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Front Page

- NGT issues notice to govt, PCCF on U’khand wildfires

- 2 Delhi teens die in ‘revenge attack’

- Violence after Dalit dies in custody in UP

- Gaming zone blaze: 2 fire officers held

- 4 die in blast at fire extinguisher making factory

- Exam jitters: Centre removes NTA chief, postpones NEET-PG

- ‘Unhappy’ with girls, city family kills 2 newborns

- No GST on hostels, rail platform ticket, waiting room, ESOPs

- Eye on China, India to help B’desh conserve Teesta river

- HEAT HAS KILLED 238 IN CITY SO FAR THIS YEAR

- Bihar probe widens: 6 held from J’khand

NGT issues notice to govt, PCCF on U’khand wildfires

Taking suo motu cognizance of reports published in TOI about wildfires in Uttarakhand, the National Green Tribunal issued notice to the Union forest ministry, state PCCF and chief of the disaster management authority and directed them to file a detailed affidavit before July 19. In Almora, forest fires continued, with one reaching Shishu and Nari Niketan.

P17

2 Delhi teens die in ‘revenge attack’

Two teenagers, aged 17 and 19, were stabbed to death in a “revenge attack” Saturday in northwest Delhi’s Jailer Wala Bagh following a fight at a swimming pool eight days ago.

P 2

Violence after Dalit dies in custody in UP

The custodial death of a 28-year-old Dalit allegedly due to police brutality has triggered widespread violence in Firozabad. Aakash Kumar had been arrested in a bike theft case.

P 21

Gaming zone blaze: 2 fire officers held

Rajkot’s chief fire officer and deputy fire officer were among three people arrested on Saturday in connection with the May 25 TRP Game Zone fire tragedy, in which 28 people died. TNN

4 die in blast at fire extinguisher making factory

A factory manufacturing fire extinguisher balls off Dwarka eway burst into flames after an explosion early on Saturday, charring four persons to death and leaving a dozen injured, reports Ankita Anand. The owner of GFO Research and Development Pvt Ltd, Sandeep, was arrested following allegations that he had stored flammable material inside the factory in Daultabad industrial area despite being warned against it multiple times.

The blast, which is believed to have occurred around 2am, also damaged neighbouring buildings, most of which house factories & workshops. At least 12 persons were injured, two of whom are said to be critical. The others were discharged after first aid.

P 9

Exam jitters: Centre removes NTA chief, postpones NEET-PG

Review Panel Set Up; NEET-UG Probe With CBI

Manash.Gohain@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Within hours of setting up a high-level committee under a former Isro chief to ensure the fair conduct of examinations, govt on Saturday replaced National Testing Agency (NTA) director general Subodh Singh amid a controversy over alleged irregularities in competitive exams NEET and NET. The crisis of credibility facing the NTA compounded with govt postponing the NEETPG entrance exam, scheduled to be held Sunday, as a “precautionary measure”.

This is the third such jolt affecting lakhs of aspirants across the country in four days: UGC-NET was cancelled on June 19, a day after the exam, due to paper leak; and CSIR-NET, to be held June 25-27 was postponed on June 21.

More than two lakh students have registered to appear for NEET-PG, which has been postponed with less than 24 hours to go.

The govt also handed over investigations into alleged irregularities in NEET-UG held on May 5 to CBI. This is the second national-level exam conducted by NTA to be handed to CBI. Two days ago, the UGC-NET probe too was handed over to CBI.

ITPO chief gets charge, P 16

‘Unhappy’ with girls, city family kills 2 newborns

Two newborn female twins were allegedly murdered and buried by the family that was “unhappy” with the birth of girls, reports Rajshekhar Jha. The infants were allegedly taken away from the mother by her husband and family members and killed. After receiving a complaint, Delhi Police swung into action and got the bodies exhumed on judicial orders. It subsequently filed an FIR and was conducting raids to book the accused, sources said. The woman belongs to Rohtak.

P 2

No GST on hostels, rail platform ticket, waiting room, ESOPs

New Delhi: GST Council on Saturday decided to exempt all hostel fees, platform ticket, railway waiting room and golf cart charges as well as employee stock options from payment of tax, while reworking the system to register for the tax regime to check frauds by bogus entities.

While hostels run by education institutions were already exempt from GST, fi- nance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said now all hostels will be exempted from the levy provided the monthly charges are under Rs 20,000 per person and the occupant stays at the facility for at least 90 days.

The move will also benefit thousands of students and working people staying in paying guest accommodations. There was relief for corporate guarantees, reinsurance, where certain clarifications have been issued, and for e-commerce players, too, as the tax collected at source on net taxable supplies will be halved to 0.5%.

TNN

Amnesty scheme, P 22

Council relief for sellers &service providers, P 15

FM: <2% taxpayers got notices from govt

Amid repeated attacks from the opposition, FM Nirmala Sitharaman said on Saturday that less than 2% of the nearly 59 lakh active taxpayers had pending notices under the CGST Act. Officials suggested that several opposition-governed states have been issuing notices & summons under state laws.

P 18

Eye on China, India to help B’desh conserve Teesta river

PM Modi with his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina at Hyderabad House on Saturday

New Delhi: India and Bangladesh signed 10 agreements/ MoUs and announced over a dozen other initiatives —spanning across areas like connectivity, health, trade, energy, defence and maritime cooperation — as PM Modi hosted his counterpart Sheikh Hasina for the first state visit after the formation of the new NDA govt, reports Sachin Parashar.

Among the new initiatives was an announcement by Modi after the meeting that India will soon send a technical team to Bangladesh for management and conserva- tion of the Teesta river inside Bangladesh. The announcement is significant as it comes amid efforts by China to convince Dhaka to allow it to develop the Teesta basin.

Focus on energy, P 21

HEAT HAS KILLED 238 IN CITY SO FAR THIS YEAR

WATER SHORTAGE MEETS WATER CANNON: A protest against water shortage in the city on Saturday was met with a water cannon, an oft-used measure by cops to quell crowds, but one that seemed a cruel joke on parched Delhiites who have had to chase tankers as their taps run dry. Meanwhile, Delhi saw its coolest day since May 14 with the max temp at 39.4°C. The Met has predicted thunderstorms and light showers on Sunday. The long spell of hot weather has claimed 238 lives in Delhi so far this year, but this figure could be higher as many hospitals have stopped sharing data of heatstroke-related deaths

P 4 & 6

Bihar probe widens: 6 held from J’khand

The investigation of the NEET-UG question paper leak case in Patna widened on Saturday, with Bihar police’s Economic Offences Unit arresting six people in Deoghar, Jharkhand, taking the number of arrests so far to 19.

The six arrested, residents of Bihar’s Nalanda district, are suspected to be ‘handlers’ and ‘couriers’. They had been hiding in Deogarh, posing as labourers. EOU sources said a professor in Hazaribagh sent the questions papers on WhatsApp and medical students from Patna and Ranchi solved them. The papers were then sent through one of the couriers arrested in Deoghar.

P 16

Times Nation

- New GST era set to start with end of anti-profiteering clause

- Bihar bridge falls, second in a week

- UAE flight delayed over ‘bomb’ note

- As train comes to halt, loco pilots risk their lives to crawl along bridge’s edge & fix fault

- Wild jumbo kills Bengal for est official

- INDIA bloc may pull out of panel to aid pro tem Speaker

- ‘Precautionary step’: NEET-PG postponed hours before exam

- Bihar cops arrest 6 from J’khand in NEET-UG ‘leak’ case, 19 held so far

- ITPO chief Kharola given additional charge of NTA

- MPPSC ‘leak’ buzz day before test, officials call it ‘misleading’

- Patole: Brain of NEET ‘leak’ may be from Maha

- No need to scrap NEET-UG, ‘leak’ a localised affair: Govt

- Almora forest fire reaches shelter homes, inmates shifted

- 2 ‘poachers’ shot dead in Assam:

- NGT issues notices to Centre, U’khand as wildfires rage

- New law to boost govt’s telecom control kicks in from June 26

- Shah launches programme for faster immigration clearance

- UAPA tribunal backs 5-yr ban on 2 pro-Pak outfits in J&K

- YSRCP office razed in Andhra, Jagan calls it ‘vindictive politics’

- TN hooch tragedy toll now 55, over 2 dozen patients said to be critical

- GST notices pending against less than 2% of taxpayers: FM

- Andhra, C’garh seek funds for new capitals, Kerala a spl grant

- Maha OBC activists halt stir as govt says will protect quota

- Ram temple event chief priest dies

- With Parliament in session, PM likely to skip SCO meet in Kazakhstan on July 3-4

- Big Fish: Andhra dishes out 41% of India’s aquaculture output

- 2 fire officers among 3 more held for Rajkot arcade blaze

- Reply to J&K MP Rashid’s bail plea by July 1, court tells NIA

- FIR filed against Prajwal bro over unnatural sex

- DEDICATED TO MOM

- Under-feted in life, ghazal maestro finds a new note

- Third couple dead in UP in 2 days after family rejects union

- Dalit man’s death in UP cop custody triggers violence

- India-B’desh focus now on energy & digital link-up: PM

- Maoist couple carrying `41L bounty surrenders

- Autonomy, NEP give wings to tailor-made college courses

- YOG INCREASES SOLIDARITY

- ADULTING WITH ADHD

- Amnesty scheme for defaulters to make life easier for biz: FM

- Two more deaths take Assam floods toll to 29

New GST era set to start with end of anti-profiteering clause

Cut In Slabs, Compensation Cess Likely

FM Nirmala Sitharaman chairs GST Council meeting on Saturday

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:While deciding to do away with the anti-profiteering clause, which mandates sellers to pass on benefit of tax cuts, GST Council Saturday signalled its intent to transition to the next stage with rationalisation, including a possible reduction in slabs, as well as roadmap for compensation cess on products such as cars, coal, cola and tobacco will be taken up at its next meeting scheduled for end of Aug.

The panel of finance ministers headed by Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman decided to end the anti-profiteering provision from April, which means that from next fiscal year, sellers or service providers cannot be hauled up in case they do not pass on benefit of tax cuts to consumers. Existing cases will be handled by principal bench of GST Appellate Tribunal, an official statement said.

Sitharaman also said that some of the group of ministers have been recast as 11 new finance ministers have joined the Council with the one on rationalisation, now headed by Bihar deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary, been asked to make a presentation at the next meeting of the all-powerful body, which is likely to be held after a couple of months. “When GST Council meets next, GoM will make a presentation and discussion on rationalisation will start,” FM said while stating that a decision may not be taken during the meeting itself. It is unlikely that the ministers are going to rush ahead with a decision given that crucial assembly polls are due at the end of the year.

At Saturday’s meeting, Karnataka sought a discussion on compensation cess that is levied on several products to cover the “revenue loss” states. While the cess was for five years, it had to be extended up to March 2026 following the outbreak of Covid-19 as states had to borrow from the market to meet the shortfall in collections. With borrowings likely to be repaid only in 2025-26, the GST Council will deliberate on the future of the levy and the sharing formula in case some amount is left in the kitty after repaying the loans.

Asked about including petrol and diesel within the ambit of GST, FM said that the law has a provision for their inclusion but it was for the states to first decide on it and then fix the rate of tax. Responding to another query, revenue secretary Sanjay Malhotra said the issue of GST exemption for fertiliser too has been referred to the group of ministers.

Related reports, P18

Bihar bridge falls, second in a week

Days after a bridge collapsed in Bihar’s Araria, the state witnessed second such incident this week as a three decades old bridge over a canal in Siwan caved in at 5.30am Saturday, reports Abha y Singh. The bridge on river Gandka connected the villages of Daraunda and Maharajganj. The incident did not result in any loss of life. The 20-foot-long brick structure was constructed in 1991 and stood on a pillar. “The canal might have experienced a rush of water from the river. Under its force, the pillar collapsed,” said Siwan DM Mukul Kumar Gupta.

UAE flight delayed over ‘bomb’ note

A hoax bomb threat delayed a Sharjah-bound flight from Kerala’s Kozhikode on Saturday. According to sources, a note with ‘bomb’ written on it was found by a cabin crew on the aircraft’s seat during the boarding process. It was written on a piece of paper from a booklet available in the aircraft. Nearly 100 passengers had already boarded, and had to be evacuated. The flight, scheduled to depart at 4.10am, finally left at 6.30pm. Cops are enquiring about the passenger who sat on the seat in the previous trip where the note was found.

TNN

As train comes to halt, loco pilots risk their lives to crawl along bridge’s edge & fix fault

A video of the loco pilots’ daring act to prevent a potential train mishap went viral

Kumod Verma TNN

Patna: In an extraordinary display of bravery and demonstration of unwavering commitment to duty, loco pilots of a passenger train in Bihar’s Samastipur district risked their lives, precariously crawling along a bridge’s edge, to fix a technical fault due to which the passenger train had come to an abrupt halt.

A video of loco pilot Ajay Kumar and his assistant Ranjit Kumar, putting their lives at risk to ensure safety of passengers and preventing a potential train mishap, went viral on social media on Saturday. The incident happened on Thursday when the Narkatiaganj-Gorakhpur passenger train came to an abrupt halt on the rail bridge between Valmikinagar and Paniahwa due to a technical issue.

Samastipur divisional railway manager (DRM) Vinay Srivastava said the locomotive pilots quickly identified the problem as a leakage in air pressure. “Although reaching the spot was extremely challenging and posed a significant risk to their lives, the loco pilots remained composed and used their presence of mind. They precariously crawled along the bridge’s edge, tightly gripping it with their hands, to access the area beneath the locomotive. Once there, they successfully plugged the air pressure leakage,” the DRM said. In recognition of their “remarkable courage”, the railway administration has announced a cash reward of Rs 10,000 and commendation certificates for the two loco pilots.

Wild jumbo kills Bengal for est official

Siliguri: A 48-year-old forest official was killed by a wild elephant at a tea garden in Naxalbari in Bengal on Friday night, reports Roshan Gupta. Rajendra Rai was part of a team that was chasing the elephant back into the forest when it attacked them, said Kusreong DFO Devesh Pandey. “Rai had a gun but could not fire,” he added. Rai had worked for 24 years in the forest department and is survived by two sons.

“The kin of deceased will be compensated,” added Pandey.

INDIA bloc may pull out of panel to aid pro tem Speaker

Subodh.Ghildiyal@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: In continued aggression from the opposition that signals turbulence in the new Parliament, the anti-BJP bloc INDIA is likely to pull out its three members from the panel to assist the pro tem Speaker in protest against the govt “superseding” senior-most member in Lok Sabha K Suresh of Congress for the ceremonial post, which administers oath to the new MPs. Bhartruhari Mahtab of BJP has been named the pro tem Speaker.

The new irritant in opposition-govt relationship came Saturday even as Congress demanded Modi regime put the three criminal laws on hold and undertake detailed discussions in Parliamentary committee and the two Houses to iron out their flaws. The three laws are up for implementation from July 1, and DMK and TMC have already asked the govt to defer them.

AICC spokesman Jairam Ramesh said Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, were “bulldozed” through Parliament when 146 MPs had been suspended from LS and RS. He said they were “bulldozed” through the standing committee on home affairs without detailed interactions with stakeholders across the country and by ignoring dissent notes of MPs.

With NEET/paper leaks and law on MSP already emerging as flashpoints ahead of Parliament session, opposition’s belligerence on criminal laws and on pro tem Speaker makes the mix a recipe for confrontation. Congress has alleged that Suresh, aDalit member, has been ignored for pro tem Speaker’s post “for reasons other than merit”, and a boycott of the ceremonial functions by Suresh (Congress), Sudip Bandopadhyay (TMC), T R Baalu (DMK) will kick off the new LS on a sour note Monday. All indications are that the bitterness of the 17th LS is spilling over into the new one.

While the pro tem post is only ceremonial, growing protest across parties against the three laws just ahead of their coming into force suggests a concerted action by INDIA constituents to force govt’s hand. The Modi regime passed the laws despite opposition protests last year, but the renewed aggression of the anti-BJP bloc appears a signal to Modi govt that it cannot ignore the rivals after their improved numbers post-poll.

Suresh likely to be oppn’s Speaker pick

Opposition parties are likely to discuss the Speaker’s election on Monday or Tuesday, amid the possibility that the controversy over the pro tem Speaker may lead to opposition throwing a challenge.

Sources said there hasn’t been any talk among the INDIA bloc on the issue. However, given Congress’ charge that govt overlooked K Suresh, the senior-most member in LS and a Dalit, speculation is rife that he could be the frontrunner as oppn candidate for Speaker’s post. Until now, INDIA bloc had focused on deputy Speaker’s post, given NDA’s numbers. But the govt overlooking a Dalit may provide them with a political pretext to contest the poll.

TNN

‘Precautionary step’: NEET-PG postponed hours before exam

Govt To Notify Fresh Dates Soon; Absolute Disgrace, Says Docs’ Body

There are nearly 70,000 PG seats in govt and private medical colleges and more than two lakh candidates applied for NEET-PG this year

DurgeshNandan.Jha@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: The Centre Saturday postponed the NEET-PG, an entrance examination conducted by National Board of Examination to determine eligibility for admission to postgraduate medical programmes in govt and private medical colleges across the country — less than 12 hours before its scheduled time.

No specific reasons was given for the abrupt decision which came in the wake of allegations of paper leak in the NEET-UG exams held recently for determining eligibility of candidates for admission undergraduate medical programmes in govt and private medical colleges.

“Taking into consideration the recent incidents of allegations regarding the integrity of certain competitive examinations, the ministry of health has decided to undertake a thorough assessment of the robustness of processes of NEET-PG entrance examination, conducted by the National Board of Examination for medical students. It has accordingly been decided, as precautionary measure, to postpone the NEET-PG Entrance Examination, scheduled to be held tomorrow i.e. 23rd June, 2024. Fresh dates of this examination will be notified at the earliest,” govt said.

In its statement issued at 10pm, health ministry said the decision was taken in the best interests of the students and to maintain the sanctity of the examination process.

The statement, however, failed to cut ice with lakhs of candidates scheduled to appear for the exam on Sunday. “This is an absolute disgrace. This is a pathetic harassment of all the doctors who have travelled across different cities, spent money on accom- modations, and sacrificed their precious time preparing for this exam,” Dr Suvrankar Datta, vice-president of the Resident Doctors’ association of AIIMS said. “How can govt be so incompetent in managing an exam that was planned months in advance? This is beyond frustrating and unacceptable. The ministry owes us a detailed explanation and immediate rescheduling.”

There are nearly 70,000 postgraduate seats in govt and private medical colleges and over two lakh candidates applied for NEET-PG this year which will determine their eligibility for admission to various specialty courses.

Dr Manish Jangra, founder, Federation of All India Medical Association also slammed the decision. “I have received 50-60 calls in the last hour from candidates. They are devastated. Govt must give an answer for the reasons behind its failure to conduct competitive exams,” he said.

Bihar cops arrest 6 from J’khand in NEET-UG ‘leak’ case, 19 held so far

Cops detain NSUI activists agitating against the NEET row in Hyderabad on Saturday

Kshitiz, Abhijit Sen & Rajesh Kumar Pandey TNN

Patna/Dumka/Hazaribagh: The investigation of the NEET-UG question paper leak case widened on Saturday with Bihar Police’s EOW arresting six more people in Deoghar, Jharkhand. So far, 19 people have been arrested in the case.

Officials said the six arrested people, suspected to be “handlers” and “couriers”, are residents of Bihar’s Nalanda district and were holed up in Deogarh as labourers to escape detection.

Deoghar SDPO Hrithik Srivastava said the suspects had been hiding allegedly in the house of one Jhunu Singh in Devipur locality since May 5. The EOU picked them up from the “safe house” near AIIMS Deoghar and brought them to Patna on transit remand. The arrested were identified as Paramjit Singhalias Bittu, Baldev Kumaralias Chintu, Prashant Kumaralias Kaju, Ajit Kumar, Rajiv Kumaralias Karu, and Pinku Kumar.

“If needed, we will check the possibil- ity of brain-mapping and narco-analysis tests on some of the arrested. Enforcement Directorate will also probe the money-laundering aspect under relevant sections of the PMLA,” an EOU officer said.

Investigations so far have revealed that Sanjiv Mukhiya alias Luta, a technical assistant at Noorsarai Horticulture College in Nalanda, could be the mastermind of the paper leak racket.

“The gang had been plotting this for several months and it was a professor from Hazaribagh who had sent the ques- tion papers to Sanjiv using WhatsApp. Later, with the help of medical students from Patna and Ranchi, the paper was solved,” a top official said. Once solved, it was sent with the answers to Chintu of Karai Parsurai. The investigating agency is now trying to locate the professor. Following Chintu’s directions, Pintu of Hilsa, Nalanda, made photocopies of the question papers and gave it on May 5 to around 30 candidates staying at the “safe house”, now identified as the closed play school in Patna’s Khemnichak locality.

The results of three candidates who were jailed also indicate they could only memorise questions and answers in one subject as their percentile in that particular subject was better than in others.

A team also visited Hazaribagh following reports of a NEET-UG paper leak from one of the five exam centres there.

Officer in charge Sandeep Kumar of Lohsinghna police station told TOI the EOU was also tracking a courier through whom the NEET papers were handed over to a SBI manager in Hazaribagh.

ITPO chief Kharola given additional charge of NTA

Continued from P 1

Just before the removal of Singh, who has not been assigned a fresh posting, education minister Dharmendra Pradhan acknowledged mistakes indeed have happened. “I have already said there has been an institutional failure. I have taken responsibility. NTA’s leadership is under the scanner for a host of issues. Accidents happen and we will go to the root of the cause.”

India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) chairperson and MD, Pradeep Singh Kharola, who was roped in to complete the Pragati Maidan project after it got delayed, has been assigned additional charge of NTA till the appointment of a regular incumbent.

Education ministry Satur- day announced the formation of a 7-member high-level committee headed by K Radhakrishnan, former chairperson of Isro and chairperson of the Board of Governors at IITKanpur, to provide recommendations on reforms in the exam process, improvements in data security protocols, and the structure and functioning of NTA. The committee also comprises Dr Randeep Guleria, former director of AIIMS Delhi; B J Rao, vicechancellor of Central University of Hyderabad; Ramamurthy K, Professor Emeritus in the department of civil engineering at IIT-Madras; Pankaj Bansal, co-founder of PeopleStrong and board member of Karmayogi Bharat; and Aditya Mittal, dean of student affairs at IIT-Delhi. Govind Jaiswal, joint secreta- ry, will serve as the member secretary of the committee.

The committee is expected to submit its report to the ministry within two months.

The formation of the high-level committee, reported first by TOI on June 18, 2024, follows irregularities and alleged paper leaks in the NEET-UG. The committee’s terms of reference include reviewing the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and protocols of NTA, conducting an end-to-end analysis of the exam process, and suggesting measures to improve system efficiency and prevent breaches. It will also evaluate and enhance the existing data security processes and protocols of NTA, particularly those related to paper-setting and other examination processes.

MPPSC ‘leak’ buzz day before test, officials call it ‘misleading’

Indore: The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) was hit by paper-leak rumours Saturday after social media messages claimed questions for the state service and forest service general studies paper were available for just Rs 2,500. MPPSC denied any leak and said it would go ahead with the exam on Sunday. The commission called the reports “misleading” and said it would lodge a police complaint. Over 1.8 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the exam for recruitment to 110 posts.

MP has a dark history of exam scams, Vyapam being the biggest. The message offering the general studies question paper was circulated by a group created on Telegram. MPPSC officials termed it a “ploy by miscreants to swindle money from aspirants”. However, the authenticity of the paper being sold on Telegram can only be checked by matching it with the real paper that will be unsealed ahead of the exam on Sunday, they said.

Some candidates alerted MPPSC that the Telegram account was offering a QR code and asking for Rs 2,000-2,500 for the paper. As the leak rumours intensified, the MPPSC secretary issued a formal denial and urged people not to circulate the “misleading news related to the exam’s confidentiality and security”.

TNN

Patole: Brain of NEET ‘leak’ may be from Maha

Nagpur: Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole claimed on Saturday that the alleged NEET paper leak mastermind might be from Maharashtra and promised to reveal the details soon.

“Some information is expected (by us) and it seems the mastermind of the NEET fraud is from Maharashtra. Once we get the details, it shall be revealed,” Patole said in Mumbai. He described the alleged leak as a serious issue, pointing out that lakhs of students and their parents have been impacted.

TNN

No need to scrap NEET-UG, ‘leak’ a localised affair: Govt

Education minister Pradhan said govt does not intend to hurt careers of meritorious students to buy peace with protesters and opposition parties who have demanded scrapping of the test

Manash.Gohain@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: The education ministry is sticking to its stand that the NEET-UG entrance exams do not need to be scrapped based on evidence gathered by Bihar Police, with officials saying the investigation shows the “paper leak” at Patna was a “localised affair”.

Maintaining that govt does not intend to hurt the interests of lakhs who legitimately cleared the entrance exams, authorities are drawing a contrast with the cancellation of All India Pre-Medical Tests in 2004 and 2015. In the first case, investigation by Delhi Police’s crime branch brought out the complicity of a CBSE employee which raised fears of the examination process having been subverted on a larger scale. In 2015 too, the gang behind the leak was found to have helped applicants in several states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan.

As against this, Bihar Police’s investigation so far shows that the “leak” re- mained confined to Patna.

Spelling out the stand, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan said govt does not intend to hurt the career and future of meritorious students only to buy peace with protesters and opposition parties who have been demanding the scrapping of the test. “As custodian of the interests of students, we have to take a judicious approach to investigate the irregularity and how it happened, punish those involved, ensure there is no repeat while also ensuring meritorious students who have done no wrong are not unfairly penalised,” he said.

Denying the leak was the reason for the postponement of CSIR-UGC-NET, a test conducted to determine eligibility for junior research fellowship and assistant professor and admission to PhD in science courses, Pradhan said: “There was no leak in CSIRUGC NET. It was postponed because of logistic issues. There is also a retest of 1,563 NEET candidates tomorrow (Sunday). For smooth conduct of the exam everywhere, the decision was taken.”

Informing that 30 candidates have been issued notices as to why they should not be barred from future exams and action should not be initiated, Pradhan said irregularities in Gujarat’s Godhra, “was not of a paper leak but of organised cheating... police took preventive action, and a few telephone conversations were intercepted. They are in addition to 63 students from across the country debarred from NEET for using unfair means.”

Almora forest fire reaches shelter homes, inmates shifted

Almora: Forest fires in Almora continued despite recent rain, with a blaze reaching Shishu and Nari Niketan. Forty people, including 17 children, were in the compound at the time of the incident and had to be shifted to a safer location, an official said on Saturday. A few women and staffers were also present, reports Yogesh Nagarkoti.

“The blaze, which began in Bakh forests, spread rapidly to reach the compound, causing panic among occupants. Firefighters promptly arrived at the site and brought the intense blaze under control after about two hours,” the official added.

Fire station officer Mahesh Chandra said, “The fire was so severe it required nearly 9,000 litres of water to extinguish it. It was a challenge, and luckily, we managed to subdue the blaze on time. All the children are safe. No injuries were reported.”

2 ‘poachers’ shot dead in Assam:

Two suspected poachers were shot dead by forest guards at Assam’s Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary Saturday for allegedly catching fish in Rowmari Beel that falls under the sanctuary, reports Dhrubajyoti Malakar.

NGT issues notices to Centre, U’khand as wildfires rage

Dehradun: Taking suo motu cognizance of reports published in TOI about the unabated wildfire proliferating across Uttarakhand, the National Green Tribunal has issued notices to Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change, principal chief conservator of forests, Uttarakhand, and chairman and chief executive officer of the State Disaster Management Authority. The NGT has impleaded all of them as respondents in the case and has directed them to file a detailed affida- vit before the next hearing scheduled for July 19, reportsPankul Sharma.

The news report highlighted forest fires raging in Nainital district. The situation escalated and the Indian Air Force had to deploy a helicopter to douse the flames using water from Bhimtal lake.

NGT said the case is registered suo motu on the basis of the TOIreport ‘IAF helicopter roped in to douse fire in Nainital as situation worsens in Uttarakhand district’ on April 27.

NGT stated: “The news pertains to the rampant forest fires in Nainital district. According to the article, the conflagration has now reached the HC colony in Pines area. To mitigate the situation, an Indian Air Force M-17 helicopter utilised a Bambi bucket to collect water from Bhimtal lake and subsequently poured it over the blazing forests in various areas of the district, including Pines, Bhumiadhar, Jyolikot, Narayan Nagar, Bhawali, Ramgarh and Mukteshwar.”

New law to boost govt’s telecom control kicks in from June 26

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: The new telecom law will come into effect from June 26 which, among other powers, will allow govt to take control of any telecommunications services or networks in times of emergency.

Centre partially notified the Telecommunications Act on Friday, making provisions including sections 1, 2, 10, and 30 effective from June 26.

“The central govt hereby appoints the 26th day of June 2024, as the date on which the provisions of sections 1, 2, 10 to 30, 42 to 44, 46, 47, 50 to 58, 61 and 62 of the said Act shall come into force,” the Gazette notification said.

According to the notification, the govt may take control of the telecom services on the grounds of security, public order, or prevention of offences.

Section 20, which will be effective on June 26 states, “On the occurrence of any public emergency, including disaster management, or in the interest of public safety, the central govt or a state govt or any officer specially authorised in this behalf by the central govt or a state govt can take temporary possession of any telecommunication service or telecommunication network from an authorised entity; or provide for appropriate mechanisms to ensure that messages of a user or group of users authorised for response and recovery during a public emergency are routed on priority.”

As per the Telecommunications Act, any telecom player who wants to establish or operate telecommunication network, provide services or posses ratio equipment will have to be authorised by the govt.

After the rules of the Act comes into effect, the Universal Service Obligation Fund will become Digital Bharat Nidhi, which can be used for funding research and development, and pilot projects instead of just supporting the establishment of telecom services in rural areas.

However, some other sections of the act such as the administrative allocation of spectrum, including for satellite services, and adjudication mechanism etc will be notified later.

The new telecom law, after it comes into effect, will supersede the existing rules within the telecommunications sector, which come under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Wireless Telegraphy Act (1933), among others.

Shah launches programme for faster immigration clearance

To Be Rolled Out At 21 Airports In Two Phases

Union home minister Amit Shah launches ‘Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme’ at IGI airport in New Delhi on Saturday

Bharti.Jain@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Pre-verified Indian nationals and overseas citizen of India (OCI) cardholders flying in from abroad will soon be able to clear immigration faster by simply walking through e-gates or automated border gates to be set up at eight major international airports and eventually, 13 more airports across country.

Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday inaugurated the ‘Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme’ (FTI-TTP) at Terminal-3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport here. The programme is expected to reduce congestion and cut immigration clearance lines at busy international airports, besides offering the passengers a faster, hassle-free and pleasant travel experience.

FTI-TTP will be launched across 21 airports in two phas- es, starting with its rollout at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi and Ahmedabad airports in the first phase. Only Indian nationals and OCIs will be eligible to sign up for now. In the second phase, 13 more international airports will be added to the programme and foreign nationals covered as well.

Describing FTI-TTP as a “visionary” initiative of govt that fulfils one of the key agendas for ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’, Shah on Saturday said it reflects Modi govt’s commitment to enhance travel convenience and efficiency for all. He announced that the facility of faster, smoother and safer immigration clearance will be free of cost for all passengers.

The programme will run on e-gates or automated border gates which will minimise human intervention in the immigration clearance process. “The objective is to make international travel easy and secure by developing world-class immigration facilities through an accelerated immigration pathway for international travellers screened through automated gates (e-gates),” the home ministry said in a statement.

Currently, similar programmes offering faster immigration to international travellers via e-gates are run in countries like the US, where customs and border patrol (CBP) operates Global Entry Programme and Trusted Travellers Programme.

FTI-TTP will be implemented through an online portal and Bureau of Immigration will be nodal agency for fast track immigration of various categories of travellers. To enrol in the scheme, the applicant has to register online on the portal with his details and required documents. After necessary verification, a ‘white list’ of ‘trusted travellers’ will be generated and fed for implementation through e-gates. Biometrics of the ‘trusted traveller’ passing through egates will be captured at FRRO office or at the time of passage of the registered traveller through the airport. TTP registration will be valid till the validity of the passport or five years, whichever is earlier and will be renewed thereafter.

UAPA tribunal backs 5-yr ban on 2 pro-Pak outfits in J&K

New Delhi: Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal on Saturday upheld Centre’s decision to impose a five-year ban on Muslim League Jammu and Kashmir Masrat Alam faction (MLJK-MA) and Tehreek-e-Hurriyat for their ‘anti-India activities’.

The tribunal, presided over by Delhi HC judge Justice Sachin Datta, held that there were sufficient grounds to confirm Centre’s Dec 31 decision regarding the two pro-Pakistan separatist outfits which promoted terrorism under the direct support of Pakistani agencies.

Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, founded by late separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani, aims to separate J&K from India and establish Islamic rule there, Union home ministry contended.

Centre told the tribunal, set up under UAPA that MLJK-MA was in direct contact with Pakistani high commission and Pakistani institutions to secure large funds for anti-India activities.

TNN

YSRCP office razed in Andhra, Jagan calls it ‘vindictive politics’

The govt said the under-construction office in Guntur district was illegal, but YSRCP alleged the demolition was in defiance of HC order

Srikanth.Aluri@timesgroup.com

Vijayawada: YSR Congress Party’s (YSRCP) under-construction office at Tadepalli in Andhra Pradesh’s Guntur was demolished Saturday. Mangalagiri-Tadepalli MC, which brought down the building, claimed the structure was illegal and being constructed on irrigation land without the necessary approvals. YSRCP, on the other hand, alleged that the demolition was in defiance of HC order.

YSRCP president and former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said CM N Chandrababu Naidu had taken his vindictive politics to the next level. Reacting to the demolition, Jagan said Naidu demolished the “near-completion party office like a dictator” by ignoring HC orders.

“Law and justice have disappeared from the state. With this incident, Naidu gave a violent message as to how the next five years are going to be. However, YSRCP will not back down to these threats and vindictive politics. We will fight, on behalf of people and with the people,” he posted on X. Reddy urged all democratic forces in the country to condemn the act.

TN hooch tragedy toll now 55, over 2 dozen patients said to be critical

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Kallakurichi: The death toll in Kallakurichi hooch tragedy rose to 55 on Saturday, with 159 people undergoing treatment, including 107 at Kallakurichi govt hospital, 31 at Salem, 17 at Jipmer-Puducherry and four at Villupuram GH. The condition of over two dozen people undergoing treatment is said to be critical.

District administration has deputed medical teams to visit the localities where hooch deaths were reported, and screen and identify people who had consumed spurious liquor but were reluctant to seek medical attention and ad- mit them to hospitals.

Meanwhile, two of the five patients who absconded while undergoing treatment were traced by police and brought to Kallakurichi govt hospital for treatment. The whereabouts of three other abscond- ing patients are not known.

Kallakurichi GH dean said 30 patients fully recovered and will be discharged after psychiatric counselling. None of the patients will be discharged without psychiatric counselling, he said.

Hooch tragedy ‘state-sponsored murder’: BJP

BJP on Saturday came down hard on DMKgovt and chief minister MK Stalin, for the loss of 53 lives in the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy in Tamil Nadu and demanded immediate resignation of state prohibition and excise minister S Muthusamy. It demanded a CBI probe into the incident. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla described the deaths as ‘state-sponsored murder’ and held DMK ‘solely responsible’ for the tragedy. “53 people lost their lives.A state-sponsored murder for which DMK govt is solely responsible. But instead of taking action, DMK continues to shield the villains of this ghastly crime,” he added.

TNN

GST notices pending against less than 2% of taxpayers: FM

Finance ministers of states and Union territories during the 53rd GST Council meeting chaired by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Saturday

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Saturday that less than 2% of the nearly 59 lakh active taxpayers had pending notices under Central GST (CGST) Act, while asserting that govt wants to make life easier for the assessees.

“We want to reassure the assesses that our intent is to make their lives easier. Under CGST, notices are not being sent left, right and centre,” she told the media. At the end of Dec, 1,14,939 assesses had been sent notices by CGST authorities.

The comments are aimed at clearing the air on repeated attacks by opposition on GST, which has been dubbed “Gabbar Singh Tax” by Rahul Gandhi. Officials suggested that several opposition-ruled states have been at the forefront of issuing notices and summons under the state laws.

In fact, a rush of notices by state authorities has been particularly troubling for large companies which have to register separately in each state. Consultants and companies routinely complain of “summons” being issued by state authorities on minor issues and several of them being asked to appear in person.

Recently, Centre sought to put a check on the issue and issued detailed instructions to its officers that calling for information should not be called a “notice” or “summon” and all such communication should only be sent after it has been approved by senior officers of the department.

“The FM has reassured that GST administration will be reconciliatory, which is very positive from the perspective of ease of doing business and will comfort investors. The steps taken by the GST Council today include several important and trade friendly measures and seek to bring certainty in the tax regime, reduce litigation and improve cash flows,” said Pratik Jain, partner PwC India.

Govt officials said that in the last seven years, the overall direction of GST has been to lower the incidence of tax on consumers with products such as atta and honey exempted, while everyday items such as detergents, cosmetics and TV sets now attracting 18% tax instead of 28% pre-GST.

Andhra, C’garh seek funds for new capitals, Kerala a spl grant

Kerala FM K N Balagopal demanded a Rs 24,000 crore special package for the state to tide over a liquidity crisis

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh on Saturday sought assistance for developing new state capitals, while others such as Tamil Nadu, Haryana and Odisha chipped in with demands for project-specific support, with Kerala demanding a Rs 24,000 crore special package to tide over aliquidity crisis.

With TDP, a key constituent of NDA govt at Centre, back in the saddle in Andhra, special package for the state — a long pending demand — was widely expected but sources said the state finance minister only sought support for several projects including for construction of a new capital in Amravati and Polavaram dam project. In contrast, during a pre-Budget meeting with Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Kerala came up with the demand.

“Considering the state’s contribution in varied spheres in keeping up national pride which include but not limited to HDI, SDG, start up and innovation, a special package of at least Rs 24,000 crore may be announced in Union Budget 2024-25 to tide over the current liquidity stress by scheduling it over a period of two years from 2024-25,” Kerala finance minister K N Balagopal said in a speech, while urging Centre to review the cap on market borrowings.

States such as Chhattisgarhalso demanded easing of restrictions on export of rice and other farm products that have been banned to ensure adequate supply in domestic market. The BJP-ruled state also sought funds for Naya Rai- pur while seeking tweaks in the spending norms for district mineral fund.

Sitharaman told reporters that several states raised the issue of devolution of central taxes, an issue which is dealt with by the finance commission, and infrastructure with some of the states from the NorthEast seeking to work with the department of north eastern region (DONER). Several states have demanded money for capex, for which Centre has been extending support.

Haryana FM Jai Prakash Dalal on Saturday sought special grant assistance from Centre for implementation of various projects in the NCR, including 122-km Haryana orbital rail corridor from Palwal to Sonipat at a cost of Rs 11,600 crore and Delhi-Panipat fast rail corridor.

Similarly, Tamil Nadu FM Thangam Thenarasu sought budgetary provision of Rs 63,000 crore Chennai metro rail’s second phase, which has been hanging for been awaiting CCEA clearance for three years, and funds for other projects. He also raised the demand for funds for disaster relief.

Maha OBC activists halt stir as govt says will protect quota

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: OBC activists Laxman Hake and Navnath Waghmare “suspended” their indefinite hunger strike on its tenth day on Saturday after written assurance from state govt that it will protect OBC reservation, reports Mohammed Akhef. The two activists have been admitted to a private hospital in Jalna. The decision came after govt sent a delegation to Wadigodri village in Jalna, where the activists were holding their fast.

Ram temple event chief priest dies

Varanasi: Acharya Laxmikant Dixit, the priest who presided over the consecration ceremony at Ram temple in Ayodhya, died on Saturday in Varanasi. His mortal remains were cremated at Manikarnika Ghat. He was 86.

Dixit had led a team of 121 priests during the consecration of Ram Lalla on Jan 22 this year. PM Narendra Modi and UP CM Yogi Adityanath mourned the priest’s death.

TNN

With Parliament in session, PM likely to skip SCO meet in Kazakhstan on July 3-4

Modi was expected to come face to face with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the summit

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi is likely to skip the SCO summit which will be hosted by Kazakhstan in Astana on July 3-4, official sources said. The PM has in the past regularly participated in the Eurasian bloc’s summit meetings but the fact that Parliament session will continue till July 3 is believed to be one of the reasons for Modi deciding to give it a miss this time.

Apart from having a possible bilateral with President Vladimir Putin, Modi was also expected to come face to face with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif at the summit for the first time since taking over as PM for the third time earlier this month.

Given the state of relations with both countries, Modi perhaps won’t mind not having any sort of engagement with Xi and Sharif. India, however, has said in the past it attaches great importance to SCO for peace, stability and economic development of the region.

Modi had in 2018 coined the SECURE acronym that stands for Security; Economy and Trade; Connectivity; Unity; Respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity; and Environment. Despite its full membership of SCO, India remains an outlier in the group in the sense that it’s the only member to not endorse China’s BRI and to not have any bilateral engagement with Pakistan. India has used the SCO platform to repeatedly remind member-states, particularly Pakistan and China, that one of the original mandates of the group was to fight terrorism and that connectivity initiatives must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.

The SCO summit was hosted by India last year but in a virtual mode. India held the SCO chairmanship lastyear.

Big Fish: Andhra dishes out 41% of India’s aquaculture output

Milk, Meat, Egg Output Up In ’22-’23, Banana Is New King Of Fruits: NSO

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh topped the list of states in fishing and aquaculture and accounts for 40.9% of the share in the sector followed by West Bengal, Odisha and Bihar.

West Bengal’s share in all India output has come down from 24.6% in 2011-12 to 14.4% in 2022-23 while Odisha and Bihar increased their share, according to a latest statistics office report on value of output from agriculture and allied sectors.

The output of the fishing and aquaculture sub-sector increased steadily from about Rs 80,000 crore in 2011-12 to about Rs 1,95,000 crore in 2022-23. Output of marine fishing includes the entire output of prawn–inland or marine.

The output of the ‘livestock’ sub-sector increased steadily between 2011-12 to 2022-23. During this period, the output of milk, meat and eggs also recorded an increasing trend.

The share of milk, meat and eggs in output of livestock sub-sector was 66.5%, 23.6% and 3.7% respectively in 2022-23, compared to 67.2%, 19.7% and 3.4% respectively in the base year 2011-12, the data showed.

Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan together accounted for about a quarter of output of livestock sub-sector while output of Tamil Nadu increased faster during this period.

Uttar Pradesh had nearly 41% share of output of the sugar group in 2011-12, which increased to more than half of all India output of sugar crops in 2022-23. Maharashtra was distant second with 19%, followed by Karnataka at 8.9%, Tamil Nadu at 3.9%, Bihar 3.3%. The remaining states accounted for 11.4% When it comes to fruits, bananas overtook mangoes in terms of value of output in 2022-23. Banana had a share of 10.9%, followed by mango at 10%. Together, it accounted for more than one fifth of output of the entire group. Among the vegetables during 2022-23, potato and onion together contributed highest production, accounting for about 15% output of the group. Floriculture accounted for about 7%.

The data showed that agriculture, forestry and fishing accounted for 18.2% of the gross value added — a key indicator of economic performance–at current prices in 2022-23. After reaching 20.4% in 2020-21, it came down to 18.9% in 2021-22.

India ranks second worldwide in arable land (155.37 million hectares); third in production of cereals; and second in groundnut, fruits, vegetables, sugarcane, tea, and jute. The country had the largest herds of buffalo and goat; second largest in cattle and sheep; and seventh in chicken population in the world, as per the latest available information of 2020. It is the largest producer of milk; second in production of eggs and fifth in production of meat.

2 fire officers among 3 more held for Rajkot arcade blaze

Rajkot: Rajkot’s chief fire officer and deputy fire officer were among three persons arrested on Saturday in connection with the May 25 TRP Game Zone fire tragedy, taking the total number of arrests to 15, reports Nimesh Khakhariya.

The crime branch arrested chief fire officer Ilesh Kher (45), deputy fire officer Bhikha Theba (54), and the fabrication contractor of the gaming zone, Mahesh Rathod (60). Theba is already in jail after being arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau in a disproportionate assets case and the crime branch took his custody from the jail on a transfer warrant.

The investigators also made a shocking revelation that in the past two years, the Rajkot Municipal Corporation’s fire department had not checked any building that did not have the fire NOC.

Rathod is the uncle of Rahul Rathod, a welder arrested earlier, and is also a partner in the gaming zone. The fire broke out due to sparks from the welding during the fabrication work in the proposed snow park being carried out under Mahesh’s supervision.

“We have collected sufficient evidence against three accused before arresting them,” said a police statement.

A senior police officer told TOI: “Despite receiving a copy of the licence from police, the fire officers did not care to check the NOC of the game zone. We have collected the information of the last two years and found that the fire department did not proactively seal a single building that did not have fire NOC.”

According to police, the fire officers only conducted mock drills and checked premises that had fire NOCs for sufficient fire-fighting equipment.

Reply to J&K MP Rashid’s bail plea by July 1, court tells NIA

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Friday asked NIA to respond by July 1 to an application filed by Engineer Rashid, arrested in a 2017 Jammu and Kashmir terror funding case, seeking interim bail to take oath as an MP.

Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, defeated former CM Omar Abdullah in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Baramulla.

The court of Additional Sessions Judge Kiran Gupta fixed the matter for further hearing on July 1.

Rashid has been in jail since 2019 and is presently lodged in Delhi’s Tihar jail. He has moved the court seeking interim bail, or custody parole in the alternative, to take oath and perform his parliamentary functions.The newly elected MPs are scheduled to take oath on June 24, 25 and 26.

TNN

FIR filed against Prajwal bro over unnatural sex

Hassan: After father H D Revanna and brother Prajwal Revanna, now MLC Suraj Revanna is facing sexual harassment charges, reports Lawrence Milton. A day after his aide Shivakumar H L accused one Chethan KS (27) of extortion bid over a sexual assault allegation, the latter filed an FIR alleged Suraj committed unnatural sex on him at his farm in Holenarasipura on June 18.

Suraj has been summoned by CEN (Cyber Economic and Narcotics) police in Hassan and is likely to be arrested.

Suraj has refuted the charges, saying the case registered against him was a political conspiracy.

DEDICATED TO MOM

Union home minister Amit Shah planted a sapling in Ahmedabad under the #EkPedMaaKeNaam campaign

Under-feted in life, ghazal maestro finds a new note

Chartbusting Success And Awards Largely Eluded Madan Mohan During His Lifetime, But The Decades Have Burnished The Legacy Of The Composer Whose Birth Centenary Is On June 25

PERFECT HARMONY: Madan Mohan shared a wonderful creative collaboration with Lata Mangeshkar

Avijit.Ghosh@timesgroup.com

Some songs have afterlives. They are reborn in other languages, repurposed as jingles and cover versions, discovered and nurtured by new generations and geographies. Madan Mohan’s haunting composition, ‘Lag Jaa Gale’, a brew of melody and melancholy, belongs to that elite club of single malt songs.

Here are the facts: the classic from ‘Woh Kaun Thi?’ (1964) was reused in a bunch of films, notably as ‘Ponmeni Thazhuvaamal’ — lensed on a teenage Jayalalitha in the 1966 Tamil film, ‘Yaar Nee?’ — and, more recently, in ‘Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster 3’ (2018). Several Pakistani singers have crooned it; there’s a qawwali version, too. The track was used to promote digital audio player, Saregama Carvaan. No wonder, the song, written by Raja Mehdi Ali Khan and voiced by Lata Mangeshkar, has over 300 million YouTube hits.

And here’s the irony: ‘Lag Jaa Gale’ didn’t figure among the top 32 songs of 1964 in Binaca Geetmala’s annual hit parade even though two other numbers from the same film — ‘Jo humne dastan apni sunayee’ and ‘Naina barse rimjhim rimjhim’ — made it to the coveted chart.

Unsung Star

Lag Jaa Gale’s fate is emblematic of Baghdad-born music director Madan Mohan’s chequered career, which brims with moody melodies that have stood the test of time and changing taste but that seldom became chartbusters or won awards. In a career spanning 25 years, the composer didn’t take home a single Filmfare statuette.

Only three of his songs figured in Geetmala’s Top 5 hits of the year. The frisky ‘Ae dil mujhe bata de’ (No.5 spot, film: ‘Bhai Bhai,’ 1956), the folksy and dancey, ‘Jhumka gira re’ (No.4, ‘Mera Saaya’, 1966), which was recast in Karan Johar’s ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ (2023), and 1977’s ‘Koi pathar se na maare mere deewane ko’ (No.1, ‘Laila Majnu’). Tragically, the music director had breathed his last a couple of years before that. He was only 51.

His eldest son Sanjeev Kohli writes that the lack of mass adulation always caused him anguish and, over the years, embittered him. “The man who was acknowledged as a genius by people who understood and appreciated music was never at the top rung in the hit parades or with the big banners or the big stars,” he says in the website, madanmohan.in.

With exceptions like Madras-based production house AVM and filmmakers like Chetan Anand and Raj Khosla, Madan Mohan mostly scored music for smaller producers and directors. He worked for Devendra Goel (who gave him his break with ‘Ankhen’ in 1950), Shakti Samanta and Pramod Chakravarty, too, but that was much before they became industry biggies.

The songs he composed were invariably better than the movies they were located in. Often, they are the only notable element of a film. Some of his finest work, ‘Dekh Kabira Roya’ (1958), ‘Jahan Ara’ (1964), ‘Dulhan Ek Raat Ki’ (inspired by Thomas Hardy’s ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles’ (1967), was for movies that were mega flops. The songs are remembered, not because of the movie, but despite its failure.

Ghazal Maestro

There is a timelessness and universality to his compositions, says film music historian Pavan Jha. Veer Zaara’s tunes were used about 30 years after his death, but they don’t sound outdated at all, he says.

Nobody composed ghazals better in Hindi films. The music director with leading man looks had the gift to imbue songs with subterranean sadness even when the words were not overtly so, notably in ‘Aapki nazron ne samjha’ (‘Anpadh’, 1962), ‘Teri aankon ke siva duniya mein’ (‘Chirag’, 1969) and Dil dhoondta hai (‘Mausam’, 1975).

Jha reasons that unlike some of the more popular music directors, Madan Mohan understood and appreciated Urdu poetry. He sang as well. “Which is why there’s a special symmetry of words and melody in his compositions,” he says. His niece, actor Anju Mahendroo, reinforces the point. “He wasn’t formally trained in music. But he was blessed with inborn talent. His music came from his heart,” she says.

He was also a master of the mega song, best illustrat- ed in ‘Tum jo mil gaye ho’ (‘Hanste Zakhm’, 1973) and ‘Har koi chahta hai’ (‘Ek Mutthi Aasman’, 1973). Like Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, these ambitious tracks change tempo, evoking a multitude of yearnings. He was versatile, too. Few patriotic pieces are as moving as ‘Kar chale hum fida jaan-o-tan saathiyon’ (‘Haqeeqat’, 1964). And, you’d seldom have heard a more joyful track than ‘Zaroorat hai zaroorat hai’ (‘Man-Mauji’, 1962).

Songwriter-singer Amitabh Bhattacharya stumbled upon a Madan Mohan track from the unreleased film, ‘Jahan Tum Wahan Hum’. “Over the days, I kept returning to it and I think it underlines the strength and class of the composer who is making us listen to his song in an era where everything is fleeting and clutter rules our audio universe,” he says. The song goes, ‘Kaise kategi zindagi tere bagair’.

In 1970, Madan Mohan won the national award for best music director for ‘Dastak’. Writer-director Rajinder Singh Bedi’s movie had some of the composer’s most poignant and sensitive melodies like ‘Baiyan na dharo’ to ‘Hum-hain-mataae-koocha’ and ‘Mayee ree’. “He was extremely sensitive. During a song recording of ‘Hanste Zakhm’, he was so moved by a note of a sitar that he started weeping profusely,” recalls Mahendroo.

Man Of Principles

He was also a man of conviction and principles, a trait he shared with fellow composers such as Jaidev and Khayyam. “While he was convinced that Talat Mahmood was the right singer for some of ‘Jahan Ara’s’ songs, the director was insistent that Rafi saab be given all the songs. My father did not budge and was willing to give up the film. The same thing happened when he chose Rafi saab over Kishore Kumar for the songs of ‘Laila Majnu’. The directors finally gave in and these films became musical landmarks,” Kohli writes. Overshadowed by Kishore Kumar in the post-‘Aradhana’ era, the superhit songs of ‘Laila Majnu’ helped Rafi stage a strong comeback.

Like the finest of whiskeys, many of Madan Mohan’s compositions have aged remarkably well and his reputation vaulted. In the run-up to his 100th birth centenary, celebrations of his life and songs are planned in places such as Mumbai, Surat, Pune and others. The master music maker would have loved that.

Third couple dead in UP in 2 days after family rejects union

Bareilly: A day after two unmarried couples killed themselves in Sambhal and Lakhimpur Kheri following familial opposition to their unions, another couple chose to end their lives in Shahjahanpur on Friday, reports Kanwardeep Singh. The latest incident was reported from Astoli village in Paraur area.

The woman, 18, was involved in a relationship with her cousin, 20. After coming to know about their relationship, the woman’s family arranged her marriage elsewhere. The duo then hanged themselves together inside their house.

According to police, the couple lived in the same neighbourhood and had access to each other’s homes as they were close relatives. The families became aware of their relationship after they were caught together. Despite a heated confrontation between the parents and an attempt to separate the couple by sending the man to the city, the relationship persisted. Officials said both of them had attempted to end their lives five months earlier as well but were saved by the family.

Additional SP (rural) Manoj Kumar Awasthi said, “The bodies were sent for autopsy and the report revealed cause of death as ante-mortem hanging. ”

This marks the fourth couple suicide in the region since June 10. An unmarried couple, aged 21 and 20, had previously killed themselves by consuming poison in Bareilly on June 10.

Dalit man’s death in UP cop custody triggers violence

Agra: The custodial death of a Dalit prisoner allegedly due to police brutality has triggered widespread violence in Firozabad, with police forces from neighbouring districts deployed to maintain order, police said on Saturday, reports Deepak Lavania.

The postmortem report of Aakash Kumar, a 28-year-old father of two minor boys, cited “haemorrhagic shock and coma due to antemortem head injury” as the cause of death, and Inspector General (Agra Range) Deepak Kumar corroborated that Aakash’s body had multiple injuries.

A resident of the Nagla Pachiya area in Firozabad, Kumar’s body was kept in an ambulance for 12 hours as his family refused to accept it unless action was taken against the “perpetrators in uniform.” They cremated the body only on Saturday after the administration promised help and probe.

As the body was being transported home after the postmortem, locals stopped the ambulance and staged a protest.

According to sources, at least six rounds of gunfire were exchanged, and police officers, including DSP Himanshu Gaurav and city magistrate Rajendra Kumar, had to flee for safety. Five police personnel were injured, and 10 vehicles were vandalised. Anticipating further unrest, additional forces were called in from Agra, Mathura and Mainpuri, with police conducting overnight raids and filing two FIRs against 60 individuals for rioting.

India-B’desh focus now on energy & digital link-up: PM

 Continued from P1

Aware of India’s reservations about China’s role, Bangladesh has maintained it will consider “geopolitical issues” before going ahead with the project, which will apparently cost $1 billion. Hasina is expected to soon visit China, a country Dhaka — in a fine balancing act — continues to have strong economic ties with for its development needs. “As part of our development cooperation, we will also undertake conservation and management of Teesta river inside Bangladesh with Indian assistance within a mutually agreed timeframe,” said a joint statement.

Sharing of Teesta waters has remained a long outstanding issue between the countries, after opposition from West Bengal prevented them from signing a water-sharing agreement finalised during the UPA govt. India’s technical team is expected to first examine if there’s any need for a reservoir to be built, something which the Chinese have reportedly suggested.

They also welcomed formation of a Joint Technical Committee to initiate discussions for the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty of 1996. They pledged to intensify cooperation in border management, counter-terrorism and against radicalisation, while agreeing to start talks for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA).

“We have prepared a futuristic vision for cooperation in new areas. We have managed to restore in the past 10 years connectivity that was there before 1965. We will now focus on energy and digital connectivity. We will soon launch CEPA negotiations to take our economic cooperation to new heights,” said Modi.

The two countries announced signing of agreements for digital and green partnerships, as also a significant initiative by India to provide e-visa for medical patients from Bangladesh.

Hasina’s visit reflects deep ties: Prez

On a state visit to India, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina called on President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday, prompting Rashtrapati Bhavan to say that the regular bilateral interactions reflect the enduring spirit of friendship and cooperation that began with the journey of Bangladesh’s Liberation War of 1971.

“The two leaders agreed to work together to enhance the relationship across all domains, including economic ties, development partnership, defence cooperation, energy security, and connectivity,” Rashtrapati Bhawan shared in a statement. Murmu said Hasina’s visit will set the future course of the relationship, noting that India and Bangladesh are rapidly advancing their cooperation across various sectors and venturing into new areas, added the statement. TNN

Maoist couple carrying `41L bounty surrenders

Gadchiroli: Top People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) commander Nangsu Tumaretti, also known as Giridhar, and his wife Lalita surrendered Saturday to Maharashtra deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis in Gadchiroli, dealing a heavy blow to Maoist insurgency in central India, re- ports Soumitra Bose.

Giridhar is an ambush and IED specialist whose efforts had fortified Maoist headquarters Abujmarh and strongholds along the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border. He and his wife faced around 220 criminal charges and had bounties totalling Rs 41 lakh .

Giridhar and his wife chose to abandon their militant activities amid enhanced security measures and sustained pressure on Maoist groups. Their surrender is also driven by disillusionment with the Maoist movement, which they felt had strayed from its original cause.

Autonomy, NEP give wings to tailor-made college courses

Yogita Rao & Hemali Chhapia TNN

TIMES Special

Mumbai: Equipped with autonomy and the flexibility that National Education Policy (NEP) offers, several city colleges are now coming up with courses that will help students to look beyond their regular choices for undergraduate education. Tailor-made for industry requirements, these courses are slowly getting popular with students, though principals admit it may still take time to replace old favourites. In some colleges, though, innovative courses within the domain of arts, science and commerce have seen an influx of students, with traditional courses seeing a decline in cutoffs. In some others, the newer courses are yet to strike a chord. Among the newer courses, programmes in data science is a favourite.

Homi Bhabha State University (HBSU) plans to introduce the concept of ‘Design Your Own Degree’, after breaking away from Mumbai University and becoming a cluster, with Sydenham, Elphinstone, Institute of Science as its constituent colleges. The innovative concept leverages the advantages of NEP 2020.

“This programme will allow students to tailor their degree options as they progress in their academic journey, offering unparalleled flexibility and customisation in their education. These innovative programmes are designed to meet the evolving demands of industry and society, providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their respective fields,” said university vice-chancellor Rajanish Kamat.

Atotal of nine new programmes have been introduced, including BSc programmes in popular streams such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, data science and analytics, among others.

“Colleges are offering a professional touch to courses, making students and parents realise every lecture attended, every credit picked matters and will enhance students’ skills,” said a UGC officer.

From climate insurance to crop insurance, Podar College’s BCom in actuarial studies has been introduced keeping in mind the broad spectrum of sectors that require a deep understanding of risk management and valuation. “Risk and uncertainty are a part of life. Actuaries are needed in so many industries, from investment firms and mutual fund houses to even the agricultural space,” said Podar principal Shobana Vasudevan. Similarly, the course on shipping and logistics has been introduced keeping in mind reinvigoration of the sector. The college has also established a fin-tech lab and powered it with multiple software to understand finance.

A govt official said that NEP, with autonomy, gives colleges the flexibility to offer innovative industry-oriented courses.

YOG INCREASES SOLIDARITY

The Speaking Tree

COMPASSION

To become a true yogi, we should be able to touch the hearts of those around us with compassion and treat them with love and respect,

says MATA AMRITANANDAMAYI

Yog, a priceless gift from the ancient sages of Bharat, holds the power to transform our lives. The word yog, meaning coming together or joining, perfectly encapsulates its essence. It’s a practice that harmoniously unites our body, breath, mind, and awareness. By mastering our bodies, we gain control over our breaths. By mastering our breaths, we gain control over our minds.

This inner peace radiates into every aspect of our lives. The ultimate goal of yog is to guide us towards this holistic progress, a journey that can truly change our lives.

Scientists have proven that the average person uses only a fraction of his physical and mental capabilities during his lifetime. However, through yog one can further awaken and develop those abilities. For example, say we have a supercomputer. If we were to use it merely to store our grocery expenses and balance our household accounts, what a waste of its capacity it would be; a supercomputer can effortlessly store data for an entire city. Unfortunately, today, this is how we are using our body and mind.

Yog is the path to awakening our infinite potential and realising our inherent completeness, through the proper adjustment of the body, mind and intellect.

Any type of exercise is beneficial for the body and mind; however, yog offers several advantages that mere physical exercises may not.

Other exercise systems aim to reduce body fat and tone our muscles through fast movement. Yog has most of the physical benefits of regular exercise, but—as much of it is done slowly, focusing on our breath and bodily movements—it also calms the mind, creating an experience akin to meditation. It also channels our inner energies in the right direction. This promotes our overall health, even improving the function of our organs. It purifies our nervous system and helps our mind and body relax. It improves health and mitigates disease. Additionally, it increases our mental strength and focus. Moreover, yog helps reduce depression and promote inner cheerfulness.

Yog can be practised by children as well as the elderly. However, children under 14 should only practice a limited number of postures.

In general, yog should always be learned directly from an experienced teacher.

One does not become a yogi simply by being able to bend down and touch one’s toes. To become a yogi, we should be able to touch the hearts of people around us with love and compassion.

It is only when one gains the ability to appreciate the supreme divinity in one and all and to treat them with love and respect that one becomes a true yogi. We should be able to see others’ suffering as our suffering and others’ joy as our joy.

The Sun can be reflected in a hundred pots filled with water, but there remains only one Sun. Similarly, there is but one true Self, reflecting variously in various bodies. This is the vision that yog should ultimately uplift us to obtain.

May we be able to use this priceless wealth bestowed on humanity by the ancient sages of Bharat in the right way. May the practice of yog increase solidarity and cooperation in society. May the grace of the divine bless us all to achieve this.

ADULTING WITH ADHD

Asha.Prakash@timesgroup.com

At first, Shweta* couldn’t pinpoint what was wrong with her husband Arun*. An IIT-IIM graduate, he was affable to the family, friends and colleagues, but she always felt something was ‘ off’.

“The more obvious signs were the constant hand-tapping and excessive restlessness,” she says. “He was excellent at his job, but at home, he was unreliable and could never r emember a household task. On a free day, he would watch four or five movies backto-back.”

The less obvious signs were that Arun had no emotional connection with his wife or later, their children, and the way he dismissed the existence of a problem, she says. “For 15 years, I tried to find the root of his problems and eventually resigned thinking it was his personality.” The turnaround occurred when Shweta became a certified counsellor. That was when she realised Arun had symptoms of attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Not everyone is in denial like Arun, and the symptoms can differ. Many approach mental health professionals on their own, in most cases when they “find the requirements of their jobs — attention to detail, sharp focus and meticulous functioning — difficult, or with emo- tional dyscontrol,” says Dr Ennapadam Krishnamoorthy, neuropsychiatrist. “A student came to me as his teachers at university found him prone to mood swings. He was diagnosed with adult ADHD.”

In fact, there is no one symptom or one condition, many of which overlap with no clear definitions. At times, symptoms like zoning out, rapidly switching topics and being unable to remember things can be mistaken as endearing. “A misconception is that as long

as a person has a good job, is married and functional, they are ‘normal’,” says Shweta. “One has to examine the quality of their close relationships and their long-term struggles to see if a spectrum issue is present.”

Arun’s friends and family continue to describe him as a “successful and gentle person”. “Neurodivergent people often develop coping mechanisms that mask their difficulties. In the long run, one can observe that they struggle to have deep meaningful relationships and nuanced social skills,” says Shweta. “Anxiety is another long-term struggle that friends and extended family miss and often the spouse and children end up bearing the brunt of it.”

Actor Fahadh Faasil recently revealed, at the age of 41, that he has been clinically diagnosed with ADHD. Last year, 39-year-old ‘Premam’ director Alphonse Puthren had posted on Instagram that he is putting an end to his film career as he believed he had autism spectrum disorder. Both these revelations were met with scepticism and even mirth, many accusing them of ‘being dramatic’ and playing to ‘new fads’. But in Shweta’s opinion, people like Fahadh are doing others a favour by raising awareness about the condition. “Not everyone would have the money and social acceptance which gives them the luxury and courage to openly talk about their diagnosis.”

As mental health professionals, they never dismiss someone who decides to check themselves to understand if they might be neurodiverse, says counsellor Mahesh Natarajan. “A person comes only when they can’t deny how differently they perceive the world or process what they experience. Trying to fit in becomes too hard or too exhausting, and just unnecessary.”

Such p eople person might not use the correct terms to describe their condition, but they are suffering, regardless, and need professional help, says Shweta. The problem with ‘selfdiagnosis’ is that their anecdotes from childhood, which are crucial for a diagnosis, need corroboration.

A diagnosis is important however ,late, for the person to engage with the world in a comfortable and confident way, instead of feeling confused and conflicted, says Mahesh. It’s also important for those close to the person, who are equally affected. By the time Shweta diagnosed Arun, he was in his 40s and their marriage had long broken down.

“Undiagnosed individuals will fail to attain their human potential besides facing a number of problems in society in terms of adaptation and relationships,” says Dr Krishnamoorthy. “When not diagnosed in school, they carry the problems into work, marriage, life and society, sometimes with very deleterious consequences.”

The condition is never 100% curable, doctors say. But modification and management are possible with regular therapy and, in cases, medication. But for all, early detection and intervention are essential.

HOW COMMON IS NEURODIVERGENCE?

A report by Deloitte reveals that India has about 2 million neurodiverse people. ADHD and dyslexia are among the most common problems

NOT ALWAYS A DISABILITY

A good number of entrepreneurs and successful leaders in business have ADHD. They might zone out during conversations and rapidly switch thought processes. The same qualities that are associated with ADHD—hyperactivity, impulsivity etc. translate to quick decision-making and leaps of faith which are required in business

*Names changed

When it comes to neurodiverse conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder that affect daily life and routine, getting a diagnosis is better late than never, say experts

Amnesty scheme for defaulters to make life easier for biz: FM

Continued from P 1

There were clarifications allowing 12% tax on all types of milk cans, solar cookers and paper cartons. Further, compensation cess on supply of aerated beverages and energy drinks to authorised customers by defence canteens have also been exempted.

The all-powerful body comprising the Union and state FMs also recommended amendments to the CGST Act for not levying tax on extra neutral alcohol used for manufacture of alcoholic liquor for human consumption. Earlier, the Centre had decided to forgo its power to levy tax on ENA.

The council also recommended a phased rollout of biometric-based Aadhaar authentication for registration of GST payers, for which pilots had been conducted in Gujarat and Puducherry. The move meant to combat fraudulent input tax credit claims made through fake invoices will require registration at GST Suvidha Kendras or facilitation centres, which, Sitharaman said, should not take more than 15 minutes or so.

She also said that several items related to review of tax rates were not taken up in Saturday’s meeting but there were a host of changes, including an amnesty scheme for defaulters, to make life easier for businesses.

A big relief will come in the form of the Centre’s decision to fix thresholds for appealing to GST Appellate Tribunal (Rs 20 lakh), high courts (Rs 1 crore) and Supreme Court (Rs 2 crore). Govt does not intend to file an appeal in case the amount involved, other than policy issues, is under the threshold, said revenue secretary Sanjay Malhotra.

Similarly, the pre-deposit amount for taxpayers to file appeals has also been cut.

Further, interest and penalty will be waived, in case a taxpayer who was served a notice under Section 73 of the CGST Act during FY18 to FY20 agreed to clear the demand by March. The section deals with cases where full tax has not been paid or was erroneously refunded or where input tax credit was wrongly availed or utilised for any reason, other than fraud. There were several other procedural relaxations that were cleared by the council.

“Dispute resolution requires a multi-faceted approach. We advocate for an amnesty scheme, a national authority for advance rulings, and full appointment of the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal. Industry engagement and audit efficiency can be improved through sectoral committees and standardised compliance manuals,” said Saurabh Agarwal, tax partner at consulting firm EYIndia.

Two more deaths take Assam floods toll to 29

Guwahati: The death toll from the floods in Assam rose to 29 after two more deaths, including a child, were reported in Barpeta and Bajali districts on Saturday.

According to Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) the number of people affected from floods decreased from 3.9 lakh to 2.6 lakh in the last 24 hours. ASDMA reported that over 93,000 people, including 27,259 children, are currently staying in 228 relief camps and relief distribution centers across the state. This is adecrease from the 245 such fa- cilities that were housing more than 1.8 lakh displaced people on Friday. According to the ASDMA bulletin, the Kopili and Kushiyara rivers continue to flow above the danger level at Dharamtul and Karimganj, respectively.

The meteorological department has predicted widespread light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura during the next five days.

TNN

Times City

- Family ‘Unhappy’, Two Newborn Girls Killed And Buried In Capital

- ‘Husband, kin left in anger after girls’ birth’

- 2 stabbed to death for ‘revenge’ in NW Delhi

- Parking overage vehicles in public space not allowed in city, says govt

- Property dealer killed over money row, 1 held

- Club owner gets extortion call from Bhau

- 64L trees to be planted, experts question uneven green cover

- 16 gang members held in crackdown by Special Cell

- City Enjoys Coolest Day Since May 14

- One more dies of heat at Safdarjung, toll at 238

- Allotment process for 4,350 flats in Bawana begins

- Advanced surgical simulator for Army hosp

- Rigging in NEET not at local level: AAP

- Early Date For Gole Mkt Revamp

- On Day 2, Atishi Vows To Stay On Water Fast

- Water cannon takes on water protesters

- LG asks AAP govt to sort out issue in ‘amicable’ manner

- AAP wonders why Saxena isn’t holding Haryana responsible

- In first hike in 6 months, IGL raises CNG price by `1/kg

- Blast At Fire Extinguisher Factory In Gurgaon Kills 4

- In dead of night, a ‘deafening series of blasts’, locals become first rescuers

- 150 firefighters bring blaze in outer Delhi under control

- Nobody injured in godown fire

- ‘CM’s weight has decreased by 8kg since March 21’

- BJP urges LG to restore services of skill trainers

- Maliwal case: Bibhav’s judicial custody extended till July 6

- Money worries keeping you single? More to you than your bank balance

- Man from Assam kills self; wife gets to know, ends life

- Bangladeshi arranges fake travel docus, held

- Two brothers held for duping woman

Family ‘Unhappy’, Two Newborn Girls Killed And Buried In Capital

Police Exhume Twins’ Bodies On Judicial Order; FIR Filed, But No Arrest Yet

Rajshekhar.Jha@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: In a shocking instance of female infanticide reported from the capital, two newborn female twins were allegedly murdered and buried by the family that was "unhappy" with the birth of girls. The infants were allegedly taken away from the mother by her husband and family members and killed.

After receiving a complaint, Delhi Police swung into action and got the bodies exhumed on judicial orders. It subsequently filed an FIR and was conducting raids to book the accused, sources said. The woman belongs to Rohtak in Haryana.

According to the FIR, the woman got married in a family from outer Delhi’s Pooth Kalan in 2022. She claimed that she was regularly harassed for dowry and the family wished her to give birth to a son. In fact, after the woman became pregnant, she was asked to go for a sex determination test which she refused, fearing the consequences.

The woman recently gave birth to two girls, soon after which the husband's family came and took away the babies saying they would provide good care and treatment. When the woman recovered from her delivery and asked for the newborns, the family allegedly made excuses and later told her they had died of an illness.

The woman and her family became suspicious and approached the cops. Police approached the sub-divisional magistrate and got orders to exhume the bodies. An autopsy was conducted and legal action initiated on the basis of the medical team’s report.

The case has yet again brought to the fore the issue of female infanticide in the country. Although infantici- de has been criminalised in India, it remains an under-reported crime due to various factors. While there is no reliable data, police are roped in only in a miniscule number of cases. Section 315 of the Indian Penal Code defines infanticide as the killing of an infant in the 0–1 year age group and is a cognisable and a non-bailable offence.

The section says, "Whoever before the birth of any child does any act with the intention thereby of preventing that child from being born alive or causing it to die after its birth, and does by such act prevent that child from being born alive, or causes it to die after its birth, shall, if such act be not caused in good faith for the purpose of saving the life of the mother, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 10 years, or with fine, or with both."

In India, the Pre-conception and Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994, (amended in 2003) prohibits sex-selection or disclosure of the sex of the fetus.

According to a report, the female child population in the age group of 0-6 years was 78.8 million in 2001 which declined to 75.8 million in 2011. A 2016 report by NGO Asian Centre for Human Rights revealed that the preference for a son over a daughter was a chief cause for female infanticide. The report claimed India had one of the highest female foeticide rates in the world.

‘Husband, kin left in anger after girls’ birth’

WOMAN’S BROTHER SAYS After learning the fetus was female, her husband became angry. We were very happy that she was to have a baby, but her in-laws were not

Abhay@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Even in her worst nightmare, Pooja, a BSc graduate, had never imagined she would lose her two newborns in such a horrific manner. Speaking to TOI on Saturday, her family narrated how the horror unfolded in the last three weeks.

Jugnu Khatri, 31, brother of Pooja Solanki, revealed how his sister married a resident of Pooth Kalan on February 2 two years ago. Pooja, a native of Ismaila in Rohtak, Haryana, had BSc degree from a college in Bahadurgarh. Her brother claimed that the family gave around Rs 30 lakh, including jewellery and other items, as dowry for her marriage.

Khatri said the twins were born on May 30 in a hospital in Rohtak Sector 36. Pooja’s husband, Neeraj, was present then, but left in anger after seeing the baby girls. The next day, her fatherin-law, Vijender Solanki, and motherin-law, Chand Kaur, visited the hospital and gave money for both kids.

"On May 31, my sister was discharged and her husband, his mother and sister Monika came to the hospital," said Khatri. When the family was leaving the hospital for Ismaila, Kaur told Jugnu to put the two kids in his car and they would follow.

Midway home, Neeraj changed the route and they reached home by themselves. "I called Neeraj, but he didn't pick up the phone,” said Pooja’s brother. “Then I called Neeraj's father and informed him about the situation. He responded that if Neeraj didn't reach there soon, he would himself come to Ismaila with the newborn babies."

Khatri kept calling until 9pm that day, but was told that the others hadn’t reached home yet. "We were tired, so we slept. The next morning, I called Vijender, but there was no reply. The marriage had been arranged through a woman, so we called her and informed her about the situation,” said the brother. “We asked her to check what had happened. She visited the house of Pooja’s in-laws and after one to two hours, she called back and said that there was no one in Neeraj's home. When she enquired of a neighbour about the newborn babies, she was told that the fami- ly had buried the infants."

Pooja’s family, shocked beyond belief, went to the police station in Rohtak to file a complaint. The cops told them that the case had taken place in Delhi so they had filed a case there. In Delhi, the cops acted quickly and has the bodies exhumed. "It was a painful moment. There were maggots all over the bodies," said Khatri.

The brother said that his sister was harassed by her in-laws. Not only was there a constant demand for Rs 5 lakh for a car, but she " was mocked every day for not having a child”, said Khatri. “She was also thrashed by her husband. When she got pregnant, he took her to some place three months later to check whether the child was male or female. After learning the fetus was female, he became angry. We were very happy that she was to have a baby, but her in-laws were not."

2 stabbed to death for ‘revenge’ in NW Delhi

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Seeking revenge for a fight that occurred at a swimming pool eight days prior, a group went to attack another in northwest Delhi's Jailer Wala Bagh. However, the tables turned when they were attacked by their rivals, resulting in the fatal stabbing of two, including a juvenile. The deceased were identified as Vishal (19) and a 17-year-old boy, police said.

The stabbing took place around 10 pm on Saturday. "We received information around 11 pm, and a team from the local police station rushed to the spot. The victims were taken to the hospital, where both were declared dead," a police officer said.

During the investigation, police found that an argument had occurred between Vishal's friend and two men at a swimming pool in Shalimar Bagh. "Both groups have been living in the vicinity and had frequent arguments over supremacy. The swimming pool fight was the trigger point," the officer said.

Around 9:30 pm, Vishal and his associates came to the area of other group to take revenge from two brothers who were involved in the swimming pool argument and an altercation broke out between the groups, the officer said, adding, "The other party had more people, and they started beating their rivals".

According to anotherpolice officer, Vishal and the 17-year-old boy, along with two or three of their friends, assaulted Anuj and his brother Suraj at their residence. Subsequently, Suraj summoned three or four of his friends, leading to clashes between them.

This altercation resulted in Vishal and the boy sustaining critical injuries, the officer said, adding that the rival group members stabbed Vishal and the boy approximately six to seven times each before fleeing the spot.

A senior police officer said a case has been registered under relevant sections of the IPC and a few suspects have been rounded up. "They are being questioned about the incident," the officer added.

Parking overage vehicles in public space not allowed in city, says govt

TRANSPORT DEPT SAYS Keep such a vehicle in a private parking space owned by the individual, not in a shared parking space, even if it is part of a residential complex

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: The transport department has issued a public notice regarding overage vehicles, emphasising that parking such vehicles is prohibited in all public places, including areas outside residences which are considered public places.

The department clarified the definition of public space to avoid any confusion among vehicle owners. It said on Thursday, “Keep such a vehicle in a private parking space owned by the individual, not in a shared parking space, even if it is part of a residential complex."

The statement further explained that a parking space assigned to the owner within a residential complex is considered private property, not a public area.

A senior official of the department said that the notice was issued to ensure that overage vehicles are not left in shared or public spaces, which can lead to congestion and inconvenience to other residents. The department encourages owners of such vehicles to scrap or find suitable private parking arrangements to comply with the regulations, he said.

Delhi govt has deregistered 5.5 million overage vehicles — diesel vehicle more than 10 years old and petrol vehicle more than 15 years old.

Owners of such vehicles have the option of obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to move the vehicle out of Delhi within a year of the vehicle's expiry date, it said, adding that no NOC for the vehicle will be issued after one year of expiry.

Another option for owners is to scrap the vehicles through the Voluntary Vehicle Scrapping Application at 'https://vscrap.parivahan.gov.in/' at any nearby registered vehicle scrapping facility, the department said.

The notice said the enforcement wing of the transport department, New Delhi Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, and Traffic Police may impound such vehicles found parked in public places, even if an NOC has been issued but the vehicle has not been moved out of Delhi within one month of the NOC being given.

Offenders may also be prosecuted according to the Guidelines for Handling of End of Life Vehicles 2024.

In 2018, Supreme Court banned diesel and petrol vehicles older than 10 and 15 years, respectively, in Delhi. It had added that the vehicles plying in violation of the order would be impounded. A 2014 order of the National Green Tribunal bars vehicles older than 15 years to be parked in public places.

Property dealer killed over money row, 1 held

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: A 23-year-old property dealer was shot dead in Southeast Delhi's Kalindi Kunj on Friday following a monetary dispute. Police have arrested another property dealer in connection with the case.

Police received a report of the incident around 7pm on Saturday. The caller reported hearing gunshots from a shop in Jaitpur Extension. Upon arriving at the scene, the local police team found a closed shop on Umar Masjid Road. Locals indicated that an incident had occurred inside accompanied by gunshots, causing chaos in the area.

"We opened the shop shutter and discovered the body of Zaid inside. He had sustained a gunshot wound to the chest. Empty cartridges were also recovered from the scene," said an officer. A case was registered under sections related to murder and the Arms Act. A senior officer said multiple teams were formed to crack the case, and CCTV footage of the area was scanned to gather clues about the incident.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Zaid, a property dealer, had been involved in transactions with another property dealer named Mohammad Firoz. Disputes over financial matters had arisen between them.

"Later in the evening, a dispute over financial matters escalated between Firoz and Zaid, resulting in Firoz fatally shooting Zaid," the officer added. The accused has been arrested.

Last week, a 34-year-old property dealer returning home from a temple on his scooter was shot dead in New Usmanpur. The assailants targeted him with a head shot. He had a criminal history involving three cases. His younger brother was also murdered in March, leading to three arrests at the time.

Club owner gets extortion call from Bhau

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: A club owner in West Delhi recently received an extortion threat allegedly from gangster Himanshu Bhau.

According to sources, the victim, a resident of Paschim Vihar, received a threatening internet call demanding Rs 1 crore under the threat of severe consequences.

A case has been filed, and multiple teams are actively pursuing the matter.

Earlier in June, a real estate businessman from Civil Lines in North Delhi faced a similar extortion demand allegedly linked to gangster Goldi Brar. Members of the Kala Jathedi gang reportedly fired multiple shots at a property dealer's office in Mohan Garden.

In another incident in April, unidentified individuals fired shots at a businessman's residence in Moti Nagar, leaving behind a note demanding Rs 50 lakh.

64L trees to be planted, experts question uneven green cover

Kushagra.Dixit@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Delhi govt recently set its yearly plantation goal for the 2024-25 and said it would plant 64 lakh trees, including over 54 lakh shrubs and trees and the rest being saplings to be distributed to people to plant.

However, an unevenness in the green cover in different parts of the city has experts questioning the efficacy of the plantation plan. According to India State of Forest Report, while some areas of the city, like New Delhi, have over 47% green cover, others have less. Northwest Delhi has less than 4% and west Delhi less than 6% green cover.

According to forest officials, the meetings are going on with different govt departments for space to meet plantation targets. “Meetings are under way with officials of various departments to figure out more spaces for plantations, especially in regions with low green cover. Areas with less tree cover must be given preference, but there are often problems with space for planting trees,” a forest official said.

Experts attribute the disparity in green cover as a contributing factor to the higher temperatures recorded in such places. The lack of sufficient tree canopy in certain parts of Delhi has led to the formation of urban heat islands, making these areas among the hottest in the city. The uneven distribution of green spaces highlights the need for targeted plantation efforts to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures and improve the overall environmental health of the city.

“Ideally there should be at least 33% green cover everywhere. In Delhi, there are different problems,” said Faiyaz A Khudsar, biodiversity expert. “Look at New Delhi. It has larger parks and a smaller population, while north and northwest Delhi have a very high population density and no parks or very small parks. So the tree density is very low. Areas like Shahjahan Road in central Delhi have multiple layers of plantation and on both side of the roads there are good canopy trees, complemented by flowering plants on the central verge. In MCD areas, however, the population density is very high and even the footpaths are occupied. The respective departments could look into this. They can at least use larger pots to plants shrubs and plants in areas like northeast and northwest Delhi. Even that would make a difference.”

According to green activist Sonya Ghosh, a tree audit would help establish the condition of plantations undertaken earlier. “The city needs a tree audit, but so far I know no one has ever carried it out. We don’t know the whereabouts of the trees previously planted either,” said Ghosh. “Besides, the free dis- tribution of saplings earlier hasn’t been followed up."

While Ghosh reiterated that areas with forest cover would naturally have temperatures substantially lower than in other places, Rajokri forest, for instance, which is cooler than neighbouring Vasant Kunj, activist Bhavreen Kandhari too stressed on any trees and shrubs being planted needing nurturing. “The trees have to be trees, not shrubs and plants though they are important too,” said Kandhari. “The National Green Tribunal guidelines say that all road dividers must be green, but we see them all concretised. Besides due to lack of care, any plantation done does not survive. It’s more important to maintain what we already have than doing things for the sake of photo ops. Officials only see central Delhi as Delhi, without realising what is happening in other areas like Dwarka or the rural habitations.”

16 gang members held in crackdown by Special Cell

Rajshekhar.Jha@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: In a coordinated crackdown on members of organized gangs active in the city, the Special Cell of Delhi Police has apprehended 16 shooters and logistics providers in raids across Delhi and neighbouring states, effectively preempting a surge in heinous crimes like murders and extortion-related shootings.

A major chunk of those in the police net had either been recruited or were themselves recruiting through social media platforms like Instagram. On the target of these gangsters were young men and women from rural backgrounds looking for an extra buck and those who wield clout on social media by associating with an organised gang.

The arrested men and women belonged to gangs of foreign-based gangsters like Goldy Brar, Himanshu Bhau, Rohit Godara, Kapil Sangwan, Randeep Bhati and Tajpuria syndicate.

In three cases, the special cell managed to save precious lives by averting murders as the suspects were in the end stage of carrying out killings on contract.

The operation, prompted by a recent rise in gang activity, involved extensive intelligence gathering and strategic deployment of teams, said special commissioner of police R PUpadhyay, who had formed special teams led by additional commissioner Pramod Kushwaha and DCP Amit Kaushik to carry out the operation.

"The focus was on dismantling networks operated by foreign-based gang leaders and those incarcerated in jails," Upadhyay added.

Local intelligence units monitored various parts of Delhi while technical teams tracked communication channels, recognizing a trend of gangs recruiting young and inexperienced individuals to avoid detection.

"Social media and glamourized portrayals of gang life were identified as lures for these vulnerable youths. The drive comprised five key operations," said Kushwaha.

In the first operation, five people from a gang were arrested in Delhi and Jalandhar on Friday by the team led by inspector Vinay Pal. Two pistols and 12 live cartridges were recovered.

"Three of those arrested were shooters, while the remaining two, including a woman, were responsible for online recruitment, conveying instructions to the shooters, and arranging weapons," DCP Amit Kaushik said.

Their apprehension prevented a potential attack on a prominent businessman in Civil Lines area of north Delhi. Goldy Brar had demanded Rs 5 crore from him.

In the second operation, three members of a gang were arrested and a country-made pistol and five live cartridges seized. All three had prior involvement in murder, attempted murder and Arms Act violations.

The third operation was led by inspectors Shiv Kumar and Satish Rana, who apprehended five shooters from a gang during the intervening night of June 21 and 22. Four sophisticated pistols with 30 live cartridges were recovered. "The shooters were planning to eliminate rival gang members. Four of those arrested have criminal records while two were wanted for extortion-related firing in Rohini and an attempted murder case in Rewari," the officer said.

In another operation, cops apprehended a henchman of a Haryana-based gang from Faridabad. A country-made pistol and five live cartridges were seized. The accused had a history of involvement in various crimes across Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

Two other shooters were arrested by another team in a fifth operation. A jailed gangster had provided them weapons after receiving orders from a notorious foreign-based gangster.

City Enjoys Coolest Day Since May 14

Max Temperature Goes Under 40°Celsius, Relief To Continue For A Few Days

Kushagra.Dixit@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:Delhi saw its coolest day since May 14 as the streak of maximum temperature above 40 degrees Celsius broke on Saturday. With the city witnessing overcast sky, light breeze and drizzling in some areas, people enjoyed relief from scorching heatwaves and uncomfortable warm nights. The meteorological department anticipates thunderstorms and light showers in the city on late Saturday and Sunday as well.

The overcast sky and pleasant breeze prevented the daytime temperature from soaring. At base station Safdarjung, the maximum temperature was 39.4 degrees Celsius, a notch above normal, as against 40.4 degrees Celsius a day earlier. The minimum temperature was 28.4 degrees Celsius, the season’s normal, as against 29.6 degrees Celsius. Safdarjung also recorded traces of rain or drizzling. A day earlier, 3.6mm of rainfall was logged. The humidity fluctuated between 50% and 62%.

The city also saw moist easterly and south easterly winds reaching up to 11 kmph, which kept the city ventilated and cool. The weather remained ple- asant throughout the day.

Since May 14, Delhi has been reeling under extreme hot conditions. This season, the city recorded several instances of heatwaves, severe heatwaves and warm night conditions. On seven days, the maximum temperature reached above 45 degrees Celsius-mark, of which two were in June and five in May.

Experts said due to a current western disturbance, the city received a break from the long streak of heatwaves. The weather department expects the respite to continue for at least two more days. “The sky will be partly cloudy on Sunday and there is a possibility of rain and thunderstorms. On Monday also, the sky will be cloudy. However, there are chances of a rise in the mercury again from Tuesday after the passage of the western disturbance,” explained an official at India Meteorological Department.

The maximum and minimum temperatures on Sunday may hover around 40 and 30 degrees Celsius, respectively. These may be 41 and 30 degrees Celsius on Monday and 43 and 30 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.

The city’s air quality remained moderate. The air quality index (AQI), on a scale of 0 to 500 was 189 as against 175 a day earlier. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

One more dies of heat at Safdarjung, toll at 238

From June 18 to 21, a total of 43 patients died due to heat-related illnesses while undergoing treatment at 30 Delhi govt hospitals. Heat-related ailments affected 285 individuals, with 72 patients being discharged and 100 still receiving treatment

Anuja.Jaiswal@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: The unprecedented heat has so far claimed 238 lives in Delhi this year, including that of 146 people who were brought dead at various hospitals. However, this toll could be much higher, as many hospitals have stopped sharing data of heatstroke-related deaths due to reported directions from authorities.

On Friday, Safdarjung Hospital recorded one more fatality linked to heat-related illness, raising the toll at the hospital to 29. Currently, it is treating 28 patients and 15 of them are in critical condition.

From June 18 to June 21, a total of 43 patients succumbed to heat-related illnesses while undergoing treatment at 30 hospitals run by Delhi govt. Heat-related ailments affected at least 285 individuals, with 72 patients being discharged and 100 still receiving medical care.

The highest number of fatalities occurred at Lok Nayak Hospital, where 13 patients lost their lives, followed by Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital (DDUH), which reported 12 deaths. Additionally, Guru Teg Bahadur Ho- spital and Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital each recorded six deaths due to heat-related complications.

At Delhi govt hospitals, 128 patients were brought dead due to heat-related illnesses from June 18 to June 21. Sixty-two patients were brought dead during this period at DDUH. Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital also experienced a considerable influx of heat-related fatalities with 34 patients being brought dead. Aruna Asaf Ali Govt Hospital received 12 cases of patients who had succumbed to the extreme weather conditions.

Previously, DDUH had reported 18 deaths of “destitute/unidentified” persons between June 11 and June 17, attributing their deaths to “possible heatwave conditions”. With the latest figures, the total number of brought-dead patients at DDUH has risen to 80 for the period from June 11 to June 21. The total number of brought-de- ad patients in Delhi govt hospitals has gone up to 146.

Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital disclosed information regarding heat-related casualties and patient admissions until June 19. The data revealed that the hospital had recorded 18 deaths due to heat-related illnesses by that date. At that time, the hospital had 32 patients admitted and 26 of them required ventilator support.

After June 19, the hospital declined to provide any additional updates or details concerning heat-related illnesses and fatalities. The hospital administration stated that they had received directives prohibiting them from sharing any further specifics with the media.

As of June 20, Lady Hardinge Medical College had admitted a minimum of 25 individuals suffering from heat-related ailments. Two of these patients succumbed to their conditions.

Allotment process for 4,350 flats in Bawana begins

Atul.Mathur@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Following the objections of Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) that no agency can sell flats in housing projects without registering with it, Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) has begun the process of completing formalities for nearly 4,350 flats that are lying unallotted and unoccupied in northwest Delhi’s Bawana.

According to officials, these flats were built in 2010-11 for the housing needs of thousands of workers who would be employed in the industries in Bawana, Narela, and other industrial areas in the vicinity.

Sources said DSIIDC was asked to build 34,260 low-cost houses under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission in the first decade of the 21st century, of which 17,660 had been completed and 16,600 were incomplete. The agency had allotted a few hundred flats, and some of them had been taken over by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (Dusib) for allotment to slum dwellers.

Officials said the agency had tried to sell 4,348 flats, measuring between 27 and 32 square metres, in two different residential pockets in 2022 and had even advertised for them, but RERA objected to it.

Now, to meet RERA’s stipulation, DSIIDC has decided to engage consultants to prepare and submit the site plan and other drawings for necessary approvals and non-objection certificates from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Urban Art Commission, Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Jal Board, and DDA, apart from obtaining occupancy certificates for the completed low cost group housing industrial flats.

Following RERA’s objection in 2022, DSIIDC had argued that these flats were built around 2010 when the regulatory authority was not even conceived, but its arguments were rejected.

“Once we engage consultants, we hope to complete the work within six months. We will again try to sell these low-cost flats to the people working in industries and other businesses in the vicinity,” said an official.

With several cases of thefts of fittings and structural material reported earlier, DSIIDC has also initiated a process to hire security guards for all its housing projects spread across the city. Since a majority of these flats are lying unoccupied and many are in different stages of construction, the flats are in a dilapidated state.

Security personnel will not only have to protect sanitary, water supply, drainage, and electrical fittings and fixtures against theft and breakage, but they will also have to ensure these complexes are not illegally occupied. In case of theft or damage, the security agency will have to provide replacement of the fittings, said an official.

Advanced surgical simulator for Army hosp

New Delhi: Surgical simulation devices are helping train doctors to treat cataract blindness and have been recently procured by the eye department at the Army Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi, said an official on Saturday. Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Misra said, "A Thalamic surgical simulator is the most advanced simulator available in the world. We have procured this simulator. We are very particular about training because it is inhuman to practice it on live human eyes." Elucidating on the significance of the device, the official said, “Since we cannot afford to make any surgical mistakes on any human eyes, we have a very strict training schedule, so apart from the theory, we take care of the surgical part.”

ANI

Rigging in NEET not at local level: AAP

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday alleged that the BJP’s claim of local level rigging in the NEET under-graduate exam was completely wrong and papers were leaked in many parts of the country.

AAP’s national general secretary (organisation) Sandeep Pathak also alleged that the announcement of the NEET UG result was made on June 4, when the counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections was taking place, to hide the failure of the system.

“NTA had scheduled the release of the NE- ET result on June 14, but the BJP govt released it in a hurry on June 4,” Pathak said, adding that there were huge irregularities in the marking system and grace marks were given without any basis.

“This is institutional fraud and rigging…. the education minister has taken moral responsibility for the irregularities in the examination. The prime minister should apologise and take resignation from him,” he said.

Pathak also demanded the constitution of a Supreme Court-monitored special investigating team whenever the cases of paper leak were reported.

Early Date For Gole Mkt Revamp

LG Wants Work To Be Over By July 2025, 3 Months Before Initial Deadline

Atul.Mathur@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Lieutenant governor VK Saxena has asked New Delhi Municipal Council to complete the restoration of the iconic Gole Market as a museum by July next year.

Started in Oct last year, the initial deadline set for the completion of the restoration work was Oct 2025. The LG, however, has asked the officials to advance the completion date by three months so that the ‘Veerangana’ museum, which has been proposed there, may be opened for the people of Delhi on Aug 15, the Independence Day next year.

The conservation and restoration work of the heritage market include developing the main building as a museum and construction of a service block and a subway for approaching the main structure.

“The restoration work is going on in full swing. The LG, who is personally monitoring the restoration of the otherwise neglected and decrepit historical structure, reviewed the progress being made recently and issued directions that the same should be completed by July 2025, so as to ensure its dedication to the people of Delhi on the occasion of Independence Day in 2025,” the LG office said.

The theme of the proposed museum is ‘Veerangana’, showcasing the life and achievements of iconic women from different fields and backgrounds, including literature, cultural, sports, education, politics, health, performing and visual arts, in shaping the capital city.

The building will have a glass dome roof structure over the central courtyard. While there will be four halls, a souvenir shop and a cafeteria at the ground level, the first floor will also have four halls for the museum, a multipurpose multi-media room and an office. While the service block will provide basic services such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning to the museum, the entrance to the museum will be through a subway. The renovated structure will have central air conditioning, insulated roof, ornamental fitting and fixtures and a subway and lifts.

According to officials, the strengthening of the existing foundation and walls is currently under progress. “All the works on the old structure are being carried out cautiously to prevent any damage or mishap. That’s why the speed of work is currently slow,” said an official.

“After the strengthening of the structure is completed, the work will be expedited to complete the project well before the stipulated date of completion,” the official added.

Built within a traffic roundabout by Edwin Lutyens in 1921, it is one of New Delhi’s oldest surviving colonial markets and is considered an architecturally significant structure. The restoration of this historic and iconic structure has been pending since 2006.

Occupying a nodal position at the intersection of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg, Bhai Veer Singh Marg, Peshwa Road and Ramakrishna Mission Marg, within a kilometre from Connaught Place, this urban landmark was initially designed to serve the basic needs—milk, vegetables, foodgrains and other general items—of neighbouring residential population.

On Day 2, Atishi Vows To Stay On Water Fast

Says Not Giving Up Till Haryana Sends Share

Atishi with party MP Sanjay Singh at the fast site on Saturday

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:On the second day of her indefinite hunger strike on Saturday, water minister Atishi said that she would continue her protest until Haryana govt released the due share of Yamuna water to Delhi.

“In this scorching heat, when Delhiites need more water, there is a big shortage. Delhi does not have water of its own, only that which reaches here from the neighbouring states. Of the total of 1,005MGD of water that comes to Delhi, 613MGD flow in from Haryana. But for the last several weeks, Haryana has been continuously providing only 513MGD of water,” claimed Atishi.

The minister also alleged that some people sent by BJP tried to disrupt her Paani Satyagraha, the hunger strike which began on Friday. A group of people raised slogans against chief minister Arvind Kejriwal at the protest site when senior Aam Aadmi Party functionaries were present on the stage. Atishi said that these people were sent by BJP to disrupt and disturb her peaceful protest. However, she said, she would not budge from the site.

“Today, some people came to my hunger strike site to create trouble and attack me. But I want to tell BJP that I am following the path of satyagraha taught by Gandhiji, the path of hunger strike taught by him,” Atishi said. “I am not going to be afraid of such things. I am not going to stop this satyagraha because of this sort of at- tacks. Until the 28 lakh Delhiites don’t get their rightful share of water, this hunger strike will continue, this satyagraha will continue.”

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva contented with Atishi’s use of the term ‘satyagraha’ for her protest, arguing that the word was used for a sacred movement initiated by freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi and Lala Lajpat Rai to raise public awareness. These leaders would sit on a stage day and night and connect with the people. “Even Arvind Kejriwal himself, when he conducted a satyagraha in Sundar Nagari in 2011, sat among the people. But minister Atishi is conducting a five-star satyagraha, sitting on stage for four hours and spending 18 hours in an airconditioned room behind the stage,” said Sachdeva.

On the first day of the strike on Friday, the minister sat at the stage for around an hour and addressed the crowd gathered, after which she shifted to a private hall nearby. According to AAP functionaries, this will be her routine. However, she will stay at the protest site and will not eat anything.

On Saturday, a team of doctors checked her health. Doctors recorded a drop in Atishi’s blood pressure and sugar levels. According to an AAP statement, her weight has already decreased. The way her sugar level has dropped by 16 units on the second day, doctors have called it dangerous, it added.

Water cannon takes on water protesters

A video shared on X shows police using a water cannon against protesters at a DJB office. Each water cannon uses 6,000 litre water

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: It could not have been more ironic. To disperse a crowd protesting against the water crisis outside a Delhi Jal Board office in Okhla on Saturday, police had to employ a water cannon.

Each water cannon is estimated to use up around 6,000 litres of water. With an average per capita consumption of 150 litres of water per day, the water used in lawkeeping could possibly have provided 40 Delhiites with their daily quota of water.

The protesters were demonstrating against the state government for water shortages in the capital. The protest was led by BJP's former South Delhi MP, Ramesh Singh Bidhuri. A police sour- ce said they used the water cannon to scatter the protestors. "The water cannon was used briefly," the officer claimed. The water in the tank is not for drinking purposes.

“DJB does not provide water to Delhi Police for water cannons. They get water through private contractors, who usually provide groundwater. The water used in water cannons is not potable water,” said a DJB officer.

The police source further explained that water was filled from hydrants and kept it in reserve in case of emergencies. Bidhuri told protestors that DJB was a profitable body with Rs 600 crore in excess of expenditure a decade ago, but was today facing losses of Rs 60,000 crores. "CAG repeatedly asked for the DJB audit to be completed, but Delhi govt did not allow that to happen. This means a scam has taken place," Bidhuri alleged.

The state govt accuses Ha- ryana of not giving 100 million gallons per day of Delhi's share of river water. “Delhi should get 1,005MGD of water, but got only 888MGD on 20 June,” a govt official said. “There was a shortfall of 117MGD on June 21, and 110MGD on June 22.” The official said that Delhi was only getting 513MGD of the allotted 613MGD from Haryana in recent weeks.

On Saturday, DJB reported a water production of 896MGD from all the nine water treatment plants and tubewells. The biggest facility in Wazirabad continues to face problems of low raw water supply. The plants T Chandrawal, Dwarka, and Bawana are also producing less water than their capacity. Against the overall capacity of 821MGD, the treatment plants produced only 761MGD of water. The remaining 135MGD came from tubewells managed by the DJB across the city.

LG asks AAP govt to sort out issue in ‘amicable’ manner

LG VK Saxena

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: With Delhi facing a shortage of water due to a prolonged heatwave, LG VK Saxena on Saturday accused AAP govt of playing a “political game” over the issue instead of resolving it in an “amicable and cooperative manner”.

Saxena said the “shrill discourse” of Delhi ministers over the last few weeks was “distressing and questionable,” and politicians had turned a crisis into an “opportunity” for blaming neighbouring states to gain “political mileage”. “This polemical exercise has only ended up compounding the problems of the residents of Delhi and antagonising the neighbouring states, who are themselves grappling with water scarcity,” he added.

Saxena made the statement a day after Delhi water minister Atishi sat on an indefinite hunger strike, claiming Haryana was releasing 100 MGD less water into the Yamuna for Delhi for the last two weeks, affecting 28 lakh people in the city. While Delhi is dependent on drinking water supply from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, LG said the two states were obliged to release water as per agreements, and it was the responsibility of the city govt to use it efficiently.

Saxena said that “even after remaining in power for 10 years, AAP govt did not en- hance its water treatment capacity; the supply and distribution network of pipelines were old, and illegal tankers operated by mafia under political patronage were bleeding the city”.

“This happened even as Haryana kept supplying the share of water assigned to it. These facts have been indisputably reiterated in the recent minutes of the meeting of Upper Yamuna River Board, where representatives of AAP govt were present. The same were also brought to the notice of the SC, prompting it to dismiss the petition filed by Delhi govt against Haryana,” LG said.

He also said up to 25% of water coming to Delhi through Munak Canal was lost due to its disrepair, and the pondage area of the Wazirabad barrage had not been desilted since 2013, reducing its capacity by 94%, leading to a wastage of nearly 9,12,500 million gallons of water.

“Unfortunately, neither has the city govt demonstrated seriousness in ensuring improvement in water networks and augmentation of capacity, nor has it chosen a path of dialogue,” Saxena said, adding that the approach of “habitual antagonism” towards the Centre and other state govts was counterproductive.

Referring to the ongoing tussle between the elected dispensation and the bureaucracy, LG slammed AAP govt for its “hostility” towards its own officers. Saxena further said it had filed over 20 cases in the Supreme Court and High Court against him, the Centre, other state govts, and even departments headed by its own ministers. “This vexatious litigation is a waste of precious time and resources of the court and the entire machinery of govt,” he stated.

Saxena accused AAP govt of having an “obsession for soundbites” and said “accusations and abuse” were hurled at individuals, other govts, and institutions as a matter of routine. “In times of adversity, goodwill matters—be it in interpersonal or institutional relations. This is the reason that Delhi finds itself isolated and snubbed, even in times of dire need,” said Saxena.

“In the past, CMs have picked up the phone and spoken to their counterparts and requested help, which has promptly been provided even at their own cost,” he added.

AAP wonders why Saxena isn’t holding Haryana responsible

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Responding to the lieutenant governor’s statement on the ongoing water crisis, Delhi urban development minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said by blaming the elected dispensation and ignoring short supply by Haryana, VK Saxena was functioning like the LG of BJP.

Bharadwaj said while he agreed that governance should be conducted in a harmonious environment and with a spirit of conciliation and accommodation, he said it was incomprehensible why LG was not holding BJP-governed Haryana to the same yardstick despite being aware that the neighbouring state was blocking over 100 million gallons per day of Delhi’s rightful share of water for the past many days.

Citing that data for the month of June 2024 issued by Delhi Jal Board, Bharadwaj said Delhi was producing its full share of 1,005 MGD water till June 6 and there was no water crisis but the supply started falling after that. He added that the water production was recorded at 958 MGD on June 10, 901 MGD on June 15 and reached an all-time low of 888 MGD on June 20.

While there was no shortfall in supply of water from Uttar Pradesh, the Delhi UD minister claimed the reduction of 100 MGD of water was caused by Haryana, affecting 28 lakh people of Delhi.

“Never in Delhi’s history has the supply been blocked in this manner by Haryana. To do so in the middle of the most intense heatwave in over 100 years is criminal. Yet LG does not even acknowledge these hard facts and data in his response,” Bharadwaj said.

Bharadwaj also alleged that LG “conveniently” ignored the “tremendous” efforts of Kejriwal govt to modernise Delhi’s distribution system and prevent water losses in the last 9 years.

On the issue of leakages and private water tanker mafia, Bharadwaj said these issues existed before June 6 when there was no water crisis in Delhi. “For the last two weeks, police have constantly been patrolling the water pipelines of DJB. Why doesn’t LG make it public how many private tanker mafia operators have been caught or how many FIRs have been filed?” Bharadwaj asked.

Meanwhile, AAP general secretary Pankaj Gupta has sought time from LG to discuss the ongoing water crisis along with senior party functionaries, MPs and MLAs. The LG office, however, claimed that the purported letter was never delivered. But it said LG would still be ready to meet 10 representatives at 12.15pm on Sunday.

In first hike in 6 months, IGL raises CNG price by `1/kg

In New Delhi, CNG will now cost Rs. 75.09 per kg, up from the previous rate of Rs 74.09. There was no change in piped cooking gas prices

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: IGL on Saturday raised CNG (compressed natural gas) price by Re 1 per kg in Delhi and neighbouring cities as well as in other markets, marking the first hike in six months that could prompt a clamour for fare hikes by auto, goods carriers, taxi and bus operators.

The price of PNG (piped natural gas) supplied to households remained unchanged.

After the latest increase, CNG will cost Rs 75.09 per kg in Delhi, up from Rs 74.09. In Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad, the new price will be Rs 79.70 per kg from Rs 78.70 per kg.

IGL had last raised CNG price by Re 1 per kg on December 14 last year in all its markets. In March, however, the price was reduced by Rs 2.50 per kg to Rs 24.09.

Company executives said IGL’s input costs have risen due to rising dependence on imported and auctioned domestic gas from the market, which are costlier, to me- et rising demand amid inadequate supply of cheaper gas under govt price control from ONGC’s fields.

More than a third of CNG supplied by IGL is currently being met with costlier gas sourced from the market. This does not impact PNG prices since it gets first priority over govt-controlled cheaper gas from ONGC’s fields.

Other city gas retailers have so far not announced any change in prices.

In Ajmer, Pali, and Rajsamand in Rajasthan, CNG prices have been increased to Rs 82.94 per kg from Rs 81.94 per kg by IGL.

CNG prices have also increased in Rewari, Haryana, as well as Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, and Shamli in Uttar Pradesh --towns serviced by IGL.

Blast At Fire Extinguisher Factory In Gurgaon Kills 4

Owner Stored Flammable Material Despite Warnings: Cops

The blast also damaged neighbouring buildings, most of which house factories and workshops. The owner of the factory has been arrested

Ankita.Anand@timesgroup.com

Gurgaon: A factory manufacturing fire extinguisher balls off Dwarka Expressway burst into flames after an explosion early on Saturday, charring four persons to death and leaving a dozen injured.

The owner of GFO Research and Development Pvt Ltd, Sandeep, was arrested following allegations that he had stored flammable material inside the factory in Daultabad industrial area despite being warned against it multiple times.

The blast, which is believed to have occurred around 2am, also damaged neighbouring buildings, most of which house factories and workshops.

The four who died are Kaushik (28), a worker of the fireball factory from Lakshman Vihar in Gurgaon, Arun (26) of Raebareli, who worked in the neighbouring Technocrat Pvt Ltd; Delhi resident Ram Avadh (59), a guard at one of the factories in the area; and Prashant, who was from Etawah in UP.

At least 12 persons were injured, two of whom are said to be critical. The others were discharged after first aid.

Fire officer Ramesh Saini told TOI the Bhim Nagar fire station received a distress call at 2.35am. A total of 12 fire tenders were rushed to the spot along with cops, ambulances and teams of NDRF and SDRF.

“The fire tenders had to make multiple rounds to refill their tanks and douse the flames. It took us almost eight hours to bring the blaze under control,” Saini added.

Sources in the fire department said a short circuit might have caused the blast. But a report was awaited till late on Saturday evening.

Of the two workers battling grievous injuries, one is a brother of Kaushik. Rishikesh is undergoing treatment at Safdarjung hospital in Delhi while Kuldeep is admitted to a private facility.

One of the injured workers filed a complaint at Rajendra Park police station against the factory owner. A case was registered against him under sections 286 (act rashly with explosive substance to endanger human life), 336 (act rashly to endanger human life), 338 (cause grievous hurt by acting rashly to endanger human life), 427 (mischief and damage to property), and 304A (death by negligence) of the IPC and provisions of the Ex- plosive Substance Act.

“A series of explosions led to a fire, which spread to nearby buildings in no time. The factory owner insisted on storing fireballs and other explosive materials in the compound, despite being warned against keeping such items in the past,” the complainant said.

Sandeep, who owns GFO, was arrested from his house in Park View Apartment in Rajendra Park.

The district administration also constituted a highlevel committee to find out what led to the explosion. Hitesh Meena, the additional deputy commissioner, will lead the team. “Police will conduct a separate investigation into the incident,” a police spokesperson told TOI.

Kaushik’s father Upendra Singh, said “I have lost one of my sons while another is battling for his life. I woke up to the news of the factory blast around 5.30am. I made calls to several workers of the factory and got to know that my son was no more. I rushed to the spot, but could not recognise Kaushik’s face. It was completely burnt. My other son, Rishikesh, is in Safdarjung hospital. He, too, has suffered 80% burns.”

In dead of night, a ‘deafening series of blasts’, locals become first rescuers

Ankita.Anand@timesgroup.com

Gurgaon: Daultabad industrial area was jolted out of sleep by what locals described as a series of explosions that occurred at a factory around 2am. Buildings within a 500-metre radius of the factory had cracks on their walls and their window panes shattered. The tin shade of the factory where a blast started a fire that was allegedly further fuelled by combustible material stored in the premises was blown off.

Locals said the explosions from inside the factory that makes fireballs — spherical devices filled with an anticombustion agent that are used to extinguish fires — were deafening.

Even before fire tenders reached the spot, the injured were rushed to different hospitals by workers from other factories and neighbours. “Whoever had a vehicle was carrying the injured to the nearest private facility or Civil Hospital,” an eyewitness told TOI.

While two workers died on the spot as the factory building caved in, two were stuck in debris and were rescued later. Se- curity guards of adjacent factories also sustained burns and scratches. Most of these, however, were minor and many of the injured were discharged soon after treatment, according to doctors at Civil Hospital.

A worker who was injured in the incident said the blasts continued even during rescue operations. “All of us were scared with every explosion. The blasts occurred due to the explosives kept inside. We had told the management not to do so many times, but they ignored us. But since nothing was on record, no claims can be made. It is complete negligence by the company,” he said.

“Most people who work in the factory live in the vicinity. They told us that the factory stored explosive materials,” said an onlooker as fire officials, cops and SDRF personnel rescued people stuck in the debris on Saturday morning.

At least 12 fire tenders were sent to the spot. “Our vehicles were running non-stop. Some had to refill their water tanks thrice. While a few would be dousing the flames, the others would be on the way to refill. The flames were doused by 11.30am,” Bhim Nagar fire station officer Ramesh Saini said.

150 firefighters bring blaze in outer Delhi under control

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Over 150 firefighters battled a blaze at a factory in outer Delhi’s Nilothi for nearly six hours. The fire department revealed that the factory did not have a fire NOC and the presence of highly combustible materials further complicated firefighting efforts. No injuries were reported.

After receiving a call around 9.05 pm on Friday, over 30 fire tenders were sent to the spot. "There is a godown where ACs and plywood were stored. Some sofas were also present along with plastic items. There is a possibility that multiple items were being produced," said a fire officer.

"The combustible materials inside acted as catalyst in spreading the blaze," the fire officer said, adding that due to the narrow street, the firefighters faced lots of problems reaching the spot.

"There was only one entry and exit route, which was also filled with smoke," the officer said, adding that the single smoke-filled escape route hampered rescue operations.

The personnel formed multiple teams to douse the blaze, and it was controlled around 3 am. "The cooling process was going on until Saturday evening," the officer said, adding that there were no fire safety arrangements at the factory.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Multiple videos have surfaced showing thick smoke billowing from the factory.

The data accessed by TOI shows that, till May 26, there have been 194 fire incidents at factories in the city. In the last two years, there have been 800 incidents of fire in factories in Delhi.

Fire officials highlighted several safety concerns. They noted that most factories operate in an unorganized manner, often with narrow staircases cluttered with goods, hindering rescue efforts.

On June 15, a major fire broke out at an LED manufacturing factory in outer Delhi’s Mundka.

Earlier in June, three people died and six were injured in a fire in a factory in Narela Industrial Area.

Nobody injured in godown fire

Advitya.Bahl@timesgroup.com

Noida: A fire broke out at a quick-commerce company’s go-down in Greater Noida on Friday, resulting in the collapse of the go-down's wooden roof. After a hustle of four hours, firefighters doused the fire, which was prima facie triggered by a short circuit.

“Around 9pm on Friday, the fire control room received information from a worker at the go-down located in Haibatpur near Gaur City Mall,” said Ajay Kumar, fire officer, Ecotech 3.

Five fire tenders from stations close-by were dispatched.

“The fire was controlled after four to five hours of con- tinuous efforts. The roof of the go-down was made of wood. As the fire erupted, the roof collapsed, and we faced much difficulty in controlling the fire due to debris,” said fire officer Kumar.

It was alleged that the fire spread rapidly because there were grocery items stored in the godown, including cooking oil and other flammable materials.

Despite the intensity of the fire, there were no casualties in the incident. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

‘CM’s weight has decreased by 8kg since March 21’

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday claimed chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s health in Tihar Jail was “deteriorating” and his weight had decreased by eight kg since his arrest on March 21. AAP said Kejriwal weighed 70 kg at the time of his arrest, and on Saturday it was 62 kg.

“Despite urgent recommendations by the doctors of Max Hospital for comprehensive tests, only some blood tests have been conducted by the medical board in custody, leaving critical heart and cancer screenings pending,” AAP said in a statement.

“The continuous weight loss, deemed very serious by the doctors, highlights the necessity for immediate and thorough medical evaluations to address and understand the root cause of Arvind Kejriwal’s health decline,” it added.

When Kejriwal went back to judicial custody on June 2 after his interim bail ended, his weight was 63.5 kg.

AAP also claimed that the AIIMS medical board has asked to include ‘paranthas’ and ‘puri’ in Kejriwal’s diet.

Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor said since Kejriwal’s arrest in the excise policy case, AAP functionaries were trying to publicise his health status to influence the judiciary to get a favourable verdict. “A medical board of AIIMS is examining the health condition of the CM. The board is doing its work and other authorities are also doing their work. Whenever the bail hearing of Arvind Kejriwal comes up for hearing, AAP plays up his health status to get media attention,” Kapoor said.

BJP urges LG to restore services of skill trainers

BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva said LG assured a report in the matter would be sought immediately

New Delhi: Delhi BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva and members of Parliament from the city met lieutenant governor V K Saxena on Saturday, requesting him to restore the services of part-time vocational trainers and coordinators, a statement said.

According to the statement, Delhi govt has terminated the services of around 594 vocational trainers and coordinators working in its education department, causing them acute hardships.

"A delegation of BJP MPs led by Sachdeva along with representatives of Vocational Teachers Welfare Association on Saturday met the LG and sought his intervention in the matter," the statement said.

Sachdeva has alleged that Congress and Aam Aadmi Party govts never made any effort to regularise the posts of vocational trainers and coordinators and now suddenly their services have been terminated.

Most such trainers and coordinators have been working for 20 to 28 years and now with retirement around, the sudden termination has pushed them in economic crisis as they stand to lose even their hard-earned gratuity, he said.

Sachdeva said LG sympathetically heard the combined delegation of vocational trainers and BJP leaders, and assured a report in the matter will be sought immediately. He has assured the vocational trainers and coordinators that the BJP will ensure that none of them loses their job or gratuity.

PTI

Maliwal case: Bibhav’s judicial custody extended till July 6

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Saturday extended the judicial custody of Bibhav Kumar, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s aide, for the next 14 days.

The court of Metropolitan Magistrate Gaurav Goyal extended Kumar’s judicial custody till July 6.

Kumar was produced through videoconferencing after the expiry of his judicial custody in Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal's alleged assault case.

Earlier, the court passed an order while hearing an application moved by Kumar seeking direction to produce him through videoconferencing due to safety and security reasons.

On June 7, a Delhi court dismissed the second bail plea moved by Kumar in the case stating there are grave and serious allegations against him.

The court of special judge Ekta Gauba Mann, considering that Maliwal is a lady and sitting Member of Parliament from Aam Aadmi Party and had gone to meet chief minister of her own political party at his official residence, said that the injuries suffered by Maliwal were apparent as per the MLC and the allegations levelled against Kumar were grave and serious in nature.

Kumar's first regular bail plea was rejected by the trial court on May 27.

Money worries keeping you single? More to you than your bank balance

To help readers cope with their anxieties in these stressful times, TOI has launched Talk it Out, a series in which expert counsellors answer your mental health queries. This week’s advice is from counselling psychologist Janice James

■ I am 29 and come from a lower middle -class family with scarce financial resources. While I have a good educational background, I have been struggling with my career for a few years. What I am passionate about professionally is low paying. This has impacted my love life too. When girls approach me, I show avoidant behaviour, as I keep thinking any girl who’s with me will have to struggle too and will be better off with someone who can provide her with a happier and wealthier life. Therefore, I’ve always remained single since college. I’m also adamant on not marrying ever as I fear not being able to provide for the girl and kids in future. I yell at my parents whenever they suggest that I marry, not because I don’t need love but due to my fears, which I have never revealed to anyone till date. In the end, I fear a lonely, single life. Please help.

— Anonymous

Settling down and building a life with someone can indeed seem daunting and all your worries are valid. They are coming from a place of wanting to provide a good and sustainable future for your partner. While having a high paying career can be beneficial, it’s not the only measure of a successful relationship. Ask yourself what you value most in life. The foundation of any healthy relationship is love, trust and mutual respect. Try to explore different ways in which you can have a loving relationship with your partner as well as provide for your future family. As men, there is a lot of societal pressure of needing to provide for your family. However, in a healthy relationship, both partners can come together to provide for each other so that it becomes a shared responsibility. Understand what your fundamental values are in a relationship and have an open conversation with your partner about it. While there are some people out there who prioritise financial stability, there are also people who value other things like companionship, shared goals and emotional support even more. Reflect on your strengths and capabilities beyond just finances. Remember that the right person will appreciate you for who you are and not just your financial status.

■ I turned 29 recently and am working as a teacher in a private school. I have had nothing to do this summer break, which has caused anxiety issues, panic attacks, palpitations and suicidal thoughts during the night. I’ve no one to talk to. I live with my parents but our relationship is not quite healthy. I have no motivation to get out of bed or even talk to someone. Sometimes, I feel worthless, and have no purpose of living. I’m feeling helpless. What should I do? Please help.

— Anonymous

Navigating anxiety, panic attacks and even suicidal thoughts can be really exhausting. Having severe anxiety can cause depressive episodes and hopelessness. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please reach out to a crisis helpline or a mental health professional to find better ways to navigate these thoughts and feelings. Your safety is of the utmost importance. I understand that not having your family as a support system is disheartening and adds to the already existing anxiety. Consider exploring other support systems in your life, like friends or colleagues. If those support systems don’t exist at the moment, work on building that support by reaching out and asking for help. Feeling worthless is a common experience in such situations. Think about what are some of the things that give your life purpose. This can be anything you enjoy, no matter how small. Even if these activities give you momentary pleasure, hold on to them. Ask yourself what are some things that you are looking for- ward to in the day, week or month. This can help you build hope for the future and get through such a difficult time. Remember that you’re not alone and you will find a way to get through this.

■ I am in class 10 and have no friends. Till a few weeks back, I opened WhatsApp frequently to reply to messages from ‘friends’. However, lately, I seldom open it because I know there will be no one messaging me except for academic help, and even that is rare. I used to have a close friend but that person slowly turned overly possessive and toxic, which is why I had to part ways. I don’t share much with my family as they are not interested. Now, I have so many things to say but no one to say it to. I find it easy to socialise but hard to make a close friend who isn’t toxic. What should I do?

— Anonymous

It must be really tough for you to feel like you have no one to talk to. It’s natural to want to feel a sense of belonging. Humans are social beings and due to this need for connection, we may sometimes blur a lot of our boundaries to accommodate another person which can be counterproductive. It must have been really difficult to part ways with your close friend, but it was a necessary step for your well-being. It’s important for us to understand our needs. Past unpleasant experiences may make it difficult for you to be vulnerable with another person due to the fear of getting hurt again. It’s okay to be cautious and take your time to open up with them. Take it one step at a time and start by sharing small things, gradually building trust. You can also identify clubs or activities that interest you to meet like-minded people.

If you need counselling, please contact the following helplines

➤ Aasra +91-9820466726 (24x7)

➤ Cooj +91 9822562522 (Mon-Fri, 1-7pm) h iCall +91 9152987821 (Mon-Sat, 10am-8pm)

➤ Fortis +91 8376804102 (24x7)

➤ Kiran 1800-599-0019 (24x7)

➤ Sumaitri +91 9315767849 (2-6.30pm)

➤ Saath +91 7926305544 (1-7pm) h Sneha +91 44 24640050 (10am-7pm)

➤ Vandrevala Foundation 18602662345, +91 7304599836 (24x7)

➤ Sanjivini Society 01140769002, 01141092787 (Mon-Fri, 10-5.30pm)

Man from Assam kills self; wife gets to know, ends life

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: A man and his wife allegedly died by suicide in northeast Delhi on Saturday. The couple were natives of Assam. Police said their bodies were found hanging at different locations, and a suicide note has been discovered. Both bodies have been preserved in GTB Hospital’s mortuary for a postmortem examination.

The body of the 25-year-old woman was found hanging from a pipeline at 8.51 am on Saturday in Yamuna Khadar. Police said she had made a phone call to one of her friends early on Saturday, indicating her intention to commit suicide. The friend alerted police, but the woman had already killed herself by the time she was located. She worked as a housekeeping staff at a mall in Chandni Chowk.

During their investigation, police discovered that her 27-year-old husband's body was also found hanging from a ceiling fan in his rented accommodation in New Usmanpur. “The body was found by the landlord. The couple had been staying in the rented house for the past two months,” an officer said. He worked as a security guard at the same mall where his wife was employed.

A senior officer said they found a suicide note written in Assamese left by the husband, expressing deep regret for bringing his wife to Delhi from Assam. “The note said he loved his wife v ery much and the decision to bring her to Delhi from Assam had been wrong. He was sorry fo r everything,” the officer said.

The officer added that the woman was not in the house when her husband died by suicide. “When she returned and found him hanging, she also took her own life," the officer added.

Police said that further investigation in the case is on.

Bangladeshi arranges fake travel docus, held

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: A 32-year-old Bangladeshi national, Rezaul Khan (32), has been arrested in Noida for allegedly arranging fake travel documents for other Bangladeshi nationals.

Police investigation revealed that the accused entered India illegally 10-12 years ago and was living in Noida, where he was involved in preparing fake Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and other documents.

On June 18, three passengers arrived at IGI Airport to take a flight to Bangkok. During immigration clearance, the passengers presented Indian passports, arousing the suspicion of officers. Upon further scrutiny and questioning, all three were found to be Bangladeshi nationals. DCP (IGIA) Usha Rangnani said the passengers were identified as Mohammad Mehdi Hasan (25) and Mohammad Mohedul Mir (33). They were accompanied by a 16-year-old boy.

“Hasan’s brother, Rezaul Khan, came to India illegally 10-12 years ago and started living in Noida after creating fake Indian documents in his name. With the help of other agents, Khan began working as an agent who created fake Indian documents (Aadhaar card and PAN card) for Bangladeshi nationals and arranged Indian passports based on these fake documents to send them abroad," she said. Hasan further disclosed that in 2019, he had made an illegal entry into India through the Benapole border and arranged a fake Aadhaar card from Noida and an Indian passport from Ghaziabad through Khan. In 2020, Khan arranged Hasan's journey to Kuwait.

Two brothers held for duping woman

New Delhi: Two brothers were arrested from Ghaziabad for allegedly duping a woman on the pretext of providing her a job in the Education Ministry, officials said.

Saurabh Singh, 24 and Sagar Singh, 27, allegedly cheated the woman of Rs. 3 lakh in the name of processing and interview fee, they said.

Deputy commissioner of police (North) MK Meena said that a woman pursuing her studies filed a complaint stating that she was in search of a govt job when she found a message, “12 seats in the Education Ministry for graduation, interested candidates inbox me” on one Facebook group .

When she spoke on the page, the alleged person informed her about the payment for the processing and interview fees, Meena said. Further probe is underway, police said.

PTI

Times Special

- 10 PIN CODES FOR NEW INDIA’S MOGULS AND NOBLES

- Milord, lawyers are going back to cram school

- Solve this puzzle: 50 yrs later, Rubik’s Cube still has youngsters hooked

- Good old softy is back in a gourmet avatar

- Attention pliss! Let’s dance to the tunes of a different Melodi

10 PIN CODES FOR NEW INDIA’S MOGULS AND NOBLES

Chandni Chowk, also known as Delhi 6 (pin code 110006), was the most soughtafter address in Mughal times. Where do India’s rich and famous covet a home today? Here’s a list of the top 10 real estate locations in India, by price

It’s called India’s ‘Billionaires Row’ for a reason. Like the famous Manhattan neighbourhood near Central Park, Mumbai pin code 400026 draws moguls and barons from around the world, for several reasons. Once the favoured enclave of British officials and affluent merchants, it is steeped in history. Its strategic location near south Mumbai landmarks combines convenience with prestige. It also has everything from upscale boutiques and gourmet eateries to exclusive clubs. Cultural landmarks like National Museum of Indian Cinema are nearby. Amid this opulence stands Antilia, home to India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, further solidifying 400026’s cachet as a hub of luxury and extravagance. It’s not surprising that property prices here are the highest in India.

Nauzer.Bharucha@timesgroup.com

You can live comfortably on Rs 2 lakh a month almost anywhere in India. But on Mumbai’s Altamount Road it won’t buy you standing room. A square foot of floor area in a flat — less than your shoulder width — currently costs Rs 1,95,503 there, making it India’s costliest real estate. If you can buy a house on Altamount Road you are a likely fit for the Forbes list, like billionaire Mukesh Ambani whose towering ‘Antilia’ mansion is the Road’s most famous signpost.

Other major Indian cities also have neighbourhoods where a home signifies you have arrived. These select postal codes are shorthand for affluence and influence, luxury and privilege. TOI in association with Liases Foras, a real estate research and data analytics company, analysed 5,000 elite postal codes in 60 key urban centres nationwide to pinpoint the top 10. We based our findings on prices of new houses and resale properties to determine the maximum price per pin code. Unsurprisingly, all 10 are situated in India’s economic and political capitals, respectively, Mumbai and Delhi. We’ll also look at the top 10 most-sought-after locations in other metros in the coming weeks.

Photos: Anindya Chattopdhyay, Imtiyaz Shaikh, Sanjay Hadkar

Set in Mumbai’s heart, Worli in pin code 400018 was a centre of trade and commerce in colonial times, and is now home to landmarks like Museum of Living History, Mahalakshmi Race Course, Britannia Garden, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium and Nehru Planetarium that provide space for leisure and entertainment. It’s also close to the new Coastal Road, which provides easy access to other parts of the city. Property prices have touched Rs 1,72,210 per square foot here, second highest in India.

With peak property prices touching Rs 1,68,352 per square foot, Prabhadevi stands out as one of India’s most expensive locales. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, it has some prime waterfront real estate. Additionally, its famous Shree Siddhivinayak Temple adds cultural and spiritual value. Prabhadevi’s strategic location amid bustling commercial hubs and affluent neighbourhoods also cements its status as a prestigious address. And as more businesses and residences are built here, property values keep rising.

Located near south Mumbai, Worli Seaface is a residential and commercial hub known for skyrocketing property prices. While a 17th-century fort bears testimony to its strategic importance in colonial days, Worli Sea Link, which takes off here and connects the suburb of Bandra, symbolises the area’s current importance. The sea link is a marvel of engineering that saves travel time. Residents and visitors are also drawn to Worli Seaface Garden, a picturesque waterfront park.

Pin code 400006 in south Mumbai encompasses the wealthy Malabar Hill region, known for opulent residences and breathtaking views of Arabian Sea. Banganga along Walkeshwar Road is a historical landmark and proof of the area’s rich cultural heritage. You also find Hanging Gardens atop Malabar Hill, offering panoramic vistas, and Kamala Nehru Park adjacent to it. Altogether, Nepean Sea Road is India’s fifth priciest address now with rates touching Rs 1,48,882 per square foot.

Pali Hill is part of Mumbai’s Bandra suburb — pin code 400050 — that was a fishing village once. Now, it is one of India’s wealthiest neighbourhoods with property prices touching Rs 1,46,198 per square foot. Among its attractions are the scenic Bandra Bandstand and Carter Road promenades, Bandra Fort and Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, a prominent Catholic church. Worli Sea Link provides not only quick access to south Mumbai but also breathtaking vistas of Mumbai’s skyline. Western Expressway also makes travelling to and from other parts of the city easy.

This upscale neighbourhood is the vibrant heart of suburban Mumbai that used to be known for serene beaches and verdant landscapes. Many Bollywood titans, including Kishore Kumar, Yash Chopra and Amitabh Bachchan, made it their home, something that attracts fans and tourists by the thousands. There’s also Juhu Airport — a hub for private aviation — that’s used by affluent residents. As Juhu is also fairly close to the Mumbai airport, jet-setters want a slice of it.

Buying property in Delhi’s upscale Jor Bagh will cost you Rs 1,33,333 per square foot. The charm of Delhi’s poshest neighbourhood lies equally in its surrounding attractions, such as Golf Links, Khan Market and Lodi Garden. Neither is it too far from the seat of power in India’s capital that houses important govt buildings like Parliament and the various Union ministries. That’s why influential people who value convenience and status make it their home.

This is where the embassies are in Delhi, and property prices can touch Rs 1,27,407 per square foot, making it the ninth priciest neighbourhood in India. For nature enthusiasts it has Nehru Park, and the South of Central Ridge Forest is not far. Knowledge seekers flock to the new Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya and National Rail Museum, while heritage buffs can visit Safdarjung’s Tomb and Lodi Garden nearby.

With property prices that can climb up to Rs 1,25,000 per square foot, Gamdevi counts among India’s top wealthiest neighbourhoods, but this leafy locale is also rich heritage-wise. Mani Bhavan here was the Mumbai home of Mahatma Gandhi from 1917 to 1934, and it’s been made into a museum commemorating his life. Marine Drive Beach, known as Queen’s Necklace for its shimmering lights resembling a necklace, falls under this pin code. There’s August Kranti Maidan, where Quit India Movement started in 1942. With its blend of heritage and modernity, this pin code mirrors Mumbai’s dynamic character.

Milord, lawyers are going back to cram school

As July 1 deadline looms for three new criminal laws, even experienced advocates and profs are reliving their law school swotting days

If police are unaware or unsure of what provisions to apply, defence lawyers will get a huge advantage in demolishing the caseSANJAY HEGDE, SENIOR ADVOCATE

Himanshi.Dhawan@timesgroup.com

It has been a hard summer for lawyers, and it’s not just the weather to blame. Instead of heading off to colonial-era hill stations for a month-long holiday, they have been forced to spend hours unlearning colonial-era laws.

From July 1, three new criminal laws — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam — will replace the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act respectively. So not only is it a fond goodbye to sections like ‘char so bees’ (for cheating) but a painful one at that. Those feeling nostalgic can perhaps turn to old courtroom scenes in Hindi movies where milord handed out ‘daffas’ under IPC.

Criminal lawyers, however, have been busy downloading cheat sheets, signing up for online familiarisation courses and mugging the new laws. Booklets for the new acts are flying off the shelves.

Delhi Bar Association president Nitin Ahlawat says it is back to school for lawyers and predicts a difficult few months ahead. “So many things have changed. If there is a case of forgery, it would have taken only a quick glance for an experienced lawyer to assess the case. The provisions, punishment and past judgments are top of their mind. Now, not only have the provision numbers and language of the law changed, punishment could have been altered too,” he says.

As litigators are wont to do, they have already litigated. A petition by Vishal Tiwari, a lawyer who approached the Supreme Court asking for an expert committee to examine and assess the validity of the three laws before they are enforced, was dismissed. In January, Madras high court judge N Anand Venkatesh declared that as he did not know Hindi, he would continue to call them by their original English names.

Lawyers can’t take such liberties. The life mantra for a practising advocate, as one X handle says: ‘draft, file, plead, repeat’ has an added step of ‘cram’. As for law students, they now have two sets of codes to learn, and teachers are mourning the loss of the familiar. “The syllabus has been revamped and we have to incorporate changes in our classes. It has meant a complete systemic overhaul,” a law professor says.

Lawyers have already issued warning videos on the enhanced punishment of 10 years if a man is in a live-in relationship and has reneged on his promise to marry, also on hit-and-run cases where again the law has become stricter.

But jokes apart, lawyers, judicial officers, police and courts are worried about impending chaos. Opposition leaders like Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee have written to the Centre, asking for the laws to be deferred, as has Congress.

Senior advocate and Lawyers’ Collective founder Indira Jaising warned that the move may lead to rise in pendency and two systems of laws running concurrently. The new laws are only applicable for crimes committed from July 1, 12:01 am and the older cases will continue to be argued and adjudicated under IPC and CrPC for another 20 years as that is the av- erage lifespan of a case.

“In effect, we will be having two parallel criminal justice systems for the foreseeable future, which can range from 20-30 years,” she wrote in a letter to the Centre.

Supreme Court lawyer Sanjay Hegde, who often handles civil rights cases, says the success of any criminal case is how it is handled at the police station where the correct criminal provisions are decided. “If people at the thana level are unaware or unsure of which provisions to add, defence lawyers will have a huge advantage in demolishing the case,” he says.

While BNSS encourages transition to a digital court infrastructure, some warn that it’s not going to be smooth. Lawyer Jhuma Sen feels there is an over reliance on technology. “Every step of criminal justice administration — from registering FIR to recording of evidence to delivering judgments — has been digitised. While digitisation is a noble idea, what happens to a significant chunk of the litigating public who are outside the digital world, what happens to data that is collected through this method (like e-FIRs) and legitimate concerns for privacy?”

The more practical question, she says, is whether there has been any official audit of the digital infrastructure of trial courts. “Most courts do not even have air conditioning and in peak summer, we have already seen court work being disrupted by power cuts or extreme heat. Official data will also show that trial courts are understaffed and overworked. Who will implement and assist in the smooth functioning of the digital ecosystem given the overworked court machinery?”

Prof KVK Santhy, who has been teaching criminal law at Hyderabad’s Nalsar University for 24 years, says there are grey areas in the new laws that need to be addressed. For instance, in the new BNSS, an FIR can be filed by email or through audio-video means but requires the complainant to visit the police station in three days to sign the FIR. “What if the person is unable to do so? The police department will have to introduce protocols,” she says.

Santhy also adds that there have been deletions like section 377 with no corresponding provision to address the crime of sexual assault against an adult male.

But there have been attempts to catch up. National Law University assistant professor and co-director for the Centre for Criminal Justice Administration and Human Rights Neeraj Tiwari has conducted training workshops in a dozen states. “Infrastructure, human resources, training and skill development are some key areas in which focus is needed. The government is creating forensic infrastructure to meet one of the key requirements in the BNSS, i.e. visit of forensic experts to the crime scene. Central and various state govts are also working towards procuring devices for the mandatory videography of the crime scene and forensic experts are being recruited,” he says.

Solve this puzzle: 50 yrs later, Rubik’s Cube still has youngsters hooked

TRICKS OF THE TRADE: Delhi’s Aryan Chhabra is one of a new breed of cubing coaches who mentor young aspirants via personalised classes

Shruti.Sonal@timesgroup.com

In 1974, former US president Richard Nixon found himself knee-deep in the stormy waves of the Watergate scandal. India conducted its first nuclear test in the dusty terrains of Pokhran. Author Stephen King published his debut horror novel. And a rather reclusive Hungarian professor changed the world of puzzles forever with a 3x3 invention made with wood and held together with glue and rubber bands.

Not even Erno Rubik himself could have anticipated that 50 years on, the puzzle would still be a best-selling toy instead of a passing fad. In India too, the cube has a legion of new fans. Even in the age of Minecraft and Grand Theft Auto, the twisty 3D toy engrosses youngsters who find a sense of community and calm in it. Parents and teachers too encourage it as they see it as a way of cutting screen time.

Few could have imagined that the clicking of cubes could turn into a career. Delhi-based Aryan Chhabra, who holds the national record for solving a single 3x3 cube in 4.81 seconds, is one of many coaches. He first started getting online messages to tutor kids during the pandemic. The momentum endured, and he has coached nearly 200 students, directly and through partnerships with puzzle companies. “Not everyone wants to become a speedcuber but they do want to improve.” The 21-year-old engineering graduate adds that compared to when he started in 2015, cubers participating in events today are younger (six to twelve age group). Innovations such as the introduction of magnetic cubes in 2016, which added stability to the puzzles, allowed cubers to significantly improve their speeds. Young competitive puzzlers also rely on algorithms, YouTube gurus (available in Indian languages too) and professional coaches if they can afford it.

California-based children’s author Kerry Aradhya, who recently published ‘Erno Rubik and His Magic Cube’, says one reason for its popularity is because it’s such a tactile experience. “There’s something special about being able to hold an object and manipulate it in your hands, which you can’t do on your phone or on a computer. It’s also engaging for people of all ages, including those who may be too young or too old to be online or those who don’t have access to the digital world,” she says. A couple of years ago, a video of a tribal boy from Arunachal solving the cube in less than a min-89.97 seconds is what Athar Bhat, 8, took to solve three cubes simultaneously using his hands and feet 0.305 of a second took to crack it ute, with his eyes shut, went viral.

In the competitive segment, things have steadily picked up pace in the country. According to the World Cubing Association (WCA) website, the first official competitions in India were held in 2008. That number reached 72 last year, and 49 been held in 2024. In cities like Chennai and Delhi, cubing communities have 500m cubes have been sold, with $75m in sales emerged too, which not only hold competitions across schools and colleges, but also workshops and mentoring sessions.

Newer formats are emerging. For instance, blindfold cubing is quite a rage, as is mirror cubing that involves participants solving the puzzle while looking into the mirror. Cubes themselves are going beyond the 3x3 imagination: now there are 12x12 formations, or those that come in different shapes such as pyramids and hexagons. Like phones and watches, there are ‘smart’ cubes available too, that can be connected to a phone via bluetooth, and allow users to play on apps and compete with others.

Saiyam Jain, who solves the 3x3 blindfolded, says despite the innovations and change in formats, one thing remains key: learning mathematical algorithms. Jain, who recalls getting terrible marks in maths in class 10, says things changed when he discovered cubing. For one, trigonometry became less daunting. “It’s not necessary to be good at math to learn cubing, but it certainly helps you get better at it,” Jain, 27, says. Armed with PDFs of manuals and later YouTube videos, he taught himself cubing and then decided to take things up a notch. “Solving it blindfolded was a real challenge: I had to memorise all the sides of the cubes, the colours and the placements. Then, I had to apply the algorithms.” An introvert in school, he has come out of his shell, mentoring others and founding the ‘Speedcubing Delhi’ community.

For some, it’s gone from hobby to business.

Realising the lack of good quality cubes in the market, IIT-Bombay graduates Jainendra Jain and Nitesh Deshmukh decided to start Cubelelo in their final semester. “There were no online retailers for Rubik’s Cubes in India, and my friends had to bring me imported cubes from Hong Kong,” says Jain. They started by selling imported cubes before shifting to local manufacturing.

However, cubing is still largely a boys club. Nearly all of the participants in competitions, Jain admits, are male. Mumbai-based Somya Srivastava, who has been speedcubing since 2013, is determined to change things. The marketing professional became India’s first female WCA delegate six years ago and has conducted several workshops to promote female participation. “The ratio is still very low compared to other countries. But I have had many female cubers come up to me and say that I inspired them,” Srivastava says.

Doesn’t she get bored of solving it over and over again? Srivastava says it is a source of constant intrigue. “There are so many ways to solve it. You can also do it anywhere: standing in a queue, on the train or cab. If you are not able to solve it, you try again. If you’re able to solve it, you do it differently next time.”

NEW TESTS: Saiyam Jain solves cubes blindfolded

NEW TAKES ON THE CLASSIC

➤ Megaminx Speed Cube typically has 12 different colours, with 11 pieces in a star-pattern, five corner pieces and a fixed centrepiece.

➤ Square-1 has kite-shaped corners and triangular edges. Therefore, the corners can be swapped with the edges

➤ Rubik’s Phantom is printed with thermochromic ink that appears all black until the heat from your hands activates the colours, while Rubik’s Impossible has iridescent tiles that change colour when viewed from different angles

Good old softy is back in a gourmet avatar

Long before fancy gelatos and sorbets, we had velvety smooth and cheap soft serves. Now, artisanal chef-driven creations are giving this sweet treat a new life

We didn’t grow up with gelatos or sorbets. But as a nineties kid, the soft serve was this magical treat which swirled into a cone from a rattling machine. We really wanted to bring it back in a new avatar, especially since it had almost disappeared from the scene — CHAITANYA MUPPALA, FOUNDER, MANAM CHOCOLATE

CRAFTING COOL: Chef Girish Nayak at Bombay Sweet Shop uses his mithai expertise to create softies like puran poli with spiced jaggery sauce (below). A biscotti version from Soft Serve Co. in Chennai (right)

Sneha.Bhura@timesgroup.com

Vanilla ice cream topped with olive oil and sea salt? The internet was recently abuzz with this rather odd-sounding combo endorsed by none other than Dua Lipa, the pop singer who made it to the Time 100 list of the world’s most influential people this year. “It’s so good, you have to try it!” Lipa said in a BBC Radio1 interview.

Back in Bengaluru, Anurag Arora, a chef who curates fine dining experiences, is already on top of this unexpected food trend. At a food pop-up recently, the chef-curator churned out a vanilla softy made of pure buffalo milk, topped with extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkling of salt. “It’s a lovely, light and fluffy combination which just needs discovering. Commercial soft serves are made from a powdered concentrate, but the flavours of this one remind one of whipped cream and a glass of milk,” says Arora, who was inspired by Italy’s milk-based gelato ‘stracciatella’, often served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

While Gen Z-ers associate softies with American fast food chain McDonald’s, most millennials will remember the velvety summer treat pouring out of machines at melas, amusement parks and market nooks which sold cones for just Rs 5. Bengaluru’s iconic Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR) was a pioneer in importing softy machines and setting up franchised kiosks that became a hit. But now, the soft serve, which is basically semi-solid ice cream with a lot of air, is slowly swirling its way up the gourmet high table in new and more inventive avatars. Arora, for instance, is trying out a malt caramel softy and plans to play with the tanginess of Japanese miso paste.

Nostalgia plays a huge part in keeping softy love alive, says Chaitanya Muppala, founder of Hyderabad-based craft chocolate company Manam Chocolate. “We didn’t grow up with gelatos or sorbets. But as a nineties kid, the soft serve was this magical treat which swirled into a cone from a rattling machine. We really wanted to bring it back in a new avatar, especially since it had almost disappeared from the scene.” The company started serving the softy from the day it launched operations in August.

Their prized serve is the creamy Chakkarakeli banana, an Andhra variety that is brought in from farms. To cut the sweetness, it is paired with 60% dark chocolate and topped with freeze-dried raspberries. “It’s so popular that we play Russian roulette with it. Our customers don’t know if it will be there every day, so they are forced to keep coming in to check,” says Muppala. Other seasonal delights on the menu are a creamy mango soft serve with fresh Himayat and Pedda Rasalu mangoes served in wholewheat waffle cones and millet cups. Toppings include almond batons, Kashmiri walnuts, mango-ginger pâte de fruits, caramelized pecans and cacao nibs. “Our taps have single origin milk and dark chocolate for the softy to be dunked into,” adds Muppala. They are launching an avocado soft serve soon.

The Bombay Sweet Shop applies its ‘modern mithais’ ethos to the soft serves that have been its mainstay right from the first outlet in Byculla, Mumbai. Think rasmalai soft serve made with mini rasmalais; black sesame soft serve inspired by winter gajak; and even a rabri soft serve with jalebi.

“I remembered seeing kulfi handchurned in Lucknow and Kanpur. As the soft-serve machine mimics traditional hand churning, we started having fun with our soft serve flavours,” says chef and ‘chief mithaiwala’ Girish Nayak. Their nolen gur soft serve has palm jaggery and mishti doi served with tiny balls of nolen gur rasgulla. There’s also a rose and watermelon one inspired by Mohabbat Ka Sharbat from the thelas of Old Delhi, and a Pallonji soda-inspired raspberry one. For Holi and Ganesh Chaturthi, they have the thandai soft serve (with rabri and pistachios, topped with gulkand) and the puran poli soft serve (with puran poli crisps and a spiced jaggery sauce).

The 2,000-sq-ft Soft Serve Co. in Alwarpet, Chennai even serves softy inside bambolini and brioche-style donuts, croissants and fries topped with truffle oil. The ice cream shop started by restaurateur Anuj Rajasekeran two years ago is already getting offers for branches in other cities. “For me, ice cream in Chennai only meant softy throughout childhood. This was long before McDonald’s,” he says. Rajasekeran has made soft serves out of sorbets and frozen yoghurt, matcha tea with boba pearls, mascarpone and peanut butter. “But the bestseller is the cereal milk soft serve. Remember the soggy leftovers after you finish a bowl of cereal with milk? That’s what it tastes like.”

What about dairyfree options? Sarah Nicole Edwards, a certified health coach and plant-based recipe developer, has been curating monthly garden pop-ups of oat milk soft serves at her Bengaluru café Cloves + Copper for a while now. She rents a large softy machine and keeps a makeyour-own-sundae format. “A company called Oat Mlk gives us powdered oat milk mixed with all-natural sugar and vanilla. Our toppings range from chocolate and jaggery caramel sauce to coconut sugar, strawberry and mango compotes, and homemade granola. It’s crazy popular, with long queues,” she says.

Mrs. Funnybones

Attention pliss! Let’s dance to the tunes of a different Melodi

Perhaps, like the way we plan our meals, we will also have to devise diets for the brain. I would advocate some cheat days in this nutritional plan for the mind. We can’t completely give up the pleasure of looking at Melodi memes

TWINKLE KHANNA

A severed digit in a cup of ice cream took over my morning. Let me clarify that I am not into cannibalism. It was a wormhole I fell into after reading about a doctor from Malad who found the offending finger in his dessert. I spent half an hour googling ‘body parts found in food’ like I was ACP Pradyuman’s sidekick. I even discovered a baker in Thailand who bakes bread in the form of severed heads and torsos, and I am happy to share his details if during your next visit, along with a happy ending, you want to partake in a doughy unhappy one.

It is not an anomaly to lose time in this manner, where five-minute breaks inadvertently stretch to forty-five due to the delights of the virtual world. While we are aware of noteworthy battles like knights against dragons, priests armed with holy water exorcising demons, and Zelenskyy and Putin’s endless bouts, we remain unaware of our ongoing daily war with our phones. Research shows that we touch or check our phones more than 2,000 times and, on average, spend more than three hours staring at them daily. German neuroscientist Manfred Spitzer coined the term ‘digital dementia’ to describe changes in cognition due to overuse of technology. These include problems with short-term memory where we quickly forget things, have difficulty recalling words and trouble multitasking. I am not the only one who sees a dip on days when I have allowed myself too much scrolling time, and my overwhelmed mind, like poor Joe Biden, starts wandering off in the middle of important events.

Recently, the US surgeon general called for tobacco-style warning labels on social media to alert users that the platforms can harm children’s mental health. He stated that it was not a failure of willpower and parenting that allowed the overconsumption of social media but the consequence of unleashing powerful technology without adequate safety measures. I wanted to read the entire article, but I gave up after reading the first two lines and skimming the next paragraph. After all, in the last 20 years, the average attention span has decreased from 2.5 minutes to about 45 seconds.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella states that the true scarce commodity will soon be human attention. Attention is what we give to the things we love or need for survival, like our family, work, friends, and health. Isn’t it strange that not only are we allowing this hijacking of our attention but, like victims of Stockholm syndrome, we almost seem to prefer the iridescent, unsubstantial soap bubbles of the digital world over the magnificent reality around us?

Early this week, my younger one was playing in the school concert. I took my seat, and already bored, I pulled out my phone and automatically started obeying the god of minor distractions. Then, the timer I have recently started using to curb my screen time kicked in, and I had to put my phone away. The concert was in a Notting Hill church. While walking in, I noticed perfunctory details like its high ceiling and the central aisle. Now, I stared at the painting of The Last Supper behind the altar. I observed the stained-glass windows through which sunlight flickered like a malfunctioning tubelight. I watched the kids holding their violins horizontally and some even upside down. The music rising from the belly of the church to the gallery where I was sitting, euphonious, discordant, imperfectly marvellous, filled cavities inside me that I was unaware existed, like a high tide that floods seawater into sandy depressions.

Arundhati Roy, the celebrated writer who, ironically, may end up in prison for focusing her attention and caring too deeply about the Kashmir issue instead of scrolling through the news about it on Twitter, once said, ‘There has never been a time in the history of the human race when we have had to process so much information, and it is destroying us.’ She talked about switching off social media and noticing neighbours, birds and dogs around us instead.

Even mundane activities like a train ride can become a memorable experience if we pay close attention. I spent a large part of a recent journey watching a stranger asleep, his head thudding against the window, mouth agape, liver spots where there once must have been hair. A pot of ready oats and an orange slid on the table towards the passenger sitting opposite him, who kept pushing it back like she was playing a game of shuffleboard by herself.

Life has one finite resource — time — which is stored in blocks of attention. In this subversive attack on our very existence, we must find ways to build fortresses where we allow information to flow in and pull up our drawbridge after we fulfil our requirements. Perhaps, like the way we plan our meals, we will also have to devise diets for the brain. I would advocate some cheat days in this nutritional plan for the mind. After all, we can’t completely give up the pleasure of looking at memes of two beaming prime ministers with the hashtag Melodi.

Attention can work like a telescope and bring distant objects closer. It is a microscope that takes minuscule elements and makes them bigger. It is a magnifying glass that can take paper and sunlight and create a bonfire. It is the lens of lived experiences, wasted on mere spectatorship.

While I am strictly curtailing myself from any further investigations into the case of the severed finger, it does make me think that in this digital age, losing a finger might cramp your texting style, but it beats losing your mind to endless scrolling.

Times Parenting

- Hope CEO story changes. Want to show that working moms can rise to the top

- These doodle daddies draw on their parenting journey

Hope CEO story changes. Want to show that working moms can rise to the top

A lot of women downsize or quit their career after having a child. Edelweiss Mutual Fund CEO Radhika Gupta has taken on more roles, including that of a Shark Tank judge, since the birth of her son Remy two years ago. She spoke to Neha Bhayana about work-life balance, the importance of me-time for moms and coping with bullying

A mother doesn’t need six months of maternity leave from an organisation. She needs five years of flexibility, trust and understanding

I am a believer in planning. We have a SIP and a mutual fund portfolio for our twoyear-old. Both of us started making a contribution for his higher education from our salaries when he was just one or two months old

■ CEO, reality show judge, mom — which is the toughest role you play?

I think the toughest role is to do the mix and retain your sanity and make sure that you have enough time for yourself, your mind, body and your own recovery. Individually, each of the roles is tough some days, rewarding some days. But the aggregate is far more rewarding than tough. There’s nothing to complain about.

■ Most women cut back on work after giving birth, but you have taken on more. How do you manage?

A few things have helped. One, I have tried not to let fear overcome my decisions. From the day you are pregnant, people say so many things like you can’t travel and so on. It is easy to get gripped by fear and once that happens, it is a vi- cious cycle. I have never had all the answers, but I had confidence that I will find answers. Two, I have been privileged and I have also consciously invested in a support system. When I was taking on Shark Tank shortly after I delivered, my mom told me to not give up any growth or any opportunity just because I have a kid. My father used to rarely visit me for prolonged periods, but now if we are travelling, he comes for a week and stays with my son. My husband (Nalin Moniz, Edelweiss chief investment officer-Alternate Equity) has been amazingly supportive too. He handles everything from diaper duty to reading books to feeding Remy. We are an equal household, and it can't work any other way. Women should create a support system and a backup support system for themselves. You need a team to be able to do this. Lastly, it is important to raise your hand and ask for help. I keep telling women, you don’t have to do everything alone. Don’t fall for these super wife, super mother ads that keep showing up every Mother’s Day. You’re not super at everything. Just ask for help.

■ You posted that work-life balance is a “beautiful chaos”. How do you ensure it stays beautiful and does not become stressful?

Having a sense of gratitude really helps. This is a value that I want to teach my son too. We are fortunate to be born into the country we are in. We are fortunate to live the lives we live. So, if I’m at the club with my son and we are going down a slide, I just feel very happy about it. I’m like this is so cool that I get this time with him while being able to be CEO. Constantly being thankful helps you make the chaos feel beautiful. Constantly finding time for yourself to do things that you like, eat things that you like and rejuvenating yourself also makes the chaos beautiful.

■ Do you have a dedicated me-time in your daily schedule?

I don’t have a dedicated me-time because I struggle with the idea of doing everything every day. I work in financial markets so there can be a day where market events take over and there will be no me-time or family time. And there may be a day when family takes all the time. So, my days are not perfectly balanced. But if you ask me, on an average is there is any me-time? There absolutely is. I have a strong sense of priorities which I have only sharpened after being a parent. In fact, I write them down. My weekends are either devoted to my son or devoted to refreshing myself. I read books, poetry, sleep and just replenish my body. I’m part of a chief executives group called Young Presidents’ Organisation so I go on a few solo trips every year even after becoming a mom. One trip is coming up soon. So, that’s also re-energising time.

■ Raising kids can be very expensive. How can parents financially prepare to deal with the costs, especially of higher education?

Plan in advance. I think higher education, whether in India or overseas, is crazy expensive. Of course, everybody has different levels of affordability. With my son, we started making a contri- bution for his higher education from both his parents’ salary when he was just one or two months old. We have a SIP and a mutual fund portfolio for him. When you plan early, the burden is a lot lighter. You have time to build that equity corpus.

■ What’s your message for bosses who think a woman with child is less suitable for a job compared to one without a child? How can we break the bias?

It drives me crazy (to think of the bias). I have been very fortunate. I had a boss who, when I was going on maternity leave, told me: “Go, enjoy having your baby. I promise you, motherhood will make you a better leader.” So many women tell me they wish they had a boss like that. I genuinely believe that parenthood, not just motherhood, actually makes you a better leader. It teaches you the value of empathy. It teaches you to communicate better. When you have something to go home to, you come back to work refreshed. Effective leaders and effective people at the workplace are not about the hours that they work, it is about the energy they bring to work. I wish people would see that. I have had many women employees. We just hired a mom in our Mumbai sales team. She has resumed after a few years off and the team says she makes the least excuses about having to tend to her kid, something people assume would happen when they hire a woman with a kid. If I were to take a day off to take care of my kid, I would compensate ten times. A mother doesn’t need six months of maternity leave from an organisation. She needs five years of flexibility, trust and understanding.

■ We have few women CEOs in our country and even fewer mom CEOs…

Yeah, it’s unfortunate. When I was pregnant, I was on a hunt for pregnant CEOs, and I didn’t find any examples. I think one hears of some pregnant entrepreneurs though. As an entrepreneur, at least you have a little more control over your schedule. As CEO, you have a lot of external accountability. I hope the mom CEO story changes. I hope people are more open to talking about how work and family can go together. One of the reasons I write about this on social media is because I want to show that it’s possible. So many girls approach me at airports and tell me that they read my post about getting back to work or saw me go down the slide with my son. I’m just embracing the fact that it’s okay, that you can be a well-performing CEO and also a mother without feeling guilty about it. I really hope more stories are shared because, believe me, a lot of women in their late 20s and 30s feel that it’s not possible.

■ Working moms are always asked how they juggle career and child. Men are rarely asked this question. Please share your views on this dichotomy.

It’s hilarious. You know, I have always detested the word mother-toddler classes. When we enrolled my son for parent-toddler at play school, my husband went to as many, if not more, sessions than I did. People also assume there are only mothers on school WhatsApp groups. On one such group, my husband was the only father and then someone said something and later apologised to him. In fact, it’s funny that when a father today becomes a little involved, everyone’s like, “Wow, he’s such a hands-on father.” I’ve rarely heard anyone ask a woman if she is a hands-on mother? If you’re not a hands-on mother, people will think you’re a bad mother. When young women approach me, they don’t ask me for career advice. The most common question is: “What kind of guy should I marry?” I really believe one should marry someone who promises to be an equal partner in parenting.

There was a particular school where we were going to apply for our son’s admission. We learnt that they only entertain moms and that dads are like persona non grata. That did not work for us. We want to raise our son with the right values around gender equality. My son sits in my cupboard when I get ready. He sees mama is wearing a sari and going to the office and papa is going to office too. He knows both of us have meetings. These days he has this new fascination for sitting at the laptop and saying, “Remy’s in a meeting.”

■ You were born with a broken neck and faced a lot of bullying growing up because of your neck tilt. Children can be insensitive, often unknowingly, to someone who looks different. How can parents raise their children to be kind and respect differences?

This is going to be something I have to learn, but I think we just have to raise kids to not be mean people. I do believe society is getting a lot meaner and social media is making us meaner. Raising your child in a community that is diverse is important. For instance, my son plays with everyone around, including all the help. Raising someone to respect a diverse set of people (socio-economically, professionally, culturally) is important. We are a multicultural family. My husband and I celebrate both Diwali and Christmas. Just raising your child in an environment of differences should, hopefully, make them less judgmental and more accepting of differences. It’s really sad. My son was a plump boy when he was born. So, already they start talking about how this one’s too thin, this one’s too fat. I’m like please let them be. Kids can be chubby, they can be thin, it doesn’t matter. Don’t rate them in percentile and thin and fat. We have to teach basic nice things like saying sorry and thank you. It is a good tradition to say thank you before a meal. We have a bunch of wooden animals and statues around the house. In the morning, I tell my son to say good morning to the bull, say hi to the elephant and just be nice.

■ You faced seven job rejections at the beginning of your career and that led you to depression. Do you think parents and society put too much pressure on children to succeed?

I didn’t have parents who put pressure on me. Most of my pressure was self-inflicted. Today, there’s more parental pressure on children and there’s also self-inflicted pressure. Parents almost want to live their own dream through their kid. It’s become a big deal whether you go to Harvard or Stanford. I was on a group for school admissions recently and I realised I was getting stressed because people are so stressed about school admissions in Mumbai. One day, I called my mother and asked whether I was a bad mother. She said, “No, you are not a bad mother. I didn’t send you to school till you were five years old and you turned out to be a CEO. So, it’s all good.”

As a parent, I’m trying to control the urge to put pressure on my son. Some of it is natural but I don’t want to. Moreover, I keep telling kids — I talk to a lot of them — to remember that nothing in life is the end of the world. If one door closes, a lot of other doors can open. You have to have the energy to look around you and see those other doors and try opening those doors. Those doors may be perfectly good doors. Lastly, one of the scariest things I’ve seen very closely is to push children down a particular domain, particularly engineering. I have been an engineer and I know not everyone’s cut out for it. I think in today’s India if your child wants to be a really successful YouTuber, chef, business person or an actor, they can do all four. So, it’s important for parents to have an open mind and realise that non-traditional careers can make people very successful and happy too.

■ You’ve said that today’s youth are depressed because they’re trying to look cool on Instagram. How can we teach our kids to keep it real?

Instagram is not reality. I am not saying that you have to quit social media. I am a big proponent of social media. People know me because of social media and I get a lot of love on those platforms and it’s great for business too. It is fine for kids to be on social media in this digital age, but there has to be a balance between the life we live in the online and offline world. We need to strike the right balance. We have to make our children spend time in the offline world. I met Javed Akhtar recently and he told me that someone asked him why today’s kids don’t read as much and why they don’t enjoy literature. He pointed out that the conversations we have at home are either about business or Netflix. How many times do we talk about how many novels we have read or the last concert we attended? Children learn by osmosis. Giving a picture of the real world is important. Since my son was three months old, my husband has been reading books to him. Now, the little guy comes to us every night and says, “book, book, read book”. It’s a routine. I also send my son down to play every day.

These doodle daddies draw on their parenting journey

The memorable 'Dennis the Menace' was inspired by creator Henry Ketcham’s little boy. Like him, several Indian artists and animators are spinning their kids’ cute capers and missteps into sketches and comic strips

With people messaging for these stories every week, I realised parenting and childhood are universal themes everyone will relate to. The series is a great way of documenting Orin’s childhood rather than millions of pictures and videos we keep taking blindly — VIVEKANANDA ROY GHATAK | CCO, BAKARMAX ANIMATION STUDIOS

These comics show we are not just father and son but also have a bro code — teaming up in trouble; making food together; having story sessions; him begging for screen time and me giving him odd jobs instead. It’s a never-ending rollercoaster ride! — MANPAL SETIA | DEAN, CHITKARA DESIGN SCHOOL

Once he started talking, the mispronunciations, jokes and questions also increased, and the series turned into a web comic. Till Shayne was seven, I drew them almost daily. In Nov 2023, with my younger son Anit’s arrival, the comics began once again. Now it’s ‘Anit and Shayne’s World’ — DELWYN JUDE REMEDIOS | ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, IIT HYDERABAD

These are Ruhi’s adventures with her very first toy, ‘Gigi’. It’s the perfect way to capture our precious moments together, giving her a cherished keepsake to look back on as she grows up. Drawing needs a lot of patience and daily practice, much like striving to be a better father. I improve at both little by little every day — SANGRAM BORSE | CO-FOUNDER, REGH ANIMATION STUDIOS

Srirupa.Ray@timesgroup.com

If Henry King Ketcham hadn’t thought of turning his four-year-old son’s wondrous capers into a cartoon strip back in 1950 — despite his wife’s declaration, “Your son is a menace!” — generations of kids would have been bereft of the sheer magic of 'Dennis the Menace'. Like him, several comic artists around the world have turned to their parenting journeys for inspiration. In India too, new-age artist dads are creating web comic series and sketches out of their more hands-on parenting struggles and joys.

It’s a great way to build special bonds, says Mumbai-based animation filmmaker Sangram Borse who started his comic series ‘Ruhi and her Gigi’ on Instagram while on a trip away from his six-month-old daughter. “I was missing Ruhi and drew a comic for her. Then I thought, why not make it a series? These are Ruhi’s adventures with her very first toy, ‘Gigi’. It’s the perfect way to capture our precious moments together, giving her a cherished keepsake to look back on as she grows up,” says Borse, co-founder of Regh Animation Studios who has worked with Disney TV and Warner Bros.

Ruhi is now three, but every week, Borse sketches a new comic on lived experiences with his daughter such as their first bike ride together or even the endless sleepless nights she’s given them when she was a baby. He plans to turn them into an animated series eventually. “Drawing needs a lot of patience and daily practice, much like striving to be a better father. I improve at both little by little every day,” he says.

Vivekananda Roy Ghatak, Bengaluru-based work-fromhome dad and chief creative officer at Bakarmax animation studios, has launched a weekly comic series on Instagram called ‘Orin the Parent Tamer’ which he plans to turn into a graphic novel. These are tongue-in-cheek snippets about his nine-year-old son Orinjoy’s shenanigans. Orin calls his dad Kokobaba and was four or five when Ghatak started these comics.

“The stories are based on actual incidents creatively re-told for a comic format where, more often than not, Orin has the last laugh. In the stories, you will find the many 21st century parenting strategies we have tried (note: tried) — like ‘time-outs’, ‘consequential reasoning’ or using more reason than discipline — without much success,” says Ghatak, who has directed over 30 short films for ‘Galli Galli Sim Sim’, the Indian version of American TV educational show for kids ‘Sesame Street’.

Ghatak believes we tend to downplay our own unique and humorous takes on parenting, thinking they won’t be relevant for others. “But with people messaging for these stories every week, I realised parenting and childhood are universal themes everyone will relate to. The series is a great way of documenting Orin’s childhood rather than millions of pictures and videos we keep taking blindly,” he says.

IIT Hyderabad design professor Delwyn Jude Remedios is an ardent admirer of Calvin and Hobbes, the 1985 comic strip by Bill Watterson about a six-year-old boy’s adventures with his stuffed tiger that still holds the world in thrall. Remedios’ Instagram series, ‘Shayne’s world’, began as a doodle at the office desk eight years ago, when his son was just a year old. “My office had limited stationery, so I grabbed a pencil, some markers and A4 papers and scribbled how a curious Shayne would open all the house drawers,” he recalls. Egged on by family, friends and an overwhelming social media response, sketch books began piling up and soon, there was a sizeable collection on Shayne’s daily adventures. “Once he started talking, the mispronunciations, jokes and questions also increased, and the series turned into a web comic. Till Shayne was seven, I drew them almost daily. In Nov 2023, with my younger son Anit’s arrival, the comics began once again. Now it’s ‘Anit and Shayne’s World’,” he says.

The series made Remedios more perceptive to key moments in Shayne’s growth. “Children grow up too fast. I get inspired by their simple joys. The comic is a mirror to these moments through the lens of a father,” he adds. In a technology-driven world, Remedios is glad to be able to show Shayne the possibilities that a pencil, paper and a little bit of imagination can unfold.

Manpal Setia, dean of Chitkara Design School in Punjab, has a Facebook series titled ‘Sandy and Divya stories’ that features his extended family of canines as well. “Anhad (now nine) was three months old when I introduced him in the series. Now, he has started communicating with us through drawings, whether it’s a sorry card or a compliment. Both of us make cards for our dads on Father’s Day,” says the proud daddy whose all-time favourite comic is Garfield by Jim Davis.

With more than 300 comic strips, Setia is compiling them into a book. “These comics show we are not just father and son but also have a bro code — teaming up in trouble; making food together; having story sessions; him begging for screen time and me giving him odd jobs instead. It’s a never-ending rollercoaster ride!

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SWAMINOMICS

For world-class firms, is India going Korea way?

SUNNY OUTLOOK: A field of solar panels at an Adani energy park. The company wants to be a world leader in renewables while Tata is eyeing the global EV market

SWAMINATHAN S ANKLESARIA AIYAR

Without any announcement or perhaps even a plan, the govt seems to be creating an Indian version of the Japanese zaibatsu and Korean chaebol — giant conglomerates supported by the state to create national champions that can take on western corporate giants.

The zaibatsu were corporate families that in 1900-1940 converted a once-backward country into a global power that could fight the UK and US in World War II. The zaibatsu were supported by state subsidies and monopolies. They gave kickbacks, leading to charges of crony capitalism. Dismantled by the US occupying forces after WW-II, they re-appeared in new avatars, and spearheaded Japan’s industrial rise from 1950 to 1990.

Korea industrialised rapidly from 1960 onwards. As in Japan, govt backed conglomerates called ‘chaebol’ such as Hyundai, Daewoo, Samsung and Lucky Goldstar. Daewoo went bust but the others became world class. They too were called crony capitalists. The chaebol, like the zaibatsu, were successful examples of what is now called ‘industrial policy’ — govt support through subsidies and other favours to help create national champions.

India appears to be moving in a similar direction. It now has a corporate Big Three — Tata, Ambani, and Adani — well ahead of the rest. The next tier is headed by Kumar Birla, accompanied by Sajjan Jindal (JSW), Sunil Mittal (Bharti Airtel), and Anil Agarwal (Vedanta).

Rahul Gandhi accuses the govt of giving them favours for money. He seems to think one can become a top industrialist by buying favours. No, India is an extremely competitive place where the biggest groups of yesteryear have been laid low despite their historic links with top politicians. Where are Hindustan Motors (CK Birla group), Premier Automobiles (Walchand), JK Synthetics (Singhania sub-group), the Thapars or DCM today? Alas, their historical supremacy was not matched by their ability to compete.

All industrialists make political contributions, lobby for favours, and get some rewards. But without enterprise and high efficiency, they wither in the face of competition engendered by globalisation and new upstarts. In the licence-permit raj till 1989, anybody who got an industrial licence could mint money in monopolistic conditions. Today licences have been abolished and competition has killed many big names of yore.

Rahul Gandhi accuses Anil Ambani of being a beneficiary of crony capitalism, a charge the latter strongly denies, pointing out that the group bagged big projects when UPA was in office. Yet Anil Ambani, who was once on the global rich list, went virtually bust while his brother Mukesh soared sky high. One was competitive and the other was not. Favours did not matter.

Like Japan’s zaibatsu or Korea’s chaebol, India’s Big Three are conglomerates operating in several fields. In the West, the track record of conglomerates is poor. But in developing countries, good management is a scarce resource. Groups that have it can expand successfully into a huge variety of new sectors. Tata is in IT, steel, autos, power, chemicals and electronics. Adani has diversified from ports into power, cement, airports, solar parks and equipment. Rahul Gandhi says he got favours. But that alone cannot explain his meteoric rise, just as favours alone did not explain the success of Mitsubishi or Hyundai.

To promote manufacturing, BJP govt launched a production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme. Its big success has been in attracting Apple for cellphones, with Google Pixel likely to follow. But this may not thrill the RSS: it wants national champions, not MNCs. The problem till recently was that Indian companies were good enough for middling technology but lacked the skills and capital to become world class.

That is finally changing. Govt is building on this by helping the top conglomerates to become world-class national champions. In green hydrogen, a cutting-edge area, the govt is backing Reliance Industries and Adani with PLIs to become world leaders. It offers subsidies of up to 70% for chip fabrication (fabs). Tata will launch the first fab in Dholera, Gujarat. Adani plans to be in the entire value chain from solar equipment to solar parks, becoming a world renewables leader. Tata plans to become a world leader in electric vehicles, and Ambani in telecom. Bharti Airtel is already a major telecom operator in Africa.

Defence has been opened to the private sector. Tata is at the forefront of defence aeronautics. A Reliance subsidiary has showcased software for drones and aircraft design. Adani is building a missile plant in Telangana and plans to make drones too.

Adani is India’s top port operator. He is instrumental in helping India compete with Chinese port expansion in Asia, by building ports and terminals abroad in Haifa and Colombo.

Space has been opened to private companies including foreign ones. But rather than letting Tesla’s Starlink dominate satellite telephony, both Reliance Jio (Ambani) and Bharti Airtel plan to give it competition and will get all the support they need.

China, Korea and Japan have always been admired for creating national champions. Atmanirbhar (self-reliance) is evolving into chaebolisation. Whether it will succeed is an open question. But the attempt seems to be on.■

FOR THE RECORD

'How will cities find a solution if they don’t even count heat wave deaths?

Heat waves are becoming deadlier, with India recording over 100 deaths and 40,000 suspected heat stroke cases since March. But these numbers do not tell the whole story, says Dileep Mavalankar, the man who played a key role in formulating India’s first Heat Action Plan (HAP) for Ahmedabad in 2013. The former director of Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar talks to Ketaki Desai about why govts need to wake up

■ Tell us about Ahmedabad’s HAP. How did it come about?

The first step was to analyse temperature and co-relate it with the all-cause mortality data (total number of deaths happening in Ahmedabad every day). In the 2010 heat wave, 800 additional deaths were registered in one week. Ahmedabad usually has 100 all-cause deaths in May. But that year it was 47 degrees one day, and 310 people died. We looked at 15 years of daily mortality during summer at different temperatures to decide on three threshold points at which mortality and temperature were increasing—41 degrees (yellow alert), 43 degrees (orange alert), and 45 degrees (red alert). There were four major HAP components: early warning and inter-agency coordination; public awareness and community mobilisation; medical and para-medical systems; reducing exposure and long-term actions. After each season, we did a review to see what worked and what didn’t. After two-three years of implementation, we found that mortality at peak heat time reduced by 30-40% after the HAP.

■ More than a decade on, why do only a few Indian cities have HAPs? With historic high temperatures, shouldn’t the capital do so?

If Delhi looked at what’s happening to its all-cause mortality, it would wake up to take some serious action. Instead, they are trying to hide data. We’ve requested for data from Delhi and other cities several times. Cities like Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, and Surat are doing it. But there is no national mandate, either from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) or urban development or the health ministries. In the last few years, the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) created an online health reporting system to capture data from hospitals. But we need to do this from cities since not all deaths happen in hospitals, and not all hospitals are reporting. When we looked at five hospitals in Ahmedabad, we saw only around 76 people had died of heat stroke whereas our data showed 800 excess deaths as compared to average mortality of that period.

■ What do you make of this year’s heat stroke and fatality numbers?

They have given the number of 40,000 heat stroke cases. If there were 110 deaths, that’s a mortality rate of about 0.3%. But if you look at heat stroke mortality ordinarily, it’s 20-30%. So, either these 40,000 are not really heat stroke cases or the mortality is under-reported. That’s why all-cause mortality is the best indicator. If there is no other explanation besides heat (no epidemic or major disaster), then those are likely to be heat-related excess deaths. This also depends on doctors recording the cause of death, which does not always happen. In 1660s London, there was a system developed during the plague to do mortality analysis and print it. If London could do it 300 years ago, how come Delhi isn’t doing it? Public health agencies, national and international, are not insisting, nor is the home ministry which registers the deaths. If a person dies in a smart city and we don’t know why, what kind of smart city is it? If you don’t accept the problem, how will you find the solution?

■ What should the govt be doing to better prepare ordinary citizens for extreme weather conditions?

In March, the IMD website had said a heat wave was coming. After that, I have only seen a few ads from the govt this whole season. If the govt is not advertising, how will people know what to do? We’ve been breaking heat records every year since 2022. Unless we take action now, it will only get worse. This is a wake-up call.

■ What can other Indian cities learn from the Ahmedabad model?

A blueprint is ready. What we need is to act immediately to raise awareness among citizens. We had thought heat islands in the city centre only have a 5-6 degree difference but a recent World Bank study in South Africa shows a 16 degree difference between richer and poorer communities. We must do such studies. Besides, each city, state, and country should have a chief heat officer to coordinate all govt and stakeholder action.

■ In India, heat waves have only highlighted inequalities between the rich and the less privileged. How can such disparities be reduced?

People who are richer, who can afford ACs and have the luxury of not going to work outside in this heat will be okay. But the more ACs we put, temperatures will rise further. Poor people will be worse off. One suggestion is to have an overall plan and, within it, focus on vulnerable sections. If someone lives in a slum in Delhi and works outdoors, the HAP is not going to change his job or give him money. Ahmedabad has tried something called parametric insurance. If the temperature goes above a certain point for more than 7 days in a season, each person will be paid Rs 2,000 as compensation because they cannot work. Water is the other most important thing; the poor are not getting it in places like Delhi. Modi as CM had developed Gujarat’s first climate change department, but not much is happening at the national level.

BY INVITATION

NET is far from perfect but its cancellation matters more than you think

RITUPARNA PATGIRI

As soon as news spread that the 2024 UGC-NET exam had been cancelled by the ministry of education, affected students, teachers and others started a tweetstorm about how unfair this decision was. The exam was held on June 18 in two shifts, with the afternoon one ending at 6 pm. The very next day at 10 pm, cancellation was announced. In fact, after taking the exams, many complained about the format— multiple choice questions (MCQs) that don’t really test teaching and research aptitudes — and framing of questions along with poor infrastructural facilities such as lack of clean toilets and disabled access at centres. There were also complaints about the high registration fee which ranged from Rs 350-1,150 depending on one’s location. Little wonder that after bearing with all this, and sitting for exams in the intense heat, there was so much anger among students.

A lot has been already said about the disadvantages of a centralised exam as well as using a MCQ-based test, so I am not dwelling much on those. But in the backdrop of the cancellation, let’s unpack what it means for the future of higher education, particularly humanities and social sciences in India.

PhD admissions delayed: In March 2024, the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the exam, stated that the NET score would be combined with the marks obtained in the interview for admission to PhD programs. This means that these admissions will be now delayed for institutions that planned to use NET scores. These include JNU, University of Delhi and University of Hyderabad.

Foreign-degree premium: Exam cancellation sends a message that the Indian higher education system is untrustworthy. Students will take it as a sign to pursue their PhD degrees outside India, especially in Europe and the US. But this can be done only by a privileged group of people. It is not easy to get admission into a PhD program abroad, especially for those with limited access to both money and information.

What this does is create a distinction between those who have a degree from abroad and the ones who pursue a PhD within the country. People with PhD degrees from abroad can be favoured when it comes to hiring. This distinction already exists, as one can see from the profiles of recent recruits in several private universities. There is a clear preference for those with foreign degrees among private universities, especially ‘white degrees’. This particularly affects students from marginalised sections. Clearing the NET exam and pursuing a PhD in India at a public university is the only choice that many have.

Marriage pressure increases: There are other associated fallouts. The Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) —which students can avail after clearing UGC-NET to fund their PhDs —has an age limit of 30. So this loss of time can affect students’ chances of obtaining JRF if they are closer to the age limit. For women candidates, the cancellation has additional ramifications. As a woman enters her twenties in India, there is pressure to get married. Clearing NET and getting into a PhD program is for many a way to delay marriage. Obtaining a JRF ensures financial security and further enables women to negotiate with their families. This is especially true for women from low-income families. Since NET is the minimum eligibility criterion for getting a teaching position, it also pushes people out of the job market. Cancellation of the exam means further delay in rescheduling, result declaration and disbursal of certificates.

Setback for humanities and social sciences: This compromising situation is one more attack on humanities and social sciences — a global trend at the moment. Humanities and social sciences have been hit with fund cuts, closure of departments, job precarity and politicisation of educational spaces. Cancellation of the exam and the heightened uncertainty around it further propagates the view that it is futile to pursue higher degrees in these disciplines.

Like many others, I don’t think the NET exam is a good test of one’s teaching and research aptitudes. But in a country where selections can be marred by social biases, it at least creates a pretence of objectivity. For the exam itself to be cancelled is not a good sign for the Indian higher educational system. It is a direct blow to student aspirations.■

Patgiri is a sociologist and teaches at IIT, Guwahati. Views are personal

DEGREE OF BIAS: Many will go abroad for PhD but what of those who can’t afford to?

INBOX

Email your letters to the editor at sunday.times@timesgroup.com with ‘Sunday Mailbox’ in the subject line. Please mention your name and city

Naidu and Nitish Kumar need BJP too

This refers to ‘It’s time to...’ (ATM, June 16). Although BJP needs Nitish and Naidu as crutches, it is still the single largest party in Lok Sabha. To expect that uncertainties of a coalition government will rock this govt, is to delude oneself. Also, it is advantageous for Nitish and Naidu to continue their support, while getting reciprocal benefits for their states. Having said this, the invincible aura of Modi has been dented. No more ‘my way or the highway’ now.

—Vijai Pant, Hempur

Bipartisanship debate

Apropos of ‘Oppn can learn...’ (ATM, June 16), while Swapan Dasgupta is all praise for Patnaik’s bipartisan values, he can’t expect the same from opposition parties whose primary role is to raise issues of national importance. Their protest against Adani’s alleged irregularities, or demand for an enquiry into stock market surge is not partisan behaviour. Bipartisanship should not come at the cost of effective governance and democracy.

— Rakhi Banerjee, Kolkata

Fix entrance exams

Suggestions made in ‘NEET controversy...’ (ATM, June 16) are important. Human resource development will be achieved in a real sense only if we study the way UPSC, GATE exams are conducted. Additionally, the mass level exam pattern of US and China could be analysed and implemented.

— Vishal Banswal, Aurangabad

POLITICALLY INCORRECT

Right Melodi: Italian PM marries strategy and selfie diplomacy

SHOBHAA DE

Giorgia Meloni, the 47-year-old first female prime minister of Italy (so much catching up to do with India!), was indisputably the prima donna of the recent G7 summit. Dressed in a pink trou- ser suit, the tough-talking, hard-nosed politician effortlessly held her own with seven men while gamely smiling through photo ops. But what grabbed maximum eyeballs was Meloni’s upbeat selfie on Instagram with the special invitee to the 50th summit — our very own Narendra Modi. “Hello from the Melodi team,” posted a grinning Giorgia. And a meme fest broke out. Ooh, their chemistry, swooned admirers. Aah, their camaraderie! Ciao, bella!

The obvious bonhomie between the Jodi No 1 is not new. Meloni and Modi had struck a great rapport from the time they first interacted in Delhi, then Dubai. The latest selfie sealed the pact between two strong-willed global leaders. Meloni, who recently got a big boost after her far-right party won European elections in Italy with a whopping 28% of votes, chose to share the spotlight with the newly minted third-time prime minister of a burgeoning democracy. Never mind the lower numbers, Modi is still the bossman. And Italy has serious business to further with India — telecom, critical minerals, AI, defence, and energy. The Indo-Italian strategic partnership cannot be ignored. And the power of digital diplomacy, via the Melodi selfie, was shrewdly harnessed to add heft to the mutually beneficial alliance.

Meloni, who joined active politics at 15, may have been called ‘4th Most Powerful Woman in the World’ by Forbes, and featured on Time magazine’s most influential list but her ultra-conservative views have also got her labelled as ‘xenophobic’ and ‘heartless’. Meloni has frequently opposed same sex marriage, euthanasia and favoured a naval blockade to halt immigration. At G7, she had the reference to ‘safe and legal’ abortion watered down.

Critics have often pointed out the many contradictions between her stated beliefs and personal life. Take her famous quote: “I am Giorgia, I’m a woman, I’m a mother, I’m Italian, I’m Christian.’’ As a mother to a young child whose father (flamboyant journalist Andrea Giambruno) is described as a partner (now an ex-), critics questioned her double standards. Her political party, Brothers of Italy (why not sisters?), won back favour during Covid times thanks to efficient management, despite the uncomfortable neo-fascist undertones of her party’s slogan, ‘God, Fatherland, Family.’ Leading American newspapers like The New York Times have run headlines saying that the ‘Far Right wants to take over. And Meloni is leading the way’.

At the moment, however, Meloni is being hailed as kingmaker of the EU and a giant among the G7’s political dwarfs. There were also snide references to ‘Meloni and the six lame ducks’ as, one by one, the other leaders (from Macron to Trudeau) were shown their place in the pecking order. Since her election as Italy’s PM in late 2022, Meloni has surprised everyone with her pragmatism. She is also given credit for being a skillful negotiator and a diplomatic strategist par excellence.

Europe is clearly experiencing a ‘Meloni Moment’ as Fareed Zakaria gushingly declared, while comparing Meloni to Angela Merkel. Hardly a fair comparison. Merkel was ‘one of the guys’, just smarter. Meloni’s body language and style ensure she will never be mistaken for one of the guys. This makes her a major game changer in the European political arena where a not-so-cosy Old Boys’ Club has been in operation for the longest time. She, along with France’s Marine Le Pen, are leading a rightward swing in the EU bloc. Meloni has made it clear — she is no decorative prop in Armani suits — she is boss lady.

Her male counterparts are scratching their heads, wondering how to deal with Giorgia. For starters, Rishi Sunak needs to up his muah-muah game! He appeared so gauche when attempting a badly timed second kiss on Giorgia’s cheek. The gang of seven this year were beset by their own domestic travails, struggling with shaky economies and dented personal images. As for Meloni, she made it as much ‘India’s Moment’ as hers. And yes, her namaste, which also went viral, was no accident! India is clearly on top of Ms. Meloni’s agenda. And all things Italian are on India’s priority list as well now that Italy is no longer seen as Sonia Gandhi’s personal domain.

Time to remind Giorgia about her old quote: “If I were British, I would be a Tory.” Cut to 2024: “And if you were Indian, you would be…?”■

CIAO BELLA: At the G7 summit, Meloni showed that she is no decorative prop in Armani suits, she is boss lady

BY INVITATION

Heli-buckets and tankers in hills, but the fault is not in our clouds

MOHIT SATYANAND

At 7 am last Saturday, the helicopter was thrumming in the hazy sky, towing its red ‘belly bucket’ to the Binsar forest. The sorties had begun two days ago, the chopper scooping up water from Bhimtal lake, 45 km to the south, and dumping it on the raging fire in the Binsar sanctuary.

Water is scarce on the Binsar ridge, but even if that were not so, once a forest fire goes out of control, vast tracts of terrain cannot be approached by land. Four forest guards died after the winds picked up pace and engulfed their vehicle. A fifth forest watcher who had 70% burns was airlifted to AIIMS Delhi but passed away in hospital.

A day later, the skies are silent, so presumably the Binsar fire has been put out, but the Kumaon skies are heavy with smoke, the slopes hot and dry, and the hillsides busy with the transport of water. At a roadside hand pump, a knot of villagers looks up at the helicopter and speculates about the amount of water it is carrying.

“Ten thousand litres,” one uncle says quite confidently.

“Ten thousand litres,” an army man on home leave echoes that afternoon, when I was having a flat tyre fixed.

“That’s a lot of water to carry”, I venture. “It’s a huge helicopter, the Mi-17”, he replies. It is, but even so, the Mi-17 can’t carry more than 4,000 kgs of load, Wikipedia informs me. Allowing for the weight of the pilot and crew, the maximum amount of water it could carry would be about 3,000 kg, which is also 3,000 litres. Burning aviation fuel at the rate of four litres a kilometer, chugging a 100 km for every round trip from Bhimtal to Binsar and back, a helicopter is about the most expensive way to ferry water.

Not that cost should be a major consideration when fighting a raging forest fire. But in the daily life of a hillside, water economics must be upfront. Cycling down to the stream at the bottom of our valley last week, I reckoned that one in every two vehicles I crossed was ferrying water. One was a dedicated tanker being plied by the local govt; the others were pick-up trucks with plastic tanks spilling water as they groaned up the steep, winding road. Most settlements now boast a hand pump, but where homes are more isolated, women and children trudge to the nearest strot, or water source, battered plastic cans in hand.

The poor pay for their water with time and effort; the rich, in their second homes, and in the burgeon- ing concrete cluster of hotels on the ridge, with the price of diesel burnt to bring the water up the hill. There is an irony of physics here: rainwater runs down the hill in the monsoons, some of it getting stored in underground aquifers, but most of it surges down to the plains in the muddy eddies of seasonal streams. But we fail to store it when it falls, even though rainwater harvesting is not exactly rocket science. And when the rains are slow to arrive, as they have been this year, we scurry down the hill, to find the remnants of last year’s rainfall in the stagnant pools of the tiny Suyal river, as if it never rained where we lived, as if water originated in the river below, rather than in the skies above.

As a footnote, I know some people might respond by saying that I am not taking drought into account, the possibility that we receive less rain than we did in better times. Well, I checked that, thanks to the daily rainfall data that hobby meteorologist David Hopkins has recorded since 1987, at Kausani, on a ridge to the north of us, but very much in the same meteorological zone. The graph above shows annual rainfall since then, along with a five-year moving average, ‘5YMA’. Annual rainfall was flat, averaging about 1150 mm a year for about two decades till 2005, then perked up to almost 1500 mm, and is now running at 1350 mm a year.

If we are running short of water on our hillside, the fault is not in our clouds, but in ourselves, that we can invest in marble bathrooms and velvet bedspreads, but not in water storage.■

Satyanand is an entrepreneur and investor

Times Global

- Outrage as UK politician says West provoked Ukraine war

- 39 killed in Israeli strikes across N Gaza

- Houthis target ship as Eisenhower leaves

- Probe into 1985 Kanishka bombing remains active & ongoing: Canada

- US aircraft carrier arrives in S Korea for military drills

- Editor opts out of WaPo top job over UK phone tap link

- China, France launch sat to better understand universe

- Starliner’s return to Earth delayed again

- First Nigerian set to fly to space for free

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Outrage as UK politician says West provoked Ukraine war

Playing It Into Putin’s Hands: Sunak

Anya, daughter of Vladyslav Korniychuk, a Ukrainian serviceman who died in action, mourns on his grave at Lychakiv cemetery on the Day of Mourning and Remembrance of the Victims of War in Lviv on Saturday

London: Nigel Farage, leader of Britain’s anti-immigration Reform UK party, faced strong criticism Saturday after saying that the West provoked Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In an interview with the BBC on Friday, Farage said “we’ve provoked this war”, while adding that “of course” it was Russian president Vladimir Putin’s “fault”.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told reporters that Farage’s claim was “completely wrong and only plays into Putin’s hands”, likening the comments to “appeasement”.

Labour leader Keir Starmer, who looks set to take Sunak’s job after an election next month, said Farage’s comments were “disgraceful”. “Anyone who is standing for parliament ought to be really clear that Russia is the aggressor”, he told reporters on the campaign trail.

Farage — a former European Union parliamentarian who has tried and failed to run for the UK parliament seven times — is seeking a seat from Clacton in east England in a general election next month.

His party is polling third behind the ruling Conservatives and opposition Labour parties, and is predicted to pick up a few seats. A surge of popularity for Reform UK since Farage took over as leader this month risks drawing away votes that the Conservatives sorely need to win a fifth term in power.

AFP

Three killed as Russia targets power facilities

Kyiv: At least three people were killed in a Russian bomb attack on Ukraine’s second city, Kharkiv, on Saturday afternoon, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

Kremlin forces struck a residential area of Kharkiv with glide bombs, hours after a missile and drone barrage directed at Ukraine’s already hobbled power system. Power grid equipment in the far western Lviv and southeastern Zaporizhzhia regions was hit by Russian air strikes.

Zelensky said Russia had deployed more than 2,400 guided bombs on Ukraine in June, with about 700 used on Kharkiv. He called on Western allies to deliver promised military aid packages without delay.

BLOOMBERG, REUTERS

39 killed in Israeli strikes across N Gaza

Deir al-Balah (Gaza Strip): At least 39 people were killed by Israeli air strikes across northern Gaza on Saturday, according to Palestinian and hospital officials.

Fadel Naem, director of the al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, said more than three dozen bodies arrived at the hospital. The Palestinian Civil Defense, an emergency group active in Gaza, said it pulled approximately the same number of bodies from a building hit by an Israeli strike in an eastern neighbourhood of Gaza City.

Israel said Saturday that its fighter jets struck two Hamas military sites in the Ga- za City area but did not elaborate further. The deaths come a day after at least 25 people were killed in strikes.

AP

An Israeli found dead in West Bank

An Israeli was shot dead in a Palestinian town in the northern West Bank Saturday morning, Israel’s army said, while deadly strikes rocked northern Gaza. Israeli forces shot dead two militants in the same West Bank town on Friday. Violence has flared in the the West Bank since the Israel-Hamas war erupted.

AP

Houthis target ship as Eisenhower leaves

Dubai: An attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeted a commercial ship travelling through the Gulf of Aden but apparently caused no damage, authorities said Saturday, in the latest strike on the shipping lane by the group.

The Houthi attack comes after the sinking this week of the ship Tutor, which marked what appears to be a new escalation by the Iranian-backed Houthis in their campaign of strikes on ships in the vital maritime corridor over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, US officials reportedly ordered the USS Dwight D Eisenhower, the aircraft carrier leading America’s response to the Houthi attacks, to return home after a twice-extended tour.

The captain of the ship targeted late Friday saw “explosions in the vicinity of the vessel”, the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre said. A later briefing by the US-overseen Joint Maritime Information Centre said the vessel reported two explosions off its port side and a third one later. “It was not hit and sustained no damage,” the centre said. “The vessel and crew are reported to be safe and are proceeding to their next port of call.”

AP

Probe into 1985 Kanishka bombing remains active & ongoing: Canada

Ottawa: Investigations into the bombing of the Air India Flight 182 remain “active and ongoing”, the Canadian police have said, terming it the “longest” and one of the “most complex domestic terrorism” probe, ahead of the deadly bombing’s 39th-anniversary memorial.

The Montreal-New Delhi Air India ‘Kanishka’ Flight 182 exploded 45 minutes before it was to have landed at London’s Heathrow Airport on June 23, 1985, killing all 329 on board, most of them Canadians of Indian descent. It was blamed on Sikh militants in retaliation to ‘Operation Bluestar’ to flush out militants from the Golden Temple in 1984.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police assistant commissioner David Teboul said the impacts of the bombing “have not diminished with time”. He said that the trauma it caused has impacted generations. “We must never forget those innocent lives lost to this tragedy and other acts of terrorism,” he said.

PTI

US aircraft carrier arrives in S Korea for military drills

Seoul: A nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier, the Theodore Roosevelt, arrived in the South Korean port city of Busan on Saturday to take part in joint military exercises later this month with the host nation and Japan, naval officials said. The leaders of the three countries agreed at a summit last August to hold annual military training drills as they sought to project unity in the face of China’s growing power and nuclear threats from North Korea. This month’s drills, called “Freedom Edge”, will include maritime, anti-submarine warfare exercises and air defence.

REUTERS

Editor opts out of WaPo top job over UK phone tap link

The Washington Post building in downtown Washington

Robert Winnett, the editor selected to run The Washington Post, will not take up that position, after reports raised questions about his ties to unethical news gathering practices in Britain.

Winnett will stay at The Daily Telegraph, where he is the deputy editor, according to emails sent Friday to employees of the London-based newspaper and to staff members at the Post. “I’m pleased to report that Rob Winnett has decided to stay with us,” read a message to Telegraph employees from the newspaper’s top editor, Chris Evans. “As you all know, he’s a talented chap and their loss is our gain.”

Will Lewis, CEO of the Post, confirmed the news in an email to employees. “It is with regret that I share with you that Robert Winnett has withdrawn from the position of editor at The Washington Post,” Lewis wrote. “Rob has my greatest respect and is an incredibly talented editor and journalist.”

Winnett chose to withdraw himself from the position running the Post’s newsroom, according to two people with knowledge of the matter. He did not respond to calls and messages seeking comment.

Last week, the Times reported that Lewis and Winnett we- re said to have used fraudulently obtained records in news articles at The Sunday Times newspaper in London. The next day, the Post followed up with a 3,000-word investigation into Winnett that tra- ced his ties to John Ford, a private investigator who acknowledged using unethical methods to obtain exclusives.

Lewis said the Post would run a search to fill the role. Past searches have been lengthy, culminating with an interview with Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder who owns the paper. Winnett’s decision to stay in Britain is the latest in a series of convulsions at the Post. Early this month, Sally Buzbee, the paper’s executive editor, stunned the newsroom by abruptly resigning. That coincided with Lewis announcing a plan to drastically remake the Post news- room, including by installing Winnett as its top editor.

In the weeks since, numerous articles about Winnett and Lewis have raised questions about their journalistic ethics and past conduct. Many journalists at the paper have become skeptical that the pair could lead an institution like the Post. Bezos, who has owned the paper for over a decade, has been largely silent on the matter, though he weighed in with an email to senior editors this week reassuring them that the standards at the Post would remain high. “That can’t change — and it won’t,” Bezos wrote.

NYT

China, France launch sat to better understand universe

A Long March 2-C rocket lifts off from a space base in Xichang, Sichuan, on Saturday

A French-Chinese satellite blasted off Saturday on a hunt for the mightiest explosions in the universe, in a notable example of cooperation between a Western power and the Asian giant.

Developed by engineers from both countries, the Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) is carrying four instruments — two French, two Chinese — that will seek out gamma-ray bursts, the light from which has travelled billions of light years to reach Earth. The 930kg satellite “successfully” took off around 3pm from a space base in Xichang, China’s National Space Administration said.

Gamma-ray bursts generally occur after the explosion of huge stars — those over 20 times as big as the sun — or the fusion of compact stars. The extremely bright cosmic beams can give off a blast of energy equivalent to more than a billion billion suns.

Observing them is like “looking back in time, as the light from these objects takes along time to reach us”, Ore Gottlieb, an astrophysicist at the Flatiron Institute’s Center for Astrophysics in New York, said. The rays carry traces of the gas clouds and galaxies they pass through on their journey through space —valuable data for better understanding the history and evolution of the universe.

AFP

Starliner’s return to Earth delayed again

Nasa said on Friday the Boeing Starliner’s return to Earth from the International Space Station, which was scheduled for next week, has been delayed again.

The delay of the rescheduled June 26 return will allow more time for the review of the thruster malfunctions and helium leaks that caused the first delay, it said.

Starliner’s first crewed mission to the ISS, which had initially been scheduled to last about eight days, has been extended to a date yet to be determined. The spaceship blasted off from Florida atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket on June 5 following years of delays and safety scares, as well as two aborted launch attempts that came as astronauts were strapped in and ready to go.

“Nasa and Boeing leadership are adjusting the return to Earth of the Starliner Crew Flight Test spacecraft,” Nasa said Friday. “The move off Wednesday, June 26, deconflicts Starliner’s undocking and landing from a series of planned ISS spacewalks while allowing mission teams time to review propulsion system data,” it said.

AFP

First Nigerian set to fly to space for free

The Blue Origin NS-22 liftoff in Jan, 2022. US-based SERA has teamed up with Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin to make space flights accessible to regular citizens

Chethan.Kumar@timesgroup.com

Expensive, risky and elite — that’s space travel in a nutshell ever since Yuri Gagarin became the first human to be sent to space 63 years ago. Till now, less than 700 astronauts have reached space altitude and a majority among them have been from just three countries. Even commercial space flights remain exclusive to the few who can afford them.

But not anymore. Giving regular folks from around the world a chance to become astronauts and participate in space science, US-based Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) has partnered with Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin to develop what they call “a human spaceflight programme for citizens of all nations”. The cost will be borne by SERA, and co-founders Sam Hutchison and Joshua Skurla say they might even be tapping talent from India for their programme.

In line with this mission to make space accessible, SERA has just signed an agreement to send the first Nigerian to space. In June 2022, Vic- tor Hespanha, a 28-year-old civil engineer from Brazil, was selected to travel to space onboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard Rocket (NS-22). He was only the second Brazilian astronaut, and soon became a national hero.

SERA had commercially purchased a seat from Blue Origin for Hespanha, but the mission’s success has now opened the door to a partnership with Bezos’ firm, and launch of a new human spaceflight programme. For their next mission, SERA has reserved six seats on an upcoming launch of New Shepard, Blue Origin’s rocket. “We look at New Shepard as a wonderful tool to introduce space travel to people for whom it might feel like a very distant opportunity,” Skurla says.

Could an Indian be on their next mission? Skurla says, “One of the things we love about India as a potential partner country is all of its space infrastructure and activity. India can take a leadership role among others.”

Hutchison agrees that India could be a potential partner, which will enable the Indian community to vote in an astronaut. “We realised over 150 countries never had an astronaut. We want to create historical moments and use them to stimulate national conversations about each country’s space plans moving forward,” he says.

The first phase involves flying citizen astronauts selected by their communities on the New Shepard rocket. Five of the seats will be allocated to partner nations that have either never had an astronaut or had very few. The sixth seat will be open to individuals from any nation.

“We want to stand back and let the community run this mission. If you want to build a space agency, we’re providing the tools to allow that for people globally, especially young people to have a say and stake in this flight,” says Hutchison. Unlike traditional government space programmes, SERA is going for open voting to select astronauts from each partner country or region. Minimal physical requirements and astronaut training are needed.

But SERA’s ambitions go beyond just flying civilians to space. Their long-term vision is to provide an open platform and resources for communities worldwide to collaborate on early-stage space research, technology development, and even form new space startups.

“We’re going to provide the community with programme management tools, risk assessment, budgeting — all that’s traditionally used by large aerospace organisations. The idea is to get people collaborating on space missions, with us footing the bill initially,” adds Hutchison.

Eight from ship that crashed into Baltimore bridge leave for India

The collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge near the cargo terminals of the Port of Baltimore

Washington: Eight Indian crew members of the cargo ship ‘Dali’ that crashed into a famed Baltimore bridge in March left for India on Friday after nearly three months on the mammoth vessel. According to Baltimore Maritime Exchange, four of the 21 crew members are still on board the 984-foot cargo ship MV Dali, which is tentatively scheduled to leave Friday evening for Norfolk, Virginia.

The rest of the crew has been moved to a service apartment in Baltimore and will remain there pending an investigation. Notably, 20 of the crew members were Indian nationals. They were on board the MV Dali Cargo, which struck the pillars of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge resulting in its collapse and the death of six construction workers in the tragic incident. Dali will undergo repair at Norfolk.

The departure of eight Indian crew members including a cook, a fitter and seamen follows a deal approved by the judge. None of these are officers. The rest 13 would remain in the US, mainly because of the pending investigations. “They’re anxious, under considerable stress considering they don’t know the future. They don’t know when they’ll see their family again or how they’ll be treated here,” Rev Joshua Messick, director of the Baltimore International Seafarers’ Center and chaplain for the Port of Baltimore told CNN.

None of the crew members have been charged in connection with the disaster. FBI and other federal agencies are conducting the investigations.

PTI

Hindujas ‘appalled’ by jail term; file appeal

London: Britain’s wealthiest family, the Hindujas, have said they are “appalled” by a Swiss court’s ruling of jail terms for some members and have filed an appeal in a higher court challenging the verdict finding them guilty of exploiting domestic workers from India employed at their villa in Geneva.

A spokesperson for the affected family members, Kamal and Prakash Hinduja and their son Ajay and his wife Namrata — who are all Swiss nationals, pointed out on Saturday that neither of them have been subjected to any “imprisonment, conviction, sentence or detention.”

“Per Swiss law procedures, the lower court’s judgement is rendered ineffective and inoperative as the presumption of innocence is paramount until and unless a final judgment by the highest adjudicating authority is enforced,” the family’s spokesperson said.

“It may be noted the case has no complainants left anymore and they had declared in the court that they were led into signing statements that they didn’t understand. They had neither intended to nor initiated proceedings. All of them further testified that the four Hinduja family members treated them with ‘respect, dignity and like family’,” the spokesperson said.

Earlier on Friday, in a statement issued on behalf of the family stressed their clients had been acquitted of all human trafficking charges. They also dismissed media reports that any members of the family faced detention after court reports from Geneva said the four were sentenced to between four and four-and-a-half years in prison.

PTI

AROUND THE WORLD

Members of the Tengger sub-ethnic group gather to present offerings at the crater’s edge of the active Mount Bromo volcano as part of the Yadnya Kasada festival in Probolinggo, East Java province, on Saturday

Flight returns after fire-signal emergency

A Japan Airlines plane returned to Aomori airport Saturday after a system message signalled one of its engines had caught fire mid-air, the company said. Flight JL2154 bound for Osaka was carrying 47 people — including five crew members — when it was forced to return to Aomori because of the message in the cockpit that suggested the left engine had caught fire, the carrier said. No injuries were reported in the incident. “We are confirming whether the engine actually caught fire,” JAL said in a text message, adding that the Embraer SA jet landed at Aomori as the fire signal disappeared after the crew halted the engine.

Night watchman killed in Paris robbery bid: The body of a night watchman was found bound and battered in a Paris hotel after an attempt to steal a safe filled with cash, a police source said Saturday. Officers were called at 11.30pm on Friday to a street in the city’s 11th district, where the police source said a safe was found abandoned. Inside a nearby hotel, they found the body of the night watchman “lying on his bed, tied up and with multiple bruises,” the source added. A witness reported seeing four men wearing balaclavas trying to load the safe into a van at around 9.30pm, before giving up and fleeing in the vehicle. The safe “contained the hotel’s whole month of revenue,” the source said.

Egypt to prosecute travel agents: Egyptian PM Mostafa Madbouly ordered 16 tourism companies stripped of their licences and referred their managers to the public prosecutor Saturday over illegal pilgrimages to Mecca. The order came after countries whose citizens performed this year’s hajj reported more than 1,100 deaths, many attributed to the oven-like summer heat in Saudi Arabia.

US top court upholds law that disarms domestic abusers

Justice Clarence Thomas, author of the majority opinion in the 2022 decision, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, was the only dissenter

Washington: The US Supreme Court ruled Friday that the government can take guns away from people subject to restraining orders for domestic violence, limiting the sweep of a blockbuster decision in 2022 that had vastly expanded Second Amendment rights.

Indeed, Friday’s decision amounted to a retreat from what had been an unbroken series of major rulings favouring gun rights that started in 2008, when the court first recognized an individual constitutional right to keep firearms in the home for self-defense.

In the 2022 decision, the court established a right to carry guns outside the home and announced a new test to assess all sorts of gun control laws, one that looked to historical practices to judge their constitutionality. That new test has sown confusion in the lower courts, with some judges striking down laws that had been on the books for decades.

The case decided Friday, United States v. Rahimi, asked whether a Texas man could be prosecuted under federal law making it a crime for people subject to domestic violence restraining orders to possess guns. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority in the 8-1 decision, said the answer was yes and that Second Amendment rights have limits.

NYT

Iran’s top court overturns rapper’s death sentence

Iran’s supreme court has overturned a death sentence against popular rapper Toomaj Salehi who was jailed for backing nationwide protests sparked by Mahsa Amini’s death, his lawyer said Saturday. “Salehi’s death sentence was overturned,” the rapper’s lawyer Amir Raisian said in a post on X, adding that the Islamic republic’s top court had ordered a retrial.

In April, an Iranian court sentenced Salehi to death for the capital offence of “corruption on earth”, Raisian said at the time. The rapper was also found guilty of “assistan- ce in sedition, assembly and collusion, propaganda against the state and calling for riots”, the lawyer said.

Salehi, 33, was arrested in Oct 2022 after publicly backing demonstrations which had erupted a month earlier, triggered by Amini’s death in police custody.

“The Supreme Court prevented an irreparable judicial error,” Raisian said, adding that the court also ruled that Salehi’s “previous sentence (6 years and three months) was also without compliance with the rules of a multiplicity of crimes.”

AFP

Three missing in landslide in Swiss Alps

Vienna: Three people were missing on Saturday after massive thunderstorms and rainfall in southeastern Switzerland caused a landslide, authorities said. One woman was pulled out alive after being buried by the landslide in the Alpine valley of Misox in Graubünden. A rescue operation for the three others is ongoing. The rockslide hit a group of houses in the municipality of Lostallo. Rescuers have been searching all day Saturday with excavators and specially-trained search dogs. William Kloter from the Swiss police, who is heading the rescue operations, told local media that he was hoping to find the three missing persons alive.

AP

Google Maps deletes AI photos of Austrian landmarks

Google on Saturday deleted from its maps service dozens of images of Austrian landmarks that were altered by environmental activists to highlight the potential impact of climate change. The images, changed using artificial intelligence, showed the river Danube and Austrian lakes dried up and snowless Alpine peaks as though the pictures were taken in the year 2070. They were put on Google Maps this week by the Letzte Generation (Last Generation) group. “Our policies clearly prohibit content that is not based on real experience ,” a Google spokesperson said.

AFP

Times Sport

- Bravo! Claudio saving grace as Chile hold Peru

- ONE SELF, SOME SELFIES

- Scots hungry for a shot at history

- Schick shakes it up in entertaining draw

- As coaches debate goal or not, quiet Kante has his say

- Max expectations for ‘new’ Germany

- Hardik stars in clinical win

- Personal chefs serve home flavours for Hardik, Surya

- England eye huge win to seal Super Eight spot

- Hope keeps WI in hunt with six feast

- AFGHANISTAN FACE UPHILL TASK VS AUS

- Pressure of winning makes Men in Blue vulnerable: Smith

- GALLERY

- Some teams to bring own AC units to Paris

- LA 2028: Athletics in first week, swimming in second

- Norris edges Verstappen for pole

- Aditi makes cut; world No. 1 Nelly misses out

- Compound archers stay undefeated

- Gangjee clinches Selangor Masters

- Sinner makes first grasscourt final

- Nagal set for Paris but could be without a coach

Bravo! Claudio saving grace as Chile hold Peru

OLD HANDS: Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo (centre) in thick of the action against Peru in the Copa America in Arlington on Friday

Arlington: Claudio Bravo became the oldest player in Copa America history and made four saves to help Chile play Peru to a scoreless draw on Friday night in the tournament opener for both teams.

Bravo, who is 41 years and 69 days, stopped a first-time shot by Gianluca Lapadula on a corner kick in the 79th minute before denying Paolo Guerrero on the rebound attempt in front of 43,030 fans at AT&T Stadium.

Chile’s best scoring chance came in the 16th minute when Alexis Sánchez was left wide open in front of the goal, but his redirection went over the crossbar.

The physical battle featured 37 fouls and four yellow cards.

Chile and Peru trail Argentina in Group A.

We tried to play, but Peru were very strong in their defence and they were able to break up our game,” Chile boss Ricardo Gareca, who coached Peru from 2015-2022, told reporters.

“The referee allowed a lot for that type of play. So of course, there were a lot of breaks, and it was tough for us to create and to come up with these opportunities.”

After the draw, Chile and Peru were left with a point each, trailing Group A leaders Argentina by two after the defending champions’ 2-0 win over Canada on Thursday.

“We were not able to create many plays and execute them. We were under a lot of pressure and sometimes we were not accurate in our passes,” Gareca added.

“I’m not concerned. I think this will be useful for us to analyse our game to improve our game.

“We of course hoped to win the match. But I think it’s very important that we’re able to take a point and we still have two matches ahead of us.”

Hosts US won’t overlook Bolivia

The US team is in no position to take an opponent lightly as they face Bolivia in their first Group C match of Copa America on Sunday (Monday, 3.30am IST) in Arlington, Texas.

With the Americans placed 11th in the FIFA rankings and Bolivia 84th, the US have a good opportunity to take the first step toward advancement to the knockout round. Securing victories over Bolivia and Panama, ranked 43rd, would guarantee advancement for the hosts, irrespective of the final group match outcome against 14thranked Uruguay. However, the American squad harbours larger ambitions than just making it to the knockouts.

“For me it’s getting past the quarterfinal,” midfielder Tyler Adams said.

“We need to in a pressure situation win in a knockout. That’s going to measure a lot of our success.” Scepticism around coach Gregg Berhalter’s leadership ability was heightened following an unconvincing run-up to the tournament and a crushing 5-1 defeat by Colombia.

However, a 1-1 draw with Brazil, one of the tournament favourites, relieved some of the mounting pressure.

AGENCIES

ONE SELF, SOME SELFIES

Portugal Advance To Round of 16 With Easy Win Over Turkiye

OH GEE! Turkiye’s goalkeeper Altay Bayindir and defender Zeki Celik scramble in vain to stop teammate Samet Akaydin’s mis-pass into their own net against Portugal in Dortmund on Saturday

Dortmund: Bernardo Silva’s first goal at a major tournament, a calamitous own goal from Samet Akaydin and a Bruno Fernandes tap-in gave Portugal a comfortable 3-0 win over Turkey on Saturday to guarantee qualification for the last 16 as Group F winners.

There were no goals, one assist and no less than four selfie-pursuing field invaders for Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo was the centre of attention as always at Westfalenstadion but not how he might have expected.

Silva gave Portugal the lead in the 21st minute, rifling home after Nuno Mendes’ cross deflected kindly into his path before Akaydin failed to look and passed the ball beyond onrushing goalkeeper Altay Bayindir seven minutes later. Fernandes effectively ended the contest after 56 minutes when Cristiano Ronaldo — who could have become the oldest goalscorer in Euro history — selflessly passed to his teammate to tap home.

The victory secures Portugal’s progress while Turkey must avoid defeat on Wednesday to the Czech Republic, who drew 1-1 with Georgia earlier on Saturday, to be certain of qualifying for the knockout rounds.

Portugal started sharply and were unfazed by the Turkey’s supporters noise when in possession, with Ronaldo drawing an easy save from Bayindir inside two minutes.

Turkey — who had lost all three of their previous European Championship games against Portugal without scoring — often played out from the back and the gamble almost paid off after 20 minutes, but Pepe’s last-man challenge stopped Orkun Kokcu.

Portugal scored shortly after through a quick break down the left, when Mendes played a dangerous ball across goal which Silva turned home. A defensive mix-up doubled their lead when Bayindir wandered out of his goal to collect a misplaced pass towards Ronaldo, only to watch Akaydin’s backpass roll past him in slow motion. Kerem Akturkoglu forced a great save from Diogo Costa almost immediately after, but Turkey otherwise created precious few chances.

The second half started in subdued fashion before substitute Ruben Neves played a long pass over the top, which fell to Ronaldo who laid the ball on a plate for Fernandes to score.

The game petered out even after Turkey boss Vincenzo Montella introduced teenage star Arda Guler but was marred by several pitch invaders towards the the game, all of whom seeking a selfie with Ronaldo.

There was chaos as three fans got on the field at different times in the second half and attempted selfies with Ronaldo. He accepted the first but looked unhappy at the other two.

Another phone-waving supporter, wearing a Portugal jersey, got to Ronaldo moments after the final whistle and security had to hold back another person attempting to confront the stars in the world as he walked off the field with his teammates.

Ronaldo might be more unhappy at failing to score against a Turkey team that was their own worst enemy at times.

AGENCIES

PL, SHARE... Cristiano Ronaldo obliges a young fan during the game

Scots hungry for a shot at history

Stuttgart: History awaits Scotland if they can beat Hungary on Sunday and potentially seal qualification for the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time.

In 11 previous attempts, at eight World Cups and three Euros, Scotland have always fallen at the group stage.

A familiar early exit looked on the cards when Steve Clarke’s men suffered an opening night humiliation at the hands of hosts Germany.

However, a battling 1-1 draw against Switzerland has re-instilled belief and kept dreams of qualification alive. Victory would not guarantee progress but would almost certainly be enough either for second place in Group A or to be one of the four best third-placed sides who reach the last 16.

Clarke said before a ball was kicked in Germany that he was targeting four points.

A clash with Hungary, who have two losses, appears to offer Scotland’s best chance of a first win at a major tournament since 1996.

AFP

Schick shakes it up in entertaining draw

Hamburg: Patrik Schick chested home to earn the Czech Republic a 1-1 draw against debutants Georgia on Saturday in an entertaining match, but it leaves both teams in a tricky spot in Group F. They have a point each.

Georgia coach Willy Sagnol said his players’ disappointment at their opening defeat showed how far his team has come, and they gave everything in Hamburg to earn their first Euros point.

Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili made a string of superb saves to keep his team in the game and they took the lead just before the break through Georges Mikau- tadze’s penalty. However Schick reprised his Euro 2020 goalscoring heroics with an improvised finish to leave honours even at the end of a pulsating clash.

Georgia’s key attacking duo Mikautadze and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia both needed medical treatment in the warm-up but were able to start the match. They pressed with fury from the off but it was Ivan Hasek’s Czech side who were more dangerous throughout.

Saba Lobjanidze missed a chance to write his name into Georgia’s sporting folklore, blazing the final kick of the game over with only the goalkeeper to beat.

AFP

CHECK THIS OUT: Patrick Schick scores to give Czechs a lifeline

As coaches debate goal or not, quiet Kante has his say

Leipzig: The Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman said Xavi Simons’ disallowed goal against France should have stood, but that a 0-0 draw in Leipzig was a fair result.

N’Golo Kante was the unlikely star of the show in the absence of a frustrated Kylian Mbappe as one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage failed to live up to expectation on Friday.

The France captain sat out the entire match from the bench after breaking his nose on Monday against Austria.

Recalled from a two-year international exile, Kante has rolled back the years in Germany with back-to-back man-ofthe-match awards to become the fulcrum of Didier Deschamps’ midfield once more.

Les Bleusenjoyed the better of the chances as Antoine Griezmann missed two opportunities. The biggest talking point came 18 minutes from time when Simons lashed in the rebound after Mike Maignan saved from Memphis Depay. After a lengthy delay for a VAR check, the goal was ruled offside as Denzel Dumfries was adjudged to be interfering with Maignan’s ability to stop the shot.

“I think the position of Dumfries is offside but he isn’t disturbing the goalkeeper. When that happens it is a legal goal in my opinion,” said Koeman, “You need five minutes to check it? I don’t understand this.”

A point edges both sides towards qualification for the last 16. Deschamps agreed with the decision. “I was taken aback with how long it took because when I saw the screen it was a no-brainer,” he said.

The Netherlands remain top of Group D on four points, ahead of France only on goals scored with one game remaining. Austria are third with three after their 3-1 win over Poland.

Over the past two years, France have not won any of the seven games that Mbappe has not started. “Obviously the team is on a different plane when Kylian is in it,” added Deschamps.

“I would be more worried if we weren’t creating chances. I thought Griezmann was better than in the first game, but was slightly off the pace on the technical front, which I’m not used to with him” he said.

AGENCIES

OFFSIDE? The Netherlands striker Denzel Dumfries (right) stands behind Dutch Maignan as Xavi Simons’ (not in pic) shot speeds in

PREVIEWS

Max expectations for ‘new’ Germany

Mittelstaedt’s rise as ‘one of the best left-backs’ is symbolic of a refreshed footballing nation

MITTELSTAEDT

Herzogenaurach: Maximilian Mittelstaedt’s stunning rise from relegated bench player to Germany starting XI is symbolic of how the Euro 2024 hosts have been reborn under coach Julian Nagelsmann.

One year ago, Mittelstaedt was relegated with Hertha Berlin.

He often watched from the bench as his boyhood side, the biggest club in the German capital, slipped into the second division.

After moving to Stuttgart for 500,000 euros ($534,000), a paltry sum even for a club which had come close to relegation themselves, little was expected of the 27-year-old defender.

However, Mittelstaedt went on to play a key role as Stuttgart finished second in the Bundesliga, 40 points more than their previous campaign and ahead of perennial champions Bayern Munich.

His reward was a call up to the Germany squad for the first time.

On Wednesday, playing in Stuttgart this time in Germany colours, Mittelstaedt created the second goal for the hosts, sealing a 2-0 win over Hungary which put his country into the last 16. The assist was the latest in a series of highlights for a player who has quickly become a key component in Germany’s return to contender status as they chase a fourth European title.

Mittelstaedt was one of 11 changes Nagelsmann made in March as he rebuilt a struggling Germany side just three months out from the Euros opener.

Gone were big names like Leon Goretzka, Serge Gnabry and Mats Hummels, with Nagelsmann instead picking heavily from Stuttgart and champions Bayer Leverkusen.

Mittelstaedt came in alongside three other Stuttgart players, winger Chris Fuehrich, forward Deniz Undav and defender Waldemar Anton. While the other three were also chosen as part of the Euro 2024 squad, Mittelstaedt is the only one locked into the starting XI.

Mittlestaedt described his rise to become a Germany regular as “totally surreal.”

“If someone had told me this last year, I’d have said they were crazy.”

But if the rapid ascent startled the defender, he is confident he belongs at the highest level.

“It’s funny how quickly everything can develop,” the defender said.

“But I worked hard for it, even in the years when things weren’t going so well. I never doubted that I had the quality. I always believed in myself.”

Clearly impressed, Nagelsmann named Mittelstaedt as one of the best four left backs in the world before the tournament kicked off.

His style clearly suits Nagelsmann’s Germany, who seek to hold the ball and attack like Stuttgart under coach Sebastian Hoeness.

Mittelstaedt highlighted the similarities between the young, offensive-minded coaches, saying “both want to play football, both want to have possession and both want to attack.”

He said he would have been unlikely to get a call up as someone who “just stands there and kicks the ball away.”

After the win over Hungary and a dominant 5-1 thumping of Scotland in the tournament opener, Germany need at least a draw in Sunday’s match against Switzerland to guarantee top spot in their group.

After the win over Hungary on Sunday, Mittelstaedt described his story as “a very, very nice fairytale.”

While the road is long for a team which has underperformed at major tournaments for almost a decade, playing the July 14 final in Mittelstaedt’s hometown of Berlin would surely be a fairytale ending.

AGENCIES

TIMES IN THE CARIBBEAN

Hardik stars in clinical win

Kuldeep, Bumrah Sizzle With Ball As India Brush Aside Bangladesh By 50 Runs, Put One Foot In Semis

THE FINISHER: Hardik Pandya was India’s top scorer with an unbeaten 50 runs off 27 balls

Dwaipayan.Datta@timesgroup.com

Once the niceties of the two most beautiful national anthems by the same poet were done on the faraway shores of Antigua, it was on India to take charge of their Super8s group and all but seal a semis spot.

From openers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to cavaliers Rishabh Pant and Shivam Dube, everybody contributed. Jasprit Bumrah (2/13), too, was his usual miserly self as Bangladesh huffed and puffed to a 50-run loss.

But as India all but shut out Bangladesh’s hopes in this T20 World Cup, it was Hardik Pandya who put all his troubles to the side to stand up and deliver. Hardik has been slowly gathering momentum through the World Cup after a horrendous IPL, and on Saturday morning at the hot and sticky Vivian Richard Stadium, the allrounder came to the party.

His 27-ball 50 was the cornerstone of India’s 196-5, a score big enough to notch up the easy win against a team that doesn’t have the firepower in its batting. Coming into bowl within the Powerplay, Hardik used the slower ball to remove the dangerous opener Liton Das caught at deep square leg, that halted Bangladesh’s improbable chase.

Earlier, Hardik had come in to bat with the score on 108-4 in the 12th over, the entire top-order back in the hut. One more wicket at that stage could have made things slightly tricky for India, but Hardik ensured that nothing on those lines would happen.

Clearing his front leg, Hardik played the shots that made himself such a menace over the years as Shivam Dube (34 off 24 balls) came up with a useful contribution towards the end. The 53- run stand that he had with Dube was the right injection at the right time, the colossal sixes off the left-hander’s bat telling the world how deep India can bat. And even after Dube got out, Hardik connected a few strong hits as India notched up the highest score in a T20 game on this ground.

One could see that the Bangladesh batters lacked the belief to make a match of it. Still Tanzid Hasan and Nazmul Hosain Shanto did make an effort, till left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav (3/19) came into his own.

India have decided to play him in the West Indies because of the variety that he brings to the table and the help that he gets from these tracks. Kuldeep’s first wicket on Saturday was that of left-hander Tazid Hasan Tamim, who failed to read Kuldeep’s googly to fall leg-before.

Towhid Hridoy, too, missed a sweep off another one that turned in to get trapped right in front. Shakib Al Hasan fell soon enough and Kuldeep’s sumptuous spell of spin bowling was definitely the second highlight of the day.

The Bangladesh batters failed to create any momentum off Kuldeep and the game was over before it was actually over.

Much before that, it was the two superstars of Indian cricket — Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — who gave glimpses that big scores could be just around the corner.

While Rohit (23 off 11 balls) looked to give himself just that little bit of room and play over the top, Virat (37 off 28 balls) seemed in beautiful touch during the course of his cameo.

On a big ground, 39 off 3.4 is a good start and by the time Rohit got out, after being put in rather surprisingly by the Bangladesh captain, the platform had been set. The fans would have liked Virat to score a little more than what he got, but the super batter isn’t exactly bothered about the number of runs that he is getting. It’s all in a team’s cause and even though it was a moment to remember for medium-pacer Tanzim Shakib when he got Virat bowled, the Indian engine had already started chugging.

Personal chefs serve home flavours for Hardik, Surya

Dwaipayan.Datta@timesgroup.com

If you’re in the West Indies, you’re in food heaven. Even as the ocean takes your breath away, it’s easy to get hooked to the mouth-watering street food if you’re in the mood to try something beyond the usual fare.

But it’s not such a rosy story for everybody, especially if you’re a top Indian cricketer. Take Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, for example. Surya is a Mumbai boy and is surely exposed to quality seafood while there’s enough evidence that Hardik isn’t shy of a flamboyant life.

But when it’s the World Cup and an elusive trophy to win, the two superstars of Indian cricket are keeping themselves on a tight leash when it comes to culinary experiences. One understands that both the players have their own chefs travelling with them. The duo’s daily dubba (lunch box) comes from these chefs.

According to sources, the travelling chefs are not part of the team contingent. They do their own bookings and stay in bread-and-breakfast joints close to the team hotel. It is here that they cook the food prescribed by the cricketers’ nutritionists. The meals are handed to them in tiffin-carriers every day.

One understands that it has nothing to do with the quality of food that is being served to the team at the hotels that they are staying. It’s just that the players are very fussy about nutrition and the feel of “ghar ka khana (home-cooked food)” that make them feel comfortable on a long, difficult tour.

While Hardik and Surya have their own chefs, it’s not that the other members of the team are going on binges. In fact, it was Virat Kohli who had brought about a change in the food culture of the Indian team during his captaincy tenure and the team has stuck with it.

If all goes well though for another week though, a little bit of indulgence for the boys in blue could well be in store on the party streets of the Caribbean.

England eye huge win to seal Super Eight spot

Bridgetown (Barbados): Defending champions England will need their power hitters to do the job against a demoralised yet tricky USA in their final Super 8 match as they eye a huge win to keep themselves in contention for a semifinal spot at the T20 World Cup here on Sunday.

England batters couldn’t produce the big hits while chasing a target of 164 during their last Super 8 match against South Africa, suffering a seven-run loss on Friday.

West Indies’ massive nine-wicket win over the USA has opened up the group, leaving England with the task of notching up a big victory to push their net run-rate up as it might come down to it in the end.

While South Africa are currently sitting atop the Group 2 with two wins, both West Indies and England have a win and a loss each with the hosts having a better NRR.

However, no team is assured of a semifinal berth and England will need to defeat USA by either 10 runs or at least an over to spare to stay in contention for the semifinals.

For SA, a loss—even in a Super Over—against WI in their final match will knock them out of the race if England can achieve their task.

If SA win and England lose to USA, it will again be a three-way tie between WI, ENG and USA for the second spot and the team with better run-rate will go through to the knockout stage.

England batters produced an authoritative performance against the West Indies but they failed to tame the SA bowlers and faltered in their chase of 164 on Friday.

Phil Salt has been in great form, having blasted two centuries, a fifty, and three thirties in his last 10 T20Is but his early dismissal meant England couldn’t get the explosive start as Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow couldn’t quite bring out the big shots. Harry Brook (53) and Liam Livingstone (33) played sensibly to take the chase deep but England eventually failed to score 25 runs in the last three overs. However, England’s batting remains a formidable force which the likes of Saurabh Netravalkar and Harmeet Singh will find tough to tame.

PTI

Hope keeps WI in hunt with six feast

HAMMER & TONGS: Shai Hope hit eight sixes during his unbeaten knock of 82

Bridgetown (Barbados): Opener Shai Hope blasted an unbeaten 82 as West Indies came back roaring to crush the USA by nine wickets on Friday.

After bowling out the USA for a mere 128 in 19.5 overs, the West Indies batters went all guns blazing from the word go to knock off the target in just 10.5 overs.

The win improved West Indies’ standing in the Group 2 points table. The Caribbean side, which had suffered an eight-wicket hammering from England on Wednesday, is now placed second with two points and a net run rate of 1.814.

West Indies skipper Rovman Powell lauded Hope after being dropped for the contest against England. “He’s been fantastic, he got a chance against Afghanistan but was dropped next game against England in St. Lucia because of the combination. However, he was hungry for a good performance,” Powell said.

“Kensington brings back special memories for us. We had a great opportunity to come out and play some good cricket. (Roston) Chase plays really well, plays a role very well. Keeps things tight. On a good surface, he bowled really well,” Powell added.

Johnson Charles fell for a 14-ball 15 with a couple of fours early on but the pair of Hope (82 not out) and Nicholas Pooran did the job for their side, smacking the USA bowlers all around the park here at the Kensington Oval. Hope made a mincemeat of the USA bowling as the right-hander clattered eight sixes and four fours to make 82 not out from just 39 balls, with Pooran reaching 27 not out from 13 balls with three sixes and a four.

Meanwhile, Kyle Mayers was added to the West Indies squad as a replacement for injured opener Brandon King. King had suffered the niggle against England on Wednesday.

PTI

Brief scores: USA 128 in 19.5 overs (Andries Gous 29; Roston Chase 3-19, Andre Russell 3-31) lost to West Indies 130-1 in 10.5 overs (Shai Hope 82*, Nicholas Pooran 27*) by nine wickets.

AFGHANISTAN FACE UPHILL TASK VS AUS

Kingstown (St Vincent): A stern test awaits Afghanistan as they take on a rampant Australia in their T20 World Cup Super Eight Group 1 clash here on Sunday.

Coming off a 47-run thrashing at the hands of India, Afghanistan will be under pressure not just to record a win but also to improve their run-rate which took a severe hit after the loss in their first Super Eight game. Afghanistan are placed third with a NRR of -2.350 and it will be an uphill task for them to improve that as well as move up in the points table in a group which also consists Bangladesh.

Afghanistan showed their all-round skills in the group stage to finish second behind the West Indies but they will have to find their ‘A’ game to stop the 2021 winners Australia, who have notched up five wins in a row.

At the top, David Warner (169 runs) and Travis Head’s (179) destructive opening pair can take down the best of bowling attacks and in such a scenario, Rashid’s use of Farooqi and himself could have a big impact on the proceedings.

The two teams last met in the ODI World Cup in 2023. It was in Mumbai where Glenn Maxwell had played a once-in-a-generation knock to notch up a sensational double hundred while battling cramps all over his body, with Pat Cummins in tow. Afghanistan would certainly be motivated to exact revenge for that loss in a format wherein they feel most comfortable and have the skills to excel.

PTI

Pressure of winning makes Men in Blue vulnerable: Smith

Dwaipayan.Datta@timesgroup.com

Ian Smith was in the commentary box when M S Dhoni fell just short of his crease, being run out by a direct hit from Martin Guptill in the deep, during the World Cup semifinal in 2019. Smith’s voice, a combination of euphoria at New Zealand closing in on the final—and sadness that it could be Dhoni’s last moment in international cricket—became one of the iconic pieces of commentary in recent times.

One of New Zealand’s top wicketkeeper-batters of the 1980s and early 90s, Smith felt the Dhoni dismissal took the World Cup away from India. The ICC trophy has kept eluding them and during an interaction with select journalists at the Bridgetown airport, Smith felt “it’s the pressure of winning every day that makes India vulnerable in the biggest moments”.

“Pressure is a big thing. No one plays with as much pressure as the Indian team does. Everyday you have to win— that’s an idea that can make you vulnerable. In tournaments like the World Cup, they become the iconic team that everyone wants to beat,” Smith said.

The ’keeper himself was part of a brilliant New Zealand team led by Martin Crowe in the 1992 World Cup that played game-changing cricket only to falter against Pakistan in the semifinal.

Smith empathizes with India and says “it’s not because of lack of talent that India haven’t won”. “But they carry some of the pressure of the burden that hurts them. Fear of failure can be a big thing in sport.”

However, the man who played 67 Tests and 98 ODIs, believes that India are the favourites, along with Australia, to win the T20 World Cup. “It’s because of the individual match-winners that these two teams have. They have seven or eight and you only need two to come off,” he said.

‘With time, Pant can be as good as Gilchrist’

During the course of the conversation, when TOI asked him how he feels about Rishabh Pant, Smith said: “He still has a bit to go, but he can be as good as Adam Gilchrist. In Tests, he can bat down the order and in white-ball cricket at the top, so there is similarity with Gilchrist. If he goes this way, there can be a time when people bracket him with Gilchrist.”

Smith went on to add that Pant is a combination of “dynamic, aggressive and extremely dangerous” and has the ability to compliment the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. “I am a firm believer of best players playing maximum deliveries and No. 3 is the perfect slot for Pant,” Smith said.

‘Nothing wrong in Williamson refusing central contract’

There has been quite a bit of talk about New Zealand legend Kane Williamson’s decision not to accept the central contract by the board. Smith, though, doesn’t see anything wrong in Williamson’s decision at this stage of his career.

“Williamson is definitely not the first player to do this, Boult has done it before him. He is in a stage of his career where he can “pick and choose”. There is a talk that players are doing this so that they can play more franchise cricket. Even I would have done the same if it was happening in the 1990s. It isn’t wrong to follow the money at this stage of one’s career,” Smith added.

He also felt that New Zealand are probably at the end of a very successful cycle and they need to up the ante. “First things first, you cannot have the same coach for all the three formats. They probably need a new broom to sweep through.”

GALLERY

FC Goa sign Hammad

Margao: FC Goa has roped in defender Muhammad Hammad for the upcoming ISL season, the club announced on Saturday. It will be the maiden stint in the ISL for the player from Srinagar.

PTI

ACTION TODAY

AUTO: F1, 6.30 pm (Fancode)

CRICKET: ICC T20 WC, Afghanistan vs Aus, 6 am; USA vs Eng, 8 pm (Star Sports); India Women vs SA, 3rd ODI, 1.30 pm (Jiocinema)

FOOTBALL: Euro 2024, Switzerland vs Germany; Scotland vs Hungary, 12.30 am Monday (Sony Sports); La Liga, 10 pm (Jiocinema)

TENNIS: Halle Open, 5.30 pm (Eurosport)

OLYMPICS

Some teams to bring own AC units to Paris

Eugene: The US Olympic team is one of a handful that will supply air conditioners for their athletes at the Paris Games in a move that undercuts organizers' plans to cut carbon emissions. US Olympic and Paralympic CEO Sarah Hirshland said Friday that while the US team appreciates efforts aimed at sustainability, the federation would be supplying AC units for what is typically the largest contingent of athletes at the Summer Games.

“As you can imagine, this is a period of time in which consistency and predictability is critical for Team USA’s performance,” Hirshland said. “In our conversations with athletes, this was a very high priority and something that the athletes felt was a critical component in their performance capability.”

The Washington Post reported earlier this month that Germany, Australia, Italy, Canada and Britain were among the other countries with plans to b ring air conditioners to France.

Olympic organizers have touted plans to cool rooms in the Athletes Village, which will house more than 15,000 Olympians and sports officials over the course of the games, using a system of cooling pipes underneath the floors.

The average high in Paris on Aug. 1 is 26 degrees Celsius. The objective is to keep the rooms between 23-26 degrees. The rooms will also be equipped with fans. “I want the Paris Games to be exem- plary from an environmental point of view,” Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo has said about the plans for the Olympics.

According to the International Energy Agency, fewer than 1 in 10 households in Europe has air conditioning, and the numbers in Paris are lower than that. The study said that of the 1.6 billion AC units in use across the globe in 2016, more than half were in China (570 million) and the United States (375 million). The entire European Union had around 100 million. The Olympics mark the most important stop on the athletic careers of the 10,500-plus athletes who will descend on Paris, which has led some high-profile countries to undercut environmental efforts for the sake of comfort.

AP

LA 2028: Athletics in first week, swimming in second

Los Angeles: The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on Friday announced changes to its venue plan that it says will create an estimated $156 million in combined savings and revenue increases. Swimming will be held in a temporary pool at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, with its 38,000 seats creating the largest swimming venue in Olympic history; basketball will be played at Intuit Dome, which opens this August in Inglewood; and gymnastics will be held at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles. Athletics will remain at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

The Los Angeles Olympics — the third games to be hosted by the city — will be held from July 14-30, 2028. More than 10,000 athletes from over 200 countries will compete in 35 sports currently on the program.

The plans for the opening and closing ceremonies remain unchanged, with parts hosted at both the Coliseum and SoFi Stadium. As a result, the traditional schedule for athletics and swimming will be adjusted. Athletics will move to the first week of the games, while swimming will be held during the second week.

AP

Norris edges Verstappen for pole

Barcelona:Lando Norrishailed a perfect lap to put McLaren on pole position for the Spanish Grand Prix on Saturday and deny Red Bull’s triple Formula One world champion Max Verstappen the top slot. Verstappen had taken provisional pole with a time that looked hard to beat, and went faster with his final effort, but Norris took it to another level to end the session 0.020 quicker than his Dutch rival. The pole was only the second of the Briton’s Formula One career, the last coming at the Russian Grand Prix in 2021.

“It was pretty much a perfect lap. You know when you are on a good lap and you are getting excited,” Norris said after setting a time of one minute 11.383 seconds. “It has been close all weekend but really it was about a perfect lap and that is what I did.”

Championship leader Verstappen had set the standard with a lap of 1:11.673 as his first effort and improved the time on his second run to an impressive 1:11.403. Mercedes’s Lewis Hamilton was third fastest and teammate George Russell fourth. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, preparing for a home race, filled the third row.

REUTERS

Aditi makes cut; world No. 1 Nelly misses out

R.Satya@timesgroup.com

Sammamish (USA): When Aditi Ashok walked off the ninth green — her closing hole — around noon, she was sitting two shots out of the cut line at fiveover on another tough scoring day at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship here on Friday.

The Indian ace, who shot an even-par 72 on the first day, wasn’t the only one to suffer as the picturesque Sahalee Country Club course bared its teeth on the second day. On a tree-lined course where there’s a premium on accuracy, the big names, especially world No. 1 Nelly Korda, found the going tough.

By the time the last group came in six hours later, Aditi, who took her two-day total to five-over 149, just made the cut line. Korda, with six wins this season, shot an uncharacteristic nine-over 81, her worst round as a pro, to miss the cut for the third straight week by a shot.

American Sarah Schmelzel, searching for her first win, managed to shoot a sizzling 5-under 67 to hit the front with a twoday total of six-under 138.

Select scores (after 36 holes): 138: Sarah Schmelzel (US, 71, 67), Amy Yang (Kor, 70, 68); 140: Jin Young Ko (Kor, 72, 68), Hinako Shibuno (Jpn, 70, 70), Lexi Thompson (US, 68, 72); 143: Charley Hull (Eng, 70, 73, T-12); 148: Rose Zhang (US, 76, 72), Lydia Ko (NZ, 75, 73, T-52); 149: Aditi Ashok (Ind, 72, 77, T-64). Missed cut: Nelly Korda (US, 69, 81).

Compound archers stay undefeated

Indian women’s compound archery team remained undefeated in the ongoing World Cup season. The trio of Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Aditi Swami and Parneet Kaur claimed a hat-trick of gold medals with a win over Estonia at WC Stage III in Antalya, Turkey, on Saturday.

Their men’s counterpart first went down to Turkey in the semifinal and then lost the bronze-medal match to France. It’s India’s consecutive bronze medal loss as Prathamesh Bhalchandra Fuge, Priyansh and Abhishek Verma also went down to Australia at Yecheon in Stage II. Priyansh picked up India’s second medal when he narrowly lost the men’s individual final.

TNN

Gangjee clinches Selangor Masters

BACK WITH A BANG: Rahil Gangjee prevailed by one shot

Selangor (Malaysia): Rahil Gangjee won the PKNS Selangor Masters despite six bogeys in his 3-over 73 on the final day as he prevailed over Deyen Lawson (69) by one shot, here on Saturday. The 45-year-old veteran, who had started the day with a five shot lead, finished at 8-under for the wire-to-wire win as Lawson was 7-under.

Gangjee’s five-shot lead going into the final round disappeared within a matter of holes as he was unable to find the form that he seemed to have had since round one.

With three bogeys in his first nine, and another to match on hole 10, he soon found himself neck and neck with Thailand’s Runchanapong Youprayong.

It was Gangjee’s second win on the ADT after his 2018 success at Louis Philippe Cup in India. He has two Asian Tour wins – first in 2004 in Volkswagen Masters in Beijing and then 14 years later in Panasonic Open in Japan. In 2011 and 2012 he played on the Nationwide Tour in the US and also played between 2020 and 2022 in Japan. Local rising star Marcus Lim and Australia’s Deyen Lawson were breathing down his neck and just one shot behind in the $175,000 Asian Development Tour event.

Shubhankar makes cut:

Shubhankar Sharma, heading to the Paris Olympics in August, made the cut on the line in the second round of the KLM Open before suffering a round of 3-over 74 in the following round in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Sharma is now tied 67th. He had double bogey in the second round, and had two more in the third on the Par-3 fourth and Par-5 18th, which he had birdied on the opening two days. Overall, he had four birdies, three bogeys and two doubles on the third day, down four places from the second round.

AGENCIES

Sinner makes first grasscourt final

EMBRACING GRASS: Jannik Sinner celebrates after winning his semifinal against Zhang Zhizhen of China on Saturday

Halle: Top-ranked Jannik Sinner reached his first grasscourt final by beating Zhang Zhizhen 6-4, 7-6 (3) at the Halle Open on Saturday to set up a title match against Hubert Hurkacz.

Sinner saved a set point in the second set before jumping out to a quick lead in the tiebreaker. The Australian Open champion improved his record to 37-3 this year.

The Italian reached the Wimbledon semifinals last year, losing in straight sets to Novak Djokovic. Hurkacz fired 17 aces in his 7-6 (2), 6-4 victory over second-seeded Alexander Zverev. The fifthseeded Polish player saved all four break points he faced. It was his first victory over Zverev, ranked No. 4, in four tries.

Hurkacz, ranked No. 9, won Halle in 2022. That was his only other final on grass.

Paul ousts Korda, to face Musetti in Queen’s final:

American fifth seed Tommy Paul beat compatriot Sebastian Korda 6-4, 7-6(2) in the semifinals at the Queen’s Club Championships on Saturday and will face Italian Lorenzo Musetti for the title on Sunday. Paul became the first American finalist at Queen’s since an all-American final in 2010, when Sam Querrey beat Mardy Fish to lift the trophy.

The 27-year-old, who was the only seeded player in the semifinals, reached the second ATP 500 final of his career. He will face Musetti in the final after the Italian beat Australia’s Jordan Thompson 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

AGENCIES

Nagal set for Paris but could be without a coach

Kumaraswamy.K@timesgroup.com

Sumit Nagal’s joy of representing India at the Olympics for the second successive time has been somewhat dampened by the probabliility of not having his personal coach Milos Galecic by his side in Paris. As per IOC norms, the number of support staff cannot exceed onethird of the number of athletes from a country in each discipline. With the doubles team of Rohan Bopanna and Sriram Balaji having a coach (Balachandran Manikkath) and a physio (Rebecca Van Orshaegen), it rules out another coach for the tennis contingent.

“Sumit’s request is absolutely right. But the issue is the timing,” Anil Dhupar, honorary secretary of the All India Tennis Federation, said. “Rohan’s participation was more or less confirmed way back, so we had given his name and his partner as well as his choice of coach and physio. Sumit’s request for a coach has come now, we will forward it to the IOA because they decide on this. Although there is a 33 percent rule, we can ask them as a special case.”

Nevertheless, Nagal withdrew from doubles at the French Open in order to play singles in the ATP Challenger 125 event in Heilbronn, Germany. And he made it count by winning the title — which pushed his ranking from 94 to 77 and sealed his entry for Paris. He followed it up with a runner-up finish in Perugia, Italy, last week, further improving his ranking to 71.

Delhi Times

- A lost 1990s Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan album set to release

- THE ONLY WAY TO GO ABOUT LIFE IS TO MAKE EACH OTHER LAUGH, SAYS BOMAN IRANI

- BUZZ STOP

- VOICES

- We are one boisterous family; we eat & celebrate together: Boman

- Micro racism: Shruti slams ‘South Indian accent’ request

- Hospital group promotes the practice of yoga

- YOUR POV

- SPORTS TOURISM GETS A BOOST WITH GLOBAL TOURNAMENTS

- Bend it like B’wood: Stars share ﬁtness inspo to mark Yoga Day

- Summer in South Korea

- Creating music for Bollywood can strip away your artistic expression: Gajendra

- BOLLYWOOD’S LOVE FOR THE AUTO-RICKSHAW NEVER FADES!

- MIFF concludes with packed shows & record attendance

- Celebrating the legacy of cinema, nostalgia of letters

- Anupam Kher ofﬁce robbery case: 2 arrested

- Harbhajan to play a ‘psycho doctor’ in a Tamil thriller

- Giant cats stalk the catwalk at Paris show

- London museum celebrates Naomi

- Bold & versatile, hero cuffs make an edgy statement

A lost 1990s Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan album set to release

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s tape was found in 2021 during an archive relocation at Real World Studios

A new album of unreleased recordings by Pakistani qawaali legend Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan will be released on September 20, 34 years after they were recorded. The album, Chain Of Light, was discovered in the tape archives of Peter Gabriel’s Real World Records, the label that signed Khan in 1989 and released albums with him through the 1990s.

The new album includes four traditional qawwali songs performed by Khan and his group of eight singers and musicians. Speaking on the discovery, Peter Gabriel stated, “I’ve had the privilege to work with a ton of different musicians from all over the world in my time, but perhaps the greatest singer of them all was Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. What he could do and make you feel with his voice was quite extraordinary, and we were very proud to have played a role in getting him to a much wider global audience.”

THE ONLY WAY TO GO ABOUT LIFE IS TO MAKE EACH OTHER LAUGH, SAYS BOMAN IRANI

My understanding of fatherhood is shaped by what my mother showed me. I don’t have clear references for what fatherhood is supposed to be. I think it’s instinctive – Boman Irani

BOMAN IRANI enjoying an animated conversation with sons Kayoze (left) and Danesh (right)

Neha Maheshwri

There’s a lot of buzz – that’s the first impression you get when you enter the Irani home. Brothers Danesh and Kayoze are having an animated conversation with their father Boman Irani, about who among them is the best at video-game soccer, and mom Zenobia is having a hearty laugh as the three men continue their banter. It takes us a moment to realise that the brothers are referring to their father when they keep calling him ‘Boms’.

CONTINUED ON 3

BUZZ STOP

GUJARAT HC ALLOWS RELEASE OF MAHARAJ

The Gujarat High Court on Friday lifted its stay on the release of Maharaj, the debut film of Aamir Khan’s son Junaid, observing that it did not target the Vaishnav Pushtimarg sect as alleged by its members. “Maharaj is based on events which led to the libel case (1862), and it is not targeted to hurt sentiments of Pushtimarg sect,” the court observed. PTI

VOICES

Take a deep breath, it’s Yoga Day. Saas pe dhyan rakh, baaki kuch kaam ka nahi hai. Why are you getting so hyper and shoving a mike in my face? It’s Yoga Day, teach good things to your families. Relax. Sab ko jaana hai ek din… just breathe

– Jackie Shroff to mediapersons jostling for a sound byte on Yoga Day

We are one boisterous family; we eat & celebrate together: Boman

My understanding of fatherhood is shaped by what my mother showed me. I think it’s instinctive... In trying to get the upbringing right, you can either be too lenient or too harsh. I have aimed for a mid-level intensity – Boman Irani

BOMAN IRANI with Danesh and Kayoze bond over music at the actor’s residence; (below) the trio makes a happy, twinning fashion statement with Danesh’s son, Ziaan

CONTINUED FROM 1

EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE THEIR OWN VIEWS, OTHERWISE IT WILL BE A BORING HOUSE: BOMAN

Boman is quick to clarify that even though they call each other by quirky nicknames, it doesn’t mean they have any less respect for each other. “We are one boisterous family – we talk, laugh, eat and celebrate together,” says the actor, as he tells us about his equation with his sons. “It is not that this home is devoid of friction and arguments, but they happen in a healthy way. Everyone should have their own views; otherwise, it will be a boring house,” he shares.

I DON’T HAVE CLEAR REFERENCES FOR WHAT FATHERHOOD IS SUPPOSED TO BE: BOMAN

Today, the Irani household is predominantly male, a stark contrast to Boman’s upbringing where he was surrounded by his mother and three sisters. He says, “We pick on Zenobia (his wife) a lot. Jokes aside, she is the main force that holds everything together – make no mistake about it.”

The actor’s father passed away six months before he was born, and he was raised by a single mom. Did that influence his approach to fatherhood? “My understanding of fatherhood is shaped by what my mother showed me. I don’t have clear references for what fatherhood is supposed to be. I think it’s instinctive. Just when I thought I had it all figured out after Danesh, Kayoze came along, and it wasn’t the same pattern because they have different personalities. In trying to get the upbringing right, you can either be too lenient or too harsh. I have aimed for a mid-level intensity,” he replies.

MEETING OUR PARENTS NEVER FEELS LIKE A DUTY: KAYOZE

Although Danesh and Kayoze live separately, they are regulars at their parents’ house. Actor-director, Kayoze says, “We both (brothers) love to come home to spend time with our parents, it never feels like a duty. We sit in the living room, chat, have dinner together, and play video-game soccer. We share our emotions and feelings quite openly in this house. We don’t leave this house without telling everyone, ‘I love you’. Mom has a rule that no one is allowed to leave the house angry. If there is an argument, we resolve it the same night. It’s a part of who we are. Friendship is the first relationship we share with parents.”

GROWING UP, WHEN WE GOT THINGS, WE APPRECIATED THEIR VALUE: DANESH

Years before Boman entered showbiz, the family struggled to make ends meet. However, they never let their children feel the pinch. Danesh, who is involved in film production and content creation, shares, “Things haven’t really changed much since those days. It’s just that, growing up, when we got things, we truly appreciated their value. There was a phase when we weren’t financially very comfortable, but we never felt it because we laughed our way through it.” Boman adds, “The only way to go about life is to make each other laugh.”

‘The trust and respect you earn are the true legacy, not your bank balance’

Boman stresses on the importance of having a strong value system over anything else. He says, “Zenobia and I follow one principle: You can’t tell people what to do. You have to lead by example, and they will follow. Of course, I am happy when someone says, ‘Oh, your son has made a great film’, but how they treated people while making it is more important to me. The trust and respect you earn are the true legacy, not your bank balance.”

Micro racism: Shruti slams ‘South Indian accent’ request

Shruti Haasan

Shruti Haasan recently held an Ask Me Anything session on Instagram, during which she called out a follower’s question as “micro racism”. The user had asked the actress to “say something in a South Indian accent”. Shruti responded on her Insta Story, stating, “Okay. So this sort of micro racism is not okay. And it’s not cute when you look at us and say idli dosa sambar either. And no, you don’t imitate us well so don’t try and be funny. In a South Indian way I would say #mooditupoda (shut up and go away) (sic).” TNN

Hospital group promotes the practice of yoga

Shubhang Arora and Dr PN Arora

Talking about the global significance of yoga and its effects on the patients and staff of Yashoda Group of Hospitals, Shubhang Arora, Executive Director of the group, says, “In our hospitals, we advocate for the transformative power of yoga and encourage everyone to embrace it as a part of their everyday lives.”

As the world celebrated the International Day of Yoga on June 21, Shubhang further adds, “I, along with my parents, Dr PN Arora, Chairman, and Dr Upasana Arora, Managing Director of the hospitals, have also made yoga an inherent part of our daily life. We believe that yoga is more than just a form of exercise; it is a holistic approach to health and wellness.”

YOUR POV

Here’s what your point of view was to our POV

Are you sure you are on vacation?

Refer: June 17, 2024 edition

Why do women work? The answer may just surprise you: Unless you are a woman who identifies herself as your family’s sole breadwinner, society assumes you work because you...

In recent years another spoiler has crept-in to prevent people and families from enjoying their hardearned, well-planned vacations; and that one is the ‘work from home’. You can see vacationers on cruises, beaches and restaurants punching away their vacation time on laptops and phones. You can hear people walking through art galleries, museums, shopping malls, streets, monuments, parks etc shouting over their phone, “Connectivity here is poor, I shall call you back in a moment.” The worst scenario is when the person on ‘work from home’ vacation tells the accompanying persons: “I have an important call which I must take; you go ahead, I shall join you soon/ later”. Such a vacation is more injurious to the mental health of not just the worker but the accompanying persons also. They would be better-off staying home rather than waste their time and money on a ‘namesake, fake vacation.’ Onus is also on the employers not to allow its workers to go on ‘work from home’ vacations with friends and family to protect their mental health. Employers must force their workers to take periodic vacation-leave and set them free from work for the duration of vacation.

– Pushpendra Jain

It is aptly stated that the pursuit of pleasure is more rewarding than the destination itself. Just like the pleasure in wooing your beloved rather than actually winning her/him. It’s better to stick to your programme and be comfortable than falling for the usual taunts of ‘have you not seen that place which is nearby’? Enjoy the quality time spent with your partner and family when on vacation than worrying about office.

– TVA Ram

It is all in the mind. Put your mind into what you’re doing along with your heart to avoid indecisiveness. We’re so immersed in digital media that we refuse to accept reality. On a vacation we put so much on social media about places visited, food we have, it spoils the real fun. We’re using social media as a reference point to fall back on for almost each and everything compared to remembering the real experience we have had as a natural process. It is almost like a threat of dementia.

– Sandeep Chaudhury

Ihave faced similar issues while I was in leadership roles in various corporations. It is not always possible to completely switch off for longer periods. The concept of shorter breaks with families rather than a full 2or 3-week continuous break works better. Also, In order for the mind to rest, we may need to put the physical body to hard work during this vacation i.e cycling, running, swimming, badminton or trekking or farming etc. During these short breaks, we are completely focused on the physical activity, our mind is in a meditative state, thus allowing it time to recharge.

– Manish Mohandas

Uncles’ & ‘Aunties’ of the world unite. You have nothing to lose but your baggage

Refer: June 21, 2024 edition

‘Uncles’ & ‘Aunties’ of the world unite. You have nothing to lose but your baggage:

Hello Aunty, sit down! That’s exactly how Salman Khan dismissed a young female journalist...

My maama was just five years old when I was born. The cascading effect was that his children who are just a little older than my child, are uncle and aunt to my daughter. Of course, they roll their eyes up if my daughter addresses them as maama or mausi which translates to uncle/aunt. Therein lies the problem of uncle and aunt. The cultural conundrum. God forbid if you add uncleji or aunty to it. Uncleji has the connotations of an old balding plump fuddy duddy. Aunty conjures up a loud, judgemental and frumpy person, which is far from true. This is what makes us take offence at being addressed as uncle or aunty. Imagine a well-maintained, fashion diva, 50-something, with grown up kids, being addressed as aunty by unknown kids the same age as her own. Sheer horror! She thinks ‘Do I look so old?’

– Sumita Ghose

In the Indian scenario where we normally don’t call our elders by name we usually address them as didi, bhaiya, chacha, chachi and these days uncle and aunty is the norm. Being addressed as uncle or aunty is considered offensive as it slots one as not-so-young or someone heading towards the downhill of life. No matter how good looking you are, it’s always good to accept your age and enjoy your life. Chiryauvana toh yaha koi nahi hai.

– Rachana Kumar

Loved your piece, ‘Uncle/Aunty’ is far more offensive than ‘OK Boomer’. A group of youngsters knocked on my door saying, “Oh aunty, we are management students, all we want is to talk to you.” I said, “The first rule of management is to use sir and Ma’am to address anyone.” Door slammed!

– Ann Remedios

That’s a truly humorous POV and it made me laugh and share with others. With today’s changing lifestyles, you cannot judge a person’s age just by his or her physical appearance. Gone are the days, when people did not mind being called ‘uncle’ or ‘aunty’. Now, our outlook towards life has changed. Everybody wants to remain young and live life to the fullest. Hence, it is better to address ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’, unless you do not mind to be backfired. I will not mind if such a salutation comes with a seat offered in a public transport. Please keep entertaining us with your humorous real-life observations

– Subir Mahanta

Situations are same but our reactions to them define us. If someone calls me uncle or aunty and I’ve not reached the age to be called that, it does not matter to me. I’m responsible for my reactions and not for others. If a toddler hits me, should I retaliate? No. It’s important to ignore it or if you feel bad, pardon the person considering him your kid brother. Your peace of mind must be most important possession.

– Manoj Chaturvedi

Agree? Disagree? Got a POV idea? Write to us at: pov@timesgroup.com

SPORTS TOURISM GETS A BOOST WITH GLOBAL TOURNAMENTS

Make timely travel bookings, secure accommodation, do as much research as possible about the city, how to reach the venue etc. Make sure to act responsibly and enjoy – Deegvijay Singh Dhadwal, a business analyst who travelled to Qatar to watch the 2022 FIFA World Cup

I saved for two years just to attend the Singapore Grand Prix and it was a dream come true. The thrill of seeing the cars in front of you is a different and amazing feeling – Rajat Bhasin, a businessman

Sports tourism is becoming a major driver for the Indian market. The demand has increased by 20-35%. Another significant shift is the entry of young travellers in this segment – Daniel D’Souza, President & Country Head Holidays, of a travel brand

The packed stadium during a Wimbledon game. Tennis, football, cricket and F1 are among the top sporting events that people are travelling to watch

Anukriti Sharma

Towards the end of last year, Pooja Desai, manager at a Hyderabad-based sustainability firm and a sports enthusiast, travelled to Abu Dhabi to watch the F1 Grand Prix. More recently, Viren Sachdev, a businessman, travelled from Jaipur to Lucknow to watch his favourite IPL team in action. Sports fans are making travel plans to watch their favourite team or sportsperson live. In the process, they’re spearheading a global phenomenon – sports tourism.

‘Perfect opportunity to explore new places’

Viren, who is now planning to watch a football match at the Wembley Stadium, says that it also serves as a good opportunity to explore new places. “When I went to Lucknow to watch the Rajasthan and Lucknow teams clashing, I got the chance to explore the city for the first time. I was in awe of the architecture and the food there,” he shares. The trick lies in planning well in advance. “Once you secure the tickets, it’s ideal to book flights and hotels simultaneously and not wait for the last moment surge. Besides, hotels near the venue might either get sold out or may get too expensive due to the high demand,” explains Pooja. It’s also interesting to note that during the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India, travellers from England, Australia, South Africa, and Bangladesh spent the most on international travel and stay arrangements.

‘RISE IN DEMAND FOR SPORTS TOURISM PACKAGES’

While people usually plan these trips independently, many travel companies have also tapped on the trend. Monish Shah, founder & CEO of one such company, explains that initially, the anticipated clientele was from Mumbai and Delhi, but significant demand is now observed from Ahmedabad, Pune, Jaipur, Raipur and Chandigarh as well. “The demand for tournaments like the T20 Men’s CWC, Las Vegas F1 Grand Prix, Wimbledon and Olympic Games 2024 has significantly increased,” he adds. Agreeing, Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, of a travel brand, shares, “These events play a key role in influencing travel decisions, with 23% of consumers taking them into account while choosing destinations.”

What is sports tourism?

It’s a travel trend fuelled by sports enthusiasts seeking chances to explore various destinations and immerse in local cultures, while witnessing their favourite sportspeople in action.

The ongoing Euro Cup 2024 has been attracting a massive number of sports enthusiasts to Germany

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The T20 World Cup has been attracting cricket fans from around the world, including those from India, to USA and the West Indies

Bend it like B’wood: Stars share fitness inspo to mark Yoga Day

SOHA ALI KHAN Yoga is a good stress-buster for Soha, who shared this photo on Insta and wrote: “Do yoga because punching people is against the law”

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ANANYA PANDAY Even on her yoga mat, Riot, Ananya’s pet, refuses to leave her alone

RAKULPREET SINGH & JACKKY BHAGNANI Life partners to yoga partners – Rakul and Jackky connect over their shared fitness goals

MALAIKA ARORA She doesn’t know where she would be without yoga, wrote Malaika in this reel

NEHA DHUPIA Neha shared a message for those looking to start their yoga journey. “Practise your practise everyday…. It’s never too early to start...(sic),” she captioned her post

Summer in South Korea

The Korean cities of Seoul and Busan offer travellers an unforgettable experience during the summer season

Carry the memories of Seoul, a city that would touch you with its warmth

Busan and Seoul are more than destinations; they are a living, breathing tapestry of experiences that linger long after the journey ends!

Rakesh.Malik2 @timesgroup.com

South Korea has been on the bucket list for many. So why not embark on an unforgettable journey to the East Asia country this summer season? From the bustling streets of Seoul to the serene beaches of Busan, South Korea offers an array of experiences for everyone. Dive into vibrant festivals, savour the exquisite flavours of Korean cuisine, and explore breathtaking landscapes that range from lush mountains to pristine coastlines. Whether you're an adventurer, a culture enthusiast, or a foodie, South Korea is the perfect sum- mer destination to create memories that will last a lifetime.

SOULFUL SEOUL: A JOURNEY THROUGH TRADITION AND MODERNITY

As the morning sun creeps over the horizon, one can initiate their journey from Insadong, a district where the past and present dance in harmonious rhythm. Stroll through the narrow alleys where the aroma of freshly brewed tea wafted from quaint tea houses beckons one to step inside and savour a moment. Get in one of these tea houses for a delicate cup of omija cha, a five-flavour tea known for its unique taste. One gets transitioned from ancient to modern seamlessly while venturing into Myeongdong, Seoul’s vibrant shopping district.

The neon lights illuminating the myriad of shops and street food stalls are enough for you to stop and shop. The scent of tteokbokki, spicy rice cakes, and hotteok, sweet pancakes tempt every traveller. A gastronomic adventure, savouring the explosive flavours of Korean street food can be quite fulfilling. Dongdaemun Design Plaza is another architectural marvel that embodies Seoul’s innovative spirit. The futuristic structure, designed by the late Zaha Hadid, glows under the evening sky. Here, tradition meets innovation in the form of art exhibitions, fashion shows, and cultural events.

Seoul is not just a destination; it’s an experience – one that leaves an indelible mark on the soul.

BUSTLING BUSAN: A TALE OF SEA, SKY, AND CULTURE

Post Seoul, one can take a train that speeds south from there, the urban sprawl gradually giving way to rolling hills and glimpses of the azure sea. Excitement grow as one nears Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, known for its stunning coastline, vibrant culture, and dynamic urban energy.

Haeundae Beach, one of Busan’s most iconic destinations, has a wide expanse of golden sand stretched out, meeting the gentle waves of the East Sea. The beach is always alive with activity – families building sandcastles, friends playing beach volleyball, and couples strolling hand-in-hand along the shore.

Just a short distance from the beach, is Dongbaek Island Park, a serene haven perfect for a leisurely hike, offering spectacular views of the ocean and the city’s skyline. The panoramic views from the terraces of prominent buildings are breathtaking, providing a perfect vantage point to appreciate Busan.

Bay 101 is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The modern complex, situated right by the marina, buzzes with energy. One can dine at one of the waterfront restaurants, savouring fresh seafood while watching the sun set over the ocean.

Gamcheon Culture Village, often referred to as the “Machu Picchu of Busan,” is a colourful hillside region. With its narrow winding streets and vibrant murals, it was originally a humble refugee settlement. Today, it’s a thriving artistic enclave, home to galleries, cafés, and shops.

As the sun begins to set, make way to Gwangalli Beach. Unlike Haeundae, Gwangalli has a more laid-back vibe, with cosy cafés and bars lining the shore. Busan is a city that seamlessly blends the old with the new, the serene with the vibrant.

Creating music for Bollywood can strip away your artistic expression: Gajendra

Many upcoming artists excite me. Anuv Jain is one of them. I love Talwinder as well. In the hip-hop space Seedhe Maut and Shubh are my favourites

Gajendra Verma

Arnav Khanna

Singer and songwriter Gajendra Verma has completed more than a decade in the industry, and he recalls the start of his journey with the leak of Emptiness, his first song which he recorded in his college’s studio. “I recorded that song after getting out of a long distance relationship but it got leaked because my college’s studio was open to all. At first, I didn’t know how to approach the situation but over time I gained perspective that people are appreciating my voice and my music, so that’s a blessing. Also, I was in my final year of college preparing for entrance exams when the song blew up. This removed all doubt from my mind about pursuing music as a career and I fully dove into it,” he says. In a chat with us, he talks about how the reels era has changed the way we discover new music, his thoughts on bagging a Bollywood project and more.

‘BOLLYWOOD NEVER APPEALED TO ME’

One thing that I have been clear about is that I am not going to chase Bollywood projects; the whole process just doesn’t appeal to me. Someone briefs you what they want from the song, you give them a version and then another revised version, it takes away all artistic expression from the process. My big win in this regard was Mann Mera for which the director

of Table #21 approached me and then I sang a version for their movie. It was my original song which got representation in a movie.

‘CAN’T JUDGE SONGS AFTER HEARING THEM ON REELS’

Having seen his song Tera Ghata go viral on reels, Gajendra appre- ciates the power of the medium, “It is a very exciting medium because you can see first-hand how people are reacting to your music. Earlier, we would have to wait to see whether people like the song or not but now you get not only their reactions but also their perception. This is a huge input for an artist.”

“But it is also true that one must not fall into the trap of making music solely for reels because that isn’t music, that’s just a gimmick. You can’t fully judge a song off of listening to it on reels, either, so that’s another limitation.”

The singer sang Mann Mera in Table #21)

A snapshot of his recent performance

BOLLYWOOD’S LOVE FOR THE AUTO-RICKSHAW NEVER FADES!

From impromptu journeys to planned film promotions, Bollywood and auto-rickshaws share a long love story. Check out these celebs taking a ride on their favouritethree-wheeler

CELEBS SPOTTED IN AN AUTO-RICKSHAW

SARA ALI KHAN AND VICKY KAUSHAL

SANJAY DUTT, RAJU HIRANI, MALAIKA ARORA – THIS MAN HAS DRIVEN THEM ALL AROUND!

Auto driver Sandeep Bacche has a unique nickname – Munnabhai SSC. The avid Sanjay Dutt fan has driven around celebs like Madhuri Dixit Nene, Sonali Kulkarni, Raju Hirani, Suniel Shetty and Malaika Arora in his three-wheeler. “I have been a fan of Sanjay Dutt’s style since childhood and would love to imitate him. When my mother fell seriously ill, the Nargis Dutt Foundation came to my aid financially. When Sanjay Dutt was jailed, I made a vow not to wear footwear until he was released. He read about this, and invited me home for tea when was freed,” says Sandeep. His auto is equipped with a TV, Wi-Fi, tea and coffee, and even a medical kit!

AUTOS ARE USED TO PROMOTE FILMS, SONGS – AND EVEN STARS

The popularity of the auto-rickshaw as the common man’s transport means that publicity teams promoting movies – or certain stars – have at times fallen back on the threewheeler to create a positive buzz. “There are stars whose PR teams advise them to travel by rickshaw as part of image building, so not every photo is organic; some are simply photo ops,” says a publicist on the condition of anonymity. Examples of auto-rickshaws being used for Bollywood film promotions:

In 2012, Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha flagged off a Rowdy Rickshaw Rally to promote their film Rowdy Rathore In 2019, Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor posed in a rickshaw to promote their film Street Dancer 3D In 2023, Sara Ali Khan and Vicky Kaushal travelled to the trailer launch of Zara Hatke Zara Bachke in a rickshaw, opting for it over their luxury cars

CAR WAS LATE, SO SALMAN KHAN TOOK AN AUTO HOME!

Some actors – Salman Khan, for one – don’t think twice before ditching their car for an auto. In 2017, photos of Salman with filmmaker Ramesh Taurani went viral. Taurani said, “We travelled from Mehboob Studio to Salman’s house because the cars were taking time to come from parking, and Salman likes to do fun things like this.”

Similarly, in 2023, Shraddha Kapoor was captured taking an auto to her gym. When asked why she didn’t come in her car, she replied that there was nothing better than an auto ride.

TAAPSEE PANNU

Madhuri Dixit Nene in Sandeep Bacche’s auto; (below) Sandeep withSanjay Dutt

SHRADDHA KAPOOR

Salman Khan Salman Khan and Ramesh and Ramesh Taurani Taurani inanautoinanauto

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas

Jackie Shroff

Sara Ali Khan

Vin Diesel and Vin Diesel and Deepika PadukoneDeepika Padukone

Shriya SaranShriya Saran

MIFF concludes with packed shows & record attendance

During the festival, we also had a session with corporates and selected projects with environmental and other causes. MIFF tried to do some sort of matchmaking so that corporates could take responsibility for investing in documentaries – Prithul Kumar, Festival Director & Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

Prithul Kumar, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and MIFF Festival Director, shared that over 12,000 delegates visited this year’s festival, up from 4,000 in 2022

We need a creative ambition greater than just our domestic market; you need a global mindset that says you are reaching out to the whole world – Ketan Mehta

This year saw a notable increase in participants, with some screenings so packed that cinephiles were willing to sit on the steps inside the theatre to watch

Niharika Lal

The Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF), which recently wrapped up its 18th edition, has long showcased the work of filmmakers in the documentary and shorts space. In the last few days, documentary filmmakers who have been making waves globally became the centre of attention at the fest. The fest started just weeks after Indian films and documentaries won at Cannes, generating more interest in documentaries.

Docu-bazaar puts spotlight on interesting local topics

This year, for the first time, MIFF hosted a Documentary Film Bazaar, featuring 16 projects with a South Asian focus from 10 countries. Selected filmmakers, including directors like Nandan Saxena and award-winning director Naman Sariya, pitched their projects to international and Indian producers, distributors, festival programmers, financiers, and sales agents at MIFF’s open pitch sessions. Last year, the documentary section was introduced at the Film Bazaar, and this year the Film Bazaar concept was brought to MIFF. Over 100 films were screened in the viewing room where financiers and buyers could see the final cut of the film and invest in the project. A documentary on former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia and a one on sloth bears were among the selected projects.

Curated screenings draw viewers

■ Packed screeningsat MIFF included the FTII student film Sunflowers Were The First Ones To Know, which was the La Cinef winner at Cannes

■ Anna HenckelDonnersmarck, head of Berlinale Shorts and a member of the national competition Jury at MIFF, curated a package of 12 films from the past five years, including both Silver Bear and Golden Bear winners

■ The Oscar packagehad 12 films, including Letter to a Pig, Knight of Fortune, and War is Over

■ Another curatedpackage included episodes of Little Krishna, The Crossover, and Jai Jagannath, all interpreted in Indian sign language with audio descriptions

MIFF, dedicated to documentaries and shorts, started just weeks after Indian films and documentaries won at the Cannes Film Festival, generating more interest in documentaries

Celebrating the legacy of cinema, nostalgia of letters

I’m so grateful to the GPO for honouring our films, which has not happened before. We – the film industry and GPO – have had all sorts of participation before, but this kind of honour from the post office for films is a first – Gulzar

Shyam Benegal

Niharika Lal

Recently, the General Post Office (GPO), Mumbai hosted an evening for the stalwarts of the film industry, including Gulzar, Shyam Benegal, Vishal and Rekha Bhardwaj. They released a postage stamp to honour the Film Heritage Foundation’s (FHF) restoration work. This year, for the third time, a restored Indian film was selected in the Cannes Classics section. To honour the work of film restoration experts – who have been bringing old films to life and putting those films on the world stage – the GPO released a special postal cover.

I HAVE WRITTEN POEMS ON LETTERBOXES: GULZAR

Addressing the audience at the event, Gulzar recalled his connection with the post office and said, “I had visited this GPO during my early days in Mumbai. Post office ne badi khidmat ki hai – hamari janta aur film industry ki. Solar box wala jo letterbox hota tha, that has been a part of our life. I have written poems on letterboxes. In Delhi, there used to be a solar letter box outside the India International Centre (IIC). It was removed a few years back because nobody uses it anymore. Maine bas itni darkwhast ki thi unse ki bas woh box wahan rehne dijiye, woh hamare liye yaadgaar hai.”

INDIAN CINEMA HAS AN ENORMOUS LEGACY: SHYAM BENEGAL

Talking about the importance of restoration, Shyam Benegal said, “We make the second largest number of films in the world, and yet we didn’t have anybody to look after what we have done. It’s an enormous legacy. After Hollywood, there is no other film industry as large as the Indian film industry. It’s quite extraordinary if you think about it. And there is only one hero in this (the FHF).”

‘Honoured to receive a special postal cover’

Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, Director, FHF, recalled, “From the time I was a child, I used to collect stamps, loved writing letters and visiting the post office. This was inculcated in me by my maternal grandfather who was a prolific letterwriter till he was almost 90 years old. Even today, I continue to write and post letters and visit post offices in every city and town that I go to. I felt so honoured to receive a letter from the Chief Post Master General about the release of a special cover on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of FHF in appreciation of our work of over a decade to save our film heritage.”

Amitabh Singh, Post Master General Mumbai, added, “The contribution of the FHF has been immense in restoring our films and that’s why the Indian Post Office decided to release this special cover and stamp.”

Gulzar

Rekha and Vishal Bhardwaj

Shivendra Singh Dungarpur

Kishan Kumar Sharma, Chief Post Master General of Maharashtra Circle

Amitabh Singh, Post Master General Mumbai

Anupam Kher office robbery case: 2 arrested

Mumbai’s Oshiwara Police apprehended two individuals suspected of robbing Anupam Kher’s office located in Andheri West’s Veera Desai road, the police said Both suspects are known serial thieves who operate across different parts of the city using auto-rickshaws to facilitate their crimes, said police. According to police officials, the burglars forcibly entered Kher’s office premises during the night, making away with cash and valuables amounting to approximately `4.15 lakh.

On Thursday, Kher took to Instagram to share, “Two thieves were involved in the crime. They broke through two doors and stole a safe from the accounts department, which they could not open. They also took the negatives of a film produced by the company, which were kept in a box.” ANI

Harbhajan to play a ‘psycho doctor’ in a Tamil thriller

Harbhajan Singh, who has already acted in two Tamil films, is now all set to star in his third. The former Indian cricketer will be seen playing a psycho killer in a thriller, he revealed while doing the commentary for the T20 World Cup match between India and Afghanistan on a Tamil sports channel.

Elaborating on his role, Bhajji shared that his character will be that of a “psycho doctor”. Joking that “It’s the first time somebody understood my role in real life – psycho,” he added, “I kill 10 people in one night; that’s kind of the story. There will hardly be any dialogues,” he added.

Harbhajan’s tryst with Tamil films began with a special appearance in Santhanam’s Dikkiloona, in 2021. While he has also done cameo roles in Hindi and Punjabi films, his first full-fledged movie role was also in Tamil; he played the lead role in the 2021 Tamil film Friendship. TNN

Giant cats stalk the catwalk at Paris show

Dior men’s artistic director Kim Jones showed his summer 2025 collection for the label on a Paris runway decorated with giant cat sculptures on Friday. “These are the cats that spoke to me the most they meowed to me,” said Jones, describing the quirky ceramic animals created by South African artist Hylton Nel. “An elegant life” was painted on the pedestal of one sculpture – a lounging cat-headed creature with a woman’s body, wearing bright red lipstick and matching high heeled shoes. Reuters

London museum celebrates Naomi

Naomi Campbell; (inset) the V&A exhibition explores Naomi’s journey in fashion, showcasing some of her iconic outfits

Naomi Campbell’s trailblazing career is being recognised by London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. The Naomi In Fashion show, which opened on Saturday, explores the dozens of looks that have marked the history of fashion during Campbell’s 40-year career.

While some have questioned the choice of the V&A to dedicate an exhibition to a model, curator Sonnet Stanfill said, “Naomi Campbell’s peerless walk and her alchemy in front of the camera are the stuff of fashion legend.” Agencies

Bold & versatile, hero cuffs make an edgy statement

We are working on a lot of contemporary designs as they can be paired with different outfits. We are adding a twist to traditional designs to make them more elegant – Bharti Bangur, owner and founder of a jewellery brand

Emma Watson makes a case for punk rock fashion with studded hero cuffs

Divya Kaushik

If you are looking to add something bold and edgy to your OOTD, try hero cuffs or cuff bracelets

‘Cuffs are versatile & require minimal effort to style’

The demand for cuff bracelets in precious metals is growing among young professionals, say fashion experts. “The pandemic has shifted fashion trends towards more versatile and minimalistic styles. Cuffs are versatile, require minimal effort to style, and yet make a powerful statement. They can elevate a simple work outfit, making it suitable for professional settings while also being chic enough for post-work socialising,” says Garima Goel, fashion and lifestyle content creator, adding, “The rising trend of power dressing has also contributed to the popularity of cuffs, as they add a touch of assertiveness to any outfit.”

Arvind Soni, director of a jewellery brand, says, “Statement cuffs help add a hint of luxury to the overall look. We

have been observing a steady demand for gold cuffs, in recent times.”

About the versatality of hero cuffs, Raj Mandalia, managing partner of a jewellery brand, says, “We’ve witnessed women pairing cuffs with shirts and pants. These cuffs also work well with ethnic attires like suits or kurtas.”

Contemporary, fusion or traditional cuffs – What’s your pick?

About the appeal of contemporary and fusion cuffs, Abhishek Kajaria, owner and founder of a jewellery brand, says, “Modern cuffs often feature sleek, minimalist styles that make them versatile. There is significant interest in fusion designs that blend traditional motifs with modern aesthetics. Diamond-studded cuffs are gaining popularity, too. Young women often gravitate towards white gold or rose gold for a modern and trendy look. In contrast, women in their 30s and 40s often prefer yellow gold for its classic elegance and investment value.”

“There is a focus on contemporary reinterpretations of classic styles. We are seeing a shift towards cuffs that are sophisticated and versatile. Think clean lines, geometric shapes,” adds Pratik Dugar, director of a jewellery brand.

How to style hero cuffs

• KEEP IT SIMPLE: If you’re new to cuffs, start with a minimalist design in gold or silver. These can be paired with almost any outfit and provide a sophisticated touch

• LAYERING: Don’t be afraid to stack cuffs of different styles and sizes. Mixing a delicate, thin cuff with a bold, chunky one can create a dynamic and stylish contrast

• MATCH THE OCCASION: For formal events, opt for ornate and detailed cuffs that can complement your attire. For a casual look, sleek and simple designs work best

• MIX METALS: Combining gold and silver cuffs can create a trendy look

• STATEMENT PIECE: Let your cuff be the star. If you’re wearing a striking, bold cuff, keep other jewellery minimal to allow your cuff to shine

– Inputs from Garima Goel, Fashion and Lifestyle Content Creator

From diamond studded to asymmetrical contemporary designs, there is demand for both traditional and contemporary styles, say experts

Bhumi Pednekar adds the perfect amount of bling to her ethnic look with statement metal cuffs

Sonam Kapoor and Hailey Sonam Kapoor and Hailey Bieber in gold cuffes with Bieber in gold cuffes with asymmetrical designsasymmetrical designs

Table of Contents

TOI Print Edition Jun 23, 2024

Front Page

NGT issues notice to govt, PCCF on U’khand wildfires

2 Delhi teens die in ‘revenge attack’

Violence after Dalit dies in custody in UP

Gaming zone blaze: 2 fire officers held

4 die in blast at fire extinguisher making factory

Exam jitters: Centre removes NTA chief, postpones NEET-PG

‘Unhappy’ with girls, city family kills 2 newborns

No GST on hostels, rail platform ticket, waiting room, ESOPs

Eye on China, India to help B’desh conserve Teesta river

HEAT HAS KILLED 238 IN CITY SO FAR THIS YEAR

Bihar probe widens: 6 held from J’khand

Times Nation

New GST era set to start with end of anti-profiteering clause

Bihar bridge falls, second in a week

UAE flight delayed over ‘bomb’ note

As train comes to halt, loco pilots risk their lives to crawl along bridge’s edge & fix fault

Wild jumbo kills Bengal for est official

INDIA bloc may pull out of panel to aid pro tem Speaker

‘Precautionary step’: NEET-PG postponed hours before exam

Bihar cops arrest 6 from J’khand in NEET-UG ‘leak’ case, 19 held so far

ITPO chief Kharola given additional charge of NTA

MPPSC ‘leak’ buzz day before test, officials call it ‘misleading’

Patole: Brain of NEET ‘leak’ may be from Maha

No need to scrap NEET-UG, ‘leak’ a localised affair: Govt

Almora forest fire reaches shelter homes, inmates shifted

2 ‘poachers’ shot dead in Assam:

NGT issues notices to Centre, U’khand as wildfires rage

New law to boost govt’s telecom control kicks in from June 26

Shah launches programme for faster immigration clearance

UAPA tribunal backs 5-yr ban on 2 pro-Pak outfits in J&K

YSRCP office razed in Andhra, Jagan calls it ‘vindictive politics’

TN hooch tragedy toll now 55, over 2 dozen patients said to be critical

GST notices pending against less than 2% of taxpayers: FM

Andhra, C’garh seek funds for new capitals, Kerala a spl grant

Maha OBC activists halt stir as govt says will protect quota

Ram temple event chief priest dies

With Parliament in session, PM likely to skip SCO meet in Kazakhstan on July 3-4

Big Fish: Andhra dishes out 41% of India’s aquaculture output

2 fire officers among 3 more held for Rajkot arcade blaze

Reply to J&K MP Rashid’s bail plea by July 1, court tells NIA

FIR filed against Prajwal bro over unnatural sex

DEDICATED TO MOM

Under-feted in life, ghazal maestro finds a new note

Third couple dead in UP in 2 days after family rejects union

Dalit man’s death in UP cop custody triggers violence

India-B’desh focus now on energy & digital link-up: PM

Maoist couple carrying `41L bounty surrenders

Autonomy, NEP give wings to tailor-made college courses

YOG INCREASES SOLIDARITY

ADULTING WITH ADHD

Amnesty scheme for defaulters to make life easier for biz: FM

Two more deaths take Assam floods toll to 29

Times City

Family ‘Unhappy’, Two Newborn Girls Killed And Buried In Capital

‘Husband, kin left in anger after girls’ birth’

2 stabbed to death for ‘revenge’ in NW Delhi

Parking overage vehicles in public space not allowed in city, says govt

Property dealer killed over money row, 1 held

Club owner gets extortion call from Bhau

64L trees to be planted, experts question uneven green cover

16 gang members held in crackdown by Special Cell

City Enjoys Coolest Day Since May 14

One more dies of heat at Safdarjung, toll at 238

Allotment process for 4,350 flats in Bawana begins

Advanced surgical simulator for Army hosp

Rigging in NEET not at local level: AAP

Early Date For Gole Mkt Revamp

On Day 2, Atishi Vows To Stay On Water Fast

Water cannon takes on water protesters

LG asks AAP govt to sort out issue in ‘amicable’ manner

AAP wonders why Saxena isn’t holding Haryana responsible

In first hike in 6 months, IGL raises CNG price by `1/kg

Blast At Fire Extinguisher Factory In Gurgaon Kills 4

In dead of night, a ‘deafening series of blasts’, locals become first rescuers

150 firefighters bring blaze in outer Delhi under control

Nobody injured in godown fire

‘CM’s weight has decreased by 8kg since March 21’

BJP urges LG to restore services of skill trainers

Maliwal case: Bibhav’s judicial custody extended till July 6

Money worries keeping you single? More to you than your bank balance

Man from Assam kills self; wife gets to know, ends life

Bangladeshi arranges fake travel docus, held

Two brothers held for duping woman

Times Special

10 PIN CODES FOR NEW INDIA’S MOGULS AND NOBLES

Milord, lawyers are going back to cram school

Solve this puzzle: 50 yrs later, Rubik’s Cube still has youngsters hooked

Good old softy is back in a gourmet avatar

Attention pliss! Let’s dance to the tunes of a different Melodi

Times Parenting

Hope CEO story changes. Want to show that working moms can rise to the top

These doodle daddies draw on their parenting journey

All That Matters

For world-class firms, is India going Korea way?

'How will cities find a solution if they don’t even count heat wave deaths?

NET is far from perfect but its cancellation matters more than you think

INBOX

Right Melodi: Italian PM marries strategy and selfie diplomacy

Heli-buckets and tankers in hills, but the fault is not in our clouds

Times Global

Outrage as UK politician says West provoked Ukraine war

39 killed in Israeli strikes across N Gaza

Houthis target ship as Eisenhower leaves

Probe into 1985 Kanishka bombing remains active & ongoing: Canada

US aircraft carrier arrives in S Korea for military drills

Editor opts out of WaPo top job over UK phone tap link

China, France launch sat to better understand universe

Starliner’s return to Earth delayed again

First Nigerian set to fly to space for free

Eight from ship that crashed into Baltimore bridge leave for India

Hindujas ‘appalled’ by jail term; file appeal

AROUND THE WORLD

US top court upholds law that disarms domestic abusers

Iran’s top court overturns rapper’s death sentence

Three missing in landslide in Swiss Alps

Google Maps deletes AI photos of Austrian landmarks

Times Sport

Bravo! Claudio saving grace as Chile hold Peru

ONE SELF, SOME SELFIES

Scots hungry for a shot at history

Schick shakes it up in entertaining draw

As coaches debate goal or not, quiet Kante has his say

Max expectations for ‘new’ Germany

Hardik stars in clinical win

Personal chefs serve home flavours for Hardik, Surya

England eye huge win to seal Super Eight spot

Hope keeps WI in hunt with six feast

AFGHANISTAN FACE UPHILL TASK VS AUS

Pressure of winning makes Men in Blue vulnerable: Smith

GALLERY

Some teams to bring own AC units to Paris

LA 2028: Athletics in first week, swimming in second

Norris edges Verstappen for pole

Aditi makes cut; world No. 1 Nelly misses out

Compound archers stay undefeated

Gangjee clinches Selangor Masters

Sinner makes first grasscourt final

Nagal set for Paris but could be without a coach

Delhi Times

A lost 1990s Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan album set to release

THE ONLY WAY TO GO ABOUT LIFE IS TO MAKE EACH OTHER LAUGH, SAYS BOMAN IRANI

BUZZ STOP

VOICES

We are one boisterous family; we eat & celebrate together: Boman

Micro racism: Shruti slams ‘South Indian accent’ request

Hospital group promotes the practice of yoga

YOUR POV

SPORTS TOURISM GETS A BOOST WITH GLOBAL TOURNAMENTS

Bend it like B’wood: Stars share ﬁtness inspo to mark Yoga Day

Summer in South Korea

Creating music for Bollywood can strip away your artistic expression: Gajendra

BOLLYWOOD’S LOVE FOR THE AUTO-RICKSHAW NEVER FADES!

MIFF concludes with packed shows & record attendance

Celebrating the legacy of cinema, nostalgia of letters

Anupam Kher ofﬁce robbery case: 2 arrested

Harbhajan to play a ‘psycho doctor’ in a Tamil thriller

Giant cats stalk the catwalk at Paris show

London museum celebrates Naomi

Bold & versatile, hero cuffs make an edgy statement