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Time of India
7 days ago
- Time of India
There's panic among fliers booked on Dreamliners or the airline: Travel agents
''Many are cancelling their trips with the airline, which is unfortunate' In the aftermath of the tragic Air India crash that claimed over 240 lives, travel agents tell us that there's panic among travellers booked on other Dreamliners or the airline. 'There is a lot of panic among fliers at the moment. Many are cancelling their trips with the airline, which is unfortunate. People are calling us and saying they want to cancel their bookings with the airline, and some are also unwilling to travel on the Dreamliner. A lot of my travellers currently in Europe are planning to cancel their trips with other Dreamliners as well,' shares Gurgaon-based travel agent Akash Rastogi. Delhi-based travel agent Sourabh Tiwari, however, shares that he hasn't received any such concerns so far following the incident. 'I haven't seen any change in our international bookings, but today, while I was booking a domestic tour with the airline, the client said, ' Woh airline mat book karo '. The incident is unfortunate and shouldn't be blamed on the airline,' he added. Delhi-based travel agent Muzammil Nazir shares that travellers are unlikely to cancel their plans but may switch carriers or upgrade to international airlines following the incident. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No dark spots, 10 years younger! Just take this from Guardian URUHIME MOMOKO Learn More Undo 'I had an inbound group travelling to India on the same airline. They were asking me if there was an option to change it. People are checking if they can switch airlines, not cancelling their plans,' he tells us. Ravi Gosain, President, IATO, shares, 'The tragic crash will undoubtedly leave a deep and lasting impact on the minds of travellers. So far, we have not directly heard concerns being expressed by our passengers regarding specific airlines or aircraft makes, but it is only natural that such thoughts will be in their minds going forward. However, we are seeing a noticeable increase in inquiries and questions. It is too early to fully assess the long-term impact on travel behaviour, but we do expect that the psychological effect of this incident will be significant. ' One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
8 healing foods to aid digestion and calm your gut
Gut health is central to the body's overall well-being; it dictates digestion, immunity, mental clarity, and mood. An unhealthy gut may result in several problems, from constipation and bloating to acid reflux and inflammation. The good news is that nature has several foods that can help your digestive system function normally and keep your gut microbiome healthy. The following are some of the best gut-friendly foods and why they work in restoring balance to your digestive system. Yogurt: A natural probiotic One of the simplest sources of probiotics is yogurt—live cultures that promote healthy gut bacteria to thrive. Consume yogurt on a regular basis in order to maintain digestion; it also improves lactose digestion as well as treats constipation. Consume plain and unsweetened yogurt to avoid extra sugar, which destroys gut bacteria. Kiwi: A comforting solution for constipation Abundant in actinidin enzymes and fibers, kiwi is an excellent herbal treatment for constipation. Studies have shown that two kiwis a day can improve the frequency and quality of stools in IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) patients. Its anti-inflammatory properties and water content also make it a gentle fruit for irritable stomachs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No dark spots, 10 years younger! Just take this from Guardian URUHIME MOMOKO Learn More Undo Ginger: Anti-Inflammatory agent for bloating Ginger has been used for centuries to relieve nausea, bloating, and indigestion. It is a digestive enzyme stimulant, gastric motility stimulant, and also soothes the intestinal tract. Drinking ginger tea after meals reduces fullness and prevents bloat due to slow digestion. Turmeric: Relieves gut inflammation Curcumin, the turmeric's active ingredient, is highly anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Curcumin is utilized to soothe inflammation in the gut, particularly in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Turmeric also stimulates the release of bile, which aids in fat digestion and nutrient absorption. Banana: Aids digestion and acid reflux Bananas are a highly digestible fruit with a dual advantage: their fiber regularizes bowels, and their natural antacid effect counteracts stomach acid, so they are beneficial to relieve acid reflux. Fruits that are high in pectin, like bananas, also firm loose stools in diarrhea attacks. Papaya: Enzyme-Rich Fruit Papaya contains papain, a proteolytic enzyme that aids in protein digestion and eases digestive upset. It is especially useful after consuming high-protein foods and soothes bloating and indigestion. Its fiber and water content also enhance smooth bowel movement. Digestive Enzymes: Assisting in nutrient absorption Where the body is not effectively capable of making enough digestive enzymes, consuming natural enzyme-rich foods like pineapple (bromelain), papaya (papain), and fermented foods can enhance nutrient absorption and ease digestive stress. Fermented food (Idli, Kanji and dosa) Fermented foods are rich in probiotics, which help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Regular consumption of naturally fermented foods can improve digestion, reduce bloating, and strengthen the immune system A healthy gut starts with a healthy body. Incorporating gut-friendly foods like yogurt, kiwi, ginger, turmeric, banana, and papaya into your daily diet assists you in naturally balancing common digestive issues and sustaining long-term gut health. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Inside Putin's India pivot: Why Russia is trying to woo New Delhi into alliance with China
As US President Donald Trump publicly lashes out at Vladimir Putin for dragging out the Ukraine war, Moscow is quietly retooling its Asia strategy putting India front and centre in hopes of countering growing Western influence. While Trump's frustration with Putin mounts, the Kremlin has ramped up arms deals and diplomatic outreach to New Delhi, aiming to revive the once-promising Russia-India-China (RIC) troika as a foil to the Quad. Trump's irritation with Putin has grown as the Kremlin delays a ceasefire. While Kyiv reportedly accepted Trump's earlier 30-day truce proposal, Russia refused, insisting on terms that would force Ukraine to surrender territory not even under Russian control. Trump has since offered to host peace talks, but Moscow's demands, including US recognition of Crimea, have drawn accusations from experts like former ambassador Michael McFaul, who called them 'poison pills' meant to derail diplomacy. This has forced Putin to rekindle old alliances as a means to 'fight, fight, fight' against the US influence. From arms deals to trilateral summits, Russia is intensifying efforts to woo New Delhi, hoping to revive the Russia-India-China (RIC) dialogue as a counterweight to Western influence. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No dark spots, 10 years younger! Just take this from Guardian URUHIME MOMOKO Learn More Undo 'India-Russia defence deals rubbed US the wrong way' The situation became more tricky for New Delhi when US secretary of commerce Howard Lutnick delivered a forthright assessment of recent tensions in the India-US relationship, pointing to certain Indian policies that 'rubbed the US the wrong way.' These include New Delhi's continued purchase of military equipment from Russia and its participation in the BRICS grouping, which Lutnick characterised as an attempt to 'not support the dollar and dollar hegemony. ' That's a way to kind of get under the skin of not really the way to make friends and influence people in America US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick 'That's not really the way to make friends and influence people in America,' Lutnick said, noting that President Trump 'calls that out directly,' and the Indian government is now 'addressing it specifically.' Despite such differences, Lutnick struck an optimistic tone, calling India's economy 'extraordinary' and praising its 'amazing' human capital and growth. He said both countries are working towards a trade agreement and that 'you should expect a the not too distant future.' Lavrov's India pitch Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking in Perm on Friday, revealed new efforts to woo India. He claimed Moscow was told India joined the Quad alliance, which includes the US, Australia and Japan, purely for economic cooperation. But Lavrov warned that the alliance is being militarised behind the scenes. 'In practice, other countries from the Quad are already trying, already insisting on organising naval and other military exercises,' Lavrov said. 'And I'm sure that our Indian friends can see this provocation clearly,' he said. Also read: 'US, other Quad countries trying to force India into military alliance rather than just trade,' claims Russia Lavrov's remarks came a day before US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's announcement that the US is deepening its military relationship with India. Hegseth cited joint exercises like Tiger Triumph and Towson Sabre as evidence of growing strategic coordination in the Indo-Pacific. He also pointed to the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network and the PIPER initiative as efforts to integrate the region's defence infrastructure. 'Rookies talk strategy, pros talk logistics,' Hegseth said, signalling the US goal of building a sustained and interconnected defence presence in Asia. He emphasised that Trump's foreign policy was 'grounded in common sense and national interest' and stressed that a resilient alliance of like-minded democracies remains America's greatest strength against Chinese ambitions. But for Russia, these moves are part of what Lavrov describes as a Western ploy to 'divide and conquer,' a phrase he says President Putin himself recently used. Lavrov warned that the rebranding of the Asia-Pacific into the 'Indo-Pacific' was designed to isolate China and undermine ASEAN. Rekindling older alliances Perhaps the most significant signal from Lavrov was Russia's renewed push for the revival of the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral dialogue. The forum, originally proposed by former Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov, has met over 20 times and served as a platform for cooperation in trade, finance, and foreign policy. 'Now that… an understanding has been reached between India and China on how to calm the situation on the border, it seems to me that the time has come to revive this RIC troika,' Lavrov said. He framed the grouping as a valuable mechanism that could balance out the influence of Western-led coalitions like the Quad. India's strategic tightrope However, India's position remains complex. For years, India has enjoyed a privileged status as one of Russia's largest arms importers. Moscow provided India with cutting-edge weaponry, sometimes even before it was deployed in the Russian military itself. From India's strategic viewpoint, the RIC format carries other risks. Beijing continues to occupy a key position in South Asia's strategic balance, primarily through its deepening alliance with Islamabad. India remains concerned that any trilateral cooperation would be undermined unless China reconsiders its longstanding military and nuclear support for Pakistan. Moreover, the RIC format's perceived anti-American leanings are another sticking point. With Indo-US relations having deepened under both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump, especially on defence and technology cooperation, New Delhi may find it increasingly difficult to align with Russia and China in ways that could appear contrary to its current trajectory. 'Wishful thinking by Russia' Professor Rajan Kumar, from the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University while speaking with the , said that Russia's push for a revived RIC format may be 'wishful thinking by Russia, and it flies away in context of the real world and the current geo-political landscape.' He agreed, however, with Foreign Minister Lavrov's warning that the West seeks to 'divide and conquer' the India–China relationship. On whether the RIC would serve as a platform for direct mediation with China, Professor Kumar noted that 'though India and China are members of several international organisations, like the BRICS and SCO, a direct mediation with China is not possible. Particularly after the Ladakh incident in 2020, after which New Delhi's trust with Beijing has disappeared.' 'India maintains strategic autonomy' Asked whether India must align with either the US or Russia, he warned that 'given the current policies of the Trump administration, India cannot depend on the United States. As a consequence of the US president's policy the world has moved towards protectionism, and in the context of defence production this has ruled out the possibility of joint production of weapons.' He further noted India's longstanding tradition of strategic autonomy, adding, 'India has always maintained the policy of strategic autonomy, and it doesn't have the policy of involving other countries in its policy of China, and India sees China as a rival country. I believe in the coming time the tensions between New Delhi and Beijing are likely to escalate.' On whether Russia taking military equipment from China during its war with Ukraine would have impact on India's defence dealings with Russia, Professor Kumar observed: 'Yes, we do have a certain degree of dependence on Russian defence equipment, as was recently seen in the India-Pakistan war, with the successful use of S-400 on the defensive front and the BrahMos missile on the offensive. But yes, we are also trying to diversify our defence, with deals from Israel and France. ' India's balancing act Professor Rajan welcomed India's efforts to boost indigenous defence production, noting that 'one good thing is that India has also ramped up its own defence production and is moving towards becoming a major defence exporter; however, when compared to other countries its defence dealings are still minuscule.' Speaking on how India's close ties with Russia can be leveraged to question China's support for Pakistan, he explained that 'India has repeatedly voiced concerns about both China and Pakistan, especially regarding Islamabad's support for terrorist groups. Yet, India cannot dictate Russian foreign policy, as Moscow is grappling with its own geopolitical constraints. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has faced isolation and sanctions from the West, compelling it to deepen ties elsewhere. India, while strengthening ties with Western democracies, notably refrained from imposing sanctions on Russia and has abstained from UN resolutions condemning Moscow. This stance reflects India's effort to balance relations rather than fully aligning with Western positions. Concurrently, India participates in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) alongside the US, Australia, and Japan, a grouping often viewed as a strategic counterweight to China's influence.' What's the road ahead? India is poised to maintain its careful balancing act. In practice, New Delhi will likely deepen its defence ties with the US expanding logistics cooperation and joint exercises while continuing to source critical systems from Russia wherever gaps remain in its domestic industry. At the same time, India's focus on ramping up indigenous production and forging new partnerships with France and Israel suggests that Moscow's overtures, though acknowledged, will be weighed against broader economic and strategic interests. Whatever shape RIC might take, New Delhi's core priority will remain safeguarding its own strategic autonomy managing great-power competition without becoming dependent on any single capital.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
I want to quit, but audience wants me to keep playing Krishna: Nitish Bharadwaj
For over three decades, Nitish Bharadwaj has been inseparable from the image of Lord Krishna, from his iconic portrayal in BR Chopra's Mahabharat in 1988 to powerful stage performances that continue to draw packed audiences. Though he often feels ready to move on, the enduring love from viewers keeps bringing him back to the role. Currently in Hyderabad to perform Chakravyuh this Sunday, the actor reflects on his journey, the timeless appeal of Krishna, and why the Mahabharata's wisdom still resonates today. In conversation with Hyderabad Times, Nitish Bharadwaj reflects on the enduring allure of Krishna, and why the wisdom of the Mahabharata continues to resonate today Excerpts: 'Atul rewrote the script several times to highlight issues still relevant today' Earlier, the play had a different title and narrative. I suggested changes so the story could be told from Krishna's perspective, offering a deeper and more reflective view of life. Director Atul Satya Koushik rewrote the script multiple times, and together we shaped it to highlight themes that still feel relevant today. Chakravyuh has since toured across the country and continues to captivate audiences with over 150 screenings and now, for the first time, it will be staged in Hyderabad, which I'm very excited about. 'The depth of Krishna's role makes it endlessly engaging' At a recent show, I asked the audience, 'I've been playing Krishna since 1988. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dark spots can age you by 10 years! Just take this from Guardian URUHIME MOMOKO Learn More Undo How long should I continue? I feel like it's time to move on.' But their response was overwhelming, they said, 'No, no, we want you to keep playing Krishna!' Now, I've have been offered another chance to play Krishna, which I might also direct. Krishna's persona remains endlessly fascinating with so many layers and stories to tell, so it's fun to play the character. I'm truly humbled by the continued love from audiences. It keeps me grounded and grateful. 'Today's Adaptations Prioritise VFX and Grandeur, They miss the philosophical core' When I see how Mahabharat is adapted today, I feel the problem is that some versions are made like daily soaps. And I don't mean to undermine that format, but Mahabharat is a layered human drama that needs time and depth. What made BR Chopra's version work was the strong writing and a deep understanding of the characters. Today's adaptations often prioritise VFX and grandeur, but they miss the emotional and philosophical core. - Biswajit Talukdar Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Delhi Metro achieves tunnel breakthrough on Aerocity corridor
New Delhi: The underground tunnel between Maa Anandmayee Marg and Tughlaqabad railway colony station has been completed on the Tughlaqabad-Aerocity corridor of phase IV, also known as Golden Line. A tunnel boring machine (TBM) broke through on Saturday morning at Tughlaqabad railway colony station after boring a 0.79km-long tunnel. This tunnel breakthrough was achieved using a mammoth 96-metre-long TBM. Two parallel circular tunnels for up and down movement are being constructed on this stretch. The breakthrough on the other parallel tunnel is expected to be achieved in July 2025. The tunnel breakthrough occurred in the presence of transport minister Pankaj Kumar Singh and DMRC managing director Vikas Kumar. Singh said, "Going forward, we will further accelerate metro expansion and ensure that Delhi's citizens receive the quality infrastructure and services they truly deserve." This new tunnel was constructed at an average depth of around 18 metres. About 566 rings were installed in the tunnel, with an inner diameter of 5.8 metres. The tunnel was built using the proven technology of the earth pressure balancing method with a concrete lining made of precast tunnel rings. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No dark spots, 10 years younger! Just take this from Guardian URUHIME MOMOKO Learn More Undo These tunnel rings were cast at a fully mechanised casting yard set up at Mundka. The concrete segments were cured with a steam curing system to achieve early strength. "All necessary safety precautions were taken during the construction of the tunnel below the existing built-up structures. Ground movements were monitored with highly sensitive instruments fixed on nearby structures, ensuring that there was no settlement anywhere," said Anuj Dayal, principal executive director of corporate communications at Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. As part of the phase-IV work approved so far, 40.11km underground lines are being constructed. The Aerocity-Tughlaqabad corridor has underground sections totalling 19.34km. A TBM is a machine used to excavate tunnels with a circular cross-section through various soil and rock strata. They can be designed to bore through anything from hard rock to sand. TBMs have revolutionised tunnelling work worldwide, enabling tunnels to be bored without disturbing buildings and other surface structures. TBMs are particularly useful for underground tunnelling work in congested urban areas. DMRC has been using TBMs for its tunnelling work since phase I. In phase III, when approximately 50km underground sections were built, about 30 TBMs were deployed in the national capital.
