Why did Bill Gates and Warren Buffett willingly swap the boardroom for a fast food counter?
Top leaders like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett learned an important lesson by working behind the Dairy Queen counter. This practical experience revealed operational realities often ignored by senior management, highlighting how distance from the ground floor can compromise decision making.
One of the basic principles of career advancement in any field is that the higher one rises in the management hierarchy, the more removed he becomes from the ground reality. No longer does one have to deal with customer complaints, poor quality software or operational inefficiencies. Rather, one begins to view one’s organization through the prism of neatly structured tables, presentation slides, and executive briefs. Although such distance may seem like an understandable privilege earned by one’s accomplishments, it creates an occupational shortsightedness that is potentially dangerous. When a person ceases to understand the nature of the work done on the front lines, his or her ability to make informed decisions becomes compromised.But when the two richest men in the world, Bill Gates And warren buffettSpotted entering a Dairy Queen branch in Omaha as part of Berkshire Hathaway shareholder weekend, one couldn’t help but think this was nothing but corporate promotion at its finest. Two men wearing red aprons took up positions behind the counter for the feel of a quick-service job. A case was recorded in them Gates Notes Blog and on youtube Saw them learning how to use a cash register, take orders, and even flip blizzard dishes without damaging them.While the scenes were certainly funny, the behavior showed a lesson in the closeness of operations. Instead of acting as formal visitors giving speeches, they were acting as new apprentices learning how to handle the flow of customers. By allowing himself to be trained in the techniques and led through the experience of restaurant staff, he learned an important leadership lesson: leave the comfort zone behind and look at reality firsthand.Why summary data can be misleading even for the best leaders?This is precisely why this particular exercise was so important, because as data scales up within an organization, details become increasingly obscure. In one case, a regional manager may say that the operation is running smoothly; In another, a technology director may claim that the update has been completed efficiently. But those statements fail to capture all the little inconveniences, awkward processes, and problems that employees face every day.This corporate disengagement is a well-documented phenomenon. In a comprehensive executive study published in Harvard Business Review titled Why do leaders lose their way?The researchers analyzed how disengagement begins as managers become more senior. The study highlights that organizational filters often surround those in power. Subordinates tell them what they want to hear, and metrics are often collected to highlight successes while removing daily operational friction.By stepping behind the fast-food counter, Gates and Buffett were able to completely bypass the entire system of organizational filters. They found themselves in a situation where people with lower formal status knew exactly what was going on. Approaching such a situation without trying to display superiority is a way to reframe your perspective so that your company’s optimistic ideals don’t blind you to reality.
Senior leaders often lose touch with daily operations. This disconnection can lead to difficulty in taking decisions. Maintaining proximity to front-line work helps leaders understand the real challenges.
Bringing Surface back to your calendarYou don’t need to own a fast-food chain or organize some grand event to develop this special habit in your professional life. The practical application of front-line proximity is incredibly simple and does not require any tricks. All it takes is a determined effort to spend time observing a task or job that you wouldn’t normally do yourself.By seeing firsthand the finer details of everyday work, leaders can avoid the blind spots that come with seniority. Managers who maintain an active, direct understanding of customer-facing or back-end operations consistently make faster, more accurate strategic adjustments. They catch emerging problems months before those issues ultimately show up as negative trends on corporate spreadsheets.To turn this into a routine, set aside time once every quarter to completely step out of your normal workspace. You can sit in a customer service queue, get turned over to a new employee, or take the exact digital or physical steps a customer took to purchase your product. The secret to making this exercise successful is to ask the same question afterward: What slows down our people in a way that has become completely invisible to the upper office? Once you identify that point of friction, choose a small piece of it and fix it immediately. The swift action proved that this exercise was not just an empty exercise of corporate sympathy, but a genuine effort to improve the workflow.In short, the main learning within the Dairy Queen experience is that success breeds exactly the same distance that will one day destroy it. Humility cannot be achieved in a professional environment by making grand claims about corporate culture from an office far removed from actual business realities. It should keep you based on your instincts, connected to reality, and too close to manipulate your understanding of it.
Russia backs India over Pakistan for ‘long-term diplomatic role’ in US-Iran conflict
Addressing a media briefing after the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, Lavrov highlighted India’s diplomatic experience and growing global standing amid growing concerns over instability in West Asia and disruption in global energy supplies.He said, “Pakistan is helping to establish dialogue between the US and Iran to resolve urgent problems. If they look for a long-term mediator between Iran and its Arab friends, this is a role India can play given its vast diplomatic experience.” Lavrov’s comments come at a time when India is actively engaging with the Gulf countries amid prolonged regional conflict, rising crude oil prices and fears of disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, a global energy shipping route vital for Indian imports.The Russian Foreign Minister also highlighted India’s direct stake in ensuring stability in the region, especially as the current BRICS Chair and one of the world’s largest energy consumers.Referring to India’s possible diplomatic role, Lavrov said, “India, the BRICS chair, is directly interested in getting oil from the region. Why would they not offer their services, including as the country currently chairing the BRICS, so that they can initially invite Iran, the UAE, so that they can negotiate with each other on how they can avoid any hostilities between the two countries?” During the briefing, Lavrov stressed that BRICS as an organization should not formally act as a mediator, but said individual member states could play a constructive diplomatic role in reducing tensions.“The most important thing is to end this. I don’t think BRICS should be a mediating organization, but individual BRICS members, especially those who are interested in ensuring that there are no problems with navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, can help,” he said through a translator.Without naming any countries, Lavrov also accused some countries of attempting to deepen hostility between Iran and Arab countries, while claiming that Russia was making efforts aimed at reducing tensions and encouraging dialogue.He said, “And they are trying; other countries are trying to create this aggression, trying to create this hostility in these relations. I believe that this hostility, this aggression against Iran, was motivated, among other things, to antagonize Iran and its Arab neighbors.”“We need to understand the root causes of every conflict, here it is the unprovoked aggression of the US and Israel,” Lavrov said.The remarks came when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the UAE during a five-nation tour focused on strengthening India’s strategic, energy and economic ties with the Gulf and European countries.Lavrov also confirmed that PM Modi will visit Russia later this year for the upcoming BRICS summit, adding that preparations for the high-level meeting are already underway.Lavrov said, “We are preparing for the BRICS summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday again confirmed that this year it is his turn to visit the Russian Federation. We will prepare for this top-level summit.”Highlighting the comprehensive India-Russia partnership, the Russian Foreign Minister said that cooperation between the two countries continues to expand in a number of areas, including energy, trade and financial transactions.“Our agreement with India is moving away from the dollar to using national currencies and currencies of other countries that do not abuse their positions in global financial institutions,” he said.Lavrov’s remarks also focused on India’s long-term history of diplomatic mediation and peacekeeping efforts, including its role in the Korean armistice, Suez crisis, Iran-Iraq war and various UN-led initiatives. India has increasingly projected itself as a neutral global player advocating dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution as part of its broader ‘Vishwa Bandhu’ foreign policy approach.
Bhojshala complex is a temple of Vagdevi, Hindus have the right to worship: Madhya Pradesh High Court
Bhojshala complex is a temple of Vagdevi, Hindus have the right to worship: Madhya Pradesh High Court
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday recognized the disputed Bhojshala complex as a temple of Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati).The Indore bench of the high court said, “We have noted the continuity of Hindu worship at the site through regulated worship over time, which has never ceased.”It further said, “We have recorded a finding that historical literature and records establish that the character of the disputed area was Bhojshala as a center of Sanskrit learning associated with King Bhoj of the Paramara dynasty and literary and architectural references associated with the period of King Bhoj indicate the existence of a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati at the site.”The court also said that the Indian government may consider bringing back the idol of Goddess Vagdevi from the British Museum in London.It further said that Maulana Kamaluddin Welfare Society or any other new waqf body can request alternative land in Dhar for setting up the mosque.The court said the overall administration of the property will remain with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which will also ensure its maintenance.Reacting to the verdict, lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain said, “The Indore High Court has delivered a landmark judgment partially setting aside the ASI order dated April 7, 2003. Further, the court has granted the Hindu side the right to perform puja and has recognized the Bhojshala complex as belonging to Raja Bhoj. With regard to our demand for the return of the statue currently housed in the London Museum, the court has directed the government to consider this request; the court also said that the Muslim side The government is also free to present its views.“
Additionally, the court has asked the government to consider allotting alternative land to the Muslim side. The court has given us the right to perform puja rituals and directed the government to oversee the management of the site. The previous order of ASI, which had given the right to offer Namaz, has been completely overruled; From now on, only Hindu worship will take place there.”
security tightened
Police have tightened security in Dhar district.The legal conflict involves the determination of the religious character of the monument in Dhar district.Dhar District Collector Rajeev Ranjan Meena has appealed to the people to maintain peace in the district and avoid spreading misleading information or rumours.In a video released by the Public Relations Office, he said, “The court’s verdict regarding the ancient structure protected by the ASI in Dhar district is expected. We appeal to all citizens to maintain peace in the district and not pay attention to misinformation or rumours. The district administration is keeping a watch on such misinformation and rumors and strict action will be taken against any untoward information received in this regard.”Later speaking to ANI, he said that additional police forces have been deployed to maintain peace in the areas.“Executive magistrate and police force have been deployed and we are keeping an eye on all important aspects,” he said.Hindus argue that the Bhojshala complex, located in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, is a temple dedicated to the goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), while Muslims believe it is the site of the Kamal Maula Mosque.On May 12, the Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court reserved its decision after the final arguments. A division bench of Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi was hearing the case regularly since April 6 and heard all concerned parties, including the petitioners, respondents, interveners and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).“The case is being heard regularly from April 6, 2026 and the case has been heard for approximately 25 days. During this period, the court heard all the parties, including the petitioner, respondent, intervener and the ASI, for approximately 60 hours. Bhoj Utsav Committee’s lawyer Shrish Dubey said, after hearing all the parties, the proceedings in the case ended today.He also said that the counsel representing ASI responded to all the deficiencies pointed out in the ASI survey and the questions raised thereon.“The final arguments in the case have now concluded, and the next hearing will be for verdict. Dubey said, “I am confident that the decision will come after the court holidays.”On the other hand, ASI’s counsel Aviral Khare said that during the final arguments, he responded to all the objections raised regarding the ASI survey report.“We informed the court that the survey conducted at the Bhojshala premises was conducted as per the directions of the court and with complete impartiality and transparency. Khare said, the ASI survey report runs into over 2,000 pages and contains a detailed description of every aspect, including the methods used, court directions, how and where the survey was conducted, what findings were made at various locations and the conclusions reached by the ASI after analytical studies and investigation.He said the final arguments of all the parties were completed on Tuesday and the court has reserved the matter for its decision. There will be no further debate in the matter; Only the verdict is left, which the court will pronounce at the appropriate time.According to an arrangement in 2003, Hindus offer prayers in the complex from sunrise to sunset on Tuesdays, while Muslims offer namaz on Fridays from 1 pm to 3 pm.
How New York’s busiest library swapped worn-out shelves for a civic meeting room
A significant $55 million donation revitalized the Mid-Manhattan Library, transforming it into the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
It is natural to conclude that in the emerging world of information technology, the traditional library as the central hub of urban life has become less relevant than ever. These libraries are romanticized in our minds as quiet halls of dusty books and studious scholars. However, in the context of urban life, the public library is one of the key elements without which day-to-day activities as well as professional development and networking would be significantly hampered. The issue with contemporary public libraries lies not in the lack of interest from the public at large, but in the physical structure that was designed many years ago.When the New York Public Library announced a massive contribution of fifty-five million dollars from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, it seemed like another standard entry in the ledger of high-profile cultural philanthropy. The target of this funding was the Mid-Manhattan Library, a branch located just across the street from the main research building’s famous stone lions. For decades, this specialized branch served as the true workhorse of the city’s library system. It was a place where ordinary residents actually went to look for books, look for work, or find a quiet desk.As mentioned in official press release Topic A historic gift of $55 million by the Stavros Niarchos FoundationThe building continued to struggle due to its success. Before the renovations were made, the branch was visited by one million and seven million people each year and the library distributed two million items. Simply put, the library infrastructure suffered wear and tear due to the high amount of human activity occurring in the building. Thus, in this example, the donation was less about creating a need than about meeting an already substantial demand.
This renovation shifted the focus from book storage to community needs, creating dynamic spaces for learning, interaction and professional development. The redesigned Library now serves as a vital, free democratic center for ordinary New Yorkers. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Why do modern civic spaces need a complete structural overhaul?With funding provided by donors, the library system was able to redesign its entire space and build an entirely new building focused on fostering media, education, and interaction between people. During the renovation, the branch was transformed into the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, fundamentally changing the way the modern library interacts with people. The building no longer prioritized shelves over the needs of human visitors – the renovated architecture includes wide open spaces, designated teaching areas, technical laboratories and an outdoor terrace for visitors to freely use.The immediate return on this structural change became apparent very quickly. according to One Year Impact Report Topic The New York Public Library’s completely transformed Central Circulating Library celebrates one yearThe reimagined building recorded hundreds of thousands of visits and massive circulation numbers within its first twelve months of operation. The facility hosted thousands of free public events, adult learning courses, and computer sessions, proving that the place had evolved into a highly functional public engine rather than a static architectural monument.This was reflected in creating separate floors for different demographics, including the creation of a special facility for youth and a large library for those looking for jobs. The new design demonstrated the potential of a contemporary form of giving, which can make a big difference in terms of unlocking resources and creating a large indoor area in which anyone can live, work, or learn absolutely free of charge.Democratic potential of free public spaceThe real meaning of this transformation goes beyond any reward or acknowledgement. In an expensive city centre, it is quite difficult to find a vacant area nowadays. All public spaces in urban contexts function according to the principle of consumption; To get the chance to sit and work with a laptop, you have to buy coffee or pay for access. This new library is a departure from the norm because it bills itself as a truly democratic facility.By installing this massive structural update to a permanent circulating branch, the project ensured that the daily lives of ordinary New Yorkers were enhanced. The change provided a streamlined, modern space where a student studying for an exam sits right next to an immigrant practicing English or an entrepreneur starting a business.The takeaway from all this spending is that the best way to give is one that reaches exactly where people are already meeting. This shows that if you provide a community with a place where their education and civic needs are respected, they will fill that place to the rafters. The real value of a library lies not in the large sums of money visible on the donation slip, but in the hundreds of thousands of individual eureka moments that occur every day within its walls.
PM Modi got F-16 escort as soon as he reached UAE in the first phase of his five-nation tour.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Friday on the first leg of his five-nation tour and received a ceremonial escort from UAE F-16 fighter jets as his plane entered Emirati airspace.Upon arrival in Abu Dhabi, Modi was given a guard of honor before beginning the high-level event with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral cooperation in areas including energy, trade, investment and regional development. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, issues of mutual international interest will also be included in the discussion.Modi’s UAE visit is part of a broader five-nation tour from May 15 to May 20, which will include the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy. The visit aims to strengthen India’s partnership in trade, technology, clean energy, innovation and green development.Ahead of the visit, the Federation of Indian Export Organizations described the visit as coming at a “crucial juncture” for India’s strategic and economic relations with Europe and the Gulf region.FIEO President SC Ralhan said, “The Prime Minister’s high-level engagement with the leadership of the UAE and key European countries underlines India’s growing stature as a reliable economic partner and key driver of global growth. The visit is expected to create ample opportunities for Indian exporters in various sectors including engineering, clean energy, technology, pharmaceuticals, food processing, textiles, logistics and digital trade.”“The exporters’ body also said that the UAE remains one of India’s most important trade and investment partners and continues to act as a gateway for Indian exports to West Asia and Africa.Ahead of Modi’s arrival, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimi described the prime minister as a “true treasure” for the leadership and people of the emirate.Speaking to ANI, Al Hashimi said India-UAE relations are set to touch “new heights” in trade and technology and said Modi’s visit will continue the momentum created by recent high-level exchanges between the two countries.After concluding the UAE leg of the visit, Modi will visit the Netherlands from May 15 to 17, where he is scheduled to meet Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetton and hold talks with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. There are expected to be discussions on semiconductors, green hydrogen, innovation, defense and water management.
IPL 2026: CSK and RCB sign injury replacements for Khaleel Ahmed, Nuwan Thushara
Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore have officially secured mid-season player replacements for the remainder of the IPL 2026 season. These changes come after frontline bowlers Khaleel Ahmed and Nuwan Thushara were ruled out due to completely contrasting and dramatic circumstances.
To strengthen their bowling attack ahead of the crucial business end of the tournament, Chennai Super Kings have signed domestic medium pacer Kuldeep Yadav for a fee of Rs 30 lakh. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore have decided to strengthen their squad by signing experienced English fast bowler Richard Gleeson for an impressive sum of Rs 1.6 crore.
Who is Kuldeep Yadav, Richard Gleeson?
Kuldeep Yadav is a domestic medium fast bowler Who made his mark in the cash-rich league for the first time IPL Debut for Rajasthan Royals in 2021. Although he has limited experience in the high pressure of the tournament, having played only three games for the Rajasthan franchise, Chennai Super Kings will be looking to utilize his skills as a key team option.
On the other endD, Richard Gleeson brings a wealth of international and franchise experience to the Bengaluru camp. The English speedster has represented his country in six T20 Internationals and has taken nine wickets during this period. Importantly, Gleeson is no stranger to the intense atmosphere of the Indian Premier League. He has prior experience of representing both Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians during the 2024 and 2025 editions of the league, playing two games for Chennai and one for Mumbai.
Khalil, what happened to Thushara?
The need for Chennai Super Kings to delve into the replacement market arose after their key left-arm fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed was sidelined. Khaleel officially ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2026 After suffering a serious injury during the team’s high-octane clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at Chepauk on April 14.
The injury occurred during a crucial stage of the match and immediately set off alarm bells within the Chennai dugout. It has since been revealed that Khalil has suffered a serious quadriceps injury that will require an extensive period of rehabilitation, dealing a major blow to a franchise that had relied heavily on him for early successes.
In Bengaluru camp, departure of Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara arrives With a completely different kind of drama. Thushara has officially withdrawn his legal case against Sri Lanka Cricket, bringing an abrupt end to a high-profile controversy regarding his participation in IPL 2026.
The fast bowler had earlier dragged the national board to the Colombo District Court after SLC refused to grant him the required no objection certificate to play in a foreign league. The board had barred his travel after he failed to meet the newly introduced fitness standards, especially the mandatory 2-km race test.
Thushara initially argued that the decision was unfair to his career, especially as his Rs 1.60 crore contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore was affected. However, with much of the IPL season already over, his legal team advised the court that there would be no practical benefit in continuing the fight.
The court later rejected the petition, following which Thushara issued an apology.
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Nintendo may come to India with a console that will turn ten years old next year
Here’s a sentence that makes no sense and yet might actually be true: Nintendo is planning to launch the Switch 1 in India. Switch No 2. Original. Console which came out in 2017. One that has been available grey, modded and second-hand in the market for more than a decade.According to sources who spoke to the DeZero Podcast under anonymity, a February or March 2027 window is being targeted, with Reddington handling distribution on the ground. The price being quoted is around Rs 20,000. First-party titles are also part of the plan—Breath of the Wild and Mario Kart are early speculations. Pricing on software? No one knows yet.
House of Mario is run by a very small team from India
The people making these decisions are not full-fledged regional offices. DeZero’s sources describe Nintendo’s India operation as consisting of three or four Japanese executives and one Indian who moved to Tokyo and is working with them. It’s a small team for a big market, and what they’ve landed on is the official launch of a console that people are already starting to feel nostalgic about.To understand why the timing seems bad, consider this: According to Nintendo’s own financial results, the Switch 2 sold nearly 20 million units globally in its first fiscal year. This is not yet part of India’s conversation. Not officially anyway. Rishi Alwani, who closely covers the gaming industry through his 0451 newsletter, has accurately discovered that the gray market stock of the Switch 2 is already running at Rs 58,000 to Rs 65,000 in India.If Nintendo Shows Up, Here’s the Fine PrintSwitch consoles are already floating around in unofficial channels. The original Switch is so old that it can hardly be resold anymore – a used Switch sells for Rs 20,000-25,000 in good times. The price of the light is around Rs 20,000. The price of OLED is Rs 35,000. So Nintendo’s official India entry gives you a brand new base Switch 1 that costs almost the same as the second-hand original, available gray, modded, and sometimes even cheaper with a ton of games. Of course, it’s not a terrible deal. It’s not particularly exciting either.There’s no Indian eShop confirmed, no Switch Online gift cards at retail, and there’s the real possibility of a region lockout given what Nintendo did with Tencent in China. Distributor of choice, Redington has had a complicated relationship with gaming retail in India – Alwani’s 0451 newsletter notes that Redington and gaming retail have a history together in India, and it’s not one that most store owners take kindly to – the availability of Xbox, or lack thereof, tells that story well.This does not mean that the launch will not make any difference. Nintendo’s official presence means shelf space, visibility, and the kind of awareness that the gray market quietly never built. A person walking into a brick-and-mortar electronics store today doesn’t necessarily know that there are gaming consoles worth considering besides the PlayStation. This changes when there is a box with a price tag on the shelf.But Nintendo’s biggest competition in India at the moment is not PlayStation. Its own hardware is already here, already sold, already in people’s hands. For Rs 20,000, it would be nice if they at least came up with a 10th anniversary special edition. Something to make the occasion feel intentional rather than casual.
54-year-old imam who claimed to have ‘jinn powers’ jailed for life for abuse crimes against women and girls
London imam, 54, jailed for life for abuse against women and girls / Image: File
A former east London imam who used claims of “supernatural powers” to molest and sexually abuse women and children has been jailed for life in one of Britain’s most disturbing abuse cases in recent years.Abdul Halim Khan, 54, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court after pleading guilty to 21 sexual offences, including multiple counts of rape and child rape committed over almost a decade. Prosecutors said the attacks occurred between 2004 and 2015 and involved seven victims, some of whom were as young as 12 years old.The former imam, who lives in Bethnal Green, abused his position as a trusted religious figure within the Muslim community to target vulnerable women and girls. Investigators said he convinced some victims that he had supernatural powers and claimed he could be disguised as a “jinn”, a spirit referred to in Islamic tradition, during the attacks.Judge Leslie Cuthbert sentenced Khan to life imprisonment with a minimum of 20 years for what he described as a “monstrous” abuse of trust. At sentencing, the judge said that Khan “behaved as if you were untouchable” while exploiting victims who had trusted him because of their religious status.
How do the Imams claim to control the victims?
The case shocked prosecutors because of the manner in which Khan allegedly molested the victims.According to the Crown Prosecution Service and the Metropolitan Police, Khan persuaded the women and children to meet him alone in flats, isolated areas and secluded locations. Once there, he sexually assaulted or raped them, claiming supernatural forces were involved.Some victims were reportedly told that they could be harmed through “black magic” if they spoke publicly about the abuse. Others feared that if they came forward they would face social stigma or that their families would be harmed within the community. Prosecutors said those fears allowed Khan to continue crimes for years without being detected.Police described the former imam as a “violent criminal” who deliberately used religion, fear and emotional control to silence his victims.During the trial, jurors heard how Khan systematically targeted women and girls who trusted him as a faith leader. Prosecutors argued that his respected public image allowed him to operate without suspicion for years.The crimes include:
- nine cases of rape
- Five cases of rape of a girl below 13 years of age
- Two cases of sexual assault of a child under 13 years of age
- Four cases of sexual harassment
- one count of assault by penetration
Police laud victims for breaking silence
Investigators said the case depended largely on the courage of the victims, who finally decided to talk to police after years of trauma and silence.The Metropolitan Police said that many victims had suffered the emotional effects of abuse for years before being able to report what happened. Detectives praised him for helping to ensure a conviction despite the difficulty of reliving deeply traumatic experiences.The case has once again reignited a wider conversation in Britain about abuses by authorities and the dangers of unchecked power within religious or community institutions.Child protection experts say perpetrators in positions of authority often rely on fear, shame and community pressure to prevent victims from speaking out. The Khan case has also reignited discussion over how allegations of abuse are handled within close-knit communities and whether victims receive adequate protection and support when they come forward.Online reactions following the sentencing showed widespread anger, with many social media users expressing surprise at the scale of the abuse and the length of time it allegedly continued unchecked.
Trust, Power and Community Safety
Abdul Halim Khan’s sentencing is likely to be one of Britain’s most high-profile abuse cases involving a religious figure this year.For many observers, the case goes beyond an individual conviction. It has become part of a broader national debate about safeguarding failures, abuses of authority and the barriers victims still face when reporting sexual violence.Across the UK, several landmark abuse scandals over the past two decades have exposed how predators exploit positions of trust, including religious authority, education, community leadership and care systems, to manipulate vulnerable victims while avoiding investigation, sometimes for years.In Khan’s case, prosecutors said the abuse continued for years as victims were left feeling isolated, frightened and powerless.The life sentence handed down at Snaresbrook Crown Court brings criminal proceedings to a close, but for survivors, the emotional impact of the abuse is likely to last.
After NEET UG paper leak, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announces computer-based exam from next year
Dharmendra Pradhan (PTI file photo)
New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced on Friday that NEET UG exams will be computer-based from next year, while clarifying on alleged irregularities in the exam, saying the government has “zero tolerance towards malpractices.“His announcement came days after the huge uproar following the NEET UG 2026 exam paper leak.Dharmendra Pradhan said, “The root cause of this was OMR and hence, from next year the exam will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.”Pradhan said National Testing Agency A complaint was received soon after the exam and an investigation was immediately initiated.He said, “The new dates for re-examination have been announced as June 21… The exam was held on May 3 and on May 7, NTA received a complaint that the guess paper contained some questions which were present in the question paper this time. The Higher Education Department immediately initiated an investigation and handed it over to the government agency… They contacted the state agencies and by May 12, we had confirmation that, under the guise of a guess paper, the actual exam questions had indeed been leaked…”Explaining the logic behind the decision, he said, “We did not want any deserving student to be deprived of his or her rights due to conspiracies by fake candidates or conspiracies of the education mafia… This decision has given rise to two different opinions across the country – especially within the student community. We accept and respect both these viewpoints. We consider it our responsibility to find a solution to this situation.”..”Pradhan said, “We have zero tolerance towards malpractices and this is a long battle against the exam mafia… Various social media handles are trying to spread misinformation, the system is being challenged and in view of this, the investigation has been handed over to the CBI, which has initiated immediate action. It will go to the depth of the violations…”
Should the government take strict action against exam irregularities?
He said, “We will not allow any malpractice this time… We are very sad and concerned about all the candidates, but in the national interest we had to take this difficult decision…”Meanwhile, NTA announced earlier in the day that the NEET UG re-exam will now be held on Sunday, June 21. The decision comes amid widespread criticism and backlash over alleged flaws in the conduct of the exam and handling of the complaint process.
8 charts that tell the 3-year story behind PM Modi’s austerity appeal
The reason for India’s dollar drought – most visible in the weakening value of the rupee – does not lie in the events of the past few months. This has been going on for about three years, and has now been pushed to crisis point due to the Iran conflict and changes in US trade policies.
For decades, the value of the rupee (called the exchange rate) was a simple tug of war between the products we imported (oil/gold) and the products we exported. This is called trade balance. But, in India’s case, it meant ‘trade deficit’ as we imported more than we exported. However, since the 1990s, and especially in the last two decades, the mathematics has become more complex.