Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday arrived in Haridwar to review the preparations for Kumbh Mela-2027. Upon reaching the Kumbh Mela Control Building (CCR), the Chief Minister laid the foundation stones for 34 major infrastructure projects approved by the state government for Kumbh Mela-2027. These permanent development works, with an estimated cost of Rs 234.55 crore, aim to ensure the successful, safe, and well-organised conduct of the Kumbh Mela while also strengthening the long-term development of Haridwar city.Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, while talking to the media, said, “All preparations are ongoing, and immediately after the 2025 Chardham Yatra concluded, we began preparations for the 2026 Chardham Yatra, and several rounds of meetings have already been held. We are also meeting with stakeholders regularly, taking suggestions from all those involved in organising the yatra.”He further said, “This time, the yatra is being held a little earlier. The doors are set to open in April, when schools are closed, and there’s a lot of footfall. Therefore, all arrangements are being made to ensure that visitors have a positive yatra experience…A review meeting was held today for the 2027 Kumbh Mela, and the foundation stone was laid for projects worth approximately two hundred and fifty crore rupees.”“All work should be completed on time. All arrangements for the Kumbh should be well-organised, and everyone should participate. All departments should work in coordination with each other,” Dhami added.Meanwhile, in view of the upcoming Kumbh Mela to be held in Haridwar next year, extensive preparations are being undertaken by the Mela administration to ensure the convenience, safety, and smooth movement of devotees arriving from different parts of the country.Considering the likelihood of a large influx of pilgrims via railways during the Kumbh Mela, ground-level efforts have been intensified to provide additional facilities and necessary arrangements at Haridwar and other nearby railway stations.In this regard, Mela Officer Sonika conducted a detailed inspection of Haridwar Railway Station, along with officials from the Mela administration and the Railways, to review the arrangements and assess the facilities proposed by the Railways for the Kumbh Mela.

Rohit Pawar and Ajit Pawar

NEW DELHI: NCP (SP) general secretary Rohit Pawar on Saturday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking the resignation of civil aviation minister K Ram Mohan Naidu until the inquiry into the January 28 plane crash that killed former Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar is completed. He also demanded an independent and transparent probe into the incident.In his letter to the PM Modi, a copy of which was marked to Union home minister Amit Shah, Rohit Pawar raised concerns about the air charter company VSR, which owned the ill-fated Learjet 45 aircraft and alleged possible links that need independent scrutiny, according to news agency PTI. “Serious questions have been raised about the company VSR and its links with Rammohan Naidu’s party (TDP). These links must be investigated by an independent and competent authority, preferably in collaboration with international agencies,” Pawar said in the letter.Seeking the minister’s resignation, he wrote, “You have always shown respect for Ajit Dada and his contribution to the country. In this context, I request that Rammohan Naidu be asked to resign from his post until the investigation is completed. This is necessary to ensure there is no influence or interference in examining whether the DGCA was compromised in any manner in relation to VSR.”Addressing a press conference, Rohit Pawar alleged that the circumstances surrounding the crash warrant deeper examination and suggested that the possibility of conspiracy must be explored.“If we talk about conspiracies, there can be two types of conspiracies: political and commercial. We want to find out which one it is. Another thing is that if someone is supporting or protecting the VSR company, which is responsible for it, that could also be a conspiracy. So many powerful people are behind this company. DGCA officials are behind it,” he said.Calling for direct intervention by senior national leaders, he added, “But if this investigation needs to be brought to justice, only the most powerful people in India, like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, can bring justice to Ajit Dada, because the rest of the people involved are also powerful. I request them to personally address this investigation. I’m going to send a letter addressed to PM Modi via email today... The Aviation Minister must resign. This is our demand.”Rohit Pawar also raised doubts about technical aspects of the crash, including the aircraft’s black box and possible causes of the fire.“We had expressed doubts about the black box. When the accident happened, there was not just one blast, there were many blasts… VSR, the company that operates the flight, has a lot of issues. They are mechanical, maintenance issues. There is an area where bags are kept, additional petrol cans were kept there, and that’s what caused the fire, so this needs to be investigated,” he said.Ajit Pawar and four others were killed on the morning of January 28 when the aircraft carrying them crashed near Baramati airport in Pune district while attempting to land. The Nationalist Congress Party (SP), along with Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress leaders, have raised questions over the incident and suggested possible foul play.

Recurrent miscarriages can be deeply distressing for couples trying to conceive, often leaving them searching for answers and hope. “While many couples experience the emotional pain of repeated pregnancy loss, the underlying cause is not the same in every case. Recurrent miscarriages can result from a variety of factors, and treatment must be tailored to the specific cause,” says Dr Sreevani Kotha, Director and Head, 9M Fertility by Ankura Hospital.She further adds that recurrent pregnancy loss is when a woman experiences two or more consecutive pregnancy losses before 20 weeks of gestation.

What causes recurrent miscarriage?

There can be several reasons for recurrent miscarriage, and the underlying cause is not the same in every case. One of the most common causes is an abnormal number of chromosomes in the developing fetus. When this occurs, the body recognizes that the pregnancy is not developing normally and may terminate it spontaneously. “Although chromosomal abnormalities are more frequently associated with advanced maternal age, they can also occur in younger women,” says Dr Sreevani. In some cases, the uterus may not be conducive to healthy implantation. Structural abnormalities, including fibroids and polyps, can be responsible in such situations. Endocrine problems such as thyroid disorders and diabetes can also lead to spontaneous pregnancy loss. “In a specific autoimmune condition called antiphospholipid syndrome, the body produces antibodies that increase the risk of blood clot formation. This can interfere with the placenta and affect the developing pregnancy,” Dr Sreevani adds, citing another cause.Apart from the above medical issues, environmental factors can also have a significant impact on pregnancy. Smoking, alcohol consumption, excess body weight, and high levels of stress are known to contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss. “In modern times, the effect of environmental factors on pregnancy has increased multifold. These factors don’t just influence recurrent pregnancy loss but also affect the overall fertility rates,” explains Dr Sreevani.

How to recognise the signs of pregnancy loss

Signs such as vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain or cramping, persistent back pain, passage of tissue, or a sudden decrease in pregnancy symptoms may indicate a possible pregnancy loss and require immediate medical consultation. Women experiencing dizziness or weakness should also seek prompt evaluation.

Treatment options for recurrent pregnancy loss

“Treatment of recurrent pregnancy loss depends on identifying and addressing the underlying cause. A thorough assessment is carried out with an individualized approach, which may include blood tests for hormonal and autoimmune disorders, genetic testing, and imaging studies such as ultrasound to evaluate the uterus,” says Dr Sreevani. Management may include correcting uterine abnormalities through surgery, treating hormonal imbalances, managing chronic medical conditions, or using medications in cases of autoimmune disorders. Lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and managing stress are equally important. “In selected individual cases where conventional measures are not sufficient, advanced assisted reproductive treatments may prove helpful for couples in achieving a successful pregnancy,” assures Dr Sreevani. “Recurrent pregnancy loss can be emotionally distressing, but it is not uncommon. Modern medical science has evolved multifold, and scenarios that appeared difficult a decade ago can often be effectively managed today. By staying aware and seeking timely care, couples can attain positive outcomes,” concludes Dr Sreevani.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the story are independent professional judgment of the experts and we do not take any responsibility for the accuracy of their views. This should not be considered as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details. Ankura Hospital is solely liable for the correctness, reliability of the content and/or compliance of applicable laws. The above is non-editorial content and TIL does not guarantee, vouch or endorse any of it. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified.

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police on Saturday sought five days’ custody of the 4 accused who carried out a shirtless march in the Bharat Mandapam during the AI summit. While seeking remand, Delhi Police said that the accused had staged a protest similar to the protest in Nepal, claiming that it was a conspiracy to defame the country internationally.The public prosecutor told the court that the accused raised anti-national slogans while protesting against the India-US trade deal and wore T-shirts with messages against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.When being asked why the police wants 5-day custody of the accused, the investigating officer stated that there is a deep conspiracy, that other accused fled the scene, and that custody is needed for a proper investigation.Police added that three policemen were injured and accused’s mobile phones need to be recovered to verify whether they received funding. Four people from four different locations came together and printed T-shirts. Meanwhile, the lawyer for the accused submitted that they were being targeted because they belong to opposition party. The lawyer also alleged that accused and protests are taking place everywhere.The lawyer added that political dissent shouldn’t be crushed like this.Following the protest, Delhi Police initially detained around 10 IYC workers. “The Indian Youth Congress on Friday staged a protest with around 15 people entering the lobby area of Hall No. 5, and raising slogans after removing T-shirts worn under shirts,” ACP (New Delhi), Devesh Mahla, said.“The four arrested accused will be produced before the Patiala House Court; an FIR is being registered, in which several serious charges are being invoked,” another police officer said.The accused allegedly engaged in a protracted scuffle with security personnel and police staff deployed at the venue, officials said.Investigators are examining whether there was any larger conspiracy behind the incident.The protesters allegedly registered online to obtain QR codes to enter the venue, the Bharat Mandapam, before staging the protest inside Hall No 5, news agency PTI reported citing sources.A few protesters got into heated arguments with some of the attendees before being whisked away by the security personnel.The sources claimed the protesters also manhandled some police officers on duty, which is likely to invoke non-bailable sections.The accused had initially planned to paste printed stickers on black umbrellas and sneak them into the Bharat Mandapam, the sources said.“However, they later felt that the black umbrellas might draw the attention of the security personnel manning the gates, so they changed their plan and got the printed stickers placed on T-shirts instead,” a source said.

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NEW DELHI: BJP staged protests in multiple cities on Saturday following a shirtless protest by Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.BJP workers in Mumbai showed black flags to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi landed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in the morning and travelled by road to Bhiwandi in neighbouring Thane district to appear before a court in the 2014 defamation case.

Video from the incident showed them shouting, “Rahul Gandhi haye haye.”Protests were also held in Jaipur, Jammu, and Surat targeting the Congress party.BJP’s Yuva Morcha held a protest in New Delhi. A Yuva Morcha worker said, “The Indian Youth Congress workers carried out a very shameful incident yesterday…For Rahul Gandhi, AI means anti-India…This protest sends a very wrong signal to the world…Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party should apologise to the nation,” as quoted by ANI. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said, “The people of the country are not going to forgive the Congress for this act…People from more than 80 countries came to the AI Summit, and everyone has wholeheartedly praised India’s efforts.”BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla added, “Congress party has shown that they are characterless, emotionless, brainless…The entire nation is showing them black flags due to this act…Even their alliance partners are showing them red flags…Congress is anti-national.”

More IYC leaders arrested

Four Indian Youth Congress leaders—Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar, and Narasimha Yadav—were arrested in connection with the protest and brought to Patiala House Court, where heavy security was deployed. Officials said the detainees are being identified and that appropriate legal action is being taken.The alleged offences carry a punishment of up to seven years. The accused’s lawyer argued that they are affiliated with a political party and claimed the FIR is politically motivated. He also noted that the accused are educated and hold degrees.Police stated that anti-national slogans were raised in the presence of international leaders and other prominent figures. They added that custody is required to apprehend other accused who fled, investigate the involvement of the arrested leaders, and recover their mobile phones to verify potential funding. Police also said three officers were injured during the incident.

On Friday, members of the Indian Youth Congress tricked their way into Bharat Mandapam and briefly raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The protesters entered the venue wearing or holding white T-shirts with images of Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump, along with slogans such as “India-US Trade Deal” and “PM is compromised,” leading to heated exchanges with attendees. Around 10 protesters were detained Friday. The Indian Youth Congress defended the protest, calling it the “voice of millions of angry unemployed youth” aimed at the “compromised” Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The youth wing added that they are “not against the AI Summit” and “will no longer sit quietly.”The “topless” nature of the protest drew sharp reactions, with BJP leaders accusing the Congress and Rahul Gandhi of orchestrating the disruption. The BJP also called the protest a “topless, brainless and shameless” ruckus and alleged it was planned at Rahul Gandhi’s residence.

Family members and friends singing, dancing and offering gifts on the ‘martyrdom’ of a young man in Iran. (Credit: Sourced from an Iranian)

As Muslims across the world began observing the holy month of Ramadan on Wednesday, the usual fervour associated with the festival is highly subdued in Iran, according to Iranians living in India and western countries, reports Kalyan Das. Members of the diaspora told TOI that many families back home are grappling with grief following recent anti-regime protests and the deaths of loved ones, leading to a marked shift in how the holy month is being observed. Mohammed (who asked to be identified by his first name), an Iranian who has been living in Delhi for nearly a decade, said conversations with his family reflect deep anguish and anger. “How could we mark the month when there have been so many deaths during the recent anti-regime protests?” he said.As Muslims across the world began observing the holy month of Ramadan on Wednesday, the usual fervour associated with the festival is highly subdued in Iran, according to Iranians living in India and western countries. Members of the diaspora told TOI that many families back home are grappling with grief following recent anti-regime protests and the deaths of loved ones, leading to a marked shift in how the holy month is being observed.

Parents of a young man killed in protests, celebrating by cutting a black cake amid showering of money in an act of dissent in grief. (Credit: Sourced from an Iranian)

Mohammed (who asked to be identified by his first name), an Iranian who has been living in Delhi for nearly a decade, said conversations with his family reflect deep anguish and anger. “How could we mark the month when there have been so many deaths during the recent anti-regime protests?” he said. “People are instead observing the martyrdom of their dear ones — gathering at graves, singing and even dancing. It is an act of defiance to show the regime that killing protesters has not silenced dissent but inspired more to stand up peacefully.”He added that videos shared by his relatives show families clapping and singing at grave sites. “Earlier, families would wear black and mourn. Now, many are suppressing visible sorrow and choosing symbolic gestures of resistance. Through that act, they are challenging the regime,” he said.TOI independently verified the claims and came across several such videos in which families appeared to be singing and clapping near the graves of relatives who allegedly died during the unrest.Bahaar Ghorbani, another Iranian living in India, claimed that nearly 40,000 people, including women and children, were killed during the protests. “In recent years, more people have been openly eating during fasting hours as a mark of dissent. Authorities no longer strictly act against those not observing the fast. This time, the mood is even more intense because of the mass killings. Ramadan feels different,” she said.Helma, an Iranian based in Hyderabad, pointed to economic hardship as another reason behind the subdued atmosphere. “Many people cannot afford basic food items. There is also anxiety over a possible war with the US, which people fear would worsen the situation. In such circumstances, people are struggling to focus on religious observances,” she added.In Dec last year, demonstrations broke out across several cities in Iran amid widespread unrest directed at the govt and mounting economic distress. The upheaval was described by observers as the most significant challenge to the establishment since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.The subsequent security crackdown involved the use of live ammunition against protesters.Rights groups and activists have alleged that the violence led to tens of thousands of deaths, describing it as among the deadliest episodes in the country’s modern history.