August 29, 2026
From ‘Blacks target Whites for fun’ to ‘all Swifties want is abortion’ — 10 quotes by Charlie Kirk that people won’t forget

From ‘Blacks target Whites for fun’ to ‘all Swifties want is abortion’ — 10 quotes by Charlie Kirk that people won’t forget

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Charlie Kirk, the slain MAGA activist, was an avid political debater and voiced his arguments in favor of biblical-evangelical and traditional conservative Christian views. He was celebrated by many in the GOP and reviled by many progressives, Democrats, and left-leaning Americans. He debated several college students before being fatally shot in the neck in September.After…

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Wolf Supermoon 2026 to light up the skies this weekend: Best time to watch, meaning behind the name and why this year is rare |

Wolf Supermoon 2026 to light up the skies this weekend: Best time to watch, meaning behind the name and why this year is rare |

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

The initial complete Moon of 2026 is anticipated to make a dramatic entrance by illuminating the United Kingdom’s winter skies on 3rd January with an extraordinarily brilliant and full glare. Named Wolf Supermoon, this year’s full Moon in January will also be a supermoon, appearing extra large and bright as it comes to a closer…

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Record! Prithvi Shaw creates history in Ranji Trophy, becomes fastest batter in 21st century to… | Cricket News

Record! Prithvi Shaw creates history in Ranji Trophy, becomes fastest batter in 21st century to… | Cricket News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Prithvi Shaw (Photo by Charle Lombard/Gallo Images/Getty Images) Prithvi Shaw has set a new record in his second official match for Maharashtra in a Ranji Trophy match against Chandigarh. The 25-year-old achieved a remarkable feat that puts him in the company of cricket legends Virender Sehwag and Ravi Shastri.Shaw demonstrated his determination to return to…

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US stock market today (May 18, 2026): Wall Street turns mixed as Treasury yields ease and oil prices retreat

US stock market today (May 18, 2026): Wall Street turns mixed as Treasury yields ease and oil prices retreat

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

US stock indexes traded mixed on Monday as easing Treasury yields and lower oil prices helped calm some investor concerns after last week’s bond-market selloff, according to a Reuters report.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 139.25 points, or 0.28 per cent, to 49,665.42 in early trading. The S&P 500 edged up 3.27 points, or 0.04…

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. In the traditional coffee belts of Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru and Hassan in Karnataka, planters say the farming calendar no longer follows memory. Jacob Mammen, managing director of Badra Estates, says climate change is already affecting the cultivation of traditional coffee varieties such as Arabica and Robusta. The biggest challenge, he explains, comes from increasingly unpredictable weather patterns — particularly the timing and intensity of rainfall.Coffee plants depend on a very specific rain pattern for flowering. A spell of rain triggers flowering, and a ‘backup shower’ about two weeks later helps the flowers set properly. In recent years, however, growers have faced erratic conditions — either too much rain, too little rain, or rain arriving at the wrong time. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Iran calls Israeli bombing of fuel depots ‘ecocide’; Trump warns Nato over war fallout’Fabrication of clips using AI’: UAE orders action against 19 Indians over misleading posts amid Iran warNetanyahu Debunks Death Rumours: PM posts new cafe video; envoy calls AI claims fakeThis disrupts the flowering cycle and directly affects yields.Extreme weather events are also becoming more frequent. Jacob notes that hailstones last year destroyed coffee flowers on the estate, wiping out the crop in affected areas. Unseasonal rains are also creating harvesting and quality issues. “Early showers, sometimes as early as January, can cause new flowers to open while ripe cherries are still on the plant. When that happens, pickers must stop harvesting to avoid damaging the fresh flowers. At the same time, rain can cause the ripe cherries to deteriorate or dry out, affecting the quality of the beans.”New Bean On The BlockAgainst this backdrop, Jacob says interest is growing in climate-resilient varieties such as Liberica coffee. Traditionally, Liberica was treated as a fence-line crop rather than being cultivated as a main plantation variety. At Badra, it is still largely grown as ‘tree coffee’, planted along the boundaries rather than as a replacement for Arabica or Robusta in the fields.However, the estate is beginning to rethink this approach.Coffea liberica is considered more climate-resilient than other major coffee species because it can tolerate higher temperatures. The plants develop deep and extensive root systems that allow them to access water from deeper soil layers, helping them survive drought conditions. They also show greater resistance to diseases such as coffee leaf rust, which has historically devastated many coffee plantations.Liberica trees are also larger and sturdier, enabling them to withstand heavy rainfall, storms and variable weather patterns. The ability to grow in poorer soils and adapt to changing environmental conditions makes Liberica a promising climate-resilient coffee species as global warming increasingly threatens traditional cultivation.Market demand is another factor driving renewed interest in Liberica. According to Jacob, buyers in India and overseas are increasingly curious about the variety because of its distinct fruity and sweet flavour profile, which sets it apart from Arabica and Robusta.However, Liberica still faces outputrelated challenges. At present, its yield is significantly lower than that of Arabica or Robusta. This is partly because it is still largely grown as a tree crop along fences rather than as a fully managed plantation variety.Search For ExcelsaAnother ‘tree coffee’ variety, Excelsa, is also generally considered climateresilient. The jury is still out on whether it classifies as a variety of Coffea liberica, as it shares many of Liberica’s traits. Excelsa can tolerate high temperatures, irregular rainfall and humid tropical conditions better than Coffea arabica, which is more sensitive to climate change.Adhi Savla, senior manager for Coffee Community at Blue Tokai, says they source Excelsa from South Indian Coffee Company (SICC) but it is currently sold out. “The quantity is very low as they are experimental lots,” he says. “Excelsa offers a heavier body with distinctive cola-like notes, making it a unique experience for coffee drinkers.”SICC has been exporting Excelsa since 2017. Akshay Dashrath, co-founder of SICC and a fifth-generation coffee grower, says sometimes the issue isn’t just heat, it’s also too much moisture. “For example, in 2024, we had 65 inches of rainfall on our farm. That is normal historically, but what was abnormal was that 33 inches came in a single month. These conditions are hard for Arabica and Robusta to tolerate. Excelsa does well in such conditions because it is a deep-rooted tree.” Their Mooleh Manay Estate in Coorg produces about three tonnes of clean Excelsa a year.Planters AdjustArvind Rao, former chairman of Karnataka Planters’ Association, points out that most planters have not really tried climate-resilient varieties because availability is not adequate as of now, even from Coffee Board. But they are taking other steps to adjust. “We are conserving water, building storage tanks, devising irrigation so that, during blossom, we can irrigate and mitigate drought to some extent,” Rao explains.Shade regulation has also changed. “We are maintaining slightly higher shade to keep temperatures lower. Of course, it reduces the crop somewhat but it helps manage heat stress.” Soil health has also become central to the conversation, with composting and organic matter incorporation used to improve water-retention.Resilience Alone Not EnoughBinny Varghese, industry observer and processing expert, says some existing varieties are still performing well. “From what I’ve observed across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, S795 still holds strong,” says Binny. S795 is an Arabica selection known for high yield, coffee leaf rust resistance, and a flavour profile with notes of mocha or chocolate.“It’s not fashionable, but it’s genetically stable and relatively adaptable to mid-elevations. With disciplined picking and controlled fermentation, it can produce very clean cups with structured acidity and good sweetness.”Selection 9, Binny adds, also remains significant. Selection 9 was developed in India by crossing Tafarikela (an Ethiopian Arabica) with Hibrido-de Timor, a rust-resistant hybrid.Data To Track Climate RisksClimate conversations on coffee estates have also changed. “Earlier, climate conversations were cautious. Now, they are data-driven and experience-based. Younger producers are using modelling,” says Binny. Farmers now track irregular blossom showers, temperature spikes during fruit development and unexpected rain during drying — all of which affect bean density and fermentation predictability.“What’s interesting is that adaptation is no longer seen as just ‘plant a new variety’,” notes Binny. “It’s integrated thinking — canopy management, spacing, moisture management, selective picking, even adjusting processing styles to handle inconsistent ripeness.”In Karnataka’s hills, planters are already waking up — and smelling what the future of coffee might hold.About the AuthorGokul MGGokul MG is a senior digital content producer with the Times of India, Bengaluru desk. He is a writer with a soft spot for sports, Sunday leagues, urban legends, and the smell of popcorn at a matinee.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Holds Off On US Trade Deal Signing As Washington Resets Global Tariff ArchitectureInternet Calls Bibi’s Cafe Video ‘Deepfake’, Israel Says PM Alive; ‘Free Palestine’ Echoes At OscarsIran Seeks Return Of 3 Tankers Seized By India In Return For Hormuz Safe Passage: ReportThree Indian Navy Destroyers Quietly Secure Oil Tankers Passage Through Volatile HormuzAnother Pinaka Regiment Becomes Operational, Three More By 2027: ReportsLPG Tanker ‘Shivalik’ Reaches India After Crossing Strait Of Hormuz, Docks At Gujarat’s Mundra PortMEA Confirms Safe Exit Of 600+ Indians From Iran Via Armenia, Azerbaijan Amid West Asia ConflictCentre Urges LPG Users To Shift To PNG While Assuring Uninterrupted Fuel Supply NationwideIndian Ship Shivalik Nears Mumbai While Nanda Devi And Jag Laadki Carrying Fuel Safely Past HormuzAnant Singh Declares He Will Quit Politics If Nitish Kumar Steps Down As Bihar CM123PhotostoriesBaby names for girls born during Navratri10 countries with the highest bird species in the world; India also secures a spot7 effective ways to keep your home cool during heatwavesUpcoming OTT releases this week (March 16 to 21): ‘Peaky Blinders’, ‘Chiraiya’, ‘BTS: The Comeback Live’, and more10 South Indian breads you should know aboutChaitra Navratri 2026: Avoid buying these items during the festival7 forgotten Indian sarees that deserve to trend again5 high-protein smoothies for Sehri to keep you energised all dayExclusive – The 50’s Sidharth Bharadwaj gets emotional remembering his difficult phase abroad; says ‘When my show, Aafat, was released, Main 7-Eleven mein pocha maar raha tha’7 foods you should never eat without soaking and why123Hot PicksDoha travel alertLadakh statehood ralliesRasgulla choking deathGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingMagic JohnsonIndia LPG TankerGreen Card HoldersTaylor SwiftTeam VenezuelaGreen Card HoldersAssembly election dateWWE Raw NewsNeymarEid ul fitr 2026

. In the traditional coffee belts of Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru and Hassan in Karnataka, planters say the farming calendar no longer follows memory. Jacob Mammen, managing director of Badra Estates, says climate change is already affecting the cultivation of traditional coffee varieties such as Arabica and Robusta. The biggest challenge, he explains, comes from increasingly unpredictable weather patterns — particularly the timing and intensity of rainfall.Coffee plants depend on a very specific rain pattern for flowering. A spell of rain triggers flowering, and a ‘backup shower’ about two weeks later helps the flowers set properly. In recent years, however, growers have faced erratic conditions — either too much rain, too little rain, or rain arriving at the wrong time. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Iran calls Israeli bombing of fuel depots ‘ecocide’; Trump warns Nato over war fallout’Fabrication of clips using AI’: UAE orders action against 19 Indians over misleading posts amid Iran warNetanyahu Debunks Death Rumours: PM posts new cafe video; envoy calls AI claims fakeThis disrupts the flowering cycle and directly affects yields.Extreme weather events are also becoming more frequent. Jacob notes that hailstones last year destroyed coffee flowers on the estate, wiping out the crop in affected areas. Unseasonal rains are also creating harvesting and quality issues. “Early showers, sometimes as early as January, can cause new flowers to open while ripe cherries are still on the plant. When that happens, pickers must stop harvesting to avoid damaging the fresh flowers. At the same time, rain can cause the ripe cherries to deteriorate or dry out, affecting the quality of the beans.”New Bean On The BlockAgainst this backdrop, Jacob says interest is growing in climate-resilient varieties such as Liberica coffee. Traditionally, Liberica was treated as a fence-line crop rather than being cultivated as a main plantation variety. At Badra, it is still largely grown as ‘tree coffee’, planted along the boundaries rather than as a replacement for Arabica or Robusta in the fields.However, the estate is beginning to rethink this approach.Coffea liberica is considered more climate-resilient than other major coffee species because it can tolerate higher temperatures. The plants develop deep and extensive root systems that allow them to access water from deeper soil layers, helping them survive drought conditions. They also show greater resistance to diseases such as coffee leaf rust, which has historically devastated many coffee plantations.Liberica trees are also larger and sturdier, enabling them to withstand heavy rainfall, storms and variable weather patterns. The ability to grow in poorer soils and adapt to changing environmental conditions makes Liberica a promising climate-resilient coffee species as global warming increasingly threatens traditional cultivation.Market demand is another factor driving renewed interest in Liberica. According to Jacob, buyers in India and overseas are increasingly curious about the variety because of its distinct fruity and sweet flavour profile, which sets it apart from Arabica and Robusta.However, Liberica still faces outputrelated challenges. At present, its yield is significantly lower than that of Arabica or Robusta. This is partly because it is still largely grown as a tree crop along fences rather than as a fully managed plantation variety.Search For ExcelsaAnother ‘tree coffee’ variety, Excelsa, is also generally considered climateresilient. The jury is still out on whether it classifies as a variety of Coffea liberica, as it shares many of Liberica’s traits. Excelsa can tolerate high temperatures, irregular rainfall and humid tropical conditions better than Coffea arabica, which is more sensitive to climate change.Adhi Savla, senior manager for Coffee Community at Blue Tokai, says they source Excelsa from South Indian Coffee Company (SICC) but it is currently sold out. “The quantity is very low as they are experimental lots,” he says. “Excelsa offers a heavier body with distinctive cola-like notes, making it a unique experience for coffee drinkers.”SICC has been exporting Excelsa since 2017. Akshay Dashrath, co-founder of SICC and a fifth-generation coffee grower, says sometimes the issue isn’t just heat, it’s also too much moisture. “For example, in 2024, we had 65 inches of rainfall on our farm. That is normal historically, but what was abnormal was that 33 inches came in a single month. These conditions are hard for Arabica and Robusta to tolerate. Excelsa does well in such conditions because it is a deep-rooted tree.” Their Mooleh Manay Estate in Coorg produces about three tonnes of clean Excelsa a year.Planters AdjustArvind Rao, former chairman of Karnataka Planters’ Association, points out that most planters have not really tried climate-resilient varieties because availability is not adequate as of now, even from Coffee Board. But they are taking other steps to adjust. “We are conserving water, building storage tanks, devising irrigation so that, during blossom, we can irrigate and mitigate drought to some extent,” Rao explains.Shade regulation has also changed. “We are maintaining slightly higher shade to keep temperatures lower. Of course, it reduces the crop somewhat but it helps manage heat stress.” Soil health has also become central to the conversation, with composting and organic matter incorporation used to improve water-retention.Resilience Alone Not EnoughBinny Varghese, industry observer and processing expert, says some existing varieties are still performing well. “From what I’ve observed across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, S795 still holds strong,” says Binny. S795 is an Arabica selection known for high yield, coffee leaf rust resistance, and a flavour profile with notes of mocha or chocolate.“It’s not fashionable, but it’s genetically stable and relatively adaptable to mid-elevations. With disciplined picking and controlled fermentation, it can produce very clean cups with structured acidity and good sweetness.”Selection 9, Binny adds, also remains significant. Selection 9 was developed in India by crossing Tafarikela (an Ethiopian Arabica) with Hibrido-de Timor, a rust-resistant hybrid.Data To Track Climate RisksClimate conversations on coffee estates have also changed. “Earlier, climate conversations were cautious. Now, they are data-driven and experience-based. Younger producers are using modelling,” says Binny. Farmers now track irregular blossom showers, temperature spikes during fruit development and unexpected rain during drying — all of which affect bean density and fermentation predictability.“What’s interesting is that adaptation is no longer seen as just ‘plant a new variety’,” notes Binny. “It’s integrated thinking — canopy management, spacing, moisture management, selective picking, even adjusting processing styles to handle inconsistent ripeness.”In Karnataka’s hills, planters are already waking up — and smelling what the future of coffee might hold.About the AuthorGokul MGGokul MG is a senior digital content producer with the Times of India, Bengaluru desk. He is a writer with a soft spot for sports, Sunday leagues, urban legends, and the smell of popcorn at a matinee.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Holds Off On US Trade Deal Signing As Washington Resets Global Tariff ArchitectureInternet Calls Bibi’s Cafe Video ‘Deepfake’, Israel Says PM Alive; ‘Free Palestine’ Echoes At OscarsIran Seeks Return Of 3 Tankers Seized By India In Return For Hormuz Safe Passage: ReportThree Indian Navy Destroyers Quietly Secure Oil Tankers Passage Through Volatile HormuzAnother Pinaka Regiment Becomes Operational, Three More By 2027: ReportsLPG Tanker ‘Shivalik’ Reaches India After Crossing Strait Of Hormuz, Docks At Gujarat’s Mundra PortMEA Confirms Safe Exit Of 600+ Indians From Iran Via Armenia, Azerbaijan Amid West Asia ConflictCentre Urges LPG Users To Shift To PNG While Assuring Uninterrupted Fuel Supply NationwideIndian Ship Shivalik Nears Mumbai While Nanda Devi And Jag Laadki Carrying Fuel Safely Past HormuzAnant Singh Declares He Will Quit Politics If Nitish Kumar Steps Down As Bihar CM123PhotostoriesBaby names for girls born during Navratri10 countries with the highest bird species in the world; India also secures a spot7 effective ways to keep your home cool during heatwavesUpcoming OTT releases this week (March 16 to 21): ‘Peaky Blinders’, ‘Chiraiya’, ‘BTS: The Comeback Live’, and more10 South Indian breads you should know aboutChaitra Navratri 2026: Avoid buying these items during the festival7 forgotten Indian sarees that deserve to trend again5 high-protein smoothies for Sehri to keep you energised all dayExclusive – The 50’s Sidharth Bharadwaj gets emotional remembering his difficult phase abroad; says ‘When my show, Aafat, was released, Main 7-Eleven mein pocha maar raha tha’7 foods you should never eat without soaking and why123Hot PicksDoha travel alertLadakh statehood ralliesRasgulla choking deathGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingMagic JohnsonIndia LPG TankerGreen Card HoldersTaylor SwiftTeam VenezuelaGreen Card HoldersAssembly election dateWWE Raw NewsNeymarEid ul fitr 2026

Vamsikrishna06 mins mins

In the traditional coffee belts of Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru and Hassan in Karnataka, planters say the farming calendar no longer follows memory. Jacob Mammen, managing director of Badra Estates, says climate change is already affecting the cultivation of traditional coffee varieties such as Arabica and Robusta. The biggest challenge, he explains, comes from increasingly unpredictable weather…

Read More
Tihar and beyond: How Sheikh Sajjad Gul and Shabbir Lone rebuilt terror networks in Pakistan, Bangladesh after release

Tihar and beyond: How Sheikh Sajjad Gul and Shabbir Lone rebuilt terror networks in Pakistan, Bangladesh after release

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

How Sheikh Sajjad Gul (R) and Shabbir Lone’s (L) Terror Trail Unfolded NEW DELHI: A covert operation by Delhi Police’s Special Cell on May 9, 2002, led to the arrest of three suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives at Nizamuddin railway station, triggering a chain of events that would stretch across decades and international borders.Acting on a…

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Slightly warm and dry Feb may impact Rabi crops, IMD predicts while releasing monthly temp and rainfall outlook | India News

Slightly warm and dry Feb may impact Rabi crops, IMD predicts while releasing monthly temp and rainfall outlook | India News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: February is likely to be warmer than usual with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday predicting ‘above normal’ monthly minimum (night) and maximum (day) temperatures over most parts of the country during the month and ‘below normal’ cold wave days over several parts of northwest India, including Delhi-NCR, and adjoining central India….

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‘Aashakal Aayiram’ box office collections day 6: Jayaram film stays steady; Worldwide at Rs 2.66 crore

‘Aashakal Aayiram’ box office collections day 6: Jayaram film stays steady; Worldwide at Rs 2.66 crore

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

‘Aashakal Aayiram’ is steadily drawing audiences, with positive word-of-mouth fueling its modest box office run. The film, centered on a young man’s acting aspirations and family dynamics, has garnered decent reviews for its simple narrative and emotional depth. Jayaram and Kalidas Jayaram lead the cast in this G. Prajith directorial. ‘Aashakal Aayiram’ is going forward…

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NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday questioned Congress’ silence over the recent conviction of former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal in a 2013 sexual assault case.In a press conference, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi accused Congress and other opposition parties of having a “one-dimensional, one-sided and prejudiced” thinking on issues like freedom of expression or the persecution of women.”Just recently, Tarun Tejpal, the editor-in-chief of the controversial magazine Tehelka, was found guilty by the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court in a 2013 rape case and sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. This matter is important today because, even after so many days have passed, not a single word has been heard from the Congress side,” Trivedi said.”Nor from any opposition party, nor from any institution that proclaims itself the self-appointed protector of women’s interests. This shows how one-dimensional, one-sided, and prejudiced the thinking is on issues like freedom of expression or the persecution of women,” he added.During the press conference, the BJP leader also alleged that Tejpal had a connection with Congress leadership, claiming that Sonia Gandhi wrote a letter to then finance minister P Chidambaram directing him not to harass the magazine. He also said that UPA government awarded Tejpal the Excellence in Journalism Award in 2010.”This is the very business house that had conducted a bizarre kind of sting operation. When Atal Ji’s government constituted an inquiry commission under the chairmanship of Justice Phukan, it was an opportunity when the sting-operating group refused to hand over the entire tapes for verification. There couldn’t be more suspicion than this. And when the inquiry report came, by then the government had changed, and the Congress government never even tabled that inquiry report on the floor of the House,” he said.”When the BJP government raised the issue, a 41-page summary report was tabled on the floor of the House. And today, when the culprits have been proven guilty, I want to remind everyone that their connection is with Congress… During the UPA era, Supreme Leader Sonia Gandhi ji wrote a letter to the then finance minister P Chidambaram sahib on September 25–27, 2004, stating that there should be no harassment of Tehelka and its financier in any manner. Positive treatment should be accorded to them. Today, I want to ask the Congress: Was your government engaging in unfair treatment at that time? In 2010, the then law minister Veerappa Moily sahib awarded him the Excellence in Journalism Award. Today, this is their situation, and not a single word is coming out of your mouth,” he added.This comes after Bombay high court found Tejpal guilty of rape and sentenced him to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment. The sentence was pronounced in the state’s challenge to Tejpal’s acquittal by the trial court in 2021.This comes 13 years after Tarun Tejpal was arrested in November 2013 following allegations that he had sexually assaulted a junior colleague inside a hotel elevator during an event organised by Tehelka magazine in Goa.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe sessions court at Mapusa acquitted him in May 2021, prompting Goa government to challenge the verdict before the HC.The high court termed the trial court’s verdict as “perverse”, noting that it fell for the notion that a sexual assault complainant must be a “perfect victim” and conduct herself in a certain way so as to appear credible.The court asked Tejpal to surrender within two weeks but later extended the period to four weeks at the request of his lawyers. The journalist has claimed that he was a political victim and would approach the Supreme Court to challenge his conviction.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Hitting Us On Head, Face’: Police Lathi-Charge Students During Assembly Gherao March In JharkhandModi Govt Going Slow On FCRA Bill To Woo Stalin’s DMK, Sharad Pawar’s NCP-SP For Delimitation?Jharkhand Showdown: Protesters Set To Gherao State Assembly; Demand JSSC-CGL Cancellation, CBI ProbeAgni-4 Missile Fills Crucial Range Gap, Bolsters India’s Strategic Deterrence Against ChinaJNU Cancels Venue For Umar Khalid Book Event: JNUSU Alleges Censorship, ABVP Claims CreditJharkhand Govt To Cancel JPSC Exams, But Rejects CGL Demand; Students Insist On CBI ProbeWATCH: Mamata Banerjee’s Car Hit By ‘Large Stones, Shoes’; Bengal BJP Chief Condemns Attack‘Shivling Beneath Darul Uloom Deoband’: Hindu Outfit Plans Ganga Water Offering At Islamic SeminaryBaramati Airfield Runway Excursion: Training Aircraft Veers Off Runway, No Injuries ReportedIN-SPACe Moves To Privatise Operations Of Rs 986-Crore Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport123Photostories“Your gut doesn’t get damaged overnight”: Gastroenterologist lists 8 daily habits to avoid and ways to improve gut healthWhich Shiva symbol is best for you; according to your birth numberFrom maah-halodhi to mustard oil: Traditional Assamese beauty rituals to know10 popular foods you probably didn’t know aren’t Indian7 workplace manners that seem harmless but can make colleagues avoid working with you5 health benefits of flaxseeds: Why these tiny seeds deserve a place in your daily diet7 beautiful and functional home decor tips inspired by birdsHbA1c 5.6 vs 5.7: Why one decimal point can change how doctors classify your blood sugar from normal to prediabetes10 traditional Sawan dishes enjoyed across different states of India5 simple changes that can completely transform your bedroom without a full makeover123Hot PicksKarnataka cauvery disputeNEET PG city intimation slipUttarakhand rainJharkhand protestDevendra Nath MahtoAP EAMCET seat allotmentBrown University ScholarshipAtiq Ahmed sonAssam floodsTop TrendingAhmedabad Rape CaseSurat PG Medical Student SuicideEthanol BlendingTN Cauvery Water DisputeAtiq Ahmed SonHyderabad Hit and Run CaseAssam Floods DeathsAbhijeet DipkeTarun TejpalShakeel Noorani

NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday questioned Congress’ silence over the recent conviction of former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal in a 2013 sexual assault case.In a press conference, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi accused Congress and other opposition parties of having a “one-dimensional, one-sided and prejudiced” thinking on issues like freedom of expression or the persecution of women.”Just recently, Tarun Tejpal, the editor-in-chief of the controversial magazine Tehelka, was found guilty by the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court in a 2013 rape case and sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. This matter is important today because, even after so many days have passed, not a single word has been heard from the Congress side,” Trivedi said.”Nor from any opposition party, nor from any institution that proclaims itself the self-appointed protector of women’s interests. This shows how one-dimensional, one-sided, and prejudiced the thinking is on issues like freedom of expression or the persecution of women,” he added.During the press conference, the BJP leader also alleged that Tejpal had a connection with Congress leadership, claiming that Sonia Gandhi wrote a letter to then finance minister P Chidambaram directing him not to harass the magazine. He also said that UPA government awarded Tejpal the Excellence in Journalism Award in 2010.”This is the very business house that had conducted a bizarre kind of sting operation. When Atal Ji’s government constituted an inquiry commission under the chairmanship of Justice Phukan, it was an opportunity when the sting-operating group refused to hand over the entire tapes for verification. There couldn’t be more suspicion than this. And when the inquiry report came, by then the government had changed, and the Congress government never even tabled that inquiry report on the floor of the House,” he said.”When the BJP government raised the issue, a 41-page summary report was tabled on the floor of the House. And today, when the culprits have been proven guilty, I want to remind everyone that their connection is with Congress… During the UPA era, Supreme Leader Sonia Gandhi ji wrote a letter to the then finance minister P Chidambaram sahib on September 25–27, 2004, stating that there should be no harassment of Tehelka and its financier in any manner. Positive treatment should be accorded to them. Today, I want to ask the Congress: Was your government engaging in unfair treatment at that time? In 2010, the then law minister Veerappa Moily sahib awarded him the Excellence in Journalism Award. Today, this is their situation, and not a single word is coming out of your mouth,” he added.This comes after Bombay high court found Tejpal guilty of rape and sentenced him to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment. The sentence was pronounced in the state’s challenge to Tejpal’s acquittal by the trial court in 2021.This comes 13 years after Tarun Tejpal was arrested in November 2013 following allegations that he had sexually assaulted a junior colleague inside a hotel elevator during an event organised by Tehelka magazine in Goa.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe sessions court at Mapusa acquitted him in May 2021, prompting Goa government to challenge the verdict before the HC.The high court termed the trial court’s verdict as “perverse”, noting that it fell for the notion that a sexual assault complainant must be a “perfect victim” and conduct herself in a certain way so as to appear credible.The court asked Tejpal to surrender within two weeks but later extended the period to four weeks at the request of his lawyers. The journalist has claimed that he was a political victim and would approach the Supreme Court to challenge his conviction.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Hitting Us On Head, Face’: Police Lathi-Charge Students During Assembly Gherao March In JharkhandModi Govt Going Slow On FCRA Bill To Woo Stalin’s DMK, Sharad Pawar’s NCP-SP For Delimitation?Jharkhand Showdown: Protesters Set To Gherao State Assembly; Demand JSSC-CGL Cancellation, CBI ProbeAgni-4 Missile Fills Crucial Range Gap, Bolsters India’s Strategic Deterrence Against ChinaJNU Cancels Venue For Umar Khalid Book Event: JNUSU Alleges Censorship, ABVP Claims CreditJharkhand Govt To Cancel JPSC Exams, But Rejects CGL Demand; Students Insist On CBI ProbeWATCH: Mamata Banerjee’s Car Hit By ‘Large Stones, Shoes’; Bengal BJP Chief Condemns Attack‘Shivling Beneath Darul Uloom Deoband’: Hindu Outfit Plans Ganga Water Offering At Islamic SeminaryBaramati Airfield Runway Excursion: Training Aircraft Veers Off Runway, No Injuries ReportedIN-SPACe Moves To Privatise Operations Of Rs 986-Crore Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport123Photostories“Your gut doesn’t get damaged overnight”: Gastroenterologist lists 8 daily habits to avoid and ways to improve gut healthWhich Shiva symbol is best for you; according to your birth numberFrom maah-halodhi to mustard oil: Traditional Assamese beauty rituals to know10 popular foods you probably didn’t know aren’t Indian7 workplace manners that seem harmless but can make colleagues avoid working with you5 health benefits of flaxseeds: Why these tiny seeds deserve a place in your daily diet7 beautiful and functional home decor tips inspired by birdsHbA1c 5.6 vs 5.7: Why one decimal point can change how doctors classify your blood sugar from normal to prediabetes10 traditional Sawan dishes enjoyed across different states of India5 simple changes that can completely transform your bedroom without a full makeover123Hot PicksKarnataka cauvery disputeNEET PG city intimation slipUttarakhand rainJharkhand protestDevendra Nath MahtoAP EAMCET seat allotmentBrown University ScholarshipAtiq Ahmed sonAssam floodsTop TrendingAhmedabad Rape CaseSurat PG Medical Student SuicideEthanol BlendingTN Cauvery Water DisputeAtiq Ahmed SonHyderabad Hit and Run CaseAssam Floods DeathsAbhijeet DipkeTarun TejpalShakeel Noorani

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