Indholdsfortegnelse for July 15, 2024 i India Today

There’s nothing like a cricketing triumph to create a feeling of joy across the country. What the Men in Blue pulled off on June 29 was much more than just a thrilling T20 cliffhanger. World Cup glory doesn’t come every other day. This is only India’s fourth in over four decades, across the three competition formats in which the International Cricket Council (ICC) now hands out the gold medal. So, this one floats right to the top, joining an elite list that began on a magical day at Lord’s in 1983. What makes it extra special is that this comes in the hyper-charged 20-over format, where top honours had eluded India for 17 long years after it won the debut Cup. Test cricket retains its niche allure for purists, but…

On July 1, India saw a momentous event in the history of its criminal justice system. After governing the country for over a century and a half, the Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860, the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) of 1882 vintage—amended 1973—and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872 faded into the past tense. They stand replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) respectively, all three carrying a slew of innovations. Passed in Parliament last December amid strong protests from Opposition parties, these three laws arrive as an essay in wholesale legal reform, though not without a disputatious air surrounding their birth. Union home minister Amit Shah claims that these new laws will ensure nyay (justice), unlike the…

All Punjab chief minister Bhagwant S. Mann wanted to do was to take a swing at his opponents, only to hit himself square in the face. Mocking the elite, Anglicised lifestyle of some of the state’s political leaders, he wondered if they could even spell Chandigarh in Punjabi. He proceeded to do so himself, except that he mangled both the spelling and the pronunciation of the state capital. The joke soon turned on him, as BJP’s Subhash Sharma reminded him of the wisdom of ‘tol mol ke bol’ or weighing words before speaking, and Congress’s Pratap Bajwa wondered how someone could fail their own quiz. Akali Dal’s Bikram Majithia couldn’t resist raking up his past as standup comic, asking him to observe the fine line between “the state and stage”.…

Even as the NDA government at the Centre faces the heat on NEET, its ally in Uttar Pradesh, the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), is making things worse. Videos have surfaced of one of its first-time MLAs, Bedi Ram, from the Jakhania assembly seat, bragging about his ability to “facilitate recruitment” to government positions in lieu of money. In the clips, Bedi can be heard claiming he can arrange “40 recruitments at a time”. In another video, he appears to be mediating a financial dispute between two groups following the cancellation of an exam. SBSP chief and UP minister O.P. Rajbhar met Union home minister Amit Shah and BJP president J.P. Nadda to offer an explanation, but insiders say it may not suffice.…

Born Suraj Pal Singh in a Dalit family of Bahadur Garh village in Etah district, he claims to have been a policeman who worked at the local intelligence unit when a ‘divine encounter’ led him to quit his job and embark on the path to spirituality. Moving into a mud hut in his native village, and grandly christening himself Narayan Sakar Hari, he began amassing a huge following with his simple discourses on spirituality. Bhole Baba is the name his followers have given to the 58-year-old godman. Unlike bhagwa-dhari (saffronclad) babas, he is attired in a white suit, often with a tie, or in a simple kurta-pyjama. He is often accompanied by his wife Premvati, who is addressed as Matashree. Devotees are given some kind of holy water at his…

In JANUARY, DURING A WEEKLONG trip to Kolkata, I was pleasantly surprised to see the name of the park right opposite my hotel—Narayan Debnath Park, after the eponymous comics writer and artist. The late Debnath (1925-2022) was the creator of super-popular Bengali comic strips such as Bantul the Great and Nonte Phonte. Kolkata is arguably the only Indian metropolis that can honour comics creators this way. Which is why it was little surprise to see the sheer range and historical significance of the exhibits at Comics in Bengal, a recent month-long exhibition organised by the Kolkata Centre for Creativity, in association with the Comics Culture Collective. Founded during the first wave of the pandemic in 2020, the Comics Culture Collective consists of bibliophiles Biswadeb Gangopadhyay and Debasis Gupta alongside graphic…

WATCH WORSHIPPERS KEPT THEIR ANNUAL DATE WITH time and history, as Geneva assumed its usual spot as the ticking centre of the world of horology, with the annual Watches and Wonders 24 watch fair. For Spice’s watch special, we bring you the finest timepieces that were introduced this year as well as trends that will likely dominate this space. Miniaturisation saw its heyday in the 20th century, but this year seems to herald the return of the little timepiece. While fashion falls for cyclical fads all the time, what’s interesting this year is that the elegance of the tiny dials seems to have found its way not only to feminine wrists but on men’s too. Timepieces such as Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Mini, Cartier’s Tank LC Mini and Chanel’s Montre…

A TECHNICAL TRIUMPH Hermès Arceau Duc Attelé The Arceau Duc Attelé is the most complicated watch ever introduced by Hermès. The timepiece combines a central high-frequency triple-axis tourbillon and a minute repeater, elevating the Arceau line to a whole new level. The imposing domed sapphire crystal reveals a captivating dial with a floating hour and minutes ring that encircles the tourbillon. The watch is powered by the new Manufacture H1926 movement that offers 48 hours of power reserve. DECEPTIVELY COMPLEX Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre Heliotourbillon Perpetual Incorporating multiple complications without sacrificing accuracy has always been a significant hurdle in horology, which this timepiece solves by giving the complication its own mainspring and geartrain. The 44mm solid 18 carat pink gold case houses the brand’s highly complex 89-jewel manufacture Calibre 388 manual-wind movement.…

WHY GEOMETRY IS GORGEOUS Cartier Reflection De Cartier Steeped in elegance, the Cartier Reflection De Cartier combines design, diamonds, and allure. The watch features two curved sections connected by a clasp, with one side culminating in a trapezoid-shaped watch head that displays a classic Cartier dial. This dial showcases the iconic high-contrast Roman numerals and sword hands. Just the perfect size, this timepiece is water-resistant up to 3 bar. Available in five variations, the collection offers models in 18 carat yellow, rose, or white gold, with options for additional stones. CELESTIAL CHARM Omega Constellation Meteorite Dial Watches- Omega excites with 20 new Constellation models featuring meteorite dials in stainless steel or gold, adorned with diamonds. Available in sizes from 25mm to 41mm, the smaller versions boast diamond-set bezels and hour…

Nothing succeeds like excess, especially when it comes to statement jewellery. With a record breaking 315 emeralds and 1971 fine diamonds, this Satlada Necklace (Seven Layer Necklace) from Shiv Narayan Jewellers is a global one-of-akind; it holds the records for the most number of emeralds and diamonds set on a necklace. Talk about a double whammy! According to the brand, sourcing for the gemstones alone took over two and a half years, while the piece was crafted over five and a half months. The necklace is the Hyderabad-based brand’s homage to the glory and glamour of the Nizam’s treasures, which plays an integral part of Shiv Narayan’s heritage. The seven-layered gobsmacker is a stunning example of the dedication and attention invested in every piece that bears the marque’s mark. Price…

CONTROVERSIAL PROVISIONS ➘ Section 124A of the IPC (sedition) is repealed, but Section 150 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) broadens offences to acts endangering India’s sovereignty and integrity, potentially including past sedition cases ➘ Police custody for serious offences extends from 15 to 90 days, raising concerns about police excesses and torture. Union home minister clarifies that custody cannot be taken in one go for more than 15 days ➘ Sexual intercourse obtained through deceitful promises, including of false marriage, is penalised with up to 10 years of imprisonment, which, critics warn, could criminalise consensual relationships ➘ Terrorism definition now includes acts disturbing public order or destabilising the country, raising risks of misuse ➘ SP-level officers can decide between applying UAPA or BNS in terror-related cases without statutory criteria…

The centre of power is poised for a shift in Gujarat, as 71-year-old ex-bureaucrat K. Kailashnathan steps down as chief principal secretary to the chief minister. Often referred to as the ‘super CM’, KK had held this position since 2013, when he retired. He had first joined the Narendra Modi CMO in 2006, and had become the prime minister’s trusted confidant in Gujarat, acting as a vital link between the state’s political apparatus and its powerful bureaucracy. Now that he has exited, KK is likely to be succeeded by another set of ex-bureaucrats, Hasmukh Adhia and S.S. Rathore, who were appointed as advisors to the CM.…

The world of business is getting increasingly complex, largely owing to technological disruptions. Globally, organisations are re-examining how they run their businesses so that they can cater to the growing needs of the digital era. India has already entered this phase, and has an ambitious target of growing into a $1 trillion digital economy by 2028. The Centre has approved a Rs 10,000 crore artificial intelligence (AI) mission to set up cutting-edge, scalable AI computing infrastructure. These developments will create new challenges in dealing with the workforce. It becomes necessary not only to hire and retain talent that can deal with the changing aspirations of customers, but to also tackle emerging issues on the employee front—matters related to staff burnout, lack of appreciation, or employee development. The hybrid work pattern,…

THE MORAL CONTAGION by Julia Hauser and Sarnath Banerjee HARPERCOLLINS ₹699; 140 pages The Covid-19 pandemic may have top recall in our minds, but it is only the latest in an impressive line of plagues and pandemics that have oppressed humanity. This meticulously researched chronology of plagues by historian Julia Hauser is beautifully complemented by Sarnath Banerjee’s illustrations in his distinctive style. “From sixth-century Constantinople and fourteenth century Europe to Islamic Spain, seventeenth-century London, eighteenth-century Aleppo, and Hong Kong, Bombay, San Francisco and South Africa in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the history of the plague is…the story of modern civilization” reads the jacket blurb. A morbidly fascinating book and a must-read—lest we forget. DREAM MACHINE AI and the Real World by Appupen and Laurent Daudet CONTEXT/WESTLAND ₹599;…

This year, mini models, new technological advancements and breathtaking high jewellery watches are the centre of attention. Here are five watch trends to follow in 2024. Not Just Small, But Mini Watch case sizes have been gradually coming down over the last couple of years, but a whole new size trend has emerged in 2024 for the mini timepiece. From the 1920s to the 1950s, miniature timepieces were the height of elegance with their tiny dials, but then they seemed to fall from grace. This year, however, they are back with a vengeance with timepieces like Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Mini, Cartier’s Tank LC Mini and Tank Américaine Mini and Chanel’s Montre Première Mini. These tiny watches are not only finding their way onto female wrists, but men’s too, which…

COLLECTOR’S FAVOURITE Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT Tudor finally heard its fans and released a smaller, thinner GMT at Watches & Wonders 2024. The case measures 39mm in diameter and is just 12.8mm thick, making it almost 2mm thinner than the other two GMT watches in Tudor’s catalogue. One of the highlights of the timepiece is the black and burgundy aluminium bezel, widely recognised as the coke colourway. The steel case features satin finishes, polished surfaces, and bevelled edges. Housed inside is the brand new Manufacture Caliber MT5450-U automatic movement. It is certified by both COSC and METAS and offers 65 hours of power reserve. NAUTICAL EXCELLENCE Panerai Submersible GMT Luna Rossa Titanio Panerai debuted a new Submersible Luna Rossa timepiece at this year’s Watches and Wonders show to celebrate…

POETIC POISE Piaget Polo Date – 150th Anniversary Edition Effortlessly transforming time into playful luxury, this timepiece merges the finest elements of the Piaget Polo and Piaget Polo Date. These steel watches, offered in both 42 mm and 36 mm, feature a sleek rubber strap and are limited to an exclusive series of just 300 pieces. The 36 mm model sparkles with 91 brilliant-cut diamonds, while rose gold-coloured hands illuminate the elegant steel case. BEAUTIFULLY BOLD Rolex Perpetual 1908 Rolex dazzles with the platinum and ice-blue guilloché dial in the Rolex Perpetual 1908. This captivating dial is crafted through guillochage, a technique that sculpts intricate patterns into the surface. The minute track is encircled by a filet sauté with a crimped guilloché pattern. The timepiece is paired with a matte…

Georges Kern took over as CEO of Breitling in 2017 after having served at Richemont for several years. Over the past seven years he has been responsible for turning the 140-year-old Swiss brand around with the annual turnover now approaching US$1 billion. A focus on fewer models, Breitling’s heritage, and streamlined distribution has led to the brand’s revival. In a free-flowing conversation with India Today Spice, Kern talks about India’s importance for Breitling, sustainability, smart watches; how he keeps the brand’s heritage alive, and a lot more. How important is India as a market for Breitling? For me, it is a key market because of its huge potential. It’s a large country, and more importantly, it’s a young country. If you do it right, in terms of getting infrastructure, roads,…

Mezze Mambo is to dining out, what a Sunday is to work-weary souls—a fun, happy, welcome break from the stranglehold of routine and ritual. Walk into a welcoming duplex haven of walls clad in a warm shade of burnt orange, and ceilings flecked with a playful palette of hot pink and gold. The delightful design concept by Freddy Birdy presents the perfect complement to the smorgasbord of tastes and textures that this modern Mediterranean mezze restaurant summons to the table. The curation of dishes is an ode to the mélange of flavours and cooking techniques of the Silk Route. But this is a fun history lesson. Whether you order the zesty Mezze platter, or the smoked labneh—a cool, sludge of Greek yogurt, blistered cherry tomatoes and garlic confit—this is comforting…

STORY OF THE DAY Why a political storm erupted over expunctions from Rahul Gandhi’s Lok Sabha speech By Kaushik Deka The leader of the Opposition has remained defiant, saying, ‘In Modiji’s world, the truth can be expunged, but not in reality’ https://shorturl.at/5fX9B SPOTLIGHT: GUJARAT NARCOTICS As narcotics hauls rise, is ‘Vibrant Gujarat’ turning into ‘Udta Gujarat’? By Jumana Shah The Opposition Congress’s charge in the face of seizures is being contested by the BJP government as a sign of effective policing https://shorturl.at/i36pm SPOTLIGHT: NEW ARMY CHIEF As army chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi takes charge, what will be his top priorities? By Pradip R. Sagar Border tensions, force modernisation, inter-service jointness and revamp of the Agnipath recruitment scheme will be his critical challenges https://shorturl.at/QC6jg IN FOCUS: GEORGE KURIAN Why George Kurian…

KEY APPOINTMENTS RSS: More consultations needed while choosing CMs, ministers, other key officials BJP: No stated position ENTRY OF DEFECTORS RSS: Okay with ‘inorganic’ growth of the BJP, but does not want ‘RSS haters’ and those with a tainted past to be allowed entry BJP: The party claims it’s ‘conscious and cautious’ about whom to induct and is committed to the ideology RIGHT TO EDUCATION RSS: Legal parity for all schools, irrespective of whether they are managed by minorities or other groups BJP: No stated position. In the past decade, there has been little progress DISINVESTMENT RSS: A consultative mechanism for adoption of equity sales, IPOs and FPOs to offload public sector undertakings BJP: There is no straitjacket approach. Consultations and protocols followed on a case-to-case basis. While Air India’s…

When Roger Federer first won Wimbledon in 2003, he was a goofy Metallica-loving kid with a glorious game. It was the beauty of that game, the dashing ease of it, that the advertisers latched on to, that led to the creation of ‘Roger Federer’, the tennis champion who alighted from his soft-top Mercedes onto Centre Court, shucked off his cardigan and his Rolex and sliced some hapless plebeian opponent to ribbons, barely pausing to say “en garde”. The advertising narrative, the inanities of Nike, Rolex et al, reduced the brutal but fragile verve of Federer’s game into shorthand for the plutocratic good life, the athlete-as-CEO. They took Federer’s gift and somehow buffed and polished it until they achieved the most prosaic, the dullest of dull sheens. So it’s not director…

Q. How did you find the time to write a book? I’ve always considered myself a storyteller, and the idea for the books actually came before the brand [Ed-a-Mamma]. I’ve always wanted to write for children, creating a series of books that promote kindness towards one another, animals and nature. I brought in my co-storytellers, Vivek Kamath and Shabnam Minwalla, to help me put this idea on paper. Q. The main character is a little girl called Alia. So is it autobiographical? When Shaheen and I were kids, we were always rescuing animals from the streets, much to my mom’s dismay. Nevertheless, she always provided the best temporary home for them. This nurturing, kindness, and care are also evident in the family life of little Alia. Her journey isn’t based…

BEJEWELLED SPORTINESS Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona Rolex surprised everyone this year by introducing a new Cosmograph Daytona that comes with a mother-of-pearl dial and a gem-set bezel. The 40mm case is made out of 18 carat white gold and is adorned with 36 large round diamonds totalling to 3.26 carats. There is a choice between two different wafer-thin mother-of-pearl dials. One features a white mother-of-pearl dial and black mother-of-pearl subdials, while the other comes with a black mother-of-pearl dial and white subdials. The 4131 calibre movement inside the watch offers 72 hours of power reserve. SPORTY AND CHIC Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph For 2024, Vacheron Constantin expanded its Overseas collection by adding new references that combine pink gold with green, including the Overseas Chronograph. The 42.5mm case is crafted…

MONOCHROMATIC MAGNIFICENCE Cartier Pebble Tiger The Pebble Tiger unites the zebra and crocodile in an eternal masterpiece, capturing their wild essence. Its double-layer bezel, adorned with black lacquered stripes and tsavorite garnets, is larger than the conventional Pebble. The three-dimensional case houses a precise quartz movement, complemented by a black calfskin strap. This timepiece is a striking blend of nature’s beauty and exquisite craftsmanship. CONTEMPORARY CHARM Hublot Sang Bleu Sapphire Eight years of fruitful collaboration between Hublot and Maxime Plescia-Buchi culminated in the creation of the Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu Sapphire. This 42mm barrel-shaped timepiece, crafted from high-tech sapphire, encases the HUB4700 skeletonised automatic chronograph movement. Geometry has never looked so striking, and it boasts a hardness that is comparable to that of a diamond. MAJESTIC MASTERPIECE Chopard…

REGAL EXUBERANCE Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller Bringing the radiance of the sun to your wrist, the Sky-Dweller is now available in 18 carat yellow gold and Everose gold with Jubilee bracelets for the first time. The gold is balanced by understated dial options in slate grey and white. Both 42 mm watches feature classic fluted bezels and Cyclops lens sapphire crystals. The Jubilee bracelet in 18 carat gold includes ceramic inserts inside the links, enhancing longevity and flexibility. Housed inside both watches is the calibre 9002 dual time, annual calendar movement, and a 72-hour power reserve. GLORIOUSLY LUSH Vacheron Constantin Overseas Collection in Sunburst Green Four Vacheron Constantin Overseas models with green dials will make others green with envy. With 18 carat pink gold cases, the chronographs measure 42.5 mm…

Niels Eggerding, CEO, Frederique Constant, explores the journey of its exquisite timepieces—the Classic Date Manufacture, Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture, and the Classics Elegance Luna—offering a fascinating glimpse into the future of horology. What inspired Frederique Constant’s 2024 collection? Our journey to craft the 2024 collection began in 2022, guided by a mix of planning and good fortune. Without a crystal ball, we aimed to build on the success of previous launches like the Tourbillon and high-end classic timepieces with new features such as the big date and Moonphase complications. Our goal was clear: to bring back our focus on affordable luxury watches crafted in-house. Luckily, amidst global economic challenges, our decision to offer quality at accessible prices proved timely. Understanding the market’s need for value, we introduced enhancements like longer…

It’s hitting the jackpot! Here in Las Vegas, our very own Indian cuisine is on a roll. At the globally prestigious Oscars of food, The Worlds 50 Best awards, Indian cuisine is making waves. It has moved out of the dark ages of its curry house status and zoomed to the 9th best in the world. Take a bow chef Gaggan Anand for your avant garde progressive Indian food. Close on his heels is Tresind Studio, crowned 13th best in the world. Making its presence felt on the extended list at #76 is Masque from Mumbai and at #12 is Indian Accent from Delhi. In fact, the high octane couple Aditi and Aditya Dugar’s Masque continued to reign as India’s Best restaurant, at Asia’s 50 Best held in Seoul a…