacy.

The writer is based in New Delhi.

make history

Menaka Raman

Sayoni Basu knew that the absence of unbiased history books that talk of people, based on hard facts, called for a special historical fiction series, ‘Songs of Freedom’

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2 of 7 Memory keepers Authors (top to bottom) Lesley D. Biswas, Shruthi Rao and Hannah Lalhlanpuii; and (above) children dressed as freedom fighters for Independence Day celebration in a Chennai school. (Special Arrangement & ANI) ANI

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What do you remember about your school history lessons? I recall a litany of dates, names, acts and wars. Poorly reproduced black-and-white photos and line drawings of kings and queens. It was something to be endured rather than enjoyed.

It wasn’t till I readThe Diary of Anne Frankin Class VIII that I actually had an emotional reaction to a historical event. Perhaps it was reading about the experiences of a girl not much older than myself that left such a big impression on me.

It’s easy to forget that children bear witness to, and participate in, the making of history, when all we read about are the heads of states, generals and policies that shaped the times. It was this sentiment that inspired Sayoni Basu, co-founder of Duckbill Books, to envisionSongs of Freedom, a historical fiction series for young readers that tells the story of India’s Independence struggle through the eyes and experiences of children. Since the series launched in 2022, eight books have been published, each set in geographically diverse locations, from Mumbaito Manikoil, and Aizawl to Kolkata, spanning a time period from 1900 to 1942.

“The freedom movement was when the idea of India was shaped, and where we, the people, truly determined the future we wanted. Even today, we deserve to shape our future. It’s important for children to learn about acts of resistance and the power they hold to make change,” says Basu, an avid reader of historical fiction and non-fiction herself.

Music as revolution

These acts of resistance and change-making are small but powerful in Shruthi Rao’s A Melody in Mysore, released last month. It is 1932 and12-year-old Leela is being raised by her Ajji (grandmother) in the well-governed, prosperous Mysore kingdom, free of British interference, under the rule of the Wodeyars. Leela hears snippets of information about Gandhi and the independence movement sweeping through the country from her Shivappa Meshtru and whispered conversations at home, but she is desperate to know more.

Her wishes come true when she meets Malathi Akka who moves into the neighbourhood, and exposes her to new ideas, poetry and music, through a gramophone. Rao’s story explores the role of music as a medium through which ideas of freedom and revolution were subversively spread, hidden between the lines of religious songs and poetry. Rao highlights how little deeds or as the book calls them,alilu seva, often go unnoticed but are of great importance. “Every time people speak of the freedom struggle, I can’t help but think of all those who worked tirelessly, who kept the movement alive with their tiny actions, whose names we will never know. Many of these people were women. Unknown, unacknowledged. My story is a tribute to all of them,” Rao says.

This inclusion of the role of common people in the freedom struggle resonates with young readers. Ten-year-old Bengaluru boy Ninad Kamath, who lovesThe Chowpatty Cooking Club(2022) by Lubaina Bandukwala, shares: “Our history books only talk about the main events and leaders. I love how children and the smaller events are covered in this series.”

While the books are in no way intended to impart learning, I can’t help but think of all the things they have taught me. Swati Sengupta’s A Rebellion in Ranchi, also released last month, is set in 1915 and looks at how the Oraons, suppressed by land-owning Zamindars and the British, join the Tana Bhagat movement and attempt to adhere to non-violence even as violence is unleashed around them. I found it fascinating that the Adivasis believed German Baba — none other than the German Kaiser himself — would help them defeat the British. The stories were possibly brought to the region by German missionaries.

View from the Northeast

What struck me the most about the books in this series is the many layers of narrative woven together.

In Hannah Lalhlanpuii’s Postcard from the Lushai Brigade (2023), 13-year-old Bawiha is living a seemingly idyllic life with his mother, grandmother and older brother Kima. Set in 1942, Lalhalnpuii centres the book around the formation of an independent brigade to fight on the side of the British against an imminent Japanese invasion. Each of the characters in the book offers readers a different point-of-view on the events unfolding before them: Bawiha’s grandmother mourns the erasure of local customs and culture under British rule. Kima voluntarily signs up to join the Lushai Brigade even as he speaks of Gandhi’s chosen weapon of non-violence. And then there is Bawiha himself, whose coming-of-age is complex and beautifully portrayed.

Lalhlanpuii has always wanted to write about the social and cultural impact of colonialism on the everyday lives of common people, something she feels is rarely discussed and written about. “We still have a long way to go when it comes to the Northeast, be it historical writing or children’s literature. It is crucial to incorporate this history into the mainstream curriculum to bridge the cultural divide that exists.”

Unexpected discoveries

But what do children find interesting about the books? Maya Rasquinha, a 10-year-old fan of the series from Mumbai loves reading how children participated in the freedom struggle. “I read about the role of students from Calcutta’s colleges in the freedom movement in Lesley D. Biswas’s A Conspiracy in Calcutta (2022)and was amazed by their courage. I knew that freedom fighters spent so many years in jail, but before I read the ‘Songs of Freedom’ books I had not thought about the many ordinary people who also risked their lives and went to jail.”

Initiatives like‘Songs of Freedom’are even more important today as we live through sweeping and selective cuts to history syllabi, which are increasingly riddled with factual errors and blatant misinformation.

I asked Basu what role she felt fiction and non-fiction books play for young readers. “There is a crying need for well-researched, unbiased history books that talk of people and places based on hard facts,” she says. Basu’s authors all conduct meticulous research — Lalhlanpuii went through state archives, gathered photographs and spoke to Mizo historians — and are asked to cite sources for information as far as possible. Occasionally, subject/period specialists are brought in to read certain sections.

Basu adds, “But there are only two important things to keep in mind: research and fabulous writing. Neither can be compromised in the least.”

The writer is a children’s book author and columnist based in Bengaluru.

Facing up to tyranny

Pranavi Sharma

Hisham Matar’s My Friends , about three young Libyans in exile, sees him responding to history and politics more violently than he ever had before

1 of 3 Bygone times Young Libyans join a military parade commemorating the 13th anniversary of the uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi’s regime, in February 2024; (below) author Hisham Matar. (Getty Images)

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I have lost friends, some by death... others by sheer inability to cross the street,” wrote Virginia Woolf in 1931, and if there is one book that embodies this quote, it is Hisham Matar’s My Friends, longlisted for this year’s Booker Prize. Friendships are most certainly an ‘education similar to literature’. A field that requires its own forensic study.

My Friends spans 30 years, from 1980 to the Libyan revolution of 2011, told within a two-hour-long walk across London undertaken by the protagonist, Khaled. The story begins with the end — two friends part and the reader does not know why. As one further wades through the waters, it is revealed that Khaled’s relationship with his friend is not an ordinary one. In 1980, when Khaled was still in Libya, living with his parents, a story was narrated on radio by a journalist as an apparent sign of protest against Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. Killings, assassinations and abduction were routine and exiled Libyans were not exempt from the tyrant’s surveillance.

The said story was by a young Libyan writer called Hosam Zowa, who was then studying in Trinity College, Dublin. Titled ‘The Given and the Taken’, it was a bizarre tale of a man being eaten alive by his cat until he ‘was nothing but his head and torso’. Deeply moved, Khaled could never shake off the feeling this allegory had cast on him. Exactly three years later, he moves to the University of Edinburgh, London, to study English literature. And it isn’t until years later in Paris that he actually meets Hosam and thus begins the chronicle of their profound friendship.

Expectations from an artist

It is rumoured that Picasso was busy having his coffee somewhere in France while World War I raged on in the background. Hosam’s character juggles with the presupposed idea of a reactionary artist and on top of that, a courageous one in the face of tyranny. While being ordinary human beings living in the shadows of their own predicament, it is expected that an artist be an exemplary force in times of crises.

Mustafa, another dear friend of Hosam’s who arrives in London at about the same time, is disappointed when Hosam is unable to speak up against the dictator when given a platform. Ideologies are often always at loggerheads in the novel. Khaled himself admits about his friendship with Mustafa and Hosam: “I was convinced that my two friends represented two separate and irreconcilable parts of my life that I had somehow to keep in balance, and that if it were not for me, they would never see each other.”

Upon reaching London, each of them, like “hopeful fishermen, cast their net wide”. London as a setting becomes both an abstract ‘bottomless well’ and the material reality in which events unfold. It is also Khaled’s walking companion and has sometimes a gory life of its own. My Friends is as much a story of exiled humans as it is about the anguish of prematurely disillusioned young men coming of age. The characters are continuously scrutinised for having too much courage or shamed for relegating things to fate. The author manages to keep the reader in the proverbial shoes of Khaled as he is consumed by the idea of his only two friends turning into men of action while he watches from the sidelines, forever exiled.

Keeping the past alive

Having penned down his lived experience in his Pulitzer-winning 2017 memoir The Return, Matar comes out as an ‘exemplary sufferer’ with this book. My Friends might just be one of Matar’s best attempts at impersonality. He responds to history and politics more violently than he has in any of his other works. Also remarkable about this book is its treatment of women, who despite being secondary characters, do not come off as mere appendages, and are given sovereign space on the page.

As both of Khaled’s friends join the Libyan front, the prose flows from one century to the next owning up to its unconscious languidness. Khaled recounts that Joseph Conrad, when he first got to England, burned his father’s papers. Libyans never leave home, even when they are exiled. It is an accomplishment, according to Khaled, to forget one’s father. The collective resilience of Libyans and their ability to live simultaneously in two extremes, comes (as Hosam’s mother later reveals) from a place “where hate and affection, bewilderment and clarity, are braided so tightly that they form an unbreakable cord, a rope fit to lift an entire nation”.

The reviewer is an independent journalist based in Delhi.

Clash of

Sobhana K. Nair

Different castes remember the violence at Bhima Koregaon and the reasons for it differently

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2 of 4 Bhima Koregaon: Challenging Caste Ajaz Ashraf Authors Upfront ₹795

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In Bhima Koregaon: Challenging Caste, senior journalist Ajaz Ashraf relooks the events that led to the Bhima Koregaon violence on January 1, 2018. Ashraf sees the incident as a clash between two worldviews, one striving to flatten the social hierarchy and the other perpetuating it, as he says in this interview.

Question: You recreate the Bhima Koregaon violence from varying points of view. How difficult was it to write this book?

Answer: The difficulty arises from different castes remembering a shared past differently. For instance, Dalits celebrate the 1818 Battle of Bhima Koregaon as they believe the British Indian Army’s victory over the Peshwa liberated them from his oppressive Brahminical rule. Mahar soldiers played a significant role in the battle. But this belief is a myth, it is argued, for the British fought the Peshwa to expand their empire, not to liberate the Dalits.

Now, consider this: in 1786, the Peshwa rejected the demand of Konkan’s Mahars that Brahmin priests should conduct their marriages. Their quest for equality was suppressed. Wouldn’t they have been relieved, if not delighted, at the demise of the Peshwa rule 32 years later?

In Kurosawa’s Rashomon, eyewitnesses to a murder provide remarkably different accounts of it. This is as true of the accounts of four police officers and two Dalits I used to reconstruct the January 1, 2018, violence at Bhima Koregaon. The officers did not hear the insulting, provocative slogans the two Dalits did regarding their community. Whose narrative is authentic? The violence, to me, seemed scripted against Dalits. ‘Seemed’, don’t miss that.

Q: When did Bhima Koregaon become a site of annual pilgrimage?

A: The tradition of Dalits gathering at Bhima Koregaon is popularly ascribed to B.R. Ambedkar, who visited the village on January 1, 1927. January 1 is the day the Peshwa was defeated in 1818. But Ambedkar was taken there by Dalit leader Shivram Kamble, who had been assembling community members every New Year’s Day for some years before 1927. It was Kamble’s method of reminding the British about the contributions of Mahar soldiers in the Battle of Bhima Koregaon, and persuade the colonial power to reverse its 1892 policy of not recruiting them for the Army. However, it was from the 1980s that thousands upon thousands of Dalits began visiting Bhima Koregaon. The celebration today invokes the memory of 1818 to inspire Dalits to fight caste oppression.

Q: Can you tell us about the trigger for the violence?

A: On the night of December 28-29, 2017, Dalits erected a board outside the precincts of the samadhi of Chatrapati Sambhaji, located at Vadhu Budruk, a village three kms from Bhima Koregaon. The board recalled that after Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, on March 11, 1689, ordered the execution and dismemberment of Chhatrapati Sambhaji, his body pieces were scattered. The board claimed that Govind Gopal, a Mahar of Vadhu Budruk, collected the pieces of his body, stitched them together, and cremated him.

Maratha residents of Vadhu Budruk, on December 29 morning, uprooted the board, and desecrated the samadhi of Govind Gopal, also located in the same village. They said the board was propagating wrong history, claiming it was a Shivale-Patil couple, Maratha by caste, who had cremated Chhatrapati Sambhaji. This is mentioned in another board at the samadhi, but it was erected only in 2015, after an existing board was removed.

The pre-2015 board credited the entire village with cremating Chhatrapati Sambhaji, and his son Chhatrapati Shahu I for building the samadhi. The pre-2015 board named Govind Gopal as one of the “three servants” of the samadhi, and said it was “significant” that he belonged to the Mahar caste. The 2015 board, erected allegedly by Milind Ekbote’s outfit, omitted the reference to Govind Gopal, an obvious attempt to efface him from popular memory, from history.

The news of the desecration of Govind Gopal’s samadhi went viral on social media. Seven Marathas were arrested. The mounting tension between the two castes was exploited to foment violence on January 1.

But the fight over history continues: the Bhima Koregaon Commission of Inquiry was presented a copy of a purportedly British era document that claimed Chhatrapati Sambhaji was cremated by Bapuji Shivale and Padmavati, the Shivale couple. I found several discrepancies in this document. In contrast, there are official documents testifying to Govind Gopal’s links to Chhatrapati Sambhaji’s samadhi, but none supporting the claim that he cremated him. On balance, Govind Gopal has a stronger link to the history of Chhatrapati Sambhaji than Vadhu Budruk’s Shivales.

Q: After the 2018 incident, has the commemoration of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon stopped?

A: It remains an annual affair, and will continue to be so because Dalits, by remembering Bhima Koregaon, lay claim to history, of being not just hapless untouchables but having played a significant role in the demise of the Peshwa’s Brahminical rule.

A way in the

Mini Kapoor

In a warm and deeply moving memoir, Naipaul’s sister maps her family of achievers

1 of 2 V.S. Naipaul in Salisbury, England. (AP) Chris Ison

2 of 2 The Naipauls of Nepaul Street Savi Naipaul Akal Speaking Tiger ₹499

A family memoir about the Naipauls has to have as one running thread the extraordinary, if immensely complicated, life and career of V.S. ‘Vidia’ Naipaul. How could it not. In fact, as this warm, wise, candid, deeply moving book, The Naipauls of Nepaul Street, by his sister Savi Naipaul Akal explains, there could be no other Naipauls alluded to — their father Seepersad was the only one in his family to change the family name ‘Nyepal’ to ‘Naipaul’.

Vidia was the second of Seepersad and Droapatie’s seven children; Savi is the fifth. Vidia would, as we know, establish himself early in life as a leading writer globally, and win the Nobel Prize. His writing drew on his geographical and family heritage. His ancestors had come to Trinidad as indentured workers from what is now eastern Uttar Pradesh. His father had made his way in the world by seeking as much education as he could, and relying on family connections, to become a journalist and to secure for his family the stability of an income and solid home (26 Nepaul Street). To their children Seepersad and Droapatie imparted the ambition of becoming their truest selves by getting to the best schools they possibly could, always a tough exercise in colonial Trinidad, and working through a series of examinations to win scholarships and admission to institutions of higher eduction. As Savi writes, “Passing certain examinations had an almost sacred significance in our lives.”

A responsible chronicler

And so it came to be that among this family of achievers, each one of them, Vidia went off to Oxford on an “island scholarship” in 1950. A year earlier his older sister Kamla sailed for Banaras Hindu University on an Indian Government scholarship. The siblings, in turn, heeded the parents’ ethic and helped each other along, financially and in other supportive ways. Savi travelled afar too for studies, and took up a career in teaching.

But to Vidia especially, Seepersad bestowed the aspiration to be a writer, and this inheritance would over the years be poignantly captured in the son’s books and the correspondence between father and son. The sixth child, Shiva, who too went on to Oxford and wrote books to much acclaim, before passing away too young, was doted on by his sisters especially, but had a fraught relationship with his older brother, and somehow never fully caught Seepersad’s focus.

Around the barebones of the family story familiar to Vidia’s readers, Savi fills in the stories of the rest of the family. The anchor for the memoir is the family’s home base in Trinidad, and their personalities come alive here (often to the exclusion of what else may have been in other parts of the world.) Seepersad comes across as a sometimes anxious, lively and artistic personality (besides reading and writing, painting signs, gardening, making walking sticks). But at the heart of the narrative is Droapatie. “Ma had truly begun to know the world only with her marriage to Pa,” writes Savi. In time, she’d know it more as her children flourished — and later in life as she began to carve out her own routine, and travel.

Savi lightly but surely heeds the responsibilities of a chronicler — political attitudes, little joys as well as hurtful slights are conveyed without privileging any one member’s experience only because of his/her celebrity. Quieter acts of caring are recounted. And the bafflement at, for example, revelations about Vidia in Patrick French’s biography is not glossed over. Savi has been late to come to public attention as a writer in this family of writers, and, in her own right, she has written this family memoir and social history with an open heart.

The reviewer is a Delhi-based journalist and critic.

400, not out

K.C. Vijaya Kumar

Brian Lara tells a candid story about his cricketing life in the West Indies and beyond

1 of 2 Lara, The England Chronicles Brian Lara Fairfield Books/Simon & Schuster ₹1,250

2 of 2 Brian Lara (Getty Images) Getty Images

Cricket’s left-handed batters either fall into the larger stereotype of elegance or the smaller cliche suffused with grit. However, Brian Lara is much more than these languid poetry or dull prose definitions that shadowed his fellow practitioners.

Lara could bruise the strongest and wiliest of attacks, with dazzling shots, and equally he could drop anchor for long as evident in the gargantuan scores he totted up: 501 n.o. for Warwickshire against Durham in 1994, 400 n.o. (Test’s cricket’s highest individual yield) for the West Indies against England in 2004; and the 375 against England back in 1994. Sachin Tendulkar owns a mountain range of batting records but the staggering peaks belong to Lara.

The diminutive magician from Trinidad and Tobago tells a candid story with assistance from sports writer Phil Walker in Lara, The England Chronicles. The book offers an insight into his childhood, his ambitions of playing for the West Indies, his batting highs, the captaincy woes, those dark phases, the England duels, besides giving readers a microscopic look at cricket in the magical Caribbean islands.

Honest memoir

What shines through is Lara’s self-awareness and he brings that same honesty in describing West Indian cricket. “I am someone who, if you don’t get me first, then I am in charge of everything,” he writes. At one point, he pens these scathing lines: “I was meant to keep the West Indies on top of the world and I couldn’t do it. We won a couple of things, I broke a couple of records, but I failed at my main purpose.”

This is a legend, who caught the tail-end of the glory days of Vivian Richards and company, and also served as a bridge to the subsequent generation headlined by Chris Gayle. Lara, silken runs and sensitive heart, and a recipient of some tough-love from Richards, also had some run-ins with Richie Richardson and Curtly Ambrose.

Importantly, the genius has a wider gaze evident while he ruminates over what Carl Hooper and Ian Bishop could have achieved considering the talent they possessed. Lara sees all, and this tome reflects this wonderful quality.

The lawyer and entrepreneur knows how to make India a sporting nation

1 of 3 Changemaker Nandan Kamath is a trustee of Go Sports Foundation, one of the early non-profits that helped transform the sporting ecosystem in India. (Special Arrangement)

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Nandan Kamath knows what he will be doing a decade from now. That’s because he set the ball rolling years ago. “I’m 47, and I have stuff to do for the next 10 years. I have no midlife crisis,” he says. “In my 30s I built for that, asking myself, ‘Are there things I would like to engage with in the future?’”

Kamath, a lawyer and sports entrepreneur (or sports enthusiast, as he describes himself), is also the author of Boundary Lab: Inside the Global Experiment Called Sport. It’s one part of his larger effort to show how sports can help create an inclusive, equitable society.

A thoughtful, erudite man with a ready smile, Kamath is a trustee of Go Sports Foundation, one of the early non-profits that helped change the sporting ecosystem in India by funding elite athletes. In 2013, Kamath did the same in government, helping the youth affairs and sports ministry launch TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) to improve India’s performance in the Olympics and Paralympics. “It enabled athletes access to public funds without having to go through the sporting federations,” he says. “TOPS skirted an imperfect system to fund athletes directly.” The programme presently supports 323 leading athletes.

It was endeavours like these that broke the monopoly of the legendary opaque and toxic federation model of Indian sport and possibly aided athletes such as Vinesh Phogat and other wrestlers to speak up against sexual harassment by the chief of their federation in January 2023. “Historically, we’ve never questioned the politicisation of sports bodies and nor has the government,” he says. “For the first time, the government would have regretted the politicisation of the body. It could not separate the wrestling body from itself and I think it lost a lot of public support along the way, largely because of the perceived unfairness.”

Sport as a natural resource

Like all of us, he watched Phogat soar — and then crash — at the Olympics. “It was a flashpoint of all the things that have happened in Indian sport,” he says. “I’m not sure we care about sport, I think we care about all of the drama around it that is larger than the human achievement. The remarkable day she had was lost in the melee.”

Kamath believes most of us are there to take from sport. But very few people ask how they can contribute. He talks about sport like it’s a natural resource — one could describe him as a sports environmentalist. For him, sport is “public domain which needs to be protected, prevented from depletion”. “Very few people ask how do we keep sports replenished,” he says.

He agrees with Abhinav Bindra who recently said, “Money is not going to get you medals. It’s not a vending machine.” He’s also an admirer of Neeraj Chopra who “at the peak of the productisation of celebrity keeps his authenticity in an extremely unique way”.

Chopra and Bindra help answer a question Kamath often grapples with: how do you stay who you are and not become who other people are saying is worth being? “If you’re willing to play the long game, you find multiple spaces, occupy them gradually and just be yourself in all these spaces,” says Kamath, who believes in working from within, gradually, rather than breaking down the entire structure to rebuild it.

That’s exactly what he’s done, as a lawyer who protects the business model of sport; as a teacher at cricket academies using sports as education; as a supporter of elite athletes and as a builder of an active society through his Sports and Society Accelerator that pushes the links between physical activity and health onto government agenda. “Eventually, I hope these last two will meet where elite sports offers ambassadorship for everyone being active, and a much more active society eventually feeds into both a culture of sports and the talent pool.”

Relating with success and failure

Kamath always acknowledges the huge impact sport had on his life as a teenager when he joined the Karnataka state cricket team. He played seriously until he surrendered this passion to law school. Sport helped him shed diffidence and build confidence. It exposed him to new experiences, journeys, friendships. “It built my relationship with success, relationship with failure, and those are things that aren’t in common supply,” he says.

He wants the same for his children, Yamini, 8, and Madhav, 5, who avidly watched the Olympics and asked for hockey sticks after seeing India play.

Parents who aspire to bring up sports lovers could learn this lesson from Kamath. “There’s a lot of free play,” he says. “There’s equipment around. If they ask to play we play with them, but we try to reduce the amount of structure and just make sure they have a good time.”

Right now, Kamath believes there’s no one pulling together all the working models in Indian sport, such as the badminton and shooting academies driven largely by the efforts of former athletes or the military’s efforts to nurture sports. “I don’t think there’s anybody thinking strategically about Indian sport,” he says. “They may think that they are but is there a 30-year-plan? I can guarantee you there isn’t.”

Easy like Sunday morning

Berty Ashley

What has August 25 ever given us?

Creative minds Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, also a painter, storyboarded his films as full-scale paintings. (Getty Images ) Getty Images

1 The first Tsar and Grand Prince of all Russia for 37 years from 1547, Ivan Vasilyevich was born on this date in 1530. He was responsible for the transformation of Russia from a medieval state to a giant empire.He was given the nickname Grozny (‘inspires fear’), but anti-Russian propaganda anglicised the nickname to portray him as an evil sadistic ruler. By what name is he known in English history?

2 On this date in 1609, this iconic person demonstrated the first version of his telescope to Venetian lawmakers showing a magnification of 8x or 9x. He sold them to merchants and sea traders, and only in November turned it on the moon. Who was this person who even makes an appearance in a song by Queen?

3 The New York Sun started a series of six articles, which followed the work of explorer John Herschel on August 25, 1835. He was the one who originated the Julian day system, and his father discovered Uranus. The articles declared that he had discovered life and civilisation away from Earth. Later, they admitted that it was an elaborate hoax. Where did The Sun say Herschel found life?

4 Hans Adolf Krebs, a German biochemist who won the Nobel Prize for discovering the citric acid cycle, was born on this day in 1900. An important metabolic sequence affecting carbohydrates, proteins and fats. What does this cycle produce for the body?

5 Born this date in 1930, this Scottish gentleman first came to prominence for bodybuilding and taking part in the Mr. Universe competition. Thinking he was too old for football he took up acting. Who was this actor who became the first to portray a legendary character onscreen?

6 The iconic Japanese film Rashomon, directed by Akira Kurosawa, was released on this day in 1950. Amongst its many technical innovations, it was also the first film to show a certain natural entity on screen. Till then it was believed that doing so will spoil the film. What did Kurosawa aim his camera at for the first time?

7 Taiwanese businessman Momofuku Ando introduced ‘Nissin Chikin Ramen’ on this date in 1958. Wanting to help post-war Japan get out of its food shortage, he perfected a flash-frying method, the product of which he marketed in cups. What did he invent that is still popular till date?

8 Tim Burton, an award-winning American director, whose list of movies include Corpse Bride, Sleepy Hollow, Dark Shadows, and Sweeney Todd, was born on August 25, 1958. He specialises in a genre that gets its name from ‘non-classical’ medieval architecture and is characterised by a dark colour palette, horror elements and supernatural entities. What genre is this?

9 The first version of Linux, a kernel for an operating system, was announced on this day in 1991 by software engineer Linus Torvalds. It was revolutionary as it allowed the user to modify and distribute the software free of charge. The name of this system comes from the fact that everyone has access to the source code. What are these softwares known as?

10 On August 25, 2006 naturalists Chris Atkins and Michael Taylor while exploring a National Park in California made a record-breaking discovery. They found a tree that stood 380.81 feet tall, and is (as of printing) the tallest of three trillion trees on the planet. Called ‘Hyperion’, what species of tree is this, which also gives its name to the National Park?

A molecular biologist from Madurai, our quizmaster enjoys trivia and music and is working on a rock ballad called ‘Coffee is a Drink, Kaapi is an Emotion’. @bertyashley

Latvian lead

Bob Jones

Neither vulnerable, North deals

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Today’s deal is from a recent tournament in Riga, Latvia. This was a pairs competition where every trick is crucial. South has not authorised the release of his name.

West, for unknown reasons, chose to lead the king of spades. We cannot imagine any reason for this lead, but perhaps our imagination is lacking. South, of course, believed this lead to be from a short suit, probably a singleton. He won with dummy’s ace and led a heart to his king. He could have cashed the ace of hearts at this point to guarantee 12 tricks. The lucky fall of the queen would give him all 13 tricks. The percentage play in hearts, however, was to finesse for the queen. There was no apparent danger, so South led the nine of clubs to dummy’s king and then led a heart back to his jack. Losing to West’s queen was not a surprise, but South was shocked when East ruffed the spade continuation.

Declarer had been taking what he thought was the best play for 13 tricks and wound up with only 11 tricks for a very poor score. It may be time for us to review our opening-lead strategies. Maybe if West writes a book…

The happiness

Naveen Khajanchi

Giving care and being cared for are essential for human well-being

“Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value. He is considered successful in our day who gets more out of life than he puts in. But a man of value will give more than he receives.”

—Albert Einstein

Our real progress lies in advancing towards a culture in which caring and sharing is a daily routine. With artificial intelligence being increasingly adopted, we now have to be more mindful of what it can and can’t do. At this moment, AI cannot be humane or have consciousness and so that is where we should focus on to survive its onslaught. Be better human beings.

Most people will agree with it, talk about it, yet not do much about it. This gap between “talk” and “do” is a big concern. What difference can one person make? A big difference. Say if only the top 10% of the wealthy shared just 10% of their wealth, most people will not go hungry to bed, most children will get good food and education, and medical facilities will be accessible to most.

Give with grace and receive with gratitude should be the motto of life. Practise caring and sharing without expectations as a daily routine. Seeding and nourishing something that can change the world is the best way to move towards putting into practice one’s own ideas. Using your limited time and wealth better is the way forward as it increases the quality of your life and others.

For me, the daily routine of finding someone whom I can care for or share with is itself a purposeful one as it gives joy. It leaves me with joyful memories. I see a more people doing their bit.

I believe that giving care and being cared for are essential for human happiness. Genuine care and support can work wonders for those fortunate enough to receive them. The unconditional love and care we receive from our mothers during childhood is perhaps the purest form of care. However, as we mature, many of us begin to take caring for granted, which can create a distance in our relationships and impact our happiness in the long run.

My maternal grandmother set an example of care in my life. In illness, she came lying down in a car to see my daughter, who had a fever. She always had chocolates, of which I could have only two pieces a day and was encouraged to share the balance with my cousins. Experiencing this as a child easily instilled the habit of sharing in me. My relationships with most people who have cared for me or whom I have cared for unconditionally are at their deepest level today.

Prioritise self-care

I firmly believe that expressing care and having it reciprocated is a divine blessing. In my daily life, I prioritise self-care by starting with a prayer of gratitude every morning and evening. It serves as a kind of happiness antivirus, running throughout the day. During my morning walks, I often take the time to enquire about people’s well-being, assist someone in need, or offer food to those less fortunate, all of which are typically met with smiles. Sharing needs to be done gracefully and not as a favour to others.

One winter’s night, I saw an old man loaded with hand baggage struggling to go up the ladder to an aircraft. I offered help, and he smilingly handed it over to me. On landing, I got my bags, and he did ask for his. I was a little irritated and went to him to give his bags. He smiled and said, “Oh, these are not mine,” and pointed to a young lady who was pregnant, as I could see. He had tried to help her despite his own health not being good. Selfless care is present in this world. Our loved ones also need this level of care and attention, whom we often take for granted. Indulge in it more often (without burnout) as that is what is going to give you more joy and memories.

Every day, I make it a point to perform at least one act exactly as my spouse, parents, or children would want. For example, I prepare tea for my father just the way he likes it or fulfil a request from my wife. As a habit, I enquire about people’s health at the start of my day. A very senior client who was very helpful when he was in the chair fell ill. He was hospitalised in a different city, and I happened to go there for some work for a day. I managed to go to the hospital to visit him during non-visiting hours. He was in tears and asked why I took so much trouble. I simply said, “When you were in the chair, I was a nobody. Your support and guidance at that time helped me stand. I can never forget that.”

For my children this was an example. At times, we build expectations, yet now I am able to let go and accept things much more easily as I only do as much as is comfortable for me.

The importance of sharing extends beyond material possessions to include emotions, gratitude, and appreciation for others. Many people around me focus on saving and accumulating wealth without realising that true fulfilment comes from giving back and not retiring to the graveyard rich. They keep storing stuff which is later discarded or goes to waste, as when the time to use it comes, its usability is already over. The joy of seeing people get what they don’t have is so much more satisfying than having a little more for myself in the wardrobe or fridge. My mother had the wisdom to teach me, “You do what’s good for you and let others do what’s good for them.”

Most of us have an abundance of food and clothing, which is why I make it a point never to let my fridge or wardrobe become overloaded. Instead, I graciously distribute excess food and clothing to those in need. During a power outage caused by a cyclone, I shared a candle and some milk powder with an elderly neighbour and my car washer. At that moment, it was a priceless thing, as morning tea was much needed, and so was light (as mobile phones and their torches stopped working as the batteries went out). When I saw them, both sharing cups of tea with others, it was a moment of so much satisfaction to see that goodness always goes around. When I reach life’s departure lounge, I want to feel joyous about my ability to care and share for others as a daily routine. We all know that we came empty-handed and will go up empty-handed. I am already living with daily sparks of joy with wonderful memories.

Try doing your bit without expectations, and who knows, you may create the most satisfying memories of your life. Each one’s contribution big or small can make a difference to humanity.

Let’s create memories that will always remain with us unlike temporary happiness that goes off the moment a possession loses its sheen.

It’s time to unwind

Viji Narayan

Make the most of the silver years as it is the most relaxing phase of life

Growing older, we tend to lose our health, both mental and physical. It happens slowly but surely. Hardly noticeable at first, but menacingly conspicuous as time progresses.

We start yearning for the strong healthy body which was ours once, but no longer so. We open the fridge door and stand there, trying to recollect what it was that we wanted from the ice box, racking our head for minutes together with no result.

Later, maybe just before going to bed, it dawns on us that actually it was for the old faded jeans which we wanted to hand over to the maid’s grandson that made us stand before the fridge for aeons instead of the clothes cupboard.

Being independent

With all its infirmities, old age is also the most relaxing phase of life, provided one is financially and emotionally independent at least to some extent. So what remains is how exactly does one, as the cliché goes, “age gracefully”?

As a cancer survivor, I learned a few tricks of bending life to my wishes while fighting the crab relentlessly. Some of my coping tricks included indulging in my favourite hobbies.

A bibliophile and a music aficionado all my life, I started spending more time reading and writing and listening to music. This was also not easy. When I couldn’t hold a book or sit straight for some time, I listened to audio books and apps to listen to my favourite books. This habit continues even now. I have found it extremely useful in my old age.

Another very peaceful and lively coping technique is listening to music. Much conversation happens these days about music therapy. Hospitals have started using music as a therapy on patients for helping them relax, heal and lower anxiety levels.

Another very cathartic exercise for me is cooking. Yes, it is so very productive that I keep cooking for myself and my partner even on some tough days. My kitchen is always brimming with music. I start the day with some devotional music while I decorate my front yard with Kolam or Rangoli, whatever name you would call it.

Always interested in drawing and painting, I take my own time and spend some “me time” drawing intricate patterns as my imagination will incite me to do, with fresh morning air beating on my face while beautiful, melodious devotional music fills the air.

Coping mechanism

Of course, my buckling knees and aching back will be signalling me to stop my madness now and then. I call this my coping technique which leaves me with a weak body and a happy mind.

As the day progresses, when I am not reading or writing, I will be listening to music in some form. When it comes to music, language hardly matters. I listen to all forms of music in Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi and English, the four languages I know. Sometimes I even listen to Rabindra Sangeet, though I can hardly understand any Bangla.

Apart from these, another very important coping mechanism that will help senior citizens is a good sense of humour. Don’t we all love more that old uncle and aunty who are full of smiles and ready to crack a joke than those oldies with a hung face and stern look? I learned a lot of this wise and witty humour from my dad who died in his nineties. While waking up my reluctant brother from his sleepy self in the morning, he would quip, “Let us hope we would be lucky enough today to have the sun set in the noon.”

Full of wit

In fact, our languages are full of witty proverbs that come handy to us at any point of time.

Well these coping mechanisms and a little bit of philosophy can help us a lot in our sunset years. The most important philosophy will be the Latin Carpe Diem, which roughly means to seize the day or pluck the day. Live in the moment consciously, joyfully enjoying whatever is around you — be it a small bird, flower, cloud, butterfly or your plate of lunch. Relish it, adore it, enjoy it while you can. Nobody knows how we got so old, we may feel it was only yesterday we left our high schools.

Never mind, seize this day while it lasts and make it your own.

Be happy that there are no rat races to chase right now.

Be doubly happy that we don’t have to meet any target as our children are sweating it out for that every single day.

Achieving gender parity still remains a dream

Kritika Sharma

The common stereotypes about women are often reflected in Indian television shows that depict them as overly emotional, always cooking and dependent on a male hero. If one does not adhere to that script, then she is looked down upon. I don’t remember watching an Indian show portraying a woman as independent, outspoken, not hesitant to stand up for her rights and does not require a male hero for her rescue. These shows have done nothing but contributed to widening the gap between the genders.

The beliefs about the roles and capabilities of women are still generalised and outdated. They are often seen as less competent than men in various fields such as science, technology, and accounting. Men are often represented as brave, strong, intellectual, and non-emotional, but are considered henpecked by the typical middle-class Indian society if they support or take their wives’ suggestions. This has resulted in the development of a gap between the roles and responsibilities of men and women. To attain equal rights and opportunities with men is still a dream for many middle-class women as they are often not supported by their families.

There is an utmost need to not follow this theme but address the societal norms and stereotypes that sustain the gender disparities. Gender parity aims at the creation of a society where men and women can pursue their roles independently without being judged by society.

Where designs inspire social connections

Durganand Balsavar

Travelling exhibition Architectures of Transition highlights recent shifts in urban design and the spirit of collaboration between communities and architects

1 of 5 Shaping lives with buildings (Clockwise from above) Tent-cities of the Kumbh Mela; Pause Restrooms; Madan Puraskar Library; Viveda Wellness Retreat; and Kopila Valley School. (Hemant Patil and Chemi Dorje Lama) Chemi Dorje

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What can an earthquake in Nepal tell us about the architecture of resilience and transience? When the Gorkha quake struck Kathmandu in 2015, community acceptance for bamboo and stone buildings grew as these resolutely withstood the fierce calamity. Today, projects like the Kopila Valley School in Karnali, crafted with rammed earth walls and bamboo trusses that double up as a children’s jungle gym, are challenging ‘perceptions of permanence’. The Madan Puraskar Library is another example of great design with arboreal materials. It is the first large-scale public library in bamboo and earth, housing the largest archive of Nepali literature. With its large ceiling — an intricate spider web-like arch — it is now a tourist destination.

Over the last decade, South Asia has been the epicentre of incredible urban and climatic transformations. “Rapid urbanisation, shifting demographics, and explosive population growth are reshaping the social and cultural landscape,” says architect Rahul Mehrotra, who co-curated Architectures of Transition, a travelling exhibition that debuted recently in Chennai. This transition has set the stage for young architects to mobilise new directions of ecological and social collaborations — reviving vernacular design, seeking alternatives like bamboo, wood, and mud, and refining local technologies to contemporary needs. The Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre in Bangladesh, for instance, reflects a rare spirit of environmental stewardship. It inspires imaginations with hybrid and multi-functional spaces (using the skills of Rohingya artisans, such as bamboo weaving techniques and nipa palm leaf pallets for roofing), adapting to the ever-changing aspirations of refugee communities. “Architects play a crucial role in facilitating these transitions and responding to diverse challenges,” adds Mehrotra.

Embracing the transient

Architectures of Transition invited 41 young architecture practices from across South Asia — Bhutan, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan — united by similar urban challenges.

Curated by architects Mehrotra, Devashree Shah, and Pranav Thole, it documents a diverse taxonomy of ‘transient projects’: from community housing (Gujarat), and the hybridity of a mosque that also serves as a community space (Afghanistan), to hospitals (Bhutan), bamboo schools, and a hostel that feels like a large family home (Ahmedabad). Through collaborations with the community, architects are now building a sense of trust and empathy, with a deeper understanding of the needs that shape design and construction.

New forms of practice

Urban master plans often prioritise large infrastructure projects and fail to address inequities. This diminishing role of the architect in designing public realms is being bridged by patronage from NGOs — often addressing localised issues of underserved communities.

“Many architectural practices are gravitating towards non-traditional organisational structures,” says New York-based Thole, an architect and urban designer. “They are positioning the makers, collaborators, and a range of specialists as invaluable partners, giving them much more agency in the design process. Such collaborative frameworks allow for richer, contextually rooted designs.” Bamboo Playscape in Bangladesh, for instance, has been constructed in collaboration with school children, artisans, and architects: each contributing to design ideas (for a diverse range of activities such as theatre, music and sports), thus creating a deeper sense of belonging.

The School for the Blind in Gujarat underscores the potential of architecture to empower communities: based on their functions, the classrooms have varied forms, volumes, and textures to guide the students. The Nigu Pukhu project in Nepal uses traditional construction techniques such as reinstating layers of mud and water harvesting, to restore ponds as a vital source of water, and a focal point for cultural events. “It is notable that with changing modes of communication, there’s been a surge in community outreach initiatives where architects act as facilitators,” states Devashree Shah, an Inclusive Design Fellow with the Institute for Human Centred Design.

Across South Asia, such sensitive interventions are pushing the boundaries of design to address unfulfilled urban needs. In Mumbai, Pause Restrooms in a striking red capture the gaze and invite people to unwind, eat, and refuel. In Sri Lanka, The Paint Shop creatively uses found and recycled materials, and modular scaffoldings, which enable it to grow or shift to another location easily. The travelling exhibition, which will head to Bengaluru next, hopes to foster such collaborations between communities, NGOs, and architects — to generate new synergies in transient times, of unforeseen change.

The writer is the founding-principal of Artes Roots Collaborative.

Pencil in some rest

Helping people shouldn’t mean exhausting yourself, says Phuphee. Take a walk, meet a friend, recharge your soul

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When things got a little intense for Phuphee and she needed a breather, she would drop what she was doing and go for a walk. She would throw on her keep (upper section of a Kashmiri burka), grab a small basket and knife, and walk into the nearby forest. At the door, before she said goodbye, she would say, ‘Zangan chem beqaraeri [my legs have anxiety]’. We would see her a couple of hours later, a little flushed but brighter and cheerful.

I have been told by other members of the family that when she got married, and started taking these ‘solo’ trips, her in-laws became very concerned and sent for her grandmother (her mother had passed away when she was young). It is said that Aapa told them that Tahira’s spirit needed rest away from humans and that they should never think about interfering with it. And so, it was never brought up again.

Phuphee would go off and spend the time she needed with the fairies, and what made it more acceptable, though somewhat inconvenient (as everything stopped functioning when she left the house), was that she always came back with a basket full of treats. She would bring back gucchhi mushrooms, berries, seeds, nuts and wild vegetables. One day, she brought back wild turnips.

‘Sessar gogji ranov [let’s make slow-cooked turnips with red kidney beans]’. This is a dish that takes three days to prepare. First, the kidney beans are slow-cooked for a couple of days and then the turnips are added and left to cook on the embers for another day. It is a labour of love. The result is a nourishing mixture that she would serve with hot rice.

When Phuphee made sessar gogji she would always use a special kind of kidney beans that she brought from a village called Madvewadwun. She would go to this village, which was many miles away, when she needed an extended breather. It would take days for her to cover the distance. She had a close friend who lived there, an old woman said to possess strong magical powers and immense wisdom, who lived on her own.

Phuphee would spend a week with her and together they would go to the hot sulphur springs called Tatta Paani. It is said that a dip in the healing waters could cure sickly joints, two dips could cure broken bones, and three dips, a broken heart.

Her trip to Tatta Paani was never planned. She would announce it a day before or sometimes on the morning that she was leaving. In the first year of her marriage, her mother in-law refused to let her go, stating that her responsibility now lay in the marital home. It is said that within a couple of hours of Phuphee being forbidden to leave, clouds gathered over the village (it was mid-July) and it rained non-stop for six days. It only stopped when Phuphee’s mother-in-law, having understood the source of the storm, begged her to take her trip.

I asked Phuphee once if all these stories about her were true. She simply smiled and said, ‘One day you will inherit all this,’ pointing to her brain and heart, ‘and all will become clear to you.’

Once, I was sitting on the verandah with her, eating toasted gucchis. I asked her how many dips she took when she visited Tatta Paani. ‘Are you trying to figure out if I go for sickly joints or a broken heart?’ she replied.

I smiled sheepishly, trying to hide my embarrassment at being caught in an attempt to be clever.

‘I don’t always go to the hot spring. Usually, I just spend time with my friend. We sit, and she cooks for me. When I am with her, I never cook or do any work. I rest. I rest my body, my mind and my soul. When I was little, I was taught to cook and clean and look after everyone else. There were times when I would feel so exhausted that I would fall asleep every few minutes. On one occasion, I nearly let the house burn down because I had fallen asleep while cooking. It was then that Aapa told me that my soul had been emptied and I needed to refill it. She sent me to Tatta Paani to see my friend. I stayed with her for a week and when I felt that my soul was full again, I came back. Aapa told me that whenever I felt like this again, I must go,’ Phuphee explained.

‘So how do you know when you need to go? How do you know your soul has emptied?’ I asked, a little confused.

‘I love cooking and I love treating the people who seek my help. These are two things that bring my heart tremendous peace and joy, but when my soul is nearly empty, the feelings of joy and peace are replaced by those of dread and anxiety. That is when I know I need to rest. If I ignored my own calls of help, how could I ever do justice to anyone else?’

She took two cigarettes and smoked them in silence while I sat there thinking about the important lesson she had just taught me — about how it wasn’t just food that nourished you, but also rest. She taught me how to recognise the signs of a soul that needed refilling and how to honour that need.

Even today, when I need a breather, I walk out the front door, whispering under my breath, ‘Zangan chem beqaraeri’ and disappear for a little while.

SM/SM

- Gods who love surruttus and chappals

- Leopard AT my doorstep

- Billion-strong

- green Humour

Gods who love

B. Kolappan

Coffee table book Folk Deities of Tamil Nadu , from The Hindu stable, delves into local customs, legends and ways of worship — from the deity of graveyards to the protector of the ill

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2 of 5 Guardians of the people (Clockwise from below) Offerings of suruttu to Muniappan; Madurai Veeran with his wives; a woman on a bier, a ritual for Mariamman; people offer footwear to Muthupattan; and devotees cutting coins to offer Vettudayar Kaliamman. (RAGHUNATHAN S.R., MOORTHY G.)

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It happened almost 35 years ago. The elders in my village had assembled to discuss a curious demand by the samiyadi (oracle) of the local Sudalaimadan temple, the presiding deity of graveyards. He insisted that the village should organise a kodai (festival) as the deity was very particular about it.

“He is not letting me sleep. If you organise the kodai, I will continue to perform the puja,” he said, and placed the keys of the sprawling graveyard, with its banyan and neem trees, before the elders.

There was an air of scepticism. Those familiar with the Vaishnavite tradition, however, accept such interactions between a god and his devotees. Legend has it that Thirukachi Nambi, one of the gurus of philosopher Ramanuja and founder of Vishishtadvaita, used to converse with Varadharaja Perumal, the presiding deity of Kancheepuram.

Offerings of elongated ears

Guardian deities are colourful characters and they share a strong bond with their devotees. In Tamil Nadu, there are folk deities with pan-regional appeal, those worshipped in a specific area, and deities of particular communities and families.

Ballads narrate their stories. They are fearsome, ferocious, and capable of punishing wrongdoers. They drink liquor, smoke cigars, and eat meat. During kodai, goats, roosters and pigs are sacrificed to propitiate them. (In the southern part of the State, padiappu is an important offering to folk deities. Sacrificed animals are cooked and offered with rice, vegetable curry, a stir-fry of drumstick leaves, pappad, boiled eggs and lashings of ghee.)

In Srirangam, a neighbourhood of Tiruchirappalli, Muniappan is the guardian deity of the first Vaishnavite temple (among the 108 in the area). He occupies the entrance of the rajagopuram (entrance tower). Just outside the shrine is a small bowl on a makeshift stand where devotees drop surruttu (cigar) as an offering — praying that their problems would vanish like smoke. While in Tiruvarur, a town on the banks of the Cauvery, and a holy place for Saivaites as it houses the biggest temple of Lord Shiva, the Aazhi Ther (chariot festival) begins only after a kodai for Pidari, a folk goddess.

I’ve always been fascinated by folk deities, and my childhood passion was strengthened by watching folk art forms such as Naiyandi Melam, Kaniyaan Koothu, Villupaatu and Thappu.

Recently, I got to revisit it again while curating Folk Deities of Tamil Nadu. While putting together the coffee table book, I travelled across the State for two months, and visited over 60 villages in search of local legends, and the myriad customs, traditions and ways of worship associated with them.

People’s faith, I discovered, is still strong. At S. Kovilpatti, a village in Sivaganga district, men carve out a portion of their earlobe even today — as atonement for the wound one of their ancestors accidentally caused Ayyanar, a deity of prosperity who is worshipped by farmers of the wetland and rain-fed areas. They also follow the custom of elongating their earlobes by wearing weighty rings right from their childhood.

In Valangaiman near Thanjavur, devotees observe a morbid ritual. On the day of Padaikatti (coffin festival) of the local Mariamman temple, the entire village resembles a graveyard.

Scores of devotees — kumkum on their foreheads and bodies covered in holy ash — are carried in biers. Their toes are tied with rope, their eyes covered with sandal paste, and a coin fixed on their foreheads, as if they were dead. The ritual is performed to fulfil their vow to the deity, for giving them ‘a rebirth’ after a serious illness.

Threat of Sanskritisation

Tamil society worshipped heroes who laid down their lives for the common cause. Folk Deities of Tamil Nadu covers a few, such as Madurai Veeran, Kathavarayan, and Muthupattan, who were raised to the status of guardian deities after being killed for questioning the norms of society. Madurai Veeran, the son of a cobbler, was killed for marrying Vellaiammal, a dancer. Muthupattan, whose temple is situated near Karaiyar Dam in Tirunelveli district, was a Brahmin who became a cobbler in pursuit of his love for the two daughters of a cobbler. He was killed on the night of his wedding by thieves. Devotees offer chappals to the deity, to honour his livelihood.

Many deities, however, are losing their original characters, and their unique forms of worship are disappearing — not just because of the passage of time but also Sanskritisation. Old temples are being demolished and concrete structures with sanctum sanctorums, vimanas and gopurams are coming up in their stead, though these aspects have no meaning in folk religion.

It is not a recent phenomenon. Long ago, ballads narrating the stories of folk deities were altered with the objective of making them an aspect of Vedic deities. “The avatar concept has furthered the Sanskritisation process. Male deities of various tribal societies were turned into Vaishnavite gods, and female deities linked with Parvathi and Lakshmi by invoking the swaroopa concept,” says Aru. Ramanathan, former head of department of Folk Studies at Tamil University in Thanjavur.

In Folk Deities of Tamil Nadu, he has addressed how Theepaintha Amman at Sethiathope in Cuddalore district was elevated as an aspect of Sita. “These changes are continuously taking place, to this day.”

Folk Deities of Tamil Nadu is jointly published by The Hindu Group and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.

Leopard AT my doorstep

Sunil Rajagopal

Once thought to be elusive , the big cat is far more visible now with 65% of the population existing outside protected areas

1 of 3 Urban jungle (Clockwise from far left) A leopard hiding in the verandah of a house in Guwahati in 2020; another found stuck in a well in Guwahati before being rescued by forest officials; and a leopard at the Bannerghatta Biological Park near Bengaluru. (Ritu Raj Konwar, PTI & K. Murali Kumar)PTI

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We are watching bats. Short-nosed fruit bats diving boldly in through the arc of faint white lamps onto a bunch of ripening jahazi plantains. Louise, who had been barking her head off at them, is suddenly quiet, cowering with her cool nose at the back of my knee. All I can hear are leaves. Green leaves dancing and dry leaves skating through dark silences on the street. It is hard to believe that 100 feet downhill is a bustling thoroughfare with street lights and supermarkets.

Across the road, houses stealthily twinkle up another hillside to a lonely wood perched on the crown. This is not unusual in Guwahati. The city’s surging population overran accessible plain areas near the Brahmaputra before spreading into the forested hills and wetlands. Non-forest areas have exploded by 1,176% from 1976 onwards, at the expense of dense and moderate forests — resulting in habitat fragmentation, human-animal conflict, increased temperatures, massive erosion and cyclical flooding. In a sad parallel, since the early 2000s, Assam has lost 2,690 sq.km. and the Northeast, a massive 17,650 sq.km. of tree cover.

What does Louise know that I don’t? She is eight and has one good eye, but hers is a world of scent. When her family goes out, she knows when they are half a mile away. Dogs probably have a different concept of time to ours. One where all three tenses can exist at the same time. Perhaps the leopard is downwind, and his odour has wafted up to her. Perhaps he padded by an hour back, but his distinctive musk is lingering. Or perhaps there is a leopard right there in the shadows. Does she know if he is hungry or has fed? A leopard is the one creature that loves dogs more than humans do.

The unseen presence

How do I know it is a leopard? I can feel Louise’s fear. She is a Naga hill dog, proficient at hunting things smaller than herself. A fishing cat would be out of place here. A stray sambar deer would probably excite her. Two aggressive street dogs who had taken up residence in the neighbouring lane have disappeared. So too the mutts that lazed around outside the supermarket. Two nights back, there was a soft thud near the sunshade, like a pillow falling. Our daughter, who calls anything furry a ‘bow bow’, has been waking in the early hours to peek out of the window to beckon to an unseen ‘bow bow’.

We call ourselves Homo sapiens, the wise human, making up for physical weakness with reasoning. And a lack of common sense. I reason that the cat is after the dog and wary of me. It is too early for a leopard to be out and about, so near habitation. And so, I step out for a walk leaving Louise safely at home. Fifty feet later, I am frozen to the spot with the hair on the back of my neck bristling. Someone is watching me.

I cannot see much in the overgrown tangle beneath the shade of jahazi and ber. Just to be sure, I take a shot on my mobile phone with night mode on. Nothing is obvious, so I pinch the screen. And there he is, a short leap away. A grumpy spotted head buried in the grass. Nearly invisible. Nearly. Glowering at me — anything but fear in those eyes.

Thriving with humanity

Leopards are the quintessential cat; elusive, slinking around human spaces for far longer than we thought they have. They thrive in degraded habitat and rocky scrublands, along forest margins and agricultural areas; at the edge where cities eat into forests. Unfussy and surviving on a varied diet, including dogs. They are more visible now due to the speed at which things are changing. While the latest leopard survey showed a stable trend, in many places up to 65% of the population exists outside protected areas.

The thrill of seeing a big cat up close is unmatched. It makes you feel alive like nothing else. It is also immensely humbling. To be in a forest hearing the crunch of bones in their jaws or trembling in a city street under their withering glare, is a realisation that you really aren’t on top of the food chain. What is he thinking? Can he smell Louise on me? Does he just want to cross the street? Will we ever know?

Then the reasoning makes its appearance again. Standing a few feet from a grumpy leopard in the dark, taking photos with a mobile phone isn’t the brightest thing to do. My heart is nearly bouncing out of my chest in the time it takes for my feet to get home. Louise is relieved to see me, gnawing my knee to make sure I am not a ghost.

The author is a birder and writer based in Chennai.

The fourth in a series that looks at urban spaces as havens for biodiversity and often

overlooked species.

Go straight to the gut

Bemoaning the degeneration of the nation? Consider a gut reset programme instead

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Are you getting stressed out over climate change? Feeling anxious every time you walk under an airport canopy, or every time your child appears for a competitive exam conducted by the NTA? Do you get panic attacks when it rains in your city, or when your daughter says she wants to study medicine? Does endemic institutional decay fill you with despair? Does idiotic enthusiasm for tyranny make you ill? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above, then I have just the solution for you: reclaiming gut health.

As per the latest medical research, an unhealthy gut is the most important effect, and cause, of stress, anxiety and depression — regardless of whether or not there are objective external triggers that might make stress and anxiety a legitimate human response. The critical determinant of a healthy gut: the 1,000 species of ‘good’ bacteria you are supposed to host there. These little darlings produce the enzymes that help your body absorb the nutrients in your food. They destroy the bad bacteria in your gut. And they also reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes and sadomasochistic behaviours such as voting repeatedly for those who squeeze out your life blood and feed it to cronies.

Given these benefits, people all over the world — including ‘pure’ vegetarians — are gulping down millions of live organisms every day. Those who would never dream of adopting a puppy or kitten are adopting billion-strong colonies of fully-grown bacteria. Acquaintances who would constantly bemoan the degeneration of the nation are now in perpetual high spirits. Their secret: they underwent a gut reset programme.

Seeing their dramatic transformation, I also signed up for a gut reset programme with a celebrity gut microbiome specialist. It was a six-day course, and it didn’t come cheap. Full disclosure: I negotiated a 15% discount in exchange for writing a column raising awareness about gut health. But frankly, I would have written this anyway, given the public interest involved. Apart from immediate personal benefits, a healthy gut also improves air quality and combats climate change by reducing emissions of certain kinds of gases.

For the benefit of those who would like to try a gut reset without paying for a formal programme, here are the five key principles drawn from my experience:

1. Probiotic is the new antibiotic

I know that as Indians, we love antibiotics. We are so crazy about them we have them for breakfast with milk, eggs and honey. Our love for them has even rubbed off on germs (bad bacteria), which have begun to stick around in our bodies for the tasty antibiotics they know are sure to come their way. But no more of this. We live in a polarised society where everyone must pick a side — ‘pro’ or ‘anti’. You are a pro- from now on.

2. Know your CFUs (not to be confused with STFUs)

Each probiotic capsule has billions of CFUs (Colony-Forming Units) — the good guys who will start setting up homes, offices and enzyme-making factories as soon as they land in your gut. Are the CFUs in your pill alive or are half of them dead? Do any of them have freeloaders (germs) lurking around? You don’t want to pay good money to eat dead bacteria, or worse, bad bacteria. So make sure you get the right CFUs.

3. Don’t eat

junk

Live for the animals in your tummy. Every time you pick something up at the supermarket, or read a restaurant menu, ask yourself: would Mr. Lactobacillus rhamnosus approve?

4. Consume

fermented stuff

My favourite. Gut microbiomes love it when there is regular inflow of fermented foods because they create a billion-strong confluence of happy, healthy gut microbes. It’s like a bacteria visiting a foreign country and being welcomed by thousands of NRI bacteria — it builds a fantastic atmosphere of microbial bonhomie, which is why beer, the world’s top fermented drink, is so important. Me and my current best friend Lactobacillus acidophilus bond over beer every night, and so should you.

5. Join a gut

health cult

This would give you the necessary motivation to start talking about gut health with everyone you meet — an absolute must if you want to spread the good bacteria around.

One major challenge people face is that you can’t see your gut bacteria, or make Reels out of them. But you can’t see God either. And people do crazy things to please their gods. I’ve reset my gut. Now you reset yours. And then, one after another, convert all your friends.

Rohan Chakravarty

Table of Contents

The Hindu

National

Assured pension returns, as govt. goes back on NPS

Nicobar project will not disturb or displace tribes: Bhupendra Yadav

Zelenskyy seeks tie-up with India for producing drones, electronic warfare systems

Sparkling dusk

CBI begins polygraph tests on 7 in Kolkata case

In U.S., Rajnath discusses defence partnership with industry leaders

MVA leaders participate in silent protest over crimes against women

Clamour for resignation of Kerala film body head grows after actor’s remarks

Assam gang-rape accused drowns after trying to escape, say police

Modi meets union leaders ahead of UPS announcement

IAF plane lands with bodies of 25 pilgrims killed in Nepal accident

HYDRAA razes N-Convention Centre

ED conducts searches in ₹118-cr. PMLA case in Assam

‘Bihar shows the way on the issue of sub-categorisation’

PDP releases party manifesto, calls for resolution of the Kashmir issue

India will be free of Left Wing Extremism by March 2026, says Amit Shah

BJP, INLD urge EC to postpone Haryana Assembly election

‘Bulldozer justice’ unjust, inhumane, says Congress

Punjab, Kerala, Gujarat reported most of the H1N1 deaths, says NCDC

Caste census will be the foundation for policy-making: Rahul Gandhi

Union Cabinet approves proposal to bolster biotech manufacturing

NIA arrests social media influencer for human trafficking

Railways plans to fill 41,390 vacant Group C posts

One held for tribal woman’s murder in West Bengal

Hyderabad-bound helicopter crashes in Pune; no casualties

Mercedes plant in Pune found violating pollution guidelines

PM to participate in ‘Lakhpati Didi Sammelan’ at Jalgaon

Militant killed in encounter in J&K’s Baramulla: officials

Vinesh’s endless bout

Profile 1

Profile 2

Profile 3

Regional

Precedence should be given to Tamil in temple rituals: CM

Security at govt. hospitals in Kolkata remains weak even as Central forces reach city

Rajasthan lifts ban on participation of govt. staff in RSS activities

A.P. pharma unit blast: officials find vital design faults in plant

After heavy rain, West Bengal contends with waterlogging

HC stays case against man for ‘not letting wife eat French fries’

T.N. constantly taking steps to stop Mekedatu dam proposal: Minister

MVA got anti-BJP votes in Lok Sabha poll, says MNS chief

Tungabhadra gets 14 tmcft of water after damaged gate fixed

Speed monitoring system in Gir to safeguard wildlife

When creatures of the sea take flight

Damning the Siang

Edit

Why is lateral entry policy under scrutiny?

Will Hema Committee report lead to changes?

Why is sanction for prosecution needed?

Science

Eight years on, NIV still relies on U.S. CDC for Zika test kits

COVID-19: anosmia a marker for susceptible brain damage

Red and processed meat linked to higher type 2 diabetes risk

Transition in plants

Humpbacks among animals who manufacture, wield tools

Smoking during pregnancy causes problems in newborn

15 minutes of physical activity improved health measures

Business

Anil Ambani, others may face further action in RHFL case

FMCG distributors flag ‘unregulated’ growth of quick commerce platforms

Currency derivatives trading on domestic exchanges plummets post RBI diktat

Cognizant sues software rival Infosys over ‘trade secrets’

Danfoss India posts strong double-digit growth in H1 CY24

‘Quality control orders protect MSMEs from unfair competition’

Govt. cuts drawback rates on exports of gold, silver jewellery

U.S. FDA issues observations to Dr. Reddy’s Srikakulam unit

Carraro India files with regulator for ₹1,812 cr. OFS

Amazon India to slash selling fees ahead of festive season

Hero Motors files with SEBI for IPO to raise ₹900 crore

Jeyyam Global Foods plans IPO to fund expansion plans

Foreign

Three stabbed to death, eight injured at street festival in Germany

Israeli strikes kill dozens in Gaza ahead of ceasefire talks

Hero’s welcome

Beijing fired flares at plane over South China Sea: Manila

Floods push 3 lakh into Bangladesh relief centres

Zelenskyy vows more ‘retribution’ against Russia

Iran will seek to ‘manage tensions’ with U.S.: Araghchi

Sunita and Wilmore to return to earth in mid-February, says NASA

Libyan armed groups, authorities reach deal on security in Tripoli

Police officer injured following a blast outside French synagogue

Moscow, Kyiv swap 230 prisoners of war in a deal brokered by UAE

Sports

Dhawan — effervescent and easy-going — bows out

Pipers beat Challengers; U Mumba best Dabang

Arsenal passes Villa test, Brighton rocks Man United

Diptayan stops Ganguly’s winning streak

Norris pips local hero Verstappen for Dutch GP pole

Root’s knock guides England to a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka

Mushfiqur and Mehidy pile it on against Pakistan

Nicholas Pooran powers West Indies to victory

Indian shooting contingent for Paralympics leaves for Paris

India-A in a spin, stares at defeat against Australia-A

Railways holds on for a draw against TNCA President’s XI

Himanshu and Sarvesh keep TNCA XI bowlers at bay

Scored my maiden First Class hundred with the bat Dhawan gave me: Ashutosh

Jabez Naveen Kumar takes out Kai Nam Pang

Pariat pips Barter to the F4 flag in dramatic fashion

‘I haven’t done anything wrong’ relieved Sinner

Gukesh, Pragg draw again; Firouzja surges

Vaishnavi storms into Nakhon Si Thammarat final

India earns quotas in surfing for 2026 Asian Games

Messi begins individual on-field training

SM

Gen Z: breaking the 9 to 5

When children make history

Facing up to tyranny

Clash of memories

A way in the world

400, not out

Nandan Kamath: playing the long game

Easy like Sunday morning

Latvian lead

The happiness mantra

It’s time to unwind

Achieving gender parity is still remains a dream

Where designs inspire social connections

Pencil in some rest

SM/SM

Gods who love surruttus and chappals

Leopard AT my doorstep

Billion-strong

green Humour