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Front Page

- No bail for CM’s aide in Maliwal assault case

- AIMIM’s Malegaon chief shot at, stable

- Turbulence can hit without warning

- At 58.5%, highest J&K turnout in 35 yrs

- 2k buried in Papua New Guinea landslip

- 2 govt docs held for fixing Pune teen’s blood reports

- KCR ordered phone taps to save Kavitha in excise case: Former DCP

- Threatened by Maoists, Bastar’s ‘Vaid’ to return Padma Shri

- Will appear before SIT on May 31 in sex abuse case: Prajwal in video

- LIC mulls entering health insurance, explores acquisition opportunities

- TOI’S IPL XI OF THE SEASON

- Karnataka road accidents claim 51 lives in 24 hrs

- Patient’s kin throw nurse off 1st floor

- Man kills DJ in Ranchi sports bar, held

- Student beaten to death in college

- PM: Must probe Pak support for oppn netas

- Ggn influencer held on charge of trafficking

- ‘Unwell’ CM seeks interim bail till June 9 for med tests

- Salon exec’s body missing, 2 convicted

- Shocking bail not given in magistrate-triable case: SC

- Fire dept informed about blaze in city hospital after 35 minutes

- City temp at 48.8°C, June also likely to stay hot

- No faith in state machinery: Guj HC on Rajkot fire

No bail for CM’s aide in Maliwal assault case

A Delhi court on Monday denied bail to CM Arvind Kejriwal's aide, Bibhav Kumar, in the case of alleged assault on Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal by him at the CM’s official residence stating that the allegations raised by her have to be “taken at face value and cannot be swiped away” and that “no ground for bail is made out”. Bibhav will be approaching the high court against rejection of his bail plea.

P 6

AIMIM’s Malegaon chief shot at, stable

AIMIM’s Malegaon unit president Abdul Malik Mohammed Yunus Isa (40) was shot at by two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants Monday in Nashik. His condition is reported to be stable. Malik is also the former mayor of Malegaon. Police said they suspect personal enmity over financial issues to be the motive.

P 11

Turbulence can hit without warning

Passengers and crew were injured in three instances of mid-air turbulence in the past week, bringing flight safety into question. This is the peak season for turbulence in India, caused by pre-monsoon atmospheric disturbances, especially in the country’s north. TOI explains what to do when hit by one.

SEEP 10

At 58.5%, highest J&K turnout in 35 yrs

At 58.5%, J&K’s overall turnout this time was highest in 35 years. Srinagar recorded 38.5%, up from 14.4% in 2019; the turnout in Anantnag-Rajouri peaked to 54.9% from just 9%; and Baramulla recorded 59.1%, up from 34.6%. The 2024 polling percentages were, however, slightly lower in Jammu region compared to 2019.

P 11

2k buried in Papua New Guinea landslip

More than 2,000 people were buried alive in the landslide that hit a Papua New Guinea village on Friday in the country’s remotest northern highlands. Even as the official toll jumped from a few dozen to 670, officials warned that far more victims than expected appeared to be caught under the rubble.

P 13

2 govt docs held for fixing Pune teen’s blood reports

Allegedly Bribed By Builder-Dad To Change Samples

Gitesh Shelke & Asseem Shaikh

Pune: Two doctors of Pune’s state-run Sassoon General Hospital – forensic sciences head Dr Ajay Taware and casualty medical officer Shrihari Halnor – were arrested Monday along with a mortuary staffer on charges of swapping blood samples to shield the teenager who fatally hit two techies on a motorbike on May 19 while driving a Porsche allegedly after a night of pubbing.

Investigators said the trio allegedly acted at the behest of the 17-year-old’s father, a Pune builder, after the latter approached them through a middleman to manipulate the lab tests to check for alcohol in the boy’s bloodstream.

A magisterial court remanded Taware, Halnor, and mortuary employee Atul Ghatkamble in police custody till May 30.

The arrests happened after police received the underage driver’s blood reports from Sassoon Hospital and an Aundh-based facility, both negative for alcohol. Investigators also received reports of the boy and his father’s DNA from forensic sciences laboratory, Pune police commis- sioner Amitesh Kumar said.

“The minor’s first blood sample was collected at 11am on May 19 (eight-and-a-half hours after the accident) at Sassoon Hospital. The second was collected at the Aundh hospital around 7pm to rule out possibility of manipulation such as replacement of blood samples,”he said.

Related report, P 16

KCR ordered phone taps to save Kavitha in excise case: Former DCP

Hyderabad: Telangana’s former CM K Chandrasekhar Rao allegedly wanted to use the 2022 MLA poaching case to force BJP to arrive at a compromise and, in turn, bail out his daughter and MLC K Kavitha in the Delhi excise case. This is mentioned in the confession report of Radha Kishan Rao, former DCP of Hyderabad police’s task force who is an accused in the illegal phone tapping case.

The BRS chief and then CM, on getting wind of the alleged poaching bid, ordered a technical surveillance, which led to a failed attempt by police to arrest senior BJP functionary B L Santhosh, according to Radha Kishan Rao’s confessions.

 ‘At KCR’s behest’, P 16

Threatened by Maoists, Bastar’s ‘Vaid’ to return Padma Shri

Raipur: Under relentless threats from Maoists, Padma Shri Hemchand Manjhi, a traditional medicine practitioner in Bastar’s Narayanpur district, has announced that he will return the award and discontinue medical practice, reports Rashmi Drolia.

Manjhi’s nephew Komal was murdered by Maoists six months ago, and the 72-year-old has been getting death threats too. Manjhi, affectionately called ‘Bastar’s Vaidyaraj’ for his lifelong medical service to tribals, was given the Padma Shri last month. “Maoists have killed my relatives,” he said.

 ‘Living in fear’, P 16

 Activists allege fake encounter in Pidiya, P 9

Will appear before SIT on May 31 in sex abuse case: Prajwal in video

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bengaluru: A month since fleeing the country after allegations that he had sexually abused multiple women, Karnataka MP and former PM HD Deve Gowda’s grandson Prajwal Revanna released a purported video statement Monday apologising to his family for being incommunicado, and announced he would appear before investigators at 10am on May 31.

“I will cooperate with the investigation and respond to the charges. I have faith in judiciary and God. I am confident of emerging victorious from these false cases,” the Hassan MP says in the threeminute video in Kannada.

State home minister G Parameshwara said the Hassan MP could “face arrest as soon as he lands here” since warrants had been issued against him.

‘In depression’, P 16

Woman who filed Pocso case on neta dies, P 8

LIC mulls entering health insurance, explores acquisition opportunities

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Mumbai: State-run Life Insurance Corporation is considering entering the health insurance segment and is exploring acquisition opportunities. The move comes amid a proposal to allow composite insurance companies in the sector.

“There is an expectation that composite licences may be permitted by the new govt, and we have done some internal groundwork. While we lack expertise in general insurance, we are interested in health insurance and are also considering opportunities for inorganic growth,” said LIC chairman Siddhartha Mohanty. In Feb 2024, a parliamentary panel had suggested introducing composite insurance licences to reduce costs and compliance burden for insurers. Currently, life companies can only offer long-term benefit covers under health insurance. For life companies to provide hospitalisation and indemnity cover, an amendment to the Insurance Act would be required.

Boost coverage, P 15

Sensex breaches 76k for first time

Sensex scaled the 76,000 level for the first time while Nifty hit a new lifetime peak before closing marginally down on Monday as investors booked profits at record levels amid high volatility ahead of poll results. The 30-share BSE Sensex closed lower by 20 points lower at 75,391.

P 15

TOI’S IPL XI OF THE SEASON

With another edition drawing to a close, we pick the team of 2024, based on performances throughout the tournament

TRAVIS HEAD | His form tapered off at the end, but his turbo-powered daredevil starts and his opening stand with Abhishek Sharma got SRH the big scores. Intimidated bowling attacks M 15 | Runs 567 | Ave 40.5 | S/R 191.5

SUNIL NARINE | MVP for a reason. Was explosive with bat and miserly with ball M 15 | Runs 488 | Ave 34.9 | S/R 180.7 Wkts 17 | Ave 21.6 | S/R 19.4 | E/R 6.7

VIRAT KOHLI | Consistent with the bat and energetic in the field, he had his best strike rate in an IPL season M 15 | Runs 741 | Ave 61.8 | S/R 154.7

SANJU SAMSON (Captain & WK) | Barring an error of judgment in Qualifier 2, he anchored chases, kept efficiently and was an inspirational and calm leader M 16 | Runs 531 | Ave 48.3 | S/R 153.5

RIYAN PARAG | Enjoyed a breakout season and now looks like an India prospect M 16 | Runs 573 | Ave 52.1 | S/R 149.2

SHASHANK SINGH | Dial-a-heist man for Punjab, with a couple of extraordinary knocks against Gujarat and KKR M 14 | Runs 354 | Ave 44.3 | S/R 164.7

ANDRE RUSSELL | Leaner, trimmer, meaner, Russell had his best season in many years M 15 | Runs 222 | Ave 31.7 | S/R 185.0 Wkts 19 | Ave 15.5 | S/R 9.2 | E/R 10.1

JASPRIT BUMRAH | In a season of shame for MI, Jasprit Bumrah was the shining light. Did everything he was asked and more M 13 | Wkts 20 | Ave 16.8 | S/R 15.5 | E/R 6.5

TRENT BOULT | Lethal in the Powerplay. His spell of 3 overs for 6 runs in the Eliminator should be played on loop to young bowlers M 16 | Wkts 16 | Ave 27.7 | S/R 20.0 | E/R 8.3

VARUN CHAKRAVARTHY | Bowled beautifully in tandem with Sunil Narine and almost bottled up batters M 15 | Wkts 21 | Ave 19.1 | S/R 14.2 | E/R 8.0

HARSHIT RANA | Bowled the tough overs and showed heart when batters were going after him even on flat surfaces in Kolkata M 13 | Wkts 19 | Ave 20.2 | S/R 13.3 | E/R 9.1

IMPACT PLAYER (Batting) | ABHISHEK SHARMA | His elegant and brutal cameos got SRH off to rocket starts. Also bowled a dream spell with his left-arm spin in Qualifier 2 M 16 | Runs 484 | Ave 32.3 | S/R 204.2

IMPACT PLAYER (Bowling) | HARSHAL PATEL | Rediscovered the dip in his slower one and finished as proud owner of the purple cap M 14 | Wkts 24 | Ave 19.9 | S/R 12.2 | E/R 9.7

UNLUCKY TO MISS OUT

JAKE FRASER-MCGURK (highest strike-rate of 234 among batters with a minimum of 100 runs);

TRISTAN STUBBS (strike rate of 298 in overs 17-20);

PAT CUMMINS, who led a stunning turnaround for SRH

Virat Kohli

Karnataka road accidents claim 51 lives in 24 hrs

In Karnataka’s highest single-day toll in road crashes reported in recent past, 51 people died in separate accidents from Saturday morning to Sunday morning. Most of the deaths were because of reckless driving. Tumakuru district reported maximum deaths (seven), followed by Hassan (6), Bengaluru city and Bengaluru rural (4 each) and Karwar (3).

PG OPP

Patient’s kin throw nurse off 1st floor

Angry relatives of a pregnant woman who died during treatment at a private nursing home in Nalanda district allegedly threw a nurse off the first floor. She is critical.

P8

Man kills DJ in Ranchi sports bar, held

A DJ of a sports bar in Ranchi was shot dead by an assailant after business hours following a clash between customers and bouncers. Police nabbed the murder accued from Gaya.

P 9

Student beaten to death in college

A final-year student, 22, was beaten to death by 10-15 masked assailants in the parking lot of Patna Law College, where he had come to write an examination, on Monday.

P10

PM: Must probe Pak support for oppn netas

New Delhi: PM Modi has expressed “shock and surprise” over opposition netas getting endorsements from Pakistan, saying such a trend was a “serious issue” and a matter of “thorough investigation”. In an interview with news agency IANS, he said, “I am not aware why certain people are liked by those who harbour animosity towards us.”

PM was responding to a question about Fawad Chaudhry, Pakistani ex-minister, expressing support for Arvind Kejriwal. Chaudhry had earlier expressed admiration for Rahul Gandhi.

 ‘New image’, P 16

Ggn influencer held on charge of trafficking

Bodybuilder and ‘influencer’ Bobby alias Balwant Kataria was arrested by Gurgaon police in a coordinated operation with NIA on Monday on a complaint by a youngster from UP who alleged he was trafficked to Laos after being promised a job in the UAE by Kataria’s consultancy firm, reports Mahesh Buddi. Passports of around 150 Indians had allegedly been seized; they had to call foreigners to hoodwink them in digital frauds.

P 6

‘Unwell’ CM seeks interim bail till June 9 for med tests

Moves SC, Cites Possible Damage To Kidney, Heart

Dhananjay.Mahapatra@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: With the deadline for him to return to Tihar Jail a week away, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on Monday moved Supreme Court seeking extension of time to surrender till June 9 on the ground that he needed to undergo a comprehensive medical examination to identify whether his “unusually high blood sugar level, rapid weight loss and bouts of dizziness, coupled with palpitation”, were life-threatening.

Arrested by Enforcement Directorate on March 21 in a money laundering case relating to the alleged excise policy scam and released on interim bail by the apex court on May 10 for campaigning, the 54-year-old Kejriwal said a se- nior physician from Max Hospital clinically examined him on May 25 and suggested whole body PET-CT to rule out malignancies and Holter monitor test, both of which would take 5-7 days.

 ‘Not much time for tests’, P 4

Salon exec’s body missing, 2 convicted

More than six years after a Mumbai salon executive went missing, a sessions court Monday held two of her colleagues guilty of her murder, a rare conviction in the absence of her body.

The two accused were having an affair and feared it would be exposed; the man had also been put on notice by the victim over poor performance at work. A police inquiry found the two had strangled her in a car and dumped the body.

P8

Shocking bail not given in magistrate-triable case: SC

New Delhi: Supreme Court on Monday expressed deep anguish over Calcutta high court denying bail to a trustee of South Point Education Society, one of many areas of tussle between the Birla and Lodha groups, and said the case reflected a “shocking state of affairs” as the HC denied bail even in a magistrate-triable case, reports Dhananjay Mahapatra. “It is a magistratetriable case. How can a person be kept in custody?” it asked.

 ‘Unheard of’, P 10

IN THE COURTS

➤ SC says prima facie BJP’s newspaper ads targeting TMC early this month were disparaging and refuses to entertain BJP’s appeal against a Calcutta HC order stopping publication of such pamphlets in media

P 11

➤ Bombay HC maintains that transit rent, which is paid by a developer to a flat owner/ tenant on dispossession of flat, is not a revenue receipt. It can’t be taxed

P 9

Fire dept informed about blaze in city hospital after 35 minutes

Ventilators Did Not Function After Outage

A forensic team at Baby Care New Born Hospital in Vivek Vihar Monday

Abhay@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: The fire department and law enforcement authorities were notified about Sunday’s fire at Baby Care New Born Hospital, the neonatal facility in east Delhi’s Vivek Vihar, after a delay of 35 minutes — precious time that may have proved critical in containing the damage.

CCTV footage found by police reveals the blaze originated on the ground floor aro und 10.55pm, sources said Monday. The authorities were alerted only at 11.30pm. Officials are probing whether the hospital’s occupants tried to contain the fire independently, and made calls to PCR and the fire department once it spread beyond their control.

 ‘Rear exit blocked’, P 2

Hiring Ayurveda docs common: Owner, P 2

 EDIT: Tinderbox India

‘Took her for fever, got charred body’

Raj Kumar’s family was crushed as a DNA test confirmed they had lost their 17-day-old baby. “We admitted her with a simple fever. Now we’re taking back her charred body,” said a relative.

P 2

City temp at 48.8°C, June also likely to stay hot

Delhi’s Mungeshpur recorded 48.8°C, eight notches above normal, Monday, making it the hottest area in the city that has been battling severe heatwave. The day temperature is set to rise further till Wednesday, the weather department forecast, adding there is a possibility of light rain at the end of this week.

IMD has predicted ‘above normal’ monsoon rainfall over 61% of India from June to Sept. But most parts of NW India may continue to sizzle in June.

P 3&PG OPP

Cyclone kills 6 in Bengal, 10 in B’desh

NDRF personnel remove an uprooted tree in Bengal’s N 24 Pgns on Monday after Cyclone Remal battered the state, claiming six lives. In Bangladesh, it killed 10

PG OPP

No faith in state machinery: Guj HC on Rajkot fire

Who will take drastic steps? Honestly speaking, we don’t have faith in the state machinery now,” Gujarat high court said Monday, reprimanding Rajkot Municipal Corporation for allowing the illegal operation of TRP Game Zone entertainment arcade, where a fire Saturday evening claimed the lives of 28 people, including nine children.

P 8

 Municipal commissioner and CP shunted out, P 8

Times Nation

- No respite yet, north India to see more heatwave days: IMD

- Thousands of women swamp B’luru GPO on dole rumours

- 51, including 30 bike riders, killed in K’taka in 24 hours

- Cyclone Remal leaves 6 dead, trail of destruction in Bengal

- Ministry wants dedicated lanes for 2-wheelers to reduce crashes

- NIA arrests 5 in crackdown on Cambodia-Laos job racket

- Mum salon exec’s body never found, 2 held guilty of ’18 killing

- Pregnant woman’s death sparks violence by kin, nurse ‘thrown off’ 1st floor of Bihar nursing home

- ‘We don’t have faith...’: Guj HC slams state, Rajkot civic body

- CP, municipal commissioner shunted out

- Woman who filed Pocso case against K’taka neta passes away; natural death, say police

- Strays kill girl, 6, trying to save 2-yr-old brother

- Activists: Encounter fake, 10 villagers shot

- DJ shot dead at Ranchi bar, accused held

- Transit rent not income, can’t be taxed, says HC

- DRDO chief gets 1-year extn amid move to revamp defence R&D

- 33 BRS civic chiefs voted out in just 5 months

- ‘New clip’ of doc’s car that crushed Mum woman out

- TURBULENCE CAN HIT WITHOUT WARNING. KEEP SEATBELT ON

- Under ‘pressure to join scam’, K’taka officer kills self

- Butcher Jihad says drank alcohol, chopped B’desh MP’s body through night

- Faridkot cheers son of Indira killer on Nehru’s death anniv

- Masked men thrash 22-year-old to death in Patna law college

- Govt appoints 4 secys, sparks speculation on continuity

- SC: Should accused continue to be in custody for 10 years?

No respite yet, north India to see more heatwave days: IMD

No Change In Forecast For ‘Above Normal’ Monsoon In June-Sept

VishwaMohan@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Sticking to its April forecast, India Meteorological Department Monday predicted ‘above normal’ monsoon rainfall across the country in general, and over the monsoon core zone (which depends on rain-fed agriculture) in particular, during the June-Sept rainy season, giving a positive sig- nal to the economy. There is a forecast probability of 61% for the country to get ‘above normal’ monsoon rainfall.

However, most parts of northwest India will not get respite from the scorching heat in June even as there is a brief relief after three days due to western disturbances with IMD expecting a minimum four to six days of heatwave in the region next month. Many other parts of the country too will face normal to above normal maximum and minimum temperatures during the month.

It may happen despite the normal onset of monsoon over Kerala as the possibility of its subsequent subdued progress, specifically towards northwest India, cannot be ruled out. The possibil- ity of a rare phenomenon of the monsoon arriving in northeast India first before it hits Kerala is also not ruled out. IMD said conditions are likely to become favourable for monsoon onset over Kerala during next five days — it means monsoon onset over Kerala is likely to happen either on its normal date of arrival (June 1) or aday before.

Heat claims 3 more lives in Rajasthan

Jaipur/Jodhpur/Jaisalmer:A BSF jawan, a policeman, and a Jain monk died of heatstroke in Rajasthan between Sunday night and Monday morning. Phalodi, a town in Jodhpur, was the hottest place in the state, recording 49.4 degrees Celsius on Monday. Jaipur recorded 46.4 degrees Celsius on Monday.

TNN

Thousands of women swamp B’luru GPO on dole rumours

Niranjan.Kaggere@timesgroup.com

Bengaluru: Thousands of women rushed to Bengaluru General Post Office (GPO) on Monday after a rumour that some political parties would transfer Rs 8,000 in their postoffice accounts. GPO officials had to deploy additional personnel to facilitate opening of new accounts and sought police help to regulate the crowd, which started assembling from 3am.

The talk was that the postal department was depositing the money in every single account opened under the India Post Payment Bank. The rumours were afloat on WhatsApp over the last week and went viral in RWA groups. Believing that Monday was the last date for registration, hundreds of women reached GPO.

Sources in the postal department told TOI that people believed that opening of the account was the beginning of the process to get cash incentive. Others believed the programme was already under way, and the postal department had started crediting Rs 8,000 into everyone’s account.

HM Manjesh, chief postmaster at the GPO, said: “We even put up posters at entry gates saying there was no such cash incentive programme or initiative announced by the postal department ...”

On Monday alone, over 2,000 women had reached GPO by the afternoon. “We used to open an average 100 to 200 accounts daily. But over the last one week, we’ve been opening 700 to 800 accounts everyday at GPOalone,” said an official.

UNSAFE ROADS: 2-WHEELER RIDERS, PEDESTRIANS MOST AT RISK

51, including 30 bike riders, killed in K’taka in 24 hours

Rajiv.Kalkod@timesgroup.com

Bengaluru: Karnataka witnessed 51 deaths in different road accidents within a span of 24 hours, from Saturday morning to Sunday, marking the state’s highest single-day toll reported in the recent past.

Alok Kumar, ADGP and commissioner for road safety, Bengaluru, said most deaths were due to reckless driving. Tumakuru district topped the chart with seven deaths, followed by Hassan (6), Bengaluru city and Bengaluru rural (4 each), and Karwar (3), according to police records.

On a usual day, the number of road fatalities in the state is between 30 and 35, said another senior police official.

Kumar raised concerns about pedestrian safety after deaths of eight pedestrians were reported from Tumakuru and Bengalururural.

“The pedestrian deaths were reported at night when they were crossing state or national highways. The drivers may have seen those people crossing at close quarters and failed to control the vehicles,” he said.

On Sunday, six of a family, including a six-year-old boy, were killed on the spot when their car collided with a truck in Hassan district. The family was returning from Karwar, where they had gone to visit a relative in hospital. The car driver had dozed off, which led to the crash.

Of the 51 deceased, 30 were two-wheelers riders.

Cyclone Remal leaves 6 dead, trail of destruction in Bengal

Kolkata received 189.5mm of rain over 24 hours, causing waterlogging in several areas

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Kolkata/Guwahati: Six people were killed due to Cyclone Remal’s impact, which brought heavy rain and high winds to Bengal and several northeastern states. The cyclone, which made landfall between Sagar Island in Bengal and Khepupara in Bangladesh Sunday night, left a trail of destruction, including damaged homes, uprooted trees, and disrupted power lines.

In Kolkata, three people died. Mohammad Sajib, 51, was killed when the cornice of a house in Entally collapsed on him. Gopal Barman, 47, and Tapasi Das, 53, died of electrocution in Panihati and Nungi, respectively. In the Sundarbans, 75-year-old Renuka Mandal was killed by a falling tree on Mousuni island. In East Burdwan’s Memari, Forde Singh and his son Tarun Singh died of electrocution while cutting down an uprooted banana tree. Kolkata received 189.5mm of rain over 24 hours, causing waterlogging in several areas. More than 350 trees were uprooted in the city, blocking roads and damaging vehicles. Power disruptions affected the districts, with over 60 transformers tripping and more than 5,000 poles uprooted, impacting lakhs of residents.

Suburban train services from Sealdah were partially suspended for three hours due to the cyclone. Flight services at Kolkata airport, which had been suspended for 21 hours, resumed Monday morning, but disruptions continued with 12 flights diverted and several others delayed.

A Bengal govt preliminary report indicated that over 2 lakh people were evacuated to relief camps, with more than 1,400 camps distributing cooked meals to affected residents.

As Cyclone Remal moved north into Bangladesh and towards the North- East, it caused heavy rainfall in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, and Manipur. No significant damage or casualties have been reported in these states.

Meghalaya’s Shella recorded the highest rainfall at 170mm in 24 hours. Authorities urged residents to remain indoors.

Several flights in the North-East were cancelled, including those connecting Imphal with Kolkata, Silchar-bound flights, and operations at Aizawl and Agartala airports. However, Guwahati airport reported normal operations.

Tripura, which borders Bangladesh, experienced minimal damage despite the highest alert issued by IMD. Remal is expected to move north-northeastwards and weaken into a deep depression by Monday night, according to weather officials.

(With inputs from Aheli Banerjee, Saikat Ray, Subhro Niyogi, Ajanta Chakrabarty, Kangkan Kalita)

Ministry wants dedicated lanes for 2-wheelers to reduce crashes

Dipak.Dash@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:The road transport ministry is working on a plan to build dedicated lanes for two-wheelers on state highways and urban roads, and pedestrian foot over bridges (FOBs) or underpasses along major urban arterial roads. Nonsegregation of traffic is the main cause of high number of crashes in India.

As per govt statistics, nearly 44% of road crashes and fatalities in India involve two-wheelers. Similarly, around 17% of road crashes and 19% fatalities involve pedestrians. Pedestrians, cyclists and two wheeler riders are categorised as vulnerable road users (VRUs) and over half the people killed on road fall under this category.

TOI has learnt that the road transport ministry has circulated a consultation paper titled ‘SAFE’ for making strategies to reduce road crashes and deaths, which focus on VRUs.

TIMES VIEW: Dedicated lanes for two-wheelers is welcome. But one wonders about the effectiveness of such a move. It’s impossible to enforce discipline in just one aspect of driving without tackling other forms of traffic indiscipline such as over-speeding and wrong-side driving. The point is to reduce accidents and fatalities, we must enforce existing traffic laws firmly and consistently.

NIA arrests 5 in crackdown on Cambodia-Laos job racket

New Delhi:NIA, as part of a multi-state crackdown on organised trafficking syndicates engaged in luring Indian youths with false promises of jobs in Cambodia, Laos and Golden Triangle SEZ, and forcing them to work in cyber fraud centres there, arrested five persons on Monday after raiding 15 locations across seven states and Union territories (UTs).

Eight fresh FIRs were registered and five accused — Manish Hingu of Vadodara, Pahlad Singh of Gopalganj, Nabialam Ray of Delhi, Balwant Kataria of Gurgaon, and Sartaj Singh of Chandigarh — arrested. The searches led to seizure of several incriminating materials.

Youths lured with false job promises were being forced to work in fake call centres where they were coerced into undertaking illegal activities, like credit card fraud, investments in crypto using fake applications, honey trapping etc.

TNN

Mum salon exec’s body never found, 2 held guilty of ’18 killing

Ex-Colleagues Dumped Body In Mahul Creek

Rebecca.Samervel@timesgroup.com

Mumbai: Over six years after 28-year-old BBlunt salon executive Kirti Vyas went missing, a sessions court on Monday held two of her colleagues — Siddhesh Tamhankar and Kavita Sidhwani (name changed), in whose company she was last seen — guilty of her murder, making it a rare conviction in the absence of the victim’s body.

Special judge MG Deshpande said, “The offence against both of you has been proved.” The judge will pronounce the quantum of sentence on Tuesday. While the maximum punishment is death, the minimum is life imprisonment. The trial was conducted in-camera at the behest of Sidhwani’s lawyer to protect her identity.

Vyas, a resident of Grant Road, went missing on March 16, 2018, after leaving home for work. Tamhankar and Sidhwani were arrested on May 5 that year. A police inquiry found that the two strangled her in a car and dumped her body at Mahul. A prolonged search for the body did not yield results.

The prosecution had said in court that Tamhankar had been afraid of losing his job after being put on notice by Vyas over his poor performance at work, and of his relationship with a married Sidhwani being exposed.

Santacruz resident Sidhwani, 48, who had been granted bail by SC in 2021, broke down after the verdict and was taken into custody. Tamhankar, 42, who lived in Bhoiwada and has been in jail since his arrest in 2018, made repeated attempts to calm her down.He said he did not want to make submissions in court.

IPS officer Sanjay Saxena, who was the then JCP (crime), credited the verdict despite the absence of the body to good teamwork. “Strong circumstantial evidencecoupled with scientific evidence through forensic analysis, was the key,” he said.

Calling the crime premeditated, special public prose- cutor Avdhoot Chimalkar had cited the evidence of 39 witnesses to seek a conviction, and said, while submitting final arguments in the case, that the crime was committed on the day the deadline mentioned on the showcause notice ended, “on which day, in all probability, his services were to be terminated”. He said, “The devilish crime was the result of wanton lust, the servility to absolutely unchained carnal desire and slavery to loathsome... passion which ruled the mindset of the accused.”

Pregnant woman’s death sparks violence by kin, nurse ‘thrown off’ 1st floor of Bihar nursing home

She Jumped Off To Escape Mob Fury, Say Cops

Kshitiz@timesgroup.com

Patna: A 25-year-old pregnant patient died at a private nursing home in Biharsharif Station Road area of Nalanda district on Sunday night, following which her enraged kin vandalised the facility and allegedly threw a nurse off the building’s first floor.

The nurse, Punam Kumari (35), was taken to Biharsharif Sadar Hospital and later shifted to a private hospital in a critical condition. While police claimed that Punam had jumped off the building to save herself from the furious mob, her husband alleged she was thrown off.

Cops said the pregnant patient, Gudiya Kumari, had been admitted to the nursing home after suffering from a stomach ache but died during treatment. Her body was handed over to her family after post-mortem.

Following her death, Gudiya’s kin stormed into the nursing home and went on a rampage. Fearing their wrath, doctors and staff fled, police said. The bereaved told police the nurse had administered Gudiya an injection after which her condition sud- denly worsened, leading to her death. The family later filed a police complaint against the nursing home and its staff.

“On receiving information, police arrived at the scene and calmed the family besides rescuing the nurse,” Biharsharif police station incharge Ramashankar Singh said, adding that Punam jumped from the first-floor balcony to escape the mob. “No complaints have been filed by the nurse’s family.”

‘We don’t have faith...’: Guj HC slams state, Rajkot civic body

Three accused in the gaming zone fire case are produced before a Rajkot court on Monday

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Ahmedabad:Gujarat HC expressed Monday strong distrust in the state machinery’s ability to implement corrective measures, while reprimanding Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) for allowing the illegal operation of TRP Game Zone entertainment arcade, where a devastating fire Saturday evening claimed the lives of 28 people.

During the hearing of a suo motu PIL, the bench of Justices Biren Vaishnav and Devan Desai questioned how RMC remained oblivious to the facility operating without permissions for three years. Justice Vaishnav highlighted media reports indicating the RMC commissioner had attended the gaming zone’s inauguration, questioning the RMC’s inaction for months. “Can’t we take judicial notice of this fact? What did RMC do for 18 months? Sat over it?”

The judges were livid when RMC’s counsel revealed go-karting activities began on the plot in June 2021, with the arcade structure completed 18 months ago. However, an application for construction regularisation under GRUDA (Gujarat Regularisation of Unauthorised Development Act, 2011) was only submitted on May 4, and a fire NOC was requested on May 9.

Advocate DM Devnani, representing the HC, called for preventive and corrective measures and accountability for the officers allowing the unauthorised operation. The judges doubted the state machinery’s commitment to take stringent action, noting this was the sixth such case despite past court directives. “Who will take drastic steps? Honestly speaking, we don’t have faith in the state machinery now. After four years of orders passed by this court directing them and after their assurances... They only want lives to be lost and then trigger the machinery,” it said.

HC demanded affidavits from municipal commissioners and chief fire officers of Rajkot serving since June 2021, questioning their oversight. The court also sought an affidavit from the Rajkot police commissioner.

CP, municipal commissioner shunted out

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Ahmedabad: The Gujarat govt transferred Rajkot city police and municipal commissioners on Monday in response to the TRP Game Zone fire that claimed 28 lives on Saturday, while five officers from Rajkot Municipal Corporation and roads and buildings department, along with two policemen, were suspended for negligence. The move follows a reprimand from Gujarat high court regarding the illegal operation of the recreational facility.

Raju Bhargava, a 1995-batch IPS officer, was removed as the police chief and replaced by Brajesh Kumar Jha, a 1999-batch IPS officer. Bhargava is awaiting a new posting.

The RMC commissioner, Anand Patel was transferred, with Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority CEO DP Desai appointed in his place. Home department also transferred ACP Vidhi Chaudhary and DCP Sudhir Desai, who are awaiting new postings.

(Inputs from Nimesh Khakhariya in Rajkot)

Woman who filed Pocso case against K’taka neta passes away; natural death, say police

The woman had filed a complaint under Pocso Act, alleging the ex-CM sexually abused her 17-yr-old daughter when they visited his house on Feb 2

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bengaluru: A 57-year-old woman who had recently filed a case against a former chief minister for allegedly molesting her minor daughter inside his Bengaluru residence died of illness at a private hospital in Bengaluru Sunday. Police said the woman complained of breathlessness at her house Saturday night and was shifted to hospital immediately. There, she was put on ventilator, but didn’t respond to medical treatment. Doctors declared her dead Sunday evening.

On March 14, the woman had filed a complaint under the Pocso Act, alleging the former CM had sexually abused her 17-year-old daughter when they visited his residence on Feb 2. In her complaint, she said she had approached the ex-CM for his help in seeking justice for her minor daughter, who was earlier sexually assaulted allegedly by a relative.

The state govt later transferred the case to Criminal Investigation Department, which had taken statements of the ex-CM and subjected him to a voice-sample test.

Strays kill girl, 6, trying to save 2-yr-old brother

Kanpur:A pack of stray dogs attacked and killed a six-year-old girl named Khushi in Kanpur late Sunday when she was trying to save her two-year-old brother Bhola, who is now in critical condition, reports Faiz Siddiqui. The attack happened while the children were playing near their home.

The family rushed both children to a private hospital. Doctors pronounced Khushi dead on arrival. Bhola was transferred to another hospital due to the severity of injuries.

“We had dinner and slept on the footpath as it was hot inside. Suddenly, a pack of dogs attacked my children. By the time we could react, the dogs bit my daughter’s neck and other parts of her body,” the children’s 30-year-old father Chhotu said.

Activists: Encounter fake, 10 villagers shot

C’garh Cops Deny Claim, Say Maoists Gunned Down

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Raipur: Tribal activists on Monday reiterated their allegation of a fake encounter in Pidiya village and claimed that 10 of the 12 killed by security forces on May 10 were innocent villagers, including two who were ‘guests’.

According to activists of Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan, the villagers were “chased and killed” by security forces while collecting tendu leaves. They claimed six villagers, including a 15-yearold boy, were injured, and that police rounded up 50 villagers, some of whom were arrested.

Police denied the charges and said those killed in Pidiya were Maoists, many of whom carried bounties. CM Vishnu Deo Sai has backed the security forces, praising them for the encounter. Maoists, meanwhile, have admitted that two of those killed in Pidiya — Punem Kallu and Uika Budhu — were PLGA cadres and had gone to the village to recuperate from illness.

“On one hand, the CM is advocating dialogue with Maoists and on the other, he applauds security forces and overlooks killing of innocent civilians. Dialogue isn’t possible in such an atmosphere. The killing of even one innocent person is a serious incident, and we demand govt ensure that no innocent, unarmed person is killed by security forces in Bastar,” the activists said in a statement.

At a press meet in Raipur, activist Bela Bhatia and for- mer legislator Manish Kunjam alleged that govt has not responded to numerous complaints, “creating a climate of fear in Bastar villages”.

“Killing any unarmed person, regardless of whether they are a Maoist leader, is wrong,” they said. “Security forces should only fire in self defence, but they are killing people on mere suspicion of being Maoists, which is illegal,” Bhatia said.

State Congress chief Deepak Baij has written to deputy CM Vijay Sharma that villagers told a Congress fact-finding committee that it was a fake encounter. “When witnesses and villagers are alleging a fake encounter, what is preventing govt from investigating it? Let a HC judge-monitored probe clear up the picture. Congress is equally worried about restoring peace in Bastar, but not at the cost of innocent villagers,” Baij said in his letter. “A tribal never lies and if locals are making this allegation, then a probe is expected,” he said.

In response, Sharma said those labelled ‘innocent’ faced cases of murder and attempted murder.

DJ shot dead at Ranchi bar, accused held

Ranchi: A DJ of a sports bar in Ranchi was shot dead after business hours on Sunday night following a clash between customers and bouncers. Police chased and arrested accused Abhishek Singh, a soft drink distributor, from Gaya in Bihar, reports Sanjay Sahay.

CCTV footage showed a shirtless man walking up to the DJ, Sandip Pramanik, 30, who was preparing to go home, and shooting at him from a close range. The accused, whose face was covered, was the seen searching for other staffers.

Abhishek and his friends had an altercation with the staff when they were stopped from dancing indecently. A case was registered for murder and criminal conspiracy, and other charges under IPC. Police are trying to recover the weapon used in the crime.

Transit rent not income, can’t be taxed, says HC

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Mumbai: In a landmark decision, Bombay HC has held that transit rent, which is paid by a developer to a flat owner/tenant on dispossession of the flat, is not a revenue receipt. It cannot be taxed in the hands of the recipient. Thus, the question of deduction of tax at source (TDS) by the developer from the amount payable to the flat owner/tenant does not arise, it said.

On a writ filed by Sarfaraz S Furniturewalla, the issue before HC was whether there should be a deduction of TDS on the amount payable to him as transit rent by the builder.

TOI has earlier covered orders passed by ITAT, which have held that tran- sit rent is a ‘capital receipt’ and it is not a revenue stream of income. Thus, it is not taxable in the hands of the recipient.

HC said transit rent, which is commonly referred to as hardship/rehabilitation/displacement allowance, is paid by the developer or landlord to a flat owner/tenant who suffers hardship due to dispossession of his/her house. Transit rent is not to be considered as a revenue receipt and is not liable to tax. Thus, there will be no question of deduction of tax from the amount paid by the developer.

A tax expert attached to a developer company said the HC order provides clarity. It is beneficial not only to flat owners or tenants who receive transit fees but also developers.

DRDO chief gets 1-year extn amid move to revamp defence R&D

New Delhi: Govt on Monday extended tenure of Samir V Kamat as secretary of department of defence R&D & DRDO chairman till May 31 next year, amid the move to overhaul the organisation based on recommendations of a high-powered expert committee. Kamat, who was earlier director general of naval systems & materials, one of the seven technology clusters in DRDO, was appointed to the top post in Aug 2022 and was slated to retire May-end.

The extension comes after an ‘overseeing committee’ was earlier set up to review and ensure time-bound implementation of the recommendations of the nine-member expert committee, headed by former principal scientific advisor to govt, K Vijay Raghavan, which submitted its report in Jan.

There has been some opposition to a few reforms suggested by the committee, which has called for a major structural revamp of DRDO. TNN

33 BRS civic chiefs voted out in just 5 months

Hyderabad: In a span of just five months after Congress govt took over reins in Telangana, an unprecedented number of 33 municipal chairpersons belonging to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) have been voted out in no-confidence motions moved against them, reports Koride Mahesh. While 32 municipalities have gone in favour of Congress, one civic chief post (Meerpet MC) was secured by BJP. BRS has managed to retain six other municipalities by winning the trust vote.

Municipal officials said this is unparalleled in the state, where nearly 30% of total 142 (129 municipalities and 13 MCs) civic bodies had faced no-trust motions in such a short period. Even when Andhra Pradesh was a combined state, never was such a huge number of no-confidence motions moved in a short period, an official said.

‘New clip’ of doc’s car that crushed Mum woman out

Why Wasn’t Video Shared Earlier, Police Ask BMC Staff

Ahmed.Ali@timesgroup.com

Mumbai: The police team probing a woman’s death in an accident involving a Sion Hospital doctor accessed a long CCTV video of the episode on Monday. It shows Dr Rajesh Dere speaking to a security guard pointing in the direction of Rubaida Shaikh (60) lying on the ground minutes before the accident and getting into his SUV. A few minutes later, he is seen starting the car and it runs over Shaikh. Police said they will review “the new evidence.”

A source close to Dere, however, told TOI he waved at the guard who walked towards him to greet him. “Dere was not pointing at the woman. He was waving back at the security guard. He hadn’t seen the woman at any point before the vehicle went over.”

Dere, head of forensic medicine at the hospital, was arrested on Saturday for running over the woman Friday on the hospital premises. Police were informed about her death Saturday afternoon.

In his initial statements, Dere claimed the woman had collapsed in front of his car. Police have booked him for negligence and rash driving. Cops have also invoked penal sections for providing false information. He was granted bail on Sunday.

Cops said that they did not get access to the complete video until Monday. “We will review the new evidence and inquire with BMC officials why the longer video, which includes minutes before the incident, was not shared with us earlier,” said an officer.

In the video, Dere is seen parking his car near the OPD block and walking inside, presumably to punch his attendance. On his way in, he exchanges greetings with a security personnel.

“A minute later, on his way out, Dere is again talking to the security personnel and drawing his attention to the woman on the ground, seemingly pointing towards her. The guard walks towards the woman and appears to speak with her before walking away. A minute later, Dere gets in his car and starts driving, at which point he runs over her,” said a police officer.

TURBULENCE CAN HIT WITHOUT WARNING. KEEP SEATBELT ON

Passengers and crew were injured in three instances of mid-air turbulence in the past week, bringing flight safety into question. This is the peak season for turbulence in India, caused by pre-monsoon atmospheric disturbances, especially in the country’s north

WHAT IS TURBULENCE?

It can be simply defined as chaotic and unpredictable air currents, disrupted from a calmer state by various forces. A steady stream of smoke rising and fragmenting into increasingly erratic swirls is an example of turbulence in action

POSSIBLE INJURIES

Can range from minor injuries like bruises to fractures, cuts (caused by loose items such as luggage becoming projectiles) and burns (because of spilling of hot beverages). More serious can be head injuries (due to hitting the overhead compartment or windows) and spinal injuries

WHAT TO DO WHEN HIT BY ONE?

It is advisable to keep the seatbelt fastened during all stages of the flight as turbulence can sometimes hit without warning. When it is detected, pilots switch on the seat-belt sign

May 21 | A Singapore Airlines aircraft flew into extreme turbulence over Myanmar. Passengers were slammed against cabin ceiling. A 73-yr-old died of suspected heart attack. Many were hurt, some with serious spine injuries

May 25 | A Turkish Airlines domestic flight from Istanbul to Izmir flew into severe turbulence that left an attendant injured. The aircraft dipped suddenly, flinging him to the cabin ceiling. He fell back onto the floor and injured his vertebral column

May 26 | A Qatar Airways Doha-Dublin flight encountered turbulence over Turkey. Before landing, the pilots radioed ATC about injured passengers. Emergency services found 12 injured passengers, eight of whom had to be hospitalised

TYPES OF TURBULENCE

Detectable: In the pre-monsoon and monsoon months in India, dark, rain-bearing clouds called cumulonimbus (Cb) clouds build over the Indian airspace. These are dense, towering clouds. A lot goes on inside them, with air currents rising and falling at great speeds. Cb clouds are picked up by aircraft’s airborne weather radar

Undetectable… Clear air turbulence (CAT) is particularly hazardous to aircraft because it is invisible to radar and satellite. Unlike Cb clouds, it cannot be seen by pilots from the cockpit either. An aircraft that flies into CAT could experience a sudden and violent drop or gain in altitude

...but predictable: CAT can be predicted through SIGMET (Significant Meteorological Information) charts and flight plans can be adjusted accordingly

Is turbulence increasing because of climate change?

Yes. Climate change affects various atmospheric conditions, including increased temperature differences between different atmospheric layers, jet stream changes, and thunderstorm activity, which lead to more frequent and intense turbulence

Under ‘pressure to join scam’, K’taka officer kills self

Shivamogga: A 50-year-old govt officer working in Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki ST Development Corp Ltd in Bengaluru died by suicide at his residence in Shivamogga on Sunday, reports Udaya Sagar. In a six-page note, Chandrashekaran P is said to have accused senior officers of pressuring him to open a parallel bank account and divert unaccounted money into it from the primary account. Cops have filed a case of unnatural death but haven’t referred to the note.

Shivamogga BJP MLA SN Channabasappa displayed the ‘note’ at a presser Monday. As per the note, the MLA said the corporation had a grant of Rs 187.3 cr in its various accounts, about Rs 85 crore of which had been transferred to other accounts and “allegedly looted”.

Butcher Jihad says drank alcohol, chopped B’desh MP’s body through night

Dwaipayan Ghosh & Mayukh Sengupta TNN

Kolkata: After killing, skinning and chopping Bangladeshi MP Anwarul Azim Anar’s body at a Rajarhat flat, the killers left the spot with Rs 4.3 lakh belonging to the MP and one of them walked away wearing his shirt, said a team of state CID and Dhaka metropolitan police on Monday. Accused Md Siam Hossain, suspected to be hiding in Nepal, took away the cash, said investigators. Efforts are on through Interpol to arrest him. Main accused Akhtaruzzaman Shaheen is suspected to have already fled to the US.

During questioning, Jihad Howladar (24) — the butcher from Mumbai — said that the chopping of the body continued through the night on May 13 and they had consumed alcohol while doing the job. The next morning, Jihad walked out of the house in the MP’s clothes as his own were stained with blood.

State CID — in presence of a team from Dhaka Metropolitan Police led by its chief Md Harun-or-Rashid — completed a reconstruction of the murder at the Rajarhat flat.

As per police sources, the MP entered the flat at 3pm accompanied by Faisal and Shimul Bhuniy an while leaving their shoes outside. Celesty Rahman was in the upstairs room. Inside, Jihad Howladar and Siam were present.

Faridkot cheers son of Indira killer on Nehru’s death anniv

Sarabjit Singh Khalsa is fighting the LS polls as an Independent

Neel.Kamal@timesgroup.com

Bathinda: The son of Beant Singh, one of the two assassins of Indira Gandhi, is drawing impressive crowds in Punjab’s Faridkot Lok Sabha constituency, where he is contesting as an Independent.

On Monday — which happened to be the 60th death anniversary of Indira’s father Jawaharlal Nehru — Sara bjit Singh Khalsa, 45, was greeted with slogans like “Amar shaheed da putt (Son of Sikh martyr)” and “Beant Singh amar rahe (Long live the memory of Beant Singh)” when his motorcade of cars and bikes reached Bhairupa village.

In 1984, Sarabjit’s father, SI Beant Singh, and Satwant Singh, the two bodyguar ds of Indira, had assassina ted her at her residence in Delhi. Both were sentenced to death.

Nearly forty years later, Beant Singh’s son’s campaign — woven around the narrative that the then govt’s military action on Akal Takht in the first week of June 1984 was ‘avenged’ — is finding a lot of appeal among rural voters, with village after village inviting him over. In Rampura Phul, youths braved the 44o heat to line up the route that the motorcade took to shower Sarabjit with flower petals. He stopped at several villages along the way to lap up this adulation.

Sarabjit’s supporters include Sukhraj Singh, whose father, Krishan Bhagwan Singh, was among those killed in police firing at Behbal Kalan on Oct 14, 2015, while protesting sacrilege incidents at Bargari. “Punjab’s polling day of June 1 has worked for Sarabjit, since it is associated with the 1984 military action at Golden Temple. The day will remind Sikhs of the past injustices when they go out to vote,” Sukhraj said.

Masked men thrash 22-year-old to death in Patna law college

Patna: A 22-year -old final-year student of Patna’s B N College was beaten to death by a group of 10-15 masked assailants in the par king lot of Patna Law College, where he had come to write an exam o n Monday, reports Faryal Rumi.

The deceased was identified as Harsh Kumar, son of Vaishali-based journalist Ajit Kumar. Harsh, pursuing BA English (H), was recently seen campaigning for Shambhavi Choudhary, LJP (RV) nominee from Samastipur LS seat and daughter of Ashok Choudhary, aminister in the Nitish Kumar cabinet. Police said he had been involved in a brawl with some Patna Univ ersity students over organising a ‘dandiy a night’ event during Dussehra last year.

The attack took place at 12.45pm. The attackers cornered Harsh near the college parking and began hitting him with rods and bricks. Passersby looked on but none interv ened. Harsh was rushed to Patna MCH where doctors declar ed him dead. City SP (east) Bharat Soni said cops were yet to ascertain the cause of the murder as well as the assailants’ identities. Refusing to comment on the attack, Patna L aw College principal Mohd Sharif said, “I do not know anything.”

According to Harsh’s family, he was politically active and wanted to contest the students’ union elections.

Govt appoints 4 secys, sparks speculation on continuity

New Delhi: Govt on Monday approved the appointment of four secretaries, fuelling speculation over continuity of the incumbent administration.

Appointments committee of the cabinet (ACC) approved the posting of 1991 batch IAS Amit Yadav as OSD in the social justice and empowerment dept. He will take over as secretary after superannuation of incumbent secretary Saurabh Garg on July 31. The ACC order said that 1987 batch IAS Pradip Kumar Tripathi has been appointed as secretary to Lokpal till June 30 and thereafter on contract basis for two years after his superannuation.

As per the order, 1990 batch IAS Raj Kumar Goyal has been laterally shifted from home ministry and appointed as justice secretary. He was recently appointed as secretary of the department of border management. Rakesh Ranjan, an IAS of 1992 batch, has been appointed chairman of the Staff Selection Commission.

TNN

SC: Should accused continue to be in custody for 10 years?

 Continued from P1

A vacation bench of Justices A S Oka and Satish C Sharma said, “This is shocking that such matters are now coming to SC. It is a magistrate-triable case. How can a person be kept in custody? See the counter filed by the state (of Bengal)... should accused continue to remain in custody for 10 years? It is surprising that even in a magistratetriable case, people are not granted bail, more so when the chargesheet has already been filed. As if these are some crimes against the nation.”

The bench referred to the BirlaLodha group fight and observed, “Only because two powerful private parties are fighting, such a situation has arisen. Sorry state of affairs.”

The bench asked Bengal police to produce SPES trustee Krishna Damani before the trial court within a week for enlargement on bail after imposing appropriate conditions.

When the Bengal counsel pleaded that instead of bail, SC could expedite trial, bench said, “In a magistratetriable case, non-grant of bail is unheard of. We are on first principles, in magistrate-triable case, what is purpose of keeping a man in custody?”

The significance of the case can be gauged from the appearance of heavyweight advocates — senior lawyers A M Singhvi, Mukul Rohatgi and Mahesh Jethmalani — for Damani, an associate of Birla group.

Interestingly, an HC bench of Justices Sabyasachi Bhattacharyya and Sugato Majumdar on May 3 had denied bail to Damani and said there was “danger of the accused abscon

ding if released on bail and the means, position and standing of the accused vis-a-vis the prospective witnesses in the case as well as likelihood of the offence being repeated, and evidence being tampered with”.

Times City

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- Plan has 2 exits, but rear one was blocked, say cops

- NCPCR: Prima facie, authorities’ negligence led to fire at facility

- Kin rue loss, some families lucky to get their kids back

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- Heat stroke can trigger brain stroke in extreme situations, say doctors

- High humidity adds to city’s heat stress, reveals CSE study

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- BJP calls CM health condition a ‘drama’

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- Minor fire in a train on Delhi Metro’s Blue Line

- ‘In-house solar power saving 2,300 tonne CO2 on RRTS’

- NDLS Revamp: Trains May Be Diverted To Other Stns

- Plea to cancel trademark of Daryaganj restaurant

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‘Wanted To Make Hospital Affordable’

VIVEK VIHAR FIRE: Hiring Ayurveda Docs Common, Says Owner; Cops To Visit 3 Branches

ASENIOR COP SAYS Baby Care New Born Hospital employs about 20 staff members, including 4-5 physicians. We will interrogate all of them and scrutinise their credentials to determine their qualifications

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Naveen Khichi, owner of the east Delhi hospital where six babies died in a fire on Saturday night, told police during interrogation that he had employed doctors with degrees in ayurvedic medicine at the facility as a cost cutting measure and claimed his only intention was to provide an “affordable facility” to people. He has also maintained that it was a general practice in the industry and many similar facilities had such doctors.

While the claim of Khichi, who was remanded in police custody for three days along with Dr Akash by a court on Monday, has necessitated an enquiry into all such facilities in the city, the investigators are now gearing up to look into the affairs at the three other centres operated by the accused. The cops have found that Khichi’s Baby Care New Born Hospital in Vivek Vihar had three branches in Punjabi Bagh, Faridabad and Gurgaon.

The FIR filed by police says that five oxygen cylinders had exploded when a fire broke out at the hospital. Twelve newborn babies were rescued from the rear of the building. Six newborns were pronounced dead. A scooter and the air conditioning unit installed on the ground level of a neighbouring structure were scorched.

After the fire was doused, investigators from the crime and forensic divisions arri- ved and gathered evidence, including charred items from a van, burnt debris and scorched wire fragments. However, the intense heat emanating from the structure prevented the teams from ret- rieving any samples from within the building itself.

Khichi will be confronted in custody with co-accused Akash, a BAMS degree holder who was the doctor on duty at the neonatal centre when the fire broke out, to figure out how the hospital functioned. “The hospital employs about 20 staff members, including 4-5 physicians. We will interrogate all of them and scrutinise their credentials to determine their qualifications,” a senior officer said on Monday.

Sources said that Akash will be taken to the building to reconstruct the sequence of events followed by a visit with Khichi. “Since Akash was there on the day of the incident, he will be taken to the spot first,” a Delhi Police source said.

The owner of the hospital has claimed ignorance about the fire's origin. “Khichi said he was at his residence when Dr Akash informed him about the fire. The former then promptly left for Jaipur,” the office claimed.

During questioning, Khichi told the cops that he had been operating the hospital in Vivek Vihar since 2015 in another premises. He bought the building in C Block in 2020 and started running the facility there from 2022-23. “The owner claimed that he had applied for the hospital renewal a month before it was to expire and had all necessary documents. Police are examining these documents,” the source said. Khichi has claimed to have an MD degree in paediatric medicine. He was helped in running the Vivek Vihar and other facilities by his wife, Dr Jagriti, a dentist.

Khichi and Akash were arrested by Delhi Police on Sunday and were produced before the court of chief metropolitan magistrate Vidhi Anand Gupta on Monday. The Delhi court sent the two of them to police custody till May 30. Police had moved an application seeking five days of custody stating that this was necessary to allow the investigators to access the DVR of the CCTV system in the hospital and scrutinise Akash’s medical degree.

The prosecution had told the court that the doctors in the hospital were not qualified to treat newborn children in need of intensive neonatal care because they had degrees in ayurvedic medicine. It also pointed out there were neither fire extinguishers installed in the hospital nor an emergency exit to manage emergency situations as happened on Saturday. The court was also told the licence issued to the hospital had expired on March 31.

Delhi Police registered the case under the Indian Penal Code’s sections 304A (causing death by negligence), 336 (any reckless or negligent action that puts human life in danger or threatens personal safety) and 34 (common intention).

Plan has 2 exits, but rear one was blocked, say cops

 Continued from P1

The probe so far has also revealed that six paediatric patients were on ventilator support while five were receiving oxygen therapy at the hospital. The fire caused a power outage, rendering the ventilator machines inoperable, said an officer.

According to police, the building plan submitted by the accused, Dr Naveen Khichi, depicted two exit routes. However, the investigation has revealed that the accused had blocked the door at the rear with machines, medicines and other items, rendering it unusable. There were no sprinklers or a fire alarm bell either.

A police source said although the facility had permission to admit only five children, they learnt that on several occasions, up to 20 children were admitted. “When questioned, Khichi said he had applied for a 15-bedded facility,” the source said.

On Monday, the electrical inspector visited the hospital along with forensic officials and examined the spot.

Khichi told police he had been running the hospital since 2015. In 2020, he purchased the building in C block and started operating it from 2022-23. The probe has revealed that the licence issued to the hospital expired on March 31 this year.

Moreover, the doctors were not qualified to treat the newborn babies in need of neonatal intensive care. DCP (Shahdara) Surender Chaudhary said the probe revealed that they held degrees in Bachelors in Ayurvedic Medicine (BAMS) only.

Khichi had four other branches of the hospital in Delhi-NCR. “He had closed many other hospitals in the past; we are probing the reason behind it,” a source said. Cops are also investigating whether he had removed patients and oxygen cylinders from other branches.

Meanwhile, MCD has decided to conduct an inquiry determining whether there were any unauthorised extensions or if any façade construction was carried out without the necessary permissions. “As far as the licence is concerned, the matter belongs to the nursing home cell of Delhi govt,” a spokesperson said on Monday.

On Sunday, MCD had conducted a survey of the building and concluded that it was constructed in compliance with the sanctioned building plan. It also clarified that under the mixed-use regulations of Master Plan of Delhi, 2021, “other activities, which encompass nursing or hospital activities, are permitted within the premises”.

The Delhi fire department has written to MCD to measure the height of the building. “The purpose of the measurement is to determine whether an NOC was necessary,” the officer said.

TIMES VIEW: Several safety protocols were overlooked by the hospital. It goes without saying that those responsible for the killer tragedy must be booked and made to face the law. But it is equally important that fire safety officials carry out extensive inspections in every small and big hospital in the city. Those not following the procedure should be fined and made to carry out the improvements. That's the only way to avoid another fire tragedy.

NCPCR: Prima facie, authorities’ negligence led to fire at facility

Ambika.Pandit@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Based on its team’s spot visit to the site of the horrific fire incident at Baby Care New Born Hospital in Vivek Vihar, apex child rights body NCPCR has observed that “prima-facie it seems that the incident occurred due to the negligence of the concerned authority”. The commission has claimed severe violations ranging from lack of an emergency exit to absence of fire extinguishers, dysfunctional fire alarms and water sprinkling systems.

NCPCR chairperson Priyank Kanoongo in a letter to Delhi chief secretary Naresh Kumar and police commissioner Sanjay Arora has shared the findings, made recommendations for action against the authorities responsible which includes the state health services department, fire department, municipal authorities, district administration and the state medical council. An action taken report has been sought within five days.

The commission had taken suo motu cognisance of reports regarding death of six new borns in a fire in NICU in a private nursing home and sent out ateam from the commission led by member Preeti Bharadwaj Dalal to the incident site on Sunday.

“The commission during its visit to the incident has observed that there was no emergency exit in the nursing home which is a serious violation of the National Building Code. It was also observed that no fire extinguishers, emergency fire alarm were working and even no automatic water sprinkling system was functional. This again is a violation of fire and life safety norms under the National Building Code and the guidelines of the National Disaster Management Authority,” Kanoongo highlighted.

He observed with concern that NCPCR team was informed that at the time of fire incident, locals of the area reported the incident rather than the hospital staff. “It seems that the staff of the nursing home was not trained in handling such emergency situations,” he added.

Kanoongo claimed that even though the NCPCR team sought essential documents from the authorities they have not recieved copies of the ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) from fire department, licence and registration of the nursing home, list of staff, sanctioned capacity of NICU beds/incubators, FIR, postmortem report and copy of licence to refill oxygen cyclinders.

“The team from NCPCR met the families of the deceased infants and the families of surviving infants also. It was observed that one of the major issues faced by few families of the surviving and deceased infants is the issue of identificaton and their claim over one surviving child,” he shared with much concern and sought that govt take measures to ensure that the “issue of parentage of deceased and survived infants should be resolved”.

Kin rue loss, some families lucky to get their kids back

The surviving babies have been shifted from the scorched medical facility to Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya

Siddhivi Singh & Abhay TNN

New Delhi: “We admitted her to hospital for a simple fever and now we're taking home her charred body,” said a relative of Raj Kumar, who lost his 17-day-old baby in the fire at Baby Care New Born Hospital in east Delhi’s Vivek Vihar on Sunday. Kumar, 26, and his kin waited in grief at the mortuary in Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital before the body was handed over to them on Monday at around 5.30pm. The family had hoped to take the body back to their village in Loni, but the late hour prompted them to have the last rites in central Delhi itself.

While the surviving children have been shifted from the scorched medical facility to Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya in east Delhi, the several families who had lost their babies were given the bodies at GTB Hospital by Monday evening.

Kumar, who had already lost a baby a few years ago, shared how his family has yet again had to deal with an identical trauma. “It was only today that my relatives found the courage to break the news of our baby’s death to my wife. The second time,” he mumbled.

Devendra Yadav was luckier in this his seven-day-old nephew was one of the five babies to survive the calamity. “Our premature baby was also scheduled to be discharged on Sunday. When driving through Vivek Vihar in the morning, I saw the crowd and learnt about the fire,” he said. “Doctors put him on oxygen the entire day on Sunday and we feared for his life. But he’s now moving his hands and legs. The doctors have told the mothers of the surviving babies to come to the hospital to feed their children. We hope my nephew will be discharged soon.”

Yadav added that although the family was relieved not to lose the infant, they co- uld not erase the memory of tiny, scorched bodies and body tags. “We were on edge the entire Sunday, struggling with the thought that we might have to identify our baby. My sister-in-law, the mother of the baby, is still reeling from the shock.”

Mithilesh Kumar, 26, can also breathe easier now, knowing his son, just seven days old, is safe and sound after being rescued from the devastating fire. The infant is currently at Chacha Nehru hospital, where he is being closely monitored and treated by doctors. “My wife gave birth to twins at a hospital in Seemapuri,” said Mithilesh. “One baby sadly couldn’t survive while the other developed breathing problems. The staff there advised me to transfer him to Baby Care New Born Hospital, assuring me he would receive the best treatment. He was to be discharged on Sunday when the disaster occurred.”

All hosps asked to complete fire audit by June 8

Anuja.Jaiswal@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Delhi health minister Saurabh Bhardwaj has issued directions to all private and state-run hospitals, irrespective of their height and number of floors, to complete a fire audit by June 8 and submit a compliance report to the health department.

The directions came after a fire in Baby Care New Born Hospital in Vivek Vihar killed six newborns.

Talking to media persons after a meeting with health officials — and attended by the Directorate General of Health Services and the special secretary of health — the minister announced that that he would recommend the names of two nurses and five citizens for bravery award for rescuing the babies from the fire.

The minister said the revenue department has been asked to expedite compensation to the grieving families.

The minister mentioned that there was a rule stating that all hospitals with a height of less than 9 meters do not require a fire NOC. This is the reason this hospital had not received a fire NOC. “Given this incident, we have instructed that all hospitals, whether single-storeyed or double-storeyed, must have all safety arrangements to deal with fire,” he said.

"To prevent any such accidents in the future, we have issued instructions to all chief district medical officers (CDMOs) to conduct random inspections of all private hospitals and nursing homes in their areas,” he said.

Bharadwaj said the accident took place around 11.30pm on Saturday but he was not informed about it by the health department. Next day, he got the information from the media. He called the health secretary but could not talk to him, so he himself went there. Even on Sunday he called the health secretary several times and sent messages but did not receive any information.

He said that according to the information by the health department, this hospital was registered to run a 5-bed nursing home from 2021-24, and the registration expired in March 2024. They had applied for rene- wal in Feb, and due to a lack of documents, they were given a ‘deficiency memo’, which meant that they would have had to submit more documents.

“The owner of this hospital also manages a similar hospital in Paschim Puri. He has faced legal action twice. These cases are being processed in Karkardooma court and Tis Hazari court. During a surprise inspection, several deficiencies were found, leading to legal action against him. He was once caught operating the hospital without necessary registration, resulting in another case,” the minister said.

Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor said Bharadwaj's statement was a face-saving exercise. “The people of Delhi want to tell Saurabh Bharadwaj that it is not a matter of which person was the minister when, be it 2021 or today. The govt is of Arvind Kejriwal and so Bharadwaj cannot evade his govt's responsibility,” he said. “Can Saurabh Bharadwaj tell how many nursing homes he has inspected in last one year?”

Delhi Medical Association on Monday advised all member hospitals to conduct fire safety audits as soon as possible.

“Our focus includes installation of equipment, staff training, and fire audits,” president Dr Alok Bhandari said.

No action taken on residents’ complaints on O_2 cylinders

The fire propelled the cylinders out of the hospital and they fell at an adjacent house while another fell on the ITI ground

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Residents of the locality where six babies were killed in a fire at a hospital have claimed that they had complained of illegal refilling of oxygen cylinders happening there on a number of occasions. However, nobody acted on their complaint, they alleged. TOI had reported on Monday that police were probing this angle as a possible trigger to the incident.

In fact, the fire propelled the cylinders out of the hospital and they fell at an adjacent house. Another fell on the ITI ground where a fire incident took place. Even the FIR mentions oxygen cylinders. Police claimed to have recovered 32 cylinders from the hospital after the fire.

Anand Goel, the general secretary of the resident welfare association of Vivek Vihar, agreed that a meeting in this connection was held with the local councillor and police personnel. During the meeting, there were individuals who claimed that the cylinders used to arrive at the hospital around 12 am and were refilled in small cylinders until 4 am. Subsequently, the cylinders were sent elsewhere.

This meeting took place around six months ago. “Had the authorities acted on the complaint at the time, precious lives would have been saved,” said a resident of the area.

“The residents of Vivek Vihar knew this place as a cylinder company, and MCD had inspected it two or three times after receiving the complaints. But no suspicious activities were discernible when the inspection team arrived at the scene. We don’t know who tipped the hospital staff off about the inspection,” Goel added.

Goel said that a resident had complained to them that the sound of cylinders hitting the ground could be heard throughout the night.

“That resident also had words with Dr Navin, who runs the hospital, about the issue, but no solution was found,” he added.

Shyam Sundar Gupta, a resident living next to the hospital, said that the facility had been focused on refilling oxygen cylinders from the beginning. He claimed that the hospital’s main purpose was to serve as a refilling station for oxygen cylinders and its function as a medical institution was merely a facade.

“It was a regular affair. Their main motive was to refill oxygen cylinders. The hospital was an eyewash,” Gupta said. He added that many a time they had raised the issue with Dr Naveen, which had also led to arguments. “The doctor used to say ‘do whatever you want, I have the licence, I will do it’,” the resident claimed.

Gupta added that everyday, vehicles used to come twice a day for that purpose.

HEAT IS ON

Why Narela, Mungeshpur Are Boiling Hot

Open Area, Industrial Activities, Sizzling Winds from Rajasthan Send Mercury Soaring

Kushagra.Dixit@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: About 50 km north of the city centre, there is a school set amid some trees and open agriculture fields. For the past few weeks, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya has been somnolent. The school is closed for summer and only a few staff planning the coming academic session come for a few hours. It is just as well. The temperature logged at the school was a fiery 48.8 degrees Celsius on Monday, hotter than 48.3 degrees on Sunday.

Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in northwest Delhi’s Mungeshpur village doubles up as an automatic weather station (AWS). It has been recording the city’s hottest maximum temperature for the past few days. “It’s excessively hot, almost as if it is raining fire,” exclaimed Pradeep Kumar, the school vice-principal. “Last year, at peak summer, there were no heatwaves. It even rained occasionally. Even a year before that, the summer hadn’t been as punishing.”

Kumar’s colleague Sarveshwar took TOI towards a small tower in the school garden. It was bounded with an enclosure and surrounded by large trees. A board read, ‘India Meteorological Department. Pointing at the tower, Sarveshwar said, “This is where the city is recording its highest temperature as printed in the newspapers.”

Not far from there is Narela, which too is among the hottest spots in the city. The daytime temperature on Monday was a sizzling 48.4 degrees Celsius. This mercury mark was recorded at anot- her tower, this time located deep in the lush green planation of the Indian Air Force base station.

Both the AWS at Narela or Mungeshpur are at a distance from concrete structures, the industrial belt, tarred roads, etc. And yet they continue to record the highest maximum temperatures in the city, with the readings rising further upon moving away from the AWS towards the markets, industrial areas and the vehicle-filled roads.

At the base weather station at Safdarjung, the thermometers have been touching the 45 degrees Celsius mark. But some outer regions, such as Mungeshpur, Narela and Najafgarh, have been grappling with more severe heatwaves, with the mercury breaching the 48 degrees point.

“Air conditioners fail to cool the room, the nights are hot and deprives us of proper sleep,” grumbled Sanjay Sherawat, 62, in Auchandi, a village near Mungeshpur. “Almost everyone here complains about painful eyes. I do not remember this village being as sweltering earlier.”

According to weather experts, certain parts of Delhi are vulnerable to the early arrival of hot winds from Ra- jasthan that exacerbate the oven-like weather conditions. These areas are the first to bear the brunt of the hot winds. “Areas like Mungeshpur, Narela and Najafgarh are in the frontline and take the first blow of the hot summer westerly or northwesterly blowing in from Rajasthan or Haryana. This is one of the major reasons why it’s so hot there,” explained Kuldeep Srivastava, senior weather scientist, IMD.

However, there are several other factors such as large open areas, barren land and industrial activities that add to the boiling effect. “Look at the larger land use at these locations. Sometimes, despite plantations, there are patches of barren land, say open ploughed fields, that result in an increase in the land surface temperature,” pointed out Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, Centre for Science and Earth. “There are many waterbodies around. In industrial areas, there is heat emission which feels just like if one were standing behind an air conditioner. Concrete, of course, also radiates heat.” All these add to the simmering heat, making these spots veritable hells in the capital.

Feel-like heat touches 49°C, IMD extends heatwave alert till May 29

Kushagra.Dixit@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Delhi boiled as the Celsius scale rose to the mid and the late forties on Monday, triggering heat wave conditions across the city. The weather forecasters have predicted the purgatory-like heat to last at least till Wednesday.

The heat index or the feel like temperature was 49 degrees Celsius.

Towards the weekend, there is a possibility of rain.

On Monday, the city’s base station, Safdarjung, recorded 45.1 degrees Celsius, five notches above normal. Sunday had been 45.4 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature on Monday was 29.2 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal. The humidity oscillated between 19% and 63%. The weather department expects the maximum temperature at Safdarjung to be 46 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.

At Mungeshpur in north Delhi, the temperature shot up to 48.8 degrees Celsius, which was eight notches above normal. It was the hottest area in the city. Najafgarh in west Delhi recorded a maximum of 48.6 degrees Celsius, Narela 48.4, Pitampura 47.6, Pusa and Jafarpur recorded 47.2. All were heatwave zones.

Palam recorded 46 degrees Celsius, Lodhi Road 45.2, the Ridge 46.3 and Mayur Vihar 44.6 degrees Celsius.

Warm night conditions too are expected. The authorities have extended the red alert for heatwave and warm night conditions till May 29, and an orange alert has been sounded for May 30.

“The city is continuously receiving warm westerly and north westerly winds which will continue causing heatwaves and severe heatwaves in some areas. This condition will persist for a few days. There is a chance of a slight drop (in heat) towards May 30 due to cloudiness and moist winds,” Kuldeep Srivastava, senior weather scientist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), said.

The weather department has made some suggestions for the residents of Delhi to protect themselves from the intense heat. There was an “increased likelihood of he- at illness symptoms in people who are either exposed to the sun for a prolonged period or doing heavy work”, it said. Among the vulnerable groups were “infants, elderly and people with chronic diseases”, it added. “Avoid heat exposure.... Avoid dehydration. Drink sufficient water, even if not thirsty. Use ORS, homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, buttermilk, etc. to keep yourself hydrated,” the IMD advised.

A heatwave is sounded by the forecasters when the maximum temperature is above 40 degrees Celsius and at least 4.5 notches above normal, or if the maximum temperature is above 45 degrees Celsius. A severe heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature is above 6.5 degrees or more above the normal for that season.

The city also saw poor air quality against moderate readings a day earlier. The air quality index (AQI), on a scale of 0 to 500, was 223. On Sunday, it was 190.

Heat stroke can trigger brain stroke in extreme situations, say doctors

BETTER TO BE CAUTIOUS

Anuja.Jaiswal@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Amid the ongoing heatwave across the city, doctors have warned that a heat stroke can lead to a brain stroke in extreme situations, particularly when it causes excessive dehydration, which leads to the thickening of blood and makes its flow challenging throughout the body. Last week, three patients were admitted to PSRI Hospital with such life-threatening conditions.

Dr Bhaskar Shukla, senior consultant of neurology at PSRI Hospital, said three patients — two men, aged 90 and 58, and a 78-year-old woman — presented with stroke symptoms of slurred speech and arm weakness, along with symptoms of dehydration such as dry mouth and decreased urine output.

“When we investigated the kidney function parameter, it was confirmed that it was due to dehydration,” he said, adding that two patients have been discharged, while the woman is still admitted to the hospital and is under observation.

In scorching heat, with temperatures exceeding 42 degrees Celsius, people are prone to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency characterised by an elevation in core body temperature, often exceeding 104°F (40°C). Doctors said that heat stroke may lead to central nervous system dysfunction. When the body’s thermoregulatory mechanisms fail, extreme dehydration ensues, signalling an alarm.

“Research has shown that dehydration is independently associated with poor functional outcomes and increased mortality in acute ischemic stroke patients, particularly those with large vessel blockage. Additionally, a volume-contracted state (VCS) at the time of hospitalisation has been linked to more severe strokes and increased mortality after stroke onset. Optimal hydration poststroke is crucial to reduce the risk of complications, especially in patients with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), as inadequate hydration management can lead to serious consequences and hinder recovery,” Dr Shukla said.

Dr Manjari Tripathi, head of the neurology department at AIIMS, cautioned that in severe cases, heat stroke can trigger a brain stroke.

She explained that there are two kinds of brain strokes that can result from extreme heat stroke. Dehydration and a decrease in water levels can lead to a breach in the blood-brain barrier (BBB), causing hyperviscosity states where the blood thickens and clots within the vessels. This situation can give rise to ischemic strokes, as well as venous strokes, which may be hemorrhagic or nonhemorrhagic in nature.

The risk of these strokes is significantly higher for patients who already have pre-existing risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, or heart conditions. She advises that individuals should take precautions to avoid exposure to extreme heat, especially those with these underlying health issues.

Dr Ashish Shrivastav, head of the department of neurosurgery at Dharamshila Narayana Hospital, said that awareness and prevention of heat stroke are critical — especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and individuals with predisposing health conditions — to mitigate the risk of severe complications, including brain stroke.

High humidity adds to city’s heat stress, reveals CSE study

Kushagra.Dixit@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: A study by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has noted that an unprecedented heatwave has been enveloping Indian cities, worsening the urban heat island effect. The analysis showed that the heat stress is not just about rising temperatures but also a deadly combination of air temperature, land surface temperature and relative humidity that leads to acute thermal discomfort in cities, including the national capital.

The analysis, for which CSE has been making assessments since 2001, covered major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. It focused on the trends in day and night-time temperature, humidity levels, seasonal variations, land surface temperature and built-up area.

The study found that while the average temperatures for Delhi in March-April were lesser, the humidity levels were high, which worsened the heat stress. These two months were three degrees cooler than the average of 2014-23.

“Delhi’s summer-time has registered a 0.6 degree Celsius lower decadal average ambient air temperature, but relative humidity has increased by 8% between 2001-10 and 2014-23. High humidity is responsible for adding to heat stress… An average 3.3°C of heat stress is being added,” the study found.

The cities are also not cooling down at night, CSE added.

“Diurnal cooling down of land surface temperature between day and night time is down by 9%,” stated the study. It added that the urban heat island phenomena was stronger at night.

According to the report, at night, the peri-urban area cools down by 12.2 degrees Celsius, while the city core cools down by only 8.5 degrees.

The analysis held a direct correlation between an increase in built-up area and the rise in urban heat stress. “The built-up area has increased from 31.4% in 2003 to 38.2% in 2022. The green cover has increased from 32.6% in 2003 to 44.2% in 2022. The increase in green cover shows impact on daytime temperatures, but it has had no impact on night-time temperatures and the increasing heat index,” the report stated.

The study also pointed out that monsoons are getting more “thermally unconformable” because the average heat index during monsoons is 9.4 degrees Celsius more than pre-monsoons.

The study defined summer as the period from March to August and further divided it into pre-monsoon (March-May) and monsoon (June-August).

According to CSE, while cities in warm-humid and moderate climate zones have seen an increase in their temperatures, those in composite and hot-dry climate zones witnessed a decline. Overall, the ambient air temperature changed by less than 0.5°C between 2001-10 and 2014-23.

Summer holidays in Hry schools from today

Ankita.Anand@timesgroup.com

Gurgaon: Haryana govt has announced summer holidays for students of all classes from Tuesday in the wake of extreme heat conditions. Govt schools were supposed to start their month-long vacation from June 1.

The order by the school education department asked principals to assign homework for their students before the vacation started.

The deputy commissioner had already declared holidays till Class VIII from Monday. The move followed a red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department for 17 districts in the state, including Gurgaon.

On May 18, the govt had asked all deputy commissioners to take a call on the early closure of schools as temperatures soared over 43 degrees Celsius. Other NCR districts, like Noida and Ghaziabad, had declared holidays on May 20 itself. The Gurgaon administration, however, came out with its order this Sunday.

Parents heaved a sigh of relief with the decision. Shanti Uike, mother of a Class IX student of Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Jacobpura, said, “I can’t remember the last time there was such heat in the region. We had been repeatedly urging the authorities for the past few weeks to announce holidays early, but to no avail. On Sunday, when the DC announced an early vacation, it was only for students till Class VIII. But why do senior students have to suffer in this weather? Are they not affected by this?”

Shanti told TOI she had anyway stopped sending her daughter to school because she needed to cover the 1.5km distance from her home on foot.

Several private schools in the city had also declared early holidays. Rashmi Malik, principal of Salwan Public School, said, “We had declared summer holidays in phases. By the second week of May, all our students were off. We had to make this decision because temperatures had already shot through the roof. For students of classes X and XII, we shifted to online sessions.”

Hospital fire: BJP targets govt official, Bharadwaj hits back

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Delhi BJP on Monday alleged the “suspicious” role of health minister Saurabh Bharadwaj’s officer on special duty (OSD) in “illegally running” the children’s hospital in Vivek Vihar where six babies died in a fire incident on Saturday night.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva alleged that the health department had found during an inspection in 2021 that it could admit only five newborns, but the OSD of health minister tried to increase the capacity to 10 babies following an application of the hospital owner.

While emphasising that nobody would be spared if found guilty, Bharadwaj also claimed that Sachdeva was lying and the hospital was given permission of five beds only. “The health department had earlier also lodged cases against the owner that are pending in court,” he said.

Bharadwaj said the hospital was inspected and registered in 2021 while he became health minister in 2023. Any attempt to link him with the registration of the hospital will be dealt with legal action, he said.

However, Sachdeva alleged that the hospital was operating continuously in an “unauthorised manner” un- der the protection of Delhi govt. There were 12 babies in the hospital when the fire started on Saturday night, he said.

The Delhi BJP president alleged that the hospital was running even though complaints were lodged against it by the local RWA.

Sachdeva also demanded an investigation into the functioning of Delhi govt’s fire department in view of incidents of fire in unauthorised factories, warehouses and such establishments. “There have been several major fire accidents and every time cases of unauthorised factories, warehouses, have come to the fore in Delhi,” he said.

Six newborns died after a massive fire broke out at New Born Baby Care Hospital in east Delhi’s Vivek Vihar late on Saturday night. Police have arrested the facility owner, Dr Naveen Khichi, besides Dr Akash who was on duty on Saturday night.

Police had earlier said the hospital’s licence had expired while the building had no fire safety measures. The owner of the hospital, along with the doctor on duty, was arrested on Sunday evening after going missing for over 12 hours. They have been booked under sections 336 (negligence), 304A (culpable homicide) and 34 (common intention) of IPC.

Fire breaks out at godown in Delhi

New Delhi: A fire broke out in a godown housing wooden material in Bhalswa Dairy on Monday afternoon. No casualty was reported. The Delhi Fire Service were alerted about the incident at 2.15pm and eight fire tenders were deployed. Fire calls in the city have risen by 37% as compared to last year. Data suggests that the fire department received 8,201 calls up to May 20, against 5,970 calls during the same period last year.

TNN

2 months on, cloud of uncertainty still hanging over mayoral polls

Civic Centre

Vibha.Sharma@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: With the polling process for the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi now concluded, attention has shifted back to the mayoral election. Officials from Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have said that there is a small window of opportunity, until June 1, to expedite the process and move the file with the chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s approval. Otherwise, the whole process could be put on hold for an unspecified time.

Kejriwal has been granted bail until June 1 by the Supreme Court, and the previous month’s election could not proceed due to the absence of an opinion on the name of the presiding officer who will oversee the mayoral election.

The mayoral election, which was earlier set to take place on April 26, was postponed following the LG’s directive and his observation that the CM’s consent for the nomination of the presiding officer was missing.

An official stated, “Now that the Lok Sabha elections have taken place in Delhi and only five days are left for the completion of the bail period for the CM, we are hoping for some major progress in the mayoral election process, which is already delayed by two months. We are expecting Aam Aadmi Party to reinitiate the process.”

No comment has been received from AAP and mayor Shelly Oberoi on this matter.

On May 10, the apex court granted interim bail to the CM, stating that “he will not sign any files unless it is required and necessary for obtaining clearance or approval of the LG.”

Another official, however, stated that it would be difficult to complete the process in just five days even if the file is moved from the mayor’s office immediately. It is unlikely that the mayor election will happen in June, he added.

“There is a line of order that has to be followed to finalise the name of the presiding officer. First, the mayor will need to ask the municipal secretary office to finalise an election date. After that, names will be referred by the mayor (of councillors who are possibly the senior-most in MCD) for presiding officer to the municipal secretary. From here, the file will go to the commissioner, urban secretary (urban development department), chief secretary, urban development minister and the CM. At the end, the file goes to the LG, who takes the final call on the finalisation of a name,” explained the official.

The absence of seven Lok Sabha MPs is another hurdle in the mayoral election. “Until the results are declared and winning candidates or MPs take the oath, the seven seats will be considered as vacant,” said the official further.

To date, AAP has a majority in the house with 134 out of 250 councillors. With nine Congress councillors extending support to AAP, the tally for the election has increased to 143. BJP has 105 seats, and there are two independent councillors.

Court pulls up authorities over failure to take action on dairies

New Delhi: Delhi High Court on Monday lambasted the authorities over their failure to take action on the issues plaguing cattle dairies in the national capital, saying there is complete lack of intent to do anything and even the experts are being guided by narrow political interests.

The court expressed shock over the poor and “haunted” condition of a veterinary hospital in Goga dairy in Bawana here and said it seems that no one visited there for the last five years as it is so deserted that 12-feet long weeds are growing all over.

On being informed by the Animal Husbandry department officials that presently there are 1,600 cattle in Goga dairy and on an average there is one doctor available per 5,000 animals, the court said the ratio is so poor that no wonder nobody wants to go to the rehabilitation dairies.

“You are saying the hospital is fully functional but the photographs show it is not functional. You have given an additional charge to the doctor even when there are 1,600 animals here. It is such a large number. The condition of the hospital is haunted. No one has visited there in the last five years, not even animals,” a bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora said.

PTI

TOI Explains

WHAT ARE KETONES AND WHAT DOES A HIGH LEVEL IN BODY INDICATE?

Anuja.Jaiswal@timesgroup.com

WHAT ARE KETONES?

Ketones are organic compounds produced when the human body breaks down fat for energy in a process called ketosis. It occurs when there is inadequate glucose or carbohydrates available to fuel the body's cells and fat has to be broken down. Ketones are water-soluble molecules that can serve as an alternative energy source, particularly for the brain.

HOW DOES THE LEVEL OF KETONE INCREASE IN THE BODY?

Ketone levels increase due to various reasons. According to Dr Richa Chaturvedi, senior endocrinology consultant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, one common cause is a low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet, where the body shifts its primary fuel source from glucose to fat. But prolonged fasting, starvation and metabolic disorders such as diabetes can trigger ketone production. “In diabetics, insufficient insulin or insulin resistance can lead to increased ketone levels, a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA),” explained Chaturvedi.

CAN A HIGH KETONE LEVEL BE CONSIDERED LIFE-THREATENING?

High levels of ketones can prove life-threatening if left untreated. DKA primarily affects those with type 1 diabetes (autoimmune condition in which pancreas produce little or no insulin) and only in some cases, type 2 diabetes (pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or body does not use insulin properly). “When insulin is insufficient, the body breaks down fat, producing excessive ketones that turn the blood acidic,” said Chaturvedi. “Untreated DKA can lead to coma, brain swelling, respiratory failure and death.” Other complications include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and kidney damage. Prompt medical intervention with fluids, insulin and electrolyte replacement is crucial to correct the imbalance and prevent long-term issues.

WHO ARE LIKELY TO SUFFER HIGH KETONE LEVELS?

“People with type 1 diabetes are more likely to get DKA and it’s often more serious in them than in people with type 2 diabetes,” said Dr Ashok Kumar Jhingan, senior director, Centre for Diabetes, Thyroid, Obesity & Endocrinology, BLKMax Super Specialty Hospital. People with type 2 diabetes can still get DKA if the insulin their pancreas produce isn’t enough to stop their body from burning fat.

WHEN ARE KETONE LEVELS CONSIDERED HIGH?

Ketone levels are considered slightly elevated and call for caution when measured in the blood or urine at 0.6 to 1.5 mmol/litre. A level of 1.6 to 3 mmol/L is considered moderately elevated and requires medical advice, while a reading of 3 mmol/L indicates a risk of diabetic ketoacidosis and necessitates immediate medical intervention, according to Dr Manish Srivastava, consultant, endocrinology, Narayana Hospital.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A HIGH KETONE LEVEL?

Early symptoms of high ketone levels are similar to symptoms of high blood sugar and include dry mouth, dry skin, dehydration, headache, frequent urination and a feeling of extreme thirst. Without treatment, DKA can progress within 24 hours, sometimes even less. The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fatigue (feeling tired and weak even with rest), abdom inal pain, shortness of breath, confusion and a fruity-smelling breath, sometimes called ‘keto breath’.

WHAT DO DOCTORS ADVISE DIABETICS TO PREVENT DKA?

Diabetics are urged to follow the treatment plan agreed upon with their diabetes care team, including adjusting the insulin dose when needed and monitoring blood glucose. They should ask their care team about getting a continuous glucose monitor or flash monitor if they do not have one. Diabetics should go for ketone tests when blood glucose readings are high or when the diabetic is ill. Insulin should never be skipped, even if the individual is not eating.

BJP calls CM health condition a ‘drama’

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: BJP on Monday called reports of Arvind Kejriwal’s poor health condition a drama.

Kejriwal is out on interim bail granted by Supreme Court, which has directed him to surrender on June 2 in an excise policy-linked money-laundering case.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said that during the entire election campaign, Kejriwal remained perfectly healthy but when it was time to go to jail his health started deteriorating.

“He should explain why he went to Punjab for election campaign for three days if he was unwell. Now it's up to the people of Punjab to decide whether they want to vote for a trickster or those who are working for the progress of the country,” he said.

Sachdeva added that when Kejriwal applied for extending his interim bail in Supre- me Court, he got a medical certificate from a private hospital, not a govt hospital of Delhi.

“Kejriwal, who claims his govt's healthcare system to be world-class, has never visited any govt hospital in Delhi when he felt unwell. The public is now seeing all this,” Sachdeva said.

Sources in AAP said that during his stay in Tihar, the Delhi CM suffered due to the alleged “negligent and callous behaviour of the jail authorities”.

A party source said. “He has only had time to get a health check-up done at his home by a senior physician from Max Hospitals. The senior doctor has prescribed several tests, which are necessary to be carried out before he surrenders.” The source added that the doctors, upon a detailed examination on May 25, directed several tests. These require about seven days.

Kejriwal: No time before polls end on June 1 to go for tests

CM said he suffered from ‘an aggressive form of diabetes mellitus, which is very volatile and undergoes a wide range of swings in blood glucose’

Continued from P1

Kejriwal said since elections in Punjab were scheduled for June 1, he would be busy campaigning till May 30, and would not be able to undergo these tests in a day. Assuring that he had and would scrupulously abide by the interim bail conditions, Kejriwal requested SC to extend his interim bail period by a week till June 9 to enable him to undergo the tests.

The CM said he suffered from “an aggressive form of diabetes mellitus, which is very volatile and undergoes a wide range of swings in blood glucose, including episodes of high sugar, that is hyperglycemia, and low sugar, that is hypoglycemia”.

He claimed that during his incarceration from March 21 till his release on May 10, the “negligent and callous behaviour of jail authorities” were partly responsible for his health-related complications, adding that during the period of custody, he suffered weight loss of around 6-7 kg, which he was not able to regain even after renewing his earlier lifestyle since his release from prison.

The CM said he has also “started experiencing periodic episodes of giddiness, palpitation and overwhelming lethargy. In the meantime, recent test reports confirm that the appellant has also developed an unusually high blood glucose level as well as high ketone levels in urine, which indicate that in addition to increased blood sugar level, the appellant may have also developed kidney-related complications and kidney damage”.

Kejriwal said if Delhi High Court had not upheld his illegal and mala fide arrest, he would have had 60 days of campaigning time. Because of the Supreme Court’s interim bail, he got 21 days to campaign, during which he campaigned in Delhi and across India, as a result, he had only time for health check-ups at home.

The CM said his “present health complications and increased risk indicators warrant that these tests are carried out before his surrender, to avoid any aggravation during his further incarceration and any potential long-term damage to his health and life. Non-identification of the health issues at this stage, can have potentially very catastrophic consequences to his health and life”.

Earlier on Monday, minister Atishi said Kejriwal had sought extension of his interim bail as he needed to undergo tests. “Kejriwal has filed for a seven-day extension of his interim bail. When he was in ED custody, judicial custody, he lost 7 kg of weight. This sudden weight loss is a matter of concern for doctors,” she said.

“Despite being out of custody and under medical supervision, he has not been able to regain the weight again. Early tests have indicated that his ketone levels are extremely high. Unexplained sudden weight loss along with high ketone levels could be the indicator of some serious medical ailments, including damage to the kidneys, including cancer,” she said. “Therefore, doctors have suggested that he needs to have a series of investigations, including PET scans of his entire body, and other such serious tests," the minister said.

HC waives penalty on lawyer who moved plea on Kejriwal

New Delhi: Delhi High Court, on Monday, waived a Rs 1 lakh penalty previously imposed on a lawyer who had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking permission and facilities for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to govern from judicial custody.

Turning it down as not maintainable, the court had earlier this month imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on advocate Shrikant Prasad. His PIL had sought to facilitate virtual conferencing arrangements for CM Kejriwal to engage with Cabinet Ministers to ensure uninterrupted governance.

A division bench compri- sing Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet P. S. Arora directed Prasad to engage in community service as per the directions of the Delhi State Legal Services Authority.

Prasad had filed an application seeking waiver of the costs, acknowledging his mistake and admitting that the PIL was legally flawed.

His counsel informed the court of Prasad's history of filing bona fide petitions in various courts, including the Supreme Court. Prasad also expressed willingness to undertake community service in lieu of the financial penalty.

IANS

Roof Of ‘Poorly Maintained’ DDA Flat Collapses In Dwarka

Terraces Of Most Flats Damaged, Iron Rods Visible, Says Flat Owner

The roof collapsed at Metro View Apartment in Dwarka’s Sector 13

Vibha.Sharma@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Kanchan Pant, a resident of Metro View Apartment in Sector 13 of Dwarka, woke up at 6.30am on Monday to a deafening sound. He mistook it for an earthquake. As he tried to figure out what had happened, he heard commotion in the neighbours’ house.

Pant, who lives on the second floor of a ground-plusthree-storey DDA building, rushed to the building's terrace. There, he found that a substantial portion of the drawing area's ceiling, at least 10-foot wide, of a neighbour’s flat had collapsed and fallen into the house.

Pant said a section of the ceiling had caved in and chunks of it had landed in the living room of a third-floor apartment (flat 743) that was fortunately unoccupied.

Pant rang up S. Bhardwaj, the owner of the affected flat, who lives elsewhere, to inform him about the situation.

Later, Pant realised “that the owner of the neighbouring flat was already there."

The residents expressed their worry about the potenti- al consequences of the collapsed roof. They said that "if someone had been living here, then this collapsed roof could have taken many lives."

The incident highlighted the dangers posed by poorly maintained structures constructed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), said local people.

TOI reached out to DDA for its response but got none.

Bhardwaj, the owner of the affected flat, who is a central govt employee living in a govt accommodation, stated that his post was transferable, so he did not get the opportunity to live in this apartment. Moreover, the problem of seepage from the roof was frequent from day one of buying the property 14 years ago, which is why he couldn’t even rent out the flat to anyone, he said. “But I was visiting the property at intervals and writing to the DDA officials frequently regarding the deplorable condition of the terrace for years.”

According to him, the DDA flats in the area are 15-20 years old, and the terraces of the majority of the flats were damaged. The plaster was damaged in places, and iron rods were visible, he said.

“In 2015, the DDA came out with a scheme for residents to get ceilings and terraces repaired, and in many places in this sector, repair work was done as well. But we were not lucky enough,” Bhardwaj said.

Residents of the building are concerned about the structural integrity of their homes due to the construction debris that remains in the living area of the third-floor flat. They worry that the excess weight could potentially cause further damage, especially to the floors below.

"Furthermore, the monsoon is arriving in a month. If nothing is done to repair the damage, then water will accumulate here, resulting in seepage," said a resident.

AAP needs to vacate Rouse Avenue office, HC to decide on space soon

With the current AAP office in Rouse Avenue to be vacated by June 15, the party’s counsel argued that another unit on DDU Marg ought to be temporarily allotted to it

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Delhi High Court on Monday wrapped up hearing on a plea by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) seeking allocation of space by central govt for its offices on account of it being recognised as a national party.

With the current AAP office in Rouse Avenue to be vacated by June 15, the party’s counsel argued that another unit on Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) Marg ought to be temporarily allotted to it.

The court indicated it may pass an order on temporary allotment of space on June 5.

Last year, AAP filed two separate petitions seeking a piece of land in the national capital for the construction of its offices in view of its status as a recognised national party or allotment of a housing unit on a licence basis for the time being.

While reserving a verdict on the allotment of temporary accommodation, the court listed the petition for land allotment to AAP for a hearing on July 10.

In its petition, the Arvind Kejriwal-led party said that since land had been allotted by authorities for the construction of office premises to all other national parties in central locations in New D elhi, it is incumbent upon them to ensure that a similar allotment is made in favour of the petitioner in accordance with its entitlement as per the Centre’s policy.

Asserting that a fair and level-playing field should be established, AAP’s counsel maintained that no prejudice would be caused to the Centre if this plot on DDU Marg land was given to the party.

However, the central govt's counsel said the allotment had to come from the general pool, and there was no exclusive list for political parties. Currently, allotting a housing unit from the pool is not feasible, it said.

As far as the DDU Marg unit occupied by AAP is concerned, the Centre's counsel emphasised that it has to be returned to the govt.

In March, the Supreme Court granted AAP time till June 15 to vacate its Rouse Avenue office, after noting that the land was allotted to Delhi High Court for expanding judicial infrastructure.

Two-tier security in place to protect EVMs, VVPATs

FATE LOCKED: The counting of votes will take place on June 4

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: The Delhi poll body on Monday said it had implemented two-tier security arrangements for the used EVMs and VVPATs that are stored in the strong rooms of the seven parliamentary constituencies.

Polling for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections was conducted across all seven parliamentary constituencies in the capital on May 25. The counting of votes will take place on June 4.

The office of the chief electoral officer P Krishnamurthy said the poll body had deployed atwo-tier security around the clock at strong rooms with the innermost perimeter guarded by Central Armed Paramilitary Forces and the outermost perimeter by the state armed police in accordance with the ECI safety protocols.

There will be 24x7 CCTV camera coverage of the sealed doors of the strong rooms and corridors. A single entry and exit point to the strong rooms and a double lock system are there to further bolster the security measures.

The office of the CEO has set up strong rooms in each of the seven parliamentary constituencies, including SKV, Bharat Nagar in Chandni Chowk; ITI, Nand Nagri in North East Delhi; Sports Complex, CWG Village in East Delhi; Atal Adarsh Balika Vidyalaya, Gole Market in New Delhi; DTU, Shahbad Daulatpur in Northwest Delhi; NSUT, Dwarka in West Delhi; and Jijabai ITI for Women, Siri Fort in South Delhi.

Agents and representatives of the contesting candidates are allowed to closely monitor the security arrangements of these strong rooms through CCTV monitors, said Krishnamurthy.

Arrangements have been made for their comfortable stay. They are also granted periodic access to the inner perimeter in batches to observe, verify and be assured of the security measures in place, he added.

“There will be mandatory videography during the opening and closing of the strong rooms and maintenance of a logbook for recording visits of authorised officials under videography,” said the poll body.

An operational control room has been set up adjacent to the strong rooms. No entry for any vehicles, including those of VIPs and officials, will be allowed.

BJP had swept Lok Sabha polls in 2014 and 2019 by winning all the seven seats in Delhi with huge margins. This time, the party is pitted against the INDIA bloc for which AAP and Congress have joined forces. While AAP has fielded four candidates in Delhi, Congress three.

HC directs DDA to formulate SOP for booking of Ramlila sites

New Delhi: Delhi High Court has directed Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to formulate comprehensive standard operating procedure (SOP) and guidelines for booking Ramlila sites within five weeks from the date of the order and no later than June 25, 2024.

In an order passed last week, the bench of Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju stated, “DDA shall formulate comprehensive SOPs/guidelines for booking of Ramlila sites within five weeks from the date of this order and no later than 25.06.2024. In the event, that DDA seeks to rely on the list of Delhi Dharmik Mahasangh (DDM) or other third party organisation for these bookings, an appropriate clarification would be inserted in the SOPs/guidelines to make all persons aware of such a reliance. These SOPs/guidelines should be publicised by DDA.”

In the meantime, no online/offline bookings of DDA ground/open spaces for Ramlila functions should be undertaken by DDA, till the new SOPs/guidelines for booking of Ramlila sites is published by DDA, said the court.

The court was also assured by counsel for Delhi Dharmik Mahasangh that the lists for allocation of Ramlila sites for the year 2024 should be finalised on or before 15.06.2024.

ANI

Ggn ‘influencer’ in human trafficking net

Gurgaon: Bodybuilder and 'influencer' Bobby alias Balwant Kataria was arrested by Gurgaon police on Monday on a complaint by a youngster from UP who alleged he was trafficked to Laos after being promised a job in the UAE by Kataria's consultancy firm.

According to the complaint, there were around 150 Indians whose passports had been seized to threaten them into working at the call centre in the Golden Triangle SEZ in northern Laos, part of a trijunction with Myanmar and Thailand. The workers had to call foreigners, mostly Americans, and hoodwink them in digital frauds.

A Chinese citizen allegedly operated the call centre. The complaint was made less than two weeks after the ministry of external affairs announced that 13 Indians trafficked to Laos were rescued. In April, 17 Indians were rescued from the country.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) said in a statement that Kataria was among five suspects arrested on Monday in a coordinated operation with police across states.

“Manish Hingu of Vadodara, Pahlad singh of Gopalganj, Nabialam Ray of southwest Delhi, Balwant Kataria of Gurgaon and Sartaj Singh of Chandigarh were arrested following a crackdown at 15 locations in Maharashtra, UP, Bihar, Gujrat, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh,” the statement read.

Eight fresh FIRs were registered in connection with cases of “human trafficking involving forced cyber crimes" across states, NIA said.

The agency added that the accused were found to be “involved in an organised trafficking syndicate engaged in luring and trafficking Indian youth to foreign countries on the false promises of legal employment. The youth were being forced to work in fake call centers at Laos, Golden Triangle SEZ, and Cambodia… coerced into undertaking illegal activities online…”

Gurgaon police said they searched Kataria’s office in Sector 109 and his house on Basai road. “We have seized incriminating documents and about Rs 18 lakh in cash during the searches. Kataria has been arrested,” a senior officer said.

TNN

‘FIR Delay Not Significant Since Injuries Apparent’

Court Says Maliwal’s Allegations Have To Be Taken At Face Value

Bibhav Kumar

Vineet.Upadhyay@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Monday denied bail to chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's aide, Bibhav Kumar, in the case of alleged assault on Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal by him at the CM's official residence stating that the allegations raised by her have to be “taken at face value and cannot be swiped away” and that “no ground for bail is made out”.

According to a statement by Aam Aadmi Party, Bibhav will be approaching the high court against rejection of his bail plea.

Dismissing Kumar’s bail application, the court of additional sessions judge Sushil Anuj Tyagi said: “Mere delay in registering the FIR would not have much impact on the case as the injuries are apparent in the MLC after four days. There seems to be no premeditation on the part of the victim as if it would have been so, then the FIR would have been registered on the same day.”

Taking note of the submissions of special public prosecutor (SPP) Atul Srivastava and additional public prosecutor (APP) AB Asthana that Kumar had joined the investigation but was not cooperating, the court said: “The investiga- tion is still at a nascent stage and the apprehension of influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence cannot be ruled out. Keeping in view the allegations made against the applicant, at this stage, no ground for bail is made out.”

Maliwal, who was present in court, broke down during the hearing. She told the court if Kumar was released on bail, she and her family will be under threat. “Inke paas ek puri online trolls ki machinery hai. Ek bahut bade youtuber hain jo pehle AAP volunteer the. Unhone one-sided video banaya. Uske baad mujhe lagatar death threats aney lag gaye,” she said. She claimed she had been called a BJP agent by AAP politicians. “Puri party ke leaders press conferences karne lag gaye meri statement ke baad. Baar baar bola gaya ki mai BJP ki agent hun,” she said.

Taking note of the fact that Maliwal was a sitting MP of AAP and had alleged that she had been brutally beaten up and her modesty outraged at the CM's house by Kumar, the court noted in the order: “The applicant was present at the Hon’ble CM’s house even after his emp- loyment has been terminated. The investigating agency has also reported that the applicant has formatted his mobile phone and has not provided the password for opening his mobile phone. The CCTV footage collected from the Hon'ble CM's camp office is also stated to be blank at the relevant time and period.”

The SPP told the court that Kumar was arrested to prevent him from tampering with crucial evidence. His presence at the CM’s office even after termination of his employment shows that he is an influential person as the staff is still reporting to him, said the SSP. The prosecution added that Kumar had not explained in which capacity he was present at the CM’s office.

The prosecution said Maliwal had been hit in the pelvic area and chest and was dragged after which she hit against the centre table.

The legal team representing Kumar, led by senior advocate N Hariharan, claimed that Maliwal had misbehaved with the security personnel and threatened them, insisting on meeting the CM at any cost. The team alleged that she had trespassed and entered the house in an unauthorized manner.

Hariharan also pointed out the 3-day delay in filing the complaint, arguing that she had been chief of Delhi Women’s Commission and was well aware of her rights. "If her rights were violated, she should have made the complaint immediately,” he said. He denied that Kumar had tampered with any evidence.

The defence told the court that the FIR “smacks of afterthought and pre-meditation” and that Kumar had been falsely implicated. They said there was no injury on the vital part of the body of the complainant and the nature of injuries were simple.

Rebutting the defence claims, Maliwal’s counsels said she cannot be described as a trespasser and the magnitude of the injuries was such that they were present even after four days when the medical examination was done.

They said she had been brutally assaulted and her modesty was outraged and she, despite visiting the police station, was not able to lodge a complaint due to trauma.

They also claimed that she was receiving death and rape threats through vulgar messages on social media.

NCW chief asks police to check call data records

TIMESNEWSNETWORK

New Delhi: National Commission for Women chairperson Rekha Sharma has written to Delhi Police asking it to check call data records (CDRs) of “relevant individuals including Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal” and investigate on whose instructions Bibhav Kumar was summoned to the latter’s residence. Kumar was arrested on May 18 in connection with an alleged assault on AAP’s Swati Maliwal.

NCW has also sought strict action against individuals, who have been issuing rape and death threats to Maliwal and sought an action taken report within three days.

The NCW has claimed in a statement that Kejriwal's former aide Bibhav Ku- mar, who has been accused of allegedly abusing AAP MP Swati Maliwal, was called to the CM’s residence after she reached there and has sought details on whose direction was he summoned.

The NCW emphasised that this update follows its earlier communication dated May 13, 2024, where it took suo moto cognisance of a media post titled “DCW chief Swati Maliwal accuses Arvind Kejriwal's personal secretary of assaulting her.” According to the report, Maliwal, the former DCW chief, alleged that she was assaulted by Kumar.

The NCW has revealed that during Maliwal's visit to the CM's residence, Kumar was summoned after her arrival. “In light of this, it is imperative to investigate the CDRs of all relevant individuals including the CM of delhi, to ascerta- in on whose directions Kumar was summoned,” the commission said.

Additionally, the NCW has insisted on strict action against individuals, who have been issuing rape and death threats to Maliwal. It has called for the accused to be charged under the appropriate sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, and has demanded a comprehensive report on the actions be submitted within three days.

Kumar was arrested on May 18 in connection with the alleged assault on Maliwal. She had alleged that the CM's aide brutally assaulted her on May 13 when she had gone to meet the CM. AAP has countered her allegations citing the whole incident to be a “BJP conspiracy” and alleging that Maliwal was made the face of this conspiracy to frame Kejriwal.

They’re making an example of me to deter others: Swati

Ridhima.Gupta@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: AAP’s Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal has said that she is being made an example to tell party functionaries that raising one’s voice against any wrong being committed in the party will have serious repercussions.

She said in an interview with TOIthat initially – after she had alleged that chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s PA, Bibhav Kumar, had assaulted her severely – the party had shown sympathy but also conveyed to her that if she filed any complaint, they would brand her as a “BJP agent” and paint her as a liar.

“Some people were coming to me and saying this. I think Sanjay Singh tried to help me and wanted justice to prevail, but when there is an order from the top to victim-shame me and assassinate my character, what can anyone do?” she said.

Asked why Kumar would behave the way she has alleged, Maliwal said: “If someone beats up someone, there would definitely be some reasons. No one will do it out of the blue. Ican only have some theories which Iwill be sharing with Delhi Police.” She said the cops have to investigate to establish why it happened and also under whose instructions.”

The former DCW chief said that “CM had come out (of jail) and everyone was going to meet him. So did I. I had not told him that I was coming, nor did Iknow whether he would be there. Had he not been there, I would have just met his family and gone back.”

She reiterated her offer to undergo a polygraph test, adding that Kumar should also be subjected to one. “Over the years we have met on several occasions, but I won’t call him my colleague as I was always a grassroot worker and he was a PA, first for Manish Sisodia and then for the CM. But the Kumar of those days has changed completely. People are scared of his influence now,” said Maliwal.

There are no witnesses to the alleged incident but Maliwal has said she was screaming and that could have alerted some people. “When I was in the drawing room, which is far from the main gate, the security personnel would not have heard the noise. Only the people inside the house would have heard. Before the incident, I had been told by the staff that the CM was inside and would come in some time. But when I was screaming as I was in pain and asking for help, no one came. Why no one heard me is a matter of investigation,” she said.

Maliwal said she was not going to give a clean chit to the CM. “The incident happened when I was inside his residence when he was at home…And the kind of victim-shaming I have been subjected to has been extensive. The CM has been moving around with the accused and is trying to paint Bibhav as a hero and me as villain. So how can I give anyone a clean chit,” she said.

Observing that the CM was saying that there are two sides to a story, she asked: “What is the other side of the story – that I have trespassed into the CM’s residence? How can anyone do that, and there has to be some footage.”

Maliwal said she had missed LG V K Saxena’s call and called him back. “He is a constitutional authority and I'm grateful that he gave me a call,” she said.

About her absence from the scene when AAP was caught in a maelstrom, she recalled that she had been called to Harvard for a talk after which she had gone to meet her sister who was unwell. “So, I stayed with her for 15 days and came back. If that is the reason (for the incident), it is quite shameful. “There is another MP who has returned just two days back while I had come two months back. However, he got the red-carpet treatment and he is being made to sit on the stage while I am being beaten up,” she regretted.

Maliwal said the party had not discussed her Rajya Sabha seat with her. “These are just rumours. No one came to me directly to ask me to resign the seat. I am not greedy but whatever happens now, I will not leave my seat and through my work I will show how an MP can ideally work,” she said.

She said she had no intention of quitting either her RS seat or the party. “This is my party too and I have worked for it. It is going to be tough but I will try to manage,” she said, ruling out joining any other party as of now.

Exchequer loses `32cr, ED attaches assets in export racket

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate has attached land parcels and flats in Delhi worth over Rs 11 crore of one Sajjan Kumar who has been accused by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence of taking “undue export incentives” on export of carpets, garments and fabrics to Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, South Africa and Afghanistan.

The ED initiated its own investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act based on the chargesheet filed by the DRI which had accused Kumar of over-invoicing the export proceeds and laundering the money.

Sajjan Kumar was identified as the main person behind this racket which caused a loss of Rs 32.2 crore to the exchequer, the agency said.

“Investigation revealed that the proceeds of crime were utilised by Sajjan Kumar for investments in various assets. He and his associates through multiple entities ensured that the duty drawback received is not traced back to him and were transferred immediately to various dummy entities,” the ED said.

TNN

Army to develop hydrogen fuel cell tech for e-mobility

The two sides also signed an MoU for testing and deployment of hydrogen fuel cell technology for heavy-duty e-mobility

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: The Indian Army has set its sight on deploying hydrogen fuel cell technology for heavy-duty e-mobility, even as the force on Monday received a state-of-the-art green hydrogen fuel cell bus for use in Delhi from IndianOil, India’s largest staterun refiner and fuel retailer.

The two sides also signed an MoU for testing and deployment of hydrogen fuel cell technology for heavy-duty e-mobility at the National War Memorial, India Gate, in the presence of army chief, Gen. Manoj Pande, and IndianOil chairman S M Vaidya.

The trial run of the hydrogen fuel cell bus is the latest in a series of sustainability and green initiatives taken by the Army, a large consumer of hydrocarbons, to reduce its carbon footprint. The initiatives range from tapping renewable energy sources to planting trees and moderating energy use through increased efficiency.

Hydrogen fuel cell bus is one of several initiatives IndianOil is carrying out in the new-age mobility solutions, including a joint venture with an Israeli startup Phinergy or aluminium-air batteries.

"The Indian Army is committed to exploring and adopting innovative technologies that enhance our operational capabilities while en- suring environmental sustainability. We will be testing one of the hydrogen buses, and I must thank IndianOil for choosing the Indian Army as their partner," he said.

Describing the collaboration with the Army as a “landmark step towards a greener and more sustainable future,” Vaidya said IndianOil is currently operating 15 fuel cell buses in the Delhi-NCR region, accumulating a total mileage of 3,00,00 km.

The project will assess the performance of fuel cell electric buses for public transit in the demanding climatic conditions of the Delhi-NCR region, analyzing the impact of local fuel and air quality on the performance of fuel cell systems and vehicles. It will also evaluate the effectiveness, longevity, and operational reliability of fuel cell buses intended for public fleet utilisation.

A company statement said the initiative marks a pivotal step in the journey towards sustainable transportation, setting a precedent for future collaborations aimed at advancing green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in India.

Minor fire in a train on Delhi Metro’s Blue Line

New Delhi: A minor fire broke out in a train on Delhi Metro’s Blue Line on Monday evening. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) stated there were no safety concerns and the service was normal.

It was a case of pantograph flashing, which was regulated, and the same train safely continued its journey, DMRC said. A pantograph, located on the roof of a train, collects power through contact with an overhead line.

“In reference to a viral video in which a minor fire is seen emanating from the roof of a train, this is to clarify that the incident pertains to a train at Rajiv Chowk station heading towards Vaishali at 6.21 pm on Monday. The incident was the case of pantograph flashing, which occurs at times due to some external or foreign material getting stuck between the Over Head equipment (OHE) and pantograph and poses no safety threat or hazard to passengers,” said Anuj Dayal, principal executive director, corporate communications, DMRC.

“However, the exact cause will be further investigated in this case. The affected pantograph was immediately put out of service, and the train continued its onward journey as usual after around 5 minutes of troubleshooting with the remaining pantographs of the train,” added Dayal.

A fire department official said no call was made to them.

TNN

‘In-house solar power saving 2,300 tonne CO2 on RRTS’

New Delhi: The National Capital Regional Transport Corporation (NCRTC) on Monday said the 2.21 megawatt peak of in-house solar power generation across the RRTS corridor is contributing to save over 2,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. According to a statement, by installing solar panels on the rooftops, the NCRTC has transformed its stations, depots and receiving substations into centres of clean and sustainable energy.

PTI

NDLS Revamp: Trains May Be Diverted To Other Stns

Authorities To Devise Plan To Minimise Impact On Passengers

AN OFFICIAL SAYS The diversion plan is yet to be prepared but it could be that first, platforms 1 to 5 will be taken up, then 6 to 10 and then the remaining

NDLS will not be shut down during the revamp, railway official says

Abhinav.Rajput@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS), which is expected to be revamped later this year or next year, is expected to cause diversion of trains to other stations of city in a phased manner for approximately three-and-a-half years.

The station will not be shut down during this period but a few trains would be either diverted or regulated according to the requirements.

Prem Shankar Jha, executive adviser to the divisional railway manager, said the authorities would devise a plan to minimise the impact on passengers.

“To achieve this, the renovation work will be carried out in a phased manner. This means when work is carried on the Paharganj side, the Ajmeri Gate side would not be disturbed and vice versa. By focusing on one side of the station at a time, the other side can continue to function normally to a large extent, ensuring that the station remains operational throughout the renovation," he said.

The cabinet has approved the redevelopment of the station. According to the approved design, the station will have two unique domes with four floors of roof plazas cre- ating additional space of about 15 acres.

“The diversion plan is yet to be prepared but it could be that first, platforms 1 to 5 will be taken up, then 6 to 10 and then the remaining,” he said.

He said that the contract tender is yet to be finalised as there are several formalities associated with engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts.

“It is also clarified that there is no immediate plan for shutdown of train operations at New Delhi Railway Station,” Jha said.

The new building will have segregated arrival and departure to avoid crowding. The project is estimated to cost around Rs 4,700 crore.

The railway station sees a footfall of around 5 lakh every day. The new station will integrate train services with buses, autos and the metro.

A roof plaza of about 6.5 lakh sqft will be built above the tracks for the convenience of passengers, a senior official said.

The redevelopment of the station is to be done in a phased manner, which may take up to three-and-a-half years.

Indian Railways possesses a parcel of land adjacent to the station, now being utilised for office space for railway personnel.

As per reports, the plan entails constructing new office facilities on site, for which the existing offices will be razed to accommodate commercial establish- ments and a pedestrian thoroughfare. The redesigned New Delhi station will span an extensive area of 1.5 crore square metres, featuring a pedestrian boulevard linking it to Connaught Place. Revenue generation is envisioned through commercial developments within the premises as part of the project's strategy.

Several other stations in the National Capital Region, including Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Delhi Cantt, Bijwasan, Safdarjung and Subzi Mandi, will see revamps on the lines of modern airport terminals.

In some of them, work has started. Most of the stations going for redevelopment will have a lobby, concourse, a spacious roof plaza, food court, waiting lounge, play area for children, parking, and a segregation of departure and arrival areas similar to airports, among other facilities, an official said.

Plea to cancel trademark of Daryaganj restaurant

New Delhi: The ongoing battle over the invention of butter chicken and dal makhani took a new turn on Monday as Moti Mahal filed a plea before Delhi High Court for cancellation of Daryaganj restaurant chain’s trademark.

The single-judge bench of Justice Anish Dayal issued notice on the applications moved by Moti Mahal. The matter will now be heard in July 2024.

Moti Mahal has challenged the registration of the trademark “Daryaganj: By the inventors of butter chicken & dal makhani” in favour of Daryaganj restaurant. The trademark was granted in favour of Daryaganj on March 14, 2018, on a ‘proposed to be used’ basis. According to the suit filed by Moti Mahal, they have been using the tagline “Inventors of original dal makhani, tandoori chicken & butter chicken” since 2005, and Daryaganj’s trademark is a false claim.

“The mark is virtually identical to the petitioners’ earlier, well-known tagline with just the addition of the word ‘Daryaganj’,” the suit stated.

Moti Mahal separately filed a civil suit against Daryaganj over the use of the tagline “Inventors of butter chicken and dal makhani” in Jan 2024, stating that Daryaganj restaurant is misleading people into believing that there is a relation between Daryaganj restaurants and Moti Mahal, whose first branch was opened in the Daryaganj neighbourhood of Delhi. The case is scheduled to be heard by the HC on May 29.

TNN

Admission relief to PwD aspirant whom IP Univ had rejected

Shreya.Ghosh@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: In a landmark ruling, Delhi High Court has extended the reservation benefits under the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) Act to private professional institutions in the city. This judgment quashes the cancellation of a candidate’s admission by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and confirms his admission with all consequential benefits. The candidate had filed a petition and sought admission to Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies (VIPS).

The judgment was pronounced on May 24.

The twenty-year-old student, diagnosed with mild mental retardation, has been at the centre of a legal battle for disability rights in higher education. He received educational support as per CBSE guidelines, including studying one compulsory language, extra exam time and some leniency for spelling and grammar errors. Despite these measures, he faced challenges in securing admission to Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University.

The case hinged on the interpretation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and the Delhi Professional Colleges or Institutions (DPCI) Act, 2007. While the RPwD Act applies primarily to govt and govt-aided institutions, the high court ruled that the provisions must also apply to private institutions by virtue of Section 12(2)(c) of the DPCI Act.

Further, the 2016 Act requires all govt institutions of higher education and other higher education institutions receiving aid from govt to reserve not less than 5% seats for persons with benchmark disabilities and to give an upper-age relaxation of five years for admission.

The university argued that the PwD Act was restricted to govt institutions and institutions aided by govt and hence, “no PwD reservation entitlement in the matter of admission to VIPS can be sought on the basis of Section 12 (2)(c) of the DPCIA.”

However, the high court rejected this argument, emphasising that Section 12(2)(c) should be interpreted to apply mutatis mutandis to private institutions.

The court also addressed the university’s demand for additional documents to support the disability certificate issued by a govt hospital. It ruled this demand as “completely unjustified” and “illegal,” affirming that GGSIPU could not question the validity of a certificate issued by a competent authority.

The petitioner’s documents verified by the university confirmed his status as a PwD candidate, the court added.

Upholding the petitioner’s admission, the court stated, “The impugned communications dated Sept 5, 2023 and Sept 6, 2023 are quashed and set aside, in so far as they treat the petitioner as ineligible for PwD reservation for admission to the five-year integrated BA LLB and BBA LLB courses in the VIPS. The admission of the petitioner is held to be regular.”

This ruling sets a significant precedent, ensuring that PwD students in Delhi have equal access to education in private professional institutions, thereby broadening the scope of inclusivity and support for disabled students.

Dance Of Democracy

- At 58.5%, J&K records highest overall turnout in 35 years

- Portion of stage caves in during Rahul’s rally in Bihar’s Paliganj

- Ex-Malegaon mayor & AIMIM neta shot at thrice in Nashik

- SP MLA held after ignoring 100 NBWs, first issued in 1997

- K’taka will foot `80L bill for PM’s Mysuru stay last yr, says Mantri

- Kharge ji, you are about to lose your job: Shah

- SC junks BJP appeal against HC bar on ads against TMC, questions delay in EC action

- INDIA bloc calls strategy meet on June 1, TMC to stay away

- Kalpana goes all out to fill Hemant’s shoes

- ‘Snubbed’ Sita lays claim on Soren legacy & seat

- Don dead but his shadow looms over Ghazipur

- Tiger burning brighter in Sundarbans, but villagers are smiling

At 58.5%, J&K records highest overall turnout in 35 years

The polls were held under strict vigil of security forces to foil any attempt by terrorists to disrupt the democratic process

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: The 58.5% overall turnout in Jammu & Kashmir, where polling concluded on Saturday, was the highest in 35 years.

While the turnout in Srinagar parliamentary constituency this time rose to 38.5% from 14.4% in 2019, it climbed to 54.9% from 9% in Anantnag Rajouri seat and to 59.1% from 34.6% in Baramulla seat over the same period. The 2024 polling percentages were however lower in Jammu region as compared to 2019, showing a slight dip of 0.3 percentage points for Jammu and 1.9 percentage points for Udhampur.

As regards Kashmir Valley, three parliamentary constituencies — Srinagar, Baramulla and Anantnag-Rajouri — recorded the highest combined turnout of 50.9% in three decades. Data shared by the EC on Monday put the 2019 combined turnout figure for the three Valley seats at a mere 19.2%, which is 30 percentage points lower than 2024. The comparison may however not be perfect as the geographical limits of Anantnag had undergone some significant changes during delimitation in 2020-21, with parts of Jammu division’s Rajouri district added to it.

EC on Monday termed the high turnout in J&K a testament to robust democratic spirit and civil engagement of its people. “The voter turnout of 50.86% from the three seats in Kashmir Valley echoes the faith of the people in the democratic process,” it said in a statement.

Chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar, while thanking the voters of J&K, stated: “This achievement sits on a credible wave of 25% increase in the number of contesting candidates since 2019, C-vigil complaints showing enhnaced citizen involvement and Suvidha portal showing 2,455 requests for rallies etc, reflecting the steady retaking of the election and campaign space away from hesitation and to fuller particpation”.

EC sought to attribute the high turnout by the younger voters in the age group 18-39 years. This particular age category accounted for 56% of the electorate in Baramulla, 48.6% in Srinagar, 54.4% in Anantnag-Rajouri and 47.7% in Jammu.

Also, 26 special polling stations — including 21 in Jammu, 4 in Delhi, and 1 at Udhampur — were set up to facilitate voting by displaced Kashmiri migrants.

Recounting EC’s efforts to boost voter participation in J&K, the poll body said adventure sports, symposiums, awareness rallies, nukkad natak and numerous other events were organised to propagate the message of voting. Other activities included creating Igloos as a dummy polling station in Baramulla, para scooter event in Kathua, mega awareness rallies in Teetwal near LOC, near Dal Lake in Srinagar to Chougan in Kishtwar and playing instrumental version of ECI song on the highest railway bridge. Musical programmes were showcased at many hotspots by the famous singers.

Portion of stage caves in during Rahul’s rally in Bihar’s Paliganj

Rahul Gandhi with RJD functionary Misa Bharti tries to keep his balance during an election rally in Patliputra constituency on Monday

Paliganj (Bihar): A portion of the stage partially caved in during the rally of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Bihar’s Paliganj on Monday.

The incident took place when Rahul Gandhi was here for the Lok Sabha election campaign in the Patliputra parliamentary constituency, where Lalu Prasad Yadav’s daughter Misa Bharti is contesting on the RJD ticket.

In the picture, Rahul Gandhi was seen walking on the stage when the structure suddenly collapsed. While Misa Bharti was seen holding the hands of Rahul Gandhi.

ANI

Ex-Malegaon mayor & AIMIM neta shot at thrice in Nashik

Nashik: Abdul Malik Mohammed Yunus Isa, president of Maharashtra’s Malegaon unit of AIMIM, was shot at thrice around 1.15am on Monday, reports Santosh Sonawane. His condition is reported to be stable.

Malik, 40, also the former mayor of Malegaon, was sitting outside a hotel with friends when two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants shot at his right elbow, left thigh and the chest. He was rushed to a local hospital, and later shifted to a bigger facility in Nashik.

BG Shekhar, Nashik range IG (special), said, “Our investigation is on. The assailants are residents of Malegaon. They will be arrested soon.”

At present, it does not appear that the attempt on Malik’s life was due to political reasons, said a police source. “The victim had personal enmity with some people in Malegaon over financial issues. Once we arrest the assailants, we will get to know who is behind the incident,” the source added.

Investigating officer Dnyaneshwar Thorat said, “Rehan said in his complaint that the men on the bike went past the hotel twice, where Malik was sitting. The third time, they rode closer to Malik and shot at him thrice. They swiftly fled the spot.”

SP MLA held after ignoring 100 NBWs, first issued in 1997

Meerut: UP police arrested Samajwadi Party’s Meerut city MLA from Barabanki on Monday after he failed to appear in court despite 100 non-bailable warrants being issued against him. Rafiq Ansari’s arrest comes after a recent order from the Allahabad HC which mandated his production in the trial court, reports Sandeep Rai.

Meerut SSP Rohit Singh Sajwan said, “We received a tip-off about his presence in Barabanki and our team reached the town and took him into custody. We are bringing him to Meerut and plan to produce him in court.”

On May 8, the Allahabad high court had denied relief to Ansari, who has been charged with avoiding court appearances despite the non-bailable warrants against him between 1997 and 2015. Ansari is an accused in a criminal case dating back to 1995, involving charges of rioting and mischief.

K’taka will foot `80L bill for PM’s Mysuru stay last yr, says Mantri

Bengaluru: Karnataka forest minister Eshwar Khandre on Monday said the state government will pay the hospitality bill worth Rs 80 lakh of the PM Modi’s visit to Mysuru, which he took last year in April.

In a statement, the minister’s office said it is a tradition of the state government to host dignitaries like the PM and the President when they come. But due to assembly polls in Karnataka in April last year, the state government was not involved in planning of the programme (Project Tiger).

Khandre said that it was purely a Central government programme. Initially, they had planned to spend Rs 3 crore but the expenditure incurred was around 6.3 crore. So, balance Rs 3.3 crore has to come from the National Tiger Conservation Authority. “The state government’s forest department had written to them (authority). They informed that the hotel bill (Rs 80 lakh) should be reimbursed by the state and we have decided to reimburse. So, there is no issue,” he added.

PTI

Kharge ji, you are about to lose your job: Shah

‘Rahul, Priyanka Won’t Accept Blame For Poll Defeat’

Congress will put blame on Kharge for the party’s defeat, said Amit Shah in UP’s Kushinagar on Monday

Pankaj Shah & Shalabh | TNN

Lucknow:Home minister Amit Shah on Monday billed this election as one between “the people who killed kar sevaks and those who constructed the Ram temple”, warning voters that if elected, the opposition would first restore Article 370 and then triple talaq, lift the ban on proscribed outfits like PFI, engage with terrorists, and put a “Babri lock” on the Ayodhya shrine.

“Should such people be allowed to form a government?” Shah asked the gathering at a rally in UP’s Kushinagar.

The home minister said that unlike the erstwhile SP ministry in UP, which “ordered firing” on kar sevaks in Ayodhya in 1990, PM Narendra Modi leads a government at the Centre that shows due respect to the country’s religious traditions while focusing on development.

He declared BJP’s victory in the seven-phase elections a cer- tainty, also predicting that Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who is an AICC general secretary, would never accept responsibility for their defeat and instead pin the blame on party president Mallikarjun Kharge.

“Kharge sahab, aapki naukri jaane wali hai (You are going to lose your job),” Shah said, adding that soon after the results are declared on June 4, Rahul would convene a presser and also “blame the EVMs”.

In Salempur, Shah said BJP would cross the target of 400 seats, while Congress would be restricted to 40. SP might not get even four seats, he said.

The home minister countered INDIA bloc’s allegation that the Modi govt sought to end quotas for SCs/STs and OBCs by saying that safeguarding reservations for backward communities was “Modi’s guarantee”.

On the contrary, it is the opposition that intends to “steal OBC reservation and give it to Muslims”, he alleged.

“I do not intend to scare you. I only want to tell you the truth about the opposition’s conspiracy to implement a Muslim quota, if voted to office. They have already done so in Karnataka and Telangana. The same was done in West Bengal, too, but Calcutta HC quashed allocation of OBC reservation to several Muslim classes.”

SC junks BJP appeal against HC bar on ads against TMC, questions delay in EC action

EC had issued notice to BJP three days later on May 18

Dhananjay.Mahapatra@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday said prima facie BJP’s newspaper advertisements targeting TMC early this month were disparaging and refused to entertain BJP’s appeal against a Calcutta high court order stopping publication of such pamphlets in media against TMC.

A vacation bench of Justices J K Maheshwari and K V Viswanathan also questioned the EC for not acting promptly on TMC’s May 15 complaint against BJP’s advertisements. The EC had issued notice to BJP three days later on May 18. The HC on May 20 had stopped BJP from publishing such advertisements.

“Why did the EC not do anything even after the HC passed the order? Even after this order from HC, did EC do something? It is a question of the independence of EC. We are not inclined to interfere with this order. We have seen the advertisements. Do not precipitate the issue,” the bench told senior advocate P S Patwalia, who appeared for BJP.

Repeatedly suggesting to Patwalia not to precipitate the issue, the bench told BJP: “Political rivals are not enemies. That is the way forward.” SC’s disinclination forced BJP to withdraw its appeal to approach EC.

Patwalia argued that a single judge bench of Calcutta high court passed the order without giving an opportunity to BJP to respond to TMC’s plea. It also did not allow the EC, which had on May 18 issued notice to BJP on TMC’s complaint, to take the issue to its logical conclusion, he said.

No illegality in AAP MLA’s arrest in money laundering case: HC

Upholding ED’s arrest of AAP MLA Jaswant Singh Gajjanmajra in connection with an alleged fraud of Rs 40 crore, Punjab and Haryana high court (HC) has observed that the MLA’s arrest aligned with Section 19 (1) of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and there was no illegality in the orders of remand and subsequent proceedings. “In the instant case, there is no dispute that the written grounds of arrest were communicated to the petitioner on the day of his arrest... The special court had taken into account the nature of the case against the petitioner and the factum of his non-cooperation and other relevant factors while remanding the petitioner into police custody by its order dated Nov 7, 2023,” the HC observed in its detailed orders released on Sunday.

The HC passed these orders while dismissing a plea filed by Gajjanmajra, MLA from Amargarh constituency.

TNN

INDIA bloc calls strategy meet on June 1, TMC to stay away

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi/Kolkata: The opposition INDIA bloc has called a strategy meeting on June 1, the last day of voting for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The meeting will discuss the various post-poll scenarios and also pool in the estimates of regional players to assess the performance of the opposition alliance against BJP. The meeting has been called by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge.

Sources said the meeting would focus on counting day, with instructions to be given to counting agents and booth agents on the various aspects to be taken care of, and on how to handle the returning officers’ “objectionable overreach”.

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee announced that she would not attend the meeting, saying the state was still dealing with the aftermath of cyclone Remal and the final phase of polling was scheduled on June 1.

While the reasons given by Baner- jee are seen as understandable, many view it as the West Bengal CM positioning herself for the post-poll scenario. She struck an independent line during the polls by refusing to tie up with Congress in Bengal and then issuing statements that she would only extend outside support if INDIA bloc forms the govt. While she later revised her statement to say that TMC would join any opposition govt, she created doubts in the minds of many about her future plans.

A senior TMC MP said it was “impractical” to expect the party to attend the meeting. “CM Banerjee is a voter in Bhowanipore. She will vote on June 1. Party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee is a candidate in Diamond Harbour, which goes to polls on June 1. The party’s Rajya Sabha leader Derek O’Brien is also a Kolkata South voter. These three were part of INDIA meetings earlier. Party’s leader in Lok Sabha Sudip Bandyopadhyay is a Kolkata North candidate. We have conveyed this to Congress.”

Kalpana goes all out to fill Hemant’s shoes

Daughters-In-Law Lead Charge In JMM-BJP Face-Off For Family Turf

Making her entry into politics following husband Hemant Soren’s arrest by ED, Kalpana has jumped into the thick of things and campaigned extensively across Jharkhand, including for JMM’s Dumka candidate Nalin Soren (inset)

Dhritiman.Ray@timesgroup.com

Ranchi: An engineer with an MBA degree, Kalpana Murmu Soren’s life revolved around her husband Hemant Soren, Jharkhand’s former chief minister, and the couple’s two schoolgoing children Nitil and Ansh. At public appearances with her husband, Kalpana just wore a smile, saying nothing. That was until Jan 31, this year. Hemant’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a case of alleged land grab threw her life from relative obscurity to the political centre stage in Jharkhand.

On Jan 31, a bespectacled Kalpana, with anxiety written all over her face, tailed Hemant’s car in her own vehicle as the latter was taken from the chief minister’s residence in Kanke to ED’s regional headquarters, located nearly 12km away, a little before midnight. After a brief meeting with her husband, who by then had formally resigned and was taken into ED’s custody, Kalpana drove back to her kids.

As political observers began to speculate about the void created in Jharkhand Mukti Morcha with the arrest of its star campaigner just months ahead of the general elections, Kalpana formally joined politics at the party’s 51st establishment day ceremony in Dhanbad on March 5.

In the weeks that followed, JMM leadership’s plans for Kalpana began to take form. She took the stage ahead of Jharkhand CM Champai Soren at the culmination of Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Mumbai, made a speech at the solidarity function for Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi’s Ramlila Ground and took charge of organising the INDIA bloc’s Ulgulan Nyay Maha Rally in Ranchi in April.

Cut to the election season and Kalpana, who was a political novice until two months ago, has been touring the length and breadth of Jharkhand as JMM’s star campaigner, canvassing for candidates of her own party and that of other INDIA bloc outfits. She is rubbing shoulders with the top leadership of INDIA bloc parties, including AAP national convener Kejriwal, Congress brass Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul. The 38-year-old also entered the poll fray and contested in the Gandey assembly byelection in Giridih.

In a recent interview, Kalpana had said: “Being married into a political fam- ily for 17-18 years now, I watched things from the fence. I watched as Hemant faced problems and figured out solutions. So, in a sense, without even knowing, I was getting my training. Having said that, my entry into politics wasn’t planned.”

Kalpana’s efforts to ensure political gains for her party and the INDIA bloc are draw- ing praises. In a recent election rally in Jharkhand’s Jamshedpur, Kejriwal said: “Kalpana is fighting like the Rani of Jhansi.” On May 22, canvassing in Jharkhand’s Godda, Priyanka called Kalpana “her younger sister and a symbol of Nari Shakti”. “I become happy every time I see her,” Priyanka had said.

From holding roadshows to addressing three election rallies a day, Kalpana is walking the extra mile to fill Hemant’s shoes. At one INDIA bloc joint rally in Ranchi on April 21, Kalpana held out to the crowd a handwritten letter by Hemant and read it aloud from the stage. Naturally articulate, Kalpana presses the right buttons as she addresses CM Champai and party veterans as “chacha” and touches their feet, calls Shibu, her father-inlaw, “baba” and raises slogans of “Jail ka tala tutega, Hemant Soren chhutega.”

Kalpana’s name started doing the rounds as Hemant’s replacement for CM days before the arrest but eventually the party picked Champai. Canvassing for Kalpana during the bypolls to Gandey assembly segment on May 20, JMM MLA Sudivya Kumar urged voters to choose her keeping in mind that they would be electing an MLA “who has the potential to be the next CM”.

Along with Kejriwal’s wife Sunita, Kalpana is a huge draw for the opposition INDIA bloc to project how the BJP is using central probe agencies to decimate opposition leaders. “Kalpana, hitting the campaign trail, after her husband’s arrest stirs up sentiments among the electorate. She is articulate and a fresh face in politics who has shown promise to go the long way,” seven time JMM MLA and long-time Shibu confidant Nalin Soren told TOI. Nalin is also the party’s candidate for Dumka Lok Sabha seat.

The real test for Kalpana’s mettle lies in party bastion Dumka, a seat held by her father-in-law Shibu for eight terms, as she campaigns against her sister-in-law Sita Soren, the BJP candidate.

The wife of Hemant’s late elder brother Durga, Sita switched to BJP in March. Sita, in her campaign speeches, has been attacking the family and even claimed that Kalpana wanted to inflict physical harm on her three daughters. “These are all baseless allegations being made to bring a bad name to the family,” Nalin claimed.

‘Snubbed’ Sita lays claim on Soren legacy & seat

Citing differences with the family, Sita Soren quit JMM for BJP 2 months after brother-in-law Hemant’s arrest

Dhritiman.Ray@timesgroup.com

Dumka: A sleepy town in the tribal heartland of Santhal Pargana, Dumka first drew everybody’s attention in Oct 1990 when Lalu Prasad Yadav, the then CM of undivided Bihar, placed BJP leader L K Advani under arrest at a Bihar govt guest house in Massanjore at the site of a dam on the banks of the Mayurakshi after halting his Ram Rath Yatra in Samastipur.

Around the same time, JMM patriarch Shibu Soren had just been re-elected to Parliament from Dumka, a reserved seat for tribals, and was spearheading a movement against Lalu’s govt for a separate state of Jharkhand comprising tribal-dominated areas of south Bihar.

Cut to May 2024, Hemant and Tejashwi, sons of Shibu and Lalu respectively, have joined hands as INDIA bloc partners to take on BJP in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

However, the alliance suffered a setback just three days after the Lok Sabha polls were announced when Sita Soren, Shibu’s eldest bahu, abandoned ship and crossed over to BJP.

Sita also resigned as the JMM MLA from the Jama seat. Soon after, BJP announced her candidature from the Dumka seat recalling its earlier nominee, sitting MP Sunil Soren, who had defeated Shibu in the 2019 general election by nearly 50,000 votes. Sita has been quite vocal in criticising her late husband’s family and JMM.

Campaigning in Dumka, which will vote on June 1, has been hectic. Sita has been holding door-to-door campaigns and conducting public meetings in the villages.

Addressing the crowds, mostly poor tribal men, women, and children, in Santhali, she said: “The Jharkhand that you see today is a result of Guru ji (Shibu) and the vision of the late PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Even though Modiji built Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, like in Ramayana, this Sita was sent to vanvas (exile) for 14 years by her own family after the death of her husband.”

Dumka is known as a JMM bastion. Party president Shibu has won the seat eight times since 1980 and lost four times (1984, 1998, 1999 and 2019). Although considered an impregnable fortress, BJP has breached it several times in the past, the last being in 2019 when Sunil beat Shibu.

Now, with former chief minister Hemant Soren behind bars since Jan 31 after his arrest in a land scam case, Shibu’s pocket borough faces threat from his own daughterin-law. Two months after her “devar” (younger brother-inlaw) was arrested, Sita switched to BJP citing continuous neglect by the Soren family.

In her public discourse, Sita has often said, “Hemant has not seen struggles in his life. It was baba (Shibu) and my husband (Durga) who fought for a separate state and endured hardship. All he knows is kursi (chair) and AC (airconditioner). A member of the family (referring to Kalpana Soren) is going around the state giving slogans like ‘Jail ka tala tutega, Hemant Soren chhutega’. How does she intend to break the lock? Can anyone arrest a CM, who is the most powerful person in a state, without evidence?”

Sita’s late husband Durga was groomed by Shibu as his political successor. With Durga’s sudden death in 2009, Hemant, the third among Shi- bu’s four children, was thrust into the political arena.

“I had no intention of joining politics. I wanted to become an architect but had to drop out (of BIT Mesra) as the central agencies were harassing my family. Then, I wanted to be a businessman, but bhaiya’s death and father’s illness changed everything,” Hemant had told TOI in an interview in 2019.

Sita was elected MLA from Jama, Durga’s old constituency, thrice (2009, 2014 and 2019) but was not inducted into the cabinet by Hemant even though he was the chief minister twice (2013-14 and 2019-2024). The 52-year-old was even ignored when Champai, a Shibu loyalist, took oath in Feb this year following Hemant’s arrest. Basant, a first-time MLA (from Dumka) and Shibu’s youngest son, was made transport minister.

Interestingly, there were rumours that Sita switched to BJP following pressure to do so. With Supreme Court ruling in March this year that MPs and MLAs were not immune to prosecution for accepting bribes for votes or making a speech in the House in a particular fashion, it became clear that Sita, who is facing a horse-trading case in a CBI court in Ranchi, would face trial.

Dismissing the rumours, Sita, claimed, “The case has been going on for many years now. Had that been the reason, I would have been in BJP much earlier. I joined BJP because I was not being respected in my party.”

For BJP, which is fighting Lok Sabha elections in Jharkhand on the corruption plank (with focus on the arrest of Hemant, Congress minister Alamgir Alam and senior IAS officers in separate money laundering and illegal mining cases), Sita’s attacks could further dent the JMM-led INDIA bloc’s image in the tribal heartland of Santhal Pargana division, where JMM and Congress won 16 out of 18 seats in the 2019 assembly polls.

On the law and order front, Dumka doesn’t have a good record with news of crimes, particularly against women and children, often hitting headlines.

A Spanish woman who was on a global bike tour with her husband was gang-raped in Dumka. It was also where a Class 12 student was set on fire by her stalker and his accomplice while she was asleep. She died of burn injuries days later, in Aug 2022. BJP, which has been accusing the JMM-led coalition govt of turning a blind eye to illegal immigration from Bangladesh, had then accused the govt of appeasing minorities.

“In Dumka, Shibu is respected across party lines. BJP does not speak ill of him, given his political stature and popularity among the tribals,” said Ramesh Mandal, a BJP worker from Nala in Jamtara district. “Yes, it is true that Sita broke away from the family, but BJP supporters do not look at the candidate. They only look at the symbol and PM Modi,” he added.

Nalin Soren, a seven-time JMM MLA and Sita’s opponent, calls her “bahu”. “She is my daughter-in-law, too. I haven’t spoken to her since she left JMM but until the polls are over, she is my opponent. She talks about neglect, but it was the family that made her MLA thrice from Jama after her husband’s death. It was the party that made her win, not her charisma,” he added.

Don dead but his shadow looms over Ghazipur

Rajeev.Dikshit@timesgroup.com

Ghazipur: The eastern UP district of Ghazipur shot to national limelight in 1962, but not for a reason it could take pride in. Its then Congress MP Vishwanath Singh Gahmari rose in Parliament to highlight the district’s poverty and backwardness, compelling the then govt to constitute the Patel Commission to study the socio-economic backwardness of the region and provide solutions to mitigate it.

The commission submitted its report in 1964, but like the fate of most such reports it got buried forever. Since then, the backwardness of Ghazipur largely became a tabletop discussion for parties.

Six decades later, Ghazipur is hogging the limelight again for another infamous reason: can it disassociate itself from the legacy of gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari, whose shadow looms large in these elections despite his death two months ago?

Mukhtar’s brother Afzal Ansari, the sitting MP, is seeking re-election as an INDIA bloc candidate on SP’s symbol. In all his public addresses, Afzal rakes up Mukhtar’s death and claims his brother was poisoned in jail. He appeals to voters to teach the “oppressors” a lesson by ensuring his win.

The going, however, is not easy for Afzal. He was convicted by a Ghazipur MP-MLA court in a Gangster Act case and awarded four years in jail. Afzal will have to leave the fray in case Allahabad High Court, which is hearing his plea challenging the verdict, upholds the lower court decision. As a backup, Afzal’s daughter Nusarat Ansari has filed her nomination as an Independent from Ghazipur. Afzal, who won from Ghazipur in 2004 too, targets BJP govts over issues of inflation and unemployment, but Mukhtar’s death remains his main poll plank. “People of Ghazipur will teach BJP a lesson for all the sufferings and the treatment given to Mukhtar and our family,” he says.

Political analyst Shrikant Pandey says there are multiple reasons for the popularity of Afzal and his brothers, espe- cially Mukhtar. “Besides riding the sympathy wave, Afzal is good at poll management too. And now he has the backing of Samajwadi Party’s vote bank as well,” says Pandey, a former Allahabad University students’ union president.

Despite their clout, the Ansaris have not always dominated Ghazipur’s poll arena. Their might had been challenged by BJP’s Manoj Sinha — who won from here in 1996, 1999 and 2014. In fact, Sinha’s development projects earned him the sobriquet of ‘Vikas Purush’ (development man) in the constituency.

After Sinha lost to Afzal in 2019, BJP moved him to Jammu and Kashmir as the lieutenant governor. This time, the party has fielded Parasnath Rai, an RSS man and a trusted associate of Sinha. Rai openly credits Sinha for getting the BJP ticket. BJP is banking on the planks of development and ending “gundaraj”. Addressing an election rally in Ghazipur, CM Yogi Adityanath said it will now become a model of good governance and appealed for a thumping victory for Rai.

Political analyst Sunil Kumar says Afzal had won the last elections on a BSP ticket. As a result, he still has a hold over BSP cadre here and that has made the going tough for the BSP candidate, Umesh Singh.

Many voters in Ghazipur say they had witnessed development works like road, rail networks, health, education during Sinha’s tenure (2014-2019). But all these were stalled after 2019 and whenever they took it up with Afzal, he offered the excuse of his party not being in govt.

SP camp is confident given the caste-community equations. Among 20.7 lakh voters: Yadav and SC voters are in the strength of over 3.5 lakh while Muslim, Thakur, Bind, Kushwaha voters account for over 1.5 lakh each. Brahmin and Vaishya voters are over one lakh each.

But BJP functionaries say people who earlier voted for Ansaris out of fear will now vote fearlessly as Mukhtar is gone.

Ghazipur will decide the fate of both netas and itself when it votes on June 1.

Tiger burning brighter in Sundarbans, but villagers are smiling

The rise in tiger numbers has helped bring in more tourists, giving locals alternative livelihood options

KrishnenduMukherjee@timesgroup.com

Kolkata: From man-eater to a resource option, the tigers in Indian Sundarbans seem to have undergone an image makeover over the past one decade as the big cats now provide alternative livelihood to hundreds of people on the delta in West Bengal.

The forest villages in Sundarbans — a delta formed by the confluence of Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers in the Bay of Bengal — mostly fall under Joynagar Lok Sabha constituency which has over 8 lakh voters. As the Sundarbans is set for elections on Saturday, ecotourism guides and tour operators feel a slew of protourism measures such as opening more routes and entry points post elections will not only lead to a rise in footfall but also prevent incidents such as the killing of a guard inside the forest recently.

A good number of villagers, who used to sneak into the woods on illegal fishing trips, now either steer tourism boats, act as nature guides or cook food on boats during photography tours of the mangroves in the delta.

Four human deaths have been reported so far this year, in addition to over 10 last year, from the swampland due to tiger attacks. The figure was 21 in 2022. In all cases, victims had ventured into the core area where fishing is banned. The stats are official, actual figures may be higher.

A 12km forest stretch under Sundarbans Tiger Reserve where human settlements are located just opposite got a fresh cover of nylon net fencing recently so that straying tigers won’t disrupt the poll process.

In a terrain where humananimal conflict is on the rise, tiger tourism has come as a silver lining.

Satadal Manna (name changed), who used to venture into the woods for crabs a couple of years ago, now cooks delicious food for tourists on boats.

The stories of his family members getting into forest for livelihood never attracted 20-year-old Ananda Mondal (name changed), who got behind the wheels of a boat at just 13 years. He is now a trusted name in the mangroves tourism sector as far as sighting of wildlife is concerned.

Asked if he had ever seen the elusive swamp tiger in the mangroves, he replied: “Can’t keep count.”

A rise in annual tourist footfall — from about 1 lakh until 2012-13 to more than 2 lakhs now — keeps the boatmen and guides busy.

Film crews, both national and international, have set their sights on Sundarbans.

Soumyajit Nandy, a photographer, naturalist, and tour operator, said: “Sundarbans, on the Indian side (other on Bangladesh side), was never known for tiger sightings. Not even one was sighted in a month. Now multiple sightings take place in a month.”

Nandy said opening more routes and multiple entry points would help villagers of more islands reap the benefits of tourism. The department can thus disperse the tourism pressure, which is concentrated now on a single zone in the reserve — the Sajnekhali eco-tourism zone, he said.

“The activity is limited now to villages near the Sajnekhali tourism zone. If multiple entry points are opened in places like Basirhat, Kakdwip or Namkhana, more villagers can be brought under the ambit of tourism which will also result in less depen- dency on forest,” he added.

Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve director Nilanjan Mullick said: “The sightings show tiger numbers are stable in the Sundarbans. There are reports of tiger sightings al- most every day now.”

He said the situation has gradually changed with the increase in the number of tourists visiting the mangroves in the last few years.

“Initially, the infrastructure wasn’t very good, but it has been developed in the last few years. Besides, management protocols have borne fruit and led to a rise in tiger population,” he said, adding that steps would also be taken in due course keeping an eye on tourist inflow.

“Now, tiger sightings have increased and a pointer towards the fact is sighting of cubs. Steps, including opening of a few more routes that help serious wildlife tourism flourish, are welcome,” said naturalist and tour operator Nityananda Chowkidar.

“With an increase in tourism activities, people have also stopped venturing into the forest to a large extent,” Chowkidar added.

They need not. The returns are attractive. From a three-night, four-day photography tour (with five persons) costing Rs 85,000, an operator can make a profit of at least 15%-20%. If the operator owns a boat and homestay, it can go up to 25% after making payment to naturalists, cooks, boatmen and for forest permits.

Political parties, particularly Trinamool Congress, have highlighted these issues during their poll campaigns. South 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad deputy speaker Animesh Mondal of Trinamool Congress said they have been highlighting the importance of homestays to boost wildlife tourism in the area.

“We had approached the tourism department to open new homestays in the last financial year. We will do it again this year. Also, we are focusing on promoting birding hot spots in the buffer areas and near the villages,” Mondal said.

Another guide said since tourists are considered additional eyes and ears of the forest, the department should take a pro-tourism approach as it can keep incidents such as the killing of the guard inside the forest at bay.

Times Global

- China backs probe into suicide attack as Pak asks Af to hand over plotters

- Mohenjo Daro in Pak sees season’s high of 52°C

- PNG landslide buried more than 2,000 people, says govt

- 45 die as Israel strikes camp in Rafah; Bibi admits to ‘mistake’

- ‘Offered hassle-free re-election for air base in B’desh’

- 10 DEAD, MILLIONS SANS POWER AS CYCLONE REMAL BATTERS B’DESH

- AROUND THE WORLD

- Iran’s near-bomb-grade uranium stock has grown, says IAEA report

- Argentina’s 300% inflation spawns ‘ghost’ border town

- Musk, with 184m followers, ups anti-Biden posts on X

- Russia steps up covert sabotage campaign aimed at Europe

China backs probe into suicide attack as Pak asks Af to hand over plotters

Omer Farooq Khan TNN

Islamabad: Beijing backed on Monday Pakistan’s investigation into the recent suicide attack that killed five Chinese engineers and their Pakistani driver in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on March 26, after Islamabad accused Taliban authorities in Afghanistan of sheltering the “plotters” and demanded that they be handed over.

However, China refrained from holding Afghanistan’s interim govt responsible for sheltering the terrorists, as alleged by Islamabad, as it finds itself in a quandary because it shares close ties with Taliban govt and has extended diplomatic recognition to the interim regime.

The Chinese workers died when a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into their bus. The Chinese were working on Dasu hydropower project, which is about 300km north of Islamabad. The 4,320MW project is being constructed by China Gezhouba with funding from World Bank.

Earlier, Pakistani military authorities claimed the suicide bomber was an Afghan national. On Sunday, interior minister Mohsin Naqvi said: “The attack was completely operated from Afghanistan and planned to specifically target Chinese personnel in Pakistan.” He blamed banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and “hostile foreign intelligence agencies”.

Mohenjo Daro in Pak sees season’s high of 52°C

Mohenjo Daro: Temperatures rose above 52°C in Pakistan’s southern province of Sindh, the highest reading of the summer and close to the country’s record high amid an ongoing heatwave, the met office said on Monday.

In Mohenjo Daro, a town in Sindh known for archaeological sites that date back to the Indus Valley Civilization built in 2500 BC, temperatures rose as high as 52.2°C over the last 24 hours, a senior official of the Pakistan meteorological department, Shahid Abbas said. The reading is the highest of summer so far, and approached the town’s and country’s record highs of 53.5°C and 54°C respectively.

The highest temperature recorded in Pakistan was in 2017 when temperatures rose to 54°C in the city of Turbat, located in the southwestern province of Balochistan. This was the second hottest in Asia and fourth highest in the world, said Sardar Sarfaraz, chief meteorologist at the Pakistan meteorological department. REUTERS

PNG landslide buried more than 2,000 people, says govt

150 Houses In 6 Villages Buried Beneath Debris 2-Storeys High; Rescuers Say Heard Screams From Beneath Earth

Locals at the site of landslide at Mulitaka village in PNG’s Enga province

Sydney: Papua New Guinea’s massive landslide three days ago buried more than 2,000 people, the govt said on Monday, as treacherous terrain impeded aid and lowered hopes of finding survivors. The National Disaster Centre gave the new number in a letter to the UN, which had put possible deaths at more than 670.

The variance reflects the remote site and the difficulty in getting an accurate population estimate. The Pacific island nation’s last credible census was in 2000 and many live in isolated mountain villages.

Defence minister Billy Joseph said 4,000 people had been living in the six remote villages in the Maip-Mulitaka area in Enga province, where the landslide occurred in the early hours of Friday while most were asleep. More than 150 houses were buried beneath debris almost two storeys high. Rescuers heard screams from beneath the earth.

“I have 18 of my family members being buried under the debris and soil that I am standing on, and a lot more family members in the village I cannot count,” resident Evit Kambu said. “But I cannot retrieve the bodies so I am standing here helplessly.” More than 72 ho- urs after the landslide, residents were still using spades, sticks and bare hands to try and shift debris. Only five bodies had been found, according to the provincial authority.

Villagers held one funeral on Monday: mourners walked behind the coffin weeping, according to UN official’s video.

Heavy equipment and assistance have been slow to arrive due to the remote location while tribal warfare nearby has made aid workers travel in convoys escorted by soldiers and return to the provincial capital, 60 km away, at night.

Eight people were killed and 30 houses burnt down on Saturday in the violence, a UN agency official said. Aid convoys on Monday passed the still smoking remains of houses.

The first excavator only reached the disaster site late on Sunday, according to a UN official. Joseph said the defence operations chief was sent to the disaster scene within 24 hours with assistance from the Australian Defence Force, and a PNG defence engineering team was on site, as well as a military helicopter for evacuations. The govt has requested a New Zealand Defence Force geotechnical team to assess possibly unstable land nearby which would making heavy earth-moving equipment dangerous, he said. REUTERS

45 die as Israel strikes camp in Rafah; Bibi admits to ‘mistake’

12 Women, 8 Children Among Those Killed; Attack Sparks Global Ire

Palestinians at the attack-site camp housing displaced people in Rafah

Tel Aviv: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Monday that a “tragic mistake” had been made after an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah set fire to a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians and killed at least 45 people, according to local officials. Israel has faced surging international criticism over its war with Hamas, with even some of its closest allies, particularly the US, expressing outrage at civilian deaths. Israel insists it adheres to international law even as it faces scrutiny in the world’s top courts, one of which last week demanded that it halt the offensive in Rafah.

Israel’s military had earlier said that it launched an investigation into civilian deaths after it struck a Hamas installation and killed two senior militants. Sunday night’s attack, which appeared to be one of the war’s deadliest, pushed the overall Palestinian death toll in the war above 36,000, according to the Gaza health ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and noncombatants in its tally.

“Despite our utmost efforts not to harm innocent civilians, last night, there was a tragic mistake,” Netanyahu told Israel’s parliament on Monday. “We are investigating the incident and will obtain a conclusion because this is our policy.”

Mohammed Abuassa, who rushed to the scene in the northwestern neighbourhood of Tel al-Sultan, said rescuers “pulled out people who were in an unbearable state”. “We pulled out children who were in pieces. We pulled out young and elderly people. The fire in the camp was unreal,” he said. At least 45 people were killed, according to the Gaza health mi- nistry and the Palestinian Red Crescent rescue service. The ministry said the dead included at least 12 women, eight children and three older adults, with another three bodies burned beyond recognition.

Rafah, the southernmost Gaza city on the border with Egypt, had housed more than a million people — about half of Gaza’s population — displaced from other parts of the territory. Hundreds of thousands are packed into squalid tent camps in and around the city. Netanyahu says Israel must destroy what he calls Hamas’ last remaining battalions in Rafah.

The strike on Rafah brought a new wave of condemnation, even from some of Israel’s close allies. “These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians. I call for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire,” French Prez Emmanuel Macron posted on X. Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto, in a TV interview, said such bombings are “spreading hatred, rooting hatred that will involve their children and grandchildren.”

Qatar, a key mediator between Israel and Hamas in attempts to secure a cease-fire and the release of hostages held by Hamas, said the Rafah strike could “complicate” talks, Negotiations, which appear to be restarting, have faltered repeatedly over Hamas’ demand for withdrawal of Israeli forces, terms Israeli leaders have publicly rejected. Neighbouring Egypt and Jordan also condemned the Rafah strike. Egypt’s foreign ministry called it a “blatant violation of humanitarian international law.” Jordan’s foreign ministry called it a “war crime.” AP

Egyptian guard killed in shooting on border

A member of Egypt’s security forces was killed in a shooting incident near the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip and an investigation is under way, Egypt’s military spokesman said Monday. Israel’s military had earlier said it was investigating reports of an exchange of fire between Israeli and Egyptian soldiers. Israel seized control of the Rafah border crossing from the Gaza side of border earlier this month as it stepped up its military offensive in the area, drawing criticism from Egypt. REUTERS

Houthis ‘attack’ 2 US destroyers, 3 ships

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis said on Monday they launched attacks on three ships in the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, and two US destroyers in the Red Sea. The group, which describes its attacks as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Israel's war in Gaza, said the ships were the Larego Desert and the MSC Mechela in the Indian Ocean, and the Minerva Lisa in the Red Sea. It did not name the destroyers. There was no immediate confirmation from shipping companies or the US military of any attacks in those areas. REUTERS

‘Offered hassle-free re-election for air base in B’desh’

PM Sheikh Hasina did not name the country that had made the offer to her but emphasised that the ‘offer came from a White man’

Dhaka: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has said that she was offered a hassle-free re-election in the Jan 7 polls if she allowed a foreign country to build an air base inside the country. Hasina, 76, secured a fifth overall term in the one-sided election in Jan, which was boycotted by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party led by former PM Khalida Zia.

“If I allowed a certain country to build an air base in Bangladesh, then I would have had no problem,” Daily Star Bangladesh quoted Hasina as saying on Sunday. She, however, did not name the country that had made the offer to her but emphasised that the “offer came from a White man”.

“It may appear that it is aimed at only one country, but it is not. I know where else they intend to go,” she said, adding that this is why her Awami League party-led govt is always in trouble. “There will be more trouble. But don’t worry about it,” she said.

When asked about her response to the offer, the PM sa- id she made the same reply as she did in 2001 when the US offered to sell the country’s gas to India. “I’ve clearly said that I’m the daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. . . we won our Liberation War, I don’t want to come to power by renting part of the country or handing it over to some other country and I don’t need power,” she said. The premier said she would only stay in office if the people wanted.

Hasina said she was fighting a battle everywhere, both at home and abroad, and the “conspiracies are still on” to carve anew country out of Bangladesh. “Like East Timor…they will carve out a Christian country, taking parts of Bangladesh (Chattogram) and Myanmar with a base in the Bay of Bengal,” Hasina said without giving details. She said conspiracies were being hatched to topple her govt and that she might have to face the same consequences her father...,Daily Star reported. Rahman was assassinated 1975. PTI

10 DEAD, MILLIONS SANS POWER AS CYCLONE REMAL BATTERS B’DESH

At least 10 people were killed and millions were left without power as Cyclone Remal lashed Bangladesh coasts with winds of up to 120kmph and storm surges, inundating hundreds of villages. ‘Remal’ weakened into a cyclonic storm on Monday, sustaining wind speeds of 80-90kmph following landfall around midnight of Sunday, the Met department said. It said that the weather system, which lay 150 km NE of Sagar Island at 5.30 am, brought torrential rain and moved northeastwards to weaken further into a cyclonic storm. The junior minister for disaster management and relief said that 10 people were killed in the official count so far, damaged over 35 households and affected over 3.8 million people. However, some media reports said the toll had reached 16. PTI

AROUND THE WORLD

A ‘TITANIC MOMENT’ WITH CINEMA: Spectators watch a film from boats during the Muyuna Floating Film Festival, showcasing films from countries with tropical forests, in Iquitos, Peru, on Sunday

History being swept away: France’s D-Day beaches threatened by rising sea levels

As France prepares to mark 80 years since Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy, the historic coastline faces a new threat — rising sea levels linked to climate change. More than 100km of Normandy’s coastline bear traces of June 6, 1944, including bunkers, shipwrecked vessels, and other vestiges from the Allied troops’ first step to freeing western Europe from Nazi German occupation. But now, the sea from which 150,000 Allied troops conducted the largest seaborne invasion in history threatens those same heritage sites. Rising sea levels are eroding dunes and cliffs, while marshes and reclaimed land risk submersion at sites visited by millions each year. The famed beaches — code-named Utah, Omaha, Juno, Sword and Gold — that were stormed by US, British Commonwealth and other allied troops have all drastically changed in 80 years. The D-Day sites “already bear no resemblance to what Allied soldiers experienced on June 6, 1944”, said Regis Leymarie, a geographer with Coastal Conservatory in Normandy. In Graye-sur-Mer, a village along Juno Beach, the sea has toppled entire bunkers, leaving residents worried that history is being swept out with the tide.

Eiffel Tower ticket prices to rise by 20% for renovation

Paris city hall on Friday voted to increase the Eiffel Tower adult admission price by 20% from next month to help pay for urgent renovation work. Visitors currently pay ¤29.4 for a ride by lift to the top of the Eiffel tower, a price tag that is set to rise to €35.3 on June 17. The masterpiece by Gustave Eiffel has been repainted 19 times since it was built for the 1889 World Fair. Eiffel recommended at the time that it should be painted every 7 years to keep rust at bay. But the 985-ft iron structure hasn’t been given a full paint job since 2010.

Iran’s near-bomb-grade uranium stock has grown, says IAEA report

The IAEA report said Iran now has 142.1 kg of uranium enriched up to 60% — an increase of 20.6 kg since the last report by the watchdog in Feb. Uranium enriched at 60% purity is just a short step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%

Vienna: Iran has further increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels, according to a confidential report on Monday by the UN nuclear watchdog, the latest in Tehran’s attempts to steadily exert pressure on the international community.

Iran is seeking to get economic sanctions imposed over it’s controversial nuclear programme lifted in exchange for slowing it down. This is all under the guidance of Iran’s supreme leader and likely won’t change after the helicopter crash that killed Iran’s president and foreign minister.

The report, seen by AP, said Iran now has 142.1 kg of uranium enriched up to 60% — an increase of 20.6 kg since the last report by the watchdog in Feb. Uranium enriched at 60% purity is just a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%. According to the report, Iran’s overall stockpile of enriched uranium at the current moment stands at 6,201.3 kg, which represents an increase of 675.8 kg since the last report by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

According to the IAEA’s definition, around 42 kg of uranium enriched to 60% is the amount at which creating one atomic weapon is theoretically possible — if the material is enriched further to weapons- grade levels of 90%.

Iran has maintained its nuclear programme is peaceful, but the IAEA chief, Rafael Mariano Grossi, has already warned that Tehran has enough uranium enriched to near-weapons-grade levels to make “several” nuclear bombs if it chose to do so. He has acknowledged the agency cannot guarantee that none of Iran’s centrifuges may have been peeled away for clandestine enrichment.

The latest IAEA report also said that Tehran has not reconsidered its Sept2023 decision to bar nuclear inspectors from monitoring its nuclear programme. The report also said that the death of Iran’s Prez Raisi have triggered a pause in the IAEA’s talks with Tehran over improving cooperation. Iran has suggested that discussions related to the cooperation between the IAEA and Iran “be continued in Tehran on an appropriate date that will be mutually agreed upon,” the report said. AP

Argentina’s 300% inflation spawns ‘ghost’ border town

Argentine & Paraguayan bills being used at a market in Paraguay’s border town of Nanawa, where sales have plunged by 60%-80%

Paraguayan shoppers used to flock in their droves to the border town of Nanawa to buy cheap imports from Argentina, where the weak peso currency for years kept relative prices low for fuel, medicine and groceries smuggled in across the frontier.

Now Nanawa is a ghost town, with prices of the contraband pushed up steeply by Argentina's rare mix of near 300% inflation and a proppedup peso that has even rallied against the dollar in widely used parallel markets under libertarian Prez Javier Milei.

“Before, things worked very well, we sold everything,” said Marta, 57, a pharmacy employee in Nanawa. “Now there is nothing left.” Shopkeepers in Nanawa estimated that sales had plunged between 60-80% since Milei took office in Dec when he sharply devalued the official peso currency and ushered in austerity. Since then the peso has been allowed to depreciate just 2% per month on a controlled ‘crawling-peg’, and monthly inflation — while slowing — has been some 10-20% each month. That's meant prices in dollar terms have soared.

In Argentina, products like olive oil and toothpaste are becoming small luxuries. Colgate toothpaste is priced at 4,976 pesos or $5 for a single 90g tube, twice what retailers charge in Paraguay and Uruguay. REUTERS

Musk, with 184m followers, ups anti-Biden posts on X

Last month, Elon Musk posted on X that Prez Biden “obviously barely knows what’s going on.” “He is just a tragic front for a far left political machine,” Musk wrote. It was the 29th time this year that he had posted about the US prez on X, formerly Twitter, which Musk bought in 2022.

Musk has steadily ramped up his criticism of Biden as the campaign season heats up before the Nov election. Musk has posted about Biden on X at least seven times a month since Jan, attacking the prez for everything from his age to his policies on immigration and health. Before that, he posted about Biden twice in Dec and not at all in Nov, according to an NYT analysis. In all, Musk had posted nearly 40 times about Biden this year, compared with about 30 times for all of last year.

In contrast, Musk had posted more than 20 times on X this year about former prez Donald Trump. In those posts, Musk defended Trump, arguing that he is a victim of media and prosecutorial bias in the criminal cases that the former prez faces.

Musk’s posts about the prez race stand out because he is signalling a willingness to tip the political scales as the owner of an influential social media platform, something that no other head of a social media firm has done. And Musk exerts outsize influence over the political discourse on X, where he regularly posts to his 184 million followers. Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s founder, has shied away from endorsing candidates and rarely posts political content on Facebook or Instagram. Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s chief, and Sundar Pichai, Google’s chief, have also not posted political commentary on their companies’ social media platforms, LinkedIn and YouTube. NYT

Russia steps up covert sabotage campaign aimed at Europe

American and European security officials say Russia’s military intelligence arm, GRU, is leading a campaign of arson attacks to slow arms transfers to Ukraine

Washington: US and allied intelligence officials are tracking an increase in low-level sabotage operations in Europe that they say are part of a Russian campaign to undermine support for Ukraine’s war effort. The covert operations have mostly been arsons or attempted arsons targeting a wide range of sites, including a warehouse in England, a paint factory in Poland, homes in Latvia and, most oddly, an Ikea store in Lithuania. But people accused of being Russian operatives have also been arrested on charges of plotting attacks on US military bases. While the acts might appear random, US and European security officials say they are part of a concerted effort by Russia to slow arms transfers to Ukraine and create the appearance of growing European opposition to support for Ukraine. The officials say Russia’s military intelligence arm, the GRU, is leading the campaign.

The attacks, at least so far, have not interrupted weapons flow to Ukraine, and indeed many of the targets are not directly related to the war. But some security officials say Russia is trying to sow fear and force European nations to add security throughout the weapons supply chain, adding costs and slowing the pace of transfers.

Nato and European leaders have been warning of the growing threat. PM Kaja Kallas of Estonia said last week that Russia was conducting a “shadow war” against Europe. PM Donald Tusk of Poland announced the arrest of 12 people accused of carrying out “beatings, arson and attempted arson” for Russian intelligence. And PM Jonas Gahr Store of Norway said Russia posed “a serious threat” after his country warned about possible attacks on energy producers and arms factories.

One of the first of the recent sabotage acts attributed to Russia was a March fire at a warehouse in London. Authorities say the warehouse was connected with the effort to supply Ukraine but have provided few details. Security officials briefed on the incident said GRU operatives used a Russian diplomatic building in Sussex, England, to recruit locals to carry out the arson. Four British men have been charged with arson in the attack, and one of them has been charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service. In response, Britain expelled a Russian military officer working for intelligence services and closed several Russian diplomatic buildings, including GRU operations centre in Sussex. The use of local recruits, officials said, has been a hallmark of the sabotage campaign. They said it is to make them appear to be result of domestic opposition to supporting Ukraine. NYT

Editorial

- Sharpening Arms

- Tinderbox India

- A switch & glitch

- Samvidhan: Sita Of The Election Epic

- ‘BJP talks of Patnaik’s age, it has nothing else…CM believes in grace in discourse…Delhi mantris have no connect here’

- Goddess Sublimates Mahishasura Of Darkness Within

- A thought for today

- Sacred space

Sharpening Arms

Theatre commands to tech upgrades, military brass has a long to-do list. GOI must smoothen the process

Army chief General Manoj Pande getting a month’s extension has been explained as GOI avoiding any senior appointments during the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. The extension must not affect the line of succession in the 12L strong force that is dealing with multiple security challenges. From the perennial Pakistan problem to the standoff with China and non-traditional threats like terrorism and insurgency, addressing them requires seeing through ongoing structural changes.

Baby steps to jointness | It’s the single-biggest agenda of CDS General Anil Chauhan. But establishing theatre commands has been a start-stop affair with inter and intra-services wrangling over assets and personnel. There’s finally some momentum with govt recently notifying the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act that will support cross-service staffing of army, navy and air force personnel. But this is just the first step. Creating a culture of jointness across services and amalgamating them into the proposed three theatre commands remain big tasks.

Evaluating Agniveers | The Agnipath recruitment scheme has radically changed the intake process for the forces. However, there are questions. Army is conducting an internal survey on the scheme while defence minister Rajnath Singh has indicated-openness to change. The scheme was supposed to create a younger profile for the forces and cut down on overall staffing flab. But the forces continue to grapple with operational shortages. The `6.2L cr defence budget for 2024-25 allocates just 28% for military modernisation with `1.4L cr going towards pensions alone.

A tech-savvy military | The Ukraine war has highlighted the changing technological nature of warfare. Drones are indispensable. But space, cyber and communications domains are equally critical. US now has a dedicated Space Force, while China recently created an Information Support Force for better oversight on tech-driven ops. While India has established a Defence Space Agency and a Defence Space Research Agency, it has a long way to go to fully integrate space & cyber tech with the forces, and produce state-of-the-art indigenous military drones. Thus, a long to-do list confronts the current and incoming military brass.

Tinderbox India

Countrywide, fire safety rules are a victim of official negligence & public apathy. Hence so many tragedies

As casualties mount in the Rajkot and Delhi fires, and shameful facts of negligence emerge from the charred wreck of a gaming zone and a hospital ward, the enormity of the dereliction of duty is hitting home. Fire incidents have seen a very sharp rise across urban India. Factories, hospitals, residential buildings, schools, tuition centres, restaurants, the risk of fire is omnipresent. It is this acceptance of the lazy approach to fire safety, India-wide, that a Rajkot happens. Or newborn babies are killed.

Haphazard cities | Electrocution deaths are reported almost daily, yet have seen no city fix its indiscriminate cabling, illegal drawing of power lines and high-risk wiring. Builders use substandard material and disregard rules where they exist – nothing that greasing palms cannot handle. Cramped factories, hospitals, tuition centres, restaurants – private enterprises flourish in matchbox set-ups that unsurprisingly, 24x7, risk being engulfed in flames with no emergency exits. Has even one municipality been penalised ever? Fires are all in a day’s work, deaths just unfortunate – that can be priced using compensation. Add to that cavalier attitudes of most civilians for whom secure surroundings, like safe disposal of inflammables, is somebody else’s responsibility.

Where’s the state | Fire is a state subject. Model Building Bylaws issued by ministry of housing and urban affairs is a guidance document for states to revise and update their building bylaws. Enforcement is at the state level. Far too many small and medium towns still lack building bylaws. Naturally, in the absence of regulatory mechanisms towns are a messy bulge, resulting in chaotic conditions.

It’s not funds, but priority | Given uptick in fire incidents, and following 15th Finance Commission recommendations, the Centre earmarked `5,000cr from 2021-22 to 2025-26, under National Disaster Response Fund to “strengthen fire services at state level”. Line of duty injury and deaths are increasing among firefighters who are almost everywhere under-equipped. But the core issue is not about funds alone. The gap is in attitude. Till fire safety is taken seriously, our offices and businesses will remain a tinderbox.

A switch & glitch

How HR took down an IPL franchise

Arnab Ray

It is magnificent but it is not war – C’est magnifique mais pas la guerre. Used famously for the Charge of the Light Brigade, for some, this is the perfect summary for the world’s richest league of bat and ball. A spectacle, no doubt, they say, but not quite a game of cricket. Maybe it is, or it is not. Still, this League of Extraordinary Gentlemen is definitely an entire Harvard Business Review full of case studies of how great teams are made and, in some cases, destroyed.

Consider a team full of the best individual contributors, comprising a proven leader, two of the best engineers in the world feared for their technical skill and prowess, two more engineers of immense potential, and a stellar support cast. More than enough firepower to produce winning products. But no, the owners want more, for nothing succeeds like excess. Into this team, they bring in another rockstar developer, one immensely aware of his awesomeness, who had left the company a few years ago for greener pastures, who comes back, but this time as King.

And so it happens: a leader for a leader, for HR treats humans as resources, as the name says. Except humans, being pesky, do not work purely for money, even immense quantities of it. They have ambitions and expectations. They feel ownership over what they built, and when that ownership is taken away suddenly and without any notice and for no good reason, no amount of ‘But this is your job, so do it’ is going to make them perform as they used to. Worse it is for those who have been led to believe they are following in succession, those who stayed on while the others left; for now, the management has taken from them the thing that actually keeps high performers in their roles.

Trust. And most importantly: Hope.

The franchise implodes. A carelessly recorded video, like a stinker email sent ‘reply-all’, makes the fissures hitherto whispered now fully public. The superstars that were and the ones that are brought in all touch the nadir of their careers, and the company, generally at the top of the table, lands firmly on the bottom. This is tragic like the original Charge of the Light Brigade, the fall of one of the greatest franchises symbolic of the very human folly of not understanding how humans work and how they play.

Samvidhan: Sita Of The Election Epic

POLLITICS Special Series on Elections

Why Opposition & BJP both say they’re on a mission to save the Constitution. In village & small town campaigns, the C word has become a catch-all for rights to state resources

Anastasia Piliavsky & Vikramaditya Thakur

This year and for the first time ever samvidhan – the Constitution – has become as pivotal to Indian electoral politics as it is to American.

A week before polls opened this year, a video suggesting plans were underway to replace the Constitution with another, based on Manusmriti, ‘which not even Baba Saheb Ambedkar himself could abolish’, circulated on social media. The following day, on Ambedkar’s 133th birthday, online media space filled with calls coming from all corners of Opposition, from Congress to AAP, to rescue the Constitution. The video turned out to be a fake, but its claim hasn’t gone away.

Since then, samvidhanhas established itself as the Sita of the electoral epic, uniting every player in a shared mission to rescue it from the others.

Brandishing a copy in Bilaspur last month, Rahul Gandhi insisted that it is the solemn duty of Congress – together with Dalits, tribals, minorities and the poor – to rescue the Constitution from BJP. Modi, in turn, accused Congress of ‘hating’ India’s constitution (and its identity and family values too), and of preparing to turn SC, ST and OBC reservations, which the Constitution guarantees, over to religious minorities, a move that would have shocked Ambedkar.

While Kanhaiya Kumar casts Opposition as ‘the Constitution’s true guardians’ (hum hain samvidhan ke asli pahredaar), BJP president JP Nadda is busy reassuring voters that govt is better placed to protect constitutional rights and values than a sankalp rahit (agenda-less) and mudda vihin (issue-free) Opposition.

After all, it is this govt that in 2015 designated Nov 26 as India’s Constitution Day. In an early public hint at tensions between RSS and BJP, this was a retort to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s suggestion to revise constitutional reservation quotas.

Neo-constitutionalism | Though the Constitution is a brand-new electoral plaything for party bosses, over the past decade it has been a flag flown high by different political movements across the country.

In 2017-18 the Jharkhand Pathagadi movement for the protection of tribal land inscribed 15ft stone slabs, set up at the entrance of many Munda villages, with quotes from the Constitution. And in 2019, JMM rode to govt in Jharkhand by invoking the Constitution to demand that Adivasis be recognised as bearers of Sarna Dharm, neither Hindu nor Christian.

In 2019-20 agitators against CAA, most notably those in Shaheen Bagh, also referred to constitutional values. Demands for reservations by peasant youth from the Jat, Maratha, Gurjar and more recently even Rajput communities, which rocked northern India over the past decade, have also placed the Constitution into spotlight – although their demands have been more narrowly focused on reservations.

Everyman activisms | A sect of Ambedkarite Mahar neo-Buddhists in Maharashtra may well celebrate Nov 26 as Preamble Day in their Baudh viharas, as they chant, after their leader: ‘One man, one vote, one value.’ But most Indian citizens do not have the Constitution on their tongues. While illiterate villagers and educated city dwellers alike have a lot to say about their state or central govt (sarkar, shaasan) or administration (prashaasan), the world’s longest constitution leaves them tongue-tied – an arcane matter best left to lawyers and judges.

A new generation of rural activists has set out to change this. Santosh, a Bhil activist, the first from his family to attend school and now in possession of a master’s degree in social work, runs constitutional awareness workshops in tribal northern Maharashtra. Using stories and songs in local languages, he explains to a crowd of barely-literate villagers, gathered after a long day’s work: ‘The road to your village, govt welfare schemes, forest rights, the court, all come from this deshachi pustak (country’s book).’

Dhanaji, a lower-caste activist from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, says: ‘Dams and electricity, which created rural prosperity, tie back to state planning, and, eventually, the Constitution. So do primary health centres in villages and reservations for women.’

Dadabhai, a Dalit school teacher in Nandurbar, Maharashtra, adds: ‘Many historically subordinated groups, especially women, Dalits, and Adivasis are now thinking, what’s my problem, and how can it be addressed using the Constitution?’

Everyday un-enlightenment | But is this what they really think? Few people in Nandurbar, an ST district, where activists promote constitutional consciousness, invoke Article 15 guaranteeing equality or Article 342 guaranteeing tribal reservations. The absence of the C word in everyday political conversations stands in sharp contrast to the language of welfare and development, which most freely speak.

Youth across the countryside, where unemployment is pandemic and agriculture increasingly unprofitable and uncertain, have been pursuing reservations as part of their demand for stability. Caste censuses conducted in AP and Bihar and demanded in other states are part of this country-wide preoccupation. As activists rile up villagers in support of their demands, the Constitution is helping them bridge well-familiar welfarism with the latter-day politics of reservation.

For all rural activists’ efforts, it is, however, the ‘rescuers’ of the Constitution in Parliament who are now most effective at adding the statute to people’s claim-making lexicon. In just six weeks the C word has been transformed from an obscure technical term into a buzzword of India’s political common sense.

Piliavsky is a social anthropologist at King’s College London. Thakur teaches anthropology at University of Delaware

‘BJP talks of Patnaik’s age, it has nothing else…CM believes in grace in discourse…Delhi mantris have no connect here’

Q&A - POLLITICS Special Series on Elections

IAS officer turned BJD politician VK Pandian is the centre of attention and campaign storms in Odisha during the 4-phase simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly polls, set to end on June 1. CM Naveen Patnaik’s poll strategist and star campaigner, Pandian is leading the pushback against an aggressive Modi-led BJP. Pandian tells Ashok Pradhan that Modi and Patnaik have “immense mutual respect”, even as he charges state BJP with incompetence.

● What’s been your experience as BJD’s biggest campaigner?

It’s humbling to see the people’s trust and love statewide. It shows their absolute faith in Naveen Patnaik, and a little bit of that has rubbed onto me. It just inspires us to work harder.

● BJP often talks of Patnaik’s age. This vote is being seen as a measure of people’s opinion of you as Patnaik’s ‘successor’.

BJP’s made this up as a political narrative. On June 4, Odisha will give them a befitting reply. With Jagannath’s grace, Naveen Patnaik will take oath on June 9 as CM for sixth term. BJP’s not yet announced their CM nominee – they know very well no state leader can measure up to the CM.

They’ve been talking about his age in their election speeches from 2014 onwards. BJP can’t find anything else to talk about. My role, currently, is to help Naveen Patnaik win his sixth term. With people’s blessings, it’ll happen.

● Will Sambit Patra’s ‘Jagannath is a Modi Bhakt’ have an impact?

Lord Jagannath is above everything, eternal, timeless. Mahaprabhu is the greatest symbol of Odia Asmita representing the faith of millions. This statement hurt the sentiments of Jagannath bhakts and Odias across the world. Lord Jagannath should be kept beyond politics. May good sense prevail…

● BJP rarely attacks Patnaik. But now the party’s attacking him via you.

People of Odisha don’t believe in personal attacks, crude language. That is not Odisha’s culture. Our CM also believes in grace in public discourse. A thorough gentleman, he believes work should speak. State BJP hasn’t learnt this from their experiences of 2014 and 2019. They have nothing to show in terms of work so they indulge in false narratives and personal attacks. It will only go against them.

● But despite their rapport, Modi’s attacking Patnaik.

This happens during elections, but both Modi and Patnaik have immense respect for each other.

● What are BJD’s main planks?

Our focus is on the youth. Odisha will have the country’s first youth budget. `1L cr has been set aside for this over the next decade. The next 10 years are very important for us. In 2036 Odisha will celebrate 100 years of its formation.

We’ll transform Odisha into top three economies in the country with focus on industrialisation and job creation. There’ll be huge investment in college education and skilling. Nua-O scholarships for college-goers will provide `14,000 to girls and `12,000 to boys annually.

As a regional party, we’ll continue to fight the Centre for our rights. Demand for special category status, increase in MSP for farmers, revision of coal royalty that hasn’t happened since 2004 will be our major demands.

We’ll increase coverage of health insurance card. For energy security, Naveen Patnaik announced free electricity, which’ll benefit 90% people and also incentivise energy saving. Protection and promotion of our heritage, culture and language will be a priority. The first global Odia language conference’s recommendations will be taken up. Heritage sites will be developed. `1,000cr budget has been set aside for this.

● Modi, Union ministers are campaigning here in full strength. What is BJD’s strength?

BJD’s greatest strength is Naveen Patnaik, and his work. He’s in politics to serve the people, not for power. That’s what makes him different. People of Odisha know this. Hence even after five terms, there’s only pro-incumbency.

It doesn’t matter for BJD how many Union ministers or CMs come and go as they simply read out from scripts and have no connect with people. For example, Assam CM says he’ll make Odisha No. 1. Patnaik questioned him, what will he do for Assam? He should better concentrate on his own state, which has a much higher per capita debt than Odisha.

● What’s been the impact of veterans leaving BJD?

None whatsoever. It’s election time; those who didn’t get tickets sought electoral prospects elsewhere. It only reveals their commitment and gratitude to the party and people. BJP has welcomed such people. In fact, BJP was waiting for our lists to be announced so it could invite all such people.

Goddess Sublimates Mahishasura Of Darkness Within

THE SPEAKING TREE

Anandmurti Gurumaa

In most parts of the world, the Divine is commonly perceived in a masculine form, which is why it is often said, ‘He is the giver; he is the doer.’ However, in India, God is also worshipped in a feminine form. The word ‘Durga’ means fortress. Durga is the power that creates, sustains, and destroys this fortress-like world. The power through which the body, mind, and nature are created, operated, and destroyed is known as Durga.

From a mythological perspective, it can be said that three energies were born from the vibrations of this Durga shakti – Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Brahma signifies the creator, Vishnu the sustainer, and Shiva the destroyer. They are with form and also formless. It is like a tree hidden within a seed, even though it is invisible to our eyes. Just because we cannot see it does not mean that the tree does not exist within the seed. The tree becomes visible only when the seed sprouts.

There is a mythological story about a demon named Mahishasura. He performed intense penance and was granted a boon that no god or demon could kill him. Consequently, he wreaked havoc everywhere. All the gods prayed to Shiva, asking for protection from the demon. Shiva, along with Brahma and Vishnu, worshipped the Goddess, resulting in the emergence of a powerful entity that had the form of a woman and eight arms. The eight arms symbolise power that extends in all eight directions; thus, she is called Durga.

Each of Durga’s eight arms holds a unique weapon, signifying a distinct facet of her power. The lotus in one hand represents bliss, the conch shell in another signifies knowledge, and the trident she wields symbolises the three qualities – sattva, rajas, and tamas. Her bow signifies aim or focus, which should be self-directed or introspective, while the sword represents discernment. The spear symbolises concentration and focus, and the gesture of the first hand signifies blessing, assuring the seeker not to worry.

As the Goddess takes on different forms, she embodies different aspects. When she adopts a fierce form to sublimate demons, she is known as Kali. When she blesses, she is known as Mangala. When she creates everything from herself, she is Goddess Kushmanda. By giving birth to Kartikeya, she becomes Skandamata. After killing Mahishasura and upon the gods’ prayers, she relinquished her fierce form and became calm; then she was named Katyayani.

The tale of Mahishasura is essentially the narrative of a seeker. You possess power, too, but if you misuse it, you become a demon. Wealth, strength, and knowledge are all powers that should be wielded judiciously. Kama, krodh, sobh, mada, moh and matsarya – lust, anger, jealousy, greed, ego, and attachment – can metamorphose one into a demon. Who is Mahishasura? Your subconscious mind. All sins and virtues reside in this subconscious mind. Mahish means fear. Ignorance and fear are symbolised by the colour black. Knowledge is symbolised by radiance, effulgence and brightness. Ignorance, attachment, sin, fear, desires, and possessiveness take the form of Mahishasura and cause distress. How can they be eradicated? For this, the Goddess needs to be awakened. By awakening this power through spiritual practice, you can sublimate the demon Mahishasura dwelling in your subconscious mind. When it awakens, it sublimates your subconscious mind’s Mahishasura of darkness and fear.

A thought for today

A nation’s ability to fight a modern war is as good as its technological ability

FRANK WHITTLE

Sacred space

There is one thing, and only one thing, in which it is granted to you to be free in life, all else being beyond your power: that is to recognise and profess the truth.

Leo Tolstoy

Times Business

- Sweden’s EQT raises $1.6bn for Asia fund

- Telcos need to pay GST with spectrum charges

- Sensex hits 76k for first time, gives up gains amid volatility

- Patents Act to be amended to strengthen pro visions

- China creates $48bn fund for local chip cos

- Adani, Tata grp cos look at stake-sales, bonds for funds

- RBI fines Yes Bank over ‘zero a/c balance’ charges

- Musk’s xAI raises $6bn from VC funds

- FM: Will ensure taxpayer money is put to best use

- Silver outshines gold, but pace lags in India

- Goldman Sachs raises growth forecast for 2024 to 6.7%

- LIC’s health insurance foray expected to boost coverage

Sweden’s EQT raises $1.6bn for Asia fund

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Mumbai:Sweden-based private equity firm EQT has closed a new $1.6 billion Asia-focused fund, and India is expected to get the largest share of capital allotment from it, the company said in response to queries. The PE firm raised more capital than its initial estimated target of $750 million.

EQT plans to bet on the healthcare, financial services and technology sectors in India and the market has bagged two of the fund’s four investments so far. In Dec last year, EQT had acquired a majority stake in Chennai’s Indium Software from existing shareholders through the fund.

The broader strategy of the fund will be to invest in high-growth mid-market companies across Asia. Private markets in the region remain relatively underserved — in 2023, for instance, only 9% of the capital raised globally went to Asia-focused funds.

“This dedicated strategy aims to help address this financing gap. The region is the epicentre of global growth, expected to contribute 60% of global GDP by the end of 2024,” EQT said in a statement on Monday. Besides India, Japan, Australia and Southeast Asia will be the other areas of focus for the fund.

Telcos need to pay GST with spectrum charges

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Telecom companies will have to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST), along with the instalments paid towards spectrum charges, a senior official said.

GST will have to be paid at 18% by telecom companies along with each instalment, an official at Department of Telecom (DoT) said. “The GST Council in its next meeting is likely to clarify the procedure for payment of GST by companies winning the bids during the spectrum auction.”

The clarification should end confusion among field formations regarding the method for collection of GST in the auction process. DoT will hold the next round of spectrum auction on June 6 for eight spectrum bands meant for mobile phone services. The base price for the auction has been set at Rs 96,317 crore.The spectrum will be assigned for 20 years and successful bidders will be allowed to make payments in 20 equal annual instalments in the coming auction.

All the available spectrum in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz, 2,100 MHz, 2,300 MHz, 2,500 MHz, 3,300 MHz, and 26 GHz bands are part of the auction. The total frequencies being put under the hammer are valued at Rs 96,317 crore on base price.

Moore Singhi executive director Rajat Mohan said under the GST law, spectrum payment is covered under licensing services for the right to use other natural resources on which tax is levied at 18%.”

Sensex hits 76k for first time, gives up gains amid volatility

Loses 800 Pts In Late Trades To End Flat As Investors Book Profit

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Mumbai: In volatile trades on Monday, the sensex and Nifty scaled new life highs early in the session. Even as the sensex hit the 76,000-mark for the first time, strong selling in late trades pulled both indices to close in the red.

Market players said that ahead of the Lok Sabha poll results on June 4, investors are booking profit and taking some money off the table — hence the barrage of selling at every rise in the leading indices. In Monday’s market, after the initial rally, volatility jumped and the sensex lost over 800 points from the day’s high due to all-round selling. Finally, it settled flat, just 20 points down at 75,391 while Nifty closed 25 points down at 22,932.

As volatility spiked, the India VIX scaled a new multi-year peak at 26.2 — a level not seen since March 2022. During the day, it was up almost 21% on intraday volatility but closed with a gain of 6.8%. As has been the case in the recent few weeks, on Monday too, foreign portfolio investors were net sellers at Rs 541 crore while domestic institutional investors were net buyers at Rs 923 crore.

According to Vinod Nair of Geojit Financial Services, the market is facing stiff resistance at higher levels as investors are booking profit at every rise in leading indices to avoid knee-jerk reactions in the market ahead of the election results next week. “Better earnings growth, the expectation of a revival in priva- te capex, and a moderation in FPI selling intensity are the key positive triggers in the market. The release of India’s Q4 GDP and US inflation figures this week will also influence investors to get a direction in the near term,” Nair said.

The day’s session saw a marginal Rs 8,000 crore drop in BSE’s market capitalisa- tion which settled at a tad below Rs 426 lakh crore. Among the 30 sensex stocks, 18 closed in the red. Reliance Industries, ITC and M&M contributed the most to the index’s loss, BSE data showed. In the broader market, there were 2,323 stocks which closed with losses compared to 1,650 stocks that closed higher.

Patents Act to be amended to strengthen pro visions

Sidhartha@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: The department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT) will soon move amendments to the Indian Patents Act to strengthen provisions around disclosures related to use of traditional knowledge and genetic resources, while filing patent applications.

Last week, developing countries, including India, managed to secure a commitment for disclosure of traditional knowledge and genetic resources at the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), with 15 countries already endorsing the treaty, dubbed as the first to address the issue that has been under discussion since 1999. It has faced resistance from the US and several developed countries, as well as large corporations.

A senior govt official told TOI that while the Indian law provides protection and has got several patent offices across the world to tap into the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) to check patents, the move to have a treaty will address the issue more comprehensively as only 35-odd countries have similar provisions.

DPIIT is seeking to move amendments to section 10 of the Indian Patent Act, while seeking cabinet nod for signing the agreement.

Genetic resources are contained in, for example, medicinal plants, agricultural crops, and animal breeds and in the past there have been attempts to patent haldi and basmati.

China creates $48bn fund for local chip cos

China has set up the country’s largest-ever semiconductor investment fund to propel development of the domestic chip industry, the latest effort from Beijing to achieve self-sufficiency as the US seeks to restrict its growth. The third phase of National Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund has amassed 344 billion yuan ($47.5 billion) from central govt and various state-owned banks and enterprises, including Industrial & Commercial Bank of China, according to Tianyancha, an online platform that aggregates official company registration information. The fund was incorporated on May 24.

BLOOMBERG

Adani, Tata grp cos look at stake-sales, bonds for funds

Reeba.Zachariah@timesgroup.com

Mumbai: Three companies from India’s two largest conglomerates are looking to raise funds amid their growth plans. Adani Energy Solutions (earlier known as Adani Transmission) plans to sell shares worth Rs 12,500 crore to institutional investors, while the board of sister company Adani Enterprises will meet on Tuesday to consider raising fresh capital. Tata Steel, part of the salt-to-software Tata Group, is also looking to raise money via non-convertible debentures (NCDs).

On Monday, Adani Energy Solutions’s board approved a fund-raise of Rs 12,500 crore through various instru- ments including qualified institutional placement (QIP) and will seek shareholders’ nod on the same on June 25, the day when it will also hold its annual general meeting.

Billionaire Gautam Adani and his family, who currently own 73% in Adani Energy Solutions, will see their stake diluted in the post-equity capital of the company. QIP is a less regulated route than a public market offering to raise money from institutions like banks and private equity funds. The move, if successful, will broaden Adani Energy Solutions’s shareholder count — one of the key criticisms against Adani Group companies — as well as increase its heft globally.

In May 2023, the board of Adani Energy Solutions had approved a fund-raising proposal of Rs 8,500 crore via QIPs. But the company did not go ahead with the proposal despite shareholders’ nod. A shareholder approval is valid for a year. And if the company plans to raise funds via equity, it will have to approach shareholders again for their consent.

Monday’s move by Adani Energy Solutions comes 11 days after it completed the acquisition of Essar Transco, a power transmission line running from Mahan electricity plant in Madhya Pradesh to Sipat pooling station at Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh, for Rs 1,900 crore. The company did not specify the reason for the Rs 12,500-crore fund-raise and the price at which the securities will be issued.

RBI fines Yes Bank over ‘zero a/c balance’ charges

ICICI Bank too fined for irregularities in project loan sanction

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Mumbai: RBI has imposed penalties on ICICI Bank and Yes Bank of Rs 1 crore and Rs 91 lakh, respectively, for violation of norms. Yes Bank violated RBI norms by imposing charges on bank accounts where the balance had run down to zero. It had also opened and operated internal accounts in customers’ names for unauthorised purposes such as parking funds and routing transactions.

RBI norms prescribe that customers can be charged for banking services only if they have a balance in their accounts. If the balance in an account falls to zero, the bank is required to suspend its servi- ces. The 2014 guidelines say that banks must ensure that the balance in the savings account does not turn negative solely on account of levy of charges for non-maintenance of minimum balance.

The penalty on ICICI Bank is for irregularities in sanction of a project loan. Both banks’ violations were detected following a statutory inspection of their books during RBI’s supervisory evaluation for FY22.

RBI found that ICICI Bank sanctioned term loans to entities to replace budgetary resources for certain projects. The bank had approved the loans without due diligence on the projects’ viability and bankability. It also allowed repayment/servicing of loans from budgetary resources. The loans were approved without ensuring they were for specific, monitorable projects.

Musk’s xAI raises $6bn from VC funds

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI has raised $6 billion to accelerate its challenge to his former allies at OpenAI.

The series-B round, announced in a blog post on May 26, comes less than a year after xAI’s debut and marks one of the bigger investments in the nascent field of developing AI tools. Musk had been an early supporter of AI, backing OpenAI before it introduced ChatGPT in late 2022. He later withdrew his support from the venture and has advocated caution because of the technology’s potential dangers. He was among a large group of industry leaders urging a pause to AI development last year.

Musk launched a rival to OpenAI’s ChatGPT in Nov, called Grok, which was trained on and integrated into X, the social network formerly known as Twitter. That has so far been the most visible product of xAI’s work, which is led by executives with prior experience at Alphabet’s DeepMind, Microsoft and Tesla.

The company intends to use the funds to bring its first products to market, build advanced infrastructure and accelerate the development of future technologies, it said in the blog. Its pre-money valuation was $18 billion, Musk said in a post on X. Marquee ventu- re capital names including Sequoia Capital and Andreessen Horowitz backed the fundraising, which is one of the largest so far in the industry. Microsoft has invested about $13 billion in OpenAI, while Amazon put about $4 billion into Anthropic.

BLOOMBERG

FM: Will ensure taxpayer money is put to best use

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Promising to continue with the reform push, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said the Narendra Modi govt intends to continue to maximise the value and impact of hard-earned taxpayer money, ensuring it is put to the best possible use for the benefit of all.

The statement comes amid a flurry of announcements of freebies and doles promised by political parties, led by the Congress.

In a social media post, FM said the Modi govt has prioritised transparency in its budgeting practices and numbers. Countries with transparent Budgets are often viewed favourably by international bodies such as the IMF and the World Bank. This can lead to improved global trust.

“This starkly contrasts the @INCIndia-led UPA govt’s repetitive practice of hiding the deficits through off-Budget borrowings and issuance of ‘oil bonds’, which somewhat covertly shifted the fiscal burden to future generations. Under UPA, standard fiscal practices were routinely changed to make Budget numbers look favourable,” she said.

Listing out a series of measures taken by the Centre over the last 10 years, Sitharaman said various expenditure reforms have helped govt save interest costs while building transparency and efficiency in treasury management.

“This is critical as it reduces the wastage of crucial resources, allowing them to be utilised for welfare measures. It also ensures that every rupee collected from taxpayers is used with utmost efficiency. Various measures have been taken to improve expenditure efficiency by reducing unspent and parked funds at various levels,” she tweeted. She also flagged the new tool for release of funds to argue how expenditure management had improved in recent years. “Our govt, led by PM Sh @narendramodi is committed to harnessing cutting edge technology, enhancing transparency, and pursuing ongoing reforms to lay a strong foundation for a Viksit Bharat,” FM said.

Silver outshines gold, but pace lags in India

Int’l & Domestic Returns Differ As Trade Deal With UAE Allows Import Of Silver At Lower Duty

Partha.Sinha@timesgroup.com

Mumbai:Silver has outperformed gold in domestic and international markets by a margin of around 10 percentage points over a year. However, returns from silver in the domestic market are lagging the international ones even as the rupee has weakened, while returns on gold are nearly identical in domestic and international markets.

Silver prices rose nearly 33% in a year, while gold rates increased by 21% in international markets. In India, silver returns stood at just over 29% against gold’s nearly 20%.

The difference in returns in silver emerged as Indian importers are using the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement route — a bilateral trade channel between India and the UAE that allows lower duties. Compared to the standard 15% import duty on gold and silver, CEPA allows 6-8% lower duty on silver, analysts said.

Lower landing costs and the expectation of a strong rally in silver prices had led to huge imports of the metal in the last 4-5 months. This had caused some supply overhang, resulting in lower price of silver in India compared to the international market. This has opened an arbitrage opportunity in silver between Indian and international prices, market players said.

Taking advantage of the CEPA, “in the last four months, silver imports to India were in abundance… about 2,000 tones”, said Navneet Damani, senior VP (commodity research), Motilal Oswal Financial Services. “The market was flooded with imported silver.”

The stronger rally in silver was due to two reasons: its industrial use as well as in the jewellery segments. “Silver is used in the solar industry, EV, hydropower and also in the 5G telecom towers and equipment,” Damani said. All these use-cases are le- ading to higher demand for the white metal, while global production is still in deficit mode, he said.

Damani expects silver to outperform gold over the next couple of years. He anticipates that its price could breach the Rs 1-lakh-per-kg mark by year-end from about Rs 90,000 level now.

According to Amit Goel, co-founder & chief global strategist at Pace 360, a Sebi-registered multi-asset PMS and a category III AIF, the anomaly between the domestic and international price-differential is unique. If one takes the dollar-denominated parity price, then domestic prices should be Rs 4,000-5,000 more than the current price in India.

Goldman Sachs raises growth forecast for 2024 to 6.7%

Investment bank expects RBI to cut interest rates in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2024

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Global investment bank Goldman Sachs has raised India’s GDP growth forecast for the calendar year 2024 to 6.7%, citing robust indicators that point to the growth momentum sustaining, but pushed back its forecast by a quarter for the RBI to move on interest rates.

“Going forward, we expect investment growth momentum to sustain with extra fiscal space for infrastructure spending given a higher than expected dividend transfer by the RBI,” the investment bank said in a note, while revising the growth estimate. Several multilateral agencies, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), have raised India’s GDP growth projection after stellar expansion in the Oct-Dec quarter of 2023-24. The IMF now estimates India’s GDP to grow 6.8%, higher than the earlier estimate of 6.5%. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expects the economy to grow by 7% in the current fiscal year.

The report said that they expect the RBI to cut interest rates in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2024 with the first cut most likely in the Dec 2024 meeting.

LIC’s health insurance foray expected to boost coverage

 From P 1

India is a highly under-penetrated insurance market and at the end of 2022-23, less than 2.3 crore health insurance covers were issued, covering 55 crore lives. Of this nearly 30 crore were covered by govt-sponsored business, while almost 20 crore were insured through group insurance. Govt and regulator are keen that more health covers are issued and LIC’s entry into the space is expected to spur that. Irdai data showed that during FY23, life insurers issued under 2.9 lakh new policies covering almost 3 lakh lives.

Mohanty’s remarks on Monday came while announcing LIC’s financial results for FY24. LIC reported a net profit of Rs 13,762 crore for the quarter ending March 2024, slightly higher than Rs 13,427 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Profits were impacted by a provision for wage revision, and lower margins were attributed to higher group business.

During the last fiscal year, the insurance behemoth reported an 11% increase in profit after tax (PAT) to Rs 40,676 crore. LIC has recommended a final dividend of Rs 6 per share for the financi- al year 2023-24, subject to shareholder approval. Additionally, an interim dividend of Rs 4 per share was declared and paid during the year, bringing the total interim and recommended final dividend to Rs 10 per share.

"During the last year, we focused on making directional changes in our product mix and enhancing margins in the business. We have more than doubled our share of non-par business within our Individual business. Now, we intend to focus our strategic interventions to maximise our market share across categories,” Mohanty said.

Times Sport

- WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS?

- Maoists killed my kin, living in fear: Padma Shri awardee

- GALLERY

- Harmanpreet’s treble steers India to victory

- Riley gets first individual PGA win at Colonial

- WI complete 3-0 T20I series rout of S Africa

- Prajwal: Went into depression, isolated myself post Cong attack

- Rusty Sinner in 2nd round

- NAGAL FALLS TO KHACHANOV IN RAIN-HIT OPENER

- Doc admitted getting `3L from dept head: Pune CP

- ‘At KCR’s behest, then SIB DSP intercepted phones’

- We’ve created new image and brand of Bharat, says Modi

- GPR survey by ASI starts at Bhojshala complex

- GAMBHIR & KKR: A BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY

- I will also be lifting World Cup: Rinku

- Deadline ends but BCCI, Gambhir mum

- MONEY WELL SPENT!

- Power-packed batting led to SRH’s turnaround

- ‘Shreyas ideal candidate for India captaincy in future’

- YOU REDEFINED THE WAY WE PLAY T20S: OWNER TO SRH

- ABIDING MEMORIES OF IPL 2024

- ‘Chelsea in talks with Leicester’s Maresca’

- XAVI’S LAST STAND

- Spanish court orders FIFA, UEFA to stop opposing Super League

- BARCA STARLETS YAMAL, CUBARSI IN SPAIN EURO LIST

TIMES IN PARIS

WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS?

NADAL LOSES TO ZVEREV IN HIS FIRST-EVER ROUND ONE EXIT, LEAVING QUESTIONS OPEN ON HIS ROLAND GARROS FUTURE

Nadal is the only player in history to win 14 singles titles at one Grand Slam tournament

Prajwal.Hegde@timesgroup.com

Paris: Rafael Nadal returned the love to Court PhilippeChatrier, where the packed house chanted ‘Rafa, Rafa, Rafa’ for three-hours of his Roland Garros first-round match, as if to remind their 14-time champion of who he was. A stirring love song that echoed across the grounds well after that final forehand landed long.

“The feelings you make me feel here are just unforgettable,” Nadal told the stands, where everyone, including fellow pros Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek, stood. “Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart; I hope to see you again, but I don’t know.”

Nadal, tennis’ 22-time major winner, went down 3-6, 6-7 (5), 3-6 to the fourth-seeded Alexander Zverev on a wet, cold day in Paris. To be sure Nadal had his chances, 11 opportunities to break the German’s serve in the match.

Nadal will return to Roland Garros in a couple of months to play the Olympics, but he was unsure of his plans thereafter. The door is ajar.

“I still have some goals,” Nadal said. “I hope to be back on this court at the Olympics.”

Nadal, playing in a pastel blue-green tee, said he was getting better, felt better with every passing day, leading into Roland Garros.

“At the end, I was ready to build my game and my confidence day by day, but I never had those days of competition, because I faced a very tough opponent. Probably today I needed him not playing a great match,” Nadal said. “I played at a good level in all ways, comparing to the way that I was playing the weeks before.”

“Of course, disappointed for losing, but in terms of (how my) body is feeling, happy that I finished healthy, I had a tough battle out there. And I was ready for a little bit more,” the 37-year-old said.

“If it’s the last time that I played here, I’m at peace with myself,” Nadal said, smiling. “I tried everything to be ready for this tournament. The last two years, I have been working and going through probably the toughest process in my tennis career with the dream to come back here. At least I did. I lost, but that’s part of the business.

Maoists killed my kin, living in fear: Padma Shri awardee

 Continued from P 1

Maoists have killed (relatives) Komal, Sagar and Dukaan, and two others. We are living in fear. my family has asked me to stop distributing medicines and to return the award,Hemchand Manjhi said Monday. The breaking point came Sunday when Maoists torched two mobile towers in Chameli and Gardand villages in Chhotedonger region (40km from Narayanpur district headquarters and 260km from Raipur) and scattered leaflets, accusing Manjhi of “acting as an agent for Aamdai mines” and threatening to kill him.

The leaflets bore a picture of Manjhi receiving the Padma Shri from PrezDroupadi Murmu and stated: “Manjhi has been contributing to the commissioning of Aamdai mining project and has also been receiving a lot in return.” This is not the first time that Maoists have levelled such an allegation and threatened Manjhi.

Denying the accusations, Manjhi said he has no business dealings with the iron ore mine. “I took this decision after discussing it w ith my family. Maoists unnecessarily spoke against me in their leaflets. I have been serving people, curing diseases and ailments with ‘jadi-booti’ since the age of 20. But no more,” Manjhi said. Maoists killed Komal in Dec last year, accusing him of taking Rs 16 crore from the mines. “Now, they are accusing me of taking Rs 11 crore,” the ‘vaid’ said. Following Komal’s murder, Manjhi was provided with three security personnel and shifted to Narayanpur town for his safety. However, Manjhi said the house he was given didn’t have basic facilities, so he had to move into a rented house. “I have no clue about any mine dealings. We live in a rented place under threat. I appeal to govt to provide me with proper shelter and security. The house I was earlier provided by the district administration has no water or other facilities, not even a boundary wall,” he added.

GALLERY

British horse rider dies in fall

London: A professional horse rider has died from a fall when competing at an equestrian event in Britain, governing body British Eventing said. Briton Georgie Campbell, who was married to New Zealand event rider and Tokyo Olympian Jesse Campbell, suffered a fatal accident while competing at the Bicton International Horse Trials in Devon, England, on Sunday. She was 37.

BCCI’s cash reward for IPL groundsmen and curators: Describing them as “unsung heroes”, BCCI secretary Jay Shah on Monday announced that groundsmen and curators of all the 10 regular IPL venues will be given Rs 25 lakh each as a token of appreciation for providing “brilliant pitches” during the league.

Indian junior women’s hockey team loses to Germany: The Indian junior women’s hockey team lost 4-6 to Germany in its fifth match of their tour of Europe in Dusseldorf on Monday. However, after conceding six goals, India rallied to score four goals and asserted themselves in the second half of the match.

Ganguly asks Saha to play ‘one last match’ for Bengal: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has asked aggrieved veteran stumper Wriddhiman Saha to play “one last match” for his home state Bengal before calling it quits, Tripura Cricket Association joint secretary Jayanta Dey said on Monday. “Ganguly wants Saha to retire for Bengal, playing at least one last match. Saha told me this. But he’s yet to ask for an NOC from Tripura,” Dey said.

AGENCIES/TNN

ACTION TODAY

CRICKET: Eng vs Pak, 3rd T20, 11 pm (Sony);

TENNIS: French Open, 2.30 pm (Sony)

FIH PRO LEAGUE

Harmanpreet’s treble steers India to victory

Antwerp: Captain Harmanpreet Singh led from the front with a sensational hat-trick as the Indian men’s hockey team recorded a thrilling 5-4 win over Argentina in the FIH Hockey Pro League here. Besides Harmanpreet (29’, 50’ and 52’), Araijeet Singh Hundal (7’) and Gurjant Singh (18’) scored for India, while Federico Monja (3’), Nicolas Keenan (24’), Tadeo Marucci (54’) and Lucas Martinez (57’) were on target for Argentina.

India made a good start, keeping the ball for most of the first quarter and came up with accurate passes to make their way into the Argentina striking circle. However, Argentina drew first blood when Federico found the back of the net from a close range to give them a 1-0 lead. In response, India equalized quickly as Araijeet scored a brilliant field goal. India also earned a penalty corner but failed to capitalize on it as the first quarter ended 1-1.

India started the second quarter on a high note. The fast counter-attacking aggressive approach helped India extend their lead after Gurjant scored an excellent field goal. India were slightly dodgy the next few minutes after scoring the goal as they gave up possession and were punished when Argentina broke into a quick counter, making their way through the left flank.

It was Nicolas Keenan who drove into the Indian circle, beating the defenders to strike the ball into India's goal levelling the score at 2-2. However, India earned a PC with a minute remaining in the quarter and Harmanpreet made it 3-2 in India's favour. The third quarter was entertaining with both teams displaying quick-fire hockey. India secured a penalty corner but couldn't convert it as Harmanpreet's shot was blocked well by the Argentina goalkeeper. With both teams defence standing tall, the third quarter remained goalless.

Riley gets first individual PGA win at Colonial

Fort Worth:Davis Riley shot even-par 70 while playing in the final group Sunday with Scottie Scheffler, and still won a subdued Colonial by five strokes over the world’s No. 1 player and Keegan Bradley for his first individual victory on the PGA Tour. Riley finished a t 14-under 266 after rolling in a 6-foot par putt on the final hole. Bradley had a closing 67, and Scheffler shot 71 on a day when he hit only seven of 14 fairways and didn’t have a birdie until the 13th hole.

After beginning the final round with a four-stroke lead, Riley gave up a stroke with a bogey on the second hole when he drove into the right rough and then hit into the bunker. But that was the closest Scheffler — or anybody else — would get with wind gusts of 20 mph and more blowing throughout the day. Riley’s only other PGA Tour win came when he and Nick Hardy won the Zurich Classic team event in New Orleans last year.

AP

WI complete 3-0 T20I series rout of S Africa

Kingston: The West Indies completed a 3-0 sweep of their T20I series with South Africa after an eight wicket crushing of the Proteas at Sabina Park on Sunday. Set 164 to win, the Caribbean side raced to the target with 6.1 overs to spare and for the loss of just two wickets.

Openers Brandon King and Johnson Charles put on 92 in 6.4 overs with Charles in particular punishing the tourists as he battered 69 off just 26 balls. Charles hit 14 of those 26 balls for boundaries including five sixes. Kyle Mayers came in and kept up the momentum and when stand-in skipper King departed for 44 (28 balls), West Indies were 130-2 with 9.1 overs remaining.

Mayers ended on 36 not out as the West Indies ensured they head into the T20 WC in confident mood. The squad will feature several players who missed this series such as skipper Rovman Powell and Andre Russell.

AFP

Prajwal: Went into depression, isolated myself post Cong attack

 Continued from P 1

Everyone claims they are not guilty... SIT, based on evidence, will say what they have to,state home minister G Parameshwara said.

Prajwal says in the video that he “went into depression” and “isolated” himself after MP Rahul Gandhi and other Congress functionaries defamed him publicly. “I was watching a news channel on YouTube when I learnt (about the sex abuse allegations). After that, SIT also issued a notice. I sought a week’s time to respond to the SIT notice through my lawyers and X handle.”

The suspended JD(S) functionary alleges that several people in his constituency conspired against him “as I was growing politically in Hassan”.

“Looking at all these things, I was shocked; so I was a bit away. No one should mistake my absence for fleeing.” Prajwal, who is seeking reelection from Hassan, insists in the video that his trip was planned before the allegations surfaced. “There was no case against me at the time, and SIT was “not formed” either.

Addressing his family and supporters, the son of former minister HD Revanna says, “I apologise to my parents, my grandfather, (uncle) Kumaraswamy and my party workers, and the people of the state. I have come before you to share information as I had (so far) not disclosed where I am abroad. Let the blessings of God, people, and my family be upon me. After arriving (in India), I will endeavour to put an end to all this. Have faith in me.”

JD(S) patriarch Deve Gowda recently directed Prajwal to return to India and face the probe into allegations against him, while asserting there would be no interference from him or other family members. He said his grandson should be given the harshest punishment under the law, if found guilty. Congress govt in Karnataka wrote to Centre thrice, seeking revocation of Prajwal’s diplomatic passport. MEA then served him a show-cause.

Rusty Sinner in 2nd round

Prajwal.Hegde@timesgroup.com

Paris: Injury and slippery form have given the Roland Garros men’s draw a wideopen look. Everybody is in it.

World No.1 Novak Djokovic has had an indifferent start to the season. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, the second and third seeds here, have battled injury woes in the lead-up to the clay court Grand Slam, and 14-time champion Rafael Nadal returns to this ochrehued carpet after a gap of 24 months, in the winter of a storied career.

Sinner, unruly crown and committed approach, came through 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 against American Christopher Eubanks on Monday, and promptly raised the ante.

Eubanks, fluid service action and an ability to think on his feet, repeatedly asked the questions in the 2-hours and 9-minute affair.

It was a rain-hit day in Paris, it came and went like a wavering radio signal. The skies were a mix of blue and grey, the ubiquitous threat of disruption hanging over the venue. The freshly minted roof over Court SuzanneLenglen was on standby for the day’s first feature match of the day Sinner’s play — 33 winners and 24 unforced errors, 61 percent of first serves – reflected some of the rust, which was the coloring of his collarless tee. The Italian, who took the court with a Gucci bag, was cheered on by his rumoured girlfriend WTA Pro Anna Kalinskaya, said the hip is 100 percent.

Sinner, showing no sign of the hip injury that forced him to miss the Rome Masters, was ahead 4-1 after just 16 minutes of play.

The 22-year-old attacked the American’s single-hander with the precision of a marksman. As the match progressed, Eubanks settled down and pushed back, to his credit, Sinner, who was flirting with the lines, came up with adequate responses.

“The hip seems good. I’m very happy about that,” Sinner said.

Sinner, who is in the race for the world No.1 ranking with Novak Djokovic, is aware of the equation. “At the moment, I’m not thinking about that. I’m just looking forward to competing. We can practice a lot, but without competition, it’s not so much fun,” Sinner said.

NAGAL FALLS TO KHACHANOV IN RAIN-HIT OPENER

Paris: Sumit Nagal’s game revolves around his fight, which comes alive when he uses his legs and throws back balls from impossible positions, discomfiting opponents with his placement. Clay, which gives the Indian the time to play his shots, is the surface best suited for his style of play. Unfortunately for Nagal, who was making his Roland Garros main draw debut on Monday, he couldn’t quite piece his game together early enough against the powerful 18th seed Karen Khachanov.

Khachanov, 6-ft 6, came through the raininterrupted first-round match 6-2, 6-0, 7-6 (5).

Nagal, the first Indian to play in the main draw here after Prajnesh Gunneswaran in 2019, was broken early in the contest, after recovering from a 0-40 deficit in the third game of the match. Khachanov broke on the fourth chance.

TNN

Doc admitted getting `3L from dept head: Pune CP

Yerwada police carrying out on Monday an inspection of the Porsche car involved in the accident that killed two techies

Continued from P 1

Both these samples were sent for DNA fingerprinting to FSL. The DNA fingerprinting of the minor’s father was done at FSL after his arrest last Tuesday in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar,” the police chief said. The DNA of father and son matched in the Aundh hospital’s sample, he said. “However, it did not match a t Sassoon. This prompted us to investigate the matter.”

Pune police commissioner Amitesh Kumar said, “We have added sections 120-B, 213, 214 and 467of IPC to the charges.” The investigation revealed that after the accident, the builder hired an unidentified middleman to get in touch with Ghatkamble. The latter helped the builder contact Taware around 10am on May 19, Kumar said.

The builder’s phone, seized from his bungalow, showed that he made a regular call to Taware and later used an application to make 20 more calls.

Halnor, the police chief said, admitted during his questioning that he r eceived Rs 3 lakh from Taware. It was Halnor who allegedly threw the boy’s blood sam- ple into a dustbin and replaced it with that of someone else. “We are verifying the identity of the person whose sample was used.

Also, we are examining Ghatkamble’s mobile phone to identify the middleman.”

On Sunday evening, crime branch officials picked up Taware from his residence and Halnor from the hospital. They were arrested at 5am on Monday. Ghatkamble was arrested on Monday afternoon.

Halnor gave a clean chit to the teenager on May 19 after conducting a physical examination, Kumar pointed out. A senior police officer said the builder, who is in judicial custody in another case under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act for allegedly handing over the car to his minor son despite knowing that the latter did not possess a driving licence, will soon be arrested in the first case. Police invoked sections 304, 304-A, 279, 337 and 338 and 427 of IPC against the driver. Meanwhile, vowing justice in the Pune’s Porsche fatal crash, deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis praised police on Monday for swiftly arresting two doctors from Sassoon Hospital for allegedly replacing the blood samples of the 17-year-old accused with other samples.

“The incident is very serious. Pune police tracked call record details of the two doctors and obtained an alternative blood sample of the accused, uncovering the conspiracy,” Fadnavis said.

‘Taware’s removal was recommended in the past too’

Maharashtra govt’s Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) on Monday set up a three-member committee to probe the ‘misconduct’ by two doctors of Sassoon General Hospital, Ajay Taware and Shrihari Halnor, who were arrested for allegedly manipulating the blood sample reports of the teenager involved in the May 19 Porsche car crash, reports Steffy Thevar.

DMER director Dilip Mhaisekar told TOIthat the directorate had recommended Dr Taware’s removal as the superintendent of Sassoon hospital in the past, while questioning his role during an alleged kidney racket case in 2022 and a rat bite case reported last month. “Despite our action, Dr Taware was brought back as the superintendent by hospital dean Vinayak Kale. Dr Kale needs to answer on whose orders from govt he brought back Dr Taware,” said Mhaisekar.

The three members will visit Sassoon hospital on Tuesday and inspect all the necessary documents.

‘At KCR’s behest, then SIB DSP intercepted phones’

 Continued from P 1

However, KCR’s bid to trap BJP came unstuck as the matter reached Telangana high court, which transferred the case to CBI.

Referring to KCR as “peddayana” (elder), Radha Kishan Rao said in his confession that the then CM was upset the plan did not work out. “Peddayana was angry for not completing the ‘work’ as per his expectation. I will not disclose further details as I owe alot to Peddayana who had re-appointed me twice and posted me in the city task force after my retirement in 2020,” he said. Rao disclosed that in Oct last year, then Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) chief T Prabhakar Rao told him that KCR was informed by then Tandur MLA Pilot Rohith Reddy that some persons claiming to be influential in BJP were in touch with him (Rohith Reddy) and were trying to convince him to join BJP after leaving BRS along with other MLAs.

At KCR’s behest, SIB (former) DSP D Praneeth Rao intercepted phones of some private persons and the MLA, and submitted an audio clip, Rao revealed.

The former CM then ordered police to lay a trap and told Rohith to cooperate with the cops. He allegedly asked three more MLAs to be part of the operation.

Accordingly, the Tandur MLA (Rohith Reddy) enticed three persons to come to a farmhouse in Moinabad, the former DCP said. The trio was arrested on charges of luring four BRS MLAs to join BJP.

“Later, an SIT was formed and KCR wanted to arrest BJP national leader Santhosh to make the case strong, so that BJP would agree to a compromise, and it could be used to get rid of the ED case against his daughter Kavitha,” the confession report alleged.

However, due to the inefficiency of some officials in Cyberabad p olice, a key person escaped from police custody, it added.

A team of cops, led by SP-rank officer Rema Rajeshwari, took a chartered flight to Kerala, but failed to nab the wanted person, Rao mentioned. The poaching case later reached the Telangana high court, which stayed the arrest of the accused and handed over the probe to CBI in Dec 2022.

We’ve created new image and brand of Bharat, says Modi

PM Modi also said that the UPI facility played a significant role in India’s fight against Covid-19

 Continued from P 1

On May 25, Pakistan’s Fawad Chaudhry posted a message for Kejriwal, while replying to his X post, “May peace and harmony defeat forces of hate and extremism”. Kejriwal had swiftly distanced himself from the endorsement from across the border with a post on X, saying Indians were capable of sorting out their issues.

On May 1, Chaudhry had written on X, “Rahul on fire”, while tagging a video where the Wayanad MP was criticising BJP, particularly targeting Modi. This drew sharp reactions from BJP. The party called it an obvious case of “Congress’s dalliance with Pakistan”.

Modi also said Taj Mahal was not the only tourism destination in the country that foreigners should visit, adding that other serene and picturesque locales were waiting to be explored. “Just by visiting Taj Mahal, you can’t think you have seen the whole of Bharat. There is huge potential in the country and there are multiple destinations to explore,” he added.

The PM said his govt succeeded in its efforts to create a new image and brand of Bharat and make global powers “curious” about India and its diversity with a series of G20 summits across the country.

Modi said the UPI facility played a significant role in India’s fight against Covid-19, even as several prosperous countries faced problems. “If there was no UPI, can someone tell me how we would have fought Covid? Even rich countries could not provide money to their people despite having sufficient funds. We gave it easily to the needy,” Modi said.

“Today, we can send money to 11 crore farmers within 30 seconds. Now, UPI is user-friendly because of talented youth who create such world-class products that any common person can use,” he added.

GPR survey by ASI starts at Bhojshala complex

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Mhow: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) deployed ground penetrating radar (GPR) to identify structures buried in Bhojshala/Kamal Maulana mosque compound as the court-ordered survey entered the 67th day on Monday.

GPR, brought from Hyderabad, is being used in the inner side of the main hall, considered the sanctum sanctorum of Waghdevi temple, and ‘Hawan Kund’ outside it, Ashish Goyal, representative of petitioner Hindu Front for Justice, told TOI.

It was used on the eastern side of the complex, he said, adding: “GPR survey is good as it will limit excavation.” GPR machine is scanning the complex in grids of one square metre each, Goyal added.

Excavation continued in the northern side, outside the main monument. Three stone artifacts have been unearthed. One of them is made of white marble and resembles a broken idol, Goyal said, adding other two look like ‘simple stones’, but ASI has taken all three for further examination.

GAMBHIR & KKR: A BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY

As Kolkata Mentor, Ex-India Opener Injected Passion & Provided Crucial Cricketing Smarts

Saibal.Bose@timesgroup.com

Kolkata: Is Gautam Gambhir just a lucky charm for Kolkata Knight Riders or is there a deeper connect that is translating into success?

If you delve deeper, you’ll surely find a deeper connect between a passionate mentor and the franchise that just can’t be shrugged off. Having led KKR to two titles in 2012 and 2014, it wasn’t a surprise when Gambhir was cajoled into coming back to shepherd the team which had underperformed the previous year. Under Nitish Rana (stand-in captain) and Chandrakant Pandit (coach), KKR had finished seventh and a booster shot was the need of the hour before another season.

Shreyas Iyer was back as the skipper, but the icing on the cake was getting Gambhir on board. Team co-owner Shah Rukh Khan would have put on all his charm to poach Gambhir from Lucknow Super Giants. He managed, and the straight-talking Gambhir was emotional for a change. “Not many things move me. But this is different. This is back to where it all started. Today, there is a lump in my throat and fire in my heart as I think about slipping into that purple and gold jersey once again. I am back. I am hungry. I am number 23,” Gambhir said in a statement put out by KKR.

Yes, he was back, and the beautiful journey had started all over again.

Before the tournament, Nitish Rana, while speaking to TOI, talked about the positive vibes in the dressing room and credited Gambhir for that. “The body language is different this time. We know we can go all the way,” although Rana did not get to see too much action on the field this time due to an injury, his words proved prophetic. “Gautam-bhai’s return is a huge boost for us,” Rana said. “I have learnt a lot from him and his ideas work very well.”

One of them was to make Sunil Narine open again. The Trinidadian spinner had perhaps had never fancied himself much as a batter, let alone as an opener, till Gambhir pushed him to the top of the innings for KKR in 2017. It was deja vu this time when Narine opened with Phil Salt and the combination worked like magic.

Even though Englishman Salt could not stay on till the end, his tango with Narine laid the foundation for this triumph. And to think of it, Salt wasn’t even in the initial roster. He came in as a replacement for Jason Roy, perhaps another of Gambhir’s brainchild.

After the Chepauk conquest on Sunday, Narine spoke of Gambhir’s backing that gave him the confidence to play his natural game. “GG (Gambhir) just saying, ‘go there and enjoy it, just try to win a few games for the team’ was a good advice,” Narine said after collecting the Most Valuable Player award as his birthday gift. A little while earlier, he had lifted Gambhir and the mentor — despite his seemingly frail physique —had reciprocated.

Earlier, during a KKR event, Gambhir had spoken about mentoring Narine when he first joined KKR. “This young shy boy came in 2012 and did not utter a word. He has gone through so much in this jersey, what any cricketer would never go through.” It was good to see the shy boy, now transformed into a confident cricketer, laughing with his mentor.

This support also kept Mitchell Starc going, particularly when it was being doubted if the almost Rs 25 crore tag on him was justified. Gambhir backed the Aussie to the hilt when the pacer was leaking runs in deluge. “Four games doesn’t make him a bad bowler,” Gambhir had said when Starc was conceding almost 15 runs an over. “I know that what impact he can create and what impact he will create in the competition.”

The impact came in the knockout games, particularly with a near unplayable ball that castled Abhishek Sharma on Sunday and set KKR on the road to victory.

A hug and a kiss from Shah Rukh Khan was quite an apt gesture. The KKR owner will of course, face a stiffer challenge to keep him back, more so with speculations of an India job knocking.

At an event for fans, famed Kolkata singer Usha Uthup had exhorted Gambhir to smile more. She had finished with: “Gautam, we love you, even if you are Gambhir.”

Kolkata will always have a special place for Gambhir, even if he swaps the KKR jersey for India’s blue.

KNIGHTS TIME: (Left) KKR players with the trophy. (Above) Gambhir (right) with team co-owner Shah Rukh Khan and Sunil Narine

I will also be lifting World Cup: Rinku

RINKU SINGH

Chennai: “You guys watch, I will also be lifting the World Cup,” an ecstatic Rinku Singh said after clinching the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders here, looking forward to the T20 showpiece in the Americas where he will be among the reserves for Team India.

“I am headed to Noida first, and then, I will be going to the United States of America. You guys watch, I will also be lifting the World Cup,” Rinku told Jio Cinema.

Rinku’s omission from India’s T20 World Cup squad was a talking point after its announcement last month. He is among the four reserves, including batter Shubman Gill.

Playing a part in final, it’s special: Russell

Chennai: With the Kolkata Knight Riders lifting the IPL trophy, team all-rounder Andre Russell said he feels excited over his con- tributions to the team’s journey in the IPL and it’s a special feeling. “When you’re a part of this squad, not playing or not involved in the field, but supporting the guys all the way, it’s always a good feeling, but this is a special feeling. In the XI, playing a part in the final, contributing as well through my leadership and everything, it’s an exciting feeling. It’s special,” Russell said on Jio Cinema.

Deadline ends but BCCI, Gambhir mum

New Delhi: The deadline for applying for the post of Indian men’s team chief coach ended on Monday but both the BCCI and the top name in its wishlist, Gautam Gambhir chose to keep silent on the development.

After guiding Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL trophy on Sunday, it is but natural that Gambhir’s name is getting more momentum.

While both interested parties haven’t said anything on record, the BCCI, it seems, doesn’t have too many options available at the moment. PTI

MONEY WELL SPENT!

From Laughing Off Banter On His Price Tag To Bowling The Ball Of The Season, Mitchell Starc Now Plans On Becoming An IPL Regular

HERE TO STAY: KKR’s Starc bowls in the IPL final against SRH

Dwaipayan.Datta@timesgroup.com

Chennai: It’s not easy being the costliest player in the history of IPL. It becomes doubly difficult when Rs 24 crore don’t translate into performances straight away for a team like Kolkata Knight Riders.

But then, that’s where class and pedigree take over and Australian superstar Mitchell Starc showed that with his two match-winning spells for KKR in Qualifier 1 in Ahmedabad and the final in Chennai on Sunday.

“There has been a bit of friendly banter about the price tag, but then that didn’t bother me much. I have had my share of critics all my life and you can expect such conversations when you come to the best domestic league in the world. It is our job to set examples for younger players and I am grateful that the club had the success and I had a small part in it,” Starc said after his Man of the Match effort.

The ball that the 35-year-old Starc bowled to remove Abhishek Sharma was hailed by many as the ‘ball of the tournament’. When asked to explain how he executed that ball to perfection, Starc smiled. “Don’t know much more than the fact that it hit the stumps. For 14 years I have been trying to do it, good that it came off in Qualifier 1 against Travis Head as well. It feels nice when a ball like that comes off, but the most important thing is that it resulted in Powerplay wickets, one of the most important things in T20 cricket.”

Close to quitting ODIs

Starc was asked whether he would return to IPL, a tournament that he last played in 2015. While he has always been in demand, Starc chose to give his body some rest, to be fit to play for Australia. But now, he feels that he is “closer to the end” of a superb career that he had for the Aussie national team.

“For the last nine years, I have prioritized Australian cricket. April and May are the two months off for us and I tried to give my body some rest. But moving forward, I know that one format may have to drop off — the ODI World Cup being so far away (2027 in South Africa), it could be that,” Starc said.

“It is a great lead-up to the T20 World Cup playing against so many great players in such a competitive league. I look forward to being back next year and I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of KKR. It’s on the management to decide if they want to retain me, but I really enjoyed these two months,” he said, hoping for an encore next year.

ON THE KNIGHTS OF THE KOLKATA TABLE...

Pacer HARSHIT RANA: He is talented, learnt a lot through the season and bowled the hard overs. With all the variations that he has, Harshit is only going to improve.

Captain SHREYAS IYER: Didn’t know him much before, it was fantastic to see how calm he was when situations were tight. He has his own way of seeing a game but he is always happy to talk as well.

Mentor GAUTAM GAMBHIR: He has been part of KKR before as a player and you can see how desperately he wants the team to do well. He has a great tactical eye and his discussions and inputs on how to go about certain players and situations have been spot on this season.

EDEN GARDENS: It’s nicer being the home team there. It’s loud and busy and you can see how the fans love the franchise and how they want the team to do well.

Power-packed batting led to SRH’s turnaround

SO NEAR... Cummins led from the front, and SRH responded brilliantly

Shiva.Gundra@timesgroup.com

Their tame surrender in the final apart, Sunrisers Hyderabad shattered several records this season. It proved a season of turnarounds for them after having finished last in the table in 2021, eighth out of 10 in 2022 and at the bottom last year

SRH relied on the batting pyrotechnics of Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen, while skipper Pat Cummins brought the much-needed calm to the side with his experience. A key factors that contributed to this inspirational turnaround...

Inclusion of Australian firepower

Not going for an overall revamp, SRH, who retained the core team, broke the bank to acquire the services of Australia captain Cummins for Rs 20.5 crore and opener Travis Head for Rs 6.80 in the auction. Their inclusion breathed a new lease of life into the team.

Head-Abhishek combination at top

The aggressive brand of cricket at the top was not new in world crick- et. However, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma took powerplay batting to a new level. They helped SRH script several records. While Abhishek Sharma hit the most sixes in the season, SRH ended with the most maximums. More often than not, the duo sealed the fate of games with their attacking game. Riding on the duo’s form, SRH broke the record for the highest total twice. The duo added 691 runs together, including an unbeaten 167-run opening stand against Lucknow Super Giants.

Cummins’s captaincy

There were doubts over how Cummins would lead in the shortest format. However, he not only slipped into the role to perfection but also got the best out of the players. The way he communicated with domestic players, with whom he was working for the first time, was commendable.

Cummins made bold moves, adapting the horses-for-courses formula, even if that meant benching Markram, Mayank Agarwal, Rahul Tripathi and Glenn Phillips.

He formed a formidable partnership with head coach Daniel Vettori and the duo’s experience of working together at the Australian national team setup produced results. Vettori was clear in his vision and time and again Head-Abhishek credited the captain-coach duo for their success

Making their home a fortress

Ahead of the first match in Hy- derabad, captain Cummins mentioned that they wanted to make their ground a fortress, and he stuck to his words. SRH won five of their home matches, losing only one, and the match against Gujarat Titans was washed out. Making most of the home conditions helped them get into the playoffs.

The bowling unit consisting of T Natarajan (19 wickets), Cummins (18), and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (11) deserves a mention as they did their job under the radar with the batters hogging the limelight.

SRH captured the imagination of the world in T20s with their high-risk high-reward strategy. With the T20 World Cup almost upon us, it would be interesting to see how many teams adapt to this trend.

SRH RECORDS 2024

●Highest team total 287/3 vs RCB

●Highest Powerplay score125

●Most team 6’s in season 178

●Most 6’s by Indian in a season Abhishek Sharma (42)

●Fastest team 100 vs DC

●Highest total in 1st 10 overs – 167* (vs LSG)

‘Shreyas ideal candidate for India captaincy in future’

PROVING A POINT: Shreyas Iyer hugs coach Chandrakant Pandit

Gaurav.Gupta@timesgroup.com

Mumbai: When this IPL began, Chandrakant Pandit wasn’t going through a pleasant time with a few players questioning his “dictatorial.” coaching style. Pandit had the last laugh on Sunday. In an exclusive interview with TOI, Pandit explained what makes him a successful coach. Excerpts...

After coaching Mumbai, Vidarbha and Madhya Pradesh to Ranji titles, what does an IPL crown mean to you?

It’s a great, special and a very different feeling. This is a high-pressure, prestigious international-level tournament. There’s continuous travelling and you have to maintain that winning momentum. There are a lot of ups and downs. It’s a long journey. You face many obstacles, and to bounce back from them feels something different for the team.

What do you think makes you such a successful coach?

I always believe in discipline. There’s a routine that I always follow. Respecting the game is most important. I don’t go above the game, and never allow the others to do that.

Recently, a few players had criticised your coaching approach...

I always stick to my style of working. I don’t get distracted or react to that because you cannot keep everyone happy. I’ve been coaching for almost 25 years now, however, I’m also changing a little with the new gen- eration and understanding them better. This season was more relaxed because I knew what was important for the team.

How would you describe mentor Gautam Gambhir’s role in the win.

His presence in the dugout was a great motivation for everyone. It was a great boost for us. He came in with a lot of cricketing experience. He’s been a part of the IPL for so many years. We took all the decisions collectively.

KKR captain Shreyas Iyer has been very impressive, leading from the front despite losing his BCCI contract...

I would give a lot of credit to Shreyas. He’s been a fantastic captain, very calm and cool. He was receptive to our suggestions and handled the team well on and off the field. With KKR, he showed the qualities which make him worthy for India captaincy in the future.

How did you motivate Shreyas?

Any player will be a little disappointed with that (contract snub). However, that should not affect his performance. Whenever we would discuss anything, we would never touch upon that point. We were clear that the task at hand was more important. I remember that he told me: ‘Sir, I’ll prove it.’ The way he has batted in this IPL he now seems to be a more matured, sensible batsman.

Mitchell Starc was struggling initially...

It’s about the plan that we are expecting him to execute. He’s such a big, experienced player. I could make out that he’s highly committed. We discussed about trying to come round the wicket at times. He accepted our suggestion and tried it out too in a match. He’s a very humble man. He was always there to discuss anything with us and was very receptive.

Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar too came in for a lot of praise...

Nayar’s contribution was huge, while Bharat Arun (bowling coach) and Carl Crowe (spin bowling coach) deserve credit for the bowlers’ fine show. Nayar conducts our camps well. He spends time throughout the year with our domestic players. Whenever they are free, our domestic players come to Mumbai for a camp with us. It’s not necessary that 15 players have to be there for us to have a camp.

YOU REDEFINED THE WAY WE PLAY T20S: OWNER TO SRH

Chennai: Sunrisers Hyderabad CEO Kavya Maran motivated the heartbroken SRH players after they fell short by a distance in the 2024 IPL final on Sunday.

There was a sense of disbelief in the SRH camp and Kavya was spotted crying after SRH’s loss against the Riders. She later addressed the team in the dressing room and stated that the players redefined the way T20 cricket is played.

“You all have made us so proud. I had to come here and tell you that. You have redefined the way we play T20 cricket and everyone is talking about us. The off day had to happen today, but a great job, all of you with the bat and ball. Thank you so much,” Kavya said in a video posted by SRH on X.

“I think even though we finished last place last year, I think all the fans came out in huge numbers because of the potential you guys had. Everyone’s talking about us and even though KKR won, I am sure everyone’s still going to be talking about the style of cricket we have played.

“Thank you guys, take care and don’t look like this. We played the final, it wasn’t just any other game. I mean all the other teams have been watching us tonight. Thank you guys, I will see you soon,” she concluded.

ANI

ABIDING MEMORIES OF IPL 2024

The 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) saw some exhilarating cricket being played with mostly bat dominating the ball. While every game generated a lot of buzz, there were some standout achievements and moments during the tournament. TOI takes a look:

1. STARC’S ‘BALL OF THE TOURNAMENT’ TO ABHISHEK SHARMA

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Mitchell Starc did justice to his Rs 24.75 crore price tag with outstanding performances in the knockouts – first in Qualifier 1 and then the Final (both against SRH). The ‘ball of the tournament’ came in the first over of the final when Starc breached opener Abhishek Sharma’s defence with a peach of delivery that pitched on middle stump and deviated away at the last moment to clip the off bail. A bewildered Abhishek had no answer to Starc’s brilliance.

2. PUNJAB KINGS CHASING DOWN 262 AGAINST KKR

KKR were at the receiving end of the highest-ever chase in the history of T20 cricket when Punjab Kings cruised over the line with 8 wickets in hand and eight balls to spare. After KKR posted 261/6, a Kolkata win looked certain. But Prabhsimran Singh raced off the blocks, scoring 54 off just 20 balls. Jonny Bairstow then took over

and smashed an unbeaten 108 off 48 balls. Shashank Singh, one of the breakout Indian stars of the tournament, put on the finishing touches with an unbeaten 68 off 28 balls.

3. THRILLING FINAL OVER IN RCB VS CSK GAME

Has to be the most thrilling finish in this IPL when RCB held their nerves in a tense finish against CSK. The two teams knew that only one of them would qualify for the Playoffs at the end of the game. CSK needed 17 off the final over to ensure that despite the defeat they go to the Playoffs ahead of RCB with a better net run-rate. MS Dhoni began with a 110m six off Yash Dayal as the ball went out of the stadium. That proved to be a blessing in disguise as RCB got a drier ball. The change of ball helped Dayal bowl his slower deliveries into the pitch as CSK fell 10 runs short of what they needed to qualify. The after-match scenes were incredible, with Virat Kohli almost in tears, as RCB pulled off a remarkable comeback in the tournament.

4. ‘TRAVISHEK’ POSTING HIGHEST-EVER POWERPLAY SCORE IN T20S

Sunrisers Hyderabad scripted history as they registered the highest Powerplay team score in T20 cricket during the match against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The opening duo of Travis Head (84 off 26 balls) and Abhishek Sharma (10-ball 40) – now given the moniker of ‘Travishek’ – smashed the Delhi bowlers to all corners of the ground to score 125 in the first six overs.

5. WILL JACKS’ SENSATIONAL HUNDRED One of the best performances has to be the sensational hundred Will Jacks scored for RCB against Gujarat Titans. The England allrounder was batting on a run-a-ball 17 and it looked like a struggle for him. But then something flipped and he scored 83 off the next 24 balls to bring up a staggering 41-ball hundred. Jacks took Rashid Khan to the cleaners and hit 10 sixes in those 24 balls of mayhem in Ahmedabad.

—Hindol Basu

‘Chelsea in talks with Leicester’s Maresca’

London: Chelsea are holding talks to make Leicester’s Enzo Mar esca their new head coach, according to British media reports. The Italian, who until last year was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at English champions Manchester City, has overseen an immediate return to the Premier League for the Foxes following their relegation 12 months ago.

His style of football is also said to have impressed Chelsea chiefs, with Sky Sports reporting Monday the Blues had asked Leicester for permission to speak directly to Maresca, whom they added was the London club’s preferred choice. Chelsea are on the hunt for a new man ager after parting company with Mauricio Pochettino. He spent just one season in charge at Stamford Bridge, with Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna, who led Ipswich to top-flight promotion behind Leicester, also linked with the vacancy. Pochettino left after a late surge resulted in Chelsea finishing sixth in the Premier League.

AFP

XAVI’S LAST STAND

Barca coach departs with disappointment that his work was not appreciated enough

Seville: Sacked Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez said he leaves the club disappointed after feeling his work was not appreciated enough as they finished the season with a 2-1 win at Sevilla on Sunday.

Xavi, 44, who joined Bara on a three-year deal when Dutchman Ronald Koeman left in 2021, led the Catalan giants to their 27th league title last season. He compiled 90 wins, 23 draws and 29 defeats in 142 games in charge but was fired on Friday. “I have the feeling that everything I have done in these two and a half years has caused an earthquake. I have been targeted many times in many situations,” Xavi said.

“I think that the work has not been sufficie ntly appreciated. This year we haven’t been up to the task because of details. We had four key games in which we couldn’t finish the good work we had done,” he added.

LaLiga runners-up Barcelona, finished 10 points behind Real Madrid.

Xavi decided to step down in Jan but agreed to return in April after talks with pres ident Joan Laporta, who later changed his mind. “It is not for me to say the reasons. I think it is up to the presiden t to say them. I had no choice but to accept it. I’m not leaving with a sense of relief because we wanted to continue.” REUTERS

Spanish court orders FIFA, UEFA to stop opposing Super League

London: A Spanish judge ordered soccer ruling bodies FIFA and UEFA to halt their opposition to a parallel European competition known as the European Super League (ESL), ruling they were pr actising anticompetitive behaviour and abusing their dominant position.

Judge Sofia G il Garcia ruled that the governing bodies violated European Union law by banning clubs from participating in a proposed new professional soccer championship, a court statement said on Monday. In the ruling, Gil Garcia also ordered FIFA and UEFA to immediately reve rse any anticompetitive actions committed in the past. The case was brought by A22 Sports Management, the sports development company behind the plan to create the ESL, against the Spanish Soccer Federation, Spain’s LaLiga, UEFA and FIFA, who had blocked the ESL.

Gil Garcia’s ruling followed a similar decision by the European Cou rt of Justice in December. In a Monday statement, La Liga insisted the ruling does not explicitly support the creation of the Super League.

REUTERS

BARCA STARLETS YAMAL, CUBARSI IN SPAIN EURO LIST

Madrid: Spain coach Luis de la Fuente named Barcelona’s teenage stars Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi in a 29-man Euro 2024 squad list on Monday.

De la Fuente must cut three players before June 7 for the tournament that kicks off in Germany on June 14.

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez and Real Betis’ Ayoze Perez also get their first ever international call-ups.

De la Fuente left out various players who have been involved in the last few years, including Marco Asensio, Gerard Moreno and Pablo Sarabia.

AFP

Delhi Times

- BRAVING THE HEAT FOR THE TRI LIFE

- 10 SAAL BAAD: IPL TROPHY

- A cheese egg burger is all I know how to make, says Rithvik Dhanjani

- Celebs set out for Anant-Radhika’s pre-wedding Europe cruise

- ‘HAVEN’T SEEN THE SHAMELESS, BUT I’M THRILLED NINE LIVES INSPIRED IT’

- A book launch at the Cannes Film Festival

- I hope brands support small and independent ﬁlms: Huma Qureshi

- DID YOU KNOW?

- A battle of the biryanis at IPL ﬁnale

- IPL trophy: KKR’s newest teammate

- It’s tough to get into Bollywood’s inner circles: Elnaaz Norouzi

- Global ﬂavours to celebrate Burger Day

- ALOO TIKKI USED TO BE MY FAVE BURGER, SAYS RITHVIK

- Thrilled that my book inspired a wonderful movie, says Dalrymple

- Wearing my mom’s scarf was a tribute to her: Prateik Babbar

BRAVING THE HEAT FOR THE TRI LIFE

Endurance sports is a lifestyle. I believe it’s a boon for us to train in extreme temperatures. In Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Milkha Singh would practice sprinting in low oxygen terrain, to become better. So, I believe extreme heat is helping me in my triathlon training – Nitendra Rajput, 49, Senior VP and Head of AI Garage at an MNC

Gearing for triathlon needs significant lifestyle changes like eating clean, unprocessed food, which keeps the body cool and light in this heat – Ankur Jain, 43, partner at a legal firm

It is so hot that I strive to efficiently use my training hours and I don’t tire myself out unnecessarily. I drink a lot of fluids and electrolytes. We do indoor training for cycling, to avoid the heat on some days – Tanmay Dubey, 44, Alliance and channel leader at a leading MNC

(L-R) Nitendra Rajput, Ankur Jain, Tanmay Dubey, Alok Saxena and Abhishek Mishra at a training session in Gurgaon

Shivika Manchanda

With mercury levels oscillating between 35 to 45°C, Gurgaon-based triathletes, who are in the final leg of their prep for the Ironman Triathlon, are braving the heat during their training. Ahead of the competition, triathletes share how facing the extreme temperature is a vital aspect of their fitness regimen.

39-year-old Ironman and Ultraman finisher Abhishek Mishra is training fellow marathoners and triathletes this year to participate in the Ironman Triathlon in the Austria and Germany chapters. They are currently engaging in brick workouts, a training method that combines any two aspects of the competition – swimming, cycling, and running – on a given day. “Training window during summers is small. The days are planned in a way that the body stays in form and experiences less fatigue. For instance, cycling or running after 9am can be exhausting.”

‘Eat fresh and clean food, get adequate sleep, train in the morning’

“Anybody who is into fitness, trying to live a healthy life must eat plenty of fruits, fresh smoothies, fresh juices, cold soups, and yoghurt. One needs to keep their diet light.

While keeping your plate colourful and eating naturally cool food, it is also important to eat on time. Avoid eating foods that can raise energy levels after 5pm,” says Ironman and Ultraman finisher Abhishek Mishra.

● Eat light, eat clean

● Increase liquid consumption, have a glass of electrolyte post every session

● Avoid liquor and limit caffeine intake

● Get six hours of sleep

● Utilise morning hours, between 6am to 8am for your workout

● Do strength training and body weight training for 30 minutes daily under the fan

● Fuel your body when your body needs it – eat and drink on time

For the event, triathletes wear full length wet suits for the 3.8kms swim in the lake but for training they opt for neoprene tri-suits or trunks due to the weather

Alok Saxena, 49, head of ERP at a software company, says, “If you trust the process and follow the discipline, the body adapts. It is important to have some liquid every 15-20 minutes while training. With long working hours, we are training only for two hours on weekdays and about seven hours on the weekends.”

#THROWBACK VOICES 2009

10 SAAL BAAD: IPL TROPHY

KKR’s IPL win was reason enough for Shah Rukh Khan to celebrate. SRK, who was hospitalised in Ahmedabad a few days ago due to dehydration, was seen celebrating the win with his team and family

Gauri Khan shared a picture of herself and SRK posing with the coveted trophy. “Winners @kkriders”, read her caption

“…Success has this beauty that it eradicates all personal and impersonal attacks. So, instead of saying, explaining, justifying – all I need to do is succeed at IPL. And which I will do. Unless I do that, there’s no point me explaining anything. I am hearing so much about what I am doing – which I am not doing. But I don’t explain. I’ll just go and win IPL – and then all my decisions will sound right. The crux is not what people are saying. The crux is that my team is losing. And I need to rectify that. And once I win, it’ll be like Shah Rukh theek keh raha tha

— SRK in an interview to us in 2009, prior to KKR winning an IPL title

SRK and KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir shared a light moment post the team’s big win

In a heartwarming moment post KKR’s win, Suhana was seen asking her dad if he was happy before hugging him. The two were joined by AbRam and Aryan

While SRK wore a jubilant smile throughout the match, his Hyderabad counterpart Kavya Maran didn't have the best of days. Otherwise seen celebrating her team's performances throughout the tournament, Kavya was left teary-eyed during the final

P4

International BURGER DAY

A cheese egg burger is all I know how to make, says Rithvik Dhanjani

I have to track my cheat days and watch how much I eat. I have already had three burgers during this shoot. Tomorrow, I’ll be spending long hours at the gym to burn off what I have eaten today

RITHVIK DHANJANI

Neha Maheshwri

Who can resist splurging on burgers with juicy patties, melted cheese, and a medley of sauces, all nestled in a soft, fluffy bun? So, when we invited Rithvik Dhanjani for a special Burger Day shoot, he dived right in. After all, it was also a welcome break from his strict diet regimen. As he posed with a table full of delectable burgers, he said, “I’m digging into a burger after nearly four years. I have to track my cheat days and watch how much I eat. I have already had three burgers during this shoot. Tomorrow, I’ll be spending long hours at the gym to burn off what I have eaten today (laughs!).”

CONTINUED ON 6

Celebs set out for Anant-Radhika’s pre-wedding Europe cruise

As per some reports, there’s been a last-minute change of plans. The cruise, initially planned to be brought from Miami, had to be switched to one from Malta due to a parking problem.

Celebs papped at Mumbai airport on Monday

A file photo of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant from their pre-wedding celebrations at Jamnagar; (right) A photo of the cruise’s invite, that has been doing the rounds on the internet, details all the events that are set to unfold

After a grand pre-wedding celebration in Jamnagar, earlier this year, Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant are now hosting a second pre-wedding celebration, reportedly on a luxury cruise ship, Celebrity Ascent. The couple, who are all set to tie the knot in July are hosting a four-day cruise from Italy to France from May 29 to June 1.

Celebrities were seen arriving at the Mumbai airport in the early hours of Monday morning. Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, along with their daughter Raha, Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, MS Dhoni, with wife Sakshi were seen at the airport. Janhvi Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan, among others, are expected to join the celebrations.

On the itinerary: Lavish lunches, costume parties

A viral photo of the cruise’s invite details all the events that are set to unfold on the cruise. On Day 1 of the cruise, the guests will be welcomed with a lunch party which will be followed by a Starry Night bash. The schedule for the next two days includes a toga party, a masquerade and a Pardon My French after-party, on the last day of the cruise. Akash and Shloka Ambani’s daughter Veda’s first birthday will also be part of the mega pre-wedding festivities.

Salman Khan

Ranveer Singh

Ranbir Kapoor

Alia Bhatt with Raha

Orry

MS Dhoni

Ayan Mukerji

Atlee

Sakshi Dhoni

‘HAVEN’T SEEN THE SHAMELESS, BUT I’M THRILLED NINE LIVES INSPIRED IT’

William Dalrymple shares his joy at Anasuya Sengupta winning the Un Certain Regard prize for Best Performance at Cannes Film Festival

A still from The Shameless

P6

A book launch at the Cannes Film Festival

(L-R) William Pfeiffer, Ashok Amritraj, Dr Mukesh Batra, Hal Sadoff, and Bhuvan Lall

At the 77th Cannes Film Festival, author Dr Mukesh Batra’s 10th book Feel Good, Heal Good: Staying Happy with Homeopathy, was launched by Ashok Amritraj. Attended by Hollywood luminaries and global film industry leaders, Dr Batra launched his book at Cannes, addressing vital issues of mental wellness and homeopathy’s role in addressing them. He also engaged in discussions with industry icons like Jon Voight and Shia LaBeouf, along with a meeting with cinema legend Francis Ford Coppola.

“The book is already making waves as one of Amazon’s top 10 mental wellness books, offering readers valuable insights into holistic well-being,” says Dr Batra. He adds, “I am very happy to launch my book internationally at the most famous film festival in the world – Festival de Cannes. My book backed by my 50 years of medical experience in dealing with people suffering from emotional and mental health will be useful to readers globally. The book talks about prevention, non-addictive and safe homeopathic treatment and self-help for problems like anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress and loneliness among others. Through this book, I have attempted to create awareness, public debate and solutions of dealing with these not much talked about problems.”

“The book creates awareness and provides solutions to the increasing problems of mental and emotional health,” shares Dr Batra adding, “Order your copy of Feel Good, Heal Good: Staying Happy with Homeopathy now on Amazon.”

Dr Batra with the Transformers actor Shia LaBeouf

Dr Batra and Jon Voight

I hope brands support small and independent films: Huma Qureshi

I really am so proud of all the incredible women who have brought home such glory! More power to them and to our homegrown storytellers

Huma Qureshi hopes for more support for homegrown storytellers

Huma Qureshi hopes brands that spend a huge amount of money to send people who have nothing to do with films will now choose to support independent films instead. Her comments come after Anasuya Sengupta became the first Indian actor to win the Best Actress award at the Un Certain Regard segment and Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light bagged the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. Huma took to Instagram to congratulate the winners from India at the festival.

In her post, she also wrote, “Cannes Film Festival is a film festival where Art is celebrated for Art’s sake... I really hope some of these brands/companies that spend hundreds of dollars sending people who have nothing to do with films instead now find a way to support small and independent films. I really am so proud of all the incredible women who have brought home such glory! More power to them and to our homegrown storytellers (sic).”

DID YOU KNOW?

Jack Black’s mother helped create the system to rescue Apollo 13’s crew

Jack Black’s mother is engineer Judith Love Cohen, who helped create the system that rescued the Apollo 13 crew. In a tribute, one of her other sons wrote, “She actually went to her office on the day that Jack was born. When it was time to go to the hospital, she took with her a computer printout of the problem she was working on. Later that day, she called her boss and told him that she had solved the problem. And...oh, yes, the baby was born, too.”

Talk of the town

A battle of the biryanis at IPL finale

Fans took to social media to drum up support, not just for their teams, but for their fave dish as well

It was a memorable Sunday for Kolkata, as KKR trounced SRH at the IPL finals in Chennai. But another, equally interesting battle was being fought on social media – between loyalists of the Kolkata and Hyderabadi biryanis, the former distinguished by the presence of potatoes. The never-ending debate over which biryani is better was settled once KKR lifted the trophy. At least for now.

— Compiled by Sundas Jawed

Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, Gauri Khan, AbRam Khan, Aryan Khan celebrate with the team

Kolkata Biryani featuring the trusted potato

IPL trophy: KKR’s newest teammate

As KKR won the final against SRH, a seat on the team bus was reserved for the trophy, beside captain Shreyas Iyer. Interestingly, KKR even posted an AIgenerated image of Iyer asleep with the trophy. Remember Lionel Messi’s snug pic with the FIFA world cup? (right)

It’s tough to get into Bollywood’s inner circles: Elnaaz Norouzi

I started big with Sacred Games, but I don’t expect similar success every time. There is only one Sacred Games. I am okay with projects not working well

Masumi Shah

Iranian-German actress-model Elnaaz Norouzi, who has done OTT shows like Sacred Games, Made In Heaven, and Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond, talks about still struggling to get good roles, her desire to explore different genres and more.

‘MANY PEOPLE STILL DON’T KNOW THAT I CAN SPEAK HINDI WELL’

As someone who wasn’t brought up in India, Elnaaz has faced some unique challenges. She shares, “I used to struggle with offers in the beginning. To be able to meet producers and convince them that I’m not just a pretty girl, but someone who can act, was a task. Many people still don’t know that I speak and write Hindi really well. I don’t mind auditioning, but it takes time, and it’s still the same. I’m still struggling.”

‘I DIDN’T HAVE ANYONE TO GUIDE ME’

The actress adds, “When I came to India, I didn’t have anybody to guide me. I said no to a lot of projects before Sacred Games because I believed that something good was going to be offered to me. It was hard because those projects were offering me a lot of money and back then, I had none. I wish I had more guidance. I feel the reason why star kids do so well is because they are trained from childhood. They have seen all of this. I just came into this country where I didn’t know anybody. It’s tough to get into Bollywood’s inner circles.”

‘I want to act and not just look glamorous’

I recently did action in Rannee ti, but I also want to do more comedy. I’d love to play a psychopath, somebody with a disorder, or a mentally challenged character. I’ve always wanted to act and not just look glamorous.

But I’ve been managing both well. I’ve played de-glam characters and also done dance numbers. I want to show that I can act and don’t just need to look good. I also love to go on sets without any makeup.

(Top left) Elnaaz Norouzi with Nawazuddin Siddiqui in a still from Sacred Games; (left) with Anurag Kashyap

Global flavours to celebrate Burger Day

After bringing authentic pizzas from around the world, Nomad Pizza now brings Crunchhh – Burgers by Nomad.

As per the brand’s management team, “The new burger bandwagon not only upholds but also extends the original essence encapsulated with the tagline food inspired by travel.”The menu has the beloved Classic Burgers, Crispy Fried Burgers to a delectable World Burger Range. Burgers inspired by Korea, Japan, India (with the Indian slush burger), Italy, Mexico,German (a bratwurst pork burger), Thailand, Tex Mex, French are also there.

The Crispy Fried Burgers come in a filling portion size packed with crunchy patties like mushroom, mexican beans, potato cheese, korean sweet potato, peri peri fried chicken and fried chipotle chicken, these burgers are accompanied by original dips and a choice of classic french fries or peri peri fries. They are delivering across NCR via leading online aggregators. Timings: 11am to 4am Contact: 88020 90645

International BURGER DAY

ALOO TIKKI USED TO BE MY FAVE BURGER, SAYS RITHVIK

At an exhibition in Dubai that I had visited in 2006, they unveiled the world’s largest burger. I was amazed by the sheer size of that seven-feet burger, which could easily feed 70 people

says, “I love the combination of barbeque sauce, honey mustard, and Thousand Island dressing”RITHVIK DHANJANI

CONTINUED FROM 1

‘THE MOST UNIQUE BURGER THAT I HAVE HAD WAS A RAINBOW BURGER IN SAN FRANCISCO’

Reminiscing about the good old days when Rithvik Dhanjani could indulge in burgers without a second thought, he says, “Aloo tikki used to be my favourite. Growing up in Dubai, I experienced the city’s flair for making everything grand. During a shopping festival in 2006, Dubai showcased incredible feats, like the world’s longest sofa, the longest gold chain, and the longest shawarma. One of the most unique burgers I’ve ever had was the rainbow burger during a trip to San Francisco in 2019. The buns came in various colours – purple, green, blue, and red. They served three burgers at a time, each in a different colour.”

‘BURGER KABHI KABHI KHAAYE TOH USKA SWAAD BANA REHTA HAI’

So, what’s his must-have in a burger? He replies, “I love the combination of barbeque sauce, honey mustard, and Thousand Island dressing – those three sauces make any burger irresistible. Besides, burgers apne aap mein jannat hai aur unko customise karne ki zaoorat nahi hai. Par regularly mat khaao kyunki cheat days naam ki bhi koi cheez hoti hai. Kabhi kabhi khaayein toh uska swaad bana rehta hai. Burgers are pure poetry in food form, although a very carb-and-fat-rich poetry (laughs).” Though he doesn’t claim to be a culinary expert, Rithvik is particularly proud of his cheese egg burger. He shares, “That’s the only thing I know how to make, and I think I make them the best. I doubt I could ever make any other type of burger.”

‘Would love to craft a burger inspired by my character in Cartel’

If he could create a burger inspired by one of his characters, what would it be like? “I love my character Abhay Angre in Cartel so much that I would love to craft a burger inspired by him. Picture this: an extremely fiery creation, loaded with jalapeños,” he replies.

Thrilled that my book inspired a wonderful movie, says Dalrymple

Published in 2009, Dalrymple’s bestselling book Nine Lives (below) explores India’s diverse religious traditions through the lives of nine Indians: a Buddhist monk, a Jain nun, a lady from a middle-class family in Kolkata, a prison warden from Kerala, an illiterate goatherd from Rajasthan, and a devadasi among others. It seeded the idea for The Shameless

Chandrima Pal

Bulgarian filmmaker Konstantin Bojanov, director of The Shameless starring Cannes winner Anasuya Sengupta, (in an interview to TOI) credited William Dalrymple’s Nine Lives: In Search Of The Sacred In Modern India, for seeding the idea of making a documentary set in modern India. Speaking to us, Dalrymple shared his joy at having inspired the talked-about film. “I haven’t seen The Shameless. But I’m thrilled Nine Lives inspired this wonderful movie,” said the historian, broadcaster, curator and critic, adding how “it has moved quite a long way from Nine Lives, even though it was the starting point.”

Bojanov has spoken about how in spite of working on the documentary he eventually moved on to make the feature. Dalrymple said, “Reading the book gave Konstantin the idea of this subject. I am actually delighted that Nine Lives has been the inspiration for this project.”

Dalrymple also praised the lead actor who won the Best Performance award at Cannes. “I am thrilled about Anasuya receiving such incredible acclaim for what is her first (full-fledged) film role. From the clips that I have seen, she is astonishing, even though she is not actually an actor,” he said, adding, “So all credit to her, all credit to Konstantin. I think my role in it is very small, but it definitely provided the start. I am grateful and would urge everybody to go watch the film and read the book.”

Without Nine Lives, the movie would never have existed, says Bojanov

“I was in Brooklyn and I picked up William Dalrymple’s Nine Lives in a local bookstore. I became fascinated by the themes it tackled – from art, tradition, modernity to sexuality and friendship in the complex and dynamic India of today. Without Nine Lives, the movie would never have existed,” Konstantin Bojanov said in an interview with TOI.

William Dalrymple

Wearing my mom’s scarf was a tribute to her: Prateik Babbar

I have many of my mom’s scarves preserved in my cupboard. During the fittings for my tuxedo, my stylist and I decided to add the scarf as a tribute to her. The scarf added the perfect emotional touch to the occasion

Prateik Patil Babbar wore his mother, Smita Patil’s scarf for the screening of the restored version of her film Manthan at the 77th Cannes Film Festival

It was an extremely proud moment for Prateik Patil Babbar to represent his mother, late actress Smita Patil, at the Cannes Film Festival this year. For the unversed, the restored version of the Manthan (1976), directed by Shyam Benegal, was screened at the 77th edition of the festival. “This trip is now one of my most precious memories. It’s been 37 years since her demise, and this will remain one of the most symbolic and iconic celebrations of her legacy,” says Prateik.

The highlight of his red carpet look was a scarf that belonged to his mother. Talking about the sentiment behind it, he says, “She is always with and around me. That is the privilege I have, being her son. She can hold me and hug me whenever I want. Her scarf was a symbolic addition to my custom outfit.” The actor adds, “I have many of her scarves preserved in my cupboard. During the fittings for my tuxedo, my stylist and I decided to add the scarf as a tribute to her. The scarf added the perfect emotional touch to the occasion.”

Sharing the reaction he got from people post the film’s screening, Prateik says, “One of the things that people keep saying about my mom is that there’s nobody who can get into the skin of a character like her. She is the greatest actress in the history of Indian cinema.”

— Vinay MR Mishra

A still from Manthan

Table of Contents

TOI Print Edition May 28, 2024

Front Page

No bail for CM’s aide in Maliwal assault case

AIMIM’s Malegaon chief shot at, stable

Turbulence can hit without warning

At 58.5%, highest J&K turnout in 35 yrs

2k buried in Papua New Guinea landslip

2 govt docs held for fixing Pune teen’s blood reports

KCR ordered phone taps to save Kavitha in excise case: Former DCP

Threatened by Maoists, Bastar’s ‘Vaid’ to return Padma Shri

Will appear before SIT on May 31 in sex abuse case: Prajwal in video

LIC mulls entering health insurance, explores acquisition opportunities

TOI’S IPL XI OF THE SEASON

Karnataka road accidents claim 51 lives in 24 hrs

Patient’s kin throw nurse off 1st floor

Man kills DJ in Ranchi sports bar, held

Student beaten to death in college

PM: Must probe Pak support for oppn netas

Ggn influencer held on charge of trafficking

‘Unwell’ CM seeks interim bail till June 9 for med tests

Salon exec’s body missing, 2 convicted

Shocking bail not given in magistrate-triable case: SC

Fire dept informed about blaze in city hospital after 35 minutes

City temp at 48.8°C, June also likely to stay hot

No faith in state machinery: Guj HC on Rajkot fire

Times Nation

No respite yet, north India to see more heatwave days: IMD

Thousands of women swamp B’luru GPO on dole rumours

51, including 30 bike riders, killed in K’taka in 24 hours

Cyclone Remal leaves 6 dead, trail of destruction in Bengal

Ministry wants dedicated lanes for 2-wheelers to reduce crashes

NIA arrests 5 in crackdown on Cambodia-Laos job racket

Mum salon exec’s body never found, 2 held guilty of ’18 killing

Pregnant woman’s death sparks violence by kin, nurse ‘thrown off’ 1st floor of Bihar nursing home

‘We don’t have faith...’: Guj HC slams state, Rajkot civic body

CP, municipal commissioner shunted out

Woman who filed Pocso case against K’taka neta passes away; natural death, say police

Strays kill girl, 6, trying to save 2-yr-old brother

Activists: Encounter fake, 10 villagers shot

DJ shot dead at Ranchi bar, accused held

Transit rent not income, can’t be taxed, says HC

DRDO chief gets 1-year extn amid move to revamp defence R&D

33 BRS civic chiefs voted out in just 5 months

‘New clip’ of doc’s car that crushed Mum woman out

TURBULENCE CAN HIT WITHOUT WARNING. KEEP SEATBELT ON

Under ‘pressure to join scam’, K’taka officer kills self

Butcher Jihad says drank alcohol, chopped B’desh MP’s body through night

Faridkot cheers son of Indira killer on Nehru’s death anniv

Masked men thrash 22-year-old to death in Patna law college

Govt appoints 4 secys, sparks speculation on continuity

SC: Should accused continue to be in custody for 10 years?

Times City

‘Wanted To Make Hospital Affordable’

Plan has 2 exits, but rear one was blocked, say cops

NCPCR: Prima facie, authorities’ negligence led to fire at facility

Kin rue loss, some families lucky to get their kids back

All hosps asked to complete fire audit by June 8

No action taken on residents’ complaints on O<sub>2</sub> cylinders

Why Narela, Mungeshpur Are Boiling Hot

Feel-like heat touches 49°C, IMD extends heatwave alert till May 29

Heat stroke can trigger brain stroke in extreme situations, say doctors

High humidity adds to city’s heat stress, reveals CSE study

Summer holidays in Hry schools from today

Hospital fire: BJP targets govt official, Bharadwaj hits back

Fire breaks out at godown in Delhi

2 months on, cloud of uncertainty still hanging over mayoral polls

Court pulls up authorities over failure to take action on dairies

WHAT ARE KETONES AND WHAT DOES A HIGH LEVEL IN BODY INDICATE?

BJP calls CM health condition a ‘drama’

Kejriwal: No time before polls end on June 1 to go for tests

HC waives penalty on lawyer who moved plea on Kejriwal

Roof Of ‘Poorly Maintained’ DDA Flat Collapses In Dwarka

AAP needs to vacate Rouse Avenue office, HC to decide on space soon

Two-tier security in place to protect EVMs, VVPATs

HC directs DDA to formulate SOP for booking of Ramlila sites

Ggn ‘influencer’ in human trafficking net

‘FIR Delay Not Significant Since Injuries Apparent’

NCW chief asks police to check call data records

They’re making an example of me to deter others: Swati

Exchequer loses `32cr, ED attaches assets in export racket

Army to develop hydrogen fuel cell tech for e-mobility

Minor fire in a train on Delhi Metro’s Blue Line

‘In-house solar power saving 2,300 tonne CO2 on RRTS’

NDLS Revamp: Trains May Be Diverted To Other Stns

Plea to cancel trademark of Daryaganj restaurant

Admission relief to PwD aspirant whom IP Univ had rejected

Dance Of Democracy

At 58.5%, J&K records highest overall turnout in 35 years

Portion of stage caves in during Rahul’s rally in Bihar’s Paliganj

Ex-Malegaon mayor & AIMIM neta shot at thrice in Nashik

SP MLA held after ignoring 100 NBWs, first issued in 1997

K’taka will foot `80L bill for PM’s Mysuru stay last yr, says Mantri

Kharge ji, you are about to lose your job: Shah

SC junks BJP appeal against HC bar on ads against TMC, questions delay in EC action

INDIA bloc calls strategy meet on June 1, TMC to stay away

Kalpana goes all out to fill Hemant’s shoes

‘Snubbed’ Sita lays claim on Soren legacy & seat

Don dead but his shadow looms over Ghazipur

Tiger burning brighter in Sundarbans, but villagers are smiling

Times Global

China backs probe into suicide attack as Pak asks Af to hand over plotters

Mohenjo Daro in Pak sees season’s high of 52°C

PNG landslide buried more than 2,000 people, says govt

45 die as Israel strikes camp in Rafah; Bibi admits to ‘mistake’

‘Offered hassle-free re-election for air base in B’desh’

10 DEAD, MILLIONS SANS POWER AS CYCLONE REMAL BATTERS B’DESH

AROUND THE WORLD

Iran’s near-bomb-grade uranium stock has grown, says IAEA report

Argentina’s 300% inflation spawns ‘ghost’ border town

Musk, with 184m followers, ups anti-Biden posts on X

Russia steps up covert sabotage campaign aimed at Europe

Editorial

Sharpening Arms

Tinderbox India

A switch & glitch

Samvidhan: Sita Of The Election Epic

‘BJP talks of Patnaik’s age, it has nothing else…CM believes in grace in discourse…Delhi mantris have no connect here’

Goddess Sublimates Mahishasura Of Darkness Within

A thought for today

Sacred space

Times Business

Sweden’s EQT raises $1.6bn for Asia fund

Telcos need to pay GST with spectrum charges

Sensex hits 76k for first time, gives up gains amid volatility

Patents Act to be amended to strengthen pro visions

China creates $48bn fund for local chip cos

Adani, Tata grp cos look at stake-sales, bonds for funds

RBI fines Yes Bank over ‘zero a/c balance’ charges

Musk’s xAI raises $6bn from VC funds

FM: Will ensure taxpayer money is put to best use

Silver outshines gold, but pace lags in India

Goldman Sachs raises growth forecast for 2024 to 6.7%

LIC’s health insurance foray expected to boost coverage

Times Sport

WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS?

Maoists killed my kin, living in fear: Padma Shri awardee

GALLERY

Harmanpreet’s treble steers India to victory

Riley gets first individual PGA win at Colonial

WI complete 3-0 T20I series rout of S Africa

Prajwal: Went into depression, isolated myself post Cong attack

Rusty Sinner in 2nd round

NAGAL FALLS TO KHACHANOV IN RAIN-HIT OPENER

Doc admitted getting `3L from dept head: Pune CP

‘At KCR’s behest, then SIB DSP intercepted phones’

We’ve created new image and brand of Bharat, says Modi

GPR survey by ASI starts at Bhojshala complex

GAMBHIR & KKR: A BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY

I will also be lifting World Cup: Rinku

Deadline ends but BCCI, Gambhir mum

MONEY WELL SPENT!

Power-packed batting led to SRH’s turnaround

‘Shreyas ideal candidate for India captaincy in future’

YOU REDEFINED THE WAY WE PLAY T20S: OWNER TO SRH

ABIDING MEMORIES OF IPL 2024

‘Chelsea in talks with Leicester’s Maresca’

XAVI’S LAST STAND

Spanish court orders FIFA, UEFA to stop opposing Super League

BARCA STARLETS YAMAL, CUBARSI IN SPAIN EURO LIST

Delhi Times

BRAVING THE HEAT FOR THE TRI LIFE

10 SAAL BAAD: IPL TROPHY

A cheese egg burger is all I know how to make, says Rithvik Dhanjani

Celebs set out for Anant-Radhika’s pre-wedding Europe cruise

‘HAVEN’T SEEN THE SHAMELESS, BUT I’M THRILLED NINE LIVES INSPIRED IT’

A book launch at the Cannes Film Festival

I hope brands support small and independent ﬁlms: Huma Qureshi

DID YOU KNOW?

A battle of the biryanis at IPL ﬁnale

IPL trophy: KKR’s newest teammate

It’s tough to get into Bollywood’s inner circles: Elnaaz Norouzi

Global ﬂavours to celebrate Burger Day

ALOO TIKKI USED TO BE MY FAVE BURGER, SAYS RITHVIK

Thrilled that my book inspired a wonderful movie, says Dalrymple

Wearing my mom’s scarf was a tribute to her: Prateik Babbar