Latest news with #Divyanshu
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
Toy Story
The growing community of adult toy collectors isn't just fuelling corporate giants; it's also carving out space for indie toy makers and artists. Shreyas Malvankar, a '90s kid himself, began crafting cardboard toys as a child, simply because the superhero figures he craved were either unavailable or unaffordable. What began as play soon turned into a profession, as nostalgia-rich millennial adults started seeking personalised, handmade models of their favourite heroes, vehicles, and cartoons. 'A lot of people want something that's uniquely theirs, something realistic, exquisite, made just for them,' Shreyas says. His work has evolved from childhood experiments to custom-made miniatures and scale models. With demand soaring, toy makers and sculptors like him are witnessing a new era where handmade models are treated less like toys and more like bespoke art. The craft has gained visibility, thanks to social media. 'We can now market directly to collectors hungry for intricate craftsmanship that mass production still can't replicate.' For artists, it's a space where passion meets livelihood, and for collectors, it's a way to own something one-of-a-kind. Lawyer Divyanshu Singh began his love affair with cars almost as soon as he could walk. By the time he was two, he was already obsessed. He shares, 'My mother, doting as ever, fed this passion.' But it wasn't until college in 2014 that Divyanshu decided to start over—this time with the careful eye of a connoisseur. 'I approached it with seriousness, understanding the collectible value, knowing what I liked, and being very intentional,' he says. Today, his collection of scale model cars is a testament to both his automotive passion and his maturing taste. 'I don't just collect cars—I collect stories, design marvels, and pieces that represent the evolution of my hobby,' he adds. Sourcing, however, is an adventure in itself. 'This isn't a mainstream hobby,' he continues, 'Models are often hard to find in India or ridiculously priced. I've chased them across countries, navigated multiple sellers; it's like a treasure hunt with a budget constraint.' Of all his prized possessions, one stands out: the Mercedes-Benz W204 C-Class by AUTO art, a gift from a senior collector friend, Rohan. 'We were just hanging out one Sunday, and as I was leaving, he surprised me with this model. It's a 1:18 scale model, insanely detailed—with all functional parts—opening hood and trunk, and even carpeted interiors,' Divyanshu shares. A friend, who owns the real version of that car, once offered him $500 for it. But there was no question he'd part with that one. The meteoric rise of adult toy collecting has pushed prices into investment territory. Globally, the toy market is booming, with an anticipated CAGR of 3.1 per cent from 2024 to 2035, expected to reach a staggering $160.4 billion by 2035. Blind-box toys like Labubu are fuelling speculative trading—retail `2,500-15,000, but resell for much higher. Even in India, collectors are not just spending, they're investing, trading, and treating toys as cultural artefacts. As a college student, Nikhil Kamath, author and content strategist, wasn't hoarding notes for finals; he was dashing between McDonald's outlets across Delhi, chasing down Happy Meal toys. The year was 2015, the Minions movie had just hit theatres, and those bright yellow figurines ignited a spark that's now evolved into a wall-spanning collection of Funko Pops, Hot Wheels, and hard-to-find character toys. What began as playful curiosity quickly snowballed into a passionate pursuit that Nikhil now describes as equal parts pop culture tribute and emotional diary. 'I grew up seeing my cousin collect cool figurines of comic book characters, and it always fascinated me,' he says. 'When I started collecting myself, it was about the joy of the hunt.' Today, he sees it as collecting art. His first love was the Happy Meal line, now discontinued in India, but it laid the foundation for what would become a more serious passion: collecting Funko Pop figurines. 'If I like a movie or a character, I immediately check if Funko makes a figure,' he adds.
News18
4 days ago
- News18
Lover Leaves Minor GF Alone In Park After Goons Shoot Their Video, Demand Rs 7,000. She Was Then...
Last Updated: The minor girl told police that after her boyfriend fled, two men "threatened her" and forcefully pulled out her nose pin, which caused it to bleed. They "took turns to rape her". A minor girl from Kanpur went through a traumatic experience after her lover allegedly abandoned her in a secluded area following an attempt by two strangers to blackmail them with a video. According to reports, prior to this incident, her lover also assaulted her sexually. The incident reportedly occurred in the Maharajpur area of Kanpur on July 26. The girl, who is from the same locality, was in a relationship with a young man named Mahesh, a resident of Fatehpur. On the day of the incident, Mahesh had come to visit her, and the two went for a walk in the Sarsaul Bazar area. Goons Threaten With Video, Demand Money While returning, the couple sat near the boundary wall of a school. It was there that two individuals identified as Divyanshu alias Lucky (19) and his 15-year-old friend arrived and started filming them, PTI reported. The intention behind the video was to blackmail the couple. After making the video, the accused allegedly demanded Rs 7,000 and threatened to leak it if they didn't get the money. According to Aaj Tak, Mahesh told them he would send the money online, but they insisted on cash and then started molesting the girl. In fear, Mahesh ran away and left the girl alone with the two accused. The girl told police that once she was alone, both men began threatening her. The report further mentioned that they snatched Rs 1,000 from her purse and forcefully pulled her nosepin, which caused it to bleed. She claimed that despite giving them money, they didn't stop and took turns to rape her. Boyfriend Also Accused Of Rape 'The victim had been with her boyfriend, identified as Mahesh (19), a resident of Fatehpur district. Mahesh had allegedly taken her to a secluded spot in Maharajpur under the pretext of making some purchases and raped her," Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Satyajeet Gupta said as quoted by PTI. While the couple was together, Divyanshu and his friend approached them and started filming the act to blackmail them and later raped the girl. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Chakeri) Abhishek Pandey told PTI that the accused dropped the girl near her house on their motorcycle after several hours. The minor girl later approached the police and filed a report at the Maharajpur police station. Police said her medical examination has been conducted, and her statement will be recorded. Divyanshu has been arrested and sent to jail, while the 15-year-old accomplice has been sent to a juvenile home, PTI reported. The police have initiated a search for Mahesh, who is currently on the run. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
29-06-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
‘IIT Mandi has given me growth, self-discovery, and friendships that will last a lifetime'
— Divyanshu I am a fourth-year undergraduate student in the Bioengineering branch of the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi. I come from Lucknow, but my roots in this journey began in Kanpur, where I studied till Class 10 at KDMA International. I then completed my Class 12 from Lucknow Public School. From an early age, biology always fascinated me – probably because of my father, who is a veterinary doctor. Watching him work sparked a curiosity in life sciences, while my exposure to Artificial Intelligence and Data Science during my JEE preparation deepened my interest in blending biology with computation. These interests came together in the form of Bioengineering, a field I am lucky to now be pursuing at IIT Mandi. I first appeared for JEE Main and JEE Advanced right after my Class 12 in 2021, but the results didn't meet my expectations. So, I took a drop year and reappeared for JEE in 2022. During that drop year, I prepared on my own using online resources, standard books, and mock tests. It wasn't easy – many of us isolate ourselves from social life, miss birthdays, celebrations, and even our hobbies. But I now tell aspirants that they should not cut themselves off completely. These moments won't come back. Balance is key. As the saying goes, 'Success is important, but so is the journey. Don't lose yourself while chasing your dreams.' Coming to IIT Mandi in November 2022 was my first time living away from home. Initially, I missed the homemade food, my old friends, and my younger sister, whom I am really close to. But everything changed once I found my tribe here, friends including Ayush, Aryan, Vishal, Dhruv, Harsh, Vivek, Vibhu, and Shreyansh. My first semester became one of the most memorable times of my life – late-night project building, hackathons, competitions, and shared laughter. Campus life here is different from other colleges, and not just because it is nestled in the Himalayas, it is the people that make it special. The peer group you find in an IIT inspires you in countless ways. When someone in your circle goes for an internship, course, or competition, it pushes you to think, 'Hey, maybe I can do that too.' Outside academics, I got involved in several clubs – drama, design, Sysadmin, and the Kamand Bioengineering Club. These clubs allowed me to explore areas I'd never tried before and contributed to my personal development. It wasn't easy balancing academics and club work, but the environment here teaches you to manage your time and push your boundaries. The professors here are incredibly supportive. One moment I'll always remember is when our Japanese teacher joined us in a student-organised 'Glow in the Dark' paint-art event. That role reversal, where we were the teachers and she was the student, was unforgettable. Another moment that stuck with me was when I missed the campus bus and a professor offered me a lift to the academic block – it was a small gesture, but it truly showed how approachable and kind the teachers are. Life at IIT has transformed me mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. I have learned leadership, time management, teamwork, and resilience. But perhaps the most important lesson I have learned here is that everyone is confused. It might seem like some people have it all figured out, but most of us are just trying to find our path. So, once in a while, ask yourself if you enjoy what you're doing. If the answer is 'somewhat yes', keep going. Try out different things – because you don't want to leave college with regrets. In my second year, I participated in the Inter IIT Cultural Meet as part of the Dramatics Club in 'Nukkad Natak', and we secured the second-highest score. Later, I led our contingent, coordinating teams, managing logistics, and learning leadership in a high-pressure but fun environment. My typical day involves morning classes, lab work, and assignments. Evenings are for friends, club events, or walks. I don't play any sport, but I do enjoy watching anime and movies, and going on treks around the beautiful hills that surround us. We hang out at the Village Square, the hostel rooms, play foosball or table tennis, and snack at campus canteens. My favourite food to binge on here is siddu, a local Himachali dish. I support my expenses partly through teaching assistant roles and partly through pocket money from my parents. And while I love the serenity of our hilltop campus, I sometimes miss the buzz of city life – malls, cinemas, and amusement parks. Looking ahead, I see myself going for higher studies, possibly in Computational Biology, Genomics, or Neuroscience. The culture, the food, and the rich history of Lucknow are close to my heart – and yes, I do miss them. But what I miss most is my sister and those late-night food outings. Still, if I had to sum it all up, I'd say that this journey at IIT Mandi has been one of growth, self-discovery, and friendships that will last a lifetime. Mridusmita Deka covers education and has worked with the Careers360 previously. She is an alumnus of Gauhati University and Dibrugarh University. ... Read More
Business Standard
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
2 JKLU Students Among 1,272 Selected Worldwide for Google Summer of Code 2025
NewsVoir Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], May 27: Two students from Jaipur's JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU) have accomplished what thousands around the world aspire to each year. Karan Kumawat and Divyanshu Gautam, (CSE) students from the batch of 2022 at the Institute of Engineering and Technology, JKLU, have been selected for the Google Summer of Code (GSoC) 2025 - one of the world's most competitive and prestigious global, online programmes focused on bringing new contributors into open-source software development. This year, GSoC received 23,559 proposals from over 15,240 applicants across 130 countries. From this large pool of applicants, only 1,272 contributors were chosen to work with leading open-source organisations under the mentorship of seasoned developers and industry experts. Congratulating Karan and Divyanshu on their selection to the prestigious global online mentorship programme, Professor Alka Mahajan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, JKLU, said, "By sharing their knowledge with the wider world, the global open-source community has contributed immensely to innovation and growth. I am very pleased to know that our brilliant students will be joining this exclusive global community and contributing to some of the significant open-source software development projects selected by Google this year. Their journey exemplifies the growing presence of Indian talent in open-source innovation--and the power of education that bridges knowledge and application." Open Source, Global Impact Over the next 12+ weeks, Karan and Divyanshu will collaborate remotely with global mentors, contributing code to open-source projects. "The GSoC 2025 programme has some flexibility in the schedule for projects. The length of time allowed to complete a project can range from 10 weeks to 22 weeks for medium and large projects with the standard length of 12 weeks. Small projects can range from 8 to 12 weeks," Google said in a blog post. "GSoC Contributors and their mentors can decide together if a project should be extended to end a couple of weeks or so later," Google added. The stipend amount that each would receive from Google could go up to USD 3,000 (approximately Rs. 256,000). But beyond the financial support, the programme offers something even more transformative: the chance to work at the intersection of innovation and impact--solving real-world challenges, contributing to widely used technologies, and learning from some of the best minds in the global tech community. Projects with Purpose Karan's project, "Chainvoice: Enhancing Decentralised Invoicing with Privacy, Automation, and Multi-Token Support," sits at the intersection of blockchain and finance. His work aims to enhance decentralised invoicing systems by making them more secure, automated, and adaptable across multiple digital currencies - contributing to the growing domain of decentralized finance (DeFi). Divyanshu's proposal, "Efficient Recurring Events and Solidifying Core Features," focuses on strengthening calendar-based productivity tools used worldwide. His contribution seeks to improve efficiency, reliability, and usability in widely adopted open-source scheduling platforms. Starting in 2005, GSoC has brought over 21,000 new contributors from 123 countries into the open-source community over the past 20 years.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Time of India
Man, minor grandson drown in river
1 2 3 Keonjhar: A birthday celebration turned tragic when a 62-year-old man and his nine-year-old grandson drowned in the Baitarani river in Keonjhar district's Silipada village while taking a bath before visiting a temple. The deceased have been identified as Basudeba Mahanta and his grandson Divyanshu. The incident occurred when Mahanata took his two grandsons for bathing in the river as part of Divyanshu's birthday celebrations. Locals claimed both grandsons were struggling to swim. Mahanta jumped into the waters to rescue them but was caught in the strong current and drowned. The elder grandson managed to swim to safety and was rescued by locals after getting stranded on a rock. Divyanshu was rushed to the district headquarters hospital in a critical condition but was declared brought dead. Bijay Krishna Mohapatra, sub-divisional police officer, Ghatagaon, said, "After post-mortem, the bodies were handed over to the family members." Police have initiated an investigation into the incident. Six drowning deaths have been reported in the district in the past one month. Two drowned at Chandangiri waterfall in Harichandanpur and two others at Kesharikund along the Baitarani in Champua. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
