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BENNETT, COLEMAN & CO. LTD. | ESTD. MDCCCXXXVIII | Vol. CLXXXVIII No. 158 MUMBAI | SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025 | PAGES 48

ED attaches `34 cr
assets, including
flats and plots in
B’luru and Tumkur
dist, linked to
jailed Kannada
actor Ranya Rao in
PRICE ` 8.00 ALONG WITH THE ECONOMIC TIMES OR MAHARASHTRA TIMES OR MUMBAI MIRROR * INDIA’S LARGEST ENGLISH NEWSPAPER | To subscribe call 1800 1200 004 or visit subscribe.timesofindia.com
gold smuggling case
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BENNETT, COLEMAN & CO. LTD. | Estd. MDCCCXXXVIII | VOL. CLXXXVIII NO. 158 MUMBAI | SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025 | PAGES 48**

PRICE ` 8.00 ALONG WITH THE ECONOMIC TIMES OR MAHARASHTRA TIMES OR MUMBAI MIRROR * INDIA’S LARGEST ENGLISH NEWSPAPER | To subscribe call 1800 1200 004 or visit subscribe.timesofindia.com

Smith slams 184 n.o., highest by an PM Modi addresses diaspora in Even as US Prez Trump says he expects Russia becomes the first country to formally recognize
England ’keeper, Brook hits 158 Trinidad & Tobago, refers to his Hamas decision on ‘final’ peace proposal in Taliban govt in Afghanistan by removing it
to guide England to 407 even as counterpart Kamla Persad-Bissessar 24 hrs, Israeli strikes kill 15, including 8 from list of outlawed orgs. Foreign ministry
Siraj leads fighback with 6/70. as ‘Bihar ki beti’, highlighting her women and 1 child; 20 people shot dead says it has received credentials from their
Indians lead by 244 runs P 10 ancestral roots in Bihar’s Buxar while waiting for aid in Gaza Other Bk, P 11 newly appointed ambassador Other Bk, P 11

Anand rural
T
DOUBLE DELIGHT
oday’s bumper issue of TOI is
organised in two sections, both Nat’l interest, not deadline, to CM: Won’t tolerate mgmt inst head
equally packed. To get the full

hooliganism in the named GIPE VC

dictate US trade deal: Goyal
reading experience, make sure
you don’t miss the other section
OTHER BOOK TOP STORIES U makant Dash, director
of the Institute of Rural
Army dy chief: Sindoor faced
3 foes — Pak, China & Turkiye
‘Want Sustained
name of Marathi Management Anand in Guj-
arat, has been appointed the
new vice-chancellor of Gok-
MEA on Dalai succession: No
govt stand on matters of belief
INDIA MAY HIT BACK ON AUTO TARIFFS US set to send TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Dy CM raises ‘Jai Guj’
hale Institute of Politics and
Economics. According to ch-
Gold on fire, org awarding Preferential h India proposes imposing
retaliatory duties under
notification to WTO over US
tariffs on steel & aluminium out letters Mumbai: Hooliganism und-
slogan, triggers row ancellor Sanjeev Sanyal’s
er the guise of Marathi pride July 2 order, Dash’s 5-year te-
medals shifts to cash prizes
Edge Over Rivals’ World Trade Organisation, h In response to Trump’s
notifying tariffs
Sidhartha@timesofindia.com
saying 25% tariff imposed
on vehicles and auto parts
July 9 deadline, China, UK
and Vietnam have agreed
will not be tolerated in the sta-
te, CM Fadnavis warned on D eputy CM Eknath Shin-
de Friday raised the ‘Jai
rm will start on July 29. GI-
PE has been in the eye of a st-
4 dead in crash on New Delhi: India will enter
affected $2.9bn of exports to trade deals. Efforts from S ignalling a toughening of
stance, India has threate-
Friday. He said police had reg-
istered an FIR and taken acti-
Gujarat’ slogan in the presen-
ce of Union minister Amit Sh-
orm since last year when qu-
estions were raised about
h In May, India had Japan, Malaysia, and EU
Samruddhi eway into a trade agreement with
the US only if its interests are issued a similar have not succeeded
ned to impose levies on some
US goods in
on in the Mira Road incident
where a businessman was be-
ah at a Pune ev-
ent, triggering a
the appointment of then VC
Ajit Ranade. P 5

F our members of an Um-

red family died in an acci-
dent on Samruddhi express-
protected and it is able to sus-
tain a tariff advantage over its
competitors, while prioritisi-
When the deal is done properly, and is completely
finalised and is in the country’s interest, then
retaliation to
Washington’s
higher tariffs
aten up by MNS workers for
not knowing Marathi.
Speaking to the media, Fa-
fresh controver-
sy amid the on-
going language
Sebi bans Jane
we will accept it —Piyush Goyal | COMMERCE MINISTER
way after their car collided
with a divider, veered off the
ng the interests of farmers, co-
mmerce and industry minist-
FULL Q&A | P 6
on automobi-
les and comp-
dnavis said beating up some-
one over language was wrong.
row in the state.
Opposition criticised Shinde,
Street, says
highway and crashed into
metal railings late Thursday
er Piyush Goyal said Friday.
“India has never discussed
balance, everything is possib-
le. But we are not working to-
was slapped with 26% tariffs.
There is uncertainty over
onents. US’
measures wo-
“We are Marathi and are pro-
 7 MNS workers detained
claiming he made the statem-
ent to please Shah and ‘insult’ disgorge `4.8k cr
Maharashtra. Other Book, P 1
while they were returning to
Nagpur from Pune. P 5
any trade agreement or even a
tranche under any time press-
ure or under any duress. We
wards any specific deadlines,
we are working towards natio-
nal interest,” he told TOI in an
whether India and the US can
agree to an early tranche or a
mini deal before that even as a
uld hit $2.9 billion imports an-
nually from India with $723.8
million in duties. India’s pro-
for assault, Other Bk, P 2
ud of the language. Insisting the local language, should th-
S ebi banned US-based fore-
ign fund Jane Street from
the Indian market for mani-
Fake certs to enter have to take care of our natio-
nal interest, we have to ensure
interview, referring to the July
9 deadline set by US President
comprehensive bilateral trade
agreement is negotiated by
posed suspension of conces-
sions “would result in an equ-
that a person speak in Marat-
hi is not wrong, but beating up
ey get similar treatment? Su-
ch behaviour and hooligani-
pulating stocks and derivati-
ves segments to make huge
Navy site: 2 held it’s a fair deal which gives us a
sustained preferential advan-
Trump for trade agreements.
Trump had imposed reci-
Fall (Sept-Oct) after a meeting
between Trump and PM Na-
ivalent amount of duty coll-
ected from products origina-
a businessman because he do-
es not know it is wrong. Our
sm are not correct. Action wi-
ll be taken against such viole-
illegal gains. Jane St, known
for its quant-based trading

T wo persons from a priva-

te firm have been arres-
ted for allegedly forging ‘poli-
tage over our competitors...
and if we get a good deal and
we are able to strike the right
procal tariffs on nearly 100 co-
untries but agreed to a 90-day
pause that ends Tuesday. India
rendra Modi.

‘No compromise’, P 7
ting in US”, said a notifica-
tion sent to World Trade Org-
anization. P 9
Marathi-speaking people are
doing business in different st-
ates, and if they do not know
nt behaviour,” he said.

‘No injustice’, Other Bk, P 2

strategies, has also been ask-
ed to disgorge nearly Rs 4,850
crore — illegal gains accrued
ce clearance certificates’ for to it by trading on the NSE
contractual employees to ga- between Jan 2023 and March
in access to high-security zo-
nes on Navy premises. A
HC junks poll No ‘disputed structure’ tag SC hopes HC will Twist to Pune ‘rape’: Cops say 2025 — the highest-ever dis-
gorgement amount ordered
third person has been issued
pleas against take up HDFC by Sebi. P 9
a notice by the police. P 2
CM, 4 others
to Mathura Idgah, says HC MD plea on Jul 14
no forced entry, no spray used Manipur to close
Rd opened, shut Prayagraj: The Allahabad HC
IN THE COURTS
Asseem Shaikh & Gitesh Shelke
TECHIE DETAINED
I n a jolt to Congress, Bom- dismissed Friday an applica-
S C Friday refused to enter-
h Cops detain woman’s
all relief camps,
& opened again bay high court on Friday tion moved by the Hindu side PIL in HC seeks apology from tain HDFC Bank MD Sas- Pune: The rape case involvi-
dismissed five petitions fil- asking the court to direct that Prada for sandals ‘deceptively hidhar Jagdishan’s petition ng a 22-year-old data scientist friend, a 27-year-old IT
resettle inmates
T wo lanes of the 4-lane Pa-
lava flyover, connecting
Kalyan and Dombivli to Navi
ed by the party’s defeated
candidates challenging the
victories of CM Devendra
the phrase “disputed structu-
re” be used in place of “Shahi
Idgah mosque” in the Mathura
similar’ to Kolhapuris | P 3
SC to decide on validity of
to quash an FIR against him
by Lilavati hospital trust
and grant him interim pro-
and an unidentified courier
service “delivery agent” was
turned on its head on Friday,
professional suspected of
visiting her 11th-floor flat
M anipur plans to resettle
people displaced by et-
HC stay on TN law on univ VC Wednesday evening
Mumbai, were thrown open Fadnavis, senior BJP neta title dispute case, reports Ra- tection from possible arrest, with investigators concludi- h She called him to the
hnic violence since 2023 aft-
Friday morning, but closed jesh Kumar Pandey. appts, but refuses to revive law even as it termed unfortuna- ng there was “no forced entry er shutting 350 camps that
 2 new judges appointed HC stays sexual harassment flat, says police chief. What
again after a few hours due to Earlier, during court proce- te the repeated adjournment into the woman’s flat” and th- currently house them. They
at Bombay HC, Other Bk, P 3 case against Malayalam happened between them is
excess bitumen. As a politic- edings, an application was mo- of a similar plea before Bom- at “no chemical was sprayed will be given funds to rebuild
filmmaker Ranjit Balakrishnan under probe, say cops
al row broke out, engineers Sudhir Mungantiwar and ved in the original 2023 suit bay HC because of recusal to make her unconscious”. their houses. The state was
again opened it. Other Bk, P 3 three other MLAs in the with a prayer to direct the ste- HC directs registration of FIR of judges. Highlighting that The complainant’s allega- Amitesh Kumar said prelimi- in talks with MHA to start
2024 state elections. The Na- nographer to use the word “dis- against cops in custodial death his plea is listed for hearing tion that her assailant took “a nary findings tallied with inf- rehabilitating the displaced
* PLUS 22 PAGES BOMBAY TIMES
The Times Of India is also available as a
gpur bench of the court ru- puted structure” in place of case of Parbhani riots accused before the HC on July 14, the selfie” with her phone to bla- ormation that led to a friend in three phases, chief secre-
standalone copy for Rs 5:00 led that the pleas, alleging “Shahi Idgah Mosque” in all fu- SC said, “You go before the ckmail her was also challeng- of the woman — a 27-year-old tary P K Singh said Friday.
Gujarat HC issues contempt
*The TOI Combo offer and Bombay Times violations of the Represent- rther proceedings of this case HC and argue on the merits ed by police, who said it was IT professional suspected of “The process has already be-
Supplement are available in Mumbai, Thane
ation of the People Act, we- and other connected matters. notice against man who joined of the case,” adding, “we ho- “taken with her consent befo- visiting her — being detained. gun. The number of displac-
and Raigad districts while Education Times will
be circulated in Mumbai Metro Region only. re not maintainable due to virtual hearing from his toilet pe the HC hears the petition re she cropped the image”. ed people has dropped from
Times Interact | P 6, 8 & 10 procedural lapses. TNN P 4 ‘No dispute’, P 7 Other Book on July 14”. Other Bk, P 3 City police commissioner Friend being quizzed, P 7 62,000 to 57,000.” P 5
 PD: 05-07-2025 Z: MumbaiCity E: 1 U: c-siddhi.thakur T: 07-04-2025 23:54

#MUMBAIWEATHER

TIMES CITY
Forecast: Generally cloudy sky with SUNRISE Relative FOR LIVE UPDATE
possibility of moderate rain at isolated humidity:
Sunday: 06:07 hrs
Colaba Santacruz places in city and suburbs. Possibility Colaba SCAN
of occasional gusty winds. Maximum
30.2˚/ 30.9˚/ & minimum temperatures likely to be SUNSET 83%
Santacruz
THE QR
24.6˚ 25.6˚ around 31˚C and 26˚C respectively. THE TIMES OF INDIA, MUMBAI | SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025 Saturday: 19:21 hrs 79%
CODE

Borivli-Thane tunnel casting ‘Police OK’ certs faked for access

to Navy premises for jobs, 2 held
yard planned close to SGNP Forging
Vishal Rajemahadik Background Check Docu ‘Serious Nat’l Security Lapse’: Sr Cop
Forecast: Moderate rain in the queries from TOI. The propos-
SAVE ECO SENSITIVE ZONE: ACTIVISTS
city and suburbs with possibility al for the casting yard says it
Mumbai: A portion of Sanjay
of heavy rainfall at isolated will not affect the ESZ’s ecolog- Ahmed.Ali@timesofindia.com ment, or long-term visas. rested, and a senior executi- that no such clearance certi-
22.6 acre Space required Ghodbunder Rd
Gandhi National places. Maximum and minimum
Park’s Proposed ical balance (see graphic). Such fake certificates are ve Debajyoti Basu (74) who ficates had been issued by
temperatures for casting yard
(SGNP) eco sensitive zone would be around casting yard Local activists claimed Mumbai: Two persons from a “serious lapse”, a crime has been issued a notice. the police to the persons.
(ESZ) in Mira Road is29˚
setand 26˚ respectively.
to be SGNP that even tribal land is part of a private company have been branch officer said. It has po- Further investigation led Three cellphones and
used for a 22.6-acre casting Borivli this casting yard plot. Uttam arrested for allegedly for- tential implications for na- to the identification of the identification documents ha-
yard for the Borivli-Thane 5 acre in SGNP’s Naik, Mira-Bhayander repre- ging ‘police clearance certifi- tional security, highlighting third accused, accountant Ir- ve also been recovered from
Thane
eco sensitive zone

WEH
twin tunnel project, prompt- sentative of People’s Republi- cates’ for contractual emplo- an urgent need to review and sad Ahmed (36), who has be- the accused persons, an offi-
ing protests from activists. Goregaon
Mulund can Party, recently wrote to yees to gain access to high-se- tighten verification protocol en arrested for allegedly cre- cer said, adding that all of
A casting yard is where Location: Behind Fountain revenue department officials curity zones on Navy premi- for private contractors ope- ating the fake certificates for this has been seized for fo-
concrete structures like seg- Hotel, Ghodbunder Road on this issue. “Big machinery ses. A third person, also from rating within the defence his colleagues. The fake cer- rensic analysis.
ments, parapets and beams will only harm the surround- the same company, has been ecosystem, the officer said. tificates bore forged seals A criminal offence has
for an infrastructure project
What proposal says Benefit of ing environment and increase issued a notice by the police, The case surfaced after a and signatures of the Special been registered under sec-
are cast and is located in a No permanent construction, fabrication tunnel project pollution,” he complained. asking him to co-operate in complaint was submitted by Branch of Mumbai Police for tions of Bhartiya Nyay San-
manner that allows easy ac- or industrial activity in eco-sensitive zone Distance to be Last week, the national the investigation. an Intelligence Officer of securing jobs within the hita — forgery, cheating, and
cess from the project site. Of slashed on a green tribunal had ordered The clearance certificate Western Naval Command highly restricted naval pre- criminal conspiracy. The two
the 22.6-acre plot for the tun- All work to be undertaken in the zone to the closure of two casting is a document confirming Headquarters, over suspi- mises, the police said. accused persons have been
Thane-Borivli trip:
nel project’s casting yard, 5 be non-polluting, non-excavation yards and ready-mix cement that a person has no criminal cion about authenticity of Following an internal in- remanded in police custody
acre falls within the ESZ.
Activist Stalin D of NGO
No disturbance to its ecological balance 12km plants operating within the
limits of the ESZ of SGNP at
record in India. It is a back-
ground check for those app-
police clearance certificates
submitted by two employees
quiry, the Crime Branch con-
tacted Cuffe Parade police
to find out what methods we-
re deployed to mimic the fake
Vanashakti told TOI that the they cannot create third party This is part of a larger con- Thane’s Ghodbunder Road. lying for various purposes — of Aakash Infratech — Anup station and the Special certificates resembling offi-
ESZ notification strictly pro- rights in the ESZ,” he said. spiracy to destroy the natural Once opened, the tunnels residential status, employ- Verma (28) who has been ar- Branch which confirmed cial police documents.
hibits setting up of polluting He said the onus is on the landscape virtually inside will help shave 12km from a
industries inside the bounda- forest department and Mira- the national park,” he said. Thane-Borivli trip, saving up

Proceedings Pilot seeks time Second notice

ries of the zone. “Any action Bhayander Municipal Corpo- The project is being execut- to 1 hour, and will also provide
that violates it will be chal- ration to adhere to the law. ed by MMRDA through its con- direct connectivity, signifi-
lenged in the courts. The agen- “The region inside the ESZ is tractor, Megha Engineering & cantly decongesting traffic on
cies involved cannot pretend being rapidly degraded to fa- Infrastructure Ltd. MMRDA Ghodbunder Road and Jogesh-
of HC to be by contractors
to take queries on
to be ignorant of the law and cilitate construction projects. officials did not respond to wari-Vikhroli Link Road.

livestreamed over `90,000cr

SOLO BUS TRAVEL BY WOMEN UP 135% IN 2 YRS
from July 7 unpaid bills
GPS, CLEAN TOILETS & SAFETY DRIVING THE TREND
The number of women travelling alone
Mumbai: Live streaming of
court proceedings in the sta-
alleged assault Pune: The state unit of the
Builders’ Association of In-
on intercity buses has surged in both te will begin from Monday at Ahmed.Ali@timesofindia.com CCTV footage all the way dia (BAI) has issued a second
the Bombay High Court’s from Hutatma Chowk to the legal notice to state govt, de-
Maharashtra and across India. Between principal bench in Mumbai Mumbai: The Ghatkopar po- entire Eastern Freeway manding immediate pay-
2023 and 2025, the state witnessed a 135% and at its benches in Aurang- lice probe into a woman pi- stretch, police found no signs ment of over Rs 90,000 crore
rise in solo female travelers, a trend abad, Nagpur, and Goa. lot's complaint that she was of any suspicious activity. Po- in dues to contractors. The
mirrored at the national level, where too On Thursday, the HC is- molested by two men who lice say it may be due to heavy association has given govt a
the increase was 135%. Somit Sen reports sued a notification that from were given a ride by an aggre- rain that the visuals were 15-day ultimatum, warning
July 7, the Rules for Live gator cab driver without her blurred. Police summoned that they would approach
EMPOWERING DATA Streaming and Recording of permission has reached a her to recreate the sequence the Bombay High Court if
Court Proceedings “shall co- dead-end with the woman ex- of the crime, but she has their demands were not met.
Solo female travel on me into force.” The state govt pressing no inclination to sought more time to cooper- The reminder notice, dat-
2.13L
intercity buses: on July 1 notified the rules. pursue the case and police ate. Her complaint said she ed July 2, was sent through
All court proceedings will be finding no evidence to pin- got into the vehicle at around BAI’s legal counsel and ad-
India live-streamed subject to the point the location or identity 10.45 pm and about 25 minutes dressed to the CM, chief sec-
90,700 consent of the judge or jud- of the men who allegedly as- into the journey, the cab driv- retary, additional chief sec-
ges. Cases including those of saulted her. er unexpectedly diverted retary (home) and senior of-
Maharashtra 32,200
13,700 sexual offences, gender-ba- Ghatkopar police arrest- from the usual route and halt- ficials across 26 govt depart-
135% sed violence against women, ed the cab driver, Gajeelul ed at an unidentified location ments. The first notice, sent
2023 2025 Pocso, the Juvenile Justice Hassan Shaikh, on June 21 on before the Eastern Express earlier this year, received no
IN MAHARASHTRA Act, and MTP, and those that charges of molesting the 28- Freeway, where two un- response. “Contractors have
AGE PROFILE (In %) POPULAR ROUTES may provoke enmity year-old pilot along with two known men entered the vehi- completed works and raised
amongst communities likely unknown persons inside the cle—one taking the front pas- bills, which have remained
<18 36
to result in a breach of law cab on June 19. The driver is senger seat, the other sitting upaid. Many have borrowed
18-25 38.81
and order, are excluded from in judicial custody while the beside her in the back. She heavily from banks to com-
26-35 32.42 Indore
HYGIENE A MUST professional conduct and service delivery from bus operators
and their staff live streaming. Recording of police are clueless about the told the police that without plete govt projects and now

90%
36-45 11.76 Nagpur evidence and cross-exami- identities of the two suspects. any warning, the man sitting face default notices...The fi-
Mumbai They show a strong preference for GPS-equipped
46-60 11.86 nation shall also be exclu- Police said the victim who beside her grabbed her right nancial stress is pushing sev-
Pune Hyderabad vehicles that provide live location updates to both
60+ 2.79 ded. The rules state that the was summoned recently hand and twisted it back- eral of our members to the
travellers and their family members, enhancing
of independent female final decision will be of the sought more time to answer ward. As she screamed in brink of bankruptcy. We
transparency and security during transit
travellers utilise apps for bench whether to allow live their questions. "She came fear, the second man threat- urge govt to release the dues
IN INDIA comprehensive journey A segment of female passengers favours coaches fitted with toilets on streaming of the procee- with her husband. She ened her to remain silent. She without any delay,” ,” BAI
POPULAR ROUTES extended routes, with regular maintenance and hygiene inspections. This facility
planning, including seat addresses a significant concern among women travellers, according to the report
dings or any portion of it. claimed she has not come out said the man next to her said in a statement.
Chennai-Bengaluru selection, route Where proceedings are not of the trauma of the incident moved his hand inappropri- The unpaid bills span a
Bengaluru-Chennai
adjustments and live-streamed, the recor- and was stressed. She had to ately over her thigh, causing range of public works, from
Delhi-Lucknow Women are gravitating towards services
reservation dings shall be maintained by fly abroad for her job and distress. Just a few metres be- roads and bridges to irriga-
Lucknow-Delhi
management that offer safety, cleanliness, reliability, and the court. A transcript wo- would come next week," said fore a police checkpoint, she tion and infrastructure pro-
Chennai-Madurai
Ram
Madurai-Chennai without assistance a sense of professionalism. With tech-enabled uld be given to the advocate an official. The officer said said the cab slowed down and jects, executed across state
Hyderabad-Bengaluru Women passengers expect safety, verified lounges, and clean onboard or litigant-in-person. she was reluctant to pursue the two men got off. departments and local bod-
Bengaluru-Hyderabad
Source: IntrCity SmartBus, an online washrooms, more women choose to travel solo Advocate Mathews Ned- the case. The police traced the driv- ies. BAI members said as
Hyderabad-Vijayawada reservation system Aparajita Mukhopadhyay | coo, intrcity smartbus umpara, who initiated a The victim was heading er identified as Gajeelul Has- these dues remained unset-
campaign for live streaming home to Ghatkopar from san, and questioned him re- tled, the state continued to
in 2010, told TOI, “It is a mat- south Mumbai in a cab after garding the two unidentified float new tenders for infras-

Co. blacklisted
6 booked for abetment after
ter of great pride and vindi- meeting her husband when men, but he failed to give any tructure works worth thou-
cation of a long-cherished the alleged assault took place. information and said nothing sand crores of rupees.

for supplying
dream.” TNN However, despite scanning of that sort had happened. —Nisha Nambiar

spurious durgs delivery man dies by suicide JJ Hospital to FIGHTING DENGUE ALL GUNS BLAZING Sanjay Hadkar

expand robot
Mumbai: The Vasai Virar
City Municipal Corporation Ahmed.Ali@timesofindia.com ing from a visit to a doctor through calls and threats. On
(VVCMC) has blacklisted with their cousin and took Wednesday, Satyam reported
m/s Pranic Enterprises, Na-
lasopara west, after it was
Mumbai: The Bhandup po-
lice have registered charges
him to Agarwal General Hos-
pital, Mulund, where doctors
that three individuals – Ani-
ket Ghadi, Ganesh alias
assisted ops
proved by the FDA that they against six individuals fol- pronounced him dead. Dhanraj Nikalje, and Gau- Mumbai: Just three months
were supplying spurious lowing the suicide of a 23- The post-mortem examin- tam Dhekale – approached after state-run JJ Hospital
drugs. The FDA had filed an year-old delivery executive ation at Rajawadi Hospital their residence, claiming performed its first robot as-
FIR with the Waliv police sta- who faced mental harass- determined that death oc- Omkar More had sent them to sisted surgery, it is now set to
tion after their drug analysis ment and intimidation re- curred due to asphyxia from intimidate Shivam. expand its robotic program-
proved that the vendor had garding a parcel rejection hanging. According to Sa- Despite Satyam’s assur- me, this time to orthopae-
supplied 70,000 strips of ce- racket and an outstanding tyam’s statement, Sonu Ya- ance to arrange payment dics. Starting Monday, the
fixime 200mg antibiotic personal loan. dav and Chetan Gautam pres- within 20 minutes, Shivam orthopaedic department
which were spurious. Apart A parcel rejection racket sured Shivam to dishonestly was subsequently discovered will have a surgical robot for
from blacklisting them, they is a scam where individuals reject undelivered Amazon unconscious inside the 15 days, with plans to submit
have also completely stop- or groups exploit the parcel parcels using his work cre- house. Following Satyam’s a proposal and procure it for
ped all consignments. Acti- delivery system to defraud dentials. When he declined or testimony, the Bhandup Po- around Rs 3 to Rs 4 crore after
vists have questioned the customers or businesses. failed to participate, they re- lice have filed a case of abet- that. Dr Ajay Bhandarwar,
working methodology of the This can involve fake deliv- portedly verbally abused and ment to suicide under appli- Dean of the hospital, said
civic body as even after an ery attempts, fraudulent threatened him via tele- cable IPC sections against So- this will be the second such
FIR regarding supply of spu- tracking information, or phone. nu Yadav, Chetan Gautam, robot at the hospital after the
rious drugs, only the vendor even the theft of parcels. Furthermore, Shivam Omkar More, Aniket Ghadi, first was procured for gene-
is being held liable. They de- In July, delivery executive had taken a loan of Rs 30,000 Ganesh Nikalje and Gautam ral surgery earlier this year.
mand that FIR should be fi- Shivam Vinod Tiwari took from Omkar More and strug- Dhekale. Police have record- “The one needed for bones is
led against the officers invol- his own life in Bhandup. His gled with repayment. Omkar ed statements and seized rele- a separate entity altogether.
ved in the tender process as younger brother, Satyam Ti- allegedly subjected him to vant mobile phones as evi- All types of robots are an ex-
well. — Vishal Rajemahdik wari, found him after return- persistent harassment dence. pensive affair,” he said. TNN To check a spurt in dengue & malaria cases this monsoon, a BMC worker is seen fumigating an area in Bhandup

Mahalaxmi Temple upgrade yet to take off, Sept deadline set Police seize drugs
Chaitanya.Marpakwar
@timesofindia.com BHOOMI POOJAN DONE NINE MONTHS AGO BY SHINDE
project. Phase 1 is part of a lar-
ger beautification plan that in-
cludes realignment and rede-
memorial. Of this, Rs 60 crore
was allocated for the Mahalax-
mi precinct. BMC’s slow pace
worth `4cr, 3 held
OCT 2024 | Then CM Eknath Shinde PHASE 1 SCOPE PROJECT AIMS
Mumbai: Nine months after
its grand inauguration by performs Bhoomi Poojan of the Illumination | Pathway Integration with the planned
sign of stalls, installation of
decorative arch gates, escala-
is unacceptable and has disap-
pointed devotees eagerly awai-
Mumbai: The Crime Branch
of Mumbai Police busted a Guj man held
Mahalaxmi Temple precinct
then CM Eknath Shinde, the
much-publicized Mahalaxmi beautification project
construction Coastal Road Garden |
Enhanced crowd management |
tors, CCTV cameras, murals,
landscaping, and a control ro-
ting the temple’s transforma-
tion,” said a senior Shiv Sena
drug peddling gang and seized
over 4 kg of American hydro- with `1cr drugs
Temple precinct beautifica- MARCH 2025 | BMC Multiple entry and exit points | om for lighting. functionary. The temple trust ponic cannabis worth Rs 4.05 Mumbai: The Air Intelli-
tion project has yet to see any announces that administrative Better visitor experience Additional infrastructure has also flagged the issue with crore from a rented apartment gence Unit (AIU) at Chhatra-
significant progress. Despite approval has been granted PLANNED BEAUTIFICATION WORKS includes signage, improved Shinde. in Andheri East and arrested pati Shivaji Maharaj Inter-
the Bhoomi Poojan held in Oct However, the work order had not Realignment and redesign of pedestrian management, a A BMC official cited admi- three young men. Acting on a national Airport intercep-
2024 and a renewed push from yet been issued to the contractor stalls | Decorative arch entrance skywalk connecting the Ma- nistrative bottlenecks for the tip-off, Unit 9 of crime branch ted a Surat textile trader,
BMC, on-ground work for the JUNE 2025 | Nine months after gates | Provision of escalators | halaxmi Temple to Akruti delay, “The contractor was fi- led by inspector Daya Nayak Chetan Babubhai Vaghani,
first phase remains stalled. inauguration, the project CCTV installation | Murals and Parking and the Coastal Road nalized earlier, but approvals and his team arrested Shubh arriving from Bangkok and
BMC has now set a fresh dead- landscaping | Illumination control Garden, solar panels, and a re- took time. This is an enginee- Lalitkumar Siroya (25), Harsh seized 1.059 kg of hydroponic
has failed to take off
line -- Navratri in Sept -- to room | Signage installation | vamped walkway. ring, procurement, and const- Hitesh Choksi (20) and Sidd- weed worth Rs 1 crore conce-
No on-ground work has
complete Phase 1, which inclu- Pedestrian flow management | The delay has reportedly ruction (EPC) contract, so the hant Arvind Shetty (25). Poli- aled in his check-in baggage.
commenced
des illumination and street de- Construction of skywalk from irked Shinde, under whose le- contractor had to present de- ce seized the drugs, Rs 38,000 During routine checks cus-
sign. However, officials admit SEPT 2025 | BMC sets a new Mahalaxmi Temple to Akruti adership the initiative was sign options, which extended in cash, and five mobile pho- toms officers found 10 vacu-
that physical work is yet to deadline for completion of Phase 1 Parking, landing near the Coastal launched. “As CM, Shinde had the timeline.” Meanwhile, nes valued at Rs 3.5 lakh, ta- um-sealed packets contai-
commence. Actual implementation of the Road Garden | Solar panels | sanctioned Rs 280 crore for the BJP leader and Shiv Sena king the total seizure to Rs 4.09 ning green, leafy substances
“The purchase order has beautification project pending Renewed walkway development of the Mumba- functionary Shaina NC has crore. The trio had sourced emitting a pungent odor,
been issued to the contractor devi and Mahalaxmi temple pushed for collaboration on the high-grade hydroponic hidden among chocolates
and approvals for various rently underway. Work will be- Manish Walunj, assistant mu- Ward. Initially, a Rs 25-crore complexes, and Rs 35 crore for the project through her NGO, I cannabis to distribute across and food items in Vaghani’s
schemes and designs are cur- gin in the next few days,” said nicipal commissioner of D budget was earmarked for the the Jagannath Shankarsheth Love Mumbai. Mumbai. — Ahmed Ali grey trolley bag. TNN
 PD: 05-07-2025 Z: MumbaiCity E: 1 U: c-siddhi.thakur T: 07-04-2025 23:56

THE TIMES OF INDIA, MUMBAI

SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025 TIMES CITY 3

Kolhapuri chappal gets leg-up

over ‘copying’ by Italian brand
PIL Seeks Apology From Prada For ‘Deceptively Similar’ Open-Toe Sandals
Rosy.Sequeira ty rights expert. According to puri chappals, GI Registry, and authorised users of GI”.
@timesofindia.com their petition, Kolhapuri the govt or public at large”. The petitioners lament
chappal is protected with a Prada has not issued a formal that the artisan community
Mumbai: A public interest li- geographical indication (GI). apology, and the statement is not financially equipped to
tigation filed in Bombay high On June 22, Prada held its appears to be a “merely su- initiate civil proceedings, do-
court seeks reliefs against Ita- Spring/Summer 2026 Men's perficial attempt to deflect es not receive adequate sup-
lian luxury fashion label Pra- collection unveiling toe ring criticism”. port from govt bodies, and
da after it showcased open-toe sandals “reportedly priced at The petition said misuse lacks awareness of their com-
leather sandals at the recent over Rs 1 lakh per pair”. causes “dilution of the GI munity rights, leaving them
Milan Fashion Week that are There was no mention identity, erodes its distinctive- vulnerable. They want
“deceptively similar” to the that it was Indian-in- ness and unjustly enriches “strong, decisive measures to
Kolhapuri chappal. spired design. the foreign brand, address these violations and
“The Kolhapuri chappal “The infringement depriving the set an exemplary legal prece-
is the cultural symbol of Ma- of the design of the artisans of the dent that deters future acts of
harashtra and has special Kolhapuri chappal right economic and re- cultural misappropriation”.
public sentiments attached to by a luxurious fas- putational benefits”. They have prayed for rest-
it. The act of copying and mis- hion label is without The PIL says: “The raint and a permanent in-
representing this craft in in- the knowledge or consent handicraft is the result of co- junction on Prada from “com-
ternational markets effecti- of the GI application holder or untless hours of meticulous mercialising the use of so-
vely amounts to depriving lo- the authorised users,” it adds. labour by artisans.” Thus, called toe ring sandals, which
cal artisans of rightful recog- While Prada “privately Prada’s “unauthorised profit- is originally a GI-tagged pro-
nition and credit for their accepted” its collection is “in- oriented motive displaying duct, Kolhapuri chappal”, to
work, who have preserved spired by Indian artisans”, sandals deceptively close to direct Prada to issue a widely
and practised this traditional this acknowledgement surfa- Kolhapuri chappal and inscri- circulated public apology
art form for nearly 800 years,” ced after widespread back- bing the word ‘PRADA’ on the and pay compensation to arti-
states the PIL filed by six ad- lash on social media. This footwear directly undermi- sans for “reputational and
vocates led by Ganesh Hing- acknowledgement was not gi- nes the livelihood and dignity economic damages.” The PIL
mire, an intellectual proper- ven to the “makers of Kolha- of the traditional artisans will be heard in due course.

Employee of ATM cash

replenishment firm held
for `2cr theft over 4 mths
George Mendonca the arrested employee confessed to
the crime, the police claimed. They sa-
Navi Mumbai: An employee of a pri- id that they are investigating if he had
vate agency, tasked with replenishing any partner in the crime.
automated teller machines (ATMs) of Giving details of how he pulled it
various banks, has been arrested for off, the police said that it was this
stealing Rs 1.91 crore between Februa- man’s job to replenish currency notes
ry 26 and June 30 this year. None of it at 16 ATMs of different banks. He used
has been recovered so far. to refill the right amount at 15 of he 16
The arrested man, Dhanraj Bhoir ATMs, but would “steal some cash”
(27), a Panvel resident, worked for Hit- meant to filled in the last teller machi-
achi Cash Management Services Pvt ne. For instance, if he had to fill Rs 4
Ltd. The misappropriation of cash ca- lakh, he would put in only Rs 3 lakh,
me to light when the agency carried thus pocketing Rs 1 lakh, said a police
out an internal audit during which it officer.
stumbled upon the discrepancy in “In a little over fo-
cash refilled at ATMs at three loca- ur months, he stole
tions in Navi Mumbai — Kalamboli, Rs 1.91 crore,” said se-
Kamothe, and Kharghar. nior inspector of Ka-
The arrested employee emerged lamboli police sta-
as the prime suspect as he was the cus- tion, Rajendra Kote.
todian of the cash, the police said. The “This way, he mana-
agency registered a criminal offence ged to avoid getting
against him at Kalamboli police sta- caught all this time,”
tion on Thursday. said the officer.
He was arrested from his Panvel A court on Friday
residence on the basis of the compla- sent him to police
int. During interrogation in custody, custody for five days.
 PD: 05-07-2025 Z: MumbaiCity E: 1 U: c-siddhi.thakur T: 07-05-2025 00:00

4 TIMES CITY THE TIMES OF INDIA, MUMBAI

SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

HC junks pleas
against CM, Late notification leaves BMS, Ashadhi Ekadashi festivities
Mungantiwar’s
election wins
Nagpur: Bombay HC’s Nag-
BBA & BCA fees unregulated to unfold over the weekend Pics: Sanjay Hadkar

pur bench on Friday dismis- Yogita.Rao@timesofindia.com quired infrastructure, all delayed notification, FRA principal said that until the
sed petitions filed by Con- such information is being could not fix the fees even for FRA regulates the fees, the
gress’s defeated candidates Mumbai: With the delay in sought from colleges offering the 2025-26 session but has is- govt should allow them to con-
challenging the 2024 assemb- getting a govt notification an- these courses. sued a circular asking them to tinue with the fees they are
ly poll wins of CM Devendra nouncing the undergraduate The All-India Council for provide information. currently charging, like they
Fadnavis (from Nagpur courses BMS, BBA, and BCA Technical Education (AICTE) A FRA member said that allowed in 2024-25. After the
South West), senior BJP as ‘professional’, the state’s brought these undergraduate the authority had no informa- BMS/BBA courses were
leader Sudhir Mungantiwar Fee Regulatory Authority business and management tion on the number of colleg- brought under the AICTE
(Ballarpur), Bunty Bhanga- (FRA) may not be able to regu- courses under its purview in es offering these courses, nei- purview, several institutes
diya (Chimur), Mohan Mate late their fees even this year. the last academic session. Fol- ther from the regulatory au- preferred to change the no-
(Nagpur South) and Deorao The official notification lowing this, the state govt is- thorities nor from the univer- menclature of the courses
Bhongale (Rajura). It ruled came only in Feb this year, sued a letter announcing sities. “The FRA has no and continued to remain un-
the pleas were not maintain- while the FRA invites propos- these as ‘professional’ and al- information to even decide der the university. At MU, in a
able due to procedural laps- als for fixing fees by the end of so issued a directive to the the ad-hoc fees for these cours- recent fee revision circular,
es, including petitioners’ Oct every year. The authority, state’s CET cell asking them es, like is the mandate for a the fees for B Com (Manage-
failure to be present at filing. however, has started seeking to conduct the entrance test new college in an existing pro- ment Studies) was fixed at
Justice Pravin Patil information from colleges on last year. However, the official fessional course. In a random around Rs 20,000.
quashed pleas filed by Pra- how these courses were oper- notification announcing inquiry, we found that there A principal said the same
fulla Gudadhe, Girish Pan- ating over the years, after fail- bringing them under the ju- are huge disparities in the course is being offered under
dav , Satish Warjurkar, Sub- ing to get information from risdiction of the Maharash- fees charged for these courses different names, it could be
hash Dhote and Santosh universities. From how the tra Unaided Private Profes- across colleges. These are not difficult to regulate the fees.
Singh Rawat, alleging viola- teachers are hired, ad-hoc or sional Educational Institu- new courses but are only be- He said the fees for these
tions of Representation of permanent, to aided or unaid- tions (Regulation of Admis- ing brought under fee regula- courses were never regulated
People Act and procedural ed, to the fees they are cur- sions and Fees) Act, 2015, only tion norms for the first time,” in the past, though the public
irregularities. On Gu- rently charging and the re- came in Feb this year. With the said the official. A college universities fixed their fees.
dadhe’s plea against Fadna-
vis’s win, HC said no evi-

CJI Gavai pledges transparent Engineering

dence of corrupt practices
or irregularities was shown.
The petitioners’ counsel
said they will approach SC.
—Vaibhav Ganjapure courses see
Clip shows ST
and inclusive judicial appts highest
luxury bus in ‘Have Tried To Dispel Impression of CJI-Centric SC’ registrations Bella.Jaisinghani
@timesofindia.com
Mumbai: As the registration
poor condition Swati.Deshpande
@timesofindia.com
had a full court sitting, where
all judges participated, and
BBA Chief Nitin Thak-
kar said the Bombay HC is
window for professional deg-
ree courses opened across
Mumbai: Little schoolboys
and girls dressed in dhoti-kurta
Thane: Thane Congress we took many decisions in the busiest in the nation. It Maharashtra, over 1.8 lakh and nine yard saris with gar-
functionary Rahul Pingale Mumbai: The Supreme Co- the interest of the institu- has a vacancy of 29 judges, or aspirants signed up for lands of tulsi leaves made a pret-
on Friday questioned urt is trying to infuse more tion.” over 30 percent. The CJI rose BTech/BE programmes—t- ty picture as they led proces-
MSRTC after a passenger of transparency in matters of The CJI said the collegi- to the exalted position from a he highest among all streams. sions dressed as Lord Vitthal
an AC Shivshahi bus—part appointments, said Chief um went through 54 candida- humble background on me- As of July 4, a total of 92,611 and his consort Rukmini along
of the transport body’s luxu- Justice of India Bhushan Ga- tes in the last three days and rits, said the speakers, which candidates confirmed their the streets of Dadar on Friday.
ry fleet—flagged its poor up- vai adding that attempts are on Thursday recommended included Advocate General registration for engineering The Maharashtrian festival
keep. A video shot by the pas- on to ensure that Bombay 36 appointments. “Pendency Birendra Saraf, SC Judge Di- seats, data from the state’s of Ashadhi Ekadashi is schedu-
senger of the Thane-Kolha- high court functions at its (of cases) is a huge issue. We pankar Datta and HC CJ Alok CET Cell shows. led Sunday July 6. Celebrations
pur bus showed broken se- full strength of 94 judges. are trying to work on it. One Aradhe. Registrations for MBA/ began at Navami Friday with
ats, missing handles, a The CJI was speaking at of the reasons is vacancies Meanwhile, assembly MMS programmes stood at palkhi processions across
cracked windshield, and lea- his felicitation ceremony which are not filled up,” said Speaker Rahul Narwekar on 37,473, of which 12,837 stu- Mumbai, Thane and Navi
king AC ducts, among held by the Bombay Bar As- the CJI, adding, “Justice (Di- Friday said that CJI Gavai dents confirmed their appli- Mumbai. Vitthal temples
others. The passenger said sociation (BBA) at the Bom- pankar) Datta at a function in will be felicitated at Vidhan cations. The process, which across Sion, Wadala, Bandra,
she reported the issues to the bay HC in Mumbai, on Fri- Nagpur flagged the issue of Bhavan on Tuesday. Gavai began on June 28, for these Andheri, Kandivli, Dahisar and
onboard staffers but they al- day. CJI Gavai said that from interference in the functio- will give a lecture on the im- two courses will remain open Borivli are planning elaborate Children dress like lord Vithal and his consort Rukhmini in Dadar
legedly expressed helpless- CJI Sanjiv Khanna’s time, ning of the collegium. I must portance of the Indian cons- till July 8. Officials indicated festivities. The main ceremony
ness. “We had no option but they have tried to infuse mo- assure you that we will adopt titution to legislators. Arti- that this deadline could be ex- in Pandharpur where the CM le is around 115 years old and ho- bration stats with mahapuja in
to continue our journey,” she re transparency in matters a complete process of trans- cle 226 of the Indian Consti- tended, as several colleges are usually officiates with his wife, uses the idols of both deities the morning followed by bha-
said. A senior MSRTC offici- of appointments. “The CJI is parency. While ensuring that tution is not only a power to still awaiting regulatory app- will be telecast live on Doordars- along with the footprints of Sa- jans. Two 'palkhi' ceremonies
al said the windshield had only the first among equals, representation is given to all do justice, but it is coupled rovals. In all, 16 professional han Sahyadri at 2.00 am on the int Namdev.” will take place. In the evening
been damaged in a previous and we have tried to dispel sections of society, merit will with a duty of the HC Judge courses are currently accep- intervening night of Saturday- At Marathi Chawl near Mal- there is bhajan by women's gro-
mishap, adding that it didn’t the impression that the SC is never be compromised (in to do justice. Likewise under ting applications. Among Sunday. The city's dabbawal- wani Gate no. 8, Malad, the local ups, Haripath seva and kirtan.
affect visibility. “We will con- a ‘CJI-centric court’,” he ad- the appointment of judges).” Articles 32 and 142, duty of them, the Bachelor of Educa- lahs, many of whom belong to shrine will start the day with ka- Festivities will continue till Ju-
duct a full inspection when ded. CJI Gavai also launched a SC Judges to do justice, said tion (BEd) programme saw the Warkari clan, are heading kad aarti at 7.00 am followed by a ly 10 Guru Purnima.”
the bus returns to the depot.” “Immediately on my as- BBA app and AI guidelines CJI Gavai adding, “I have al- 41,032 registrations, with for the annual pilgrimage to three-hour long 'dindi' and bha- A grand celebration will un-
—Manoj Badgeri suming office on May 14, we for lawyers. ways attempted to do that.’’ 25,544 candidates confirming Pandharpur and will not deli- jans by evening, said president fold at Dahisar Sri Kashi Math
their interest. Law remains ver tiffins Monday July 7, said Mangesh Kachrekar. from 6.00 am to 12.00 midnight.
another strong draw—with union leader Subhash Talekar. In Borivli East, the Vitthal Convenor Amit Pai said, “Our
28,548 students registering Devotees of all social back- Rakhumai Seva Mandal is con- Vittal Rakhumai Mandir is
for the three-year LLB pro- grounds arrive at the Deshast- ducting a five-day event from known as Prati Pandharpur be-
gramme and 11,689 confir- ha Dongrikar Namdev Shimpi July 4-10, said organiser Aniket cause the idol of Vittal Rakhu-
ming their applications. Ho- Mandal's Vithal-Rakhumai Kadam. "On Friday, which was mai was presented to our seer
wever, postgraduate courses temple at 6th Lane Khetwadi in Navami, we held a 'dindi' pro- Shrimad Sudhindra Thirtha
have seen a mixed response. Girgaum. Treasurer Ajay cession at 5.00 pm. At Saturday's Swamiji by the authorities of
Only 1,403 students applied Kshirsagar narrated the impor- Dashami, we will conduct ma- Pandharpur temple. Around
for MTech/ME programmes tance of this shrine saying, “De- hapuja from 5.30-7.00 am. Vaib- 24,000 devotees including War-
since registrations began on votees who cannot visit Pand- hav Maharaj Kadam from Virar karis visit this day. The deities
July 1, and just 348 of them harpur come here to experience will perform kirtan from 8.00- are adorned with a silver armo-
confirmed. TNN the same spirituality. Our temp- 10.00 pm. Sunday's main cele- ur and colourful flowers.”

Citizens plan `4.5cr med crowdfunding fraud

to move court
over BEST plaint false: Police; case closed
smart meters Ahmed.Ali@timesofindia.com Matunga police registered
an FIR of cheating, forgery
misused the funds.
Ater a detailed probe, poli-
Mumbai: Concerns were ra- Mumbai: Police have filed a and breach of trust after follo- ce found no evidence to sup-
ised by activists regarding in- closure report in a case of alle- wing the directions of a ma- port the allegations. They con-
stallation of smart meters in ged misuse of Rs 4.5 crore rai- gistrate’s court. cluded that Sheikh failed to
Island City, with a section of sed through crowdfunding for According to Sheikh’s produce any documents pro-
BEST electricity consumers a child’s medical treatment. complaint, between Jan and ving the accused collected Rs
expressing opposition and pl- Police, in the B summary re- June 2024, the accused claimed 4.5 crore or misused it. Furt-
anning to move the court on port filed in a magistrate’s co- that the child required Rs 17 her, police said the documents
the issue, reports Somit Sen. urt, said the complaint was crore for SMA treatment and shared during the probe — in-
However, BEST officials ma- false without merit. was undergoing care at Hindu- cluding those posted on social
intain these meters will be ad- In Nov 2024, activist Arif ja Hospital. Actress Sana Khan media — did not come from of-
vantageous for consumers, Ahmed Mansoor Sheikh filed shared the appeal on her Insta- ficial sources like Impact Gu-
enabling daily power con- a private complaint saying Pi- gram account on Jan 11. The ru or the hospital.
sumption monitoring and fa- yush Jain, director of the Im- complaint alleged that inste- The closure report stated:
cilitating quicker responses pact Guru app, along with the ad of depositing donations di- “It has been established that
to electrical disruptions. child’s parents Nikhat and No- rectly into the hospital’s offici- all allegations are baseless
More than 3.5 lakh smart ufil Kazi, misused funds rai- al account, the accused diver- and lack any foundation and
meters were installed by sed for the treatment of spinal ted over Rs 4.5 crore into per- hence no offence is found to
BEST, implying that one out muscular atrophy (SMA). sonal bank accounts and have been committed.”
of every three meters is a
smart hi-tech meter in SoBo
and other parts of Island Ci-
ty. Activist Kamlakar Shen-
oy alleged, “The rules mand-
ate that each consumer mu-
Notice to cops for non-submission of
st receive prior notice and be
allowed to be present during
installation. However, noti-
report in plaint against Ekta Kapoor
ces issued are illegal, lack es- Mumbai: A Mumbai court on Code of Criminal Procedure. As per the complaint filed
sential information, and de- Friday issued a show cause no- Under this section, a ma- through advocate Ali Kaashif
ny consumers the right to tice to city police for not submit- gistrate can carry out an inqui- Khan Deshmukh, a web series
raise objections.” BEST offi- ting an inquiry report in a cri- ry into a criminal complaint, or on Alt Balaji showed a military
cials denied the charge. minal complaint filed against direct the police to do so. The officer engaging in an "illicit
Activist G R Vora noted, film and television producer magistrate's court had called sexual act" in one of its episo-
“BEST is merely fixing noti- Ekta Kapoor for allegedly dis- for a report from the police by des. Pathak came across the
ce on wall or giving it to soci- respecting Indian soldiers in May 9. The show cause notice episode in May 2020, the comp-
ety. Society can’t give conse- one of her web series. The pro- was issued as the police haven't laint said.
nt on behalf of consumers.” be report was to be submitted submitted the report yet. The “The accused have stooped
He said consumers should by May 9, a deadline missed by complaint was filed by YouTu- to a cheap low and shamelessly
be given the opportunity to the police. The magistrate's co- ber Vikas Pathak, also known targeted the dignity and pride
speak about it. A BEST repr- urt in Bandra had in February as `Hindustani bhau'. Besides of our country by depicting In-
esentative defended the init- directed the Khar police to con- Ekta, Pathak named her OTT dian Army military uniform in
iative, stating smart meters duct an inquiry into the comp- platform Alt Balaji, and her pa- the illicit sexual act with natio-
pose no disadvantages and laint against Kapoor and rents Shobha and Jeetendra nal emblem on it,” the compla-
enhance service delivery. others under section 202 of the Kapoor in the complaint. int said. PTI

Man murders friend over old dispute, held

Thane: A 46-year-old man was murdered by his friend in a
drunken state in Ulhasnagar on Thursday. Both of them were
having a party at home when they got into an argument over an
old dispute. The friend, who was hosting the party, beat up the
man and banged his head against the wall, resulting in his de-
ath. The accused, Shakeel Sheikh (45) was arrested by the Hill
Line police, who are probing the case. They said that the Sheikh
and the victim, Anil Kamble, were daily wage labourers and
close friends. — Pradeep Gupta
 PD: 05-07-2025 Z: MumbaiCity E: 1 U: vipashana.kamble T: 07-05-2025 00:34

TIMES NATION THE TIMES OF INDIA, MUMBAI | SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

NAXALISM CONFINED TO JUST 5-6 DISTRICTS; RED CORRIDOR EFFORTS MAY FAIL, BUT NOT PRAYERS, SAYS DKS ON HIS
IS RAPIDLY CHANGING INTO GROWTH CORRIDOR: RAJNATH KARNATAKA CM AMBITIONS AFTER HIS TEMPLE VISIT

AC guy turns
movie pirate, Manipur to close relief camps
makes `40L in
crypto wealth
Hyderabad: By day, Jana Ki-
& resettle displaced families
ran Kumar fixed air-conditio-
ners. By night, the 29-year-old 3-Phase Rehab 57,000. As we speak, in Chura-
chandpur and Kangpokpi dis-
to their villages until Dec.
“The number can be anything
became a high-tech movie pi- tricts, people have started go- between 8,000 and 10,000.
rate with a calculated plan
that could rival a heist script,
Programme To ing back to their homes,” he
said. The second phase of re-
They will be given prefabrica-
ted houses to stay in, for
reports Mahesh Buddi.
Kiran slowly built a profi-
Start This Mth habilitation is scheduled to
begin by Oct and third in Dec.
which we are building a thou-
sand more,” the chief secreta-
table side job by secretly re- Prabin.Kalita@timesofindia.com Singh said financial assi- ry said.
cording newly-released movi- stance for resettlement would On whether the situation
es and leaking them—a racket Guwahati: Manipur plans to be provided in three categori- had improved enough for dis-
that reportedly earned him shut around 350 relief camps es. Beneficiaries in the first placed families to be confi-
over Rs. 40 lakh in cryptocur- sheltering people displaced group – 7,000-8,000 people dent about returning to areas
rency over the past 18 months. by ethnic violence since May Displaced people whose houses whose houses were destroyed ravaged by violence, he said
But eventually, the resident of 2023 and resettle them thro- were destroyed in arson are in arson – are eligible for aro- resumption of farming acti-
Hyderabad’s Vanasthalipu- ugh a structured, three-phase eligible for Rs 3 L each to rebuild und Rs 3 lakh each to rebuild vity was an encouraging sign.
ram got caught following a jo- rehabilitation programme homes, Manipur chief secy said their homes. The second cate- “I am glad to share that
int operation by Telangana starting this month. gory has about 7,000 people both sides (Meiteis and Ku-
Film Chamber of Commerce
(TFCC) anti-piracy cell and
cyber crime cops. It also mar-
ked the first instance of a mo-
Chief secretary P K Singh
on Friday said that the state,
under President’s Rule since
ex-CM N Biren Singh stepped
placed based on an assess-
ment of how many people we-
re prepared to leave the relief
camps immediately. “The pro-
who fled their villages to esca-
pe violence, but whose houses
were spared.
They will receive financi-
kis) are farming together.
I mean, within eyeball-to-
eyeball distance. And they are
sharing water,” he said. The
4 of Nagpur’s trading ED seizes `34-cr
assets of Ranya
vie pirate being caught while
recording inside a theatre.
down in Feb, was in talks with
ministry of home affairs to
start rehabilitating the dis-
cess has already begun. The
number of displaced people
has dropped from 62,000 to
al assistance to start afresh.
The last group will have peo-
ple who are unable to return
administration urged civil so-
ciety groups to help maintain
calm and be vigilant.
family die in crash & aides in gold
‘RECORDED, LEAKED smuggling case
AT LEAST 40 MOVIES’ on Samruddhi E-way
Maha man among trio abducted ‘1 officer benched, New Delhi: Enforcement Di-
During interrogation, Ki- rectorate has attached proper-
ran confessed to recording Soumitra.Bose ties worth Rs 34 crore linked to
and leaking at least 40 movies 8 to face probe in @timesofindia.com Kannada actor Ranya Rao and
from different theatres across
Hyderabad. He told cops that
he would choose cinema halls
based on occupancy data from
in Mali, Al-Qaeda link suspected Nashik land scam’
Mumbai: Maharashtra govt
Nagpur: Four members of
a prominent Jaiswal fami-
ly from Umred, near Nag-
her associates in connection
with its investigation into the
gold smuggling and money la-
undering case.
BookMyShow. “The emptier U.SudhakarReddy tails. The factory is owned by embassy of India in Bamako has ordered immediate su- pur, were killed in an acci- The properties of the actor
the theatre, the better my @timesofindia.com Hyderabad-based Prasaditya is in close and constant com- spension of sub-divisional of- dent on Samruddhi Ex- are located in Bengaluru and
chances of going unnoticed,” Group, which is believed to munication with Malian aut- ficer, Uday Kis- pressway, along the stretch Tumkur districts of Karnata-
he reportedly told cops. Hyderabad: In a suspected have facilitated the men’s horities, law enforcement, ve, and initia- running through Washim, ka—a house and a residential
A native of Andhra Pra- terror attack on a cement fac- employment in Mali. and the management of Dia- ted a depart- while returning home by plot in Bengaluru; industrial
desh’s East Godavari district, tory in Kayes city in Mali in Indian embassy in Bama- mond Cement factory.” mental car from the naming cere- land in Tumkur; and agricul-
Kiran curated every move. He west Africa, three Indian na- ko, Mali capital, is working “Govt of India strongly inquiry aga- mony of Jaiswal’s grand- tural land in Anekal taluk,
used his iPhone meticulously tionals, one from Maharash- with local authorities and Ma- condemns this cowardly act inst eight daughter in Pune on (Clockwise from top) with a combined market value
tucked into his shirt pocket. tra and two from Telugu sta- li govt to secure their release. of violence and urges the Re- stamp duty of- Thursday night. Radheshyam (67), Madhuri of over Rs 34 crore, the agency
On May 9 he recorded Telugu tes, were abducted on July 1 by Embassy officials are also in public of Mali to ensure the ficers in connection with a Police said Radheshy- (52), Vaidehi (25) and Sangeeta said in a statement on Friday.
film #Single at a theatre in Hy- militants believed to be linked regular contact with families safe and swift release of the land scam case in Nashik, the am Jaiswal, 67, a stalwart (55) of the Jaiswal family The case assumed signifi-
derabad soon after its release. to the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Ja- of the abducted men and fac- abducted Indian nationals,” state assembly was informed in Umred’s trading com- cance because Rao is the
He compressed the video to a ma’at Nusrat al-Islam wal- tory management. MEA said. on Friday. munity, his sisters-in-law, roadside barrier, leaving daughter of a former DGP of
5GB file and shared it using a Muslimin (JNIM). While no group has offici- Speaking in the House, re- Madhuri Jaiswal, 52, and the vehicle mangled and Karnataka, and is known to be
file-sharing link with piracy The abducted individuals 2 OTHERS FROM ally claimed responsibility venue minister Chandras- Sangeeta Jaiswal, 55, and its passengers trapped. close to Karnataka home mi-
site operators, cops said. include a senior employee ANDHRA, T’GANA yet, security agencies suspect hekhar Bawankule said his granddaughter, Vaide- Highway safety patrol per- nister G Parameshwara, and
Police said Kiran wasn’t from Maharashtra serving as involvement of JNIM. stern action will be taken aga- hi Jaiswal, 25, a techie re- sonnel cut through iron also a former Congress MP
working alone. Once the raw general manager; Amares- Following the incident, se- Prasaditya Group is into inst those found guilty. In- cently hired by a Pune and steel wreckage to ex- from Karnataka. Premises of
footage reached piracy websi- war, a service engineer from nior executives from Prasadi- diverse sectors such as auto- structions have been issued firm, died in the crash. Ja- tricate the victims. Sange- trusts belonging to Parmesh-
te handlers, it was edited pro- Telangana; and Ramana, a fo- tya Group flew to Mali and are mobiles, chemicals, enginee- for criminal action against iswal and his family own a eta and Radheshyam were wara were searched by ED in
fessionally — cropped to eli- reman from Andhra Pradesh. coordinating with local law ring and engineering servi- stamp vendors Zakir and Arif grocery business and are declared dead after hospi- May in connection with the
minate camera movement, ob- Intelligence sources from Te- enforcement authorities. ces, entertainment, infrast- Abdul Latif, he said. BJP’s Go- well-connected in Umred. talisation. Vaidehi, and money laundering case.
structions, colour corrected, langana and Andhra confir- When approached for com- ructure, finance, IT and ITES, pichand Padalkar pointed to The car, driven by Che- her mother Madhuri suc- ED probe found that Rao,
and some scenes trimmed to med their identities and roles ment, Motaparti Siva Rama international trading, paper irregularities in swap of land tan Helge, 25, the lone sur- cumbed to injuries on the facilitated by the VIP access
remove inconsistencies. Ki- at the plant. Prasad, chairman of the gro- and power, railways, textiles, parcels from Sangameshwar vivor, collided with a divi- highway, police said, ad- she enjoyed at the airport,
ran’s cryptocurrency pay- Diamond Cement unit up, declined to speak. as well as travel and tourism, and Gugulgaon under Male- der before veering off the ding Chetan, who suffered smuggled in gold. This led the
ments allegedly by overseas confirmed the abduction but Ministry of external affa- spanning operations in 22 co- gaon taluka without non-agri- highway and crashing into severe injuries, is recupe- agency to a larger network in-
handlers are under the lens. declined to share further de- irs in a statement said, “The untries. cultural permission. PTI the metal railings of the rating at a local hospital. cluding hawala operators. TNN

Gokhale institute appoints new vice-chancellor

Ardhra.Nair@timesofindia.com Dash said he was grateful ach greater heights,” he said. nation. Ranade also resigned,
for the opportunity. “This in- Dash has nearly two deca- citing personal reasons.
Pune: Umakant Dash (in pic), stitute has a rich legacy, and I des of experience in acade- Earlier, the Servants of In-
director of the Institute of will do my best to uphold and mia and research with insti- dia Society (SIS), the parent
Rural Management Anand in build on it. I am not familiar tutes of national and interna- body of GIPE, raised ques-
Gujarat, has been ap- with the background tional repute. tions surrounding irregulari-
pointed the new vice- of earlier controversi- Shankar Das, who recently ties in appointments within
chancellor of Gokhale es at this point. Howe- stepped down as the pro VC of GIPE by the new interim vice-
Institute of Politics ver, as vice-chancellor, Tata Institute of Social Scien- chancellor, which then led to
and Economics, accor- it is my responsibility ces, is the interim VC at GIPE. SIS first removing the chancel-
ding to an order issued to engage with all sta- GIPE has been in the eye of the lor Sanyal from his post and
on July 2 by chancellor keholders, including storm since last year when qu- then reinstating him. Both
Sanjeev Sanyal. the parent body, faculty, and estions were raised about the parties traded allegations aga-
Dash’s tenure will start on students, and work towards appointment of then VC, Ajit inst each other, with GIPE fi-
July 29 and would be effective fostering unity and collabora- Ranade, culminating in then ling a case in April against SIS
for five years. tion so that the institute can re- chancellor Bibek Roy’s resig- for misuse of GIPE funds.

After IAF, Navy

gets 1st woman
fighter pilot
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: After the IAF, which now has over

20 women fighter pilots, the Navy too now has a
woman officer all set to begin one year of final
training to qualify as a full-fledged MiG-29K pi-
lot capable of tearing into the sky from an air-
craft carrier on the high seas.
Sub-Lieutenant Aastha Poonia and Lt Atul
Kumar Dhull received their prestigious
“Wings of Gold” after completing their trans-
itional fighter training on Hawk advanced jet
trainers, which includes learning intensive
combat maneuvers, at INS Dega at Visakhapat-
nam on Thurs-
day. “Sub-Lt Po-
onia has beco-
me the first wo-
man to be
streamed into
the fighter stre-
am of naval av-
iation, shatte-
‘WINGS OF GOLD’ ring barriers
and paving the
way for a new era of women fighter pilots in the
Navy,” an officer said on Friday.
In her early-20s, Sub-Lt Poonia will now un-
dergo extensive training on actual fighters, in-
cluding at the shore-based test facility at INS
Hansa in Goa, which has a ski-jump to resemble
an aircraft carrier’s deck.
The Navy, of course, already has women of-
ficers serving as pilots of maritime patrol air-
craft like P-8I and Dorniers as well as helicop-
ters. “Streaming of Sub-Lt Poonia into the figh-
ter stream highlights the Navy's commitment
promoting `Nari Shakti’,” the officer added.
The combat exclusion policy for women in
the Indian armed forces was shattered when
the IAF inducted three of them as fighter pilots
in 2016. Since then, over 20 women have been
commissioned into the IAF’s fighter stream,
with them flying MiG-21s, Sukhoi-30MKIs and
even the spanking new Rafales.
 PD: 05-07-2025 Z: MumbaiCity E: 1 U: rohit.bundelkhandiT: 07-05-2025 00:30

6 TIMES NATION THE TIMES OF INDIA, MUMBAI

SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

‘India has navigated uncertainty We did not get very

wide coverage in areas
of interest for India (in
FTAs signed during UPA

very well, exports may top $870bn’

tenure). It’s a sad situation…
Japan has not agreed to a
review and a South Korea
review is underway. Now, we

H
sign FTAs after extensive
ow much export growth is stakeholder consultation; for
expected this year given Despite global challenges, commerce &
the global uncertainty?
the Modi govt, national
In the last 11 years
industry minister Piyush Goyal expects interest is paramount
of Modi govt, India
has navigated uncertainty and
exports to scale a new high this year, aided
volatility quite well. Total exports
soared to a record $825 billion in
by FTAs. While remaining upbeat on What changes are you planning on
SEZ regulations?
2024-25, growing over 6%, and sus- growth, he tells Sidhartha that investment There are certain suggestions
taining a robust 5.8% CAGR over that will help SEZ units increase
the past decade. We have seen a is flowing into several sectors. He is pushing their capacity utilisation and help
remarkable 20% CAGR during the meet the demand that is currently
past decade in electronics, and tra- for a review of FTAs with Asean and Japan being serviced by some of the FTA
ditional sectors such as engineer- countries. We are working with
ing and pharmaceuticals have and is cautious on China. Excerpts: the requisite departments, and we
done well. From 2019-20 to 2024-25, should be able to come up with the
goods exports have seen a CAGR consultations with stakeholders tory pricing and focusing on Qual- changes by the end of the year.
of 6.9%, despite the Covid period. on RCEP and the benefits of join- ity Control Orders.
From 2019 to 2023, because coun- ing it, only three suggested we Quality control orders have been a
try-wise data is available up to should join. PM Modi showed de- Does the focus on China+1 remain in focus. What is the rationale and
2023, commercial services exports cisive leadership and sensitivities the US? benefit when a section of industry is
registered a CAGR of 12%. Going for our fishermen, farmers, indus- It appears to be working on a objecting to them?
forward, we may be able to main- try and entrepreneurs. He recog- two-pronged strategy. While rec- We are emphasising on QCOs to
tain 5-6% growth in goods, espe- nised that it was nothing but FTA ognising that it cannot decouple implement the PM’s vision of zero
cially non-petroleum exports, between India and China because completely from China, it is also defect-zero effect manufacturing.
while services may grow 9-10%. If we had agreements with the oth- working on strengthening the Technical regulations have been
we can achieve that we are looking ers. We have signed ECTA with supply chain. strengthened to promote a strong
at crossing $870 billion in the cur- Australia and we should be able quality ecosystem in India, en-
rent year, despite the global prob- to finalise an agreement with New Are there opportunities for India? Periodically, China has erected Weak capex by the private sector is a hance product safety for consum-
lems. Our focus is more and more Zealand in the next few months. Clearly, India is a much sought It (capex) varies across restrictions, whether it is export major concern. When do you see an ers, prevent the import of sub-
on value-added and labour-inten- Just this week at a meeting with after destination for investments, sectors. There is a lot of of rare earth magnets, fertilizer improvement in investments? standard goods, protect the envi-
sive goods and services exports. exporters, the issue came up and there are collaborations for tech- or tunnel boring machines, and It varies across sectors. There is ronment and attract investment.
not one of them suggested that we nology. In the maritime sector, interest in investments recently recalled engineers. Yet, a lot of interest in investments in It acts as a nudge to produce qual-
How much help will come from FTAs? should join. India is recognised as a ship- in sectors that have domestic there are demands from Indian sectors that have domestic demand ity products in India.
India has deepened its footprint building destination and govt is demand and there is import industry to lift some of the checks and there is import substitution,
with FTAs with the UAE, Austral- The Asean FTA is under review. Are also coming up with measures to on investment from China, on vi- such as steel. There are plans to How is the progress on industrial
ia, EFTA and the UK, reshaping you satisfied with the pace or is support it. Semiconductors is a substitution, such as steel… sas and on apps. invest Rs 20 lakh crore in 10 years; corridors and when will you be ready
our trade dynamics. FTAs do make there a sense of frustration? success story of the Modi govt. We cement is an ever-green Given that there is now en- cement is an ever-green sector as with the plan for 100 industrial parks?
an impact. With the UAE, services We can do much have seen signifi- sector... Auto parts, gagement with China at the min- demand and production grow In Dholera, Shendra-Bidkin,
exports have almost doubled in the better and I am TOI INTERVIEW cant increase in isterial level, if China is willing every year. Auto parts, sanitary- Greater Noida and Vikram Udyo-
last four-five years. In Australia, it hopeful that both domestic value ad- sanitaryware are seeing large to engage on fair terms on trade, ware are seeing large investments gpuri, over 4,200 acres have been
has nearly tripled. On the goods Korea and Asean will recognise dition in the sectors where we investments and there is India will be willing to talks and and there is confidence that Indian allotted and 76% of the developed
side too we have grown very well, the asymmetries in the FTAs offered PLI. confidence that Indian see how we can work towards a companies can compete with any- industrial land is now under com-
in Australia’s case at 25%, we have signed 15 years ago and will make more mutually beneficial and a one. There are some focus areas mitted use. Each city is emerging
crossed $8 billion, while we were them more contemporary, fair, bal- Despite the focus on reducing companies can compete with fair trading system. like white goods, where demand is as an industrial powerhouse: Dhol-
tottering at $3 billion earlier. The anced and equitable. imports from China, the trade deficit anyone. There are some focus growing very fast on the back of era has emerged as the future
same is not true of the ones signed is near $100 billion. What is being areas like white goods. Some of Are the conditions conducive to tax cuts, growing income levels semicon city of India, Shendra-
during UPA. Services export to Your recent comments on the Asean done to check that? lifting some of the checks? and the finance minister also Bidkin in Maharashtra is evolving
Japan is slowing down. We did not agreement stirred a controversy. Do During the 10 years of UPA, In- the investment going into GCCs Time will tell. spoke of GST reduction recently. into an automotive and EV hub.
get very wide coverage in areas of you see Chinese goods and dia’s trade deficit with China grew may not be fully captured Auto sector is growing rapidly and Of the 12 new projects approved
interest for India. It’s a sad situa- investments getting routed through nearly 25 times, but has expanded There are indications of a slowdown our efforts in electronics are show- by the govt last Aug, tenders have
tion and I hope that our efforts for some of the countries that are part 1.75 times between 2014-15 and 2023- in the first quarter. As the minister ing results. Some of the invest- been floated and our target is to get
a review will bear fruit. Japan has of the bloc? 24. We have managed to bring some ished products in India. in-charge of industry, what will be ment going into GCCs may not be the ground activity started by Oct-
not agreed to it and a South Korea When the US announced its reasonable controls. Electrical your strategy to accelerate growth in fully captured. Nov. As for the industrial parks,
review is underway. Now, we sign agreement with Vietnam, it fo- equipment, machinery, organic Is there a reluctance to allow Indian the industrial sector? the blueprint is at an advanced
FTAs after extensive stakeholder cused on transshipment of goods chemicals and plastics are our ma- goods in China? We are already seeing an While gross FDI inflows have grown, stage. They are proposed to be de-
consultation and for the Modi govt, from other countries. Every day jor imports. Between 2019-20 and There are several non-tariff bar- uptick and rural demand has there was an increase in remittances veloped and implemented through
national interest is paramount. we get cases of sub-standard 2023-24, there has been an increase riers, including language and pro- shown significant improvement. and outward FDI last year. How will independent special purpose vehi-
goods coming in, predatory pric- in import of these items from Chi- cedural delays. Many industries You may see a jump in growth in you step up overall FDI flows? cles in collaboration between the
The Modi govt opted out of RCEP. In ing being deployed for exports na, but there is also a correspond- just don’t buy from India even the second half of the year. I With the outflow of investment, Centre, states and wherever appli-
hindsight, was it a sensible thing to and to kill Indian industry. We are ing increase in exports, showing when our products are competitive. see no difficulty in closing the India is also building an asset base cable, private players. There will
do since many experts still argue working on strengthening Make that several items imported from Getting more market access is an year with RBI’s 6.5% growth and its own presence in different be a single window system for ap-
that India should have joined it? in India, supporting Indian indus- China are raw material, inputs or area in which we are working with which will make us the fastest sectors across the world, which in provals and plug-and-play infra-
Before the decision, we held 200 try wherever it is hurt by preda- capital goods used for making fin- China through our embassy. growing economy. the long run will be our strength. structure will be maintained.
 PD: 05-07-2025 Z: MumbaiCity E: 1 U: vipashana.kamble T: 07-05-2025 00:38

THE TIMES OF INDIA, MUMBAI

SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025 TIMES NATION 7

No compromise
3 dead, 1 injured as car overturns in Haryana: A late night
No dispute with Centre notifies birthday party ended in tragedy when an SUV carrying four
friends from UP’s Baghpat lost control, overturned and caught
regard to identity rules on portal fire on NH-44 in Haryana’s Sonipat on Wednesday, killing three
and leaving the fourth critically injured. TNN
of property in
Idgah suit: HC on farm & dairy & database of
waqf properties
 From P 1

sectors: Goyal New Delhi: Laying out a

detailed process for upload-

T
he application was sup- ing details of waqf proper-
ported by an affidavit ties registered with waqf
from advocate Mahendra  From P 1 boards on the new Central
Pratap Singh. Subsequently, a Waqf Portal launched last

F
written objection was filed on or India, lowering ta- month, govt on Thursday
behalf of the Muslim side, who riffs on farm products, notified Unified Waqf Man-
are defendants in the suit. such as maize and soy- agement Empowerment
The Hindu side had submit- bean, as well as dairy pro- Efficiency and Develop-
ted that Shahi Idgah mosque in ducts is a concern. While ment Rules dealing with
Mathura was constructed on Goyal did not get into speci- the portal and database of
the exact site that is “histori- fics, he said that India wo- waqf properties, and the
cally recognised” as the origi- uld not compromise the in- process for their registra-
nal birthplace of Krishna. terests of the farm and dai- tion, audit and mainte-
However, the Muslim said ry sectors. “We take every nance of accounts, reports
the mosque has been in existen- concern into account. Far- Goyal said Indian expectations Ambika Pandit.
ce for over 400 years and its ex- mers’ interest is always pa- for duty concessions in labour- Details of all existing
istence is sought to be under- ramount for the Modi govt. intensive sectors were the waqf properties are to be
mined by the present applica- In any negotiation we have focus of the trade deal uploaded on the portal
tion, which is not permissible done, you have seen the UK, within six months.
under law. Trial of the suit is Australia, Mauritius, EF- sions in leather, footwear, The new rules also re-
yet to commence. TA and the UAE agree- textiles and some auto quire that after completion
“In pleadings of the parti- ments, India’s farmers ha- parts in return for redu- of survey, states must pub-
es..., the structure in question ve been protected.” cing levies on automobiles lish the list of ‘auqaf ’ (waqf
is referred as Shahi Masjid Id- Govt has so far refrai- and American whiskey. properties) and upload it on
gah and at this stage, where he- ned from offering conces- Besides, India wants to the portal and database,
aring of the suits is yet to com- sions in major agricultural be insulated from future ta- within 90 days from the
mence and even issues have not products, but for the US, it riff adjustments, inclu- date of publication of the
been framed, it is neither desi- is the main focus. ding sectoral actions, while list in the official gazette. In
rable nor expedient to issue While some govt offici- getting the benefit of lower what clearly shows that de-
any direction to the stenograp- als said that the US de- duties compared with co- lays will not be allowed, the
her, as prayed by applicants, to mands were not very clear, untries such as China and rules make it clear that if
refer to Shahi Masjid Idgah in for India, Goyal said Indian Vietnam. There are only a the Mutawalli (appointed
judgments and orders as a ‘dis- expectations for duty con- handful of countries, in- caretaker) fails to upload
puted structure’. There is no cessions in labour-intensi- cluding the UK, China and details within the stipulat-
dispute with regard to the iden- ve sectors were the focus of Vietnam, that have so far ed timeframe, the person
tity of the property in suit,” the the trade deal. India was agreed to trade agreements will have to go to tribunal to
court said. hoping for duty conces- with the US. seek extension of time.

Police quizzing friend to check

if relationship was consensual
 From P 1 She called her friend gistered a case of rape, vouye-
rism and criminal intimida-
to her flat, saying

H
is mobile tower location tion Thursday after the wo-
that evening showed she was feeling low. While man reported that the assai-
that he was “around” leaving the flat, the friend lant entered her flat on the
when the alleged assault took didn’t use the lift, which has pretext of delivering a parcel
place, the police chief said. CCTV cameras.. . For now, and getting her signature on
“On Wednesday evening, we have no comment as far the acknowledgement sheet.
she called her friend to her She alleged that he spray-
as the medical evidence in
flat, saying she was feeling ed some chemical on her face,
low. While leaving the flat, the the case is concerned at which she lost conscious-
friend didn’t use the lift, Amitesh Kumar ness. The complaint states he
which has CCTV cameras. He PUNE POLICE COMMISSIONER proceeded to rape her, also ta-
took the staircase to exit the king a picture with her phone
building,” Kumar told TOI. dical evidence in the case is and cropping out his face. She
“We are interrogating the concerned,” he said. mentioned he typed a message
detained person. We will come The police commissioner on the phone, threatening to
to a conclusion on whether it declined to say what may have circulate her picture on social
was a case of consensual or prompted the woman to make media if she reported the as-
non-consensual physical rela- the rape allegation against an sault. Police examined close to
tionship at the end of our in- unidentified delivery agent. 500 mobile phone call data re-
vestigation. “It’s too early to comment on cords active in the area where
For now, we have no com- this,” he said. the woman lives before fin-
ment to offer as far as the me- Kondhwa police station re- ding her friend’s details.
 PD: 05-07-2025 Z: MumbaiCity E: 1 U: rohit.bundelkhandi T: 07-04-2025 22:43

8 AN OPEN MIND OPENS POSSIBILITIES THE TIMES OF INDIA

SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

A thought for today

If I’m cooking, I feel like I’m in control of my life
KAMALA HARRIS
Gender’s Gourmet Trap
Cultures that fetishise food stick women in the kitchen for hours on hours. Gender parity

Roll Muddle takes off where the cuisine is functional, UK to Germany, overcooked cabbage to sausage
Partha Sinha Deniz Kandiyoti’s “patriarchal bargain” fits neatly
here. Women feed, nurture, and serve – and are rewarded
vita also perfected la cucina silenziosa – the silent
kitchen where the women stayed while the men made
EC’s revision is more confusing than comforting There’s a pungent paradox simmering with symbolic authority. You can be the queen of speeches about family and wine.
in the world’s most celebrated kitchens: kibbeh, but ask who cleans the mixer and watch the But here’s the curious inverse: in places where the

E
C’s assurances about the efficiency of its Special Intensive the better the cuisine, the worse the throne vanish. The kitchen becomes a national theatre, cuisine is functional – nutritious, basic, unglamorous –
Revision of Bihar’s voter roll aside, the ground reality is that gender politics that come marinated and women the state-sanctioned performers. Not chefs. women often had more room to step outside the kitchen.
many ordinary voters are confused, more so since state poll with it. Somewhere between turmeric Zoom in on Japan. Sushi – minimalist, sacred, male. Britain, for instance. Before Ottolenghi taught it how to
commission is in overdrive just months before elections. and tears, food becomes a trapdoor – Female chefs are told their hands are too warm for raw flirt with flavour and Instagram, British food was mostly
one that opens only under female feet. fish. Not metaphorically. Literally. Tradition says so. beige and boiled. Suet pudding. Overcooked cabbage. Toast
Bad timing | The issue’s bigger than opposition concerns. The The hypothesis isn’t flambéed for effect. It’s Sociologist Merry White calls it culinary apartheid. that gives up mid-chew. But British women got suffrage in
main problem is the rushed schedule. Not only is monsoon the slow-roasted in history: behind every mouthwatering Men get Michelin stars, women get the lunchboxes. 1918. By the 1950s, they were in offices, trade unions, and
wrong time for such a revision in the flood-prone state, it is distres- national dish is a woman whose labour was ritualised, Everyone claps politely. The wasabi, however, stings Parliament. Food wasn’t heritage – it was dinner.
sing for residents, stressful for poll workers, and inaccuracies can romanticised, and eventually rendered invisible. equally. Nordics tell a similar story. No one writes love songs
be costly. First, booth-level officer’s multiple visits to each potential Because once a culture begins to fetishise food, it France? The altar of gastronomy? A cathedral built about Swedish meatballs or Norwegian root vegetables,
voter’s residence – first to give a pre-filled or empty form then to quietly starts domesticating the female but these countries rank at the top of global
body – one rolling pin at a time. gender equality indices. Sweden legislated
collect it with or without documents on a case- Take India. The phrase “maa ke haath paid paternity leave in the 1970s. Denmark
to-case basis. Second, given Bihar’s patchy ka khaana” (meals made by mom’s hands) and Finland have near-parity in politics
documentation, getting hold of documents is less a compliment and more an unpaid and education. Food here is sustenance,
can be tough. Third, if a potential voter fails to job description passed down like a cursed not a personality trait.
ensure BLO has his/her form and documents, heirloom. It’s the Indian version of a Germany? Famous for efficiency, not
they won’t be included in the new voter roll. gold medal, awarded for lifelong kitchen soufflés. Potatoes, wurst, sauerkraut – and
service – without retirement benefits. The one of the highest rates of female labour
Fourth, BLOs must collect, verify, collate, kitchen here isn’t a room. It’s a shrine. force participation in EU. A 2020 OECD
scan ID documents and upload all of it within And the ghee-scented nostalgia masks the report ranked it high for women’s econo-
weeks for an estimated 7cr people. Fifth, slow smoke of sacrifice. No one ever writes mic empowerment. You won’t find many
having a month for ‘claims & objections’ after odes to the woman who didn’t cook. Insta reels about German dinner tables,
the draft roll is published on Aug 1 misses the point. It means voters Sociologist Arlie Hochschild, in The but you will find subsidised childcare and a
must make themselves available away from their work in other Second Shift, outlined this precisely: robust parental leave policy.
working women return from paid jobs to Netherlands too. Its cuisine is modest –
districts and states, first for BLOs in July, then in Aug if excluded. begin their real one – cooking, cleaning, bread, cheese, stamppot – but its gender
How many Bihari workers have that luxury? caregiving – all in the name of culture, parity metrics are world-class. Culinary
Faulty logic | EC has cited rapid urbanisation, migration, and family, and love. Patriarchy outsourced modesty, in these places, has quietly made
inclusion of undocumented immigrants for springing this on its guilt to emotional vocabulary. space for social ambition. When food isn’t
Bihar. The first is unrelated to the emphasis on birth certificates. Thailand? Same flavour, different gar- cultural performance, women aren’t forced
For the second, residency proof is required to remove inter- and nish. Thai food is a sensory symphony – to perform it.
sweet, sour, hot, umami – but there’s The trick is exquisite: cooking is framed
intra-district duplication. What acceptable residency document a fifth flavour no one writes about: as an act of love. And love, conveniently,
does a migrant show in his work-town? As for the third, whether the obligation. A 2022 study in the Asian cannot be critiqued. Especially when it’s
issue can be fixed by Sept 30 (deadline for final voter roll) and is big Journal of Women’s Studies confirms the math: on unpaid matriarchs. Yes, French cuisine gave us foie folded into pastry or fermented just right. But as Silvia
enough in Bihar to offset the high probability of disenfranchising Thai women spend three to four times more hours on gras and Julia Child’s career – but also a system where Federici reminds us: “Housework is not a natural activity;
ordinary voters is debatable. unpaid domestic labour than men. Culture here is a men get the toques and the women get thanked in it is an imposed social construct.”
hand-me-down apron. footnotes. Historian Rebecca Spang reminds us that This isn’t a hit job on food. It’s a call to chew slower,
Middle Eastern kitchens run on similar code. the restaurant, as an institution, was born during the taste the labour, and ask who was never allowed to leave

Model Community Stuffed grape leaves, slow-roasted lamb, poetic layers of

maqluba – cuisines as complex as their geopolitics. And
yet, in Egypt and Lebanon, the kitchen is where female
power is both granted and confined. Anthropologist
French Revolution – as a public, male domain. Women
remained behind curtains. And casseroles.
Italy – where pasta is al dente, tomatoes are operatic,
and mamma’s cooking is holy sacrament. Scratch
the kitchen while we were writing food memoirs and
winning Emmys. So the next time someone says, “Nobody
makes it like my grandmother did,” maybe ask – did she
ever get the chance of not making it?
Tibetans in India need better state support Nefissa Naguib notes that cooking is where women are beneath the truffle oil and you’ll find generations of Bon appétit. Or as patriarchy calls it: lunch, served

B
most visible – and also most trapped. You can rule the women expected to cook, serve, and smile through with a smile and a thousand years of unpaid emotion.
y backing Dalai Lama’s position on succession, Union minister kitchen, just don’t try leaving it. unpaid devotion. The country that birthed la dolce The writer is a senior advisory professional
Kiren Rijiju has rightly countered China’s position that only
Beijing can approve the choice of the next Tibetan spiritual
leader. Dalai Lama, and thousands of Tibetans, chose India as their
refuge when China captured Tibet in 1950s. Since then, Tibetans in
India have lived as a model community. Spread across 39 formal
Virtue Signalling Doesn’t Control Pollution
settlements and dozens of informal colonies throughout India,
Tibetans have added richness to our social milieu with their cuisine,
Public outrage has muted Delhi’s drive to push out old cars. Bigger problem is that clean air policies
medicine, culture and spirituality. are fashioned without scientific insight or robust data. Some actually hurt the environment
A lot of this is because of Dalai Lama
himself. He has repeatedly expressed his Chandra Bhushan technically ‘registered’ with the Regional Transport people to buy new ones, boosts automobile sales and
Office. Owners are expected to voluntarily deregister adds more vehicles to the road. In addition, every new
gratitude to India for providing shelter to
Public backlash has forced Delhi govt their vehicles – a process so tedious that few attempt it. vehicle carries a hidden environmental cost in terms
Tibetans. Contrast this with China where to walk back from its initiative to This bureaucratic blindspot means govt has no reliable of emissions from raw materials, manufacturing and
Tibetan culture is being slowly Sinicised, impound ‘end of life’ vehicles. But data on how many vehicles remain on Delhi’s roads, let logistics.
and Tibetan Buddhism is practised under before this, the sudden outrage over alone how much pollution they continue to cause. Rather than fixing arbitrary age limits, a sensible
strict supervision of Chinese Communist Party minders. It is in India the directive to stop refuelling diesel CAQM’s decision to block fuel sales, therefore, was vehicle retirement policy would be based on fitness.
that Tibetans have been able to freely practise their religion. vehicles older than 10 years and petrol not driven by scientific insight or robust data. Delhi has Around the world, vehicles are allowed to operate as
vehicles older than 15 years was somewhat amusing. spent years creating the illusion of action without long as they pass periodic fitness checks, including
India has a great track record in sheltering refugees – taking in
DECOLONISINGTHE LAW-5
millions during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War – and successive
DECODING
Many seemed toXiopolitics-I
believe this was a new crackdown. building the capacity to measure impact. Despite the emissions testing. A 15-year-old car that is well maintained
InBut these vehicles were be banned in Delhi nearly relentless headlines on its air pollution, there is no data and meets pollution standards is less harmful than a
Indian
How to writegovts
statuteshave done
for free
writers’ views are
India a lot for Tibetan refugees. But several every-
day issues remain. Tibetans face restrictions in terms of travel, can’t
seven
October,
anointed
enforcing
years
Xi Jinping
as China’s
5-part series
will again
ago,leader.
on Oct
on the manCourt
a Supreme
30, 2018, when govt began
A special
& what backed
he order that prohibits
showing whether banning vehicles or halting construc-
tion during winters has improved air
new one, if we consider the environmental impact of a
vehicle’s full life cycle.
buy property in India, most can’t access P Ecredit,
R Sand Ohave
NA L might mean for India & the world
bank very such vehicles not just from operating, but even from quality. We’re acting blindfolded, But the problem is that India lacks
limited access to higher education and healthcare. Their stateless being parked or present in the city. So, the fuel denial hoping that symbolic policies the necessary infra to make this
DECODING THEbeJOB
BUDGET
MARKETthrough practical provisions on the ground. directive was merely an attempt to enforce an old order will solve real problems. happen. There’s no robust
status can ameliorated
DECODING
using a new Xiopolitics-5
method. That brings us to the real inspection and certification
Seventy years of their peaceful existence in India shows migrants
2023-24
can add value to society. Tibetans deserve our continued support.
In fact,
In October,
older as
anointed
5-part
law-abiding
Xi Jinping
vehicles
will againcitizens
ever Asince
China’s leader.
series on the man & what
be

he
have been selling their
specialthe 2018 law. I sold my well-
maintained 10 years old Bharat Stage IV diesel car
question: does banning
10-year-old diesel and
15-year-old petrol vehi-
system, no reliable pollu-
tion testing, and no syste-
matic registration or
THE might mean for India & the world

Poetry & Politics,

(barely run for 100,000 km) in 2022. It went to a tour cles help? Not much. deregistration process
FREEBIES A TRIBUTE operator in Punjab at a bargain price so generous that Vehicles contribute for vehicles. Nor do we
D E B AT E Lata Mangeshkar he still sends me Diwali sweets. less than 10% of Delhi’s have an effective net-
1929-2022 Over the past seven years, lakhs of Delhiites have PM2.5 emissions. Of work of end-of-life
GALWAN
In Love & War
sold their vehicles to comply with the ban. Of course, that, the majority vehicle collection and
FREEBIES
THE

TWO
theYEARS
majorityAFTERof these vehicles have not gone to scrap comes from two- and recycling centres. If
yards as intended; instead, they’ve been relocated to three-wheelers. But we’re serious about
D E B AT E HIGH PRICES
other parts of the country, polluting their environ- banning two-wheelers is a political hot potato and reducing vehicular pollution, we must invest in a credible
BIG QUESTIONS
Faiz’s work endures because its core is humanism ECONOMY
ments instead. therefore difficult to enforce. That means cars (which and modern vehicle lifecycle management system.
THE FREEBIES So, why did Delhi govt decide to enforce the refuelling contribute less than 5% to Delhi’s PM2.5 problem) are To be clear, banning polluting vehicles is a good

A
heartbroken teenager, a request, he composed, Ham ki thahre
D E B who
lecturer in English A T was
E ajnabi itni mudaraton ke baad. Phir
WATCH-2
restriction seven years after banning these vehicles?
Did the Commission for Air Quality Management have
the main focus of the ban, even though the impact of
banning cars on air quality would be minimal.
idea. Old, polluting vehicles must be phased out. But
they must be banned through a structured, evidence-
drawn to Marxism, a pioneer banenge ashna kitni mulaqaton ke data showing that the original ban had been ineffective? This is exactly why the much-hyped odd-even based, and environmentally sound policy regime – not
of subcontinent’s political baad (Despite the hospitality, we No. The entire air quality action plan being enforced by vehicle rationing scheme failed. It ignored the science ad hoc decisions. In the absence of systems, such bans
poetry, a supporter of Iran’s Islamic remain strangers, and who knows
Revolution but not an Islamist, and how many meetings it will take to adam@home
Delhi govt and agencies like CAQM is bereft of data.
There is no evidence showing the impact of vehicle
of air pollution and tried to project political will
through traffic gimmicks. Banning cars based on age
serve more as virtue signalling than pollution control.
The air will not get cleaner because you make life har-
finally self-exiled in Beirut after become friends again). ban on air quality – or even tracking the enforcement of and denying them fuel is another version of the same der for a few car owners. It will get cleaner when you tre-
General Zia executed Bhutto – Faiz Once Zia arrested Bhutto, Faiz the ban itself. performative theatre. at clean air not as a slogan, but as a system – one that ne-
always said it was the early years that self-exiled to Beirut as editor of Lotus – Calvin and is
There Hobbes
no formal vehicle deregistration system in Such policies do more harm than good to the eds long-term, scientific, and institutional investment.
shaped the poet in him. a magazine to promote non-Euro- Delhi. Even when vehicles are scrapped, they remain environment. Prematurely disposing vehicles, pushing The writer is an environmentalist
Aur bhi dukh hain zamane mein centric Asian and African writing.
mohabbat ke siva, rahaten aur bhi hain But Faiz felt uprooted, longing for his
vasl ki rahat ke siva, mujh se pahli si people: Mere dil, mere musafir, hua Calvin & Hobbes Sacredspace
mohabbat mere mehboob na maang phir se hukm sadir, ki vatan-badar
(The world has other problems…other hon hum tum (My heart, my traveller, When salt
comforts than a lover’s embrace. So, the order is issued again, we are
my love, don’t ask I love you like I once exiled again).
is dissolved
did). That’s Faiz marrying romance His most popular work Hum in water,
and politics. Dekhenge is a poem of dissent. Some what is it

mindfield
In 1932, Angarey find it anti-Hindu- that remains
(Fire), an anthology ism – it’s just as distinct?
of mostly feminist anti-Islam. Inspired
short stories was SHORT TAKES ON BIG IDEAS by Iran’s Islamic I have thus
banned but inspired revolution, sourced become one in joy with Thee and
the Progressive from Quran’s Surah have lost myself in Thee.

KARNATAKA
Writers Association, al-Waqi’ah – the
of which Faiz was an inevitability of Qaya- Tukaram Gatha, 2482
integral part. He left mat (doomsday) – ex-

FINAL COUNTDOWN-4
the army in 1947 to perts are still divided
edit the left-leaning
The Pakistan Times,
disillusioned by
Ashadhi Ekadashi Marks Culmination Of Inner Journey
over Hum Dekhenge’s
message. A literal
translation of key
Partition’s communal lines: ‘Idols would be Harsh Kabra Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram. where personal anxieties and boundaries temples into community kitchens, and
violence – Ye daagh removed from Kaaba Over the years, the Wari has grown dissipate to make way for heightened schools into clinics. In a temporary yet

E
daagh ujala ye to establish Allah’s ach year, as monsoon clouds in scale, now drawing an estimated calm, mindfulness and togetherness. earnest welfare ecosystem, functioning
shab-gazida sahar, rule.’ But these could gather over Maharashtra, a river 10-12L participants, not just humble By braving odds such as vagaries of without heavy institutional apparatus
vo intizaar tha jis ka also mean: ‘Every of humanity flows across the state, villagers – original torchbearers of the weather, aching muscles, blistered feet, and powered by human generosity and
ye vo sahar to nahin idol – false gods and taunting ashen skies with bright saffron tradition – but also a new wave of irregular meals and inadequate sleep, compassion, farmers offer their harvest,
(This light stained tyrants – will be flags and drowning thunderclaps in pilgrims – urban, global and curious. they build resilience and gratitude. doctors provide free consultations,
by darkness is like removed from the chants of ‘Vitthal, Vitthal’. With over a That’s because the Wari, more This makes every step deeply shopkeepers distribute supplies without
dawn tainted by dusk. This isn’t the house of God that is earth.’ Faiz was million hearts beating as one, the than just a physical march, is therapeutic, turning shared payment, even damp clothing or shoes
dawn we awaited). no Islamist but simply charmed by the Pandharpur Wari, a nearly 800-year-old a pilgrimage of the soul, hardship into shared solace. are exchanged for dry ones – a throw-
Arrested in 1951 for the conspiracy people’s fight to depose the Shah. pilgrimage rooted in Maharashtra’s representing a timeless In this collective meditation, back to simpler times of empathy, mutual
to overthrow Pakistan’s Liaquat Ali The poem’s climax, Utthega anal Bhakti tradition, is an extraordinary model of integrated each warkari becomes a care and shared responsibility.
govt, he published two books from haq ka nara, jo mai bhi hu or tum bhi spectacle of faith in motion. transformation. seeker as well as a sanctuary, The collective spirit of the Wari
jail, Dast-e Saba and Zindan Nama. ho. Bus raj karegi khalke khuda jo mai Ashadhi Ekadashi (July 6) marks the An important act in deriving inner strength from reflects ideal democratic values in
He never gave up on hope: Qafas bhi hu or tum bhi ho. Anal haq means culmination of legendary Wari, when Bhakti Sadhana, practice of outer journey. Focused on action, where everyone is equal
udaas hai yaaro saba se kuchh to kaho. ‘I am the truth.’ In Semitic religions lakhs of Warkaris, devotees, arrive in devotion, is Abhigaman: the present moment, they regardless of caste, class, gender or
Kahin to bahr-e-khuda aaj zikr-e-yaar Islam, Judaism and Christianity, Pandharpur on foot to seek blessings of Fully immersing oneself in the Divine heal through community immersion status, and the guiding force is humanity,
chale (The cage is sad and silent. Say there’s strict duality between God Vitthal, a form of Vishnu, and his by aligning the body, mind and soul; and collective transcendence. not hierarchy or power. This embodies
something to the breeze. For god’s and his creation. In contrast, the consort Rukmini. In the three weeks setting aside worldly distractions; The Wari is also a marvel of anthropologist Victor Turner’s concept
sake, let’s talk about my beloved). Sufi anal haq resonates with Advait leading up to Ashadhi Ekadashi, they walking towards the object of one’s grassroots mutual aid and welfare, of ‘communitas’ – powerful community
On release four years on, he found concept of aham brahmasmi or ‘I am walk more than 250 kilometres from devotion with intention, reverence and thriving year after year on an extensive, spirit and solidarity during liminal
Pakistan had distanced from the one with God’. The poem’s message towns such as Alandi and Dehu, sing- humility. As warkaris walk in step, decentralised network of support experiences that temporarily suspend
Soviets, his inspiration, and aligned then is that humans are the ultimate ing, dancing and chanting alongside chant in unison, sing in chorus, and where villagers and townsfolk along the social structures and reinvigorate
with America, which he despised. In truth – divinity is within humanity, palkhis, palanquins, bearing padukas, participate in communal rituals, they Wari’s route welcome strangers as kin. participants emotionally and
1974 Bangladesh, at Mujibur Rahman’s hence the divine right to self-rule. sandals, of revered saint-poets, notably enter an altered state of consciousness Homes morph into free accommodations, spiritually.
 PD: 05-07-2025Z : MumbaiCityE: 1 U: aseem.gujarT: 07-05-2025 00:23

The Week That Was...

Sensex Dips After 2 Weeks Of

Gains On Trade Deal Uncertainty
The sensex recorded a marginal weekly Sensex
TIMES BUSINESS Sensex Gainers THE TIMES OF INDIA, MUMBAI | SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025 Losers 1.8% 0.6% 2%
6.2%
Growth in GST mop-up
2.8% -3.9%
-0.7%
loss as investors remained cautious ahead Asian Paints Axis Bank in June was the slowest
GOLD CRUDE BITCOIN since last Sept 2024
of a potential India-US trade deal and 2.4%
weighed regulatory action against US-based
UltraTech -3.5% Kotak Mahindra Bank
Jane Street for index manipulation Infosys 2% -2.7% Nestle Source: LSEG Data, Reuters

Fintech sector
raises $889mn in Tata Power plans to contest
Sebi Orders Trading Giant To Give Up `4,850Cr Illegal Gains, Its Biggest Demand
H1, a drop of 26%
New Delhi: India’s fintech US fund Jane St banned from `4k-cr S’pore arbitral order
D-St over ‘mkt manipulation’
sector raised $889 million in the
first six months of 2025, a drop
of 26% from $1.2 billion of H2
2024 and a 5% slide from $936
Alleged Confidentiality Breach With A Fund
million seen a year ago,
according to a report by market Over Potential Coal Mining Project In Russia
intelligence platform Tracxn.
As per the report, India ranked
third globally, trailing only the
Firm Didn’t Heed To Warnings | Sebi Set To Widen Probe Reeba.Zachariah
@timesofindia.com
dian company maintained
that Kleros’s case was an af-
waiting for resolution.”
The company currently
United States of America and TIMES NEWS NETWORK However, in disregard of terthought and therefore imports 15 million tonnes of
the United Kingdom. Seed-stage QUANT TRADER’S STRATEGIES UNDER LENS NSE’s caution letter, and the Mumbai: Tata Power, the ut- lacked merit. Also, Kleros fai- coal yearly for its domestic
startups raised $91.2 million, a Mumbai: Markets regulator group’s commitments to the ility arm of the Tata Group, led to substantiate its project thermal power operations.
Foreign fund Jane St would This will quickly bring down
fall of 27% from H2 2024 ($126 Sebi late on Thursday exchange, “Jane St was ob- plans to contest the $490 mil- value claims concerning loss Interestingly, Tata Power
buy 12 bank stocks that are the Bank Nifty index value
million) and 33% from H1 2024 banned US-based foreign served to continue to run ve- lion (Rs 4,200 crore) verdict of opportunity and compen- is reassessing its thermal po-
constituents of Bank nifty index The slide in the index value
($137 million). In striking fund Jane Street from the In- ry large (trading) positions handed down by the Singapo- sation negotiations. Conse- wer strategy, four years after
in large quantities. Then, would push up the price of put
contrast, early-stage funding dian market for manipulat- in index options”, Sebi’s re- re arbitral tribunal. The ru- quently, Tata Power believed deciding to focus on green
saw a resurgence with $361 ing stocks and derivatives
stock prices and the index options on Bank Nifty, which port noted. ling stems from alleged brea- its position was strong and energy instead of expanding
million raised. AGENCIES segments over several years value would go up Jane St had earlier Sources said there is a ches of confidentiality agree- deemed it unnecessary to ma- thermal power.
to make huge illegal gains. Since Bank Nifty’s value bought cheap strong case that the period of ments with investment firm
Jane St, known for their would rise, price of put Through this investigation as well as ex- Kleros Capital Partners con- The company is reviewing the contents of the July 1
quant-based trading strate- options (the price to bet manipulative changes on which Jane St cerning a potential coal mi- arbitration award and is discussing with lawyers. It will
gies, has also been asked to that the index will fall strategy, Jane Street had traded could be expand- ning project in Russia.
soon) for it would drop too look at all options, including challenging the decision. This is top
disgorge nearly Rs 4,850 had made a single-day ed to unearth the full scale of At Tata Power’s annual
profit of 735 crore on of the agenda for the company
crore — illegal gains accrued Jane St bought Bank Nifty manipulation in the Indian shareholder meeting on Fri-
to them by trading on the futures at these low prices Jan 17, 2024 market by the US-based glob- day, chairman N Chandrase- Thermal Plans: The company had declared that it
NSE between Jan 2023 and Then the quant trading Between Jan 2023 al quant trading giant. karan said: “The company is will not expand in coal-based energy. However, this
March 2025, a Sebi order firm would sell all 12 Bank and March 2025, “The interim order has reviewing the contents of decision is being reviewed by the board due to the
said. This is the highest-ever Nifty constituent stocks it had Jane St made total profits of only looked at 18 major days the July 1 arbitration award increasing demand for electricity in the country.
disgorgement amount or- bought earlier in the session 36,502cr using this strategy of prima facie Bank Nifty in- and is discussing with lawy- The country may not be able to switch off all coal
dered by Sebi for any kind of dex manipulation on expiry ers. It will look at all options, projects in the near future...
illegal activity in the market. ly in the afternoon to pull 2023 and March 2025, Jane St day between Jan 2023 and including challenging the
In an interim order, Sebi down Bank Nifty that in turn had made a total profit of Rs March 2025), and three days decision.” He emphasised, N Chandrasekaran | chairman, tata power
banned JSI Investments, pushed up index options 36,502 crore. During that pe- of nifty index manipulation “This is top of the agenda.”
JSI2 Investments, Jane prices to eventually make riod, on Jan 17, 2024, the trad- on expiry day during May The Singapore Interna- ke provisions concerning the Chandrasekaran said:
Street Singapore and Jane huge profits. The other strat- ing firm had made a profit of 2025,” sources said. “Investi- tional Arbitration Centre arbitration ruling, the FY25 “The company had declared
Street Asia Trading, from egy was to push for concen- Rs 735 crore, the highest sin- gations into other expiry granted Kleros a monetary report showed. that it will not expand in coal-
trading in the Indian market trated selling or buying in gle-day gain for the now- days, other indices (including award totalling more than In another dispute, Adaro based energy. However, this
until further notice. The the last two hours of the expi- banned foreign fund. across exchanges), and other $618 million. This included International (Singapore) decision is being reviewed by
markets regulator’s investi- ry day to swing index levels potential patterns besides the $490 million in damages, has sought damages of $106 the board due to the increa-
gation will continue. and make profits. NSE Caution Letter: While two highlighted in the order alongside interest payments million from Tata Power for sing demand for electricity in
The investigation report Sebi was investigating Jane will need to continue.” exceeding $120 million (cal- alleged contractual breaches. the country. The country may
Multiple Strategies: So far, noted that although Jane St St’s trading activities, on “There should not be any culated at 5.33% from Nov 30, Tata Power, in turn, has filed a not be able to switch off all co-
Sebi has identified two types incurred some losses in Feb 6, 2025, NSE had issued a major market impact from 2020 — when the lawsuit com- counterclaim for $229 million al projects in the near future.
of manipulative strategies. some parts of the trades, caution letter to Jane Street this enforcement action,” menced — until payment for losses suffered due to non- It may take longer because the
Re rises 15p to close One was to buy heavily in
Bank Nifty’s 12 constituent
profits from the rest more
than made up for the losses.
Singapore and its related en-
tity, asking them to refrain
sources said. “In the long
run, the growth in market
settlement), and $8 million in
legal costs with interest (at
supply of coal by Adaro. Ac-
cording to its FY25 report, Ta-
country's net zero target is
2070 whereas the company’s
at 85.4 against dollar stocks and futures in the from taking large positions confidence, and a free and 5.33% from July 1, 2025—- ta Power entered into a coal target is 2045. So to meet the
Mumbai: The rupee appreciated
morning session, then buy- Rs 36,502Cr Profits: Sebi’s in the Indian market and to fair market, should aid re- when the verdict was issue- supply agreement with Ada- immediate demands of the in-
ing put options on the index, interim investigation refrain from undertaking sponsible investing and capi- d—until final payment). ro for its Trombay, Mumbai dustry, should there be a need
15 paise to close at 85.4 against
selling the stocks aggressive- showed that between Jan certain trading patterns. tal formation.” Tata Power has not acco- power plant, which required to look at participation in ad-
the US dollar on Friday, tracking a
unted for any provisions in its it to procure a certain quanti- ditional coal-based projects is

All in a day: Buy stocks, bet against

decline in the American currency
financial accounts in relation ty of coal annually. Both parti- something that the board
in the overseas market and a
to the arbitral award. Since Ju- es have initiated arbitration constantly looks at.”
weak tone in crude oil prices.
ly 1, Tata Power stock has lost proceedings. He indicated that the com-
Forex traders said Asian
nearly 1.5%. On Friday, the Responding to sharehol- pany has no intentions to con-
currencies gained ground on

them in options mkt, then cash out

stock on BSE closed at Rs 401. ders’ questions regarding ong- vert its coal-based power
renewed hopes of trade deals
The Singapore arbitral oing litigation cases, Chand- plants to gas-based plants.
with the US. AGENCIES
tribunal held that Tata Power rasekaran said: “With regard “Our coal plants will be co-
breached certain clauses of to the other arbitration case, ming to the end of their life in
Crizac’s `860-cr IPO TIMES NEWS NETWORK ties to jointly disgorge illegal gains
worth nearly Rs 4,850 crore. Sebi said
the fund had bought in the morning. Once
put option prices rose, those were sold to
the non-disclosure agree-
ments it had entered. Howe-
the company believes that it
should definitely challenge
the next 10 to 15 years. After
that, we will slowly replace
subscribed 59 times
E
stablished in Aug 1999, The New Jane St had used two key strategies to make huge profits. The other strategy was ver, in its FY25 report, the In- that. That is something that is them with renewables”.
York-headquartered Jane Street has manipulate the domestic stocks and fu- concentrated selling or buying of Nifty in-
New Delhi: The initial public
offices across the world. In June tures & options (F&O) markets to make dex options in the last two hours of the ex-

Muted demand: Home loan

offer of student recruitment
2025, one of its co-founders was alleged to illegal gains over several years. piry day to swing index levels to profit
solutions provider Crizac Ltd got
have financed a coup to topple the govt in from such trades.
subscribed 59.8 times on the
South Sudan. The person then said he
closing day of bidding on Friday.
was duped into funding the coup. Sam So, what happens next?

growth falls to 2.7% in FY25

The Rs 860-crore initial share sale
Bankman-Fried, once the poster boy of The fund has been asked to present its side
received bids for 154,56,79,488
shares against 2,58,36,909 shares
the crypto world and now a convicted How did Jane St manipulate stocks? of the case to Sebi within 21 days. Sebi is
fraudster, once worked at Jane St. One of the strategies was to aggressively expected to expand the scope of its investi-
on offer. AGENCIES
buy Bank Nifty’s constituent stocks and gations into the trading operations of
What led to Sebi’s actions? futures in the morning. At the same time, Jane St in India. The interim order focus- TIMES NEWS NETWORK this was a steep drop from the
Personal Loans Hit Harder
Forex reserves rise Four Jane St entities operated in India as
registered foreign portfolio investors.
it would buy put options on the index. In
the afternoon, it would sell stocks bought
es on the Jan 2023 to March 2025 period.
The regulator is also expected to investi- Mumbai: India’s retail lend-
26.9% surge in FY24. The in-
crease in average ticket size
Home loan originations
$4.8bn to $702.8bn The regulator banned the four entities in the morning. This selling pushed up gate if manipulative strategies were used ing sector slowed notably in rose by 2.7% year-on-year, masked slower borrower ac-
from the market. Sebi also asked the enti- prices of options on Bank Nifty, which in other indices and in BSE’s segments. FY25, as a mix of economic increasing by 28,163 crore to quisition, as lenders turned
Mumbai: India’s forex reserves
headwinds, regulatory tight- 10.7 lakh crore, risk-averse in the face of
were up by $4.8 billion to $702.8
ening, and shifting borrower a sharp fall from mounting delinquencies.

India proposes retaliatory

billion for the week ended June
27, Reserve Bank of India said
on Friday. In the previous
ONGC plaint: behaviour led to a broad-
based moderation in credit
the 9.4% growth
( 97,978 crore)
Two-wheeler loans, once
a fast-expanding segment,
growth. According to CRIF saw their growth halve.
reporting week, foreign
CCI seeks docs High Mark’s annual How In-
recorded in FY24
Origination value rose by

duties against US auto tariffs

exchange reserves had dropped Slowdown was starker
dia Lends FY25 report, the de- 10.6% or Rs 10,513 crore to Rs
by $1 billion to stand at $697.9
from UltraTech celeration was especially vis- in terms of volume, with 1.1 lakh crore, compared to
billion. AGENCIES
ible in home loans and per- originations falling by 2 lakh 25.1% growth (Rs 20,019
New Delhi: India on Fri- ports of automobile parts India on these tariffs have not sonal loans, which have tra- to 34.7 lakh loans in FY25 crore) in FY24. Auto loans al-
day proposed imposing of from India,” it said. taken place, “India reserves New Delhi: Fair trade regula- ditionally anchored the Personal loans were hit so lost momentum, with
Nvidia Nears Record retaliatory duties under On March 26 this year, the the right to suspend conces- tor CCI has directed Aditya retail credit engine. harder, with origination value originations increasing by
$4-Trillion Market Cap WTO norms against the US US adopted a safeguard mea- sions or other obligations”, Birla firm UltraTech, which Home loan originations
declining by 2.9% or 26,615
just 5.2% or Rs 17,692 crore to
World’s most valuable cos tariffs on imports of auto sure in the form of a tariff in- the WTO notification added. now owns south-based cement rose by just 2.7% year-on- Rs 3.6 lakh crore in FY25.
crore to 8.8 lakh crore, down
parts in the name of safegu- crease of 25% ad valorem on The safeguard measures firm India Cements, along year, increasing by Rs 28,163 This marked a sharp drop
$4tn ard measures. imports of passenger vehi- would affect $2,895 million with two other makers and crore to Rs 10.7 lakh crore, a from 9.1 lakh crore in FY24 from 15.3% growth in FY24
Nvidia $3.9tn
“The proposed suspen- cles and light trucks, and on imports annually into the US their executives to submit fi- sharp fall from the 9.4% and a 37.6% rise in FY23.
Microsoft sion of concessions or other certain auto parts from India. of the relevant products ori- nancial documents, after its growth (Rs 97,978 crore) re- value growth fell to 10.0% in Normalised vehicle demand
obligations would take the ginating in India, on which director general in its investi- corded in FY24. The slow- FY25 from 14.7% the previous post-pandemic and a high
$3.7tn
form of an increase in tariffs AT WTO the duty collection would be gations found contravention down was even starker in vol- year, while volume growth base effect contributed to
on selected products origi- These measures apply from $723.8 million. “Accordingly, of competition norms. ume terms, with origina- slipped marginally to 9.7% the cooling trend.
nating in the US,” according May 3, 2025 as regards auto India’s proposed suspension The Competition Commis- tions falling by 2 lakh to 34.7 from 10.0%. This pullback Consumer durable loans
to a notification of the WTO parts, and for an unlimited of concessions would result sion of India (CCI) has also di- lakh loans in FY25, compared was largely due to increased recorded muted expansion,
being circulated at the requ- duration. The measures have in an equivalent amount of rected Dalmia Bharat Ce- to 36.6 lakh a year ago. High lender caution, tighter risk with originations rising 3.3%
$3tn est of India. India has notifi- not been notified by the US to duty collected from products ments and Shree Digvijay Ce- property prices and macroec- controls, and rising stress in or Rs 5,144 crore to Rs 1.6 lakh
ed WTO’s Council for Trade the WTO, but are, in essence, originating in the US,” it said. ments to submit their audited onomic uncertainties damp- unsecured credit categories. crore, despite strong volume
Apple in Goods of its proposed su- safeguard measures. To ensure the effective ex- financial statement, includ- ened demand, although pub- Personal loans were hit growth. Inflationary pres-
spension of concessions and India has maintained that ercise of its right to suspend ing balance sheet and profit lic sector banks managed to harder, with origination value sures and flat wage growth
$3.2tn other obligations under cer- the measures taken by the US substantially equivalent con- and loss account, within eight grow their market share, par- declining by 2.9% or Rs 26,615 compressed ticket sizes, cap-
tain WTO provisions. “This are not consistent with the cessions or other obligations, weeks of the order. tially offsetting declines seen crore to Rs 8.8 lakh crore, ping value growth. Credit
notification is made in con- GATT (General Agreement the multinational body said, The CCI direction came by private lenders. down from Rs 9.1 lakh crore in card issuance, meanwhile,
Jan March May July
nection with safeguard mea- on Trade and Tariff) 1994 and India has reserved its right to over a complaint filed by The overall consumption FY24. While volumes rose to fell sharply by 26.4%, down
sures extended by the Uni- the agreement on safeguards. adjust the products as well as ONGC alleging cartelisation loan market also showed 14.6 crore loans, marking 8.3% 77.7 lakh cards to 2.2 crore
Source: LSEG Data
ted States of America on im- As consultations sought by the tariff rates. AGENCIES in its tenders. AGENCIES signs of fatigue. Origination growth over the previous year, from 2.9 crore lakh in FY24.

Gold gains on
Trump’s latest
Weak Re boosts foreign currency FDs FM calls for Global South
tariff salvo
Yogesh.Kabirdoss
@timesofindia.com NRI DEPOSITS
ON THE RISE
allowing banks more free-
dom to offer better returns
also fuelled its growth.
steady growth in NRE, NRO,
and FCNR(B) accounts over
the last three financial years
unity to tackle uncertainties
G
old rose — putting it on Chennai: A weak rupee was FCNR(B) account is a ty- at 3%, 5% and 6%, respective-
track for a 2% weekly ga- among the reasons that made Non-Resident deposits pe of fixed deposit account ly. “The relative strength and New Delhi: Finance minis- for the Global South’. menting our efforts in tack-
Year
in — as President Donald foreign currency deposits at- under FCNR(B) designed specifically for stability of foreign currenci- ter Nirmala Sitharaman on Sitharaman said the ling these uncertainties.
Trump said some US trading tractive for NRIs. The net in- 2020-21 -3.8 (in $ billion) NRIs and persons of Indian es such as the US dollar furt- Friday stressed the need for meeting is taking place at a “MDBs have a distinctive
partners would face tariffs flow under foreign currency 2021-22 -3.6 origin (PIOs). The money is her incentivized NRIs to in- decisive collective action by defining moment for the comparative advantage in
from Aug 1. Bullion rose 0.5% to non-resident (B) accounts in- held in international curren- vest in these accounts. Addi- the Global South to Global South, as the their ability to catalyse both
2022-23 2.4
around $3,340 an ounce on Fri- creased by 11% to $7.1 billion cies such as the dollar, Bri- tionally, the depreciation of deal with multiple world grapples with public and private invest-
day as investors weighed the la- in FY25 from $6.4 billion in 2023-24 6.4 tish pound, euro, Australian the rupee enhanced the appe- uncertainties aris- multiple uncertainties ments by offering a package
test trade comments from the FY24. It comes after NRIs pul- 2024-25 7.1 dollar, Canadian dollar, al of foreign currency depo- ing out of fiscal con- arising from fiscal con- of technical expertise, con-
president, who said the admi- led out their deposits earlier, Value of Non-Resident deposits under Swiss franc, and Japanese sits as a hedge against ex- straints in several straints in several econ- cessional financing, and ef-
Foreign Currency Non-Resident (B) Account
nistration will start sending turning the category negati- [FCNR(B)] over the past five years yen, which protects deposi- change rate risk,” said Biji S economies and omies, climate transi- fective risk mitigation tools
letters on Friday that set new ve during 2020–21 and 2021–22. Source: RBI tors from exchange rate fluc- S, senior general manager evolving geopoliti- tion issues and evolving thereby widening our policy
levy rates for several countries. Data available in RBI’s der non-resident deposits tuations. While the duration and head of branch banking, cal dynamics. geopolitical dynamics. options,” she said.
Trump has long threatened annual reports shows that basket comprising non-resi- of term deposits ranges from South Indian Bank. She was speaking at the “In response to these Sitharaman added that
that if countries fail to reach de- FCNR (B) recorded a net out- dent external (rupee) acco- 1 year to 5 years, interest ear- Tanvi Kanchan, head - annual meeting of Board challenges, our collective ac- NDB has emerged as a key
als with a July 9 deadline, he wo- flow of $3.8 billion and $3.6 unt (NRE), non-resident or- ned on FCNR(B) accounts is NRI business & strategy, Governors of the New Devel- tion must be decisive, inclu- partner—channelising de-
uld impose higher rates on billion during two pandemic dinary (NRO) account and tax-free in India. Anand Rathi Shares and opment Bank (NDB) in Rio sive, and forward-looking,” velopment finance, support-
them, raising the stakes. So far, years of 2020–21 and 2021–22, FCNR (B) was at $16.2 billion, Private sector South Indi- Stock Brokers said, “Looking De Janeiro, Brazil on ‘Driv- she said. The New Develop- ing resilient infrastructure,
the administration has anno- respectively. However, its net the highest in the past 11 ye- an Bank, which has a sizeab- ahead to FY26, inflows are ex- ing Development: Fostering ment Bank (NDB) has been and fostering meaningful
unced deals with the UK and Vi- inflow revived during 2022- ars. Of this, FCNR (B) share le NRI customers base parti- pected to rise further. This is Innovation, Cooperation, established by BRICS na- cooperation across the Glob-
etnam and agreed to a truce 23 and stood at $2.4 billion. was 44%. RBI raising the in- cularly in the Gulf countri- because interest rates in In- and Impact through a Multi- tions. She noted that MDBs al South through a pragmat-
with China. BLOOMBERG In FY25, the net inflow un- terest rate caps on FCNR (B), es, says it has experienced a dia are still relatively high.” lateral Development Bank play a pivotal role in comple- ic approach. AGENCIES
 PD: 05-07-2025 Z: MumbaiCity E: 1 U: nitin.naik T: 07-05-2025 00:10

10 TIMES SPORT THE TIMES OF INDIA, MUMBAI

SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

SWAYING
AP

Brilliant Boult helps England’s Newest Batting Sensation Helps

Local Fan Group Barmy Army Rediscover
U20 Worlds
silver medallist
MI NY slay LAKR, Voice Against ‘Rivals’ Bharat Army wrestler gets

TO JAMIE’S TUNE
4-yr doping ban
stay in playoff hunt Sportzpics
Sabi.Hussain
@timesofindia.com

New Delhi: A former U20

MI New York’s Trent BOULT World Championships fi-
BONANZA
Boult celebrates the THE TIMES OF INDIA nalist wrestler and a junior
dismissal of LA Knight Nationals medallist boxer
Riders’ Unmukt Chand 4
OVERS
IN ENGLAND have been sanctioned by the
National Anti-Doping
Arani.Basu@timesofindia.com Agency (Nada) after traces
17
RUNS of prohibited substances
Birmingham: Four days before the se- were found in their respec-
4 ries started, Rob Key, the managing di- tive urine samples. Delhi’s
Nitika, last year’s U20
WICKETS rector of the England men’s cricket
team, told TOI that he was looking for- Worlds silver medallist in
17 ward to seeing how England’s wicket- the women’s 62kg, has been
DOTS keeper-batter Jamie Smith would re- banned for four years by the
spond to India counterpart Rishabh Nada’s anti-doping disci-
Pant’s performances. He called it “the plinary panel (ADDP) after
battle of two entertaining counter-at- returning positive for an-
tacking wicketkeepers”, and definitely drogenic steroids (AAS).
Times News Network by Boult in the 19th over, who the match-up to watch out for. She was tested out-of-com-
finished with four wickets, On Friday, one had to be at the Eric petition by the Nada’s dope

M
I New York secured restricted LAKR to 154/8. Hollies stand, a section of the Edgbaston control officers. Her ban pe-
a crucial victory, Sunil Narine, returning to famous for seating the loudest England riod retrospectively kicked
maintaining their the team, removed Quinton fan community — the famed Barmy off from May 28, 2024.
playoff aspira- de Kock early in their chase. Army — to understand why Smith is the Nitika, who is a Delhi
tions with a com- MI NY proceeded cautiously, fastest-rising new cricketing sensation University (DU) student,
manding perfor- scoring 39 in the powerplay here. Eric Hollies is primarily was considered a strong
mance against before Monank Patel and remembered for spoiling Don force in the 62kg division,
LA Knight Rid- Nicholas Pooran accelerat- Bradman’s farewell party, dis- BIRMINGHAM having secured a gold med-
ers in MLC 2025. ed. LAKR missed a crucial missing him for a duck in his BYTES JAMIE
SMITH
al at the U23 Asian Cham-
The defeat has opportunity when Pooran, on last innings to leave the Don pionships in Jordan last
left LAKR in a precarious po- 15, edged behind but the field- stranded just short of a 100-run average year. She had also won a
sition, requiring exceptional ing side chose not to appeal. in Test cricket. The stand named after gold in the juniors category
results to remain in playoff Monank led the charge in- him celebrated wildly on Friday as (U20) at another Asian meet
contention.
After a delayed start, MI NY
itially, with Pooran support-
ing before finding his rhythm
Smith’s onslaught spoiled India’s party. tered that they would be happy to take
The counterpoint to the Barmy a draw from this Test. The Headingley
even Harry Brook. But Smith had of-
fered them enough to improvise. They
‘JAISWAL, GILL, in Thailand.

opted to bowl on a surface that after a six off a free-hit. Both Army here is, of course, the Bharat horror was still fresh in their minds. turned towards the Bharat Army sec- PANT WILL DRAG
had stayed under covers for a batters reached half-centu- Army, the Indian cricket fan group, England were still 300 runs adrift of tion and started singing, “You are not
INDIA FORWARD’ Pune racing season
long time. Trent Boult exploit- ries as they put on a century which was just starting to clear its India’s 587 when a shift in the mood of singing now!”
ed the conditions brilliantly, stand. Though Russell even- throat to sing some anthems. the England fans became palpable. As lunch was called and one took Birmingham: It will take the to start on July 18
claiming three powerplay tually broke the stand, Kier- However, Rakesh Patel, the founding As Smith swept Ravindra Jadeja leave, Patel assured, “It gets nasty by combined might of new Test Pune: The 20-day Pune
wickets. He dismissed Unmukt on Pollard sealed the victory member of the Bharat Army, could only through mid-wicket for his century, one day-end. But both sets of fans have set captain Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Horse Racing Season 2025
Chand with an inswinger, fol- with consecutive sixes. These look on helplessly as the Eric Hollies of the most entertaining and crucial values. No one crosses the line. There Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant to take will commence on Friday, July
lowed by Andre Russell and teams meet again within 48 stand heaved and Smith went about centuries in England’s recent history, could be one or two who may get swayed the Indian Test team forward in 18, and will conclude on
Andre Fletcher, both bowled, hours, with LAKR facing shredding the Indian attack. Half an the Barmy Army broke into rapturous emotionally but they are pulled back by the absence of Virat Kohli, feels Sunday, Nov 2. About 726
giving MI NY an excellent elimination if Seattle Orcas hour before lunch, the conversations celebrations. Their usual chants the rest of the pack.” former England captain Michael horses, including the 274
start in this crucial match. win their next match against among both sets of fans started to flow reached near-deafening decibel levels If it was Smith in the morning ses- Vaughan. “Gill, Jaiswal and Pant two-year-olds, are likely to be
LAKR’s innings became Washington Freedom. in weird directions. in the Eric Hollies Stand. sion, the Barmy Army sang, “Harry, now have to drag this Indian Test in action in the season. With
a one-man show featuring Brief scores: LA Knight Riders The blows from Smith’s bat seemed They don’t have a song for Smith Harry Brooook. Harry, Harry Broooook” team forward, like Virat did a strong line-up of 31 ‘A’ and
Sherfane Rutherford. Whilst 154/8 in 20 overs (Sherfane to be breaking the spirits of the Bharat yet, as they do for the more established after the stellar sixth-wicket, 303-run single-handedly,” said the four ‘B’ licensed trainers, and
Saif Badar (7), Rovman Pow- Rutherford 86; Trent Boult 4/17, Army fans, so much so that some mut- players like Joe Root, Ben Stokes or partnership came to an end. England cricketer-turned- 48 licensed jockeys, the
ell (5), and Jason Holder (4) Kieron Pollard 2/15) lost to MI commentator. “They’ve got a season is set to feature
struggled, Rutherford ex- New York 155/2 in 17.5 overs great chance of leaving a legacy

Carey, Webster pull off rescue act for Oz

thrilling contests between
celled, reaching his fifty in (Nicholas Pooran 62*, Monank in a few years’ time, of doing
rising stars and seasoned
22 deliveries. His dismissal Patel 56) by eight wickets. what Virat Kohli did alone.
champions.
“You can’t move on so
Over Rs 12 crore in prize
MLC 2025: HOW THEY STAND St. George’s (Grenada): Kraigg Brath- to the forward short-leg position to come
waite fell for a duck in his 100th Test as up with an excellent catch after Keacy
some counter-attacking resistance to
the interval in the shape of Brandon
suddenly after two legends
(Kohli and Rohit Sharma) have
money will be on offer. The
fifth Indian classic, the Indian
Team M W L NR PTS NRR West Indies reached 110 for three in re- Carty inside-edged a delivery onto his King (39 not out) and captain Roston retired. Shubman’s made an
St. Leger (Gr I) will be held on
ply to the Australian total of 286 at lunch pad to offer the Australian captain the Chase (16 not out). Earlier, a second con- incredible start as a captain and
San Francisco Unicorns 8 6 2 0 12 1.722 Sunday, Sept 21 while the
on the second day of the second chance. secutive century partnership between as a player. I don’t think the team
Pune Derby (Gr I) is
Texas Super Kings 8 6 2 0 12 1.694 Test in Grenada on Friday. WINDIES Brathwaite’s opening part- Alex Carey and Beau Webster lifted will struggle too much,” said
scheduled for Sunday, Oct 12.
Washington Freedom 8 6 2 0 12 0.284
The former captain’s mis-
timed drive in the second over
VS AUS ner John Campbell kept the
score ticking. However, the Ja-
Australia to 286 all out on the opening
day. Carey, as usual, was all positivity
Vaughan. “It’s that competitive
energy that Virat brought to the
Racing days
July: 18, 25
of the day offered Josh Hazlewood a low maican left-hander went for a lofted in a topscore of 63 off 81 balls. AFP Test team. Tactically, he was very
Seattle Orcas 8 3 5 0 6 -1.316 Aug: 2, 3, 10, 15, 16, 24, 31
return catch. West Indies’ second wick- drive at Beau Webster resulting in his good as well. That’ll be
MI New York 8 2 6 0 4 -0.484 et also fell by the caught-and-bowled demise for 40 via a simple catch at mid- Brief scores: Australia 286 (Carey 63, something that Shubman can get Sep: 7, 13, 14, 21, 27
route, although it required Pat Cum- on by Mitchell Starc. Webster 60, A Joseph 4-61, Seales 2-45) vs better at over the years as Oct: 5, 11, 12, 19, 24
Los Angeles Knight Riders 8 1 7 0 2 -1.677 Nov: 2. TNN
mins to sprint forward and dive almost At 64 for three, West Indies found West Indies 110/3. (Day 2, Lunch) captain,” Vaughan said. PTI

SNAPSHOTS

Lifter Tara wins

Some classic duels in the offing Chetan Shivakumar
Milestone Moment In Indian Athletics As Top
Javelin Throwers Line Up With Neeraj Chopra
tion in javelin throw, said the field
Chelsea and Barca
fined $36.5m and
$17.7m respectively
silver in Astana Biju.BabuCyriac@timesofindia.com
would push Neeraj for another big INTERNATIONAL STARS IN ACTION for financial breaches
Bengaluru: The famous image of a throw. “The level of competition in 1 Thomas Rohler (Ger) Geneva: Chelsea, Barcelona and
Indian lifter Pungni Tara javelin thrower hitting his delivery javelin has grown. That means when Aston Villa were among several
delivered a 2 Julius Yego (Ken)
stride, which is the logo of the you want to win a major champion- clubs fined by Uefa on Friday for
commend- Neeraj Chopra Classic, will come ship, you have to throw 90 metres. 3 Curtis Thompson (USA) breaching European football’s
able alive at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium For me, I’m back to 90 percent of my 4 Martin Konecny (Cze) financial sustainability
perform- here on Saturday night when world fitness. I’m slowly building up for the requirements. Chelsea were
5 Luiz Mauricio Da Silva (Bra)
ance to champion and world No. 1 Neeraj World Championships which is two ordered to pay a fine of 31 million
clinch the 6 Rumesh Pathirege (SL)
Chopra faces a quality field at the months away. If I can throw 85m then euros ($36.5 million) for the two
silver inaugural edition of the event. it will be a good show. Of course, 7 Cyprian Mrzyglod (Pol) breaches. They could have to pay
medal in the youth girls Athletics fans — who are set to we’ll try to challenge him (Neeraj) an additional 60 million euros if
44kg contest at the Asian fill the stadium in big numbers— Neeraj Chopra (third from left) to throw another 90m. We are all medallist Sachin Yadav. The 25-year- they fail to comply by the end of a
Youth and Junior Weightlift- can expect to watch some quality is flanked by fellow javelin friends and cheer each other during old, who has an SB of 85.16m, said it four-year period as part of a
ing Championships in action featuring big throws that will throwers Julius Yego, Thomas competitions. When there are good was a dream come true to receive the settlement agreement.
Astana on Friday. Tara lifted surely set alight the night. The start Rohler and Sachin Yadav throws, that’s what sets the day and message from Chopra inviting him Barcelona incurred a fine of 15
a total of 141kg (60kg+81kg) list provides a high-quality field it’s not who loses,” Yego outlined. to the NC Classic. “I couldn’t believe million euros, with a further 45
on the opening day of the with five of the top-10 from the sea- Cyprian Mrzyglod with an 85.92m and Poland who are in good form. German legend Rohler empha- it when I got an invite from Neeraj million euros conditional on a two-
tournament. Her 81kg clean son’s toppers in action. Chopra, who put him in seventh place and Sri This a first-time experience for me sised the bonding between the throw- bhai. I get to compete with the world’s year settlement agreement.
and jerk effort fetched her is enjoying his double role as the Lankan Rumesh Pathirege who in and for all the Indian fans. My take ers who compete at the highest level. best, that too in India,” Yadav said. Villa must pay 11 million euros
the gold medal in the master of ceremonies and star at- 10th place with his 85.41 which he is not to focus too much on the re- “In javelin and many field events, we The Indian superstar said he is and risk a further fine of 15 million
section. Medals are award- traction of the meet, will face a threw at the Perth Classic in March. sults but to enjoy the competition. are a team out there. We help each getting ready for a hectic day for — euros if they breach the terms of
ed separately for snatch, tough challenge from his interna- Add to the mix the two legends —Rio I’m not expecting many big throws; other and even share javelins. This Chopra the host and Chopra the their three-year deal. French club
clean and jerk, and total lift tional rivals led by American Curtis Olympic champion Thomas Rohler instead, it’s going to be a great even- is the first time India will get to see champ. “It’s going to be a new experi- Lyon have agreed to be excluded
in continental, World Cups Thompson (87.76m) who is third this of Germany and 2015 world cham- ing with all the world-class athletes an international-level javelin com- ence for me. Till now, I just had to from European competition if their
and World C’ships. PTI season behind second-placed pion Julius Yego of Kenya. in action,” Chopra told reporters petition. I think it’s going to be spe- train and compete but here even relegation to Ligue 2 on financial
Chopra (90.23m). “All competitors are currently here on Friday. cial for the competitors, friends and when the food was a bit spicy, I was grounds is confirmed. They were
India’s tour to B’desh The world-class field also features doing well and a few have done their fans,” Rohler pointed out. thinking about whether it would be also fined 12.5 million euros. AFP
likely to be postponed
Brazilian Luiz Mauricio Da Silva personal bests this season. Fans will Top competitors and close friends Joining Chopra in action as the too spicy for the international ath-
India’s upcoming white-ball (5th in the season’s list) who threw get to see a high-quality competi- Kenyan star Yego, who along with flag bearer of rising Indian stars letes,” Neeraj said in Hindi before EXTRA TIME
tour of Bangladesh is likely 86.62m in Paris on June 20, Poland’s tion. We have throwers from Brazil Chopra ended the European domina- would be Asian championship silver translating it to English. Winger Nico Williams agrees to
to be postponed as the BCCI stay on at Athletic Bilbao till 2035
is “wary” of the security Barcelona: Winger Nico Williams

Speedy Shelton makes quick work of unfinished business

situation in the country has signed a new eight-year
which is in turmoil since contract extension which will keep
last year's civil unrest that him at Athletic Bilbao until 2035,
resulted in the overthrow- the LaLiga club said on Friday,
Reuters
ing of the Sheikh Hasina-led Shelton playing only his third ending speculation over a potential
government. India were to THE TIMES OF INDIA Wimbledon, having made the second 3RD ROUND RESULTS departure to Barcelona. Athletic
play three three T20 In-
ternationals and three ODIs
AT WIMBLEDON week of The Championships last Men: 5-Taylor Fritz (US) bt added that Williams’ transfer
year, returned to court for a second 26-Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (Esp) release clause had been increased
during the tour from Aug 17 Prajwal.Hegde@timesofindia.com successive day, committed to play, 6-4, 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-1; 14-Andrey Rublev by more than 50%, with reports in
to 31 in Chittagong and despite the match running on loop (Rus) bt Adrian Mannarino (Fra) 7-5, Spanish media saying the earlier
Dhaka. "Apparently BCCI is London: Ben Shelton was to serve in his head the previous evening. 6-2, 6-3. Women: Laura Siegemund clause was worth around 62 million
wary about the security for the Wimbledon second-round “You’re thinking about what you (Ger) bt 6-Madison Keys (US) 6-3, 6-3; euros ($73.01 million). AGENCIES
situation in Bangladesh match against Aussie Rinky Hijik- did, what you could have done, how 13-Amanda Anisimova (US) bt Dalma
post the civil unrest," a ata late on Thursday evening when you could have been off the court, Galfi (Hun) 6-3, 5-7, 6-3; 30-Linda Chelsea set to sign Gittens
BCCI source said. PTI play was suspended at 9.29. Natural what you’re going to do when you get Noskova (Cze) bt Kamilla Rakhimova London: Chelsea is expected to
light was fading and in five minutes back out there,” he said, adding that (Rus) 7-6 (6), 7-5 sign English winger Jamie Gittens
ACTION TODAY would be insufficient for electronic he couldn’t relax after getting back from Borussia Dortmund, the
line-calling, now a thing at SW19. home. “What’s my game plan going German club said. Gittens follows
ATHLETICS: Neeraj Chopra The American, armed with a to be for that one service game to Osaka, Keys lose, Fritz wins in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho,
Classic, 7 pm (Star Sports, sledgehammer serve, tried to plead make sure that I hold?” Shelton followed Naomi Osaka onto another former Manchester City
JioHotstar) his case. He asked for 60 seconds, Shelton wanted to make first Court No. 2 on Friday, where the youth player who developed his
AUTO: F1, British GP, Qual- but the officials were firm, even serves, he was determined not to Japanese, a four-time major winner, game at Dortmund. AGENCIES
ifying, 7.30 pm (Fancode) though he hadn’t dropped serve give his opponent a look at his sec- bowed out to Russia’s Anastasia Pav-
BADMINTON: Canada in the match. What if ? Shelton ond serves. “I had a calculated ap- lyuchenkova 6-3, 4-6, 4-6 in the third Spain rout Portugal 5-0 in
Open, Semis, 8.30 pm (Star and Hijikata wanted play to be proach with how I was going about round. In other third round matches, women’s Euro 2025 opener
Sports, JioHotstar) stopped earlier in the evening my service game. I wasn’t going for Australian Open champion Madison Bern: Esther Gonzalez scored twice
CRICKET: England vs India, because of the light, but their four aces, the first serve was sup- Keys, seeded six, was bounced out by and world champion Spain routed
2nd Test, Day 4, 3.30 pm requests had been shot down. posed to be forehand body, it ended German Laura Siegemund 6-3, 6-3. Portugal 5-0 in their Women’s Euro
(Sony Sports, JioHotstar); On Friday, it took the strap- up being an ace,” he said. Fifth-seeded American Taylor Fritz opener. The 32-year-old Gonzalez
MCL, 12.30 am & 4.30 am ping 10th seed all of 70 seconds to SERVE, SET, MATCH: Ben “Once I get my first ace in a ser- scored a 6-4, 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-1 win over became the oldest player to score
Sunday (Star Sports, Jio- close out the match. It wasn’t a I- Shelton took 70 seconds to vice game, my confidence goes Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. for Spain, minutes before 18-year-
Hotstar); West Indies vs told-you-so show, but it might as complete his second through the roof. After that I started old Vicky Lopez became the
Australia, 2nd Test, Day 3, well have been. Shelton served three round match going for aces,” Shelton added. Fighting win for Bhambri-Jiang pair youngest. AGENCIES
7.30 pm (Fancode); Sri aces to seal a 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 win in two- Confidence was the trigger for Yuki Bhambri and China’s Xinyu
Lanka vs Bangladesh, 2nd hours and 12 minutes on a sparky the final ace, which kicked at 147 Jiang beat US pair Christian Har- Ex-Arsenal footballer Thomas
ODI, 2.30 pm (Sony Sports) afternoon on Court No. 2. The 22-year-old Shelton, the same whether it is weather (or) con- mph. Hijikata applauded his oppo- rison and Nicole Melichar-Martinez Partey charged with rape in UK
CYCLING: Tour de France, In the third round on Saturday, highest seed remaining in his sec- ditions,” he said, adding, “I’m just nent. “You can pick your return in the mixed doubles first-round London: Former Arsenal footballer
Stage 1, 8 pm (Eurosport) Shelton will play Hungary’s Marton tion of the draw after the seventh happy with the way I handled it, spots or guess all you want, but match 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-6). Meanwhile Thomas Partey was on Friday
TENNIS: Wimbledon, 3.30 Fucsovics, who survived a five-set- seed Lorenzo Musetti fell in the first coming out today and taking care when he is serving 145 (mph) or Arjun Kadhe and Czech Vit Kopriva, charged with five counts of rape and
pm (Star Sports, JioHot- ter against Gael Monfils in the sec- round, was quick to reset and roll. of my business. I don’t think that whatever it is, I could have guessed went down 4-6, 4-6 to the Aussie- one count of sexual assault after
star) ond round, which was also com- “It’s normal, it’s part of tennis. physically it is a big deal for me right, still probably not got a rac- American team of Mathew Christo- complaints by three women, UK
pleted on Friday. Everything is not going to be the playing one game.” quet on it,” the Aussie said. pher Romios and Ryan Seggerman. police said. AGENCIES
 PD: 05-07-2025 Z: MumbaiCity E: 1 U: rohit.bundelkhandi T: 07-05-2025 00:00

TIMES SPORT THE TIMES OF INDIA, MUMBAI | SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

SIRAJ LEADS INDIA’S PACE RIPOSTE

Fast Bowler Scalps Six, Akash Deep Bags Four To Restrict Eng To 407
Reuters

Before Visitors Stretch Lead To 244 Runs By Stumps

SCOREBOARD
India (1st innings): 587 (151 overs)
England (1st innings/overnight
77/3): Zak Crawley c Karun Nair b
303
Runs put on by
Mohammed Siraj 19, Ben Duckett c
Brook (left) and
THE TIMES OF INDIA Shubman Gill b Akash Deep 0, Ollie Smith, a 6th-wicket
partnership record
IN ENGLAND Pope c Lokesh Rahul b Akash Deep
0, Joe Root c Rishabh Pant b by any pair in Tests
Mohammed Siraj 22, Harry Brook b at Edgbaston,
Arani.Basu@timesofindia.com Akash Deep 158, Ben Stokes c bettering the 222
Rishabh Pant b Mohammed Siraj 0, between Ravindra
Birmingham: The second Jamie Smith not out 184, Chris Jadeja and Rishabh
Woakes c Karun Nair b Akash Deep
over of the third day’s play was Pant in 2022.
5, Brydon Carse lbw b Mohammed
an anomaly. Mohammed Siraj Siraj 0, Josh Tongue lbw b
lost his run-up twice before

6/70
Mohammed

120 6
Mohammed Siraj 0, Shoaib Bashir b Harry Brook’s first For the first time,
strangling Joe Root down leg, Siraj has taken Mohammed Siraj 0; Extras (lb 5, nb century against India six ducks have been
only for Rishabh Pant to com- his first 5-wkt 12, w 2): 19; Total (89.3 overs): 407; is his ninth in Tests. recorded in England’s
plete a sharp catch. Off the haul vs England, his third overall FoW: 1-13, 2-13, 3-25, 4-84, 5-84, He has four tons vs Pakistan, three innings. They have five
next ball, Siraj found the edge and his second-best Test haul 6-387, 7-395, 8-396, 9-407; Bowling: vs New Zealand and one each vs ducks on four previous
of England captain Ben Stokes’ Akash Deep 20-2-88-4, Mohammed West Indies and India. occasions.
behind the 6/15 vs South Africa
bat off a sharp delivery that Siraj 19.3-3-70-6, Prasidh Krishna
in Cape Town in Jan 2024. 13-1-72-0, Nitish Kumar Reddy 6-0-
reared up from a length and
29-0, Ravindra Jadeja 17-2-70-0,
thudded into Pant’s gloves. Washington Sundar 14-0-73-0
sorb the pressure. They were dred off 80 balls, the joint third
Having reduced out to inflict further damage on the list of England’s fastest
India (2nd innings): Yashasvi Jaiswal
England to 84/5 in to the confidence of the Indian Test hundreds, inside the first
response to India’s IND VS ENG lbw b Josh Tongue 28, KL Rahul
batting 28, Karun Nair batting 7; attack, which had looked a bit session of play. For once, Brook
587 in the first in- 2nd TEST, DAY 3 Extras (lb 1): 1; Total (for 1 wkt, 13 out of breath in the first Test. was left in the shade. The first
nings, it looked like overs): 64; FoW: 1-51; Bowling: Chris England’s spin-bowling session went at a pace where
Siraj and Akash Deep were Woakes 5-0-28-0, Brydon Carse 5-1- coach Jeetan Patel had an- India deployed all their strate-
bowling on a different Edgbas- 23-0, Josh Tongue 3-1-12-1 nounced after the second day’s gies which created half chanc-
ton pitch from the last session play that their batting lineup es. But there was nothing half-
on Day Two. Siraj seemed to would find a way to get back hearted in Smith and Brook’s
have rediscovered his rhythm. team management. Unlike the in the game. Ravindra Jadeja approach. They took on the

184* 1
Jamie Smith has set a record
With him, India looked like English pacers, nine of Siraj short-pitched plan and found
Smith’s for the highest
moving in for the kill early on and Akash Deep’s 10 wickets the boundaries. They foiled
unbeaten individual innings by an
Friday morning. However, the came by beating the defence India’s two-spinner plan and
knock is his career-best England wicketkeeper. The
moment Smith lunged for- of the English batters, the ball effortlessly chipped sixes and
score in Tests and his second previous record was 173 by
ward to Siraj off the hat-trick either taking the outside edge boundaries off Jadeja and
Test century after the 111 off Alec Stewart vs New Zealand
ball and crunched him down or hitting the pads and the Washington Sundar.
148 balls vs Sri Lanka in in Auckland back in 1997.
the ground for a boundary, one —Stats: Rajesh Kumar
wickets. At stumps, India T h e b o u n d a r i e s we re
Manchester last year.
knew Edgbaston was about to were 64/1, having lost the brought in by an unusual dis-
witness an all-out street fight solitary wicket of Yashasvi tance for this Test, liberating
after two days of dogged Test 180 runs. It’s often said that for the sixth wicket in 59.4 ran through the tail with the With figures of 6/70, the Jaiswal, leg-before to Josh the already fearless mindset
cricket in the second Test. Day Three is the ‘moving day’ overs of exhilarating batting. new ball, leaving Smith Siraj of old had resurfaced. Tongue for 28. KL Rahul of the modern English bat-
Few would have imagined in a Test match. On Friday, In recent times, Siraj has stranded unbeaten on 184 off India had found someone to and Karun Nair were at the said that the old ball got too ters. Washington, for one,
at that point that it would take things moved at dizzying not looked as potent as he did 207 balls after Akash Deep lead the pace attack in the ab- crease, with the lead soft and taking wickets would looked clueless as Brook un-
another 68 overs, and conced- speed, with England wicket- on Friday, running in with all went through the defences of sence of Jasprit Bumrah. stretching to 244 runs. become a secondary plan. It leashed a series of reverse-
ing another 324 runs, for India keeper Jamie Smith and Harry his heart, all day long, with Brook, who scored 158 glori- Akash Deep’s 4/88 may also Smith and Brook, when turned out both were right. sweeps and Smith kept milk-
to eventually secure a lead of Brook bludgeoning 303 runs just wickets on his mind. Siraj ous runs of 234 deliveries. have settled the nerves in the they batted, didn’t merely ab- Smith brought up his hun- ing him down the ground.
PD: 05-07-2025 Z: MumbaiCity E: 1 U: sanjay.dighe T: 07-04-2025 22:22
 PD: 05-07-2025 Z: MumbaiCityBook2 E: 2 U: prabhakar.landge T: 07-05-2025 01:36

BENNETT, COLEMAN & CO. LTD. | Estd. MDCCCXXXVIII | VOL. CLXXXVIII NO. 158 MUMBAI | SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025 | PAGES 48 *

INDIA’S LARGEST ENGLISH NEWSPAPER | To subscribe call 1800 1200 004 or visit subscribe.timesofindia.com

Wimbledon: Another early exit for Osaka State Congress chief Harshwardhan Neeraj Chopra Classic in B’luru today: World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen says he is
as she goes down in 3 sets to world No. Sapkal to skip Thackeray cousins’ ‘victory With stars like Thomas Rohler & Julius struggling to enjoy chess after a second
50 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Aus Open rally’ today to celebrate scrapping of GR Yego taking part, Chopra hopes to spark a straight defeat to reigning world
champion Madison Keys stunned by on 3rd language. Congress functionaries javelin revolution. Says it’s beginning of a champ D Gukesh, a player he has
German world No. 104 Other Bk, P 10 say he did not get a formal invite P2 new chapter in athletics Other Bk, P 10 dubbed ‘weak’ multiple times P 12

Dalai succession: No
Shinde’s ‘Jai Gujarat’
slogan in front of Shah
Army dy chief: Sindoor faced govt stand on matters
in Pune triggers row 3 foes — Pak, China & Turkiye of belief, says MEA
Pune: Deputy CM Eknath Sh-
After my speech,
‘Beijing’s Policy China... would rather use the neighbour
to cause pain than get involved in the
HARDWARE
FROM CHINA
air-to-air missiles to HQ-9 air
defence missile batteries, as re-
Sachin.Parashar
@timesofindia.com EAM to visit China, 1st
inde on Friday raised a ‘Jai
Gujarat’ slogan in the presen-
I said ‘Jai Hind, Jai
Was Kill With mud-slinging match on the northern borders. h J-10 fighters
ported by TOI earlier.
Lt Gen Singh, on his part, New Delhi: Following re-
trip since stand-off
Maharashtra, Jai Gujarat’. China was able to test its weapons against
h PL-15 beyond
ce of Union home minister
Amit Shah at an event of a Gu-
jarati organisation in Pune,
Jai Hind is the pride of
our country. I said ‘Jai Borrowed Knife’ India. So, it’s like a live lab available to them
When DGMO talks were on, Pak was mentioning
visual range
air-to-air
said China was able to test its
weapons against those used by
India during the conflict. “So,
marks by Union minister Ki-
ren Rijiju backing the Dalai
Lama’s announcement abo-
S Jaishankar is likely to vi-
sit China on July 13 for a
meeting of the SCO foreign
triggering a fresh controver- Maharashtra’ because TIMES NEWS NETWORK that we know that your such and such vector it’s like a live lab available to ut his succession, including ministers for what will be
missiles
sy amid the language row. Wh- we are proud of is primed and ready for action, and we would them. It is something that we the statement that China the first bilat-
Maharashtra and ‘Jai h HQ-9 air
ile concluding his speech, Shi- New Delhi: India faced three request you to perhaps pull it back. So, he (sic) have to be very cognizant abo- will have no role to play in it, eral visit by
Gujarat’ because the was getting live inputs from China defence missile
nde said ‘Jai Hind, Jai Mahar- adversaries on just one border ut,” he said. “Turkiye also pla- India on Friday said it has ta- the foreign
Gujarati community batteries
ashtra’. After a brief pause, he during Operation Sindoor, wi- In the next round, we will have to be yed an important role in provi- ken no position on what was minister of
added ‘Jai Gujarat’, drawing had built a sports complex th Pakistan being actively sup- prepared for that (risk to population FROM TURKIYE ding the type of support it an issue concerning faith either count-
flak from opposition parties here —Eknath Shinde | DY CM ported by China and Turkiye, a centres). For that, more air defence, h Byker Yiha did,” he added. Pakistan exten- and religion. ry since early
who said it was meant to plea- Just because Shinde said top Army officer said on Frid- more counter rockets, artillery, and III kamikaze sively used Turkish-origin By- Interestingly, the Chine- 2022, when
se Shah and insult Maharash- ‘Jai Gujarat’, it doesn’t ay, adding that Beijing was ev- drones have to be prepared for which drones ker Yiha III kamikaze drones se foreign ministry, after ca- Wang Yi visited India. Jais-
tra, reports Anurag Bende. mean he loves Gujarat more en providing Islamabad with we have to move very, very fast h Asisguard and Asisguard Songar drones utioning India at a media br- hankar has not visited Chi-
Shah attended the event of than Maharashtra “live” satellite inputs on Indi- —Lt Gen Rahul R Singh Songar drones during the conflict. iefing, according to agency na since the Covid outbreak
Pune Gujarati Bandhu Samaj an military movements and He said crucial lessons to reports from Beijing, again- and the beginning of the mi-
—Devendra Fadnavis | CM
and inaugurated the Jairaj deployments. ganised by Ficci. “This is no northern borders,” he added. be learned from Op Sindoor in- litary stand-off in 2020.
 EDIT: Model Community
Sports and Convention centre contribution to Maharashtr- “We had one border and surprise because 81% of mili- The deep Pakistan-China clude the need for an effective
in Kondhwa. Lauding the con- a’s development is immense, two adversaries, actually thr- tary hardware that Pakistan is military collusiveness was re- C4ISR (command, control, co- st interfering in Tibetan aff- on matters concerning beli-
tribution of the Gujarati com- and we will ensure that they ee. Pakistan was in the front. getting is all Chinese. China, inforced during the cross-bor- mmunications, computers, in- airs at the expense of Sino- efs and practices of faith and
munity to the development of do not face any issues while China was providing all possi- of course, (followed) the good der hostilities from May 7 to 10, telligence, surveillance and re- India ties, omitted its comm- religion,” foreign ministry
the state and India, Shinde sa- carrying out their businesses ble support,” Army deputy ch- old dictum, kill with a borrow- with Islamabad using a wide connaissance), a more robust ents objecting to Rijiju’s re- spokesperson Randhir Jais-
id, “Maharashtra and Gujarat in the state.” The Shiv Sena ief (capability development & ed knife… So, he (sic) would ra- array of Chinese weapons and air defence network and civil- marks from the official tra- wal said, responding to me-
have always shown the path neta then raised the slogan. sustenance) Lt Gen Rahul R Si- ther use the neighbour to cau- sensor-shooter networks, ra- military fusion. nscript of the briefing. dia queries.
of development to the count- ngh said at a seminar on ‘New se pain than get involved in the nging from J-10 fighters firing “Govt of India does not
ry. The business community’s CM’s defence, P 2 Age Military Technologies’ or- mudslinging match on the the PL-15 beyond visual range ‘Inputs from China’, P 8 take any position or speak ‘Freedom of religion’, P 10

DOUBLE DELIGHT KABUTAR JA JA JA...

Notice over work Gold on fire, org awarding 250 Marathwada, Health min, TISS
T oday’s bumper issue of TOI is
organised in two sections, both
on non-existent Vidarbha farmers
S L Shanth Kumar

officials in med
equally packed. To get the full
reading experience, make sure
you don’t miss the other section Colaba temple
medals shifts to cash prizes ended lives in Mar college scam FIR
Yogita.Rao@timesofindia.com
OTHER BOOK TOP STORIES Gold prices have been

Nat’l interest, not deadline, B MC has issued a showca-

use notice to an A ward
officer over irregularities in
Mumbai: Rising gold prices
seems to have led to a shift in
rising at an unprecedented
rate and the income from
M arathwada and Vidar-
bha recorded 250 farm-
er suicides in March 2025,
C BI has named eight offi-
cials of the health min-
istry, TISS chancellor and
to dictate US trade deal: Goyal investments has gone down
beautification and develop- long-standing academic tradi- relief and rehabilitation mi- former UGC chairman D P
Won’t tolerate hooliganism in considerably due to lower
ment works in Colaba. It is tions. A prominent charitable nister Makarand Jadhav to- Singh, and several represe-
the name of Marathi, says CM interest rates. We are a charitable
based on a complaint by an organisation, which has been ld the state assembly on Fri- ntatives of private medical
activist who said informati- instituting gold medals at 14 le-
organisation. We have spoken to day. Of these, 102 cases were colleges, among others, in
Twist to Pune ‘rape’: Cops say
on under the RTI Act showed ading institutions in the coun- some students and realised they found eligible for compensa- its FIR over alleged bribery
no forced entry, no spray used prefer cash prizes which can help
that the ward had issued a try for two decades, recently tion and assistance had be-
fund higher education  CBI probes approval
Maha man among work order for repairing a
non-existent community te-
decided to discontinue the pr-
actice and replace the medal —Homi P Ranina | TRUSTEE,  22 tigers, 40 leopards for 870 colleges, P 10
NANI A PALKHIVALA MEMORIAL TRUST died in state in 4 mths, P 2
3 kidnapped in Mali mple on 4th Pasta Lane in Co-
laba and duplication of work
with a cash prize of Rs 25,000,
which, it is felt, will also go a of the National Law Universi- en provided in 77 of them as
for favourable assessment
of medical colleges, reports

A state man was among 3

Indians abducted on Ju-
ly 1 by ultras linked to Al-Qae-
orders. It also mentioned that
the beautification work site
at Badhwar Park falls within
long way in helping in the stu-
dents’ education.
The organisation, Nani A
ties (NLUs), and also tradition-
al ones such as Mumbai Univ-
ersity and Savitribai Phule
per the govt’s criteria, while
investigations were on in 86
cases, he said. According to
A day after the state govt said it would instruct BMC to shut all 51
kabutarkhanas in the city, the G-North ward officers on Friday cleaned
Durgesh Nandan Jha.
The FIR, filed on June 30, sa-
ys the officials tipped off co-
up the Dadar site and removed about 25 sacks of feed and a grille
da-affiliated Jama’at Nusrat Coastal Regulation Zone but Palkhivala Memorial Trust, Pune University. the minister, 229 farmer sui- around it. Officers said they appealed to those managing the site not to lleges about upcoming ins-
al-Islam wal-Muslimin in work was carried out witho- has been awarding gold meda- cides were registered in the encourage feeding the pigeons in view of health hazards | P 3 pections and identity of the
Mali, W Africa. Other Bk, P 5 ut obtaining an NOC. P 3 ls to top LLM students at some ‘Beyond reach’, P 2 state in April 2025. TNN P 4 assessors. P 10
 PD: 05-07-2025 Z: MumbaiCityBook2 E: 1 U: c-siddhi.thakur T: 07-05-2025 00:34

TIMES CITY THE TIMES OF INDIA, MUMBAI | SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

Shinde’s slogan does not mean he On X, analyst dares MNS chief

loves Gujarat more, says Fadnavis to make him ‘fluent in Marathi’ Sanjay Hadkar
VijayV.Singh@timesofindia.com posted a tweet from the party’s
General Secretary Manoj Cha-
tection, but under that pretext,
they’re asking for my location.
Anurag.Bende
@timesofindia.com State Cong Mumbai: Sushil Kedia, a sh-
are market-investment ana-
lyst, dared MNS Chief Raj
van: “If you live in Maharash-
tra and act superior by not
speaking Marathi, I’ll give you
This appears to be a dirty oper-
ation already underway, bay-
ing for my blood.”
Pune: Dy CMs Eknath Shinde
and Ajit Pawar accompanied chief to skip Thackeray on social media
X to act against him, saying
a tight slap!”
MNS city president Sand-
Earlier, Mira-Bhayander
BJP MLA Narendra Mehta

Thackerays’
Union home minister Amit he has been in Mumbai for eep Deshpande commented on responded to the slap incide-
Shah at the event where Shin- 30 years but has not learnt X, “Do business if you’re a nt, stating, “Pride in Marathi,
de gave the ‘Jai Gujarat’ slo- Marathi. businessman, don’t try to act but not by forgetting the lim-
gan. Shah, in his speech, said,
“Wherever Gujaratis have go-
ne in the world, they ensure not
rally today “I don’t know Marathi
properly even after living for
30 years in Mumbai... threat-
like our boss. If you insult Ma-
rathi in Maharashtra, you’ll
get a slap, otherwise, stay in
its of humanity!...I strongly
condemn this act.”
Sushil Kedia also reposted
to get involved in any contro- Chaitanya.Marpakwar ening me by 100 of your party your lane, Mehta or whoever. BJP minister Nitesh Rane’s
versy. They adopt the culture @timesofindia.com workers is not going to make That’s all for now.” message on X, which stated,
of the place and become an in- me a fluent Marathi speaker,” Subsequently, Kedia posted “Those who raise their hands
tegral part of society.” Mumbai: After NCP (SP) Kedia said in a post on X. another tweet tagging city po- against poor Hindus should
The opposition criticised chief Sharad Pawar, state This action drew criticism lice, CM Devendra Fadnavis also show the courage to go to
Shinde, alleging he wanted to Congress chief Harshaward- from the MNS, although no and Union Home Minister Nalbazar and Mohammad Ali
please Shah and “insult” Ma- han Sakpal has said that he direct threats were made Amit Shah, stating: “I’m re- Road and beat up the jihadis!
harashtra. Shinde said he utte- will not attend the Thackeray against him by the party. On its ceiving calls from several po- Because you never hear them
red ‘Jai Gujarat’ because peo- cousins’ “victory rally” on party’s X handle, the MNS re- lice stations... offering me pro- speaking Marathi!”
ple from the Gujarati commu- Saturday which has been or-
nity were present at the event. ganised to celebrate the sta-

IMD sounds yellow Wife dies by

“After my speech, I said ‘Jai te’s cancellation of its govt
Hind, Jai Maharashtra, Jai resolutions on introducing
Gujarat’. Jai Hind is the pride Hindi as a third language
of our country. I said ‘Jai Ma- from Class 1 in state schools.
suicide, man
harashtra’ because we are pro-
ud of Maharashtra and ‘Jai
Gujarat’ because the Gujarati A hoarding opposite Sena Bhavan in Dadar inviting people for the Thackeray cousins’ ‘victory rally’ today
Congress functionaries
said Sakpal did not receive
any formal invitation, so he
will not attend. Sharad Pa-
alert for city, orange booked for
Govt: Oct 3 will
be ‘Classical Attempt to please Shah
war had said on Thursday
that he would not participate
in the rally due to his previo-
usly scheduled programmes.
for Thane tomorrow K K Choudhary
abetment
Mumbai: After a 23-year-old
Marathi Day’ With both Pawar and Sakpal TIMES NEWS NETWORK woman died by suicide, the

Mumbai: The state govt has

announced Oct 3 will be cele-
brated as ‘Classical Marathi
& insult Maha, says oppn not attending, key Maha Vi-
kas Aghadi (MVA) partners
will be missing from the rally,
although other netas from
Mumbai: The IMD has indica-
ted that there will be an increase
in rain activity in the city betwe-
Sakinaka Police registered a
case of abetment against her
husband based on a state-
ment given by her brother.
Language Day’ following the VijayV.Singh@timesofindia.com rat. But so far no minister has raised the NCP (SP) and Congress are en July 5-8. An orange alert indi- Mamta Kushwaha hanged
Centre’s decision last year to slogan of another state when they are in likely to be present. cating heavy to very heavy rain- herself at her home in Saki-
confer the status of classical Mumbai: Politicians from opposition par- Maharashtra. Shinde must have said this Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya fall at isolated places has been naka on June 28. Her hus-
language on Marathi. Also, ties criticised deputy CM Eknath Shinde to please Amit Shah, who is the chief of Thackeray on Friday said issued for Thane for July 6 & a band, Rajesh Maurya, 32, alle-
October 3 to 9 will be marked for ending his speech with ‘Jai Gujarat’ du- their Sena. This is a warning bell for Maha- that people must not wait for yellow alert from July 5-7 for gedly told her family that he
as ‘Classical Marathi Lan- ring a function in Pune on Friday, alleging rashtra. They have already started Gujara- invitations and should come Mumbai. A yellow alert indica- had slapped her after she had
guage Week’ every year, it that he had done so to please Union home tification of Maharashtra. Now Eknath to the rally to “celebrate” the tes heavy rainfall at isolated pla- Heavy rain likely from July 5-8 an argument with his mother.
said. A govt resolution issued minister Amit Shah and to “insult” Maha- Shinde has said it officially.” scrapping of the govt resolu- ces. The Regional Meteorologi- Police are investigating furt-
by the Marathi language de-
partment on Thursday stated
rashtra. Congress MLA Nana Patole con-
demned Shinde for his remarks, sugges-
Sena (UBT)’s Sushma Andhare told the
media, “I’m not surprised. Because after
tions. “There are no formal
invitations. All those who are
cal Centre in Mumbai on Friday
said that multiple weather sy- Rain death toll her.
This was Kushwaha's se-
the move aims to promote
awareness, preservation of
ting that he had made the statement to ap-
pease Shah and demean Maharashtra. Pa-
taking an anti-Maharashtra stance and
surrendering the identity of Maharashtra
Marathi and Maharashtra lo-
vers, from any party, must co-
stems are currently influencing
conditions, including a cyclonic rises to 6 in state cond marriage. She had divor-
ced from her first husband af-
and scholarly engagement tole added that he had done so to make at the feet of rulers in Delhi, he (Shinde) me. This was a victory of Ma- circulation over northern parts Pune: The death toll from heavy ter domestic disputes and fa-
with Marathi’s rich linguis- Gujarat’s leader happy and to avoid the was rewarded with the post of CM. Now a rathi unity against Hindi im- of Gangetic West Bengal and a rainfall-related incidents in the cing cruelty. Maurya worked
tic and literary heritage. PTI “washing machine,” referring to the pro- competition has started to show who can position on school students,” persistent offshore trough state over the last two days has as a driver.
cess alleged by the opposition where tain- be the most obedient and submissive… he said. along the Maharashtra-Karna- increased to six, latest disaster According to the FIR,
community, together, had built ted politicians get a clean chit once they jo- This incident makes one thing very clear: Apart from Sena (UBT) taka coast. These systems are management reports indicated Kushwaha's family gave her
a sports complex there,” he sa- in the ruling party. when someone who has held the chief mi- chief Uddhav Thackeray and expected to move westwards, in- on Friday. A Thursday report furniture and five tolas of
id. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said nister’s post of this state says ‘Jai Gujarat,’ MNS chief Raj Thackeray, tensifying rainfall over large documented three deaths and gold in the wedding. They also
Shinde showed reporters a that the “true nature of Amit Shah’s dupli- it’s only natural for people like Sushil Ke- two other cousins, Aaditya parts of the state. two injuries, including one gifted a gold chain, gold ring
video of Uddhav Thackeray sa- cate Shiv Sena” had come to light. “In Pu- dia to say, ‘I won’t speak Marathi—do wha- Thackeray and MNS’s Amit “Under their influence, wi- drowning in the Mumbai sub- and 4 lakh in cash to Maurya.
ying ‘Jai Gujarat’ at a rally and ne, these gentlemen roared “Jai Gujarat” tever you want.’” NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Thackeray, will also be seen despread rainfall activity with urbs. One person was wounded The FIR said Maurya wanted
referred to a poster of Aaditya in front of Amit Shah! What should be do- Awhad stated it is not clear if BJP leaders together at the rally. Sena heavy to very heavy showers is as a slab collapsed in the same to buy a house and took Rs 5
Thackeray during the election ne? How can this person remain in Maha- were impressed by Shinde’s remark, but (UBT) functionaries said very likely over the Konkan re- area. Solapur and Raigad dis- lakh from his father-in-law.
in Worli saying ‘Kem Cho Wor- rashtra’s cabinet?” Raut asked. He added, the Marathi manoos was “upset with Shin- that only heads of parties gion and ghat areas of Madhya tricts each reported a drowning- After her marriage, Kush-
li.’ He read out another line in “When we go to Punjab, we say Jai Punjab de for insulting Maharashtra in the cultu- will be allowed on the dais Maharashtra during this pe- related death the same day. The waha would frequently call
Gujarati, ‘Jalebi aur fafda, and when we go to Gujarat, we say Jai Guja- ral city of Pune.” and will speak at the rally. riod. Extremely heavy rainfall Friday report indicated three up her family and tell them
Uddhav Thackeray aapda’ is also forecast over the ghats of more deaths. Mumbai suburbs about her husband's demands
which, he said, was on UBT Se- hi manoos.” He said when a sta- ked. But Ajit Pawar, who was sort happening there,” Pawar then? Marathi is our identity Madhya Maharashtra on July 6 witnessed one drowning death for money. Maurya had regis-
na’s website. tue of Chhatrapati Shivaji was with Shinde at the event, said told reporters in Kolhapur la- and Hindutva is our soul. We and 7. Meanwhile, the Marath- while two others were reported tered the flat in Kushwaha's
CM Devendra Fadnavis sa- unveiled at Chikodi in Karna- he did not hear the comment. “I ter in the day. have worked to grant Marathi wada region is expected to recei- in Raigad and Nashik. TNN name and had taken a bank lo-
id, “Just because Shinde said taka, Sharad Pawar had said do not know about the issue. I Shinde said, “Those who the status of a classical langua- ve scattered to fairly widespre- an in her name. He asked his
Jai Gujarat, it doesn’t mean he ‘Jai Maharashtra, Jai Karna- attended two programmes of criticise us should first look ge. No compromise with the ad rainfall with isolated heavy lightning and gusty winds rea- wife to get the EMI payments
loves Gujarat more than Maha- taka’. “Does it mean Pawar lo- Shah and left Pune. Till the ti- within themselves... Pakistani Marathi language.” rain on the same dates. The IMD ching speeds of 45 to 55 kmph in from her father. But her father
rashtra. Such parochial thin- ves Karnataka more and Ma- me I was there at the event, I do flags were seen during LS polls, (Inputs from Chaitanya has further warned of thun- some areas,” said the IMD in a explained that he did not have
king doesn’t behove the Marat- harashtra less?” Fadnavis as- not remember anything of this where did the Marathi love go Marpakwar and PTI) derstorms accompanied by statement. any money left. TNN

CM: Proud of Marathi, but injustice 123 WILD ANIMALS DEAD IN FOUR MONTHS
22 TIGERS, 40 LEOPARDS AMONG THEM: MINISTER
can’t be done to other languages From Jan to April, Maharashtra recorded alarming
numbers of wild animal deaths. The data, given by forest
minister Ganesh Naik in the legislative assembly on
Jan 2022 to Dec 2024
707 total
wild animals
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
7 MNS workers detained for assault FIR against prof, Friday, puts the spotlight on ongoing threats to
biodiversity despite govt initiatives to protect natural
died
107 tigers

over Marathi let off with cop notice 250 others for
Mumbai: CM Devendra Fad- habitats. Chaitanya Marpakwar reports died
navis said on Friday, “We are
proud of Marathi, but no in-
justice can be done to any Mumbai: Seven members of stir over Hindi ANIMAL DEATHS
Tigers
Jan-April 2025
1926
other Indian language. Some- the Raj Thackeray-led Maha- Helpline to report
times I am amazed they em- rashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Mumbai: A case was regis- Due to natural causes 13 wildlife-related
brace English but create dis- were detained for allegedly tered on Friday against pro- Due to electric shock 4 crimes
putes over Hindi. What kind assaulting a foodstall owner fessor Deepak Pawar of the Due to road/railway/ Total
4 22
of thinking is this, and what for not speaking Marathi, an of- University of Mumbai and well accidents
kind of action is this?” ficial said on Friday. The ac- some 250 others who had Due to unknown causes 1
He warned that strict ac- cused persons were allowed staged a protest against gov-
Leopards Due to road/railway/well accidents 20
tion would be taken against to go after police served notices ernment resolutions (GR) in-
Due to Due to
those who take the law into on them, said sub-inspector troducing Hindi as a third lan- poaching 3
their own hands. “Should bu- Kiran Kadam of Kashimira po- guage in schools in Maha- natural
causes Total Due to unknown
sinessmen not do business? If lice station. rashtra, police said.
a Marathi-speaking business- Police had registered a case against the seven under the Bha- Copies of the GR introduc- 8 40 causes 9
man goes to Assam and does ratiya Nyaya Sanhita for rioting, threatening and assault. Po- ing Hindi as a third language Other wild animals HUMAN
business there and takes time lice are in the process of “chapter proceedings” (preventive ac- from Class 1 had been burnt DEATHS
23 due to natural causes | 4 due to electric
to learn Assamese, should he
be meted out similar treat-
ment? Should the people of
tion) against the accused persons in the case, he said. The office
of the zonal deputy commissioner of police will make them sign
bonds about good behaviour, the official added. PTI
during the event on June 29.
Sena UBT) chief Uddhav
Thackeray, some other opposi-
Total
shock | 4 due to poaching | 24 due
61 to stray dog attacks and well
21 reported
due to
wild animal
‘CONSERVATION EFFORTS’
The forest minister said in the assembly:
ANTI-POACHING MEASURES
Secret Service Fund used for
accidents | 6 due to unknown causes informants tracking illegal poachers
Assam beat him up? If you ge- tion leaders and a few Marathi attacks Due to the increasing number of
nuinely take pride in Marat- as a third language from Class recommendations were ac- actors had also attended the wild animals, they migrate in search Tiger Protection Force (TPF) and
hi, then serve the language, 1, Fadnavis said they (Thacke- cepted by them in the cabinet, protest, but their names did not of their natural habitat. dog squads deployed for
start classes to teach Marathi, rays) seem to be happy about the minutes were signed by figure in the FIR. No permis- sensitive areas
teach your children Marathi. the decision taken by govt. them... the Marathi manoos sion was taken for the protest This process helps to balance biodiversity
Why have you set up schools “Let them hold the victory ral- knows they are double-faced,” which took place outside the The Maharashtra Compensation for Loss, M-Stripes system and wireless
where it is clearly mentioned ly. The committee to make re- he said. This was a reiteration BMC in south Mumbai, said a Injury or Damage caused by Wild Animals Act, messaging for field monitoring
that Marathi is the third lang- commendations was set up by of his earlier statement that police official. Names of politi- 2023, became effective from Jan 30, 2024 to Cyber cell active at Melghat Tiger
uage?” he asked. them, they put their aide on Uddhav Thackery as CM had cal leaders would likely be add- support victims and streamline compensation Reserve for digital tracking
On the Thackeray cousins the committee, the committee accepted the report of the ed to FIR after probe is over,
holding a “victory rally” over recommended that Hindi and Mashelkar panel recommen- said a police official at Azad To get information about illegal poachers, informants have been appointed
state govt’s withdrawal of two English should be made com- ding that Hindi be the third Maidan police station. No ar- at the district level… Protection huts, observation towers, and checkpoints
GRs about Hindi being taught pulsory from Class 1 to 12, the language from Class 1. rest has been made. PTI have been set up in the forest — Ganesh Naik | forest minister

Man assaulted by shop owner ropes

in UBT MP, slaps accused at his office
‘Gold rates beyond common man’s reach’ Jewellery worth `9 lakh
stolen from bank locker
u From P 1 id Homi P Ranina, one of the the income of the trust comes There are 16 other gold
Thane: A shop owner and his two staffers beat up Thane-res- trustees. The medal has now purely from interest on in- medals instituted under emi- Mumbai: A 59-year-old homemaker lodged a police compla-

G
ident Kiran Jadhav following a dispute over mobile recharge old prices have been ri- been replaced with a cash pri- vestments, which has been nent names, and for different int after jewellery worth Rs 8.8 lakh was stolen from her bank
on Tuesday night which took a political colour after he com- sing at an unpreceden- ze of Rs 25,000 for LLM top- falling at a rapid rate. “It has subjects at Mumbai Universi- locker at Pali Hill. She told the police that she suspected so-
plained to former Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Rajan Vichare. ted rate and the income pers at each of the varsities. become difficult to combat ri- ty. Of these, three medals are meone with a duplicate key accessed her bank locker with a
Naupada police have booked the trader and his associates from investments has gone The Nani A Palkhivala sing gold prices. They have made of 18 karat gold and are nationalised bank. The Khar police have registered a case of
under relevant sections of the BNS. The accused later ap- down considerably due to lo- Memorial Gold Medal, made gone beyond [the] common instituted under the names theft and are probing further.
peared at Vichare’s office, where they were filmed apologis- wer interest rates. We are a of pure gold, was instituted man’s reach and means, but of MC Chagla for LLM, Vrun- The complainant told the police that on May 16, she had vi-
ing to Jadhav. In the viral video, Jadhav is seen slapping the charitable organisation. We in 2004 in the memory of the we would like to continue the da Prabhu for the MSc Mathe- sited the branch and opened her locker. Her gold, diamond
accused before accepting their apology. Jadhav submitted a have also spoken to some stu- renowned lawyer and emi- gesture that was instituted in matics topper and Raghu- and silver ornaments were intact in the locker. Thereafter,
letter to Naupada police requesting to withdraw his com- dents for feedback and have nent constitutional expert the memory of Palkhivala,” nath Jahagirdar for the five- she fell ill and couldnt visit the bank until July 3. Around 10
plaint, stating the matter was “sorted”, but police clarified realised that they prefer cash who passed away in 2002 at 82. the representative said, ad- year LLB topper. The remai- am on July 3, she visited the branch and opened the locker.
that since the case was already registered, it could only be prizes which can help fund Later on, another component ding they would not wish to ning are gold-plated medals, She was alarmed to find that her jewellery was missing. She
withdrawn through the court according to legal procedures. their higher education to so- was added to the medal, but disclose the weight of the me- said a university source. The spoke to the branch manager but he could not give any satis-
Police emphasised the incident was a dispute over a com- me extent. No one likes to sell pure gold continued to rema- tal or the cost involved in its gold medals are awarded du- factory replies. The homemaker then approached the Khar
mercial issue, dismissing any linguistic community-based gold medals for money as it in a major constituent. making, but added that it was ring the annual convocation Police. An FIR was registered the same day. Investigators
narrative. — Nishikant Karlikar holds sentimental value,” sa- A representative said that a “substantial” amount. ceremony at the university. will go through CCTV footage of the bank. TNN
 PD: 05-07-2025 Z: MumbaiCityBook2 E: 1 U: meeta.trivedi T: 07-05-2025 00:11

THE TIMES OF INDIA, MUMBAI

SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025 TIMES CITY 3
SC refuses
to entertain
Notice to ward officer over Colaba works’ irregularities
Sanjeev.Devasia hi, stated that in the inner la- that it is prima facie evident te stone plaque, cement cor- re shown to have been carri-
@timesofindia.com ne of 4th Pasta Lane, a plat- that there are irregularities rugated sheets, cast iron rai- ed out using both MLA and
HDFC MD’s Mumbai: BMC has issued a
form around the tree was re-
paired and paver block work
in the work carried out and a
financial loss was caused to
ling, ornamental railing, we-
re not implemented. Also,
municipal corporation
funds. Besides, BMC funds

plea on FIR showcause notice to the A

ward officer over irregulari-
ties in beautification and de-
was carried out in the surro-
unding area, however, seve-
ral components of the esti-
BMC. According to sources,
A ward officer Jaydeep More
has submitted a reply.
measurements for the remo-
val of old Shahabadi tiles and
digging of the ground were
were used for the same work
repeatedly. The estimated
misuse of funds is Rs 105 cro-
TIMES NEWS NETWORK velopment works in Colaba. mate were not implemented Following Daundkar’s recorded twice in both work re. While the BMC chief as-
It was based on a complaint and there were irregularities complaint, BMC’s vigilance orders. ked the vigilance depart-
New Delhi: The Supreme by activist Santosh Daund- even in the measurements of department carried out par- In the beautification work ment to investigate the mat-
Court on Friday refused to kar who said information un- the work. It also mentioned tial inspection of various carried out at Badhwar Park, ter, they took only partial ac-
entertain HDFC Bank ma- der the RTI Act showed that that the beautification work works in the ward. The offici- several items in the work es- tion, and a superficial report
naging director Sashidhar the ward had issued a work site at Badhwar Park falls als found no community timates were also not imple- was submitted.” Demanding
Jagdishan’s petition seek- order for repairing a non-ex- within Coastal Regulation temple on 4th Pasta Lane. mented, said Daundkar. an ACB probe, Daundkar sa-
ing the quashing of an FIR istent community temple on Zone but was carried out wit- The brick wall around a tree “I am surprised that BMC id: “Given the seriousness of
lodged against him by Lila- 4th Pasta Lane in Colaba and hout obtaining an NOC from in the inner lane was repai- showed repairs to a commu- these irregularities, invol-
vati hospital trust, even as duplication of work orders. the district collector and the red and paver block placed, nity temple in an upmarket ving duplicate reporting,
it termed unfortunate the The showcause notice, is- Maharashtra Coastal Zone but several components of locality as such temples are ghost projects, and misuse of
repeated adjournment of a sued by additional municipal Management Authority. the work estimates, inclu- usually in slums,” said the public funds, a thorough in-
similar plea of his before commissioner Ashwini Jos- The notice further stated ding polished jet-black grani- activist. “Identical works we- vestigation is warranted.”
Bombay HC because of re-
cusal of judges. Appearing

BMC takes action against pigeon Activists: Will Blood bank at civic
for Jagdishan, senior
advocate Mukul Rohatgi
termed the FIR as “frivo-
lous” and said his client had
move court over
no role in the entire contro-
versy alleged by the trust.
There was an atmosphere
of uncertainty because of
feeding at Dadar kabutarkhana pigeon feeding hosp to shut down
the FIR, he stressed, and
requested a bench of Justic-
es P S Narasimha and R Ma-
hadevan to grant him
Sanjeev.Devasia
@timesofindia.com
Pics: SL Shanth Kumar sites’ closure
Vijay.Singh@timesofindia.com
as bldg repairs start
interim protection from Richa Pinto & bank will reopen post-reno-
possible arrest. Mumbai: A day after state Mumbai: Upset with the BMC Malathy Iyer TNN vation, and whether the
But the bench refused to govt said it would instruct action against kabutarkhanas Food and Drug Administra-
entertain his appeal, high- BMC to immediately shut all in the city, several activists ha- Mumbai: Local residents tion (FDA) will issue a fresh
lighting that his plea for 51 kabutarkhanas in the city, ve accused govt of not showing are upset with the decision license,’’ said Miranda.
quashing the FIR is listed local ward officials dismant- compassion towards pigeons. to shut down the blood bank The 48-year-old hospital
for hearing before the HC led the temporary shed and Jawahar Mehta and Sande- attached to BMC-run V N De- is widely used and has a busy
on July 14. “You go before fencing at Dadar kabutarkha- ep Doshi, representatives of sai Hospital, Santa Cruz, gynaecology department as
the HC and argue on the na and seized about 25 sacks the Jain community who live during ongoing structural well as the spinal surgery
merits of the case,” it said. of pigeon feed on Friday mor- near Dadar kabutarkhana, sa- repairs to the building. unit in BMC’s suburban hos-
When Rohatgi pointed ning. The shed had been put id that they will move court The blood bank, located pital network. “Patients who
out that there is no certain- by the kabutarkhana mana- against the demolition of pige- on the second floor, stopped come for a Caesarean sec-
ty of the petition getting gement to store pigeon feed on-feeding sites. “I visit the cen- collecting blood almost a tion or spine surgery need
heard as judge after judge is on the premises. tury-old Dadar kabutarkhana month back. “However, as blood immediately. We can-
recusing themselves from “We cleaned the entire Da- every day, but have never suffe- blood units can be stored for not get it from a private hos-
hearing the plea, the bench dar Kabutarkhana premises red from any respiratory issue. 35 days, we still have some pital that is located far from
said, “We sympathise with and surrounding areas. We Dirty politics is at play... We ha- units left in the hospital,’’ the OT,’’ said a doctor who
you. It is unfortunate that requested those managing ve no other option but to go to said a civic official.
so many judges have re- the kabutarkhana to not en- court,” said Doshi. “Has the In early June, a structur-
cused themselves, and the courage pigeon feeding there National Centre for Disease al audit classified the hospi-
hearings earlier scheduled in view of the health hazards Control or any other authority tal as a C2A structure—that
for June 18, 20, 25 and 26 got and foul smell, and not to cre- declared that pigeons are is, while the building is not
adjourned,” adding, “we ate any nuisance in the form harmful to humans? We su- dangerous, it’s unsafe for
hope the HC hears the pet- of unclean surroundings. spect that builders may be eye- continued use without ma-
ition on July 14”. This is more of a social issue, ing the space created by destro- jor repairs and must be va-
As per the trust’s com- so it has to be resolved at that Local residents pointed ying kabutarkhanas...” cated for safety during the
plaint with Bandra police level,” said an official of out that they have been de- Honorary representative restoration process.
station, Jagdishan alleged- BMC’s G-North ward. “We manding the shifting of the of the Animal Welfare Board of The hospital’s third floor
ly accepted a bribe of Rs 2.05 are also creating awareness kabutarkhana for a long time, India, Mitesh Jain claimed the has already been restored,
crore in exchange for pro- about the health risks associ- considering the health ha- “anti-pigeon stand has been ta- and the second-floor repairs
viding financial advice to ated with the pigeon drop- zards associated with the pi- ken to appease animal haters began a few weeks back. The
help the Chetan Mehta pings and feathers among lo- geon droppings and feathers. just before the BMC elections”. staff was told the second With no cheap alternatives, local
Group retain illegal and un- cal residents.” “Dadar kabutarkhana is a “Supreme Court had issued di- floor would require six to residents are upset
due control over the trust's A local resident told TOI: major problem for local resi- rections to all states and union eight months to be restored,
governance. The trust also “The pigeon feed is sold in a dents who face health pro- territories in the 2009 SLP peti- prompting the authorities to didn’t want to be identified.
claimed that Jagdishan and shop in the vicinity of the ka- blems, including asthma and tion of AWBI v/s Nagaraja & partially shut down the Miranda said suggesti-
his family received free butarkhana.” lung ailments, as well as skin others, that the Prevention of blood bank. ons to shift the blood bank to
medical treatment at Lila- The issue of illegal pige- diseases, due to the pigeon Cruelty to Animals Act must be Former Kalina corpora- the ground floor were ig-
vati Hospital. on-feeding areas or kabutark- droppings and feathers,” said adhered to in India. Disturbing tor Tulip Miranda is con- nored, with officials citing
hanas, especially at the traf- a Dadar resident, who lives in bird-feeding sites or denying cerned as patients in the H/ FDA restrictions on such a
fic island in Dadar (W), was the vicinity of the kabutark- them food is animal cruelty,” East ward would now have to move. "Why were no alterna-

2 new judges raised in the legislative coun-

cil by Shiv Sena MLA Manis-
hana. “A large number of
children and senior citizens
added Jain. Roshan Pathak of
Pure Animal Lovers group sa-
travel further—to the civic
run Cooper Hospital in Ju-
tive arrangements made, es-
pecially when surgeries con-
ha Kayande on Thursday. She are affected by these pro- id: “Article 51A(g) of our Cons- hu—for blood. While there tinue to be performed dai-
appointed at said kabutarkhanas are cau-
sing respiratory ailments Workers remove the shed at Dadar kabutarkhana and clean the area
blems. Due to the pigeons
flocking to the kabutarkha-
titution states that the citizens
must have compassion for all li-
are private blood banks lo-
cated close to V N Desai Hos-
ly?” she said.
When contacted, acting
Bombay HC among residents, and deman-
ded tests for them. She also so- alth hazard involved. ted shifting Dadar kabutark-
na, residents are forced to pla-
ce nets and protective grilles
ving creatures. But BMC wants
to harass the feeders and dest-
pital, the costs are high for
patients visiting the facility.
medical superintendent Dr
Jayaraj Acharya said he
Mumbai: The Bombay high ught to know what action govt Earlier this year, BMC’s G- hana to another location in to prevent them from ente- roy kabutarkhanas. We will “There also is uncertain- didn’t want to comment on
court on Friday got two new will take considering the he- North ward had contempla- view of several complaints. ring their flats.” protest against govt.” ty over whether the blood the issue.
Judges. Chief Justice Alok
Aradhe of the High Court
DOMBIVLI FLYOVER OPENS, SHUTS Coastal Road
5-yr RI for stepdad for sexual 3 bidders for
administered the oath to two
advocates, Gautam Ankhad
and Mahendra Nerlikar, as
additional judges of the `2,368 crore AFTER BIKES CRASH, OPENS AGAIN promenade to
High Court. The central govt
on July 4 notified the appo-
intment of the two members
of the bar as additional Jud-
ges of the High Court for two
abuse of girl (15) over months Deonar legacy
waste tender
get bio-toilets
Mumbai: The seaside pro-
menade, built as part of the
years. The appointment ca-
me nearly nine months after Court Says He Took Advantage Of Position Of Trust Mumbai: Three bids were
received for BMC’s Rs 2,368
coastal road project (south),
is set to open to the public
the Supreme Court Collegi- crore tender for bioremedia- from July 15, 2025. In prepa-
um, led by then Chief Justi- Rebecca.Samervel was no evidence to establish her mother and ruin their li- tion of 185 lakh tonnes of le- ration for the opening, the
ce of India D Y Chandra- @timesofindia.com penetrative sexual assault or ves to get to her keep quiet gacy waste, along with the BMC has begun making pro-
chud, recommended the na- threats, but it said the prose- about the abuse. The FIR was disposal of excavated, pro- visions for setting up bio-toi-
mes of the two lawyers thro- Mumbai: Observing that he cution successfully proved lodged on the same day and cessed, and segregated ma- lets. Following a site visit
ugh its resolution of Sept 24, had been in a position of his guilt for aggravated sexu- the man was arrested. terial at the pre-independen- conducted on June 24, civic
2024. The appointments we- trust, a special Pocso court al assault and disrobing the The prosecution exami- ce era Deonar dumping gro- officials identified four loca-
re made during the tenure of has convicted and sentenced victim, taking advantage of ned nine witnesses, inclu- und. Kalyan: It took six years to build tions along the promenade
Chief Justice of India B R a 61-year-old man to five ye- her loneliness and his posi- ding the girl, the mother, her This comes despite that but just a few hours to close. Two for installing these tempora-
Gavai, who ensured the va- ars of rigorous imprison- tion of trust. The accused brother, panch witnesses, 21 bidders showed interest in of the four lanes of the under- ry toilet facilities.
cancy at the High Court was ment for repeatedly sexually was out on bail. and police and medical offi- the bioremediation tenders construction Palava flyover over These toilets will be set
reduced by two. abusing his step- The man married the wo- cers. The court found the tes- during the pre-bid meeting the main Kalyan-Shil road lin- up on a temporary basis for
Justice Ankhad is a daughter, then 15, man on Nov 18, 2016; this was timonies of the mother and held in May. Officials said king Dombivli and Kalyan to Navi six months to one year. The
Mumbai lawyer, while Justi- from 2016-17. also her second marria- the girl consistent and corro- that considering the string- Mumbai were opened on Friday locations identified are near
ce Nerlikar is from Auranga- The girl’s mother ge and the borated by medical evidence. ent tender conditions invol- morning, giving relief to thou- Amarsons Garden in Breach
bad, where he was the addi- was the man’s second daughter was Pleading not guilty, the ved, such as no joint ventu- sands. But two bikers skidded and Candy, two in Worli, and one
tional public prosecutor. wife. The judge said from her first man had claimed false impli- res being allowed and the re- fell soon after—allegedly due to in Mahalaxmi. “The toilet
With the new appointments, she moved in with marriage. On Feb 19, cation by the mother for mo- quirement to clear 185 lakh excess bitumen—prompting block should be aesthetically
the judge strength of the him, along with her 2017, the mother left to ney and property, which the tonnes of legacy waste, they MSRDC to shut the carriageways in sync with the surroun-
high court is now 65 out of minor daughter, be- fetch milk in the mor- court rebutted. “...Looking did not expect a very large down. They were reopened in the dings,” states a letter of the
the sanctioned strength of lieving his assurances and ning. When she returned aro- to the sequence of incidents, response. evening after repairs. The closure chief engineer coastal road
94. The vacancy now stands the faith reposed in him. und 15 minutes later, she fo- the victim and the informant The bids are expected to triggered political heat. Sena department. TNN
at 29, or over 30 percent. TNN “The accused committed the und the accused inappropria- (mother) newly came to be opened next week, and (UBT)’s Kalyan district president
offence when he was 52 years tely touching and kissing the Mumbai city. If the infor- the lowest bidder will be Dipesh Mhatre alleged the flyover

Transporters on
old. Therefore, considering
the age of the victim and that
child. On seeing this, she im-
mediately took the child to
mant took help of her aunt
and relatives and disclosed
shortlisted. It was on May 14
that the BMC floated the ten-
was opened despite the work be-
ing incomplete. He demanded an FIR against those responsible for St George’s gets
[she] and her mother suffe- her cousin’s house. En route, to them the incident, I find der, after which three exten-
indefinite strike red physical and mental the girl revealed that the step- there was nothing to say it sions were given. The cont-
the accident. Former MNS MLA Pramod Patil claimed substan-
dard material had been used and sought an audit. An MSRDC offi- nod for liver
trauma... the sentence would father had sexually abused was an afterthought cooked- ract period for the work is set
call off protest meet the ends of justice.” her two to three times earlier up story by the informant to for three years, which inclu-
cial said the contractor applied excess bitumen, which made the
road slippery. “Once the lanes were shut, road gritting was under- transplants
The court acquitted the since Dec 2016. She said he book the accused in a false des the time for mobilisation taken.” The flyover’s construction began in 2019 and has been slow
Mumbai: Transporters' man of rape charges as there used to threaten to divorce case,” the judge said. and the monsoon period. TNN due to land acquisition and technical issues. —Pradeep Gupta Mumbai: State-run St Ge-
union leader Praveen Pait- orge’s Hospital near CSMT,
hankar, who spearheaded on Thursday, got a licence

Sr citizen gets `19L gift from KEM: A clip for leaky heart valve
the indefinite transporters' from health department to
strike for nearly three days, perform liver transplants.
called off the stir on Friday The hospital will offer
afternoon. A section of liver transplants, consid-
truck and trailer operators TIMES NEWS NETWORK even a stroke. for registration. used. The patient was initially ered one of the most com-
were on strike, but it did not
impact the overall business
AN IMPLANT FOR MITRAL VALVE Mumbai: For a 66-year-old
“My grandparents live
alone in interior Latur and
The 66-year-old patient
suffered a heart attack a few
advised surgery, but it was ris-
ky due to her age and comorbi-
plex surgeries, at an affor-
dable cost; while private
as a majority of heavy goods The mitral valve minimally invasive method grandmother from Latur couldn’t manage with the months back and underwent dities. In the minimally inva- hospitals charge between
transport was on the roads is one of four valves in is being used who was breathing with diffi- symptoms,” said Ravi Shinde angioplasty at a local hospi- sive method, a clip-like device Rs 25 lakh and Rs 30 lakh,
over the past two days. TNN the heart that controls In this procedure, culty for almost six months, (name changed on request). tal. “She initially improved was inserted via a catheter, av- the state hospital is likely to
blood flow between doctors access the doctors at the civic-run KEM He brought his grandmother but began experiencing bre- oiding the need for surgery, Dr charge around Rs 5 lakh.
the two left chambers mitral valve with a thin Hospital had a surprise gift: a to KEM Hospital in Parel for a athlessness on exertion wit- Mahajan explained. “There is a meeting to final-
tube (catheter) that is
Virar woman When the valve
becomes leaky, the heart guided through a vein in
Rs 19-lakh new device to fix
the leaking mitral valve cau-
consultation and was plea-
santly surprised to hear a
hin a few months due to a lea-
king mitral valve—a known
The KEM Hospital team
got the made-in-India device
ise the costs next week,”
said St George’s Hospital
is unable to pump enough the leg to reach the heart
raped in Alibaug blood needed for the body A small implant is attached to
sing her symptoms.
The mitral valve is one of
surgery-free method was pos-
sible. The device, a mitral
complication of heart at-
tacks,” said head of cardiolo-
for free as an inaugural offer
by manufacturers Meril Life
medical superintendent Dr
Vinayak Sawardekar. Inci-
Navi Mumbai: A 21-year-old Traditionally, an open heart the mitral valve to help it close the four that regulates the clip, would help the valve clo- gy at KEM Hospital, Dr Ajay Sciences; the original Ameri- dentally, the transplants
Virar woman was allegedly surgery was done to fix the leaky more completely. This restores flow of blood through the he- se, prevent infections, and Mahajan, who performed the can device costs around Rs 35 will be done by a joint team
raped inside her room in a vil- valve. In the last few years, a blood flow through the heart art. When it becomes disea- improve the quality of life. M-TEER (minimally invasive lakh. Senior cardiologist Dr of doctors from the public
la with colleagues in Alibaug. sed, the patient suffers from “This was done within 15 transcatheter edge-to-edge Ashok Seth from Fortis Esco- hospital as well as a team led
Abhishek Savadekar (25), a VITAL STATS Rheumatic heart disease, shortness of breath, fatigue, days of our arrival in Mum- repair) on June 30. rts Heart Institute in New Del- by Dr Ravi Mohanka from H
resident Koparkhairane has India has a higher incidence often leading to mitral valve dry cough, and fainting bai,” Shinde said, adding his Tradionally, an open he- hi, who conducted a clinical N Reliance Hospital. The
been accused of raping her of mitral valve diseases than in damage, affects 0.2 to 1.1 per spells, among other symp- grandmother was now breat- art surgery was done to fix le- trial for the device, said it hospital now awaits regis-
and booked by the Alibaug po- many Western countries 1,000 people in India toms. Worse, the patient co- hing normally in the ward. aking valve, but now mini- works well for those patients tration with the various
lice. — Umesh K Parida uld develop heart failure or The family only paid Rs 2,500 mally invasive method is who can’t withstand surgery. transplant committees. TNN
 PD: 05-07-2025 Z: MumbaiCityBook2 E: 1 U: c-siddhi.thakur T: 07-05-2025 00:07
User: ajay.salunke Time: 2025-07-04 Product: TimesPropertyBS PubDate: 05-07-2025 Zone: Mumbai Edition: 1 Page: PRMP1 Color:

4 TIMES CITY THE TIMES OF INDIA, MUMBAI

SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

Andheri’s ESIC
Hosp to open 250 farmer suicides in Vidarbha, COMMUTERS PROTEST FARE HIKE Sanjay Hadkar

in Dec: Minister
Mumbai: The Employees’
State Insurance Corpora-
tion (ESIC) Hospital at Ma-
Marathwada in Mar alone: Min
rol in Andheri (E) will open
for all patients in Dec, state
Chaitanya.Marpakwar
@timesofindia.com Cong neta protests MLA’s ‘political Immediately after the farmer
suicide, the family is visited

comments’ from Speaker’s chair

public health minister Pra- by district-level officer or
kash Abitkar said in the le- Mumbai: As many as 250 far- employee, and necessary in-
gislative assembly on mer suicides were reported quiry is conducted by the ta-
Thursday, while respon- in Marathwada and Vidarb- Mumbai: Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Friday ac- luka-level committee. After
ding to a calling attention ha in March 2025 alone, said cused NCP MLA Chetan Tupe of making political comments complete proposal is made by
motion raised by BJP MLA relief and rehabilitation mi- while sitting in the Speaker’s chair during a debate on farm- the district-level committee,
Murji Patel. nister Makarand Jadhav in ers’ issues. When several opposition members who had eligible and ineligible deci-
Abitkar said the hospi- the Legislative Assembly on sought the discussion walked out midway, Tupe delivered sion is taken, and immediate
tal will treat not just state Friday. Jadhav stated that of “political commentary” which hurt the dignity of the post he assistance is provided,” Jad-
govt employees, but also pa- these, 102 cases were found was holding temporarily, Wadettiwar claimed. hav said in his written reply.
tients under the Mahatma eligible for compensation “Tupe was the presiding officer (on Thursday) and it is ex- Jadhav stated that the
Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya as per the criteria of the pected that the sanctity of that position is upheld. Is it right to proposal to provide increa-
Yojana. “ESIC Hospital is in govt, while 62 cases were fo- make political speeches from that seat?” he asked. PTI sed assistance to families in
the final stages of comple- und ineligible. farmer suicide cases, on the
tion; some work related to Additionally, 86 cases are maining cases is underway, tionalised banks, cooperative lines of assistance provided
equipment is pending. It pending investigation. Out of Jadhav said. Jadhav was repl- banks, or recognised money to the heirs of those killed in
will be ready by Dec 2025. the 102 eligible cases, assi- ying to questions raised by lenders, assistance of Rs 1 wild animal attacks, is not
The hospital will be open for stance was provided in 77 ca- MLAs Rohit Pawar, Jitendra lakh is payable to heirs of far- under consideration. Commuters take part in a ‘Save BEST’ stir at the Wadala depot on Thursday to protest against the
treatment for all,” he said. ses. Jadhav mentioned that Awhad, Vijay Wadettiwar, Bh- mers who committed suicide. “To prevent suicides, steep hikes in bus ticket prices and demand that routes that have been discontinued be restarted
— Chaitanya Marpakwar 229 farmer suicide cases were askar Jadhav, Amin Patel, Sa- If any person in the family of schemes such as getting
reported in the state in April chin Patil, Manoj Kayande, the deceased person holds ag- fair prices for farmers’ farm

FDA lens on
2025, of which 74 cases were
found eligible and 31 cases
were found ineligible for co-
Amit Deshmukh, Nana Pato-
le, and Aslam Shaikh.
“In cases of indebtedness
ricultural land, then the per-
son should be considered a
farmer. Also, in eligible ca-
produce, increasing irriga-
tion facilities, and operating
seaports are being imple- Forest min vows to Transfer of land
to Borivli trust
gutka ads, its
mpensation. The process of and debt arising from failure ses, assistance of Rs 1 lakh is mented at the district level,”

home delivery
providing assistance in the re- to repay loans taken from na- given to heirs as per the rules. Jadhav said.
protect mangroves legal: Bawankule
Mumbai: Minister Chandras-

Mumbai: State FDA mini-

ster Narhari Zirwal on Fri-
Assembly may discuss BJP MLA’s ‘Is it right to
play sports
Chaitanya.Marpakwar
@timesofindia.com
CCTV cameras for the protec-
tion of mangrove forests in
Palghar district. Officials of
hekhar Bawankule told the le-
gislative assembly on Friday
that the entire process of allot-

bill against religious conversion

day told the assembly that it Mumbai: Forest Minister Ga- the Forest, Revenue, and Home ting land to the Khadi Gram-
will crack down on pan masa-
la ads, online delivery apps with Pak?’ nesh Naik, on Friday, told the
Legislative Assembly that ac-
departments have been in-
structed to patrol these areas
odyog Association (Kora
Kendra), a private trust in Bo-
that sell pan masala and gut- Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) le- tion will be taken to stop the by turns. If construction de- rivli, was legal and did not in-
ka, and e-commerce plat- Mumbai: A bill introduced those found guilty. If the vic- incidents of religious conver- ader Aaditya Thackeray ques- destruction of mangrove fo- bris from Mumbai is being volve any violations. The issue
forms that sell food through by BJP MLA Sudhir Mungan- tim of forcible conversion be- sions or forced conversions, tioned the appropriateness of rests in the state. dumped in mangrove forests, was raised in the state assem-
cloud kitchens. Responding tiwar to prevent forcible reli- longs to the SC or ST commu- unrest is created in society, India playing cricket and Environment Minister legal action will be taken,” Na- bly by Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA
to a calling attention motion gious conversions could be ta- nity, then the jail period sho- and the right to practice and hockey matches against Pa- Pankaja Munde said the ik said. Varun Sardesai. Responding
raised by MLAs Manoj Ghor- ken up for discussion in the uld be raised to two years and propagate one’s religion freely kistan in the upcoming Asia govt is considering giving Munde said that for protec- to it, he said the land, measu-
pade, Shweta Mahale, and current session of the state le- the fine should be increased to guaranteed by the Constitu- Cup tournaments, amid the carbon credits for the pro- ting mangroves on private ring 39 acres and 22 gunthas,
Vikram Pachpute, Zirwal sa- gislature. It was initially in- Rs 10,000, the bill suggests. tion is also violated. Therefo- hostilities between the two co- tection of mangroves on pri- land, the govt is positive about was originally allotted to the
id govt will extend for 1 more troduced in the March ses- In his objectives for intro- re, it is appropriate to take me- untries. “Is it right to play mat- vate land. Naik was replying giving carbon credits to the ow- trust between 1947 and 1953 for
year the ban on manufacture, sion of the legislature. ducing the bill, Mungantiwar asures to prevent such activiti- ches with Pakistan when the to questions raised by Sena ners. Replying to a question by just Rs 13,375. However, over ti-
storage, transport, distribu- The bill seeks to prevent said, “Forced religious con- es,” he said. This was just one country is sponsoring terror (UBT) MLA Bhaskar Jadhav. BJP MLA Sneha Dubey about me, certain conditions were fo-
tion, or sale of gutka and pan religious conversion by “for- version involves coercion, de- of the over 30 private member against us? Should the Indian “A survey is underway encroachment on mangrove und to be breached. Following
masala. He said though DCM ce, inducement or fraudulent ception or taking undue ad- bills which Mungantiwar was team play Asia Cup cricket from the state’s Gujarat border forests in Palghar district, the high court's directives, the
Ajit Pawar assured FDA Rs means”. The private member vantage of a person’s poverty allowed to reintroduce in this and hockey tournaments aga- to Goa, and it will provide in- Munde assured that strict le- land was converted from Class
200 crore for setting up more bill proposes a punishment of or by immoral means. This is assembly session on Friday, inst Pakistan? We want a clear formation about the exact area gal action will be taken, adding II to Class I as per the rules, and
testing labs, the money has imprisonment of up to one ye- highly undesirable.” setting a record of sorts. answer from the BJP and the under mangroves. Instruc- that offences were already re- 50 per cent of the market value
not yet been allocated. TNN ar and a fine of Rs 5,000 for “Owing to the increasing — Priyanka Kakodkar Centre,” Thackeray said. PTI tions have been given to install gistered in 19 cases. was recovered. PTI

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 PD: 05-07-2025 Z: MumbaiCityBook2 E: 1 U: rohit.bundelkhandi T: 07-05-2025 00:44

TIMES NATION THE TIMES OF INDIA, MUMBAI | SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

MAHAGATHBANDHAN IN BIHAR TO HOLD ‘CHAKKA JAM’ KERALA CM PINARAYI VIJAYAN TO GO TO US FOR MEDICAL
ON JULY 9 AGAINST POLL ROLL REVISION: TEJASHWI CHECK-UP, LIKELY TO BE AWAY FOR AROUND TEN DAYS

STATOISTICS A slice of life in numbers

More Fish Are Being

Farmed Than Caught
By Doreen Bora Parbhani police
custody death
case: HC orders
Free sanitary pad packs with TMC man gets life
term in 1st Bengal
post-poll violence
In 2022, farmed aquatic animal production surpassed wild catch
for the first time ever — reaching 94 million tonnes (51% of global
aquatic food production). India ranked second in Asia
Live weight equivalent in million tonnes (2022)
FIR against cops
Chhatrapati Sambhajingar:
Bombay high court’s Auranga-
Rahul pic stir Bihar poll row case conviction
Malda: A trial court on Friday
sentenced a Trinamool Cong-
Aquaculture production* Wild catch (Marine & inland)
52.9
bad bench directed police to re-
gister an FIR within a week ba-
Direct Insult To Women: NDA; Cong Issues ‘Sindoor Box’ Reminder ress worker and retired school-
teacher to life in prison for the
China
13 sed on a complaint on Dec 18, Manoj.Chaurasia rape of a Class IV student on Ju-
of women voters,” said Pinki
10.2 2024, by the mother of Somnath @timesofindia.com Kumari of Muzaffarpur. “If ne 5, 2021. Calcutta high court
India
5.5 The controversy erupted when
Suryawanshi, 35, a law student, Congress thinks it will get had on Aug 19, 2021, ordered
5.4 who died in police custody after Patna: Congress’s announ-
Bihar Congress president held support from women by dis- CBI’s special crime branch to
Indonesia
7.3 his arrest in a case of rioting, cement that it would distrib- up a sanitary pad box displaying tributing free napkins with investigate the case as part of 55
5.2 reports Mohammed Akhef. ute five lakh sanitary pad Rahul’s photo alongside the the image of Rahul, then it is post-poll violence cases after
Vietnam
3.6 A bench of Justice Vibha boxes under its “Priyadar- sheer stupidity,” she added, the 2021 Bengal assembly elec-
INDIA bloc’s proposed
2.7 Kankanwadi and Justice San- shini Udaan Yojana” trig- arguing the focus should tions, reports Subhro Maitra.
Bangladesh
2 jay Deshmukh noted in an inte- gered a political storm in Bi- ‘Mai-Bahin Maan Yojana’, which have been on women’s safety.
1.6 Source: FAO; *Excludes crocodiles, alligators,
caimans, aquatic products (corals, pearls,
rim order on Friday that there har on Friday after images of promises Rs 2,500 monthly to “Rahul is trying to 2021 ASSEMBLY POLLS
Norway is “prima facie material” indi-
2.4 shells and sponges) and algae party MP Rahul Gandhi ap- women if voted into govt emerge as a ‘Pad Man’ but
cating “custodial brutality and peared on the boxes. NDA that is not the way to launch a CBI said this was the first
violation of constitutional criticised the move, calling it Rahul’s photo alongside the Krishna echoed the senti- party campaign,” said Sunita conviction in a post-poll violen-

69 dead in rain fury this rights”. The FIR is to be registe-

red at Mondha police station in
Parbhani. The court directed
the SP of Parbhani to hand over
a “direct insult” to women,
who have emerged as key vot-
ers in recent state elections.
INDIA bloc’s proposed “Mai-
Bahin Maan Yojana”, which
promises Rs 2,500 monthly to
ment. “Whatever needs to be
done for women in Bihar is
being done by govt. But Con-
Singh of Vaishali.
Defending the campaign,
Lamba said, “In the modern
ce case in Bengal.
Malda additional and ses-
sions judge Rajib Saha, who on
Wednesday convicted Rafikul
Bihar Congress president women if voted into govt. gress, which is worried about era, the question should not
monsoon in Himachal the investigation to an officer
of the rank of DSP.
The court observed the au-
Rajesh Kumar, speaking in
the presence of All India Ma-
hila Congress chief Alka
JD(U) MLC and spokes-
person Neeraj Kumar ac-
cused Congress of degrad-
its prospects in the upcoming
assembly polls, has shown its
ideological bankruptcy. Its
be why Rahul-ji’s photo was
put on the sanitary napkin
box, the real question is why
Islam, announced the sentence
on Friday. Islam was convicted
for aggravated sexual assault
TIMES NEWS NETWORK killed by snakebite. As ma- topsy report and a magisterial Lamba, said the scheme was ing the dignity of women. leader, Rahul Gandhi, has our daughters in Bihar are under provisions of the IPC and
ny as 26 other people have di- inquiry revealed “24 visible in- aimed at promoting men- “Congress seems to have been notorious for lacking a still forced to use cloth during Pocso Act. The court also asked
Kullu: At least 69 people ha- ed in road accidents during juries” on Somnath’s body and strual hygiene awareness taken a leaf out of the book sense of propriety. The trait menstruation and become state govt to give the minor’s fa-
ve been killed and 37 are the same period. The state concluded that the probable among rural women. “We of its ally, RJD, which has seems to have afflicted the victims of serious diseases?” mily Rs 3 lakh as compensation.
missing amid cloudbursts, has suffered an estimated cause of death was “shock follo- have a special plan for wom- been known for a lumpen party, in which sycophancy She also criticised BJP. CBI sleuths said Islam spot-
flashfloods and landslides loss of Rs 496.8 crore this wing multiple injuries”. “Now, enfolk in Bihar. We plan to style of politics. Our leader reigns supreme,” he said. “From a ‘sindoor box’ to vac- ted the child playing with her
in Himachal Pradesh since monsoon. Search and relief when there is prima facie mate- provide free sanitary nap- Nitish Kumar has been Women expressed disap- cine certificates, BJP, which cousin in Manickchak and lu-
the onset of monsoon on Ju- operations continued in flo- rial… a cognizable offence was kins to women for which we working tirelessly for wom- proval of the design. “This is prints Modi’s photo on every- red her with money. Amitava
ne 20. Most of those missing od-affected areas of Mandi made out and, therefore, the sta- will launch an intensive cam- en’s empowerment and the nothing but an insult to wom- thing, is now troubled by Ra- Maitra, CBI’s special public
are victims of the series of on Friday. te ought to have registered an paign,” Kumar told report- results are for all to see. But en who will find the image of hul’s photo. The work that prosecutor, said, “CBI took
cloudbursts that hammered Mandi DC Apoorv Dev- FIR,” HC said. It noted the judi- ers. However, controversy Congress has insulted the a male while using the sanita- govt should have done, we charge of 55 cases following the
Mandi district on Tuesday. gan said they evacuated 65 cial inquiry found “gross viola- erupted when he held up a dignity of women,” he said. ry pads... Congress is stoop- have started,” Lamba said. HC order. This is the first one in
The Army joined the se- people from Piyala and ne- tion of human rights”. sanitary pad box displaying BJP spokesperson Kuntal ing too low to win the support With PTI inputs which a sentence was given.”
arch and rescue effort on arby villages, around 8-9km
Wednesday that entered its from Thunag. Approach ro-
fourth day even as the weat-
her department issued a red
alert for heavy rainfall in
parts of Himachal over the
ads to these areas were seve-
rely damaged, making ac-
cess extremely challenging.
An Indian Air Force
Panjab Univ freshers will have to sign pledge stating they’ll stay away from drugs
next three days. (IAF) helicopter dropped ra- Akashdeep.Virk tory declaration binds stu- including breath, blood or ur- ning written commitments The move comes after the awareness drives and impro-
According to the state tion and other essentials in @timesofindia.com dents and their parents to ack- ine analysis — if deemed ne- from students, creating awa- death of an outsider of a su- ved monitoring are part of a
emergency operation cent- the disaster-affected villa- nowledge the university's ze- cessary by PU authorities. reness, and strengthening spected drug overdose in a PU systematic effort to make PU a
re, 22 people have died in ges of Seraj. Chandigarh: Panjab Univer- ro-tolerance policy on drugs, The move is in line with a Uni- surveillance systems to pre- boys' hostel in Nov. The case safe and drug-free campus,"
flashfloods in two weeks of Rescue teams have so far sity (PU) students have to give alcohol and tobacco — both in versity Grants Commission vent substance abuse. PU aut- triggered intense scrutiny, said a senior official.
monsoon, three were elec- recovered 14 bodies from the an undertaking at the time of hostels and on campus. advisory, calling on all higher horities have introduced com- especially after a student and The university warns of
trocuted and six lost their li- district's Gohar, Thunag, admission to stay away from According to new rules, educational institutions to pulsory guest registration in a former student were arres- strict disciplinary action
ves due to falls from trees Karsog, and Dharampur drugs and submit to medical students must consent to un- implement anti-drug measu- hostels and are in the process ted. "This isn't just about one such as suspension and legal
and steep rocks. Two were subdivisions. tests at random. This manda- dergo random drug testing — res. It recommended obtai- of tightening access control. incident. The undertaking, proceedings against students.

Man logs in for Defamation

trial from loo, case: Interim
faces court ire relief for DKS
Ahmedabad: Gujarat HC Bengaluru: In an interim
has ordered contempt of relief to Karnataka Pra-
court proceedings against desh Congress Committee
a respondent who joined a (KPCC) and its president,
virtual hearing in Justice deputy chief minister D K
Nirzar Desai’s court on Ju- Shivakumar, the HC on
ne 20 while allegedly relie- Friday stayed trial procee-
ving himself in the toilet. dings in the
The bench of Justices criminal de-
AS Supehia and RT Vach- famation ca-
hani took suo motu cogni- se filed by
zance of the matter after BJP over
the video went viral more the ‘corrup-
than a week later. In its Ju- tion rate
ne 30 order, HC directed the card’ advertisements pub-
deletion and banning of lished ahead of the May
the video, which had tar- 2023 assembly polls.
nished the court’s image. Justice S R Krishna Ku-
The court issued a notice to mar issued a notice to BJP
the man, seeking a respon- and fixed the hearing for Ju-
se within two weeks. TNN ly 29. TNN

Sexual abuse HC lens on

case on film Rishikesh illegal
director stayed constructions
Bengaluru: In a relief to Dehradun: Uttarakhand
Malayalam film director high court, while hearing a
Ranjit Balakrishnan, the petition against rampant
Karnataka high court on unauthorised construction
Friday stayed a sexual ha- in Rishikesh, raised con-
rassment case in which he cerns about the functioning
was accused of perfor- of MDDA chairman, Garh-
ming “unnatural sex” with wal commissioner, MDDA
an aspiring actor, reports secretary and the authori-
Vasantha Kumar. The co- ty’s assistant engineer.
urt said a detailed order The court asked why di-
will follow. sciplinary proceedings sho-
Granting the interim uld not be initiated against
order, Justice S R Krishna them. It also summoned the
Kumar said the complaint housing secretary, asking
contained crucial factual him to explain construction
errors about the incident’s activities without approved
location and was filed after plans on the next date of he-
a 12-year delay. aring on July 9.
 PD: 05-07-2025 Z: MumbaiCityBook2 E: 1 U: rohit.bundelkhandi T: 07-04-2025 21:58

6 THE TIMES OF INDIA, MUMBAI

SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

2 BHK for Sale at Teen Hath

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READER ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE

LANDING airport is built,
LUCRATIVE there’s a real estate
RETURNS upswing within a
It’s not just home- radius of 10 to 15 km.
buyers who are bull- NMIA is no excep-
ish. Investors, too, tion, especially as
are eager to cash in i t ’s b a c k e d b y
on the opportunity. improving civic
Nikhil Chawla, a real amenities and con-
estate investor with nectivity. Investing
a portfolio of prop- near the project is a
erties spread across no-brainer if you’re
Maharashtra, thinking five to 10
believes NMIA is years ahead,”
the region’s ticket to he explains.
sustained growth. Vilas Bedekar, a
“The airport is a big stock trader who

Runway
to realty
growth
PHOTO: ISTOCK

Vashi for over a decade, ing prices and infrastructure

but when we observed growth is hard to ignore. If I
how NMIA was do buy a home here, I’ll be
taking shape, keeping both lifestyle consid-
we decided As the Navi Mumbai International erations and price apprecia-
PHOTOS USED FOR REPRESENTATION PURPOSE ONLY

Airport (NMIA) becomes a compelling tion in mind,” she divulges.

prospect, homebuyers and investors share With real estate prices inch-
ing upwards, developers, too,
why they’re booking properties near this are ramping up launches
greenfield project across Ulwe, Panvel, Dronagi-
ri and beyond. Considering
the excitement around the
airport, it’s evident that Navi
WHY BUY A HOME Mumbai is becoming an
NEAR NMIA? increasingly attractive invest-
ment destination.
• Enhanced
connectivity: Easy
access to domestic
and international
flights
• Potential for
appreciation:
A GE

Proximity to airport
D IM

increases property
ATE

value and rental

NER

yields, making it a
-GE

future-proof
A I

investment
key growth • Economic growth:
to buy a flat hub. One of The airport’s
■ Isha.Khatu plans to capitalise on dent, reveals that this in Ulwe. The my properties development is
@timesofindia.com what is widely seen as a project was the tipping promise of an inter- located in Kharghar poised to drive the
transformative time for point in her family’s national airport just has already appreciated local economy

W
ith the the region. home-buying journey. minutes away changed by 20 per cent over the • Improved
much-antici- “We had been renting in the way we looked at past 18 months. For any infrastructure:
pated Navi THE ASCENT OF the city. We’re thinking attraction for inves- invests in property investor, infrastruc- Better roads, public
Mumbai International AN URBAN HUB long-term not just in tors. Hence, I pur- occasionally, echoes ture-led growth is gold,” transport and
Airport (NMIA) set for Navi Mumbai is now terms of convenience chased a commer- the sentiment. “Ear- he expresses. amenities
inauguration this year, emerging as a prime des- The buzz around but also the resale cial unit in Panvel lier, Navi Mumbai
the region’s real estate tination for both resi- NMIA and how value. The infrastruc- this year. The rental felt like a distant SEATED FOR
market is buzzing with dential and commercial ture developments, yield may not be cousin to the main- SUCCESSFUL scouting properties in
excitement and strategic investments, as NMIA it’s already upcoming metro con- very attractive right land. But now, with INVESTMENTS Taloja and Ulwe, says
action. From first-time has triggered a signifi- driving nectivity and improved now, but I’m betting NMIA almost ready Even those on the the airport has tipped
homebuyers to seasoned cant shift in how people development and quality of roads made on capital apprecia- and the Mumbai fence are watching the scales in Navi
investors, stakeholders perceive the region. price appreciation us confident about tion. If you look at Trans Harbour Link closely. Rishika Man- Mumbai’s favour. “The
across the region are Stuti Shah, a school- is hard to ignore t h e i n v e s t m e n t ,” global patterns, operational, it’s chanda, a marketing buzz around NMIA and
adjusting their game teacher and local resi- she shares. wherever a major going to become a executive currently how it’s already push-
 PD: 05-07-2025 Z: MumbaiCityBook2 E: 1 U: vipashana.kamble T: 07-05-2025 00:09

THE TIMES OF INDIA, MUMBAI

SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025 TIMES NATION 7

SC to decide validity ED case against Sonia

of HC stay on TN law ‘truly strange’: Singhvi
Dhananjay.Mahapatra stayed the legislation wit- Vineet.Upadhyay is hearing arguments on
@timesofindia.com hout considering the ur- @timesofindia.com the point of cognisance
gency to appoint vice- of the chargesheet filed
New Delhi: The Supre- chancellors to universiti- New Delhi: Senior advo- against Sonia and Rahul
me Court on Friday en- es, recommendations for cate Abhishek Manu Gandhi in the National
tertained Tamil Nadu’s which effect have been Singhvi, appearing for Herald case.
petition questioning the put in the cold storage by Congress former presi- “More than strange,
reasonableness of the governor. dent Sonia Gandhi, told unprecedented,” Singh-
Madras HC’s order The law giving a Delhi court on Friday vi said. “There was not
staying its legisla- state govt the po- that ED’s National He- an inch of property mo-
tion, which gave the wer to appoint VCs rald money-laundering ved from Associated Jo-
state govt, instead was stayed along case was “truly a urnals Ltd to Young Indi-
of the governor, the with nine other strange case”. an Pvt Ltd. No Congress
power to appoint laws, bills for He submitted before leader gets any property
university vice-chancel- which were reserved for special judge Vishal or money. Yet this is cal-
lors, but refused the M K president’s considera- Gogne’s court that this led money-laundering,”
Stalin govt’s plea to su- tion but were regarded as is “an alleged case of mo- Singhvi argued. He also
spend the HC order to re- deemed to have been app- ney laundering, without questioned delay in ED
operationalise the law. roved in a controversial any property, and witho- picking up the case in
Tamil Nadu fielded a ruling by a two-judge SC ut the use or projection 2021 while the complaint
team of senior advocate- bench on April 8. of property”. The court was filed in 2013.
s—A M Singhvi, Rakesh
Dwivedi and P Wilson-
—to argue that HC had
 PD: 05-07-2025 Z: MumbaiCityBook2 E: 1 U: modhushree.das T: 07-05-2025 00:28

8 TIMES NATION THE TIMES OF INDIA, MUMBAI

SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

Under BNSS, no bar on bail in cases that call for death, life term: HC IGNCA to restore
Sec 438(6) Of CrPC No Longer Applies; UP Man Gets Relief In 2011 Murder Case HC warns of CBI probe against TN
ex-mantri Ponmudy for hate speech
key Gandhian
Rajesh Kumar Pandey TNN

Prayagraj: Allahabad high court

which now governs anticipatory
bail, does not retain any such pro-
hibition as was contained under
the high court, in view of the bar
contained under the CrPC Section
438(6). Hameed was summoned to
tion under section 482 of the new
legislation seeking anticipatory
bail. The sessions court rejected it M adras high court on Friday said it will order a CBI
probe if Tamil Nadu Police do not probe the case
sites in Wardha
held that with the enforcement of Section 438(6) of CrPC, there is no face trial in a 2011 murder case but in March this year, prompting Ha- against former minister K Ponmudy for his alleged hate Anuja.Jaiswal@timesofindia.com
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha San- bar on granting anticipa- was not chargesheeted du- meed to move HC. speech against women and Saiva-Vaishnava sects. Justice
hita (BNSS), 2023 from July 1, 2024, tory bail in cases punis- ring investigation. The first application was dis- P Velmurugan said, “Ministers should understand what New Delhi: Indira Gandhi National Centre for
restriction on granting anticipa- hable with capital punish- The bar on the grant of missed on maintainability and not they say. Even freedom of speech has reasonable the Arts (IGNCA) is set to begin a comprehensive
tory bail in cases punishable with ment or life sentence. anticipatory bail for offen- merits, the court observed. The restrictions.” The case will be heard on July 18. Earlier, Rs 45 crore conservation and restoration project
death or life imprisonment under The court allowed the ces punishable with death bench also cited an HC order in a advocate-general P S Raman told court that the at prominent Gandhian heritage sites in Ward-
Section 438(6) of CrPC (as was app- second anticipatory bail or life imprisonment was 2024 case and maintained that the complaints lodged at three police stations against ha, with the aim of making it a “canvas of Gand-
licable in UP) no longer applies. application filed by one introduced by the UP present application falls within Ponmudy were investigated, and it was concluded that his hian thought” for the 21st century. The initiative
A bench of Justice Chandra Abdul Hameed, whose first antici- Amendment Act, 2019. After July 1, the ambit of BNSS, and the appli- speech was not derogatory and the complaints were will cover Gandhi Smriti Bhavan, Kasturba Kit-
Dhari Singh clarified on Thursday patory bail plea was rejected in 2024, with BNSS coming into force, cant is entitled to benefit from mo- closed, he said. Since then, 112 complaints have been filed chen, and Wardha Haat, with the objective of pre-
that since Section 482 of BNSS, Feb 2023 by a coordinate bench of the applicant filed a fresh applica- re liberal provisions. across Tamil Nadu. Inquiry on these are still pending. TNN serving their architectural, historical, and cultu-
ral significance while promoting rural develop-
ment and public engagement.
The project is being carried out in collabora-
tion with Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Rural In-
dustrialization (MGIRI), Wardha, under a Memo-
randum of Understanding signed with IGNCA
on July 2. It will be completed within an 18-month
timeline, officials said.
Gandhi Smriti Bhavan, located within Seva-
BORIVALI West - Require
gram Ashram
Accounts/Admin Executive where Mahat-
with Immediate joining only. ma Gandhi li-
Email:- info.baaderschulz@
gmail.com ved from 1936
to 1948, served
as his operatio-
nal headquar-
ters during the
freedom move-
ment. It conti-
nues to be a si- The `45-crore initiative will cover
te of national Gandhi Smriti Bhavan, Kasturba
and interna- Kitchen (above), and Wardha Haat
tional signifi-
cance, symbolising Gandhian philosophy.
Officials said the restoration will go beyond
structural conservation to include adaptive reu-
se of these heritage sites. Gandhi Smriti Bhavan
will be converted into an immersive museum and
prayer hall, integrating multimedia exhibits and
a meditation zone to enhance visitor experience.
Kasturba Kitchen will be restored using traditio-
nal materials and techniques to preserve its aut-
henticity, while Wardha Haat will be redeveloped
into a vibrant cultural and artisan marketplace.
“MGIRI Wardha is not just about conserving
the past—it’s about reimagining Bapu’s vision,”
said Dr Sachchidanand Joshi, member secretary
of IGNCA. “Through immersive storytelling, di-
gital heritage walks, and artisan hubs, Wardha
will become a living canvas of Gandhian thought
for the 21st century.”
The initiative will be executed in a phased
manner, beginning with detailed project reports
(DPRs), stakeholder consultations, and design
approvals. DPRs will form the basis for a sustai-
nable and culturally sensitive conservation stra-
tegy. To boost tourism, the project will introduce
heritage walks with guided pathways, educatio-
nal workshops, and installation of statues repre-
senting Mahatma Gandhi and the 12 traditional
Balutedars (artisans), complete with interactive
plaques detailing their historical significance.
Officials said this initiative aims to bridge the
past and present by combining heritage preser-
vation with modern storytelling and rural empo-
werment, making Gandhian ideals accessible to
future generations.

Op Sindoor shows our

commitment to defend
‘Swaraj’: Shah in Pune

Amit Shah unveils a statue of Peshwa Bajirao in Pune

Pune: Union home minister Amit Shah on Fri-

day said Operation Sindoor was “the finest ex-
ample” of how India’s armed forces and politi-
cal leadership were determined to defend the
“Swaraj” (self-rule of sovereign state) establis-
hed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and expan-
ded by Peshwa Bajirao-I.
Shah was speaking after unveiling a life-si-
ze equestrian statue of Peshwa Bajirao-I, re-
garded as one of the greatest Maratha generals,
at the National Defence Academy (NDA) cam-
pus in Pune. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fad-
navis, deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde
and Ajit Pawar, and other dignitaries were pre-
sent on the occasion, reports Anurag Bende.
Paying rich tributes to the Peshwa, Shah said,
“Bajirao-I fought 41 wars in his life and remained
undefeated. The young cadets of NDA will derive
alot of inspiration by studying his warfare skills.
The valour and sacrifice of Bajirao will continue
to inspire soldiers...”
“The responsibility to defend the Swaraj lies
with the 140 crore Indians. Icons like Shivaji Ma-
haraj and Peshwa Bajirao fought hard to estab-
lish Swaraj. When it’s required to fight to defend
the Swaraj, our forces and leadership will defini-
tely demonstrate the valour. Operation Sindoor
was one of the finest examples,” Shah said.

‘Pak got live inputs from

China, knew vectors
primed for actions’
 From P 1

T
he candid remarks come after Chief of De-
fence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, speaking in
Singapore on May 31, downplayed China’s
role in the conflict. While Pakistan may have le-
veraged Chinese commercial satellite imagery,
there is “no proof of real-time targeting support”
provided by Beijing, the CDS had said.
Pointing to China using its extensive satellite
network to monitor Indian military movements,
Lt Gen Singh said, “When the DGMO-level talks
were on, Pakistan actually was mentioning that
we know that your such and such vector is pri-
med and ready for action, and we would request
you to perhaps pull it back. So, he (sic) was getting
live inputs from China.”
Lt Gen Singh pointed out that Indian popula-
tion centres, fortunately, were not quite at risk
during Operation Sindoor. “In the next round, we
will have to be prepared for that...” he said.
 PD: 05-07-2025 Z: MumbaiCityBook2 E: 1 U: sanjay.dighe T: 07-04-2025 22:40

THE TIMES OF INDIA, MUMBAI

SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025 BUSINESS BY BIDS 9

CORPORATE BUZZ www.toi.in/psu

VPPL awards certificates to HPCL’s Super 50 project delivers results

course participants
H industan Petro-
leum Corpora-

V adhvan Port Project

Ltd. (VPPL), under
the leadership of CMD
and Ganpat Korade, vice
president, BCBA. Organ-
ised in collaboration
tion Limited
(HPCL) has an-
nounced the NEET-
Unmesh Sharad Wagh, with BCBA, this initia- UG and JEE 2025
IRS, chairman, JNPA, tive is a significant step results of students
awarded certificates to toward building a skilled from Jammu and
MDL delivers Udaygiri to Indian Navy the participants of the and future-ready work- Kashmir and Lada-
first batch of the cus- force in the customs and kh under its flag-
M azagon Dock Ship-
builders Limited
(MDL) has delivered the
bai), and Indian Navy.
This ship features cut-
ting-edge technology and
Central Railway presents safety toms documentation
course recently. The cer-
logistics sector. As part
o f t h e p r o g r a m m e,
ship CSR initiative
‘Project Super 50–
second stealth frigate of is designed indigenously
awards to nine employees emony was held in the participants also visited Medical & Engi-
presence of Rajeeva JNPA to gain firsthand neering’, imple-
Project 17A class i.e. yard by the Indian Navy’s War-
12652 (Udaygiri) to the In-
dian Navy on 1st July this
ship Design Bureau, New
Delhi. Udaygiri incorpo-
D haram Veer Meena,
general manager, Cen-
tral Railway (CR), felicitat-
presented for alertness on
duty, efforts to averting
untoward incidents, and
Sinha, advisor, JNPA
and VPPL; Sanjeev Ha-
insight into port
operations and logistics
mented in collabo-
ration with the Indi-
rale, president, BCBA; infrastructure. an Army. The initiative, designed NEET-qualified students are girls,
year. The acceptance docu- rates design concepts that ed nine CR employees ensuring safety in train
ment was signed by Cap- improve survivability, and with safety awards in a operations. Each award to nurture bright students from underlining HPCL’s commitment
tain Jagmohan, chairman stealth and ship manoeu- function held at the Chha- consists of a medal, com- underprivileged backgrounds, of- to girl child education and gender
and managing director, vrability. It is packed with trapati Shivaji Maharaj mendation certificate, a fers intensive residential coaching equity in opportunity. This jour-
MDL, and RADM Ravnish state-of-the-art weapons Terminus in Mumbai on citation of exemplary safe- across five centres in the region. ney has been made possible
Seth, VSM, CSO (Tech), and sensors for battle 1st July. The recipients in- ty work and cash prize of This year, the results have exceed- through HPCL’s partnership
HQENC at MDL in the against enemy subma- cluded two employees Rs 2,000. Prateek Goswami, ed expectations as 181 out of 211 with the Indian Army’s Chinar
presence of MDL directors, rines, surface warships, from the Mumbai divi- additional general manag- students qualified in NEET-UG Corps, Fire and Fury Corps and
CMDE Vikas Sood, com- anti-ship missiles and sion, three from the er; Chandra Kishore Pras- and 34 out of 38 students qualified White Knight Corps under the
manding officer, Udaygiri, fighter aircraft. With sig- Solapur division, two from ad, principal chief safety in JEE 2025. Around 101 of the 181 Northern Command.
along with personnel from nificant indigenous con- the Nagpur division and officer; other principal
the Warship Design Bu- tent, this ship serves as a one each from the Pune heads of departments and
reau, project and warship shining example of the and Bhusaval division. senior officers of CR were BIS hosts national seminar on sustainability
overseeing team (Mum- ‘Make in India’ initiative. The safety awards were present on the occasion.
T he Bureau of Indian
Standards (BIS) suc-
cessfully organised a na-
CIDCO introduces QR-based ticketing system Konkan Railway Dharam Veer Meena takes over as tional seminar on ‘Stand-

I n a significant step
towards implement-
appoints new CPRO general manager, WR ards & Sustainability:
Shaping the future of plas-
tics packaging’ on 2nd July
ing a common mobili-
ty solution, CIDCO
has successfully intro-
S unil Narkar
has
sumed charge
as- D haram Veer Meena, general man-
ager of Central Railway, has as-
sumed the additional charge as gener-
in Mumbai. The seminar
convened policymakers,
duced a paper QR tick- as chief public al manager of Western Railway (WR) scientists, regulators and
et system in Navi relations of- on 1st July. Hallmarks of his tenure industry stakeholders to
Mumbai Metro Line 1 ficer of Kon- include completing signalling projects deliberate on aligning plas-
on 17th June. This in- k a n R a i lw ay and works associated with various tic packaging with sustain- safe and sustainable plastic pack-
novative ticketing Corporation multitracking and safety projects in ability and circular economy prin- aging. The seminar was also
solution has been Limited. He record time. He started his career in ciples through future-ready stand- graced by distinguished dignitar-
made possible by up- joined the com- the South Eastern Railway and pro- ardisation. ies, including chief guest Vinita
grading the entire au- tosh Ombhase, SE aim of providing a mercial depart- ceeded to work as divisional signal and Pinaki Gupta, director and head Vaid Singhal, principal secretary,
tomatic fare collection (Metro) CIDCO; Milind seamless experience ment of the telecom engineer, Bilaspur, and senior (MUBO), BIS, highlighted how BIS food, civil supplies and consumer
(AFC) ticketing sys- Raorane, GM (O&M), to passengers. Fea- Konkan Railway in 1997 and has divisional signal and telecom engineer, Khurda Road, till standards are advancing India’s protection department, Govern-
tem to cater to the new CIDCO; Harish Gupta, tures like a mobile held several key positions during 1998. Thereafter, he worked in various capacities at WR, sustainability goals by aligning ment of Maharashtra. The event
requirements. ED, Maha Metro, and ticketing app, his career. He has served as re- improving overall reliability of systems, signalling instal- with the United Nations Sustaina- witnessed informative technical
This system was in- other officers. WhatsApp-based tick- gional traffic manager in Ratnagi- lations and works associated with record multitracking ble Development Goals. Chinmay sessions, expert-led discussions on
augurated by Shanta- The QR-based tick- eting, and national ri, senior regional traffic manager projects. He was also instrumental in completing the first Dwivedi, director and head (PCD), compostability and biodegradabil-
nu Goel, joint manag- eting system was common mobility card in Madgaon, and deputy chief embedded block between Vadnagar and Visnagar and BIS, outlined the seminar’s objec- ity of plastics under the leadership
ing director, CIDCO in launched at Belapur (NCMC) will also be commercial manager at the corpo- served as a member of the Indian Railways Signal Engi- tives and emphasised the pivotal o f D r R . S . M a t c h e, C S I R -
the presence of San- Metro Station with the made available soon. rate office in Belapur. neering Manual (IRSEM) Review Committee in 2020. role of standardisation in enabling CFTRI, Mysuru.
 PD: 05-07-2025 Z: MumbaiCityBook2 E: 1 U: modhushree.das T: 07-05-2025 00:42

10 TIMES NATION THE TIMES OF INDIA, MUMBAI

SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

CBI’s medical ‘scam’ FIR names

The Dalai Lama’s Moral Compass health ministry & TISS officials
W
hat do we turn to
iStock
when the world
loses its moral He opposes terrorism without ‘Bribes Running spond to queries. NMC Wedn-
esday issued a press release
bearings? Violence
seems relentless. In Gaza, babies in
qualification, recognises that Into Lakhs Paid
that sought to distance itself
from assessors engaged by it
powerless incubators gasp for force may sometimes be to conduct inspections, sayi-

breath. In Ukraine and Russia, par-

necessary to prevent greater
For Favourable ng the assessors were not em-
ployed by the commission but
ents bury sons they never imagined
losing. In Kashmir, tourists were harm, yet insists that Assessments’ are pooled in from nationwide
govt medical colleges and as-
signed for inspections thro-
gunned down near Pahalgam. Swift
actions followed—airstrikes, decla- intention is as important DurgeshNandan.Jha
@timesofindia.com
ugh a randomisation process.
In May, CBI arrested a se-
rations of zero tolerance. as action, writes RAJIV MEHROTRA New Delhi: Eight officials of
nior doctor working as asses-
sor with NMC immediately af-
We watch from afar. Images flood
the health ministry have been GRIM DIAGNOSIS ter he received a bribe of Rs 10
our screens but meaning dissolves named in an FIR filed by CBI lakh allegedly in exchange for
in the noise. Even when ceasefires brokered treaties cannot hold if sus- educate every child and bring clean in its investigation into al- on a periodic basis to assess rector in the National Health a positive assessment report
arrive, the discourse circles around picion and resentment remain. water to every village. As the Dalai leged bribery for favourable whether they meet the mini- Authority, three members of for a private medical college
who won the battle, not what the At the heart of his teachings is a Lama has said, “We are over-armed assessment of medical colleg- mum essential standards spe- the inspection team of NMC, in Karnataka. An FIR in this
es. These officials allegedly fa- cified by the Under-Graduate some intermediaries and sev- regard was lodged by CBI
war has cost. And a deeper question clear moral logic: hatred and igno- and under-educated.” cilitated unauthorised access Medical Education Board or eral representatives of pri- against some of the assessors,
is left hanging: Is this all we know rance are more corrosive than any What is left to do for those of us to, and unlawful duplication Post-Graduate Medical Edu- vate medical colleges have al- college authorities and un-
how to do? political adversary. He appeals to who watch, scroll, and grieve? Per- and dissemination of, confi- cation Board, as the case may so been named in the FIR. known people, and the matter
I often recall a quiet moment in values not confined to religion but haps this: resist the temptation to dential files and sensitive in- be. Inspections are also under- This includes Tata Institu- is under investigation.
formation pertaining to the taken before allowing medi- te of Social Sciences chancel- NMC said they have de-
1983 at the Dalai Lama's res- rooted in human ex- harden. Let suffering deepen, not regulatory status and inter- cal institutions to increase lor D P Singh, Gitanjali Unive- cided to blacklist the said as-
idence in Dharamsala. On perience—the ca- blunt, our humanity. A shift in tone. nal processing of medical col- seats and start new courses. rsity registrar Mayur Raval, sessor, pending investigation
simple prayer mats was writ- pacity to care, refrain A pause in the momentum of anger. leges within the ministry. According to the FIR, pri- Rawatpura Institute of Medi- and final verdict in the mat-
ten: “Pray for the Chinese.” from retaliation, and Even a moment of grace is a form Further, the CBI FIR filed or disclosures enabled the me- cal Sciences and Research ter. “As an exemplary action,
on June 30 states they have dical colleges to orchestrate chairman Ravi Shankar ji it has been decided that the
This is from a community resist cruelty even of resistance in the face of brutality. been involved in manipulat- fraudulent arrangements, in- Maharaj, and Index Medical renewal of the existing num-
that had endured invasion, when wronged. “Do not let the suffering you ing the statutory inspection cluding the bribing of assess- College chairman Suresh Sin- ber of seats of the said college
exile, and the attempted era- Such language can see make you bitter,” he says. “Let process conducted by the ors to secure favourable inspe- gh Bhadoria. Some people in Under-graduate and Post-
National Medical Commis- ction reports, the deployment have been arrested in the case. graduate courses shall not be
sure of its culture. Yet their sound idealistic in an it make you more human.” That sion (NMC) by preemptively of non-existent or proxy facu- CBI has mentioned done for the academic year
daily practice included com- age driven by out- may be the most enduring resist- disclosing the inspection lty (ghost faculty), and the ad- bribes running into lakhs of 2025-26. Further, the applica-
passion for those responsible. rage and certainty. ance of all. schedules and identities of mission of fictitious patients rupees being exchanged be- tion for increase of seats and
The Dalai Lama has always dis- But its durability lies in its refusal Critics ask whether nonviolence the designated assessors to to artificially project compli- tween NMC teams, interme- the start of new courses for
the concerned medical insti- ance during inspections, and diaries and representatives both UG & PG received by the
tinguished between acts of govern- to mirror the forces it opposes. It has restored Tibet or if compassion tutions, well in advance of tampering with the biometric of medical colleges, being Medical Assessment & Rat-
ments and the people. Monks were offers not a quick fix, but a frame- ends war.They measure success by the official communication. attendance systems to falsify routed through hawala and ing Board for AY 2025-26 shall
instructed not to forget the harm, work for healing—one that prizes territory regained. But they miss Inspection of medical col- presence records. used for multiple purposes. be cancelled and not proc-
but to remember without hatred. It clarity over conquest, and resilience the more resounding triumph. leges is undertaken by NMC Jitu Lal Meena, a joint di- Health ministry did not re- essed further,” it added.
was an act of moral resistance, not over retribution. Tibet’s moral voice has not been
rooted in rage.
Over four decades, i’ve seen him
remain consistent. He opposes ter-
Today, moral leadership is in
short supply. The Dalai Lama of-
fers something subtler: a moment
extinguished. The Dalai Lama re-
mains a global conscience—not
because he holds power, but be-
870 pharmacy colleges approved without
rorism without qualification, rec-
ognises that force may sometimes
be necessary to prevent greater
of pause, an insistence on reflec-
tion. He asks us not just to act, but
to examine how we act—what we
cause he never wielded it with
rancour.
Tibet may not be free. But it has
physical checks in 13 days, shows CBI probe iStock
harm, yet insists that intention is as cultivate in ourselves, even as we not surrendered its dignity. At 90, Ashish.Chauhan July 10, 2023. Some of these Ayodhya lasted around eight
@timesofindia.com were cleared through online minutes, despite the absence
important as action. This is not a respond to the world. the Dalai Lama remains a compass inspections within minutes of a principal.
soft sentiment. Violence has become increasing- in an age adrift — pointing quietly, Ahmedabad: CBI is investi- while others were cleared wit- The investigation revea-
It is a deliberate stance, grounded ly impersonal—executed through persistently, towards compassion, gating how 870 pharmacy col- hin days in inspections con- led that at least six colleges
in the reality of interdependence, drones, sanctions, and screens. Vic- clarity, and courage. leges across India were appro- ducted from centralised loca- with negative inspection re-
ved in just 13 days during 2023- tions," stated a CBI report. ports were granted approval.
where suffering in one place ripples tims become statistics. But pain is And beneath the clamour, a single 2024, many through brief Zo- Several colleges that alle- During field visits to 23 colle-
across continents. never abstract to those who endure teaching endures: om calls. At the heart of the CBI probe also uncovered brib- gedly lacked buildings, in- ges in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya
In his words, “World peace must it.The greater the distance, the eas- Let the pain you see make you probe is Dr Montukumar Pa- ery linked to approval process frastructure, qualified staff Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajast-
grow from inner peace.”This is not ier it is to justify harm or look away. more human. tel, president of the Pharma- or even students were granted han, CBI teams found non-
cy Council of India (PCI), who health ministry complaint, affiliation by Dr Patel and his functional or grossly defici-
an escape into personal sanctuaries. From Israel to Iran, Myanmar to Rajiv Mehrotra is managing allegedly fast-tracked appro- PCI replaced physical site in- aides, according to the CBI do- ent facilities.
It is a redirection.Anger and fear are Sudan, the pattern repeats: brute trustee, Foundation for vals — some cleared over Zo- spections with online reviews cument. Inspectors were of- CBI on June 30 filed an FIR
left unexamined, and diplomacy is power strikes, people bleed.Yet we Universal Responsibility of om calls as short as 7 to 8 mi- in April 2023. "A circular was ten unable to verify original against Dr Patel and others
shattered, causing fragile accords to spend over $2.4 trillion a year on His Holiness the Dalai Lama nutes — according to official issued allowing new colleges documents or faculty presen- under IPC Sections 120-B (cri-
case documents. to apply online, and 870 colle- ce, and video evidence was minal conspiracy) and 420
fracture. Even the most carefully arms, while a fraction of that could Views are personal According to preliminary ges were shortlisted for in- missing in nearly all cases. (cheating) and the Prevention
inquiry triggered by a Union spection between June 28 and One Zoom inspection from of Corruption Act.

Govt committed to
protecting freedom of
religion for all: MEA
 From P 1

T
he MEA spokesperson added that Indian
govt has always upheld freedom of reli-
gion for all in India and would continue to
do so. India’s ties with China have shown signs
of improvement in the past nine
months, since they resolved the
almost-five-year-long border
stand-off in eastern Ladakh,
leading to resumption of high-
level visits. Amid global uncer-
tainties, both sides seem keen to
maintain a steady working relationship.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh visited
China last month for a meeting of the SCO de-
fence ministers. NSA Ajit Doval has twice visit-
ed China since PM Modi’s meeting with Presi-
dent Xi Jinping in Oct last year on the margins
of the Brics summit in Russia. As special repre-
sentative for boundary talks, Wang himself is
likely to visit India this month for talks with Do-
val. India, however, is yet to confirm Modi’s par-
ticipation in the SCO summit in China in Sept.
Unlike the US, which officially maintains
that China has no role to play in the Dalai La-
ma’s succession, India has never taken any po-
sition on the issue. China maintains that the
successor to the 14th Dalai Lama can only be ap-
pointed through the “traditional” process that
includes approval by the central govt. In rare
remarks by an Indian minister, Rijiju had
backed the spiritual leader’s assertion that no
one else other than his trust would help choose
his successor. The minister clarified on Friday
that he wasn’t speaking on behalf of the Indian
govt but as a devotee himself, expressing the
perspective of the Dalai Lama’s followers.
“All over the world, the people who follow
Buddhism and who believe in the sacred, su-
preme Dalai Lama-ji… it is everyone’s wish
that the Dalai Lama-ji himself will decide.
There is no need for govt of India or for me to
say anything. I am speaking as a follower, (not)
on the Chinese govt’s statement,” he said.

NIA nabs HP trader

for immigration fraud
Kullu: In an early morning raid, a team from
NIA, Chandigarh, arrested a trader from McLe-
odganj near Dharamshala in Himachal Pra-
desh’s Kangra district for his alleged role in an
immigration fraud case. The accused was iden-
tified as Sunny, 32. The five-member NIA team
raided a house on Temple Road at 5am. The se-
arch continued for six hours during which offi-
cers seized several documents.
Kangra ASP Aditi Singh said local police as-
sisted the NIA team. “The accused was wanted
in a case of immigration fraud in which a Pun-
jab man was sent abroad through the donkey ro-
ute. His custody was transferred to NIA, Chan-
digarh, after completing the requisite legal pro-
cedures,” said the officer. TNN
 PD: 05-07-2025 Z: MumbaiCityBook2 E: 1 U: rohit.bundelkhandi T: 07-05-2025 00:37

TIMES GLOBAL
MONEY IS NOT
EVERYTHING. MAKE
SURE YOU EARN A LOT
BEFORE SPEAKING
SUCH NONSENSE
THE TIMES OF INDIA, MUMBAI | SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025 — WARREN BUFFETT

LOVE IS IN THE AIR? EMMA WATSON SPOTTED WITH MYSTERY SAM NEILL, 77, RECALLS HOW HIS SON, THEN 11, REPEATEDLY FARTED
MAN AS THEY ENJOY PICNIC & PAINTING IN AN OXFORD PARK ON PRINCESS DIANA AT ‘JURASSIC PARK’ PREMIERE IN LONDON IN 1993

Russia Pounds Kyiv With Largest Drone White House to start notifying
countries about tariffs: Trump
Attack, Hours After Trump-Putin Call U US president uses S President Trump said

Bloomberg
early Friday that he is
539 Drones, 11 Missiles Fired; Zelensky Speaks With US Prez, Both Agree To Work On Boosting Kyiv Air Def
term viewed as set to resume a set of tar-
iffs that he initially imposed in
Kyiv: Russia pummelled Kyiv April on dozens of countries,
anti-semitic slur

AFP
AFP

with the largest drone attack of before pausing them for 90 da-

P
the war, killing one person, in- ys to negotiate individual dea- resident Trump used an
juring at least 23 and damaging ls. Most of those deals have yet anti-Semitic slur during a
buildings across the capital ho- to materialise, and businesses rally in Iowa as he celebra-
urs after US President Trump in the US have been left gues- ted passage of his marquee
spoke to Russia’s Vladimir Pu- sing what levies they would be spending bill but insisted he
tin, officials said on Friday. expected to pay on virtually did not know the word was of-
Air raid sirens, the whine every imported product. fensive to Jewish people.
of kamikaze drones and boom- Some of them could be even “No death tax, no estate tax,
ing detonations reverberated steeper than originally anno- Trump at a rally in Des Moines, Iowa no going to the banks and
from early evening until dawn unced, Trump said in brief re- borrowings from, in some cas-
as Russia launched what Ukra-
ine’s Air Force said was a total
marks to reporters at Andrews
Air Force Base upon returning
US eyes AI chip curbs es a fine banker, and in some ca-
ses shylocks and bad people,”
of 539 drones and 11 missiles. from a rally in Iowa on Thurs- on Malaysia, Thailand Trump told the crowd in Des
Families huddled in under- day. “So we’re going to start Moines. The term “shylock” is
ground metro stations for shel- Kyiv officials said the Russian attack damaged about 40 apartment blocks, passenger railway infrastructure, five schools and kindergartens, cafes sending letters out to various over China concerns borrowed from Shakespeare’s
ter and acrid smoke hung over
the city centre. Kyiv’s military
administration chief said on
started screaming outside.
The explosions from the Sha-
well as joint purchases and in-
vestments. The US has paused
districts. Poland said the con-
sular section of its embassy
did not give details.
Trump said that the call
countries starting tomorrow,”
said Trump, hours after his ma-
jor domestic policy bill passed
T rump administration is pla-
nning new restrictions on
the export of AI chips, such as
“The Merchant of Venice.” The
tale features a Jewish charac-
ter, who is portrayed as a ruth-
Friday afternoon a body had heds kept coming.” Shahed some deliveries of missiles am- was damaged in central Kyiv, with Putin on Thursday resul- the House of Representatives. those from Nvidia, to Malaysia less moneylender demanding
been found in the wreckage of drones are an Iranian design, id concerns about low stockpi- adding that staff were unhar- ted in no progress at all on effo- “They’ll range in value from and Thailand over concerns “a pound of flesh” from a mer-
one of the strike sites. a variant of which is now ma- les. US outlet Axios reported, med. Ukrainian foreign mini- rts to end the war, and the Kr- maybe 60 or 70% tariffs to 10 that the technology could be chant unable to repay a loan.
Outside a high-rise apart- nufactured in Russia. Presi- citing unnamed sources, that ster Andrii Sybiha said a Chi- emlin reiterated that Moscow and 20% tariffs.” He said his ad- diverted to China, Bloomberg The word refers to loan sharks
ment block damaged by a dro- dent Zelensky called the at- the call lasted around 40 min, nese component had been fou- would keep pushing to solve the ministration would then send News reported on Friday, citing and has long been considered
ne, residents stood around sur- tack “deliberately massive and that Trump told Zelensky nd in one of the Shahed dro- conflict’s “root causes”. The de- more letters each day until the people familiar with the offensive, playing on stereoty-
veying the scene as the clean- and cynical”, noting the first he would check what US wea- nes attacking Kyiv. cision by Washington to halt so- end of the 90-day pause, on Wed- matter. The draft rule from the pes of Jews and greed.
up job began. Some cried. sirens blared as news came in pons due to be sent to Ukraine, Russian airstrikes on Kyiv me shipments of critical wea- nesday, when he expected they commerce department is not When asked about his use
Others looked on silently. of Putin and Trump’s call. if any, had been put on hold. have intensified in recent we- pons to Ukraine prompted war- would all be covered. Smaller yet finalised and could still of the term, Trump said he has
“I woke up to the sound of Later on Friday Zelensky Kyiv officials said the at- eks. Russia’s defence ministry nings by Kyiv that the move wo- countries would come toward change, the report said. The US “never heard that” the word co-
explosions, first the Shahed spoke to Trump and the pair tack damaged about 40 apart- said drone factories, a military uld weaken its ability to defend the end, and duties would begin department of commerce did uld be considered anti-Semitic.
drones started buzzing, and agreed to work on increasing ment blocks, passenger railw- airfield and an oil refinery we- against intensifying airstrikes. to be collected on Aug 1. “It’s a not immediately respond to a “The meaning of Shylock is so-
then the explosions began,” Kyiv’s capability to “defend the ay infrastructure, five schools re among targets it struck in Germany said it is in talks on lot of money for the country, request for comment. An Nvidia mebody that’s a money lender
said 40-year-old resident Ma- sky”. He added they discussed and kindergartens, cafes and Kyiv with what it called high- buying Patriot air defence sy- but we’re giving them a barga- spokesperson declined to at high rates. You view it differ-
ria Hilchenko. “Then people joint defence production, as many cars in six of Kyiv’s 10 precision weapons. Ukraine stems to bridge the gap. REUTERS in,” Trump said. NYT comment. REUTERS ently. I’ve never heard that.” AFP

China fears US will turn focus on it if Russia defeated in Ukraine war: Report UK’s NHS plans to slash foreign recruits
Beijing: Chinese foreign mini- Kong-based South China Mor- war would have ended long ago.
Russia is first to recognise Taliban regime in Af
ster Wang Yi has told EU leade-
rs that Beijing does not want to
see Russia losing its war with
ning Post reported on Friday.
Chinese foreign ministry spo-
kesperson Mao Ning parried
During a four-hour debate
on a wide range of issues, Wa-
ng was said to have given Kal- R ussia on Thursday became the first country to formally recog-
nise the Taliban govt in Afghanistan since it seized power in 2021,
from 34% to less than 10% of workforce
Ukraine because the US would the question about Wang’s las a lesson in realpolitik, part after Moscow removed the group from its list of outlawed organisa- Naomi Canton
then shift its whole focus to- comments at a media briefing. of which focused on Beijing’s tions. The Russian foreign ministry announced that it had received The largest cohort of foreign doctors and nurses in
wards China, a candid admis- Wang is currently on a tour belief that Washington would credentials from Afghanistan’s newly appointed ambassador Gul London: UK PM Keir Starmer
sion that surprised officials in of the EU. Some EU officials in- soon turn its full attention east- Hassan Hassan. The official recognition of the Afghan govt will fos- has announced plans to cut
the NHS are Indian nationals. As of June 2023, there
Brussels, a media report said. volved were surprised by Wa- ward. One interpretation of ter “productive bilateral cooperation,” the ministry said in a state- the number of overseas staff were 60,533 Indians working as staff in the NHS
Wang’s comment during ng’s remarks, the Post repor- Wang’s statement in Brussels ment. Afghanistan’s foreign ministry called it a historic step, and qu- recruited for the NHS from its
his talks with EU’s Kaja Kallas ted. However, Wang is said to is that while China did not ask oted Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi as welcoming the current level of 34% to under nality. It’s our ambition to redu- Ramesh Mehta, president
— bloc’s de facto foreign affairs have rejected the accusation for the war, its prolongation decision as “a good example for other countries.” While no country 10% by 2035, according to the ce international recruitment of BAPIO, which represents
chief — would confirm what that China was materially sup- may suit its strategic needs, so had formally recognised the Taliban administration until now, the gr- 10-year NHS health plan unve- to less than 10% by 2035,” the Indian-origin doctors and
many in Brussels believe to be porting Russia’s war effort, in- long as US remains engaged in oup had engaged in high-level talks with many nations and establis- iled this week. The largest co- plan states. It also says UK me- nurses, is opposed to the plan.
Beijing’s position, the Hong sisting if it was doing so, the Ukraine, the Post reported. PTI hed some diplomatic ties with countries including China and UAE. AP hort of foreign doctors and dical graduates will be prioriti- He said a third of UK-trained
nurses in the NHS are Indian sed above overseas recruits for medical graduates left the co-
A Series On Hidden Costs Of War And On Those Who Fought For Peace PART 6 nationals. As of June 2023, the- foundation training, and will untry last year and went to

Israeli strike kills 20 in Gaza; re were 60,533 Indian nationals be prioritised, alongside those places like New Zealand, Ca-

Eat butter in
working as staff in the NHS. Of who have worked in the NHS nada and Australia. “The
these, 10,865 hospital doctors for a significant period, for spe- number of medical staff requ-

Trump says expects Hamas and 31,992 nurses were Indian.

“While the NHS has always
cialty training.
It said that the 2020 decision
ired will continue to grow and
will be impossible to have eno-

reply to truce proposal soon peace, or be welcomed recruits from abro-

ad, today, the NHS dispropor-
tionately relies on internatio-
to open competition for post-
graduate medical training to
international trainees on equ-
ugh local graduates to fill the
roles, especially if they conti-
nue to move abroad,” he said.
Izz al-Din al-Haddad
toast in war
Tel Aviv/Cairo: At least 20 Pa- nal recruitment…We will need al terms with UK-trained gra- He said the authors of the plan
lestinians were killed on Fri- to reduce the NHS’ dependence duates meant the competition are “living in dreamland” be-
day in an Israeli airstrike in Ga- is Hamas’ new on overseas staff from its cur- ratios for postgraduate places cause unless things in the
za, according to local health of- rent level — where 34% of new had increased to a level which NHS change, local graduates
ficials, as US President Donald de facto chief in Gaza Team TOI recruits have a non-UK natio- was “unacceptable”. will continue to emigrate.
Trump said he expected Hamas
A s the US presses for a cease-

U
to respond to his “final propo- fire between Israel and kraine is not a rich country. The
sal” for a ceasefire in Gaza in Hamas, the militant group’s average Ukrainian earns the equiv-
Huge explosion DAILY PLANET
the next 24 hours. decision will largely hinge on its alent of $15,885 — PPP terms — in
Getty Images

Health officials at the Nas- new de facto chief in the Gaza

at Rome petrol
Reuters
a year, which is 75% more than the
ser Hospital in Khan Younis, so- Strip. The commander, Izz al-Din average Indian but slightly less than the av-
uthern Gaza, said the Israeli mi-
litary had carried out an ai-
al-Haddad, took
over the military
erage Iranian. To catch up with neighbours
like Romania ($40,304) and Poland ($43,625), Children in postwar Germany queue up for food
station injures 45
rstrike on a tent encampment wing in Gaza Ukraine must spend more on development, provided by British authorities in 1945 Rome: A huge explosion at a
west of the city around 2am, kil- after Israeli but last year it spent a third of its GDP fight- petrol station in an eastern dis-
ling 15 Palestinians displaced forces killed ing Russia. Where India with a $4tn economy licing in 2019, as against 6% on health. In trict of Rome on Friday injured
by nearly two years of war. Five Mohammed had a $75bn defence budget in 2024, Ukraine Mali, another war-torn country, defence at least 45 people, including 12
were killed in northern Jabalia, Sinwar, acco- spent $65bn on defence from its meagre and expenditure in 2017 was five times higher police officers and six firefigh-
medics said. The Israeli milita- rding to a senior Middle Eastern stagnant $180bn GDP. than the outlay for social programmes. ters, Italian authorities said.
ry had no immediate comment. intelligence official and three Contrast that with Kiel Institute’s data The blast at the distributor
Later on Friday, Palestini- Israeli defence officials. On Thur- Guns Vs Butter for G7 nations. Over a 90-year period, from of petrol, diesel and LPG in the
ans gathered to perform fune- sday, Brig Gen Effie Defrin, the That’s the guns/butter trade-off of war. You 1872 to 1962, their military expenditure ex- working class Prenestino ne-
ral prayers before burying tho- Israeli military’s spokesperson, can have more of one only at the cost of the ceeded social programmes, dipping below ighbourhood was heard across
se killed overnight. “The cease- said that al-Haddad was Hamas’ other. As Eisenhower said: “Every gun that is 20% of their budget only once, immedi- the capital just after 8am. The
fire will come, and I have lost new chief. Al-Haddad, who is in made, every warship launched, every rocket ately after WW-1. But today, these nations people hit by the explosion are
my brother? There should have his mid-50s, helped plan the fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from spend less than 10% of their budget on de- being treated in local hospitals,
been a ceasefire long ago before Hamas-led attack on Oct 7, 2023, those who hunger and are not fed…” It was fence, as against more than 40% on social Italian news agencies repor-
POWER OUTAGE HITS CZECH REPUBLIC: A temporary power
I lost my brother,” said 13-year- the officials said. He is believed to 1953 and, perhaps, Eisenhower remembered expenditure. Under pressure from Trump, ted, with two in a critical condi-
outage hit parts of the Czech Republic’s capital and other areas of the
old Mayar Al Farr as she wept. be in firm opposition to Israeli how 3mn Indians had starved to death in the Nato members have pledged to raise de- tion due to extensive burns and
country Friday, bringing public transport and trains to a standstill,
Her brother, Mahmoud, was efforts to dislodge Hamas from Bengal famine a decade earlier. fence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, but needing ventilation support.
officials said. Prague’s entire subway network was inoperative
among those killed. Adlar Mou- power, suggesting that he could Historians say the calamity wasn’t don’t count on it. Website Roma Today pub-
starting at noon, though subway service was restored within half an
amar said her nephew, Ashraf, block any push to release all rem- caused by drought but the misplaced prior- lished a photograph of a huge
hour. The CEPS power grid operator said a fallen electricity line in the
was also killed. “Our hearts are aining hostages before an end to ities of Churchill’s wartime cabinet. True, No Winners ball of flame and smoke rising
northwestern part of the country was identified as a possible cause
broken. We ask the world, we the war in Gaza and a withdrawal there was a shortage of grain in Bengal War can spur the economy — as it’s done high into the sky. Separate ima-
for the outage. Officials have ruled out a cyber or terror attack
don’t want food...We want them of Israeli troops. Al-Haddad is in 1943, but London made it worse by con- in Russia — by increasing demand for kill- ges released by the fire depart-
to end the bloodshed.” thought to be based in Gaza City, tinuing to export rice from the province ing machines, but data shows a dollar spent ment showed the petrol station
Trump earlier said it would his hometown. He is believed to for British troops. The price of grain sky- on the military produces fewer jobs than a almost completely gutted. Chile detains teen has more than 329,000 follo-
wers, and Instagram, where he
probably be known in 24 hours
whether Hamas has accepted a
have said in recent weeks that he
will either achieve an “honorable
rocketed, and when Indian officials sought dollar spent on infrastructure, health, ed- Firefighters and ambulance
workers were caught up in the
aviator from US after has about 1.3 million followers.
an emergency supply of wheat, London de- ucation, etc. The Vietnam war may have
ceasefire between the Palestini- deal” to end the war with Israel or clined. Saving Empire became more impor- been good for US defence contractors, but blast as they had been called to landing in Antarctica Guo, who obtained his pilot’s
license at 17, was aiming to
an militant group and Israel. else the war will become “a war tant than saving people. it hurt ordinary Americans by starting an the scene earlier, after a truck hit
become the first person to fly
AP

On Tuesday, Trump announced of liberation or a war of martyrd- inflation spiral that lasted till the 80s. Like- a pipeline at the petrol station,
solo in a small aircraft to all
Israel had accepted the conditi- om,” the Middle Eastern intell- People Suffer wise, the post-9/11 American wars diverted Italian media said. Rome mayor
seven continents, according to
ons needed to finalise a 60-day igence official said. Since the Oct It doesn’t matter who imposes war on whom money away from infrastructure and the Roberto Gualtieri, speaking
his website, and was hoping to
ceasefire with Hamas. Hamas, 7 attack, al-Haddad has been the — whether Russia invades Ukraine or Af- social sector, and have run up an $8tn bill. from the scene, told reporters an
raise $1 million for cancer
which has previously declared only senior Hamas commander to
ghanistan erupts in civil war — non-com- So, guns or butter? Sometimes, countries incident during fuel-tank refil-
research. Antarctica was the
it would only agree to a deal for give an on-the-record interview,
batants pay a high price. A UN Women — like Ukraine — don’t have a choice, but ling operations was suspected,
only continent where he had
an end to the war, has said it was appearing in an Al Jazeera do- causing a gas leak, followed by a Ethan Guo has been documenting
research paper shows how the Afghan govt when they do — like Russia — they should yet to land, he said.
studying the proposal. REUTERS cumentary that aired in Jan. NYT fire and explosion. REUTERS his attempt to fly solo to all seven
spent 37% of its budget on defence and po- pick butter, and a loaf of Borodinsky.
continents on social media
PIO arrested for fighting

Could the electric hydrofoil ferry change the way we commute? A 19-year-old American with co-flyer on US plane
content creator who was A 21-year-old Indian-origin man
trying to fly solo to all seven has been arrested and charged
continents was detained by after allegedly attacking a
Christina Anderson Candela, a 30-seat, battery-driven ves- and fast on the same battery is when benefits, the electric hydrofoil has se-
NYT

Chilean authorities this week fellow passenger on a flight to

sel known as the P-12 has almost hal- you hydrofoil.” Hydrofoils are the veral other advantages. The batteries

D
after they said he had landed Miami from Philadelphia, auth-
uring the golden age for ferries ved the commute time of a conventio- winglike structures mounted under a are relatively small, so they do not re-
his plane on an island off orities said. Ishaan Sharma has
in the 1800s, steamboats dotted nal diesel ferry — to 30 minutes — boat’s hull to lift the craft above the wa- quire massive charging infrastructu-
Antarctica without authorisa- been charged with battery and
the shorelines of coastal cities to across an 11-mile stretch between the ter as it gains speed, much as airplane re. They do not generate waves that
tion. The teenager, Ethan Guo, is facing a $500 bond, accor-
transport passengers. Then cars and island of Ekero and City Hall in the wings do through the air. The techni- erode the shoreline or wreak havoc for
said in an interview Thursday ding to jail records. A report in
trains took over. Now, driven by cong- centre of Stockholm. At the same time, que drastically reduces drag from wa- windsurfers and moored boats in their
that he was being housed at a WSVN.com said that Sharma
estion and the revitalisation of urban the P-12 emits 95% less emissions than ter friction and allows for faster, more wake. And because they are kept level
Chilean base on King George allegedly started a fight with
waterfronts, ferries are making a co- the diesel ferry and uses 80% less ener- energy-efficient travel. by a computer and soar over the waves,
Island, roughly 75 miles off the Keanu Evans during the flight.
meback. But, what operators struggle gy, according to SL, the Stockholm Kuttenkeuler, who invented the they do not cause seasickness.
coast of Antarctica, as the case Evans said the fight started for
to offer is a fast, sustainable mode of public transport authority. Efoil, an electric hydrofoil board that So far, Mumbai, India, has the most
against him proceeds. Chilean no reason. The video of the
transit. “Commuters want speed,” sa- Gustav Hasselskog, Candela’s fo- GREEN RIDE: The P-12 electric hydrofoil glides above the water’s surface, said ambitious plans for the P-12. JalVima-
officials said Thursday that fight also went viral on social
id Jakob Kuttenkeuler, a professor of under and chief executive, said the re- ferry glides over water in Stockholm hydrofoil technology was a common na, the local shuttle operator, will be-
although Guo had initially been media. Upon landing on Mon-
naval architecture at the KTH Royal alisation, 11 years ago, that his speed- without swell or exhaust fumes marine transport system in the 1980s gin with 11 ferries on popular tourist
detained, he was now free to day night, Miami-Dade sheriff’s
Institute of Technology in Stockholm. boat guzzled 15 times as much fuel as but was phased out because of the high routes from the Gateway of India to
leave the island as long as he office deputies immediately
Over the last few months, however, his car had set him on a course to deve- almost all energy is used to push away operational costs. Advancements in Alibag and Elephanta Island. A third
remained in Chile until his case handcuffed Sharma and took
Stockholm has been testing a vessel lop an energy-efficient maritime solu- the water,” he said. “If you convert to digitalization, composite materials route will connect the airport with the
is resolved. Guo had been doc- him into custody. Officials said
that may solve that problem: the wo- tion. “High-speed passenger ferries electric, you need massive amounts of and sensor technology have contribu- centre of Mumbai, cutting travel time
umenting his journey around he had a cut on his face and
rld’s first electric hydrofoil ferry. and boats are the least fuel-efficient batteries, which are expensive and ha- ted to its comeback, he added. from 90 minutes by car to less than 30
the world on TikTok, where he needed stitches.
Developed by a Swedish start-up, mode of transit in the world because ve limited range. The only way to go far In addition to the environmental minutes on the water. NYT
 PD: 05-07-2025 Z: MumbaiCityBook2 E: 1 U: rohan.alvares T: 07-04-2025 23:56

TIMES SPORT THE TIMES OF INDIA, MUMBAI | SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

LANDOSTAND MAKES SILVERSTONE GLOW AS SPANISH WINGER RODRIGO RIQUELME LEAVES

NORRIS TARGETS BRITISH GRAND PRIX VICTORY ATLETICO MADRID, SIGNS UP WITH REAL BETIS
Reuters

‘I’M NOT ENJOYING AIFF advertises

India coach job
PLAYING CHESS’ Carlsen Says He’s Lacking That Spark At The
TIMES NEWS NETWORK email their application with
one page resume latest by July
Panaji: The All India Football 13. “We will wait for all appli-
Federation (AIFF) has invited cations and then do a short-
applications from coaches for list,” said a senior official.
the vacant position of head The federation said that
Moment After Norwegian Loses To Gukesh Again coach, senior men’s national the duration of the contract of
team. The AIFF mutually the coach and remuneration
parted ways with Manolo Mar- can be decided “during the
I just, I don’t feel Zagreb: World number one Magnus Carlsen an opportunity to voice his doubts over Guke- quez as the India coach early interview period”
any flow at all when says he is struggling to enjoy chess after suf- sh’s prowess in the faster formats. this week and have now kick- Manolo left his national
I’m playing. I’m fering a second consecutive defeat to reigning But he now has struggles of his own to started the process to find his team job last week after just
constantly hesitating world champion D Gukesh, who the Norwegian worry about as he has managed just one win replacement. eight games, despite having
and it’s just really has described as a “weak” player multiple so far in the ongoing tournament. He conceded According to an advertise- two years left on his existing
poor right now.” times. The 19-year-old Indian Grandmaster that his overall performance in the has been ment on the federation’s web- contract. Under the Spanish
— Magnus Carlsen once again outplayed the former world cham- sub-par. “I have played kind of poorly the whole site, coaches need to coach’s watch, India
pion maverick, this time in the rapid format at tournament and this time I got soundly pun- mandatorily have a FRESH won just one interna-
the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz tournament on ished,” he said. He credited Gukesh for capital- minimum of AFC/Uefa tional friendly against
Thursday. ising on his chances while admitting that he Pro license or equiva- START Maldives, while losing
The win comes less than a month after found himself “hopelessly lost” at one point lent, and have 10-15 both games – Thailand
Gukesh stunned Carlsen in the classical format during the game. Playing with white pieces, years of experience at the elite and Hong Kong – as full-time
at the Norway Chess tournament, a match that Carlsen was forced to resign after 49 moves. youth and senior level foot- coach since last month.
ended with latter visibly frustrated, famously “I had a very, very nice position. He took his ball. The new coach’s immedi-
banging the table. “Honestly, I am not enjoying chance to open out his position with C6. After ate task will be to start win-
playing chess at all right now. I just, I don’t feel that it was a little bit like earlier where I got Candidates with World Cup ning in the all-important AFC
any flow at all when I’m playing. I’m constant- short of time and I couldn’t really handle it experience hold advantage Asian Cup 2027 final round
ly hesitating and it’s just really poor right now,” that well and he found a lot of really good “Experience as the first team qualifiers. India are at the bot-
Carlsen told ‘Take Take Take’ after the loss. moves. “I had one last chance at some point to coach (head coach) of the sen- tom of the four-team group
The win against Carlsen marked Gukesh’s bail out to something that was very, very ior national team will be pre- with just a point from the first
fifth consecutive triumph in the tournament drawish but I thought let’s continue playing ferred with experience of two games, having drawn
as he grabbed the sole lead after six rounds. and then a couple of moves later I was pretty coaching in the World Cup and against Bangladesh and then
“He’s doing incredibly well now (in the for- hopelessly lost. continental championship lost away to Hong Kong. Only
mat). It’s a long way to go in the tournament “It was poor but all credit to Gukesh. He’s qualifiers being an advan- the group winners qualify for
NOT MUCH TO SMILE ABOUT: Carlsen has just but winning five games in a row is no mean playing well and is taking his chances too,” he tage,” said AIFF. the continental showpiece in
one win so far in the Zagreb tournament feat,” said Carlsen. Carlsen has rarely missed said. PTI Coaches have been asked to Saudi Arabia.

Reuters

It’s not just Djokovic. Marin Cilic

Of Indian ‘auto’ touch and and other 30-somethings make India battle Thailand
their mark at SW19
expensive SW19 traditions in make or break tie
Asha.Rai@timesofindia.com Wimbledon’s most famous
staple. For the first time in 15 VETERANS Sudeshna.Ghosh
@timesofindia.com
tween the sides ended in a 1-0
defeat for the Indian women at

A jazzed-up, illuminated
version of our humble
auto rickshaws are plying
years, the price has been
upped by 20 pence from
pound 2.50 to pound 2.70. This DAY OUT AT “Tomorrow’s game is not only
about us qualifying for the
2023 Asian Games, the Group
B clash is billed to be one be-
tween equals, given the recent
their trade at Wimbledon. As is for a small portion. Not that AFC,” Crispin Chettri said on form of both sides who have
the nearest tube stations are
a good 20-30 minutes’ walk
away from the grounds, and in
there seems to be a drop in
the number of people buying
it. About 1,40,000 punnets are
WIMBLEDON the eve of their crucial win-
ner-takes-all game against
Thailand on Saturday.
amassed the same number of
wins, goals, points and an iden-
tical goal difference of +22 af-
slightly uneven terrain, a sold every year. That’s roughly London: After wrapping up a straight-set STAYING ALIVE: Marin Cilic “It will be massive not only ter three games at the qualify-
handful of autos are willing to about two million win on Centre Court, Novak Djokovic ran stunned 4th seed Jack Draper for women’s football but for ing leg at 700th Anniversary of
save you the uphill/downhill strawberries! A punnet is a into another 38-year-old in the Wimbledon in the second round everyone related to football in Chiang Mai Stadium.
climb. Of course, at a steep small container that is used to locker room. Gael Monfils, who was born India. It will be like a ray of India have romped to the
price. Pound 20 for a mile-long hold a portion of strawberries. about eight months before Djokovic and over Felix Auger-Aliassime in a match it through qualifying rounds just to get hope,” the Indian women’s top of the group with an 11-0
ride. Most give it a pass. The English media has is the only player in the men’s draw who’s that had been suspended on Wednesday; into the bracket at the French Open, demolition of Mongolia, a 4-0
But those in the spirit of been documenting the older, was waiting for the start of his and 36-year-old Marin Cilic beat British where he lost in the first round. WOMEN’S ASIAN cruise against Timor Leste
attending the Championships increase in the price of almost second-round match. No. 4 seed Jack Draper, who’s 23. He’s making his first Wimbledon ap- CUP QUALIFIERS and a dominant 5-0 win over
or caught out by the rain or all food and drink at the “He kind of smiled at me and said, The 37-year-old Adrian Mannarino pearance since 2021, and is pleased to see Iraq. On the other hand, the
the very hot temperatures, do grounds this year. But given ‘Good day in the office,’” Djoko- advanced Wednesday. And, as some players his own age still around. head coach told TOI from Chi- world No. 46 Thailand, need-
hop onto them. that Wimbledon is one of the vic recounted. “At this age, he NOT QUITE Struff pointed out, those turn- “It’s great to see them playing, con- ang Mai, Thailand, on Friday. ing 12 goals over Mongolia to

Strawberries & Cream

rare sporting events that
allows you to bring in your
said, we need those types of
days.” Thursday was certainly a
DONE back-the-clock performances
came after yet another 38-year-
tinuing to play well,” Cilic said, “and us-
ing this experience to play great in Grand
With the Indian men’s team
languishing on last spot in
beat Chettri’s team to the cov-
eted ticket to Australia, also
The cost of living crisis has food and drink, those on a good day for the old guard at old, Fabio Fognini, pushed two- Slams.” The older guys, it seems, often their respective group of the scored a 11-0 win to make Sat-
caught up even with budget do just fine. Wimbledon. At a time when the new gen- time defending champion Alcaraz to five stick together behind the scenes. AFC qualifiers, the ongoing urday’s fixture a ‘knockout’
eration — led by Carlos Alcaraz, 22, and sets in the first round. “It’s amazing,” said “All of us, we have tremendous respect uncertainty surrounding match.
Jannik Sinner, 23 — is starting to take Struff, who faced Alcaraz on Centre Court for each other,” Dimitrov said. “We do Manolo Marquez’s successor With penalties to decide
REGD. NO. TN/Chief PMG/398/2002 over, the third round featured six men on Friday. “You see a lot of older players these things, little gather-ups when we’re at the senior national team’s the winner, if the game is tied
RNI NO. 1547/57 ISSN 0971-8257 who are 33 or older. (Monfils match playing good tennis. So that motivates me, having lunch, and even in the locker helm, and the general dismay after 90 minutes, India will
Air Charge: Raipur & via Re 1.00 , Chennai, Kochi, Coimbatore, Ernakulam, Trivandrum & via Rs. 2.00, Ahmedabad, Ban- against Marton Fucsovics, 33, was sus- as well, to keep going.” rooms. The funniest thing is, it takes us a regarding the future of Indian count on their firepower of
galore, Hyderabad, Mangalore, Udaipur, Vizag & via Rs. 4.00, Delhi, Kolkata, Patna & via Rs. 5.00.
International Retail Prices (Daily): Oman 350 Baizas, Singapore 4 S$. pended because of darkness Thursday. Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion and lot more time to prepare. Sometimes you football among its followers, Manisha Kalyan, Sangita Bas-
Published for the proprietors of Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd., by R. Krishnamurthy, at The Times of India Building, Dr. D.N.
Road, Mumbai-400 001, Tel. No (022) 6635 3535. Fax: (022) 2273 1144 and printed by him at (1) The Times of India Subur-
Fucsovics bagged the win on Friday). twice a major runner-up elsewhere, is have to prepare an hour and a half for a qualifying for the AFC Wom- fore, India’s topscorer Pyari
ban Press, Akurli Road, Western Express Highway, Kandivli (E), Mumbai-400 101. Tel No. (022) 2887 2324, 2887 2930 and
(2) The Times of India Print City, Plot No. 4, T.T.C. Industrial Area, Thane Belapur Road, Airoli, Navi Mumbai-400 708. Tel.
On Thursday, Djokovic beat 35-year-old coming back to top-level tennis after hav- 30-minute hit.” en’s Asian Cup Qualifiers 2026 Xaxa and tournament revela-
No. (022) 2760 9999; Fax: (022) 2760 5275. Tel. Nos. Mumbai Response (022) 6635 3636, 2273 3636, Fax: (022) 22731144,
22731401. E-Mail: toieditorial@timesgroup.com. Editor (Mumbai Market): Derick B. D’Sa - responsible for selection of
Dan Evans; the 34-year-old Gregor Dim- ing two knee operations and then playing Being one of the veterans on tour also could be a small ray of hope tion Priyadarshini Selladurai
news under PRB Act © All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of Publisher is pro-
hibited.
itrov ousted Corentin Moutet; 35-year-old in lower-level Challenger Tour events this makes it easier to appreciate life as a ten- for the country. to wrap things up in regula-
Jan-Lennard Struff finished off a win year to boost his ranking. He had to make nis player, Dimitrov said. AP While the last meeting be- tion time.
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SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

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SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

BOMBAY TIMES, THE TIMES OF INDIA VARIETY
Pics: iStock
Aries: Scorpio: Imam
TOTAPURI, SAFEDA, KESAR, AMRAPALI...
Totapuri
Bold, unapologetic,
Pasand
Dark horse, rich taste,
An analogue
a bit too tangy for
some
Totapuri doesn’t believe in
Which aam are zero warning
Mysterious, exclusive, and
ridiculously intense – meet
ritual in a rush-
mellow sweetness – much like Imam pasand, the Scorpio of
hour world
Aries, it immediately makes you go “Whoa.”
Assertive, angular, and slightly intimidating,
Totapuri is the mango that marches in
with confidence and doesn’t care if your
you based on mangoes. Not everyone gets access to this
royalty, but once you do, there’s no going
back. It doesn’t flirt. It seduces.
E
very July, an old ritual unfolds in
a pocket of southwest London.

your zodiac sign?

The players wear white, with a
tastebuds are ready or not. minimal logo diktat. The grass is
Sagittarius: trimmed to velvet perfection. The
Taurus: Himsagar strawberries are served with cream – not oat milk or al-
mond foam.
Dussehri Adventurous, Wimbledon returned this past week. Unchanged, up-
Comforting, classic, juicy, and always a dated, unhurried. A sporting event that’s not vintage,
and low-key little extra nor quaint. But deliberately and defiantly, analogue. It
Himsagar comes from the insists that you watch a three-hour tennis match, most-
luxurious east with a bang – sweet,
Dussehri is the mango ly in silence, except the Sabalenka grunt or the ap-
aromatic, and gloriously messy. Like plause at the end of a spec-
equivalent of a slow Sagittarians, it’s wild and generous, there tacular Carlos Alcaraz-Jan-
Sunday nap with a silk eye mask and for a good time, not a clean one. nik Sinner rally. As match-
air conditioning. Like Taurus, it’s chill,
grounded, and loves the good life. It’s not es unfold over five sets,
stretching across rain de-
here for drama – it’s here for dessert. Capricorn: lays, the afternoons feel al-

Gemini: Neelum most meditative.

In contrast, the rest of to-
Practical, late
Langda bloomer, but worth
day’s sporting world, with
its loud pre-show flexing,
Mysterious, sharp, the wait rapid-fire highlight reels
and oddly irresistible Like Capricorns, neelum is and screaming commen-
Like Geminis, it’s full of the mango that arrives after tary, can seem a tad ridicu-
contradictions – green everyone else is done, yet somehow still lous. The silence before a
outside, golden inside, wins the game. It’s not flashy, but it lasts serve at Centre Court is sa-
sweet yet tangy, soft yet zesty. longer and plays the long game – just like cred; the ball kids move

S
You never quite know what you’re gonna ummer is basically a long, sweaty excuse to gorge on mangoes and blame the calo- you, dear overachiever. with the stealth and preci-
get... but you’ll keep coming back for more. ries on “seasonal feelings.” But did you know your zodiac sign says a lot about sion of a Wes Anderson film. Here you could be chastised
what kind of mango you are? From the drama queen Alphonso to the secretly sas- by the chair umpire for shouting. Even the BBC commen-
Cancer: Safeda sy langra, your mango twin is out there – fresh and emotionally available (unlike your Aquarius: Pairi tary is crisp and minimal.
ex). While obviously this isn’t a real astrological reading, it’s just fruity fun with a side Quirky, light, and a bit The tournament itself isn’t frozen in time. It has let
Soft, sensitive, and of sass – let’s peel back the layers and get to the pit of your cosmic fruit identity. TNN in change – retractable roofs (Centre Court and court
severely underrated unpredictable no 1), AI line calls, even some modest branding. But its
Safeda is pure Aquarians are always
nostalgia – the kind Virgo: Malgova the oddballs – and pairi
essence – elegant, graceful and above all, patient – re-
mains intact. Despite the rain roof, the famous Wimble-
your nani lovingly Smooth, clean, and low-key elite is the tangy twist in your
don umbrellas are very much visible, as shade on sun-
slices while giving Malgova is the organised summer lineup. It’s different,
ny days and during the spitting rains. Then, of course,
you unsolicited advice. Virgo of mangoes – always refreshing, and often combined
there’s the audience. The annual OG of celeb congrega-
Cancers are sweet, nurturing, and deeply perfectly rounded, with with other fruits because it refuses to be
tions, the All England Club crowd still piques public in-
emotional… basically, they are mango ras, a neat appearance and boxed in. Mango? Juice? Sorbet? Pairi
terest. The Centre Court has played host to them all –
made fresh. a balanced taste. It’s not says, why not all three?
royalty, movie stars, rock’n’rollers, sports heroes, Nobel
trying to impress; it just is laureates, politicians, celebrated authors. Everyone
Leo: Alphonso good. It’s the kind of mango that quietly
tops the charts while others are busy
Pisces: looks great – not leaving you wondering why they wore
what they wore.
The queen bee performing. Amrapali It may be unfair to dismiss all this as nostalgia: it’s a
Let’s not even pretend.
Leos are dramatic Sweet, sensitive, and form of cultural resilience. A reminder that there is
and everyone’s Libra: Kesar dreamily romantic still meaning to be found in long-form, that elegance
matters, and watching something over hours and days
favourite. You demand Charming, Pisces are known for their is not a burden, but a joy.
attention and you get it, symmetrical, and soft hearts and softer vibes Thankfully, the grass continues to be greener on this
whether it’s as aamras at aesthetically pleasing – amrapali is exactly that. patch.
a Gujaratu wedding or on a dessert menu Kesar is what happens when a mango Small, juicy, and fragrant, it’s the kind of
priced like gold. You’re not mango, darling. is grown purely for good vibes and the ’gram. It’s soft, fragrant, mango you eat with both hands and a
Agree? Disagree? Got a POV idea? Write to us at: pov@timesofindia.com
You’re mango couture. and way too pretty to eat – but we eat it anyway. full heart. And maybe a tissue.

LEISURE
SUDOKU CHALLENGE TIMES KAKURO LOOP THE LOOP THE DAILY CROSSWORD
Level: Medium
Level: Medium
HOW RULES
TO PLAY • Connect adjacent dots with vertical
Fill in the grid so or horizontal lines, creating a single
that every hori- loop (Fig A).
zontal row, every • Crossovers or branches are not
vertical column allowed (As shown by dotted lines Not allowed
and every 3x3 in Fig B). (Fig A) (Fig B)
box contains • Numbers in the
the digits 1-9, puzzle indicate the
without repeating number of lines that
the numbers in should surround it,
the same row, while empty cells
column or box. may be surrounded
You can’t change by any number of
the digits already lines.
given in the grid. • You can’t draw lines
Every puzzle has around zeroes.
one solution. • Each puzzle has just
one unique solution.

HOW TO
HOW TO PLAY NOTE BEGIN:
The numbers in the coloured squares A digit cannot appear more Example (Fig A) -
refer to the sums of the digits that you than once in any particular
digit combination. For Begin with the zero next to 3. Since no lines can be drawn around zero,
must fill into the empty spaces directly mark crosses around it, as shown. Now there is a cross in one space
below or to the right of the coloured instance in the example, we By Marshal Herrmann
cannot have the combination around 3. So we know the three lines of 3 can only be drawn in the 05/07/2025
square containing the number. For of 8+4+8 for 20. remaining three spaces. Next, these lines can only be extended in one ACROSS
instance, in the given example, the 2 Friday’s Puzzle Solved
direction each. Continue, using the same logic. 1 Opening remark?
ENJOY A HOST OF boxes below 12 must contain 2 digits 20 10 Discussion topic for
ENGAGING PUZZLES that add upto 12, whereas for 20, the 3 12 Hints: Keep eliminating possibilities by marking crosses in spaces Oscar buffs
AND GAMES EVERY DAY boxes placed horizontally next to it must between dots where a line isn’t possible, i.e., if you have already 15 Green energy source?
add upto 20. No zeroes are used here, Example completed required lines or where a line extension may create a branch 16 Colorful discovery
only the digits one through nine. or cause a deadend (Fig B). on some Egyptian
Play now! Scan the QR code or visit toi.in/games mummies
17 Some bespoke
SCRAMBLE accessories
Rearrange 19 Sound from a La-Z-
the letters HOW TO PLAY Boy, perhaps
in the four LTAAR Now arrange the letters in the
20 Authority figures
21 Beats by __
GARFIELD

word circles to form the answer to the

jumbles, riddle or to fill in the missing word 22 Subs
one letter
ETUIS as indicated 24 Ergo
to each 26 Patron saint of lost
square/ causes
TARPON If you don’t like the road 27 Diner fare
circle, to you’re walking, ___ ___ 29 Alley-__
make four 30 Bumper sticker word
EEIRGV another one. - Dolly Parton ©2025 Tribune Content Agency, LLC 04/07/2025
ordinary 31 Twisted part of an
(5,6)
words Impala? DOWN 26 Fellas
33 Unionized? 1 Slack lines, for short? 28 Youngest recipient of
35 Lap top covers 2 Sleeve extenders? AFI’s Life Achievement
36 Curling devices 3 Sets of bits Award
ARIES: You may receive ing others to join 4 Reel people 30 High points of a trip
37 Mesh
some surprising news. you in creative 38 Greenlights 5 Hite whose major to Asia
You may be surprised at activities and ad- 39 Legislative body work is subtitled “A 31 Jabbers
a sudden increase in ventures. reestablished after Nationwide Study of 32 Sibilant summons
ARCHIE

your level of popularity. LIBRA: The slow the 1993 Russian Female Sexuality” 34 When I was one?
Be proud without becom- and steady pace constitutional crisis 6 Lacking bite 35 Small criticisms
ing too egotistical; other- may be comforta- 40 Ballpark figures 7 Had a bite 37 Project
wise you will end up ble for you, but the 41 Wind blast 8 Driver role 40 Like Taylor Swift for
losing before you even situations of the 42 Natural skills 9 Talk most of 2023 and
get started. day calls for much 44 Provisos 10 Orderly 2024
TAURUS: Career related See what the stars have in store for more dynamism 45 Craft that may utilize 11 Question about a 41 Liftoff sensation
opportunities could come and bravery. You old phonograph records question 43 Sound of hesitation
you – according to your moon sign. 12 Internal force? 44 Sluggish
your way from acquaint- should increase 47 Elitists
ances. You could find your level of self- 49 Blissful stretch before 13 Rare blood type, for 45 Not barefoot
doors for a new life will open - new position and confidence, and you will be likely to float through reality sets in short 46 Five-O
SPELLATHON DENNIS THE MENACE possibly a new home. Your energy will light up the rest of the day. 53 Genre for composer 14 Lip 47 Zipped
Terence Blanchard 18 Party person 48 Type
How many words of as you walk in today. Put an extra spring in your SCORPIO: Optimism and enthusiasm could lead 54 Fights before the big 22 Share holder with 50 “Imagine” co-producer
Today’s Ratings: step. to powerful ideas, which may take form in your
four or more letters fight shareholders 51 Doc in some
10-average 11-good can you make from the
GEMINI: Getting involved in events or activities mind as plans for future projects. You will have 55 South Asian crepes 23 “Beats me,” in a text severance packages
13-outstanding that allow you to interact and show what you’ve a good time interacting with friends and meeting 56 Exams that require 24 The Taj Mahal, for one 52 Deg. for one
letters shown in today’s got to offer will help you get ahead and make new people. Interesting information could come
puzzle? In making a passing 25 More than collect who faces oral exams
new allies. Apply your excellent management from a distant place.
word, a letter can be skills to personal matters. Family is the focus of SAGITTARIUS: Evaluate your concerns before
K used as many times as this day. diving into something that can be costly emotion- SOLUTIONS TO GAMES/PUZZLES
it appears in the puzzle. CANCER: There is a great deal of magnetic ally, financially or physically. Networking will
D L Each word must contain power at your disposal today, so enlist others to expand your interests and your circle of friends. TIMES SUDOKU LOOP THE LOOP TIMES KAKURO
the central letter. There help you along the way. This day could bring CAPRICORN: You will feel better at the end of
F should be at least one information to your attention that puts you in a the day. But every upturn has a downside, so be
E A seven letter word. very positive frame of mind. Make a practical prepared for a few emotional bumps. Inspiration
plan. is the keyword for today. This is a good way to
Plurals, foreign words
LEO: It is a good day to put plans into motion. end a busy day and to renew your spirit.
N and proper names are
Signs indicate success on any project begun or AQUARIUS: Control is apt to be a big theme for
not allowed. British
English Dictionary is completed today. You have overextended yourself you and the people who surround you today.
used as reference. and promised too many favors to people. Expect Don’t get upset by situations that you simply
to receive some good news today, which will can’t control. Any new relationship or project
heighten your mood. begun will have a wonderful energy behind it.
Registration No. MAHENG/2000/2180, VOLUME No. 26, ISSUE No. 254
VIRGO: Go with the flow and make the most of You should have a strong and confident feeling.
what you have. Focus on self-improvement, not PISCES: Engage in events that offer knowledge, SPELLATHON SCRAMBLE
Published for the proprietors, Bennett, Coleman & Company Ltd. by R. Krishnamurthy at The Times of
India Building, Dr. D. N. Road, Mumbai 400001. Tel. No. (022) 66353535, 22733535, Fax (022) 2273 1144
and printed by him at (1) The Times of India Suburban Press, Akurli Road, Western Express Highway, trying to change those around you. Positive sup- education or interesting facts about people fled, leaf
flake, flaked, flank, FLANKED, flea,
start paving another one. - Dolly Parton
Answer: If you don’t like the road you’re walking,
Kandivli (E), Mumbai 400 101. Tel. No. (022)28872324, 28872930, Fax - (022) 28874230. (2) The Times of
India Print City, Plot No.4, T.T.C. Industrial Area, Thane Belapur Road, Airoli, Navi Mumbai 400708. Tel. No.
port will earn far more respect and recognition and places. Short trips will spark your imagina- deaf, fade, fake, faked, fend, flak, Words: Altar, suite, patron, grieve
(022) 27609999; (022) 27605275. Editor: Madhureeta Mukherjee (Responsible for selection of news under
PRB Act). © All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of the
then criticism. Feel free to take advantage of this tion and help you discover talents you didn’t
Publisher is prohibited. incredible magnetism by initiating and encourag- know you had.
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SHOWBIZ SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

BOMBAY TIMES, THE TIMES OF INDIA

Anshula gets engaged to

boyfriend Rohan Thakkar Pics: @anshulakapoor

A
rjun Kapoor’s sister Anshula
announced her engagement to
her boyfriend, Rohan Thakkar.
On Thursday, she took to Instagram to
share a bunch of beautiful pictures
from the proposal, which took place in
New York City’s Central Park. She
wrote, “We met on an app. Started talk-
ing on a random Tuesday at 1:15 AM.
We spoke until 6 AM that morning. And
somehow, even back then, it felt like the
beginning of something that mattered.
Three years later, in my favourite city,
in front of the castle in Central Park,
he proposed! At exactly 1:15 AM India
time! And somehow, the world paused
just long enough for the moment to feel
like magic. Just the quiet kind of love
that feels like home (sic),” she wrote.
She added, “I’ve never been the
girl who believed in fairytales, but
what @rohanthakkar1511 gave me
that day was better because it was
intentional.
Thoughtful. Real.
Us. I said yes.
Through ugly tears,
shaky laughs, and
the kind of happi-
ness I can’t put into
words. Because
since 2022, it’s al-
ways been you. I’m Anshula Kapoor and Rohan Thakkar got engaged
engaged to my best at Central Park in New York City
friend! My safe place.
My person. Favorite Shack because our first conversation was around the
boy, favorite city... love of the shroom burger! IYKYK (sic).” Anshula
and now, my favorite made her relationship with Rohan, a screenwriter,
YES! (First meal after public in 2023. Since then, she has often posted mo-
had to be Shake ments from their life together.

PALAK TIWARI enjoyed a vacation

in Mauritius with her mother Shweta
Tiwari and brother Reyansh.
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SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

BOMBAY TIMES, THE TIMES OF INDIA VARIETY
iStock

Many people are

taking help of AI
tools to visualise
their tattoo
concepts

Tatto o de sig n s g e t
a perso n alis ed A I-
driven m a k eo v er Pics: Misbah Quadri and Muk
esh Tupkar

Toshiro Agarwal

W
hen Misbah Quadri
wanted to visualise her
thoughts about a
meaningful tattoo design, the media
professional turned to AI. “I
experimented with prompts,
tweaking keywords until AI
generated a design that resonated.
The result was surprisingly close to
what I had imagined. It even added
subtle details that I hadn’t considered,” says
Misbah. Lately, AI tools have been offering unique designs to people
looking for something new in their body art.
VAGUE IDEAS TO WORKABLE DESIGNS
Vague ideas and limited visual cues might limit tattoo artists,
but aren’t a problem for AI tools. “We often use AI apps to
visualise the clients’ concepts. This has become an extension of
our artistic toolbox,” says Mukesh Tupkar, a Goa-based tattoo
artist. Sunny Bhanushali, a Mumbai-based tattoo artist, adds, “It
helps with instant visualisation along with a unique result. That
said, at the end of the day, we believe that an artist’s touch gives
the tattoo a personal, creative and meaningful essence.”

Commonly used AI tools

 Midjourney  InkAI  Canva
 Tattoodo.ai  Tattoo.ai
 Stable Diffusion  DALL·E

We edit and refine the AI

references to suit the
client’s preferences. AI has been
helpful, but we prefer handling
the creative process ourselves to
ensure quality and uniqueness
- Mukesh Tupkar, a Goa-based tattoo artist

AI as an ideator?
Not every tattoo artist is comfortable
or even accepting of AI generated
ideas. Some call it an insult to
their craft, and some have even
compared it to doing sports on
steroids. But when an artist is open
to exploring these possibilities, they
see it as a visual representation
of the client’s emotions and story.
For Rahul Chhabra, a Delhi-based
communications manager who used
AI to design a tattoo, the design’s
AI definitely helped make accuracy was nearly perfect to what he
my tattoo design feel had in mind. Recalling the tattoo artists’
more personal and refined. It reaction to an AI generated design, he
says, “They were very open and curious.
gave structure to my thoughts The design was neat, detailed and easy
and brought a clean, visual to follow. They built a whole portfolio
using my tattoo design for future clients.
form to my emotions So, in a way, something I created with
- Rahul Chhabra, a Delhi-based AI to be deeply personal is now also a
communications manager source of inspiration for others.”

Music influences what we remember iStock

N
ew research sug-
gests that emotion-
ally evocative music
can influence how memo-
ries are recalled. Partici-
pants who viewed everyday
images and then listened to
music were more likely to
remember only general de-
tails if the music triggered
a strong emotional re-
sponse. In contrast, those
with a moderate emotional
reaction were better at re-
calling specific details.
In the study, partici-
pants first viewed a series
of images before being
randomly divided into
three groups: one listened
to classical music, another
to ambient soundscapes,
and the third remained in
silence. After a 20-minute ‘Personalised music may enhance memory recall’
break, they were tested on
“Moderate levels of emotional arousal others energised. It was these individual
both general and detailed
predicted better memory for details — emotional responses, rather than the music
aspects of the images.
like specific features in an image,” said itself, that influenced how their memories
The findings revealed an
study co-author Kayla Clark. Even more were formed and stored. “This tells us that
interesting link between
intriguing was that the same piece of personalised music interventions could be
music, emotional re-
music triggered different reactions used to support memory in more targeted
sponse, and the type of
among participants — some felt calm, ways,” she added.
memory recalled.
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SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

ADVERTORIAL, ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

1 2 3 4 5
THERE WILL IN THE MOOD
MULHOLLAND BE BLOOD FOR LOVE MOONLIGHT
PARASITE DRIVE Paul Thomas
Bong Joon Ho David Lynch Anderson Wong Kar Wai Barry Jenkins

BEST MOVIES OF THE 21ST CENTURY

100
Do
you
agree AS PER THE NEW YORK TIMES
with While the past 25 years of cinema has witnessed some cult classics come to life, in this much talked-about list,
Oppenheimer is at 65, Interstellar at 89 and Parasite is the best of them all. Agree? Disagree? For the full list, turn to
the TURN INSIDE

Film body lifts its ban on MY CINEMA

Diljit, but only for Border 2 MY WEEKEND
A
day after JU N E 24 had already been shot, and
Diljit Dos- that he would not work
anjh shut with Dosanjh in the future. Once simple,
down rumours of In a written statement sub- streaming
his exit from Border mitted to FWICE, Bhushan platforms now
2 by posting a BTS Kumar reportedly said he feel overwhelming
video from the film’s would “never cast Diljit – too many apps,
set, the Federation of Dosanjh in future films.” auto-renewals,
Western India Cine FWICE president BN
forgotten
Employees (FWICE) Tiwari was quoted as say-
officially lifted its ban ing that the decision to subscriptions, and
on him, clearing the lift the ban came after constant FOMO.
way for him to resume two meetings with Ku- In today’s cinema
work on the project. mar, who explained that page, viewers
The ban was imposed the film was already 80-85% share how they
following backlash over complete. “They’ve already shot Diljit’s por- cope with this
the release of Sardaar Ji 3 that tions, and only a song remains,” Tiwari said. subscribe once-
features Pakistani artiste Ha- “At this stage, he can’t replace him, but login never again
Diljit Dosanjh with
nia Aamir. However, the truce Bhushan Kumar assured us he won’t work
the cast of Border 2, dilemma
appears temporary. with anyone who is in the middle of a dis-
including Ahan
The decision was taken after pute again.” The federation, however, made
Shetty, Sunny Deol,
Border 2 producer Bhushan Kumar told the clear that the exemption applies only to the
Varun Dhawan
federation that 80% of the scenes with Diljit current project. Agencies TURN INSIDE
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2 SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

BOMBAY TIMES, THE TIMES OF INDIA VARIETY

Glow Green: The beauty Tired of dealing with constipation? Help is here
benefits of matcha C
onstipation might
seem like a minor in-
convenience, but for
simple daily exercises.
Stress management
techniques were added

T
he beloved green countless people, it’s an too, because we believe
drink goes be- everyday struggle that true gut health needs a
yond your morn- drains energy, dampens calm mind.”
ing caffeine fix. Matcha moods and disrupts daily Weeks later, her life
is now a beauty essen- life. One such patient re- transformed. No more
tial. The finely ground cently found hope at Gle- bloating. No more fear of
Japanese green tea pow- neagles Hospital Mumbai’s using the bathroom. En-
der has held its spot in recently launched ergy levels returned,
the wellness industry Constipation Clinic — a sto- sleep improved and a
for years, and the hype ry that echoes what so sense of freedom came
shows no signs of slow- many silently endure. back. Most importantly,
ing down in 2025. Its dis- For months, the patient she felt heard, cared for
tinct earthy taste, vi- suffered in silence. Every and never alone. “This is
brant colour and endless visit to the bathroom was exactly what our Consti-
café variations have an ordeal filled with dis- pation Clinic promises —
made it a global fa- Matcha comfort and worry. Meals complete, compassionate
vourite. But be- is a finely brought on bloating in- care that goes beyond
hind the aesthet-
FOR HAIR: stead of relief, and irregu- quick fixes. We don’t just
ground powder EGCG is believed to support
ics and flavour of green tea lar bowel movements left relieve symptoms — we
hormonal balance. Some re-
lies a strong list specially processed her feeling sluggish and help prevent them from
ports suggest it can help slow
of beauty bene- from shade- anxious. Despite trying returning. With a dedicat-
down androgenetic alopecia, a
fits driving this grown tea home remedies, drinking ed team of doctors, nutri-
common form of hair loss. Dr Shamshersingh Chauhan (Consultant, Gastroenterology), Dr Harshad Joshi (Consultant, Gastroenterology), Dr Meghraj Ingle
superfood’s stay- leaves more water and eating ex- tionists and warm heart-
FOR SKIN: (Director, Gastroenterology), Dr Prabha Sawant (Professor and Head of Department, Gastroenterology), Dr Vikas Pandey (Senior
ing power. A recent tra fruits, nothing offered ed staff, we’re ready to
Matcha is rich in antioxidants that Consultant, Gastroenterology) and Dr Shankar Zanwar (Senior Consultant, Gastroenterology)
scientific review not- lasting relief. help you reclaim comfort
ed, “The Japanese pow- may help reduce sebum production, Dr Meghraj Ingle says, and confidence. If you or
dered green tea, matcha, contains leading to fewer clogged pores and “Fed up and exhausted, she decided to visit the gastroenterologists took the time to listen, study her your loved ones have been struggling with
high amounts of substances with an- breakouts. These antioxidants are specialised Constipation Clinic — a place designed to lifestyle and understand every symptom. A few sim- constipation, don’t wait. Relief is closer than you
tioxidant and anti-inflammatory ef- also known to neutralise free radi- tackle this often-overlooked problem with long-term ple tests revealed the root cause: chronic constipation think,” concludes Dr Shankar Zanwar.
fects. It has promising potential cals, helping to soften the appear- solutions. From the very first visit, she felt linked to slow digestion and poor gut motility — a
health benefits, mainly through a ance of fine lines and delay signs of understood and supported. At Gleneagles Hospital surprisingly common but neglected condition. The Where: Gleneagles Hospital, 35, Dr Ernest Borges Road,
Opposite Shirodkar High School, Parel (E).
high concentration of catechins.” The ageing. Japanese skincare brands Mumbai, constipation isn’t dismissed as just a best part? It was completely manageable with the For appointments, call: 022 67670101.
standout among them is epigallocate- have long recognised matcha’s topi- stomach issue, we know it affects your whole life, right care. The patient began a personalised plan that For emergencies, call: 022 67670202.
chin gallate (EGCG), a potent cate- cal benefits, incorporating it into from sleep to stress.” included safe medications, a tailored high-fibre diet Disclaimer: The views/suggestions/opinions expressed in the article
chin that is gaining attention for its serums, masks and moisturisers. Adds Dr Prabha Sawant, “Our team of experienced designed by dietitians, practical hydration tips, and are the sole responsibility of the experts.
beauty-boosting properties. — Deveshi Jhunjhunwala

Pics: iStock

Rediscover the Why it

works:

power of walking,  Boosts

maximal
oxygen
consumption

the Japanese way

by 15–20%
 Improves
metabolism
and helps
manage
Shourya Jha
weight

P
eople are rediscovering a basic yet power-  Supports
ful form of movement, walking. Not just heart health,
as a random walk in the park but a new fit- mental
ness trend, inspired by Japan’s holistic wellness health, and
philosophy. Here’s what you need to know. bone/muscle
strength,
What is it? especially
Termed Japanese walking, the workout is also useful during
known as Interval Walking Training (IWT). It’s postpartum
low-impact, equipment-free, and sustainable. Decoding the or
menopause
First developed by sports medicine
researchers in Japan, the technique involves
science behind it — Preeti Shetty,
alternating three minutes of brisk walking Interval walking senior sports
training — scientist (strength
with three minutes of slower, recovery-paced and conditioning)
walking, repeated over a 30-minute period. alternating
between high
and low intensity
How to start? — helps improve
 Warm-up: Two minutes of gentle cardiovascular
walking to ease into movement endurance, lower ‘It’s comforting to watch
 Set a timer: Alternate three minutes blood pressure,
of fast walking with three minutes of and build leg someone just walk’
slower walking for five cycles strength. Dr While the Japanese walking workout has been
 Use your space: Hallway, terrace, Hirendra G around for years, social media has played a
driveway, even walking in any place Kumar notes crucial role in highlighting it. Instagram often
works that many middle-aged patients shows people walking to upbeat music in small
 Form matters: Swing your arms, keep with hypertension or early signs of apartments, captioned with lines like “no gym, no
your back upright, and land softly diabetes have benefited from it. problem” or “15 minutes to feel better.” Influencers
 Frequency: Do it three to five times a Preeti Shetty, senior sports scientist in the wellness space are also making it more
week and combine (strength & conditioning), adds that approachable. “It’s comforting to watch someone
with light stretching or yoga it reduces stress hormones, improves just walk. It makes you want to get up and move,”
insulin sensitivity, and lifts mood. says Rachna Bhasin, 27, corporate lawyer.

The older sister side

part is cool again
O
nce synonymous with the ear-
ly 2000s, the ‘older sister side
part’ hairstyle is officially
back – and cooler than ever. Spotted all
over the Spring/Summer 2025 cat-
walks and the Met Gala, it’s been em-
braced by plenty of A-listers, from Hai-
ley Bieber’s casual, side-parted waves
to Sabrina Carpenter and Bella Hadid
experimenting with the look.
While the clean-girl middle part
still reigns, the side part offers some-
thing different: it’s equal parts pol-
ished and rebellious. Millennials, re-
joice – your signature part is trend-
ing again. Inspired by the cool confi-
dence of the eldest sibling, the vibe
is nonchalant yet commanding. TNN

Sabrina Carpenter and Cara Delevingne (below left)

are among the celebs rocking the trend lately

Regina George
(Mean Girls)
and Emily
Why everyone’s
(The Devil parting ways
Wears Prada)
nailed Big sister energy comes with
the iconic wisdom, attitude, and just
older sister the right amount of edge –
side part and that’s exactly what this
hairstyle delivers. Whether
razor-sharp or softly blurred,
it instantly elevates your look,
no cut or colour needed. Think
of Mean Girls’ Regina Georgee,
Emily from The Devil Wears
Prada, or even Trinity from
The Matrix: unapologetic,
self-assured women whose hair
did some of the talking.
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4 SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

BOMBAY TIMES, THE TIMES OF INDIA VARIETY
Pics: iStock
iStock

Buckingham Palace s
is home to 775 room
What’s taking
Gen Z nature
Buckingham Palace boasts a staggering 775 rooms, making
it one of the largest residences in the world. Among these
are 19 lavish state rooms, used for ceremonial occasions and
official receptions. There are 52 royal and guest bedrooms,
offering luxury accommodation for visiting dignitaries and

bathing?
members of the royal family. The palace includes 188 staff
bedrooms, housing members of the royal household who live
and work on-site. The administrative side is equally vast, with
92 offices supporting the smooth running of royal affairs.

What is
nature bathing
Nature bathing, also known as
forest bathing or Shinrin-yoku (a
Japanese term), involves spending quiet
time in natural settings to slow down,
engage the senses, and be present.
Nature bathing is becoming popular
with Gen Z. Searches for relaxing in
nature have increased by 32%, as
more choose calm settings
like forests, and nature
parks.

Anagha Sawant
IT’S MORE THAN JUST
UNPLUGGING
F
or Mumbai-based Shantanu Ped-
nekar, nature bathing clears
Gen
‘Need to take a step back’
the mental clutter caused by Tired of digital overload, architect Sayli Zantye
screens and constant notifica- Z’s search
trends reflect a embraced nature bathing. “Quiet observation,
tions. He often visits his native painting what I see — it helps me slow down, be
place in Sawantwadi, nestled growing interest in
nature, with searches present, and feel truly connected,” she shares.
in the natural beauty of Kon- Pednekar adds, “If the week has been hectic, I turn
kan. He says, “One foggy for nature retreats rising
by 72%, relaxing in nature to nature over the weekend to recharge. I make it
morning when I stepped out, a habit to begin my day outdoors and let people
I watched the hills glow in by 32%, beautiful nature
views by 207%, forests know beforehand, so I can stay undisturbed and
soft sunlight, heard birdsong, limit my time on devices.”
and simply sat still for hours, with water by 174%,
completely present, without my and nature parks
by 16%
phone. That moment reminded
me how powerful nature can be.”
Nature heals
Nature bathing is becoming a popu- better than
lar way to relax the mind, especially
for people in cities who feel tired
screens off
or overwhelmed by screens and “Being in a natural
busy lives. setting, surrounded
A recent trend report from a visual by greenery, fresh air,
discovery platform shows that more and gentle sounds,
people want to take a digital detox. naturally soothes the
Many are turning to nature to slow nervous system. It
down and escape from screens. helps to lower stress
hormones such as
cortisol, boost mood,
and encourage
a deeper kind of
mindfulness,” says
Dr Maitri Thakker, a
clinical psychologist.
She adds, “While
device-free time at
home is still beneficial,
nature offers a layer of
sensory and emotional
restoration that
can leave us feeling
truly refreshed and
grounded.”

Shantanu
Pednekar says
nature bathing has
helped him shift long-
term digital habits. “I now
set clear boundaries and
limit my overall screen
time,” he shares

Architect
Sayli Zantye says
that a walk, some
fresh air, or quiet
journaling outdoors helps
her build a mindful
bond with nature
EMBRACING
DIGITAL HOW TO TRY IT YOURSELF
MINIMALISM
Start simple: Begin with a Be present: Observe small details
Zantye expresses, “My habit of
morning walk in a nearby park or like rustling leaves, moving water,
mindless scrolling has reduced, and
green space shifting light
I use screens more intentionally
Skip the screen: Leave devices Keep it short: Start with 10–15
now. Since weekends can be even
behind or use them only for minutes and gradually extend
busier than weekdays, I now
emergencies your time
start them with nature
Use your senses: Listen to Go easy: No need for deep forest
bathing and try to
birdsong, watch the clouds, feel hikes; it’s about stillness, not
unplug completely.”
the breeze distance

Taking a few days

offline, especially in a
calming environment, can
feel like pressing a mental
reset button. The key is
finding a rhythm that
helps you feel present,
clear-minded, and
emotionally nourished
– Dr Maitri Thakker, a
clinical psychologist
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SHOWBIZ SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

BOMBAY TIMES, THE TIMES OF INDIA 5

She will never be forgotten:

Parag pens note for Shefali
@paragtyagi

D
ays after the tragic passing away of
Shefali Jariwala at the age of 42, her
husband Parag Tyagi penned an
emotional note for the Kaanta Laga actress
on Instagram. He wrote, “Shefali, Meri Pari
— the ever-eternal Kaanta Laga — was so
much more than what met the eye. She was
fire wrapped in grace — sharp, focused, and
fiercely driven. A woman who lived with
intention, nurturing her career, her mind,
her body, and her soul with quiet strength
and unwavering determination. But beyond
all her titles and achievements, Shefali was
love in its most selfless form. She was sab ki
maa — always putting others first, offering
comfort and warmth simply through her
presence. A generous daughter. A devoted
and affectionate wife and a wonderful
mom to Simba. A protective and guiding
sister and maasi. A fiercely loyal friend
who stood by those she loved with courage
and compassion.”
He further added, “In the chaos of grief,
it’s easy to be swept away by noise and
speculation. But Shefali deserves to be
remembered by her light. By the way she
made people feel. By the joy she sparked.
By the lives she lifted. I’m starting this
thread with a simple prayer: May this
space be filled only with love. With
memories that bring healing. With stories
that keep her spirit alive. Let that be her
legacy - a soul so radiant, she will never,
ever be forgotten. Love you till eternity.”
Parag Tyagi and
Shefali Jariwala

In the chaos of grief, it’s easy to be swept

away by noise and speculation. But Shefali
deserves to be remembered by her light. By the way
she made people feel. By the joy she sparked. By the
lives she lifted
– Parag Tyagi on Instagram

Katy and
Orlando
confirm
their split

Katy
Perry

Orlando
Bloom

S
inger Katy Perry and
actor Orlando Bloom
have officially con-
firmed they have split six
years after getting engaged.
The two have been romanti-
cally linked since 2016 and
have a four-year-old daughter.
In a joint statement issued to
US media outlets, representa-
tives for the former couple
said the pair “have been shift-
ing their relationship over the
past many months to focus on
co-parenting”. “They will con-
tinue to be seen together as a
family, as their shared priori-
ty is - and always will be - rais-
ing their daughter with love,
stability and mutual respect.”
The statement was being
released due to the “abun-
dance of recent interest and
conversation” surrounding
their relationship, it added.
Katy and Orlando split in
2017, but got back together
shortly afterwards. They got
engaged on Valentine’s Day
in 2019. They welcomed
daughter Daisy in 2020.
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6 SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

BOMBAY TIMES, THE TIMES OF INDIA SHOWBIZ

Ashish Dixit and Shweta ‘Now I’m focused on balancing

my personal and professional life
Kanoje renew wedding vows Incidentally, a few years ago, there were rumours of
trouble in their marriage. Ashish says, “In the past few
years, I couldn’t focus enough on my personal life due to

A
shish Dixit, who plays the lead in the TV show that didn’t happen then and it always remained at the work. I used to be away from home for months, shooting
Pati Brahmachari, recently renewed his wed- back of our minds. So last month, we went to Trimbake- for web shows, and during that time, Shweta went back
ding vows with wife Shweta Kanoje. The couple, shwar, got the necessary permissions and went ahead. to her hometown, Nagpur, so people assumed things.
who tied the knot in 2019, had a small ceremony in Our parents were present for the ceremony, but what But we were always together. Getting married again
Trimbakeshwar, fulfilling a promise they made to each made it even more special was that our two-year-old has brought us even closer, and now I’m making sure
other years ago. Ashish shares, “When Shweta and I daughter was with us. It felt beautiful and all the memo- I strike the right balance between my personal and
were dating in 2016, we had promised each other that we ries of our wedding day came back to us.” professional life.”
would get married at a religious place. Unfortunately, — Hasti Doshi
Shweta Kanoje
and Ashish Dixit

READER ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE

choices, you can stay STEP IN THE RIGHT things light and prac- well over kurtas,
dry and look great. DIRECTION tical. Jaiswal recom- dresses and even
Footwear takes a real mends avoiding jumpsuits, and add
PICK THE CORRECT beating during the denim jackets and shape without any
FITS AND FABRICS monsoon, and Priya heavy shrugs. She extra bulk.”
Ridhi Sharma, a fash- Jaiswal, a fashion says, “Go for thin
ion designer, believes stylist, says it’s an windcheaters or CARRY YOUR
the season is a great aspect people often transparent rain- ESSENTIALS
time to refresh one’s coats that let your For those who spend
wardrobe. She says, long hours outdoors,
“Choose fabrics a little planning can
that dry make all the differ-
q u i c k l y, ence. Vishaka Nair, a
don’t stick corporate trainer,
to your says, “I keep a small
skin and pouch in my hand-
are easy bag with tissue,
to move wet wipes, a
around in. scrunchie,
Cotton blends, foldable
crepe, mulmul and hair scarf
light rayon are great and a pair
options. In fact, you of flip-
don’t need to invest f l o p s. I
in expensive pieces, also avoid
as even a basic kurta fabrics like
or shift dress can rayon and
look great if styled v i s c o s e
properly.” because they
Sharma adds that cling to the skin
shorter hemlines when wet.
will work better this Wearing jeans or
season. She opines, anything tight
“Long anarkalis or when it rains is
flared skirts usually also a bad idea.
g et d i r t y e a s i l y. Instead, I prefer
AI-GENERATED IMAGE

Instead, try knee- activewear pants

length or midi dress- that look like trou-
sers but dry super-
fast without
feeling sticky.”

Dripping
with style
Don’t let the rain impact your fashion game.
Here’s how you can dress smart and stay
effortlessly chic all season long

overlook. She avers, PRIORITISE

THIS CHEAT
“Pieces crafted from OW S VIBRANT HUES
HE
LL

leather, suede or fab- On dull gloomy days,

FO

ET

ric soak up water, Choose choosing the right

smell bad and wear fabrics like colours can make a
out quickly. As a cotton and linen that world of differ-
substitute, opt dry easily ence. Sharma
for floaters, jelly explains, “Rath-
sandals or rubber Go for er than sticking
sliders. For a change, short to blacks and
try block-colour- dresses, culottes and browns, try
ed pairs in tan, shirt dresses shades like
■ Archana.Ajith es, straight-fit kurtas olive or burgun- cobalt blue, saf-
@timesofindia.com or even co-ord sets dy.” On the other Switch fron, sea green,
with ankle-length hand, men can con- to jelly beetroot purple or leather bags and opt for

T
he rains, while pants. Striped or flo- sider clogs, float- shoes, rubber sandals orchid to stand coated canvas, nylon, or
cooling, bring ral prints, abstract ers and sandals and sliders out and hide water-resistant PU
surprise down- patterns and bright to sail through stains better.” bags, fanny packs or
pours, wet roads, and checks will also stand the season Pick She also advis- crossbody bags in bold
other such hurdles. As a out beautifully.” in comfort. light-weight es against wear- prints and colours.
result, we often end up Men, too, can opt capes or transparent ing white, espe- Wooden earrings, resin
choosing comfortable for shirts, shorts LAYER AND raincoats cially for trou- rings or acrylic bangles
outfits rather than stylish and trousers in PLAN AHEAD sers or skirts. are also a great choice.
ones. However, quick-drying When it comes to outfit shine through. Accessories With the right fashion
with a few fabrics like cot- layering during the Sheer capes with need a rainproof choices, you’ll be ready to
smart ton and linen. rains, it’s best to keep contrast piping work update too. Avoid face the rains in style.

■ Saundarya.Jain Rathod, the chief nutrition impactful indoor exercises. “These low-impact,
@timesofindia.com officer at a holistic well- Dr Agarwal recommends budget-friendly and con- ing by setting small ture and a whole lot of
ness company, mentions power yoga and pilates to venient sessions are per- weekly goals. fun, you can ensure that

A
s monsoon that bodyweight workouts cultivate core strength, fect when your motivation With creativity, struc- you stay fit this season.
clouds roll in and can improve strength, increase flexibility and runs low.”
exercising out- endurance and mobility soothe the mind. She says, It’s also an opportune
doors becomes difficult, it’s sans any fancy tools. She “Join a workshop, stream a time to attempt different
normal to feel demotivat- adds, “Sync your move- class online or practise variations of movements
ALL PHOTOS ARE FOR REPRESENTATION PURPOSE ONLY

ed. However, the rainy sea- ments with an upbeat play- with friends.” If you’re not that you’re already familiar
son offers the perfect list. Additionally, if you keen on joining group with. Sakshi Garg, a data
excuse to explore indoor have access to stairs, sprint classes, try mat pilates or analyst, avers, “There’s
fitness options. With that up and walk down for 10 guided yoga via different nothing more grounding
said, here’s how you can minutes for a heart-pump- subscription-based plat- than a yoga session with
keep moving in the rain. ing cardio session.” forms. Rathod notes, relaxing music.”

NO EQUIPMENT? GROOVE AND GLOW MONSOON WORKOUT STRENGTH IN

PHOTOS: ISTOCK

NO PROBLEM There’s no better way to MOTIVATION CONSISTENCY

All you need this season is beat the blues than by Routine can make or break
the right intent and work- embracing activities you • Picking the right gear and your monsoon fitness
out selection. According to enjoy. Dr Manjusha Agar- outfits will inspire you to journey. Dr Agarwal advis-

When fitness is
Drishti Chhabria, the wal, senior consultant - keep moving es, “Set up a small workout
founder and chief experi- internal medicine at a • Opt for indoor badminton, zone at home, use resist-
ence officer of a boutique hospital in Mumbai, squash, table tennis, ance bands, and stick to 30
fitness studio, bodyweight opines, “Dance forms are basketball and other minutes of movement
exercises like squats, lung- not just fun but also fan- such options daily.” Track your progress

an inside job
es, push-ups and planks tastic calorie burners.” with the help of a journal,
paired with resistance Rathod also sugg ests • Be it dance, stair sprints, and don’t forget to reward
bands can be highly effec- playing your favour- hula hooping or pole yourself. Chhabria adds,
tive. She says, “Just five to ite tunes and danc- climbs, choose activities “Alternate between inter-
that keep you interested
10 minutes of jogging in ing for around val training and low-inten-
one place or high knee 20 minutes. • At-home bodyweight sity core exercises. More
movements followed by a With exercising outside getting tough, take to spaces workouts with dumbbells importantly, use a weara-
circuit of these simple POWER IT UP and activities that help you stay in shape whilst or resistance bands will ble device to track your
exercises can charge your Use this time to keep you active efforts.” Rathod also sug-
metabolism.” Deepika build strength with shielding you from the rain gests keeping things excit-
 CCI NG 3.7 P r o d u c t: T I M S M u m b a i B
PuSb D a t e : 0 5 - 0 7 - 2 0 2 5Z o n e : B o m b ay E d i t i o n : 1 Pa g e : B T P OT LU1U s e r: c c i T i m e : 0 7 - 0 4 - 2 0 2 5 10 : 2 C
6 o l o r:

SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

BOMBAY TIMES, THE TIMES OF INDIA 7
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8 SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

BOMBAY TIMES, THE TIMES OF INDIA SHOWBIZ

Robbie Williams nominated for knighthood Beyoncé is the mos

awarded artist in
t

R Grammy history
obbie Williams has been reportedly nominated UNICEF UK since its first match back in 2006. He
The singer also serves as a
for a knighthood for his charity work and his has also been involved in 11 Comic Relief events
patron for Music Support,
contribution to music. It is now up to the hon- and is a patron for Music Support — a charity
a charity dedicated to
ours committee, who will send a shortlist of recom- helping people in the industry who are suffering Beyoncé holds the record as the most awarded artist
helping people in the music
mendations to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and from addiction or mental health issues. in Grammy history, with an incredible 32 wins to her
industry struggling with
then King Charles to sign off. This year, Robbie made UK chart history after name. Her record-breaking moment came at the 65th
mental health challenges or
The Rock DJ singer donated £250,000 to various securing his 15th chart-topping album with Better Annual Grammy Awards in 2023, when she surpassed
addiction—struggles he has
causes last year alone and helped set up Soccer Aid Man and now equals The Beatles’ record for most the previous record held by late conductor Georg Solti.
openly faced himself
back, which has raised over £121 million for UK Number 1 albums. Agencies Robbie
Williams

READER ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE

the Rh factor protein. donor. She recalls, “I
Dr Rahul Thakkar, a had no idea what my
senior haematologist, blood group was. We
explains, “Think of didn’t know where to
blood types as a com- start or whom to call.
patibility code. If the My parents posted
wrong type is trans- on social media and
fused, the immune contacted friends.
system attacks the After hours of uncer-
foreign blood, caus- t a i n t y, s o m e o n e
ing potentially fatal from a donation
reactions. Accurate group helped us get
and timely blood the required units.”
typing is not just a Now recovered,
technicality; it’s a Joshi ensures her
vital part of safe blood group is saved
medical care” on her phone and
printed on a card in
A COSTLY DELAY her wallet.
In 2022, 19-year-old
Nandini Joshi, a col- ONE GROUP
lege student, was DOESN’T SUIT ALL
rushed to the hospi- Each blood type has
tal after a road acci- unique compatibili-
dent. Her injuries ty rules. For exam-
were treatable, but ple, people with O
doctors needed B negative blood are
negative blood, universal donors,
which is quite rare. while those with AB
Neither she nor her positive are univer-
family knew her sal recipients. Dr
Archana.Ajith identity cards and health reports, WHAT’S YOUR TYPE? blood group, and Thakkar adds, “Rh tion is only needed Here’s what everyone potential donors else’s life, knowing your
@timesofindia.com we rarely consider how Your blood type is determined by with no medical negative blood is during major emergen- can do to help: immediately. blood group can have a
important it can be in critical the presence or absence of specif- records immediately rare in India, found cies or disasters, but • Donate blood regu- Whether it’s to protect powerful impact when it

W
e often take our blood situations. From accident victims ic antigens on red blood cells. The available, precious in only about five the reality is different. larly if you are yourself or save someone matters the most.
type for granted. to ne w mothe rs, knowing four primary groups are A, B, AB, time was lost con- to seven per cent of Blood has a short shelf healthy. The stand-
Although we frequent- one’s blood group can ensure and O, each further classified as Rh firming it and the population. This life, so the need is con- ard gap between
ly see this information on our timely treatment. positive or Rh negative based on searching for a makes emergency stant. We often strug- donations is three
situations difficult gle to find matching months for men

The power
for people with donors in time, and six months
Rh negative types. for women.
In rural areas, limit- KNOW YOUR MATCH • Support or partici-
ed blood bank
resources can cause Blood type Can donate to Can receive from
dangerous delays.” O- All groups O- only

of a single (universal donor)

PHOTO USED FOR REPRESENTATION PURPOSE ONLY
AI-GENERATED IMAGE

DONATION
MATTERS O+ O+, A+, B+, AB+ O+, O-
According to the A- A-, A+, AB-, AB+ A-, O-
National Blood

dr p
Transfusion Coun- A+ A+, AB+ A+, A-, O+, O-
cil, India requires B- B-, B+, AB-, AB+ B-, O-
14.6 million units of
blood every year, but B+ B+, AB+ B+, B-, O+, O-
supply often falls AB- AB-, AB+ AB-, A-, B-, O-
short of demand.
Regular blood AB+ AB+ only All types
collection is there-
fore essential especially for rare pate in local blood
Blood type plays a key role not only in to maintain an blood types. If more drives organised by
adequate supply. people knew their hospitals, NGOs or
donation but also in emergency care. Vishal Menon, blood group and community groups.
Yet many of us remain unaware of it. founder of a private committed to donating • Spread awareness
Here's why that small detail could blood bank centre, just twice a year, we about rare blood
states, “Many people c o u l d avo i d m a ny groups to help con-
make a life-saving difference think blood dona- life-threatening delays.” nect patients with
CCI NG 3.7 Product: TIMSMumbaiBS PubDate: 05-07-2025 Zone: Bombay Edition: 1 Page: BTPG9 User: rajesh.nair1 Time: 07-04-2025 12:45 Color:
 CCI NG 3.7 Product: TIMSMumbaiBS PubDate: 05-07-2025 Zone: Bombay Edition: 1 Page: BTENT User: cci Time: 07-04-2025 16:48 Color:

10 SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

BOMBAY TIMES, THE TIMES OF INDIA MY CINEMA MY WEEKEND

FILM
‘Need an excel sheet to REVIEWS
NOW IN CINEMAS...

track my OTT subscriptions’ Non-stop dino mayhem, from

first roar to final chase
You watched one JURASSIC WORLD
documentary… REBIRTH
Congrats! You’ve now you’re (Action/Adventure/
just subscribed subscribed Sci-Fi)
Niharika Lal to another for life! ½
platform you’ll Cast: Scarlett Johansson,

N
ot long back, stream- forget you have! Jonathan Bailey,
ing services meant no
ads, no dish TV, no Still paying for Mahershala Ali
waiting for content – stream that random Director: Gareth Edwards
anytime, anywhere, anything. K-drama app Duration: 2hr 13min
But now, keeping track of all To you downloaded Language: English (U/A 13+)
Should you watch it?
the subscribed platforms has subscribe during peak
become a task. From Netflix, or not to heartbreak? Yes – it’s pure dinosaur
Prime Video and subscribe... Review in short mayhem from start to finish.
Jio Hotstar to That is the
Zee5, MUBI, So- question! New episode A pharmaceutical company sends a small team on a mission to collect rare
nyLIV, Apple streaming now biomaterials from living dinosaurs – and predictably, it all goes wrong. This standalone
TV and even — but not on sequel abandons theme-park thrills for non-stop survival horror as genetically
regional OTT altered beasts wreak havoc. Director Gareth Edwards and writer David Koepp deliver
apps – not to
Your free trial any platform
relentless action, with breathtaking cinematography and a stirring score that pull
ended 3 months you currently
mention that ran- subscribe to! you into every tense moment. Scarlett Johansson shines as Zora Bennett, grounding
dom sports add-on you forgot ago. So did the film with grit and genuine emotion amid relentless carnage. Overall, the human
to cancel after a tournament – your financial characters feel underused, serving more as witnesses to the chaos than drivers of the
when did we end up with so freedom! story. Occasional visual effects slip, but the film’s pace, sound design, and sheer scale
many platforms? Viewers say Hot new show of creature spectacle keep you glued to the screen. Ultimately, it’s a adrenaline-fueled
sometimes streaming plat- alert! On a ride more than a deep drama. – Ronak Kotecha
form subscriptions work like platform
FOMO on autopay – You don’t you’re not
know how much you’re pay- subscribed
ing because it’s all on auto-
debit. And in the constant
to... Yet
OTT
REVIEWS
chase for the next best thing
from every app, you never
Reminder: You
quite get around to unsub-
Our OTT said you’d
scribing. We spoke to viewers subscription unsubscribe
to understand how they are count is now after the finale. NOW STREAMING...
navigating streaming. greater than The finale was 2
your step count months ago!
today! A gripping procedural that
unfolds with precision & pace
The reason we
gravitate towards
these platforms is THE HUNT: THE RAJIV
GANDHI ASSASSINATION
for freedom to watch CASE
what we want, when (Crime/Mystery)
we want, without ½
interruptions Cast: Amit Sial, Bagavathi Perumal,
–Shruti, a viewer in her
Last year, I subscribed to a platform just to watch one film. I thought I’d Sahil Vaid, Vidyuth Gargi, Shafeeq
mid 30s cancel it later. A year later, I got a message asking if I wanted to continue the Mustafa, Gouri Padmakumar
subscription. That’s when I remembered I still had it – Amrita Chandan, a viewer Director: Nagesh Kukunoor
Duration: 7 episodes
Language: Hindi (U/A)
Should you watch it?
Why viewers Streaming on: SonyLIV Yes, this is a binge-worthy, taut
rarely Subscribe, autopay, forget thriller that keeps you hooked.

unsubscribe Most viewers who end up subscribing to multiple streaming

platforms tend to forget just how many Review in short
For many, the answer lies subscriptions they’ve signed up for. Yash
in anticipation – the constant Nagesh Kukunoor’s thriller offers a gripping account of the CBI’s Special Investigation
Chhabra, who is in his 40s, shares his list and
promise that something good Team (SIT) as it unravels the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. It shines in showing how
says, “The worst part is that I don’t even know
is always just around the the SIT cracks the case, tracking down elusive LTTE operatives despite public sympathy
what the total amount is – it’s all on autopay.”
corner. “You keep hearing for the group. The psychological warfare and cat-and-mouse tension between two
Subscribe now, forget later has become quite
things like, ‘next season is sharp forces keep the narrative taut. Sangram Giri’s cinematography brings 1990s
common. The question at present
coming up,’ ‘this show has Tamil Nadu to life, while pitch-perfect casting proves you don’t need relentless action
isn’t ‘Do I use this?’ but ‘Is there
been announced,’ ‘that movie for edge-of-the-seat thrills. – Dhaval Roy
something here just in case I want
premieres next month.’ So once to watch it later?’
you’ve subscribed, you don’t “Last year, I subscribed to a
really unsubscribe – you feel
like you’ll miss out on the show
everyone’s suddenly talking
platform just to watch one film. I
thought I’d cancel it later. A year
The visually muscular sequel
later, I got a message asking if I
about. “I’ve kept Amazon
Prime for the next season
wanted to continue the subscription.
That’s when I remembered I still had it,” says
leans harder on lore than heart
of Paatal Lok or The Family another viewer Amrita Chandan. “Sometimes it
Man, and Jio Hotstar for The feels like you need an excel sheet to keep track of all the
White Lotus. Netflix stays for platforms,” she adds. THE OLD GUARD 2
international content,” says Tushar, an 18-year-old viewer, says, “With (Action/Fantasy/Drama)
Ritambhara Saxena, a viewer
in her 20s.
the number of platforms and rising costs, it 
gets overwhelming. I often find myself skipping Cast: Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne,
Then there’s the ‘Upcoming’ subscriptions altogether and… let’s just say, rely on
section – a subtle but effective Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli,
alternative ways to watch content.”
retention tool. “I check the Matthias Schoenaerts, Uma Thurman
upcoming tab regularly and Director: Victoria Mahoney
add things to my watchlist. Stacking of subscriptions Duration: 1hr, 47min
Even if there’s nothing Just because you pay for a streaming Language: English (A)
Should you watch it?
interesting right now, that tab service doesn’t mean you can watch Streaming on: Netflix Stream it if you’re invested in
convinces me to stay,” says everything on that platform. Some films these characters and enjoy
Amrita Chandan, another need to be rented or bought separately stylish action–just temper your
regular viewer. on platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Review in short expectations for plot cohesion
It’s not just fear of missing Prime Video. A monthly fee often doesn’t or any standalone payoff.
out – it’s fear of the hassle that cover everything. The Old Guard 2 delivers slick visuals and
comes with resubscribing. She It’s the new normal – subscriptions adrenaline-fueled action, anchored by a
adds, ”A lot of my friends say, stacked within subscriptions, platforms compelling Charlize Theron. As Andy grapples with her lost immortality, the return of
‘What if I unsubscribe and offering add-ons, rentals, bundles, and Quỳnh (Veronica Ngô) and the mysterious Discord (Uma Thurman) brings emotional
then something drops, and paywalls inside paywalls. Mili Peter, a weight and tension. Director Mahoney stages one memorable long-take reunion scene
now I have to sign in again, viewer in her early 40s says, “Still, I won’t and sharp opening action, but the sequel succumbs to excessive lore-dumping and
reset my password, etc?’ So cancel it. Because I don’t want to lose underwhelming choreography. While the Theron-Thurman face-off lands, other threads
they just keep it.” the library.” – including a cliffhanger ending – feel unresolved. Still, thanks to its cast and polish, the
film stays watchable, even if it doesn’t fully sharpen its edge. – Neil Soans

Street Fighter cast revealed NEED HELP DECIDING WHAT TO

WATCH? WE’VE GOT YOU
Abhishek’s moving act is the
key to this slice-of-life drama
UMESH SHUKLA
(102 Not Out & OMG director) KAALIDHAR LAAPATA
(Drama)
recommends a ½
Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Daivik
psychological crime drama Bhagela, Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub
and a mockumentary Director: Madhumita
Duration: 1hr, 49min
crime thriller Language: Hindi (U)
Streaming on: Zee5
Adolescence: “The Should you watch it?
subject of the series
is quite awakening. Kaalidhar Laapata is a
David Dastmalchian Callina Liang Orville Peck
The series stays Review in short touching, slice-of-life drama
with you for a long that ends on an uplifting note

F
ans have been waiting for a new Liang stepping into the role of Chun-Li, When a middle-aged man, Kaalidhar and makes for a decent watch.
live-action Street Fighter and Andrew Schulz as Dan Hibiki. time.” (Abhishek Bachchan), starts suffering from
adaptation since the 1994 camp These new faces join an already star- Black, White memory loss and hallucinations, his family
cult classic, starring Jean-Claude Van studded cast that features Andrew Koji & Gray – decides to abandon him. Having stumbled upon their intentions, a heartbroken
Damme, Raúl Juliá, Kylie Minogue, and (Ryu), Noah Centineo (Ken), Jason Love Kills: Kaalidhar decides to leave on his own. During his journey, he meets an orphan, Ballu
Ming-Na Wen. Now, after more than two Momoa (Blanka), Cody Rhodes (Guile), “The show has (Daivik Bhagela), and the two forge an unlikely friendship. Despite a few bumps in the
years in development, a new film is Roman Reigns, and Curtis “50 Cent” a certain sense storyline, Kaalidhar and Ballu’s endearing bond is a joy to watch. Daivik is confident,
finally in the works. The film will be Jackson (Balrog). of intrigue to perky and warm. Abhishek’s moving performance subtly brings out Kaalidhar’s
directed by Kitao Sakurai and is set to Launched in 1987, Street Fighter is it. It’s a fiction vulnerable yet mature side, which is central to the film’s plot. – Sreeparna Sengupta
be released in 2026. While the story for a series of fighting games revolving treated like a
the film remains tightly under wraps, around intense one-on-one battles documentary Want a more detailed review? Head to etimes.in
casting news has been coming in fast between a diverse lineup of martial and is a great
and furious. Recently announced artists. The film adaptation is being watch.” TRASH  | BELOW AVERAGE  | AVERAGE ½ |
additions to the roster include David co-developed and co-produced with – As told to Tanvi Trivedi RATING
Dastmalchian as the iconic villain M the developer and publisher of the SCALE ABOVE AVERAGE  | GOOD  ½ | VERY GOOD  |
Bison, Orville Peck as Vega, Callina video games. OUTSTANDING  ½ | MASTERPIECE
CCI NG 3.7 Product: TIMSMumbaiBS
CCI NG 3.7
PubDate:
Product:
05-07-2025
TIMSMumbaiBS
Zone: Bombay
PubDate:Edition:
05-07-2025
1 Page:
Zone:
BTGRWK
Bombay User:
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1 Page: BTBKM1
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User: rajesh.nair1
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TIMSMumbaiBS PubDate: 05-07-2025
Zone: Bombay Zone:BTBKM2
Edition: 1 Page: Bombay User:
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12 SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

BOMBAY TIMES, THE TIMES OF INDIA SHOWBIZ

01
02

03
PARASITE
Bong Joon Ho
MULHOLLAND
DRIVE
David Lynch
THERE WILL
BE BLOOD
The
100 best movies of the 21st century as per The New York Times

53
51

52
12 YEARS A
SLAVE
Steve McQueen
THE
FAVOURITE
Yorgos Lanthimos
BORAT
Larry Charles
Paul Thomas
Anderson 54 PAN’S
LABYRINTH
04 IN THE MOOD
FOR LOVE
Guillermo Del Toro
Wong Kar Wai 55 INCEPTION
Christopher Nolan
05 MOONLIGHT
Barry Jenkins 56 PUNCH-
DRUNK LOVE
06 NO COUNTRY Paul Thomas
FOR OLD MEN Anderson
Joel & Ethan Coen
57 BEST IN SHOW
07 ETERNAL
SUNSHINE OF
Christopher Guest

THE SPOTLESS 58 UNCUT GEMS

MIND Michel Gondry Josh and Benny
Safdie
08 GET OUT
59 TONI

1 2
Jordan Peele

3 4
ERDMANN
SPIRITED AWAY THERE WILL IN THE MOOD Maren Ade
09 Hayao Miyazaki MULHOLLAND BE BLOOD FOR LOVE 60 WHIPLASH
10 THE SOCIAL PARASITE DRIVE Paul Thomas Damien Chazelle
NETWORK Bong Joon Ho David Lynch Anderson Wong Kar Wai KILL BILL VOL. 1
David Fincher 61 Quentin Tarantino
11 MAD MAX:
FURY ROAD 62 MEMENTO
George Miller Christopher Nolan

Interstellar at 89?
THE ZONE OF 63 LITTLE MISS
12 INTEREST SUNSHINE
Jonathan Glazer Dayton & Faris

13 CHILDREN OF MEN
Alfonso Cuaron
64 GONE GIRL
David Fincher

INGLOURIOUS 65 OPPENHEIMER
14

Oppenheimer at 65?
BASTERDS Christopher Nolan
Quentin Tarantino
CITY OF GOD 66 SPOTLIGHT
Tom McCarthy
15 Fernando Meirelles
67 TAR
16 CROUCHING TIGER, Todd Field
HIDDEN DRAGON
Ang Lee 68 THE HURT
LOCKER
17 BROKEBACK
MOUNTAIN
NYT’s 100 best films of the 21st century leaves cinephiles divided Kathryn Bigelow

Ang Lee over ranking of their favourites and some surprising omissions 69 UNDER THE SKIN
Jonathan Glazer
18 Y TU MAMA
TAMBIEN
Alfonso Cuaron
Arushi Jain 70 LET THE RIGHT
ONE IN
Tomas Alfredson
ZODIAC
19
A
s we near the end of the first quarter of OCEAN’S
David Fincher
the 21st century, The New York Times has 71 ELEVEN
Steven Soderbergh
20 THE WOLF OF
WALL STREET
done what cinephiles love most, com-
piled a “best of ” list. This time, it isn’t for the
Martin Scorsese 72 CAROL
past year, but for the past 25 years in cinema. Todd Haynes
21 THE ROYAL While some movie lovers eagerly tallied how
TENENBAUMS 73 RATATOUILLE
many titles they’ve seen and bookmarked the Brad Bird
Wes Anderson rest, others were quick to object to the absence of
THE GRAND their personal favourites. 74 THE FLORIDA
22 BUDAPEST HOTEL PROJECT
(Sean Baker)
Wes Anderson How did they come
BOYHOOD 75 AMOUR
23 Richard Linklater up with the list Michael Haneke
To determine the best films of the past 25
24 HER years, The New York Times polled over 500 76 O BROTHER,
WHERE ART
Spike Jonze
filmmakers, actors, and other prominent figures THOU
PHANTOM THREAD Joel & Ethan Coen
25 Paul Thomas Anderson
from the film industry. Each participant was
asked to name their 10 favourite films released 77EVERYTHING
EVERYWHERE
26 ANATOMY
Justine Triet
OF A FALL since January 1, 2000. The responses were then
ALL AT ONCE The
compiled by the NYT, in collaboration with The Daniels
ADAPTATION Upshot, to create the final list of 100.
27 Spike Jonze Notable voters included Oscar-winning 78 AFTERSUN
Charlotte Wells
THE DARK KNIGHT directors like Bong Joon Ho, Pedro Almodóvar,
28 Christopher Nolan Sofia Coppola, Barry Jenkins, and Guillermo del WITH 5 FILMS, NOLAN 79 TREE OF LIFE
Terrence Malick
29 ARRIVAL
Toro, along with actors such as Chiwetel Ejiofor,
Julianne Moore, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, and
LEADS THE PACK
Denis Villeneuve VOLVER
80 Pedro Almodovar
John Turturro. Director #of films
30 LOST IN TRANSLATION
Sofia Coppola Christopher Nolan 5 81 BLACK SWAN
THE DEPARTED Martin KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE LIST Paul Thomas Anderson 4
Darren Aronofsky
31 Scorsese 82 THE ACT OF
BRIDESMAIDS
Franchise fatigue is real Joel & Ethan Coen 4 KILLING
Joshua Oppenheimer
32 Paul Feig The list barely has reboots, remakes, and franchise- World cinema is thriving Alfonso Cuaron 4

A SEPARATION
driven films - which have become a staple in
Cinephiles are no longer confined to English-
David Fincher 3 83 INSIDE
DAVIS
LLEWYN
33 Asghar Farhadi Hollywood. Traditional star vehicles, too, were limited.
language films - world cinema has become a Quentin Tarantino 3 Joel & Ethan Coen
compelling destination. The list reflects this shift, with Wes Anderson 2
34 WALL-E
Andrew Stanton titles like Parasite (Korean), Roma (Spanish), Anatomy 84 MELANCHOLIA
Lars Von Trier
Spike Jonze 2
A PROPHET
OTT films are Only 11 films of a Fall (French), The Zone of Interest (German), ANCHORMAN
35 Richard Linklater 2 85
Jacques Audiard nearly absent directed by Portrait of a Lady on Fire (French), and The Worst
Person in the World (Norwegian) earning spots. Even Ang Lee 2
Adam McKay
PAST LIVES
36 A SERIOUS MAN
Joel & Ethan Coen
While streaming women Everything Everywhere All At Once blends Mandarin, 86 Celine Song
platforms have Cantonese, and English, while much of Céline Song’s
Only 11 of the films
37 CALL ME BY YOUR NAME significantly reshaped
were directed by 2023 drama Past Lives unfolds in Korean. Cinephiles debate 87 THE FELLOWSHIP
OF THE RING
Luca Guadagnino how we consume
movies, their presence women, including Lost films on the list Peter Jackson
38 PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON in Translation (2003) by
Diverse voices are there,
FIRE Celine Sciamma on the list is minimal.
Only one film produced Sofia Coppola, Lady Bird
As with any “best of” list, consensus is
elusive. Cinephiles have taken to social
88 THE GLEANERS
AND I
39 LADY BIRD by a streaming service, (2017) by Greta Gerwig, but not many media to debate the rankings. Some Agnes Varda
Greta Gerwig Past Lives (2023) by Only four Black directors have movies on the list, Barry
YI YI
Netflix, made the cut:
Celine Song, and none Jenkins (Moonlight), Jordan Peele (Get Out), Steve
were shocked by certain placements, 89 INTERSTELLAR
Christopher Nolan
40 Edward Yang
Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma
were in the Top 20
“Interstellar at 89???” wrote one
at No. 46 McQueen (12 Years a Slave), Ryan Coogler (Black Panther) Instagram user, while others questioned
AMELIE the inclusion of titles in the Top 10, “The 90 FRANCES HA
Noah Baumbach
41 Jean-Pierre Jeunet Social Network and Get Out… really?”
91 FISH TANK
42 THE MASTER A new list based on readers’ view While some viewers were thrilled to
see their tastes reflected by renowned
Andrea Arnold
Paul Thomas Anderson
After the original list, NYT did a readers’ poll, in which over GLADIATOR
filmmakers, others were quick to share 92
43 OLDBOY
Park Chan-wook
200,000 people participated. In the readers’ list there are what they felt was missing. Among the
Ridley Scott
several films that didn’t make it to the original 100 – Sinners, frequently mentioned omissions are MICHAEL CLAYTON
ONCE UPON A TIME IN Barbie, Mean Girls, not one but two Dune movies, Django 93 Tony Gilroy
44 HOLLYWOOD Unchained, Little Women, Hereditary, Blade Runner 2049,
Blade Runner 2049, Joker, Anora, Pride
and Prejudice. MINORITY REPORT
Quentin Tarantino Avengers: Endgame — and international films like Drive My 94 Steven Spielberg
MONEYBALL Car and The Handmaiden. Christopher Nolan crushed it
45 Bennett Miller again, landing two titles in the top 10 — Interstellar and The 95 THE WORST PERSON
IN THE WORLD
ROMA Dark Knight — and an impressive seven films in the Top 100. Joachim Trier
46 Alfonso Cuaron Films like Parasite, Mulholland Drive, The Social Network
stood firm in their rankings. 96 BLACK PANTHER
Ryan Coogler
47 ALMOST FAMOUS
Cameron Crowe Here are the top 10 from
the new list: 97 GRAVITY
Alfonso Cuaron
48 THE LIVES OF OTHERS
Florian Henckel Von
 Parasite
Donnersmarck  Mulholland Drive 98 GRIZZLY MAN
Werner Herzog
 No Country for Old Men
BEFORE SUNSET
49 Richard Linklater  There Will Be Blood 99 MEMORIES OF A
MURDER
 Interstellar Bong Joon-ho

5
50 UP!
Pete Docter  The Dark Knight
100 SUPERBAD
MOONLIGHT  Mad Max: Fury Road Greg Motolla
 Spirited Away
Barry Jenkins  Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
 The Social Network

()

7
ETERNAL

6 8 9 10
NO COUNTRY SUNSHINE OF THE SPIRITED THE SOCIAL
FOR OLD MEN SPOTLESS MIND GET OUT AWAY NETWORK
Joel & Ethan Michel Gondry Jordan Peele Hayao David Fincher
Coen Miyazaki
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14 SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

BOMBAY TIMES, THE TIMES OF INDIA VARIETY

THE WORLD’S FAVE OFFICE SNACK A still from

The Internship

Working late?
It’s pizza o’clock JU N E 18
I
f the recent Pentagon’s Pizza Index
banter is anything to go by, pizza is
the culinary equivalent of a
team huddle: no-fuss, no-cutlery,
endlessly shareable when
working hours spill over into
extra time. Whether it’s thin
crust or deep dish, paneer tikka
or pineapple, pizza brings people
together – a peace offering wrapped in
cheese. More than just food, it’s a ritual:
a break from screens, a debate over
toppings, a moment of solidarity even
when the project is in chaos or a conflict
is unfolding on the screens, as in case of
the Pentagon. So much so that TV shows
often feature a scene that depicts pizza time United in diversity
at the office. From Naples to Nairobi, the dish has evolved to
match local tastes: In India, paneer tikka and
tandoori chicken are now staples; in South Korea,
The business of you’ll find sweet potato mousse and corn on top; Pizza
office pizza in Brazil, green peas are standard, and in the US, in office
Pizza: A staple
According to Data Intello, the global debates still rage over pineapple. lunch services
office lunch service market was valued at In cultures where solo eating is the norm at work accounted for on TV
– in many Southeast Asian countries, like Japan,
approximately $15.4 billion in 2023 and
is projected to reach around $30.5 billion
by 2032. Given the dominance of pizza in
for instance – quick small bites work better than a
whole pizza. These include bowl meals – poke bowls
$720 mn
globally
Hugely popular sitcoms
revolving around the workplace
have often featured pizza in
QSR (67%), and its popularity as lunch, it’s and bibimbap – sandwiches and wraps (or the kathi office settings, using the dish
rolls in India) and pasta and noodles, and a host of
in 2024
reasonable to estimate pizza makes up 10- as a symbol of bonding, chaos,
20% of office lunch spending. Euromonitor healthier options (including vegan and fruit bowls). comfort, or even bribery.
reports that of the $150-billion global When it comes to group meals, though, pizza The Office: Pizza is practically a
pizza market in 2024, office lunch services remains a global hit – easy to share, customisable, recurring character in the popular sitcom. In
accounted for $360-720 million. Food and re-heatable. the Launch Party episode of Season 4, Michael
delivery apps also confirm that it’s the In India, most pizzas are orde-red during the orders a ridiculous amount of
most ordered evening hours, particularly between 7pm and 11pm. pizza from Alfredo’s Pizza Café
office meal This period aligns with dinner time and overtime, — mistaking it for Pizza by
worldwide. according to restaurantindia.in. Alfredo – a rival
pizzeria hated by
everyone.
Brooklyn
A still from
Nine-Nine:
The Office
Pizza is a part
of stakeouts,
celebrations
and late-night
paperwork in many
episodes of this
police sitcom.
30 Rock: Liz Lemon
(Tina Fey) is powered
by pizza in this
popular sitcom;
she’s seen eating
cold office pizza for
breakfast, hoarding
slices during late
writing nights, and
even stealing pizza
from the intern. A still from
Scandal

Tie it like the stars

How to: Dry corn at
home for perfectly
Rock the bandana with effortless flair — just like
poppable popcorn
these Bollywood actresses
Natasha Coutinho The
word
bandana is

A
lia Bhatt recently turned
bridesmaid for her friend’s believed to have
wedding in Spain, but what originated from the
caught the attention of netizens is Sanskrit word badhnati,
how she gave her lehenga a crea- meaning to bind or to
tive twist by teaming it with a tie. Bandanas are often
matching bandana. The cool new made of cotton, but silk
alternative to the traditional dupat- versions have also
ta has been going viral. been popular

EFFORTLESS WAYS TO
ELEVATE YOUR LOOK
WITH A BANDANA
A bandana can bring youthful energy to your
outfit. It adds a playful, boho twist and is perfect
for daytime.
PRINT ON PRINT: Go bold and bright. A cropped
fitted choli adds the right amount of structure
to the flowy, fun look. Match your bandana
to your outfit.
upside down in a cool,
KEEP MAKE-UP FRESH AND MINIMAL: Let CHOOSE THE RIGHT dry space. Ensure good
the outfit shine. Accessorise lightly - let the VARIETY air circulation to prevent
prints and texture do the talking. Use popcorn-specific
RECOMMENDED COLOURS: Bright tones mould and spoilage.
corn like Yellow Pearl or
like mustard, rani pink and emerald pop Strawberry Popcorn. Sweet LET IT AIR-DRY
beautifully on Indian skin tones. Dusky or corn or dent corn won’t pop Leave the corn hanging
deeper skin tones should go for jewel tones properly because for several weeks until
like wine, cobalt and olive. Fair to medium their moisture and starch the kernels are rock hard.
KATRINA KAIF tones should opt for turmeric yellow, mint green
or coral.
levels differ. This helps preserve the
internal structure needed
Katrina paired an orange shirt with swimwear and added a pop
LET THE BANDANA DO THE TALKING: Skip the LET THE CORN for popping. Drying time
of colour with a necklace. She completed the breezy look with a
head jewellery and keep it clean. Wear playful ALIA BHATT MATURE FULLY can vary depending on
printed bandana Leave the ears on the
studs or an ear cuff that looks cute without Alia opted for a multi-colour, multi-panel bandhani skirt the weather and humidity.
stealing the focus. Add a mix of bangles or plant until the husks turn Check the corn weekly to
paired with a vintage mirror embroidered crop choli. She
a single bold cuff on one hand, let the other brown and papery, and monitor progress.
‘Bandana with lehenga is a hand be empty and stack rings. Keep your
completed the look with a tiered bandhani potli and a
the kernels feel hard. This
matching purple bandhani bandana TEST A FEW KERNELS
fresh take on fashion’ hairstyle simple to let the bandana and outfit ensures the kernels develop
the right texture and Try popping 5–10 kernels
take centre stage. Going
Bandanas have played a big role in fashion moisture for popping. in hot oil or a popcorn
big on the potli, embroidered
with western celebrities Sarah Jessica Parker, machine. If they don’t pop
Rihanna and others teaming them up with
or mirror work works best. Wear HARVEST WITH HUSKS well, the corn still contains
comfy juttis or embroidered INTACT
casuals. Stylist Khyati Busa says, “Bandanas are too much moisture and
slides. Last but not least Pick the ears when the
a versatile and stylish accessory that can add a needs more drying time.
add tinted sunnies for an stalks and ears have fully
pop of colour to any outfit, including traditional A dull pop or no pop at all
outdoor function. dried naturally. Keeping the
Indian wear. Embellishments like tassels, sequins, usually means the kernels
— Tips by Ankita Mane, stylist husks on helps protect the
or embroidery can be added to the bandana for are still too wet.
kernels. The ears should
extra glamour and flair.”
feel hard and dry to STORE IN AIRTIGHT
KIARA ADVANI the touch, with brown, CONTAINER
A bandana can be used Kiara opted for a metallic papery husks. Place the kernels in a
sealed jar or container
as a neckpiece with a crop top with beadwork PULL BACK HUSKS to prevent them from
and embellishments,
kurta for a modern twist or as and teamed it with a NEHA Gently peel back the husks
without removing them
absorbing moisture. Mason
a headband with a lehenga or pair of abstract DHUPIA entirely to allow airflow.
jars or vacuum-sealed
bags work well for long-
printed palazzo Neha Dhupia’s
anarkali for a chic vibe. It can pants. She wore a glittery bandana
This also makes it easier to term storage. Keep them
tie and hang the corn.
also be used as a hair bandana as the brought a touch in a cool, dark place to
accessory by tying a bandana headgear in the of drama to her HANG CORN IN A maintain freshness. Label
same print as look, perfectly WELL-VENTILATED, the jar with the date for
around a bun or ponytail for the palazzo paired with a bold DRY AREA easy tracking. Properly
a chic and elegant look pants green faux fur Use string or a clothesline dried and stored, popcorn
- Khyati Busa, stylist coat to hang the corn cobs kernels can last for months.
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