Premature To Say Anything For Sure: Experts

NEW DELHI: Latest update from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) on the possibility of El Nino episode later this year may be bad news for India’s monsoon. Though, experts said, it would be premature to say anything definitely at this juncture, an El Nino year usually negatively impacts rains during the monsoon.The update also said that there is a widespread global signal for above-average land surface temperatures during March-May period due to various climatic factors. This is already being felt in India which has been facing heat wave to severe heat wave conditions in many parts of the country.The IMD, meanwhile, Tuesday predicted that day temperatures are likely to remain above normal by 5-7 degree celsius over Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh; by 4-6 degree C over plains of northwest India, including Delhi-NCR; Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh during the next three days.It forecast above normal day temperatures by 2-3 degree C over southeast Peninsular India during the next five days.“El Nino is expected to develop by the second half of the season. As the current predictions suggest it could be a moderate El Nino. However predictions at this time have large uncertainties. Better idea about El Nino will be known by June. So at present we need not panic but closely monitor the situation,” Madhavan Rajeevan, former secretary, ministry of earth sciences, told TOI.El Nino refers to the periodic large-scale warming of the ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, coupled with changes in the tropical atmospheric circulation, including changes in winds, pressure and rainfall patterns. It usually has the opposite effects of La Nina, which is linked to good monsoon rainfall in the Indian sub-continent.“The WMO community will be carefully monitoring conditions in the coming months to inform decision-making. The most recent El Nino, in 2023-24, was one of the five strongest on record and it played a role in the record global temperatures we saw in 2024,” said WMO secretary-general Celeste Saulo.“Seasonal forecasts for El Nino and La Nina help us avert millions of dollars in economic losses and are essential planning tools for climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, health, energy and water management,” Saulo said.WMO Global Producing Centre last week’s forecasts indicate the chance of an El Nino increases steadily to around 40% during May-July period.

Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha recently addressed actor Taapsee Pannu’s remark about the portrayal of women in films. Speaking to Siddharth Kannan in an interview, the director shared his perspective on the debate around body representation in Bollywood and South Indian cinema. He also spoke about working with Taapsee and his past comment comparing her to Kangana Ranaut.

Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha recently addressed actor Taapsee Pannu’s remark about the portrayal of women in films. In an interview, the director shared his perspective on the debate around body representation in Bollywood and South Indian cinema. He also spoke about working with Taapsee and his past comment comparing her to Kangana Ranaut.Taapsee had earlier said that Bollywood is often “obsessed with cleavage” while South Indian cinema tends to focus on the midriff. Reacting to the comment, Anubhav said such portrayals are often shaped by what audiences find aspirational at a particular time.“Different film industries have certain body types that become aspirational for audiences at a particular time,” he told Siddharth Kannan. “What audiences see on screen is often shaped by what they find aspirational. That’s why certain body types dominate for a while before trends eventually change.”

‘Taapsee is a fantastic performer’

During the conversation, Anubhav was also asked about Taapsee’s claim that some male actors are reluctant to work with her despite her performances.Responding to this, the director said he cannot comment on the reasons behind such experiences. “I don’t know the exact reason. That’s her personal experience, and she would know better,” he said.Praising the actor, Anubhav added that Taapsee is a “fantastic performer” and pointed out that she has worked with some of the biggest stars in the industry. “One of the biggest stars in India has worked with her recently. So the situation is probably more complex than it appears,” he said.

‘I love her as a professional, actor and person’

Anubhav also spoke about his professional relationship with Taapsee, clarifying that the perception that they frequently collaborate is not entirely accurate.“Actually, the perception that we work together constantly isn’t correct,” he said. “After Mulk (2018), we worked again in Thappad (2020), and now again years later. I love her as a professional, as an actor and as a person.”

‘She’s not manipulative enough’

When asked if he relates to the way Taapsee speaks openly about issues, Anubhav said that she tends to be more straightforward than most people in the industry.“She’s not manipulative enough. I’m manipulative enough,” he said. “But I’m not afraid of the truth — I’m afraid of the manipulation of truth. So sometimes I choose not to participate in conversations where the truth may be twisted.”

On his past comment comparing Kangana and Taapsee

Anubhav was also asked about his earlier statement where he said Kangana Ranaut is a better actor than Taapsee and why he has never worked with her.Responding to this, the filmmaker said it simply came down to the lack of a suitable script. “I never had a script suitable for her,” he explained.He also noted that Kangana has been busy with other commitments in recent years. “In the past few years she has been active in politics and may have a different schedule. I’ve met her only once briefly,” he added.

NEW DELHI: SC Tuesday agreed to test correctness of a Bombay HC judgment striking down amendments to Information and Technology Rules that allowed Centre to set up fact-check units to flag fake social media content that would make it obligatory for intermediaries to take down the content or lose ‘safe harbour’ protection. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta told SC Centre does not intend to block social media platforms but limit the harm caused to individual, institutional and national reputation through fake social media posts, which could be curbed through FCUs.

Fake news can damage nation’s reputation: CJI

Opposing Centre’s argument, senior advocate Arvind Datar told a bench of CJI Surya Kant, Justices R Mahadevan and Joymalya Bagchi the govt already is empowered to issue take down orders and a social media platform or intermediary is bound to remove or take down such content within 48 hours of receiving the notice.CJI Kant said if a fake post demolishing the reputation of a person is allowed to remain active for 48 hours, that person’s dignity and reputation would be sullied beyond repair.“Look at the way some of these platforms are behaving. Some of the illustrations put on record by the govt shows how dangerous these are. Such fake news can damage the reputation of the nation and institutions as well. We will examine all these issues,” the CJI-led bench said and asked the petitioners before the HC — Kunal Kamra, Editors Guild, News Broadcasters and Digital Association and Association of Indian Magazines — to respond to Centre’s appeal in four weeks.However, the bench refused to accede to SG’s plea for a stay on the Bombay HC judgment, which would have revived the FCUs.The CJI said there is no question of staying the judgment. “It is better to hear the petition and decide the matter once for all,” the bench said. It also declined SG’s request for issuing notice on the Centre’s application for stay of the HC decision.A division bench of Bombay HC comprising Justices Gautam Patel and Neela Gokhale had delivered a split verdict, Justice Patel striking down FCU while the latter upholding the validity of the Rules. It was referred to the umpire judge – Justice A S Chandurkar, now a SC judge, who had agreed with Justice Patel.In its appeal, Centre said, “the rule is in compliance with Article 19 and, in fact, reinforces the right of the public to have access to true and accurate information about the functioning of central govt. Article 19 confers no right to engage in deliberate spreading of misinformation and as such, regulation of such misinformation by the Rule does not result in any chilling effect on free speech.”It said the rule, struck down by HC, needs examination from this angle too.

Sunita Ahuja’s latest vlog turned into a heartfelt family moment after her daughter Tina Ahuja surprised her on Women’s Day with flowers, gifts and a solitaire ring. The vlog also saw Tina briefly addressing rumours about her parents’ marriage and admitting that the last couple of years have been challenging.

Sunita Ahuja’s latest vlog turned into a heartfelt family moment after her daughter Tina Ahuja surprised her on Women’s Day with flowers, gifts and a solitaire ring. The vlog also saw Tina briefly addressing rumours about her parents’ marriage and admitting that the last couple of years have been challenging.At the start of the vlog, Tina revealed that she had “hijacked” her mother’s vlog to plan a surprise for her.

“Us women do a lot for others and we don’t think about ourselves. So I thought of doing something special for my woman,” she said.As the video cut to headlines about divorce rumours surrounding Govinda and Sunita, Tina addressed the speculation.“Two years have not been great. There has been turbulence,” she admitted.For the unversed, Sunita had earlier accused Govinda of having an affair with an actress named Komal, a claim the actor had strongly denied.In a candid moment, Tina also shared how living in another city has made her more independent and taught her basic life skills.“I might get trolled for this. I recently started learning how to buy vegetables like gobhi, aloo and all of that, jo bhi hota hai,” she said with a laugh.

Sunita Ahuja: ‘Now I will live my life king size’

When Tina finally presented the flowers and gifts to her mother, Sunita spoke about reaching a stage in life where she wants to focus on herself.“Everything must be done in a limit. I have done all my duties but at this point I have started living for myself and I deserve more than this,” Sunita said.She added, “Now I will live my life king size.”Sunita also hinted at the future success of her children.“Yash and you both have grown up. Sab maldar party hone wale hai,” she said, while Tina responded, “Touch wood.”

Tina gifts her mother a solitaire ring

The emotional moment concluded with Tina gifting her mother a solitaire ring. Speaking about it, Sunita proudly mentioned her daughter’s professional success.“Tina has become a brand ambassador of a jewellery design company and this is a gift she has given me,” Sunita said.Tina quickly clarified with a smile, “But this is not that brand.”Sunita laughed and added, “She has earned money so she has gifted me this. This is another solitaire ring in my collection. Now Yash is left to gift me this.”

NEW DELHI: India is considering sending naval ships to escort its vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing Middle East tensions, according to a report by The New York Times.The report said the move is being examined following requests from Indian shipowners seeking protection for commercial vessels navigating the strategic waterway.

“India was also considering sending its warships in response to requests from Indian shipowners for naval escorts,” the newspaper reported, quoting Capt. P.C. Meena, a senior official at India’s main maritime authority.The Strait of Hormuz has become a high-risk zone for shipping after tensions escalated in the Middle East following attacks involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The conflict, now in its second week, has disrupted maritime traffic and raised concerns about energy supplies.The Middle East supplies about 55 per cent of India’s crude oil, according to brokerage firm Jefferies. Around 35 per cent of India’s oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz.India also depends heavily on liquefied petroleum gas imports from Gulf countries such as the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Nearly 80 per cent of the country’s LPG imports transit through the strategic waterway.Reports suggest that several Indian vessels are currently unable to cross the Strait of Hormuz due to security risks linked to the conflict.Around 38 Indian-flagged commercial ships carrying more than 1,100 sailors are stranded in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, according to a report earlier this month.Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has directed officials, including the Directorate General of Shipping, to take steps to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and maritime assets.Meanwhile, Pakistan has deployed naval escorts for its commercial vessels operating in the region. The Pakistani navy said its warships would accompany merchant ships in the Middle East “to ensure the uninterrupted flow of national energy supplies.”Images released by the navy showed a warship escorting a crude oil tanker belonging to Pakistan’s national shipping company.Pakistan imports most of its natural gas from Qatar and crude oil from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Shipping companies have reportedly slowed or halted energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz due to rising security concerns.(With inputs from The New York Times)

Iran warns Trump, slaps down ’empty’ threats

A senior Iranian security official issued a sharp warning to US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, dismissing his threats against Iran and cautioning him to “be careful not to get eliminated yourself”.Ali Larijani posted the message on X after Trump warned that the United States would hit Iran “twenty times harder” if Tehran disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.“The sacrificial nation of Iran doesn’t fear your empty threats. Even those bigger than you couldn’t eliminate Iran. Be careful not to get eliminated yourself,” Larijani wrote.“Iran is not afraid of your empty threats. Even those greater than you could not eliminate the Iranian nation,” he added in a separate message.In another post, he wrote, “Strait of Hormuz will either be a Strait of peace and prosperity for all or will be a Strait of defeat and suffering for warmongers.”The exchange marks the latest escalation in the war that erupted after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, killing the country’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and triggering a wider regional conflict.

Iran intensifies regional attacks

Iran continued its military pressure across the Middle East on Tuesday, launching missile and drone attacks against Israel and several Gulf countries, reported news agency AP.Sirens warning of incoming missiles were heard in Dubai, while authorities in Bahrain said an Iranian strike hit a residential building in the capital, killing a 29-year-old woman and injuring eight others.Saudi Arabia said it intercepted two drones over its oil-rich eastern region, while Kuwait’s National Guard reported shooting down six drones.In Israel, air-raid sirens sounded in Jerusalem and explosions were heard in Tel Aviv as Israeli defence systems attempted to intercept incoming missiles, AP reported.Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf signalled that Tehran was not seeking to end the conflict.“We are definitely not looking for a ceasefire,” Qalibaf wrote on X. “We believe that the aggressor should be punched in the mouth so that he learns a lesson so that he will never think of attacking our beloved Iran again.”

Strait of Hormuz disruption fuels oil fears

The conflict has also triggered major disruptions to global energy supplies.Iran has targeted shipping and energy infrastructure around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman through which about 20 per cent of the world’s traded oil normally passes.Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said it would not allow “the export of even a single liter of oil from the region to the hostile side and its partners until further notice,” according to AP.Attacks on merchant vessels near the strait have killed at least seven sailors, the International Maritime Organization said.The disruption has already pushed oil prices sharply higher. Brent crude surged to nearly $120 a barrel earlier this week before easing to around $90 on Tuesday, still about 24 per cent higher than before the war began on February 28, AP reported.

Trump warns of harsher US retaliation

Trump earlier warned that the United States would retaliate strongly if Iran attempted to block oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.“If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far,” he wrote on Truth Social.Despite the growing tensions, Trump sought to play down fears that the war could drag on.The US president said the conflict would likely be “a short-term excursion,” although he has previously suggested it could last for a month or longer.Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Israel’s military campaign against Iran would continue.“Our aim is to bring the Iranian people to cast off the yoke of tyranny,” Netanyahu said during a meeting with Israeli health leaders. “There is no doubt that with the actions taken so far, we are breaking their bones,” he said, according to AP.

Conflict spreads across the region

The war has rapidly spread across the Middle East, drawing in multiple countries and armed groups.Israel has carried out attacks on the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, while militias aligned with Tehran have targeted US military bases in Iraq.On Tuesday, an airstrike hit the 40th Brigade of Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces in the city of Kirkuk, killing at least five fighters and injuring four, according to officials cited by AP.Elsewhere, five members of Iran’s women’s national football team who were in Australia for a tournament when the war began have been granted asylum, Australia’s Home Affairs Minister said.Since the conflict began, at least 1,230 people have been killed in Iran, 397 in Lebanon and 11 in Israel, while seven US service members have also died, according to AP.

Shivam Dube’s life is a real-life rags-to-riches story. From being a young cricket enthusiast in Mumbai, Shivam Dube has emerged as one of India’s promising all-rounders. Born on June 26, 1993, Dube had to face financial issues in his life, but his determination and his family’s support took him to bigger heights. It is also said that the cricketer’s Mumbai house reportedly reflects his success and hard work. According to various media reports that are not confirmed independently by The Times of India, he has also invested in two luxury apartments at DLH Enclave, Andheri West, Mumbai, which are valued at Rs 27.50 crore. These are located on the 17th and 18th floors of the building, providing over 9,600 sq ft of space, including the balconies. Shivam Dube started making a name for himself in Indian cricket by participating in domestic matches for Mumbai, followed by matches in IPL for teams such as Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and CSK. Dube’s debut as a T20 and ODI player was in 2019, after which he rose to popularity as a power hitter and a medium-pace bowler.

Shivam Dube’s Mumbai home: Spacious, modern, and family-friendly with luxury touches

The residence of Shivam Dube in Mumbai, as claimed, is a wonderful blend of luxury and comfort. The interior of the house is spacious, luxurious, and at the same time, simple. It seems as if Shivam Dube has put a lot of thought into the interior of the house, ensuring a wonderful blend of luxury, comfort, and the requirements of the family. Personal gym, spacious balcony, and hi-tech security systems are some of the prominent features of the house. Dube’s family has clearly been a cornerstone of his life. His father, Rajesh Dube, a former wrestler, encouraged his cricketing journey, while his mother remained a steady presence at home. Shivam married Anjum in 2021, and their son was born in 2022.

PC: Instagram

PC: Instagram

PC: Instagram

PC: Instagram

PC: Instagram

Shivam Dube’s home gym and luxury apartments

Fitness is something that is very important to Shivam, and this is quite obvious from his home gym, which is professional, yet personal at the same time. There are shock-absorbing rubber mats on the floor, which are great for high-impact exercises. There are also free weights, dumbbells, kettlebells, a multi-functional cable system, resistance bands, and medicine balls, along with a separate area for cardio and functional training, where battle ropes, skipping, and other activities can be performed. Large mirrors are also present, along with cricket-themed decor and quotes, giving off the impression that he loves his workouts, yet takes them very seriously.