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Time of India
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Operation Sindoor: India offers terror fight aid to Pakistan; Rajnath Singh says help available if they can't act
File photo: Defense minister Rajnath Singh (Picture credit: IANS) NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said India is ready to assist Pakistan in combating terrorism, asserting that Indian forces are capable of tackling terror threats across the border as well. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during a special discussion on Operation Sindoor , Singh said, 'If you [Pakistan] are not able to take action against terrorism, take help from India, we are ready to help.' 'Our forces are capable of fighting terror on this side of the border, as well as on the other side,' he added, noting that this had been proven through Operation Sindoor, India's military response following the Pahalgam attack in April. Singh said the operation has now been suspended, but warned it could resume if Pakistan continued to support terrorism. 'If Pakistan commits any terror incidents in future, we will relaunch Operation Sindoor without hesitation… There can be a comma but no full stop,' he said. The defence minister informed the House that three terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack, which left 26 people dead, had been killed by Indian forces. He lauded the military's efforts, stating, 'I congratulate the forces for killing three terrorists who carried out the Pahalgam terror attack.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Singh said the operation was initiated after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with the service chiefs and gave them full freedom to decide on a suitable response. 'The aim was to destroy terror infrastructure and give the message of zero tolerance for terror,' Singh said, adding that India's action was in self-defence and not expansionist. He further said Pakistan's director general of military operations had requested India to halt hostilities, and India agreed on the condition that the operation would be "suspended, not terminated". Singh further emphasised that the military leadership had thoroughly planned the operation to avoid harm to civilians. 'We chose the option that would cause maximum damage to terrorists and their bases while ensuring no harm to Pakistan's ordinary citizens,' he said. Singh also criticised the United Nations for allowing Pakistan's inclusion in a key counter-terrorism committee and appealed to the global community to stop funding Islamabad, claiming a large portion goes towards supporting terror. The session in the Upper House saw opposition members including TMC MPs raising slogans and walking out after their points were not allowed. Singh, meanwhile, asserted that 'a day will come' when people in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir will proudly identify as Indians.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Abhishek Banerjee begins filming for Tamil debut in Chennai
Actor Abhishek Banerjee has kicked off the shoot for his much-anticipated Tamil debut in Chennai, marking a significant career milestone and a personal homecoming of sorts. While details of the project remain tightly under wraps, the actor's presence in the city has already created a buzz among fans and film circles alike. Born in Kharagpur but raised in Kalpakkam — a coastal township just an hour from Chennai — Abhishek has long shared a deep connection with Tamil Nadu. From school days spent near the sea to soaking in the region's rich culture and cuisine, the actor has often spoken fondly of his formative years in the South. Now, with his popularity soaring post Paatal Lok and the critically acclaimed Stolen making waves in Tamil Nadu, his Tamil debut couldn't come at a better time. A source close to the project revealed, 'For Abhishek, filming in Chennai isn't just another assignment — it's emotionally significant. The sea breeze, the food, the monsoon skies — it's all very nostalgic. He's reconnecting with the landscape that shaped him.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Though the production remains under tight wraps, the shoot has begun in full swing, with the team reportedly filming across locations in and around the city. As fans eagerly await more updates, this marks a promising new chapter for one of India's most versatile and compelling actors — and a return to the state that quietly helped shape his story.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
In A PoP World, A Couple Sticks To Clay & Ethical Craftsmanship
Nagpur: With Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols back in circulation, traditional clay sculptors are facing an existential crisis. For Prashant and Nisha Mahurkar, a couple who has dedicated decades to crafting eco-friendly idols, the new reality is not just challenging, but disheartening. "We spend days, sometimes weeks, handcrafting an idol. Each piece is a tribute to the Bappa," says Prashant, gently brushing dust off a half-finished Ganesha in his modest Nagpur workshop. "But POP idols? They're mass-produced and sold in minutes. They're cheaper and that's hard to compete with." The return of POP, which is harmful to the environment and banned by several state pollution boards until recently, has tilted the scales further against traditional artisans. Mahurkar recently received a request for a 'Military Ganpati' , an idol of Lord Ganesha holding a rifle. "I asked them if we could replace the weapon with a Tiranga (Indian tricolour). They agreed. That's our job to preserve sanctity, not just sculpt forms. " His wife, Nisha, who handles the final finishing of the idols, echoes his sentiment. "Sometimes people come with the most bizarre demands. Once, a family brought a photo of Ganeshji styled after a cartoon character, holding an oversized modak. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo We knew their intention was to please their kids, but we felt the need to change certain aspects," she says. "We explained the importance of maintaining the deity's sanctity, suggested gentler modifications, and thankfully, they understood." But far more than quirky customer requests, what keeps the Mahurkars up at night is the mounting cost of keeping their craft alive. The couple finds it increasingly difficult to hire and retain daily wage workers. "We can't afford to pay unskilled help anymore," Nisha explains. "And it takes time to train them, this work isn't just about moulding clay. It requires a deep understanding of balance, drying, and layering." Prashant adds, "We spend more time training than actually creating. And yet, we have to meet deadlines." They admit that taking shortcuts could make the business more profitable. "We could switch to POP and fool customers. But how will we sleep at night?" he asks. "This isn't just a business. This is our legacy, our offering to God." In a world where mass production reigns, the Mahurkars' stand is both rare and courageous, a testament to devotion, ethics, and a dying art.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Sweet but risky? Stevia has been linked with brain stroke
Artificial sweeteners have been seen as a safer alternative to sugar for years, low-calorie, diabetes-friendly, and tooth-friendly too. Among them, Stevia and Erythritol often come up together in sugar-free products. But a recent study has shaken things up, linking erythritol, a sweetener blended with Stevia in commercial products, to potential risks that could affect the brain's vascular system. The word "stroke" instantly grabs attention, and rightly so. But it's important to understand the reasoning behind it. What did scientists really do? This study was conducted in vitro, meaning it was done outside the human body, specifically in a lab, using cultured human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hCMECs). These are the same types of cells that line blood vessels in the brain and help regulate things like blood flow and clotting. Researchers treated these cells with erythritol in quantities equivalent to what's found in a standard artificially sweetened drink (around 30g of erythritol). The goal? To observe how this sweetener affects oxidative stress, nitric oxide (NO) production, and markers that influence blood clotting and vessel function. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Spike in oxidative stress One of the most striking findings was a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), basically, unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress, damaging cells over time. The oxidative stress levels were double in erythritol-treated cells compared to untreated ones. This triggered the cells to produce more antioxidant proteins like superoxide dismutase-1 and catalase, which act like emergency fire extinguishers in the body. But if the fire is too strong, even more antioxidants might not be enough. The takeaway? This oxidative imbalance may weaken the blood-brain barrier over time, possibly contributing to neurovascular issues like stroke. Why blood flow suffers Nitric oxide (NO) is crucial, it helps relax blood vessels, ensuring smooth blood flow. The study found that NO production dropped in erythritol-treated brain cells, even though the main enzyme that produces it (eNOS) didn't change much. The twist? The phosphorylated forms of eNOS (the active and inactive switches) were altered, one became less active, the other more inhibitory. This disrupted signaling means the vessels may not relax properly, increasing the risk of clot formation or vascular stiffness, both red flags for ischemic stroke.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
7 Hill Towns in India to Go Off-Grid and Unplug
The monotonous routines of our life often tire us to the extent that we want to escape from it. What's better than hill stations in India for an escape! Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, your work, and amongst cleaner air with breathtaking landscapes all around, you need to go to these places that we are going to list down for you for your next trip—and even better, all of these places are off-grid and unplugged. Let's get into it: Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh This hill station is located at 3,450 m above sea level in the Baspa valley of Kinnaur. What makes this hill station even more visit-worthy is that it is the last inhabited village before the Indo-Tibet border. This is the perfect place for people really wanting to have a detox from their phone, as visitors won't have any network here, so you can relax here amongst cleaner air, visit some apple orchards, or tranquil mountains. Chopta, Uttarakhand Chopta is at an elevation of 2,700 m and is a densely forested land. This place is also part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. Chopta is also known worldwide as the 'Mini Switzerland of India'. This hill station has very minimal connectivity and some parts don't even have electricity and run on solar or batteries. From this location, you can see the beautiful view of the Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks and even trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh This valley is located in the Great Himalayan National Park. This place is also an off-grid destination away from the crowd and tourist circuits. One can enjoy the experience of homestays, that too on the riverside in Gushaini, Jibhi, and Banjar, which have a blend of local culture and sustainable practices. One can also do activities like fishing, gentle hikes and treks, and have an experience of slow life here. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand This is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Uttarakhand and is a beautiful alpine valley where more than 300 species of wildflowers bloom. Visitors can enjoy life away from their phones here, as there is no mobile signal, beautiful flowers all around, and breathe some fresh and crisp air here along with a ritualistic energy around. Changlang Region This region is located in Arunachal Pradesh, where one is surrounded by misty forests and flowing rivers. There is no network coverage here and it offers a quieter atmosphere to everyone, which remains undisturbed by technology throughout the year and also provides a glimpse into the culture here. Ziro Valley This hill station is also located in Arunachal Pradesh and is known worldwide for its terraced rice fields. This provides the perfect blend of natural beauty and tribal Apatani culture along with hills all around. There is limited signal in this valley as well, especially along the trekking routes. This is also a UNESCO-listed cultural landscape with a serene atmosphere. Lungthung–Dhupidara, Sikkim This hamlet is located in East Sikkim and offers the breathtaking view of the Kanchenjunga range and limited network connectivity—an ideal atmosphere to detox away from the stress of daily life. What makes this place even more visit-worthy is that it is located above the iconic Silk Route Road and wildflowers are blooming all around with a sea of clouds.
