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Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Law student falls from hostel balcony in Jammu, dies
A 25-year-old final year law student died after falling from his hostel balcony in Jammu University on Tuesday evening, said officials on Wednesday. The deceased was from Katra. Nehru Market police post incharge, sub-inspector Sunil Singh said, 'Preliminary reports suggest that the youth slipped from the hostel's balcony last night around 8.45 pm.' 'Post-mortem was conducted at GMC hospital on Wednesday and report is awaited. However, we have registered a case under Section 194 of the BNSS and have initiated a probe,' he added. The officer informed that the deceased was a fifth-semester student of the department of law and had appeared for his last exam of the semester on Tuesday. Following the incident, varsity students staged a protest outside the vice-chancellor's office on Wednesday. The alleged that the university's ambulance was late and the victim had to be rushed to hospital in a private vehicle. The J&K NSUI president Ajay Lakhotra said, 'The ambulance in the varsity's health centre was not available. The victim had to be rushed to the hospital in a private vehicle after a delay of around 20 to 25 minutes. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital,' said Lakhotra. Had he been ferried in ambulance well in time, he could have been saved, he added. The NSUI leader demanded adequate compensation for the victim's family. However, the university's spokesperson claimed that the ambulance was at the spot within nine minutes of the incident. 'However, by then the victim was shifted by other students to the hospital,' the spokesperson said, adding that the VC stayed at the hospital till 2 am.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
MSU researchers identify genes to produce seedless tomatoes
Vadodara: In a breakthrough, researchers at M S University have identified key genes that can be used to produce seedless fruits and enhance the shelf life of tomatoes. Researchers at the Department of Botany of MSU's Faculty of Science succeeded in producing seedless tomatoes by silencing one of the genes. Interestingly, these genes also help plants overcome heat and drought stress, paving the way for more heat and drought-resilient tomatoes and other crops, which is crucial for food security in the face of climate change. "We studied the roles of the caspase-like genes in tomatoes," said professor Sunil Singh, who led the team of researchers for the project funded by the Science and Engineering Research Board. "We found that some of these genes play crucial roles in controlling both vegetative and reproductive development in tomato plants. By silencing one of the genes, we were able to produce seedless tomatoes," he said. The researchers also found that in addition to making fruits seedless, these genes regulate the ageing of leaves. "Silencing of these genes changes how leaves and plants age, making them very useful for improving existing crops and contributing to food sustainability," said Singh, whose team included researchers Dr Maitri Trivedi, Krishna Tandel, and Parthvi Joshi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "The study further revealed that these genes help plants respond to environmental stressors like heat and drought. This means that more heat and drought-resilient tomatoes and other crops could be developed by altering these genes, which is crucial for food security in the face of climate change," he said, adding that the research opens up new possibilities for improving crops and yield. Researchers said that seedless fruits are highly desirable and are commonly found in crops like bananas, grapes, and oranges. In many plants, seedless fruits occur naturally and can also be produced using hormone treatments and crossbreeding processes. "However, these methods are time-consuming and largely ineffective due to complex breeding methods and lack of suitable parent plants. If caspase-like genes are harnessed to create seedless fruits, it will yield significant benefits for both the agriculture sector and the fruit industry," he said, adding that with an entire line of GM (genetically modified) tomatoes ready, the next step is to take it to the field. With the success that the researchers achieved in tomatoes, the team is now exploring the possibility of improving crops, stress mitigation, and extending the shelf life of other leafy vegetables and fruits for more sustainable agriculture. "By utilising these genes as genetic tools, seedless varieties could potentially be developed in numerous other important vegetables and fruits," he said. Head: Big Breakthrough Modifying certain genes help plants respond to environmental stressors like heat and drought Silencing of these genes changes how leaves and plants age heat and drought-resilient tomatoes and other crops could be developed by altering genes After success with tomatoes, researchers are now exploring the possibility of improving crops, stress mitigation and extending the shelf life of vegetables, fruits
Hindustan Times
08-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Bengaluru real estate: Luxury villa rentals up on the back of rising demand from expats, HNIs and NRIs
Bengaluru's luxury villa market is seeing a surge in demand, with monthly rents now reaching as high as ₹4 lakh. In one case, a 10,000 sq ft villa in Prestige Golfshire near Nandi Hills was leased to a senior executive of a multinational company for ₹4 lakh per month, twice the rent fetched by a similar property in the area just two years ago. Brokers told that the security deposit for the deal exceeded ₹20 lakh. Once considered an exclusive luxury, villas in Bengaluru are now drawing strong interest from high-end tenants, with demand driven by HNIs and NRIs. Brokers point out a strong interest in the segment, prompting developers to roll out new villa projects priced between ₹2 crore and ₹5 crore. According to Sunil Singh, director at Realty Corp, demand from expatriates, NRIs, and senior executives has pushed rents for villas to nearly double compared to just two years ago. Villa rentals across the city are showing similar trends. A 3BHK villa in Adarsh Farm Meadows in Whitefield is currently quoted at ₹2.85 lakh for 4,000 sq ft. Despite an abundance of villa developments in areas like Whitefield, Sarjapur Road, and Varthur, demand remains high. According to Singh, tenants looking for high-end villas frequently request additional amenities. 'If a villa is semi-furnished, tenants often demand full furnishing. Some even ask for private pools. If a landlord spends ₹5–10 lakh on furnishing, they can increase the rent by ₹50,000– ₹70,000 per month,' he said. Also Read: Bengaluru real estate: Here's why demand for villas in the IT capital is rising In East Bengaluru, particularly the eastern IT corridor of Whitefield, Varthur Road, and Sarjapur, 4,000 to 5,000 sq ft villas typically rent for ₹2.5 lakh per month. Further out, in areas like Budigere Cross and Soukya Road, similar properties fetch around ₹1.25 lakh per month. Brokers said most villas include 300 to 400 sq ft garden spaces, and a few come with private pools. In North Bengaluru, areas like IVC Road offer fully furnished villas starting at ₹2 lakh per month for 4,000–5,000 sq ft configurations. Local brokers estimate that nearly 95% of East Bengaluru's luxury villa inventory is concentrated in Whitefield, which continues to attract tech professionals working in nearby parks like ITPL. South Bengaluru has fewer high-end villa projects. Towards Hosa Road, 10,000 sq ft villas are available at ₹2.5 lakh per month, while properties like LGCL Ashlar command rents of up to ₹3 lakh per month with features like private pools and luxury amenities. Kanakapura Road also offers luxury villas in the ₹1.5–2 lakh range, though pools are rare unless negotiated by the tenant as part of a longer-term lease. Also Read: Bengaluru real estate: Here's why US-based NRIs prefer to invest in North Bengaluru Most villa rentals in Bengaluru have an 11-month lock-in period, and landlords prefer tenants with stable professional backgrounds. Security deposits typically amount to six months' rent, meaning ₹24 lakh upfront for a ₹4 lakh monthly rental. The rise in villa rentals is largely driven by expatriates, high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), and NRIs. 'Many are upgrading from premium apartments. One startup founder living in Banashankari is now seeking a villa in North Bengaluru with a ₹2.5 lakh budget,' Singh said. For investors, North Bengaluru areas like IVC Road, Hennur, and Bagalur offer good rental returns, with Bagalur increasingly becoming a hub for NRI and expat tenants. Singh estimates that 25–30% of luxury villa renters in Bengaluru are now NRIs.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
HC reserves order on petition seeking stay on S+4 floor policy in Gurugram
GURUGRAM : Punjab and Haryana high court has reserved its order on a petition seeking a stay on construction of four floors with stealth parking — also called S+4 floor buildings — in the city's residential areas. The matter, which drew widespread attention due to its potential impact on urban infrastructure and the environment, was heard by the division bench led by the chief justice. The petition was filed by Sunil Singh, a resident of Sushant Lok, who challenged the July 2024 notification issued by the department of town and country planning (DTCP) that permits the construction of four floors on residential plots. The petitioner also accused the govt of ignoring its responsibility to upgrade basic amenities like sewage, water supply and roads before implementing the policy. Singh argued that this decision was taken without any assessment of existing infrastructure capacity or environmental impact. During the hearing, the petitioner's counsel questioned the validity of the expert committee report that recommended allowing four floors. The counsel also highlighted the lack of environmental assessment in the decision-making process. "This policy is not in the interest of the common residents but rather serves the interests of builders," he said, adding that the unchecked vertical expansion was disturbing the city's planned layout and livability. He informed the court that while DTCP collected approximately Rs 1,100 crore through additional FAR and other development charges, no significant infrastructure improvement was made. The court, on March 24, refused to grant interim relief. The petitioner then moved Supreme Court, which acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and directed HC to reconsider the matter. HC then held a detailed hearing on Thursday and Friday, after which it reserved its order on the interim relief last week. The counsel pointed out that most of the residential colonies in the city had their service plans approved based on a population density of 13.5 persons per plot. However, the four-floor policy would increase the density to 18 persons, putting pressure on already stretched infrastructure. Additionally, the July 2024 notification of the DTCP was also challenged during the hearing. In HC reserving the verdict, it will be crucial to determine whether the controversial four-floor policy will remain in effect or face suspension. The decision is awaited by residents, builders and planning authorities alike.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
HC reserves order on petition seeking stay on S+4 floor policy in Gurgaon
Gurgaon: Punjab and Haryana high court has reserved its order on a petition seeking a stay on construction of four floors with stealth parking — also called S+4 floor buildings — in the city's residential areas. The matter, which drew widespread attention due to its potential impact on urban infrastructure and the environment, was heard by the division bench led by the chief justice. The petition was filed by Sunil Singh, a resident of Sushant Lok, who challenged the July 2024 notification issued by the department of town and country planning (DTCP) that permits the construction of four floors on residential plots. The petitioner also accused the govt of ignoring its responsibility to upgrade basic amenities like sewage, water supply and roads before implementing the policy. Singh argued that this decision was taken without any assessment of existing infrastructure capacity or environmental impact. During the hearing, the petitioner's counsel questioned the validity of the expert committee report that recommended allowing four floors. The counsel also highlighted the lack of environmental assessment in the decision-making process. "This policy is not in the interest of the common residents but rather serves the interests of builders," he said, adding that the unchecked vertical expansion was disturbing the city's planned layout and livability. He informed the court that while DTCP collected approximately Rs 1,100 crore through additional FAR and other development charges, no significant infrastructure improvement was made. The court, on March 24, refused to grant interim relief. The petitioner then moved Supreme Court, which acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and directed HC to reconsider the matter. HC then held a detailed hearing on Thursday and Friday, after which it reserved its order on the interim relief last week. The counsel pointed out that most of the residential colonies in the city had their service plans approved based on a population density of 13.5 persons per plot. However, the four-floor policy would increase the density to 18 persons, putting pressure on already stretched infrastructure. Additionally, the July 2024 notification of the DTCP was also challenged during the hearing. In HC reserving the verdict, it will be crucial to determine whether the controversial four-floor policy will remain in effect or face suspension. The decision is awaited by residents, builders and planning authorities alike.
