Indholdsfortegnelse for October 28, 2024 i India Today

Guts and glory. Against all odds. Comeback champion. We casually resort to such clichés to describe sporting triumphs that involve a turnaround in fortunes. But the rawness of the emotions eludes us. We don’t feel the undercurrent of fear, the crushing weight of dismay or the fire of ambition in which an Olympic medal is forged. The Manu Bhaker story, for us, is about Paris. The first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal. The first athlete from independent India to win two medals in the same Olympics. However, what makes her achievement even more remarkable is the back story leading up to the previous Olympics in Tokyo. It’s a story that holds much wisdom and inspiration. In 2018, when she’s 16, Jaspal Rana enters the picture, taking her…

D.K. SHIVAKUMAR, 62 He arm-wrestled with Siddaramaiah for the top job in 2023, having led the party to its most emphatic victory in over three decades. The terms of the truce were the deputy CM post and, apparently, a mid-term change of guard. Ever vigilant about the CM’s popularity, he has been a steadfast deputy G. PARAMESHWARA, 73 Back in 2013, he missed a chance to become CM when the party, under his stewardship, won handsomely while he lost his seat. Polished and mild-mannered, the home minister is in the running to become the state’s first Dalit CM SATISH JARKIHOLI, 62 Though he is content to wait until the next tenure for a shot at the top post, the Belagavi strongman—also the PWD minister—is very much a part of the…

WHY IT’S A BOON CONNECTIVITY Since the first underground line inaugurated in May 2017, the Chennai Metro Rail Project has expanded to 54.1 km and 41 stations. Phase 2 will extend it to 173 km and 169 stations—alleviating traffic congestion, reducing travel time and increasing overall road safety SUSTAINABILITY Chennai has the secondworst record of vehicular pollution in India after Delhi, generating 3,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide per day, according to a 2020 study by the Centre for Science and Environment. The expansion of metro rail will significantly reduce carbon emissions ECONOMIC DRIVER The project will generate jobs—construction workers, administrative staff, maintenance personnel etc. Enhanced connectivity will stimulate local businesses and attract investment and development near new stations PROJECT COST ₹ 63,246 CRORE TOTAL LENGTH 118.9 KM TOTAL STATIONS 128 INCREASING…

FEB. 18, 2002 Born to Ramkishan, a chief engineer in the merchant navy, and Sumedha, a Sanskrit teacher, in Goria, Haryana. Named after Manikarnika a.k.a Jhansi ki Rani 2016 At Universal Higher Senior Secondary School in Goria, Manu, 14, is asked to leave the history class for either “sleeping or eating” (she can't recall which). Runs into a friend who suggests they head to the school’s shooting range. Discovers she’s born to shoot 2017 ↘ After struggling to get an arms licence earlier in the year, the 15-year-old rookie caps it by upsetting Olympian and then world #3 Heena Sidhu in the national shooting championships ↘ Makes a splash in the international circuit after a silver at the Asian junior championships 2018 ↘ In her maiden ISSF World Cup at…

Diplomatic ties between India and Canada, already at a low ebb since last year, received another blow with a series of overlapping developments on October 14. At the end of that bruising day, diplomats in both countries started packing their bags to leave. The Indian ministry of external affairs, in an angry statement, announced that it was withdrawing its high commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma and some other diplomats from Ottawa—western reports said that they were expelled—as it had “no faith” in Canada’s commitment to ensuring their security. The statement was prompted by communication from Canada on October 13 that Verma and some other diplomats were ‘persons of interest’—or involved—in a criminal investigation into the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, in British Columbia in June 2023.…

SIR RATAN TATA TRUST Established in 1919 ↘ BAI HIRABAI J.N. TATA NAVSARI CHARITABLE INSTI-TUTION Established in Dec. 1923, has had the same trustees as Sir Ratan Tata Trust, which has played a pioneering role in redefining charity ↘ NAVAJBAI RATAN TATA TRUST Founded in memory of Sir Ratan Tata’s wife Navajbai in 1974, works with Sir Ratan Tata Trust to bestow grants ↘ SARVAJANIK SEVA TRUST Registered in 1975, provides grants to individuals for medical treatment besides scholarships to deserving students to pursue higher studies in India ↘ TATA EDUCATION AND DE-VELOPMENT TRUST Set up in 2008, its activities are multifaceted in nature, primarily focusing on social welfare and national development SIR DORABJI TATA TRUST Established in 1932 ↘ THE JN ENDOWMENT FOR THE HIGHER EDUCATION OF INDIANS Has been helping Indian…

Anita Desai, after 13 years of silence, has given you, her reader, a rare gift. A new novel, rosarita; a new form, a novel-fragment; a new protagonist, you. If anyone (uncharitably) wondered what Desai might have to offer at 89, these 94 pages of an exquisite hardcover edition hold glimpses of magic. On its jacket, embossed on a gorgeous self-portrait by Amrita Sher-Gil—the Hungarian-Indian painter with an enigmatic, thrilling life-story—is the title rosarita in lowercase lettering, with the author’s name below it in larger font and bold capitals. Does the sylph-like rosarita of this intriguing tale exist, or is she a fantasy, an image of who you could grow up to be, or the one who grew you up: your mother in some secret other life that you never knew…

Luxury Indian gifting, especially during the festive season, is an expression of love, tradition, and thoughtfulness—something I’ve always found deeply meaningful. For me, a gift should feel like an experience, from the moment it’s received to the joy of unwrapping it. That’s why I turn to the idea of using the richness of India’s heritage and craftsmanship to create something that feels personal, luxurious, and unforgettable. There’s something magical about gifts wrapped in handwoven textiles—imagine a soft velvet pouch embroidered with intricate zardozi or a silk box adorned with gold gota work. These little touches of artistry make the packaging itself feel like a keepsake. Inside, the gift could be a luxurious pashmina shawl perfect for the season. Alternatively, maybe a set of handcrafted silver dessert bowls that evoke a…

By leaning on our Ayurvedic legacy and principles, I wanted to create a global spiritual brand that is rooted in purpose and purity. Atomicc Code is about unifying knowledge and wellness originating from traditional Indian practices, to create authentic products that reinforce the idea of modern spiritualism in its most direct context: simplicity, purity, and the power of being present. It is about the powerful daily rituals from the moment we wake up to the first breath we take in. It’s about celebrating the ‘everyday sacred’. Speaking of trends, one can always look at developing new fragrances using the best possible sustainable methods. Today, we have easy access to quality ingredients that one can work with for a new discovery everyday by mixing different formulations. We always see the change…

I was inspired by a tactile design vocabulary that shines the spotlight on iconic motifs that have been a part of Sarita Handa archives; these looks celebrate India through its many interpretations. For me, the main inspiration for this collection comes from the past, blending tradition with a festive spirit. ↘ I’m always very excited about the idea of using light in the most unusual way. Focus on multiple functional objects like diya, candle stand and light votives that can be used in any setting, in a cluster or individual, with seasonal flowers to set up a mood for Diwali. ↘ One can repurpose old diyas from home, whether they are silver or any other metal or even terracotta and style them together. ↘ Platters and bowls offer great versatility,…

Putting the Fun in Functional PRIYAM DOSHI, 39 Founder & Design Head Name Place Animal Thing @nameplaceanimalthing (Instagram) In 2008 when Priyam Doshi was an engineering student, he decided that if he ever starts his own brand he is going to call it Name Place Animal Thing. “As a young designer, I realised that using names, places, animals, and things as inspiration allowed me to design anything under the sun,” says Doshi. The real push to start his own venture came when the company he worked for shutdown, and he started dabbling in furniture and lights and so his brand was official launched in April 2020. Doshi retails furniture and lights, with a continually expanding list of products. “Additionally, we custom design and build lights and furniture for interior designers…

In the heart of a city that never sleeps, Mumbai, resides The Meld House, a harmonious blend of modern luxury and subtle traditional elements. Upon entering the apartment, one is immediately struck by the seamless flow between spaces. The open-plan layout creates a sense of expansiveness, with clear zoning ensuring each area serves its intended purpose while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. The living area, strategically positioned at the heart of the home, serves as both an informal and formal gathering space. Layers of textured fabric, soft curves, and delicate Murano glass lights create an ambience that is at once cosy and stylish. Adjacent to the living area, the dining space showcases a clever interplay of materials. The lower half of the walls exude warmth with white oak veneer, while the…

We’ve learnt to expect the unexpected when viewing Rooshad Shroff’s work. He broke our brains when he showed us how marble can be carved into bespoke lights or when he embroidered wood. His latest collection Balance pretty much continues from here. But there’s a catch. The architect says that the range actually began with one piece (representing pebbles uniquely stacked atop one another) in 2021. The years that followed saw him looking for structural anomalies in nature. The result, a gorgeous line of furniture and accessories with a curvilinear theme. White, green and pink onyx, red jasper, lapiz lazuli and mookaite complement premium white bronze. The range also marks Shroff creating upholstered pieces for the first time. However, the true stand out feature remains the symphony of paradox that makes…

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s ceremonial Vijayadashami speech this year featured an impassioned plea for Hindu unification, coming with a stark warning: weakness is a sin that even the gods disdain. The spectre of violence against Bangladeshi Hindus earlier this year served as his grim exemplar, a cautionary tale of what befalls a weakened community. Just a week earlier, as if in sync, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rally in poll-bound Maharashtra, launched a scathing attack on the Congress, accusing the Opposition party of playing divisive politics. “Congress knows that the more Hindus get divided, the more it will benefit,” he declared. This duet, performed by the two titans of the Sangh Parivar, perhaps appends a coda to a symphony of…

FIRST INDIAN FEMALE SHOOTER TO WIN AN OLYMPIC MEDAL Male medalists include Abhinav Bindra, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Gagan Narang, Vijay Kumar, Swapnil Kusale and Sarabjot Singh ONLY INDIAN ATHLETE, MALE OR FEMALE, TO WIN TWO MEDALS IN AN OLYMPICS Last one was in pre-Independence India and won by a British Indian athlete AN IMPRESSIVE SHOWING IN PARIS In fine form, she qualified for the finals of all the three events in which she competed ONE OF ONLY FOUR SHOOTERS from the disappointing Tokyo squad to retain their spots in Paris…

STRENGTH,  ENDUR-ANCE, CALMNESS: It required her to spend hours at the range, standing still in one place and repeating the drill of raising the gun and aiming for the target HAND-EYE COORDI-NATION: An essential component of the sport, it entails a seamless flow between mind, muscle, eye and the nervous system. Manu limits her screen time to preserve focus and sight. Between shots, she keeps the process in mind, breathing patterns in check and channelises thought STABILITY: This requires strong core muscles including of the abdomen and spine, besides limbs, the finger flexor and deltoids. Manu loves her time in the gym, doing stretches, weight and strength training, core workout and rehabilitation, particularly of the elbow and scapula MENTAL PERSEVER-ANCE: Since scoring in the sport is by elimination, stress is a…

ARTFUL DECOR Kanv Budhiraja, the artisan behind House of Vandana has launched Collectors Editon. Featured here is a floor sculpture called the Chessboard Totem, inspired by the classic chess piece. These floor sculptures can be customized in any colour combination, allowing you to play with colours and tailor them to your decor needs. PRICE on request AT www.houseofvandana.co.in WE’RE FLOORED Here’s the new rug raga. Cocoon Fine Rugs has launched a new range called Cocoon Pret for the modern, style-savvy consumer. It’s also a lot more affordable. A playful array of vibrant and stylish designs make up the collection. Designed for young and dynamic homeowners, it’s affordable luxury at its best. Launched last month, the collection boasts an eclectic mix of designs, including fun asymmetrical shapes and a variety of…

The vessel from which the wine is consumed plays a crucial role in unlocking its full potential. Glassware, often overlooked, is not merely a container; it is an essential companion that can enhance or diminish the nuances of the wine. In the symphony of elements that contribute to a sublime winedrinking experience, glassware plays a leading role. For instance, Aerlumer refers to the curling patterns of the lines under the bowl support micro-oxidation, which is a process that causes the wine molecules to expose themselves to a greater level of oxygen. Micro-oxidation helps to accentuate the flavour, body, as well as the aroma or bouquet of the wine. There are exquisite crystal ware catering to various wines, enhancing their characteristics, and elevating the drinking experience. Robust Red for young red…

Grazing tables with several different types of serving boards are the highlight of any party year-round. The ideation and curation of this is especially personal to me, reflecting my style and persona as a chef and a host. One of the most exciting concepts is a well-crafted cheese selection. I find joy in choosing the right textures, from creamy to soft to semi-hard, and in showcasing local cheeses such as Zarai from Uttarakhand, Kalari from Jammu, Bandel from the Eastern belt, and Bombay Brie from The Fromagerie in Maharashtra. I complement these with a few European classics, like a perfect blue cheese and Boursin from France. My suggestion is never ever serve and table cheese cold, always at room temperature, similar to red wine. Recently, I’ve been drawn to super-soft…

In the right light, the drabbest of spaces look appealing. And if you figure out this golden rule, chances are your home will look good no matter the budget or style. While we believe lighting is important all year round but it really comes into focus during the festival of lights. So, we asked top designers for pieces from their collection best suited for this time of the year. Striking Design Delhi-based Klove Studio by Prateek Jain and Gautam Seth knows how to play with objects and light, creating sculptural beauties that defy conventional thinking. For this season they have chosen The Abundance Totem. “An ideal choice for Diwali festivities, it ushers in good energy, prosperity and luck. With its antique brass wings spread out like an angel from the…

Nov. 3, 2023: The Siddaramaiah government forms a technical committee to inquire into allegations of various illegalities in MUDA site allocations July 2024: Controversy arises over 14 sites the CM’s wife Parvathi B.M. was allotted by MUDA in 2021 during the BJP regime. The sites, estimated at Rs 55.80 crore, were allotted as compensation for land encroached by MUDA July 14: Siddaramaiah sets up a judicial commission to probe all MUDA allegations July 26: Activist T.J. Abraham petitions Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot, seeking sanction for prosecution of CM under the Prevention of Corruption Act for receiving MUDA sites; two more persons file complaints subsequently Aug. 16: Governor accords sanction to investigate allegations Sept. 24: Karnataka High Court upholds governor’s order Sept. 26: Karnataka withdraws general consent given to the Central Bureau…

Every year, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman hosts an informal luncheon for female journalists at her residence to celebrate Varalakshmi puja, to invoke goddess Lakshmi’s blessings. This year, the event happened in mid October and featured a special Navaratri spread along with north and south Indian delicacies. Attendees could not help noticing how the meal and decor were noticeably more extravagant than in previous years (there was even a display of oxidised jewellery and a traditional lac bangle maker from Rajasthan). If there was any cause for complaint, it was the seeming hierarchy at the lunch tables. The FM spent a majority of her time with the senior members of the community, even returning to their table to check their selections from the jewellery and bangles on offer. That said,…

THE TARGET: The 10m air pistol event is an incredible test of the minutest accuracy. The bullseye, called the 10-point ring, is just 4.5mm, the size of a peppercorn THE SCORE: At the Olympics, the boards are electronically operated and the aim is to hit dead centre of this tiny dot with scores ranging from a maximum of 10.9 for a perfect shot and a decimal variation of 10 if the shot hits within the circle measuring 11.5mm PRELIMINARY ROUND: In an Olympics final, only eight shooters qualify, and the competition is determined in two stages. In Stage 1, each shooter gets two series of five shots each with 250 seconds to complete a series THE ELIMINATION: After 10 shots in Stage 1, shooters have to fire 14 shots on…

June 2023 Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh Khalistani, killed in Surrey, British Columbia Sept. 2023 Canadian PM Justin Trudeau says intelligence agencies probing links between Indian agents and Nijjar’s assassination Canada expels an Indian diplomat; India expels a Canadian one, citing “interference in internal matters” Oct. 2023 Canada pulls out 41 diplomats from India after New Delhi revokes their diplomatic immunity May 2024 The Royal Canadian Mounted Police arrests four Indians for Nijjar’s murder. In all, 30 arrested Aug. 2024 Canadian police warn Nijjar aide Inderjeet Singh Gosal of a threat to his life Oct. 2024 Canada expels 6 Indian diplomats, says they are ‘persons of interest’ in Nijjar case; India expels six Canadian diplomats…

Adarsh Housing scam (2010) Area: 31-storey building on 3837.57 sq. mtrs Top military officials, politicians and bureaucrats allegedly colluded to illegally acquire flats meant for Kargil war widows and MoD officials at below market rates in the Adarsh Housing Society in Mumbai. The trial is on in courts Sukna land scam (2008) Area: 71 acres Senior military officials were accused of facilitating the transfer of defense land to private developers belonging to the Army’s Sukna Cantonment area near Siliguri, West Bengal. Involved senior army officers found guilty Jahaz Ground, Ferozpur (2008) Area: 15 acres The plot, outside the Ferozepur cantonment, Punjab, originally used as an emergency airfield by the IAF, was sold off to private entities through alleged forgery of documents by revenue officials. No action taken on complaint by…

Sandhya Suri has always “wanted to do what she wanted to”. This headstrong attitude would see the British-Indian study mathematics in Germany, leave her home England for stints in Congo, Samoa, Japan and France, make two documentaries, and work with NGOs in India studying violence against women. The latter, along with an image of a female police officer facing angry Nirbhaya protesters in New Delhi, would inspire her first fictional feature, Santosh. Starring Shahana Goswami in the titular part, the Hindi film set in a fictional state in India is the UK’s official entry to the best international film category at the Oscars and will have its India premiere in the South Asia section of the upcoming Mumbai Film Festival (Oct. 19-24). Films on officials clad in khaki have mostly…

Every year we witness a new twist on tradition. Now team that with a growing love for nature, making healthy choices, going back to the roots yet remaining firmly modern, and you get the perfect grazing table (another big trend this year) by Gunjan Jindal Poddar, founder Amala Earth. For Poddar, the table is an extension of her brand and values that focus on natural materials and organic food, designs and process that are earth friendly and emphasises on going back to the roots. “We use a lot of kansa, copper, reclaimed wood, natural paints, bamboo and other things that will help you connect with yourself and stay healthy,” says Poddar. The reason why grazing tables have become so popular this Diwali is because it’s an intimate affair. Before you…