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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Aiming for upper hand in Bihar polls, BJP connects with Bihari migrants via queries
Months after it began its outreach to migrant Biharis, the BJP has devised a novel way to step up its efforts to connect with them in a bid to persuade them to return home and vote in the upcoming state Assembly polls. As a part of this new exercise, about 150 state BJP leaders, armed with a list of 14 questions, have been travelling through the country in order to reach out to non-resident Biharis, who are estimated to number around 2.75 crore. According to Bihar BJP spokesperson Manoj Sharma, the possibility of migrant Biharis returning to the state to vote is high as the polls are likely to be held in October this year, around the Chhath Puja, one of the main festivals of the state, during which the state sees a return of lakhs of migrants. 'With special trains being run during Chhath Puja, it would be all the more easier for them to travel back to Bihar and cast their votes,' he told The Indian Express. The questionnaire, titled 'Aam Bihari pravisiyon ki jaankari (information on common migrants from Bihar)' accessed by The Indian Express, aims to collect details of the Bihari migrants like name, phone number, address, profession, social category, Assembly segment, native district and also if he / she is a BJP supporter. To assess a migrant's ability to convince others to vote in favour of the BJP, a question related to the person's influence back home features in the list. While one of the questions also seek the details of the voter IDs so that the party could help a migrant get it if that person does not have one, a BJP leader calls the entire exercise a 'game changer'. 'The questionnaire also helps us get Assembly constituency-wise data to work with. Also, the caste data will help us identify our focus areas keeping in mind the social composition of each constituency,' he said. Claiming that the exercise is a follow-up of the party's drive held during Bihar Divas celebrations earlier this year to convince non-resident Biharis to return and vote, Sharma said, 'We have a rough list of all 243 Assembly constituencies, which have between 15,000-20,000 migrants each. Even if we convince 5,000 from each seat to return and vote, it will improve the turnout.' The BJP had appointed its general secretary Tarun Chugh and senior leader Dushyant Kumar Gautam to oversee the 11-day Bihar Divas celebrations in March, where the party reached out to non-resident Biharis by organising 'get-together events'. According to sources, the collected data is being processed and would be uploaded on an app once it is finalised by August. 'The next step would be to call the non-resident Biharis to know if they would return to cast their vote,' a source said.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Many Bengalureans are trying digital fasting
Dr Sparsha S Vasisht Bengalureans who keep their gadgets away say they feel happier when they do that Gadgets outnumber people in most Bengaluru homes. The average daily screen time of Bengalureans is eight hours, says Manoj Sharma of Nimhans who has done extensive studies on gadget addiction. The situation is concerning. Sharma, who oversees the SHUT (Service for Healthy Use of Technology) Clinic at Nimhans, says they attend to about 20 cases every week. The growing addiction to electronic devices among children has also become a significant concern. Following Nimhans' recent introduction of an online support group for parents, over 400 people have joined seeking assistance. Most of them required advice on addressing their children's gaming-related challenges. Many today spend one-third of their waking hours staring at screens. Complete disconnection from electronic devices seems impractical. Our daily activities, from purchasing household essentials to maintaining social connections and unwinding after a hard day at work, heavily rely on technology. Ditching gadgets could make us feel lonely and create practical challenges. Nonetheless, many are now realising that electronic devices can only offer synthetic happiness. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo They are limiting their device usage with some even opting for simpler mobile phones. And they say they are happier now. Unplug and reconnect with yourself When 41-year-old Ramya Shripathi first heard about digital detox, she thought it was impossible to disconnect from screens. 'I had tried deleting WhatsApp but then realised it was useful especially for official communication or kid's school-related communication,' she says. Meanwhile, the constant buzzing in groups would leave her anxious, wanting to check her phone again and again, to the point of making her feel miserable and helpless. It took Ramya a lot of effort to reclaim her life. Ever since she became a life coach, she has been practising digital detox and noticing the benefits of screen-free time. N Ramakrishnan vouches for it too. A resident of One Bangalore West Apartment in Rajajinagar, Ramakrishnan has reduced his daily screen time from 12 to two hours. The 73-year-old had worked in the IT sector for many years, where long hours in front of computer screens were routine. Additional exposure to television, mobile phones, and laptops further increased screen dependency. After moving to the gated community and being elected as president of the residents' association, he found ways to get away from gadgets and keep himself occupied. 'I invested effort in understanding the intricacies of residential complex management. This led to an increased focus on outdoor activities. I started learning tennis and encouraged others to learn badminton, cricket and other outdoor activities. I also created a group for sloka chanting and another for musical activities that have fostered a community spirit,' he says. Remedies for pathological trading and porn addiction One of Sharma's patients suffered substantial losses due to compulsive online trading activities. The patient's family sought help. He was asked to use a basic phone instead of a smartphone. 'It really worked. The basic phone reduced his access to trading, controlled his urges to browse, and helped him recover from the addiction,' Sharma recalls. Another case involved a young adult seeking assistance for pornography addiction. The addiction began affecting both his personal and work life significantly. 'He used pornography as a coping mechanism to improve his emotional state. Despite addressing the psychological aspects through counselling sessions, he continued to report strong cravings and difficulty in controlling his urges,' recalls Sharma. He then decided to implement a more fundamental approach – restrict the patient's access to such content by recommending a basic phone with minimal features. That helped the patient overcome the porn addiction and take back control of his life. 'He even started engaging in other activities that improved his productivity and overall feeling of well-being,' says Sharma. The crucial factor in digital detoxing, Sharma says, is identifying specific triggers. 'These could be feelings of loneliness, excess free time, easy access to technology, or other psychological conditions. Once these triggers and their associations are recognised, appropriate coping mechanisms can be employed,' he says. VOICE BOX 'Leaders should make offline life more meaningful, vibrant' I've brought down my average screen time to just 90 minutes a day. Dr Sparsha S Vasisht I delivered my daughter six months ago. I've kept all gadgets including my phone away since pregnancy. It allows me to give more attention to my baby and keep myself and her radiation free. Nowadays, I use my phone only if my patients need me to attend to them. I am mindful of my social media usage as well. Dr Sparsha S Vasisht, RESIDENT, MALLESWARAM People should seek help when electronic devices become an overwhelming focus in their daily routines, hindering their ability to operate without them. Manoj Sharma The constant preoccupation with devices could also result in various negative outcomes including health problems, physical exhaustion, reduced productivity, or strained family relationships. When these indicators appear, one should either implement personal digital detox strategies or obtain professional assistance. Manoj Sharma, Coordinator, SHUT (Service for Healthy Use of Technology) Clinic, NIMHANS. During my juggle between heavy academic reading, household responsibilities, raising teenagers and preparing lessons, brief Instagram breaks provided momentary escape. However, as I noticed signs of dependency, I sought methods to reduce its usage. Ikrook Chamba I changed my Instagram app's name to restrict my access. Now I don't even know how the app is renamed on my phone. The reduction in device usage sharpened my concentration. It has also led to improved sleep quality and better overall wellbeing. Ikroop Chamba, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, CHRIST UNIVERSITY By silencing app notifications and letting go of the need to respond immediately to messages and calls, I have reduced anxiety and improved my sleep. I don't keep any gadgets in my bedroom. Ramya Shripathy I also prioritise mindful moments – eating without gadgets, taking mindful walks, or just being with my thoughts. I have learnt to appreciate the beauty of solitude. Morning journaling has enhanced my creativity and I make time for activities like reading and doodling. Ramya Shripathi, LIFE COACH, KORAMANGALA Reducing screen time takes a lot of discipline. I have managed to reduce it from 12 hours to two hours. Keep yourself occupied so you don't feel tempted to get hooked to your gadgets. Now I work with the sustainability committee, particularly focussing on water conservation and waste management. Residents are guided on wet waste composting, with the resulting compost being utilised to grow vegetables and greens on balconies. N Ramakrishnan We exchange plants and seeds and collect old clothes and shoes to be donated to the underprivileged. I encourage residents to use intercoms and participate in face-to-face conversations within common areas, rather than depending on messaging. Walking and networking have further promoted understanding of the challenges and requirements faced by community members, assisting in providing timely support. All these have been made possible as I made a conscious decision to reduce my screen time. N Ramakrishnan, 73, RESIDENT AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEMBER, ONE BANGALORE WEST People get addicted to gadgets because the real world is dull and boring. It often fails to compete with the digital one. People don't resist digital detox. They just need a better experience. Arun Chittilappilly As leaders, planners and creators, our job is to make offline life more meaningful, vibrant and worth showing up for. That's the kind of environment we should be building – one where digital balance is not enforced but enabled. Arun K Chittilappilly, Executive Chairman & MD, Wonderla Holidays
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Over 1,600 active HIV cases at Doon's Coronation Hospital
Dehradun: According to updated health department data, the Dehradun Coronation District Hospital currently has 1,625 active HIV cases , with numbers showing a steady decline over the past three year. From 2006 to March 2025, the hospital's Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) centre recorded around 6,800 detected cases, with 1,614 under active care during that period. In 2024–25, 87 new cases were registered at the centre, including 47 from Dehradun. So far this financial year, 14 cases have been registered — 8 from Dehradun and the rest from nearby districts like Haridwar and Nainital. Chief medical officer Dr Manoj Sharma attributed the decline to increased awareness, safer practices, and the development of additional ART centres. Dehradun's overall HIV case numbers dropped from 639 in 2023 to 561 in 2024, and to 117 till March this year. At Coronation District Hospital, annual registrations rose from 133 in 2021–22 to 184 in 2022–23, dropped slightly to 182 in 2023–24, and fell to 87 in 2024–25. The gap between total detected and active cases is due to deaths, treatment shifts, or patients dropping out. Sharma said patients are reviewed every three months, especially those with comorbidities. "If treatment outcomes aren't satisfactory, we conduct detailed evaluations and provide specialised care, when necessary," he added.
Hindustan Times
05-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
‘Homogenisation creates cultural amnesia'
Dikshu C Kukreja is a leading Indian architect and the managing principal at Delhi-based C.P. Kukreja Architects, one of the country's most reputed architectural firms. A strong proponent of architecture rooted in its social, cultural and climatic context, he is known for blending contemporary design with local sensitivity. He spoke to HT's Manoj Sharma about the importance of contextual architecture. Edited excerpts: How has globalisation influenced the architectural language of Indian cities over the years — are we losing the essence of 'place'? Globalisation has played an important role in expanding the architectural imagination in India. However, in this pursuit, we are rapidly losing the nuances that define our places. Architecture, at its core, must be rooted—it is not just about form, but also about memory, community, and climate. When every city begins to resemble another, we risk erasing the very distinctiveness that makes each Indian city unique. From Gurugram to Hyderabad, we're seeing a skyline of glass towers and luxury condos that could belong anywhere. Why do you think Indian developers and architects are increasingly favouring this aesthetic over vernacular forms? This tendency is a reflection of aspiration, a strong belief that the international aesthetic symbolises success, modernity, and global relevance. Unfortunately, this often comes at the expense of cultural specificity. The faster we realise that true progress lies not in mimicking but in interpreting our own context meaningfully, the more resilient and relevant our cities will become. In a climate like India's, local architectural traditions evolved with deep environmental sensitivity. Why are these principles often ignored in contemporary urban design? It's not a lack of knowledge but of conviction. Everyone across the ecosystem—from architects and developers to clients and governing bodies—has a role to play. Many traditional principles, evolved over centuries, offer simple, elegant solutions to complex climatic challenges. Yet, in the rush for speed, spectacle, and perceived contemporaneity, they are either forgotten or treated as decorative afterthoughts. Do you think there is still space in Indian cities to build a new kind of modernism—one that's global in ambition but rooted in local culture, climate, and history? There is not only space, but an urgent need. One example from our practice is Ekatma Dham, the redevelopment of the sacred town of Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh. The project is conceived not merely as a pilgrimage destination, but as a cultural and ecological intervention that reinterprets spiritual symbolism through contemporary architecture. We've drawn from indigenous building traditions, sacred geometry, and regional materials to design spaces that are both evocative and enduring. Projects like these demonstrate how modern architecture in India can speak a global language without losing its native voice. Growing international collaborations in Indian real estate often bring pre-packaged design templates. How do you negotiate with clients or foreign partners to preserve a more contextual approach? The key lies in making a case—not just aesthetically, but economically, climatically, and socially—for contextual relevance. We see ourselves not just as service providers, but as cultural interlocutors. We introduce our partners to the stories, materials, crafts, and climates of the place. Often, once they begin to engage with this depth, the design brief itself evolves into something more meaningful than a replication of trends. What do you see as the cost of this architectural homogenisation—not just visually, but culturally and socially? When cities lose their distinctiveness, their people lose a part of their identity. Architecture is a living archive—it tells us who we are, where we come from, and how we live together. Homogenisation creates visual fatigue and cultural amnesia. To the next generation of architects, I would say this: Your role is not only to design buildings, but to shape belonging. Learn from the past, listen to the land, and build for the future—with care, with relevance, and above all, with honesty.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Typhoid to diarrhoea: Many fall sick at Gurgaon condo, water samples fail safety test
Gurgaon: Water samples collected from NBCC Heights in Sector 89 were found unfit for drinking, confirming residents' suspicions of contamination. Over the past three weeks, numerous residents of the society suffered from typhoid, stomach infections, diarrhoea and frequent vomiting. Following their complaints, the health department collected water samples last Saturday. The report revealed that the inlet water sample contained 9 colonies per 100 ml under Class III Presumptive Coliform Count (PCC), while the outlet water had an even higher contamination level of 14 colonies per 100 ml under Class IV PCC. According to health officials, both values exceed permissible limits and indicate serious microbial contamination. You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon "I wasn't feeling well for several days, experiencing repeated episodes of vomiting. At first, I thought it was the heat and changing weather conditions. But when my neighbour, who was diagnosed with typhoid, mentioned others in the society had similar symptoms, I got scared. I filed a complaint with the health department, and the test results confirmed water contamination, both at the GMDA inlet and at household outlets. Since then, I stopped using tap water for drinking and switched to bottled water," said a resident, requesting anonymity. Despite the contaminated inlet sample, officials from GMDA denied any lapse on their part. They attributed the issue to internal distribution of water. "This appears to be a case of poor maintenance and non-cleaning of the underground tanks by the society. The same GMDA-supplied water reaches other areas. It must also be verified whether the society is using water from borewells in addition to our supply. There is no fault on our end, the contamination is happening inside the society," a GMDA official said. However, RWA maintained that the society relies solely on GMDA water. "We have no alternative source of water. As a precaution, we tested for chlorine presence and thoroughly cleaned all storage tanks. Still, the GMDA must take responsibility. The health department's team has already taken samples. The test results were not shared with us. Onus is on GMDA to supply water that is fit for drinking. The authority should step up and test the water themselves," said Manoj Sharma, RWA general secretary. In addition to water contamination, residents pointed out that the society has a malfunctioning sewage treatment plant (STP). "Improperly treated wastewater can enter pipelines used in washrooms. One of the most concerning outcomes is urinary tract infections (UTIs) among individuals exposed to this water. UTIs are typically caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. Coli), which can thrive in unsanitary water conditions. Prolonged exposure to such water can also result in skin infections, gastrointestinal issues and other health complications, especially among children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems," another resident said.
