Latest news with #Minhas
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Chemical company director to stand trial for Flint River oil spill
Dozens marched to Flint City Hall on April 25, 2024, considered the 10th anniversary of the start of the Flint water crisis | Ken Coleman Nearly three years after a Flint-based chemical processing company released about 15,000 gallons of mixed oil and chemicals into the Flint River, the company's director is set to stand trial for his role in the release. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on Friday announced that Rajinder Singh Minhas, of Rochester, was bound over to stand trial in the Genesee County Circuit Court on four felony charges for allegedly mismanaging and neglecting critical maintenance and upgrades at the Lockhart Chemical Company. Minhas stands accused of four felony charges: Falsely altering a public record, punishable by up to 14 years in prison; Uttering and publishing a false or altered public record, also punishable by up to 14 years in prison; Substantial endangerment to the public, punishable by up to five years in prison; Discharge of an injurious substance to waters of the state, punishable by up to two years in prison. 'Serious violations by businesses that endanger the health and well-being of Michigan residents and our environment cannot be tolerated,' Nessel said in a statement. 'I am grateful to the talented prosecutors in my office, the dedicated experts from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, Michigan State Police, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, and detectives of EGLE and [the Department of Natural Resource's] Environmental Investigation Section, who all played a significant role in advancing this case through the judicial process.' Minhas also faces several misdemeanor charges including nine violations of the state's liquid industrial waste law and 11 other offenses for violating hazardous waste statutes. A pretrial date has not been set, according to the Attorney General's office. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
IHC issues last warning to respondents in PECA case
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday issued last warning to the ministries of law and information technology, the FIA and the PTA to submit their replies in petitions challenging the controversial amendment to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca). Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas stated that the court would proceed with the case even if responses were not filed. The IHC heard joint petitions filed by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), anchorpersons and journalist bodies. During the hearing, Justice Minhas remarked he believed that this case would take a long time and suggested scheduling it after Eid. Advocate Imran Shafique argued that the federal government had only submitted replies through the ministries of interior and information but not from the Ministry of Law and Parliamentary Affairs or the PTA. He further noted that the government had filed an unusual reply questioning the court's jurisdiction, claiming that after the 26th Constitutional Amendment, only a constitutional bench of the high court could hear this case. Advocate Shafique rejected the government's argument, calling it an attempt to delay the proceedings. He pointed to a second objection that cited a Quranic verse, suggesting that one should verify information before sharing it. "People are being booked in FIRs and the court should expedite the case," he argued. Justice Minhas questioned whether journalists were currently able to report news freely. He asked whether any news was being blocked or anyone was stopping from giving or publishing news. Advocate Raisat Ali Azad requested the court to issue a stay order to prevent journalists from being arrested or having FIRs registered against them for reporting news.
The Hindu
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
under the hood of 5 cocktail dens in India
You might consider going all the way to JSan in Goa to get Chef Vishesh Jawarani's take on Japanese Izakaya (literally stay-drink-place), or to Crackle Kitchen in Bengaluru to explore omakase. But you cannot get into Chennai's MadCo. unless you pass the test, and likewise at Zorawar Kalra's Mamma Killa, Delhi's first Aztec-themed members-only bar. Chef-steered experiences and curated menus fundamental to the 2025 resto bar, as well as the small plates with drinks typical of Tokyo's Izakaya culture, have evolved unique bar themes and hospitality design. Aiming for visitors to slow down, mingle, and be indulged, from cosy 22-seaters to bustling 400-plus, designers fuse global and Indian trends for an audience desiring elevated experiences. Architect Ashiesh Shah elaborates, 'Bars today are experiential spaces. Five years ago, the focus may have been more on functionality and glamour; today, it's storytelling, mood-building, and emotional connection. They're no longer taboo but rather cultural venues. There's a shift towards creating bespoke, curated environments where design plays a central role in how the space feels, not just looks. It's also about inclusivity — welcoming different people into a space that respects craft, context, and community.' MOAI, Hyderabad Architect: Vikram Singh Minhas Spread across a sprawling 24,000 sq. ft. in Hyderabad's Financial District, MOAI is a 450-seater resto-bar designed by Vikram Singh Minhas to deliver dual experiences: refined fine dining by day and a high-energy bar by night. The theme, inspired by the boulders in the natural landscape of the region in the city's outskirts, draws from the monumental Moai statues of Easter Island, lending to the larger-than-life aura of the space. Catering to the rapidly growing hospitality scene in the neighbourhood, the design by Minhas is a 450-seater crowd pleaser. While the target audience is above the age of 21, people of all ages land up at MOAI, where carefully crafted culinary journeys and a vibrant ambience come together. Most of all, it's the return to nature that evocatively unfolds in the organic layout. Natural elements like quarry-cut stone walls, granite flooring, and a 150-foot-long glass facade connect guests to the lush outdoors, while a tranquil koi pond and inbuilt brick seating that allows natural airflow, evoke serenity — a response to post-pandemic cravings for open, breathable environments. Varied zones break down the vast space into intimate retreats. Discreet grey drop-down cylindrical lights focus on the food. Towering above are Moai sculpture heads, some up to 15 feet. Made of FRP by local artist Ranga, they mimic stone faithfully — right to the sumptuous textures and hues — creating visual drama. Minhas attributes the main factors contributing to the evolving space of fine dining and drinks as the desire for immersive experiences. And both clients and the audience are willing to pay for it. Clients have also become more exploratory, which gives designers a free rein to experiment. Further, the typical visitor today is a global traveller, and they come with a wider sense of appreciation for extravagant detailing. As Minhas puts it, 'Most people come in and remark — I don't feel like I'm in Hyderabad.' This is the very spirit behind the drink and dine destination — to be transported elsewhere. MADCo., Chennai Madras Cocktail Company, popularly known as 'MadCo.', opened last year with the idea of a speakeasy bar with restricted access. Managing Partner Santhosh Zachariah Abraham wanted to disrupt the stodgy image of Chennai with a convivial watering hole where young and old can come together for a fine dining and drinking experience. The afternoon I meet Zachariah, he is enthusiastically planning a Singles Social Mixer for ages 27 to 40, something he says no one in Chennai has ever done. 'This is a community space, not a commercial bar.' Zachariah's 15 years at Bacardi inspired him to create a cosy hang-out for regulars fastidious about the quality and balance of their drinks. A carefully curated group of well-travelled folks with discerning taste, a yen for experimental cocktails and artful menus make MadCo. what it is — a premium and exclusive cocktail bar. Zachariah credits his Founding Partner RVS Kiran for the once-neglected space transformed into a lively hub. The 1,000 sq. ft. space is a cleverly refurbished ground floor with an obscure entrance. The wow factor is a dimmable 'starry sky' made of thousands of fairy lights set into wooden tubes of varying heights that effortlessly conceal unbecoming beams. Mirror and glass vie with sensibly tiled floors to make a splash. The corner bar has a fluted wood front and a countertop of concrete and epoxy that can take any spill. The experience of mixology is core to the design. Under a shiny curved ceiling, a vacuum-sealed pouch with fruit and spices simmer in a sous vide process for a banana oleo-saccharum (a syrup extract) for MadCo.'s custom cocktails. Copper-clad table tops marry chairs covered with svelte pale yellows, duns and leaf green lending to a smart and functional dining space, with cosy tables and chairs for two, benches across couch-seaters paired for four, and bar-style high-chair set-ups for six. Touch lamps complete the intimate feel at tables. Designed for 65, the bar can take up to 75. MadCo. stands as a bold, nuanced reminder of the curious mix of old Madras and modern Chennai — in spirit, taste, and style. Ru, Hyderabad Architect: The Linespace Studio When The Linespace Studio was commissioned to design a resto-bar for up to 300 in Jubilee Hills, architects Mithul Sanghi and Disha Bhansali embraced an approach that honoured the awe-inspiring natural landscape. 'In our firm, we believe each project should be true to its intent,' Sanghi explains. At Ru — an extract of the word 'ruin' — that intent became an architectural homage to the site's rugged boulders, evocative of how monuments age. Spanning 14,000 sq. ft., Ru draws inspiration from the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi, which finds beauty in imperfections. Designed across five levels, the structure wraps around the existing rock formations, with the lower three levels discreetly housing service areas. At the pinnacle — 50 feet above ground — guests experience panoramic views of the adjacent government park from both indoor and semi-outdoor seating areas. Material choices reinforce the narrative of natural ageing: sustainable fly-ash bricks and lime plaster lend the façade a distressed, earthy character, further accentuated by wood-slat windows and the lattice-style wooden door. The interplay of light and shadow is central to the spatial experience, with interiors by Essajees Atelier complementing the architectural language through custom bamboo lighting that casts a warm, organic glow. Departing from the earlier low-light environs of bars, the designers envisioned an inviting, light-filled environment with the bar on the fourth floor evoking a woodsy Zen aesthetic. While the client initially sought a Goa beach shack vibe, the concept evolved into a refined, minimalist Indo-Japanese blend that seamlessly connects inside and outside, embracing the rockface and lush landscaping, a testament to the ancient and the future. One8 Commune, Noida Architect: Sanjana Singh With the shout-out 'Noida is officially Kohlified!' on Instagram, one8 Commune Noida officially opened its doors in November 2024. Part of the growing chain of resto-bars by Virat Kohli, it's named after his jersey number and built around the ethos of 'artful living, soulful dining'. This outpost designed by Saaz Designs Studio continues the brand's narrative of community and inclusivity — welcoming families, couples, and corporate diners alike for shared experiences of leisurely fine dining. Spread across 5,817 with seating for 165, the venue draws on the relaxed sophistication of Mexican Tulum lounges and global cafés. The bohemian chic aesthetic comes alive in an eclectic yet elegant blend of wood, rattan, and linen in warm, earthy tones. Layered lighting — from sculptural pendants to intimate spotlights — enhances the ambience across the venue's zoned layout: a central dining area, vibrant bar and lounge, alfresco patio, and private dining room. Speaking on the broader evolution of resto-bars, Sanjana Singh, founder and principal architect at Saaz, notes: 'Open bar concepts, curated bottle displays, and immersive mixology stations are now focal points celebrating the craft. Evolving norms around drinking have enabled architects to design spaces that foster openness, interaction, and elevated leisure without stigma.' This shift informs Singh's creative approach to lighting and spatial design — emphasizing transparency, mood-setting, and visual storytelling. The bar isn't tucked away; it's lit to invite curiosity. Pendant lamps become art. A mosaic on the floor spells out 'Communing', echoing Kohli's vision for food and drink as immersive, thematic experiences — where ambience is as much a part of the menu as the cuisine or cocktails. Paradox, Mumbai Designer: Ashiesh Shah Commissioned by restaurateur Aditya Dugar, Bar Paradox in Mumbai's Shakti Mills unfolds as a multi-layered narrative across a compact 2,500 sq. ft. vertically-defined space across two levels. In a city beloved for cinema, designer Ashiesh Shah has visualised a space of drama, right from the narrow entrance door that surprises you with a double-height volume 'like stepping into an old elevator'. Dugar's brief to create an immersive experience, more than just a bar, which spoke with nostalgia to reflect both memory and modernity sparked it off. Shah elaborates, 'He wanted a space that felt intimate yet cinematic, luxurious but not loud — a place that celebrated craft, storytelling, and personal history. It wasn't just about designing a bar, it was about creating a narrative that people could walk into.' Paradox plays with contrasts — old and new, nostalgic and contemporary, intimate and dramatic. Spatial treatments for zones — the vitrines, the mezzanine, the formal dining room and the fumoir (salon) — unfold as distinct narratives. Shah navigates the challenges of low ceilings, awkward beams and low light, turning them into opportunities. 'You're constantly discovering whether it's a Chamba Rumal (a form of embroidery), a Dhokra fish in the bathroom, or a bar that feels like a tent on a midnight safari.' Collaborating closely with Peter d'Ascoli, a common love for textiles and storytelling came to fruition in the Fumoir, as Shah describes, 'something that felt both royal and secretive'. The bar on the upper level has a counter of black marble with brass inlay and the front face finished in walnut burl. A levitating Dhokra egg sculpture suspended in the double-height volume acts as a spiritual and visual anchor, capturing the soul of the space. 2024-25's winning features Embracing nature and bringing inside and outside closer Warm and light-filled over dark shady interiors Minimalist yet unique experiential themes merging global and Indian Large bars that welcome family and community settings Exclusive club-style bars for regulars creating known community
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
IHC steps in to stop on-campus drug use
The capital's high court has stopped direct delivery of courier and goods ordered online including food to students of the educational institutions in Islamabad to prevent supply of narcotics. Islamabad High Court's (IHC) Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas on Monday resumed hearing a petition seeking changes in curricula to create awareness among children and young people about the adverse effects of drugs and narcotic substances. During the hearing, Justice Minhas asked officials whether they knew how narcotics made its way to schools, colleges and universities. He remarked that drugs are being delivered to schools and colleges through couriers and delivery personnel. "Check and report which schools and colleges are receiving what kind of deliveries. Children order pizza and food items and along with them, they also get drugs delivered. A ban must be imposed on direct deliveries by all delivery personnel," he said. Justice Minhas ordered authorities to stop direct delivery to students and to take action against the educational institutions that do not comply. "Implement this and present a report on the next hearing. Check which schools and colleges are frequently receiving direct deliveries. Take action against those institutions that do not comply," he said. During the hearing, the judge also asked if the National Anti-Narcotics Council (NANC) had been formed. Under the National Narcotics Policy, 2010, the NANC was to be set up in order to evaluate and review anti-narcotics policy. The judge noted that the NANC was to be a high-powered council to work under the chairmanship of the prime minister with the chief ministers of the provinces as its members. The IHC ordered the secretary cabinet affairs to submit a report in this regard and adjourned the hearing until May 28. At an earlier hearingon April 8 the Islamabad police had admitted in a report that they prioritize the security of VIPs over making efforts to curb the growing menace of drug use in educational institutions. The judge had expressed displeasure at the police's stance and issued a show-cause notice to the assistant inspector general (operations), directing him to explain why VIP security took precedence over student safety and anti-narcotics operations, said a news report. WITH INPUT FROM NEWS DESK
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Himachal forest department withdraws controversial circular on Forest Rights Act after public backlash
1 2 Kullu: Himachal Pradesh 's forest department has withdrawn a controversial circular on the enforcement of Forest Rights Act, 2006, following sharp criticism from rights activists, environmentalists, and local residents. The circular was issued by principal chief conservator of forests ( PCCF ) Sameer Rastogi , who heads the forest department, to the deputy commissioners of all 12 districts and forest officials, asking them to exercise "utmost caution while accepting claims under the FRA Act, 2006". In the detailed circular, PCCF had said that in order to protect the forest wealth and provide benefits to real beneficiaries, it was important to exclude encroachers during the implementation of FRA. The circular stated that encroachments, including apple orchards on forest land, cannot be deemed as forest-based livelihood as these are high-profit ventures set up after the destruction of forests. While advocating that only those claims which are genuine and from landless and marginalised people who depend upon forest land for their livelihoods should be accepted, the PCCF had also told officials in the circular that the FRA should not become a means of regularising unlawful occupation or encroachments by those who are economically secure or influential. The circular, issued on April 11, triggered a wave of criticism, forcing the department to withdraw it five days later on April 16. Terming the circular as against the spirit of the FRA, activists lashed out against the forest officials for trying to create hurdles in the enforcement of the Act in Himachal Pradesh. "The forest department officials are not even supposed to issue such a circular as it's against the spirit of the Act. If an advisory is to be issued, only the chief secretary, who heads the state-level monitoring committee (SLMC), formed under the Act, can do that," said Sandeep Minhas, state secretary of Himalaya Niti Abhiyan, an environmental NGO, which has been helping forest dwellers file their claims on lands they are dependent upon in various parts of the state. Minhas said the FRA was being deliberately misinterpreted by the forest officials. "This circular talks about forest encroachments in the form of apple orchards but the FRA allows horticulture activities upon forest land. The letter says that only the landless or marginalised should receive benefits, but the FRA doesn't talk about landless or marginalised and only about the scheduled tribes (ST) and other traditional forest dwellers (OTFD), who can claim a right on forest land. The forest department through this circular has tried to mislead and even change the definition of a forest dweller as enshrined in the Act to keep a large section of people out of the ambit of the Act," said Minhas. According to Guman Singh, coordinator of Himalaya Niti Abhiyan, the circular shows that the forest department hasn't been able to free itself from the colonial mindset. "Unlike other departments like agriculture or horticulture which help the farmers and fruit growers, the forest department falsely believes that it owns the forests of the state. It's a colonial mindset. The forest department is afraid of giving forests back to the communities. The forest officials fear the FRA because its enforcement in the state will give a bigger role to communities in forest conservation," said Singh. PCCF in the circular also referred to a pending case on FRA in the Supreme Court while warning that any violation may invite contempt of court. However, politician and former Rajya Sabha member Brinda Karat countered this reference, saying that there are no guidelines issued by the SC in the said case. Expressing serious concern and terming the circular as 'outrageous', Karat in a letter asked Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to take action against Rastogi for "the misleading circular". "A fresh petition has been filed in the Supreme Court by a so-called environmental group against the Act. The reference to this case in the circular is misleading if not a blatant untruth because there are no guidelines issued by the Supreme Court in the said case," the letter stated. Introduced in 2006, the Forest Rights Act, which recognises the rights of forest-dwelling communities over land and forest resources and provides land ownership to scheduled tribes and other forest dwellers, is still to be properly enforced in Himachal Pradesh. The present state govt recently launched a campaign to verify and accept claims over forest land put up by the communities under the FRA. A number of workshops to raise awareness on how to file claims have also been organised recently in various parts of the state and attended personally by revenue minister Jagat Singh Negi, who is overseeing the FRA implementation. According to Himalaya Niti Abhiyan, over 1,000 claims over forest land have been received in recent months from Kullu, Kinnaur, and Lahaul Spiti districts. Who has the right over forest land under FRA, 2006? There are two categories who can claim ownership over forest land they have been traditionally dependent upon for their livelihood. First, the people belonging to the scheduled tribes (STs), who have been living and are dependent upon forest land prior to Dec 13, 2005. Second, forest dwellers, who have been living in forest areas for at least three generations before Dec 13, 2005, and depend upon forests for their livelihood. Forest dwellers can claim right over land they have been cultivating for up to four hectares. According to the Act, forest dwellers who have been illegally evicted or displaced from forest land before Dec 13, 2005, can also claim their right over the forest land. How FRA empowers communities Forest dwellers can claim ownership of land they have been traditionally cultivating. Forest dwellers can use minor forest produce like honey, herbs, medicinal plants, roots, etc. Communities can manage and protect forests, wildlife, and biodiversity. Gram sabha, formed under the Act, can approve forest land right claims and no govt decision can override gram sabha decision without its consent.
