Innholdsfortegnelse for 6 October 2025 i India Today

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE WATER TO DIVIDE LAND—or its territory-minded masters. A mere scan of India’s hydrological wars would suffice to nail that axiom. The latest river to come to a boil is the Krishna. It’s a quadrangular war, since the 1,400-km-long river—the second longest in south India—flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The contentious piece: the Almatti dam in north Karnataka, which hosts the state’s largest reservoir. More than 20 years after it was commissioned, the Karnataka cabinet has cleared a proposal to raise the dam’s height in order to capture more of the river’s flow. Part of the Upper Krishna Project, begun in the 1960s, the dam is a central piece of infrastructure meant to help irrigate large arid tracts of northern Karnataka. The current plan, Upper…

NEVER HAS A spiritual prayer dance elicited such zest, pomp and excitement—among the faithful or otherwise—as the garba does in these parts. The one foolproof meter of the Gujarati soul is where they put their money. And here, the coins rain down in sync with the dance beats. Over the past three years, Navratri has been a soaring crescendo in Gujarat. An industry of joy that, by 2025, is getting valued above Rs 15,000 crore. That’s up by an amazing 33 per cent over 2024, the highest balletic leap yet. During Navratri, the nine nights of holy festivity, the dancing circles of the garba would light up the chowk of a village or mohalla, equivalent spaces in urban societies—or, for the very elite, the lawns of private clubs. Essentially a…

↘ While the ECI has conducted at least nine such revisions between 1952 and 2004—some involving house-to-house verification or even a complete de novo (anew) roll—Bihar’s exercise is exceptional ↘ For the first time, a fullstate intensive revision has been conducted just four to six months ahead of assembly elections, combining a hybrid approach with a compressed schedule ↘ Bihar’s last intensive revision happened in 2002-03, part of a larger nationwide effort. While the enumeration phase ran for 31 days in mid-2002—the same as this year—the revision was completed a full three years before the assembly polls in October 2005, allowing ample time for corrections, appeals, etc. ↘ Also, the 2002-03 revision was done from scratch, but the 2025 exercise discriminates between voters based on when they were enrolled, creating different…

THE COSTS OF IVF WITH AI 1. BLOOD WORK & COUNSELLING Bloods, egg, semen analysis; scans; treatment plan Starts at: ₹10,000 at standard clinics/₹50,000 at AI-aided clinics* 2. OVARIAN STIMULATION Injectable hormones for ovaries to mature eggs + scans  From ₹50,000/ ₹1 lakh for AI-aided 3. TRIGGER & EGG RETRIEVAL Hormone injection for ovulation and ovum pick-up (OPU) From ₹30,000/₹60,000 for AI-aided 4. FERTILISATION & EMBRYO CULTURE Growing the embryo in a lab for 5-6 days (blastocyst) From ₹30,000/₹60,000 for AI-aided 5. FRESH EMBRYO TRANSFER (ET) Single or double embryo placed in uterus From ₹15,000/₹5,000 for AI-aided AI ACROSS THE IVF PROCESS 1. PRE-IVF CONSULTATION AI analyses medical history, and age and prior treatment data to estimate fertility chances and guide couples on whether IVF is the right next step…

Jaipur. The name evokes grand images of royal palaces, gleaming gems and a rich cultural heritage. But what’s best about Jaipur is that although there’s a deep respect for its history, nothing is frozen in time. It’s a dynamic city that stylishly straddles the past even as it looks to a future full of contemporary cachet. Here are experiences that have come up in the last year that will add a wealth of value to your next Jaipur jaunt… SEE Museum of Meenakari Heritage It may be the experience centre for Sunita Shekhawat’s eponymous luxury jewellery label, but it’s also India’s first museum dedicated to meenakari enamelling art, curated by jewellery historian and author Dr Usha R. Balakrishnan. The Museum of Meenakari Heritage’s Jodhpur sandstone façade draws from the region’s…

Art for the Body With bold geometry as design edit, these elegant confections of shine and spirit reinterpret Chopard’s iconic Ice Cube collection with daring proportions and sculptural brilliance that find form in statement necklaces, luminous bracelets and other jewels. The heart of the collection, however, beats in a one-of-a-kind modular necklace, with articulated nine cube rows in a mix of ethical rose and white gold, which can be removed in sets of three to downplay or upscale to suit the mood of moment. Priceon request; Availability www.chopard.com All That we Imagine as Light The chemistry of light and diamonds is a sublime dance that turns jewellery into something timeless. The Luminara collection by Hazoorilal Legacy pairs deep crimson, soft blush, rich emerald, and violet with the effortless sparkle of…

Tall, statuesque, almost architectural; and charming to a fault, actress Karishma Tanna is almost a visual annotation of the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, the stunning hotel, where we are shooting the Spice September cover. The actress and model who made her television debut with the iconic Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi in 2001, soon graduated to films, earning critical acclaim for Rajkumar Hirani’s, Sanju, a biopic on Sanjay Dutt in 2018. She finally made her OTT debut the same year with ALT Balaji’s web series Karrle Tu Bhi Mohabbat and Hansal Mehta’s Scoop, (2023), a series on Netflix. According to you, which has been the more satisfying acting experience—Big Screen or OTT? “For me, satisfaction doesn’t come from the medium, it comes from the material. OTT gave me the…

I still remember my first experience of Indian luxury hospitality: grand lobbies, white-gloved service, and sprawling buffets in fivestar hotels across Delhi and Mumbai. The look and feel; consistent, conformist, almost cookie cutter. Luxury meant opulence, scale, and an international vibe. However, as I travel across India today—from Surat to Rishikesh, from Dehradun to Rajkot—I see an entirely different story unfolding. Travel is no longer discretionary; it has become an essential expression of lifestyle. Today’s guest doesn’t just want a comfortable room. They want stories, connections, and meaning. They want hotels that reflect their values—eco-conscious practices, authentic cultural experience, and wellness at the core. Today, India’s hospitality industry stands at an inflection point. After years of cautious growth, the sector is experiencing a renaissance, fuelled by shifting consumer preferences, rising…

ALL THAT GLITTERS IN INDIA THIS FESTIVE SEASON IS NOT JUST GOLD—SILVER TOO IS STEALING SOME OF THE SHINE. Both precious metals have surged in recent weeks, creating ripples across futures markets and retail counters. Gold, the traditional favourite, has crossed the mark of Rs 1 lakh per 10 grams ahead of Dussehra, Dhanteras and Diwali, festivals long associated with auspicious purchases. In fact, nearly a third of India’s annual gold sales take place in the October-December quarter. On September 16, prices for 24-karat gold touched Rs 1.12 lakh per 10 grams in Delhi, driven by global uncertainty and geopolitical tensions that reinforced its status as a safe-haven asset. But on September 18, the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points, and a stronger dollar alongside a…

Inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1963, the Soviet-designed Mikoyan-Gurevich or MiG-21 revolutionised Indian air combat with its supersonic speed. A versatile multirole fighter—originally designed as an interceptor and later adapted for air superiority, ground attack and combat air patrol missions—it eventually gained all-weather capability. From the India-Pakistan War of 1971 to the Kargil conflict in 1999, it proved its mettle and shaped generations of fighter pilots. Yet this storied legacy has also been marred by over 450 crashes over the decades. On September 26, the IAF formally retired this iconic warhorse in Chandigarh, marking the end of an era. 900+ Total MiG-21s inducted into the IAF since 1963; 840 built in India 400 Peak fleet strength (approx.), across 19 IAF squadrons, in the 1980s-90s 2,500 KMPH or Mach 2.05 (supersonic)…

IN UTTARAKHAND, THE FOCUS THESE DAYS is firmly on matters of survival. Precisely such a spirit has taken hold of what’s a natural disaster zone in its own right: the state Congress. Known more for fighting itself than the ruling BJP, old-timers have for long watched bemused as rival camps clashed in public, leaders undercut one another or jumped ship, and the party’s vote base splintered. Into this landslide-prone zone comes a new script for soil consolidation. Of late, Congress leaders have begun exuding a more fraternal spirit: sharing podiums at panchayat meets, joining ‘peace workshops’, leading joint protests on issues as varied as vote chori, illegal mining, jobs and disaster relief. REFORM FROM ABOVE Sources date this attitudinal shift to June, when party brass Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi…

The weekend brought thunder from across the Atlantic, shaking India’s IT industry to its core. The US—its biggest market, accounting for more than half of $224 billion (Rs 19.9 lakh crore) in tech exports—moved to shut the door on foreign software engineers with a prohibitive H-1B visa fee hike. Announced on September 19 by US president Donald Trump, the new fee for each H-1B visa application filed from September 21 would be $100,000 (around Rs 88.6 lakh), nearly 70 times higher than the previous fee, which ranged from $1,500-4,000 (Rs 1.3-3.5 lakh). While the H-1B visa has long been in the crosshairs of the Trump administration, which wants to curb visa ‘abuses’ that allegedly ‘displace US workers and undermine national security’, the confusion that accompanied the proclamation has sent the…

The sea before me is a shimmering sheen of water, the sunlight dancing merrily across its surface, as the tide rides in on gentle waves. As the water pulls away from the shore, every shell and pebble on the shallow ocean floor is visible in sharp focus. On the beach, the sand is impossibly pristine. This is Sindhudurg, in the Malvan taluka of coastal Maharashtra, a beachand-fort destination that is still relatively undiscovered. Expat Giles Knapton had been charmed by Goa way before it changed its character from laidback to LV, and built his first Coco Shambhala property there. But when he (more recently) discovered Sindhudurg, he felt it was like reclaiming paradise, the Goa that was gone, and decided to create a plush new four-villa resort in tune with…

Charming as a carefully preserved parchment of history, vintage is in vogue at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, the first and only Four Seasons in Switzerland, and also Geneva’s very first hotel (opened in 1834). Location is another notch in its belt, ideally located as it is on the edge of Lake Geneva, within comfortable walking distance from both the financial district and the Old Town. Perhaps, even more alluring is the easy two-minute’s walk to the famous Rue du Rhône, Geneva’s answer to NYC’s Fifth Avenue, and a catchment area for luxury boutiques. Our arrival at the hotel coincides with opening day at Geneva Watch Days, the famed luxury watch fair featuring top Swiss horology brands. Watchmaking may be Geneva’s obsession, but the Four Seasons specialises in the…

According to the zodiac calendar, 2025 is the year of the snake, representing transformation and renewal. The wellness industry it seems is paying heed and headed for a renewal of sorts. For years, the focus has been on natural remedies and plantbased therapies. But now, a new, more radical approach is emerging. While traditional treatments such as a deep-tissue massages, shirodhara, aromatherapy sessions and mineral rich mud wraps are still holding strong, they are being aided by tech based and AI-enhanced therapies. “DNA TESTING IS NOW BEING EMPLOYED TO ANALYSE NUTRI-ENT ABSORPTION, SENSITIVITIES TO ALLERGENS, POL-LUTANTS AND PRE-DISPOSITIONS FOR CERTAIN HEALTH CONDITIONS.” A day at the spa usually means a complete digital detox. An escape from notifications and screens. Only you, the quiet of a sauna room and the scent…

Tucked within the hushed embrace of Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, the recently opened suite-only sanctuary built around a century-old tree, Sesui—an intimate dining destination—feels like a whispered secret. Perched on the 19th floor, Sesui reflects the very essence of its name, which translates to “calm water.” Tranquility is palpable in this 8-seater restaurant and one feels it in every element of design, service, and culinary craft. From the moment one steps out space exudes Aman’s signature touch with meticulous detailing, timeless elegance, and an almost meditative integration with nature. At the heart of Sesui’s philosophy is its omakase: a Japanese dining ritual rooted in trust, precision, and seasonality. Under the guidance of Master Sushi Chef Satoshi Tsuru, the meal unfolds as a series of carefully sequenced dishes, each one showcasing…

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav seems to have realised that if he wants to get heard over all the TV din, he needs to up his press briefings game. Which is perhaps why, lately, they have been doubling up as live mini-cultural performances. The latest ‘event’ was at the party office in Lucknow, where youth from the backward Vishwakarma community staged a fullon ‘nukkad naatak’ in the middle of the presser. The act praised the last SP government (2012-17) and ended, predictably, with the message that the people’s problems would be solved if Akhilesh returned to power. In recent months, other pressers have seen party workers and performers breaking into shayari and even ‘Bhagavat Katha’ recitals. Akhilesh, too, has been indulgent, handing out cash envelopes as a small prize to…

The Saudi-Pakistan strategic mutual defence agreement signed on September 17 has sparked speculation across two seas and a subcontinent. One line matters: an attack on one is an attack on both. That line has stirred debate from the Gulf to the Himalayas over rewiring strategic playbooks. For India, the choice is clarity and posture, not panic or denial. Why now? Start with Doha. On September 9, Israeli jets struck a safe house in the Qatari capital where Hamas leaders were weighing a ceasefire proposal. The blast rattled Gulf capitals, but fit a larger pattern of Israeli action this year across seven fronts: Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Yemen, Tunisia and, now, Qatar. With little visible restraint from Washington, regional confidence is shaken and has fuelled speculation about the next flashpoint. That…

FOR A DEITY KNOWN AS THE LORD OF THE UNIVERSE, his legions of devotees seem to be struggling with a very earthly problem: scheduling. To be more accurate, narrow that down to the priestly class in charge of his day care and boarding. When exactly should the mighty Jagannath be bathed, wheeled out of his sanctum for his rath yatra, and be brought back home? These seemingly mundane questions have two sets of ecclesiastes trading unholy blows. On one side stand the traditional custodians ensconced in the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA) of Puri, armed with scriptures, hallowed tithi calendars, and the weight of centuries-old ritual authority. On September 6, a press release from them addressed the other side—the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)—with all the holy rage of…

ON September 10, the Election Commission of India (ECI) convened chief electoral officers from across the country to discuss the preparation of a nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a bureaucratic exercise it insists is about “cleaning up” voter lists, but which critics say cuts to the core question: who counts as a citizen in India? The ECI had announced this initiative in June, and is already implementing it in poll-bound Bihar. Now it is beginning to move its levers to extend the exercise across India, before assembly elections scheduled early next year in five states. “The ECI is afraid the poll process would be misled by fake votes in the name of dead voters, permanently migrated voters, duplicate voters, fake and foreign voters,” Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh…

PRIMARY DOCUMENTS These directly establish Indian citizenship ↘ Birth certificate ↘ Indian passport ↘ Certificate of registration or naturalisation ↘ Citizenship certificate ↘ Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card: not full citizenship but shows earlier citizenship/Indian origin ↘ Domicile certificate: especially for those recognised as citizens at the commencement of the Constitution SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS These do not themselves confer citizenship but are often accepted as evidence of citizenship ↘ Voter ID Electoral roll entry ↘ Aadhaar card Not a citizenship document but often used as supporting proof of residence and identity PAN card/Driving licence Not proof on their own, but corroborative School leaving certificate Or other government-issued identity cards mentioning place/date of birth Land or tenancy records These must show residence before cut-off dates (especially in Assam NRC/Accord contexts) Ration card: Historically used…

INDIA’S TOP MILITARY LEADERSHIP CAME TOGETHER for the first Combined Commanders’ Conference since Operation Sindoor from September 15-17 at Fort William (now Vijay Durg), the Indian Army’s Eastern Command headquarters in Kolkata. The presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan and the three service chiefs underscored the significance of the event. For many, the stage was set for a grand announcement of the creation of Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs)—that holy grail of transformative reform in the Indian military. “WE CAN START WITH A JOINT PLANNING AND COORDINATION CENTRE AND SEE HOW IT PANS OUT. BUT DISRUPTING EVERYTHING AND MAKING ONE STRUCTURE NOW, I DO NOT THINK IT IS A VERY GOOD IDEA”– AIR CHIEF…

THE SPREAD OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ACROSS OUR PROFESSIONAL AND DOMESTIC LIVES PREPARES us for a future that must be in lockstep with the rhythms of algorithms. Now, its nimble, knowing fingers are touching the origins of life. Several months ago, a couple from Dehradun walked into the Birla Fertility Clinic in Gurugram. The woman had endured two molar pregnancies—a complication in which abnormal tissue and not a foetus grows in the uterus—each ending with a painful dilation and curettage (D&C), a procedure to clear the uterine lining. The trauma caused Asherman’s syndrome, where scar tissues form inside the uterus, impeding pregnancy. Doctors recommended In-vitro Fertilisation (IVF), where a woman’s egg is fertilised in a lab with sperm, and the resultant embryo transferred to her uterus to achieve pregnancy. But first…

After weeks of dealing with seeping walls, car repairs and dental work, I am longing for a break. Anything to get away from daily chores and domestic crises. So, I gladly seize the weekend invitation from Sariska Lodge and off we drive at dawn from Delhi towards Alwar, Rajasthan. Past the purgatory of Gurugram’s traffic snarls, we bowl along the Delhi-Mumbai expressway before turning off onto a small road that winds its way between villages and fields full of bajra, climbing into the forested Aravalli hills. The cacophony of city life falls away. Here is a slower pace, serenity, and space to breathe. Like me, the countryside is on holiday. Walking along the road are pilgrims on their way to the mela at the Baba Bhartrihari temple in the forest.…

BÜRGENSTOCK RESORT LAKE LUCERNE A lofty pile, perched on the mountaintop, between the silvergrey skies and the impossible blues of Lake Lucerne below, this Swiss resort hotel is more like a dreamcatcher waltzing in the breeze than your quintessential luxury crib. A short boat ride across the lake and a steep funiculur ride up the verdant hillside bring you right to its doorstep. Should you prefer something more direct, a 20-minute scenic drive through winding alpine roads and meadows is another approach option. With the startling beauty of its location, it’s hardly surprising that a ubiquitous use of glass is the most favoured architectural frill across the property. The cavernous lobby, which ends in a glass wall, is simply drenched with views of sky, green and water; the sun, however,…

I first clock the stance. Shrunk, squared, and upright, the EX30 looks like it was carved by a Copenhagen furniture maker who moonlights in a wind tunnel. In Jaipur, it turned the city into a moving puzzle rather than a stress test. I threaded my way through the Pink City lanes where cows share right of way, did quick squirts on the Jaipur–Ajmer Expressway, then climbed toward Amer. Light steering and tidy dimensions made U-turns and last-second exits easy, while on open tarmac it settled into a relaxed lope and smoothed out scruffy surfaces better than I expected for something this compact. Under the skin, India gets the Single Motor Extended Range. The 69 kWh battery feeds a rear motor rated at 268 bhp and 343 Nm, good for a…