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Front Page

- FIGHT TO THE FINISH

- Kharge: ‘Our great leader’ Rahul Gandhi is my PM choice

- No night challans in Gurgaon after harassment plaints

- Suspension drama on celeb cop’s last day

- Del-SFO flight takes off after 30-hr delay

- Bishnoi gang’s Salman ‘plan A’

- Cops to take Porsche teen’s statement

- Unsung heroes of the great Indian election

- With 8.2% GDP growth, India remains top mover

- All-woman team of cops arrests Prajwal on return

- Extra marks for EWS job seekers illegal, says HC

- Foiled bids by Israel-based firm to target BJP, interfere in LS poll process: OpenAI

- Bail expiring today, CM says will return to jail on Sunday, recalls earlier Tihar ‘torture’

- India’s hottest 3: Delhi, Delhi & Delhi

FIGHT TO THE FINISH

WHAT’S AT STAKE IN PHASE 7

The mammoth 7-phase LS elections come to an end today, with Modi’s hat-trick bid in Varanasi grabbing the spotlight. Prestige fights for Mamata, the Badals and Lalu are underway while INDIA allies AAP and Cong go at each other in Punjab

NDA

TO DEFEND 30 seats, including 11 out of 13 in Uttar Pradesh, all 8 in Bihar, all 4 in Himachal Pradesh, 2 out of 3 in Jharkhand, 2 out of 6 in Odisha, 2 out of 13 in Punjab and the lone seat in Chandigarh

CAN LOOK FOR GAINS IN: Odisha where it had only two of these seats last time; West Bengal, where it had none of these seats; and Punjab, where the party held just two

INDIA

TO DEFEND 19 seats, including all 9 in West Bengal, 9 out of 13 in Punjab and 1 out of 3 in Jharkhand

CAN LOOK FOR GAINS IN: Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where it drew a blank in these seats in 2019, as well as in Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh

OTHERS in the form of BJD in Odisha (4 out of 6 seats), BSP in UP and Akalis in Punjab (2 each) had a sizeable chunk last time

HIGH-STAKES BATTLES TO WATCH TODAY

West Bengal: Nine LS seats, including those in Kolkata and its immediate suburbs — all won by Trinamool Congress in 2019 — go to polls. With several TMC heavyweights contesting, from party general secy and Mamata’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee to veterans Sudip Bandyopadhyay, Saugata Roy, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and Mala Ray, it is a prestige battle for the party. The spotlight is also on Basirhat, which includes the assembly segment of Sandeshkhali. A Trinamool stronghold, it is now enmeshed in allegations of atrocities against women by TMC netas and an ongoing legal battle.

Punjab: It’s a vital election for all parties and panthic candidates banking on the Sikh vote. CM Mann has led the campaign in the absence of Kejriwal, and a good show by AAP will help cement his position in the party and state. After losing the 2022 assembly polls, Congress hopes to emerge as the party with a majority of the 13 seats — it had won 8 in 2019 — but divisions within will be a big hurdle. Having consistently lost vote share after losing to Congress in the 2017 assembly polls, Sukhbir hopes to turn the tide, the focus being on his wife Harsimrat’s seat. BJP, going solo, is eyeing an increased vote share and bigger footprint.

UP, Bihar: The final frontier of eastern UP comprises the home turfs of PM Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath. Of the 13 seats going to the polls in this phase, nine were won by BJP in 2019 and two by its ally Apna Dal (S). BSP had won two. In this phase, OBCs — Yadavs, Kurmis, Kushwahas, Rajbhars — play a crucial role while Dalits and upper castes have their pockets of influence and can tilt the balance in some seats. In Bihar, the oppn alliance is hoping to reclaim some of the lost ground.

A LOOK AT UNION MINISTERS & OTHER HEAVYWEIGHTS IN THE FRAY

Varanasi

2019 WINNER: BJP (Narendra Modi)

KEY CONTENDERS: Narendra Modi (BJP), Ajay Rai (Cong), Ather Jamal Lari (BSP)

If it’s ‘ab ki baar 400 paar’ for BJP nationally, in Varanasi, it is ‘ab ki baar 10-lakh paar’. The talk is only about the winning margin as PM Modi is confident of a third stint as MP from here. Will he cross the 66% voter share and beat former PM Chandra Shekhar’s record? Or will he beat his own margin record of 4.8 lakh votes (63%) in 2019? Modi’s choice of Varanasi in 2014 was seen as a masterstroke, and the consequent BJP victory has done the temple town and adjoining constituencies a lot of good. The only spoiler: high temperatures. Modi’s rival here is Ajay Rai, whom Congress has retained since 2014. Rai polled 75,000 and 1.5 lakh votes in 2014 and 2019 respectively and on both occasions, finished third. This time, he is the joint candidate of INDIA bloc and that might improve his tally. BSP’s Lari is a veteran who started his career with Janata Party and contested an LS poll for the first time in 1984. Since then, he has been associated with Apna Dal, Qaumi Ekta Dal, SP and now BSP. But he is yet to win an election.

Patna Sahib

2019 WINNER: BJP (Ravi Shankar Prasad)

KEY CONTENDERS: Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP), Anshul Avijit (Cong)

BJP has won the seat in all three elections held since it was formed in 2009 following reorganisation of Patna LS constituency into Patna Sahib and Patliputra. While the old Patna seat was a bastion of Congress, Left and socialists, Patna Sahib is a BJP stronghold – 4 of the 6 assembly segments here are represented by BJP and 2 by RJD. Former law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad is locked in a straight fight with Anshul Avijit, son of ex-LS Speaker Meira Kumar, for this Kayastha-dominated seat. It has become a matter of prestige for both NDA and oppn: while Modi held a road show in Patna — the first by any PM here — Rahul too addressed a rally, only the second seat under Congress’ quota in Bihar for which he campaigned.

Patliputra

2019 WINNER: BJP (Ram Kripal Yadav)

KEY CONTENDERS: Ram Kripal Yadav (BJP), Misa Bharti (RJD)

This is one of the seats where Lalu Prasad’s prestige is at stake. It has remained with NDA since it was formed in 2009, with BJP winning it last two times. RJD has never tasted victory in the constituency even though all six assembly segments here are held by the opposition alliance. Like in 2014 and 2019, Lalu’s eldest daughter Misa Bharti is locked in a direct fight with BJP’s Ram Kripal Yadav. Lalu actively campaigned for his daughter, braving the scorching sun and ignoring his health issues. On the other hand, PM Modi did night stays in Patna twice and addressed a rally. Lalu also befriended Ranjan Yadav ahead of polls and entered an alliance with CPI-ML to avoid a split in secular votes to ensure victory of his daughter. The battle looks very tough.

Arrah

2019 WINNER: BJP (RK Singh)

KEY CONTENDERS: RK Singh (BJP) and Sudama Prasad (CPI-ML)

Once the stronghold of Congress and socialists, Arrah has been backing BJP candidates the last two elections. In the last LS polls, BJP’s RK Singh, a former bureaucrat, defeated the CPI-ML candidate by a margin of nearly 1.5 lakh votes. This time again, he is locked in a straight fight with the CPI-ML candidate but a unified campaign by the INDIA bloc has posed a serious challenge. In 1989, Indian People’s Front (IPF), founded by Vinod Mishra, had created history when its candidate Rameshwar Prasad emerged victorious from this seat which has been a hotbed of Maoist activities. Out of seven assembly segments under this parliamentary constituency, three are held by RJD and two by CPI-ML while the remaining two are with BJP.

Diamond Harbour

2019 WINNER: TMC (Abhishek Banerjee)

KEY CONTENDERS: Abhishek Banerjee (TMC), Abhijit Das (BJP), Pratikur Rahaman (CPM)

In the last decade, Diamond Harbour has become synonymous with Abhishek Banerjee. Since his electoral debut in 2014, Diamond Harbour – a Left bastion since 1952 – has also risen in prominence in national politics along with its MP, now the party general secretary. From the Diamond Harbour assembly segment in the extreme south to Metiabruz assembly segment, closer to Kolkata, Trinamool holds a vicelike grip in all seven assembly belts in this LS. The constituency has a substantial minority population. Abhishek faces a triangular fight against BJP and the CPMCongress alliance. But like all Lok Sabha seats in Bengal, he will also face a steady BJP rise in vote share from 3% in 2009 to over 33% in 2019.

Patiala

2019 WINNER: Cong (Preneet Kaur)

KEY CONTENDERS: Preneet Kaur (BJP), Dharamvir Gandhi (Cong), Balbir Singh (AAP)

Preneet Kaur, wife of former CM Amarinder Singh and sitting MP, is hoping to retain the seat of the Patiala royal family, after switching to BJP from Congress. PM Modi and several high-profile BJP netas have thrown their weight behind her, though Amarinder has been missing from the campaign due to ill-health. Former AAP MP and Congress candidate Dr Dharamvir Gandhi has a strong following here and both Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka have campaigned for him. AAP too is eyeing the seat, with both CM Mann and Kejriwal campaigning for state minister Balbir Singh. Balbir was Gandhi’s campaign manager in 2014 when he contested on an AAP ticket.

Bathinda

2019 WINNER: SAD (Harsimrat Kaur Badal)

KEY CONTENDERS: Harsimrat Kaur Badal (SAD), Gurmeet Singh Khudian (AAP), Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu (Cong)

Badal family bahu and sitting MP Harsimrat Kaur faces a multi-cornered contest. Her immediate rival is AAP’s Gurmeet Singh Khudian, the agriculture minister who defeated her father-in-law and five-time CM Parkash Singh Badal from Lambi in the 2022 assembly election. Cong’s Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu, a four-time MLA from Talwandi Sabo, switched from Congress to SAD and back between 2015 and 2023. BJP’s candidate is Parampal Kaur Sidhu, former IAS officer and daughter-in-law of former Akali minister Sikandar Singh Maluka.

SEE FLAP INSIDE FOR OTHER BIG BOUTS

Kharge: ‘Our great leader’ Rahul Gandhi is my PM choice

New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge Friday named Rahul Gandhi as his choice for prime minister if INDIA bloc is voted to office on June 4.

Asked about Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee’s proposal at a Nov meeting of the INDIA group that Kharge should be projected as the opposition’s PM candidate, he said Congress would decide his fate, “why should we unnecessarily confuse ourselves and also others”.

“In Congress, our great leader Rahul Gandhi is there. Why should they unnecessarily bring my name? My party will decide my fate,” Kharge told NDTV. “I want my leader Rahul to become PM.” TNN

‘Urged Priyanka’, P 24

Cong to stay away from exit poll debates; has conceded, says Shah, P 13

No night challans in Gurgaon after harassment plaints

Gurgaon traffic police have decided not to issue challans at night barring in exceptional cases following complaints of cops arbitrarily checking vehicles and causing “harassment” to people. The drive against drunk driving, though, is on.

P 10

Suspension drama on celeb cop’s last day

S Velladurai, an additional superintendent of police credited with gunning down Veerappan in 2004, was suspended on his retirement day on Friday, but the order was withdrawn, with riders, after a few hours.

P 12

Del-SFO flight takes off after 30-hr delay

Delayed by over 30 hours, a Delhi-SFO AI flight finally took off at 9.50pm Friday, after some flyers had allegedly fainted on board and some opted out. DGCA has showcaused AI for repeated such incidents.

P 9

Bishnoi gang’s Salman ‘plan A’

A month before the arrest of two shooters for firing outside actor Salman Khan’s house, the Bishnoi gang had placed 15-20 members near his Panvel farmhouse to eliminate him, Navi Mumbai police said.

P12

Cops to take Porsche teen’s statement

Pune Police secured permission Friday from JJB to record the statement of the 17-year-old driver of the Porsche that killed two bike-borne techies on May 19. They will visit the observation home on Saturday.

P 12

Unsung heroes of the great Indian election

Some called it ‘Mission Impossible’. Treacherous terrain in Maoist strongholds, steep Himalayan slopes, and the Chinese frontier; bedbugs, sex workers and a slum; rain, mudslides, and jungles infested with mosquitoes and leeches; personal grief and health challenges. In the world’s largest democracy, the journey to conduct elections can be as arduous as it is significant.

TOI takes a closer look at the backbone of this vast electoral process: poll officials — school teachers, administrative staff, and other govt employees — who went the extra mile.

P 15

With 8.2% GDP growth, India remains top mover

Will Help Push Reforms, Sustain Rapid Expansion

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: India’s economy is estimated to have grown by 8.2% in 2023-24, led by a solid expansion in manufacturing and construction sectors, and a strong push from the Jan-March quarter growth, beating expectations and laying a robust foundation for the new govt, which assumes office this month after the polls.

The strong numbers will help govt push reforms to sustain rapid expansion against the backdrop of multiple global challenges.

Data released by National Statistical Office (NSO) on Friday showed the economy grew 7.8% in Jan-Mar quarter, slower than the upwardly revised 8.6% in Oct-Dec period but above the 6.2% recorded in fourth quarter of the previous fiscal year. This helped push growth to 8.2%, hig- her than the second advance estimate of 7.6%. This is higher than most estimates and above RBI’s 7% projection.

The strong growth num- bers will help India retain the tag of the world’s fastest growing major economy.

‘Eco momentum’, P 23

EDIT: Look At Job Market

FM: No leniency in recovering bad loans, P 23

Fiscal deficit at 5.6% beats projection, P 23

All-woman team of cops arrests Prajwal on return

Bengaluru: Karnataka MP and ex-PM HD Deve Gowda’s grandson Prajwal Revanna was remanded Friday in SIT custody for six days, just over 12 hours after he arrived at Bengaluru airport from Munich to face a probe into multiple cases of alleged sexual assault and was escorted away by an all-woman police team, reports Santoshkumar B.

Prajwal’s return coincided with investigators ramping up the search for his mother Bhavani, who has not been seen in public since she dodged summons in a kidnapping case filed in Mysuru.

 Cops seize phone, P 24

Extra marks for EWS job seekers illegal, says HC

Chandigarh: Punjab and Haryana HC Friday struck down Haryana govt’s policy of assigning additional marks based on socio-economic criteria while evaluating job aspirants, terming the system a violation of constitutional safeguards against discrimination, reports Ajay Sura.

The division bench of Justices Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Sudeepti Sharma was hearing a batch of petitions challenging the criteria entitling a candidate without any family member in govt service to five extra marks and those who lost their father to 20 extra marks. Starting from candidates domiciled in Haryana, it was later extended to all.

 Fresh merit list, P 24

Foiled bids by Israel-based firm to target BJP, interfere in LS poll process: OpenAI

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has said it acted within 24 hours to disrupt deceptive uses of AI in covert operations focused on the Indian elections, leading to no significant audience increase. In a report on its website, OpenAI said STOIC, a political campaign management firm in Israel, generated some content on Indian elections alongside about the Gaza conflict.

“In May, the network began generating comments that focused on India, criticised governing BJP and praised opposition Congress,” it said. “In May, we disrupted some activity focused on the Indian elections less than 24 hours after it began.” OpenAI said it banned a cluster of accounts ope- rated from Israel that were being used to generate and edit content for an influence operation that spanned X, Facebook, Instagram, websites and YouTube. PTI

‘Beneficial AI’, P 24

Bail expiring today, CM says will return to jail on Sunday, recalls earlier Tihar ‘torture’

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Claiming that the Centre’s efforts to break him, make him bend and silence him had failed, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said in an emotional message on Friday that he would be returning to jail on June 2 in high spirits and in order to save the country from dictatorship. He added that he won’t “bow down” even if the “torture” was stepped up this time, wondering how many days he would be kept in jail.

In a digital address to people, he said that when he was in jail, the authorities had tried to torture him in many ways, citing the alleged stopping of his medicines as an instance.

‘Lost 6kg in 50 days’, P 6

DJB counters Atishi on Haryana water

A day after water minister Atishi alleged that Haryana had reduced water supply, DJB said Friday Wazirabad was getting more than the allocated water from Yamuna via Hathnikund. Even this is not adequate, officials said.

P 4

India’s hottest 3: Delhi, Delhi & Delhi

Mungeshpur 49.6°C, Narela At 49.4 & Najafgarh 49.2

Kushagra.Dixit@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: The national capital on Friday continued to reel under intense heatwave conditions, and was home to the three hottest places in the country.

At 49.6 degrees Celsius, Mungeshpur was the hottest in India, followed by neighbouring Narela at 49.4 degrees Celsius and west Delhi’s Najafgarh, which recorded 49.2 degrees Celsius. While Haryana’s Sirsa was the fourth hottest place in the country at 48.8 degrees Celsius, Delhi’s Jafarpur and Pusa emerged the fifth warmest, recording 48.3 degrees Celsius.

Safdarjung, the city’s base station, recorded a maximum temperature of 45.8 degrees Celsius, six notches above normal, against 45.6 degrees Celsius a day earlier. The minimum temperature stood at 29 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal, against 30.4 degrees Celsius a day earlier.

The humidity oscillated between 13% and 59% while the heat index, or ‘feel-like’ temperature, was 44 degrees Celsius, same as the previous day.

Western disturbance, P 8

UP storm claims 10 lives, many houses collapse, P12

Monsoon slows down a day after onset

Barely a day after reaching Kerala and advancing to parts of NE India, the monsoon has lost its steam and is likely to progress slowly for a few days, an IMD official said. This could be concerning for regions that normally see its onset after Kerala, including parts of Maharashtra.

P12

Heat takes a toll: 45 killed in 36 hours

The unrelenting summer has claimed 45 more lives in a span of 36 hours, bringing the overall toll of heatstroke-related deaths to 87. While 19 more died in western Odisha, 16 perished in UP in a single day, five succumbed in Bihar, four in Rajasthan and one in Punjab.

P12

Times Nation

- Water level at just 23% at 150 key reservoirs, says CWC report

- 2 kids among 10 killed as storm, rains wreak havoc in UP

- Contractor kills self over bills, row hits K’taka

- No respite from heatwave, 45 lives lost in 36 hrs, toll hits 87

- TN suspends brigand killer on retirement day, recalls order

- Bishnoi gang had another plan to hit Salman with Pak arms: Cops

- Mystery over kidney removed in botched Raj surgery deepens

- A day later, monsoon loses steam, may progress slowly

- Pune cops get JJB approval to question Porsche teen today

- 4 Rajkot civic body officials held over blaze at gaming zone

- ‘Sar tan se juda’ threat to Nagpur journo over W Asia conflict posts

- DKS claims animal sacrifice in Kerala to ‘destroy’ him, temple rebuts charge

- Puri cracker explosion toll rises to 6

- PM, Shah review cyclone damage, promise all aid

- With 8 more deaths, flood toll in N-E mounts to 53

- SC lets ex-DGP’s convicted son to surrender in Odisha

- Tipped off by US, ED arrests man linked to drug racket

- Court on Rajan: Hotelier killed after extortion plaint

- Plea in HC: Child welfare panel returns 2-mth-old to unwed mom

- Hunt on for terrorists after gunfight in J&K

- 6 RTO officials suspended over Jammu bus tragedy

- 2 women among 3 killed in Odisha lightning strikes

- 2 girls die after slipping into river pit in UP’s Bareilly

- ‘Global warming’s given every human one month of extra-hot days — India is living this right now’

- 1 killed, 12 hurt in Gangotri highway landslide

- New envoys of China, UK present credentials to Prez

- Agnikul: From IIT-M brainchild to space odyssey

- Watchdog fines IAS coaching centre `3L for ‘misleading ads’

- Gujarat plans to auction vehicles seized for ferrying liquor

- K’tak a forms SIT to probe `90cr Valmiki corp scam

Water level at just 23% at 150 key reservoirs, says CWC report

New Delhi: The water level of the country’s 150 main reservoirs has dropped to 23% and is also 77% less than last year’s levels at this time, according to Central Water Commission (CWC) data. Last week, the live storage of these reservoirs was at 24%.

The present storage is merely 77% of last year’s levels and 94% of the normal storage, CWC data stated. In its latest bulletin, released on Friday, the commission said that “the total live storage available is 41.705 billion cubic metres (BCM), equating to 23% of the total capacity. This is a significant decrease from the 53.832 BCM recorded during the same period last year and the normal storage level of 44.511 BCM.” The western region—Gujarat and Maharashtra—has 49 reservoirs. The current live storage is 24% of the total capacity.

PTI

2 kids among 10 killed as storm, rains wreak havoc in UP

Bareilly: At least 10 people were killed and many injured after a dust storm followed by heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in Lakhimpur Kheri, Shahjahanpur and its neighbouring districts on Thursday night. Five deaths were reported in Kheri district, while five, including two kids, died in Shahjahanpur, reports Kanwardeep Singh.

Shahjahanpur district magistrate Umesh Pratap Singh told TOI: “Storm lasted for less than 30 minutes but its impact was severe, particularly in parts of the city. The kin of those dead will get compensation under the state disaster relief fund within 72 hours.”

In Shahjahanpur, two children who had taken shelter near a wall died as it collapsed. Cops said three men who were plucking mangoes at an orchard were critically injured when a wall collapsed on them. All three succumbed to their injuries later.

In Lakhimpur Kheri, two people died in separate tree fall incidents while three others died in two house collapse incidents.

Contractor kills self over bills, row hits K’taka

Davanagere: In what could spell more trouble for the governing Congress in Karnataka, a contractor has allegedly died by suicide in Davanagere and left behind a purported note blaming non-clearance of bills for govt projects as well as his family’s property disputes.

PS Goudar’s death in Santhebennur has come to light days after an official of the Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation allegedly ended his life after accusing minister B Nagendra of embezzling the state-owned unit’s funds. That death has kicked up a storm with opposition demanding the minister’s resignation.

TNN

No respite from heatwave, 45 lives lost in 36 hrs, toll hits 87

Odisha Accounts For 19 Casualties; UP 16, Including 11 Poll Officials

With four deaths on Friday, Rajasthan’s heatstroke toll is nine so far

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

The unforgiving summer killed 45 more people in the last 36 hours. The total number of lives lost to suspected heatstroke is now 87.

Nineteen more people died of suspected heatstroke in western Odisha, 16 perished in UP in a single day, while five succumbed to the murderous heat in Bihar, four in Rajasthan and one in Punjab.

In Odisha, the 19 deaths occurred on Thursday and Friday, taking the death toll over the past 48 hours to 29. Experts attributed the sudden rise in fatalities to extremely high temperatures.

Of the 29 deaths, 12 were reported from Sundargarh and nine from Jharsuguda. Sambalpur reported seven deaths, while another person died in Bargarh. Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Satyabrata Sahu said all these deaths are being investigated to check whether heatstroke was the cause.

Of the nine who died in Jharsuguda, seven were truck drivers passing through the industrial town while transporting minerals.

In UP, 11 of the 16 people who died on Friday were polling personnel. Among the polling personnel, eight, including five home guards, died in Mirzapur, while two polling staff died in Sonbhadra and one in Rae Bareli.

Mirzapur medical college principal RB Kamal said, “We recorded 13 deaths, including those of eight polling personnel, due to heatstroke on Friday. All the victims had medical complications, including high fever, high blood pressure, diabetes. The victims were in the 50-plus age group.

The exact cause of death will be known after postmortem reports come, but prima facie it looks like heatstroke aggravated their existing medical issues, resulting in deaths.”

Mirzapur SP Abhinandan said, “The family of each deceased home guard will be given ex-gratia of Rs 15 lakh by EC and relief of Rs 5 lakh from the CM’Srelief fund.”

Sonbhadra DM Chandra Vijay Singh confirmed the deaths of two polling personnel to TOI. In Rae Bareli, the deceased polling official was identified as sub-inspector Harishankar.

In Bihar, Friday’s five deaths took the toll to 14, including 10 polling personnel, in the last 24 hours, officials said on Friday. With four deaths on Friday, Rajasthan has witnessed nine heatstroke deaths this summer.

Inputs from Bhubaneswar, Lucknow, Varanasi, Patna, Jaipur & Chandigarh

TN suspends brigand killer on retirement day, recalls order

Selvaraj.A@timesgroup.com

Chennai: Hours after suspending S Velladurai — an additional superintendent of police credited with gunning down forest brigand Veerappan in 2004 — on the day of his retirement on Friday, Tamil Nadu govt withdrew the order with riders. Velladurai had also earned a sobriquet of ‘encounter specialist.’

A late evening order said he would be allowed to retire on Friday, but a sum of Rs 5 lakh would be withheld from his terminal benefits towards two State Human Rights Commissionorders.

Velladurai came to prominence after he gunned down history-sheeter Ayodhyakuppam Veeramani on Mari- na Beach in 2003.

On Oct 18, 2004, Velladurai again shot to fame when he pulled the trigger on forest brigand Veerappan. The Veerappan killing was a milestone because between the brigand’s first arrest in 1972 and the encounter killing in 2004, he had killed more than 180 people and 500 elephants for their tusks. He had felled countless sandalwood trees and defied even a joint Tamil NaduKarnataka special task force for about 15 years.

It was Velladurai’s bullet that officially ended Operation Cocoon, launched to nab or kill Veerappan.

Velladurai started his career as a sub-inspector of police and rose in the ranks to be the additional superintendent of police. Sources said though the state DGP and head of the police force Shankar Jiwal recommended his peaceful retirement, the state home department issued the suspension orders citing ‘public interest’ under sub-rule (e) of Rule 17 of the Tamil Nadu Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules.

As per the suspension order, Velladurai will be paid subsistence allowance and dearness allowance. During the period of suspension, he shall be at Tiruvannamalai, as he last served as additional superintendent of police of the district crime record bureau (DCRB), and shall not leave the headquarters without obtaining priorpermission from the govt.

Bishnoi gang had another plan to hit Salman with Pak arms: Cops

The plot to target Salman at his farmhouse was hatched a month before the firing outside his house, police said

Ahmed.Ali@timesgroup.com

Mumbai:A month prior to the arrest of two shooters for firing outside actor Salman Khan’s house, another plan had been hatched by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to eliminate Khan at his Panvel farmhouse, say Navi Mumbai police.

TOI has managed to access the details of the investigation. A copy of the FIR filed at Panvel police station in Navi Mumbai shows that the jailed gangster Bishnoi, his Canada-based cousin Anmol Bishnoi, and accomplice Goldy Brar had plotted to kill the actor by sourcing sophisticated weapons including an AK-47, M-16 and AK-92 from a Pakistan-based weapon supplier. The objective was presumably to waylay his vehi- cle or storm the farmhouse, said police sources. It is not yet clear to investigators why a second plan was set into motion to fire at the actor’s Bandra residence.

Navi Mumbai police last week arrested four persons linked to the earlier plot and are looking for at least 15-20 other members of the Bishnoi gang who stayed in the vicinity of Khan’s farm- house since Feb this year. The gang has been targeting him over his involvement in the killing of a black buck in 1998 in Rajasthan during the making of a film.

The arrested accused have been identified as Dhananjay Tapesingh alias Ajay Kashyap, Gaurav Bhatia alias Nahvi, Vaspi Khan alias Waseem Chikna and Rizwan Khan alias Javed Khan. The conspiracy came to light last month when senior inspector Nitin Thackeray received a tip-off that a few people were planning to carry out an attack on Khan’s farmhouse.

“We got to know recently after the Bandra shooting that Bishnoi had sent a few men to Navi Mumbai, namely Ajay Kashyap and others who went by the nicknames of Rocky Shooter, Satish Kaur and Sukha Shooter,” said an officer. Bishnoi himself is an undertrial in Sabarmati jail in Gujarat.

Mystery over kidney removed in botched Raj surgery deepens

The woman’s family said the doctors did not hand over the healthy kidney after its removal, while the treating doctor rejected their claim

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Jaipur: Rajasthan health department’s investigation into a botched kidney surgery at a private hospital in Jhunjhunu on May 15 has called it ‘medical negligence.’ The report, however, has not mentioned the whereabouts of the healthy kidney which was removed by doctors in place of an infected one from a 30-year-old woman.

Based on the investigation report submitted by a govt committee, Jhunjhunu SP Rajarshi Raj Varma has filed an FIR under Sections 337 and 338 of the IPC for medical negligence. “We are probing other angles too,” Varma said.

Relatives of Eid Banu, the victim, alleged that doctors at Dhankar Hospital did not hand over the kidney after its removal, while treating doctor Sanjay Dhankar claimed that he had handed it over to the attendants. “The doctor told us that they had thrown it in the garbage bin,” Eid Banu’s cousin, Sehzad Ali, said.

“We have handed over the kidney to the family of the patient. A video recording was done,” Dr Dhankar said.

He said that he had operated the right part of her body to remove the right-hand side kidney, which was infected. But, during the operation, the left kidney was removed.

The doctor had performed the surgery without taking help of a CT scan to locate the kidney and ignored other tests that could have provided him a better idea of the location of the infected kidney. The govt has sealed the hospital and Banu has been shifted to another hospital for treatment.

A day later, monsoon loses steam, may progress slowly

The effect of cyclone Remal may delay monsoon entry over south Maharashtra and northwest India, an IMD official said

Neha.Madaan@timesgroup.com

Pune: The southwest monsoon lost its steam barely a day after reaching Kerala and advancing into most parts of northeast India on May 30, and is likely to progress slowly for a few days, a senior IMD official said.

This could be concerning news for regions that normally see onset after Kerala, including parts of Maharashtra.

The IMD official said, “Cyclone Remal caused the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon to get stronger, taking it to northeast India, while the Arabian Sea branch has weakened. There will be some rainfall activity over peninsular India in the next few days, but it may be subdued. It will take a few days for the monsoon to re-align, thus causing a delay in monsoon entry over south Maha- rashtra and later even northwest India. June rainfall forecast for northwest India shows below normal rains.”

GP Sharma, president, Skymet Weather Services, said, “The main trigger for monsoon advancement are systems forming along either side of both the Indian coasts. These features don’t seem to be there and may not be there in the next few days.

Whatever rain activity we see in peninsular India in the next few days will be akin to thundershowers or localised rain, atypical of monsoon activity. There could be a delay in its onset over parts of Maharashtra and even regions such as Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.”

According to an IMD update on Friday, the southwest monsoon advanced into remaining parts of northeast Bay of Bengal and some parts of northwest Bay of Bengal, remaining parts of Tripura, Meghalaya and Assam and most parts of sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim. Conditions are favourable for its further advance into some more parts of central Arabian Sea, remaining parts of south Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep area and Kerala, some parts of Karnataka, some more parts of Tamil Nadu and southwest Bay of Bengal during next two-three days.

Pune cops get JJB approval to question Porsche teen today

The Porsche that knocked down and killed two bike-borne techies on May 19

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Pune: Pune Police secured permission Friday from the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) to record the statement of the 17-year-old driver of the Porsche Taycan that knocked down and killed two bike borne techies on May 19.

“We will visit the observation home on Saturday to record the boy’s statement,” a crime branch officer told TOI.

The officer added: “We have already recorded his statement on May 19 after detaining him but at that time, we didn’t have much evidence in hand. We want to know how his friends gathered, how the car was taken out of their (family’s) bungalow, how they visited various pubs and other establishments and how the boy sat on the driving seat of the Porsche.”

The teen’s statement will be recorded in the presence of the district protection officer (DPO) and a family member. The boy’s mother is incommunicado. His father and grandfather have been arrested on charges of abducting their family driver and trying to coerce him into owning up to the crash. The boy’s elder brother (22) is there in the city.

On Friday, a Pune court rejected a prosecution plea to extend the police remand of the father, a prominent builder, and the grandfather. It remanded them in judicial custody for 14 days and sent them to Yerawada jail.

On the teen’s statement, a senior police officer said his relatives, including his elder brother, would be asked to remain present at the observation home. “We have collected CCTV footage, many statements and much evidence in the case. We want to corroborate these with the statement of the boy,” the officer said.

Teen sample switched with blood mix?

The blood sample of the 17-year-old Porsche Taycan driver could have been switched with one that possibly contained blood collected from three different people, police said on Friday. Police had claimed that other than a woman, blood from two elderly men was collected in the casualty ward of Sassoon General Hospital on May 19.

TNN

4 Rajkot civic body officials held over blaze at gaming zone

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Rajkot/Ahmedabad: Four officials of Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) were arrested on Thursday night in connection with the May 25 gaming zone blaze that claimed 27 lives, taking the total number of arrests in the case to nine.

RMC town planning officer M D Sagathiya (55), assistant town planning officers Mukesh Makwana (43) and Gautam Joshi (46), and fire station officer Rohit Vigora (29) were arrested for alleged negligence in taking action against the promoters and partners of TRP Game Zone.

All the arrested persons have been booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, among other charges under IPC sections 304, 308, 36, 337 and 338. The four arrested RMC officials were remanded in police custody till June 12 by a local court on Friday. During the hearing, special public prosecutor Tushar Gokani told the court Sagathiya and the other accused had known about the gaming zone being illegal since April 2023. He said Makwana and Sagathiya issued notices to the gaming zone last year on April 11 and June 8, stating the structure was illegal and should be removed. However, they took no follow-up action.

Gokani further informed the court that a fire had broken out at the game zone on Sept 4, 2023, but Vigora did not care to check if the premises was operating without a fire NOC and if the fire safety equipment were in place.

In their remand application, police said they needed to interrogate the RMC officials in custody to find out why they had not acted upon the notices. It was also submitted that police had found evidence that Yuvraj Solanki, one of the owners of the gaming zone, had met RMC officers, after which the structure was not demolished.

‘Sar tan se juda’ threat to Nagpur journo over W Asia conflict posts

Viraj.Deshpande@timesgroup.com

Nagpur: Social media has turned into a battlefield amid the raging Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza with an independent journalist in Nagpur on Friday submitting a police complaint citing hate messages and death threats on Instagram, including one that warned her of “Sar tan se juda (beheading)”.

A woman digital influencer was also issued death threats over her posts, while a teen received abusive messages.

“The journalist has been reporting on the Israel-Hamas conflict and he received the ‘Sar tan se juda’ threat. Please take immediate ac- tion against the guilty,” says the journalist’s complaint submitted to Nagpur police commissioner Ravinder Singal. The Instagram IDs of those who issued the threats were made public with an appeal to report them. Singal promised “appropriate legal action”.

A youth with 10k followers on Instagram had posted the picture of the journalist and the woman digital influencer with the Sar tan se juda slogan as background music. As outrage peaked, the youth deleted the post.

Social media users in Nagpur have been split down the middle with many sharing posts in support of Palestine and others backing Israel for eight months since the conflictbegan.

DKS claims animal sacrifice in Kerala to ‘destroy’ him, temple rebuts charge

Shivakumar with Siddaramaiah. He said he knew who were behind the rituals, but refused to name them

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bengaluru: Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar has claimed that his “rivals” were performing yagnas and animal sacrifices at a Shiva shrine in Left-governed Kerala’s Kannur to “destroy his political career” and that of his Congress colleague and CM Siddaramaiah.

Ministers in Kerala and authorities of the Rajarajeshwara Temple in Kannur’s Thaliparambu responded with dismay and scepticism to Shivakumar’s accusations. Kerala CPM secretary MV Govindan said “Shivakumar is crazy” and accused him of “mocking” the state’s culture.

Shivakumar made the allegations Thursday, saying his “political opponents in the state were performing a yagnas at Rajarajeshwara Temple”, over 300km from Bengaluru. The shrine is named after ‘Rajarajeshwaran’ — an epithet of Lord Shiva — and is among 108 revered Shiva temples in Kerala. Asked if he suspected BJP or JDS, Shivakumar claimed he knew the people behind it but refused to take names.

“For this yagna, pancha bali (five kinds of sacrifices) has been given: 21 goats, three buffaloes, 21 black sheep, five pigs and three hens. Aghoris (a monastic order of Shaivite ascetics) have been approached. It is going on,” Shivakumar had said.

On Friday, the temple authorities in Kerala expressed dismay at being embroiled in the row and insisted that no animal sacrifice is part of their rituals. “This is an ancient temple and one of the most popular in Kerala. We dismiss the allegations,” the temple’s administrative officer said.

Devaswom (temple endowment) minister K Radhakrishnan termed such occurrences “highly improbable” in Kerala while promising a probe into the claims.

Adding to the chorus of rebuttals, CPM secretary Govindan asserted that Rajarajeshwara temple does not conduct “superstitious practices”.

Puri cracker explosion toll rises to 6

Death toll in the cracker explosion in Odisha’s Puri rose to six on Friday as three more patients died of burn injuries in different hospitals across Bhubaneswar, reports Debabrata Mohapatra.Police probe revealed a group of locals had illegally stored fireworks at Narendra pond near Jagannath Temple.

PM, Shah review cyclone damage, promise all aid

TIMESNEWSNETWORK

New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi on Friday took time out of his meditation and reviewed the situation in the wake of Cyclone Remal, which affected several states. Soon after he was briefed by home minister Amit Shah, the PM expressed concern over the flood situation in the North-East and assured all support to the affected states.

“Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and West Bengal have witnessed natural disasters in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal. My thoughts & prayers are with all those who have been affected there,” he wrote on X.

“Took stock of the prevailing situation. Centre has assured all possible support to states and is continuously monitoring the situation. Officials are working on the ground to assist those affected,” he added.

Shah too assured all pos- sible assistance to those affected. He said he had briefed Modi and expressed solidarity with the people affected.

“Deeply concerned about the natural disasters triggered by Cyclone Remal in Assam, Tripura, Manipur, Meghalaya and Mizoram. Also briefed PM Narendra Modi ji on the situation, who expressed solidarity with those affected,” Shah wrote on X.

“Spoke to the respective state CMs, took stock of the situation, and assured them of all possible help. Our thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured for aspeedy recovery. The situation is being closely monitored and authorities are providing all possible assistance to the affected,” he added.

The flood situation continues to be grim in many places in the north-east with several lakh people affected following incessant rainfall in the aftermath of the cyclone.

With 8 more deaths, flood toll in N-E mounts to 53

Mukut Das & K Sarojkumar Sharma TNN

Guwahati/Imphal: Ravaging floods in Assam and Manipur continued to claim lives as authorities reported eight more flood-related deaths on Friday, raising the overall fatality count to 53. The floods induced by severe cyclone Remal also inundated vast swathes of land and affected at least five lakh people in the two northeastern states.

PM Modi took stock of the prevailing flood situation in Assam, where six deaths were reported, and other northeastern states while assuring all possible support . He posted on his X handle that the central govt is continuously monitoring the situation and officials are working on the ground to assist those affected.

Union home minister Amit Shah, while expressing his concern over the natural disaster triggered by cyclonic storm Remal in Assam, Tripura, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, wrote on his X handle that he spoke to chief ministers of the respective states and took stock of the situation. He promised them of all possible help.

Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) in its daily flood report said three deaths occurred in Cachar, two in Hailakandi and one in West Karbi Anglong districts. Two of the six deceased were children. One child’s death was reported in Cachar and one in Hailakandi.

As of Friday, Cachar in Barak valley was the worst-hit district where over 15,000 people have been affected, followed by over 5,000 in Hojai district and over 3,000 in Karimganj district. The affected districts are Karbi Anglong, Dhemaji, Hojai, Cachar, Karimganj, Dibrugarh, Nagaon, Hailakandi, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong West, Dima-Hasao. Over 28,000 affected people are currently taking shelter across 187 relief camps opened in the state.

The devastating effects of cyclone Remal resulted in floods and landslides in Manipur, where two more lives were lost, raising the total number of fatalities to five.

SC lets ex-DGP’s convicted son to surrender in Odisha

Suffering From Stage-4 Cancer, Says Mohanti

Biti Hotra Mohanti had absconded in Nov 2006 while on parole on the ground of mother’s illness and was living under a pseudonym

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Supreme Court on Friday permitted Biti Hotra Mohanti, son of former Odisha DGP and convicted and sentenced to seven years imprisonment for sexually assaulting a German tourist at Alwar in 2006, to surrender at Cuttack in Odisha instead of a jail in Rajasthan.

A vacation bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Arvind Kumar permitted the convict, who had absconded in Nov 2006 while on parole on the ground of his mother’s illness and had started living assuming a pseudonym, claimed through his counsel Nakul Divan that he is suffering from stage-4 cancer and that he may not get treatment in Rajasthan jail.

As the Supreme Court bench of Justices J K Maheshwari and Karol had on April 4 dismissed Mohanti’s appeal against conviction and ordered him to surrender to serve the remaining sentence, he was to report back to a jail in Rajasthan on June 4. Divan pleaded for more time to surrender citing the expensive cancer treatment .

Rajasthan counsel Shiv Mangal Singh told the bench that the Rajasthan jail is equipped to provide adequate treatment. However, he suggested that Mohanti could apply to the Directorate of Prison fortransfer .

While allowing Mohanti to surrender at central jail, Cuttack on medical grounds, the bench asked the convict to apply for transfer from a Rajasthan jail to a jail in Odisha. If the authorities rejected his plea, then he would have to be taken to Rajasthan jail, the bench said.

Tipped off by US, ED arrests man linked to drug racket

New Delhi: Working on information shared by the US authorities, Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday arrested Banmeet Singh, an accused in an international drug trafficking network, who was earlier convicted and had served a five-year prison term in the US. He has been remanded to ED custody for seven days by a special court in Dehradun. His brother Parvinder, also part of the drug syndicate, was earlier arrested in April last week.

“They received at least 8,088 Bitcoins associated with their drug sales in various countries through the dark web. Banmeet Singh had surrendered 3,838 Bitcoins before US authorities, which is equivalent value of Rs 2,000 crore,” ED has said.

His brother Parvinder surrendered 268 bitcoins equivalent to Rs 130 crore, ED added.

Sources said the US officials had informed ED that more than 8,000 Bitcoins (worth over Rs 4,000 crore) have been received by “The Singh Organisation” as proceeds of crime.

The Singh brothers were involved in narcotics smuggling through the network of “The Singh Organisation” on the dark web.

TNN

Court on Rajan: Hotelier killed after extortion plaint

Shetty’s Two Sons Among 32 Witnesses Examined

The judge found Rajan guilty of criminal conspiracy to commit murder under IPC and three counts under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime (MCOCA) Act

Rebecca.Samervel@timesgroup.com

Mumbai: In a 55-page detailed judgment copy convicting and sentencing deported gangster Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje alias Chhota Rajan (67) to life imprisonment for the 2001 murder of hotelier Jaya Shetty, a special court said it is seen that as a gang leader he conspired with the co-accused and killed the victim due to non-payment of the extortion amount.

The judge said it was significant the murder took place just days after the victim complained to the police and the multiple letters he had written to them expressing concerns for his safety were the most crucial evidence. “The most important factor is that there is proximity in filing those complaints and the date of murder of deceased Jaya Shetty. The last complaint is of April 14, 2001, and date of murder is May 4, 2001,” special judge A M Patil said.

On Thursday, the judge found Rajan guilty of criminal conspiracy to commit murder under IPC and three counts under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime (MCOCA) Act. The detailed judgment copy was made available on Friday.

Shetty’s two sons were among the 32 witnesses examined by special public prosecutor Pradip Gharat. “They specifically deposed that their father used to run hotels... where the deceased was shot. They both deposed that the person namely Hemant Pujari belonging to the gang of Chhota Rajan used to call their manager for the extortion of the amount,” the judge said.

It was also observed that even though the prosecution produced true copies of letters and not the original, their contents corroborated the oral testimony of Shetty’s son as to the threat.

“Mere lapses of the investigating officer can not throw away the important piece of evidence when the witness himself identified those letters, signatures thereon, contents of the letters and endorsement of the police as to receipt of those letters,” the judge said.

The judge relied on the confession statements of previously convicted accused too. The judge, though, said transcripts of alleged extortion conversations between Shetty’s son and absconding accused Hemant Pujari and deposition of Santosh Shetty, an alleged gangster deported from Bangkok, were weak pieces of evidence. Santosh was cleared in some of the cases.

Shetty was shot dead at his Gamdevi restaurant by Rajan’s henchmen. The murder was among the 71 cases transferred to CBI after he was deported from Bali in 2015.

Plea in HC: Child welfare panel returns 2-mth-old to unwed mom

When the petitioner asked to take her baby home, she was made to sign a surrender deed on April 5 and told she had 60 days to revoke it. Her petition said she never wanted to surrender her baby but a social worker said this was the only way to get the child back

Rosy.Sequeira@timesgroup.com

Mumbai:An unwed mother who had moved Bombay high court after she was allegedly made to surrender her newborn baby at a children’s home near Byculla has got her two-month-old infant back. High court had asked the child welfare committee to pass an order on the woman’s application for her baby’s custody.

Justices Nitin Borkar and Somasekhar Sundaresan on Wednesday took note of the child welfare committee’s order “for release/discharge of the child to the mother”. Asha Sadan Balgruh’s advocate Rishabh Seth said the surrender deed has been reversed and “the child has been released to the care of the mother”.

The woman (23), who was sexually abused by her boss while working abroad, realised six months later that she was pregnant. As her family is conservative, she hid her pregnancy and stayed at Asha Sadan.

She delivered a girl on March 29. Her family later supported her. When she asked to take her baby home, she was made to sign a surrender deed on April 5 and told she had 60 days to revoke it. Her petition said she never wanted to surrender her baby but a social worker said “this was the only way to get the child back”.

On May 2, Child Welfare Committee (CWC) (Mumbai City-I) gave her a hearing but did not decide on her application to reclaim her baby.

Seth refuted the allegations and said any adverse inference could blemish the home’s track record.

The judges said as the petition has become infructuous, it would not mean the allegations were unaddressed or held as, prima facie, having merit.

The woman’s advocate Trupti Bhardi said “the petitioner feels traumatised and stressed about the manner in which she was dealt with” and these allegations no longer require HC’s attention “because the matter has worked itself out”.

The Bombay HC judges said that it is obvious that in such matters, “emotions will run high and the degree of rationality in conduct of parties would not be as would be usually expected in normal circumstances”. They “earnestly” requested both parties to put behind everything and “work constructively towards the welfare of the child”.

Told they would have to interact over the next one year for various legal processes, the judges said they must “bring to bear their emotional strength to maintain an amicable interaction... placing the welfare of the child at the forefront over any other adverse feelings and misgivings.”

Hunt on for terrorists after gunfight in J&K

Jammu: Security forces launched a massive search operation on Friday after an exchange of fire with terrorists in J&K’s Poonch district, sources said, reports Sanjay Khajuria.

The gunfight took place near the Dera-ki-Gali forest belt after security forces combed the area late Thursday. After a brief skirmish, the terrorists fled, taking advantage of the darkness and dense forest cover.

On May 10, a brief exchange of fire was reported between security forces and terrorists suspected to be behind the May 4 attack on an IAF convoy that left Corporal Vikky Pahade dead and four of his colleagues wounded.

6 RTO officials suspended over Jammu bus tragedy

Jammu: The J&K transport department has suspended six officials of the regional transport office in Kathua, Jammu, in connection with the bus accident at Akhnoor that claimed 22 lives and injured 69 others on Thursday, reports Sanjay Khajuria.

Transport secretary Niraj Kumar Friday ordered the six officials to be suspended with immediate effect for alleged dereliction of duty, pending inquiry. They have been attached to the office of the Jammu transport commissioner.

A magisterial probe was also ordered by Jammu district magistrate Sachin Kumar Vaishya. The report has to be submitted within a week. The probe will be led by Parmvir Singh, additional secretary (technical), J&K Road Safety Council.

2 women among 3 killed in Odisha lightning strikes

Three persons, including two women, died after allegedly being struck by lightning in three Odisha districts on Thursday afternoon, reports Hrusikesh Mohanty.

While two women died in separate tragedies in Kandhamal and Gajapati districts, a man died in Ganjam district. Post-mortem of the deceased were conducted on Friday.

2 girls die after slipping into river pit in UP’s Bareilly

Two minor girls drowned, while another was rescued after they fell into a pit in the Ramganga river in Fatehganj West area of Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district on Friday morning, reports Muskan Cornelius. Police said the deceased Saloni (10) was from Birpur village and Kusum (15) from Kasampur village .

TIMES EVOKE

‘Global warming’s given every human one month of extra-hot days — India is living this right now’

Andrew Pershing is VP for science at Climate Central, Princeton. Speaking to Srijana Mitra Das at Times Evoke, he links the rise of very hot days — to climate change:

Climate changedriven heat is impacting you and Earth. Save trees and water, reduce concretisation, adopt renewables — and discuss this very real issueGLOBAL HEAT ACTION DAY: JUNE 2

What is the core of your research?

■ I am a climate scientist and oceanographer. Climate Central, my organisation, a non-profit group of scientists and communicators, works on global climate science research and reportage. With data, technology and collaborations, we help people understand what living on a warming planet means.

Can you discuss your new findings on extrahot days worldwide?

■ This study, conducted in collaboration with International Red Cross and Red Crescent and World Weather Attribution, focused on locally hot temperatures, formally defined as the top 10% of temperatures which could occur at a place, based on the last 30 years. Finding that threshold, we totalled the number of days above this for every location on Earth between May 2023 to May 2024. We also used our attribution system to see how many such days there would’ve been in a world free of human-caused global warming — subtracting that, we found the average human on Earth last year experienced 26 to 31 days — a month of extra-hot days — due to such climate change.

These impacts vary. For countries near the equator, in the tropical band, many more such days were added — in places like Indonesia or Rwanda, these could be over four months of extra-hot days. Our study reflects how the experience differs, depending on which part of the world you are in and how this is decoupled from the places which caused the most emissions — the United States, Europe and China tended to have slightly less than one month, though these are most responsible.

How much of India’s current heatwave is due to climate change?

■ India has undergone many heatwaves recently and our attribution studies research climate change’s role in these. This year, through our Climate Shift Index, where we look at every day’s temperature and calculate how much more or less likely this was due to climate change, we’ve seen a lot of signals — last weekend in Delhi, numbers indicated two to three times more likely.

What climate trends are globally key?

■ Extreme heat will be a prominent feature — India is living through this right now. We’ve seen major precipitation events, including the recent rainfall in Dubai. This is a big part of the climate story — as you warm the atmosphere, it can hold more water vapour and so, the potential for bigger rain events grows. Another trend showing in our data is how just about everywhere on Earth, there is warming in the day — and even more during the night. That is related partly to water vapour in the air which can hold onto heat overnight as well.

How are non-human animals faring?

■ We’re seeing widespread coral bleaching. Corals are animals — when you warm them up beyond temperatures they are used to, they lose their colour. That affects the entire marine ecosystem. This started in the Caribbean last year and occurred in the Great Barrier Reef through the Austral summer. Terrestrial animals are also deeply impacted. Howler monkeys in Mexico are facing a very harsh heatwave. Many faint and fall out of trees, even perishing. The natural world is suffering severe impacts of warming, which we are under-counting.

What weather is the US experiencing?

■ Many parts are seeing extreme heat, southern states like Arizona and Texas even reaching 45 degrees. In south-eastern states like Florida, which have a moist climate, you’re getting uncomfortably persistent warmth. This year, northern states, where you’d normally expect temperatures below zero in winter, had many days above freezing. Also, the hurricane season, starting on 1st June, will be very powerful — the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the central Atlantic are unusually warm. That forebears much stronger storms.

Is climate change a political issue in America’s election year?

■ It is a big issue — but it’s also very polarised. One party has concerned members while the other’s policies don’t reflect such worry. Yet, there is strong agreement among citizens that climate change is very serious. People want to learn more and support lowering emissions — but we are in an environment where it is very challenging to talk about this.

READERS WRITE

Dear Times Evoke,

At this time, when many parts of India are reeling under a scorching heatwave, TE’s interview with Dr Gaurab Basu (25th May) of Harvard was most timely. This gave important information about the life-threatening seriousness of heat exposure. It also highlighted the perils of cutting down trees, depriving us of shade and adversely affecting the water cycle which leads to scanty rain and water rationing. It’s heartening to know climate change has been included in Harvard’s curriculum. Indian universities should also include global warming in their syllabus. Thanks, TE, for the ‘cool’ interview in this era of global warming.

— Indira Satyanarayan, Mumbai

TE’s information on heatwaves impacting human health was extremely useful. It was presented in a very understandable format for a layman. TE’s features disseminate awareness and caring for people unable to save themselves from climate impacts. Such informative articles are the need of the hour. Thanks, TOI, for TE’s contribution towards the common citizen.

— Anant Dorlikar, Nagpur

I read TE’s interview with Gaurab Basu very carefully as we did not know exactly how heat affects our body. The way it was explained here, from how blood vessels, enzymes and organs react, was most informative. It also showed why people who have existing health issues are more vulnerable to this. Thanks, TE, for your well-presented articles and distinguished global experts.

— Shalini Mathur, Delhi

All the articles published in Times Evoke are awakening readers to global warming and its impacts on human health and well-being. I greatly appreciate TOI for TE and its excellent features about the Anthropocene. More power to TE!

— Dr D. Lakshmanan, Kazhipattur

Share your thoughts at: timesevoke@timesgroup.com Read Times Evoke online at: www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/times-evoke

READY FOR A NEW ABNORMAL? As IMD (Earth Sciences, GOI) records (R), maximum temperatures in end-May were searing, pushed by fossil fuel-driven global warming

COLOURLESS: 54% of the world’s coral reefs, once vivid organisms boosting marine life (L), are now bleached by exposure to warming sea waters (R)

CAN I HANG ON? The blameless bear it too

1 killed, 12 hurt in Gangotri highway landslide

A landslide hit several vehicles on Gangotri highway near Dabrani area in Uttarkashi around noon on Friday, killing one person and injuring 12 others, reports Abhyudaya Kotnala. One person is still missing. The landslide, possibly triggered by a forest fire, disrupted traffic and led to a rescue operation. Traffic on Gangotri highway was halted due to continuous rockfalls but was restored in the evening. While the body of 18-year-old Ankit Singh Panwar from Sainj village, Uttarkashi, was recovered, search for Kamla Devi, a labourer from BRO, continued till late evening. Teams from National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, disaster management, and the health department reached the scene and rescued 12 injured people, mostly pilgrims and BRO labourers.

New envoys of China, UK present credentials to Prez

Envoys of seven countries, including Chinese ambassador Xu Feihong and UK high commissioner Lindy Elizabeth Cameron, presented their credentials to President Droupadi Murmu on Friday. Envoys of New Zealand, Kuwait, Fiji, Guinea and Ecuador also presented their credentials.

Xu Feihong said later in a post he had a “friendly discussion” on China-India relations with the president.

“I will make my due contribution to the improvement and development of China-India relations,” he said. China had appointed an ambassador to India last month after a gap of 18 months.

TNN

Agnikul: From IIT-M brainchild to space odyssey

Desi Rocket Firm Began Its Journey With `3Cr In 2017

After four unsuccessful attempts, Agnikul achieved a historic milestone on Thursday when it launched the world’s first 3D-printed rocket engine

Surendra.Singh@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: From an idea conceptualised at IIT-Madras to a full-fledged startup, Agnikul Cosmos Private Ltd has come a long way in the space world.

The desi startup was incubated at National Centre for Combustion Research and Development on premises of IITMadras. Founded in 2017 by IIT graduates Srinath Ravichandran, Moin S P M and professor S R Chakravarthy, Agnikul aimed to make space accessible and affordable and aspired to support PM Narendra Modi’s vision of enabling building of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The startup began its space journey with a seed funding of Rs 3 crore with an aim to build and launch its first rocket in 2021, and develop the ability to provide launch service for satellites weighing up to 100kg. Till the end of 2020, the company was able to raise almost $4 million. In Oct2023, Agnikul received a financial boost when it raised $26.7 million in a Series Bfunding round, bringing the total capital raised since its inception to $40 million.

In Feb 2021, the startup test- fired its semi-cryogenic rocket engine Agnilet to be used in the second stage of its rocket ‘Agnibaan’. The engine was developed in single-piece through3D printing with no assembled parts. The company holds the patent for the engine’s design and manufacturing.

In Sept 2021, the space startup signed a framework agreement with department of space for access to Isro facilities and technical expertise for the development of its twostage small-satellite Agnibaan launch vehicle. On Nov 7, 2022, Agnikul bought its first flight termination system from Isro. The startup’s Agnilet engine was successfully testfired on Nov 8, 2022, for a few seconds on vertical test facility TERLS, at Isro’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.

After four unsuccessful attempts, Agnikul achieved a historic milestone on Thursday when it was finally able to launch the world’s first 3D printed rocket engine.

Watchdog fines IAS coaching centre `3L for ‘misleading ads’

TIMESNEWSNETWORK

New Delhi: Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) imposed Rs 3 lakh fine on Maluka IAS coaching institute for advertising “misleading claims guaranteeing success” in prelims and mains in UPSC Ci vil Service exam 2022. The institute had claimed that over 120 of its students were selected in the exam.

“The decision was taken to protect and promote rights of consumers as a class and en sure that no false or misleading advertisement is made of any goods or services which contravenes the provisions of Consumer Protection Act, 2019,” the CCPA said.

The order passed by CCPA chief co mmissioner Nidhi Khare said CCPA found out the institute advertised various types of courses but information with respect to the course opted by the advertised successful candidates in Civil Service exams results was concealed in the advertisement. “This has the effect of consumers falsely believing that all the successful candidates so claimed by the institute had opted for the paid courses advertised by the institute on its website and brochure,” the authority said.

Earlier in response to a notice served by CCPA, Maluka IAS had submitted details of only 136 successful c andidates and only two of them had purchased any kind of course. Remaining 134 had joined a “free interview guidance course”.

The authority said this fact was not disclosed in the ad vertisement, thereby deceiving consumers into believing that such successful candidates owe their success to the coaching institute.

On the institute’s claim of “guaranteed prelims and mains”, CCPA said it misleads consumers.

Gujarat plans to auction vehicles seized for ferrying liquor

Gandhinagar: Gujarat govt plans to auction vehicles confiscated for ferrying liquor in the state even before the matter is taken up by different courts, reports Kapil Dave. Govt had submitted draft bill to amend the Prohibition Act in the budget session earlier this year, but it was not tabled.

Top govt sources said, “Minor changes are expected to be made in the draft of the bill. The proposed amendments are likely to be promulgated in the form of an ordinance, which is likely to be announced soon after elections.”

The Act currently states that confiscated animals, carts, vessels, or conveyances carrying intoxicants shall not be released on bond or surety till the court pronounces its final judgement.

K’tak a forms SIT to probe `90cr Valmiki corp scam

Bengaluru: Karnataka govt on Friday formed an SITto probe a lleged irregularities into the Rs 90-crore scam involving Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation and Union Bank of India.

The four-member SIT will be headed by CID’s additional DGP (Economic Offences) Manish Kharbikar. The team is to submit its report to the govt at the earliest. Karnataka hom e m inister G Parameshwara said the CM will take a call on future of state welfare minister B Nagendra if the scam indeed occurred under his watch.

Sources said a CBI probe into the case was expected as the scam size runs into crores of rupees. Union Bank of India has already lodged a complaint with the central agency. However, the state govt on Friday set up the SIT in what’s widely seen as a bid to preempt a CBI probe.

TNN

Times City

- Cops versus cops: A curious case of extortion and torture

- 28-yr-old killed in NE Delhi, no arrests yet

- Under fire, Special Cell left red-faced — yet again

- Amid Water Crisis, Blame On Each Other’s Doorsteps

- Neighbours providing their share, AAP govt’s mismanagement behind shortage, says Saxena

- BJP organises march from Shahidi Park to secretariat

- Govt in SC: Delhi in dire need of additional water

- Getting more than allocated water from Haryana: DJB

- Shots fired at office of bizman in Uttam Nagar

- Beer goes bearish, fails to meet mercury highs in peak summer

- ‘Lost 6kg In 50 Days, This Is Sign of Major Disease’

- Excise case: Court extends Sisodia’s custody till July 3

- MCD to celebrate its 161ˢᵗ anniversary with heritage walk

- There’s A Killer On The Road — It’s Called Pollution

- Gurgaon feels the heat

- Most polluted May in seven years

- In just three months of year, Delhi faced 15 extreme weather events

- Fire breaks out in Vasant Kunj shanty, takes 3 hours to be doused; 4 injured

- Western disturbance gives hope of some quick respite

- Hospital fire toll rises to seven as another baby dies

- Panic over IGL pipeline fire

- Trees biggest shield, can’t allow city to become a furnace & gas chamber: HC

- 200 Flyers To US Wait For 30 Hrs At IGI

- HC pulls up lawyer for ‘publicity stunt’ PIL

- Structure under flyover: PWD writes to cops

- Scare at NDLS after ‘grenade’ found in bin

- Double trouble: Long wait, AC snag in plane

- Bibhav sent to 14-day judicial custody, HC to decide on hearing plea

- SCORING A DUCK ON CRACKED PITCH

- CINEMA OF THE WEEK

- DIAL teaches locals of risk from wildlife, birds to planes

- No night challans in Ggn, but crackdown on drunk driving will continue

- HC notices to LG, law secy and IP Univ VC for ‘disobeying’ order

- AIIMS to start valet parking service

- Suraksha Set To Take Over JIL In Boost For Wish Town

- Retirement day: In coma for 2 years, constable given fond farewell in bed

Cops versus cops: A curious case of extortion and torture

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: The investigation into a case of extortion by policemen in Vasant Kunj has revealed that the four victims were confined for at least five hours in the narcotics unit office of Southwest district at Bhikaji Cama Place and assaulted with iron rods and baseball bats. One of the victims has turned out to be a Special Cell cop while another was from Haryana Police.

The men paid Rs 10 lakh after they were threatened that they would lose their jobs if implicated in a liquor smuggling case. After the money was paid by the relatives of one of the victims, two of them were made to sign blank papers and all were let off in the early hours of May 29.

As the FIR details reveal, Sukh Karan and his friends fell prey to extreme police misconduct and extortion. Five personnel — head constables Ashok and Vishwas Dahiya, and constables Manish, Deepak and Rajkumar — have been arrested and the entire narcotics unit of Southwest district is under the scanner.

The process to dismiss the arrested cops is likely to be initiated. The Union home ministry is learnt to have asked police commissioner Sanjay Arora to take steps to curb corruption in the force, sources said.

According to the FIR, Karan and his friends were drinking liquor in a car when they were approached by the group introducing themselves as Delhi Police personnel. They assaulted Karan and his friends without provocation, despite two of them saying that they themselves were police constables.

The men was taken to a police office in Bhikaji Cama Place, where Karan and Anil Chhillar were severely beaten up. The police personnel allegedly demanded Rs 10 lakh, threatening to implicate them in a liquor smuggling case.

Under duress, Chhillar arranged for the money through Karan’s acquaintances. “Karan’s brother-in-law, Sugreev, arranged the money and gave Rs 10 lakh through his acquaintances, Ashok and Jaiveer. Around 5am, Ashok and Jaiveer handed over the money to police near the Hanuman temple close to the Mahipalpur flyover,” the complainant said. The police personnel then released the group after forcing Karan and Chhillar to sign blank papers.

A case has been registered under sections of 384 (extortion), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 34 (common intention) of IPC at Vasant Kunj (south) police station.

The incident has rekindled the debate on brutality and abuse of power by police personnel. “It is crucial that such incidents are reported and probed to ensure accountability and maintain public trust in law enforcement,” said a retired police commissioner of Delhi.

28-yr-old killed in NE Delhi, no arrests yet

New Delhi: A 28-year-old cab driver was stabbed to death by unidentified assailants in northeast Delhi’s Shastri Park on Thursday night. Police are probing whether it was a case of personal enmity even as no arrest has been made so far.

Upon receiving information about the stabbing incident at 11.50 pm, a police team rushed to find victim Johar Abbas, a resident of Buland Masjid in the area, on the road with multiple stab wounds in his forehead, wrist, chest and other parts of his body, a senior police officer said.

“The deceased Abbas was found dumped at a side of the road with multiple stab wounds. Subsequently, he was rushed to a hospital, where the doctors declared him dead on arrival.” said Joy Tirkey, DCP (northeast).

A murder case has been registered under relevant sections of the IPC. “Technical and manual surveillance has been mounted to trace the suspects. Prima facie it appears to be a case of personal enmity while further investigation is in progress to ascertain the sequence of events,” added the DCP.

TNN

Under fire, Special Cell left red-faced — yet again

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: The latest arrest of five policemen on charges of extortion has yet again turned the spotlight on Delhi Police’s Special Cell, with one of the victims belonging to the elite unit itself. Sources said the nexus of this policeman with bootleggers and liquor sellers was also being investigated.

Police have found that at least 18 bottles of beer and whiskey seized from the car in which the four men were drinking were illegal.

The cop in question belongs to the intelligence fusion and strategic ops unit and a senior IFSO officer said they had not got any information from the district concerned regarding his involvement. “He is attending his duty regularly,” he said. A senior officer from Southwest district confirmed that his role was under the scanner. Police are probing what he was doing with the liquor sellers and others and why he was drinking in a car, an officer said.

TOI had recently reported about the grim state of affairs in Special Cell, which recently received a rap from the Supreme Court too.

The incident, which has brought half a dozen personnel under the scanner, has also raised questions on the functioning of Delhi Police of late. Despite the Union home mini- stry’s clear instructions to have zero tolerance for such practices, over a dozen cops have been arrested by CBI on corruption charges of late, a first in the history of Delhi Police.

In March, a Crime Branch officer was found running an interstate drug racket. Additional commissioner Sanjay Bhatia claimed to have suspended the cop after he had fled to South Africa. The same month, policemen posted at Welcome police station were arrested by CBI for extorting money from bus operators to allow unhindered operations.

In Feb, CBI arrested a policeman posted at northeast Delhi’s Nand Nagri police station for demanding and accepting bribes to allow construction of houses. The same month, a cop posted at southeast Delhi’s Jamia Nagar police station was arrested for demanding a bribe to not make arrests in a case. In Jan, the agency arrested a traffic cop red handed while accepting bribe for allowing the running of a construction garbage collection vehicle.

A cop was booked in Narela in Jan for extorting money from an accountant and another policeman at Sagarpur police station was arrested for demanding Rs 1 lakh from a complainant to not arrest him and his relatives. Two cops posted at Sonia Vihar police station were also arrested in a bribe-for-construction case around the same time.

Amid Water Crisis, Blame On Each Other’s Doorsteps

Kejriwal appeals for help from UP & Haryana govts, says protests won’t help solve problem

KEJRIWAL SAYS In this scorching heat, demand for water has increased a lot. The water that Delhi got from neighbouring states has also been reduced. That means the demand has increased a lot and the supply has reduced

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday appealed to the Centre and BJP to urge govts of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to help Delhi meet its water demand.

Kejriwal said BJP should shun playing politics and help the state govt in addressing the matter.

“In this scorching heat, the demand for water has increased a lot. The water that Delhi used to get from neighbouring states has also been reduced. That means the demand has increased a lot and the supply has reduced. We all have to solve this together. I see that BJP colleagues are protesting against us. This will not solve the problem,” the chief minister said.

He further said that if BJP talks to its govts in Haryana and UP and gets some water for Delhi for a month, then the people of Delhi will greatly appreciate this step of BJP.

On May 30, water minister Atishi wrote to the Union minister of Jal Shakti, Gajendra Shekhawat, demanding immediate intervention on the matter. Atishi appealed for additional water from the two neighbouring states.

“Delhi is the capital of India. People from all parts of the country migrate to Delhi in search of a better future. Therefore, it is our collective respon- sibility as a nation to ensure that the people of Delhi get the water that they need,” Atishi said in her letter to Shekhawat. “Therefore, I am writing to request you to ensure that some provision of water is made for NCT of Delhi, be it from Haryana or UP or any other state that may be able to spare water, so that the people of Delhi don't suffer,” she said.

She further said that du- ring her visit to the Wazirabad barrage, she found that the water level in the pond was 670.3 feet as against the normal of 674.50 feet. “This reduction in water level has a serious impact on the water production capacity of the water treatment plants in Delhi. If adequate water is not released by Haryana then our plants would not be able to function optimally,” she said.

The minister said on Friday that if BJP wants to support the people of Delhi, then it should ask Haryana and UP govts to help Delhi by giving some extra water for just a month to tide over the sweltering heat wave.

“It is the responsibility of all of us that if people are troubled in the national capital, then we should not do dirty and cheap politics at this time, but rather do something that gives some ease and relief... in this difficult situation.”

Neighbours providing their share, AAP govt’s mismanagement behind shortage, says Saxena

SAXENA SAYS In Delhi, women, children and the elderly are seen risking their lives, chasing after water tankers. No one could have imagined such heart-wrenching scenes in the capital

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Delhi lieutenant governor VK Saxena said on Friday that the Aam Aadmi Party govt’s mismanagement had caused the water shortage in the capital. He added that it had become the state govt's habit to blame others for its own “inefficiency, inability and inaction".

Slamming the govt for blaming other states for the water problem in a video statement, Saxena recited a couplet by Mirza Ghalib to underscore this accusation: 'Umar bhar Ghalib yehi bhool karta raha, dhool chehre par thi aur aaina saaf karta raha'. “Today, in Delhi, women, children, the elderly and the young risk their lives chasing after water tankers for a bucket of water,” LG said in a statement. “Perhaps no one could have imagined such heart-wrenching scenes in the nation's capital. However, govt is blaming other states for its failures. The promise made by the chief minister to provide 24-hour water supply in Delhi has so far proven an illusion.”

Saxena also alleged that despite "thousands of crores of rupees being spent by Delhi govt in the past decade, the old pipelines were neither repaired nor replaced". He said he was informed that Haryana and Uttar Pradesh were continuously providing Delhi with the designated water quota. “The primary reason for the severe water shortage in Delhi today is that there is no account for 54% of the water being produced. 40% of the water gets wasted during supply due to old and dilapidated pipelines,” he said.

He also claimed that in the past decade, the old pipelines were neither repaired or replaced nor were sufficient new pipelines laid. “Water is stolen and sold to the poor by tanker mafias,” Saxena alleged. Till 2013, he said, the water facilities were cleaned every year and the silt was removed. “But in the last 10 years, not once has this been done,” he maintained.

Saying the water shortage was solely the result of mismanagement, LG said “To hide its inefficiency, inaction and inability, Delhi govt has made it a habit to blame others for every failure and escape its responsibilities.”

AAP retorted that LG was indulging in cheap politics. “Every time Delhi faces a crisis, the Kejriwal govt looks for solutions while LG resorts to dirty politics. It is clear that he is an outsider who has no interest in the welfare of Delhi or Delhiites. We do not feel it necessary or appropriate to fight with him on every issue,” said the party.

BJP organises march from Shahidi Park to secretariat

Akshat Rajan TNN

New Delhi: BJP functionaries and workers in the city held a protest march on Friday from Shahidi Park in central Delhi to the secretariat to highlight the water crisis in the capital.

Led by Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva, the protesters carried placards and raised slogans against chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Sachdeva blamed corruption and mismanagement of AAP govt for the crisis and demanded his resignation.

“If the people of Delhi are suffering for every drop of water today, the sole person responsible for it is Arvind Kejriwal. Even in 2021, the court reprimanded Delhi govt, stating that Delhi receives sufficient water but govt has failed to prevent water wastage,” he said.

BJP candidate from Chandni Chowk Praveen Khandelwal said: “After coming out of jail, Kejriwal chose election campaigning over solving the water crisis.”

Sachdeva accused AAP of conniving with the tanker mafia. He said: “If Delhi's population had not been deprived of 53% of its water due to wastage and theft, the water crisis wouldn’t have occurred in the first place.”

Addressing a virtual press conference on Friday, Delhi’s water minister Atishi stated that during this severe heatwave, there is a water crisis in Delhi and the people are distraught. At such a time, when the people of Delhi are already going through so much, BJP is doing dirty politics, she said.

“I want to ask BJP that when there is such a time of emergency, when there is a severe heatwave, when the temperature is exceeding 50 degrees, when the people of Delhi are struggling, is this the time to do dirty politics? Shouldn't we come together at this time?” she asked.

Addressing BJP, she said: “If you want to support the people of Delhi, if you want some improvement in the lives of the people of Delhi, we appeal to you to ask your Haryana and UP govts to help Delhi by giving some extra water.”

Govt in SC: Delhi in dire need of additional water

EVERY DROP COUNTS

Abhinav.Garg@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Citing the “unprecedented surge in temperature”and “acute heatwave” in the city that have triggered a water and sanitation crisis, Delhi govt on Friday approached Supreme Court, seeking immediate release of continuous water from nearby states.

In its plea, Delhi govt has sought a direction to Haryana to release surplus water provided by Himachal Pradesh to the parched capital for urgent mitigation of its water woes compounded by the scorching heat. Since the court is closed, a vacation bench is likely to take up the matter once listed.

Kejriwal govt submitted that due to the dry arid summer, there had been “an unanticipated demand”, which had “precipitated an emergency in the form of a full-fledged water and sanitation crisis”, requiring an immediate solution.

The petition informed the apex court that Delhi govt had already devised a solution to meet the increased demand for water in the national capital as Himachal Pradesh agreed to share its surplus water with Delhi through the Wazirabad barrage, as per a pre-existing agreement of 2019.

“The record-high temperatures and heatwave in Delhi, which have resulted in the maximum temperature rising up to 50 degrees Celsius at some places, have caused an extraordinary and excessive surge in the water demand in the city. As a result, the national capital is dealing with a water shortage, which has led to frequent supply cuts in many parts of NCT, and has disrupted the daily life of ordinary residents,” it submitted.

Pointing out that “access to water also forms an essential component of the guarantee of dignity and a quality of life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution”, the plea stated the crisis “may only get worse given peak summers and ongoing water shortage, violates the right to a dignified and quality life of the people of NCT of Delhi, who are unable to access even adequate clean drinking water”.

AAP govt also submitted that it had taken all measures to ensure “optimisation, rationing and targeted” supply of water, yet the shortage remained acute, and “it is clear, by all indicators, that NCT of Delhi is in dire need of additional water”.

It said all treatment plants in Delhi were treating and supplying the water being sent and it was necessary to augment water supply. Urging the court to intervene, govt said the release of surplus water from HP via Haryana was a one-time measure and not to resolve any outstanding interstate water dispute.

“The petitioner is praying for the said relief... to remedy the current crisis till such time the monsoon season arrives and the temperature of the city goes down... thereby reverting the situation to normal,” it contended, seeking a direction to Haryana for immediate and continuous release of water to the Wazirabad barrage, including, but not limited to, the full surplus water provided by HP for Delhi.

Since HP and Delhi don’t share any border, the water has to be routed through “existing water channels/river systems in Haryana and released to Delhi at the Wazirabad barrage”, it stated.

Getting more than allocated water from Haryana: DJB

The board has also shown an increase, taking the overall water production to 990 MGD from all plants and tubewells. However, it is still much less than what is required

Siddhanta.Mishra@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: A day after water minister Atishi said govt was planning to move Supreme Court demanding more water from Haryana, alleging that the supply had been reduced by the neighbouring state, Delhi Jal Board (DJB) issued its summer bulletin on Friday showing that Wazirabad was already getting around 85 Million Gallons per Day (MGD) more than the allocated water from the Yamuna stream coming from Hathnikund barrage to the pond.

The board has also shown an increase, taking the overall water production to 990 MGD from all plants and tubewells. However, it is still much less than what is required in Delhi as people continue to face difficulties.

“I have been facing a problem of water supply for the entire month. Today morning, I received water supply for just 10 minutes,” said Srinivasan Sarma, a senior citizen who lives with his wife near Ghazipur dairy in East Delhi.

The summer bulletin, which was started by DJB this month, till a day earlier had all the information about the number of complaints being received and resolved. But in the latest bulletin this information is not provided.

“The latest bulletin highlights that around 85 MGD of water is being lifted by DJB which has not been allocated, suggesting either Delhi is lifting without authorisation or Haryana is already giving more than what is allocated to Delhi,” a DJB official said.

This once again contradicts what water minister Atishi has been alleging in the past few days — that Haryana has reduced water supply to Delhi. After the crisis began this month, the DJB and water minister have contradicted each other several times.

Delhi gets the majority of water through the Yamuna, which has three different canals to provide water to different plants across the city.

Wazirabad is from where raw water is lifted to be distributed to three main treatment plants — Wazirabad, Okhla and Chandrawal. The raw water requirement for Wazirabad is around 250-260 MGD to produce around 131 MGD of useable water, which is the optimum capacity. Currently, the plant is producing 125 MGD.

DJB said that the level of raw water being received is low at the pond which is bringing down overall production.

“We are getting the amount of water that we usually get during this time of the year from Haryana but as the temperatures are reaching an unprecedented level, the problems have increased for people. We are trying to manage,” another DJB official said on the crisis.

Shots fired at office of bizman in Uttam Nagar

New Delhi: Armed assailants fired shots at the office of a real estate businessman in southwest Delhi’s Uttam Nagar on Friday afternoon. The shooting was captured on CCTV cameras and showed one of the gunmen getting off a bike and firing shots at the office.

Cops said the incident happened at Tony Properties. They are probing which gangster was behind the incident.

Meanwhile, police has booked fugitive gangster Himanshu Bhau and his gang members under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) for allegedly running an extortion syndicate and extending threats to businessmen in Delhi.

Bhau, 21, belongs to Haryana’s Rohtak and is facing over 50 cases of murder, attempt to murder, extortion, threat and arms act in Delhi, Haryana and Punjab. He is supposedly hiding in Portugal. Three of his associates were involved in opening fires at a showroom in Tilak Nagar area on May 6.

TNN

Beer goes bearish, fails to meet mercury highs in peak summer

Many popular brands of the alcoholic beverage are missing from the shelf and many liquor shops do not have the facility to sell chilled beer. Beer comprises more than one-third of the total volume of liquor sold in stores during the peak summer

Atul.Mathur@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Delhi’s temperature has broken all records this year, but tipplers’ favourite summer drink — beer — has failed to cope with the demand.

Many popular brands of the alcoholic beverage are missing from the shelf and many liquor shops do not have the facility to sell chilled beer. According to industry estimates, other states, where beer sells in big numbers, have registered a growth in sale while it has come down, though marginally, in the national capital for the second year in succession.

According to the estimates, Delhi sold 224 lakh litres of beer — through a network of nearly 660 liquor stores and over 950 hotels, bars and restaurants — till April 30 this year in comparison with 228 lakh litres during the corresponding period in 2023 and 369 lakh litres in 2022. The new excise policy was in place in 2022 and the retail outlets offered schemes and discounts on various alcoholic beverages, resulting in a huge spike in the sale.

Karnataka and Maharashtra sold 1,418 and 1,049 lakh litres of beer, respectively, between Jan and April this year against 1,237 and 1,016 lakh litre in 2023. Though Delhi is nowhere close to Maharashtra or Karnataka in respect of size, population and the network of liquor shops and bars, the numbers only show how the alcoholic beverage registered a growth in other states.

Beer comprises more than one-third of the total volume of liquor sold in stores during the peak summer. Industry insiders, however, said the potential was much higher, considering the intense heat and high humidity levels in Delhi for almost six months of the year. However, due to the poor availability of popular brands, people living in areas closer to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh prefer to cross the state border to buy the stock. “That is why the sale of beer as well as other spirits in the neighbouring towns registers a growth of 15-20% annually while it has come down in Delhi,” said an industry expert.

Vinod Giri, director general-designate of Brewers Association of India, agreed that while the demand for beer had soared in the blazing Delhi summer, the supply was not keeping pace, resulting in the dip in sales below the 2023 levels. He added that a popular beer brand, which otherwise sells the most, was not available in the market and it was difficult for other suppliers to make up for the absence of supplies from that company.

“Also, the maximum retail price allowed to the companies are very low in Delhi, leading to a negative margin for most brands. When there is demand all over the country, there is low incentive to pump supplies in Delhi,” Giri revealed.

“The number of retail shops is also ridiculously low and chiller penetration is still not more than 50%, hitting the sale of beer badly. For the situation to turn around, the number of beer shops needs to be almost doubled and companies be allowed real and better prices. Else, the same story will repeat year after year in summer,” he added.

During the peak summer, govts of states where the breweries are located ask the companies to increase local supply rather than sending the stock to other states and cities.

A senior Delhi excise department official accepted that the availability of a particular brand that sold a lot was an issue this time. Another official, however, claimed that there was no shortage of beer in the city and several new brands were now available across the stores, which customers were trying.

With the temperature in May hitting the roof, the liquor companies are hopeful of improved sales and better returns. “We are also witnessing an increasing trend with consumers purchasing beer cans for in-home consumption due to ease of use and portability,” said a spokesperson of AB InBev India, one of the major players in the beer industry.

Another industry insider said the breweries were hopeful of improved sales and better returns with customers slowly shifting to premium brands, leading to a surge in the demand for higher-quality beers.

“The rise of social gatherings is driving the popularity of draught beer. We are witnessing a surge in demand and working to ensure the improved supply,” he said.

‘Lost 6kg In 50 Days, This Is Sign of Major Disease’

There Will Be No Instability Even After I Return To Jail: CM

KEJRIWAL SAYS In jail, on many days, they denied me insulin injections. My sugar level reached 300, 325 (mg/dL). If the sugar level remains so high for many days, kidney and liver get damaged

AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal shared a video message

Continued from P1

I have been a serious diabetic for 20 years. For the past 10 years, I have been receiving insulin injections daily. I get injections in my stomach four times every day. In jail, on many days, they denied me insulin injections. My sugar level reached 300, 325 (mg/dL). If the sugar level remains so high for many days, kidney and liver get damaged. I don't know what these people wanted, why they did this,” he said.

He claimed he had lost 6kg during the 50 days he spent in jail – from 70kg to 64kg – and had failed to regain it after being freed on interim bail. “Doctors are saying this can also be a sign of some major disease in the body. Many tests need to be done. The ketone level in my urine has also increased a lot,” he said.

The Aam Aadmi Party national convener, who was arrested in connection with the liquor policy case, was granted interim bail by Supreme Court till June 1 so that he could campaign for the Lok Sabha elections.

Since then, Kejriwal has been on the campaign trail holding rallies and roadshows. Besides campaigning in Delhi and Punjab for AAP, he also campaigned for INDIA bloc partners in UP and Maharashtra.

Kejriwal said he wished to assure the people of Delhi that there will be no instability and all facilities available to them, including 24-hour free electricity, treatment in mohalla clinics and hospitals, and free bus travel for women will continue. “Wherever I am, inside or outside the jail, I will not let the work in Delhi stop,” he added.

He said he would leave his house on Sunday around 3pm to surrender. “We are all fighting dictatorship together. If something happens to me in my bid to save the country, even if I lose my life, do not be sad,” Kejriwal said, adding that the blessings of the people had protected him and will be his shield in future too. Making an impassioned appeal to Delhiites to look after his aged and ailing parents by praying for their well-being, Kejriwal said his wife, Sunita, was “very strong” and has supported him through difficult phases in his life.

“I just want to say that if god wishes, your son will return very soon,” he said.

Hitting back, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said, “Kejriwal is suffering from a serious illness, which is the illness of lying.” He accused him of “inviting diseases as part of a conspiracy so that he can show his illness to the medical board,” he said.

“Only one test mentioned by his party functionaries requires fasting overnight, and all the other tests can be completed within half a day with results available by evening,” he claimed.

He wondered if Kejriwal was really so sick, why he had engaged in campaigning. The court was doing its job and a medical team would check him, he added.

Excise case: Court extends Sisodia’s custody till July 3

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Friday extended judicial custody of former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia till July 3 in a money laundering case related to now-scrapped Delhi excise policy.

Special judge Kaveri Baweja extended remand of Sisodia who appeared through video conferencing from jail upon the expiration of his previous custody.

The court also directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to provide a copy of the recently filed chargesheet to Sisodia and other co-accused, with the name of a protected witness redacted.

The court also granted one-month to the counsel representing the accused to review the documents at the ED office.

Meanwhile, the counsel for Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, an accused in the case, told the court that around 90-100 hours would be required to scrutinize the documents. Other accused in the case also made the same request following which the court directed the ED to ensure appropriate arrangements for the accused as well as their counsels to access the documents at its offices.

On April 30, the same court while denying bail to Sisodia, rejected his contention that the proceedings in the case related to the alleged liquor policy scam have been delayed or that the case is proceeding at a snail's pace. The court made the observations while denying bail to Sisodia for the second time.

TNN

MCD to celebrate its 161ˢᵗ anniversary with heritage walk

STANDING TALL

Vibha.Sharma@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is gearing up to commemorate its 161st anniversary with a heritage walk through Town Hall and Old Delhi on Saturday morning.

During the walk, participants will be informed about the rich history of Town Hall and its transformation from a sarai belonging to Jahanara, daughter of Mughal emperor Shahjahan, to the headquarters of Delhi Municipality. “We are expecting participation from archaeologists, professors, Persian scholars and others interested in historic sites,” said an MCD official.

Town Hall, at Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, is a landmark building that had served as the office of Delhi Municipality from 1866 during the British era till late 2009, when Civic Centre became its new high-rise headquarters on Minto Road.

“Britishers had constructed town halls in many cities, including Shimla and Kolkata, and these are places where not just meetings but social gatherings were also organised and town development decisions were taken. The building was constructed between 1861 and 1866, and it was initially painted in red and white colours with the main entrance at Chandni Chowk,” said an official.

According to MCD officials, the place was known as Delhi Institute during its foundation in 1861 and had housed Delhi College of Higher Studies before being bought by the then municipality for Rs 1,35,457 in 1866.

To celebrate the 161 years of MCD, the civic body had initially planned a three-day event, Nigam Mahotsav, from May 31 to June 2. However, due to the model code of conduct during the Lok Sabha elections, the plan had to be postponed. An order issued by the additional commissioner (engineering) of MCD stated, “Nigam Mahotsava... has been postponed to the third week of June. The final date for Nigam Mahotsava shall be intimated in due course of time.”

In March, MCD decided to develop a museum at Old Press Building to showcase the history of the place, numerous artefacts, souvenirs, and other heritage items owned by the municipal corporation over the years. In April, Aga Khan Trust was engaged to provide consultancy for its conservation and it has already submitted the initial report, suggesting a budget of Rs 3 crore for the work.

There’s A Killer On The Road — It’s Called Pollution

Toxic Air Contributes To Deadly Illnesses In 22 States, UTs: Report

Kushagra.Dixit@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Air pollution remains the primary adversary for the capital. According to State of Environment report by CSE, it contributes to deadly illnesses in 22 states and Union Territories. In Delhi, air pollution was found to be the leading cause of mortality, followed by various other health issues, such as high blood pressure, dietary risks, tobacco use, high fasting plasma glucose, high LDL cholesterol and kidney dysfunction. The report also identified excessive alcohol consumption as the tenth most significant risk factor, followed by environmental and occupational hazards, malnutrition and unsafe water and sanitation conditions.

According to the report, "Exposure to air pollution, high blood pressure, and dietary risks—such as inadequate consumption of vegetables and fruits—are the three primary risk factors contributing to fatal diseases in India." Apart from Delhi, air pollution emerged as the top risk in most states, including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.

The report highlighted the need for Delhi to improve air quality and soil health and address the burden of non-communicable diseases. It stated, “Delhi, with average PM2.5 levels of 188 µg/m3 (micrograms per cubic metres), and Chandigarh, with 100.9 µg/m3, were the most polluted Union Territories. Among the states, Bihar (98.3 µg/m3) and Haryana (96.4 µg/m3) had the highest pollution levels, followed closely by Uttar Pradesh.” PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, can cause short-term health effects, such as eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. World Health Organization recommends that annual average concentrations of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 µg/ m3, while 24-hour average exposures should not go past 15 µg/m3 per year.

The report also found that 11 of the 20 most polluted cities are in National Capital Region. During the winters of 2023-24, Delhi had the second worst winter air quality in the country, with an average PM2.5 level of 188 units, while Begusarai in Bihar was the most polluted city.

Regarding diseases, the report identified cardiovascular diseases as the main factor behind deaths in 2021, accounting for 60% of all deaths in India, along with respiratory infections, tuberculosis and chronic respiratory diseases. Cardiovascular diseases were the primary cause of death in 15 states/UTs, while respiratory infections and tuberculosis were the leading cause in the remaining 15 states/UTs.

In Delhi, cardiovascular diseases were the prime factor behind the number of deaths, followed by respiratory infections and TB, neoplasms, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The report also identified "other Covid outcomes" as the sixth factor behind deaths.

The report highlighted the issue of enteric diseases, stating that nearly every second death from water-borne diseases, typhoid and paratyphoid fever globally occurs in India. In Delhi, about 3,085 deaths in 2021 were accounted for by enteric diseases, with 82.4% due to diarrhoeal diseases, 17.1% due to typhoid and paratyphoid, and 0.5% due to other intestinal infectious diseases.

Gurgaon feels the heat

There was no let-up in heat’s intensity in Gurgaon on Friday. The maximum temperature, 46.4 degrees Celsius, made it the seventh day that the city was reeling under heatwave conditions.

TNN

Most polluted May in seven years

Priyangi Agarwal & Akshat RajanTNN

New Delhi: The month of May this year was the most polluted in the past seven years with an average Air Quality Index of 223. The worst May was in 2017 with an average AQI of 249.

The average AQI was 171 in 2023, 212 in 2022, 144 in 2021 and 2020, 221 in 2019 and 217 in 2018.

An analysis of Central Pollution Control Board’s data shows that there were 19 ‘poor’ days and one ‘very poor’ day in May 2024. No ‘good’ or ‘satisfactory’ day was reported this May. The month saw three spells of bad air. The first streak was from May 3 to 8 when the air quality was in the ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ range. The second streak was from May 13 to 21 with the city seeing nine consecutive ‘poor’ days. The third spell was from May 27 to 30.

Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment, said, “This could be the result of a combination of factors. Heat waves and inadequate summer rains have kept the particulate levels elevated. It is also necessary to assess the impact of regional pollution, occasional open fires, local sources, and dust on the air quality during this period. This requires substantial deepening of sectoral action across Delhi and NCR.”

Sunil Dahiya, South Asia analyst, Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, added, “Episodic events like dust storms, forest fires in neighbouring states and burning of agricultural residue aggravate the air quality. Apart from local road dust, the city suffered dust storms in May. We need to take targeted action against major polluting sources such as transport, industries, power generation and construction sector to reduce pollu- tion level at source.”

In a review on May 15, the Commission for Air Quality Management noted that the wind direction and speeds were rapidly changing due to high convection rates and absolute dry conditions coupled with high temperatures, all le- ading to continued suspension of dust over NCR. “Higher instances of agricultural residue burning in and around NCR areas and also the forest fires in the nearby states could also be having an impact on the overall air quality of DelhiNCR,” CAQM said.

In just three months of year, Delhi faced 15 extreme weather events

Of the 15 extreme weather events in Delhi in 2024, 14 were cold waves or cold days in Jan, while one incident of lightning and storm took place on March 3

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Delhi was among the 12 states and Union territories (UT) that recorded the highest number of days with extreme weather events in the first three months of this year, reveals Centre for Science and Environment’s State of Environment report 2024.

The report said Delhi saw 15 extreme weather events from Jan to March 2024, mostly cold days or cold waves, against 12 each recorded during the same period in 2023 and 2022. “From Jan to March 2024, at least 12 states/ UTs, including Delhi, recorded their highest number of days with extreme weather events in the past three years,” it added.

Between Jan 1 and Dec 31, 2023, India experienced extreme weather events on 318 of the 365 days. These events claimed 3,287 lives and devastated 2.2 million hectare crop area, revealed the report, which had sourced data from the disaster management division of Union home ministry, India Meteorological Department and media reports.

Of the 15 extreme weather events in Delhi in 2024, 14 were cold waves or cold days in Jan, while one incident of lightning and storm took place on March 3. “However, as Delhi has been witnessing blistering heat in May, the number of extreme events is expected to rise this year,” said one of the researchers.

Sunita Narain, director general of CSE, said, “Even as we are releasing this report, India is going through an intense heatwave. This is a time when we cannot but understand the crisis of a changing climate. This is borne out by the data in this report — there is clear evidence that heat is rising and extreme weather events are breaking the backs of the poorest in our world.”

The report stated that 2023 was India’s second hottest year on record, with 102 weather stations across 26 of 36 states/UTs witnessing record-breaking temperatures. It was also a very wet year, with 69 weather stations across 23 states/UTs registering record-breaking rainfall.

According to the report, in the first three months of 2023, lightning and storms dominated as the most common extreme weather events in the country. However, in 2024, cold wave or cold days were the most frequent occurrence during this period. Despite this shift, hailstorms, categorised with lightning and storms, maintained their widespread impact across 25 states/UTs. In contrast, cold wave/cold days were reported in 13 states/UTs.

Rajit Sengupta, one of the lead researchers, said, “Hailstorms (classified under lightning and storms) were geographically the most widespread event, with 25 states/UTs reporting them.” Between Jan and March 2024, extreme weather events claimed 71 human lives and damaged 0.1 million hectares of crop land across the country.

Fire breaks out in Vasant Kunj shanty, takes 3 hours to be doused; 4 injured

New Delhi: Four people were injured after a fire broke out in a shanty in southwest Delhi’s Vasant Kunj on Friday. Fire department officials suspect that a short-circuit might have caused the blaze around 12.30pm. According to an official, “A fire broke out at a shanty in JJ Colony. Two fire tenders were rushed to the spot, and a family sustained minor burns. They were taken to a hospital and are currently stable.” The fire, which was extinguished after three hours, did not spread to any other shanty.

TNN

HEAT IS ON

Western disturbance gives hope of some quick respite

Kushagra.Dixit@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Most areas in the city have been suffering scorching heatwaves and severe heatwaves for seven straight days now. Friday was the sixth consecutive day of heatwave at Safdarjung, the city's base station, equalling a May 2013 record. The station had recorded the year’s highest and its second highest temperature ever on Wednesday, at 46.8 degrees Celsius.

Earlier this week, the automatic weather station at Mungeshpur had recorded 52.9 degrees Celsius, which IMD said could have been a sensor’s error. The previous day, the same area had recorded 49.9 degrees Celsius. Experts have attributed the unrelenting heat in some outer Delhi areas to open areas and hot winds from Rajasthan.

The weather department expects an incumbent western disturbance to show its impact from late Friday night or Saturday, with the possibility of some quick respite in the form of very light rain or thunderstorm. It has also issued a yellow alert for possible heatwaves in isolated areas.

“There are chances of a drop in the daytime temperatures. However, some areas will still suffer heatwaves.

Chances are the humidity will rise, which might increase the discomfort level during the daytime,” said an official at IMD.

On Saturday, the maximum and minimum at Safdarjung are likely to hover around 44 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius, respectively.

A heatwave is recorded when the maximum temperature is above 40 degrees Celsius and at least 4.5 notches above normal, or if the maximum temperatures are above 45 degrees Celsius.

A severe heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature is above 6.5 degrees or more above normal.

Hospital fire toll rises to seven as another baby dies

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: The death toll in the fire incident at a children's hospital in east Delhi’s Vivek Vihar increased to seven as one more child died on Friday. The 50-dayold girl, who was under treatment, succumbed to her injuries in the morning, police said.

“Four days before the incident, the child was admitted to the hospital and she had a breathing issue. She was on oxygen support when the blaze started in the building," a senior police officer said.

The girl lived with her family in New Ashok Nagar, and her parents come from an economically weak background.

The incident happened on Saturday when police received PCR call about the fire at 11.30 pm. While 12 children were rescued, six had died. "Six paediatric patients were on ventilator support while five were receiving oxygen therapy at the hospital," the officer said.

Dr Naveen Khichi, owner of the hospital, and Dr Akash, who was on duty on the day of incident, have been arrested. The investigation has uncovered glaring lapses in the hospital’s operations. The probe had revealed that the hospital's licence had expired on March 31 this year, yet it continued to operate without any obstacles.

Panic over IGL pipeline fire

The fire was allegedly caused by a short circuit in the transformer cable

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Panic spread in south Delhi’s Saket when an Indraprastha Gas Limited pipeline at a commercial building caught fire. The blaze occurred at around 1.40 am on Thursday in the Paryavaran Complex, police said.

“Police arrived at the scene and found the IGL gas pipeline outside the building on fire. Two fire tenders were dispatched and extinguished the blaze. A team from IGL also visited the site to manage the pipelines. The cause of the fire appears to be a technical issue with the gas pipeline. No casualties were reported as the situation was handled within 20 minutes,” a senior police officer said.

According to IGL, the control room team observed that the fire was caused by a short circuit in the electrical transformer cable, which then fell onto the gas regulator, causing leakage and fire. The same has been confirmed by local residents.

A resident of the building posted on X, “The response to the fire was really pathetic… None of the fire emergency numbers were reachable… Had to cross over to the other building via the terrace and get downstairs to safety”. She further wrote, “Emergency services need to buckle up too!”

Trees biggest shield, can’t allow city to become a furnace & gas chamber: HC

Two separate benches of the court highlighted the problem being faced by scorching summer temperatures and stressed on the need to protect Delhi’s forests on war footing

Abhinav.Garg@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Delhi High Court on Friday underlined the link between green cover and protection from soaring heat, asking why areas such as Mungeshpur and Narela have been left barren.

Two separate benches of the court highlighted the problem being faced by scorching summer temperatures and stressed on the need to protect Delhi’s forests on war footing.

Justice Jasmeet Singh cited a TOI report highlighting the difference in temperature between various locations in the capital. The news report pointed out that while Mung- eshpur and Narela recorded a maximum of 49.9 degrees Celsius earlier this week, Safdarjung and Lodhi Road hovered around 45 degrees Celsius due to better green cover.

Asking Delhi govt’s principal secretary, environment and forests, to take immediate steps, Justice Singh noted that trees are the biggest shield against rising temperatures. It asked the forest department to explain why it hasn't planted enough trees in the Mungeshpur and Narela.

In the second half of the day, Justice Tushar Rao Gedela took “judicial notice” of the breach of 52 degrees Celsius at Mungeshpur, reminding authorities that future generations have to also live in this city.

“Six months we are a furnace and gas chamber” the court quipped, issuing a string of directions to strengthen a court appointed high powered committee set up earlier to monitor an increase in Delhi’s green cover.

200 Flyers To US Wait For 30 Hrs At IGI

After Second Major Delay, DGCA Serves Notice To Air India

A photo shared by a user on ‘X’ showed flyers waiting in boarding area as they were not allowed to enter the terminal with immigration done

Saurabh.Sinha@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: At about 16 hours, Air India’s non-stops are the fastest way to travel between San Francisco (SFO) and India. But with passengers of two flights to SFO — one from Mumbai (AI 179 of May 24) and the other from Delhi (AI 183 of May 30) — within a week suffering over 18-hour-long waits at the origin, including a long time onboard aircraft without proper air-conditioning in this excruciating heat, DGCA has finally cracked the whip on the airline.

The regulator on Friday issued a showcause to AI over “repeated incidences of passengers being put to discomfort” and “time and again failing to take due care of passengers.” The notice came as over 200 passengers were waiting at Delhi Airport for AI 183 to take off, almost 24 hours after it was supposed to at 3.30pm on Thursday. Some passengers had reportedly fainted onboard on Thursday evening during the long wait in vain. The flight took off at 9.50 pm Friday -— a delay over 30 hours — with some passengers optimg out. This take-off happened after the plane taxied out and then came back.

“Al 179 of 24/5 & Al 183 of 30/5 were inordinately delayed. Passengers were put to discomfort due to insuffici- ent cooling in the cabin. Repeated (instances) of passengers being put to discomfort by Air India in violation of various DGCA provisions have come to notice…. AI has violated provisions of ‘facilities to be provided to passengers by airlines due to denied boarding, cancellation of flights and delays in flights’. AI is time and again failing in taking due care of passengers and compliance of (those rules),” the DGCA notice said. AI has been asked to explain within three days “why enforcement action (should) not be initiated against” it.

SFO-bound AI 179 from Mumbai last Friday was delayed by 18 hours.

AI 183 was to leave at 3.30pm on Thursday and the over 200 passenger had started arriving at T3 accordingly for the same from late morning. Their trauma started when a technical glitch was detected in the Boeing 777 (of state-owned AI days and not the relatively new ones leased under Tatas’ ownership). “After getting the engineering nod, passenger boarding started at 7 pm. Then, the pilots suspected another glitch and engineering was called in. After a check, engineering decided the aircraft cannot be operated and had to be grounded for checks,” said sources.

One of the passengers took to X to highlight the flyers’ plight. “Air India, please let mine and numerous other parents stranded at the boarding area go home! AI 183 is over 8 hours late. People were made to board the plane and sit without AC. Then deplaned and (were) not allowed to enter the terminal because immigration was done,” Abhishek Sharma, a passenger, said on X from his handle @39abhishek at 10.44 pm on Thursday.

In another post at 8.43 am Friday, he said: “AI took passengers to a hotel. Room was provided by 2 am (Friday). A new boarding pass was provided with departure time of 11am. Parents are back at the airport and it seems even this flight is cancelled. No one from AI is helping.” He requested the PMO, aviation ministry and DGCA to “take note that these horror stories are a daily affair with AI.”

AI acknowledged the delay and the aviation ministry notice. “Nobody fainted inside the aircraft but they must have felt uneasy at the long wait in this torrid Delhi summer. AI offered them choice of full refund, free rescheduling and hotel stay,” sources said. The flight was rescheduled to leave at 11am on Friday and then it was delayed. It was again expected to leave at 3pm on Friday, but the delay kept mounting as the day progressed. AI did not comment on the DGCA’s notice.

Frequent flyers asked why there was so little improvement almost 2.5 years after the founder, Tata Group, acquired AI from govt. "This is truly a daily affair. Second time in seven days. AI 179 Mumbai-SFO exact same thing. Someone needs to take action," a person tweeted.

HC pulls up lawyer for ‘publicity stunt’ PIL

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Delhi High Court on Friday pulled up a lawyer for seeking to stop the media from reporting the name of Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal in the assault case allegedly involving chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's close aide Bibhav Kumar.

The court pointed out the PIL was only for “publicity,” and there seemed to be a “political colour” to it.

Noting that when the “victim” (Maliwal) herself is coming out and talking about the alleged incident, the court wondered what locus can the petitioner have in the matter.

“When the victim wants to talk about it then who are you to say anything. The victim is not complaining but you are complaining. What is the role of a third party in this? The victim is speaking openly about it. It is very clear that your vision is coloured and blurred,” a bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora told the petitioner. The bench warned the lawyer that a complaint would be lodged against him with the bar council and added that the petition has been filed without proper research

Sensing the mood of the court the lawyer representing the petitioner sought liberty to withdraw the petition and was allowed by court.

Structure under flyover: PWD writes to cops

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Public Works Department (PWD) has written to Delhi Police to remove a temporary structure allegedly being built by the latter under the Bhishma Pitamah flyover in south Delhi. Police have denied the allegation, stating that it is being built by a private company to serve as a guard house.

According to the PWD official who has written to police, “I am writing to inform you about the temporary construction being carried out by your department under the Bhishma Pitamah flyover on Ratnalal Sahdev Marg. Photographs of the temporary construction are attached. Complaints have also been received regarding this matter on the govt portal, LG Listening Complaint.”

He added that no no-objection certificate had been obtained by police and it had been requested to remove the construction.

A senior police officer said the structure was being built by a company currently undertaking a construction work to delpoy a guard to deter night-time thefts of iron rods.

Scare at NDLS after ‘grenade’ found in bin

New Delhi: Grenade in a bin caused brief scare at the New Delhi Railway Station on Friday.

According to cops, some suspected objects were found in the garbage area at the railway station. These objects were checked by the Bomb Disposal Squad and found to contain no explosives. There was no threat to the public. “It was a wall grenade used in army training,” police said. The officer said there was no panic at the station, and all SOPs were followed.

TNN

Double trouble: Long wait, AC snag in plane

Joy.Sengupta@timesgroup.com

Pune: Over 400 passengers booked on two Air India flights — Delhi to Pune and Pune to Delhi — were hassled over aircraft snags and delays on Thursday afternoon.

Around 200 flyers travelling from Delhi to Pune on AI-857 were made to wait inside the aircraft for an hour allegedly without any airconditioning after boarding. The flight was to take off at 1.05pm from Delhi and reach Pune at 4.10pm.

“As we sat, we could feel warm air blowing in the plane. We thought it would be fine as we took off. But the flight didn’t start taxiing on time and there seemed to be a technical problem. We could see engineers attending to the plane. Soon, the aircraft felt like a hot tin box. Maney flyers were restless and demanded that they should be deboarded. Around 1.30pm, the crew told all of us to deboard,” the flyer said.

After deboarding, the passengers were taken to the domestic passenger transfer area and new boarding passes were issued after some time. “A bottle of water and some juice was given to us. After no communication for long, the ground staffers told us that a new aircraft had been arranged and it would fly at 4.22pm. We finally reached Pune at 6.20pm,” the flyer said.

TOI sent multiple messages to an Air India spokesperson seeking the reason behind the flyers’ hassle. A reply was awaited till going to press. The ministry of civil aviation on Friday slapped a show cause notice on the airline pertaining to the 24-hour delay and insufficient cabin cooling of another AI flight flying from Delhi to San Francisco.

The Air India’s PuneDelhi flight (AI-0858) got delayed by around three hours in the other incident on Thursday, compelling some flyers to spend the night at the Delhi airport.

Neeraj Atri, a flyer, said they were unaware of the delay even after reaching the Pune airport. “Passengers were told about it only 15-20 minutes before the boarding time. We had a connecting flight from Delhi to Chandigarh (AI-0463) at 9pm. When we told the crew about it, we were assured that the aircraft would wait for us. The shocker came when we were told in Delhi that the flight to Chandigarh had left and the next flight would be available at 5.50am on Friday,” Atri told TOI.

Bibhav sent to 14-day judicial custody, HC to decide on hearing plea

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Friday sent chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar to 14-day judicial custody.

The court of metropolitan magistrate Gaurav Goyal sent him to custody. He will be produced before the court on June 14.

"I have gone through the entire file and I feel that investigation is at nascent stage and it would require time to complete the investigation," the court said.

Kumar is accused of assaulting Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal on May 13 at the chief minister’s residence. He was produced in court after his three-day police custody expired.

In the lower court on Friday, additional public prosecutor Atul Srivastava submitted that the judicial custody of Kumar was required to conduct a proper investigation, to prevent the accused from tampering with evidence and to prevent him from making inducements or threatening any witness.

Advocates Rajat Bhardwaj and Karan Sharma appearing for Kumar opposed the submissions.

The counsel submitted that Kumar was in no position to interfere with an investigation. "I (Bibhav Kumar) am in no position to induce the witnesses," the counsel said. The defence counsel told the court that they have submitted an application for the preservation of CCTV footage and other critical evidence related to the case.

The lawyers also submitted before the court that all witnesses were govt employees, adding that Kumar could not intimidate or influence them.

In another development on Friday, Delhi High Court decided to first examine if a plea filed by Kumar challenging his arrest can be heard by it. "Order reserved on maintainability," Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma said after hearing senior lawyers appearing for Kumar and Delhi Police. Kumar, has sought a direction from court to declare his arrest a gross violation of Section 41A (notice of appearance before police officer) of the CrPC and against the mandate of the law.

Delhi Police contended that Kumar should approach the sessions court as the issue was raised before a magistrate’s court, which rejected it and the appeal lies before a trial court.

The senior counsel appearing for Kumar said that his arrest violated his fundamental rights. He said that liberty of an individual cannot be taken lightly. The counsel said that Kumar was arrested with an "oblique motive" while his anticipatory bail was pending in the trial court. The counsel argued that the “Supreme Court has directed that there should be necessity for arrest and reasons should be recorded in writing. Both are missing in this case.”

SCORING A DUCK ON CRACKED PITCH

Restored sometime ago, a large area of Sanjay Lake in east Delhi is now barren

CINEMA OF THE WEEK

Savi (Action, Thriller) ★★★

Cast: Anil Kapoor, Divya Khossla, Harshvardhan Rane

Direction: Abhinay Deo

Duration: 2 hours 6 minutes

Language: Hindi (UA)

■ Savi’s husband is accused of murdering his boss. Convinced of his innocence, Savi orchestrates a jailbreak to free him, enlisting the help of an ex-convict.

This jailbreak thriller centers on Savi (Divya Khossla), a content housewife in Liverpool, who lives with her husband, Nakul Sachdev, an employee at a construction firm. When Nakul (Harshvardhan Rane) is framed for the murder of his boss and imprisoned, Savi is certain of his innocence. Resolute in her quest to free him, she devises a bold escape plan. She enlists the help of Joydeep Paul (Anil Kapoor), an author and former convict, who helps her execute the plan with his elaborate disguises. As they orchestrate Nakul’s daring jailbreak, the Liverpool police uncover clues at Savi’s home, sparking an intense and relentless pursuit.

Savi had the potential to be an engaging thriller, but it suffers from following a clichéd storyline. While the plot might have seemed intriguing on paper, the cinematic execution is not engaging. It’s almost as if the film is close to achieving its potential, but doesn’t quite get there. The screenplay manages to engage viewers at certain points, but few loopholes leave one wondering what happened to Abhinay Deo, the director behind the excellent Delhi Belly. With more effort put into the screenplay and performances, Savi could have been a standout in the jailbreak genre.

Divya Khossla takes on the challenging role of Savi, and her hard work is evident in her performance. She remains the focal point throughout the film, though one wishes she had showcased a broader emotional range. Harshvardhan Rane, portraying Nakul, delivers a decent performance, but the average screenplay hinders his ability to fully display his talents. However, the film is redeemed by Anil Kapoor, whose presence is one of its bright spots. He brings a certain energy and joy to the screen every time he appears.

The jailbreak genre is underexplored in Bollywood but has been extensively covered by Hollywood, producing memorable films like The Shawshank Redemption, Escape from Alcatraz, and Midnight Express. Savi had a great opportunity to elevate this genre, but despite best efforts, it falls short. The actual jailbreak sequence is more ‘tricky’ than ‘daring,’ lacking the expected adrenaline rush. Anil Kapoor’s witty dialogues inject the right amount of humour into the thriller. While Savi makes an honest attempt to offer something new in this genre, it ultimately fails to reach the finish line.

— Abhishek Srivastava

To review any movie and check show timings visit etimes.in

Fast Charlie (Action, Crime, Drama)★★★½

Cast: Pierce Brosnan, Morena Baccarin, James Caan Direction: Phillip Noyce

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Language: English (UA)

■ A fixer must work with his latest victim’s exwife to solve a predicament.

Directed by Phillip Noyce, Fast Charlie melds old-school action with a sprinkle of dark comedy. Adapted from Victor Gischler’s novel Gun Monkeys, the film stars Pierce Brosnan as Charlie Swift, a seasoned hitman whose loyalty to his ageing mob boss, Stan (James Caan), sets the stage for a revengedriven plot. The story follows Charlie, seeking vengeance after a massacre orchestrated by rival crime boss Beggar (Gbenga Akinnagbe). Teaming up with Marcie Kramer (Morena Baccarin), Charlie navigates a series of violent encounters. Noyce brings a no-nonsense approach to Fast Charlie, focusing on a straightforward narrative that mixes violent crime elements with romance and sly humour. The direction keeps the film engaging, balancing action sequences with moments of introspection and humour, though it sometimes falls into predictability.

Pierce Brosnan delivers a compelling performance as the world-weary Charlie Swift. His portrayal combines the gruffness of a hardened hitman with a charm that makes his character both intimidating and endearing. Brosnan’s chemistry with Morena Baccarin is one of the film’s highlights, providing warmth amid the brutality. Baccarin’s Marcie is a formidable counterpart to Charlie, a taxidermist with sharp wit and resilience, adding depth to their dynamic. James Caan, in one of his final roles, brings a poignant gravitas to Stan, the mob boss who uses a wheelchair showing signs of dementia. His father-son-like relationship with Charlie adds an emotional layer to the film, making Charlie’s quest for revenge more personal and impactful.

The film thrives on a relaxed pace, blending action and dark comedy. But it is a double-edged sword; while it keeps Fast Charlie from becoming too grim, it also makes some scenes feel off-kilter and less impactful. The film occasionally feels routine, relying on familiar action tropes that might leave some viewers wanting more complexity. Fast Charlie is a mildly entertaining action crime thriller that benefits from solid performances and a blend of dark humour and violence. While it doesn’t break new ground in the genre, it offers enough engaging moments and character interactions to keep audiences invested. Fans of Brosnan will find it a worthwhile watch. The film’s predictable plot is balanced by its lively execution and the charisma of its cast, making it a fitting swan song for James Caan.

— Neil Soans

Haikyuu – The Dumpster Battle (Animation, Comedy, Sports)★★★½

Cast: Ayumu Murase, Kaito Ishikawa, Yuki Kaji

Direction: Susumu Mitsunaka

Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes

Language: Japanese with English subtitles (U)

■ This anime delves into the intense rivalry between Karasuno and Nekoma High Schools, highlighting the climactic showdown between Shoyo Hinata and Kenma Kozume as ‘The Dumpster Battle’ unfolds.

This anime chronicles the intense sports rivalry between Karasuno and Nekoma High Schools, serving as a sequel to the fourth season of Haikyu!!, which aired nearly four years ago. While it provides a satisfying conclusion, the film’s extensive attention to detail may detract viewers from enjoying an otherwise fantastic film. The complexity, while telling the story, makes it difficult for newcomers to understand the film’s events without prior knowledge. Based on Haruichi Furudate’s manga, which spans 85 episodes, the film dives deep into the storyline without considering new viewers. However, it is highly rewarding for fans familiar with the series’ backstory.

The plot of the anime centers on the longstanding rivalry between Karasuno and Nekoma High Schools, culminating at the National Volleyball Tournament. The film highlights the intense competition between Hinata and Kenma. Kenma, who is generally indifferent to whether his team wins or loses, prefers playing video games. However, Hinata is determined to make Kenma enjoy the game of volleyball. This film, through intense volleyball matches, explores the themes of friendship and passion for the sport.

The film focuses on the contrasting personalities of the two main characters, Hinata and Kenma, with Kenma’s character stealing the spotlight. The meticulous detailing in Kenma’s character development is fabulous. Audiences will also be drawn to the heartwarming friendship between Kuroo and Kenma. The film features impressive animation, with matches presented in a stylish manner using slow motion and close-ups that keep you engrossed, but the flashbacks from the manga series serve as distractions. Also, the film’s pacing during intense moments doesn’t allow viewers much time to pause and breathe.

The film excels not only in bringing back familiar faces but also in introducing exciting new characters, each with a well-defined arc and personal journey. It pays meticulous attention to the details of volleyball, highlighting tactics and strategies in an exemplary manner. This film certainly has a gripping storyline, and ardent fans of the game will like it immensely. However, the enjoyment of this film largely depends on the viewer’s familiarity with the series. For those well-versed in previous events, it’s a fantastic film. However, newcomers might find themselves confused and struggling to keep up with the plot.

— Abhishek Srivastava

RATING SCALE

TRASH ★| BELOW AVERAGE ★★ | AVERAGE ★★½| ABOVE AVERAGE ★★★ | GOOD ★★★½ | VERY GOOD ★★★★ | OUTSTANDING ★★★★½ | MASTERPIECE ★★★★★

DIAL teaches locals of risk from wildlife, birds to planes

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the airport operator, has launched an awareness campaign in southwest Delhi’s Rangpuri Pahari to educate the local community about the dangers of wildlife or bird strikes, which pose significant risks to aviation safety.

Wildlife strikes have been a persistent challenge to aviation sector, with bird strikes being the most common and hazardous. Birds are often drawn to urban environments with open waste dumping and poor sanitary conditions. These places create high-risk situations, especially near airport, endangering aircraft and passenger safety.

The awareness session at Rangpuri Pahari, located on the approach path of Runway 29L/11R, was organised on Wednesday to address the increasing incidents of bird strikes in this area, especially during the monsoon season. It highlighted the importance of proper waste management and the impact of open waste dumping on aviation safety. DIAL CEO, Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, said, "At Delhi International Airport, safety is our utmost priority. Wildlife strikes, particularly bird strikes, pose a serious threat to aviation safety. Our Wildlife Hazard Management team works diligently to mitigate these risks within the airfield. The awareness campaign in Rangpuri Pahari is a significant step towards engaging the community in proper waste management practices, which directly impacts aviation safety. By educating and involving local residents, we aim to create a safer environment for both our passengers and the surrounding community."

No night challans in Ggn, but crackdown on drunk driving will continue

Bagish.Jha@timesgroup.com

Gurgaon: Traffic police in Gurgaon have decided to not issue challans at night barring exceptional situations. The cops, however, will continue their drive against drunk driving. The move, police said, followed a number of complaints against arbitrary checking of vehicles, causing “harassment” to commuters at night.

A letter issued by DCP (traffic) Virender Vij to all officers in the city specified that if cops on night patrol must issue challans under the Motor Vehicles Act, they should first consult their seniors.

The primary duty of traffic police at night is to maintain law and order, check drunk driving, help accident victims reach hospitals and people who have lost their way, Vij said.

“It has come to my notice that vehicles are being stopped at night and issued challans, which causes harassment to commuters,” read the letter issued by him on May 28.

Speaking to TOIon Friday, the DCP said there would be no let-up in the police’s drive against drunk driving, especially in areas around malls and restobars.

“This is a general order for the convenience of people. We will continue to issue challans for drunk driving, which happens mainly at night. But no other challan for traffic violations, which is issued during the day, will be slapped unless absolutely necessary,” said Vij. “Driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol can be dangerous n ot only for the person behind the wheel but others on the road as well,” he added.

In the first five months of this year, a total of 6,500 challans were issued to violators in the city for drunk driving. Many vehicles were impounded too.

But for other violations, the approval of seniors is a must. “All traffic inspectors and zonal officers have been instructed to ask their teams to not stop any vehicle just for issuing challans. If the situation warrants so, they must take permission first,” the senior officer added.

Any cop who does not follow the directive will face action, Vij warned.

“This order should be followed strictly. In case of negligence or carelessness, strict departmental action will be taken against the policeman concerned,” he said. The order, however, did not specify any time window for the force.

Commuters, especially those who return home from work late at night, heaved a sigh of relief.

HC notices to LG, law secy and IP Univ VC for ‘disobeying’ order

The decision was prompted by a petition filed by an admission seeker alleging corruption and control by touts of management quota admissions at GGSIPU and affiliated private professional colleges

Shreya.Ghosh@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Delhi High Court issued notices on Friday to LG VK Saxena, law secretary Bharat Parasar, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University vice-chancellor Mahesh Verma and director higher education Bhupesh Chowdhry for “deliberately disobeying” a division bench order issued last year, which mandated the creation of an online portal to display branch-wise and college-wise seats available under the management quota at the university and its affiliate colleges.

The court's decision was prompted by a petition filed on Wednesday by an admission seeker alleging corruption and control by touts of management quota admissions at GGSIPU and affiliated private professional colleges. There was no response from the LG’s office to TOI’s queries on the matter. The matter will next be heard on July 5.

Last year, on August 4, the high court had decreed: “GGSIP University to make an online portal to display the branch-wise, college-wise seats available under management quota. Prospective students can apply online as well as offline against available seats under management quota. The college shall display the list of aspirant admission seekers on the online portal a s well as on the notice board of the college.”

On Friday, in response to the petition filed on Wednesday, the court noted that the directive to establish the online system had not been followed. On September 22, 2022, the Directorate of Higher Education has sent a circular to GGSIPU outlining new directions to improve transparency, clarity, and efficiency in admissions against management seats in private institutions affiliated with the university. The circular directed an online portal to be created to display branch-wise, college-wise seats available under the management quota, allowing prospective students to apply online. A management quota admission monitoring committee was also to be established in each affiliated institution.

The court observed, however, that the directions in the circular weren’t issued by the competent authority, the LG, who is also the chancellor of GGSIPU. “In view of the above, the respondents are directed to issue necessary orders to comply with the above directions within two weeks. It is made clear that these directions shall cease to follow for the session 2022-23 and the seats already filled till 2022-23 under the management quota by colleges for different branches shall not be disturbed,” the court said.

Advocate for the petitioner Khagesh Jha said, "Touts are rampant in the institutes affiliated with IP University, where capitation fees of Rs 2-20 lakh are demanded for various professional courses. Instead of creating a portal, the university created a webpage and charged a security amount to discourage students, ultimately to promote capitation culture in professional courses. Compliance with court order would have curbed all this.”

Kamal Pathak, registrar of GGSIPU, said the actual number of management seats are known only after the intake of students through CET, CUET and other exams.

AIIMS to start valet parking service

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: The AIIMS authorities have decided to start a paid valet parking service across its campuses to cater to the parking needs of patients and staff. The outsourcing process for the service is expected to be completed by July 31. According to officials, AIIMS serves over 30,000 patients and staff daily, and while adequate parking spaces are available, many have requested a convenient parking solution. In response, the administration has decided to launch a new valet service for a better experience.

Director, Dr M Srinivas, said, “This initiative is aimed at providing a hassle-free parking solution, ensuring that our visitors can focus on their health without worrying about parking issues."

Individuals coming to the premi- ses will need to park their vehicles in the designated paid parking zones and pay the required fees. However, staff members' vehicles displaying the official AIIMS parking sticker will be allowed to park in the assigned staff parking spots without incurring any extra parking costs.

The authorities have announced that the process of outsourcing valet services will be carried out through a transparent bidding procedure on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) using the H1 method, with contracts awarded to trustworthy service providers.

"Valet parking rates will be predetermined by AIIMS, New Delhi. The chosen outsourcing company will be required to clearly display these rates at all vehicle collection points and strictly adhere to them without any deviations,” said an senior official.

Suraksha Set To Take Over JIL In Boost For Wish Town

Company’s Affairs Currently Managed By NCLT-Appointed Panel

WORK MAY RESUME SOON

Aditya.Dev@timesgroup.com

Noida: Suraksha Group, whose resolution plan for Jaypee Infratech Limited (JIL) was approved by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) last week, is likely to take over the debt-ridden company after a meeting next week.

The move will take the Mumbai-based Suraksha Group a step closer to resuming construction on nine stalled projects of Wish Town in Noida and other locations and renew hopes for 20,000 buyers who invested in flats 15-20 years ago.

As of now, JIL’s daily affairs are managed by an implementation and monitoring committee (IMC). Set up by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), the committee is made up of officials from Suraksha, JIL, homebuyers and an IRP. “Suraksha Group has informed us about its plan to formally take over JIL. A meeting of the monitoring company is scheduled for Tuesday.

An announcement about the takeover will follow soon. This will pave the way for construction to start on stalled projects,” said Arun Vir Singh, the CEO of Yamuna Expressway Authority (YEIDA), which has administrative control over the land on which some of these projects are coming up.

“Suraksha officials will hold anot- her meeting with us on Friday to discuss how and when they plan to make payments for farmers compensation. We will start distributing the amount among villagers once we receive money from the company,” he added.

While approving its resolution plan on May 24, NCLAT had asked Suraksha to pay Rs 1,335 crore to YEIDA over the next four years as farmers’ compensation. According to the resolution plan Suraksha submitted in the bankruptcy court in April, it offered to pay Rs 1,216 crore as enhanced compensation for farmers. The company proposed to pay 10% of the amount in 90 days, 15% by the end of the first year and 25% annually for the next three years. NCLAT, however, asked Suraksha to pay an additional Rs 118.3 crore, aligning it with payments made to other secured creditors. YEIDA, which had demanded Rs 1,689 crore from Suraksha for the farmers’ compensation, is now planning to cover the deficit from its own coffers.

Retirement day: In coma for 2 years, constable given fond farewell in bed

Head Constable Raj Singh’s wife, children and mother were pleasantly surprised when Singh’s colleagues and senior officers from Traffic Police landed at the house

Rajshekhar.Jha@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Head constable Raj Singh was run over by a speeding car two years ago and has been in a state of coma since then. Singh's family was emotional on Friday as it was supposed to be his retirement day.

As his wife, children and mother sat beside him, they were pleasantly surprised when Singh's colleagues and senior officers of Delhi Traffic Police landed at their house.

Singh was felicitated in the same manner as all other retirees. He was offered a garland of rose petals, a pagri (turban), commendation certificates, a Delhi Police shield, and other gifts as per tradition. The family was left speechless with the touching gesture of the police team.

A few days ago, special commissioners HGS Dhaliwal and K Jagadesan were updated about Singh's condition after which two DCPs, Shashank Jaiswal and SK Singh, decided to hold a personalised retirement ceremony for Singh at his house.

The accident took place on Aug 24, 2022 on Ma Anandamayi Marg, Sarita Vihar traffic circle. Singh along with SI Satbir and constable Neeraj were deployed to prosecute traffic violators. During the drive, a rashly driven Maruti Baleno car hit and critically injured Singh, resulting in grave head injuries and loss of consciousness. Since then, he has been in a vegetative state.

On Friday, the DCPs not just felicitated Singh but also offered words of comfort to the family and pledged all possible support from the department.

"The meeting was a poignant moment of solidarity and support within the police department. It highlighted the deep bonds that exist between colleagues who work together to uphold the law. The presence of senior officers provided a sense of reassurance and hope to Singh's family during a difficult and uncertain time," said a cop who was present there.

"I am not sure if he could understand any of what was happening, but I am sure he was happy to see us…It was a very sombre moment," said another cop.

The visit, which showcased the unwavering commitment of police officers to stand by each other in times of crisis and adversity, was the talking point in the police headquarters through the day. The colleagues wished for Singh's speedy recovery. His post-retirement benefits will be processed on priority, a senior cop said.

Dance Of Democracy

- BIG BOUTS OF PHASE 7

- PM offers prayers to Sun god, Cong slams release of videos

- PM mentioned divisive issues 421 times but people voted against bigotry: Kharge

- BJP: Oppn mocking Modi’s meditation is a display of hatred for Sanatan Dharma

- BJP, BJD in war of words over `1L cash seizure

- Sandeshkhali voters to set aside political divide, exercise their franchise today

- ‘Cong’s accepted defeat’: Shah on boycott of exit poll debates

- Yogi’s marathon run: 204 election events in 13 states, 2 UTs over 61 days

- Mahayuti tussle over MLC polls

- Bharat Ek Another Khoj Through Eyes Of Polling Staff

- Anandpur Sahib to go green, ‘cast a vote & plant a tree’ today

- Dehradun policeman rapes yoga trainer at gunpoint, suspended

- Ahead of polls, call for ‘tiger widow’ census

- Dalit drift, beneficiary women, youth ire & silent voters in big UP poll picture

- UP’s quiet Robertsganj ‘wishes for change’, but youth & tribal voters to have final say

- Shyam Rangeela and his ‘chhoti si poll story’ in Kashi

- Ex-colleagues slug it out in key Kolkata clash

- SURROUND SOUND

- Agri, Agniveer, Anti-Incumbency Echo In Punjab

- How parties are juggling caste, class & community

- In Biju’s karmabhoomi, BJP fields heavyweight eyeing maiden win

BIG BOUTS OF PHASE 7

JALANDHAR

2019 WINNER: Cong (Santokh Singh Chaudhary), AAP (Sushil Kumar Rinku won in 2023 bypoll)

KEY CONTENDERS: Charanjit Singh Channi (Cong), Sushil Kumar Rinku (BJP), Pawan Kumar Tinu (AAP), Mohinder Singh Kaypee (SAD)

It’s a battle of turncoats, and a former chief minister. BJP’s candidate Sushil Kumar Rinku quit Congress and joined AAP in 2023 to win the Jalandhar bypoll after sitting MP Santokh Singh Chaudhary’s death. Rinku, who was AAP’s only MP in Lok Sabha, switched over to BJP earlier this year. After this blow, AAP nominated two-time MLA Pawan Kumar Tinu as he quit SAD. The Akali Dal, too, picked former Punjab PCC president Mohinder Singh Kaypee to fight the election. Nominating former CM Charanjit Singh Channi is Congress’s move to reclaim its dominance in Jalandhar. The seat was a Congress stronghold till the party’s shock defeat in the 2023 bypoll. But Channi’s nomination angered Karamjit Kaur, the wife of MP Santokh Chaudhary, and she jumped ship to the saffron camp. Her MLA son Vikramjit Singh Chaudhary launched a tirade against Channi, prompting the party to suspend him. Channi is the only Dalit to have held the state’s top post even though SCs form the largest chunk of population.

GORAKHPUR

2019 WINNER: BJP (Ravi Kishan)

KEY CONTENDERS: Ravi Kishan (BJP), Kajal Nishad (SP), Javed Ashraf (BSP)

This east UP seat was represented by CM Yogi Adityanath five times. In 2019, Adityanath ‘blessed’ Bhojpuri star Ravi Kishan to claim his seat and win it. This was despite Kishan’s loss from Jaunpur in 2014 as a Congress candidate. Kishan is back again, riding on a slew of development projects that Yogi govt initiated. Kajal Nishad, also a Bhojpuri singer and actor famous for serials such as Laapataganj, has made it a battle of artists. Samajwadi Party has fielded her to cash in on large number of Nishad voters, who supported Pravin Nishad, then an SP candidate, to see him through in the 2018 bypoll.

MIRZAPUR

2019 WINNER: ADS (Anupriya Patel)

KEY CONTENDERS: Anupriya Patel (ADS), Ramesh Chand Bind (SP), Manish Tripathi (BSP)

Union minister Anupriya Patel of Apna Dal (Soneylal) is seeking a third term from the constituency where Kurmi voters tilt the equation. Her camp was unfazed after Kunda MLA Raghuraj Pratap Singh, popularly called ‘Raja Bhaiya’, announced that he will campaign against Patel who said, “In a democracy, kings are born from EVMs.” SP has fielded Ramesh Chand Bind, BJP’s Bhadohi MP who was denied a ticket, and BSP’s candidate Manish Tripathi is a trusted party worker. The seat has a sizeable presence of Nishad and Brahmin voters. Brahmins have backed Patel in the past but Tripathi’s candidature could play spoilsport.

KOLKATA SOUTH

2019 WINNER: TMC (Mala Roy)

KEY CONTENDERS: Mala Roy (TMC), Debasree Chaudhuri (BJP), Saira Shah Halim (CPM)

Starting 1991, Kolkata South never elected anyone but Mamata Banerjee. And after she became the CM in 2011, the constituency always elected her party candidate. Kolkata South is synonymous with Mamata — it is where her home is; it is also from here in Bhowanipore that she has been elected to the state assembly. A Trinamool bastion, the constituency threw up a scare in 2014 LS polls when the party’s vote share dropped below 40%. But even then, Trinamool’s victory margin was 1.3 lakh over its nearest rival. In its attempt to make inroads into Bengal, BJP has nominated different candidates from Kolkata South since 2009 (the last being Chandra Kumar Bose in 2019) though none could win. Still, BJP’s vote bank has slowly and steadily risen – a mere 4% in 2009 to 34.6% in 2019. Up against Trinamool’s might is Raiganj MP and former Union minister of state Debasree Chaudhuri of BJP, who has campaigned in the name of PM Modi. CPM, which has fielded Saira Shah Halim, is banking on rekindled support for the Left.

MANDI

2019 WINNER: BJP (Ram Swaroop Sharma), Cong (Pratibha Singh won the 2021 bypoll)

KEY CONTENDERS: Vikramaditya Singh (Cong), Kangana Ranaut (BJP)

In this closely watched battle, Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut, a political greenhorn, is taking on seasoned politician Vikramaditya Singh, Congress MLA and scion of the erstwhile Bushahr princely state. Ranaut’s popularity is enough to get droves to her rallies, while Vikramaditya is banking on the legacy of his father Virbhadra Singh, six-time CM and three-time MP from Mandi. His mother Pratibha Singh is the sitting MP, having won the seat in the 2021 bypoll. Though Ranaut hails from Bhambla village of Mandi, Congress has been portraying her as an outsider. She has not raised any local issues, and is apparently relying on the Modi factor for this election. Mandi, which includes 17 assembly segments that cover six of the state’s 12 districts, is the largest parliamentary constituency in Himachal. It includes the tribal belts of Bharmour and Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Manali, Mandi, Kinnaur and Shimla.

BALLIA

2019 WINNER: BJP (Virendra Singh)

KEY CONTENDERS: Neeraj Shekhar (BJP), Sanatan Pandey (SP), Lallan Singh Yadav (BSP)

Neeraj Shekhar, son of former PM Chandra Shekhar, is back in the land of ‘Baghi Ballia’ — which had declared itself independent during the Quit India movement — to reclaim his legacy. Chandra Shekhar had won this seat eight times. After his death, SP fielded Neeraj in the 2007 Lok Sabha bypoll. Neeraj won, and retained the constituency in 2009, but lost in 2014. SP sent him to Rajya Sabha as the constituency, like most in UP, rode the saffron wave till 2019. Neeraj, meanwhile, switched over to BJP. Pitted against him is SP’s Sanatan Pandey, a socialist, who quit his job as junior engineer in a govt department to join the party in 1996. Pandey was elected MLA from the now-dissolved Chilkahar in 2007, but lost from Rasra in the next two polls. SP fielded him from Ballia LS seat in 2019 and he lost narrowly to Virendra Singh. Pandey is hopeful that over 15% Brahmin voters will see him through. Dalits, who are in equal numbers, may hold the deciding vote.

KOLKATA NORTH

2019 WINNER: TMC (Sudip Bandyopadhyay)

KEY CONTENDERS: Sudip Bandyopadhyay (TMC), Tapas Ray (BJP), Pradip Bhattacharya (Cong)

Kolkata North has elected TMC ‘old guard’ Sudip Bandyopadhyay thrice in succession since the Lok Sabha constituency was formed in 2009. And Trinamool won all seven assembly segments here in the 2021 state polls. This election, Bandyopadhyay’s battle for a fourth term is against BJP and several functionaries of his own party. The MP is pitted against party colleague-turned-adversary Tapas Ray. His poll-eve defection to BJP has turned some Trinamool loyalists against each other and given jitters to party old-timers. Ray is a known face in the region and commands strong ground support here.

BASHIRHAT

2019 WINNER: TMC (Nusrat Jahan)

KEY CONTENDERS: Haji Nurul (TMC), Rekha Patra (BJP), Nirapada Sardar (CPM)

Sandeshkhali, one of the seven assembly segments in Bashirhat LS constituency, has injected unpredictability in what has been a predictable poll script for the past decade and a half. Trinamool won the parliamentary seat in 2019 by a margin of 3.5 lakh votes despite a surge of BJP support in Bengal. Sensing a tough battle, Trinamool has brought back former MP from the seat Haji Nurul to take the fight to BJP’s Rekha Patra, a prominent face of the Sandeshkhali protests. A seat that has two scheduled caste (SC) assembly segments and one reserved for scheduled tribes (ST), the controversy over sexual abuse of women by local politicians is bound to resonate beyond small pockets. Those backing TMC point to its rebuttal that the allegations were false and a conspiracy. Either way, Bashirhat is among Bengal’s closely watched contests.

KENDRAPARA

2019 WINNER: BJD (Anubhav Mohanty)

KEY CONTENDERS: Baijayant Panda (BJP), Anshuman Mohanty (BJD)

In the karmabhoomi of party ideologue Biju Patnaik, BJD has been focusing on its progress agenda, promoting “Biju babu’s vision of a developed and industrialised Odisha”. To maintain its unbeaten record in Kendrapara, BJD nominated Anshuman Mohanty, a former Congress MLA, to take on BJP’s Baijayant Panda. Anshuman’s father Nalinikanta Mohanty was a prominent figure in BJD, having risen to the position of working president under Naveen Patnaik’s leadership before his unceremonious exit over statements made against the party leadership. Baijayant was elected twice from the seat on a BJD ticket — in 2009 and 2014. As a BJP nominee, he lost to BJD’s Anubhav Mohanty in the 2019 elections.

Channi

Ravi Kishan

Anupriya

Mala

Sudip

Neeraj

Haji

PM offers prayers to Sun god, Cong slams release of videos

PM Modi at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in TN’s Kanyakumari on Friday

TNN& AGENCIES

Kanyakumari/Madurai: On the second day of his meditation in Kanyakumari, PM Narendra Modi offered prayers to the Sun God from Vivekananda Rock at sunrise on Friday.

A short video clip, “Sunrise, Surya Arghya, Spirituality” posted by BJP on its ‘X’ handle showed the PM pouring water from a traditional beakerlike small vessel into the sea as an offering (Arghya) and praying with prayer beads (a rudraksh mala) in his hands.

Clad in saffron shirt, shawl and dhoti, the Prime Minister was also seen strolling on Vivekananda Rock before returning to the Dhyan Mandapam and resuming his meditation.

Authorities allowed tourists onto Vivekananda Rock later in the day, with restrictions — they were not allowed to carry mobile phones or cameras. Nevertheless, the ferry service was stopped in the afternoon.

Modi will conclude his meditation by Saturday afternoon, after which he will visit the Thiruvalluvar statue nearby. He is to fly to Thiruvananthapuram by helicopter.

Tamil Nadu Congress chief KSelvaperunthagai, in a post on ‘X’, criticised Modi over the release by BJP of video clips and photographs that show him meditating. “How many angles! how many videographers! Swami Vivekananda is silent,” the Congress politician said in his post, PTI reported.

PM mentioned divisive issues 421 times but people voted against bigotry: Kharge

Kharge and Rahul Gandhi at an election rally last month

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said people of India have voted against bigotry in the 2024 LS elections, as he claimed that PM Modi mentioned “Mandir-Masjid and divisive issues 421 times” and referred to “Muslims, Pakistan and minority 224 times” in the campaign, not mentioning inflation and unemployment even once. He also slammed Election Commission for not acting against “Modi’s violation of model code by inciting religious feelings for votes”.

Party general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said while Modi “ducked the 272 questions about his governance” over 72 days of campaign, EC did not act on any of the complaints concerning model code violations by Modi (14), home minister Amit Shah (3) and UP CM Yogi Adityanath. He said in all, Congress had submitted 117 complaints to EC. “We respect EC but sadly, impartiality was not seen during the course of the campaign,” he said.

Kharge Thursday said PM, in his speeches in the last 15 days, took Congress’ name 232 times, his own name 758 times and mentioned INDIA bloc and oppn parties 573 times. “But not once did he speak about inflation and joblessness. It shows that Modi put issues on one side and only resorted to publicity,” he said.

Stating that Congress’ campaign struck a chord with people, especially youth, party’s social media in-charge Supriya Shrinate said BJP’s campaign on social media was old and repetitive with no traction. She said between March 16 and May 30, Congress had 61.3 crore views on YouTube alone compared to BJP’s 15 crore; average likes for Congress on Instagram were 1.2 lakh compared to BJP’s 26,945 and average likes on X for Congress was 2,500-3,000; for BJP, it was 260-300.

Addressing a presser, Ramesh, Shrinate and Congress’s media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said due to the party’s positive campaign, ‘nyay’ guarantees and priority to protecting the Constitution, the INDIA bloc would get a “clear and decisive” mandate on June 4.

“We believe that due to our campaign, ‘panch nyay, pachchees guarantee’, and the priority we gave to protecting the Constitution as stressed by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, we are going to get a clear and decisive mandate on June 4,” Ramesh said.

“On the other hand, BJP campaigned on the basis of words starting with ‘M’ — mandir, mangalsutra, machli, mutton, Musalman, mujra and meditation,” he added.

Khera said Congress’ campaign derailed Modi’s “propaganda” and the PM did not tell the country what his govt has achieved. “After all this, now the PM has gone to meditate.”

Cong not to be part of exit poll debates

Congress on Friday made it clear that it has decided not to participate in any LS exit poll debates on TV channels.

Party spokesperson Pawan Khera said voters have cast their votes and their verdict has been secured. “Results will be out on June 4. Prior to that, we do not see any reason to indulge in speculation and slugfest for TRP,” he said. TNN

BJP: Oppn mocking Modi’s meditation is a display of hatred for Sanatan Dharma

QUESTION OF FAITH

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: BJP on Friday attacked opposition parties for mocking PM Narendra Modi’s meditation in Kanyakumari and said it was another evidence of INDIA bloc’s hatred for Sanatan Dharma.

“PM Narendra Modi is meditating at the world-renowned Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, the same spot Swami Vivekananda had dreamed of a developed India. It is unfortunate that Congress and INDI Alliance are troubled by this,” BJP’s chief spokesperson Anil Baluni said in a statement.

“Why does Congress and INDI Alliance have so much hatred for Sanatan Dharma, meditation and worship for a developed India?” he asked.

Baluni dismissed as baseless opposition’s charge that Modi’s meditation was violative of model code of conduct and pointed out that the PM would observe silence during the 45 hours he would be meditating. “If his mere silence has so much strength that it can disturb the heretics and the forces who defame the country, then that person can only be an ascetic. Who has stopped the opposition from doing sadhana, worship or offering namaz? The opposition is actually making such statements out of frustration and disappointment because of their inevitable crushing defeat,” he added.

“Did not the functionaries of Congress and INDI partners hold a press conference today? Didn’t the media show them on TV? The PM is silent but functionaries of the INDI Alliance are wailing loudly. No matter how much they cry, only Modi will prevail,” Baluni added.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday took a dig at Modi over his meditation and suggested that he could have done the same at his home.

BJP, BJD in war of words over `1L cash seizure

Bhubaneswar: Seizure of unaccounted cash during checking by police in Balasore led to a war of words between BJD and BJP.

Acting on a complaint from BJP MLA candidate for Remuna Gobinda Chandra Das, a flying squad raided an office building in Balasore, and seized Rs 1.2 lakh.

Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan slammed BJD, saying it was trying to influence voters.

BJD organisational secretary Pranab Prakash Das reacted sharply , saying he had gone out of his mind after realising that BJD is winning this election with a three-fourths majority. TNN

Sandeshkhali voters to set aside political divide, exercise their franchise today

Officials travel to polling station of Dhamakhali in Bengal’s Sandeshkhali

Sumati.Yengkhom@timesgroup.com

Sandeshkhali: Though political loyalties appear deeply divided in Bengal’s Sandeshkhali, what unites them is their intent to step out and vote Saturday in the LS polls.

Some locals claimed their right to vote was snatched by Sheikh Shahjahan and his men during the previous elections, others say while law will take its course against Shahjahan, it also remains a fact that CM Mamata Banerjee heard their problems out and is helping them.

Located in the mouth of the Sundarbans and some 100 km from Kolkata, Sandeshkhali grabbed national spotlight this Feb. It became an important poll issue after protests erupted against al- leged atrocities on women and grabbing of land by Shahjahan and his men.

“Due to lack of opportunities, young men in many families migrate to other places for work leaving women vulnerable. Now we feel much safer with Shajahan and others behind bars,” said Maya Bhuinya of Bermajur.

On the other hand, in Rampur, Ajufa Laskar said, “If allegations of sexual atrocities are true, law will punish the perpetrators. It could also be false because no women I know has been subjugated to such a crime. Amid all the confusion what matters to me in this poll is what Didi (CM Mamata Banerjee) has done, particularly for women, with schemes like ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’.”

BJP has fielded Rekha Patra, a face of the agitation but a rookie in politics, while TMC has nominated Haji Nurul Islam. Nirapada Sardar, a former MLA from Sandeshkhali, is the CPM candidate.

The increasing presence of BJP in Sandeshkhali, though, is a worry for some locals who apprehend a communal divide. “People belonging to both communities have been living peacefully all these years. We want to coexist in harmony. But of late some political people are trying to create tension here. It is an individual’s choice as to which party they want to vote for,” said Inayat Mollah.

‘Cong’s accepted defeat’: Shah on boycott of exit poll debates

DIVINE VISIT: Home minister Amit Shah with wife Sonal Shah at Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati Temple Friday

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Home minister Amit Shah on Friday said Congress’s decision to boycott TV debates on exit polls showed it has realised that it was headed for another crushing defeat, and asked the opposition party to face the loss and introspect instead of running away from it.

“Congress has been in denial mode for long. During the entire campaign, they kept claiming that they are gaining majority but they have now realised that they are going to face another crushing defeat and have boycotted exit polls,” Shah said. “I want to request Congress functionaries to refrain from the ostrichlike approach, as it does not help anyone. Instead, they should face the defeat courageously, do introspection and move on,” he added.

Shah said Congress knew that it had no courage to face the media which is why it was rejecting the outcome of the exit polls scheduled after the last phase of polling on Saturday. He also dismissed as alibi Congress’s justification that there was no point in participating in discussions on exit polls when votes had already been cast. “Exit polls have been around and Congress knows that it will be hard put to explain its imminent defeat,” he added.

The home minister said the decision was of a piece with the trend the party has followed under Rahul Gandhi who has been in denial mode and instead of diagnosing the reasons for Congress’s decline and taking correctives, has chosen to attack and mock institutions. “Since Rahul Gandhi took over Congress, the party has questioned media, Parliament, agencies and has been in denial mode,” he added.

BJP president J P Nadda said Congress’s decision was an unequivocal confirmation that the party had conceded the elections. “It is not surprising since Congress usually opts out when it doesn’t expect results to go in its favour, but has no compunction showing up if it thinks it has even an outside chance. Its hypocrisy is not lost on anyone. Let no one in phase seven waste their vote on it,” Nadda said.

Shah said even BJP had faced numerous defeats but it never boycotted media and exit polls. “We are confident that the results on June 4 will see NDA winning 400 seats,” he said.

Yogi’s marathon run: 204 election events in 13 states, 2 UTs over 61 days

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath hit a double century of sorts by attending 204 poll-related events during his LS election campaigning.

“The CM’s 204 programmes were spread over 61 days, starting with ‘prabuddha sammelan’ in Mathura on March 27. These programmes included 169 public meetings, 15 ‘prabuddh sammelans’ and 13 roadshows. He also participated in the nomination programmes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi and defence minister Rajnath Singh in Lucknow,” said a govt spokesperson.

The chief minister campaigned in all 80 constituencies in the state multiple times, often addressing as many as five rallies in a day. In addition, he also ad- dressed programmes in 12 other states and two Union territories. He campaigned not just for BJP candidates but also other NDA members, including Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, RLD, and Apna Dal (S).

“Yogi Adityanath is likely the first Uttar Pradesh chief minister who visited every district in the state within three to four months. In just two and a half months, he visited all 80 Lok Sabha constituencies in UP,” the official said.

Mahayuti tussle over MLC polls

Even as the filing of nominations for MLC polls in Maharashtra began on Friday, the tussle in the Mahayuti continues over who will fight the city graduates constituency, Shiv Sena led by chief minister Eknath Shinde or BJP, reports Chaitanya Marpakwar.

While Sena (UBT) has made picks for both seats in Mumbai, Shinde Sena and BJP are both keen on fighting the Mumbai graduates seat. Observers say a tussle could lead to a split in votes.

Bharat Ek Another Khoj Through Eyes Of Polling Staff

In the world’s largest democracy, the journey to conduct elections can be as arduous as it is significant. TOI takes a closer look at the backbone of this vast electoral process — polling personnel who went the extra mile in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections

Uttar Pradesh

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Some called it “Mission Impossible”. Treacherous terrain in Maoist strongholds, steep Himalayan slopes, and the Chinese frontier; bedbugs, sex workers and a slum; rain, mudslides, and jungles infested with mosquitoes and leeches; personal grief and health challenges. But election personnel — school teachers, administrative staff, and other govt employees — demonstrated remarkable commitment and courage in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to ensure nearly 970 million voters, over 10% of the world’s population, could exercise their franchise. These compelling tales from the frontlines evoke the essence of a modern-day “Rediscovery of India”, embodying the spirit of Bharat Ek Khoj and the nation’s democracy.

When hills beckon twice

In the rugged landscape of Uttarakhand, polling parties undertook strenuous treks to remote villages twice — once for elderly voters above 85 years old and again on the main polling day. For instance, a polling party of six, including a policeman, navigated a four-hour trek to Kalgot village in Chamoli district on April 8, which falls under Pauri Garhwal Lok Sabha seat, to ensure elderly women could vote, then returned for the rest of the village’s 350 voters.

Sector magistrate Surya Prakash Maithani, who led the team, said: “Although govt officials are accustomed to election duty, undertaking such a challenging journey twice within two weeks was a task that could have been avoided in remote areas with no road connectivity.”

In Pithoragarh district, another team faced an 80km bus journey and 16km trek, only to find a voter boycott over the lack of road connectivity. Only eight people — four villagers and as many polling officials — cast votes out of 587 registered voters.

Bedbugs, itchy welts

Rukmini Patnaik, a PWD engineer, served as a presiding officer at a polling booth in Bhubaneswar’s Kharvela Nagar. The booth, located near a slum with many sex workers and ragpickers, was a “pink booth” staffed entirely by women. Patnaik and her team were provided rudimentary accommodations in a primary school, where they had to sleep on insect-infested floors, making rest nearly impossible. The incessant biting of the bedbugs left her with itchy welts. Sanitation was poor, with one unclean toilet shared by over 30 people, forcing Patnaik to avoid using it for two days.

“I can never forget the two nights of poll duty,” Patnaik said. “We could hear the conversations between sex workers and their clients in the nearby slum until 3am. A lactating woman police officer couldn’t feed her child for two days, leading to intense physical pain and mental trauma. Despite all the challenges, the only satisfaction we have is that we were able to fulfil our duty.”

Band, baaja, ballot

Primary school assistant teacher Anil Kumar Goswami had conducted many elections, but the experience of 2024 stands out vividly. He was part of a group of about 15 people, including his fourmember team of election officials, along with police and forest personnel, and a lekhpal, entrusted with the task of conducting polling at Bharthapur village — a remote settlement near the Nepal border in UP’s Bahraich parliamentary constituency.

Their departure itself was a scene reminiscent of a grand adventure. A musical band played as they began their 160km journey. Bahraich district magistrate Monika Rani said: “We made them wear pagdis and gave them a festive send-off with dhols, balloons, flowers, and the tricolour adorning their bus and boat to motivate them.”

The team travelled by bus, then 60km in an SUV through the dense, mysterious forest of Katarniya, and boarded a boat adorned with marigolds to cross the confluence of Girwa and Kauriala rivers.

“The river, teeming with crocodiles, can be quite disconcerting. I saw crocodiles and even rhinos during my previous visit to Bharthapur,” Rani said. Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) troopers escorted the team from the riverbank to the booth.

The voter turnout was modest. Out of 802 registered voters, only 313 cast their ballots on May 13. Yet, Anil’s sense of fulfilment was undiminished.

“It was worth contributing to the world’s largest democratic process,” said the presiding officer whose team included Neelesh Gaur, Arthika Verma, and Ram Naresh.

IEDs, snakes, mosquitoes…

In Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli, polling personnel faced lifethreatening situations as helicopters dropped them into Maoist territory. Located in the dense Dandakaranya forests, these polling stations straddled 100km of the Red Corridor along the Chhattisgarh border.

Govt school teachers, escorted by commandos, trekked through booby-trapped, dangerous terrain and spent a night in the open — sleeping on a tarpaulin sheet in the rain-soaked jungle, avoiding detection by not lighting a torch or setting up a fire. “Lurking cobras and mosquitoes in the blinding darkness of the jungles were as lethal as IEDs,” said one teacher. Their efforts enabled villagers of Arewada, who had rarely voted due to Maoist threats and the risks of trekking long distances, participate in the democratic process for the first time in 77 years.

Maoist territory trek

Surendra Yadav, an employee of Tandwa high school in Jharkhand’s Chatra district, was assigned election duties for Chatra Lok Sabha constituency, which voted on May 20. His assignment took him to Pathel village in the Maoistdominated Kanhachatti block. Yadav, along with four other polling officials, reached the booth after a 12km journey on foot through hilly terrain. Despite fears, the local warmth saw 670 of 1,072 electors vote. “We were apprehensive…but the locals were welcoming. The area was lush green and surrounded by hills, offering a scenic view,” Yadav recounted.

Defying physical limitations

Jitendra Kumar Sahi, a Jharkhand govt employee, has been conducting elections since 1998. Despite having only one kidney since 2007 due to an ailment, Sahi’s physical limitations have not deterred him from his duty. For 2024, he was deputed as a polling official at the govt primary school in Fasia, under Gumla assembly segment of Lohardaga (ST) Lok Sabha constituency, which voted on May 13. “I have had a single kidney since 2007. Even then, I have been involved in conducting elections as a polling official,” Sahi said.

Dedication amid grief

Vadodara DC and deputy district election officer Vivek Tank lost his wife, Pragya Balasara, to cancer on April 27. However, Vivek returned to his election duties on April 30 after her cremation in Gondal. He cast his vote via postal ballot and prepared for the May 7 polls. Vivek, who married Pragya in 2018 after meeting during their GPSC exam preparations, chose not to pass on his responsibilities, stating that doing so would be like “leaving a battle midway”.

Last voter, 100% voting

Hill hikes, a sleepless night when the jungle comes alive, no electricity or mobile network — four election officials, and the smallest polling booth in the heart of India. Located 90km from the district headquarters, Sonewani in Maoist-affected Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh has 10 homes and 42 voters.

Starting a day early for the April 19 polls, the team arrived using jungle shortcuts. They relied on the villagers’ hospitality for food and light.

They faced fears of wild animals and a storm that night, with a tree crashing outside their booth. Their perseverance included locating the last voter by climbing onto the school roof for a weak mobile signal. “Booth-level officer Chaturbhuj Rana learnt that he was once his student. The voter could not refuse his teacher’s request and made it by 4pm, and we ensured 100% voting,” said presiding officer Mamraj Singh Markam.

Down south, uphill task

Election staff deployed to Bodhaimalai in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu thought it was just another remote polling booth until they reached the foothills on April 18. They realised the challenge ahead — an 8km uphill trek. Two polling stations, one at Keelur with 845 voters and Kedamali with 297 voters, awaited them atop Bodhaimalai.

“The journey began around 9am and took seven long hours of trekking in sweltering summer heat,” said a polling officer. Local porters carried EVMs, VVPATs, and stationery. The return journey, starting late in the eve- ning, was equally arduous. In pitch dark, the team navigated back down, reaching their destination around 1am on April 20, using torchlights. Some suffered cuts and bruises.

Instant noodles near China

A polling team’s three-day, 150km journey to Arunachal Pradesh’s Gate village involved navigating precarious slopes and heavy rain along the Chinese border. They started on April 16, travelling by vehicle, then continuing on foot from Malo, the last motorable village. “We reached Gate on April 18, welcomed by villagers with food,” said presiding officer Toni Dupak, a PWD junior engineer. “The journey was perilous…Leeches were a constant nuisance. We carried instant noodles, light foods, and chocolates,” Dupak recounted.

Lone voter, 15 officials

Banej, a secluded village in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district, set up a polling booth for its sole voter, a temple priest.

A team of 15, including security personnel, was deployed.

“There is no electricity or mobile network. We were totally cut off,” said presiding officer Sursinh Padhiyar. The team stayed at the forest department’s field office and was provided meals by the priest. Banej maintains a 100% voting record.

Boat ride, high tide

Shiyal Bet, an island surrounded by the Arabian Sea, is part of Amreli parliamentary constituency. The island, with a population of 10,000 and 5,100 registered voters, primarily sees women voters due to men being away for fishing. A team of 60, including security and health officials, conducted the election across five booths. “We had to consider tide timings and brought medicines and medical practitioners,” said polling official Ramesh Maru. The team travelled by boat and carried food packets and dry snacks, with villagers also providing meals.

(Inputs from Partha Maitra & Soumitra Bose in Gadchiroli, Riyan Ramanath & Minati Singha in Bhubaneswar, Pankul Sharma in Dehradun, Vishvendu Jaipuriar in Chatra, KA Gupta in Gumla, Nimesh Khakhariya in Rajkot, Prashant Rupera in Vadodara, Senthil Kumaran in Chennai, Xangkan Kalita in Guwahati & Arvind Chauhan in Bahraich)

Ladakh

Tamil Nadu

Assam

Anandpur Sahib to go green, ‘cast a vote & plant a tree’ today

Vishwa.Mohan@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: A novel concept of ‘cast a vote, plant a tree’ started five years ago during 2019 parliamentary elections in Alappuzha in Kerala at the behest of a local environmentalist has gained momentum, with Meghalaya this time experimenting with it during the first phase of polling on April 19, and Anandpur Sahib constituency in Punjab trying it out in the last p hase on Saturday. Under this concept, every polling booth in Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha seat will distribute saplings to all first time voters, senior citizens and people with disability who can plant them wherever they like after casting their votes.

“The move will not only help the mission of green election but may also help in increasing voting percentage to an extent,” Heera Lal, general observer of the Anandpur Sahib constituency, told TOI. Anandpur Sahib, with 17.3 lakh voters, is one of the 13 constituencies of Punjab that will go to polls on Saturday.

Lal, special secretary, irrigation in Uttar Pradesh govt, said all necessary arrangements have been made and saplings of fruits, medicinal, herbal and ornamental plants have already been procured and kept in adequate numbers for distribution among voters at all 2,068 polling booths in the constituency during the polling.

The steps have been taken in sync with Election Commission’s push for eco-friendly elections. Incidentally, the commission has also been consistently flagging the 2019 Kerala experiment on its social media platform, saying how the move of fusing democracy with environmentalism, where voters planted trees after casting their votes, led to thriving greenery.

Dehradun policeman rapes yoga trainer at gunpoint, suspended

Dehradun: A sub-inspector of Uttarakhand Police, currently posted in Dehradun, was charged under IPC Section 376 on Thursday for allegedly repeatedly raping a yoga trainer at gunpoint over the past few months on pretext of probing a theft case at the latter’s house. She was threatened to remain quiet, police said, adding that the accused cop has been suspended.

SSP (Dehradun), Ajai Singh, said on Friday, “The accused, Manoj Bhatt, was suspended with immediate effect. Bhatt is currently posted as in-charge of a check post in Dehradun. Besides IPC section 376 (rape), he was also charged under sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 506 (criminal intimidation), 509 (acts to insult modesty of a woman) and 354-B (assaulting woman with intent to outrage m odesty of a woman).” Notably, the accused policeman is yet to be arrested.

TNN

Ahead of polls, call for ‘tiger widow’ census

Kolkata: As parties and politicians talk about victory margins and seat numbers, Sundarbans’ tiger widows — women whose husbands were killed in tiger attacks while fishing, catching crabs or collecting honey — want to talk about another set of numbers: exactly how many of them are there in Joynagar Lok Sabha constituency. They are demanding an official census of tiger widows since an accurate count of victims is unknown, reports Dipawali Mitra.

“The official count of the forest department shows there are hardly three or four deaths every year, but numbers tallied by NGOs and activist groups show there are at least 20 deaths every year. Unofficially, there are varying figures ranging from 3,000 to 4,000, so conducting a census is of utmost importance,” said Geeta Mridha, secretary of Sunderban Byaghrobidhoba Samiti. Govt provides ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to kin of those killed after entering the forest with a proper licence. Women struggle to prove themselves tiger widows as death certificates do not mention tiger attack as cause of death.

Dalit drift, beneficiary women, youth ire & silent voters in big UP poll picture

Rajiv.Srivastava1@timesgroup.com

Lucknow: The marathon 2024 poll battle has reached its seventh and last round in Uttar Pradesh, with polling due on Saturday in its south-eastern region dominated by OBCs, Dalits and, of course, the Modi-Yogi factor. The 13 seats on offer broadly fall in the region where PM Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath have held sway but the contest this time is being seen as close.

Caste is a key factor here and this is the only poll phase in the state where Bhumihar votes play a big role. Most of the seats have the dominance of OBCs — Yadav, Kurmi, Nishad, Kushwaha, Rajbhar and Nonia — while Brahmins and Thakurs also have a sizeable presence.

The area has seen hectic political activities indicative of a high-voltage battle in the run-up to V-day. For instance, BJP’s Amit Shah managed to win over two key leaders from Ballia — former minister Narad Rai and Ram Iqbal Singh — to make things a bit easier for party candidate Neeraj Shekhar.

To get a better grip of how the final 13 seats are likely to vote, one needs to understand the broad trends seen in the previous six phases. Here are some key elements that together make up the big election picture in UP.

Dalit Dilemma

About two hours after phase 3 polling came to an end on May 7, BSP chief Mayawati sprung a surprise by removing her nephew and political successor, Akash Anand, from the post of the party’s national coordinator. Anand had been appointed barely five months ago.

According to political observers, the decision was not a result of Akash’s speeches which led to FIRs, but the voting trend in phase 3, which showed that a fraction of BSP’s core Jatav voters were getting vocal about their “disillusionment” with the party brass and were seen drifting away. While non-Jatavs have historically shifted towards BJP, this time, a section of Jatavs were seen moving towards the SP-Cong alliance. “That was the time when Mayawati decided on damage control,” says a highly placed source.

Observers said, by removing Anand, Mayawati wanted to protect her nephew from a ‘failed launch’ as a section of party supporters may have begun associating his rise with the shift in Jatav votes — although the trend thinned as the election moved east.

The attrition of Jatav votes could come as an eye-opener for BSP, which has remained confident of their support election after election, ever since Kanshi Ram began expanding the party by targeting specific castes. “There was a time when we all were steadily behind BSP. However, in these elections, we will look at winnability of candidates more than anything else,” said Mahesh Prasad of Batrauli in Kushinagar. “Why waste our vote just to prove loyalty when the BSP candidate is unable to provide a fight?” questioned Ram Bhor of Kashipur village in Deoria.

Observers see two main reasons behind the shift of Dalit votes towards the Congress-SP alliance, even if the numbers may not turn out to be substantial. First, since the 2017 assembly polls, Mayawati’s party has been in decline and has even created a perception that it’s not contesting the polls too strongly.

Second, a section of Dalits, which had been with Congress before the 1990s, saw some value in the INDIA bloc narrative that if BJP returns to power with a huge mandate, it will remove their reservation and change the Constitution. The big question, however, is how much Congress-SP will be able to capitalise on this gain and whether the BSP chief will rework her strat- egy to regain the lost confidence of Jatavs while also countering the rising threat from Azad Party chief Chandrashekhar Azad.

Bipolar Contest

The drift in Dalit votes and the lack of strong BSP candidates have turned the UP contest bipolar in a majority of seats, including the 13 going to polls in the last phase. Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Ballia, Chandauli, Ghazipur, Ghosi, Khusinagar and Salempur all are witnessing a direct fight between BJP and INDIA Bloc candidates. “This means the winners will have to manage over 45-46% votes. A large number of BJP candidates had won by a big margin in 2019. Although the INDIA bloc is getting a new set of voters, it will need to jack up its vote share substantially to bridge that gap,” says a political analyst.

SP’s Smart Ticketing

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has invested some thought in distributing tickets, even if that meant replacing candidates several times. “He has fielded only five Yadav candidates and four Muslims to avoid the tag of an M-Y party. It was also a bid to avoid any counter-polarisation against the party,” says a UP watcher, adding, “He also kept caste equations in mind while deciding the names of candidates.”

For instance, SP has fielded Rajiv Rai in Ghosi keeping in mind a large number of Bhumihars in the constituency. “This is the seat which belonged to Kalpnath Rai,” a poll analyst said. Similarly, constituencies like Kushinagar (Pintu Sainthwar), Ballia (Sanatan Pandey), Chandauli (Virendra Singh), Mirzapur (Ramesh Chand Bind) are examples of smart ticketing, keeping local caste considerations in mind, he added.

‘Silent Voter’

There are two sets of ‘silent voters’ who are generally outside pollsters’ radar – women, especially in rural areas, and beneficiaries of various central schemes. These voters were neither heard of nor talked about earlier. They seem to have not only gained prominence but are also gradually forming a strong and stable voter base. Having been empowered with facilities such as toilets, cooking gas, affordable housing and free ration, along with a general perception of improvement in law and order, many rural women have become vocal with their opinions.

“Isme toh koi sandeh nahin hai ki Yogi raj mein darr nahi lagta hai kahin bahar jaane mein (Women are not scared of stepping out of homes under the Yogi dispensation),” Chanda Devi, a former pradhan at Rampurka Lal village in Deoria, says. Some 250km from Deoria, the voices in Basti are no different when it comes to getting benefits of govt schemes. At Nathanpur village, 2km off the Barabanki-Bahraich highway, Meera Devi (name changed) runs a grocery shop. “Fear among the women has come down,” she says, adding that things need to improve further to make society free and fair for women.

Mandir, Jobs

Although Ram Mandir is not being talked about much, there is a section of people that’s likely to keep construction of the temple at Ayodhya in mind while voting. On the other hand, issues such as lack of jobs for youth and leaks of question papers of public exams are also likely to find echo in voting preferences, especially among the youth. Lastly, there’s anti-incumbency against candidates at several constituencies, which is prompting the BJP think-tank and workers to toil harder.

UP’s quiet Robertsganj ‘wishes for change’, but youth & tribal voters to have final say

Shalabh & Arvind Chauhan | TNN

Robertsganj, Sonbhadra: A region of multiple terrains and river streams, Sonbhadra, the second largest district in Uttar Pradesh, comes alive during monsoon. Normally though, apart from the noise of the constant movement of heavy vehicles in and out of its factories and plants, the region remains mostly calm.

Talk of a change, however, is getting louder as Robertsganj Lok Sabha constituency is set for polls on Saturday. Robertsganj, the headquarters of Sonbhadra district, has five assembly segments — Ghorawal, Obra, Duddhi, Robertsganj and Chakia — and an electorate of 17.8 lakh.

Ramdev Gond, 58, a tribal from Basuda village in Chopan block, stresses the need for ‘badlav’ (change). “Our vote helps candidates go to Delhi, but I haven’t seen any major change taking place in my area in the last 10 years. I believe change is needed at this juncture.”

Politicians will not overlook Ramdev, member of a tribal community that forms 20% of the electorate in Sonbhadra. Tribal hamlets in the district account for 3.9 lakh of UP’s 11.3 lakh ST population per Census 2011. Gonds alone are 45% followed by Kharwars (21%). Only SCs (23%) outnumber tribals in Robertsganj and share the potential to tilt the scales in someone’s advantage.

Chhanbey MLA Rinki Singh Kol, 36, of NDA constituent Apna Dal (S) is locked in a direct fight with Samajwadi Party’s Chhotelal Kharwar, 51, for the seat. BSP has fielded Dhaneshwar Gautam, a lawyer.

Rinki is the daughter-in-law of Pakaudi Lal Kol, who was the Robertsganj MP in 2009 with SP and in 2019 with Apna Dal (S). Her husband Rahul died of cancer. The family enjoys the backing of their Kol SC community, which has about 75,000 votes here.

After making embarrassing remarks against upper castes at a public meeting in Oct 2021, Pakaudi Lal had to sacrifice his ticket as Apna Dal (S) chief Anupriya Patel did not want to invite their wrath in Sonbhadra and her own seat of Mirzapur.

Pakaudi Lal had earlier pushed for the candidature of his younger son Jagprakash instead of Rinki. “Kols have a sizeable population in Mirzapur and, hence, pleasing the community is important for Anupriya. Picking Rinki appears to be wise as it becomes easier to target women voters across various castes,” said Jagat Narayan Vishwakarma, a journalist from Renukoot.

In 2014, Pakaudi Lal, contesting on an SP ticket, finished third behind Kharwar, then a BJP candidate, and Sharada Prasad (BSP). In 2019, BJP handed the seat to Apna Dal and Pakaudi Lal made a strong comeback by winning 45.3% votes. In 2022 state polls, BJP swept all five assembly segments of Robertsganj LS seat.

Yadavs have 1.3 lakh votes and Muslims nearly 60,000. Along with anti-incumbency, Rinki has to worry about resentment among upper caste members against Pakaudi Lal.

It becomes evident that folk singer Kharwar has been on song and the SP camp upbeat about their campaign. A dedicated BJP worker and former pradhan of his village, Kharwar became MP twice only to be denied a ticket in 2019.

Shalik Patel, 34, a driver from Arauli village on the outskirts of Robertsganj, said: “The ‘barat ghar’ (community centre) that was opened in our gram sabha in Aug 2011 collapsed within a few months. Not a single wedding could be held there. Villagers are using the damaged building as a shelter home for cattle. Pakaudi Lal has been elected multiple times and has started taking things for granted. BJP should have fielded a new face instead of his ‘bahu’.”

Shiv Mohan, 45, a dhobi and a father of four, runs a small grocery shop in Kota, a village on the road to Garhwa district in Jharkhand, which still has a Naxal presence. “A decade ago, it was not possible to move out after sunset as Naxals used to target the Kon-Garhwa route. Maoists have shifted out of Sonbhadra and we feel secure while commuting in the night though unemployment is a big worry here,” said Mohan.

Dubbed as the energy capital of India as it produces more than 10,000 MW power, many villages in Sonbhadra are not yet connected to the power grid and don’t have mobile phone services. Moreover, industries and manufacturing units that exploit the natural resources of the region offer limited jobs to local youths.

“Only a few lucky people get employment. Earlier, ‘baniyas’ and ‘seths’ avoided offering jobs to locals as they felt that people who stay in remote villages are Naxal sympathisers,” said Shalik Patel from Arauli.

Though the Maoist movement has been suppressed in Sonbhadra, its shadow still looms over the region. Voting will end at 4pm in 504 of the 1,295 polling stations in Robertsganj as a “precautionary measure”.

With almost 40% of the area covered by forest, it takes up to five hours to commute between two farthest villages in the district. Ram Bhog Gond, a private employee in late 20s who works at a leading hotel near Badhauli crossing in Robertsganj, says elected representatives should ensure local youths get preference in jobs.

“Local bodies, MLAs and MPs together with factory owners must ensure that 15-20% of unskilled and non-technical roles that require manual labour are set aside for local youths. We are among the few tribal families that moved out of the village in search of jobs,” he said.

Rinki said: “I do not speak a lot during public meetings and rallies as I don’t feel there is a lot to say. I’m working hard to win the seat for the NDA alliance in UP.” She admitted unemployment was a major issue, adding that she was determined to address it.

Shyam Rangeela and his ‘chhoti si poll story’ in Kashi

Shailvee.Sharda@timesgroup.com

Varanasi: For a long time, PM Narendra Modi was Shyam Rangeela’s hero, so much so that the comedian started mimicking his idol, almost to perfection.

But the idolisation turned into disillusionment when a group of Modi supporters tried to disrupt his show and impose restrictions on his work. The self-proclaimed Modi fan is now a disenchanted critic.

“Halfway into a show in which I was mimicking the PM, I was asked to stop, walk out, and mend my ways. That day, I learned what it felt like to have my freedom clipped. Later, I realised that such intimidation was common. Politicians are not so generous in taking humour and criticism,” says Rangeela, who was back in the limelight when he announced his decision to contest as an Independent candidate against Modi from Varanasi.

While he came all the way from Rajasthan’s Sriganganagar to file his nomination, a technical error of “not taking oath” while submitting papers led to the cancellation of Rangeela’s papers, and the “shattering of his dream”.

“It is disappointing but my rejection is also my victory. The cause of freedom for which I stood up got some attention,” he says, summing up his “chhoti si poll story”.

Having taken “rejection” in his stride, Shyam is busy enjoying the moment, giving interviews, meeting journalists and influencers from different parts of the world.

Does he regret his political mis- adventure? “Haan, main toh kahin ka na raha. BJP wale kehte hain ki maine Modi ji ka mazak banyaya… Congress wale kehte hain maine Rahul ki mimicry ki hai… mujhe dono taraf se kaam nahi milta hai… chunav mein bahut paisa bhi kharch ho gaya hai… toh ab naya kaam dhoondh ke hisab theek karna hoga (Yes, I belong nowhere now. BJP says I turned Modiji into a joke. Congress says I mimicked Rahul. I don’t get work from both sides. I also spent a lot of money on contesting the polls. So now I must look for new projects to settle my accounts),” he says while claiming that he rejected offers to join opposition candidates to target Modi.

“I didn’t want to get tagged to any party. It will prove my trollers right,” he says.

Describing himself as the product of appreciation he received from fans, Rangeela remains unaffected by what trollers have to say.

“Jibes such as ‘mazak mazak mein serious ho gaya’ (he got serious even as he was cracking jokes) and ‘ghode pe aya tha nomination bharne’ (he came on a horse to file his nomination) are very decent compared to allegations like my nomination was rejected because of a pending rape case against me,” he says, while insisting that he will miss the love that people showered on him when he announced he would contest from Kashi.

The Banarasi, meanwhile, are enjoying “free ka entertainment”.

“Ab koi gudgudayega toh hansi toh ayegi hi. Waise Banaras mein maskharon ki kami nahi hai aur yaha par hasi thitholi ki parampara hai (one is bound to laugh when someone tickles the funny bone. It’s not like there is any dearth of comedians in Banaras, which has a tradition of appreciating humour and banter),” remarked Hindi satirist and author Damdar Banarasi in the signature style.

Ex-colleagues slug it out in key Kolkata clash

Dipawali.Mitra@timesgroup.com

Kolkata: Trinamool Congress’s Sudip Bandyopadhyay, 75, has won the Kolkata North seat ever since it was formed in 2009 irrespective of the opposition, be it Congress or BJP, but he has to see off the ‘challenge’ from a few within the party ranks this time. However, with chief minister Mamata Banerjee having thrown her weight behind him, Bandyopadhyay should be able to maintain his winning run.

The simmering discontent within Trinamool ranks boiled over after the party’s long-time loyalist Tapas Roy defected to BJP. The departure of Roy, a vocal critic of Bandyopadhyay, after being in Trinamool for more than two decades reignited the conflict between the old guards and Young Turks in the party with Roy, 67, embodying the sentiments of the new generation. Irked over the disagreements on the renomination of Bandyopadhyay who also enjoys Mamata’s confi- dence, Roy quit the party.

On the face of it, Kolkata North is a Trinamool fortress. Bandyopadhyay won it in 2019 by more than 1.3 lakh votes, pocketing 50% of the votes polled. In an increasingly bipolar contest, BJP got 36.6%. In the 2021 state elections, Trinamool won all seven assembly segments which make up the Kolkata North LS constituency.

“Sudip Da is not on good terms with most of the local functionaries, MLAs, and councillors in North Kolkata. Several disgruntled councillors will be indifferent or might play a passive role on the polling day, which is concerning,” said a senior Trinamool functionary from the constituency. Kolkata Municipal Corporation ward No.49 councillor Monalisa Banerjee went a step further by protesting openly and even joined sitin-demonstrations after being sidelined by Bandyopadhyay.

On the other hand, when Roy was selected as Trinamool Congress president for North Kolkata, he became close with most of the councillors for his ‘open door’ policy.

“We cannot forget Roy because we always had free access to his office and residence. As the chief of the party’s north Kolkata district, he would often listen to our problems and offer solutions,” said a councillor who represents a ward under Maniktala assembly constituency. Kunal Ghosh, who was removed from his party general secretary post for terming BJP candidate Roy the “most competent” in the fray, had also been critical of Bandyopadhyay. Ghosh has now buried the hatchet. Mamata and Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim have asked councillors to throw their weight behind the party candidate.

“The BJP candidate is trying to harm Sudip Da. He was arrested for no fault. But he did not leave the party even after his arrest. On the other hand, he (Roy) fled just because the ED raided him,” Mamata said at a public meeting.

After 136 days in custody, Bandyopadhyay was granted bail by the Odisha High Court in May 2017 in the Rose Valley case. He was arrested by the CBI in Jan that year. Roy’s Bowbazar home was raided by ED on Jan 12 this year and he defected to BJP on March 4.

Over the years, BJP has made considerable inroads in the constituency and gained some ground after young faces like Tamoghna Ghosh and Sajal Ghosh shifted from TMC to BJP. Many consider that Roy’s experienced leadership and his “straight-forward” image coupled with his expansive knowledge about the constituency will work as Bandyopadhyay’s “antidote.”

Roy too has some limitations, such as a lack of a strong organisational support across the constituency. BJP has organised campaigns in northern pockets, but Roy knows there is a significant minority and anti-BJP vote in the constituency.

Throughout his political career, Roy has practised secular politics but one of the questions that is doing the rounds is whether he can secure votes for Modi. While voters may not be dissatisfied with Roy, they have reservations about the BJP. There is scepticism in political circles about how much support he can garner for the party.

“There is also uncertainty about Roy’s political future; whether he will stay with the BJP after the elections, regardless of win or lose. The voters and BJP’s lower-level workers too feel such an uncertainty,” said a BJP functionary from Kolkata North.

The constituency has no Left candidates. Congress has fielded veteran Pradip Bhattacharya with the hope of breaking the TMC-BJP binary in the seat.

Ironically, the three main candidates are former colleagues and acquaintances who have opposed the Left throughout their careers, but now find themselves contesting against each other, despite all being originally from Congress.

SURROUND SOUND

FLASHBACK

1980 | People look at the Lok Sabha election results displayed on a board outside the Times Of India offices in Mumbai. The seventh Lok Sabha polls were held after the Janata Party govt fell over internal squabbles. In 1980, Congress returned to office with a tally of 353 seats

Agri, Agniveer, Anti-Incumbency Echo In Punjab

As INDIA Partners Face Off, AAP Relies On Its Welfare Schemes And Cong On State Govt’s Unkept Promises; BJP Taps Into Mandir Sentiment

Anger against Centre’s farm laws refuses to die down in Punjab as famers blocked BJP candidates from entering their villages. (Below) The four-year Agniveer Scheme has added to the long list of complaints as it has blocked youth’s chances of a permanent army job

Himanshi.Dhawan@timesgroup.com

Amritsar/Jalandhar/Ludhiana: Standing in the oppressive May heat with a sea of white in front of him, Congress MP from Amritsar Gurjeet Singh Aujla plays a recording on the microphone. His audience, all farmers, sit under the shade of a tent in Ajnala’s Jagdeep Khurd village, and listen intently. It’s an interview of a fellow MP extolling Aujla’s bravery as he overpowered the intruders who had barged into Parliament in Dec 2023 before security personnel took charge. Once the recording is over, Aujla tells the gathering, “We are fearless people whether it is in Parliament or the battlefield. You will never find a Punjabi who has hesitated to put his life on the line for the country.”

The public — drawn from villages across the district — cheers and Aujla knows he has chalked himself another win. But the reference to the battlefield saddens Sukhjinder Singh, a sarpanch from the neighbouring Gujjarpura village, who is part of the crowd. He recalls how an Agniveer who had died on duty was refused a military salute at the funeral. “No compensation, job, or land… but no respect either? Did the martyr’s family not even deserve that?” he asks. It was only after roadblocks and protests that the soldier was given a ceremonial send-off by Punjab police.

The Agniveer Scheme has only added to the already long list of complaints, he says. “Kisan de naal dhakka kitta (They have used forceful means against farmers),” he says. The world may have moved on, but the 358 days of protest against the farm laws at the Delhi border in 2021-22 still rankle and farmers have shown their anger by not allowing BJP candidates to campaign in villages where they hold sway. Videos of candidates and their cavalcades beating a hasty retreat are popular on social media.

This anger has spilled over to urban areas as well since more than 60% of the state is involved in agriculture and allied professions. It would have been natural for Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), once known as ‘pinda di party’ (party of the villages) to capitalise on this frustration. “But people have been so disappointed by the party’s lacklustre support for the protests that it’s now fighting for survival,” says Ronki Ram, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Chair at Panjab University’s political science department.

This has given Congress and AAP a tactical advantage. Barring a seat or two, the fight for Punjab’s 13 LS seats is between these two INDIA bloc parties, which have tied up for Delhi’s seven seats but are locked in battle here.

Two-Year Itch For AAP?

AAP, which has an overwhelming majority of 92 of 117 seats in assembly, believes it has a strong pitch — free electricity up to 300 units, free PDS grain, and mohalla clinics are seen as popular among the urban poor. Delhi CM and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, who’s out on bail, raised the slogan “Sadda haq, aithe rakh” (give us our rights) at a rally last week, seeking to position AAP as a party that could take on BJP at Centre.

Ludhiana’s Baljit Singh, who runs a small readymade store at Chander Nagar, says the power bill waiver has brought much-needed relief. “Business hasn’t picked up since Covid but expenses have been going up,” he says. He’s also used the mohalla clinic for a recent illness and was able to get medicines without any charge. “Kejriwal in his public rally at Amritsar said vote for me if you think I have done some work. It takes guts to say that. Have you heard any other candidate speak with such confidence?” he asks.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, too, has been at pains to point out his two-year-old govt’s achievements, but there is one uncomfortable question that he keeps side-stepping. At nearly every public meeting, among the first things Congress and BJP candidates ask women is if they’ve received the Rs 1,000 a month promised by Mann during assembly elections — and are met with a resounding ‘no’. Such is the embarrassment that he’s now hiked the cash stipend to Rs 1100, starting “soon”.

Tactically, both Congress and BJP have trained their guns at AAP accusing the party of “jhoothe laare” or spinning lies. This has found some resonance with the urban middle class, which views the party as incapable of fulfilling crucial promises such as tackling drug trade and improving law and order.

Guru Nanak Dev University’s political science professor Satnam Singh Deol describes it as ‘dantekatha’ or folktales that are passed on orally. Boliya kuch, te kitta kuch aur (promising one thing and doing another) is a common refrain. “They are following the Delhi model but that won’t work here,” he says. He also doesn’t think freebies alone will completely sway the Punjabi voter, who unlike the larger migrant population in Delhi, is typically more affluent and expects more.

Congress Riding On Anti-Incumbency

Ludhiana’s Kuldeep Kaur, who works in the billing section of a T-shirt manufacturing factory, regrets having fallen for the “ek maukaa” plea that helped AAP come to office in 2022. “We’ve got neither the women’s allowance nor the senior citizens’ pension. Congress has always worked for us, even helped us in times of need. They know how to run a govt,” she says.

But with swathes of the Congress brass defecting to BJP, sentiment in favour of the party remains muted and candidate specific. The party sans its old warhorse Capt Amarinder Singh, who moved to BJP in 2022, is banking on antiincumbency both at Centre and in the state. Congress had won eight of the 13 seats in 2019 with a 40% vote share and is hoping for a repeat performance with Rahul Gandhi building a national narrative on a pro-poor welfarist plank.

BJP Banks On Mandir

At Amritsar’s Hall Bazaar, in the shadow of the Partition Museum, autos with slogans “Jo ram ji ko lai hain, unko hum layenge (we will vote for those who have built Ram Mandir)” whizz past. Krishna Bhatia, 38, who owns a shop selling traditional juttis, says the mandir has been a strong emotional connect for Hindus. “We marked the consecration on this street with firecrackers. It was among the biggest celebrations in Punjab,” he says.

Farm protests affected business and tourism slowed down too ever since the rail roko campaign started. “Every weekend there were 2 lakh to 4 lakh tourists coming to the Golden Temple and Wagah border. Hotels were full. During last year’s New Year, there were so many tourists that they had to spend the night at the Golden Temple. Now the streets are empty, and our business is down 20-25%,” he says.

Ronki Ram says mandir may be an emotional draw but not so much an elec- toral one. “Hindus in Punjab have been syncretic in nature and despite resentment against the farmers, mandir’s not an issue,” he says.

But that hasn’t deterred shopkeeper and BJP pracharak Devender Arora from holding door-to-door meetings in the busy market of Ludhiana’s Chander Nagar. “People have realised that only Modi can protect them, we cannot depend on any other party for our security or progress,” he says. Metro, AIIMSlike hospitals, better infrastructure… the list of goodies on offer is seemingly endless and could help BJP increase its vote share as it goes alone in the state for the first time.

As Punjab votes Saturday under a scorching sun, a local comic’s words are doing the rounds on social media: “Tin vaari cha ubalo, taan kodi ho jandi ai (If you boil tea thrice, it becomes bitter)”. It’s a veiled reference to BJP’s pitch for a third term. While the tea boils — for another three days, till June 4 — there isn’t much Punjab, or the nation, can do except some heated chai pe charcha.

How parties are juggling caste, class & community

IP.Singh@timesgroup.com

Ten years ago, when Aam Aadmi Party first tested the ground in Punjab, the soil was fertile for a newbie that would upset the bipolar contests between Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP and Congress.

The Punjabi diaspora, largely Sikhs, had earlier displayed its yearning for change through Manpreet Badal-led PPP. But it ended in failure. After the 2012 polls, restlessness on Sikh issues was palpable — first on Balwant Singh Rajoana’s scheduled hanging and then on Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners). Amidst this, AAP projected prominent faces identifying with Sikh issues pertaining to 1984 and drew support from all sections, across communities and castes. The biggest push came from diaspora and despite its skeletal organisation, AAP won four seats with onefourth of vote share.

After 2014, Punjab’s political landscape was three-cornered till farm movement forced a breakup between Akalis and BJP in 2020. In 2021, AAP used Bargari sacrilege and Behbal Kalan issues to its advantage and in 2022 assembly polls capitalised on sentiment of change among people through its “guarantees” — from 300 units of free power to monthly Rs 1,000 to every woman. AAP gained support across castes, communities and classes and every fault-line was transcended as big guns of other parties were decimated. AAP romped home with 92 of 117 seats.

Now that BJP with massive resources has jumped into the fray solo in Punjab’s political landscape, here is an attempt to decipher how caste and community cards can work in this election and afterwards:

The caste gambit played by Punjab’s then ruling Congress party in the 2022 assembly elections failed when despite appointing Charanjit Singh Channi as the chief minister and later making him the CM face, it failed to consolidate Dalit votes. Congress could win only five of 34 reserved seats and Channi lost both seats he contested as Dalits too responded to the AAP’s call of ‘badlav’ (change).

What worked for AAP was the strong desire of people for a qualitative shift in Punjab politics, which was fanned by the farm movement, and its two “guarantees”.

Just as caste failed in the 2022 polls, class seems to be a bigger factor in these Lok Sabha polls. Even now, 300 units of free power is the single biggest issue favouring AAP, considerably blunting caste, and community factors. It has helped the party create a constituency for itself based on class.

BJP’s Dalit Challenge

BJP expects consolidation of Hindu voters in Punjab as it is contesting on its own after more than two decades. Other parties are wary as Hindus account for 38.5% of the population and Sikh voters appear to be in a disarray. However, there are layers and blocs within Punjabi Hindus and ‘Hindu consolidation’ has essentially meant upper caste Hindus.

Despite BJP’s success in winning over backward classes and Dalits in other states, Punjabi Dalits, who make around one-third of the state’s population, have so far remained a challenge for the saffron party. Caste contradictions exist but they are not as deep and wide as in other northern states. At times, religious identity across castes also decides political behaviour. This is true for Sikhs across castes as well as for upper-caste Hindus, whose caste becomes secondary when they vote as ‘Sikh bloc’ or ‘Hindu bloc’.

In the last 10 years, BJP has made a lot of efforts to get Dalits on its side. Elevating first-time MPs Vijay Sampla and Som Parkash, both belonging to Ad-dharmi/Ravidasia community, as Union ministers and then appointing Sampla as the first Dalit BJP state president were part of this exercise. However, its success has been limited to a few pockets till now.

BJP’s challenge comes from two levels as most Dalits are Sikhs — comprising 19.4% of the total population — and Hindu Dalits, who comprise 12.4% of the total population, are not adherents of Hindutva politics.

Uniquely, a major chunk of Hindu Dalits, especially the Ad-dharmi/Ravidasia community, are closer to Sikhs in religious practices. “Except for registering as Hindus in official records, a major section of Ad-dharmi/Ravidasias prefer to use caste identity instead of Hindu religious identity. In religious practices, they are closer to Sikhs than upper caste Hindus and their shrines are separate. This is a major factor in their politics too,” says Kulwinder Bagha, former sarpanch of Bolina village near Jalandhar, who belongs to the same community.

Amid these fault-lines, BJP appears to be trying hard to make inroads into the Mazhabi Sikh/Balmiki community that is relegated to the lowest step of the caste ladder. Apart from fielding Mazhabi candidate Hans Raj Hans from Faridkot and Balmiki candidate Gejja Ram from Fatehgarh Sahib, BJP has also fielded a Mazhabi Sikh, Mandeep Singh Manna from Khadoor Sahib seat.

‘Sikh Vs Dalit’

Originally, Punjab SCs were a strong support base of Cong and Akalis. BSP disrupted Congress’s easy-going relationship with SCs and weakened it by taking away a section of Ravi dasia/Ad-dharmi voters.

At least two BJP candidates have tried to play the caste card by talking on Jat Sikh vs Dalits divide. On April 25, when farmers gathered to protest against him in Jalandhar, BJP candidate Sushil Rinku called them “gundas” and “anti-Dalit” and claimed they were there to insult Dalits. Rinku, who belongs to the Ravidasia community, urged Dalits to boycott these “antiDalit farmers”. In Punjab, most farmers come from the Jat Sikh community.

BJP’s Faridkot candidate Hans Raj Hans, who has a Mazhabi Sikh background, after facing several protests by farmers, said that his people were also heirs of Baba Jiwan Singh — a much respected Sikh warrior from the same caste, who brought the severed head of Ninth Sikh Master Guru Teg Ba hadur after his execution in Delhi to Guru Gobind Singh. This seemed not just an impulsive reaction but a careful positioning of Jat Sikh vs Mazhabi Sikhs.

Reacting to Hans’s statements, Pendu Mazdoor Union, largely representing rural Dalit labourers, repeatedly issued statements alleging that BJP was playing its divisive agenda through its can didates and there was an attempt to create a wedge between farmers and Dalit labourers.

Despite their same caste background, there are differences, mainly of religious identity and practices, between Mazhabi Sikhs and Hindu-Balmikis. The former are largely in rural areas and involved in farm labour and the latter are in urban areas. For Mazhabi Sikhs, it is only the caste card that can work, but for Balmiki-Hindu identity, BJP is already working at the level of religious identity by re peatedly highlighting that it named Ayodhya airport after Maharishi Valmiki.

The caste factor among Mazhabi Sikhs/Balmikis has the potential to act on two levels as they can be positioned against Jat Sikhs and can compete with Addharmi/Ravidasias in the Dalit space. “BJP is making strong attempts for outreach among Balmikis. Though earlier also there were some people in our community aligned to them, this time their attempts appear unprecedented,” said Darshan Ratan Ravan, founder and head of Adi Dharam Samaj (ADS), a major organisation of Balmiki com munity in Punjab. He said that like other SC communities, apprehensions of changes in the Constitution among Balmikis also had percolated deep.

When BJP fielded former Lok Sabha deputy speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal’s son Inder Iqbal Singh Atwal, a Mazhabi Sikh and a former SAD MLA, in Jalandhar bypoll last year, his caste card worked among sections of Mazhabi Sikhs/Bal mikis.

“Things are much different in Punjab due to the Sikh Gurus’ influence across castes but still there are caste contradictions between upper and lower castes and within Dalits. There are regular discussions within well-informed Dalit circles and activists on how to tackle the emerging challenge when attempts are being made to widen the fault-lines for political purposes,” said Gian Chand, vice-president of All India Ad-Dharam Mission.

For now, the perception of ‘change in the Constitution’ which seems to have travelled deep and wide among Dalits, can become the biggest roadblock for BJP.

In Biju’s karmabhoomi, BJP fields heavyweight eyeing maiden win

Debabrata.Mohapatra@timesgroup.com

Kendrapara Lok Sabha constituency, the karmabhoomi of former chief minister Biju Patnaik in the coastal belt of Odisha, has gained national attention with BJP turning to its national vice-president Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda in search of a maiden victory.

BJP heavyweights PM Narendra Modi, UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath, his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Union minister Smriti Irani all campaigned for Panda, who is in charge of the party’s UP, Assam, and Delhi units.

Two-time chief minister Biju, father of current CM Naveen Patnaik, had won Kendrapara in 1977 with Bharatiya Lok Dal, and again in 1980 and 1984 with Janata Party.

BJP has its task cut out in the constituency as it has never won the seat, which continues to be a BJD stronghold. The party, which was founded in Dec 1997, a few months after Biju’s death, has been winning the seat since the 1999 Lok Sabha elections. Besides, BJD won all seven assembly segments in Kendrapra LS con- stituency — Salipur, Mahanga, Patkura, Kendrapara, Aul, Rajanagar and Mahakalapada — in the 2019 state elections.

Panda, who was with BJD, won the general elections from Kendrapara twice — in 2009 and 2014. Following his suspension in Jan 2018 for alleged anti-party activities, Panda joined BJP and lost the Kendrapara seat to BJD’s actor-turnedpolitician Anubhav Mohanty in 2019. Mohanty, who too is now with BJP, had defeated Panda by more than 1.8 lakh votes.

BJD has fielded Congress turncoat Anshuman Mohanty this time. Ex-Congress MLA Mohanty’s nomination was significant as he is the son of late Nalinikanta Mohanty, who was a protégé of Biju. Nalinikanta had won from Rajnagar assembly segment in Kendrapara seven times from 1977 to 2004, including on Janata Party, Janata Dal, BJD and Congress tickets.

Though BJD still claims to have a vice-like grip on its traditional fort of Kendrapara, BJP sees an undercurrent in favour of Modi this time, not just in the constituency but across the state.

“Baijayant Panda is very hardworking. I appeal all of you to vote for him so that he wins with a record margin,” Modi said in his address in Kendrapara on Wednesday.

Panda said people across Odisha, including Kendrapara, have decided to usher in a change this time under the leadership of Modi.

“Odisha has been deprived of development as the BJD govt hijacked central schemes. Odia Asmita (pride) is now in danger as a Tamil (indirectly hinting at BJD strategist V K Pandian) has captured Naveen babu,” said Panda, who fell out of Naveen’s favour in 2018 after indirectly accusing Pandian, who was then Naveen’s private secretary in the CM’s office, of indulging in political activity and controlling the party affairs.

At a recent election rally in Kendrapara, Naveen and Pandian came down heavily on Panda. Without naming him, Naveen said the former ‘betrayed’ the people of Kendrapara.

“I had made someone the MP from Kendrapara for 10 years. However, he worked only for his own prosperity and the profit of his company without doing anything for people. He betrayed the people of Kendrapara,” Naveen said, a charge denied by Panda.

Amid BJP’s allegations that Kendrapara continues to reel under issues involving distress sale of paddy, defunct river embankments, unavailability of cold storage, bad roads, and rampant irregularities in rural development works, BJD claims Kendrapara underwent transformation.

The party also harps on the proposed establishment of a steel plant by Japanbased Nippon Steel along with ArcelorMittal in Kendrapara. Naveen said AM/ NS India, the joint venture, has already announced Rs 1 lakh crore investment to establish a 24 million tonne per annum state-of-the-art steel plant with sustainable technologies in Kendrapara.

“People of Kendrapara are with Naveen babu’s development agenda. BJD will continue to retain the seat, thanks to the blessings of people,” BJD candidate Mohanty said.

Despite all odds, Congress candidate Sidharth Swarup Dash is hopeful of giving a checkmate. “I may not match the money power of BJD and BJP. But I am confident that the people of Kendrapara will give their mandate to Congress,” Dash said.

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Trump blames judge, jury and a country ‘gone to hell’

New York: “Guilty”. As America began to absorb on Friday the conviction of Donald Trump, a first for a former US prez, he criticised the criminal case and the judge who oversaw it.

Trump, in a rambling 33-minute speech, derided the trial as “rigged” and attacked the judge in his first presser since a Manhattan jury found him guilty of all 34 felony counts of falsifying records to cover up a sex scandal. He made several misleading statements about the case and what took place at the trial.

Trump, who said he would appeal the verdict, attacked people who testified against him in the seven-week trial, specifically his former fixer, Michael Cohen, the star witness for the prosecution. He also admitted that he got “very upset” with his lawyers. He called the judge, Juan Merchan, the “devil”. Trump delivered the comments inside Trump Tower, a gilded venue on Fifth Avenue. His son Eric and daughter-in-law Lara joined him, but wife, Melania, who has been publicly silent since the verdict, was not seen.

On Thursday too, Trump outside the court had argued the verdict was illegitimate and driven by politics. He said he was convicted not because he hid payments to a porn actor but because “our whole country is being rigged” and “has gone to hell”. “Millions and millions of people, pouring into our country right now, from prisons and from mental institutions, terrorists,” he said. “And they’re taking over our country.” In contrast, Trump said, “I’m a very innocent man. I’m fighting for our country.” In his telling, he was doomed from the start — a New York jury would never have acquitted him.

“They were Democrats”.

NYT

Trump Guilty On All 34 Counts In Hush-Money Trial

First US Ex-Prez To Be Convicted Of A Crime; Falsified Docus To Cover Up Sex Scandal That Threatened ’16 Prez Campaign

New York: Donald Trump was convicted Thursday of falsifying records to cover up a sex scandal that threatened to derail his 2016 presidential campaign, capping an extraordinary trial that tested the resilience of the US justice system and transformed the former commander in chief into a felon.

The guilty verdict in Manhattan — across the board, on all 34 counts — will reverberate throughout the nation and the world as it ushers in a new era of presidential politics. Trump will carry the stain of the verdict during his third run for White House as voters now choose between an unpopular incumbent and a convicted criminal.

While it was once unthinkable that Americans would elect afelon as their prez, Trump’s insurgent behaviour delights his supporters as he bulldozes the country’s norms. Now, the man who refused to accept his 2020 election loss is already seeking to delegitimise his conviction. As Trump learned his fate Thursday, he showed little emotion, shutting his eyes and slowly shaking his head. But when he emerged from the courtroom, he declared to the TV cameras that the verdict was “a disgrace” and, proclaimed: “The real verdict is going to be Nov. 5, by the people”, referring to Election Day. The judge, Juan Merchan, set Trump’s sentencing for July 11, just days before the Republican National Convention convenes and anoints him as presidential nominee.

Alvin Bragg, the prosecutor who brought the case, declined to reveal Thursday whether he would seek a prison term. The judge could put Trump behind bars for at least four years, but the former prez could receive probation instead, and may never see the inside of a prison cell. He has vowed to appeal, and will remain free to campaign for the presidency while he awaits his punishment.

The case — coloured by tabloid intrigue, secret payoffs and an Oval Office pact that echoed the Watergate era — spotlighted months of scheming that begot a hush-money payment to a porn actor and a plot to falsify documents to bury all trace of that deal. “Guilty,” the jury foreman declared into a microphone 34 times, one for each false record.Over weeks of testimony, the jury had met a varied cast of characters, including atabloid maestro, a campaign spokesperson and the porn actor, Stormy Daniels. Their testimony built to an epic showdown between the men at the heart of the case: Trump, a real estate mogul turned reality-television impresario who exported his smash-mouth instincts to presidential politics; and the star witness against him, Michael Cohen, the do-anything fixer whose loyalty he lost.

In the waning days of the 2016 campaign, Cohen paid Daniels $130,000 to silence her story of a sexual liaison with Trump, who then agreed to “cook the books” to reimburse his fixer, prosecutors said. Defence attacked Cohen’s credibility — he is a “convicted liar”. But in closing arguments, one of Bragg’s prosecutors said that Cohen had told his lies for Trump.

Trump still faces three other indictments, but with those cases mired in delays, this was likely to be his only trial before Election Day. The conviction brings America’s highest office to a new low: Trump is the first former US prez to lose, or even to face, a criminal trial.

NYT

Why Trump can’t pardon himself if re-elected

If Donald Trump were to be elected president in Nov, he would, after his inauguration, have the ability to grant pardons for federal convictions. But that power does not apply to state convictions, so Trump could not give himself clemency for the 34 felonies now on his record in New York State. Presidential pardon power is derived from Article II, Section 2 of the US Constitution, which says the commander in chief “shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the US, except in Cases of Impeachment.” But those convicted in cases brought by states are not considered to have committed crimes against the nation. If Trump wanted to receive a pardon on his state felony charges, he would have to pursue one like any other convicted criminal in New York State: by asking the governor. The current governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, would be unlikely to pardon Trump. After his conviction on Thursday, Hochul said: “Today’s verdict reaffirms that no one is above the law.”

NYT

‘No one above the law’: Biden says Trump questioning ruling ‘dangerous’

President Biden said the verdict in Trump’s trial reaffirmed “the American principle that no one is above the law” and he criticized the former president and his allies for their complaints about the outcome. “It’s reckless, it’s dangerous, it’s irresponsible for anyone to say this was rigged just because they don’t like the verdict,” Biden said in brief remarks.

“Our justice system has endured for nearly 250 years and it literally is the cornerstone of America. The justice system should be respected.” Biden said, adding, Trump was “given every opportunity to defend himself” and that he has the right to appeal.

NYT

Last-minute verdict left Trump stunned

Trump in Manhattan Criminal Court on Thursday

New York: History happened just as everyone was about to leave for the day. Judge Juan M. Merchan had already summoned Donald Trump, his legal team and prosecutors into the courtroom where the former prez has been on trial since midApril. The judge said he planned to send the jury home in a few minutes — at 4.30pm (local time) — with deliberations to resume the next morning.

Trump looked upbeat, having animated chats with his lawyers. Then, unexpectedly, the judge was back on the bench. There was a note from the jury, signed at 4.20pm. Merchan read it aloud. “We the jury have reached a verdict,” it said, and asked for an extra 30 minutes.

As the minutes ticked by, defence lawyer Todd Blanche whispered to Trump, who was stone-faced, arms crossed across his chest. The courtroom was packed with people, among them reporters, members of the public and Trump’s son Eric.

Just before 5pm, the judge returned to the bench. Then, the moment came. The courtroom was silent. “How say you to the first count of the indictment, charging Donald J. Trump with falsifying business records in the first degree?” a court staffer asked. “Guilty,” the forepersonsaid. The same answer, “guilty”, came again and again. The recitation took less than two minutes. Trump, convicted of all 34 felony counts, was seen sitting with an expressionless stare. He stood as jur- ors filtered out of the courtroom, appearing to be looking at them one by one as they passed in front of him. As the ex-prez walked out, Eric put a hand on his back. Then, Trump turned to the cameras awaiting him in the hallway and said, “I’m a very innocent man”. “We’ll fight to the end, and we’ll win.”

AP

Trump announces $34.8m fundraising haul

Former Prez Donald Trump’s campaign announced that he had raised $34.8 million in the wake of his felony conviction, shattering online records for Republicans and an early sign of the extent to which the base was rallying behind him. The campaign said in a statement that nearly 30% of the donors who gave online were new to the party’s online donating platform, WinRed, giving the former president an invaluable infusion of new contributions to tap in the coming months. The Trump campaign said the haul was double its previous best day ever on WinRed. And the one-day haul was nearly 10 times the $4 million Trump raised when his mug shot was released in 2023, after his booking in Atlanta for his indictment there. The figures will not be verifiable until the campaign committees and WinRed make their filings with the Federal Election Commission in the following months.

NYT

Upside-down flags become symbol for Republicans protesting Trump’s verdict

A Trump supporter in Florida after the guilty verdict was announced

After a New York jury returned a historic guilty verdict against former prez Donald Trump on Thursday, many Americans chose to rally around the flag. The upside-down flag. Social media overflowed on Thursday with images of Old Glory hung with the stars on the bottom, posted by elected Republicans, right-wing activists and regular Americans upset by the news that a former prez was now a felon.

The upside-down flag traditionally indicates distress and, on occasion, has been used as a sign of protest. But after NYT revealed two weeks ago that an inverted flag flew outside Justice Samuel Alito Jr.’s home in the weeks after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, the symbol has gained traction on the right — and Thursday’s verdict seemingly pushed it into the centre of the conservative mainstream. Just six minutes after the jury in Manhattan found the former prez guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene posted an image of the upside-down flag on social media. The post had been viewed over 1.8 million times in a matter of hours.

That same picture was soon posted on Telegram by Ali Alexander, one of the key organisers of the campaign to convince voters that the 2020 polls had been rigged, along with the caption “No one is coming to save us.” Guy Benson, a Fox News contributor, posted one too. The response was not limited to public figures, and many lowerprofile Americans were posting photos of actual flipped flags suspended from poles outside their homes. The accompanying text generally pointed to the flag serving as an act of protest against the verdict, the US justice system, Biden and the so-called Deep State.

NYT

AROUND THE WORLD

DUTCH EYE BAN ON PUPPY YOGA: A top Dutch minister said Friday that the govt was weighing a ban on ‘puppy yoga’ in which participants use infant dogs during yoga sessions, saying the ‘animals were suffering’. Puppy yoga has become hugely popular in the Netherlands. One session in Amsterdam could cost around $49

From 74th place to champion: PIO boy spells 29 words correctly in 90 sec

Bruhat Soma, a 12-year-old Indian-American seventh grade student from Florida, has won the Scripps National Spelling Bee after he spelt 29 words correctly in the tiebreaker. Bruhat emerged victorious in the Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday, earning more than $50,000 in cash. This year’s contest came down to a tiebreaker in which Bruhat spelt 29 words correctly in 90 seconds, beating Faizan Zaki, who managed to correctly spell 20 words in the lightning round. His championship word was “abseil”, which is defined as “descent in mountaineering by means of a rope looped over a projection above.” Bruhat’s father Srinivas Soma is originally from Nalgonda in Telangana. This was Bruhat’s third time participating in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. He tied for 74th in 2023 and tied for 163rd in 2022. Twentynine Indian-Americans have emerged as champions in the competition since 1999.

PTI

Bruhat Soma, 12, of Florida, with his family after winning the Scripps National Spelling Bee

Biden endorses Israel’s proposal for Gaza truce

3-Phase Deal To Include 6-Wk Ceasefire, Hostage-Prisoner Swap, Reconstruction

Palestinians inspect damage after Israeli raid at Jabalia refugee camp

President Biden said Friday that Hamas was no longer capable of carrying out a major terror attack on Israel and declared that it was time for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. “At this point, Hamas is no longer capable of carrying out another Oct. 7,” he said from the White House. “It’s time for this war to end, for the day after to begin.”

Speaking from the State Dining Room, Biden essentially endorsed an Israeli proposal that had been transmitted to Hamas by Qatari negotiators. Biden said the proposal would be broken into three phases. He said the first phase would would last for six weeks and would include a “full and complete ceasefire”, a withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza and the release of a number of hostages, including women, the elderly and the wounded, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. American hostages who would be released at this stage, and remains of hostages who have been killed, would be returned to their families. Humanitarian aid would surge, with 600 trucks being allowed into Gaza each day.

The second phase would include the release of all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers, and Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza. The third phase calls for the start of a major reconstruction of Gaza, which faces decades of rebuilding from devastation caused by the war. “This is truly a decisive moment,” he said. “Hamas says it wants a ceasefire. This deal is an opportunity to prove whether they really mean it.”

The remarks came as Israel’s military confirmed that its forces are now operating in central Rafah in its expanding offensive. Repeated bids to end the war have stalled as Hamas insists that any ceasefire should be permanent.

NYT & AP

Under pressure, Biden allows Ukraine to use US weapons to strike inside Russia

WH: Authorisation Only For Acts Of Self-Defence

Biden’s decision appears to mark the first time that an American president has allowed limited military responses on artillery, missile bases and command centres inside the borders of a nuclear-armed adversary

Washington: Prez Joe Biden, in a major shift pressed by his advisers and key allies, has authorised Ukraine to conduct limited strikes inside Russia with American-made weapons, opening what could well be a new chapter in the war for Ukraine, US officials said on Thursday.

Biden’s decision appears to mark the first time that an American president has allowed limited military responses on artillery, missile bases and command centres inside the borders of a nuclear-armed adversary. White House officials insisted, however, that the authorisation extended only to what they characterised as acts of self-defence, so that Ukraine could protect Kharkiv, its second-largest city, and the surrounding areas from missiles, glide bombs and artillery shells from just over the border.

“The president recently directed his team to ensure that Ukraine is able to use US-supplied weapons for counter-fire purposes in the Kharkiv region so Ukraine can hit back against Russian forces that are attacking them or preparing to attack them,” a US official said in a statement issued by the administration. “Our policy with respect to prohibiting the use of ATACMS or long-range strikes inside of Russia has not changed,” the statement continued, referring to an artillery system, provided to Ukraine, that has the capability to reach deep inside Russian territory.

The decision by Biden was reported earlier Thursday by Politico. American officials said that the change in policy went into effect Thursday.

Though the White House cast the decision as a narrow one, the implications are clear- ly much broader. Until now, Biden has flatly refused to let Ukraine use American-made weapons outside of Ukrainian borders, no matter what the provocation, saying that any attack on Russian territory risked violating his mandate to “avoid World War III”. But having reversed his position, even in limited circumstances, Biden has clearly crossed a red line that he himself drew. And administration officials conceded that if Russia mounted other attacks from inside its territory beyond Kharkiv, the president’s restrictions could be subject to further loosening. “This is a new reality,” one senior official said, declining to speak on the record, “and perhaps a new era” in the Ukraine conflict.

Ukraine Prez Zelensky hailed the US decision Friday, calling it “a step forward toward (the) goal ... of making it possible to defend our people...”

NYT

Berlin too okays use of its weapons to defend Kharkiv border region

Germany said on Friday that Ukraine could use weapons supplied by Berlin to defend itself against attacks launched from just inside Russia against the Kharkiv region, insisting this did not make it a party to the conflict. “We (allies) are jointly convinced that Ukraine has the right, guaranteed under international law, to defend itself against these attacks,” a govt spokesperson said said in a statement. “To do so, it can also use the weapons supplied for this purpose in accordance with its international legal obligations; including those supplied by us.”

REUTERS

Kremlin: Ukraine has already tried striking territory with US arms

The Kremlin said Friday it was already aware of attempts by Ukraine to strike targets on Russian territory with weapons provided by the US. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was commenting on US authorisation to Kyiv to launch US-supplied weapons at military targets inside Russia.

“No, nothing is known to us about this particular decision,” Peskov said. “What we know is that generally, there are already attempts to strike Russian territory with weapons produced by the US. This is enough for us...it speaks volumes about the degree to which US is involved in conflict.”

REUTERS

Editorial

- Sacred space

- Look At Job Market

- What Trump Trial Tells Us

- Why Politics Needs The Middle Path

- AMERICA HAS FELON

- Exit Polls: Science Or Parlour Game?

- ‘Sannyasins Should Not Intermingle With Politics’

- A thought for today

Sacred space

Nothing out there will ever satisfy you except temporarily and superficially, but you may need to experience many disillusionments before you realise that truth. Things and conditions can give you pleasure, but they will also give you pain.

Eckhart Tolle

Look At Job Market

Consumption growth is half of GDP’s. That’s worrying

India’s GDP growth for Jan-Mar quarter and also 2023-24 was higher than what most economists and even GOI’s statistics ministry forecast. GDP for 2023-24 expanded 8.2% to `173.8L cr, while the fourth quarter growth was 7.8%. The economy is doing well, with GDP receiving an unexpected boost from the relatively low economy-wide inflation rate, or deflator, of 1.4%. It’s also led to a surge in manufacturing growth.

Upside | Public investment is arguably the most important catalyst for economic growth today. Led by it, the overall fixed investment in 2023-24 expanded by 9% to `58.3L cr. Along with it, manufacturing has started firing. It grew 9.9% in 2023-24 to record `27.5L cr.

Challenges | Robust GDP growth hasn’t necessarily made decision-making easier for RBI and GOI. GVA growth, which measures supply side, has lagged GDP growth by a relatively large extent of over a percentage point in the last two quarters of 2023-24. Also, the large difference between the deflator and retail inflation complicates both monetary and fiscal policymaking.

Downside | The most puzzling aspect of GDP data is the weak growth rate of private consumption. This component grew 4% in 2023-24, growing at less than half the pace of total output. This may be on account of the deterioration in the quality of employment. For example, the Jan-Mar GOI urban jobs data showed that the proportion of self-employed has increased by more than a percentage point since the same period in 2022. Poor quality of jobs can be a drag on GDP.

What Trump Trial Tells Us

Courts should be efficient, apolitical & settle cases fast

High-profile cases can really push the politics-judiciary relationship towards extreme tension in a democracy. The more an accused’s allegations of a witch-hunt gain public traction, the more a court’s credibility becomes dependent on demonstrating objectivity and apoliticism. This is what a Manhattan court got right, in a trial making Trump the first former US president to be convicted of a crime.

Due process | In India we have become familiar with the phrase ‘committed judiciary’, oddly evolving to impute one as too accommodative of govt. This has also been the charge of Trump and his allies, that the proceedings against him have been ‘rigged’ by Biden. But what has made this imputation really difficult to stick in the Trump hush-money case, is procedural rigour. And quick case disposal. The jury verdict came in less than seven weeks after its selection started.

Trust in 12 | While India ditched jury trialsafter the infamous Nanavati case, they carry on in US despite fiascos like OJ Simpson’s acquittal. And the 12 jurors in Trump’s case did their civic duty commendably, not a single one had to be substituted. They rendered a historic verdict at the risk of future blowback at them.

Doubt da Vinci | In countries like Hungary and Türkiye, blatant court-stacking has really damaged democracy. In US too, the more divided its Supreme Court becomes along partisan lines, the more judiciary loses credibility. But in this Trump trial, the nicest democratic principles held sway. One, the court was efficient and apolitical. Two, it treated a very wealthy and powerful man quite similarly to aam Americans.

Why Politics Needs The Middle Path

Democracy is being torn apart by tribalism

mind field SHORT TAKES ON BIG IDEAS

How should a healthy democracy connect people? Politics: A Survivor’s Guide: How to Stay Engaged without Getting Enragedby Rafael Behris a book about how to care about democracy.

It describes the demoralisation felt by moderates in democracies like post-Brexit Britain as nationalist and populist forces clashing with leftist and liberal views. Drawing from other times like European fascism and authoritarianism in present-day Russia, it shows why representative democracy works, and what threatens it.

Democracy’s function is merely to mediate different interests, without violence. But now, many feel politically homeless in a ‘permacrisis’ of political conflict. Denial and withdrawal are common. Between activists committed to a side, and the apathetic who don’t vote, the middle tier of reasonable civic engagement is failing.

In a healthy democracy, tuning out politics needn’t mean contempt or disillusionment. It can mean deferring judgment to people who care more. There’s a presumption that even a govt you don’t like will respect your rights.

Nationalism starts off as a liberating force, but can become a machine for ‘manufacturing exile’. Populists trade in bogus simplicity. It fails at administration, and has no choice but to blame deep state subterfuge, foreigners or fake news. Political dissidents end up as ‘internal migrants’; their real selves shared only indoors with a trusted few. When people are driven into that withdrawal, democracy is malfunctioning.

The book examines Russia’s sham elections and Putin’s improbable wins, and stresses that the one thing that marks a democracy is trust. It’s what binds citizens, and their political institutions, what brings us to polling booths. When trust degrades, democracy unravels. Politics becomes a kind of ritualised hypocrisy. The tell-tale symptom of such a culture is the conviction that anyone highly successful in public life must be crooked, that statements of principle are only for display. When such cynicism gets excessive, it becomes a kind of credulity that lines up behind showmen and despots who make the deception explicit. The defiance, naked chutzpah of the lie, begins to seem like a kind of authenticity.Russia’s Potemkin elections aren’t even trying to pass off as real: they’re caricature, not counterfeit, the book says.

Internet has changed the character of ideologies like nationalism and Marxism into alt-right and alt-left hybrids. Filtered through the 21st century network, these become social identities, informal tribes. What of centrism? Its credibility deficit comes when it doesn’t know whether it’s an ideological position or an electoral tactic. From a generous point of view, centrism avoids dogmas of right and left. In a harsher light, it looks like jettisoning of principle.

Social pressures dictate boundaries of opinion, but this partisan dynamic is sharpened online. There’s a disincentive to changing views, or crossing culture war trenches. We’re scared of being on the angry mob’s wrong side, averse to the company on the other side. But reality is there’s much overlap, ambivalence and nuance. Democracy contains the paradox that people contradicting each other can both be right. The best outcome is found by negotiation. This isn’t moral relativism – it’s acknowledgment of imperfection.

Today, voters are attracted to candidates who reflect their fear and anger, and promise instant gratification. This makes governance harder, and the hunt for scapegoats begins. As a way out, the book calls for a deeper understanding of what democracy can do, and a cool-headed commitment to it.

AMERICA HAS FELON

Trump’s taken his conviction to voters, amplifying his anti-immigrant tirade. Next six to nine months will test Americans’ faith in their justice and election systems

Chidanand.Rajghatta@timesgroup.com

America has entered uncharted territory. A convicted felon will run for White House in Nov. He may well become president. What happens in the run-up to that possibility is as unnerving as what happens after.

America – and the world – is in for six months of suffocating suspense and debilitating drama. Amid hot wars and global warming, the world’s most influential country is on a slow burn to self-destruction. No one is attacking America; America is attacking itself.

Here’s the skinny on Thursday’s verdict in which a Manhattan jury found Trump guilty – pending appeal – of falsifying business records while paying off an adult actress whose disclosures would have hurt his election prospects in 2016. The charges are non-violent felonies, the lowest level in New York, and although they’re punishable by 16 months to four years in state prison, it is unlikely, given the former president’s age (77), that he will be incarcerated, also in part because he has not previously been convicted of a violent crime.

More pertinently, Trump remains eligible to run for the presidency, and serve if elected, because, quite remarkably, the country’s constitution does not bar a felon from holding office. In fact, legend has it that the Founding Fathers had a rather compassionate approach towards felons: after they served their term, felons were given a horse, a rifle, and $5 to help them reintegrate into society.

Of course, in Trump’s case there’s still the small matter of the 14th Amendment, passed by Congress after Civil War, which bars anyone who participated in an insurrection from running for the presidency. But Trump hasn’t been charged with that offence in the other criminal prosecutions that remain active against him. So, for now, he may not be able to buy a gun and he may not even be able to vote (grey area – voting laws differ from state to state); but there is no doubt that he can run for White House.

The big question is whether the verdict will move the needle for Nov presidential elections. Most pre-trial polls and surveys indicated Trump leading Biden by narrow margins. But in the run-up to the trial, surveys also found that even among Trump supporters, up to 6% said they would be less likely to vote for him if he were convicted. Even accounting for a 3-4% margin of error, a small shift could sink him in Nov given how close the race is. Will Trump’s claim of martyrdom at the altar of “radical left” courts save him, considering the nation’s highest court is tilted to the right?

All this sets the stage for Trump to amplify a familiar tirade aimed at arresting any slide, rallying his base, and winning new recruits: demonisation of immigrants, whom he has previously said are “poisoning the blood of our country”. Straight out of the gates (or courtroom) he unloaded against them again – the rant against the verdict was a sideshow – telling Americans: “We’re a nation in decline, serious decline” because “millions and millions of people, pouring into our country right now, from prisons and from mental institutions, terrorists...are taking over our country.”

The narrative thus has been laid down for Nov elections – sharpening the Nativists vs Immigrants/ Minorities divide and in effect questioning and dismantling the very foundation of America built on immigrant enterprise. If Biden wins, it’s only because Democrats are channelling millions of immigrants into the country to eventually vote for them. If this continues, America will be forever lost – to Republicans of Trump variety. Conjuring up awin in Nov will also immunise him against further legal troubles.

Some of his acolytes also made gratuitous references to the so-called Third World, suggesting the Manhattan court verdict was sketchy of the kind they think is endemic in developing countries. But electorally at least, many ‘Third World’ countries now conduct more cohesive and credible polls, concluding with a smooth and peaceful transfer of govt even in the event of unexpected results, such as the one in India in 2004.

In contrast, the Trump & Biden shitshow looks set to repeat 2020 where it concerns transfer of power. Trump has already declared, in effect, that any result that doesn’t declare him a winner will be unacceptable to him. This has serious implications not just for US, but for the world. Despite its obvious flaws and wrinkles, much of the free world still looks up to America as a beacon of democratic values and ideals. But America’s faith in its own justice system and electoral coherence is diminishing rapidly. The next six to nine months will test it fully.

As it is, the world can barely contain its incredulity at two men with a combined age of almost 160 years duking it out for the presidency. This is a country that elected to White House Kennedy at 43, Clinton at 46, and Obama at 47. What on earth is happening? Well, it’s the battle for the soul of America. The Manhattan jury may have delivered a guilty verdict against Trump, but the final ruling on the country itself will come on Nov 5.

Exit Polls: Science Or Parlour Game?

Predicting election results is risky business. Most pollsters today don’t even adhere to fundamental statistical principles. Watch news TV with caution

Atanu Biswas

The media will be inundated with exit polls today. But one wonders, given that the actual outcome will be known just three days later, what utility these exit polls might serve. Many people have been waiting for weeks for the results after getting inked. They could surely hold off for three more days.

A vacuous exercise? | Such predictions have no impact on elections. They won’t be able to sway voters (as opinion polls may in a variety of ways), and perhaps not many people rely on them either. It’s difficult to know which exit poll to believe, if any, because there are so many of them, and their predictions are so drastically different. Any party trailing in exit polls might claim that they are inaccurate. One can’t blame such mistrust, though. Didn’t a leading polling organisation attribute its bizarre exit poll prediction for 2015 Bihar elections to an interchange of simple computer template coding that got the alliances mixed up?

Chequered history | The credibility of exit polls was not so low about two decades ago. Exit poll results strengthened Georgia’s 2003 ‘Rose Revolution’, which resulted in Eduard Shevardnadze’s ouster. Hugo Chávez’s recall referendum in Venezuela in 2004 created a massive uproar due to the wide discrepancy with the exit poll. Exit poll predictions also played a role in the 2004-05 ‘Orange Revolution’ in Ukraine.

In his 2010 book Proving Election Fraud, Richard Charnin looked into potential irregularities in Democrat John Kerry’s 2004 US presidential election defeat. Political commentators argued that the polls “behaved badly”, although Charnin took into account the possibility of undetected votes and ghost voters. The true smoking gun was the Final National Exit Poll, which showed a 6.5% increase in vote shares between Kerry and George W Bush!

Indian experience | Interestingly, around the same time, the credibility of exit polls started to deteriorate globally. UPA’s surprise victory in 2004 Lok Sabha elections went against the predictions of majority of exit polls. Even though most surveys had anticipated NDA’s triumph in 2014, many were unable to foresee the overwhelming victory. What a disparity in 2019 too: 242 seats were predicted by one exit poll for NDA, while 365 were predicted by another!

Not hot globally too | It’s the same worldwide. Whether in 1992 or 2015, exit polls were a resounding failure in Britain. Exit polls from 2000 US presidential elections showed Al Gore was winning states like Florida. The chance of getting ‘fooled’ is not only because of ‘randomness’ but also due to a variety of other reasons. For example, Republicans in US have always been reluctant to take part in such studies. This is called ‘non-response bias’. A similar ‘Shy Tory Factor’ emerged in Britain in 1992 when exit polls erroneously predicted John Major’s victory. The narrative of the ‘shy Trump voters’ gained traction after 2016 US presidential elections.

Possible fixes | There may also be different kinds of non-responses in India, depending on the situation. To circumvent this, a small-scale survey could be conducted before the exit poll to find out the percentages of supporters of various parties who would be interested in participating in the survey. Additionally, the well-known statistical method known as ‘randomised response sampling’ may be used to determine the true percentages of people who support certain parties.

But do pollsters today, on the whole, adhere to fundamental statistical principles when planning, selecting, and interpreting their data? Theoretically, exit polls should interview, say, every fifth or eighth voter in a particular booth, which is basically a systematic sampling. Crucially, enthusiastic voters willing to express opinions in between ought to be ignored.

Actually, the majority of pollsters don’t disclose sample size, sampling frame, sampling and estimation technique, or summary data across various margins of uncertainty. Thus, from a statistical perspective, it’s almost impossible to comment on the quality of their predictions.

A big gamble | It’s obvious that exit polls don’t necessarily indicate the eventual outcome of elections. It’s fairly usual that some exit polls predict the win of party A, some predict party B, and others show a close contest. As pollsters all over the world have made poll prediction a humorous game, why exit polls are still conducted might be a more pertinent query. Is it to tempt the impatient electorate in the final hours of their agonising wait, or because it’s an instant revenue-generating option for media?

Either way, exit polls today are akin to another game show amid the eternal excitement of elections.

The writer is Professor, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata

‘Sannyasins Should Not Intermingle With Politics’

Jayant B Dave

The Speaking Tree

The transformation into a higher ideal or reality is the goal of life, as inner spiritual transformation is far more significant than outer secular life. This renunciate life is common to all religious faiths and calls for renunciation of worldly possessions and, more importantly, ahamkara, ego, and attachments. The glory of religions will be lost if we remove these hermits, who lead a life of renunciation and divine contemplation. They are harbingers of divine wisdom and peace. The fourth ashram, stage, of life called sannyas facilitates attaining realisation of Supreme reality and liberation; the previous three ashrams are preparatory and gateway to sannyas.

This inner transformation can be perceived most vividly in the lives of spiritual luminaries. Swami Sivanan- daembodied this transformation from professionalism to sagehood, intellect to intuition, self-sacrifice to self-enlightenment,apara vidya to para vidya, and ignorance to realisationof Self.

Worldly greatness is nothing compared to spiritual enlightenment. Scriptures – sruti, smriti, and epics such as Mahabharat – describe renunciation’s supreme glory and splendour. Sannyas is necessary even if one has attained advaitic realisation, as exemplified by Ramakrishna, his Guru Totapuri, and Rishi Yajnavalkya. Sannyas sublimates worldliness and establishes one in abstract meditation. The ochre-coloured cloth reminds one of the pledge to lead an austere life in search of the Divine every moment.

Just as we have postgraduate students and research scholars in modern education, we need their counterparts to study and research subtleties of mind, meditation, and atman, the substratum behind orderly existence.

Sannyas and Vedant are inseparable. Wherever vedant is present, the highest form of sannyas must be found; otherwise, it becomes mere intellectualism. Sannyas without vedant or parabhakti is devoid of fruit. When both merge, a sage of supreme wisdom emerges. Sannyas empties an individual of ego, and vedant fills him with positive truth, says Swami Sivananda.

He recommended a combination of meditation and service to sannyasins. They purify the world even by staying in remote places through their thought vibrations. Being followers of the pure nivritti way of life, they should not intermingle much with politics or societal world except for guiding others on philosophy, religion, and spiritual subjects. His recommendation to renunciate was to sit in a quiet room for amoment. Enquire, cogitate, investigate, and realise the glory of living in Atman. Sannyasins should, on their part, be rooted in cosmic consciousness. They behold the oneness of Self, and the benefit to all beings is spontaneous. Adopting the life of a sannyasin when the quest for contemplating on Brahmn/ Self ripens or living life in the spirit of renunciation is essential. According to Swami Sivananda, happiness comes when an individual merges with God. Self-knowledge is the solution to multifarious problems in life.

June 1 marks the centenary of Swami Sivananda’s sannyas diksha

A thought for today

I have two choices: Sit at home and feel sorry for myself, or make lemonade out of lemons

STORMY DANIELS

Times Business

- Govt expects eco to expand 7% in FY25 on good monsoon

- Fisc deficit at 5.6%, beats projection

- Sensex clocks marginal gain after 5-day loss

- PE-VC funding falls by $700mn in May

- Dip in US bond yields helped RBI declare record payout

- ‘Concerns over ARCs fronting for defaulters’

- There’s been no leniency in recovering bad loans: FM

- Eco momentum poised to accelerate further: PM

- Desi startups head home as mkt booms

- AI to boost productivity, may lead to job cuts, says Chandra

- Stripe goes ‘invite-only’ in India

Govt expects eco to expand 7% in FY25 on good monsoon

Sees Boost In Farm Sector Activity, Sustained Momentum

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Govt expects a good monsoon to spur farm sector activity and help sustain the growth momentum, while projecting a GDP expansion of around 7% during current financial year.

Govt’s estimate, which is in line with RBI’s projection, is based on an assessment that domestic economic activity remains resilient on the back of strong investment demand and upbeat business and consumer sentiments. A sustained govt capex push and free trade agreements are expected to add thrust.

“We will see faster growth in private final consumption expenditure in FY25 due to better monsoon and pick up in rural demand,” a source said, while dismissing concerns over a moderation in consumption growth to 4% last year, from 6.8% in the previous year. Sources said the moderation happened after an average growth of over 9% in the preceding two years.

Most agencies are projec- ting 6.5-7% GDP growth for current financial year. On Friday, Moody’s Ratings projected India to grow 6.8% this year, followed by 6.5% in 2025, on the back of strong economic expansion and an expectation of policy continuity post-poll.

Govt expects economic expansion to stabilise around 6.5-7% potential rate of growth. “The economy is capable of sustaining the potential growth rate as long as we can keep inflation under check and prolong the financial cycle,” sources added.

During a webinar, S&P Global Ratings analyst Yee- Farn Phua said India’s long term growth potential could be around 8% once the impact of high infrastructure investment is realised and bottlenecks are removed.

Govt has, however, identified several risk factors, with geopolitical tension being a major threat to global as well as India’s growth. Divergence in monetary easing path of global central banks, which are seeking to moderate inflation, is seen to be adding to policy uncertainty. Food price challenges, accentuated by climate risk, are making the task tougher, although govt and RBI believe they have jointly delivered on these fronts by cooling down prices in domestic market.

Besides, there are some worries over elevated financial market valuations, mainly in the US, which could have a dampening impact on Indian markets. Although FM Nirmala Sitharaman and CEA V Anantha Nageswaran had flagged concerns over futures & options segment in Indian markets, it is not seen as a systemic risk yet.

Fisc deficit at 5.6%, beats projection

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Higher than estimated nominal GDP, helped the Centre close 2023-24 with a fiscal deficit of 5.6% of GDP, compared with govt’s projection of 5.8% in revised estimates (RE), providing further cheer to mandarins in North Block.

Latest data released by the Controller General of Accounts pegged the fiscal deficit at Rs 16.5 lakh crore, which was 95% of Rs 17.3 lakh crore in RE. Higher than estimated revenue collections — 101.2% of RE — helped the Centre corner Rs 23.3 lakh crore as net taxes. Overall expenditure worked out to be Rs 44.4 lakh crore, which was 98.9% of RE.

CGA data also showed that revenue deficit during FY24 was 2.6% of the GDP and effective revenue deficit was 1.6% of the GDP.

Govt officials, however, refrained from giving any guidance, suggesting that a call will be taken when the budget is presented by the new govt next month. In the interim budget, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has budgeted for a fiscal deficit of 5.1% of GDP for the current financial year and to reach 4.5% by 2025-26.

Icra Chief Economist Aditi Nayar said govt’s fiscal deficit was contained below RE for FY24, benefiting from higher-than-anticipated receipts and lower than estimated revenue spending, with only a marginal miss in capital expenditure.

“The encouraging fiscal deficit numbers can be dedicated to taxpayers of the country. The efficiency of CBDT and CBIC and especially ground covered in implementation of artificial intelligence in unearthing fake transactions have also to be appreciated by honest taxpayers,” Vivek Jalan, Partner at Tax Connect Advisory Services.

According to CGA data, almost Rs 11.3 lakh crore was transferred to states as devolution, an increase of Rs 1.8 lakh crore over the previous year. Meanwhile, according to another CGA data, the fiscal deficit in April was 12.5% of the Budget Estimate (BE) for 2024-25 or Rs 2.1 lakh crore. It was 7.5% of BE 2023-24 in April 2023.

Core sector growth up at 6.2%

New Delhi: Eight key infrastructure sectors’ growth rose to 6.2% in April on healthy expansion in production of natural gas, refinery products and electricity, according to data released on Friday. Output of eight sectors grew 6% in March.

Growth of these core sectors — coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertiliser, steel, cement and electricity — was 4.6% in April 2023. Fertiliser output recorded negative growth in April. Production growth of coal, steel and cement slowed down to 7.5%, 7.1% and 0.6%, respectively against 9.1%, 16.6% and 12.4% in April 2023. Eight core sectors contribute 40.3% to Index of Industrial Production.

AGENCIES

Sensex clocks marginal gain after 5-day loss

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Mumbai: After sliding for five consecutive sessions, the sensex clawed back on Friday with a marginal 76-point gain.

The broader market also remained steady, mainly on the back of buying in stocks that either gained weight or were included in the MSCI Index after its latest rejig that was effective on May 31.

The sensex opened about half a percent higher and rallied further, but profit taking at higher levels pulled it down to finally close with a marginal gain of 76 points at 73,961. Nifty on the NSE also closed 42 points up at 22,531.

After the rejig in the MSCI index took effect during the day, total turnover by foreign funds in the stock market on Friday was nearly Rs 1.9 lakh crore — a jump of over five times the past three months’ average.

PE-VC funding falls by $700mn in May

Yogesh.Kabirdoss@timesgroup.com

Chennai: Private equity and venture capital firms continued their declining streak in investments. May recorded investments of $3.2 billion, down by $700 million against $3.9 billion in the year ago. On a year-to-date basis, PE-VC firms have invested $11.5 billion — a drop of $4.7 billion from $16.2 billion in the year-ago period.

However, investments have continued to witness a month-on-month rise this year, from $1.7 billion in Feb to $1.8 billion and $1.9 billion in March and April, respectively, data released by Venture Intelligence on Friday showed. Of the 80 deals that took place in May, nine were with a value of over $100 million.

Healthium Medtech’s acquisition by KKR with an investment of $840 million was the largest deal in the month. It was followed by Warburg Pincus acquiring Shriram Housing Finance with an investment of $554 million.

Dip in US bond yields helped RBI declare record payout

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Mumbai: A dip in US interest rates aided RBI in declaring a record dividend of Rs 2.1 lakh crore in FY24.

RBI could avoid making provisions for depreciation in the value of US bonds because of the fall in interest rates, which also led to a write-back of Rs 22,000 crore from the Rs 71,239 crore provision made in FY23. If the decrease in interest rates continues in FY25, RBI may be able to still declare a large dividend even if profits from forex sales dip.

The drop in rates, along with the gains from selling dollars in forex markets, resulted in a record surplus for RBI. Nearly 68% of RBI’s balance sheet — around Rs 70 lakh crore — consists of foreign currency assets, with a significant portion in US govt bonds prioritised for safety, liquidity, and returns.

In FY23, the US Federal Reserve had hiked rates by 450 basis points. This caused the prices of older bonds to fall sharply. RBI had to therefore increase its mark-to-market provision to compensate for the drop in bond market value.

In FY24, US interest rates plateaued, and there was subsequently a dip in yields, leading to a decrease in the mark-to-market provisions requirement to Rs 1.43 lakh crore in March 2024.

‘Concerns over ARCs fronting for defaulters’

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Mumbai: RBI deputy governor M Rajeshwar Rao has raised concerns of asset reconstruction companies fronting for defaulters in purchasing businesses. Rao also called upon ARCs to bring in enough of their own capital to have ‘skin in the game’.

This is the second time that a senior central banker has hauled up ARCs. Earlier this month, deputy governor Swaminathan J had said that ARCs have been found to act as a conduit for ‘evergreening’ of bad loans. Rao was speaking at a conference on Governance in ARCs in Mumbai. “There are concerns relating to the ARC route becoming a vehicle for entry of the ‘tainted’ promoters, who in the first place were responsible for the default of the underlying entity,” said Rao.

There’s been no leniency in recovering bad loans: FM

Banks recovered more than Rs 10 lakh crore from bad loans between 2014 and 2023, sa ys FM

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said there has been no leniency in recovering bad loans, especially from large defaulters, and banks have turned around, reporting record profit of over Rs 3 lakh crore last year, from being a “cesspool of bad loans, vested interests, corruption and mismanagement” during UPA regime.

On the day she completed five years as FM, Sitharaman said that between 2014 and 2023, banks recovered more than Rs 10 lakh crore from bad loans. “Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has investigated around 1,105 bank fraud cases, which resulted in the attachment of proceeds of crime amounting to Rs 64,920 crore. As of Dec 2023, assets amounting to Rs 15,183 crore have been restituted to the PSBs,” she said.

“We will continue to take decisive measures to strengthen and stabilise our banking system, ensuring banks support India’s growth path to Viksit Bharat by 2047,” she said in a social media post, while vowing to further stepup financial inclusion.

“Our govt has ‘banked the unbanked’ and ‘funded the unfunded’, in line with the ethos of Antyodaya. We remain committed to further driving financial inclusion and empowering the underprivileged,” Sithara- man said. Over the last few weeks, in a series of social media posts, FM has focused on several aspects of the economy, including insolvency law and fiscal management.

“The ‘Samudra Manthan’ of sorts in the banking sector under PM Modi’s leadership yielded positive results along with expected challenges during the ‘churn’,” she said in her latest post. Sitharaman said after taking office in 2014, govt took a series of steps to recognise the NPA problems, resolve them and recapitalise state-run lenders. “We’ve turned banks from being ‘NPA-laden nightmares’ into ‘Pillars of Jan Kalyan’. From having a ‘Twin Balance Sheet Problem’, we now have a ‘Twin Balance Sheet Advantage’,” she posted, while reeling out numbers.

Eco momentum poised to accelerate further: PM

From P 1

The latest growth numbers come close on the heels of global ratings agency S&P revising India’s sovereign rating outlook to positive from stable, citing robust growth and improving quality of govt spending.

“The Q4 GDP growth data for 2023-24 shows robust momentum in our economy which is poised to further accelerate,” PM Modi posted on X, asserting this was “a trailer of things to come”.

FM Nirmala Sitharaman said many high frequency indicators indicate the Indian economy continues to remain resilient and buoyant despite global challenges. “India’s growth momentum will continue in the third term of Modi-led govt,” Sitharaman wrote on X.

The economy has recovered swiftly after Covid, led by robust domestic demand despi- te geopolitical challenges. Recovery in rural demand and prospects of a good monsoon augur well for growth in the months ahead. Govt analysis shows domestic economic activity remains resilient, backed by strong investment demand and upbeat business and consumer sentiments. Strong corporate and bank balance sheets and govt’s continued capex push should also help.

The data showed that the manufacturing sector grew by 9.9% in FY24 compared to a contraction of 2.2% in the previous fiscal year. The overall growth in the industry sector was 9.5% in FY24, sharply higher than the 2.1% in the previous fiscal year. The services sector, which accounts for more than 55% of the economy, grew by 7.6% in 2023-24, slower than the 10% in the previous year. The farm sector remained a worry with a growth of 1.4% in 2023-24, lower than the 4.7% in the previous year. The data showed private and govt consumption remained soft during the year compared to the previous year.

Desi startups head home as mkt booms

Indian Cos Domiciled Abroad Shifting Base | Look At IPO Demand, Regulatory Relief Too

Reeba.Zachariah@timesgroup.com

Mumbai: For desi startup firms, it’s homecoming.

A growing number of Indian-origin companies are ‘reverse flipping’ — shifting their domicile back to India from overseas because of attractive stock market valuations and to avoid trouble on the regulatory front.

While fintech players PhonePe, Groww and Pine Labs have reverse-flipped, other startups like Razorpay, Meesho, Udaan, and Zepto are working towards shifting base to India.

The rich multiples of the local stock market make India an attractive place to launch initial public offerings compared to the US primary market. “The listing of Zomato has demonstrated that the Indian stock market rewards new-age, internet companies with high valuations. While the US market is experiencing significant activity in software, the Indian market hasn’t yet seen a comparable number of software product companies going public. This untapped demand is attractive to Indian startups,” said Siddharth Pai, founding partner of 3one4 Capital and co-chair of the Indian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (regulatory affairs). According to Pai, these companies are household names, and many Indian retail investors are eager to participate in their growth. Listing in the US would deny Indian investors this opportunity.

Listings in India outpaced Hong Kong last year and the momentum is seen as continuing this year. Ola Electric, Swiggy, FirstCry, among other companies, are preparing for their debuts on the Indian stock market.

Regulations prevent foreign-registered companies from launching IPOs in In- dia, securing NBFC, payment licenses from RBI and exporting certain types of data (like street view, payment information) from here. Over the past few years, India has introduced new regulations to make consumer internet and e-commerce companies more accountable to local regulators. The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules require “significant social media intermediaries” to have a resident chief compliance officer and a nodal officer in India, necessitating a physical presence and increased accountability to Indian courts and govt. Similarly, in the geospatial sector, govt has restricted the collection, processing, and storage of street view data to Indian-controlled companies. RBI has also implemented data localisation regulations to ensure that the payment data collected by payment systems remains in India.

“These regulations significantly contribute to a company’s decision to shift its domicile back to India, especially if a significant portion of its target consumers are in India. Investors also want to secure their interests in the intellectual property and data collected by these ventures,” said Aasish Somasi, associate partner at SNG Partners.

Digital payments company PhonePe, owned by US retailer Walmart, re-domiciled to India from Singapore in 2022. Financial services firm Groww followed a similar approach, re-domiciling to India from the US in March 2024. Edtech firm Eruditus is preparing to shift its domicile to India from Singapore for a stock market listing.

Many Indian-origin startups registered their holding companies in Singapore, the US, and Dubai for easier access to foreign capital and tax incentives. “Foreign investors also preferred startups to be incorporated outside India due to legal comfort in contract enforcement and ease of exiting a venture,” said Bhavin Shah, private equity leader at PwC India. Another factor that drove startups abroad was access to high-paying customers in the US and Europe, who perceive services from these regions as high quality.

“For many data-driven startups catering to such customers, the US serves as a gateway to European customers. The EU-US data protection framework allows US-domiciled companies to serve EU customers without the stringent privacy regulations imposed by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on companies domiciled elsewhere, including India,” said SNG Partners’ Somasi.

AI to boost productivity, may lead to job cuts, says Chandra

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bengaluru: Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran said even as AI will enhance productivity, it may also result in job losses.

“It’s a mixed bag. We need to reskill and upskill to handle this change. While there will be job losses, AI will create jobs in data management,” Chandrasekaran, who is also TCS chairman, said at the company’s AGM held virtually on Friday. He was responding to a question from a shareholder.

Chandrasekaran said GenAI will have a significant impact on nearly every sector and country in future. “All industries will witness higher productivity. Enterprises have already invested in cloud, data infrastructure and large processing power which will aid AI/Gen AI. GenAI will not only improve productivity, but also create impact we hitherto have not seen or imagined.”

As companies explore the enterprise-grade adoption of GenAI, Chandrasekaran stressed on the importance of regulations to mitigate risks and safeguard against the negative consequences of AI. He said the Tata Group is executing 100 GenAI projects which are demonstrating tangible business impact on customer experience, productivity, and efficiency. TCS has upskilled 300,000 employees in GenAI.

Stripe goes ‘invite-only’ in India

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Mumbai: US-based digital payments major Stripe has temporarily moved to an “invite only” mode in India, citing the country’s evolving regulatory landscape. This means that businesses from India will not be able to sign up for a new Stripe account through the firm’s website and will need to request for an invite. The com- pany said that it is working to build the infrastructure to be able to support more users by the second half of 2025.

“The regulatory landscape in India continues to evolve, and our goal is to offer the same experience in India that we aspire to offer to all our users worldwide. For example, enabling new users to launch quickly with easy onboarding is a fundamental Stripe feature that we cannot promise in India today,” the company said in a blog post without elaborating.

RBI has become very stringent around KYC requirements and merchant onboarding. A few payment aggregators have faced temporary bans on merchant onboarding in the recent past, said independent digital banking consultant Parijat Garg.

Times Sport

- GET REAL

- Committed to developing safe, and beneficial AI: Tech firm

- Cops seize Prajwal phone, to seek court nod for med tests

- HC orders notices to SIT, Revanna in kidnap case

- Had urged Priyanka to contest polls: Kharge

- Draw up a fresh merit list based solely on marks, HC tells Haryana

- BFI leaves suspended IBA, joins breakaway World Boxing

- Those disrespecting medals, uniform won’t be spared, warns Army

- Our focus is on doubles for Paris Games, says Sharath

- PLAYERS READY TO STRIKE OVER PACKED CALENDAR: PFA CHIEF

- URUGUAY’S CAVANI RETIRES FROM INTERNATIONAL DUTY

- CHELSEA APPOINT ENZO MARESCA AS NEW MANAGER: REPORTS

- CAN HARDIK STILL BE A GAME-CHANGER?

- Treesa-Gayatri pair rallies to enter SFs

- Rohit hopes for quick acclimatisation to NY pitch ahead of T20 WC

- Boxer Nishant Dev seals quota for Paris Olympics

- BALAJI-MIGUEL PAIR ADVANCES

- Danilovic ousts Vekic

- GALLERY

- SINNER POWER

GET REAL

FINAL SHOWDOWN: MADRID STAND IN WAY OF DORTMUND FAIRYTALE

MARCO REUS

London: Borussia Dortmund face the acid test after a fairytale run to Saturday’s Champions League final as a star-studded Real Madrid roll into Wembley expecting to be crowned European champions for a 15th time.

The Spanish giants are strong favourites against a Dortmund side that have beaten the odds just to make it to London.

The Spanish champions rightly travel to the English capital with confidence as they look to cap a memorable season. Real Madrid have lost just twice in 54 games in all competitions. “I came here because I wanted to win, and to expect it,” said Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, who left Dortmund for the Spanish capital 12 months ago.

Vinicius Junior has also profited from Real coach Carlo Ancelotti changing the system this season to accommodate Bellingham’s arrival. He has 23 goals again ahead of the final against Dortmund.

“I feel comfortable with whatever the coach tells me, because he has changed me as a player,” said Vinicius. Yet, Edin Terzic’s men have saved their best for the Champions League stage to reach the final for the third time in the club’s history and first since they lost at Wembley to Bayern Munich 11 years ago.

Eleven years after that heartbreak, Borussia Dortmund veterans Mats Hummels and Marco Reus are returning to Wembley to set things right. Hummels, 35, and 34-year-old Reus face an uncertain future ahead of what is likely their last Champions League final. Reus has already announced Saturday’s match will be his last for Dortmund.

Dortmund manager Edin Terzic recognised the romance of Reus’ story but said he would be in the squad for footballing reasons. “Marco has shown that he’s not finished yet,” said Terzic.

“To have a final at Wembley in his first and his last seasons with Borussia Dortmund... it would be the perfect way to close the circle.

“I need Marco on Saturday. I need his qualities and we need his quality. We need Marco because he has this experience and he has played on this stage before.”

Dortmund realise they must go to another level if Madrid are to lose a European final for the first time since 1983. “Our goal wasn’t to qualify for the final, our goal is to win the Champions League,” said Dortmund fan turned coach Terzic.

“And if you want to win the Champions League, you have to beat the champions. Now the absolute champion in the history of soccer and especially in this competition is waiting for us. The ultimate boss.”

The English Football Association (FA) have invested £5 million ($6 million) into improving safety and infrastructure at Wembley, which is also set to host the Euro 2028 final.

AGENCIES

VINICIUS JUNIOR

Committed to developing safe, and beneficial AI: Tech firm

 Continued from P 1

This operation targeted audiences in Canada, US and Israel with content in English and Hebrew. In early May, it began targeting audiences in India with English-language content.

It did not elaborate. Commenting on the report, minister of state for electronics & IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, “It is absolutely clear and obvious that @BJP4India was and is the target of influence operations, misinformation and foreign interference, being done by and/or on behalf of some Indian political parties.”

“This is a threat to democracy. Vested interests in India and outside are clearly driving this and need to be deeply scrutinised/investigated and exposed. These platforms could have released this much earlier, and not so late when elections are ending,” he added. OpenAI said it is committed to developing safe and broadly beneficial AI. “Our investigations into suspected covert influence operations (IOs) are part of a broader strategy to meet our goal of safe AI deployment.”

It also said it is committed to enforcing policies that prevent abuse and to improving transparency around AI-generated content. That is especially true with respect to detecting and disrupting covert IOs, which attempt to manipulate public opinion or influence political outcomes without revealing the true identity or intentions of the actors behind them.

“In the last three months, we have disrupted five covert IOs that sought to use our models in support of deceptive activity across the internet. As of May 2024, these campaigns do not appear to have meaningfully increased their audience engagement or reach as a result of our services,” it said.

“People behind Zero Zeno used our models to generate articles and comments that were then posted across multiple platforms…” it said.

PTI

Cops seize Prajwal phone, to seek court nod for med tests

Take Him To CID HQ For Interrogation In Rape Cases

Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna was produced in the 42nd additional chief metropolitan magistrate’s court in Bengaluru on Friday

Santoshkumar.B@timesgroup.com

Bengaluru: Soon after Prajwal Revanna’s flight landed in Bengaluru from Munich at 12.47am on Friday, an all woman SIT team met him at the exit and took him to a waiting vehicle. The S IT, originally constituted to probe a series of purported sleaze videos involving the Hassan MP, is probing three cases of sexual assault against him, the first of which was registered in Holenarasipura police station of Hassan district on April 28.

Flanked by two cops in the backseat, Prajwal was taken to Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital for a medical check up and then to CID headquarters, where he was interrogated. He was later produced in the 42nd additional chief metropolitan magistrate’s court.

SIT sources said they will take Prajwal to locations in Bengaluru and Hassan where the alleged instances of sexual assault took place. Investigators may seek the court’s permission for medical tests, as mandated in sexual assault cases, and also collect voice samples for scien- tific investigation.

The purported sleaze videos contain voice of the suspect, but nobody’s face is visible except on a few screenshots of video calls. SIT officials seized Prajwal’s mobile phone immediately after he disembarked from the aircraft. They will cross-check with Prajwal’s former driver, Karthik, on whether the phone seized from him is the old one.

Former CP Bhaskar Rao wrote on X that the MP being escorted out of the airport by an all-woman police team had sent out “a strong message” to others who might have been harassed.

On Monday, Prajwal released a video statement apologising to his parents and grandfather for being incommunicado, and announcing that he will appear before investigators at 10am on Friday. “I will cooperate with the probe and respond to the charges. I have faith in judiciary and God. I am confident of emerging victorious from these false cases,” he said.

Prajwal’s father and Holenarsipura MLA H D Revanna is main accused in the kidnapping of a former domestic worker employed by the family. Prajwal’s mother Bhavani hasn’t been seen in public over the past 10 days, and police found herphone switched off. Her anticipatory bail plea was rejected recently after she dodged summons in the abduction case.

The woman who was allegedly kidnapped was to be present at a presser along with a ex-minister and a prominent JD(S) functionary from Mysuru on May 3. The intent was to get her to deny that she had been kidnapped, sources said.

The presser was called off due to heavy rain. Now, the SIT intends to summon the former minister to record his statement regarding the incident.

HC orders notices to SIT, Revanna in kidnap case

Bengaluru: Karnataka HC on Friday sent notices to respondent parties in response to two petitions concerning an abduction case involving JD(S) MLA HD Revanna. While Revanna is seeking quashing of an FIR registered against him in KR Nagar police station for a woman’s abduction, in a separate petition, SIT has sought cancellation of bail given to the MLA in the same case.

Seeking cancellation of bail granted by special court on May 13, special public prosecutor Prof Ravivarma Kumar submitted that the very interpretation of IPC’s Section 364A (abduction) by special sessions judge is defective. “Whether the order granting bail is perverse, arbitrary or not, victim was kidnapped & if this is allowed to happen, no case can be registered,” Kumar argued.

“Since an arguable case is made out by pointing out a kind of interpretation on the provision of section 364A of IPC as reflected in page 15 of the impugned order, post (the matter) immediately after service of notice,” Justice Dixit said while adjourning the hearing. TNN

Had urged Priyanka to contest polls: Kharge

 Continued from P 1

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said that the alliance is focused on winning the elections, after which the allies would sit together and take a decision, as was done in 2004 and 2009.

He exuded confidence that the opposition will oust BJP from office.

Kharge said he had urged Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi to contest from Amethi and Rae Bareli, respectively, but Rahul was hesitant to fight out of concern that he had to campaign across the country and there would be nobody to take care of his campaign.

He said Priyanka sat out the elections to become Ra- hul’s campaign manager in Rae Bareli.

“We wanted Rahul to be free to campaign across the country. He met people, young and old, from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, and Manipur to Mumbai, during his yatras. We needed a face that is already known to the country,” Kharge said, adding there was “great attraction” for Priyanka’s speeches.

The Congress veteran rubbished home minister Amit Shah’s claim that he would be made the fall guy for Congress’s defeat. He said the INDIA bloc had worked well and would win the elections, a reason why PM Modi “spoke out of frustration… giving speeches that I never expected from him”.

Draw up a fresh merit list based solely on marks, HC tells Haryana

 Continued from P 1

Citing Articles 14, 15 and 16 of the Constitution that bar discrimination on grounds of race, religion or place of birth in all spheres of life, the Punjab and Haryana high court ordered the state govt to draw up a fresh merit list based solely on marks obtained by candidates in the common eligibility test for posts in groups C and D.

The order was pronounced in open court but hadn’t been uploaded to the high court portal till late Friday.

The petitioners had argued for the govt’s June 11, 2019 notification to be quashed as several meritorious candidates missed out on jobs because of the extra marks given to some who scored less than them, based on socio-economic criteria.

Some of the petitioners referred to Supreme Court’s verdict in the Indra Sawhney and M Nagaraj vs Union of India case, saying the state couldn’t “obliterate” the ceiling of 50% reservation in jobs.

In that case, the apex court had held that if the 50% ceiling was breached, the structure of quality and equality, as outlined in Article 16 of the Constitution, would collapse.

Haryana govt submitted that the cases relied upon by the petitioners pertain to reservation, whereas the state had given the concession of additional marks to people who were entitled to this under socio-economic criteria.

Of the 400 police SIs appointed that year, only 22 — constituting around 5% of the selected candidates — in the general category didn’t benefit from extra marks based on socio-economic criteria.

Among the 65 women SIs who were selected, three candidates made the cut without the advantage of concessions. In the category of women constables, all 1,100 posts were filled with candidates who were given extra marks in the recruitment test.

BFI leaves suspended IBA, joins breakaway World Boxing

Sabi.Hussain@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Left with no choice after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled against Umar Kremlev-led International Boxing Association (IBA), India’s national governing body for the sport – BFI, headed by SpiceJet chairman and managing director Ajay Singh – on Friday switched allegiance to avoid International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) wrath and joined hands with Switzerland-based breakaway body, World Boxing (WB). This move will save the country’s boxers from facing isolation.

The IOC’s warning to all its affiliated National Olympic Committees (NOCs), that any association of their national federations (NFs) with the suspended IBA would result in the country’s non-participation in boxing events at the LA Games 2028, made it “incredibly difficult” for BFI to continue supporting IBA, whose lack of financial transparency led to the IOC withdrawing its recognition in 2023 and subsequently suspending it.

The development marks a significant shift in BFI’s stand, whose president Singh has been a vice-president of IBA for 14 months and was instrumental in brokering a peace deal between IBA and Thomas Bach-led IOC, which eventually fell through after Kremlev failed to transparently explain the source of his organisation’s financing.

Singh hasn’t severed all ties with IBA since he doesn’t want to deprive Indian boxers of competing in IBA-sanctioned events till the time World Boxing puts a proper organisational structure in place and wins over IOC’s trust to beco- me the sole governing body for the sport globally. Singh expects a backlash from IBA and its Russian head Kremlev because they had obliged India with the hosting rights of the prestigious women’s World Championships in March last year and also elevated Singh to the post of VP.

Eventually, Singh said the decision had to be made after the CAS ruling made it impossible for IBA to get back on the boxing roster and that it was for the betterment of the country’s boxers to side with Van der Vorst-led World Boxing. Now, the effort would be to get IOC’s recognition at the earliest, convince at least 50 national boxing federations to join World Boxing, put the sport back on the LA 2028 programme and help the newly-incorporated body to set up its Asian Confederation in the region.

Those disrespecting medals, uniform won’t be spared, warns Army

A strong warning was recently issued to a Noida-based event management firm after one of its employees was spotted flaunting Army medals at a function, which drew widespread attention on social media platforms

Rajat.Pandit@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Enough is enough, says the 12-lakh strong Army, grappling with the repeated unauthorised use of its uniform and medals across the country.

The force is now cracking the whip with the message that those “disrespecting the sanctity” of military attire and decorations will not be spared and could even face legal action.

“The Army headquarters has taken a stern view of such violations,” a senior officer told TOI on Friday.

A strong warning, for instance, was recently issued to a Noida-based event management firm after one of its employees was spotted flaunting Army medals at a function, which drew widespread attention on social media platforms. “The firm has apologised in writing for the blatant disregard of the honour and integrity associated with the medals after the Army threatened to file an FIR. The firm has also assured us it would not repeat the mistake in the future,” the officer added.

Earlier, the Army even initiated “appropriate action” against a retired LtColonel, who appeared in a YouTube podcast wearing the rank of a Colonel, under Section 140 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for violation of provisions outlined in Para 666 of the Regulations (revised) for the Army, 2010.

The IPC section provides for imprisonment up to three-months or fine, or both, if a person is found guilty of wearing a uniform or carrying any token used by a soldier, sailor or airman with the intent to make others believe he is a military man. The Army headquarters is now examining the LtCol’s plea that it was an inadvertent mistake.

“The Army and military intelligence, in conjunction with police, has also been conducting raids and taking action in various states like Maharashtra and Rajasthan, among others, against the unauthorised sale of its new patented combat uniform with ‘a unique digital disruptive camouflage pattern’,” the officer said.

Having registered an intellectual property right (IPR) over the new ergonomically-designed combat uniform that is “lighter, stronger and more climatefriendly”, the Army says its manufacturing by any vendor who is not authorised to do so is illegal.

“The uniform can be m isused for terror strikes or gaining access to restricted areas,” he added.

The defence ministry and Army have also been repeatedly asking all ministries and states to not allow their uniformed personnel to wear camouflage fatigues akin to the force. This, for instance, can lead to false alarms that the Army has been deployed for crowd control or other law and order duties. “ Even private security agencies try to copy Army uniforms. This is simply not done,” another officer said.

Our focus is on doubles for Paris Games, says Sharath

Sharath Kamal

Sabi.Hussain@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Sharath Kamal is an Indian table tennis legend who defies age and time. With four Olympic Games appearances and has seven CWG gold medals, two Asian Games medals and two ITTF Pro Tour titles adorning his illustrious trophy cabinet, Sharath shows no sign of stopping. He can still give the younger generation a run for their money with his craftsmanship, discipline and dedication. At 41, he is still chasing that elusive Olympic Games medal, his eyes set on a podium finish at Paris 2024.

On Friday, Sharath revealed what drives him competitively every single day as the Indian TT’s old warhorse gears up to appear in his fifth Olympics. “What keeps me going every day at this age is the fact that my closet is empty without an Olympic medal. More than a hope, it’s a dream to win a medal at the Games. If we are able to get that job done in Paris, it will be great for me, the table tennis fraternity and sport in India,” Sharath said.

“For me personally, getting there as a five-time Olympian, it really speaks for my toil over the years, not just for myself but also for the table tennis fraternity. Earlier, my primary goal was to just qualify for the Olympics, not aim to win a medal. This is the first time I am getting five months to prepare. I am here in Germany training and my primary focus again is to work on skills. I am playing with different players and the Europeans. There will be a lot of team training in the next weeks, we will be working a lot on team building. I hope I am at my best at the Paris Olympics,” he added during an online media interaction.

The interaction was facilitated by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI). Sharath, who has been named the country’s flag-bearer for the Olympics, mentioned the importance of getting a good start in Paris in the doubles matches. “India is strong in doubles. Once you have a head-start in doubles, there is a good chance of turning the match on. We are trying different combinations, Harmeet (Desai) and myself, Manav (Thakkar) and myself, Harmeet and Manav. That is where the focus will be in the coming camp in Bengaluru next month,” he said.

Indian TT will make its Olympic debut in team events in both men’s and women’s disciplines. The Khel Ratna awardee said it’s the right kind of boost for the paddlers. “This is the first time we have qualified for team events. There is also the doubles rubber in team in which Indians are strong. Hopefully, we will be able to produce results.”

PLAYERS READY TO STRIKE OVER PACKED CALENDAR: PFA CHIEF

London: Players could strike in their bid to cut down on the number of matches they play, England’s Professional Footballers’ Association warned FIFA.

The PFA wants action to alter the congested football calendar, especially with the expanded 32-team Club World Cup proposed for next summer. An event Thursday in London by the PFA and FIFPRO, the international players’ union, heard that players were at “breaking point”.

PFA chief executive Maheta Molango recalled a recent conversation he had with players of an unnamed club. “How far would you like to go?” Molango recounted asking the players, according to the BBC.

“Some of them said: ‘I’m not having it, we may as well strike.’”

URUGUAY’S CAVANI RETIRES FROM INTERNATIONAL DUTY

Montevideo: Uruguay’s Boca Juniors striker Edinson Cavani announced his retirement from international football on Thursday. A 2011 Copa America winner, the 37-year-old Cavani is Uruguay’s second-most capped player (136) and second highest scorer (58) behind Luis Suarez, having made his debut in February 2008.

“There were many precious years, I would have a thousand things to say, tell and remember, but today I want to dedicate myself to this new stage of my career and give everything where I have to be,” Cavani wrote on Instagram. “Today I decide to take a step aside, but I will follow you with a beating heart, like when I used to go out on the pitch wearing this beautiful shirt.”

CHELSEA APPOINT ENZO MARESCA AS NEW MANAGER: REPORTS

London: Chelsea have appointed Leicester’s Enzo Maresca as their new head coach, according to British media reports late Thursday.

The Daily Telegraph said the Italian would be joining the Blues on a five-year contract, plus an option of a further year, designed to give the club stability after two years of upheaval under the new regime led by US investors Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly.

Maresca, who until last year was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at English champions Manchester City, oversaw an immediate return to the Premier League for Leicester following their relegation 12 months ago.

The 44-year-old Italian’s style of football is also said to have impressed Chelsea chiefs.

CAN HARDIK STILL BE A GAME-CHANGER?

The Mercurial Allrounder, Who Suffered A Torrid & Controversial IPL As The New Mumbai Indians Captain, Needs To Put His Recent Travails Behind Him & Rise To The Occasion In The World Cup...

Partha.Bhaduri@timesgroup.com

In the World Cup, will Hardik Pandya find himself on the crest or in the trough of his rollercoaster career? The Pandya situation is no doubt being handled with utmost care in the Team India camp right now. Coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma will be eager to get the best out of one of India’s most important T20 contributors and the only true seam-bowling allrounder in the ranks.

Pandya is also vice-captain of the team, another appointment dogged by controversy and mired in innuendo, like everything else with the cricketer lately.

It’s not Pandya’s credentials that are under the scanner. He has been retained in Grade A in the BCCI’s central contracts list in spite of recurring injuries since 2018. Having played only in the IPL following an ankle injury during the ODI World Cup late last year, the entire focus should have been on the cricketer’s quest to regain peak fitness in time for the big one.

Instead, his world seems to be unravelling around him.

Both Pandya’s private life and public persona have come under such intense scrutiny in recent times that often, from the outside, it has seemed things are at breaking point. It’s a curious turn of events for one of the most colourful, exciting and emotional cricketers India has ever produced, one who possesses both rare skill and naked ambition.

Since he burst on to the scene for Mumbai Indians in 2015, Pandya has not shied away from showcasing the kind of swagger that can attract the wrong kind of attention.

People may scoff at his extravagant ways but having seen some real hard times growing up, Pandya is entitled to live it up if he wants to. He has chosen to be all flash and glitter. He has lived life on his terms. At times that has got him into trouble too, like when he was suspended for some ill-conceived comments on a TV talk show. This recent implosion in the Mumbai Indians camp and the hostility of spectators, however, has been particularly unsettling to watch. Fans across venues have raged against Pandya and rained slurs on him. They seemed incensed by Pandya’s switch from Gujarat Titans and the dethroning of the more popular Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians captain.

Then again, the trigger may well be Hardik’s loud public persona.

Either way you see it, this public castigation of Pandya across stadiums has showcased the worst of the IPL’s oddball fan-loyalties at play.

It could also be the management’s choice to overlook the optics altogether. CSK, after all, underwent a similar transition and there wasn’t a peep from the crowds. Cricketers routinely switch club loyalties in the auction process and there is no outcry. To the fans, the MI captaincy swap may have seemed like a midnight coup.

The appointment as MI captain seemed plagued with trouble from the start. The likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah — among four players from the MI setup in the World Cup squad — have seemingly, in cryptic social-media posts, expressed displeasure at being overlooked. It seemed even Rohit Sharma, having been named India’s captain for the T20 World Cup in a surprise return to the old guard, had been caught unawares.

Many ex-cricketers thought Pandya was faking and blustering his way through the doomed campaign, that his leadership style was muddled. Kevin Pietersen said Pandya was “smiling too much” and “trying to act like he’s happy” when “everything away from the game was affecting him so much”. Graeme Smith said MI have been a “very confused team”.

Pandya may have thought he was the most hated Indian cricketer ever. There may have been moments when he lost direction.

After a loss to CSK, Pandya alluded to Dhoni’s presence in the opposition and said, “There’s a man behind the stumps who tells them what’s working.” This spurred Adam Gilchrist to say, “That line about Dhoni is interesting. It tells that maybe Pandya is feeling a bit of a lone wolf.”

AB de Villiers said he loved Pandya but “his captaincy style is quite bravado. It’s ego-driven, chest out”.

Perhaps Pandya was too abrasive for Mumbai Indians, even though the style may have worked at Gujarat Titans. The public criticism of Tilak Varma for not taking on DC’s Axar Patel and whispers of an alleged dressing room showdown did not help either. MI coach Mark Boucher admitted in the end that all the happenings may have “clouded” Pandya.

All chief selector Ajit Agarkar would say about Pandya’s selection is, “The good part we have looked at is that he has got through all the games so far for MI.”

That, however, doesn’t answer the question — is Pandya in the best frame of mind to perform at his peak in a tournament like this? The relentless antagonism from spectators also spurred an ongoing social-media trial that puts him under immense pressure to perform in the World Cup.

In one of his rare moments of candour, Pandya said, “We’ve seen better days but seen worse days as well. I don’t think these things surprise me anymore.”

If there’s one cricketer who swears by his resilience, it’s Hardik Pandya. His first post after joining the India squad in the US contained the words: “On national duty.”

Remember, India have had alleged flare-ups between captain and vice captain in a T20 World Cup before, back in 2009, when Dhoni paraded the whole team in front of the media to quell reports of a rift in the team.

This time, the calming presence of both Rohit and Dravid may serve to erase any lingering bitterness. Team India needs Pandya to step up to win the World Cup. He was, after all, their best performer with the bat in that semifinal defeat to England in Adelaide in 2022.

HARDIK’S T20 HIGHS

Hardik Pandya is the ONLY Indian allrounder to...

● post a fifty and produce a fourwicket haul in the same T20I — 51 and 4/33 against England in Southampton on July 7, 2022.

● score 500-plus runs and bag 20 wickets in a calendar year — 607 runs at 33.72 and 20 wickets at 27.20 in 27 matches in 2022.

● score 1,000 runs and bag 50 wickets in T20Is.

● score 750-plus runs and bag 50-plus wickets in 61 matches in a winning cause in T20Is, 825 runs at 28.44 and 61 wickets at 20.26.

● post a 40 and bag three wickets in the same World T20 match — 40 and 3/30 against Pakistan in Melbourne on Oct 23, 2022.

Treesa-Gayatri pair rallies to enter SFs

Manne.Ratnakar@timesgroup.com

Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand rallied well after losing the first game to defeat So Yeong Kim and Hee Yong Kong of South Korea 18-21, 21-19, 24-22 in the quarterfinals of the Singapore Open BWF Super-750 tournament on Friday.

In fact, the Indians were three points from defeat as they trailed 12-18 in the second. But they showed great grit to win five straight points to make it 17-18. Gayatri won four of the five points with a couple of smashes, a drop and a flick. From 17-19, Treesa-Gayatri had few problems.

The decider was closelyfought. At 22-22, Gayatri's smash from the back court landed in the middle of court to make it 23-22. Gayatri secured the winning point with a smash into Kim’s cheek.

“It was a great win, we’re happy. We were down in the second game but fought back well. There was no strategy. We just wanted to give our 100 percent. They are tough players,” Gayatri said.

The Indian duo will play Chiharu Shida and Nami Matsuyama. The Japanese fourth seeds have 2-1 win-loss record against the Indians.

In an all-Chinese semifinal, top seeds Chen Qing Chen and Jia Yi Fan play third seeds Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning.

Rohit hopes for quick acclimatisation to NY pitch ahead of T20 WC

New York: Marvelling at the newly-constructed Nassau County International Cricket Stadium here, India skipper Rohit Sharma underlined the need for his team to get acclimatised to the pitch and conditions quickly ahead of their T20 World Cup opener against Ireland on June 5.

However, Rohit and company will get a chance to check the nature of the pitch and overall conditions when they face Bangladesh in a warmup match here on Saturday. It’s also India’s lone training game ahead of the ICC marquee event.

The warm-up match is important from India’s perspective because their matches will start a t 10.30 AM local time and the players need to get used to day-time matches after playing under lights in the IPL for the last two months. “We’re looking to understand the conditions more importantly (before the tournament proper) as we haven’t been here before,” Rohit told ICC.

The Mumbaikar emphasised the need for his side to get into a “rhythm” before the real action starts, and he wanted to use this side game as a springboard. “(We will) try and make the most of the conditions, get used to what it’s going to be like on June 5 when we play our first game.”

The challenge for the Indians will be to adapt to the drop-in turf here, something they don’t come across very often in international cricket. “It’s just a bout getting into that rhythm of getting the feel of the ground, pitch and stuff like that,” he said.

Rohit was part of the first batch of India cricketers to arrive here on May 26, along with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. Moving beyond the match routines, Rohit also found time to take in the beauty of the venue.

“It looks beautiful. It’s quite an open ground. When we come here and play our first game, I just can’t wait to feel the atmosphere in the stadium,” he said. “It’s a decent capacity as well. Hopefully it’s gonna be a good one.”

Rohit hoped that fans will throng the venue for their matches. “People in New York will be very interested in coming and watching the World Cup. I’m pretty sure all the fans across various teams are quite excited and looking forward to this tournament. And also as players (we) can’t wait to get started.” PTI

Boxer Nishant Dev seals quota for Paris Olympics

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: World Championships bronze medallist Nishant Devbecame the first Indian male pugilist to secure a quota place for the Paris Olympics after he got the better of Moldova’s Vasile Cebotari 5-0 in the quarterfinals of the men’s 71kg category at the Boxing World Qualifiers in Bangkok on Friday.

Nishant’s victory marked the country’s fourth boxing quota for Paris after Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Preeti Hooda (54kg) and Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) confirmed their berths by winning med- als at the Hangzhou Asian Games last year.

Two other Indian boxers –Amit Panghal (men’s 51kg) and Sachin Siwach (57kg) – are also a win away from confirming their Paris berth after packing off their rivals in comprehensive fashion. Birmingham CWG gold medallist Panghal outpunched South Korea’s Kim Inkyu 5-0 in his pre-quarterfinal bout to keep his qualifying hopes alive. A win in the last-eight will secure him the quota place. Siwach, too, inched closer to sealing his Olympic berth after outclassing 2021 World championships bronze medallist, France’s Samuel Kistohurry, 4-1 in the quarterfinals. However, with only three quota places on offer in the 57kg category, he needs to win one more bout to qualify for Paris.

Nishant, who had missed out on qualification in the first qualifier in Italy was the first to achieve the goal.

In the evening session, Panghal came out all guns blazing to humble Kim in all three rounds while Siwach continued to put up a resolute show to reach the semifinals. However, it was curtains for former World youth champion Ankushita Boro (women’s 60kg), Arundhati Chaudhary (66kg) and Sanjeet (men’s 92kg) as they lost their respective pre-quarterfinal bouts to bow out of the competition.

BALAJI-MIGUEL PAIR ADVANCES

SRIRAM BALAJI

Paris: India’s Sriram Balaji and Mexico’s Miguel ReyesVarelas topped the men’s doubles first-round clash between alternates at Roland Garros. The Indo-Mexican pairing put out American Reese Stalder and Dutchman Sem Verbeek. 6-3, 6-4 in just under 80 minutes. Balaji and Reyes-Varelas will play Theo Arribage and Dan Added of France in the second round. In another first round match, Yuki Bhambri and Frenchman Albano Olivetti bowed 3-6, 6-7 (5) to Aussie John Peers and Russian Roman Safiullin (Rus) after a spirited fightback in the second set. In the tie-break the Indo-French pair had chances, but Peers and Safiullin held firm when it mattered.

Meanwhile all the excitement around two India No.1s, singles and doubles – Sumit Nagal and Rohan Bopanna — facing off in the doubles draw came to naught when Nagal and Austria’s Sebastian Ofner withdrew from the competition. Bopanna and Aussie Matt Ebden will now take on alternates Brazil’s Orlando Luz and Marcelo Zormann.

Prajwal.Hegde@timesgroup.com

Danilovic ousts Vekic

Prajwal.Hegde@timesgroup.com

Paris: Olga Danilovic won a match she had all but lost.

The Serbian qualifier, ranked 125 in the world, was bageled in the opening set of the third round match at Roland Garros. She trailed 1-3 in the decider and was down 2-6 in the match tiebreak, yet she turned it around on a biting-cold day to make the fourth round of a major for the first time in her career.

A match like this, which the 23-year-old won 0-6, 7-5, 7-6 (8) in 3 hours and eight minutes, always has the other side of the story. At the other end of the scoreline was the world No. 40 Donna Vekic, the 27-year-old twice served for the match at 5-4 and 6-5, holding a 30-0 lead the second time.

Danilovic finished her second-round match against the American 11th seed Danielle Collins at 6.30 pm on Thursday. She was back on court at 11 am on Friday.

There were no celebrations after her upset win in the second round, she simply put away her phone and began preparations for her third-round match. The Serb fell on her back on court Simonne Mathieu, tears of relief washing over her. “It just goes out, everything from you,” she said. “For me it was just big, big relief. Just that moment of I deserved it, a moment for myself, not for anyone else.”

GALLERY

Vaishali outwits Cramling; Prag loses to Nakamura

Stavanger (Norway): R Vaishali continued her dream run to defeat veteran GM Pia Cramling of Sweden, while her brother R Praggnanandhaa went down fighting against Hikaru Nakamura of USA in the fourth round of the Norway chess tournament here. Vaishali stretched her lead to 2.5 points following her second win under classical time control.

Mavericks crush Timberwolves to book title clash with Celtics: The Dallas Mavericks, fueled by 36 points each from Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, routed the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-103 to clinch the Western Conference crown and book an NBA title showdown with the Boston Celtics. England overwhelm Pakistan in final T20: Reigning champions England produced a fine all-round display as they beat Pakistan by 7 wickets at The Oval on Thursday in their last competitive match before they begin the defence of their Twenty20 World Cup title. England restricted Pakistan to a modest 157 with legspinner Adil Rashid taking 2-27. They then pulled off the chase with more than three overs to spare.

Women’s team suffers 0-3 loss to Uzbekistan: Indian women’s football team conceded three second-half goals to suffer a 0-3 loss to Uzbekistan in the first international friendly in Tashkent on Friday. After a goalless first half, striker Khabibulaeva Deora struck a hat-trick to notch up a comfortable victory for the hosts.

ACTION TODAY

BADMINTON: Singapore Open, SFs, 9.30 am (Jio, BWF Youtube);

BOXING: Oly Qualifiers, 11.30 am & 5.30 pm (Jio);

BASKETBALL: NBA, 6 am (Jio);

CHESS: Norway elite meet, R5, 8.15 pm (Youtube chess24);

CRICKET: ICC T20 WC Warm-Up, India vs Bangladesh, 8 pm (Star);

HOCKEY: FIH Pro League, Men, Germany vs India, 2.30 pm (Jio);

TENNIS: French Open, 2.30 pm (Sony)

SINNER POWER

JANNIK SINNER

TIMES IN PARIS

Italian Beats Kotov; Rublev Falls To Arnaldi In Third Round While Iga Moves On

Prajwal.Hegde@timesgroup.com

Paris: Jannik Sinner is aiming for two triumphs from a single strike — a second Grand Slam title that would pivot him to the world No.1 ranking by the end of the Roland Garros fortnight.

The 22-year-old Italian, the French Open’s second seed, is keeping it real though, returning as he is from a hip injury. In his third-round clash against Russian Pavel Kotov, a sparkling ball striker, the Italian sealed a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win, his third successive straight set result here. Sinner faced just one break point in the two-hour 27-minute match and needed just one break in each set to move into the fourth round.

So convincing was Sinner on the court, that the conversation smudged lines, going beyond the rectangle.

Former pro Fabrice Santoro asked Sinner for fashion advice during the post-match interaction. The world No.2, with flaming curls for a crown, has been gracing as many fashion magazines as sports’ covers. “I am not good with fashion guys, they give me things to wear, and I wear it,” Sinner said. “I try to look good, sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s not.”

Sinner has been quite the presence around the grounds this week on the court and in the stands, watching girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya’s matches.

On a rain-hit Thursday, the No. 23rd seed went down in three sets to good friend Bianca Andreescu. Sinner was at courtside to watch the fourth match on Court 5 which ended late in the evening.

On Friday, in the fourth cheered by Kalinskaya, ripped 33 winners. “Tennis-wise I felt quite good today on court. Physically I feel like I still have to improve a couple of things,” Sinner said.

“It’s very important to rest, especially tomorrow. I’m trying to be ready for the next round. It’s a very physical Grand Slam, so every single situation on the court, I try to judge it in a positive way. There are tough moments on the court, but you have to accept it and see the general side.”

Rublev self-destructs

Rublev bowed out in the third round of the French Open after another meltdown. Italian Matteo Arnaldi, ranked No. 35, sealed a 7-6 (8-6), 6-2, 6-4 win over the Russian.

The world No.6 showed signs of agitation at the end of the first set, but in the fifth and sixth games of the second set, he erupted and it wasn’t a pretty sight.

Swiatek records easy win

Reigning champion Iga Swiatek trounced Marie Bouzkova 6-4, 6-2 to reach the last 16 on Friday.

Delhi Times

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SUPER-EXPENSIVE TICKETS, BRAND NEW STADIUM

India-Pak match in New York: Here’s all you need to know about the epic clash on June 9

I bought the Corner Club ticket almost a week back and it cost me around $2,750 (`2 lakh plus). I got the ticket from the official website, it was a complicated process & an agent booked it for me and my brother. There‘s no way I can miss this historic match – Veer Chawla, IT professional from Quebec, Canada There have been seven IND vs PAK matches in the history of T20 World Cup so far. India won six of them.This is the first time we will see a (cricket) World Cup being played on US soil. The excitement is not just limited to the Indian diaspora – Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York in a recent interview

My team has been working with federal & local law enforcement to keep attendees safe. While there is no credible threat at this time, I’ve directed New York state police to elevate security measures – Kathy Hochul, New York governor, in a tweet recently

The ticket prices are really high compared to the other matches that India is playing. But this is India-Pakistan after all and in the US for the first time – Shahbaz Ahmad, civil engineer, Denver

Usain Bolt, ambassador of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. Built in less than three months, it seats 34k people, almost the same as Wankhede in Mumbai. It was built at a cost of approximately `25 crore and will host eight T20 WC matches

Sundas Jawed

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is about to commence and the high-tension match between arch rivals India and Pakistan scheduled to be played on June 9 remains the most awaited one. What makes it more interest- ing is that the match will be played at the newly inaugurated Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. This is the first time in the history of USA that a cricket World Cup tournament will be played on US soil with the West Indies as the co-host.

Prohibitive air fares

The international cricket tournament has had a cascading effect on the flight and accommodation prices too. According to Md Zakauddin, owner of a tours & travel company, US bound flight prices have seen a 30% rise due to demand. He says, “There have been queries from New Delhi and Dubai too, but due to the high fare and visa issues, the bookings have been low.” Anil Punjabi, national committee member of Travel Agents Federation of India says there have been many queries for the match.

Match or a vacay?

■ Diamond clubtickets: `8 lakh plus

■ Corner club tickets:`2 lakh plus

■ Premium clublounge: `2 lakh

■ Taylor Swiftconcert tickets: `90K plus (average)

■ Seven-day Indiato Paris trip per person: `1 lakh plus

Ticket prices are on fire

Travelling from India to New York for the much-awaited match may seem unaffordable for most people, and NRIs are not faring any better. “I tried to procure tickets, but the prices have gone through the roof. Moreover, now one has to approach independent third-party vendors for the tickets,” said Supriyo Chatterjee, IT professional in New Jersey, adding, “I bought the India vs Ireland match ticket for $325 (`27k) that is happening at the same venue.”

Sachin Tendulkar will likely be attending the June 9 match, as part of his association with the International Cricket Council

Rohit Sharma and teammates practising in New York

Travel Diaries

SOARING TEMP HAS DELHI RUNNING FOR THE HILLS

Long jams High airfare

We are advising tourists coming with requests for Uttarakhand to postpone, and if it’s around Rishikesh, then it is definitely best to reschedule. Due to Char Dham Yatra, there are a lot of travellers in Rishikesh and every hotel is booked – Saurabh Tewari, founder of a Delhi-based travel company

Overbooked hotels & taxis

Divya Kaushik

Don’t come to the hills, the hills are not calling,” you may have seen posts like these on social media, highlighting the overcrowding at popular hill stations such as Manali, Shimla, Nainital, and Mussoorie. With summer vacations and rising temperatures, the demand for travel to hill stations has surged. As a result, most spots are dealing with overbooked hotels, high demand for taxis, and heavy traffic. Tourists are either forced to seek alternatives or advised by travel agents to opt for less crowded destinations.

‘MANY TRAVELLERS ARE DECIDING TO CHANGE DESTINATION MID-WAY’

Travel agents reveal how guests have had to return or change destinations mid-way, as they could not find accommodation or were stuck in traffic for hours. “Last weekend I had guests travelling from Delhi to Rishikesh, but after reaching Haridwar, they were stuck in a long traffic jam and getting stuck in this heat with children is not an ideal start of summer holidays. To avoid the crowd, they decided to return midway and travelled to McLeod Ganj and some other areas in Himachal,” says Saurabh Tiwari, founder of a Delhi-based travel company.

Impromptu holiday plans may not be a good idea around this time of the year as hotels are fully booked. “I travelled to Srinagar last week and could not find even a single occupancy room in any of the budget hotels. Hotel tariffs were almost 50% higher. I decided to travel to Pahalgam and managed to find a hotel in my budget. Locals said that Gulmarg and Sonmarg are as crowded as Srinagar,” says Mehak Khanna, Mumbai-based marketing consultant.

Alternative destinations

■ Instead of Shimla, go to Mashobra,Narkanda

■ Instead of Manali, choose Jibhi,Tirthan Valley

■ In Uttarakhand, go to Lansdowne,Kausani, Chakrata, Pangot, Mukteshwar, Bhimtal.

■ In Kashmir, all tourist destinations areequally crowded, but one can look at Gurez Valley

– Inputs by Gautam Kumar, owner o fa Delhi-based travel company

Increasing footfall in offbeat paces too

Many travellers are already choosing these alternative destinations, resulting in an increase in footfall here too. “In retreats such as Kausani, occupancies have risen by 10%. Our property in Ramgarh has achieved an average occupancy rate of 65%, while Bhimtal has been in high demand with an 80% occupancy rate. Similarly, the recently launched property in Naukuchiatal is experiencing a 60% occupancy rate. This surge in demand is largely due to the soaring temperatures across north India,” shares Shahzad Aslam, Head of Sales of a chain of boutique hotels.

“We’ve observed a significant increase in occupancy rates this year. In May and June, we are seeing 40-50% occupancy, compared to 20-30% last year. All our locations are actually offbeat destinations, such as Chamera Lake, Bhogpur, Taraari,” shares Devendra Parulekar, founder of luxury homestays.

High airfare leads to increase in demand for taxis

Gautam Kumar, owner of a Delhi-based travel company says that due to high airfares, many are preferring to hire taxis. “Return airfare for Srinagar at present is around `20,000 per person, so most families are travelling by road. All our taxis are fully booked,” he says.

Sagar Choudhary, who runs a transport agency in Delhi, adds, “Travellers are well aware of the crowd at hill stations and they are still willing to travel. All our taxis are booked and some people even say, ‘driver hi de do, itni garmi aur traffic mein kaun drive karega!’”

‘I USED TO TELL MYSELF THAT IF ACTING HAS TO HAPPEN, IT WILL. DIDN’T KNOW IT WILL TAKE 15 YRS’

It was a small film, but coming together of people from so many countries – crew from Nepal, producers from India and France, technicians from France – I don’t know where to start or stop. And when you see everyone bring in their A-game, you give it your best, too

ANASUYA SENGUPTA

During a chat at theIndian Navy’s NomaKota House in Delhi,Anasuya says, “It wassuch a marvel that aBulgarian director wasdirecting a Hindi film.He had spent 12 yearswith the film, andwhether he knew thelanguage or not, heknew the story like theback of his hand’

Niharika Lal

Around 15 years ago, when Anasuya Sengupta moved from Kolkata to Mumbai to become an actress, she had never imagined it would take her so long to make her mark in cinema. “I used to tell myself that if it has to happen, it will happen one day. I didn’t know it would take 15 years,” she tells us. Anasuya plays the protagonist Renuka in The Shameless, for which she won the Best Actress award at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard section – a first for an Indian actor. About working in the film, she says, “When you see everyone bring in their A-game, you give it your best. You can’t give the best actress award to a crew, but just one person can’t do it alone.” The actress, who is currently in Delhi where her husband, Lt Cdr Yashdeep Sharma is posted, speaks to us about her journey from Kolkata to Cannes.

CONTINUED ON 4

Anasuya and Omara Shetty in The Shameless

AAMIR TAKES THE WHEEL AT CONNAUGHT PLACE

Aamir Khan just wrapped up the last leg of shoot for Sitaare Zameen Par in Delhi. The actor, who was seen behind the wheel, shot a police chase sequence at Connaught Place till the early hours of Friday. Over the last two weeks, the film’s crew shot across locations like Old Delhi and Thyagraj stadium

BUZZ STOP

JEREMY JOINS KNIVES OUT 3, FIRST FILM SINCE 2023 ACCIDENT

Jeremy Renner is set to join the cast of Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. This marks his first film role since suffering over 30 fractures in an accident over a year ago. Renner was injured on New Year’s Day in 2023 while helping his nephew free a pickup truck from the snow. He will join Daniel Craig, who returns as detective Benoit Blanc, in the new murder mystery.

Agencies

ELEGANCE REDEFINED AT DTFW

Sunny Leone rocks a Manipuri look at the Delhi Times Fashion Week (DTFW), presented by KRasa Group, powered by Prius Communications. She walked for Md Alimuddin X Daya Oinam as their showstopper.

For more, SEE PAGE 4

Katy, Shakira at Anant Radhika’s cruise bash?

Shakira

Katy Perry reportedly performed at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s second pre-wedding bash, a lavish masquerade ball-themed event taking guests on a cruise from Italy to France. According to a report by The Sun UK, Katy has been “paid millions” to serenade the couple at the bash named La Vite E Un Viag- gio (life is a journey) on Friday.

Shakira, Pitbull and Guru Randhawa are also expected to perform some of their chartbusters at the pre-wedding bash. To maintain the privacy of guests, a no-camera policy is in place. The couple is all set to tie the knot in Mumbai on July 12.

A video of Backstreet Boys performing for guests at the cruise surfaced online on Friday

Katy Perry

Pitbull

Guru Randhawa

Styles to slay this season

Anjali

From cool casuals to festive favourites, the latest edition of Delhi Times Fashion Week (DTFW), presented by KRasa Group and powered by Prius Communications, showcased a stylish range of collections. The three-day event began at The Grand, Vasant Kunj, on Wednesday.

HIGHLIGHTING MANIPURI CRAFT AND CULTURE

Md Alimuddin X Daya Oinam

The designer duo presented a collection that showcased handwoven saris, and corsets, tops and accessories made of cane. The designers said, “Our collection was inspired by our homeland Manipur.” Sunny Leone, who walked as the showstopper, said, “I loved being part of a fashion show in Delhi.”

MODERN MAKEOVER OF KHADI

Mohd Danish

With khadi as the highlight of the show, designer Mohd Danish focussed on handloom, but presented it in modern designs. The designer said, “I wanted to promote khadi in a unique style. I looked at different sources for inspiration on how differently I can present it on the ramp.”

SUMMER SHIMMER

Diadem X NSAM Academy

The fairytale inspired collection was designed by the students of NSAM Academy. “Our students wanted to depict women’s strength,” said Ayush Jain, founder and director of the academy. Amisha Choudhary, founder and director, Diadem, added, “Happy to be associated with DTFW.”

CONTEMPORARY COUTURE FOR MODERN BRIDES

Rabani and Rakha

The show presented couture that was easy to carry and not excessively embellished. The designers, Gautam Rakha, Shibani Rastogi and Rahul Rastogi, shared, “The outfits, in our collection, were made keeping in mind feminine fluidity, and they were easy to wear and versatile.”

BEACH VIBES

Sakshi Bindra

With cool prints, bikini tops paired with linen pants and flowy gowns, Sakshi Bindra’s collection was perfect for a beach holiday. “I’ve used easy-breezy fabrics and drapes as it has been designed

keeping in mind beach weddings,” said Sakshi.

AN ODE TO TRADITIONAL CRAFT

Allie Sharma Allie Sharma took inspiration from traditional craft and techniques to present her collection. “Royal Heritage by Allie Sharma is inspired by maharanis,” shared Allie. Human rights activist Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi, who was the showstopper, said, “When she came up to me with this collection’s idea, I was thrilled.”

”TROUSSEAU TRENDS

Zarana By Sana Khan x Tiraa by Tibarumal Jewels

Bridal collection by Sana Khan was all about exquisite and heavily embroidered lehengas. An exclusive jewellery collection by Tiraa by Tibarumal Jewels complemented the bridal look. The designer said, “At DTFW, I showcased my upcoming Royal Heritage Brides collection, which features zari, and

dabka hand embroideries.

DESIGNS TO PROMOTE INCLUSIVITY IN FASHION

Miss and Mrs Red Carpet Crown of India by Mayuri Mittal

With acid attack survivors and vitiligo models waking the ramp, Mayuri Mittal dedicated her show for a cause. She shared, “Through this show I wanted to spread the message of women empowerment & equality. Also, I wanted to promote sustainability, so I used old fabrics to create these designs.”

DAZZLING DESIGNS

Zillinie by Ahmed Ali Ahmed Ali

presented a cocktail collection for modern brides and grooms. “I think youngsters are more interested in such collections,” said the designer. Showstopper Harsh Nagar said, “I’m from Delhi and it was good to be home. After a long time I was on the ramp and it was quite different.”

PASTELS FOR PRE-WEDDING CELEBRATIONS

Sumit Dasgupta X Universal India Awards

Sumit Dasgupta’s collection presented by Universal India Awards was a mix of wedding wear and evening wear. “A lot of craft has been used from different parts of India for this collection, like kalamkari, hand painting. We worked with craftsmen from villages for many designs that were showcased here,” said the designer about his collection.

– Shivika Manchanda and Divya Kaushik

Presenting Sponsor: KRasa; Powered By Sponsor: Prius Communications; Fitness Partner: Anytime Fitness; Luxury Auto Partner: Scandia Volvo; Healthcare Partner: Yashoda Super Speciality Hospitals, Kaushambi; Education Partner: JCC – JIMS; Hair & Makeup Partner: Lakmé Salon; Flavoured Water Partner: Wild Vitamin Drink; Celebration Partner: Medusa; Pouring Partner: Paul John; Hospitality Partner: The Grand, New Delhi; Luxury Printing Partner: Indicolour Prints; Decanting Partner: Ujva; Safety Couture Partner: Enbio; Talent partner: PFF; Catering Partner: Rawat Hospitality Services Pvt Ltd; Camera & Film Partner: God Bless Films; Jewellery Partner: Prem Kumar & Sons Jewellers Pvt Ltd

To stay updated with the latest in fashion follow us on #DelhiTimesFashionWeek; Facebook.com/TimesFashionWeek; Instagram @timesfashionweek; Twitter @timesfashionwk

Rajvee

Kanchan Khatri Gupta, Mrs Elite Universe 2023

LOOK OF THE DAY BY LAKMÉ SALON Anusri’s hair and makeup matched perfectly with her Allie Sharma outfit

Karanveer

Deepti Gujral

Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi

Deepti Sadhwani

Sonya Saamoor

Harsh Nagar

Shivendra Singh Rajput

When Konstantin Bojanov offered me the film, I knew I had to take it, says Anasuya Sengupta

If people are connecting with her (Anasuya’s character in The Shameless), I felt the exact same thing when I read the script. I mean, she’s almost like a feminist icon in her own unsung way. Those are not the heroes we sing about

In search of artistic pursuits, Anasuya Sengupta moved to Goa four years ago. She credits her instincts for accepting the role in The Shameless when director Konstantin Bojanov approached her

CONTINUED FROM 1

‘THE ENVIRONMENT I CREATED FOR MYSELF HAS BEEN VERY ARTISTIC’

For Anasuya, acting took a back seat when she became an assistant director. Thereafter, she worked in the art department, eventually becoming a production designer and then HOD of the production design department at 26. As a production designer, Anasuya has worked on projects such as Ray and Chippa, and she believes that it was her love for storytelling that led her down this path. She said, “So, cinema, writing, storytelling, and repeatedly working with some wonderful people have been constants in my life. I think the environment I created for myself has always been very artistic. I worked on developing a strong instinct, so when Konstantin (Bojanov, The Shameless director) offered me the film, I knew I had to take it.”

‘I USED TO TELL MYSELF THAT IF IT HAS TO HAPPEN, IT WILL’

In conversation with us, Bojanov said that it was not an immediate decision for Anasuya to accept the role; she took a while before making a decision. What was she hesitant about? “I wanted to act, and I used to tell myself that if it has to happen, it will happen one day. I didn’t know it would happen 15 years later, and I wasn’t actively thinking about it. When Konstantin approached me, it caught me off guard. I may be a first-time actor in a way, but I’ve been in the industry for so long. I kept wondering, ‘Are you sure? I don’t have a whole body of work. Will you be able to mount this with me? Will the producers agree? I was almost worried about the film,’ and he kept saying, ‘Just read the script’.”

‘MY CHARACTER IS ALMOST LIKE A FEMINIST ICON IN HER OWN UNSUNG WAY’

Anasuya says that The Shameless’s story touched her so much that she wanted to give it her very best. She said, “If people are connecting with her (the character), I felt the exact same thing when I read the script. I mean, she’s almost like a feminist icon in her own unsung way. Those are not the heroes we sing about, and why don’t we? It bore right into my heart. I wanted to stand up for her more than anything else, and that’s what steered me to just do a deep dive.”

‘There is no Renuka without Devika’

“There is no Renuka without Devika,” says Anasuya as she talks about her co-star Omara Shetty, who played Devika in the film. “Renuka’s character was a bit of a lone wolf, a nightcrawler type. A lot of my mental work for the character involved spending a lot of time by myself, walking the streets alone, and listening to music. Much of my preparation was focused on that. Except for this light in Renuka’s life, which is Devika, portrayed by Omara. We kept having discussions about how in this dark world, the love between these two unlikely odd characters is the light. It’s that love, this is the light for both characters,” she adds.

Omara Shetty with Anasuya Sengupta at Cannes

Here’s why milk is a nutritional powerhouse

When it comes to dairy products, Amul offers a range of milk variants that symbolise quality. Sourced from farmers, Amul Gold Milk undergoes rigorous quality checks before it reaches your doorstep. Jayen Mehta (MD, GCMMF, Amul) says, “Processed in state-of-the-art facilities, each drop adheres to the standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Act, Rules and Regulations. Standardised to contain a minimum of 6% fat and 9% SNF (SolidsNot-Fat), it is a wholesome choice for direct consumption. The product is meticulously analysed to ensure it meets stringent quality standards. Purity and hygienic packaging, combined with a robust cold chain system, guarantee that it retains its superior quality.”

Known for its creamy texture and thick consistency, this milk enhances your drinking experience. You can enjoy it on its own or add it to your favourite recipes. Its creamy and rich consistency makes it the preferred choice for preparing traditional sweets, both homemade and commercial. From kheer to rabri, this milk adds an authentic touch to every dish, making your culinary creations even more special.

Mehta further adds, “Amul Gold Milk is also a good source of proteins and vitamins, containing all nine essential amino acids required by the human body. It is particularly beneficial for vegetarians, as it is a source of Vitamin B12, which is not commonly found in plant-based foods. That’s not all. Its versatility makes it ideal for a variety of uses, including direct drinking, tea and coffee making, dessert prepa- ration, and numerous household applications. This World Milk Day, we encourage our customers to join us in celebrating quality milk, and savour the rich taste and nutritional benefits of Amul Gold Milk.”

Stay out: Stars react to Trump conviction

Former US President Donald Trump was convicted on 34 charges of falsifying business records to conceal a hush money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Trump’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 11. Following the conviction, several celebrities reacted to the same.

Can Trump still run for the 2024 US presidential polls?

Trump is the Republican candidate for the upcoming elections in the US, and remains eligible to run for president. This is because of the US Constitution’s three qualifications for candidates – 35+ years old, natural-born US citizen, and US resident for at least 14 years.

 Trump is the first former US President to become a convicted felon

 The 34 counts in the case stemmed from 11 invoices, 12 vouchers and 11 cheques

 He could face a maximum sentence of four years in prison

 Fines and restitution on the table too

Who is Stormy Daniels?

Stormy Daniels is an adult film star who has also appeared in some Hollywood films. Stormy recently took the stand and shared details about the alleged sexual encounter between her and Trump. She was reportedly paid $130,000 for her silence before the 2016 prez polls.

Donald Trump’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 11

DID YOU KNOW?

There was used be what was named ‘mangagement’ rings for men

Did you know that there used to be a concept of male engagement rings once? The kind that one usually buys when proposing to their partner. In 1926, jewellers paired with advertisers to sell the concept of these engagment rings, called ‘man-gagement ring’. These rings even had names like The Pilot and The Stag.

I’m in a very secure phase of life, says Krishna Shroff

Jackie Shroff’s daughter Krishna Shroff is all set to make her debut on TV with the reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi 14. Just before leaving for Romania for the show, Krishna said, “Yes, this is my TV debut… I still can’t believe I’m doing it! I’m in this phase of my life where I’m very secure now, but I decided to take up this offer for the experience. I’m looking forward to making memories and doing as much as I can to the best of my capability.”

Now that she has taken up a reality show, is acting on her mind, too? “Two years ago, if you had asked about being a part of a TV show, I’d have said no. But here I am now doing it. So, never say never. Regarding acting, yes, it is possible, but the project has to resonate with me,” she said.

— Hasti Doshi

Krishna Shroff and (inset) with parents Jackie and Ayesha Shroff and brother Tiger Shroff. “My parents and brother have always backed me 100%, and that’s my motivation. I’m surrounded by such strong people in my life. Be it my family or my boyfriend (MMA fighter Abdul Azim Badakshi), I’m blessed, and they help me strive to be better,” she says

Keep cool: Tips to battle the heatwave

From smart hydration tips to home-cooling hacks, here’s how one can combat the heatwave and stay comfortable all summer long

Whether you're sipping on a beverage, or seeking refuge in the shade, remember that staying cool is not just a luxury—it's a way of life

Aanchal.Mathur@timesgroup.com

As the sun blazes down with unrelenting fervour, turning everyday routines into sweaty endeavours, the scorching heatwave in India has become more than just a seasonal inconvenience—it becomes a formidable foe. With temperatures soaring to record highs, it poses a serious threat to public health, agriculture, and the overall well-being of communities across the country.

But fear not, for amidst the sweltering temperatures lies a treasure trove of simple yet effective strategies that regular folks can adopt to stay cool and comfortable during the hottest of days.

HYDRATION STATION

When the mercury skyrockets, staying hydrated isn't just a suggestion—it's a survival strategy. Make friends with your water bottle and keep it by your side throughout the day. If regular water every hour isn’t so much to your liking, opt for chilled beverages like lemon water, coconut water, or homemade fruit-infused drinks to quench your thirst and replenish electrolytes lost through sweat. Remember, when it comes to hydration, sip often and sip plenty.

SHADE SEEKER

While we would recommend staying home during the peak hours of noon, if you must go outside make sure to seek shade often. Whether it's under the leafy canopy of a tree or beneath the awning of a roadside stall, seek out shaded spots whenever possible to escape the scorching rays. And don't forget to accessorise with a wide-brimmed hat or a stylish umbrella for portable shade on the go.

DRESS SMART

When it comes to dressing for the heatwave, less is often more. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen that allow air to circulate and sweat to evaporate, keeping you cool and dry. Loose-fitting clothing in light colours not only reflects sunlight but also helps prevent overheating. So, ditch the dark colours and embrace the summer palette for a cool and chic look.

BEAT THE HEAT AT HOME

Transform your humble abode into a cool oasis amidst the sweltering heatwave by employing some simple home cooling hacks. Keep curtains and blinds closed during the hottest part of the day to block out the sun's rays. Use fans strate- gically to create a cross breeze and circulate air throughout your living space. And if you're feeling fancy, consider investing in a portable air conditioner or swamp cooler for instant relief from the heat.

CHILL OUT WITH CHILL FOODS

When the temperature rises, turn to Mother Nature's bounty for some deliciously cool treats to beat the heat. Indulge in refreshing fruits like watermelon, cucumber, and mango, which not only hydrate but also provide a burst of natural sweetness. Get creative in the kitchen with chilled soups, salads, and smoothies packed with hydrating ingredients to keep you feeling cool from the inside out.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

When planning your daily activities, timing is key to staying cool and avoiding the peak time of the day. Schedule outdoor errands, exercise, and other activities during the early morning or late evening when temperatures are milder. And if you must venture out during the hottest hours, take frequent breaks in shaded areas, and stay hydrated.

In the battle against the blistering heatwave, everyday heroes armed with simple, yet effective strategies can emerge victorious. Here's to beating the heatwave one chilled-out day at a time.

Talk of the town

We share a great friendship, says Anjali as social media split on a viral video of Balayya pushing her on stage

What happened

On Tuesday, during a pre-release event for an upcoming film, Telugu actor Nandamuri Balakrishna was captured on video pushing away actor Anjali. From the video, it seemed like Balakrishna was asking Anjali to move, but when she didn’t hear, he pushed her away, causing her to stumble. Co-star Neha Shetty, who was standing beside Anjali seemed surprised, but Anjali took it sportingly and started laughing. Later, the senior actor was seen giving her a high-five as an act of reconciliation.

Balakrishna’s anger issues

● In March 2024, director KS Ravikumar, whoworked with Balakrishna in Jai Simha, spoke about his anger issues at a press meet. “One of my assistant directors once turned the fan towards him and it shifted his wig a bit. He got mad at him because he thought he was laughing and almost hit him. He claimed he was from the ‘opposite gang’. I had to intervene,” said Ravikumar.

● Balakrishna was caught on cameraslapping his assistant during the shooting of Jai Simha in 2018. Unfortunately, many condoned his behaviour and even said that the slap was a gift to the fans

“My fans will be happy if...!”

The actor has made several sexist comments, too. Once, he was reported saying “My fans will be happy if I kiss a woman or make her pregnant.” Though he later apologised, no case was filed, and people dismissed it by saying that is how he talks, usually.

It was wonderful to share stage with Balakrishna, says Anjali; social media users call it ‘damage control’

Taking to X on Friday, Anjali put out a statement defending Balakrishna. “I want to thank Balakrishna garu for gracing the pre-release event with his presence. I would like to express that Balakrishna garu and I have always maintained mutual respect for each other and we share a great friendship from a long time. It was wonderful to share the stage with him again,” she said.

‘Scumbag’: Hansal

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta took to X to share a video of the incident, and commented, “Who is this scumbag?” This led to many comments, but a user defended Balakrishna by sharing, “They both have acted before with each other so they’ve that bonding, irrespective of age he had that friend kinda vibe with co-stars, he’s the biggest star of Telugu film and industry and the son of great SR NTR and is the uncle of JR NTR, so before calling him a scum bag (sic)” This led to Hansal retweeting the reply with the comment, “Scumbag x100”.

Not the first time

Back in 2015, Balakrishna was captured on camera at a launch event of Dictator, pinching Anjali. A few months after this incident, the actress said in an interview with a Telugu news channel that Balakrishna is a “friendly and entertaining co-star”.

Fans wondered if Anjali was forced to tweet the statement for damage control. “Too late to defend him now,” wrote an X user. “Like this message if you were forced to tweet this!” wrote another.

TIMES FOODIE

SEEDS, LENTIL NUGGETS: ENJOY SUN-DRYING THIS SUMMER

Food stylist Madhuri Aggarwal enjoys making puffed rice fryums and sago fryums in summer, sundries these for 2-3 days and these can enjoyed during monsoons and winter. She suggests making fryums as a fun activity for kids and using the process to make traditional curd chillies

Shivika Manchanda

Remember the summer ritual of laying a muslin cloth on the terrace and placing the roundels of lentil paste under the sun? This technique is a sustainable way to store food without additives. With all the buzz around clean eating, sun-drying herbs, seeds, preserves and spices can be a fun way to enjoy seasonal food longer than usual. So, make taste enhancers, quick seed snacks, ready-to-fry murukku, this summer.

Sun-dried ingredients have diverse uses

Sun-drying extends the shelf life of ingredients sustainably, say experts. “Sun-drying ingredients in summer and then storing them in glass jars ensure that they remain available in your kitchen for a year. These ingredients can be used as core ingredients, flavour enhancers or garnishes. You can make chemical-free spices, and sun-dry chillies and garlic to make chilli flakes and garlic flakes. Before mangoes go out of season, prepare aam papad by sun-drying,” suggests culinary expert and chef consultant Reetu Uday Kugaji. Surekha Sadana, a culinary content creator says, “I sun-dry lemon and orange zest and use it as flavour enhancers in teas, baking and garnishing.” Home chef Anita Tikoo says, “I dehydrate mustard greens and radish leaves, ferment them, and dehydrate for cold soups. The ingredients must be kept out when there is low humidity and clear sun.”

‘It locks nutrition in food’

Nutrition and wellness consultant Chahek Aggarwal, says, “Sun-drying removes water content from food, preserving it for longer and preventing fungus formation. It locks in nutrients, making

sun-dried fruits nutritious. Sun-dried tomatoes have higher antioxidants than the fresh ones, and sun-dried potato chips are healthier than packaged ones. Dried apricots and prunes aid digestion and sun-dried herbs, veggies and fruits can be used in diverse ways.” Pro tip: Bring the ingredients indoors after sunset

Recipes that are worth a try

Amboshi

Skin raw mangoes, cut into strips, sprinkle with salt, and sun-dry for 4-5 days. Use in curries or vegetable dishes.

Dried fruits

Home-dried berries, apricots, and apples can be added to muesli, overnight oats, or DIY granola bars.

Dried rose petals

Dry rose petals under shade, store in an airtight jar, and use in tea or desserts.

Dried pomegranate seeds

Use dried pomegranate seeds, whole or finely ground, in kebabs, curries, and chutneys.

Sun-dried herbs

Use mint and coriander in salads, sauces, and shorbas. Dried thyme, rosemary can be used in pastas

Dried Melon Seeds

Eat as a snack or use to thicken gravies.

– Inputs by Chef Reetu Uday Kugaji

Use a stainless-steel tray, layered with parchment paper and covered with a unbleached muslin cloth, for sun-drying

Sun-drying fruits enhances their taste

Soups, salads: Make the most of mint this season

Mint pesto is a great alternative to basil pesto & pairs well with pasta, sandwiches, or grilled veggies. Try a mint mango salad that combines sweet mangoes with aromatic mint – Chef Ganesh Amkar, Executive Sous Chef at a luxury hotel

Try mint-infused water, minty salads, and unique twists like mint pesto. Don’t forget mint in desserts. Elevate your dishes with mint butter for a fresh finish – Kailash Gundupalli, Executive Chef at a luxury hotel

Incorporating mint into your daily diet is easy and rewarding. Start by adding fresh mint leaves to water or tea for a refreshing twist. Enhance salads with mint for a burst of flavour, or blend it into smoothies for a cool, aromatic note, suggest chefs. Add chopped mint to fruit salads, ice cream, etc.

– Compiled by Aditi Pancholi

MAKE SOME DELISH MINT ZUCCHINI SOUP AT HOME

INGREDIENTS

● 3 tbsp olive oil

● 1 onion, finely chopped

● 3 cloves garlic, sliced

● 6 zucchinis, halved lengthways and thinly sliced

● 750ml vegetable stock 150ml fresh cream, plus extra for serving

● A bunch of mint leaves, chopped

● Lemon zest for serving

METHOD: Heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook onion with a pinch of salt for 10 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for a few minutes. Then add zucchini and cook for 20 minutes. Pour in vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Use a stick blender to blend the soup until smooth. Stir in fresh cream and three-quarters of the mint, blend again. Season to taste. Top with extra cream, mint leaves, and lemon zest.

– Inputs by Chef Tushar Malkani

GALLERY

A stunning sunset spectacle in the heart of New York

Manhattanhenge is a unique event where the setting sun perfectly aligns with the east-west streets of Manhattan. The phenomenon occurs twice a year and offers breathtaking views of the sun setting between the city’s skyscrapers. This year, the first Manhattanhenge occured on May 28 and 29

I don’t even know Shubman Gill: Ridhima on wedding rumours

Ridhima Pandit is shocked by the rumours of her link-up with cricketer Shubman Gill doing the rounds. Yesterday, some reports surfaced online which said that they would be tying the knot in December.

When we reached out to the actress, she said that she didn’t know how to react to this because she has never met Shubman. “It is some people’s imagination, I guess! Somebody creates a story, and then it goes viral on social media. I don’t even know Shubman Gill personally. This is ridiculous. I started receiving congratulatory messages since morning, and I was tired of denying this gossip. I finally decided to post it on my social media,” clarified Riddhima. Ask her if she is dating someone, and she says, “I am single and ready to mingle, but because of these rumours, probable suitors now won’t come forward, I think (laughs). I do want to get married.”

Talking about work, Ridhima, whose claim to fame was the TV show Bahu Hamari Rajnikant, says, “I have just completed a web project. As far as TV is concerned, I will do a show only if the role is meaty.”

– Tanvi Trivedi

Rumours of Ridhima Pandit marrying Shubman Gill recently went viral

Table of Contents

TOI Print Edition Jun 01, 2024

Front Page

FIGHT TO THE FINISH

Kharge: ‘Our great leader’ Rahul Gandhi is my PM choice

No night challans in Gurgaon after harassment plaints

Suspension drama on celeb cop’s last day

Del-SFO flight takes off after 30-hr delay

Bishnoi gang’s Salman ‘plan A’

Cops to take Porsche teen’s statement

Unsung heroes of the great Indian election

With 8.2% GDP growth, India remains top mover

All-woman team of cops arrests Prajwal on return

Extra marks for EWS job seekers illegal, says HC

Foiled bids by Israel-based firm to target BJP, interfere in LS poll process: OpenAI

Bail expiring today, CM says will return to jail on Sunday, recalls earlier Tihar ‘torture’

India’s hottest 3: Delhi, Delhi & Delhi

Times Nation

Water level at just 23% at 150 key reservoirs, says CWC report

2 kids among 10 killed as storm, rains wreak havoc in UP

Contractor kills self over bills, row hits K’taka

No respite from heatwave, 45 lives lost in 36 hrs, toll hits 87

TN suspends brigand killer on retirement day, recalls order

Bishnoi gang had another plan to hit Salman with Pak arms: Cops

Mystery over kidney removed in botched Raj surgery deepens

A day later, monsoon loses steam, may progress slowly

Pune cops get JJB approval to question Porsche teen today

4 Rajkot civic body officials held over blaze at gaming zone

‘Sar tan se juda’ threat to Nagpur journo over W Asia conflict posts

DKS claims animal sacrifice in Kerala to ‘destroy’ him, temple rebuts charge

Puri cracker explosion toll rises to 6

PM, Shah review cyclone damage, promise all aid

With 8 more deaths, flood toll in N-E mounts to 53

SC lets ex-DGP’s convicted son to surrender in Odisha

Tipped off by US, ED arrests man linked to drug racket

Court on Rajan: Hotelier killed after extortion plaint

Plea in HC: Child welfare panel returns 2-mth-old to unwed mom

Hunt on for terrorists after gunfight in J&K

6 RTO officials suspended over Jammu bus tragedy

2 women among 3 killed in Odisha lightning strikes

2 girls die after slipping into river pit in UP’s Bareilly

‘Global warming’s given every human one month of extra-hot days — India is living this right now’

1 killed, 12 hurt in Gangotri highway landslide

New envoys of China, UK present credentials to Prez

Agnikul: From IIT-M brainchild to space odyssey

Watchdog fines IAS coaching centre `3L for ‘misleading ads’

Gujarat plans to auction vehicles seized for ferrying liquor

K’tak a forms SIT to probe `90cr Valmiki corp scam

Times City

Cops versus cops: A curious case of extortion and torture

28-yr-old killed in NE Delhi, no arrests yet

Under fire, Special Cell left red-faced — yet again

Amid Water Crisis, Blame On Each Other’s Doorsteps

Neighbours providing their share, AAP govt’s mismanagement behind shortage, says Saxena

BJP organises march from Shahidi Park to secretariat

Govt in SC: Delhi in dire need of additional water

Getting more than allocated water from Haryana: DJB

Shots fired at office of bizman in Uttam Nagar

Beer goes bearish, fails to meet mercury highs in peak summer

‘Lost 6kg In 50 Days, This Is Sign of Major Disease’

Excise case: Court extends Sisodia’s custody till July 3

MCD to celebrate its 161ˢᵗ anniversary with heritage walk

There’s A Killer On The Road — It’s Called Pollution

Gurgaon feels the heat

Most polluted May in seven years

In just three months of year, Delhi faced 15 extreme weather events

Fire breaks out in Vasant Kunj shanty, takes 3 hours to be doused; 4 injured

Western disturbance gives hope of some quick respite

Hospital fire toll rises to seven as another baby dies

Panic over IGL pipeline fire

Trees biggest shield, can’t allow city to become a furnace & gas chamber: HC

200 Flyers To US Wait For 30 Hrs At IGI

HC pulls up lawyer for ‘publicity stunt’ PIL

Structure under flyover: PWD writes to cops

Scare at NDLS after ‘grenade’ found in bin

Double trouble: Long wait, AC snag in plane

Bibhav sent to 14-day judicial custody, HC to decide on hearing plea

SCORING A DUCK ON CRACKED PITCH

CINEMA OF THE WEEK

DIAL teaches locals of risk from wildlife, birds to planes

No night challans in Ggn, but crackdown on drunk driving will continue

HC notices to LG, law secy and IP Univ VC for ‘disobeying’ order

AIIMS to start valet parking service

Suraksha Set To Take Over JIL In Boost For Wish Town

Retirement day: In coma for 2 years, constable given fond farewell in bed

Dance Of Democracy

BIG BOUTS OF PHASE 7

PM offers prayers to Sun god, Cong slams release of videos

PM mentioned divisive issues 421 times but people voted against bigotry: Kharge

BJP: Oppn mocking Modi’s meditation is a display of hatred for Sanatan Dharma

BJP, BJD in war of words over `1L cash seizure

Sandeshkhali voters to set aside political divide, exercise their franchise today

‘Cong’s accepted defeat’: Shah on boycott of exit poll debates

Yogi’s marathon run: 204 election events in 13 states, 2 UTs over 61 days

Mahayuti tussle over MLC polls

Bharat Ek Another Khoj Through Eyes Of Polling Staff

Anandpur Sahib to go green, ‘cast a vote & plant a tree’ today

Dehradun policeman rapes yoga trainer at gunpoint, suspended

Ahead of polls, call for ‘tiger widow’ census

Dalit drift, beneficiary women, youth ire & silent voters in big UP poll picture

UP’s quiet Robertsganj ‘wishes for change’, but youth & tribal voters to have final say

Shyam Rangeela and his ‘chhoti si poll story’ in Kashi

Ex-colleagues slug it out in key Kolkata clash

SURROUND SOUND

Agri, Agniveer, Anti-Incumbency Echo In Punjab

How parties are juggling caste, class & community

In Biju’s karmabhoomi, BJP fields heavyweight eyeing maiden win

Times Global

Trump blames judge, jury and a country ‘gone to hell’

Trump Guilty On All 34 Counts In Hush-Money Trial

‘No one above the law’: Biden says Trump questioning ruling ‘dangerous’

Last-minute verdict left Trump stunned

Upside-down flags become symbol for Republicans protesting Trump’s verdict

AROUND THE WORLD

Biden endorses Israel’s proposal for Gaza truce

Under pressure, Biden allows Ukraine to use US weapons to strike inside Russia

Editorial

Sacred space

Look At Job Market

What Trump Trial Tells Us

Why Politics Needs The Middle Path

AMERICA HAS FELON

Exit Polls: Science Or Parlour Game?

‘Sannyasins Should Not Intermingle With Politics’

A thought for today

Times Business

Govt expects eco to expand 7% in FY25 on good monsoon

Fisc deficit at 5.6%, beats projection

Sensex clocks marginal gain after 5-day loss

PE-VC funding falls by $700mn in May

Dip in US bond yields helped RBI declare record payout

‘Concerns over ARCs fronting for defaulters’

There’s been no leniency in recovering bad loans: FM

Eco momentum poised to accelerate further: PM

Desi startups head home as mkt booms

AI to boost productivity, may lead to job cuts, says Chandra

Stripe goes ‘invite-only’ in India

Times Sport

GET REAL

Committed to developing safe, and beneficial AI: Tech firm

Cops seize Prajwal phone, to seek court nod for med tests

HC orders notices to SIT, Revanna in kidnap case

Had urged Priyanka to contest polls: Kharge

Draw up a fresh merit list based solely on marks, HC tells Haryana

BFI leaves suspended IBA, joins breakaway World Boxing

Those disrespecting medals, uniform won’t be spared, warns Army

Our focus is on doubles for Paris Games, says Sharath

PLAYERS READY TO STRIKE OVER PACKED CALENDAR: PFA CHIEF

URUGUAY’S CAVANI RETIRES FROM INTERNATIONAL DUTY

CHELSEA APPOINT ENZO MARESCA AS NEW MANAGER: REPORTS

CAN HARDIK STILL BE A GAME-CHANGER?

Treesa-Gayatri pair rallies to enter SFs

Rohit hopes for quick acclimatisation to NY pitch ahead of T20 WC

Boxer Nishant Dev seals quota for Paris Olympics

BALAJI-MIGUEL PAIR ADVANCES

Danilovic ousts Vekic

GALLERY

SINNER POWER

Delhi Times

India-Pak match in New York: Here’s all you need to know about the epic clash on June 9

SOARING TEMP HAS DELHI RUNNING FOR THE HILLS

‘I USED TO TELL MYSELF THAT IF ACTING HAS TO HAPPEN, IT WILL. DIDN’T KNOW IT WILL TAKE 15 YRS’

AAMIR TAKES THE WHEEL AT CONNAUGHT PLACE

BUZZ STOP

ELEGANCE REDEFINED AT DTFW

Katy, Shakira at Anant Radhika’s cruise bash?

Styles to slay this season

When Konstantin Bojanov offered me the ﬁlm, I knew I had to take it, says Anasuya Sengupta

Here’s why milk is a nutritional powerhouse

Stay out: Stars react to Trump conviction

DID YOU KNOW?

I’m in a very secure phase of life, says Krishna Shroff

Keep cool: Tips to battle the heatwave

We share a great friendship, says Anjali as social media split on a viral video of Balayya pushing her on stage

SEEDS, LENTIL NUGGETS: ENJOY SUN-DRYING THIS SUMMER

Soups, salads: Make the most of mint this season

A stunning sunset spectacle in the heart of New York

I don’t even know Shubman Gill: Ridhima on wedding rumours