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India.com
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Reema Lagoos Ex-Husband And Veteran Actor Vivek Lagoo Dies, Last Rites To Be Held Today; Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar Pays Tribute
New Delhi: Veteran actor-director Vivek Lagoo breathed his last on June 19, 2025. Noted actress Reema Lagoo's ex-husband was a known figure in Marathi and Hindi showbiz world. According to TOI, Vivek Lagoo's funeral will be held today at the Oshiwara Crematorium in Mumbai. Maharashtra Min Mourns Demise Ashish Shelar, Maharashtra cabinet minister for cultural affairs, paid tribute to veteran actor Vivek Lagoo and said that the news of his demise is "extremely sad". Taking to X, he wrote, "Soulful Tribute!.. The news of the demise of actor Vivek Lagoo is extremely sad. With his passing, Marathi theatre and film industry has lost a smiling, alert and sensitive personality." While praising the late actor for his work, Ashish said, "His strong performance style on stage, his light and touching roles on television, and his light-hearted comedy on occasions have made him a permanent place in the hearts of fans. May God rest his soul in peace and give his family the strength to bear this loss, this is our prayer." भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली! अभिनेते विवेक लागू यांच्या निधनाची बातमी अत्यंत दुःखद आहे. त्यांच्या जाण्याने मराठी रंगभूमी आणि चित्रपटसृष्टीने एक हसरे, सजग आणि संवेदनशील व्यक्तिमत्त्व गमावले आहे. त्यांची रंगभूमीवरील सशक्त सादरीकरणशैली, दूरदर्शनवरील सोज्वळ आणि मनाला भिडणाऱ्या भूमिका,… — Adv. Ashish Shelar - ॲड. आशिष शेलार (@ShelarAshish) June 19, 2025 Who Was Vivek Lagoo? Vivek Lagoo was known for his work in both Hindi and Marathi cinema. He was married to a famous actress, Reema Lagoo, who is known for her role in TV shows such as 'Shriman Shrimati'. He met her in 1976. However, they separated later. Reema Lagoo passed away in 2017. The couple's daughter Mrunmayee Lagoo Waikul, is also an actress and theatre director, known for her works including Thappad and Scoop. Vivek Lagoo is known for Ugly (2013), Sarv Mangal Savdhan (2016) and What About Savarkar? (2015).
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Five ways to West Asian meltdown
Israel and Iran have been sworn enemies for years. Just last Oct, Iran rained 180 missiles on Israel in one evening, but their ongoing fight, now in its eighth day, is different. It's a direct military confrontation, minus the proxies. Both sides have hit residential areas as well as military sites. An Iranian missile barrage hit an Israeli hospital yesterday, while Israeli aircraft are targeting Iran's nuclear facilities and missile launchers. Read full story on TOI+ Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
India.com
3 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
India's water attack on Pakistan, water at 'dead' levels in..., big plans for Indus Waters are....
India's water attack on Pakistan, water at 'dead' levels in…, big plans for Indus Waters are… Islamabad: Farmers in Pakistan are facing difficulties in planting crops in the Kharif season with consistently lower levels of water in dams. This situation is being created there because of India's suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, and it is going to get worse in the coming years as New Delhi is planning several projects on the Indus River system. India is mulling over implementing a plan to optimise the usage of the Indus River system via inter-basin water transfers. The plan is to construct a 113-km canal in order to redirect excess water from Jammu & Kashmir to farming-prone states — Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Short-term reservoir maintenance, including flushing and desilting, is underway at the Baglihar and Salal hydroelectric plants on the Chenab River. This work complements other planned initiatives. The focus of these actions is to store and regulate maximum water flow after the suspension of 1960 Indus Waters Treaty by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government following the Pahalgam terror attack in April that claimed 26 lives of tourists. Big Plans For Indus Waters India is developing a long-term strategy for maximising the Indus River system's potential. This involves a comprehensive plan for inter-basin water transfers, starting with a feasibility study for a 113-km canal to divert surplus water from Jammu and Kashmir to Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, as per a report by TOI. The Chenab Link The proposed canal, through Ravi-Beas-Sutlej, will connect to the Chenab. This will optimise the utilisation of eastern rivers such as the Yamuna, Beas and Sutlej. It will also enable India to utilise the allocated share of western rivers like Indus, Jhelum and Chenab under the treaty, preventing excess water flow to Pakistan. Indian Home Minister Amit Shah has pledged to deliver Indus River water to Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar district via canal systems within three years. This project aims to improve irrigation in large agricultural areas, potentially impacting Pakistan's access to the river's water. The plan involves redirecting surplus water from Jammu and Kashmir to Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, aiming for a fairer distribution of water resources across the region. Pakistan Faces 'Dead' Water Levels Meanwhile, the water levels in rivers flowing to the neighbouring country reached 'dead' levels. Rivers such Indus, Jhelum and Chenab which flow from India are witnessing a continuous reduction in volume. This has forced Pak to release more easter than it receives to fulfil the requirements. Reduced water flow downstream of Jammu & Kashmir dams is expected to worsen during the pre-monsoon season due to routine dam maintenance activities, including desilting and flushing, aimed at increasing storage capacity. Because of the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, Pak's Punjab province, where farmers have started the kharif cultivation, is receiving less water compared to the previous year. Pakistan's Mangla and Tarbela dams, vital water sources, are nearing critically low levels, approaching their minimum operational capacity, despite the monsoon season being approximately one month away. This simply means that a further decrease in water flow may leave Islamabad with very few options to cater to its farming operations before the arrival of the monsoon.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Today's TOI Mini Crossword clues for 20 June 2025
The Mini Crossword at Times of India offers a quick yet engaging puzzle challenge that refreshes daily. It's perfect for players who enjoy solving puzzles but have limited time. Whether you're new to crossword puzzles or a seasoned pro, our mini version offers the perfect mix of challenge and your day with a brain-teasing puzzle that will sharpen your vocabulary and improve your problem-solving skills. With new puzzles updated daily, this crossword is ideal for players looking to relax or take a short break during a busy schedule. The Mini Crossword follows the classic crossword puzzle format but in a condensed form, allowing you to solve it quickly while still enjoying the thrill of figuring out the clues. Simply read the hints, enter the correct answers, and fill in the grid. The simple interface ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for all ages. If you're looking for more games, TOI has a wide range of other puzzles and brain teasers to explore. Stay sharp with Sudoku, Word Search, and many more options available at your fingertips! How to play Mini Crossword Get going by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scam Exposed: What They Won't Tell You about zero trust! Expertinspector Click Here Undo Take a moment to familiarise yourself with the crossword grid and the clues provided. Crack the clues Begin by selecting a clue from the list. Categories are Across and Down. Read the clue carefully, then think of the corresponding word or phrase that fits the grid. Input answers Click on the first box of the word you want to enter. Start typing the letters of your answer. Keep going until you've completed the word or phrase. Utilize functions Need a hint? "Reveal Character" uncovers one letter. But be wary, using it incurs time penalties which increases with every usage. It's best to use this sparingly to maintain a good completion time. Watch the clock Keep an eye on the timer displayed. Faster completions with minimum penalties fetch higher ranks. Regular practice The more you play, the better you'll become. Experiment with different solving strategies to find what works best for you. Mini Crossword today's link for 20 June 2025 Mini Crossword hints for 20 June 2025 Welcome, puzzle enthusiasts! Today we're exploring physical forces, engine sounds, second attempts, and waterfront boundaries. Ready to decode these intriguing clues? 1. Exert force away from oneself When strength meets direction... Outward force? → Propelling motion → Forward pressure → Final hint: What you do to open heavy doors [Think about it...] 2. Sound of engine revving When motors meet acceleration... Mechanical roar? → Engine noise → Acceleration sound → Final hint: What race cars make at the starting line [Consider the possibilities...] 3. Do again in different way When attempts meet improvement... Second effort? → Repeat attempt → Fresh approach → Final hint: What perfectionists do with their work [Almost there...] 4. Land along edge of sea or lake When water meets earth... Coastal boundary? → Waterfront edge → Aquatic border → Final hint: Where waves meet sand [One last effort...] Ready to Complete Today's Puzzle? From physical forces to waterfront boundaries, From engine sounds to second attempts, We've explored quite a range today! Remember, crossing letters can help illuminate your path to the solution. Keep solving! Mini Crossword related FAQs What is the Mini Crossword? The Mini Crossword is a smaller, quicker version of a traditional crossword puzzle. Typically featuring a 5x5 grid, it is designed to be completed in just a few minutes, offering a bite-sized puzzle experience that's perfect for busy players or those new to crosswords. How do I play the Mini Crossword? Playing the Mini Crossword is simple. Just read the clues and fill in the corresponding boxes with the correct answers. Horizontal clues fill the "across" spaces, while vertical clues correspond to "down" spaces. How is the Mini Crossword different from a regular crossword? The Mini Crossword is shorter and simpler than a regular crossword, usually containing fewer and shorter words. It can typically be completed within a few minutes, making it an excellent option for casual puzzle solvers or those looking for a quick brain teaser. Can I play the Mini Crossword on mobile devices? The Mini Crossword is shorter and simpler than a regular crossword, usually containing fewer and shorter words. It can typically be completed within a few minutes, making it an excellent option for casual puzzle solvers or those looking for a quick brain teaser. How often are new Mini Crossword puzzles released? The Mini Crossword is shorter and simpler than a regular crossword, usually containing fewer and shorter words. It can typically be completed within a few minutes, making it an excellent option for casual puzzle solvers or those looking for a quick brain teaser. Are the puzzles free to play? The Mini Crossword is shorter and simpler than a regular crossword, usually containing fewer and shorter words. It can typically be completed within a few minutes, making it an excellent option for casual puzzle solvers or those looking for a quick brain teaser. What if I get stuck on a clue? If you're stuck on a clue, don't worry! You can skip to other clues and return later, or use the "hint" function to reveal a letter or word, helping you solve the puzzle more easily. How do I improve my Mini Crossword solving skills? To improve, try solving puzzles regularly. As you practice, you'll start to recognize common word patterns and develop strategies to solve puzzles more quickly and accurately. You can also review past puzzles for additional practice. Already played today's game? Practice more from the archives Also read: Roblox Da Hood Codes AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Solar Projects A Ray Of Hope To Curb Electricity Budgets
Pune: When Park Royale, a housing society with 433 flats in Wakad, first installed a solar project seven years ago, the pilot phase yielded promising results. Encouraged, they scaled up the total capacity to 172.5-kW and today, their annual electricity expenses for common amenities in the complex have dropped from Rs62 lakh to just Rs13.5 lakh — almost a fifth of costs — thanks to the switch to solar. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This reduced expenditure even includes the Rs7 lakh used for operating their society's sewage treatment plant (STP), which now runs on a green meter (providing subsidized govt charges for power). Society chairman Manoj Shinkar told TOI, "Initially, we had installed a 30-kW solar plant in 2018, and the investment was recovered in just two years as we also received govt subsidy on it. Encouraged by the savings, we expanded the project gradually in four different phases and reached 172.5-kW by 2023." Park Royale is one of the housing societies in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad that are choosing to significantly cut down on electricity costs by switching to solar power. By installing rooftop solar systems, many societies have managed to power all their common area facilities—lifts, water pumps, and lighting—entirely through solar energy. Members of such societies say the move has led to substantial savings, amounting to lakhs of rupees annually, allowing them to reduce monthly maintenance charges for residents. Shinkar echoed that the benefits get passed on to flat owners. "Earlier, we charged Rs3 per sqft as maintenance. This has reduced to Rs2.5 per sqft—one of the lowest maintenance charges by any housing society in Wakad and nearby areas," he said. The entire solar setup cost the society Rs95 lakh by 2023, and the agency will handle maintenance for the next five years after each installation at no extra cost as per the agreement. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With money saved on power bills, the society has also invested in other infrastructure upgrades, including a Rs15 lakh waste composting plant. Additionally, all common areas are now equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting to further reduce power consumption. Another such example is the La Melosa Housing Society — also in Wakad — which has 234 flats. The society installed a 76-kW solar system in March this year. Society chairman Jasbir Singh said, "Over the last two months, our common electricity bill dropped from an average of Rs2-Rs2.4 lakh per month to just Rs3,500 per month. The difference is staggering." Singh said the installation agency estimated annual savings of Rs18 lakh, considering that power generation from solar systems usually reduces during the monsoon season and one may need to pay more towards electricity bills during that period."We spent Rs35 lakh on the project after receiving govt subsidy and expect to recover this cost in two years," he added. The society financed the project internally and plans to reduce the monthly maintenance fee once the investment is recovered. "For any housing society, electricity and water are the major expenses covered under maintenance. If we manage these efficiently, the overall cost for residents can be brought down significantly. That's why every society should consider installing solar systems," Singh said. Besides large complexes, many smaller residential establishments are also adopting solar energy, such as the Bhagyashree Apartments in Pune's Kothrud. The 10-flat residential building was recently recognized and felicitated by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) as the first fully solar-powered residential apartment in the entire district. The society had initially installed an 11-kW solar system two years ago to power common amenities. Encouraged by the savings and efficiency, residents decided to extend solar power usage to all individual flats. Accordingly, in Jan this year, they added another 19-kW system, including -1-kW system for four flats, 2-kW for three flats and 3-kW for the remaining three flats, making the entire building solar powered. Mandar Deshmukh, a resident here, said, "Earlier, the monthly electricity bill for my individual flat was around Rs2,000. Since switching to solar, it has dropped to zero." The building now has a total of 30-kW rooftop solar capacity, which meets the entire electricity demand of all 10 flats and common areas, making it a model for sustainable residential living. Solar agencies confirmed that they are getting increased inquiries from housing societies — but added that many hesitate to install it due to shortage of funds. On average, it costs around Rs25 lakh to install a 50-kW solar project. "However, housing societies can also opt for OPEX (operating expense model), under which the third-party vendor owns, installs, operates and maintains the solar system, and the housing society only pays for their consumption, with fixed and reduced rates compared to normal electricity charges charged by MSEDCL," a solar agency operator said, adding that the vendor and societies make an agreement for a fixed period after which the complete set-up is given to the housing society for free. The operator said, "If societies want to fund the project on their own, agencies also help them get a subsidy of Rs18,000 per kW from state govt." There has been a surge in demand from residential properties for solar system installation in the last one-and-a-half years, particularly after govt launched the 'PM Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana', said SunGet Solar Infra owner Dipak Kotkar. Under this scheme, consumers with individual flats or houses are provided financial assistance of Rs30,000 per kW project (which for society complexes is Rs18,000 per kW). "We had to increase our manpower after this scheme was launched as it has received a very good response. There is a need to simplify the process so that more people can apply for it," Kotkar told TOI. "For instance, the govt online portal keeps getting upgraded, so data of earlier applications is lost and needs to be constantly refilled. Further, there are no dedicated offline govt centres for troubleshooting glitches, only call centres," he elaborated. Confirming the reaction to the scheme, Sunil Kakde, chief engineer of MSEDCL Pune zone, said, "There has been a good response to the PM Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana from housing societies as well as individual households. Residents are widely utilizing the scheme mainly to power common facilities, such as water pumps and lifts, using solar energy. Govt provides 18,000 per kW subsidy to projects at housing societies up to 500-kW capacity. "
