Latest news with #Yashika


Time of India
30-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
GCC yet to renew MoU, French classes stalled
Chennai: The fate of French classes that debuted in four Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) schools last academic year is hanging in the balance as the GCC has not renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Alliance Francaise. The language was taught to 20 students each from corporation schools in Perambur, Tondiarpet, Saidapet, and Thiruvanmiyur. It was taught after school hours for interested students with a consent letter from the parents, teachers said. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai A teacher, who was in charge of the project, told TOI that classes were conducted between Nov 2024 and April this year. There were two classes a week, covering 80 hours, he said. A visit by TOI to the schools where the scheme was implemented showed good acceptance among the students. Alliance Francaise also rewarded the top scorer from each school with a free course in French. Shakena Sweety and Yashika, both studying at the Chennai Girls Higher Secondary School in Thiruvanmiyur, said they liked the classes so much that they had full attendance in the course. Their teacher said they were taken to the French embassy twice, were served French delicacies, and had different activities and games to learn the language. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Von Gelenkschmerzen betroffen? Das müssen Sie unbedingt lesen! Medizinmonitor Jetzt lesen Undo "It was joyful learning, students thoroughly enjoyed it. The same course outside would be expensive," a teacher said. The students learned the A1 French course, which teaches basic vocabulary. The students said they were missing the classes. "We learned good vocabulary, and it will be good if it's resumed," said Shakena. Both the faculty at the school level and the course director at Alliance Francaise, Gisele Pio, said they have not received details regarding the next batch yet. "It is to kick off soon, now that schools have just reopened," she said. Muniramaiah U, assistant education officer, said that the MoU will be renewed soon.


Hindustan Times
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Amazon Sale: Minimum 50% off on must-have cotton sarees to ace the summer season
Breathe easy and twirl freely; cotton sarees are back in the spotlight and they're lighter (and cheaper) than ever. If you're lounging at home, heading to work, or catching up with friends over chai, nothing says effortless charm like a soft, printed cotton drape. From mulmul marvels to handloom heroes, we've rounded up the best cotton sarees with minimum 50% off this Amazon sale. Get ready to stock up on your everyday saree staples, because these aren't just comfortable, they're total compliments magnets. This saree is like your favorite playlist;easy, breezy, and mood-lifting. The light fabric drapes like a dream and the subtle prints are perfect for casual brunches, work-from-home days, or temple visits. It comes with a matching blouse piece so styling is one less thing to worry about. Styling tip: Pair it with oxidised jhumkas, a low bun, and kolhapuris for that sweet-girl-next-door vibe. A classic cotton saree that looks like summer in textile form. This Yashika drape has a relaxed fit, charming prints, and that lived-in comfort that makes you reach for it again and again. If you're hosting a puja or doing grocery runs, this one's a fuss-free pick. Styling tip: Add a messy braid, jute clutch, and a statement silver necklace for a desi-cool finish. Indigo never goes out of style, and when it's printed on soft mulmul cotton—it's magic. This Shivanya saree feels like wearing a soft cloud, with ethnic motifs that nod to timeless Indian artistry. Ideal for warm, sultry days when you want comfort and craft in one. Styling tip: Keep it rustic; add silver bangles, tan leather flats, and a sleeveless blouse. A handloom masterpiece with khesh detailing that speaks volumes. This one's for those who love earthy textures and artisanal finesse. The colour play is playful yet grounded, making it a stunning piece for cultural events or coffee catchups alike. Styling tip: Style it with a printed blouse, bold bindi, and ethnic flats for a Bengali-chic aesthetic. The kind of saree that makes a quiet entrance but leaves a loud impression. In soft grey mul cotton with subtle Bandhani block prints and a zari border, this one is perfect for cultural occasions or minimal festive styling. Cool, classy, and very wearable. Styling tip: Team it with a pastel embroidered blouse, mojaris, and a messy bun. Ajrakh prints meet breathable cotton in this artful stunner from Crafts Moda. It's bold without being loud and intricate without being busy. If you're a fan of slow fashion and conscious dressing, this one deserves a spot in your wardrobe. Styling tip: Pair with a contrasting red blouse, wooden bangles, and a natural makeup look. Everyday saree, but make it chic. This one's simple but elevated, thanks to its subtle all-over print and easy-to-style silhouette. Lightweight and perfect for a long day on the go, whether it's running errands or running a classroom. Styling tip: Add white sneakers and a denim blouse for an unexpected Indo-Western twist. For the minimalist who loves tradition, this Tamaira Fashion pick is the answer. Made from pure cotton and completely fuss-free (no blouse piece!), it's an excellent canvas to mix and match your existing crop tops, jackets, or bralettes. Styling tip: Pair with a neon crop top, sneakers, and hoops for Gen Z desi glam. If you're lounging, work-calling, or grocery-hopping; these cotton sarees will keep you comfortable, graceful, and fabulously on budget. With a minimum of 50% off, there's no better time to grab your favourites. Cotton up, dress down, and shine on. Top 8 linen kurta sets that whisper summer elegance: Best picks to ace the summer season Top 8 organza kurta sets: Ensembles to steal the spotlight wherever you go! Denim on a budget: Top 8 stylish jeans under ₹1299; From Levi's to Spykar Absolutely! Most are lightweight, breathable, and made for everyday ease. Yes! Cotton sarees, especially mulmul and khesh, are great for beginners. Opt for statement blouses, metallic jewellery, and bold eye makeup for a glam touch. Yes, except the Tamaira Fashion saree. The rest come with unstitched blouse material. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.


Indian Express
15-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Tricity students excel in NEET-UG results: ‘Consistency is the key'
Choosing a career in medicine was an obvious decision for Nandika Sarin, who secured an All-India Rank of 98 in the NEET-UG medical entrance exam, scoring 646 marks and 99.9954737 percentile. Nandika hails from a family of doctors — her father Dr Jatin Sarin is a medical oncologist; her mother Dr Rimpi Sarin is a pathologist; and her sister Dr Akshita Sarin graduated with an MBBS from GMCH 32. Nandika did her schooling at Sacred Heart, Sector 26, Chandigarh, and scored 98.2 per cent in Class XII. 'My parents and sister are my inspiration. When I was in Class VI, I decided to pursue medicine…it interests me and I also like research in the field,' said Nandika, who cracked the exam on her first attempt. She took regular coaching classes and gives credit for her success to tuition teachers Sanjay Ahlawat for physics, Anurag Aggarwal for chemistry and Dr Arvind Goyal for biology. 'They have played a major role in my success. I followed a structured routine for studies, doing regular revision, finishing work on time, managing school work and ensuring there were no backlogs, clearing doubts with my teachers regularly,' Nandika said. About the NEET exam, Nandika said biology was lengthy, physics was very tough, and chemistry was tricky. 'I didn't waste time on questions I had some doubts about. I completed my exam with focus and set aside the last 20 minutes for the questions I had doubts about,' she said. Nandika said she studied for 7 to 8 hours a day, and after her classes, she would take a break and watch TV, walk in the park or dance. Bollywood and Bharatanatyam dances are her favourites. 'I don't like studying for long stretches. Consistency was the key for two years to prepare for the exam. I am very happy with my effort,' Nandika added. Divya Mehra, who secured the 158th rank in the NEET UG 2025 and the 5th rank in the reserved category, said her study hours varied, from the initial 3-4 hours to 6-7 hours. After her Class XII boards, she dedicated long hours to revising the syllabus, repeatedly. 'I studied at Sri Chaitanya Techno School, while I attended coaching from Class VII. But it was only after Class X from St Anne's, Chandigarh, when medicine as a career became clear to me,' said Divya, a resident of Sector 46, Chandigarh. Divya said she owed her success to everybody at the coaching centre and her parents, who taught her to be positive against all odds. 'My sister, who is doing MBBS from GMCH 32, has been my guide. Apart from studies, I love to paint and play basketball,' she said. Yashika, a 17-year-old from St. Soldier Paradise Sr. Sec. School, Dhakoli, secured AIR 350. Daughter of Brahm Prakash (government employee) and Manju (teacher), Yashika's early exposure to challenges helped her develop critical thinking skills. An aspiring cardiac surgeon, Yashika enjoys painting, reading and walking. Her advice: 'Consistency is the key. Even if you don't study for long hours, study sincerely for a couple of hours.' She credits her success to self-belief and listening to her heart. Divyanka, 17, from Shri Guru Harkrishan School, Chandigarh, scored 97.2% in Class XII and AIR 530. The daughter of Dr. Rachhpal Singh and Dr. Neeraj Singh, both doctors, aspires to become a cardiologist. Her hobbies include reading novels, and she believes that 'consistency is key' and one should 'never stop working hard.' Sidhant Raina, 18, from Ryan International, Chandigarh, who originally hails from Kashmir, secured AIR 559. He is the son of Arvind Raina (engineer at Infosys) and Shalley Bakshi (professor). Sidhant, who enjoys table tennis and football, aims to become a surgeon at AIIMS. He emphasises the importance of strong concepts and unwavering effort: 'Whatever it takes, do it. Keep your concepts strong.' For Sidhant, consistency is the secret to success.


Hindustan Times
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Amazon Ultimate Brand Sale ends today! Get min 50% off on sarees; Our top 8 picks
It's now or never, ladies. The saree of your dreams is just a cart away and guess what? It's 50% off. From breezy organzas and luxe silks to bold georgettes and floral chanderis, we've got your six yards of style sorted. If you're prepping for a wedding, planning a festive look, or simply giving your ethnic wardrobe a glow-up, today is the day to shop without second thoughts. Scroll, swoon, and shop because this saree edit is ticking away fast! Soft, flowy, and blooming with charm; this Chanderi saree by Yashika is a floral fantasy come true. The digital print looks hand-painted, and the lightness of the fabric makes it ideal for summer soirées or daytime functions. Pair it with a pastel blouse or go bold with contrast; either way, you're bound to turn heads. Styling tip: Add silver jhumkas, a low bun, and soft pink lips for a fresh and feminine vibe. Royalty in drape form. This jacquard Banarasi saree delivers rich texture, traditional Kanjivaram charm, and an undeniable festive feel. The silk glides over the skin, while the gold motifs catch the light just right. Ideal for wedding guests, Diwali dinners, or just a glam selfie moment. Styling tip: Pair with gold jewellery, a sleek bun, and a bold red lip for timeless elegance. This one's for the minimalists. A solid purple georgette saree with graceful movement and zero fuss. It's light, versatile, and can be styled a hundred different ways. If you're heading to a formal dinner or a festive work event, this one's your effortless ethnic fix. Styling tip: Try with a sequinned blouse and strappy heels for a fusion look with impact. Drama, tradition, and a whole lot of oomph; this red and black Kanjivaram silk saree brings bold back. With its rich weave and regal feel, this one's meant for when you're that guest who gets all the compliments. Pair it with gold temple jewellery for the ultimate South Indian glam. Styling tip: Add a gajra, gold waist belt, and kolhapuris for a timeless temple look. When elegance whispers, it sounds like this organza saree from Womanista. Sheer, embellished with lace, and so dreamy; it's a brunch-to-sundowner kind of stunner. Just add soft waves and pearls, and you're instantly Pinterest-worthy. Styling tip: Keep makeup dewy and opt for a satin blouse for texture contrast. This saree is everything: a luxe georgette drape, rich burgundy hue, and that signature Kanjeevaram woven pattern. Think timeless, think graceful; perfect for when you want tradition with a twist. Styling tip: Add gold-toned jewellery and soft curls to keep things elegant but modern. Minimal luxe never looked this good. The satin finish of this saree gives it a liquid drape that's perfect for evening parties and cocktail-style occasions. It's fuss-free, yet fabulously flattering. Pair with a rhinestone blouse and get ready to shine. Styling tip: Add chandelier earrings and a sleek ponytail for a red-carpet-ready look. If your saree drawer is due for a refresh, there's no better moment than now. With 50% off and styles that range from traditional to trendy, the Amazon Ultimate Brand Sale is your golden ticket to effortless glam. Just don't snooze on it, these deals vanish tonight! Amazon Ultimate Brand Sale is here! Minimum 50% off on stylish kurta sets for men Amazon Ultimate Brand Sale: Get stylish cotton kurtis under 599; Our top 8 picks Top 8 linen kurta sets that whisper summer elegance: Best picks to ace the summer season Yes! From silk Kanjivarams to dreamy organzas, this collection suits every festive occasion. Most are, but check the individual product's return policy before purchasing. Some can, especially georgettes and chiffons, but silks are best dry-cleaned for longevity. Yes, all listed sarees include unstitched blouse material. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.


Hindustan Times
04-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Death penalty for painter who raped, murdered 8-year-old girl in Chandigarh
Calling it a crime most brutal, bestial and barbaric that clearly falls in the 'rarest of the rare' category, a special POCSO court in Chandigarh on Tuesday awarded death penalty to a 40-year-old man who raped and murdered an eight-year-old girl in the city in January 2024. The court of additional sessions judge Yashika ruled that the convict, Hira Lal, be hanged by neck, till he is dead, only after confirmation by the Punjab and Haryana high court. 'The entire record of the case, along with the duly sealed electronic evidence, be submitted before the high court for confirmation of death sentence under Section 366 (1) CrPC,' said the court. It also ordered the State Legal Services Authority to disburse a compensation of ₹17 lakh to the dependants of the victim. 'The victim was the daughter of very poor parents, who are labourers and residing in a single room in a rented accommodation. The mother had sent the victim to the shop for purchase of a thread/lace, from where she was kidnapped, raped and murdered by the convict. The victim and convict were neighbours, and the victim must have looked upon him as an uncle or a respected elder. The victim was only eight years old and the convict was 40 years old at the time of commission of crime. The convict cunningly lured her and took her to his room and then committed the barbaric crime,' said the court, chastising the convict. 'The rape of a minor girl child is nothing but a monstrous burial of her dignity in the darkness. It is a crime against the holy body of a girl child and the soul of the society,' it remarked. On Monday, the court had convicted Hira Lal, a painter by profession and a native of Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, under Section 6 (aggravated penetrative sexual assault) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code. The child's body, with the throat slit and multiple stab wounds, was discovered near a dumping site in Ram Darbar on January 22, 2024, three days after she went missing on January 19. After the body was found, police had identified Hira Lal with the help of CCTV footage which showed him carrying a handbag. His house was raided and found locked since January 19, the same day the child went missing. Police broke the locks and found the slippers of the victim in the house that confirmed that the child was brought there. A chase spanning three states, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, ensued and finally, on the seventh day, police managed to trace him to Nawada, Arrah, in Bihar. The accused was subsequently found to have two wives and five children, the eldest being a 13-year-old daughter. According to police, he was cheating on both his wives, as none of them knew about each other. 'Rarest of rare: Extremely brutal, bestial and barbaric crime' The court remarked that the manner of commission of crime was extremely brutal, bestial and barbaric. The convict took the victim to his room, removed her garments, committed anal sex with her and also committed rape with her. In the postmortem report of the victim, there is mention of bite marks, having two semicircular arches with their concavities facing each other, in the form of bluish contusion, which was present over the right side of face. 'From this report, although it is not possible to assess how many times the victim was raped, it is proved beyond doubt that victim was brutally raped by the convict,' said the court. 'Convict hasn't shown any guilt or remorse' While pronouncing the death penalty for the convict, the court came down heavily on the convict for never showing any guilt or remorse on account of his barbaric deeds, right from the inception of the investigation, till the conclusion of the trial. The convict committed rape and brutal murder of a girl child, aged eight years and 11 months. The victim suffered nine major injuries, including cuts, abrasions and tearing of private parts, the court noted. 'As per the disclosure made by the convict, he had killed the victim by cutting her throat with a knife. The dead body of the victim was a heap of garbage near the public toilets. At that time her clothes were stained with blood at places. The convict tried to escape the consequences of his acts by hiding the body of the victim in the heap of garbage and by trying to abscond. He never showed any guilt or remorse... Rather, he has been raising false defences of blind rape and murder, misuse of blood sample and false implication,' the court held. 'Must use sword of justice with utmost severity' Before handing out the sentence, the court observed with concern how children were ignorant of the act of rape and not able to offer resistance: '...they become easy prey for lusty brutes, who display the unscrupulous, deceitful and insidious art of luring female children and young girls. Therefore, such offenders who are a menace to the civilised society should be mercilessly and inexorably punished in the severest terms. We feel that judges who bear the Sword of Justice should not hesitate to use that sword with the utmost severity, to the full and to the end if the gravity of the offences so demand.' Court quotes UN convention to make world better for children In the judgment, the court cited the UN convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) adopted in the United Nations General Assembly in 1989. 'The UNCRC is the most complete statement of children's rights ever made. It has been ratified by 196 countries and India has ratified the convention on December 11, 1992, and our nation is committed to the core principles of the convention, which includes survival and protection of children. Hence, adequate punishment must be granted to the offenders against children to safeguard the right of survival and protection, of children,' it said. .