Latest news with #Dhand
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Drugs, darkness and despondency rule AA Dhand's latest thriller tale, The Chemist
Intrigue and danger aren't the words that one would link with a pharmacist. Not at least when the primary need is to feed a family. But Idris Khan isn't your usual protagonist! On the outside, his life with his wife Mariam is idyllic. In truth, it includes dealing with a drug kingpin. Cover of AA Dhand's latest book, The Chemist, is based in UK's Leeds.(Photo: X) With this build up, author AA Dhand — known for his Streets of Darkness series — tries to create a potent crime thriller. However, the formula is truly trite — South Asian characters living in the UK, and trying to navigate racial and family dynamics while being presented with life-threatening circumstances. By the time the hero (a term used loosely) is introduced, he is bruised and bleeding from an unspecified altercation. Following a tense prologue, the reader is transported back in time to somehow figure out what led to this. Meanwhile, the people around the hero are painstakingly described, and his relevant relationships are brought into focus and soon the plot brakes. Idris' relationships turn out to be messy but compelling. Plenty of characters are shown as victims of their circumstances, which makes Dhand's critiques of the system clear. Halfway through, however, Idris cuts a desperate figure as he gets pushed beyond reason. For him, the end increasingly justifies the means, no matter how dubious or who gets entangled in his world. Following a tense prologue, we're immediately transported back in time to figure out the inciting incident for ourselves. Idris' life and the people in it are painstakingly described, and his most important relationships are brought into focus, as if to say: 'Pay attention, this might come up later'. Unfortunately, this is where the plot hits the brakes for a bit. The relationships in The Chemist are messy, but compelling. Take, for example, his equation with Rebecca Fury - social worker, recovering heroin addict, and his ex-wife. There are plenty of characters who are victims of their circumstances, a detail that makes Dhand's critiques of the system clear, even if they aren't overt. The writing is evocative; this is partly to do with Dhand's writing style and partly because he draws from his lived experiences as a pharmacist himself. Certain descriptions, such as the technicalities of the business or the process of administering government-sanctioned methadone to struggling addicts, are proof that the protagonist (and by extension, the author) cares deeply for his work and the people he serves, despite his desire to disappear into the shadows. Halfway through, however, Idris cuts a desperate figure as he gets pushed beyond reason. For him, the end increasingly justifies the means, no matter how dubious or who gets entangled in his complicated world. It's almost unnervingly accurate, despite the truth being stretched in certain parts, and once it gets over itself, the book becomes a real page-turner. There's a whole world out there that most of us haven't encountered, but be warned: things – and people – aren't as they seem. Title: The Chemist Author: AA Dhand Publisher: HarperCollins Price: ₹499 For more, follow HT City Delhi Junction
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Submit report on food security by July 30: HC to Centre, Raj
1 2 Jaipur: Taking suo motu cognisance of the poor implementation of National Food Security Act and the Food Safety and Standards Act , a single judge bench of the Rajasthan High Court issued notices to several ministries and state govt officials. The court asked the officers of the central and state govt to submit a report by July 30 and explain what action was taken by them in the matter. Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand said, "The implementation of the National Food Security Act and the Food Safety and Standards Act is very poor. These acts were aimed at providing nutritious and quality food to children and women, among others. The officials also failed to discharge their duties properly." Dhand said, "This unhealthy food is the cause of malnutrition and obesity, which is seriously affecting the mental health and development of children. When the health and welfare of the future generation is at stake, the court cannot close its eyes." The court also underlined the quote of Mahatma Gandhi that says it is difficult to remember even God on an empty stomach. "Junk food and carbonated drinks are affecting the mental and physical development of children. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Efforts should be made to ensure good health by encouraging children and youth to eat traditional and seasonal food. They should be made aware of the benefits of grandmother's kitchen and home-made food," Dhand said. "It is the responsibility of the govt and FSSAI to meet food standards and stop the sale of junk food in schools and educational institutions," the court said. The court issued notices to the ministry of home affairs, ministry of food, ministry of child development, FSSAI, ministry of education, as well as the chief secretary of the state, additional chief secretary, woman and child development, additional chief secretary food and civil supplies, additional chief secretary, education, and sought a reply. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
HC stays Vivekananda scholarship for above 25 lakh income category
Jaipur: A single judge bench of Tuesday stayed the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which supports the state's students in studying abroad, for candidates in E3 category (families with annual income above Rs 25 lakh). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Along with this, the court asked state govt to provide details of all the beneficiaries and their families since the inception of this scheme, by May 9. The state govt was also asked to explain why this scheme should not be stopped. Justice Anoop Dhand asked for detailed information about this scheme while hearing a petition filed by Manjeet Deora , a student in Australia whose scholarship was not released by the state govt. "It appears that the state govt wishes to conceal the identity of the families of beneficiaries of this scheme, which is why it has not yet provided the details. It seems the scheme was meant to benefit rich people whose annual income is more than Rs 25 lakh," said Justice Dhand. "In the name of such scholarships, crores of rupees are given to people whose parents are rich. The govt is misusing the govt treasury in the name of scholarships. The court cannot turn a blind eye to such workings of the govt. It also came to the court's notice that many ineligible candidates are benefiting from the scheme because their parents are in influential positions. The actual benefit of the scholarship is not being given to the needy and the poor," said Justice Dhand. In the petition, advocate Puneet Singhvi said the petitioner applied for the Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence, now called the Swami Vivekananda scholarship. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Based on documents, including income tax returns, she was selected for studying at a foreign university. After this, she began studying for a Bachelor of Science at University of Western Australia in Feb 2024. Despite this, the scholarship amount was not released to her," said Singhvi. Additional advocate general Vigyan Shah told court the petitioner's brother was given a scholarship in E2 category. "The annual income of the petitioner's family in the year 2021-22 was Rs 13.35 lakh, and in 2022-23 it was Rs 13.55 lakh, but to get a scholarship in E1 category, the annual income for the year 2023-24 was shown as Rs 6.96 lakh. In such a situation, she was not given a scholarship," said Shah.
New Straits Times
29-04-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Debutant Justin delivers for Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Shuttler Justin Hoh held his nerve on his debut to deliver Malaysia's second point in the 4-1 win over Australia in a Group C tie at the Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, China on Tuesday. Malaysia are assured of a quarter-final berth following their dominant 5-0 triumph over France on Monday. World No. 46 Justin beat the 302nd-ranked Shrey Dhand 21-9, 21-15 in 36 minutes at the Xiamen Olympic Sports Centre. Despite being a newcomer to the world mixed team competition, Justin said he was not nervous, even though Dhand staged a mini comeback in the second game. The 21-year-old led 17-6 before Dhand narrowed the gap to 18-14, but Justin remained composed to close out the match. "I'm excited to play in my first Sudirman Cup and very happy to win a point for Malaysia," he told the Badminton World Federation in a post-match interview. "I wasn't nervous before the match, just excited because this is a major tournament and I had the opportunity to contribute. "The wind was quite strong in the arena and I struggled a bit. My opponent did a good job of applying pressure. Credit to him — despite trailing, he never gave up and kept fighting. "Towards the end, I was making some mistakes, but my coaches advised me to adjust my game plan, and it worked," said Justin.
