Thank your doctor for asking you to have folic acid during pregnancy. By doing so you may have shielded your child’s future risk of obesity, a study reveals. This is more in the case of mothers who were obese. Folic acid or folate — an essential B vitamin — reduces the foetus’ risk for neural tube defects, which are malformations affecting the brain, spine and spinal cord. “Maternal nutrition during pregnancy can have long-lasting effects on child health, as well as the health of a mother after pregnancy,” said lead researcher Xiaobin Wang, from Johns Hopkins University in the US.
The study, published online in JAMA Pediatrics, suggested that adequate maternal folate may mitigate the effect of a mother’s obesity on her child’s health.
“Folate is well known for preventing brain and spinal cord defects in a developing foetus, but its effects on metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity, is less understood,” added Cuilin Zhang from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) in the US. During pregnancy, maternal obesity increases the risk for a range of pregnancy complications, such as stillbirth, birth defects and preterm birth, the researchers said.
The findings showed that babies born to obese mothers have long-term health risks, including a higher risk of obesity in childhood. Obese mothers in the study tended to have lower folate levels than normal weight mothers. Children of mothers who had the lowest levels of folate in the gestation period showed the highest risk of obesity.
“This study uncovers what may be an additional benefit of folate and identifies a possible strategy for reducing childhood obesity,” Zhang noted.
However, the children of obese mothers with adequate folate levels (at least 20 nm/L) showed a 43 per cent lower risk of obesity compared to children of obese mothers with lower folate (less than 20 nm/L).
Conversely, when folate levels reached approximately 20 nanomoles per litre (nm/L), which is within the normal range for adults, further increases in folic acid did not confer additional benefits, indicating a threshold or ceiling effect. Establishing an “optimal” rather than “minimal” folate concentration may be beneficial for women planning a pregnancy, especially obese women, the researchers suggested. For the study, the team analysed health records of more than 1,500 mother-child pairs, ranging from two to nine-years-old.
Month: June 2023
-
Folic acid during pregnancy could cut obesity risk in children
-
Nawabi Pulao
Ingredients
1/2 kg chicken
1/4 kg mutton
1/2 kg rice
1 cup curd, well beaten
1 cup milk
3 onions
2 eggs
1/2 cup green peas, shelled
1 pod arlic
1 big piece of ginger
1 tsp rose water
Ghee or oil for frying
Salt to taste
Method
1. Clean and wash rice and soak it in water for 15 minutes.
2. Cook the rice till half done. Keep aside. 3. Clean and cut the mutton into cubes. Joint the chicken. Boil the eggs and keep aside.
4. Slice the onions. Grind ginger and garlic to a paste.
5. Heat ghee in a frying pan, add onions, ginger-garlic paste and fry well.
6. Add the jointed chicken and fry. Add 3 cups of water and salt to taste and cook on slow fire till the meat is tender and only 1/3 of the gravy is left.
7. Add some more ghee and the well beaten curd. Cook on a slow fire until the curd gets absorbed.
8. Add 1 tsp of rose water after the meat has cooled.
9. Take a heavy bottomed pan and arrange alternate layers of rice and cooked meat taking care that the first and last layers are that of rice.
10. Place in an oven and cook for about 15-20 minutes on low heat.
11. Garnish with fried onions, quartered boiled eggs and boiled green peas. -
New drug to stop deadly brain cancer from worsening shows promise
The first clinical trial analysing a targeted therapy drug specifically developed to treat deadly brain cancer has shown that it can extend the amount of time people with glioma are on treatment without their cancer worsening.
The finding suggests a possible new treatment option for people with the slow-growing but deadly brain tumor.
Researchers from the University of California-Los Angeles found the drug vorasidenib, manufactured by French drug company Servier Pharmaceuticals, more than doubled progression-free survival in people with recurrent grade 2 glioma.
Compared with people who received a placebo, people who took vorasidenib went for nearly 17 more months without their cancer worsening, delaying the time before they needed to begin chemotherapy and radiation.
The results of the trial were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and were also presented at the ongoing annual meeting of the American Society Clinical Oncology in Chicago, US.
The type of glioma studied in the paper, recurrent grade 2 glioma with IDH1 and IDH2 mutations, tends to affect younger people, often those in their 30s.
The current standard treatment, a combination of radiation and chemotherapy, can cause neurological deficits that make it hard for patients to learn, remember new things, concentrate or make everyday decisions — all of which can be especially challenging for people who have young families or are in the early years of their professional lives.
According to Dr Timothy Cloughesy, Professor of neuro-oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, the availability of a treatment that enables patients to go for longer periods of time between chemotherapy and radiation treatments could have a major impact.
“We’re always concerned about the delayed effects of radiation,” said Cloughesy. “Having the ability to hold off on getting radiation therapy to the brain with effective therapy is really critical and very meaningful to this population of patients.” Vorasidenib is a brain-penetrant inhibitor, which means that it has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. The drug has not yet been approved by the US FDA for clinical use. Source: IANS -
Eating junk food linked with reduced deep sleep quality: Study
Consuming an unhealthier diet is associated with a lower quality of deep sleep, according to a small-scale study. Deep sleep, the third stage of sleep, repairs and restores necessary functions such as memory, muscle growth, and immunity. Researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden analysed how junk food affects sleep. Healthy participants consumed an unhealthier as well as a healthier diet in a randomised order.
The study, recently published in the journal Obesity, shows that after eating the junk food, the quality of the participants’ deep sleep deteriorated, compared with those who followed the healthier diet. “Both poor diet and poor sleep increase the risk of several public health conditions,” said Jonathan Cedernaes, Associate Professor at Uppsala University.
A total of 15 healthy normal-weight young men participated in two sessions of the study. Participants were first screened for aspects such as their sleep habits, which had to be normal and within the recommended range of seven to nine hours per night.
The participants were randomly given both a healthier diet and an unhealthier diet. The two diets contained the same number of calories, adjusted to each individual’s daily requirements. Among other things, the unhealthier diet contained a higher content of sugar and saturated fat and more processed food items. Each diet was consumed for a week, while the participants’ sleep, activity and meal schedules were monitored at an individual level. “What we saw was that the participants slept for the same amount of time when they consumed the two diets. This was the case both while they were following the diets, as well as after they had switched to another, identical diet,” said Cedernaes.
The researchers looked at slow-wave activity, a measure that can reflects how restorative deep sleep is. Source: PTI -
Higher blood pressure risk linked to oral estrogen hormone use in women
According to research, women aged 45 and more who used oestrogen hormone treatment in tablet form were more likely to develop high blood pressure than those who used transdermal (topically applied to the skin) or vaginal formulations. The findings of the research were published in Hypertension, a peer-reviewed American Heart Association journal. According to the American Heart Association, a woman’s body generates less oestrogen and progesterone after menopause, which may raise her risk for cardiovascular disorders such as heart failure.
Previous research has found that some hormone therapies may reduce cardiovascular disease risk in menopausal women under 60 years old or who have had menopause for less than 10 years. While high blood pressure is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the possible effects of different forms of hormone treatment on blood pressure in menopausal women remain unknown, according to the authors of this study.
“We know estrogens ingested orally are metabolized through the liver, and this is associated with an increase in factors that can lead to higher blood pressure,” said lead study author Cindy Kalenga, an M.D./Ph.D.-candidate at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada.
“We know that post-menopausal women have increased risk of high blood pressure when compared to pre-menopausal women, furthermore, previous studies have shown that specific types of hormone therapy have been associated with higher rates of heart disease,” Kalenga said. “We chose to dive deeper into factors associated with hormone therapy, such as the route of administration (oral vs. non-oral) and type of estrogen, and how they may affect blood pressure.” This study involved a large group of over 112,000 women, ages 45 years and older, who filled at least two consecutive prescriptions (a six-month cycle) for estrogen-only hormone therapy, as identified from health administrative data in Alberta, Canada between 2008 and 2019. The main outcome of high blood pressure (hypertension) was identified via health records.
First, researchers investigated the relationship between route of estrogen-only hormone therapy administration and risk of developing high blood pressure at least one year after starting the treatment. The three different routes of hormone therapy administration were oral (by mouth), transdermal and vaginal application. Additionally, researchers evaluated the formulation of estrogen used and the risk of developing high blood pressure. For this study, the researchers reviewed medical records of individuals taking estrogen-only hormone therapy. -
Vicky Kaushal calls his marriage to Katrina Kaif ‘paranthas weds pancakes’
Vicky Kaushal recently called his wedding to actor Katrina Kaif ‘paranthas weds pancakes.’ While Vicky is known for his desi Punjabi boy charm, Katrina has spent most of her time in London. Despite their differences, the two make one of the most popular couples in Bollywood. Vicky and Katrina were rumoured to be dating, however, they kept it a secret for quite some time and never confirmed their relationship. They finally made their relationship public when tied the knot in Rajasthan in December 2021. Their wedding was one of the biggest events of the year.
Talking about Katrina, Vicky was recently asked if his wife Katrina likes to eat parantha as she is health conscious. Vicky revealed that Katrina loves eating parantha prepared by her mother-in-law. He told News Tak, “Our marriage is paranthas weds pancakes. They are the same only. She loves pancakes, I love paranthas.” He also said, “Even she eats parathas. She loves mom ke haath ke paranthe (Katrina loves paranthas made by my mom).”
During the same interview, Vicky also shared his thoughts on love marriages and arranged marriages. He was asked which one he would recommend as he is a married man now. He said, “Love is important, marriage could be love or arranged. Understanding and compassion are important. It is important to understand that they are a different person, you are a different person and you have to come to an understanding as a couple. She doesn’t have to agree with me fully, and I don’t have to agree with her always. If that understanding exists, it doesn’t matter if the marriage is arranged or love. It should give happiness to the family, and to them most importantly.”
Vicky is currently busy with the success of his latest film, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke. The film stars him with Sara Ali Khan for the first time. Directed by Laxman Utekar, the romantic comedy is currently doing well at the box office. It has made a collection of Rs 30 crore so far. Source: HT -
Manoj Bajpayee’s Joram heads to Durban International Film Festival
The upcoming Manoj Bajpayee-starrer film Joram is set to be screened at the Durban International Film Festival which will be held from July 20 to July 30. The film has been directed by Devashish Makhija and marks his third collaboration with Manoj Bajpayee. Reacting to the news of the film heading to the film festival, Manoj said, “Joram is a very special film and I am simply fascinated with all the love that the film is garnering at the global level. Devashish has done a laudable job and no one could have backed the project better than Zee Studios. Am delighted that now the film is going to the Durban International Film Festival.”
The film, which also stars Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Smita Tambe and Megha Mathur in pivotal roles, and Tannishtha Chatterjee and Rajshri Deshpande in special appearances, is a hard-hitting psychological thriller about a displaced man who is on the run to protect his daughter. Source: IANS -
Lust Stories 2 teaser eclipsed by comments on Tamannaah & Vijay
The teaser of the Netflix anthology Lust Stories 2 released on Tuesday afternoon and it navigated its way to the top of trends list soon after it released. The teaser consists of four anthology stories. However, there is one pairing in the film that the Internet is most thrilled about – Vijay Varma and Tamannaah, who are rumoured to be dating in real life as well. On the post shared by Vijay Varma, the comments are all about Tamannaah. An Instagram user wrote, “You and Tamannaah, Oh my God.” “Meri tamannaah hai ki aapki yeh series bahut hit ho (I wish for this series to be a big hit),” a second read. A third added, “Humari tamannah hai ki aapki story tamam darshakon ko pasand aye ( we wish that your story is liked by the audience),” inputs from another user. “So we get to see you and Tammy,” another one added. “Can’t wait to see my most favourite actors Vijay and Tamannaah,” another comment read.
-
Jared Leto seen climbing hotel wall in Berlin
In an unexpected turn of events, actor Jared Leto was spotted climbing a wall of a hotel in Germany without using any harness. The video went viral on the internet soon after and sparked hilarious reactions. Jared Leto was spotted wearing a black tee with a pair of joggers, as he was seen climbing the stone wall of the five-star Hotel De Rome in Berlin without a harness. He climbed only a few feet off the ground to the hotel balcony, before tracing his way down by climbing back through the stone wall again. Although the intentions behind this act is still unclear, he was seen there with TikToker Younes Zarou, according to a report by TMZ. The actor was also seen shooting some other segments near the hotel, that included a smoke-filled shot as well. The small clip of Jared climbing the hotel wall went viral on Twitter, and generated hilarious responses. A tweet read, “bro thinks he is tom cruise.”
-
Jennifer Aniston’s idea of workout at the age of 54
Jennifer Aniston has stopped doing “painful” workouts and is more “mindful” of exercises these days so she can remain on her feet forever. The 54-year-old actress explained that she used to force herself to do up to an hour of intense physical exercise every day but in recent times she has started to favour “small movements” to keep her in shape. She said, “The workouts I used to do were exhausting and painful. It’s functional exercise. It’s mindful, it’s small movements. My mind used to (tell) me that if I didn’t do 45 minutes to an hour workout, I wasn’t drenched, (it wasn’t enough). I put my body through it and over time, breaking your body, pushing your body that hard is just diminishing returns. And as long as I’m going to live, I want to be able to move!” The Friends star went on to urge her fans to do a small amount of exercise every day. She said, “Just do 10 to 20 minutes, you can do anything for 10 to 20 minutes. You start to enjoy it, that’s the other thing. I really do push myself, just at least do that little bit. I’ll immediately feel incredible. You just instantly start to feel those endorphins and that energy. “Not so much my parents’ generation. So I would watch their bodies decline. If I’m going to be 75, 85 years old, I don’t want to be in a wheelchair. I don’t want someone to have to lift me up and take me to the bathroom. Mindfulness, mindfulness. That’s all it is!” Source: IANS
-
Are Shakira and Lewis Hamilton dating?
Rumours are rife that Shakira and Lewis Hamilton are dating after the pair was spotted over the weekend in Spain. The two were seen having dinner together on Sunday night, June 4. It is believed that the couple first crossed paths at Cipriani in Downtown Miami. Earlier, a group of people including Mustafa the Poet and Kendall Jenner’s friend Fai Khadra, celebrated Hamilton’s success at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he made a second place finish. He was spotted at one point with his arm wrapped around Shakira’s waist as they posed for a group photo. Hamilton even joked recently that he needs to look for a “Latina” girlfriend. Shakira and Hamilton were first seen together last month. While many fans have assumed the two are dating, they have not officially confirmed the news. Shakira, a mother of two children, was spotted boating with a group in Miami last month. Hamilton was also spotted in the group. The athlete was seen helping her as she boarded the yacht outside her waterfront mansion.
This comes after Shakira’s bitter separation from Gerard Piqué last June. The couple parted ways after Pique allegedly cheated on her. The two began dating in 2011 and were together for 11 years. Shakira and Pique met on the set of her song ‘Waka Waka’ back in 2010. The song’s music video featured several popular soccer stars, including Pique. Source: HT -
Taylor Swift and Matty Healy reportedly break up
Taylor Swift and Matty Healy have called it quits after fueling romance rumours for about a month. Tayler and Healy have been linked since early May and have been spotted in public together several times.
“She had fun with him, but it was always casual,” says a source. “They are no longer romantically involved.” Healy was also seen at all six of Swift’s Eras Tour shows in Nashville and Philadelphia, along with Swift’s father Scott and friends like Blake Lively and Gigi Hadid. Source: ANI -
Swara Bhasker announces pregnancy with Fahad Ahmad
Swara Bhasker is beaming with joy and love as she is expecting her first child with husband Fahad Ahmad. The actress announced the news with mushy photos of herself and Fahad caressing her baby bump. In no time, her friends and colleagues from Bollywood swamped the comments section with congratulatory wishes. From “masi” Sonam Kapoor to Richa Chadha, heartwarming wishes arrived for the parents-to-be from every corner. “Sometimes all your prayers are answered all together! Blessed, grateful, excited (and clueless!) as we step into a whole new world! #comingsoon #Family #newarrival #gratitude #octoberbaby,” read Swara’s caption that sent the internet into a tizzy.
Resharing the post on her Instagram Stories, Sonam Kapoor extended her warm wishes to her Veere Di Wedding co-star with these words: “Congratulations Swara, I’m so so happy for you both.” Swara Bhasker replied to it with an equally adorable note: “Thank you, Sonam masi.”
In the comments section of Swara Bhasker’s post, new mom Gauahar Khan commented: “Many congratulations (red heart icon) all blessings and love.” Richa Chadha sent “badhaai, badhaai, badhaai” with lots of heart emojis. -
RBI holds rates, vows to keep price stability
New Delhi (TIP)- The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), on the basis of an assessment of the current and evolving macroeconomic situation, on June 8 decided to keep the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) unchanged at 6.50%. The standing deposit facility (SDF) rate remains unchanged at 6.25% and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate at 6.75%, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said. This is the second time that the policy rate has been paused after a 250 basis point conservative rate hike to curb inflation.
The MPC also decided to remain focused on withdrawal of accommodation to ensure that inflation progressively aligns with the target, while supporting growth, he said.
“These decisions are in consonance with the objective of achieving the medium-term target for consumer price index (CPI) inflation of 4% within a band of +/- 2%, while supporting growth,” he added.
On the outlook, Das said going forward, the headline inflation trajectory was likely to be shaped by food price dynamics. Wheat prices could see some correction on robust mandi arrivals and procurement.
Milk prices, on the other hand, are likely to remain under pressure due to supply shortfalls and high fodder costs. The forecast of a normal south-west monsoon by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) augurs well for kharif crops; however, the spatial and temporal distribution of the monsoon would need to be closely monitored to assess the prospects for agricultural production, he said.“Crude oil prices have eased but the outlook remains uncertain. According to the early results from the Reserve Bank’s surveys, manufacturing, services and infrastructure firms polled expect input costs and output prices to harden,” he said. Taking into account these factors and assuming a normal monsoon, CPI inflation has been projected at 5.1% for 2023-24, with Q1 at 4.6%, Q2 at 5.2%, Q3 at 5.4% and Q4 at 5.2%. The risks are evenly balanced.
On growth, Das said higher rabi crop production in 2022-23, the expected normal monsoon, and the sustained buoyancy in services should support private consumption and overall economic activity in the current year.
The government’s thrust on capital expenditure, moderation in commodity prices and robust credit growth are expected to nurture investment activity. Weak external demand, geoeconomic fragmentation, and protracted geopolitical tensions, however, pose risks to the outlook, he added.
Taking all these factors into consideration, real GDP growth for 2023-24 has been projected at 6.5% with Q1 at 8.0%, Q2 at 6.5%, Q3 at 6.0%, and Q4 at 5.7%, with risks evenly balanced, he further said. Source: The Hindu -
Filed false charges against WFI chief: Father of minor
The father of the minor wrestler has claimed they deliberately filed a false police complaint of sexual harassment against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh because they wanted to get back at him for the perceived injustice against the girl. The startling admission substantially weakens the case against the WFI chief who has been facing protest by wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik.
The father said the sexual harassment complaint was filed in anger as his daughter was denied a victory during the trial for the Asian Championships in 2022. “Her opponent was a Delhi girl. The referee and the mat chairman were also from Delhi. I objected as it is not allowed as per rules, but he (Brij Bhushan) didn’t pay heed to it,” he said.
“We were angry as we lost one year because of unfair calls. There were some false and some true allegations in the complaint. We went in front of the judge and cleared it. Also, we have not withdrawn the complaint,” he said, claiming that his daughter was a minor as opposed to some reports claiming otherwise. -
Manipur violence: 35 weapons, warlike stores recovered by security forces during combing operations
Kolkata (TIP)- At least 35 weapons and warlike stores were recovered during joint combing operations by security forces in ethnic violence-affected Manipur, an official said.
Domination of the arterial national highway 37, connecting capital Imphal with Assam and other parts of the country, was carried out to ensure free movement of essential goods to and from Manipur as part of the operations, he said.
Stating that 35 weapons of different types, ammunition and warlike stores were recovered on the second day of joint combing operations on Thursday, June 8, in the hills and valley sector, the official said that the security forces are adopting confidence building measure and a people centric approach to alleviate the hardships of the people, affected by the month-long ethnic strife in the northeastern state.
On the first day of the joint combing operations on Wednesday, June 7, the security forces recovered 29 weapons, mostly automatic, mortar, hand grenades, small arms, ammunition and warlike stores. He said that magistrates were present during combing operations in non-AFSPA areas.
Adequate measures were being taken during the combing operations, aimed at de-escalation of tensions amongst communities through physical domination besides recovery of weapons and ammunition, to ensure that the local population are not inconvenienced, the official added.
At least 100 people lost their lives and 310 others were injured in the ethnic violence in Manipur that broke out a month ago.
Home ministry grants Rs 102 crore for Manipur relief
The Centre has approved a Rs 101.75 crore relief package for displaced citizens in Manipur where the situation remains peaceful with no fresh incidents of violence in the past 48 hours, state security adviser Kuldiep Singh said. Since May 3, the northeastern state has been roiled by ethnic clashes largely between the Meitei and Kuki communities. At least 102 people have died, 300 injured and nearly 40,000 displaced, with 2,000 houses and shops burnt. Singh, a former Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) chief, said that last week, Union home minister Amit Shah directed the Manipur government to send a request to the Union home ministry seeking relief for the displaced citizens. During his four-day visit to the state, Shah met different Kuki and Meitei groups, civil society organisations, and groups of citizens. -
Wrestlers suspend protest till June 15 after meeting sports minister Anurag Thakur
New Delhi (TIP)– India’s top wrestlers suspended their protest against sexual harassment till June 15 after a six-hour-long meeting with Union sports minister Anurag Thakur on Wednesday, June 7, marking the first sign of resolution in the months-long deadlock in talks between the players and the government amid indications that options were narrowing for former wrestling federation boss Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Satyavrat Kadian along with some of their coaches met Thakur at his residence and later said that they were satisfied with the talks and withdrew their protest till June 15, by when a charge sheet against Singh will be filed. Singh is facing two first information reports (FIRs) alleging sexual harassment, one by a group of six women wrestlers and another by a minor complainant.
“It’s a very positive development and everyone was understanding with each other. We want them to be back on the mat as soon as possible for the Asian Games and the Olympics,” Thakur told HT after the meeting.
The wrestlers and the government also agreed on a raft of other issues, including withdrawal of all criminal cases against the wrestlers, setting up of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) within Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) with a female chief, security for the complainants, removal of Singh and his associates from WFI, scrapping of cases against affiliated academies, coaches and athletes, and transparent elections to WFI by June 30. HT has seen a copy of the list of wrestlers’ demands that the sports ministry agreed on.
The meeting, which began at around 11am and ended by 5pm, was termed “successful and positive” by Thakur.
“I extended an invitation to wrestlers on behalf of the government yesterday. The discussions happened on a lot of sensitive issues in a very conducive environment. The talks were very positive and our meeting went on for about six hours,” Thakur later told reporters.
“Police will file a charge sheet by June 15 and WFI elections will be held by June 30. The wrestlers demanded an Internal Complaints Committee be formed within WFI and its president should be a woman,” Thakur said.
The meeting is a welcome development after months of logjam between the government and the wrestlers. The positive signs from both sides showed that a resolution was likely soon in what is a very important year for Indian sport.
Singh, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) parliamentarian from Kaiserganj who has lorded over Indian wrestling for 12 years, is facing charges of sexual harassment of athletes, including at least one minor. Though he has been removed from WFI, which stands suspended, and two FIRs have been filed against him, he is yet to be arrested. Source: HT -
Mumbai woman murder: Accused boiled chopped body parts, fed them to stray dogs
New Delhi (TIP)- A 32-year-old woman in suburban Mumbai was killed by her live-in partner of nine years who then used an electric saw to hack her body into so many parts that the police couldn’t pin a number. For three days after the alleged murder, Manoj Sane, 56, tried to dispose of the body. In his frantic efforts to evade detection, he pressure-cooked some body parts, roasted others, and ground some more in a mixer and fed them to stray dogs.
When the police entered the sparsely decorated seventh-floor apartment at Geeta Akashdeep society, a middle-class enclave of 10 buildings on Mira Road, they found themselves in a veritable house of horror.
“The kitchen was a complete mess — there were buckets and multiple pots and pans full of chopped and minced human flesh,” said assistant police inspector Rahul Bhagvat who along with police inspector Jilani Sayyad was the first to enter the two-bedroom house. The two officers were sent there by the Nayanagar station house officer to investigate neighbours’ complaints of the stench emanating from flat number 704.
When they broke open the door, the first thing they saw in the house was a bloodied electric saw. In the kitchen, other than in the three buckets, the pressure cooker on the gas stove and the pan on the platform they also found human bones in the basin. Adding to the horror was a pair of chopped off feet that sat on the platform.
On Wednesday, June 7, night, the police arrested Sane for the murder of his live-in partner Saraswati Vaidya. The police say that Sane, who is employed at a kirana shop in the area, met Saraswati, who was orphaned, in 2014, and the two began living together. Sane, say the police, was sure that if he could dispose of Saraswati’s body in time, no one would ever come looking for her and he could escape undetected.
The gruesome manner in which the accused tried to dispose of the body brought back memories of the Shraddha Walkar murder case. In the Delhi case, Walkar’s live in partner Aaftab Poonawala killed her on May 18 last year, chopped her body into at least 35 pieces over two days, stored them in a refrigerator for three months, and dumped the parts piece by piece. The crime remained undetected till November 12, when Poonawala was arrested. Delhi Police then spent the next few weeks recovering Walkar’s body parts in parts of the Capital, as well as Gurugram.
While the police say that Saraswati Vaidya and Manoj Sane did not interact with their neighbours, it was on account of their neighbours that the killing came to light.
When Somesh Shrivastav, who stays in flat 701 across from Sane, came home for lunch from his office on Wednesday, he found himself overwhelmed by the stench on their floor and began to investigate the source. At 4.30pm he bumped into Sane on the stairs and told him about the foul smell. -
Gyanvapi litigant seeks ‘permission for euthanasia’ from President Murmu
The main litigant in the Gyanvapi-Shringar Gauri complex case has sought “permission for euthanasia” from President Droupadi Murmu, alleging that her fellow petitioners are spreading false propaganda to defame her. Rakhi Singh said claims that she is withdrawing from the case are false.
Lawyer for the Hindu litigants in the case, Harishankar Jain, however, refuted Rakhi Singh’s allegations, saying these were baseless. In her letter to Murmu, Rakhi Singh said, “I request you to grant me permission of euthanasia and help me getting rid of the mental pain and agony so that I can get peace and sleep eternally.” She also said she would wait for a reply till June 9 till 9 am and after that she would take her own decision. -
‘Not good for ties’: India on Indira killing float in Canada
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on June 8 warned Canada against giving space to separatist elements saying it was not good for bilateral ties, days after a video of a float, depicting the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, at a parade in Brampton went viral on social media.
The minister said he was at a “loss to understand” for Canada permitting the celebration of the ex-PM’s killing. Jaishankar said he had a similar message to the UK and Australia against allowing pro-Khalistani elements to operate from their soil. On the issue of around 700 Indian students facing deportation from Canada due to fraudulent admissions, he said they should not be penalised for someone else’s crime. He also termed as “ulta chor kotwal ko daante” (thief turns round to threaten the police) Canadian NSA Jody Thomas calling India among “top sources of interference in Canada”. “Our point is the students studied in good faith. If there were people who misled them, the culpable parties should be acted against. It’s unfair to punish the students,” said Jaishankar while addressing a press conference on nine years of the Modi government. Hundreds of Punjabi students facing deportation due to forged offer letters have hit the streets in Greater Toronto Area in Canada. They laid mattresses and slept at night in the open after one student was asked to leave the country by June 13. But Jaishankar did not think the Canadian system was fair in allowing the glorification of PM Indira’s assassination. “The float wasn’t a one-off incident, however egregious it may be. I think there is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, to extremists, to people who advocate violence… it’s not good for the relationship… not good for Canada,” he said. -
Weekly Horoscope- June 12- 18, 2023
Aries
Ganesha says your position in your field and at business will grow more apparent to you this week. Your current job will have an impact on the extent to which you advance as well as how little you earn. Academically, it will be quite difficult for you. You appear to be interested in a recognizable individual, but you are still holding on to your breakup partner. This will soon start to have an impact on your personal interactions. Your wellbeing will have a difficult day. Eventually in the day, you will have bodily aches and headaches. This week, according to your planetary positioning, you will need to utilize all of your physical strength and stamina.
Taurus
Ganesha says, “this week, you will be inspired to put out greater energy. Whatever you undertake, you will give it your best. During this week, your energies will let you to take up your faith. This week, your life will undergo a huge change. You will look for the advice of experts on matters relating to your career and trade, but you should not completely rely on what they are saying. Due to their anxiety about familial problems, this week is a fantastic time for a little break with your lover psychologically. Even if this week is a great time to buy stocks, you should not buy any precious metals. Regarding your health, you will have to put up with your headaches this week.
Gemini
Ganesha says, you will feel a little balanced this week. In all of your partnerships, you will need greater confidence than normal. This week, you must make a number of crucial professional choices. Ensure that you correct any errors you have already made. The contemporary business executive must avoid speculating. In terms of your personal connection, your spouse will encourage you to finish the task you began but did not accomplish this week. It may be a degree, a brand-new business concept, or a protracted disagreement. Now is the time to take them properly. Going outdoors when the air is bad is not a competent option. The most crucial thing is to avoid things that might make you vulnerable. Make the most of oneself this week.
Cancer
Ganesha says, making informed judgements on things will make your week fulfilling. Your life will change negatively as a result of Rahu’s influence, and stressing about them won’t hardly them go away. This week, try to restrain your feelings as they will inevitably go in the opposite direction. Keeping your cool may be beneficial on the side of professionalism. Instead, then only relying on yourself, think about outsourcing your task. This week, your partner will in fact be very understanding of your personal relationships. This week will profit from their confidence in your kindness since they will do all in their ability to maintain you upbeat. This week, you will consider changing your everyday routine for the sake of your health. As quickly as you can, finish the modification.
Leo
Ganesha says, this week, you will have a fantastic, gratifying week, but you will also make attainable ambitions. On a business front, you will consider switching positions. In today’s society, businesspeople are more prone to suffer harm. Now that you know they would not aid you, you should reject quick approaches to earn cash. Those who have been married before will try to establish a specific bond with their wives. You will need to wait a little longer if you are seeking the ideal fit. When it involves your wellness, you will find it difficult to cope with spine problems. Occasionally, keep moving to improve your mindset.
Virgo
Ganesha says, this week, you are going to feel a strong feeling of enthusiasm. You will be inspired to carry on the task you started this week where you left it. You will also meet individuals who can help you in a variety of ways. Do not put back doing anything this week because Jupiter’s position is favorable now; it will not be in this position for long. On an administrative extent, you will be allowed to establish a welcoming environment for oneself. People will like collaborating on initiatives with you. On the job, you will undoubtedly learn something new. Business managers currently ought to be more cautious and attentive when interacting with individuals who have a history of unethical behavior. This week, your companion will be more emotionally enticed by your expertise and wisdom.
Libra
Ganesha says, this week, the grace of Lord Krishna will help everyone feel healthier. You will be in a stifling situation this week, making cognitive circulation challenging. Seek for expert guidance in this field. This week, you are going to put in more effort than normal at the workplace. This week, your superior will turn over control of the office to you; it is up to you to carry out the tasks assigned to you. To avoid disruptions and blunders this week, you must stay vigilant and maintain mental clarity. Intolerance will affect your personal reputation. There will be unpleasant remarks made about you, but you have to possess the strength to absorb criticism in a positive way without being offended. Your significant other will criticize your bad coping strategy.
Scorpio
Ganesha says, this week, your financial situation and productivity will be very important to you. Each source of income should be sufficient and the potential of producing extra income, but managing your accounts without a strategy might put you in a bind. You will choose how to split your funds this week and discover how to keep them in good hands. Do a little research before making a decision when a buddy invites you to partner with them in launching a fresh company. A close companion is likely to harbor resentments towards you and your achievements. Do not allow envy to destroy a successful connection. This week, as they struggle with illnesses, those closest to you could need your help.
Sagittarius
Ganesha says, if you appreciate the good people in your life, achieving your goals will be simpler. The women in your family have given you amazing assistance, and this week you will show your appreciation for their efforts by being kind to them. These days, you may get a high-quality home for an affordable cost. You will become more compassionate as a result of the day, and you will be thankful for all your possessions as a result. It can be humiliating if a long-lost friend calls and asks to meet up. It seems like you are about to give someone too many personal details! Keeping your emotions in control. This experience may also usher in a fresh romance and forge new bonds of kinship. your wellbeing will be fine this week.
Capricorn
Ganesha says, this week, you are committed to a lot of things. This week, there will be a ton of work for you to do. The easiest approach to prevent this issue is to delegate your tasks. This week will provide fresh chances and pursuits for you. This week, you will plant your seeds of prosperity. At the end of the day, you will be able to cross everything off your job list. Your rising crescent will pass by a place that will make you consider your current predicament. In your current as well as individual lives, you will assess your choices and determine where you belong. You are unmarried and feeling an emptiness in your life as a result of your sensitive and caring personality. You will make room in your way of life for passion.
Aquarius
Ganesha says, this week, you will focus a great deal of your attention on creating progress. Your present course of action will almost certainly lead to positive consequences down the line. Your original thoughts and thorough expertise will eliminate existing voids in your respective spheres of employment. This week, you will also take the first step towards entering the stock market. In terms of your romantic connection, your partner will value you more this week, but it may require some time for them to comprehend the improvements you have achieved for oneself. You need to look after your health. This week, you must get a medical checkup.
Pisces
Ganesha says, this week, you will have a straightforward and delightful week. You can now successfully juggle your emotional and business lives. Your boss will be impressed by your management abilities and dedication. If you work in an enterprise, you will realize that this week is a great one for your company. Your romantic life will bring you pleasure. This week, you will have some alone time with your pal. Additionally, you will assist your professor in resolving any existing legal problems they may be having. This week, you will be able to manage a challenging circumstance easily. You are in great athletic shape at the moment. You have been enabled to focus on your job and improve efficiency by maintaining a normal exercise regimen and making improvements to your workstation.
-
Birthday Horoscope- June 12-18, 2023
June 12
Ganesha says you are an extremely intelligent individual who is knowledgeable in every field. You will see you rise like a brilliant star. Because of your exceptional mental acuity, you can solve puzzles quickly. However, high-paying endeavors could be inconsistent for you despite your organized risk-taking skills. Because you have unmatched communication skills, which are crucial today, you are familiar with the pace of the competition.
June 13
Ganesha says although you may not have as many friends due to your shyness, you will be able to manage the direction of your life in a methodical manner because of your unstoppable thoughts and strong ability to draw conclusions. Doing consistently excellent work would also improve your standards. Your close ones should be warned when you exhibit your introverted side since it needs to be changed to prevent misunderstandings. In terms of love, don’t hold back from expressing your sentiments.
June 14
Ganesha says you will have many opportunities to demonstrate your abilities at work, and everyone will be impressed. You’ll have to spend time with your family due to circumstances, and you’ll steal the show with your electrifying gestures. Your life’s stability may improve if you strike it rich. You are a sensible individual. The early games you played with obstacles shaped your tough nature and made you difficult to dominate. The public will like you for who you naturally are. They frequently adhere to you.
June 15
Ganesha says your creative spirit will produce win-win circumstances for you everywhere. Today is expected to be good for your devout soul, yet a small slip-up can chafe you. Your job will always be your first passion, and since you spend most of your time there, it will bring you incredible glory, honor, and surprises. You detest bigots and constantly work to cast a ray of optimism into the gloomy corners. As a result, you are a seasoned warrior.
June 16
Ganesha says despite their best efforts, your coworkers and associates are unable to adopt your working style. However, it is essential that you adhere to all policies and procedures at work so that no one can ever call your attention to any flaws. Thanks to your unshakable focus and ferocious resolve, you would surely become the centre of attention on the professional front. It would also be simpler for you to advance and earn more money.
June 17
Ganesha says you are a fountain of intelligence, talent, and potential. No one will ever be able to defeat you at work since you are above all others and unbeatable. You only need a reliable source of money if you have sharp, refined acumen skills. All of your obstacles will be simply overcome by you. Your communication style will propel you to the top position in your field. Your genre includes serving humanity highly.
June 18
Ganesha says you come up with your own inventory. Having undiscovered artistic or musical talent might serve as a physical representation of your distinction in life. In this well-known sector, you’re likely to start your own business. Not just the home market, but also the global one, will be populated with your ideas. Your life will be easy and peaceful as a result, both in terms of your financial situation and your physical well-being.
-
Indian-origin wins big in Korean survival drama Squid Game at Singapore company dinner-dance
SINGAPORE (TIP): An Indian-origin has won SGD18,888 in cash at the company’s dinner-and-dance event in the hit South Korean survival drama Squid Game, where players compete to win life-altering rewards, but minus the deadly stakes. The prize money is equivalent to one and half years’ worth of his salary at the heavy vehicle leasing firm Pollisum Engineering which hosted the event last Saturday, reported by media.
Selvam Arumugam, 42, had not heard of the show before.
Selvam works as a rigger and signalman, inspecting and maintaining crane and lifting equipment to ensure the safety of lifting operations at construction sites for Pollisum Engineering which gave out a total of SGD100,000 in prize money during the event.
Selvam, who studied up to Secondary 1 in India and joined the company in 2015, supports 15 family members back home. His parents and two brothers have died, leaving behind their wives and a total of seven children. He also provides for his in-laws.
Selvam said he will use the prize money to build a family home in India – the family currently lives in a rental flat – and help his brothers’ children pay for their studies.
“When I found out that I had won, I couldn’t believe it… I called my entire family to tell them about this good news,” he said in Tamil.
“My wife thought it was a joke at first until (my friend) spoke to her. All of them were celebrating and crying at the same time. This will be a moment that we will never forget for our entire lives,” Selvam added.
In the Netflix series, hundreds of cash-strapped contestants compete in children’s games for a huge cash prize while risking their lives in the process.
Players at the dinner and dance sported red tracksuit jackets with number tags, while game masters wore red hooded jumpsuits, like characters in the drama series.
A giant inflatable ball filled with money hung from the ceiling in full view of the players, similar to the show’s piggy bank.
Despite not understanding the rules of the games, he tried his best, said Selvam, who has a wife and three teenage children. He first came to Singapore to work in 2007 from Tamil Nadu.
He copied what players in front of him were doing and ran as fast as he could during the Red Light, Green Light game and managed to escape elimination.
In a TikTok video of the event, Selvam is seen falling to his knees and covering his face with his hands in disbelief when he learnt he had won the top prize. He won SGD18,888 (more than Rs 11.5 lakh) in cash.
The company’s annual dinner and dance was attended by 210 employees, including mechanics, drivers and sales staff.
Executive director Chris Ang said the company wanted to reward its workers as it has been doing well and expanding in the past two years. -
Princess Sophia Duleep Singh’s UK home honored with commemorative Blue Plaque
LONDON (TIP): Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, the daughter of Maharaja Duleep Singh – the last ruler of the Sikh empire – and the goddaughter of Queen Victoria, was honored with a commemorative Blue Plaque in London on Friday, May 26. The Blue Plaque scheme, run by the English Heritage charity, honors the significance of particular buildings associated with historical figures. In memory of the British-Indian Princess, it now adorns Faraday House, which was granted to Sophia and her sisters as a grace and favor apartment at Hampton Court Palace southwest of London by Queen Victoria. “As a political journalist, I thought I knew the story of the suffragettes, and then I found this extraordinary woman and she blew me away,” said Anita Anand, the author of the biography ‘Sophia: Princess, Suffragette, Revolutionary’.
“As the last princess of the Sikh Empire, goddaughter of Queen Victoria, society darling and fashion icon, a life of comfort and celebrity was hers for the taking, but she chose a harder path. Using her international fame and influence, putting herself in physical danger, she fought for the right of women to vote. Campaigning with unrelenting ferocity, loyalty and selflessness, she moved the dial,” she said.
Named after another former resident, the eminent English physicist Michael Faraday (1791–1867), Faraday House was Princess Sophia’s main residence for over four decades.
Furnished to her luxurious taste, the house – or “Apartment 41” to give it its grace-and-favor title – was Princess Sophia’s base during the many years she campaigned as a suffragette for women’s voting rights.
Peter Bance, a British Sikh historian, art collector and author of ‘Sovereign, Squire and Rebel: Maharajah Duleep Singh & the Heirs of the Lost Kingdom’ who campaigned for the plaque said, “I came upon the story of the princess when I was researching her father Duleep Singh at a time when no one had heard about her. It was as if her story had been erased from history. But once a forgotten princess, she has now become an icon.” Uniquely spanning the very different worlds of the British court and the movement for women’s suffrage in the early 20th century, Sophia Duleep Singh made full use of her royal title and public persona.
“I remember my godmother Princess Sophia telling me about the suffragettes and how women weren’t always allowed to vote as we walked through the gardens at Hampton Court together. And then, as a child, I made a solemn vow to her that I would always exercise my right to vote, and I always have,” said Drovna Oxley, goddaughter to Princess Sophia.
The princess, who died aged 71 in August 1948, dared the authorities to punish her as she shrewdly chose which political protests to attend, ones they could not ignore. Her residence at Faraday House was not without controversy as reflected in a much-publicized photograph of her selling ‘The Suffragette’ paper outside Hampton Court Palace, which led to her eviction from the property being discussed in court and government circles.
The idea was eventually dismissed as it would have dragged the Crown into the parliamentary suffrage debates of the time. Faraday House was also raided by bailiffs seeking redress for her non-payment of taxes after she joined the Women’s Tax Resistance League (WTRL) in 1911.
“Princess Sophia was a fascinating and important figure, but her story was not at all well known in the decades following her death. I’m delighted that interest in her has grown in recent years. English Heritage hopes that our blue plaque will help ensure that she’s firmly established in the pantheon of great campaigners for women’s suffrage,” said Anna Eavis, Curatorial Director at English Heritage.
Duleep Singh was the last Maharaja of Punjab as the son and heir of Maharaja Ranjit Singh who was exiled to England as a teenager in 1854. He shared a close bond with Queen Victoria until he grew critical of the British Empire in later life. It was on his request that the Queen agreed to be the godmother of his daughter Sophia and went on to grant use of Faraday House to the family for the rest of their lives even as her relationship with their father soured. During her life, Sophia maintained a strong connection with India and her ashes were taken to India by her sister Bamba in 1949. -
Incredibly rich diaspora truly an asset to both countries, says Biden’s top aide Neera Tanden
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The “incredibly rich” diaspora is truly an asset to both India and the United States, Neera Tanden, a top Indian-American aide to President Joe Biden has said as the White House prepares to host Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an Official State Visit next month.
Indian Americans, who constitute about one per cent of the US population, and are said to be having the highest per capita income among various ethnic groups in the US, over the years have played a key role in strengthening the India-US relationship, a fact that has been acknowledged at the highest level, including by President Biden.
One thing that is truly an asset to both countries is the incredibly rich diaspora here in the United States. I have been engaged with organizations that have really focused on the diaspora in the United States, and the rich connections between Indian Americans, Indians who’ve been born here, who are first generation, second generation, and their families in India. This is a major asset to the relationship, 52-year-old Tanden, senior advisor and staff secretary to President Joe Biden, told PTI in an exclusive interview.
Friday was her last day as the senior advisor and staff secretary to the President. From Monday, Tanden would take charge as the White House Domestic Policy Advisor, making her one of the most powerful Indian Americans in the White House. She replaces former National Security Advisor and former US Ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, as the White House Domestic Policy Advisor.
I’m excited for the (Indian) State Visit, Tanden said in response to a question. Modi has been invited by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for an Official State Visit on June 22. I’m really also excited for us to highlight the deep relationships between Indian Americans and their families in India and really how we learn back and forth. That’s not just a one-way conversation. We learn a lot from them, and they learn from us. It’s a big asset to the relationship that those organizations’ voices are so strong, and they are all throughout the country, not just on the east coast or the West Coast, but really, all throughout the country, Tanden said.
Tanden started working in politics and policy in government in the late 1990s. She has been working in Washington at different levels for the last 25 years.
I am just really proud of the role Indian Americans are playing. There were very few Indian Americans in the Clinton White House. There are very few Indian Americans in the Clinton administration. A lot of families have pushed their children in other directions, sometimes in medicine, business, and other areas. But what’s really gratifying is to be in the White House and sit at the table, and see not just Asian Americans, but a lot of Indian Americans, she said. Tanden has served in both the Obama and Clinton administrations, as well as presidential campaigns and think tanks. Most recently, she was the President and CEO of the Center for American Progress and the Center for American Progress Action Fund.
Tanden previously served as senior advisor for health reform at the Department of Health and Human Services, working on President Obama’s health reform team in the White House.
So just yesterday I had a meeting with Dr Arti Prabhakar on artificial intelligence, she said.
She is an Indian American woman. I’m an Indian American woman. That’s incredibly unusual. I do a lot of work with Vinai Reddy, who’s the president’s chief speechwriter, and very close to the president, she said.
So, I feel like I’m just incredibly proud of how much the Indian American community is contributing, South Asians are contributing to this administration, but more importantly, contributing to the country. Our voices are being heard in halls around the country, not just in medicine or business or tech, really at the highest levels of this government and more and more in Congress,” she said.
I think what’s really important is that the President feels so strongly that our policies are better when everyone is at the table, and we bring our lived experiences. Some of my lived experiences are being an immigrant, the daughter of immigrants, and so I think that’s the president’s commitment, the vice president’s commitment.”
“Obviously, we’re incredibly proud of having the daughter of an Indian immigrant as well as the vice president. So, I feel like our voices are louder than ever, she said. President Biden has appointed a historic large number of Indian Americans in the Administration. Is this because of his love towards Indian Americans or the merit of the Indian Americans? She was asked. Maybe both, Tanden responded.
I really think the president is ensuring that everyone is represented and at the same time, I think Indian American leaders are demonstrating their value to the process. The president does a lot of work with Dr Vivek Murthy. He worked with him during the campaign. Vivek, I know, is very close to the president,… because Vivek is a great leader on healthcare issues. As Surgeon General during the Obama administration and Surgeon General in this administration he is just demonstrating profound leadership, Tanden said.
(Source: PTI)