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Front Page

- IN THE COURTS

- Stir, FIR over med J&K student’s post

- 1 killed, house set on fire in Manipur

- Raj govt to review Cong recruitments

- USA beat Pak in T20 WC gp stage via super over

- SC to Hry: Give HP’s surplus water to Delhi

- Ex-Pjb DIG, DSP convicted in fake encounter case

- K’taka minister resigns over ST fund scam

- Rahul alleges `30L cr stocks ‘scam’; baseless, says Goyal

- CISF suspends constable after Kangana alleges she slapped her

- ‘Cong pact only for LS’: AAP to go it alone in assembly polls

- Full-strength ministerial team to take oath with Modi, likely on Sunday

- NDA allies call for review of Agnipath, JD(U) distances itself

- 65.8% turnout in ’24 LS polls; women beat men in 19 of 36 states/UTs

IN THE COURTS

➤ Saharanpur court sentences five of a family to death for killing an advocate in 2015 over a property dispute

P 9

➤ Why shouldn’t murder charge be invoked against civic commissioner for inaction, asks HC on May 25 Rajkot gaming zone fire

P 17

➤ Delhi court grants bail to Supertech chairman R K Arora in laundering case, says he and company trying to resolve dispute with buyers

P 5

➤ Delhi court grants bail to Congress MP Karti Chidambaram in money laundering case related to Chinese visa scam case

P 8

Stir, FIR over med J&K student’s post

J&K police filed an FIR against a student of Srinagar’s Govt Medical College over an alleged blasphemous post. The student has been suspended. Classes at the college have been suspended following protests.

P17

1 killed, house set on fire in Manipur

Trouble broke out in Manipur’s Jiribam district on Thursday after the alleged killing of a 59-year-old man by suspected militants. Angry residents set an abandoned building ablaze in protest.

P 15

Raj govt to review Cong recruitments

Rajasthan govt’s DoP has directed all departments to scrutinise recruitment processes and authenticate documents of all staff recruited in Congress’s 5-yr tenure as it suspected fake certificates were used for jobs.

P8

USA beat Pak in T20 WC gp stage via super over

USA stunned Pakistan by beating it in the T20 WC 2024 Group A clash in the super over at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Thursday. Winning the toss and opting to bowl first, USA bowlers managed to restrict Pakistan for 159/7 in their 20 overs quota. With five runs required off the last ball, USA’s Nitish Kumar scored a four over mid off to level the scores.

USA scored 18 in the super over and won the game by five runs. This victory marks a historic moment for American cricket and throws Group A wide open.

P 23

SC to Hry: Give HP’s surplus water to Delhi

Aiming to help the national capital overcome the water crisis, SC Thursday directed Himachal Pradesh to release from Friday 137 cusecs of surplus Yamuna water voluntarily offered from its share and ordered Haryana to release this excess water from Hathnikund barrage to Wazirabad reservoir in Delhi. “We are not directing Haryana to release excess water. Water is coming from Himachal Pradesh. Haryana will only be carrying it through its canals to Delhi. Do not stand in the way,” the SC bench told Haryana.

P 2

 DJB may see increase of 65 mn gallons daily, P 2

Ex-Pjb DIG, DSP convicted in fake encounter case

Special CBI court judge RK Gupta on Thursday convicted former Punjab Police DIG Dilbagh Singh and retired DSP Gurbachan Singh in a fake encounter case of 1993.

The conviction came 31 years after the fake encounter and the two convicted former police officers will be sentenced on Friday. Advocate Sarabjeet Singh Verka said the case was filed by CBI on the complaint of Chaman Lal. Along with his three sons, the complainant was picked up on June 22, 1993, by a police party. They were later freed, except for Gulshan Kumar who was killed in a staged encounter.

P 8

K’taka minister resigns over ST fund scam

Karnataka sports, youth services and ST welfare minister B Nagendra resigned Thursday amid allegations of a Rs 90-crore fraud in the Valmiki welfare board which comes under his department. Nagendra is the first minister to resign from the one-year-old Siddaramaiah govt in the state.

A suicide note by the board’s accounts superintendent alleged unauthorised transfer of Rs 187 crore from the corporation’s bank account. Denying the charge, Nagendra said he had decided to resign to avoid embarrassment to the state govt and CM.

P 8

Rahul alleges `30L cr stocks ‘scam’; baseless, says Goyal

Cong Demands JPC Probe; BJP Cries Conspiracy

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Congress and BJP were involved in a highwattage face-off on Thursday with Rahul Gandhi demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the “role” of PM Narendra Modi, home minister Amit Shah and finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman into what he claimed was a “Rs 30 lakh crore stock market scam” allegedly engineered through “fake” exit polls. BJP’s Piyush Goyal hit back by alleging that the charge was a conspiracy to mislead investors.

Addressing a press conference, Rahul said the PM, home minister and FM gave “investment advice” to people ahead of poll results and added that the “fake” pollsters also needed to be investigated.

BJP dismissed the charges and accused Rahul of conspiring to scare domestic and foreign investors, asserting that stock market indices had be- gun rising as a Modi-led govt was set to return to office for a third consecutive term. “Rahul Gandhi has still not overcome the loss in the Lok Sabha polls. Now, he is conspiring to mislead market investors,” Goyal said at a press conference while rejecting the demand for a JPC probe.

EAS Sarma, a former secretary in the finance mini- stry, has written to economic affairs secretary Ajay Seth demanding a probe by the Enforcement Directorate, CBI and CBDT into the stock market crash. He has also asked whether Sebi has taken up any investigation into the issue.

Buoyed by exit poll predictions of a decisive mandate for BJP-led NDA, the week kicked off with the BSE sensex soa- ring 2,500 points to a record high of 76,469 only to register its worst crash of 4,390 points to 72,079 after the poll results on Tuesday, resulting in a Rs 31 lakh crore wealth destruction for investors. At one point, it was down 6,000 points on heavy selling of shares. It has, however, recovered since then and on Thursday, closed 692 points higher at 75,074. Rahul questioned why the BJP leadership had encouraged people to invest in stocks ahead of poll results and alleged that Modi and Shah were “directly involved” in what he described as the “biggest stock market scam”.

“Why did the PM and HM give specific investment advice to the 5 crore families investing in the stock markets?” he asked. “Why both the interviews were given to the same media house (owned) by the same business group, which is also under SEBI investigations for manipulating stock markets? What is the connection between BJP, fake exit pollsters and dubious foreign investors who invested one day before the exit polls were announced and made huge profits at the cost of five crore families?”

‘Fig is notional’, P 10

CISF suspends constable after Kangana alleges she slapped her

Actor and BJP’s newly elected MP Kangana Ranaut alleged that she was slapped by a CISF woman constable after a security check at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Chandigarh on Thursday, report Barinderjit Saluja &Bharti Jain.

According to eyewitness accounts and sources, the constable, Kulwinder Kaur, allegedly confronted Kangana about her remarks regarding women participating in the ongoing farmers’ protests. The altercation escalated when the constable, visibly agitated by Kangana’s comments, allegedly slapped her. A CISF spokesperson told TOI that the force has suspended the woman constable and lodged an FIR against her.

P8

‘Cong pact only for LS’: AAP to go it alone in assembly polls

Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday said its alliance with Congress in Delhi was restricted to Lok Sabha polls and ruled out the possibility of a seat-sharing arrangement in assembly elections, due early next year.

AAP’s Delhi state convener Gopal Rai said there was clarity that the alliance with Congress was forged for general elections. “We fought Lok Sabha elections together (with Congress) with honesty. There is no alliance- …for Delhi assembly elections. We will fight this battle together with the people of Delhi and win it,” Rai said.

“When the alliance was discussed, both parties were of the firm view that it had to be only for Lok Sabha,” said Delhi Congress interim president Devender Yadav.

P3

 Vindicated on no truck with AAP: Pjb Cong, P 24

Full-strength ministerial team to take oath with Modi, likely on Sunday

Akhilesh.Singh@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: A full-strength ministerial team comprising all NDA partners will take oath along with Narendra Modi at the swearing-in ceremony that is now likely to be held on Sunday evening in the presence of leaders of South Asian countries.

Sources said the share of allies in the govt will be finalised in consultations which are likely to start in earnest after Modi is elected leader of the NDA parliamentary party on Friday afternoon. The build-up to govt formation has been marked by speculation about allies claiming important portfolios and seeking to secure representation keeping with the cruciality of their support to BJP. The buzz has persisted despite insistence by these players that they were not engaged in muscle-flexing.

However, sources close to BJP as well as the two most significant allies — TDP and JD(U) — said no discussion on portfolios and size of their share had taken place yet. “It is going to be the prime minister's call,” a BJP source said.

Muizzu accepts invite, P 15

NDA allies call for review of Agnipath, JD(U) distances itself

Bihar Partners Back Caste Census As Well

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: NDA partners JD(U) and LJP on Thursday articulated concern over the Agnipath scheme which was used by the opposition to attack govt over inadequate generation of jobs, though the former backpedalled on its comments saying they were twisted out of context.

JD(U) general secretary K C Tyagi was the first off the blocks, telling TV news channels that his party, which with 12 MPs may have an outsized role in the BJPled coalition govt, will insist on a review of the Agnipath scheme under which 75% of recruits, the Agniveers, will be let go after four years while the rest get to serve for another 15 years.

LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan, in response to a question, told NDTV that govt must revisit the Agnipath scheme to ascertain whether it had delivered the desired results. “Yesterday (Wednesday), in the (NDA) meeting, my PM said on record that he is open to discussion. This platform is open and he is easily available for discussion of concerns... If somebody feels or any party feels, I definitely believe that we must revisit that (Agnipath),” he said.

 ‘Unconditional support’, P 15

EDIT:SHARING SPOILS

DANCE of DEMOCRACY

➤ RSS office-bearers meet Maha dy CM Fadnavis at his Nagpur residence. Sources say poll debacle discussed, Fadnavis advised to stay put and steer state govt till assembly election

P 9

➤ In UP, 27 out of 49 sitting BJP MPs lost. Of these, 20 were seeking third term in a row or more, including Smriti Irani & Ajay Mishra Teni

P 16

➤ Amid special status talk, CM-to-be Chandrababu Naidu likely to release white paper on Andhra’s finances

P 9

➤ Terror funding accused Engineer Rashid moves court for interim bail to take oath as Baramulla MP

P 24

65.8% turnout in ’24 LS polls; women beat men in 19 of 36 states/UTs

New Delhi: Nearly 65.8% of the country’s 97.6 crore electorate came out to vote in the just-concluded general election, though this was 1.3 percentage points less than the 67.1% overall turnout, excluding the postal ballots, recorded in the 2019 edition, reports Bharti Jain.

Women beat men in terms of turnouts in 19 of the 36 states and Union Territories (UTs), but at the national level, men with a polling percentage of 65.8% were a tad ahead of women with 65.7%.

An EC official clarified that the 65.8% overall turnout is based on EVM votes and does not factor in postal ballots.

The release of the turnout data came on a day when EC —comprising chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar and election commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu — called on President Droupadi Murmu to submit a copy of the notification containing list of the newly elected members of 18th Lok Sabha. The commission later visited Rajghat to dedicate the “violence-free polls” to Mahatma Gandhi.

 L’dweep vote highest, P 10

Times Nation

- Blow to K’taka govt, minister resigns over `90 crore scam

- Raj to review all recruitments under previous Congress govt

- Day after NEET results, MP girl ends life; 10th in Kota this yr

- CISF suspends constable for ‘slapping’ BJP MP

- Gandhi, Ambedkar Parl statues relocated, govt draws Cong fire

- Retd Punjab DIG, ex-DSP held guilty of 1993 fake encounter

- Bahu arrested for bizman’s ‘supari killing’ over `300cr property dispute

- CLOSE SHAVE FOR PASSENGERS IN BIHAR

- Compensatory NEET marks as per SC mechanism, says NTA

- Trekker couple inseparable in life, and also in death

- 2 sanctuaries in Bihar added to Ramsar list

- Karti gets bail in case tied to Chinese ‘visas’

- We got patients and doctors to test WHO’s new chatbot SARAH

- Man tries to stop quarrel, gets his ear chopped off

- L’dweep posts highest turnout at 84.2%, Bihar lowest at 56.2%

- `30L cr Rahul mentioned is notional amount, not tied to trading: Goyal

- Andhra police seal SIT, Fibernet offices

- Tyagi: JD(U) backs Modi govt unconditionally

- Muizzu accepts India’s invitation to attend swearing-in of new govt

- Tension in Manipur after man killed by ‘militants’

- Prajwal custody extended by 5 days

- Congress seeks to drive wedge between BJP, allies over spl status to states

- 20 of 33 BJP MPs repeated for 3rd time or more lost in UP, Irani & Teni included

- HC: ‘Trespassers will be shot’ signs at def bases improper, use light words

- 5 of family get death for advocate’s 2015 killing

- Stir, FIR over ‘blasphemous’ post by J&K med student

- Why no murder charge on civic body chief in Rajkot case: HC

- Upset over 7-yr-old sister’s ‘behaviour’, 14-yr-old boy strangles her, dumps body

- Amritpal Singh, Engineer Rashid will need parole to take oath

- Court seeks NIA response on Engineer Rashid bail plea

- Asked by party not to canvass in NE barring Arunachal: Sarma

- All 25 Andhra LS MPs, except 1, are crorepatis

- ‘Never thought I could win... people’s support my strength’

- ‘From Day 1, Cong said it won’t touch AAP. Our stance has been vindicated’

- China protests PM’s reply to Taiwan prez’s greetings

- Ties anchored to rule of law: Trudeau to Modi

Blow to K’taka govt, minister resigns over `90 crore scam

Bengaluru: Karnataka sports, youth services and ST welfare minister B Nagendra Thursday resigned amid allegations of a Rs 90-crore fraud in Valmiki welfare board which comes under his department.

“I was under no pressure to resign. With a clear conscience and to ensure people are not misled (about alleged role in the scam), I’ve decided to resign to avoid embarrassment to the govt and CM,” Nagendra said before handing over his resignation letter to the CM, who forwarded it to the governor.

Nagendra was under pressure to resign after an alleged illegal money-transfer scam involving K’taka Maharshi Valmiki ST Development Corp came to light after its superintendent Chandrashekhar died by suicide leaving behind a note, which alleged unauthorised transfer of Rs 187 crore from the corporation’s account.

Raj to review all recruitments under previous Congress govt

Jaipur: Rajasthan govt’s department of personnel has directed all departments to scrutinise recruitment processes and authenticate documents of all employees recruited in the five years of Congress tenure, reports Siddharth Dutta. The step aims to address the issues of paper leak and corruption in the state.

It was brought to govt’s notice that numerous candidates had submitted fraudulent educational certificates during their recruitment, while others had employed proxy candidates to pass exams to secure employment.

Govt departments have been directed to inform the Special Operations Group of the state police about any suspicious candidates. SOG had recently arrested several trainee-SIs at Rajasthan Police Academy in connection with the SI 2021 paper leak case.

The investigating agency got the information that many SIs undergoing training at RPA had arranged for proxy candidates to appear for the examination on their behalf.

The recent order stipulates each govt dept establish an internal committee to re-examine the recruitment processes. The depts are required to verify the individual who appeared for the exam and the public servant in the position are same. Further, degrees submitted by employees at time of the application, including the application form, photographs and signature, should be verified.

Day after NEET results, MP girl ends life; 10th in Kota this yr

Kota/Bhopal:An 18-year-old NEET aspirant from Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa died by suicide in Kota Wednesday, a day after the results were declared.

Bagisha Tiwari’s death is the 10th case of suspected suicide by a coaching student in Kota since the beginning of this year. In 2023, the Rajasthan city witnessed a recordhigh 26 cases of suspected suicide by coaching students, the highest in recent years.

Bagisha had been preparing for NEET for three years and had moved to Kota a year ago with her mother and younger brother, who is a JEE aspirant. They had taken a fifth-floor apartment on rent.

NEET released the results Tuesday. Bagisha scored 320 out of 720 marks, and was dejected. Her father Vinod Tiwari, a PWD engineer, was in Rewa then. He said he spoke with her over phone and assured her not to worry about the result as she could get into a private college. That was the last time the father and daughter spoke.

Bagisha’s brother, Parth, said at 3.45pm, she messaged her mother, saying she was in class and would be home soon. Shortly after, neighbours informed the family that she had fallen from the building.

TNN

CISF suspends constable for ‘slapping’ BJP MP

Ranaut Says Terrorism On Rise In Punjab

Constable Kulwinder Kaur said she was offended by statements Kangana Ranaut (above) made about the farmers’ agitation

Barinderjit Saluja & Bharti Jain TNN

Chandigarh/New Delhi: Bollywood actor and newly elected BJP MP from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi constituency, Kangana Ranaut, alleged she was slapped by a CISF woman constable after a security check at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Chandigarh on Thursday.

According to eyewitness accounts and sources, the constable, identified as Kulwinder Kaur, allegedly confronted Kangana about her remarks regarding women participating in the ongoing farmers’ protests. The altercation escalated when the constable, visibly agitated by Kangana’s comments, allegedly slapped her.

A video of the constable was soon widely circulated on social media. In the video, Kulwinder says: “Isne (Kangana) bayaan diya tha na ki 100-100 rupaye ke liye baithi hain wahan pe (during the farmers’ protest). Yeh baithegi wahan? Meri maa baithi thi jab isne bayaan diya (Ranaut had said during the farmers’ protest that women were sitting there for Rs 100.

My mother was also at the protest when she said that.)”

The incident was widely condemned and action sought against the constable. A CISF spokes person told TOI Thursday that the force has suspended the constable and lodged an FIR against her. “Police will conduct a criminal investigation. At our end, there will be a full internal inquiry and action will be taken as required,” said the officer.

Ranaut, who was on her way to Delhi for a meeting of MPs convened by PM Modi, released a video saying, “I am safe, but I am worried about growing terrorism and extremism in Punjab…”

The incident has raised questions about security arrangements at airports as well as the need for better training and sensitisation of security personnel to handle such situations.

Gandhi, Ambedkar Parl statues relocated, govt draws Cong fire

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:Lok Sabha secretariat on Thursday said statues of Mahatma Gandhi, B R Ambedkar and Chhatrapati Shivaji, among others, are being respectfully relocated to a “grand Prerana Sthal” in the Parliament House Complex itself as part of a landscaping exercise, even as the move drew sharp criticism from the Congress.

The Lok Sabha secretariat clarified in a statement, “After construction of the new Parliament building, an action plan has been made for landscaping and beautification of Parliament complex so that it could be made grand and attractive in accordance with the high dignity and decorum of Parliament.”

Reacting to the development, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said on X, “Statues of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Gandhi, and Babasaheb Ambedkar have just been removed from their places of prominence in front of Parliament House. This is atrocious.”

Criticising BJP, Congress’s media and publicity department head Pawan Khera remarked that the removal of the statues of Shivaji and Ambedkar from their original places in Parliament was a response to Maharashtra voters not supporting BJP.

Meanwhile, Lok Sabha secretariat statement noted that statues of the nation’s great leaders and freedom fighters were installed at different parts of the complex. “These great leaders and freedom fighters have made significant contributions in the independence of our nation, in the cultural and spiritual renaissance of the nation and in taking the country’s democratic journey forward strongly after independence…”

Ramesh in response to the secretariat’s statement said, “This is as bogus an explanation as you can get from a system run by a megalomaniac who has been decisively rejected by the people of our country.”

Retd Punjab DIG, ex-DSP held guilty of 1993 fake encounter

3 Other Cops Died During The Trial

A man cycles past closed shops in Amristar on Thursday. Sikh organisations had called a strike on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Op Blue Star

Barinderjit.Saluja@timesgroup.com

Mohali: Special CBI court judge RK Gupta on Thursday convicted former Punjab Police DIG Dilbagh Singh and retired DSP Gurbachan Singh in a fake encounter case of 1993. The conviction came 31 years after the fake encounter and the two convicted former police officers will be sentenced on Friday.

Advocate Sarabjeet Singh Verka said the case was registered by CBI on the complaint of one Chaman Lal. Along with his sons Parveen Kumar, Bobby Kumar and Gulshan Kumar, the complainant was picked up on June 22, 1993, by a police party, headed by then DSP Dilbagh Singh and then SHO Tarn Taran city Gurbachan Singh. They were released by the police after a few days except Gulshan Kumar, a vegetable vendor.

Dilbagh Singh retired as DIG while Gurbachan Singh went on to become DSP.

The complainant claimed that his son was kept in illegal custody at Tarn Taran city police station and was killed in a staged encounter along with three other persons. Gulshan Kumar’s body was not handed over to his family and was cremated as unclaimed by the police, the complainant claimed.

The CBI on Feb 28, 1997, registered a case against DSP Dilbagh Singh and others for kidnapping, illegal confinement and then killing of Gulshan Kumar in a fake encounter after the Supreme

Court, by an order dated Nov 15, 1995, handed over the case.

After completing investigation on May 7, 1999, CBI presented a chargesheet against police officials of Tarn Taran district in the case — DSP Dilbagh Singh, inspector Gurbachan Singh, ASI Arjun Singh, ASI Davinder Singh and ASI Balbir Singh. Accused Arjun Singh, Davinder Singh and Balbir Singh died during the trial and proceedings against them were abated.

Retired DIG Dilbagh Singh was convicted under Section 364 (kidnap or abduction of any person in order that such person may be murdered or may be so disposed of as to be put in danger of being murdered) and retired DSP Gurbachan Singh was convicted under sections 364, 302 (murder, kidnapping, destruction of evidences and forging original documents with intent to save accused), 218 and 201 of the Indian Penal Code.

Bahu arrested for bizman’s ‘supari killing’ over `300cr property dispute

Nagpur:The daughter-in-law of 82-year-old Nagpur businessman Puroshattam Puttewar was arrested Thursday for her alleged involvement in murder on May 22 when a car driven by hired killers struck him fatally in Balaji Nagar area of the city over a Rs 300cr property dispute with his legal heirs, police said, reports Soumitra Bose.

Archana Puttewar, assistant director of town planning department in Gadchiroli and Chandrapur of Maharashtra, is the wife of Puroshattam’s son and ENT surgeon Manish, who had reported his father’s death as a fatal road accident.

Puroshattam was on foot heading to his daughter’s home when he was struck and dragged by the killer car. He suffered critical wounds. Later, doctors declared him dead. However, subsequent investigations revealed it was a premeditated murder, police said.

According to police sources, Archana allegedly planned the murder due to the multicrore property dispute and ongoing domestic conflicts. Archana allegedly contacted her husband’s driver Sarthak Bagde to arrange the killing. Bagde is on the run. According to confessions from arrested supari contractor Sachin Dharmik, she was the mastermind, police said.

The role of Ajni police is under scrutiny for initially treating the case as a road accident, despite clear CCTV evidence showing the brutal manner in which Puroshattam was hit and dragged. The car driver Neeraj Nimje was arrested under a bailable section and quickly released, raising further questions about police’s handling of the case.

CLOSE SHAVE FOR PASSENGERS IN BIHAR

A coach of the Patna-Jasidih MEMU passenger train caught fire at Bihar’s Kiul station on Thursday evening. However, all passengers were evacuated safely. The affected coach was detached from the train before it was allowed to leave for Jasidih around 8pm, said railway officials

Compensatory NEET marks as per SC mechanism, says NTA

50 of 67 toppers scored 720 marks due to revision of 1 physics answer key, NTA claimed

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:Amid concerns raised by National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2024 candidates regarding compensatory marks due to loss of time for some aspirants, high number of toppers, and higher qualifying cut-offs this year, National Testing Agency on Thursday clarified compensatory marks were awarded based on a “few writ petitions” and the recommendations of a Grievance Redressal Committee. The agency also said that of the 67 toppers, 50 scored 720 marks due to revision of one Physics answer key, and six got compensatory marks for loss of time.

Candidates took to social media to share their scorecards and question NTA, asking, “Can @NTA_Exams tell how these students scored 718/720 and 719/720 in the NEET-UG with the current marking scheme?”

NTA said the concerns raised by candidates through writ petitions and representations required careful consideration. Consequently, a grievance redressal panel, composed of eminent experts in examination and academia, was formed to review these grievances and provide recommendations.

NTA stated, “The Committee considered grievances/representations based on factual reports from functionaries and CCTV footage from exam centres concerned. The loss of examination time was assessed, and candidates were compensated with marks based on their answering efficiency and the time lost, as per the mechanism/formula established by the Hon’ble Apex Court.”

Regarding the high cutoffs, the agency said, “Cutoff scores are determined based on the overall performance of candidates each year. The increase in cut-off reflects the competitive nature of the examination and the higher performance standards achieved by the candidates this year.”

Trekker couple inseparable in life, and also in death

Sujata and Vinayak Mungarwadi shared the same birthday

Mini.Thomas@timesgroup.com

Bengaluru: No one knows what Sujata and Vinayak Mungarwadi’s final moments were like when they died on Monday night in inclement weather while trekking in the high-altitude Sahastra Tal near Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand.

However, their friends are certain of one thing — if they had the chance to save the other during the blizzard, they would have done so, even at the cost of one’s own life. The friends know what Sujata and Vinayak meant to each other from the time they met during their college days. The couple even shared the same birthday: Oct 3. They were inseparable in life. Even in death, they remained together.

Sujata, 51, was a trustee of NGO Uttara Karnataka Sneha Loka (UKSL), and Vinayak, 54, a mechanical engineer and co-founder of Commverse Global. He actively supported Sujata as a member of UKSL. They are survived by their mothers and two children — Aditi, 28, who works with a startup, and Ishaan, 21, an engineering student.

The couple was passionate about environmental causes. “They would celebrate World Envi- ronment Day with great enthusiasm and plant saplings along with UKSL members,” Prakash Rajagoli from Bengaluru recalled.

Avid trekkers, Sujata and Vinayak were devotees of Shiva and Parvathi and would trek to Srisailam Temple in Andhra twice a year. “They joined the group after two people cancelled their trips,” said Gangadhar Wali, UKSL chief. Their bodies are expected to reach their home in JP Nagar Friday morning.

2 sanctuaries in Bihar added to Ramsar list

New Delhi: India has added Bihar’s two bird sanctuaries in the list of wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, becoming joint third with China in terms of having 82 such sites in the list, reports Vishwa Mohan.

The number of Indian sites in the list has increased from 26 to 82 in the last ten years, of which 40 have been added in the last three years. The latest two —Nagi and Nakti bird sanctuaries — were added on World Environment Day Wednesday. Both are man-made reservoirs in Jhajha forest range in Jamui.

Ramsar Convention was adopted in 1971 in Iranian city of Ramsar. It provides a framework for conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources across its 172-member countries, including India.

Karti gets bail in case tied to Chinese ‘visas’

New Delhi: A Delhi court Thursday granted regular bail to Congress MP Karti Chidambaram in the money laundering case related to the Chinese visa ‘scam’ case.

The court granted bail to Karti on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh and a surety of a like amount. It also granted bail to other accused — S Bhaskararaman, Padam Dugar, Vikas Makharia and Mansoor Siddiqui.

The court cited the SC judgment in Tarsem Lal (Supra) case, stating the accused were not arrested during probe. The court said if the accused intendsto travel abroad, he would have to inform the court and the investigation officer of his itinerary and reason and ensure his travel does not hamper the progress of the trial on account of non-appearance.

TNN

We got patients and doctors to test WHO’s new chatbot SARAH

Lata.Mishra@timesgroup.com

What if youhave this nagging fever that seems to have lasted persistently for days or there’s a lump under your skin, but there’s no pain. It doesn’t feel like you needto worry or see a doctor, but you don’t want to ignore it either.

The popular option presently is a Google search, but given the sheer number of untrustworthy articles, you could come away feeling better or like death is imminent. A new option is the free online chatbot recently launched by the World Health Organisation, called SARAH.

The WHO announced the launch of SARAH — a digital health promoter prototype that is powered by generative AI — on April 7. The chatbot is available 24-hours a day, answers in eight different languages and responds to queries on multiple health topics, on any device.

The WHO said SARAH can help people better understand the risk factors for some of the leading causes of death in the world, including cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes. “It can also help people access up-to-date infor- mation on quitting tobacco, being active, eating a healthy diet, and de-stressing among other things,” the organisation said.

The chatbot isn’t without issues. There has already been some criticism of the chatbotfor failing to get many conditions right. And the appearance and mannerisms of the chatbot are a bit awkward. But what do patients think after interacting with it? TOI+ got four patients with differentconditionsto test the chatbot and then askedthem and their doctors what they thought of the responses.

Pooja Shah (name changed)

Wanted to know about | Breast cancer treatment, and options before her

When the 36-year-old informed SARAH that she has been diagnosedwith Stage 2 breast cancer, and soughtto know more about treatment, the chatbotstarted with a comforting message.

“I’m sosorry tohear about your diagnosis,” she said, adding. “It’s important to know that there are many treatment options available. Early detection can greatly increase the chances of successful treatment. Do you have any questions about managing your diagnosis or seeking support during thistime?”

Morecomfortingly, SARAH doesn’t pretend to know it all. In fact, it even encouraged Pooja toschedule an appointment with her doctor to further discussthe risk factorsfor breast cancer treatment.

“Your doctor can provide youwith more information about your specific treatment plan and whatto expect during and after treatment… Remember, staying positive and taking careof your overallhealth can greatly improve your chancesof successful treatment,” the chatbot said.

Shah said she was quite impressed. “I was completely surprisedby the way SARAH spoketo me,” she says. “It did not feel likeI wastalking toAI. In fact, it felt like I was talking to someone who was really concerned about me, ready to answer all my queries.”

For instance, when Pooja asked SARAH about why she has been diagnosed with breast cancer when she has no family history of the illness, it had an illuminating response.

“Yes, it is possible for someone to develop breast cancer without a family history,” SARAH replied. “While genetics can play a role in some cases, lifestylechoices and environmental factorscan also increase the risk of developing breast cancer.”

So,howdoes SARAH’s responses fare to a seasoned cancer specialist?

“Its answerswere quitesensible, and yes, this isexactly whatwe would have told the patient,” says Dr Meghal Sanghavi, senior oncologist (breast cancer), Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai. “What I liked mostwas that, apart from providing basic information, it stated that it is a digitalhealth promoter. While SARAH can most definitely not replace a doctor, it certainly is quite helpful in providing lots of correct information.”

Whatthe doctor found most impressive is that it correctly stated at which age the mammography is recommendedfor women. “The American Cancer Society recommends that women with an average risk of breast cancer should start getting mammograms at 45,” says Dr Sanghavi. “However, if youhave a history of breast cancer in the family, your doctor may recommend starting screenings earlier. This is exactly whatwe would tell our patients.”

Preeti Pawar

Wanted to know about | Prehypertension

When Preeti Pawar experienced severe headaches, anxiety, and sleep problems for a week, the 24-year-old was advised to visit Dr Manish Itolikar at Fortis Hospital in Mulund. The physician diagnosed her with prehypertension, due to her elevated blood pressure of 150/90, and advised her to monitor her blood pressure regularly, while making necessary lifestyle changes.

Despite the visit to the doctor, Preeti felt she needed additional guidance about her health condition. When she turned to SARAH with her questions, it informed her that prehypertension can occur at any age and emphasised the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“The treatment for hypertension can vary depending on the individual and their specific health needs,” SARAH told her. “It may include lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, as well as medication prescribed by a doctor. It’s also important to work closely with your healthcare provider todevelop a treatment plan that is right for you.”

What Preeti said she most appreciated were SARAH’s personalised and empathetic responses.

Even Dr Itolikar was impressed by its responses and hoped it will help put an end to the trend of people googling their symptoms.

“Self-diagnosison the internet always points towards something more sinister. For example, if you search for ‘headache’, you are most likely going to find around 20 results, each scarier than the other. There are chances that your headache might also be diagnosed as a tumour and your perpetual fatigue could be seen as a sign of an underlying disease including cancer,” he said.

“Apart from thesketchy and inaccurate diagnosis of innumerable medical websites, it is the risk of not being able to identify a disease correctly that is worse. SARAH, on the other hand, does not bombard you with too much information, instead it focuses on a healthy lifestyle and how to manage the disease,” the doctor said.

Vasanti Kamble

Wanted to know about | Osteoporosis (joint pain)

The 73-year-old said she felt relieved after she chattedwith SARAH to understand why she had distal radius fracture, which occurs due to osteoporosis. Vasanti wanted to learn more about the condition and whatshe can do to alleviate the pain.

When asked about the main cause of osteoporosis, SARAH informed her that it is due to age-related bone density loss. It also listed other risk factors like hormonal changes post-menopause, certain medical conditions, and the use of medications like corticosteroids.

Vasanti asked “how is osteoporosis typically diagnosed, and at what age should individuals consider screening?” and was told that it is usually diagnosed throughbonedensity tests like DXA scans.

“Screening is recommended for women aged 65 and older and men aged 70 and older. Yo unger individualswith risk factors like family history, low body weight, or certain medical conditions should also consider screening,” SARAH told her.

She also asked how to prevent osteoporosis and was told that incorporating calcium-rich foodslike dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods in the diet helps.

“Engage in weight-bearing exercises like walking or strength training to strengthen bones. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake. Regular bone density screenings can also help monitor bone health,” Vasanti was told.

What Kamble said she found most reassuring wasthat it was available 24/7.

Dr Sanesh Tuteja, consultant in arthroscopy and sports medicine at Fortis Hospital, Mulundsaid the advice given was extremely helpful.

“What was incredible was that it even advisedher to consult with a registered dietitian for personalised advice, reflecting a thoughtful and individualised approach,” he says.

Zeba Sayed

Wanted to know about | Pre-diabetes

The 30-year-old was diagnosedwith pre-diabetes and wanted to know more.

She was told that it occurs when the bloodsugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enoughto be diagnosed asdiabetes. “This means you have an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and other health problems if left untreated,” it said.

When Zeba asked the chatbot about potential complications associated with pre-diabetes, she was told about the “increased risk of heart disease, stroke, nervedamage, kidney disease and vision problems.” She was also told that the risks can be reduced through proper management and lifestyle changes.

Zeba asked if stress was a factor in developing pre-diabetes given she follows a healthy lifestyle and execrcises regularly. “Stress can play a role in managing prediabetes. High stress levels can affect blood sugar levels and make it harder to control,” she was told.

Zeba also checked whether she needed to take any medication and was told she wasn’t unless advised by a doctor. She was also advised to focus on a balanceddiet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains andlean proteins.

Dr Sweta Budyal, consultant endocrinologist and diabetologist at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, said the chatbot’s responses are superior to misleading information available online.

Man tries to stop quarrel, gets his ear chopped off

A 31-year-old man’s attempt to intervene and resolve a quarrel his acquaintance engaged in cost him dear as the latter sliced off his left ear in Vattiyoorkavu in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapu- ram Thursday. Rahul Raj also sustained fractures on his fingers. His ear was later rejoined at medical college hospital.

Police have arrested the accused, Vivek, 37, while his accomplice, Shabu, is absconding. Rahul had reached Vivek’s house after hearing some commotion. Vivek and his friend Shabu were engaged in an argument with two other men over a loan, and Rahul tried to resolve the conflict, police said.

TNN

L’dweep posts highest turnout at 84.2%, Bihar lowest at 56.2%

Continued from P 1

There is no room for violence in democracy was the upfront commitment with which 18th Lok Sabha elections were announced... the long queues at polling stations and the determination to decide their future through the ballot were testament to Mahatma Gandhi’s cherished ideals and India’s civilisational heritage,EC said in a statement later.

It said EC having rebuffed attempts to vitiate the electoral process with rumours and baseless doubts “which could have fomented unrest”. Constituency-wise EVM turnout data for 2024 general election data shows that 204 parliamentary constituencies had a higher turnout by women electors. The last three phases recorded a higher female voting percentage, with Phase 7 clocking 64.7% women turnout as against 63.1% among men. In 2019 elections, female voter turnout at 67.2% had exceeded the 67% polling among male electors. As many as 17 states and UTs had witnessed higher turnouts by men as compared to their male counterparts.

Lakshadweep recorded highest overall turnout at 84.2%, followed by Assam with 81.6%, Tripura with 80.9% and Andhra Pradesh with 80.7%. Lowest polling state was Bihar with 56.2% turnout, followed by Mizoram with 56.9% and UP, the source of the biggest upset for BJP, with 56.9%.

While Dhubri in Assam recorded highest turnout at 92.1%, lowest polling was in Srinagar at 38.5%.

The states/UTs where women turnout was higher this time are Bihar, UP, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Odisha, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Puducherry, Ladakh, Lakshadweep and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.

Phase-wise analysis shows that the overall turnout was highest in Phase 4 at 69.2%, followed by 66.7% in Phase 2, 66.1% in Phase 1, 65.7% in Phase 3, 63.9% in Phase 7, 63.4% in Phase 6 and 62.2% in Phase 5.

Postalballotsup 62%in2024 polls

Around 37 lakh valid postal ballots were cast in the 2024 general election, up 62% from the 22.8 lakh counted in 2019. The 62% jump in postal ballot count over the last general election, however, is essentially on account of extension of postal ballot facility to newer categories other than service voters; namely senior citizens aged over 85 years, persons with disabilities (PwDs) and those engaged in specified essential services, in 2020, reports Bharti Jain. Along with the postal ballots, the overall turnout for the just-concluded polls would be over 66%, though this is still less than the 2019 polling percentage of 67.4%.

`30L cr Rahul mentioned is notional amount, not tied to trading: Goyal

Piyush Goyal alleged that Rahul is now hatching a conspiracy to scare domestic and foreign investors from putting their money in India

Continued from P 1

Without naming NDTV, Rahul said the interviews (of PM Modi and Amit Shah) were conducted by channels owned by Adani.

“This is a criminal act,” he said, arguing that it was the first time that Modi, Shah and Sitharaman had commented on the stock market. “Quite interestingly, this has never happened before that the PM has commented on the stock market. This is happening for the first time and multiple times when he is saying that the stock market is going to boom,” Rahul said. He claimed that from its internal surveys and feedback from intelligence agencies, BJP knew it was not going to win over 220 seats, but despite that “the exit polls were made to show that BJP was winning a large number of seats”.

Countering the charges, Pi- yush Goyal said the Rs 30 lakh crore mentioned Rahul was a notional amount and did not relate to trading. “He (Rahul) does not understand. That is why people of India do not trust him,” the newly elected MP from Mumbai said, arguing that retail and domestic investors had benefited the most from the stock market rise during the last 10 years.

“Rahul should be concerned about the fear of investors as the market crashed when Congress was doing better than expected. Now, people are confident that the Modi govt is coming back, and the market has stabilised and is reclaiming its previous highs,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the reforms envisioned by the new govt will continue at a time when the country is poised for a bright future. “We are delighted that our allies are progressive and support reforms,” Goyal said.

He said Rahul was desperate after the opposition alliance failed in its bid for power. He alleged that Congress MP is now hatching a conspiracy to scare domestic and foreign investors from putting their money in India when PM is working to make the country the third largest global economy. It is in the nature of markets to go up and down due to various factors and investors have to take a long-term view to see how it has performed, he said.

Andhra police seal SIT, Fibernet offices

Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh police on Thursday sealed the office of AP CID’s special investigation team (SIT) at Tadepalli and office of AP Fibernet in Vijayawada to protect documents, hard disks and a few other objects following the instruction of top officials, reports Nalla Babu.

Ahead of formation of new govt (TDP-BJP-JSP alliance) in Andhra, activities at SIT of AP CID were suspended. The decision comes in the wake of complaints of irregularities at the two offices during outgoing CM YS Jagan Mohan’s regime. CID held TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu in Sept 2023 in alleged fraud involving Rs 371 crore in AP Skill Development Corporation during 2014-19 when TDP was in office. Additional DG of CID, N Sanjay had then alleged that the offence had occurred with the knowledge of Naidu.

It was alleged that CID put the documents of Heritage Foods Pvt Ltd and important articles of evidence on fire intentionally in April 2024. However, CID denied the allegations of TDP and claimed that the documents provided by the company were safe. TDP leaders had complained to governor S Abdul Nazeer alleging that false documents were prepared to implicate Naidu. AP top police officials ordered CID staff to evacuate the office immediately. Police have vacated AP Fibernet office and employees were instructed to leave the premises. The entire campus has been sealed.

Naidu starts work on Andhra cabinet, may give berths to Jana Sena, BJP

TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh CM-elect N Chandrababu Naidu has started working on a new state cabinet and may give a couple of cabinet berths to Jana Sena and BJP, reports Gopi Dara. TD Legislature Party is scheduled to meet on June 11 and Naidu is to take oath on June 12. He will also attend the swearing-in ceremony of PM Modi in Delhi. Naidu held a meeting with party’s senior functionaries, newly-elected MPs available and party MLAs at his Undavalli residence. He also spoke to them on Union Cabinet.It is not known if Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan will be part of state cabinet or give others a chance. From BJP, YS Chowdary, P Vishnu Kumar Raju and Sathyakumar Yadav are likely to be in state cabinet.

Tyagi: JD(U) backs Modi govt unconditionally

K C Tyagi said there were reports of unhappiness among a section of voters in western UP and Rajasthan regarding the Agnipath scheme

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Comments from JD(U) and LJP on Thursday for a “review” of Agnipath scheme were interpreted as muscle-flexing by allies whose strength in NDA has acquired disproportionate dimension because of BJP lacking its own majority, before the former (JD(U) general secretary K C Tyagi) dialled back by saying that his comments to TV channels were edited out of context.

“What is said was in exact sync with the line articulated on several occasions by Rajnath Singh that the scheme is going to be reviewed periodically to look for shortcomings and their removal,” Tyagi said, adding that there were reports of unhappiness among a section of voters in western Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. “My assertion that JD(U) is part of NDA and has extended unconditional support to the Modi govt was also left out,” he further said.

On JD(U)’s support to a Modi-led govt, Tyagi said, “There is no pre-condition, there is unconditional support. But it is in our mind and heart that Bihar should be given special status. After bifurcation, the situation Bihar faced cannot be corrected without granting special status.”

LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan said govt must carry out an assessment of how much could be delivered through this scheme as it directly concerned youngsters. “If it is beneficial and working for them as per intention of the scheme, then we must continue. If not, we should come up with suggestions of what can be done. But these things can be kept on hold for a while or till govt formation. Immediately after that, we can sit and discuss all these things,” he said.

On caste census, which was carried out by Nitish Kumar govt in Bihar with support of BJP, RJD and all other political parties, Tyagi said, “No party in the country has opposed caste census. Bihar has shown the way, the PM also did not oppose... It is the demand of the time, and we will pursue it.”

Paswan also backed a caste-wise headcount. “Me and my party do support caste census. There’s a reason behind this. Even after seven decades of Independence, there are still schemes and policies which are drafted for upliftment of a particular caste or section of society. Many times, courts have also asked for the population count of a particular caste. So, I do believe that govt should have these details with it, what is the figure of a particular caste. I’m not in favour of making it public, because that increases the divide,” he said.

Tyagi said JD(U) is not opposed to Uniform Civil Code but all stakeholders should be consulted. “On UCC, CM (Nitish Kumar) had written to Law Commission. We are not against UCC. But there should be consultation with all stakeholders,” he said.

Muizzu accepts India’s invitation to attend swearing-in of new govt

Prez Droupadi Murmu receiving list of newly elected members of the 18th Lok Sabha from CEC Rajiv Kumar and election commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu in New Delhi on Thursday

Akhilesh.Singh@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Official sources said Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has accepted India’s invite to attend the swearing-in of the new govt led by Narendra Modi. Muizzu is in addition to a cast of leaders from South Asia who would be present — Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Nepalese PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

Bilateral ties with Maldives have nosedived under Muizzu, who is considered close to China, although he was among the first foreign leaders to congratulate Modi for winning a record-equalling third term.

BJP chief J P Nadda, defence minister Rajnath Singh and home minister Amit Shah also held consultations with RSS leaders in- cluding general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale and senior functionary Suresh Soni, who is seen as an important voice.

There were strong indications that the swearing-in may now be held on Sunday instead of Saturday. Authorities were keeping both options open and preparations at Rashtrapati Bhavan have been made accordingly.

Amid speculative reports on TV channels that TDP was asking for the post of Speaker, party sources said they had set no such condition.

“Even in case of our leader, late G M C Balayogi who served as Speaker for five years beginning 1999, it was the then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee who had prevailed over N Chandrababu Naidu to nominate someone from TDP for the constitutional position,” a senior source said.

“We have made no demand for any ministry either,” he added.

Tension in Manipur after man killed by ‘militants’

Guwahati: Trouble broke out in Manipur’s Jiribam district on Thursday after the alleged killing of a 59-year-old man by suspected militants. Angry residents set an abandoned building ablaze in protest.

The family raised an alarm after Soibam Saratkumar Singh, the victim, did not return home from his farm. Subsequently his body was discovered; it bore injuries inflicted by a sharp weapon, police said.

Protesters gathered in front of Jiribam police station demanding return of their licensed firearms, which had been confiscated during elections, on grounds that the poll process was over.

Despite its diverse ethnic composition, including Meiteis, Muslims, Nagas, Kukis, and non-Manipuris, Jiribam had remained largely unaffected by the ethnic conflict that has plagued Manipur since May 2023. TNN

Prajwal custody extended by 5 days

A special court for elected representatives Thursday extended by five days police custody of rape-accused ex-JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna. Special judge KN Shivakumar directed the SIT to produce Prajwal on June 10. He was arrested on May 31 after flying in from Germany. Seeking his custody extension, special public prosecutor Ashok Nayak contended that Prajwal was not cooperating. TNN

Congress seeks to drive wedge between BJP, allies over spl status to states

New Delhi: Seeking to drive a wedge between BJP and its allies Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP and Nitish Kumar’s JD(U), Congress claimed PM Narendra Modi had failed to deliver special category status to the states of Andhra Pradesh and Bihar.

Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh in a post on X said, “these are the questions we asked for the 1/3rd Prime Minister when he visited Andhra Pradesh for campaigning during the LS elections. Will Mr Naidu finally extract his pound of flesh from Mr Modi? Or will Mr Modi’s 1/3rd govt collapse before he can action anything?” Ramesh was citing the questions related to Andhra Congress had asked in its “272 questions to PM in 72 days” campaign prior to the elections.

Congress highlighted that Modi has ignored the promise made in the reorganisation act during the bifurcation.

Congress pointed out that its Nyay Patra (manifesto) has reaffirmed the pledge for special category status for Andhra Pradesh for five years, as promised by Manmohan Singh.

On Bihar, Ramesh asked, “Will you (Modi) give special status to Bihar as promised in 2014 and fulfill your associate Nitish Kumar’s 10 year old demand? Do you promise to get caste census done on the lines of Bihar across the entire country.” In another post he also shared the questions posed to the PM by Congress related to Bihar and asked, “Will Nitish Kumar be able to raise these concerns effectively? Or will Narendra Modi’s 1/3 govt fall before taking any effective steps?”

BJP lost in three temple towns because of Lord Ram’s curse: Cong’s Shrinate

Congress on Thursday said BJP lost three temple towns of Ayodhya, Shravasti and Chitrakoot because of the “curse of Lord Ram” over political use of religion.

In a video message, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said, “BJP has not lost the constituencies of Ayodhya, Chitrakoot and Shravasti just like that. Hindus have taken revenge for insulting Lord Ram who is revered by crores of devotees. You are devotees of Nathuram and not of Shri Ram. There is a big message in the results. It is clear that astha (belief) and dharma (religion) can never be a business which you (BJP) tried to make of it.”

TNN

20 of 33 BJP MPs repeated for 3rd time or more lost in UP, Irani & Teni included

Lucknow: Anti-incumbency impacted BJP’s prospects in 2024 Lok Sabha elections in UP, resulting in defeat of 27 of its 49 sitting MPs. In total, BJP had repeated 54 candidates who contested in 2019, but 31 of them failed to secure a win this time around, reports Pankaj Shah.

Among the repeated candidates, 49 were sitting MPs, including Ambedkarnagar nominee Ritesh Pandey, who had switched from BSP to BJP. Of these, 33 MPs were being repeated for the third time or more, but 20 of them lost their seats.

The list included notable parliamentarians and Union ministers such as Smriti Irani (Amethi), Ajay Mishra Teni (Kheri), Kaushal Kishore (Mohanlalganj), Mahendra Nath Pandey (Chandauli), Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti (Fatehpur), Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma (Jalaun), and Sanjeev Balyan (Muzaffarnagar).

High-profile parliamentarians like eightterm MP Maneka Gandhi (Sultanpur) and Rajveer Singh (Etah), son of ex-CM Kalyan Singh, also faced defeat. Other significant losses included Lallu Singh (Faizabad) and Subrat Pathak (Kannauj).

“This clearly shows that people were unhappy with their work, yet BJP brass showed misplaced faith in them,” a political analyst said.

Data further revealed that only 14 BJP MPs contesting for the third or more time won, including PM Narendra Modi (Varanasi), Mahesh Sharma (GB Nagar), Bhola Singh (Bulandshahr), Rajnath Singh (Lucknow), and Hema Malini (Mathura).

Despite the losses among incumbents, 10 of 21 other BJP candidates, including several firsttimers, emerged victorious. Prominent firsttime winners included Jitin Prasada (Pilibhit), Chhatrapal Singh Gangwar (Bareilly), Atul Garg (Ghaziabad), Anand Gond (Bahraich), and Karan Bhushan Singh (Kaiserganj).

According to political observers, BJP’s decision to repeat 46 of 51 candidates in the first list surprised many, given the local resentment against several of them. “The belief that Modi-Yogi factor will carry them through proved to be misguided,” an observer said.

HC: ‘Trespassers will be shot’ signs at def bases improper, use light words

Prayagraj:Allahabad high court observed in a recent order that messages like “dekhte hi goli maar di jayegi” and “trespassers will be shot at first sight” on signboards outside defence installations/stations are improper and Union govt should use “light words” to convey such warnings, reports Rajesh Kumar Pandey.

Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav said such messages/words have a detrimental impact on passers-by, especially children, and thus caution should be exercised while using them.

The court made this observation while granting bail to a Nepalese man accused of illegally entering Manauri Air Force Station in Prayagraj in an intoxicated condition in Feb this year. He was booked under sections 3 and 7 of Official Secrets Act, 1923, and section 461 (dishonestly breaking open receptacle containing property) of IPC. He pleaded that he entered the station without any ill intention, and no incriminating article was found on him.

HC had earlier asked Centre the need for putting up such signage. Centre informed the court that comprehensive security measures are adopted by defence forces to protect its installations/stations from any intrusion, trespassing and unauthorised access. For this perimeter security, manning at entrance and exit, fencing and installation of cautionary boards with messages like “prohibited area, trespasser will be shot” were being used.

“Post terror strike at Pathankot and Uri Army Bases, numerous measures were initiated to enhance security of defence installation/station,” IAF stated in its affidavit.

5 of family get death for advocate’s 2015 killing

Meerut: A Saharanpur court on Thursday sentenced five men of a family to be “hanged till death” for killing an advocate in 2015, reports Rahul Singh.

On Dec 26, 2015, Karamveer Singh (31), was heading to his Saharanpur home in his car with his father Satyapal Chabbra, a property dealer. Additional district government counsel (ADGC) Bikram Singh told TOI that the victim was dragged out of his car and murdered on the road over a property dispute.

“Five men stabbed Karamveer 10 times in the chest and abdomen. His father was also attacked while trying to save him but he survived. Karamveer succumbed to his injuries,” said Bikram Singh.

On the basis of a complaint, police filed a case under sections 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 147, 148, 149 (rioting), 341 (wrongful restraint) against Amarjeet Batra (71), his son Gurneet Singh (36), Amarjeet’s brother Bhupendra Batra (64) and Bhupendra’s son Gurpratap Singh (34). Their relative Gurmeet Singh (59) was also charged at Qutubsher police station of Saharanpur.

On Thursday, the court of Mahesh Kumar, Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADJ), found the five men guilty and sentenced them to death. The court considered that at the time of crime, Karamveer’s wife was four months pregnant and gave birth to a girl after his death.

“Today, justice has been delivered after a long legal battle,” said Satyapal.

Stir, FIR over ‘blasphemous’ post by J&K med student

Srinagar: J&K Police have filed an FIR against a student of Srinagar’s Government Medical College (GMC) over an alleged blasphemous post amid protests, reports Saleem Pandit. The absconding student has been suspended.

Classes at the medical college have been suspended for three days till Saturday because of the protests by junior doctors, students as well as faculty members over the post on Wednesday.

The FIR at Srinagar’s Karan Nagar police station followed a complaint from GMC authorities against the first-year MBBS student. He has been booked under IPC Sections 153 (provocation to rioting), 153A (promoting religious enmity), 295A (blasphemy) and 505(2) (b) (offence pertaining to places of worship). J&K police have appealed to people not to circulate the post and warned of action if they do.

One of the protesting doctors claimed the student was given an ultimatum to remove the post within three hours but he refused.

In a written statement, GMC’s Resident Doctors Association (RDA) deplored the act and urged the authorities to take decisive action.

GMC has formed a committee of 13 department heads to investigate the matter, college authorities said.

Why no murder charge on civic body chief in Rajkot case: HC

Ahmedabad: Gujarat HC on Thursday took serious recognition of the inertia of the Rajkot municipal authorities before the gruesome fire incident at TRP Game Zone, which killed 27 people, asking why murder charges ought not to be invoked against the civic commissioner and why he hasn’t been suspended for letting TRB Game Zone operate illegally, particularly when a similar fire had broken out there last year too.

While hearing a suo motu PIL on the 27 deaths in the fire, the bench of Justice Biren Vaishnav and Justice Devan Desai was apprised of replies filed by the Rajkot municipal commissioners, chief fire officer and home department.

The judge added that the authorities stayed inactive after issuing a demolition order in Nov 2023.

TNN

Upset over 7-yr-old sister’s ‘behaviour’, 14-yr-old boy strangles her, dumps body

Meerut: Upset with his younger sister’s “behaviour”, a 14-year-old boy strangled the 7-year-old with a scarf in Baghpat and later dumped her body, reports Krishna Chaudhary. The minor was held by police with the help of CCTV cameras on Thursday and charged under IPC section 302 (murder).

Station house officer of Binauli, MP Singh, said, “The boy was upset with his sister as she used to often make ‘fake’ complaints to the parents, saying she was being beaten by her brother. For that, the minor would often be scolded.”

Singh added: “On Wednesday, he planned to teach his sister a lesson and executed the plan when they were going for studies. He took his sister to a secluded place, strangled her, and dumped the body. The accused went to the crime scene every 10 minutes, which was caught on CCTV camera.”

The parents initially suspected that their daughter was kidnapped and filed a police complaint, following which an FIR was registered under IPC Section 363 (kidnapping).

During investigation, police scanned CCTV footage and cracked the case. The boy said that he was unhappy with her behaviour, and hence took the step.

Amritpal Singh, Engineer Rashid will need parole to take oath

New Delhi: Two newly elected MPs currently in jail — Sikh radical Amritpal Singh and terror accused Sheikh Abdul Rashid alias Engineer Rashid — will need to apply to the court for parole to take oath as members of the 18th Lok Sabha, reports Bharti Jain.

Both Singh and Rashid had contested as Independents. Ironically, being in jail, they were not eligible to vote.

Former Lok Sabha secretary-general PDT Achary told TOIthat taking oath is a Lok Sabha MP’s constitutional right and courts usually allow them parole for this purpose. However, they must return to prison after taking oath or completing any official duties allowed by the court. They will need to write to the Speaker under Article 101(4) of the Constitution, which deals with absence of members from either House of Parliament, informing about their ability to attend the House on account of their incarceration, which will be referred to the concerned House committee.

As per Achary, both Singh and Rashid can apply for parole later to take part in parliamentary proceedings, including in important businesses.

If Rashid or Singh are convicted and jailed for a mini would lose their seats in Lok Sabha immediately.

The law also says that they will have to remain Independents and cannot join any party during their term as MP. If they do, they will invite disqualification. The only way they can join a party is to resign from their seat and seek re-election on a party ticket.

Court seeks NIA response on Engineer Rashid bail plea

New Delhi: Terror funding accused Engineer Rashid, after winning the Lok Sabha elections from J&K’s Baramulla constituency, has sought interim bail to take oath as an MP. The court of additional sessions judge Chander Jit Singh, on Thursday sought the response of NIAin the case. The matter will be heard on Friday.

Rashid, who is currently lodged in Delhi’s Tihar jail under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in an alleged 2016 terror-funding case, moved court seeking interim bail or custody parole, “to take oath and fulfil his parliamentary duties.”

The application was submitted before the court on June 4, which had directed NIA to file its response by Thursday. NIA requested additional time to file the reply.

Rashid, who contested as an Independent candidate had defeated former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah by over two lakh votes.

TNN

Asked by party not to canvass in NE barring Arunachal: Sarma

‘NDA Lost Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya Due To Influence Of Religion’

Sarma described the setbacks as specific to this election. ‘This time they (people) had some grievances and expressed them through voting. It will be erased’

Himanta Biswa Sarma said he was asked by the BJP brass to focus his campaign efforts in eastern India, covering Odisha, Jharkhand & Bengal

Prabin.Kalita@timesgroup.com

Guwahati: Assam CM and BJP star campaigner Himanta Biswa Sarma said Thursday the party brass had directed him to refrain from canvassing in northeastern states, except Arunachal Pradesh, because of boundary disputes involving his state and its neighbours.

Sarma’s comments came in the wake of NDA’s electoral setbacks in BJP-governed Manipur, where it lost both seats to Congress. Similarly, NDA conceded one seat to Congress in Nagaland, and regional outfit Voice of the People Party (VPP) and Congress secured one each in Meghalaya.

According to Sarma, he was asked to “not be seen in these states frequently”, and instead focus his campaign ef- forts in eastern India, covering Odisha, Jharkhand, and Bengal. “I could not contribute to the best of my abilities in Manipur, Nagaland, and Meghalaya,” said the CM, who is also the convener of BJP-led North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), an NDA-like grouping for the region.

He attributed NDA’s defeats in these states to the influence of a particular religious community over the electorate. “When religious people take part in politics, politicians cannot compete. You can compete with Congress, BJP, AGP, but how can you compete with the Sankaracharya or Srimanta Sankardeva? When spiritual leaders decide voting patterns, politicians’ roles become minimised,” Sarma said.

Further clarifying, he said: “It’s unimaginable that Agatha Sangma (sitting MP of NDA ally NPP) would lose by more than one lakh votes (in Tura, Meghalaya).”

Responding to Sarma’s remarks, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi condemned the CM’s statements. He tweeted: “…He does not have the maturity to accept responsibility for the NDA’s losses in Naga- land, Meghalaya, and Manipur. I appeal to the chief ministers of the respective states to publicly condemn the statement. Together we must preserve the unique identity of the Northeast.”

Sarma described the setbacks as specific to this election. “This time they (people) had some grievances and expressed them through voting. It will be erased.”

NDA performed well in Assam, winning 11 of 14 seats. The alliance also maintained its dominance in Arunachal and Tripura, securing both seats in each state. BJP also formed its govt in Arunachal, with a landslide victory in simultaneous assembly polls. However, NDA’s overall LS tally of 15 seats in the region was three less than what it achieved in 2019.

TOI reported earlier on BJP’s decision to deploy Sarma outside the region, suggesting a strategic move to leverage his skills nationally and potentially groom him for a larger role within the party. This also suggested a deliberate distancing from the complex political climate of North-East, where BJP has had a mixed record.

All 25 Andhra LS MPs, except 1, are crorepatis

Vijayawada:All 25 Lok Sabha MPs from Andhra Pradesh, except one, are crorepatis, with TDP’s Guntur MP, Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, topping the highest assets-liabilities category list, according to Association for Democratic Reforms, reports Srikanth Aluri. Sekhar has Rs 5,705 crore in assets and Rs 1,038 crore in liabilities.

In contrast, YSRCP’s Gumma Tanuja Rani from Araku (ST) constituency, is among the top 10 MPs with lowest assets.

Besides Sekhar, Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy and Sribharath Mathukumilli of TDP, and BJP’s CM Ramesh find place in the top 10 MPs with highest assets-liabilities nationwide.

TOI INTERVIEW

‘Never thought I could win... people’s support my strength’

The buzz around BJP’s Laxman Bag, who handed Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik his first defeat, in Kantabanji seat, is inescapable. TOI ’s Debabrata Mohapatra speaks to the ‘giant killer’

People were fed up with BJD govt and (Naveen Patnaik’s aide) VK Pandian’s dominance. People rejected Naveen because they knew that he would vacate the seat if he won and forget Kantabanji’s welfare. Naveen had vacated Bijepur after winning it in 2019

Did you ever imagine you could pull off a win against Naveen Patnaik?

■ Honestly, not. I knew Biju Janata Dal will put in all its might to help him (Naveen Patnaik) win. It was a prestige battle for them. I was no match for BJD’s resources. But I was confident of giving him a tough fight. My supporters kept encouraging me. I did not throw in the towel.

Your first reaction when the results were out...

■ I was speechless and had tears of joy. Counting was in 29 rounds, each filled with tense moments. I led in most rounds by small margins. At the end, I won by a handsome margin of 16,344 votes.

What do you think went in your favour?

■ Support of the people was my biggest strength. We launched a massive people connect exercise and highlighted key issues. People were fed up with the BJD govt and (Naveen aide) V K Pandian’s dominance. People rejected Naveen because they knew that he would vacate the seat, if he won, and forget Kantabanji’s welfare. Naveen had vacated Bijepur after winning it in 2019.

What will be your priorities for Kantabanji?

■ Kantabanji is a highly backward constituency, infamous for migration to other states due to the lack of employment opportunities in Odisha. Since BJP is forming govt in the state, we will address this issue. Issues involving farmers and the agriculture sector would also be resolved.

Now that you have defeated Naveen, are you expecting a plum post?

■ I am not hankering for any chair or post. I have been working for the BJP for several years. In the last decade, I strengthened BJP’s base in Kantabanji. In 2014, I had finished third and lost by 24,291 votes against BJD’s Ayub Khan. In 2019, I ended second and lost by only 128 votes against Congress’s Santosh Saluja. 2024 is for all to see.

At least a dozen criminal cases were registered against you. You were also booked under National Security Act in the past…

■ All cases were false, politically motivated. Police and BJD framed me because I waged a war against their corrupt practices.

TOI INTERVIEW

‘From Day 1, Cong said it won’t touch AAP. Our stance has been vindicated’

After Congress’s surprise comeback in Punjab, which saw it win 7 of the 13 Lok Sabha seats, leader of opposition Partap Singh Bajwa tells TOI’s Subodh Ghildiyal that not allying with AAP was a conscious decision that bore fruit

Had Congress not allied with AAP in Delhi, it would have won majority of seats. We won 12 in Rajasthan, 43 in UP, and 5 in Haryana. Delhi’s the same region. Congress and AAP share the same vote base, so an alliance is myopic

How did Congress do so well after being wiped out in the assembly polls 2022?

■ I and state president Raja Warring worked together. Congress’s biggest handicap has been lack of unity at the top in the state. We lost because then CM Amarinder Singh, Navjot Sidhu and state chief Sunil Jakhar pulled in different directions. For us, the only effective platform available was the Punjab assembly. Our brilliant performance there helped us, despite AAP having 92 MLAs and Congress 18, and lopsided control of camera in the assembly that focused only on treasury benches. Despite that, we put the CM in the dock, called out his misgovernance, took it to the people, and regained acceptance. Had AAP govt not controlled the camera in assembly, we’d have decimated AAP in the LS polls. I even moved HC to seek impartiality in coverage. In the Lok Sabha polls, we’ve gained 38 assembly segments, AAP score has slid from 92 to 32.

Punjab has elected two radicals in Khadoor Sahib and Faridkot.

■ Punjabis always react against govt excesses and they have reacted against the antifarmer policies and their treatment during the long struggle. Punjab’s identity is “jai jawan, jai kisan”. But Army recruitment was discontinued and farmers were sidelined, which hurt people. And people heard the arguments that gangsters who killed big names such as Moose Wala, or had abducted people, were

roaming free or were lodged in local jails, while some are sent to Dibrugarh without any crime, as such, committed. It’s just reaction. And it’s momentary. One doesn’t know if these two fringe MPs will at all come to Parliament. It’s a one-time vote. We’ll see what happens. Punjabis are careful, and want to maintain peace at all costs.

Can this be stopped before it becomes normal?

■ It’s a vote against BJP and Modi. A section was polarised that unfortunately led to counter polarisation. The same for- mula that was tried 40 years ago is being tried again, for which Punjab is still paying a big price. When you raise a religious slogan to polarise one community for political gains, it can trigger counter polarisation. The fringe element that we’ve controlled for 40 years is again raising its head, just because of current policies, the Centre and its agencies. BJP’s campaign brought it to zero, down from 2. But it led to two fringe elements getting elected. I hold BJP responsible for what’s happening in Punjab, seriously advising BJP don’t fish in troubled waters.

How did Congress manage the contradiction of allying with AAP as part of the INDIA bloc, but fighting them in Punjab?

■ From Day 1, I said we won’t touch AAP. Our political stance has been vindicated. Had Congress not allied with AAP in Delhi, it would have won majority of seats. We won 12 in Rajasthan, in UP 43, and in Haryana 5. Delhi’s the same region. Congress and AAP share the same vote base, so an alliance is myopic. We’ve decimated AAP to half in Punjab. From 38 assembly segments, we’ve to now go to 80.

Many Congress seniors in Punjab joined BJP. Will you let them return?

■ We’ll never take back those who back-stabbed the party. Polls have proved they were just big names and faces. Preneet Kaur, wife of Amarinder, lost in her family city. Ravneet Bittu lost in Ludhiana. Rana Sodhi lost from Ferozepur which is BJP state chief’s home. Punjab has shown the door to turncoats who ditched the party for personal benefit. In fact, Punjabis and Bengalis have behaved as one. BJP tried everything but failed miserably in Bengal, the same happened in Punjab.

China protests PM’s reply to Taiwan prez’s greetings

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: China Thursday lodged a protest with India for PM Modi’s acknowledgement of Taiwan Prez Lai Ching-te congratulatory message on X in which Modi had said he’s looking forward to closer ties as “we work towards mutually beneficial economic and technological partnership”. Chinese foreign ministry urged India to resist Taiwan’s “political calculations'” and not do anything to violate the “one-China principle”.

Lai had said in his message he wanted to enhance the partnership and expand collaboration on trade, technology and other sectors to contribute to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. China, which opposes any political contact between Taiwan and countries with which Beijing has diplomatic relations, said it had protested with Indian authorities and that India is familiar with China’s “clear” position on the issue.

“The one-China principle is a universally recognised norm in international relations and a prevailing consensus in the international community. India has made serious political commitments on this and is supposed to recognise, be alarmed about and resist the Taiwan authorities’ political calculations. China has protested to India about this,” said foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.

China too has congratulated Modi for the poll outcome but not in the form of a message from President Xi Jinping but through an official statement, and through its newly appointed ambassador Xu Feihong. Like other countries which have diplomatic ties with China, India too follows one-China policy even though there has been no public articulation of it since 2010. China opposes all forms of official interactions between Taiwan authorities and other countries, saying Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory.

US NSA to visit India ‘to engage new govt’

White House has said US NSA Jake Sullivan is scheduled to visit India to engage the new govt in New Delhi on shared US-India priorities as Narendra Modi prepares to take oath as PM for a third consecutive term. Sullivan’s visit, which was twice postponed, was discussed during the phone call Prez Joe Biden made to Modi Wednesday to congratulate him on his re-election.

Sullivan’s travel dates to India have not been announced yet, but is expected to be within days of Modi being sworn in.

PTI

Ties anchored to rule of law: Trudeau to Modi

Trudeau congratulated Modi for the majority to NDA alliance in Lok Sabha elections

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Canadian PM Justin Trudeau congratulated his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for the majority to NDA alliance in Lok Sabha elections, while telling him that bilateral ties are anchored, among other things, in the rule of law. Canada has repeatedly cited the same in the past nine months to claim involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistan separatist and Canadian national Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year in the Vancouver area.

The allegation led to a major diplomatic flare-up that resulted in the expulsion by India of 41 Canadian diplomats who, Indian authorities claimed, were interfering in India’s internal affairs. “Congratulations to Indian PM Narendra Modi on his electoral victory. Canada stands ready to work with his govt to advance the relationship be- tween our nations’ peoples—anchored to human rights, diversity, and the rule of law,’’ said Trudeau.

While acknowledging the importance of ties with India, and its role in the IndoPacific, Canada has maintained that its immediate priority with India is to fix accountability for the Nijjar killing. Canada has arrested four men in the case so far but India maintains Ottawa hasn’t shared any information or evidence that Indian agencies could probe.

There were signs earlier this week of further deterioration in ties as a Canadian security and intelligence report tabled in Parliament alleged India is the second biggest threat to democracy after China. The report claimed India is interfering in Canadian democratic processes and institutions, including “through the targeting of Canadian politicians, ethnic media and IndoCanadian ethnocultural communities.”

According to CBC News, the report says that while India’s foreign interference efforts are not as widespread as those of China, they are “of significant concern.”

“India seeks to cultivate relationships with a variety of witting and unwitting individuals across Canadian society with the intent of inappropriately exerting India’s influence across all orders of govt, particularly to stifle or discredit criticism of the Govt ,” says the report.

Times City

- ‘Don’t Stand In Way’: SC Directs Haryana To Supply HP’s 137 Cusec Water To Delhi

- BJP and AAP take potshots at each other after SC’s direction

- ‘Lack of will’ in authorities to rein in or shift dairies away from landfills, says HC

- ACB finds 4 hosps running illegally

- Extra 65MGD to be available for treatment at city’s plants

- Weekend rain may bring further relief from soaring temps

- Modi 3.0: G20-like security plans in place for swearing-in ceremony

- TEAM BJP READY FOR LS STINT

- Alliance With Cong Only For Lok Sabha Polls: AAP

- 2023 Parliament security breach: LG grants sanction to prosecute 6 under UAPA

- BJP swept polls in city, but not all rosy for party: What verdict hides

- Excise dept directs hotels, clubs to ensure proper fire safety measures

- Congress reviews poor show in Delhi

- ‘We Will Join The World’s Top 300 Univs Soon By Enhancing Quality’

- Gangster shot dead by STF in encounter

- Delhi court grants bail to Supertech chief in ED case

- AC blast sparks 3rd flat fire in Noida in a week

- Turning the tide in environment’s favour

- Syrian among four arrested for selling fake cancer drugs

- ‘Drugs in parcel’ fraud: 77-yr-old loses ` 42 lakh

- Tihar Jail inmate attacked by rival gang members

- 8 garbage dumps in key areas converted into material recovery facilities to boost segregation, recycling of waste

- CINEMA OF THE WEEK

- DDA To Spruce Up Parks Near Red Fort

- Citizens’ group calls for action to save Yamuna

- Fire breaks out in 3-storey bldg, 1 injured

- Bizman harassed for bribe, vigilance unit files FIR against cop

- Sales tax officer arrested for demanding, accepting bribe

- Man kills self inside car, police probe debt angle

‘Don’t Stand In Way’: SC Directs Haryana To Supply HP’s 137 Cusec Water To Delhi

It’s Short-Term Plan, There Should Be No Politics Over Water: Court

Dhananjay.Mahapatra@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Aiming to help the capital overcome a severe water crisis, the Supreme Court on Thursday directed Himachal Pradesh to release from Friday 137 cusecs of surplus Yamuna water voluntarily offered from its share and ordered Haryana to release this excess water from Hathnikund barrage to Wazirabad reservoir in Delhi.

As a bench of Justices P K Mishra and K V Viswanathan solicited cooperation from Haryana to get over the water crisis caused by an unusually hot summer, Haryana through additional advocate general Lokesh Sinhal said the state too faced severe heatwave and has no extra water to spare for Delhi after releasing an extra 330 cusecs of water over and above Delhi’s legitimate share.

When Sinhal doubted the surplus water claim of HP, the bench said, “We are not directing Haryana to release excess water. Water is coming from Himachal Pradesh. Haryana will only be carrying it through its canals to Delhi. Do not stand in the way.” Himachal’s additional advocate general Vaibhav Srivastava placed the data on surplus water before the bench.

For Delhi govt, senior advocate A M Singhvi said that the city, reeling under a water crisis, needed the additional water only till June 30 or till the arrival of monsoon, whi- chever is earlier. “Haryana is adopting a completely obstructionist approach when Himachal is ready and willing to share its surplus water,” he said.

Additional solicitor general Vikramjit Singh said there could be disputes over the amount of water released by Himachal as there is no mechanism available to check the amount of water coming from HP. The bench sternly told parties that this arrangement is only for a short period till the arrival of monsoon and said, “Tomorrow there should not be any politics over water.”

SC asked the Upper Yamuna River Board to measure the excess water, released by Himachal Pradesh, received at Hathnikund in Haryana and ensure its onward supply to Wazirabad. “Determine whether 137 cusecs of additional water released by Himachal reaches Hathnikund or not,” the bench told UYRB. It sought a status report from the board by Monday, the next date of hearing.

The minutes of the June 5 meeting of UYRB, with representations from all stakeholder states, was placed before the SC. The board recorded that Haryana had been scrupulously releasing the SC ordered quantity of water to Delhi since Feb 1996. The Delhi govt told the Board that in 1994, the UT’s population was around 1 crore but has since increased to 2.5 crore, thus requiring more water.

BJP and AAP take potshots at each other after SC’s direction

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said on Thursday that the Supreme Court’s direction to Himachal Pradesh govt to release additional water proved that AAP was unnecessarily accusing BJPled Haryana govt of creating a water crisis in the capital.

Sachdeva said BJP had been urging AAP govt to demand excess water from Himachal, but its pleas were ignored. “Today we have been proven right. In one month of the water crisis in the capital, we saw Delhi minister Atishi writing melodramatic letters to chief ministers of BJP-governed Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, knowing fully well that the two states had already provided excess water to the city,” he said.

“Despite our request, she never wrote to their INDIA bloc partner Congress’ govt in Himachal Pradesh,” he alleged, adding that the court had issued no directions to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. AAP govt tried to play “dirty politics” amid a severe water crisis, he claimed.

Delhi urban development minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, however, alleged Haryana was providing less water to Delhi. “So, we talked to Himachal Pradesh govt. I spoke to CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and he was ready to provide water to Delhi. However, Haryana govt was not providing a path for the water, which forced Delhi govt to go to the Supreme Court,” he said. “We thank HP govt and the apex court,” he added.

Bharadwaj also said BJP talked about “cooperative federalism”, but its state govt was not providing a path for the water. This (allowing HP water) was something that Haryana govt and Centre should have done earlier, but they were playing politics, he alleged.

The court directed HP govt to release 137 cusec surplus water available with it for Delhi and directed Haryana govt to let it reach the city.

‘Lack of will’ in authorities to rein in or shift dairies away from landfills, says HC

HC BENCH SAYS These violations not only affect the public health of the citizens and residents who are consuming the milk being produced in these dairies but are also wrapped in extreme cruelty to the animals housed in these dairies

Abhinav.Garg@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Delhi High Court has lamented the “lack of will” in authorities to reign in violations by dairy owners or to shift them away from dangerous landfill sites to more hygienic locations.

“This court gets a distinct impression that there is a lack of will in the State functionaries to stop the rampant violation of laws by the dairy owners in the nine dairy colonies. These violations not only affect the public health of the citizens and residents who are consuming the milk being produced in these dairies but are also wrapped in extreme cruelty to the animals housed in these dairies,” a bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora noted in a recent order, while dealing with petitions alleging violations of various laws in Delhi's dairy colonies.

The court was unhappy with the inability of Delhi govt and MCD to act against these dairy owners or to regulate them.

Highlighting “abject dereliction of duties by the animal husbandry unit of Delhi govt in the existing unlawful status of the dairies”, it pointed out that the unit "has, prima facie, not only failed in dis- charging its primary function of granting and regulating the licences to these dairies but it has also failed to provide for functional and stocked veterinary hospitals in these nine dairy colonies”.

The court’s observations came after it heard submissions by Delhi govt and MCD, with the chief secretary and other senior officers appearing before it via videoconferencing. In an affidavit, the CS said verification of status of licences issued to existing dairies in these colonies revealed that none of the dairies has statutory licences.

The court had earlier underlined the need for dairies to have permissions from MCD, govt’s animal husbandry department, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

The affidavit informed the court that at present in Ghogha Dairy colony only 139 plots were found to be in use as against 2082 developed. Out of these, 1081 plots though allotted are lying vacant/unutilised while 75 plots are constructed but lying vacant. Yet, no action has been initiated against the allottees of these vacant/unutilised plots, the affidavit conceded.

The govt said despite the availability of unallotted 773 plots and unutilised 1081 plots, due to the long distance involved there is no proposal/consensus to shift Bhalswa Dairy colony or Gazipur Dairy colony to Ghogha Dairy colony. Instead govt plans to ask MCD to raise barbed wire around Bhalswa Dairy colony and Gazipur Dairy colony to prevent cattle from grazing on the garbage at landfill sites.

Taking a dim view of Delhi govt’s stand, the court in its order has made the Central govt a party to the petitions since “alternate land within Delhi or outside would be required for shifting the Ghazipur and Bhalswa dairies.” It issued a notice to ministry of urban affairs, health, fishers and dairying and posted the matter for July.

ACB finds 4 hosps running illegally

New Delhi: Anti-Corruption Branch of Delhi govt has found four private hospitals allegedly running illegally and 40 others with several discrepancies in its probe into registration and regulatory management of private facilities running in the city, officials said on Thursday.

In the wake of the fire at a neonatal hospital in Vivek Vihar that killed seven newborns on May 25, ACB teams have inspected 62 private medical facilities in last one week, they said.

According to a senior govt official, among the 40 other medical facilities that were found to be running with discrepancies, some had more beds against the sanctioned capacity while others didn’t have fire NOC or proper fire-safety measures in place.

PTI

Extra 65MGD to be available for treatment at city’s plants

ATISHI SAYS This is a time that calls for a coordinated effort above all else, and the SC order marks a victory for the people of Delhi and their right to water

Siddhanta.Mishra@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Himachal Pradesh will provide 137 cusecs of raw river water for Delhi’s use following the Supreme Court’s intervention on Thursday. Following this, Delhi Jal Board is likely to see an increase of 65-70 million gallons of water per day (MGD) for processing at its water treatment plants.

The much-needed water will be released from June 7 and reach the city’s first barrage at Wazirabad through the Hathnikund barrage. Afterward, the water will be lifted by the major treatment plants at Wazirabad, Okhla, Chandrawal and Sonia Vihar.

“I thank the Supreme Court for standing with the people of Delhi during this unprecedented water crisis,” water minister Atishi posted on X. “This is a time that calls for a coordinated effort above all else, and the SC order marks a victory for the people of Delhi and their right to water.”

While Himachal Pradesh does not channel water to Delhi directly through a canal, it can increase the amount of water released into the tributaries of the Yamuna. The apex court Haryana must allow this water flowing through that state to go to the capital.

A DJB official said, “Some of the extra water we are getting will be lost due to evaporation. But even after that, around 67 MGD of water will be there for treatment by plants. As the Supreme Court has given Haryana directions not to obstruct the water, we need not fear disruption there.”

The water supply is currently short by 290-300 MGD, and the situation becomes di- re in the hot summer months. DJB, under its summer action plan, had set a production target of 1,000 MGD, though the Economic Survey of Delhi 2023 said the actual requirement was 1,290 MGD.

Last month, the city was staring at such a severe scarcity that Delhi govt was forced to announce certain measures to manage the water, among them being reducing the drinking water supply to just once a day and imposing a fine of Rs 2,000 on anyone found wasting piped water.

For the past few days, a combination of extremely hot weather and reduced water supply has made this summer very harsh for people. But things have improved. On Thursday, DJB produced 1,003 MGD in total, with the Wazirabad treatment plant alone producing 134 MGD. This plant was the worst hit during the 21 days of reduced supply of raw water from the Yamuna. The city govt’s accusation that Haryana had “stopped” supply of river water to Delhi was hotly contested by the neighbouring state.

Weekend rain may bring further relief from soaring temps

DUCKING FOR COVER: Delhi continues to sweat despite slight relief

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:The heatwave abated in Delhi after 12 days as the mercury dipped on Thursday. The maximum temperature at Safdarjung, which is the city’s base station, was 41.2 degrees Celsius, one degree above normal. It was 3.8 degrees lower than Wednesday’s temperature.

Gusty winds blew in the city on Thursday night. Wind speed at Safdarjung reached up to 74 kmph, while it touched 50 kmph at Palam.

Parts of Delhi reeled under the heatwave for 12 consecutive days till Wednesday. “However, some parts of the city saw rain accompanied by dust storm on Wednesday night. Due to partly cloudy skies and a change in wind direction to easterly, the mercury dipped on Thursday,” said an official of India Meteorological Department (IMD).

IMD’s data shows that Najafgarh was the warmest station on Thursday with a maximum of 44.6 degrees Celsius, four notches above normal. The maximum temperature settled at Palam (42.3), Lodhi Road (41.2), Ridge (40.6), Ayanagar (43.2), Narela (42.8), Pitampura (41.5) and Raj Ghat (39.6).

The minimum temperature was 24.6 degrees Celsius, three notches below normal. The heat index or feel-like temperature was recorded at 41.9 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity oscillated between 22% and 72%.

According to IMD, Safdarjung logged 1.2mm rainfall till 8.30am on Thursday, while Raj Ghat received 9 mm.

IMD has predicted that some areas may witness very light rain and dust storm or thunderstorm on Friday and Saturday. Strong winds may blow on both days.

However, the maximum temperature is predicted to hover around 43 degrees Celsius from Friday to Sunday. It may rise to 44 degrees Celsius on Monday and may touch 45 degrees Celsius on June 11 and 12.

Rain, meanwhile, helped in cleaning Delhi’s air quality. The air quality index (AQI) improved from 248 in ‘poor’ category on Wednesday to 181 in ‘moderate’ category on Thursday.

“The air quality is likely to remain in ‘moderate’ category on Friday and Saturday. However, the air quality is likely to deteriorate to ‘poor’ category on Sunday,” said Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi.

Modi 3.0: G20-like security plans in place for swearing-in ceremony

Rajshekhar.Jha@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: A security apparatus exactly like the G20 summit will be in place for the swearing-in ceremony likely to be held on June 9, sources said on Thursday. A groundto-air surveillance is being set up in coordination with the intelligence agencies and the armed forces to secure central Delhi. From using advance intrusion alert systems and posture detection mechanism to covert snipers — security forces are learnt to be using every resource possible to tackle what they said was another security nightmare.

South Asian heads of govt have been invited to the oath ceremony and Bangladesh and Sri Lankan leaders have already confirmed their presence. There are three primary challenges for Delhi Police — security of hotels where heads of state and dignitaries will be staying being the prime concern. Four hotels — Taj, Maurya, Leela and Oberoi — are being brought under heavy security cover.

Two other key security issues are the movement of their carcade and the security of the route between the hotel and the venue. Each dignitary will be given a call sign that will be disclosed on the morning of ceremony. This will be used for coordinating the movement of the carcade and their route to the Rashtrapati Bhawan and Kartavya Path.

An elaborate brainstorming session was held at the Delhi Police headquarters on Thursday afternoon to discuss the nitty-gritty of the arrangements. According to a DCP-rank officer privy to the discussions, a decision to replicate the measures adopted during G20 was taken during the meeting. “This means that there will be venue commanders of DCP rank at each hotel where the foreign heads of state will stay. They will report to the zonal/vertical commanders of special commissioner ranks,” said the officer.

While the intelligence sleuths are coordinating with their foreign counterparts — who will form the immediate security cordon of their respective dignitary — Delhi Police is working on the inputs conveyed to it in making the venues and routes foolproof. The threat perception of each foreign leader is be- ing studied individually.

The intrusion alert system and the posture detection will help cops filter out suspicious movements. “The advance AI-based cameras and software will raise alarm and alert security if a man or a woman is caught scaling the wall or shows unusual bodily movement like crawling or limp walking with a bent back,” explained an officer.

The vetting and background check of hotel staffers is being undertaken by special branch and security unit and the verification reports prepa- red during G20 is also being studied again. There would be separate set of staffers for each floor and their movement will be contained to that floor of the hotel itself at all times.

The cops and security personnel will have at least two rooms to themselves which will function as control rooms. While state borders will remain sealed during the ceremony, there will be extra vigil at malls, markets, monuments and places of worship by quick response teams, commando units, and strike forces with special vehicles.

TEAM BJP READY FOR LS STINT

The seven newly elected BJP MPs met lieutenant governor VK Saxena at his residence on Thursday

Alliance With Cong Only For Lok Sabha Polls: AAP

Rai Says Party Will Go Solo In Assembly Election Next Year

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday said its alliance with Congress in Delhi was restricted to the Lok Sabha polls and ruled out the possibility of a seat-sharing arrangement in the assembly polls, which are due early next year.

Talking to reporters after a meeting of all legislators with senior leadership of the party at the official residence of CM Arvind Kejriwal, AAP’s Delhi state convener Gopal Rai said there was clarity that the alliance was forged with Congress keeping the Lok Sabha election in mind.

“We fought the Lok Sabha elections together (with Congress) with honesty. There is no alliance… for the Delhi Assembly elections. We will fight this battle together with the people of Delhi and win it,” Rai said.

Though Aam Aadmi Party had taken outside support of Congress’s eight MLAs in 2013 to form its maiden govt in the capital that lasted for 49 days, it was the first time that the two parties forged a pre-poll alliance to take on BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. While AAP contested four seats, Congress fielded its candidates on three. The two parties together got a vote share of 43.1%. While AAP polled 24.2% votes, Congress secured 18.9%.

The alliance, however, failed to win a single seat and allowed BJP to make a hat-trick of 7-0 victories.

When asked, Delhi Congress’ interim president Devender Yadav agreed that the alliance between the two parties was only for the Lok Sabha elections. “There was no discussion to continue the arrangement in assembly polls,” Yadav said.

Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor said his party always maintained that the AAP-Congress alliance was “opportunistic” to “protect each other’s corruption sagas” and it will break down after the Lok Sabha polls.

“The way their coalition was rejected by the people of Delhi in Lok Sabha elections, it was bound to break up soon,” Kapoor said.

Briefing the reporters about the meeting with party legislators, Rai said the party functionaries reviewed the performance in the recently concluded polls and discussed the future strategy. He added that senior party leadership would meet all AAP councillors on June 8 while a meeting of the state office bearers was scheduled for June 13.

Apart from taking stock of the election, Rai said it was decided in the meeting to “intensify” the struggle to get Kejriwal and other senior AAP functionaries out of jail and to speed up the pace of development work in Delhi that was stalled due to the Model Code of Conduct.

2023 Parliament security breach: LG grants sanction to prosecute 6 under UAPA

New Delhi: Delhi lieutenant governor VK Saxena has accorded sanction to prosecute six persons under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for their alleged involvement in the Parliament security breach incident, Raj Niwas officials said on Thursday.

In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack, two persons had jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery and opened canisters that emitted a yellow-coloured smoke, triggering panic among the MPs on Dec 13 last year.

Six persons –– Manoranjan D, Sagar Sharma, Amol Dhanraj Shinde, Neelam Ranolia, Lalit Jha and Mahesh Kumawat –– have been arrested in the case.

The Delhi police had requested their prosecution under section 16 and 18 of the UAPA from the LG, who, having found sufficient material on record, granted prosecution sanction, the officials said.

“While the Delhi police had requested for necessary prosecution sanction under the UAPA, the Review Committee (Directorate of Prosecution, Tis Hazari, Delhi) on May 30 this year had also gone through the entire evidence collected by the investigating agency and found the involvement of the accused in the case.

“Accordingly, the Review Committee noted that prima facie a case was made out against the accused under UAPA,” a Raj Niwas official said.

The Delhi police had registered a case at Parliament Street police station on the complaint made by a security officer in the Lok Sabha.

The investigation of the case was later on transferred from the Parliament Street police station to the Counter Intelligence Unit of Special Cell, New Delhi. PTI

BJP swept polls in city, but not all rosy for party: What verdict hides

BJP candidates lost substantial numbers of votes in the assembly segments in rural parts of the city, unauthorised colonies and those dominated by minorities

Atul.Mathur@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: BJP managed to sweep the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi winning all seven seats, but its leads over the opposition in each assembly segment shrunk this time in comparison to the 2019 parliamentary elections.

While the difference in the margin of leads was lower in urban areas inhabited by the middle and upper middle class, BJP candidates lost substantial numbers of votes in the assembly segments in rural parts of the city, unauthorised colonies and those dominated by minorities.

As reported by TOI on Thursday, BJP candidates in 2019 had a lead over Congress and AAP in 65 of the 70 assembly segments. In five years, the party lost considerable ground and could get a lead only in 52 assembly areas. The party’s vote share in 2024 dropped by 2.3 percentage points – from 56.7% in 2019 to 54.4% in 2024.

The biggest vote-shift in favour of the INDIA bloc was recorded in the Okhla assembly segment. One of the five assembly segments where the BJP trailed in 2019, the difference of votes between the saf- fron party’s candidate and Congress was 5,688 in the last parliamentary polls. This swelled to 73,818 this time. This indicates that Muslims voted against BJP en bloc this time in Okhla, which was at the centre of the anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act, which later became a Bill) protest.

Badarpur, its neighbouring segment that sent Ramvir Singh Bidhuri – the leader of the opposition in Delhi assembly and now a Lok Sabha member from South Delhi – to the assembly in 2020, also saw a huge shift of votes towards the opposition. An assembly segment with a large number of unauthorised colonies and villages, Badarpur had given BJP a lead of 85,799 votes in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls; this time it got reduced to just 25,181 despite Bidhuri him- self contesting the election.

Vikaspuri, another assembly segment with a number of unauthorised colonies also witnessed a massive shift of votes away from BJP. Its lead was reduced by nearly 56,000 votes this time – from 83,165 in 2019 to 27,511 in 2024.

Matiala, Palam and Najafgarh – three assembly areas with a large rural population – also saw BJP’s lead coming down drastically, resulting in a narrower margin of victory for party candidates Kamaljeet Sehrawat in West Delhi and Bidhuri in South Delhi.

The analysis of the voting pattern reveals that the difference in BJP’s margin of leads between 2019 and 2024 was over 60,000 in two assembly segments; 50,000-60,000 in two; 40,000-50,000 in eight; 30,000-40,000 in 15; 20,000-30,000 in another 15; 10,000-20,000 in 25; and less than 10,000 in two.

The assembly segments where the difference in victory margins in the two Lok Sabha elections was less than 10,000 were Gandhi Nagar and Ghonda, both having urban pockets with a large population of trading class. Several other urban areas with a sizable middle and upper middle class population, such as Chandni Chowk, Shakurbasti, Kasturba Nagar, Rohtas Nagar, Model Town and Vishwas Nagar saw the difference in margin of leads to be less than 20,000.

The 2019 Lok Sabha election was a triangular contest between BJP, AAP and Congress. AAP and Congress, however, forged a pre-poll seatsharing arrangement this time and fielded their candidates in four and three constituencies, respectively, to prevent division of anti-BJP votes.

Though the alliance failed to pose a strong challenge to BJP and failed to win a single seat in the capital, the joint opposition managed to reduce the victory margins. It turned the tables on BJP in 13 assembly segments and managed to gain a lead, albeit smaller, in some of them.

The assembly segments where the saffron party ceded its lead to the AAP-Congress combine, the two constituents of opposition’s INDIA bloc, included New Delhi, Delhi Cantt, RK Puram, Seemapuri, Babarpur, Ambedkar Nagar, Sangam Vihar, Tughlaqabad, Sultanpur Majra, Jangpura, Tilak Nagar and Rajouri Garden.

Excise dept directs hotels, clubs to ensure proper fire safety measures

There has been a spurt in fire incidents in the capital amid soaring temperatures

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: With a rise in the number of fire incidents in the capital, especially in commercial buildings, Delhi govt’s excise department has directed hotels, clubs and resto-bars to ensure proper safety arrangements.

The direction came after seven newborn died in a fire tragedy at a private hospital in east Delhi last month.

Officials said similar instructions had been issued to bonded warehouses dealing in liquor to ensure adequate firefighting equipment and their regular maintenance and refilling, apart from having a valid fire insurance, periodical checking of electric fittings, and keeping the premises free of any hazardous materials, among others.

According to the rules, hotels, clubs and resto-bars, having more than 90 square metres of area, are required to take a no-objection certificate (NOC) from fire department before applying for the excise licence, while the smaller ones just have to submit an affidavit saying they comply with the necessary rules related to fire safety.

The directions issued by excise department largely pertain to the second ca- tegory of bars and clubs. The directions stated that resto-bars and eateries having less than 90-square-metre area will also have to take all precautions and adequate safety measures to prevent any mishap or fire incident, failing which action, including suspension or cancellation of licence, will be taken as per the rules.

As per the data of excise department, the city has around 1,000 HCR (hotel, club, restaurants) that serve liquor. Officials said Rule 51(10)(h) of Delhi Excise Rules 2010 provides for the requirement of NOC from fire department for retail licence for consumption of liquor on the premises.

“At present, Delhi is facing severe heatwaves due to which several fire incidents have occurred and, accordingly, the issue of fire NOC for restaurants and eateries has been reviewed,” said the circular.

Liquor is a highly inflammable item, so no stock of liquor or its spillage should be left unattended as this could lead to fire accidents, the department said.

Congress reviews poor show in Delhi

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Days after a 7-0 verdict in Delhi in favour of BJP, the state unit of Congress held a meeting of party functionaries to review the reasons for the drubbing and discuss the roadmap for the future.

The meeting was chaired by Delhi Congress’ interim chief Devender Yadav and attended by AICC general secretary and in-charge for Delhi, Deepak Babaria, apart from various former Delhi ministers, legislators and other functionaries. Yadav said the party’s performance in Lok Sabha polls was “commendable” despite all odds stacked against it. “In comparison to the last election, our vote percentage has gone up and the party candidates recei- ved overwhelming support from people in many areas. This proves that the party was still a force to reckon with,” Yadav said.

‘We Will Join The World’s Top 300 Univs Soon By Enhancing Quality’

Delhi University vice-chancellor Yogesh Singh discusses with Shreya Ghosh DU’s remarkable achievement in going up by 79 rungs in the QS World Rankings and how this was achieved

PhD students must publish in high-quality journals. We will fund one international conference annually if proceedings are published. 5 lakh will be given for getting published in top journals, 1.5 lakh for others

To enhance quality, we have recruited top-tier teachers and are eliminating adhocism due to financial instability which hinders research. We are focusing on hiring bright minds with strong research potential and assessing their PhDs, postdoctoral work and experience

TOI INTERVIEW

Delhi University has taken a big leap in the QS World Rankings, going up from 407 last year to an impressive 328 in 2024. What contributed to this feat which has enhanced the university’s academic reputation?

■ We are thrilled by this and proud of our consistent improvement in the rankings, rising from 521-530 in 2022 to 407 in 2023, and now to 328. This achievement reflects the dedication of our teachers, students and administration. We aim to join the top 300 universities worldwide soon. To enhance quality, we have recruited top-tier teachers and are eliminating adhocism due to financial instability which hinders research. We are focusing on hiring bright minds with strong research potential and assessing their PhDs, postdoctoral work and experience.

How has DU measured up in the ‘international research network’ and ‘academic reputation’ categories?

■ PhD students must now publish in high-quality journals indexed by SCI (Science Citation Index), Web of Science or Scopus, relevant to QS and Times Higher Education rankings. The university will fund one international conference every year if its proceedings are published, enhancing research impact. We are now strictly enforcing these standards to ensure publication in top journals. We will ensure students focus on research projects and apply for grants. The university will award Rs 5 lakh for top journal publications and Rs 1.5 lakh for other quality publications, incentivising both teachers and students to excel. The funds can be used for research.

DU has been declared a public Institution of Eminence and received funds for research, innovations and infrastructure. How have these funds been utilised?

■ Over the past two years, we’ve invested over Rs 20 crore in the library and significantly upgraded our research infrastructure, supported by govt of India’s Rs 1,000 crore Institution of Eminence scheme. This has boosted our rankings. We also offer one lakh monthly grants for postdoctoral fellowships and continue to enhance our facilities.

What has been the impact of National Education Policy 2020 on the rankings? Students are finding it difficult to navigate the multiple courses prescribed under NEP.

■ The full impact of NEP will be seen in the coming years as it has been only three years since its inception. NEP emphasises research and innovation. We’ve launched the Udhmodhya Foundation to support student startups with seed money and resources. NEP also aims to reduce study load, cutting credits from 200 to 20 for holistic development. While it offers curricular flexibility, proper implementation is still evolving. For instance, we’ve addressed the mismatch in teaching assignments by hiring professional sports coaches. Adapting will take time but we encourage self-study to manage syllabus completion.

In the QS rankings, DU topped the ‘employment outcomes and sustainability’ category. What specific measures and initiatives have been implemented to achieve this distinction?

■ DU’s Central Placement Cell has successfully organised job fairs, greatly aiding student employment and enhancing employer reputation. We host over 1,000 international students and 20 adjunct international faculty teaching online for postgraduate and PhD courses. Despite India’s tight job market, we will focus on recruiting Indian faculty though we are allowed to hire international teachers. With the end of the pandemic, recruitment will resume. DU ranks first in sustainability as a zero liquid discharge campus and we are committed to more green initiatives like installing solar panels.

Several senior teachers have voiced their concerns about the alleged arbitrary removal of adhoc teachers and political appointments. With 75% already displaced by April 2023, they question the fairness of this system. What is your take on that?

■ We recruit teachers solely based on academic credentials. Recruitment is challenging and often criticised as only a few are selected from thousands of candidates. While academic experience is paramount, we are sensitive to certain subjects as a university.

Both students and faculty have said that the tradition of dissent within DU is diminishing. Is this true?

■ Peace is required for research or any other academic accomplishment. As a VC, it’s my duty to ensure there is peace in the university. There are fewer protests in DU now.

DU has increased its annual fees by 46% to Rs 2,350 across various categories, prompting accusations from some teachers that it is just a ploy to use students’ funds to repay interest on Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) loans.

■ HEFA is a crucial government scheme that should have been utilised by the university much earlier. With an expenditure of Rs 1,300 crore and only Rs 5-6 crore raised from fees, the university’s finances depend heavily on external support. Under HEFA, Centre provides 100% interest and 90% of the principal with the university responsible for only 10%. It’s a comfortable arrangement aimed at enhancing accountability. This scheme is exclusive to DU and we must utilise such opportunities for growth. Additionally, University of Delhi Foundation aims to mobilise funds, targeting Rs 1,000 crore from alumni and various stakeholders for the university’s development.

What has been the progress on infrastructure development at DU?

■ We’re gearing up for significant infrastructural upgrades. Construction of the Faculty of Technology building will commence shortly along with plans for two hostels, each accommodating 1,000 students. Funding has been secured and construction will begin soon. Additionally, expansion projects are in the pipeline for the Dhaka campus and academic buildings.

The university was unable to fill around 7,000 seats in the common seat allocation system (CSAS) last year. What steps have been taken to ensure a smoother process this time?

■ We are in discussions with the principals of peripheral colleges that struggled to fill seats last year. We are prepared to offer an additional 30% of seats, with 50% available in the first round itself, to ensure seat occupancy. Additionally, we will conduct mop-up rounds this year.

Gangster shot dead by STF in encounter

Noida: A gangster from Bihar, who had a bounty of over Rs 2 lakh on his arrest, died of a gunshot wound he suffered in an encounter after he was intercepted by special task forces of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh Police in Muzaffarnagar on Wednesday night.

Noida police said on Thursday they received information that Nilesh Kumar Rai, who belonged to Begusarai, was with his gang in NCR. Consequently, a joint STF of Noida police and Bihar Police was formed.

Cops seized two pistols, cartridges and a motorcycle without a licence plate from Rai.

TNN

Delhi court grants bail to Supertech chief in ED case

COURT SAYS The allegations levelled in the FIR cannot be considered as gospel truth... This court is required to examine whether ingredients of predicate offence are fulfilled in the present case

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: A court on Thursday granted bail to Supertech chairman and promoter Ram Kishor Arora in a Rs 700-crore money laundering case being probed by Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Allowing the third regular bail plea moved by Arora, the court of additional sessions judge Devender Kumar Jangala said, “The investigation is complete, and after the completion of investigation, the prosecution complaint has already been filed. The case of Enforcement Directorate is based upon documentary evidence; therefore, there is no possibility of the applicant/ accused influencing the witnesses, if released on bail.”

The court noted that Arora and his company seemed to be active and upright in resolving the dispute with the aggrieved buyers of Supertech’s real estate projects, and granted him bail on furnishing a Rs 1-lakh bail bond with two sureties in the like amount. “The applicant/accused has voluntarily joined the investigation before being arrested in the present case,” it pointed out. The court also observed that Arora was earlier released on interim bail on medical grounds, but had never misused the liberty, and therefore, he won’t be a flight risk. According to ED, Supertech has defaulted on loan payments to the banks and financial institutions, and currently around Rs 1,500 crore of such loans have become nonperforming assets. The agency has also alleged that the company and its directors had hatched a “criminal conspiracy” to cheat people by collecting funds from prospective homebuyers as advance against flats in real estate pro- jects, but didn’t provide possession on time. The funds were m isappropriated and diverted for buying land in the name of other group companies, which were pledged as collaterals to borrow funds from the banks and financial institutions, ED has alleged.

The judge, however, pointed out, “The allegations levelled in the FIR cannot be considered as gospel truth... This court is required to examine whether ingredients of predicate offence are fulfilled in the present case.” None of the banks/financial institutions, he observed, had lodged any FIR against Arora for the diversion of funds or any of the scheduled offence involving the loan amounts. Therefore, “Enforcement Directorate is not having authority to investigate the commission of predicate/scheduled offence”, he added.

“The applicant/accused has been successful to satisfy the twin conditions with the principle of broad probabilities in his favour in terms of judgment of Supreme Court in Vijay Madanlal Chaudhary (case),” the court concluded.

AC blast sparks 3rd flat fire in Noida in a week

Anjali Singh TNN

Noida: A blast in an indoor unit of an AC triggered a fire in a 17th-floor flat of Eldeco Aamantran in Sector 119 on Wednesday night.

There were no injuries or casualties. This was the third such fire caused by an AC blast in the city in a week.

Fire department officials said the blaze, which started in one of the bedrooms around 9pm, quickly spread to the balcony, fanned by strong winds.

The flames were, however, contained by the society’s own emergency team before the fire brigade arrived. Two guards, who battled the blaze, suffered injuries.

Nikhil Singhal, the AOA president of the society, said while Atul Kumar had glass shards pierced into his hands when he tried to break a window in the lift lobby, Devender Kumar suffered burns in one of his legs while trying to contain the flames. He, too, had a cut in his hand when he broke a glass window to let the smoke that had filled the flat barrel out.

“The two guards were treated and sent on medical leave. One of the patrolling guards saw flames leap out of the balcony and informed others on his walkie-talkie,” Singhal added.

Gas supply was snapped and electricity switched off. Guards rushed to the upper floors with fire extinguishers on their shoulders. The family of three was brought out safely and the flames were doused in 20-25 minutes, much before the fire tenders arrived.

Singhal said the entire maintenance team, including Atul and Devender, would be awarded on Independence Day. “They fought the flames without thinking about their own safety. This incident has taught us that if you stay alert, any situation can be brought under control,” he added.

Chief fire officer Pradeep Kumar Choubey said they got a call from a society resident a little after 9pm.

“We rushed to the society with five fire tenders. By the time we reached, the society’s own maintenance team and firefighting systems had doused the flames,” he added. This was the third such fire triggered by a burning AC in the past one week in the city.

Turning the tide in environment’s favour

LIVES NOT WASTED: Deb makes life jackets using plastic discards

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: An 18-year-old girl from Assam who makes life jackets using plastic waste to save lives during floods. A rural youth group that created a reusable steel cutlery bank to reduce plastic consumption. Young women from rural Gujarat who stitch and sell reusable bags. These are some of the young Indians who shared their stories at an anti-plastic event on Thursday as part of the National Youth Summit at WWF-India.

The Tide Turners Plastic Challenge is a global youthled movement committed to reduction of plastic waste. It is organised by the United Nations Environment Programme in partnership with the Centre for Environment Education India and WWF-India.

Anusweta Deb, 18, of Hailakandi, Assam, shared how she came up with the idea of making low-cost life jackets when she saw the loss of lives in floods. “When I was in Class IX, my tuition teacher, who is also my maternal uncle, asked me what I could do to save lives during floods. I realised that life jackets available in the markets were expensive. In 2021, I introduced the life jacket made of discarded rice bags and p lastic bottles,” Deb, a first year BSc student, told TOI.

During the floods in Silchar district in 2022, some people contacted her to provide life jackets. With the assistance of family and friends, she made 200 life jackets in three sizes in a week. “It gave me immense joy when the flood victims used the jackets. My aim is to save the environment and lives,” said Deb. “We also organised training programmes in Odisha and Kerala on how to make these life jackets.”

Annoyed by the forests being marred by plastic waste, a group of 10 men and women from Nata panchayat in Madhya Pradesh are running Shristi Samoh to combat plas- tic pollution by reintroducing eco-friendly leaf plates called pattalin the local economy. It has also helped young women get employment.

In a similar initiative, rural youths launched a bartan (utensils) bank in March in Boundi village in Bahraich district of UP. Showing the local popular how plastic cutlery was expensive and damaging to the environment, the group made steel table utensils for 100 guests available for loan at Rs 650. “We are planning to increase the utensils to meet the needs of 500 guests,” said Dinanath of Bartan Bank.

At the event, Tanmay Nag, 29, of Delhi, founder of a digital platform to encourage likeminded youth in solving plastic problems, disclosed that the platform was currently undergoing updates. While Khushi Grover, 22, along with Special Olympics Bharat, hosted games for citizens to create awareness about single-use plastic, Suramya, who is a Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Young Fellow, encouraged people to adopt sustainable alternatives to plastic.

Syrian among four arrested for selling fake cancer drugs

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Four people have been arrested in connection with a multi-crore rupee racket in spurious life-saving drugs. Among the arrested is an international carrier from Syria, who facilitated the supply of fake medicines to Turkey, Egypt and India.

The Crime Branch operation reportedly led to the seizure of a substantial quantity of counterfeit and banned branded medicines, including anti-cancer and anti-diabetic injections, worth crores of rupees.

The investigation was initiated based on intelligence gathered by the cyber cell of Crime branch, indicating that certain medicine vendors and wholesalers in the Delhi-NCR region were illegally dealing in spurious and unregistered life-saving drugs. Deputy commissioner of police Rakesh Pawaria said the perpetrators were endangering the lives of innocent individuals by supplying counterfeit medicines under the guise of genuine products belonging to many known brands.

A specialised team comprising ACP Prabhat Sinha and inspector Pradeep Singh was constituted and it collaborated with officials from drug department of Delhi govt and authorised representatives of the relevant pharmaceutical companies to conduct simultaneous raids at various locations.

The operation yielded sig- nificant results, with the seizure of suspicious stocks of imported drugs worth approximately Rs 1.5 crore from Shree Ram International Traders in Bhagirath Palace in North Delhi’s Chandni Chowk and an additional stock of around Rs 2.5 crore from Tery White Life Care in Daryaganj. The r ecovered medicines were found to be imported and unauthorised for sale and distribution in India.

Further investigation into the case revealed the involvement of foreigners in the syndicate, prompting the apprehension of Monir Ahmad, a Syrian, at New Delhi Railway Station. Ahmad confessed to acting as a carrier and supplying medicines among Turkey, Egypt and India regularly. The kingpin of the syndicate was identified as another foreigner operating from Egypt.

The arrested individuals include Naveen Arya, a PhD holder and an LLB/LLM graduate, who operated Shree Ram International shop; Saurabh Garg, a Class XII pass running Tery White Life Care; Karan Khaneja, also associated with Tery White Life Care; and Ahmad. The accused disclosed their involvement in procuring and supplying the illicit medicines by taking advantage of the price disparity between India and Middle Eastern countries.

The syndicate’s international connections are under investigation to unravel the full extent of this nefarious trade, said an officer.

‘Drugs in parcel’ fraud: 77-yr-old loses ` 42 lakh

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: A 77-year-old man was duped of Rs 42 lakh by scammers posing as customs and CBI officials. A case of cheating was registered on June 3 in this connection.

Around 9 am on May 24, Daljeet Singh Rana, a resident of Dwarka, received several calls from three mobile numbers. “The callers claimed to be from the customs department and informed me that my parcel, which was supposed to be sent from Mumbai to Malaysia, had been intercepted. They further informed me that the parcel contained 16 passports of different individuals, 58 ATM cards of different individuals, and 140 gm of MDMA drugs,” Rana stated in his complaint.

The complainant further said that the callers, posing as CBI police officers, assured him that they could help him resolve the issue. They instructed him to transfer a total of Rs 42 lakh from his bank account to two designated accounts. They claimed that this transfer was n ecessary to cover the charges for the release of his parcel and that the money would be refunded if he was not found guilty.

“The callers threatened me with legal consequences and deportation if I did not comply with their instructions or informed anyone about the incident,” Rana added.

Fearing for his safety and well-being, he succumbed to their pressure and transferred the money in two installments. “After receiving the money, the callers instructed me to remain silent and not inform anyone about the incident. They later promised to return my money in person between 6 pm and 9 pm on May 26. However, no one showed up on the promised date, and my calls to the three mobile numbers went unanswered. Realising that I had been a victim of fraud, I immediately filed a complaint at the cyber police station on May 27,” Rana recalled.

Tihar Jail inmate attacked by rival gang members

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:An inmate associated with the Gogi gang was attacked allegedly by the inmates belonging to a rival gang inside the highsecurity Tihar Jail.

After receiving information about hospitalisation of an injured inmate on Wednesday, police arrived at the hospital to investigate the matter and found that Hitesh alias Happy was attacked during a fight in Tihar Jail, a senior police officer said.

The attackers have been identified a s Gaurav Lohra and Gurinder, both believed to be affiliated with the Tillu gang, said Vichitra Veer, DCP (west).

"During the inquiry, it was found that Gaurav and Gurinder are in jail for cases of murder and attempted murder, respectively," said the DCP, adding that injured Hitesh was r eceiving treatment a t DDU Hospital. He was incarcerated for a murder case from 2019 at Bawana police station.

A jail official said the incident happened around 11.15 am on June 5 when the trio had gone to the hospital in central jail number 3. There was an argument between them. "One of the two men was carrying some sharp object, and they attacked Hitesh," the official said, a dding that hearing the commotion, the quick response team rushed to the spot and caught them. The injured was given firstaid treatment and he was then transfered to DDU hospital for further treatment.

The DCP added that a case under Section 307 (attempt to murder) of the IPC has been filed at Hari Nagar police station and in vestigation is underway.

8 garbage dumps in key areas converted into material recovery facilities to boost segregation, recycling of waste

Vibha.Sharma@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has successfully converted eight dhalaos, located near busy markets and residential areas, into material recovery facilities (MRFs). These have also been linked to the reduce-reuse-recycle (RRR) centres to ensure comprehensive processing of segregated waste.

According to officials, the project aims to improve decentralised waste management by establishing dedicated centres for sorting and collecting recyclable trash.

During an inspection of the facilities a t Khan Market on Thursday, NDMC vicechairman Satish Upadhyay said the other centres are located at Bengali Market, Mathur Lane, Dhyan Chand Stadium, Connaught Place E Block, Malcha Marg, Pali- ka Niwas and Kautilaya Marg.

“Established in collaboration with NGO Chintan, the facilities have a capacity to accommodate 0.5 to 4 tonnes of waste per day. An adequate number of waste-pickers have been engaged to segregate dry and hazardous waste on a daily basis,” he added.

Underlining the importance of integrating MRFs with RRR centres, he said, “By facilitating collection, segregation and recycling of waste, the facilities help convert it into a valuable resource, which also minimises environmental impact.”

About 100 informal waste-pickers are currently involved in the operations a t material recovery facilities. “The move not only provides dignified employment opportunities to these persons, it also leverages their expertise in waste segregation to ensure efficient recycling processes,” an official said.

A four-day event organised on Thursday by the Khan Market Trade Association, Chintan NGO and NDMC officials will focus on segregation of domestic hazardous waste and the importance of composting at home.

Outgoing NDMC chairman Amit Yadav also inaugurated a ‘Vikalp’ centre at Janpath, which will operate eve- ry Saturday-Sunday from 4pm to 7pm. It will offer space for ideation and encourage finding solutions to waste management and elimination of single-use plastics.

“The initiative was organised in collaboration with the NGO ‘Why Waste Wednesday’ and the NSS unit of College of Vocational Studies. As an initial step, 150 shopkeepers will be provided five free cloth bags each over a period of one month, symbolising the beginning of Janpath Market’s transformation into an SUPfree Vikalp Market,” said Upadhyay.

CINEMA OF THE WEEK

This story will warm your heart

Malhar (Drama)★★★½

Cast: Shrinivas Pokale, Vinayak Potdar, Shaarib Haashmi, Anjali Patil, Rishi Saxena

Direction: Vishal Kumbhar

Duration: 1 hour 43 minutes

Language: Hindi (UA)

■ Set in a remote village of Kutch, Gujarat, the film has three interconnected stories: two young boys on a mission to fix a broken hearing aid, a couple grappling with the consequence of an interfaith romance, and a newlywed woman facing potential ouster from her in-laws’ home due to infertility.

Director Vishal Kumbhar skilfully blends three stories in this movie— heartwarming tales of friendship, poignant struggles, and even touches of tragedy, ensuring each emotion resonates in perfect harmony, without one overpowering the other.

The film starts strong, with a scene at a burial ground before effortlessly shifting to a delightful adventure of two young boys, Javed (Vinayak Potdar) and Bhairav (Shrinivas Pokale). Their quest to fix Bhairav’s damaged hearing aid becomes the heart of the narrative, organically weaving in tales of forbidden love and societal pressures faced by a young woman. The young boys delightfully mistake a Bluetooth device to be the machine they need and save Rs 1,500 for the new piece without letting the elders know.

Their story is connected with two others. Javed’s sister, Jasmine (Akshata Acharya), navigates a blossoming romance with Jatin (Mohammad Samad), while Kesar (Anjali Patil) grapples with the weight of societal expectations as the infertile daughter-in-law of the village sarpanch. Writer-director Kumbhar and co-writer Apurva Patil explore themes of selfless friendship, love, marriage, and the struggles of a minority community, all with a subtle touch that avoids melodrama.

Cinematographer Ganesh Kamble captures the essence of Kutch –– its majestic yet humble beauty, bursting with color. The melodious music by T Satish and Sarang Kulkarni further elevates the experience, while heartrending dialogues penned by Siddharth Salvi and Swapnil Sitaram, particularly a letter written by Jasmine for Jatin, leave a lasting impression.

The cast delivers exceptional performances. Child actors Shrinivas Pokale and Vinayak Potdar possess an undeniable real-life best friend chemistry. Their portrayal of innocence, mischief, and unwavering loyalty is heartwarming. Shaarib Haashmi shines as the boisterous vendor and self-proclaimed tour guide Mohan, with his broken English providing comic relief. Anjali Patil and Akshata Acharya are captivating, while Rishi Saxena delivers a powerful performance as Kesar’s husband Laxman, despite limited screen time. Each actor breathes life into their character, making the film a compelling watch.

While the movie excels at balancing heartwarming moments with poignant realities, the pacing falters slightly in the second half. However, this is a minor blip in an otherwise enriching journey that deserves to be experienced on the big screen.

— Dhaval Roy

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

Bajrang Aur Ali (Drama) ★★

Cast: Jaiveer, Sachin Parikh

Direction: Jaiveer

Duration: 2 hours 2 minutes

Language: Hindi (UA)

■ Bajrang, a Hindu, and Ali, a Muslim, become inseparable, embodying the unity their communities often struggle to maintain. Despite all odds, will they be able to stay strong with each other?

Bajrang Aur Ali is a tale of two friends from different communities whose bond is forged through shared interests and mutual respect that transcends their different backgrounds. Their friendship is a powerful symbol of harmony and understanding, showing how individuals can bridge cultural and religious divides through empathy and shared experiences.

Writer-director Jaiveer, who also plays one of the protagonists, Bajrang, tries to present a balanced narrative that teaches the true essence of friendship beyond religious and communal boundaries. However, he ends up stereotyping members of a community, who are shown as the obvious villains.

Set in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, the film is a straightforward narrative that revolves around Bajrang and Ali (Sachin Parikh), who stand unwaveringly by each other. However, their friendship is put to the test in a communally charged atmosphere, where everything seems to fall apart.

The message is loud and clear (quite literally!): no religion is above humanity. However, the presentation is too dramatic, which feels like a forced attempt to push the message onto viewers. This makes the 122-minute runtime feel far-fetched.

Jaiveer is decent in his central role as Bajrang, while Sachin Parikh, as Ali, delivers a slightly convincing performance. The duo complement each other well. Ravi Bhat’s cinematography, covering the ghats of Ujjain, lends some realism to the film.

Though Bajrang Aur Ali conveys the profound message that nothing is above humanity, the execution lacks prowess, and the low production quality is disappointing. While the leading men represent the country’s youth, the film fails to engage beyond a certain point.

— Archika Khurana

Bad Boys: Ride or Die (Action, Comedy)★★★½

Cast: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Jacob Scipio, Eric Dane, Paola Núñez, Ioan Gruffudd

Direction: Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah

Duration: 1 hour 57 minutes

Language: English (A)

■ Miami PD’s best buddies-detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) must get to the bottom of a conspiracy that implicates someone they deeply respected.

The duo’s still got speed, strength, and occasional insanity, even if age is no longer on their side.There was a time when buddy cop comedies were a thing. Films evolve and time flies but Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah show how the theme can still be relevant if made well. With truecrime, cerebral sci-fi, biopics and long drawn series occupying our screen time of late, a nonsensical but supremely entertaining action comedy feels like a welcome detox.

The fourth instalment in the Bad Boys franchise is a refreshing resurgence of the 90’s cult cop comedy genre. The film also marks Will Smith’s solid comeback as the likeable Will Smith we’ve always known before the controversial slapgate. This is he returning to top form, exuding that quintessential movie star energy and Smith brand of humour and humanity. The incredible Martin Lawrence not only complements Smith in his mad antics but ignites the madness and chemistry between the two. Only he could have pulled off the racial humour without making it offensive. Their near-perfect comic timing is a delight to watch and the bad jokes never get tiring. The story cleverly weaves fast action into the hilarious and heartfelt banter between the two warring friends, making this a light-hearted rollercoaster. The ageing heroes fight their high blood pressure and sugar along with the bad guys.

At no point does the film get soppy even as the story brings out the emotional side of these characters. Action scenes add to the thrill and excitement, and humour feels relevant, especially as it shows the 50-something lead detectives battling age-related issues. Refreshing to see actors owning their age on screen and characters, their physical limitations.

An ode to male friendship and brotherhood, Bad Boys: Ride or Die embodies Sex and the city’s most celebrated line from a male perspective. “Maybe our bros are our soulmates and wives are just people to have fun with?” This is by far one of the most entertaining films of the year. Watch it!

— Renuka Vyavahare

RATING SCALE

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

DDA To Spruce Up Parks Near Red Fort

Project To Create Recreational Spaces For Public, Featuring Different Kinds Of Gardens

AN OFFICIAL SAYS Low-height plantation is proposed along the porous boundary edge near the Red Fort to maintain a visual connection with the Fort

Vibha.Sharma@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Delhi Development Authority has ramped up efforts to revitalise and redevelop parks behind Red Fort and along the stone walls of the Walled City. Its focus is on the Dilli Chalo, Ghata Masjid, Urdu Academy and Sadbhavna parks. These parks have been handed over the DDA by the Union ministry of culture.

A DDA official said, “The projects included creating a diverse range of recreational spaces for the public, featuring a combination of formal gardens, neighbourhood parks and Mughal-style gardens, each situated in distinct green areas separated by major roads. To enhance the visual appeal of these spaces, fountains have been incorporated into the design.”

The four parks, spanning 35 acres and stretching 1.7 km along Ring Road, are planned to offer recreational facilities similar to those at Kartavya Path near India Gate.

The plan for Dilli Chalo Park, located behind Red Fort, is to transform it into a Mughal Char Bagh. DDA said, "Taking into account the existing vegetation, the design keeps a formal axis focusing on various built elements of Red Fort. Water fountains, pools and channels along the central axis follo- wed by plantation of low floral plantations to add colour and variety and creating sufficient sitting spaces is part of the project. An amphitheatre is positioned to empha- sise one of the burj of the Fort while entering into the site is also planned."

Red sandstone with occasional motifs in Dholpur or marble is proposed to be used and handmade tiles will line the waterbodies. The project also has provisions for decorative artifacts to match the style and lighting that will enhance the aesthetic appeal of the place. The road adjacent to the park will be reconfigured to provide sufficient parking spaces and designated areas for vendors near the three proposed site entrances. Two public restrooms will also be constructed near the entrances.

"Low-height plantation is proposed along the porous boundary edge near the Red Fort to maintain a visual connection with the Fort," said the official.

The Ghata Masjid and Urdu Academy parks, which are linked to Ansari Road, are currently being transformed into neighbourhood parks to meet the needs of local residents. The key features of these parks include two seating pavilions, sculpture terraces, a shaded senior citizen plaza, yoga lawn, children's play area, multipurpose playground, open gym and public facilities. The adjacent service road will also be redesigned to provide ample parking space and vendor zones near the proposed entries.

DDA is using materials such as murram, grit finish and CC pacers in the construction, with green areas divided into lawn and low-maintenance plantation zones.

At the fourth location, Sadbhavana Park, DDA has envisioned a French-inspired landscape, with a grand water feature resembling Apollo’s fountain with its group of energetic horses at France’s Palace of Versailles as the focal element. Two water channels will mark the central axis of the park, and an amphitheatre and a sitting court with food trucks have been planned. Simple linear lawns marked by tree-lined avenues will act as the foreground to the water feature. The materials proposed for use there are marble with a touch of Kota stone.

Citizens’ group calls for action to save Yamuna

Kushagra.Dixit@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: There is construction underway on the Yamuna floodplain between Bela Farm and Garhi Mandu In northeast Delhi, with a 15-metre-high debris mound and, surprisingly, a govt institution is responsible for this illegal activity. This fact was pointed out by Suhas Borker, founder member of Green Circle of Delhi, at an environment seminar on Thursday. Such violations must be dealt with in accordance with the judgment of the National Green Tribunal in the Manoj Misra Vs Others case, said Borker. All kind of construction and dumping on the floodplain from Palla to Kalindi must stop immediately, he insisted.

The conference held at India International Centre, where environment experts, engineers and former bureaucrats, including former Union environment secretary Ashok Lavasa participated, said it was important to develop a river quality index on the line of the air quality index, refurbish the wetland, develop biodiversity parks and press for a political will putting ecology over aesthetics.

Explaining a river as being a complex landform and an important component of the hydrological cycle, Faiyaz Khudsar, biodiversity parks expert, said there were problems related to the river and its floodplain, among them silted wetlands and infestation by invasive alien species, especially fishes.

Khudsar said there was a need to restore the characteristic grasslands and floodplain forestry and cited the success at Yamuna Biodiver- sity Park, where scientific approach revived the riparian system. “Scientists, ecologists and planners must be involved in any intervention,” he said. “Development activities and dumping must be strictly prohibited on the floodplain. And when considering plantations, test the salt, find the ecological history, the closest reference of ecological history and then find what would be best to plant in the area.”

Sanitation expert Ashok Mandal noted that while only 60% of the city was connected to drains, only 75% of the drain network was being used. He shared a success story from his residential colony, Anand Lok in south Delhi, where, as RWA president, he had managed to raise the groundwater level from 60ft in 2003 to 27ft in 2023 through rainwater harvesting. “While the demand for water from the Yamuna rises, there is not enough effort at tapping clean water through extensive rainwater harvesting,” he said.

While in the Union environment ministry, he had seen the Yamuna sadly losing its flow, recalled Lavasa. “We need a river health index, like AQI. Around 1987, the Yamuna had good rapids and rafting was planned between Paonta Sahib in Himachal Pradesh and Tajewala in Haryana. It took two years to procure rafts and by that time, the rapids had disappeared after a canal was made somewhere upstream,” Lavasa said.

The danger of vegetables being grown in a floodplain contaminated by heavy metals was flagged by Deeksha Katyal from the school of environment management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University.

Fire breaks out in 3-storey bldg, 1 injured

New Delhi: A fire ripped through a three-storey building in East Delhi’s Pandav Nagar on Thursday evening, injuring one person. Two fire tenders were deployed to tackle the blaze after the initial call at 6:30 pm. However, due to the intensity of the fire, three more fire brigades were dispatched to the scene.

The cause of the fire is being probed, but initial investigation hints at a possible short circuit on the first floor. TNN

Bizman harassed for bribe, vigilance unit files FIR against cop

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: An FIR filed by Delhi Police’s vigilance unit against a cop from Dwarka district illustrates the ordeal a common man faces when dealing with police. The complainant in this case was allegedly harassed for a Rs 2 lakh bribe. The case file was “manipulated” as well.

Ankit Singhal, a businessman, had filed a complaint at Baba Haridas Nagar Police Station regarding cheating and criminal breach of trust against another party in 2022.

“After a long inquiry and on the order of the DCP, investigating officer Rohit prepared a report to take legal opinion and submitted it to the prosecution branch on Jan 3, 2023. The prosecution branch gave its report on Feb 2, with a legal opinion that the complaint is a cognisable offence under sections of the Indian Penal Code,” the businessman stated in his complaint.

After that, Rohit requested approval for the registration of an FIR through a note sheet to some senior officers on Feb 13. Meanwhile, the registration of the FIR was approved.

“On Feb 20, I met with the SHO to inquire about my complaint file. He directed me to speak with Rohit. After repeated calls, I finally spoke with Rohit. When I asked him about my file, I was notified that the DCP had called the SHO for a briefing on my file,” Singhal stated.

The businessman alleged that he was then asked to pay a bribe of Rs 50,000. When Singhal went to make the payment, he was allegedly asked to pay Rs 2 lakh. He was told that “the other party had already offered him more than Rs 50,000 to dismiss the case or at least keep the file pending”. Singhal refused to pay Rs 2 lakh.

“I went to meet the DCP on March 13 for my file, and he passed an order for a report to be submitted by Rohit the next day,” he said.

After March 13, Singhal claims that he was unsuccessful in meeting the officers despite repeated attempts. “On April 15, I went to see Rohit and found my file on his desk. I noticed that the note sheet approved by the ACP for registration of the FIR had been removed. In its place, a new statement was added stating that this was a case of a recovery suit, even though it was earlier determined to be a cognizable offence under IPC sections,” he alleged in the complaint.

A police officer said Singhal’s complaint was probed by the vigilance unit. “The inquiry revealed offences under Section 7/11 of the PC Act, and a case was registered against the investigating officer, Rohit. He has been dismissed. No other cop was involved”.

Sales tax officer arrested for demanding, accepting bribe

New Delhi: A sales tax officer of Delhi govt has been arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 40,000 from a tax consultant.

According to a CBI official, a case was registered on Wednesday against the sales tax officer, identified as Sunil, on allegations that he demanded a bribe of Rs 1 lakh from the complainant, a practicing tax consultant in GST and Income Tax.

"The bribe was in exchange for resolving the issue of Input Tax Credit (ITC) of his client, Gupta Agency, and for dropping the proceedings for the cancellation of the agency's registration," the official said.

After negotiations, the suspect agreed to accept a bribe amount of not less than Rs 40,000. "A trap was set, and Sunil was caught red-handed while accepting the bribe. Searches were conducted at the residential and office premises of the accused in Delhi. He was produced before the court," the official said, adding Sunil was sent to judicial custody. TNN

Man kills self inside car, police probe debt angle

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: A man allegedly killed himself by trying to set his car on fire in southeast Delhi’s Nehru Place on Thursday. Police are investigating if excessive debts forced him to take the extreme step.

The deceased has been identified as Dhruv Mahajan, who lived in Lajpat Nagar’s Dayanand Colony and worked at a private firm in Gurgaon. DCP (southeast) Rajesh Deo said prima facie, it seemed that Mahajan had tried to immolate himself. However, the car didn’t fully catch fire, and subsequently, he suffered nasal bleeding and asphyxiated to death. “His sister, Poorvi Mahajan, who stays in Bangalore, said Dhruv was under huge debts.”

At 9.40am, police received a call that a body, with blood aro- und it, had been found inside a locked Ford car parked in front of Paharpur Business Centre next to Devika Tower. Police found the body in the driver’s seat and saw that the man had bled heavily from the nose.

“As all the doors were locked, we broke open a rear window. The man, aged 35-40 years, was dead with burn injuries on the face, thigh and hands,” an officer said. There was a strong smell of petrol inside the car and the victim’s hair was fully singed, he added. The steering wheel was also partially burnt. A crushed water bottle and a used matchstick were found on the front seat. “The CCTV footage showed that the man had arrived at the spot in the car at 3.30am, and seven minutes later, there was a fire inside,” the officer said, adding that it subsided after around 1 minute.

Dance Of Democracy

- RSS stands by Fadnavis, wants him to steer govt till Maha poll

- Independent Maha MP meets Congress brass, extends support

- Kerala church to Left Front: ‘Learn from mistakes’

- Extend an open invitation to Naidu & Nitish, says TMC

- Tribunal quashes attachment of multiple Mumbai flats of Praful in laundering case

- Pandian in Delhi on Naveen’s orders, says BJD

- Naidu may release AP finances white paper

RSS stands by Fadnavis, wants him to steer govt till Maha poll

Lauds Him For His Development Efforts, Both As CM & Dy CM

Vaibhav.Ganjapure@timesgroup.com

Nagpur: A day after Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis offered to resign assuming moral responsibility for BJP’s electoral defeat in the state, RSS office-bearers came calling at his Nagpur residence, where a closed-door meeting continued for nearly two hours.

Top Sangh sources confirmed the huddle at the deputy CM’s residence Thursday but called it a courtesy visit.

Senior RSS functionary Atul Limaye was part of the meeting, which party insiders claimed revolved around Fadnavis’s offer to quit and Sangh’s clear advice to him to stay put and steer the state govt till assembly elections as his exit would send a negative signal to voters. Sources said the electoral setbacks and strategies for upcoming elections were also discussed by Sangh members.

Earlier, Fadnavis touched down in Nagpur with BJP state chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, greeted support- ers and headed home, leaving Bawankule to address waiting reporters at the airport. After the post-noon huddle with Sangh representatives at his residence, the deputy CM took off for New Delhi.

At the airport, Bawankule told reporters the party has requested Fadnavis to remain in his position even though it was natural for him to feel disappointed after BJP’s poor showing. “The opposition’s false narrative had confused voters. The INDIA alliance has nothing to show on development, they misled voters by creating fear of change in the Constitution if BJP returned to office. Now, they are not blaming EVMs as they usually do when they lose. Voters will not tolerate lies and politics of casteism and will vote for development,” he said.

Lauding Fadnavis, Bawankule said, “His developmental efforts, both as chief minister and deputy CM, cannot be disregarded. He implemented all the welfare schemes launched by Prime MinistNarendra Modi’s govt and ensured free ration to over 6.5 crore people and worked for farmers’ welfare. But voters were swayed by the opposition’s lies. The Maharashtra BJP unit feels Fadnavis’ leadership is crucial for countering the opposition’s misinformation campaign.”

BJP won only nine of 28 LS seats it contested in the state, while its allies, Shiv Sena and NCP, won seven and one seats respectively. In contrast, MVA alliance secured 30 seats.

Independent Maha MP meets Congress brass, extends support

New Delhi: Vishal Patil who has been elected as independent MP from Sangli in Maharashtra on Thursday met the Congress brass and extended his support to the party. The development is significant as Congress that was stuck at 99 MPs can claim support of 100 members, even if technically an independent cannot join a political party.

Within two days of getting elected, Vishal met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the capital. He also gave Kharge a letter extending support to the Congress.

Grandson of former Maharashtra chief minister Vasantdada Patil, Vishal contested as rebel after Congress ally Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena refused to concede the old Congress stronghold in the seatsharing talks and fielded its own candidate. Vishal broke away from Congress, and romped home by over one lakh votes in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. “It did not become possible to contest on a Congress ticket, but people have voted for me taking into consideration the ideology of Congress,” he said.

TNN

Kerala church to Left Front: ‘Learn from mistakes’

Kottayam: Unless the Left Front in Kerala is willing to learn from the repeated shock therapy administered by people, it risks suffering the same fate as the Left parties in West Bengal and Tripura, said Geevarghese Mar Coorilos, the metropolitan of Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church.

In a social media post, the metropolitan attributed the Left’s failure primarily to a strong anti-incumbency wave and emphasised that this remains a stark reality despite CPM’s steadfast denial.

He outlined several factors contributing to the Left’s failure, including a lack of discipline, excessive spending, flawed police strategies, media hunting, political violence and intolerance to criticism.

TNN

Extend an open invitation to Naidu & Nitish, says TMC

TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on Thursday

Subodh.Ghildiyal@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: A meeting of the opposition INDIA alliance, which announced on Wednesday that it will take appropriate action at an appropriate moment to form govt, saw a demand from TMC that specific mention should be made about an open invite to TDP and JDU. The two regional parties play a crucial role in ensuring that the BJP alliance reaches the majority mark.

During a discussion on poll numbers and the road ahead, participants, which included stalwarts of the bloc, expressed an eagerness to form the govt. But at the same time, they conceded that the numbers were stacked clearly in BJP’s favour, specially because of its pre-poll alliance with JD(U) and TDP. It was felt that the opposition could iterate upfront that the mandate was against BJP, while underlin- ing that it will wait and watch for the right moment to stake the claim.

It is learnt that TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee suggested that opposition should show some urgency in trying to form govt, and demanded that a mention could be made in the meeting’s resolution stating that the opposition bloc’s doors were open for Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar.

But, sources said, the general feeling was that a statement of readiness for any post-poll realignment was enough, and a specific mention naming the parties was not required given the numbers gap between NDA and the opposition.

The resolution adopted in the meeting, as read out by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, said, “We will take appropriate steps at the appropriate time to realise the people’s desire not to be governed by BJP.”

Abhishek meets Akhilesh, Uddhav

Days after Mamata Banerjee objected to CPM getting a considerable role in INDIA bloc, party neta Abhishek Banerjee Thursday met SP chief Akhilesh Singh and AAP’s Raghav Chadha and Sanjay Singh in Delhi. He also made an unscheduled trip to Mumbai to meet Uddhav Thackeray.

TNN

Tribunal quashes attachment of multiple Mumbai flats of Praful in laundering case

Pradeep.Thakur@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: In a major relief to NCP leader Praful Patel, the Appellate Tribunal for Safema, dealing with cases under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), by an order of June 3 quashed the attachment of multiple flats owned by him on the 12th to 15th floors of Ceejay House in Worli, Mumbai, worth over Rs 180 crore.

ED had attached at least seven flats in Ceejay House owned by Patel, his wife Varsha and their company Millennium Developers in 2022, which was later confirmed by the PMLA’s adjudicating authority. ED had alleged that the properties were acquired from the widow of late drug lord Iqbal Mirchi through illegal transactions.

Quashing this attachment order on Monday, the appellate tribunal said ED’s actions against the Patels were illegal since these properties were not involved in money laundering, or linked to Iqbal Mirchi. The tribunal further said that properties spanning 14,000 sq feet belonging to Hazra Memon and her two sons in Ceejay House were attached separately and a double attachment of another 14,000 sq feet belonging to the Patels was not required as it was not part of the proceeds of crime.

While attaching flats belonging to the Patels, ED had alleged that they had purchased the property on which Ceejay House was built from Hazra Memon and gave her ownership of 14,000 sq feet of properties in Ceejay House. The agency claimed that Hazra and her two sons Asif and Junaid were declared fugitive economic offenders for which all properties of the Patels in Ceejay House were attached.

Pandian in Delhi on Naveen’s orders, says BJD

Bhubaneswar: Amid murmurs about VK Pandian’s role in BJD’s electoral debacle and his absence in public since the June 4 results, the party on Thursday clarified that he was in New Delhi on instructions of Naveen Patnaik, reports Debabrata Mohapatra.

“There are some misleading media reports on his (Pandian’s) Delhi tour,” BJD Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra said. BJD did not disclose the purpose of Pandian’s sudden visit to Delhi. It also did not clear the air on why Pandian, BJD’s chief election strategist, has not yet reacted to the debacle.

Naveen met defeated MLA and MP candidates at his residence on Thursday. This was Naveen’s second such meet in as many days without Pandian by his side. Asked if Naveen had distanced himself from Pandian, BJD secretary Pranab Prakash Das said: “It is Naveen Babu’s prerogative on who should remain in the meeting. He is our only leader.”

Naidu may release AP finances white paper

TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu during a meeting with newly elected party MPs at his residence at Undavalli in Andhra’s Guntur district

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Vijayawada/New Delhi: TDP president and chief minister in waiting N Chandrababu Naidu likely to release a white paper on financial situation of Andhra Pradesh soon after assuming office, highlighting the state’s massive debt burden, the dire fiscal situation, poor infrastructure and the weak investment, both by govt and the private sector.

The white paper by Naidu, who is scheduled to take oath on June 12 at Amaravati, comes at a time when the Telugu Desam Party is likely to seek a special package for the state, pointing to the promise made to it at the time of the bifurcation that resulted in the creation of Telangana.

In the past, Andhra has also demanded a special status for the state. TDP sources said that the problem has only grown as Jagan Mohan Reddy govt went about spending based on borrowings, which at one time involved loans from SBI against state govt assets, something that the Centre was forced to stop.

TDP has been alleging that the YSRC govt has raised debts beyond the state’s repayment capacity. In his maiden press conference after winning the election, Naidu indicated that no one knew the actual situation of state finances.

We have to see as to how many assets have been mortgaged and how much debt raised either giving guarantees or from corporations, Naidu had said and added that an in-depth study was required to reveal the hidden information as the YSRC govt was known to keep everyone in the dark by not publishing even the govt orders.

Naidu is known for doing a comprehensive review of all key departments and releasing white papers. Sources said that this time also, the first white paper to be released by him will be on state finances.

Neelayapapem V Kumar, the TDP spokesperson said that not even one financial indicator is satisfactory in Andhra. In fact, every indicator is raising alarm bells as the YSRC govt has been raising an equal amount of debt to its revenues.

Feature

- Coimbatore's industrial excellence on full display

Coimbatore's industrial excellence on full display

MANUFACTURING GIANTS CONVENE AT INTEC 2024 TO EXPLORE NEW INNOVATIONS, STRATEGIES, AND CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGIES

Respedit.Chennai@timesgroup.com

Founded in 1969, the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (CODISSIA) has grown into a major force for small and medium businesses in the region. With over 6,700 members across various industries like pumps, textiles, and auto components, CODISSIA provides vital support for Coimbatore's thriving manufacturing sector.

Coimbatore boasts over 1,00,000 SME units, making it a hub for both established manufacturers and solution providers. These industries form the backbone of the regional economy. To address their technological needs, CODISSIA organises the International Machine Tools and Industrial Trade Fair (INTEC). This event brings cutting-edge technology directly to Coimbatore's manufacturers, ensuring they have the tools to succeed.

INTEC is a prominent biennial event held in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. It's known for showcasing a wide range of industrial machinery and tools used in manufacturing. This year, 2024, marks the 20th edition of INTEC, making it a well-established platform in the industry.

INTEC 2024 opened on June 6 will conclude on June 10, 2024, at the CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex in Coimbatore. The event has a large number of participants, with over 500 companies from across India and overseas. These companies, representing a diverse range of industries, are showcasing cutting-edge technologies across a massive 25,000 square meter exhibition space. These exhibitors from India and abroad, offer visitors a global perspective on industrial advancements.

The trade fair serves as a one-stop shop for businesses to explore the latest technological trends in the manufacturing domain. Visitors can see exhibits on various machines and tools, including grinding machines, machining centres, industrial robots, quality control equipment, and more. INTEC's popularity stems from the quality of participants, the vast variety of products on display, and its position among the top events for industrial engineering.

Overall, INTEC provides a valuable platform for businesses in the manu- facturing sector to network, learn about new technologies, and source equipment to enhance their operations.

GLOBAL MANUFACTURING LEADERS TO DISCUSS THE FUTURE AT INTEC 2024

As part of INTEC 2024, the 11th edition of the Global Manufacturing Cluster Vision 2030 (GMCV 2030) conference will be held today at 5 pm. This conference, organised by Texas Ventures, will feature eminent personalities discussing critical issues in manufacturing with a focus on smart manufacturing strategies to position businesses for the future economic growth.

POWERING PROGRESS

● INTEC showcases Coimbatore's manufacturing capabilities to foreign companies. This has led to joint ventures, new technology, and foreign companies setting up facilities in Coimbatore

● Coimbatore has become a top destination for sourcing components due to INTEC

● INTEC has improved product quality, leading to increased exports and foreign exchange earnings

● Specialty valve manufacturers have set up shop in Coimbatore due to INTEC-driven innovation

INTEC 2024 HIGHLIGHTS

20TH EDITION: This year marks a milestone as the 20th edition of the prestigious INTEC trade fair

DATES & LOCATION: The event runs from June 6 to 10, 2024, at the CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

GLOBAL PARTICIPATION: Indian and international exhibitors are showcasing a wide range of industrial machinery and tools

FOCUS ON LATEST TECHNOLOGIES: Visitors can expect to see cutting-edge advancements in manufacturing, including exhibits on grinding machines, machining centers, industrial robots, and quality control equipment

TOP ENGINEERING EVENT: Ranked among the top events for industrial engineering, INTEC attracts high-quality participants

LARGE-SCALE EXHIBITION: Over 500 exhibitors will showcase their products

GMCV 2030 CONFERENCE: A special conference focusing on smart manufacturing strategies, featuring global leaders in manufacturing, will be held during INTEC 2024

A LOOK AT THE EVENT'S CONTINUED IMPORTANCE

TECH SHOWCASE FOR MANUFACTURERS: INTEC 2024 offers a onestop destination for manufacturers to explore the latest advancements in industrial machinery and tools, helping them stay competitive

NETWORKING & BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES: The event brings together a large pool of exhibitors and attendees, fostering valuable networking opportunities and potential business deals

FOCUS ON SMART MANUFACTURING: With a dedicated conference on smart manufacturing strategies, INTEC helps manufacturers explore ways to optimise operations and prepare for the future

GLOBAL EXPOSURE: Participation allows manufacturers to gain insights into global trends and source equipment from a wider range of companies

POSITIONING FOR ECONOMIC UPTURN: By focusing on innovative technologies, INTEC helps manufacturers position themselves for success in an anticipated economic upswing

Times Global

- Labour pledges fresh inquiry into Thatcher’s role in Op Blue Star

- Dozens killed as Israel hits UN school shelter in Gaza

- NYPD moves to revoke Trump’s licence to carry a gun

- Nato stands with Ukraine like US backed Europe against Nazis: Biden

- Putin: Russia could target countries supplying weapons to Ukraine

- WHO confirms 1st fatal human case of H5N2 bird flu

- AROUND THE WORLD

- SpaceX mega craft survives return to Earth on 4th test

- Boeing capsule docks with ISS despite glitches

- Tokyo working on dating app to boost marriage, childbirth

- ‘Smoked crack every 20 min’: US prez son’s drug-fuelled past laid bare in court

Labour pledges fresh inquiry into Thatcher’s role in Op Blue Star

Naomi Canton

London: The Labour party, which is forecast to win the July 4UK general election, has pledged to hold an inquiry to investigate the role Britain played in storming the Golden Temple in June 1984 to remove Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and other Sikh militants, which triggered the assassination of then PM Indira Gandhi and the anti-Sikh riots.

Deputy Labour leader Angela Raynor said, “As we mark the 40th anniversary of the raid on the Golden Temple, Labour stands with the Sikh community in calling for an inquiry into the historic role Britain played. A Labour govt will work to determine the best way to find out the truth.”

Labour candidate for Coventry South Zarah Sultana said: “The role Thatcher’s govt played in this has been shrouded in secrecy. I stand with the Sikh community in calling for an inquiry to reveal the truth.” Labour candidate for Slough Tan Dhesi wrote on X: “40 years since Indira Gandhi ordered attack on Golden Temple complex…Still no justice for victims, nor UK inquiry (but Labour have promised) into Thatcher govt involvement!” There has been no independent public inquiry into Margaret Thatcher’s involvement in Operation Blue Star, despite the release of classified documents in Jan 2014 implicating the UK govt. Those files revealed that Britain had sent an SAS officer to India in Feb, ahead of Operation Blue Star, to draw up a plan to “remove Sikh extremists from the Golden temple”, having been asked to do so by Indira Gandhi.

The Heywood Review, commissioned by former PM David Cameron and published in Feb 2014, found no record of any UK assistance to the June 1984 operation other than the “limited military advice provided in mid-Feb”. The review, based on over 23,000 documents, said: “The recommendation and decision to agree this request were based on advice from the British high commission that it would be good for the bilateral relationship, whereas refusal would not be understood by Mrs Gandhi. There were significant differences between the actual June operation, and the advice from the UK military officer in Feb...” Many British Sikhs believe the Heywood Review is a whitewash and are calling for an independent public inquiry.

Dozens killed as Israel hits UN school shelter in Gaza

Israeli Military Says Target Site Was Hamas Command Post With 20-30 Militants Inside; Palestinian Official Says 40 Civilians, Including Women And Kids, Killed

Palestinians inspect the damage to a school run by the UNRWA in Gaza

Israel hit a Gaza school on Thursday with what it described as a targeted air strike on up to 30 Hamas fighters inside, and a Hamas official said 40 people, including women and children, were killed as they sheltered in the UN site. Video footage showed Palestinians hauling away bodies after the attack, which took place at a sensitive moment in mediated talks on a ceasefire that would involve releasing hostages held by Hamas and some of the Palestinians held in Israeli jails. The US issued a joint statement with other countries on Thursday calling on Israel and Hamas to make whatever compromises were necessary to finalise a deal after eight months of war in the Gaza Strip.

Ismail Al-Thawabta, the director of the Hamas-run govt media office, rejected Israel’s assertion that the UN school in Nuseirat, in central Gaza, had hidden a Hamas command post. “The occupation uses ... false fabricated stories to justify the brutal crime it conducted against dozens of displaced people,” Thawabta told Reuters.

Israel’s military said its fighter jets had carried out a “precise strike” and circulated satellite photos highlighting two parts of a building where it said the fighters were based. “We’re very confident in the intelligence,” military spokesperson Lt Col. Peter Lerner said, accusing Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters of deliberately using UN facilities as operational bases. He said 20-30 fighters were located in the compound, and many of them had been killed, but had no precise details as intelligence assessments were being carried out. “I’m not aware of any civil- ian casualties and I’d be very, very cautious of accepting anything that Hamas puts out.”

The school, run by the UN Palestinian refugee agency, was sheltering 6,000 displaced people at the time, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said. “At least 35 people were killed and many more injured,” he wrote on X. “Claims that armed groups may have been inside the shelter are shocking. We are however unable to verify these claims. Attacking, targeting or using UN buildings for military purposes are a blatant disregard of International Humanitarian law,” he added. Thawabta and a medical source said 40 had been killed, including 14 children and nine women.

Israel announced a new military campaign in central Gaza on Wednesday as it battles fighters relying on hit-and-run insurgency tactics. It says there will be no halt to fighting during the ceasefire talks, which have intensified since US Prez Biden outlined a proposal. “At this decisive moment, we call on the leaders of Israel as well as Hamas to make whatever final compromises are necessary to close this deal,” said the statement issued by the White House jointly with Argentina, Austria, Brazil, UK, Canada and others. Hamas seeks a permanent end to the war. Israel says it must destroy the Islamist militant group first.

REUTERS

Bibi warns of ‘intense op’ against Hezbollah

PM Netanyahu on Wednesday threatened a “very intense” military action along the border with Lebanon, where Israeli troops have exchanged near-daily fire with Hezbollah fighters. “We are prepared for a very intense operation in the north. One way or another, we will restore security to the north,” he said during a visit to the border area. Hezbollah said later it launched several attacks on Israeli positions, including a “guided missile” strike on an “Iron Dome platform in the Ramot Naftali barracks”.

AFP

Spain applies to join SA’s genocide ICJ case

Spain became on Thursday the first European country to ask a UN court for permission to join South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. South Africa filed its case with the International Court of Justice late last year. It alleged that Israel was breaching the genocide convention in its military assault that has laid waste to large swaths of Gaza. Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua, Libya and the Palestinians are waiting for the ICJ in The Hague, Netherlands, to grant approval to their requests to join the case.

AP

NYPD moves to revoke Trump’s licence to carry a gun

Trump posted first video on TikTok on Saturday, and has already got more likes and followers than Biden’s account. Trump’s post has got 5.9m likes, and his account has 5.6m followers. Biden’s account has just 3,61,000 followers and 4.7m likes since its debut in Feb

New York: The New York police department is seeking to revoke former Prez Donald Trump’s license to carry a concealed weapon after his conviction in his New York hush-money case, according to two people with knowledge of the matter.

Trump had a concealedcarry permit in New York and had three pistols registered under the permit, the people said. Two of them were turned over to the police department’s license division around the time Trump was charged in April 2023 with 34 counts of falsifying business records, according to the sources. The third pistol had already been legally transferred to Florida. It is unclear whether it is still in Trump’s possession.Under federal law and state law in New York and Florida, people with felony convictions are barred from possessing a firearm.

The police department will complete an investigation that is likely to lead to the revocation of Trump’s concealedcarry permit, the sources sa- id. Trump has the right to file a challenge to the move.

In a statement, Steven Cheung, a spokesman for Trump’s campaign, did not directly address the possibility of Trump’s permit being revoked, saying, “Biden’s cronies in the Demo- crat Party are panicked and have chosen to continue to abuse our once great justice system to pursue their number one political opponent and interfere in the coming election.” The police department did not reply to a request for comment.

NYT

Court pauses Georgia poll inteference case

An appeals court has halted the Georgia election interference case against former prez Donald Trump and others while it reviews the lower court judge’s ruling allowing Fulton County district attorney Fani Willis to remain on the case. The Georgia Court of Appeals’ order on Wednesday prevents Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee from moving forward with pretrial motions as he had planned while the appeal is pending. While it was already unlikely that the case would go to trial before the Nov election, when Trump is expected to be the Republican nominee for prez, this makes that even more certain. A Fulton County grand jury in August indicted Trump and 18 others, accusing them of participating in a sprawling scheme to illegally try to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.It is one of four criminal cases against Trump.

AP

Nato stands with Ukraine like US backed Europe against Nazis: Biden

On D-Day, US Prez Links Fight For Kyiv With Allied Effort

Normandy: US Prez Joe Biden observed the 80th anniversary of D-Day on the beaches of Normandy on Thursday by asserting that the allied effort to stand up to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a direct extension of the battle for freedom that raged across Europe during World War II.

Addressing 180 surviving veterans of the Normandy operation and thousands of other guests, Biden said that the world must defeat another “tyrant bent on domination” and meet “the test of ages” to defend Ukraine — just as the heroes who stormed the beaches and dropped behind enemy lines did eight decades ago.

“Isolation was not the answer 80 years ago and is not the answer today,” Biden said, with WWII veterans seated in wheelchairs behind him. “We know the dark forces that these heroes fought against 80 years ago. They never fade. Aggression and greed, the desire to dominate and control, to change borders by force — these are perennial. The struggle between dictatorship and freedom is unending.”

In an energetic address, Biden declared that “Nato is more united than ever” and insisted that the alliance would stand by Ukraine in its own hour of need just as the US had stood by Europe against the Nazis. “We will not walk away,” Biden said. “Because if we do, Ukraine will be subju- gated and it will not end there.”

The president spoke just steps from where 9,388 members of the American military are buried, most of whom participated in the Allied invasion at Omaha Beach. Their graves are marked with rows of stark white marble crosses or Stars of David, which gleamed under the bright sunlight and blue skies.

Biden, 81, who was a toddler when American, British and Canadian troops poured onto the beaches here on June 6, 1944, will almost certainly be the last US president to speak at a Normandy remembrance who was alive at the time Allied forces began to push Adolf Hitler out of Europe.

Now, eight decades later, Biden is leading a coalition of European and other nations in avery different war on the continent, but for a very similar principle — pushing back against the attempted seizure of a neighbouring country, in this case Ukraine, by Prez Vladimir Putin of Russia.

In his remarks on Thursday at the Normandy American Cemetery, Biden drew a direct line between the two, connected by the defence of a rules-based international order. “The men who fought here became heroes not because they were the strongest, the toughest or the fiercest — although they were,” Biden said, “but because they were given an audacious mission, knowing — every one of them knew — the probability of dying was real.” “They knew beyond any doubt there are things that are worth fighting and dying for,” Biden added. “Freedom is worth it. Democracy is worth it. America is worth it. The world is worth it. Then, now and always.”

NYT

France Prez Macron with his US and Ukraine counterparts Biden and Zelensky, respectively, at the ceremony marking the 80th anniv of the WWII ‘D-Day’ Allied landings in Normandy on Thursday

Putin: Russia could target countries supplying weapons to Ukraine

Russia Prez Vladimir Putin warned Wednesday that Western nations supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles and allowing them to be used to attack inside Russia was a “dangerous step” that could prompt Moscow to reciprocate against Western targets.

“If someone thinks it possible to send such weapons to a war zone to strike our territory and create problems for us,” Putin said at a news conference, “then why do we not have the right to send our weapons of the same class to those regions of the world where strikes can be made on sensitive facilities of the countries that do this against Russia?”

Putin singled out Germany, saying that its supply of battle tanks to Ukraine had been an initial blow to RussianGerman relations, but its permission to use missiles in Russia was even worse.

“Now, when they say that some missiles will appear that will strike targets on Russian territory, this, of course, is ultimately destroying Russo-German relations,” he said.

Putin was speaking to se- nior editors from at least 15 news agencies from around the world that were invited to meet with him on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Putin answered questions on a wide range of topics, but many of the queries focused on the war in Ukraine.

Countries that are supplying weapons to Ukraine risked being dragged into a war with Russia, he said.

NYT

Kyiv won’t use US arms to hit Moscow: Biden

US Prez Joe Biden insisted Thursday that US weapons would not be used to attack Moscow after he authorised Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia with Western-supplied arms. “They’re authorised to be used in proximity to the border when they’re being used on the other side of the border to attack specific targets in Ukraine,” Biden told ABC News in interview remarks released Thursday. “We’re not authorising strikes 200 miles into Russia and we’re not authorizing strikes on Moscow, on the Kremlin.”

AFP

WHO confirms 1st fatal human case of H5N2 bird flu

Geneva: A person died of bird flu in Mexico in the first confirmed case of a human infected with the H5N2 variant, the WHO said Wednesday.

The 59-year old, who died on April 24 after developing fever, shortness of breath, diarrhoea and nausea, had “no history of exposure to poultry or other animals” and “multiple underlying medical conditions”, the WHO said. The resident of the State of Mexico was hospitalised in Mexico City and died the same day, the statement said. It was the “first laboratoryconfirmed human case of infection with an influenza A(H5N2) virus reported globally,” the WHO added.

Mexican health authorities reported the confirmed case to WHO on May 23. The source of exposure to the virus was unknown, the WHO said, although cases of H5N2 have been reported in poultry in Mexico.

AFP

AROUND THE WORLD

ART GALLERY, ALSO A CORAL HOME: On the Caribbean seafloor, an unusual sculpture gallery is taking shape with an equally unusual purpose: to provide homes for corals under threat from climate change. Twenty-five figures so far form a sort of artificial reef in the blue waters around the paradisiacal Isla Fuerte, off the coast of Colombia. Under an initiative started in 2018, island resident Tatiana Orrego had seeded the clay sculptures with baby corals. The statues are ‘ideal substrate’ for the marine invertebrates to grow on, he said

Don’t damage our beaches, nat’l parks: Thailand to makers of ‘Jurassic World’

Thai officials have given “Jurassic World” producers a stern warning not to damage beaches and national parks when they film the next installment of the blockbuster franchise. Hollywood superstar Scarlett Johansson has reportedly been lined up to star in the seventh movie of the dinosaur series. Shooting for parts of the movie will take place in Bangkok and at national parks in Krabi, Phuket, Phang-nga and Trang, starting next week and running into July. Environment minister Phatcharavat Wongsuwan said Thailand was “honoured” to host the filming. “However, it is strictly required that they comply with relevant laws and regulations,” he said. The warning comes more than two decades after Leonardo DiCaprio backpacker thriller "The Beach” drew widespread criticism for its impact on the pristine sands of Maya Bay. Producers planted dozens of coconut trees to give a more “tropical” feel and were accused of ripping up vegetation.

In rare sighting, a tiger shark vomits a mammal

A tiger shark has surprised Australian scientists on an ocean research trip by regurgitating a spiky land-loving echidna in front of them. Researchers were tagging marine life when the tiger shark they caught vomited a dead echidna — a spiny mammal similar to a hedgehog. “We were quite shocked at what we saw,” he said. It is “rare” that tiger sharks throw up their food, although they can when stressed.

Japan to build anti-tourist fence at Mt Fuji viewpoint

A tall metal fence will be built to control unruly tourists who have annoyed locals at a popular Mount Fuji photo spot, an official said Thursday. It follows the construction last month of a black screen in another nearby town to block an Instagram-famous view of the snowcapped volcano rising from behind a convenience store.

SpaceX mega craft survives return to Earth on 4th test

MILESTONE FOR ROCKET REUSE

SpaceX’s mega Starship rocket completed its first full test flight Thursday, returning to Earth without exploding after blasting off from Texas. It was the fourth launch of the world’s biggest and most powerful rocket, standing nearly 400 feet tall.

The three previous flight demos ended in explosions. This time, the rocket and the spacecraft managed to splash down in a controlled fashion, making the hourlong flight the longest and most successful yet. “Despite loss of many tiles and a damaged flap, Starship made it all the way to a soft landing in the ocean!” SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said via X.

Starship was empty as it soared above the Gulf of Mexico and headed east on a flight to the Indian Ocean. Within minutes, the first-stage booster separated from the spacecraft and splashed into the gulf precisely as planned, after firing its engines. The spacecraft reach- ed an altitude of nearly 211km, travelling at over 26,000 kmph, before beginning its descent. Live views showed parts of the spacecraft breaking away during the intense heat of reentry, but a cracked camera lens obscured the images. The spacecraft remained intact enough to transmit data all the way to its targeted splashdown site.

It was a critical milestone in the plan to eventually reuse the rocket that Nasa and Musk are counting on to get humanity to moon and then Mars.

AP

Boeing capsule docks with ISS despite glitches

Boeing’s new capsule arrived at the International Space Station Thursday, delayed by last-minute thruster trouble that almost derailed the docking for this first test flight with astronauts.

The Starliner capsule already had one small helium leak when it rocketed into orbit with two Nasa astronauts —Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams — Wednesday. Boeing and Nasa managers were confident they could manage the propulsion system despite the problem and that more leaks were unlikely. But just hours into the flight, two more leaks cropped up. Later, four of the capsule’s 28 thrusters went down. The pilots managed to restart three of them, providing enough safety margin to proceed. It was not known whether the thrusters issue was tied to the leaks. Helium is used to pressurise fuel lines of the thrusters, essential for maneuovering.

AP

Tokyo working on dating app to boost marriage, childbirth

STATE PLAYING CUPID

Tokyo: Called “Tokyo Futari Story”, the city hall’s new initiative is just that: An effort to create couples, “futari”, in a country where it is increasingly common to be “hitori”, or alone. While a site offering counsel and general information for potential lovebirds is online, a dating app is also in development. City hall hopes to offer it later this year, accessible through phone or web, a city official said on Thursday.

Details were still undecided. City Hall declined to comment on reports that the app will require a confirmation of identity, such as a driver’s license, tax records to prove income and a signed form that says one is ready to get married.

Marriage is on the decline in Japan and the country’s birth rate has fallen to an all-time low. Last year there were 4,74,717 marriages, down from 5,04,930 in 2022 while births totalled 7,27,277, down from 7,70,759. On the national level, the govt has been trying to sol- ve labour shortage by promising cash payments to families with children and supporting child-care facilities.

During the “baby boom” era of 1970s, Japan recorded over 2 million births a year. But today, fewer Japanese are interested in old-style marriage or having children. There are concerns that workplace norms tend to lead to long hours and rarely meeting people outside work. Some say raising children is expensive.

Tokyo City Hall is also sponsoring events where singles can meet, couples can get marriage counselling and where lovers can have their stories turned into manga comics.

AP

‘Smoked crack every 20 min’: US prez son’s drug-fuelled past laid bare in court

Hunter Biden’s ex-wife and a former girlfriend testified Wednesday in his gun trial about finding his crack pipes and other drug paraphernalia, and jurors saw photos of the prez’s son barechested in a bubble bath and heard about his visit to a strip club.

As first lady Jill Biden sat in the front row, the courtroom grew quiet when Kathleen Buhle, who was married to Hunter for 20 years, walked in. She testified that she discovered her husband was using drugs when she found a crack pipe in an ashtray on July 3, 2015, a day after their anniversary. When she asked him, “he acknowledged smoking crack,” she said. “I was definitely worried, scared,” said Buhle, who divorced him in 2016 after his infidelity and drug abuse became too much.

The trial, about whether he lied on a gun purchase form in Oct 2018 when he said he wasn’t using drugs, has become a highly personal and detailed tour of the mistakes and drug use of Hunter, whose struggles have been tabloid fodder for years and were used publicly by Re- publicans, including for an impeachment bid against US prez.

The proceedings are unfolding as the 2024 election looms, and allies worry about the toll it will take on Prez Biden. Hunter has been charged with three felonies: Lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on the application by saying he was not a drug user and illegally having the gun for 11 days. Prosecutors have said Hunterwas a habitual user, unable to stay clean for long and had been kicked out of the US navy after testing positive for cocaine.

Prosecutors also called Zoe Kestan, who testified about mee- ting Hunter in 2017 at a strip club where she worked. She described Hunter’s drug-fuelled lifestyle during 2018, including when they stayed at an expensive hotel for a month. Kestan said he was often smoking crack about every 20 minutes. The prosecution showed photos of him with crack pipes, including one of him in a soapy bathtub. But she conceded she didn’t see Hunter using drugs during the month when he bought the gun because the two were estranged at that time. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in jail, though first-time offenders get a far more lenient punishment.

AP & BLOOMBERG

Brother’s widow details tossing the revolver

The widow of Hunter Biden’s brother told jurors in his federal gun trial on Thursday about the moment she found the revolver in his truck, describing how she put it into a leather pouch, stuffed it into a shopping bag and tossed it in a trash can outside a market near her home. “I panicked, and I wanted to get rid of them,” Hallie Bidentestified about finding the gun and ammunition in Oct 2018. “I didn’t want him to hurt himself, and I didn’t want my kids to find it and hurt themselves.” The purchase of the Colt revolver by Hunter — and Hallie’s frenzied disposal of it — are the fulcrum of the case against him. Prosecutors say the prez’s son was in the throes of a heavy crack addiction when he bought the gun. Hallie, who had a brief romantic relationship with Hunter after Beau Biden died, said she considered hiding the gun but thought her kids might find it, so she decided to throw it away. “I realise it was a stupid idea now.” Asked by the prosecutor if Hunter was using drugs around then, she said, “He could have been.”

REUTERS

Times Business

- Sebi notice to PolicyBazaar over Dubai buy

- Zee board OKs `2,000cr raise via share sale

- Reversal signs? ECB cuts rate for 1st time in 5 yrs

- Sebi raps ICICI Bank over lobbying for I-Sec delisting

- Bajaj Hsg Fin gets board nod for `4k cr IPO

- IPEF nations ink clean eco deals, India to sign soon

- $3tn: Nvidia beats Apple to be 2nd most valued co

- Trai looks to work on new series of mobile numbers

- Startups seek regulatory clarity from new govt

- Moonlighters shouldn’t take I-T return lightly

- Sensex surges for 2nd day as BJP-led coalition govt seen

Sebi notice to PolicyBazaar over Dubai buy

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Mumbai: Markets regulator Sebi is investigating PB Fintech, the company that runs insurance-tech platform PolicyBazaar, for non-disclosure of a $2-million investment in a Dubai-based company. Sebi has issued a show cause notice to Yashish Dahiya, chairperson & CEO of PB Fintech, the company disclosed to the exchanges.

“The SCN pertains to investment of $2 million by PB Fintech, Dubai on Nov 17, 2022 for 26.7% stake in YKNP Marketing Management (an unrelated party) which was not considered unpublished price sensitive information (UPSI) due to non-material value of the transaction,” the company said. “It is clarified that on account of the SCN, there is no material impact on financials, operations or other activities of the company. Further, the company is seeking legal advice to take appropriate steps with respect to the SCN in the due course of time.”

The company’s disclosure to the exchanges came after markets closed on Thursday. During the day, the stock closed 0.4% down at Rs 1,289.

Zee board OKs `2,000cr raise via share sale

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Mumbai: Zee Entertainment Enterprises has secured the board’s nod to raise Rs 2,000 crore through a share sale.

The move comes after Zee’s merger deal with Sony Pictures Networks India collapsed in Jan this year. After the deal fell apart, Zee was forced to reduce expenses and improve profits. It also pulled out from a $1.4 billion cricket broadcasting deal with Walt Disney. Zee can deploy multiple modes including issuance of fresh shares to institutional investors, it said in an exchange filing on Thursday.

The fundraising may happen in one or more tranches, it added. The company, helmed by Punit Goenka, will use the funds to pursue “future growth opportunities in the evolving media landscape”.

Amid the collapse of the merger deal with Sony India and the legal battles, Zee has sought a deal termination fee of $90 million from Sony India.

Reversal signs? ECB cuts rate for 1st time in 5 yrs

Frankfurt: The European Central Bank (ECB) cut its key interest rate on Thursday by a quarter-point, first time since 2019, moving ahead of the US Federal Reserve as central banks around the world lean toward lowering borrowing costs — a shift with farreaching consequences for home buyers, savers and investors. ECB cut its benchmark rate to 3.75% from a record high of 4% at a meeting of the bank’s 26-member ratesetting council in Frankfurt.

ECB president Christine Lagarde said inflation had eased enough for central bank to start lowering rates. AGENCIES

Sebi raps ICICI Bank over lobbying for I-Sec delisting

Asks Bank To Act Against Execs Who Exceeded Authority

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Mumbai: Markets regulator Sebi has instructed ICICI Bank to take action against officials who exceeded their authority by encouraging shareholders to vote in favour of delisting ICICI Securities. The regulator has also asked the bank to provide an action taken report to the bank’s board and submit a summary of the board discussions to the regulator.

In a letter dated June 6 addressed to the bank’s MD & CEO Sandeep Bakhshi, Sebi issued an administrative warning to ICICI Bank. This followed the conclusion of an investigation into the bank’s outreach programme related to the delisting of equity shares of I-Sec. The warning requires ICICI Bank to enhance its compliance standards and prevent the recurrence of such an instance.

Sebi’s letter was shared with the stock exchanges after trading hours. Earlier, shares of ICICI Bank had closed marginally up at Rs 1,110 on Thursday.

The investigation was prompted after multiple complaints from I-Sec shareholders. These complaints alleged that ICICI Bank officials had made numerous calls and sent messages urging shareholders to vote in favour of the delisting scheme. Some shareholders were even asked to provide screenshots of their votes. Upon examination, Sebi found that ICICI Bank officials had indeed gone beyond a mere outreach programme.

The markets regulator found that ICICI Bank’s outreach programme — intended to maximize shareholder participation — was excessively persistent. It involved repeated calls and requests for voting screenshots from shareholders. Additionally, officials were recorded informing shareholders that opting for the delisting scheme would be beneficial. This raised concerns about a conflict of interest, as ICICI Bank holds over 74% shareholding in I-Sec, making it a major promoter. Sebi also criticised the heightened outreach efforts on the last day of voting, including during holidays and weekends, as inappropriate.

The bank’s justification for assisting shareholders who were supposedly unaware of the e-voting process was deemed unnecessary by Sebi. This overreach by ICICI Bank officials went beyond the remit of the outreach programme and raised significant regulatory concerns Shareholders of ICICI Bank and its subsidiary, ICICI Securities, have approved the proposal to convert the latter into a whollyowned subsidiary. As of March 2024, ICICI Bank held 74.7% ownership of its securities arm, while public shareholders held the remaining 25.3% following an IPO in 2018.

Despite resistance from a section of retail investors, the proposal garnered significant support from institutional shareholders, resulting in 72% of public shareholder votes favouring the proposal and surpassing the required two-thirds majority.

Bajaj Hsg Fin gets board nod for `4k cr IPO

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Mumbai: The board of Bajaj Housing Finance on Thursday approved an initial public offering with a fresh issue of shares worth Rs 4,000 crore. The shares will be priced at Rs 10 apiece.

In addition to the fresh issue, the offering could include an offer for sale of equity shares subject to market conditions and receipt of applicable approvals, the company said.

Bajaj Housing Finance is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bajaj Finance, which is listed on the bourses. Bajaj Finance is the lending arm of Bajaj Finserv, the holding company for the Sanjiv Bajaj-led financial services group.

In Sept 2022, RBI had included Bajaj Housing Finance in the list of upper layer NBFCs which comprises finance companies with assets under management of over Rs 50,000 crore. Under the guidelines for upper layer NBFCs, Bajaj Finance had to be listed within three years of inclusion in the list.

IPEF nations ink clean eco deals, India to sign soon

New Delhi: Govt on Thursday said 13 IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity) bloc members have signed fair and clean economy agreements, while India will ink the deal after getting domestic approval.

“India did not formally sign these agreements as domestic approval processes are still underway and will be completed after the formation of the new govt,” the commerce ministry said in a statement. Govt formation process in the country is on as the Lok Sabha elections got over this week. These agreements were signed in Singapore. AGENCIES

$3tn: Nvidia beats Apple to be 2nd most valued co

Nvidia was already the world’s most valuable semiconductor firm. Now, it’s become the first computer-chip company ever to hit $3 trillion in market capitalisation.

The shares of the Jensen Huang-led firm have rallied roughly 147% this year, adding about $1.8 trillion as the insatiable demand for its chips used to power AI tasks skyrockets. On Wednesday, shares rose 5.2% to close at a record $1,224, pushing the market value to more than $3 trillion and overtaking Apple in the process (see graphic).

With a market capitalisation of about $9.2 trillion, Microsoft, Nvidia & Apple — the three most valuable tech firms — have overtaken all of the nearly $9 trillion worth of stocks actively traded on Chinese exchanges excluding Hong Kong, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Nvidia has been arguably the biggest beneficiary of a massive flood of AI spending, helping vault the company into a race to claim the title as the world’s most valuable company. The chipmaker still trails Microsoft by market value, but with shares on a tear Wall Street sees it as only a matter of time before Nvidia overtakes it

The last time Nvidia was worth more than Apple was in 2002, five years before the first iPhone was released. At the time, both companies were worth less than $10 billion each. Nvidia has shown no signs of slowing down or letting its rivals catch up; Huang said the firm plans to upgrade its socalled AI accelerators every year. Wednesday’s stock gain increased his wealth by more than $5 billion to $107.4 billion. BLOOMBERG

Trai looks to work on new series of mobile numbers

IoT DEMAND

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: With connectivity growing manifold following the rollout of 5G and other services such as machine-to-machine (M2M) communications and internet of things (IoT), telecom regulator Trai is looking to provide additional numbers, while cleaning current backlog, to factor in growth in the sector.

Trai has come out with a consultation paper on the matter after it was asked by the telecom ministry to find out new number series in view of the superlative growth in the telecom sector.

“In recent years, availability of numbering resources is facing challenges due to the significant expansion of services and substantial increase in number of connections in both fixed line as well as in mobile segment. With a current total of 1199.3 million telephone subscribers and teledensity of 85.7% as of end of March 2024, there is a need to carefully examine utilisation of numbering resources and implement judicious policy decisions to ensure an adequate reservoir for the sustainable growth of telecommunication services,” Trai said in the consultation paper ‘Revision of National Numbering Plan’.

Trai said as India’s telecommunication landscape undergoes a metamorphosis, driven by cutting-edge network architectures and the convergence of technologies like M2M communication, IoT, and 5G, the role of numbering resources gains even greater significance.

Trai also said DoT it is facing demands from telecom operators as well as govt departments and non-govt organisations for new numbers.

Startups seek regulatory clarity from new govt

Industry Faces Enforcement Woes, Tax Dept’s Approach Concerning, Say Founders & CEOs

Asmita.Dey@timesgroup.com

Mumbai: With a new coalition govt at the centre set to swear in, the startup industry is seeking enhanced regulatory clarity, help to expedite the process of shifting domicile to India and an easier law and enforcement regime from authorities for the sector.

“The approach of the tax departments towards startups is one area that is concerning the industry a lot… whether it is the misinterpreted angel tax issue or the GST notices that a lot of startups are getting and other law & enforcement challenges. This is one aspect we expect the new govt to address. They should ensure that startups building in this country are not unnecessarily harassed at the hands of various authorities. Generally, startup business models are unique and many times, tax department misinterprets issues,” the CEO of a top unicorn firm on condition of anonymity.

Streamlining regulations through simplified registration and set rules can make it easier for startups to get started and operate, said Sabyasachi Goswami, CEO at newly minted unicorn Perfios. The ecosystem, Goswami said, would benefit from tax breaks wherever possible and better access to debt financing for businesses. “In the upcoming term, we look forward to policies encouraging ease of doing business and reforms that support businesses,” he said.

Additionally, startups that are working to shift their base to India from foreign countries like the US or Singapore are seeking the new govt’s help to fast-track the process. A founder with a unicorn, which is in the midst of such an exercise, said that the process currently takes over 12 months. “It’s a long and cumbersome process. We urge the new govt to simplify the same and cut down the time taken for such transactions,” the founder said.

As far as the fintech sector is concerned, several of them continue to bat for the introduction of a tiered MDR (merchant discount rate) regime for UPI merchant transactions. “This is our biggest ask... else, the ecosystem will become financially unviable,” said an executive with a top fintech.

Ritesh Agarwal, founder and CEO at Oyo Hotels and Homes, said that small town startups with potential should be supported by the new govt through improved infrastructure, easy access to funding and establishment of incubators. Besides, expansion of initiatives like the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme must be expanded to reduce dependency on imports and boost local growth, he said. “As we look to the new govt, there is a collective expectation for policies that continue to foster a conducive environment for growth. Enhanced regulatory clarity, improved access to funding and incentives for technological advancements will be crucial,” said Harshil Mathur, CEO & cofounder at Razorpay.

The Tech Entrepreneurs Association of Mumbai (TEAM) — which includes startups like Zepto, Dream11 and upGrad — said that forward-thinking policies and regulations will be essential to enable the growth of emerging sectors like AI, deep tech and renewable energy. “We urge govt to introduce new platforms and policies that will help our vibrant tech ecosystem to flourish further… fostering international tie-ups will help,” the association said.

Moonlighters shouldn’t take I-T return lightly

Lubna.Kably@timesgroup.com

Mumbai: Moonlighters may have a mix of ‘salary’ income and income from gigs, which is shown as ‘income from business and profession’.

The income received from consultancy gigs is typically treated as business and professional income, rather than ‘income from other sources’ to enable the individual to claim various expenses, such as stationery, travel and data charges. These individuals need to be careful in choosing the right income-tax return and also in meeting the new compliance requirements, if they are opting for the old tax regime.

Salaried employees and those taxpayers who are not obligated to get a tax audit done have to file their tax return for fiscal 2024 by July 31. Late filing means a penalty of Rs 5,000 (Rs 1,000 for those whose income does not exceed Rs 5 lakh), in addition carry forward of losses to subsequent years, such as that arising on sale of securities is also denied.

Choose the I-T return form carefully: Some moonlighters may be obtaining ‘salary’ income from one or more employers, yet for most income from gigs is business or professional income. In such cases, they cannot file Form 1 (ITR-1) or even ITR-2. They will have to choose between ITR-3 and ITR-4, which is meant for those who have business or professional income.

ITR-3 is for those with business income. ITR-4 is for those with taxable income of Rs 50 lakh or less and who have in respect of their ‘income from business or profession’ have opted for the presumptive tax regime. Moonlighters who have acted as consultants and whose gross receipts from such gigs is less than Rs 75 lakh or less can opt for the presump- tive scheme — not more than 5% of their income should be earned via cash (non-banking channels). A sum equal to 50% of the gross receipts will be treated as taxable income. However, it should be noted that ITR-4 cannot be used in many instances, such as if the taxpayer has more than one house property (see graphic).

File Form 10-IEA if opting for the old regime: The new tax regime offers lower tax rates, but the taxpayer has to forgo tax benefits for HRA and deductions under Chapter VIA (eg: for eligible investments such as PPF or for eligible donations). It is possible that those having significant tax benefit claims may be better off under the old regime.

Budget 2023 announced that the new tax regime is the default tax regime. Form 10-IEA has to be submitted online before the due date for the I-T return, by those taxpayers who have ‘income from business or profession’ and who wish to file their tax return under the old regime.

Ketan Vajani, a chartered accountant, said, “Salaried taxpayers who do not have any business or professional income do not have to submit this form. Moonlighters who have ‘income from business or profession’ will need to file Form 10-IEA, if they wish to opt for the old regime. In their case, the old regime will continue for the subsequent years also. In any subsequent year, if they want to again opt for the new regime, they can do so, but such an option can be exercised only once.” Amarpal Singh-Chadha, tax partner and India mobility leader at EY-India, said that if taxpayers with business or professional income do not file Form 10-IEA the new regime will be considered, and all tax benefits claimed will be denied.

Sensex surges for 2nd day as BJP-led coalition govt seen

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Mumbai: Across-the-board buying with domestic fund in the lead took the sensex up by 692 points to 75,075 points on Thursday. With the BJP-led alliance finally setting its house in order to form the next govt, volatility on Dalal Street moderated for the second consecutive session. Strong selling by foreign funds, however, remains a wprry for traders and investors on Dalal Street, market players said.

The day’s session opened on a positive note with the sensex up about 700 points. The index dipped mid-session because of profit-booking but buying at the end of the day helped it close near the day’s high. Domestic funds were net buyers at Rs 3,718 crore while foreign portfolio investors were net sellers at Rs 6,868 crore, BSE data showed. So far in June, FPIs have net sold Indian stocks worth about Rs 14,900 crore, combined data from CDSL and BSE showed.

According to Siddhartha Khemka of Motilal Oswal Financial Services, the domestic market, despite being volatile in a broad range, finally ended in the green for a second straight day as investors have begun to digest the outcome of the Lok Sabha election results. Investors heaved a sigh of relief after two key allies of BJP pledged their support to form a govt under PM Narendra Modi.

“Even global factors contributed to today’s rally as the hopes revived for rate cut possibility in US Fed’s Sept meet, after weaker than expected jobs data. All eyes will be on government for- mation this weekend along with the ECB meet (later in the day) and RBI policy outcome and commentary (on Friday),” Khemka said.

In Thursday’s session, of the 30 sensex stocks, 23 closed with gains. In the broader market, compared to nearly 3,000 gainers, 878 closed lower.

The day’s session added about Rs 8.4 lakh crore to investors’ wealth with BSE’s market capitalisation now at Rs 422.5 lakh crore, ETIG data showed.

ITC investors back hotel biz demerger

Mumbai: The shareholders of FMCG major ITC on Thursday gave their nod to the proposal to demerge its hotels business. About 99.6% of the shareholders who voted on the resolution, were in favour of the division, ITC said to the bourses. TNN

Editorial

- GOP, Now Fix Org

- Sharing The Spoils

- Horse sense

- How MVA Bested Mahayuti

- Why Did Cong’s Revival Not Reach MP?

- Sacred space

- Servant Leadership, The Essence Of Ram Rajya

- A thought for today

GOP, Now Fix Org

Cong got much of its messaging right. But BJP won 70% of direct contests. Cong needs better ground game

Genius, the saying goes, is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Congress’s 99 seats reflected the 99% perspiration the party put into making the INDIA idea work. With a Congress rebel who won as an Independent on Sangli LS seat extending support, the party can claim to have touched the 100 MP-mark. This shouldn’t lull the party into any complacency. While Congress’s strategy to contest on the least number of seats bore fruit as did Rahul Gandhi’s insistence on fighting the election on two planks, Constitution-led ideology and party manifesto, the party has much work to do.

Staying rooted | Through five years of turmoil in 48-LS seat Maharashtra, since 2019 assembly election, Congress – the state’s weakest party for over a decade – has held its own. It won the largest number of LS seats, high-profile defections had no impact. This, when Congress couldn’t find candidates of heft willing to contest on several seats, including in Mumbai. That Congress’s Mumbai North West candidate, Dharavi MLA Varsha Gaikwad, just 49, and a rare Dalit nominee on a general seat, beat BJP’s Ujjwal Nikam with 49% vote share, is also a nod to voters’ comfort with roping in Gen Next netas into larger electoral battles.

UP & caste | Fielding a Gandhi loyalist in Amethi, choosing Rae Bareli for Rahul, ceding the UP space to Akhilesh, all paid off. UP results showed Rahul-styled Congress had struck a chord, with an ideology at a distance from GOP’s waffling politics that had sent the party into perpetual decline. UP results show there are takers for a New Congress, that’s re-inventing itself from being an upper-caste one engaged in ‘Dalit uplift’, to one that seizes the Constitution’s promise of equality to (a) make everydaycaste visible, and (b) pragmatically align with caste parties.

Finding, filling gaps | If intermediate castes, Lingayats in Karnataka, and Jats in Rajasthan, split their votes between BJP and Congress, the party’s five Haryana wins were constituencies centralto the farmers’ protest. Punjab was fought entirely at the assembly segment level, local units winning Congress 7 of state’s 13.

Note, though, in 215 seats, where BJP and Congress were in direct fights, BJP won over 70% seats. Congress had its communication pat, but has its task cut out before it can take on BJP seat by seat. That can only happen if it focuses on firming up that ‘1% inspiration’ to recreate its ‘missing’ organisation, essential if Congress is to convert its support into political assets.

Sharing The Spoils

‘Friends’ of a coalition’s big party jostle to get ministries with high RoI. That’s how politics works

What’s the big difference this election has produced? Media speculation is not so much about which BJP heavyweight will land what plum ministry. Most interest is around big ministries BJP may have to let go of. Welcome back to coalition govts and frenetic bargaining about how to share the spoils.

Just being practical | Jockeying for ministries is not bad. If voters haven’t opted for a single party majority, it’s legitimate for members of a coalition to want ministries they prefer. They owe their voters that. Also, politicians are nothing if not practical. They are unlikely to push matters to a breaking point. Who wants to contest elections prematurely? Running a political party is expensive.

Variety of needs | Ministry preferences are best understood in terms of meeting basic political needs. There are ministries like home that allow exercise of huge executive power. Finance, another biggie, has the power over allocating govt’s funds to other ministries. And big stock market players are obsessed with what FinMin is doing. Railways employ lakhs of people. These are ministries with real influence. There are also ministries that potentially provide political parties with a high return on political investment. Think defence – all those arms contracts. Think roads and highways. Politicians love these ministries, and not just because they are important for the country.

Art of possible | Bismarck, the 19th century German politician, described politics as the art of the possible, the attainable and the next best. Coalitions are just that. No majority, no problem. It’s possible to form a govt. But politics is also at heart a transaction. For junior partners, joining a govt must be worth the effort. They need bragging rights and, shall we say, bagging rights – the right to bag goodies. Back in 1990s and early 2000s, some ministries used to be called ATMs. That moniker is still valid.

Horse sense

second opinion

Poll results could put the spotlight on some game-changers, both two-legged and four-legged

Jug Suraiya

Rani and Raju, two shaadi baraat horses, mulling over the poll results.

Raju: The ballot box has once again proved to be a jackin-the-box out of which pops many a surprise. Not a few have got their comeuppance.

Rani: I’ve never understood why it should be called a comeuppance when it’s really a comedownance, in that it brings someone down from their pride of place. Anyway, I think the results are perfect, by and large.

Raju: Perfect? How come? The NDA lot are disgruntled because they didn’t get the thumping majority they’d expected. And the INDIA guys are downcast because they didn’t dislodge NDA as they’d hoped to. So everyone’s unhappy. What’s perfect about that?

Rani: Democracy is perfect about that. If one section is happy it’s at the expense of the opposing section, which makes for a zero-sum game. If both sides are dissatisfied, both will work harder to better their standing. Which is perfect for the functioning of democracy, and the benefit of voters.

Raju: So you’re saying that with neither side being smug and self-satisfied with its performance, the opposition will be more opposing, and govt will do more governance. That makes horse sense.

Rani: There’s another thing that makes horse sense. And that’s where we come in, so to speak.

Raju: Us horses? How do we come into the poll picture?

Rani: Well, with no party having got a majority, both sides could try to lure the other side’s allies. That’s horse trading.

Raju: But that’s people-trading. Why bring us horses into it?

Rani: Maybe because horses like us are used in marriage ceremonies, promoting matrimonial unions, and horse trading promotes political unions.

Raju: Is that a stable govt? One formed after horses are taken from one stable to another stable? Sounds quite unstable to me.

Rani: I agree. When it comes to trading on our name we should definitely say ‘Neigh’…

How MVA Bested Mahayuti

BJP took the fallout of Maratha protests ● As also of farmer distress ● Ram Mandir didn’t click ● Sharad Pawar glue proved the strongest ● Just as it did in 1998

Abhay Datar

Going into Lok Sabha elections, Mahayuti looked commanding in Maharashtra. BJP had consolidated its position in the state well before elections. Shiv Sena and NCP splits, with their breakaway factions joining BJP, strengthened its position. A number of high-profile defections to BJP, including Congress veteran and former CM Ashok Chavan, followed. Alongside the support of a few minor parties, these seemed to have sealed the deal.

On the opposition side, Maha Vikas Aghadi appeared in disarray. Initially, there was little coordination between its three principal allies. And yet, MVA has beaten Mahayuti.

How did this happen? And what are the consequences?

Opposition unity | Much of the credit goes to NCP’s veteran leader Sharad Pawar. A tireless campaigner, he secured the support of major Left parties and other minor political outfits to consolidate opposition votes.

Anxieties about BJP assaults on the Constitution, a perceived threat to reservations and ideas about a growing BJP electoral dictatorship gained ground. After picking up these issues from civil society initiatives, MVA ran with them, putting BJP on the defensive.

Onion woes | Drought that looms perennially over large parts of the state made for a groundswell of agrarian resentment. The rising costs of and falling profits from agriculture have also put farmers under enormous strain.

Maharashtra is the biggest producer of onions in the country; indeed the crop is at the heart of the state’s rural economy. So, the state was hit hard by GOI’s ban on onion export. Villages across the onion belt in the north of the state even barred candidates’ entry, early in the campaign.

Even central govt schemes, introduced to alleviate long-standing agricultural distress, were viewed as inadequate. High GST on agricultural implements and consumables was seen as further proof of BJP’s ignorance about the countryside and indifference to agriculture.

Maratha protests | Agrarian distress stoked demands for Maratha reservations. The movement’s supporters want Marathas to be included among OBCs, who in turn vehemently oppose the initiative. Every party has voiced support for the Maratha demand. But BJP in particular has been perceived as paying it mere lip service, while in fact trying to obstruct the initiative to safeguard the interests of its OBC support base.

BJP’s lame bag | Early this year, BJP delivered on its two key promises: CAA and Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The temple inauguration saw a massive mobilisation of volunteers, who extended invitations to the ceremony to millions. But the Ayodhya euphoria quickly died down, perhaps because it came too early to affect voter choices. As for CAA, despite BJP trying to trumpet its achievement, most voters never came to think of it as a major issue. Nor did the promise of UCC draw in many votes.

The ‘real’ NCP | Both the Shiv Sena and NCP splits saw the breakaway factions winning the support of a majority of the state’s legislators. As a result, EC recognised the breakaway factions as the original parties and allotted them the respective party symbols. This led observers to write off both Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar.

When the two leaders made betrayal a campaign issue, it garnered a considerable amount of popular supasserted that the question of which faction was ‘the real one’ was ultimately up to voters. Election results, however, show that while the Sharad Pawar-led NCP proved its strength by winning 8 seats, rendering the Ajit Pawar-led breakaway faction nugatory, with but a single seat, the results are more mixed for Sena.

Its breakaway faction, led by the present CM, Eknath Shinde, won 7 seats, only 2 less than Thackeray’s Sena. Shinde’s success in two largely urban constituencies adjoining Mumbai, Thane and Kalyan, was not surprising since the region has been his stronghold. The surprise lay in Shinde holding his own in other regions, where he roped in many committed Sena voters and activists. All this leaves the question of which Sena is ‘real’ wide open.

Congress revival | The party’s revival is the real surprise. Its third successive defeat may well have rendered the party irrelevant. So its leaders campaigned relentlessly, systematically. Fresh faces, albeit some from political dynasties, coupled with resentment against BJP and the consolidation of minority votes, helped the party revive its fortunes, especially in the Vidarbha and North Maharashtra regions.

VBA collapse | Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi led by Prakash Ambedkar, Babasaheb’s grandson, did well in 2019, helping to defeat Congress and leading many to believe that it could emerge as a major political alternative in the state. But this year, refusing to ally with MVA, it has tumbled to a nearcollapse, with Ambedkar himself beaten in his constituency. VBA certainly undercut Congress votes, but its own failure marks the end of any independent Dalit politics in the state for the foreseeable future.

This year’s opposition unity echoes the 1998 election. BJP and Shiv Sena won in 1996, but by 1998 Pawar stitched together a broad alliance of all other political parties to stop the saffron wave. A quarter of a century on, he has repeated that trick.

The writer teaches Political Science at People’s College, Nanded, Maharashtra

Why Did Cong’s Revival Not Reach MP?

Shivraj to CM, state BJP leaders campaigned vigorously, the party’s booth-level management was superb. Congress has stayed demoralised since its assembly rout and lacked clear leadership

Prasenjit.Mund@timesgroup.com

‘Oh, there was a storm?’ You can quite imagine Madhya Pradesh BJP looking out of the window on June 4 evening and asking this with an enquiring eyebrow. How did the heartland remain a saffron island, untouched by the electoral tumult in neighbouring UP, Maharashtra and Rajasthan? Not only did MP go against the current, it also handed BJP its biggest ever Lok Sabha victory: 29-0.

Congress had never before been reduced to zero in MP. Yet, in 2024, with no wave, Congress was swept into oblivion. Neighbouring Chhattisgarh, sharing much the same DNA, handed BJP 10 of 11 seats.

The reasons for the clean sweep in the two heartland states are much the same – and no, Ram Mandir is not one of them. The consecration of Ram Lalla idol in Ayodhya sparked jubilation in these two states, yes, but it wasn’t the overriding political factor.

Tall BJP netas with points to prove | BJP’s MP campaign was led by stalwarts who each, still, had a point to prove. Shivraj Singh Chouhan – denied a fifth term as chief minister – wanted to tell the party high command he is still the party’s tallest leader here. He campaigned with the energy of a firsttimer. His victory margin of 8.2 lakh spoke for him. CM Mohan Yadav was on test. Propelled to the top post, he had much to prove, especially since he was stepping into Shivraj’s shoes. He campaigned intensively, holding 142 rallies and 56 road shows, and covering 185 Vidhan Sabha segments. With this grand victory, he is on more sure-footing now.

State party chief VD Sharma, the only one to be given a second term while all other heads were replaced ahead of election, had to come good on expectations. And Kailash Vijayvargiya, reluctant contestant in assembly polls, was given the challenge of breaching Congress’s Chhindwara fortress.

He did. In dramatic fashion. Vijayvargiya oversaw the defection of an MLA, several ex-MLAs and ex-MPs and thousands of Congress workers, chipping away at the Nath bastion until it caved in. Then, there was the Indore ambush, where Congress’s candidate vanished for hours and popped up in a selfie with Vijayvargiya after withdrawing his nomination. BJP won Indore by a stunning 11.7 lakh votes.

BJP’s ardh panna army | BJP’s might at the electoral booth level is matched by its micro-management. You only have to look at the victory margins in MP – more than 1 lakh votes on 25 of 29 seats. When Union home minister Amit Shah stays overnight in Chhindwara, 55 hours before voting, to coach booth workers on micro-management, the message ignites the team.

BJP appointed ardh panna pramukhs, who were responsible for half a voter-list names. Their job was to ensure that these 60 votes went to BJP. The party also appointed tridevs – booth level agent, booth in charge, and booth president – to strengthen the electoral machinery at the grassroots. Congress simply had no answer to this.

Congress chaos & daily exodus | From the foot soldier to Congress satrap, everyone had expected to win 2023 polls. So, the rout was devastating to party morale. To add to the confusion, Congress removed Kamal Nath as PCC chief and appointed the much younger Jitu Patwari when Lok Sabha election was just four months away. Patwari was yet to find his footing when, in Feb, surfaced Nath’s rumoured bid to join BJP. It was a shattering blow to Congress workers. Nath didn’t help matters by taking his time in denying this.

Amid all this chaos, there was the daily exodus of Congress old-timers – MLAs, ex-MLAs, office-bearers and thousands of grassroots workers. Deserted by loyalists, Nath was left to fight a lone defence of his legacy in Chhindwara. Rahul and Priyanka didn’t campaign in the constituency and Nath couldn’t (or wouldn’t) quite step out of his citadel. Chhindwara was lost, so was MP.

There was a clear lack of leadership in MP Congress. Most of its senior and second-run leaders were defeated in the assembly election. Even veterans like Digvijaya Singh were reluctant to contest Lok Sabha polls. It must have been morale-sapping for the ordinary party workers to see stalwarts unwilling to step up. Out of time, out of options, out of leaders and out of breath, Congress just didn’t have any fight left in its soul.

Hum to aise hi hain | Madhya Pradesh is the original saffron heartland, not UP or Gujarat. Even when the state wanted change, it did so half-heartedly – voting for Congress but keeping it just short of majority in 2018. In the Lok Sabha election that followed, BJP won 28 seats. In 2014, it won 27. And this time, when PM Modi gave the call for 29 MP obliged.

Sacred space

Gone is the trust to be placed in oaths; I cannot understand if the gods you swore by then no longer rule, or men live by new standards of what is right.

Euripides

Servant Leadership, The Essence Of Ram Rajya

THE SPEAKING TREE

Sonal Srivastava

Elections are over. Govt formation has begun. New GOI will want to have a new agenda. Here’s a thought for all newly elected public representatives: adopt the idea of servant leadership. The term ‘servant leaders’, coined by Robert K Greenleaf, refers to leaders who prioritise empowering individuals over their personal gains, focus on well-being of people, and sincerely seek solutions to the electorate’s most persistent problems.

Greenleaf says, “The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. That person is sharply different from one who is a leader first, perhaps because of the need to assuage an unusual power drive or to acquire material possessions. For such it will be a later choice to serve – after leadership is established.”

Gandhi says, “President means chief servant,” emphasising that elected leaders must serve those who have reposed their faith in the leaders’ ability to govern. A servant leader does not seek power for herself but only to help people better their lives by putting them first. Servant leaders – whether elected members of Parliament, founders of unicorns, or CEOs of large corporations – have empathy towards all, patience to actively listen and help others, an awareness of problems of people they work for, and the ability to find workable solutions and provide a healing touch.

More importantly, servant leaders do not use authority; they rely on consensusbuildingas the basis for policymaking. They are visionaries focused on longterm gains rather than short-term victories and have foresight to anticipate future problems and find solutions. Such leaders analyse mistakes to learn from the past, so that they are not bitter and are ready to face the present. Servant leaders are not independent governors/managers in ivory towers but stewards of their organisation/country, conserving resources and acting responsibly. They are willing to invest in and promote others, irrespective of their allegiances. Pettiness has no place in servant-leaders’ mental makeup. They believe in fostering a sense of belonging among the community and their organisations, promoting inclusivity and unity.

The world has seen several servant leaders, such as Ram, Bharat, Mahavir, Buddha, Jesus, Abraham Lincoln, Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela, BR Ambedkar. In the corporate world, Herb Kelleher, Indra Nooyi, Satya Nadella, and Ken Blanchard, among others, are examples of servant leadership.

Indic philosophy and mythology have several examples of servant leaders. At the centre of Ram Rajya is an empathetic leader with his ear to the ground. Ram is the epitome of justice, and his reign is marked by fairness and equity. He ensured that every citizen, regardless of status, received justice. Ram sacrificed his desires to ensure the well-being of his people.

Virtues synonymous with servant leaders are also reflected in the Buddhist concept of shunyata, emptiness, which says that all phenomena depend on several causes and conditions and are empty of independent existence. So, all phenomena arise through interconnected causes and conditions. Understanding shunyata fosters a sense of humility, interconnectedness and compassion, essentials for a servant leader focused on her constituency’s well-being.

A thought for today

Opportunities multiply as they are seized

SUN TZU

Times Techies.AI

- IS AI RESHAPING THE WORLD?

- AI IS SHAKING UP AD INDUSTRY

- How to build your personal AI assistant

- AI IN-GROUP LINGO VECTORS: THEY CAPTURE THE MEANING OF DATA

- It’s become much easier to match jobs & candidates

- AROUND THE WORLD THIS WEEK

- THEY ARE FUSING MUSIC AND GENERATIVE AI

IS AI RESHAPING THE WORLD?

Will help mitigate climate-related risks

Ashwin Yardi | CEO INDIA, CAPGEMINI

In the coming years, we will witness AI and humans forming a collective force of intelligence far superior to their individual adeptness. This will elevate human capabilities, improve productivity, support scientific research, and catalyse intelligent industries. Climate change poses great risk to our planet as well as people. AI can prepare global communities vulnerable to climate change. By predicting weather patterns and extreme temperatures, AI can help local authorities and communities adapt to climaterelated risks and mitigate their impact. AI technology can be educative, teaching proper waste management, or can save lives by forecasting climate disasters. The deployment of AI-based innovative solutions to support climate-environment risk planning can transform our understanding and response to climate change.

AI IS SHAKING UP AD INDUSTRY

It’s easier than ever to create advertising and marketing material at scale

Akhil.George@timesgroup.com

The colossal advertising and marketing industry is undergoing a transformation with generative AI. Robert Godinho, MD of Media. Monks India, says that Gen AI has significantly transformed daily operations at the company and that they have integrated AI tools into various aspects of their work – from strategy and creative development to routine administrative tasks.

“For instance, we utilise MonkGPT for ideation and copywriting, which has substantially accelerated the development and refinement of concepts. Our design team leverages Firefly and ComfyUI to create visually compelling content with remarkable efficiency. Our proprietary tools, Persona. Flow for insights and Monk. Flow for brand modelling, have become essential components of our toolkit. These tools allow us to generate deep, data-driven insights and tailor our strategies with unparalleled precision,” he says.

The efficiency gains—up to 30-40%—are astounding, says Robert, enabling them to focus more on creative and strategic endeavours. “Nonetheless, we ensure that the human touch remains paramount, especially in final deliverables, as the artistry and nuanced judgement derived from human experience are irreplaceable.” Some of the bigger players in the sector are fundamentally changing the way they operate to better leverage AI.

Advertising giant Publicis is consolidating all proprietary data under one single entity called CoreAI. “This places AI at the centre of everything we do,” says Amaresh Godbole, CEO of digital technology business for Publicis Groupe India.

“It will allow employees to work faster and smarter, simplifying internal processes and handling back office tasks. Sales and client leads can better understand clients, generate proposals faster, maintain confidentiality, and access insights for better responses, including market competitor comparisons and previous work insights.”

At the same time, Amaresh says, Publicis is experimenting with tools such as Midjourney, ChatGPT, Runway and others for content writing, image creation, and video production tasks. “Now before I commence a task, I ask myself if AI can help,” he says.

BRIDGING LANGUAGE GAP

In a country as diverse as India, these AI tools have also helped marketing and advertising professionals based out of rural parts of the country bridge language gaps, says Rajesh Radhakrishnan, co-founder & chief marketing officer for Vritti Solutions, a company that specialises in rural marketing.

“The impact on productivity has been profound. Gen AI has created a reliable support system that ensures our deliverables, whether they are presentations or written content, are of high quality with minimal errors. It has notably improved our communication, especially for team members whose primary language is not English. This has elevated the overall quality of our sales interactions and client communications.”

Moreover, Rajesh says, the efficiency gains have allowed them to produce more content—be it videos or images—at a faster pace. “While the productivity improvements are significant, it is the speed and agility brought by Gen AI that stand out the most. Our operational costs have decreased, and we are able to achieve more in less time.”

Abhishek Tiwari, global business head for NetSetGo Media, says that in real-time, AI can even suggest the best places for ads to be placed, as well as provide optimum bidding strategies that can give a good return on marketing costs. “According to a survey conducted by PwC, the use of AI in carrier-borne advertisement can cut the cost of acquiring a client by 30% and the rates of conversion by 20%.”

SEVERAL CHALLENGES

Nandita Sood, founder & CEO of Kertus, says that despite the numerous advantages, Gen AI tools present several challenges. “One of the main issues is the learning curve involved in understanding and effectively using these technologies. Training AI to grasp our specific needs and industry nuances requires considerable time and effort.”

Those who aren’t strong communicators will also find AI tools cumbersome to use, says Tamanna Gupta, founder and director of Umanshi Marketing.

“While they might be amazing data analysts, for instance, if they can’t provide clear and concise prompts, the AI can get thrown off course. It’s like giving someone a fancy new drill but forgetting to explain how to use the different bits.”

This highlights a deeper challenge, says Tamanna. The need for a new kind of expertise. “Just as data analysts had to learn to work with vast datasets, a new ‘Gen AI fluency’ is emerging. This encompasses understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different generative models, as well as crafting prompts that leverage the AI’s capabilities while steering it away from potential biases or factual errors. This new skillset will be crucial for unlocking the full potential of generative AI in advertising.”

Another common problem is the use of repetitive or unimaginative language by AI tools. “I recently came across an interesting study that highlighted a 1400% increase in the word “delve” usage in research papers due to authors relying on AI like ChatGPT. This phenomenon creates a feedback loop, where the AI models continuously recycle repetitive language, reducing the diversity and originality of the content,” says Sreeram Reddy Vanga, CEO & cofounder of Kofluence.

PERSONAL TECH

How to build your personal AI assistant

Vaitheeswaran.B@timesgroup.com

AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude are pretty good at personal assistance. And the experience is much better than the Alexas and Siris.

You can customise these AI models to get really personalised responses with just a set of verbal instructions on who you are, what your requirements are, and how the model should behave. Right now the option may be available only for paid subscribers, but that could change.

You can personalise ChatGPT by providing custom instructions. With such instructions, you don’t have to repeat things in every chat.

For instance, you can share information like, “I’m based in Pune”, and the next time you need restaurant recommendations, you can just say, “suggest good restaurants”. If it knows you’re a CA student preparing for Inter examinations and you prefer to study early in the morning, you can simply ask for “Prepare a study schedule”, where it gives a timetable with breakdown of subjects which starts early morning. This makes your chat short and easy, like talking to a friend, not a bot that needs precise instructions.

You can also tell the model how long or short the responses need to be, how formal it needs to be, whether the machine should have an opinion or should remain neutral, etc. You can set the tone and style of response. You can set the accuracy of the response. It is helpful for the model to be creative if you’re an ad copywriter brainstorming ideas, but makes sense to keep it formal, highly accurate and provide citations if you’re a researcher. All of this will be applied to future conversations. Best not to share sensitive information to AI models.

GPT-4o has a feature called ‘memory’. It can remember things that you have mentioned in a query. Say, you mention you have a friend named Vivek who likes chicken biryani. The next time when asked for “Restaurants to eat out with friends”, it scouts for places suitable for both you and your friend’s dietary preferences. If you mention your fitness goal, it will use them in managing your to-do-list, goal setting, tracking progress, motivational reminders, etc.

It could provide daily summaries on your topics of interest if you have provided the information to the model.

With better contextual understanding, the models will respond better. But AI models are prone to hallucinations and give incorrect information, so verify them carefully.

Custom instructions can be updated as required, or deleted. You can turn custom instructions off or on. Every memory item can be reviewed, and deleted.

AI IN-GROUP LINGO VECTORS: THEY CAPTURE THE MEANING OF DATA

Vector search is a technique used to find similar items in a dataset by representing data as vectors in a highdimensional space. It is a crucial part of the tech stack that empowers generative AI to leverage vast amounts of data effectively, ensuring that the generated content is relevant, coherent, and contextually rich. A specialised data storage system designed to handle and efficiently query highdimensional vectors is often necessary to effectively perform vector search. Unlike traditional keyword-based search, which relies on exact matches of text, vector search uses numerical representations, often derived from machine learning models, to capture the semantic meaning of data. This allows for more nuanced and contextually relevant search results.

In vector search, items such as words, images, or user preferences are converted into vectors, which are arrays of numbers that encapsulate their characteristics. These vectors are then compared using mathematical operations, such as calculating the cosine similarity or Euclidean distance, to determine their closeness or similarity. This method is especially powerful for applications where context and meaning are crucial, such as natural language processing, image retrieval, and recommendation systems. The importance of vector search lies in its ability to improve the accuracy and relevance of search results. It enables systems to understand the underlying context and relationships between data points, providing more intuitive and user-friendly interactions. For example, in e-commerce, vector search can recommend products that are not just similar in description but also in style or user preferences. In content management, it can help users find documents or images that are contextually related even if they don’t share specific keywords.

It’s become much easier to match jobs & candidates

Sujit John & Akhil George | TNN

Finding a job that’s most suited to you can be so tiresome. For recruiters too, the flood of resumes is a nightmare – finding the right ones is like looking for a needle in a haystack. AI tools are now bringing dramatic changes here.

Abhishek Dhasmana, senior product director in job search platform Indeed India, says in traditional hiring, a recruiter will put in keywords to find candidates, but now, using the power of AI, they instantly get the best-matched candidates. “That’s because on the job seeker side, we have the candidate’s resume, their activity, their preferences, and we are continuously improving our data systems to understand candidates deeply. This helps employers start with a set of high quality candidates,” he says.

For employers who are hiring in high volume, Abhishek says gen AI tools can summarise a candidate’s resume into a simple, readable paragraph that highlights the unique things about the job seeker, the areas they stand out. This makes the recruiter’s job hugely simpler. “When you use keywords, the system is not seeing the context of that keyword, leading to some funny matches. A `programme manager’, for example, has different meanings in different industries. Gen AI can understand the context, summarise it, and really help recruiters,” he says.

Ganesh Raj Mohan P, global head of operations and platforms at product engineering services company Altimetrik, says a big challenge for the company was that lots of tal- ent demand was coming from multiple sites, but not all job descriptions were written the same way. “So we used gen AI to standardise job descriptions based on particular requirements. A candidate could be a 4-5-year experienced professional in Java. But the specific responsibility we expect that individual to fulfil could be to lead a team, or to do some solutioning and architecture, or to be constantly in front of customers. Normally, we get into these things when a candidate goes to the second or third round of the selection process. But that’s a lot of time wasted. Now, our gen AI helps us get into these nuances at the initial stage, and do appropriate matching,” Ganesh says.

Ankit Bose, head of Nasscom AI, notes that MasterCard used automation and AI technologies to transform their recruiting experience, and increase their pool of talent from 100,000 to 1 million profiles. He says these technologies helped Electrolux sharply increase their application conversion rate. Thermo Fisher Scientific, he says, used these technologies to achieve a 46% internal hiring rate.

Startups in India, he says, are also developing fascinating AI-based recruitment tools. One of these is an AIbased video interviewing/ analytics and code assessment platform that significantly reduces recruitment time. Another, he says, has created an ML-powered assistant that helps organisations understand and analyse the patterns coming out in the interview process across multiple rounds, and find the best fit for the company.

AROUND THE WORLD THIS WEEK

AI factories will manufacture intelligence: Nvidia CEO

During his keynote address at the recent COMPUTEX technology conference in Taipei, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang highlighted the concept of “AI factories.” He described computers as no longer being mere instruments for information storage or data processing; instead, they are now factories for generating intelligence across various industries. Huang emphasised that companies and countries are partnering with Nvidia to build AI factories, which will produce a new commodity: artificial intelligence. Huang also highlighted the company’s advancements in robotics and industrial digitisation at the conference. Huang detailed how manufacturers like Foxconn are using Nvidia’s technology, such as Omniverse, Isaac, and Metropolis, to develop advanced robotic facilities. “Robotics is here.

Physical AI is here. This is not science fiction, and it’s being used all over Taiwan,” he said.

THEY ARE FUSING MUSIC AND GENERATIVE AI

➤ Mansoor Rahimat Khan and Siddharth Bhardwaj are fusing music and generative AI, and opening up new possibilities for creating original, royalty-free compositions using only a text prompt.

➤ Mansoor, a sitar player and music entrepreneur from the Gwalior-Indore-Dharwad gharana, learned to play the sitar from his father, Ustad Chhote Rahimat Khan, a renowned sitar player and seventh-generation musician in the family. He studied at NIT Goa and Georgia Tech Centre for Music Technology. Siddharth is an alumnus of the Music Technology Group at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona and IIIT-Allahabad.

➤ The two met on LinkedIn, and in 2021, they founded Beatoven.ai. The platform uses machine learning to create new soundtracks using existing sample libraries of databases that it has sourced directly from artists. “We own 100% rights to this music and have been certified by Fairly Trained (a non-profit that certifies AI companies for fairer training data sourcing),” Mansoor says.

➤ They have partnered with over 500 independent artists in India and abroad, securing licensing agreements for original soundtracks and training their data model on 100,000 data samples. Users can input text-to-music generation prompts to create a music track they love. “We use gen AI to create original pieces of music. I gave a prompt to create a jazz and a sarod fusion on the platform. It did a good job. We have more than 1 million creators who’ve used our product and 6,000 paying customers,” Mansoor says.

➤ Prior to founding Beatoven.ai, Mansoor worked as a research analyst at soundwave-based payment solution firm ToneTag, and as a senior data scientist at edtech Great Learning. He has received the Gaansaraswati Kishoritai Amonkar Research Fellowship for his contributions to music technology research.

➤ The royalty-free music industry is gaining popularity worldwide, with Swedish firm Epidemic Sound raising $450 million in 2021.

Mansoor Rahimat Khan

—Shilpa Phadnis

Times Sport

- A QUIET GOODBYE

- Mbappe leads France to 3-0 win

- EURO SQUAD: ENGLAND LEAVE OUT MAGUIRE AND GREALISH

- Chhetri was the defining player of his generation

- Santi’s last goal: Help hometown club Oviedo return to La Liga

- Swiatek enters final with near flawless display

- Plucky Zverev up for Ruud challenge

- BOPANNA-EBDEN PAIR GOES DOWN FIGHTING IN SEMIS

- Lakshya Sen lone Indian standing

- Djokovic says knee surgery ‘went well’

- Bowling unit needs to be disciplined against Pak: Hardik

- PANT WILL CONTINUE TO BAT AT NO. 3: RATHOUR

- PAK COMPLAINT FORCES ICC TO CHANGE TEAM’S NEW YORK HOTEL

- SURFACE TENSION IN NEW YORK

- Stoinis makes presence felt as Australia get off the blocks

- Can’t get greedy on a pitch like this: Arshdeep Singh

- Ugandans score historic, hard-fought victory over PNG

- World Jr chess: Divya in joint lead

- ACTION TODAY

- American dream is a nightmare for Pakistan

- Duleep Trophy to kickstart domestic season

- Sarabjot gets Paris boost with Munich WC gold

A QUIET GOODBYE

No Dream Farewell For Sunil Chhetri As India Fluff Their Lines In Must-Win Tie Against Kuwait

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

Nilesh.Bhattacharya@timesgroup.com

Kolkata: Goodbye Sunil Chhetri. But not a welcome yet for India to a dream place in the third round of the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

India failed to give their captain a perfect farewell as Igor Stimac’s team was held to a frustrating 0-0 draw against Kuwait at the Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday. As the tearful Chhetri left the international football stage after 151 caps and 94 goals and failing to make an impact in Thursday’s game, India’s chances of qualifying to the next round now hang in balance. With 5 points from as many matches, and both Afghanistan (4 points from 4 games) and Kuwait (4 points from 5 games) lurking close by, the Blue Tigers now have to beat the already qualified Qatar in their own den in the final Group A fixture next Tuesday to keep hopes alive.

A top-two finish in the group is the prerequisite not only for opening the door for brushing shoulders with Asia’s best in the third round of World Cup qualifiers, but also guaranteeing a berth in the next edition of Asian Cup.

With stakes so high, it felt like a juncture match for Igor Stimac’s side. Chhetri’s farewell — which drew an official attend- ance of 58,921 in the stands — further elevated the sense of the occasion.

But India never looked in sync with the challenge in question, dishing out another frustrating performance nearly three months after losing 1-2 to Afghanistan in Guwahati and making their job more difficult now.

In fact, had Gurpreet Singh Sandhu not effected a string of saves, it could have been quite embarrassing for Chhetri and his team.

Stimac started with a new and bold de- fensive set-up, giving FC Goa left-back Jay Gupta his debut in Blue Tigers jersey and pairing up Rahul Bheke with Anwar Ali in the heart of defence in absence of injured Sandesh Jhingan. But if the Croatian coach’s 4-2-3-1 formation was meant to gain early ascendancy, it failed to instil the sort of organisation and obduracy that he would have expected to characterise his backline. The result was a streak of nervy moments invading the home team’s play.

The match was just four minutes old when Bheke failed to intercept a pass, allowing Mohammad Abdulah to stare at the goal with a world of time and space. But Kuwait’s No. 9 ended up hitting straight at Gurpreet.

Relieved and reprieved, India tried to make a statement, Liston Colaco seeing his cutback cleared by Kuwait defender Hasan Alanezi for a corner and Chhetri skying an attempt way over the bar.

Just when India appeared to have started to establish a more recognisable rhythm, Kuwait shook the hosts out of a false dawn, threatening to upset the applecart.

THE ‘FINAL’: Sunil Chhetri, 39, ended his international career against Kuwait at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Thursday

Mbappe leads France to 3-0 win

LUXEMBOURG’S HEADACHE: Kylian Mbappe was a constant threat

Spain, Belgium cruise

Metz: Kylian Mbappé scored late in his first game since joining Real Madrid to help France build momentum for the European Championship with a dominant 3-0 win over Luxembourg.

Mbappé, whose Madrid move was finally confirmed Monday, was a constant threat for Luxembourg’s hard-working defenders, but the France captain had to wait until the 85th minute before he could crown his performance with a goal. Bradley Barcola made his France debut as a sub and promptly won the ball, ran to the penalty and drew in more defenders before laying the ball off for Mbappe.

In Copenhagen, Christian Eriksen scored late to give Denmark a 2-1 win over Sweden. Mikel Oyarzabal scored a hat trick after the break to help Spain rout Andorra 5-0.

Belgium earned a 2-0 win over Montenegro with Kevin De Bruyne scoring on his 100th appearance for the Red Devils.

AP

EURO SQUAD: ENGLAND LEAVE OUT MAGUIRE AND GREALISH

JACK GREALISH

London: Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish were the biggest names to be cut from England’s squad as manager Gareth Southgate named his final 26-man selection for the European Championship on Thursday.

Tottenham playmaker James Maddison was also left off the list for the tournament, which starts in Germany on June 14. “I am devastated not to have been selected to play for England at the Euros this summer,” Manchester United center-back Maguire said in a post on X. “Despite my best efforts, I have not been able to overcome an injury to my calf. Maybe I pushed myself too hard, to try and make it. Simply, I am absolutely gutted.”

All EPL clubs except Wolves vote to retain VAR: English Premier League clubs voted on Thursday in favour of continuing to use the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system next season. The BBC reported that only Wolves had backed the abolition of VAR.

Wittmann appointed as first female head coach of German third-tier club Ingolstadt: Sabrina Wittmann has been appointed the permanent head coach of German third-tier club Ingolstadt, marking the first time a female coach has been given the role with a men’s team in the country’s top three national divisions.

The 32-year-old Wittmann was put in charge of Ingolstadt for their last four games as interim coach and on Wednesday the club said she had been appointed permanently. Wittmann was unbeaten in her four games as interim coach.

AGENCIES

Chhetri was the defining player of his generation

Nilesh.Bhattacharya@timesgroup.com

Kolkata: With his hands on the hip, Sunil Chhetri stood a little distance away from the pack of his teammates in the middle of the park. He stood motionless, as if dazed, for a few seconds, his eyes blank and without expression.

A few minutes ago, Chinese referee Fu Ming had blown the whistle to seal India’s goalless draw with Kuwait in their second-round fixture of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, thus ringing the curtain on Chhetri’s 19-year-old career in the Blue Tigers jersey.

Suddenly the Salt Lake Stadium stands roared into “Chhetri, Chhteri” chants, stirring the 39-year-old out of his trance as he was given a standing ovation He began a lap of honour around the ground. Then he broke down in tears as his teammates, coach Igor Stimac and his coaching staff members lined up to give him the guard of honour. After plethora of hugs and handshakes, he slowly walked down the tunnel, out of everyone’s sight and into a new life, leaving behind a legacy Indian football has hardly experienced.

The build-up to Thursday’s match was all about Chhetri’s send-off. Before the kick-off, the famed Blue Pilgrims stand behind the goalpost unfurled a giant tifo, showing Chhetri holding the earth, a la Hercules. India failed to turn the occasion more memorable and meaningful for Chhetri following the stalemate but that tifo perhaps represents what Chhetri has stood for in Indian football in nearly two decades since making his senior de- but against Pakistan in 2005.

He will be remembered as the defining player of his generation, someone who has transcended his sport more than any other, a reference point in Indian football in the true sense of the term.

Unlike IM Vijayan, he might not have an eye for the spectacular. Unlike Bhaichung Bhutia, he might not be a typical fox in the box. Chhetri’s game has always been a fable of discipline, dedication and determination.

His goals were cheeky, audacious and brilliant — scoring from midfield to embarrassing the goalkeeper with a Panenka penalty. He made people fall in love with the game.

In a later post-match felicitation, organized by the Indian Football Association, he returned to the ground to receive accolades from the Big 3 clubs — East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting as well as the state government. A few former players like Vijayan, Mehtab Hossain, Alvito D’Cunha and Rahim Nabi then gave him a tight embrace one by one.

Santi’s last goal: Help hometown club Oviedo return to La Liga

SANTI CAZORLA

Marcus.Mergulhao@timesgroup.com

Panaji: Given a choice, Santi Cazorla would have played for free for Real Oviedo, his boyhood club, but in professional football, that’s simply not allowed. So, the Spanish double European champion chose the next best option: minimum salary.

Returning to Oviedo 20 years after he left for stints with Villarreal, Arsenal, Malaga and Al Sadd would always feel special. Cazorla was 19 when he left the club he joined as an eight-year old; now he’s 39. The club is in the second division, and fittingly in the final year of Cazorla’s glittering career, there’s a chance to return to the top tier of Spanish football.

“I have been lucky to win titles with two Euros (2018, 2012), and the top division as well, but it’s a different feeling when one plays and wins in front of friends and family,” Cazorla told TOI during a global media interaction. “Qualification (to LaLiga) would be a great achievement, a special one. I feel responsible for contributing to the club of my heart. This is a different feeling compared to what I have felt with other teams.”

The top two teams in the second division qualify automatically to the LaLiga, while teams that finished between third and sixth play home and away legs in a semifinal. Then there’s a final to decide which team makes it to the top. Oviedo finished sixth and face third-placed SD Eibar in the semifinals.

“We must play responsibly but enjoy (the pressure of playoffs). It’s important to do things normally,” said Cazorla, who was capped 81 times for Spain and saw his career at Arsenal end with a

horror injury in 2016 where he was operated on 10 times.

When Oviedo and Eibar met in the concluding game of the Segunda league stage, it finished 4-3 in Eibar’s favour. It was at the Ipurua Municipal Stadium in Eibar and Cazorla knows how important it would be to do well at home, particularly since the higher-ranked team in the league – Eibar in this case – would go through, if the two games, and extra time, ends in a tie.

“One goal I set for myself was to end my career here and what better way than promoting the team to the first division. Those of us in Asturias know what football means to the people here. They want to see their teams in the first division. In our case, the team has not been in the first division for 23 years, without even making it to the playoffs. “The most difficult part is still to be done but there is excitement in the city. You can see it in the streets, see it in the people’s eyes,” said Cazorla.

Swiatek enters final with near flawless display

World No. 1 Pole To Take On Italian Paolini

TIMES IN PARIS

Prajwal.Hegde@timesgroup.com

Paris: Iga Swiatek’s tennis is so crispy-clean, it reflected the cloudless Paris sky. The 23-yearold world No.1 had just 14 unforced errors in the Roland Garros semifinal against American Coco Gauff. Swiatek, who has won 20 straight matches at the French Open, came through 6-2, 6-4 in an hour and 37-minutes to make her fourth final here in five years.

The match was going to plan for Swiatek, while Gauff, cheered on by the Philippe Chatrier crowd, couldn’t get her aggressive gameplan on the map. The athletic 20-yearold, who had lost ten of their 11 meetings coming into the semifinal, appeared to make some inroads in the second set.

In the fourth game of the set, with Swiatek serving, a call on the serve was overruled by the umpire. Gauff argued that she had hit the ball after the call was made, but the umpire disa- greed. Gauff, who was reduced to tears by the incident, lost the point, but won the game. She, however, couldn’t quite get going thereafter.

The American justifiably reopened the debate of an appeal system that left no room for human error. “I think tennis is the only sport where not only we don’t have the VR system, but a lot of times the decisions are made by one person,” said Gauff, who’ll move to No.2 in the rankings on Monday. “In other sports there’s usually multiple refs in making a decision. I know the US Open brought some of it last year. I know we used it in our doubles at one point.”

“It’s almost ridiculous that we don’t have it (in tennis). Not just speaking because of what happened to me, but I just think every sport has it,” she said. “Also, it sucks as a player to go back or online and you see that you were completely right.

“In situations where you can call for the su- pervisor, there’s not much they can do. I definitely think as a sport we have to evolve, and we have the technology. They’re showing it on TV, so I don’t get why the player can’t see it.”

In the final on Saturday, Swiatek, whose play is strung perfectly for this surface, will play the surprise package in Jasmine Paolini.

The 12th-seeded Italian, whose ranking will now climb to No.7, beat the 17-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva 6-3, 6-1 in the second semifinal.

RESULT

Women (Semifinals)

1-Iga Swiatek (POL) beat 3-Coco Gauff (USA) 6-2 6-4; 12-Jasmine Paolini (ITA) beat Mirra Andreeva (RUS) 6-3 6-1

Iga Swiatek returns to Coco Gauff during the semifinal on Thursday. (Right) Jasmine Paolini in action

Plucky Zverev up for Ruud challenge

2-2 Head-to-Head Last one: (French Open semis 2023): Ruud won 6-3, 6-4, 6-0

Prajwal.Hegde@timesgroup.com

Paris: Alexander Zverev moves well, especially for someone who stands at 6 ft 6’ in his tennis shoes. He hangs well behind the baseline, covering ground on either side, reaching, stretching. The 27-year-old keeps the ball deep, but without the kind of power his Roland Garros semifinal opponent Casper Ruud generates on his forehand. Only Zverev plays it on loop.

Consistency may well be the key to Friday’s men’s singles clash that pitches the German fourth seed, in his fourth-successive French Open semifinals, against Ruud, the seventh seed from Norway.

Ruud, who wears an icy expression, is the owner of a fiery forehand, and is looking to make his third final in a row here.

Zverev, who put out Aussie Alex De Minaur in straight sets in the last-eight late on Wednesday, and Ruud, who received a walkover from an injured Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals, have split their four meetings.

Ruud claimed their most recent encoun- ter, 12 months ago in the semifinals on Court Philippe Chatrier.

The first of the men’s singles semifinals, billed as the match of the tournament, will see Jannik Sinner, the second-seeded Italian, take on the popular third-seed Carlos Alcaraz. A budding rivalry that’s as much a contrast of personalities as it is of play.

As exciting as the Sinner-Alcaraz match-up maybe, Zverev, who is battling a domestic violence court case in Germany, accused by his ex-girlfriend, the mother of his child, of physically abusing her, is a worrisome subject not just for the French Open, but for the sport in general.

The German said he had full faith in the legal system back home. Zverev, who has anger management issues, having launched an intimidating attack on an umpire’s chair, following a doubles loss in Acapulco two years ago, expressed satisfaction at the way the trial was going.

“Everything is going okay from my side and from my point of view. There’s nothing else to say,” he said.

Zverev, who is popular around the grounds here, will have crowd support in his clash against Ruud.

RUUD ZVEREV

BOPANNA-EBDEN PAIR GOES DOWN FIGHTING IN SEMIS

Prajwal.Hegde@timesgroup.com

Paris: After falling short in their first two meetings of the year against the world No.2 pairing of India’s Rohan Bopanna and Aussie Matthew Ebden, the all-Italian combine of Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori, found a way in their next outing in Rome.

The 11th seeds, playing sharp tennis under a weak Paris sun, managed to replicate that effort in the Roland Garros semifinals on Thursday. Bopanna and Ebden, who have struck consistent notes in the majors, making at least the semifinals of their last four Grand Slams, went down 5-7, 6-2, 2-6 in a shade under two-hours.

Bopanna and Ebden struck first in the fourth game of the match, Bopanna’s forehand crosscourt opening up the court, giving the second seeds a chance to break. They made no mistake on the next point. The Italians hit back in the seventh game, before gaining the decisive break in the 11th.

Bopanna and Ebden, who had beaten Bolelli and Vavassori in the title round of the Australian Open in January, were broken early in the deciding third set and the Italians did well to steer clear of trouble, with Bopanna and Ebden winning just 19 points in the third set.

Bolelli and Vavassori, Italy’s Olympic pairing, are in their second successive major final.

Lakshya Sen lone Indian standing

Manne.Ratnakar@timesgroup.com

INDONESIA OPEN

Lakshya Sen eased into the quarterfinals of the Indonesia Open BWF Super-1000 tournament with a 21-9, 21-15 victory against Kenta Nishimoto of Japan in Jakarta on Thursday. Lakshya is the lone Indian left in the fray. Priyanshu Rajawat lost to Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand 10-21, 17-21.

The mixed duo of Sumeeth Reddy and Sikki Reddy faltered against top seeds Zheng Si Wei and Huang Ya Qiong of China 9-21, 11-21. The women’s doubles pairs of Ashwini Ponnappa-Tanisha Crasto, Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand also lost.

Ashwini-Tanisha gave a good account of themselves in the 13-21, 21-19, 13-21 loss against second seeds Baek Ha Na and Lee So Hee of South Korea. Treesa-Gayatri wasted a two-point lead in the second game before losing to Mayu Matsumoto and Wakana Nagahara of Japan 21-19, 19-21, 19-21. The Indian girls led 19-17 in the second. But Matsumoto pushed the shuttle into the gap on the forehand side of the Indians. At 19-18, Gayatri and Treesa fumbled and lost one more point.

At 19-19, Treesa’s smashed into the net. Once again Matsumoto exploited the vacant space on the forehand side to secure the winner point and take the match into the third game. Though the Japanese had an upper hand in the decider, Treesa-Gayatri reduced the gap to 19-20 before Nagahara secured the winner.

Lakshya will face fourth seed Anders Antonsen of Denmark on Friday. Anderson downed Kantaphon Wangcharoen of Thailand 21-17, 21-11. The Dane enjoys a 3-2 win-loss record against Lakshya.

Djokovic says knee surgery ‘went well’

Novak Djokovic (in pic) confirmed on Thursday he had had an operation on his right knee that he injured at the French Open and that it “went well”. The 24-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic was forced to withdrew ahead of his Roland Garros quarter-final against Casper Ruud after a scan revealed a torn medial meniscus in his right knee.

“In the past day, I had to make some tough decisions after sustaining a meniscus tear during my last match,” he posted on social media. “I’m still processing it all but I am happy to update you that the surgery went well. I am so appreciative of the team of doctors who have been by my side as well as the overwhelming support I have received from my fans.”

The 37-year-old made no mention of whether he would be fit to take part at Wimbledon which begins on July 1 but added that he was going to “do my best to be healthy and fit to return to the court as soon as possible”.

Djokovic withdrew from the French Open after winning a five-set match against Francisco Cerundolo and went on to blame the “slippery” Roland Garros courts for aggravating the problem.

“For the last couple weeks I have had, I would say, slight discomfort, I would call i t that way, in the right knee, but I haven't had an injury that would be concerning me at all,” Djokovic said after his 370th win at a Grand Slam. “I was playing a few tournaments with it, and no issues until today.”

AFP

Bowling unit needs to be disciplined against Pak: Hardik

HARDIK PANDYA

New York: Allrounder Hardik Pandya has reposed a lot of hope on the Jasprit Bumrah-led bowling unit to deliver in the T20 World Cup and said he was looking forward to India’s game against Pakistan.

“We were told today that within the group we have 892 T20 games. That’s a lot of games. So we have a lot of experience, especially in bowling where we have someone like Jasprit Bumrah, who is the No. 1 bowler by far. We have Mohammed Siraj, who has been tremendous in recent years,” Hardik told bcci.tv. “We have Arshdeep, who has played the last two World Cups and has been quite fantastic and makes sure he keeps getting better. There is a lot of experience, a lot of honesty within the bowling core group.”

On the India-Pakistan game, Hardik said, “India-Pakistan has always been very exciting, lot of cheer and buzz, a lot of emotion and a lot of excitement but at the same time, I hope we will be disciplined in that game. One goal as a group is we go and kind of hunt. So, if we can do that, I think it will be a one more nice day for us,” Hardik said.

Pandya said the team was very pleased to start the tournament on a positive note. “We are very happy and very pleased to the kind of start on a good note. It’s very, very important for the rhythm because once the tournament has started, it goes on,” Hardik said. “It feels very good when you work hard and kind of get some success, and at the same point of time, it’s quite exciting to play here (in America).”

The 30-year-old allrounder, who has been dogged by chronic injuries, said he was focused on the job at hand. “Everything falls into place for people who work hard. Go and spend a lot of time within yourself, identify who you are, back yourself because you know, Hardik at 30 is a much easier job.” PTI

PANT WILL CONTINUE TO BAT AT NO. 3: RATHOUR

New York: India will continue with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant at No.3 in the T20 World Cup following his gritty performance against Ireland, said batting coach Vikram Rathour, who also expressed his delight at having a fully-fit Hardik Pandya back in the fold. Both Pant and Pandya, who returned to top-flight cricket in the IPL, are making a comeback to international cricket after a long gap. The duo delivered the goods in India’s eight-wicket thrashing of Ireland.

“Pant has been batting really well. The two games (warm-up and Ireland) he has played, he has looked really, really good,” Rathour said here at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium. “Yes, at the moment he is our No. 3 and it helps that he is a lefthander,” Rathour added, in a way cementing the combination of skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli at the top. “Hardik also looked really good. Hardik has been bowling really well. He looks fit enough,” Rathour said. PTI

PAK COMPLAINT FORCES ICC TO CHANGE TEAM’S NEW YORK HOTEL

Islamabad: The ICC has moved the Pakistan team to another hotel in New York after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) complained about a 90-minute drive to the ground for games. A PCB source said after chairman Mohsin Naqvi intervened, the Pakistan team was moved to a hotel which is just a five-minute drive from the purpose-built stadium on Long Island in Westbury, New York.

The Indian cricket team, which is playing its three group games in New York, is staying just 10 minutes away from the ground.

Sri Lanka have already expressed concern over their team’s long drive to the ground in New York after being allocated a hotel which was more than an hour’s drive from the venue. Pakistan will travel to New York after playing their opening Group A game against co-host United States in Dallas. AP

TIMES IN THE US

SURFACE TENSION IN NEW YORK

Doubts Rise Ahead Of India-Pakistan Blockbuster As New Drop-In Pitch Behaves Erratically, Leading To Fear Of Injury & Low-Scoring Games

HIT AND MISS: Rohit Sharma (on the left; above) talks to Rahul Dravid after retiring hurt while Pant (right) checks the damage after a blow on the arm against Ireland

Dwaipayan.Datta@timesgroup.com

New York: In all the euphoria of cricket coming to America, there now appears to be a cloud of doubt hanging over the most crucial component of the sport, the pitch. In two back-to-back games at the Nassau International Cricket Ground in New York — the venue for the high-profile India-Pakistan game on Sunday — teams have been bowled out for less than 100 and the chases haven’t been easy.

Sri Lanka were dismissed for 77 and it took South Africa 16.4 overs to get over the line. The Indian top-order also struggled to chase 97 against Ireland on Wednesday. While the Irish looked like fish out of water while batting, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant too had to struggle before India opened their account.

What’s more crucial is the fact that the winner of the toss is calling the shots. In addition to the up-and-down nature of the pitch, the 10:30 am starts have meant the white ball is moving around so much that batting is looking really hard at the moment.

“Yes, the toss is crucial and fortunately we won the toss today (against Ireland). It allowed us to control the game,” batting coach Vikram Rathour said. But it didn’t take too long for the discussion to veer towards the India-Pakistan match and when he was asked what would be a par score batting first, Rathour merely said: “Whatever we can get”.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, who is doing commentary here, too sounded concerned. “The worrying bit is one delivery is shooting up, one is keeping a bit down. Anything can happen on a track like this,” Harbhajan told TOI.

The one man who had to deal fire with fire was skipper Rohit. Despite a shaky start, he held on to score 52 before being hit by a ball that rose up to hit his shoulder. The captain retired hurt, though he later clarified that “it’s just a little sore” and there’s no concern about his participation in the Pakistan game.

“It’s just a little sore (the arm). Quite unsure of what to expect from the pitch. Not aware on what it is to play like on a pitch that’s five months old,” Rohit said. “I don’t think the wicket settled down even when we batted second. There was enough for the bowlers.”

Rohit has played enough cricket to know that the decibels will increase manifold when it’s Pakistan and any adverse result will add to the noise. “I don’t know what to expect from the pitch to be honest, but we will prepare as if the conditions are going to be like this,” the skipper said.

Rathour, on the other hand, is banking on the quality of India’s batting lineup to deal with whatever challenges that come their way. “It is a challenging wicket and have to find ways. We have the skill and experience, there are players who know how to deal with these conditions,” he said.

ICC ADMITS NY PITCH IS ‘INCONSISTENT’

The International Cricket Council admitted on Thursday that the pitch in New York has not played satisfactorily and that the groundstaff is working hard to salvage the situation ahead of the big India-Pakistan game on Sunday. “T20 Inc and the ICC recognise that the pitches used so far at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium have not played as consistently as we would all have wanted,” ICC said in the statement.

“The world-class grounds team has been working hard since the conclusion of yesterday’s game to remedy the situation and deliver the best possible surfaces for the remaining matches.”

TNN

‘DROP-IN PITCHES SHOULD HAVE BEEN INSTALLED THREE MONTHS AGO’

New Delhi: Former BCCI chief curator Daljit Singh is shocked by the “poor quality” of dropin pitches being used in New York. “It is a poor pitch. Drop-in pitch needs to be installed well in advance. To create density, you need to play on it and use different rollers and then increase the density,” Daljit, who worked with the BCCI for more than two decades, said. “It seems they just installed it without doing any of that. It’s poor quality and preparation.”

The ICC transported 10 made-in-Australia drop-in pitches to New York in the first week of May. All 10 wickets, four for the main square and six practice wickets, have been prepared by Adelaide Oval curator Damian Hough. “Installation of the pitches should have been done three months ago. Then they had to increase the density with heavy rolling, light rolling, cross rolling and diagonal rolling. Then take a break for a few days and then repeat the same for increasing the density. It doesn’t look good. There is uneven bounce, this is not ideal for T20s,” Daljit said. PTI

Stoinis makes presence felt as Australia get off the blocks

COMETH THE HOUR... Marcus Stoinis bailed his team out after a top-order wobble

AUSTRALIA VS OMAN

Barbados: Marcus Stoinis shone with bat and ball as Australia launched their bid for a grand slam of major cricket titles with a 39-run victory over Oman in their opening game on Wednesday.

Stoinis smashed a game-changing 67 not out off just 36 balls to power Australia to 164-5 and then took three wickets for 19 runs as Oman were restricted to 125-9 in reply at the Kensington Oval. “It was a nice start,” player of the match Stoinis said afterwards. “Maybe a few cobwebs for us but we’re better for it, and nice that we got the win. And nice that I got to spend some time in the middle and have a bit of a bowl.”

Stoinis hammered six sixes and two fours during a swashbuckling batting performance that led Australia’s recovery after they had slumped to 50-3 earlier in the innings.

David Warner helped provide some stability with a half century as Australia eventually got going after captain Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell fell off successive balls to seamer Mehran Khan in the 11th over.

After a steady couple of overs, Stoinis went on the attack, dominating a 102-run fourth-wicket partnership which effectively wrested the initiative away from the Omanis.

Warner, in his final tournament before retirement, compiled 56 off 51 balls, including six fours and one six, before falling in the penultimate over.

Warner’s innings propelled him beyond former captain Aaron Finch as Australia’s top run-getter in T20Is with a tally of 3,155. Four of Stoinis’ six sixes, meanwhile, came in the 15th over, bowled by Mehran, and triggered such a pace of acceleration that the 2021 champions were able to more than double their total over the last six overs of the innings.

Oman seemed in the mood for a fight but Australia’s competitive know-how saw them through the tricky periods of play. AFP

Brief scores: Australia 164/5 (Stoinis 67*, Warner 56, Mehran 2-38) beat Oman 125 for 9 (Ayaan 36, Stoinis 3-19) by 39 runs.

Can’t get greedy on a pitch like this: Arshdeep Singh

ARSHDEEP SINGH

Dwaipayan.Datta@timesgroup.com

New York: When the Indian team landed in the United States, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh wasn’t a nail-on starter. He didn’t have the best IPL season but the variety that the Punjab Kings bowler brings to the table, made the selectors and the team management choose him in the 15.

Over the last couple of weeks, Arshdeep has shaped up nicely, bowling well in the first practice match, followed by a very impressive first spell against Ireland.

The pitch, of course, has provided a lot of help, but that sometimes can lead to bowlers getting carried away. Arshdeep said that the experience that he has around him in the form of Jasprit Bumrah and others help him not to try too hard. “The idea on pitches like these is to not get too greedy. There’s Bumrah around, with all his experience, and he keeps telling me to just land the ball in the right slots and the rest will be taken care of,” the 25-year-old said.

In his second spell on Wednesday though, he had to bowl 10 deliveries in one over due to four wides. Though it didn’t cost India much, Arshdeep would surely like not to repeat it against Pakistan. “The ball was moving so much, so I tried scrambled seam, even that moved away,” the leftarmer said in his defence.

It’s not that India play with a four-prong pace-attack in a T20 game everyday, and it’s obviously a lot about the conditions that are in play here in the US.

Arshdeep, though, doesn’t mind it one bit. “When you are coming from an IPL where the par score was 240 at times, as a bowler it feels good to get a pitch like this… All I was trying to do was to finish the de- liveries within the stumps so that all the options of dismissals stay open.”

The Pakistan game, obviously, is now the centre of focus and the entire cricket world is looking at it with a lot of interest. Arshdeep was reminded of the fact that he had dismissed Babar Azam the last time the two teams played each other in a T20 World Cup (in Melbourne, 2022). It was followed by a demand of an encore, but the pacer didn’t want to go into that.

“Let me now enjoy a day off. We will go out, see the city of New York a bit, and then hit the practice grounds again on Friday. The plans for the Pakistan game will stay the same — following the process, hitting the right length, and most importantly not thinking too much about it,” Arshdeep said.

UGANDA VS PNG

Ugandans score historic, hard-fought victory over PNG

Providence (Guyana): Uganda secured their first-ever victory in a T20 World Cup match in a low-scoring thriller against Papua New Guinea at the Providence Stadium here.

Uganda dismissed Papua New Guinea for 77 on Wednesday but had to work extra hard for their three-wicket victory, losing their first three wickets by the start of the third over in reply and then slipping to 26/5 before rallying to reach 78/7 with 10 balls remaining.

Riazat Ali Shah’s 33 was more than double the highest score by any other batter in the match, but he was out with Uganda three runs away from victory.

He had two big reprieves — chopping an inside edge just over his stumps before he’d scored with Uganda on 8-3 and again when he was on 9 and the total at 35-5 when Charles Amini put down a regulation catch in the 9th over.

Uganda rallied to set up victory with a 35-run sixth-wicket partnership between Riazat and Juma Miyagi (13) before a runout added an extra element of tension at the end. “First win of a World Cup is a special win for us,” Riazat said. “It was not easy to bat on this wicket. Our plan was just to stay in and take our time.” AFP

Brief scores: Uganda 78/7 (Riazat 33, Miyagi 13, Nao 2-16) beat PNG 77 (Hiri 15, Nsubuga 2-4, Miyagi 2-10) by three wickets.

World Jr chess: Divya in joint lead

Gandhinagar: Woman Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh scored a victory over Narmi Abdinova of Azerbaijan to emerge as the sole leader on 4.5 points in the World Juniors Girls’ Chess Championship on Thursday. Deshmukh registered a regulation yet a finely crafted victory over overnight sole leader Abdinova. The English opening by Divya might have been a minor surprise.

PTI

ACTION TODAY

BADMINTON: Indonesia Open, 7.30 pm & 12.10 pm (Jiocinema)

CHESS: Norway elite meet, Rd 10, 8.15 pm (youtube chess24)

CRICKET: ICC T20 WC, Candada vs Ireland, 8 pm (Star Sports)

SHOOTING: ISSF Munich WC, 1.30 pm (Jiocinema)

TENNIS: French Open, 6 pm (Sony Sports)

American dream is a nightmare for Pakistan

USA’s Aaron Jones and Nitish Kumar celebrate after securing a tie

Dallas: Co-hosts USA caused the first big upset of the T20 World Cup when they beat fancied Pakistan in a Super Over thriller after both teams were tied at 159. USA nearly pulled off a win in regulation 20 overs but ended with 159/3 after hitting Haris Rauf for 14 runs in the final over while chasing Pakistan’s 159/7. In the Super Over, Mohammad Amir conceded 18 runs and Pakistan could score only 13.

Left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige scalped three wickets for 30 runs as heavyweights Pakistan found it difficult to press the accelerator to be restricted to 159 for seven in their T20 World Cup match here on Thursday.

USA's decision to bowl first was bang on target as Mohammad Rizwan was dismissed in the second over, caught by Steven Taylor off Saurabh Netravalkar (2/18).

It was tough going for Pakistan as they lost Usman Khan as he mis-hit a Kenjige delivery only to slice it to Nitish Kumar at long-off in the next over. Fakhar Zaman tried to force his way with his aggressive instincts but fell short when he paddled-swept a simple catch to Taylor off Ali Khan in the fifth over as Pakistan slumped to 26 for 3.

Shadab Khan (40 off 25) finally eased the pressure off Pakistan, hitting Jasdeep Singh for two consecutive sixes and then skipper Babar Azam (44 off 43) finished with a boundary to pick up 20 runs from the 10th over as Pakistan reached 66 for 3. With the momentum on their side, the Pakistani duo went on the offensive and thumped Harmeet Singh to all parts of the ground to pick two sixes and one four to yield 19 runs from the 12th over. AGENCIES

Duleep Trophy to kickstart domestic season

New Delhi: The Indian domestic cricket season 2024-25 will begin with the Duleep Trophy on September 5, the BCCI announced on Thursday. The BCCI unveiled the fixtures for 2024-25, which have been planned taking into account multiple factors to fortify the core of domestic cricket while prioritising player well-being.

The season will commence with the Duleep Trophy. Four teams selected by the senior men's selection committee will compete in the Duleep Trophy, starting in Anantapur from September 5. This will be followed by the Irani Cup and the Ranji Trophy, featuring the first five league matches. That will be followed by the the whiteball tournaments, beginning with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and then the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The Ranji Trophy will then resume with the final two league matches, culminating in the knockout stages. PTI

Sarabjot gets Paris boost with Munich WC gold

Sarabjot Singh

Tushar.Dutt@timesgroup.com

Pune: Sarabjot Singh added a World Cup gold, and more than that, some much-needed confidence on road to the Paris Olympics on Thursday. The Ambala shooter topped the podium in the men's 10m air pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Munich.

Sarabjot had won the Paris quota and later topped the Olympic Shooting Trials conducted by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) last month. Though he had a higher average score in the five-shooter field, he didn’t look his best throughout the trials. However, the gold in the last World Cup before the Paris Games will do a lot of good to his morale.

The young shooter impressed with a score of 588. “I am happy to win a gold in a field where all top shooters were participating. Most of these shooters will be competing in Paris, so today’s performance was sort of a validation for me that I am on the right track,” Sarabjot told TOI from Munich.

“Such medals give you a lot of confidence. I shot well during the trials in India but there were some things I wasn’t doing right. I later worked on them and today I felt that I have managed to correct the mistakes,” Sarabjot added.

Former Commonwealth Games champion and India’s national pistol coach, Samaresh Jung, said more than the result, the process that Sarabjot followed was important. “He shot really well today, and I am not saying this because he won gold. He planned his match well, took breaks when it was needed and approached each shot with a plan. Even if he hadn’t won the gold today, I would have been happy with his process,” Jung said.

The Indian started with a 10.8 and maintained lead in the 8-shooter final. He scored 242.7 to beat China’s Shuaihang Bu, who shot 242.5. The bronze went to Germany’s Robin Walter, who scored 220.

Other Indians, Arjun Singh Cheema and Varun Tomar, scored 582 each and finished 10th and 11th, respectively.

This is Sarabjot’s second World Cup gold, the first coming in Bhopal last year.

Delhi Times

- WE SHOULD BE TAUGHT ABOUT SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN SCHOOL: SANJANA

- It’s natural for a father to miss his son: Shikhar

- Mumbai’s iconic theatre returns in a swanky new avatar

- BUZZ STOP

- I’ll settle in Gurgaon & work for the people: Raj Babbar

- #HEATWAVE: GIVE CURD TO PETS, DON’T SHAVE OFF THEIR FUR

- An underwater art gallery in Columbia

- For celeb MPs, the show’s just begun

- Gluten-free, vegan, baked: Tuck into some healthy doughnuts

- ‘BREEDS WITH HEAVY COATS ARE MORE PRONE TO HEATSTROKE’

- Sunita Williams’ test flight to the stars

- Party with friends & family in a relaxed, welcoming ambience

- Workout in heels is Miley’s secret

- Cillian set to play Tommy Shelby in a Peaky Blinders film

- DID YOU KNOW?

- ‘Aiming to empower students in India with the best education’

- ‘When I spoke about my life, it inspired fathers who can’t meet their children’

- Upcycling is important for me to live a sustainable life: Sanjana

WE SHOULD BE TAUGHT ABOUT SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN SCHOOL: SANJANA

SANJANA SANGHI

Divya Kaushik

Sanjana Sanghi reunited with her Dhak Dhak co-actor Dia Mirza in Delhi to shoot a short video on ecosystem restoration. Sanjana, who is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India Youth Champion, joined Dia, who is the UN Environment Programme Goodwill Ambassador, to mark World Environment Day on June 5. Sanjana took some time after the shoot for a brief chat with us talking about adopting a sustainable lifestyle.

CONTINUED ON BACK PAGE

It’s natural for a father to miss his son: Shikhar

There are so many fathers who cannot meet their children. When I came out about what I experienced in my life, it gave inspiration to those fathers. Even I have been inspired by so many. I am not spreading negativity

Shikhar Dhawan with his son Zoravar

Vinay MR Mishra

Earlier this year, in a podcast, cricketer Shikhar Dhawan opened up about missing his son, Zoravar. Shikhar revealed that he had not met his 10-year-old son for over six months, and also opened up about his divorce. In a recent chat with us, Shikhar spoke to us about how he yearned to meet his son, who lives in Australia with his mom Aesha Mukherjee.

CONTINUED ON BACK PAGE

Mumbai’s iconic theatre returns in a swanky new avatar

The revamped Lido Cinema

Mumbai’s Lido Cinema, a beloved landmark for nearly eight decades, has been reopened as a swanky three-screen multiplex under the PVR INOX Limited banner. This not only marks the return of a cultural icon, but also celebrates the remarkable filmmaking journey of Zoya Akhtar with a week-long retrospective in 136 cinema halls in 38 cities.

The revamped theatre has emerged as a contemporary multiplex with 326 plush seats, cutting-edge technology like 2K laser projectors, Next Gen 3D and Dolby 7.1 surround sound. The facade of the theatre has a larger-thanlife mural that pays homage to Bollywood’s rich legacy.

Ajay Bijli, Managing Director, PVR INOX Limited, said, “The reopening of this iconic theatre is a momentous occasion for us. We are committed to preserving India’s cinematic heritage, and Lido’s restoration exemplifies that beautifully. From its 1948 debut in Juhu to its modern avatar, the theatre embodies the ever-changing landscape of the Indian cinema industry.”

The Zoya Akhtar retrospective, which starts today, is a fitting tribute to this dedication. This celebration of Akhtar’s 15 years in cinema, is produced in collaboration with Excel Entertainment and Tiger Baby.

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, who attended Lido’s reopening, said he was happy to see its transformation and conveyed his appreciation about how it added to the cinematic spirit of Mumbai.

(L-R) Niharika and Ajay Bijli, Zoya Akhtar, Farhan Akhtar and Reema Kagti

Imtiaz Ali

BUZZ STOP

I AM NOT AFFILIATED TO ANY POLITICAL PARTY: SONU NIGAM

SONU NIGAM was embroiled in controversy, right after the LS election results, over a tweet made from the handle Sonu Nigam Singh. Sonu spoke to us and said, “Main Twitter pe hoon hi nahi. I quit it 7 years ago. I am focused on my work and my own personal, spiritual evolution. I don’t bother about making comments and opinions on other people, especially political parties. I am not affiliated to any political party. As a citizen it’s my duty to respect the government, but I am not into politics.” – Debarati S Sen

I’ll settle in Gurgaon & work for the people: Raj Babbar

Raj Babbar was defeated by BJP’s Rao Inderjit Singh by over 75,000 votes

Abhi Neta

Raj Babbar, who was the Congress candidate from the Gurgaon Lok Sabha seat, failed to win. However, the actor-politician gave BJP’s Inderjit Singh, a five-time MP, a tough fight. In a press conference after his defeat, Babbar said that he will stay in Gurgaon.

“First of all, I would like to thank the voters of the Gurgaon constituency. I have not got seven lakh 33 thousand votes but the love of seven lakh 33 thousand families. During the elections I said that I have come here to settle, that’s still true. This is the land of my ancestors. I have fought many elections, but have never received as much love as I received in Gurgaon. I will stay and work here and will make all possible efforts to address people’s demands,” said Babbar.

A five-time MP himself, Babbar had been criticised by the BJP as an outsider but he managed to strike a chord during the short campaign of around 20 days. His son, Prateik Babbar, had led a bike rally in Gurgaon in his support. Agencies

#HEATWAVE: GIVE CURD TO PETS, DON’T SHAVE OFF THEIR FUR

With the ever rising heat conditions in the capital, your pets may need extra care and attention to beat the weather

P4

An underwater art gallery in Columbia

GALLERY

An unusual sculpture gallery is taking shape in Columbia to provide homes for corals under threat from tourism and climate change

25 figures have been placed so far to form a sort of artificial reef in the blue waters around Isla Fuerte

For celeb MPs, the show’s just begun

POV

In the run-up to the elections and all through counting day, a certain scene from SRK’s Jawan was doing the rounds. In which he addresses the nation on live camera asking people why they do not ask enough questions about their candidates before voting. We may never know if SRK intends to bring his on-screen charisma to the electoral battlefield (with assured success), but his monologue resonated.

Since the 60s, abhinetas have turned netas with mixed success and iffy engagement with the affairs of the parliament. An analysis (by IndiaSpend) of 19 celebrity MPs from the outgoing Lok Sabha presented a rather sorry picture. Celebs had an attendance of 56.7 per cent in the parliament, lower than the average for all MPs (79%). Some of them, such as Sunny Deol scored much less than the average, others such as Gautam Gambhir and Hema Malini did better. The report also said celebrities participated in very few debates and discussions, while some did not even speak. There were a few however, who took their role seriously, debated, asked questions and added heft and diversity to the benches.

This year too, a bunch of stars from showbiz and sports will make their way to the parliament. Some for a third time as in the case of Hema Malini or Dev, others such as Kangana Ranaut and Yusuf Pathan will make their debut. Irrespective of what happens in the coming days, these results have been hailed as one that establishes democratic values, the spirit of the constitution. People have voted for a diverse Lok Sabha with both young and seasoned netas expected to be their voice in the parliament. Just as they are expected to make a difference on ground zero.

It remains to be seen if the celebrity MPs who have won the trust of their respective constituencies consider this just as a seasonal photo op, or take this role with the kind of commitment it deserves. To be seen and heard in the great hall of democracy is as important as wielding the megaphone, regaling the crowd with blockbuster dialogues so that they come out and exercise their democratic right.

Agree? Disagree? Got a POV idea? Write to us at: pov@timesgroup.com

Gluten-free, vegan, baked: Tuck into some healthy doughnuts

Masumi Shah

Who can resist biting into a fluffy and delish doughnut? But, they are often packed with sugar, unhealthy fats, and refined flour, making them a high-calorie indulgence. On Doughnut Day, bakers tell us that you can make healthier versions of this delightful dessert at home.

GLUTEN-FREE DOUGHNUTS: “Gluten-free doughnuts are specifically for people with gluten allergies, but alternative flours such as almond flour, coconut flour, or gluten-free all-purpose flour blends do offer a nutritional boost, providing more fibre and protein,” says chocolatier Bhakti Modi.

‘Use healthy oils, whole grain flours’

A typical glazed doughnut contains about 250-300 calories. So for healthier versions, baker Vidushi Shah suggests, “Opt for whole grain flours for more fibre content. You can go sugar-free by picking naturally sweet ingredients. Use healthier fats such as coconut oil, olive oil, or avocado oil instead of butter or margarine.

If possible, incorporate nutrient-dense ingredients like chia seeds, flaxseeds, or protein powder to boost the nutritional profile of your doughnuts. Also, consider making mini doughnuts. Smaller portions can help manage calorie intake.

SUGAR-FREE DOUGHNUTS: Bhakti adds, “Natural sweeteners like stevia, aspartame, or monk fruit can be used. For more organic options, go for honey, unsweetened applesauce, mashed bananas or mangoes. For chocolate, avoid milk or white and use 50% or more dark chocolate.”

BAKED DOUGHNUTS: Baking instead of frying is one of the simplest ways to make doughnuts healthier. Using a doughnut pan, you can use a small amount of oil or ghee for greasing and get the perfect golden brown shade without the extra calories.

VEGAN DOUGHNUTS: Vidushi says, “You can easily replace eggs and milk with plant-based alternatives. This also significantly reduces the saturated

fat content. Common substitutes include almond milk, apple cider vinegar, and flaxseeds (for making flax eggs).”

Health facts:

• The average glazed doughnut contains about 253 calories. Adding cream filling, frosting or toppings can add another 40-50 or even 100 calories

• Doughnuts are typically made with either yeast or cake batter. The yeast ones are airier and have fewer calories than cake doughnuts

Naturally sweet ingredients like mango, paired with shredded coconut can give doughtnuts a healthy twist

Baking doughnuts, instead of frying, cuts down calories significantly

Plant-based alternatives are readily available to make vegan doughnuts

‘BREEDS WITH HEAVY COATS ARE MORE PRONE TO HEATSTROKE’

If you find your dog is running a high temperature, you can cold sponge them. If you find the heatstroke symptoms increasing, wet the animal thoroughly and apply cold pads on the head and the paws. These are the two regions which need immediate cooling. Also, rush to a vet – Dr Gautam Unny, a vet surgeon

Per Corner

Riya Sharma

With heatwave conditions continuing, it is possible that your pet may not be eating enough. A loss in appetite is common in summers for pets. So, experts suggest that it would be prudent to feed them cooling food items like chhach, curd and watermelon instead of heavy meals con- sisting chicken and eggs. Like us, extreme heat can lead to heatstroke or heat stress in animals. So if you have a furry companion at home or a dog in your locality, make sure that they are hydrated, consider introducing changes in their daily diet and don’t leave them unattended in a car while the extreme heat persists.

How heat stroke impacts animals

Dr Bandhanpreet Kaur Raisim, Manager of Veterinary Services, PETA India, says, “Extreme heat can lead to heatstroke or heat stress in animals, along with dehydration. Heat stroke in companion animals occurs when their body temperature rises to level above 104°F (40°C). This can happen rapidly in hot and humid conditions, particularly if the animal is active or confined in a poorly ventilated space. The signs to look out for as a signal to provide immediate help to animals during summers are excessive or heavy breathing, hyper salivation, dry eyes, dry muzzle or nose and gums. If the body temperature is elevated, congested (blue to bright red) gums can be observed. Animals may also seem drowsy, dull and inactive. As for birds, inability to perch or fly, aggressive or passive behaviour are a few of the symptoms to look out for.”

‘Breeds like pugs, boxers and bulldogs are more prone to heat stroke’

“Certain breeds are more prone to heatstroke, especially those with short faces like boxers, bulldogs, pugs, and pekingese, along with dogs having heavy coats like huskies and newfoundlands. Stray dogs often seek shade under cars and trees to escape the heat, putting them at risk of injury from vehicles. Pets left in hot environments like terraces or cars without air conditioning are also vulnerable to heatstroke. If you have a companion in your locality, make sure to fill their bowl with water at all times, especially in this weather,” says Dr Ivanka Marie Fernandes, Veterinary Product Executive at a pet food chain.

‘Give smaller meals multiple times instead of big meals’

About introducing a change in the pet’s the diet plan, Dr Gautam says, “An approx 30% loss in appetite is normal in summer for pets, so one should give curd, chhach, watermelon to pets in this heat. Give smaller meals multiple times instead of big meals, and avoid too much chicken and eggs. Stick to simple carbohydrates multiple times, small amounts a day.”

Avoid giving pets foods that are heavy and hard to digest. “Instead, opt for foods that are rich in probiotics to help keep them comfortable and healthy in the warmer weather,” says Dr Ivanka.

‘Shaving an animal’s fur is counterproductive’

Though dogs with heavy coats are more prone to heatstroke, it doesn’t mean that you should shave off their fur. “Shaving the dog is a fallacy. I repeatedly tell my clients that shaving the dog exposes the skin to all the irritants and allergens in the air. Also, the hair coat of the dog is meant to protect the dog from the heat so zero trim will be an absolute disaster for the dogs. The inner coat of the dog’s normal hair is meant to protect it from the heat so please don’t get the haircut. You should go for a brush or de-shedder, just shed the coat twice a day regularly throughout the summer. Also, one of the most common causes of a heatstroke is when people leave their pets in cars thinking it will be only a few minutes. If doing so, leave the AC on and lower windows a little,” advises Dr Gautam.

Sunita Williams’ test flight to the stars

The Indian-origin American astronaut made history by becoming the first woman to pilot a test spacecraft on its maiden space flight to the ISS

The Boeing Starliner lifted off from the US’ Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Wednesday after multiple delays. Sunita, who also helped design the spacecraft over the last ten years, and Barry Wilmore, will remain at the International Space Station (ISS) for a week and test the spacecraft. It is scheduled to make a parachute and airbagassisted landing on earth, on June 10

During her pre-flight training Sunita Williams, said, “When I reach the International Space Station, it will be like going back home.”

DID YOU KNOW?

● Sunita has spent 322 days in space

● She has the second-highest number of spacewalks by a woman (7) to her name

● This is Sunita’s third space flight, the previous ones being in 2006 and 2012.

● She had mentioned carrying the Bhagavad Gita, an idol of Ganesha, and a samosa with her to space during one of her earlier flights

Party with friends & family in a relaxed, welcoming ambience

Nestled in Punjabi Bagh, The Beer Cafe recently unveiled a new concept that “merges the artistry and science of brewing”. Priya Vasudeva, Head of Marketing, says, “This venue is a sanctuary for both beer aficionados and casual sippers.”

The place’s decor blends the industrial look of a brewing factory with the charm of a tasting room. Green and black tiles, along with smooth concrete and metal finishes, make it both stylish and inviting. Lush plants and comfy furniture add to the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. She adds, “The design at this outlet, uses earthy tones to evoke the essence of hops and barley, while raw metal accents honour traditional brewing vessels.”

“Our Punjabi Bagh outlet aims to become the ultimate haven in west Delhi for unwinding with friends or colleagues. Offering a wide array of premium beers, alongside our menu and service, this brand has quickly become a favourite among patrons seeking respite from the daily grind,” remarked Rahul Singh, founder and CEO, The Beer Cafe.

Some of their must-haves are TBC fried chicken, housefull nachos and chicken wings platter. With live music events, sip ‘n’ art workshops, and more, the outlet offers a multi-sensory experience.

Address: Club Road, Punjabi Bagh Contact: 011 42466744 Meal for two: `1800 plus taxes Timings: 11am to 2am

Get to know all about Delhi’s food and restaurants, follow delhitimes.food

Workout in heels is Miley’s secret

Miley Cyrus

Pop star Miley Cyrus has revealed her gymming secret behind the toned physique, and it’s not easy to replicate. In an interview with W magazine, she said, “I train in heels, mostly. I’m interested in feminizing the workout space because so much of the workout equipment is ugly.”

“My mantra is, like any athlete, ‘Practice how you perform,’” the Flowers singer added. “So that’s why I practice in my heels. The Grammy winner mentioned that this ritual also helps her channel her onstage performer persona, something she shares with industry mentors Beyonce and Dolly Parton. Agencies

Cillian set to play Tommy Shelby in a Peaky Blinders film

It seems like Tommy Shelby wasn’t finished with me. This is one for the fans — Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby; (inset) photo of the script shared on Instagram

Oscar winner Cillian Murphy will return as Birmingham gangster Tommy Shelby – this time in a Peaky Blinders movie. The OTT platform that originally streamed the series dropped an Instagram post, sharing a photo of the script, written by Knight and directed by Tom Harper.

“It seems like Tommy Shelby wasn’t finished with me. It is very gratifying to be recollaborating with Steven Knight and Tom Harper on the film version of Peaky Blinders. This is one for the fans,” Cillian Murphy said. The film will go into production later this year. In 2022, Peaky Blinders bid goodbye to fans with its sixth season.

“Peaky has always been a story about family – and so it’s incredibly exciting to be reuniting with Steve and Cillian to bring the movie to audiences across the world,” Harper was quoted in a news report.

DID YOU KNOW?

Denim was first made in Genoa

During the Renaissance, denim pants were made in Italy and sold through the harbour of Genoa. The Genoese Navy needed durable pants for its sailors, and denim worked well. The phrase “blue jeans” can be traced back to the French phrase “bleu de Gênes,” which means the “blue of Genoa.”

‘Aiming to empower students in India with the best education’

Professor Eileen McAuliffe, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of Birmingham City Business School at Birmingham City University, United Kingdom, is set to visit India. The university’s management team says, “She is visiting India to empower students with the best education and to strengthen academic collaboration.”

The team adds, “McAuliffe has been recognised for her contributions to the field of international taxation and in particular domestic resource utilization. She has been invited to contribute to the United Nations Platform for the Collaboration on Taxation. She also contributes to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s Centre for Tax Policy and Administration. She has over 20 years of higher education experience across a range of institutions”

McAuliffe says, “India represents a pivotal market for BCU due to its rapidly growing economy, and aspirational demographic with a strong emphasis on education. By introducing tailored learning opportunities through our wide range of programmes, scholarships and enriching student experience, the university aims to make quality education accessible to all.”

‘When I spoke about my life, it inspired fathers who can’t meet their children’

If someone asks me about my personal life, I tell them whatever I can. But I will never wash my dirty linen in public. Main kabhi kisi ki buraiyaan karne nahi aaunga in public

Shikhar Dhawan; (inset) with his son, Zoravar

CONTINUED FROM 1

Last December, in a post on social media, he wrote, “It’s been a year since I saw you in person, and now, for almost three months, I’ve been blocked from everywhere so posting the same picture to wish you, my boy, a very Happy Birthday (sic)”. Earlier in April, he posted another picture for his son, writing, “You’re always with me, my Boy”.

Shikhar has in recent times been open about his private life and separation. Ask him about it and he replies, “If someone asks me about my personal life, I tell them whatever I can. But yes, I will never wash my dirty linen in public. Main kabhi kisi ki buraiyaan karne nahi aaunga in public. Jo bata sakta hoon, wo zarur bataunga. For instance, there are so many things that happen in the Indian (cricket team’s) dressing room. But now that I am not playing, it doesn’t mean I would leak those things. It is against my ethics.”

‘I DO NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO HIDE’

Talking about missing his son, he shares, “It is a natural feeling for a father to have towards his son. God has given me a platform and people love me, so if I come out in the open and share my experience and that benefits someone, then usse badi aur acchi kya baat ho sakti hai. There are so many fathers who cannot meet their children. When I came out about what I experienced in my life, it gave inspiration to those fathers. Even I have been inspired by so many. I am not spreading negativity. When I spoke about my marriage, I admitted I was inexperienced. I am open about it. Tomorrow some boy might learn from my experience.”

The cricketer adds that currently there is no special woman in his life. “I am single and very happy being single,” he declares. He adds, “I feel happy and grateful about the love I get from people. I embrace it. I used to dream about it.”

Upcycling is important for me to live a sustainable life: Sanjana

One major change that I have introduced in my life is to avoid plastic. If you walk into my house, it will be very hard for you to spot something that is plastic. I carry my own bottle so that I don’t pick up a new water bottle every time I am travelling

CONTINUED FROM 1

‘WORKING OUTDOORS IN THIS HEAT CAN TAKE A TOLL ON THE HEALTH’

Shooting in the sweltering Delhi heat reminded Sanjana of her Dhak Dhak shoot schedule. She says, “It was peak summer, and we were shooting somewhere in Uttar Pradesh on bikes. It was really tough as we were riding along a highway.”

Talking about climate extremes and how challenging it is to work outdoors, she adds, “Working outdoors in the heat can take a toll on the physical health. Our bodies are not used to 50-degree temperatures outdoors, and one can suffer a heatstroke. I am drinking more electrolytes and salts than I ever did. If I am outside for a while, I try not to get into an air-conditioned room immediately after, and I avoid icy cold water.”

‘MY ONE MAIN GRIEF IS THAT WE ARE NOT TAUGHT ABOUT ADOPTING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN SCHOOL’

The actress shares that she has introduced small changes in her daily life to adopt sustainability. “One major change that I have introduced in life is to avoid plastic. If you walk into my house, it will be very hard for you to spot something that is plastic. I carry my own bottle so that I don’t pick up a new water bottle every time I am travelling. As actors we do have to eat at different places, and I have this small eco-friendly cutlery box that I use,” she says.

About working towards youth education and empowerment, the actress says, “When it comes to working towards social change, sometimes it may feel like a small effort, but all efforts count when you are trying to bring about a change.”

She adds, “My one main grief is that we are not taught about adopting sustainable practices in school. As I am working on youth education, I realise that you can’t tell some 18-year-old that they have to shut the shower or tap when not in use or to avoid plastic. These things have to be taught to a toddler. I am thankful to my grandmum as I used to see her being strict about not using plastic. If she saw you using a plastic bag or bottle she would scold you. I never understood it as a kid, but I am grateful now that the lesson is ingrained in me. However, it is not ingrained in our education system.”

‘I have grown up with the habit of upcycling clothes’

About upcycling her clothes, Sanjana says, “Upcycling is an important part for me for living a sustainable life. Luckily when you grow up as a regular middle class girl in India, upcycling is in your veins. We are next level jugaadu when it comes to reusing fabrics. I have grown up with that habit. As an actor, I don’t take the burden of wearing a new outfit every time I step out. If you will put together ten of my papped images you will see me repeating outfits. I just style them differently. All my friends are getting married and I have too many weddings to go to. So I have used my nani’s bandhani saris to make a lehenga or a blouse or kurta. It matters to me not because it is upcycling but because those saris are precious and special to me.”

A screen grab from the World Environment Day video Sanjana Sanghi and Dia Mirza Rekhi shot in the capital recently

Table of Contents

TOI Print Edition Jun 07, 2024

Front Page

IN THE COURTS

Stir, FIR over med J&K student’s post

1 killed, house set on fire in Manipur

Raj govt to review Cong recruitments

USA beat Pak in T20 WC gp stage via super over

SC to Hry: Give HP’s surplus water to Delhi

Ex-Pjb DIG, DSP convicted in fake encounter case

K’taka minister resigns over ST fund scam

Rahul alleges `30L cr stocks ‘scam’; baseless, says Goyal

CISF suspends constable after Kangana alleges she slapped her

‘Cong pact only for LS’: AAP to go it alone in assembly polls

Full-strength ministerial team to take oath with Modi, likely on Sunday

NDA allies call for review of Agnipath, JD(U) distances itself

65.8% turnout in ’24 LS polls; women beat men in 19 of 36 states/UTs

Times Nation

Blow to K’taka govt, minister resigns over `90 crore scam

Raj to review all recruitments under previous Congress govt

Day after NEET results, MP girl ends life; 10th in Kota this yr

CISF suspends constable for ‘slapping’ BJP MP

Gandhi, Ambedkar Parl statues relocated, govt draws Cong fire

Retd Punjab DIG, ex-DSP held guilty of 1993 fake encounter

Bahu arrested for bizman’s ‘supari killing’ over `300cr property dispute

CLOSE SHAVE FOR PASSENGERS IN BIHAR

Compensatory NEET marks as per SC mechanism, says NTA

Trekker couple inseparable in life, and also in death

2 sanctuaries in Bihar added to Ramsar list

Karti gets bail in case tied to Chinese ‘visas’

We got patients and doctors to test WHO’s new chatbot SARAH

Man tries to stop quarrel, gets his ear chopped off

L’dweep posts highest turnout at 84.2%, Bihar lowest at 56.2%

`30L cr Rahul mentioned is notional amount, not tied to trading: Goyal

Andhra police seal SIT, Fibernet offices

Tyagi: JD(U) backs Modi govt unconditionally

Muizzu accepts India’s invitation to attend swearing-in of new govt

Tension in Manipur after man killed by ‘militants’

Prajwal custody extended by 5 days

Congress seeks to drive wedge between BJP, allies over spl status to states

20 of 33 BJP MPs repeated for 3rd time or more lost in UP, Irani & Teni included

HC: ‘Trespassers will be shot’ signs at def bases improper, use light words

5 of family get death for advocate’s 2015 killing

Stir, FIR over ‘blasphemous’ post by J&K med student

Why no murder charge on civic body chief in Rajkot case: HC

Upset over 7-yr-old sister’s ‘behaviour’, 14-yr-old boy strangles her, dumps body

Amritpal Singh, Engineer Rashid will need parole to take oath

Court seeks NIA response on Engineer Rashid bail plea

Asked by party not to canvass in NE barring Arunachal: Sarma

All 25 Andhra LS MPs, except 1, are crorepatis

‘Never thought I could win... people’s support my strength’

‘From Day 1, Cong said it won’t touch AAP. Our stance has been vindicated’

China protests PM’s reply to Taiwan prez’s greetings

Ties anchored to rule of law: Trudeau to Modi

Times City

‘Don’t Stand In Way’: SC Directs Haryana To Supply HP’s 137 Cusec Water To Delhi

BJP and AAP take potshots at each other after SC’s direction

‘Lack of will’ in authorities to rein in or shift dairies away from landfills, says HC

ACB finds 4 hosps running illegally

Extra 65MGD to be available for treatment at city’s plants

Weekend rain may bring further relief from soaring temps

Modi 3.0: G20-like security plans in place for swearing-in ceremony

TEAM BJP READY FOR LS STINT

Alliance With Cong Only For Lok Sabha Polls: AAP

2023 Parliament security breach: LG grants sanction to prosecute 6 under UAPA

BJP swept polls in city, but not all rosy for party: What verdict hides

Excise dept directs hotels, clubs to ensure proper fire safety measures

Congress reviews poor show in Delhi

‘We Will Join The World’s Top 300 Univs Soon By Enhancing Quality’

Gangster shot dead by STF in encounter

Delhi court grants bail to Supertech chief in ED case

AC blast sparks 3rd flat fire in Noida in a week

Turning the tide in environment’s favour

Syrian among four arrested for selling fake cancer drugs

‘Drugs in parcel’ fraud: 77-yr-old loses ` 42 lakh

Tihar Jail inmate attacked by rival gang members

8 garbage dumps in key areas converted into material recovery facilities to boost segregation, recycling of waste

CINEMA OF THE WEEK

DDA To Spruce Up Parks Near Red Fort

Citizens’ group calls for action to save Yamuna

Fire breaks out in 3-storey bldg, 1 injured

Bizman harassed for bribe, vigilance unit files FIR against cop

Sales tax officer arrested for demanding, accepting bribe

Man kills self inside car, police probe debt angle

Dance Of Democracy

RSS stands by Fadnavis, wants him to steer govt till Maha poll

Independent Maha MP meets Congress brass, extends support

Kerala church to Left Front: ‘Learn from mistakes’

Extend an open invitation to Naidu & Nitish, says TMC

Tribunal quashes attachment of multiple Mumbai flats of Praful in laundering case

Pandian in Delhi on Naveen’s orders, says BJD

Naidu may release AP finances white paper

Feature

Coimbatore's industrial excellence on full display

Times Global

Labour pledges fresh inquiry into Thatcher’s role in Op Blue Star

Dozens killed as Israel hits UN school shelter in Gaza

NYPD moves to revoke Trump’s licence to carry a gun

Nato stands with Ukraine like US backed Europe against Nazis: Biden

Putin: Russia could target countries supplying weapons to Ukraine

WHO confirms 1st fatal human case of H5N2 bird flu

AROUND THE WORLD

SpaceX mega craft survives return to Earth on 4th test

Boeing capsule docks with ISS despite glitches

Tokyo working on dating app to boost marriage, childbirth

‘Smoked crack every 20 min’: US prez son’s drug-fuelled past laid bare in court

Times Business

Sebi notice to PolicyBazaar over Dubai buy

Zee board OKs `2,000cr raise via share sale

Reversal signs? ECB cuts rate for 1st time in 5 yrs

Sebi raps ICICI Bank over lobbying for I-Sec delisting

Bajaj Hsg Fin gets board nod for `4k cr IPO

IPEF nations ink clean eco deals, India to sign soon

$3tn: Nvidia beats Apple to be 2nd most valued co

Trai looks to work on new series of mobile numbers

Startups seek regulatory clarity from new govt

Moonlighters shouldn’t take I-T return lightly

Sensex surges for 2nd day as BJP-led coalition govt seen

Editorial

GOP, Now Fix Org

Sharing The Spoils

Horse sense

How MVA Bested Mahayuti

Why Did Cong’s Revival Not Reach MP?

Sacred space

Servant Leadership, The Essence Of Ram Rajya

A thought for today

Times Techies.AI

IS AI RESHAPING THE WORLD?

AI IS SHAKING UP AD INDUSTRY

How to build your personal AI assistant

AI IN-GROUP LINGO VECTORS: THEY CAPTURE THE MEANING OF DATA

It’s become much easier to match jobs & candidates

AROUND THE WORLD THIS WEEK

THEY ARE FUSING MUSIC AND GENERATIVE AI

Times Sport

A QUIET GOODBYE

Mbappe leads France to 3-0 win

EURO SQUAD: ENGLAND LEAVE OUT MAGUIRE AND GREALISH

Chhetri was the defining player of his generation

Santi’s last goal: Help hometown club Oviedo return to La Liga

Swiatek enters final with near flawless display

Plucky Zverev up for Ruud challenge

BOPANNA-EBDEN PAIR GOES DOWN FIGHTING IN SEMIS

Lakshya Sen lone Indian standing

Djokovic says knee surgery ‘went well’

Bowling unit needs to be disciplined against Pak: Hardik

PANT WILL CONTINUE TO BAT AT NO. 3: RATHOUR

PAK COMPLAINT FORCES ICC TO CHANGE TEAM’S NEW YORK HOTEL

SURFACE TENSION IN NEW YORK

Stoinis makes presence felt as Australia get off the blocks

Can’t get greedy on a pitch like this: Arshdeep Singh

Ugandans score historic, hard-fought victory over PNG

World Jr chess: Divya in joint lead

ACTION TODAY

American dream is a nightmare for Pakistan

Duleep Trophy to kickstart domestic season

Sarabjot gets Paris boost with Munich WC gold

Delhi Times

WE SHOULD BE TAUGHT ABOUT SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN SCHOOL: SANJANA

It’s natural for a father to miss his son: Shikhar

Mumbai’s iconic theatre returns in a swanky new avatar

BUZZ STOP

I’ll settle in Gurgaon & work for the people: Raj Babbar

#HEATWAVE: GIVE CURD TO PETS, DON’T SHAVE OFF THEIR FUR

An underwater art gallery in Columbia

For celeb MPs, the show’s just begun

Gluten-free, vegan, baked: Tuck into some healthy doughnuts

‘BREEDS WITH HEAVY COATS ARE MORE PRONE TO HEATSTROKE’

Sunita Williams’ test flight to the stars

Party with friends & family in a relaxed, welcoming ambience

Workout in heels is Miley’s secret

Cillian set to play Tommy Shelby in a Peaky Blinders film

DID YOU KNOW?

‘Aiming to empower students in India with the best education’

‘When I spoke about my life, it inspired fathers who can’t meet their children’

Upcycling is important for me to live a sustainable life: Sanjana