Latest news with #Chandra
The National
a day ago
- Business
- The National
Keir Starmer aide's former firm in lobbying probe
Varun Chandra, the Prime Minister's special adviser on business and investment, is facing claims a meeting he organised in 2022 between leading financiers and then-business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng was never properly disclosed. Chandra was a managing partner at the 'global strategic advisory firm' Hakluyt and Company until 2024 when he began working for No 10. A lengthy investigation by openDemocracy has uncovered a host of meetings between Chandra and senior figures in the former Conservative government. The investigation by the Office for the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists (ORCL) is understood to centre around a meeting held on April 4, 2022 at Hakluyt's office in Mayfair, central London. Hakulyt has denied any wrongdoing. Kwarteng (above) and people at Hakluyt had breakfast, according to the Government's official records and was classified as 'hospitality', implying that it did not relate to Government business. It also said that only the senior Tory's team and people at the company were present, however, additional documents obtained by openDemocracy suggest that 10 finance companies attended, private equity giants Permira and KKR and asset managers Macquarie and Global Infrastructure Partners, the latter of which is owned by BlackRock. A readout of the meeting reviewed by openDemocracy shows that over the course of an hour or so, the UK's secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy offered the finance executives significant insider insights into the Tory government's strategies, priorities and plans. READ MORE: Convicted fraudster sets up GoFundMe for Union Jack dress girl's father Kwarteng also reportedly took questions from those gathered, telling them that the 'Government will seek to keep taxes as low as possible'. At stake is whether Hakluyt should have registered as a 'consultant lobbyist' over the meeting, as this activity is regulated. Failing to register as a 'consultant lobbyist' is an offence under the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014. Consultant lobbying is a legal term, distinct from lobbying – which can refer to a number of activities not covered by the 2014 Act. To meet the threshold of consultant lobbying, a company must not only communicate with a government minister or senior civil servant about a matter of government business, but they must do so on behalf of a third party and in return for payment. They must also be VAT registered in the UK. ORCL can issue fines of up to £7,500 for companies and individuals who meet the definition of consultant lobbying but fail to register as such. An ORCL spokesperson told openDemocracy: 'The registrar is investigating Hakluyt in relation to potential unregistered consultant lobbying. 'A case summary will be published when the investigation is complete. The registrar does not comment on ongoing investigations.' READ MORE: Unconvinced campaigners respond to John Swinney's 'new' independence push Ben Worthy, a leading academic at Birkbeck University studying government transparency, said the findings highlighted a 'lack of clarity' in the laws governing lobbying. He said: 'Any member of the public would see this as lobbying, and it illustrates once again the gap between politicians abiding with their own rules and how the public sees it, which is one of the central problems.' (Image: UK Parliament) Labour MP Jon Trickett (above) added: 'These revelations are extremely concerning. It is right that the regulator now investigates whether the law has been broken. We need a total clampdown on lobbying by private companies. Profiteers should not be allowed to use their connections to influence government policy.' Many of the companies Chandra engaged with at Hakluyt now enjoy significant access to and influence with the Labour leadership, including asset managers Macquarie and Global Infrastructure Partners. In his new post, Chandra had dinner with a sovereign wealth fund that attended the April 2022 roundtable meeting, which then met with the PM and chancellor Rachel Reeves the following day, as well as top civil servants, to discuss working together. A spokesperson for Hakulyt said: 'We are not a lobbying organisation – no lobbying occurred at these meetings. Any suggestion that Hakluyt has conducted consultant lobbying within the meaning of applicable legislation is entirely false.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Meet the macabre family of Manali, Ibsen-style
Lucknow: Love, loss and haunting legacy were brought to theatrical life as the play "Makan Number 7 Manali", directed by Subhadip Raha, was staged at the Sangeet Natak Academy on Monday. The play was an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's "John Gabriel Borkman" and captured the journey of an unconventional family wading its way through difficult relationships and the relentless waves of life. Set in 1996 Manali, the psychological thriller revolves around Vikram, a once-successful businessman who now lives in isolation on the upper floor of his Manali home after his chit fund company became embroiled in financial scandal. His estranged wife Chandra lives downstairs and blames him for shattering their family. Isha, Vikram's former lover and Chandra's sister, is terminally ill and wishes for Raj–her son with Vikram–to stay with her. Raj is caught in the emotional crossfire, seeking his own identity amid the family turmoil. On both days, the stage was home to impactful dialogues, stellar acting, fitting set design and music, and expressive dance sequences that added to the emotional depth. The play balanced the thematic intensity with moments of comic relief, keeping the riveted audience on the edge of their seats.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Simple diet changes, profound impact: What your gut wants you to eat
In her book Brainwashed by Your Gut , Dr. Manjari Chandra, a renowned functional nutritionist, wellness coach, and author, highlights the profound connection between our gut and brain, revealing how the gut subtly governs our mood and mental well-being. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In an exclusive interview with Times of India Lifestyle, Dr. Chandra elaborates on how grasping this intricate gut-brain relationship could offer the key to resolving many of our health challenges. 'Brainwashed by your Gut, how did the idea of writing this book come to your mind? The book Brainwashed by your Gut is something that happened as we started seeing more and more people in our clinics and hospitals with the diagnosis of a mental health condition. Many times they were not even diagnosed with a mental health condition but complained of inability to focus, poor concentration, general low levels of energy, low mood and felt depressed and could not figure out what was the reason for it in modern medicine. When you look at mental health in conventional medicine, most of the time it is treated with medications and psycho therapy or cognitive behavioural therapy. These interventions are helpful for the person, but one of the reasons for people having poor mental health is the fact that they choose poor lifestyle that includes poor sleep cycles, high levels of stress, isolation and loneliness and highly processed, nutritionally depleted food. Our neurological systems and mental health is dependent on sleep cycles, stress levels and on what we eat and this is not typically addressed in the modern medicine setting. This compelled me to write a book putting all this information together where people who were facing any form of difficulty with mental health, know that there is much more than they can do about it beyond the basic conventional interventions of medications and therapy. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now How does gut health influence mental well-being and cognitive function? Our Gut and Brain are connected to each other by the GUT _ BRAIN AXIS -the Vagus nerve. When we consume ultra processed ,nutritionally depleted food it can lead to an Inflamed Gut, a Leaky Gut or GUT dysbiosis. An inflamed or a leaky gut, which had poor gut microflora is now incapable of making something call the neurotransmitters. 50% -70% of the neurotransmitters are made in the Gut and if you have an inflamed or leaky Gut, the neurotransmitters and not made in the optimal amount and do not travel to the brain to give us stable mental health. For example, Serotonin, which is the neurotransmitter which gives us stability and relaxed mood is made largely in the Gut. This implies that individuals with poor Gut health will have unstable moods and may experience a sense of anxiety or depression. Besides this out neurotransmitters are also responsible for cognitive function. For example the ability to concentrate, to be productive, to focus and pay enough attention and retain information is also dependent on these neurotransmitters. Again poor Gut health may not allow your body to have sufficient amount of neurotransmitters resulting in compromised cognitive function. What are some key nutrients that support a healthy gut-brain axis? Some key nutrients that promote mental health are: -Amino acids and peptides - Tryptophan - precursor to Serotonin and other neurotransmitters -Phenylalanine and Tyrosine, with phenylalanine being the precursor to tyrosine - Tyrosine serves as the precursor for synthesizing dopamine and norepinephrine - Fats -Saturated and mono-saturated fat - Found in butter, desi ghee, coconut oil. Omega-3 in seafood (salmon, tuna, sardines) and nuts and seeds - Micronutrients -Zinc - Vitamin B3 -Vitamin D3 - NAD+ - Niacin - Folic acid -Minerals -Melatonin - Found in eggs, fish, nuts (Pistachios and almonds), mushrooms, germinated legumes and tomatoes -GABA - Naturally found in fermented foods and beverages like fermented fish, Tempeh, Serbian cheese, Kimchi, and sourdough. Also, it is present in barley and brown rice. Can you explain how certain foods might affect mood and emotional health? Our mood and emotional Health are directly linked to the food that we consume. As we discussed, our mental health is dependent on how well our Gut functions and how optimally the neurotransmitters are manufactured in the Gut. If we do not eat nourishing food we miss out on the right type of micronutrients, amino acids and phytochemicals that are required as the building blocks of these neurotransmitters. Another way in which our food directly affects our mental health is that when we consume ultra processed food that ruins our Gut lining causing GI disturbances and reduces the absorption of micronutrients. How important is the role of probiotics and prebiotics in maintaining gut health? Extremely Important! Probiotics or Fermented foods and beverages are rich in beneficial bacteria and yeasts. When ingested, they interact positively with the gut microbiota and form symbiotic relationships. Common examples of fermented products include: ● Yogurt: Made by fermenting milk with lactic acid bacteria, primarily Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. ● Kimchi: A traditional Korean dish of fermented vegetables, typically including cabbage and radishes, seasoned with chili pepper, garlic, ginger, and other spices. ● Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage that undergoes lactic acid fermentation, resulting in a tangy, crunchy side dish. ● Kombucha: A fermented tea beverage made using a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. Probiotics can improve mental health by: -Enhancing Microbial Diversity -Improving digestion and cleansing the colon -Boosting emotional well-being -Removing toxins from the body -Improving cognition and brain functionality Prebiotic complex carbohydrates are not digested in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Instead, they reach the colon intact, where they become substrates for fermentation by good gut bacteria. Prebiotic fibre is fermented to produce SCFAs, including acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These SCFAs become Energy Source for Colonocytes, Regulation of pH of the gut and have Anti-inflammatory Properties. Foods like asparagus, garlic, chicory, onion, Jerusalem artichoke, wheat, honey, banana, barley, tomato, rye, soybean, human's and cow's milk, peas, beans, etc serve as natural sources of prebiotics. What dietary habits can help reduce stress and anxiety through gut health? The dietary habits that can help to reduce stress and anxiety through gut health include: - Eating in a limited window - eating three hours before bedtime or earlier and eating only 2 to 3 hours after getting up, which means you are typically eating between 9 am and 7 pm or even a smaller window. - Allowing yourself a long period of no eating of fasting helps repair the gut lining, reduces inflammation, improves digestion and improves production of neurotransmitters such as Serotonin and Dopamine, that can keep our stress and anxiety levels low. - Besides this getting rid of the common irritants for the gut such as simple sugars, refined flour, seed oils, ultra processed food, direct dairy, trans fats will also help in improving Gut health and overall better mental health. Are there specific foods or dietary patterns that can improve focus and concentration? How does inflammation in the gut impact overall mental health? Inflammation of the gut lining impacts its functions which includes -breaking down complex food into smaller molecules, absorbing crucial minerals, vitamins and antioxidants from the food and making the right type of digestive enzymes that are required for robust digestion. Loss of gut function due to inflammation puts the individual at a higher risk of mental health conditions because of the lack of nutrients such as B complex vitamins, zinc, magnesium, selenium, critical amino acids, vitamin D and more. These minerals, vitamins and amino acids are required for making the neurotransmitters in the gut. Low neurotransmitter levels are the reason for a plethora of mental health conditions. What practical steps can someone take to use food as a tool for managing depression or mood swings? 1. Nourish your body with the right foods Focus on: Omega-3 Fatty Acids (salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts): Enhance mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. B vitamins (B6, B12, folate – found in leafy greens, legumes, eggs): Essential for neurotransmitter production and brain energy. Magnesium (almonds, spinach, pumpkin seeds): Helps regulate stress response. Probiotic & Prebiotic Foods (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, garlic, bananas): Support gut-brain axis, reducing anxiety and depression. Complex Carbohydrates (quinoa, sweet potatoes, oats): Stabilize blood sugar and support serotonin production. Reduce: Ultra-processed foods high in refined sugars and trans fats – linked to mood disorders. Excess caffeine and alcohol – can disrupt sleep and increase anxiety. 2. Prioritize quality sleep Aim for 7–9 hours per night. Maintain a regular sleep schedule even on weekends. Avoid screens and stimulants 1–2 hours before bedtime. Use calming routines: herbal teas, magnesium supplementation, or mindfulness practices. 3. Incorporate mind-body practices Meditation & Breathwork: Reduces cortisol, enhances focus and emotional regulation. Yoga or Tai Chi: Improves mood and physical health, lowers anxiety. Journaling: Helps process emotions and identify triggers. in physical activity Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity (like walking, dancing, cycling) most days. Exercise boosts endorphins and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports brain function and resilience. 5. Cultivate positive relationships Social connection reduces loneliness and supports emotional well-being. Regular interaction with friends, support groups, or family improves oxytocin levels (the bonding hormone). 6. Get sunlight & nature exposure Morning sunlight supports melatonin and serotonin production. Spending time in green spaces reduces cortisol and improves mood. 7. Support gut health The gut microbiome communicates with the brain via the vagus nerve and immune signaling. UseFermented foods (kimchi, miso, kombucha), Fiber-rich foods (vegetables, fruits, legumes) and avoid gut irritants (artificial sweeteners, highly processed items). 8. Limit digital overload Constant screen exposure can increase stress, fatigue and anxiety. What are some common misconceptions about the relationship between diet, gut health, and mental wellness? The most common misconception about the relationship between diet, gut and mental wellness is that these three things are independent of each other. Mental health is supposed be something that needs to be managed solely with medication and psychotherapy or cognitive behavioural therapy. It is supposed to be independent of the food that you eat or the lifestyle choices that you make. A lot of people today depend on food from a store or restaurant , people who have no access to a kitchen and have to eat ready to cook food or mostly order from outside notably see high instances of clinical depression, anxiety and insomnia but are not able to correlate it with the choices of food . One of the major misconceptions is that the food you choose to eat to the quality of your nutrition is only affecting your physical health - things such as weight, hormones, nutritional deficiencies; however the direct relationship between the consumption of nutritionally depleted food and higher incidence of mental health conditions is completely ignored. As they say 'You're what you eat.' This statement does not imply only to physical health but also psychological and mental health and that is what the Book wants to establish and explain to the reader. It is also a self-help tool for people navigating through all forms of mental health conditions
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
India auto industry sees record exports in Q1 despite domestic sales dip in June 2025
Domestic sales of two-wheelers in June stood at 15,59,851 units, a decline of 3.4 per cent. Scooters and motorcycles fell by 1.7 per cent and 3.7 per cent, respectively (Photo is representational) Notify me The Indian automotive industry reported a muted domestic performance during June 2025, but a silver lining was provided by exports, which helped lift overall quarterly mood. The latest numbers from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) show total domestic vehicle sales for the month fell 3.6 per cent year-on-year to 18,97,445 units, while exports jumped 28.1%, to 5,02,131 units. In spite of a weak month, Q1 FY2025–26 (April–June 2025) gave some big highs, especially in exports, which rose by 22.2 per cent compared to the previous year to 14.57 lakh units, as driven by high overseas demand for two-wheelers, PVs, and three-wheelers. Passenger Vehicles In June 2025, sales of passenger vehicles (PVs) fell 6.3 per cent year-on-year to 2,75,766 units, passenger cars fell 15.3 per cent and vans fell 13.3 per cent. Utility vehicles (UVs), which now contribute 66 per cent of total PV sales, remained resilient, dipping just 0.9 per cent. Also Read : Indian auto sector faces tough Q1 FY26 as costs climb and exports slow: Report For the full Q1 period, domestic PV sales fell 1.4 per cent to 10,11,882 units, while exports surged by 13.2 per cent to an all-time high of 2,04,330 units. This growth was fuelled by robust demand in Latin America, the Middle East, and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) markets like Australia and Japan. Two-Wheelers Domestic sales of two-wheelers in June stood at 15,59,851 units, a decline of 3.4 per cent. Scooters and motorcycles fell by 1.7 per cent and 3.7 per cent, respectively, while mopeds saw a deeper 17.4 per cent drop. For Q1 FY26, total two-wheeler domestic sales declined 6.2 per cent to 46.74 lakh units, impacted by inventory corrections. However, exports jumped 23.2 per cent, with 11.36 lakh units shipped, thanks to a rebound in demand from Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. Also Read : Indian auto exports rise sharply as home market remains sluggish in June: Report Industry Outlook: Eyes on festive season and financing relief Commenting on the Q1 performance, Shailesh Chandra, President of SIAM, acknowledged that while retail demand showed slight improvement over wholesale figures, the industry continues to grapple with macroeconomic uncertainty and persistent supply-side challenges. He spoke of guarded optimism for the next quarter, saying the next festival season and accommodative monetary policy will improve consumer sentiment over the course of time. The industry is pinning its hopes on a combination of factors to drive a recovery in Q2 — including festive season demand, the positive impact of an above-normal monsoon on rural incomes, and improved affordability driven by a cumulative 100 basis point cut in the RBI's repo rate. Still, Chandra also pointed to potential headwinds, most notably China's imposition of rare earth magnets export licensing restrictions recently, which might interrupt electric and hybrid vehicle production plans in the months that follow The first quarter of FY2025–26 paints a cautious yet promising picture. While domestic volumes were challenged, record-high exports across all major segments reaffirm India's rising importance as a global automotive hub. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 16 Jul 2025, 09:33 am IST
Time of India
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Rural slump ends India's four-year auto sales run, exports hit record high
India's car and two-wheeler sales slipped in the June quarter for the first time in four years, hit by weak rural demand and sluggish entry-level purchases. Passenger vehicle exports, though, reached a record high, helped by strong overseas demand. Supply risks for electric vehicles loom due to delays in Chinese rare earth magnet exports. The industry hopes for a slow recovery, banking on lower interest rates, infrastructure spending and the upcoming festival season to revive domestic demand. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Mumbai: India's passenger vehicle and two-wheeler sales fell in the June quarter, breaking a four-year growth streak, underscoring tepid demand in the rural markets and lower offtake of entry-level cars , as well as scooters and of cars, utility vehicles, and vans fell 1.4% year-on-year to around 1 million units last quarter, showed data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers SIAM ). Two-wheelers contracted 6.2% to 4.6 million units. SIAM counts automobile sales as factory dispatches and not retail exports however bucked the trend, growing 13% to 204,330 units, a record for a passenger vehicle sales slipped to an 18-month low in June, declining 7.4% year-on-year to 312,000 units, the lowest sales tally since last December. PV exports in June grew by 0.6% to 76,719 marks a reversal from the strong sales performance since August 2024, driven initially by new model launches and improved supply two-wheeler sales fell 3.4% to 1.5 million units, but three-wheelers recorded a 3.8% rise to 61,828 units.'There is clear stress in the entry-level segment, particularly for cars under ₹10 lakh,' Shailesh Chandra, president of SIAM said at a media briefing on Tuesday. 'On the other hand, premium SUVs and higher-end vehicles continue to perform well, highlighting a tale of two markets.'Chandra attributed the demand slowdown to affordability challenges in rural areas, changing consumer preferences, and ongoing inventory correction. He also flagged a growing supply-side concern—continued delays in Chinese approvals for rare earth magnet exports, essential for electric vehicle (EV) the exports front, in addition to PVs, other segments also posted strong performance. Two-wheeler shipments jumped 34%, followed by commercial vehicles (23%), and two-wheelers (23%), and passenger vehicles (13%), reflecting robust demand from international markets including Latin America, the Middle East, Japan, and the shortage of rare earth magnets and its impact on the sector, Chandra said he expects the issue to be resolved soon. 'There are around 30 applications still awaiting approval in China. This poses a significant supply risk for the EV sector,' he noted. 'The industry is working to identify alternative sources and move toward long-term self-reliance with government support.'In the two-wheeler category, monthly scooter sales declined 1.7%, motorcycles 3.7%, and mopeds plunged 17.4%, all pointing to sustained pressure on lower-income buyers. However, Chandra noted a 5% rise in Q1 vehicle registrations , driven by marriage-season demand and increased purchases by female three-wheelers remained under stress, with e-rickshaw and e-cart sales declining nearly 14% and 25% respectively in June. But overall segment growth was supported by a 5.3% increase in passenger carrier sales, aided by improved access to ahead, SIAM expects demand to recover at a modest pace in the coming quarters, supported by the central bank's recent repo rate cut, infrastructure spending, and festive season tailwinds.
