ACROSS1 Makeshift hospital embraced by a physician (2,3)4 One with crooked supporters, out eating some breakfast (3-6)9 Study a large, grand, headless animal (7)10 Think exchanging bishop for rook is free? (7)11 Kitchen area is secure (6)12 Recommends inspiring retired teacher for those needing a guide (8)14 Choke a potty (4)15 Chief mischief-maker’s cryptic grid? Learn about misdirections, essentially (10)18 Small charges tend to soar while travelling (10)19 Charging device in vehicle died (4)22 Some schools provided retreats—quiet, distant monasteries, basically (4,4)24 Tough series India lost for nought (6)26 One wished vacation in Gulag for vile person (1,3,3)27 Dignified mournful song abruptly cut off by pest (7)28 Blasted constant tea breaks spoiled sport for viewer (9)29 About a facial feature somehow, IMO, lacking in enigmatic Mona Lisa (5)DOWN1 Alibaba’s ingenuity keeps humbling (7)2 Oh, sigh, flight has no openings; that creates stress (9)3 Conservative American houses prohibit cigars (6)4 Swine stole last part of dinner (4)5 Hawks not cool with taking more time without starting attacks, ultimately (10)6 Blew up grenade accidentally, after consuming a spot of liquor (8)7 Attendees rising regularly, sure enough (5)8 Doctor sees broken middle of arm with hospital assistant (7)13 Entitlement of merriment without male interrupting—brilliant! (10)16 Oil and gas refining lines (9)17 Roughly fifteen divided by hundred, basically (2,6)18 Satisfied all over with nibbles and licks (7)20 Like a country mostly computerised (7)21 Scattered news pieces involving evacuation in Thanjavur (6)23 Special first-class room (5)25 University earnestly restrains student group (4) Published - August 20, 2026 12:07 pm IST