MUMBAI: In a lane off Linking Road in Santacruz West, at the junction of Tagore Road and North Avenue, the top floors of an under-construction residential tower are quickly coming up. “We expect the occupation certificate by mid-2026,’’ Shaival Gandhi, a resident of Pearl Queen, told this correspondent on a recent Wednesday evening during a visit to the construction site.Unlike the slew of housing societies being currently redeveloped across the city by builders, Pearl Queen stands out as one of the few unique cases. The society itself is the promoter of the project instead of a developer in what is now popularly known as “Self-Redevelopment”.The housing society, comprising 26 families and a public sector bank, chose to appoint a “development manager” to redevelop their ground-plus-six-storey property into a much larger 16-storey tower with swimming pool, gym, walking track and three podiums for parking.In the self-redevelopment model, the players are the same, only the cooperative society replaces the builder. Architects get liberty to plan the buildings as desired by residents and the contractors are directly appointed by the society. The financial benefits from the sale of surplus flats in the redeveloped building go straight to the society instead of the builder.In the case of Pearl Queen, Raheja Lofts LLP was appointed development manager to plan, design, construct and deliver the Rs 150 crore self-redevelopment project; the society raised the funds through a non-banking finance company. “The development manager will receive its fees in the form of about 3,000 sq ft on the 16th floor in the free sale component of the tower. It cannot sell this space until the occupation certificate is procured,” said Gandhi, who is the treasurer of the society. Members will get 60% additional space in their new flats.Of the 24,000 sq ft in the free sale component, the society will retain roughly 21,000 sq ft which comprise eight apartments for sale in the open market. “We have already sold three flats that helped us retire part of the borrowings for the project,’’ said Gandhi, while refusing to divulge the price at which these apartments were sold. Property prices in the Santacruz-Linking Road belt are upwards of Rs 60,000 a sq ft.In the eastern suburb of Mulund, another success story of self-redevelopment emerged last year. On Gudi Padwa day in 2024, residents of Purvarang Cooperative Housing Society celebrated with a vibrant procession of dancers and musicians outside their brand-new tower near Tata Colony in Mulund East.It was the culmination of a seven-year arduous journey for the 56 families. “We have already sold 61 of the 62 flats in the free sale component worth Rs 87 crore,” said Milind Mahadik, chairman of the society. This is the first self-redevelopment project in Maharashtra where residents did not avail of any bank loan, external funds, nor involve a developer to build the 23-storey tower. Families then chipped it in to raise the money by dipping into their fixed deposits and provident funds. “The society itself advertised, marketed free sale flats by word of mouth and through social media,” said Mahadik.Another shining example is Chitra CHS near Tilak Nagar railway station. Its residents earlier occupied 380 square feet of carpet area, and none of the builders would offer them more than 525 sq ft. Now they have a house of 1,250 sq ft each. This was possible only by selling the flats rendered surplus after accommodating the existing members.At Jingprem CHS at Charkop, owners, who moved into their new homes some years ago, planned, funded, selected the building contractor, and even chose the tiles and fittings. They have proudly displayed a board that says they are the first self-redevelopment project without borrowing from financial institutions.Last year, residents of Chembur’s Chitra Cooperative Housing Society held a unique celebration to mark the total repayment of a Rs 20 crore bank loan after completing the self-redevelopment of their property. Members who earlier occupied flats of 390-sq-ft carpet area are now in possession of 1,250-sq-ft carpet area. The extra space they received fetches them monthly rents of Rs 40,000 to Rs 60,000.The ground-plus-two-storey building gave way to a brand new 19-storey tower.“Members of 27 cooperative housing societies have moved into their own homes available to them under the self-redevelopment model, which has now been recognised by the state govt. While they have got a free house, which is multiple times larger than that which was offered by the builders, they also had the unique opportunity to buy extra space as per their affordability,” said housing activist Chandrashekhar Prabhu, who initiated the self-redevelopment model over a decade ago. “Sagar CHS in Airoli has 92 members and 47 have already booked 70,000 sq ft at discounted prices. With such unprecedented response, the society may not need bank loans at all,” said Prabhu.

24-year-old from Hyderabad dies in Albany house fire

HYDERABAD: A cyber security professional from Hyderabad died of severe burn injuries after a fire tore through a residential building on Western Avenue in Albany, United States, on Thursday. Another person from Kukatpally, who was severely injured in the raging fire in the two-storey house, was battling for life.The deceased has been identified as Sahaja Reddy Udumala, 24, a native of Jodimetla near Uppal. Sahaja, daughter of Udumala Jayakar Reddy and Maria Shailaja, originally from Gudur in Jangaon district, completed her master’s in cyber security from the University at Albany a year ago and was working in Albany. Her father is a software professional, and her mother is a teacher in Hyderabad. Sahaja was a niece of Archbishop of Vishakapatnam, Udumala Bala.Family members said the fire broke out around 11.40 am (US time) while Sahaja, who had returned from a night shift, was asleep. “The building has several rooms where many Indian students live. The fire started near Sahaja’s room and spread rapidly. She was rescued by firefighters and taken to a hospital. The hospital staff showed her to us on a live video before removing the ventilator, saying survival was not possible. We saw her for the last time then,” a relative told TOI. Residents rescuedThe Albany fire department received a call around 11.50 am, reporting a blaze at 241 Western Avenue, which soon spread to the adjoining building at 239 Western Avenue. Fire chief Joseph Gregory described the scene as a “wall of fire up the front of the building,” adding that firefighters battled tough weather and strong winds. “It was a difficult operation for our firefighters. Weather conditions are tough. Wind doesn’t help us at all. The members did an outstanding job getting the victims out, getting them to the hospital, and putting the fire out,” Gregory told reporters. A dog was also rescued from the site. The cause of the fire is under investigation.The New York state fire investigations unit has joined the probe into the cause of the blaze. The American Red Cross is assisting 13 displaced residents, including several University at Albany students. Family members said efforts are being coordinated by the Telugu Association of North America and Sahaja’s relatives in the US to send her body to Hyderabad. “Arrangements are being made to bring her home,” a cousin said.

South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad (AFP Photo)

NEW DELHI: South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad acknowledged on Saturday that using the word “grovel” overshadowed his team’s historic Test win over India, though he reiterated there was no “malice” behind it. Conrad made the remark after day four of the second Test in Guwahati when South Africa were dominating, but the term — carrying racial undertones in cricket history — sparked strong reactions.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“I think on reflection, it was never my intention to cause any malice or not be humble about anything. How could I have chosen a better word on reflection? Yeah, I could have been smarter,” Conrad said after the third ODI.

“It (the word) left it open to people putting their own context to it, where the only context I ever intended it to be was for India to spend a lot of time and make it really tough for them,” he added.Conrad said he will now be more mindful of language used in public spaces.“I’m going to be careful what word I use here now, because context would be attached to that as well. It’s really a pity. Maybe what it did do was to spice up the ODI series, especially with them winning that now, the T20 series becomes even more so.”He admitted the controversy diverted attention from South Africa’s first Test series win over India in 25 years.“The unfortunate thing is, with all the noise that word caused, I don’t think it’s a perfectly good English word, but like I said, it just left it open to too many interpretations.“What it did was take away the gloss of what was a really special win for our Test team. It’s unfortunate, but like I said, there was definitely no malice intended.”Conrad added that humility remains central to the team’s culture.“Being humble is a cornerstone of our Test team and all our teams for that matter. It’s unfortunate that the noise and the talk became around the coach.“People shouldn’t even know who the coach is. It should be about the players. That’s the unfortunate bit and I’d like to think that it’s going to be put to bed now,” he said.“We missed a special chance”Conrad also expressed regret that South Africa couldn’t secure another series win over India at home after claiming the Test victory.“Yes, we had a chance to do something really special,” he said.“I think the last time India lost both the Test and ODI series goes back to the 1990s. We missed out on that opportunity. But look, they’re a world-class side with world-class players.“When Rohit (Sharma) is in this type of form, you cannot afford to yield your game. But like I said, part of this is building towards 2027, the World Cup in South Africa. I’d like to think that a few things are starting to fall into place with that. A lot of experience built in you,” he noted.“Chance to learn from RoKo”Virat Kohli finished the ODI contest as Player of the Series with two centuries and a fifty, while Rohit Sharma also contributed with two half-centuries. Conrad said watching them was a learning experience for his young squad.“Therein lies the learnings for us, for our young batters to see what the world’s best does, i.e. Virat and Rohit, how they go about their business. And I’d like to think that we will take that learning with us and then grow from there, especially our younger batters,” he said.Conrad admitted South Africa fell short with the bat in the final ODI.“I’d like to think that we were a little bit short with the bat. We started off really well with the ball, but because we didn’t post a score big enough, the Indian opening batters didn’t have to take any risks and they put us under pressure.“But I think we let ourselves down with the bat. We needed to post something a lot more competitive to put India under pressure. But, such are the margins when two equally matched teams are up against each other, (and) when one team is slightly off,” he said.Finally, Conrad and the team manager confirmed that Tony de Zorzi will miss the upcoming T20I series after suffering a hamstring injury during the second ODI in Raipur.“He was out earlier today, so he was out of the T20 series as well. Yeah, it’s really tough. Obviously, we were, I guess I should use the term hamstrung. But we were hamstrung by Tony’s injury,” they said.

When it comes to kidney stones, the most common perception is that they are caused by insufficient water consumption, however, that is not always the case. Dr Arjun Sabharwal, MBBS and nephrologist, recently posted an IG video in which he highlighted that kidney stones are not just caused by low water intake, but a host of other reasons. He said,“Kidney stones are not caused by low water intake alone. They form due to a combination of metabolic, dietary, genetic, and medical factors-this has been clearly shown in multiple large studies published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), American Journal of Kidney Diseases (AJKD), and Nature Reviews Nephrology.

The most common causes include:• High urine calcium (hypercalciuria)• High oxalate (from diet or gut absorption)• Low urine citrate (a natural stone protector)• High uric acid (often linked to red meat & gout)• High salt and animal protein intake• Low dietary calcium• Oxalate-rich foods (spinach, nuts, chocolate)• Excess vitamin C supplements• Obesity, diabetes, gout, thyroid and bowel disorders• Recurrent urine infections• Family history & genetic risk• And even some long-term medicines (diuretics, migraine drugs, calcium antacids)Low water intake does increase stone risk by concentrating urine-but studies clearly confirm that recurrent stones always need full metabolic evaluation, including a 24-hour urine test to identify the true cause.If stones keep coming back, don’t just increase water-find your stone type and treat the root cause.”Let us now examine that in closer detail…Problems that arise because of kidney stonesKidney stones cause sharp pain in the back or side, blood in urine, and nausea when they block urine flow. Many people blame low water intake, but stones form from a mix of metabolic, dietary, genetic, and medical factors. Low water does concentrate urine and raise risk, but recurrent stones need a full check with 24-hour urine tests to find the real causes. Treating the root fixes the problem better than water alone. Let’s examine reasons highlighted by Dr Sabharwal...

High urine calciumHigh urine calcium, or hypercalciuria, affects 30-60% of stone formers. It happens when kidneys leak calcium, or the body absorbs too much from food. This leads to calcium oxalate or phosphate crystals, that grow into stones. Studies show these imbalances cause supersaturation in urine, even with good hydration. A 24-hour urine test spots it, and drugs like thiazides lower calcium output.Oxalate overload from diet and gutHigh oxalate in urine comes from foods like spinach, nuts, chocolate, or excess vitamin C supplements. It binds calcium to form sharp oxalate stones, the most common type. Gut issues like low Oxalobacter formigenes bacteria, and boost absorption by 10-50%. Even though primary hyperoxaluria is genetic and rare, but severe. Even normal eaters get hit if urine volume drops, or calcium is low. To tackle this, limit high-oxalate foods, and pair with calcium-rich meals to bind it in the gut.

Low citrate lets stones form easilyCitrate acts as a natural blocker, by binding calcium and raising urine pH to dissolve crystals. Low urine citrate, or hypocitraturia, hits 20-60% of patients. Causes include chronic diarrhea, high animal protein, potassium lack, or infections. Without it, calcium stones grow fast. Acidic urine from exercise or drugs worsens this. Large studies link low citrate to recurrence even in hydrated people.Uric acid and excess proteinHigh uric acid forms acidic stones in 5-10% of cases, often from red meat, seafood, or gout. It lowers urine pH and seeds calcium oxalate stones too. Metabolic syndrome boosts this, via insulin resistance. High animal protein adds acid load, dropping citrate. Obesity and diabetes double odds. NEJM reviews show purine-rich diets raise risk 2-3 times. To counter this, reduce meat consumption, and add veggies for balance.Salt, low calcium, and hidden diet trapsHigh salt intake pulls calcium into urine; over 6g daily doubles stone risk. Low dietary calcium fails to bind oxalate in the gut, raising absorption. To prevent this, get 1,000-1,200mg from dairy or greens, and not supplements, since excess vitamin C turns to oxalate. Studies confirm these dietary shifts cause stones beyond dehydration. Track sodium under 2,300mg, and eat calcium with meals.Medical conditions and genetics play big rolesObesity, diabetes, gout, thyroid issues, IBD, and UTIs change urine chemistry, while family history raises odds 2.5 times, via genes like those for hypercalciuria. Drugs like diuretics, topiramate, or calcium antacids too, can lead to kidney stones. Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice

Liam Livingstone, the explosive English all-rounder, was released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction, primarily due to a below-par IPL 2025 season where he struggled to justify his INR 8.75 crore price tag (scoring 112 runs in 8 innings).

However, Livingstone remains one of the most destructive T20 players globally, known for his brute power-hitting, versatility in the batting order, and the rare ability to bowl both leg-spin and off-spin (match-up bowling). His recent form in T20 leagues has been explosive, including an unbeaten 82 off 38 balls for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20 2025 league against Sharjah Warriors. Teams needing a high-impact, multi-faceted overseas finisher who can provide flexible spin bowling will see him as a massive value pick, especially since he is available at a potentially lower price than his previous retention.

5 franchises that can target Liam Livingstone in the IPL 2026 mini-auction

1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

CSK will enter the auction with the second-largest purse of INR 43.40 crore and a huge void in their overseas all-rounder department following the trade of Sam Curran. CSK desperately needs a versatile middle-order batter who can finish games and provide a quality spin option. Livingstone perfectly fills this role, bringing explosive batting for the lower-middle order and the unique flexibility of spin bowling that is highly valued on the Chepauk surface. With their significant budget, CSK will be a primary bidder, viewing him as the ideal high-impact, multi-skill replacement to maintain their traditional squad balance.

2. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

KKR possesses the largest auction purse of INR 64.30 crore and has a clear priority: replacing the overseas all-rounder firepower lost with the release of Andre Russell. While Cameron Green is a likely top target, Livingstone offers a proven, destructive alternative. KKR needs an overseas batter who can come in at the death and bowl a few tight overs. Livingstone’s ability to clear the long boundaries at the Eden Gardens and his flexible spin bowling make him a perfect fit for KKR’s historically aggressive, all-rounder-heavy strategy. Their massive financial resources mean they can outbid any competitor for his services.

3. Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Punjab Kings (PBKS) have a moderate purse of INR 11.50 crore but a history with Livingstone, for whom he enjoyed his best IPL season in 2022. PBKS recently released Glenn Maxwell and needs to acquire an overseas power-hitter for their middle and lower order to support retained players like Mitchell Owen and Shashank Singh. Livingstone’s familiarity with the franchise, his proven success batting anywhere from number 3 to 6, and his destructive power match PBKS’s strategy of fearless, high-scoring cricket. For a team that needs a high-impact overseas player within a limited budget, Livingstone offers a known quantity and immense value.

Also READ: IPL 2026: 5 franchises that can target Abhimanyu Easwaran in the mini-auction

4. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has a strong purse of INR 25.50 crore and is known for investing in aggressive, high-upside players. SRH needs to add more firepower and depth to their middle order, which has occasionally been inconsistent. Livingstone could slot in perfectly at number 5 or 6, providing a feared counter-attacking option if the top order collapses, or accelerating ruthlessly when set. Furthermore, his flexible spin options would add crucial balance to a team that often relies heavily on its fast bowlers. His profile aligns with SRH’s current philosophy of maximizing T20 aggression.

5. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Despite releasing him due to his high price tag, RCB may still target Livingstone if he falls to a reasonable price, as they have a purse of INR 16.40 crore. RCB needs to fill two overseas slots, and their immediate priority will be securing a specialist fast bowler (like Anrich Nortje) and an all-rounder. Livingstone is a familiar face who understands the Chinnaswamy dynamics. If their primary overseas all-rounder targets (like Green or another big-name) prove too expensive, buying back Livingstone would ensure they secure a proven, high-impact all-rounder whom the management and retained core know well.

Also READ: IPL 2026: 5 franchises that can target Anrich Nortje in the mini-auction

NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli has been in exceptional form, scoring 376 runs in his last four ODIs with two centuries and being dismissed only twice. After winning the Player of the Series award for his 302 runs in the three-match series against South Africa, Kohli said he felt liberated and in his best rhythm in years, contributing to India securing their 10th ODI series win out of the last 11 at home.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!His resurgence follows criticism after recording consecutive ducks in Australia. In the final ODI against South Africa, Kohli scored an unbeaten 65 off 45 balls as India chased down 271 in 39.5 overs.

“Honestly, playing the way I have in the series is the most satisfying thing for me. I feel really free in my mind. I haven’t played like this in 2-3 years. The whole game is coming together nicely. I’ve tried to maintain my own standards and make an impact. I know when I can bat like that in the middle, it helps the team a long way. Makes me confident, any situation in the middle, I can handle that and bring it in favour of the team,” Kohli said.Reflecting on his long journey, the former India captain admitted there were moments of doubt.“When you play for that long – 15-16 years, you do doubt yourself. Especially as a batter when one mistake can get you out. It’s a whole journey of self-improvement and personal growth along the way. It improves you as a person, and it improves your temperament as well. I’m just glad that I’m still able to contribute to the team,” he shared.One standout feature of his recent form has been his six-hitting, with 12 sixes across the three matches and a strike rate above 100 in each outing.“When I play freely, I know I can hit sixes. There are always levels you can always unlock,” Kohli said about his approach.Kohli, who holds the world record with 53 ODI centuries, rated his 135 in Ranchi as his best knock of the series.“The first one at Ranchi – because I hadn’t played a game since Australia. Just how your energy is on the day, Ranchi is very special for me, and I’m very grateful for how these three games have gone,” he said.Speaking about India stepping up in the deciding match, Kohli highlighted the team’s hunger in pressure moments.“It’s always brought the best of us – that’s what we want to play for. When it’s 1-1, we want to do something special for the team. That’s why we have played for the team for so long. Just happy that both of us continue to do it for so long,” he concluded.

NEW DELHI: Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed his maiden ODI century with an unbeaten 116, guiding India to a dominant nine-wicket win over South Africa in the final ODI at Visakhapatnam’s ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on Saturday. The victory sealed the series 2-1 for India, with Rohit Sharma contributing 75 runs and crossing the landmark of 20,000 international runs.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!A commanding 155-run opening stand between Jaiswal and Rohit in 25.5 overs laid the platform for India’s chase of 271. India wrapped up the match at 271 for one in 39.5 overs, with Virat Kohli finishing unbeaten on 65 off 45 balls.

Rohit’s knock, featuring 7 fours and 3 sixes, put India firmly in control. He became the fourth Indian to reach 20,000 international runs, completing the milestone with a single in the 14th over.A lighthearted moment unfolded during the post-series celebrations at the team hotel when Kohli asked Jaiswal to cut the cake. After cutting it, Jaiswal offered a piece to Rohit.“Nahi khale, mota ho jaunga wapis,” Rohit was heard saying as he declined, while Kohli happily took a bite.Rohit now joins the elite list of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Virat Kohli as part of India’s 20,000-run club, and is among just 14 players worldwide to achieve the feat.Watch the video hereWith this innings, Rohit’s career tally climbs to 20,048 runs from 538 innings across 504 matches, moving past AB de Villiers’ 20,014 runs in 420 matches.The win capped off a strong series for India, highlighted by contributions from experienced stars and rising talents like Jaiswal, who announced himself with his maiden ODI century.

Anthony Hopkins is one of the most celebrated actors, an artist known for his remarkable talent, emotional depth, and transformative performances. Born in Wales in 1937, he rose from humble beginnings to become a global cinematic icon. Over the decades, Hopkins has earned multiple awards, including two Academy Awards, and has captivated audiences with unforgettable roles in films such as The Silence of the Lambs, The Father, and Legends of the Fall. His work spans genres and generations, making him one of the most respected performers in Hollywood.Beyond his craft, Hopkins is admired for his introspective nature, philosophical mindset, and refreshing honesty about life, creativity, and personal growth. He often speaks openly about mental health, self-acceptance, and the importance of emotional detachment from external judgments. This grounded, reflective approach to life has inspired millions who look up to him not only as an actor but as a source of wisdom.Today’s quote of the day “My philosophy is: It’s none of my business what people say of me and think of me. I am what I am and I do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. And it makes life so much easier,” is widely attributed to Anthony Hopkins by various sites.

Meaning of the quote

In this quote, Hopkins encourages a mindset of emotional independence – one where a person no longer seeks validation from others. “It’s none of my business what people say of me and think of me” is a reminder that we cannot control others’ opinions, nor should we try. When we let go of the need to be liked or understood by everyone, we gain freedom. This detachment frees us from anxiety, people-pleasing, and the constant pressure to meet external expectations. Hopkins stresses the importance of authenticity – being who you are without apology.He also highlights the transformative power of acceptance. By expecting nothing, we avoid disappointment; by accepting everything, we cultivate resilience and inner calm. This does not mean tolerating negativity passively, but rather learning not to be emotionally shaken by life’s unpredictability. It is a philosophy rooted in clarity and self-awareness – one that makes life “so much easier” because it removes unnecessary emotional burdens. Hopkins essentially reminds us that peace begins when we stop resisting reality and start living from a place of confidence and surrender.Anthony Hopkins’ quote serves as a timeless lesson in emotional maturity and self-liberation. It teaches us that life becomes simpler and more fulfilling when we stop chasing approval and start embracing authenticity. By focusing on who we are, rather than what others think, we cultivate inner strength, clarity, and peace. His words invite us to live with intention, acceptance, and detachment – qualities that make everyday life not only easier, but deeply meaningful. In a world full of noise, his wisdom reminds us to return to ourselves, trust our journey, and walk through life with quiet confidence and grace.